WO2011071963A2 - Appareil, procédés, composants et systèmes permettant d'assembler et/ou de gonfler un ensemble pneu-roue - Google Patents

Appareil, procédés, composants et systèmes permettant d'assembler et/ou de gonfler un ensemble pneu-roue Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011071963A2
WO2011071963A2 PCT/US2010/059356 US2010059356W WO2011071963A2 WO 2011071963 A2 WO2011071963 A2 WO 2011071963A2 US 2010059356 W US2010059356 W US 2010059356W WO 2011071963 A2 WO2011071963 A2 WO 2011071963A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
wheel
assembly
pair
distal end
tire
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2010/059356
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2011071963A3 (fr
Inventor
John Donnay
Gregory J. Masserang
James Thomas-Charles Krom
Patrick W. Zoller
Joshua James Hicks
David Henry Larson
Original Assignee
Android Industries Llc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Android Industries Llc filed Critical Android Industries Llc
Priority to CA2781668A priority Critical patent/CA2781668C/fr
Priority to EP10836579.2A priority patent/EP2509810A4/fr
Priority to JP2012543219A priority patent/JP5623546B2/ja
Priority to MX2012006519A priority patent/MX2012006519A/es
Priority to BR112012013568A priority patent/BR112012013568A2/pt
Publication of WO2011071963A2 publication Critical patent/WO2011071963A2/fr
Publication of WO2011071963A3 publication Critical patent/WO2011071963A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
    • B60C25/00—Apparatus or tools adapted for mounting, removing or inspecting tyres
    • B60C25/01—Apparatus or tools adapted for mounting, removing or inspecting tyres for removing tyres from or mounting tyres on wheels
    • B60C25/05—Machines
    • B60C25/132—Machines for removing and mounting tyres
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25J—MANIPULATORS; CHAMBERS PROVIDED WITH MANIPULATION DEVICES
    • B25J15/00—Gripping heads and other end effectors
    • B25J15/0019—End effectors other than grippers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25J—MANIPULATORS; CHAMBERS PROVIDED WITH MANIPULATION DEVICES
    • B25J15/00—Gripping heads and other end effectors
    • B25J15/0047—Gripping heads and other end effectors for internally gripping hollow or recessed objects
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25J—MANIPULATORS; CHAMBERS PROVIDED WITH MANIPULATION DEVICES
    • B25J9/00—Programme-controlled manipulators
    • B25J9/0084—Programme-controlled manipulators comprising a plurality of manipulators
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25J—MANIPULATORS; CHAMBERS PROVIDED WITH MANIPULATION DEVICES
    • B25J9/00—Programme-controlled manipulators
    • B25J9/16—Programme controls
    • B25J9/1679—Programme controls characterised by the tasks executed
    • B25J9/1682—Dual arm manipulator; Coordination of several manipulators
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
    • B60C25/00—Apparatus or tools adapted for mounting, removing or inspecting tyres
    • B60C25/01—Apparatus or tools adapted for mounting, removing or inspecting tyres for removing tyres from or mounting tyres on wheels
    • B60C25/05—Machines
    • B60C25/0515—Automated devices, e.g. mounting robots
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
    • B60C25/00—Apparatus or tools adapted for mounting, removing or inspecting tyres
    • B60C25/01—Apparatus or tools adapted for mounting, removing or inspecting tyres for removing tyres from or mounting tyres on wheels
    • B60C25/05—Machines
    • B60C25/053—Support of wheel parts during machine operation
    • B60C25/0539—Support of wheel parts during machine operation radially fixing the rim, e.g. with gripping claws
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
    • B60C25/00—Apparatus or tools adapted for mounting, removing or inspecting tyres
    • B60C25/14—Apparatus or tools for spreading or locating tyre beads
    • B60C25/145—Apparatus or tools for spreading or locating tyre beads for locating provisionally the beads of tubeless tyres against the sealing surfaces of the rims, e.g. air filling bell

Definitions

  • the disclosure relates to tire-wheel assemblies and to a method and apparatus for processing a tire-wheel assembly.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus including an assembling end effecter for assembling an un-inflated tire-wheel assembly and an inflating end effecter for inflating the assembled, un-inflated tire-wheel assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 2A illustrates a partial side view of the assembling end effecter of the apparatus of Figure 1 prior to engaging a wheel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention
  • Figures 2B-2C illustrate partial side views of the assembling end effecter of the apparatus according to Figure 2A that is manipulated to an orientation that is proximate to / directly engaged with a wheel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 3A illustrates a partial side view of the assembling end effecter of the apparatus according to Figure 2C prior to engaging the wheel with a tire in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 3B illustrates a partial side view of the assembling end effecter of the apparatus according to Figure 3 A partially engaging the wheel with the tire in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 3C illustrates a partial side view of the assembling end effecter of the apparatus according to Figure 3B further partially engaging the wheel with the tire in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 3D illustrates a partial side view of the assembling end effecter of the apparatus according to Figure 3C yet even further partially engaging the wheel with the tire in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 3E illustrates a partial side view of the assembling end effecter of the apparatus according to Figure 3D with the wheel fully engaged with the tire to form an un- inflated tire-wheel assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 4A illustrates a partial side view of the apparatus of Figure 1 according to line 4A in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 4B illustrates a partial side, partial cross-sectional view of the assembling and inflating end effecters of the apparatus according to Figure 4A in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 4C illustrates a retaining member of the inflating end effecter in a first orientation being extended through the un-inflated tire-wheel assembly that is removably- attached to the assembling end effecter according to Figure 4B in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 4D illustrates the retaining member of the inflating end effecter moved to a second orientation for engaging the un-inflated tire-wheel assembly that is removably-attached to the assembling end effecter according to Figure 4C in accordance with an exemplary
