WO2022214641A1

WO2022214641A1 - Monitoring device for a fall protection system for persons and fall protection system for persons

Info

Publication number: WO2022214641A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/059386
Authority: WO
Inventors: Halil KAYHAN; Basak ERCIYAS; Orhan Goktug GUNGOR; Emre TEK; Sena AY; Stephan VOEHRINGER; Burak ACIKGOZ
Original assignee: Bosch Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi
Priority date: 2021-04-09
Filing date: 2022-04-08
Publication date: 2022-10-13
Also published as: EP4319886A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a monitoring device (10) for a fall protection system for persons, the monitoring device (10) comprising a sensor device (1) at least indirectly interacting with a control device (20), the sensor device (1) being configured to detect an approximation of a mobile second protective device (14) for persons (P) and/or of a person (P) carrying the mobile second protective device (14) for persons (P) towards a first protective device (11), the control device (20) being configured to start a meter (Z) or similar unit when the approximation is detected.

Description

Specification

Monitoring device for a fall protection system for persons and fall protection system for persons

Technical field

The invention relates to a monitoring device for a fall protection system for persons which is in particular used in buildings, freestanding poles or similar objects in order to prevent a possible fall from high height of a person if the person is not connected to or protected by a protective device, such as a track rope or similar element. Furthermore, the invention relates to a fall protection system for persons equipped with a monitoring device according to the invention.

State of the art

Monitoring devices for a fall protection system for persons are known in different designs from the state of the art. For example, DE 102005009 946 B3 discloses the monitoring of the correct hooking-on operation of a carabiner which is fixed to a carry strap for persons of a user, in particular in order to ensure that the carabiner is fixed to a track rope. Said disclosure also discloses the generation of an acoustic signal if the carabiner is not hooked on. The hooking-on operation of the carabiner is detected by a sliding contact which is provided on the carabiner and which closes the electrical circuit when the carabiner is hooked on the track rope.

From JP 2003 111 856 A, a monitoring device for a fall protection system for persons is known in which the identification element which is disposed on a protective device which is connected to a person can be detected by an antenna which is connected to a receiver, wherein the antenna is disposed parallel to a track rope at a small distance, wherein the track rope serves as an additional protective device. As soon as the identification element is detected, an alarm is triggered at an alarm device on the protective device of the person, wherein the alarm is stopped only once the two protective devices are coupled or connected to one another.

Disclosure of the invention

The monitoring device according to the invention for a fall protection system for persons which has the features of claim 1 has the advantage that it allows for a particularly variable adaptation to the respective local conditions of a building or similar structure, and, in particular, triggers an acoustic alarm or similar signal only once the person who is to use the fall protection system for persons has not carried out the coupling between the two protective devices after a reasonable period of time.

Furthermore, the monitoring device according to the invention allows in principle for a comprehensive documentation of movements of persons or protective devices for persons in risk areas, even if no alarm or similar signal is triggered.

Against the background of the aforementioned explanations, the monitoring device according to the invention for a fall protection system for persons provides that a sensor device is provided, the sensor device at least indirectly interacting with a control device and being configured to detect an approximation of a mobile second protective device for persons and/or of a person carrying the mobile second protective device for persons towards a first protective device, the control device being configured to start a meter or similar unit when the approximation is detected, the control device also being configured to trigger a signal, in particular in the form of an acoustic alarm, when a limit value of the meter or similar unit is exceeded and a mechanical coupling between the mobile second protective device and the first protective device has not taken place.

In other words, this means that an acoustic alarm is triggered only once a person to be protected has approached in particular the (first) protective device in the form of a track rope or the like over a specific minimum period without coupling or connecting himself/herself to the first protective device in particular via the second protective device and thus protecting himself/herself against a fall. Such a minimum period between the detection of the sensor element on the person and the generation of an alarm can typically be between 10 seconds and 30 seconds, wherein, depending on the existing conditions, the minimum period can preferably be individually adapted.

Advantageous embodiments of the monitoring device according to the invention for a fall protection system for persons are disclosed in the dependent claims.

A first embodiment of the monitoring device provides that the sensor device comprises an image-capturing device, in particular a camera, or a distance measurement device, especially an ultrasonic sensor device. Such an embodiment has the particular advantage that no special sensors or elements have to be provided on the mobile second protective device for persons if the image-capturing device can detect a carabiner or similar element and its operation on the protective device for persons by means of a suitable image evaluation software, for example. An alternative of the monitoring device provides that the sensor device comprises a distance sensor device, in particular an ultrasonic sensor device. The distance sensor device can be fixable or fixed to the stationary protective device. The ultrasonic sensor device can have one ultrasonic sensor or several ultrasonic sensors. At least one ultrasonic sensor can be fixed to the stationary protective device.

