EP3087023B1 - Automatic winch with automatic meshing - Google Patents

Description

1. Field of the invention

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

2. Prior art

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

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

The gearbox includes several ratios so that it is possible to wrap the end around the headstock 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 headstock in one direction but at different speeds.

The patent application WO-A1-2012 / 049188 , filed by the Applicant, describes a winch designed in such a way that the variation in the tension of the end wound around the headstock is taken into account to effect a speed change in the box.

More particularly, this winch includes a clutch and means for evaluating the tension in the end wound around the headstock. As long as the tension in the end is low, the clutch occupies a first position in which the headstock can be rotated in a direction according to two speeds, the speed change being obtained by reversing 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 according to two other speeds, the speed change being obtained by a reversing the direction of rotation of the input shaft by means of the crank.

Such a winch is particularly effective insofar as it allows crew members maneuver the winch with the most suitable speed ratio taking into account the tension in the end wrapped around the headstock. Such a winch can however be further improved.

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

It results from this progressiveness in the variation of the value of the tension of the end, that the clutch is brought to move from one to the other of its positions also in a progressive manner but does not pass immediately from one to the other of its positions. Thus, it may happen that the tension level in the end is such that the clutch is only caused 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 not accompanied by any rotation of the headstock, the input shaft rotating in a vacuum.

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

Furthermore, when the clutch occupies a disengaged intermediate position and a crew member actuates the crank to cause the input shaft to rotate, the latter rotates in a vacuum, offering no resistance while the member crew expects to have to develop a greater or lesser effort to operate the crank. This therefore poses an ergonomic problem which can generate in the crew member a loss of balance or even a slight injury of the sprain type.

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 objective of the invention is to provide such a capstan which systematically allows to train rotating the doll regardless of 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 speed ratio is engaged in all circumstances.

An objective of the invention is also, in at least one embodiment, to provide such a winch which benefits from 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

• un bâti fixe logeant un arbre d'entrée et une boîte de vitesses ;
• une poupée autour de laquelle peut être enroulé ledit bout, ladite poupée étant montée mobile en rotation autour dudit bâtit et reliée audit arbre d'entrée par ladite boîte de vitesses de telle sorte qu'une mise en rotation dudit arbre d'entrée s'accompagne d'une mise en rotation de ladite poupée autour dudit bâti, ladite boîte de vitesse ayant au moins un premier et un deuxième rapport de vitesse ;
• des moyens d'embrayage mobiles entre au moins une première position d'enclenchement d'au moins ledit premier rapport de vitesse et une deuxième position d'enclenchement d'au moins ledit deuxième rapport de vitesse ;
• des moyens d'évaluation de la tension dans ledit bout ;

For this, the invention provides a capstan intended to be secured to a sailboat to tension an end secured to a sail, said capstan comprising:

• a fixed frame housing an input shaft and a gearbox;
• a doll around which said end can be wound, said doll being mounted movable in rotation around said frame and connected to said input shaft by said gearbox so that a rotation of said input shaft is accompanied rotating said headstock around said frame, said gearbox having at least a first and a second gear ratio;
• clutch means movable between at least a first engagement position of at least said first speed ratio and a second engagement position of at least said second speed ratio;
• means for evaluating the tension in said end;

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

Thus, whatever the level of tension at the end, and whatever the variation of this tension over time (increase or decrease) the clutch is always engaged in one or other of its positions so that the winch is systematically 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. The variation of tension of the end being generally progressive and not frank, the clutch passes from one to the other of its positions in a progressive manner so that it can temporarily occupy a disengaged intermediate position in which a rotation of the input shaft is not accompanied by any rotation of the headstock. The winch is then temporarily non-operable.

• des premiers moyens de maintien permettant de maintenir lesdits moyens d'embrayage dans ladite première position tant que la tension évaluée par lesdits moyens d'évaluation n'atteint pas une valeur seuil haute prédéterminée, et
• des deuxièmes moyens de maintien permettant de maintenir lesdits moyens d'embrayage dans ladite deuxième position tant que la tension évaluée par lesdits moyens d'évaluation n'atteint pas une valeur seuil basse prédéterminée.

According to the invention, said holding means comprise:

• first holding means making it possible to hold 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 making it possible to hold 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 proposes an original solution making it possible to ensure that the passage of the clutch from one position to the other cannot take place as long 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 winch is systematically maneuverable.

The first and second holding means may be combined at least in part.

