Disengageable coupling device for a vehicle of an aerial transport installation, comprising two pawls each in two parts

Abstract

The invention relates to a disengageable coupling device configured to couple a vehicle to a traction cable of an aerial transport installation, which device comprises two clamping jaws and two pawls (20) arranged on either side of one of the clamping jaws. Each of the pawls (20) includes a main pawl portion (21) attached to one of the clamping jaws and a free end portion (22) located opposite this clamping jaw. Each of the pawls (20) comprises a lower bearing surface configured to bear on the traction cable and an upper running surface on which rollers belonging to the aerial transport installation are able to roll. The free end portion (22) of each pawl (20) is mounted on and attached to the corresponding main pawl portion (21).

Description

[0001] Disengageable coupling device for an air transport installation vehicle comprising two needles each in two parts

[0002] Technical field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a disengageable coupling device, also called a disengageable coupling clamp, configured to couple a vehicle, for example a cable car or a chairlift, to a hauling cable of an aerial transport installation, the disengageable coupling device comprising:

[0004] - a first clamping jaw and a second clamping jaw configured to occupy a clamping configuration in which the first and second clamping jaws are configured to grip the towing cable and a release configuration in which the first and second clamping jaws are configured to release the towing cable,

[0005] - two needles arranged on either side of the first clamping jaw, each of the needles comprising a lower bearing surface configured to bear on the traction cable and an upper rolling surface on which rolling rollers belonging to the overhead transport installation are capable of rolling.

[0006] State of the art

[0007] Conventionally, an aerial transport installation comprises in particular stations, for example two in number, a hauling cable, in a closed loop and defining an outward track and a return track, and a plurality of vehicles, such as cable cars or chairlifts, configured to be coupled to the hauling cable so as to be moved by the latter between the stations and along the outward and return tracks. It should be noted that the hauling cable may be a carrier-hauling cable, that is to say a carrier cable arranged to support the vehicles during their movements between the stations. Each vehicle comprises in particular a disengageable coupling device, also called a disengageable coupling clamp, configured to couple or uncouple the respective vehicle to the hauling cable.

[0008] Each disengageable coupling device comprises two clamping jaws capable of varying, by moving one of them, a clamping configuration in which the clamping jaws are configured to grip the towing cable and a release configuration in which the clamping jaws are configured to release the towing cable.

[0009] It is also known to equip each disengageable coupling device with two needles. These needles are arranged on either side of one of the clamping jaws, and are oriented in line with each other in a longitudinal direction associated with the disengageable coupling device. Each needle has a proximal end mounted on the corresponding clamping jaw.

[0010] Each of the needles comprises a lower bearing surface configured to bear on the hauling cable and an upper rolling surface on which rolling rollers belonging to the overhead transport installation are capable of rolling. More specifically, it is intended to cooperate with the upper rolling rollers which are part of the balancers provided on each pylon of the overhead transport installation.

[0011] The general function of each needle is to cushion as much as possible the passage, during the running of the cable, of the disengageable coupling device under the rollers. In fact, the clamping jaw on which the needles are mounted represents a certain projection relative to the external surface of the hauling cable. Each needle is intended to ensure a transition as smooth, progressive, continuous and imperceptible as possible between the moment when the rollers are in contact with the external surface of the hauling cable and the moment when the rollers roll on the clamping jaw which projects.This is intended to avoid as much as possible the shocks and vibrations suffered by the rollers on the one hand, avoiding as much as possible their deterioration for this reason, and on the other hand the shocks and vibrations suffered by the disengageable coupling device, again to avoid as much as possible the shocks and vibrations but also not to deteriorate the comfort of the passengers on board the vehicles.

[0012] Such a solution is known for example from document EP3365214A1.

[0013] However, existing solutions are not yet fully satisfactory in practice.

