Aerial cable transport station, aerial cable transport installation comprising such a station, and method of operating such an installation

Abstract

Aerial cable transport station, aerial cable transport system comprising such a station, and method of operating such a system. An aerial cable transport station comprises a cable (2) running alongside the station (4) to define a traffic path. A transport vehicle and a maintenance vehicle remain fixedly attached to the cable (2) during movement within the station (4). The maintenance vehicle is mounted detachably from the cable (2) and has a different footprint than the transport vehicle. A guide (11) prevents the transport vehicle from pivoting around a longitudinal axis of the cable (2) beyond a threshold position. The guide (11) is movable between operating and maintenance positions. In the operating position, the guide (11) forms an obstacle to the movement of the maintenance vehicle during movement within the station (4).In the maintenance position the guide (11) is positioned outside the volume occupied by the maintenance vehicle in a station traffic (4).

Description

Title of the invention: Aerial cable transport station, cable transport installation AERIAL SYSTEM COMPRISING SUCH A STATION AND A METHOD OF OPERATING SUCH AN INSTALLATION technical field

[0001] The invention relates to an aerial cable transport station, an aerial cable transport installation comprising such a station and a method of operating such an installation. State of the art

[0002] In the field of aerial cable transport, it is common to use equipment such as fixed-grip chairlifts. Each seat is fixedly mounted on a cable that forms a loop passing through at least one station of an aerial cable transport installation.

[0003] In each station, the seats remain fixedly attached to the cable and follow its path. Because the seats are attached to the cable, they are able to pivot relative to the cable's longitudinal axis, particularly when the weight is not evenly distributed across the different positions of the seat. For example, when an adult and a child sit at the two outermost positions of the seat, the seat pivots under the adult's weight. This makes it more difficult for the child to get into their seat. This configuration can lead to accidents. A similar problem can arise when the occupants leave the seat.

[0004] In order to reduce the pivot angle or even prevent the seat from pivoting, a guide is installed in the station. The guide forms one or more stops that fix the lateral pivot of the seat relative to the longitudinal axis of the cable, which corresponds to a tilt angle.

[0005] As with any aerial cable transport installation, it is necessary to carry out regular maintenance operations, in particular operations where the tops of the pylons are observed, and in particular the rollers and the counterweights which guide the cable.

[0006] To perform this operation, it is common practice to use a maintenance vehicle that is attached to the cable and moves with the cable to each pylon in order to get as close as possible to the pendulum. To facilitate the work of the operators, the maintenance vehicle has a different configuration from the transport vehicles intended to transport users. For example, the vehicle maintenance has means that facilitate observation and intervention on the rollers.

[0007] However, the configuration of the maintenance vehicle is incompatible with the use of an external guide that is configured to limit the seat's rotation. During maintenance operations, the vehicle is secured to the cable within the station's footprint. Once the maintenance vehicle leaves the station, it is stopped to install at least some of the vehicle-specific equipment. When the maintenance vehicle returns to the station, this specific equipment must be removed.

[0008] This operation is lengthy and must be carried out each time it is necessary to couple the maintenance vehicle with the cable. Description of the invention

[0009] One object of the invention is to overcome these disadvantages, and more particularly to provide a station which allows a maintenance vehicle to be operational more quickly.

[0010] These drawbacks are addressed by means of an aerial cable transport station comprising: - a cable running along the station; - a traffic lane; - vehicles comprising at least one transport vehicle and one maintenance vehicle, the maintenance vehicle having a different footprint than the transport vehicle, each vehicle comprising a drive system performing the attachment to the cable at the exit of the station and the attachment to the traffic track in the station.

[0011] The aerial cable transport station is remarkable in that it includes a movable mounted guide between an operating position and a maintenance position, the operating position blocking a pivoting of the transport vehicle around the attachment of the transport vehicle with the traffic track beyond a threshold position; in that, in the operating position, the guide forms an obstacle to the movement of the maintenance vehicle when the maintenance vehicle is traveling along the traffic path; and in that in the maintenance position the guide is positioned outside the volume occupied by the maintenance vehicle when the maintenance vehicle is travelling along the traffic path.