  • Figure 4E illustrates the assembling end effecter selectively de-coupled from the un- inflated tire-wheel assembly such that the retaining member removably-attaches the un-inflated tire-wheel assembly to the inflating end effecter for permitting the inflating end effecter to move the un-inflated tire -wheel assembly away from the assembling end effecter according to Figure 4D in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
  • Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of the retaining member of the inflating end effecter in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 6A illustrates an assembled view of the retaining member of Figure 5 when arranged in the first orientation in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 6B illustrates an assembled view of the retaining member of Figure 5 when arranged in the second orientation in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the retaining member of Figure 6B according to line 7-7 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 8 A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a portion of the retaining member of
  • Figure 8B illustrates another cross-sectional view of the portion of the retaining member of Figure 8 A in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 9A illustrates an orientation of the inflating end effecter of the apparatus being manipulated to permit inflation of the un-inflated tire-wheel assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 9B illustrates the orientation of the inflating end effecter of the apparatus being further manipulated to permit inflation of the un-inflated tire-wheel assembly according to Figure 9A in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 9C illustrates the orientation of the inflating end effecter of the apparatus being further manipulated prior to an inflation procedure for inflating the un-inflated tire-wheel assembly according to Figure 9B in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 9D-9E illustrates the orientation of the inflating end effecter of the apparatus being further manipulated during the inflation procedure for inflating the un-inflated tire-wheel assembly according to Figure 9C in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 9F illustrates the orientation of the inflating end effecter of the apparatus being further manipulated once the inflation procedure for inflating the un-inflated tire-wheel assembly is completed according to Figure 9E in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 10A illustrates the inflating end effecter of the apparatus positioning the inflated tire-wheel assembly proximate a conveyor in accordance with an exemplary
  • Figure 10B illustrates the retaining member of the inflating end effecter manipulated from the expanded, second orientation of Figures 4D-4E, 6B, 10A back to the retracted, first orientation of Figures 4B-4C, 6A to permit the inflating end effecter to be selectively de-coupled from the inflated tire -wheel assembly;
  • Figure 11 A illustrates a retaining member of one of an assembling end effecter or an inflating end effecter in a retracted, first orientation in accordance with an exemplary
  • Figure 1 IB illustrates the retaining member of Figure 11A being inserted through a wheel while in the retracted, first orientation in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention
  • Figures 1 lC-1 ID illustrate the retaining member of Figure 1 IB being moved from the retracted, first orientation to an expanded, second orientation for permitting the retaining member to engage the wheel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 12A illustrates an end of a robotic arm and a retaining member attached to a wheel of an un-inflated tire-wheel assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 12B illustrates the end of a robotic arm attached to the retaining member of Figure 12A for moving the un-inflated tire-wheel assembly in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention
  • Figures 12C-12E illustrates the robotic arm of Figure 12B utilizing the retaining member to hand off the un-inflated tire-wheel assembly to a second robotic arm in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 12F illustrates the second robotic arm of Figures 12C-12E utilizing the retaining member to removably-affix the un-inflated tire-wheel assembly to an inflating end effecter of a robotic arm connected to an inflating apparatus.
  • the apparatus 10 includes at least an assembling end effecter 10a for joining a wheel, W, to a tire, T, in order to provide an un-inflated tire-wheel assembly, TWu, and, an inflating end effecter 10b for inflating the un-inflated tire -wheel assembly, TW U? for providing an inflated tire-wheel assembly, TWi (see also, e.g., Figure 9F).
  • each of the assembling end effecter 10a and the inflating end effecter 10b are respectively connected to a robotic arm 12a, 12b forming a pair of robotic arms 12.
  • the pair of robotic arms 12 may include any desirable design or components to permit each robotic arm 12a, 12b of the pair of the robotic arms 12 to have any desirable spatial movement.
