Anti-fall safety device for holding and preventing the fall of a connecting pin

Abstract

A fall arrestor (1) for retaining and preventing a connecting pin (5) from falling, the connecting pin (5) being used for end-to-end assembly of two frame elements (61, 62) of a structure (6), the fall arrestor (1) comprising: a clamping ring (2) having at least one internal groove, the clamping ring being configurable between an open position allowing an enlarged head (50) of the connecting pin to be inserted and at least one closed position capable of locking the enlarged head within the internal groove; a lock (3) engaging with the clamping ring to lock it in the closed position; and a tethering link (4) anchored to the clamping ring for securing the device to a fixing element, such as one of the two frame elements. The invention can be applied to retaining a connecting pin used in a crane structure during disassembly of the two frame elements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fall protection safety device for retaining and preventing a connecting pin from falling off, the connecting pin being used for end-to-end assembly of two frame elements of a structure.

[0002] The present invention finds a preferred, non-limiting application for retaining a connecting pin for end-to-end assembly of two frame elements of a crane structure (preferably a tower crane mast or crane boom). Background Technology

[0003] Typically, a tower crane mast consists of multiple vertically stackable frame elements, which are assembled together end-to-end during the crane's installation at its operating site and separated from each other when the crane is dismantled.

[0004] A frame element, typically with a square cross-section, consists of four corner members (or vertical columns) connected in pairs by a lattice structure or triangular structure (also known as a brace), which is constructed of diagonal braces and sleepers. During the vertical and end-to-end assembly of the frame element, the ends of the corner members of two stacked frame elements are rigidly connected to each other by connecting pins, typically associated with fishplates, as known in documents FR3014509A1, FR2781535A1, and FR2680813A1.

[0005] Connecting pins have enlarged heads extending from a rod (usually cylindrical), and they are typically inserted into the corner member from the outside in. During disassembly, the connecting pins are popped or knocked out using a sledgehammer by striking the end of the rod. However, during these popping operations, sometimes the connecting pins are ejected and thrown several meters. Therefore, during operations at height, the connecting pins may fall to the ground, posing a risk of damaging the device or even injuring personnel. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to solve this problem by providing a solution for retaining and preventing the connecting pin from falling off during the disassembly of two frame components, particularly during the pop-out operation.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention provides a fall protection safety device for retaining and preventing a connecting pin from falling off, the connecting pin being used for end-to-end assembly of two frame elements of a structure, such as a crane structure, the fall protection safety device comprising:

[0008] - A clamping ring having at least one internal groove, the clamping ring being configured between an open position that allows an enlarged head of a connecting pin to be inserted into the clamping ring and at least one closed position that prevents the enlarged head of the connecting pin from being blocked within the internal groove of the clamping ring;

[0009] - A lock that engages with a clamping ring to lock it in the closed position;

[0010] - A mooring link anchored to the clamp ring to secure the fall arrestor to a fixed element, such as one of the two frame elements.

[0011] This allows sufficient time during the disassembly of the two frame components to open the clamp ring, which can then be tightened and locked around the enlarged head of the connecting pin to temporarily secure the clamp ring to the connecting pin. It also allows sufficient time to secure the clamp ring via the tethering link, so that when the connecting pin is ejected (e.g., by a sledgehammer), the connecting pin is held by a fall arrestor and ultimately suspended at the end of the tethering link. Once the connecting pin is ejected, sufficient time to pull the tethering link, then unlock and open the clamp ring to retrieve the connecting pin.

[0012] Of course, within the meaning of this invention, "pin" refers to a physical pin that forms an elongated portion (e.g., cylindrical) that connects frame elements together.

[0013] Furthermore, the tethering link can be formed of a flexible link, such as a belt, cable, rope, chain, or any other equivalent link. Therefore, the tethering link can be attached to a fixed element, for example, by fastening it with a belt or hook.

[0014] According to one feature, the clamp ring is selectively adjustable in multiple closed positions, in which the clamp ring is more or less closed to accommodate multiple sizes of the enlarged head of the connecting pin, and the removable lock is formed to selectively lock each of the different closed positions.