[0012] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the guide is pivotally mounted between the operating position and the maintenance position.

[0013] Preferably, the guide is mounted pivoting around a pivot axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cable.

[0014] In a particular embodiment, the overhead cable transport station includes a first sensor emitting a signal representing the coupling and uncoupling of the maintenance vehicle with the cable and a second sensor emitting a signal representing the guide wire in the operating position or the guide wire in the maintenance position. When the first sensor emits a signal indicating the coupling of the maintenance vehicle with the cable and the second sensor emits a signal indicating that the guide wire is in the operating position, a control circuit stops the cable's movement.

[0015] Advantageously, the first sensor is arranged upstream of the guide and detects the presence or absence of the upper platform, the presence of the upper platform corresponding to coupling with the cable and the absence of the upper platform corresponding to uncoupling with the cable.

[0016] In a particular embodiment, the overhead cable transport station includes a maintenance vehicle parking area when the maintenance vehicle is uncoupled from the cable, the parking area including the first sensor detecting the presence or absence of the maintenance vehicle in the parking area, the presence of the maintenance vehicle corresponding to uncoupling with the cable and the absence of the maintenance vehicle corresponding to coupling with the cable.

[0017] Preferably, the cable forms a loop and the parking area is located outside the loop. An access platform extends from the inside of the loop to the outside of the loop, passing over the cable. The access platform forms a track for moving the maintenance vehicle from the parking area to the cable and vice versa, for coupling or uncoupling the maintenance vehicle.

[0018] The invention also relates to a cable transport installation which allows easier coupling and commissioning of the maintenance vehicle.

[0019] This problem is to be solved by means of an aerial cable transport installation comprising at least one aerial cable transport station according to any one of the preceding configurations.

[0020] In an advantageous development, the aerial cable transport installation according to the previous configuration comprises a maintenance vehicle and several transport vehicles coupled to the cable.

[0021] The invention also relates to a method of operating an aerial cable transport installation which allows for easier management of the maintenance vehicle.

[0022] The problem posed is to be solved by means of a method of operating an aerial cable transport installation which comprises the following steps: - providing an aerial cable transport installation according to any one of the preceding configurations; - couple the maintenance vehicle with the cable; - move the guide from the operating position to the maintenance position; - run the cable to move the maintenance vehicle only after coupling the maintenance vehicle and after moving the guide. Description of the drawings

[0023] 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:

[0024] [Fig. 1]: schematically illustrates a station of a cable transport installation in which the maintenance vehicle is in a parking area, the guide being in an operating position;

[0025] [Fig.2]: schematically illustrates a station of a cable transport installation in which the maintenance vehicle is located between the parking area and the drive cable, the guide being in an operating position;

[0026] [Fig.3]: schematically illustrates a station of a cable transport installation in which the maintenance vehicle is on the drive cable, the guide being in a maintenance position;

[0027] [Fig.4]: schematically illustrates a cable transport installation equipped with two stations. Detailed description

[0028] Figures 1 to 4 represent an aerial cable transport system 1 or a station of an aerial cable transport system. The aerial cable transport system 1 comprises a cable 2 and several vehicles 3 capable of being towed by the cable 2. The vehicles 3 include at least one transport vehicle 3a capable of transporting persons or goods, for example, a cabin or a seat. The vehicles 3 include at least one maintenance vehicle 3b. The maintenance vehicle 3b is a different vehicle from the transport vehicle 3a, particularly in its safety features. For example, the maintenance vehicle 3b requires each user to attach themselves to an anchor point on the maintenance vehicle 3b. The passenger wears a harness and is attached to the maintenance vehicle 3b by means of an anchor point. The maintenance vehicle 3b allows the passenger to moving inside the 3b maintenance vehicle or even leaving the 3b maintenance vehicle outside of stations, for example to attach to a pylon.