• des premiers moyens d'armement desdits moyens d'embrayage, lesdits moyens d'armement permettant d'armer lesdits moyens d'embrayage vers ladite deuxième position lorsque ladite tension évaluée atteint ladite valeur seuil haute, et
• des deuxièmes moyens d'armement desdits moyens d'embrayage permettant d'armer lesdits moyens d'embrayage vers ladite première position lorsque ladite tension évaluée atteint ladite valeur seuil basse.

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

• first means for arming said clutch means, said arming means for arming said clutch means towards said second position when said evaluated voltage reaches said high threshold value, and
• second means for arming said clutch means for arming said clutch means to said first position when said evaluated voltage reaches said low threshold value.

Thus, when the conditions of tension in the end are met to operate a gear change, the clutch is armed, that is to say prepared to change position, this position change requiring additional action, such as for example an action by a crew member, to operate

The first and second means of arming may be confused at least in part.

• des premiers moyens de rappel élastique configurés pour contraindre lesdits moyens d'embrayage vers leur deuxième position lorsque lesdits moyens d'embrayage sont maintenus dans leur première position d'enclenchement par lesdits premiers moyens de maintien et que ladite tension évaluée par lesdits moyens d'évaluation n'atteint pas ladite valeur seuil haute prédéterminée ;
• des deuxième moyens de rappel élastique configurés pour contraindre lesdits moyens d'embrayage vers leur première position lorsque lesdits moyens d'embrayage sont maintenus dans leur deuxième position d'enclenchement par lesdits premiers moyens de maintien et que ladite tension évaluée par lesdits moyens d'évaluation n'atteint pas ladite valeur seuil basse prédéterminée.

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 clutch means are held in their first engagement position by said first holding means and said tension evaluated by said evaluation means 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 engagement position by said first holding means and said tension evaluated by said evaluation means does not reach said predetermined low threshold value.

This simple solution allows the clutch to be reliably and efficiently armed to one or other of its positions.

The first and second means of recall can be confused at least in part.

• une position de blocage dans laquelle ils bloquent en position lesdits moyens d'embrayage armés vers ladite première ou deuxième position ;
• une position de libération dans laquelle ils libèrent lesdits moyens d'embrayage armés vers ladite première ou ladite deuxième position.

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 towards said first or second position;
• a release position in which they release said armed clutch means to said first or said second position.

This simple solution makes it possible to maneuver reliably and efficiently the arming means to release the clutch to one or the other of its positions when the tension conditions are met and the change of position of the clutch is wish.

• une première position de blocage dans laquelle elle ne peut pas passer à travers ladite lumière en sorte que lesdits moyens d'embrayage sont maintenus dans leur première position d'enclenchement ;
• une position de libération dans laquelle elle peut passer à travers ladite lumière en sorte que lesdits moyens d'embrayage peuvent passer de l'une à l'autre de leurs positions ;
• une deuxième position de blocage dans laquelle elle ne peut pas passer à travers ladite lumière en sorte que lesdits moyens d'embrayage sont maintenus dans leur deuxième position d'enclenchement.

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

• a first locking position in which it cannot pass through said slot so that said clutch means are held in their first engagement position;
• a release position in which it can pass through said lumen so that said clutch means can pass from one to the other of their positions;
• a second locking position in which it cannot pass through said slot so that said clutch means are held in their second engagement position.

According to a preferred characteristic, said actuating means can be operated manually.

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

According to a preferred characteristic, said imprint is linked in rotation to said input shaft, the passage of said imprint from its first or second locking position to its release position being obtained by reversing the direction of rotation of said input shaft.

A crew member can thus activate the arming means by reversing the direction of rotation of the input shaft, this whether the winch is manual or motorized.

Preferably, said gearbox comprises an inner ring mounted mobile in rotation under stress inside said headstock between two extreme positions corresponding to the reaching by said tension respectively of said high threshold value and of said low threshold value,
and in that it comprises transformation means making it possible to transform a displacement of said crown relative to said headstock from one to the other of its extreme positions in a displacement of said clutch means from one to the other. other of their positions,
said holding means acting on said transformation means to prevent the passage of said clutch means in said first position as long as said evaluated voltage does not reach said predetermined high threshold value, and to prevent the passage of said clutch means in said second position as long as said evaluated voltage does not reach said predetermined low threshold value.