[0015] Therefore, by using the same clamping ring, connecting pins of various sizes, more specifically, enlarged heads of various sizes, can be attached to the clamping ring. This is particularly advantageous, for example, when connecting pins of different sizes are used to connect frame elements on the same structure.

[0016] According to one possibility, the clamp ring includes two jaws pivotally connected such that the two jaws are rotatably coupled, wherein each jaw has an inner groove facing each other, such that the enlarged head of the connecting pin can be blocked in their respective inner grooves in the closed position.

[0017] This design with two pivoting jaws facilitates easy opening and closing of the clamp ring around the enlarged head of the connecting pin.

[0018] According to another possibility, the detachable lock works with two claws to lock in the closed position.

[0019] According to another possibility, the lock is in the form of a locking pin, which engages in the closed position through locking holes respectively provided in the two jaws.

[0020] Therefore, it is sufficient to align the locking holes of the two corresponding jaws and then engage the locking pin through them.

[0021] Advantageously, the fall arrestor includes a buckle, such as a cotter pin, pin, or clip, which, once passed through a locking hole, can engage with a locking pin to lock it in place.

[0022] In a particular embodiment, at least one of the two jaws has a plurality of locking holes so that the two jaws are brought closer to each other, thereby defining a plurality of closed positions depending on whether the locking pin is engaged through a particular locking hole.

[0023] Therefore, multiple or more or less closed closing positions can be defined for the clamp ring by means of multiple locking holes on at least one of the two jaws, thus enabling the adaptation to enlarged heads of various sizes of connecting pins.

[0024] In a particular embodiment, the clamp has a hoop, and the tethering link is anchored to the hoop.

[0025] The present invention also relates to a method for securing a connecting pin against fall, the method being used to retain and prevent the connecting pin from falling, the connecting pin being used for end-to-end assembly of two frame elements of a structure, the method implementing the fall protection safety device according to the present invention through the following steps:

[0026] - Attach the tethering link to the fixed element;

[0027] - Open the clamp ring to put it into the open position;

[0028] Insert the enlarged head of the connecting pin into the clamp ring;

[0029] - Close the clamping ring to bring it into the closed position, so that the enlarged head of the connecting pin is blocked in the inner groove of the clamping ring;

[0030] - Lock the clamp ring in the closed position using the lock.

[0031] According to one possibility, the fixing element on which the tethering link is attached corresponds to one of the two frame elements, preferably having a high-altitude tether above the connecting pin.

[0032] According to another possibility, firstly, the connecting pin is pushed in the direction of disassembly of its enlarged head relative to one of the two frame elements so that the enlarged head can be easily inserted into the clamping ring.

[0033] In practice, if the connecting pin has already been positioned by striking its enlarged head with a sledgehammer, the enlarged head is typically pressed against one of the two frame elements. Therefore, it is advantageous to push the connecting pin in the opposite direction, for example by striking its free end opposite to the enlarged head, to separate the enlarged head from the frame element so that it can be inserted into the clamping ring.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment, the fall arrest method is implemented for a crane structure, such as a mast or boom. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0036] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a fall protection safety device according to the present invention, wherein its clamping ring is in a closed position and is locked by a lock, and there is no tethering link;

[0037] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the fall arrestor with the clamp in the open position;

[0038] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A front view (on the left) and a side view (on the right) of the fall arrestor, showing that its clamp is locked in the closed position to a head that is enlarged by a large connecting pin.

[0039] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A front view (on the left) and a side view (on the right) of a fall arrestor, showing its clamp locked in the closed position with... Figure 3 Compared to the enlarged head achieved through a medium-sized connecting pin;

[0040] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The diagrams show a front view (on the left) and a side view (on the right) of a fall arrestor, with its clamp locked in the closed position. Figure 3 and Figure 4 Compared to the enlarged head achieved through a smaller connecting pin;

[0041] Figure 6 This is a schematic perspective view of two frame components assembled end-to-end via connecting pins, in the first case (left side). Figure 6 (a)), where the connecting pin is in the assembled position and its enlarged head is pressed against one of the two frame elements, and in the second case (the right side) Figure 6(b)), in which the connecting pin has been pushed, causing its enlarged head to separate from the frame element;

[0042] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A schematic perspective view of the two frame elements in the third case (left side) Figure 7 (a)), where Figure 1 The clamp of the fall arrestor is positioned in the open position around the enlarged head of the connecting pin, and in the fourth case (right side). Figure 7 (b)), wherein the clamping ring is closed and locked around the enlarged head of the connecting pin, and the tethering link is fastened at a certain height of the frame element.