[0014] Indeed, although it is known, as in the aforementioned document, to design needles with complex three-dimensional shapes in order to best fulfill the functions assigned to them, such needles are unfortunately of very complex shapes and are complicated and expensive to manufacture. Moreover, to facilitate their manufacture as much as possible, manufacturers can use certain materials which have the advantage of being easy to shape, but in this case the needles thus produced prove in practice to be of mediocre resistance. Indeed, as each roller passes, each needle undergoes an impact which is likely to quickly damage the needle if it does not have very high mechanical resistance. In this case it is necessary to ensure periodic maintenance of the needles and this further increases the total operating cost.

[0015] Conversely, it is known to manufacture needles from materials having high mechanical strength, but in this case it is difficult or even impossible to achieve the manufacture of needles with complex three-dimensional shapes, which means that the efficiency of these needles remains perfectible. Subject of the invention

[0016] The present invention aims to provide a disengageable coupling device which is very effective in the desired function of damping and comfort, while being economical and highly resistant to wear.

[0017] This aim can be achieved by implementing a disengageable coupling device, also called a disengageable coupling clamp, configured to couple a vehicle, for example a cable car or a chairlift, to a hauling cable of an aerial transport installation, the disengageable coupling device comprising:

[0018] - a first clamping jaw and a second clamping jaw configured to occupy a clamping configuration in which the first and second clamping jaws are configured to grip the towing cable and a release configuration in which the first and second clamping jaws are configured to release the towing cable,

[0019] - two needles arranged on either side of the first clamping jaw, each of the needles comprising a main needle part fixed to the first clamping jaw and a free end part located opposite the first clamping jaw, each of the needles comprising a lower bearing surface configured to bear on the hauling cable and an upper rolling surface on which rolling rollers belonging to the aerial transport installation are capable of rolling, in which the free end part of each needle is attached to and fixed to the respective main needle part.

[0020] These provisions advantageously ensure that a main needle part can be designed with a complex shape particularly suited to absorbing shocks between the rollers and the clutch coupling device, with, if necessary, a complex three-dimensional shape suited to this function, while providing high strength for the entire needle thanks to a clever design of the free end part. In particular, it is possible, for example, to make the free end part stronger than the main needle part. Furthermore, this makes these two parts replaceable, making it possible to change the free end part if necessary in the event of wear without having to change the entire needle. Such a needle remains economical both in manufacturing and during operation.

[0021] Some preferred but non-limiting aspects are, in addition, the following.

[0022] Each main needle part is made of a first material, and each free end part is made of a second material that is different from the first material. These arrangements make it possible to adapt the material used for the main needle part and the material for the free end part to their respective functions: for example, it is possible to choose a material that is as easy as possible to work for the main needle part in order to obtain complex three-dimensional shapes suitable for the damping function, and to choose an economical and very resistant material for the free end part in order to limit as much as possible its wear and the need for replacement.

[0023] The second material has a higher mechanical strength than the first material.

[0024] These provisions have the same advantages as previously mentioned. This results in a better match between the material used locally for the manufacture of a given part, depending on the need and the technical functions that these parts must fulfill.

[0025] Each free end part is metallic, for example steel. Such a material has the advantage of being very strong and very economical.

[0026] Each main part of the needle is made of plastic, and can be obtained, for example, by injection molding. Such a material has the advantage of being able to easily and inexpensively obtain complex three-dimensional shapes, without real design limitations.

[0027] The free end portion comprises an assembly member, for example a male assembly member, configured to cooperate with an assembly element, for example a female assembly element, provided on the respective main needle portion. These arrangements ensure very easy assembly and disassembly between the main needle portion and the free end portion.

[0028] The free end portion of each needle comprises two lateral support projections spaced laterally from each other so as to delimit between them a receiving notch. These arrangements make it possible to properly match the shape of the roller when the latter begins to overlap the free end portion, by a certain complementarity of shapes between the shape delimited between the lateral support projections and the receiving notch on the one hand, and the shape delimited by the periphery of the roller on the other hand, ultimately guaranteeing a smooth and jolt-free transition during this overlap.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, each lateral support projection has a rounded free end. Once again, these arrangements ensure a smooth and seamless transition when the free end portion is overlapped by the roller.

