Portable device, and method for rope driving, guiding, and lifting

Abstract

Disclosed is a portable device (100) for rope driving, guiding and lifting, comprising a casing with a rope entry port (50), a rope exit port (60), and an anchoring element (90). One or more coils are rotatably mounted inside the casing about a common axis of rotation. Each coil comprises a circumferential groove (41) that provides a contact surface for guiding, centering and driving a respective rope. The anchoring element and the rope entry port together bring each rope tangentially in line with the circumferential groove of the corresponding coil. The rope exit port comprises a rope deflector (61) for each coil. Each rope deflector tangentially extends into the circumferential groove of each coil and provides a deflection surface that curves radially outward for dislodging the ropes from the contact surface and deflecting the ropes outward over a predefined ejection path.

Description

[0001] P138645PC00

[0002] Title: PORTABLE DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR ROPE DRIVING, GUIDING, AND LIFTING

[0003] The invention relates to a portable device for hoisting ropes and weight. The invention further relates to a method for hoisting ropes and weight.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] The device of this disclosure originates from a rope driving device that is disclosed in Dutch patent No. 2024446. Based on this device, we identified an opportunity to design a compact and lightweight multi-purpose tool, specifically tailored for lifting loads, such as toolboxes used by construction workers at lower heights, as well as for handling shorter and moderate ropes for Rope Access Workers, or for operations in confined spaces or hard to reach or higher altitudes.

[0006] The originating rope driver from Dutch patent No. 2024446 has a ‘driving’ part and a ‘storing’ part with mutual connection means (claim 1 of Patent No. 2024446), which provides it with a stable working position (claim 3 of Patent No. 2024446). In Dutch patent No. 2024446, the rope driving device is utilized in a procedure for performing work on the blades of an operational wind turbine.

[0007] Longer ropes applied on wind turbines and higher altitudes in general come with more load during hoisting due to the increased weight and friction of longer ropes, and with more risk that collected ropes become tangled. For this field of work the original rope driver disclosed in Dutch patent No. 2024446, with its inherent storage capacity and stable working position, is particularly useful. On the other hand, this design has notable weight and volume, which makes it less versatile or single-purpose.SUMMARY

[0008] In one aspect, the invention provides a portable device as defined in the appended claims, for rope driving, guiding and lifting. The portable device comprises a casing with a rope entry port for receiving one or more ropes, a rope exit port for ejecting the one or more ropes, and an anchoring element for releasably anchoring the device to an anchor point.

[0009] One or more coils are rotatably mounted to the casing. The one or more coils are rotatable about a common axis of rotation. The, or each, coil comprises a circumferential groove. Walls of the circumferential groove provide a contact surface for guiding and centering a respective rope on a traction path that extends over an arc of the coil. Along the traction path, the contact surface is arranged for transferring drive torque to the respective rope by friction to drive the rope from the rope entry port to the rope exit port.

[0010] The portable device further includes a transmission for driving the one or more coils about the common axis of rotation.

[0011] The rope entry port is arranged for tangentially guiding each rope onto the respective traction path, and the anchoring element is in linear alignment with the rope entry port on an opposing side of the one or more coils such that in use, when a tension force is applied between the one or more ropes and the anchoring element, the relative position of the anchoring element causes the one or more ropes to pass through the rope entry port in a straight line. In other words, the anchoring element is positioned such that, under load, the rope extends in a straight line through the rope inlet port, thereby maintaining axial alignment between the rope and the device, in particular along the circumferential groove in the coil, during operation.

[0012] Preferably, the rope exit port comprises a rope deflector for each coil, wherein the or each rope deflector tangentially extends into the circumferential groove of the corresponding coil and provides a deflection surface that curves radially outward for dislodging the ropes from thecontact surface and deflecting the ropes outward over a predefined ejection path. Optionally, the curved deflection surface of the deflector is shaped and positioned with respect to the circumferential groove such that, upon transition from the circumferential coil to the deflector, the rope is guided along the deflection surface without significant impact forces, while further downstream the deflector imposes an increasing deflection angle in order to guide the rope in a controlled manner into a storage bag.

[0013] When guiding a moving rope toward a storage container, such as a bag, an abrupt or non-guided deflection of the rope just at the end of the traction path may lead to undesirable effects. In particular, an excessively sharp change in direction of the rope may result in impact forces between the rope and a guiding surface, and thus local concentration of friction, which can cause temporary stoppage of the rope, bunching of the rope, or an irregular progression of the rope along its path. On the other hand, an excessively gradual redirection of the rope would require an undue amount of space, resulting in an impractically large device and an unworkable operating position.

