阅读说明：本技术 无极线缆绞车 (Endless cable winch ) 是由 弗朗克·吕尔芬 于 2019-01-04 设计创作，主要内容包括：本公开涉及一种无极线缆绞车,包括具有构造为产生转矩的发动机的驱动单元。所述无极线缆绞车进一步包括连接至所述驱动单元的输出单元,所述输出单元包括联接至所述驱动单元的动力传输组件,所述动力传输组件构造为施加驱动力至线缆。所述无极线缆绞车进一步包括提升力限制装置,其构造为一旦超过预定驱动力就停止所述驱动单元。通过这样做,该系统还能够传递至具有多个发动机的绞车。所述发动机和输出单元能够相对于彼此是能够运动的,所述提升力限制装置能够构造为基于所述驱动单元和发动机的相对运动来停止所述驱动单元。(The present disclosure relates to an endless cable winch including a drive unit having an engine configured to generate torque. The endless cable winch further comprises an output unit connected to the drive unit, the output unit comprising a power transmission assembly coupled to the drive unit, the power transmission assembly being configured to apply a driving force to the cable. The endless cable winch further comprises a lifting force limiting device configured to stop the drive unit once a predetermined driving force is exceeded. By doing so, the system can also be transferred to a winch with multiple engines. The engine and the output unit may be movable relative to each other, and the lifting-force restricting device may be configured to stop the drive unit based on the relative movement of the drive unit and the engine.)

1. An endless cable winch (1, 101) comprising:

a drive unit (3, 103) having an engine (7) configured to generate torque;

an output unit (5, 105) connected to the drive unit (3, 103), the output unit comprising a coupled power transmission assembly (10, 110) configured to apply a driving force to a cable coupled to the drive unit (3, 103); and

a lifting force limiting device configured to stop the drive unit when a predetermined driving force is exceeded,

wherein the engine (7) and the output unit (5, 105) are movable relative to each other, and the lifting force limiting device is configured to stop the drive unit based on the relative movement of the drive unit and the engine.

2. Endless cable winch according to claim 1, wherein the engine (7) and the output unit (5, 105) are supported to each other via a torque arm (12, 112), the torque arm (12, 112) being characterized by both a drive side support structure (13, 113) and an output side support structure (15, 115).

3. Endless cable winch according to claim 2, wherein the lifting force limiting device comprises a switch (21, 121) configured to switch off the drive unit (3, 103) in case the drive side support structure (13, 113) and the output side support structure (15, 115) do not reach a predetermined minimum distance from each other.

4. Endless cable winch according to claim 3, wherein the switch (21, 121) is of the touch-sensitive type and is configured to switch off the drive unit (3, 103) when the drive side support structure (13, 113) and the output side support structure (15, 115) touch each other.

5. Endless cable winch according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the lifting force limiting device comprises a restoring element (23) which is configured to exert a restoring force against an approaching movement of the drive-side support structure (13, 113) and the output-side support structure (15, 115).

6. Endless cable winch according to claim 5, wherein the lifting force limiting device comprises a biasing element (19) configured to apply a biasing force to the return element (23) resisting the approaching movement of the drive side support structure (13, 113) and the output side support structure (15, 115).

7. Endless cable winch according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lifting force limiting device comprises a damping element (17) configured to delay the approach movement of the drive side support structure (13, 113) and the output side support structure (15, 115).

8. Endless cable winch (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the drive unit (3) comprises a conveyor (9) which is rotatably positioned relative to the motor (7) and which is non-rotatably connected to the drive unit (5), and the drive side support structure (13) is non-rotatably connected to the motor (7).

9. Endless cable winch (101) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the drive unit (103) comprises a conveyor (109) which is non-rotatably connected to the engine (7) and which is rotatably positioned relative to the drive unit (105), and the drive side support structure (113) is non-rotatably connected to at least one of the engine (7) and the conveyor (109).

