DEVICE ALLOWING THE WINDING OF A SYNTHETIC CABLE UNDER TENSION ONTO A WINCH

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for winding a synthetic cable under tension in a winch, said device comprising a reel (1) having a central cylinder (2) and two end discs (3, 4) coaxial with said central cylinder (2), each extending radially from one end of said central cylinder (2), each of said two discs (3, 4) having at least a partially radial notch (30, 40) adapted to receive a cable. Figure for the abstract: [Fig. 1]

Description

Title of the invention: DEVICE FOR WINDING A SYNTHETIC CABLE UNDER TENSION ONTO A WINCH technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device allowing the winding under tension of a cable, for a winch, the cable being a synthetic cable.

[0002] The term “synthetic cable” will be understood to mean a cable comprising polymer fibers, for example polyethylene fibers.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a hauling or lifting winch, which is equipped with such a device and which is suitable for mounting on the chassis of a vehicle or on other handling equipment.

[0004] The invention also relates to a method of implementing said device associated with the winch to allow the synthetic cable to be wound under tension onto the winch. Prior art

[0005] In the field of vehicles, and in particular all-terrain and recovery vehicles (light and heavy vehicles), a winch with a wire rope is often used for unsticking, self-recovery, or towing vehicles. It must be able to be used reliably and quickly in technically challenging and potentially dangerous environments.

[0006] Such a winch usually comprises a motorized winding drum rotating around an axis which is horizontal and mounted transversely to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

[0007] 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 chassis of the vehicle, generally on a front or rear bumper, or on a crossmember positioned at the end of the vehicle.

[0008] This type of assembly is simple, compact, and quite economical. It offers direct access, which facilitates assembly, maintenance, and use.

[0009] However, the steel cable that is used is difficult for a user to handle, due in particular to its weight and rigidity.

[0010] Finally, corrosion phenomena are difficult to control for such a device, because the radial friction of the stranded steel cable at the bottom of the pulley groove inevitably causes the metal to be exposed regardless of the protection adopted.

[0011] The person skilled in the art therefore sought to replace steel cables with synthetic cables, which are just as strong, or even stronger. They are also lighter and more flexible, making them easier to handle.

[0012] The advantage of such cables is that they are rot-proof, water-resistant, abrasion-resistant, torsion-resistant and bend-resistant, chemical-resistant and hydrocarbon-resistant.

[0013] However, in order that the cable does not damage itself or the winch during winding, it must wind uniformly around the winch drum, so that the tension of the synthetic cable on the drum and on the drum flanges is evenly distributed.

[0014] Indeed, due to its synthetic nature, the cable experiences little friction on the drum during winding. Winding the cable without load then causes a slackening phenomenon and its haphazard winding on the drum. Furthermore, some sections of cable being wound may pass through lower layers of wound cable, damaging them in the process.

[0015] Furthermore, the unloaded winding of a synthetic cable causes an overflow of the flanges of the drum which accommodates the entire length of the cable, which can cause the cable to jam and be damaged in a winch component, or even the winch itself during a pulling phase under load.

[0016] However, winding the cable unwound after use is necessary: ​​indeed, once used, the cable must be fully unwound for inspection and then rewound. This rewinding is not easy with a synthetic cable, for the reasons explained above: when the cable is under load, winding occurs correctly, but not when unloaded.

[0017] The invention therefore aims to solve this problem.

[0018] Finally, holding the cable in the hand can be dangerous for a user handling it, as the synthetic cable slipping in their hands can cause overheating that could result in serious injury. Therefore, it is necessary for the user to wear protective gloves.

[0019] The invention aims to ensure rewinding of the cable under tension when no load is applied to its end, and aims to provide a system that is reliable, simple and quick to implement and safe for a user, so that winding the cable when empty (after using the winch) does not require any particular difficulty for the user and is without particular danger. Description of the invention

[0020] For this purpose, the invention relates to a device for winding under tension a synthetic cable in a winch, said device comprising a reel having a central cylinder and two coaxial end discs to said cylinder, which extend radially each from one end of said cylinder, the two said discs comprising at least two partially radial notches, suitable for receiving a cable.