  • each robotic arm 12a, 12b of the pair of robotic arms 12 may include pivot joints, hinges, telescoping sections and the like.
  • each robotic arm 12a, 12b of the pair of the robotic arms 12 may be provided by any type of actuator (not shown) including, but not limited to: one or more motors, hydraulic cylinders, solenoid actuators or the like.
  • the assembling end effecter 10a, inflating end effecter 10b and each robotic arm 12a, 12b of the pair of robotic arms 12 may be connected to a controller 14.
  • the controller 14 may control movements of one or more of the assembling end effecter 10a, inflating end effecter 10b and each robotic arm 12a, 12b of the pair of robotic arms 12. It will be appreciated that the foregoing movements of the assembling end effecter 10a, inflating end effecter 10b and pair of robotic arms 12 may be automatic.
  • the automatic movement of the assembling end effecter 10a, inflating end effecter 10b and each robotic arm 12a, 12b of the pair of robotic arms 12 may be carried out in a pre-determined fashion (e.g., by way of a program stored within the controller 14).
  • movements of the assembling end effecter 10a, inflating end effecter 10b and each robotic arm 12a, 12b of the pair of robotic arms 12 may be carried out manually by way of an operator that controls, for example, a joystick (not shown) that may cause movements of one or more of the assembling end effecter 10a, inflating end effecter 10b and each robotic arm 12a, 12b of the pair of robotic arms 12.
  • the assembling end effecter 10a may be later indirectly interface able with / indirectly joined to (by way of the un- inflated tire-wheel assembly, TWu) the inflating end effecter 10b (see, e.g., Figure 4D); as such, in an embodiment, the assembling end effecter 10a may be said to "hand off the un-inflated tire- wheel assembly, TWu, to the inflating end effecter 10b without directly engaging the inflating end effecter 10b.
  • the assembling end effecter 10a may operate independently of the inflating end effecter 10b during, for example, the method for joining the wheel, W, to the tire, T; thus, it will be appreciated that, in one aspect of the invention, the inflating end effecter 10b is not a critical or essential feature of the apparatus 10 that is required for the assembling end effecter 10a to properly function or operate during, for example, the assembling procedure shown and described at Figures 2A-3E.
  • a wheel is shown generally at W according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the wheel, W includes a first side, Wsi, a second side, Ws 2 , and a rim portion, W R , extending between the first side, Wsi, and the second side, Ws 2 -
  • the first side, Wsi includes a first flange, W F i, and, the second side, Ws 2 , includes a second flange, W F2 -
  • the rim portion, W R , and the first flange, W F I form a first bead seat, W B I, and, the rim portion, W R , and the second flange, W F2 , form a second bead seat, W B2 -
  • a drop-center portion of the rim portion, W R is shown generally at W D c according to an embodiment.
  • the second side, Ws 2 , of the wheel, W is shown to be located adjacent a support surface, such as, for example, a conveyor 202.
  • the apparatus 10 and the conveyor 202 may be said to be components of a system 200 for assembling and inflating an un-inflated tire-wheel assembly, TWu-
  • the assembling end effecter 10a is shown in a spatial orientation that is proximate, but not yet engaging, the wheel, W.
  • the assembling end effecter 10a includes, for example, a base portion 16 connected to a distal end 18 of the first robotic arm 12a.
  • the assembling end effecter 10a may further include a bracket 20 connected to the base portion 16.
  • the bracket 20 may be joined to one or more flanges 22 that are connected to a pair of sliding members 24 including a first sliding member 24a and a second sliding member 24b.
  • the first and second sliding members 24a, 24b are slidably-supported upon the one or more flanges 22.
  • assembling end effecter 10a further includes a pair of wheel- engaging members 26 including a first wheel-engaging member 26a and a second wheel- engaging member 26b.
  • first wheel-engaging member 26a is attached to the first sliding member 24a and the second wheel-engaging member 26b is attached to the second sliding member 24b.
  • each wheel-engaging member 26a, 26b of the pair of wheel- engaging members 26 includes an arm portion 28 and a finger portion 30.
  • the arm portion 28 extends axially away from the sliding member 24a, 24b, and, in an embodiment, the finger portion 30 extends radially inwardly and away from the arm portion 28.
  • the relative axial and radial descriptions provided above are referenced from an axis, A-A, extending through an axial center of the wheel, W, that is co-axial with an axial center of the assembling end effecter 10a.
  • the assembling end effecter 10a is firstly disposed in a spatial orientation that is proximate, but not yet engaging the wheel, W, according to the direction of the arrow, Dl, as seen in Figure 2A. Movement according to the direction of the arrow, Dl, may result in the finger portion 30 of each wheel-engaging member 26a, 26b of the pair of wheel-engaging members 26 being arranged in a spaced, opposing relationship with an outer surface, Wo, of the rim portion, W R , of the wheel, W.
