ANCHOR ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR ABSORBING A USER'S FALL

Abstract

The invention relates to an anchor arrangement, in particular a fall protection system, wherein the anchor arrangement comprises at least one fastening means for connection with at least one substructure, at least one energy absorber with at least one elongated absorber element, which is connectable at least indirectly to the substructure and / or the fastening means at a first end of the energy absorber and / or absorber element, and at least one guide element, which is connectable at least indirectly to at least one first connecting element arranged at a second end of the energy absorber, opposite the first end, wherein the absorber element engages at least partially through at least one opening comprising in the guide element, wherein the guide element is connectable to the fastening means and / or the substructure and / or is placed at least indirectly on the fastening means and / or the substructure.as well as a method for absorbing a user crash.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an anchor assembly, particularly to an anchor assembly used in fall protection applications, and a method for absorbing a user's fall.

[0002] In certain situations, it is desirable for a worker to work at a height, for example, on the roof of a building. An example of a building-mounted anchor is disclosed, for example, in DE 10 132 297 A1, which describes a roof anchor for attachment to a standing seam roof of a building with struts that rotate around a threaded pin secured by a bolt. A similar device is disclosed in DE 20 2007 013 157 U1.

[0003] Furthermore, generic anchor assemblies are known from WO 2022 / 167788 A1 and GB 2 362 448 A. Such anchor assemblies can be installed, in particular, on a roof structure to protect the roof structure from excessive loads in the event of a user falling, while simultaneously safely connecting the user to the roof. For this purpose, a horizontal safety cable can be connected to an energy absorber of the anchor system. The energy absorber has a defined preload and / or resistance to ensure that the user is effectively protected from unintentional high forces and loads in the event of a fall, i.e., when forces above a first threshold value are introduced into the anchor system, which could cause injuries or even death in the event of a fall.In particular, the energy absorber ensures that the fall is absorbed with moderate forces acting on the falling user.

[0004] It is important to ensure that the energy absorber effectively absorbs a user's fall. The problem with existing anchor systems is that the absorption capacities of the anchor assembly and / or the energy absorber depend on the direction in which the fall occurs relative to the anchor assembly and / or the energy absorber.

[0005] It is therefore the object of the claimed subject matter to further develop the known anchor systems in order to overcome the disadvantages described above, in particular to ensure that the energy absorber has the ability to absorb fall forces uniformly along its circumference, i.e. that the fall force is absorbed uniformly, regardless of the direction in which the fall occurs around the circumference of the anchor arrangement.

[0006] According to a first aspect, this problem is solved by an anchor arrangement, in particular for a fall protection system, wherein the anchor arrangement comprises: at least one fastening means for connection to at least one partial structure, at least one energy absorber with at least one elongated absorber element which is connectable at least indirectly to the partial structure and / or the fastening means at a first end of the energy absorber and / or absorber element, and at least one guide element which is connectable at least indirectly to at least one first connecting element arranged at a second end of the energy absorber, arranged opposite the first end of the energy absorber, wherein the absorber element engages at least partially through at least one opening which is comprised in the guide element,wherein the guide element is connectable to the fastening means and / or the substructure and / or is placed at least indirectly on the fastening means and / or the substructure.

[0007] For the anchor arrangement, it is proposed that the fastening means comprises at least one base plate and at least one connector for connecting to at least one post, to the partial structure, to a load-bearing structure, to a lower fastening structure and / or to an upper fastening.

[0008] Furthermore, an armature arrangement can be characterized in that the absorber element at least partially comprises at least one elastic element, at least one partially wound and / or rolled-up element, at least one plastically deformable element, at least one spring, at least one spiral element, at least one coil element, at least one helical spring, at least one plastic material, at least one metal material, at least one plastically deformable material and / or at least one elastomer material.

[0009] It is also proposed that the absorber element comprises at least one stop element in order to limit a movement of the absorber element through the opening of the guide element and / or a movement of the guide element along the absorber element, wherein preferably the stop element has at least one outer dimension which is larger than the inner dimension of the opening.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally, it is proposed that the guide element comprises at least one pair of guide plates, wherein the opening is formed at least partially by at least one gap between the guide plates.

