EP3656446A1 - Belay device with electronic assistance - Google Patents

Abstract

The belay device (100) for controlling the running of a rope (1000) is such that it includes a safety device (102, 103) and an electronic device (101), the electronic device (101) being configured. to: • check at least one of the following conditions: ∘ a detection of the middle of the rope (1000), ∘ a detection of the proximity of one end of the rope (1000) to the belay device (100 ), ∘ a running speed of the rope (1000), relative to the belay device (100), greater than or equal to a predetermined speed threshold, ∘ a need to change the rope (1000), • activate the device security (102, 103) when said at least one of the conditions is satisfied.

Description

Technical field of the invention

The technical field of the invention relates to that of belaying a load. More particularly, the invention relates to a belay device. In particular, the invention finds an application in the field of climbing to insure a person during a climbing activity.

State of the art

Climbing is a sport for which it is necessary, for certain practices, to use a dynamic rope in order to ensure a person notably called "climber". Securing the climber can be achieved by cooperation of the dynamic rope with a belay device to control the running of the rope and with quickdraws secured to a wall to be climbed. The climber can be insured by a person named "insurer" who manages the belay device. Alternatively, the person to be insured can self-insure, for example in the event of a recall or ascent on a rope.

To improve the safety of climbing, manufacturers have sought, on the one hand, to improve the mechanical cooperation between the rope and the belay device to allow effective control of the running of the rope, and, d on the other hand, to improve the resistance of the ropes to the climber's falls.

However, despite these improvements, the practice of climbing remains at risk, and requires special attention from the insurer, or the person when self-insured.

Indeed, an accident commonly encountered in climbing is falling due to too short rope. To limit the risk of a climber falling due to a too short rope, it is known to use a rope with a marked middle. However, this marking requires that the belayer's gaze be directed towards the belay device so that he can visualize the passage of the middle of the rope in this belay device, then warn the climber that he must stop climb because otherwise it will not be able to descend to the insurer without falling. To facilitate detection of the middle of the rope by the insurer, there are ropes with an outer surface with two patterns, the change of pattern taking place in the middle of the rope.

There is also a cause of accident linked to improper handling of the belay device ensuring the control of the rope running. For example, in the event of a fall of the climber, the belayer can tense up on a part of the belay device so that it inhibits braking of the rope: the running of the rope is then out of control and the climber is in free fall.

In this sense, there is a need to improve safety during the evolution of a person, or more generally of a load, in height and insured by using the belay device.

Subject of the invention

The invention aims to improve safety when using a belay device with a rope to ensure a load.

• vérifier au moins l'une des conditions suivantes :
  • ∘ une détection du milieu de la corde,
  • ∘ une détection de la proximité d'un bout de la corde par rapport au dispositif d'assurage,
  • ∘ une vitesse de défilement de la corde, par rapport au dispositif d'assurage, supérieure ou égale à un seuil de vitesse prédéterminé,
  • ∘ un besoin de changer la corde,
• activer le dispositif de sécurité lorsque ladite au moins une des conditions est vérifiée.

We tend towards this goal thanks to a belay device to control the running of a rope, this belay device being characterized in that it comprises a safety device and an electronic device, the electronic device being configured for:

• check at least one of the following conditions:
  • ∘ detection of the middle of the rope,
  • ∘ detection of the proximity of one end of the rope to the belay device,
  • ∘ a running speed of the rope, relative to the belay device, greater than or equal to a predetermined speed threshold,
  • ∘ a need to change the string,
• activate the safety device when said at least one of the conditions is satisfied.

An advantage of this belay device is to allow the electronic device to activate a safety device when verifying a particular condition to improve the safety of the load connected to the rope, the running of which is controlled by the device d insurance. The belay device therefore offers electronic safety assistance in addition to the vigilance of the climber or the insurer, for example by broadcasting an alert or causing the rope to lock in the event of a risk situation being detected. .

• le dispositif de sécurité comporte un organe de blocage configuré pour bloquer la corde lorsque la condition vérifiée est la vitesse de défilement de la corde supérieure ou égale au seuil de vitesse prédéterminé ;
• le dispositif de sécurité comporte un diffuseur d'alerte pour diffuser une alerte lorsque la condition vérifiée est la détection du milieu de la corde, ou la détection de la proximité du bout de la corde, ou le besoin de changer la corde ;
• le dispositif électronique comporte un lecteur d'au moins un marqueur appartenant à la corde ;
• le lecteur est un lecteur optique, ou le lecteur est un lecteur de marqueur de radio-identification ;
• le dispositif électronique est configuré pour détecter :
  • ∘ le milieu de la corde lorsque le marqueur de la corde lu par le lecteur est un marqueur de milieu de corde, et/ou
  • ∘ la proximité du bout de la corde lorsque le marqueur de la corde lu par le lecteur est un marqueur de bout de corde agencé à une distance prédéterminée d'une extrémité longitudinale de la corde ;
• le dispositif électronique est configuré pour :
  • ∘ déterminer la vitesse de défilement de la corde lorsqu'au moins deux marqueurs appartenant à la corde sont lus par le lecteur, lesdits deux marqueurs étant séparés d'une distance de séparation prédéterminée selon la longueur de la corde,
  • ∘ comparer la vitesse de défilement déterminée par rapport au seuil de vitesse prédéterminé ;
• le dispositif électronique comporte un galet de mesure de la vitesse de défilement de la corde agencé de sorte à être entrainé en rotation par la corde lors du défilement de ladite corde dans le dispositif d'assurage ;
• le dispositif électronique est configuré pour déterminer un indicateur d'utilisation de la corde, le besoin de changer la corde étant dépendant de cet indicateur d'utilisation.

The belay device can include one or more of the following characteristics:

• the safety device comprises a blocking member configured to block the rope when the condition verified is the running speed of the rope greater than or equal to the predetermined speed threshold;
• the security device comprises an alert diffuser to broadcast an alert when the condition verified is the detection of the middle of the rope, or the detection of the proximity of the end of the rope, or the need to change the rope;
• the electronic device comprises a reader of at least one marker belonging to the string;
• the reader is an optical reader, or the reader is a radio-identification marker reader;
• the electronic device is configured to detect:
  • ∘ the middle of the rope when the rope marker read by the reader is a middle of the rope marker, and / or
  • ∘ the proximity of the end of the rope when the marker of the rope read by the reader is a marker of the end of the rope arranged at a predetermined distance from a longitudinal end of the rope;
• the electronic device is configured to:
  • ∘ determine the speed at which the rope travels when at least two markers belonging to the rope are read by the reader, said two markers being separated by a predetermined separation distance according to the length of the rope,
  • ∘ compare the determined scrolling speed with the predetermined speed threshold;
• the electronic device comprises a roller for measuring the running speed of the rope arranged so as to be driven in rotation by the rope during the running of said rope in the belay device;
• the electronic device is configured to determine an indicator of use of the rope, the need to change the rope being dependent on this indicator of use.

• une étape d'assurage de la charge au cours de laquelle la corde défile dans un dispositif d'assurage pour contrôler le défilement de la corde, ledit dispositif d'assurage comportant un dispositif de sécurité et un dispositif électronique, le dispositif électronique étant configuré pour vérifier au moins une des conditions suivantes :
  • ∘ une détection du milieu de la corde,
  • ∘ une détection de la proximité d'un bout de la corde par rapport au dispositif d'assurage,
  • ∘ une vitesse de défilement de la corde, par rapport au dispositif d'assurage, supérieure ou égale à un seuil de vitesse prédéterminé,
  • ∘ un besoin de changer la corde,
• une étape d'activation du dispositif de sécurité provoquée par la vérification de ladite au moins une des conditions.

