TEPZZ_59_4Z9B_T

(19)

(11) EP 1 591 409 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Date of publication and mention (51) Int Cl.:

of the grant of the patent: B66D 1/30 (2006.01)
18.03.2015 Bulletin 2015/12

(21) Application number: 05252599.5

(22) Date of filing: 26.04.2005

(54) Winch, winch system and a method for operating a winch system
Winde, Windensystem und Methode zur Bedienung des Windensystems
Treuil, système de treuil et procédé pour opérer le système de treuil

(84) Designated Contracting States: • Austefjord, Arne

DE DK GB Tronesveien 53 (NO)

(30) Priority: 27.04.2004 US 565750 P (74) Representative: Beck Greener

Fulwood House
(43) Date of publication of application: 12 Fulwood Place
02.11.2005 Bulletin 2005/44 London WC1V 6HR (GB)

(73) Proprietor: NATIONAL-OILWELL, L.P. (56) References cited:

Houston, TX 77042 (US) DE-A1- 19 733 299 FR-A- 2 419 249

(72) Inventors:
• Drarvik, Ivar
Heiasvingen 10 (NO)
EP 1 591 409 B1

Note: Within nine months of the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent in the European Patent
Bulletin, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to that patent, in accordance with the
Implementing Regulations. Notice of opposition shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been
paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).

Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR)

