Side-mounted mud-recovery winch, and manufacturing process
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2020000941
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2020-01-30
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-07
- Estimated Expiration
- 2040-01-30
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: “Side-mounted de-silting winch and manufacturing method”
[0001] The invention relates to a side-mounted mud-clearing winch, mounted 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 allowing the cable to be deployed forwards or backwards.
[0002] Typically, its 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. 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. State of the art
[0003] In the field of vehicles, in particular off-road vehicles such as military vehicles, a traction winch is very often provided mounted on the chassis of the vehicle. This winch is used to tow or even free the vehicle from mud, generally by hooking the traction cable to a fixed point or to another vehicle. It must be able to be used reliably and quickly in technically difficult and possibly dangerous environments.
[0004] The vehicles concerned may be so-called "light" vehicles such as simple transport vehicles for four people, but which still weigh around two tonnes. Heavy vehicles are also concerned, for example trucks or armoured vehicles of the order of 10 to 30 tonnes.
[0005] 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.
[0006] For such a winch, the most common type is mounted on the front or rear of the vehicle. It uses a motorized winding drum rotating around an axis which is horizontal and mounted transversely to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The drum is mounted by its two ends on a frame, which is parallel to the axis of the drum. This frame is then fixed to the chassis of the vehicle, generally on a front or rear bumper, or on a cross member positioned at the end of the vehicle.
[0007] This type of assembly is simple and compact, and quite economical. It has direct access, which facilitates assembly, maintenance and use. However, the same 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; it is exposed to impacts, which can damage it. In addition, it adds overhanging weight to the end of the vehicle, which is generally not taken into account in vehicle design.
[0008] 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, depending on 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.
[0009] During deployment, the cable is passed along the chassis, generally between the side member and the wheels and / or the suspension and braking components.
[0010] However, this assembly 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.
[0011] Furthermore, when 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 fixed. Over 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 the steering. This typically represents a transverse footprint of the order of 200mm, whereas the available space is often less than 100mm.
[0012] For example, for this type of reason, lateral implantation is often difficult, or even impossible in a certain number of cases.
[0013] 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.
[0014] The invention provides a hauling device, 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.
[0015] According to the invention, this winch comprises:
[0016] - 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 said towing cable by winding, 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 that varies little during winding, but which may be different depending on the chosen direction of deployment.
[0017] According to the invention, 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.
[0018] Furthermore, according to the invention, 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] 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.
[0020] In this architecture, the drum is fixed as close as possible to the chassis while using a cable which does not have any lateral movement in its path towards the front or rear of the vehicle, which significantly reduces its size. The cable passage is thus easier to achieve within the vehicle's components. In addition, the winch is thus more compact and can be less heavy, and therefore easier to accommodate in a lateral installation.
[0021] 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 winches mounted laterally according to the art front. This results in less stress on the spar, 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] This makes it easier to achieve lateral installation, and can also make it possible on vehicles where it was previously impossible.
[0024] Preferably, this device is arranged to use a cable of a non-metallic material, called synthetic. Such a cable is known and is in particular made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or aromatic polyamides - in particular with a density of less than 7 or more particularly with a density of less than 5.
[0025] 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 radii of curvature 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the frame is arranged to be fixed in a position where the drum axis is longitudinal to the vehicle.
[0028] 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.
[0029] In a preferred embodiment, combinable with different orientations of the axis of the drum, 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 a 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, which is directed towards the outside of the vehicle.
[0030] 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 a lateral face internal to the vehicle.
[0031] According to preferred features, which can be combined with each other:
[0032] - 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) include return pulleys.
[0033] 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.
[0034] More particularly, the frame has a generally flattened shape having two opposite main faces, said frame carrying:
[0035] - 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.
[0036] 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°.
[0037] 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°.
[0038] 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 at less than 20°.
[0039] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a hauling device, comprising the following steps:
[0040] - 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 including: • an adapter or frame, called a front one, compatible with a fixed part of said winch and designed to be assembled with it (and optionally with a distributor, which may be specific to front mounting) so as to form a towing device designed to be mounted on the front or rear of a vehicle, • an adapter or frame, called lateral, 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 lateral mounting) so as to form a lateral mounting hauling device as set out here; - 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.
[0041] Thus, the same winch composed of the same elements, in particular drum, holding 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.
[0042] Similarly, the same winch already mounted on its frame can be mounted in two different locations, for example:
[0043] - in frontal position, as is or with a frontal adapter, or - in the lateral position as set out herein, with a lateral adapter including or carrying the return device exposed here.
[0044] Such a lateral adapter comprises, for example, a return support, which carries the return device and is fixed to the main frame.
[0045] By pooling a large part of these constituents, we thus obtain more flexibility, simplicity and economy, in manufacturing and storage, but also in maintenance and use.
