(19)
(11)EP 3 115 084 B1

(12)EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45)Mention of the grant of the patent:
11.12.2019 Bulletin 2019/50

(21)Application number: 15175912.3

(22)Date of filing:  08.07.2015
(51)International Patent Classification (IPC): 
A62B 35/00(2006.01)
A63B 69/00(2006.01)
A63B 29/02(2006.01)
A63B 71/00(2006.01)

(54)

SELF BELAY ARRANGEMENT FOR CLIMBING APPLICATIONS

SELBSTSICHERUNGSANORDNUNG FÜR KLETTERANWENDUNGEN

AGENCEMENT DE SÉCURITÉ AUTOMATIQUE POUR DES APPLICATIONS D'ESCALADE


(84)Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

(43)Date of publication of application:
11.01.2017 Bulletin 2017/02

(73)Proprietor: Safety Engineering Ltd.
Sofia 1784 (BG)

(72)Inventors:
  • PETROV, Dimitar Mihaylov
    1712 Sofia (BG)
  • TAPANKOV, Martin Nikolaev
    8801 Sliven (BG)

(74)Representative: Okoampah, Rene et al
df-mp Dörries Frank-Molnia & Pohlman Patentanwälte Rechtsanwälte PartG mbB Theatinerstraße 16
80333 München
80333 München (DE)


(56)References cited: : 
WO-A1-2011/089535
US-A- 6 083 142
FR-A1- 2 972 361
  
      
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description


    [0001] The present invention relates to a self belay arrangement for fall arrest systems, in particular for climbing applications, comprising a locking device, to which a rope is attachable, and a connector element, which is performed to be attached to a safety harness of a user and to which the locking device is coupled when the user intends to climb up a climbing wall, a ladder or other extending structures.

    PRIOR ART



    [0002] US 6,083,142 A1 discloses a climbing arrangement with a climbing wall, and a user is secured by a rope in order to prevent the user falling off the wall. The rope is guided via guide pulleys, and the pulleys are mounted on top of the wall, and the wall arrangement comprises an auto-belay device for a permanent tensioning of the rope. When the user releases the wall, the auto-belay device secures the user and lifts down the user to the ground with a controlled down-lifting rate. By means of the auto-belay device the rope is permanent pre-stressed with a minimum force in order to tense the rope into the -usually- vertical direction. In the case when the user is standing on the ground in front of the climbing wall, and the user releases the locking device to which the rope is attached, the rope and the locking device travel to the pulley on the top of the wall due to the base-force generated by the auto-belay device. Accordingly, the locking device must be pulled down again, which case has to be prevented advantageously.

    [0003] Usually the user connects the locking device to the connector element, which is fixed to the safety harness of the user. The connecting and the disconnecting happen by hand in a generally well known manner, and in unlucky cases the user releases the rope with the locking device. Even if the locking device is fixed to a fixing element in the bottom area of the climbing wall, the case is not entirely preventable that the user releases the locking device, which is pre-stressed by the auto-belay device, and thus the rope travels upwards in an uncontrolled manner.

    [0004] FR 2 972 361 A1 discloses a self-belay arrangement for fall arrest systems, in particular for climbing applications, comprising a locking device, to which a rope is attachable, and a connector element, which is performed to be attached to a safety harness of a user and to which the locking device is coupled when the user intends to climb up a climbing wall, a ladder or other extending structures, wherein a retainer element is provided. Unfortunately, it is not possible to avoid the situation that both the element L and the element M can be disconnected from the locking device. For climbing applications with a self-belay system, the situation is possible that the locking device gets lost.

    [0005] WO 2011/089535 A1 discloses a safety system with two carabiners hung to a belay element for climbing purposes, wherein two carabiners are provided which are attachable to the personal safety belt of a user connecting each other by an inextensible cable which allow a first carabiner to be open when the second carabiner is closed, and vice-versa. The situation is not avoided that both cables C are removable from both mouths of the carabiners.

    [0006] US 6,083,142 A1 discloses a climbing device with a self-belay arrangement for fall arrest systems, and the arrangement is attached to a mobile climbing wall. This document thus represents a basic prior art to which self-belay arrangements are attachable.

    [0007] Moreover, standard self-belay arrangements comprise locking devices which can be disconnected from a connector element as a part of the safety harness of the user at any time, in particular unintentional and for example on high, which is dangerous and the user is to prevent from this situation.

    [0008] Moreover, standard self belay arrangements can be unintentionally connected to a wrong accessory loop or piece of clothing or so instead to the proper connector element as a part of the safety harness of the user, which is dangerous and the user is to prevent from this situation.

    [0009] NZ 610838 A shows a sequential connector.

    DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION



    [0010] Thus, the invention has the objective to eliminate the above mentioned disadvantages. In particular, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a self belay arrangement, which avoids connection to a wrong element or releasing of the locking device and the rope, respectively.

    [0011] This objective is achieved by a self belay arrangement as taught by claim 1 and as taught by a method according to claim 8. A preferred embodiment of the invention is defined by the subclaims.

