WINCH FOR AN AIRCRAFT OR VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR CHECKING A WINCH FOR AN AIRCRAFT OR VEHICLE

Description

State of the art

[0001] The present invention relates to a cable winch for an aircraft or vehicle, to a method for checking a cable winch for an aircraft or vehicle, to a corresponding device and to a corresponding computer program product.

[0002] Some cable winches, such as electric rescue winches, may have a capstan drive and a cable drum for winding and unwinding a winch cable. When a rescue winch is used in a helicopter, all components of a rescue winch may be centrally mounted on a so-called boom or frame of the helicopter.

[0003] DE 10 2012 013 527 A1 relates to an electric cable drum as the main component of an electric capstan winch which can be used as a rescue winch on helicopters.

[0004] US 2010 / 051890 A1, which discloses the preamble of claim 1, GB 2 434 352 A, US 4 087 060 and US 1 396 721 all show cable winches for an aircraft or vehicle, wherein the cable winches have a central module that is attachable or attached to the aircraft or vehicle, wherein the central module is shaped to be mechanically connectable or connected to at least one further module of the cable winch in a manually releasable manner using at least one fastening device. Furthermore, the cable winches have a capstan drive module for retracting a cable into the cable winch and for deploying the cable from the cable winch, wherein the capstan drive module is shaped to be mechanically connectable or connected to the central module in a manually releasable manner using the at least one fastening device.Furthermore, the cable winches have a cable winding module for receiving the cable by winding and unwinding the cable. The cable winding module is designed to be mechanically connectable or connected to the central module in a manually releasable manner using the at least one fastening device. US 2010 / 237306 A1 discloses a method for checking a cable winch.

[0005] The document US 4 013 270 A discloses a combined winch-boom assembly.

[0006] With winches, especially rescue winches, according to the current state of the art, repairs in the event of a fault can often only be carried out by dismantling the entire winch from an aircraft or vehicle at a recognized repair shop. Therefore, the object of the present invention is to enable a winch operator to carry out a necessary repair at the module level on the aircraft or vehicle themselves and to issue the necessary re-approval for operation themselves. This approach is increasingly being demanded by winch operators in order to reduce both repair time and costs. Disclosure of the invention

[0007] Against this background, the present invention presents a cable winch for an aircraft or vehicle, a method for testing a cable winch for an aircraft or vehicle, a corresponding control module, and a corresponding computer program product according to the main claims. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the respective subclaims and the following description.

[0008] According to the present invention, a modular design of a cable winch, for example, an electric rescue winch, is provided. In other words, a cable winch, for example, an electric rescue winch for aircraft or vehicles, is provided with a modular design. The modules are designed to be individually removable and attachable to one another for maintenance, repair, or replacement. Integrated fault diagnostics allow for the removal and reinstallation of only potentially faulty modules.

[0009] Advantageously, according to embodiments of the present invention, it is particularly possible to repair and re-certify a faulty winch on the aircraft or vehicle, in particular on a helicopter, in the majority of cases, which can reduce the effort and thus maintenance costs compared to replacing an entire winch. It can also be possible for a user, for example, to test and re-certify the cable winch themselves. This means that the entire winch does not have to be dismantled from the aircraft or vehicle and sent, for example, to a customer service department for repair and subsequent re-certification in order to replace defective components or modules. Instead, a defective module can be specifically replaced or repaired. A defective module can, for example, be replaced or re-certified by a repair shop with a repaired or new module via a ring exchange.can be stored by the user as a cost-effective replacement module.

[0010] This can increase the availability of the aircraft or vehicle, reduce maintenance costs, and shorten maintenance times or downtimes. In particular, a repair of the cable winch on the aircraft or vehicle can be carried out. According to embodiments of the present invention, maintenance effort for a user can therefore be reduced, for example. In particular, so-called direct maintenance costs (DMCs) can be reduced.

[0011] A cable winch for an aircraft or vehicle is presented, whereby the cable winch has the following features: a central module that is attachable or attached to the aircraft or vehicle, wherein the central module is configured to be mechanically connectable or connected to at least one further module of the cable winch in a manually releasable manner using at least one fastening device; a capstan drive module for retrieving a cable into the cable winch and for deploying the cable from the cable winch, wherein the capstan drive module is configured to be mechanically connectable or connected to the central module in a manually releasable manner using the at least one fastening device; and a cable winding module for receiving the cable by winding and unwinding the cable, wherein the cable winding module is configured to be mechanically connectable or connected to the central module in a manually releasable manner using the at least one fastening device.