• une bague montée mobile en rotation sous contrainte par rapport à ladite couronne entre deux positions extrêmes correspondant chacune à une position extrême de ladite couronne, et
• un élévateur monté mobile par rapport à ladite bague entre une première et une deuxième position d'embrayage et agissant sur lesdits moyens d'embrayage,

lesdits premiers et deuxièmes moyens de maintien, ladite bague et ledit élévateur étant configurés de telle sorte que :

• lorsque ladite couronne passe de sa première position extrême à sa deuxième position extrême, lesdits premiers moyens de maintien agissent sur ledit élévateur de sorte qu'il est bloqué dans sa première position d'embrayage, ledit élévateur agissant sur ladite bague pour déplacer celle-ci sous contrainte de sa première position extrême à sa deuxième position extrême ;
• lorsque ladite couronne se trouve dans sa deuxième position extrême, lesdits premiers moyens de maintien n'agissent plus sur ledit élévateur en sorte qu'il n'est plus bloqué dans sa première position d'embrayage, ladite bague retournant par libération de contrainte dans sa première position extrême en agissant sur ledit élévateur pour l'entrainer dans sa deuxième position d'embrayage ;
• lorsque ladite couronne passe de sa deuxième à sa première position extrême, lesdits deuxième moyens de maintien agissent sur ledit élévateur de sorte qu'il est bloqué dans sa deuxième position d'embrayage ;
• lorsque ladite couronne se trouve de nouveau dans sa première position extrême, lesdits deuxièmes moyens de maintien n'agissent plus sur ledit élévateur en sorte qu'il n'est plus bloqué dans sa deuxième position d'embrayage, ladite bague agissant sur ledit élévateur pour l'entrainer dans sa deuxième position d'embrayage.

In this case, said transformation means preferably comprise:

• a ring mounted mobile in rotation under stress with respect to said crown between two extreme positions each corresponding to an extreme position of said crown, and
• an elevator mounted movable relative to said ring between a first 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 holding means act on said elevator so that it is locked in its first clutch position, said elevator acting on said ring to move the latter under stress from its first extreme position to its second extreme position;
• when said crown 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 holding means act on said elevator so that it is locked in its second clutch position;
• when said crown 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 drive it into its second clutch position.

• des premiers moyens de libération permettant de libérer lesdits moyens d'embrayage vers ladite deuxième position dès que ladite tension évaluée atteint une valeur seuil haute, et
• des deuxièmes moyens de libération permettant de libérer lesdits moyens d'embrayage vers ladite première position dès que ladite tension évaluée atteint une valeur seuil basse.

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

• first release means making it possible to release said clutch means towards said second position as soon as said evaluated voltage reaches a high threshold value, and
• second release means making it possible to release said clutch means towards said first position as soon as said evaluated voltage reaches a low threshold value.

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

The first and second means of liberation may be confused at least in part.

5. List of figures

• la figure 1 illustre une vue en coupe longitudinale d'un winch selon l'invention ;
• la figure 2 illustre une vue du winch de la figure 1 sans la poupée ;
• la figure 3 illustre une vue de détail de l'embrayage en position basse ;
• la figure 4 illustre une vue de détail de l'embrayage en position haute ;
• la figure 5 illustre une vue de détail de l'embrayage en position basse armé vers la position haute ;
• la figure 6 illustre une vue de détail de l'embrayage en position haute armé vers la position basse ;
• la figure 7 illustre une vue en coupe selon l'axe « A-A » de la figure 1 ;
• les figures 8 et 9 illustrent des vues partielles en perspective d'un exemple de moyens de maintien et d'armement d'un winch selon l'invention ;
• la figure 10 illustre une vue éclatée en perspective d'un exemple de moyens de maintien et d'armement d'un winch selon l'invention ;
• les figures 11 et 12 illustrent des vues de détail des moyens d'actionnement des moyens d'armement respectivement en position de blocage et en position de libération ;
• la figure 13 illustre une vue partielle en coupe et en perspective d'un embrayage, de ses moyens de maintien et d'entrainement selon l'invention.

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

• the figure 1 illustrates a view in longitudinal section of a winch according to the invention;
• the figure 2 illustrates a view of the winch of the figure 1 without the doll;
• the figure 3 illustrates a detailed view of the clutch in the low position;
• the figure 4 illustrates a detail view of the clutch in the high position;
• the figure 5 illustrates a detail view of the clutch in the low position armed towards the high position;
• the figure 6 illustrates a detail view of the clutch in the high armed position towards the low position;
• the figure 7 illustrates a sectional view along the "AA" axis of the figure 1 ;
• the Figures 8 and 9 illustrate partial perspective views of an example of means for holding and arming a winch according to the invention;
• the figure 10 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an example of means for holding and arming a winch according to the invention;
• the Figures 11 and 12 illustrate detailed views of the actuation means of the arming means respectively in the blocking position and in the release position;
• the figure 13 illustrates a partial sectional and perspective view of a clutch, of its holding and drive means according to the invention.

