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    • 专利摘要:
    The invention relates to a fall-arrest device with automatic return (1) comprising: - a winder around which is intended to wind a lanyard (2), said winder being operable in rotation - a means for automatically locking the rotation of the l winder in the direction of unwinding in the event of a fall comprising: an obstacle relative to which the reel is movable in rotation, a pawl secured to the reel and designed to move between a first position in which the pawl does not interfere with said obstacle so that the rotation of said reel is free and a second position in which the pawl can interfere with said obstacle to prevent rotation of the reel in the direction of unwinding, characterized in that it comprises a return means automatic means for recalling said pawl alternately in one or the other of said first and second positions. Fall arrest devices with automatic return.
    公开号:FR3042719A1
    申请号:FR1560213
    申请日:2015-10-26
    公开日:2017-04-28
    发明作者:Rodolphe Jean Marc Argoud
    申请人:Vertic；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    AUTOMATICALLY RECALLING ANTI-FALLING DEVICE AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF
    The present invention relates to the field of equipment for the personal protection of persons against falls from a height, and in particular the equipment of type fall-arrest devices with automatic return.
    The present invention relates more particularly to a fall-arrest device with automatic return comprising: - a winder around which is intended to wind a lanyard, said winder being operable in rotation about an axis of rotation or in a winding direction to winding said lanyard or in a direction of unwinding to unroll said lanyard - at least one automatic locking means of the rotation of the reel in the direction of unwinding in the event of a fall comprising: o at least a first obstacle relative to which l reel is movable in rotation, o at least one first ratchet integral with the reel and designed to move between a first position in which the pawl does not interfere with said obstacle so that the rotation of said reel is free and a second position in which the pawl can interfere with said obstacle to prevent rotation of the reel in the direction of the unwinding ement.
    The present invention also relates to a method of operating a fall-arrest device with automatic return, said device comprising: - a winder around which is intended to wind a lanyard, said winder being able to be rotated about an axis of rotation either in a winding direction for winding said lanyard or in a direction of unwinding to unroll said lanyard - at least one automatic locking means of the rotation of the winder in the direction of unwinding in case of a fall comprising: o at least a first obstacle relative to which the reel is movable in rotation, o at least one ratchet integral with the reel and designed to move between a first position in which the pawl does not interfere with said obstacle so that the rotation of said reel is free and a second position in which the pawl can interfere with said obstacle to prevent rotation of the roller in the direction of the course.
    To avoid falls from a height, for example for a person performing an activity on the roof of a building (laying tiles, cleaning the roof, sweeping, etc.), on a scaffolding (facelift, painting, etc.). ), or from a nacelle, it is known to resort to an automatic fall arrest device. This well-known device allows to confer on the person who is equipped with relative freedom of movement while being secured. Indeed, this device, attached to the user on the one hand (usually through a harness), and a robust anchoring element (for example implanted on the roof of the building, or on the scaffolding, or on the nacelle, etc.), on the other hand, is capable of winding, inside a case, or on the contrary to automatically unroll the length of lanyard necessary for the activities of the user, as and when measuring its movements, while being able to automatically block the unwinding of the lanyard in the event of a fall, thanks to an automatic locking means. Such devices thus allow a user to reach areas and / or positions in which the risk of falling is particularly high, to maintain and move in relative freedom and in a secure manner since in case of falling, said device will be able to block and thus prevent the user from falling to the ground. Nevertheless, these known automatic fall arrest devices are not entirely satisfactory in the event of blockage during a fall. Indeed, during a fall, the unwinding speed of the lanyard increases considerably and quickly, which has the effect of automatically trigger the blocking of the device and thus to interrupt the fall of the user. But the energy accumulated during the fall (which can sometimes take place several tens of centimeters or even a few meters before the blockage comes into action), will cause a phenomenon of "rebound". Indeed, and particularly when the anti fall back device is hooked to an anchoring element having a relative flexibility and / or elasticity, the energy accumulated during the fall of the user will, during the blocking of the device , in particular to affect the anchoring element which will, by its flexibility and / or its elasticity substantially deform before tending to resume its original shape. This elastic return of the inking element then causes a rebound phenomenon, that is to say that the user will tend to go up. However, this "rebound" (or this lift) will necessarily cause an absence of tension in the lanyard (the lanyard becomes loose for a few moments) which causes an unlocking of the automatic locking means of the automatic fall arrest device. Indeed, when the lanyard becomes loose during the rebound, the automatic locking means may improperly assimilate this phenomenon to normal use where the loose character of the lanyard is immediately compensated by a winding thereof (automatic recall), thus unlocking the device to allow to wind up the lanyard, so that during the descent of the user after the rebound, the locking means will lock the device after a latency time necessary to achieve a sufficient speed of unwinding. Thus, it will be necessary to wait until the speed of the fall. Increases again, that is to say that the user goes down again one or several tens of centimeters before the automatic locking means enters again on to stop the user's fall. This absence of immediate blocking then represents a significant risk for the user because it may be caused to hit the ground, even though the device has initially worked properly, but then malfunctioned because of the "rebound".
    In order to remedy this phenomenon of untimely release of the mechanism during a rebound, it has been proposed to equip the fall-arrest device with automatic return, in parallel with the lanyard, with an elastic element "anti-rebound" in order to maintain the lanyard in tension after the fall, including during a rebound, and thus prevent accidental unblocking of the device after. rebound. But this solution is not entirely satisfactory, especially from the point of view of user comfort, mainly because of the presence of bulky external elements to the housing (loop of the lanyard, elastic element) not rollable in the device. The aim of the invention is therefore to remedy the various drawbacks mentioned above, and to propose a new self-restoring fall arrest device which is capable of preventing inadvertent release of the device as a result of a rebound occurring after a jam during a fall of the user.