The invention also relates to a method of belaying a load connected to a rope, this belaying method being characterized in that it comprises:

• a load belaying step during which the rope runs in a belay device to control the running of the rope, said belay device comprising a safety device and an electronic device, the electronic device being configured for check at least one of the following conditions:
  • ∘ detection of the middle of the rope,
  • ∘ detection of the proximity of one end of the rope to the belay device,
  • ∘ a running speed of the rope, relative to the belay device, greater than or equal to a predetermined speed threshold,
  • ∘ a need to change the string,
• a step of activating the security device caused by the verification of said at least one of the conditions.

• le procédé d'assurage comporte :
  • ∘ une étape de détermination de la vitesse de défilement de la corde dans le dispositif d'assurage,
  • ∘ une étape de comparaison de la vitesse de défilement déterminée par rapport au seuil de vitesse prédéterminé,
  et l'étape d'activation comporte une étape de blocage mécanique de la corde par le dispositif de sécurité lorsqu'il résulte de l'étape de comparaison que la vitesse de défilement est supérieure ou égale au seuil de vitesse prédéterminé ;
• l'étape d'activation comporte une étape de diffusion d'une alerte par le dispositif de sécurité lorsque la condition vérifiée est la détection du milieu de la corde, ou la détection de la proximité du bout de la corde, ou le besoin de changer la corde ;
• la corde comporte un marqueur de milieu de corde, et le procédé d'assurage comporte une étape de détection du marqueur de milieu de corde de manière optique ou par radio-identification, d'où il résulte que la condition de détection du milieu de la corde est vérifiée ;
• la corde comporte un marqueur de bout de corde, et le procédé d'assurage comporte une étape de détection du marqueur de bout de corde, notamment de manière optique ou par radio-identification, d'où il résulte que la condition de détection de la proximité du bout de la corde est vérifiée ;
• le procédé d'assurage comporte :
  • ∘ une étape de détermination d'un indicateur d'utilisation de la corde,
  • ∘ une étape de détermination de l'état de la corde en utilisant l'indicateur d'utilisation déterminé, l'état de la corde étant choisi parmi un premier état pour lequel la corde est considérée comme intègre et un deuxième état pour lequel la corde est considérée comme altérée,

et la condition de besoin de changer la corde est vérifiée lorsque l'état déterminé est le deuxième état.The belay process can include one or more of the following characteristics:

• the belay process involves:
  • ∘ a step of determining the running speed of the rope in the belay device,
  • ∘ a step of comparing the determined running speed with respect to the predetermined speed threshold,
  and the activation step comprises a step of mechanical blocking of the rope by the security device when it results from the comparison step that the running speed is greater than or equal to the predetermined speed threshold;
• the activation step includes a step of broadcasting an alert by the security device when the condition verified is the detection of the middle of the rope, or the detection of the proximity of the end of the rope, or the need to change the rope ;
• the rope comprises a mid-rope marker, and the belaying method comprises a step of detecting the mid-rope marker optically or by radio-identification, from which it follows that the condition of detection of the middle of the rope is verified;
• the rope comprises a rope end marker, and the belaying method comprises a step of detecting the rope end marker, in particular optically or by radio-identification, where it follows that the condition for detecting the proximity to the end of the rope is checked;
• the belay process involves:
  • ∘ a step of determining a rope usage indicator,
  • ∘ a step of determining the state of the rope using the determined usage indicator, the state of the rope being chosen from a first state for which the rope is considered to be intact and a second state for which the rope is considered to be altered,

and the condition of needing to change the string is checked when the determined state is the second state.

The invention also relates to a rope for a belay device, said rope being characterized in that it comprises at least one radio-identification marker chosen from: a middle of rope marker arranged in the middle of the rope, a end of rope marker arranged at a predetermined distance from a corresponding end of the rope, and a marker for storing an indicator of use of the rope.

The invention also relates to another embodiment of the rope, for a belay device, this rope being characterized in that it comprises at least one end of rope motif arranged at a predetermined distance from a corresponding end of the rope and a middle of rope pattern arranged in the middle of the rope, the middle of rope pattern being different from the end of rope pattern, and said end of rope and middle of rope patterns being arranged on the surface of the rope.

Other advantages and characteristics will emerge clearly from the detailed description which follows.

Brief description of the drawings

• la figure 1 illustre une vue en perspective d'un dispositif d'assurage selon un mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention ;
• la figure 2 illustre une vue en perspective du dispositif d'assurage de la figure 1 coopérant avec une corde ;
• les figures 3 et 4 illustrent des vues en coupes transversales du dispositif d'assurage de la figure 2 respectivement dans un état autorisant le défilement de la corde dans le dispositif d'assurage, et dans un état de blocage du défilement de la corde au sein du dispositif d'assurage ;
• la figure 5 illustre une corde équipée de marqueurs ;
• la figure 6 illustre des étapes d'un procédé d'assurage selon un mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention.

The invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows, given solely by way of nonlimiting example and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• the figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a belay device according to a particular embodiment of the invention;
• the figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the belay device of the figure 1 cooperating with a rope;
• the figures 3 and 4 illustrate cross-sectional views of the belay device of the figure 2 respectively in a state allowing the running of the rope in the belay device, and in a state of blocking the running of the rope in the belay device;
• the figure 5 illustrates a rope fitted with markers;
• the figure 6 illustrates steps of a belay process according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

In these figures, the same references are used to designate the same elements.

detailed description

The invention relates to a belay device 100 for controlling a running of a rope 1000, for example as visible in figures 1 to 4 . Such a belay device 100 ensures a load 2000 (represented schematically by a square in figures 2 to 4 ) connected to rope 1000, in particular using a knot. In particular, the load 2000 is attached to the rope 1000 on the side of one of the longitudinal ends of the rope 1000 also called "end of rope". This load 2000 can be a person, especially when the belay device 100 is used in the field of climbing. In the present description, the concept of "belaying" corresponds to any technique making it possible in particular to ensure the load 2000 moving in height, this load 2000 being connected to the rope 1000. In particular, the rope 1000 has two opposite longitudinal ends, so two opposite ends of rope, and a middle called "middle of the rope". The middle of the rope 1000 is defined as a portion of the rope 1000 located equidistant from the two longitudinal ends of the rope 1000 opposite according to the length of the rope 1000. The rope 1000, in particular for climbing, can have a length of several tens of meters, for example this length of the rope 1000 can be between 50 m and 100 m for a diameter of the rope 1000 which can be between 8.5 mm and 11 mm in particular in the case of a single rope.

In the field of climbing, the rope 1000 is preferably a dynamic rope making it possible to absorb shocks. A dynamic rope has properties making it possible to reduce the energy transmitted to the load 2000 provided when stopping a fall in the load 2000 by blocking the running of the rope 1000 using the belay device 100.

The belay device 100 can be worn by the person performing an abseiling on a rope using this belay device 100. Alternatively, the belay device 100 can be worn by a person called "insurer", in particular located on the ground, and who ensures, using the belay device 100, another person called "climber" climbing a climbing route.