[0012] The cable winch can be designed as an electric cable winch. The cable winch can be used as a rescue winch or the like. The cable winch can be mounted or mounted in the aircraft or vehicle, for example, on an aircraft, in particular on a helicopter. The cable winding module can have a cable drum. In an assembled state of the cable winch, the capstan drive module can be arranged within the cable winch between the cable winding module and a cable entry section of the cable winch, relative to a cable travel direction.

[0013] The central module can have minimum dimensions (W*H*D) of 10*15*10 cm and maximum dimensions of 30*50*30 cm. Particularly preferred, the central module can have a size of 21*36*17 cm.

[0014] The rope winding module can have minimum dimensions (W*H*D) of 10*15*10 cm and maximum dimensions of 30*50*30 cm. Particularly preferred, the rope winding module can have a size of 23*27*17 cm.

[0015] The capstan drive module can have minimum dimensions (W*H*D) of 10*15*10 cm and maximum dimensions of 30*50*30 cm. Particularly preferably, the capstan drive module can have a size of 23*29*20 cm.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the central module and the capstan drive module can be configured to be connected or interlocked with one another. The central module and the cable winding module can be configured to be connected or interlocked with one another. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that the modules can be or become stably and securely attached to one another, reliably absorbing cable forces.

[0017] The at least one fastening device has quick-release fasteners for quickly connecting the modules. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of enabling rapid assembly and disassembly of the modules.

[0018] In particular, the central module can be arranged or positioned between the capstan drive module and the cable winding module. A cable of the cable winch can be guided through the central module at least once. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that these three modules can be connected to form a stable unit.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the central module can have at least one cable guide section, which can be designed to guide a cable of the cable winch in at least one cable channel through the central module. The central module can have a cable entry section, through which the cable can enter the cable winch and, additionally or alternatively, exit the cable winch. The cable guide section of the central module can also have at least one cable pulley or the like. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that a cable or winch cable can be securely guided between the capstan drive module and the cable winding module. Furthermore, the assembly comprising the central module, capstan drive module, and cable winding module can be implemented in a space-saving manner.

[0020] Furthermore, the cable winch can have a load hook module that can be configured to be mechanically connectable or connected to a cable of the cable winch in a manually releasable manner. The load hook module can be configured to be form-fittingly connectable or connected to a free end of the cable. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that the load hook of the cable winch can also be easily removed and reattached as needed.

[0021] In addition, the cable winch can have a braking resistor module, which can be configured to be mechanically connectable or connected to the central module in a manually detachable manner using the at least one fastening device. Additionally or alternatively, the braking resistor module can be attachable or attached to the aircraft or vehicle. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that the braking resistor module can also be easily assembled, disassembled, and reassembled as needed. The braking resistor module can convert the electrical energy generated by the cable winch during lowering into heat if storage (recuperation) or feeding it back into the on-board electrical system of the aircraft or vehicle is not possible.

[0022] The cable winch has a control module that is designed to be mechanically connectable or connected to the central module in a manually releasable manner using the at least one fastening device. The control module can be configured to control the operation of the cable winch. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that even the electronic control unit of the cable winch can be replaced separately from the other modules.

[0023] The control module is designed to carry out troubleshooting on the modules of the cable winch. This type of embodiment offers the advantage that troubleshooting can be carried out at the module level, making troubleshooting easier for the user and reliably indicating a defective module. This troubleshooting checks all essential electrical and electronic components of the individual modules for correct behavior. In the event of a fault, an error entry can be written to a memory. This entry can be read out during troubleshooting in order to subsequently replace the module in which the malfunction / failure was detected. Furthermore, troubleshooting can be started, which logs which function is faulty in an error log. If mechanical components fail, the error log can support troubleshooting.After replacing a module identified as defective, a function can be called to confirm the successful repair.

[0024] In particular, the modules connectable or connected to the central module can be connected or connected to the central module in such a way that they can be manually detached from the central module independently of one another. In other words, the modules connectable or connected to the central module can be connected or connected to the central module in such a way that they can be individually manually detached from the central module. Such an embodiment offers the advantage of reducing maintenance times and thus also maintenance costs.

[0025] A method according to claim 8 for checking a cable winch for an aircraft or vehicle is also presented.

[0026] The step of performing the debugging may be performed periodically, using a default value, and additionally or alternatively in response to a signal.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the method may also include a step of reading a test request signal, representing a command to perform troubleshooting, from an interface to a user input device. The interface may, for example, be embodied as a wired or wireless interface, by means of which the user input device can be connected or connected to the cable winch in a signal-transmitting manner. The user input device may be arranged outside, separately, and additionally or alternatively spatially spaced from the cable winch. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that troubleshooting can be initiated reliably and easily.