 1 EP 1 591 409 B1
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a winch, a
winch system and a method for operating a winch system.
[0002] The present invention relates generally to meth-
ods and apparatus for lifting and hoisting. More particu-
larly, the present invention relates to winches and in pre-
ferred embodiments to winches used to lift personnel.
[0003] In many working environments, personnel are
required to perform certain functions at elevated loca-
tions where platforms or other working surfaces are not
provided. In these situations, a winch, or other type of
lifting appliance, is often used to lift and support the work-
er while performing the task. Among the working envi-
ronments where winches are commonly used for han-
dling personnel are offshore oil and gas platforms and
vessels.
[0004] Most facilities have dedicated, specially de-
signed winches that are used only for handling personnel.
These winches are known as "manrider" winches and
are often designed with higher safety design factors as
compared to standard utility winches. In certain regions,
such as both the Norwegian and UK sectors of the North
Sea, manrider winches are subject to stringent rules and
regulations as equipment used in handling personnel.
Manrider winches, which must safely support a worker
in an elevated working position, must also allow that
worker some freedom of movement to perform the as-
signed task. It is often difficult to balance the need for
complete safety and fall support with the need to allow
the worker being supported some freedom of movement.
[0005] Thus, there remains a need to develop methods
and apparatus for winches developed within rules and
regulations such as those used in the North Sea that
govern equipment for handling personnel, which over-
come some of the foregoing difficulties while providing
more advantageous overall results.
[0006] DE-A-19733299 discloses an electric drive for
a winch comprising an electric motor inside a drum having
a frequency inverted control with the stator windings
around a fixed axle and with the rotating drum fitted with
an armature comprising permanent magnets around the
inside of the drum. The sensor for the frequency inversion
is mounted inside the drum. The ends of the drum are
fitted with support plates which provide a support for the
integral brake. The brake can also be provided by sprung
brake shoes pressed onto the outside of the drum. The
winch cable is run into a spiral groove cut into the outside
of the drum.
[0007] FR-A-2419249 discloses another example of
an electrical lifting apparatus intended for handling
goods. The apparatus comprises a wire spooled onto an
electrically-driven drum rotatably mounted to a shaft and
a braking system.
[0008] According to a first aspect of the present inven-
tion, there is provided a winch comprising: a wire spooled
onto a drum rotatably mounted to a shaft; a permanent
magnet mounted to the drum such that when an electric
2
current is applied to a coiled winding mounted to the shaft,
the drum rotates about the shaft; a first braking system
that controls the rotation of the drum about the shaft by
controlling the application of electric current to the coiled
5 winding; and, a second braking system for mechanically
engaging the drum so as to prevent rotation of the drum
about said shaft, characterised by a third braking system
that limits the speed of the rotation of the drum about the
shaft if no electric current is applied to the coiled winding.
10 [0009] According to a second aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a method for operating a
winch system, the method comprising: activating a con-
trol station that comprises control inputs for an electric
winch, wherein the electric winch comprises a wire
15 spooled onto a drum that is rotatably mounted to a shaft,
wherein a permanent magnet is mounted to the drum
such that, when an electric current is applied to a coiled
winding mounted to the shaft, the drum rotates about the
shaft, and the direction and speed of the rotation of the
20 drum are controlled by varying the electric current applied
to the coiled winding; and, initiating a start sequence for
the electric winch wherein power is supplied to the coiled
winding and a mechanical braking system is released,
characterised by: operating a joystick so as to control the
25 direction and speed of the rotation of the drum about the
shaft; and, limiting the speed of the rotation of the drum
about the shaft if no electric current is applied to the coiled
winding.
[0010] In preferred embodiments, the problems dis-
30 cussed above are addressed by apparatus and methods
for operating a winch system comprising a wire spooled
onto a drum rotatably mounted to a shaft. A permanent
magnet is mounted to the drum such that, when an elec-
tric current is applied to a coiled winding mounted to the
35 shaft, the drum rotates about the shaft. The winch com-
prises a first braking system that controls the rotation of
the drum about the shaft by controlling the application of
the electric current to the coiled winding. The winch also
comprises a second braking system that mechanically
40 engages the drum so as to prevent the rotation of the
drum about the shaft. The winch is used in conjunction
with a control system that facilitates the use of the winch
with lifting and supporting personnel working in elevated
environments.
45 [0011] The preferred embodiments include an electric
winch utilizing a permanent magnet electric motor inte-
grated into the wire rope spool. The permanent magnet
electric motor provides resistor-induced emergency
braking and motor-controlled emergency lowering if pow-
50 er is lost. Because the speed and torque of the motor are
easily and precisely controllable, preferred embodiments
may include climbing and walking functions to safely sup-
port worker movement while maintaining safety. Some
embodiments are configured for top-of-derrick mounting,
55 i.e. using a reduced number of wire lines. Because the
motor is integrated into the drum, the total number of
parts required is reduced. The fully electrical winch re-
quires no other power sources, such as hydraulic or
2
 3 EP 1 591 409 B1
pneumatic supplies.
[0012] Thus, the present invention comprises a com-
bination of features and advantages that enable it to over-
come various problems of prior devices. The various
characteristics described above, as well as other fea-
tures, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art
upon reading the following detailed description of the pre-
ferred embodiments of the invention, and by referring to
the accompanying drawings.
[0013] Embodiments of the present invention will now
be described by way of example with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an example
of a winch system constructed in accordance with
embodiments of the invention;
Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the winch of
Figure 1; and,
Figure 3 is a layout view of a remote control unit of
the system of Figure 1.
[0014] Referring now to Figure 1, a schematic diagram
illustrating the interconnection of winch system 10 is
shown. Winch system 100 comprises winch 120, control
panel 140, local operator station 160, base unit 180, and
remote control 190. Winch 120 is an electric motor op-
erated drum 122 mounted in frame 124. Wire 126 is
reeled on drum 122 and extends from the bottom of frame