The role of the belay device 100, therefore its use, can be, via the control of the running of the rope 1000: to block the climber to prevent its descent or to block the person performing the abseiling; to release the tension of the rope between the belay device 100 and the climber to allow it to climb; allow the climber, or the person performing the abseiling, to descend towards the ground by scrolling the rope 1000 in a controlled manner by adequate braking of the rope 1000 in the, i.e. using the belay device 100.

In fact, during the belaying of the load 2000, the rope 1000 passes through the belay device 100 from which it follows that the rope 100 runs in / relative to the belay device 100. For this, the device d belay 100 has a rope passage. It is also said that the rope 1000 cooperates with the belay device 100 during the belaying of the load 2000 connected to the rope 1000.

By “control of the running of the rope” is understood the control of this running thanks to the use of the belay device 100 for example by accelerating it, slowing it down or stopping it voluntarily. For this, the belay device comprises the means necessary for controlling the running of the rope 1000, such as for example preferential areas of friction, or blocking, of the rope 1000. For example, the person using the belay device 100 can act on the rope 1000 to make it cooperate with at least one of these preferred zones to control the running of the rope 1000. Thus, the insured person can be in the context of a climbing activity, of caving, working on high ropes, or any other activity that requires a rope.

When securing the load 2000 using the rope 1000, the travel of which is controlled using the belay device 100, risks of accident may exist. A first cause of accident relates to an uncontrolled running of the rope 1000 through the belay device 100, the outcome of which may be the fall to the ground of the load 2000, for example this can occur when the insurer releases the rope 1000, or tenses on a part of the belay device 100 which inhibits braking of the rope 1000. A second cause of accident relates to the passage of a longitudinal end of the rope 1000 through the device belay 100 where it results that the cooperation between the belay device 100 and the rope 1000 ceases: the load 2000 falls to the ground. A third cause of accident relates to the passage of the middle of the rope 1000 in the belay device 100 while the climber is ascending: it follows that the climber will not be able to descend to the belayer at the end climbing of its climbing route except to let escape the longitudinal end of the rope 1000 opposite to that where the climber is connected, thus causing the accident related to the second cause. A fourth cause of accident is linked to the loss of the dynamic property of the rope 1000, which can cause injury to the insured climber when stopping his fall.

According to the invention, the belay device 100 comprises an electronic device 101 (visible in figures 1 , 3 and 4 ) configured to check at least one of the following conditions in particular during the running of the rope 1000 through the, that is to say in the belay device 100: a detection of the middle of the rope 1000 , especially during the passage of this middle of the rope 100 in the belay device 100, called "first condition"; a detection of the proximity of an end of the rope 1000 called “second condition” in particular with respect to the belay device 100 and in particular according to the length of the rope (this may correspond to a situation for which the end of the rope is dangerously close to the belay device); a running speed of the rope 1000, relative to the belay device 100, greater than or equal to a predetermined speed threshold called "third condition"; a need to change the string called "fourth condition". In this sense, the electronic device 101 is configured to analyze the cooperation of the rope 1000 with the belay device 100 in view of detecting the fulfillment of at least one of the first to fourth conditions. A condition is said to be “verified” when it has been fulfilled. More particularly, the first condition for detecting the middle of the rope 1000 can be the detection of this middle of the rope 1000 at the belay device 100. Even more particularly, the first condition is a passage of the middle of the rope in the belay device 100.

The detection of the proximity of the end of the rope 1000 may correspond, depending on the direction of travel of the rope 1000 in the belay device 100, to an arrival at the end of the rope at the belay device 100.

The proximity of the end of the rope 1000 relative to the belay device 100 can in particular be defined as being a predetermined distance, in particular according to the length of the rope 1000 and in particular between 2 m and 5 m (preferably equal to 2 m), separating the belay device 100 from the end of the rope 1000 along its length, in particular according to a running of the rope 1000 through the belay device 100 when this running tends to bring the end of the rope 1000 closer to the belay device 100.

The rope 1000 comprising two ends 1000a and 1000b ( figure 5 ), the second condition can correspond to the detection of the proximity of any of the two ends relative to the belay device 100. In other words, the second condition can be the detection of the proximity of one of the two ends rope 1000.

Furthermore, the belay device 100 includes a security device, and the electronic device 101 is configured to activate the security device when said at least one of the conditions is verified. According to another formulation, each condition verified by the electronic device 101 causes the activation of the security device. Thus, the safety of the load 2000 provided can be improved thanks to electronic assistance making it possible to monitor the achievement of one or more of the conditions described with a view to limiting the accidents the causes of which are mentioned above. The belay device 100 described complements the vigilance of a person using the belay device 100.

The security device may include a warning diffuser 102 ( figures 2 to 4 ) and / or a blocking member 103 ( figures 3 to 4 ) of the rope 1000 each actuated according to the verified condition as will be detailed below.

The electronic device 101 may include all the means necessary to verify all or part of the first to fourth conditions during the cooperation of the rope 1000 with the electronic device 101. In particular, the electronic device 101 may include a printed circuit on which are fixed electronic components (microprocessor, memory, sensor (s)), with the aim of producing an electronic circuit making it possible to monitor the first or fourth conditions to detect each achievement. Subsequently, a software code of the electronic device 101 is described. This software code is in particular integrated into a processing system of the electronic device 101 which makes it possible, from one or more data acquired by the electronic device 101 to activate the safety device for each condition checked.

It is understood from what has been described above that there is a need to develop effective solutions allowing the electronic device 101 to verify at least one of the first to fourth conditions. To meet this need, for example as visible in figures 1 and 3 to 4 , the electronic device 101 may include a reader 104 of at least one marker belonging to the rope 1000 (the figure 5 illustrates an example of a rope 1000 comprising different markers referenced 1001 to 1004), also called marker reader 104. Subsequently, what generally applies to a marker can apply, if necessary, to each of the markers. The reader 104 is arranged to read the marker 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, that is to say to acquire at least one data item relating to the marker, in particular when the marker passes through the belay device 100. The electronic device 101 can then process this data in order to establish reliably that one of the conditions has been fulfilled, in particular by identifying the type of marker that has been read as will be seen later. In particular, the reader 104 can participate in the verification of the achievement of all or part of the first to fourth conditions by reading one or more markers of the string 1000. Thus, preferably, the electronic device 101 can be configured so that the condition verified is based on at least one datum acquired by the reader 104 thanks to the reading of the marker 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004 by this reader 104. For example, the processing system can take as input each data acquired by the reader 104 to monitor the fulfillment of all or part of the first to fourth conditions.

In particular, the reader 104 can be an optical reader, or can be a radio-identification marker reader. These two types of reader are particularly suitable for cooperation between the electronic device 101 and the rope 1000 when it is scrolled through the belay device 100.

In the case where the reader 104 is an optical reader, the electronic device 101 can detect one or more patterns represented on the surface of the rope 1000 as marker (s). In the present description, each pattern is in particular a graphic representation, for example obtained during the braiding of the rope 1000. Thus, the optical reader can comprise for example a camera capable of acquiring images of the rope 1000 when it scrolls in the belay device 100. In this case, the electronic device 101 includes the means necessary to interpret the acquired images and detect said pattern. Depending on the detected pattern, the electronic device 101 can, for example, determine whether it is a middle of the rope pattern or a rope end pattern arranged at the predetermined distance from the end of the rope. In particular, the electronic device 101 may include the software code suitable for detecting, from images acquired by the camera, the presence of the pattern on at least one of the acquired images. Here, the software code may include a function taking the acquired images as input, this function being adapted to detect the presence of at least one pattern allowing the verification of at least one of the first to third conditions. This optical reader-based embodiment has the advantage of being easy to implement in the sense that the braiding allowing the formation of patterns on the surface of the rope 1000 is mastered by the rope manufacturers, it therefore suffices to adapt braiding the rope to form the desired pattern (s).