[0030] The two lateral support projections of each needle are located on either side of a median longitudinal plane of the respective needle. This results in a perfect positioning of these two lateral support projections on either side of the median longitudinal plane of a roller, ensuring good centering and transverse relative positioning of the roller with respect to the needle at the time of overlapping of the free end part.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main needle portion of each needle has a height which decreases towards the free end portion. These arrangements ensure a smooth, gradual and continuous transition, at the moment when the roller overlaps the main needle portion.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the free end portion of each needle has a height which decreases towards its free end. These arrangements ensure a smooth, progressive and continuous transition, at the moment when the roller overlaps the free end portion.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the lower bearing surface of each needle is concave and curved in a plane transverse to the longitudinal direction in which said needle extends. These arrangements guarantee a complementarity of shape and a good adaptation between the external shape of the traction cable and the lower bearing surface.

[0034] The upper rolling surface portion provided on each main needle part is shaped to have a longitudinal top edge of rectilinear shape. These arrangements ensure a smooth, gradual and continuous transition when the roller overlaps the main needle part.

[0035] Alternatively to the preceding paragraph, or even more advantageously in combination, the upper rolling surface provided on each needle has a width that varies along the longitudinal direction of said needle. These arrangements ensure that the rolling surface can create contact areas with the roller that vary as the roller travels along the upper rolling surface, thus creating a specific path of the roller that is not straight in a median longitudinal median plane of the needle.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the variation in the width of the upper rolling surface is configured so that the path followed by the rolling roller during its rolling on the upper rolling surface is curved substantially in an S shape with successively, in a direction going from the free end portion towards the first and second clamping jaws, a first sector where this path has a positive curvature then a second sector where this path has a negative curvature. The presence of this first sector with positive curvature makes it possible to ensure a very continuous and progressive transition, without jolts, during the overlap of the rolling roller from the free end portion, up to an inflection point.From this inflection point, the presence of this second sector with negative curvature then ensures a very continuous and progressive transition, without jolts, when the roller passes from the inflection point to the upper rolling surface provided on one of the clamping jaws.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the variation in the width of the upper rolling surface is such that the upper rolling surface successively presents, in a direction going from the first and second clamping jaws towards the free end part:

[0038] - a first section along which the width increases progressively and continuously,

[0039] - a second section along which the width decreases progressively and continuously,

[0040] - a third section along which the width increases progressively and continuously as it approaches the free end part.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first clamping jaw or the second clamping jaw comprises a rolling surface forming, with the upper rolling surfaces of the two needles, a continuous rolling surface for rollers belonging to the overhead transport installation. These arrangements guarantee a smooth and jerk-free transition for the roller during the transition from the needle to the clamping jaws, and vice versa.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper rolling surface portion of the main switch part of each switch forms, together with the upper rolling surface portion of the free end part, a continuous rolling surface for rollers belonging to the overhead transport installation. These arrangements ensure a smooth and jerk-free transition for the roller during the passage from the free end part to the main switch part, and vice versa.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first clamping jaw is static and is mechanically connected to the two needles. This advantageously makes it possible to reduce the moving mass, reducing the energy requirements and the necessary resistance of the parts.

[0044] Summary description of the drawings

[0045] Other aspects, aims, advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear better on reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0046] Figure 1 shows in perspective an example of a disengageable coupling device according to the invention.

[0047] Figure 2 shows one of the needles used in the disengageable coupling device of Figure 1, in a disassembled condition. Figure 3 shows a side view of the needle of Figure 2, in an assembled condition. Figure 4 shows a top view of the needle of Figure 3.

[0048] Figure 5 shows, in sectional view along the section plane [AA] of Figure 4, the needle of Figure 3.

[0049] Figure 6 shows a side view of detail B of Figure 5.

[0050] Figure 7 shows in perspective the main needle part used in the needle of the previous Figures.

[0051] Figure 8 schematically represents the contact interface between the needle and a roller at different longitudinally staggered locations.

[0052] Figure 9 shows the detail of a roller in a situation just before the free end part of the needle overlaps.

[0053] Figure 10 shows the detail of a roller in a situation at the beginning of the overlap of the free end part of the needle.

