EP0688581B1 - Disconnectable self-locking descending device - Google Patents

Disconnectable self-locking descending device Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0688581B1
EP0688581B1 EP95410046A EP95410046A EP0688581B1 EP 0688581 B1 EP0688581 B1 EP 0688581B1 EP 95410046 A EP95410046 A EP 95410046A EP 95410046 A EP95410046 A EP 95410046A EP 0688581 B1 EP0688581 B1 EP 0688581B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
handle
pulley
rope
flange
descender
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP95410046A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0688581A1 (en
Inventor
Paul Petzl
Jean Marc Hede
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Zedel SAS
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Zedel SAS
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Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of EP0688581A1 publication Critical patent/EP0688581A1/en
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Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66D—CAPSTANS; WINCHES; TACKLES, e.g. PULLEY BLOCKS; HOISTS
    • B66D5/00—Braking or detent devices characterised by application to lifting or hoisting gear, e.g. for controlling the lowering of loads
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B1/00—Devices for lowering persons from buildings or the like
    • A62B1/06—Devices for lowering persons from buildings or the like by making use of rope-lowering devices
    • A62B1/14—Devices for lowering persons from buildings or the like by making use of rope-lowering devices with brakes sliding on the rope
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B29/00—Apparatus for mountaineering
    • A63B29/02—Mountain guy-ropes or accessories, e.g. avalanche ropes; Means for indicating the location of accidentally buried, e.g. snow-buried, persons
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/39—Cord and rope holders
    • Y10T24/3936—Pivoted part
    • Y10T24/394—Cam lever
    • Y10T24/3944—Cam engaging or disengaging

