VERTICAL LIFELINE FOR ELEVATED WORK

Description

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention refers to a vertical lifeline having a cable for elevated work, wherein the lifeline comprises an upper anchoring system for anchoring the cable, which enables the user to gradually stop in the event of a fall, and prevents injuries to the user, absorbing part of the impact when the a prevention device is locked, so that the user does not have to absorb the entire impact.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Lifelines for vertical work are known in the state of the art, especially when said work is performed at great heights, such as in inner staircases in wind turbine towers, telecommunication towers, buildings undergoing rehabilitation, or in any vertical work requiring climbing through any climbing means, which may be manual, such as stairs, or mechanical, such as elevators. These lifelines guarantee the safety of the users in the event that they fall from great heights.

[0003] Known lifelines incorporate a cable that is arranged parallel to the climbing system, so that the users are anchored to said cable with some locking means that are capable of being released by easy manipulation to slide through the cable, thus enabling the user to climb, but also, if the user gets detached from the elevation system, said user will remain attached to the cable without falling.

[0004] Said lifeline's cable should be safely anchored to the upper part, since this is the point that must bear the weight of the cable and the entire load attached to said cable.

[0005] For that purpose, there is the solution featured in the Spanish Utility Model having publication number ES1055904U, which discloses an anchor for a lifeline in a vertical ladder, of the type comprising an upper suspension fastener in order to hang a cable at the front of the ladder to be used, wherein the suspension fastener consists of a "U" shape piece, whose lateral branches are provided with two slits open from the end, while the central branch features an opening in the central area from which the lifeline's cable fastener is established, the piece being thereby arranged in a coupling anchor, by means of its lateral branches, over some attachment plates of the ladder in the installation assembly.

[0006] Attached to said anchor or upper anchoring system is the cable to which a fall prevention device is coupled, to which, in turn, some anchoring means are attached where the user hooks the body harness. The fall prevention device is movable along the cable and can be locked/unlocked along said cable by the user during the process of climbing or descending the vertical ladder.

[0007] The aforementioned upper anchoring system for the cable may cause injuries for the user if the latter falls, due to the rigidity of said system, since the area of the user's body where the body harness is attached must instantly absorb all of the impact resulting from the fall prevention device being locked.

[0008] Besides, the systems known in the state of the art do not allow instantly informing of the user's fall, with the subsequent delay in establishing an appropriate rescue and/or safety plan in the event it becomes necessary.

[0009] Furthermore, said systems have the disadvantage of breaking the safety chain during the operation of attaching or detaching the fall prevention device.

[0010] In particular, document CA2181858 discloses a vertical lifeline for elevated work according to the preamble of claim 1, comprising: an upper anchoring system arranged in the upper part of an installation; a lower anchoring system arranged on the lower part of the installation; and a cable, anchored to the anchoring systems, and configured both so as to be fastened to a user, as well as so as to be attached to a fall prevention device, wherein the upper anchoring system further comprises an energy absorption system enabling a gradual stop in the event of a fall.

[0011] Additionally document US2011/094839 discloses an energy absorption system comprising: a movable body which is movable with respect to the upper anchoring system, wherein said movable body is attached to the cable; at least a breakable section comprised in the movable body; wherein the movable body has the shape of a plate and is rotatable around an articulation that is present in the upper anchoring system; and a surface, adjacent to the upper anchoring system, for actuating the breakable section(s).

[0012] The lifeline of the present invention solves all of the previously discussed disadvantages.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention refers to a vertical lifeline for elevated work which comprises an upper anchoring system arranged on the upper part of the installation where the lifeline is arranged and a lower anchoring system placed on the lower part of said installation, wherein these systems enable the attachment of a cable to which a fall prevention device, which moves along the cable where the user is attached by a body harness or similar device, is coupled.

[0014] The cable's upper anchoring system further comprises an energy absorption system to gradually stop the user in the event of a fall and to prevent injuries to said user, since said energy absorption system takes on part of the impact when the fall prevention device is locked, so that the user does not have to absorb the entire impact.

[0015] The cable's upper anchoring system further comprises a secondary anchor point for the attachment of at least one user during the fall prevention system's lock and unlock operations, which prevents the safety chain from being broken, ensuring that the user is attached to the lifeline at all times throughout the use of the installation.

[0016] The lifeline further comprises some fall detection means which enable to instantly inform of the user's fall, with the subsequent advantages that arise from quickly being able to establish an appropriate rescue and/or safety plan in the event that it becomes necessary.

