CONNECTOR, LANYARD COMPRISING SUCH A CONNECTOR AND ROPE HARNESS COMPRISING SUCH A LANYARD

Abstract

CONNECTOR, LANYARD COMPRISING SUCH A CONNECTOR AND ROPE HARNESS COMPRISING SUCH A LANYARD A connector comprises a body (1) with a hook (1a) and a handle (1b). A finger (2) is slidably mounted relative to the body (1) between open and closed positions. The finger (2) closes the hook (1a) in the closed position. The finger (2) is curved and engages the hook (1a) when the finger (2) moves from the closed position to the open position. A trigger (3) is movably mounted between open and closed positions. The trigger (3) is operatively connected to the finger (2). A control (4) is movably mounted between a locking position and an unlocking position. In the locking position, the control (4) prevents the finger (2) from moving from the closed position to the open position. In the unlocked position, the control (4) allows movement of the finger (2) between the open and closed positions.

Description

Title of the invention: CONNECTOR, LANYARD COMPRISING SUCH A CONNECTOR AND HARNESS ROPE COMPRISING SUCH A LANYARD Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a connector, a lanyard comprising such a connector and a roping harness comprising such a lanyard. State of the art

[0002] In activities at height, for example in mountaineering or when working on a wind turbine or a building, it is common to use one or more connectors which will be used to attach to an anchor point or to hang equipment. Depending on their purposes, the connectors have different technical characteristics.

[0003] When the connector is used very regularly, by a user who moves along a lifeline, it is advantageous to have improved user ergonomics, particularly in the finger opening mechanism and in its grip. This makes it easier to open and close the connector without degrading the grip. When the connector forms the only attachment point to a lifeline, it is also advantageous to have a mechanism that prevents unintentional opening of the finger. It is also important to have a hook portion with a large opening so as to facilitate the installation and extraction of the lifeline, particularly with large anchor points.

[0004] Of course, the connector must have a reasonable mass and minimal bulk so as not to hinder the user in his activity.

[0005] The applicant markets a large openable carabiner under the name MGO or MGO OPEN. The gate is pivotally mounted between a closed position and an open position. In order to prevent unintentional opening of the gate following involuntary actuation, the carabiner has a control which locks the gate in the closed position as long as the control is in a locking position.

[0006] Although the theoretical opening of the carabiner is large, a portion of the opening is obstructed by the user's hand pressing against the finger to open the carabiner. The same is true for many other configurations of carabiners and connectors.

[0007] Document JP 2006-75345 discloses a connector which is provided with a body with a hook portion extended by a handle portion. A finger also in the form of a hook is pivotally mounted relative to the body. The finger pivots outwards so as to increase the available section of the opening during the insertion and extraction phases of the elements in the ring of the carabiner. Such a carabiner seems complicated to implement because there are many moving parts and the size of the carabiner increases when the carabiner is open.

[0008] There is also another connector configuration whose size is substantially constant and whose ring opening can be large. Document US 6,070,308 discloses a connector whose finger is mounted to move in translation to insert into the body. The connector has a lug mounted on the finger to move the finger into the open position as well as a control which allows the finger to be locked in the closed position. This configuration is not entirely satisfactory because the actuation of the finger will encroach on the opening of the connector.

[0009] Document US 7,472,461 discloses another connector configuration where the finger is mounted to move in translation and is inserted into the handle portion when the finger is in the open position. The overall size of the connector is significant. The same is true for document US 10,247,223 which discloses a means for locking the finger in the closed position by forming a non-rectilinear slide which requires rotating the finger in order to leave the closed position for the open position. Such a configuration is not practical to use with gloves and for repeated actuations throughout the day. The same is also true for the configuration disclosed in document US 8,365,365. Statement of the invention

[0010] An object of the invention is to provide a connector which has a better compromise between the available opening of the hook portion and ease of use.

