U.S. patent application number 11/957068 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-03 for tire and wheel mounting system and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Android Industries LLC. Invention is credited to Richard E. Hamilton, Lawrence J. Lawson, Robert Reece, Richard J. Standen.
Application Number | 20080156447 11/957068 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39233127 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080156447 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lawson; Lawrence J. ; et
al. |
July 3, 2008 |
Tire and Wheel Mounting System and Method
Abstract
A system for providing at least a partially mounted tire and
wheel assembly is disclosed. The system includes the steps of using
a prime mover to bring a tire and wheel together and using the
primer mover to work on at least one of the tire or the wheel to
mount the tire and the wheel together, wherein the work performed
by the prime mover is the only positive work introduced into the
tire/wheel system.
Inventors: |
Lawson; Lawrence J.; (Troy,
MI) ; Reece; Robert; (Clarkston, MI) ;
Standen; Richard J.; (Grosse Ile, MI) ; Hamilton;
Richard E.; (Flint, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HONIGMAN MILLER SCHWARTZ & COHN LLP
38500 WOODWARD AVENUE, SUITE 100
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48304-5048
US
|
Assignee: |
Android Industries LLC
Auburn Hills
MI
|
Family ID: |
39233127 |
Appl. No.: |
11/957068 |
Filed: |
December 14, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60882377 |
Dec 28, 2006 |
|
|
|
60984853 |
Nov 2, 2007 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
157/1.24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60C 25/132 20130101;
B60C 25/0515 20130101; Y10T 29/49494 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
157/1.24 |
International
Class: |
B60C 25/132 20060101
B60C025/132 |
Claims
1. A method of at least partially mounting a tire and a wheel
together, comprising the steps of: using a prime move to engage one
of a tire or a wheel and to carry the engaged tire or wheel
proximate to the other to define a tire/wheel system; using said
prime mover to bring a portion of the wheel and a bead portion of
the tire in contact with one another; using said prime mover to
exert work directly on at least one of the wheel and the tire to
render the bead portion of the tire at least partially mounted to
the wheel, wherein the work exerted by the prime mover is the only
positive work introduced into the tire/wheel system.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the prime mover performs work
directly on said wheel, and indirectly on said tire through said
wheel.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein said work rendered by said prime
mover includes revolvingly manipulating the prime mover.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein said prime mover performs work
directly on said wheel, and indirectly on said tire through said
wheel by precessionally moving the wheel against the tire.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein said work rendered by said prime
mover further includes moving said prime mover at least in one of a
precessional, linear, plunging, rotational pendulum, or sinusoidal
motion.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein said prime mover movement
includes combining two or more precessional, linear, plunging,
rotational, pendulum, or sinusoidal motions.
7. A method for providing at least a partially mounted tire and
wheel assembly, comprising the steps of: a) bringing together a
portion of a wheel and tire wherein the wheel defines a wheel axis
of rotation and wherein the tire defines a tire axis of rotation,
and b) revolvingly manipulating one of the tire and the wheel to
provide at least a partially mounted tire and wheel assembly.
8. The method of claim 7, further including the step of: c) moving
at least one of the tire and the wheel linearly along a plunging
axis.
9. The method according to claim 7, wherein step a) includes
bringing together a portion of a wheel and a portion of a tire
using: a pendulum motion, and disposing the portion of the wheel
adjacent a first bead of the tire, wherein the portion of the wheel
is a drop center portion.
10. The method according to claim 7, further comprising the steps
of: c) arranging a plurality of rollers adjacent an axial end
surface of the tire; d) displacing at least one of the rollers
toward the axial end surface of the tire to urge a second bead of
the tire toward the wheel; e) rotating the wheel relative to the
tire.
11. A method for providing at least a partially mounted tire and
wheel assembly, comprising the steps of: orienting a tire and a
wheel relative to one another, wherein the tire includes a bead and
an axis, and wherein the wheel includes a circumference;
revolvingly manipulating at least one of the tire and the wheel;
and urging at least one of the tire and the wheel against the
other.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein said orienting step includes
positioning at least one of said tire and wheel so that an angle of
approach which is equal to zero degrees is established.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein said orienting step includes
positioning at least one of said tire and wheel such that an angle
of approach .theta., that is not equal to zero degrees is
established.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein said urging step includes
moving at least one of the tire and wheel along a plunging
axis.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the plunging axis is generally
coincident with the tire axis of rotation.
16. The system of claim 11, wherein the wheel is rotated relative
to the tire.
17. The system of claim 11, wherein the wheel has an axis of
rotation and the tire has an axis of rotation, wherein the
orienting step further includes the step of orienting the wheel's
axis of rotation non-parallel to the tire's axis of rotation.
18. The system of claim 11, further including the step of: pinching
the sidewalls of the tire toward one another.
