Energy absorber and method for producing same

Abstract

An energy absorber has a textile element (1) comprising two substrates (2) connected by fusible links (3) and resistant links (4), the textile element (1) being wound up. A reservoir (5) receives the textile element (1). The reservoir (5) defines a first opening (5a) for a first end (1a) and a second opening (5b) for a second end (1b) of the textile element (1). The resistant link (4) connects a portion of the two substrates (2) and maintains the connection in response to a first applied force between the first end (1a) and the second end (1b). The fusible links (3) break and absorb energy in response to a first force between the first end (1a) and the second end (1b) of the textile element (1). The reservoir (5) is fixed and defines an access hole (5c) opening opposite the center of the wound textile element (1).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to an energy absorber and to a method of manufacturing such an energy absorber. Prior art

[0002] In the field of working at height and acrobatic sports activities, it is known to connect a user and an anchor point by an energy absorber. In the event of a fall, at least part of the energy of the fall is absorbed by the energy absorber so as to limit the forces on the anchor and / or to limit the forces on the harness supporting the user.

[0003] In the field of via ferrata, it is known to have a lanyard whose one end is formed by a loop intended to attach to the user's harness and whose other end receives two carabiners intended to connect to a lifeline. The energy absorber is formed by two strands of webbing sewn together and connected respectively at the first end and the second end. In the event of a fall, the two ends move in different directions and the seams are subjected to a force representative of the fall.

[0004] The stitching is done using fusible stitches so that the fall causes the successive breakage of the different stitches that connect the two strands of strap. Each breakage of a stitch absorbs some of the energy.

[0005] There is therefore an interest in having the longest possible sewing distance in order to have a staggered breakage of the stitches. The staggered stitches make it possible to limit the effort felt by the user to a threshold value. However, using a long sewn length results in the handling of a bulky absorber.

[0006] Edelrid sells a via ferrata lanyard that includes an energy-absorbing strap formed by two strands sewn together. The strap is wound around itself in a spiral before being placed in a reservoir with a hinged lid. Once the strap is placed in the reservoir, the lid closes the reservoir to keep the strap in its wound configuration. The reservoir defines a first opening for the first end of the energy-absorbing strap to exit and a second opening for the second end of the energy-absorbing strap to exit.

[0007] It appears that this configuration is not advantageous because the tank represents a large volume so as to allow the installation of the energy absorption strap. There may therefore be discomfort for the user.

[0008] It is also known from document EP2409733 to form an energy absorber in which a strap is wound around a drum which automatically winds the strap by means of a spring. The strap passes through a slot in an axis biased by the spring to wind the strap in the absence of external stress. The energy absorber has a first end formed by the strap and intended to be attached to a user as well as a second end intended to be attached to a safety element of a via ferrata. Subject of the invention

[0009] An object of the invention is to provide an energy absorber that is more compact than prior art configurations.

[0010] This result is achieved by means of an energy absorber comprising: a textile element comprising at least two substrates connected to each other by fusible links and resistant links, the textile element being wound; a reservoir receiving the textile element in the wound state, the reservoir defining a first opening for a first end of the textile element and a second opening for a second end of the textile element.

[0011] The at least one resilient bond connects a portion of the at least two substrates and is configured to maintain the connection in response to a first force applied between the first end and the second end.

[0012] Fusible bonds are intended to break and absorb energy in response to a first force applied between the first end and the second end of the textile element.

[0013] The energy absorber is remarkable in that the reservoir is non-openable and in that it defines at least one access hole opening out facing the center of the textile element in the rolled-up state.

[0014] Advantageously, the textile element has a loop arranged opposite said at least one through access hole.

[0015] In a particular configuration, the energy absorber comprises a rotation shaft fixed to the textile element, the rotation shaft being terminated by an imprint facing said at least one through access hole.

[0016] The invention also relates to a via ferrata lanyard which is more compact than the configurations of the prior art.

[0017] This result is achieved by means of a via ferrata lanyard in which one of the first end of the textile element and the second end of the textile element is intended to be attached to a rope harness. One or more carabiners are attached to the other of the first end of the textile element and the second end of the textile element.

[0018] The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing an energy absorber which makes it possible to form a more compact configuration while remaining easy to implement.

[0019] This result is achieved by means of a process for manufacturing an energy absorber comprising the following steps: providing a textile element comprising at least two substrates connected to each other by fusible links and resistant links, and a reservoir defining a first opening, a second opening and a through access hole; introducing a central part of the textile element into the reservoir from the first opening until it comes opposite the through access hole; connecting a winding shaft to the central portion of the textile element, the winding shaft passing through the through access hole; winding the textile element inside the tank by means of the winding shaft; passing the second end through the second opening, the first end being in the first opening.