124. Mechanical braking system 128 is mounted to drum
122.
[0015] Control panel 140 is supplied by power cable
130 and includes the electronics required to operate
winch 120. These electronics may include programmable
logic controllers with a control system, a frequency drive,
a power distribution system, resistors, and electric relays
and barriers. Control panel 140 supplies control signals
and power to winch 120 along connection 132.
[0016] Local operator station 160 is connected to con-
trol panel 140 via connection 134, which transmits control
signals for winch 120 to control panel 140. Local operator
station 140 may include a full set of control switches in-
cluding activators for emergency functions such as stop
and lowering. Local operator station 160 is fixably mount-
ed to the facility in a desired location. Several local op-
erator stations 160 may be connected to a single control
panel 140 and be equipped with interlocks to prevent the
use of more than one operator station at a time. Similarly,
one local operator station 160 may selectively commu-
nicate with several control panels 140 to control a select-
ed winch 120.
[0017] Base unit 180 and remote control 190 operate
together to provide remote, mobile operation of winch
120. Base unit 180 comprises a radio communication
unit that can be housed in a safe area and is connected
to and communicates with control panel 140 via connec-
tion 182. Remote control 190 includes operator controls
4
192 and a radio transmitter to transmit signals 194 to
base unit 180. In some embodiments, remote control 190
may be connected to base unit 180 by a cable.
[0018] A cross-sectional view of winch 120 is shown
5 in Figure 2. Winch 120 includes frame 124, drum 122,
and braking system 128. Winch 120 is preferably built
for overhead installation, with wire running downwards
in order to reduce wire wear and eliminate slack wire and
spooling problems like backlash. Winch 120 is preferably
10 built as an inside-out permanent magnet motor where
drum 122 rotates about shaft 206. The motor is frequency
controlled, giving full control over motor speed and
torque.
[0019] Drum 122 surrounds and is fixably attached to
15 rotor 202 that includes permanent magnets. Rotor 202
is disposed about stator 204 that is fixably connected to
shaft 206 and is formed from coiled windings. Shaft 206
and stator 204 are stationarily connected to frame 124
such that when a current is applied to stator 204, drum
20 122, supported by bearings 208, rotates about shaft 206.
Drum 122 is preferably made with right hand wound
grooves spooling of one layer of 10 mm wire. The speed
of the drum is monitored by an external digital encoder.
[0020] Braking system 128 may include three different
25 braking systems, namely an electric motor brake, an ex-
ternal fail safe brake, and a motor magnet brake. The
electric motor operates as an electric motor brake by re-
ducing the speed and torque of the rotor when the elec-
trical current supplied to the coiled windings is reduced.
30 The speed and torque can be monitored by the control
system, and the motor speed controlled to reduce and
stop the drum according to the operator signals. An ex-
ternal fail safe brake 210 is energized and disengages
when the winch is started. Brake 210 controls pinion 212
35 that engages gear 214 that is connected to drum 122.
Brake 210 will stay disengaged until winch 120 is turned
off or an emergency switch is pressed. Brake 210 will
also engage in case of power failure and can be manually
disengaged by actuating lever 216. In case of power fail-
40 ure to the motor and a failure of brake 210, the motor will
start acting as a dynamo. In this mode drum 122 will
rotate and pay out wire at a constant slow rate according
to the loading in the wire. High speed emergency lowering
will be impossible.
45 [0021] Winch 120 may also be equipped with an ar-
rangement for manual release of the brake. This manual
release may be actuated directly at winch 120 or actuated
from drill floor via a pneumatic system. A manual pneu-
matic valve on the drill floor supplies air to a pneumatic
50 cylinder on the winch activating brake lever 216. When
the air is shut off, the brake is applied. The winch speed
will still be limited by the resistor arrangement.
[0022] To ensure correct wire spooling, winch 120 is
preferably made for only one layer of wire on drum 122.
55 In addition to this, the drum is fitted with grooves 218.
The wire is guided onto the drum using spooling device
220 that directs the wire into the grooves.
[0023] The power system that operates winch 120 may
3
 5 EP 1 591 409 B1
also comprise a frequency converter including braking
chopper for running the winch motor clockwise and coun-
terclockwise. A braking resistor may be used for dissi-
pating regenerated energy when braking with the elec-
trical motor. A contactor/resistor arrangement may be
supplied to short circuit the motor windings for braking in
case of loss of frequency converter and for protection
against motor overvoltage. The winch control system can
be equipped with a separate potential-free contactor that
can be connected to other drill floor machines emergency
shut down circuits, disabling other connected machinery
when the winch is in operation. On drilling rigs with ad-
vanced drilling control and monitoring system, the winch
can easily be incorporated into the rig’s anti-collision sys-
tem. The winch may also be fitted with a heave compen-
sating system, making it possible to work on fixed well
equipment on a floating vessel.
[0024] One embodiment of remote control 190 is
shown in Figure 3. Remote control 190 includes on/off
switch 300, joystick 302, start/stop switch 304, walk but-
ton 306, climb button 308, display 310, display controls
312 and 314, warning lights 316 and 318, and emergency
stop button 320. Once remote control 190 is activated by
on/off switch 300, pushing the start/stop switch 304 will
send a pulse signal to control panel 140 to initiate a start
sequence during which the motor will be powered up, the
brake resistor arrangement disabled and the brake re-
leased. Pushing the start/stop switch 204 again will initi-
ate a stop sequence during which motor speed is set to
zero, the mechanical brake is applied, and the brake re-
sistor arrangement is enabled. When the shut down se-
quence is confirmed, the motor is powered down.
[0025] To operate the winch upwards or downwards,
joystick 302 is utilized. Joystick 302 is preferably fitted
with a dead man’s grip, i.e. a separate activation switch
in the joystick handle. The activation switch must be
pressed with joystick 202 in the zero position in order to
start operations. If the activation switch is released during
operation with joystick 202 out of the zero position, the
winch will continue running but a new start from the zero
position requires depressing of the activation switch.
When receiving the hoist signal from joystick 202, the
frequency converter will change the motor speed accord-
ing to joystick position. The maximum hoisting speed and
acceleration is limited by the control system.
[0026] When lowering the load in normal operation, the
frequency converter/braking chopper will measure the
DC-bus voltage and start operating (dissipating regen-
erated energy in the braking resistor) when exceeding
the preset limit. Maximum tension in the wire is controlled
