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 a method for manufacturing such an energy absorber. Previous technique

[0002] In the field of working at height and acrobatic sports, it is common practice to connect a user and an anchor point using an energy absorber. In the event of a fall, at least some of the fall energy is absorbed by the energy absorber, thereby limiting the stress on the anchor point and / or the harness supporting the user.

[0003] In via ferrata, a lanyard is commonly used. One end has a loop for attaching to the user's harness, and the other end has two carabiners for connecting to a lifeline. The energy absorber consists of two strands of webbing sewn together and connected to the first and second ends of the lanyard. 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 with fusible stitches so that the fall causes the successive breakage of the different stitches that join the two strands of webbing. Each broken stitch absorbs some of the energy.

[0005] Therefore, it is advantageous to have the longest possible stitch length to stagger the stitch breaks. Staggering the stitches helps limit the effort felt by the user to a minimum threshold. However, using a significant stitch length results in the need to handle a bulky shock absorber.

[0006] Edelrid markets a via ferrata lanyard that incorporates an energy-absorbing webbing made of two strands sewn together. The webbing is coiled into a spiral before being placed in a reservoir with a hinged lid. Once the webbing is in the reservoir, the lid closes to secure the webbing in its coiled configuration. The reservoir has two openings: one for the exit of the first end of the energy-absorbing webbing and a second for the exit of the second end.

[0007] It appears that this configuration is not advantageous because the reservoir has a large volume, making it difficult to mount the energy-absorbing strap. This could therefore cause 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 that automatically winds the strap by means of a spring. The strap passes through a slot in an axle, which is actuated by the spring to wind the strap in the absence of external force. The energy absorber has one end, formed by the strap, intended to be attached to a user, and a second end intended to be attached to a safety element of a via ferrata. Object of the invention

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

[0010] This result is achieved using an energy absorber comprising: a textile element comprising at least two substrates connected to each other by fusible and resistant bonds, 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] At least one resistive link connects a portion of 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] Fuse links are designed to break and absorb energy in response to an initial 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 opposite the center of the textile element in the rolled-up state.

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

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

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

[0017] This is achieved using a via ferrata lanyard in which one end of the textile element and the other end of the textile element are designed to be attached to a belay harness. One or more carabiners are attached to the other end of the textile element.

[0018] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an energy absorber which allows for a more compact configuration while remaining easy to implement.

[0019] This result is achieved through a manufacturing process for an energy absorber comprising the following steps: provide a textile element comprising at least two substrates connected to each other by fusible and resistant bonds, and a reservoir defining a first opening, a second opening and a through access hole; introduce a central part of the textile element into the reservoir from the first opening until it is opposite the through access hole; connect a winding shaft to the central part of the textile element, the winding shaft passing through the open access hole; wind the textile element inside the tank by means of the winding shaft; pass 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, with the first end in the first opening, is carried out before winding the textile element inside the tank by means of the winding shaft. Brief description of the drawings

[0021] Other advantages and features will become clearer from the following description of particular embodiments and implementations of the invention, given by way of non-limiting examples and shown in the accompanying drawings, in which: there figure 1 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the first stage in the manufacturing of an energy absorber; the figure 2 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a second stage in the manufacturing of an energy absorber; the figure 3 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the second stage in the manufacturing of an energy absorber; the figure 4illustrates a schematic perspective view of a third manufacturing stage of an energy absorber; the figure 5 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a fourth manufacturing step in an energy absorber; the figure 6 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the fourth manufacturing stage of an energy absorber; the figure 7 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a second manufacturing step of an energy absorber according to another embodiment; the figure 8 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a third manufacturing step of an energy absorber according to another embodiment; the figure 9 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a fourth manufacturing step of an energy absorber according to another embodiment; the Figure 10illustrates a schematic perspective view of an energy absorber whose textile element is fitted with a groove designed to cooperate with a winding shaft; the figure 11 illustrates another schematic perspective view of an energy absorber whose textile element has a footprint designed to cooperate with a winding shaft; the figure 12 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of an energy absorber whose textile element is fitted with a groove designed to cooperate with a winding shaft; the figure 13 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a lanyard incorporating an energy absorber. Description of the implementation methods