[0020] Advantageously, the step of passing the second end through the second opening, the first end being in the first opening, is carried out before winding the textile element inside the tank by means of the winding shaft. Summary description of the drawings

[0021] Other advantages and characteristics will emerge more clearly from the following description of particular embodiments and implementations of the invention given as non-limiting examples and represented in the appended drawings, in which: there figure 1 illustrates a schematic sectional view of a first step in the manufacture of an energy absorber; the figure 2 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a second stage of manufacturing an energy absorber; the figure 3 illustrates a schematic sectional view of the second stage of manufacturing an energy absorber; figure 4illustrates a schematic perspective view of a third stage of manufacturing an energy absorber; Figure 5 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a fourth step in the manufacture of an energy absorber; figure 6 illustrates a schematic sectional view of the fourth step in manufacturing an energy absorber; figure 7 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a second step of manufacturing an energy absorber according to another embodiment; the figure 8 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a third step of manufacturing an energy absorber according to another embodiment; the figure 9 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a fourth step of manufacturing an energy absorber according to another embodiment; the figure 10illustrates a schematic perspective view of an energy absorber whose textile element is provided with an imprint intended to cooperate with a winding shaft; the figure 11 illustrates another schematic perspective view of an energy absorber whose textile element is provided with an imprint intended to cooperate with a winding shaft; the figure 12 illustrates a schematic sectional view of an energy absorber whose textile element is provided with an imprint intended to cooperate with a winding shaft; the figure 13 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a lanyard incorporating an energy absorber. Description of the embodiments

[0022] THE figures 1 to 13 illustrate an energy absorber for working at height and acrobatic activities. The energy absorber is preferably used for sporting activities, for example for via ferrata.

[0023] The energy absorber comprises a textile element 1 comprising at least two substrates 2 connected to each other by fusible links 3 and at least one resistant link 4, preferably resistant links 4. The two substrates 2 can be any, for example two straps, two fabrics, one strap and one fabric. The textile element 1 has a first end 1a and a second end 1b different from the first end 1a. The position of the first end 1a relative to the second end 1b can be any. One of the first end 1a and the second end 1b is intended to be attached to the user while the other of the first end 1a and the second end 1b is intended to be connected to an anchor point for example by means of a carabiner.

[0024] The two substrates 2 are mechanically connected together by means of a first set of fusible links 3 and by means of a second set of resistant links 4. The fusible links 3 are links intended to break and absorb energy in response to a first force applied between the first end 1a and the second end 1b. In the event of a fall, the first end 1a and the second end 1b seek to move relative to each other. They apply a force to at least part of the fusible links 3. Once a first force is reached, the fusible links 3 deform and then yield. It is advantageous for the fusible links 3 to deform plastically before yielding. The deformation of the fusible links 3 makes it possible to dissipate energy from the fall. The force value from which the fusible link 3 yields makes it possible to define the force value felt by the user at the time of his fall.

[0025] On the contrary, the resistant links 4 are configured to resist the first force and preferably they are configured to resist forces much greater than the first force. The resistant links 4 make it possible to maintain the mechanical connection between the two substrates 2. The resistant links 4 are arranged to be subjected to the force after breaking of the fusible links 3.

[0026] The implementation of these fusible links 3 and the resistant links 4 is known per se. The fusible links 3 may be seams or binding threads from a weaving operation. The resistant links 4 may be seams, binding threads or other threads or even rivets, welds, glue or any other means which makes it possible to ensure the mechanical connection between the two substrates 2.

[0027] In one embodiment, the two substrates 2 may be two webs that are woven at the same time and that are connected by a binding yarn forming fusible bonds. For example, the strong bonds 4 are formed by stitching on the two webs and / or by another weaving pattern of the binding yarn and / or by a modification of the binding yarn in its diameter, in its chemical composition or in any other parameter making it possible to modify its mechanical behavior. In another embodiment, the two substrates 2 are two portions of a woven element that is folded. The two portions are fixed to each other by the fusible bonds, preferably by sewing. It is possible to form strong bonds 4, for example by sewing, or to use the threads that form the weave as strong bonds that ensure the mechanical connection between the first end and the second end after breaking the fusible bonds 3.

[0028] The energy absorber comprises a reservoir 5 which receives the textile element 1 comprising the fusible links 3. In order to gain compactness, the textile element 1 is present in the reservoir 5 in its rolled form. Preferably, the reservoir 5 is circular or quasi-circular in shape and it has a volume substantially equal to that of the textile element 1. The assembly formed by the textile element 1 and the reservoir 5 is more compact than the configurations of the prior art for the same volume of textile element 1, which makes it possible to have a more compact general configuration for the same energy absorption value without modification or almost without modification of the textile element 1.

