MOVING CAM LOCKING DEVICE AND METHOD OF ATTACHING A MOVING CAM LOCKING DEVICE TO A WIRED ELEMENT

Abstract

MOVING CAM LOCKING DEVICE AND METHOD OF ATTACHING A MOVING CAM LOCKING DEVICE TO A WIRE ELEMENT. A cam locking device comprises a head (1) equipped with cams (3) mounted to rotate freely between a retracted and an extended position. A spring forces the cams (3) toward the extended position. A rod (6) extends from the head (1) to an annular end (2). A trigger (7) slides along the rod (6) to force the cams toward the retracted position. A connector (8) defines a gate with adjustable spacing, comprising first and second parts (8a, 8b). The second part (8b) is movable relative to the first part (8a) to define first and second configurations that either prevent or allow the extraction of a wire support element from the connector (8). The second part (8b) is functionally linked to the trigger (7).In the second trigger position, the connector (8) is in the second configuration. See Figure 3 for an abbreviation.

Description

Title of the invention: MOVING CAM LOCKING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ATTACHING A MOVING CAM LOCKING DEVICE TO A WIRE ELEMENT Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a movable cam locking device and to a method of attaching a movable cam locking device to a wire element. Prior art

[0002] During the climbing phases, a climber is required to place protection points in a wall. The climber successively installs several protection points which are intended to support him in the event of a fall. Some walls are equipped with pre-installed protection points, for example in the form of bolts which are sealed in the rock. Other walls are not equipped with such points so that the climber must find the crevice which is most suitable for the installation of his protection point.

[0003] When the climber has to set up his protection points, it is conventional to install passive chocks and active chocks. The chocks are intended to be inserted into crevices which are generally holes, cracks, chutes or any other hollow which is deep enough to allow the introduction of a chock. Each particular shape of crevice is adapted to a particular configuration of chock. Passive chocks are often formed by metal parts having a specific shape. In a first spatial position, the chock can be inserted into a fault in a wall and, in a second spatial position, the chock is wedged between two opposite faces. It is then possible to easily install and remove the chock or to wedge it provided that it is placed in the correct spatial configuration inside the hole.

[0004] In addition to passive jammers, active jammers are also known, also called cam jammers or cam locking devices. The cam jammer is provided with a head which has a plurality of cams. The cams are movably mounted around one or more rotating shafts.

[0005] The cams move between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the head takes up less space than in the extended position. The wedge head is introduced into a crack in its retracted position, then the cams seek to move to the extended position, which presses the cams against the two opposite walls of a crack. The shape of the cams has the effect of increasing the force applied to the faces of the crack when the wedge is pulled.

[0006] Conventionally, a cam lock has, at a first end, a head provided with several rotating cams. The second end of the cam lock is an annular end which is configured to receive a carabiner and serve as an anchor point for the climber.

[0007] The head is mechanically connected to the annular end by means of a cable which is generally a steel cable. The two ends of the cable are wedged into the head of the wedge by crimping. The cable extends continuously between the two ends along the body and it extends along the annular end so as to ensure mechanical continuity between the end fixed to the wall and the end intended to support the climber.

[0008] Since the cable does not have the transverse rigidity necessary to provide good control in the placement of the wedge, it is conventional to provide a rod which extends from the head towards the annular end. The cable passes through the rod.

[0009] Finally, the cams are actuated by means of a trigger which is mounted to slide along the rod. When the user pulls the trigger towards the annular end, the cams move towards the retracted position. When the user stops this pressure, a spring returns the cams to the extended position.

[0010] Multiple configurations of cam jammers are known which describe different configurations of cams, cables, rods or annular ends.

[0011] Conventionally, the cam cam is attached to a gear holder or a sling by means of a carabiner or a quickdraw which passes through the annular end. The climber first opens the carabiner to separate the assembly formed by the carabiner and the cam cam from the gear holder or sling, then the cam must be actuated by bringing the trigger and the annular end together to place the cams in the retracted position. The transition from gripping by the carabiner to gripping by the annular end and the trigger is a delicate operation because the climber generally only has one hand available.