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

[0023] The energy absorber comprises a textile element 1 having 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 may be of any type, for example, two straps, two fabrics, or one strap and one fabric. The textile element 1 has a first end 1a and a second end 1b that are different from the first end 1a. The position of the first end 1a relative to the second end 1b may be arbitrary. One end of the first end 1a and the second end 1b is intended to be attached to the user, while the other end 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 linked together by means of a first set of fusible links 3 and a second set of resistant links 4. The fusible links 3 are designed to break and absorb energy in response to an initial 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 some of the fusible links 3. Once an initial force is reached, the fusible links 3 deform and then break. It is advantageous for the fusible links 3 to deform plastically before breaking. The deformation of the fusible links 3 dissipates some of the energy from the fall. The force threshold at which the fusible link 3 breaks determines the force felt by the user at the moment of the fall.

[0025] Conversely, the resistive links 4 are configured to withstand the initial stress, and preferably, they are configured to withstand stresses far exceeding the initial stress. The resistive links 4 maintain the mechanical connection between the two substrates 2. The resistive links 4 are arranged to withstand the stress after the fusible links 3 have ruptured.

[0026] The implementation of these fusible links 3 and resistant links 4 is known in itself. The fusible links 3 can be seams or binding threads resulting from a weaving operation. The resistant links 4 can be seams, binding threads or other threads, or even rivets, welds, glue, or any other means that ensures the mechanical connection between the two substrates 2.

[0027] In one embodiment, the two substrates 2 can be two layers woven simultaneously and joined by a binding thread forming fusible links. For example, the strong links 4 are formed by stitching on the two layers and / or by a different weaving pattern of the binding thread and / or by modifying the binding thread in its diameter, chemical composition, or any other parameter that alters its mechanical behavior. In another embodiment, the two substrates 2 are two portions of a folded woven element. The two portions are joined to each other by fusible links, preferably by stitching. It is possible to form strong links 4, for example, by stitching, or to use the threads forming the weave as strong links that ensure the mechanical connection between the first and second ends after the fusible links 3 have broken.

[0028] The energy absorber comprises a reservoir 5 which receives the textile element 1 incorporating the fusible links 3. To improve compactness, the textile element 1 is stored in the reservoir 5 in its wound form. Preferably, the reservoir 5 is circular or nearly circular and 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 prior art configurations for the same volume of textile element 1, thus allowing for a more compact overall configuration for the same energy absorption value with little or no modification to the textile element 1.

[0029] The reservoir 5 is a non-openable reservoir, meaning that it prevents the insertion of the already wound textile element 1 into the reservoir 5. The reservoir 5 defines a first opening 5a and a second opening 5b that allow access to the interior of the reservoir 5. The first opening 5a forms a first exit for a first end 1a of the textile element 1, and the second opening 5b forms a second exit for a second end 1b of the textile element 1. The first end 1a can 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 cross-section allowing the insertion of the wound 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 opposite the center of the rolled-up textile element 1, which is placed inside the reservoir 5. Since the reservoir 5 has a near-circular or circular shape, the access hole 5c is located at the center of the circular or near-circular shape. It is possible to have a non-perfectly circular shape to facilitate the removal and processing of both ends of the textile element. The access hole 5c can be made in any way. 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 wider hole.

[0031] The manufacturing process for 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] Next, as illustrated in figures 2 and 3 A central portion 1c of the textile element 1 is introduced into the reservoir 5 through the first opening 5a and positioned opposite the open access hole 5c. In one embodiment, the central portion 1c is introduced directly through the first opening 5a to face the open access hole 5c. In another embodiment illustrated in figures 7 And 12The central portion 1c is introduced through one 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 also possible. The central portion 1c is positioned between the first end 1a and the second end 1b when the fusible seams 3 have failed. Preferably, the central portion 1c is positioned 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 open access hole 5c. 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 that passes through the wall of the reservoir 5. The winding shaft 6 rotates on this axis inside the open access hole 5c, which causes the textile element 1 to wind around the axis of rotation defined by the winding shaft 6.