[0029] Installation 1 includes a passenger boarding and disembarking station 4 in the vehicle(s) 3. Installation 1 includes a drive pulley 5 for the cable 2. The drive pulley 5 is driven in rotation by a motor 6.

[0030] Station 4 defines a traffic lane. When vehicles 3 are in station 4, vehicles 3 move along the traffic lane. Upon exiting station 4, vehicles 3 move along cable 2.

[0031] Each vehicle 3 includes a drive system that ensures the movement of the vehicle 3. The drive system includes one or more coupling systems that allow the vehicle 3 to be coupled to one or more movement elements. A first movement element is the cable 2, and the drive system is configured to couple to the cable 2 at least at the exit of the station 4 in order to move the vehicles 3 out of the station 4.

[0032] The drive system preferably comprises a clamp 7 which attaches to the cable 2. The cable 2 supports the vehicle 3 and the movement of the cable 2 ensures the movement of the vehicle 3.

[0033] When the installation is a fixed-grip or non-detachable type, the travel track is formed by the cable 2. The drive system may consist of only one grip 7 which is attached to the cable 2 both inside and outside the station 4. When the installation is a detachable-grip type, the grips 7 are disconnected from the cable 2 inside the station 4, and the vehicles move along a travel track that is separate from the cable 2. The travel track is formed by a second movement element, for example, tires or other conveying means, such as another cable, a drive belt, a chain, etc. The drive system may then include a grip 7 and another attachment device that cooperates with the travel track. The travel track moves the vehicles within the station 4.

[0034] Control of vehicle pivoting is particularly advantageous in fixed clamp installations and those with a single carrier-tractor cable.

[0035] The overhead cable transport installation 1 preferably comprises one or more pylons 8 to support the cable 2 above the ground. The pylon 8 generally includes a counterweight 9 comprising one or more beams equipped with rollers 10 mounted for rotation to guide and enable the movement of the cable 2. The vehicles 3 are pulled by the cable 2 and pass over the pylon 8 to travel from one station 4 to another.

[0036] In the boarding station and preferably in each station 4, a guide 11 is installed which is configured to limit the pivoting of the transport vehicle 3a around the point of contact between the transport vehicle 3a and the traffic lane. In other words, guide 11 prevents the transport vehicle 3a from pivoting beyond a threshold position in a pivoting direction. For example, in a fixed-clamp installation, the attachment corresponds to the attachment of the clamp 7 to the cable 2. The guide 11 limits the pivoting of the transport vehicle 3a around the longitudinal axis of the cable 2. The axis of the cable 2 is the axis in the area where the vehicle 3 is attached to the cable 2. The guide 11 forms an end-stop in a pivoting motion of the transport vehicle 3a relative to the cable 2. Preferably, two guides 11 are used in the form of an inner guide located inside the loop defined by the cable 2 and an outer guide located outside the loop defined by the cable 2. The two guides 11 are separated by the cable 2, at least in a vertical orientation.

[0037] It is advantageous that the guide(s) 11 be located and / or extend below the horizontal plane containing the cable 2 and the clamps 7 of the vehicles to constrain the position of the arm 3' of the transport vehicle 3a when the latter is in the station 4.

[0038] Each of the two guides 11 limits the pivoting of the transport vehicle 3a relative to the cable 2, thus ensuring a substantially horizontal reference surface from one end of the transport vehicle 3a to the other. In the example of a chairlift, the different seats remain substantially in the same horizontal plane regardless of the number of seats occupied and the weight of each passenger. In the case of a cabin, the floor remains substantially horizontal regardless of the passenger arrangement.

[0039] Preferably, the guide 11 extends only in front of the arm 3' without extending to the altitude intended to receive passengers.

[0040] The maintenance vehicle 3b has a different overall shape compared to the overall shape of the transport vehicles 3a. The maintenance vehicle 3b has an upper platform 3” which is positioned closer to the rockers 9 and the rollers 10 than any other platform intended to accommodate one or more passengers during the movement of the maintenance vehicle 3b.