[0054] Figure 11 shows the detail, seen along the section plane [CC], of Figure 10.

[0055] Figure 12 shows a view along the longitudinal direction of the disengageable coupling device of the preceding Figures, the first and second clamping jaws being in the clamping position.

[0056] Figure 13 shows a view along the longitudinal direction of the disengageable coupling device of the preceding Figures, the first and second clamping jaws being in the released position.

[0057] Detailed description

[0058] In the Figures and in the remainder of the description, the same references represent identical or similar elements. In addition, the different embodiments and variants are not mutually exclusive and can be combined with each other.

[0059] The invention relates to a disengageable coupling device 10, also called a disengageable coupling clamp, configured to couple a vehicle (not shown), for example a cable car or a chairlift, to a hauling cable of an aerial transport installation.

[0060] An aerial transport installation comprises in particular stations, for example two in number, a hauling cable 100 (Figure 11), in a closed loop and defining an outward track and a return track, and a plurality of vehicles, such as cable cars or chairlifts, configured to be coupled to the hauling cable so as to be moved by the latter between the stations and along the outward and return tracks. It should be noted that the hauling cable 100 may be a carrier-hauling cable, that is to say a carrier cable arranged to support the vehicles during their movements between the stations. The disengageable coupling device 10 is intended to equip each vehicle to couple or uncouple the respective vehicle to the hauling cable 100.

[0061] Each disengageable coupling device 10 comprises a main body 11 connected to a hanger (not shown in the Figures) for supporting the respective vehicle. Each disengageable coupling device 10 also comprises a first clamping jaw 12 fixedly mounted relative to the respective main body 11, and a clamping element 13 comprising a second clamping jaw 14, the clamping element 13 being hingedly mounted on the respective main body 11 between a clamping position (Figure 12) in which the respective first and second clamping jaws 12, 14 are configured to grip the towing cable 100 such that the respective vehicle can be moved by the towing cable 100, and a release position (Figure 13) in which the respective first and second clamping jaws 12, 14 are configured to release the towing cable 100.Each clamping element 13 is in particular moved into the release position at the entrance to a station in order to ensure a disengagement of the respective vehicle, and thus a disconnection of the respective vehicle from the towing cable 100, and is moved into the clamping position at the exit from a station in order to ensure a connection of the respective vehicle to the towing cable 100.

[0062] Each disengageable coupling device 10 also comprises an actuating lever 15 configured to actuate a movement of the respective clamping element 13 between the clamping and release positions. The actuating lever 15 of each disengageable coupling device 10 is hingedly mounted on the respective main body 11 between a first lever position in which the respective clamping element 13 is in the clamping position, and a second lever position in which the respective clamping element 13 is in the release position. Each disengageable coupling device 10 also comprises a clutch / release roller 16 rotatably mounted on the respective actuating lever 15.

[0063] Each disengageable coupling device 10 also comprises two guide rollers 17 mounted to move in rotation on the respective main body 11, and a drive element 18, for example a drive shoe or crosspiece, comprising a plurality of notches 19.

[0064] For a good understanding of the following, an orthogonal reference (X, Y, Z) is associated with the disengageable coupling device 10, in which: the X direction is a longitudinal direction corresponding overall to the direction in which the traction cable 100 will be intended to extend relative to the disengageable coupling device 10 and in which the guide rollers 17 are offset relative to each other, the Y direction is a lateral direction in which the two clamping jaws 12, 14 are offset relative to each other and corresponding overall to an essentially horizontal direction in use, oriented perpendicular to the traction cable 100, the Z direction is the transverse direction jointly perpendicular to the X and Y directions.

[0065] It can be seen in Figure 1 that each drive element 18 is elongated and extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction X of the respective disengageable coupling device 10.

[0066] The disengageable coupling device 10 also comprises two needles 20 arranged on either side of the first clamping jaw 12.

