Rope grab device for portable power drive systems

Abstract

To provide an improved, portable type power driving system.SOLUTION: A rope grab device for a portable type power drive system 300 is configured to advance a rope 302 and comprises: a rope grab that is practically a circular rope grab, and configured to engage with the rope 302 along at least a part of the circumference of the rope grab during an operation; a fixing device including a lever part, a first roller arranged at one end of the lever part to guide an unloaded end of the rope 302, and a reference point 308 arranged at the opposite end of the lever part configured to receive a fixed force from a load that can be connected to the portable type power drive system 300. The lever part is attached to the rope grab device by a hinge connecting part. Pressure is applied to the rope 302 by the first roller to energize the rope 302 to the rope grab in the part of the engaging part with the rope grab when the fixing force is applied to the reference point 308 by the rope 302 during the operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a rope grab apparatus for a portable power drive system configured to advance a rope, the rope grab apparatus comprising a substantially circular rope grab configured to engage the rope along at least a portion of the circumference of the rope grab during operation. [Background technology]

[0002] Powered personal lifting devices assist workers in scaling vertical surfaces. Powered winches are used to raise and lower workers on platforms or in harnesses attached to ropes. The winch must be fixed to a solid platform above the load or hoist the load using a pulley connected to the platform. Furthermore, winches wrap the rope or cable around a spool, limiting the length and weight of the rope that can be used. Hoists with compound pulleys or reduction gears are usually used to raise and lower personnel or platforms and must be suspended from a fixed support such as a tripod, beam or bridge crane. Typically, winches or hoists require at least a second person to operate or control the device in order for the first person to safely raise the rope.

[0003] However, there are many instances where it is preferable to utilize a portable winch, preferably one that can be operated by the worker who raises and lowers the rope. Such examples include, for example, mountain climbing, cave exploration, tree felling, rescue operations and military operations. Industrial applications of climbing equipment include scaling high-rise structures, towers, poles, mine shafts or bridge construction for maintenance, cleaning, window cleaning, painting, etc.

[0004] Although various very useful solutions for rope use at height are known in the prior art, there is always an effort to provide further improvements for workers using the equipment, in particular to minimize any risks when working at height and / or to make the equipment more compact and to allow flexibility in the type and / or thickness of the rope used, thereby improving the environment for the users of the equipment. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved portable power drive system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The object of the present invention is solved by the features of the independent claims.

[0007] Thus, the object is solved by a rope grab device for a portable power drive system. The rope grab device for a portable power drive system is configured to advance a rope, a substantially circular rope grab configured, in operation, to engage a rope along at least a portion of the circumference of the rope grab and preferably configured for connection to a drive shaft of a motor of a powered drive system for rotation of the rope grab; a locking device comprising a lever portion, a first roller disposed at one end of the lever portion for guiding a non-load end of the rope, and a reference point disposed at an opposite end of the lever portion configured to receive a locking force from a load connectable to a portable powered drive system, the lever portion being attached to the rope grab device by a hinge connection disposed between one and the other ends, the locking device being configured to apply pressure to the rope by the first roller at a portion of the rope that engages with the rope grab in operation when the rope applies a locking force to the reference point to urge the rope against the rope grab.

[0008] An important aspect of the proposed solution is that application of a fixing force at a reference point causes the lever part to pivot and press the rope towards the rope grab via the first roller, thereby creating friction between the rope and the rope grab. In this way, the load can be lifted by rotating the rope grab via the motor. In other words, the fixing force created by the load creates friction between the rope and the rope grab, and the load can be lifted by the portable power drive system and the rope grab device. Thus, the fixing device applies pressure to the rope at the position where the rope and the rope grab engage with each other during operation, resulting in friction between the rope and the rope grab. This engagement position between the rope and the rope grab is typically a stressed part of the rope, at a part of the circumference of the rope grab. The first roller of the fixing device then applies pressure / force to this part.

