Hydraulic winch control system and method
US9663335B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 27, 2014 |
| Grant date | May 30, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 27, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE03F3/06
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A hydraulic winch assembly uses a control algorithm that separates brake control from drum rotation to permit fine control of load position. Actuation of an operator interface to a first position displacement threshold will release a drum brake but will not activate a hydraulic pump for operating a hydraulic motor coupled to the drum until the operator interface is moved to a second position displacement threshold. During the operating condition when the brake is released but the pump is not operating, the force of a load applied to a cable coupled to the drum may cause the cable to slowly unwind from and rotate the drum, thereby permitting fine control of drum rotation. Additionally, when the pump is activated upon further movement of the operator interface, a speed of the motor may be modulated, such as by a gear ratio command, to permit precise control over lower drum speeds.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.