[0043] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 and Figure 7 A schematic perspective view of the two frame elements in the fifth case, wherein the connecting pin is pushed out of the frame element. Figure 1 The fall arrestor's clamp is closed and locked around its enlarged head; and

[0044] Figure 9 yes Figures 6 to 8 A schematic perspective view of the two frame elements in the sixth case, where the connecting pin is fully extended from the frame element. Figure 1 The clamp of the fall arrestor is closed and locked around its enlarged head. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The fall arrestor 1 includes a clamp ring 2, which includes two jaws 21 and 22 (first jaw 21 and second jaw 22, respectively) connected by a pivot pin 23, such that the two jaws 21 and 22 are rotatably connected, wherein each of the two jaws 21 and 22 has an internal groove 210 and 220 facing each other. (Refer to...) Figures 6 to 9 The fall arrestor 1 is designed to retain and prevent the falling of the connecting pin 5 of the end-to-end assembly of the two frame elements 61, 62 of the structure 6 (e.g., a crane structure).

[0046] Clip 2 can be configured between the following two:

[0047] -Open location (in) Figure 2 As can be seen in the image, in this open position, the jaws 21 and 22 are spaced apart to allow the enlarged head 50 of the connecting pin 5 to be inserted into the clamping ring 2.

[0048] -At least one closed position (in) Figure 1(As can be seen), it can block the enlarged head 50 of the connecting pin 5 within the internal grooves 210 and 220 of the grippers 21 and 22.

[0049] The two jaws 21, 22 are bow-shaped or curved to match the cylindrical enlarged head 50, which will be found wedged into the internal grooves 210, 220 of the jaws 21, 22.

[0050] The fall arrestor 1 includes a lock 3 that engages with a clamping ring 2 to lock it in a closed position. The lock 3 forms a detachable lock that engages with two jaws 21 and 22 for locking in the closed position. The lock 3 is in the form of a locking pin 30, which is engaged in the closed position through locking holes 211, 221a, 221b, and 221c respectively provided in the two jaws 21 and 22.

[0051] The first gripper 21 has a termination 212 with two spaced-apart parallel flanges, and a locking hole 211 passes through these two flanges at its free end 213. The second gripper 22 has a termination 222 that slides between the two flanges of the termination 212 of the first gripper 21 in the closed position, and a plurality of locking holes 221a, 221b, and 221c pass through the termination 222. The locking holes 211, 221a, 221b, and 221c are equidistant from the pivot 23, such that the locking holes 221a, 221b, and 221c of the second gripper 22 can all be aligned with the locking holes 211 of the first gripper 21 according to the relative pivoting between the two grippers 21 and 22.

[0052] Therefore, the two jaws 21, 22 can be brought closer to each other and thus define multiple closed positions depending on whether the locking pin 30 is engaged through specific locking holes 221a, 221b, 221c of the second jaw 22. Thus, the clamping ring 2 is selectively adjustable in multiple closed positions, in which the clamping ring 2 is more or less closed to accommodate various sizes of the enlarged head 50 of the connecting pin 5, and the removable lock 3 is shaped to selectively lock each of the different closed positions.

[0053] In the illustrated example, the second gripper 22 is provided with three different locking holes 221a, 221b, and 221c, which correspond to three different closed positions associated with three sizes of the enlarged head 50 of the connecting pin 5, which may be referred to as large size (or large diameter), medium size (or medium diameter) and small size (or small diameter).