[0011] These drawbacks tend to be resolved by means of a connector comprising: - a body having a hook portion extended by a handle portion; - a finger fixed to the body in a movable manner between an open position and a closed position, the finger closing the hook portion in the closed position to define a ring, the finger being slidably mounted relative to the body; - a trigger attached to the handle portion movably between an open position and a closed position, the trigger being operatively linked to the finger, when the trigger is in the open position the finger is in the open position and when the trigger is in the closed position the finger is in the closed position; - a control attached to the handle portion movably between a locking position and an unlocking position, in the locking position the control prevents the finger from moving from the closed position to the open position and in the unlocked position the control allows movement of the finger between the open position and the closed position. The connector is notable in that the finger is curved and has a curved slide to engage the hook portion as the finger moves from the closed position to the open position.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the trigger has a toothed portion and the finger has a toothed portion, the toothed portion of the finger being operatively linked to the toothed portion of the trigger by at least one set of gears.

[0013] Preferably, the gear set comprises a first toothed wheel mounted so as to pivot in the handle portion and meshed with the toothed portion of the finger and a second toothed wheel mounted so as to pivot in the handle portion and meshed with the toothed portion of the trigger.

[0014] Advantageously, the first toothed wheel has a larger radius than a radius of the second toothed wheel.

[0015] In a particular embodiment, the first toothed wheel and the second toothed wheel rotate around the same rotation shaft.

[0016] According to another aspect, the control has a locking zone which bears on the finger to block movement of the finger out of the closed position when the control is in the locking position.

[0017] Preferably, the blocking zone is inside the ring when the control is in the unlocked position and the finger is in the closed position.

[0018] Preferably, the control has an obstacle pressing on the trigger when the control is in the locking position. The obstacle prevents the trigger from moving out of the closed position.

[0019] Preferably, the handle portion has a wire element wound around a reel, the handle portion defining a hole for the exit of a strand of the wire element, the reel being separated from the hook portion by the trigger and the control.

[0020] Advantageously, the trigger and the control are each mounted to pivot around pivot axes which are parallel to each other and perpendicular to a sliding plane of the finger.

[0021] Advantageously, a first end of the hook portion is hollow. In the closed position the finger has a first end disposed in the first end of the hook portion and a second end resting on the body.

[0022] In a preferred configuration, the finger is curved and has a constant curvature in the toothed portion. Description of the drawings

[0023] 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:

[0024] [Fig-1]: a schematic side view of an embodiment of a connector; [Fig.2]: a schematic view, in perspective, of an embodiment of a connector; [Fig.3]: another schematic view, in perspective, of an embodiment of a connector; [Fig.4]: a schematic view, in perspective, of an embodiment of a connector without a body part; [Fig.5]: a schematic view of the gears linking the trigger, the control and the finger; [Fig.6]: another schematic view of the gears linking the trigger, the control and the finger; [Fig.7]: yet another schematic view of the gears linking the trigger, the control and the finger; [Fig.8]: a schematic view of another embodiment in which the handle portion is provided with a winder; [Fig.9]: another schematic view of a connector whose handle portion is provided with a reel; [Fig. 10]: an enlarged schematic view of the reel installed in the handle portion;

[0025] [Fig. 11]: a schematic view of a roping harness comprising a lanyard fitted with a connector. Detailed description

[0026] As illustrated in the various figures, the connector A is an openable connector with a body 1 and a finger 2 attached to the body 1 in a movably manner. The body defines a hook portion 1a which is extended by a handle portion 1b. The hook portion 1b is in the form of a hook defining an opening for the introduction and extraction of an element, for example an anchor point or a cable. The finger 2 is mounted to be movable relative to the body 1 between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the finger 2 closes the opening by connecting the two ends of the hook portion 1a. In the closed position, the finger 2 and the hook portion 1a define a ring 1e inside which the element, for example the anchor point, is located. In the open position, the finger 2 moves to open the opening and thus allow insertion or extraction of an element through the opening.

[0027] The connector A also comprises a trigger 3 fixed to the body 1 in a movable manner between an open position and a closed position. The trigger 3 is functionally linked to the finger 2 so that when the trigger 3 is in the open position, the finger 2 is in the open position and when the trigger 3 is in the closed position, the finger 2 is in the closed position. The mechanical connection between the finger 2 and the trigger 3 is such that a movement of the trigger 3 causes a movement of the finger 2 and a movement of the finger 2 causes a movement of the trigger 3. The trigger 3 is distinct from the finger 2 which makes it possible to impose a position of the hand in the handle portion 1b which is distant from the hook portion 1a. The trigger 3 is fixed to the handle portion 1b and it is mounted movably relative to the handle portion 1b.

