Electric clutch control method of electric capstan

Abstract

The invention provides an electric clutch control method of an electric capstan, which comprises the following processes: when a user operates a clutch key of a user controller, a control unit outputs a continuous conduction signal to a driving unit, and then a high current is continuously conducted and output to enable an electromagnetic valve (5) to be electrified to work, so that the electromagnetic valve (5) is in a separated state, and after the conduction signal lasts for A time, the electromagnetic valve (5) is switched on to work; the control unit automatically changes the conduction signal into a PWM signal to control the conduction unit, so that the current of the electromagnetic valve (5) is reduced from the high current to the low current, and the low current is used for maintaining the push-out state of the push rod (16); the electromagnetic valve (5) is provided with a reset spring (13), if a user does not operate a user controller within the time B, the control unit powers off the electromagnetic valve (5), so that the push rod (16) is automatically retracted by utilizing the reset spring (13), and the electric clutch structure is in a combined state; the electric clutch control method is beneficial for improving reliability and stability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of winch technology, specifically to an electric clutch control method for an electric winch. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, there is a type of electric winch commonly used in vehicles such as off-road vehicles, ATVs, and boats. Of course, besides transportation, it can also be used in other applications where needed, meaning its application scenarios are quite broad and suitable for many situations requiring traction functionality. Therefore, this electric winch needs to have high reliability and stability.

[0003] To further improve ease of use, current electric winches have introduced electric clutches, which require the installation of an electric mechanism. While this achieves the goal of convenience, further research is needed on how to improve the reliability and stability of the electric clutch control method. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides an electric clutch control method for an electric winch, which helps to improve reliability and stability.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of the present invention adopt the following technical solutions:

[0006] An electric clutch control method for an electric winch includes an electric clutch structure mounted on the electric winch. The electric clutch structure includes a solenoid valve, which achieves electric clutch engagement / disengagement via the extension and retraction of a push rod. The electric clutch control method includes the following processes:

[0007] When the user operates the clutch button on the user controller, the clutch button causes the control unit to output a continuous conduction signal to the drive unit. The conduction unit continuously conducts and outputs a high current according to the conduction signal to energize the solenoid valve, thereby pushing the rod out and putting the electric clutch structure in the disengaged state. After the conduction signal lasts for a time A, the control unit automatically converts the conduction signal into a PWM signal to control the conduction unit, thereby reducing the current of the solenoid valve from the high current to the low current. This low current is used to maintain the extended state of the push rod.

[0008] The solenoid valve is equipped with a return spring. If the user does not operate the user controller within time B, the control unit will de-energize the solenoid valve, thereby using the return spring to automatically retract the push rod, thus engaging the electric clutch mechanism.

[0009] In some embodiments, if the user presses and holds the forward or reverse button on the user controller for time B, the control unit de-energizes the solenoid valve and retracts the push rod by controlling the conduction unit, and the control unit then energizes the electric motor of the electric winch after time C to start forward or reverse rotation.

[0010] In some embodiments, if the pressing action is canceled, the control unit controls the electric motor to immediately cut off power to stop rotating.

[0011] In some embodiments, the conducting unit is one or two of transistors and MOSFETs.

[0012] In some embodiments, the user controller includes a remote controller and / or a wired controller.

[0013] In some embodiments, the user controller includes a touchscreen.

[0014] In some embodiments, the clutch button is a mechanical button and / or a touch button.

[0015] In some embodiments, the value of time A ranges from 2 to 5 seconds, including the two end time values ​​of 2 seconds and 5 seconds.

[0016] In some embodiments, the value of time C ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 seconds, including the two end time values ​​of 1.5 seconds and 3.5 seconds.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages after adopting the above structure:

[0018] In this disclosure, a high current is first continuously supplied to energize the solenoid valve, thereby ensuring the reliable and stable extension of the push rod. Further, after the energizing signal lasts for a duration of A, the control unit automatically converts the energizing signal into a PWM signal to control the energizing unit, thus reducing the current of the solenoid valve from the high current to a low current. This low current is used to maintain the extended state of the push rod. This low current reduces heat generation and ensures the reliability of the solenoid valve. Therefore, on the one hand, continuous energizing and high current enable the push rod to extend with greater force and extension time, ensuring reliable extension of the push rod during repeated use; on the other hand, the current is subsequently switched to low current to reduce the temperature rise of the solenoid valve, thereby ensuring the reliability of the solenoid valve and maintaining the electric clutch structure in the disengaged state.