[0041] The upper platform 3” is attached higher on the arm 3' relative to a transport vehicle 3a, which alters its overall dimensions compared to the transport vehicle 3a. Preferably, the upper platform 3” is positioned between 1 m and 1.5 m below the axis of rotation of one or more rollers 10 when the clamp 7 of the maintenance vehicle 3b is stationary on a roller 10. Advantageously, the upper platform is positioned outside the loop defined by the cable 2. In a particular embodiment, the upper platform is equipped with a guardrail, and the guardrail is preferably positioned opposite a roller in a horizontal direction when the clamp 7 is on a rocker arm 9.

[0042] The difference in size between a maintenance vehicle 3b and a transport vehicle 3a means that the upper platform comes to rest against at least one guide 11 when the maintenance vehicle 3b seeks to make a complete turn of the loop defined by the cable 2. By upper platform comes to rest, it is understood that at least one of the upper platform or of the guardrail associated with the upper platform comes to rest against the guide 11.

[0043] More generally, the dimensions of the maintenance vehicle 3b are different from the dimensions of the transport vehicle 3a so that at least part of the maintenance vehicle 3b comes into contact with the guide 11 or one of the guides 11.

[0044] To avoid damaging the guide 11 and / or the upper platform, the guide 11 is mounted to move between an operating position and a maintenance position. In the operating position illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the guide 11 prevents a transport vehicle 3a from pivoting, for example around the longitudinal axis of the cable 2 beyond a threshold position, so as to have a horizontal or substantially horizontal reference plane. In the operating position, the maintenance vehicle 3b cannot pass through the station 4.

[0045] In a maintenance position of the guide 11 illustrated in [Fig. 3], the guide 11 is deactivated. In other words, the maintenance vehicle 3b can pass through the station 4 and the transport vehicle 3a is able to pivot beyond the threshold position.

[0046] The installation of a guide 11, which is mounted flexibly in station 4, eliminates the need to intervene on the maintenance vehicle 3b. The guide 11 can be quickly moved from its operating position to its maintenance position. The maintenance vehicle 3b can be installed in its ready-to-use configuration, allowing it to be operational rapidly after coupling to cable 2. This also avoids the need to dismantle the guide 11.

[0047] Preferably, the guide 11 is pivotally mounted between the operating position and the maintenance position, more preferably pivoting about a pivot axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cable located below or substantially below the pivot axis of the guide. It is advantageous for the pivot axis of the guide 11 to be positioned above the horizontal plane containing the cable 2 in the station 4. In other words, in the maintenance position, the maintenance vehicle 3b passes under the guide 11.

[0048] The pivoting assembly of the guide 11 is easy to implement and allows a large upper platform to be installed without having to modify another element of the station 4. The pivoting assembly around a pivot axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cable 2 allows limit the bulk of guide 11 in the maintenance position in relation to other equipment in station 4, for example the walkways which run inside station 4.

[0049] Other modes of movement are possible with a pivoting about another axis, or the combination of a pivoting and another movement, for example a translation, or even with a translation only.

[0050] It is advantageous for station 4 to have an internal guide and an external guide. The internal guide is configured to prevent the arm 3' from pivoting towards the inside of the ring formed by the cable 2. The external guide is configured to prevent the arm 3' from pivoting towards the outside of the ring formed by the cable 2. It is particularly advantageous for the external guide to move between the operating position and the maintenance position and for the internal guide not to be modified for coupling the maintenance vehicle 3b. The upper platform and / or the associated guardrail can be positioned opposite the internal guide in a horizontal direction when the maintenance vehicle 3b is in station 4.

[0051] When a maintenance vehicle 3b is coupled to the cable 2, a maintenance operation is planned preferably outside the station 4 and possibly inside the station 4. Since the size of the maintenance vehicle 3b is different from other vehicles, it is advantageous to provide a safety mechanism configured to limit, stop or prevent the movement of the cable 2 and therefore the movement of the maintenance vehicle 3b when an abnormal situation is detected.