by the frequency converter. In the case of excessive ex-
ternal force, the tension will not exceed a programmable
hard-coded value. The winch is equipped with a sensor
for upper and lower position stops such that a signal from
this sensor will cause the winch to stop at downwards
position independently of other control signals. The joy-
stick can be operated in "left" position, in which the winch
is in creep speed mode, giving maximum 10% of normal
6
speed.
[0027] Winch 120 may be equipped with a climb func-
tion 308 that can be selected and deselected at the re-
mote control panel. When selected, the rider can adjust
5 his position by applying additional force downwards or
relieving tension in an upward direction. Maximum speed
limits in both directions-are 0.15m/s when this function
is activated. The operator can at all times take control of
the movement by using the joystick, which deactivates
10 the climb function.
[0028] Winch 120 may also be equipped with a walk
function 306 that can be selected and deselected at the
remote control panel. When activated, winch 120 will
keep a constant low tension in the wire, preventing a
15 slack wire situation. The rider can move around with a
small pull in the wire. The function can only be activated
when the load is below 15% of maximum load. In the
case of a person falling from an elevated position with
this function activated, the person will be lowered with a
20 preset speed of 0.15m/s. The operator can at all time
takes control of the operation of the winch, by activating
the joystick, which deactivates the walk function.
[0029] When the control system detects "slack wire",
a red indicator lamp 216 will illuminate on the console.
25 The slack wire function will stop downwards movement
if the wire tension drops below 2% of maximum tension.
[0030] Referring back to Figure 1, winch 120 is
equipped with three emergency stops located at remote
control console 190, at local operator station 160 and at
30 winch 120. These are hard wired emergency stop buttons
220 (see Figure 3) that will engage the mechanical brake,
engage the magnetic brake and disconnect power from
the motor. Pressing the emergency stop switch 220 will
immediately stop winch 120 and apply the parking brake.
35 The power to the motor will also be shut down but control
system 140 will still be monitoring winch 120. Any detec-
tion of internal failures, including overspeed, overpull,
power problems, and communication problems, will also
produce an emergency shutdown.
40 [0031] To be able to lower the load in the case of equip-
ment failure or loss of power, winch 120 is equipped with
an emergency lowering circuit. This arrangement will low-
er the load in a controlled manner in the case of loss of
power from the frequency converter. If the mechanical
45 brake is engaged and the PLC (programmable logic con-
troller)/remote control is working, the brake can be re-
leased by operating an emergency release switch at local
operator station 160. The control power to the emergency
brake release circuit comes from the rig UPS system. A
50 diode bridge will allow for dual brake release signal, both
for the PLC (in normal operation) and for the emergency
lowering circuit. Overspeed detection will still be operat-
ing, and if overspeed is detected, the brake will engage.
[0032] In the case of failure in the PLC/remote control
55 system, but with UPS power available, the load can be
lowered by activating the emergency lowering switch at
local operator station 160. In the case of no UPS power
being available, the mechanical brake can be disen-
4
 7 EP 1 591 409 B1
gaged manually by a hand operated lever 216 (see Figure
2) on the brake. In this mode, the winch speed will still
be limited by the resistor arrangement and all control sys-
tem safety features are disabled. Emergency lowering
speed is always limited by the motor braking resistance
(dynamo effect) and the load being lowered. Free fall will
never be possible except for wire breakage or complete
mechanical failure of the winch.
[0033] Winch 120 can also be equipped with an ar-
rangement for manual release of the brake from the drill
floor. A manual pneumatic valve on the drill floor can
supply air to a pneumatic cylinder on the winch activating
brake lever 216 (see Figure 2). When the air is shut off,
the brake is applied. The winch speed will still be limited
by the resistor arrangement. An emergency hoisting fea-
ture can also be included, wherein a crank handle can
be inserted onto the drum, and the winch wire may be
manually spooled in at a gear ratio of say 1:8.
[0034] At loss of main power to the frequency convert-
er, the mechanical brake will engage and the contac-
tor/emergency lowering resistor arrangement will make
sure that the motor does not generate overvoltage at the
motor terminals. In case of loss of power to the PLC, the
mechanical brake will engage and the contactor/emer-
gency lowering resistor arrangement will make sure that
the motor does not generate overvoltage at the motor
terminals.
[0035] PLC failure will cause the mechanical brake to
engage and the emergency lowering contactor will short-
circuit the motor windings over the emergency lowering
resistor arrangement.
[0036] If the PLC detects a failure in remote control
system 190, winch 120 will be shut down in a safe se-
quence. All special functions will be shut off. Speed will
be set to zero, and the mechanical brake will be applied.
Remote control failure will cause the mechanical brake
to engage and the emergency lowering contactor will
short-circuit the motor windings over the emergency low-
ering resistor arrangement. Failure on the remote control
system 190 will not affect operation from local operator
station 160, which can always be activated.
[0037] Frequency converter failure will cause the me-
chanical brake to engage and the contactor/emergency
lowering resistor arrangement will make sure that the mo-
tor does not generate overvoltage at the motor terminals.
[0038] At all times, the PLC will monitor and regulate
the speed of the winch drum by use of two independent
sensors. In the case of speed exceeding the preset limit,
the PLC will engage the mechanical brake. The detection
has the same priority in the emergency stop loop as the
emergency stop push button.
[0039] At all times, the PLC will monitor the wire tension
through the motor torque. In the case of tension exceed-
ing the preset limit, the winch will pay out wire unless the
speed exceeds the overspeed limit. As a back-up torque
measurement, the input current to the frequency convert-
er is monitored. If the current exceeds a preset limit, the
winch will be stopped and shut down.
8
[0040] The PLC may be equipped with a system mon-
itoring and diagnosing software. This software monitors
the PLC, frequency converter and remote radio control
status, and also the communication links and instrumen-
5 tation on the winch. Any fault detected will generate an
alarm. Alarms generate a message that will be displayed
on the LCD screen 310 on the remote radio console 190
(see Figure 3).
[0041] The remote radio console 190 may be equipped
10 with a system monitoring and diagnosing software. Inter-
nal errors related to the remote radio console 190 will be
displayed on the LCD screen 310 on the console. The
frequency converter is equipped with a system monitor-
