EP3087023A1

EP3087023A1 - Automatic capstan with systematic take-up

Info

Publication number: EP3087023A1
Application number: EP14828462.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Michel Chenon; Kévin FESTOCQ; Jérémy BEUCHER; Xavier DUMAS
Original assignee: Pontos
Current assignee: Karver
Priority date: 2013-12-23
Filing date: 2014-12-22
Publication date: 2016-11-02
Anticipated expiration: 2034-12-22
Also published as: WO2015097198A1; FR3015451A1; FR3015451B1; EP3087023B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a capstan (10) for tensioning an end, wherein said capstan (10) comprises: a fixed frame (11) housing an input shaft (14) and a gearbox; a winch drum (12) around which said end may be wound, wherein said winch drum (12) is rotatably mounted about said frame (11) and connected to said input shaft (14) by said gearbox such that rotation of said input shaft (14) is accompanied by rotation of said winch drum (12) around said frame (11), wherein said gearbox has at least a first and a second gear ratio; clutch means (22) movable between at least a first position wherein at least said first gear ratio is engaged and a second position wherein at least said second gear ratio is engaged; means for evaluating (28, 33) the tension in said end; wherein said capstan (10) comprises means for maintaining (40, 362) said clutch means (22) in either of the positions thereof regardless of the value of said tension evaluated by said evaluation means (28, 33).

Description

Automatic capstan systematically

1. Field of the invention

The field of the invention is that of the design and manufacture of capstans (winch in English language), for example intended to be secured to a sailboat to put in tension an integral end of a sail.

2. Prior Art

Winches are commonly used on sailboats to allow crew members to tension the ends of the sails.

A winch conventionally comprises a frame housing an input shaft and a gearbox. A doll, around which is intended to be wound an end, is rotatably mounted around the frame. It is connected to the input port by means of the gearbox. Thus, a rotation of the input shaft is accompanied by a rotation of the shaft of the doll.

The gearbox includes several ratios so that it is possible to wrap the end around the doll at different speeds. The gearbox is generally configured so that a reversal of the direction of rotation of the input shaft is accompanied by a rotation of the doll in one direction but at different speeds.

The application of W O-Al-2012/049188, filed by the Applicant, discloses a winch designed so that the variation of the voltage of the tip e nrou léou r r o f the po poéeée is p in com pte To operate a gear change in the gearbox.

More particularly, this winch comprises a clutch and means for evaluating the tension in the end wrapped around the doll. As long as the tension in the end is low, the clutch occupies a first position in which the headstock can be rotated in one direction according to two speeds, the change of speed being obtained by a reversal of the direction of rotation of the shaft. input by means of the crank. As the tension in the end increases, the clutch is caused to move to a second position in which the headstock can be rotated in one direction at two other speeds, the change in speed being achieved by a reversing the direction of rotation of the input shaft by means of the crank.

Such a winch is particularly effective in that it allows crew members to maneuver the winch with the gear ratio best suited given the tension in the end wrapped around the doll. Such a winch can still be improved.

The variation of the level of tension in the tip, which results either from the variation of the force of the wind, the level of winding of the end around the doll, or a combination of these two phenomena, is necessarily progressive. Indeed, the variation of the force of the wind is progressive as well as the level of winding of the end around the doll.

It results from this progressivity in the variation of the value of the tension of the end, that the clutch is caused to move from one to the other of its positions also in a progressive manner but does not immediately pass from one to the other. at the other of his positions. Thus, it may happen that the level of tension in the end is such that the clutch is only made to move in an intermediate position between its two normal clutch operating positions. The clutch is then in a disengaged position in which the rotation of the input shaft is accompanied by no rotation of the doll, the input shaft rotating in the vacuum.

Thus, when the tension in the end is such that the clutch is in the intermediate position disengaged, the crew is unable to adjust the sails. This is harmful since most maneuvers need to be done quickly to be effective.

Furthermore, when the clutch occupies an intermediate position disengaged and a crew member actuates the crank to cause rotation of the input shaft, it turns in the vacuum opposing any resistance while the member crew expects to have to develop a greater or lesser effort to maneuver the crank. This therefore poses an ergonomic problem that can generate in the crew member a loss of balance or a slight injury type strain.

3. Objectives of the invention

The invention particularly aims to provide an effective solution to at least some of these different problems.

In particular, according to at least one embodiment, an object of the invention is to provide such a winch which systematically allows to drive in rotation the doll whatever the level of tension in the end wrapped around the doll.