    Another object of the invention is to propose a new fall-arrest device with automatic return that is particularly safe and reliable.
    Another object of the invention is to propose a new self-resetting fall arrest device that is particularly compact.
    Another object of the invention is to provide a new self-resetting fall arrest device that is flexible, in order to adapt to different lengths of lanyard.
    Another object of the invention is to propose a new self-restoring fall arrest device that is cheap while being particularly safe and reliable.
    Another object of the invention is to propose a new self-resetting fall arrest device which minimizes the number of mechanical parts involved in the operation of the device.
    Another object of the invention is to propose a new self-resetting fall arrest device that can operate automatically without any positive human intervention, and this in a particularly safe and reliable manner.
    Another object of the invention is to propose a new self-resetting anti-fall device which does not require any particular maintenance.
    Another object of the invention is to propose a new fall arrest device with automatic return that is particularly robust.
    Another object of the invention is to propose a new method of operating a fall-arrest device with automatic return which is particularly safe and reliable, and does not require any positive human intervention.
    The objects assigned to the invention are achieved by means of a self-restoring fall arrest device comprising: a winder around which is intended to wind a lanyard, said winder being able to be actuated in rotation about an axis of rotation in either a winding direction for winding said lanyard or in a direction of unwinding to unroll said lanyard - at least one automatic locking means of the rotation of the winder in the direction of unwinding in the event of a fall comprising: at least one first obstacle relative to which the reel is rotatable, at least one first paw secured to the reel and designed to move between a first position in which the pawl does not interfere with said obstacle so that the rotation of said reel is free and a second position in which the pawl can interfere with said obstacle to prevent rotation of the reel in the reel. ns unwinding, characterized in that the device further comprises at least one automatic return means for returning said ratchet alternately in one or the other of said first and second positions.
    The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved by means of a method of operating an automatic fall arrest device, said device comprising: a winder around which is intended to wind a lanyard, said winder which can be actuated in rotation about an axis of rotation or in a winding direction for winding up said lanyard or in a direction of unwinding intended to unroll said lanyard - at least one means for automatically locking the rotation of the winder in the direction of unwinding in the event of a fall comprising: at least one first obstacle relative to which the reel is movable in rotation, at least one first ratchet integral with the reel and designed to move between a first position in which the ratchet does not interfere with said obstacle so that the rotation of said retractor is free and a second position in which the pawl can interfere with said obstacle preventing rotation of the reel in the direction of unwinding, characterized in that the device further comprises at least one automatic return means for returning said ratchet alternately in one or the other of said first and second positions said method comprising the following steps: - a blocking step during which, under the effect of a fall, said pawl passes from said first position, in which it was recalled by said automatic return means, to said second position under the effect of a centrifugal force which overcomes the restoring force exerted by the automatic return means, so that the pawl is found in its second position, - an anti-rebound step which follows the step of blocking and during which said pawl, which is in its second position at the end of the blocking step, is held in said second position by the biasing means automatic. Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear in more detail on reading the description which follows, and with the aid of the accompanying drawings provided for purely explanatory and non-limiting purposes, in which: FIG. according to a general perspective view an automatic fall arrest device according to the invention. FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of the self-restoring fall arrest device of FIG. 1 and in which the housing of said device is partially masked so as to glimpse the inside of the device. FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view of the retractor, whose drum has been masked, which equips said device. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the inside of the automatic return fall arrest device of FIG. 2, said device being in a first position, called the "free" position. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the interior of the automatic fall arrest device of FIG. 2, said device being in a second position, called the "locking" position. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the inside of the automatic fall arrest device of FIG. 2, said device being in a third position, called the "anti-rebound" position. - Figure 7 shows a front view of the automatic locking means included in the fall-arrest device with automatic return of Figure 2, said locking means being in a first position, called "free" position. - Figure 8 shows a front view of the automatic locking means included in the fall-arrest device with automatic return of Figure 2, said locking means being in a third position, said "anti-rebound" position. The invention relates as such to a self-retracting fall arrest device 1. "Fall arrest device" means any device intended to equip a person working at a height in order to secure his activity and, if this is not to prevent him from to fall, to avoid serious injuries in the event of a fall by avoiding to hit the ground. The device according to the invention generally comprises a lanyard 2, that is to say a flexible but robust device that allows to attach the user to a strong anchor element secured to a fixed frame. Advantageously, said lanyard 2 is included in said self-restoring fall arrest device 1 and is selected from the group consisting of straps, cables, chains and ropes, or any other flexible and resistant device for attaching elements between them. The term strap can define indifferently, without departing from the scope of the invention an elastic strap, that is to say which has the ability to extend more or less during a tensile force before preferentially to resume its original size , or an inelastic strap.
    Advantageously, the self-resetting fall arrest device 1 comprises a housing 15 (or housing) intended to contain all the mechanical elements necessary for the operation of the device. As will be detailed later, in the rest position, the lanyard 2 is then generally contained in the wound position within said housing 15, and is automatically unrolled or rolled according to the needs and movements of the user.
    In addition, the housing 15 may advantageously be covered, partially or completely, with an outer shell made of a material, able to absorb at least part of the external shocks, for example polyurethane.
