Switch system for a cable transport system

Abstract

The invention relates to a switch system (1) for a cable transport system intended to convey a transport unit comprising a disengageable coupling device supporting bearing rollers and a balancing roller, the switch system comprising an upstream path, a primary path (3) and a secondary path (4), wherein the primary path comprises a movable primary rail section (32), a stationary primary rail section (33), a movable primary guide section (34) and a stationary primary guide section (35), and wherein the secondary path comprises a first movable secondary rail section (42), a second movable secondary rail section (44) and a stationary secondary guide (41), and wherein the second movable secondary rail section and the movable primary guide section are mechanically connected and jointly movable by an actuator between a primary switch configuration and a secondary switch configuration.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Switching system for a cableway installation

[0003] [Technical field]

[0004] The invention relates to a switching system for a cable transport installation, such as for example a cable car, a chairlift or a gondola.

[0005] It relates more particularly to a switching system for a cable transport installation intended to transport a transport unit which comprises a disengageable coupling device supporting running wheels and a balancing roller.

[0006] The invention finds a preferred, and non-limiting, application for a switching system providing switching in a station between a main track and a siding.

[0007] [State of the art]

[0008] As is known in a cable transport installation, a transport unit is suspended from a disengageable coupling device, also sometimes called a disengageable clamp, which is in an engaged position between two stations to be coupled to an overhead cable (or carrier-hauling cable) so as to tow the transport unit, and which is in a disengaged position in the station to be uncoupled from the overhead cable. Generally, the transport unit is moved in the station by means of a friction drive system comprising a line of motorized friction wheels (for example pneumatic wheels) which move by friction the disengageable coupling device; the latter being conventionally provided with a friction pad on which the friction wheels rotate.

[0009] This disengageable coupling device also supports rollers that roll on a rail in the station, this rail having a rolling surface to allow rolling of the rollers. The disengageable coupling device also supports a balancing roller that is guided in a slide in the station. Thus, within the station, the disengageable coupling device, and thus the transport unit, are guided by the rail and the slide, which together form a track.

[0010] It is also known, inside the station, to provide a switching system to switch the transport unit either to a main track (which may be the track used in normal operation to unload / load at a stop) or to a secondary track (which may be another track also used in normal operation to unload / load at another stop, or which may be a siding to remove the transport unit in order to carry out maintenance, repair or inspection operations).

[0011] Switch systems require at least two movable rail sections and at least two movable slide sections associated with the respective main and secondary tracks, so as to switch between a main switch configuration in order to switch the hauling unit to the main track and a secondary switch configuration in order to switch the hauling unit to the secondary track.

[0012] To move the movable rail sections and the movable slide sections, it is conventional to use a dedicated motorized actuator per section, or at least four motorized actuators.

[0013] [Summary of the invention]

[0014] The invention relates to a switching system configured to operate with a reduced number of motorized actuators, thereby reducing cost, power consumption and also reducing the time required to switch between the main switching configuration and the secondary switching configuration.

[0015] To this end, the invention provides a switching system for a cable transport installation intended to transport a transport unit which comprises a disengageable coupling device supporting running wheels and a balancing roller.

[0016] More specifically, this switching system comprises an upstream track comprising an upstream rail having a rolling surface to allow rolling of the rolling rollers of the disengageable coupling device of the transport unit, and an upstream slide to allow guiding of the balancing roller of the disengageable coupling device of the transport unit, said upstream rail and said upstream slide being static.

[0017] This upstream track constitutes the track by which the transport unit arrives which, once the disengageable coupling device is in the disengaged position, allows the rolling of the rollers on the upstream rail and the guiding of the balancing roller in the upstream slide; this upstream track can be equipped with a friction drive system.

[0018] The switch system also includes a main track and a secondary track. The main track may be the track used in normal operation to unload / load at a stop, and the secondary track may be another track also used in normal operation to unload / load at another stop or may be a siding. It is also possible for the main track to be a siding, and the secondary track to be the track used in normal operation to unload / load at a stop.

[0019] The main track has a main rail and a main slide which are curved and which extend the upstream rail and the upstream slide respectively in a main switch configuration of the switch system in order to be able to switch the transport unit from the upstream track to the main track.

[0020] Thus, this main track forms a bend extending the upstream track and which the transport unit follows in the main switch configuration; the running wheels passing from the upstream rail to the main rail and the guide roller passing from the upstream slide to the main slide in this main switch configuration.

[0021] The secondary track comprises a secondary rail and a secondary slide which extend the upstream rail and the upstream slide respectively in a secondary switch configuration of the switch system in order to be able to switch the transport unit from the upstream track to the secondary track.

[0022] Thus, this secondary track forms another track that the transport unit follows in the secondary switch configuration; the running wheels passing from the upstream rail to the secondary rail and the guide roller passing from the upstream slide to the secondary slide in this secondary switch configuration.

