WINCH FOR HANDLING LOADS ON SHIPS, CRAFTS, BOATS, PONTOONS, PLATFORMS AND SIMILAR IN PARTICULAR FOR LIFEBOATS OR OTHER LOADS

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention is related to a winch for handling loads on ships, floats, crafts, pontoons, platforms and similar, in particular for lifeboats with a gradual intervention device for the control of the speed and braking, the characteristics of which confirm to the precharacterizing part of the main claim. The ship, pontoon, boat, craft or platform equipped with at least one said winch also forms part of this invention.

Domain

[0002] The domain is substantially directed to winches and cranes and in particular to the braking systems for winches of lifeboats and similar on ships, boats, crafts, pontoons, platforms and similar, therewith meaning on any suitable support in the sea.

Background art and respective problems to be solved

[0003] It is known that in the current state of the art, winches for the lifting and lowering of loads, in particular lifeboats and similar loads in which the operativeness must be controlled, are complex, expensive and not always reliable. Moreover, it is very important to control the speed of descent, particularly for lifeboats in difficult conditions.

[0004] Finally, it is also important to have the use of braking systems which are reliable and safe as well as easily able to be graduated.

[0005] In fact, it is well known that descents which are too fast and grinding halts can endanger the safety of users, like for example, the lifeboat could touch the water at a speed higher than that allowed with all the consequences that could derive from this, and this in calm seas but worse still in rough seas.

[0006] Naturally, this is without considering possible harm to passengers.

[0007] GB1345124A (SCHAT DAVITS LTD) discloses in a winch apparatus, a first leverage and a second leverage connected to a static brake device, in its turn connected to a rotation control of the winch drum, said speed and braking control lever being able to be moved such as to interactive operate said first and said second leverage for regualtion the speed of the drum and for static braking in such a way that one and the other are able to function simultaneously and one can be the safety means of the other.

Scope of the invention

[0008] The scope of the invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and disadvantages and moreover, without more burdens and without reducing reliability:

• improving the functionality and performance;
• increasing the safety, reliability and manoeuvrability, in particular to allow a controlled graduation and variability of the speed.

Solution of the problem and identification of the inventive characteristics

[0009] The problem is solved with the characteristics of the main claim.

[0010] The sub-claims represent advantageous preferred solutions which supply the best performance.

Advantages

[0011] In this way there is the advantage of having:

better functionality and efficiency;

- better performance;

- better safety, reliability and manoeuvrability.

Description of the preferred solution

[0012] For a better understanding the invention is described in a preferred solution with the help of the attached figures, wherein:

• Fig.1.- represents the schematic side view in elevation of the winch for lifeboats according to the present invention.
• Fig.2.- represents the perspective schematic view of the structure and the hydraulic regulation valve of speed respectively from left to right, in its external view, in the view of its internal slider partially split of its internal chamber with a plurality of holes of different diameter and in its external view.

• Fig.3.- represents the schematic view of the structure and functioning of the device for the position of maximum speed in descent, namely the lever (1) completely lifted.
• Fig.4.- represents the view as in the previous Figure in the position of speed control and reduction.
• Fig.5.- represents a view in further progression with respect to the two previous Figures in which the control lever is completely lowered to be brought in damping to the limit of stopping, as will be better explained subsequently in more detail.

Description

[0013] The system substantially includes a winch device which includes a winch drum (TV) with a cable which is wound and unwound to raise the load (P) like, for example, a lifeboat.

[0014] The system includes a hydraulic oil container (S) in which substantially three ducts draw:

• forward and back oil circuit duct (C) with a positive displacement pump (3) driven by the descending load, controlled through a speed regulation valve (VRV) by means of two ducts (11,12), connected:
• on one side to a regulation valve control rod (5) by means of a first speed control leverage (7) hinged near the speed and braking control lever (1) which therefore realizes a second kind of lever, which on lowering, lowers said leverage (7) with a spring delay device (6) which returns the motion to the control rod (5) of the speed regulation valve (VRV) by means of a slider (4) which is extended to control also a damper device (DA), which, by means of a dynamic braking time control device (SGTFD) transmits the hydraulic oil to a time regulation device (SRTFD) with discharge to said container (S) and
• on the other side by means of a second modulation leverage of brake pressure (LFS) which operates a respective static brake device(2) connected in its turn to the axis of the winch drum (TV).

[0015] The above being clearly explained in Fig.1 where the weight force of the load (P), puts the winch drum (TV) in rotation, which pulls the positive displacement pump (3). Through the speed regulation valve (VRV), the passage gap of the fluid is varied, obtaining a fluid dynamic braking, the system being assisted however by the operated static brake (2).