    According to the invention, the device comprises an automatic callback function. In other words, the lanyard 2 is automatically recalled inside said device 1, which avoids that an excessive length is unnecessarily unwound, as illustrated for example in FIG. 1. This automatic return function is a function essential from the point of view of safety since it allows, while maintaining the lanyard 2 in permanent tension to limit the height of fall of the user before it is held by the lanyard 2, but also because this automatic recall prevents the lanyard 2 from dragging and hindering the movements of the user.
    In an illustrative and nonlimiting manner, the device according to the invention is particularly adapted to equip a person working on the roof of a building, on a scaffolding or in a nacelle, so in case of a fall, to prevent this no one hits the ground, usually located several meters or tens of meters below the workstation. The user is then preferably equipped with a harness, which itself comprises a carabiner, or any other removable attachment device, on which can advantageously cling said fall arrest device 1, for example by means of A swivel 11. On the other hand, the free end 21 of the lanyard 2 is advantageously fixed, preferably with the aid of a carabiner, on a robust anchoring element situated in height and preferably at the same level or at a level higher than the height at which the user works. This robust anchoring element may for example be the barrier of a scaffold or a nacelle, but also a dedicated mounting plate or a lifeline installed on the roofs of buildings.
    In some situations, the swivel 11 may instead be attached to the strong anchor while the free end 21 of the lanyard may be attached to the harness of the user. In this case the automatic fall arrest device 1 is not directly worn by the user but is instead located close to the robust anchoring element. This configuration is generally particularly suitable for automatic fall arrest devices 1 equipped with a substantial length of lanyard 2 (for example several tens of meters) which are then inherently heavy and bulky.
    According to the invention, and as illustrated for example in FIGS. 2 and 3, the automatic fall arrest device 1 comprises a reel 12 around which the lanyard 2 is intended to be wound. Said winder 12 preferably comprises a drum 122 around it. of which is intended to wind said lanyard 2. A portion of the lanyard 2 is thus wound around the drum 122 inside the housing 15 while another portion extends outside the housing 15 and ends by a free end 21 advantageously to be hooked to a fixed point.
    Advantageously, the lanyard 2 is preferably securely attached, but nevertheless advantageously removably, at one of its ends to the drum 122 of the reel 12, so that the mechanical performance of the device 1 is retained even in a configuration wherein said lanyard 2 is fully unwound (as is for example the case in Figure 3).
    According to the invention, said reel 12 can be actuated in rotation about an axis of rotation X-X 'or in a winding direction E for winding said lanyard 2 or in a direction of unwinding to unroll said lanyard 2 In other words, a rotation of the reel 12, and its drum 122 around which is wound said lanyard 2, in a winding direction E reduces the length of the lanyard 2 which projects from the housing 15, while a rotation of the reel 12 in a direction of unwinding, that is to say opposite, allows to increase the length of the lanyard 2 which projects from the housing 15. Preferably, the direction of winding corresponds, according to Figures 4 to 8, to the clockwise direction and vice versa the unwinding direction corresponds to the anticlockwise rotation direction.
    Preferably, the self-resetting fall arrest device 1 comprises a frame 14, said reel 12 being rotatably mounted relative to said frame 14, advantageously by means of an axis 16. In other words, the frame 14 provides the holding and 12. "Chassis" means any part or set of parts whose main function is to support other elements and to give the device at least a portion of its rigidity. Alternatively, the housing 15 may itself constitute the frame 14.
    Advantageously, as shown in FIG. 3, said winder 12 comprises a main automatic return means 121 connected to the drum 122 to permanently drive the latter in rotation in the winding direction E of the lanyard 2, to a position of maximum winding corresponding to the complete winding of the lanyard 2 around the drum 122, with the exception of the free end which remains well outside the housing. Preferably, said main automatic return means 121 is constituted by an elastic return means, and in particular by a spring, and preferably a spiral torsion spring, which is connected on the one hand to the casing 15 and / or to the frame 14 and on the other hand to the drum 122. Thus, a complete unwinding of the lanyard 2 corresponds to a maximum tension of said main spring, which will then tend to drive the drum 122 in the winding direction E to wind the lanyard 2.
    Thus, the length of the length portion 2 extending outside the housing 15 is permanently adapted to the distance separating the user from the housing 15, so that the lanyard 2 is permanently in a state of tension. and does not have a loose character, which corresponds to the automatic recall function of said device 1.
    According to the invention, the automatic fall arrest device 1 also comprises at least one automatic locking means 13 for the rotation of the reel 12 in the direction of unwinding in the event of a fall. By "automatic blocking" is meant that said blocking is able to be triggered without any positive human intervention on the device, and preferably in a particularly rapid manner. Said automatic locking means 13 may be constituted by a single piece or on the contrary by a multitude of parts or other elements. Thus, this automatic locking means 13 confers on said device 1 its fall arrest function.
    Advantageously, and as illustrated for example in FIGS. 2 and 3, said chassis 14 is constituted by a metal sheet substantially having the shape of an inverted U, and inside which (that is to say in the space between the two vertical portions of the U) are in particular said winder 12 and said automatic locking means 13. More specifically, the sheet substantially having the shape of an inverted U comprises, in each of its vertical portions, two opposite holes intended to accommodate the axis 16 on which is rotatably mounted the drum 122 of the winder 12. Preferably, the swivel 11 is also attached to the frame 14, and advantageously attached to rotation on the horizontal portion of the sheet substantially taking the form of an inverted U which can advantageously constitute the frame 14. The arrangement thus gathering the reel 12, the axis 16 and the automatic locking means 13 to the in The bottom of the inverted U-shaped sheet metal serving as a frame 14 has a remarkable advantage in terms of compactness and rigidity.