[0019] In addition, the solenoid valve is equipped with a return spring. If the user does not operate the user controller within time B, the control unit will cut off the power to the solenoid valve, thereby using the return spring to automatically retract the push rod, thus putting the electric clutch mechanism into the engaged state. This helps to overcome the potential danger of the electric winch slipping due to the electric clutch mechanism being in the disengaged state because the user forgets to operate it. On the other hand, it reduces the wear of the solenoid valve, effectively improving reliability and extending its service life.

[0020] In summary, through comprehensive measures, this disclosure provides an electric clutch control method for an electric winch, which is beneficial to improving reliability and stability. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of an electric winch with an electric clutch.

[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The image shows a half-sectional view of the electric winch in a detached state.

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The image shows a half-sectional view of the electric winch in its engaged state.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the electric clutch structure of another type of electric winch.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the electric clutch structure of another type of electric winch.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the control structure for an electric clutch control method of an electric winch.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1-Electric motor, 2-Bracket, 3-Winding drum, 4-Planetary gear reducer, 5-Solenoid valve, 6-Drive shaft, 7-Input-side planetary gear set, 8-Input sun gear, 9-Output-side planetary gear set, 9.1-Output-side planetary carrier, 10-Spring, 11-Snap ring, 12-Connecting shaft, 13-Return spring, 14-Cover, 15-Lever, 16-Push rod, 17-Resistance arm, 18-Power arm, 19-Pushing part, 20-Gear ring, 21-Pin, 22-Insertion hole, 23-Input end. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The following description is intended to disclose the present invention and enable those skilled in the art to implement it. The embodiments described below are merely examples, and other obvious variations will arise for those skilled in the art. The basic principles of the invention defined in the following description can be applied to other embodiments, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and other technical solutions that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0029] Those skilled in the art should understand that, in the disclosure of this invention, the terms "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the above terms should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0030] This disclosure provides an electric clutch control method for an electric winch, including an electric clutch structure disposed on the electric winch. The electric clutch structure includes a solenoid valve 5, which achieves electric clutch operation through the extension and retraction of a push rod 16. The electric clutch control method includes the following process:

[0031] When the user operates the clutch button on the user controller, the clutch button causes the control unit to output a continuous conduction signal to the drive unit. The conduction unit continuously conducts and outputs a high current according to the conduction signal to energize the solenoid valve 5, thereby pushing the rod 16 to extend and put the electric clutch structure in the disengaged state. After the conduction signal lasts for a time A, the control unit automatically converts the conduction signal into a PWM signal to control the conduction unit, thereby reducing the current of the solenoid valve 5 from the high current to the low current. This low current is used to maintain the extended state of the push rod 16.

[0032] The solenoid valve 5 is equipped with a return spring 13. If the user does not operate the user controller within time B, the control unit will de-energize the solenoid valve 5, thereby using the return spring 13 to automatically retract the push rod 16, thus putting the electric clutch structure into the engaged state.

[0033] In practice, the user can set the clutch button to be pressed intermittently or continuously. An intermittent press outputs a momentary signal. Upon receiving this signal, the control unit executes a corresponding program. This program involves the control unit first outputting a continuous conduction signal to the drive unit, and then automatically converting the conduction signal into a PWM signal to control the conduction unit.

[0034] The electric clutch structure of the electric winch can be referred to as follows. Figures 1 to 5 Three examples are given in total, but the invention is not limited to these electric winches and their electric clutch structures. Any electric winch electric clutch control method described in this disclosure shall fall within the protection scope of this patent.