[0028] The connector A also comprises a control 4 fixed to the body 1 in a movable manner between a locking position and an unlocking position. In the locking position, the control 4 prevents the finger 2 from moving from the closed position to the open position. In the unlocking position, the control 4 allows movement of the finger 2 between the open position and the closed position. The control 4 is fixed to the handle portion 1b and is distinct from the trigger 3. Preferably, the trigger 3 and the control 4 are arranged on opposite edges of the handle portion 1b so as to impose the position of the user's hand when the finger 2 is in the open position. This ensures that the user's hand does not interfere with the opening of the hook portion 1a.

[0029] Preferably, in the locking position, the control 4 prevents the trigger 3 from moving from the closed position to the open position. In the unlocking position, the control 4 allows movement of the trigger 3 between the open position and the closed position 3. Even more preferably, in the locking position, the control 4 blocks the trigger 3 in the closed position.

[0030] It is advantageous to provide that, outside the closed position, the finger 2 prevents the control 4 from leaving the unlocked position. Preferably, in the locked position, the control 4 acts physically on the trigger 3 to prevent the trigger 3 from leaving the closed position.

[0031] In order to improve the operation of the connector A, it is advantageous to provide that the finger 2 is mounted to slide relative to the body 1. Unlike the configurations of the prior art, the finger 2 does not move in pivoting, but it slides along a slide between the open position and the closed position. In a particularly advantageous manner, the finger 2 is installed retractably relative to the body 1. In the open position, the finger 2 is further recessed into the body 1 than in the closed position. Conversely, in the closed position, finger 2 protrudes more from body 1 than in the open position. This allows for a constant size of connector A. Trigger 3 is separate from finger 2, which avoids having the user's fingers against finger 2, which commonly results in a reduction in opening due to the fingers.

[0032] It is particularly advantageous that the body 1 forms the insertion housing of the finger 2 when the finger 2 leaves the closed position for the open position. By using a body 1 which receives the finger 2, the user does not need to worry about protruding and moving parts of the finger 2 during the opening and closing phases. The volume of the connector is constant and does not change in the opening and closing phases with the exception of the finger 2. This configuration is particularly advantageous when the connector must be inserted into confined spaces.

[0033] In a particularly advantageous manner, the finger 2 is slidably mounted in a slide and is curved. More preferably, it is curved with a constant or quasi-constant radius of curvature in order to limit the volume of the slide. The finger 2 slides inside a slide which is preferably fully installed in the hook portion 1a.

[0034] Preferably, the concavity of the curvature of the finger 2 forms the internal part of the ring. The convex part of the curvature of the finger forms the external part of the ring 1c. The opposite configuration is also possible, but it is less advantageous because it is less compact or less ergonomic.

[0035] The finger 2 has a first end 2a and a second end 2b which are opposite in the sliding direction of the finger 2. The first end 2a of the finger 2 is intended to come into contact or almost into contact with a first end Id of the hook portion 1a in order to close the ring 1c. When the finger 2 passes from the closed position to the open position, the first end 2a of the finger 2 moves away from the first end Id of the hook portion 1a and the second end 2b of the finger 2 slides along the slide inside the hook portion 1a. The second end 2b of the finger 2 tends to move away from the handle portion 1a and more preferably tends to move away from the trigger 3.