ing and diagnosing software. Internal errors related to
15 the frequency converter will be displayed on an LCD
screen on the frequency converter.
[0042] The unique features of this winch are derived
principally from the electrical motor that is used. This is
a slow-rotating permanent magnet motor integrated into
20 the drum that provides very good torque control, which
can be used for various new functions. Also, this motor
will produce torque even at loss of power, so normal free
falling is impossible.
[0043] Embodiments of the present invention have
25 been described with particular reference to the examples
illustrated. However, it will be appreciated that variations
and modifications may be made to the examples de-
scribed within the scope of the present invention. For
example, the relative dimensions of various parts, the
30 materials from which the various parts are made, and
other parameters can be varied, so long as the winch
apparatus retain the advantages discussed herein. Ac-
cordingly, the scope of protection is not limited to the
embodiments described herein, but is only limited by the
35 claims that follow.
Claims
40 1. A winch (120) comprising:
a wire (126) spooled onto a drum (122) rotatably
mounted to a shaft (206);
a permanent magnet mounted to the drum (122)
45 such that when an electric current is applied to
a coiled winding mounted to the shaft (206), the
drum (122) rotates about the shaft (206);
a first braking system that controls the rotation
of the drum (122) about the shaft (206) by con-
50 trolling the application of electric current to the
coiled winding; and,
a second braking system (210) for mechanically
engaging the drum (122) so as to prevent rota-
tion of the drum (206) about said shaft, charac-
55 terised by
a third braking system that limits the speed of
the rotation of the drum (122) about the shaft
(206) if no electric current is applied to the coiled
5
 9 EP 1 591 409 B1
winding.
2. A winch according to claim 1, wherein said second
braking system (210) comprises a gear (214) mount-
ed to the drum (122) and a pinion (212) operable to
engage the gear (214) and limit rotation of the drum
(122) about the shaft (206).
3. A winch according to claim 2, wherein said second
braking system (210) comprises a manual release
mechanism (216) for disengaging the pinion (212)
from the gear (214).
4. A winch according to claim 3, wherein the manual
release mechanism (216) is actuated by a pneumatic
cylinder.
5. A winch according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein
said second braking system (210) is a fail-safe brak-
ing system that is arranged to be disengaged when
electric current is applied to the coiled winding.
6. A winch according to any of claims 1 to 5, comprising
a frame (124) supporting the shaft (206), wherein
the wire (126) extends from the bottom of the frame
(124).
7. A winch system comprising:
an electric winch (120) according to any of
claims 1 to 6;
a control panel (140) operatively coupled to said
electric winch (120), wherein said control panel
(140) is operable to provide electrical current to
said electric winch (120); and,
a control station (190) operatively coupled to
said control panel (140), wherein said control
station (190) generates control signals that are
transmitted to said electric winch (120) by said
control panel (140).
8. A winch system according to claim 7, wherein said
control station (190) comprises:
a start/stop switch (304) for activating said elec-
tric winch (120) and disengaging the second
braking system;
a joystick (302) for controlling the direction and
speed at which the drum (122) rotates about the
shaft (206); and,
an emergency stop button (320) for deactivating
said electric winch (120) and activating the sec-
ond braking system (210).
9. A winch system according to claim 8, wherein said
control station (190) comprises a mode select switch
(306,308) for controlling the mode in which the winch
operates.
10
10. A winch system according to claim 9, wherein the
mode select switch (306) is arranged to operate said
electric winch (120) in a mode that maintains a con-
stant tension in the wire (126).
5
11. A winch system according to any of claims 7 to 10,
wherein said control station (190) is a portable unit
that communicates with said control panel (140) via
radio signals.
10
12. A method for operating a winch system, the method
comprising:
activating a control station (190) that comprises
15 control inputs for an electric winch (120), where-
in the electric winch (120) comprises a wire (126)
spooled onto a drum (122) that is rotatably
mounted to a shaft (206), wherein a permanent
magnet is mounted to the drum (122) such that,
20 when an electric current is applied to a coiled
winding mounted to the shaft (206), the drum
(122) rotates about the shaft (206), and the di-
rection and speed of the rotation of the drum
(122) are controlled by varying the electric cur-
25 rent applied to the coiled winding; and,
initiating a start sequence for the electric winch
(120) wherein power is supplied to the coiled
winding and a mechanical braking system (210)
is released, characterised by:
30
operating a joystick (302) so as to control
the direction and speed of the rotation of the
drum (122) about the shaft (206); and,
limiting the speed of the rotation of the drum
35 about the shaft if no electric current is ap-
plied to the coiled winding.
13. A method according to claim 12, comprising operat-
ing the electric winch (120) in a climb function where-
40 in the vertical position of the wire (122) can be ad-
justed by applying or relieving tension from the wire
(122).
14. A method according to any of claims 12 and 13, com-
45 prising operating the electric winch (120) in a walk
function wherein a constant tension is maintained in
the wire (122).
15. A method according to any of claims 12 to 14, com-
50 prising activating an emergency stop (320) that ap-
plies the mechanical braking system (210) and stop-
ping the supply of electric current to the coiled wind-
ing.
55 16. A method according to any of claims 12 to 15, com-
prising initiating a shut down sequence wherein the
mechanical braking system (210) is engaged and
power is shut off from the coiled winding.
6
 11 EP 1 591 409 B1
17. A method according to any of claims 12 to 16, where-
in the control station (190) communicates via radio
signals.
Patentansprüche
1. Eine Winde (120), bestehend aus:
einem Seil (126), das auf eine Trommel (122)
spulenartig aufgewickelt ist, welche rotierbar an
einer Welle (206) befestigt ist;
einem Dauermagneten, der an der Trommel
(122) befestigt ist, sodass sich die Trommel
(122) um die Welle (206) dreht, sobald Strom
an eine an der Welle (206) befestigten Spulwick-
lung angelegt wird;
einem ersten Bremssystem, das die Rotation
der Trommel (122) über der Welle (206) steuert,
indem das Anlegen von Strom an die Spulwick-
lung gesteuert wird; und
einem zweiten Bremssystem (210) zur mecha-
nischen Arretierung der Trommel, um eine Ro-
tation der Trommel (206) über der besagten
Welle zu verhindern, was durch Folgendes cha-
rakterisiert ist:
einem dritten Bremssystem, das die Rota-
tionsgeschwindigkeit der Trommel (122)
über der Welle (206) begrenzt, falls kein
Strom an die Spulwicklung angelegt wird.
2. Eine Winde gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei das besagte
zweite Bremssystem (210) ein an der Trommel (122)
