ALIGNMENT BETWEEN TWO GUIDES

Abstract

Alignment group, comprising: a first guide (1), including a first section (11) identifying a first axis (A1); a second guide (2), having a predominant development along a second axis (A2) between a first end portion (21), linked to the first guide (1), and a second end portion (22), wherein the first guide (1) includes a second section (12), rotationally linked to the first section (11) at a point (P), and configured to rotate about an axis of rotation (R) passing through the point (P) and perpendicular to the first axis (A1), and in that the second guide (2) is linked to the first guide (1) at the second section (12) and is rigidly movable with said second section (12). Installation, comprising the alignment group. Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: ALIGNMENT BETWEEN TWO GUIDES

[0001] The present invention relates to an alignment group.

[0002] In detail, the invention relates to an alignment group for adjacent guides, arranged to be traversed in succession by a moving element sliding along them.

[0003] The alignment group according to the present invention is advantageously used in load-carrying installations: such installations may comprise two or more guides, arranged and linked in succession relative to one another to form a path identifying a direction of transport, and pre-arranged to determine the movement of objects along said path, between a starting point and an ending point. "Load" refers to objects of various types, known in the industry; the term "load" also refers to persons.

[0004] Typically, the guides are arranged one after the other and linked; each guide has a first end and a second end: in the known state of the art, the connection between the guides is made by linking the second end of the first guide to the first end of the guide arranged successively, considering the direction of movement identified by the path.

[0005] However, especially when considering different types of guides, such as tracks, cables, rail cables or other guides of the type known in the industry, the connections of the known prior art have the obvious limitation of creating a discontinuity between the guides; this discontinuity is caused by the successive placement of guides having different structural and geometric characteristics and using different materials.

[0006] In detail, and in other words, each of the guides linked in succession has its own structural and geometric characteristics, such as the cross-section, the material used and the three-dimensional conformation; these characteristics are further variable under the effect of certain factors such as variations in temperature of the environment in which these guides are placed, or variations in the weight of the load transported; for example, some types of guides, such as cables, have a more variable behavior in response to the aforementioned variations, compared to other guides, such as tracks.

[0007] These structural differences and variable behaviors result in a functionally discontinuous interface between the guides. If the guides, in particular, have distinctly different structural characteristics, an element sliding on said guides may experience shocks during the transition from the first to the second guide.

[0008] If we consider a cable as the first guide and a track as the second guide, during the passage between the cable and the track, the sliding moving element from the cable to the track could impact or strike the track itself.

[0009] Such shocks represent an obvious limitation of the known prior art, since they negatively influence the sliding of the element from one guide to the next guide.

[0010] The sliding moving element and the second guide can also be damaged as a result of such shocks.

[0011] Generally, two or more guides are positioned consecutively within an installation for the transport of objects: the higher the number of guides used, the greater the number of discontinuities, and consequently, of undesirable shocks that the sliding moving element encounters when it travels through the installation.

[0012] An example of an installation of this type is represented by what are called "suspended cables" or zip lines for transporting people through a route identified by a succession of contiguous guides, linked in succession between a starting point and an arrival point: a trolley connected to an element of the seat of the person to be transported is the element which, by sliding along the guides, allows the person to be transported from the starting point to the arrival point.

[0013] An example of a zip line course according to the known prior art provides for at least a first type of guide, of the cable type, designed to move the trolley in a substantially straight direction, connected to a second guide, of the track type, designed for example to allow a deviation from the straight trajectory.

[0014] The succession of at least one cable connected to the track allows the person transported by the sliding trolley to travel the predefined route between the starting point and the arrival point, following a predetermined route.

[0015] However, due to differences in behavior and structural characteristics between the cable and the track, the element, preferably a trolley, generally hits the track during the sliding movement between the cable and the track.

[0016] The main objective of the present invention is to provide an alignment group for guides, configured to overcome the obvious limitations of the known state of the art.

[0017] The features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of an embodiment of the present invention, illustrated by way of example but not limitation in the accompanying figures where:

[0018] [Fig-1] shows a side view of an alignment group;

[0019] [Fig.2] shows a side view of the alignment group of [Fig.1], with some Parts removed to better show the others.

[0020] The alignment group G according to the present invention comprises a first guide 1, having a first section 11 identifying a first axis Al; the first section 11 of the first guide 1, in other words, has a substantially, but not necessarily, straight development along the first axis Al. Other spatial configurations of the first section 11 identifying the first axis Al can intuitively be applied.

