PASSENGER TRANSPORT VEHICLE, CABLE TRANSPORT SYSTEM

Abstract

PERSONAL TRANSPORT VEHICLE, CABLE TRANSPORT SYSTEM A cable transport vehicle (2) for transporting persons includes a connector for attachment to an overhead cable (3). A frame is attached to the connector and defines a permanent opening (A) to the outside. An anchor point (8) is provided for attaching a person wearing a safety harness with a safety connector (9). The anchor point (8) has a locked state and a free state. In the locked state, the safety connector (9) cannot leave the anchor point (8). In the free state, the safety connector (9) can leave the anchor point (8). A locking device has a locked state and an unlocked state. In the locked state, the locking device holds the anchor point in the locked state.In the unlocked state, the locking device allows the anchor point to switch between the blocking state and the free state.

Description

Title of the invention: PERSONAL TRANSPORT VEHICLE, CABLE TRANSPORT SYSTEM Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle for the transport of persons, to a transport unit, and to a person transport installation comprising such a unit. Prior art

[0002] Conventionally, a cable transport system comprises two stations connected by a carrying cable to which vehicles are attached. The cable moves, allowing passengers to be transported between several stations. To achieve ever more efficient transport under the best safety conditions, it is common to use cabins attached to the haul rope by detachable grips, allowing for slower boarding and disembarking speeds and much faster travel speeds. For optimal comfort, the cabins are protected from external conditions, and safety is ensured by ensuring that the boarding and disembarking doors cannot be opened during the journey. Heated cabins are available to further enhance comfort during the journey, thus increasing the satisfaction of a larger proportion of passengers.The cabins define an enclosed volume with virtually no openings in order to keep users within a restricted and controlled space.

[0003] On the other hand, a segment of the population is looking for thrills. These individuals use zip lines and glide along a cable at high speeds. The sensation of speed is heightened by the wind hitting their face and the opportunity to see the ground rushing by beneath them. Under essentially the same conditions, cable cars do not provide such sensations, particularly because of their enclosure.

[0004] It has been observed that maintenance vehicles lacking fairings provide a more exhilarating experience for their users because the fairing is virtually nonexistent. Passengers thus experience a more pronounced sensation of speed and emptiness. However, maintenance vehicles are reserved for highly qualified personnel specifically trained to ensure their safety at all times while on the vehicle and during any associated maintenance work. Object of the invention

[0005] An object of the invention is to provide a simple and effective means of taking advantage of a cable transport installation to deliver more pronounced sensations of speed and emptiness while maintaining a high level of safety.

[0006] This problem is tended to be solved by means of a cable transport vehicle for passenger transport including: - a connector designed to be attached to at least one overhead cable; - a chassis fixed to the connector, the chassis defining at least one permanent opening to the outside; - at least one anchor point intended to attach a person wearing a safety harness equipped with a safety connector.

[0007] The vehicle is remarkable in that: - the anchor point defines a blocking state and a free state, in which in the blocking state, the safety connector cannot leave the anchor point and in the free state, the safety connector is able to leave the anchor point; - a locking device having a locked state and an unlocked state, in which in the locked state, the locking device maintains the anchor point in the blocking state and in which in the unlocked state, the locking device allows the anchor point to switch between the blocking state and the free state.

[0008] Advantageously, the chassis is provided with at least one rail extending from an access opening, the rail forming part of the anchor point. A shutter is mounted to move between an open and a closed position. The shutter in the closed position limits the movement of the safety connector, the closed position of the shutter corresponding to the blocking state of the anchor point. The open position of the shutter allows free movement of the safety connector along the rail.

[0009] In a particular configuration, the rail is attached to a ceiling of the chassis.

[0010] Preferably, the cable transport vehicle has at least one movable door mounted between an entry / exit position and a transport position. In the entry / exit position, the door allows people to board the chassis and disembark from the chassis. In the transport position, the door prevents the locking device from being changed from the locked state.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the chassis is equipped with at least one movable door mounted between an entry / exit position and a transport position. In the entry / exit position, the door allows persons to board the chassis and disembark from it. The locking device, in the unlocked state, prevents the door from moving from the entry / exit position to the transport position.

