climbing wall

Abstract

Climbing wall, comprising an arrangement of climbing elements (2) and a self-belaying device (3) arranged above the climbing elements (2), which includes a safety rope (31) provided with at least one fastening element, in particular a carabiner hook (32), wherein a first sensor for determining the position of the rope end of the safety rope (31) or of the fastening element and at least a second sensor for detecting a person at a certain height of the climbing wall (1) is arranged, characterized in that the first sensor is a first barometric air pressure sensor (4) which is connected to a computer unit (57) which is configured to determine the height position of the first air pressure sensor (4) on the basis of the data of the first air pressure sensor.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a climbing wall comprising several climbing elements and a self-belaying device arranged above the climbing elements according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] To secure climbers on a climbing wall, so-called autobelay devices, also known as "auto-belays," are used. These devices are typically mounted above the climbing wall and allow for top-rope climbing, meaning climbing with a rope attached above the climber without a belayer. After the climber is clipped in, the autobelay device pulls in the slack rope, ensuring it is taut. In the event of a fall, the climber is held and automatically lowered to the ground at a constant speed by the autobelay device. In its initial state, before a climb begins, the autobelay device's tether is often hooked into an eyelet on a mat, which is then pulled into a standing position in front of the climbing wall by the autobelay device's force.The upright mat serves as an entry barrier and is intended to prevent climbing without safety equipment.

[0003] In practice, however, it happens time and again that people climb a climbing wall without a safety harness. This can be due to the fact that the safety mat was not properly connected to the safety rope and set up beforehand, or it can be done as part of a "dare". Finally, it's also possible that the safety harness was simply forgotten.

[0004] To prevent unsecured climbing on a climbing wall, US Patent 2008 / 0185221 A1 proposes a warning system that includes a clip-on sensor and a height sensor. The clip-on sensor is a switch attached to a bolt hanger mounted on the climbing wall. It detects when a climber detaches their safety rope from the bolt hanger to attach it to their harness. The height sensor is positioned at a defined height on the climbing wall and is designed to detect when a climber climbs above this height. A suitable height at which an unsecured climber should not be injured is approximately 12 feet. The height sensor can be, for example, an optical sensor, a motion sensor, an infrared sensor, a laser sensor, or a radio frequency sensor.It may also be possible to equip the climber with an ID tag that is recognized by the height sensor when the climber comes within its immediate vicinity. If the climber has clipped the safety rope into their harness and then reaches the defined height, no alarm is triggered. If the climber has not clipped the safety rope and reaches the defined height, a warning alarm is triggered.

[0005] The proposed system is suitable for warning a climber who has inadvertently failed to connect to the safety rope of their auto-belay device. However, it is not suitable for detecting when the safety rope has been unclipped from the bolt hanger but not attached to the climber's harness, for example, during unroped climbing as part of a daredevil stunt. A further problem is that the system will not detect a second climber following behind – without a belay device – if the conditions for proper belaying by the first climber are met.

[0006] This is where the present invention comes in. The invention is based on the objective of providing a climbing wall where unsecured climbing by a person is reliably prevented. According to the invention, this objective is achieved by a climbing wall with the features of claim 1.

[0007] The invention provides a climbing wall that reliably prevents unsecured climbing. The first sensor is a barometric pressure sensor connected to a computer unit configured to determine the sensor's altitude based on its data. This allows for the continuous determination of the anchor point of the safety rope. When a person is detected by the second sensor, their change in altitude, and thus their height, can be determined. If the detected height is less than the lower limit of a predefined altitude range, the detected person is unsecured. Unsecured climbing by another climber is also detectable in this way.If, upon detection of a person by the second sensor, the measured height exceeds the upper limit of the predefined height range, the detected person is not secured. Similarly, a climber will be detected as unsecured if the safety rope has been accidentally released and retracted into the auto-belay device, and a person is detected by the second sensor. If the test result is negative, further measures can then be initiated.

[0008] In a further development of the invention, the first air pressure sensor is connected to a transmitter unit, wherein the computer unit has a receiver unit for wireless communication, preferably according to the Bluetooth standard, with the transmitter unit. This establishes a wireless connection between the first air pressure sensor and the computer unit.

