IMPROVED BRAKE

Abstract

Safety device for a trolley (C) sliding along a main track (T), comprising: a support (1), which can be associated with the trolley (C); an auxiliary track (2), which can be associated with a section of the main track (T); an auxiliary wheel (3), associated with the support (1) and rotating in contact with the auxiliary track (2) about a first axis of rotation (X); a brake (4), having a rotor (4a, 4b) rotationally fixed to the auxiliary wheel (3) and capable of being activated by the centrifugal force produced by the rotation of the auxiliary wheel (3). Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: IMPROVED BRAKE

[0001] The present invention relates to a safety device for a trolley.

[0002] More particularly, the invention relates to a safety device comprising a brake to slow and / or stop a trolley sliding along a track.

[0003] The invention is particularly useful in transport systems and installations intended to transport a load suspended or supported by a trolley, sliding along a track which, overall, follows a downward path. The movement of the trolley is therefore produced by the force of gravity.

[0004] An example of this type of installation is represented by zip lines, used for the transport of people. These installations comprise a track, generally defined by a cable supported at a certain height above the ground by means of supports, for example pylons and / or masts or trees. The track extends between a starting point and an arrival point, marked by possible intermediate points, located at an altitude lower than that of the starting point. The length of the track is theoretically unlimited and can reach several thousand meters, with curves and counter-curves depending on the available route.

[0005] The user is suspended from a trolley, which is slidably connected to the cable. The trolley comprises at least one main wheel which, at least along the straight sections of the track, rolls on the cable. Along the curved sections there is a guide, for example a rail, separate from the cable, on which the main wheel is steered by means of special switching members. In order to allow the main wheel to be correctly steered from the cable to the guide, it is necessary to slow down the travel of the trolley to also ensure sufficient safety conditions when traveling through the curve.

[0006] Various braking systems are available to slow down the travel of the trolley, one of which was designed by the applicant himself.

[0007] All braking systems currently available can be improved both in terms of operating efficiency and in terms of reliability and simplicity of management and maintenance.

[0008] The aim of the present invention is to provide a safety device, equipped with a braking system, which makes it possible to improve the braking systems currently available.

[0009] The characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly from the following detailed description of an embodiment of the present invention, illustrated by way of example but not limitation in the appended figures where:

[0010] [Fig-1] indicates an isometric view of the present invention;

[0011] [Fig.2a] and [Fig.2b] indicate two isometric views of some components of the present invention;

[0012] [Fig.3a] and [Fig.3b] indicate a detail of figures 2a and 2b in exploded view;

[0013] [Fig.4] and [Fig.5] indicate an alternative embodiment of the invention.

[0014] The safety device according to the present invention applies to a trolley (C) sliding along a main track (T).

[0015] In a possible, but not exclusive, embodiment, the carriage (C) comprises a chassis (10), with which a main wheel (11) is associated. This main wheel (11) is rotatably associated with the chassis (10) around a main axis of rotation (Y). Furthermore, the main wheel (11) slides along the main track (T).

[0016] In the embodiment shown, which is possible but not exclusive, the main wheel (11) slides above the main track (T). In particular, the carriage (C) rests on the main track (T) at least in correspondence with the main wheel (11).

[0017] The main track (T), by way of example only, comprises a cable (W). The main wheel (11) is placed in contact with the cable (W), so that it rolls on the latter. In addition to rolling, it is not excluded that the main wheel (11) can also slide on the cable (W).

[0018] In order to contain the direct displacements transversely with respect to the track (T), that is to say to contain the direct displacements perpendicular to a vertical plane containing the track (T) in the area of ​​contact with the main wheel (11), the latter has a peripheral groove, intended to house at least an upper part of the cable (W). Furthermore, in a manner known in the sector, the chassis (10) has a box-shaped conformation, with two opposite walls (10a) which are located on either side of the cable (W), so as to define two edges which contain the lateral displacements of the main wheel (11). In the embodiment shown, two lateral wheels (11a), of a diameter greater than that of the main wheel (11), are placed side by side with the latter, on opposite sides, so as to define two additional containment edges with respect to the lateral displacements of the main wheel (11).The main wheel (11) and the side wheels (11a), if any, are contained inside the chassis (10), that is to say they are interposed between the two walls (10a) of the chassis (10).