    According to the invention, said automatic locking means 13 comprises at least a first obstacle 131a relative to which the reel 12 is rotatable, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6. In other words, the automatic locking means 13 comprises at least one obstacle 131a fixed, the winder 12 being rotatably mounted relative to this obstacle 131a. Advantageously, said obstacle 131a is integral with the housing 15 and / or the frame 14, and may for example be integrated into the housing 15 when the latter fulfills the chassis function, for example by being located at the inner periphery of said housing 15.
    Preferably, the self-resetting fall arrest device 1, and more specifically said automatic locking means 13, further comprises a ratchet ring 131 comprising a plurality of regularly angularly distributed excrescences, said obstacle 131a being formed by at least one one of said excrescences. In other words, the obstacle 131a is integrated in a ratchet ring 131, that is to say a substantially ring-shaped piece, having, oriented towards its center, a plurality of excrescences, as per example of the teeth, which are evenly distributed over the entire diameter of the crown and which thus constitute a plurality of obstacles 131a, Said ratchet ring 131 is then fixed relative to the reel 12 being fixed for example, or possibly, integrated in the housing 15.
    Preferably, the self-resetting fall arrest device 1 comprises a frame 14, to which is attached fixedly said ratchet ring 131, for example by means of a connection made from screws or other well-known assembly device , advantageously so as to be located, as has previously been described inside the inverted U formed by the plate of the frame 14. Advantageously, said ratchet ring 131 comprises a plurality of attachment points 131b designed to fix said ring gear 131 said chassis 14, said attachment points 131b being located in close proximity to said obstacles 131a, so as to postpone blocking forces in the frame 14.
    According to the invention, said automatic locking means 13 also comprises at least one first pawl 132. The term "pawl" designates, without departing from the scope of the invention, a movable part intended to come into contact with another part, preferably obstacle 131a. Said part may be of any shape and preferentially take the form of a lever advantageously substantially in the shape of an arc of a circle. Preferably said pawl 132 is intended to engage between the protuberances (or teeth) of the ratchet ring 131 mentioned above. Advantageously, said pawl 132 has a tip-shaped end so as to optimize the interference with said obstacle 131a, the tip of the pawl 132 then being in contact or abutting with said obstacle 131a.
    According to the invention, said pawl 132 is integral with the reel 12, that is to say it is attached to the reel 12, and advantageously to the drum 122 or to a part attached to said drum 122, so that to follow the same rotational movement as that of the reel 12.
    Still according to the invention, said pawl 132 is designed to move between a first position in which the pawl 132 does not interfere with said obstacle 131a so that the rotation of said reel 12 is free and a second position in which the pawl 132 can interfering with said obstacle 131a to prevent the rotation of the reel 12 in the direction of unwinding of the lanyard 2. In other words, when the pawl 132 is in its first position, it does not prevent the rotation of the reel 12, that is to say that the reel is free to rotate in the direction of winding E or in the opposite direction of unwinding, while when the pawl 132 is in the second position, the rotation of the reel 12 is limited to the direction of winding, that is to say that the rotation of the reel is blocked in the direction of unwinding. Thus, when the pawl 132 is in its first position, the winding and unwinding of the lanyard 2 are possible while when the pawl 132 is in its second position, only the winding of the lanyard 2 is possible.
    The first position of the pawl 132 (in particular illustrated in FIG. 4) thus corresponds to a "normal" or "free" operation of the automatic retraction device 1, that is to say an operation when the user carries out his activities. normal, freely and safely. Conversely, the second position of the pawl 132 (in particular illustrated in FIG. 5) corresponds to a "safety" or "blocked" operation of the device, that is to say that the automatic fall arrest device 1 a automatically detected a fall of the user and blocked the course of the loin 2, thus stopping the fall of the user.
    According to the invention, said self-resetting fall arrest device 1 further comprises at least one automatic return means 133 for returning said pawl 132 alternately in one or the other of said first and second positions. In other words, according to the invention, said pawl 132 is automatically recalled on the one hand in its first position (that is to say the position which allows the rotation of the reel 12) and on the other part in its second position (that is to say in the position which blocks the rotation of the reel in the unwinding direction). The return of the pawl 132, alternately in the first or the second position, is then performed by at least one automatic return means 133 which will try to maintain in position (either in its first position or in its second position) said pawl 132.
    Advantageously, said pawl 132 is rotatably mounted along an axis of rotation YY 'between its first position and its second position. Advantageously, said pawl 132 is mounted on the reel 12, and preferably on the drum 122, by means of a Y-Y axis pivot connection. In other words, the pawl 132 can undergo two different movements, according to a fixed reference (for example the reference of the housing 15): a first rotational movement about the axis X-X 'which is a movement integral with the movement rotation of the winder 12, and a second movement, which is a rotational movement about the axis YY ', the latter axis itself performing a rotational movement about the axis X-X'.
    Thus, said pawl 132 is designed to move from its first position to its second position under the effect of a centrifugal force provided by the rotation of said reel 12. In other words, it is the rotational movement of the reel. winder 12, preferably in the unwinding direction, which by reaching a sufficient rotation speed and / or sufficient acceleration (that is to say greater than a predetermined threshold), will push the pawl 132 outwardly. Such a speed and / or acceleration is then reached during a fall of the user, who falling into the void, under the effect of its weight, will immediately cause a rapid rotation of the winder 12 which will have the effect of deploying, under the effect of centrifugal force, the pawl 132 which will then abut against the obstacle 131a, thus preventing the continuation of the unwinding of the lanyard 2 and thereby stopping the fall of the user . Said pawl 132 thus constitutes a centrifugal actuator.