[0023] In this switching system, the main rail successively comprises a movable main rail section and a static main rail section, the movable main rail section being movable between an active position and an inactive position, wherein said movable main rail section is aligned with the upstream rail and the static main rail section in its active position and is misaligned with the upstream rail and the static main rail section in its inactive position.

[0024] In the main switch configuration, the moving main rail section is in the active position, so that the rollers can roll over the upstream rail, then the moving main rail section, and then the static main rail section. In contrast, in the secondary switch configuration, the moving main rail section is in the inactive position, and is therefore retracted (or offset) from the upstream rail.

[0025] In this switching system, the secondary rail successively comprises at least a first movable secondary rail section and a second movable secondary rail section, where: - the first movable secondary rail section is movable between an active position and an inactive position, where said first movable secondary rail section is aligned with the upstream rail in its active position and is misaligned with the upstream rail in its inactive position, and

[0026] - the second movable secondary rail section is movable between an active position and an inactive position, wherein said second movable secondary rail section is aligned with the first movable secondary rail section in its active position and is misaligned with the first movable secondary rail section in its inactive position.

[0027] Thus, this secondary rail comprises at least these two movable rail sections, and for example only these two movable rail sections; it being noted that the secondary rail may also comprise at least one static rail section. In the main switch configuration, the first movable secondary rail section and the second movable secondary rail section are both in their inactive positions, and are thus retracted (or offset) relative to the upstream rail. On the other hand, in the secondary switch configuration, the first movable secondary rail section and the second movable secondary rail section are both in their active positions, so that the running wheels can roll on the upstream rail, then the first movable secondary rail section and then the second movable secondary rail section.

[0028] The secondary slide is static and aligned with the upstream slide. Thus this secondary slide is always aligned with the upstream slide.

[0029] The main slide successively comprises a movable main slide section and a static main slide section, said movable main slide section being movable between an active position and an inactive position, wherein said movable main slide section is aligned with the upstream slide and the static main slide section in its active position and is misaligned with the upstream slide and the static main slide section in its inactive position.

[0030] In the main switch configuration, the movable main slide section is in the active position, so that the guide roller can be guided into the upstream slide, then the movable main slide section and then the static main slide section. When this movable main slide section is in the active position, it is in alignment with the upstream slide, superimposed on the static secondary slide, so that the guide roller follows the movable main slide section, instead of following the static secondary slide. On the other hand, in the secondary switch configuration, the movable main slide section is in the inactive position, and is therefore retracted (or offset) relative to the upstream slide.

[0031] In summary, as described above:

[0032] - in the main switch configuration of the switch system, the movable main rail section and the movable main slide section are in their respective active positions, and the first movable secondary rail section and the second movable secondary rail section are in their respective inactive positions; and

[0033] - in the secondary switch configuration of the switch system, the movable main rail section and the movable main slide section are in their respective inactive positions, and the first movable secondary rail section and the second movable secondary rail section are in their respective active positions.

[0034] Furthermore, in this switch system, the second movable secondary rail section and the movable main slide section are mechanically connected and jointly movable by an actuator between the main switch configuration and the secondary switch configuration.

[0035] This actuator is thus a common actuator for the second movable secondary rail section and the main slide section, which moves them between:

[0036] - a first position in which the main slide section is in the active position and the second movable secondary rail section is in the inactive position; and

[0037] - a second position in which the main slide section is in the inactive position and the second movable secondary rail section is in the active position.

[0038] The first position is occupied in the main switch configuration, and the second position is occupied in the secondary switch configuration.

[0039] Thus, a single actuator is used to move two movable sections, namely the second movable secondary rail section and the main slide section.

[0040] According to one feature, the first movable secondary rail section is moved independently of the second movable secondary rail section.

[0041] According to one feature, the second movable secondary rail section and the movable main slide section are mechanically connected by a connecting rod having one end articulated on the second movable secondary rail section and another end articulated on the movable main slide section. Such a connecting rod will make it possible to control the spacing between the second movable secondary rail section and the movable main slide section, this spacing varying between the first position (in other words the main switch configuration) and the second position (in other words the secondary switch configuration).

[0042] According to one possibility, the movable main slide section is pivotally mounted about a first pivot axis and the second movable secondary rail section is pivotally mounted about a second pivot axis parallel to the first pivot axis.

[0043] Thus, the first pivot axis for the movable main slide section is offset from the second pivot axis for the second movable secondary rail section, facilitating the dual kinematics of these two sections between the first position (in other words the main switch configuration) and the second position (in other words the secondary switch configuration).

[0044] According to a variant, the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are orthogonal to the rolling surface.

[0045] Alternatively, the actuator includes a rotary motor rotating a motor shaft, which motor shaft is mechanically coupled to the second movable secondary rail section or the movable main slide section.

