Method for installing a towing device, manufacturing method and towing device

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a side-mounted mud-clearing winch and a method for installing such a winch, for example on the side of a chassis side member. It comprises a motorized drum receiving a cable via a fixed hawse point. Its frame is fixed to the chassis on either side of the hawse point, projecting onto the drum axis, and carries a return device for deploying the cable forwards or backwards.

[0002] The invention also proposes an assembly method using the same winch model to mount it selectively on the transverse or lateral face, for example by adding an adapter carrying the return device.

[0003] Typically, but not necessarily, its drum axis is longitudinal to the vehicle, on a plate carrying a double return around axes perpendicular to said plate. Preferably, it uses a synthetic cable winch, trancaned and returned by sliding on fixed elements. State of the art

[0004] In the vehicle sector, particularly for off-road vehicles such as military vehicles, a traction winch is very often fitted to the vehicle chassis. This winch is used to pull or free the vehicle from mud, generally by attaching the traction cable to a fixed point or another vehicle. It must be able to be used reliably and quickly in technically difficult and potentially dangerous environments.

[0005] The vehicles concerned may be so-called "light" vehicles, such as simple four-person transport vehicles, but which still weigh around two tonnes. Heavy vehicles are also concerned, for example, trucks or armoured vehicles weighing around 10 to 30 tonnes.

[0006] This type of winch is used and mounted as an accessory, often necessary but not systematic. In general, it is not taken into account in the design of the vehicle, and must therefore adapt to the vehicle as it is.

[0007] The most common type of winch is mounted on the front or rear of the vehicle. It uses a motorized winding drum rotating around an axis that is horizontal and mounted transversely to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The drum is mounted at both ends on a frame, which is parallel to the axis of the drum. This frame is then fixed to the vehicle's chassis, usually on a front or rear bumper, or on a cross member positioned at the end of the vehicle.

[0008] This type of mounting is simple and compact, and quite economical. It offers direct access, which facilitates assembly, maintenance, and use. However, a single winch can only be used in one direction, forward or backward, depending on the end where it is mounted. In addition, such a winch is relatively prominent, which poses a safety risk, and it is exposed to impacts, which can damage it. In addition, it adds cantilever weight to the end of the vehicle, which is generally not considered in vehicle design.

[0009] In some cases, a winch is used mounted laterally, on the side of the vehicle, for example fixed to a chassis rail in a central part of the vehicle. This mounting is done with the axis of the drum transverse to the vehicle, and to the rail: the cable of the same winch can then be deployed towards the front or the rear of the vehicle, according to the need of the moment. For this, the drum is mounted "at the end" on its frame. That is to say that one of the ends of the drum is fixed mounted directly on the frame, while the other end is suspended at a distance from the frame, or is mounted on a bearing carried by a branch which extends all along the drum. The axis of the drum protrudes from the rail towards the outside, parallel to the axes of the wheels, and the drum extends above or between two sets of wheels.

[0010] When deployed, the cable is passed along the chassis, generally between the side member and the wheels and / or the suspension and braking components.

[0011] However, this arrangement has disadvantages, for example because it requires a certain amount of space available on the side of the chassis between the functional parts of the vehicle, which is not designed for this.

[0012] Furthermore, as it is wound, the position of the cable on the drum moves along the entire length of the drum, i.e. it moves away from and towards the chassis to which it is attached. Along the entire length of the vehicle where the cable runs along the chassis to the end of the vehicle, this movement requires available space to allow the cable to move without interfering with the vehicle components, which are not designed for this, in particular the suspension and steering. This typically represents a transverse footprint of around 200mm, while the available space is often less than 100mm.

[0013] For example, for this type of reason, a lateral implantation is often difficult, or even impossible in a certain number of cases.

[0014] A known towing device is described by document FR2910453A1.

[0015] An aim of the invention is to overcome in whole or in part the disadvantages of the state of the art. In particular, it is sought to allow the installation of such a winch on the side of a vehicle, for example to allow forward and rearward use, which is easier to adapt to different types of vehicle and / or allows simpler, more economical and more reliable assembly, maintenance and use. Presentation of the invention

[0016] According to the invention, a method is proposed for installing a towing device, comprising a towing winch, on a vehicle in a lateral position so as to allow towing by a cable which can be deployed as desired towards the rear or towards the front of said vehicle,

[0017] This winch is of the type including: a frame provided with attachment points to the vehicle, a motorized drum, rotatably mounted on said frame so as to receive by winding said towing cable, and a distributor device, arranged to guide the winding of said cable regularly around said drum from a substantially constant entry position called the hawse point.

