Winch with deflection element and deflection element for such a winch
The winch with a deflection element addresses rope jamming and damage issues by guiding and absorbing tensile force, improving safety and efficiency in handling heavy loads.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE202025003396
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-19
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-11-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing cable winches, particularly in forestry and agriculture, face challenges with safety and efficiency due to the limitations of synthetic ropes (expensive, UV damage, and lower abrasion resistance) and steel ropes (heavy, less flexible, and injury risk) as well as issues with rope jamming and damage during heavy loads.
A winch design incorporating a rigid deflection element on the winch housing or frame, which absorbs tensile force and guides the rope to prevent jamming, using materials like aluminum, steel, or plastic, and allows for adjustable angles and additional rope guides.
Enhances safety and usability by reducing rope damage and jamming, enabling easier handling of heavy loads with less effort, and providing adaptable guidance for various rope types.
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Abstract
Description
Field of invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a cable winch with a deflection element and a deflection element for such a cable winch.
[0002] In these documents, location terms such as "above", "below", "front", "back", etc. refer to a winch positioned in front of an operator, with the operator positioned behind the winch facing in the direction of pull. Background of the invention
[0003] The invention relates generally to a so-called cable winch. Such cable winches are known in various designs. State of the art
[0004] Several cable winches are available on the market, particularly for forestry applications. For example, the portable PullFast cable winch for cordless screwdrivers is well-known (https: / / bast-ing.de / PullFast-900-1800-Winde / 9215-X).
[0005] Cable winches are commonly used, and specifically in forestry and agriculture, and are either manually or mechanically driven, depending on their size. For example, they can be powered by an agricultural or forestry machine or by an electric motor. Depending on the terrain, mobile cable winches may be necessary.
[0006] The applications are diverse, for example, for freeing a stuck or immobilized car, e.g., in mud, for retrieving hunted game, for pulling or moving a log during logging, or for felling and skidding long or short timber. Cable winches are used for heavy lifting operations that require safety and speed. Problem and solution of the invention
[0007] Starting from the prior art, the object of the invention is to provide a different, in particular improved, winch that increases safety and at least partially overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.
[0008] This problem is solved by a winch with the features of claim 1 and a deflection element for such a winch according to claim 7 or a winch housing or winch frame for a winch according to claim 8 with at least one deflection element provided thereon.
[0009] The winch according to claim 1 comprises at least one winch drum, at least one rope that can be wound onto and unwound from the winch drum in one or more layers, at least one winch housing or winch frame surrounding the winch drum, and is characterized by at least one rigid deflection element provided on the winch housing or winch frame.
[0010] A winch, as defined in the present invention, encompasses any type of winch, for example, for wire ropes, synthetic ropes, or combination ropes. Synthetic ropes have the advantage of being lightweight and flexible, allowing for easy handling. They do not splinter, which increases safety. However, synthetic ropes are more expensive than steel ropes and have lower abrasion resistance. Furthermore, they can be damaged by UV radiation, and more frequent inspections for damage are required.
[0011] Steel cables, on the other hand, have high tensile strength and abrasion resistance, but are heavier and less flexible than synthetic cables. They are less susceptible to UV damage and chemical influences, but sharp edges and splinters can increase the risk of injury. Compared to high-quality synthetic cables, steel cables are cheaper, but can also rust if not properly maintained.
[0012] For heavy loads, strong ropes are primarily used; for light loads, a lighter rope can be used.
[0013] The winch can be designed to be mobile or stationary. A mobile winch can also be temporarily fixed in place, for example, using suitable fasteners such as screws, bolts, etc., which can be secured in appropriate recesses in the winch housing. A compact and mobile winch is particularly helpful in forestry and / or hunting applications, allowing access to the work site on foot.
[0014] The winch can, for example, be designed for a maximum pulling force (lowest rope layer) of 1800 kg and have a rope length of 15 to 25 m.
