EP3263185A1 - Trigger unit for an avalanche rescue system, use of an actuator handle and trigger device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a triggering unit (1, 20) for an avalanche rescue system, having an actuating handle (2, 21) connected to a coupling piece (4). According to the invention, it is distinguished by a coupling element (5) which can be connected to a functional unit (16) of the avalanche rescue system, the coupling piece (4) and the coupling element (5) being arranged in a coupling channel (6) of a coupling unit (3) of the triggering unit (1, 20 ) are displaceable and are held in coupling connection by the coupling channel (6) and the coupling connection is releasable when the coupling piece (4) and / or the coupling element (5) leave the coupling channel (6).

Description

The invention relates to an activation unit for an avalanche rescue system with an operating handle connected to a coupling piece.

Such a trip unit is for example from the DE 10 2014 111 655 A1 known.

Avalanche rescue systems, for example for skiers or climbers, advantageously have different functional units, for example an avalanche airbag and / or an avalanche balloon and / or a ventilation functional unit. However, it must be ensured that in case of danger, d. H. When an avalanche approaches, a person to be protected can safely and quickly trigger the various functional units or partial rescue systems of the avalanche rescue system. Therefore, from the prior art described above, a trip unit with an operating handle is known, can be activated or triggered by tearing away a part of an operating handle of another part of several functional units of the avalanche rescue system simultaneously. The tearable part of the operating handle itself is part of a functional unit. In particular, this part of the operating handle has a mouthpiece. Thus, functional units can be triggered and at the same time the mouthpiece be moved freely to the mouth of the person.

However, a problem in the prior art is that the functionality of such a trip unit must be ensured as possible at any time and in any situation. In particular, it should be ensured that the handle is not detached before the functional unit is triggered.

The primary object of the invention is that a detachment of the handle does not take place before the activation of the functional unit, for example an airbag.

It is therefore a secondary object of the present invention to improve an activation unit for an avalanche rescue system, and in particular a cost-effective and easily manufactured solution which can guarantee the triggering of functional units of an avalanche rescue system even under the most adverse conditions.

The object is achieved by a triggering unit for an avalanche rescue system with the features of claim 1. In particular, the object can be achieved by a trip unit having a coupling piece having an actuating handle and a connectable to a functional unit of the avalanche rescue coupling element, wherein the coupling piece and the coupling element in a coupling channel of a handle holder of the trip unit are displaceable and are held by the coupling channel in coupling connection and the coupling connection is detachable when the coupling piece and / or the coupling element leave the coupling channel.

In this case, the coupling element can be connected to a functional unit of the avalanche rescue system. In particular, it can be provided that the functional unit is triggered by displacement of the coupling element. The coupling unit can serve as a handle holder. The operating handle may comprise the coupling piece. In this case, the coupling piece may be formed integrally with the actuating handle or via a connecting element, for. As a cable to be connected to this.

If the actuating handle is moved away from the handle holder or torn away, the coupling piece takes along the coupling element along the coupling channel. As a result, the functional unit can be triggered. After leaving the coupling piece and / or the coupling element the coupling channel, then the Coupling connection can be solved. In other words, the coupling channel forms a sleeve, which prevents the dissolution of the coupling connection between the coupling element and the coupling piece, as long as the coupling piece and / or coupling element are located in the coupling channel. Thus, it can be ensured that the coupling element is moved along the coupling channel and thereby triggers the functional unit and only then the operating handle can be moved freely.

It is particularly advantageous if the coupling connection is positive and / or non-positive. As a result, coupling connections can be made in a particularly simple manner. In particular, the coupling piece and the coupling element can engage in one another. Also allow positive and / or non-positive coupling connections, that the trip unit can be designed to be reusable many times, as after a release of the coupling connection, this can be easily restored. Thus, the avalanche rescue system can be reused even after use, without the need for expensive replacement parts.

A frictional connection can be achieved for example by an electrical and / or magnetic connection. To produce a positive connection, the coupling piece and the coupling element can be shaped at least partially complementary.

It can be provided that the coupling element and / or the coupling piece can be arranged rotationally fixed in the coupling channel. For example, the coupling channel may have a non-circular cross-section. In particular, the coupling element and / or the coupling piece at least partially in cross-section be formed rotationally asymmetric oval. Also, the coupling element and / or the coupling piece in cross-section trapezoidal, preferably rectangular, be formed. Advantageously, the cross-section of the coupling channel is at least partially complementary to the coupling element and / or the coupling piece. If now the coupling element and / or the coupling piece have a cross-section corresponding or complementary to the coupling channel, then the coupling element and / or the coupling piece can be arranged in a rotationally fixed manner in the coupling channel. For example, it can be ensured that the actuating handle is always arranged in an optimal position or position on the handle holder. In particular, it can be provided that the actuating handle is arranged in a position on the handle holder, which allows a person to grip the operating handle safely.