[0018] This hauling device further comprises a return device arranged to receive and guide said cable from the outside towards this hawse point from at least two opposite so-called entry directions; and the frame has fixing points arranged, in their projection on the axis of rotation of the drum, on either side of the projection of said hawse point.

[0019] According to the invention, this method comprises an operation of fixing said frame on a fixed part of the vehicle and in a location situated between the two longitudinal ends of the vehicle, so that the input directions of the return device include a direction towards the front of the vehicle and a direction towards the rear of the vehicle.

[0020] A hauling device is also proposed, comprising a hauling winch mounted or intended to be mounted on a vehicle in a lateral position, that is to say on a fixed part of the vehicle and in a location situated between the two longitudinal ends of the vehicle, so as to allow hauling by a cable which can be deployed as desired towards the rear or towards the front of said vehicle. Typically, this device is fixed in particular to a load-bearing wall or a chassis side member, most often on the side but possibly also on or under the vehicle.

[0021] This winch includes: a frame provided with attachment points to the vehicle, a motorized (or motorizable) drum, generally of elongated shape in the direction of its axis of rotation, which is rotatably mounted on said frame so as to receive by winding said towing cable, and a distributor device, arranged to guide the winding of said cable regularly around said drum, from a substantially constant entry position called the hawse point, that is to say from a fixed position or one which varies little during winding, but which may be different depending on the direction of deployment chosen.

[0022] The hauling device further comprises a return device arranged to receive and guide said cable from the outside towards this hawse point, from at least two opposite directions. That is to say which extend in two opposite directions from the return device, and are parallel or even collinear with each other (exactly or forming between them an angle of between 135° and 180°, preferably between 160°C and 180°C). Typically, this return device can receive the cable from two directions longitudinal to the vehicle, one extending towards the front and the other towards the rear of said vehicle.

[0023] In addition, the frame has fixing points arranged, in their projection on the axis of rotation of the drum, on either side of the projection of said hawse point.

[0024] In the case of a vehicle whose chassis is formed by load-bearing side members, it is fixed for example on one face of such a side member.

[0025] In this architecture, the drum is fixed as close as possible to the chassis while using a cable that has no lateral movement in its path towards the front or rear of the vehicle, which significantly reduces its size. Cable routing is therefore easier to achieve within the vehicle's components. In addition, the winch is more compact and can be lighter, and therefore easier to accommodate in a lateral installation.

[0026] The drum is closer to the chassis and fixed in a balanced manner: it is no longer cantilevered on the side member as were the laterally mounted winches according to the prior art. This results in less stress on the side member, a need for less rigidity for the winch frame and therefore less weight and less bulk. It therefore becomes possible to use a winch model similar to those which can be mounted on the front or rear face, or even an identical model with minor adaptations.

[0027] This improves the compromise between the constraints governing the installation of a lateral winch: less bulk, less heavy, less risk for the chassis, simpler, less specific, less expensive, more efficient, more reliable.

[0028] This makes it easier to achieve side-mounted installation, and can also make it possible on vehicles where it was previously impossible.

[0029] Preferably, this device is arranged to use a cable made of a non-metallic material, called synthetic. Such a cable is known and is notably made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or aromatic polyamides - notably with a density of less than 7 or more particularly with a density of less than 5.

[0030] It involves particular constraints in the design of the winch and the cable circuit but it also has important advantages, which are potentiated within the framework of the invention and also make it more efficient. In particular, it accepts much smaller bending radii than a metal cable. Unlike the latter, a synthetic cable is capable of sliding under load on certain surfaces without damaging them, which allows great simplicity and compactness in the organs of the device of the present invention.

[0031] More particularly, the distributor device then comprises a distributor profile carrying a friction surface with a low coefficient of friction on which the cable slides to form a return in its path between the drum and the hawse point. This distributor profile extends over the entire winding length of the drum and has an ovoid shape moving away from the drum at its center according to a determined profile so that the distance between the hawse point and the point of contact of the cable with the drum is constant regardless of the longitudinal position of said point of contact.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the frame is arranged to be fixed in a position where the drum axis is longitudinal to the vehicle.