[0046] Thus, either the actuator drives the second movable secondary rail section, which itself drives the movable main slide section via the mechanical link between these two sections, or the actuator drives the movable main slide section, which itself drives the second movable secondary rail section via the mechanical link between these two sections. The mechanical link between the second movable secondary rail section and the main slide section forms a transmission mechanism, which transmits the movement of one of the sections to the other section.

[0047] Alternatively, the motor shaft is parallel to the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis.

[0048] In a particular embodiment, the movable main rail section and the first movable secondary rail section are integral and jointly movable by an additional actuator between the main switch configuration and the secondary switch configuration.

[0049] This additional actuator is thus a common actuator for the main moving rail section and the first secondary moving rail section, which moves them between:

[0050] - a first position in which the movable main rail section is in the active position and the first movable secondary rail section is in the inactive position; and

[0051] - a second position in which the movable main rail section is in the inactive position and the first movable secondary rail section is in the active position.

[0052] The first position is occupied in the main switch configuration, and the second position is occupied in the secondary switch configuration.

[0053] Thus, a single actuator (called additional actuator) is used to move two movable rail sections, namely the movable main rail section and the first movable secondary rail section.

[0054] In a particular embodiment, the additional actuator comprises an additional rotary motor rotating an additional motor shaft, and the movable main rail section and the first movable secondary rail section are integral with a rotary plate mechanically coupled to the additional motor shaft to pivot between a first position in which the movable main rail section is in the active position and the first movable secondary rail section is in the inactive position, and a second position in which the movable main rail section is in the inactive position and the first movable secondary rail section is in the active position.

[0055] In this way, the rotating plate forms a sort of carousel in which the movable main rail section and the first movable secondary rail section are arranged / disposed, and it is sufficient to rotate it on itself to occupy the first position or the second position, in other words to align on the upstream rail either the movable main rail section or the first movable secondary rail section.

[0056] According to one possibility, the rotary table pivots about a pivot axis which is orthogonal to the rotary table.

[0057] According to another possibility, the rotary table has a first edge on which the movable main rail section is arranged and a second edge, opposite the first edge, and on which the first movable secondary rail section is arranged, and it has two intermediate edges opposite and arranged between the first edge and the second edge, said intermediate edges being in an arc of a circle centered on the pivot axis. According to a variant, the rotary table passes from the first position to the second position, and vice versa, by a pivoting of 180 degrees, in other words a half-turn.

[0058] According to one possibility, the secondary rail comprises a static secondary rail section, and the second movable secondary rail section is interposed between the first movable secondary rail section and the static secondary rail section, and said second movable secondary rail section is aligned with the first movable secondary rail section and the static secondary rail section in its active position and is misaligned with the first movable secondary rail section and the static secondary rail section in its inactive position.

[0059] Thus, in the main switch configuration, the first movable secondary rail section and the second movable secondary rail section are both in their inactive positions and offset from the upstream rail and also from the static secondary rail section. On the other hand, in the secondary switch configuration, the first movable secondary rail section and the second movable secondary rail section are both in their active positions and are aligned both with each other and with the upstream rail and the static secondary rail section, so that the running wheels can roll over the upstream rail, then the first movable secondary rail section, then the second movable secondary rail section and finally the static secondary rail section.

[0060] Alternatively, the secondary rail comprises a static intermediate rail section that is interposed between the first movable secondary rail section and the second movable secondary rail section, wherein the first movable secondary rail section and the second movable secondary rail section are aligned with said static intermediate rail section in their respective active positions.

[0061] Thus, in the secondary switch configuration, the first movable secondary rail section and the second movable secondary rail section are both in their active positions and are aligned both with each other and with the upstream rail and the static intermediate rail section.

[0062] According to one feature, the static intermediate rail section is integral with the static main rail section.

[0063] [Brief description of the figures]

[0064] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed description below, of a non-limiting example of implementation, made with reference to the appended figures in which: [Fig 1] is a schematic perspective view of a switching system according to an example of embodiment of the invention in the main switching configuration;

[0065] [Fig 2] is a schematic top view of the switch system of Figure 1 in the main switch configuration;

[0066] [Fig 3] is a schematic top view of the switch system of Figure 1 in the main switch configuration, in a version with a friction drive system on the secondary track, and where the disengageable coupling device 9 is shown in two separate positions;

[0067] [Fig 4] is a schematic top perspective view of the switch system of Figure 1 in the secondary switch configuration, with the friction drive system(s) not shown;

[0068] [Fig 5] is a zoomed schematic view of area A of Figure 4;

[0069] [Fig 6] is a schematic perspective view from below of the switch system of Figure 1 in the secondary switch configuration, with the friction drive system(s) not shown;

[0070] [Fig 7] is a zoomed schematic view of area E of Figure 6;

[0071] [Fig 8] is a zoomed schematic view of area B of Figure 6;