19. A device for mounting a tire to a wheel, comprising: a master
actuator adapted to be coupled to at least one of a tire or a wheel
for: i) engaging the at least one of a tire or a wheel; and ii)
while engaged to said at least one of a tire or a wheel,
transporting said at least one of a tire or a wheel in proximity to
the other, and iii) while engaged to said at least one of a tire or
a wheel, revolvingly manipulating the at least one of the tire or
wheel to at least partially mount the tire and the wheel
together.
20. The device of claim 19, further including: a compression
mechanism for compressingly engaging a sidewall portion of the
wheel.
21. The device of claim 19, wherein the master actuator includes a
pivot joint coupled to a rotary actuator for allowing the at least
one of the tire and the wheel to pivot.
22. The device of claim 20, wherein the compression mechanism
includes at least one pair of pinching fingers for compressingly
engaging opposing side walls of the tire.
23. The device of claim 19, wherein said circular manipulating of
said actuator includes at least one of means for manipulating
rotatingly and means for manipulating precessionally.
24. The device of claim 19, further including a plurality of
rollers adapted to engage said tire.
25. The device of claim 21, wherein at lest one of said rollers in
said plurality of rollers is coupled to a repositional roller which
may be manipulated toward or away from the tire.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/882,377 filed on Dec. 28, 2006 and Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/984,853 filed on Nov. 2, 2007.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The disclosure relates to tire and wheel assemblies and to a
system and method for mounting tires and wheels together.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Partially automated equipment for mounting vehicle tires to
vehicle wheels is well known. Some of this equipment is designed to
be used, for example, in an automobile repair shop setting where,
for example, low volume tire-wheel mounting tasks are common.
[0004] Fully automated equipment for mounting vehicle tires to
vehicle wheels is also well known. Fully automated systems
typically employ delivery systems wherein tires and wheels are
continually fed to an apparatus that mounts vehicle wheels to
vehicle tires. Equipment which is fully automated can easily mount
hundreds of tires to wheels in an eight hour work shift.
[0005] Although fully automated tire mounting equipment is known,
it lacks compactness and it often includes a significant financial
investment because of the sophisticated controls, actuators,
mechanisms, sensors, and the like that have been traditionally used
for manipulating the tires and wheels into position, mounting the
tires onto the wheels, and moving the tire/wheel assembly away from
the mounting machine. The most common automated approach to
mounting vehicle tires to vehicle wheels includes (1) fixing the
vehicle wheels in a stationary position, (2) partially manipulating
the vehicle tire over at least an edge portion of the vehicle
wheel, and (3) using an installation tool to urge a remaining
portion of the tire bead over an edge portion of the wheel. This
urging step has traditionally been carried out by downwardly urging
the tire bead over the wheel bead seat by way of an installation
tool (e.g. a roller wheel) or the like.
[0006] Although the above methods for mounting a vehicle tire to a
vehicle wheel are effective, these methods are expensive to
implement and require significant factory floor space. The present
invention overcomes drawbacks associated with the prior art by
setting forth a simple method for mounting a vehicle tire to a
vehicle wheel such that only minimal equipment and minimal space is
necessary.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The disclosure will now be described, by way of example,
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0008] FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate a series of steps for mounting a
vehicle tire and a vehicle wheel in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention;
[0009] FIGS. 1D-1J depict various exemplary embodiments of
revolving and non-revolving movement patterns contemplated by the
present invention;
[0010] FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate a series of steps for mounting a
vehicle tire and a vehicle wheel in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention;
[0011] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the series of steps for
mounting a vehicle tire and a vehicle wheel according to FIGS.
2A-2D;
[0012] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate a series of steps for mounting a
vehicle tire and a vehicle wheel in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention;
[0013] FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate a top view of the series of steps for
mounting a vehicle tire and a vehicle wheel according to FIGS.
4A-4D respectively;
[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates an environmental view of a system for
mounting a vehicle tire and a vehicle wheel in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0015] FIGS. 7A-7E illustrate a series of steps for mounting a
vehicle tire and a vehicle wheel according to the system shown in
FIG. 6;
[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates an environmental view of the system of
FIGS. 6-7D that mounted a vehicle tire and a vehicle wheel;
[0017] FIG. 9A is yet another embodiment of the system of the
present invention showing a vehicle tire in a non-pinched
orientation.
[0018] FIG. 9B is the system of FIG. 9A showing a tire bead in a
pinched position.
[0019] FIG. 9C is the system of FIG. 9A showing the tire bead
maintained in a pinched position wherein a vehicle wheel is rotated
about a first axis and urged along a second axis into the pinched
bead seat area of a vehicle tire.
[0020] FIG. 9D is the system of FIG. 9A wherein a first bead of a
tire wheel has passed completely through an opening formed by the
pinched portion of a tire bead.
[0021] FIG. 10A is a still a further embodiment of the present
invention wherein a vehicle wheel is rotated about a first axis
while being urged along a second axis.
