Silent manual winch

Abstract

Manual winch (1) comprising a crank (2) connected to a first axis (3) equipped with a first pinion (4), the first pinion (4) being in engagement with a second pinion (5) mounted around a second axis (7) for winding a cable or moving a chain (21), characterized in that it comprises a drive element (12) comprising: - a first end (12a) linked in rotation to the first pinion (4); - a central portion (12b) provided with a disc (12c) bearing on one side against a part of the winch and on the other side against a rotor (13a) of a freewheel (13) and two friction washers (14) positioned on either side of the rotor (13a), mounted around the central portion (12b);- a second end (15), threaded, around which is mounted a nut (16) integral in rotation with the crank (2) and bearing against one of the friction washers (14), the screwing / unscrewing of which allows the rotor (13a) of the freewheel (13) to be secured / disconnected by friction with the disc (12c) of the drive element (12). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 2;

Description

Title of the invention: Silent manual winch Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of manual cable, chain or rack winches, in particular for lifting and handling equipment, such as a plate carrier, panel carrier, etc. Prior art

[0002] In the prior art, a manual winch is known, for example equipped with a steel cable which is wound around a drum to lift a load. The winch is operated using a crank connected to a first axle equipped with a first pinion, the first pinion being in engagement with a second pinion secured to a cable winding drum, mounted around a second axle.

[0003] It is also known to use a ratchet and rack system to lock the winch drum in a given position once the load has been lifted to the desired height.

[0004] The ratchet is usually operated by a lever or button, and once engaged, it locks the winch drum in a fixed position, preventing the load from rolling back down.

[0005] Also known is a friction washer winch for lowering a load, also called friction winches or controlled descent winches. These winches are used to lower a load in a controlled manner, using a combination of friction and tension on the cable.

[0006] The friction washer winch system uses a series of friction washers to apply resistance to the cable or rope as it is wound around the winch drum. When the load is lifted, the lowering resistance is created by adjusting the friction washers, which are often adjustable to set the braking force.

[0007] Conventional hand winches can be noisy, particularly due to the use of the ratchet and rack system to lock the drum.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need in the prior art for a manual winch whose operation is simple and silent, while allowing the load to be locked at a desired height and the possibility of lowering the load in a controlled and safe manner. Statement of the invention

[0009] The objective of the present invention is therefore to provide a manual winch whose operation is simple and silent, while allowing the load to be blocked at a desired height and the ability to lower the load in a controlled and safe manner.

[0010] For this purpose, a manual winch has been developed comprising a crank connected to a first axle equipped with a first pinion, the first pinion being in engagement with a second pinion mounted around a second axle for winding a cable, moving a chain or a rack.

[0011] According to the invention, the winch comprises a drive element comprising: - a first end linked in rotation to the first pinion; - a central portion provided with a disc bearing on one side against a part of the winch, such as a bearing of the first axle or directly the first pinion, and on the other side against a rotor of a freewheel and two friction washers positioned on either side of the rotor, mounted around the central portion; - a second end, threaded, around which is mounted a nut integral in rotation with the crank and bearing against one of the friction washers, the screwing / unscrewing of which allows the freewheel rotor to be secured / disengaged by friction with the disc of the drive element.

[0012] In this way, the use of a freewheel allows the rotational locking of the second pinion to prevent the load lifted with the winch from lowering, while reducing the noise generated when using the winch, in particular compared to the ratchet and rack system of the prior art.

[0013] The friction washers allow, by tightening the nut when the crank is turned to raise the load, to frictionally secure the rotor of the freewheel and the drive element, so as to rotate the drive element, which allows the second pinion to rotate to lift a load. And, when the crank is turned in the opposite direction, the nut is unscrewed and gradually releases the pressure against the friction washers so as to gradually separate the rotor of the freewheel from the drive element and thus allow the progressive and controlled descent of the load.

[0014] According to a particular embodiment, the winch comprises a drum for winding a cable, mounted around the second axis.