[0015] The winch can also be lightweight and easy to handle, and designed for long cable lengths and longer pulling distances. For example, it can be designed for a maximum pulling force (lowest cable layer) of 900 kg with a cable length of 45 to 55 m.
[0016] Using at least one deflection element increases the pulling force and adjusts the direction of pull of the rope. This allows heavy loads to be moved with less effort and reduces the force exerted on the winch drum.
[0017] With at least one deflection element, a technical solution is provided that allows a jammed rope to be easily released, or prevents or at least reduces the risk of the rope jamming on the winch drum. This solution also allows the rope to be wound tightly onto the winch drum. "Rigid" in this context means that the at least one deflection element is fixed and does not itself contain any moving parts.
[0018] The at least one deflection element is characterized in particular by its ability to absorb the tensile force. In particular, the at least one deflection element according to the invention prevents the wound rope from jamming or becoming wedged on the winch drum, thus preventing possible rope damage or hindering the work process, since the rope cannot jam.
[0019] The at least one deflection element can be arranged, at least partially, at the level of an opening in a front wall of the winch housing or the winch frame for winding and unwinding the rope.
[0020] This measure ensures orderly winding and unwinding of the rope on the winch drum using simple means.
[0021] In a winch, at least one deflection element can be at least partially designed as a pin or cone. This deflection element can be, for example, round, square, rectangular, rounded, or otherwise suitable and designed according to customer specifications. The deflection element can have a symmetrical or asymmetrical external geometry. A rounded, pin- or cone-like design offers the advantage of simple cable routing on the deflection element.
[0022] At least one deflection element can have a rounded end or a rounded face, or a flattened face. The diameter of the deflection element can be adapted to different requirements. The deflection element can have a small diameter, for example, from 0.5 to approximately 1.5 cm, or a significantly larger one.
[0023] The deflection element can also be divided, so that it is wound around two pins, corners, etc. Multiple deflection elements can also be used, for example, two, three, or more, around which the rope is then guided. The rope can then, for example, first be wound around a first deflection element with one or more turns and then onto the second or each subsequent deflection element. It is also possible to switch between deflection elements, for example, after each winding. This can be adapted to the specific requirements.
[0024] At least one deflection element can be made of suitable materials, e.g., aluminium, steel, stainless steel and / or plastic.
[0025] At least one deflection element can be oriented at an angle to the front wall of the winch housing or to the front of the winch frame. The deflection element can be oriented, for example, upwards, downwards, and / or sideways to the front wall of the winch housing or to the front of the winch frame. This allows the angle to be adjusted to different requirements.
[0026] The at least one deflection element can also be designed to be adjustable in its angle in the front wall of the winch housing or to the front of the winch frame in relation to the front wall of the winch housing or to the front of the winch frame, for example by means of a hinged design.
[0027] Preferably, the angle is approximately 90 degrees, i.e., roughly perpendicular to the front wall or the angle frame.
[0028] At least one deflection element can be integrally provided on the front wall of the winch housing or on the front of the winch frame.
[0029] Alternatively, at least one deflection element can be provided as a separate component and mounted on the front wall of the winch housing or on the front of the winch frame.
[0030] This measure makes it possible to provide at least one deflection element in different versions with regard to its dimensions and measurements, and to adapt it variably to different scenarios.
[0031] Likewise, at least one deflection element can be used optionally and adapted to the specific conditions on site during operation.
[0032] At least one deflection element can have at least one additional rope guide element.
[0033] A cable guide element can be provided, for example, as a groove, recess, guide channel, etc., on the surface of the deflection element. An additional cable insertion aid, for example in the form of a recess, groove, or similar feature, can also be provided, particularly at the end face of the deflection element.
[0034] The guides in the deflection element can be designed as recesses, i.e., guide profiles, for example as grooves, and can vary depending on the type of rope material. For example, pointed profiles can be used for steel ropes and round profiles for synthetic ropes.
[0035] Both measures can be implemented technically with simple means and can improve rope guidance at the deflection element.