In the case where the reader 104 is a radio-identification marker reader, this makes it easier to detect the marker belonging to the string 1000 since this marker can identify with the reader 104 when it is read. Thus, the marker 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004 (also called radio-identification marker) can be a radio-identification component comprising an electronic chip and an antenna associated with said electronic chip to receive and respond to a radiofrequency request sent by the reader 104. The reader 104 then comprises a component for transmitting and receiving a radiofrequency signal. Such a radio-identification component is also commonly called radio tag, or RFID tag (RFID corresponding in English to "radio frequency identification"), or even transponder. This embodiment has the following advantages: the marker can be integrated into the rope 1000, and therefore be protected from external aggressions by a sheath of the rope 1000: it cannot be erased during the friction of the rope 1000 for example in contact with 'a wall of a climbing route; the marker is remotely supplied by the reader 104 when the marker passes near the reader 104 so that, when the marker is remotely supplied by the reader 104, this marker emits a radio frequency signal which is received by the reader 104; the marker can include one or more data written in a memory which it contains, and the marker can transmit to reader 104 the data or data via the signal emitted by this marker. For example, each radio-identification marker can be integrated into the rope 1000 either using a support wire caught in the rope 1000, or by gluing for example in an internal part of a sheath of the rope 1000 or still directly in a core of the rope 1000, surrounded by a sheath, by equipping one of the strands of the core with this marker. The bonding is in particular carried out with an elastic adhesive to accompany the elongation of the rope 100. For example, the marker may include information as to its positioning (in particular near the end of the rope, or in the middle of the rope), and possibly an information identifying the rope 1000. The radio-identification component can be at high frequency or at ultra-high frequency. The ultra-high frequency makes it possible to reduce the size of the antennas on the side of the reader and of the marker, this being advantageous for integration into a belay device 100 for which it is sought to minimize the weight and the bulk.

Preferably, the reading of the radio-identification marker by the reader 104 can be done when the distance between the reader and the marker is between 0.5 cm and 2 cm so that this reading is done only when the marker goes to the through the belay device 100.

In order to verify the first condition, the electronic device 101 is preferably configured to detect the middle of the rope 1000 in particular at the level of the belay device, and more particularly to detect the passage of the middle of the rope 1000 in the device. belay 100, when the string marker 1000 read by the reader 104 is a middle string marker 1001: it results from this detection that the first condition is verified by the electronic device 101. The marker 1001 in the middle of the rope is arranged in the middle of the rope 1000. The electronic device 101 can then include a detector in the middle of the rope comprising the reader 104 and the processing system verifying the first condition when the marker read is the 1001 middle of the rope marker. Here the marker 1001 in the middle of the rope may be a particular pattern recognized by the electronic device 101, or a radio-identification marker transmitting to the reader 104 the information according to which it is located in the middle of the rope when it is remotely powered. by the reader 104. The mid-string radio-identification marker can therefore include data to be transmitted to the reader 104 which is specific to it, thus allowing the electronic device 101 to identify it as mid-string marker. In other words, the electronic device 101 can be configured to verify the first condition when the marker of the string 1000 read by the reader 104 is a marker 1001 of the middle of the string. For example, the electronic device 100 may include the software code suitable for determining that the data acquired by the reader 104 is a data sent by the radio-identification marker 1001 placed in the middle of the rope, or that the acquired data is an image (acquired by the optical reader) having a pattern referenced as placed in the middle of the rope 1000.

In general, the verification of the first condition makes it possible to avoid the accident related to the third cause of accident, for example by drawing the insurer's attention to a situation of too short rope length, in particular thanks to the dissemination of an alert via the alert diffuser 102 when the security device is activated.

In order to verify the second condition, the electronic device 101 is preferably configured to detect the proximity of the end of the rope 1000 relative to the belay device 100 when the marker of the rope 1000 read by the reader 104 is a marker 1003, 1004 at the end of the rope (also called the end of rope marker) arranged at a predetermined distance from a longitudinal end of the rope 1000 (in particular according to the length of the rope): it results from this detection that the second condition is verified by the electronic device 101. The electronic device 101 can then include a rope end detector, also called end of rope proximity detector, comprising the reader 104 and the processing system verifying the second condition when the marker read is the 1003, 1004 end of rope marker. Here the marker 1003, 1004 at the end of the rope may be a particular pattern recognized by the electronic device 101, or a radio-identification marker transmitting to the reader 104 the information according to which it is located near the end of the rope (according to the predetermined distance from at the corresponding longitudinal end and in particular along the length of the cord) when it is remotely supplied by the reader 104. The radio-end tag of the end of the cord may therefore include data to be transmitted to the reader 104 which is clean, thus allowing the electronic device 101 to identify it as a marker 1003, 1004 at the end of the rope. Preferably, in order to allow proximity detection of an end of the rope sufficiently upstream to avoid the passage of the corresponding end of the rope 1000 through the belay device 100, the predetermined distance separating the marker 1003, 1004 of the end of the rope of the corresponding longitudinal end, in particular along the length of the rope 1000, is between 2 m and 5 m (preferably equal to 2 m). In other words, the electronic device 101 can be configured to verify the second condition when the marker read by the reader 104 is a marker 1003, 1004 ( figure 5 ) end of rope. For example, the electronic device 101 may include the software code suitable for detecting that the data acquired by the reader 104 is a data sent by the marker 1003, 1004 for radio-identification at the end of the rope, or that the data acquired by the reader 104 is an image (acquired by the optical reader) having a pattern referenced as being a rope end pattern. The software code can then cause the alert to be broadcast, via the alert diffuser 102, when the second condition is satisfied.

In general, verification of the second condition makes it possible to avoid the accident related to the second cause of accident, for example by drawing the insurer's attention to a potential situation of arrival at the end of the rope at level of the belay device 100, in particular thanks to the diffusion of an alert via the alert diffuser 102 when the security device is activated. If necessary, depending on the direction of travel of the rope 1000, the end of the rope 1000 whose proximity is detected can move away from the belay device 100 and does not necessarily present a risk but it is better to detect it in order to notify in particular the insurer or the self-insured person who may, if necessary, take the necessary security measures.

The predetermined traveling speed threshold is in particular representative of an uncontrolled fall of the load 2000, it can, for example, correspond to, or be representative of, the speed of the load 2000 in free fall.

In order to verify the third condition, the electronic device 101 can be configured to determine the running speed of the rope 1000 when at least two markers 1001, 1002 belonging to the rope 1000 are read by the reader 104, said two markers 1001, 1002 being separated by a predetermined separation distance according to the length of the rope 1000. Furthermore, the electronic device 101 is then also configured to compare the running speed determined with respect to the predetermined speed threshold from which it follows that the third condition is verified by the electronic device 101 when the result of the comparison indicates that the determined scrolling speed is greater than or equal to the predetermined speed threshold. In order to implement this, the rope 1000 may include markers staggered according to a step also called markers pitch (equal to the predetermined separation distance of the two markers) along the rope, and the electronic device 101 comprises a calculator the running speed of the rope 1000 in the belay device 100 and a comparator of this running speed with respect to the predetermined speed threshold. In other words, the electronic device 101 can be configured to check the third condition when at least two markers 1001, 1002 belonging to the string 1000, and preferably consecutive (that is to say adjacent), are read by the reader. 104, these two markers being separated according to the step described above.