    In the advantageous case where the pawl 132 is substantially in the shape of an arc of a circle, as is the case for example in FIGS. 2 to 6, the point of rotation of the pawl 132 with respect to the winder 12, that is to say the Y-axis Y 'of the pivot connection, is located substantially at one end of the circular arc described by the pawl 132. Thus, a large part of the mass of the pawl 132 is located at a sufficient distance from the axis of rotation Y-Y 'of the pawl 132 so as to create the moment of inertia necessary to make said pawl 132 mobile under the effect of a centrifugal force, as explained above.
    Thus, thanks to the retractor 12 and the automatic locking means 13, the user is thus permanently connected to the robust anchoring point by a tensioned lanyard and if it comes to fall, the unwinding of the lanyard 2 is automatically blocked which limits the risk of injury or trauma.
    Preferably, said automatic return means 133 comprises a single return element designed to move between a first configuration in which it recalls said pawl 132 in its first position and a second configuration in which it recalls said pawl 132 in its second position. In other words, there is only one and only means of automatic recall 133 which, thanks to its implementation will be detailed later, ensures both the return of the pawl 132 in its first position and at the same time the return of the pawl 132 in its second position, and this automatically and alternatively. To do this, said single automatic return means evolves between a first configuration that corresponds to the first position of the pawl 132 and a second configuration that corresponds to the second position of the pawl 132. When the automatic return means 133 is in its first position. configuration, it then recalls the pawl 132 in its first position (that is to say the position that allows the free rotation of the reel 12), and when the automatic return means 133 is in its second configuration, it recalls the pawl 132 in its second position (that is to say the position which prevents the rotation of the drum in the direction of unwinding and thus prevents the unwinding of the lanyard 2 in case of a fall).
    The return of the pawl 132 by the automatic return means 133 in its first position will then maintain the automatic fall arrest device 1 in its "normal" or "free" position as shown in Figure 4, as long as a fall is not detected by said device. Alternatively, the return of the pawl 132 in its second position will keep the automatic fall arrest device 1 in its "locked" position even in the absence of centrifugal force, thus conferring on said device a remarkable anti-rebound locking function.
    The passage of the pawl 132 from its first position to its second position then automatically controls the passage of the return element from its first configuration to its second configuration, which makes the self-resetting fall arrest device fully autonomous and automatic. In other words, it is the movement of the pawl 132 from its first position to its second position (and vice versa) which will cause the passage of the automatic return means 133 from its first configuration to its second configuration (and vice versa ). Thus, thanks to this particularly advantageous embodiment, the pair formed by the pawl 132 and the automatic return means 133 operates in total autonomy and interdependence, one driving the movement of the other and the other resulting in the recall of Mon. One uses therefore only one automatic return means 133 whose position is automatically controlled by the position of the pawl 132, which constitutes a particularly remarkable arrangement since it limits the number of mechanical elements while conferring on said device an important safety function what is the maintenance of the device in blocking position, even in case of rebound.
    Advantageously, the automatic return means 133 is constituted by an elastic return means. Thus, the automatic return means 133 may be constituted by any element or set of elements or parts which are capable of deforming and then tending to return to their initial shape with a certain force, and which can be hung between minus two elements, such as springs or elastics. Preferably, said elastic return means is chosen from the group of springs and advantageously cylindrical coil tension springs, which constitute mechanical devices well known as such and particularly robust, reliable and inexpensive. Of course, and without departing from the scope of the invention, the elastic return means may optionally be constituted by a compression spring (that is to say, it will tend to push the elements to resume its original shape, instead of shooting them).
    Advantageously, said automatic return means 133 comprises an elongate elastic body, which extends between on the one hand a first end attached to the reel 12 at a first point of attachment 134 and secondly a second end attached to the pawl 132 at a second point of attachment 135. In other words, the automatic return means 133 is connected at a first end to the reel 12, and preferably to the drum 122, and at a second end to the pawl 132 to that the pawl 132 can rotate in its two positions relative to the reel 12. Advantageously, and as illustrated in Figures 4 to 8, said points of attachment are formed by lugs or pins which may themselves comprise immobilizing elements such as elastic rings (or "circlips") for example in order to maintain the automatic return means 133.
    Preferably, said elongated elastic body operates according to a pull back, being for example constituted by a tension spring, and the fictitious line segment 134, 135 extending between said first and second attachment points 134, 135 is interposed between the axis of rotation Y-Y 'of the pawl 132 and the axis of rotation X-X' of the reel 12 when said pawl 132 is in its first position so as to recall the pawl 132 in said first position, as FIG. 4 or 7. The axis of rotation of the pawl Y-Y 'lies between the axis of rotation X-X' of the reel 12 and said imaginary line segment 134, 135 when said pawl 132 is in position. its second position so as to recall the pawl 132 in said second position, as illustrated in Figures 5, 6 or 8. Indeed, the second point of attachment 135, under the effect of the rotation of the pawl 132 around the Y-Y 'axis moves along a path circular ectory centered on the Y-Y axis. But the second attachment point 135 is also connected, by the automatic return means 133 to the first attachment point 134 secured to the reel 12, so that the length of the imaginary line segment 134, 135 is variable and tends preferentially naturally to decrease because of the automatic return means 133. When the second point of attachment 135 is located on a first side of the fictitious segment connecting the first point of attachment 134 and the axis of rotation YY 'whose the length is constant, and preferably to the left according to Figure 7, the automatic return means 133 tends to reduce the length of the fictitious line segment 134, 135 and thus recall the pawl 132 in its first position. Conversely, when the second attachment point 135 is located on a second side of the fictitious segment connecting the first attachment point 134 and the rotation axis Y-Y 'whose length is constant, and preferably to according to Figure 8, the automatic return means 133 tends to reduce the length of the imaginary line segment 134, 135 and thus recall the pawl 132 in its second position.