[0036] It is particularly advantageous for the first end 2a of the finger 2 to be fixed to the first end 1d of the hook portion 1a when the finger 2 is in the closed position. Alternatively or additionally, the first end 1d of the hook portion 1a defines a cavity and the first end 2a of the finger 2 is introduced into the cavity when the finger 2 is in the closed position. The walls of the cavity limit the movements of the finger 2. Preferably, the walls of the cavity limit the movements in directions perpendicular to a sliding plane of the finger 2, which makes it possible to ensure good mechanical strength in the closed position. It is It is particularly advantageous that the first end 1d of the hook portion 1a forms a cavity and that the first end 2a of the finger 2 bears on a wall of the cavity. As illustrated in [Fig. 4], the wall of the cavity opposes the first end 2a being pushed into the cavity beyond a threshold position which is a contact position. It is particularly advantageous that the cavity has a shape complementary to the shape of the first end 2a of the finger 2.

[0037] The use of an external wall of the finger 2 which is convex makes it possible to have better resistance of the finger 2 to the forces which tend to introduce an element into the ring by pushing the finger 2 towards the opening when the finger 2 is in the closed position.

[0038] Particularly advantageously, the finger 2 has a toothed portion 2c which cooperates with another toothed portion which is functionally linked to the trigger 3. A toothed portion is a portion which defines a plurality of teeth which may be protruding or recessed. The movement of the trigger 3 between the closed position and the open position moves the other toothed portion which moves the toothed portion 2c of the finger 2. The use of a toothed portion 2c makes it possible to have a well-controlled movement which is very resistant to forces.

[0039] Preferably, the toothed portion 2c of the finger 2 and a toothed portion 3a of the trigger 3 are linked by at least one set of gears. Advantageously, the set of gears comprises a first toothed wheel 5 which is mounted so as to pivot in the handle portion 1b and meshed with the toothed portion 2c of the finger 2. A second toothed wheel 6 is mounted so as to pivot in the handle portion 1b and meshed with the toothed portion 3a of the trigger 3.

[0040] In an advantageous embodiment, moving the trigger 3 by a first distance causes the finger 2 to move by a second distance which is greater than the first distance. For example, the first toothed wheel 5 has a radius larger than a radius of the second toothed wheel 6. Pivoting the trigger by a first angle causes the finger 2 to slide over an arc of a circle representing an angle larger than the first angle. The greater the difference in radius between the first toothed wheel 5 and the second toothed wheel 6, the more a small pivoting of the trigger 3 allows the finger 2 to be fully opened. This makes it possible to reduce the size associated with the trigger 3.

[0041] In a preferred configuration, the first toothed wheel 5 and the second toothed wheel 6 pivot around the same axis of rotation and the two toothed wheels are stationary relative to each other.

[0042] It is particularly advantageous that the first toothed wheel 5 is arranged between the trigger 3 and the control 4, which makes it possible to ensure good compactness of the handle portion 1b. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7, the pivoting of the trigger 3 towards the first toothed wheel 5 causes the rotation of the second toothed wheel 6 which causes the rotation of the first toothed wheel 5 in the same direction of rotation. The rotation of the first toothed wheel 5 causes the sliding of the finger 2 towards the open position.

[0043] In order to ensure good locking of the finger 2, it is preferable that the control 4 acts directly on the locking of the finger 2. Preferably, the control 4 has a locking zone 4a which bears on the finger 2 to block a movement of the finger 2 out of the closed position when the control 4 is in the locking position. This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the passage from the locking position to the unlocking position corresponds to a movement of the control 4 towards the trigger 3 and this also corresponds to a movement towards the central part of the handle portion 1b.

[0044] Alternatively or in addition, it is advantageous for the control 4 in the locking position to act directly on the trigger 3 to prevent the movement of the trigger 3 from the closed position to the open position by forming an obstacle on the path of movement of the trigger 3. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7, the trigger 3 defines an “L” shaped groove 3b. The control 4 has a pin that slides in the groove 3b. Pivoting the control 4 from the locking position to the unlocking position moves the pin from a first branch of the “L” to the intersection between the two branches of the “L”. Once the pin is at the intersection between the two branches, it is possible to press the trigger 3 to move the trigger from the closed position to the open position. The pin slides along the second branch of the groove 3b.

[0045] In the particular embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 to 7, the force applied to the trigger 3 to move the trigger 3 from the closed position to the open position tends to move the control 4 away from the unlocking position. The locking zone 4a resting on the finger 2 prevents the control 4 from moving beyond a threshold position which corresponds to the locking position. It is possible to fix the locking position other than by the locking zone 4a.