    [0012] The invention relates to a retainer element, whereas the retainer element is performed to hold the locking device when the connector element is detached from the locking device and whereas the retainer element interacts with the locking device in such a manner that the connector element must be coupled to the locking device in order to disconnect the locking device from the retainer element. The core idea of the inventive self belay arrangement is the permanent received situation in use of the locking device to which the rope is attached. The locking device is either connected to the retainer element when it is not in use or the locking device is attached to the connecter element in use, which is performed to be attached to the safety harness of the user. As a result, the situation is prevented to connect to a wrong element of the harness or to the clothing or to release the locking device being pulled up to the top of the climbing wall by means of the auto-belay device. This situation is prevented because the connector element must be coupled to the locking device first, and only after coupling the connector element to the locking device, the locking device can be disconnected from the retainer element. In the same way the locking device is only detachable from the connector element after attaching the locking device to the retainer element.

    [0013] Another advantage of the self belay arrangement according to the invention is an advanced safety of the user, because the locking device cannot be decoupled from the connector element when the user is on high. In particular the user cannot disconnect the rope from the safety harness in an unintended manner, in particular the user can not disconnect the rope from the safety harness when the user does not have the retainer element to his disposal. As a consequence by means of the inventive provision of the retainer element the safety of fall arrest systems is enhanced. Moreover, the locking device can only be disconnected from the retainer element when the connection between the locking device and the connector element is performed correctly. Accordingly, the user may not be released from the retainer element (at the bottom) and cannot ascend a wall or the like with an incorrect connection between the rope and his safety harness.

    [0014] As a principle, the self belay arrangement is permanently connected to a fall arrest device, which is performed either by the retainer element or by the connector element. The retainer element is permanently connected to any type of an access blocking fixture, for example formed by a holding bar which is situated in the bottom area of the climbing wall and in particular in a height above the ground, corresponding to the height of the connector element which is attached to the safety harness of the user. According to another requirement, the connector element must be permanently attached to the safety harness of the user, either directly or by means of a flexible member.

    [0015] According to the invention the locking device features a receiving mouth for receiving the connector element when the connector element is coupled to the locking device, and the locking device features a retainer opening for retaining at least a part of the retainer element when the locking device is attached to the retainer element.

    [0016] The receiving mouth forms a first opening of the locking device in order to receive the connector element, the retainer opening features a receiving means for at least a part of the retainer element forming a kind of a key, which key releases the connector element from the locking device when the locking device is attached to the retainer element, and a third opening, in the sense of completeness, the locking device can feature an opening to attach the rope to the locking device.

    [0017] According to the invention the locking device features securing means, whereas the securing means are movable arranged in the locking device to secure and release a connector element to or from the locking device, whereas the securing means are performed to interact with the retainer element. In particular, the retainer element features a key element, whereas when the locking device is attached to the retainer element, the key element extends into the retainer opening of the locking device for interacting with the securing means. The securing means can be blocked or released by the key element by extending the key element into the retainer opening or by retracting the key element out of the retainer opening. In the same way, the securing means secure and release the connector element, depending on the key element extending into the retainer opening or the key element, which is retracted out of the retainer opening.

    [0018] Yet another improvement embodied in the present invention is a connector element which features at least one profiled section, whereas the profiled section interacts with the securing means when the connector element is connected to the locking device. The interaction is performed in such a way that the securing means release the locking device from the retainer element only when the connector element is coupled to the locking device.

    [0019] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention the locking device comprises at least one locking anchor, whereas the locking anchor is formed to interact with the securing means and with the key element of the retainer element, when the locking device is attached to the retainer element. In particular, the locking device comprises two locking anchors and each locking anchor may feature a first section for interacting with the key element and may feature a second section for interacting with the securing means.

    [0020] According to another advantage, the locking anchor is received within the locking device via a hinge and is biased by means of a spring element. The spring element biases the locking anchor into an engaging situation with the securing means and only when the key element of the retainer element is inserted into the retainer opening, the key element moves the locking anchor from the engaging situation into the securing means into a releasing situation against the biased force of the spring element.

    [0021] According to an advantageous design of the securing means, the securing means comprises at least one rotating disc, in particular two or preferred three rotating discs, whereas the rotating disc features a notch in which the locking anchor inserts, when the locking device is disconnected from the retainer element. The movability of the at least one rotating disc within the locking device concerns a rotating movement, which is blocked by engaging the locking anchor into the notch, which notch is for example arranged in the outer circumference of the at least one rotating disc.

    [0022] Yet another improvement embodied in the present invention is a key element, which features an undercut geometry so that the key element holds within the retainer element due to an interaction of the undercut geometry with the locking anchor. This leads to the advantage that the locking device cannot be disconnected from the retainer element until the connector element is coupled to the locking element and releases the key element. The release of the key element by means of the connector element attached to the locking device bases on the profiled section of the connector element, which functions as a key and the at least one rotating disc functions as a latch element. The releasing of the key element which is interconnected with the locking anchor bases on a pre-defined rotating position or the at least one rotating disc. Only when the connector element is inserted into the receiving mouth of the locking device, the rotating disc turns into the releasing position and the key element gets released by the locking anchor, because the section of the locking anchor is allowed to engage into the notch within the rotating disc. For this engagement, the rotating disc needs a pre-defined rotating position, namely when the notch is aligned with the engaging section of the locking anchor.