[0028] According to one embodiment, a step of providing a test result signal, which represents a result of the troubleshooting, to an interface to a user input device can be included. The test result signal can, in particular, represent information about which module of the cable winch is affected by a fault. The interface can, for example, be designed as a wired or wireless interface, by means of which the user input device can be connected or connected to the cable winch in a signal-transmitting manner. The user input device can be arranged outside, separately, and additionally or alternatively spatially spaced from the cable winch. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that it is possible to signal in a simple and reliable manner which module is defective.

[0029] A control module according to claim 11 is further presented.

[0030] The control module can be configured to read in input signals and to determine and provide output signals using the input signals. An input signal can, for example, represent a sensor signal that can be read in via an input interface of the device. An output signal can represent a control signal or a data signal that can be provided at an output interface of the device. The device can be configured to determine the output signals using a processing rule implemented in hardware or software. For example, the device can comprise a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, or a software module and can, for example, be implemented as a discrete component or be comprised of a discrete component.

[0031] A computer program product according to claim 12 is also advantageous.

[0032] Alternatively, the cable winch can also be designed by integrating all modules except the load hook module into a support frame. The support frame can be attached to the aircraft or vehicle using quick-release fasteners. The cable winch can be easily coupled to the aircraft or vehicle.

[0033] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic perspective view of a cable winch according to an embodiment; and Fig. 2 a flowchart of a method for checking according to an embodiment.

[0034] Before discussing exemplary embodiments, the principles and background of the present invention will first be presented. Electric cable winches, particularly rescue winches, are provided, for example, with a capstan drive or a so-called capstan drive and a cable drum for winding and unwinding the winch cable. The capstan drive, for example, transmits the forces generated by a load on the hook, while the cable drum winds and unwinds the cable with a comparatively lower tensile force.

[0035] In the following description of advantageous embodiments of the present invention, the same or similar reference numerals are used for the elements shown in the various figures and having a similar effect, whereby a repeated description of these elements is omitted.

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a cable winch 100 according to an embodiment. The cable winch 100 is shown in an exploded view relative to a module level. The cable winch 100 is intended or designed for mounting on an aircraft or vehicle, in particular for mounting on a helicopter. The cable winch 100 is, according to the Fig. 1 The embodiment shown is an electric rescue winch, especially for helicopters. In the exploded view of Fig. 1 The cable winch 100 is shown without an associated cable or winch cable for illustration purposes only.

[0037] The cable winch 100 has a modular design. The cable winch 100 includes a central module 110. The central module 110 is designed or formed to be or become attached to a support structure of the aircraft or vehicle. The central module 110 is also configured as a mounting base for additional modules of the cable winch 100. The central module 110 is designed to be or become mechanically connected to at least one additional module of the cable winch 110 in a manually releasable manner using at least one fastening device.

[0038] Furthermore, the cable winch 100 has a capstan drive module 120, or a so-called capstan drive module 120. The capstan drive module 120 is designed to retract a winch cable of the cable winch 100 into the cable winch 100 and to extend it from the cable winch 100. The capstan drive module 120 is also designed to be mechanically connectable or connected to the central module 110 in a manually releasable manner using at least one fastening device. Thus, the capstan drive module 120 and the central module 110 are designed to be mechanically connectable to one another in a manually releasable manner. In particular, the central module 110 and the capstan drive module 120 are designed to be form-fittingly connectable or connected to one another.

[0039] The cable winch 100 also has a cable winding module 130. The cable winding module 130 has, for example, a cable drum. The cable winding module 130 is designed to accommodate a winch cable of the cable winch 100 by winding and unwinding the cable. The cable winding module 130 is also shaped to be mechanically connectable or connected to the central module 110 in a manually releasable manner using at least one fastening device. Thus, the cable winding module 130 and the central module 110 are designed to be mechanically connectable to one another in a manually releasable manner. In particular, the central module 110 and the cable winding module 130 are shaped to be form-fittingly connectable or connected to one another.

[0040] According to the Fig. 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the central module 110 is arranged between the capstan drive module 120 and the cable winding module 130. In a mechanically interconnected state, the central module 110, the capstan drive module 120, and the cable winding module 130 form a subunit of the cable winch 100.

[0041] The central module 110 has at least one cable guide section 112. The at least one cable guide section 112 is designed to guide a cable of the cable winch 100 in at least one cable channel through the central module 110. In particular, a winch cable of the cable winch 110 can be guided through the central module 110 by means of the at least one cable guide section 112 in at least one cable channel between the capstan drive module 120 and the cable winding module 130. The cable guide section 112 can have at least one cable pulley, deflection pulley, anti-drop device, and / or the like.

