WO2011049443A1

WO2011049443A1 - Winch handle

Info

Publication number: WO2011049443A1
Application number: PCT/NL2010/050694
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andreas Jacobus Louis Nijsen
Original assignee: B.V. Holmatro Industrial Equipment
Priority date: 2009-10-20
Filing date: 2010-10-19
Publication date: 2011-04-28
Also published as: NL2003675C2; EP2490978A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a winch handle for operating a winch. The winch handle comprises an elongate handle body with a grip on or at a first end thereof and a coupling piece on or at an opposite second end thereof, which coupling piece can be coupled to a winch during use for driving of the winch with the handle, and a locking mechanism connected to the coupling piece. The winch handle also comprises a control for the locking mechanism for selectively locking the winch handle in a situation where the coupling piece is coupled to the winch, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a tilting arm tiltable about a pivot shaft in, on or close to the coupling piece, which tilting arm is provided on one side relative to the pivot shaft with a locking means adapted to engage on, in or at the winch, and is provided on an opposite side relative to the pivot shaft with a protrusion which forms at least part of the control for the locking mechanism.

Description

WINCH HANDLE

The present invention relates to a winch handle for operating a winch, comprising:

- an elongate handle body with a grip on or at a first end thereof and a coupling piece on or at an opposite second end thereof, which coupling piece can be coupled to a winch during use for driving thereof with the handle; and

- a locking mechanism connected to the coupling piece and having a control for selectively locking the winch handle.

Such a winch handle is known from publication EP 1 582297, which relates to a lock/release mechanism for the winch handle. The winch handle comprises a coupling piece for coupling to a winch, which coupling piece comprises locking pins. The locking pins are connected to the coupling piece via spring washers and are moved outward by an actuating pin arranged inside the coupling piece. When the actuating pin moves downward, the locking pins are released and will be moved inward by the spring washers. The winch handle can then be removed from the winch. The actuating pin is connected to an operating handle arranged tiltably on the winch handle. By moving the operating handle downward the actuating pin is also moved downward, with the above stated result. A drawback of such a winch handle lies in the spring washers. These spring washers are subject to contact corrosion, corrosion caused by water, and salt crystals can form around the spring washers. A result hereof is that the spring washers no longer have the desired functionality. The locking pins will no longer move inward when they are released. The result hereof is that it is no longer possible to remove the winch handle from the winch. This can result in undesirable and dangerous situations. It is possible to envisage it being necessary very quickly to operate a winch other than the one on which the handle is placed, for instance when the boat tacks. If it is then not possible to release the winch handle, this can have serious consequences. It is also possible to envisage a jammed winch handle having serious consequences if a person falls onto it while the boat is at full speed. This is one of the reasons why it is desirable to be able to remove a winch handle from a winch.

The present invention has for its object to obviate or at least alleviate the drawbacks of the known art, for which purpose a winch handle is provided according to the invention as defined in the appended claims, particularly the independent claim.

A much more reliable and secure locking mechanism is obtained by providing a winch handle according to the invention having the feature distinguishing it from the known art that the locking mechanism comprises a tilting arm tiltable about a pivot shaft, which tilting arm is provided on one side relative to the pivot shaft with a locking means and is provided on an opposite side relative to the pivot shaft with a protrusion which forms at least part of the control. Owing to the tilting arm the force exerted on the control is transmitted directly to the point where the locking means engages on the winch. When for whatever reason the locking means is undesirably jammed on the winch, this connection can be overcome by exerting more force on the control. A result hereof is that it can be assumed with much greater certainty that it is possible to remove the winch handle from the winch.

The invention has diverse preferred embodiments which are defined in the dependent claims and/or will become apparent from the description of several such embodiments hereinbelow. The advantages and inventive features of the invention in all its aspects, including the measures defined in the dependent claims, are by no means limited to the considerations stated above and/or below.

An embodiment of the winch handle according to the invention has the feature that the protrusion has substantially an orientation corresponding to the length of the handle body. An advantage hereof is that the winch handle can be uncoupled with one hand, since the winch handle can be grasped and force can simultaneously be exerted on the control. It is advantageous here that the protrusion and the direction of the pivot shaft toward the locking means enclose an angle greater than 90 degrees. By making the enclosed angle greater than 90 degrees less force is required to operate the locking mechanism than if the angle were to be less than 90 degrees. It is hereby easier to operate the winch handle, particularly in situations where it is difficult to grasp the winch handle. The form of the tilting arm also influences the position of the pivot shaft, and thereby the force required to operate the locking mechanism.

