A WINCH WITH AN ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC WINDER FOR WINDING A WIRE ROPE

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of forestry winches, more precisely to the field of constructional details of forestry winches, which are related to winding of a rope onto a drum. The present invention relates to a winch comprising an electro-hydraulic winder for winding a wire rope and a winch with said winder.Background of the invention and the technical problem

[0002] During winch operation a pulling rope should be guided and evenly wound on a drum in layers. Construction of forestry winches is faced with requirements for compact design, which consequently leads to a short distance between a directing pulley for guiding the rope and the drum, which due to the too large angle of the rope with regards to the drum prevents reliable automatic winding of the rope on the drum. By increasing the width of the drum, which is needed to increase the capacity of the wire rope on the drum, the quality of winding is further reduced, i.e., the rope is unevenly wound.

[0003] The technical problem, which is solved by the present invention, is construction of a system that will enable even winding of the wire or the pulling rope on the drum. Mechanical assemblies that track the winding action and ensure approximately even winding are known, however, also these assemblies face deviations, as during tilting of the winch the weight of the winder affects the quality of rope winding. In addition, the disadvantage of mechanical winders are large dimensions consequently leading to challenging installation or reduced compactness of the construction.State of the art

[0004] Patent US2662703 describes an automatic mechanism for leading rope during winding, said mechanism comprising mechanical components. This solution differs from the present invention in its design. Patent US2424380 discloses a winch with a guide or a rope winder, wherein the guide is slidably installed on a drive shaft, so as to allow rotation of the drum during rope winding, while the guide travels back and forth in parallel to the drum, thus guiding the rope which is being wound on the drum. This solution prevents entanglement of the rope and prevents clustering of the rope (several layers of rope on one end of the drum, while the other parts of the drum have no or few rope layers). A disadvantage of this solution is that it is not resistant to side loads. The invention differs from the solution described in US2424380 in the mechanical components.

[0005] Document CN101700859 describes a winch with an automatic rope winder, winch comprises a steel wire rope pulley, a rope releaser sliding block and a winch roller which are sequentially connected by a steel wire rope. The steel wire rope pulley is placed on a disc rope releaser through a positioning shaft; the rope releaser sliding block is arranged on parallel slideways which are parallel vertically, and a rope release jack and a rope release positioning block are sequentially connected and arranged at one end of the rope releaser sliding block; the rope release jack is communicated with an electric hydraulic pump. This winder differs from the present invention in its construction.

[0006] Slovenian patent SI25917 discloses a winder for uniform winding of a wire rope onto a drum, said winder comprising a mechanical assembly of the winder and an electrohydraulic assembly. The mechanical assembly is directly connected to the drum, onto which wire rope is wound, and comprises a cross spindle with a nut and a drive assembly for translation of torque from the drum to the cross spindle. Left and right movement of the nut imitates the path and speed of movement of the wire rope during winding on the drum. A rotational angle sensor is attached to the nut, wherein the sensor is connected to a controller of the winch and measures deviation of the winder with regards to the nut. The controller corrects the pathway of the winder based on the measured deviations (angles) in order to harmonize movement of the nut and a holder for cylinders and consequently the wire rope. The present invention does not have the mechanical assembly, thus having a simpler construction.

[0007] The utility model CN202766182 discloses a crane winch according to the preamble of claim 1. There is thus disclosed an electric hydraulic control rope blocking device which comprises a rope blocking mechanism, a rope blocking hydraulic mechanism, a single-ring absolute encoder, a multiple-ring absolute encoder and a controller. The rope blocking mechanism further comprises a swinging rod, a rope blocking roller, a guide rail rod, a guide rod and a rope blocking roller support. One end of an oil cylinder of the rope blocking roller is connected to a super winding in a shaft mode, the other end of the oil cylinder of the rope blocking roller is connected with the middle portion of the swinging rod in a shaft mode, the single-ring absolute encoder is arranged at one end of the swinging rod, and under driving of the oil cylinder of the rope blocking roller, the swinging rod can swing around an installation shaft of the single-ring absolute encoder. The rope blocking hydraulic mechanism comprises a proportional electromagnetic valve of the oil cylinder of the rope blocking roller and the oil cylinder of the rope blocking roller. The multi-ring absolute encoder is arranged on a rolling cylinder of a winding, and the controller is arranged in an operational chamber of a crane. The electric hydraulic control rope blocking device can effectively avoid line disordering phenomenon, reduces friction among steel wire ropes on the winding, achieves systematic intelligent control due to the fact that an electric hydraulic control system is adopted, improves control precision of a system, and enables a winding mechanism to operate stably. This solution tracks drum rotation in a different manner as the present invention.