    [0023] The present invention is also directed to a method for connecting and disconnecting a locking device to and from a connector element of a self belay arrangement arrangement for fall arrest systems, in particular for climbing applications, whereas a rope is attached to the locking device for securing a user during climbing and whereas the connector element is attached to a safety harness of the user, whereas the method comprises at least the following steps: providing a retainer element which holds the locking device when the connector element is disconnected from the locking device, coupling the connector element to the locking device, and automatic releasing of the locking device from the retainer element due to the coupling of the connector element to the locking device. Further features and dedicated advantages which are described in conjunction with the self belay arrangement are also applicable to the inventive method as described above.

    [0024] According to an improvement of the method the connector element causes a release of the interconnection between the locking device and the retainer element when the connector element is attached to the locking device. According to another advantage, the retainer element causes a release of the interconnection between the locking device and the connector element when the locking device is attached to the retainer element.

    [0025] The aforementioned components as well as the claimed components and the components to be used in accordance with the invention in the described embodiments are not subject to any special exceptions with respect to their size, shape, material selection and technical concept such that the selection criteria known in the pertinent field can be applied without limitations.

    PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION



    [0026] Additional details, characteristics and advantages of the subject matter of the invention are disclosed in the subclaims and the following description of the respective figures, which show preferred embodiments in an exemplary fashion of the subject matter according to the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures, in which:
    Figure 1
    shows an overall view of a climbing wall with a self belay arrangement in front of the climbing wall,
    Figure 2
    shows a detailed view of the self belay arrangement according to the circled detail depicted in figure 1,
    Figure 3
    shows a detailed view of the main components of the self belay arrangement,
    Figure 4
    shows a detailed view of the locking device,
    Figure 5
    shows a detailed view of the connector element and
    Figure 6
    shows a detailed view of the retainer element.


    [0027] Figure 1 shows an overall view of a climbing wall 13 and with a self belay arrangement 1 for holding the rope 11 in a stand-by position. The self belay arrangement 1 provides the rope 11 for connecting to the connector element of a user, whereas the rope 11 is pre-stressed with a base-force by an auto-belay device 28 on the back-side of the climbing wall 13. The rope 11 stays securely locked to the holding bar 27 until a user connects a connector element to the self belay arrangements 1 as described in conjunction with figure 2 following in detail.

    [0028] Figure 2 shows a detailed view of the self belay arrangement 1 as a connecting arrangement of the rope 11 to the holding bar 27. The locking device 10 is attached to the rope 11 and the locking device 10 is also attached to a retainer element 14, which is connected to the holding bar 27 by means of an additional holding element. Moreover a connector element 12 is shown, which is inserted into a receiving mouth 15 of a locking device 10. Once the connector element 12 is fully inserted into the receiving mouth 15, the locking device 10 can be detached from the retainer element 14 and the locking device 10 in a secured conjunction with the connector element 12 is released to be removed out of the way.

    [0029] Once removed from the situation as depicted in figure 2, the locking device 10 and the connector element 12 cannot be separated until the device is inserted firmly back into the retainer element 14, thus forming a secure connection between the fall arrest device and the users harness (not shown) while the locking device 10 is detached from the retainer element.

    [0030] In other words, the connector element 12 functions as a key to release the interconnection between the locking device 10 and the retainer element 14 when the connector element 12 is attached to the locking device. In the same manner the retainer element 14 functions as a key to release the interconnection between the locking device 10 and the connector element 12, when the locking device 10 is attached to the retainer element 14.

    [0031] As a result, the user is constantly secured either by blocking the access or by safely connecting them to a fall arrest device, given by the auto-belay device 28 in arrangement with the climbing wall 13.

    [0032] The locking device 10 features a retainer opening 16 next to the receiving mouth 15 for receiving the connector element 12, and the retainer opening 16 is performed to receive at least a part of the retainer element 14 as described in conjunction with figure 3 below.

    [0033] Figure 3 shows a flying view of the locking device 10 in between the connector element 12 and the retainer element 14. The locking device 10 features the receiving mouth 15 in which securing means 17 are arranged, moreover locking device 10 features the retainer opening 16 for receiving a key element 18 which is a part of the retainer element 14.

    [0034] The connector element 12 features a profiled section 19 and when the connector element 12 is inserted into the receiving mouth 15, the profiled section 19 interacts with the securing means 17. The interaction between the profiled section 19 with the securing means 17 leads to a blocking or releasing of the key element 18 within the retainer opening 16, and only when the profiled section 19 interacts with the securing means 17, the key element 18 can be withdrawn out of the retainer opening 16 of the locking device 10.