10. Endless cable winch according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the drive unit (5, 105) comprises a housing and the output side support structure (15, 115) is firmly connected to the housing.

11. Endless cable winch according to any of claims 2 to 9, further comprising an electronic control device configured to interact with the drive unit (3, 103) and the lifting force limiting device in a signal processing manner such that a first signal generated by the switch (21, 121) representing a value below the predetermined minimum distance is transmitted to the control device and on the basis thereof a control command to stop the drive unit is transmitted to the drive unit (3, 103).

12. Endless cable winch according to claim 11, wherein a cable is passed through the payout unit (5, 105) and the control device is configured such that, when the predetermined minimum distance between the drive-side support structure (13, 113) and the payout-side support structure (15, 115) is not reached, the control device: 1) maintaining the endless cable winch in a constant position relative to the cable; or 2) lowering the endless cable winch along the cable.

13. The device according to any of claims 11 and 12, wherein the control means is configured to release the drive unit if the predetermined minimum distance has been reached or exceeded.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to embodiments of an endless cable winch having a drive unit configured as a torque generating motor, an output unit connected to the drive unit. The output unit has a power transmission assembly coupled to the drive unit and is configured to apply a driving force to the cable. The endless cable winch further has a lifting force limiting device configured to stop the drive unit once a predetermined driving force is exceeded.

Background

Winches have been known for a long time and are used in all industrial fields for lifting loads and personnel, in particular to bridge height differences. One particular type of winch is known as an endless cable winch, in which the cable is threaded through the winch rather than being wound up on the winch, for example in reels. Due to gravity or applied loads, the cable may for example hang down on one or both sides of the endless cable winch, so that the endless cable winch does not need to store the part of the cable that has passed through the endless cable winch. In theory, this means that the endless cable winch has an infinite hoisting height and/or a tensile length. These endless cable winches are used in particular in situations where the infrastructure configured to connect external winches is temporarily available or can be temporarily available in an elevator shaft or building.

The endless cable winch is used for both personnel transportation and material transportation. For example, an electric motor is used to drive an endless cable winch, the high engine speed of which is reduced by means of a gear stage (reduction of the engine speed at a certain rate) integrated in the winch. The transmission is typically coupled to a traction sheave associated with the output unit. The traction sheave is at least partially wrapped by the cable that has been passed through the endless cable winch. Power transmission may occur by creating a frictional engagement between the cable and the traction sheave. Thus, the torque generated by the engine is transmitted to the traction sheave and converted into driving force.

For operational and occupational safety reasons, the hoisting force limit of a winch is limited for many types of winches, in particular when a winch for lifting passengers is involved (according to EN 1808). According to one example, the maximum hoisting force allowed by the operating winch for passenger lifting is 1.25 times the load-bearing capacity. The winch may be equipped with a lifting force limiting device configured to interrupt the lifting operation if the maximum load is exceeded.

As part of this process, prior art devices aim to detect the load bearing capacity by measuring the cable tension of the cable passing through the endless cable winch. For this purpose, the cable is substantially deflected by the deflection device in the lifting direction and the necessary deflection force is measured. The greater the required deflection force, the greater the tension in the cable, which in turn indicates the greater the lifting load. Although the cable measuring type described above basically guarantees safe operation, it is not very accurate. In addition, such monitoring includes the following disadvantages: the deflecting forces continue to act on the cable, which in this respect leads to increased wear and tear on the deflecting device (e.g. pressure roller) and increased running noise.

Disclosure of Invention

Against this background, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide an endless cable winch which alleviates the above-mentioned disadvantages as much as possible and in particular enables a more accurate detection of the load situation with a lower susceptibility to wear.

