Overhead cable transportation station, overhead cable transportation facility provided with the same, and method operating the facility

Abstract

To provide a station which enables a maintenance vehicle to operate faster.SOLUTION: This overhead cable transportation station comprises an overhead cable which runs along the station, and has a travel track defined by the cable. A transportation vehicle and a maintenance vehicle maintain the state of being surely connected to the overhead cable when moving in the station. The maintenance vehicle is provided to be detachable from the overhead cable, and has a size different from that of the transportation vehicle. A guide prevents the transportation vehicle from rotating beyond a fixed threshold position about the longitudinal axis of the overhead cable. The guide is configured to be able to move between an operation position and a maintenance position. At the operation position, the guide forms an obstacle which blocks the movement of the maintenance vehicle (3) traveling at the station. At the maintenance position, the guide is disposed outside a volume occupied by the maintenance vehicle traveling at the station.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an overhead cable transportation station, an overhead cable transportation installation comprising said station, and a method for operating said installation. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of aerial cable transportation, it is common to use devices such as fixed-grip lifts, where each lift chair is securely attached to a looped cable that passes through at least one aerial cable transportation station.

[0003] Within each station, the chair remains securely connected to the cable and moves along the cable's path. Because the chair is attached to the cable, it can rotate (pivot) around the cable's longitudinal axis, especially if the weight is unevenly distributed across different parts of the chair. For example, if an adult and a child sit at either end of a chair, the weight of the adult will cause the chair to rotate. This makes it more difficult for the child to seat. This situation can lead to accidents. Similar problems can occur when passengers dismount their chairs.

[0004] To reduce this rotation angle or even prevent the chair from rotating at all, guides are provided in the stations, which form stops that limit the lateral rotation of the chair relative to the longitudinal axis of the cable depending on the angle of inclination.

[0005] Furthermore, as with other overhead cable transport installations, maintenance work must be carried out periodically, particularly work that involves observing the tops of the towers that guide the cables, particularly the sheaves and sheave assemblies.

[0006] To perform this work, a maintenance vehicle is typically used, attached to the cable and traveling along the tower to get as close as possible to the locker. To improve worker efficiency, maintenance vehicles have a different configuration from passenger transport vehicles. For example, they are equipped with features that make it easier to observe and work on the sheaves.

[0007] However, the configuration of the maintenance vehicle is not compatible with the use of external guides provided to limit the rotation of the chair. When performing maintenance work, the maintenance vehicle is connected to the cable within the station, and then when it leaves the station, the vehicle stops to install at least some of the equipment specific to the maintenance work, which must then be removed when the maintenance vehicle returns to the station.

[0008] This series of operations takes a long time and must be performed every time a maintenance vehicle is connected to the cable.

[0009] EP 2647538 B1 discloses a detection system for detecting vehicles approaching a station. In this system, a vehicle is towed by a cable running between two stations. A beacon is attached to the vehicle, and each station is equipped with an antenna for receiving the signal. The vehicle is provided with a movable member located above the vehicle, and the beacon emits a signal only when the movable member is protruding. When a signal from the beacon is received, a control system stops the movement of the cable. On the other hand, when the beacon does not emit a signal, the control system allows the vehicle to operate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 2647538 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] One object of the present invention is to provide a station that overcomes these problems and, in particular, allows maintenance vehicles to be put into service more quickly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] Such challenges tend to be met by overhead cable transport stations that include: - Passing station, cable; -Travel trajectory; a drive system comprising a plurality of vehicles, including at least one transport vehicle and one maintenance vehicle, the maintenance vehicle having a volume different from that of the transport vehicle, each vehicle having a connection to a cable at the station exit and a connection to a running track within the station; Equipped with.

[0013] The aerial cable transport station has the following features: a guide that is movable between an operating position and a maintenance position, and in the operating position, the guide prevents rotation of the transport vehicle about a connection portion to a travel track of the transport vehicle beyond a predetermined threshold position; In the operating position, the guide forms an obstacle that prevents the maintenance vehicle from moving along the travel track; In the maintenance position, the guide is arranged outside the volume that the maintenance vehicle occupies when traveling on the travel track.