[0019] Preferably, but not necessarily, the carriage (C) comprises a second main wheel, configured similarly to the main wheel (11), not visible in the attached figures. The second main wheel has an axis of rotation (Y 1) parallel to the axis of rotation (Y) of the main wheel (11).

[0020] A fastening device (A) is associated with the trolley (C) to allow the attachment of a user, using tools of a type known in the sector.

[0021] The safety device according to the present invention comprises a support (1), which can be associated with the carriage (C). An auxiliary wheel (3) is associated with the support (1) in a rotatable manner around an auxiliary rotation axis (X).

[0022] The safety device according to the present invention further comprises an auxiliary track (2) which can be associated with a section of the main track (T). The auxiliary wheel (3) is predisposed to come into contact with the auxiliary track (2) and to rotate in contact with the auxiliary track (2). In other words, the auxiliary wheel (3) rotates in contact with the auxiliary track (2) around the auxiliary rotation axis (X).

[0023] The auxiliary track (2) can be arranged in correspondence with certain sections of the main track (T) in correspondence with which it is desired to determine a braking action in relation to the advancement of the trolley (C), for example in correspondence with the sections of the curve and / or the increase in the slope, or in correspondence with a final section of the main track (T). Indeed, as we will see in more detail below, the auxiliary track (2) causes the establishment of a braking action which tends to slow down the movement of the trolley (C) along the main track (T).

[0024] The safety device according to the present invention further comprises a brake (4), provided with a rotor (4a, 4b) integral in rotation with the auxiliary wheel (3) and capable of being activated under the effect of the centrifugal force produced by the rotation of the auxiliary wheel (3).

[0025] In the embodiment shown, preferred but not exclusive, the brake (4) comprises a magnetic group (40), associated with the rotor (4a) rotationally fixed to the auxiliary wheel (3). The magnetic group (40) is movable along a radial direction relative to the first axis of rotation (X) between an inactive position, in which it is at a shorter distance from the first axis of rotation (X), and an active position, in which it is at a greater distance from the first axis of rotation. The magnetic group (40) is movable from the inactive position to the active position under the effect of the centrifugal force produced by the rotation of the auxiliary wheel (3).

[0026] Thanks to the configuration described above, when the auxiliary wheel (3) comes into contact with the auxiliary track (2) and starts rotating, the magnetic group (40) goes into the active position.

[0027] A metal plate (5) is integrally associated with the support (1). This metal plate (5) is shaped so as to face the magnetic group (40) when the latter is in the active position. In the embodiment shown, preferred but not exclusive, the metal plate (5) has an annular conformation. Thus, when the magnetic group (40) is in the inactive position, it substantially faces a void delimited by the metal plate (5). On the other hand, when the magnetic group (40) is in the active position, it faces the metal plate (5), that is, it is placed in front of the metal plate (5).

[0028] In a known manner, the relative movement between the magnetic group (40), which rotates integrally with the auxiliary wheel (3), and the metal plate (5), which does not rotate, produces parasitic currents on the metal plate (5), known as eddy currents, which in turn generate a magnetic field which opposes the magnetic field which produced them. In other words, in a well-known manner, the magnetic field, produced by the parasitic currents on the metal plate (5), opposes the magnetic field produced by the magnetic group (40), and therefore tends to oppose, in a very effective manner, the rotation of the magnetic group (40). This results in a very effective braking action on the rotation of the auxiliary wheel (3), which is integral with the magnetic group (40) with respect to the rotation around the auxiliary axis (X).The braking action on the auxiliary wheel (3) translates, of course, into a braking action in relation to the advancement of the carriage (C).

[0029] In the embodiment shown, preferred but not exclusive, the rotor (4a) comprises at least one plate (41), integral in rotation with the auxiliary wheel (3). Preferably, but not necessarily, the rotor (4a) comprises a pair of plates (41), connected to each other. The magnetic group (40) comprises two or more magnets (42), sliding on the plate (41) along a radial direction with respect to the first axis of rotation (X) between an inner position, in which they are at a shorter distance from the first axis of rotation (X), and an outer position, in which they are at a greater distance from the first axis of rotation and face the metal plate (5). The outer position of the magnets (42) defines the active position of the magnetic group (42), while the inner position of the magnets (42) defines the inactive position of the magnetic group (42).