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

We present in relation to Figures 1 to 13 , an example of capstan according to the invention.

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

Such a capstan 10 comprises a frame 11 on which is movably mounted in rotation of a doll 12. The frame 11 is intended to be secured, for example on the deck of a sailboat. One end, one end of which is connected to a sail of the sailboat, can be wrapped around the headstock 12. This capstan 10 conventionally comprises a reversible imprisonment device 13 at one end of the end to be wound around the headstock 12.

The capstan comprises an input shaft 14 mounted so that it can rotate in the frame 11. The input shaft 14 comprises an upper end 141 in which a grooved portion 142 is provided, designed to cooperate with means for actuating the capstan. These actuating means may include a crank. Alternatively, they may include "a coffee grinder". The drive means may also be motorized.

The input shaft 14 is connected to a satellite carrier 15. This satellite carrier 15 carries axes 16 on each of which a satellite 17 is mounted mobile in rotation. These satellites 17 mesh with a fixed internal gear 18 integral or not with the frame. The satellites 17 also mesh with a solar 19. This assembly forms a planetary gear train. The satellite carrier 15 comprises a lower part on which a half-dog 150 is formed.

The sun 19 is integral with an axis 20 at one end of which is formed a toothed plate 201, also called an imprint. As will be explained in more detail below, this toothed plate 201 performs the function of a half-dog.

The capstan comprises a clutch element 22 which is linked in rotation to a shaft 23 mounted movable in rotation relative to the frame 11. The clutch element 22 has a shoulder 225.

A half dog 221 is formed 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 carrier 15 as well as of the toothed plate 201 of the axis 20. It comprises teeth 222 protruding at its upper end as well as spaces 223 managed between these teeth 222.

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

• une position, illustrée à la figure 11, dans laquelle elle ne peut pas passer à travers la lumière 224 et ses dents se trouvent dans les espaces 223 et viennent en appuis contre les dents 222 du demi-crabot 221 de l'élément d'embrayage 22 en sorte que l'axe 20 et l'élément d'embrayage 22 sont liés en rotation ;
• une position, illustrée à la figure 12, dans laquelle elle peut passer à travers la lumière 224, et
• une position, notamment illustrée à la figure 4, dans laquelle elle est passée à travers la lumière 224 et se trouve de l'autre côté du demi crabot 221 en sorte qu'elle ne coopère plus avec lui et que l'axe 20 et l'élément d'embrayage 22 ne sont plus liés en rotation.

The toothed plate 201 can rotate relative to the light 224 so as to take:

• a position, illustrated in figure 11 , in which it cannot pass through the lumen 224 and its teeth are located in the spaces 223 and come into abutment against the teeth 222 of the clutch dog 221 of the clutch element 22 so that the axis 20 and the clutch element 22 are linked in rotation;
• a position, illustrated in figure 12 , in which it can pass through light 224, and
• a position, notably illustrated in figure 4 , in which it has passed through the light 224 and is on the other side of the dog clutch 221 so that it no longer cooperates with it and that the pin 20 and the clutch element 22 are no longer linked in rotation.

• une première position d'enclenchement dite position basse (cf. figure 3) dans laquelle le demi-crabot 221 coopère avec la platine dentée 201 en sorte que l'élément d'embrayage et l'axe 20 sont liés en rotation, et
• une deuxième position d'enclenchement dite position haute (cf. figure 4) dans laquelle le demi-crabot 221 coopère avec le demi-crabot 150 du porte satellites 15 mais plus avec la platine dentée 201, en sorte que l'élément d'embrayage est lié en rotation avec le porte satellite mais plus avec l'axe 20.

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

• a first engagement position called the bottom position (cf. figure 3 ) in which the half-clutch 221 cooperates with the toothed plate 201 so that the clutch element and the pin 20 are linked in rotation, and
• a second engagement position called the upper position (cf. figure 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 carrier 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 like a free wheel.

The first pinion 24 meshes with a second pinion 26 mounted mobile in rotation on an axis 27 integral with the frame 11.

The second pinion 26 meshes with an inner ring 28 secured inside the headstock 12.