[0016] In Fig.2 the speed regulation valve (VRV) is described with the respective two ducts (11,12) by means of movement of the slider (4) connected in an adjustable way to the valve control rod (5).

[0017] On varying the position of the slider (4) by means of the lever (1), delaying device (6) and valve control rod (5), the coincidences of holes of different diameter vary (FPL) in the hollow central part of the slider (4) and which put the entry and exit channels in communication (11,12). Varying therefore the rate of flow of the fluid.

[0018] The progressive lifting of the speed and braking control lever (1) glides the slider (4) of the speed regulation valve (VRV) moving on the passage of the fluid (FPL) of greater diameter, therefore for greater speed, vice-versa on the contrary.

[0019] The speed and braking control lever (1) simultaneously manages, as mentioned, also the static brake (2) by means of the static brake leverage (LFS), progressively releasing it.

[0020] By adjusting the reciprocal position of the slider (4) of the speed and braking regulation valve (VRV) and the respective leverage (LFS) of the static brake (2) the intervention combination of the two events can be varied.

[0021] In case of sudden release of the speed and braking control lever (1) there is the stopping of the load (P) on the basis of the intervention of the two brakes: static (2) and fluid dynamic (VRV); this stopping occurring with the latter by reducing the passage gap of the fluid and subsequently (in the final part of the braking before stopping) the damper device (DA) intervenes and by the throttling channel (9) and throttling regulation valve for damping (10) by means of extension of the slider (4) which provides the choke rod to conclude the manoeuvre in a progressive way The main objective of the system in question is avoiding that the aforementioned restriction of the passage gap (until complete closure) occurs in too short a time giving rise to a too hard braking of the load (P) and the consequent generation of force peaks (on cables, leverages etc... of the lifeboat or suspended load) and excessive pressure inside the hydraulic devices.

[0022] Moreover in the case of inefficiency of the static braking device (2), the fluid-mechanical device alone (VRV) is able to carry out the progressive stopping of the load safely.

[0023] To obtain this result it is necessary that, independently from the speed with which the operator lowers the lever (1), the fluid flow control slider (4) has a progressive control system of the closure.

Operating phases:

[0024] In figure 3 it is noted that the slider (4) of the speed regulation valve (VRV) and its seat have a shape such as to form a chamber full of fluid and it is seen moreover that during the first part of the stroke of the slider (4), the fluid of this chamber is free to flow down into the container through the channel (8).

[0025] In figure 4, the slider (4), during its movement, intercepted the channel (8) and the fluid in the chamber can no longer freely flow down but only through the appropriately throttled channel (9) by the throttling regulation valve (10).

[0026] In this way, pressure in the chamber is created, able to dampen the movement of the slider (4), thanks to the spring delaying device (6) fitted upstream and which releases the control level (1) by forcing even if completely lowered.

[0027] By varying the degree of opening of the damping regulation valve (10 Fig.3) it is possible therefore to obtain more or less brusque dynamic braking.

[0028] In figure 5 the fact can be appreciated that also by lowering the speed and braking control lever (1) completely, the slider (4) is free to accomplish the last part of the stroke pushed by the spring of the delaying element (6) and in the time imposed regulating the damping regulation valve (10 Fig.3), held compressed by the weight force of the lever; the damper and progressive effect is therefore guaranteed.

[0029] In this way, the braking of the load occurs by combining fluid dynamic braking and static braking, but in such a way that the load is stopped with static braking before completely closing the fluid passage gap.

[0030] If the static braking loses effectiveness, the control of the braking of the load is entirely supported by the fluid-dynamic device alone, which always operates in a progressive way.

[0031] Substantially starting from Fig. 1 at lever 1 completely lifted (maximum speed), imagining lowering it, there is the first part of the free stroke, in fact, the fluid can flow down through the channel (8), in the second part of the stroke (Fig.4) there is damping, in fact the fluid flows down through the throttled channel (9), moreover, by suddenly lowering the lever (1) the damper element (6) allows to lower it completely with the compression of the spring.

[0032] At lever completely lowered as per Fig.5, there is the static brake (2) inserted and the slider (4) not yet at the end of the stroke and the spring of the damper element (6) compressed by the weight force of the lever itself (1).

