Series resistor

Abstract

The invention relates to a series resistor for climbing on a climbing object from a starting point to a higher destination point. It is therefore an object of the invention to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a series resistor, wherein the series resistor has a clamping mechanism that can be selectively activated according to a captive impact force occurring on the device. This problem is solved by the features listed in the claims.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a series resistor for climbing on a climbing object from a starting point to a higher destination point.

[0002] Various devices for reducing the forces generated when arresting a fall are known from the prior art, particularly in sport climbing, rope access work, and rescue operations. Conventional belay systems, such as dynamic ropes and braking devices, offer basic energy absorption, but are often insufficiently dimensioned for high fall factors, short belay distances, or unfavorable user interaction. To increase safety, so-called pre-resistors are therefore used, which are installed between the climbing rope and a fixed anchor point (e.g., a redirect on a climbing wall or an anchor point in a rescue system). Such devices are often based on a mechanical deflection or friction system that, through the defined guidance of the rope, ensures additional, reproducible energy absorption in the event of a fall.

[0003] DE 102019 107 587 B3 describes such a pre-tensioning device. The device consists of a housing that is attached to the climbing structure (e.g., a climbing wall). Inside are deflection elements over which the climbing rope is guided. The specific arrangement of these deflections creates a defined resistance that partially absorbs the energy of a fall. Thus, during a fall, a further portion of the impact force is absorbed through friction, and the fall force reaching the belayer is reduced.

[0004] The impact force, or impact energy, is the maximum force that occurs when a climber is suddenly arrested in a rope belay system. It arises when a climber falls onto the rope and the belay system, consisting of the rope, intermediate anchors, and belayer, abruptly decelerates the free fall. The impact force acts on both the climber and the belay system and depends significantly on factors such as fall height, rope length, rope elongation, the climber's mass, and the dynamics of the belay system. High impact forces can increase the risk of injury or exceed the load limits of equipment. Therefore, a key objective of modern belay systems is to effectively reduce this force through suitable damping elements such as dynamic ropes, braking devices, or additional friction elements.

[0005] One disadvantage of this device is that the frictional resistance generated for energy absorption depends on the rope's path and, in particular, the wrap angle within the device. This wrap angle can only be achieved in the intended, increased form if there is already a separate anchor point (e.g., a clipped carabiner) above the device, over which the rope is initially routed. If a fall occurs directly into the device without a preceding anchor point, the wrap angle is only about 180°, which corresponds to the friction of a single carabiner. In this case, no significant additional friction is generated, so there is no effective compensation for weight differences between the belayer and the climber, and the device's primary purpose—reducing the fall distance—is not fulfilled.

[0006] This can be achieved, for example, by means of a rope brake.

[0007] DE 102021 119 362 A1 discloses a belaying device with a rope brake, which can be attached to a fixed point on the climbing wall for partner belaying in rope team climbing and which exerts a high pre-friction on the climbing rope in the event of load.

[0008] DE 102021 002 712 B3 discloses a rope brake for attachment in a safety point and for securing falling persons or objects, in particular climbers, wherein the rope brake is attached in a safety point.

[0009] A corresponding rope brake is disclosed by EP 4 537 909 A1 and comprises a clamping mechanism to generate a frictional force in the event of a fall between the climbing rope and a braking section of a deflection lever, which reduces the impact force acting on the belayer.

[0010] One disadvantage of the device described in EP 4 537 909 A1 is that the integrated clamping mechanism is triggered with every fall, regardless of whether it is a fall to the first anchor point or one further up the climb. This has several technical and safety implications.

[0011] The clamping mechanism is primarily designed to prevent uncontrolled rope slippage in the event of a fall to the first anchor point, i.e., with a potentially high fall factor. In this area close to the ground, where it is necessary to prevent the climber from falling to the ground by abruptly decelerating them, a comparatively high impact force is tolerable for the climber. This reduces the fall force acting on the belayer, who could otherwise be lifted off the ground, thus increasing the fall distance for the climber. However, if the mechanism is triggered with every fall, even from a low height or with existing rope tension, this leads to unnecessary blocking of the dynamic damping system described below. This results in an abrupt stop with unnecessarily high impact forces acting on the climber, placing unnecessary stress on them.