[0042] The central module 110 further includes a rope entry section 114. The rope enters and exits the cable winch 100 in the rope entry section 114. In other words, the rope entry section 114 is configured to function as a rope entry or exit of the cable winch 100.

[0043] A rope or winch rope of the cable winch 100 extends, in an assembled state of the cable winch 100, along a rope path between the rope entry section 114 and the rope winding module 130. Viewed from the rope entry section 114, the rope path runs along a first rope channel through the central module 110, from the central module 110 to the capstan drive module 120, from the capstan drive module 120 back to the central module 110, along a second rope channel through the central module 110, and from the central module 110 to the rope winding module 130.

[0044] The cable winch 100 also has a load hook module 140. The load hook module 140 is designed to be mechanically connectable or to be connected to a cable of the cable winch 100 in a manually releasable manner. The load hook module 140 can be attached to a free end of the cable. In the exploded view of Fig. 1 the load hook module 140 is arranged adjacent to the central module 110, more precisely adjacent to the rope entry section 114 of the central module 110.

[0045] Furthermore, the cable winch 100 includes a braking resistor module 150. The braking resistor module 150 is configured to be mechanically connectable or connected to the central module 110 in a manually releasable manner using at least one fastening device. Additionally or alternatively, the braking resistor module 150 can be configured to be attached to another module of the cable winch 100 and / or to the aircraft or vehicle.

[0046] The cable winch 100 also has a control module 160 or a controller 160. The control module 160 is designed to control the operation of the cable winch 100. The control module 160 is designed to be mechanically connectable or to be connected to the central module 110 in a manually releasable manner using at least one fastening device.

[0047] The control module 160 is designed to carry out troubleshooting on the modules of the cable winch 100, ie on the central module 110, the capstan drive module 120, the cable winding module 130, the braking resistor module 150 and the control module 160 itself.

[0048] The at least one fastening device has quick-release fasteners for quickly connecting the modules. In particular, the at least one fastening device can have quick-release fasteners for quickly connecting the central module 110 to the capstan drive module 120 and to the rope winding module 130. Optionally, the at least one fastening device can also have quick-release fasteners for quickly mounting the load hook module 140, the braking resistor module 150, and the control module 160.

[0049] In particular, according to the Fig. 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the cable winch 100 is designed in a modular manner such that the modules 120, 130, 150, and 160 that can be connected to the central module 110 or another module of the cable winch 100 can be manually removed from the cable winch 100 individually or independently of one another. Thus, in particular, the modules 120, 130, 150, and 160 that can be connected to the central module 110 can be connected or connected to the central module 110 in such a way that they can be manually detached from the central module 110 independently of one another.

[0050] In other words and in summary, the cable winch 100 or electric rescue winch 100 is in accordance with the Fig. 1 The illustrated embodiment is constructed, merely by way of example, from six modules 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, and 160, which can be individually disassembled and replaced. This allows the cable winch 100 to be repaired and recertified within a short period of time. To enable easy interchangeability of individual modules, in particular the capstan drive module 120, the cable winding module 130, and the load hook module 140, they are mounted to the central module 110 by means of a form-fit connection, or in the case of the load hook module 140, to the cable, and secured with quick-release fasteners. The controller 160 and the braking resistor module 150 are also designed for easy interchangeability; however, no form-fit connection is necessary here, since typically no large forces are transmitted.Each interchangeable module (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, and 160) is individually testable and certifiable, allowing modules (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, and 160) to be manufactured and sold as spare parts in accordance with aviation regulations. In the event of a failure, these modules (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, and 160) can be repaired, for example, by an authorized maintenance organization and recertified for reuse.

[0051] Fig. 2 shows a flowchart of a method 200 for checking according to an embodiment. The method 200 can be executed to check a cable winch for an aircraft or vehicle. In this case, the method 200 for checking is in conjunction with or using the cable winch from Fig. 1 or a similar cable winch.

[0052] The control module or controller of the cable winch from Fig. 1 is configured to perform the steps of method 200 for checking the cable winch.

[0053] The method 200 for checking includes a step 210 of performing troubleshooting of the cable winch.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the testing method 200 also includes a step 220 of reading in a test request signal from an interface to a user input device. The test request signal represents a command to perform the troubleshooting. The user input device can be arranged, for example, outside the cable winch. In step 220 of reading in, the test request signal is read in, for example, via a wireless interface. The reading step 220 can be carried out before the execution step 210. Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the testing method 200 includes a step 230 of providing a test result signal to the interface or another interface, in particular a wireless interface, to the user input device. The test result signal represents a result of the troubleshooting, in particular in the form of result data.The step 230 of providing is executable after the step 210 of performing.