Alternatively, the coupling element can not be arranged rotationally fixed in the coupling channel. In particular, both may have a circular cross-section.

It can be provided that the coupling unit, in particular the handle holder, is composed of at least two elements, wherein the coupling channel is formed by at least two of the elements. Thus, the coupling unit can be manufactured in a particularly simple manner and the coupling channel can be formed. For example, the coupling unit can be formed from two half-cylinders, which, when joined, form the coupling channel in their inner region.

The coupling unit may have a removable end piece at one end. When the tail is removed, the coupling element and coupling piece can be easily coupled. Then the tail can be replaced, z. B. screwed, screwed or clipped to hold coupling piece and coupling element in engagement.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention may further be provided that the coupling element and / or the coupling piece in the coupling channel at least by a predetermined release distance d are displaced. It can be provided, for example, that the functional unit is connected to the coupling element or to the coupling piece such that when the coupling element or the coupling piece is displaced by a predefinable triggering distance d, the functional unit is triggered. If, therefore, the coupling channel has a length which allows the coupling element or the coupling piece to be displaced within the coupling channel at least by the predefinable triggering distance d, it can thus be ensured in a simple manner that the functional unit is reliably triggered before the coupling Coupling element can be solved by the coupling piece.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the coupling unit has a mounting auxiliary bore or opening opening into the coupling channel. After use of the trip unit, the coupling piece can be detached from the coupling element. For a second use, both must first be reconnected. For this purpose, an auxiliary assembly pin can be inserted through the auxiliary mounting hole or opening in the coupling channel. With the auxiliary assembly pin, for example, the coupling element can then be pushed out of the coupling channel until it can be reconnected to the coupling piece.

It is also advantageous if the coupling unit has a fixing section for fastening the coupling unit to a carrier system of the avalanche rescue system. The carrier system can be for example a backpack or a carrier element inserted into a backpack, on or on which different elements, in particular functional units, of the avalanche rescue system are arranged. The carrier system or the backpack, for example, have a shoulder strap with a lashing. In the Laschung the fixing portion of the coupling unit can be inserted and so the coupling unit or the release unit, in particular at a predetermined position and / or in a predetermined position, are fixed. This allows the trip unit on the carrier system on or removed. The position and / or position may also be chosen so that the person can easily reach the operating handle in an emergency.

The releasability of the coupling element from the coupling piece can be facilitated if the coupling element and / or the coupling piece have a bevel in a coupling connection region.

It is furthermore particularly advantageous if the coupling element and / or the coupling piece have a latching section for producing the coupling connection. In this case, in particular after use of the trip unit, the connection between the coupling element and the coupling piece can be made again by inserting the coupling piece into the coupling channel until it engages with the coupling element. For this purpose, the latching portion may be formed of elastic material.

It when the coupling element and / or the coupling piece are connected to a cable is particularly advantageous. For example, then the coupling element can be connected via a cable to the functional unit. As a result, the functional unit can be arranged at a distance from the tripping unit and nevertheless be triggered with the aid of the tripping unit. It is particularly advantageous that a cable can be arranged to save space, a low weight and an almost arbitrary length can have.

In addition, it can be provided that the coupling element and / or the coupling piece are designed as Seilzugnippel. In particular, it can be provided that both the coupling element and the coupling piece are designed as Seilzugnippel. Each cable nipple can be connected to one cable each. With a suitable dimensioning of the dimension of the coupling channel in relation to the coupling element and / or to the coupling piece, a coupling connection can then be produced in a particularly simple manner. For this purpose, only the coupling element corresponding Seilzugnippel must be pushed out of the coupling channel, the coupling piece corresponding Seilzugnippel be arranged behind the coupling element corresponding Seilzugnippel and the arrangement of the coupling element and the coupling piece are again introduced into the coupling channel. Can be solved so formed coupling connection characterized in that the cable pull of the coupling piece corresponding cable nipple is pulled until the assembly again leaves the coupling channel, since the cable nipple in such an arrangement in and of themselves are not rigidly connected or fixed.

It is particularly advantageous if the cable nipples have recesses so that the cable pull connected to a cable nipple can pass through the other cable nipple.