[0009] In this specification, the term roller should be interpreted broadly and includes any type of device that rotates "with the rope" upon application of pressure between the rope and the rope grab. Thus, the first roller is preferably configured to provide pressure that allows the first roller to rotate during operation (rotation) of the rope grab. As mentioned above, the motor is coupled to the rope grab using a drive shaft. The expression "drive shaft" includes any mechanical embodiment for transmitting rotational force from the motor to the rope grab. Thus, the drive shaft may further include, for example, a gear structure or the like for adapting the rotational force to match the rotational speed of the rope grab. The term rope is used here in its broader sense and is intended to include ropes, wires, belts, webbings, and cords of a nature or size suitable for engaging with the rope grab. As will be understood from this definition, the rope may have a circular, oval, or substantially flat (e.g. rectangular) shape. In other embodiments, the rope grab is assembled from a number of identical segments, assembled together to form the equivalent of a single unit. Such segments are made of metal or plastic. An advantage of such an embodiment is reduced manufacturing costs due to simplified manufacturing.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, the lever part comprises between one and the other end a substantially circular and / or concave part oriented towards the rope grab. The lever part can be provided as an arm, in particular as a curved arm, for example made of metal. The lever part can be provided as one piece or as two pieces to hold the first roller between them.

[0011] In another preferred embodiment, the hinged connection is located substantially midway between the ends of the lever portion and / or the locking device is located adjacent to the rope grab (100). Preferably, the hinged connection is connected to the body of the rope grab device of the portable power drive system, respectively. The hinged connection may circumferentially cover one third of the circumference of the rope grab.

[0012] According to a further preferred embodiment, the lever part is attached to the rope grab device by a hinged connection so that it rotates clockwise or counterclockwise when a fixed force is applied to a reference point. The direction of rotation of the lever part may be aligned with the direction of the rope. If the rope grab device is mirror imaged, e.g. with the dead rope exiting on the left side, the lever part rotates clockwise. However, it is preferred that the dead rope exits on the right hand side and such a descending device design allows the dead rope to be held with the right hand. Additionally, the user may hold the dead rope for control and balance with the right hand.

[0013] In another preferred embodiment, the rope grab device includes a lid attached to the rope grab device via a hinged connection for covering at least the rope grab during operation. The lid is preferably provided as a safety lid and may be configured to be arranged in a closed state to cover the rope grab during operation of the power drive system and to be arranged in an open state to allow the introduction of the rope into the rope grab. The lid may be provided as a metal or plastic plate. Such a safety device minimizes the risk of a user inserting, for example, a hand, and efficiently increases the operational safety of the system.

[0014] According to a further preferred embodiment, the first roller has a cover covering a portion of the circumference of the first roller facing away from the rope grab. Such a cover provides rope guidance to the first roller. The cover may comprise metal or plastic and is attached to the lever portion.

[0015] In another preferred embodiment, the rope grab includes a rope-engaging surface having a concave shape for engaging the rope, the rope-engaging surface comprising a plurality of pins configured to contact the rope along the portion of the rope grab's circumference that engages the rope during operation of the rope grab device. The pin friction between the rope and the rope grab is increased, so the useful rope range is also increased. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of pins at least partially penetrate the rope. The positioning of the pins in the rope-engaging surface of the rope grab may in some embodiments be symmetrical, i.e. have a symmetrical distribution in the rope-engaging surface of the rope grab. However, it is also possible to position the pins in any other way, taking into account the expected loads that are usually applied to the portable power drive system. This is of course also valid for determining the number of pins to be positioned in the rope-engaging surface of the rope grab.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the length of the pins is selected so that they do not penetrate completely through the rope. Preferably, the length is such that they engage the entire woven portion of the rope, belt, strip or hanger, while minimally penetrating the "core" of the rope. The general construction of a rope suitable for use with a portable power drive system such as those described above will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0017] In one embodiment, the rope grab and the pin are made from a metal material, preferably kept as light as possible in order to reduce the overall weight of the power drive system. However, within the concept of the present invention, it is also possible to make the rope grab and / or the pin from a resistant plastic material, for example made from a polyoxymethylene material. Of course, other suitable plastic materials with high resistance can be used within the scope of the present invention.

