Traction winches, along with hoists, are actively used in the construction, manufacturing, service, automotive and service sectors. These lifting mechanisms have a similar principle of operation, differ in the method of supply and the direction of movement of the cargo. For example, hoists are focused on lifting and holding an object, and winches transport cargo vertically and horizontally. Consider the features, types and principles of operation of these units.
Principle of operation
The action of the traction winches is based on the transformation of the rotational movement of the drum with a wound chain or cable into the translational movement of the fixed load. Varieties of these lifting devices are based on various configurations of the drive and gearboxes. The design of the units under consideration includes a frame or case, a drum-type element for winding a chain (cable), brake, drive mechanism and gearbox.
Manual models are focused on the movement of goods with a small weight on an inclined, vertical, horizontal plane during installation and loading and unloading operations. These designs are equipped with a hand drum, worm or lever drive. Improved modifications are completed with pulley blocks, allowing to increase traction, while reducing the distance of movement. These models can be used outdoors and indoors, as a safety device, a ratchet mechanism is used to prevent spontaneous displacement of the cargo in the opposite direction.
Manual traction winches
In this category there are three types of lifting mechanisms:
- Lever versions are focused on the movement of objects in the production of installation, repair and other similar work in domestic and industrial conditions. The devices are compact in size, able to work without rigid fixation on the supporting platform. Due to their small size, these modifications can be operated in hard-to-reach areas. Many versions are equipped with a telescope handle with fixation, which makes it possible to significantly increase traction. If you want to extend the rope, use additional slings.
- The most common type of hand winches include drum devices. They operate according to a simple principle: the worker twists the handle, as a result, the cable is wound on a drum. An elementary instance consists of a main frame, a pair of bearings, a gear drum element and a handle. These modifications make it possible to increase the pulling force of the winch by no more than two times, while the work is performed at the height of human growth. In this regard, such variations are suitable for use in simple areas.
- Worm gears differ from “drums” in that their drive is an “endless screw”. The pluses of these modifications include compactness and a small applied effort. However, due to the large number of mating rubbing parts, they wear out faster and break.
Assembly and traction winches
Such options are identical to lever counterparts, but they do not have a drum. The design of these modifications includes cams that serve to move the cable. Such devices do not need to adjust the cable tension and take into account the volume of the drum. Therefore, it is allowed to use a rope of any length. When working with the specified tool, it is necessary to ensure that the cable is clean.
Versions with electric drive can minimize the application of physical effort, unlike manual counterparts. At the same time, high productivity and speed of work are guaranteed. Most electric models are universal, they are used to move the load vertically and horizontally. Electric traction winch is controlled using a push-button remote control, the lifting capacity of the machine is up to 15 tons.
Other electrical varieties
Electric mounting hoisting mechanisms are oriented to work with large loads at industrial and construction sites. These units have a weight of 0.6 tons, are fixed on a metal frame, mounted on a horizontal platform in a stationary way. The machines are designed for independent movement and lifting of goods, have a significant stock of rope, have a relatively low speed of lifting the object (up to 12 meters per minute).
Small version
Compact electric traction winches have a small weight (up to 40 kg), ease of transportation, ease of installation, operate from a 220 V network. The advantages of these mechanisms also include convenient remote control, the ability to install on a movable carriage or a static beam. Among the minuses - a low load capacity parameter (up to 1500 kg), a small lifting speed.
Planetary models
Traction winches of this type include a planetary gearbox with one drive wheel and several driven analogs, the arrangement of which resembles the placement of planets around the sun. This transmission makes it possible to increase the power indicator with a relatively small size and weight.
These hoisting mechanisms are equipped with a remote control, a reliable brake of an electromagnetic configuration. Household and small-sized modifications operate from a network voltage of "220 V", industrial analogues - only from "380 V".
Traction modifications
Such winches serve as a traction device when performing work of the loading and unloading type. They are included in a variety of construction and industrial equipment. Such mechanisms are not intended for independent lifting of objects, providing exclusively traction, for example, for moving crane carts. They have a high working speed (up to 35 m / s) and a limited supply of rope.
Criterias of choice
It is impossible to determine which is better - an autonomous traction winch, a stationary electric analog or a portable version. The right choice depends on the goals, the features of operation, type, volume, weight of the cargo and many other factors. The load capacity parameter is selected taking into account the working conditions, the load should not exceed 80-85 percent of the nominal value. This will correspond to the optimal ratio of these factors.
If the mechanism is operated frequently and actively, it is better to choose a modification with an electric drive. The durability and reliability of the device depends on the manufacturers. It is logical that products from proven, positively recommended companies are better, albeit more expensive.