The operating handle can be equipped with additional functions or functional elements. In particular, it can be provided that the actuating handle has a mouthpiece. By means of the mouthpiece, ventilation of a person buried, for example, can then be made possible, the actuating handle for this purpose being able to be connected to a ventilation functional unit, for example via a hose. After releasing the operating handle of the triggering device, the operating handle can be supplied to the mouth of the person.

In the context of the invention, furthermore, a use of an actuating handle with a coupling piece in a trip unit according to the invention, wherein the coupling piece and a coupling element of the trip unit in a coupling channel of a coupling unit of the trip unit are displaceable and are held in coupling connection by the coupling channel and the coupling connection is detachable when the coupling piece and / or the coupling element leave the coupling channel.

In particular, it may be provided to use or provide different actuating handles according to the invention. For example, different operating handles can be adapted individually to the needs of the person using the operating handle. For example, the operating handles may have differently shaped mouthpieces. Do the operating handles have suitable coupling pieces, so different operating handles can be used with one and the same trip unit.

Furthermore, falls within the scope of the invention, a triggering device with a trip unit according to the invention, wherein the triggering device has a return element for returning the coupling element of the trip unit. The restoring element can, for example, have a spring element, in particular a torsion spring element, and / or be designed as such. The restoring element can be connected to the coupling element, preferably via a cable pull. Thus, it is possible that after triggering the coupling element is automatically withdrawn into the coupling channel. Also can be adjusted by means of the return element to be overcome for a release tension threshold. For this purpose, in particular the spring stiffness of a resetting element designed as a spring element can be adjusted and / or selected. Thus, accidental false triggering can be effectively prevented. Furthermore, it can be provided that the presettable triggering distance d corresponds to the spring travel of a restoring element designed as a spring element or is selected as a function of this.

The restoring element can also be connected to the coupling piece, preferably via a cable pull, in an alternative embodiment, in particular in order to bring about a return of the coupling piece after a release.

Advantageously, the coupling unit and / or the coupling element and / or the actuating handle may be formed as an injection molded part or in 3D printing as a 3D printing part at least partially.

It can also be provided to form the coupling unit and / or the coupling element and / or the operating handle made of a corrosion-resistant material, for example of aluminum and / or plastic, preferably ABS plastic.

Furthermore, it can be provided in a particularly advantageous manner that the trip unit with more than one functional unit is connectable via the coupling element. For example, the coupling element with two or three functional units can be connected. The functional units can be designed, for example, as an avalanche airbag, as an avalanche balloon and / or as an avalanche beeper and / or as a ventilation functional unit.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention, with reference to the figures of the drawing, which show details essential to the invention, and from the claims. The features shown there are not necessarily to scale and presented in such a way that the features of the invention can be made clearly visible. The various features may be implemented individually for themselves or for a plurality of combinations in variants of the invention.

In the schematic drawing embodiments of the invention and views of individual components of the trip unit according to the invention and the tripping device according to the invention are shown and are explained in more detail in the following description.

Fig. 1a - Fig. 1c

ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Auslöseeinheit mit unterschiedlichen Stellungen des Kopplungselements bzw. Kopplungsstücks;

Fig. 2

eine Auslösevorrichtung mit einer alternativen Ausführung der Auslöseeinheit;

Fig. 3

eine alternative Ausführungsform einer Kopplungseinheit.

Show it:

Fig. 1a - Fig. 1c

an embodiment of a trip unit according to the invention with different positions of the coupling element or coupling piece;

Fig. 2

a triggering device with an alternative embodiment of the trip unit;

Fig. 3

an alternative embodiment of a coupling unit.

The Fig. 1a shows a trigger unit 1 for an avalanche rescue system. Of the Fig. 1a are two mutually complementary shaped elements 3a, 3b can be seen. These can be interconnected by means of connections 3c arranged on them, in this exemplary embodiment plug-in connections, in this exemplary embodiment being plugged together. In the connected state they form a coupling unit 3, in particular a handle holder, the trip unit. 1

In an alternative embodiment, the trip unit 1 could also be formed in one piece or in one piece.

The inner structure of the coupling unit 3 as well as components of the triggering unit 1 contained in the coupling unit 3 are explained in more detail below. This is in the Fig. 1a the coupling unit 3 is opened, ie with non-interconnected elements 3a, 3b shown.

First, a schematically illustrated actuating handle 2 of the trip unit 1 can be seen. On the actuating handle 2, a coupling piece 4 is arranged, which engages positively in a coupling element 5. The coupling piece 4 and the coupling element 5 are arranged in a coupling channel 6 formed by opposing recesses of the two elements 3a, 3b. The coupling channel 6 is rectangular in cross-section, so that the coupling element 5 and the coupling piece 4 are rotatably mounted in the coupling channel 6.