[0011] For the embodiment described above, it is preferred that the guide element comprises at least one spacer which is arranged at least partially between the guide plates.

[0012] The anchor arrangement may further be characterized in that the guide element comprises at least one roller element which optionally enables the absorber element to slide along the roller element, wherein the roller element is preferably in operative connection with the spacer, at least partially contained therein, connected to it and / or arranged on it.

[0013] It is further proposed that the guide element is detachably connectable and / or connected to the fastening means and / or the partial structure, preferably detachably.

[0014] Preferred embodiments can be characterized in that the guide element is placed on the fastening means and / or the partial structure and / or is connected to it via at least one, in particular radially symmetrical, reinforcing and / or centering element, which in particular at least partially comprises at least one disc, at least one washer, at least one spacer element, at least one eyebolt and / or at least one sleeve, wherein preferably the first end of the absorber element engages through the reinforcing and / or centering element.

[0015] It is also proposed that the guide element has, at least partially in at least one first region, a shape that is complementary to a shape of a second region of the fastening means, the partial structure and / or the reinforcing and / or centering element, wherein in particular the first region and the second region form a force-locking and / or a form-locking connection, at least one tongue-and-groove connection, at least one clamp connection, at least one latching connection and / or at least one snap connection.

[0016] For the embodiment described above, it is preferred that the guide element comprises at least one recess and the reinforcing and / or centering element comprises at least one, preferably radially symmetrical, extension which engages at least partially in the recess of the guide element, and / or the reinforcing and / or centering element comprises at least one recess and the reinforcing and / or centering element comprises at least one, preferably radially symmetrical, extension which engages at least partially in the recess of the reinforcing and / or centering element.

[0017] Further advantageous embodiments of the anchor arrangement can be characterized in that the reinforcing and / or centering element comprises at least one elastic material, at least one plastic material, at least one metal material and / or at least one composite material.

[0018] In the embodiment described above, it is preferred that the first connecting element is connectable directly or indirectly to at least one safety rope, at least one horizontal safety rope, at least one line, at least one personal fall limiter and / or at least one safety harness, optionally worn by a user.

[0019] Finally, an anchor arrangement according to the claimed subject matter may be characterized in that the partial structure at least partially comprises and / or is formed by at least one support structure, at least one roof, at least one rail system, preferably at least partially contained in and / or connected to the support structure, at least one load-bearing structure, at least one interior inventory and / or at least one high-bay warehouse structure.

[0020] According to a second aspect, the problem is solved by a method for absorbing a fall of a user who is connected to an anchor arrangement, in particular an anchor arrangement according to one of the embodiments described above, wherein the anchor arrangement comprises at least one energy absorber having at least one elongated absorber element that is connectable at least indirectly to a substructure and / or a fastening means at a first end of the energy absorber and / or the absorber element, and at least one guide element, at least indirectly connectable to at least one first connecting element, arranged at a second end of the energy absorber, arranged opposite the first end of the energy absorber, and at least one opening through which the absorber element at least partially engages,wherein in the event of a fall, the guide element is separated from the fastening means and / or the substructure and / or the support of the guide element on the fastening means and / or the substructure is dissolved and the guide element moves along the absorber element.

[0021] For the method, it is proposed that the absorber element is deformed during a movement of the guide element, optionally elastically, plastically and / or permanently deformed.

[0022] Finally, it is proposed for the claimed method that the movement of the guide element along the absorber element is limited by at least one stop element, which is optionally at least partially contained in the absorber element and / or connected to it.

[0023] The claimed subject matter is therefore based on the striking perception that known anchor systems can be further developed to overcome the disadvantages of known systems by connecting the guide element to the substructure and / or the fastening means, or by arranging the guide means such that it rests on the substructure and on the fastening means, so that it can be ensured that the absorber element, due to the guidance by the guide element through which the absorber element engages, provides predominantly the same resistance, regardless of the direction in which a force acts on the energy absorber. In particular, when the guide element is connected to the fastening means and / or the substructure, it is ensured that the guide element moves along a predefined path along the absorber element.These measures ensure that the same amount of energy is absorbed each time, regardless of the radial direction of the anchor assembly and the energy absorber in which a fall occurs.

