Belay Device

The present invention concerns a belay device, which is characterized by particularly safe handling. The invention provides a belay device (2), comprising a braking device (6) and a blocking device (8), whereby the blocking device (8) comprises a movable rope holding element (12, 14), which is designed to be moved by a rope (16) being held on it, whereby the blocking device (8) is designed in a blocking state to block a movement of the rope holding element (12), whereby in a securing case the blocking device (8) transitions into the blocking state, whereby a securing case exists when a movement parameter of the movement of the rope holding element (12, 14) of a movement parameter set lies outside a predetermined safety range of the movement parameter assigned to the respective movement parameter.

The present invention concerns a belay device comprising a braking device and a blocking device.

Over the last decade, climbing has developed into a popular sport, in which climbing and safety techniques are increasingly learned by the climbers themselves without expert guidance. This leads, in particular in emergency situations, to mishandling of the safety equipment and results in serious injuries to the climbers. The safety equipment can also be handled incorrectly, with the same results, by an experienced climber in a panic situation, or if consciousness is lost.

In this context, securing with a Munter hitch and securing with a figure eight descender have proven to be particularly error-prone. In particular for inexperienced climbers, it happens again and again that a finger is pulled into the belaying knot or under the belaying rope and, if the belayer then releases the belaying rope, the rope can slide through the belay device at great speed, exposing the climber is to a high risk of injury. For the figure eight descender in particular, there is a possibility that the rope is threaded through the big opening of the figure eight descender, but not laid around the crosspiece of the figure eight descender, and instead hooked into the securing carabiner, which significantly reduces the braking performance of the arrangement, yet initially gives the impression that the rope has been laid into the belay device properly.

To counteract the problem of incorrect threading and mishandling, a number of friction-based securing devices, so-called tubes, as depicted for example in USD 466794S, have been developed, in which pulling on the belaying rope increases the braking effect of the belay device. A lot of these tubes are symmetrical, so as to provide the desired rope braking, independent of the selection of a rope end as the belaying end. Pulling on both rope ends protruding from the tube additionally allows a simple and safe verification that the rope is properly laid into the belay device. These types of tubes, however, continue to exhibit the problem that releasing the belaying rope can lead to the rope sliding through the belay device at a very high rate of speed.

Likewise known are belay devices, in which, as shown for example in DE 69 001 596 T2, the rope runs through a clamping device that is actuatable with a lever, whereby the rope can be released by the belayer via the lever position. If, however, the belayer holds the lever in the position in which he can feed rope to the climber, and the climber falls with the lever in this position, the climber can be injured when being secured with this type of device as well, even though the passage of the rope would have been blocked had the lever been released. When using the belay device of DE 69 001 596 T2, the belayer has to use his hands in an asynchronous manner to correctly control the belay device: while one hand is responsible for feeding rope or retracting rope, the other hand is responsible for operating the lever. In emergency situations, however, many belayers tend to execute at least a similar, thus synchronous, motion with their two hands. Pulling on the free end of the belaying rope is a frequent, and in the case of tubes also useful, reflex of the belayer if the climber falls into the rope, whereby pulling can also occur synchronously with both hands. If, when using the belay device of DE 69 001 596 T2 in this type of situation, the belayer pulls on the belaying rope and at the same time moves the hand on the lever downwards, which would correspond to a synchronous movement of his two hands, it can occur that due to the downward motion of the hand the lever is pulled from the blocking upper position into an intermediate position, whereby the blocking of the rope in the belay device is released. Because of this, the climber can fall an unintentionally long distance, or the weight of the climber can pull the hand of the belayer holding onto the free end of the rope into the belay device and injure it.

Centrifugal clutches for use in belay devices are known in principal from the applications WO 2010/121698 and WO 2010/1221699 A1.

The present invention has been created in view of the above described problems and has as its task the provision of a belay device that improves the safety of handling.

According to a first aspect, this task is solved by a belay device comprising a braking device and a blocking device, whereby the blocking device comprises a movable rope holding element, which is designed to be moved by a rope being held on it, whereby the blocking device is designed in a blocking state to block a movement of the rope holding element, whereby in a securing case the blocking device transitions into the blocking state, whereby a securing case exists when a movement parameter of the movement of the rope holding element of a movement parameter set lies outside a predetermined safety range of the movement parameter assigned to the respective movement parameter, characterized in that the braking device is designed to brake a movement of the rope independent of a rope movement direction.

The movement of the rope holding element is preferably coupled to the movement of the rope held therein. The rope holding element can in particular be configured in such a way that, in a securing case, the rope moves only an insignificant amount in relation to the rope holding element before the movement of the rope holding element is prevented. This preferably prevents the movement of the rope. Within the framework of the invention it is conceivable that, in the sections in which it can be in contact with the rope, the rope holding element exhibits a structure provided with protrusions (protrusion structure) to increase friction between the rope and the rope holding element.

Because the braking device is designed to brake a movement of the rope independent of a rope movement direction, a belayer can provide the necessary rope braking for lowering with the belay device, for example, independent of which end of the rope the climber has attached or tied himself into. Because the belay device provides rope braking independent of which end of the rope the climber has tied himself into, the particularly for novices frequently occurring mishandling, that the climber ties himself into an end of the rope the movement of which the belayer cannot brake, is prevented. This significantly increases the safety of the climber. If the climber falls, setting the rope in motion, the rope holding element is set in motion as well by the rope held within it. This movement is typically so sudden, that a movement parameter of the movement of the rope holding element, which is included in a movement parameter set, lies outside a predetermined safety range assigned to this movement parameter, which then blocks the movement of the rope holding element. The rope holding element is preferably configured in such a way that a rope lying therein under tension is held in place relative to the rope holding element by friction, so that a blocking of the rope holding element leads to a blocking of a movement of the rope. Consequently, next to a first safety device formed by the braking device, with which the movement of the rope can be managed in a controlled manner, the belay device comprises a second safety device that is responsible for safety in a securing case, e.g. if the climber falls. This type of two-stage safety system increases the climber's safety, and the independence of the braking effect from a movement direction of the rope reduces the risk created by selecting the wrong end of the rope. This type of belay device further allows the user to lower himself on the rope, whereby the braking device allows the lowering speed to be controlled, while the blocking device is responsible for the safety of the user in securing cases. These two functions are combined in a single belay device, whereas for a figure eight descender, for example, a second, separate safety device in the form of a Prusik knot was needed to fulfill both of these functions.

In a first modification of the belay device according to the first aspect of the invention, the movement parameter set preferably comprises a speed and/or an acceleration as movement parameters of the movement of the rope holding element. If speed is a component of the movement parameter set, the movement of the rope holding element is blocked when the speed lies outside a safety range assigned to the speed of the rope holding element, for example if it is too high, so that the movement of the rope is prevented before the person on belay reaches a speed that is too high, with which impact on a rock or the ground could result in an injury. If an acceleration of the rope holding element is a component of the movement parameter set, the movement of the rope holding element is blocked when the acceleration lies outside a predetermined safety range assigned to the acceleration, for example if the amount of acceleration is too high. If the acceleration lies outside the predetermined safety range assigned to the acceleration, it is an indication that the person on belay is falling, so that the belay device prevents the movement of the rope before the person on belay reaches a speed that would result in serious injuries in the event of impact.

A second modification of the belay device according to the first aspect of the invention is characterized in that the blocking state occurs independent of an influence being exerted by a belayer. The movement of the rope holding element is blocked regardless of whether the belayer is paying the necessary attention to the task of belaying, may be in a state of panic, has lost consciousness or is not operating the braking device in a manner to brake the rope.

In a third modification of the belay device according to the first aspect of the invention it is possible that the belay device further comprises a base element, whereby the rope holding element is configured as a rope pulley, which is mounted to be rotatable relative to the base element, and whereby the blocking device comprises a centrifugal clutch comprising a rotor, a clamping element and a coupling element, whereby the rope pulley is coupled to or configured on the rotor in such a way that a rotation of the rope pulley effects a rotation of the rotor, and whereby in the blocking state there is a coupling of the rotor to the coupling element by means of the clamping element and/or whereby in the blocking state there is a blocking of a movement of the coupling element in relation to the base element. Such a centrifugal clutch is a reliable element, with which the inventive blocking device can be realized.

Also, in a fourth modification of the belay device according to the first aspect of the invention, it is possible for the belay device that, to at least one of the movement parameters of the movement parameter set, a predetermined safety range is assigned which comprises values of the at least one movement parameter that characterize a movement of the rope holding element in a first direction, and which comprises values of the at least one movement parameter that characterize a movement of the rope holding element in a second direction, whereby the second direction is different from the first direction. If such a predetermined safety range is assigned to a movement parameter of the rope holding element, the rope holding element can move in two directions which are different from one another, without the existence of a securing case. Since the rope holding element is designed to be moved by a rope being held on it, this type of belay device allows both the use of the braking device to brake a movement of the rope independent of a rope movement direction, as well as the use of the blocking device, which permits a movement of the rope in two directions. To a particularly great extent this prevents incorrect use of the belay device by tying or attaching the climber into the wrong end of the rope.

In a fifth modification of the belay device according to the first aspect of the invention, the belay device can be characterized in that the braking device is configured separately from the blocking device. In this way, the braking device and the blocking device can be configured to their respective function independently of one another, so that a particularly good braking of the rope and a particularly reliable blocking of the rope holding element is made possible. The braking device can in particular be separately configured from the rope holding element or the rope pulley, so that the structural constraints resulting from a movability of the rope holding element do not compromise the design of the braking device being as optimal as possible.