[0012] A key safety feature of dynamic climbing ropes is their ability to absorb some of the fall energy through controlled elongation. If the locking mechanism engages with every fall, it prevents this dynamic energy absorption, thereby increasing the impact forces acting on the body and raising the risk of injury. The same applies to the dynamic pull of the belayer, which occurs when the belayed person falls. This results in a dynamic and gentle force absorption, reducing the impact force on the climber. This dynamic pull is lost with a permanently engaging locking mechanism of the belay device, so that in the event of a fall, even to a high anchor point, unnecessarily high impact forces are exerted on the belayed climber.

[0013] A frequently triggering clamping mechanism can lead to uncertainty for the belayer, as it is unclear when mechanical intervention is actually necessary. This increases the risk of misfires, especially if the mechanism needs to be manually reset or realigned.

[0014] The automatic activation of the clamping mechanism with every fall reduces the efficiency and selectivity of the device. Instead of intervening only in falls during particularly dangerous situations, the device is permanently active, which can impair the overall functionality of the belay system.

[0015] It is therefore desirable to have a solution that can be selectively activated. Description of the invention

[0016] The object of the invention is to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a series resistor, wherein the series resistor has a clamping mechanism that can be selectively activated according to a captive impact force occurring on the device.

[0017] This problem is solved by the features listed in the claims.

[0018] The problem is solved by a series resistor, which comprises a housing and a clamping mechanism that can be selectively activated depending on an impact force acting on the device. The housing has two opposing outer sides. A stop element of the clamping mechanism is arranged on a first side of the housing between the two outer sides. A clamping element of the clamping mechanism is arranged on a second side of the housing between the two outer sides. The clamping element is movable between a rest position and a clamped position. A climbing rope can be guided between the two outer sides of the housing and between the stop element and the clamping element of the clamping mechanism. The clamping element has a mounting section and a clamping section. The mounting section is designed for connection to a mounting element.The clamping element allows the pre-tensioning resistor to be connected to an anchor point on a climbing device. The clamping section is held in the open rest position by a return mechanism. This mechanism provides a restoring force that is not overcome by an initial impact force on the device, thus keeping the clamping section in the open rest position. This restoring force is overcome by a second impact force on the device, which is greater than the first, thereby moving the clamping section into the clamping position. In the clamping position, the clamping section is in a functional connection with the anchor element, clamping the climbing rope.The upstream resistor is designed such that a braking effect can be generated by deflection and friction of the climbing rope (4) during the first impact force and the clamping mechanism remains deactivated, while during the second impact force the clamping mechanism is activated and the clamping connection between clamping section (32) and anchor element (2) is formed.

[0019] According to various embodiments, the first side of the housing and the second side of the housing are opposite each other.

[0020] According to various embodiments, the clamping element of the clamping mechanism is rotatably arranged between the outer surfaces of the housing. One axis of rotation of the clamping element runs perpendicular to the outer surfaces.

[0021] The clamping mechanism of the belay device is designed to clamp the climbing rope between the clamping section of the clamping element and the anchor point in the event of a fall that generates a sufficiently high secondary impact force on the device. This creates frictional forces both between the climbing rope and the clamping element, and between the climbing rope and the anchor point. These frictional forces reduce the recoil force acting on the belayer. As a result, the belayer is not accelerated upwards, thus minimizing the fall distance of the belayed climber and ensuring maximum safety for the climber near the ground.

[0022] The clamping mechanism is designed to activate only when a sufficiently high secondary impact force is exerted on the device. This ensures maximum damping for the climber at advanced belay points in the event of a fall, by fully utilizing the dynamic behavior of the belayer. To achieve this, the clamping mechanism incorporates a return force that acts on the clamping element to lock it in the open rest position. Only when this return force is overcome by the fall, i.e., when a sufficiently high secondary impact force is exerted, does the clamping element engage. Advantageously, the clamping element is rotatably mounted between the outer surfaces of the housing.If only a small initial impact force is applied, the restoring force of the reset mechanism is not overcome and the clamping element remains in the open rest position even during a fall.