[0014] In a preferred form of the invention, the guide is mounted to rotate between an operating position and a maintenance position.

[0015] More preferably, the guide is rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cable.

[0016] In one particular embodiment, the overhead cable transport station includes a first sensor that outputs a signal indicating that a maintenance vehicle has been connected to or disconnected from the cable, and a second sensor that outputs a signal indicating that the guide is in an operating position or a maintenance position, and a control circuit that stops the cable from traveling when the first sensor outputs a signal indicating that the maintenance vehicle has been connected to the cable and the second sensor outputs a signal indicating that the guide is in the operating position.

[0017] Preferably, a first sensor is positioned upstream of the guide to detect the presence or absence of an upper platform, the presence of which indicates a connection to the cable and the absence of which indicates a disconnection from the cable.

[0018] In one embodiment, the overhead cable transportation station includes a parking area for a maintenance vehicle to wait when it is detached from the cable, and this parking area is equipped with the first sensor that detects the presence or absence of a maintenance vehicle, the presence of the maintenance vehicle indicating detachment from the cable and the absence of the maintenance vehicle indicating connection to the cable.

[0019] Preferably, the cable forms a loop and the parking area is located outside the loop, and the access platform extends from inside to outside the loop and passes over the cable, forming a slide rail for moving a maintenance vehicle from the parking area to connect to the cable and from the cable to the parking area to disconnect.

[0020] Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an overhead cable transportation facility that allows maintenance vehicles to be more easily connected and operated.

[0021] This problem tends to be solved by an overhead cable transport installation comprising at least one overhead cable transport station according to any of the aforementioned configurations.

[0022] In a preferred development, the overhead cable transport installation according to the aforementioned configuration comprises a maintenance vehicle and a plurality of transport vehicles connected to the cable.

[0023] A further object of the present invention is to provide a method for operating an overhead cable transportation facility that makes it easier to manage maintenance vehicles.

[0024] This problem tends to be solved by a method for operating an overhead cable transport installation, which method comprises the following steps: - providing an overhead cable transport facility in accordance with any of the preceding configurations; -Coupling of maintenance vehicles to cables; - moving the guide from the operating position to the maintenance position; - Only after the maintenance vehicle is coupled and the guide is moved to the maintenance position, the cable is run to move the maintenance vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] Other advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of exemplary, non-limiting embodiments and implementation methods, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0026] [Figure 1] Schematic view of a cable transport installation station with the guide in the operating position and the maintenance vehicle in the parking area. [Figure 2] Schematic diagram of a station of a cable transport installation with the guide in the operating position and a maintenance vehicle positioned between the parking area and the drive cable. [Figure 3] Schematic diagram of a station of the cable transport installation with the guide in the maintenance position and the maintenance vehicle on the drive cable. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a cable transportation installation with two stations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] 1 to 4 show an overhead cable transportation facility 1 or a station of the overhead cable transportation facility. The overhead cable transportation facility 1 includes a cable 2 and a plurality of vehicles 3 that can be towed by the cable 2. The vehicles 3 include at least one transport vehicle 3a that can transport people or objects, such as a gondola car or a chair. 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 terms of safety standards. For example, the maintenance vehicle 3b requires each user to connect to a connection point on the maintenance vehicle 3b. The occupant wears a harness and connects to the maintenance vehicle 3b via the connection point. The maintenance vehicle 3b allows the occupant to move within it or to move away from the maintenance vehicle 3b outside the station, for example, by connecting themselves to a tower.

[0028] The overhead cable transportation facility 1 includes a station 4 for passengers to board or disembark from a vehicle 3. The overhead cable transportation facility 1 includes a drive bullwheel 5 for driving the cable 2. The drive bullwheel 5 is driven to rotate by a motor 6.