It is likewise possible, that in a sixth modification of the belay device according to the first aspect of the invention, the blocking device is designed in a free-running state to allow the movement of the rope holding element, whereby in the free-running state the braking device is designed to brake the movement of the rope independent of the rope movement direction. In the free-running state, the belayer can lower either the climber or himself and control the speed by using the braking device, so that a safe output speed can be set without a blocking of the rope holding element.

Similarly, in a seventh modification of the belay device according to the first aspect of the invention, in a ready state of the belay device, the braking device can be disposed, substantially fixed in position, at a coupling point of the belay device, which is provided on an external belay point for the purpose of coupling. If the braking device does not move significantly in relation to a coupling point of the belay device, to which is attached, for example, the climbing harness of the belayer or a strap loop secured to a climbing hook, the likelihood that the belayer's hand or clothing would get into the braking device while belaying decreases, because the position of the braking device with respect to the coupling point does not change significantly and the belayer does not have to repeatedly check the position of the braking device while belaying.

In an eighth modification of the belay device according to the first aspect of the invention, the braking device can in particular exhibit at least one friction surface, preferably two friction surfaces, for braking the rope. A particularly simple and reliable braking device is provided in this manner. If two friction surfaces are provided, each of the friction surfaces can to a particular extent be configured in one respective direction, which advantageously increases the braking effect of the braking device.

In a preferred embodiment, in a ninth modification of the belay device according to the first aspect of the invention, the braking device is configured as an annular element. This can prevent the rope from slipping out of the braking device.

Within the framework of this application, an annular element should be understood to be elements which enclose a hollow section in such a way that a rope going through this hollow section is prevented by the annular element from simply being moved out of the hollow section in a direction transverse to the extension direction of the rope.

A simple movement out of the hollow section means that, without arranging the rope in a particular, curved manner, at any time there is the possibility of moving the rope in a direction transverse to the extension direction of the rope, for example through a gap in the annular element, out of the hollow section of the annular element to the outside. For a simple movement the gap is twice as wide, preferably 1.5 times as wide, most preferably 1.1 times as wide as the rope suited for use with the belay device. The annular element can in particular exhibit a gap or an opening that is provided with a device to close the gap in such a way that the rope, which goes through the hollow space in the interior of the annular element, cannot be moved out of the annular element in a direction transverse to the extension direction of the rope by a movement of the rope to the side. The annular element can consist of multiple sub-elements, which do not form an annular element until they are assembled, for example in a ready state of the belay device. It is conceivable that components of an annular element can be disposed in a manner in which they are movable relative to one another. Components of an annular element can in particular be designed to close gaps or openings in the annular element as a result of a movement.

In a tenth modification of the belay device according to the first aspect of the invention, the belay device can be characterized in that the braking device is designed to flip open on the belay device for threading a rope. This makes it easier to thread the rope.

According to a second aspect, this task is solved by a belay device, which can comprise the features of a belay device according to the first aspect and its modifications, comprising a braking device and a blocking device, whereby the braking device is designed to brake a movement of the rope, whereby the blocking device comprises a movable rope holding element, which is designed to be moved by a rope being held on it, whereby the blocking device is designed in a blocking state to block a movement of the rope holding element and in a free-running state to allow the movement of the rope holding element, characterized in that the blocking device is configured in such a way that a load change on one end of the rope effects a transition from the blocking state to the free-running state. If the person on belay is hanging in the rope and the rope holding element is blocked, this blocking will interfere with, preferably block, a movement of the rope. Even for heavy climbers hanging in the rope, a load change on the rope represents easy and comfortable operation of the belay device by the belayer, requiring very little effort, so that the belay device can be safely transitioned into the free-running state. It is in particular not necessary to completely release the load on the rope threaded into the belay device to effect a transition from the blocking state to the free-running state. Releasing the load would only be possible by applying a considerable amount of force. In order to ensure a high degree of safety, the idea is in particular that the blocking device is configured in such a way that, starting from a position of the rope holding element in a transition from the blocking state to the free-running state, the blocking device is designed to block the movement of the rope holding element before the rope holding element has run through a predetermined movement section.

In a first modification of the belay device according to the second aspect of the invention, the load change on a belaying end of the rope can be effected by pulling on the belaying end away from the belay device. This procedure for changing the load ensures that the belayer has secured the belaying end in the transition from the blocking state to the free-running state, so that a controlled movement of the rope is made possible.

In a second modification of the belay device according to the second aspect of the invention, it is possible that the load change on a load end of the rope is effected by pulling the load end towards the belay device. Therefore, in a panic situation, the belayer can also effect the transition from the blocking state to the free-running state by pulling on a load section of the rope, so as to reduce the amount of time a possibly injured person on belay is hanging on a blocked rope. Here too it is not necessary to completely release the load on the rope to effect a transition from the blocking state to the free-running state, which is again possible only with a considerable amount of effort.

In a third modification of the belay device according to the second aspect of the invention the belay device can in particular be characterized in that the blocking device comprises a centrifugal clutch comprising a coupling element, whereby the coupling element is disposed in the belay device in such a way that the coupling element can execute a movement inside the belay device, and that the movement of the coupling element can be blocked, whereby the load change of the rope effects a release of the blocking of the coupling element. The provision of a blockable coupling element allows the use of a known centrifugal clutch in the belay device and restricts the interplay of the load change of the rope to only the movement of the coupling element, whereby the blocking of the coupling element preferably occurs in the blocking state of the blocking device.

In a fourth modification of the belay device according to the second aspect of the invention, which also includes the features of the third modification of the belay device according to the second aspect, the centrifugal clutch can further comprise a rotor and a clamping element, whereby in the blocking state there is a coupling of the rotor to the coupling element by means of the clamping element and whereby releasing the blocking of the coupling element releases the coupling of the rotor to the coupling element. Such a configuration of the centrifugal clutch, which preferably couples if the speed lies outside a predetermined safety range assigned to the speed or the acceleration lies outside a predetermined safety range of the rope holding device assigned to the acceleration, ensures that releasing the blocking of the coupling element releases the coupling of the rotor to the coupling element, by means of which the rotor can again rotate in the centrifugal clutch and a dangerous movement of the rope holding element can be detected. By releasing the blocking, the coupling element is able to move, which preferably results in taking pressure off the clamping element, which is preferably in contact with the rotor and the coupling element when coupling the rotor to the coupling element and, once pressure is removed, releases from its contact, which releases the coupling of the rotor to the coupling element.

In a fifth modification of the belay device according to the second aspect of the invention, which also includes the features of the third or fourth modification of the belay device according to the second aspect, it is possible that the blocking device further comprises a control element, which is designed to assume a blocking position, whereby the coupling element exhibits a stop element, whereby in the blocking position in the blocking state the stop element cooperates with the control element in such a way that the movement of the coupling element in the belay device is blocked, and whereby, upon a movement of the control element out of the blocking position out of the blocking state, the stop element cooperates with the control element in such a way that the blocking of the movement of the coupling element in relation to the belay device is released. With the provision of the stop element on the coupling element and a control element, which cooperates with the stop element, preferably in the form of contact or in the form of a cam guide surface interaction, a particularly simple control concept to block the movement of the coupling element and release this blocking in the belay device is realized.

In a sixth modification of the belay device according to the second aspect of the invention, it can be characterized in that the blocking device comprises a centrifugal clutch comprising a clamping element, whereby the clamping element is disposed in the belay device in such a way that the clamping element can execute a movement inside the belay device, and that the movement of the clamping element can be blocked, whereby the load change of the rope effects a release of the blocking of the clamping element. The provision of a blockable clamping element allows the use of a known centrifugal clutch in the belay device and restricts the interplay of the load change of the rope to only the movement of the clamping element, whereby the blocking of the clamping element preferably occurs in the blocking state of the blocking device. This also makes a separate coupling element unnecessary, which reduces the number of components, and therefore the costs.

In a seventh modification of the belay device according to the second aspect of the invention, the centrifugal clutch in the belay device can further comprise a rotor, whereby in the blocking state there is a coupling of the rotor to the control element by means of the clamping element, and whereby releasing the blocking of the clamping element releases the coupling of the rotor to the control element. This simple concept allows that releasing the blocking of the clamping element simultaneously releases the coupling of the rotor to the control element, by means of which the procedure of releasing the coupling of the rotor to the control element can proceed in a less complicated manner and is thus less prone to malfunction.

Also possible, in an eighth modification of the belay device according to the second aspect of the invention, is that the belay device is characterized in that control element is designed to assume a blocking position, whereby the clamping element exhibits a stop element, whereby in the blocking position in the blocking state the stop element cooperates with the control element in such a way that the movement of the clamping element in the belay device is blocked, and whereby, upon a movement of the control element out of the blocking position out of the blocking state, the stop element cooperates with the control element in such a way that the blocking of the clamping element within the belay device is released. With the provision of the stop element on the clamping element and a control element, which cooperates with the stop element, preferably in the form of contact or in the form of a cam guide surface interaction, a particularly simple control concept to block the movement of the clamping element and release this blocking in the belay device is realized.

In a ninth modification of the belay device according to the second aspect of the invention, which also includes the features of the fifth modification of the belay device according to the second aspect, it is conceivable to mount the braking device to the control element. The braking device can in particular be formed as one piece with the control element or the braking device can be mounted to the control means via a joint, for example a hinge. If the braking device is mounted to the control means, the control element is moved via an actuation of the braking device, which releases the blocking of the coupling element. However, while releasing, a braking effect can already be acting on the rope, so that a movement of the rope can be braked.