befestigtes Zahnrad (214) und ein Ritzel (212) be-
sitzt, mit dem das Zahnrad (214) arretiert und die
Rotation der Trommel (122) über der Welle (206)
begrenzt werden kann.
3. Eine Winde gemäß Anspruch 2, wobei das besagte
zweite Bremssystem (210) einen manuellen Freiga-
bemechanismus (216) besitzt, mit dem das Ritzel
(212) vom Zahnrad (214) getrennt werden kann.
4. Eine Winde gemäß Anspruch 3, wobei der manuelle
Freigabemechanismus (216) über einen Pneuma-
tikzylinder bedient wird.
5. Eine Winde gemäß einem beliebigen Anspruch 1 bis
4, wobei es sich bei dem besagten zweiten Brems-
system (210) um ein fehlersicheres Bremssystem
handelt, das so ausgelegt ist, dass es freigegeben
wird, wenn Strom an die Spulwicklung angelegt wird.
6. Eine Winde gemäß einem beliebigen Anspruch 1 bis
5 bestehend aus einem Rahmen (124), der die Welle
(206) trägt, wobei das Seil (126) sich vom Boden
des Rahmens (124) erstreckt.
12
7. Ein Windensystem bestehend aus:
einer Elektrowinde (120) gemäß einem beliebi-
gen Anspruch 1 bis 6;
5 einem Steuerpult (140), das an die besagte
Elektrowinde (120) operativ gekoppelt ist, wobei
das besagte Steuerpult (140) dazu dient, die be-
sagte Elektrowinde (120) mit Strom zu versor-
gen; und
10 einer Steuerstation (190), die an das besagte
Steuerpult (140) operativ gekoppelt ist, wobei
die besagte Steuerstation (190) Steuersignale
generiert, die an die besagte Elektrowinde (120)
über das besagte Steuerpult (140) übertragen
15 werden.
8. Ein Windensystem gemäß Anspruch 7, wobei die
besagte Steuerstation (190) aus Folgendem be-
steht:
20
einem Start-Stopp-Schalter (304) zum Aktivie-
ren der besagten Elektrowinde (120) und zum
Freigeben des zweiten Bremssystems;
einem Joystick (302) zum Steuern der Richtung
25 und der Geschwindigkeit, mit der sich die Trom-
mel (122) über der Welle (206) dreht; und
einer Not-Aus-Taste (320) zum Deaktivieren der
besagten Elektrowinde (120) und zum Aktivie-
ren des zweiten Bremssystems (210).
30
9. Ein Windensystem gemäß Anspruch 8, wobei die
besagte Steuerstation (190) einen Betriebsartwahl-
schalter (306, 308) zum Steuern der aktuellen Be-
triebsart der Winde besitzt.
35
10. Ein Windensystem gemäß Anspruch 9, wobei der
Betriebsartwahlschalter (306) so ausgelegt ist, dass
die besagte Elektrowinde (120) in einer Betriebsart
betrieben wird, die eine konstante Spannung im Seil
40 (126) aufrechterhält.
11. Ein Windensystem gemäß einem beliebigen An-
spruch 7 bis 10, wobei es sich bei der besagten Steu-
erstation (190) um eine tragbare Einheit handelt, die
45 mit dem besagten Steuerpult (140) per Funksignale
kommuniziert.
12. Ein Verfahren zum Bedienen eines Windensystems,
wobei das Verfahren Folgendes umfasst:
50
Aktivieren einer Steuerstation (190), die Steu-
ereingänge für eine Elektrowinde (120) besitzt,
wobei die Elektrowinde (120) ein Seil (126) be-
sitzt, das auf eine Trommel (122) spulenartig
55 aufgewickelt ist, welche rotierbar an einer Welle
(206) befestigt ist, wobei ein Dauermagnet an
der Trommel (122) so befestigt ist, dass sich die
Trommel (122) um die Welle (206) dreht, sobald
7
 13 EP 1 591 409 B1
Strom an eine an der Welle (206) befestigten
Spulwicklung angelegt wird, und die Richtung
und die Rotationsgeschwindigkeit der Trommel
(122) werden gesteuert, indem der an die Spul-
wicklung angelegte Strom variiert wird; und
Initiieren einer Startsequenz für die Elektrowin-
de (120), wobei die Spulwicklung mit Energie
versorgt wird und ein mechanisches Bremssys-
tem (210) wird freigegeben, was durch Folgen-
des charakterisiert wird:
Bedienen eines Joysticks (302), um die
Richtung und die Rotationsgeschwindigkeit
der Trommel (122) über der Welle (206) zu
steuern; und
Begrenzen der Rotationsgeschwindigkeit
der Trommel über der Welle, falls kein
Strom an die Spulwicklung angelegt wird.
13. Ein Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 12, das den Betrieb
der Elektrowinde (120) in einer Kletterfunktion um-
fasst, wobei die vertikale Position des Seils (122)
durch Anlegen oder Lösen der Spannung am Seil
(122) angepasst werden kann.
14. Ein Verfahren gemäß einem beliebigen Anspruch 12
und 13, das den Betrieb der Elektrowinde (120) in
einer Gehfunktion umfasst, wobei eine konstante
Spannung im Seil (122) aufrechterhalten wird.
15. Ein Verfahren gemäß einem beliebigen Anspruch 12
bis 14, das das Aktivieren eines Not-Aus-Schalters
(320) umfasst, der das mechanische Bremssystem
(210) aktiviert und die Versorgung der Spulwicklung
mit Strom stoppt.
16. Ein Verfahren gemäß einem beliebigen Anspruch 12
bis 15, das das Initiieren einer Abschaltsequenz um-
fasst, wobei das mechanische Bremssystem (210)
aktiviert und die Stromversorgung zur Spulwicklung
getrennt wird.
17. Ein Verfahren gemäß einem beliebigen Anspruch 12
bis 16, wobei die Steuerstation (190) per Funksig-
nale kommuniziert.
Revendications
1. Un treuil (120) comprenant :
Un câble (126) s’enroulant sur un tambour (122)
monté de façon rotative sur un arbre (206) ;
Un aimant permanent monté sur le tambour
(122) de sorte que lors de l’application d’un cou-
rant électrique à un enroulement monté sur l’ar-
bre (206), le tambour (122) tourne sur l’arbre
(206) ;
14
Un premier système de freinage assurant la ré-
gulation de la rotation du tambour (122) sur l’ar-
bre (206), en réglant l’application du courant
électrique à l’enroulement ; et
5 Un deuxième système de freinage (210) per-
mettant d’engager mécaniquement le tambour
(122) afin d’empêcher la rotation du tambour
(206) sur ledit arbre, caractérisé par
Un troisième système de freinage limitant la vi-
10 tesse de rotation du tambour (122) sur l’arbre
(206) si aucun courant électrique n’est appliqué
à l’enroulement.
2. Un treuil selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit
15 deuxième système de freinage (210) comprend un
engrenage (214) monté sur le tambour (122) et un
pignon (212) pouvant être actionné pour engager
l’engrenage (214) et limiter la rotation du tambour
(122) sur l’arbre (206).
20
3. Un treuil selon la revendication 2, dans lequel ledit
deuxième système de freinage (210) comprend un
mécanisme de déblocage manuel (216) pour désen-
grener le pignon (212) de l’engrenage (214).
25
4. Un treuil selon la revendication 3, dans lequel le mé-
canisme de déblocage manuel (216) est actionné
par un cylindre pneumatique.
30 5. Un treuil selon une quelconque des revendications
1 à 4, dans lequel ledit deuxième système de frei-
nage (210) est un système de freinage à sécurité
intrinsèque configuré pour se désengrener lors de
l’application d’un courant électrique sur l’enroule-
35 ment.
6. Un treuil selon une quelconque des revendications
1 à 5, comprenant un châssis (124) supportant l’ar-
bre (206), dans lequel le câble (126) s’étend du bas
40 du châssis (124).
7. Un système de treuil comprenant :
un treuil électrique (120) selon une quelconque
45 des revendications 1 à 6 ;
un panneau de commande (140) accouplé en
cours d’utilisation audit treuil électrique (120),
dans lequel ledit panneau de commande (140)
peut être actionné pour apporter un courant
50 électrique audit treuil électrique (120) ; et
un poste de commande (190) accouplé en cours
d’utilisation audit panneau de commande (140),
dans lequel ledit poste de commande (190)
émet des signaux de commande qui sont trans-
55 mis audit treuil électrique (120) par ledit pan-
neau de commande (140).
8. Un système de treuil selon la revendication 7, dans
8
 15 EP 1 591 409 B1 16