[0012] Document ES 2890722 discloses a support device for a cam lock device that defines a through hole receiving the rod. The support device defines a groove and a movably mounted door moves to open or close the groove. This configuration is unsatisfactory because the door must be operated with one hand in order to release the cam lock device from its storage position. Subject of the invention

[0013] An object of the invention is to provide a cam locking device which is easier to use than prior art configurations and in particular which improves gripping when the locking device is manipulated from its storage position. to its position of use.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the cam locking device comprises: - a head; - at least one cam pivotally mounted about at least one pivot shaft, the at least one cam being movable between a retracted position and an extended position, the at least one pivot shaft being fixed to the head; - a spring operatively coupled to the at least one cam to bias the at least one cam toward the extended position; - an annular end mechanically coupled to the head; - a rod extending from the head to the annular end; - a trigger operatively linked to the at least one cam, the trigger being slidably mounted along the rod in a first direction connecting the head and the annular end, the trigger being movably mounted between a first trigger position and a second trigger position, and in the second trigger position the at least one cam is in the retracted position.

[0015] The cam locking device is remarkable in that it comprises a connector defining a door with adjustable spacing, the door being delimited at least by a first part and a second part, the second part being mounted to move relative to the first part to define a first configuration with a first door spacing intended to prevent the extraction of a wire support element from the connector and a second configuration with a second door spacing intended to allow the extraction of the wire support element from the connector, the second door spacing being greater than the first door spacing; in that at least one of the first portion and the second portion is operatively connected to the trigger, wherein when the trigger is in the first trigger position, the connector is in the first configuration; and wherein when the trigger is in the second trigger position, the connector is in the second configuration.

[0016] Preferably, the spacing is measured along a first direction which connects the head and the annular end.

[0017] Advantageously, in the first configuration, the second part is in contact with the first part to close the connector.

[0018] In a particular configuration, a position of the first part is fixed relative to the rod in the first direction during a movement of the trigger in the first direction.

[0019] In an advantageous development, the cam locking device comprises adjustment means configured to define the position of the first part according to the first direction regardless of the trigger.

[0020] Preferably, the connector is mounted removably from the rod.

[0021] According to one embodiment, one of the first portion and the second portion arranged is closer to the annular end in the first direction and forms a hook extending towards the head.

[0022] In an advantageous development, the first part forms the hook and is mounted fixed relative to the annular end during movement of the trigger in the first direction.

[0023] Preferably, the second part is mounted to pivot in order to adjust the spacing of the door.

[0024] In another advantageous development, the second part is mounted to pivot about a pivot axis fixedly mounted relative to the rod in the first direction.

[0025] Preferably, in the second trigger position, the trigger rests on the second part, the second part being pushed into the trigger to pivot the second part.

[0026] In an advantageous configuration, the second part is a spring.

[0027] Preferably, the second part is mounted immobile relative to the trigger and forms the hook.

[0028] The invention also relates to a method for fixing a cam locking device to a wire support element which is easy to implement and which facilitates maintaining a good grip on the locking device during removal operations in a crevice.

[0029] This result is achieved by means of a process comprising the following steps: - provide a cam locking device according to any of the preceding configurations; - move the trigger towards the annular end to open the connector and place the at least one cam in the retracted position; - install the support wire element in the connector; - move the trigger towards the head to close the connector and prevent the wire support element from coming out of the connector.

[0030] The invention also relates to a method for separating a cam locking device and a wire support element which is easy to implement and which facilitates maintaining a good grip on the locking device during installation operations in a crevice.

[0031] This result is tended to be achieved by means of a method comprising the following steps: - providing a cam locking device according to any of the preceding configurations, the wire support element being disposed in the connector; - move the trigger towards the annular end to open the connector and place the at least one cam in the retracted position; - extract the wire support element from the connector; - move the trigger towards the head to close the connector and prevent the support wire element from being installed in the connector. Summary description of the drawings

[0032] 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:

[0033] [Fig-1]: [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a perspective view of a device for cam lock;

[0034] [Fig.2]: [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a front view of a cam locking device;

[0035] [Fig.3]: [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a perspective view of a cam locking device according to a first embodiment;

[0036] [Fig.4]: [Fig.4] schematically illustrates a perspective view of a cam locking device according to a first embodiment with the connector in the closed position;

[0037] [Fig.5]: [Fig.5] schematically illustrates a perspective view of a cam locking device according to a first embodiment with the connector in the open position;

