AU2012101856A4 - Automated spare wheel deployment and retrieval system designed to remove manual handling and safety conncerns when mounting spare wheel vertically above the chassis rail on a wide variety of vehicle tray backs. - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a safe way of overcoming manual handling issues related to the removal and retrieval of spare wheels from a vehicle, by providing an electrically driven arm (8) mounted to the vehicle by way of a light weight frame (4). Wheel is safely stored vertically above chassis rail on tray (1). Tire is held in position by tire arm (9) and fixed with two bolts. Upon the activation of a push button mounted to the vehicle, the arm deploys by an electrically driven linear actuator (5) driving the arm of the invention (8). The pivot points on invention (10 and 7) have self-lubricating and self-aligning bushing to facilitate the pivot action to ensure smooth operation without operator assistance. When tire is on ground wheel can be removed and replaced if necessary. Arm is then retrieved using push button back into original storage position.

Description

1 AUTOMATED SPARE WHEEL DEPLOYMENT AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEM DESIGNED TO ALLOW SPARE WHEEL TO BE MOUNTED VERTICALLY ABOVE THE CHASSIS RAIL ON A VARIETY OF UTILITY STYLE VEHICLES WITHOUT THE NEED FOR ANY MANUAL HANDLING. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION [001] The invention relates to overcoming manual handling issues related to the removal and retrieval of spare wheels from a vehicle, by providing a electrically driven arm mounted to the vehicle. Action of this arm provides a smooth deployment of wheel from tray to ground in a safe manner with no other operation than a push button. [002] In a number of industries, including Emergency Services and Mining, there has been a concern regarding the storage and removal of spare tires. These tires and rims are particularly heavy and when mounted above chassis rail they present a serious OH&S issue when they need to be retrieved and re stowed. Current systems generally use manual winch systems which are clumsy and still require physical effort to use. They also do not offer a controlled deployment or retrieval. [003] Recent work on Emergency Service equipment for Victorian Government highlighted that current Mercedes G Wagon has insufficient storage space on vehicle when used for activities that require usable space on tray to be utilised for the function of the vehicle. This necessitated the need for storage of spare wheels at headboard of vehicle. This has meant that they are mounted above tray, which makes them difficult to get to the ground. Each wheel weighs above 50kg, so cannot be removed manually by a person without contravening OH&S legislation. In addition a safe deployment that offers a controlled raising and lowering that would prohibit any possible injuries. So a solution to this problem was needed. [004] Work performed has provided a solution that allows for an automated deployment and retrieval system that eliminates manual handling, while providing a safe and controlled delivery method with intrinsically safe working and operating system.

Brief Description of Drawings: 1. Embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. 2. Figure one is a view of the apparatus for deploying a spare tyre to an embodiment of the present invention, with a lineal actuator to smoothly and consistently raise and lower the tyre with no guiding or lifting effort from the operator. 3. Figure two is an example of the apparatus deploying a spare tyre in partial extension. It shows the tyre un-housing from the stowed position, using its own weight to pivot away from the main arm. 4. Figure 3 shows the example of the apparatus in the fully lowered position, with the pivot arm extended for tyre removal without the need for the operator to manual handle the tyre. Detailed Description of Embodiments: 5. Referring to figure 2, item 4 is the light weigh frame that attaches to the tray of the vehicle. The frame is light weight and attached figure 5 linear actuator and item 10 pivot mount. The pivot mount has self-lubricating and self-aligning bushing to facilitate the pivot action to ensure smooth operation without operator assistance. 6. Referring to figure 2, Item 5 linear actuator is attached to item 8. The action of item 5 extending and contracting actuates the unique designed pivot arm, item 8. 7. Referring to figure 2, item 8 attaches via secondary pivot point, to item 9 tyre arm. Item 7 has self-lubricating and self-aligning bushing to facilitate the pivot action to ensure smooth operation without operator assistance. 8. Referring to figure 2, item 9 attaches to the spare tyre by two bolts and two un equal length guide pins. The pins assist with the lining up of the tyre to aid in the operator not having to manual handle or lift the tyre.

Claims (6)

1. According to the first aspect of the present invention, the arm deploys via the actuation of an electronically controlled linear actuation arm. The actuation method may be Pneumatic, hydraulic or other method, preferably it shall be electric.

2. The arm actuates with a linear actuator, this actuator could be rotational, but preferably linear.

3. The arm actuates in a manner to require no user guiding and travel in one motion from the tray to the ground and return.

4. The arm has unique points of pivot, providing a locked position when housed.

5. The arm has a unique shape to facilitate the correct positioning of the tyre on the tray and allow the tyre so hinge under its own weigh without the assistance of the operator.

6. The frame is light weight and manufactured from materials giving the highest strength to weight ratio, making it suitable for emergency service vehicles with water caring requirements, ensuring maximum water availability in the vehicle payload