The coupling unit 3 is fixed by means of a fixing section 8 to a carrier system 9, in particular to a shoulder belt of a backpack serving as a carrier system 9, by means of a lashing.

Of the Fig. 1a Furthermore, it can be seen that the coupling element 5 is connected to a cable nipple 17 of a cable 13. For this purpose, the cable 13 passes through a portion of the coupling element 5 and is secured by the cable nipple 17 by the cable nipple 17 is supported on the coupling element 5. The coupling piece 4 and the coupling element 5 are arranged displaceably in the coupling channel 6. Thus, the cable nipple 17 and the cable 13 are taken from the coupling element 5 when it is moved in the coupling channel 6.

The cable 13 can with a functional unit of
Avalanche rescue system. By shifting the coupled with the cable 13 coupling element 55 - in the in Fig. 1a shown representation - down the functional unit can be triggered or activated.

Of the Fig. 1a It can also be seen that the coupling unit 3 or the elements 3a, 3b have an auxiliary mounting hole 7 opening into the coupling channel 6. About the Montagehilfsbohrung 7 a mounting auxiliary pin can be introduced, through which the coupling element 5, for example, for producing a coupling connection between the coupling piece 4 and the coupling element 5, can be pushed out of the coupling channel 6. The coupling element 5 additionally has a latching section 12 in this exemplary embodiment. The latching portion 12 is formed such that the coupling piece 4 can be pushed onto the coupling element 5 and then enters into coupling connection with this. Thus, there are different ways to make a coupling connection between the coupling piece 4 and the coupling element 5.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, it is provided that either an auxiliary mounting channel 7 or a latching portion 12 is formed in a trip unit.

The Fig. 1b and the Fig. 1c now show the same trip unit 1, wherein for reasons of simplification, the element 3b is not shown in each case.

In particular, the show Fig. 1b and 1c two snapshots of the trip unit 1, while using the operating handle 2, the coupling piece 4 and the coupling piece 5 are pulled out of the coupling unit 3. This shows the Fig. 1b a position in which the coupling piece 4 and the coupling element 5 are just in the coupling channel 6. In contrast, in Fig. 1c a position shown in which the coupling piece 4 has already left the coupling channel 6.

It can be seen that in the position of Fig. 1c the coupling channel 6 in contrast to the in Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b positions shown no longer holds the coupling connection between the coupling element 5 and coupling piece 4. In this position, the coupling piece 4 can be solved simply, safely and with the least expenditure of force by the coupling element 5, in particular automatically with further pulling of the operating handle 2. In order to facilitate the release of the compound even further, the coupling piece 4 and the coupling element 5 in a coupling connection region 10 each have a bevel 11. The chamfer 11 is oriented such that upon removal of the coupling piece 4 and the coupling element 5 from the coupling channel 6, the coupling piece 4 laterally slides away from the coupling element 5 and the coupling connection is thus automatically released.

After releasing the coupling connection thus the operating handle 2 is freely movable.

It can also be seen in Fig. 1c combined with Fig. 1a in that the coupling element 5 is displaced by a predefinable triggering distance d. For this purpose, the length of the coupling channel 6 has been selected such that the coupling element 5 can be displaced at least by the triggering distance d within the coupling channel 6, without the coupling connection between the coupling piece 4 and the coupling element 5 can be solved. Thus, the coupling element 5 is displaced at least by the triggering distance d before the coupling piece 4 and the operating handle 2 is decoupled or in the Fig. 1c corresponding position arrives. This ensures that the cable 13 can be displaced at least by the release distance d.

The Fig. 2 The triggering unit 20 corresponds in this embodiment of the trip unit 1. It differs only in the design of an alternative trained operating handle 21. The actuating handle 21 has in particular a mouthpiece 14 on. Thus, after detaching the operating handle 21, the mouthpiece 14 can be brought to the mouth of a user or a person to be protected by the avalanche rescue system and the person, for example, be supplied with air. For this purpose, the operating handle 21 is connected via a hose, not shown, with a ventilation function unit.

It can be seen further that the cable 13, a return element 15 is attached, which sets the cable 13 under tension. For this purpose, the restoring element 15 is designed as a spring element. By selecting the spring hardness and the spring travel of the restoring element 15, the triggering distance d ( Fig. 1c ) as well as a minimum tripping force required for tripping.