Definitions

  • Document FR-A 2 451 752 relates to a self-locking descender having two possibilities of blocking the rope depending on the position of the actuating handle.
  • the pulley is secured in permanently at the handle and for this purpose has two bosses angularly offset which alternately block the rope against a stud fixed, depending on whether the handle is in a raised position, or in a lowered position.
  • the rope is released in a position intermediate.
  • the blocking position is obtained after total relaxation of the handle, causing the rotation of the pulley under the action of the tension of the cord and the tightening of the cord by the first boss.
  • the second blocking position resulting from the intervention of the second boss which clamps the rope against the fixed stud in a different place following the lowering maximum of the handle.
  • Maintaining this second blockage of the rope nevertheless requires a permanent actuation effort on the handle lying in said lowered position.
  • a decrease in manual effort on the handle, especially by fatigue, can cause the latter towards the intermediate position, with a risk of unlocking the rope, susceptible to condition the security of the person.
  • the object of the invention is to provide a safe self-locking descender and easy to use.
  • the descender according to the invention is characterized in that the cam is associated with a training finger cooperating with a mechanism having a transmission lever movable between an active engagement position with your finger to establish a uni-directional mechanical connection between the handle and pulley when the handle is actuated to a position release intermediary during the descent movement, and a inactive exhaust position to break said mechanical connection after exceeding said intermediate position of the handle, causing disengagement of the pulley and automatic return of the cam to the position locking under the action of rope tension.
  • the drive finger, and the member are housed inside a rotating base open bottom annular drum attached to the first flange, the handle making projection of said base.
  • the transmission member is formed by a lever pivotally mounted on a second axis secured to the base, and comprising a ramp cooperating with a cylindrical part of the finger movable in the opening, said opening being shaped according to a circular sector centered on the first axis, and having a length corresponding to the angular movement of the pulley between the positions of blocking and unblocking.
  • the ramp of the transmission lever cooperates with stop means after exceeding the intermediate position of the handle, causing the pivoting of said lever towards the inactive unlocking position for the disengaging of the pulley.
  • the transmission member is formed by a rod cooperating with the drive finger to constitute a knee switch with neutral passage in the vicinity of said position middle of the handle.
  • Each mechanism according to the invention is fitted with reset means causing the transmission member to return to the active position for re-establishing the mechanical connection between the handle and the pulley.
  • Resetting can be either manual by actuating the handle, or automatic after disengaging the pulley.
  • a safety descender designated by the reference general 10, is used for the controlled descent of a person along of a rope 12.
  • the descender 10 comprises a first fixed flange 14 having a first axis 15 of articulation of a movable pulley 16 shaped as a cam 17, and a fixed spacer 18 for positioning and guiding the rope, said spacer 18 being separated from the pulley 16 by a space 20 of passage of the rope.
  • the pulley 16 is provided with a winding groove 21 rope 12.
  • the pulley 16 is mechanically connected to a control mechanism 22 provided with a pivoting handle 24 for manual actuation.
  • the upper part of the fixed spacer 18 is arranged in fixed shoe 26 having a braking surface 28 against which the rope 12 is pressed by the action cam lock 17.
  • the intermediate part of the spacer 18 extends externally along the right side ( Figure 2) of the first flange 14, and has an internal sector 30 curved, substantially centered on axis 15.
  • the lower part of the spacer 18 comprises a cross member 32 extending horizontally between the two opposite side edges of the flange 14.
  • a second mobile flange 34 (FIGS. 1 and 3), having a shape similar to that of the first flange 14, is pivotally mounted on a pivot 36 fixed to the first flange 14, and crossing the spacer 18 in the vicinity of the shoe 26.
  • the pivot 36 extends parallel to the first axis 15 of the pulley 16, according to a direction perpendicular to the first flange 14, such as the displacement of the second flange 34 takes place in a plane parallel to the first flange 14 following a manual user action between a closed position (figures 1 and 3), in which the cord 12 is trapped in the space 20, and a spread position (not shown) allowing the installation or removal of the rope 12.
  • the two flanges 14, 34 of the descender 10 are separated from each other by a transverse interval d, having a thickness corresponding to that of the spacer 18, and that of the pulley 16.
  • Each flange 14.34 has at its base an orifice 38.40 of circular shape or oblong, intended for the passage of a carabiner (not shown) for the attachment of the descender 10 to the user's harness.
  • a carabiner not shown
  • the two holes 38.40 are aligned, and the establishment of the carabiner keeps the descender 10 closed by preventing any inadvertent opening of the second flange 34.
  • a first return spring 42 (FIG. 2), in particular of the torsion type, is arranged on the axis 15 and biases the pulley 16 towards an unlocked position when the tension on the cord 12 is less than a predetermined threshold.
  • the distance between the cam 17 and the braking surface 28 of the fixed shoe 26 is then maximum.
  • the upstream strand 12A of the cord 12 is hooked to a member anchor (not shown) fixed to the wall or to the rock above the descender 10, while the downstream strand 12B falls by gravity downwards.
  • the rope 12 is wound in an S between the two opposite ends 44,46 to access the space 20.
  • the upstream strand 12A enters space 20 through the lower end 44, passes around the pulley 16 and leaves the upper end 46 arranged in the vicinity of the braking surface 28 of shoe 26.
  • the mechanism 22 with actuating handle 24 is disposed outside of the interval d on the side opposite the second flange 34, bearing on the posterior external surface 47 of the first flange 14.
  • the first axis 15 of the pulley 16 passes through a hole 48 (FIG. 3) of the first flange 14, and serves also of pivoting member to a rotary base 50 to which is secured to the handle 24.
  • the base 50 is formed by an annular drum having an open bottom 52 on the side of the rear surface 47 of the flange 14 fixed.
  • the base 50 and handle 24 assembly consists of a part monobloc, in metallic or insulating material, mounted with limited rotation on the first axis 15.
  • the pulley 16 is equipped with a drive finger 54 passing through a oblong opening or lumen 56 of the first flange 14 to cooperate with a ramp 57 of a transmission lever 58, which is pivotally mounted on a second axis 60 of the base 50 of the handle 24.
  • the ramp 57 can also slide along a fixed stop 62 integral with the first flange 14, causing the pivoting of the transmission lever 58 from an active locking position with the drive finger 54 to an inactive unlocking position for the release of said finger 54.
  • a second return spring 64 in particular of the compression type, is arranged between a bearing face 66 of the base 50 rotary, and the transmission lever 58 so as to urge the latter towards the active position.
  • the oblong opening 56 authorizes the movement of the finger 54 is formed by a sector corresponding to the travel angle of the pulley 16 between the locking and unlocking positions.
  • any voluntary release or involuntary handle 24 causes the pulley 16 to rotate in the direction of arrow F1 by the reaction of tension F on the rope.
  • the blocking of the rope 12 is then exerted against the braking surface 28 by the action for clamping the cam 17, and the handle 24 is biased towards a position raised (dotted line).
  • To re-initiate the descent movement simply lower the handle 24 from the raised position in the direction of the arrow F2 (figure 4).
  • the mechanical action of ramp 57 of the lever transmission 58 on the drive finger 54 causes the rotation of the pulley 16 in the opposite direction of arrow F1 up to the maximum spacing of the cam 17.
  • the unlocking of the cord 12 authorizing the continuation of the lowering movement occurs in an intermediate position of the handle 24, shown in solid lines in FIG. 4.
  • the unidirectional mechanical connection between the handle 24 and the pulley 16 is permanent and is constituted by the coming in engagement of lever 58 with finger 54, said lever 58 being held in active locking position by the spring 64.
  • the forced displacement of the finger 54 towards the left end of the opening 56 by the pushing action unidirectional ramp 57 is operated from the raised position (in dotted lines) towards the intermediate position (in solid lines) of the handle 24 ( Figure 4).
  • the pulley 16 is disengaged beyond the position intermediate of the handle 24.
  • the tension F of the cord 12 drives the pulley 16 rotating in the direction of arrow F1, against the restoring force of the spring 42, and the cam 17 automatically tightens the rope against the braking surface 28 of shoe 26, followed by stopping the downward movement (figure 7).
  • the finger 54 of the pulley 16 moves along the opening 56 curvilinear towards the right end.
  • the mechanical connection between finger 54 and the transmission lever 58 remains interrupted in the lowered position of the handle 24.
  • the rearming can also be carried out in a automatic by means of a return spring of the transmission lever 58, which automatically returns to the active locking position after declutching and after releasing the handle 24.
  • the user who releases or who grips the handle 24 is safe total thanks to this double rope locking system 12.
  • the mechanism 102 comprises a cylindrical base 104 in the form of drum associated with the handle 24, and rotatably mounted on a third axis 106 fixed to the rear face of the first flange 14.
  • the axis 106 is offset by relative to the axis 15 of the cam 17.
  • a transmission link 108 pivotally mounted on the third axis 106 and cooperating with a finger 110 drive pulley 16.
  • the finger 110 is formed by a lever curvilinear shape articulated on a fourth axis 112 secured to the pulley 16 mobile.
  • the free end of the link 108, opposite the third axis 106, has a control pin 114 intended to come into engagement against the internal edge of the finger 110 to ensure the rotational drive of the pulley 16 when the handle 24 is actuated.
  • the link assembly 108 and finger 110 forms a knee switch with passing neutral.
  • Figure 9 shows the descender 100 in the normal descent state corresponding to the intermediate position of the handle 24.
  • the passage of the handle 24 from the raised rope locking position to the position unlocking intermediate causes the link 108 to rotate in the clockwise, and the simultaneous push of the lug 114 on the finger 110.
  • the cam 17 of the pulley 16 moves away from the shoe 26 to allow the movement of descent by sliding of the rope in the throat of the pulley 16.
  • the overshoot of the knee lever of mechanism 102 occurs in Figure 11 during the continued lowering of the handle 24.
  • the axes 106,112 are no longer aligned with lug 114, which is released in escaping downwards thanks to the presence of the light 116 made in the base 50.
  • the escape of the lug 114 causes the release of the finger 110, and the breaking of the mechanical connection between the link 108 and the pulley 16.
  • the friction of the rope on the pulley 16 urges the cam 17 counterclockwise to the rope locking position against the pad 26. After this phase of unlocking the descender 102, the user is automatically stopped in its downward movement.
  • the mechanism 202 is also of the toggle type, but the connecting rod the transmission member 208 is pivotally mounted on a fifth axis 205 offset from the third axis 206 of the rotary base 204.
  • the drive finger 210 is articulated on the pulley 16 at the fourth axis 212, and has a bearing surface 213 curved in its part intermediate. This bearing surface 213 cooperates with the lug 214 of control of the link 208, and makes it possible to reinforce the pushing action on finger 210 for unlocking the pulley 16 (see FIG. 13).
  • the link 208 is associated with a return spring 209 which urges it in stop against the third axis 206.
  • Figure 14 shows the declutching phase which is similar to that described previously in Figure 11.
  • the lug 214 leaves the housing defined by the bearing surface 213 curved, and causes the knee brace and the mechanical link to break between the link 208 and the pulley 16.
  • the toggle mechanism 202 can be reset by reversing the direction of operation of the handle 24 (arrow F6, figure 15), from the position disengaged to the intermediate position, in which the lug 214 of the rod 208 passes the hard point of finger 210, to be housed in the hollow of the bearing surface 213.
  • the rotary reset movement of the mechanism 202 Figures 13 to 15 is opposite to that of the descender 100 illustrated in the figure 12.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Emergency Lowering Means (AREA)

Description

L'invention est relative à un descendeur autobloquant de sécurité pour la descente le long d'une corde, comportant:

  • un premier flasque fixe de support d'un patin de freinage et d'une poulie mobile en forme de came, ladite poulie étant montée à rotation limitée sur un premier axe d'articulation entre une position de blocage et une position de déblocage, et séparée du patin par un espace de passage de la corde,
  • un deuxième flasque escamotable, séparé du premier flasque par un intervalle transversal, et susceptible d'occuper une position écartée pour la mise en place ou l'enlèvement de la corde, et une position fermée, dans laquelle la corde est emprisonnée dans l'espace,
  • une poignée d'actionnement de la poulie pour assurer le déblocage manuel de la corde,
  • et un premier ressort de rappel de la poulie vers la position de déblocage lorsque la tension de la corde est inférieure à un seuil prédéterminé.
The invention relates to a self-locking safety descender for descending along a rope, comprising:
  • a first fixed flange for supporting a brake shoe and a cam-shaped movable pulley, said pulley being mounted with limited rotation on a first articulation axis between a locking position and an unlocking position, and separated of the skate by a space for passage of the rope,
  • a second retractable flange, separated from the first flange by a transverse interval, and capable of occupying a spaced-apart position for placing or removing the rope, and a closed position, in which the rope is trapped in space ,
  • a pulley actuation handle to ensure manual release of the rope,
  • and a first spring for returning the pulley to the unlocking position when the tension of the rope is less than a predetermined threshold.