Claims

1. Winch for handling loads on boats, ships, pontoons, platforms and similar in particular though not exclusively for lifeboats, where the winch includes a fluid dynamic operating system associated with a container (S) and respective operative piping circuit (C) to command and control by means of a pump (3), a winch drum (TV), the cable of which in winding/unwinding, a load (P) is hung, preferably a lifeboat or other suitable load, and wherein said winch includes a first leverage and a second leverage connected to a static brake device, in its turn connected to a rotation control of the winch drum, said speed and braking control lever being able to be moved such as to interactive operate said first and said second leverage for regualtion the speed of the drum and for static braking in such a way that one and the other are able to function simultaneously and one can be the safety means of the other, characterised in that it includes a gradual intervention device for the control of the braking speed in descent of the load which includes:

a) a speed and braking control lever (1) involving two leverages:

- a. first leverage (7) operating axially on a spring delaying device (6), operating by means of a transmission rod (5) on respective slider (4) of speed regulation valve (VRV) with entry fluid (11) from the said pump (3) and exit (12) towards said container (S), said pump (3) being connected to said winch drum (TV), and

- a second leverage (LFS) connected to a static brake device (2), in its turn connected to the rotation control of said winch drum (TV),

b) said speed and braking control lever (1) being able to be moved such as to interactively operate, by fluid dynamic braking, with said first leverage (7) and said speed regulation valve (VRV) and with static braking by said static brake device (2), in such a way that one and the other are able to function simultaneously and one can be a safety means of the other.

2. Winch for handling loads according to claim 1, characterised in that said speed regulation valve (VRV) includes in the respective hollow slider (4) a plurality of fluid passage holes with various diameters of fluid passage (FPL) which are progressively brought in communication between said entry and exit (11,12) of the same valve (VRV) by the axial movement of said slider (4) varying therewith the respective rate of fluid between said entry and exit (11,12).

3. Winch for handling loads according to claim 2, characterised in that said slider (4) has a hollow chamber in said fluid passage holes (FPL) which, with the variation of the axial position of movement of said slider (4), allow the coincidence of a couple of said holes of different diameter (FPL) with the holes of said entry and exit (11,12), varying therewith the rate of the fluid for the respective variation of the section.

4. Winch for handling loads according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that it further comprises a damper device (DA) associated to a time control system (SGTFD) and a dynamic braking time regulation system (SRTFD) by means of an outflow channel. (8) and throttling channel (9) with respective throttling valve (10).

5. Winch for handling loads according to claim 4, characterised in that said damper device (DA) is axially associated to said speed regulation valve (VRV), operating with the rod in extension of said slider (4) with diameter reduction in the fluid chamber (CF) with said outflow channel (8) and throttling channel (9) with respective throttling valve (10), to vary the volume of fluid to be evacuated, since on complete lowering of said speed and braking control lever (1) said slider (4) progressively operates delayed, pushed independently by the spring device of said delaying device (6).

6. Ship involving at least one winch for handling loads having the characteristics according to any of the previous claims.

7. Boat involving at least one winch for handling loads having the characteristics according to any of the previous claims.

8. Craft involving at least one winch for handling loads having the characteristics according to any of the previous claims.

9. Pontoon involving at least one winch for handling loads having the characteristics according to any of the previous claims.

10. Platform involving at least one winch for handling loads having the characteristics according to any of the previous claims.

Ansprüche

1. Winde zur Handhabung von Ladungen auf Booten, Schiffen, Pontonen, Plattformen und ähnlichem, insbesondere jedoch nicht nur ausschließlich für Rettungsboote, wobei die Winde ein flüssigkeitsdynamisches Betriebssystem umfasst, das einem Container (S) und dem entsprechenden funktionsfähigen Rohrleitungskreislauf (C) zugeordnet ist, zur Betätigung und Steuerung über eine Pumpe (3) einer Windentrommel (TV), an deren Kabel beim Aufwickeln/Abwickeln eine Last (P), vorzugsweise ein Rettungsboot oder eine andere geeignete Last, aufgehängt ist und wobei die besagte Winde eine erste Hebelanordnung und eine zweite Hebelanordnung umfasst, die mit einer statischen Bremsvorrichtung verbunden sind, die ihrerseits mit einer Rotationssteuerung der Windentrommel verbunden ist, wobei der besagte Geschwindigkeits- und Bremssteuerhebel in Gang gesetzt werden kann, um interaktiv die besagte erste und zweite Hebelanordnung zu betätigen zur Geschwindigkeitsregulierung der Trommel und zur statischen Bremsung, so dass die eine und die andere gleichzeitig funktionieren können und die eine das Sicherungselement der anderen sein kann, gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass sie eine Vorrichtung zur stufenweisen Intervention in der Steuerung der Bremsgeschwindigkeit beim Abseilen der Last aufweist, die folgendes umfasst:

a) einen Geschwindigkeits- und Bremssteuerhebel (1) mit zwei Hebelanordnungen:

- eine erste Hebelanordnung (7), die axial auf eine Feder-Verzögerungsvorrichtung (6) einwirkt, die mittels einer Getriebestange (5) auf den entsprechenden Schieber (4) des Geschwindigkeits-Regulierungsventils (VRV) einwirkt, mit einem Flüssigkeitseinlauf (11) von der besagten Pumpe (3), und einem Auslauf (12) zu besagtem Container (S), wobei die besagte Pumpe (3) mit der besagten Windentrommel (TV) verbunden ist, und

- eine zweite Hebelanordnung (LFS), die mit einer statischen Bremsvorrichtung (2) verbunden ist, die ihrerseits mit der Rotationssteuerung der Windentrommel (TV) verbunden ist,

b) wobei der besagte Geschwindigkeits- und Bremssteuerhebel (1) in Gang gesetzt werden kann, um interaktiv durch flüssigkeitsdynamische Bremsung mit der genannten ersten Hebelanordnung (7) und dem besagten Geschwindigkeits-Regulierungsventil (VRV) und durch statische Bremsung über die besagte statische Bremsvorrichtung (2) zusammenzuwirken, so dass die eine und die andere in der Lage sind, gleichzeitig zu funktionieren und die eine das Sicherungselement der anderen sein kann.

2. Winde zur Handhabung von Ladungen nach Anspruch 1, gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass das genannte Geschwindigkeits-Regulierungsventil (VRV) in dem entsprechenden hohlen Schieber (4) eine Vielzahl von Flüssigkeitsdurchlassöffnungen mit verschiedenen Durchmessern für den Durchlass von Flüssigkeiten (FPL) aufweist, die fortschreitend zwischen dem besagten Ein- und Auslauf (11, 12) desselben Ventils (VRV) durch die axiale Bewegung des Schiebers (4) in Verbindung gesetzt werden, womit die entsprechende Durchflussmenge zwischen dem besagten Ein- und Auslauf (11, 12) geändert wird.

3. Winde zur Handhabung von Ladungen nach Anspruch 2, gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass der besagte Schieber (4) eine hohle Kammer in den besagten Flüssigkeitsdurchlassöffnungen (FPL) aufweist, die mit der Änderung der axialen Bewegungsposition des Schiebers (4) das Zusammentreffen eines Paares von Öffnungen verschiedenen Durchmessers (FPL) mit den Öffnungen des Einlaufs und Auslaufs (11, 12) gestattet, womit die Durchflussmenge für die entsprechende Querschnittsänderung geändert wird.

4. Winde zur Handhabung von Ladungen nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass diese des Weiteren eine Dämpfervorrichtung (DA) umfasst, die einem Zeitkontrollsystem SGTFD und einem dynamischen Bremszeitregulierungssystem SRTFD zugeordnet ist, über einen Auslaufkanal (8) und einen Drosselkanal (9) mit dem dazugehörigen Drosselventil (10).

5. Winde zur Handhabung von Ladungen nach Anspruch 4, gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass die besagte Dämpfervorrichtung (DA) axial dem besagten Geschwindigkeits-Regulierungsventil (VRV) zugeordnet ist, die mit der Stange (4) arbeitet in Ergänzung des genannten Schiebers mit einer Reduzierung des Durchmessers in der Flüssigkeitskammer (CF) mit genanntem Auslaufkanal (8) und dem entsprechenden Drosselkanal (9) mit dem dazugehörigen Drosselventil (10), um das auszulassende Flüssigkeitsvolumen zu ändern, da nach vollständiger Senkung des Geschwindigkeits- und Bremssteuerhebels (1) der besagte Schieber (4) fortschrittlich verzögert arbeitet, indem dieser unabhängig von der Federvorrichtung der genannten Verzögerungsvorrichtung (6) geschoben wird.

6. Schiff mit mindestens einer Winde zur Handhabung von Ladungen mit den Merkmalen nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche.

7. Boot mit mindestens einer Winde zur Handhabung von Ladungen mit den Merkmalen nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche.

8. Boot mit mindestens einer Winde zur Handhabung von Ladungen mit den Merkmalen nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche.

9. Ponton mit mindestens einer Winde zur Handhabung von Ladungen mit den Merkmalen nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche.

10. Plattform mit mindestens einer Winde zur Handhabung von Ladungen mit den Merkmalen nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche.