[0023] In other words, the reset mechanism should retain the clamping element at the device even with a lower initial impact force, but should not be able to overcome a larger second impact force. A lower initial impact force occurs, for example, in falls to the second anchor point and above. The first and second impact forces at the device depend on the factors mentioned earlier and cannot be defined absolutely and universally here. However, all initial impact forces in falls to the second anchor point or above (i.e., anchor points above the device) are significantly lower at the device than the second impact forces that act on the device when the climber falls directly into it.The restoring force of the restoring mechanism should therefore be selected according to the impact force expected on the device, and the qualified professional knows the means and ways to implement this.

[0024] According to various embodiments, the return mechanism has a spring mechanism and / or a magnetic mechanism and / or an elastomer-based mechanism and / or a pneumatic mechanism and / or an electronically controlled mechanism.

[0025] The return mechanism can incorporate various mechanisms, individually or in combination. For example, a spring mechanism can have one or more compression springs that provide a return force. A magnetic mechanism can have two magnets or one magnet and a ferromagnetic material that provide a return force through repulsive forces. Furthermore, the elastic deformation of an elastomer can provide a return force. A pneumatic cylinder, for example, can also generate a return force. Likewise, an electrically controlled piezoelectric actuator or an electromagnet can generate a return force. Other forms of return mechanisms that provide a return force are conceivable.

[0026] According to various embodiments, the first impact force on the device is less than 1 kN.

[0027] Advantageously, the initial impact force on the device, which indirectly defines the restoring force of the reset mechanism, is less than 1 kN for lead climbing, and further advantageously less than or equal to 0.8 kN. In rope access situations (e.g., tree care, working at height, etc.), other force ratios with different impact forces may also be appropriate.

[0028] According to various embodiments, the restoring force of the restoring mechanism is adjustable.

[0029] Advantageously, the restoring force of the return mechanism is adjustable. For example, with a spring mechanism, a different spring with a higher or lower spring constant can be selected. Even after installation, the preload can be adjusted, or the spring travel manipulated to set the desired return force. With a magnetic mechanism, the magnet strength can be varied. Furthermore, the magnet position can be adjusted via an adjustment mechanism. The closer the magnets are brought together, the greater the resulting return force. Elastomers can be selected and combined according to their return force. Here, too, an adjustable return force can be achieved by installing the mechanism under preload. The return force of a pneumatic mechanism can be adjusted, for example, via a pressure regulator or proportional valve.The restoring force of an electronically controlled mechanism can be adjusted, for example, via the applied current flow. Other methods for adjusting the restoring force are conceivable.

[0030] According to various embodiments, the two outer surfaces are formed by two parallel, planar outer surfaces.

[0031] According to various embodiments, the housing has a protective plastic housing. The protective housing has rounded edges.

[0032] Flat outer surfaces allow for a slim design. A protective plastic housing protects the outer surfaces, which may be made of metal, from surface damage, for example, caused by contact with a rock face. Sharp edges from surface damage could negatively affect climbing performance, which must be prevented. For the same reason, the edges of the protective housing are also advantageously rounded.

[0033] According to various embodiments, the stop element is designed as a locking element. At least one deflection element and at least one locking position are arranged on the first side of the housing. The stop element, designed as a locking element, can be locked into the locking position. The climbing rope can be guided over the at least one deflection element and the locking element. The climbing rope is deflected by a wrap angle at the at least one deflection element and by a deflection angle at the locking element. The wrap angle is smaller for less braking effect and larger for greater braking effect.

[0034] Advantageously, the housing has more than one detent position on the first side. The position of the stop element, which acts as a detent, can then be varied to adjust the deflection angle as needed. For example, an adjustment can be made taking into account a weight difference between the person providing the safety and the person being secured.

[0035] According to various embodiments, the detent positions are plug-in openings and the detent element is a plug-in element.