lequel ledit poste de commande (190) comprend :
un commutateur de marche/arrêt (304) pour
l’activation dudit treuil électrique (120) et le dé-
sengagement du deuxième système de
freinage ;
un joystick (302) permettant de régler le sens et
la vitesse de rotation du tambour (122) sur l’ar-
bre (206) ; et,
un bouton d’arrêt de secours (320) permettant
de désactiver ledit treuil électrique (120) et d’ac-
tiver le deuxième système de freinage (210).
9. Un système de treuil selon la revendication 8, dans
lequel ledit poste de commande (190) comprend un
commutateur sélecteur de mode (306, 308) pour sé-
lectionner le mode d’utilisation du treuil ;
13. Une méthode selon la revendication 12, comprenant
l’actionnement du treuil électrique (120) dans une
fonction de montée, dans laquelle la position verti-
cale du câble (122) peut être ajustée en augmentant
5 ou en diminuant la tension du câble (122).
14. Une méthode selon une quelconque des revendica-
tions 12 et 13, comprenant l’actionnement du treuil
électrique (120) dans une fonction de marche, com-
10 portant l’application d’une tension constante dans le
câble (122).
15. Une méthode selon une quelconque des revendica-
tions 12 à 14, comprenant l’activation d’un bouton
15 d’arrête de secours (320) appliquant le système de
freinage mécanique (210) et arrêtant la fourniture
d’un courant électrique à l’enroulement.