[0021] The first guide 1 further comprises a second section 12, rotationally linked to the first section 11 at a point P: the second section 12, in detail, is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation R passing through the point P and perpendicular to the first axis AL. For example, but not exclusively, the second section 12 can be linked to the first section 11 by means of a hinge located at point P and identifying the axis of rotation R as the axis of rotation of the second section 12 with respect to the first section 11. Other links located at point P or functionally connected to it can advantageously be used.

[0022] The alignment group G according to the present invention further comprises a second guide 2, having a predominant development along a second axis A2, between a first end part 21 and a second end part 22.

[0023] Within the alignment group G, the second guide 2 is linked to the first guide 1: in detail, the second guide 2 is linked to the first guide 1 in correspondence with the second section 12, by means of a linking element 13; the alignment group G includes, in fact, the linking element 13, predisposed to link the second guide 2 to the first guide 1.

[0024] The first end part 21 of the guide 2, in particular, is linked to the second section 12 of the first guide 1, in correspondence with the connecting element 13.

[0025] Preferably, the connecting element 13 is placed in correspondence with the second section 12 of the first guide 1 so that the first guide 1 and the second guide 2 partially overlap, in particular along a part of the second section 12; in other words, the second guide 2 is configured to place the first end part 21 inside the first guide 1. The first guide 1 and the second guide 2 are therefore partially superimposed.

[0026] This interpenetration or superposition between the first and second guide (1, 2), made in correspondence with the second section 12, is configured so as not to hinder the sliding of an object and its passage from the first guide 1 to the second guide 2 and vice versa.

[0027] In addition, the second guide 2 is fixedly movable with said second section 12 of the first guide 1.

[0028] In other words, if the second section 12 rotates relative to the first section 11 by a defined angle, for example clockwise around the axis of rotation R, under the effect of the connection made between the second section 12 and the second guide 2, the second guide 2 also rotates by the same angle relative to the first section 11 of the first guide 1.

[0029] Similarly, if the second guide 2 and, in particular, if the first end part 21 rotates relative to the first section 11 by a certain angle in the direction of a clockwise around the axis of rotation R, under the effect of the connection made between the second guide 2 and the second section 12, the second section 12 also rotates by the same angle relative to the first section 11.

[0030] In other words, the rotation of the second section 12 with respect to the first section 11 corresponds to an equal rotation of the second guide 2 in correspondence of the first end part 21 with respect to the first guide 1.

[0031] The second section 12 is configured to rotate between an alignment configuration, in which the first section 11 and the second section 12 are substantially aligned, and a non-alignment configuration, in which the first section 11 and the second section 12 identify an angle a.

[0032] In other words, in the alignment configuration, the first axis Al identified by the first guide 1 and the second axis A2 identified by the second guide are substantially aligned or, in any case, parallel; in other words, the angle a identified between the first axis Al and the second axis A2 in the alignment configuration is close to 180°.

[0033] On the other hand, in the non-alignment configuration, the first guide 1 and the second guide 2 are not aligned, that is to say they identify an angle a different from 180°.

[0034] The second section 12 can change from the alignment configuration to the non-alignment configuration, or vice versa, under the effect of a force exerted on the second section 12 of the first guide 1 or the second guide 2. This force, exerted on the second section 12 or on the second guide 2, causes a change of configuration between the first guide 1 and the second guide 2: if the alignment group G has the first axis Al and the second axis A2 aligned, the force exerted on the second guide 2 or on the second section 12 causes a rotation of the second axis A2 with respect to the first axis Al, this rotation identifying an angle a of different amplitude depending on the magnitude of the force exerted and its direction.

[0035] Preferably, the force exerted on the second section 12 or on the second guide 2 has at least one developmental component in the vertical direction: In this case, for example, if this force is directed downwards, Al and A2 identify an angle a different from 180° and, in particular, less than 180°.

[0036] Consider a direction DI of movement, corresponding to the direction followed by an object in motion sliding from the first guide 1 to the second guide 2; consider also a direction D2 of movement, corresponding to an object in motion sliding from the second guide 2 to the first guide 1.

[0037] In detail, when the object moves in the direction DI corresponding to the alignment group G, it first travels along the first section 11 of the first guide 1, then the second section 12 of the first guide 1: the second section undergoes a deflection with respect to the first axis Al, this rotation depending on the resultant of the forces exerted on the object moving along Dl. Thus, the object can advance along Dl by sliding along the second guide 2.

[0038] Advantageously, thanks to the partial overlap of the first guide 1 and the second guide 2 in correspondence with the second section 12 and thanks to the connection described above made between the second section 12 and the second guide 2, the object slides from the first guide 1 to the second guide 2 without encountering any obstacles.