[0030] The elastic means (43) are predisposed to push the magnets (42) from the outer position to the inner position. For this purpose, the elastic means (43) are interposed between the plate (41) and the magnets (42).

[0031] In the embodiment shown, preferred but not exclusive, the plate (41) comprises two or more slots (41a), arranged symmetrically with respect to the auxiliary axis of rotation (X). The magnets (42) are slidably arranged in the slots (41a), with the possibility of sliding along a radial direction with respect to the auxiliary axis of rotation (X). The elastic means (43) are interposed between an outer edge of the slots (41a) and the respective magnets (42). The elastic means (43), for example in the form of springs, are dimensioned in such a way that they exert a direct thrust towards the auxiliary axis of rotation (X) which opposes the centrifugal force produced by the rotation of the plate (41). When the centrifugal force exceeds the thrust of the elastic means, i.e. when the rotation speed of the plate (41) exceeds a predetermined threshold, the magnets (42) move into the outer position and interact with the plate (5), producing the braking action described above.

[0032] Advantageously, the elastic means (43) can be sized according to the speed at which the braking action is to be exerted. In particular, the elastic means (43) can be sized so that below a certain speed of the carriage (C), i.e. below a certain rotational speed of the auxiliary wheel (3), the magnets (42) cannot pass into the active position. This makes it possible to limit the intervention of the brake to only those sections of the main track (T) along which the auxiliary track (2) is arranged and along which the speed exceeds a predetermined and adjustable value.

[0033] Preferably, the magnets (42) are permanent magnets. Furthermore, the magnets (42) are distributed symmetrically around the auxiliary rotation axis (X), so as to maintain the balance of the rotor (4a).

[0034] In another possible embodiment, illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the brake (4) comprises a ring (410), associated with the support (1). Two or more braking bodies (411) are associated with the rotor (4b), inside the ring (410). In other words, the ring (410) surrounds the braking bodies (411). These braking bodies (411) are movable along a radial direction relative to the first axis of rotation (X) between an inactive position, in which they are at a shorter distance from the first axis of rotation (X), and an active position, in which they are at a longer distance from the first axis of rotation and are in contact with the ring (410). The braking bodies (411) are movable from the inactive position to the active position under the effect of the centrifugal force produced by the rotation of the auxiliary wheel (3).Elastic means (43) are predisposed to push the braking bodies (411) from the active position to the inactive position. Preferably, the elastic means (43) are in the form of springs and are connected to the braking bodies (411) so as to pull them towards each other. Even in this case, the elastic means (43) can be dimensioned according to the speed at which the braking action is to be exerted. In particular, the elastic means (43) can be dimensioned so that, below a certain speed of the carriage (C), i.e. below a certain rotational speed of the auxiliary wheel (3), the braking bodies (411) cannot move into the active position. This makes it possible to limit the intervention of the brake to only those sections of the main track (T) along which the auxiliary track (2) is arranged and along which the speed exceeds a predetermined and adjustable value.

[0035] In this embodiment, the braking bodies (411), under the effect of centrifugal force, pass from the inactive position to the active position, placing themselves in contact with the ring (410). The attrition force which is established between the braking bodies (411) and the ring (410) slows down the rotation of the auxiliary wheel (3) and, consequently, decreases the speed of the carriage (C). The greater the centrifugal force, i.e. the higher the rotation speed of the auxiliary wheel (3), the greater the attrition force between the braking bodies (411) and the ring (410) and therefore the higher the braking intensity produced.

[0036] The braking bodies (411) are distributed symmetrically around the auxiliary rotation axis (X), so that the rotor (4b) remains balanced.

[0037] In other possible embodiments, the rotor (4a, 4b), integral in rotation with the auxiliary wheel (3) and capable of being activated under the effect of the centrifugal force produced by the rotation of the auxiliary wheel (3), may be of a configuration and structure different from those described so far. For example, the rotor may be in the form of a turbine, interacting with a fluid such as air, oil or water, which brakes and slows down its rotation.

[0038] The auxiliary track (2) and the auxiliary wheel (3) are equipped with coupling means which cause the rotation of the auxiliary wheel (3) when the latter translates into contact with the auxiliary track.

