Tire changing machine with automated tire bead pressing devices, controls and methods
AssigneeHunter Engineering Company
InventorsMicah N. Vaninger, Michael D. Gerdes
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Tire changing machines with automated positioning and control of bead pressing devices are described to maintain a tire bead in a desired location on the wheel rim during tire mount and de-mount procedures utilizing a tire bead locating tool. Sequenced motion of the bead pressing devices are also described that ensure optimal tire change operations. Methodology is also disclosed.
Claims29
A machine for changing a tire on a wheel rim, the machine comprising:
- a base;
- a drive assembly coupled to the base and defining a drive axis;
- a clamping mechanism configured to retain the wheel rim to the drive assembly;
- and
- a plurality of bead pressing devices engageable to a tire associated with the wheel rim, the plurality of bead pressing devices mounted for rotation about a first rotational axis, the first rotational axis being coincident with the drive axis as the wheel rim is rotated thereabout in a tire changing procedure.
A method of changing a tire associated with a wheel rim, the method utilizing a machine having a drive assembly defining a drive axis, a clamping mechanism for engaging the wheel rim, and a plurality of bead pressing devices engageable with the tire, the method comprising:
- positioning the plurality of bead pressing devices in contact with the tire;
- rotating the wheel rim about the drive axis;
- maintaining a first one of the plurality of bead pressing devices at a fixed location relative to the drive axis while allowing a second one of the plurality of bead pressing devices to rotate with the tire about the drive axis;
- and
- releasing the first one of the bead pressing devices to rotate with the tire about the drive axis when a predetermined angular amount of rotation of the wheel rim about the drive axis has occurred.
A machine for changing a tire on a wheel rim, the machine comprising:
- a base;
- a drive shaft assembly coupled to the base and defining a drive axis;
- a clamping mechanism configured to retain the wheel rim to the drive assembly;
- at least one bead pressing device structurally supported relative to the drive axis and engageable to a tire associated with the wheel rim;
- a controller;
- and
- an input element communicating with the controller, the controller configured to automatically position the at least one bead pressing device in at least one direction in response to the input element.
A machine for changing a tire on a wheel rim, the machine comprising:
- a base;
- a drive assembly coupled to the base and defining a drive axis;
- a clamping mechanism configured to retain the wheel rim to the drive assembly;
- at least one bead pressing device structurally engageable to a tire associated with the wheel rim;
- and
- a traction point drive mechanism associated with the at least one bead pressing device.
A method of changing a tire associated with a wheel rim, the method utilizing a machine having a drive assembly defining a drive axis, a clamping mechanism for engaging the wheel rim, at least one bead pressing device engageable with the tire and a traction point drive mechanism, the method comprising:
- positioning the at least one bead pressing device in contact with the tire;
- with the traction point drive mechanism generating a rotational force, to establish a traction point;
- and
- rotating the wheel rim about the drive axis.
A machine for changing a tire on a wheel rim, the machine comprising:
- a base;
- a drive shaft assembly coupled to the base and defining a drive axis;
- a clamping mechanism configured to retain the wheel rim to the drive assembly;
- at least one bead pressing device engageable to a tire associated with the wheel rim, the at least one bead pressing device mounted for rotation about a first rotational axis;
- a traction point drive mechanism coupled to the at least one bead pressing device;
- a controller;
- and
- an input element communicating with the controller, the controller configured to automatically position the at least one bead pressing device in at least one direction in response to the input element, and the controller configured to activate the traction point drive mechanism to establish a traction point between the tire and the wheel rim after the at least one bead pressing device is positioned.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.