[0046] Preferably, when the trigger 3 is out of the closed position, the control 4 is out of the blocking position. Preferably, when the finger 2 is out of the closed position, the control 4 is out of the blocking position.

[0047] When the control 4 is in the unlocked position, it is advantageous for the blocking zone 4a to be inside the ring. More preferably, the blocking zone 4a comes close to the opening in the extension of one end of the hook portion 1a along the axis of introduction of an element into the hook so as not to block the passage section of the hook.

[0048] In the particular embodiment that is illustrated, the trigger 3 and the control 4 are both pivotally mounted respectively relative to a trigger pivot axis 3c and a control pivot axis 4b. It is preferable that the trigger pivot axis 3c and the control pivot axis 4b are parallel. It is even more advantageous that the two pivot axes are parallel to the rotation axis of the first gear wheel 5. It is also advantageous that the sliding plane of the finger 2 is perpendicular to the pivot axes of the control 4 and the trigger 3. For example, the axis connecting the control pivot axis 4a and the trigger pivot axis 3b separates the hook portion 1a and the handle portion 1b.

[0049] The use of a finger 2 which is curved and slidably mounted inside the body 1 is particularly advantageous because this makes it possible to form a ring whose mechanical performance is improved in comparison with a straight or slightly curved finger mounted to pivot, when the finger 2 is in the closed position.

[0050] This configuration is particularly advantageous because it makes it possible to form a compact area which contains the trigger 3 and the control 4 in the immediate vicinity of the hook portion 1a. The trigger 3 and the control 4 having a limited footprint, this allows the handle portion 1b to be hollow which makes it possible to reduce the weight of the connector or to install other functionalities in the handle portion 1b.

[0051] It is advantageous to place the trigger 3 and the control 4 on opposite edges of the handle portion 1b, which fixes the position of the fingers during the opening phases. By separating the finger 2 and the control 4 by the control pivot axis 4a, it is possible to prevent the user's fingers from being close to the opening and therefore obstructing the opening during the phases of installing equipment in the ring or during the extraction phases.

[0052] Preferably, in an embodiment illustrated in Figures 8 to 11 and in order to provide improved ergonomics, the connector A comprises a reel 7. In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.8], the reel 7 is configured to wind or unwind a wire element 8 and modify the length of the strand of wire element 8 which projects from the connector A. The wire element 8 has a first end 8a fixed to a drum 9 of the reel 8 and a second end 8b which is movable relative to the drum 9. The reel 7 is fixedly mounted to the body 1 to have better operation.

[0053] The handle portion 1b is hollow and the drum 9 is fixed to the body 1 inside the handle portion 1b. The drum 9 is installed in the handle portion 1b. When gripping the handle portion 1b to move the connector A, the reel 7 does not represent a nuisance and it does not hinder the actuation of the finger 2. This configuration makes it possible to have an operation of the connector A which is close to the operation of the connectors of the prior art. The installation of the reel 7 with the connector A has the effect of increasing the weight of the connector A. However, when the connector A is fixed to an anchor point, the weight of the reel 7 is supported by the anchor point which makes it possible to relieve the user.

[0054] The first end 8a of the wire element 8 is fixed to the drum 9 to wind or unwind the wire element 8 and form a wire element 8 of variable length. The second end 8b is intended to be fixed directly or indirectly to a rope harness. As the user moves relative to his anchor point, the effective length of the wire element 8 is adjusted by the drum 9, which makes it possible to adjust the length of the wire element 8 as best as possible and to detect a fall of the user more quickly by detecting more quickly a rapid change in the rotation speed of the drum 9.

[0055] The weight of the drum 9 and of the non-active portion of the wire element 8 is applied to the connector A which is intended to be fixed to the anchoring point. When the connector A is fixed to the anchoring point, the user does not bear the weight of the drum 9 and of a portion of the wire element 8, which allows him to have a lower mass to move than in the configuration of the prior art.