It is further possible for the winch handle to further comprise an operating member which co-acts with the protrusion in order to form the control, and which is rotatable about a rotation shaft . By embodying the winch handle in this way there is a larger surface area on which force can be exerted in order to operate the locking mechanism. The point where the least force is required to operate the operating mechanism also comes to lie more in the centre of the winch handle. An advantage hereof is that it is easier to operate the locking mechanism and that a cable engagement which in some cases is placed on top of a winch is not in the way. A larger area is further available for operating the winch handle, and this can be very useful when the winch handle is difficult to reach.

It is further possible for the rotation shaft to be located at a distance from the pivot shaft. By arranging the rotation shaft at a higher position relative to the pivot shaft the operating member will act more on the outer end of the protrusion. This is advantageous, since the closer to the outer end of the protrusion the force is exerted, the less force is required to operate the locking mechanism. If the force is transmitted to the protrusion close to the pivot shaft, a great deal of force will have to be exerted. If the force is transmitted above the pivot shaft, the locking mechanism will not be operated at all.

It is advantageous here for the rotation shaft and the pivot shaft to form a unit. An advantage hereof is that there are fewer shafts which are subject to wear. Maintenance and repair of such a winch handle will thus be cheaper and easier to carry out. In addition, only one shaft need be detached in order to take apart the whole unit.

It is also advantageous here that at least the tilting arm is movable separately of the operating member. The winch handle according to the invention can be placed on a winch without operating the locking mechanism. When the winch handle is placed on the winch the locking means, and thereby also the tilting arm, will be displaced by the coupling piece of the winch to another position. At the moment that it is possible for the locking means to return to the original position, this will take place due to the built-in springs. Because the tilting arm can be moved separately of the operating member, the tilting arm will come up against the operating member when it returns to its original position. A sound will be audible here which can be used as confirmation that the winch handle is locked in the winch. Another result is that the winch handle can be placed on a winch without use of the operating member.

A further embodiment of the winch handle according to the invention has the feature that the locking means takes the form of a hook. An advantage of a hook is that it is a good form for locking the winch handle relative to the winch. A hook also has larger surface area with which to engage on a winch. The force required to remove the winch handle from the winch without operating the locking mechanism is very great. Another advantage of the locking means in the form of a hook is that the placing of the winch handle on a winch is simplified by the inclining surfaces of the hook. It is also relatively simple to manufacture a locking means in this form.

Another further embodiment of the winch handle according to the invention has the feature that a knob is arranged rotatably on a free outer end of the grip. It has been found that in practice the winch handle is often operated with two hands. By arranging on top of the handgrip a knob which is rotatable relative to the handgrip, the friction exerted on the hand by the knob is reduced. The person will hereby not suffer any blisters and/or grazes on his/her hands.

It is further also possible for a handgrip to be arranged rotatably on a free outer end of the grip. In some cases it is desirable that two people use the winch handle simultaneously in order to drive a winch. In order to provide the second person with the greatest possible convenience of use, the additional handgrip is therefore arranged rotatably relative to the first handgrip. A result is that the second person will not suffer any blisters and/or grazes either, and faster operation of the winch handle is also possible.

It is further possible for the locking mechanism and the control to be formed as a module. An advantage of a module is that, when the module is replaced, all the components therein are all replaced. This makes it possible to manufacture the modules at a different location and time and to hold them in stock. When it is necessary to replace such a module, this can be done quickly because it is not necessary to dismantle the whole winch handle. A module also has the advantage that it can have a protection around it. The protection has the advantage that everything in the module can be shielded from the outside environment, and this will only enhance the durability of the components. Winch handles have a short and a long variant. By forming the locking mechanism and associated control as a module, the same module can be used for both variants. An advantage hereof is that modules are interchangeable without problem between different winch handles. Yet another advantage resulting from the locking mechanism and the control being formed as module is that the required pivot shaft and/or rotation shaft is accommodated in the module. A result hereof is that a pivot shaft and/or rotation shaft through the handle body is not necessary, thereby preventing contact corrosion and therefore a serious weakening of the handle body. It is also advantageous that, through the use of a module comprising all moving parts and pivot points, no additional weakening drill holes in the winch handle are necessary. A result is a slender design with a smooth finish.

It is advantageous here for the module to be arranged on and/or in the handle body using a single mount. A result hereof is that the module can be removed easily and quickly out of and/or from the handle body and a new one placed should this be necessary. It is possible to envisage that no time may be lost in repairing a winch handle on open sea. Or this time must in any case be kept as limited as possible. This is of particularly great importance during a race.