[0054] Locking hole 221 therefore includes:

[0055] - A large locking hole 221a, which is closest to the free end 223 of the terminal 222 of the second gripper 22;

[0056] - The small locking hole 221c is furthest from the free end 223 of the end 222 of the second gripper 22; and

[0057] - Medium-sized locking hole 221b, which is located between large-sized locking hole 221a and small-sized locking hole 221c.

[0058] Figure 3 The following situation is shown: the clamping ring 2 is locked on the large enlarged head 50 in the closed position, so that the locking pin 30 passes through the aligned large locking hole 221a and locking hole 211. Figure 4 The following situation is shown: the clamping ring 2 is locked on the medium-sized enlarged head 50 in the closed position, so that the locking pin 30 passes through the aligned medium-sized locking hole 221b and locking hole 211. Figure 5 The following situation is shown: the clamping ring 2 is locked on the small enlarged head 50 in the closed position, so that the locking pin 30 passes through the aligned small locking hole 221c and locking hole 211.

[0059] from Figure 1 and Figures 3 to 5 As can be seen, the pin-type retaining ring 31 is configured to cooperate with the locking pin 30 so that it is locked in place once it passes through the locking holes 211, 221a, 221b, 221c.

[0060] The fall arrest safety device 1 includes a tethering link 4 anchored to the clamp ring 2, or more precisely to one of the two clamps 21, 22, and thus its function is to anchor the clamp ring 2 and thereby anchor the fall arrest safety device 1 to a fixed element or operator, such as one of the two frame elements 61, 62.

[0061] The tethered link 4 (in) Figures 7 to 9 (As can be seen) can be formed of a flexible link, such as a belt, cable, rope, chain, or any other equivalent link. Therefore, the tethering link 4 can be, for example, via a belt (such as...) Figures 7 to 9 (In the case of the middle) or by means of a hook, it is attached to one of the two frame elements 61, 62, for example, to the upper frame element 61, that is, the one located above when the two frame elements 61, 62 are installed vertically end to end.

[0062] The clamp 2 has a hoop 24, and the tethering link 4 is anchored to the hoop 24, for example, by forming a ring. In the example shown, the hoop 24 is positioned on the first jaw 21, between the end 212 and the pivot 23.

[0063] The remainder of this specific embodiment relates to a method for securing a connecting pin 5 to prevent it from falling. This method is used to retain and prevent the connecting pin 5 from falling off. The connecting pin 5 is used for the end-to-end assembly of two frame elements 61, 62 of structure 6. During the disassembly of these two frame elements 61, 62, this method implements the aforementioned fall protection safety device 1. (Refer to...) Figures 6 to 9 To make this description, Figures 6 to 9 Different successive scenarios during this fall protection method are shown.

[0064] exist Figure 6 In the first case shown in (a), the connecting pin 5 is in the assembled position, with its enlarged head 50 pressed against one of the two frame elements 61, 62, such as the upper frame element 61. The connecting pin 5 has a connecting shaft 51 that extends the enlarged head 50 and passes through the two frame elements 61, 62.

[0065] exist Figure 6 In the second case shown in (b), the connecting pin 5 has been pushed, for example by striking the rod at the free end of the connecting shaft 51, so that its enlarged head 50 is separated from the upper frame element 61, thereby making it easier to insert the enlarged head 50 into the clamping ring 2.

[0066] exist Figure 7 In the third case shown in (a), the tethered link 4 is anchored to the upper frame element 61, for example by belting, and the clamp 2 is in the open position and is placed around the enlarged head 50.

[0067] exist Figure 7 In the fourth case shown in (b), the enlarged head 50 of the connecting pin 5 is inside the clamping ring 2, which is closed to bring it into the closed position, thereby blocking the enlarged head 50 inside the clamping ring 2, and the locking pin 30 of the lock 3 is positioned to lock the clamping ring in the closed position, and the retaining ring 31 is placed in place to block the locking pin 30.

[0068] exist Figure 8 In the fifth case shown, the connecting pin 5 is pushed out of the frame elements 61, 62, for example by striking a rod at the free end of the connecting shaft 51, wherein the clamping ring 2 closes and is locked around its enlarged head. Thus, when the connecting shaft 51 is fully out of the frame elements 61, 62, it falls but is held in place by the clamping ring 2, which itself is held by the retaining link 4.