It is in particular possible to modify a belay device according to the second aspect of the present invention in all its modifications with the features of modifications five to ten of the belay device according to the first aspect of the present invention, without incorporating other features of the belay device according to the first aspect of the present invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the present task is solved with a belay device, which can exhibit the features of a belay device according to the first or second aspect, including all modifications, comprising a blocking device, whereby the blocking device comprises a movable rope holding element, which is designed to be moved by a rope being held on it, whereby the blocking device is designed in a blocking state to block a movement of the rope holding element and in a free-running state to allow the movement of the rope holding element, whereby in a securing case the blocking device transitions from the free-running state to the blocking state, whereby the blocking device further exhibits a control element, the actuation of which in the blocking state effects the transition of the blocking device into the free-running state, characterized in that, as soon as the securing case exists, the blocking device assumes the blocking state independent of an actuation of the control element, in particular by a belayer, before the rope holding element has run through a predetermined movement section. If a securing case is detected, for example by a centrifugal clutch, the blocking device assumes the blocking state before the rope holding element has run through a predetermined movement section. This occurs even if the belayer effects the transition from the blocking state to the free-running state by means of the control element, which can prevent the person on belay from gaining too much speed. If, for example, the climber is hanging in the rope, and the belayer effects a transition of the blocking device from the blocking state to the free-running state without ensuring that the belaying rope is adequately braked, i.e. the securing case essentially occurs immediately after the transition to the free-running state, the rope holding element is moved by the rope and, after the rope holding element has run through a predetermined movement section, the blocking device transitions to the blocking state due to the existence of the securing case. This transition occurs regardless of whether the control element has been or is being actuated. In particular, this prevents the blocking device from assuming an inactive state while the control element is being actuated, in which the blocking device cannot block a movement of the rope holding element and that is not canceled until the control element is actuated again. Thus, in the event of a securing case, the movement of the rope in the belay device is advantageously limited; preferably limited to a rope run length of less than 1 m, particularly preferred less than 0.5 m, highly preferred less than 0.2 m. A fall of the climber, resulting from incorrect operation when releasing a blocking of the rope, is thus safely prevented.

It is in particular possible to provide a braking device in a belay device according to the third aspect of the present invention in all its modifications, and to modify such a belay device with the features of modifications five to ten of the belay device according to the first aspect of the present invention, without incorporating other features of the belay device according to the first aspect of the present invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the present task is solved with a belay device, which can exhibit the features of a belay device of the first, second or third aspect in all modifications, comprising a braking device and a blocking device, whereby the blocking device comprises a centrifugal clutch and whereby the braking device is separately configured of movable parts of the centrifugal clutch. A belay device, in which the blocking device comprises a centrifugal clutch and a braking device that is separately configured of movable parts of the centrifugal clutch, constitutes a simple and safe embodiment of a belay device.

In a first modification of the belay device of the fourth aspect, the braking device is configured as an annular element. Such a configuration of the braking device prevents the rope from slipping out of the braking device.

In a second modification of the belay device of the fourth aspect, the blocking device can comprise a movable rope holding element, which is designed to be moved by the rope being held on it, whereby the rope holding element is coupled with the centrifugal clutch, whereby the centrifugal clutch comprises a first and second section of the centrifugal clutch, whereby the centrifugal clutch is designed in a blocking state to block a movement of the rope holding element and to brake a movement of the rope, whereby in a securing case the centrifugal clutch transitions into the blocking state, whereby the securing case exists when a movement parameter of the movement of the rope holding element of a movement parameter set lies outside a predetermined safety range of the movement parameter assigned to the respective movement parameter, whereby the first section of the centrifugal clutch is designed in the event of a securing case to block a movement of the rope holding element when the rope holding element moves in a first direction, and is designed to allow the movement of the rope holding element when the rope holding element moves in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction, whereby the second section of the centrifugal clutch is designed in the event of a securing case to block the movement of the rope holding element when the rope holding element moves in the second direction, and is designed to allow the movement of the rope holding element when the rope holding element moves in the first direction. Providing the first and second sections of the centrifugal clutch with separate tasks allows the individual sections of the centrifugal clutch to be adapted particularly well to the respective task. In addition, for example in the event of an accident caused by a malfunction of one of the sections of the centrifugal clutch, the belay device can be used for belaying, whereby the load end and the belaying end of the rope are to be selected in accordance with the undamaged section of the centrifugal clutch. A redundancy is hereby provided, which allows the continued use of the belay device in the event of malfunctions.

In aspects one to four of the resent invention, the blocking device can comprise a catch mechanism. The catch mechanism is preferably designed to allow at least an incremental movement of the rope holding element. In aspects one to four of the resent invention, the blocking device can, if not already described, comprise a centrifugal clutch, preferably with an, in particular movable, coupling element and/or an, in particular movable, control element and/or a rotor and/or a clamping element.

The coupling element can exhibit the function of a ratchet wheel of the catch mechanism. The control element can further exhibit the function of a catch in the catch mechanism. The catch mechanism is preferably designed to incrementally allow a movement of the coupling element. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the catch mechanism is designed to limit the movement of the coupling element to movement sections. The catch mechanism is preferably configured to be symmetrical with reference to the possible movement directions of the rope holding element. The rope holding element can be configured as a rope pulley. Advantageously, the rope pulley is rotatably mounted, which allows the playing out and/or the retraction of the rope on the belay device to be particularly comfortable. The rope pulley can be rotatably mounted in a low-friction manner, whereby the mounting of the rope pulley is preferentially realized by means of a slide bearing. The use of a slide bearing allows a cost-effective, low-friction, rotatable mounting of the rope pulley. The realization of the rotatable mounting of the rope pulley with the aid of a ball bearing should not be excluded either. The catch mechanism is preferably configured to be symmetrical with reference to the forward and backward rotation of the rope pulley. It is likewise possible that the catch mechanism is designed to limit the movement of the rope holding element to movement sections, preferably in cooperation with the coupling element, particularly preferably in cooperation with the centrifugal clutch, most preferably in the presence of a coupling of the rotor to the coupling element. The idea is in particular that a predetermined structure of the coupling of the rotor to the coupling element is created by snapping the clamping element into the coupling element.

It is possible to divide the centrifugal clutch and/or the catch mechanism into two sections, whereby the first section of the centrifugal clutch and/or the catch mechanism is designed in the event of a securing case to effect a transition of the blocking device to the blocking state when the rope holding element moves in a first direction, and in the event of a securing case to not effect a transition of the blocking device to the blocking state when the rope holding element moves in a second direction different, preferably opposite, to the first direction and whereby the second section of the centrifugal clutch and/or the catch mechanism is designed in the event of a securing case to effect a transition of the blocking device to the blocking state when the rope holding element moves in the second direction, and in the event of a securing case to not effect a transition of the blocking device to the blocking state when the rope holding element moves in the first direction.

In all aspects and modifications of the present invention the belay device can further comprise a base element and a coupling point, which is provided on an external belay point for the purpose of coupling, whereby the blocking device comprises a movable rope holding element, which is designed to be moved by a rope being held on it, the rope holding element is configured as a rope pulley, which is mounted to be rotatable relative to the base element, the coupling point is configured to be stationary in relation to the base element, and the rotational axis of the rope pulley is configured to be stationary in relation to the base element. In such a configuration, the belay device is configured in a particularly simple manner, a coupling point, in particular an opening to thread in a carabiner, is fixedly configured on the base element and, on the same base element, a rotational axis of the rope pulley is configured fixed in position with reference to the base element; for example by means of a rotary shaft fixed in position with reference to the base element. This creates a transmission of force from the rope pulley to the coupling point via a particularly small number of elements. This not only promotes a simple and cost-effective construction, but rather, in particular if the rotary shaft of the rope pulley is attached to the base element in a stationary and preferably torque-proof manner, this type of construction increases the reliability of the belay device, because the force is transmitted from the rope pulley to the coupling point via a particularly small number of elements. Since a housing of the belay device can be configured as a base element of the belay device, in particular for multipart housings, in which multiple sections, which are displaceable and/or rotatable in relation to one another, exhibit coupling points or coupling point sections, the above described embodiment of the present invention is to be understood to mean that the rotational axis of the rope pulley is configured fixed in position with reference to a section of the housing, and that the coupling point is configured fixed in position with reference to this section of the housing. A section of the housing (housing section) can in particular be configured as a base element. A coupling point configured fixed in position with reference to a housing section also includes through-openings or coupling points for threading a carabiner, which are configured fixed in position with reference to this housing section and which in the ready state of the securing device can only be used in conjunction with another through-opening or another coupling point. This would in particular be a two-part housing, whereby an opening is provided in the one part as well as in the other part of the housing, and in a ready state of the belay device the two openings are lined up, so that a carabiner can be passed through.

In all aspects and modifications of the present invention, the belay device can be configured in such a way that the braking device is configured as an annular element, which is designed to be flipped open, whereby the annular element preferably exhibits a first sub-element and a second sub-element and, if the annular exhibits a first sub-element and a second sub-element, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the annular element is designed to be flipped open by displacing and/or rotating the first sub-element and the second sub-element relative to one another. This increases the operating comfort of the belay device, because laying the rope into the belay device by means of the flipped open annular element is particularly convenient.

The belay device is not only suited for use when climbing. It can also be used to lower a climber, to lower the belayer himself or for belaying when solo climbing. The belay device is also not limited to use in the field of climbing; it can be used whenever a load or a person has to be secured on a rope, e.g. industrial climbing, mountain rescue, as well as police and fire department operations. Therefore, within the framework of this application, terms such as the climber or the person on belay are used synonymously.

whereby views also includes partial views, sectional views etc.