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

The crown 28 is mounted so that it can rotate inside the upper headstock 12. The crown 28 comprises two return pins 281 projecting from its periphery towards the outside. These return pins 281 each extend into a cavity 34 in an arc formed 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 crown 28 also includes two stops 282 projecting from its periphery outward. Each of these stops 282 extends in a housing in an arc 35 formed in the headstock 12.

• une première position extrême dans laquelle les butées 282 sont en appui contre un côté des logements 35 et les ressorts de compression 33 sont relâchés ;
• une deuxième position extrême dans laquelle les butées 282 sont en appui contre l'autre côté des logements 35 et les ressorts de compression 33 sont comprimés entre les pions de rappel 281 et le fond 331 des cavités 34 sous l'effet de la rotation de la couronne 28 à l'intérieur de la poupée 12.

The crown 28 is mounted mobile in rotation inside the headstock 12 between two extreme positions:

• a first extreme position in which the stops 282 are pressed against one side of the housings 35 and the compression springs 33 are released;
• a second extreme position in which the stops 282 bear against the other side of the housings 35 and the compression springs 33 are compressed between the return pins 281 and the bottom 331 of the cavities 34 under the effect of the rotation of the crown 28 inside the doll 12.

The capstan comprises a first elevator 36. The elevator 36 is integral in rotation with the crown 28. It is movable in translation, along the axis of rotation of the crown 28, relative to the crown 28 between a first position called position low and a second position called high position. It comprises drive fingers 361 and blocking fingers 362 which extend at its periphery until passing through slots 283 provided for this purpose in the crown 28. These slots 283 extend along axes parallel to the axis of the winch, that is to say the axis of rotation of the crown 28.

• une première position extrême dans laquelle les ressorts de compression 38 sont relâchés, et
• une deuxième position extrême dans laquelle les ressors de compression 38 sont comprimés entre la bague 37 et les butées 39.

A ring 37 is mounted movable in rotation on the crown 28. Compression springs 38 are interposed between this ring 37 and stops 39 integral with the headstock. The ring 37 is movable in rotation about the axis of the crown 28 between:

• a first extreme position in which the compression springs 38 are released, and
• a second extreme 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 towards the upper end of the latter.

The capstan comprises blocking pins 40 integral with the headstock.

The capstan comprises a second elevator 41 which is linked in translation to the elevator 36 along the axis of the winch. This second elevator 41 includes a bottom 411.

The capstan comprises a third elevator 45 which is mounted movable in translation along the axis of the winch relative to the second elevator 41. It therefore includes guide pads 451 provided for sliding inside the second elevator 41. It 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 elevator 41.

The capstan comprises a pusher 42. This pusher 42 is mounted movable 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 comprises elements forming a collar 420. Compression springs 44 are interposed between these elements forming a collar 420 and the bottom 454 of the third riser 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 movable 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 dog 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 elevator 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 low position (in which the toothed plate 201 cooperates with the half-clutch dog 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 flanges 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-clutch dog 221 cooperates with the half-clutch dog 150 of the planet carrier 15), 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 the upper plate 452 is in contact with the upper end 410 of the second elevator 41, the pusher 42 occupies its high position in which its flanges 420 are in contact with the shoulder 225 of the clutch element and with the upper 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-clutch dog 221 cooperates with the half-clutch dog 150 of the planet carrier 15), and the first elevator 36 is in the low 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 distant from the upper end 410 of the second elevator 41, the pusher 42 occupies its high position in which its flanges 420 are in contact with the shoulder 225 of the clutch element 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 capstan is made starting from a situation in which the tension in the end wound around the headstock 12 is substantially zero.

The crown 28 is initially located (cf. figure 3 ) in its first extreme position in which 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 drive 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 low position in which its half-dog clutch 221 is in taken with the toothed plate 201 of the axis 20 but not with the half-clutch 150 of the planet carrier 15. The springs 453 are compressed, the springs 43 are released, the springs 44 are released.
low.

• le train épicycloïdal, dont l'axe 20 du solaire 19 est en prise avec l'axe 23 au moyen de l'élément d'embrayage 22 et de la platine dentée 201,
• le premier pignon 24, la roue libre 25 n'entrainant pas le troisième pignon 29,
• le deuxième pignon 26, et
• la couronne 28.

When the input shaft 14 is rotated in one direction, the headstock 12 is rotated at a first speed via:

• the planetary gear, the axis 20 of the sun 19 of which engages the axis 23 by means of the clutch element 22 and the toothed plate 201,
• the first pinion 24, the freewheel 25 not driving the third pinion 29,
• the second pinion 26, and
• crown 28.