[0012] Preferably, the locking device is provided with a lever that is movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the locked position, the lever prevents the door from reaching the transport position, the locked position of the lever corresponding to the locked position of the locking device and the unlocked position of the lever corresponding to the unlocked position of the locking device.

[0013] Advantageously, the connector is a disengageable connector having an engaged position where a clamp is attached to at least one haul cable and a disengaged position where the clamp is disconnected from at least one haul cable. The at least one anchor point is functionally connected to a warning device configured to allow or prevent the disengageable connector from attaching to the at least one haul cable. When the anchor point is in the disengaged state, the warning device prevents the disengageable connector from attaching to the at least one haul cable. When the anchor point is in the locked state, the warning device allows the disengageable connector to attach to the at least one haul cable.

[0014] The invention also relates to a transport system which allows users to be transported safely while providing them with greater sensations of speed and emptiness.

[0015] This result is achieved by means of a transport system comprising a cable transport vehicle in any of the preceding configurations and a safety harness equipped with a lanyard having a first length. The lanyard is installed in a central position on the chassis and the first length is less than the distance between the attachment point and each permanent opening of at least one permanent opening.

[0016] In a particular embodiment, the first length is less than the distance between the attachment point and each permanent opening of at least one permanent opening of at least 1 meter.

[0017] The invention also relates to a cable transport installation which is able to transport users safely while providing them with greater sensations of speed and emptiness.

[0018] This result is to be achieved by means of a cable transport installation intended for the transport of persons and comprising: - at least two stations, each equipped with a pulley; - at least one aerial cable equipped with at least one haul rope and at least one support rope, the at least one haul rope cooperating with the pulleys; - a motor driving at least one of the pulleys in rotation to move at least one support cable; - at least one set according to one of the previous configurations.

[0019] Advantageously, the cable transport installation according to the previous configuration comprising other vehicles selected from seats and cabins.

[0020] The invention also relates to a method of operating a cable transport installation which makes it possible to ensure the safety of a user in an openwork vehicle.

[0021] This result is tended to be achieved by means of an operating method of the cable transport installation which includes the following steps: - provide a cable transport installation according to one of the previous configurations; - provide a vehicle equipped with an anchor point and at least one through opening; - place the vehicle in a boarding area of ​​a station, the vehicle having an anchor point in a free state; - have at least one user wearing a safety harness enter the vehicle and attach the safety connector to the anchor point; - change the state of the anchor point to have an anchor point in the blocking state; - move the vehicle so that the vehicle leaves the station. Brief description of the drawings

[0022] Other advantages and features will become clearer from the following description of particular embodiments and implementations of the invention given by way of non-limiting examples and shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates a view of a cable transport installation;

[0024] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a perspective view of a chassis of an ins cable transport installation;

[0025] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a side view of a chassis of an installation of cable transport;

[0026] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates a front view of a chassis of an installation of cable transport, with the doors in an open position;

[0027] [Fig. 5] schematically illustrates a side view of a rail intended to be attached to a ceiling of a frame, the shutter being in an open position;

[0028] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates a side view of a rail intended to be attached to a ceiling of a frame, the shutter being in a closed position;

[0029] [Fig.7] schematically illustrates a perspective view of a rail intended to be fixed to a ceiling of a frame, the shutter being in an open position;

[0030] [Fig.8] schematically illustrates a perspective view of a rail intended to be fixed to a ceiling of a frame, the shutter being in a closed position. Description of the implementation methods

[0031] Figures 1 to 4 illustrate different embodiments of a cable transport installation 1 and of a vehicle 2 of a cable transport installation 1. Figures 5 to 8 illustrate different states of a rail intended for the attachment of users of the chassis 2.

[0032] The cable transport installation 1 includes an overhead cable 3. By overhead cable 3, at least one overhead cable 3 is meant. The at least one overhead cable 3 includes a A carrier cable and a traction cable. By a carrier cable and a traction cable, we mean at least one carrier cable and at least one traction cable.