[0029] The reservoir 5 is a non-openable reservoir, that is to say it prohibits the insertion of the textile element 1 already wound up in the reservoir 5. The reservoir 5 defines a first opening 5a and a second opening 5b which allow access to the interior of the reservoir 5. The first opening 5a forms a first outlet for a first end 1a of the textile element 1 and the second opening 5b forms a second outlet for a second end 1b of the textile element 1. The first end 1a may be the end intended to be connected to the user or to the anchor point. The first opening 5a and the second opening 5b do not have a section allowing the insertion of the wound up textile element 1.

[0030] The reservoir 5 defines at least one access hole 5c in addition to the two openings. The access hole 5c opens facing the center of the textile element 1 wound and arranged inside the reservoir 5. The reservoir 5 having a quasi-circular or circular shape, the access hole 5c is located in the center of the circular or quasi-circular shape. It is possible not to have a purely circular shape in order to facilitate the exit and work of the two ends of the textile element. The access hole 5c can be made in any way. The figure 1 illustrates an access hole 5c which is in the form of one or more cutouts allowing insertion into the tank or in the form of a larger hole.

[0031] The manufacturing process of an energy absorber may include the following steps.

[0032] As illustrated in the figure 1, firstly, the textile element 1 is provided comprising at least two substrates 2 connected to each other by fusible links 3 and resistant links 4 and the reservoir 5 is provided defining a first opening 5a, a second opening 5b and an access hole 5c which opens into the reservoir 5.

[0033] Then, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 , a central part 1c of the textile element 1 is introduced into the reservoir 5 from the first opening 5a and the central part 1c is placed opposite the access hole 5c opening. In one embodiment, the central part 1c is introduced directly through the first opening 5a to face the access hole 5c opening. In another embodiment illustrated in figures 7 And 12, the central part 1c is introduced through one or other of the openings. The first end 1a of the textile element 1 exits the reservoir 5 through the first opening 5a and the second end 1b exits the reservoir through the second opening 5b. The reverse configuration is possible. The central part 1c is a part arranged between the first end 1a and the second end 1b when the fusible seams 3 have broken. Preferably, the central part 1c is arranged equidistant from the first end 1a and the second end 1b.

[0034] Next, a winding shaft 6 is connected to the central part 1c. The winding shaft 6 passes through the through access hole 5. The textile element 1 is wound inside the reservoir 5 by means of the winding shaft 6. The winding shaft 6 defines an axis of rotation which passes through the wall of the reservoir 5. The winding shaft 6 rotates on itself inside the through access hole 5c which causes the textile element 1 to be wound around the axis of rotation defined by the winding shaft 6.

[0035] As the winding shaft 6 completes revolutions, the textile element 1 is wound in a spiral shape until the entire textile element 1 is arranged inside the reservoir 5 in a wound form except for the first and second ends 1a and 1b. With the textile element 1 wound inside the reservoir 5, it is possible to form a more compact winding by adjusting the winding parameters, including the tension in the textile element 1 during winding. Since the wound textile element 1 is not moved in its wound configuration in order to introduce it into the reservoir 1, the compactness of the winding is maintained.

[0036] When, at the end of the winding operation, the two ends of the textile element 1 pass through the same opening, for example the first opening 5a, it is advantageous to move one of the ends so that it passes through the reservoir 5 through an opening dedicated to it, for example the second opening 5b.

[0037] Preferably, the reservoir 5 is a flexible reservoir. Since the latter is intended to come into contact with the user, it is preferable that it be flexible in order to limit the risk of injury. Advantageously, the reservoir 5 is made of textile material, for example of flexible polymer material.

[0038] It is particularly advantageous for the textile element 1 to be in the form of a strip, i.e. with a length greater than its width, which is itself greater than its thickness. For example, the textile element has a rectangular section. More preferably, the width of the reservoir is less than twice the width of the textile element. Even more preferably, the ratio between the width of the reservoir and the width of the textile element is less than 1.5 or even 1.2. Such an embodiment is illustrated in figures 2 , 4 , 5 , 7, 8 and 9 .

[0039] Advantageously, the dimension of the through access hole 5 is less than the width of the textile element 1. The width of the textile element 1 is preferably the dimension parallel to the axis of rotation of the wound textile element 1.

