Autonomous clutch electric capstan

Abstract

The invention provides an electric capstan capable of achieving automatic separation and reunion. Automatic separation and reunion of a roller can be achieved. By installing the contact clutch in the transmission unit of the electric capstan, the engagement and disengagement of the roller and the actuating device at the position of the contact clutch are autonomously realized, so that the rope releasing speed can be autonomously controlled by a user when part of needs are needed, and when the roller needs to be engaged, the roller can be immediately engaged through the work of the motor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of transmission or traction devices, and particularly to an electric winch with an autonomous clutch. Background Art

[0002] An electric winch provides power through a motor, and achieves a sufficient deceleration and torque increase effect with a large transmission ratio to lift or pull heavy objects. However, due to the large transmission ratio, the winch releases the rope at a slow speed when releasing the rope, resulting in low work efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of the present invention is to at least partially overcome the defects of the prior art, and provide an electric winch that can freely release the rope while meeting the working requirements. When actively pulling the rope to release, the drum is separated from the actuating device, and the rope release speed is autonomously controlled. When winding the rope, the drum is reliably engaged, effectively improving the work efficiency.

[0004] To achieve the above purpose or one of the purposes, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows: An electric winch with an autonomous clutch, characterized in that: the electric winch includes a speed change unit, a power transmission unit, and a contact clutch; the speed change unit includes a speed change input element and a speed change output element; the power transmission unit includes a power input member and a power output member; the contact clutch is arranged in the power transmission unit and connects the power input member and the power output member of the power transmission unit; the contact clutch is configured to be able to separate the power output member from the power input member, and when the power input member rotates actively, the power output member can be combined with the power input member; the power transmission unit includes the connection between the actuating element and the speed change input element of the speed change unit, the connection between the speed change output element of the speed change unit and the speed change input element of the next-level speed change unit, and the connection between the speed change output element of the speed change unit and the drum of the winch.

[0005] Specifically, the power transmission unit refers to the connection of power elements in the winch except the speed change unit, including the connection between the actuating member and the speed change input element of the first-level speed change unit, the connection between the speed change output element of the first-level speed change unit and the speed change input element of the second-level speed change unit, the connection between the speed change output element of the second-level speed change unit and the speed change input element of the third-level speed change unit, etc., that is, the connection between the speed change output element of the upper-level speed change unit and the speed change input element of the lower-level speed change unit, and the connection between the speed change output element of the last-level speed change unit and the drum.

[0006] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it further includes a fixing member; the contact clutch includes a control bracket and a locking block; the control bracket is frictionally connected to the fixing member, and the locking block includes a proximal center end and a distal center end; there is a groove on the control bracket, and the distal center end of the locking block passes through the groove and can rotate around the proximal center end of the locking block; the locking block is configured to be able to contact both the power input member and the power output member simultaneously when rotated to the first position, and the contact clutch is engaged, and not to contact the power output member or the power input member when rotated to the second position, and the contact clutch is disengaged.

[0007] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the speed change unit is a planetary gear mechanism, including a sun gear, a ring gear, and a planet carrier; the speed change input element is the sun gear, and the speed change output element is the planet carrier or the ring gear.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the contact clutch includes a locking block and a return spring; the return spring biases the locking block to move inwardly into the power input element; the locking block is configured to be able to contact both the power input member and the power output member simultaneously when in the outer position, and the contact clutch is engaged, and not to contact the power output member or the power input member when in the inner position, and the contact clutch is disengaged.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fixing member includes the housing of the winch fixedly installed, and parts directly or indirectly fixedly connected to the housing.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the contact surface of the locking block with the power input element includes an inclined surface A and a curved surface B, and the included angle between the connecting line of the two end points of the arc of the outer circular surface of the locking block and the inclined surface A is an obtuse angle; the curved surface of the curved surface B is one of a plane, a spherical surface, a cylindrical surface, a parabolic surface, a hyperbolic surface or a combination of the above surfaces.