Le document FR-A 2 451 752 se rapporte à un descendeur autobloquant ayant deux possibilités de blocage de la corde en fonction de la position spatiale de la poignée d'actionnement. La poulie est solidarisée en permanence à la poignée et comporte à cet effet deux bossages angulairement décalés qui bloquent alternativement la corde contre un plot fixe, selon que la poignée se trouve dans une position relevée, ou dans une position abaissée. Le déblocage de la corde intervient dans une position intermédiaire. La position de blocage est obtenue suite au relâchement total de la poignée, entraínant la rotation de la poulie sous l'action de la tension de la corde et le serrage de la corde par le premier bossage. La deuxième position de blocage résulte de l'intervention du deuxième bossage qui serre la corde contre le plot fixe en un endroit différent suite à l'abaissement maximum de la poignée. Le maintien de ce deuxième blocage de la corde nécessite néanmoins un effort d'actionnement permanent sur la poignée se trouvant dans ladite position abaissée. Une diminution de l'effort manuel sur la poignée, notamment par fatigue, peut entraíner cette dernière vers la position intermédiaire, avec un risque de déblocage de la corde, susceptible de conditionner la sécurité de la personne. Document FR-A 2 451 752 relates to a self-locking descender having two possibilities of blocking the rope depending on the position of the actuating handle. The pulley is secured in permanently at the handle and for this purpose has two bosses angularly offset which alternately block the rope against a stud fixed, depending on whether the handle is in a raised position, or in a lowered position. The rope is released in a position intermediate. The blocking position is obtained after total relaxation of the handle, causing the rotation of the pulley under the action of the tension of the cord and the tightening of the cord by the first boss. The second blocking position resulting from the intervention of the second boss which clamps the rope against the fixed stud in a different place following the lowering maximum of the handle. Maintaining this second blockage of the rope nevertheless requires a permanent actuation effort on the handle lying in said lowered position. A decrease in manual effort on the handle, especially by fatigue, can cause the latter towards the intermediate position, with a risk of unlocking the rope, susceptible to condition the security of the person.

L'objet de l'invention consiste à réaliser un descendeur autobloquant sûr et d'usage facile.The object of the invention is to provide a safe self-locking descender and easy to use.

Le descendeur selon l'invention est caractérisé en ce que la came est associée à un doigt d'entraínement coopérant avec un mécanisme ayant un levier de transmission déplaçable entre une position active d'engagement avec le doigt pour établir une liaison mécanique uni-directionnelle entre la poignée et la poulie lorsque la poignée est actionnée jusqu'à une position intermédiaire de déblocage au cours du mouvement de descente, et une position inactive d'échappement pour briser ladite liaison mécanique après dépassement de ladite position intermédiaire de la poignée, en provoquant un débrayage de la poulie et le retour automatique de la came vers la position de blocage sous l'action de la tension de la corde.The descender according to the invention is characterized in that the cam is associated with a training finger cooperating with a mechanism having a transmission lever movable between an active engagement position with your finger to establish a uni-directional mechanical connection between the handle and pulley when the handle is actuated to a position release intermediary during the descent movement, and a inactive exhaust position to break said mechanical connection after exceeding said intermediate position of the handle, causing disengagement of the pulley and automatic return of the cam to the position locking under the action of rope tension.

La présence de la liaison mécanique interruptible entre la poignée et la poulie permet de conserver après débrayage l'effet du deuxième blocage, sans maintenir un effort sur la poignée.The presence of the interruptible mechanical connection between the handle and the pulley keeps the effect of the second lock after declutching, without maintaining an effort on the handle.

Selon une caractéristique de l'invention, le doigt d'entraínement, et l'organe de transmission sont logés à l'intérieur d'une embase rotative en forme de tambour annulaire à fond ouvert accolé au premier flasque, la poignée faisant saillie de ladite embase.According to a characteristic of the invention, the drive finger, and the member are housed inside a rotating base open bottom annular drum attached to the first flange, the handle making projection of said base.

Selon un premier mode de réalisation, l'organe de transmission est formé par un levier monté à pivotement sur un deuxième axe solidaire de l'embase, et comprenant une rampe coopérant avec une partie cylindrique du doigt déplaçable dans l'ouverture, ladite ouverture étant conformée selon un secteur circulaire centré sur le premier axe, et ayant une longueur correspondant au débattement angulaire de la poulie entre les positions de blocage et de déblocage.According to a first embodiment, the transmission member is formed by a lever pivotally mounted on a second axis secured to the base, and comprising a ramp cooperating with a cylindrical part of the finger movable in the opening, said opening being shaped according to a circular sector centered on the first axis, and having a length corresponding to the angular movement of the pulley between the positions of blocking and unblocking.

La rampe du levier de transmission coopère avec des moyens de butée après dépassement de la position intermédiaire de la poignée, entraínant le pivotement dudit levier vers la position inactive de déverrouillage pour le débrayage de la poulie.The ramp of the transmission lever cooperates with stop means after exceeding the intermediate position of the handle, causing the pivoting of said lever towards the inactive unlocking position for the disengaging of the pulley.

Selon deux autres modes de réalisations, l'organe de transmission est formé par une biellette coopérant avec le doigt d'entraínement pour constituer une genouillère à passage de point mort au voisinage de ladite position intermédiaire de la poignée.According to two other embodiments, the transmission member is formed by a rod cooperating with the drive finger to constitute a knee switch with neutral passage in the vicinity of said position middle of the handle.

Chaque mécanisme selon l'invention est équipé de moyens de réarmement provoquant le retour de l'organe de transmission vers la position active pour le rétablissement de la liaison mécanique entre la poignée et la poulie.
Le réarmement peut être soit manuel par l'actionnement de la poignée, soit automatique après le débrayage de la poulie.Each mechanism according to the invention is fitted with reset means causing the transmission member to return to the active position for re-establishing the mechanical connection between the handle and the pulley.
Resetting can be either manual by actuating the handle, or automatic after disengaging the pulley.