An alternative, second embodiment of the monitoring device provides that the sensor device comprises a first sensor element which can be fixed to the stationary (first) protective device and a second sensor element which can be fixed to the mobile (second) protective device. Said embodiment is advantageous if, for example, a detection by means of an image-capturing device is not possible (e.g. because of obstacles which reduce visibility).

In a preferred embodiment of the latter monitoring device, the two sensor elements are realized as active or passive transmission or reception units. Such transmission or reception units known from the state of the art can be based on RFID technology, radio technology such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or other technologies, for example. Additionally, the control device is particularly preferably configured to detect second sensor elements, in particular assigned to different persons, in an individual manner and to store data relating to the detected second sensor elements in a memory unit. Such a realization is in particular used for the documentation of the use of the fall protection system by specific or different persons; in the event of an accident, for example, it is thus possible to reconstruct the circumstances of the accident in order to exclude technical causes.

In order to reduce the effort on the part of the monitoring device, the first and/or second sensor element can particularly preferably be fixed so as to be exchangeable, in particular to the assigned protective device or to the mobile protective device for persons. For example, the same second sensor element can thus be used by different persons and/or, after completion of construction or similar operations, first sensor elements disposed on a component structure can easily be used on other structures. To this end, the at least one first sensor element is in particular configured in such a manner that no specific measures are required on the first protective device in order to fix it.

Furthermore, the invention comprises a fall protection system for persons using a monitoring device according to the invention described above, wherein the first protective device is realized in the form of a rope or similar protective element and can be fixed to a structure, in particular in the form of a building, wherein the mobile protective device for persons is realized in the form of a carry strap for persons or the like, and wherein the first protective device and the mobile second protective device for persons are realized so as to be connectable to one another.

In a preferred embodiment of such a fall protection system for persons, the coupling of the first protective device and the mobile second protective device for persons can be detected by means of detection means and the corresponding information can be supplied to the control device of the monitoring device. Said detection means can be realized by the two sensor elements themselves; for example, the distance between the two sensor elements can only be smaller than a minimum distance if the two protective devices are connected or coupled to one another. Another embodiment of the invention provides that a first sensor element is assigned to the first protective device and a second sensor element is assigned to the mobile protective device for persons, that the two sensor elements are connected to the electrically conductive first protective device in an electrically conductive manner, and that a signal for the data exchange between the control device and the second sensor element can be introduced into the first protective device by the control device, preferably via the first sensor element. The first protective device realized in the form of a carry strap, guard rail or the like, for example, acts in the manner of a direct coupling or of a data bus between the two sensor elements.

According to an embodiment of such a fall protection system for persons, the second sensor element has means for decoding the output signal of the control device and for generating an individual signal for the second sensor element which can be decoded by the control device, so that the second sensor element can exchange data with the control device.

Another preferred embodiment of such a fall protection system for persons provides that the control device is configured to perform a cyclic data exchange with the second sensor device whilst changing the output signal. Such an embodiment in particular ensures that the entire period during which the person is protected can be completely documented.

Finally, an embodiment of the device provides that the first protective device is configured to supply the second sensor element with energy. In other words, this means that the (metallic) first protective device is used for the power or voltage supply of the second sensor element.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention are apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention and from the drawings. Reference Numbers and Signs

1 sensor device

2 image-capturing device

10 monitoring device

11 first protective device

12 track rope

14 second protective device 16 carry strap for persons 18 carabiner 20 control device 22 algorithm 24 first sensor element 26 second sensor element 28 RFID tag 30 detection means 32 signal device

34 data memory

35 first sub-element

36 second sub-element

37 bracket

38 connection cord

39 coupling

X output signal Y individual signal B building S pillar P person RZ risk area Z meter

101 first program step

102 second program step

103 third step

104 first program step

105 second program step Short description of the drawings

Fig. 1 shows a simplified top view of a fall protection system for persons in the area of a building,

Fig. 2 and

Fig. 3 show a simplified view of the process of the approximation or of the connection of two protective devices,

Fig. 4 and

Fig. 5 show simplified views of different fall protection systems for persons,

Fig. 6 shows a simplified view of another embodiment of a fall protection system for persons explaining a data exchange between two sensor elements,

Fig. 7 shows a sequence diagram explaining the functioning of the monitoring device and

Fig. 8 shows an embodiment of a fall protection system for persons in which a camera is used to detect the approximation of a protective device for persons or of a person towards a protective device in the form of a track rope.