[0052] Station 4 is preferably equipped with a first sensor 12 that emits a signal representing the coupling and uncoupling of the maintenance vehicle 3b with the cable 2. The first sensor 12 can emit a first signal indicating that the maintenance vehicle 3b is coupled to the cable 2 and it can emit a second signal indicating that the maintenance vehicle is uncoupled from the cable 2. The first signal is different from the second signal. One of the first and second signals may be the absence of a signal.

[0053] Station 4 is preferably equipped with a second sensor 13 which emits a signal representing the guide 11 in the operating position or the guide 11 in the maintenance position. Again, the second sensor 13 emits a first signal that is different from the second signal. It is possible that one of the two signals is an absence of signal.

[0054] The first sensor 12 and the second sensor 13 are connected to a control circuit 14 which is configured to control the movement of the cable 2. When the first sensor 12 emits a signal indicating the coupling of the maintenance vehicle 3b with the cable 2 and the second sensor 13 emits a signal indicating that the guide 11 is in the operating position, the control circuit 14 stops The movement of cable 2 is disrupted and / or prevented from moving cable 2. The detection of maintenance vehicle 3b coupled to cable 2 indicates the presence of a vehicle 3 with a larger footprint than the other vehicles. To prevent damage to guide 11, cable 2 is stopped. For example, motor 6 is stopped.

[0055] To detect the coupling of the maintenance vehicle 3b with the cable 2, various embodiments are possible. The first sensor 12 can be a presence sensor for the upper platform. The first sensor 12 is positioned upstream of the guide 11 in the direction of travel of the cable 1, with the cable 2 moving from upstream to downstream. The presence sensor can be a sensor that is struck by the upper platform to detect the presence of the platform at a given position. The presence sensor can be an optical sensor that detects the upper platform. It is also possible that the maintenance vehicle 3b is equipped with a radio frequency tag or another electromagnetic signal transmitter and that the station is equipped with a radio frequency signal or electromagnetic signal sensor so as to detect the presence of the maintenance vehicle 3b in the station 4 or near the guide 11.It is advantageous to place a sensor on each side of the guide 11 in order to detect the presence of the maintenance vehicle 3b depending on whether the cable 2 is moving in one direction or the other.

[0056] In a particular embodiment, the station 4 includes a parking area 15 for the maintenance vehicle 3b. The parking area 15 is designed to receive the maintenance vehicle 3b when it is uncoupled from the cable 2. It is advantageous for the parking area 15 to include the first sensor 12. The first sensor 12 detects the presence or absence of the maintenance vehicle 3b in the parking area 15. The presence of the maintenance vehicle 3b in the parking area 15 corresponds to uncoupling from the cable 2. The absence of the maintenance vehicle 3b from the parking area 15 corresponds to coupling with the cable 2. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a parking area 15 located next to an operations room 16.

[0057] Advantageously, the parking area 15 of the maintenance vehicle 3b is located outside the loop formed by the cable 2 in a vertical orientation. Positioning the parking area 15 outside the loop minimizes the footprint of the section of the station 4 that houses the drive pulley 5 or the return pulley and defines the travel path of the vehicles 3. This section of the station 4 can also contain the motor. This further reduces the footprint inside the loop.

[0058] To facilitate coupling the maintenance vehicle 3b with the cable 2, it is advantageous to have a station 4 equipped with a slide 17. The slide 17 extends from the parking area 15 to the immediate vicinity of the cable 2. The slide 17 is fixedly mounted and it opens opposite a portion of cable 2 particularly well suited for coupling the maintenance vehicle 3b and the cable 2.

[0059] The slide 17 allows the maintenance vehicle 3b to be moved from the parking area 15 to the coupling area with the cable 2 and then back again. The slide 17 is a fixed structure. The end of the slide 17 is positioned in the immediate vicinity of the cable 2 and above the cable 2 in such a way as to allow the maintenance vehicle's clamp 7 to be quickly attached to the cable 2. A slide 18 moves along the slide and supports the maintenance vehicle 3b.