    Thus, there is a particular configuration defined by a perfect alignment of the first and second attachment points 134, 135 with the axis of rotation YY 'of the pawl 132 which constitutes the configuration from which the return movement of the return means automatic 133 evolves alternately between its first and second configuration.
    Without departing from the scope of the invention, it is entirely conceivable to use, in place of an elongate elastic body operating in a pulling recess, an elongated elastic body operating in a compression booster, such as for example a compression spring advantageously cylindrical and with turns. Therefore, it would be sufficient to move the second attachment point 135 on the pawl 132, which would then advantageously have substantially the shape of a rocker (that is to say with a Y-axis of rotation substantially in the center of the pawl 132), with respect to the Y-Y 'axis so as to maintain a perfectly identical functional operation.
    Preferably, said ratchet crown 131 has a plurality of cams 131c respectively associated with each of said protuberances and designed to interact with said pawl 132 to push it out of its second position. In other words, the profile of the ratchet ring 131 is judiciously calculated to allow, during a rotation of the winder in the winding direction E of the lanyard 2, to leave the pawl 132 its second position. . To do this, the profile of the ratchet ring 131 comprises, facing each of the excrescences, that is to say each of the obstacles 131a, a cam 131c, advantageously formed by a gentle slope which gradually connects the said obstacle 131a to a portion of the ring 131 free of obstacles. Thus, the ring 131 comprises a plurality of pairs of obstacles 131a and cam 131c, each pair consisting of an obstacle 131a and a cam 131c.
    Advantageously, said ratchet ring 131 has a plurality of attachment points 131b each of which is located within each of the pairs of obstacles 131a and 131c, said cam 131c integrating said attachment point 131b.
    Preferably, the automatic fall arrest device 1 comprises a plurality of obstacles 131a and a second pawl 132b, said first and second pawls 132, 132b being arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of rotation X-X 'of the winder 12 so that said first and second pawls 132, 132b can not be in simultaneous contact with two of said obstacles 131a. Preferably, said device also comprises a second automatic return means 133b associated with the second pawl 132b. Thus, tors de rapid rotation of the winder 12 in the direction of unwinding of the lanyard 2, that is to say during a fall of the user, the probability that one of the pawls 132, 132b come abutting with an obstacle 131a is increased, which has the effect of reducing the angular distance traveled before the biocage, that is to say the length of lanyard 2 unrolled before blocking and thus stopping the fall of the user.
    The operation of the self-resetting fall arrest device 1 object of the invention and of which a preferred embodiment is shown in Figures 1 to 8 will be described in the following.
    In the "normal" or "free" position, (illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 7), the user performs normal working movements (displacements, etc.) that are relatively flexible and slow, which leads to successive movements of winding and unrolling of the lanyard 2. In order to retract or unroll as the user moves the length of the lanyard 2 adequate, the reel 12 itself performs alternately different rotations, in the direction of unwinding and / or in the winding direction E, depending on the movements of the user. But these rotation movements being relatively slow and soft, the pawls 132 remain held by the automatic return means 133 in their respective first positions, that is to say closed, advantageously around the axis of rotation X-X ' of the winder. In other words, the centrifugal force provided by a "normal" unwinding of the reel in the unwinding direction of the lanyard 2 is not sufficient to counter the return force of the automatic return means 133 and to rotate pawls 132, 132b. As soon as the user drops, for example by sliding on the tiles of a roof, the fall will cause a rapid and sudden tensioning of the lanyard and therefore a rapid and sudden rotation of the reel 12. From then, the centrifugal force will increase considerably and come to counter and exceed the restoring force of said automatic return means 133, 133b, having the effect of ejecting the pawls 132, 132b outwardly. The end of the pawl substantially shaped tip then comes into contact with the ratchet ring 131, and comes, under the effect of the rotation of the reel 12 in the direction of unwinding of the lanyard, in contact with an obstacle 131a, thus stopping the rotation of the reel and therefore the unwinding of the lanyard 2 and thus the fall of the user. The combined use of two pawls 132, 132b and a ring comprising, for example, three obstacles 131a makes it possible to considerably reduce the angular movement of rotation of the retractor 12, and therefore the length of the lanyard 2 unwound during a fall. before one of the pawls 132, 132b encounters one of the three obstacles 131a. The number of ratchets and obstacles can advantageously be adapted according to the diameter of the reel 12, that is to say the length of the lanyard 2 to wind.
    The fall of the user having been stopped, a relatively important kinetic energy (related to the user's weight, to his speed acquired during his fall, as well as to the intrinsic flexibility and / or elasticity of the element robust anchorage to which is attached the automatic fall arrest device 1 and / or the lanyard 2) will then inevitably cause a rebound phenomenon, that is to say that the user will go up a certain distance opposite in the direction of its fall (that is to say substantially vertical). During this rebound, the lanyard 2 becomes loose for a few moments so that the reel 12 will then be driven in a rotation in the winding direction of the lanyard 2 (under the effect of the main automatic return means 121 ), and find themselves in a position similar to that described in Figures 6 and 8. Therefore, thanks to the particular geometry of the automatic locking means 13 defined in the context of the invention, the pawl 132 is, in a remarkable manner , be recalled in its second position by the automatic return means 133, that is to say in its deployed position. Thus, when the rebound phenomenon is completed, the user, suspended on the lanyard 2, will again tend to descend, but thanks to the return of the pawl 132 in its second position, the automatic locking means will immediately stop the fall of the user, and without the need for a new centrifugal force to redeploy the pawl, as would be the case in currently known devices.