[0072] [Fig 9] is a schematic perspective view from below of the switch system of Figure 1 in the main switch configuration;

[0073] [Fig 10] is a zoomed schematic view of area D of Figure 9;

[0074] [Fig 11] is a zoomed schematic view of area C of Figure 9;

[0075] [Fig 12] is a schematic top view of the switch system of Figure 1 in the main switch configuration, with the friction drive system(s) not shown;

[0076] [Fig 13] is a zoomed schematic view of area F of Figure 12;

[0077] [Fig 14] is a zoomed schematic view of area G of Figure 12;

[0078] [Fig 15] is a schematic top view of the switch system of Figure 1 in an intermediate configuration between the main switch configuration and the secondary switch configuration, the friction drive system(s) not being shown;

[0079] [Fig 16] is a zoomed schematic view of area H of Figure 15;

[0080] [Fig 17] is a zoomed schematic view of area I of Figure 15;

[0081] [Fig 18] is a schematic top view of the switch system of Figure 1 in the secondary switch configuration, with the friction drive system(s) not shown; [Fig 19] is a zoomed schematic view of area J of Figure 18;

[0082] [Fig 20] is a zoomed schematic view of area K in Figure 18.

[0083] [Detailed description of embodiments of the invention]

[0084] The figures illustrate a switching system 1 provided for a cable transport installation, also called an aerial cable transport installation and such as for example a cable car, a chairlift or a gondola, in which a transport unit (not shown) is coupled to a carrying-hauling cable. This transport unit is suspended from a disengageable coupling device 9, sometimes called a disengageable clamp.

[0085] This disengageable coupling device 9 comprises a jaw (or clamp mechanism) configured to be:

[0086] - is closed on the carrier-tractor cable so that the carrier-tractor cable tows the transport unit, the disengageable coupling device 9 is then in an engaged position between two stations and it is thus coupled to the carrier-tractor cable;

[0087] - is opened so that the disengageable coupling device 9 is uncoupled from the carrier-hauling cable, the disengageable coupling device 9 is then in a disengaged position in a station.

[0088] The disengageable coupling device 9 comprises a mechanism, for example of the lever type, which cooperates with an element of the station to open / close the jaw.

[0089] The disengageable coupling device 9 comprises running wheels 90 which can roll on rails in the station, as well as a balancing roller 91 (also called a stabilizing roller or stabilizer) which can be guided in slides in the station; the rails and the slides forming tracks.

[0090] In this case, the switching system 1 comprises an upstream track 2 comprising:

[0091] - an upstream rail 20 having a rolling surface to allow rolling of the rollers 90 of the disengageable coupling device 9, and

[0092] - an upstream slide 21 to allow guidance of the balancing roller 91 of the disengageable coupling device 9.

[0093] The rolling surface of the upstream rail 20 extends in a rolling plane which, in the illustrated example, is a horizontal plane. Thus, the rolling of the rollers 90 takes place in a horizontal plane and the guiding of the balancing roller 91 also takes place in a horizontal plane. In the illustrated example, the upstream rail 20 and the upstream slide 21 are rectilinear and thus define a linear direction of advancement for the transport unit. The upstream rail 20 and the upstream slide 21 are static and are fixed to a structure of the station.

[0094] The switching system 1 comprises a main track 3 having a main rail 30 and a main slide 31 which are curved and which extend respectively the upstream rail 20 and the upstream slide 30 in a main switching configuration (illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3, 9 and 12) of the switching system 1, in order to be able to switch the running wheels 90 and the balancing roller 91 of the disengageable coupling device 9 from the upstream track 2 to the main track

[0095] 3. This main track 3 thus forms a bend at the exit of the upstream track 2, with a tangential transition.

[0096] The switching system 1 comprises a secondary track 4 comprising a secondary rail 40 and a secondary slide 41 which are rectilinear and which respectively extend the upstream rail 20 and the upstream slide 21 in a secondary switching configuration (illustrated in Figures 4, 6 and 18) of the switching system 1 in order to be able to switch the running wheels 90 and the balancing roller 91 of the disengageable coupling device 9 from the upstream track 2 to the secondary track

[0097] 4. This secondary track 4 thus forms a straight line at the exit of the upstream track 2.

[0098] The disengageable coupling device 9 also comprises a drive shoe 92 (also called a friction shoe) which is positioned in the upper part and which is suitable for cooperating with a main friction drive system 13 provided on the main track 3 and comprising a line of motorized friction wheels 130 (for example pneumatic wheels) which move the disengageable coupling device 9 by friction along the main track 3; the motorized friction wheels 130 rotating in contact with the drive shoe 92 so as to move the disengageable coupling device 9. This line of motorized friction wheels 130 is curved so as to follow the main track 3.