[0015] In order to reduce the number of parts to be used in the winch according to the invention, the second opinion preferably directly forms a flange of the drum.

[0016] The drum comprises a mandrel and at least two flanges, and in order to avoid machining operations during manufacturing, and therefore to reduce manufacturing costs, the mandrel is preferably in the form of a tube whose ends have cutouts, for example obtained by laser cutting, forming tenons engaged in mortises, also obtained for example by laser cutting, formed in the flanges.

[0017] According to another embodiment, the winch comprises a third pinion mounted around the second axis, engaged: - either with a chain, one end of which engages freely, in particular due to gravity, inside an accumulation tube and the other end of which is attached to a lower end of a mast mounted to slide in a column; - either with a rack fixed along a mast mounted sliding in a column.

[0018] These two embodiments are technical alternatives to the cable winch.

[0019] According to a particular embodiment, the stator of the freewheel is locked in rotation by means of a connecting rod fixed on the one hand to the stator, and coming to cover on the other hand one end of the second axis. In a particular embodiment, the stator of the freewheel can be formed directly by the connecting rod which comes on the one hand to cover the rotor, and which comes on the other hand to cover one end of the second axis.

[0020] In this way, the assembly is compact and reliable, and is of simple and inexpensive design.

[0021] Still with the aim of reducing costs and simplifying manufacturing, the winch comprises a frame formed by a sheet metal cut and folded into a U shape, defining a base for fixing the winch to a lifting device, and two wings between which the first axis and the second axis are arranged.

[0022] Still for this same purpose, the first end of the driving element preferably has cutouts forming tenons engaged in mortises provided in the first gable.

[0023] Thus, the winch consists rather of an assembly of parts, for example cut by laser, costly machining operations are avoided, and welding operations are reduced, or even eliminated.

[0024] Still with the aim of facilitating manufacturing and reducing its cost, the crank preferably comprises a body made using a sheet metal, and possibly overmolded with a plastic casing.

[0025] Preferably, the nut comprises a groove, and the crank comprises means for snapping into the groove, in order to be able to quickly mount and dismount said crank. Brief description of the drawings

[0026] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge clearly from the detailed description, given below, for informational and non-limiting purposes, with reference to the appended figures, in which:

[0027] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention.

[0028] [Fig.2] is a longitudinal sectional view of the first axis.

[0029] [Fig.3] is a perspective view similar to that of [Fig.l], the first gable and the second gable having been hidden.

[0030] [Fig.4] is a perspective view similar to that of [Fig.l], seen from another side.

[0031] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of the first gable to visualize the mortises.

[0032] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention

[0033] [Fig.7] is a perspective view similar to that of [Fig.l], the envelope in plastic of the crank having been masked.

[0034] [Fig.8] is a view similar to that of [Fig.7], the freewheel system having been hidden to show the means of snapping the crank around the nut, and the central flange of the drum having also been hidden to reveal the half-tenons of the tubes.

[0035] [Fig.9] is a representation of a winch adapted to move a chain and lift / lower a telescopic mast.

[0036] [Fig. 10] is a detailed view of the winch, shown without the protective casing.

[0037] [Fig.11] is an enlarged view of [Fig.10].

[0038] [Fig.12] is a longitudinal sectional view of [Fig.11], centered on the axis of the crank.

[0039] [Fig. 13] is a view illustrating the lower part of the mast to which is attached a end of the chain.

[0040] [Fig. 14] is a perspective view of a winch adapted for raising / lowering a mast tee telescopic equipped with a rack.

[0041] [Fig.15] is a longitudinal sectional view of [Fig.14], centered on the axis of the crank. Detailed description of the invention

[0042] With reference to figures 1 to 15, the invention relates to a manual winch (1), for lifting or lowering a load, for example implemented in a plate lifting device, which offers silent operation and controlled lowering of the load.