[0029] Station 4 defines a travel trajectory. When vehicle 3 is in station 4, it moves along the travel trajectory. Upon leaving station 4, vehicle 3 moves along cable 2.

[0030] Each vehicle 3 is provided with a drive system for moving the vehicle 3. The drive system includes one or more connection systems for connecting the vehicle 3 to one or more drive means. The first drive means is a cable 2, and the drive system is configured to connect to the cable 2 at least when leaving the station 4, and move the vehicle 3 out of the station 4.

[0031] The drive system preferably includes a grip 7 connected to the cable 2. The cable 2 supports the vehicle 3, and movement of the cable 2 also causes movement of the vehicle 3.

[0032] If the installation is of the fixed or non-detachable grip type, the running track is formed by the cable 2. The drive system may include only a single grip 7 connected to the cable 2 inside or outside the station 4. If the installation is of the detachable grip type, the grip 7 is detached from the cable 2 inside the station 4 and the vehicle 3 runs along a running track different from that of the cable 2. The running track is formed by a second drive means, for example a tire or other conveying means, for example another cable, drive belt, chain, etc. The drive system in this case may include the grip 7 and other connecting devices that operate in conjunction with the running track. The running track causes the vehicle 3 to run inside the station 4.

[0033] Controlling the rotation of the vehicle 3 is also particularly advantageous in fixed grip installations with a single carrying tow cable.

[0034] The overhead cable transportation facility 1 preferably comprises one or more towers 8 for holding the cables 2 above ground. The towers 8 typically include rockers 9 having one or more beams to which sheaves 10 are pivotally mounted, which allow for the guidance and movement of the cables 2. Vehicles 3 are pulled by the cables 2 and pass through the towers 8 as they travel from one station 4 to another.

[0035] At the loading station, preferably at each station 4, a guide 11 is provided, which is configured to limit the rotation of the transport vehicle 3a about the axis at which the transport vehicle 3a connects to the track. In other words, the guide 11 prevents the transport vehicle 3a from rotating beyond a threshold position in the direction of rotation. In the example of a fixed-grip installation, the connection corresponds to the connection of the grip 7 to the cable 2. The guide 11 limits the rotation of the transport vehicle 3a about the longitudinal axis of the cable 2, which axis is the axis of the connection area between the vehicle 3 and the cable 2. The guide forms an end-of-travel stop when the vehicle 3a rotates relative to the cable 2. Preferably, two guides 11 are used: 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 a cable 2 at least in the vertical direction.

[0036] Preferably, the guide 11 is positioned and / or extends below a horizontal plane including the cable 2 and the grip 7 of the vehicle 3 to define the position of the arm 3' of the transport vehicle 3a when the transport vehicle 3a is within the station 4.

[0037] Each of the two guides 11 limits the rotation of the transport vehicle 3a relative to the overhead cable 2, so that a substantially horizontal reference plane can be obtained from one end of the transport vehicle 3a to the other. In the case of a chairlift, the different seating positions of the chair are kept in a substantially identical horizontal plane, regardless of the number of riding positions and the weight of each occupant. In the case of a gondola car, the interior floor remains substantially horizontal regardless of the positioning of the occupants.

[0038] Preferentially, the guide is provided so that it does not extend to a height acceptable to the occupant, but extends only in front of the arm 3'.

[0039] The maintenance vehicle 3b has a volume different from that of the transport vehicle 3a. The maintenance vehicle 3b has an upper platform 3'' that is positioned closer to the locker 9 and sheave 10 than the other platforms for receiving one or more occupants while the maintenance vehicle 3b is traveling.

[0040] The upper platform 3" is fixedly mounted above the arm 3' relative to the transport vehicle 3a, thereby changing the occupied space for the transport vehicle 3a. Preferentially, the upper platform 3" is located between 1 m and 1.5 m below the axis of rotation of the one or more sheaves 10 when the grips 7 of the maintenance vehicle 3b are stationary on the sheaves 10. Preferably, the upper platform 3" is located outside the loop defined by the cable 2. In a particular embodiment, the upper platform 3" is provided with a guardrail that faces horizontally relative to the sheaves when the grips 7 are on the rocker 9.