[0033] In other embodiments, the frame is arranged to be fixed in a position where the axis of the drum is not longitudinal to the vehicle, and for example in an orientation transverse to the vehicle.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, combinable with different orientations of the drum axis, this frame is arranged to be fixed on a lateral face of the fixed element which is oriented towards the side and towards the outside of the vehicle. In the case of fixing on a side member, it is then fixed on a lateral face of the side member which is external to the vehicle, that is to say which is directed towards the outside of the vehicle.

[0035] Alternatively, this frame can also be fixed on another face of a side member, for example on an upper or lower face of the side member, or even an internal side face of the vehicle.

[0036] According to preferred features, which can be combined with each other: The return device receives and guides the cable between the outside and the hawse point, by one or more grooves or guide surfaces drawing a rounded, or even circular, path around an axis called the return axis which is perpendicular to the drum axis. For example, this path is inscribed in a plane substantially transverse to said return axis, exactly or at less than 15°. The guide surface(s) are formed partially or exclusively by one or more friction surfaces, made of a low-friction material and on which the cable slides by sliding. These surfaces are for example made of aluminum or aluminum alloy, possibly with inclusion of graphite. The guide surface(s) comprise return pulleys.

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment, the frame has a fixing surface arranged to be applied and fixed to a fixed element forming a part of the chassis of the vehicle, in particular a side member, on a face which is longitudinal to the vehicle. That is to say a face which includes a straight line parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, for example directed towards the side of the vehicle or upwards or downwards.

[0038] More particularly, the frame has a generally flattened shape with two opposite main faces, said frame carrying: on one of said faces, a fixing surface intended to come to bear on the chassis to be fixed there by fixing means, typically through means such as screws, studs, bolts, rivets, possibly other means such as by external tightening such as flanges, or by welding; and on the other of said faces, the drum itself, by means of at least two bearings which hold the two axial ends of the drum.

[0039] According to this feature, the return device has return axes which are substantially perpendicular to the plane of the frame, exactly or to within 20°.

[0040] Preferably, the frame is then arranged to be mounted on a vertical face of the chassis, so that the path of the cable inside the return device is contained in a substantially vertical plane, or at less than 20°.

[0041] Alternatively, the frame may also be arranged to be mounted on a horizontal face of the chassis, so that the path of the cable inside the return device is contained in a substantially horizontal plane, or within 20°.

[0042] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a hauling device, comprising the following steps: produce or supply a pre-assembled winch comprising at least one motorized or motorizable drum, and optionally a distributor device mounted on or compatible with said winch; choose an adapter element or a frame, from a choice comprising: o an adapter or a frame, called a front one, compatible with a fixed part of said winch and intended to be assembled with it (and optionally with a distributor, which may be specific to front mounting) so as to form a hauling device arranged to be mounted on the front or rear of a vehicle, o an adapter or a frame, called a side one, compatible with a fixed part of said winch, and intended to be assembled with it and with a return device (and optionally with a distributor, which may be specific to side mounting) so as to form a side-mounted hauling device as described herein;in the case of a choice of side mounting, assembly of said frame or side adapter with said winch and with said return device to form said side-mounted hauling device. in the case of a choice of front mounting, assembly of said frame or front adapter with said winch and with said return device to form said front-mounted hauling device. ;

[0043] Thus, the same winch composed of the same elements, in particular drum, support bearings, distributor or even motor, can be assembled on two different frames depending on whether its installation is planned at the front or at the side.

[0044] Similarly, the same winch already mounted on its frame can be mounted in two different locations, for example: in a front position, as is or with a front adapter, or in a side position as disclosed herein, with a side adapter including or carrying the return device disclosed herein.

[0045] Such a lateral adapter comprises, for example, a return bracket, which carries the return device and is fixed to the main frame.

[0046] By pooling a large part of these components, we obtain greater flexibility, simplicity and economy, in manufacturing and storage, but also in maintenance and use.