[0039] Preferably, but not necessarily, these coupling means comprise a toothed profile, integral with the auxiliary track (2), and a toothing, arranged at the periphery of the auxiliary wheel (3). In particular, the auxiliary wheel (3) is a toothed wheel. The coupling means may however be of any known type.

[0040] In the embodiment shown, preferred but not exclusive, the auxiliary track (2) is located above the auxiliary wheel (3). In particular, the auxiliary track (2) may be located below the main track (T), i.e. below the cable (W). Preferably, the cable (W) and the auxiliary track (2) are coplanar with each other in a substantially vertical plane. In other possible embodiments, the auxiliary track (2) and the toothed wheel (3) are placed differently. For example, the auxiliary track (2) could be placed below the auxiliary wheel (3), or they could be brought together horizontally, i.e. could interact with each other in a horizontal or otherwise inclined plane.

[0041] In the embodiment shown, the main track (T) and the auxiliary track (2) are parallel to each other and superimposed on a substantially vertical plane. Similarly, the main wheel (11) and the auxiliary wheel (3) are superimposed on a substantially vertical plane, the main wheel (11) being superimposed on the auxiliary wheel (3) and separated from it by a predetermined distance. In particular, the support (1) is associated with the chassis (10) of the trolley (C), the auxiliary wheel (3) being arranged under the main wheel (11). During operation of the trolley (C), the main track (T) and the auxiliary track (2) are arranged between the main wheel (11) and the auxiliary wheel (3), i.e. that is to say that they are arranged in the space between the main wheel (11) and the auxiliary wheel (3).

[0042] As previously indicated, the auxiliary track (2) can be placed at will along the main track (T), in order to brake the trolley (C) in correspondence with specific sections of the main track (T), such as for example near curves. In this way, on the rest of the route defined by the main track (T), the safety device according to the present invention does not intervene, leaving the trolley (C) free to travel at a higher speed, for the greater pleasure of the user.

[0043] Preferably, but not necessarily, the auxiliary track (2) comprises two or more blocks (21), which are linked to the main track (T) and connected to each other in an inclinable manner. Thus, the blocks (21) can be aligned so as to follow a straight or curved path.

[0044] Each block (21) has a prismatic and mainly flattened conformation in a plane which, in operation, is substantially vertical. The prismatic conformation of the blocks (21) is useful for preventing the carriage (C) from oscillating around the cable (W). This makes it possible to stabilize the carriage (C) at least along the sections where the auxiliary track is arranged. In addition, the auxiliary wheel (3) engages correctly with the auxiliary track (2).

[0045] Each block (21) comprises a cylindrical seat (23), predisposed to receive the cable (W). This cylindrical seat is located along an edge of the block (21) which, when in use, is an upper edge. Externally, the cylindrical seat has a cylindrical surface (24), arranged on the upper edge of the block (21) and shaped so as to be able to be inserted into the groove of the main wheel (11). Preferably, each block (21) comprises two symmetrical parts which can be coupled to each other in correspondence of a junction plane. The two symmetrical parts can be coupled together astride the cable (W), so as to clamp the cable (W) itself between them inside the cylindrical seat.

[0046] Two or more blocks (21) can be coupled to the track (T) consecutively to each other, so as to support a section of the auxiliary track (2) along a section of the track (T) where the trolley (C) is to be braked. When the trolley (C) reaches a block (21), the main wheel (11) passes from the cable (W) to the upper edge of the block (21), i.e. it rolls in contact with the upper edge of the block (21). At the same time, the auxiliary wheel (3) comes into contact with the auxiliary track (2) and causes the braking action already described.

[0047] In the embodiment shown, preferred but not exclusive, two or more blocks (21) are connected to each other, in correspondence of end zones, by joining means (22) which allow relative rotation between the blocks (21) in at least one plane and allow to form a substantially continuous succession of blocks (21). This allows two connected blocks (21) to tilt towards each other, so as to follow or adapt to a curved path. Preferably, but not necessarily, the joining means (22) comprise a male-female coupling, where each block (21), at opposite ends, respectively has a projection and a seat. The projection of one block (21) is configured to engage with the seat of an adjacent block (21), so as to form a substantially continuous succession of blocks (21).

[0048] The safety device according to the present invention has significant advantages.