[0038] [Fig.6]: [Fig.6] schematically illustrates a perspective view of a cam locking device according to a second embodiment with the connector in the closed position;

[0039] [Fig.7]: [Fig.7] schematically illustrates a perspective view of a cam locking device according to a second embodiment with the connector in the closed position;

[0040] [Fig.8]: [Fig.8] schematically illustrates a perspective view of a cam locking device according to a second embodiment with the connector in the open position;

[0041] [Fig.9]: [Fig.9] schematically illustrates a perspective view of a removable connector in the closed position and intended for a cam locking device illustrated in figures 1 and 2;

[0042] [Fig. 10]: [Fig. 10] schematically illustrates a perspective view of a cam locking device comprising the connector illustrated in [Fig.9]. Description of the embodiments

[0043] Figures 1 to 10 illustrate different embodiments of a cam locking device also known as a "cam lock". The cam locking device is an active locking device.

[0044] The cam locking device comprises a first end which is provided with a head 1 and a second opposite end which is an annular end 2. The head 1 is coupled to at least one cam 3 and preferably to several cams 3 which are mounted to pivot between an extended position and a retracted position. The space requirement in the extended position is greater than the space requirement in the retracted position. The cam(s) 3 are mounted to move about at least one pivot shaft 4. The cam(s) 3 are mechanically coupled to the head 1 so as to provide mechanical continuity between the cams 3 and the annular end 2. The pivot shaft 4 is fixed to the head 1, more precisely the pivot shaft 4 is fixed to a body 1a of the head 1. The body 1a may be formed by one or more parts. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the cam locking device has two shafts 4.

[0045] Conventionally, the annular end 2 is in the form of a ring which defines a through hole configured to receive a carabiner. The annular end 2 is capable of supporting the weight of a user. The ring defines a through hole configured to receive a portion of the hand during the actuation phases of the cams 3.

[0046] The cam locking device has a wire element 5 which mechanically connects the head 1 to the annular end 2. The wire element 5 mechanically couples the cams 3 to the annular end 2 so that a user fixed to the annular end 2 is retained by means of the cams 3 wedged for example in a crack. The wire element 5 is the element which ensures the mechanical continuity between the head 1 and the annular end 2. The wire element 5 is fixed to the head 1 so as to mechanically couple the wire element 5 and the head 1. The wire element 5 extends in a first direction XX so as to provide the mechanical hold in this first direction XX. The pivot shaft 4 extends mainly in a second direction YY which is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first direction XX.

[0047] The wire element 5 is fixed to the head 1 and it extends continuously from the head 1 until it reaches the annular end 2 to achieve mechanical continuity along the locking device. The wire element 5 may be in the form of a ring, preferably a ring made of textile material. The wire element 5 may be a strap or a rope. The ring made of textile material may be a ring made of polyethylene with a very high molar mass, for example in a material marketed under the names Dyneema or Spectra nominations. A metal wire element, for example a cable, can also be used.

[0048] In a particular embodiment, the head 1 is provided with an anchor, preferably an anchor in the form of a shaft. Preferably, the wire element 5 goes around the anchor in order to fix the wire element with the anchor so as to allow the force to be taken up with the annular end 2. In other words, the wire element 5 defines at least one loop and the anchor shaft passes through the loop to carry out the force take up.

[0049] It is advantageous for the ring to be obtained by sewing the two ends of the wire element 5 onto each other, the wire element being a textile. Sewing is a well-controlled process which makes it easier to obtain a ring whose mechanical strength is controlled. The use of a sewing step makes it possible to form a ring which is less expensive and whose dimension is better controlled than its equivalent obtained by splicing. It is advantageous for the ring to be free of crimping and splicing.

[0050] The locking device comprises a rod 6 which extends from the head 1 to the annular end 2. Preferably, the rod 6 is more rigid than the wire element 5 perpendicular to the direction XX, which makes it possible to hold the cam locking device by means of the rod 6 and to precisely place the locking device in a crack in comparison with an equivalent device without the rod 6.

[0051] The locking device comprises an actuation system coupled to the at least one cam 3. The actuation system 7 is configured to selectively engage the retracted position of the at least one cam 3. The actuation system has a trigger 7 slidably mounted along a first direction XX connecting the head 1 and the annular end 2. The trigger 7 is slidably mounted along the rod 6. The trigger 7 moves relative to the head 1 and the annular end 2.