[0017] The lifeline for elevated work may be used in essentially vertical installations, i.e., which features a certain slope with respect to the vertical, but which fulfill the same aforementioned function.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] To complement the description being made and in order to help better understand the features of the invention, according to a preferred embodiment thereof, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of said description, wherein the following is shown as way of illustration but not limited to:

Figure 1.- Shows a perspective view of the vertical lifeline for elevated work of the present invention, installed over a vertical ladder.

Figures 2 to 5.- Show a sectioned detailed view of the upper anchoring system in different positions of the energy absorption system.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0019] In light of the figures, described below is a preferred embodiment of the lifeline of the present invention which comprises an upper anchoring system (1) arranged on the upper part of the installation (17) and a lower anchoring system (3) arranged on the lower part of the installation (17), these anchoring systems (1, 3) enabling to anchor a cable (4) to which a fall prevention device (5) is attached which is movable along the cable (4) and to which, in turn, some attachment means (6) are fixed, which in this preferred embodiment is a hook going through an opening of the fall prevention device (5), where the user is fastened.

[0020] The cable's upper anchoring system (1) comprises, in turn, an energy absorption system (2) which enables the gradual stop of the user in the event of a fall, where said energy absorption system (2) comprises a movable body (7) which is movable with respect to the upper anchoring system (1) and which is attached to the cable (4), the movable body (7) comprising at least one breakable section (8) which enables the user's gradually stop in the event of a fall.

[0021] The movable body (7) has the shape of a plate which is articulated at the upper anchoring system (1), so that in the event of a fall, the movable body (7) rotates around an articulation (9) that is present in the upper anchoring system (1), a surface (18) rigidly coupled to the upper anchoring system (1) thereby actuating at least a breakable section (8) in the movable body (7).

[0022] Preferably, the movable body (7) comprises three breakable sections (8) which gradually break during the fall depending on the user's weight.

[0023] The cable's upper anchoring system (1) further comprises a secondary anchor point (10) for attaching the user during the lock and unlock operations of the fall prevention device (5), this secondary anchoring point (10) being fixed to a lateral of the upper anchoring system (1).

[0024] The lifeline further comprises some fall detection means (11) which comprise a safety electronic sensor which is placed in contact with the movable body (7) when said movable body (7) is in a stand-by position, Figure 2, and is separated from said movable body (7) when said movable body moves with respect to the upper anchoring system (1) or rotates around the articulation (9) featured in said upper anchoring system (1), Figures 3 to 5, so that it sends an alarm signal which may be integrated into the security protocol of the PLC monitoring the installation. This way, the PLC may send the alarm to the communications center and/or the rescue teams in order to implement a safety plan.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the installation (17) is a ladder, where the upper anchoring system (1) is attached to the three upper steps (12) of said ladder, which prevents any risk of said upper anchoring system (1) moving with respect to the ladder.

[0026] The cable (4) is connected to the upper anchoring system (1) with a bezel and a thimble, without the possibility of using with single pieces.

[0027] The lower anchoring system (3) comprises a tensioner (13), a pretension indicator (14) and a fixing device (15) for fixing the cable (4) by using screws, where said lower anchoring system (3) is attached to the two lower steps (16) of the ladder.

Claims

1. Vertical lifeline for elevated work which comprises:

- an upper anchoring system (1) arrangeable in the upper part of the installation (17);

- a lower anchoring system (3) arrangeable on the lower part of the installation (17); and

- a cable (4) anchored to the anchoring systems, said cable (4) being configured both so as to be fastened to the user and so as to be attached to a fall prevention device (5); and

- an energy absorption system (2) located in the upper anchoring system (1) for enabling the gradual stop of the user in the event of a fall;

characterized in that the energy absorption system (2) comprises:

- a movable body (7) which is movable with respect to the upper anchoring system (1), wherein said movable body (7) is attached to the cable (4), and

- at least a breakable section (8) comprised in the movable body (7);

wherein the movable body (7) has the shape of a plate and is rotatable around an articulation (9) that is present in the upper anchoring system (1), where the lifeline further comprises a surface (18) rigidly coupled to the upper anchoring system (1), for actuating the breakable section(s) (8).

2. Vertical lifeline for elevated work according to claim 1, characterized in that the movable body (7) comprises three breakable sections (8).

3. Vertical lifeline for elevated work according to any of the above claims, characterized in that it further comprises a fall detection means (11).

4. Vertical lifeline for elevated work according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the fall detection means (11) comprise a safety electronic sensor configured so as to be in contact with the movable body (7) when said movable body (7) is in a stand-by position and to be separated from said movable body (7) when said movable body (7) moves with respect to the upper anchoring system (1).

5. Vertical lifeline for elevated work according to any of the above claims, characterized in that the upper anchoring system (1) of the cable further comprises a secondary anchoring point (10) for attaching the user lock and unlock operations of the fall prevention device (5).