FIRST EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1ashows a first embodiment of a belay device2according to the invention, whereby a housing4(seeFIG. 2) in has been omittedFIG. 1a. The belay device comprises a braking device6and a blocking device8. The blocking device8preferably comprises a centrifugal clutch10. It is also possible that the blocking device comprises a movable rope holding element12, which in a preferred embodiment is configured as a rope pulley14. The rope holding element12can be moved by the rope16, if the rope16is held by the rope holding element12. The movement of the rope is transmitted to the rope holding element12, for example by friction of the rope16on a support surface20provided with a protrusion structure18. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the support surface20is provided on the inside of a rope holding groove22of the rope pulley14. The protrusion structure18is preferably provided in the rope holding groove22, and can taper toward the center of the rope holding groove22. This allows ropes16with a variety of diameters to be used in the belay device2, because under load the rope16can wedge itself into a suitable tapered section of the protrusion structure18appropriate to its diameter. The rope holding element12is preferably configured in such a way that, substantially without slipping, the rope16effects a movement of the rope holding element and, in particular advantageous embodiment, a blocked rope holding element can prevent the slipping of the rope16on the rope holding element12with friction, and thus prevent a movement of the rope16. If, as shown inFIG. 1a, the protrusion structure18is configured on the side walls of the rope holding groove22, the rope16seizes in the converging walls of the rope holding groove22and a slipping of the rope16when the rope16is loaded is prevented.

Braking Device

The braking device6is preferably configured separately from the blocking device8, in particular separate from movable parts of the blocking device8. If the blocking device comprises a centrifugal clutch10, the braking device is in particular configured separately from the movable parts of the centrifugal clutch10. The braking device6can partially, in particular completely, be made of metal, so as to be able to dissipate the heat generated by braking the rope16. If the braking device6is partially or completely made of metal, it exhibits a high resistance to attrition and is thus configured to be particularly wear-resistant.

The housing4of the belay device2can exhibit a seat or a bearing of a first rotary shaft24, whereby the first rotary shaft24can be designed to accommodate the rope holding element.

In the design example shown inFIG. 1a, the braking device is configured as an annular element26, which completely encloses an opening (an interior space of the annular element26), through which a rope loop of the rope16can be threaded, and the rope16can be accommodated on the rope holding element12.

It is also possible, however, as shown inFIG. 1bto modify the first embodiment to the extent that the annular element26is provided with a gap28(to provide a better overview, the rear wall of the annular element26behind the gap28is not depicted inFIG. 1b), so that the rope16can enter the interior space of the annular element26through the gap, so as to facilitate the holding of the rope on the rope holding element12. It is also possible to provide a closure element30, which can preferably be locked and unlocked, by means of which laying the rope16into the interior space of the annular element26can be facilitated, and also, when the closure element30is locked, the rope16can be prevented from sliding out through the gap28.

The braking device6exhibits at least one friction surface32r,32l, preferably two friction surfaces32rand32l. The at least one friction surface32r,32lcan partially, in particular completely, be made of metal, so as to be able to dissipate the heat generated by braking the rope16. The friction surfaces32r,32lare able to brake the rope16independent of the movement direction. Modifying the position of the rope section at which the belayer is controlling the movement of the rope with respect to the belay device2, as is done with a tube, is usually enough to make this happen. Such a friction surface is in particular configured to be concave, so that the rope16is deformed in the concave friction surface32r,32land a braking of the rope16by friction occurs to a greater extent also on the side walls34r,34lof the concave friction surface32r,32l. The side walls34r,34land/or the base section lying between the side walls34ror34lcan be provided with ribs36, or otherwise configured protrusions (not depicted), to increase the friction of the rope16in the braking device6, and thus support the braking of the rope16.

As shown inFIG. 1ain the first design example, the braking device6is preferably disposed on the belay device in a manner in which it can be flipped open. The flipping open is realized by a hinge38, partially indicated inFIG. 1a, which connects the annular element26to a control element40. If the annular element26is flipped open at the hinge38in direction K1, a rope loop of the rope16can be pushed through the opening of the annular element to be laid around the rope pulley14. The annular element26can be flipped closed in direction K2. The opening of the annular element26preferably tapers substantially with the rope holding groove22.

Blocking Device

The blocking device8comprises the rope holding element12configured in the first embodiment as a rope pulley14and in a blocking state to be described later blocks a movement of the rope holding element12, here the rotation of the rope pulley14. The movement of the rope16is coupled to the movement of the rope pulley14by means of the support surface20. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in the first embodiment, the rope pulley14can comprise a first half pulley42vand a second half pulley42h, which are preferably disposed fixed in position relative to one another; the rope pulley14can, however, also be configured in one piece. The blocking device8further preferably comprises the centrifugal clutch10. The centrifugal clutch preferably comprises at least one rotor44, at least one clamping element46and at least one coupling element48. The rotor is preferably connected to the rope pulley14in a torque-proof manner, for example by connecting the rotor44and the rope pulley14to the first rotary shaft24in a fixed manner, or connecting them to one another in a fixed manner, but connecting them to the rotary shaft24in a rotatable manner. It also conceivable, however, to mount the rotor44to a first rotating section of a not depicted friction clutch in a torque-proof manner and to mount the rope pulley14to a second rotating section of the not depicted friction clutch in a torque-proof manner, so that, when the rotation of the rotor44is blocked, the not depicted friction clutch cushions a stop operation, by means of which a fall of the person on belay is cushioned.

To reduce weight, the rotor44preferably exhibits at least one recess50. The rotor44further exhibits at least one contact surface52to interact with the at least one clamping element46. The contact surface52preferably exhibits a notch54, which defines a neutral position of the at least one clamping element46. It is possible for the contact surface52to exhibit a guide groove56, in which an elastic element (not depicted) to restrain the at least one clamping element46is guided. In a preferred embodiment, the elastic element is an elastic strap, whereby a guiding of the at least one clamping element46on the elastic strap is ensured by an additional guide groove in the at least one clamping element46. In a particularly preferred embodiment, an elastic element can alternatively be configured as a spring assembly to restrain the at least one clamping element46, which preferably couples to both the at least one clamping element46and the rotor44. If multiple, preferably two, clamping elements46are provided, there is the further alternative possibility to configure an elastic element as a spring assembly for restraining at least two clamping elements46, which preferably couples the two clamping elements46to one another. The at least one clamping element46is preferably pretensioned by the spring assembly or the elastic element in the direction towards the rotor44. To ensure the certainty of the function of the centrifugal clutch10, the centrifugal clutch preferably comprises a plurality of contact surfaces52and preferably a plurality of clamping elements46. The at least one clamping element46preferably exhibits a cylindrical shape.

The coupling element48is preferably movably disposed in the housing4. The coupling element48preferably has an annular design. In a preferred embodiment, the coupling element48exhibits an inner surface, to which the at least one clamping element46can couple in interplay with the rotor44, so that the rotor44is not rotatable relative to the coupling element48at least in one rotation direction of the rotor44, i.e. is coupled with the coupling element48. The coupling of the at least one clamping element46can in particular be achieved by the inner surface of the coupling element48exhibiting a structure adapted to the shape of the at least one clamping element46, into which the at least one clamping element46can engage. Imagined is here in particular a toothed arrangement. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the inner surface of the coupling element48exhibits a toothed arrangement, in which the spaces between the teeth are configured as sections of a round, preferably cylindrical, aperture wall. The coupling element48is preferably rotatable relative to the rope pulley40, in particular rotatably mounted on the first rotary shaft24.

For weight reduction, the coupling element48is in turn preferably provided with at least one cutout60. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the coupling element48is provided with at least one stop element62on its outside circumference, preferably with a plurality of stop elements62, which are preferably configured as a protrusion. The stop element62preferably exhibits a first contact surface64rand a second contact surface64l, seeFIG. 1c. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the stop element62exhibits a cam section66. In a preferred embodiment, as will be described later, the stop element62cooperates with the control element40. The control element40is preferably rotatably disposed on the housing4. It in particular exhibits a first section68, with which a belayer can engage directly and indirectly to make it move, and a second section70, which is designed to cooperate with the stop element62. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the second section exhibits a left stop surface721and a right stop surface72r, a left74land a right74rlimiting tab, as well as an interjacent cam guide surface76.

If there is no coupling of the rotor44to the coupling element48by means of the at least one clamping element46, the rope holding element12, configured for example as a rope pulley14, can move in a free-running state. The direction-independent braking effect of the braking device6on the rope16is independent of the existence of the free-running state; it is achieved, for example, by the rope pulley14being configured separately from the braking device6.

Housing

The housing4or a part of the housing4can be configured as a base element, relative to which the rope pulley14can rotate.

To couple the belay device to an external belay point, for example a climbing harness or a strap loop, the belay device2, preferably the housing4, exhibits a coupling point, preferably in the form of an opening78. The housing4preferably exhibits a first half80hand a second half80v, whereby in particular the control element40is rotatably mounted to the first half80hof the housing4and the opening78is preferably also configured in the first half80hof the housing4. The first rotary shaft24is preferably configured fixed in position, in particular also in a torque-proof manner, relative to the first half80hof the housing4. For example, the rotary shaft24is connected with the first half80hof the housing4in such a way that the rotational axis of the rope pulley14defined by the rotary shaft24cannot move in relation to the first half80hof the housing4. In particular, the first half80hof the housing4can by itself also be regarded as a base element. The second half of the housing80vis preferably rotatably mounted on the first rotary shaft24in such a way that it can be pivoted with reference to the annular element26and the opening78. The closure element30can in particular be integrally configured with the second half80vof the housing4. The second80vof the housing4can further exhibit a cutout82that, depending on the position of the second half80vof the housing4relative to the first half80hof the housing4, can uncover the opening78.

