Traction winches, along with hoists, are actively used in the construction, manufacturing, service, automotive and service industries. These lifting mechanisms have a similar principle of operation, differ in the method of supply and the direction of movement of the load. 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.
Working principle
The action of traction winches is based on the transformation of the rotational movement of a drum with a wound chain or cable into the translational movement of a fixed load. Varieties of these lifting devices are based on different configurations of the drive and converting gearboxes. The design of the units under consideration includes a frame or housing, a drum-type element for winding a chain (cable), a brake, a drive mechanism and a gearbox.
Manual models are focused on the movement of goods with low weight on an inclined, vertical, horizontal plane during installation and loadingunloading work. These designs are equipped with a manual drum, worm or lever drive. Advanced modifications are completed with pulley blocks, allowing you to increase traction, while reducing the travel distance. These models can be used outdoors and indoors, a ratchet mechanism is used as a safety device, which prevents spontaneous displacement of the load in the opposite direction.
Hand haul winches
There are three types of lifting mechanisms in this category:
- Lever versions are focused on the movement of objects in the production of installation, repair and other similar work in domestic and industrial conditions. Devices are compact in size, able to work without rigid fixation on the support platform. Due to their small size, these modifications can be operated in hard-to-reach areas. Many versions are equipped with a telescopic handle with locking, which makes it possible to significantly increase the pulling force. If it is required to lengthen the rope, additional slings are used.
- The most common type of manual winches include drum devices. They operate on a simple principle: the worker turns the handle, as a result, the cable is wound around the drum. An elementary instance consists of a main frame, a pair of bearings, a toothed 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 onhuman height. In this regard, such variations are suitable for use in simple areas.
- Worm gears differ from "drums" in that they have an "endless screw" drive. The advantages of these modifications include compactness and a small applied force. However, due to the large number of mating rubbing parts, they wear out and break faster.
Mounting-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. For such devices, it is not necessary to adjust the cable tension and take into account the volume of the drum. Therefore, any length of rope can be used. When working with the specified tool, you must ensure that the cable is clean.
Electrically operated versions 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 cargo vertically and horizontally. The electric traction winch is controlled by a push-button panel, and the lifting capacity of the machine is up to 15 tons.
Other electrical varieties
Electrically driven hoists designed to handle heavy loads in industrial and construction sites. These units have a weight of 0.6 tons, are fixed on a metalframe, mounted on a horizontal platform in a stationary way. The machines are designed for self-moving and lifting loads, have a significant supply of rope, and have a relatively low lifting speed of an object (up to 12 meters per minute).
Small versions
Compact electric traction winches are distinguished by their low weight (up to 40 kg), ease of transportation, ease of installation, and 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 are the low carrying capacity parameter (up to 1500 kg), low lifting speed.
Planetary Models
Traction winches of this type include a planetary gear with one driving wheel and several driven analogues, the arrangement of which resembles the placement of planets around the Sun. This transmission makes it possible to increase the power indicator with relatively small dimensions and weight.
These hoists are equipped with a remote control, reliable electromagnetic configuration brake. Household and small-sized modifications operate from a 220 V network, industrial counterparts - only from 380 V.
Traction modifications
Such winches serve as a traction device when performing loading and unloading work. They are included in a variety of construction and industri altechnology. Such mechanisms are not intended for self-lifting of objects, providing only traction, for example, for moving crane carts. They have high working speed (up to 35 m/s) and limited rope capacity.
Selection criteria
It is impossible to determine which is better - an autonomous traction winch, a stationary electric analogue or a portable version. The right choice depends on the goals, operation features, type, volume, weight of the cargo and many other factors. The load capacity parameter is selected taking into account the working conditions, while 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 also depends on the manufacturers. It is logical that products from proven, positively recommended companies are of better quality, although more expensive.