Embodiments of the invention

Fig. 1 shows a structure in the form of a building (B) in the area of an upper floor of building (B) which has pillars (S) in its corner areas. A first protective device (11) in the form of a track rope (12), for example, can be tensioned between two pillars (S), wherein track rope (12) is part of a monitoring device (10) for realizing a fall protection system for persons. First protective device (11) is assigned to a risk area (RZ) between the two pillars (S) where a person (P) is to be protected in order to prevent a fall of person (P) from building (B). To this end, person (P) (shown in a symbolic manner) has a mobile protective device for persons in the form of a second protective device (14), in particular in the form of a carry strap for persons (16), which can be coupled to first protective device (11) or to track rope (12). If a track rope (12) is used, second protective device (14) has a carabiner (18) on carry strap for persons (16), for example, which can be hooked on track rope (12).

Additionally, monitoring device (10) for realizing the fall protection system for persons has a control device (20) (shown in a schematic manner) comprising an algorithm (22) in the form of a data carrier or a data program. Furthermore, a sensor device (1) is provided which comprises, among other things, a first sensor element (24) which is assigned to first protective device (11). First sensor element (24) is at least indirectly connected to control device (20) in a wired or wireless manner or realizes a common unit together with control device (20). Furthermore, a second sensor element (26) is provided as a component of sensor device (1) and is at least indirectly connected to second protective device (14).

Preferably, the first sensor element (24) and the second sensor element (26) are disposed so as to be assembled and disassembled or exchanged on the first protective device (11) and the second protective device (14) in a simple manner.

Furthermore, the first sensor element (24) and the second sensor element (26) can detect a distance or an approximation to one another. To this end, second sensor element (26) can be realized in the form of an RFID tag (28), for example, whose approximation can be detected by first sensor element (24). The first sensor element (24) and the second sensor element (26) can in particular detect an approximation of person (P) or second protective device (14) as soon as second protective device (14) or second sensor element (26) gets close to a distance which corresponds to the distance of risk area (RZ) around first protective device (11). Additionally, the first and second sensor elements (24, 26) can have any design and are in particular realized as an active or passive transmission or reception unit. It is important that the first and second sensor elements (24, 26) are configured to detect an approximation to one another, i.e., when the distance between the first and second sensor elements (24 and 26) is smaller than a minimum distance.

In algorithm (22) of control device (20), the detection of second sensor element (26) by first sensor element (24) effects the starting of a meter (Z) which, for example, comprises a passage of time, e.g. 10 seconds, which can preferably be set in control device (20).

Furthermore, a coupling of each of the two devices as, the first protective device (11) and the second protective device (14) is detected by means of detection means (30), wherein a corresponding signal can be supplied to control device (20) or algorithm (22). Detection means (30) can be realized by the first sensor element (24) and the second sensor element (26) themselves, for example by establishing a specific minimum distance between the first and second sensor elements (24, 26) in order to conclude that the first protective device (11) and the second protective device (14) are coupled. Alternatively, it is conceivable that detection means (30) are realized as separate detection means (30), i.e. work independently of the first sensor element (24) and the second sensor element (26).

Additionally, control device (20) is at least indirectly connected to a signal device (32), e.g. in the form of a loudspeaker or siren. Control device (20) is also connected to a data memory (34) which is configured to store distance information between the first sensor element (24) and the second sensor element (26) and information relating to a specific identification of second sensor element (26) and therefore an assignment of second sensor element (26) to a specific person (P). As an alternative or in addition to a loudspeaker or a siren as signal device (32), the latter can also be configured to generate a corresponding warning or indication in an optical, acoustic or other manner, for example for supervision of building works. Figs. 2 and 3 show how carabiner (18) which supports the second sensor element (26) in a subarea, for example, is connected to first protective device (11) in the form of track rope (12) when person (P) approaches. The first sensor element (24) comprises a first sub-element (35) and a second sub-element (36) which are disposed so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction on track rope (12) and which are connected to a bracket (37), free space thus being created between the first sub-element (35) and the second sub-element (36) and carabiner (18) can be hooked there. Due to the disposition of second sensor element (26) between the first sub-element (35) and the second sub-element (36) of first sensor element (24), it is concluded that the first protective device (11) and the second protective device (14) are coupled once carabiner (18) is hooked corresponding to Fig. 3.