[0046] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, integrating according to all of their possible combinations the different optional characteristics set out here. Brief description of the drawings
[0047] Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description of a non-limiting embodiment, and from the appended drawings in which:
[0048] [Fig-1]: [Fig.l] 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;
[0049] [Fig.2]: [Fig.2] is a top view diagram, which illustrates the functional geometry tional of a winch mounted laterally on a chassis side member, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0050] [Fig.3]: [Fig.3] 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 an example of a 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;
[0051] [Fig.4]: [Fig.4] is a perspective view to scale illustrating the side mounting from the example of [Fig.3];
[0052] [Fig.5]: [Fig.5] is a realistic side view, which illustrates in more detail the die folding of the cable on the winch of [Fig.3];
[0053] [Fig.6]: [Fig.6] is a realistic perspective view which illustrates an example of a real lization of the distributor device of the winch of [Fig.3];
[0054] [Fig.7]: [Fig.7] is a perspective view to scale which illustrates the winch of the [Fig.3] once fitted with its protective casing;
[0055] [Fig.8]: [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;
[0056] [Fig.9]: [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 transverse position to the vehicle. Description of the embodiments
[0057] [Fig.l] illustrates 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 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 an area E71 and E7 respectively, each illustrated here by a gray triangle.
[0058] [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.
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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.
[0061] From the outside, the cable 8 is guided towards 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 with respect 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 dashed line. It is designed to be able to receive the cable 8, from the outside, from at least two input 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 an angle called SI collinearity, for example to form vectors separated by more than 160°, or even by less than 160° and more than 135°.
[0062] 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 Ail of the drum 11, are located on either side of the orthogonal projection P14 of the hawse point 14 on this same axis AIL
[0063] 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.
[0064] 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 A1 1 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 DI 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.
[0065] 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.
[0066] This architecture thus allows better optimization of the forces absorbed, and a smaller drum than in the lateral assemblies of the prior art.
[0067] The invention thus makes it possible to use a less specific and therefore less expensive winch, or even a standard de-silting winch of the type usually fixed to the front of the vehicle, to perform the same function as the lateral 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 by the reduction in weight and by 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 movement of the moving suspension and steering elements.
[0068] 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.
[0069] However, this example proposes a winch 1 arranged to use a cable 8 of a non-metallic material, called synthetic.
[0070] 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.
[0071] [Fig.4] to [Fig.7] realistically illustrate to scale the construction details of the winch in this exemplary embodiment.
[0072] 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 RI, R2 rounded around an axis of return AR1 and AR2 respectively. Each of these return axes is substantially perpendicular to the drum axis Al 1, and the paths RI, R2 are each in a plane substantially transverse to its return axis.
[0073] 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°. rev 3. banana cutting (friction)
[0074] As visible 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.
[0075] 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.
[0076] 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
[0077] [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.
[0078] It will be noted that the winch mounted in this way can be the winch 1 described previously.
[0079] 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.
[0080] As illustrated in [Fig.8], this hoop 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.
[0081] It will be noted that this dispenser can be used in other embodiments.
[0082] Example of embodiment with drum in transverse position
[0083] [Fig. 9] illustrates 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, forward DI or backward D2.
[0084] This example is intended for mounting on a horizontal surface of a spar 91, here on its upper face, but its arrangement could also be adapted in its dimensions to be fixed on a vertical face.
[0085] 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. Nomenclature
[0086] [Tables 1] 7 side winch (prior art) A7 side winch shaft (prior art) E71 lateral cable clearance to the front (prior art) E72 lateral cable clearance to the rear (prior art) D91 first direction of deployment D92 second direction of deployment 1 hauling winch 8 hauling cable 9 vehicle, vehicle cell 91 chassis side member 911 upper surface of the side member 10 protective casing 11 drum 111 1st bearing 112 2nd bearing Ail drum shaft 12 motor 13 distributor device, traverse device S13 traverse angular sector 131 traverse adapter 14 hawse point P14 hawse point projection 15 deflection device 151 forward deflection guide 152 rear deflection guide AR1 first deflection shaft AR2 second deflection shaft RI first referral path R2 second referral path 19 frame 190 frame attachment surface 191 1st attachment point / region 192 2nd attachment point / region P191 projection 1st attachment P192 projection 2nd attachment 195 return support DI first entry / deployment direction D2 second entry / deployment direction SI collinearity angle
Claims
1.
2.
3.
4. Claims Method for installing a towing device, comprising a towing winch (1), on a vehicle (9) in a lateral position so as to allow towing by a cable (8) which can be deployed optionally towards the rear or towards the front of said vehicle, said winch including: - a frame (19) provided with vehicle attachment points (9), - a motorized (12) drum (11), rotatably mounted on said frame (19) so as to receive said towing cable (8) by winding, and - a distributor device (13), arranged to guide the winding of said cable regularly around said drum from a substantially constant entry position called the hawse point (14); said hauling device further comprising a return device (15) arranged to receive and guide said cable from the outside towards this hawse point from at least two opposite so-called entry directions (D1, D2); the frame (19) having fixing points (191, 192) arranged, in their projection (P191, P192, P14) on the axis of rotation (Al 1) of the drum (11), on either side of the projection of said hawse point (14); said method comprising an operation of fixing said frame (19) on a fixed part (91) of the vehicle and in a location situated between the two longitudinal ends of the vehicle, so that the input directions (D1, D2) of the return device (15) include a direction towards the front of the vehicle (D91) and a direction towards the rear of the vehicle (D92). Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the frame (19) is fixed in a position where the drum axis (Al 1) is longitudinal to the vehicle (9). Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame (19) is fixed on a lateral face of the fixed element (91) which is oriented towards the side and towards the outside of the vehicle (9). Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame (19) has a fixing surface which is
5.