[0041] The difference in volume between the maintenance vehicle 3b and the transport vehicle 3a means that the upper platform 3'' will hit a stop formed by at least one guide 11 when at least the maintenance vehicle 3b attempts to complete a full loop defined by the cable 2. The upper platform hitting a stop means that at least a part of the upper platform or a guardrail associated with the upper platform comes into contact with the stop formed by the guide.

[0042] More generally, the volume of the maintenance vehicle 3b is different from the volume of the transport vehicle 3a so that at least a portion of the maintenance vehicle 3b abuts against a stop formed by the guide 11 or by one of the plurality of guides 11.

[0043] To avoid damage to the guide 11 and / or the upper platform 3", the guide 11 is movable between an operating position and a maintenance position. In the operating position shown in Figures 1 and 2, the guide 11 prevents the transport vehicle 3a from rotating beyond a threshold position, for example about the longitudinal axis of the cable 2, ensuring a horizontal or substantially horizontal reference plane. In the operating position, the maintenance vehicle 3b cannot pass through the station 4.

[0044] In the maintenance position of the guide 11 shown in Figure 3, the guide 11 is disabled, which means that the maintenance vehicle 3b can pass through the station 4 and the transport vehicle 3a can rotate beyond the threshold position.

[0045] By providing the movable guide 11 in the station 4, no measures need to be taken for the maintenance vehicle 3b. The guide 11 can be quickly moved from the operating position to the maintenance position. After the maintenance vehicle 3b is connected to the cable 2, it can be installed in a ready-to-use configuration, which allows the maintenance vehicle 3b to be quickly put into operation. This also eliminates the need to remove the guide 11.

[0046] Preferably, the guide 11 is rotatable between an operating position and a maintenance position, more preferably about a rotation axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cable 2, which is located below or substantially below the rotation axis of the guide 11. It is preferable that the rotation axis of the guide 11 is located above a horizontal plane containing the cable 2 within the station 4. In other words, this means that in the maintenance position the maintenance vehicle 3b passes below the guide 11.

[0047] The pivotable installation of the guide 11 is easy to implement and allows structures with a large occupancy such as the upper platform 3'' to pass through without any manipulation relative to the rest of the station 4. The pivotable installation about a pivot axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cable 2 minimizes the occupancy of the guide 11 in its maintenance position relative to other equipment in the station 4, for example, the walkways within the station 4.

[0048] Other movement modes such as rotation around a different axis, a combined movement such as rotation and translation, or translation only can be employed.

[0049] Station 4 preferably comprises an inner guide and an outer guide. The inner guide prevents arm 3' from rotating inward of the loop formed by cable 2. The outer guide prevents arm 3' from rotating outward of the loop. It is particularly preferred that only the outer guide be movable between the operating position and the maintenance position, while the inner guide does not require modification when connecting maintenance vehicle 3b. When maintenance vehicle 3b is in station 4, upper platform 3'' and / or the guardrail associated therewith may be positioned horizontally facing the inner guide.

[0050] When the maintenance vehicle 3b is connected to the cable 2, maintenance work is preferentially scheduled outside the station 4, and in some cases also within the station 1. Since the volume of the maintenance vehicle 3b is different from the other vehicles, it is preferable to provide a safety mechanism that limits, stops or prevents the movement of the cable 2, i.e. the movement of the maintenance vehicle 3b, when an abnormal situation is detected.

[0051] The station is preferably equipped with a first sensor 12 that outputs a signal indicating the connection and disconnection of the maintenance vehicle 3b to the cable 2. The first sensor 12 may output a first signal indicating that the maintenance vehicle 3b is connected to the cable 2 and a second signal indicating that the maintenance vehicle 3b is disconnected from the cable 2. The first signal is different from the second signal. Either the first signal or the second signal may be absent.