    [0035] Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of the locking device 10 that can be used to climb a wall, a ladder or other extending structure and which may be fixed to a rope. The locking device 10 includes a number of plates 30, whereas a number of base plates 30 are situated in between two outer plates 30, which house the entirety of the device 10. The securing means 17 are formed by rotating discs 23 and a third rotating disc 24 which is situated between the two outer rotating discs 23. The discs 23 and 24 prevent the disengaging of the connector element 12 when the blocking device 10 is not arranged at the retainer element 14. A set of locking anchors 20 and their respective spring elements 22 are used to lock the position of the discs 23 and 24 when the locking device 10 is disengaged from the retainer element 14. That locking anchors 20 are activated by means of the key element 18 when the locking device 10 is inserted into the retainer element 14. Said locking anchors 20 when in opened position prevent detachment of the locking device 10 from the retainer element 14. Only one locking anchor 20 is sufficient to prevent detachment of the locking device 10 from the retainer element 14, but, as the embodiment shows, a second locking anchor is added for additional safety. The openings in the plates 30, forming the retainer opening 16, see figure 3, are formed in a small slot shape so that the retainer opening 16 cannot be manipulated by hand of the user without using a specialized tool or insert the device 10 into the retainer element 14.

    [0036] When the locking device 10 is arranged at the retainer element 14, the rotating discs 23 and 24 can be rotated freely by hand or other implement, however that locking device 10 can be removed from the retainer element 14 only if the rotating discs 23 and 24 are rotated at a specific angle insured by the geometry features of the profiled section 19 arranged at the connector element 12. The three discs 23 and 24 thus form a kind of a cipher lock.

    [0037] A positioning pin 31 and a dedicated spring is used to arrange the discs 23 and 24 at the unlocking position to facilitate an easier insertion of the connector element 12 when the locking device 10 is situated at the retainer element 14.

    [0038] Figure 5 illustrates the embodiment of the connector element 12 for use with the locking device 10. That connector element 12 consists of a standard readily available quick link karabiner 34 designed and manufactured as per EN362 and/or EN12275, or corresponding standards for personal protective equipment. Two jaws 32 are attached permanently to that karabiner 34 by means of screw elements 33 or other permanent connection means, either detachable or non-detachable. The external geometry of the profiled section 19 are such that they are compatible with the rotating discs 23 and 24 of the locking device 10 by means when fully inserted into the receiving mouth 15 of the locking device 10 to arrange the rotating discs 23 and 24 so the two locking anchors 20 can lock the rotating discs 23 and 24 in closed position and release the locking device 10 from the retainer element 14. Accordingly, the interconnection between the profiled section 19 of the connector element 12 and the rotating discs 23 and 24 functions according to a key-lock-principal.

    [0039] Finally figure 6 illustrates a detailed flying view of the parts of the retainer element 14 comprising a base plate 36, an ejection plate 35 and dedicated spring elements 37, which biase the ejection plate 35 in a pre-stressing direction. Moreover, the retainer element 14 comprises a shuffle pin 38 and the key element 18 which features an undercut geometry 26.

    [0040] The ejection plate 35 in conjunction with the spring elements 37 is used to eject the locking device 10 when the connector element 12 is fully inserted into the receiving mouth 15 of the locking device 10. The shuffle pin 38 is performed to shuffle the rotating discs 23 and 24 when the locking device 10 is fully inserted and consequently firmly depressed in the said retainer element 14. the key element 18 has a special geometry which is described as an undercut geometry 26 that gives two functions: From the one side to unlock the locking anchors 20 when the locking device 10 is inserted in the retainer element 14 and from another side to prevent the locking device 10 to be removed from that retainer element 14 by means of jamming in two locking anchors 20 unless they are fully inserted into the dedicated notches 25 in the rotating discs 23 and 24 (see figure 4), which only happens when that connector element 12 is fully inserted into the locking device 10.

    [0041] The present invention is not limited by the embodiment described above, which is represented as an example only and can be modified in various ways within the scope of protection defined by the appending patent claims.

    List of numerals



    [0042] 
    1
    Self belay arrangement
    10
    locking device
    11
    rope
    12
    connector element
    13
    climbing wall
    14
    retainer element
    15
    receiving mouth
    16
    retainer opening
    17
    securing means
    18
    key element
    19
    profiled section
    20
    locking anchor
    21
    hinge
    22
    spring element
    23
    rotating disc
    24
    rotating disc
    25
    notch
    26
    undercut geometry
    27
    holding bar
    28
    auto-belay device
    29
    connecting eye
    30
    plate
    31
    positioning pin
    32
    jaw
    33
    screw element
    34
    karabiner
    35
    ejection plate
    36
    base plate
    37
    spring element
    38
    shuffle pin



    Claims

    1. A self belay arrangement (1) for fall arrest systems, in particular for climbing applications, comprising

    - a locking device (10), to which a rope (11) is attachable, and

    - a connector element (12), which is performed to be attached to a safety harness of a user and to which the locking device (10) is coupled when the user intends to climb up a climbing wall (13), a ladder or other extending structures,