[0043] According to a first embodiment illustrated [Fig.l] to 8, the winch (1) comprises a crank (2) connected to a first axis (3) equipped with a first pinion (4) in engagement with a second pinion (5) secured to a drum (6) for winding a cable, mounted around a second axis (7). Preferably, the second pinion (5) acts directly as a flange of the drum (6).

[0044] The winch (1) comprises a frame formed for example by a sheet metal cut and folded into a U shape, defining a base (8a) for fixing the winch (1) to a lifting device, and two wings (8b) each having orifices crossed by the first axis (3) and the second axis (7). Bearings (9), made of iron or nylon, can be engaged in orifices of the wings around the first axis (3). The orifices of the wings can for example be non-circular to block the rotation of the bearings (9). Alternatively the wings (8b) may have chimneys around the orifices, acting as bearings, and directly stamped. Without departing from the scope of the invention, the bearings may be welded to the wings.

[0045] The crank (2) can be produced in different ways, for example, by means of a sheet metal overmolded with a casing (11) made of plastic material.

[0046] The winch (1) comprises a drive element (12), which comprises a first end (12a) linked in rotation to the first pinion (4), a central portion (12b) provided with a disc (12c) and around which are mounted a free wheel (13) and two friction washers (14) positioned on either side of the rotor (13a) of the free wheel (13), and a second threaded end (15) receiving a nut (16).

[0047] Preferably, the first end (12a) of the drive element is made integral with the first pinion (4) by means of cutouts forming tenons (12al) engaged in mortises (4a) formed in the first pinion (4).

[0048] The disc (12c) of the central portion (12b) of the drive element (12) is mounted to bear on one side against a bearing (9) of the first axis (3), and on the other side against one of the friction washers (14). The friction washers (14) can be made of any suitable material, for example bronze.

[0049] The crank (2) is mounted around the nut (16) and is rotationally integral with it, so that the screwing / unscrewing allows the rotor (13a) of the freewheel (13) to be secured / disengaged by friction with the disc (12c) of the drive element (12). A circlip may be provided at the end of the first axis (3) to act as a stop for unscrewing the nut (16).

[0050] The nut (16) may comprise a groove and the crank (2) may comprise snap-fastening means (17) in the groove of the nut (16), such as a torsion spring, to allow rapid assembly / disassembly of the crank (2).

[0051] The stator (13b) of the freewheel (13) is locked in rotation by means of a connecting rod (18) fixed on the one hand to the stator (13b), and on the other hand covering one end of the second axis (7). The connecting rod (18) is fixed around the stator (13b) by means of a flat made on the stator (13b) and a complementary flat on the connecting rod (18). A welding point can be made, but is not necessary.

[0052] The drum (6) comprises a mandrel (6a) and two flanges (6b). Preferably, the mandrel (6a) is in the form of a tube whose ends have cutouts forming tenons (6al) engaged in mortises formed in the flanges (6b). The drum (6) may be double with a central flange positioned between two tube portions whose ends opposite the central flange comprise cutouts to form half-tenons (6a2), engaged in mortises of the central flange.

[0053] A protective casing (19) can be attached to a wing (8b) to hide the gears and ensure safety of use.

[0054] In operation, the user turns the crank (2) to rotate the sprockets and wind the cable around the drum (6). When the load is to be lowered, the user loosens the nut (16) to reduce the friction force on the rotor (13a) of the freewheel (13) and the disc (12c) of the drive element (12), thereby controlling the descent of the load by using the friction of the washers.

[0055] According to another embodiment illustrated in Figures 9 to 13, the winch (1) is designed to move a chain (21) and raise / lower a telescopic mast (23).

[0056] In particular, the winch (1) comprises a third pinion (20) mounted around the second axis (7), engaged with a chain (21) one end of which is intended to accumulate or withdraw from an accumulation tube (22), positioned under the third pinion (20), and another end of which is attached to a lower end of the mast (23) slidably mounted in a column (24).

[0057] Referring to [Fig. 13], the chain (21) is attached to the lower end of the mast (23), below the third sprocket (20), preferably by means of a spring (25).