[0014] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by providing a rope deflector having a curvature that varies along the rope path. To this end, the deflector is shaped such that a first portion of the deflector imposes a relatively small change in direction on the rope, whereby the rope, upon entry, is guided along the deflector without significant impact forces, while further downstream along the rope deflector, the curvature of the deflection surface increases, such that the rope is progressively deflected to a greater extent and is guided in a directed manner toward the bag. As a result, on the one hand an unhindered and continuous movement of the rope is maintained, and on the other hand it is ensured that the rope is reliably and controllably received in the bag.

[0015] By this combination of a gentle initial guiding action and a progressively larger deflection further downstream, stable rope behavior canbe obtained over a wide range of rope speeds, rope stiffnesses and operating conditions.

[0016] The varying curvature of the deflector may be realized by a continuous change in curvature or by successive guiding zones having different deflection characteristics. The invention is not limited to a specific geometric configuration, provided that the functional effect of a gradual initial guiding action and a reinforced subsequent deflection is achieved.

[0017] The device of this disclosure is a versatile hand tool, ideal for applications where lightweight, small volume and ease of use are paramount, while still delivering reliable performance in case of heavier loads like long ropes used on wind turbine installations.

[0018] In order to make the device of this disclosure compact, small and easy to operate, inherent storage volume is stripped and enhanced features and altered solutions and components are designed for the vital functions such as “driving power”, “rope storage”, “grip on the ropes”, “different rope characteristics”, “rope slip prevention”, “holding ropes”, “letting out ropes”, “safety”.

[0019] The following summarizes innovative elements of this disclosure.

[0020] In one embodiment the inherent driving force is stripped and replaced by a coupling mechanism to connect an external driving force, the coupling mechanism preferably including a socket to connect to an off-the-shelf drill, assuming that each construction worker and rope access technician has a drill in his toolkit. This coupling mechanism may further have a special design in order to disengage in case the driving power of the drill is configured in the wrong driving direction.

[0021] The device of this disclosure has no inherent storage volume.

[0022] Instead it has a specially designed rope exit port that guides rope(s) outward, if required in any free-standing bag(s) or other types of storage volume(s).

[0023] The size of the device of this disclosure could further be reduced byimplementing “grip on ropes” by a circular aligned tailored combination of the following components:

[0024] - a newly designed coil featuring a conical V-shape and an internal spiral vane structure for enhanced rope gripping and manipulation;

[0025] - a rope entry port that guides the ropes and ensures they run a minimum length along the coil(s);

[0026] - a rope pressure member that regulates the contact force between the rope(s) and the V-shaped coil(s).

[0027] For clarity and consistency, the term 'coil' is used throughout this application to describe the rope-guiding and gripping mechanism. While similar mechanisms may sometimes be referred to as 'pulleys,' the term 'coil' more accurately reflects the conical and spiral structure employed in this invention.

[0028] Mutual alignment in design and positioning of these components is required in order to obtain the desired performance, expressed as Working Load Limit (WLL). In general, the WLL is the maximum weight or force that a piece of lifting equipment is designed to handle during normal use. It is also referred to as the safe working load (SWL), rated capacity, or working load. The WLL can e.g. be defined in kilograms or Newtons, for example 30 kg or 300 N. Depending on the application and required safety level, the WLL can also be set to other weight or force values.

[0029] Rope hoisting may come with an undesirable amount of frictional load, e.g. between the rope and the rope driver, that seriously reduces the maximum operational load within the WLL. The frictional load caused by the device of this disclosure has been reduced with an anchoring element aligned with the rope entry port to minimize friction.

[0030] In a rope handling device, when grip on the ropes is for any reason insufficient and slippage occurs, heat dissipation resulting in damage may occur. The risk of damage as a result of heat dissipation is minimized for the device of this disclosure by making the coils from a high performance plasticlike PES(U) or PEEK, providing a high thermal resistance and low friction properties. The choice for lightweight plastic further lowers the weight of the device.

[0031] Sufficient grip on ropes is further highly dependent on external factors, i.e. the properties of the rope itself (stiffness, thickness, wear).

[0032] The grip in the device of this disclosure can be adjusted instantly by tuning the pressure provided by the rope pressure member and with that the depth to which the ropes are pushed into the V-shaped coils. The device is therefore well-suited for field use where different types of rope are utilized.

