Winches: types, characteristics, how to choose, manufacturers

Principle of operation

In manufacturing, construction, facilities service widely used lifting devices. The most common of them - hoists and winches.

With a similar principle of operation, these devices differ in the direction of movement of cargo. Hoists are designed to lift and hold the load. Purpose winches - movement in vertical and horizontal direction.

Variety types of hoist winches and based on various types of the drive gear and converting them to motion. Structurally, these products consist of a body or frame, a drum for winding a chain or rope, gear, brakes and the driving device.

types of winches

Drive type release mechanisms with manual or electric drive. In the first case, to move cargo using the muscular strength of a man, in the second case - the motor rotational energy.

Mechanisms with manual transmission are divided into:

• worm;
• drum;
• chain;
• lever.

In devices with a worm drive rotation of the drum by means of "endless screw" Archimedes. For mechanisms with worm gear characterized by a large gear ratio value.

Drum Brake transmit the rotation of the handle through the drum gear of several gears.

Chain drive circuit converts the movement, via the drive from transfer wheel into rotational movement of the shaft. Such hoists are highly effective and allow suspended hoist beam, resulting in movement of the chain from the floor level.

The drum lever devices actuated reciprocating lever and ratchet (ratchet). Lever devices have a minimum weight and dimensions.

In applying the drive drum driving motor is performed through a reduction gear. The composition of these aggregates further includes switching equipment for control and protection of the electric motor, limit switches and push-button control station.

Depending on the traction element winches and hoists are divided into:

• chain;
• Rope.

Less commonly used in textile belt as a traction element.

Features winches

• Traction on the load drum. It characterizes load mechanism, generally 200-25000kgs;
• Kanatoemkosti drum. It is from 10 to 630 lm .;
• Speed ​​of rope winding. It is in the range 0,03-2m / s. For units with a large kanatoemkostyu indicated 2 values ​​- on the first and the last turn;
• Number of speeds;
• The diameter of the cable. Typically 6 to 40 mm;
• Weight of aggregate. Depending on the capacity of from several kg to tons;
• Dimensions. Determined by carrying capacity and the structure;
• Execution. Available in versions for use indoors and outdoors, explosion-proof and so on.
• The force on the handle or lever for rated load. This value is in the tens of Newtons (for lever or drum devices);
• Type the mains, the power consumption of the motor.

  Depending on the capacity used electric power of hundreds of watts to tens of kilowatts (only for units with electric).

For hoists are also indications:

• Lifting height. It is from a few to tens of meters;
• traction and load chain parameters. The diameter and the size of the chain link is primarily determined by the carrying capacity of the device.

functions

Functionally, both devices are designed to move cargo. However, there are some specifications.

Tali is mainly designed to lift and hold objects. Perhaps their use and to move horizontally. In this case, the hoist is attached to a special carriage moving along a I-beam.

In this embodiment lifting device called a hoist. trolley drive in this case is mechanical or electrical.

Winches are used for moving loads in any direction. Functionally, there are the following groups:

• Traction. Intended for lifting or moving of loads;
• Shunting. It applies to the need to move freight cars on railroad warehouse;
• Auxiliary and drilling. Specialized units for lifting equipment on the drill floor with reception bridges with casing;
• Scraper. They are used to move the pieces of rock during mining.

Equipment

At minimum, the winch equipment includes packaging, passport and of course the mechanism. And in some cases not included traction element - cable or chain, they must be purchased separately, taking into account the desired length and cross section.

Some models are further equipped with clips or brackets for fastening to a surface or metal beam. Fixing come to an I-beam and round tubes.

accessories

Winches and hoists offered by manufacturers in complete enough to work, but the accessories used to extend the functionality.

• ropes and chains - replacement of defective (cable break), and to increase the working stroke;
• hooks and slings used to lift the massive and dimensional objects, goods of complex shape;
• magnetic clamps are designed for fixation of goods from ferromagnetic materials;
• Grips - used for hanging the device to pipes and I-beams;
• blocks, are used to increase load capacity device;
• the movable carriage and the carriage with electric hoists are used for the suspension to I-beams for the horizontal movement of loads.

Benefits

Each lifting device designed for its purpose and scope. In the design laid solutions to the challenges in this area. However, different types of device have characteristic features.

The first region is determined, and the efficacy of the actuator type.

An advantage of the electric actuator is its high efficiency. If necessary frequent use, movement of massive objects over long distances without the electric actuator is not expedient.