D'autres avantages et caractéristiques ressortiront plus clairement de la description qui va suivre de plusieurs modes de réalisations de l'invention, donnés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs, et représentés aux dessins annexés, dans lesquels:

  • la figure 1 est une vue de profil du descendeur selon l'invention;
  • la figure 2 montre une vue en élévation du descendeur, après enlèvement du deuxième flasque;
  • la figure 3 est une vue en coupe selon la ligne 3-3 de la figure 2;
  • la figure 4 représente le descendeur en position normale de la descente suite au déplacement de la poignée vers la position intermédiaire de déblocage;
  • les figures 5 et 6 sont des vues identiques à la figure 4 montrant l'évolution de la phase de débrayage après déplacement de la poignée au-delà de la position intermédiaire;
  • la figure 7 montre le mécanisme à la fin du débrayage.
  • la figure 8 est une vue identique à la figure 3 d'une variante de réalisation;
  • les figures 9 à 12 montrent des vues identiques aux figures 4 à 7 avec les différentes phases de débrayage du descendeur selon la variante de la figure 8.
  • les figures 13 à 15 montrent des vues identiques aux figures 9 à 12 d'une autre variante de réalisation.
Other advantages and characteristics will emerge more clearly from the description which follows of several embodiments of the invention, given by way of nonlimiting examples, and represented in the appended drawings, in which:
  • Figure 1 is a side view of the descender according to the invention;
  • Figure 2 shows an elevational view of the descender, after removal of the second flange;
  • Figure 3 is a sectional view along line 3-3 of Figure 2;
  • FIG. 4 shows the descender in the normal position of the descent following the movement of the handle towards the intermediate unlocking position;
  • Figures 5 and 6 are views identical to Figure 4 showing the evolution of the declutching phase after displacement of the handle beyond the intermediate position;
  • Figure 7 shows the mechanism at the end of the declutching.
  • Figure 8 is a view identical to Figure 3 of an alternative embodiment;
  • FIGS. 9 to 12 show views identical to FIGS. 4 to 7 with the different declutching phases of the descender according to the variant of FIG. 8.
  • Figures 13 to 15 show views identical to Figures 9 to 12 of another alternative embodiment.

Sur les figures 1 à 7, un descendeur de sécurité, désigné par le repère général 10, est utilisé pour la descente contrôlée d'une personne le long d'une corde 12. Le descendeur 10 comporte un premier flasque 14 fixe ayant un premier axe 15 d'articulation d'une poulie 16 mobile conformée en came 17, et une entretoise 18 fixe de positionnement et de guidage de la corde, ladite entretoise 18 étant séparée de la poulie 16 par un espace 20 de passage de la corde. La poulie 16 est pourvue d'une gorge 21 d'enroulement de la corde 12.In FIGS. 1 to 7, a safety descender, designated by the reference general 10, is used for the controlled descent of a person along of a rope 12. The descender 10 comprises a first fixed flange 14 having a first axis 15 of articulation of a movable pulley 16 shaped as a cam 17, and a fixed spacer 18 for positioning and guiding the rope, said spacer 18 being separated from the pulley 16 by a space 20 of passage of the rope. The pulley 16 is provided with a winding groove 21 rope 12.

La poulie 16 est reliée mécaniquement à un mécanisme 22 de commande muni d'une poignée 24 pivotante d'actionnement manuel.The pulley 16 is mechanically connected to a control mechanism 22 provided with a pivoting handle 24 for manual actuation.

La partie supérieure de l'entretoise 18 fixe est agencée en patin 26 fixe ayant une surface de freinage 28 contre laquelle la corde 12 est pressée par l'action de blocage de la came 17.The upper part of the fixed spacer 18 is arranged in fixed shoe 26 having a braking surface 28 against which the rope 12 is pressed by the action cam lock 17.

La partie intermédiaire de l'entretoise 18 s'étend extérieurement le long du côté droit (figure 2) du premier flasque 14, et présente un secteur 30 interne incurvé, sensiblement centré sur l'axe 15. La partie inférieure de l'entretoise 18 comprend une traverse 32 s'étendant horizontalement entre les deux bords latéraux opposés du flasque 14.The intermediate part of the spacer 18 extends externally along the right side (Figure 2) of the first flange 14, and has an internal sector 30 curved, substantially centered on axis 15. The lower part of the spacer 18 comprises a cross member 32 extending horizontally between the two opposite side edges of the flange 14.

Un deuxième flasque 34 mobile (figures 1 et 3), ayant une forme similaire à celle du premier flasque 14, est monté à basculement sur un pivot 36 fixé au premier flasque 14, et traversant l'entretoise 18 au voisinage du patin 26. Le pivot 36 s'étend parallèlement au premier axe 15 de la poulie 16, selon une direction perpendiculaire au premier flasque 14, tel que le déplacement du deuxième flasque 34 s'effectue dans un plan parallèle au premier flasque 14 suite à une action manuelle de l'utilisateur entre une position fermée (figures 1 et 3), dans laquelle la corde 12 est emprisonnée dans l'espace 20, et une position écartée (non représentée) permettant la mise en place ou l'enlèvement de la corde 12. Les deux flasques 14,34 du descendeur 10 sont séparés l'un de l'autre par un intervalle d transversal, ayant une épaisseur correspondant à celle de l'entretoise 18, et à celle de la poulie 16.A second mobile flange 34 (FIGS. 1 and 3), having a shape similar to that of the first flange 14, is pivotally mounted on a pivot 36 fixed to the first flange 14, and crossing the spacer 18 in the vicinity of the shoe 26. The pivot 36 extends parallel to the first axis 15 of the pulley 16, according to a direction perpendicular to the first flange 14, such as the displacement of the second flange 34 takes place in a plane parallel to the first flange 14 following a manual user action between a closed position (figures 1 and 3), in which the cord 12 is trapped in the space 20, and a spread position (not shown) allowing the installation or removal of the rope 12. The two flanges 14, 34 of the descender 10 are separated from each other by a transverse interval d, having a thickness corresponding to that of the spacer 18, and that of the pulley 16.

Chaque flasque 14,34 comporte à sa base un orifice 38,40 de forme circulaire ou oblongue, destiné au passage d'un mousqueton (non représenté) pour l'attache du descendeur 10 au harnais de l'utilisateur. En position fermée du deuxième flasque 34, les deux orifices 38,40 sont alignés, et la mise en place du mousqueton maintient le descendeur 10 fermé en empêchant toute ouverture intempestive du deuxième flasque 34.Each flange 14.34 has at its base an orifice 38.40 of circular shape or oblong, intended for the passage of a carabiner (not shown) for the attachment of the descender 10 to the user's harness. In the closed position of second flange 34, the two holes 38.40 are aligned, and the establishment of the carabiner keeps the descender 10 closed by preventing any inadvertent opening of the second flange 34.