In particular, the invention aims, according to at least one embodiment, to provide such a winch in which at least one gear ratio is engaged in all circumstances.

An object of the invention is also, in at least one embodiment, to provide such a winch which has excellent ergonomics of use.

Another object of the invention is, according to at least one embodiment, to provide such a winch which is simple in design and / or reliable and / or simple to use.

4. Presentation of the invention

For this, the invention proposes a capstan intended to be secured to a sailboat for tensioning an integral end of a sail, said capstan comprising:

a fixed frame housing an input shaft and a gearbox;

a doll for which it can be rolled up said end, said doll being rotatably mounted around said assembly and connected to said input shaft by said gearbox so that a rotation of said input shaft it was accompanied by a rotation of said doll around said frame, said gearbox having at least a first and a second gear ratio;

clutch means movable between at least a first latching position of at least said first gear ratio and a second latching position of at least said second gear ratio;

means for evaluating the voltage in said tip;

According to the invention, such a capstan comprises means for maintaining said clutch means in one or the other of their position whatever the value of said voltage evaluated by said evaluation means.

Thus, whatever the level of voltage in the tip, and whatever the variation of this voltage over time (growth or decay) the clutch is always engaged in one or the other of its positions so that the winch is always maneuverable.

In contrast, in the winch according to the prior art, the clutch passes from one position to another depending on whether the tension in the end decreases or increases. Since the variation of tension of the tip is generally progressive and not clear, the clutch passes from one to the other of its positions in a progressive manner so that it can momentarily occupy an intermediate position disengaged in which a rotation of the input shaft is not accompanied by any rotation of the doll. The winch is then temporarily not maneuverable.

Preferably, said holding means comprise:

first holding means for maintaining said clutch means in said first position as long as the voltage evaluated by said evaluation means does not reach a predetermined high threshold value, and

second holding means to maintain said clutch means in said second position as long as the voltage evaluated by said evaluation means does not reach a predetermined low threshold value.

Thus, the invention provides an original solution to ensure that the passage of the clutch from one position to another can not take place as a certain level of tension in the end is reached. Thus, whatever the level of tension in the end, the clutch is always engaged in one or the other of its positions so that the wi nch is systematically manoeuvrable.

The first and second holding means may be at least partly confused.

According to a first preferred embodiment, a capstan according to the invention comprises:

first arming means of said clutch means, said arming means for arming said clutch means to said second position when said measured voltage reaches said high threshold value, and

second arming means of said clutching means for arming said clutch means to said first position when said rated voltage reaches said low threshold value. Thus, when the tension conditions in the end are combined to effect a gear change, the clutch is cocked, that is to say prepared to position change, this change of position requiring additional action, as per example of an action by a crew member, to operate

The first and second ones can be at least partially confused.

According to a preferred characteristic, said first and second arming means respectively comprise:

first elastic return means configured to constrain said clutch means to their second position when said clutching means are held in their first engagement position by said first holding means and said tension evaluated by said first engagement means; means of evaluation does not reach said predetermined high threshold value;

second elastic return means configured to constrain said clutch means to their first position when said clutch means are held in their second latching position by said first holding means and said tension is read by said means of evaluation does not reach said predetermined low threshold value.

This solution allows you to easily and efficiently arm the clutch to one or the other of its positions.

The first and second return means may be at least partly confused. A capstan according to the invention preferably comprises means for actuating said arming means, said actuating means being movable between at least:

a locking position in which they lock in position said armed clutch means to said first or second position; a release position in which they release said armed clutch means to said first or second position. This simple solution makes it possible for me to engage efficiently and reliably the arming means to release the clutch towards one or the other of its positions when the conditions of tension are satisfied and that the change of position of the clutch is desired.

In this case, according to a preferred characteristic, said clutch means are traversed by a light, and said actuating means comprise a complementary shape of said light, said fingerprint being movable between:

a first locking position in which it can not pass through said light so that said clutching means are held in their first clutch position;

a release position in which it can pass through said light so that said clutch means can pass from one to the other of their positions;

a second locking position in which it can not pass through said light so that said clutch means are held in their second clutch position.

According to a preferred feature, said actuating means are manually operable.

A crew member can manually control actuating means to release or not the clutch.

According to a preferred feature, said imprint is rotatably connected to said input shaft, the passage of said fingerprint from its first or third position to its second position being obtained by reversing the direction of rotation of said input shaft. A crew member can thus actuate the arming means by reversing the direction of rotation of the input shaft, so that the wi nch is manually operated or motorized.