[0024] The defined position of the guide element and its defined orientation ensures that it unifies the forces in every direction, especially when a radially symmetrical reinforcing and / or centering element is used.

[0025] The claimed subject matter further allows all parts of the anchor assembly to be designed to be assembled into a single block without any space between each element of the energy absorber. This allows for easy connection to the fastener / substructure, for example, via a threaded or quick-connect connection, and also allows for expedited installation of the anchor assembly. The anchor assembly, in particular the energy absorber and a housing of the anchor assembly, can be tightened simultaneously with one tool.

[0026] Furthermore, the claimed design of the anchor system, in particular of the energy absorber, allows the anchor assembly to withstand the same forces in every direction of a fall event, so that the anchor assembly can be designed to absorb the fall energy of not just one user, but a plurality of users, regardless of the fall direction. In known systems, the anchor assembly had to be oversized for a fall event in a first direction to ensure that sufficient absorption is available for a fall event in a second direction deviating from the first direction.

[0027] The safety of the anchor system can be further improved by an anchor element that interacts with the absorber element and the guide element, in particular by being integrated into the absorber element. Such an anchor element ensures that the guide element, which is directly connected to the user's safety rope, and the absorber element, which is connected to the fastening means and / or the substructure at an end opposite the anchor element, are not separated. This ensures that at the end of the fall event, the user is connected to the guide element via a safety rope, which in turn is connected and remains connected to the absorber element, which in turn is connected to the fastening means / substructure.

[0028] Constant resistance, especially in every direction of fall, and uniform absorption of the fall energy are ensured, in particular, by roller elements incorporated into the guide element, which ensure continuous movement of the guide element along the absorber element without jerking or abrupt force changes. In particular, it is ensured that the deformation of the absorber element, which leads to the absorption of the fall forces, continues without abrupt counterforces.

[0029] Further features and advantages of the claimed subject matter will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments. These embodiments are explained with the aid of the attached figures, in which Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of a fall protection system incorporating a horizontal safety cable; Fig. Figure 2 is a view of an anchor assembly according to the claimed subject matter; Fig. 3 a perspective view of an energy absorber of the anchor assembly of Fig. 2 after removal of a housing of the armature assembly; and Fig. 4 a perspective view of section A of Fig. 3, with the fastening means omitted.

[0030] Fig. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a fall protection system 100 in the form of a lifeline that secures a user in the form of a person 102 performing construction work on top of a structure. The system 100 includes an elongated support member in the form of a horizontal lifeline 104.

[0031] The horizontal safety rope 104 is positioned above a substructure 106. The person or user 102 is connected to the horizontal safety rope 104 via a line 108 or a load transfer device 110. The line 108 is connected, in particular, to personal protective equipment (PPE), for example, a harness 112.

[0032] The horizontal safety cable 104 is connected or attached to the substructure 106 via anchor assemblies 114. As explained below, the anchor assembly 114 includes a housing 116 which contains an energy absorber (in Fig. 1 (not shown). The energy absorber has a first end 118 that is at least indirectly connected to the structure 106. Furthermore, the energy absorber has a second end 120 that is at least indirectly connected to a first connecting element 122. The first connecting element 122 is at least indirectly connected to the horizontal safety cable 104.

[0033] In the event of a fall of the user 102, the forces acting during the fall are transferred to the horizontal safety cable 104 via the harness 112, the line 108, and the load transfer device 110. To avoid overloading the substructure 106, the anchor assembly is designed to absorb forces above a first threshold value, for example, 6 kN. For this purpose, the anchor assembly 114 is designed to tilt during energy absorption.

[0034] In Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an anchor assembly 114 according to the claimed subject matter. As shown in Fig. 2, the anchor assembly 114 includes a fastening means in the form of a base plate 124. The base plate 124 enables connection of the anchor assembly 114 to the substructure 106.