In this sense, to allow the third condition to be verified, the rope 1000 (illustrated by way of example figure 5 ) can be equipped with markers 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004 staggered according to the length of the rope 1000 and according to the pitch, in this case the reader 104 performs a reading of a marker 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004 each time that 'a marker 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004 passes through the belay device 100. By measuring the time between two readings of markers 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004 consecutive, while knowing the separation distance (the step) between the 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004 consecutive markers, the electronic device 101 can deduce therefrom the running speed of the rope 1000. For example, the electronic device 101 can include the software code suitable for calculating this running speed using a counter time measuring the time elapsed between the consecutive detection of two separate markers according to the pitch, the software code then also being adapted to carry out the comparison between the predetermined speed threshold and the calculated scrolling speed and to verify the third condition. The step can be known because it is normalized, or read from a radio-identification marker which stores its value, or even measured using a roller 105 ( figures 1 , 3 and 4 ) of measurement integrated into the belay device 100 and rotated by the rope 1000 when it travels through the belay device 100. The measurement roller 105 can then be used to measure the distance between two markers, and the electronic device 101 can correlate this measured distance with the time between the detection of the two consecutive markers to determine the speed of the rope.

The verification of the third condition makes it possible to detect that the load 2000 is in fall, in particular in free fall, and makes it possible to activate the safety device preferably to stop the running of the rope 1000 using the member 103 blocking before the load 2000 reaches the ground.

The figure 5 illustrates parts of the rope 1000 comprising markers 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, in particular staggered according to the pitch.

The markers 1003, 1004 are end of rope markers, they are respectively placed on the side of the opposite longitudinal ends of the rope 1000, in particular each at a distance of between 2 m and 5 m, and in particular equal to 2 m, from the longitudinal end with which it is associated.

Marker 1001 is a mid-rope marker.

Consequently, the rope 1000 may include a plurality of markers arranged at regular intervals according to the length of the rope. In particular, for N markers, with N greater than or equal to 3, the string 1000 comprises N-1 pairs of consecutive markers. The markers 1003, 1004 at the end of the rope and the marker 1001 in the middle of the rope, although they can be used to calculate the running speed of the rope, can be different so that the electronic device 100 can identify them in relation to the other markers can for example also be used to calculate the scrolling speed.

Preferably, the pitch is between 20 cm and 80 cm. Thus, when the electronic device 101 is configured to determine the running speed of the rope 1000 using the markers, for any pair of adjacent markers of the rope 1000, the markers of this couple are separated by a distance equal to the step. This separation distance is in particular strictly greater than the length of rope to be generally passed through the belay device 100 to tension the rope between the climber and the belay device in order to secure the climber, or to the length of loosening of the rope to facilitate climbing of the climber, so that these tensioning or loosening lengths are not considered as a running of the rope representative of a fall of the climber.

Alternatively or in combination with determining the speed using the markers, the belay device 100, and more particularly the electronic device 101, may include the measuring roller 105 ( figures 1 , 3 and 4 ) says "measuring the speed of the rope." This measurement roller 105 being arranged so as to be driven in rotation by the rope 1000 when the said rope 1000 travels in the belay device 100. The electronic device 101 can then compare the speed measured from the roller 105 at the threshold of predetermined speed for, if necessary, checking the third condition. If necessary, the roller 105 avoids having a rope equipped with a plurality of markers staggered according to the pitch. Indeed, electronic device 101 can verify the third condition for any type of rope which passes through it and drives the roller 105 in rotation when belaying the load 2000.

For example, to determine the running speed of the rope 1000 in the belay device 100 using the measuring roller 105, the electronic device 101 can calculate the running speed from the number of revolutions per minute of the roller 105 when the length of the circumference of the roller 105 is known and the roller 105 is rotated by the rope 1000 at its circumference. The presence of the roller 105 can be combined with the presence of the reader 104 in order to have a multi-purpose belay device 100, and / or capable of ensuring a doubling of safety by doubling the means making it possible to monitor the completion of the third condition.

The invention also relates to a rope 1000 for belay device 100, in particular for the belay device 100 as described, this rope comprising at least one radio-identification marker chosen from: a marker 1001 in the middle of the rope arranged in the middle of the rope 1000, a marker 1003, 1004 at the end of the rope arranged at a predetermined distance (for example between 2 m and 5 m, and preferably equal to 2 m) from a corresponding end of the rope 1000, and a marker for storing an indicator of use of the rope 1000, the usefulness of which will be described below and which may be the same as that used as a marker 1001 for the middle of the rope or as as marker 1003, 1004 at the end of the rope. For example, the indicator of use of the rope 1000 is a number of days of use of the rope 1000 per unit of time. Such a rope 1000 has the advantage of allowing the safety of the load to be improved 2000. Preferably, the rope 1000 comprises the marker 1001 in the middle of the rope, two markers 1003, 1004 at the end of the rope opposite according to the length of the rope. the rope, and in particular other markers so that all the markers are arranged at regular intervals, in particular according to the pitch for example in order to determine the running speed of the rope 1000.

According to an embodiment different from that of the radio-identification markers, the rope 1000 for belay device 100 may include at least one pattern 1003, 1004 of the end of the rope arranged at a predetermined distance (for example between 2 m and 5 m , and preferably equal to 2 m) of a corresponding end of the rope 1000, and a pattern 1001 of middle of rope 1000 arranged in the middle of rope 1000. Here, the rope 1000 can comprise two patterns of end of rope arranged each at a predetermined distance (for example between 2 m and 5 m, and preferably equal to 2 m) from a corresponding end of the rope 1000. The pattern 1001 in the middle of the rope is different from the end pattern 1003, 1004 of rope, and said end of rope and middle of rope patterns are arranged on the surface of the rope 1000. The rope 1000 can of course include other patterns so that all the patterns are arranged at regular intervals, in particular according to the not for example in order to determine the speed of travel of the rope 1000. An advantage of such a rope 1000 is that it is simple to manufacture.

In the context of monitoring the achievement of the fourth condition to avoid an accident related to the fourth cause, the electronic device 101 can be configured to determine an indicator of use of the rope 1000 (also called information representative of the history the use of the cord), the need to change the cord being dependent on this indicator of use.

Preferably, the fulfillment of the fourth condition can be detected by reading, by the reader 104, an identification marker of the rope 1000, for example via a particular pattern or by an identification datum. issued by a radio-identification marker of the rope 1000. For example, to determine the indicator of use of the rope 1000, the electronic device 101 may include the software code suitable for determining the indicator of use of the rope, in particular with a view to evaluating the integrity of the rope 1000. This software code is particularly suitable for recording a number of uses of the rope 1000 per unit of time as an indicator of use. More particularly, the usage indicator is a number of days of use of the rope 1000 per unit of time, in particular per year.