Preferably, said gearbox comprises an inner ring mounted to rotate under stress within said headstock between two end positions corresponding to the achievement by said tension respectively of said high threshold value and said low threshold thereof. ,

and in that it comprises transformation means making it possible to transform a displacement of said ring relative to said doll from one of its extreme positions to a displacement of said clutch means from one to the other. the other of their positions,

said holding means acting on said converting means to prevent the passage of said clutch means into said first position, wherein said evaluation function does not reach said predetermined threshold, and for preventing the passage of said clutch means in said second position as long as said rated voltage does not reach said predetermined low threshold value.

In addition, said transformation means preferably comprise:

a ring mounted to rotate under stress with respect to said ring between two extreme positions each corresponding to an end position of said ring, and

a riser mounted movably relative to said bushing and a second clutch position and acting on said clutch means,

said first and second holding means, said ring and said elevator being configured such that:

when said crown moves from its first extreme position to its second extreme position, said first means of my action act on said elevator so that it is locked in its first position. clutch position, said elevator acting on said ring to move it under stress from its first extreme position to its second extreme position;

when said ring is in its second extreme position, said first holding means no longer act on said elevator so that it is no longer locked in its first clutch position, said ring returning by release of stress in its first extreme position by acting on said elevator to drive it into its second clutch position;

when said crown moves from its second to its first extreme position, said second means of maintenance act on the riser so that it is locked in its second clutch position;

when said ring is again in its first extreme position, said second holding means no longer act on said elevator so that it is no longer locked in its second clutch position, said ring acting on said elevator for drive it into its second clutch position.

According to a second preferred embodiment, a capstan according to the invention comprises:

first releasing means for releasing said clutch means to said second position as soon as said rated voltage reaches a high threshold value, and

second releasing means enable release of said clutch means to said first position as soon as said rated voltage reaches a low threshold value.

In this case, the clutch automatically switches from one position to another as soon as the tension conditions in the end are met.

The first and second means of liberation may be at least partially confounded. 5. List of figures

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of particular embodiments, given by way of a simple illustrative and nonlimiting example, and the appended drawings in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of a winch according to the invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a view of the winch of Figure 1 without the doll;

Figure 3 illustrates a detail view of the clutch in the down position; Figure 4 illustrates a detail view of the clutch in the high position; FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed view of the clutch in the low armed position towards the high position;

Figure 6 shows a detail view of the clutch in the raised position armed to the low position;

Figure 7 illustrates a sectional view along the axis "A-A" of Figure 1;

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate partial perspective views of an example of means for holding and arming a winch according to the invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an exemplary means for holding and cocking a winch according to the invention;

Figures 11 and 12 show detailed views of the actuating means of the arming means respectively in the locking position and in the release position;

FIG. 13 illustrates a partial view in section and in perspective of a clutch, its means of handling and of the invention according to the invention.

6. Description of an example of a particular embodiment 6.1. Architecture

With reference to FIGS. 1 to 13, an example of a capstan or winch according to the invention is presented.

In the following description, the bottom of the winch will designate the side thereof to be secured to a support, while the top of the winch will designate the opposite part of the winch.

Such a winch 10 comprises a frame 11 on which is mounted movably in rotation a doll 12. The frame 11 is intended to be secured for example on the deck of a sailboat. A tip, one end of which is connected to a sail of the sailboat, may be rolled up to the end of the beam 12. This ca. 10 besta nd conventionally comprises a reversible locking device 13 of one end of the end to be wrapped around the doll 12.

The capstan comprises an input shaft 14 rotatably mounted in the frame 11. The input shaft 14 comprises an upper end 141 in which is formed a fluted portion 142 provided to cooperate with means of actuating the cabesta . These actuating means may comprise a crank. In a variant, they may include "a coffee grinder". The drive means may also be motorized.

The input shaft 14 is connected to a satellite gate 15. This satellite gate 15 carries axes 16 on each of which a satellite 17 is rotatably mounted. These satellites 17 meshes with an internal gear 18 fixed or not fixed to the frame. The satellites 17 also mesh with a sun 19. This assembly forms an epicyclic gear train. The satellite carrier 15 comprises a lower part on which is formed a half-clutch 150.

The solar 19 is secured to an axis 20 at one end of which is provided a toothed plate 201, also called fingerprint. As will be explained in more detail later, this gear plate 201 performs the function of a half dog.

The winch comprises a clutch member 22 which is rotatably connected to a shaft 23 rotatably mounted relative to the frame 11. The clutch member 22 has a shoulder 225.