[0035] In Fig. 2, only the second end 120 of the energy absorber 126 is shown. The first connecting element 122 is arranged at the second end 120, while an opposite first end of the energy absorber 126 is connected to the base plate 124. The base plate 124 can be connected to the substructure, for example, the one shown in Fig. 1, via a seventh connecting element, for example, formed by a hole through which a screw can extend into the substructure. The energy absorber 126 is surrounded by the housing 116. Both the housing 116 and the energy absorber 126 extend in a first direction D.

[0036] In the embodiments shown, the first direction D is parallel to a normal vector of the main plane of the base plate 124. As in Fig. 2, the housing 116 comprises tongues 128.

[0037] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the energy absorber 126 of the armature assembly 114 after removal of the housing 116.

[0038] The energy absorber 126 comprises an elongated absorber element in the form of a coiled spiral element 130. The spiral element 130 has a first end 132 connected to the base plate 124 and a second end 134 at which a stop element 136 is arranged.

[0039] The spiral element 130 is made of a metallic material that allows for plastic deformation. Optionally, the spiral element 130 allows for elastic deformation within a predefined range, and above this predefined range, the spiral element 130 can be plastically deformed. In this optional embodiment, reduced loads, for example, due to wind loads, snow loads, or unintentional shocks or impacts acting on the anchor assembly 114 and / or the energy absorber 126, can be compensated for without irreversible changes. Preferably, in the case of a load acting on the energy absorber due to a fall event, the predefined range is exceeded.

[0040] The energy absorber 126 further comprises a guide element 138. The guide element 138 is directly connected to the first connecting element 122, in particular, it comprises the first connecting element 122. Furthermore, the guide element 138 comprises guide plates 140a, 140b. The guide plates 140a, 140b are held at a distance by spacers 142.

[0041] The spacers 142 ensure, in particular, that an opening in the form of a gap 144 is formed between the guide plates 140a, 140b. The spiral element 130 extends through the opening / gap 144. In particular, the spiral element 130 enters the guide element at a lower end, i.e., an end facing the base plate 124 and / or the first end 132 of the absorber element in the form of the spiral element 130 and / or the first end 118 of the energy absorber 126. The spiral element 130 exits the guide element 138 perpendicular to direction D, primarily parallel to the base plate 124 or perpendicular to an extension of the spacers 142.

[0042] Consequently, in the event of a fall event and / or forces acting on the first connecting element, particularly in a direction perpendicular to direction D, a portion of the spiral element 130 is located within the guide element 138. Due to the extension of the guide plates and the contact of the spiral element 130 with the spacers, the guide element 138 must act against the same resistance of the spiral element 130, regardless of the direction in which the force acts perpendicular to direction D.

[0043] To facilitate relative movement of a guide member 138 relative to the spiral member 130, the spacers 142 include roller elements 146.

[0044] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the guide element could comprise other configurations, for example a closed body having openings through which the absorber element extends and is guided by the guide element between the openings.

[0045] The guide element 138 is connected to the base plate 124 by a reinforcing and / or centering element in the form of a spacer element 148. The guide element 138 and the spacer element 148 are connected in a form-fitting manner. In particular, the guide element 138, in particular the guide plates 140a, 140b, comprises a recess 150 into which extensions 152 of the spacer element 148 engage.

[0046] How Fig. 4, which shows a perspective view of section A of Fig.3, the spiral element 130 engages the spacer element 148 so that the first end 132 of the spiral element 130 can be connected to the base plates 124. This connection can be made by threaded engagement or by any other suitable connection method.

[0047] By connecting the guide element 138 to the base plate 124, the guide element is arranged in a predefined position relative to the base plate 124. In the event of a fall, forces act on the first connecting element 122 that lead to a tilting of the guide element 138, since during a fall forces act in a direction with a component that is perpendicular to direction D. Since the guide element 138 is connected to the base plate 124, is deposited at least on the base plate 124 in a predefined position, and the spiral element is guided over a distance within the guide element 138, it is ensured that the counterforces and / or resistance built up by the spiral element 130 against a movement of the guide element 138 are predominantly identical in every direction perpendicular to direction D.

[0048] In this way, it is ensured that the best possible absorption of the crash event is achieved, regardless of the direction in which the crash event occurs, i.e. in which direction perpendicular to direction D the crash event occurs.