Fig. 4 shows the case in which second sensor element (26) is coupled to second protective device (14) or carry strap for persons (16) via a connection cord (38). First sensor element (24) which is disposed so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction along first protective device (11) or track rope (12) is equipped with a coupling (39) in order to be connected to second sensor element (26) and it can thus be concluded that the first protective device (11) and the second protective device (14) are connected. This is supplied to control device (20) as an input signal.

Fig. 5 shows a variation of Figs. 2 and 3 in which several first sensor elements (24) are fixed to first protective device (11) or to track rope (12). As soon as carabiner (18) having second sensor element (26) is coupled or connected to first protective device (11), said coupling or connection is detected by the adjacent first sensor element (24) on track rope (12) and is supplied to control device (20) as an input parameter.

Fig. 7 shows a sequence diagram explaining the functioning of monitoring device (10). Monitoring device (10) is activated in a first program step (101). In a subsequent second program step (102), it is checked whether an approximation between the first sensor element (24) and the second sensor element (26) is detected in such a manner that second sensor element (26) is within risk area (RZ). If this is not the case, second program step (102) is repeated. If an approximation of second sensor element (26) is detected, meter (Z) is started in a third step (103). Individual data or the individual identification code of second sensor element (26) are preferably detected at the same time, in particular if different second sensor elements (26) are provided.

For example, the starting of meter (Z) has the effect that, for a specific period, e.g. for the next 30 s, meter (Z) monitors whether the first protective device (11) and the second protective device (14) are connected or coupled to one another. This check is performed in a first program step (104). If this is the case, there is no further response. If the first protective devices (11) and the second protective device (14) are not coupled, a signal is generated by means of signal device (32) in a second program step (105), for example, wherein person (P) has to understand the signal as a warning to couple his/her second protective device (14) to first protective device (11). As explained above, corresponding data are supplied to data memory (34) at the same time.

Additionally, meter (Z) is stopped when an approximation of second sensor element (26) to first sensor element (24) is detected, i.e., when a coupling of the first protective device (11) and the second protective device (14) is to be expected and the distance between the first sensor element (24) and the second sensor element (26) increases again.

Fig. 6 shows another variation of monitoring device (10). In this variation, first sensor element (24)is connected to track rope (12) made of metal or to first protective device (11) in an electrically conductive manner. Second sensor element (26) is connected to carabiner (18) in an electrically conductive manner. Data can be exchanged between the first and second sensor elements (24, 26) via track rope (12) or first protective device (11), wherein control device (20) and first sensor element (24) realize a common unit in an exemplary manner. In particular, a coded output signal (X) can be transmitted to second sensor element (26) via first sensor element (24) if the first sensor element (24) is operated as a transmission unit. Second sensor element (26) can decode output signal (X) and can return an individual signal (Y) as a response to first sensor element (24), wherein individual signal (Y) can be decoded there. To detect an intermediate detachment of the first protective device (11) and the second protective device (14), output signal (X) of first sensor element (24) can be changed in a cyclic manner with the consequence that individual signal (Y) as the response by the second sensor element (26) is also changed in a cyclic manner.

It is also conceivable to transmit the signals generated by the first sensor element (24) and the second sensor element (26) directly to a control device (20) (disposed on the outside) by wireless communication means, for example. It is also conceivable to ensure the energy supply of second sensor element (26) via first protective device (11).

Fig. 8 shows a monitoring device (10) in which sensor device (1) comprises an image-capturing device (2), in particular in the form of a camera. An approximation of the mobile protective device for persons or of second protective device (14) (which is formed by carabiner (18) on carry strap for persons (16) in this case) can be detected by means of image-capturing device (2). Alternatively or additionally, person (P) (not shown in Fig. 8) carrying the protective device for persons or second protective device (14) can be detected. This mode can in particular be used if second protective device (14) or carabiner (18) cannot be detected. To this end, image-capturing device (2) interacts at least indirectly with control device (20) which has a corresponding image evaluation software. Preferably, the image evaluation software can also detect the distance between second protective device (14) or person (P) to first protective device (11) and a coupling between second protective device (14) or carabiner (18) and first protective device (11). This means that image-capturing device (2) or the image evaluation software simultaneously realizes detection means (30). In contrast to the exemplary embodiments described above, it is thus not necessary to use the first or second sensor elements (24 or 26). However, this may also be provided in order to increase the operational safety of monitoring device (10) (not shown). With respect to the other functionalities of monitoring device (10) described in Fig. 8, reference is made to the designs described above, wherein said designs are also realized in the present case if the elements required (not shown in Fig. 8 for the sake of simplicity) are provided. Monitoring device (10) described above can be adapted or modified in many ways without departing from the idea of the invention. For example, it is conceivable to use either several first sensor elements (24) and/or several second sensor elements (26) in connection with monitoring devices (10) shown in Figs. 1 to 6. Firstly, this allows an increased safety in the event of failure or reception difficulties at a first sensor element (24) and the second sensor element(26); additionally, a distance can be measured by means of triangulation, for example.