    - a retainer element (14) is provided, whereas the retainer element (14) is performed to hold the locking device (10) when the connector element (12) is detached from the locking device (10),
    wherein the locking device (10) features a receiving mouth (15) for receiving the connector element (12) when the connector element (12) is coupled to the locking device (10), and wherein the locking device (10) features a retainer opening (16) for retaining at least a part of the retainer element (14) when the locking device (10) is attached to the retainer element (14),
    wherein the locking device (10) features securing means (17), whereas the securing means (17) are movable arranged in the locking device (10) to secure and release the connector element (12) to or from the locking device (10), whereas the securing means (17) are performed to interact with the retainer element (14),
    wherein the securing means (17) comprises at least one rotating disc (23, 24),
    wherein in case the locking device (10) is arranged at the retainer element (14), the rotating disc (23, 24) can be rotated freely,
    wherein the locking device (10) can be removed from the retainer element (14) only if the rotating disc (23, 24) is rotated at a specific angle insured by the connector element (12),
    the securing means (17) is configured to automatically release the interconnection between the locking device (10) and the retainer element (14) when the connector element (12) has rotated the at least one rotating disc (23, 24) at the specific angle by means of a single insertion movement, and
    wherein the securing means (17) is further configured to automatically release the interconnection between the locking device (10) and the connector element (12) when at least part of the retainer element (14) is inserted into the retainer opening (16) of the locking device (10) so that the at least one rotating disc (23, 24) can rotate freely by means of a single insertion movement.


     
    2. A self belay arrangement (1) according to claim 1,
    characterized in that the retainer element (14) features a key element (18), whereas when the locking device (10) is attached to the retainer element (14), the key element (18) extends into the retainer opening (16) of the locking device (10) for interacting with the securing means (17).
     
    3. A self belay arrangement (1) according to claim 2,
    characterized in that the connector element (12) features at least one profiled section (19), whereas the profiled section (19) interacts with the securing means (17) in such a way that the securing means (17) release the locking device (10) from the retainer element (14) only when the connector element (12) is coupled to the locking device (10).
     
    4. A self belay arrangement (1) according to claim 2 or 3,
    characterized in that the locking device (10) comprises at least one locking anchor (20), whereas the locking anchor (20) is formed to interact with the securing means (17) and with the key element (18) of the retainer element (14), when the locking device (10) is attached to the retainer element (14).
     
    5. A self belay arrangement (1) according to claim 4,
    characterized in that the locking anchor (20) is received within the locking device (10) via a hinge (21) and is biased by means of a spring element (22).
     
    6. A self belay arrangement (1) according to one of the claims 2 to 5,
    characterized in that the securing means (17) comprise at least one rotating disc (23, 24), whereas the rotating disc (23, 24) features a notch (25), in which the locking anchor (20) inserts, when the locking device (10) is disconnected from the retainer element (14).
     
    7. A self belay arrangement (1) according to claim 4 to 6,
    characterized in that the key element (18) features an undercut geometry (26), so that the key element (18) holds within the retainer opening (16) due to an interaction of the undercut geometry (26) with the locking anchor (20).
     
    8. Method for connecting and disconnecting a locking device (10) to and from a connector element (12) of a self belay arrangement (1) for fall arrest systems, in particular for climbing applications, whereas a rope (11) is attached to the locking device (10) for securing a user during climbing and whereas the connector element (12) is attached to a safety harness of the user, wherein the locking device (10) features securing means (17), whereas the securing means (17) are movably arranged in the locking device (10) to secure and release the connector element (12) to or from the locking device (10), whereas the securing means (17) are performed to interact with the retainer element (14),
    wherein the securing means (17) comprises at least one rotating disc (23, 24),
    wherein in case the locking device (10) is arranged at the retainer element (14), the rotating disc (23, 24) can be rotated freely,
    wherein the locking device (10) can be removed from the retainer element (14) only if the rotating disc (23, 24) is rotated at a specific angle insured by the connector element (12), wherein the method comprises at least the following steps:

    - providing a retainer element (14) which holds the locking device (10) when the connector element (12) is disconnected from the locking device (10),

    - coupling the connector element (12) to the locking device (10) by inserting the connector element (12) into a receiving mouth (15) of the locking device (10), so that the rotating disc (23, 24) is rotated at a specific angle by means of a single insertion movement,

    - automatically releasing the locking device (10) from the retainer element (14) due to the rotation of the disc (23, 24) at a specific angle .


     
    9. A method according to claim 8, characterized in that the connector element (12) causes a release of the interconnection between the locking device (10) and the retainer element (14) when the connector element (12) is fully inserted into the receiving mouth (15) of the locking device (10) by means of a single insertion movement, so that the at least one rotating disc (23, 24) can rotate freely.
     