[0011] The winch of the present invention has the following advantages: Free rope release or controlled rope release can be switched as needed: When rapid rope release is required, the contact clutch is disengaged, and the drum can rotate freely, and the user can freely control the rope release speed. When controlled rope release is required, the contact clutch is engaged to achieve controlled rope release under load. When the actuating device works to wind the rope, the contact clutch automatically engages, and the winch works normally to wind the rope. Description of the Drawings

[0012] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the self - disengaging electric winch of the present invention; Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the structural installation of the contact clutch in the first embodiment; Figure 3 Axial schematic diagram of the contact clutch separation in Embodiment 1; Figure 4 Axial schematic diagram of the contact clutch engagement in Embodiment 1; Figure 5 Schematic diagram of Embodiment 2 of the contact clutch; Figure 6 Schematic diagram of Embodiment 3 of the contact clutch; Figure 7 Schematic diagram of another embodiment of the locking block in the contact clutch. Detailed implementation manners

[0013] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, where the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar elements. Additionally, in the following detailed description, for the purpose of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein. However, it is obvious that one or more embodiments can be implemented without these specific details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices are illustrated in a schematic manner to simplify the drawings.

[0014] Figures 1-4 Embodiment 1 of an autonomous clutch electric winch applying the present invention. The electric winch includes a motor 700, a transmission and braking assembly 800, a drum assembly 500, an actuator 001 connected to the motor 700 through the transmission and braking assembly 800, a fixedly installed fixing member 400, and a housing 410 fixedly installed with the fixing member 400. The fixing member 400 and the housing 410 contain a gear shifting mechanism and a contact clutch. The gear shifting mechanism includes the following shifting units: a first-stage planetary gear mechanism 100, a second-stage planetary gear mechanism 200, and a third-stage planetary gear mechanism 300. The power transmission unit includes the connection between the actuator 001 and the shifting unit, the connection between the upper-stage shifting unit and the lower-stage shifting unit, and the connection between the shifting unit and the drum assembly 500, etc., and is divided into a power input member and a power output member according to the power transmission direction. In this embodiment, the contact clutch 600 is arranged in the power transmission unit connecting the third-stage planetary gear mechanism 300 and the drum assembly 500. The planet carrier assembly 310 of the third-stage planetary gear mechanism 300 is the shifting output element of the shifting unit and is the power input member in this power transmission unit, and the drum assembly 500 is the power output member in this power transmission unit.

[0015] Figure 2The structure and installation of the contact clutch in the first embodiment are shown. The connection between the planet carrier assembly 310, which is the speed-changing output element of the third-stage planetary gear mechanism 300, and the drum assembly 500 is the power transmission unit. The planet carrier assembly 310 is the power input part, and the outer ring 640 fixedly installed with the drum assembly 500 is the power output part. The inner element 610 of the contact clutch 600 is fixedly installed with the planet carrier assembly 310, the control bracket 620 is frictionally installed with the fixing part 400, and the outer ring 640 is fixedly installed with the drum assembly 500. There is a groove 611 on the inner element 610 that includes partial circular holes. The near center end of the locking block 630 includes a cylindrical surface and is fitted and installed with the partial circular holes of the groove 611. The far center end of the locking block 630 extends out of the outer surface of the inner element 610 and is inserted into the groove of the control bracket 620. The inner surface of the outer ring 640 has a groove that matches the extended end of the locking block 630. The part of the control bracket 620 that includes the groove feature has an outer diameter smaller than the minimum inner diameter of the outer ring 640 and an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the inner element 610. The locking block 630 can rotate around its cylindrical installation end, Figure 3 The second position of the locking block 630 is shown, where its far center end is inserted into the groove of the control bracket 620 and its outer surface does not exceed the outer surface of the control bracket 620. The locking block 630 does not contact the power output part 640, and the contact clutch 600 is disengaged. Figure 4 The first position of the locking block 630 is shown. Compared with the second position, the far center end of the locking block 630 rotates clockwise around its cylindrical near center end and extends out of the groove of the control bracket 620 and is inserted into the groove of the outer ring 640. At this time, the locking block contacts both the power input part 310 and the power output part 640, and the contact clutch 600 is engaged.

[0016] Figure 5 The second embodiment of the contact clutch 600 installed in another power transmission unit is shown. The contact clutch 600 is arranged between the planet carrier 110, which is the speed-changing output element of the first-stage planetary gear mechanism 100, and the sun gear 220, which is the speed-changing input element of the second-stage planetary gear mechanism 200. With the planet carrier 110 as the power input part and the sun gear 220 as the power output part, the control bracket 620 is frictionally installed with the fixing part, and the outer ring 640 is fixedly installed with the sun gear 220. The specific structural principle is basically the same as that of the first embodiment and will not be elaborated here.