[0049] The particular configuration of the brake that can be activated under the effect of the centrifugal force that develops when the auxiliary wheel (3) engages on the auxiliary track (2) makes it possible to decide at discretion the sections of the main track (T) along which the braking action on the trolley (C) must be activated. In fact, it is sufficient to place the auxiliary track (2) along the sections of the main track (T) on which the trolley (C) is to be braked, leaving the rest of the route of the main track (T) free. This makes it possible to carry out braking only where it is necessary, without limiting the speed of the trolley (C) on the sections where it is not.

[0050] Activation of the brake under the effect of centrifugal force is also simple and reliable. In particular, it is possible to configure the brake in such a way that the braking action is only activated beyond a predefined forward speed of the carriage (C). Furthermore, activation under the effect of centrifugal force makes it possible to automatically adjust the braking torque according to the speed of the carriage (C).

Claims

Claims

1. Safety device for a trolley (C) sliding along a main track (T), comprising: a support (1), which can be associated with the trolley (C); an auxiliary track (2), which can be associated with a section of the main track (T); an auxiliary wheel (3), associated with the support (1) and rotating in contact with the auxiliary track (2) around a first axis of rotation (X); characterized in that it comprises: a brake (4), provided with a rotor (4a, 4b) integral in rotation with the auxiliary wheel (3) and which can be activated under the effect of the centrifugal force produced by the rotation of the auxiliary wheel (3).

2. Safety device according to claim 1, wherein the brake (4) comprises: a magnetic group (40), associated with the rotor (4a) integral in rotation with the auxiliary wheel (3) and movable along a radial direction relative to the first axis of rotation (X) between an inactive position, in which it is at a shorter distance from the first axis of rotation (X), and an active position, in which it is at a greater distance from the first axis of rotation; a metal plate (5), integral with the support (1) and shaped so as to face the magnetic group (40) in the active position; wherein the magnetic group (40) is movable from the inactive position to the active position under the effect of the centrifugal force produced by the rotation of the auxiliary wheel (3).

3. Safety device according to claim 2, wherein the magnetic group (40) comprises a plate (41), integral in rotation with the auxiliary wheel (3), and two or more magnets (42), sliding on the plate (41) along a radial direction relative to the first axis of rotation (X) between an inner position, in which they are at a shorter distance from the first axis of rotation (X), and an outer position, in which they are at a greater distance from the first axis of rotation and face the metal plate (5).

4. Safety device according to claim 3, comprising elastic means (43) interposed between the plate (41) and the magnets (42) and configured to urge the magnets (42) from the outer position to the inner position.

5. A safety device according to claim 3, wherein the magnets (42) are permanent magnets.

6. Safety device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxiliary track (2) comprises a toothed profile and the auxiliary wheel (3) comprises teeth capable of engaging with said toothed profile.

7. Safety device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxiliary track (2) comprises two or more blocks (21), which can be linked to the main track (T) and connected to each other in an inclinable manner, so as to follow a curved trajectory.

8. Safety device according to claim 7, wherein said two or more blocks (21) are connected to each other, in correspondence of the end zones, by joining means (22) allowing relative rotation between the blocks (21) on at least one plane.

9. Safety device according to claim 1, wherein the brake (4) comprises: a ring (410), associated with the support (1); two or more braking bodies (411), associated with the rotor (4b) integral in rotation with the auxiliary wheel (3) and movable along a radial direction relative to the first axis of rotation (X) between an inactive position, in which they are at a shorter distance from the first axis of rotation (X), and an active position, in which they are at a greater distance from the first axis of rotation and are in contact with the ring (410); wherein the braking bodies (411) are movable from the inactive position to the active position under the effect of the centrifugal force produced by the rotation of the auxiliary wheel (3).

10. Trolley (C) sliding along a main track (T), comprising: a chassis (10); a main wheel (11), pivotally associated with the chassis (10) around a main axis of rotation (Y) and sliding along the main track (T); characterized in that it comprises a safety device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the support (1) is associated with the chassis (10) of the trolley (C).

11. A transportation system, comprising: a main track (T);

12. a trolley (C) according to claim 8, sliding along the main track (T); characterized in that it comprises a safety device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the support (1) is associated with the chassis (10) of the trolley (C), and in which the auxiliary track (2) is associated with a section of the main track (T). A transport system according to claim 11, wherein the main track (T) comprises a cable (W), and wherein the main wheel (11) is placed in contact with the cable (W) to roll on the cable (W).

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