[0021] Thanks to this particular design, the device allows a cable to be wound around the central cylinder and the cable to be retained in the end discs.

[0022] The greater the number of turns of the cable around the central cylinder, the greater the tension of the cable generated by the device according to the invention.

[0023] However, a single turn may be sufficient to create adequate tension for the cable to wind correctly on a winch, when the winch is associated with the device according to the invention.

[0024] Advantageously, the live winding device according to the invention has one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in any technically feasible combination:

[0025] - the two notches have notch portions that are aligned along a axis parallel to the axis of the coil cylinder,

[0026] - each of the notches has a comma shape, comprising a first a notch portion extending from the periphery of an end disc in a radial direction, a second notch portion, contiguous to the first notch portion, extending in a direction inclined relative to the radial direction of the first notch portion, and finally a third notch portion, forming a housing suitable for accommodating a cable section, which is formed by a through opening wider than the section of the second notch portion,

[0027] - the notches of the two end discs are oriented in directions opposites,

[0028] - the coil can be made from two coil parts, assembled along the axis of said reel.

[0029] The invention further relates to a winch, comprising at least one drum, and a synthetic cable suitable for winding around the drum, a drive motor for rotating said drum about its axis, said winch being suitable for mounting on the chassis of a vehicle. According to the invention, the winch includes a device for winding said synthetic cable under tension as defined above.

[0030] Advantageously, the winch may include a cable guide device, said tension winding device being implemented in front of said cable guide, at the exit point, between an inactive position in which the tension winding device hangs in front of the cable guide and an active position in which it rests on the cable guide.

[0031] In addition, the winch may include a distributor device, capable of diverting the cable between different cable exit points on the drum.

[0032] Preferably, the synthetic cable comprises high-density polyethylene, aromatic polyamide, polyester, or any other polymer fibers and has a diameter between 2 and 100 mm and a breaking strength between between 0.1 and 1,000 tonnes.

[0033] The invention also relates to a method for implementing a winch equipped with a tension winding device according to the invention; the method comprises the following steps to allow the winding of said cable around the winch drum: - positioning a portion of said cable around said tensioned winding device, by inserting the portion of cable exiting said exit point into a first notch of a first disc of said tensioned winding device, making at least one turn of said central cylinder of said device with said portion of cable, and inserting said portion of cable into a second notch of the second disc of said tensioned winding device, - positioning of the energized winding device in the inactive position, and - actuation of the drive motor in rotation of said drum of said winch.

[0034] Preferably, during said positioning step of a portion of said cable around said device, said cable is wound three times around the central cylinder of said tension winding device.

[0035] Furthermore, after the motor actuation step, said energized winding device passes from said inactive position to said active position. Brief description of the figures

[0036] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0037] [Fig. 1]: [Fig. 1] is a representation of a device conforming to an embodiment of the invention, illustrated in perspective,

[0038] [Fig.2]: [Fig.2] illustrates the device shown in [Fig.1], associated with a winch, po positioned to carry out a first step in accordance with the process according to the invention, the whole being illustrated in perspective,

[0039] [Fig.3]: [Fig.3] illustrates the device shown in Figures 1 and 2 positioned for to carry out a second step in accordance with the process according to the invention, the whole being illustrated in perspective,

[0040] [Fig.4]: [Fig.4] illustrates the device shown in the preceding figures, positioned to carry out a third step in accordance with the process according to the invention, the whole being illustrated in perspective,

[0041] [Fig. 5]: [Fig. 5] illustrates the device shown in the preceding figures, positioned to carry out a third step in accordance with the process according to the invention, the whole being illustrated in perspective,

[0042] [Fig.6]: [Fig.6] illustrates the device shown in the preceding figures, during the final step according to the process of the invention, the whole being illustrated in perspective, and

[0043] [Fig.7]: [Fig.7] is a perspective view of a winch equipped with a device cable guidance.