[0060] The slide 17 is fixedly mounted to an access platform 19 that extends from outside the loop to an area inside the loop defined by the cable. Preferably, the access platform 19 extends from above the parking area 15 to the inside of the loop as viewed vertically. The access platform 19 terminates in a staircase 19a. The access platform 19 is positioned above the cable 2 at a distance that allows vehicles to pass under the access platform 19 when the installation is in operation, i.e., with the vehicles being towed by the cable 2.

[0061] Preferably, the access platform 19 is the only means of access to the upper part of station 4, i.e., the part located above the plane containing cable 2, without crossing the path used by vehicles 3 when cable 2 is in operation. The access platform 19 allows safe access to the upper part of station 4, i.e., without having to take into account the movement of vehicles 3. This configuration improves the safety of operating personnel.

[0062] In addition to improving safety, the access platform 19 forms all or part of the slide 17 to facilitate the quick attachment of the maintenance vehicle.

[0063] When the access platform 19 extends vertically to the parking area 15, it is possible to hook the maintenance vehicle to the rail 17 and then lift the maintenance vehicle, for example by means of a hoist.

[0064] Once the maintenance vehicle 3b is raised, it can be moved by means of the slide 18 until the clamp 7 is positioned vertically above the cable 2. The maintenance vehicle can then be lowered until the cable 2 and the clamp 7 of the maintenance vehicle are coupled. Once the maintenance vehicle 3b is coupled to the cable 2, the slide 18 is preferably moved to exit the space occupied by the moving vehicles 3.

[0065] The use of the slide 18, which slides along the access platform 19, allows for better control of the position of the clamp 7, thus facilitating the installation of the maintenance vehicle 3b. The slide 17 does not add any extra space compared to the access platform 19. The maintenance vehicle 3b can be moved without the intervention of a lifting system which must also move the maintenance vehicle 3b to cable 2, for example a mobile crane, a forklift or any other equivalent vehicle.

[0066] In a particular embodiment, the second sensor 13 is linked to the position of the slider along the guide. The slider is movable between a first position, which is opposite the parking area in the vertical direction, and a second position, where the slider is opposite the cable 2 in the vertical direction. When the second sensor detects that the slider is out of the first position, it can provide information indicating that the maintenance vehicle 3b is coupled. When the second sensor detects that the slider is in the second position, it can provide information indicating that the maintenance vehicle 3b is uncoupled. When the second sensor detects that the slider is in the first position, it can provide information indicating that the maintenance vehicle 3b is uncoupled.When the second sensor detects that the slider is out of the second position, the second sensor can provide information indicating that the maintenance vehicle 3b is uncoupled. The second sensor can also provide information on the weight lifted by the slider.

[0067] In a particular embodiment, the parking area 15 is delimited on a first side by a staircase 19a which connects a reference level to the access platform 19, on a second side by a post 19b which supports the reference platform and on a third side by a housing intended to receive at least part of the control circuit 14, for example the operating room 16 and at least one person carrying out the operation of the cable transport installation.

[0068] The access platform 19 extends in a direction that passes between the staircase 19a and the accommodation to the inside of the loop. This arrangement allows the person operating the overhead cable transport system to have a clear view of the vehicle traffic path 3 and any passengers boarding.

[0069] In one embodiment, the access platform 19, the slide, the sliding block, and all other means suitable for allowing the movement of a maintenance vehicle are used independently of the mobile guide. The station 4 may use a guide or it may not have a guide.

[0070] It is possible to provide a station 4 already comprising a cable and cable drive means such as a motor and rollers and pulleys. An access platform 19 is installed which extends above the cable 2 between the inside and outside of the loop. The access platform 19 is equipped with a slide 17 which allows the sliding of a slide 18 to facilitate the coupling and uncoupling of a maintenance vehicle or even another type of vehicle.

