Tyre changing machine

A method for removing a tyre from a respective rim of a vehicle wheel by means of an operating arm including a removal tool which is pivoted to a head movably supported by a supporting structure for supporting the operating arm, and which is articulated to a driving member at an operating point, the method being characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

• advancing the driving member from a retracted position to an advanced position along a longitudinal orientation by means of an actuator connected between the driving member and the supporting structure;
• displacing the operating point of the removal tool as a result of advancing the driving member;
• by effect of advancing the driving member, driving a coupling member which is kinematically coupled to the driving member and to the head;
• displacing the head along the longitudinal orientation as a result of the driving action applied to the head by coupling member.

An operating arm for a tyre changing machine configured to remove a tyre from a respective rim of a vehicle wheel, the operating arm including:

• a supporting structure;
• a head movable along a longitudinal axis relative to the supporting structure;
• a removal tool pivoted to the head to rotate relative thereto about an axis of oscillation transverse to the longitudinal axis;
• a driving member movable along an operating axis parallel to the longitudinal axis relative to the supporting structure and to the head, and articulated to the removal tool at an operating point which is spaced from the axis of oscillation;
• an actuator comprising a stationary member, connected to the supporting structure, and a movable member, adapted to drive the removal tool in rotation and in translation;
• a coupling member coupled to the supporting structure, to the head and to the driving member,
• characterized in that the movable member of the actuator is connected to the driving member to directly drive it along the operating axis.