6. Vertical lifeline for elevated work according to claim 5, characterized in that the secondary anchoring point (10) is fixed to a lateral of the upper anchoring system (1).

7. Vertical lifeline for elevated work according to any of the above claims, characterized in that the cable (4) is connected to the upper anchoring system (1) with a bezel and a thimble.

8. Vertical lifeline for elevated work according to any of the above claims, characterized in that the lower anchoring system (3) comprises a tensioner (13).

9. Vertical lifeline for elevated work according to any of the above claims, characterized in that the lower anchoring system (3) comprises a pretension indicator (14).

10. Vertical lifeline for elevated work according to any of the above claims, characterized in that the lower anchoring system (3) comprises a fixing device (15) for fixing the cable (4) by means of screws.

11. Vertical lifeline for elevated work according to any of the above claims, characterized in that the installation (17) is a ladder.

12. Vertical lifeline for elevated work according to claim 11, characterized in that the upper anchoring system (1) is attached to the three upper steps (12) of the ladder.

13. Vertical lifeline for elevated work according to claim 11, characterized in that the lower anchoring system (3) is attached to the two lower steps (16) of the ladder.

Ansprüche

1. Vertikale Rettungsleine für erhöhte Arbeit, die Folgendes umfasst:

- ein oberes Verankerungssystem (1), das im oberen Teil des Aufbaus (17) angeordnet werden kann;

- ein unteres Verankerungssystem (3), das im unteren Teil des Aufbaus (17) angeordnet werden kann; und

- ein mit den Verankerungssystemen verankertes Kabel (4), wobei dieses Kabel (4) dazu ausgelegt ist, sowohl am Benutzer als auch an einer Fallschutzvorrichtung (5) befestigt zu werden; und

- ein Energieabsorptionssystem (2), das sich im oberen Verankerungssystem (1) befindet, um den allmählichen Stopp des Benutzers im Falle eines Sturzes zu ermöglichen;

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Energieabsorptionssystem (2) Folgendes umfasst:

- ein bewegliches Gehäuse (7), das gegenüber dem oberen Verankerungssystem (1) bewegt werden kann, wobei dieses bewegliche Gehäuse (7) an dem Kabel (4) befestigt ist; und

- mindestens ein in dem beweglichen Gehäuse (7) enthaltener brechbarer Abschnitt (8);

wobei das bewegliche Gehäuse (7) die Form einer Platte besitzt und um eine Gelenkverbindung (9) im oberen Verankerungssystem (1) gedreht werden kann, wobei die Rettungsleine außerdem eine Oberfläche (18) umfasst, die starr mit dem oberen Verankerungssystem (1) gekoppelt ist, um den brechbaren Abschnitt bzw. die brechbaren Abschnitte (8) zu betätigen.

2. Vertikale Rettungsleine für erhöhte Arbeit nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das bewegliche Gehäuse (7) drei brechbare Abschnitte (8) umfasst.

3. Vertikale Rettungsleine für erhöhte Arbeit nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass diese außerdem ein Fallschutzmittel (11) umfasst.

4. Vertikale Rettungsleine für erhöhte Arbeit nach Anspruch 2 und 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Fallschutzmittel (11) einen elektronischen Sicherheitssensor umfasst, damit dieses in Kontakt mit dem beweglichen Gehäuse (7) ist, wenn sich dieses bewegliche Gehäuse (7) in einer Stand-by-Position befindet, und von diesem beweglichen Gehäuse (7) getrennt wird, wenn sich dieses bewegliche Gehäuse (7) gegenüber dem oberen Verankerungssystem (1) bewegt.

5. Vertikale Rettungsleine für erhöhte Arbeit nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das obere Verankerungssystem (1) des Kabels außerdem einen zweiten Verankerungspunkt (10) zur Befestigung der Benutzer-Sperr- und Entriegelungsoperationen der Fallschutzvorrichtung (5) umfasst.

6. Vertikale Rettungsleine für erhöhte Arbeit nach Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der zweite Verankerungspunkt (10) an einer Seite des oberen Verankerungssystems (1) befestigt ist.

7. Vertikale Rettungsleine für erhöhte Arbeit nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Kabel (4) mittels einer Kausche und einer Fassung mit dem oberen Verankerungssystem (1) verbunden ist.

8. Vertikale Rettungsleine für erhöhte Arbeit nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das untere Verankerungssystem (3) einen Spanner (13) umfasst.

9. Vertikale Rettungsleine für erhöhte Arbeit nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das untere Verankerungssystem (3) eine Vorspannungsanzeige (14) umfasst.

10. Vertikale Rettungsleine für erhöhte Arbeit nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das untere Verankerungssystem (3) eine Befestigungsvorrichtung (15) zur Befestigung des Kabels (4) mittels Schrauben umfasst.