[0009] In one embodiment of the invention, the second sensor is a capacitive sensor. This enables the detection of a person's approach. The capacitive sensor comprises two electrodes, preferably installed behind the climbing wall. The capacitance between the electrodes changes as soon as an object with a dielectric greater than 1 moves spatially between or to the side of the electrodes. The capacitance of two electrodes installed behind the climbing wall changes when a person climbs past the electrodes on the front side. Of course, the second sensor can also comprise other suitable sensors, such as optical sensors.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the invention, a second barometric pressure sensor is fixedly arranged and connected to the computer unit. The computer unit is configured to take into account air pressure fluctuations detected by the second pressure sensor when calculating the altitude position of the first pressure sensor. This allows for the compensation of erroneous altitude information from the first pressure sensor caused by ambient air pressure fluctuations, which can arise, for example, from opening doors or windows, or from weather conditions. The fixed second pressure sensor can detect such ambient air pressure fluctuations that have an identical effect on the first pressure sensor. The computer unit can then calculate the actual altitude of the first pressure sensor by comparing the measured values ​​of the first and second pressure sensors.

[0011] In a further development of the invention, the second sensor is connected to the computer unit, which is connected to a signal module and configured to output an alarm signal when a person is detected by the capacitive sensor, provided that the determined altitude position of the first barometric pressure sensor lies outside a defined altitude range. This enables an automatic check of the existing safety device for a climber. If a climber enters the range of the second sensor, preferably a capacitive sensor, its capacitance changes and a signal is sent to the computer unit. This checks the altitude position of the rope end or the attachment point. If the rope end or the attachment point is within the defined altitude range, the person is secured.If the fastening element is located outside the defined height range, the climber is not secured. In this case, a warning signal is issued via the signal module.

[0012] Preferably, the signal module is configured to output a visual and / or audible warning signal. This allows for immediate notification of the climber as well as people in the vicinity.

[0013] In an embodiment of the invention, the climbing wall comprises at least two adjacent climbing zones, each equipped with an arrangement of climbing elements. A capacitive overreach sensor, connected to the computer unit, is arranged in the transition area between the two climbing zones to detect a person at a specific point in either zone. This sensor enables the detection of a person climbing on the adjacent zone overreaching or stepping over, thus preventing false alarms caused by a person crossing over or stepping over the adjacent zone after being detected by the second sensor.

[0014] For this purpose, the computer unit is preferably configured not to issue an alarm signal when a person is detected by the capacitive sensor if the determined altitude position of the first barometric air pressure sensor is outside the specified altitude range, provided that a person is also detected by the intrusion sensor.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the capacitive intrusion sensor and the capacitive sensor arranged next to it are controlled such that they operate alternately. This prevents mutual interference between the capacitive sensor and the capacitive intrusion sensor.

[0016] In a further development of the invention, the capacitive sensor and / or the capacitive intrusion sensor comprises a capacitive measuring device and is configured to continuously generate an average value from applied capacitive measurement values ​​and to output a signal to the processing unit when a capacitive measurement value changes by a defined threshold value. Such a measured change in measurement value is preferably disregarded during the continuous averaging process. This prevents the detection efficiency from being impaired by changing environmental conditions. Climatic changes, such as humidity and temperature, can lead to changes in capacitance. However, these changes in capacitance must not trigger the sensor. The continuous averaging process compensates for such slow changes in capacitance.The sensor only switches when there are rapid changes in capacitance (dynamic switching behavior). A threshold value between 0.3% and 0.8% is advantageous, preferably defined at 0.5% above the current average value. Furthermore, an additional adjustment of the threshold value may be necessary due to external influences.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the invention, the capacitive sensor and / or the capacitive overreach sensor comprises a timer and is configured such that the signal is only output to the computer unit when the measured value change exceeding the threshold persists for at least a defined period of time. Preferably, this period of time is 0.2 seconds. This prevents false triggering of the capacitive sensor, for example, caused by falling objects.