[0035] Combination Figures 1 to 3The electric winch includes an electric motor 1, a support frame 2, a winch drum 3, and a planetary gear reducer 4. The electric motor 1 and the planetary gear reducer 4 are respectively mounted on both sides of the support frame 2. The winch drum 3 is rotatably connected between the support frames 2. The electric motor 1 and the planetary gear reducer 4 are connected via a drive shaft 6. This drive shaft 6 passes through the winch drum 3 and reaches the input-side planetary gear set 7 of the planetary gear reducer 4, and is connected to the input sun gear 8 of the input-side planetary gear set 7. The input-side planetary gear set 7 is located on the side away from the support frame 2. The planetary gear set of the planetary gear reducer 4 on the side closer to the support frame 2 is used to drive the winch drum 3. A connecting shaft 12 is provided between the input end of the rotating output-side planetary gear set 9 and the output-side planetary carrier 9.1 of the hoisting drum 3. One end of the connecting shaft 12 is axially slidably sleeved with the input end 10, and the other end of the connecting shaft 12 is axially slidably sleeved with the output end 11. The input end 10 and the output-side planetary carrier 9.1 are connected by the axially slidable sleeve of the connecting shaft 12 to achieve a disengageable transmission connection. The connecting shaft 12 is also sleeved on the transmission shaft 6, and the transmission shaft 6 and the connecting shaft 12 can rotate relative to each other. When disengagement is required, the transmission shaft 6 drives the connecting shaft 12 to slide axially.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, the drive shaft 6 is pushed by the push rod 16, which in turn causes the drive shaft 6 to drive the connecting shaft 12 to slide axially. The connecting shaft 12 remains in the sleeved state at the input end 10, but it separates from the drive sleeve hole of the planetary carrier 9.1 on the output side, thus achieving a separated state. When the push rod 16 retracts, the drive shaft 6 returns to its original position due to the action of the spring 10 and retaining ring 11, thereby achieving... Figure 3 The state shown is that the connecting shaft 12, driven by the transmission shaft 6, reconnects with the transmission sleeve hole of the output planetary carrier 9.1, thereby restoring the power connection from the output planetary carrier 9.1, the connecting shaft 12, and the input end 10, i.e., it is in the engaged state.

[0037] To facilitate installation, maintenance, and protection of the solenoid valve 5 and its related structures, the electric winch is equipped with a detachable cover 14.

[0038] The electric clutch structure can also be other structures, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the electric clutch structure includes a lever 15 and a pusher 19. One end of the push rod 16 is hinged to one end of the lever 15, and the other end of the lever 15 is hinged to the pusher 19. The push rod 16 extends and retracts to drive the lever 15 to swing. The swing of the lever 15 drives the pusher 19 to move axially through the resistance arm 17 and the power arm 18. The pusher 19 is used to drive the transmission shaft 6 to move axially.

[0039] The electric clutch structure can also be other structures, such as... Figure 5As shown, the electric clutch structure includes a lever 15 and a pin 21. One end of a push rod 16 is hinged to one end of the lever 15, and the other end of the lever 15 is hinged to the pin 21. The push rod 16 extends and retracts to drive the lever 15 to swing. The swing of the lever 15 drives the pin 21 to move radially through the resistance arm 17 and the power arm 18. The pin 21 is located on the outer periphery of one set of planetary gears in the planetary gear reducer 4. The gear ring 20 of the planetary gear set has a insertion hole 22 that mates with the pin 21. When the pin 21 moves radially out of the insertion hole 22, the gear ring 20 does not function, and the planetary gear reducer 4 cannot transmit power, i.e., it is in the disengaged state. When the pin 21 moves radially into the insertion hole 22, the gear ring 20 functions, and the planetary gear reducer 4 can transmit power, i.e., it is in the engaged state.

[0040] In some embodiments, if the user presses and holds the forward or reverse button on the user controller within time B, the control unit de-energizes the solenoid valve 5 and retracts the push rod 16 by controlling the conduction unit, and the control unit energizes the electric motor 1 of the electric winch after time C to start forward or reverse rotation.

[0041] In some embodiments, if the pressing action is canceled, the control unit controls the electric motor 1 to immediately cut off the power to stop rotating.

[0042] In some embodiments, the conduction unit is one or two of transistors and MOSFETs; in this example, a MOSFET is used.

[0043] In some embodiments, the user controller includes a remote controller and / or a wired controller.

[0044] In some embodiments, the user controller includes a touchscreen.

[0045] In some embodiments, the clutch button is a mechanical button and / or a touch button.

[0046] In some embodiments, the value of time A ranges from 2 to 5 seconds, including the two end time values ​​of 2 seconds and 5 seconds.

[0047] In some embodiments, the value of time C ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 seconds, including the two end time values ​​of 1.5 seconds and 3.5 seconds.