A half dog 221 is provided at the upper end of this clutch element 22. This half dog 221 has a shape complementary to that of the half dog 150 of the satellite holder 15 and the toothed plate 201 of the axis 20. It comprises teeth 222 projecting at its upper end as well as spaces 223 managed between these teeth 222.

This clutch element 22 is traversed by a slot 224 having a shape complementary to that of the toothed plate 201 of the axis 20.

The toothed plate 201 can rotate with respect to the light 224 so as to take: a position, illustrated in Figure 11, in which it can not pass through the slot 224 and its teeth are in the spaces 223 and bear against the teeth 222 of the half-clutch 221 of the clutch member 22 so that the axis 20 and the clutch member 22 are rotatably connected;

a position, illustrated in Figure 12, in which it can pass through the light 224, and

a position, as illustrated in Figure 4, in which it has passed through the slot 224 and is on the other side of the dog half 221 so that it no longer cooperates with him and the axis 20 and the clutch member 22 are no longer rotatably connected.

The clutch element 22 is mounted to move in translation along the axis of the winch between:

a first said lower position engagement position (see Figure 3) in which the half-clutch 221 cooperates with the gear plate 201 so that the clutch element and the axis 20 are connected in rotation, and a second the so-called top position (see FIG. 4) in which the half-clutch 221 cooperates with the half-clutch 150 of the planet carrier 15 but no longer with the toothed plate 201, so that the clutch element is linked in rotation with the satellite door but no longer with the axis 20.

A first pinion 24 is connected to the shaft 23 by means of a first unidirectional clutch 25 such as a freewheel.

The first pinion 24 meshes with a second pinion 26 rotatably mounted on an axis 27 secured to the frame 11.

The second pinion 26 meshes with an inner ring 28 secured to the inside of the doll 12.

A third pinion 29 is secured in rotation to the lower end of the shaft 23. This third pinion 29 meshes with a fourth pinion (not shown) mounted to rotate about an axis integral with the frame 11. This fourth pinion meshes with a fifth pinion 31 which is rotatably mounted on the axis 27. The fifth gear 31 is connected to the second gear 26 by means of a second unidirectional clutch 32 as a freewheel.

The ring 28 is rotatably mounted inside the upper doll 12. The ring 28 comprises two return pins 281 protruding from its periphery outwards. These return pins 281 each extend into a recess 34 in the form of an arc in the headstock 12. Each of these cavities 34 houses a compression spring 33 placed between the bottom 331 of each cavity 34 and the corresponding return pin 281. The ring 28 also comprises two stops 282 protruding from its periphery outwards. Each of these abutments 282 extends in an arcuate housing 35 formed in the doll 12.

The ring 28 is rotatably mounted inside the doll 12 between two extreme positions:

a first end position in which the stops 282 bear against one side of the housing 35 and the compression springs 33 are released;

a second end position in which the abutments 282 are mounted on the other side of the lugs 35 and the compression springs 33 are compressed between the return pins 281 and the bottom 331 of the cavities 34 under effect of the rotation of the ring 28 inside the doll 12.

The winch comprises a first elevator 36. The elevator 36 is integral in rotation with the ring 28. It is movable in translation, along the axis of rotation of the ring 28, relative to the ring 28 between a first position called position low and a second position said high position. It comprises driving fingers 361 and locking fingers 362 which extend at its periphery to pass into slots 283 provided for this purpose in the ring 28. These lights 283 extend along axes parallel to the axis of the winch, that is to say, the axis of rotation of the ring 28.

A ring 37 is rotatably mounted on the ring 28. Compression springs 38 are interposed between this ring 37 and abutments 39 integral with the doll. The ring 37 is rotatable about the axis of the ring 28 between: a second extreme position wherein the compression springs 38 are released, and

a second end position in which the compression springs 38 are compressed between the ring 37 and the stops 39.

The ring 37 comprises a ramp 371 oriented from the base of the winch to the upper end thereof.

The winch includes blocking pins 40 integral with the doll.

The winch comprises a second elevator 41 which is translationally connected to the elevator 36 along the axis of the winch. This second elevator 41 comprises a bottom 411.

The winch comprises a third elevator 45 which is mounted mobile in translation along the axis of the winch relative to the second elevator 41. It comprises for that guide pads 451 provided for sliding inside the second elevator 41. comprises an upper plate 452. It also comprises a bottom 454. Compression springs 453 are placed between the upper plate 452 of the third elevator 45 and the bottom of the second 41 elevators.