    Following this blocking, the release of the mechanism and the winding of the lanyard becomes necessary. Just exert a slight pull on the lanyard so as to unroll a few millimeters and then release it. Therefore, the main automatic return means 121 will then cause the winder to rotate in the direction of the winding E. The pawls 132, 132b will then meet the cams 131c, which, under the effect of the rotational movement of the drum 12 in the winding direction E will give the pawl 132 a centripetal force sufficient to counter the return force of the automatic return means 133, which previously held said pawl in its second position. Thus, thanks to this centripetal force, the pawl will be ejected towards the center of rotation. From then on, there are two cases. In a first case, the winding of the lanyard is stopped, for example by a manual action of the user, and therefore there is no longer any centrifugal force exerted on the pawls 132, 132b, so that the first and second hook points 134,135 and the axis of rotation of the pawl Y-Y 'will be aligned. Beyond this particular configuration, the return movement of the automatic return means 133 then changes position and recalls the pawl in its first position. In a second case, the winding of the lanyard 2 continues at high speed, a centrifugal force is exerted on the pawls 132, 132b but the shape of the cams 131c of the ratchet 131 prevents, although the ratchets in their second position, to block the rotation of the reel 12, so that it can wrap the entire length of the lanyard 2. The self-resetting fall arrest device 1 is then returned to its configuration "normal" or "free" . The invention also relates as such to a method of operating an automatic fall arrest device 1, said device comprising: - a winder 12 around which is intended to wind a lanyard 2, said winder 12 being operable in rotation about an axis of rotation X-X 'is in a winding direction E for winding said lanyard 2 is in a direction of unwinding to unroll said lanyard 2 - at least one automatic locking means 13 of the rotation of the reel 12 in the direction of unwinding in the event of a fall comprising: o at least a first obstacle 131a relatively to which the reel 12 is rotatable, o at least one first pawl 132 secured to the reel 12 and designed to evolve between a first position in which the pawl 132 does not interfere with said obstacle 131a so that the rotation of said reel 12 is free and a second position in which the ratchet 132 may interfere with said obstacle 131a to prevent the rotation of the reel 12 in the direction of unwinding, characterized in that the device further comprises at least one automatic return means 133 for returning said pawl 132 alternately in one or the other of said first and second positions, as previously described, said method comprising the following steps: - a blocking step during which, under the effect of a fall, said pawl passes from said first position , in which it was recalled by said automatic return means 133, to said second position under the effect of a centrifugal force which overcomes the restoring force exerted by the automatic return means 133, so that the pawl is found in its second position, - an anti-rebound step which follows the blocking stage and during which said pawl 132, which is in its second position at the end of the blocking step, is maintained in said second position by the automatic return means 133.
    Preferably, the device comprises a ratchet ring 131 comprising a plurality of angularly distributed protuberances in a regular manner, said obstacle 131a being formed by at least one of said protuberances, said ratchet 131 comprises a plurality of cams 131c respectively associated at each of said protuberances, and the method further comprises an unlocking step during which said pawl passes from said second position to said first position under the effect of a centripetal force imparted by said cams 131c during the rotation of said retractor 12 in the direction of winding E, as previously described.
    权利要求:
    Claims (13)
    [1" id="c-fr-0001]
    1 - Fall arrest device with automatic return (1) comprising: - a winder (12) around which is intended to wind a ionge (2), said winder (12) being able to be actuated in rotation about an axis of rotation ( X-X ') is in a winding direction (E) for winding said lanyard (2) or in a direction of unwinding to unroll said lanyard (2) - at least one automatic locking means (13) of the rotation of the reel (12) in the unwind direction in the event of a fall comprising: at least one first obstacle (131a) relative to which the reel (12) is rotatable, at least one first pawl (132) secured to the reel (12) and adapted to move between a first position in which the pawl (132) does not interfere with said obstacle (131a) so that the rotation of said reel (12) is free and a second position in which the pawl (132) can interfere with said obstacle (131a) to prevent the rotation of the winder (12) in the direction of unwinding, characterized in that the device further comprises at least one automatic return means (133) for recalling said pawl (132) alternately in one or the other said first and second positions.
    [2" id="c-fr-0002]
    2- fall arrest device with automatic return (1) according to the preceding claim characterized in that said pawl (132) is rotatably mounted along an axis of rotation (Y-Y ') between its first position and its second position, said pawl ( 132) being adapted to move from its first position to its second position under the effect of a centrifugal force provided by the rotation of said reel (12),
    [3" id="c-fr-0003]
    3- automatic fall arrest device (1) according to the preceding preceding claim characterized in that said automatic return means (133) comprises a single return element designed to move between a first configuration in which it recalls said pawl (132) in its first position and a second configuration in which it recalls said pawl (132) in its second position, the passage of the pawl (132) from its first to its second position automatically controlling the passage of the return element from its first configuration to its second configuration.
    [4" id="c-fr-0004]
    4- fall arrest device with automatic return (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the automatic return means (133) is constituted by a resilient biasing means.
    [5" id="c-fr-0005]
    5- fall arrest device with automatic return (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that said automatic return means (133) comprises an elongated elastic body which extends between a first end attached to the first reel (12) at a first point of attachment (134) and secondly a second end attached to the pawl (132) at a second point of attachment (135).