[0022] FIG. 10B is the system of FIG. 10A wherein the bead seating
portion of the wheel is partially passed through an opening formed
by a first bead of the tire.
[0023] FIG. 10C is the system of FIG. 10A wherein a first bead seat
portion of the wheel is completely passed through an opening formed
by the first bead of the tire.
[0024] FIG. 10D is the system of FIG. 10A wherein the first bead
seat of the wheel is completely passed through a second opening
formed by a second bead of the tire.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] The Figures illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a system
and method for mounting a tire to a wheel in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention. Based on the foregoing, it is to be
generally understood that the nomenclature used herein is simply
for convenience and the terms used to describe the invention should
be given the broadest meaning by one of ordinary skill in the art.
For example, the phrase "mounting a tire to a wheel" is used
throughout this disclosure and it is synonymous with "mounting a
wheel to a tire." Also the phrase "tire axis of rotation" or "wheel
axis of rotation" is understood to mean the imaginary axis around
which a tire or wheel rotates when it is functioning in a vehicle.
Also, the term "revolvingly manipulating" a tire or a wheel, is
used throughout the disclosure. This term is to be broadly
construed as covering at least the movement patterns contemplated
in FIGS. 1D through 1J. Specifically, FIG. 1D depicts a simple
rotation of a wheel W, or a tire T about its respectively
associated wheel axis WA, tire axis TA. FIG. 1E depicts a rotation
of a wheel W, or a tire T about an axis OA-OA wherein the wheel
axis WA or tire axis TA is spaced a distance R from the axis OA-OA.
FIG. 1F depicts the combined rotations shown in FIGS. 1D and 1E in
that the wheel W, or tire T rotates about its own respective axis
WA, TA as well as about a second axis OA-OA wherein the wheel axis
WA or tire axis TA is spaced from axis OA-OA by a distance R. In
FIG. 1G, the rotational path of wheel W, or tire T is similar to
that shown in conjunction with FIG. 1D except that the wheel axis
WA or tire axis TA is pitched at an angle .theta. from the axis
OA-OA (WA, TA is generally parallel to OA-OA in FIG. 1D through
FIG. 1F). FIG. 1H shows the rotation of the wheel W, or tire T
about offset axis OA-OA without rotation about its own respective
axis WA, TA. FIG. 1I depicts the compound motion of the wheel W or
the tire T about its own respective axis WA, TA as well as offset
axis OA-OA. FIG. 1J depicts a helical rotational path traced out by
wheel W or tire T wherein the wheel W or tire T is rotated in any
manner shown in FIGS. 1D-1H in addition to being translated in a
direction parallel to offset axis OA-OA. As is readily apparent
from the depiction of FIG. 1A, the path traced out by wheel W, or
tire T, in the embodiment of FIG. 1J is a path generally defined as
a helix.
[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1A-3, a system for mounting a tire, T,
and a wheel, W, is shown generally at 10 according to an
embodiment. Although the system 10 is explained primarily from the
vantage point of constraining the tire (i.e. impeding its movement
relative to the wheel) and manipulating the wheel to mount the
wheel to the tire, it is to be understood that system 10 may also
be used by constraining the movement of the wheel (relative to the
tire) and manipulating the tire to mount the tire to the wheel. In
either mounting procedure, the system 10 yields a fully or
partially mounted tire-wheel assembly, TW (see, e.g., FIGS. 1C, 3,
4D, 6, 8).
[0027] It is important to note that the present invention
eliminates the need of traditional installation tools (sometimes
referred to as removing tools, fitting tools, pressure roller
wheels, tool packs, press-in rollers, bead deflectors, or the like)
used in mounting a tire to a wheel. Because the present invention
eliminates traditional installation tools, it is accurate to
characterize the present invention as a "tool-less" mounting
system. In an embodiment, the present invention could also be
understood as a mounting system wherein the wheel and the tire are
manipulated in a way such that at least one of them performs work
directly on the other (without the use of an intermediate tool). In
this sense the "work performer" functions as the installation tool
(or at least as part of the installation tool). In an embodiment,
one of the tire or the wheel is driven by a prime mover (e.g. an
electric motor), while the other remains passive. If the tire and
wheel are considered a system (in the physics sense of the word),
no other prime mover is used to introduce energy into the
tire/wheel system. This approach is vastly different from
traditional methods all of which include the use of intermediate
installation tools (powered by a prime mover) to mount the tire to
the wheel.
[0028] In an embodiment, a "partial" mounting of a tire, T, and a
wheel, W, may include one of the beads, B1, B2, of the tire, T,
being partially or fully disposed about the circumference, W.sub.C,
of the wheel, W (see, e.g., FIGS. 1C and 3). In an embodiment, a
"full" mounting of a tire, T, and a wheel, W, may include one of
the beads, B1, B2, of the tire, T, being fully disposed about the
circumference, W.sub.C, of the wheel, W (see, e.g. FIGS. 4D and 6).