Un premier ressort de rappel 42 (figure 2), notamment du type à torsion, est agencé sur l'axe 15 et sollicite la poulie 16 vers une position de déblocage lorsque la tension sur la corde 12 est inférieure à un seuil prédéterminé. A first return spring 42 (FIG. 2), in particular of the torsion type, is arranged on the axis 15 and biases the pulley 16 towards an unlocked position when the tension on the cord 12 is less than a predetermined threshold.

L'écartement entre la came 17 et la surface de freinage 28 du patin 26 fixe est alors maximum. Le brin amont 12A de la corde 12 est accroché à un organe d'ancrage (non représenté) fixé au mur ou au rocher au dessus du descendeur 10, tandis que le brin aval 12B tombe par gravité vers le bas. A l'intérieur du descendeur 10, la corde 12 est enroulée selon un S entre les deux extrémités 44,46 opposées d'accès à l'espace 20. Le brin amont 12A rentre dans l'espace 20 par l'extrémité 44 inférieure, passe autour de la poulie 16 et sort de l'extrémité supérieure 46 agencée au voisinage de la surface de freinage 28 du patin 26.The distance between the cam 17 and the braking surface 28 of the fixed shoe 26 is then maximum. The upstream strand 12A of the cord 12 is hooked to a member anchor (not shown) fixed to the wall or to the rock above the descender 10, while the downstream strand 12B falls by gravity downwards. AT inside the descender 10, the rope 12 is wound in an S between the two opposite ends 44,46 to access the space 20. The upstream strand 12A enters space 20 through the lower end 44, passes around the pulley 16 and leaves the upper end 46 arranged in the vicinity of the braking surface 28 of shoe 26.

Le mécanisme 22 à poignée d'actionnement 24 est disposé à l'extérieur de l'intervalle d du côté opposé au deuxième flasque 34, en prenant appui sur la surface externe postérieure 47 du premier flasque 14. Le premier axe 15 de la poulie 16 traverse un trou 48 (figure 3) du premier flasque 14, et sert également d'organe de pivotement à une embase 50 rotative à laquelle est solidarisée la poignée 24. L'embase 50 est formée par un tambour annulaire ayant un fond ouvert 52 du côté de la surface 47 postérieure du flasque 14 fixe. L'ensemble embase 50 et poignée 24 est constitué par une pièce monobloc, en matériau métallique ou isolant, montée à rotation limitée sur le premier axe 15.The mechanism 22 with actuating handle 24 is disposed outside of the interval d on the side opposite the second flange 34, bearing on the posterior external surface 47 of the first flange 14. The first axis 15 of the pulley 16 passes through a hole 48 (FIG. 3) of the first flange 14, and serves also of pivoting member to a rotary base 50 to which is secured to the handle 24. The base 50 is formed by an annular drum having an open bottom 52 on the side of the rear surface 47 of the flange 14 fixed. The base 50 and handle 24 assembly consists of a part monobloc, in metallic or insulating material, mounted with limited rotation on the first axis 15.

La poulie 16 est équipée d'un doigt d'entraínement 54 traversant une ouverture ou lumière 56 oblongue du premier flasque 14 pour coopérer avec une rampe 57 d'un levier de transmission 58, lequel est monté à pivotement sur un deuxième axe 60 de l'embase 50 de la poignée 24. En fonction de la position de la poignée 24, la rampe 57 peut également glisser le long d'une butée 62 fixe solidaire du premier flasque 14, en provoquant le pivotement du levier de transmission 58 depuis une position active de verrouillage avec le doigt d'entraínement 54 vers une position inactive de déverrouillage pour la libération dudit doigt 54. Un deuxième ressort de rappel 64, notamment du type à compression, est disposé entre une face d'appui 66 de l'embase 50 rotative, et le levier de transmission 58 de manière à solliciter ce dernier vers la position active.L'ouverture 56 oblongue autorisant le déplacement du doigt d'entraínement 54 est formée par un secteur correspondant au débattement angulaire de la poulie 16 entre les positions de blocage et de déblocage.The pulley 16 is equipped with a drive finger 54 passing through a oblong opening or lumen 56 of the first flange 14 to cooperate with a ramp 57 of a transmission lever 58, which is pivotally mounted on a second axis 60 of the base 50 of the handle 24. Depending on the position of the handle 24, the ramp 57 can also slide along a fixed stop 62 integral with the first flange 14, causing the pivoting of the transmission lever 58 from an active locking position with the drive finger 54 to an inactive unlocking position for the release of said finger 54. A second return spring 64, in particular of the compression type, is arranged between a bearing face 66 of the base 50 rotary, and the transmission lever 58 so as to urge the latter towards the active position. The oblong opening 56 authorizes the movement of the finger 54 is formed by a sector corresponding to the travel angle of the pulley 16 between the locking and unlocking positions.

Les différentes phases de fonctionnement du descendeur de sécurité 10 sont illustrées sur les figures 4 à 7: The different operating phases of the safety descender 10 are illustrated in Figures 4 to 7:

Au cours d'une descente le long de la corde 12, le poids P est appliqué à la partie inférieure des flasques 14,34, et tout relâchement volontaire ou involontaire de la poignée 24 provoque la rotation de la poulie 16 dans le sens de la flèche F1 par la réaction de la tension F sur la corde. Le blocage de la corde 12 s'exerce ensuite contre la surface de freinage 28 par l'action de serrage de la came 17, et la poignée 24 est sollicitée vers une position relevée (en pointillé). Pour réamorcer le mouvement de descente, il suffit d'abaisser la poignée 24 à partir de la position relevée dans le sens de la flèche F2 (figure 4). L'action mécanique de la rampe 57 du levier de transmission 58 sur le doigt d'entraínement 54 provoque la rotation de la poulie 16 dans le sens opposé de la flèche F1 jusqu'à l'écartement maximum de la came 17. Le déblocage de la corde 12 autorisant la poursuite du mouvement de descente intervient dans une position intermédiaire de la poignée 24, représentée en traits pleins sur la figure 4. Durant cette première phase de descente normale, la liaison mécanique unidirectionnelle entre la poignée 24 et la poulie 16 est permanente et est constituée par la venue en engagement du levier 58 avec le doigt 54, ledit levier 58 étant maintenu en position active de verrouillage par le ressort 64. Le déplacement forcé du doigt 54 vers l'extrémité gauche de l'ouverture 56 par l'action de poussée unidirectionnelle de la rampe 57, est opéré à partir de la position relevée (en traits pointillés) vers la position intermédiaire (en traits pleins) de la poignée 24 (figure 4).During a descent along the rope 12, the weight P is applied to the lower part of the flanges 14,34, and any voluntary release or involuntary handle 24 causes the pulley 16 to rotate in the direction of arrow F1 by the reaction of tension F on the rope. The blocking of the rope 12 is then exerted against the braking surface 28 by the action for clamping the cam 17, and the handle 24 is biased towards a position raised (dotted line). To re-initiate the descent movement, simply lower the handle 24 from the raised position in the direction of the arrow F2 (figure 4). The mechanical action of ramp 57 of the lever transmission 58 on the drive finger 54 causes the rotation of the pulley 16 in the opposite direction of arrow F1 up to the maximum spacing of the cam 17. The unlocking of the cord 12 authorizing the continuation of the lowering movement occurs in an intermediate position of the handle 24, shown in solid lines in FIG. 4. During this first normal descent phase, the unidirectional mechanical connection between the handle 24 and the pulley 16 is permanent and is constituted by the coming in engagement of lever 58 with finger 54, said lever 58 being held in active locking position by the spring 64. The forced displacement of the finger 54 towards the left end of the opening 56 by the pushing action unidirectional ramp 57, is operated from the raised position (in dotted lines) towards the intermediate position (in solid lines) of the handle 24 (Figure 4).