[0069] exist Figure 9 In the sixth case shown, the connecting pin 5 is fully pushed out of the frame elements 61, 62, but does not fall due to the fall protection device 1, and the operator can now grab the connecting pin 5 and then unlock and open the clamp ring 2.

[0070] It should be noted that the fall protection safety device 1 is particularly suitable for high-altitude operations and especially for crane structures 6, such as masts or booms.

Claims

1. A fall arrest safety device (1) for retaining and preventing a connecting pin (5) from falling, the connecting pin (5) being used for end-to-end assembly of two frame elements (61, 62) of a structure (6), the fall arrest safety device (1) comprising: - A clamping ring (2) having at least one internal groove (210; 220), the clamping ring (2) being configurable between an open position and at least one closed position, the open position allowing an enlarged head (50) of the connecting pin (5) to be inserted into the clamping ring (2), the at least one closed position preventing the enlarged head (50) of the connecting pin (5) from being blocked within the internal groove (210; 220) of the clamping ring (2); - Lock (3), which engages with the clamp (2) to lock it in the closed position; - A tethering link (4) anchored to the clamp (2) to secure the fall arrestor (1) to the fixing element.

2. The fall protection safety device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The clamp (2) is selectively adjustable in multiple closed positions to accommodate multiple sizes of the enlarged head (50) of the connecting pin (5), and the lock (3) is shaped to selectively lock each of the different closed positions.

3. The fall protection safety device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The clamping ring (2) includes two jaws (21, 22) connected by a pivot pin (23) such that the two jaws (21, 22) are rotatably connected, wherein the two jaws (21, 22) each have an inner groove (210; 220) facing each other, such that the enlarged head (50) of the connecting pin (5) can be locked in its respective inner groove (210, 220) in the closed position.

4. The fall protection safety device (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The lock (3) cooperates with the two jaws (21, 22) for locking in the closed position.

5. The fall protection safety device (1) according to claim 4, wherein, The lock (3) is in the form of a locking pin (30), which engages in the closed position through locking holes respectively provided in the two jaws (21, 22).

6. The fall protection safety device (1) according to claim 5, wherein, The clamping ring (2) is selectively adjustable in multiple closed positions to accommodate multiple sizes of the enlarged head (50) of the connecting pin (5), the detachable lock (3) is shaped to selectively lock each of the different closed positions, and wherein at least one of the two jaws (21, 22) has multiple locking holes to define multiple closed positions depending on whether the locking pin (30) engages through one of the multiple locking holes.

7. The fall arrest safety device (1) according to claim 5, comprising a buckle (31) adapted to engage with the locking pin (30) to lock it in place after passing through the locking hole.

8. The fall protection safety device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The clamp (2) has a hoop (24), and the tethering link (4) is anchored to the hoop (24).

9. A method for securing a connecting pin (5) against fall, the method being used to retain and prevent the connecting pin (5) from falling, the connecting pin (5) being used for end-to-end assembly of two frame elements (61, 62) of a structure (6), the method being implemented by the following steps according to the fall protection safety device (1) of claim 1: - Secure the tethering link (4) to the fixing element; - Open the clamp (2) to bring it into the open position; - Insert the enlarged head (50) of the connecting pin (5) into the clamp (2); - Close the clamp (2) to bring it into the closed position, such that the enlarged head (50) of the connecting pin (5) is blocked in the inner groove (210; 220) of the clamp (2); - The clamp (2) is locked in the closed position by the lock.

10. The fall arrest method according to claim 9, wherein, The fixing element on which the tethering link (4) is attached corresponds to one of the two frame elements (61, 62).

11. The fall arrest method according to claim 9, wherein, First, the connecting pin (5) is pushed in the disassembly direction of its enlarged head (50) relative to one of the two frame elements (61, 62) so that the enlarged head (50) can be easily inserted into the clamp (2).

12. The anti-fall fixing method according to claim 9, wherein the anti-fall fixing method is implemented for a crane structure (6).

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