    10. A method (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that retainer element (14) causes a release of the interconnection between the locking device (10) and the connector element (12) when at least part of the retainer element (14) is inserted into a retainer opening (16) of the locking device (10) by means of a single insertion movement.
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Selbstsicherungsanordnung (1) für Sturzauffangsysteme, insbesondere für Kletteranwendungen, umfassend

    - eine Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10), an der ein Seil (11) befestigbar ist, und

    - ein Verbindungselement (12), das ausgeführt ist, um an einem Sicherheitsgurt eines Benutzers befestigt zu werden und an das die Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) gekoppelt ist, wenn der Benutzer beabsichtigt, eine Kletterwand (13), eine Leiter oder andere sich erstreckende Strukturen hoch zu klettern,

    - ein Halteelement (14) zum Halten der Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10), wenn das Verbindungselement (12) von der Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) gelöst ist,
    wobei die Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) eine Aufnahmeöffnung (15) aufweist, um das Verbindungselement (12) aufzunehmen, wenn das Verbindungselement (12) mit der Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) gekoppelt ist, und wobei die Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) eine Halteöffnung (16) zum Halten mindestens eines Teils des Halteelements (14) aufweist, wenn die Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) an dem Halteelement (14) befestigt ist,
    wobei die Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) ein Sicherungsmittel (17) aufweist, wobei die Sicherungsmittel (17) in der Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) bewegbar angeordnet sind, um das Verbindungselement (12) an oder von der Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) zu sichern und zu lösen, wobei die Sicherungsmittel (17) ausgeführt sind, um mit dem Halteelement (14) zusammenzuwirken,
    wobei die Sicherungsmittel (17) mindestens eine rotierbare Scheibe (23, 24) umfassen, wobei, sofern die Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) am Halteelement (14) angeordnet ist, die rotierende Scheibe (23, 24) frei gedreht werden kann,
    wobei die Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) nur dann vom Halteelement (14) entfernt werden kann, wenn die rotierende Scheibe (23, 24) um einen bestimmten Winkel gedreht wird, der durch das Verbindungselement (12) gesichert ist, wobei die Sicherungsmittel (17) dazu konfiguriert sind, die Verbindung zwischen der Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) und dem Halteelement (14) automatisch freizugeben, wenn das Verbindungselement (12) die mindestens eine rotierende Scheibe (23, 24) mittels einer einzigen Einführbewegung um den spezifischen Winkel gedreht hat, und
    wobei die Sicherungsmittel (17) ferner dazu konfiguriert sind, die Verbindung zwischen der Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) und dem Verbindungselement (12) automatisch freizugeben, wenn mindestens ein Teil des Halteelements (14) in die Halteöffnung (16) der Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) eingeführt ist, so dass sich die mindestens eine rotierende Scheibe (23, 24) mittels einer einzigen Einführbewegung frei drehen kann.


     
    2. Selbstsicherungsanordnung (1) nach Anspruch 1,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Halteelement (14) ein Schlüsselelement (18) aufweist, wobei, wenn die Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) an dem Halteelement (14) befestigt ist, sich das Schlüsselelement (18) in die Halteöffnung (16) der Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) erstreckt, um mit den Sicherungsmitteln (17) zu interagieren.
     
    3. Selbstsicherungsanordnung (1) nach Anspruch 2,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Verbindungselement (12) mindestens einen profilierten Abschnitt (19) aufweist, während der profilierte Abschnitt (19) mit den Sicherungsmitteln (17) auf solch eine Weise zusammenwirkt, dass die Sicherungsmittel (17) die Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) nur dann vom Halteelement (14) löst, wenn das Verbindungselement (12) mit der Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) gekoppelt ist.
     
    4. Selbstsicherungsanordnung (1) nach Anspruch 2 oder 3,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) mindestens einen Verriegelungsanker (20) umfasst, wobei der Verriegelungsanker (20) ausgebildet ist, um mit den Sicherungsmitteln (17) und mit dem Schlüsselelement (18) des Halteelements (14) zusammenzuwirken, wenn die Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) an dem Halteelement (14) befestigt ist.
     
    5. Selbstsicherungsanordnung (1) nach Anspruch 4,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Verriegelungsanker (20) innerhalb der Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) über ein Scharnier (21) aufgenommen und mittels eines Federelements (22) vorgespannt ist.
     
    6. Selbstsicherungsanordnung (1) nach einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 5,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Sicherungsmittel (17) mindestens eine rotierende Scheibe (23, 24) umfassen, wobei die rotierende Scheibe (23, 24) eine Kerbe (25) aufweist, in die sich der Verriegelungsanker (20) einsetzt, wenn die Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) vom Halteelement (14) getrennt ist.
     
    7. Selbstsicherungsanordnung (1) nach Anspruch 4 bis 6,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Schlüsselelement (18) eine Hinterschnitt-Geometrie (26) aufweist, so dass das Schlüsselelement (18) aufgrund einer Wechselwirkung der Hinterschnitt-Geometrie (26) mit dem Verriegelungsanker (20) in der Halteöffnung (16) hält.
     
    8. Verfahren zum Verbinden und Trennen einer Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) an und von einem Verbindungselement (12) einer Selbstsicherungsanordnung (1) für Sturzsicherungssysteme, insbesondere für Kletteranwendungen, wobei an der Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) ein Seil (11) zur Sicherung eines Benutzers beim Klettern befestigt wird und wobei das Verbindungselement (12) an einem Sicherheitsgurt des Benutzers befestigt wird, wobei die Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) Sicherungsmittel (17) aufweist, wobei die Sicherungsmittel (17) bewegbar in der Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) angeordnet sind, um das Verbindungselement (12) an oder von der Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) zu sichern und zu lösen,

    wobei die Sicherungsmittel (17) so ausgeführt sind, dass sie mit dem Halteelement (14) zusammenwirken, wobei die Sicherungsmittel (17) mindestens eine rotierende Scheibe (23, 24) umfassen, wobei, sofern die Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) am Halteelement (14) angeordnet ist, die rotierende Scheibe (23, 24) frei gedreht werden kann,

    wobei die Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) nur dann aus dem Halteelement (14) entfernt werden kann, wenn die rotierende Scheibe (23, 24) um einen bestimmten, durch das Verbindungselement (12) gesicherten Winkel gedreht wird,

    wobei das Verfahren mindestens die folgenden Schritte umfasst:

    - Bereitstellen eines Halteelements (14), das die Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) hält, wenn das Verbindungselement (12) von der Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) getrennt wird,

    - Koppeln des Verbindungselements (12) mit der Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) durch Einsetzen des Verbindungselements (12) in eine Aufnahmeöffnung (15) der Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10), so dass die rotierende Scheibe (23, 24) durch eine einzige Einführbewegung um einen bestimmten Winkel gedreht wird,

    - automatisches Lösen der Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) vom Halteelement (14) durch Drehen der Scheibe (23, 24) um einen bestimmten Winkel.


     
    9. Verfahren nach Anspruch 8,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Verbindungselement (12) ein Lösen der Verbindung zwischen der Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) und dem Halteelement (14) bewirkt, wenn das Verbindungselement (12) mittels einer einzigen Einführbewegung vollständig in die Aufnahmeöffnung (15) der Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) eingeführt wird, so dass sich die mindestens eine rotierende Scheibe (23, 24) frei drehen kann.
     
    10. Verfahren (1) nach Anspruch 8 oder 9,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Halteelement (14) ein Lösen der Verbindung zwischen der Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) und dem Verbindungselement (12) bewirkt, wenn mindestens ein Teil des Halteelements (14) mittels einer einzigen Einführbewegung in eine Halteöffnung (16) der Verriegelungsvorrichtung (10) eingesetzt wird.
     


    Revendications

    1. Dispositif d'auto-assurage (1) pour des systèmes anti-chute, en particulier pour des applications d'escalade, comprenant

    - un dispositif de verrouillage (10), auquel une corde (11) est attachable, et

    - un élément de raccordement (12), qui est destiné à être attaché à un harnais de sécurité d'un utilisateur et auquel le dispositif de verrouillage (10) est couplé lorsque l'utilisateur a l'intention d'escalader un mur d'escalade (13), une échelle ou d'autres structures d'extension,

    - un élément de retenue (14) est prévu, dans lequel l'élément de retenue (14) est destiné à maintenir le dispositif de verrouillage (10), lorsque l'élément de raccordement (12) est détaché du dispositif de verrouillage (10),
    dans lequel le dispositif de verrouillage (10) comporte une embouchure de réception (15) pour recevoir l'élément de raccordement (12) lorsque l'élément de raccordement (12) est couplé au dispositif de verrouillage (10), et dans lequel le dispositif de verrouillage (10) comporte une ouverture de retenue (16) pour retenir au moins une partie de l'élément de retenue (14) lorsque le dispositif de verrouillage (10) est attaché à l'élément de retenue (14),
    dans lequel le dispositif de verrouillage (10) comporte des moyens de sécurisation (17), dans lequel les moyens de sécurisation (17) sont agencés de manière à pouvoir se déplacer dans le dispositif de verrouillage (10) pour fixer l'élément de raccordement (12) au dispositif de verrouillage (10) et pour le libérer de celui-ci, dans lequel les moyens de sécurisation (17) sont destinés à interagir avec l'élément de retenue (14),
    dans lequel les moyens de sécurisation (17) comprennent au moins un disque de rotation (23, 24),
    dans lequel, dans le cas où le dispositif de verrouillage (10) est agencé à l'élément de retenue (14), le disque de rotation (23, 24) peut être tourné librement,
    dans lequel le dispositif de verrouillage (10) peut être enlevé de l'élément de retenue (14) uniquement si le disque de rotation (23, 24) est tourné à un angle spécifique assuré par l'élément de raccordement (12),
    les moyens de sécurisation (17) sont configurés pour libérer automatiquement l'interconnexion entre le dispositif de verrouillage (10) et l'élément de retenue (14) lorsque l'élément de raccordement (12) a tourné l'au moins un disque de rotation (23, 24) à l'angle spécifique au moyen d'un mouvement d'insertion unique, et
    dans lequel les moyens de sécurisation (17) sont en outre configurés pour libérer automatiquement l'interconnexion entre le dispositif de verrouillage (10) et l'élément de raccordement (12) lorsqu'au moins une partie de l'élément de retenue (14) est insérée dans l'ouverture de retenue (16) du dispositif de verrouillage (10) de sorte que l'au moins un disque de rotation (23, 24) puisse tourner librement au moyen d'un mouvement d'insertion unique.


     
    2. Dispositif d'auto-assurage (1) selon la revendication 1,
    caractérisé en ce que l'élément de retenue (14) comporte un élément de clé (18), dans lequel, lorsque le dispositif de verrouillage (10) est attaché à l'élément de retenue (14), l'élément de clé (18) s'étend dans l'ouverture de retenue (16) du dispositif de verrouillage (10) pour interagir avec les moyens de sécurisation (17).
     