[0033] Too much grip on ropes hinders hoisting, not enough grip causes slippage. Because ropes have such different properties, rope handling devices usually have a cumbersome mechanism for the installation and removal of ropes.

[0034] In contrast, both the centered design of components and the solution for grip on ropes of the device of this disclosure provide easy installation and removal of ropes and therefore a very easy-to-use device.

[0035] When two near ropes are hoisted simultaneously, there is less mutual movement, therefore less risk of mutual entanglement and friction. This does not take away the fact that downward hanging ropes are or get entangled by other factors like wind. The device of this disclosure is designed to enable driving multiple ropes simultaneously and can additionally be provided with a means on the rope entry port to disentangle incoming ropes, if required, before guiding them to the respective coils.

[0036] The rope entry port optionally comprises a disentanglement body with a wedge member configured to disentangle ropes before they enter the rope entry port, the wedge member forming one or more rope guiding gates that are arranged to respectively guide a rope into a circumferential groove of the coils.

[0037] Optionally, each rope guiding gate can be equipped with a rope locking member configured to permit movement of the rope in a firstdirection into the rope entry port while preventing movement in the opposite direction, this self-locking mechanism comprising a spring-loaded pawl designed to narrow the gate, wherein when the rope is moved in the opposite direction, friction between the pawl and the rope causes the pawl to engage further with the rope, providing a self-locking effect.

[0038] Optionally, the pawl is manually operable to widen the gate, thereby allowing movement of the rope in the opposite direction.

[0039] The device of this disclosure optionally has a locking mechanism to both secure, once installed, rope(s) and itself in place: ropes cannot fall back, lowering of ropes is done by manually opening this self-locking mechanism; the device will remain on the ropes without needing to be held, e.g. during preparation for heavy-load hoisting (e.g., long ropes).

[0040] More load (e.g. longer ropes) cannot always be held manually and may therefore require a stable support for the rope driving device. To address this, the disclosed device employs a locking mechanism and an anchoring element, combined with a specific working method, to provide stable support.

[0041] When ropes are jammed the user can be pulled into the depth by the driving power. The device of this disclosure can provide protection against downward pulling by a slip clutch. In one embodiment, protection is achieved mechanically by a slip clutch design that integrates in the rope coils and further increases space efficiency.

[0042] The device of this disclosure provides for simultaneous storage with a rope exit port that steers the rope(s) to (a) free-standing bag(s) or other type of storage volume.

[0043] In rare working conditions there can be insufficient surface to place a storage volume. The device described in this disclosure optionally includes an external connection element designed for attaching one or two hanging bags, particularly useful when free-standing bags cannot be utilized. This configuration, combined with the specific working method, allows the deviceto operate without the need for a supporting surface for the bag(s). Via an intermediate frame, e.g. incorporating one or more clamps, the bag(s) can be connected securely to the device, while multiple additional clamps or connection points may be provided to attach one or two rope storage bags, ensuring stability and functionality during operation.

[0044] The abovementioned (optional) features of the device of this disclosure , either in isolation or in some kind of combination, e.g. the V-shaped coils, combined with rope securing-, guiding-, pressure- and alignment-elements, contribute to proper functioning and safety of the device..

[0045] In summary, the device is a compact, modular device designed to revolutionize rope handling and hoisting both ropes and weight across a wide range of industries. It offers exceptional versatility by enabling both light-duty and heavy-duty performance. It is capable of handling ropes of varying diameters and stiffness, making it suitable for a multitude of applications, including:

[0046] Rope Access and Wind Energy Industry: Efficiently hoisting and lowering climbing ropes during maintenance of wind turbines and other elevated structures.

[0047] Construction and Industrial Maintenance: Hoisting of tools, materials, weight, and ropes to elevated workspaces.

[0048] As explained above, in order to further enhance performance and safety of the device, the portable device optionally further comprises a pressure member arranged for radially pushing the ropes into the circumferential groove with an adjustable pressure, for regulating a contact force between the ropes and the contact surface. Optionally, the pressure element comprises a rotatable element configured to press the rope against the contact surface while reducing sliding friction between the pressure element and the moving rope. The pressure element may be arranged to press the rope radially against the contact surface with an adjustablepressure. Preferably, the pressure element is configured to regulate a contact force or contact pressure between the rope and the contact surface over a range that accommodates ropes with substantially different diameters, stiffnesses, material properties and surface conditions. In other words, by adjusting the contact pressure the pressure element ensures that the degree of traction between the coil and the rope can be tuned based on the type of rope, e.g. its size and shape, flexibility, braiding pattern, material, surface finish, cleanliness or presence of dirt or moisture in or on the rope, and more. These factors each may influence the coefficient of friction between the rope and the coil. The adjustable pressure member is able to guarantee stable and reliable performance of the device under varying conditions and rope types.