11. Vertikale Rettungsleine für erhöhte Arbeit nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es sich bei dem Aufbau (17) um eine Leiter handelt.

12. Vertikale Rettungsleine für erhöhte Arbeit nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das obere Verankerungssystem (1) an den drei oberen Sprossen (12) der Leiter befestigt ist.

13. Vertikale Rettungsleine für erhöhte Arbeit nach Anspruch 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das untere Verankerungssystem (3) an den beiden unteren Sprossen (16) der Leiter befestigt ist.

Revendications

1. Ligne de vie verticale pour travaux en hauteur qui comprend :

- un système d'ancrage supérieur (1) à agencer dans la partie supérieure de l'installation (17) ;

- un système d'ancrage inférieur (3) à agencer dans la partie inférieure de l'installation (17) ; et

- un câble (4) ancré aux systèmes d'ancrage, ledit câble (4) étant configuré à la fois pour être attaché à l'utilisateur et pour être attaché à un dispositif de prévention des chutes (5) ; et

- un système d'absorption d'énergie (2) situé dans le système d'ancrage supérieur (1) pour permettre l'arrêt graduel de l'utilisateur dans l'éventualité d'une chute ;

caractérisée en ce que le système d'absorption d'énergie (2) comprend :

- un corps mobile (7) qui peut être déplacé par rapport au système d'ancrage supérieur (1), dans lequel ledit corps mobile (7) est attaché au câble (4), et

- au moins une section pouvant se casser (8) comprise dans le corps mobile (7) ;

dans laquelle le corps mobile (7) a la forme d'une plaque et peut tourner autour d'une articulation (9) qui est présente dans le système d'ancrage supérieur (1), où la ligne de vie comprend en outre une surface (18) accouplée de façon rigide au le système d'ancrage supérieur (1), pour actionner la/les section/s pouvant se casser (8).

2. Ligne de vie verticale pour travaux en hauteur selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que le corps mobile (7) comprend trois sections pouvant se casser (8).

3. Ligne de vie verticale pour travaux en hauteur selon n'importe laquelle des revendications ci-dessus, caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend en outre un moyen de détection des chutes (11).

4. Ligne de vie verticale pour travaux en hauteur selon les revendications 2 et 3, caractérisée en ce que le moyen de détection des chutes (11) comprend un capteur électronique de sécurité configuré de façon à être en contact avec le corps mobile (7) lorsque ledit corps mobile (7) est en position d'attente et de façon à être séparé dudit corps mobile (7) lorsque ledit corps mobile (7) se déplace par rapport au système d'ancrage supérieur (1).

5. Ligne de vie verticale pour travaux en hauteur selon n'importe laquelle des revendications ci-dessus, caractérisée en ce que le système d'ancrage supérieur (1) du câble comprend en outre un point d'ancrage secondaire (10) pour l'attachement de l'utilisateur les opérations de verrouillage et déverrouillage du dispositif de prévention des chutes (5).

6. Ligne de vie verticale pour travaux en hauteur selon la revendication 5, caractérisée en ce que le point d'ancrage secondaire (10) est fixé à un côté du système d'ancrage supérieur (1).

7. Ligne de vie verticale pour travaux en hauteur selon n'importe laquelle des revendications ci-dessus, caractérisée en ce que le câble (4) est raccordé au système d'ancrage supérieur (1) avec un bethel et une cosse.

8. Ligne de vie verticale pour travaux en hauteur selon n'importe laquelle des revendications ci-dessus, caractérisée en ce que le système d'ancrage inférieur (3) comprend un tendeur (13).

9. Ligne de vie verticale pour travaux en hauteur selon n'importe laquelle des revendications ci-dessus, caractérisée en ce que le système d'ancrage inférieur (3) comprend un indicateur de précontrainte (14).

10. Ligne de vie verticale pour travaux en hauteur selon n'importe laquelle des revendications ci-dessus, caractérisée en ce que le système d'ancrage inférieur (3) comprend un dispositif de fixation (15) pour fixer le câble (4) au moyen de vis.

11. Ligne de vie verticale pour travaux en hauteur selon n'importe laquelle des revendications ci-dessus, caractérisée en ce que l'installation (17) est une échelle.

12. Ligne de vie verticale pour travaux en hauteur selon la revendication 11, caractérisée en ce que le système d'ancrage supérieur (1) est attaché aux trois échelons supérieurs (12) de l'échelle.

13. Ligne de vie verticale pour travaux en hauteur selon la revendication 11, caractérisée en ce que le système d'ancrage inférieur (3) est attaché aux deux échelons inférieurs (16) de l'échelle.

Drawing