Sur la figure 5, un abaissement poursuivi de la poignée 24 au delà de la position intermédiaire de la figure 4 entraíne un glissement continu de la rampe 57 sur la butée 62 du flasque 14. Le levier de transmission 58 tourne autour du deuxième axe 60 dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre (flèche F3) jusqu'à la venue dans la position inactive de déverrouillage (figure 6). Dans cette position, intervient la brisure de la liaison mécanique entre la poignée 24 et la poulie 16, et la libération du doigt d'entraínement 54, qui n'est plus soumis à l'action mécanique de la rampe 57.In FIG. 5, a continued lowering of the handle 24 beyond the intermediate position of Figure 4 causes a continuous sliding of the ramp 57 on the stop 62 of the flange 14. The transmission lever 58 rotates around the second axis 60 clockwise (arrow F3) until it comes to the inactive unlocking position (Figure 6). In this position, the mechanical link between the handle 24 and the pulley 16, and the release of the drive finger 54, which is no longer subjected to the mechanical action of the ramp 57.

Un débrayage de la poulie 16 est alors opéré au-delà de la position intermédiaire de la poignée 24. La tension F de la corde 12 entraíne la poulie 16 en rotation dans le sens de la flèche F1, à l'encontre de la force de rappel du ressort 42, et la came 17 vient serrer automatiquement la corde contre la surface de freinage 28 du patin 26, suivi de l'arrêt du mouvement de descente (figure 7). Pendant cette course de blocage par la came 17, le doigt d'entraínement 54 de la poulie 16 se déplace le long de l'ouverture 56 curviligne vers l'extrémité de droite. La liaison mécanique entre le doigt 54 et le levier de transmission 58 reste interrompue dans la position abaissée de la poignée 24.The pulley 16 is disengaged beyond the position intermediate of the handle 24. The tension F of the cord 12 drives the pulley 16 rotating in the direction of arrow F1, against the restoring force of the spring 42, and the cam 17 automatically tightens the rope against the braking surface 28 of shoe 26, followed by stopping the downward movement (figure 7). During this blocking stroke by the cam 17, the finger 54 of the pulley 16 moves along the opening 56 curvilinear towards the right end. The mechanical connection between finger 54 and the transmission lever 58 remains interrupted in the lowered position of the handle 24.

Pour réarmer le mécanisme 22, il suffit de rétablir la liaison mécanique unidirectionnelle entre la poignée 24 et la poulie 16. Le réarmement s'effectue manuellement après relèvement de la poignée 24 dans le sens de la flèche F4, de la position abaissée (figure 7) vers la position relevée (figure 4).La rampe 57 quitte la butée 62 après, rotation du levier de transmission 58 dans le sens inverse des aiguilles d'une montre, et le levier 58 revient en position active de verrouillage en contact avec le doigt d'entraínement 54 de la poulie 16.To reset mechanism 22, it is sufficient to re-establish the mechanical connection unidirectional between handle 24 and pulley 16. Resetting is carried out manually after raising the handle 24 in the direction of arrow F4, from the lowered position (Figure 7) to the raised position (Figure 4) .The ramp 57 leaves the stop 62 after rotation of the lever transmission 58 counterclockwise, and lever 58 returns to active locking position in contact with the drive finger 54 of the pulley 16.

Selon une variante, le réarmement peut également être opéré d'une manière automatique au moyen d'un ressort de rappel du levier de transmission 58, qui revient automatiquement en position active de verrouillage après le débrayage et après le relâchement de la poignée 24.According to a variant, the rearming can also be carried out in a automatic by means of a return spring of the transmission lever 58, which automatically returns to the active locking position after declutching and after releasing the handle 24.

La fonction de double blocage de la corde 12 par la came 17 intervient dans l'état de charge du descendeur 10 pour deux positions distinctes de la poignée 24:

  • soit une position relevée après relâchement de la poignée 24;
  • soit après débrayage de la liaison mécanique entre le levier de transmission 58 et le doigt 54 de la poulie 16 lors de l'abaissement de la poignée 24 au-delà de la position intermédiaire.
The double blocking function of the rope 12 by the cam 17 intervenes in the state of charge of the descender 10 for two distinct positions of the handle 24:
  • either a raised position after release of the handle 24;
  • either after disengaging the mechanical connection between the transmission lever 58 and the finger 54 of the pulley 16 when the handle 24 is lowered beyond the intermediate position.

L'utilisateur qui relâche ou qui s'agrippe à la poignée 24 se trouve en sécurité totale grâce à ce système de double blocage de la corde 12.The user who releases or who grips the handle 24 is safe total thanks to this double rope locking system 12.

Dans le deuxième mode de réalisation du descendeur 100 décrit aux figures 8 à 12, les mêmes numéros de références seront utilisés pour désigner des pièces identiques ou similaires à celles du descendeur 10 des figures 1 à 7. L'agencement du descendeur 100 entre les flasques 14,34, est identique à celui du descendeur 10, mais le mécanisme de commande 102 possède une cinématique différente de celle du premier mécanisme 22.In the second embodiment of the descender 100 described in the figures 8 to 12, the same reference numbers will be used to designate parts identical or similar to those of the descender 10 of FIGS. 1 to 7. The arrangement of the descender 100 between the flanges 14,34, is identical to that of the descender 10, but the control mechanism 102 has a kinematics different from that of the first mechanism 22.

Le mécanisme 102 comporte une embase 104 cylindrique en forme de tambour associée à la poignée 24, et montée à rotation sur un troisième axe 106 fixé à la face postérieure du premier flasque 14. L'axe 106 est décalé par rapport à l'axe 15 de la came 17.The mechanism 102 comprises a cylindrical base 104 in the form of drum associated with the handle 24, and rotatably mounted on a third axis 106 fixed to the rear face of the first flange 14. The axis 106 is offset by relative to the axis 15 of the cam 17.