[0047] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, incorporating, according to all of their possible combinations, the various optional features set out herein. Brief description of the drawings

[0048] Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description of a non-limiting mode of implementation, and from the appended drawings in which: [ Fig. 1 ] : there Fig. 1 is a simplified but realistic top view, which illustrates a truck cell carrying a winch mounted laterally on the left side member of its chassis, according to the state of the art; [ Fig.2 ] : there Fig.2 is a top view diagram illustrating the functional geometry of a winch mounted laterally on a chassis side member, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; [ Fig. 3 ] : there Fig. 3is a simplified but realistic top view, which illustrates a truck cell carrying a winch mounted laterally on the left side member of its chassis, according to an exemplary preferred embodiment of the invention, using a synthetic cable with a pulley return device and cross-linking by a distributor in the form of a friction hoop; [ Fig.4 ] : there Fig.4 is a scaled perspective view illustrating the side mounting of the example of the Fig. 3 ; [ Fig.5 ] : there Fig.5 is a realistic side view, which illustrates in more detail the deployment of the cable on the winch of the Fig. 3 ; [ Fig.6 ] : there Fig.6 is a realistic perspective view which illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the distributor device of the winch of the Fig. 3 ; [ Fig.7 ] : there Fig.7 is a perspective view to scale illustrating the winch of the Fig. 3 once equipped with its protective casing; [ Fig.8 ] : there Fig.8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drum, which illustrates another exemplary embodiment, in which the device is arranged to be mounted on an upper face of a spar with the drum in a longitudinal position; [ Fig.9 ] : there Fig.9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drum, which illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment, in which the winch is mounted on an upper face of a side member, and with the drum in a position transverse to the vehicle. Description of the embodiments

[0049] There Fig. 1illustrates a truck cell 9 carrying a winch 7 mounted laterally on the left side member 91 of its chassis, according to the state of the art. As can be seen, this winch 7 uses a rotating drum with an axis A7 perpendicular to the length of the vehicle 9, driven by a motor 12. The cable of this winch 7 can be deployed as desired in a forward direction D91 or in a rearward direction D92. However, when deployed but especially when rewinding, this cable runs the entire length of the drum, and thus occupies a space E71 and respectively E7, each illustrated here by a gray triangle.

[0050] There Fig.2 illustrates the functional geometry of a winch 1 mounted laterally on a chassis side member 91, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0051] This winch comprises a drum 11, on which the cable 8 is wound. This drum is rotatably mounted around its axis A11, which is here parallel to the spar 91. It is mounted on a frame 19 which is fixed to the spar at fixing points 191, 192, here bolts passing through the frame and the spar to tighten them against each other. These fixing points are here represented as only two points, but can also each include several regions or groups of points or regions.

[0052] The winch 1 further comprises a distributor device 13, here symbolically represented by a rectangle in chain line. This distributor is arranged to guide the cable winding 8 regularly around the drum 11, from a hawse point 14. This distributor may be of a known type.

[0053] From the outside, the cable 8 is guided to this hawse point 14 by a return device 15, which thus performs the role of hawse. This return device is arranged so that the position of this hawse point is substantially constant, for example in relation to the operating tolerances of the distributor. This return device 15, which may be of a known type, is here symbolically represented by a rectangle in chain line. It is designed to be able to receive the cable 8, from the outside, from at least two entry directions D1 and D2 (depending on the deployment direction which was chosen during unwinding), which are here opposite. These "opposite" directions are here represented as collinear, that is to say in the form of displacement vectors (illustrated by arrows) making an angle of 180° between them.It is however possible and planned to accept directions considered as opposite while presenting between them a slightly different angle, here illustrated by a so-called collinearity angle S1, for example to form vectors separated by more than 160°, or even by less than 160° and more than 135°.

[0054] As can be seen in the figure, the two fixing points 191 and 192 are arranged on either side of the projection of said hawse point 14, that is to say that their respective orthogonal projections P191 and P192, on the axis of rotation A11 of the drum 11, are located on either side of the orthogonal projection P14 of the hawse point 14 on this same axis A11.

[0055] The frame in this example has a generally flattened shape, in the form of a plate, one of the faces of which, called the fixing surface 190, comes to bear on the chassis under the effect of the fixing means. On its other face, this plate carries the drum by means of at least two bearings 111, 112, which hold the two axial ends of the drum 11. The motor 12 is here mounted at the end of the drum shaft, on the other side of the bearing 111.