[0039] Advantageously, the object slides between the first guide 1 and the second guide 2 without experiencing shocks during the passage from the first guide 1 to the second guide 2 and vice versa.

[0040] Thanks to the alignment group G and the connection described above between the first and second guide (1, 2), the passage from the first guide 1, having certain geometric and structural characteristics, to the second guide 2, having other geometric and structural characteristics, influences the sliding movement of the object to a much lesser extent than in the known prior art.

[0041] Similar considerations and advantages also apply to an object moving in the direction D2, opposite to Dl.

[0042] The alignment group G according to the present invention may, in addition, include a connecting body 14: said connecting body 14 represents, where appropriate, an additional connecting element between the first section 11 and the second section 12. In a non-exclusive embodiment, this elastic body 14 is a spring element having a first end 141, linked to the first guide corresponding to the first section 11, and a second end 142, linked to the second section 12 of the first guide 1. The second end 142 is movable, in response to the rotation to which the second section 12 is subjected.

[0043] The spring element, according to a non-exclusive embodiment of the connecting body 14, is in fact predisposed to lengthen or compress in response to said rotation of the second section 12 with respect to the first section 11.

[0044] In particular, the spring element is designed to maintain a rest length, to compress to a minimum length, and to to extend to a maximum length; the resting length, minimum length, and maximum length depend on the type of spring element, in particular its geometry and the material used. The resting length, maximum length, and minimum length are defined as the distance between the first end 141 and the second end 142.

[0045] Intuitively, a plurality of elastic bodies, such as pistons or systems including counterweights, can be used to fulfill the functions described above.

[0046] In other words, and with reference to [Fig. 1] and [Fig. 2], the connecting body 14, located above the first guide 1, is designed to shorten to its minimum length when the second section 12 rotates relative to the first section 11, identifying an angle α between the first axis A1 and the second axis A2 greater than 180°. Furthermore, said connecting body 14 is configured to extend to its maximum length when the second section 12 rotates relative to the first section 11, identifying an angle α between the first axis A1 and the second axis A2 less than 180°. At rest, i.e., in the absence of rotation, the connecting body 14 maintains its characteristic rest length.

[0047] The connecting body 14 is advantageously predisposed to delimit a maximum range of rotation between the second section 12 and the first section 11. In addition, thanks to the selected mechanical and geometric characteristics of the connecting body 14 and depending on how it is placed with respect to the first and second guides (1,2), this connecting body 14, when present, is able to provide an additional stabilizing element of the alignment group, when an object is in sliding motion through the alignment group G, between the first guide 1 and the second guide 2 or vice versa.

[0048] The same considerations and advantages detailed in the preceding paragraphs can, simply, be applied to more than two guides arranged in succession relative to each other to form a path P: in this case, each pair of guides arranged consecutively preferably includes a respective alignment group G according to the present invention.

[0049] The alignment group G, according to the present invention, finds an advantageous application for facilitating the sliding of a carriage 3 in a sliding movement between the guide 1 and the guide 2 along the direction DI or along the direction D2, opposite to Dl, where the first guide 1 and the second guide 2 have different geometries and structural characteristics.

[0050] In the preferred embodiment, in fact, the first guide 1 is a track, comprising a pair of rails, each configured to accommodate elements respective sliding wheels, preferably sliding wheels, connected to the carriage 3 and pre-arranged to determine its movement; the track therefore comprises a first fixed section 11, and a second section 12 linked in rotation to the first section 11.

[0051] Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment, the second guide is a cable, attached to the carriage 3 and pre-arranged to allow it to slide in the DI direction or in the D2 direction. The cable is attached to the second section 12 of the track via the connecting element 13; preferably, the connecting element 13 is a winding or pre-tensioning unit.

[0052] In this case, the force exerted on the cable or on the second section 12 of the track is the resultant of the forces acting on said trolley 3 in sliding motion between the track and the cable.

[0053] The trolley 3, of mass M1, is preferably configured to transport an object of mass M2 which is directly or functionally connected to it; in addition, the trolley 3 can be moved by motorized means of different types, known to the technician in the sector.

[0054] A resultant force acts on the cart 3, among which: a mass force determined by the mass M1 of the cart 3, a mass force determined by the mass M2 of the object transported by the cart 3 and a possible force exerted by a predefined acceleration / deceleration for the cart 3.

[0055] When the carriage moves along the direction D2, i.e. between the cable and the track, it first slides along the cable, then meets the second section 12 of the track; the second section 12 of the track, thanks to the connection created with the cable, advantageously allows the carriage to move from a type of guide with a more variable conformation, to a type of guide with a significantly less variable conformation, avoiding possible collisions of the carriage with the track.