[0017] Figure 6Shown is the third embodiment of the contact clutch. The contact clutch 600 is disposed between the planetary carrier assembly 310, which is the speed change output element of the third-stage planetary gear mechanism 300, and the drum assembly 500. The planetary carrier assembly 310 is used as the power input member, and the outer ring 640 fixedly connected to the drum assembly 500 is used as the power output member. The inner element 610 of the contact clutch 600 is fixedly installed with the planetary carrier assembly 310. The inner element 610 has a wedge-shaped groove for installing the locking block 630. The wedge-shaped groove includes an inclined surface 612 and a curved surface 613, which cooperate with the surface A and surface B of the locking block 630 respectively. An annular groove is also provided on the surface of the inner element 610 and the wedge-shaped locking block 630 facing the drum assembly 500 for installing the annular return spring 650. In the third embodiment, the surface B of the locking block 630 is a flat surface, Figure 7 In the shown locking block 630, the surface B is an arc surface.

[0018] The following combines the attached Figures 1-4 Describe the working process of the self-clutching electric winch according to the first embodiment of the present invention: The motor 700 drives the actuator 001 to rotate through the transmission and braking assembly 800. The actuator 001 is in transmission connection with the sun gear 120 in the first-stage planetary gear mechanism 100, driving the sun gear 120 to rotate. After being speed-changed and transmitted through three speed change units, it is output from the planetary carrier 310 of the third-stage planetary gear mechanism 300, and the combination and separation of the drum assembly 500 and the gear mechanism are independently controlled through the contact clutch 600.

[0019] When it is necessary to separate the drum assembly 500, if the locking block 630 is not in the second position, the motor 700 rotates in reverse, driving the inner element 610 to rotate clockwise ( Figure 3 viewing direction), driving the cylindrical mounting end of the locking block 630 to rotate clockwise together. The outer ring 640 is fixedly connected to the drum assembly 500 and remains stationary. Due to the frictional force between the control bracket 620 and the fixing member 400, the control bracket 620 tends to remain stationary, and the far center-end of the locking block 630 inserted into the groove of the control bracket 620 also tends to remain stationary. Therefore, the locking block 630 rotates counterclockwise around its near center-end to the second position. At this time, the far center-end of the locking block 630 is located in the groove of the control bracket 620, and its end face does not protrude beyond the outer surface of the control bracket 630 and is completely not in contact with the outer ring 640. The contact clutch 600 is separated, and the drum 900 can rotate freely without affecting the working state of the contact clutch 600.

[0020] When the drum assembly 500 needs to be combined, the motor 700 rotates forward, driving the inner element 610 and the near-center end of the locking block 630 to rotate counterclockwise together. Since the control bracket 620 tends to remain stationary, the groove of the control bracket 620 causes the far-center end of the locking block 630 to tend to remain stationary. Therefore, the locking block 630 rotates clockwise around its supporting end and opens outward, rotating to the first position. The protruding end of the locking block 630 is inserted into the groove of the outer ring 640. Therefore, the inner element 610 drives the outer ring 640 to rotate together through the locking block 630, that is, the drum assembly 500 is combined with the gear mechanism through the contact clutch 600.

[0021] As can be seen from the above analysis, when the drum needs to be separated, the motor 700 can rotate reversely for a short time; when the electric winch needs to work and take in the rope, the motor 700 rotates forward and the contact clutch 600 is combined to achieve the normal working process. When the electric winch needs to pay out the rope under load, that is, when there is a load on the drum assembly 500 and the motor 700 needs to rotate reversely to pay out the rope, at this time, since the drum assembly 500 always rotates clockwise under the action of the load, even if the motor 700 rotates reversely, due to the load action of the drum assembly 500, the contact clutch 600 can still maintain reliable combination to achieve the working process of paying out the rope under load.

[0022] Figure 5 In the second embodiment shown, the structural principle of the contact clutch 600 is the same as that of the first embodiment, only the installation position is different. Therefore, when the contact clutch 600 is separated or combined, only the separation position between the drum assembly 500 and the motor 700 is different, and the working process, working principle, working effect, etc. are not different, so they will not be elaborated here.