[0099] In the version of Figures 1 and 2, only the main track 3 is equipped with a friction drive system, referred to above as the main friction drive system 13. Thus, on this main track 3, the transport unit is moved automatically. On the other hand, the secondary track 4 is not equipped with such a friction drive system, so that on this secondary track 4 the transport unit is moved manually, by pulling on it.

[0100] In the version of Figure 3, the secondary track 4 is also equipped with a friction drive system, called secondary friction drive system 14, which comprises a line of motorized friction wheels 140 (e.g. pneumatic wheels) which move the disengageable coupling device 9 by friction along the secondary track 4. Thus, on the secondary track 4, the transport unit is moved automatically. This line of motorized friction wheels 140 is rectilinear so as to follow the secondary track 4.

[0101] The main rail 30 successively comprises:

[0102] - a movable main rail section 32 which is curved; and

[0103] - a static main rail section 33 which is also curved.

[0104] The movable main rail section 32 is movable between:

[0105] - an active position (illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3, 9 and 12) in which the movable main rail section 32 is aligned with the upstream rail 20 and with the static main rail section 33, being joined on one side with the upstream rail 20 and on the other side with the static main rail section 33, thus ensuring continuity so that the rollers 90 of the disengageable coupling device 9 can roll from the upstream rail 20 to the static main rail section 33 via the movable main rail section 32; and

[0106] - an inactive position (illustrated in Figures 4, 6 and 18) in which the movable main rail section 32 is misaligned with the upstream rail 20 and with the static main rail section 33.

[0107] The static main rail section 33 is fixedly mounted on the station structure. The movable main rail section 32 and the static main rail section 33 have the same curvature, and for example the same radius of curvature.

[0108] It is noted that the line of motorized friction wheels 130 begins at the level of the movable main rail section 32, or even at the level of the upstream rail 20.

[0109] The main slide 31 successively comprises:

[0110] - a movable main slide section 34 which is curved; and

[0111] - a static main slide section 35 which is also curved.

[0112] The main movable slide section 34 movable between:

[0113] - an active position (illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3, 9 and 12) in which the movable main slide section 34 is aligned with the upstream slide 21 and with the static main slide section 35, thus ensuring continuity so that the balancing roller 91 of the disengageable coupling device 9 can be guided from the upstream slide 21 to the static main slide section 35 via the movable main slide section 34; and - an inactive position (illustrated in Figures 4, 6 and 18) in which the movable main slide section 34 is misaligned with the upstream slide 21 and with the static main slide section 35.

[0114] The static main slide section 35 is fixedly mounted on the station structure. The movable main slide section 34 and the static main slide section 35 have the same curvature as the static main rail section 33, and for example the same radius of curvature.

[0115] The secondary rail 40 successively comprises:

[0116] - a first section of mobile secondary rail 42 which is rectilinear;

[0117] - a static intermediate rail section 43 which is straight and in alignment with the upstream rail 40;

[0118] - a second section of movable secondary rail 44 which is rectilinear; and

[0119] - a static secondary rail section 45 which is straight and in alignment with the upstream rail 40.

[0120] The first section of movable secondary rail 42 is movable between:

[0121] - an active position (illustrated in Figures 4, 6 and 18) in which the first movable secondary rail section 42 is aligned with the upstream rail 20, being joined on one side with the upstream rail 20 and on the other side with the static intermediate rail section 43, thus ensuring continuity so that the rollers 90 of the disengageable coupling device 9 can roll from the upstream rail 20 to the static intermediate rail section 43 via the first movable secondary rail section 42; and

[0122] - an inactive position (illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3, 9 and 12) in which the first movable secondary rail section 42 is misaligned with the upstream rail 20.

[0123] It should be noted that in the example of Figure 3, the line of powered friction wheels 140 begins after the first movable secondary rail section 42. In the secondary switch configuration, the transport unit is launched using the first powered friction wheels 130 of the line of powered friction wheels 130, and then the line of powered friction wheels 140 takes over to move the transport unit onto the secondary track 4.

[0124] The line of motorized friction wheels 130 and the line of motorized friction wheels 140 are fixed and arranged side by side, and the drive shoe 92 is at the highest point of the disengageable coupling device 9 so that this drive shoe 92 can start to cooperate with the line of motorized friction wheels 130 before passing over the line of motorized friction wheels 130 in the secondary switch configuration. In the main switch configuration, the line of motorized friction wheels 140 does not hinder the passage of the drive shoe 92 over the line of motorized friction wheels 130.

[0125] The second movable secondary rail section 44 is movable between:

[0126] - an active position (illustrated in Figures 4, 6 and 18) in which the second movable secondary rail section 44 is aligned with the static intermediate rail section 43 and with the static secondary rail section 45 (and therefore also with the first movable secondary rail section 42 which is also in its active position), being joined on one side with the static intermediate rail section 43 and on the other side with the static secondary rail section 45, thus ensuring continuity so that the rollers 90 of the disengageable coupling device 9 can roll from the static intermediate rail section 43 to the static secondary rail section 45 via the second movable secondary rail section 44; and

[0127] - an inactive position (illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3, 9 and 12) in which the second movable secondary rail section 44 is misaligned with the static intermediate rail section 43 and with the static secondary rail section 45 (and also with the first secondary rail section 42 which is also in its inactive position).