[0052] Station 4 also includes a second sensor 13 that outputs a signal indicating that guide 11 is in the operating position or the maintenance position. The second sensor 13 can also output a first signal that is different from the second signal. Again, either one can be set to no signal.

[0053] The first sensor 12 and the second sensor 13 are connected to a control circuit 14, which is configured to control the travel of the cable 2. When the first sensor 12 outputs a signal indicating that the maintenance vehicle 3b is connected to the cable 2 and the second sensor 13 outputs a signal indicating that the guide 11 is in the operating position, the control circuit 14 stops the travel of the cable 2 and / or inhibits the movement of the cable 2. The detection that the maintenance vehicle 3b is connected to the cable 2 means that a vehicle 3 with a larger volume than other vehicles is present. To avoid damage to the guide, the cable 2 is stopped. For example, the motor 6 is stopped.

[0054] Various embodiments are possible for detecting the connection of the maintenance vehicle 3b to the cable 2. The first sensor 12 may be a sensor that detects the presence of the upper platform 3''. The first sensor 12 may be located upstream of the guide 11 in the direction of travel of the cable 2, with the cable 2 moving from upstream to downstream. The first sensor 12 may be a detection sensor that detects the presence of the upper platform 3'' by contacting the sensor when the upper platform 3'' reaches a predetermined position, or it may be an optical sensor that detects the upper platform 3''. Furthermore, the maintenance vehicle 3b may be equipped with a radio frequency tag or other electromagnetic signal generator, and the station may be provided with a sensor that detects the radio frequency signal or electromagnetic signal to detect the presence of the maintenance vehicle 3b in the station 4 or the approach of the guide 11. It is preferable to install sensors on both sides of the guide 11 so that the presence of the maintenance vehicle 3b can be detected regardless of whether the cable 2 is traveling upstream or downstream.

[0055] In a particular embodiment, the station 4 comprises a parking area 15 for the maintenance vehicle 3b. The parking area 15 is intended to receive the maintenance vehicle 3b when it is disconnected from the cable 2. Preferably, the parking area 15 comprises a 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 indicates a disconnection from the cable 2. The absence of the maintenance vehicle 3b in the parking area 15 indicates a connection to the cable 2. Figures 1 and 2 schematically show the parking area 15 arranged next to the control room 16.

[0056] Preferably, the parking area 15 for the maintenance vehicle 3b is arranged so as to be located outside the loop formed by the cable 2 when viewed vertically. By locating the parking area 15 outside the loop, congestion at the station 4, which accommodates the drive bullwheel 5 or return pulley and defines the travel path of the vehicle 3, can be reduced. The motor 6 can also be accommodated in this station 4, which can reduce congestion inside the loop.

[0057] To facilitate the connection of the maintenance vehicle 3b to the cable 2, the station 4 is preferably provided with a slide rail 17. The slide rail 17 extends from the parking area 15 to the immediate vicinity of the cable 2. The slide rail 17 is a fixed structure, has an opening in a portion of the cable 2, and is particularly suitable for connecting the maintenance vehicle 3b to the cable 2.

[0058] The slide rail 17 allows the maintenance vehicle 3b to move from the parking area 15 to the connection area of ​​the cable 2, and also allows the vehicle to move in the reverse direction. The slide rail 17 is a fixed structure. The end of the slide rail 17 is located immediately adjacent to the cable 2, i.e., above the cable 2, and is configured to allow the grip 7 of the maintenance vehicle 3b to be quickly connected to the cable 2. The slide 18 moves along the slide rail 17 and holds the maintenance vehicle 3b.