[0018] The pin and rope grab are preferably manufactured as a single unit. This may be preferred in some implementations due to manufacturing costs. One possibility is, for example, when manufacturing a single unit rope grab from cast iron. Alternatively, the rope grab may be formed as a unit and the pins may be integrated with the rope grab, for example, by insertion into holes formed in the engagement surface of the rope grab.

[0019] Within the scope of the present invention, at least the engagement surface of the rope grab may be provided with a rubber material or similar equivalent to further improve the friction between the rope grab and the rope. The material may be selected depending on the possible temperature increase associated with the additional, e.g. use of a rubber material, when operating the portable power drive system.

[0020] According to further preferred embodiments, the pins provided for penetrating the rope have an angular shape with an angle between -45 and 45 degrees, between -45 and 0 degrees, or between 0 and 45 degrees. The part of the pin adapted for penetrating the rope is preferably configured with a relatively "pointy" end. In a preferred embodiment, the outermost end of the pin adapted for penetrating the rope, sometimes called the "attack front" of the pin, is preferably configured with a typical angle between -5 and 22 degrees, thereby reducing wear and tear on the rope. This can be achieved in particular by arranging the pins with "rounded corners" and having a beam between 0 and 0.5 mm. In a possible embodiment, the pins have a diameter between 0.5 and 2.5 mm, preferably about 2 mm. In a possible embodiment, the spherical head land of the pin may, for example, have a radius around 0.5 mm and be arranged at the top of a cylinder with a diameter of 1 mm and a length of 1 mm.

[0021] In another preferred embodiment, the rope grab apparatus includes a heel portion disposed adjacent the first roller and extending partially into the rope-engaging face of the rope grab 100 to prevent the rope from re-circling the rope grab. The heel portion is preferably attached to an opposite side of the body and / or lever portion with the rope grab therebetween. The heel portion may comprise metal and / or plastic.

[0022] According to a further preferred embodiment, the rope grab device includes a second roller for guiding the load end of the rope, the second roller being preferably attached to the lever for loading the rope, and the rope grab being arranged substantially between the first roller and the second roller and / or the reference point. In another preferred embodiment, the second roller includes a retractable shaft, and the lid includes an opening engageable with the shaft to fix the lid in a closed position covering at least the rope grab. According to a further preferred embodiment, the rope grab device includes a lid attached to the rope grab device via a retractable shaft to cover at least the rope grab during operation. The lid can also be attached to the lever and folded together with the second roller.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment, the securing device includes a spring mechanism for biasing the first roller against the rope grab. In this way, the rope is clamped between the first roller and the rope grab after being inserted into the rope grab device.

[0024] The object is further solved by a portable power drive system for advancing a rope, the rope extending in a first main direction, the power drive system comprising: a motor including a drive shaft; The rope grab device mentioned above Including, The rope grab is coupled to a drive shaft of a motor for rotation of the rope grab; The securing force extends in a second direction that is substantially opposite the first major direction.

[0025] In one embodiment, an elongated safety sling is further provided, connected to the fixed point, the safety sling being arranged to receive at least one of a mylon, a carabiner, or a rigging plate. The sling may be, for example, a textile material. The elongated sling is preferably configured to be connected at one end to the reference point and at the other end to receive at least one of a mylon, a carabiner, or a rigging plate. At least one of a mylon, a carabiner, or a rigging plate may be used to connect the portable system, for example, to a harness for the user, or to secure the system to a fixed structure, for example, using additional climbing / finning equipment. The general term "elongated sling" is generally referred to in relation to general climbing equipment. Also, the term "textile" is to be interpreted very broadly. For example, the textile material used to form the sling may be of any type, for example, woven or non-woven materials, natural and / or synthetic fibers, etc. During operation of the portable power-driven system, the user is typically securely connected to the aforementioned reference point, for example, by a sling and a carabiner.