[0052] In other words, the trigger 7 is mounted to move relative to the head 1 and it is coupled to the at least one cam 3. The trigger 7 is coupled to the at least one cam 3 so that the movement of the trigger 7 away from the head 1 causes a movement of the at least one cam 3 towards the retracted position. Preferably, the trigger 7 is coupled to all the cams 3 so that the movement of the trigger 7 away from the head 1 causes a movement of the cams 3 towards their retracted position. The first trigger position is closer to the head 1 than the second trigger position.

[0053] The trigger 7 is movable between a first trigger position and a second trigger position. In the first trigger position, the cam(s) 3 may be in the extended position. In the second trigger position, the cam(s) 3 are in the retracted position. Out of the first trigger position, the cam(s) are out of the extended position.

[0054] It is advantageous that a movement of the trigger 7 in the direction of the head 1 does not impose any movement of the cam 3 and in particular does not translate into a movement of the cam 3 towards the extended position.

[0055] Preferably, the rod 6 extends continuously from the head 1 to the annular end 2 so as to provide good mechanical strength when the locking device is held by the annular ring 2 and the trigger 7. It is advantageous for the trigger 7 to be slidably mounted along the rod 6 and for the rod 6 to separate the wire element 5 and the trigger 7.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the trigger 7 is slidably mounted along the wire element 5 between the head 1 and the annular end 2. The trigger 7 may be coupled to the cam 3 or to each cam 3 by an additional wire element 10. The additional wire element 10 may be a metal cable, a textile element or a wire element made of synthetic material, for example plastic material. The additional wire element 10 couples the cam 3 to the trigger 7 and makes it possible to translate a movement of the trigger 7 towards the annular end 2 into a movement of the cam 3 towards the retracted position. The additional wire element 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 10.

[0057] The additional wire element 10 forms a flexible link between the cam 3 and the trigger 7. The flexible link makes it possible to urge the cam 3 towards the retracted position when the trigger 7 is moved towards the annular end 2. The flexible link does not make it possible to urge the cam 3 towards the extended position when the trigger 7 is moved towards the head 1.

[0058] The trigger 7 advantageously has anchoring holes 7a which are intended for the passage of the additional wire element 10. The additional wire element 10 extends from the trigger 7 to one of the cams 3.

[0059] The cam locking device has a spring 11 which is configured to bias the at least one cam 3 towards the extended position. The spring 11 can be made in any technology, it can be a helical spring operating in tension, compression, torsion or bending. It can also be a blade or a metal wire which is elastically deformed. In the absence of bias and obstacle, the spring places the cam(s) 3 in the extended position. The force applied to the trigger 7 to move away from the head 1 corresponds to a force applied to the cam 3 which is opposite to the force applied by the spring to move the cam(s) 3 towards the retracted position. In one embodiment, the spring 11 is fixed on the one hand to the cam 3 and on the other hand to the head 1. In another embodiment, the spring 11 is fixed on the one hand to a first cam 3 and on the other hand to a second cam 3 which is for example mounted on a different pivot shaft 4 than the first cam 3. The locking device may comprise as many springs 11 as cams 3 or as many springs 11 as pairs of cams 3. The springs 11 are illustrated in figures 1 and 2.

[0060] By urging the cam(s) 3 towards the extended position, the spring 11 urges the trigger 7 towards the first trigger position. The spring 11 is configured so that the extended position and the first trigger position are rest positions of the locking device, i.e. in the absence of external stress.

[0061] The cam locking device comprises at least one rod 6 which extends from the head 1 towards the annular end 2, i.e. in the first direction XX. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 10, the cam locking device comprises a single rod 6 which extends longitudinally in the first direction XX in abutment against the head 1 and which defines the through hole of the annular end 2.

[0062] To facilitate the attachment of the locking device to a wire support element which may be a rope or a strap, it is advantageous for the locking device to be provided with a connector 8 which is an openable connector. The wire support element may also be a material holder of a mountaineering harness, a strap or a rope. The connector 8 defines a door whose spacing is variable so as to define a first configuration representing a closed position and a second configuration representing an open position.