[0049] Optionally, the pressure member comprises a fixed part that is mounted inside the casing alongside the traction path, and a pressure head for each coil movably mounted to the fixed part, each pressure head extending radially inward into to a respective circumferential groove, wherein the pressure member further comprises an adjustable biasing arrangement between the fixed part and the one or more pressure heads for biasing the or each pressure head in the radially inward direction.

[0050] Optionally, the rope entry port includes a device locking member configured to secure one or more ropes within the device and to anchor the device to the one or more ropes, the device locking member comprising a pawl arranged to radially confine the one or more ropes in the rope entry port.

[0051] Optionally, the or each coil is made of a polysulfone material, preferably polyethersulfone, PES or PES(U), or polyetheretherketone, PEEK.

[0052] Optionally, the circumferential groove has a V-shape, wherein the contact surface is provided by opposing flanks of the V-shaped groove that face each other at an apex angle.Optionally, the contact surface of the circumferential groove comprises a vane structure, including a plurality of ridges that protrude from the contact surface and radially fan outward from an apex of the circumferential groove.

[0053] Optionally, the transmission comprises a coupling mechanism configured to couple and decouple the one or more coils to an external actuator.

[0054] Optionally, the coupling mechanism comprises a head or a socket that is engageable by a tool bit.

[0055] Optionally, the transmission comprises a one-way clutch, arranged for transferring an input torque in a first direction only, and for slipping when the input torque is applied in an opposing second direction.

[0056] Optionally, the transmission comprises a slip clutch, configured to provide a controlled overload protection.

[0057] Optionally, the slip clutch is a mechanical slip clutch that is preloaded with an axial preload force by a disc spring, wherein the mechanical slip clutch further comprises a nut for adjusting the preload force.

[0058] Optionally, the transmission comprises a right angle drive, preferably including one or more bevel gears, arranged to increase an input torque.

[0059] Optionally, the casing includes an external connection element configured to attach to a frame for supporting one or more rope storage bags. In other aspects, the present invention provides a method as defined in the appended claims, of operating the portable device described herein for hoisting one or more ropes onto a high structure.

[0060] The method comprises (i) securing and anchoring the portable device at height on the high structure; (ii) inserting the one or more ropes in the rope entry port to align them with the circumferential grooves in the one or more coils of the device; (iii) placing each rope on the traction path thatextends over an arc of the coil, and guiding each rope through the rope exit port; and (iv) hoisting the ropes by driving the transmission of the device.

[0061] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the apparatus, systems and methods of the present disclosure will become better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0063] FIG 1 and 2 depict schematic cross sectional side images of a preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention;

[0064] FIG 3 depicts a schematic cross sectional back image of a preferred embodiment of the device;

[0065] FIG 4 depicts a drawing of a preferred embodiment of the device held in the hand;

[0066] FIG 5A and 5B provide schematic cross-sectional views of a preferred embodiment of a coupling mechanism to an external power drive, which forms part of the device described in this disclosure;

[0067] FIG 6 provides an image of a preferred embodiment of a coil assembly, which forms part of the device described in this disclosure;

[0068] FIG 7 provides an image of a preferred embodiment of a rope exit port, which forms part of the device described in this disclosure;

[0069] FIG 8 provides an image of a preferred embodiment of a rope entry port, which forms part of the device described in this disclosure;

[0070] FIG 9A and 9B provide images to demonstrate a preferred embodiment of the self-locking mechanism, which forms part of the device described in this disclosure;

[0071] FIG 10A and 10B provide images of the rope pressure member, which forms part of the device described in this disclosure;

[0072] FIG 11A and 11B provide images to explain how rope is installed in the device of this disclosure;FIG 12 depicts a schematic cross sectional side-view showing the contact surface between installed rope and a preferred embodiment of the device;

[0073] FIG 13 depicts an image of a preferred embodiment of the device lifting a load;

[0074] FIG 14A depicts an image of a preferred embodiment of the device hoisting a rope and storing it in a free-standing bag;