The winch comprises a pusher 42. This pusher 42 is mounted to move in translation along the axis of the winch between the bottom 454 of the third elevator 45 and the upper plate 452 of the third elevator 45. The upper part of the pusher 42 includes flange members 420. Compression springs 44 are interposed between these flange members 420 and the bottom 454 of the third elevator 45.

Compression springs 43 are interposed between the upper surface of the upper plate 452 and the frame 11.

The first elevator 36, the second elevator 41, the third elevator 45 and the pusher 42 are each mounted movably between a low position and a high position.

When the clutch element 22 is in the low position (in which the toothed plate 201 cooperates with the half-clutch 221), and the first elevator 36 occupies its low position, then: the second elevator 41 occupies its low position, the third elevator 45 is in the low position in which its upper plate 452 is in contact with the upper end 410 of the second 41, the pusher 42 occupies its low position in which its flanges 420 are in contact with the shoulder 225 of the clutch element 22 and with the upper plate 452 of the third elevator 45, the springs 453 are compressed, the springs 43 are released, the springs 44 are released.

When the clutch element 22 is in the lower position (in which the toothed plate 201 cooperates with the half-clutch 221), and the first elevator 36 is in the high position, then: the second elevator 41 occupies its high position, the third elevator 45 is in the high position in which its upper plate 452 is in contact with the upper end 410 of the second elevator 41, the pusher 42 occupies its low position in which its collars 420 are in contact with the shoulder 225 of the clutch element 22 but no longer with the upper plate 452 of the third elevator 45, the springs 453 are compressed, the springs 43 are compressed, the springs 44 are compressed.

When the clutch element 22 is in the high position (in which the half-dog 221 cooperates with the half-clutch 150 of the planet carrier 15), and the first elevator 36 is in the up position, then: the second elevator 41 occupies its high position, the third elevator 45 is in the high position in which the upper platen 452 is in contact with the upper end 410 of the second elevator 41, the pusher 42 occupies its high position in which its co l the rettes 420 is in contact with the outlet 225 of the clutch element and with the top plate 452 of the third elevator 45, the springs 453 are compressed, the springs 43 are compressed, the springs 44 are released.

When the clutch element 22 is in the high position (in which the half-dog 221 cooperates with the half-clutch 150 of the planet carrier 15), and the first elevator 36 is in the lower position, then: the second elevator 41 occupies its low position, the third elevator 45 is in the high position in which its upper plate 452 is remote from the upper end 410 of the second elevator 41, the pusher 42 occupies its high position in which its collars 420 are in contact with the shoulder 225 of the clutch member and with the upper plate 452 of the third elevator 45, the springs 453 are released, the springs 43 are compressed, the springs 44 are released.

6.2. Operation 6.2.1. Initial state

The explanation of the operation of the winch is achieved by a situation in which the tension in the end wrapped around the doll 12 is substantially zero.

The ring 28 is initially located (see FIG. 3) in its first extreme position where the stops 282 are supported on one side of the housings 35 and the compression springs 33 are released.

In this position, the ring 37 is in its first position in which the compression springs 38 are released.

The first elevator 36 is in the low position so that each of its driving fingers 361 and each of its locking fingers 362 are respectively in abutment against the bottom of the ramps 371 and below the locking pins 40.

The second elevator 41 is in the low position, the third elevator 45 is in the low position, the pusher 42 is in the low position and the clutch element 22 is in the lower position in which its half-clutch 221 is engaged with the toothed plate 201 of the axis 20 but not with the demi-cra bot 150 of the planet carrier 15. The springs 453 are compressed, the springs 43 are released, the springs 44 are released.

low.

When the input angle 14 is rotated in one second, the doll 12 is rotated at a first speed via:

the epicyclic gear train, whose axis of solar 19 is in engagement with the axis 23 by means of the clutch element 22 and the toothed plate 201, the first gear 24, the wheel 25 does not enter the third pinion 29,

the second gear 26, and

the crown 28. When the input shaft 14 is rotated in the other direction, the doll 12 is rotated always in the same direction at a second speed via:

the epicyclic gear train, the axis of the solar 19 is engaged with the axis 23 by means of the clutch element 22 and the toothed plate 201, the third pinion 29, the fourth pinion 30, the fifth pinion 31, the second gear 26 meshes with the fifth gear 31 via the freewheel 32, the freewheel 25 not driving the first gearwheel 24, and the gearwheel 28.