[0058] Thus, when the crank (2) is actuated to raise the mast (23), the free end of the chain (21) accumulates in the tube (22). For example, the length of the accumulated chain is between 100 cm and 130 cm. The other end of the chain (21) pulls on the lower end of the mast (23) which causes the mast to telescop outside the column (24) to carry out an operation of lifting an object.

[0059] Preferably, the winch (1) comprises a chain guide fixed to the protective casing, for example in the form of an arcuate portion of sheet metal (26), which covers the third sprocket (20) to prevent the chain (21) from disengaging from the third sprocket (20) when using the winch.

[0060] Other structural and functional features are similar to those of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 8.

[0061] According to another embodiment illustrated in figures 14 and 15, the winch (1) is designed to raise / lower a telescopic mast (23) equipped with a rack (27).

[0062] In particular, the winch (1) comprises a third pinion (20) mounted around the second axis (7), engaged with the rack (27) fixed along the mast (23) slidably mounted in a column (24).

[0063] Thus, when the crank (2) is actuated, the pinion (20) moves the rack (27) which allows the mast (23) to be raised or lowered.

[0064] Other structural and functional features are similar to those of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 8

[0065] It is clear from the above that the invention provides a manual winch (1) whose operation is simple and silent, while allowing the load to be locked at a desired height and the possibility of lowering the load in a controlled and secure manner. The manufacture of the winch (1) according to the invention is simple and inexpensive.

Claims

Claims

1. Manual winch (1) comprising a crank (2) connected to a first axis (3) equipped with a first pinion (4), the first pinion (4) being in engagement with a second pinion (5) mounted around a second axis (7) for winding a cable, moving a chain (21) or a rack, characterized in that it comprises a drive element (12) comprising: - a first end (12a) linked in rotation to the first pinion (4); - a central portion (12b) provided with a disc (12c) bearing on one side against a part of the winch and on the other side against a rotor (13a) of a freewheel (13) and two friction washers (14) positioned on either side of the rotor (13a), mounted around the central portion (12b);- a second end (15), threaded, around which is mounted a nut (16) integral in rotation with the crank (2) and bearing against one of the friction washers (14), the screwing / unscrewing of which allows the rotor (13a) of the freewheel (13) to be secured / disconnected by friction with the disc (12c) of the drive element (12).;

2. Manual winch (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a drum (6) for winding a cable, mounted around the second axis (7).

3. Manual winch (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the second pinion (5) forms a flange of the drum (6).

4. Manual winch (1) according to one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that the drum (6) comprises a mandrel (6a) and at least two flanges (6b), the mandrel (6a) being in the form of a tube whose ends have cutouts forming tenons (6a 1) engaged in mortises formed in the flanges (6b).

5. Manual winch (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a third pinion (20) mounted around the second axis (7), the pinion (20) being engaged: - either with a chain (21) one end of which engages freely inside an accumulation tube (22) and another end of which is attached to a lower end of a mast (23) slidably mounted in a column (24); - or with a rack (27) fixed along a mast (23) slidably mounted in a column (24).

6. Manual winch (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a stator (13b) of the freewheel (13) is formed by means of a connecting rod (18) coming on the one hand to cover the rotor (13a), and coming on the other hand to cover one end of the second axis (7).

7. Manual winch (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first end (12a) of the drive element (12) has cutouts forming tenons (12al) engaged in mortises (4a) formed in the first pinion (4).

8. Winch (1) one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the crank (2) comprises a body produced by means of a sheet metal (10) overmolded with a casing (11) made of plastic material.

9. Winch (1) one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the nut (16) comprises a groove and the crank (2) comprises snap-fastening means (17) in the groove of the nut (16).

10. Winch (1) one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a frame formed by a sheet metal cut and folded into a U shape, defining a base (8a) for fixing the winch (1) to a lifting device, and two wings (8b) crossed by the first axis (3) and the second axis (7).

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