MULTI-SPEED WINCH WITH CONSTANT MESH GEARING SYSTEM

摘要

A constant mesh gearing system for a multi-speed winch which allows shifting of gear ratios for varying operating properties. The gearing system incorporates at least two different sized crank gears coaxially mounted to a crankshaft. Each of the crank gears are in constant mesh engagement with drive gears mounted to a drive shaft. The other end of the drive shaft includes a ratchet gear drivably engaging the winch drum. A ratchet pawl with a standoff link locks the ratchet gear against rotation in one direction. Upon cranking the standoff forces the pawl away from the ratchet gear for noiseless cranking of the winch. The crankshaft of the winch is longitudinally shiftable to selectively engage either of the crank gears. The shaft includes detents engageable by a spring-biased ball bearing to prevent inadvertent longitudinal movement of the crankshaft. The crankshaft also includes a drive tooth selectively engageable with the crank gears. Upon longitudinal shifting of the crankshaft, different gear ratios may be selected for operation of the winch.