The object is solved by embodiments of the endless cable winch described in the present disclosure. The endless cable winch can include a drive unit having a motor configured to generate torque, and an output unit connected to the drive unit. The drive unit has a coupled power transmission assembly configured to apply a driving force to a cable coupled to the drive unit. The endless cable winch may further include a lifting force limiting device configured to stop the driving unit when a predetermined driving force is exceeded. The engine and the output unit are movable relative to each other, and the lifting-force restricting device is configured to stop the drive unit based on the relative movement of the drive unit and the engine.

The endless cable winch can thus utilize the knowledge that: the maximum lifting force may be determined by methods other than detecting cable tension. In particular, the endless cable winch described herein can utilize the following recognition: the engine of the drive unit must transmit a specific torque for the purpose of achieving a specific lifting force. The torque generated by the engine is transmitted via the drive unit (preferably characterized as a transmission) to the power transmission assembly, by doing so to the output unit, thereby ensuring the movement of the cable relative to the endless cable winch.

Since the engine and the output unit are movable relative to each other in the embodiment according to the invention, a relative movement between the output unit and the drive unit is created when torque is generated by the engine. The extent of the relative movement corresponds proportionally to the generated torque, so that the relative movement monitored in this way reliably gives an indication about both the generated torque and the applied lifting load. This type of monitoring is performed completely independently of the cable itself, meaning that inhomogeneities in the cable stiffness or cable geometry no longer play a role in determining the hoisting load.

Preferably, the engine and the output unit can be supported to each other via a torque arm, and for this purpose the torque arm can feature both a drive side support structure and an output side support structure. The drive side support structure and the output side support structure are preferably arranged relative to each other such that they are spaced apart from each other in the unloaded state and approach each other when the lifting load on the endless cable winch increases. In the unloaded state or under the applied maximum lifting load, both the drive-side support structure and the output-side support structure are preferably characterized by at least a minimum distance from each other. This principle can also be applied to several engines simultaneously if their respective torque support structures are connected via, for example, connecting rods.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lifting force limitation means can have a switch set to switch off the drive unit in case both the drive side support structure and the output side support structure are kept below a predetermined minimum distance from each other. The switch can preferably be designed as a proximity sensor or a displacement sensor, and the proximity can preferably be performed optically, inductively or capacitively. According to an alternative preferred embodiment, the switch is of the touch-sensitive type and is set to switch off the drive unit in case both the drive-side support structure and the output-side support structure touch each other.

The lifting force limiting means can also be set to switch off the drive unit in case the distance between the drive side support structure and the output side support structure is measured to be zero. Preferably, the touch-sensitive switch can have an electrical contact sensor or a contact bridge which is configured to trigger a change of state of the electrical circuit when the distance between the drive-side support structure and the output-side support structure is measured to be zero. Depending on whether the normal state of the circuit is defined as closing or opening the circuit, the switching sequence of the switches is preferably triggered by interrupting or closing the circuit when the drive-side support structure and the output-side support structure touch each other, thereby causing the lifting force limitation device to stop the drive unit of the endless cable winch.

Alternatively, the lifting force limiting device can be set to stop driving the endless cable winch, stop the drive unit, or stop both the drive and the drive unit when the support structure acting on the torque arm exceeds a predetermined value. For this purpose, the lifting force limiting device preferably has a switch which interacts with one or more force measuring devices. The one or more force-measuring devices can preferably be arranged such that they measure, for example via a piezoelectric force sensor, the force created by the drive-side support structure and the output-side support structure coming into contact with each other. In this case, according to this alternative, the switching operation can be triggered if a force is measured, which in turn relates, by applying simple calculations, a torque acting between the drive unit and the output unit, which corresponds to the lifting load, which in turn is higher than the maximum lifting load allowed (known for each drawworks model).

According to another preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the lifting force limiting device can have a return element, preferably a spring, configured to exert a return force against the approaching movement of both the drive-side support structure and the output-side support structure. The restoring element can preferably be designed as a tension or compression spring or as a gas spring element. Preferably, a plurality of these resetting elements is foreseen.