[0044] It is understood that the embodiment described below is not limiting. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of the features described below, isolated from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art. This selection includes at least one preferably functional feature without structural details, or with only a portion of the structural details if this portion alone is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0045] In the figures and in the rest of the description, elements common to several figures retain the same reference. Detailed description

[0046] Figure 1 illustrates a device according to the invention, alone. Figures 2 to 6 also illustrate the device of Figure 1, associated with a winch.

[0047] The device is in the form of a coil 1, comprising a central cylinder 2 surrounded by two end discs 3 and 4.

[0048] The two end disks 3 and 4 are coaxial with cylinder 2 and they extend radially each from one end of cylinder 2.

[0049] In accordance with the invention, the two said discs 3 and 4 each comprise a notch 30 and 40, respectively, partially radial and suitable for receiving a cable as will be described later.

[0050] The device is made of steel, so that it has technical characteristics of resistance to the friction forces of the synthetic cable, wound under tension around the central cylinder and passing through the two end discs 3 and 4, as will also be seen later.

[0051] It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the making of the device in steel: it could be made in another material without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0052] To produce the coil of the device according to the invention at a lower cost, the coil 1 is formed by two identical half-coils 10 and 11 assembled along the axis of the coil, for example by means of a screw-nut system, or any other fastening system 12 allowing such an assembly.

[0053] Each half-coil 10 and 11 thus comprises a half-cylinder, having a first free end and a second end fixed to the end disc 3 or 4, the two half-coils 10 and 11 being assembled by the free ends of the half-cylinders, positioned against each other (see [Fig.2]).

[0054] As illustrated in [Fig.1], the notches 30 and 40 are formed through the thickness of the end discs 3 and 4, from their peripheral edge to a housing 31 and 41, respectively, passing through each of the discs 3 and 4.

[0055] More specifically, each of the notches 30 and 40 has a comma shape, comprising: - a first notch portion 32 (respectively 42) which extends from the periphery 33 (respectively 43) in a radial direction, and - a second notch part 34 (respectively 44), contiguous to the first notch part 32 (respectively 42), which extends along a direction inclined relative to the radial direction of the first notch part.

[0056] The housings 31 and 41 terminate the notches 30 and 40 and form a third notch part, in which a synthetic cable part can be accommodated.

[0057] Housings 31 and 41 are each formed by a through opening which has a diameter wider than the section of the second part of notch 34 (respectively 44).

[0058] It is also noted that the first parts of notches 32 and 42 each have a width increasing towards the periphery 33 (respectively 43) of the discs 3 and 4, which gives the first parts of notches a funnel shape, facilitating the introduction of a cable into the notch.

[0059] It should be understood that the invention is not limited to this particular form of notches: even if this form facilitates the introduction and retention of a cable installed around the coil 1, other forms could be provided without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0060] Advantageously, it is also provided that the notches are oriented in such a way that they align along an axis parallel to the X axis of the cylinder 2 of the coil 1. This makes it easy to visualize the correct positioning of the cable.

[0061] In the example shown in the figures, the notches 30 and 40 are aligned so that the housings 31 and 41 have a common axis XI, parallel to the axis X of the central cylinder 2 of the coil 1.

[0062] It should also be understood that the invention extends to other orientations of the notches on the end discs: for example, according to one embodiment of the invention, a notch could be provided offset by a predetermined angle relative to the other notch (rotation by a predetermined angle around the X axis of the coil 1).

[0063] Figure 1 also illustrates that notches 30 and 40 are oriented in opposite directions: notch 30 opens to the left, while notch 40 It opens to the right. This has the advantage of allowing the device to be held by the cable when the winch drum is not rotating (see in particular the position of device 1 in [Fig. 4]). Indeed, the forces exerted by the cable engaged in the notches exert opposing pressures on the internal walls of the notches, which contributes to holding the device by the cable.