[0033] The cable transport system 1 may include a single overhead cable 3 that is both a carrying and hauling cable. The cable transport system 1 may include two or more overhead cables 3. The two overhead cables 3 may each be both carrying and hauling cables. The cable transport system 1 may include separate hauling and carrying cables. The cable transport system 1 may include more carrying cables than hauling cables, for example, two carrying cables and one hauling cable.

[0034] The cable transport installation may include pylons 4 which are equipped with rollers 4a intended to support the overhead cable 3.

[0035] The cable transport system 1 comprises two stations 5, each equipped with a pulley. At least one of the pulleys is associated with a drive device 6, which is configured to rotate the pulley and drive the haul rope. The drive device 6 has at least one motor. The cable transport system 1 has a control circuit 7.

[0036] The cable transport system 1 comprises at least one vehicle 2, which is attached to the overhead cable 3 by a connector. The connector provides the attachment to the haul rope and supports the vehicle 2 with the carrying cable. The connector may be a conventional connector, for example, a disengageable connector capable of attaching to and detaching from the overhead cable 3, or a fixed connector that is always attached to the overhead cable 3.

[0037] The vehicle 2 is designed to support or suspend one or more users. The vehicle 2 may include a chassis equipped with a floor 2a and / or a ceiling 2b. The chassis may include one or more uprights 2c. The vehicle 2 defines an anchor point 8. In order to provide users with heightened sensations, in particular a greater sensation of speed and a greater apprehension of heights, the vehicle 2 defines one or more perforated areas which are permanent openings A between the interior of the vehicle 2 and the exterior of the vehicle 2. The permanent openings A are openings capable of allowing the passage of a person between the interior and the exterior, for example, a cross-section greater than 50x50cm² or greater than 80x80cm². It is advantageous for an opening to extend from the floor 2a to the ceiling 2b.Because vehicle 2 is very open, the user is able to have a better view of the panorama offered during journeys and a better appreciation of the distance separating them from the ground.

[0038] Such openings induce safety problems because a person is able to leave vehicle 2, which is detrimental when vehicle 2 is moving and / or when it is outside a station.

[0039] To ensure the safety of a person seated, it is important to provide an anchor point 8 which will allow the user to be attached to the vehicle 2. The user wears a safety harness which is attached to the anchor point 8. The lanyard harness is equipped with a safety connector 9 which cooperates with the anchor point 8 to attach the user to the vehicle 2 during the movement of the vehicle 2. Figures 3 to 8 illustrate safety connectors 9 having different shapes.

[0040] Preferably, the safety connector 9 is a ring. By ring, we mean a closed structure that defines at least one through hole. We also mean a C-shaped or other shaped body that extends away from the closed structure, defining a narrow slot as illustrated in [Fig. 4]. The width is sufficiently small to allow the anchor point 8 to pass through a designated area. The safety connector 9 may be a circular or oval ring. It is also possible that the safety connector 9 is generally circular or ovoid and defines a narrow slot.

[0041] To improve user safety, the lanyard harness has a non-openable safety connector 9. It is also important that the user cannot disconnect from the anchor point 8. Therefore, it is particularly advantageous to provide the anchor point with a locked state and a free state. In the locked state, the safety connector 9 cannot leave the anchor point 8 and, more preferably, cannot leave a predefined zone 8a of the anchor point 8. In the free state, the safety connector 9 can move out of the predefined zone 8a and can leave the anchor point 8.

[0042] In the blocking state, the confinement of the safety connector 9 within a specific area can be achieved by various means. For example, to block the safety connector in the predefined area 8a, the anchor point 8 can be closed to define a closed or nearly closed ring. Alternatively, a movable or removable shutter can be installed to block the entry hole of the anchor point 8. A magnetic device can also be used to block the safety connector(s) in the predefined area 8a, provided that the safety connectors are magnetic.

[0043] Preferably, the anchor point 8 is an openable anchor point. The anchor point 8 has a movable portion to define an open position and a closed position. The open position allows the insertion and extraction of the safety connector 9. The closed position prevents the extraction of the safety connector 9.

[0044] Figures 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 illustrate an anchor point 8 in the closed position. Figures 5 and 7 illustrate an anchor point 8 in the open position.