Further preferably, the lifting force limiting device has a biasing member configured to apply a biasing force to the restoring element to resist proximal movement of the drive-side support structure and the output-side support structure. In the case of a spring as the return element, the biasing member can preferably be configured as an adjusting screw or can be realized as a gas spring element by a compressed gas connection. Particularly preferably, the biasing force can be set such that the drive-side support structure and the output-side support structure maintain, exceed a predetermined minimum distance between the drive-side support structure and the output-side support structure, or both, until there is a stress situation in which the maximum lifting load is exceeded.

Further preferably, the lifting force limitation device can have a damping element configured to delay the approaching movement of the drive-side support structure and the output-side support structure to each other. Shock absorbers are generally feasible and can be preferably used as damping elements. The speed-proportional damping effect is preferably achieved by the damping element, preferably in a fluidic or mechanical manner or by friction. The energy dissipation created by the damping element mitigates jerky movements (e.g. due to sudden load changes or similar unforeseen disturbances) when operating the winch and prevents the lifting force limiting device from erroneously stopping driving the endless cable winch, although beyond the maximum lifting load no longer occurs except for unforeseen events.

According to a preferred alternative of the invention, the drive unit can have a transmission which is positioned rotationally relative to the engine and which is firmly connected to the output unit and thereby the drive-side support structure is firmly connected to the engine. In this context and also in relation to the above and the following explanations, some are considered to be firmly connected if the components are not movable relative to each other in their assembled and operable state, but may also be detached from each other in certain situations. According to this embodiment, the relative movement of the drive unit and the output unit with respect to each other can be achieved by the fact that: when torque is generated, relative movement between the engine and the transmission occurs, which is achievable by the positioning of the two components relative to each other. Preferably, the relative movement is interrupted by a torque arm, detecting the approach of the support structure surrounded by the torque arm, as explained above with respect to the preferred embodiment.

According to a second preferred alternative of the invention, the drive unit can have a transmission which is firmly connected to the engine and is rotationally positioned relative to the output unit, and whereby the drive-side support structure is firmly connected to the engine, the transmission or both. In this alternative and the above-described first alternative of the invention, it is common that the relative movement between the two parts can be achieved by means of a rotary bearing, and that the parts can be arranged at various places along the power transmission chain.

According to a second preferred alternative described herein, the relative movement can be achieved due to a rotational bearing between the transmitter and the output unit. Due to the design of the transmission, the forces generated and the torques generated in a particular situation are considerably higher than in the first preferred alternative. This can be compensated for by appropriately sized components. The additional constructive effects are counteracted by the fact that: due to the higher and lower well-defined force ratios, less sensitive switches (and/or sensors, etc.) can be used.

According to said alternative, in which the conveyor is rotationally positioned relative to the engine and is firmly connected to the output unit, the output-side support structure can alternatively or additionally be firmly connected to the conveyor.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the endless cable winch can have an electronic control device which interacts with the drive unit and the lifting force limitation device in a signal-processing manner, such that a first signal generated by the switch, which signal represents a value below the predetermined minimum distance, is transmitted to the control device and on the basis thereof a control command and/or a (second) signal to stop the drive unit is transmitted to the drive unit. Generating the first signal may for example be generating or applying a voltage or current signal, which is actively generated (e.g. by a switch) or passively generated by opening and/or closing electrical contacts of the electrical circuit. Alternatively, the first representative signal can be a measurement value that has been communicated in the form of a corresponding data signal.

Alternatively, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the control device can be set to keep the endless cable winch in a constant position relative to the cable passing through the payout unit or to lower the endless cable winch along the cable passing through the payout unit when the predetermined minimum distance between the drive-side support structure and the payout-side support structure is not reached. The main task of the lifting force limitation device is to prevent the lifting operation when the maximum lifting load allowed is exceeded. However, it is further advantageous to lower the carrier transported by the endless cable winch, in particular because this facilitates the lowering of the lifting load when located in the unloading position at the bottom.