[0008] Document CN104355253 relates to a rope arranging device and a rope arranging method for the steel wire rope of a winch. The rope arranging device for the steel wire rope of the winch comprises an oscillating bar driving mechanism, a steel wire rope adjusting mechanism and a support mechanism, wherein the oscillating bar driving mechanism comprises an oscillating bar, is connected with the steel wire rope adjusting mechanism, and can drive the steel wire rope adjusting mechanism to move to adjust the position of the steel wire rope adjusting mechanism; the steel wire rope adjusting mechanism adjusts the rope winding starting position of the steel wire rope of the winch according to the position of the steel wire rope adjusting mechanism. According to the rope arranging device provided by the invention, the oscillating bar is utilized to drive the steel wire rope adjusting mechanism to adjust the position of the steel wire rope adjusting mechanism, so that the rope winding starting position of the steel wire rope is further adjusted, the winch is prevented from rope disordering phenomena such as rope jumping, rope climbing, intersection and sinking caused by tightening, the boom retraction efficiency of a cargo boom is increased, potential safety hazards such as boom impact caused by rope disordering and rope jumping are eliminated, and the working safety is improved. This document is silent about determination of drum rotation.

[0009] The utility model CN202358865 provides a cable arranging device comprising two end plates which are used for fixing the cable arranging device on a boat body, wherein two polish rods which are parallel with each other and a guide screw are connected between the two end plates, and a slide support is slidably arranged on the two polish rods; and the slide support is in threaded connection with the guide screw, and is in power connection with the guide screw through a cable arranging motor; so that the slide support can be controlled to slide between the two end plates back and forth, and therefore, a cable can be arranged to another side from one side of a winding drum of a cable storing winch. A cable arranging pulley is arranged on the slide support, the cable arranging pulley is in pivot joint on a pulley support, one end of the pulley support is in pivot joint with the slide support, and a cable arranging hydraulic cylinder is further connected between the pulley support and the slide support. The cable arranging device is used for driving the cable arranging hydraulic cylinder to be telescopic, so that the deflection angel of the pulley support and the cable arranging slide wheel can be controlled, and the cable can be guaranteed to be neatly and orderly arranged. This document is silent about determination of drum rotation.Description of the solution to the technical problem

[0010] The technical problem is solved by means of a winch according to claim 1.

[0011] The essence of the electric-hydraulic winder for uniform winding of the wire rope onto a drum of a winch is in that the winder comprises: a holder (housing) of the winder, a holder with redirecting cylinders, which are arranged to lead the rope towards the drum, wherein said holder of redirecting cylinders is movably installed on the holder of the winder or is coupled to the said holder of the winder in a movable manner, a two-way hydraulic cylinder, which is on one side mounted onto the holder with redirecting cylinders and on the opposite side to the holder of the winder, a controller, which is preferably the controller of the winch, wherein the controller is connected to: ∘ an inductive sensor or any other suitable sensor, mechanism or a switch mounted on the drum, wherein the said sensor is arranged to sense the rotation speed of the drum, by sensing grooves on the drum, ∘ rotational angle sensor installed on the holder of the winder, wherein said sensor is arranged to measure the angle between the holder with redirecting cylinders and the holder of the winder for adjusting the speed and direction of movement of the hydraulic cylinder, ∘ a suitable valve, preferably a three-way electrically controlled proportional valve, arranged to control the hydraulic cylinder, which is arranged to move the holder with redirecting cylinders in case the controller sense the need for correction of movement (path) of the holder with redirecting cylinders.

[0012] The drum has attached rings with suitably distributed grooves, preferably evenly (uniformly) or unevenly distributed grooves along the circumference. According to a non-claimed alternative, grooves may be made, cut or milled, directly in the side of the drum. These grooves are counted with the inductive sensor, which is preferably mounted on the housing of the winch in a fixed manner. On the basis of detected frequency of counted grooves, the controller can calculate the rotation speed of the drum and consequently the speed of movement of the wire rope left and / or right with regards to the pipe of the drum (on which the wire rope is wound). Thus, the controller knows the current position of the wire rope on the drum. The direction of drum rotation is known to the controller on the basis of signal caused by the user selecting either activation of pulling or opening of the brake.