It is possible to wrap one end around the doll by pumping between the first and second speeds, that is to say by alternately rotating the input shaft in one direction and then the other on a certain angular range.

6.2.2. Passage of the clutch in high position

A / Clutch Arming

As the tension in the end increases, the ring 28 rotates progressively inside the doll 12 from its first extreme position to its second extreme position against the effect of the compression springs 33. The crown 28 mounted mobile in rotation under stress in the doll 12 is therefore a means of evaluation of the tension in the end.

The ring 28 rotates the first elevator 36. The blocking fingers 362 thereof are then under the locking pins 40 so that it can not be removed from its position ha ute . As a result, the drives 361 are located against the base of the ramps 371 so that the ring 37 is rotated against the effect of the compression springs 38 from its position initiating the first position to its second position.

When the ring 28 arrives in its second extreme position, in which its stops 282 are in abutment against the other side of the housing 35, that is to say, the tension in the end reaches a predetermined upper threshold, the locking fingers 362 of the first elevator 36 are no longer under the locking pins 40. The first elevator 36 is thus more locked in translation.

The clutch member 22 is held in the down position because the gear plate 201 is oriented such that it can not pass through the light 224. The pusher 42, in contact with the shoulder 225 of the clutch element 22 is also kept in its low position.

Under the effect of the compression springs 38, the ring 37 returns to its first positio n position. Its widths 371 are then applied to the drive fingers 361. The ring 37 thus drives the first elevator 36 to its upper position. The first elevator 36 causes the second elevator 41 to reach its upper position.

The compression springs 44 between the pusher 42 and the third elevator 45 are compressed. Similarly, the compression springs 43 between the upper plate 452 of the third elevator 45 and the frame 11 are compressed.

The springs 453 between the second elevator 41 and the third elevator 45 remain compressed.

The clutch element 22 is then cocked towards its high position under the effect of the compression springs 44 in the compressed state, while being maintained in the lower position by the toothed plate 201 (see FIG. 5).

B / Release of the clutch

When the direction of rotation of the input shaft 14 is reversed, the toothed plate 201 of the shaft 20 rotates slightly about the axis of the winch relative to the clutch element 22 until it is in a position in which it can pass through the light 224.

At this time, the clutch member 22 is no longer locked in translation and can move from its low position to its upper position (see Figure 4). The compression springs 44 placed between the pusher 42 in the low position and the third elevator 45 in the high position, relax. As a result of this relaxation, the ur 42 is placed in its positio n ha ute position. It causes the clutch member 22 to move in its upper position. The compression springs 43 between the upper plate 452 of the third elevator 45 and the frame 11 remain compressed. The springs 453 between the second elevator 41 and the third elevator 45 also remain compressed.

The half-clutch 221 of the clutch element 22 then cooperates with the half-clutch 150 of the planet carrier 15 but no longer with the toothed plate 201. The clutch element 22 is thus linked in rotation with and the planet carrier 15 but more with the axis 20.

If the doll 12 was rotated, before release of the clutch element, according to the second speed, the doll 12 is then rotated at a third speed via:

the satellite gate 15,

the clutch element 22,

the tree 23,

the first pinion 24, the wheel 25 does not drive the third pinion 29

the second gear 26,

the crown 28.

A new version of the direction of rotation of the output shaft 14 makes it possible to drive the doll in rotation at a fourth speed via: the planet carrier 15,

the clutch element 22,

the tree 23,

the third pinion 29, the free wheel 25 does not cause the first pinion 24,

the fourth gear,

the fifth pinion 31,

the second pinion 26 driven by the free wheel 32, and

the crown 28. If the doll was driven at the first speed, before release of the clutch member, the doll 12 is then rotated at the fourth speed. A new reversal of the direction of rotation of the input shaft 14 rotates the doll according to the third speed.

It is possible to wrap one end around the doll by pumping between the third and fourth speeds, that is to say by alternately rotating the input shaft in one direction and then in the other on a certain angular range.

6.2.3. Passage of the clutch in the low position

A / Clutch Arming

As the tension in the end decreases, the ring 28 rotates progressively inside the doll 12 from its second extreme position to its first extreme position under the effect of the compression springs 33.

The ring 28 rotates the first elevator 36. The locking fingers 362 thereof are then above the blocking pins 40 so that it can not translate to its lower position. His drive fingers 361 are at the top of the ramps 371 and move toward them.

The clutch member 22 is held in the up position because the toothed platen 201 is oriented such that it can not pass through the lumen 224.