Furthermore, it can be seen that a functional unit 16 is connected to the cable 13. The functional unit 16 is formed in this embodiment as an avalanche balloon 16b, which is connected to a compressed gas cartridge 16a. In this case, the functional unit 16 is set up so that when the cable pull 13 is displaced by the release distance d, the compressed gas cartridge 16a is opened and inflates the avalanche balloon 16b. In other words, the functional unit 16 is triggered when the cable 13 is moved by the release distance d.

Thus, the invention makes it possible to pull the actuating handle 2 or the actuating handle 21 away from the triggering unit 1 or triggering unit 20 and thus reliably trigger the functional unit 16.

In particular, since the coupling connection requires no sophisticated mechanisms or the like, a malfunction of the trip unit, in particular a Nichtauslösbarkeit the functional unit 16, even under the most adverse temperature conditions, etc. can be effectively prevented.

The Fig. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of a coupling unit 50. Again, a coupling piece 4 and a coupling element 5 are at least partially disposed in a coupling channel 6. In particular, the coupling element 5 is complete and the coupling piece 4 is partially arranged in the coupling channel 6. Through the coupling channel 6, as previously described, the coupling element 5 and the coupling piece 4 are held in engagement with each other. Both the coupling element 5 and the coupling piece 4 are each connected to a cable, not shown here. The respective cables are fixed by threaded pins 51, 52 in the coupling element 5 or coupling piece 4. The peculiarity of the embodiment according to the Fig. 3 is in that the coupling channel 6 is formed in an end piece 53 which is screwed into a coupling unit body 54. After the triggering of the avalanche rescue system, if therefore the coupling element 5 and the coupling piece 4 were separated from each other, the coupling unit 50 can be brought back to its position of use by the end piece 53 is unscrewed. This allows the coupling piece 4 and the coupling element 5 to be brought back into engagement with each other. Subsequently, the end piece 53 can be screwed back into the coupling unit body 54. In order to prevent the tail 53 from being screwed in too far, the length of the thread 55 is limited.

In order to prevent the coupling element 5 from being pulled back too far into the coupling unit 50, a stop 56 formed as a disk is provided.

By adjusting means 57, which may be formed as a threaded pin, manufacturing tolerances of a cable and connected thereto units can be compensated. After adjustment, the adjustment can be fixed, for. B. with a screw lock or an adhesive.

Claims (14)

An activation unit (1, 20) for an avalanche rescue system, comprising an actuating handle (2, 21) connected to a coupling piece (4), characterized by a coupling element (5) which can be connected to a functional unit (16) of the avalanche rescue system, wherein the coupling piece (4) and the coupling element (5) in a coupling channel (6) of a coupling unit (3) of the trip unit (1, 20) are displaceable and are held in coupling connection by the coupling channel (6) and the coupling connection is detachable when the coupling piece (4) and / or the coupling element (5) leave the coupling channel (6). Tripping unit (1, 20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling connection is positive and / or non-positive. Tripping unit (1, 20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling element (5) and / or the coupling piece (4) rotatably in the coupling channel (6) can be arranged. Trip unit (1, 20) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling unit (3) is composed of at least two elements (3a, 3b), wherein the coupling channel (6) formed by at least two of the elements (3a, 3b) is. Tripping unit according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the coupling unit has a removable end piece at one end. Tripping unit (1, 20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling element (5) and / or the coupling piece in the coupling channel (6) are displaceable at least by a predeterminable release distance d. Tripping unit (1, 20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling unit (3) has a mounting auxiliary bore (7) or opening opening into the coupling channel (6). Triggering unit (1, 20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling unit (3) has a fixing section (8) for fastening the coupling unit (3) to a carrier system (9) of the avalanche rescue system. Tripping unit (1, 20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling element (5) and / or the coupling piece (4) in one
Coupling connection region (10) have a chamfer (11). Tripping unit (1, 20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling element (5) and / or the coupling piece (4) have a latching portion (12) for producing the coupling connection. Tripping unit (1, 20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling element (5) and / or the coupling piece (4) are connected to a cable (13). Tripping unit (1, 20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating handle (2, 21) has a mouthpiece (14). Use of an actuating handle (2, 21) with a coupling piece (4) in a triggering unit (1, 20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling piece (4) and a coupling element (5) of the triggering unit (1, 20) in a coupling channel (6) of a coupling unit (3) of the trip unit (1, 20) are displaceable and are held in coupling connection by the coupling channel (6) and the coupling connection is detachable when the coupling piece (4) and / or the coupling element (5 ) leaves the coupling channel (6). Tripping device (30) with a tripping unit (1, 20) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tripping device has a restoring element (15) for returning the coupling element (5) of the tripping unit (1, 20).

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