In an embodiment, a "full" mounting of a tire, T, and a wheel, W,
may also include both of the beads B1, B2, of the tire, T, being
fully disposed about the circumference, W.sub.C, of the wheel, W
(see, e.g., FIG. 8). Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the
mounting of a tire, T, and a wheel, W, may include the partial or
full locating of one or more beads, B1, B2 about the circumference,
W.sub.C, of the tire, T, (to create a tire/wheel assembly) and that
the tire, T, and wheel, W, assembly may be passed along for
additional processing in a subsequent station (not shown) that may
include, for example, the match-marking, inflating, bead seating,
uniformity testing, and balancing of the mounted tire-wheel
assembly, TW.
[0029] Referring initially to FIG. 1A, the system 10 may include a
master actuator adapted to be coupled to at least one or a tire or
a wheel. The master actuator may include actuator 25, a wheel
support arm assembly 12 including a rotating actuator 14, which is
coupled between a base 16 and a spindle 18. The spindle 18 is
coupled to the wheel W, for example, to the central hub portion of
the wheel, W. It is contemplated that actuation tasks accomplished
by master actuator 25 may be accomplished by a general purpose
robot and for convenience, reference numeral 25 references a block
which is labeled "robot." However, it is to be understood that
although a robot can be used to accomplish the actuation motion (or
motions) herein disclosed in association with the present
invention, it is also understood that very simple machines can also
be used to accomplish the movement taught herein. In some cases
these may be automated but in other cases it may also be simply
manually manipulated. Thus, nothing in this disclosure is to be
construed in any way which limits its applicability to robotic base
systems.
[0030] As illustrated, the tire, T, includes a first bead, B1, and
a second bead, B2. An axis, A.sub.T-A.sub.T, extends through a
center or rotational axis of the tire, T. The axis,
A.sub.T-A.sub.T, is hereinafter referred to as a tire axis and it
corresponds to the actual rotational axis of the tire when the tire
is used on a vehicle.
[0031] As illustrated, the wheel, W, includes a first bead seat,
S1, that is adapted to receive and seat the first bead, B1, and a
second bead seat, S2, that is adapted to receive and seat the
second bead, B2. It will be appreciated that the entire
circumference, W.sub.C, of the wheel, W, defines the first and
second bead seats, S1, S2.
[0032] An axis, A.sub.W-A.sub.W, may extend through a center point
or axis of rotation of the wheel, W. The axis, A.sub.W-A.sub.W, is
hereinafter referred to as a wheel axis. A.sub.W-A.sub.W
corresponds to the actual rotational axis of the wheel when the
wheel is mounted to a vehicle axle.
[0033] The base 16 may be coupled to an actuator, which is shown
generally at 25, that is capable of moving the entire wheel support
arm assembly 12, and, accordingly, the wheel, W, in
three-dimensional space. As illustrated, the wheel axis,
A.sub.W-A.sub.W, extends through the wheel support arm assembly 12,
and accordingly, movement of the wheel support arm assembly 12 by
way of the actuator 25 also results in the movement of the wheel
axis, A.sub.W-A.sub.W.
[0034] In an embodiment, the actuator 25 is capable of moving the
wheel support arm assembly 12, to accomplish any combination of
motions M such as a generally linear motion, (see, e.g., FIGS.
1A-1C), a precessional motion, P1-P4 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1G-1I,
2A-3), or, in an embodiment, in a plunging motion, P (see, e.g.
FIGS. 4A-5D), or, in an embodiment, a non-precessional, rotational
motion (see, e.g., FIGS. 7A-7E), in a pendulum motion, in a
sinusoidal motion, or any combination thereof. The actuator 25 may
be an automated device (such as a robot) that is governed by a
processor (not shown), or, alternatively, a manually-operated
device that is overseen and physically operated by a person (not
shown).
[0035] In an embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1A-1C, in a first step,
the support arm assembly 12 is swung, dropped or otherwise moved
generally according to the direction of the arrow, M. Motion M may
be any motion, or combination of motions (including a linear, a
sinusoidal, or a pendulum). As seen in FIG. 1A, the assembly 12
moves the wheel, W, proximate the tire, T. Then, in FIG. 1B, the
assembly 12 moves a drop center portion, DC, of the wheel, W,
proximate the first bead, B1, of the tire, T. Referring to FIGS.
1C/2A, the assembly 12 moves the drop center portion, DC, of the
wheel, W, adjacent the first bead, B1, of the tire, T, such that a
portion of the first bead, B1, of the tire, T, is pressed firmly
against a portion of the drop center of the wheel, W.