[0067] The general function of each needle 20 is to cushion as much as possible the passage, during the running of the hauling cable 100, of the disengageable coupling device 10 under the rolling rollers 50 (Figures 9, 10, 11) which equip the balancers of the pylons of the aerial transport installation. Indeed, the clamping jaw 12 on which the needles 20 are mounted represents a certain projection relative to the external surface of the hauling cable 100. Each needle 20 is intended to ensure a transition as smooth, progressive, continuous and imperceptible as possible between the moment when the rolling rollers 50 are in contact with the external surface of the hauling cable 100 and the moment when the rolling rollers 50 roll on the clamping jaw 12 which projects.This is intended to avoid as much as possible the shocks and vibrations suffered by the rollers 50 on the one hand, avoiding as much as possible their deterioration for this reason, and on the other hand the shocks and vibrations suffered by the disengageable coupling device 10, again to avoid as much as possible the shocks and vibrations but also not to deteriorate the comfort of the passengers on board the vehicles.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the first clamping jaw 12 is static relative to the main body 11 and is mechanically connected to the two needles 20. The second clamping jaw 14 can be movable relative to the first clamping jaw 12, while being static relative to the actuating lever 15.

[0069] Each of the needles 20 comprises a main needle part 21 fixed to the first clamping jaw 12 and a free end part 22 located opposite the first clamping jaw 12. Each of the needles 20 comprises a lower bearing surface 23 configured to bear on the hauling cable 100 and an upper rolling surface 24 on which the rolling rollers 50 belonging to the aerial transport installation are capable of rolling.

[0070] Thus, the upper rolling surface 24 comprises an upper rolling surface portion 24a secured to the main needle part 21 and an upper rolling surface portion 24b secured to the free end part 22. Similarly, the lower bearing surface 23 comprises a lower bearing surface portion secured to the main needle part 21 and a lower bearing surface portion secured to the free end part 22.

[0071] The free end portion 22 of each needle 20 is attached to, and secured to, the respective main needle portion 21. Thus, the needle 20 may occupy an assembled state (Figure 3) in which the free end portion 22 is attached to, and secured to, the main needle portion 21, or a disassembled state in which the free end portion 22 and the main needle portion 21 are separate and independent.

[0072] According to a non-limiting embodiment, each main needle portion 21 is made of a first material, and each free end portion 22 is made of a second material which is different from the first material.

[0073] Preferably, the second material has a mechanical resistance greater than that of the first material.

[0074] Thus, according to a non-limiting embodiment, the Young's modulus of the second material is strictly greater than the Young's modulus of the first material.

[0075] According to another alternative or combined embodiment, the hardness (for example the Vickers hardness, under identical conditions) of the second material is strictly greater than the hardness of the first material.

[0076] According to a non-limiting embodiment, each free end portion 22 is metallic, and for example made of steel. Each free end portion 22 is for example obtained by a foundry process.

[0077] According to a non-limiting embodiment, each main needle part 21 is, on the other hand, made of plastic, and can for example be obtained by injection molding.

[0078] With reference to Figure 2, the free end portion 22 comprises an assembly member 25 configured to cooperate with an assembly element 26 provided on the respective main needle portion 21. In particular, the manner of making them cooperate corresponds to a positioning between the assembly member 25 and the assembly element 26 by a relative movement in the longitudinal direction X, this movement in a first direction allowing the needle 20 to pass from the assembled state to the disassembled state, the movement in the opposite direction allowing the needle 20 to pass from the disassembled state to the assembled state.

[0079] For example, in the variant shown, the assembly member 25 is a male assembly member and the assembly element 26 is a female assembly element. It is however possible to provide an inverted configuration not shown in which the assembly member 25 is a female assembly member and the assembly element 26 is a male assembly element. The assembly member 25 may be held in place relative to the assembly element 26 by force fitting or by suitable snap-fastening elements carried respectively by the assembly member 25 and the assembly element 26.

[0080] As can be seen in Figures 2 and 4, the free end portion 22 of each needle 20 comprises two lateral support projections 27a, 27b spaced laterally from each other so as to delimit between them a receiving notch 28. The two lateral support projections 27a, 27b project essentially along the longitudinal direction X and are offset relative to each other in the lateral direction Y.