[0036] Overall, a compact and simple design of a deflection element and a winch with a deflection element is provided, which can be deployed quickly and easily in mobile applications. Furthermore, it is space-saving and therefore easy to transport.
[0037] Preferably, a manual tool, such as a crank, a motor, or an electric screwdriver is used as the drive mechanism. This allows for simple and effortless operation of the winch. The drive can include a mechanical or wireless remote control to enable operation from outside a danger zone, such as a tree being pulled down.
[0038] The preferred electric screwdriver is a battery-powered impact wrench, as this offers flexibility and eliminates the need for an external power source. The rotary impact function allows for advantageously high torques, generating high tensile forces and thus enabling the movement of heavy loads. An impact wrench with a torque of at least 90 Nm and up to a maximum of 160 Nm can provide sufficient tensile force.
[0039] The winch housing can, for example, be made of high-quality stainless steel.
[0040] The maximum rope tension, i.e., the highest tensile load on the rope, occurs, for example, when the first layer of rope is wound onto the drum during timber extraction. At this point, there is the least amount of rope on the winch drum, and the radius of the rope winding is smallest.
[0041] The winch can include at least one safety device. This safety device can, for example, include a resistance detection device that can be activated or deactivated during winding and / or unwinding. The resistance detection device can be designed and configured such that, when activated, it interrupts the winding or unwinding process upon detecting resistance. For example, the drive can be switched off if the control system detects excessive resistance.
[0042] Additionally, a locking device or locking mechanism may be provided to secure the deflection element in the mounted position, e.g. a locking pin or similar suitable means.
[0043] Overall, the invention provides an improved winch that increases safety and improves usability for the user. Character description
[0044] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of an embodiment of a winch according to the invention from the front right; Fig. 2 a side view of the embodiment Fig. 1 from the right; Fig. 3 another perspective view of the embodiment from Fig. 1 from the back right; Fig. 4 a perspective view of the embodiment from Fig. 1 with a schematically represented rope arranged on the deflection element; Fig. 5 a side view of the embodiment Fig. 4 from the right; and Fig. 6 another perspective view of the embodiment from Fig. 4 from the back right.
[0045] The following describes the construction and function of the winch and deflection element according to the invention, based on the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6 explained.
[0046] The in Fig. The winch shown comprises the following components with their corresponding reference symbols: A winch housing 3 with two side walls 5a,b, a top cover 7, a rear, lower cover 8, a bottom 9, a front wall 11 with an opening 13 through which a rope 15 ( Fig. 4-6) can be pulled outwards, unwound, or wound up. A carrying handle 17 is provided on the upper cover 7 to transport the winch 1 to the place of use.
[0047] Inside the winch housing 3, a winch drum 19 is provided, which is rotatably mounted about its axis of rotation 21. In the present embodiment, an interface 23 for coupling to a drive (not shown) is provided on the right side wall 5a for driving the winch drum 19. The interface 23 includes a hexagonal connection on its outer surface, onto which a drive (not shown) can be attached. A battery-powered impact wrench can be used as the drive. Battery-powered screwdrivers are a common hand tool available in many tool sets.
[0048] The hexagonal connection 23 extends into the interior of the winch housing 3 via a drive shaft (not shown) that penetrates the winch housing 3 and is rotatably mounted about its axis of rotation 27. The drive shaft is equipped with a gear drive (not shown) which in turn engages with a toothed section 29 formed on the left side of the winch drum 19 and thus drives the winch drum 19 to unwind or wind the rope 15 in a known manner.
[0049] The side walls 5a,b form flange-like extensions 31a,b on both sides at their rear ends, between which the rear, lower cover of the winch housing 3 is provided. The extensions 31a,b extend slightly to the rear in a wedge shape, with upper bores 33a,b for attaching the winch 1 being provided on both sides in the wedge-shaped areas. For example, for retrieving game, bringing a log, towing a car, etc., the winch is attached to a tree trunk, stone, or similar object using a fastening rope (not shown) or another suitable fastening device. For this purpose, the fastening rope is placed around the stone or tree trunk, forming corresponding loops or eyelets at both ends, which in turn can be attached or coupled to the winch 1, specifically in the bores 33a,b, using suitable fastening devices (not shown), such as a shackle.