[0035] As the winding shaft 6 completes revolutions, the textile element 1 winds itself into a spiral until the entire textile element 1 is arranged inside the reservoir 5 in a wound form, with the exception of the first and second ends 1a and 1b. Since the textile element 1 is wound inside the reservoir 5, a more compact winding can be achieved by adjusting the winding parameters, particularly the tension in the textile element 1 during winding. Because the wound textile element 1 is not moved in its wound configuration to be fed into the reservoir 5, the compactness of the winding is maintained.

[0036] When, at the end of the winding operation, both 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, reservoir 5 is a flexible reservoir. Since it is intended to come into contact with the user, it is preferable that it be flexible to minimize the risk of injury. Advantageously, reservoir 5 is made of a textile material, for example, a flexible polymer material.

[0038] IlIt 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 cross-section. More preferably, the width of the reservoir is less than twice the width of the textile element. Even more preferably, the ratio of the reservoir width to 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 5c 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] 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 that is closed by a strong connection 4 or a fusible connection 3. The winding shaft 6 preferably has a groove. Part of the loop is wedged into the groove, which secures the winding shaft 6 to 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 rotating shaft having a recess 7 which is intended to cooperate with a complementary recess of the winding shaft 6. In the illustrated embodiments, the recess 7 is triangular in shape, but another shape is possible. In the embodiment illustrated in the Figure 10The imprint 7 is permanently attached to 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 the figure 11 , the imprint 7 is removable from the textile element 1 before the textile element 1 is installed in the reservoir 5.

[0041] Preferably, the shape of the imprint 7 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 anchor point.

[0042] Depending on the configuration, the reservoir 5 may have a single through access hole 5c or two access holes arranged on opposite faces of the reservoir 5 to define a through access hole. The use of a through access hole can be advantageous for a winding shaft 6 that passes through the reservoir 5. This can allow for better winding of the textile element 1. 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 wound textile element 1 during a drop.

[0043] As illustrated in the figure 12 , the two ends of the textile element 1 are arranged so as to exit through a specific opening before winding or before completing 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 the figure 13One end (1a) of textile element 1 and one end (1b) of textile element 1 are intended to be attached to a rope harness. One or more carabiners are attached to the other end (1a) of textile element 1 and the other end (1b) of textile element 1.

[0045] In case of a fall, the fusible links 3 give way and the length of textile element 1 coming out of the reservoir 5 increases, which makes it possible to detect the at least partial rupture of the fusible links 3.

Claims

1. Energy absorber comprising: - a textile element (1) comprising at least two substrates (2) connected to one another by breaking links (3) and at least one resistant link (4), the textile element (1) being wound; - a container (5) receiving the textile element (1) in wound state, the container (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 stress applied between the first end (1a) and the second end (1b); and wherein the breaking links (3) are designed to break and to absorb energy in response to said first stress applied between the first end (1a) and the second end (1b) of the textile element (1); characterised in that the container (5) is non-openable and in that the container (5) defines at least one access hole (5c) opening out facing a centre of the textile element (1) arranged in wound state in the container (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 indentation (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 wherein one of the first end (1a) and the second end (1b) of the textile element (1) is designed to be attached to a roping harness and wherein 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).

5. Method for manufacturing an energy absorber comprising the following steps: - providing a textile element (1) comprising at least two substrates (2) connected to one another by breaking links (3) and at least one resistant link (4), and a container (5) defining a first opening (5a), a second opening (5b) and an access hole (5c); - inserting a central part (1c) of the textile element (1) in the container (5) via the first opening (5a) until facing 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 container (5) by means of the winding shaft (6); - inserting the second end (1b) in the second opening (5b), the first end (1a) being in the first opening (5a).

6. Method for manufacturing an energy absorber according to claim 5 wherein the step of inserting the second end (1b) in the second opening (5b), the first end (1a) being in the first opening (5a), is performed before the textile element (1) is wound inside the container (5) by means of the winding shaft (6).

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