[0036] Unlike a detent element that can be moved from one detent position to the next within a guide, inserting a plug-in element into a specific position results in a deliberate adjustment that reflects the weight distribution. Furthermore, this increases the device's robustness, as plug-in openings are less susceptible to stress than, for example, guides for detent elements.

[0037] According to various embodiments, the plug-in element can be secured against falling out.

[0038] This securing mechanism can be achieved, for example, by a ring or cotter pin that is pulled through the end of the plug element after it has been inserted.

[0039] According to various embodiments, the plug-in element is a ball lock pin that can be inserted into the plug-in openings.

[0040] This makes the ballast resistor easier to operate. In some cases, repositioning a ball lock pin even requires only one hand. This is particularly helpful when climbing gyms have a high turnover of users at both positions, allowing for easy adaptation to the specific situation.

[0041] According to various embodiments, the plug-in element has a stop protection feature.

[0042] A protective stop safeguards the bolt mechanism from mechanical overload or direct impacts during insertion or contact with hard edges or surfaces, such as a rock face. The protective stop can be formed, for example, by a protruding and hardened end face of the bolt, which prevents unintentional triggering of the release mechanism of the plug-in element, such as a ball lock bolt.

[0043] According to various embodiments, the series resistor or its components consist of metal and / or plastic. Implementation of the invention

[0044] The invention will be explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment. For this purpose, we will show... Fig. 1 the unloaded series resistor, Fig. 2 the loaded series resistor in the event of a fall of the climber into the first anchor point, i.e. directly into the device, Fig. 3 the loaded ballast resistance in the event of a fall of the climber to the second anchor point, i.e. a anchor point above the device.

[0045] The description refers to the accompanying drawings. In this context, directional terminology such as "top," "bottom," etc., is used to describe the orientation of the drawings. This directional terminology serves only for illustration and is in no way restrictive.

[0046] It is understood that other embodiments may be used and structural or logical modifications made without deviating from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is understood that the features of the various exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined with one another, unless specifically stated otherwise. The following detailed description is therefore not to be interpreted as restrictive, and the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0047] In the figures, identical or similar elements are provided with identical reference symbols where appropriate.

[0048] The series resistor according to the invention is in Fig. Figure 1 shows the ballast resistor. It comprises a housing 1 and a clamping mechanism. The housing 1 has two opposing outer sides 10. A stop element 2 of the clamping mechanism is arranged on a first side 11 of the housing 1 between the two outer sides 10. A clamping element 3 of the clamping mechanism is arranged on a second side 12 of the housing 1 between the two outer sides 10 of the housing 1. The clamping element 3 is movable between a rest position and a clamped position. A climbing rope 4 can be guided between the two outer sides 10 of the housing 1 and between the stop element 2 and the clamping element 3 of the clamping mechanism. The clamping element 3 has a mounting section 31 and a clamping section 32. The mounting section 32 is designed for connection to a fastening element 5. The ballast resistor can be connected to an anchor point of a climbing object by means of the fastening element 5.The clamping section 32 is held in the open rest position by a reset mechanism 33. The reset mechanism 33 provides a restoring force which is not overcome by a first impact force on the device, so the clamping section 32 remains in the open rest position. The restoring force is overcome by a second impact force on the device, which is greater than the first impact force, so that the clamping section 32 is moved into the clamping position. In the clamping position, the clamping section 32 is in a clamping connection with the anchor element 2, which clamps the climbing rope 4.The upstream resistor is designed such that a braking effect can be generated by deflection and friction of the climbing rope 4 during the first impact force and the clamping mechanism remains deactivated, while during the second impact force the clamping mechanism is activated and the clamping connection between clamping section 32 and anchor element 2 is formed.