[0026] According to a further preferred embodiment, the portable power drive system comprises a centrifugal clutch and / or a worm drive coupled between the motor and the rope grab. In a preferred embodiment, the motor is an electric motor and the portable power drive system further comprises a gear arrangement coupled between the electric motor and the rope grab, the gear arrangement configured to reduce the rotational speed of the rope grab compared to the rotational speed of the motor. This increases the torque on the rope grab, allowing the use of a lower torque, higher speed motor.

[0027] Preferably, the gearing includes a worm drive and / or the worm drive is configured to be self-locking, which has the advantage of not having to include a break mechanism with the portable powered drive system, thus reducing the cost and complexity of the portable powered drive system.

[0028] When using a high-speed motor with low torque as described above, it is typically desirable to further include a centrifugal clutch connected between the motor and the gear arrangement. Such a centrifugal clutch is used to compensate for the weak motor torque at the start of the motor. The drive shaft is equipped with a torque limiter with a spring acting on the brake disc, which slides on the rope grab. When the torque is low, the drive shaft is with the rope grab. When the torque exceeds a threshold value, the rope grab slides on the brake pads and the gear arrangement is protected. Also, in the event of a system failure, a safety pin can be manually pulled out to release the brake pads and lower the brake pads themselves. Alternatively or additionally, a friction torque limiter may be built into the rope grab, in particular. Such a friction torque limiter is advantageous when having a worm drive gearbox, to allow emergency lowering in the event of a motor failure.

[0029] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rope grab device for a portable power drive system according to a preferred embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rope grab device of the portable power drive system of FIG. 1 with the lid removed, according to a preferred embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rope grab of the rope grab apparatus of the portable power drive system of FIG. 1 according to a preferred embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] 1 is a perspective view of a rope grab arrangement for a portable powered drive system 300 according to a preferred embodiment with a rope grab 100 that is substantially a wheel. The portable powered drive system 300 further comprises a locking device 301 configured to bias the rope 302 towards the rope grab 100 at a portion of the rope 302 that engages with the rope grab 100 during operation. The locking device 301 together with the rope grab 100 forms the rope grab arrangement.

[0032] The fixing device 301 has a lever part 304 with a substantially circular and / or concave shape facing the rope grab 100. The lever part 304 is provided at one end with a reference point 308 for receiving a fixing force from a load connectable to the portable powered drive system 300. A first roller 314 is arranged at the other end of the first lever part 304 which guides the non-load end of the rope 302. The lever part 304 is particularly attached at a hinge connection part 310 arranged midway between one and the other ends to a body 311 (typically including a "cover") of the portable powered drive system 300 of the rope grab device.

[0033] In operation, the rope 302 is inserted to engage a portion of the rope grab 100, typically contacting about halfway around the circumference of the rope grab 100. The rope further extends in a first main direction 318 and engages with a second roller 316 for guiding the load end of the rope 302 attached to the body 311. The rope 302 further passes around a portion of the first roller 314. When the portable powered drive system 300 is operated, a load is connected to a reference point of the portable powered drive system 300, which coincides with the reference point 308 in the figure. The reference point may include, for example, a sling 321 connected to a carabiner 322 for connection to a harness of a user. Thus, the user applies a load force 324 to the portable powered drive system 300, which extends in a substantially opposite direction to the main direction of the rope 302. The rope 302 will further have a non-loaded end extending from the first roller 314 .

