Automatic and guided system for transporting people and method for controlling transport modules running in such a system

A system for automatic and guided transport of people, the system comprising:

• at least one running track having means for guiding transport modules, each transport module being constituted by a single self-propelled vehicle or a self-propelled vehicle associated with one or more other transport vehicles;
• an electric power supply system comprising a sequence of power supply blocks;
• electric self-propelled transport modules travelling individually along the running track and fitted with means for collecting electric power supplied by the power supply blocks;
• and
• electric power distribution means comprising switch means which supply said electric power to the various power supply blocks and which are controlled by a central control unit managing the progress of the transport modules by causing the various power supply blocks to be powered or unpowered, the presence of a transport module on a power supply block preventing power being applied to one or more blocks situated behind the block that is occupied so as to maintain a safety distance between the various transport modules travelling independently along the track,
• the system being characterized in that said transport modules are provided with fixed onboard functions controlling starting acceleration, cruising speed, and deceleration, both while slowing down and while braking, of the transport module, said fixed onboard functions being actuated as a function of the presence or absence of a voltage on one or more electric power supply conductors, said transport modules moving automatically along the track when the collector means are electrically powered, and including brake means that come into operation when the collector means are no longer powered with electricity.