[0013] The preferred option for movement of the holder with redirecting cylinders is the hydraulic cylinder, as winches are usually equipped with a hydraulic system and because forces for movement are large. However, it is also possible to achieve movement with a linear electromotor, but this solution is expensive. In addition, a strong electricity source is needed and further optimization of the winder and winch construction would be necessary.

[0014] The preferred embodiment of the winder with the angle sensor and forks on the holder of redirecting cylinders can also be replaced with a linear measuring rod or any other element that is suitable to measure or detect the position of the holder with redirecting cylinders. Instead of the holder with redirecting cylinders a suitable crankshaft mechanism could be used, said crankshaft mechanism being arranged to move the rope as it is wound along the width of the drum.

[0015] In order to allow operation of the winder the controller is arranged to sense: speed of drum rotation by counting the movement of grooves on the drum, direction of the rotation of the drum, preferably by sensing activated winding or unwinding of the rope, the angle between the holder with redirecting cylinders and the holder of the winder, wherein on the basis of measured values the controller the controller is arranged to perform suitable correction of movement path of the holder with redirecting cylinders via the suitable valve in order to achieve synchronized movement of the redirecting cylinders with regards to the direction and speed of drum rotations, thus ensuring proper winding of the rope. When the controller detects deviation between drum rotation (sensor on the drum) and movement of the holder with redirecting cylinders (angle sensor), the controller closes or opens the electrohydraulic valve, preferably the proportional three-way electrohydraulic valve in order to change the movement speed and direction of the hydraulic cylinder. In case the holder with redirecting valves is lagging behind the path of the rope on the drum, the speed of the holder with redirecting cylinders has to increase. Thus, the controller opens the valve, which increases the speed of oil flow in the cylinder. The valve controls the hydraulic cylinder in any known manner.

[0016] Monitoring of said winding parameters with the controller of the winder according to the invention is continuously performed, even when the winder is operating impeccably, as deviations can occur due to changes in winding conditions, such as speed of drum rotation due to change in motor operation, increase or decrease motor operation, and / or kinematics of the crankshaft mechanism, said exemplary conditions preventing uniform movement. In case synchronization of drum rotation speed and movement speed of the holder with redirecting valves is not performed, the rope is wound on the drum in an uncontrolled manner, i.e., the rope is accumulated to such extent that full-force load can damage and destroy it. The winder according to the invention allows choice of deviations from the ideal angle of 0° by choosing and correcting parameters in the controller. The deviation parameters and opening / closing of the valve, preferably the electrohydraulic proportional valve, may be changed in the controller in order to achieve optimal operation of the whole winder system.

[0017] The winch with the winder according to the invention may be any suitable winch, provided with one or two drums, wherein the winder enables optimal winding of the rope in even layers, thus significantly decreasing the possibility of rope damage. The winder is mounted on the winch in any known manner from the side where the wire rope exits or runs towards the drum.

[0018] The electro-hydraulic winder for winding a wire rope will be described in further detail based on an exemplary embodiments and figures, which show: Figure 1The drum with the inductive sensor, which senses the speed of drum rotation Figure 2The winder of the wire rope installed in a winch with two drums Figure 3Control of the winder for a winch with one drum

[0019] Figure 1 shows a drum B provided with rings B1 with evenly distributed grooves B2 along the circumference of the drum or the grooves are made directly on the side of the drum. Said grooves are counted by the inductive sensor 2, which is preferably mounted on the housing of the winch in a fixed manner.

[0020] Figure 2 depicts the winder for uniform winding of the wire rope onto the drum according to a possible embodiment for a double-drum winch, said winder comprising: a holder 1 of the winder with an outer part 4, a holder 5 with redirecting cylinders 5a, which are arranged to lead the rope towards the drum, wherein said holder of redirecting cylinders is movably installed on the holder 1 of the winder, an angle sensor 1a with a sensor installed on the holder 5 of the redirecting cylinders 5a, wherein the said sensor 1a via a handle mounted on the axis of the sensor 1a and movably installed on the holder 5 of redirecting cylinders 5a measures the offset angle of the holder 5 with redirecting cylinder 5a from the middle position of the sensor, a two-way hydraulic cylinder 5c, which is on one side mounted onto the holder 5 with redirecting cylinders 5a and on the opposite side to the holder 1 of the winder, said cylinder 5c arranged to horizontally move the holder 5 with redirecting cylinders 5a with a guide 6, a suitable valve (not shown), preferably a three-way electrically controlled proportional valve, for controlling the said hydraulic cylinder 5c, and a controller (not shown), which is preferably controller of the winch, for adjusting the speed and direction of movement of the hydraulic cylinder.