It is further possible for the module to comprise a base which can be incorporated in the handle body. The base is used for placing thereon of means required for keeping the tilting arm and the operating member in a desired position. Incorporating this base in the handle body makes it possible to arrange the locking mechanism and the control in separate parts. An advantage hereof is that it is relatively simple to clean the individual parts.

Yet another embodiment of the winch handle according to the invention has the feature that the winch handle further comprises at least one additional tilting arm. It will be found in practice that the additional tilting arm is located opposite the first tilting arm. An advantage of what can be gained with an additional tilting arm is that an even firmer locking is realized. This is because there is an even greater surface area engaging on the winch. When still more tilting arms are provided, they will be distributed uniformly over the periphery of the coupling piece.

It is further possible for the module to comprise at least a base, a locking mechanism and an operating member. By arranging these parts in one module the replacement of such a module can take place in a short time. Nor moreover is it necessary to look for a possible fault, since the whole is replaced. This can be very useful in situations occurring on the water.

Following below is a description of several embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, which are provided only by way of example and in which the same or similar parts, components and elements are designated with the same reference numerals, and in which:

Figure 1 shows a cross-section of a winch handle according to the invention;

Figure 2A shows a module according to the invention;

Figure 2B shows an exploded view of the module according to the invention;

Figure 3 shows a handle body with a base;

Figure 4 shows a basic embodiment of the grip;

Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the grip with palm knob; Figure 6 shows a third embodiment with double grip; and Figure 7 shows another embodiment of the winch handle.

Figure 1 shows a cross-section of a winch handle 1 according to the invention. Winch handle 1 comprises an elongate handle body 2 in which a recess 9 is provided. A locking mechanism with control is arranged in recess 9. The locking mechanism comprises a tilting arm 3 which is tiltable about a pivot shaft 4, tilting arm 3 being provided on one side relative to the pivot shaft with a locking means 10 and being provided on an opposite side relative to the pivot shaft with a protrusion 11 which forms at least part of the control. Extending over protrusion 11 of tilting arm 3 is an operating member 5 which is arranged rotatably about a rotation shaft 6. Operating member 5 co-acts with tilting arm 3, although tilting arm 3 is at least movable separately of operating member 5. Operating member 5 and tilting arm 3 are pushed individually in upward direction by two springs 12 so that tilting arm 3 is automatically in a locking position. Tilting arm 3 and operating member 5 are mounted on a base 7, which base 7 is arranged with a single screw 8 on handle body 2. The drawing shows that when winch handle 1 is placed on a winch {not shown) , locking means 10 is moved to the centre of coupling piece 13 and protrusion 11 will act counter to spring 12 without operating member 5 moving. At the moment that coupling piece 13 is far enough into the coupling piece of winch 22, locking means 10 will move back to the locking position. Owing to this movement protrusion 10 will move against operating member 5 and produce a sound. It is noted that protrusion 11 forms an engagement for either the operating member 5 or a hand of a person when the covering operating member 5 is absent.

Figure 2B shows an exploded view of a locking mechanism and associated control, which are formed as module 14. Module 14 is shown in its entirety in Figure 2A. Module 14 comprises a base 7, a tilting arm 3, an operating member 5, two springs 12, pivot shaft 4 and rotation shaft 6. Module 14 can be manufactured at another time and location and placed thus in a handle body 2. Fixing of module 14 is realized with a single mount 8. By forming a locking mechanism and associated control as module 14, module 14 can be applied in the long and the short variant of a winch handle 1.

Figure 3 shows a handle body 2 of a winch handle 1 with a recess 9. A base 7 is arranged in recess 9. Base 7 is required for arranging tilting arm 3 and operating member 5. The springs 12 required for tilting arm 3 and operating member 5 can be fixed to base 7 and the other parts can then be arranged. In this embodiment of the winch handle the parts are arranged one by one.

Figure 4 shows an exploded view of a first embodiment of a base grip 15. Base grip 15 comprises a shaft 16 which is arranged fixedly on handle body 2. Arranged around shaft 16 is a handgrip

17 which is rotatable relative to shaft 16. The rotatability of the different parts is realized by ball bearings 20.

Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of a grip 15. Grip 15 likewise comprises a shaft 16 arranged fixedly on handle body 2. Arranged around shaft 16 is a handgrip 17 which is rotatable relative to shaft 16. Arranged via a fixing means 19 on a free outer end of handgrip 17 is a knob 18 which is rotatable relative to handgrip 17. The rotation is also realized in this embodiment by ball bearings 20. The form of knob 18 differs from the form as shown in Figure 4.

Figure 6 shows a third embodiment of a grip 15. Grip 15 likewise comprises a shaft 16 arranged fixedly on handle body 2. Arranged around shaft 16 is a handgrip 17 which is rotatable relative to shaft 16. In this case shaft 16 is lengthened and an additional handgrip 21 is arranged above first handgrip 17. The additional handgrip 21 is rotatable relative to first handgrip 17. At a free outer end of additional handgrip 21 a knob

18 is arranged non-rotatably relative to shaft 16. The rotation is also realized in this embodiment by ball bearings 20.

Figure 7 shows yet another embodiment of winch handle 1.

Winch handle 1 likewise comprises an elongate handle body 2 in which a recess 9 is provided. A locking mechanism with control is arranged in recess 9. The locking mechanism comprises a tilting arm 3 which is tiltable about a pivot shaft 4, tilting arm 3 being provided on one side relative to the pivot shaft with a locking means 10 and being provided on an opposite side relative to the pivot shaft with a protrusion 11 which forms at least part of the control. Extending over protrusion 11 of tilting arm 3 is an operating member 5 which is likewise arranged rotatably about pivot shaft 4. This is the difference with the above described embodiments. Arranged on operating member 5 are cheeks 23 which are arranged on pivot shaft 4 relative to the side of tilting arm 3. It is possible to envisage the pivot shaft being provided on at least one outer end with screw thread which can lock the operating member 5 and tilting arm 3.

After examination of the foregoing many alternative and additional embodiments will occur to the skilled person, all lying within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. Only when an embodiment departs from the letter or spirit of the specific definitions of the scope of protection, particularly the independent claims, is it no longer an embodiment according to the invention.

It is thus possible for the locking means to take any random form. It is important that the surface area of the locking means engaging on a winch is large enough to withstand external forces, and that the locking means is in direct mechanical connection with the control. It is also possible to envisage a knob on a free outer end of a handgrip not being rotatable through 360D, but through for instance 45D to either side from a zero position. Practice has shown that this is a effective configuration.

Claims

1. Winch handle for operating a winch, comprising:

- an elongate handle body with a grip on or at a first end thereof and a coupling piece on or at an opposite second end thereof, which coupling piece can be coupled to a winch during use for driving of the winch with the handle;

- a locking mechanism connected to the coupling piece; and

- a control for the locking mechanism for selectively locking the winch handle in a situation where the coupling piece is coupled to the winch,

wherein the locking mechanism comprises a tilting arm tiltable about a pivot shaft in, on or close to the coupling piece, which tilting arm is provided on one side relative to the pivot shaft with a locking means adapted to engage on, in or at the winch, and is provided on an opposite side relative to the pivot shaft with a protrusion which forms at least part of the control for the locking mechanism.

2. Winch handle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the protrusion has substantially an orientation corresponding to the length of the handle body.

3. Winch handle as claimed in claim 2, wherein the protrusion and the direction of the pivot shaft toward the locking means enclose an angle greater than 90 degrees.

4. Winch handle as claimed in claim 2 or 3, further comprising an operating member which co-acts with the protrusion in order to form the control, and which is rotatable about a rotation shaft.

5. Winch handle as claimed in claim 4, wherein the rotation shaft is located at a distance from the pivot shaft.

6. Winch handle as claimed in claim 4, wherein the rotation shaft and the pivot shaft form a unit.

7. Winch handle as claimed in claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein at least the tilting arm is movable separately of the operating member.

8. Winch handle as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the locking means takes the form of a hook.

9. Winch handle as claimed in at least one of the foregoing claims, wherein a knob is arranged rotatably on a free outer end of the grip.

10. Winch handle as claimed in at least one of the foregoing claims, wherein a handgrip is arranged rotatably on a free outer end of the grip.

11. Winch handle as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the locking mechanism and the control are formed as a module.

12. Winch handle as claimed in claim 11, wherein the module is arranged on and/or in the handle body with a single mount.

13. Winch handle as claimed in claim 12, wherein the module comprises a base which can be incorporated in the handle body.

14. Winch handle as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, further comprising: at least one additional tilting arm.

15. Winch handle as claimed in claims 12 and 13, wherein the module comprises at least a base, a locking mechanism and an operating member.