[0049] Fig. Figure 1 shows only one of the two outer sides 10 of the device, namely the outer side 10 facing away from the viewer. The second outer side 10 would be found on the side of the device facing the viewer and would cover the elements arranged in between. The clamping element 3 is shown in its rest position, in which the restoring force of the return mechanism 33 keeps the clamping section 32 of the clamping element 3 away from the climbing rope 4. The climbing rope 4 is therefore loosely guided through the housing. The fastening element 5 can be, as shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows a textile fastening element 5 with a terminally arranged carabiner, which can be connected to the fastening section 31 of the clamping element 3 by means of a loop. A textile fastening element can also be permanently sewn to the fastening section 31. Alternatively, the fastening element 5 can be screwed or otherwise connected to the fastening section 31 of the clamping element 3. Advantageously, the fastening element 5 is detachably connected to the fastening section 31 of the clamping element 3 so that it can be replaced if necessary.

[0050] According to various embodiments, the first side 11 of the housing 1 and the second side 12 of the housing 1 are opposite each other.

[0051] According to various embodiments, the clamping element 3 of the clamping mechanism is rotatably arranged between the outer sides 10 of the housing 1. A rotation axis 34 of the clamping element 3 runs perpendicular to the outer sides 10.

[0052] According to various embodiments, the return mechanism 33 comprises a spring mechanism and / or a magnetic mechanism and / or an elastomer-based mechanism and / or a pneumatic mechanism and / or an electronically controlled mechanism. According to the embodiment shown, Fig. Figure 1 indicates a spring mechanism.

[0053] According to various embodiments, the first impact force on the device is less than 1 kN.

[0054] According to various embodiments, the restoring force of the restoring mechanism 33 is adjustable.

[0055] According to various embodiments, the two outer surfaces 10 are formed by two parallel, planar outer surfaces 10, as in Fig. 1 shown.

[0056] According to various embodiments, the housing 1 has a protective housing (not shown) made of plastic. The protective housing has rounded edges.

[0057] According to various embodiments, the stop element 2 is designed as a locking element. At least one deflection element 6 and at least one locking position 7 are arranged on the first side 11 of the housing 1. The stop element 2, designed as a locking element, can be locked into the locking position 7. The climbing rope 4 can be guided over the at least one deflection element 6 and the locking element. The climbing rope 4 is deflected by a wrap angle at the at least one deflection element 6 and by a deflection angle at the locking element. The wrap angle is smaller for less braking effect and larger for more braking effect.

[0058] According to the embodiment Fig. The outer surface 10 of the housing 1 shown has a total of five detent positions 7 on the first side 11.

[0059] According to various embodiments, and as in Fig. As shown in 1, the locking positions are plug openings and the locking element is a plug element.

[0060] According to various embodiments, the plug-in element can be secured against falling out.

[0061] According to various embodiments, and as in Fig. As indicated by the small protrusions, the plug-in element is a ball lock pin that can be inserted into the plug-in openings.

[0062] According to various embodiments, the plug-in element has a stop protection (more clearly visible in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3).

[0063] According to various embodiments, the series resistor or its components consist of metal and / or plastic.

[0064] Fig. 2 shows the series resistor according to Fig. 1 under load, for example after a fall directly into the device. Here, the second impact force acted, which overcame the restoring force of the reset mechanism 33, so that the clamping element 3 is in the clamping position. As in Fig. Figure 2 shows the clamping section 32 in the clamping position with the stop element 2 in a clamping connection that grips the climbing rope 4. The climbing rope 4 is clamped between the stop element 2 and the clamping section 32 of the clamping element 2. The abrupt braking mechanism of the pre-tensioning device provides the climber with maximum safety near the ground.

[0065] Fig. 3 shows the series resistor according to Fig. 1 under load, for example after a fall into an advanced safety point. In this case, only the initial impact force acted, which did not overcome the restoring force of the reset mechanism 33, so that the clamping element 3 is in the open rest position. Fig. Figure 3 illustrates the use case in which the restoring force of the reset mechanism 33 keeps the clamping section 32 of the clamping element 3 away from the climbing rope 4. Instead, the climbing rope 4 is deflected along the deflection element 6 by a wrap angle and at the stop element 2, which can be a locking element, by a deflection angle. The friction generated in this way provides the climber with maximum damping in the event of a fall.

