Patent Description:
Mechanical winches are characterized in that their control is performed with a mechanism, which has a first rope (usually green) for activation of pulling and a second rope (usually red) for release (deactivation) of the brake (an expression that is commonly used is also a brake for proportional release).

When the first, green rope is pulled for activation of winding, the brake is automatically activated, which ensures that the brake belt slides along the winch drum, but it does not brake, because the drum is rotating in the direction of winding. Consequently, the drum is rotated, rope is wound onto it and the load is pulled towards the winch. When the first rope for activation of winding is released with the load attached, the drum would rotate in the direction of unwinding of the rope, which is automatically prevented by the activated brake. This is enabled by an eccentric connected to the brake belt. Thus, the drum does not rotate and the rope is not winding anymore, which consequently holds the load steady.

In case the wire rope has to be pulled out, the second, red rope for deactivation of the brake has to be pulled, which via a special lever system releases the brake belt, thus allowing rotation of the drum, wherein the said lever system is connected to the brake belt so that the latter can be partly released using a handle. By pulling the second rope the brake can be released in two manners, i.e., proportionally with slight pulling so that the load is released in a step-wise manner, or completely with full movement to the position in which the brake is completely deactivated, thus locking the lever system and allowing the rope to freely unwind. The latter is used for example when pulling of the rope is needed during fixing of the load. During operation of the brake for proportional release the cardan shaft or the sprocket with the chain for transferring torque from the drive onto the drum still rotates (idle state). In case the first rope for activation of pulling is pulled, the brake is re-activated and the above-described process is repeated.

For activation of pulling a large force is needed in order to release the break, while at the same time the user has to have enough space for manipulation of ropes. Therefore, the technical problem, which is solved by the present invention, is a constructional design of a mechanism that will have an improved ergonomics of control, i.e., a smaller force during rope pulling for activation of pulling as well as a reduced length of pulling of the first and second rope.

Known mechanical winches, such as winches series SI, E and ER of manufacturer Vitli Krpan, have the above-described control mechanism, of which the largest problem is the force with which the user has to apply to release the brake in order to activate pulling. Such disclosure is available at the address www. vitli-krpan. com/cz/files/default/katalogi/KATALOG%<NUM>%20GB%<NUM>
print. pdf showing one of the catalogues for these winch series. Connections between the elements of the mechanism are established using a complicated lever system that requires the user to use a significant force, in order to move the said elements in the appropriate sequence. The applicant is not aware of any other mechanical winches in the market that would not have the same disadvantage.

Document <CIT> discloses a mechanical winch according to the preamble of claim <NUM>, which is equipped with lever systems and ropes arranged to pull said lever systems in order to operate the winch. The brake handle is not shaped in the same manner as in the present invention and thus the disadvantage of non-optimal use ergonomics persists.

Patent application <CIT> discloses a winch which is particularly for a vehicle used in forestry etc. having a common control for the brake and friction clutch. The control mechanism for brake and clutch comprises a lever spring-loaded in the application direction of the brake and actuated by a cam, which also works with a selector, for the clutch. The cam has a first section actuating the brake lever, adjacent to a recess locking the brake in the neutral position. While turning through this section the selector engages the friction member of the clutch. Opposite this section and adjacent to the neutral recess the cam has a second section for the brake lever. A catch secures the cam in a position locking the brake free at the end of this second section.

Description of the solution to the technical problem.

The technical problem is solved as described in the independent claim, while the preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

The mechanical winch according to the invention has all usual constructional elements of mechanical winches known to the person skilled in the art, such as:.

The advantage of the mechanical winch with improved ergonomics is in that a minimum force and a minimum movement for pulling to rope for deactivation of the brake are needed to move the brake belt away from the winch drum. This is achieved with a specially shaped brake handle (also called brake lever), onto which the second (red) rope for brake deactivation is connected. The brake handle is provided with a curved cut-out along which a rolling element (such as a bearing, cylinder, bolt or a similar element) can move, wherein rotation of the brake handle and movement of the rolling element along the curved cut-out generate a linear movement, which is transferred onto the brake belt via an eccentric or any other suitable element of mechanism, thereby causing the brake belt to squeeze or release. The curved cut-out has in its first (upper) part a flatter part, as more energy or higher force is needed for the linear movement in the beginning if compared to the continuation of the movement. This flatted part is crucial for enabling the user to use smaller force in order to move the brake handle, which consequently affects the status of the brake belt on the drum. The second part of the curved cut-out is steeper, as a larger linear movement is needed, wherein the force during the linear movement is minimal. Movement of the rolling element along the steeper part is faster, thus the rolling element reaches its extreme position faster, therefore the pull movement (pull of the rope) is shorter than in known solutions.

The mechanism for controlling the mechanical winch according to the invention thus comprises:.

wherein the brake handle is provided with the curved cut-out arranged to allow movement of the rolling element, the movement of which is via the eccentric arranged to affect the state of the brake belt on the winch drum.