For example, the electronic device 101, and where appropriate its software code, is configured to, for example, identify the string 1000 (for example from reading the marker 1001) and to establish the usage indicator giving the number of days of use of the rope 1000, in particular identified, per year. This usage indicator can be stored in the belay device 100, or even directly in a memory of a rope marker 1000 when it is a radio-identification marker, in order to be updated in particular with each new day of use of the rope 1000. The advantage of storing the indicator of use in a marker of the rope 1000 is to allow its update without having to use the same belay device, this which can for example happen when the rope 1000 is loaned, in which case the identification of the rope 1000 may not be necessary. The belay device 100 is notably configured to update the usage indicator, for example by recording each new day of use of the identified rope. Thus, where appropriate the reader 104 can also write data in one or more markers of the rope 1000. Furthermore, the software code can also evaluate the integrity of the rope 1000 as a function of the number of days of use of the 1000 rope per year and depending on the number of years of use of the 1000 rope. This number of years of use can be known because the date of first use of the 1000 rope can be stored in the belay device 100, or better in the memory of the radio-identification marker of the string 1000 in particular that storing also the usage indicator: this allows the reading of the number of years of use by the reader 104 in order to determine whether a change of rope is required. For example, it can be established that the maximum duration of use of a rope is 5 years for occasional use of 20 days per year, 3 years for normal use of 60 days per year, and less than one year for heavy use 150 days a year. As long as the effective duration of use of the rope (i.e. the number of years of use in the example) is less than or equal to its maximum duration of use depending on the indicator use, the rope 100 is considered to be usable without risks, beyond the fourth condition is verified by the electronic device 101: the rope must be changed because it is damaged, that is to say it presents the risk of loss of properties of the rope 1000 in reducing the energy transmitted to the load ensured when stopping the fall when the rope 1000 is a dynamic rope. Of course, the maximum duration of use of the rope 1000 can be adapted according to the type of rope, or the evolution of safety standards.

It has been described above a warning broadcast in case of verification of one of the first, second and fourth conditions to avoid an accident. For this, the security device can include the alert diffuser 102 to broadcast the alert when the verified condition is the first condition, or the second condition, or the fourth condition, or in other words when the verified condition is one any of the first, second and fourth conditions. Thus, the activation of the security device during the verification of any of the first, second and fourth conditions causes the alert to be broadcast by the alert broadcaster 102 so that it is perceived by the person who insures, or the person who self-insures. The alert broadcast can be audible or visual. This alert diffuser 102 may include a loudspeaker and / or an audible warning device (for example a “buzzer” in English), and / or a vibrator, and / or a light-emitting diode: these components have the advantage of '' be easily integrated into the belay device while having satisfactory ergonomics.

In case of verification of the third condition, the possibility has been raised of blocking the scrolling of the rope, preferably in an automated manner. Indeed, the third condition is generally verified when the load is in free fall, and it becomes impossible for the insurer to stop the fall by blocking the rope in his hands without burning his hands. In this sense, the blocking member 103 is configured to block the rope 1000 when the condition verified is the running speed of the rope 1000 greater than or equal to the predetermined speed threshold. In other words, the activation of the safety device when the third condition is verified causes the rope 1000 to be blocked by the blocking member 203. The The rope 1000 is blocked in particular with respect to the belay device 100 in the sense that it is the travel of the rope 1000 in the belay device 100 which is blocked by the blocking member 203.

This blocking member 103 has the advantage of stopping a fall in the load 2000 connected to the rope 1000 in particular when it is combined with a member for measuring the running speed of the rope 1000 in the belay device 100 (by example the measuring roller 105 and / or the reader 104). Consequently, the electronic device 101 is configured to actuate the blocking member 103 so as to cause the blocking of the rope 1000 when the running speed measured by the measuring member is greater than or equal to the predetermined running speed threshold. .

The blocking member 103 can be a cam whose displacement is caused by the actuation of a member 106 ( figures 3 and 4 ) can be in the form of an axis whose pivoting is controlled by the electronic device 101. The displacement of the cam can be achieved by an actuator of the servomotor type. The figure 3 illustrates the cam in a position authorizing the running of the rope 1000 in the belay device 100, and the figure 4 illustrates the cam in a pinch position of the rope 1000. The variation between the position allowing the scrolling and the pinch position can be implemented by pivoting the cam driven by the pivoting of the axis 106. The passage of the position allowing movement to the pinch position causes a transformation of the movement of the rope 1000 in the belay device until it is blocked in particular by pinching between the cam and an internal wall 107 of a rigid body 108 of the device insurance 100 ( figure 4 ). Of course, the belay device 100 may include the means necessary, for example manual, for unlocking the rope when it is blocked by the blocking member 103.

As illustrated by way of example in figures 1 to 4 , the belay device 100 may comprise the rigid body 108 provided with a through hole 109 (also called through hole) connecting a first side 110 of the rigid body 108 to a second side 111 of the rigid body 108. The belay device 100 comprises a movable member 112 comprising the electronic device 101.

• une première position (figure 1), par rapport au corps rigide 108, autorisant l'insertion d'une partie coudée 1005 de la corde 1000 dans le trou traversant 109 (la partie coudée 1005 est visible en figures 2 à 4),
• une deuxième position (figures 2 à 4), par rapport au corps rigide 108, dans laquelle ledit organe mobile 112 est verrouillé au corps rigide 108 (par exemple à l'aide d'un crochet de l'organe mobile 112 venant s'accrocher à un ergot du corps rigide 108) pour délimiter, avec le corps rigide 108, un premier passage 113 pour corde 1000 et un deuxième passage 114 pour corde 1000 (figures 2 à 4), les premier et deuxième passages 113, 114 étant agencés de part et d'autre de l'organe mobile 112 positionné dans sa deuxième position.

The movable member 112 is mounted, preferably pivotally, on the rigid body 108 so as to adopt:

• a first position ( figure 1 ), relative to the rigid body 108, authorizing the insertion of a bent part 1005 of the rope 1000 in the through hole 109 (the bent part 1005 is visible in figures 2 to 4 ),
• a second position ( figures 2 to 4 ), relative to the rigid body 108, in which said movable member 112 is locked to the rigid body 108 (for example using a hook of the movable member 112 which hooks onto a lug of the rigid body 108) to delimit, with the rigid body 108, a first passage 113 for rope 1000 and a second passage 114 for rope 1000 ( figures 2 to 4 ), the first and second passages 113, 114 being arranged on either side of the movable member 112 positioned in its second position.

The movable member 112 may be a cover assembled to the rigid body via a hinge and coming to close on the rope 1000 in its second position.

Such an arrangement of the elements making up the belay device 100 has the advantage of placing the electronic device 101 as close as possible to the rope 1000 while avoiding increasing the size of the belay device 100. Furthermore, this arrangement also allows, within the framework of the radio identification reader 104, to place the reader 104 at a distance suitable for reading miniaturized markers and integrated into the cord. When the rope 1000 is placed in the belay device 100 to ensure the corresponding load 2000, the bent part 1005 is located on the side of the second side 111 of the rigid body 108, and two portions of the rope 1000 extend from the part angled 1005 so as to pass through the rigid body 108 passing through the opening 109, one of said two portions passing through the first passage 113 and the other of said two portions passing through the second passage 114.