[0018] In a further development of the invention, the capacitive sensor and / or the capacitive overreach sensor is configured to initially set the average of the capacitive measurements to the first measured value as the starting value after each power-on or re-energization of the capacitive sensor. This counteracts false detections due to changes that occur while the sensor is switched off. For example, the routes on climbing walls in climbing gyms are frequently changed. Moving the climbing holds alters the capacitance between the electrodes. Climatic changes, such as humidity and temperature, also lead to changes in capacitance. Such changes are immediately included in the initial averaging process, so that they do not affect the sensor's detection behavior.

[0019] Other embodiments and configurations of the invention are specified in the remaining dependent claims. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are described in detail below. The drawings show: Fig. 1: the schematic spatial representation of a climbing wall with a single route and a climber; Fig. 2: the schematic representation of the climbing wall made of Fig. 1 with a climber in a front view; Fig. 3: the representation of the climbing wall from Fig. 2 with two climbers: Fig. 4: the schematic spatial representation of a climbing wall with two adjacent single routes; Fig. 5: the schematic spatial representation of a climbing wall with two adjacent single tracks in a further embodiment; Fig. 6: the schematic representation of the wiring of the computer unit of a climbing wall according to Fig. 1.

[0020] The example of implementation according to Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. The selected climbing wall 1 is provided with a grid of threaded sockets 21, which is fitted with various climbing elements 2. Above the climbing wall 1, a self-belay device 3 is arranged, which has a safety rope 31 that is equipped at one end with a carabiner 32 for attaching to the safety harness 71 of a climber 7. The safety rope 31 is provided at one end with a first barometric pressure sensor 4, which in the exemplary embodiment includes a transmitter unit in the form of a Bluetooth transmitter.

[0021] On the rear side of the climbing wall 1, facing away from the climbing elements 2, a second sensor in the form of a capacitive sensor 5 is arranged at a height of approximately 3.5 m from the ground. The electrodes 51 of the capacitive sensor 5 are preferably mounted transversely to the climbing direction at a distance of approximately 5 cm to 50 cm from each other. In this case, the electrodes 51 are spaced 20 cm apart. A greater distance between the electrodes 51 increases the area in which a person is detected. The length of the electrodes 51 is approximately the same as the width of the climbing wall. Any electrically conductive material is suitable as an electrode. The shape of the electrodes is arbitrary.

[0022] The electronics of the capacitive sensor 5 essentially consist of a capacitive measuring device 52, an averaging module 53, a switching threshold determination module 54, a comparator 55, and a timer 56. An average value is calculated from the continuous capacitance measurement of the measuring device 52 via the averaging module 53. If the capacitance changes from the average value by more than 0.5%, the sensor 5 switches and sends a signal to a processing unit 57.

[0023] After the capacitive sensor 5 is switched on, the average value is set to the same as the first capacitance measurement of the measuring device 52. In this way, the capacitive sensor 5 is automatically calibrated to the current conditions after being switched on by calculating the new average value. No settings need to be made. The switching threshold is defined as being 0.5% above the average value.

[0024] The comparator 55 compares the current measured value of the measuring device 52 with the switching threshold. If the input signal is greater than the switching threshold, the comparator 55 sends a switching signal to the downstream timer 56. The timer only forwards the signal to the processing unit 57 if it is present for at least 0.2 s. This prevents false switching of the capacitive sensor 5, for example, caused by falling objects.

[0025] The computer unit 57 comprises a receiver unit, in this case a Bluetooth receiver 571, via which it is wirelessly connected to the transmitter unit of the first air pressure sensor 4. Furthermore, the computer unit is connected to an acoustic and visual signal module 6.

[0026] The position of a climber 7, that is, their height on the climbing wall 1, is continuously determined via the first barometric pressure sensor 4. The pressure values ​​are continuously transmitted via its Bluetooth transmitter to the computer unit 57, which receives the pressure data via an antenna 572 of the Bluetooth receiver 571. The computer unit 57 is programmed to continuously calculate the height of the first pressure sensor 4 – and thus of the climber on the climbing wall – with an accuracy of 20 cm, based on the received pressure values.