[0049] By tilting the guide element 138, the connection between the base plate 124 and the guide element 138 is severed; in particular, the extensions 152 of the spacer element 148 break, allowing the guide element 138 to move along the spiral element 130. The forces acting on the guide element 138 cause the spiral element 130 to be plastically deformed, in particular without breaking or weakening the spiral element 130. This deformation converts forces acting on the first connecting element 122 into forces that lead to the plastic deformation of the spiral element 130, in particular to an extension of the spiral element 130 from the spiral shape into a straight shape, and consequently absorb the forces acting on the first connecting element 122 or the guide element 138.On the other hand, it is ensured that the connection between the first connecting element 122 and the base plate 124 is maintained, regardless of the deformation of the spiral element 130. The roller elements 146 move the guide element 128 along the spiral element 130.

[0050] This deformation of the spiral element 130 occurs as long as the entire fall energy is absorbed by the deformation of the spiral element 130. The spiral element 130 is dimensioned such that a fall event involving one or more people does not result in a force sufficient to deform the entire spiral element 130.

[0051] However, if higher forces act on the first connecting element 122 and the guide element 138, it is ensured that the guide element 138 remains connected to the spiral element 130, which in turn remains connected to the base plate 124 at the first end 132. This is achieved by the stop element 136. The stop element 136 has a diameter that is larger than the inner diameter of the gap 144, so that any movement of the guide element 138 along the spiral element 130 is stopped by the stop element 136.

[0052] The absorber element is not limited to a wound element or element in the form of a spiral or coil. This spiral design has, among other advantages, that it minimizes installation space. However, any other design of the absorber element that is elastically and / or plastically deformed, in particular into an elongated shape, can be used, thereby absorbing energy acting on the absorber element. In further embodiments not discussed, the energy absorber allows for the generation of a constant counterforce that counteracts the force generated during the crash event with an elastic absorber element.

[0053] The features disclosed in the claims, the description and the drawings may be essential to the various embodiments of the claimed subject matter, either individually or in any combination with each other. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 100 fall protection system 102 people 104 horizontal safety rope 106 Substructure 108 leash 110 Load transfer device 112 dishes 114 Anchor arrangement 116 housings 118 first end 120 second end 122 first connecting element 124 Base plate 126 energy absorbers 128 Tongue 130 spiral element 132 first end 134 second end 136 stop element 138 Guide element 140a, 140b guide plates 142 spacers 144 gap 146 roller element 148 spacer element 150 deepening 152 Extension Section A D direction QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 132 297 A1

[0002] DE 20 2007 013 157 U1

[0002] WO 2022 / 167788 A1

[0003] GB 2 362 448 A

[0003]