• le train épicycloïdal, dont l'axe 20 du solaire 19 est en prise avec l'axe 23 au moyen de l'élément d'embrayage 22 et de la platine dentée 201,
• le troisième pignon 29, le quatrième pignon 30, le cinquième pignon 31, le deuxième pignon 26 en prise avec le cinquième pignon 31 via la roue libre 32, le roue libre 25 n'entrainant pas le premier pignon 24, et
• la couronne 28.

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

• the planetary gear, the axis 20 of the sun 19 of which engages 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 pinion 26 in engagement with the fifth pinion 31 via the free wheel 32, the free wheel 25 not driving the first pinion 24, and
• crown 28.

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

6.2.2. Clutch change to high position A / Arming the clutch

As the tension in the end increases, the crown 28 gradually turns inside the headstock 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 headstock 12 therefore constitutes a means of assessing the tension in the end.

The crown 28 rotates the first elevator 36. The locking fingers 362 thereof are then located under the locking pins 40 so that it can not translate to its upper position. Its drive fingers 361 are then against the base of the ramps 371 so that the ring 37 is rotated against the effect of the compression springs 38 from its initial position or first position to its second position.

When the crown 28 arrives in its second 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 high threshold value, the locking fingers 362 of the first elevator 36 are no longer under the locking pins 40. The first elevator 36 is thus no longer blocked in translation.

The clutch element 22 is kept in the low position because the toothed plate 201 is oriented in such a way that it cannot pass through the light 224. The pusher 42, in contact with the shoulder 225 of the clutch element 22 is also held in its low position.

Under the effect of the compression springs 38, the ring 37 returns to its first position. Its ramps 371 then slide under the drive fingers 361. The ring 37 thus drives the first elevator 36 in its high position. The first elevator 36 in turn drives the second elevator 41 in its high 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 armed in the direction of its high position under the effect of the compression springs 44 in the compressed state, while however being maintained in the low position by the toothed plate 201 (cf. figure 5 ).

B / Clutch release

When the direction of rotation of the input shaft 14 is reversed, the toothed plate 201 of the axis 20 rotates slightly around 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 instant, the clutch element 22 is no longer locked in translation and can pass from its low position to its high position (cf. figure 4 ). The compression springs 44 placed between the pusher 42 in the low position and the third riser 45 in the high position, relax. Under the effect of this relaxation, the pusher 42 is moved to its high position. In its displacement, it drives the clutch element 22 in its high 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 no longer with axis 20.

• le porte satellites 15,
• l'élément d'embrayage 22,
• l'arbre 23,
• le premier pignon 24, la roue libre 25 n'entrainant pas le troisième pignon 29
• le deuxième pignon 26,
• la couronne 28.

If the headstock 12 was driven in rotation, before release of the clutch element, according to the second speed, the headstock 12 is then driven in rotation according to a third speed via:

• the satellite carrier 15,
• the clutch element 22,
• tree 23,
• the first pinion 24, the free wheel 25 not driving the third pinion 29
• the second pinion 26,
• crown 28.

• le porte satellites 15,
• l'élément d'embrayage 22,
• l'arbre 23,
• le troisième pignon 29, la roue libre 25 n'entrainant pas le premier pignon 24,
• le quatrième pignon,
• le cinquième pignon 31,
• le deuxième pignon 26 entrainé par la roule libre 32, et
• la couronne 28.

A new reversal of the direction of rotation of the input shaft 14 allows the headstock to rotate in rotation at a fourth speed via:

• the satellite carrier 15,
• the clutch element 22,
• tree 23,
• the third pinion 29, the freewheel 25 not driving the first pinion 24,
• the fourth pinion,
• the fifth pinion 31,
• the second pinion 26 driven by the free wheel 32, and
• crown 28.

If the headstock was driven according to the first speed, before release of the clutch element, the headstock 12 is then driven in rotation according to the fourth speed. A new reversal of the direction of rotation of the input shaft 14 allows the headstock to rotate in rotation at the third speed.

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

6.2.3. Changing the clutch to the low position A / Arming the clutch

As the tension in the end decreases, the crown 28 gradually turns inside the headstock 12 from its second extreme position to its first extreme position under the effect of the compression springs 33.