[0021] The holder 5 with redirecting cylinders 5a has transverse redirecting cylinders 5a for leading the wire rope as shown in figure 2.

[0022] A schematic view of control of the winder according to the invention is shown in figure 3, wherein the controller based on the calculated position of the wire rope on the drum (tracking data from both sensors) opens the electrohydraulic valve and tracks the angle with the angle sensor 1a. The hydraulic oil causes movement of the cylinder of the winder 5c and thus movement of repositioning cylinders 5 into a suitable direction and with a suitable speed, until the angle sensor reaches a neutral position. A minimum angle of the rope running between the cylinders 5a on the holder with redirecting cylinders 5 and the rope on the drum is thus achieved, which consequently leads to proper winding of the wire rope onto the drum.

Claims

1. A winch comprising a drum and an electro-hydraulic winder for winding a wire rope on the drum of the winch, wherein the winder comprises: - a holder of the winder, - a holder (5) with redirecting cylinders (5a) arranged to lead the rope towards the drum, wherein said holder of redirecting cylinders is movably installed on the holder of the winder or is coupled to the said holder (1) of the winder in a movable manner, - a two-way hydraulic cylinder (5c) or a linear electromotor, which is on one side mounted onto the holder (5) with redirecting cylinders (5a) and on the opposite side to the holder of the winder, - a controller, which is preferably controller of the winch, wherein the controller is connected to: ∘ an inductive sensor (1) or any other suitable sensor, mechanism or a switch mounted on the drum, wherein said sensor is arranged to sense the rotation speed of the drum, ∘ rotational angle sensor (1a) installed on the holder of the winder, or a linear measuring rod, a measuring scale or any other element arranged to measure the angle between the holder (5) with redirecting cylinders (5a) and the holder of the winder for adjusting the speed and direction of movement of the hydraulic cylinder (5c), ∘ a suitable valve, preferably a three-way electrically controlled proportional valve, arranged to control the hydraulic cylinder (5c), which is arranged to move the holder (5) with redirecting cylinders (5a) in case the controller sense the need for correction of movement path of the holder with redirecting cylinders determined on the basis of measured values by the sensors, characterized in that the inductive sensor (1) or any other suitable sensor, mechanism or a switch mounted on the drum is arranged to sense the rotation speed of the drum (3) by sensing grooves (2) on the drum (3), wherein the drum (3) is provided with attached rings with suitably, preferably evenly, distributed grooves (2) present on the circumference of the drum (3).

2. The winch according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller senses: - speed of drum rotation by counting the movement of grooves (2) on the drum (3), - direction of the rotation of the drum (3), preferably by sensing activated winding or unwinding of the rope, - the angle between the holder (5) with redirecting cylinders (5a) and the holder of the winder, wherein on the basis of measured values the controller is arranged to perform suitable correction of movement path of the holder with redirecting cylinders via the suitable valve in order to achieve synchronized movement of the redirecting cylinders with regards to the direction and speed of drum rotations, thus ensuring proper winding of the rope.

3. The winch according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the controller is arranged to sense mismatch between drum (3) rotation and movement of the holder (5) with redirecting cylinders (5a), wherein based on sensed mismatch the controller is arranged to adjust the hydraulic cylinder (5c) with the hydraulic valve, wherein in case the holder (5) with redirecting cylinder (5a) is determined to be lagging behind the rope on the drum (3), the speed of movement of the redirecting cylinders (5a) has to be increased by increasing the speed of oil flow into the cylinder (5c) by opening the hydraulic valve.

4. The winch according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said inductive sensor (1) counts the said grooves (2), said inductive sensor being preferably mounted on the housing of the winch in a fixed manner, wherein on the basis of detected movement frequency of grooves (2) the controller calculates drum (3) rotation speed and consequently speed of movement of the wire rope on the drum pipe left or right, respectively.

5. The winch according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a direction of drum (3) rotation is determined by the controller based on the signal caused by the user due to activation of pulling or by opening the brake.

6. The winch according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that parameters of deviation and opening of the valve can be set and changed on the controller in order to achieve optimal winding of the rope.

7. The winch according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the winch has two drums.