[0059] The slide rail 17 is fixedly attached to an access platform 19 that extends from the outside of the loop into the area inside the loop defined by the cable 2. Preferentially, the access platform 19 extends from above the parking area 15 to the inside of the loop, as viewed vertically. The access platform 19 is terminated by a staircase 19a. The access platform 19 is positioned above the cable 2 at a distance that allows the vehicle 3 to pass underneath the access platform 19 even during operation, such as when the vehicle 3 is being towed by the cable 2.

[0060] Preferentially, the access platform 19 is the only means of access to the top of the station 4 located above the plane containing the cable 2, and allows access without crossing the path that the vehicle 3 passes through while the cable 2 is running. The access platform 19 allows safe access to the top of the station 4 without being bothered by the running vehicle 3, for example. This configuration improves worker safety.

[0061] In addition to improving safety, the access platform 19 may form the whole or part of the slide rail 17, allowing for quick connection of the maintenance vehicle 3b.

[0062] If the access platform 19 extends vertically above the parking area 15, the maintenance vehicle 3b can be connected to the slide rails 17 and lifted, for example by a hoist.

[0063] When the maintenance vehicle 3b is raised by the hoist, the slide 18 can be used to move the grip 7 until it is positioned vertically above the cable 2. The maintenance vehicle 3b can be lowered until the cable 2 and the grip 7 of the maintenance vehicle 3b are connected. When the maintenance vehicle 3b is connected to the cable 2, the slide 18 is preferentially moved out of the volume occupied by the moving vehicle 3 and is allowed to exit.

[0064] Sliding the slide 18 along the access platform 19 makes it easy to control the position of the grip 7, simplifying the installation work of the maintenance vehicle 3b. The slide rail 17 does not increase the occupied volume compared to the access platform 19. The maintenance vehicle 3b can be moved without the intervention of a hoisting device, such as a mobile crane or a forklift, which would be necessary to lift the maintenance vehicle 3b up to the cable 2.

[0065] In certain embodiments, the second sensor 13 is coupled to the position of the slide 18 along the slide rail 17. The slide 18 is movable between a first position facing the parking area 15 in a vertical view and a second position facing the cable 2. When the second sensor 13 detects that the slide 18 is out of the first position, the second sensor 13 can output information indicating that the maintenance vehicle 3b is docked. When the second sensor 13 detects that the slide 18 is in the second position, the second sensor 13 can output information indicating that the maintenance vehicle 3b is docked. When the second sensor 13 detects that the slide 18 is in the first position, the second sensor 13 can output information indicating that the maintenance vehicle 3b is undocked. When the second sensor 13 detects that the slide 18 is outside the second position, the second sensor 13 can output information indicating that the maintenance vehicle 3b is uncoupled. The second sensor 13 can also output information regarding the load that the slide 18 is lifting.

[0066] In a particular embodiment, the parking area 15 is delimited on a first side by a staircase 19a connecting the reference level to the access platform 19, on a second side by columns 19b supporting the reference platform, and on a third side by a housing accommodating at least part of the control circuit 14, for example an operating room 16 and at least one operational manager of the overhead cable transport facility 1.

[0067] The access platform 19 is positioned between the stairs 19a and the housing, extending toward the inside of the loop. This positioning allows the operator of the overhead cable transport facility 1 to have a clear view of the track of the vehicles 3 and the passengers getting on and off.

[0068] In some embodiments, the access platform 19, slide rails 17, slides 18 and all other means enabling movement of the maintenance vehicle 3b are utilized independently of the movable guides. The station 4 may or may not have guides.

[0069] It is also possible to provide station 4 equipped with cable 2 and the means for driving the cable, such as motor 6, sheave 10, and pulley. Access platform 19 is installed extending above cable 2 so as to straddle the inside and outside of the loop. Access platform 19 is equipped with slide rails 17, which enable slide 18 to slide, facilitating the coupling and uncoupling of all types of vehicles.

[0070] If station 4 already has an access platform 19 installed that straddles cable 2 and passes above cable 2, the access platform 19 can be given the added functionality of a beam-shaped slide rail 17 that allows slide 18 to slide.