[0056] As illustrated in Fig. 3 , such a winch 1 will be fixed for example on the left side member of the same type of vehicle 9, but with the axis A11 of the drum in a position parallel to the side member 91. It will thus return the cable 8 in the two front exit directions D1 and rear D2 according to a path which remains very close to the side member, and with zero or substantially zero travel. This avoids the constraints created by the dimensions E71 and E72 of the prior art 7.

[0057] As illustrated in Fig.2 , the point of traction by the cable on the drum, which moves inside the angular sector S13 (illustrated in dotted lines), is thus always between the projections P191 and P192 of the two fixing points of the frame, and preferably between the two bearings 11 and 12 of the drum, and therefore without overhang.

[0058] This architecture thus allows better optimization of the forces absorbed, and a smaller drum than in the lateral assemblies of the prior art.

[0059] The invention thus makes it possible to use a less specific and therefore less expensive winch, or even a standard winch for freeing up mud of the type usually fixed to the front of the vehicle, to perform the same function as the side installations currently existing. It also allows a significant weight saving, for example of the order of 50%. It also allows mechanical stress to be placed on the chassis, both through the reduction in weight and through the absence of overhang in its attachment to the chassis, allowing for example a reduced bending moment of the order of 50% to 90%. Installation is also facilitated due to the reduction in size, which thus eliminates the need for the movement of the moving suspension and steering elements.

[0060] The shunting devices 13 and return devices 15 may be of a type accepting a metal cable. Such devices are known and may be used to produce the winch 1 according to the invention.

[0061] However, this example proposes a winch 1 arranged to use a cable 8 of a non-metallic material, called synthetic.

[0062] This combination is particularly advantageous because the synthetic cable allows the use of shunting devices 13 and / or return devices 15 of a different technology, which allows greater compactness and better integration, directly on the winch-chassis interface. This makes it possible to greatly increase or even simply make possible the advantages provided by this architecture, by allowing the synthetic cable to run along the chassis in two opposite directions in a very close manner.

[0063] THE Fig.4 to Fig.7 realistically and to scale illustrate the construction details of the winch in this exemplary embodiment.

[0064] As illustrated in Fig.5, the return device 15 receives and guides the cable 8 between the exterior and the hawse point 14, by several grooves forming guide surfaces 151, 152, which each draw a path R1, R2 rounded around a return axis AR1 and respectively AR2. Each of these return axes is substantially perpendicular to the drum axis A11, and the paths R1, R2 are here each in a plane substantially transverse to its return axis.

[0065] In this example, the guide surfaces 151, 152 are formed partially or exclusively by one or more friction surfaces, made of a low-friction material and on which the cable (8) slides by sliding. These surfaces can thus be made fixed and over a restricted angular sector, for example of the order of 90°.

[0066] Banana cutting (friction): as seen in Fig.5 , and detailed in Fig.6, the distributor device is here produced by a distributor profile 13 carrying a friction surface with a low coefficient of friction, on which the cable 8 slides to form a return in its path between the drum 11 and the hawse point 14. As can be seen, the path of the cable between the distributor 13 and the hawse point 14 is therefore in a plane substantially parallel to the surface of the frame.

[0067] This distributor profile 13 extends over the entire winding length of the drum, described by the shunting sector S13, and has an ovoid shape moving away from the drum at its center according to a determined profile so that the distance between the hawse point 14 and the point of contact of the cable 8 with the drum 11 is constant regardless of the longitudinal position of said point of contact. This results in a fixed and compact distributor.

[0068] The return device 15 and the distributor 13 thus form compact and fixed elements, which are here fixed to the frame to form a winch 1 integrating all these functions in a single system, monobloc and installable in one piece. Example of mounting on a horizontal surface

[0069] There Fig.8 illustrates another exemplary embodiment, described only in its differences. In this example, the hauling device is mounted on a horizontal surface of a spar 91 and with the drum in a longitudinal position, shown here in cross-section. The winch is here mounted on the upper surface 911, but could also be mounted below.

[0070] It will be noted that the winch mounted in this way can be winch 1 described previously.

[0071] For example, the distributor 13 is here formed by a friction hoop, rounded in the shape of a banana, which forms the central bar of an "H". The side bars are provided with fixing holes and are each inserted, for example, between a bearing of the drum and the frame. This provides an adapter which is easily integrated into the structure of the hauling device.