[0023] Figure 6In the third embodiment shown, the contact clutch 600 biases the locking block 630 to move inward through the return spring 650. When the wedge-shaped locking block 630 is at the innermost position, its outer surface does not exceed the outer surface of the inner element 610 and does not contact the outer ring 640, and the contact clutch 600 is disengaged. The mounting feature of the locking block 630 and the inner element 610 is wedge-shaped. The connecting line of the endpoints of the arc-shaped outer surface of the locking block 630, that is, the connecting line EF, forms an obtuse angle with the inclined surface A. When the motor 700 drives the planet carrier 310 to rotate clockwise, the wedge-shaped locking block 630 moves outward under the action of centrifugal force, overcoming the force of the return spring 650, and contacts the outer ring 640. Due to the frictional force generated on the contact surface by the centrifugal force, the wedge-shaped locking block 630 tends to move towards its small end. The combined action of the frictional force on the outer surface and the supporting force on the wedge-shaped groove supporting surface 613 causes the wedge-shaped locking block 630 to be stuck between the inner element 610 and the outer ring 640, and the contact clutch 600 is engaged. When the motor 700 drives the planet carrier 310 to rotate counterclockwise, the frictional force on the outer surface of the wedge-shaped locking block 630 causes it to move towards the large end and contacts the inclined surface 612 of the wedge-shaped groove. The combined action of the frictional force and the supporting force of the inclined surface 612 causes the wedge-shaped locking block 630 to move inward, and the contact clutch 600 is disengaged. When the supporting surface 613 and the B surface of the locking block 630 adopt a curved surface or a combined curved surface, through reasonable structural design, the working performance of the contact clutch 600 can be further optimized.

[0024] In other preferred embodiments of the present invention, the contact clutch 600 is disposed within the remaining power transmission unit.

[0025] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes may be made therein without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention. The scope of application of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An electric winch with autonomous clutch, characterized in that: The electric winch includes a speed change unit, a power transmission unit, and a contact clutch; the speed change unit includes a speed change input element and a speed change output element; the power transmission unit includes a power input part and a power output part; the contact clutch is arranged in the power transmission unit and connects the power input part and the power output part of the power transmission unit; the contact clutch is configured to be able to separate the power output part from the power input part, and when the power input part rotates actively, the power output part can be combined with the power input part; the power transmission unit includes the connection between the speed change output element of the speed change unit and the speed change input element of the next-stage speed change unit and the connection between the speed change output element of the speed change unit and the drum of the winch.

2. The self-clutching electric winch according to claim 1, wherein: It further includes a fixing part; the contact clutch includes a control bracket and a locking block; the control bracket is frictionally connected to the fixing part, and the locking block includes a proximal center end and a distal center end; there is a groove on the control bracket, and the distal center end of the locking block passes through the groove and can rotate around the proximal center end of the locking block; the locking block is configured to be able to contact both the power input part and the power output part simultaneously when rotating to the first position, and the contact clutch is combined, and not to contact the power output part or the power input part when rotating to the second position, and the contact clutch is separated.

3. The self - disengaging electric winch according to claim 1, wherein: The contact clutch includes a locking block and a return spring; the return spring makes the locking block tend to move inward into the power input element; the locking block is configured to be able to contact both the power input part and the power output part simultaneously when in the outer position, and the contact clutch is combined, and not to contact the power output part or the power input part when in the inner position, and the contact clutch is separated.

4. The self-clutching electric winch according to claim 2, wherein: The fixing part includes the housing of the winch fixedly installed and parts directly or indirectly fixedly connected to the housing.

5. The self-clutching electric winch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The speed change unit is a planetary gear mechanism, including a sun gear, a ring gear, and a planet carrier; the speed change input element is the sun gear, and the speed change output element is the planet carrier or the ring gear.

6. The self-clutching electric winch according to claim 3, characterized in that: The contact surface of the locking block and the power input element includes an inclined surface A and a curved surface B, and the included angle between the connecting line of the two end points of the circular arc of the outer circular surface of the locking block and the inclined surface A is an obtuse angle; the curved surface of the curved surface B is one of a plane, a spherical surface, a cylindrical surface, a parabolic surface, a hyperbolic surface or a combination of the above surfaces.

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