As shown inFIG. 2, it is also possible, with reference toFIG. 1b, to turn the arrangement of the opening78and the cutout82around relative to the first half80hand the second half80v.

When belaying with the belay device, the braking device6configured as an annular element26is substantially fixed in position relative to the opening78. The rocking motion of the braking device6, occurring upon rotation of the control element40about the second rotational axis86, is minimal, and hardly affects the arrangement of the braking device6relative to the opening78.

The cutout82can be designed to lay the rope16into the rope pulley14.

The function and the use of the belay device are described in the following.

Preparing the Belay Device for Operation

In the first embodiment, a rope loop is laid into the belay device2by flipping open the annular element26at the hinge38in direction K1, laying the rope loop around the rope pulley14and then flipping the annular element26closed again at the hinge38in direction K2into the position shown inFIG. 1a. It is also conceivable to configure one of the half pulleys42v,42hto be smaller than the other half pulley42h,42v, so as to facilitate laying in the rope loop of the rope.

In a not depicted preferred embodiment, the cutout82is disposed in the second half80vof the housing4in such a way that, when the opening78is uncovered by the cutout82, the gap28is covered by the closure element30integrally configured on the second half82vof the housing4. A carabiner, a strap loop or a rope can thus only be pushed into the opening78to couple to an external belay point when the gap28is covered by the closure element30, so that, as soon as it is laid around the rope pulley14, the rope16can no longer slip unintentionally sideways out of the belay device2. This is in particular prevented by the fact that the first rotary shaft24together with the annular element26and the two halves80vand80hof the housing4form a substantially continuous structure, so that, even when it comes out of the rope holding groove22, the rope loop of the rope16is prevented from entering the interior space of the annular element26by this structure, which prevents the rope loop from slipping out of the belay device2.

Belaying and Blocking Function

As can be seen inFIG. 2, the belay device2is symmetrical with respect to the use of the two rope ends84a,84bas a load end and a belaying end. A load end is to be understood as a section of the rope between the belay device2and the climber. When solo climbing or when lowering oneself, the load end is the rope section that can be loaded by the weight of the solo climber or the person lowering himself. The belaying end is the rope section separated from the load end by the belay device, by means of which the belayer preferably controls the use of the braking device. The symmetry prevents an incorrect operation of the belay device2by, for example, tying the climber into the wrong end of the rope.

If the person on belay is climbing, the belayer can play out the rope16by pulling on the load end of the rope16in the direction away from the belay device2, without pressing the belaying end of the rope16against one of the friction surfaces32l,32r. Due to the friction of the rope16on the protrusion structure18, the rope pulley14then rotates along with the rotor44within the housing4. Since the speed of the rotor44is minimal, the centrifugal force resulting from the rotation is not large enough to release the at least one clamping element46from its contact with the notch54against the restoring force of the elastic strap. Similarly, with normal rope movement when playing out rope, the acceleration of the rope pulley14, and thus of the rotor44, is not large enough for the force resulting from the inertia of the at least one clamping element46to allow the at least one clamping element46to release from the notch54against the restoring force of the elastic strap. At a higher speed or a higher acceleration the at least one clamping element46can release from the notch54, but a small deviation will also not be enough for the at least one clamping element46to engage with an inner toothed arrangement of the coupling element48. The centrifugal force is not large enough for there to be a sufficient distance of the least one clamping element46from the notch54, and for the at least one clamping element46to engage with an inner toothed arrangement of the coupling element48, until the speed of the rotation of the rotor44has reached a predetermined value. The preferably slightly V-shaped contact surface52, in which the notch54forms the point of the V, then wedges the at least one clamping element46into the inner toothed arrangement of the coupling element48, so that a force acting on the rope pulley14is transmitted via the rotor44, which is disposed in a torque-proof manner or in an at least largely torque-proof manner in relation to the rope pulley14, via the at least one clamping element46to the coupling element48. A similar situation occurs when, due to an increased acceleration, the inertial force of the at least one clamping element46is enough to effect a spacing of the at least one clamping element46from the notch54, so that the at least one clamping element46engages with the inner toothed arrangement of the coupling element48. Here too, the absolute value of the acceleration is significant.

The limit speed or the limit acceleration, beyond which there is a coupling of the rotor44to the coupling element48via the at least one clamping element46, can be set by an appropriate selection of the elastic properties of the used elastic element, in particular the elastic strap or the spring assembly, or the distance of the notch54from the inner toothed arrangement of the coupling element48.

The limit speed and/or the limit acceleration are in particular absolute values, so that, for example, all speeds in forward and backward direction with a value smaller than the limit speed belong to a safety range for the speed. Likewise, all accelerations in forward and backward direction with a value smaller than the limit acceleration belong to a safety range for the acceleration.

If a coupling of the rotor44to the coupling element48is desired only upon exceedance of the predetermined speed and not upon exceedance of a predetermined acceleration, this can be achieved by restricting the movement of the at least one clamping element46, for example by means of a guide groove, to a movement with essentially only one radial component.

The centrifugal clutch thus detects if a movement parameter, for example the speed or the acceleration, lies outside a predetermined parameter range, in which case it couples the rotor44, and with it also the rope pulley14, to the coupling element48. This coupling can effect a transition into the blocking state, preferably from the free-running state in which the rope holding element12can move freely.

Therefore, a securing case occurs when one movement parameter of the movement of the rope holding element12, here the rope pulley14, lies outside a predetermined safety range assigned to the movement parameter. Such a securing case is detected by the centrifugal clutch and is not limited to the detection of a movement parameter, but rather a securing case is in particular detected when the speed and/or the velocity of the rope pulley14lies outside the respective assigned predetermined safety range of the respective movement parameters.

It is also conceivable to measure movement parameters of the movement of the rope holding element by means of electronic components. In particular the rotation speed of the rope pulley and the acceleration of the rotation movement of the rope pulley can be measured by means of electronic components. Such electronic components are preferably coupled with an electronic processing device, so that, when a movement parameter of the movement of the rope pulley of a movement parameter set lies outside a predetermined safety range of the movement parameter assigned to the respective movement parameter, the electronic processing device of a correspondingly configured blocking device blocks the movement of the rope pulley. This can, for example, be implemented by means of an electrically actuatable brake of the rope pulley.

InFIG. 3a, the blocking state on the rope pulley14is depicted with a force acting in direction W, whereby a rotational movement in direction W of the rope pulley14blocked. This preferably occurs via a force transmission from the rope pulley14to the centrifugal clutch10, on to the control element40and still further to the housing4. A blocked rope holding element12preferably prevents a movement of a rope16being held on it. In the blocking state there is a coupling of the rotor44to the coupling element48by means of the at least one clamping element46.

If the control element40and the coupling element48are in the position shown inFIG. 3a, and if the rotor44couples to the coupling element48via the at least one clamping element46in the manner shown inFIG. 3a, and if also a force, which would move the coupling element48in direction W, acts on the rope pulley14, then the blocking device inFIG. 3ais in the blocking state: the control element40, which is rotatably mounted on a second rotary shaft86on the housing4, is in contact with the right limiting tab74ron the outside circumference of the coupling element48. There is also contact between the right stop surface72rand the left contact surface64lof a stop element62. The force acting on the rope pulley14through the rope is hereby transmitted to the rotor44. The rotor44transmits this force on to the coupling element48via the at least one clamping element46. This in turn transmits this force to the control element40via the contact between the contact surface64lwith the stop surface72r. In this state the movement of the coupling element48, in particular in relation to the base element4, is blocked. In the present design example, however, it should only be referred to as a blocking of the movement of the coupling element48, if the contact between the contact surface64lwith the stop surface72ris effected by a force acting on the rope pulley14.

Since the movement of the control element40is limited to a rotation around the second rotary axis86and prevented by the contact of the limiting tab74ron the outside circumference of the coupling element48, this force is transmitted to the second rotary shaft86and ultimately to the housing4. A movement of the rope pulley14is thus blocked. In this way, as a result of the configuration of the rope pulley14, the movement of the rope16is preferably blocked as well.

On the other hand, if there is a situation as is shown inFIG. 3b, the coupling element48can still rotate in direction W, because there is no contact between a stop surface72rand a contact surface64l. In this case, if the same force relationships are present as have been discussed in reference toFIG. 3athe cam section66of the stop element62slides along the cam guide surface76of the control element40. The movement of the control element40, resulting from the movement of the coupling element48in the interplay of the cam section66and cam guide surface76, is shown inFIGS. 3cto 3e. As soon as the coupling element48has at most completed a first predetermined movement section, the movement of the cam section66along the cam guide surface effects a convergence of the right limiting tab74rto the outside circumference of the coupling element48. If one stop element62is provided, the length of the first predetermined movement section is limited by 360°; if there are multiple stop elements62, the length of the first predetermined movement section is determined by the angular arrangement of the stop elements62. Due to the existing coupling of the rotor44to the coupling element48, the coupling element48is coupled to the movement of the rope pulley14so that, as soon as the rope pulley12has at most completed the first predetermined movement section, the movement of the cam section66along the cam guide surface76effects a convergence of the right limiting tab74rto the outside circumference of the coupling element.