[0072] As illustrated in Fig.8 , this arch is positioned relative to the hawse point so that the cable forms an angle varying around 90° between the drum 11 and the hawse point 14.

[0073] It will be noted that this distributor is, or can be, used in the various examples described herein, for example in Fig. 5 to 7 And 9 , as well as in other embodiments. Example of embodiment with drum in transverse position

[0074] There Fig.9illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment, described only in its differences. In this embodiment, the winch comprises a frame 19 which is arranged to carry a drum 11 in a position transverse to the side member 91. It is provided with a return device whose return guides 151 and 152 have return axes AR1, AR2 parallel to the axis A11 of the drum, allowing deployment in two opposite directions which are longitudinal to the vehicle, forwards D1 or backwards D2.

[0075] This example is intended for mounting on a horizontal surface of a 91 spar, here on its upper face, but its arrangement could also be adapted in its dimensions to be fixed on a vertical face.

[0076] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous adjustments can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined by the claims. Nomenclature

[0077] [Tables 1] 7 side winch (prior art) A7 side winch axle (prior art) E71 lateral cable congestion towards the front (prior art) E72 lateral cable encumbrance towards the rear (prior art) D91 first direction of deployment D92 second direction of deployment 1 towing winch 8 tow cable 9 vehicle, vehicle cell 91 chassis side member 911 upper surface of the spar 10 protective casing 11 drum 111 1st level 112 2nd level A11 drum axle 12 engine 13 dispensing device, cutting device S13 angular cutting sector 131 cutting adapter 14 hawsehole point P14 hawse point projection 15 return device 151 forward return guide 152 rear return guide AR1 first return axis AR2 second return axis R1 first referral route R2 second return route 19 built 190 frame mounting surface 191 1st point / region of fixation 192 2nd fixation point / region projection P191 1st fixation P192 2nd fixation projection 195 return support D1 first direction of entry / deployment D2 second direction of entry / deployment S1 collinearity angle

Claims

1. A method of installing a haulage device comprising a hauling winch (1) on a vehicle (9) in a lateral configuration so as to allow hauling by a cable (8) deployable at choice rearward or forward of the vehicle (9), the winch (1) including : - a frame (19) provided with points for attachment to the vehicle (9), - a motorized drum (11) (12), rotatably mounted on said frame (19) so as to receive by winding said hauling cable (8), and - a distributor device (13), arranged to guide the winding of said cable regularly around said drum from a substantially constant input position referred to as the skimmer point (14); the haulage device further comprising a return device (15) arranged to receive and guide said cable from the outside to this skimmer point from at least two opposite input directions (D1, D2); the frame (19) having attachment points (191, 192) disposed in their projection (P191, P192, P14) on the rotation axis (A11) of the drum (11), on either side of the projection of said skimmer point (14); said method comprising an operation of fixing said frame (19) on a fixed part (91) of the vehicle and in a location between the two longitudinal ends of the vehicle, so that the input directions (D1, D2) of the return device (15) include a forward direction of the vehicle (D91) and a rearward direction of the vehicle (D92)).

2. A method according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the frame (19) is fixed in a position where the drum axis (A11) is longitudinal to the vehicle (9).

3. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the frame (19) is fixed on a side face of the fixed element (91) which is oriented towards the side and towards the outside of the vehicle (9).

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (19) has a fixing surface which is applied and fixed on a fixed element (91) forming a part of the vehicle (9), in particular a spar, on a face (910) which is longitudinal to the vehicle.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame (19) has a generally flattened shape comprising two opposite main faces, said frame bearing: - on one of said faces, an attachment surface (190) arranged for being supported on the chassis to be attached thereto (191, 192) by attachment means; - on the other of said faces, the drum via at least two supports which hold the two axial ends of the drum; the return device (15) has return axes (AR1, AR2) which are substantially perpendicular to the plane of the frame (19), and the frame is mounted on a vertical face (910) of the frame (91), so that the path of the cable (8) inside the return device (15) is contained in a substantially vertical plane.

6. The method according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the frame (19) is mounted on a horizontal face (910) of the frame (91), so that the path of the cable (8) within the return device (15) is contained in a substantially horizontal plane.