    3. Dispositif d'auto-assurage (1) selon la revendication 2,
    caractérisé en ce que l'élément de raccordement (12) comporte au moins une section profilée (19), dans lequel la section profilée (19) interagit avec les moyens de sécurisation (17) de sorte que les moyens de sécurisation (17) libèrent le dispositif de verrouillage (10) de l'élément de retenue (14) uniquement lorsque l'élément de raccordement (12) est couplé au dispositif de verrouillage (10).
     
    4. Dispositif d'auto-assurage (1) selon la revendication 2 ou 3,
    caractérisé en ce que le dispositif de verrouillage (10) comprend au moins un ancrage de verrouillage (20), dans lequel l'ancrage de verrouillage (20) est formé pour interagir avec les moyens de sécurisation (17) et avec l'élément de clé (18) de l'élément de retenue (14), lorsque le dispositif de verrouillage (10) est attaché à l'élément de retenue (14).
     
    5. Dispositif d'auto-assurage (1) selon la revendication 4,
    caractérisé en ce que l'ancrage de verrouillage (20) est reçu à l'intérieur du dispositif de verrouillage (10) par l'intermédiaire d'une charnière (21) et est précontraint au moyen d'un élément de ressort (22).
     
    6. Dispositif d'auto-assurage (1) selon l'une des revendications 2 à 5,
    caractérisé en ce que les moyens de sécurisation (17) comprennent au moins un disque de rotation (23, 24), dans lequel le disque de rotation (23, 24) comporte une encoche (25) dans laquelle l'ancrage de verrouillage (20) est inséré lorsque le dispositif de verrouillage (10) est débranché de l'élément de retenue (14).
     
    7. Dispositif d'auto-assurage (1) selon les revendications 4 à 6,
    caractérisé en ce que l'élément de clé (18) comporte une géométrie à contre-dépouille (26), de sorte que l'élément de clé (18) reste à l'intérieur de l'ouverture de retenue (16) sous l'effet d'une interaction de la géométrie à contre-dépouille (26) avec l'ancrage de verrouillage (20).
     
    8. Procédé de connexion et déconnexion un dispositif de verrouillage (10) à et d'un élément de raccordement (12) d'un dispositif d'auto-assurage (1) pour des systèmes anti-chute, en particulier pour des applications d'escalade, dans lequel une corde (11) est attachée au dispositif de verrouillage (10) pour assurer un utilisateur pendant l'escalade et dans lequel l'élément de raccordement (12) est attaché à un harnais de sécurité de l'utilisateur, dans lequel le dispositif de verrouillage (10) comporte des moyens de sécurisation (17), dans lequel les moyens de sécurisation (17) sont agencés de manière à pouvoir se déplacer dans le dispositif de verrouillage (10) pour fixer l'élément de raccordement (12) au dispositif de verrouillage (10) et pour le libérer de celui-ci, dans lequel les moyens de sécurisation (17) sont destinés à interagir avec l'élément de retenue (14),
    dans lequel les moyens de sécurisation (17) comprennent au moins un disque de rotation (23, 24),
    dans lequel, dans le cas dans lequel le dispositif de verrouillage (10) est agencé à l'élément de retenue (14), le disque de rotation (23, 24) peut être tourné librement,
    dans lequel le dispositif de verrouillage (10) peut être enlevé de l'élément de retenue (14) uniquement si le disque de rotation (23, 24) est tourné à un angle spécifique assuré par l'élément de raccordement (12),
    dans lequel le procédé comprend au moins les étapes suivantes :

    - la fourniture d'un élément de retenue (14) qui maintient le dispositif de verrouillage (10) lorsque l'élément de raccordement (12) est débranché du dispositif de verrouillage (10),

    - le couplage de l'élément de raccordement (12) au dispositif de verrouillage (10) par l'insertion de l'élément de raccordement (12) dans une embouchure de réception (15) du dispositif de verrouillage (10), de sorte que le disque de rotation (23, 24) soit tourné à un angle spécifique au moyen d'un mouvement d'insertion unique,

    - la libération automatique du dispositif de verrouillage (10) de l'élément de retenue (14) sous l'effet de la rotation du disque (23, 24) à un angle spécifique.


     
    9. Procédé selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que l'élément de raccordement (12) provoque une libération de l'interconnexion entre le dispositif de verrouillage (10) et l'élément de retenue (14) lorsque l'élément de raccordement (12) est entièrement inséré dans l'embouchure de réception (15) du dispositif de verrouillage (10) au moyen d'un mouvement d'insertion unique, de sorte que l'au moins un disque de rotation (23, 24) puisse tourner librement.
     
    10. Procédé (1) selon la revendication 8 ou 9, caractérisé en ce que l'élément de retenue (14) provoque une libération de l'interconnexion entre le dispositif de verrouillage (10) et l'élément de raccordement (12) lorsqu'au moins une partie de l'élément de retenue (14) est insérée dans une ouverture de retenue (16) du dispositif de verrouillage (10) au moyen d'un mouvement d'insertion unique.
     




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    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



    This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

    Patent documents cited in the description