[0048] Based on specific parameters, an electric clutch control method for an electric winch is as follows: When the clutch button on the remote control is pressed, the remote control receiver receives the signal and sends a signal to the control unit. The control unit outputs a high level to control the MOSFET to conduct, energizing the solenoid valve and extending the push rod 16. After the high level lasts for 3 seconds, it becomes a PWM signal to control the MOSFET, thereby reducing the current of the solenoid valve from 20A to 5A. At this time, the solenoid valve can still maintain sufficient force to keep the push rod 16 in the extended state. Due to the reduction in current, the heating of the solenoid valve coil also decreases, thus ensuring that the heating temperature of the solenoid valve is within 80 degrees Celsius. If the remote control is not operated within 10 minutes, the control unit will cut off the power to the solenoid valve. If the forward or reverse button on the remote control is pressed and held for 10 minutes, the remote receiver will receive the forward or reverse signal and send a corresponding signal to the control unit. The control unit first outputs a low-level control transistor to turn off the solenoid valve and retract the push rod 16. Then, after 2 seconds, it controls the commutation contactor to connect the positive and negative terminals of the battery in the desired direction through the transistor or MOSFET on the commutation contactor side, thereby causing the electric motor 1 to start rotating forward or in reverse. When the forward or reverse button on the remote control is released, since there is no forward or reverse signal, the control unit will turn off the battery power supply to the electric motor 1 through the transistor or MOSFET on the commutation contactor side, and the electric motor 1 will immediately stop rotating. The battery can also be replaced with AC power; the use of a battery is mainly for vehicle use.

[0049] The optimal values ​​for time A and time C are those within the range described above, which will result in better performance.

[0050] Although time B is 10 minutes as an example, it can be any other time. Set the time as needed. This setting is in the factory default setting, but the structure can be further enhanced to allow users to set it on the user's end, providing user setting functionality.

[0051] The control unit can employ control circuitry built around a microcontroller, such as the MC2722-16P microcontroller.

[0052] When understanding this invention, the above structure may be referred to other embodiments / appendices if necessary. Figure 1 And that's understood, so I won't go into details here.

[0053] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this disclosure, but the scope of protection of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of protection of this disclosure should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the electric clutch of an electric winch, comprising an electric clutch structure disposed on the electric winch, the electric clutch structure comprising a solenoid valve (5), the solenoid valve (5) realizing electric clutching through the extension and retraction of a push rod (16), characterized in that, The electric clutch control method includes the following processes: When the user operates the clutch button on the user controller, the clutch button causes the control unit to output a continuous conduction signal to the drive unit. The conduction unit continuously conducts and outputs a high current according to the conduction signal to energize the solenoid valve (5), thereby pushing the rod (16) to extend and keeping the electric clutch structure in the disengaged state. After the conduction signal lasts for a time A, the control unit automatically converts the conduction signal into a PWM signal to control the conduction unit, thereby reducing the current of the solenoid valve (5) from the high current to the low current. This low current is used to maintain the extended state of the push rod (16). The solenoid valve (5) is equipped with a reset spring (13). If the user does not operate the user controller within time B, the control unit will de-energize the solenoid valve (5), thereby using the reset spring (13) to automatically retract the push rod (16), thus putting the electric clutch structure into the engaged state.

2. The electric clutch control method for an electric winch according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the user presses and holds the forward or reverse button on the user controller within time B, the control unit will de-energize the solenoid valve (5) and retract the push rod (16) by controlling the conduction unit, and the control unit will energize the electric motor (1) of the electric winch after time C to start the forward or reverse operation.

3. The electric clutch control method for an electric winch according to claim 2, characterized in that, If the pressing action is canceled, the control unit controls the electric motor (1) to immediately cut off the power to stop rotating.

4. The electric clutch control method for an electric winch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conduction unit uses one or two types of transistors or MOSFETs.

5. The electric clutch control method for an electric winch according to claim 1, characterized in that, User controllers include remote controllers and / or wired controllers.

6. The electric clutch control method for an electric winch according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that, The user controller includes a touchscreen.

7. The electric clutch control method for an electric winch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clutch button can be a mechanical button or a touch button.

8. The electric clutch control method for an electric winch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The time value A ranges from 2 to 5 seconds, including the two end time values ​​of 2 seconds and 5 seconds.

9. The electric clutch control method for an electric winch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The value of time C ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 seconds, including the two end time values ​​of 1.5 seconds and 3.5 seconds.

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