[0045] The anchor point 8 is made in two or more parts, at least one part is movable relative to the others to define the open and closed positions. Advantageously, in the open position, the anchor point 8 defines a hook. To secure a safety connector 9 to the vehicle 2, one end of the hook passes through one of the through holes in the safety connector 9.

[0046] The anchor point 8 is fixedly mounted to the vehicle 2 preferably to the ceiling 2b.

[0047] Once the safety connector 9 is fixed to the anchor point 8 and the anchor point 9 In the closed position, the user is attached to vehicle 2, preventing an accidental fall from vehicle 2. Using an anchor point 8 in the closed position prevents accidental activation of an openable safety connector 9, which could allow the user to move freely in and out of vehicle 2. It is advantageous to have a safety connector 9 that is either non-openable or non-openable by the user. The safety connector 9 could be a connector designed for adventure parks, attached to a lifeline and able to detach only at the ends of the lifeline.

[0048] Preferably, the anchor point 8 is configured not to be opened by the user hooked to the anchor point 8.

[0049] Advantageously, the anchor point 8 is in the closed position when the vehicle 2 is attached to the haul rope. Attachment to the haul rope means that the vehicle 2 is positioned between the stations 5, i.e., that the vehicle 2 may be at a significant height above the ground, or that the vehicle 2 is capable of leaving station 5 or is moving within station 5 at a significant speed. In all these cases, it is important that the user be securely attached to the vehicle 2. The lanyard harness has a lanyard that terminates in the safety connector 9. The length of the lanyard is chosen so that the user is unable to leave the vehicle 2. More preferably, the length of the lanyard is chosen so that the user is unable to pass one of their limbs through one of the permanent openings A.

[0050] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the anchor point 8 is located in a central portion of the vehicle 2. Installation in the central portion allows for a lanyard length that provides maximum access to the interior volume of the vehicle 2. For example, the lanyard length is less than or equal to 1 meter.

[0051] Preferably, the anchor point 8 is located in the upper half of the vehicle 2, along the vertical direction of the vehicle 2 in use.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, the vehicle 2 is equipped with at least one rail 10 extending from an access opening 2d of the vehicle 2. The access opening 2d is the opening through which the user(s) are invited to 2. The rail 10 forms part of the anchor point 8.

[0053] The movable part of the anchor point 8 can be a shutter 11 which is movably mounted between a locking position and a release position. In the locking position, the shutter 11 limits the movement of the safety connector 9. The locking position of the shutter 11 corresponds to the closed position of at least one anchor point 8. The open position of the shutter 11 allows the safety connector to move freely along the rail 10.

[0054] Preferably, the rail 10 is fixed to the ceiling 2b of the vehicle 2. Upon entering the vehicle 2 through the access opening 2d, the user or a third party can connect the safety connector 9 to the rail 10, which forms part of the anchor point 8. The use of a rail 10 extending to the access opening 2d allows a safety operator to verify that the user(s) have connected to the rail 10 as soon as they enter the vehicle 2. This embodiment is more efficient than an alternative configuration where the rail 10 is only present in the central part of the vehicle 10. This latter configuration requires the operator to verify that each user is secured when the anchor point 8 becomes locked, which may necessitate entering the vehicle 8 if it is cramped.

[0055] It is particularly advantageous that the rail 10 is fixed to the ceiling 2b because this allows for a quick check of the number of safety connectors 9 that are connected to the rail 10 to verify that each user is connected to the vehicle 2. It is particularly advantageous that the rail 10 provides only one end suitable for connecting and disconnecting with a safety connector 9. Thus, only this end needs to be checked by the operator to ensure that each user is attached to the rail 10.

[0056] Depending on the embodiment, the rail 10 can be a protruding element or a slot. Figures 2 to 8 illustrate a rail 10 in the form of a rod attached to the vehicle 2. The rod can have any cross-section. In an alternative embodiment, the rail 10 can be a slot extending, for example, into the ceiling wall 2b. The safety connector 9 is inserted into the slot and remains fixed to it. Other configurations are possible.