    [6" id="c-fr-0006]
    6 - fall arrest device with automatic return (1) according to claims 3 and 5 characterized in that said elongate elastic body operates according to a pulling back and: - the fictitious line segment (134, 135) extending between said first and second attachment points (134, 135) is interposed between the axis of rotation (Y-Y ') of the pawl (132) and the axis of rotation (X-X') of the reel (12) when said pawl (132) is in its first position so as to recall the pawl (132) in said first position and - the axis of rotation of the pawl (Y-Y ') lies between the axis of rotation (X-X' ) of the reel 12 and said dummy line segment (134, 135) when the pawl (132) is in its second position so as to recall the pawl (132) in said second position.
    [7" id="c-fr-0007]
    7 - fall arrest device with automatic return (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that it further comprises a ratchet ring (131) having a plurality of excrescences angularly distributed in a regular manner, said obstacle (131a) being formed by at least one of said growths.
    [0008]
    8 "fall arrest device with automatic return (1) according to the preceding claim characterized in that said ratchet (131) comprises a plurality of cams (131c) respectively associated with each of said protrusions and designed to interact with said pawl (132) for push him out of his second position.
    [9" id="c-fr-0009]
    9- A self-resetting fall arrest device (1) according to claim 7 or 8 characterized in that it comprises a frame (14) which is fixedly attached to said ratchet (131), said winder (12) being mounted in rotation relative to said frame (14).
    [10" id="c-fr-0010]
    10- fall arrest device with automatic return (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises a plurality of obstacles (131a) and a second pawl (132b), said first and second pawls being arranged symmetrically relative to the axis of rotation (X-X ') of the reel (12) so that said first and second pawls (132, 132b) can not be in simultaneous contact with two of said obstacles (131a).
    [11" id="c-fr-0011]
    11 - fall arrest device with automatic return (1) according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises said lanyard (2), the latter being selected from the group comprising straps, cables, chains and ropes.
    [12" id="c-fr-0012]
    12 - A method of operating a fall-arrest device with automatic return (1), said device comprising: - a winder (12) around which is intended to wind a lanyard (2), said winder (12) being operable in rotation about an axis of rotation (X-X ') or in a winding direction (E) for winding said lanyard (2) or in a direction of unwinding to unroll said lanyard (2) - at least one automatic locking means (13) for the rotation of the reel (12) in the unwind direction in the event of a fall comprising: o at least a first obstacle (131a) relative to which the reel (12) is rotatable, at least one first pawl (132) secured to the reel (12) and designed to move between a first position in which the pawl (132) does not interfere with said obstacle (131a) so that the rotation of said reel ( 12) is free and a second position in which the pawl (132) can interfacing with said obstacle (131a) to prevent rotation of the reel (12) in the direction of unwinding, characterized in that the device further comprises at least one automatic return means (133) for biasing said pawl (132). alternatively in one or the other of said first and second positions, said method comprising the following steps: a blocking step during which, under the effect of a fall, said pawl passes from said first position, in which it was recalled by said automatic return means (133), to said second position under the effect of a centrifugal force which overcomes the restoring force exerted by the automatic return means (133), so that the ratchet is in its second position, - an anti-rebound step which follows the blocking step and during which said pawl (132), which is in its second position at the end of the blocking step , e it is maintained in said second position by the automatic return means (133).
    [13" id="c-fr-0013]
    13 - Method of operation of a fall-arrest device with automatic return (1) according to the preceding claim characterized in that the device comprises a ratchet ring (131) having a plurality of angularly distributed protuberances in a regular manner, said obstacle (131a ) being formed by at least one of said protuberances, said ratchet ring (131) has a plurality of cams (131c) respectively associated with each of said protuberances, and in that the method further comprises a step of unlocking during of which said pawl passes from said second position to said first position under the effect of a centripetal force imparted by said cams (131c) during rotation of said reel (12) in the direction of winding.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    FR3042719B1|2017-12-01|
    WO2017072436A1|2017-05-04|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    US20050051659A1|2003-09-05|2005-03-10|D B Industries, Inc.|Self-retracting lifeline|
    US20090178887A1|2006-07-10|2009-07-16|Reeves Eric William|Retractable lifeline safety device|
    US20110315483A1|2010-06-23|2011-12-29|3M Innovative Properties Company|Safety devices comprising a load-bearing composite polymeric housing and a load-bearing anchorage plate|
    FR3108135A1|2020-03-11|2021-09-17|Nexter Systems|SAFETY DEVICE TO ALLOW WORK AT HEIGHT ON A VEHICLE|
    WO2022003500A1|2020-07-02|2022-01-06|3M Innovative Properties Company|Fall-protection apparatus comprising dual-actuatable braking device|
    WO2022003501A1|2020-07-02|2022-01-06|3M Innovative Properties Company|Fall-protection apparatus comprising braking device with velocity-actuated, acceleration-modulated pawl|
    法律状态:
    2016-10-28| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 2 |
    2017-04-28| PLSC| Publication of the preliminary search report|Effective date: 20170428 |
    2017-09-01| PLFP| Fee payment|Year of fee payment: 3 |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    FR1560213A|FR3042719B1|2015-10-26|2015-10-26|AUTOMATICALLY RECALLING ANTI-FALLING DEVICE AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF|FR1560213A| FR3042719B1|2015-10-26|2015-10-26|AUTOMATICALLY RECALLING ANTI-FALLING DEVICE AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF|
    PCT/FR2016/052767| WO2017072436A1|2015-10-26|2016-10-25|Fall-prevention device with automatic return and method for operation of same|
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