[0063] The wire support element is intended to be introduced into a through hole of the connector 8 so as to secure the wire support element and the cam locking device. When the trigger 7 is in the second trigger position, the user actuates the trigger 7 and has a good grip on the cam locking device. It is then advantageous to allow the wire support element and the cam locking device to be separated without risk of losing the cam locking device.

[0064] In order to achieve such a result, the trigger 7 is operatively linked to the connector 8 so that the configuration of the connector 8 is linked at least in part to the position of the trigger 7. When the trigger 7 is in the second trigger position, the at least one cam 3 is in the retracted position and the connector 8 is in the open position, i.e. the second connector configuration. Out of the first trigger position, the connector is out of the first configuration.

[0065] Preferably, in the absence of external stress, when the trigger 7 is in the first trigger position, the at least one cam 3 is in the extended position and the connector 8 is in the closed position, i.e. the first configuration.

[0066] The closed configuration of the connector 8 is intended to prevent the wire support element from being extracted from the ring defined by the connector 8 or to make it more complicated its extraction. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, when the connector 8 is completely closed ([Fig.4]), the insertion or extraction of the wire support element is very difficult or even impossible. On the contrary, in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 6 to 10, a part of the connector 8 is formed by a spring which makes it possible to stress the spring to carry out the insertion of a wire element into the connector 8. Thus, when the trigger 7 is in the first trigger position, it may be possible to open the connector 8 by stressing the spring.

[0067] The connector 8 has a first part 8a and a second part 8b. The second part 8b is mounted to move relative to the first part 8a. The connector 8 defines an opening 8c which is delimited by the first part 8a and the second part 8b. The spacing value between the first part 8a and the second part 8b defines the value of the opening 8c.

[0068] In the second configuration, the first portion 8a is further away from the second portion 8b than in the first configuration. In the second configuration, the connector 8 defines an opening that allows the wire support element to pass into or out of the through hole of the connector 8.

[0069] In the first configuration, the connector 8 can completely close the ring which prevents the passage of the wire support element or the connector 8 can define a narrow opening preventing the passage of the wire support element. [Fig. 3] shows a configuration where the first part 8a and the second part 8b are slightly spaced apart in the second configuration. Figures 4, 6, 7, 9 and 10 show a configuration where the first part 8a and the second part 8b are joined in the second configuration.

[0070] Preferably, when the trigger 7 is in the second trigger position, the at least one cam 3 is in the retracted position and the connector 8 is in the open position. When the trigger 7 is in the first trigger position, the at least one cam 3 is in the extended position and the connector 8 is in the closed position.

[0071] Moving the trigger 7 along the rod 6 towards the annular end 2 changes the configuration of the connector 8 to the second configuration so that the connector 8 allows the insertion or extraction of the wire support element. Actuation of the trigger 7 to move it relative to the rod 6 is preferably carried out by pressing against the annular end 2. The user then has a grip which allows him to detach the locking device from the wire support element and to place the locking device in a cavity of the wall. The locking device is held by the user which reduces the risk of loss when the connector is in the second configuration.

[0072] In a particular embodiment, the connector 8 is mounted to be removable from the rod 6. [Fig. 9] illustrates an embodiment of a connector 8 provided with a body 8d which defines a hole 8e intended to receive the rod 6 to fix the connector 8 to the rod 6. The connector 8 defines an openable ring with a first part 8a and a second part 8b. In the disassembled position, the first part 8a and the second part 8b are separated from the rod 6. Preferably, the first part 8a defines a hook and the second part 8b defines a spring. It is advantageous for the connector to be mounted between the trigger 7 and the annular end 2.

[0073] The second portion 8b is disposed along the path of movement of the trigger 7 between the first trigger position and the second trigger position. When the trigger 7 is moved, the trigger 7 comes into contact with the second portion 8b. When the trigger 7 presses the second portion 8b, the trigger 7 moves the second portion 8b to open the connector 8 and allow the insertion or extraction of a wire support element.

[0074] The use of a connector 8 mounted removably relative to the rod 6 makes it possible to functionalize a cam locking device which is initially devoid of this function. The connector illustrated in [Fig. 10] is intended to be mounted on the cam device illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.

[0075] Alternatively, only a portion of the connector 8 is mounted to be removable relative to the rod 6 so as to adapt the section of the through hole to the user's needs, for example to the section of the wire support element.