[0056] The body 1 defines a handle portion 1b which is intended to accept a one-handed grip. The section of the handle portion 1b is adapted to the size of a hand in its width and in its thickness, that is to say in the two directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction which connects the hook portion 1a to the handle portion 1b. The handle portion 1b extends from the hook portion 1a in a direction which corresponds substantially to an extraction of an element from the hook portion 1a by passing through the opening. Preferably, the handle portion 1b extends from the second end 2b of the finger 2 to the opposite end of the body 1 when the finger 2 is in the closed position.

[0057] The handle portion 1b and the hook portion 1a are mounted immobile relative to each other. This makes it easier to manipulate the hook portion 1a by means of the handle portion 1b.

[0058] The connector A has a large section opening in order to facilitate attachment and separation with the multiple anchor points that the user can choose throughout his working period. For example, the opening has a width that is greater than or equal to the width of the handle portion 1b.

[0059] Preferably, the first end 8a of the wire element 8 is inseparable from the connector A.

[0060] In a particular embodiment illustrated in the various figures, the finger 2 is mounted to be mobile in a movement plane, for example the finger 2 slides in a plane, and the drum 9 is mounted to be mobile in rotation about a first axis of rotation 10 perpendicular to this movement plane. This assembly makes it possible to have a drum 9 whose diameter represents substantially the width of the handle portion 1b and which is compatible with a grip by an adult hand while being able to use a wire element 8 which is a strap. In other words, this assembly makes it possible to limit the diameter of the drum 9 which makes it possible to maintain an acceptable width for the handle portion 1b. It is advantageous to use a wire element 8 which is a strap which makes it possible to adapt the width of the strap with the thickness of the drum 9.

[0061] Advantageously, the drum 9 is mounted to be mobile in rotation around a rotation shaft 10 fixedly mounted to the body 1. This embodiment makes it possible to improve the compactness of the handle portion 1b.

[0062] Preferably, the connector A comprises a spring 11 having a first end fixed to the body 1 and a second end fixed to the winder 7 to oppose a rotation of the drum 9 corresponding to an unwinding of the wire element 8. This embodiment is more advantageous for providing a controlled force of the spring 11. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the spring 11 is fixed to a rotation shaft 12 which is not circular. Another configuration is possible. The spring 11 is a torsion spring which bears on the rotation shaft 12. The spring 11 applies a force intended to oppose an unwinding of the wire element 8 and which winds the wire element 8 when the wire element 8 is not stressed.

[0063] In an advantageous embodiment which makes it possible to limit the thickness and / or the width of the handle portion 1b, the reel 7 comprises a rotatably mounted drum 9 and a rotating wheel 13 which are functionally linked to rotate together in the cavity delimited by the handle portion 1b. The wire element 8 is fixed to the drum 9 and the spring 11 has the second end fixed to the rotating wheel 13. The drum 8 and the rotating wheel 13 are arranged one behind the other between the hook portion 1a and the exit slot of the wire element 8. A force applied to the wire element 8 to unwind the wire element 8 rotates the drum 9 and rotates the rotating wheel 13. In the absence of stress on the wire element 8, the spring 11 rotates the rotating wheel 13 which rotates the drum 9 to wind the wire element 8. The rotating wheel 13 is traversed by the rotation shaft 12 and rotates around the rotation shaft 12.

[0064] The rotating wheel 13 and the drum 9 represent two distinct functions of the winder 7. The drum 9 stores the wire element 8 while the rotating wheel 13 manages the winding force of the wire element 8 in the absence of stress for unwinding. By dissociating these two functions on two separate rotating elements, it becomes possible to reduce the size in the direction represented by the rotation axis 10, that is to say in the direction of the thickness. In the devices of the prior art, the two functions are installed around the same rotation shaft one behind the other along the rotation axis, which implies the formation of a thicker winder, which complicates its grip with one hand.