[0066] The described pre-tensioning mechanism offers the climber an advantageous combination of safety and comfort. The clamping mechanism only engages when falling into the device's first anchor point near the ground. For falls above this point, either the dynamic, soft damping of the belayer or the climbing rope 4 takes effect, and / or the advantageous mechanism resulting from the friction of the redirected climbing rope 4 provides the necessary resistance. Reference sign 1 case 10 Outside 11 first page 12 second page 2 Stop element 3 clamping element 31 Fastening section 32 clamping section 33 Reset mechanism 34 Rotation axis 4 climbing ropes 5 Fastening element 6 Deflection element 7 rest positions

Claims

[1] A series resistor for climbing on a climbing object from a starting point to a higher destination point, comprising a housing (1) and a clamping mechanism that can be selectively activated depending on a captive impact force occurring on the device, wherein the housing (1) has two opposite outer sides (10), wherein a stop element (2) of the clamping mechanism is arranged on a first side (11) of the housing (1) between the two outer sides (10), wherein a clamping element (3) of the clamping mechanism is movably arranged on a second side (12) of the housing (1) between a rest position and a clamping position between the two outer sides (10) of the housing (1), wherein a climbing rope (4) can be guided between the two outer sides (10) of the housing (1) and between the stop element (2) and the clamping element (3) of the clamping mechanism, wherein the clamping element (3) has a fastening section (31) and a clamping section (32), wherein the fastening section (31) is provided for connection with a fastening element (5) by means of which the ballast resistor can be connected to a securing point of a climbing object, wherein the clamping section (32) is held in the open rest position by a reset mechanism (33), wherein the reset mechanism (33) provides a restoring force which is not overcome by a first impact force on the device, so that the clamping section (32) remains in the open rest position, wherein the restoring force is overcome by a second impact force on the device, which is greater than the first impact force on the device, so that the clamping section (32) is moved into the clamping position, wherein the clamping section (32) in the clamping position is in a functional connection with the stop element (2) that clamps the climbing rope (4), wherein the upstream resistor is designed such that a braking effect can be generated by deflection and friction of the climbing rope (4) during the first impact force and the clamping mechanism remains deactivated, while during the second impact force the clamping mechanism is activated and the clamping connection between clamping section (32) and stop element (2) is formed. [2] Series resistor according to claim 1, characterized by , that the first side (11) of the housing (1) and the second side (12) of the housing (1) are opposite each other. [3] Series resistor according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the clamping element (3) of the clamping mechanism is rotatably arranged between the outer sides (10) of the housing (1), wherein an axis of rotation (34) of the clamping element (3) is perpendicular to the outer sides (10). [4] Series resistor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the return mechanism (33) comprises a spring mechanism and / or a magnetic mechanism and / or an elastomer-based mechanism and / or a pneumatic mechanism and / or an electronically controlled mechanism. [5] Series resistor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the initial impact force on the device is less than 1 kN. [6] Series resistor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the restoring force of the restoring mechanism (33) is adjustable. [7] Series resistor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the two outer surfaces (10) are formed by two parallel, planar outer surfaces (10). [8] Series resistor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the housing (1) has a protective housing made of plastic, wherein the protective housing has rounded edges. [9] Series resistor according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the stop element (2) is designed as a locking element and that at least one deflection element (6) and at least one locking position (7) are arranged in the housing (1) on the first side (11), wherein the stop element (2) designed as a locking element can be locked into the locking position (7) and the climbing rope (4) can be guided over the at least one deflection element (6) and the locking element, wherein the climbing rope (4) is deflected at the at least one deflection element (6) by a wrap angle and at the locking element by a deflection angle, wherein the wrap angle is smaller for a lower braking effect and larger for a higher braking effect. [10] Series resistor according to claim 9, characterized by , that the detent positions (7) are plug openings and that the detent element is a plug element. [11] Series resistor according to claim 10, characterized by that the plug-in element can be secured against falling out. [12] Series resistor according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by , that the plug-in element is a ball lock bolt that can be inserted into the plug-in openings. [13] Series resistor according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized by that the plug-in element has a stop protection feature. [14] Series resistor according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the series resistor or its components are made of metal and / or plastic.

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