[0076] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.9], the body 8d defines a through hole, for example a groove which is intended to clip against the rod 6. The body 8d can go around the rod 6 in a plane perpendicular to the direction XX. The through hole has a shape which is as complementary as possible to the shape of the rod 6. Preferably, the rod 6 and the connector 8 define locking means configured to lock the position of the connector 8 relative to the rod 6 in the direction XX. It is possible to use a crenellated rod like that shown in [Fig.3] with a connector which defines a tab.

[0077] In another embodiment, the connector 8 is mounted so as not to be removable from the rod 6 and / or the trigger 7.

[0078] Preferably, the locking device has a connector 8 which is mounted at least in part on the rod 6 and / or on the trigger 7 so as to facilitate fixing.

[0079] One of the first part 8a and the second part 8b is fixedly mounted relative to the rod 6 when the trigger 7 moves between the first trigger position and the second trigger position. In other words, when the trigger 7 moves, a part of the connector 8 does not move.

[0080] In order to facilitate the manufacture of the connector 8 and to maintain its mechanical strength over time, it is advantageous for one of the first part 8a and the second part 8b to be mounted immobile relative to the rod 6. Since one part is fixed, only the other part moves as a function of the movement of the trigger 7 to open or close the connector 8. Preferably, the first part 8a is mounted immobile relative to the rod 6 or has adjustment means independent of the trigger 7. The adjustment means are configured to define the position of the first part 8a along the rod 6 independently of the movements of the trigger 7.

[0081] [Fig.4] illustrates an embodiment where the second part 8b is associated with adjustment means. The adjustment means are configured to define a plurality of distinct positions for the first part between the head 1 and the annular end 2. The adjustment means are configured to define the means a position of at least one part of the connector in the first direction XX and to maintain this position. The rod 6 is crenellated to define a plurality of possible positions for the second part 8b.

[0082] Figures 6, 7 and 8 illustrate an embodiment where the first part 8a is mounted immobile relative to the rod 6. It is also possible to have a locking device substantially identical to that shown in [Fig.3] and with means for adjusting the position of the first part 8a. It is also possible to have a locking device substantially identical to that shown in [Fig.3] and which is devoid of adjustment means.

[0083] Preferably, the first part 8a is mounted closer to the annular end 2 than the second part 8b, at least in the open position.

[0084] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, the first part 8a is fixed to the trigger 7. Preferably, the first part 8a is mounted immobile relative to the trigger 7.

[0085] In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 6 to 10, the first part 8a is fixed to the rod 6, preferably immobile relative to the rod 6. The second part 8b is functionally linked to the trigger 7.

[0086] In order to facilitate the formation of a connector 8 capable of securely attaching to the wire support element, it is advantageous for at least one of the first part 8a and the second part 8b to be in the form of a hook. Depending on the configurations, the hook may be mounted mobile or immobile relative to the rod 6. It is particularly advantageous for the first part 8a to form the hook as illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 10.

[0087] Even more advantageously, the hook extends towards the head 1. In other words, the assembly formed by the rod 6 and the hook is in the form of a "C" part of which projects from the rod 6 and this part extends towards the head 1 in the direction of the opening 8c of the connector 8. It is advantageous for the hook to be fixedly mounted to the rod 6 or fixedly mounted to the trigger 7. The connector 8 forms an obstacle to the progression of the wire support element along the locking device in the direction XX in the direction of the annular end 2. The weight of the locking device holds the wire support element against the hook, for example during the opening phase of the connector 8. The cam(s) 3 are heavier than the annular end 2. The center of gravity is closer to the cams 3 than to the annular end. The weight of the locking device has the effect of pressing the wire support element against the hook.

[0088] Advantageously, the first part 8a and the second part 8b are arranged one after the other in the longitudinal direction of the rod 6 which connects the annular end 2 and the head 1.

[0089] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 3], the hook is fixedly mounted to the trigger 7. The hook moves in translation along the longitudinal axis of the rod 6. In the embodiment illustrated, the hook is mounted immobile relative to the trigger 7 and the hook moves only in translation.

[0090] In the particular embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 3], the rod 6 and the second part 8b define means for adjusting the position of the second part 8b relative to the rod 6. The first part 8a can be moved along the longitudinal axis of the rod 6 so as to define the volume of the connector 8 relative to the volume of the wire support element. Preferably, in the rest position, i.e. without stressing the trigger 7, the first part 8a and the second part 8b are each in contact with opposite ends of the wire support element. Once the first part 8a is adjusted to the correct position, the first part 8a is stationary relative to the rod 6 when the second part 8b moves.