[0027] To detect air pressure fluctuations that can occur due to opening doors or windows or changing weather conditions, the computer unit is connected to a stationary, second air pressure sensor 58. The air pressure values ​​detected by the second air pressure sensor 58, which is preferably positioned near the climbing wall, are also continuously transmitted to the computer unit 57. In this embodiment, the second air pressure sensor 58 also has a Bluetooth transmitter, through which it is connected to the computer unit 57's Bluetooth receiver 571. Alternatively, the second air pressure sensor 58 can also be connected directly to the computer unit 57. The computer unit 57 is programmed to continuously calculate the actual height of the first air pressure sensor 4 – and thus of the climber 7 – by the difference between the measured values ​​of the two air pressure sensors 4 and 58.

[0028] If a climbing person 7 is detected via the capacitive sensor 5 and the first air pressure sensor 4 is located above or below a defined altitude range, an acoustic and optical alarm signal is emitted via the signal module 6, thereby informing the unsecured climbing person as well as all other persons in the vicinity.

[0029] In Fig. Figure 3 depicts a climbing situation in which a second person 8 is climbing behind a first, properly secured climber 7 on the climbing wall 1. If this second person 8 is detected by the capacitive sensor 5, they are recognized by the computer unit 57 as an unsecured person and an alarm signal is issued via the signal module 6, since the height determined by the air pressure sensor 4 is greater than the upper limit of a predefined height range.

[0030] In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 4. Climbing wall 1 has two adjacent climbing routes 11 and 12. Climbing route 11 corresponds to climbing wall 1 according to Fig. 1 is designed, while the climbing route 12 arranged next to it has a pulley 13 instead of a self-belaying device, over which a second safety rope 14 is led, which is to be held by a belayer (not shown). In the transition area of ​​the first climbing route 11 and the second climbing route 12, a capacitive overreach sensor 9 is arranged in the area of ​​the capacitive sensor 5 of the first climbing route 11, which is connected to the computer unit 57 and whose electrodes 91 run vertically perpendicular to the electrodes 51 of the capacitive sensor 5.

[0031] The capacitive sensor 5 and the capacitive intrusion sensor 9 are connected to each other via a data and synchronization line 92, via which their synchronization is controlled in such a way that they are always operated alternately in order to avoid mutual interference.

[0032] The illustration depicts a climbing situation in which a first climber 7 is on the first climbing route, secured by the safety rope 31 of the arranged automatic belay device 3, and another climber 8 is on the second climbing route, secured by the safety rope 14, which is led over the pulley 13 and held by a belayer - not shown.

[0033] If another climber 8 steps into the detection range of the capacitive sensor 5 and is detected by the capacitive sensor 5, a false alarm would occur. To prevent such a false alarm, the computer unit 57 is programmed, if the capacitive sensor 5 and the intrusion sensor 9 simultaneously detect a person, to deny the presence of an unsecured person and not output a signal via the signal module.

[0034] In the exemplary embodiment according to Fig. 5. Two adjacent climbing routes are arranged on a climbing wall, each according to the illustration shown. Fig.1 are equipped with a safety system. Only a first climber 7 is shown here. The safety rope 31 of the auto-belay device 3 of the second climbing route 12 is attached here, by way of example, to the eyelet 34 of a ground mat 33. In this embodiment, the computer units 57 of the two safety systems are connected to each other and programmed such that the height information from the first air pressure sensors is compared. If a climber is at the height of the capacitive sensor 5 of a first climbing route 11, this is communicated to the computer unit 57 of the adjacent climbing route 12. If the climber reaches into the detection range of the capacitive sensor 5 of the adjacent route, no alarm is triggered. In such an arrangement, where a capacitive sensor is installed on each of two adjacent routes, these are preferably operated alternately to avoid mutual interference.