[0040] In order to facilitate the gripping of the central part 1c by the winding shaft 6, the central part 1c of the textile element 1 may be provided with a loop which is closed by a resistant connection 4 or a fusible connection 3. The winding shaft 6 preferably has a groove. A part of the loop is wedged in the groove which ensures the installation of the winding shaft 6 with the central part 1c. In an alternative embodiment illustrated in Figures 10 and 11 , the central part 1c of the textile element 1 is provided with a rotation shaft provided with an imprint 7 which is intended to cooperate with a complementary imprint of the winding shaft 6. In the embodiments illustrated, the imprint 7 is triangular in shape, but another shape is possible. In the embodiment illustrated in figure 10, the imprint 7 cannot be removed from the textile element 1. The imprint 7 is fixed to the textile element 1 before the formation of the resistant and / or fusible bonds. In the embodiment illustrated in figure 11 , the imprint 7 is removable from the textile element 1 before the textile element 1 is installed in the tank 5.

[0041] Preferably, the shape of the imprint is chosen to allow winding in only one direction to avoid unwanted mounting of the textile element 1 in the reservoir 5. Such a precaution is advantageous when the first opening 5a and the second opening 5b are not identical and the first end 1a and the second end 1b have different characteristics in order to better interact with the user and the anchoring point.

[0042] Depending on the configurations, the reservoir 5 may have a single access hole 5c opening out or two access holes arranged on opposite faces of the reservoir 5 so as to define a through access hole. The use of a through access hole may be advantageous for a winding shaft 6 which passes through the reservoir 5. This may allow better winding of the textile element. The winding shaft 6 passes through the reservoir 5 along the winding axis of the textile element 1 which is the axis of rotation of the textile element 1 wound during a fall.

[0043] As illustrated in the figure 12 , the two ends of the textile element are arranged so as to exit through a specific opening before carrying out the winding or before completing the winding around the axis of rotation.

[0044] Such an energy absorber is particularly advantageous in a via ferrata lanyard such as the one illustrated in figure 13. One of the first end 1a of the textile element 1 and the second end 1b of the textile element 1 is intended to be attached to a roping harness. One or more carabiners are attached to the other of the first end 1a of the textile element 1 and the second end 1b of the textile element 1.

[0045] In the event of a fall, the fusible links 3 break and the length of textile element 1 leaving the reservoir 5 increases, which makes it possible to detect at least partial rupture of the fusible links 3.

Claims

1. An energy absorber comprising: - a textile element (1) comprising at least two substrates (2) connected to each other by fusible links (3) and at least one resistant link (4), the textile element (1) being wound; - a reservoir (5) receiving the textile element (1) in the wound state, the reservoir (5) defining a first opening (5a) for a first end (1a) of the textile element (1) and a second opening (5b) for a second end (1b) of the textile element (1); wherein the at least one resistant link (4) connects a portion of the at least two substrates (2) and is configured to maintain the connection in response to a first force applied between the first end (1a) and the second end (1b); and wherein the fusible links (3) are intended to break and absorb energy in response to said first force applied between the first end (1a) and the second end (1b) of the textile element (1); characterized in thatthe tank (5) cannot be opened and in that the reservoir (5)I defines at least one access hole (5c) which opens facing the center of the textile element (1) arranged in the wound state in the reservoir (5).

2. Energy absorber according to claim 1 wherein the textile element (1) has a loop arranged facing said at least one access hole (5c).

3. Energy absorber according to claim 1 comprising a rotation shaft fixed to the textile element (1), the rotation shaft being terminated by an imprint (7) facing said at least one access hole (5c).

4. Via ferrata lanyard comprising an energy absorber according to any one of the preceding claims in which one of the first end (1a) of the textile element (1) and the second end (1b) of the textile element (1) is intended to be fixed to a roping harness and in which one or more carabiners are fixed to the other of the first end (1a) of the textile element (1) and the second end (1b) of the textile element (1).

5. A method of manufacturing an energy absorber comprising the following steps: - providing a textile element (1) comprising at least two substrates (2) connected to each other by fusible links (3) and resistant links (4), and a reservoir (5) defining a first opening (5a), a second opening (5b) and an access hole (5c); - introducing a central part (1c) of the textile element (1) into the reservoir (5) from the first opening (5a) until it comes opposite the access hole (5c); - connecting a winding shaft (6) to the central part (1c) of the textile element (1), the winding shaft (6) passing through the access hole (5c); - winding the textile element (1) inside the reservoir (5) by means of the winding shaft (6); - pass the second end (1b) into the second opening (5b), the first end (1a) being in the first opening (5a).

6. A method of manufacturing an energy absorber according to claim 5 wherein the step of passing the second end (1b) into the second opening (5b), the first end (1a) being in the first opening (5a), is carried out before winding the textile element (1) inside the reservoir (5) by means of the winding shaft (6).

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