[0065] Particularly advantageously, when the finger 2 is movable in a movement plane, the rotary wheel 13 and the drum 9 are each rotatably mounted about axes of rotation which are parallel to a direction perpendicular to said movement plane of the finger 2. This configuration allows good adaptation between the shape of the handle portion 1b and the actuation of the finger 2, and more particularly in the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6. It is advantageous for the reel 7 to be arranged near the trigger 3 and the control so as to have a compact handle which allows the connector A to be held with one hand and to be able to actuate the trigger 3 and the control 4 to open the connector 2. Advantageously, the finger 2 is separated from the reel by the set of gears which mechanically connects the trigger 3 and the finger 2.

[0066] Preferably, the rotating wheel 13 and the drum 9 are respectively a toothed wheel and a toothed drum meshed together. The use of two toothed elements allows for an efficient coupling between the rotating wheel 13 and the drum 9. In the illustrated embodiments, the teeth are shaped to allow gearing between the drum 9 and the rotating wheel 13. However, another type of coupling is possible, for example by a belt or a chain. The teeth may have a different shape and they may be replaced by another system.

[0067] In a particular embodiment, the drum 9 has a blocker 14 configured to detect a rotational speed of the drum 9 and block the rotation of the drum 9 when the detected speed reaches a threshold speed for unwinding the wire element 8. The blocker 14 has at least one arm 15 which moves under the effect of a centrifugal force, for example which moves in a pivoting manner. The arm 15 is associated with an additional spring which opposes the centrifugal force. When the rotational speed approaches the threshold speed, the centripetal force applied by the additional spring is compensated by the centrifugal force. When the threshold speed is reached, the arm 15 moves away and comes into contact with an obstacle which blocks the rotation of the drum 9. The arm 15 blocks the rotation of the drum 9. The blocker 14 is configured to block the rotation of the drum 9 in the direction of unwinding of the wire element 8.The threshold speed is chosen to represent the speed of a user's fall. Locking the drum 9 prevents the user from reaching too high a speed and the length of the wire element 8 from being too great.

[0068] In a particularly advantageous manner, the blocker 14 is arranged in the handle portion 1b and the blocker 14 bears on the body 1 in a blocking position blocking the rotation of the drum 9 corresponding to an unwinding of the wire element 8. More preferably, the blocker 14 bears inside the handle portion 1b so as to have an operation which is not modified by the user gripping the handle portion 1b. The reel 7 is completely integrated in the handle portion 1b which facilitates the use of the connector A.

[0069] It is advantageous if the control 4 is pivotally mounted around a pivot shaft 4a which is parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum 9.

[0070] In an advantageous embodiment, the body 1 has two flanges 16 fixed to each other to form all or part of the body 1. Preferably, the two flanges 16 are mounted opposite each other along the axis of rotation of the trigger 3, the control 4 and / or the drum 9. The two flanges 16 can be connected by a spacer 17 which delimits the cavity intended to receive the winder 7.

[0071] This lanyard configuration is particularly advantageous for forming a fall arrest lanyard as illustrated in [Fig.l 1]. The second end 8b of the wire element 8 is intended to be fixed to an energy absorber 18. The energy absorber 18 is configured to be fixed on the one hand to the wire element 8 and to be fixed on the other hand to a roping harness. The energy absorber is arranged between the roping harness and the lanyard so that in the event of a fall, the energy absorber is subjected to a force and it absorbs part of the energy of the fall to limit the stress on the roping harness. Advantageously, two lanyards 1 or at least two lanyards 1 are fixed to the energy absorber 18.

[0072] Preferably, the energy absorber has fusible links, for example seams between two layers or a link between two layers. The first layer can be connected to the rope harness while the second layer is connected to the wire element. The force of the fall tends to separate the two layers, which has the effect of stressing the fusible links, which deform until they break. The deformation of the links and then their breaking make it possible to absorb at least part of the energy of the fall. The operation of the energy absorber is known per se.

[0073] During a fall, the connector A is attached to an anchor point. It is therefore fixed or substantially fixed. The fall applies a force to the wire element 8 which causes the wire element 8 to unwind from the drum 9. The rotation speed of the drum 9 increases until it reaches the threshold speed. Once the threshold speed is reached, it is advantageous for the blocker 14 to block the drum 9. Blocking the drum 9 prevents the drum 9 from reaching higher speeds representative of a higher fall speed and therefore of a fall energy to be dissipated which will be greater.