[0064] Figures 2 to 6 show a winch 5 according to the invention.

[0065] The winch 5 comprises a drum 50, a synthetic cable 6, suitable for being wound around the drum 50, a motor 51 for driving the rotation of the drum 50 around its axis X2.

[0066] The synthetic cable 6 comprises polyethylene polymer fibers. It has a diameter of 2 to 100 mm and can withstand a tension of 0.1 to 1000 tonnes.

[0067] It is also observed that the winch is equipped with a cable guidance device 52, comprising a plate 53, positioned under the drum 50, the plate including a through opening 54 allowing visualization of the positioning of the cable 6 under the plate.

[0068] The cable guide device 52 also includes a housing 55 passing through an exit point and through which the cable 6 passes, to orient it correctly with regard to the drum 50.

[0069] As can be seen in the figures, the device according to the invention, for winding under tension, is implemented in front of the cable guiding device 52, at the exit point, i.e. in front of the housing 55 of the exit point.

[0070] In active position (for example, the position shown in figures 5 and 6) is supported on guiding device 52.

[0071] In the inactive position (see [Fig.4]), the tensioned winding device hangs in front of the guide device 52, with the cable 6 retaining the device.

[0072] The winch could also include a distributor device, designed to divert the cable 6 between different exit points on the drum 50.

[0073] Although this embodiment has not been illustrated, it shall be understood that the invention also covers such an embodiment.

[0074] Fig. 7 further illustrates an alternative implementation of the invention, where the winch is equipped with a hawsepipe cable guide 60.

[0075] In this embodiment, the hawsehole cable guide 60 replaces the cable guiding device 52.

[0076] The hawsehole cable guide 60 is in the form of a frame, fixed to one side of the winch 5 in a direction parallel to the axis of the drum 50, the frame comprising a central through slot 61 through which the cable passes before winding around the drum.

[0077] As its name indicates, this hawsehole cable guide ensures the guidance of the cable which moves along the entire length of slot 61 during its winding.

[0078] The device 1 according to the invention is positioned in front of the hawsehole cable guide, and can be equipped with bearings on the outer face of the end disc 4, to facilitate the movement of the device along the slot 61 during the winding of the cable.

[0079] Generally, the winch 5 is designed to be mounted on the chassis of a vehicle (not shown) or any other handling equipment.

[0080] Reference will now be made to the method of implementing the device when it is associated with a winch, by referring to figures 2 to 6.

[0081] This process takes place after the cable has been used. For example, the cable and winch were used to pull a vehicle out of the mud.

[0082] Once the vehicle is freed from the mud, the cable is detached from the vehicle.

[0083] First, the cable is fully unwound by the user so that he can proceed with its inspection.

[0084] Then, the method according to the invention is implemented as follows:

[0085] As can be seen in [Fig.2], the first step of the process is the positioning of the device according to the invention.

[0086] To do this, a user U positions a part of said cable 6 of the cylinder 2 of the coil 1 of the device.

[0087] More specifically, he manually inserts the cable portion 6 coming out of the housing 55 of the exit point into the first notch 40 of the end disc 4 of the device (see [Fig.2]).

[0088] Then, still manually, the user U makes three turns around the central cylinder 2 with the cable 6 (making at least one turn), and he inserts the cable 6 into the second notch 30 of the second disc 3 of said tension winding device (see [Fig.3]).

[0089] The user then releases the winding device under tension, which leads to the winding device under tension, according to the invention, being positioned in an inactive position (see the positioning of the device relative to the cable guide device 52 shown in [Fig.4]).

[0090] To wind the cable automatically, it is then necessary to activate the motor 51, which then drives the drum 50 of the winch 5 in rotation.

[0091] As soon as the motor is activated, the cable 6 becomes taut, driven in rotation around the drum, and this tension leads to the passage of the winding device under tension from said inactive position ([Fig.4]) to said active position ([Fig.5]) according to which the disc 4 of the device comes to rest against the cable guide device.