In the example of belay device 100 illustrated in figures 1 to 4 , the rigid body 108 can adopt the general shape of a rigid tubular body, and is also called a barrel. The rigidity of this rigid body 108 is understood by the fact that in the belay application the stresses which it undergoes do not allow its deformation. The rigid body 108 can extend along an axis between an insertion end of the rope 1000 formed by the first side 110 of the rigid body 108 and a rope retaining end formed by the second side 111 of the rigid body 108. preferably, the belay device 100 includes a loop of retainer 115 for a carabiner 116 ( figures 2 to 4 ). This retaining loop 115 is integral with the rigid body 108. This retaining loop 115 is connected to the second side 111 of the rigid body 108, and is shaped to allow the passage of the carabiner 116 also crossed by the rope 1000. The carabiner 116 belongs here to the belay device 100, and in particular makes it possible, in cooperation with the rigid body 108, to control the running of the rope 1000. Thus, the carabiner 116 cooperates with the second side 111 of the rigid body 108 to retain part of the rope the rope 1000 on the side of the second side 111, this part of the rope evolving during the running of the rope 1000. Furthermore, the carabiner 116 and the retaining loop 115 are intended to cooperate to attach the belay device 100 to a harness, or harness, for example worn by the insurer and secured to the carabiner 116. In other words, the carabiner 116 makes it possible to connect the retaining loop 115 to the harness.

The invention also relates to a method of belaying the load 2000 connected to the rope 1000. This method comprises a step E1 of belaying the load 2000 during which the rope 1000 runs in the belay device 100 as previously described. Consequently, the belaying process can include a step E2 of activation of the safety device caused (that is to say, the implementation of which is triggered) by the verification of said at least one of the conditions listed above ( that is to say chosen from the first to fourth conditions). In particular, the associated advantage here is to have electronic assistance making it possible in particular to improve the safety of the belaying of the load 2000. The advantages linked to the belay device 100 are transposed when it is used within the framework of the process belay.

The activation step E2 is notably implemented during the belay step E1. In particular, the belay step E1 may include a step E3 for monitoring the achievement of said at least one of the conditions, this step E3 for monitoring being implemented by the electronic device 101. Furthermore, step E3 monitoring includes a step of verifying said at least one of the conditions in particular implemented each time said at least one of the conditions is fulfilled. The verification step triggers the implementation of the activation step E2.

The belay process, in particular step E3, can be such that it includes a step E3-1-1 of determining the running speed of the rope 1000 in the belay device 100 and a step E3-1-2 for comparing the running speed determined with respect to the predetermined speed threshold, this making it possible to monitor the achievement of the third condition in particular by iterating a cycle of steps comprising steps E3-1-1 and E3-1-2. Furthermore, the activation step E2 comprises a step E2-1 of mechanical blocking of the rope 1000 by the security device, in particular by the blocking member 103, when it results from step E3-1- 2 for comparison that the running speed is greater than the predetermined speed threshold. Step E2-1 makes it possible in particular to block the rope 1000, in particular its running, relative to the belay device 100. In other words, the belay process can be such that the comparison step E3-1-2 establishes that the running speed of the rope 1000 is greater than or equal to the predetermined speed threshold, which results in the implementation of the verification step (here of the third condition) triggering the activation step E2 for block the rope 1000 (step E2-1) in order to stop its running relative to the belay device 100. Here, the advantage is notably to limit the risk linked to a fall on the ground of the load thanks to the blocking of the rope 1000.

Step E3-1-1 for determining the speed of travel of the rope 1000 can be carried out by the electronic device 101 in the manner described above. Thus, step E3-1-1 for determining the speed of travel of the rope may include a step of detection, in particular by the reader 104, of two consecutive markers 1001, 1002 of the rope 1000 separated by a predetermined distance in particular according to the length of the rope 1000, then a step of calculating this running speed of the rope 1000 taking into account the predetermined distance of separation of the two markers 1001, 1002 and the time between the detection of one of the two markers and detecting the other of the two markers. Alternatively or in combination with the use of two consecutive markers, step E3-1-1 for determining the running speed of the rope 1000 can be implemented by the measuring roller 105 driven in rotation by the rope 1000 taking into account the number of revolutions per time unit (for example per minute) of the roller as well as the length of the circumference of the measurement roller 105, the measurement roller 105 being driven in rotation by the rope 1000 at its circumference.

The step E2 of activating the security device may include a step E2-2 of broadcasting an alert by the security device when the verified condition is the detection of the middle of the rope 1000 (more particularly when the verified condition is the passage of the middle of the rope 1000 in the belay device 100), or the detection of the proximity of the end of the rope 1000, or the need to change the rope 1000. In other words, the belay process can be such that the verification of one of the first, second and fourth conditions triggers the implementation of step E2-2 of broadcasting the alert. This makes it possible to draw the attention of a person, in particular the insurer, to a risky situation so that he takes the necessary measures to ensure the security of the 2000 load. differentiate the verified condition for example by ear (different sounds) or visually (different light emitting diode color). For example, the alert broadcast may be the same for the first and second conditions (significant risk of falling) and different for the fourth condition (different risk linked to the characteristics of the rope 1000).

When the rope 1000 comprises the marker 1001 in the middle of the rope, the belaying method, in particular step E3, may include a step E3-2 of detecting the marker in the middle of the rope optically or by radio-identification, d 'where it follows that the condition of detection of the middle of the rope 1000, and more particularly that the condition of the passage of the middle of the rope 1000 in the belay device, is verified, that is to say that the verification step of the first condition is implemented. In particular, step E3-2 of detecting the mid-rope marker 1001 is implemented during the passage of the mid-rope marker 1001 through the belay device 100, and triggers the implementation of the step E2 activation. The detection of the mid-rope marker enables the detection of a potential danger: the risk of not being able to lower the load 2000 to the level of the belay device 100 without causing it to fall.

For example, step E3-2 of detecting the mid-string marker 1001 may include a step of acquiring data by reading the mid-string marker 1001 performed by the reader 104, and a step of processing the data acquired by the electronic device 101 causing the detection of the marker 1001 in the middle of the rope, this acquired data being for example a image of the rope 1000 showing a pattern corresponding to that placed in the middle of the rope, or an identification datum emitted by the marker 1001 in the middle of the rope formed by a radio-identification marker in the middle of the rope.

When the rope 1000 includes a rope end marker 1003, 1004 (also called the end of rope proximity marker) in particular arranged at a predetermined distance (for example between 2 m and 5 m, and preferably equal to 2 m ) a longitudinal end of the rope, in particular along the length of the rope 1000, the belaying process, in particular step E3, may include a step E3-3 of detecting the marker at the end of the rope, in particular optically or by radio-identification, from which it follows that the condition for detecting the proximity of the end of the rope 1000 is verified, that is to say that the step for verifying the second condition is implemented. In particular, the step of detecting the marker 1003, 1004 at the end of the rope is implemented when the marker 1003, 1004 at the end of the rope passes through the belay device 100, and triggers the implementation of the activation step E2. This tends to avoid a fall caused by the passage of the end of the rope 1000 through the belay device 100.

For example, step E3-3 of detecting the marker 1003, 1004 at the end of the rope may include a step of acquiring data by reading the marker 1003, 1004 at the end of the rope carried out by the reader 104, and a step of processing the data acquired by the electronic device 101 causing the detection of the marker 1003, 1004 at the end of the rope (and therefore the detection of the proximity of the end of the rope 1000), this acquired data being for example an image of the rope 1000 showing a pattern corresponding to that placed near the end of the rope, or identification data sent by the end of rope marker 1003, 1004 formed by a end of rope radio-identification marker.