[0034] When a fixed force is applied to the reference point 308 to load the portable powered drive system 300, the lever portion 304 pivots counterclockwise such that the reference point 308 moves away from the rope grab 100 in the second direction 324 of the load force 324. The first roller 314 then pivots toward the rope grab 100 and exerts pressure on the rope 302 to urge the rope 302 toward the rope grab 100. The rope 302 becomes at least partially "clamped" between the first roller 314 and the rope grab 100. Thus, friction between the rope 302 and the rope grab 100 increases as a force is applied to the rope 302 in the portion of the rope grab 100 in which the rope 302 is engaged during operation of the portable powered drive system 300. A variety of different types of ropes can be used with the portable powered drive system 300.

[0035] The rope grab 100 is substantially circular in shape with a concave rope engagement surface 102 for engaging the rope 302. The rope engagement surface 102 is provided with a number of pins 104 configured to contact the rope 302 along a portion of the circumference of the rope grab 100 for engaging the rope 302 during operation of the rope grab device, as shown in detail in FIG. 3. The pins 104 of the rope grab 100 are oriented in a "forward" and / or "backward" direction relative to the direction of rotation of the rope grab 100 as the portable power drive system 300 ascends along the rope 302. The pins 104 that pass through the rope 302 have an angled configuration with an angle between 0 and 45 degrees. The rope grab 100 can be realized with respect to the pins 104, but it is also possible to have the pins 104 oriented perpendicular to the rope engagement surface 102 or the rope grab 100.

[0036] The rope grab 100 is coupled to a drive shaft 340 of a motor 330 of the power drive system 300 for rotation of the rope grab 100. The motor 330 may be coupled to a centrifugal clutch 332 to compensate for the weak motor torque at start-up of the motor 330. The motor 330 is an electric motor optimized to have high speed and low torque during operation. The centrifugal clutch 332 is preferably coupled to a gear arrangement with a first stage and a second stage. The first stage may be a common gear arrangement known in the art, and the second stage preferably comprises a worm drive 338. The worm drive 338 is preferably configured to be self-locking. This has the advantage of not having to include a break mechanism with the portable power drive system 300, reducing the cost and complexity of the portable power drive system 300. The worm drive 338 is coupled to the drive shaft 340 to allow coupling to the rope grab 100.

[0037] The rope grab device has a lid 105 as shown in FIG. 1, but removed in FIG. 2. The lid is attached to the rope grab device via an axle 317 of the second roller 316, or alternatively via a hinged connection 310, to cover at least the rope grab 100 during operation. The lid 105, which comprises metal and / or plastic, is pivotally attached via the axle 317 or hinged connection 310. The axle 317 and hinged connection 310 may be retractable such that an opening 106 in the lid 105 engages with the axle 317 to secure the lid 105 in a closed position covering at least the rope grab 100. The rope grab device may further comprise a heel portion 218 disposed adjacent the first roller 314 and extending partially into the rope engagement surface 102 of the rope grab 100. The heel portion 218 prevents the rope 302 from re-entering the rope grab 100. The second roller 316 can be attached to a lever (not shown) for loading the rope 203. In addition, a spring can be provided to bias the first roller 314 towards the rope grab. Furthermore, to improve the stability of the lever part 304 mechanism described above, a metal roller connector 320 connects the second roller 316 to the lever part 304, and the shaft 317 of the second roller 316 to the hinged part 310, so that the rope grab 100 is axially disposed between the metal connector 320 and the main body.

[0038] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, such illustration and description are illustrative or exemplary, and not restrictive, and the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Those skilled in the art can understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments when practicing the claimed invention, by referring to the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. The word "comprises" in the claims does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" does not exclude a plurality. The fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures is advantageously used. Reference signs in the claims are also not to be construed as limiting the scope. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 100 Rope Grab 102 Rope engagement surface 104 pin 105 Lid 106 Opening 218 Heel 300 Portable Power Drive System 301 Fixation device 302 Rope 304 Lever part 308 Reference point 310 Hinge connection part 311 Main unit 314 First Roller 316 Second Roller 317 Axis 318 First principal direction 320 Roller Connector 321 Sling 322 Carabiner 324 Second Direction 330 Motor 332 Centrifugal clutch 338 Worm Drive 340 Drive