[0092] In the active position, the device itself creates tension on the cable, which causes the cable 6 to wind uniformly around the drum 50 driven into rotation, creating a first row of cable wound around the drum, then a second row, then a third, etc.

[0093] It can be provided that the rotation of the drum 50 around its axis X2 stops so that the cable 6 remains engaged around the device according to the invention.

[0094] When the rotation of the drum stops, the device returns to the inactive position.

[0095] It is understood from the preceding description how the invention makes it possible to correctly wind or rewind a synthetic cable under tension and without a load at its end around a winch drum, without any particular difficulty for the user U, who does not need to hold or orient the cable during its winding, which is carried out correctly and automatically thanks to the device according to the invention. The user thus avoids any risk of injury.

[0096] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described.

Claims

Demands

1. A device for winding under tension a synthetic cable in a winch, said device comprising a reel (1) having a central cylinder (2) and two end discs (3, 4) coaxial to said central cylinder (2), which extend radially each from one end of said central cylinder (2), each of said two discs (3, 4) having at least a partially radial notch (30, 40) suitable for receiving a cable.

2. Device according to claim 1, the two notches (30, 40) of the two discs (3, 4) have notch portions (31, 41) which are aligned along an axis (XI) parallel to the axis (X) of the cylinder of the coil (1).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each of the notches (30, 40) has a comma shape, comprising a first notch part (32, 42) which extends from the periphery (33, 43) of an end disc (3, 4) in a radial direction, a second notch part (34, 44), contiguous to the first notch part (32, 42), which extends in a direction inclined with respect to the radial direction of the first notch part (32, 42), and finally a third notch part, forming a housing (31, 41) suitable for receiving a section of cable, which is formed by a through opening wider than the section of the second notch part (34, 44).

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the notches (30, 40) of the two end discs (3, 4) are oriented in opposite directions.

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said coil (1) is made in two parts (10, 11) of coil (1), assembled along the axis (X) of said coil.

6. Winch (5), comprising at least one drum (50), a synthetic cable (6) suitable for being wound around the drum (50), a motor (51) for rotating said drum (50) about its axis (X2), said winch (5) being suitable for being mounted on the chassis of a vehicle or on other handling equipment, characterized in that it comprises a device for winding said synthetic cable under tension according to any one of the preceding claims.

7. Winch (5) according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises in addition to a cable guide device (52) or a hawsehole cable guide (60), said live winding device being implemented in front of said cable guide device (52) or hawsehole cable guide, at an exit point (55) of the cable guide device or a slot (61) of the hawsehole cable guide (60), between an inactive position in which the live winding device hangs in front of the cable guide and an active position in which it rests on the cable guide.

8. Winch (5) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that it comprises a distributor device, capable of diverting the cable between different cable exit points on the drum.

9. Winch (5) according to any one of claims 6, 7 or 8, characterized in that said synthetic cable comprises polymer fibers, has a diameter between 2 and 100 mm and has a breaking strength of 0.1 to 1000 Tonnes.

10. A method for implementing a winch (5) according to claim 7, 8, or 9, where claims 8 or 9 depend on claim 7, equipped with a tension winding device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises the following steps, for enabling the winding of said cable (6) around the drum (50) of the winch: - positioning a portion of said cable (6) around said tension winding device, by inserting the portion of cable (6) exiting said exit point (55) into a first notch (40) of a first disc (4) of said tension winding device, making at least one turn of said central cylinder (2) of said device with said portion of cable (6), and inserting said portion of cable (6) into a second notch (30) of the second disc (3) of said tension winding device, - positioning the tension winding device in position inactive,and - actuation of the motor (51) for rotating said drum (50) of said winch.

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that, during said positioning step of a part of said cable (6) around said central cylinder (2) of said device, said cable (6) is wrapped three times around the central cylinder (2) of said tension winding device.

12. A method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, after the motor actuation step (51), said energized winding device passes from said inactive position to said active position.