7. A method of making a haulage device comprising the following steps: provide a pre-assembledwinch having at least a motorised or motorizable drum (11); choose either a return support having return means or a frame (19), within the choice limits, having a return support carrying a return means and attached to a frame (19) or a frontal frame (19), compatible with a part attached to the winch and arranged to be assembled therewith so as to form a haulage device arranged for being mounted facing the front or rear of a vehicle, forming a frontal assembly, or a return (195) support carrying a return device and attached to a frame (19) or a lateral frame (19) compatible with a part attached to the winch and arranged for being assembled therewith and with a return device (15) so as to form a haulage device for lateral mounting; said winch, called the haulage winch, comprising : said frame (19) furnished with vehicle attachment points; the motorised (12) drum (11) rotatably mounted on the frame (19) so as to wind thereon the haulage cable (8); a distribution device (13) arranged for guiding the cable on the drum in regular fashion from a substantially constant skimming point (14); a return device (15) arranged to receive and guide cable from outside toward the skimming point from at least two opposed entry directions (D1, D2); • on the frame (19) vehicle attachment points (191, 192) disposed, in their projection (P191, P192, P14) on the axis of rotation (A11) of the drum (11) from one part and another of the projection of the skimming point (14); in the case of a choice of lateral mounting assembly of the lateral frame (19) or return support (195) carrying a return device attached to the lateral frame (19) with the drum (11) and the return device (15) to form a lateral mounting haulage device (1); in the case of frontal mounting , assembly of the frontal frame (19) or the return support carrying a return device and attached to the frontal frame (19) with the drum and return device to form a haulage device for frontal mounting.

8. A haulage device comprising a haulage winch (1) arranged for mounting on a vehicle (9) in a lateral position so as to permit haulage by a cable (8) capable of being deployed at choice toward the front or the rear of the vehicle, the winch including: - a frame (19) furnished with attachment points for attachment to the vehicle (9); - a motorised (12) drum (11) rotatably mounted on the frame (19) in such a manner as to receive by winding a haulage cable (8), and - a distributer device (13), arranged for guiding the winding of said cable in regular fashion around the drum from an entry position - skimming point (14) - which is substantially constant, characterised in that it comprises a return device (15) arranged to receive and guide the cable from the exterior toward the skimming point from at least two opposite entry directions (D1, D2); in that the frame (19) presents attachment points (191, 192) disposed, in their projection (P191, P192, P14) on the axis of rotation (A11) of the axis of rotation of the drum (11) of one part and the other of the projection of the skimming point (14) in that the return device (15) receives and guides cable (8) between the exterior and the skimming point (14), via one or two grooves or guide surfaces (151, 152) defining a path (R1, R2) arranged around an axis of return (AR1, AR2) perpendicular to the axis of the drum (A11), notably in a plan substantially transverse to the return axis; and in that the frame presents a generally flat form with two opposing faces and carrying on one face, an attachment surface (190) for attachment to the chassis (191, 192) by attachment means to a fixed element (91) of the vehicle (9) on a face (910) longitudinally of the vehicle; and on the other face of said faces of the drum, by the intermediary of at least two supports which maintain the two axial extremities of the drum, notably with the drum parallel to the frame, and the return device (15), which is arranged so that the trajectory plan (R1, R2) is situated on the same side of the frame as the drum.

9. Means as claimed in preceding claim, characterised in that it is arranged to employ a non-metallic, synthetic cable (8).

10. Means according to any one of claims 8 to 9, characterised in that the distributer device (13) has a profile with a rubbing surface of low coefficient of friction upon which the cable (8) slides to form a return in its path between the drum (11) and the skimmer point (14), which distributer profile extends the whole length of the drum winding surface and presents an ovoid shape deviating from the drum at its centre according to a specific profile to ensure that the distance from the skimmer point and the point of contact of the cable to the drum is constant irrespective of the longitudinal position on the drum.

11. Means according to claim 9 or claim 10, characterized in that the guidance surface(s) (151, 152) is formed partly or exclusively by a rubbing surface or surfaces of a low friction material and over which the cable (8) slides.

12. Means according to claim 9 or claim 10, characterized in that the guiding surface(s) comprise return pulleys.

13. Means according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterised in that the return means (15) and the distributer (13) form fixed elements attached to the frame (19) on its face bearing the drum (11) with the distributor interspersed between the drum and the frame, notably by lateral attachment means (131) interspersed between the drum supports and the frame.