[0036] As seen in FIGS. 2A, prior to the actuator 25 causing
further movement of the assembly 12 and wheel, W, the actuator 25
locates the wheel, W, relative the tire, T, such that the wheel
axis, A.sub.W-A.sub.W, is canted .theta. (i.e. not parallel to the
tire axis, A.sub.T-A.sub.T). In an embodiment, the actuator 25 may
then move the wheel support arm assembly 12 and, accordingly, the
wheel, W, as well as the wheel axis, A.sub.W-A.sub.W, relative the
tire, T, and the tire axis, A.sub.T-A.sub.T, sweeping out a
precessional motion according to the direction of the arrows P1-P4
(FIGS. 2A-3, and 1G). In general, the precessional movement, P1-P4,
is defined by canting the wheel axis relative to the tire axis, and
then rotating the wheel axis, A.sub.W-A.sub.W, about the tire axis,
A.sub.T-A.sub.T, such that the movement of the wheel axis,
A.sub.W-A.sub.W, about the tire axis, A.sub.T-A.sub.T, sweeps out
an area that generally defines a surface of a cone. During the
precessional movement of W, it may be advantageous with some tire
T/wheel W combinations to also rotate wheel W about its own
A.sub.W-A.sub.W axis FIG. 1H using rotating actuator 14.
[0037] Referring first to FIG. 2A, the actuator 25 may cause the
wheel support arm assembly 12 to precessionally locate the wheel,
W, relative the tire, T, for example, at the "9 o'clock position"
(see, e.g., FIG. 3) for precessional movement of the wheel, W,
relative the tire, T, to the "12 o'clock position" (see, e.g., FIG.
3) according to the clockwise direction of the arrow, P1. Then, as
seen in FIG. 2B, the actuator 25 may cause the wheel support arm
assembly 12 to precessionally locate the wheel, W, relative the
tire, T, for example, at the "12 o'clock position" for precessional
movement of the wheel, W, relative the tire, T, to the "3 o'clock
position" according to the clockwise direction of the arrow, P2.
Then, as seen in FIG. 2C, the actuator 25 may cause the wheel
support arm assembly 12 to precessionally locate the wheel, W,
relative the tire, T, for example, at the "3 o'clock position" for
precessional movement of the wheel, W, relative the tire, T, to the
"6 o'clock position" according to the clockwise direction of the
arrow, P3. Then, as seen in FIG. 2D, the actuator 25 may cause the
wheel support arm assembly 12 to precessionally locate the wheel,
W, relative the tire, T, for example, at the "6 o'clock position"
for precessional movement of the wheel, W, relative the tire, T, to
the "9 o'clock position" according to the clockwise direction of
the arrow, P4.
[0038] Although the movement of the wheel support arm assembly 12
and wheel, W, is described in discreet steps in FIGS. 2A-2D, it
will be appreciated that the precessional movement, P1-P4, may be
continuous and fluid. In addition, it will be appreciated that the
precessional movement, P1-P4, is not limited to a clockwise
movement and that the precessional movement, P1-P4, may
alternatively be conducted in the counter-clockwise direction. In
addition, above references to a particular "o'clock" position of
the wheel, W, and/or wheel support aim assembly 12 is made simply
for convenience when correlating FIGS. 2A-2D to what is shown in
FIG. 3 and that the disclosure is not limited to a particular
"o'clock" reference point, starting position or ending position
when mounting the tire, T, and wheel, W.
[0039] During the precessional movement, P1-P4, as shown and
described in FIGS. 2A-3, at least one of the beads, B1, B2, of the
tire, T, is drawn over and at least partially located about the
circumference, W.sub.C, of the wheel, W. In an embodiment, the
first bead, B1, may be drawn over and at least partially located
proximate the first bead seat, S1. Once the bead, B1, is drawn
proximate the bead seat, S1, the wheel axis, A.sub.W-A.sub.W, and
the tire axis, A.sub.T-A.sub.T, may be substantially co-axial.
Thus, the precessional movement, P1-P4, may result in the
subsequent partial or full mounting of the tire, T, and the wheel,
W. Once the tire, T, is mounted to the wheel, W, the assembled,
substantially co-axial tire, T, and wheel, W, may be moved to
another station (not shown) for match-marking, inflating,
balancing, or any other subsequent operation.
[0040] During the above tire/wheel mounting operation, it will be
appreciated that the tire, T, may, if desired, be retained by one
of its axial end surfaces, T.sub.A, or its outer circumference,
T.sub.C, while the wheel, W, is precessionally moved relative the
tire, T, as described above. However, it will be appreciated that
there is nothing to prevent the opposite technique from effectively
working, namely holding the wheel, W, constant as, the tire, T, is
precessionally moved about the wheel, W.