[0074] Once the drum 9 is blocked, the fall force is applied to the energy absorber 18 arranged between the rope harness and the wire element 8.

[0075] The energy absorber 18 may be attached to the roping harness at an umbilical suspension point, a sternal suspension point, a dorsal suspension point, or any other suspension point suitable for supporting a fall.

[0076] Preferably, the body 1 defines a cavity receiving the winder 7 and the body 1 prohibits access to the reel 7. The body 1 defines an exit slot for the wire element 8 which is the only access to the reel 7.

[0077] It is particularly advantageous for the finger 2 to be separated from the reel 7 by at least part of the trigger 3 and part of the control 4. In a particular embodiment, the connector A may be devoid of the control 4.

Claims

Claims

1. Connector comprising: - a body (1) having a hook portion (1a) extended by a handle portion (1b); - a finger (2) fixed to the body (1) in a movable manner between an open position and a closed position, the finger (2) closing the hook portion (1a) in the closed position to define a ring, the finger (2) being slidably mounted relative to the body (1); - a trigger (3) fixed to the handle portion (1b) in a movable manner between an open position and a closed position, the trigger (3) being operatively linked to the finger (2), when the trigger (3) is in the open position the finger (2) is in the open position and when the trigger (3) is in the closed position the finger (2) is in the closed position;- a control (4) fixed to the handle portion (1b) in a movable manner between a locking position and an unlocking position, in the locking position the control (4) prevents the finger (2) from moving from the closed position to the open position and in the unlocking position the control (4) allows movement of the finger (2) between the open position and the closed position; characterized in that the finger (2) is curved and has a curved slide to sink into the hook portion (la) when the finger (2) moves from the closed position to the open position and in that the trigger (3) has a toothed portion (3a) and the finger (2) has a toothed portion (2c), the toothed portion (2c) of the finger (2) being functionally linked to the toothed portion (3a) of the trigger (3) by at least one set of gears.;

2. A connector according to claim 1 wherein the gear set comprises a first toothed wheel (5) pivotally mounted in the handle portion (1b) and meshed with the toothed portion (2c) of the finger (2) and a second toothed wheel (6) pivotally mounted in the handle portion (1b) and meshed with the toothed portion (3a) of the trigger (3).

3. A connector according to claim 2 wherein the first gear wheel (5) has a radius larger than a radius of the second gear wheel (6).

4. Connector according to one of claims 2 and 3 in which the first toothed wheel (5) and the second toothed wheel (6) rotate around the same rotation shaft.

5. Connector according to any one of claims 1 to 4 in which the finger (2) is curved and has a constant curvature in the toothed portion (2c).

6. Connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5 in which the control (4) has a locking zone (4a) which bears on the finger (2) to block a movement of the finger (2) out of the closed position when the control (4) is in the locking position.

7. Connector according to claim 6 in which the locking zone (4a) is inside the ring when the control (4) is in the unlocked position and the finger (2) is in the closed position.

8. Connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7 in which the control (4) has an obstacle pressing on the trigger (3) when the control (4) is in the locking position and in which the obstacle (4) opposes a movement of the trigger (3) out of the closed position.

9. Connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8 in which the trigger (3) and the control (4) are each pivotally mounted around pivot axes which are parallel to each other and perpendicular to a sliding plane of the finger (2).

10. Connector according to any one of claims 1 to 9 in which a first end (Id) of the hook portion (la) is hollow and in which in the closed position the finger (2) has a first end (2a) arranged in the first end (Id) of the hook portion (la) and a second end (2b) resting on the body (1).

11. A connector according to any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the handle portion (1b) has a wire element (8) wound around a reel (9), the handle portion (1b) defining a hole for the exit of a strand of the wire element (8), the reel (9) being separated from the hook portion (1b) by the trigger (3) and the control (4).

12. A lanyard comprising a connector (A) according to claim 11, the wire element having one end fixed to an energy absorber. 17

13. A roping harness comprising a lanyard according to claim 12 in which the energy absorber connects the connector (A) to an attachment point of the roping harness.

Images