It is also conceivable to dispose or fix the first sensor element (24) or the second sensor element (26) not (directly) on the first protective device (11) or the second protective device (14), but on a building wall or a helmet near the respective the first protective device (11) and the second protective device (14), for example.

Claims

1. A monitoring device (10) for a fall protection system for persons, the monitoring device (10) comprising a sensor device (1) at least indirectly interacting with a control device (20), the sensor device (1) being configured to detect an approximation of a mobile second protective device (14) for persons (P) and/or of a person (P) carrying the mobile second protective device (14) for persons (P) towards a stationary first protective device (11), the control device (20) being configured to start a meter (Z) or similar unit when the approximation is detected, the control device (20) also being configured to trigger a signal, in particular in the form of an acoustic alarm, when a limit value of the meter (Z) or similar unit is exceeded and a mechanical coupling between the mobile second protective device (14) and the stationary first protective device (11) has not taken place.

2. The monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, in order to detect the approximation and/or to identify the mechanical coupling, the sensor device (1) comprises an image-capturing device (2), in particular a camera, or a distance sensor device, in particular an ultrasonic sensor device.

3. The monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, in order to detect the approximation and/or to identify the mechanical coupling, the sensor device (1) comprises a first sensor element (24) which can be fixed to the stationary first protective device (11) and a second sensor element (26) which can be fixed to the mobile second protective device (14).

4. The monitoring device according to claim 3, characterized in that the first and the second sensor elements (24, 26) are realized as a transmission or reception unit.

5. The monitoring device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the control device (20) is configured to detect second sensor elements (26), in particular assigned to different persons (P), in an individual manner and to store data relating to the detected second sensor elements (26) in a data memory (34).

6. The monitoring device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the first and/or the second sensor element (24, 26) can be fixed so as to be exchangeable, in particular to the assigned first protective device (11) or to the mobile second protective device (14) for persons (P).

7. A fall protection system for persons comprising a monitoring device (10) realized according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the stationary first protective device (11) being realized in the form of a track rope (12) or similar protective element and being fixable to a structure, in particular in the form of a building (B), the mobile second protective device (14) for persons (P) being realized in the form of a carry strap for persons (16) or the like, and the stationary first protective device (11) and the mobile second protective device (14) for persons (P) being realized so as to be connectable to one another.

8. The fall protection system for persons according to claim 7, characterized in that the coupling of the stationary first protective device (11) and the mobile second protective device (14) for persons (P) can be detected by means of detection means (30) and the corresponding information can be supplied to the control device (20) of the monitoring device (10).

9. The fall protection system for persons according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that a first sensor element (24) is assigned to the stationary first protective device (11) and a second sensor element (26) is assigned to the mobile second protective device (14) for persons (P), that each of the two; first and second sensor elements (24, 26) are connected to the electrically conductive stationary first protective device (11) in an electrically conductive manner, and that an output signal (X) for the data exchange between the control device (20) and the first sensor element (24) can be introduced into the stationary first protective device (11) by the control device (20), preferably via the first sensor element (24).

10. The fall protection system for persons according to claim 9, characterized in that the second sensor element (26) has means for decoding the output signal (X) of the control device (20) and for generating an individual signal (Y) for the second sensor element (26) which can be decoded by the control device (20), so that the second sensor element (26) can exchange data with the control device (20).

11. The fall protection system for persons according to claim 10, characterized in that the control device (20) is configured to perform a cyclic data exchange with the second sensor element (26) whilst changing the output signal (X).

12. The fall protection system according to any one of claims 9 to 11 , characterized in that the stationary first protective device (11) is configured to supply the second sensor element (26) with energy.