[0091] It is possible to provide that the first part 8a combines a translation with another movement, for example a rotation around an axis which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod 6. The combination of the two movements makes it possible to increase the value of the opening 8c of the connector 8 for a given movement of the trigger 7.

[0092] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 6 to 10, the hook is mounted fixedly relative to the rod 6. Advantageously, the hook is mounted immobile relative to the rod 6 when the trigger 7 moves.

[0093] It is advantageous for the hook to be arranged on the longitudinal plane of symmetry of the assembly formed by the annular end 2, the trigger 7 and the rod 6. The hook is in the natural position of the thumb when the user seeks to move the trigger 7 towards the annular end. The grip is improved.

[0094] It is advantageous for the first trigger position to be further from the hook than the second trigger position. This allows for a center of gravity that is closer to the cams 3 than to the annular end 2. This allows for a cam locking device that remains better attached to the wire support element when the connector 8 is opened.

[0095] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 6 to 10, the actuation of the second part 8b is obtained by pushing the second part 8b by means of the trigger 7. It is advantageous to provide that the trigger 7 moves until it comes into contact with the second part 8b. The second part 8b is fixed to the rod 6 and is rotatably mounted. When moving the trigger 7 from the first trigger position to the second trigger position, the second part 8b pushes into the trigger 7. The trigger 7 is in contact with the second part 8b and exerts a force which rotates the second part 8b so that the connector 8 is in the second configuration. The second part 8b slides along the trigger 7. During the sliding, the second part 8b moves to open the connector 8.

[0096] Preferably, the second part 8b is a spring. In the second trigger position, the trigger 7 applies a force to the spring so that the connector 8 is in the second configuration.

[0097] It is advantageous for the second part 8b to be pivotally mounted because this facilitates the mounting of the second part 8b on the rod 6 as well as its actuation by the trigger 7. However, other modes of movement are possible and in particular a translation along the longitudinal axis XX of the rod 6 or a translation along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis XX of the rod 6.

[0098] It is advantageous to have a hook which is made monolithically, i.e. cannot be dismantled, with the end of the rod 6 forming part of the annular end 2.

[0099] In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 3 to 5, the first part 8a is mounted to move depending on the position of the trigger 7 along the rod 6.

[0100] In the first trigger position, the connector 8 is in the first configuration, that is to say in the configuration which prohibits the insertion of a wire support element into the connector 8 and which prohibits the extraction of the wire support element from the connector 8.

[0101] In the second trigger position, the connector 8 is in the second configuration, that is to say in the configuration which allows the insertion of a wire support element into the connector 8 or which allows the extraction of the wire support element from the connector 8.

[0102] When moving the trigger 7 from the first trigger position to the second trigger position, the connector 8 changes from the first configuration to the second configuration. The second part 8b moves relative to the first part 8a to open the connector 8 to a distance which allows the passage of the wire support element in one direction or another. It is particularly advantageous for the opening of the connector to take place in the first direction XX.

[0103] In one case, the trigger 7 is moved to the second trigger position to open the connector 8 and insert the wire support element into the connector 8. The trigger 7 is then moved to the first trigger position to close the connector 8 and hold the wire support element in the connector 8.

[0104] In another case, the trigger 7 is moved to the second trigger position to open the connector 8 and the wire support element which is already in the connector 8 is extracted. The trigger 7 is then moved to the first trigger position to close the connector 8 and prevent the insertion of the wire support element into the connector 8. Once the wire support element is removed from the connector 8, the locking device is no longer secured by the wire support element which can then be fixed to the climbing or mountaineering wall. The locking device is already taken by the climber with a force which retracts the cam(s) which allows its insertion into an orifice.

[0105] Once the locking device is installed, the cam(s) 3 are forced against the walls of the orifice, which locks the locking device in the orifice. The connector 8 does not modify the behavior of the locking device.

[0106] In the illustrated embodiments, the locking device comprises two rotation shafts 4 intended to support four cams 3. It is possible to use more or fewer cams 3. The illustrated configurations for the production of the connector 8 are applicable to locking devices which comprise one, two, three, four or more cams 3. The number of cams 3 can be even or odd. The cams 3 are preferably made of metallic material, for example aluminum alloy, or steel.