A l'intérieur de l'embase 104 se trouve une biellette de transmission 108 montée à pivotement sur le troisième axe 106 et coopérant avec un doigt d'entraínement 110 de la poulie 16. Le doigt 110 est formé par un levier de forme curviligne articulé sur un quatrième axe 112 solidaire de la poulie 16 mobile. L'extrémité libre de la biellette 108, à l'opposé du troisième axe 106, est dotée d'un ergot 114 de commande destiné à venir en engagement contre le chant interne du doigt 110 pour assurer l'entraínement en rotation de la poulie 16 lors de l'actionnement de la poignée 24. L'ensemble biellette 108 et doigt 110 forme une genouillère à passage de point mort.Inside the base 104 is a transmission link 108 pivotally mounted on the third axis 106 and cooperating with a finger 110 drive pulley 16. The finger 110 is formed by a lever curvilinear shape articulated on a fourth axis 112 secured to the pulley 16 mobile. The free end of the link 108, opposite the third axis 106, has a control pin 114 intended to come into engagement against the internal edge of the finger 110 to ensure the rotational drive of the pulley 16 when the handle 24 is actuated. The link assembly 108 and finger 110 forms a knee switch with passing neutral.

La figure 9 montre le descendeur 100 dans l'état de descente normale correspondant à la position intermédiaire de la poignée 24. Le passage de la poignée 24 de la position relevée de blocage de la corde vers la position intermédiaire de déblocage, provoque la rotation de la biellette 108 dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre, et la poussée simultanée de l'ergot 114 sur le doigt 110. La came 17 de la poulie 16 s'écarte du patin 26 pour autoriser le mouvement de descente par glissement de la corde dans la gorge de la poulie 16.Figure 9 shows the descender 100 in the normal descent state corresponding to the intermediate position of the handle 24. The passage of the handle 24 from the raised rope locking position to the position unlocking intermediate, causes the link 108 to rotate in the clockwise, and the simultaneous push of the lug 114 on the finger 110. The cam 17 of the pulley 16 moves away from the shoe 26 to allow the movement of descent by sliding of the rope in the throat of the pulley 16.

Sur la figure 10, le mouvement poursuivi de la poignée 24 vers le bas provoque l'alignement de la biellette de transmission 108 avec le quatrième axe 112 du doigt d'entraínement 110. L'ergot 114 de la biellette 108 reste en contact avec la partie convexe 115 du doigt 110, mais cette position d'alignement de la genouillère est instable.In FIG. 10, the continued movement of the handle 24 downwards causes alignment of the transmission link 108 with the fourth axis 112 of the drive finger 110. The lug 114 of the link 108 remains in contact with the convex part 115 of the finger 110, but this position knee pad alignment is unstable.

Le dépassement de point mort de la genouillère du mécanisme 102 intervient sur la figure 11 lors de l'abaissement poursuivi de la poignée 24. Les axes 106,112 ne sont plus alignés avec l'ergot 114, lequel est libéré en s'échappant vers le bas grâce à la présence de la lumière 116 ménagée dans l'embase 50. L'échappement de l'ergot 114 provoque la libération du doigt d'entraínement 110, et la brisure de la liaison mécanique entre la biellette 108 et la poulie 16. La friction de la corde sur la poulie 16 sollicite la came 17 dans le sens trigonométrique vers la position de blocage de la corde contre le patin 26. Après cette phase de déblocage du descendeur 102, l'utilisateur est stoppé automatiquement dans son mouvement de descente. The overshoot of the knee lever of mechanism 102 occurs in Figure 11 during the continued lowering of the handle 24. The axes 106,112 are no longer aligned with lug 114, which is released in escaping downwards thanks to the presence of the light 116 made in the base 50. The escape of the lug 114 causes the release of the finger 110, and the breaking of the mechanical connection between the link 108 and the pulley 16. The friction of the rope on the pulley 16 urges the cam 17 counterclockwise to the rope locking position against the pad 26. After this phase of unlocking the descender 102, the user is automatically stopped in its downward movement.

Pour le retour vers l'état de descente normale illustré à la figure 9, il suffit de tourner la poignée 24 de trois quart de tour dans le même sens F5 (voir figure 12), jusqu'à ce que l'ergot 106 vienne en contact avec la partie convexe 115 du doigt d'entraínement 110. La genouillère se trouve réarmée, et autorise la mise en rotation de la poulie 16 pour débloquer la corde suite à l'abaissement de la poignée 24.To return to the normal descent state illustrated in Figure 9, simply turn the handle 24 three-quarters of a turn in the same direction F5 (see figure 12), until the lug 106 comes into contact with the convex part 115 of the training finger 110. The knee lever is reset, and authorizes the rotation of the pulley 16 to unlock the rope following the lowering handle 24.

Dans le troisième mode de réalisation du descendeur 200 décrit aux figures 13 à 15, les mêmes numéros de repères seront utilisés pour désigner des pièces identiques, tandis que les pièces modifiées par rapport à celles du descendeur 100 précédent seront affectées d'un 2 au niveau de la centaine au lieu d'un 1.In the third embodiment of the descender 200 described in the figures 13 to 15, the same reference numbers will be used to designate identical parts, while the modified parts compared to those of the previous descender 100 will be assigned a 2 at the hundred level instead of a 1.

Le mécanisme 202 est également du type à genouillère, mais la biellette de l'organe de transmission 208 est montée à pivotement sur un cinquième axe 205 décalé par rapport au troisième axe 206 de l'embase 204 rotative. Le doigt d'entraínement 210 est articulé sur la poulie 16 au niveau du quatrième axe 212, et comporte une surface d'appui 213 incurvée dans sa partie intermédiaire. Cette surface d'appui 213 coopère avec l'ergot 214 de commande de la biellette 208, et permet de renforcer l'action de poussée sur le doigt 210 pour le déblocage de la poulie 16 (voir figure 13).The mechanism 202 is also of the toggle type, but the connecting rod the transmission member 208 is pivotally mounted on a fifth axis 205 offset from the third axis 206 of the rotary base 204. The drive finger 210 is articulated on the pulley 16 at the fourth axis 212, and has a bearing surface 213 curved in its part intermediate. This bearing surface 213 cooperates with the lug 214 of control of the link 208, and makes it possible to reinforce the pushing action on finger 210 for unlocking the pulley 16 (see FIG. 13).

La biellette 208 est associée à un ressort de rappel 209 qui la sollicite en butée contre le troisième axe 206.The link 208 is associated with a return spring 209 which urges it in stop against the third axis 206.

La figure 14 montre la phase de débrayage qui est similaire à celle décrite précédemment à la figure 11. Après le dépassement du point mort de la genouillère, l'ergot 214 quitte le logement défini par la surface d'appui 213 incurvée, et provoque la brisure de la genouillère, et de la liaison mécanique entre la biellette 208 et la poulie 16.Figure 14 shows the declutching phase which is similar to that described previously in Figure 11. After passing the neutral point of the toggle, the lug 214 leaves the housing defined by the bearing surface 213 curved, and causes the knee brace and the mechanical link to break between the link 208 and the pulley 16.