As soon as the right limiting tab74rhas come into proximity with the outside circumference of the coupling element48, an interaction of the cam section66of a first stop element88with the left limiting tab74lprevents a counterclockwise rotation of the control element40about the second rotary shaft86until the position of a second stop element90has changed enough that a counterclockwise rotation of the control element40would effect a contact of the stop surface72ror the limiting tab74rwith the contact surface64lof the second stop element90. The control element40is then in a blocked position.

If the coupling element48continues to rotate in direction W, the belay device2assumes the position shown inFIG. 3a. This occurs at the latest after the coupling element48, and due to the existing coupling also the rope pulley14, has passed through a second predetermined movement section, the length of which is less than 360° or, if there are multiple stop elements62, is determined by the angular arrangement of the stop elements62.

In the position as is shown inFIG. 3a, a movement of the rope pulley14in direction W is prevented, and the blocking state is present. The further rotation of the coupling element48and, due to its coupling to the rotor44, also the further rotation of the rope pulley14in direction W is limited by the impact of the stop surface72ron the contact surface64l.

In summary, in a securing case before the blocking state is assumed, the movement of the rope pulley14is limited by the movement of the coupling element48. In a securing case the rope pulley14can therefore rotate until a stop element62completes a rotational movement that is less than 720° and, if there are multiple stop elements62, in the securing case, the rope pulley14can rotate until an angular range has been passed that is smaller than the double maximum intermediate angle α between two stop elements62.

To allow a free rotation of the rope pulley14in the free-running state of the blocking device, starting from the position shown inFIG. 3a, the belayer can pull the load end of the rope16towards the belay device2, which causes a load change on the load end of the rope. This reduces the force with which the rotor44presses the at least one clamping element46into the inner toothed arrangement of the coupling element48to the extent that the elastic strap releases the at least one clamping element46out of the inner toothed arrangement, whereupon the at least one clamping element46slides back into the notch54, releasing the coupling of the rotor to the coupling element48. The rotor44, and with it the rope pulley14, can gain move freely. Since a force is no longer acting on the contact surface64lin direction W, the movement of the coupling element48is no longer blocked.

Independent of the position of the control element, and thus of an influence being exerted by a belayer, or an actuation of the control element, the rotor44can again be coupled to the coupling element48if a securing case is detected, so that, depending on the direction of rotation, the case fromFIG. 3aorFIG. 3bis present and there can be a blocking of the movement of the rope pulley14at the latest after passing through the predetermined movement section, in particular an angular interval. In a securing case the movement of the rope pulley14is thus limited to the predetermined movement section, which is smaller than the combination of the first and second predetermined movement section. This is ensured by the interaction between the stop element and the control element. In particular the provision of a cam section66on the stop element62and a cam guide surface76on the control element40ensures that the control element40assumes the blocked position at the latest after passing through the first predetermined movement section of the coupling element48, and thus of the rope pulley14, when the rotor44is coupled to the coupling element48via the at least one clamping element46.

In other words, the control element40works like a catch in conjunction with the stop element62: if the control element40is rotated counterclockwise out of the position shown inFIG. 3a, the stop element62, which inFIG. 3ais in contact with the stop surface72r, can rotate counterclockwise together with the coupling element48. The blocking device therefore comprises a catch mechanism. The rotation of the coupling element48stops at the latest upon impact of the following stop element62, because, as a result of the interaction of the cam section66of the stop element with the cam guide surface76, the control element has again assumed its blocking position.

A blocking of the rope pulley12in the blocking state, as shown inFIG. 3a, can also be released by pulling on a belaying end of the rope16away from the belay device2in direction F, which causes a load change on the belaying end of the rope. This effects a rotation of the control element40, which is the blocking position, in direction K3about the second rotational axis86as a result of a lever effect of a force applied on the annular element26by the rope16. The coupling element48is rotated clockwise via the contact of the stop surface72rwith the contact surface64l. Such a small rotation is sufficient to relieve the pressure off the at least one clamping element46to such an extent that the elastic strap releases the at least one clamping element46out of the inner toothed arrangement of the coupling element48, and the at least one clamping element46slides back into the notch54. The rotor44is thus uncoupled from the coupling element48and the rope pulley14can rotate freely in the free-running state. Similarly, there is no longer a force acting on the contact surfaces64l,64rof the stop elements62, so that a blocking of the coupling element48is released. In this process, which releases the blocking of the coupling element48, the coupling of the rotor44to the coupling element48is preferably released at the same time. Most importantly, in this process the control element40is moved.

The function of the belay device2has been described with respect to the rotation direction W of the rope pulley14. As a result of the symmetrical structure of the belay device2, the function of the belay device2in the rotation direction opposite to the rotation direction W corresponds analogously to the function of the belay device2in the rotation direction W.

SECOND EMBODIMENT

In the following only the differences of the second embodiment to the first embodiment will be discussed.

In the second embodiment, shown inFIGS. 4aand 4b, a braking device106is integrally configured on the housing104to reduce the weight of the belay device102. The first section168of the control element exhibits an actuating section192that is separate from the braking device106.

The actuating section192is preferably designed to be actuated by a belayer to move the control element.

The braking device106is configured as an annular element126with a slot128, through which a rope loop can be pushed into the interior of the annular element126. In doing so, a first rope end184apreferably protrudes from the annular element126towards the top, while the second rope end184bis passed around the rope pulley114by the user and then pushed through the slot128into the interior of the annular element126. One of the half pulleys142vcan exhibit a recess194that is oriented in radial direction, so that the second rope end184bcan be pushed into the rope holding groove. This is advantageous in particular when a part of the rope pulley114is substantially flush with a section of the housing104, as shown inFIG. 4b, to prevent an unintended sliding out the rope116. The sliding out of the rope116can further be prevented by a closure element130, which is preferably mounted to be displaceable with respect to the housing104. The closure element130is preferably designed to close the slot128. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the closure element130is designed to divide the interior space of the annular element126into two substantially closed grommets, whereby the first rope end184aor the second rope end184brespectively passes through one of these grommets.

The braking device106is disposed fixed in position with respect to a coupling point configured as the opening178.

THIRD EMBODIMENT

A third embodiment of the present invention is described in the following with reference toFIGS. 5 to 7, which is characterized in that at least one stop element262is directly disposed on the at least one clamping element246, by means of which in the third embodiment of the present invention the clamping element246is configured contiguously, preferably integrally, with a coupling element. In the sense of the Claims, or several of the Claims, the clamping element246can be both a clamping element and a coupling element. The not visible edge of the holding groove298is indicated inFIG. 7with a dotted line.

In the following only the differences to the embodiments 1 and 2 will be discussed. A belay device202of the third embodiment in particular has a symmetrical design with respect to a direction of use of a threaded rope.

The belay device202of the third embodiment of the present invention exhibits an annular element226, a braking device206, a rope holding element212configured as a rope pulley214, and a base element204. The braking device206exhibits at least one friction surface232r,232l, preferably two friction surfaces232rand232l. The friction surfaces232r,232lare able to brake a not depicted rope independent of the movement direction of the rope. Each of the friction surfaces232r,232lcan be configured analogously to one of the friction surfaces32r,32lof the first design example. The stop element262exhibits a first contact surface264r, a second contact surface264land a cam section266.

The annular element226can exhibit two sub-elements226l,226r, which in a preferred embodiment are rotatably mounted on a common rotary shaft286on the base element204. One of the sub-elements226rof the annular element226is contiguously configured with a control element240, whereby the sub-element226rcan comprise elements of the braking device206. In a preferred embodiment, the control element240exhibits a cam guide surface276, stop surfaces272l,272rand limiting tabs274l,274r. The rope pulley214can comprise a first half pulley242vand a second half pulley242h.

Preferably at least one holding groove298, particularly preferably two holding grooves298, are provided in a surface element296of the second half pulley242h. The surface element296of the second half pulley242hcan also be considered to be a rotor. The surface element296can be a rotor in the sense of the Claims, or several of the Claims.

The surface element296can be contiguously configured with the second half pulley242h, but the surface element296can also be manufactured separately and mounted to the second half pulley242hby means of screws and/or rivets, so that the second half pulley242hand the surface element296are connected to one another in a torque-proof manner. The belay device202preferably comprises two clamping elements246. Each of these clamping elements is equipped with at least one, preferably two, guide pins300l,300r. The shape of a pin300l,300ris preferably adapted to the configuration of an associated holding groove298. It is further preferred that at least one of the pins300l,300r, preferably both pins300l,300r, project into the associated holding groove298.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the at least one holding groove298exhibits an outer circumferential area298out, which preferably extends along a circular section around a rotational axis224of the surface element296.

The outer circumferential area298out is preferably limited in each rotation direction by a blocking region298rb,298lb. A support assembly302can be provided between the blocking regions298rb,298lbon the side of the holding groove298across from the outer circumferential area298out. The support assembly preferably comprises a left pin seat298lsand a right pin seat298rs. The region of the support assembly302between the left298lspin seat and the right298rspin seat preferably comprises a left298lfand a right298lf[sic] guide surface. The at least one holding groove298preferably exhibits a mirror symmetrical structure, whereby the mirror plane runs through the rotational axis224. The clamping element246is preferably pretensioned by means of a spring assembly304in such a way that the pins300l,300rare resting in the respective pin seats298ls,298rs. If two clamping elements246are provided, the spring assembly304preferably couples the two clamping elements246to one another.

The surface element296, the at least one clamping element246and the control element240are elements of a centrifugal clutch, as well as of a blocking device of the belay device202. The braking device206, in particular the friction surfaces232r,232l, is/are separate from the elements of the centrifugal clutch and/or the blocking device208, in particular spaced and/or separate from movable elements of the centrifugal clutch and preferably fixed in position in relation to a coupling point278configured as a through hole.