Thus, if the maximum hoisting load is exceeded and, by doing so, the predetermined minimum distance between these support structures is not reached, according to the invention the control device first maintains the endless cable winch in a constant position relative to the cable by transmitting a corresponding (second) signal to the drive unit. Optionally, it is then also possible to perform the reduction in an automated manner or via manual control commands, preferably at a reduced speed.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the control device is set to release the drive of the endless cable winch via the drive unit if the predetermined minimum distance has been reached or exceeded.

Drawings

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments of the present application, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, there are shown in the drawings illustrative embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the application is not limited to the specific embodiments and methods disclosed, and reference is made to the claims for this purpose. In the drawings:

fig. 1 is a first side view of an endless cable winch according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a second side view of the endless cable winch illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the endless cable winch illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of the partial cross-sectional view illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a first side view of an endless cable winch according to another embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a second side view of the endless cable winch illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the endless cable winch illustrated in FIG. 5; and

fig. 8 is an enlarged view of a portion of the partial cross-sectional view illustrated in fig. 7.

Detailed Description

Aspects of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout unless otherwise specified. Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The term "between" as used herein with respect to a first element being between a second element and a third element with respect to a direction means that the first element is closer to the second element as measured along the direction than the third element is to the second element as measured along the direction. The term "between" includes but does not require that the first, second and third elements are aligned along this direction. Certain features of the disclosure that are described herein in the context of separate embodiments can also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the disclosure that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be provided separately or in any subcombination.

Fig. 1 to 4 show an endless cable winch 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The endless cable winch 1 can comprise a drive unit 3 and an output unit 5. The drive unit 3 can comprise a motor 7 and a transmitter 9. The output unit 5 can include a housing 4. As shown, the transmitter 9 may be non-rotatable, also referred to herein as rigidly, connected to the housing 4, preferably by a flange connection, and the engine 7 of the drive unit 3 and the transmitter 9 may be rotatably coupled to each other, for example by a bearing 11. By doing so, the engine 7 is movable, in particular rotationally movable, relative to the output unit 5, more specifically relative to the housing 4 of the output unit 5.

Furthermore, the endless cable winch 1 can comprise a torque arm 12, which interacts with the drive unit 3 on the one hand and the output unit 5 on the other hand. For this purpose, the torque arm 12 can comprise a drive side support structure 13 (also referred to herein as a first support structure) and an output side support structure 15 (also referred to herein as a second support structure), which are arranged in a movable manner relative to each other. According to one embodiment, the drive-side support structure 13 and the output-side support structure 15 are configured to abut against each other to produce a supporting action against the torque applied between the engine 7 and the transmission 9.

The method of operation of the lifting force limiting device in the first exemplary embodiment can be seen in more detail by looking at fig. 3 and 4. In fig. 3, a power transmission assembly 10 is shown, shown as a shaft, functioning to transmit torque from the transmission 9 to the output unit 5. According to one example, the traction sheave may be connected to a power transmission assembly 10, which may be disposed within the housing 4.

As can be seen in more detail from fig. 4 in connection with fig. 2, 3, the first support structure 13 and the second support structure 15 are arranged eccentrically with respect to the axis of rotation between the elements of the drive unit 3 (engine 7 and transmission 9). Fig. 4 shows an operating position in which the drive-side support structure 13 and the output-side support structure 15 are close to each other, so that the switch 21 associated with the drive-side support structure 13 according to the first exemplary embodiment is in the open position. The open position is achieved by the fact that: the switch 21 is not in contact with the corresponding area of the housing 4.

The operating position according to fig. 4 is achieved by the fact that: as a result of the drive-side support structure 13 and the output-side support structure 15 approaching one another, the return element 23, which is configured as a spring, is deflected. The deflection is configured to occur against a reset force generated by the reset element. Further, according to the first exemplary embodiment, a biasing element 19 configured as an adjusting bolt according to one embodiment is provided, whereby the force required for deflecting the return element has been increased to a predetermined level, which force has to be applied in a direction in which the drive-side support structure 13 and the output-side support structure 15 approach each other.