[0071] The weight of the maintenance vehicle 3b is generally lighter than the weight that can be supported by the access platform 19, e.g., a walkway that can withstand at least 50 cm of snow. Under these conditions, the addition of slide rails 17 designed to facilitate the transport of the maintenance vehicle 3b does not require major structural modifications to the access platform 19.

Claims

1. an overhead cable (2) running along the station (4); The running trajectory, vehicles (3) including at least one transport vehicle (3a) and one maintenance vehicle (3b), the maintenance vehicle (3b) having a volume different from that of the transport vehicle (3a), each vehicle (3) having a drive system for coupling to the overhead cable (2) at the station exit and for connecting to the running track within the station; Equipped with A guide (11) is provided so as to be movable between an operating position and a maintenance position; In the operating position, the guide (11) prevents the transport vehicle (3a) from rotating beyond a certain threshold position relative to the running track; In the operating position, the guide (11) forms an obstacle that obstructs the movement of the maintenance vehicle (3b) when the maintenance vehicle (3b) travels along the travel track; At the maintenance position, the guide (11) is disposed outside a volume occupied by the maintenance vehicle (3b) when the maintenance vehicle (3b) travels on a travel track. Aerial cable transport station.

2. The guide (11) is provided to rotate between the operating position and the maintenance position.

10. The overhead cable transportation station of claim 1.

3. The guide (11) is provided to rotate about a rotation axis parallel to a traveling axis along which the transport vehicle (3a) travels along the traveling track.

3. The overhead cable transportation station of claim 2.

4. a first sensor (12) that outputs a signal indicating that the maintenance vehicle (3b) is connected to and disconnected from the overhead cable (2); a second sensor (13) that outputs a signal indicating that the guide (11) is in an operating position or a maintenance position; Equipped with When the first sensor (12) outputs a signal indicating that the maintenance vehicle (3b) is connected to the overhead cable (2) and the second sensor (13) outputs a signal indicating that the guide (11) is in an operating position, the control circuit (14) stops the travel of the overhead cable (2).

10. The overhead cable transportation station of claim 1.

5. The first sensor (12) is disposed upstream of the guide (11) and detects the presence or absence of an upper platform (3 ″), The presence of an upper platform (3'') indicates a connection to the overhead cable (2), and the absence of the upper platform (3'') indicates a disconnection from the overhead cable (2); 5. An overhead cable transportation station according to claim 4.

6. a parking area (15) for the maintenance vehicle (3b) to wait when it is detached from the overhead cable (2); the parking area (15) includes the first sensor (12) that detects the presence or absence of the maintenance vehicle (3b); The presence of the maintenance vehicle (3b) indicates a disconnection from the overhead cable (2), and its absence indicates a connection to the overhead cable (2).

5. An overhead cable transportation station according to claim 4.

7. The overhead cable (2) forms a loop, and the parking area (15) is located outside the loop; An access platform (19) extends from the inside to the outside of the loop and passes over the overhead cable (2); the access platform (19) forms a slide rail (17) for moving the maintenance vehicle (3b) from the parking area (15) to the overhead cable (2) to couple to it, and from the overhead cable (2) to the parking area (15) to detach it; 7. The overhead cable transportation station of claim 6.

8. An overhead cable transport facility (1) comprising at least the overhead cable transport station according to claim 1.

9. The overhead cable transportation facility (1) comprises a plurality of transport vehicles (3a) connected to the maintenance vehicle (3b) and the overhead cable (2); 9. An overhead cable transportation facility according to claim 8.

10. A method for operating the overhead cable transportation facility (1) according to claim 8, Connecting the maintenance vehicle (3b) to the cable (2); Moving the guide (11) from the operating position to the maintenance position; The overhead cable (2) is run to move the maintenance vehicle (3b) only after the maintenance vehicle (3b) is coupled to the overhead cable (2) and the guide (11) has moved to the maintenance position. How to drive.

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