[0081] According to one embodiment of the invention, seen in a plane (X, Z), each lateral support projection 27a, 27b has a rounded free end.

[0082] Preferably, the two lateral support projections 27a, 27b of each needle 20 are located on either side of a median longitudinal plane P (Figure 4) of the respective needle 20.

[0083] Preferably, as can now be deduced from Figures 3 and 5, the upper rolling surface portion 24a provided on each main needle part 21 is shaped so as to have a longitudinal top edge 29 of rectilinear shape. The longitudinal top edge 29 is inclined in the median longitudinal plane P, going from top to bottom while advancing along the needle 20 in a direction going from the clamping jaw 12 towards the free end part 22.

[0084] According to one embodiment of the invention, as can also be seen in Figures 3 and 5, the main needle portion 21 of each needle 20 has a height (counted along the transverse direction Z) which decreases as it approaches the free end portion 22.

[0085] Preferably, as can be seen in Figures 5 and 6, the free end portion 22 of each needle 20 also has a height (counted along the transverse direction Z) which decreases towards its free end.

[0086] As can be deduced from Figures 2, 7 and 11, according to one embodiment, the lower bearing surface 23 of each needle 20 is concave and curved, in any transverse plane (Y, Z) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X in which the needle 20 extends. This shape will preferably be adapted, by complementarity of shapes, to that of the traction cable 100.

[0087] In order to limit the quantity of material, the weight, while providing structural reinforcements in the well-known manner of ribs, each main needle part 21 may comprise a plurality of recesses 30 staggered along the longitudinal direction X. These recesses 30 are generally formed where the lower bearing surface portion 23 is not present, and they open onto the lower face opposite (seen in the direction Z) to the upper rolling surface portion 24a.

[0088] Referring now to Figure 4, the upper rolling surface 24 provided on each needle 20 preferably has a width 31 which varies along the longitudinal direction X of the needle 20. Preferably, these arrangements will be adopted at the same time as providing the presence of the longitudinal top edge 29 of rectilinear shape.

[0089] Preferably, the variation in the width 31 of the upper rolling surface 24 is configured so that the trajectory followed by a rolling roller 50 during its rolling on the upper rolling surface 24 is curved substantially in an S shape with successively, in a direction going from the free end part 22 towards the first and second clamping jaws 12, 14, a first sector where this trajectory has a positive curvature then a second sector where this trajectory has a negative curvature.

[0090] To achieve this result, according to one embodiment, the variation of the width 31 of the upper rolling surface 24 is such that the upper rolling surface 24 successively presents, in a direction going from the first and second clamping jaws 12, 14 towards the free end part (22):

[0091] - a first section T1 along which the width 31 increases progressively and continuously,

[0092] - a second section T2 along which the width 31 decreases progressively and continuously,

[0093] - a third section T3 along which the width 31 increases progressively and continuously as it approaches the free end part 22.

[0094] The various details marked 32i (i varying from 1 to 9) locally illustrate the contact between the upper rolling surface 24 and a portion of the bearing roller 50, at different locations i (i varying from 1 to 9) spaced out regularly along the longitudinal direction X. While it can be seen, in these details 32i, that the rolling roller 50 is of identical shape each time, it can be seen that the contact interface between the upper rolling surface 24 and the rolling roller 50 changes when moving from one location to another. More precisely, when moving from location 1 to location 5, it can be seen that the contact interface is progressively more and more centered on the median plane of the rolling roller 50 (which means that it is increasingly positioned above the upper rolling surface 24).On the other hand, moving from location 5 to location 9, it can be seen that the contact interface is progressively less and less centered on the median plane of the roller 50 and on the contrary moves further and further away towards its lateral flanks (which means that it is less and less positioned above the upper rolling surface 24). This results in the creation of a first sector where the trajectory of the roller 50 has a positive curvature and then a second sector where this trajectory has a negative curvature, despite the presence of the top edge 29 of rectilinear shape.