When the ring 28 reaches its first extreme position, in which its stops 282 are in abutment against the other side of the housings 35, that is to say that the tension in the end reaches a predetermined low threshold value, the locking fingers 362 of the first elevator 36 are no longer above the locking pins 40. The first elevator 36 is thus no longer locked in translation. His driving fingers 361, which is above the lower end of the ramps 371, fall vertically. The second elevator 41 and the first elevator 36 move then in their low position under the effect of compression springs 453 which relax. The third elevator 45 and the pusher 42 remain in the up position under the effect of the compression springs 452 and 44.

The clutch element 22 is then cocked towards its low position under the effect of compression springs 43 in the compressed state placed between the third elevator 45 and the frame, while being maintained in the raised position (cf. Figure 6).

B / Release of the clutch

At this time, the clutch element 22 is no longer locked in translation and can move from its high position to its low position (see Figure 3). The compression springs 43 placed between the upper plate 452 of the third elevator 45 and the frame 11, relax. Under the effect of this release, the third elevator 45 and the pusher 42 move in their lower position. The clutch element 22 is thus moved to its low position. The compression springs 453 between the second elevator 41 and the third elevator 45 are compressed. The springs 44 between the pusher 42 and the third elevator 45 remain relaxed.

The half-clutch 221 of the clutch element 22 then cooperates with the toothed plate 201 but no longer with the half-clutch 150 of the planet carrier 15. The clutch element 22 is thus connected in rotation with the axis 20 but more with the planet carrier 15.

If the doll 12 was rotated according to the third speed, before release of the clutch element, the doll 12 is rotated always in the same direction according to the second speed via:

the epicyclic gear train, whose axis of solar 19 is in engagement with the axis 23 by means of the clutch element 22 and the gear plate 201, the third pinion 29, the fourth pinion 30, the fifth pinion 31, the second pinion 26 engaged with the fifth pinion 31 via the freewheel 32, the freewheel 25 not driving the first pinion 24, and the ring 28.

When the direction of rotation of the input shaft 14 is reversed, the doll 12 is rotated according to the first speed via:

the epicyclic gear train, whose axis of solar 19 is in engagement with the axis 23 by means of the clutch element 22 and the toothed plate 201, the first pinion 24, the wheel wheel 25 leading to not the third pinion 29,

the second gear 26, and

the crown 28.

If the doll was driven according to the fourth speed, before release of the clutch element, the doll 12 is then rotated according to the first speed. A new reversal of the direction of rotation of the input shaft 14 rotates the doll according to the second speed.

It is again possible to pump between the first and second speeds.

6.3. Advantages

In the winch according to the prior art, the clutch moves from one position to another depending on whether the tension in the end decreases or increases. Since the variation of tension of the tip is generally progressive and not clear, the clutch passes from one to the other of its positions in a progressive manner so that it can momentarily occupy a disengaged intermediate position in which a rotation of the input shaft is not accompanied by any rotation of the doll. The winch is then temporarily not maneuverable.

According to the invention, the clutch is systematically maintained in one of its positions so that at least one speed is systematically engaged whatever the level of tension in the end. A winch according to the invention is therefore maneuverable in all circumstances. Preferably, the passage of the clutch from one position to the other is allowed only when a certain level of tension in the end is reached, the displacement of the clutch to this insta nt is not made not of progressive, but frankly.

Furthermore, according to the invention, the clutch is preferably armed and released only during the reversal of the direction of rotation of the input shaft.

Thus, whatever the level of tension in the tip, and whatever the variation of this te nsio n da ns tem ps (growing or decreasing) the clutch is always engaged in one or the other. other of its positions so that the winch is always maneuverable.

Claims

1. Capstan (10) intended to tension one end, said capstan (10) comprising:

a fixed frame (11) housing an input shaft (14) and a gearbox; a headstock (12) around which said end can be wound, said headstock (12) being mounted movable in rotation around said frame (11) and connected to said input shaft (14) by said gearbox such that rotating said input shaft (14) accompanied by rotating said doll (12) around said frame (11), said gearbox having at least a first and a second speed ratio;

clutch means (22) movable between at least a first engagement position of at least said first gear ratio and a second engagement position of at least said second gear ratio; means (28, 33) for evaluating the tension in said end;

characterized in that it comprises means (40, 362) for maintaining said clutch means (22) in one or other of their positions whatever the value of said tension evaluated by said evaluation means ( 28, 33), said holding means (40, 362) comprising:

first holding means making it possible to maintain said clutch means (22) in said first position as long as the voltage evaluated by said evaluation means (28, 33) does not reach a predetermined high threshold value, and

second holding means making it possible to maintain said clutch means (22) in said second position as long as the voltage evaluated by said evaluation means (28, 33) does not reach a predetermined low threshold value.