[0128] The static intermediate rail section 43 and the static secondary rail section 45 are fixedly mounted on the station structure. The static intermediate rail section 43 may be integral with the static main rail section 33.

[0129] The static intermediate rail section 43 is therefore interposed between the first movable secondary rail section 42 and the second movable secondary rail section 44.In a variant, the static intermediate rail section 43 is not present and, in this case, when the first movable secondary rail section 42 is in its active position and the second movable secondary rail section 44 is also in its active position, then the second movable secondary rail section 44 is aligned with the first movable secondary rail section 42, being joined on one side with the first movable secondary rail section 42 and on the other side with the static secondary rail section 45, thus ensuring continuity so that the rollers 90 of the disengageable coupling device 9 can roll from the first movable secondary rail section 42 to the static secondary rail section 45 via the second movable secondary rail section 44.

[0130] The second movable secondary rail section 44 is therefore interposed between the first secondary rail section 42 (with the possible interposition of the static intermediate rail section 43) and the static secondary rail section 45. The secondary slide 41 is static and aligned with the upstream slide 31. This secondary slide 41 is fixedly mounted on the structure of the station.

[0131] In the main switch configuration (illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 3, 9 and 12) of the switch system 1, the movable main rail section 32 and the movable main slide section 34 are in their respective active positions, while the first movable secondary rail section 42 and the second movable secondary rail section 44 are in their respective inactive positions.

[0132] In the secondary switch configuration (illustrated in Figures 4, 6 and 18) of the switch system, the movable main rail section 32 and the movable main slide section 34 are in their respective inactive positions, and the first movable secondary rail section 42 and the second movable secondary rail section 44 are in their respective active positions.

[0133] The switch system 1 comprises two actuators 5, 6 for moving the movable main rail section 32, the movable main slide section 34, the first movable secondary rail section 42 and the second movable secondary rail section 44, including:

[0134] - an actuator 5 which is common to the second movable secondary rail section 44 and to the movable main slide section 34, so that this actuator 5 moves both the second movable secondary rail section 44 and to the movable main slide section 34; and

[0135] - an additional actuator 6 which is common to the movable main rail section 32 and to the first movable secondary rail section 42, so that this additional actuator 6 moves both the movable main rail section 32 and the first movable secondary rail section 42.

[0136] The movable main slide section 34 is pivotally mounted about a first pivot axis A1 in a bearing fixed to the structure of the station. The second movable secondary rail section 44 is pivotally mounted about a second pivot axis A2 in a bearing fixed to the structure of the station, this second pivot axis A2 being parallel to the first pivot axis A1 and offset from this first pivot axis A1.

[0137] The first pivot axis A1 and the second pivot axis A2 are both orthogonal to the rolling plane, and they are therefore vertical in the illustrated example where, as a reminder, the rolling plane is a horizontal plane.

[0138] The actuator 5 comprises a rotary motor rotating a motor shaft 50, and this motor shaft 50 is mechanically coupled either to the second movable secondary rail section 44 or to the movable main slide section 34; this motor shaft 50 extending along a motor axis parallel to the first pivot axis A1 and to the second pivot axis A2.

[0139] In the illustrated example, the drive shaft 50 is mechanically coupled to the second movable secondary rail section 44 (alternatively to the movable main slide section 34) via a connecting rod mechanism comprising an arm 51 (or return arm) fixed to the drive shaft 50 and a connecting rod 52 articulated on one side on the arm 51 and on the other side on the second movable secondary rail section 44 (alternatively on the movable main slide section 34).

[0140] This mechanical coupling by means of a connecting rod mechanism may be retained for reasons of space. Alternatively, the drive shaft 50 is directly coupled or engaged with the second movable secondary rail section 44 (alternatively to the movable main slide section 34).

[0141] The second movable secondary rail section 44 and the movable main slide section 34 are mechanically connected by a mechanical link and are thus jointly movable by this actuator 5 between the main switch configuration and the secondary switch configuration.

[0142] In the illustrated example, the second movable secondary rail section 44 and the movable main slide section 34 are mechanically connected by a connecting rod 53 (thus forming the mechanical link) having one end hinged to the second movable secondary rail section 44 and another end hinged to the movable main slide section 34.

[0143] Thus, in the main switch configuration, the second movable secondary rail section 44 is in its inactive position and is misaligned with the upstream rail 20, and the movable main slide section 34 is in its active position and is aligned with the upstream slide 21 and with the static main slide section 35.