[0050] The base 9 forms a rearwardly extending lower flange section 35 in which lower bores 37a,b are provided on both sides for fastening the winch 1, for example, on a mounting plate, loading platform or on the floor or similar, using suitable fastening means (not shown).
[0051] At its front end 41, the base 9 forms a forward-extending lower, front flange section 43 in which lower bores 45a,b are provided on both sides, which are also designed for fastening the winch 1, for example, on a mounting plate, loading platform or on the ground or similar, using suitable fastening means (not shown).
[0052] A deflection element 39 is provided on the front wall 11 approximately in the middle, at the lower end of the opening 13, and extends at least partially into the opening. The deflection element 39 extends forward in a pin-like fashion, approximately perpendicular to the front wall 11, in the direction of pull of the rope 13 when unwinding and in the opposite direction of pull when winding the rope 13. One end face 40 of the deflection element 39 is flattened.
[0053] As in the Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig.As shown in Figure 6, the rope 15 can be led out of the winch housing 3 through the opening 13 and then around the deflection element 39. Several turns of the rope 15 are formed around the deflection element 39, and the front end of the rope 15 can include a loop or eyelet (not shown) or other suitable fastening device, which is attached to a load to be pulled, e.g., a log, a piece of game, a car, etc. The load can weigh several hundred to a thousand kilograms, in particular 200 to 5000 kilograms, preferably 400 to 2000 kilograms.
[0054] When the winch 1 is activated, for example via the impact wrench (not shown), the winch drum 19 is driven and the cable 15 is wound onto it. Since the cable 15 is guided around the deflection element 39, the tensile force does not act directly on the winch drum 19 and the cable 15 wound onto it, but is instead absorbed by the deflection element 39. This allows the cable to be wound around the winch drum 19 with less tension compared to a direct feed without a deflection element, thus preventing damage to the cable 15 and, above all, preventing jamming, binding, or other obstruction of the cable section 15 to be wound onto the cable section 15 already wound onto the winch drum 19.
[0055] Further embodiments of the invention will become apparent to the person skilled in the art within the framework of the following claims and the accompanying drawings. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION
[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited non-patent literature
[0000] https: / / bast-ing.de / PullFast-900-1800-Winde / 9215-X
[0004]
Claims
[1] Winch (1) comprising: at least one winch drum (19), at least one rope (15) that can be wound onto and unwound from the winch drum (19) in one or more layers, at least a winch housing (3) or winch frame surrounding the winch drum (19), characterized by at least one rigid deflection element (39) which is provided on the winch housing (3) or winch frame. [2] A winch (1) according to claim 1, wherein the deflecting element (39) is provided at least partially at the level of an opening (13) in a front wall (11) of the winch housing (3) or of the winch frame for winding and unwinding the rope (15). [3] Winch (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the deflecting element (39) is at least partially designed in the form of a pin or peg. [4] A winch (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the deflection element (39) is aligned at an angle to the front wall (11) of the winch housing (3) or to the front of the winch frame, in particular at an angle of 90 degrees to the front wall (11) or to the angle frame. [5] Winch (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the deflection element (39) is integrally provided on the front wall (11) of the winch housing (3) or on the front of the winch frame, or can be mounted thereon as a separate component. [6] Winch (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the deflection element (39) has at least one additional rope guide element. [7] Deflection element (39) for a winch housing (3) or winch frame for a cable winch (1) according to one of the preceding claims. [8] Winch housing (3) or winch frame for a cable winch (1) according to one of the claims, characterized by at least one deflection element (39) provided thereon according to claim 7.