[0057] Advantageously, the vehicle 2 is equipped with a locking device that has a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking device prevents the anchor point 8 from changing state from the closed position to the open position. In the unlocked position, the locking device allows the anchor point 8 to change state from the closed position to the open position. Preferably, the anchor point 8 in the open position prevents the locking device from moving from the unlocked position to the locked position.

[0058] Preferably, the vehicle 2 is equipped with at least one movable door 12 that can be positioned between an entry / exit position and a transport position. In the entry / exit position, the door 12 moves away from the access zone 2d to facilitate the boarding of persons into the vehicle 2 and the disembarking of persons from the vehicle 2. In the transport position, the door 12 covers the access zone to make movement through the access zone 2d more difficult. When the door 12 is perforated, it may be unable to prevent entry into or exit from the vehicle 2. The term "door 12" refers to one or more doors.

[0059] It is advantageous to use the door 12 as a locking device. In the entry / exit position, the door 12 allows the anchor point 8 to change state from the closed position to the open position. In the transport position, the door 12 prevents the anchor point 8 from changing state from the closed position to the open position.

[0060] In an advantageous embodiment, the vehicle 2 is substantially in the form of a vehicle or the frame of a cabin for a gondola lift installation. The vehicle 2 may be without the windows used to protect the user from wind and weather. The cabin is conventionally equipped with one or more doors. The vehicle 2 is fitted with one or more doors that may define one or more through-holes. When the door has a through-hole, it is unable to prevent a user from entering or exiting the vehicle; the door is not able to act as a cabin door.

[0061] Since the cabins are equipped with doors, and the doors are associated with detection devices, it is advantageous to provide that vehicle 2 is equipped with the same doors configured to operate with the detection devices of the cable transport system. The detection devices are configured to detect whether the doors are in an open or closed state. Depending on the detected state, the detection device can allow or prevent the vehicle from leaving the station; for example, the detection device can allow or prevent the connector from coupling with the haul rope. The detection device can also send an initial signal to the control circuit 6, which manages the movement of the vehicle(s) within the station 5 and, if necessary, the drive of the haul rope.

[0062] It is possible to provide a cable transport installation 1 equipped with cabins and to replace one or more cabins with one or more vehicles 2. The cabins and vehicles preferably have identical dimensions. This makes it possible to use a vehicle 2 in place of a cabin in a gondola lift-type installation without having to modify the rest of the installation.

[0063] The use of door 12 as a locking device configured to prohibit The opening of the anchor ring 8 while the gate 12 is in the transport position is particularly advantageous for ensuring safety. When the vehicle 2 is attached to the haul rope, it is advantageous to prevent the gates 12 from opening. Consequently, as long as the vehicle 2 is capable of moving at a significant speed, the gate 12 remains in the transport position and the user is connected to the vehicle 2.

[0064] It is also advantageous that opening the door 12 allows the anchor ring 8 to open and requires an additional step to achieve the opening of the anchor ring 8. In a particular embodiment, the anchor ring 8 is provided with a lever 13 movably mounted between an open and a closed position. Figures 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 illustrate a lever 13 in the closed position. Figures 5 and 7 illustrate a lever 13 in the open position.

[0065] In the open position, the lever 13 prevents the door 12 from reaching the transport position. In the open position, the lever 13 forms an obstacle in the path of movement of the door 12.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle 2 is equipped with two doors 12 that move towards each other from the open position to the closed position, or that move away from each other from the closed position to the open position. It is advantageous that, in the open position, the handle 13 prevents the two doors 12 from reaching the closed position. Similar operation can be achieved with a vehicle 2 equipped with a single door 12 or with more than two doors 12. The handle 13 is arranged so that, in the unlocked position, the handle 13 prevents the door 12, or at least one of the doors 12, from reaching the closed position.

[0067] In an advantageous embodiment, the connector is a disengageable connector having an engaged position where the connector is attached to at least one haul rope and a disengaged position where the connector is disconnected from at least one haul rope. The anchor point 8 is functionally connected to a warning device 14 configured to allow or prevent the disengageable connector from being attached to at least one haul rope. When the anchor point 8 is in the open position, the door(s) 12 cannot be in the transport position. The warning device is in a position that prevents the disengageable connector from being attached to at least one haul rope. When the door(s) 12 are in the transport position, this implies that the anchor point 8 is in the closed position and the warning device 14 is in a position that allows the disengageable connector to be attached to at least one haul rope.