[0056] In other words, the trolley 3, thanks to the alignment group G, according to the present invention, can advantageously pass from the cable to the track, without being subjected to undesirable shocks, caused by the use of different types of guides (1,2) arranged successively.

[0057] The same considerations apply to the different combinations of guides placed one after the other.

[0058] The same considerations and advantages detailed in the preceding paragraphs can, simply, be applied to more than two guides arranged in succession relative to each other to form a path P: in this case, each pair of consecutively arranged guides preferably includes a respective alignment group G according to the present invention.

[0059] Another object of the present invention is, in fact, an installation for transporting a trolley 3, moved by motorized means known in the industry, along a path P, this path P identifying a trajectory defined by at least one first guide 1 connected to a second guide 2, this installation comprising at least one alignment group G from the first guide 1 to the second guide 2.

[0060] The installation according to the present invention can preferably, but not exclusively, be used to transport people from a starting point to an arrival point; in other words, the installation according to the present invention can be a zip line type installation, of the type described in the introduction: this can advantageously include two or more guides arranged in succession, interspersed with one or more alignment groups G.

[0061] Advantageously, thanks to the alignment groups G, the transport of people along the zip line is smooth and without jerks when passing between a first guide and a second guide.

[0062] Advantageously, thanks to the combination of different guides, including cables for substantially straight trajectories and tracks for partially curvilinear trajectories, zip line installations can respect the constraints imposed by the surrounding environment, such as houses, trees, rock formations, by achieving a plurality of routes P even at a moderate level of complexity from the point of view of the trajectory obtained.

[0063] Advantageously and consequently, such trajectories, even complex ones, are achieved while ensuring comfortable transport of the person.

Claims

Claims

1. Alignment group, comprising: - a first guide (1), comprising a first section (11) identifying a first axis (A1); - a second guide (2), having a predominant development along a second axis (A2) between a first end portion (21), linked to the first guide (1), and a second end portion (22), characterized in that the first guide (1) comprises a second section (12), linked in rotation to the first section (11) at a point (P), and configured to rotate about an axis of rotation (R) passing through the point (P) and perpendicular to the first axis (A1), and in that the second guide (2) is linked to the first guide (1) in correspondence of the second section (12) and is integrally movable with said second section (12).

2. An alignment group according to claim 1, wherein the second section (12) is movable between an alignment configuration, in which the first axis (A1) and the second axis (A2) result substantially aligned, and a non-alignment configuration, in which the first axis (A1) and the second axis (A2) identify an angle (a).

3. An alignment group according to claim 2, wherein the second section (12) is movable between the alignment configuration and the non-alignment configuration under the effect of a force exerted on the second section (12) of the first guide (1) or on the second guide (2).

4. An alignment group according to claim 3, wherein the force exerted on the second section (12) of the first guide (1) or on the second guide (2) has at least one component of development in a vertical direction.

5. Alignment group according to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the force exerted is the resultant of the forces acting on a carriage (3) sliding along a direction (D1) between the first guide (1) and the second guide (2) or along a direction (D2), between the second guide (2) and the first guide (1).

6. Alignment group according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second guide (2) is a cable.

7. An alignment group according to claim 6, wherein the first guide (1) is a track.

8. An alignment group according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second section (12) of the first guide (1) comprises a connecting device (13), configured to connect the second guide (2) to the first guide (1).

9. Alignment group according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one connecting body (14), this connecting body (14) comprising a first end (141) linked to the first guide (1) in correspondence of the first section (11) and a second end (142) linked to the first guide (1) in correspondence of the second section (12).

10. Installation for transporting a carriage (3) along a path (P), in which the path (P) is a trajectory defined by at least one first guide (1) connected to a second guide (2), said installation comprising at least one alignment group (G) of the first guide (1) to the second guide (2); in which the first guide (1) comprises a first section (11) identifying a first axis (A1), and in which the second guide (2) has a predominant development along a second axis (A2) between a first end portion (21), connected to the first guide (1), and a second end portion (22), moving away from the first guide (1);and wherein the first guide (1) comprises a second section (12), rotationally linked to the first section (11) at a point (P), and configured to rotate around an axis of rotation (R) passing through the point (P) and perpendicular to the first axis (Al), and in that the second guide (2) is linked to the first guide (1) in correspondence with the second section (12) and is integrally movable with said second section (12), characterized in that the alignment group is an alignment group according to one of claims 1-10.;

11. Transport installation according to claim 10, comprising motorized means predisposed to move the carriage (3) along the first guide (1) and the second guide (2) identifying the route (P).

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