10. Un système de treuil selon la revendication 9, dans
lequel le commutateur sélecteur de mode (306) est
configuré pour commander ledit treuil électrique
(120) dans un mode assurant le maintien continu de
la tension du câble (126).
16. Une méthode selon une quelconque des revendica-
20 tions 12 à 15, comprenant le lancement d’une sé-
quence d’arrêt, dans laquelle le système de freinage
mécanique (210) est engagé, et l’alimentation élec-
trique de l’enroulement est coupée.

11. Un système de treuil selon une quelconque des re- 25 17. Une méthode selon une quelconque des revendica-
vendications 7 à 10, dans lequel ledit poste de com- tions 12 à 16, dans laquelle le poste de commande
mande (190) est un appareil portable communiquant (190) communique par des signaux radio.
avec ledit panneau de commande (14) par le biais
de signaux radio.
30
12. Une méthode d’utilisation d’un système de treuil, cet-
te méthode comportant :

l’activation d’un poste de commande (190) com-

prenant des entrées de commande pour un treuil 35
électrique (120), dans lequel le treuil électrique
(120) comprend un câble (126) s’enroulant sur
un tambour (122) monté par rotation sur un arbre
(206), dans lequel un aimant permanent est
monté sur le tambour (122) de sorte que lors de 40
l’application d’un courant électrique à un enrou-
lement monté sur l’arbre (206), le tambour (122)
tourne sur l’arbre (206), le sens et la vitesse de
rotation du tambour (122) étant réglées par la
variation du courant électrique appliqué à 45
l’enroulement ; et
le lancement d’une séquence de départ pour le
treuil électrique (120), dans laquelle une alimen-
tation électrique est amenée à l’enroulement et
un système de freinage mécanique (210) est re- 50
lâché, caractérisé par :

l’actionnement d’un joystick (302) de façon

à régler le sens et la vitesse de rotation du
tambour (122) sur l’arbre (206) ; et 55
la limitation de la vitesse de rotation du tam-
bour sur l’arbre si aucun courant électrique
n’est appliqué à l’enroulement.

9
EP 1 591 409 B1

10
EP 1 591 409 B1

11
EP 1 591 409 B1

12
 EP 1 591 409 B1

REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader’s convenience only. It does not form part of the European
patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be
excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description

• DE 19733299 A [0006] • FR 2419249 A [0007]

13