[0068] Alternatively, the warning device 14 is connected to the gate 12 or to one of the gates 12 so that the gate 12 out of the closed position corresponds to a warning device 14 representing a prohibition of attachment to the traction cable.

[0069] The warning device 14 is, for example, a rod mounted movable in translation or pivoting relative to the vehicle 2. The warning device 14 is mounted movable between a position allowing attachment to the traction cable and a position prohibiting attachment to the traction cable.

[0070] These embodiments are particularly advantageous when the vehicle 2 is used in a cable transport system designed to transport cabins 15, and where the cabins 15 use the same warning device 14 configuration depending on the position of the door(s). More specifically, the vehicle 2 is used in a cable transport system 1 that also transports cabins 15. In other words, the haul rope is used to pull one or more cabins 15 as well as one or more vehicles 2. The cabin(s) can be replaced by one or more seats or a combination of cabins and seats.

[0071] In a known operation, one or more users position themselves in a boarding area of ​​a station 5 so as to be opposite an access area of ​​a cabin 15 when the door(s) of cabin 15 are opened. The users enter cabin 15, and the doors close before cabin 15 leaves station 5. Once the doors are closed, the users are placed in a closed vehicle that prevents any user from exiting the vehicle. The operator and / or the control circuit 6 of the installation verify that the doors are closed and that no user is outside the boarding area.

[0072] The installation of users in a vehicle presents a different problem. Since vehicle 2 is open to the outside with openings that do not prevent exiting the cabin, it is necessary to ensure that users cannot leave vehicle 2 before vehicle 2 leaves the station.

[0073] It is therefore particularly advantageous that users can be quickly attached to the vehicle 2, preferably as soon as they enter the volume defined by the vehicle 2. In a second step, the anchor point 8 is preferably closed by means of a shutter 11 which limits the movement of the safety connectors 9 and / or which closes the anchor point 8.

[0074] The operator in charge of safety is able to quickly verify that each user attaches their safety connector 9 to the anchor point 8 or is able to attach the safety connectors 9 to the anchor point 8 and then close the anchor point 8 or limit the area allowed for the movement of the safety connectors 9 while being assured that no user has disconnected from the anchor point 8. The safety operator does not need to enter the vehicle 2 which saves time and increases safety.

[0075] Preferably, the floor 2a of the vehicle is a perforated part, by For example, a grid or a mesh screen. Alternatively, the vehicle floor 2a is a transparent window.

[0076] The vehicle 2 can be equipped with gripping means 15 which allow the user to grip in order to have better stability when moving the vehicle 2.

[0077] In the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 to 8, the shutter 11 is a movable part mounted relative to the rail 10 to present a first position allowing the connection of a safety connector 9 and a second position preventing the disconnection of the safety connector 9. The shutter 11 is pivotally mounted. In the open position, the shutter 11 is installed at a distance from the rail 10 to allow movement of the safety connector(s) 9 between the rail 10 and the shutter 11. In the closed position, the shutter 11 is in contact with the rail 10 or almost in contact with the rail 10. The rail 10 and shutter assembly has a cross-section larger than the cross-section of the through hole defined by the safety connector 9, which is no longer able to disengage from the rail 10.By choosing the position of the opposite between the rail and the shutter, we define the limit of the area where the safety connector 9 can move during the movement of the vehicle 2.

[0078] Preferably, the shutter 11 is in contact or almost in contact with the rail 10 from the end of the rail 10 to the end of the permissible travel zone for the safety connector. This configuration allows for rapid detection of whether a safety connector 9 is outside the permissible travel zone when the shutter 11 moves to the closed position.

[0079] In an advantageous embodiment, the shutter 11 has a plate 1 mounted fixedly relative to the vehicle 2. The plate 1 is movable relative to the vehicle 2 by means of several pivotally mounted arms 11b. The shutter 11 has pivot shafts 11c.

[0080] The anchor point 8 is fixed to the vehicle 2 by means of fixing for example nuts 8b.