[0144] To switch from the main switch configuration to the secondary switch configuration, the rotary motor of the actuator 5 is activated to rotate the motor shaft 50 in a first direction (counterclockwise in top view in the illustrated example), so that the motor shaft 50 pivots the second movable secondary rail section 44 about the second pivot axis A2 towards alignment with the upstream rail 20. Together with the second movable secondary rail section 44, the latter acts on the movable main slide section 34 via the link 53 (here the second movable secondary rail section 44 pushes the movable main slide section 34) so ​​that the movable main slide section 34 pivots about the first pivot axis A1 towards misalignment with the upstream slide 21 and with the static main slide section 35.

[0145] To switch from the secondary switch configuration to the main switch configuration, the rotary motor of the actuator 5 is activated to rotate the motor shaft 50 in a second direction (clockwise in top view in the illustrated example) opposite to the first, so that the motor shaft 50 pivots the second movable secondary rail section 44 about the second pivot axis A2 towards misalignment with the upstream rail 20. At the same time as the second movable secondary rail section 44, the latter acts on the movable main slide section 34 via the link 53 (here the second movable secondary rail section 44 pulls the movable main slide section 34) so ​​that the movable main slide section 34 pivots about the first pivot axis A1 towards alignment with the upstream slide 21 and with the static main slide section 35.

[0146] The movable main rail section 32 and the first movable secondary rail section 42 are integral and jointly movable by the additional actuator 6 between the main switch configuration and the secondary switch configuration.

[0147] The movable main rail section 32 and the first movable secondary rail section 42 are integral with a rotary plate 60 which pivots around a pivot axis A3 which is orthogonal to the rotary plate 60 and which is even orthogonal to the rolling plane, and therefore this pivot axis A3 is vertical in the illustrated example where, as a reminder, the rolling plane is a horizontal plane.

[0148] This rotary plate 60 has a first edge 61 on which the movable main rail section 32 is arranged / arranged (which is, as a reminder, curved) and a second edge 62, opposite the first edge 61, and on which the first movable secondary rail section 42 is arranged / arranged (which is, as a reminder, rectilinear), and it has two intermediate edges 63, 64 opposite and arranged between the first edge 61 and the second edge 62, these intermediate edges 63, 64 being in an arc of a circle centered on the pivot axis A3.

[0149] The upstream rail 20 has a concave arcuate end, complementary to the convex arcuate shape of the intermediate edges 63, 64. Similarly, the static main rail section 33 and the static intermediate rail section 43 each have a concave arcuate end, complementary to the convex arcuate shape of the intermediate edges 63, 64. These complementary shapes make it possible to have contiguous alignments in the two switch configurations, as seen in Figures 14 and 20.

[0150] The additional actuator 6 comprises an additional rotary motor rotating an additional motor shaft 65 centered on the pivot axis A3, and the rotary plate 60 is mechanically coupled to the additional motor shaft 65 to pivot between:

[0151] - a first position (visible in Figures 12 and 14) in which the movable main rail section 32 is in the active position and the first movable secondary rail section 42 is in the inactive position, this first position therefore being used in the main switch configuration; and

[0152] - a second position (visible in Figures 18 and 20) in which the movable main rail section 32 is in the inactive position and the first movable secondary rail section 42 is in the active position.

[0153] To switch from the main switch configuration to the secondary switch configuration, the rotary motor of the additional actuator 6 is activated to rotate the additional motor shaft 65 (in one direction or the other), so that the additional motor shaft 65 pivots the rotary plate 60 by 180 degrees (i.e. a half turn) so that it moves from the first position to the second position.