The coupling point278is preferably configured in the base element204, and is thus fixed in position in relation to the base element204, which also preferably holds the rotational axis224, or a shaft defining the rotational axis224, in such a way that the rotational axis224is configured fixed in position in relation to the base element204. This can in particular be achieved by configuring the shaft defining the rotational axis224to be fixed in position and/or torque-proof in relation to the base element204. A shaft that is configured to be torque-proof in relation to the base element is to be understood as a shaft which cannot rotate relative to the base element. The shaft defining the rotational axis224preferably holds the rope pulley214in a rotatable manner. The rotational axis224, or the shaft defining the rotational axis224, is preferably disposed fixed in position in relation to the base element204.

If the pins300l,300rare resting on the respective pin seats298ls,298rs, the blocking device208is a free-running state, in which it allows the movement of the rope pulley214.

If the rope pulley214suddenly starts rotating in the direction of the arrow W, so that the acceleration of the rope pulley214(as a movement parameter of the rope pulley) lies outside the predetermined safety range of the acceleration assigned to the acceleration (which constitutes a securing case), a force F (indicated inFIG. 7by means of arrows) resulting from the inertia of the at least one clamping element246acts on the right guide surface298rfopposite to the direction W via the pin300r. Since the guide surface298rfis inclined in a radial direction R, and a component of the force F along the right guide surface298rfthus points to the outside circumference of the rope pulley214, the pin300rslides along the right guide surface298rftoward the outside circumference of the surface element296. As soon as the pin300rpasses a flat area306of the support assembly302in its movement to the outside circumference of the surface element296, the coupling element246moves substantially opposite to the rotation direction W until the pin300labuts in the blocking range298lb. This movement of the clamping element246can be supported by an interaction of the at least one stop element262with the control element240. As soon as the pin300lcomes to rest in the blocking region298lb, the inertial force drives the pin300rto the outer circumferential area298out (if necessary supported by the interaction of the at least one stop element262with the control element242), so that there is essentially a situation in which both pins300l,300rare resting on the outer circumferential area298out and the pin300rlies in a radial direction above that of the flat area306.

If, on the other hand, the speed of the rope pulley214increases gradually, a centrifugal force drives the at least one clamping element246in the direction of the outside circumference of the surface element296, until the two pins300l,300rhit the outer circumferential area298out of the holding groove298. This centrifugal force acts against the force exerted by the spring assembly, so that the two pins300l,300rdo not hit the outer circumferential area298out of the holding groove298until the rotational speed of the rope pulley214exceeds a limit speed, and thus lies outside the predetermined safety range of the rotational speed assigned to the rotational speed (as a movement parameter of the rope pulley) (which constitutes a securing case). If then the stop element262interacts with the control element242, the pin300lin the blocking region298lbis moved, so that there is essentially a situation in which both pins300l,300rare resting on the outer circumferential area298out and the pin300rlies in a radial direction above that of the flat area306.

For the action of coupling the at least one clamping element246to the control element240, there can basically be two cases: Case 1), that the first limiting tab274lin rotation direction W rests on the circumferential surface of the surface element296, or Case 2), that the second limiting tab274rin rotation direction W rests on the circumferential surface of the surface element296.

In Case 1) the first contact surface264rabuts against the stop surface272lof the left limiting tab274land, since the pin300lrests on the circumferential surface of the surface element296and, due to the position of the pin300rabove the flat area306, the at least one coupling [sic] element246cannot deflect toward the rotational axis with respect to a radial direction of the surface element296, the rotation (a movement) of the surface element296and, due to the torque-proof connection of the surface element296with the rope pulley214, that of the rope pulley214as well, is blocked, without a stop element262having passed the control element240since the occurrence of the securing case. The action of the first contact surface264r(an interaction) hitting the stop surface272lcan ensure the position of the pins300l,300rindicated inFIG. 7with respect to the blocking range and the flat area306.

In Case 2), on the other hand, there is a situation, in which the left limiting tab274lis raised, so that a first stop element288passes the left limiting tab274land, with its cam section266and its contact surface264r, the first stop element288cooperates with the cam guide surface276(an interaction), whereby the control element240is brought into a position so that, with its right contact surface264r, a second stop element290abuts against the stop surface272lof the left limiting tab274l, which blocks a movement of the rope pulley214in a manner analogous to Case 1).

If the surface element296, and thus the rope pulley214, is blocked and the first contact surface264rrests on the stop surface272l, the movement of the at least one clamping element (coupling element)246is blocked. If the blocking of the rope pulley214or the surface element296is released, the blocking of the movement of the at least one clamping element (coupling element)246is released as well. If the limiting tab274lis moved so far towards the surface element296that the contact surface264rbumps against the stop surface272l, the control element240transitions into its blocking position as soon as the contact surface264rbumps against the stop surface272land the blocking device208subsequently transitions into the blocking position. If the left subsection226lis rotated on the rotational axis224opposite to the direction Z, the control element240leaves its blocking position, and the blocking of the rope pulley214or the surface element296is released, whereby also the blocking of the at least one clamping element (coupling element)246is released.

Both at the end of the procedure described in Case 1) as well as that described in Case 2), there is a blocking state of the blocking device208. The blocking state is in particular assumed at the latest during the movement of the second stop element in the area affected by the control element240, so that the blocking device assumes the blocking state independent of an actuation of the control element240before the rope holding element114has run through a predetermined movement section. In the blocking state the movement of the clamping element (coupling element)246relative to the base element204is blocked, because the control element240preferably creates a force connection between the clamping element246and the base element204via the shaft286in the blocking state.

The blocking state sets in after the occurrence of a securing case independent of the position of the control element240that can be influenced by the user, or any other exertion of influence by the user.

Analogously to the first embodiment, the function of the blocking device in the third embodiment can be interpreted such that the control element240exhibits the function of a catch, and that the blocking device then correspondingly comprises a catch mechanism.

Laying in the Rope

To lay the rope in, the sub-element226rof the annular element226is rotated (flipped open) about the second axis286in the direction of the arrow Z, whereby a closure308between the right subsection226rand the left subsection226lis opened. At the same time a closure310on the other side between the left226land the right226rsub-element of the annular element226is opened. Through these two openings, the rope can be threaded around the rope pulley in a later to be closed interior of the annular element226. Once the rope is threaded in, the right sub-element226rof the annular element226is rotated back opposite to the direction Z (flipped back), so that the two closures308and310are closed and the rope can no longer slide out of the interior of the annular element226. In this case, the belay device202can be in a ready to secure state and the braking device206is preferably disposed substantially fixed in position with respect to the coupling point278. The axis286preferably prevents a rope loop that has jumped out of the rope pulley214from sliding out of the interior space of the annular element226. If the right sub-element226rof the annular element226is pivoted downwards on the axis286, at least the closure308, preferably the closures308and310, serves to transmit force to the left sub-element226lof the annular element226. If the left sub-element226lis pivoted downwards on the rotational axis268[sic], at least the closure310, preferably the closures308and310, serves to transmit force to the left sub-element226r.

A laid in rope can set the rope pulley214in motion.

Releasing the Blocking State

A reduction of the force in the force transmission chain from the blocking region298lbto the pin300lvia the at least one clamping element246, its stop element262and the limiting tab274lsuffices to release the blocking state, so that the clamping element246is moved by the spring assembly304in such a way that the pins300l,300rslide back into the respective pin seats298ls,298rs, whereby the force transmission chain is interrupted, the blocking state is released and the blocking device transitions into the free-running state. The specific contact surfaces and a potentially existing support of the pin300ron the flat area306were left out of the force transmission chain to increase legibility.

The release of the blocking device can occur in the following ways:pressing down the sub-element226r, which releases the contact of the contact surface264ron the stop surface272lof the left limiting tab274l, while the stop surface272lslides up due to the rotation of the sub-element226rabout the axis286and the above-described force transmission chain is interrupted and the at least one clamping element246is moved by the spring assembly304in such a way that the pins300l,300rslide back into the respective pin seats298ls,298rs.pulling on the belaying end away from the belay device202, whereby, as a result of the contact of the rope on the sub-element226r, the sub-element226ris pressed down as described above and the above-described force transmission chain is interrupted and the at least one clamping element246is moved by the spring assembly304in such a way that the pins300l,300rslide back into the respective pin seats298ls,298rs.pulling on the load end towards the belay device202, whereby, as a result of the contact of the rope on the rope pulley214and its torque-proof connection with the surface element296, the force applied along the above-described force transmission chain is reduced to such an extent that the force applied to the at least one clamping element246by the spring assembly304suffices to move the at least one clamping element246in such a way that the pins300l,300rslide back into the respective pin seats298ls,298rs.

It should be noted that the two last points describe a load change on one end of the rope, which effect a release of a blocking of the clamping element246(coupling element).

Even though the function of the belay device has been described for a rotation in direction W, the function in the rotation direction opposite to direction W is analogous because of the symmetrical properties of the structure of the belay device202. It should be noted here that a rotation of one of the sub-elements226l,226ris transmitted to the respective other of the sub-elements226l,226rby means of at least one of the closures308,310.