The crown 28 rotates the first elevator 36. The locking fingers 362 thereof are then located above the locking pins 40 so that it can not translate to its low position. Its drive fingers 361 are located at the top of the ramps 371 and move in the direction of the latter.

The clutch element 22 is held in the high position because the toothed plate 201 is oriented in such a way that it cannot pass through the light 224.

When the crown 28 arrives in 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 blocked in translation. Its training fingers 361, which is located above the lower end of the ramps 371, fall vertically. The second elevator 41 as well as the first elevator 36 then move in their low position under the effect of compression springs 453 which relax. The third elevator 45 and the pusher 42 remain in the high position under the effect of the compression springs 452 and 44.

The clutch element 22 is then armed in the direction of its low position under the effect of the compression springs 43 in the compressed state placed between the third elevator 45 and the frame, while however being maintained in the high position (cf. figure 6 ).

B / Clutch release

When the direction of rotation of the input shaft 14 is reversed, the toothed plate 201 of the axis 20 rotates slightly around 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 instant, the clutch element 22 is no longer locked in translation and can pass from its high position to its low position (cf. 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 relaxation, the third elevator 45 and the pusher 42 move in their low position. The clutch element 22 is thus moved to its lower position. The compression springs 453 between the second elevator 41 and the third elevator 45 compress. The springs 44 between the pusher 42 and the third elevator 45 remain relaxed.

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

• le train épicycloïdal, dont l'axe 20 du solaire 19 est en prise avec l'axe 23 au moyen de l'élément d'embrayage 22 et de la platine dentée 201,
• le troisième pignon 29, le quatrième pignon 30, le cinquième pignon 31, le deuxième pignon 26 en prise avec le cinquième pignon 31 via la roue libre 32, le roue libre 25 n'entrainant pas le premier pignon 24, et
• la couronne 28.

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

• the planetary gear, the axis 20 of the sun 19 of which engages 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 pinion 26 in engagement with the fifth pinion 31 via the free wheel 32, the free wheel 25 not driving the first pinion 24, and
• crown 28.

• le train épicycloïdal, dont l'axe 20 du solaire 19 est en prise avec l'axe 23 au moyen de l'élément d'embrayage 22 et de la platine dentée 201,
• le premier pignon 24, la roue libre 25 n'entrainant pas le troisième pignon 29,
• le deuxième pignon 26, et
• la couronne 28.

When the direction of rotation of the input shaft 14 is reversed, the headstock 12 is rotated at the first speed via:

• the planetary gear, the axis 20 of the sun 19 of which engages the axis 23 by means of the clutch element 22 and the toothed plate 201,
• the first pinion 24, the freewheel 25 not driving the third pinion 29,
• the second pinion 26, and
• crown 28.

If the headstock was driven according to the fourth speed, before release of the clutch element, the headstock 12 is then driven in rotation according to the first speed. A new reversal of the direction of rotation of the input shaft 14 allows the headstock to rotate in rotation at the second speed.

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

6.3. Benefits

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. The variation of tension of the end being generally progressive and not frank, the clutch passes from one to the other of its positions in a progressive manner so that it can temporarily occupy a disengaged intermediate position in which a rotation of the input shaft is not accompanied by any rotation of the headstock. The winch is then temporarily non-operable.

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 capstan according to the invention is therefore maneuverable in all circumstances.

The passage of the clutch from one position to the other is authorized only when a certain level of tension in the end is reached, the displacement of the clutch at this instant taking place not gradually, but frankly.

Furthermore, the clutch is preferably armed and released only when the direction of rotation of the input shaft is reversed.

Thus, whatever the level of tension in the end, and whatever the variation of this tension in time (increase or decrease) the clutch is always engaged in one or the other of its positions so well that the winch is systematically maneuverable.

Claims (10)

1. Capstan (10) designed for tensioning a fag end, said capstan (10) comprising:

   - a fixed frame (11) housing an input shaft (14) and a gearbox;

   - a winch drum (12) around which said fag end may be wound, said winch drum (12) being 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), said gearbox has at least a first and a second gear ratio;

   - clutch means (22) moveable between at least a first position of engagement wherein at least said first gear ratio is engaged and a second position of engagement wherein at least said second gear ratio is engaged;

   - means for evaluating (28, 33) the tension in said fag end;

   characterised in that it 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 means for evaluating (28, 33), said means for maintaining (40, 362) comprising:

   - first maintaining means enabling said clutch means (22) to be maintained in said first position so long as the tension evaluated by said means for evaluating (28, 33) does not reach a predetermined top threshold value, and