[0107] Preferably, the movement of the cams 3 from the extended position to the retracted position does not move the second part 8b. Advantageously, the movement of the second part 8b from the first configuration to the second configuration does not move the cam(s) between the extended position and the retracted position.

Claims

Claims

1. Cam locking device comprising: - a head (1); - at least one cam (3) mounted to pivot about at least one pivot shaft (4), the at least one cam (3) being movable between a retracted position and an extended position, the at least one pivot shaft (4) being fixed to the head (1); - a spring (11) operatively coupled to the at least one cam (3) to bias the at least one cam (3) toward the extended position; - an annular end (2) mechanically coupled to the head (1); - a rod (6) extending from the head (1) to the annular end (2); - a trigger (7) functionally linked to the at least one cam (3), the trigger (7) being slidably mounted along the rod (6) in a first direction (XX) connecting the head (1) and the annular end (2), the trigger (7) being movably mounted between a first trigger position and a second trigger position, and in the second trigger position the at least one cam (3) is in the retracted position; cam locking device characterized in that it comprises a connector (8) defining a door (8c) with adjustable spacing, the door being delimited at least by a first part (8a) and a second part (8b), the second part (8b) being mounted to move relative to the first part (8a) to define a first configuration with a first door spacing (8c) intended to prevent the extraction of a wire support element from the connector (8) and a second configuration with a second door spacing (8c) intended to allow the extraction of the wire support element from the connector (8), the second door spacing (8c) being greater than the first door spacing (8c); in that at least one of the first part (8a) and the second part (8b) is operatively connected to the trigger (7), wherein when the trigger (7) is in the first trigger position, the connector (8) is in the first configuration; and wherein when the trigger (7) is in the second trigger position, the connector (8) is in the second configuration.

2. A cam locking device according to claim 1 wherein, in the first configuration, the second part (8b) is in contact with the first part (8a) to close the connector (8).

3. Cam locking device according to one of claims 1 and 2 wherein a position of the first part (8a) is fixed relative to the rod (6) in the first direction (XX) during a movement of the trigger (7) in the first direction (XX).

4. Cam locking device according to claim 3 comprising adjustment means configured to define the position of the first part (8a) in the first direction (XX) independently of the trigger (7).

5. Cam locking device according to one of claims 1 to 4 in which the connector (8) is removably mounted on the rod (6).

6. Cam locking device according to one of claims 1 to 5 wherein one of the first part (8a) and the second part (8b) is arranged closer to the annular end in the first direction (XX) and forms a hook extending towards the head (1).

7. Cam locking device according to claim 6 in which the first part (8a) forms the hook and is fixedly mounted relative to the annular end (2) during movement of the trigger (7) in the first direction (XX).

8. A cam locking device according to claim 7 wherein the second part (8b) is pivotally mounted to adjust the gap of the door (8c).

9. Cam locking device according to claim 8 in which the second part (8b) is mounted to pivot about a pivot axis fixedly mounted relative to the rod (6) in the first direction (XX).

10. A cam locking device according to claim 9 wherein in the second trigger position, the trigger (7) bears on the second part (8b), the second part (8b) pressing into the trigger (7) to pivot the second part (8b).

11. A cam locking device according to claim 10 wherein the second part (8b) is a spring.

12. Cam locking device according to claim 6 in which the second part (8b) is mounted immobile relative to the trigger (7) and forms the hook.

13. A method of attaching a cam locking device to a wire element (5) comprising the following steps: - providing a cam locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 12; - moving the trigger (7) towards the annular end (2) to open the connector (8) and place the at least one cam (3) in the retracted position; - install the wire support element in the connector (8); - move the trigger (7) towards the head (1) to close the connector (8) and prevent the wire support element from coming out of the connector (8).

14. A method of decoupling a cam locking device and a wire support element comprising the following steps: - providing a cam locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the wire support element being arranged in the connector (8); - moving the trigger (7) towards the annular end (2) to open the connector (8) and place the at least one cam (3) in the retracted position; - extract the wire support element from the connector (8); - move the trigger (7) towards the head (1) to close the connector (8) and prevent the installation of the wire support element in the connector (8).

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