6.
7. applied and fixed to a fixed element (91) forming a part of the chassis of the vehicle (9), in particular a side member, on a face (910) which is longitudinal to the vehicle. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frame (19) has a generally flattened shape comprising two opposite main faces, said frame carrying: - on one of said faces, a fixing surface (190) intended to come to bear on the chassis to be fixed there (191, 192) by fixing means; - on the other of said faces, the drum by means of at least two bearings which hold the two axial ends of the drum; in that the return device (15) has return axes (AR1, AR2) which are substantially perpendicular to the plane of the frame (19) and in that said frame is mounted on a vertical face (910) of the chassis (91), so that the path of the cable (8) inside the return device (15) is contained in a substantially vertical plane. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the frame (19) is mounted on a horizontal face (910) of the chassis (91), so that the path of the cable (8) inside the return device (15) is contained in a substantially horizontal plane. Method of manufacturing a towing device, comprising the following steps: - produce or supply a pre-assembled winch, comprising at least at least one motorized or motorizable drum (11); - choose an adapter element or a frame, from a choice including: • an adapter or frame, called a front frame, compatible with a fixed part (19) of said winch and intended to be assembled with it so as to form a hauling device arranged to be mounted on the front or rear of a vehicle, forming a so-called front mounting, • an adapter (195) or a frame, called lateral, compatible with a fixed part (19) of said winch, and intended to be assembled with it and with a return device (15) so as to form a hauling device
8. side mounting (1) comprising: • a frame (19) provided with vehicle attachment points (9), • a motorized (12) drum (11), rotatably mounted on said frame (19) so as to receive said towing cable (8) by winding, • a distributor device (13), arranged to guide the winding of said cable regularly around said drum from a substantially constant entry position called the hawse point (14), • a return device (15) arranged to receive and guide said cable from the outside towards this hawse point from at least two opposite so-called entry directions (D1, D2), • on the frame (19), attachment points (191, 192) to the vehicle which are arranged, in their projection (P 191, P192, P14) on the axis of rotation (Al 1) of the drum (11), on either side of the projection of said hawse point (14); - in the case of a choice of lateral mounting, assembly of said frame or lateral adapter (195) with said winch (11, 19) and with said return device (15) to form said lateral mounting hauling device (1). Hauling device, comprising a hauling winch (1) mounted or intended to be mounted on a vehicle (9) in a lateral position so as to allow hauling by a cable (8) which can be deployed as desired towards the rear or towards the front of said vehicle, said winch including: - a frame (19) provided with attachment points to the vehicle (9), - a motorized (12) drum (11), rotatably mounted on said frame (19) so as to receive said towing cable (8) by winding, and - a dispensing device (13), arranged to guide winding said cable regularly around said drum from a substantially constant entry position called the hawse point (14), characterized in that it comprises a return device (15) arranged to receive and guide said cable from the outside towards this hawse point from at least two opposite so-called entry directions (D1, D2); and in that the frame (19) has fixing points (191, 192) arranged, in their projection (P191, P192, P14) on the axis of rotation (A1 1) of the drum (11), on either side of the projection of said hawse point (14); in that the return device (15) receives and guides the cable (8) between the exterior and the hawse point (14), by one or more grooves or guide surfaces (151, 152) drawing a path (RI, R2) rounded around a return axis (AR1, AR2) perpendicular to the drum axis (Ail), in particular in a plane substantially transverse to said return axis; and in that the frame has a generally flattened shape with two opposite main faces, said frame carrying: - on one of said faces, a fixing surface (190) intended to come to bear on the chassis to be fixed there (191, 192) by fixing means on a fixed element (91) of the vehicle (9) on a face (910) which is longitudinal to the vehicle; and - on the other of the said faces: • the drum, by means of at least two bearings which hold the two axial ends of the drum, in particular with the drum parallel to the frame, and • the return device (15), which is arranged so that the plane of said path (RI, R2) is located on the same side of the frame as the drum.
9. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it is arranged to use a cable (8) of a non-metallic material, called synthetic.
10. Device according to any one of claims 8 to 9, characterized in that the distributor device comprises 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), which 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 whatever the longitudinal position of said point of contact.
11. Device according to any one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the guide surface(s) (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.
12. Device according to any one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the guide surface(s) comprise return pulleys.
13. Device according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the return device (15) and the distributor (13) form fixed elements which are fixed to the frame (19) on its face carrying the drum (11) with the distributor interposed between the drum and the frame, in particular by lateral fixing parts (131) which are interposed between the bearings of the drum and the frame.