[0041] Referring now to FIGS. 4A-5D, a system for mounting a tire,
T, and a wheel, W, is shown generally at 100 according to an
embodiment. The system 100 is substantially similar to the system
10 in that the system 100 incorporates a precessional movement,
P1-P4, of the wheel, W, by way of an actuator 25 and wheel support
arm assembly 12; however, the system 100 simultaneously compounds
the precessional movement, P1-P4, of the wheel, W, via the movement
of the support arm assembly 12 with an axial plunging movement of
the support arm assembly 12 along an axis, which is shown generally
at, A.sub.P-A.sub.P. The axis, A.sub.P-A.sub.P, is hereinafter
referred to as a plunging axis.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 4A, the wheel support arm assembly 12 may
be positioned substantially similarly as shown and described in
FIGS. 1C/2A. An axial end surface, T.sub.A, of the tire, T, may be
retained by and is positioned against an axial support surface,
S.
[0043] As shown in FIGS. 4A-5C, the wheel support arm assembly 12
and wheel, W, may be moved in a simultaneous, compounded motion
according to precessional movement as illustrated by arrows, P1-P4,
in conjunction with an axial plunging movement according to the
direction of arrow, P, along the plunging axis, A.sub.P-A.sub.P.
Although a compounded movement according to the direction of arrows
P1-P4 and P are described above, it will be appreciated that the
invention is not limited to a compounded movement of the assembly
12 and wheel, W; for example, it will be appreciated that as the
wheel, W, is moved in a precessional motion, P1-P4, the tire, T,
may be moved axially toward the wheel, W, such that axial movement
between the wheel, W, and the tire, T, is accomplished by moving
the tire, T, toward the wheel, W. Thus, it will be appreciated that
the wheel, W, may be precessionally moved as the tire, T, is
axially moved toward the wheel, W. The present invention also
contemplates that during the precessional movement of wheel W, it
may be advantageous with some tire T, wheel W, combinations to also
rotate wheel W about its own A.sub.W-A.sub.W axis (using rotational
actuator 14)
[0044] As seen in each subsequent Figure in FIGS. 4A-4D, as the
tire, T, is mounted on to the wheel, W, by way of the compounded
motion, P1-P4 and P of the wheel, W, the angular spacing of the
wheel axis, A.sub.W-A.sub.W, and the tire axis, A.sub.T-A.sub.T,
according to angle, .theta., may be reduced to approximately zero
such that the wheel axis, A.sub.W-A.sub.W, and the tire axis,
A.sub.T-A.sub.T, converge upon one another and become substantially
co-axial.
[0045] As seen in FIGS. 4D and 5D, the tire, T, may be at least
partially mounted to the wheel, W, such that the first bead, B1, is
located about the circumference, W.sub.C, of the wheel, W.
Referring to FIG. 6, the wheel support assembly 12 may move the
partially-mounted tire, T, relative the wheel, W, to a finishing
station, which is shown generally at 150. Finishing station 150 is
effective for mounting second bead B2 about the circumference,
W.sub.C, of the wheel, W.
[0046] In an embodiment, the finishing station 150 generally
includes a plurality of grounded rollers, which are shown generally
at 152a-152c, and one or more repositional rollers. Repositional
roller can be a pivoting "see-saw" roller assembly which is shown
generally at 154. The see-saw roller 154 is in communication with
an actuator 156 to permit a pivoting up/down "see-saw" movement of
the see-saw roller 154. In an embodiment, the grounded rollers
152a-152c and the see-saw roller 154 are disposed about a
circumference, W.sub.C, of an axial end, T.sub.A, of the tire, T.
In an embodiment rollers 152a-152c and 156 are free to rotate about
their own respective axis of rotation but they are passive (i.e.
they are not driven by a prime mover and consequently, they are not
capable of doing any positive work on tire T).
[0047] In an embodiment, the grounded roller 152a is
circumferentially positioned substantially opposite that of the
see-saw roller 154. Although only three grounded rollers 152a-152c
are shown, it will be appreciated that any desirable number of
grounded rollers 152a-152c may be included in the design of the
finishing station 150. The rotational axis of the rollers 152, 154
may be directed along a radial path extending perpendicular to axis
A.sub.T, A.sub.W, A.sub.P.
[0048] In operation, referring to FIG. 7A, the wheel support
assembly 12 moves the partially-mounted tire, T, and wheel, W,
toward the finishing station 150 according to the direction of the
arrow, Z, such that the axial end, T.sub.A, of the tire, T,
contacts the grounded rollers 152a-152c and see-saw roller 154.
Then, the actuator 156 moves the see-saw roller 154 from a down
position, D, to an up position, U, so as to urge at least a portion
of the axial end, T.sub.A, of the tire, T, in a direction away from
the grounded rollers 152a-152c.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 7B, at least one of the wheel support
assembly 12 or the rotating actuator 14 rotates the partially
mounted tire, T, and wheel, W, about an axis, A.sub.R-A.sub.R,
which is substantially co-axial to the axes, A.sub.T-A.sub.T,
A.sub.W-A.sub.W. The axis, A.sub.R-A.sub.R, is hereinafter referred
to as a finishing station rotation axis. Because the axial end,
T.sub.A, of the tire, T, is brought in contact with the grounded
rollers 152a-152c and see-saw roller 154, the rotational movement
of the wheel support assembly 12 is translated from the wheel, W,
and tire, T, to the grounded rollers 152a-152c and see-saw roller
154.