[0071] If station 4 is already equipped with an access platform which spans the cable by passing over the cable, it is possible to make the access platform 19 functional by adding a slide 17 for example in the form of a beam which allows the sliding of a slider 18.

[0072] The weight of a maintenance vehicle 3b is generally less than the weight intended to be supported by a snow-covered access platform 19, for example, a walkway supporting at least 50 cm of snow. Under these conditions, the addition of a slide 17 to facilitate the transport of a maintenance vehicle 3b does not require a significant structural modification of the access platform 19.

Claims

Demands

1. An aerial cable transport station comprising: - a cable (2) running along the station; - a traffic track; - vehicles (3) comprising at least one transport vehicle and one maintenance vehicle, the maintenance vehicle having a different footprint than the transport vehicle, each vehicle (3) comprising a drive system achieving attachment to the cable (2) at the exit of the station and attachment to the traffic track within the station; characterized in that the transport station comprises a guide (11) mounted movably between an operating position and a maintenance position, the operating position blocking a pivoting of the transport vehicle around the attachment of the transport vehicle with the traffic track beyond a threshold position;in that, in the operating position, the guide (11) forms an obstacle to the movement of the maintenance vehicle when the maintenance vehicle is travelling along the traffic path; and in that, in the maintenance position, the guide (11) is disposed outside the volume occupied by the maintenance vehicle when the maintenance vehicle is travelling along the traffic path.

2. Aerial cable transport station according to claim 1 in which the guide (11) is pivotally mounted between the operating position and the maintenance position.

3. Aerial cable transport station according to claim 2 in which the guide (11) is mounted pivoting about a pivot axis parallel to the forward axis of the transport vehicle along the traffic lane.

4. An aerial cable transport station according to any one of claims 1 to 3 comprising a first sensor (12) emitting a signal representative of the coupling and uncoupling of the maintenance vehicle (3b) with the cable (2) and a second sensor (13) emitting a signal representative of the guide (11) in the operating position or of the guide (11) in the maintenance position, wherein when the first sensor (12) emits a signal indicating the coupling of the maintenance vehicle (3b) with the cable (2) and the second sensor (13) emits a signal indicating that the guide (11) is in the operating position, a control circuit (14) stops the movement of the cable (2).

5. Aerial cable transport station according to claim 4 in which the first sensor (12) is disposed upstream of the guide (11) and detects the presence or absence of an upper platform, the presence of the upper platform corresponding to coupling with the cable (2) and the absence of the upper platform corresponding to uncoupling with the cable (2).

6. Aerial cable transport station according to claim 4 comprising a parking area (15) for the maintenance vehicle when the maintenance vehicle is uncoupled from the cable (2), the parking area (15) comprising the first sensor (12) detecting the presence or absence of the maintenance vehicle in the parking area (15), the presence of the maintenance vehicle corresponding to uncoupling with the cable (2) and the absence of the maintenance vehicle corresponding to coupling with the cable (2).

7. An overhead cable transport station according to claim 6 wherein the cable (2) defines a loop and the parking area (15) is disposed outside the loop; wherein an access platform (19) extends from the inside of the loop to the outside of the loop passing over the cable (2); and wherein the access platform (19) forms a slide (17) for moving the maintenance vehicle from the parking area (15) to the cable (2) and vice versa for coupling or uncoupling the maintenance vehicle.

8. Aerial cable transport installation comprising at least one aerial cable transport station (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.

9. Aerial cable transport installation according to the preceding claim comprising a maintenance vehicle and several transport vehicles coupled to the cable (2).

10. Method of operating an aerial cable transport installation comprising the following steps: - providing an aerial cable transport installation according to any one of claims 8 and 9; - coupling the maintenance vehicle with the cable (2); - move the guide (11) from the operating position to the maintenance position; - run the cable (2) to move the maintenance vehicle only after coupling the maintenance vehicle and after moving the guide (11) into the maintenance position.

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