In a preferred arrangement of the endless cable winch 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment, the drive-side support structure 13 and the output-side support structure 15 are positioned at a predetermined minimum distance from one another as long as the switch 21 is in the closed state and in contact with the respective area of the housing 4. As soon as the switch 21 itself leaves the region, i.e. when the drive-side support structure 13 and the output-side support structure 15 are moved towards one another (against the restoring force of the restoring element 23), a predetermined minimum distance is not reached, which is preferably derived from the position of the end of the drive-side support structure 13 relative to the housing 4. Further, according to the first exemplary embodiment, a damping element 17 may be included in the endless cable winch 1, which delays the approach of the drive-side support structure 13 and the output-side support structure 15 to each other.

Fig. 5 to 8 show an endless cable winch 101 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The endless cable winch 101 may be configured in the same and/or similar manner as the endless cable winch 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The differences include: the drive unit 103 can be comprised, which has a motor 7 and a transmission 109, whereby the motor 7 and the transmission 109 are non-rotatably connected to each other. The drive unit 103 can be connected to the drive unit 105, whereby the transmitter 109 and the drive unit 105 are rotatably positioned relative to each other, e.g. by means of bearings 111.

The torque arm 112 can be positioned between the drive unit 103 and the drive unit 105. The torque arm 112 can include a drive side support structure 113 and an output side support structure 115. The drive-side support structure 113 can be non-rotatably connected to the conveyor 109. The output side support structure 115 can be non-rotatably connected to the housing 104 of the output unit 105. And the torque arm 12 according to the first example embodiment, the torque arm 112 can be arranged eccentrically with respect to the axis of rotation, but in this case, is arranged eccentrically with respect to the axis of rotation between the transmitter 109 and the output unit 105.

In fig. 7, the power transmission assembly 110 is shown as a shaft, showing a cross-sectional view thereof. The power transmission assembly 110 can include substantially the same functions as the power transmission assembly 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The method of operating the endless cable winch 1, in particular the lifting force limiting device, according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can be obtained by examining fig. 8 in conjunction with fig. 6 and 7. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the endless cable winch 101 can have a switch 121, the switch 121 being securely connected to the output unit 105, the housing 104, or both. In the position shown in fig. 8, the switch 121 is in the open position, resulting from the fact that the following is not implemented: i.e. the fact that the drive side support structure 113 and the output side support structure 115 are close to each other at a predetermined minimum distance, is preferably also achieved according to the second exemplary embodiment by the end position of the drive side support structure 113 at the housing 104 and/or in this case at the switch 121.

According to the second exemplary embodiment, a return element 23, a bearing member 19 and a damping element 17 can also be included. The first example embodiment and the second example embodiment also have in common that the driving of the engine 7 is released as long as the switches 21, 121 are closed. In the simplest case, by approaching the drive- side support structure 13, 113 and the output- side support structure 15, 115 to each other and correspondingly by not reaching the predetermined minimum distance, the switch 21, 121 is opened and the circuit changes from the previous state (closed) to the new state (open). By doing so, the engine 7 is controlled to be switched off thereupon. This can take place by means of an electronic control unit (not shown). The electronic control unit is preferably constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.

It will be appreciated that the above description provides examples of the disclosed systems and techniques. However, it is contemplated that other embodiments of the present disclosure may differ in detail from the foregoing examples. All references to the contents of the disclosure or examples thereof are intended to reference the particular example being discussed at this time and are not intended to imply any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure more generally. All language of distinction and disparagement with respect to certain features is intended to indicate a lack of preference for those features, but not to exclude such from the scope of the disclosure entirely unless otherwise indicated.

Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present disclosure.