   - second maintaining means enabling said clutch means (22) to be maintained in said second position so long as the tension evaluated by said means for evaluating (28, 33) does not reach a predetermined bottom threshold value.
2. Capstan (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises:

   - first arming means (36, 41, 42, 45, 44) of said clutch means (22), said arming means enabling said clutch means (22) to be armed towards said second position when said evaluated tension reaches said top threshold value, and

   - second arming means (36, 41, 42, 45, 43, 453) of said clutch means (22), said arming means enabling said clutch means (22) to be armed towards said first position when said evaluated tension reaches said bottom threshold value.
3. Capstan (10) according to Claim 2, characterised in that said first and second arming means respectively comprise:

   - first means of elastic recall (44) configured to force said clutch means (22) towards their second position when said clutch means (22) are maintained in their first position of engagement by said first maintaining means and that said tension evaluated by said means for evaluating (28, 33) does not reach said predetermined top threshold value;

   - second means of elastic recall (43, 454) configured to force said clutch means (22) towards their first position when said clutch means (22) are maintained in their second position of engagement by said first maintaining means and that said tension evaluated by said means for evaluating (38, 33) does not reach said predetermined bottom threshold value.
4. Capstan (10) according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that it comprises:

   - actuating means (14, 18, 17, 19, 201) of said arming means, said arming means being moveable between at least:

   - a locking 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 clutch means (22) armed towards said first or said second position.
5. Capstan (10) according to claim 4, characterised in that said clutch means (22) are traversed by a hole (224),
   and in that said actuating means comprise a contact area (201) with shape complementary to said hole (224), said contact area (201) being moveable between:

   - a first locking position in which it cannot pass through said hole (224) such that said clutch means (22) are maintained in their first position of engagement;

   - a release position in which it can pass through said hole (224) such that said clutch means (22) can pass from one to the other of their position;

   - a second locking position in which it cannot pass through said hole (224) such that said clutch means (22) are maintained in their second position of engagement.
6. Capstan (10) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, characterised in that said actuating means can be moved manually.
7. Capstan (10) according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that said contact area (201) is connected in rotation to said input shaft (14), the passing of said contact area (201) from its first or second locking position to its release position being obtained by a reversal of the direction of rotation of said input shaft (14).
8. Capstan (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
   characterised in that said gearbox comprises an inner ring (28) rotatably mounted under constraint to the inside of said winch drum (12) between two end positions corresponding to the reaching by said tension of said top threshold value and said bottom threshold value respectively,
   and in that it comprises conversion means (36, 37, 371, 361) enabling a displacement of said inner ring (28) to be converted in relation to said winch drum (12) from one to the other of its end positions by a displacement of said clutch means (22) from one to the other of their positions,
   said maintaining means acting on said conversion means to prevent the passing of said clutch means (22) into said first position so long as said evaluated tension does not reach said predetermined top threshold value, and to prevent the passing of said clutch means (22) into said second position so long as said evaluated tension does not reach the predetermined bottom threshold value.
9. Capstan (10) according to claim 8, characterised in that said conversion means comprise:

   - a ring (27) rotatably mounted under constraint in relation to said inner ring (28) between two end positions each corresponding to one end position of said inner ring (28), and

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

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

   - when said crown (28) passes from its first end position to its second end position, said first maintaining means act on said elevator (36, 41, 42, 45) such that it is locked in its first clutch position, said elevator (36, 41, 42, 45) acting on said ring (27) to displacer it under constraint from its first end position to its second end position;

   - when said inner ring (28) is found in its second end position, said first maintaining means no longer act on said elevator (36, 41, 42, 45) such that it is no longer locked in its first clutch position, said ring (27) returning by release of constraint into its first end position by acting on said elevator (36, 41, 42, 43) to drive it into its second clutch position;

   - when said inner ring (28) passes from its second to its first end position, said second maintaining means act on said elevator (36, 41, 42, 45) such that it is locked in its second clutch position;

   - when said inner ring (28) is found again in its first end position, said second maintaining means no longer act on said elevator (36, 41, 42, 45) such that it is no longer locked in its second clutch position, said ring (27) acting on said elevator (36, 41, 42, 45) to drive it into its second clutch position.
10. Capstan according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises:

    - first release means enabling said clutch means (22) to be released towards said second position as soon as said evaluated tension reaches a top threshold value, and

    - second release means enabling said clutch means (22) to be released towards said first position as soon as said evaluated tension reaches a bottom threshold value.

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