[0050] As the partially mounted tire, T, and wheel, W, begin to
rotate about the finishing station rotation axis, A.sub.R-A.sub.R,
the up positioning, U, of the see-saw roller 154 urges the second
bead, B2, to begin to be partially disposed about the
circumference, W.sub.C, of the wheel, W, proximate the see-saw
roller 154 (see, e.g., FIG. 7B). At this position, it may be said
that the second bead, B2, is approximately 5% disposed about the
circumference, W.sub.C, of the wheel, W.
[0051] Then, as seen in FIG. 7C, upon further rotational movement
of wheel, W the second bead, B2, begins to "thread" itself onto the
wheel (much like a nut is rotated when it is joined to a threaded
shaft) further partially disposing it about the circumference,
W.sub.C, of the wheel, W, proximate the grounded roller 152c, which
is closest to the see-saw roller 154. If desired, the actuator 156
may increase the up positioning, U, of the see-saw roller 154 so as
to further urge the second bead, B2, about the circumference,
W.sub.C, of the wheel, W. At this position, it may be said that the
second bead, B2, is approximately 10% disposed about the
circumference, W.sub.C, of the wheel, W.
[0052] Then, as seen in FIG. 7D, upon further rotational movement
of wheel, W, the second bead, B2, is yet further partially disposed
about the circumference, W.sub.C, of the wheel, W, proximate the
grounded roller 152b, which is further away from the see-saw roller
154 than that of the grounded roller 152c, but closer to the
see-saw roller 154 than that of the grounded roller 152a. If
desired, the actuator 156 may further increase the up positioning,
U, of the see-saw roller 154 so as to further urge the second bead,
B2, about the circumference, W.sub.C, of the wheel, W. As this
position, it may be said that the second bead, B2, is approximately
15% disposed about the circumference, W.sub.C, of the wheel, W.
[0053] Then, as seen in FIG. 7E, the second bead, B2, may suddenly
become fully disposed about the circumference, W.sub.C, of the
wheel, W, such that the second bead, B2, is disposed about the
circumference, W.sub.C, of the wheel, W, proximate the grounded
roller 152a that is farthest away from the see-saw roller 154.
Because the partially disposed second bead, B2, becomes
exponentially disposed about the wheel, W (i.e., percentage of the
second bead, B2, being disposed about the circumference, W.sub.C,
of the wheel, W, rises from 15% to 100%), a snap or pop may be
heard such that an operator knows that the second bead, B2, has
fully transitioned across the outer periphery of wheel W and is
disposed about the circumference, W.sub.C, of the wheel, W.
Referring to FIG. 8, the wheel support assembly 12 is then moved
according to the direction of the arrow, Z', opposite that of the
arrow, Z, to move the mounted tire-wheel assembly, TW, away from
the finishing station 150 for further processing at one or more
subsequent match-marking/inflating/bead seating/balancing
station(s).
[0054] Now referring to FIG. 9A, in yet a further embodiment wheel
916 is fixed to wheel support arm assembly 910. Wheel support arm
assembly 910 may include rotating actuator 914 (such as a motor or
the like) which is coupled between base 912 and spindle 915.
Optionally, pivot joint 919 may be interposed between base 912 and
rotating actuator 914. Spindle 915 is coupled to the central hub
portion of wheel 916 in a manner which is well known to those
skilled in the art. Base 912 may be coupled to a linear actuator
911 such that linear actuator is capable of moving the entire wheel
support arm assembly 910 parallel to first axis B. Linear actuator
911, base 912, pivot joint 919, and rotating actuator 914
accomplish the functions that can all be incorporated into a single
robotic system. Thus, although linear actuator 911, base 912, pivot
joint 919, and rotating actuator 914 are all shown as discrete
components, nothing herein should limit the breadth of this
disclosure to individual components and some, or all, of the
functions associated with these components can be accomplished by
way of a robotic system. Axis B may be generally coincident with
the axis of rotation of tire 922. Pivot join 919 may be used to
pivot rotating actuator 914 relative to base 912 such that the axis
of rotation A of rotating actuator 914 is adjustable with respect
to axis B. Axis A may be adjusted to be coincident with axis B
(i.e. .theta.=0.degree.), or in an alternative embodiment, axis A
may be angularly oriented (i.e. .theta..noteq.0.degree.) with
respect to axis B (angular orientation depicted as .theta. herein
and will also be known as the angle of approach). Rotating actuator
914 can be any prime mover, including, for example, an electric,
pneumatic, hydraulic, or other type of rotating actuator and is
adapted to rotate wheel 916 about axis A. Tire 922 includes first
tire bead 924 and second tire bead 926. When tire 922 is in an
uncompressed state, bead 924 and 926 are typically separated by gap
944. At least one bead compression mechanism 928 is located
proximate to a sidewall portion of tire 922. In the embodiment of
FIG. 9A, two bead compression mechanisms 928, 930 are shown;
however, it is contemplated within the scope of this invention that
one or more bead compression mechanisms may be used. Each bead
compression mechanism 928, 930 includes a respectively associated
compression actuator 932, 938 which is, in turn, is coupled to
respectively associated top pinching fingers 934, 940 and bottom
pinching fingers 936, 942. Now referring to FIG. 9A and 9B, in
order to mount wheel 916 to tire 922, wheel 916 is first mounted to
spindle 915 wherein it is rotated 945 about axis A by actuator 914.