[0075] FIG 14B depicts an image of a preferred embodiment of the device hoisting a rope and storing it in a bag connected to the device;

[0076] FIG 15 depicts a construction worker lifting a weight with a preferred embodiment of the device;

[0077] FIG 16 depicts a rope access technician hoisting a rope from the nose cone of a wind turbine with a preferred embodiment of the device;

[0078] FIG 17 depicts a rope access technician hoisting a rope from within the nacelle of a wind turbine with a preferred embodiment of the device;

[0079] FIG 18 provides a schematic overview of a procedure for hoisting ropes from within the nacelle of a wind turbine (heavy load procedure).

[0080] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] Terminology used for describing particular embodiments is not intended to be limiting the invention. As used herein the singular forms ‘a’, ‘an’ and ‘the’ are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term ‘and / or’ includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be understood that the terms ‘comprises’ and / or ‘comprising’ specify the presence of stated features but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features. It will be further understood that when a particular step of a method is referred to as subsequent to another step, it can either directly follow said other step or one or more intermediate steps may be carried out before carrying out the particular step, unless specified otherwise. Likewise it willbe understood that when a connection between structures or components is described, this connection may be established directly through intermediate structures or components unless specified otherwise.

[0082] The invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. In the drawings, the absolute and relative sizes of systems, components, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0083] Embodiments may be described with reference to schematic and / or crosssection illustrations of possibly idealized embodiments and intermediate structures of the invention. In the description and drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Relative terms as well as derivatives thereof should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the system be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless stated otherwise.

[0084] Now, the device of the present invention is particularly configured to be used in rope handling procedures on wind turbines, as explained in Dutch Patent No. 2024446, as well as for use in hard-to-reach locations in buildings, factories or technical constructions, both for handling ropes as well as for lifting weight, e.g. installing sunshades in a sport hall using rope access or for a construction worker lifting his tool box to an elevated working place.

[0085] FIG 1, 2 and 3 depict schematic views of a preferred embodiment of the device 100. The device comprises a coupling mechanism or socket 10, transmission 20 and a slip-clutch 30, which together provide for safe driving the coils -block with a drill.

[0086] The device further comprises a rope entry port 50 (P 1), coils-block 40, rope exit port 60 (P2) and rope pressure member 70 which together provide grip on the ropes over a circumference T required for hoisting.A grip 91 provides for holding and balancing the device and protects the user against the transmission 20.

[0087] An anchoring element 90 is configured to anchor the device in a manner that minimizes friction by aligning the device with the natural path Pl-Pl of the ropes. The anchoring element 90 may be provided at the end of an arm 93 that extends from the casing that holds the coils 40, the rope entry port 50, the rope exit port 60, and other components of the portable device 100.

[0088] A connection element 92 enables the physical connection of one or more rope bags in case both simultaneous storage of rope(s) is required and the option of a free-standing bag(s) or other type of storage volume is not possible or suitable.

[0089] The schematic cross-sectional view of the backside of a preferred embodiment of the device provided in FIG 3 shows a preferred mechanical slip clutch 30 built within the coils-block 40 and comprising a disc spring 30a and a nut 30b to configure the slip torque. The transmission 20 transfers the driving power D from the socket 10 to the coils-block 40, optimizing the device 100's torque and speed requirements. In a preferred embodiment transmission 20 is a bevel gear that increases torque at the cost of speed, e.g. in a 3:1 ratio. The coils-block 40 is pushed against the disc spring 30a with nut 30b. Above a working load limit the disc spring decouples the coils-block 40 from the driving axle 21.

[0090] FIG 4 depicts a hand-carried preferred embodiment of this disclosure. The components are designed to ensure that the device's volume and weight are optimized for use as a handheld tool.

[0091] FIG 5A and 5B depict schematic cross-sectional views of a preferred embodiment of a coupling mechanism or socket 10 comprising a standard socket adapter 11 and an auto disengage element 12 that disengages the power of the drill D from the device 100 in case the driving direction of the drill is wrong. When the drill turns the socket 11 in the correct directionthen it rotates with thread 12a along the thread 12b until the transmission axis 13 starts rotating. When the driving direction of the drill is configured wrong then the socket 11 runs off the thread 12a and continues rotating idle under the nut 12c leaving the transmission axle 13 unmoved. In another embodiment of the device the power drive could be an internal electromotor with an electronically secured driving direction.