[0154] To switch from the secondary switch configuration to the main switch configuration, the rotary motor of the additional actuator 6 is activated to rotate the additional motor shaft 65 (in one direction or the other), so that the additional motor shaft 65 pivots the rotary plate 60 by 180 degrees (i.e. a half turn) so that it moves from the second position to the first position.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Switch system (1) for a cable transport installation intended to transport a transport unit which comprises a disengageable coupling device (9) supporting running wheels (90) and a balancing wheel (91), said switch system (1) comprising: - an upstream track (2) comprising an upstream rail (20) having a rolling surface to allow rolling of the rollers (90) of the disengageable coupling device (9) of the transport unit, and an upstream slide (21) to allow guiding of the balancing roller (91) of the disengageable coupling device (9) of the transport unit, said upstream rail (20) and said upstream slide (21) being static; - a main track (3) comprising a main rail (30) and a main slide (31) which are curved and which respectively extend the upstream rail (20) and the upstream slide (21) in a main switch configuration of the switch system (1) in order to be able to switch the transport unit from the upstream track (2) to the main track (3); - a secondary track (4) comprising a secondary rail (40) and a secondary slide (41) which respectively extend the upstream rail (20) and the upstream slide (21) in a secondary switching configuration of the switching system (1) in order to be able to switch the transport unit from the upstream track (2) to the secondary track (4); in which: - the main rail (30) successively comprises a movable main rail section (32) and a static main rail section (33), said movable main rail section (32) being movable between an active position and an inactive position, wherein said movable main rail section (32) is aligned with the upstream rail (20) and the static main rail section (33) in its active position and is misaligned with the upstream rail (20) and the static main rail section (33) in its inactive position; - the secondary rail (40) successively comprises at least a first movable secondary rail section (42) and a second movable secondary rail section (44), said first movable secondary rail section (42) being movable between an active position and an inactive position, wherein said first movable secondary rail section (42) is aligned with the upstream rail (20) in its active position and is misaligned with the upstream rail (20) in its inactive position, and said second movable secondary rail section (44) being movable between an active position and an inactive position, wherein said second movable secondary rail section (44) is aligned with the first movable secondary rail section (42) in its active position and is misaligned with the first movable secondary rail section (42) in its inactive position; - the secondary slide (41) is static and aligned with the upstream slide (21); - the main slide (31) successively comprises a movable main slide section (34) and a static main slide section (35), said movable main slide section (34) being movable between an active position and an inactive position, wherein said movable main slide section (34) is aligned with the upstream slide (21) and the static main slide section (35) in its active position and is misaligned with the upstream slide (21) and the static main slide section (35) in its inactive position; wherein in the main switch configuration of the switch system (1), the movable main rail section (32) and the movable main slide section (34) are in their respective active positions, and the first movable secondary rail section (42) and the second movable secondary rail section (44) are in their respective inactive positions;and wherein in the secondary switch configuration of the switch system (1), the movable main rail section (32) and the movable main slider section (34) are in their respective inactive positions, and the first movable secondary rail section (42) and the second movable secondary rail section (44) are in their respective active positions; and wherein the second movable secondary rail section (44) and the movable main slider section (34) are mechanically connected and jointly movable by an actuator (5) between the main switch configuration and the secondary switch configuration.; 2. Switch system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second movable secondary rail section (44) and the movable main slide section (34) are mechanically connected by a connecting rod (53) having one end hinged to the second movable secondary rail section (44) and another end hinged to the movable main slide section (34).

3. Switch system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the movable main slide section (34) is pivotally mounted about a first pivot axis (A1) and the second movable secondary rail section (44) is pivotally mounted about a second pivot axis (A2) parallel to the first pivot axis (A1).

4. A switching system (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the actuator (5) comprises a rotary motor rotating a motor shaft (50), which motor shaft (50) is mechanically coupled to the second movable secondary rail section (44) or to the movable main slide section (34).

5. Switching system (1) according to claims 3 and 4, wherein the motor shaft (50) is parallel to the first pivot axis (A1) and to the second pivot axis (A2).

6. Switch system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movable main rail section (32) and the first movable secondary rail section (42) are integral and jointly movable by an additional actuator (6) between the main switch configuration and the secondary switch configuration.

7. A switching system (1) according to claim 6, wherein the additional actuator (6) comprises an additional rotary motor rotating an additional drive shaft (65), and the movable main rail section (32) and the first movable secondary rail section (42) are integral with a rotary plate (60) mechanically coupled to the additional drive shaft (65) for pivoting between a first position in which the movable main rail section (32) is in the active position and the first movable secondary rail section (42) is in the inactive position, and a second position in which the movable main rail section (32) is in the inactive position and the first movable secondary rail section (42) is in the active position.

8. Switching system (1) according to claim 7, wherein the rotary plate (60) pivots about a pivot axis (A3) which is orthogonal to the rotary plate (60).

9. Switch system (1) according to claim 8, wherein the rotary table (60) has a first edge (61) on which the movable main rail section (32) is arranged and a second edge (62), opposite the first edge (61), and on which the first movable secondary rail section (42) is arranged, and it has two intermediate edges (63, 64) opposite and arranged between the first edge (61) and the second edge (62), said intermediate edges (63, 64) being in an arc of a circle centered on the pivot axis (A3).

10. A switch system (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the secondary rail (40) comprises a static secondary rail section (45), and the second movable secondary rail section (44) is interposed between the first movable secondary rail section (42) and the static secondary rail section (45), and said second movable secondary rail section (44) is aligned with the first movable secondary rail section (42) and the static secondary rail section (45) in its active position and is misaligned with the first movable secondary rail section (42) and the static secondary rail section (45) in its inactive position.

11. A switching system (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the secondary rail (40) comprises a static intermediate rail section (43) which is interposed between the first movable secondary rail section (42) and the second movable secondary rail section (44), wherein the first movable secondary rail section (42) and the second movable secondary rail section (44) are aligned with said static intermediate rail section (43) in their respective active positions.

12. Switch system (1) according to claim 11, wherein the static intermediate rail section (43) is integral with the static main rail section (33).

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