It is understood from what has been described above that each of the steps E3-1-1, E3-1-2, E3-2, E3-3 can be implemented by the electronic device 101, and in particular at helps its software code.

Concerning the condition according to which the rope must be changed, that is to say the condition relating to the need to change the rope 1000, the belaying process, and in particular step E3, can include: a step E3-4 -1 for determining the usage indicator for the rope 1000; a step E3-4-2 of determination of the state of the rope 1000 using the determined usage indicator, the state of the rope 1000 being chosen from a first state for which the rope is considered to be intact (i.e. reliable in the context of its use) a second state for which the rope is considered to be altered. The condition of needing to change the string is checked when the determined state is the second state. In other words, the determination step E3-4-2 can determine the second state and trigger the implementation of the activation step E2, this has the advantage of avoiding using a dangerous rope. Step E3-4-1 can be implemented for each new day during which the rope 1000 is used, from which an update of the usage indicator results. Step E3-4-1 can therefore use the usage indicator previously determined to update it before determining the state of the rope. Preferably, in the first state, it is considered that the effective duration of use of the rope is less than or equal to its maximum duration of use: the rope is considered to be usable without risks. Preferably, in the second state it is considered that the effective duration of use of the rope is strictly greater than its maximum duration of use: the rope must be changed because there is a risk of breakage and / or loss of property dynamics of the latter. The step E3-4-2 for determining the state of the rope 1000 can use the determined usage indicator (for example a number of days of use per year) to determine the maximum duration of use of the rope. This maximum duration is then compared with the duration of effective use of the rope 1000 to determine the condition of the rope according to the criteria described above.

A particular example of a belay device has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the type of belay device described and can be applied to other belay devices.

In the present description, everything that applies to the belay device can apply to the belay process 100, and vice versa.

To ensure its autonomy, the electronic device 101 may include an energy source such as a battery supplying for example the reader 104, the processing system and the security device.

The present invention notably has an industrial application because its object can be manufactured, and in particular can be used in the field of climbing or more generally in any type of area requiring a height load.

Claims (15)

Belay device (100) for controlling the running of a rope (1000), the belay device (100) making it possible to secure a person, characterized in that it includes a safety device (102, 103) and an electronic device (101), the electronic device (101) being configured to: • check at least one of the following conditions: ∘ a detection of the middle of the rope (1000), ∘ a detection of the proximity of one end of the rope (1000) relative to the belay device (100), ∘ a running speed of the rope (1000), relative to the belay device (100), greater than or equal to a predetermined speed threshold, ∘ a need to change the string (1000), • activate the safety device (102, 103) when said at least one of the conditions is verified, and in that the electronic device (101) comprises a reader (104) of at least one marker (1001, 1002, 1003, 1004) belonging to the rope (1000). Belay device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the safety device comprises a blocking member (103) configured to block the rope (1000) when the condition verified is the running speed of the rope (1000 ) greater than or equal to the predetermined speed threshold. Belay device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the security device comprises a warning diffuser (102) for diffusing an alert when the condition verified is the detection of the middle of the rope (1000), or the detection of the proximity of the end of the rope (1000), or the need to change the rope (1000). Belay device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reader (104) is an optical reader, or in that the reader (104) is a reader of radio-identification marker. Belay device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic device (101) is configured to detect: The middle of the rope (1000) when the marker of the rope (1000) read by the reader (104) is a marker (1001) of the middle of the rope, and / or • the proximity of the end of the rope (1000) when the marker of the rope (1000) read by the reader (104) is a marker (1003, 1004) of the end of the rope arranged at a predetermined distance from a longitudinal end of the rope (1000). Belay device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic device (101) is configured to: • determining the running speed of the rope (1000) when at least two markers (1001, 1002) belonging to the rope (1000) are read by the reader (104), said two markers (1001, 1002) being separated from '' a predetermined separation distance according to the length of the rope (1000), • compare the determined scrolling speed with the predetermined speed threshold. Belay device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the electronic device (101) comprises a roller (105) for measuring the running speed of the rope (1000) arranged so to be rotated by the rope (1000) when the said rope (1000) runs in the belay device (100). Belay device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic device (101) is configured to determine an indicator of use of the rope (1000), the need to change the rope being dependent of this usage indicator. Method of belaying a load (2000) connected to a rope (1000), the load (2000) being a person, characterized in that it comprises: • a step (E1) for belaying the load (2000) during which the rope (1000) runs in a belay device (100) to control the running of the rope (1000), said belay device (100) comprising a security device and an electronic device (101), the electronic device (101) comprising a reader (104) of at least one marker (1001, 1002, 1003, 1004) belonging to the rope (1000) , the electronic device (101) being configured to check at least one of the following conditions: ∘ a detection of the middle of the rope (1000), ∘ a detection of the proximity of one end of the rope (1000) relative to the belay device (100), ∘ a running speed of the rope (1000), relative to the belay device (100), greater than or equal to a predetermined speed threshold, ∘ a need to change the string, • a step (E2) of activation of the security device caused by the verification of said at least one of the conditions. Belaying method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises: A step (E3-1-1) of determining the running speed of the rope (1000) in the belay device (100), A step (E3-1-2) of comparing the determined running speed with respect to the predetermined speed threshold, and in that the activation step (E2) comprises a step (E2-1) of mechanical blocking of the rope (1000) by the security device when it results from step (E3-1-2) comparison that the running speed is greater than or equal to the predetermined speed threshold. Belaying method according to any one of claims 9 to 10, characterized in that the rope (1000) comprises a marker (1001) in the middle of the rope, and in that it comprises a step (E3-2) of detection of the middle of the rope marker optically or by radio-identification, from which it follows that the condition of detection of the middle of the rope (1000) is verified. Belaying method according to any one of Claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the rope (1000) comprises a marker (1003, 1004) at the end of the rope, and in that it comprises a step (E3-3 ) of detecting the marker (1003, 1004) at the end of the rope, in particular optically or by radio-identification, from which it follows that the condition for detecting the proximity of the end of the rope (1000) is verified. Belay method according to any one of Claims 9 to 12, characterized in that it comprises: • a step (E3-4-1) of determining an indicator of use of the rope (1000), • a step (E3-4-2) of determining the state of the rope (1000) using the determined usage indicator, the state of the rope being chosen from a first state for which the rope (1000 ) is considered to be intact and a second state for which the cord (1000) is considered to be damaged, and in that the condition of needing to change the string is verified when the determined state is the second state. Rope (1000) for a belay device (100), characterized in that it comprises at least one radio-identification marker chosen from: a marker (1001) in the middle of the rope arranged in the middle of the rope (1000), a marker (1003, 1004) at the end of the rope arranged at a predetermined distance from a corresponding end of the rope (1000), and a marker for storing an indicator of use of the rope (1000), the indicator of use of the rope (1000) being a number of days of use of the rope (1000) per unit of time. Rope (1000) for a belay device (100), characterized in that it comprises at least one pattern (1003, 1004) at the end of the rope arranged at a predetermined distance from a corresponding end of the rope (1000) and a pattern (1001) in the middle of the rope arranged in the middle of the rope (1000), the pattern (1001) in the middle of the rope (1000) being different from the pattern (1003, 1004) at the end of the rope, and said end patterns of rope and middle of rope being arranged on the surface of the rope (1000).

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