Claims

1. 1. A rope grab device for a portable powered drive system (300) configured to advance a rope (302), comprising: a substantially circular rope grab (100) configured, in operation, to engage the rope (302) along at least a portion of the circumference of the rope grab (100); a locking device (301) comprising a lever portion (304), a first roller (314) arranged at one end of the lever portion (304) for guiding a non-load end of the rope (302), and a reference point (308) arranged at an opposite end of the lever portion (304) configured to receive a locking force from a load connectable to the portable powered drive system (300), the lever portion (304) being attached to the rope grab device by a hinge connection portion (310) arranged between one end and the other end, the locking device (301) being configured to apply pressure to the rope (302) by the first roller (314) at a portion of the rope (302) that engages with the rope grab (100) so as to urge the rope (302) against the rope grab (100) in operation when the rope (302) applies a locking force to the reference point (308); Heel part (218) Including, The rope grab (100) includes a rope engagement surface (102) having a concave shape for engaging the rope (302); the rope-engaging surface (102) comprises a plurality of pins (104) configured to contact the rope (302) along a portion of the circumference of the rope grab (100) that engages the rope (302) during operation of the rope grab apparatus; The heel portion (218) is disposed adjacent to the first roller (314) to prevent the rope (302) from re-circling the rope grab (100), and a tip of the heel portion (218) extends into the inside of a concave recess in the rope engagement surface (102) of the rope grab (100). Rope grab device.

2. 2. The rope grab apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lever portion (304) includes a substantially circular and / or concave portion between the one end and the other end oriented towards the rope grab (100).

3. 3. The rope grab device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the hinge connection portion (310) is disposed substantially midway between the one end and the other end of the lever portion (304) and / or the fixing device (301) is disposed adjacent to the rope grab (100).

4. The rope grab device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lever portion (304) is attached to the rope grab device by a hinge connection portion (310) so as to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise when a fixing force is applied to the reference point (308).

5. The rope grab apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a cover (105) attached to the rope grab apparatus via the hinged connection (310) for covering at least the rope grab (100) during operation.

6. The rope grab device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pin (104) provided to penetrate the rope (302) has an angled shape having an angle of -45 to 45 degrees.

7. The rope grab device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the rope grab device comprises a second roller (316) for guiding the load end of the rope (302), the second roller (316) being preferably attached to a lever for loading the rope (302), and the rope grab (100) is substantially disposed between the first roller (314) and the second roller (316) and / or the reference point (308).

8. 8. The rope grab device according to claim 7, further comprising a roller connector (320) connecting the second roller (316) and the lever portion (304) via an axis (317) of the second roller (316) and the hinge connection portion (310).

9. a second roller (316) for guiding the load end of the rope (302); 6. The rope grab apparatus of claim 5, wherein the second roller (316) includes a retractable axle (317) and the lid (105) includes an opening engageable with the axle (317) to secure the lid (105) in a closed position over at least the rope grab (100).

10. 10. The rope grab apparatus of claim 9, wherein the cover (105) is attached to the rope grab apparatus via the retractable shaft (317) for covering at least the rope grab (100) during operation.

11. The rope grab apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the fixing device (301) includes a spring mechanism for biasing the first roller (314) against the rope grab (100).

12. 1. A portable powered drive system (300) for advancing a rope (302) extending in a first main direction (318), comprising: A motor (330) including a drive shaft (340); Including, The rope grab device according to any one of claims 1 to 11. Including, The rope grab (100) is coupled to the drive shaft (340) of the motor (330) for rotation of the rope grab (100); The clamping force extends in a second direction (324) that is substantially opposite the first main direction (318).

13. 13. The portable powered drive system (300) of claim 12, including a centrifugal clutch (332) and / or a worm drive coupled between the motor (330) and the rope grab (100).

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