Le mécanisme 202 à genouillère peut être réarmé en inversant le sens de manoeuvre de la poignée 24 ( flèche F6, figure 15), depuis la position débrayée jusqu'à la position intermédiaire, dans laquelle l'ergot 214 de la biellette 208 passe le point dur du doigt 210, pour se loger dans le creux de la surface d'appui 213. Le mouvement rotatif de réarmement du mécanisme 202 des figures 13 à 15 est opposé à celui du descendeur 100 illustré sur la figure 12.The toggle mechanism 202 can be reset by reversing the direction of operation of the handle 24 (arrow F6, figure 15), from the position disengaged to the intermediate position, in which the lug 214 of the rod 208 passes the hard point of finger 210, to be housed in the hollow of the bearing surface 213. The rotary reset movement of the mechanism 202 Figures 13 to 15 is opposite to that of the descender 100 illustrated in the figure 12.

Claims (12)

  1. A self-locking safety descender for descending along a rope (12), comprising :
    a first fixed flange (14) supporting a braking pad (26) and a mobile pulley (16) in the form of a cam (17), said cam being mounted with limited rotation on a first articulation spindle (15) between a locking position and an unlocking position, and separated from the pad (26) by a space (20) for passage of the rope (12),
    a second retractable flange (34) separated from the first flange by a transverse gap d, and able to occupy a withdrawn position for fitting or removal of the rope (12), and a closed position, in which the rope (12) is held captive in the space (20),
    an actuating handle (24) of the pulley (16) to perform manual unlocking of the rope (12),
    and a first spring (42) to return the pulley (16) to the unlocking position when the tension of the rope (12) is lower than a preset threshold,
    characterized in that the cam (17) is associated to a drive finger (54, 110, 210) cooperating with a mechanism (22, 102, 202) having a transmission part (58, 108, 208) movable between an active engagement position with the finger (54, 110, 210) to establish a unidirectional mechanical link between the handle (24) and the pulley (16) when the handle (24) is actuated to an intermediate unlocking position in the course of the descending movement, and an inactive escape position to break said mechanical link after said intermediate position of the handle (24) has been passed, causing disengagement of the pulley (16) and automatic return of the cam (17) to the locking position due to the action of the tension of the rope.
  2. The descender according to claim 1, characterized in that the mechanism (22, 102, 202) is located outside the gap d between the two flanges (14, 34), and that the drive finger (54, 110, 210) of the pulley (16) comprises a part passing through an opening (56, 116, 216) of the first flange (14).
  3. The descender according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive finger (54, 110, 210) and transmission part (58, 108, 208) are housed inside a rotary base (50, 104, 204) in the form of an annular drum with an open base adjoined to the first flange (14), the handle (24) protruding out from said base.
  4. The descender according to claim 3, characterized in that the transmission part is formed by a lever (58) pivotally mounted on a second spindle (60) securedly affixed to the base (50), and comprising a ramp (57) cooperating with a cylindrical part of the finger (54) movable in the opening (56), said opening being shaped as a circular sector centered on the first spindle (15), and having a length corresponding to the angular movement of the pulley (16) between the locking and unlocking positions.
  5. The descender according to claim 4, characterized in that the ramp (57) of the transmission lever (58) cooperates with stop means (62) after passing the intermediate position of the handle (24), resulting in pivoting of said lever (58) to the inactive unlocking position for disengagement of the pulley (16).
  6. The descender according to claim 4, characterized in that a second return spring (64) is disposed between a bearing face (66) of the base (50) and the transmission lever (58) to bias the latter to the active locking position, in which the ramp (57) is bearing against the drive finger (54).
  7. The descender according to claim 4, characterized in that the rotary base (50) is mounted on an aligned extension of the first spindle (15) passing perpendicularly through the first flange (14), and that the stop means (62) are formed by a fixed pin securedly affixed to the first flange (14) and extending parallel to the second spindle (60) of the transmission lever (58).
  8. The descender according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmission part (108, 208) is formed by a rod cooperating with the drive finger (110, 210) to form a toggle with dead point passage near to said intermediate position of the handle (24).
  9. The descender according to claim 8, characterized in that the base (104) of the handle (24) is mounted with rotation on a third spindle (106, 206) securedly affixed to the first flange (14), and that the transmission rod (108, 208) comprises an operating pin (114, 214), designed to come into engagement with a curved bearing surface (115, 213) of the drive finger (110, 210), which finger is articulated on a fourth spindle (112, 212) securedly affixed to the pulley (16).
  10. The descender according to claim 1, characterized in that the mechanism (22, 102, 202) is equipped with resetting means causing the transmission part (58, 108, 208) to return to the active position to re-establish the mechanical link between the handle (24) and pulley (16).
  11. The descender according to claim 10, characterized in that the resetting means are activated by a manual actuation movement of the handle (24) resulting in the transmission part (58, 108, 208) coming into engagement in the active position with the drive finger (54, 110).
  12. The descender according to claim 10, characterized in that the resetting means are arranged to cause an automatic return to an active position after the disengaged handle (24) has been released.
EP95410046A 1994-06-23 1995-05-18 Disconnectable self-locking descending device Expired - Lifetime EP0688581B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9407974 1994-06-23
FR9407974A FR2721522B1 (en) 1994-06-23 1994-06-23 Self-locking descender with self-locking rope.

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0688581A1 EP0688581A1 (en) 1995-12-27
EP0688581B1 true EP0688581B1 (en) 1999-09-08

Family

ID=9464760

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP95410046A Expired - Lifetime EP0688581B1 (en) 1994-06-23 1995-05-18 Disconnectable self-locking descending device

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US5577576A (en)
EP (1) EP0688581B1 (en)
JP (1) JP3649774B2 (en)
KR (1) KR100320638B1 (en)
AU (1) AU682107B2 (en)
DE (1) DE69511950T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2136817T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2721522B1 (en)

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EP2857069A2 (en) 2013-10-07 2015-04-08 Etablissements Simond Self-blocking descender-belay device
US9573002B2 (en) 2013-10-07 2017-02-21 Etablissements Simond Self-blocking descender-belay device
EP3552668B1 (en) * 2018-04-11 2022-04-06 Zedel Self-locking abseiling device with releasable handle

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP3649774B2 (en) 2005-05-18
EP0688581A1 (en) 1995-12-27
AU682107B2 (en) 1997-09-18
AU2182095A (en) 1996-01-11
JPH0852237A (en) 1996-02-27
FR2721522A1 (en) 1995-12-29
US5577576A (en) 1996-11-26
DE69511950D1 (en) 1999-10-14
KR100320638B1 (en) 2002-10-11
FR2721522B1 (en) 1996-08-14
KR960000755A (en) 1996-01-25
DE69511950T2 (en) 2000-03-09
ES2136817T3 (en) 1999-12-01

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