Also, at least one bead compression mechanism 928, 930 is activated
thereby pressing together at least a portion of the bead 924, 926
of wheel 922 such that at least a portion of gap 944 is diminished
944' over that of its relaxed state (relaxed state shown in FIG.
9A).
[0055] Now referring to FIG. 9A, 9B, and 9C, next base 912 is moved
linearly 946 along axis B thereby causing at least a portion 948 of
second bead seat 920 of wheel 916 to pass through opening 950
formed by first and second bead 924, 926 of tire 922. Next, linear
movement 946 continues along axis B such that the entire second
bead seat 920 of wheel 916 passes through opening 950 (see FIG. D).
Once the wheel 916 has assumed the position shown in FIG. 9D,
actuators 932, 938 are released and the tire/wheel assembly is
disconnected from spindle 915 and moved to the next stage of
operation (such as tire inflation, balancing, and the like). The
angle of attack .theta. may be critical for some tire wheel
combinations while for other tire wheel combinations it might not
be critical at all. For example, in some tire wheel combinations
where the tire material is highly compliant (i.e. easily flexible),
a non-existent angle of attack (i.e. .theta.=0.degree.) or a very
small .theta. may be sufficient to accomplish mounting wheel 916 to
tire 922. In contrast, tires which are fabricated from materials
which are thicker or more resilient may necessitate using a more
steeper angle of attack such as ten degrees, twenty degrees, or
more. Also, it is contemplated that a lubricant placed on one or
more tire beads 924, 926 or one or more wheel portions (such as
bead seats 918, 920) may facilitate the installation process and
prevent any scoring or tearing of the first and second bead 924,
926 of tire 922 by virtue of the frictional contact made between
tire and wheel during the installation process.
[0056] Now referring to FIG. 10A, in a further embodiment, wheel
support arm assembly 910 works in the exact manner as described in
conjunction with FIGS. 9A-9D. However, in the embodiment of FIG.
10A-10D, tire beads 924, 926 are not pinched together by a bead
compression mechanism but rather beads 924, 926 of tire 922 are
left in a relaxed state. Now referring to FIG. 10A and 10B, next,
wheel support arm assembly 910 is moved linearly 946 along axis B
while, simultaneously, wheel 916 is rotated 945 about axis A. As
second bead seat 920 of wheel 916 is brought into contact with
first tire bead 924 of tire 922, a portion 948 of second bead seat
920 will pass through opening 950 formed by first and second bead
924, 926 of tire 922. Next, as base 912 continues its linear 946
motion, second bead seat 920 of wheel 916 will completely pass
through upper opening 950 formed by first bead 924 of tire 922 (see
FIG. 10C). Next, as base 912 is still further urged along axis B,
second bead seat 920 of wheel 916 will pass through lower opening
950' formed by second bead 926 of tire 922. Next, the wheel/tire
assembly is released from spindle 915 whereby it is shuttled to the
next work station to be inflated, balanced, and the like. Although
FIGS. 9A through 10D generally show that the wheel opening of tire
922 is generally concentric with axis B, nothing herein shall limit
the orientation of tire 922 relative to axis B in this way. It is
contemplated that other orientations between axis B and the wheel
opening of tire 922 will work equally well. Also it is understood
that tire 922 is secured in a way that generally impedes it from
rotating or otherwise moving (in response to the forces exerted on
it by wheel 916). However, it is not necessary to prevent all
rotary movement of the tire as it reacts to the rotational energy
imparted to it by the rotating wheel. In fact it is contemplated
that the mounting process may be improved by allowing the tire to
undergo a controlled amount of movement during the mounting
procedure. Although the installation of the wheel and tire have
been illustrated in terms of the wheel rotating and moving linearly
relative to the fixed wheel, it is fully contemplated that the
position of the wheel and the tire can be interchanged without
adversely affecting the disclosed method.
[0057] The present invention has been described with reference to
certain exemplary embodiments thereof. However, it will be readily
apparent to those skilled in the art that it is possible to embody
the invention in specific forms other than those of the exemplary
embodiments described above. This may be done without departing
from the spirit of the invention. The exemplary embodiments are
merely illustrative and should not be considered restrictive in any
way. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims
and their equivalents, rather than by the preceding
description.
* * * * *