Problems

Modern winches and hoists reliable, but in the process of working with them there are some disadvantages that complicate the operation:

• application reducers with worm gear sometimes lead to galling caused by the relative sliding of turns of the worm and gear teeth of the conjugate;
• low quality metal leads to bending and deformation of parts, in particular at maximum load;
• poor quality welds at maximum load causes their divergence and winch failure;
• some manufacturers in the configuration is not load-lifting rope, he sold separately;
• insufficient length of the lever for the lever-type devices require considerable effort to lift the load;
• device power have insufficient length of cable to the control panel, the height of the drive installation must meet the length of the cable;
• low-power electric winch for connection to the 220V completed a short cord which requires to lengthen;
• electric drives tend to overheat during active use, this is especially evident at extreme loads;
• acquiring a lifting mechanism incorrectly estimated ultimate load capacity and length of rope lays some reserve capacity.

How to choose a winch

When selecting the load carrying means first of all pay attention to the load parameters and the height (distance) recovery. At the same time provide for a certain reserve-duty winch or hoist.

Also required to take into account that using the winch for lifting the value of carrying capacity 2 times less traction.

The length of the traction member is chosen according to the required lifting height or movement. Margin cable or chain on the drum should be 5-10 turns. Greater margin of the traction element leads to an increase in weight and cost of the unit.

Determined using the frequency and the desired operating speed. In the case of frequent use of the winch without the electric drive can not do, if you lift weights assumed on occasion, limit manual transmission.

When applying the electric drive needed to verify compliance with mains consumed electric power and the number of phases, or to attend the respective acquisition autonomous generator power.

If you select the device with manual transmission should be noted that the worm gear Geared slower. Also take into account the installation height - only with a chain drive device can be hung on height, gear lever and devices require directly apply a force on the lever or handle.

When choosing between the rope and chain allow for the lifting height, the chain used when lifting loads to a height of 3-5 meters.

The important factor in choosing a mass and dimensions of the device.

Overall (adjusting) the amount must be checked if necessary fixing the winch to the support surface.

Considering the structure of the lifting device, pay attention to the following points:

• drum diameter, it must not be too small, to prevent damage and breaks the rope;
• the reliability of fastening of a cable to the drum, the cable must be securely keep unwound state;
• material housing, a drum, fastening parts, brake parts must be of high quality, and their breakage and deformation lead to disruption of the cargo;
• the quality of the welds is not allowed unevenness and other weld defects;
• threaded connections must be fully tightened using a counter - washers and nuts to prevent dispelling;

When choosing an electric drive pay attention to the control panel - one must have a button emergency stop, it is desirable that the buttons were closed silicone cover to protect against dust and moisture.

What better lifting device

Determine the best can not be device best lifting device - is an appropriate task at hand with the optimum price-performance ratio.

Weight mechanism selected from the conditions of a load of 70-85% of the face that corresponds to the optimum value for the ratio carrying capacity. For active mechanism used application device with electric drive is a better solution.

In terms of the durability of the product, the purchase of products of European brands and proven Russian producers would be the best choice.

Exploitation

Notes on the operation of lifting mechanisms provided by the manufacturer in the data sheet or owner's manual for each particular product.

General information on maintenance is to periodically check and retightening, lubrication of the rubbing of parts and components, checking the ropes and rigging products.

When operating the lifting device is necessary to observe some precautions:

• comply with the general safety regulations when working with hoisting equipment;
• before using examine and verify all components of the unit, special attention rope or chain;
• for stationary winches or hoists checked fastening elements;
• can not allow overloading exceeding the rated (nameplate) values;
• Do not use the winch and hoist brake failure;
• should not be to unwind the rope until the last turn;
• using only the electric motor is connected to the electrical network corresponding certificate data, it is impossible to connect the drive circuits to bypass the protection of staff.

When operating the lifting mechanisms, a special attention is paid to proper slinging cargo. The material, the number and attachment points are determined based on the shape and weight of the cargo.

Guarantee

Each manufacturer specifies the warranty conditions in the passport for product. The warranty does not cover consumable parts and products with mechanical damage. Warranty on lifting devices is 12 months.

malfunctions

Winches are very reliable devices, but the operation faults occur:

• damage to the traction element - a damaged rope or chain needs to be replaced;
• jamming gear - shafts shift due to attenuation bolting, bolting is required to tighten and secure;
• an increase in the required force on the lever or handle - check the condition of the lubricant, and in its absence lubricated parts;
• a lot of noise in the gearbox - check the condition of the lubricant, washed and lubricate the gearbox.

Malfunction when using the device power:

• the motor will not start, Possible cause - a load protection circuit breaker, undervoltage in the network is faulty or the contactor coil;
• switched off the remote motor continues to run - sticking the magnetic contactor system, sticking limit switches;
• reduced voltage - check section feeder cable, the voltage on the shield opening;
• activated current or thermal protection - first drive preclude overload check circuitry elements on burning.
• motor hums, but does not rotate under load - motor powered by two phases (if three-phase), in case of hum at the single-phase motor (applies to Three-phase motors) - perhaps the wear of the bearing, as a consequence of load occurs locking (Jamming);
• strong heating of brake pads - check the uniformity abutment pad clip and adjusted, if necessary;
• spontaneous sinking cargo - failure caused by weak clamping the brake pads or their lubricating with. The surface pad washed and adjusted clamping;
• noise electromagnetic brake caused a gap between the armature and the core of the electromagnet, is eliminated by adjusting the gap;

Minor repairs and maintenance carried out directly in the operation of the winch or hoist. A serious malfunction that requires disassembling the gearbox, brake or electric is better to turn to a specialized organization.