In a not depicted embodiment (to increase clarity, the reference signs already in use are also used in the following for this not depicted embodiment), a housing section can be provided on the side of the rope pulley2014[sic] lying across from the base element204the shaft224is preferably disposed on the housing section in a torque-proof manner and rotatably mounted in the base element204. In this embodiment, the two sub-elements226l,226r(first and second sub-element) of the annular element226are preferably respectively rotatably mounted on one assigned first or second rotary shaft, which replaces the rotary shaft286, whereby it is conceivable to rotatably mount the sub-element226lto the base element204via the first rotary shaft and to rotatably mount the sub-element226ron the housing section via the second rotary shaft. In this case the rotational axes defined by the shaft224and the second rotary shaft are fixed in relation to one another across the housing section. If now one or both of the sub-elements226l,226ris or are moved in such a way that the closures308and310open, the base element and the housing section can be rotated in relation to one another, whereby the first rotary shaft is displaced in relation to the second rotary shaft and the annular element226is flipped open. The annular element226can in particular be flipped open by displacing and/or rotating the first sub-element226land the second sub-element226rin relation to one another. A rope can be pushed into this flipped open or generally open annular element226particularly easily, in particular through an opening in the annular element226that is created by opening the closure308or310, or by the openings in the annular element226that are created by opening the closures308or310. The base element204can be considered to be another housing section and, in the sense of this invention, the above-described housing section can be considered to be a base element.

FOURTH EMBODIMENT

A fourth embodiment of the present invention, described in the following with reference toFIGS. 8ato 8e, is characterized in that the centrifugal clutch and the catch mechanism of the belay device402comprise two sections, whereby, upon exceedance of a speed or an acceleration of a rope pulley in a first rotation direction of the rope pulley (existence of a securing case), the first section of the centrifugal clutch effects a coupling of elements that leads to a blocking of the rope pulley, and does not effect a coupling of elements leading to a blocking of the rope pulley if the rope pulley exhibits a second rotation direction, opposite to the first rotation direction, even if upon rotation of the rope pulley in the second rotation direction there is the existence of a securing case; and, upon exceedance of a speed or an acceleration of a rope pulley in the other rotation direction of the rope pulley (existence of a securing case), the second section of the centrifugal clutch effects a coupling of elements that leads to a blocking of the rope pulley, and does not effect a coupling of elements leading to a blocking of the rope pulley if the rope pulley exhibits the first rotation direction, even if upon rotation of the rope pulley in the first rotation direction there is the existence of a securing case.

FIG. 8ashows a belay device402, the structure of which is similar to that of the belay device202, but is different with respect to the centrifugal clutch and the control element. Corresponding parts of belay device202are provided with same reference signs for belay device402. To emphasize the functioning of the belay device402, the representation of a housing or a base element has been omitted inFIGS. 8ato8e.

Only the centrifugal clutch and the control element are discussed in the following, whereby the other elements and functions of the belay device402can correspond to those of the belay device202. Modifications of elements of the belay device202of the third embodiment will be discussed separately.

FIG. 8ashows a first section of a centrifugal clutch of the belay device402. The first centrifugal clutch section of the belay device402can comprise a blocking recess404and at least one flyweight408, which is rotatably mounted on a shaft406and is provided with a switching tooth410. The flyweight408can be pretensioned to a resting position via an elastic element, for example a spring412(for the sake of clarity indicated only inFIG. 8a). In the resting position there is the existence of a free-running state and the rope pulley214can rotate. The resting position can be defined by a contact of the flyweight408with a contact section413, which can for example be configured as a bolt or an elevation. The blocking recess404and the shaft406are respectively disposed fixed in position in relation to the rope pulley214(the rope holding element). A blocking device of the belay device402comprises the centrifugal clutch and the rope pulley214as a rope holding element. The rope pulley214is rotatably mounted on a shaft224.

The first section of the centrifugal clutch further preferably comprises a control element416, which can be rotatably mounted on a shaft414on the annular element226. The control element416is preferably pretensioned in a passive position shown inFIG. 8a, for example by a spring (not depicted).

The control element416can exhibit a catch418and/or a control element abutment surface420and/or a cam guide surface422and/or a switching tooth abutment surface424. The annular element226can be modified to the extent that it exhibits a control element abutment counterface426. The annular element226is preferably pivotably mounted on the shaft414. The blocking device can therefore correspondingly comprise a catch mechanism.

The second section of the centrifugal clutch is disposed on the back side of the rope pulley214not depicted inFIG. 8a, and is preferably constructed to be mirror symmetrical to the first section of the centrifugal clutch in reference to a plane through the centers of the shaft414and the shaft224, which are fixed in position relative to one another, so as to exhibit the same functionality (with reversed rotation directions of the components) in a rotation direction of the rope pulley214opposite to W.

If the rope pulley214rotates (moves) fast enough in direction W (first rotation direction), the centrifugal force drives the flyweight408against the force of the spring412, preferably by a rotation about the shaft406, in particular in direction S, into an active position that is shown inFIG. 8b.

If the rope pulley214is accelerated fast enough in direction W, the inertial force drives the flyweight408against the force of the spring412, preferably by a rotation about the shaft406, in particular in direction S, into an active position that is shown inFIG. 8b. In the active position, the flyweight408rests against an abutment element434, by means of which a further rotation of the flyweight408in direction S is prevented. The abutment element434is configured fixed in position in relation to, and preferably in connection with, the rope pulley214.

A securing case exists when the flyweight408is in the active position. If the flyweight408is in the active position and the rope pulley214continues to rotate in direction W, the switching tooth410abuts against the switching tooth abutment surface424(FIG. 8c) which effects a rotation of the control element416about the shaft414in direction P, as a result of which the catch418engages in the blocking recess404. One flank428of the blocking recess404is preferably inclined in direction W in relation to a radial direction of the rope pulley214, so that, upon engagement of the catch418in the blocking recess404, a state is achieved in which the rotation (movement) of the rope pulley214is safely blocked, so that a blocking state exists, in which the rotation of the rope pulley214is blocked (stopped) and the movement of the rope is stopped. One flank430of the catch418(viewed while engaged in the blocking recess404) is preferably inclined opposite to the direction W, and is in particular configured complementary to the flank428of the blocking recess404.

At the same time, the control element abutment surface420engages on the control element abutment counterface426, which effects a rotation of the annular element226in direction P. Furthermore, once the catch418has engaged in the blocking recess404, the flyweight408can return to the resting position (FIG. 8d).

If, in the event of a securing case, the belayer pushes the annular element226down against the direction P, the control element abutment surface420engages on the control element abutment counterface426and the movement of the switching tooth410in direction W is stopped, which, due to the contact of the flyweight408on the abutment element434, results in the rope pulley214being stopped. This is also to be considered a blocking state. Therefore, one of the blocking states occurs independent of an exertion of influence by a belayer.

If now, from this position shown inFIG. 8d, the annular element226is rotated opposite to the direction P by an action of a belayer, or by pulling downwards on a belaying end of a rope432, the control element416rotates about the shaft414opposite to the direction P as a result of the control element abutment counterface426acting on the control element abutment surface420. As a result, which can be accompanied by a rotation of the rope pulley214opposite to direction W, the engagement of the catch418in the blocking recess404is released and the rope pulley214can once again rotate. If the tension of the load end of the rope432is released or reduced, the pretension of the control element416in its passive position or a rotation of the rope pulley214opposite to the direction W (for example by pushing with the rope) can suffice to release the engagement of the catch418in the blocking recess404, as shown inFIG. 8e. If the engagement of the catch418in the blocking recess404is released, the free-running state is restored.

Pulling on the belaying end or the reduction/release of the tension on the belaying end can be understood as load changes.

If, during a rotation of the rope pulley214opposite to the direction W (for example by a centrifugal or inertial force), the flyweight408is in the active position, the switching tooth410abuts against the cam guide surface422in the course of the rotation. The surface of the switching tooth410hitting the cam guide surface422is preferably configured in such a way, for example rounded off or inclined in W direction, that the abutment of the switching tooth410on the cam guide surface422triggers a movement of the flyweight408out of the active position, preferably a rotation about the shaft406opposite to the direction S, as a result of which the switching tooth410can slide through under the control element416opposite to the direction W.

As a result of the mirror symmetrical structure of the second section of the centrifugal clutch, this second section exhibits the same functionality for the W opposite rotation direction of the rope pulley214as the first section of the centrifugal clutch does for the rotation direction W.

If the speed or the acceleration of the rope pulley214(movement parameter of the rope holding element of a movement parameter set) lies above a limit value (outside a safety range of one of the movement parameters), so that a securing case exists, both the flyweight408of the first section of the centrifugal clutch as well as the not depicted flyweight of the second section of the centrifugal clutch are in the active position. Depending on the rotation direction of the rope pulley214, there is either an engagement of the catch418in the blocking recess404in the first section of the centrifugal clutch, or there is an engagement of the catch in the blocking recess in the second section of the centrifugal clutch. The movement of the rope pulley214is thus blocked independent of a rotation direction, and thus of the movement direction of the guided rope, whereupon a movement of the rope is blocked. In the event of a securing case therefore, because a cooperation of the switching tooth410with the switching tooth abutment surface424preferably moves the catch418directly into the blocking recess404, the movement of the rope pulley214is stopped at the latest after a rotation of the rope pulley by 360°, since by then at the latest the blocking device has assumed the blocking state.

The first section of the centrifugal clutch and the second section of the centrifugal clutch are preferably functionally independent of one another. This means, for example, that if the control element, whereby here control element preferably refers to the entire material section integrally connected with the control element, of the one (first or second) section of the centrifugal clutch is missing or defective, the function of the other section of the centrifugal clutch remains unaffected. The same can apply for the blocking recess and/or the flyweight of the one section of the centrifugal clutch, whereby again in particular the flyweight preferably refers to the entire material section integrally connected with the flyweight.