[0092] The coupling mechanism 10, transmission 20 and slip clutch 30 together provide a safe driving power for the coils block 40.

[0093] FIG 6 depicts a preferred embodiment of a coils-block 40. A coils-block 40 consists of a plurality of V-shaped coils 41. In a further preferred embodiment a coil is made of High Performance Plastic (PES(U) or PEEK) to optimize thermal resistance and minimize weight, and has a fan-shaped profile to maximize grip.

[0094] FIG 7 shows a preferred embodiment of a rope exit port 60.

[0095] A rope exit port 60 provides for each coil 41 a rope deflector 61 which provides a deflection surface 61a for dislodging rope from the coil, a deflection surface 61b for a predefined vertical outward ejection path, and a deflection surface 61c for a predefined horizontal outward ejection path. The deflection surface 61a prevents that rope keeps spinning on the V-shaped coil and steers the rope in a preferred direction. The rope directional surfaces 61b and 61c steer a rope to a preferred direction, e.g. the middle of a bag. The rope exit port 60 shown has two rope deflectors 61 for two coils 41. In embodiments, the deflection surface may implement a varying curvature along the rope path, for example by successive guiding zones that provide a gentle initial guidance and an increased downstream deflection toward the storage container.

[0096] FIG 8 depicts a preferred embodiment of a rope entry port 50, comprising a disentanglement body 51, a device locking member 52 and a number of rope guiding gates 53, formed between the legs of the disentanglement body 51, a rope guiding gate 53 comprising a rope lockingmember 53a. In this preferred embodiment the rope locking member 53a is a ribbed pawl that narrows the gate with a spring 53b to prevent automatic reversal of rope and can be handled manually with tab 53c for lowering rope. The disentanglement body 51 includes a wedge member, e.g. formed by rope locking member 53a and tabs 53c placed under an angle with respect to each other. The wedge member is configured to disentangle ropes before they enter the rope entry port. The wedge member forms the rope guiding gates 53 on opposing sides of the wedge member to respectively guide the disentangled ropes into the respective circumferential grooves of the coils.

[0097] In this preferred embodiment the device locking member 52 is a manually operated pawl that blocks all gates of the rope entry member by securely retaining the ropes within their respective guiding paths, while still allowing the ropes to move freely for hoisting or lowering operations. Device locking member 52 and rope locking members 53a are together referred to as locking mechanism and secure the device in the heavy load procedure, as detailed in FIG 18.

[0098] FIG 9A depicts a preferred embodiment of a rope entry port 50 with rope installed and being hoisted. The driven rope engages and opens the rope locking member 53a.

[0099] FIG 9B depicts a preferred embodiment of a rope entry port 50 with rope installed but not being hoisted. The rope locking member 53a is closed by spring 53b and rope cannot fall back. When descending of installed rope is desired then the rope locking member 53a can be opened manually with pawl 53c.

[0100] The disentanglement body 51 protects ropes against sharp edges and disentangles them before they are driven into the gates 53. The gates 53 direct the ropes toward the middle of the V-shaped coils 41.

[0101] FIG 10A and 10B depict a preferred embodiment of a rope pressure member 70, comprising a fixed part 71 that holds the pressure part 72, consisting of pressure heads 72a that are pushed outward to an extent withadjustment arrangement 7 lb, thereby regulating the pressure provided by pressure heads 72a. In this preferred embodiment the pressure can be instantly adjusted by bolt 71b.

[0102] FIG 11 A and 1 IB show how in a preferred embodiment of the device installation of a rope entails opening of both the cap 80 and the device locking member 52, pushing a rope R in a rope guiding gate 53 and wrapping it around the associated coil 41 passed the rope pressure member 70, and closing cap 80 therewith pushing the rope into the conical coil with rope pressure member 70. Removal of ropes goes in the reverse direction: opening cap 80 and the device locking member 52, guiding rope along the opened pressure member 70 and pulling it out of the coil 41 and the associated gate 53.

[0103] The closing cap 80 engages the pressure member 70 upon closing and disengages it upon opening. In a preferred embodiment the closing cap 80 is provided with a clamp that automatically locks the cap upon closing and only needs a simple hand movement to open and unlock.

[0104] Fig 12 depicts a cross-section of a preferred embodiment of the device showing how the rope pressure member 70 provides contact between a rope R and a coil 41 along a pitch circle C and a circumference between the rope entry port 50 and the rope exit port 60. It further shows that the positioning of the anchoring element 90 relative to the rope entry port 50 minimizes the friction between the rope and this port, when the device is anchored with a line A to this anchoring element 90: no aperture angle between the incoming rope and the rope entry port.