2. Capstan (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises: first arming means (36, 41, 42, 45, 44) of said clutch means (22), said arming means making it possible to arm said clutch means (22) towards said second position when said voltage evaluated reaches said high threshold value, and

second arming means (36, 41, 42, 45, 43, 453) of said clutch means (22) making it possible to arm said clutch means (22) towards said first position when said evaluated voltage reaches said value low threshold.

Capstan (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that said first and second arming means respectively comprise:

first elastic return means (44) configured to force said clutch means (22) towards their second position when said clutch means (22) are held in their first engaged position by said first holding means and that said voltage evaluated by said evaluation means (28, 33) does not reach said predetermined high threshold value;

second elastic return means (43, 454) configured to force said clutch means (22) towards their first position when said clutch means (22) are held in their second engagement position by said first holding means and that said voltage evaluated by said evaluation means (38, 33) does not reach said predetermined low threshold value.

Capstan (10) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that it takes:

actuation means (14, 18, 17, 19, 201) of said arming means, said actuation means being mobile between at least: a blocking position in which they lock in position said clutch means (22) armed towards said first or second position;

a release position in which they release said armed clutch means (22) towards said first or said second position.

5. Capstan (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that said clutch means (22) are crossed by a light (224), and in that said actuation means comprise an imprint (201) of complementary shape of said light (224), said imprint (201) being movable between:

a first blocking position in which it cannot pass through said opening (224) so that said clutch means (22) are maintained in their first clutch position;

a release position in which it can pass through said opening (224) so that said clutch means (22) can move from one of their positions to the other;

a second blocking position in which it cannot pass through said opening (224) so that said clutch means (22) are maintained in their second clutch position.

6. Capstan (10) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that said actuation means can be operated manually.

7. Capstan (10) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that said cavity (201) is linked in rotation to said input shaft (14), the passage of said cavity (201) of its first or third position to its second position being obtained by reversing the direction of rotation of said input shaft (14).

8. Capstan (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said gearbox comprises an inner crown (28) mobile rise in rotation under stress inside said doll (12) between two extreme positions corresponding to the reaching by said voltage respectively of said high threshold value and said low threshold value, and in that it comprises transformation means (36, 37, 371, 361) making it possible to transform a movement of said crown (28) relative to said doll (12) from one to another of its extreme positions mes in a movement of said clutch means (22) from one to the other of their positions,

said holding means acting on said transformation means to prevent the passage of said clutch means (22) into said first position as long as said evaluated voltage does not reach said predetermined high threshold value, and to prevent the passage of said means clutch (22) in said second position as long as said evaluated voltage does not reach said predetermined low threshold value.

9. Capstan (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that said transformation means comprise:

a ring (27) mounted to rotate under stress relative to said crown (28) between two extreme positions each corresponding to an extreme position of said crown (28), and

- an elevator (36, 41, 45, 42) mounted movable relative to said ring (27) between a first and a second clutch position and acting on said clutch means (22),

said first and second holding means, said ring (27) and said elevator (36, 41, 42, 45) being configured such that:

- when said crown (28) passes from its first extreme position to its second extreme position, said first holding means act on said elevator (36, 41, 42, 45) so that it is blocked in its first clutch position, said elevator (36, 41, 42, 45) acting on said ring (27) to move the latter under stress from its first extreme position to its second extreme position; when said crown (28) is in its second extreme position, said first holding means no longer act on said elevator (36, 41, 42, 45) so that it is no longer blocked in n its first clutch position, said ring (27) returns by release of constraint in its first extreme position by acting on said elevator (36, 41, 42, 43) to drive it into its second position. 'clutch ;

when said crown (28) moves from its second to its first extreme position, said second holding means act on said elevator (36, 41, 42, 45) so that it is blocked in its second clutch position;

when said crown (28) is again in its first extreme position, said second holding means no longer act on said elevator (36, 41, 42, 45) so that it is no longer blocked in its second clutch position, said ring (27) acting on said elevator (36, 41, 42, 45) to drive it into its second clutch position.

Capstan according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises: first release means making it possible to release said clutch means (22) towards said second position as soon as said evaluated tension reaches a high threshold value, and

second release means making it possible to release said clutch means (22) towards said first position as soon as said evaluated voltage reaches a low threshold value.