Revendications

1. Treuil pour la manipulation de charges sur des bateaux, navires, pontons, plates-formes et analogues, en particulier bien que non exclusivement, pour des canots de sauvetage, où le treuil comprend un système de fonctionnement dynamique du fluide associé à un conteneur (S) et un circuit de canalisation opérationnel respectif (C) pour commander et contrôler au moyen d'une pompe (3) un tambour de treuil (TV), où une charge est suspendue (P) au câble, lors du bobinage/débobinage, préférablement un canot de sauvetage ou une autre charge appropriée, et où ledit treuil comprend une première force de levier et une deuxième force de levier reliées à un dispositif de freinage statique, à son tour relié à un contrôle de rotation du tambour de treuil, ledit levier de contrôle de la vitesse et du freinage pouvant être déplacé de sorte à déclencher de forme interactive lesdites première et deuxième forces de levier afin de régler la vitesse du tambour et du freinage statique de sorte que l'un et l'autre puissent fonctionner simultanément et que l'un d'entre eux représente le moyen de sécurité de l'autre, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un dispositif d'intervention progressive pour le contrôle de la vitesse de freinage descendante de la charge comprenant:

a) un levier de contrôle de la vitesse et du freinage (1) mettant en oeuvre deux forces de levier:

- une première force de levier (7) opérant axialement sur un dispositif de ressort à retard (6), fonctionnant au moyen d'une barre de transmission (5) sur le coulisseau respectif (4) de la valve de régulation de vitesse (VRV) avec un fluide d'entrée (11) de ladite pompe (3) et une sortie (12) vers ledit conteneur (S), ladite pompe (3) étant reliée audit tambour de treuil (TV), et

- une deuxième force de levier (LFS) reliée à un dispositif de freinage statique (2), à son tour relié au contrôle de rotation dudit tambour de treuil (TV);

b) ledit levier de vitesse et de freinage (1) pouvant être déplacé afin de fonctionner de forme interactive, au moyen du freinage dynamique du fluide, avec ladite première force de levier (7) et ladite valve de régulation de vitesse (VRV) et en freinage statique avec ledit dispositif de freinage statique (2), de sorte que l'un et l'autre puissent fonctionner simultanément et que l'un d'entre eux représente le moyen de sécurité de l'autre.

2. Treuil la manipulation de charges selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ladite valve de régulation de vitesse (VRV) comprend dans le coulisseau creux respectif (4) une pluralité d'orifices de passage du fluide ayant plusieurs diamètres pour le passage du fluide (FPL) qui sont progressivement mis en communication entre lesdites entrée et sortie (11,12) de la même valve (VRV) par le mouvement axial dudit coulisseau (4) variant ainsi le débit respectif du fluide entre lesdites entrée et sortie (11,12).

3. Treuil pour la manipulation de charges selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que ledit coulisseau (4) possède une chambre creuse dans lesdits orifices de passage de fluide (FPL), lesquels, avec la variation de la position axiale du mouvement dudit coulisseau (4), permettent qu'un couple desdits orifices de diamètre différent (FPL) coïncident avec les orifices desdites entrée et sortie (11,12), variant ainsi le débit du fluide pour la variation de section respective.

4. Treuil pour la manipulation de charges selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend également un dispositif amortisseur (DA) associé à un système de contrôle du temps (SGTFD) et à un système de régulation du temps de freinage dynamique (SRTFD) au moyen d'un canal d'écoulement (8) et d'un canal d'étranglement (9) possédant une valve d'étranglement respective (10).

5. Treuil pour la manipulation de charges selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que ledit dispositif amortisseur (DA) est associé axialement à ladite valve de régulation de vitesse (VRV), fonctionnant avec la barre en extension dudit coulisseau (4) avec une réduction de diamètre dans la chambre de fluide (CF) avec ledit canal d'écoulement (8) et ledit canal d'étranglement (9) avec sa valve d'étranglement (10) respective, afin de varier le volume de fluide à évacuer, étant donné que, lors de l'abaissement complet dudit levier de vitesse et de freinage (1), ledit coulisseau (4) fonctionne progressivement retardé, poussé indépendamment par le dispositif à ressort dudit dispositif à retard (6).

6. Navire comprenant au moins un treuil pour la manipulation de charges possédant les caractéristiques selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes.

7. Bateau comprenant au moins un treuil pour la manipulation de charges possédant les caractéristiques selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes.

8. Embarcation comprenant au moins un treuil pour la manipulation de charges possédant les caractéristiques selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes.

9. Ponton comprenant au moins un treuil pour la manipulation de charges possédant les caractéristiques selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes.

10. Plate-forme comprenant au moins un treuil pour la manipulation de charges possédant les caractéristiques selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes.

Drawing