[0095] According to an embodiment of the invention visible in Figure 1, the first clamping jaw 12 or the second clamping jaw 14 comprises a rolling surface 33 forming, with the upper rolling surfaces 24 of the two needles 20, a continuous rolling surface for the rolling rollers 50 belonging to the air transport installation.

[0096] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper rolling surface portion 24a of the main needle part 21 of each needle 20 forms, with the upper rolling surface portion 24b of the free end part 22, a continuous rolling surface 24 for the rolling rollers 50.

[0097] Figures 9 and 10 show the detail of a roller 50 respectively in a situation just before the overlap of the free end portion 22 of the needle 20 and then in a situation at the start of the overlap of the free end portion 20 of the needle 20. By adding Figure 11, it can be seen that at the moment when the roller 50 begins to overlap the free end portion 22, the roller 50 fits the free end portion 22 thanks to a good complementarity of shapes between the shape delimited between the lateral support projections 27a, 27b and the receiving notch 28 on the one hand, and the shape delimited by the periphery of the roller 50 on the other hand, ultimately guaranteeing a smooth and jolt-free transition during this overlap.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Disengageable coupling device (10), configured to couple a vehicle to a towing cable (100) of an aerial transport installation, the disengageable coupling device (10) comprising: - a first clamping jaw (12) and a second clamping jaw (14) configured to occupy a clamping configuration in which the first and second clamping jaws (12, 14) are configured to grip the traction cable (100) and a release configuration in which the first and second clamping jaws (12, 14) are configured to release the traction cable (100), - two needles (20) arranged on either side of the first clamping jaw (12), each of the needles (20) comprising a main needle part (21) fixed to the first clamping jaw (12) and a free end part (22) located opposite the first clamping jaw (12), each of the needles (20) comprising a lower bearing surface (23) configured to bear on the traction cable (100) and an upper rolling surface (24) on which rolling rollers (50) belonging to the air transport installation are capable of rolling, in which the free end part (22) of each needle (20) is attached to, and fixed to, the respective main needle part (21).

2. A disengageable coupling device (10) according to claim 1, wherein each main needle portion (21) is made of a first material, and each free end portion (22) is made of a second material which is different from the first material.

3. A disengageable coupling device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the second material has a mechanical strength greater than that of the first material.

4. A disengageable coupling device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each free end portion (22) is metallic.

5. A disengageable coupling device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each main needle portion (21) is made of plastic.

6. Disengageable coupling device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the free end portion (22) comprises an assembly member (25), configured to cooperate with an assembly element (26), provided on the respective main needle portion (21).

7. Disengageable coupling device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, in which the free end portion (22) of each needle (20) comprises two lateral support projections (27a, 27b) spaced laterally from each other so as to delimit between them a receiving notch (28).

8. Disengageable coupling device (10) according to claim 7, wherein the two lateral support projections (27a, 27b) of each needle (20) are located on either side of a median longitudinal plane (P) of the respective needle (20).

9. Disengageable coupling device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the upper rolling surface portion (24a) provided on each main needle part (21) is shaped so as to have a longitudinal top edge (29) of rectilinear shape.

10. A disengageable coupling device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the upper rolling surface (24) provided on each needle (20) has a width (31) which varies along the longitudinal direction (X) of said needle (20).

11. Disengageable coupling device (10) according to claim 10, wherein the variation in the width (31) of the upper rolling surface (24) is configured so that the path followed by the rolling roller (50) during its rolling on the upper rolling surface (24) is curved substantially in an S shape with successively, in a direction going from the free end part (22) towards the first and second clamping jaws (12, 14), a first sector where this path has a positive curvature then a second sector where this path has a negative curvature.

12. Disengageable coupling device (10) according to one of claims 10 or 11, in which the variation in the width (31) of the upper rolling surface (24) is such that the upper rolling surface (24) successively presents, in a direction going from the first and second clamping jaws (12, 14) towards the free end part (22): - a first section (T1) along which the width (31) increases progressively and continuously, - a second section (T2) along which the width (31) decreases progressively and continuously, - a third section (T3) along which the width (31) increases progressively and continuously as it approaches the free end part (22).

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