[0035] With the climbing wall according to the invention, unsecured climbing by a person on a climbing wall can be reliably detected and thus prevented. Furthermore, the climbing wall according to the invention enables the collection of usage data, for example, how many users have used the climbing wall or the auto-belay device. This allows the necessary inspection intervals for the climbing wall and the auto-belay device to be determined. Frequently used climbing routes are more popular with climbers. Less frequently used climbing routes can be identified and made more attractive to users. The first air pressure sensor 4 can be used to determine climbing heights reached, climbing speeds, goals reached, or even climb aborted climbs. Compared to other climbing walls, this data is valuable for the operator of the climbing wall. Based on the data obtained, new routes tailored to the users can be installed. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] US 2008 / 0185221 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Climbing wall, comprising an arrangement of climbing elements (2) and a self-belaying device (3) arranged above the climbing elements (2), comprising a safety rope (31) provided with at least one fastening element, in particular a carabiner (32), wherein a first sensor for determining the position of the rope end of the safety rope (31) or of the fastening element and at least a second sensor for detecting a person at a certain height of the climbing wall (1) is arranged, characterized by , that the first sensor is a first barometric air pressure sensor (4) connected to a computing unit (57) which is set up to determine the altitude position of the first air pressure sensor (4) based on the data from the first air pressure sensor. [2] Climbing wall according to claim 1, characterized by, that the first air pressure sensor (4) is connected to a transmitting unit, wherein the computing unit (57) has a receiving unit (571) for wireless communication, preferably according to the Bluetooth standard, with the transmitting unit. [3] Climbing wall according to one of the aforementioned claims, characterized by , that the second sensor is a capacitive sensor (5). [4] Climbing wall according to one of the aforementioned claims, characterized by , that a second barometric air pressure sensor (58) is fixedly arranged and connected to the computer unit (57), wherein the computer unit (57) is configured to take into account air pressure fluctuations detected by the second air pressure sensor (58) when calculating the altitude position of the first air pressure sensor (4). [5] Climbing wall according to one of the aforementioned claims, characterized by, that the second sensor is connected to the computer unit (57), wherein the computer unit (57) is connected to a signal module (6) and is configured to output an alarm signal when a person (7) is detected by the capacitive sensor (5), provided that the determined altitude position of the first barometric pressure sensor (4) is outside a defined altitude range. [6] Climbing wall according to one of the aforementioned claims, characterized by , that the climbing wall (1) comprises at least two adjacent climbing zones (11, 12), each of which is provided with an arrangement of climbing elements (2), wherein in the transition area of ​​the two climbing zones (11, 12) a capacitive overreach sensor (9) for detecting a person (8) at a specific point of the two climbing zones (11, 12) of the climbing wall (1) is arranged, which is connected to the computer unit (57). [7] Climbing wall according to claim 6, characterized by, that the computer unit (57) is configured to not issue an alarm signal when a person (8) is detected by the capacitive sensor (5) if the determined altitude position of the first barometric air pressure sensor (4) is outside a specified altitude range, provided that a person (8) is also detected by the intrusion sensor (9). [8] Climbing wall according to claim 6 or 7 characterized by , that the capacitive intrusion sensor (9) and the capacitive sensor (5) arranged next to it are controlled in such a way that they are operated alternately with each other. [9] Climbing wall according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized by , that the signal module (6) is configured to output an optical and / or acoustic warning signal. [10] Climbing wall according to one of the aforementioned claims, characterized by, that the capacitive sensor (5) and / or the capacitive intrusion sensor (9) comprises a capacitive measuring device (52) and is configured to continuously generate an average value from applied capacitive measurement values ​​and to output a signal to the computer unit (57) when a capacitive measurement value changes by a defined threshold value, wherein such a measured measurement value change is preferably not taken into account in the continuous average value generation, wherein the threshold value is preferably defined as being between 0.3% and 0.8%, in particular as being 0.5% above the respective current average value. [11] Climbing wall according to claim 10 characterized by, that the capacitive sensor (5) and / or the capacitive intrusion sensor includes a timer (56) and is configured such that the output of the signal to the computer unit (57) only occurs when the change in measured value exceeding the threshold is present for at least a defined period of time, which is preferably 0.2 seconds. [12] Climbing wall according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by , that the capacitive sensor (5) and / or the capacitive overreach sensor (9) is set up to initially set the mean of the capacitive measurements equal to the first measured measurement as the starting value after each switching on or switching on of the capacitive sensor (5, 9).

Images