[0081] A method for operating the cable transport installation may include the following steps: - provide a cable transport facility as described above; - provide a vehicle 2 equipped with an anchor point 9 and at least one through opening 9; - place vehicle 2 in a boarding area of ​​station 5, vehicle 2 having an anchor point in a free state; - have at least one user wearing a safety harness enter vehicle 2 and attach the safety connector 9 to the anchor point 8; - change the state of anchor point 8 to have anchor point 8 in the state blocking; - move vehicle 2 so that vehicle 2 leaves station 5.

Claims

Demands

1. Cable transport vehicle for the transport of persons comprising: - a connector intended to be attached to at least one overhead cable (3); - a frame attached to the connector, the frame defining at least one permanent opening (A) to the outside; - at least one anchor point (8) intended to attach a person equipped with a safety harness having a safety connector (9); characterized in that: - the anchor point (8) defines a blocking state and a free state, in which, in the blocking state, the safety connector (9) cannot leave the anchor point (8) and in the free state, the safety connector (9) is able to leave the anchor point (8);- a locking device having a locked state and an unlocked state, in which, in the locked state, the locking device maintains the anchor point (8) in the blocking state and in which, in the unlocked state, the locking device allows the anchor point (8) to switch between the blocking state and the free state.;

2. Cable transport vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the chassis is provided with at least one rail (10) extending from an access opening (2d), the rail (2d) forming part of the anchor point (8) and wherein a shutter (11) is mounted movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the shutter (11) in the closed position limits the movement of the safety connector (9), the closed position of the shutter (11) corresponding to the blocking state of the anchor point (8) and wherein the open position of the shutter (11) permits free movement of the safety connector (9) along the rail (10).

3. Cable transport vehicle according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the rail (10) is attached to a ceiling (2b) of the chassis.

4. Cable transport vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one movably mounted door (12) between an entry-exit position and a transport position, in the entry-exit position the door (12) permits the boarding of persons into the chassis and the disembarking of persons out of the chassis, and in which, in the transport position, the door (12) prohibits a change of the locking device from the locked state.

5. Cable transport vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chassis is provided with at least one door (12) movably mounted between an entry-exit position and a transport position, in the entry-exit position the door (12) permits the boarding of persons into the chassis and the disembarking of persons out of the chassis, wherein the locking device in the unlocked state prevents the movement of the door (12) from the entry-exit position to the transport position.

6. Cable transport vehicle according to the preceding claim, wherein the locking device is provided with a lever (13) movably mounted between an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein in the locked position the lever (13) prevents the door (12) from reaching the transport position, the locked position of the lever (13) corresponding to the locked position of the locking device and the unlocked position of the lever (13) corresponding to the unlocked position of the locking device.

7. Cable transport vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector is a disengageable connector having an engaged position where a clamp is attached to at least one haul rope and a disengaged position where the clamp is disconnected from at least one haul rope, wherein at least one anchor point (8) is functionally connected to a warning device (14) configured to permit or prohibit the attachment of the disengageable connector with at least one haul rope, wherein when the anchor point (8) is in the free state, the warning device (14) prohibits the attachment of the disengageable connector with at least one haul rope and wherein when the anchor point (8) is in the blocking state, the warning device (14) permits the attachment of the disengageable connector with at least one haul rope.

8. Transport assembly comprising a cable transport vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims and a safety harness equipped with a lanyard having a first length, wherein the lanyard is installed in a central position of the chassis and the first length is less than the distance between the attachment point (8) and each permanent opening (A) of the at least one permanent opening (A).

9. Transport assembly according to the preceding claim, the first length being less than the distance between the attachment point (8) and each permanent opening (A) of at least one permanent opening (A) of at least 1 meter.

10. Cable transport installation (1) for the transport of persons and comprising: - at least two stations (5) each equipped with a pulley; - at least one overhead cable (3) equipped with at least one haul rope and at least one track rope, the at least one haul rope cooperating with the pulleys; - a motor driving in rotation at least one of the pulleys to move the at least one track rope; - at least one assembly according to one of claims 8 and 9.

11. Cable transport installation according to the preceding claim comprising other vehicles selected from seats and cabins.

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