Claims

[1] Anchor arrangement (114), in particular for a fall protection system (100), wherein the anchor arrangement (114) comprises: at least one fastening means (124) for connection to at least one partial structure (106), at least one energy absorber (126) with at least one elongated absorber element (130) that is connectable at least indirectly to the partial structure (106) and / or the fastening means (124) at a first end (118, 132) of the energy absorber (126) and / or absorber element (130), and at least one guide element (138) that is connectable at least indirectly to at least one first connecting element (122) arranged at a second end (120) of the energy absorber (126), arranged opposite the first end (118) of the energy absorber (126), wherein the absorber element (130) extends at least partially through at least one opening (144) comprised in the guide element (138),wherein the guide element (138) is connectable to the fastening means (124) and / or the partial structure (106) and / or is deposited at least indirectly on the fastening means (124) and / or the partial structure (106). [2] Anchor assembly according to claim 1, wherein the fastening means comprises at least one base plate (124) and at least one connector for connecting to at least one post, to the substructure, to a load-bearing structure, to a lower fastening structure and / or to an upper fastening structure. [3] Anchor assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the absorber element at least partially comprises at least one elastic element, at least one partially wound and / or rolled element, at least one plastically deformable element, at least one spring, at least one spiral element (130), at least one coil element, at least one helical spring, at least one plastic material, at least one metal material, at least one plastically deformable material and / or at least one elastomer material. [4] Anchor arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the absorber element (130) comprises at least one stop element (136) to limit a movement of the absorber element (130) through the opening (144) of the guide element (138) and / or a movement of the guide element (138) along the absorber element (130), wherein preferably the stop element (136) has at least one outer dimension which is larger than the inner dimension of the opening (144). [5] Anchor assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide member (138) comprises at least one pair of guide plates (140a, 140b), the opening being at least partially formed by at least one gap (144) between the guide plates (140a, 140b). [6] Anchor assembly according to claim 5, wherein the guide element (138) comprises at least one spacer (142) disposed at least partially between the guide plates (140a, 140b). [7] Anchor assembly according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the guide element (138) comprises at least one roller element (146) which optionally enables the absorber element (130) to slide along the roller element (146), wherein the roller element (146) is preferably in operative connection with the spacer (142), at least partially contained therein, connected thereto and / or arranged thereon. [8] Anchor arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide element (138) is detachably connectable and / or, preferably detachably, connected to the fastening means (124) and / or the partial structure (106). [9] Anchor arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide element (138) is placed on the fastening means (124) and / or the partial structure (106) and / or is connected to it via at least one, in particular radially symmetrical, reinforcing and / or centering element (148), which in particular at least partially comprises at least one disk, at least one washer, at least one spacer element, at least one eyebolt and / or at least one sleeve, wherein preferably the first end (132) of the absorber element (130) engages through the reinforcing and / or centering element (148). [10] Anchor arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide element (138) has at least partially in at least a first region a shape which is complementary to a shape of a second region of the fastening means (124), the partial structure (106) and / or the reinforcing and / or centering element (148), wherein in particular the first region and the second region form a force-locking and / or a form-locking connection, at least one tongue and groove connection, at least one clamp connection, at least one latching connection and / or at least one snap connection. [11] Anchor arrangement according to claim 10, wherein the guide element (138) comprises at least one recess (150) and the reinforcing and / or centering element (148) comprises at least one, preferably radially symmetrical, extension (152) which at least partially engages in the recess (150) of the guide element (138), and / or the reinforcing and / or centering element comprises at least one recess and the reinforcing and / or centering element comprises at least one, preferably radially symmetrical, extension which at least partially engages in the recess of the reinforcing and / or centering element. [12] Anchor assembly according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the reinforcing and / or centering element (148) comprises at least one elastic material, at least one plastic material, at least one metal material and / or at least one composite material. [13] Anchor arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first connecting element (122) is connectable directly or indirectly to at least one safety rope, at least one horizontal safety rope, at least one line (106), at least one personal fall limiter and / or at least one safety harness (112), optionally worn by a user (102). [14] Anchor assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the partial structure (106) at least partially comprises and / or is formed by at least one support structure, at least one roof, at least one rail system, preferably at least partially contained in and / or connected to the support structure, at least one load-bearing structure, at least one interior inventory and / or at least one high-bay warehouse structure. [15] Method for absorbing a fall of a user (102) connected to an anchor arrangement (114), in particular an anchor arrangement (114) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the anchor arrangement (114) comprises at least one energy absorber (126) having at least one elongate absorber element (130) connectable at least indirectly to a substructure (106) and / or a fastening means (124) at a first end (118, 132) of the energy absorber (126) and / or the absorber element (130), and at least one guide element (148) connectable at least indirectly to at least one first connecting element (122), arranged at a second end (120) of the energy absorber (126), arranged opposite the first end (118) of the energy absorber (126) and at least one opening (144) through which the absorber element (130) at least partially, comprisingwherein in the event of a fall, the guide element (148) is separated from the fastening means (124) and / or the substructure (106) and / or the support of the guide element (138) on the fastening means (124) and / or the substructure (106) is dissolved and the guide element (138) moves along the absorber element (130). [16] Method according to claim 15, wherein the absorber element (130) is deformed during a movement of the guide element (138), optionally elastically, plastically and / or permanently deformed. [17] Method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the movement of the guide element (138) along the absorber element (130) is limited by at least one stop element (136), which is optionally at least partially contained in and / or connected to the absorber element (130).

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