Fall prevention device for cableway transport systems

Abstract

The invention relates to a fall prevention device for cableway transport systems. It is a mechanical apparatus used to prevent a travel system from hitting the floor in the event of derailment. The device is adaptable and is installed with few modifications to the equipment on which is to be used. The device is distinguished by four main features: the collision avoidance system, which avoids obstacles on the cableway; positioning by means of springs, which keep the device in place; the use of protective wheels, which facilitate traction and protect the shaft of the anti-fall device; and the hook system that ensures functionality and compatibility with different cableway structures.

Description

[0001] FALL PREVENTION DEVICE FOR CABLE TRANSPORT SYSTEMS

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] This document describes the characteristics of a mechanical device that prevents falls in systems that move along cableways. Specifically, it refers to a mechanism installed in transport vehicles used for loading and unloading supplies and personnel mounted on cableway systems to prevent falls in the event of a vehicle derailment. More specifically, it operates with a spring mechanism that rotates the device toward the cableway and a hook capable of keeping the transport system suspended.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The technical problem lies in the need for a device that protects cable-track systems, ensuring that a potential derailment results in impact with the ground. This device must also be capable of maneuvering on long-distance cable-track systems where lateral support hooks are present. Based on this, the inventions detailed below are presented.

[0007] Invention ES2122537 describes a fall-arrest safety device for use with a fixed or mobile attachment point. The device has two integral covers, separated from each other, located on two facing faces, and a pulley. It includes a common rotation axis, with each pulley capable of sliding between at least two active positions, in which at least two stop elements cooperate to brake and immobilize a flexible tie. Although this invention effectively describes a fall-arrest device, it requires a flexible suspension cable, which is not possible in the case of track cables, which are typically made of rigid steel. Because of this, the invention is primarily aimed at operators who perform work at elevated heights. Invention CA2291533C describes a fall protection system using a trolley, which has an eye at the bottom for attaching the load.The device is capable of moving across lines, cables, belts, or rails using wheels that pass over them. It has four wheels that provide support inside the trolley, which rotate in pairs on two axes, and includes a safety pin that keeps the trolley attached to the transport line. Although this type of device serves as a fall prevention device, it is not compatible with the side support hooks typically used on cableways; instead, it is designed for cables and beams with central supports.

[0008] Invention CN216994292U presents a fall arrest system for cableways, where a vehicle installed on the cable slides across it with two blocks connected in front and behind. Both the vehicle and the blocks are connected to the load. If the connection between the load and the vehicle breaks, the load would fall and pull on the connection between the blocks, which would rotate a crossbar with a ratchet mechanism. When the mechanism is activated, the load would stop falling and remain suspended. This device is specifically designed to prevent the fall of a load, not an entire cableway transport system. Furthermore, it is not intended for cableway systems with supports, since the vehicle completely surrounds the cableway.

[0009] The invention EP1452206A1 describes an anchoring device for safety devices, which is composed of two jaws articulated on a common axis and a connecting link for the load. The jaws have opposite slots, one in each jaw, through which the connecting link passes. The device is arranged so that, in the event of a fall, the link will tend to exert traction on the slots, keeping the jaws closed for greater safety. Although this invention fulfills the function of preventing falls, it is not designed to be used in displacement systems by means of cable tracks, but is a manual anchoring device intended for operators who carry out works at great heights. This device would not be capable of stopping an arbitrary fall if the jaws were not previously closed on the cable track. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The fall prevention device for cable-way transport systems, hereinafter referred to as the fall arrest device, is a mechanical device that is coupled to displacement systems that run along cable-ways (rigid steel cables along which supplies and personnel are moved), moving as part of the system itself and ensuring that, in the event of a derailment causing a fall, the system remains suspended from the cable-way instead of impacting the ground.

[0011] The fall arrest device is a minimally invasive device that can be installed with minor modifications to the travel system. It is secured with only a screw and a spring attachment point. A hook at the top provides reliable suspension from the cable.

[0012] The fall arrester features wheels that prevent metal from rubbing against metal and ensure smooth movement along the cable track. The shape of the device's top deflects potential impacts with foreign objects, and a three-spring system ensures the fall arrester always stays aligned with the cable track.

[0013] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1. Front and rear views of the fall prevention device for cable-way transport systems (fall arrest device).

[0015] Figure 2. Fall arrest device mounted on a cable-track transport system.

[0016] Figure 3. Detailed view of the assembly of the fall arrest device on the chassis of the cable-track transport system.

[0017] Figure 4. Fall arrest device supporting a cable transport system via derailment.

[0018] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The following is a breakdown of the figures and numbered parts, as well as a more in-depth explanation of how the invention works. Figure 1 shows the front and back of the fall arrest device. This includes the bumper (2), hook (3), protection wheels (4), warping joint (5), axle lock (6), pitching joint (7), spring support (8), base angles (9), fall arrest device shaft (10), warping springs (11), base reinforcements (12), and pitching spring (13).

[0020] Figure 2 shows the fall arrest device (1) mounted on a transport system (14) by means of a cable track (15).

[0021] Figure 3 shows the detail of the assembly of the fall arrest device (1) in the cable-track transport system. The base angles (9) are welded to the system chassis (16) and the device is secured by means of a screw. The pitch spring (13) must also be attached to the chassis to fully position the device, thus becoming part of the system.

[0022] Figure 4 shows the fall arrest device (1) keeping the cable track transport system (14) suspended over the cable track (15). The figure illustrates the case where a total derailment occurs which would result in an imminent fall.

[0023] The fall arrest device is supported by the warping springs (11) to remain perpendicular to the track cable (15), and is supported by the pitch spring (13). The wheels of the device maintain fluid movement by preventing the axle (10) from rubbing against the track cable. The shock absorber (2) deflects possible impacts to the device thanks to its V shape, which causes the fall arrest device to separate from the track cable for a moment. Once the impact is avoided, the pitch spring returns the fall arrest device to its place. In the event of a derailment, the entire transport system (14) would be suspended from the fall arrest device thanks to the hook (3).

Claims

CLAIMS 1. The fall prevention device for cable-way transport systems comprising: • Shock-removing system • Spring positioning • Protection wheel • Hook system 2. Fall arrest device according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a shock-reducing system that prevents impacts against the device thanks to its V-shape, which deflects the fall arrester by means of a sliding motion that repositions the device. This allows any possible obstacles present in the cable to be avoided without damage, which ensures its integrity and correct operation.

3. Fall arrest device according to claim 1, characterized in that it uses springs as a positioning system. Two springs on the sides of the device (warping springs) and a spring on the bottom (pitch spring) keep the hook in a perpendicular position close to the track cable to support the system in the event of a derailment. They are also responsible for returning the device to its position when the shock absorber avoids an obstacle.

4. Fall arrest device according to claim 1, characterized in that it uses protective wheels that serve both to maintain the integrity of the axis by avoiding friction with the track cable and for traction, facilitating the general movement of the fall arrest device and reducing possible deviations.

5. Fall-arrest device according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a hook independent of the via cable for fall prevention, located at the top of the device. This means that modifications to the cable are not necessary for use of the device, and facilitates compatibility with different via cable structures.

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