The brake handle is preferably installed in the housing of the brake mechanism, which is arranged for installation onto the housing of the winch near the brake belt. The housing of the brake mechanism comprises a bottom part and a left and a right part perpendicular to the said bottom part, the left and the right part having the same design. The left and the right part of the housing of the brake mechanism have a groove, into which the rolling element sits, when the brake handle is installed in the housing of the brake mechanism. The rolling element, which may be a bolt, a bearing, a cylinder or any other suitable element which can be moved along the curved cut-out, is installed in the housing of the brake mechanism. The rolling element is via a distancing element connected with the eccentric, so that the eccentric is movably mounted in the distancing element in a suitable pivot, while at the same time the eccentric is mounted on both ends of the brake belt. The function of the eccentric is squeezing or releasing the brake belt. The lower part of the housing has an opening, through which the distancing element with a spring is installed, said distancing and spring being connected via the eccentric with the brake belt under the winch housing. Upon turning the brake handle the rolling element moves along the curved cut-out, the linear movement is via the distancing element or any other suitable element transferred to the eccentric and consequently onto the brake belt, so that the latter is squeezed when the distancing element is moved upwards, or released when the distancing element is moved downwards. The brake belt namely slides along the drum, when the rope is being wound on the drum, while during unwinding of the rope, the brake belt squeezes the drum and disables rotation.

The brake handle or the lever has on one side a longer part with an attachment for the second rope for releasing the brake, with which the user can control the position of the brake handle and thus the compression of the brake belt via the eccentric, with which the user can control the position of the brake handle and thus the compression of the brake belt via the eccentric, while on the other end the shorter end has a second attachment for a connecting element, which connects the brake handle with an automatic element, which influences the state of operation of the winch. The connecting element can be a plate, a rod or a Bowden cable. The automatic element is a mechanism, which ensures winch safety and ensures that upon activation of pulling the brake is activated, while upon pulling the second rope for brake deactivation, the brake is indeed deactivated and locked. The said automatic element is installed on the upper side of the winch housing. Said automatic element comprises a housing, inside which two elements travel alternately. Between two elements are two balls, which enable alternate operation - deactivation of the brake and activation of pulling. The balls affect the position of the two elements in the automatic element, said elements alternately moving left and right. The bottom part is connected to the brake handle, while the upper part is connected to the handle for activation of pulling. Both elements hence operate alternately, wherein pulling of the red rope the lever is locked.

Control and operation of the winch is the same as in known solution, only that the improved construction of the brake handle allows use of a smaller force for releasing the brake, which makes the work with the winch easier. The working space needed for winch work is also smaller. Consequently, the present invention contributes to safety, as the user working in the woods is often faced with limited space and uneven surface, which further destabilizes the user.

Preferably the whole lever system of the improved mechanism for improving control ergonomics is hidden inside a rigid protective housing, which is attached to the winch or is preferably made as a part of the winch housing, while a part of the rope and the optional handle for activation of pulling and a part of the rope and the handle for releasing the brake are not inside the said protective housing, so that they are accessible to the user, wherein the ropes are led to the exterior through an opening in the protective housing. The said opening, which may have any shape, can be on any side of the protective housing, wherein the opening may be provided with elements for improving sliding of the rope. For example, the opening may be encased with rubber or plastic material in order to decrease the possibility of damaging the rope due to friction against the preferred metal housing. The protective housing as such may be made from any suitable metal material, which is suitable for housings of winches and similar machines. The protective housing is installed on the winch in a non-removable manner, for example with welding, or in a removable manner with screws or similar elements, which improves access to the control mechanism in case of breakdowns or maintenance or repairs. Preferably, the protective housing is made as a part of the winch housing, which allows better construction, safety and stability.

In case the whole lever system is installed inside the protective housing, particularly inside the housing of the winch, the position of the brake belt is further altered, i.e., it is rotated around the axis of the drum for <NUM>° if compared to known solutions.

Alternatively, the whole lever system of the improved mechanism of the winch according to the invention can be provided in the exterior of the mechanical winch, as known until now.

In the scope of the invention as described herein and defined in the claims, other embodiments of the mechanical winch obvious to a skilled person are possible, which does not limit the scope of the invention as described herein and defined in the claims.

The mechanical winch with improved ergonomics of control will be described in further detail based on figures, which show:.

<FIG> shows a known mechanical winch <NUM>, which has a control mechanism on the exterior of the winch, wherein the drum for winding the pulling rope and drive parts are located inside a housing 1a' of the winch, while the control mechanism is connected to the drum and the drive parts from the side. The control mechanism of the mechanical winch shown in <FIG> comprises:.