[0055] According to one embodiment, step 210 of performing the error search can be performed regularly, for example, using a default value. Additionally or alternatively, step 210 of performing the error search can be performed in response to a signal, such as a read-in test request signal.

[0056] In other words, and to summarize, this enables troubleshooting at the module level. The winch controller can include a test program or similar tool that supports troubleshooting and can indicate a defective module. A user interface for maintenance personnel can also be provided. This user interface can run on standard notebooks or tablets, for example, and communicate with the winch controller via USB or Wi-Fi.

[0057] The exemplary embodiments described and shown in the figures are selected only as examples. Different exemplary embodiments can be combined with each other in their entirety or with regard to individual features. Furthermore, one exemplary embodiment can be supplemented by features of another exemplary embodiment.

[0058] Furthermore, method steps according to the invention can be repeated and carried out in a different order than that described.

[0059] If an embodiment includes an "and / or" link between a first feature and a second feature, this should be read as meaning that the embodiment according to one embodiment has both the first feature and the second feature and according to another embodiment has either only the first feature or only the second feature. List of reference symbols

[0060] 100Cable winch 110Central module 112Rope guide section 114Rope entry section 120Capstan drive module 130Rope winding module 140Load hook module 150Brake resistor module 160Control module 200Verification procedure 210Execution step 220Reading step 230Provision step

Claims

1. Winch (100) for an aircraft or vehicle, wherein the winch (100) comprises: a central module (110) attachable or attached to the aircraft or vehicle, the central module (110) being formed to be mechanically connectable or connected in a manually releasable manner to at least one further module (120, 130, 150, 160) of the winch (100) using at least one fastening device; a capstan drive module (120) for retrieving a cable into the winch (100) and for discharging the cable from the winch (100), the capstan drive module (120) being formed to be mechanically connectable or connected to the central module (110) in a manually releasable manner using the at least one fastening device; a cable winding module (130) for receiving the cable by winding and unwinding the cable, the cable winding module (130) being formed to be mechanically connectable or connected to the central module (110) in a manually releasable manner using the at least one fastening device, characterised in that the at least one fastening device comprises quick-release fastening means for quickly connecting the modules (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160); and a control module (160) formed to be mechanically connectable or connected to the central module (110) in a manually releasable manner using the at least one fastening device, wherein the control module (160) is configured to perform an error search on the modules of the winch (100).

2. Winch (100) according to claim 1, characterised in that the central module (110) and the capstan drive module (120) are formed to be connectable or connected to each other by positive locking, wherein the central module (110) and the cable winding module (130) are formed to be connectable or connected to each other by positive locking.

3. Winch (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the central module (110) is arrangeable or arranged between the capstan drive module (120) and the cable winding module (130).

4. Winch (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the central module (110) comprises at least one cable guiding portion (112) formed to guide a cable of the winch (100) in at least one cable channel through the central module (110), wherein the central module (110) comprises a cable entry portion (114) in which the cable enters and / or exits the winch (100).

5. Winch (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by a load hook module (140) formed to be mechanically connectable or connected to a cable of the winch (100) in a manually releasable manner.

6. Winch (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by a braking resistor module (150) formed to be mechanically connectable or connected to the central module (110) in a manually releasable manner using the at least one fastening device.

7. Winch (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the modules (120, 130, 150, 160) connectable or connected to the central module (110) are connectable or connected to the central module (110) such that the same can be manually released from the central module (110) independently of one another.

8. Method (200) for checking a winch (100) according to one of the preceding claims for an aircraft or vehicle, wherein the method (200) comprises: performing (210) an error search on the modules of the winch (100) by means of the control module (160), wherein the step (210) of performing is carried out in order to detect an error and to determine whether the detected error has occurred in the central module (110) or the at least one further module (120, 130, 140, 150, 160).

9. Method (200) according to claim 8, characterised by a step (220) of reading a test order signal, which represents a command for performing the error search, from an interface to a user input device.

10. Method (200) according to one of claims 8 to 9, characterised by a step (230) of providing a test result signal, which represents a result of the error search, to an interface to a user input device.

11. Control module (160) configured to execute, control and / or implement the steps of a method (200) according to one of the preceding claims 8-10 in a winch according to one of claims 1-7.

12. Computer program product comprising program code for carrying out a method (200) according to one of the preceding claims 8-10, when the program product is executed on a control module (160) according to claim 11.