[0105] Alignment of the rope entry port, coils-block, rope exit port and rope pressure member is vital for the balance between grip and slippage.

[0106] The anchoring element 90 of the device first provides for the required safety by working at heights, secondly provides for a frictionless rope entry port 50 by automatically aligning the disentanglement body 51 of this port with the direction of the incoming rope(s).The device of this disclosure is designed as a multi-purpose device for hoisting ropes and weight objects.

[0107] FIG 13, 14A and 14B depict a preferred embodiment of the device of this disclosure handling a load, respectively: lifting a weight W; hoisting a rope and simultaneously storing it in a free-standing bag B or storage volume; hoisting a rope and simultaneously storing it in a bag connected to the device.

[0108] FIG 15, 16 and 17 depict a preferred embodiment of the device of this disclosure operated by a user, respectively: a construction worker lifting his toolbox from a confined elevated space; a rope access technician hoisting his medium size rope from the nose cone N of a wind turbine; a rope access technician hoisting his ropes from within the nacelle NA of a wind turbine.

[0109] Although hoisting ropes from within the nacelle provides more comfort, it also provides additional friction points and with that too much load to hoist from the hand while keeping the weight with the body. In that case the device of this disclosure can be used with the following heavy load procedure as depicted in FIG 18, in which

[0110] - Step 1 (Si) shows the rope to be hoisted from point A where it is anchored in the nacelle up until point O where it exits the nacelle through the hatch. The rope is tight because it is anchored in point A and has weight from its length hanging down the wind turbine.

[0111] - Step 2 (S2) shows how the device of this disclosure is connected to the rope with the rope entry port 50 and the anchoring element 90. The rope entry port 50 secures the device on the rope with the device locking member 52 and one or more rope locking members 53a. The device further balances on the embodiment of the anchoring element 90.

[0112] - Step 3 (S3) shows how the device is anchored with line L to the same anchor point as the rope(s). Anchoring the device to a different anchor point e.g. to reduce friction is another option but requires awareness for sweeping rope.- Step 4 (S4) shows how the anchoring of the rope to be hoisted is removed, installed in the device and positioned in a bag B or volume. The device, by itself anchored with line L, now anchors the ropes. The rope access technician is free of load and only needs to power the device with an external power drive, e.g. a drill.

[0113] It will be clear to the skilled person that the invention is not limited to any specific embodiment herein described and that combinations or modifications are possible, in as far as these can be considered within the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs shall not be construed as limiting the claim.

[0114] For the purpose of clarity and concise description, features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention may include embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described. For example, while embodiments were shown for devices comprising a vertical -positioning-clamp 52, alternative ways may also be envisaged by those skilled in the art having the benefit of the present disclosure for achieving a similar function and result. Further parts of the device as described herein may be combined or split up into one or more alternative elements.

[0115] The various elements of the embodiments as discussed and shown offer certain advantages, such as simultaneous lifting and storing of a rope. Of course, it is to be appreciated that any of the above embodiments may be combined with one or more embodiments to provide even further improvements in finding and matching designs and advantages.

[0116] In interpreting the appended claims, it should be understood that the word “comprising” does not exclude the presence of other elements or acts then those listed in a given claim; the word “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements; any reference signs in the claims do not limit their scope; several “means” may berepresented by the same or different item(s) or implemented structure or function; any of the disclosed devices or portion thereof may be combined together or separated into further portions unless specifically stated otherwise. Where one claim refers to another claim, this may indicate synergetic advantage achieved by the combination of their respective features. But the mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot also be used to advantage. The present embodiments may thus include all working combinations of the claims wherein each claim can in principle refer to any preceding claim unless clearly excluded by context.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A portable device for rope driving, guiding and lifting,comprising:a casing, comprising a rope entry port for receiving one or more ropes, a rope exit port for ejecting the one or more ropes, and an anchoring element for releasably anchoring the device to an anchor point;one or more coils rotatably mounted inside the casing, wherein the one or more coils are rotatable about a common axis of rotation, wherein each coil comprises a circumferential groove, wherein walls of the circumferential groove provide a contact surface for guiding and centering a respective rope on a traction path that extends over an arc of the coil, wherein, along the traction path, the contact surface is arranged for transferring drive torque to the respective rope by friction to drive the rope from the rope entry port to the rope exit port; a transmission for driving the one or more coils about the common axis of rotation;wherein the rope entry port is arranged for tangentially guiding each rope onto the respective traction path, and wherein the anchoring element is in linear alignment with the rope entry port on an opposing side of the one or more coils such that in use, when a tension force is applied between the one or more ropes and the anchoring element, the relative position of the anchoring element causes the one or more ropes to pass through the rope entry port in a straight line.