When the wire rope has to be pulled out, the second, red rope for brake deactivation is pulled, which via a special lever system releases the brake belt, thus allowing rotation of the drum, wherein the said lever system <NUM>' is connected to the brake belt so that the latter can be partly released using a handle. By pulling the second rope the brake can be released in two manners, i.e., proportionally with slight pulling so that the load is released in a step-wise manner, or completely with full movement to the position in which the brake is completely deactivated, thus locking the lever system and allowing the rope to freely unwind. The latter is used for example when pulling of the rope is needed during fixing of the load. During operation of the brake for proportional release the cardan shaft or the sprocket with the chain for transferring torque from the drive onto the drum still rotates (idle state). In case the first rope for activation of pulling is pulled, the brake is re-activated and the above-described process is repeated.

<FIG> and <FIG> show the mechanical winch according to the invention, in which ergonomics of control is improved. It operates in the same manner as already known winches, however, for releasing the brake a smaller force is needed, as the brake handles which is connected to the second (red) rope for brake deactivation is provided with a curved cut-out, along which a rolling element moves. Once the rope for brake deactivation is pulled, the rolling element travels along the flatter part of the cut-out and then along the steeper part of the cut-out so that the brake belt is released sooner and the user's move of pulling the rope is shorter. The linear movement of the brake handle and the rolling element is transferred to the eccentric, which is connected to the brake belt of the winch drum.

Important parts of the mechanism, which are key for the desired effect are shown in <FIG> and in explosion view in <FIG>. The control mechanism of the mechanical winch thus comprises:.

wherein the brake handle <NUM> is in its middle part <NUM> provided with a curved cut-out <NUM> arranged to allow movement of the rolling element <NUM>, movement of the said rolling element via the eccentric <NUM> affects the status of the brake belt <NUM> on the winch drum. The brake handle <NUM> is installed in the housing <NUM> of the brake mechanism, which ais arranged for installation on the housing of the winch <NUM> near the brake belt <NUM>. The rolling element <NUM>, which may be a bolt, a bearing, a cylinder or any other suitable element, which can move along the curved cut-out <NUM>, is installed in the housing of the brake mechanism <NUM> and is connected to the eccentric <NUM> so that the linear movement can be transferred onto the said eccentric <NUM>, which squeezes or releases the brake belt <NUM>. The housing <NUM> of the brake mechanism comprises a bottom part <NUM> and a left 22a and a right 22b part, which are perpendicular to the bottom part <NUM>, said left and right parts 22a and 22b being identically shaped. The left 22a and the right 22b part of the brake mechanism <NUM> have a groove into which the bearing <NUM> fits when the brake handle is installed in the housing of the brake mechanism. The bearing <NUM> is connected to the eccentric <NUM> with a spring <NUM> and a distancing element <NUM>. The bottom part <NUM> has an opening <NUM>', through which the distancing element <NUM> with the spring <NUM> can be installed, said distancing element <NUM> and the spring <NUM> being connected to the brake belt <NUM> under the winch <NUM> housing via the eccentric <NUM>.

The brake handle <NUM> or the lever has on one end a longer part <NUM> with an attachment for the second rope for releasing the brake, with which the user can control the position of the brake handle <NUM> and thus the compression of the brake belt <NUM>, while it has on the other end a shorter part <NUM> with a second attachment for a connecting element <NUM>, which connects the brake handle <NUM> with an automatic element <NUM>, which influences the state of winch operation. The connecting element <NUM> can be a plate, a rod or a Bowden cable. The automatic element <NUM> may be installed on the upper part of the winch <NUM> housing and is directly connected to the brake, so that it can be activated in case the first rope for activation of pulling is pulled or deactivated in case the second rope for brake deactivation is pulled. When the brake is activated, it ensures that the brake belt slides along the winch drum, but does not brake, as the drum rotates in the direction of winding. Said automatic element <NUM> comprises a housing, inside which two elements travel alternately. Between two elements are two balls, which enable alternate operation - deactivation of the brake and activation of pulling.

Claim 1:
A mechanical winch with improved ergonomics with a mechanism for controlling the winch comprising:
- a drum (<NUM>) onto which a pulling rope is wound,
- a brake comprising a brake handle (<NUM>) and a brake belt (<NUM>) installed on the drum,
- a clutch comprising a handle (<NUM>'),
- a first rope for activation of pulling, wherein the first rope is led via pulleys (<NUM>') to the handle (<NUM>') connected with the clutch, which is arranged to trigger rotation of the drum (<NUM>), and
- a second rope for releasing of the brake, which is connected to the brake handle (<NUM>),
characterized in that
the winch further comprises a rolling element (<NUM>), linear movement of which is arranged to be transferred via an eccentric or any other suitable element or mechanism in order to squeeze or release the brake belt,
and that the brake handle (<NUM>) is provided with a curved cut-out (<NUM>), arranged to allow a linear movement of the rolling element (<NUM>), and
that the curved cut-out (<NUM>) is made in a middle part (<NUM>) of the brake handle (<NUM>) wherein the cut-out (<NUM>) is in the first, upper part (32a) flatter and in the second, bottom part (32b) steeper.