Repair electrical device is performed by a specialist with a respective group of electrical admittance.

manufacturers of winches

At the moment, market their products represent many Western manufacturers and the CIS countries. The range of products and features some of them are presented below.

DENZEL

DENZEL- German brand of manual and electric tools. Lifting equipment of the brand represented by mechanical rope hoists with electric drive capacity up to 1t and lifting height up to 12m.

The kit includes brackets for fixing on the tube. For the horizontal movement of the carriage serves electrically driven for installation on I-beam.

Einhell

Einhell - German manufacturer of the instrument. The company manufactures rope hoists with electric nominal value of up to 1000 kg and 11,5 m cable length.

Components includes fastenings for mounting on steel beams. The control panel is protected by a silicone cover which prevents the ingress of dust and moisture.

FIT

Fit - the manufacturer of electric, pneumatic and manual tools. Lifting Equipment Brand includes:

• Hand lever winch carrying capacity up to 4m and cable to 3m;
• drum winch with manually operated lifting capacity 1t and cable 9,5m

Cable winches are available in a strengthened version - with two symmetrical pinions. For greater convenience and safety stopper pronounced closer to the lever.

JET

Jet - an international group producing machines, hand tools, lifting equipment. The range of lifting equipment includes:

• Hand rope hoists up to 10t lifting capacity and lifting height up to 12m;
• Hand lever hoists, hoisting capacity to 3 tons and lifting height up to 12m;
• telpher lifting capacity of up to 400 / 800kg and a lift height of 18 / 9m;
• lever hoists, hoisting capacity to 3 tons;
• electric winch with load capacity of 250 kg and a lifting height of up to 60m;
• Travel electric winch with a pulling force of 450 kg and the cable up to 4.5 m

The package does not include some of the winch cable, sold separately. Lever hoist has a telescopic design arm Shear pin, performing overload protection function.

The Company offers additional equipment: a carriage for electric hoists, mobile carriages, clips for fixing hoists at the I-beam.

Kraftool

Kraftool - German brand of professional hand tools and construction. The company produces hand chain hoists. The assortment includes mechanisms nominal value of 1 to 5 m and the lifting height of 5m.

Tali this company are made of high carbon steel, lifting part of the tool steel alloy. Products of this brand is distinguished by compact dimensions and low weight. Self-resetting locking mechanism ensures high reliability in operation.

Prorab

Prorab - Russian brand represents the electrical and construction tools. The company offers under its brand electric hoist to 1t, a lifting height of up to 6m and operating speed of 4m / min.

Sorokin

Sorokin - Russian manufacturer of tools, specializing in equipment for car service. The company commercially produces several types of lifting equipment, covering the entire range of load capacity.

The range includes a winch with a manual drive:

• to 1,3t drum and cable length of 15m.
• 3t up lever and a cable length of 1 m.
• 5,4t traction to the cable and a length of 20m.

Brand is also a line of hoists and hoists:

• lever hoists to 9m and height of 1.5 m;
• chain hoists up to 20t and a height of 3m;
• Mobile chain hoists up to 10t and a height of 3m (chain hoist is aligned with the carriage for installation on the I-beam);
• hoists with electric up to 5 tons and lifting height up to 15m.

In addition, the available motor winches designed:

• SUV carrying capacity up to 7,7t;
• for mounting on ATVs capacity of up to 2m;
• hydraulic electric winch to tow capacity of up to 9t.

Products from this manufacturer are made of high quality material that ensures durability and reliability of operation. The design allows to replace the regular cables or chains to the traction elements enlarged in length.

Some models use as traction member textile tape. In addition to the basic units in the line are available as optional accessories: console, blocks, straps, ropes and chains.

ZUBR

ZUBR - another Russian brand. In the segment of lifting devices range is wide enough. Is commercially available stationary hoist with manual drive to 900kg, lever hoist lifting capacity of car 2 and 4m.

Among the available mechanisms hoists with chain drive up to 5 tons and lifting height up to 12m and a lever drive up to 5 tons and lifting height up to 1.5m. Lifting devices of this brand are simple in design and reliable in operation.

The key to their longevity is the quality of the materials used - all parts are made of high carbon steel, and the chain of tool steel subjected to quenching. The gear ratio is optimally chosen to provide efficient operation with a small force on the traction chain.