2. The portable device according to claim 1, further comprising a pressure member arranged for radially pushing the ropes into the circumferential groove with an adjustable pressure, forregulating a contact force between the ropes and the contact surface.

3. The portable device according to claim 2, wherein the pressure member comprises a fixed part that is mounted inside the casing alongside the traction path, and a pressure head for each coil movably mounted to the fixed part, each pressure head extending radially inward into a respective circumferential groove, wherein the pressure member further comprises an adjustable biasing arrangement between the fixed part and the one or more pressure heads for biasing the or each pressure head in the radially inward direction.

4. The portable device according to any preceding claim, wherein the rope exit port comprises a rope deflector for each coil, wherein the or each rope deflector tangentially extends into the circumferential groove of the corresponding coil and provides a deflection surface that curves radially outward for dislodging the ropes from the contact surface and deflecting the ropes outward over a predefined ejection path.

5. The portable device according to any preceding claim, wherein the rope entry port comprises a disentanglement body with a wedge member configured to disentangle ropes before they enter the rope entry port, the wedge member forming one or more rope guiding gates that are arranged to respectively guide a rope into a circumferential groove of the coils.

6. The portable device according to claim 5, wherein each rope guiding gate is equipped with a rope locking member configured to permit movement of the rope in a first directioninto the rope entry port while preventing movement in the opposite direction, this self-locking mechanism comprising a spring-loaded pawl designed to narrow the gate, wherein when the rope is moved in the opposite direction, friction between the pawl and the rope causes the pawl to engage further with the rope, providing a self-locking effect.

7. The portable device according to claim 6, wherein the pawl is manually operable to widen the gate, thereby allowing movement of the rope in the opposite direction.

8. The portable device according to any preceding claim, wherein the rope entry port includes a device locking member configured to secure one or more ropes within the device and to anchor the device to the one or more ropes, the device locking member comprising a pawl arranged to radially confine the one or more ropes in the rope entry port.

9. The portable device according to any preceding claim, wherein each coil is made of a polysulfone material, preferably polyethersulfone, PES or PES(U), or polyetheretherketone, PEEK.

10. The portable device according to any preceding claim, wherein the circumferential groove has a V-shape, wherein the contact surface is provided by opposing flanks of the V-shaped groove that face each other at an apex angle.

11. The portable device according to any preceding claim, wherein the contact surface of the circumferential groove comprises a vane structure, including a plurality of ridges that protrudefrom the contact surface and radially fan outward from an apex of the circumferential groove.

12. The portable device according to any preceding claim, wherein the transmission comprises a coupling mechanism configured to couple and decouple the one or more coils to an external actuator.

13. The portable device according to claim 12, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a head or a socket that is engageable by a tool bit.

14. The portable device according to any preceding claim, wherein the transmission comprises a one-way clutch, arranged for transferring an input torque in a first direction only, and for slipping when the input torque is applied in an opposing second direction.

15. The portable device according to any preceding claim, wherein the transmission comprises a slip clutch, configured to provide a controlled overload protection.

16. The portable device according to claim 15, wherein the slip clutch is a mechanical slip clutch that is preloaded with an axial preload force by a disc spring, wherein the mechanical slip clutch further comprises a nut for adjusting the preload force.

17. The portable device according to any preceding claim, wherein the transmission comprises a right angle drive, preferably including one or more bevel gears, arranged to increase aninput torque.

18. The portable device according to any preceding claim, wherein the casing includes an external connection element configured to attach to a frame for supporting one or more rope storage bags.

19. A method of operating the portable device according to any of the preceding claims for hoisting one or more ropes onto a high structure, comprising:- securing and anchoring the portable device at height on the high structure;- inserting the one or more ropes in the rope entry port to align them with the circumferential grooves in the one or more coils of the device;- placing each rope on the traction path that extends over an arc of the coil, and guiding each rope through the rope exit port; and- hoisting the ropes by driving the transmission of the device.

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