  • the pair of sliding members 24 are said to be initially arranged in an "expanded orientation" such that each sliding member 24a, 24b of the pair of sliding members 24 are slidably disposed at least proximate terminal ends 32a, 32b of the one or more flanges 22. It will be appreciated that the "expanded orientation" of the pair of sliding members 24 permits each wheel-engaging member 26a, 26b of the pair of wheel-engaging members 26 to be positioned in a manner that does not result in the wheel, W, interfering with the movements of the assembling end effecter 10a according to the direction of the arrow, Dl .
  • movement of the assembling end effecter 10a according to the direction of the arrow, Dl may terminate approximately when not only the finger portion 30 of each wheel-engaging member 26a, 26b of the pair of wheel-engaging members 26 are arranged in the spaced, opposing relationship with an outer surface, Wo, of the rim portion, W R , of the wheel, W, but also when the finger portion 30 of each wheel-engaging member 26a, 26b of the pair of wheel-engaging members 26 are arranged in a substantially co-planar relationship, P, with the first bead seat, W B I, of the wheel, W.
  • the assembling end effecter 10a may be actuated in order to move each sliding member 24a, 24b of the pair of sliding members 24 to be disposed at least proximate the terminal ends 32a, 32b of the one or more flanges 22 from the "expanded orientation" to a "contracted orientation” (see, e.g., Figures 2B, 2C) according to the direction of the arrow, D2.
  • each sliding member 24a, 24b of the pair of sliding members 24 being moved radially inwardly and away from the terminal ends 32a, 32b of the one or more flanges 22 and toward an axial center of the assembling end effecter 10a.
  • movement of each sliding member 24a, 24b of the pair of sliding members 24 according to the direction of the arrow, D2, may further result in the finger portion 30 of each wheel-engaging member 26a, 26b of the pair of wheel-engaging members 26 being arranged in a substantially close, but spaced, opposing relationship with one or more of the first bead seat, W B i, and the first flange, W F i, of the wheel, W.
  • the finger portion 30 of each wheel-engaging member 26a, 26b of the pair of wheel-engaging members 26 being arranged in a substantially close, but spaced, opposing relationship with one or more of the first bead seat, W B i, and the first flange, W F i, of the wheel, W.
  • the close, but spaced, opposing relationship of the finger portion 30 of each wheel- engaging member 26a, 26b with one or more of the first bead seat, WBI, and the first flange, WFI , of the wheel, W may prevent the finger portions 30 from scraping or otherwise degrading the surface characteristic of one or more of the first bead seat, W B i, and the first flange, W F i, of the wheel, W.
  • the substantially close but contact-less positioning of the finger portions 30 and the wheel, W may result in the fingers 30 not initially contacting the wheel, W, but, may result in subsequent contact of the finger portions 30 with the wheel, W.
  • the fingers 30 may be also be axially moved relative the wheel, W, such that the fingers 30 may axially contact, for example, the first flange, W F i, of the wheel, W (without, for example, radially contacting the first bead seat, W B i), in order to axially lift the wheel, W, axially away from the conveyor 202.
  • the robotic arm 12a may axially move according to the direction of the arrow, D3, in order to axially move the wheel, W, away from the conveyor 202. It will be appreciated that the pair of sliding members 24 are not moved relative the one or more flanges 22 from the "contracted orientation" as the robotic arm 12a moves the wheel, W, from the conveyor 202 to a mounting station 204 (see, e.g., Figure 3A) for attaching the wheel, W, to a tire, T.
  • the apparatus 10, conveyor 202 and mounting station 204 may be said to be components of the system 200 for assembling and inflating an un-inflated tire-wheel assembly, TWu- [0055]
  • FIG 3A a method for mounting a tire, T, to the wheel, W, by utilizing the robotic arm 12a and assembling end effecter 10a is described in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • the wheel, W is releasably-fixed to the robotic arm 12a by way of the assembling end effecter 10a.
  • a second sidewall, Ts 2 , of the tire, T is supported, in part, by a surface 206 of the mounting station 204, and, also, in part, by a tire-engaging portion 208.
  • the second sidewall, T S2 , of the tire, T is initially canted at an angle, ⁇ , upon the tire-engaging portion 208 relative the surface 206 as the second side, Ws 2 , of the wheel, W, is initially arranged substantially parallel to the surface 206.
  • the tire, T is joined to the wheel, W, by firstly moving the robotic arm 12a according to the direction of the arrow, D4, as seen in Figure 3 A.
  • portions 34a, 34b of structure of the robotic arm 12a may be pivoted relative a joint 36 of the robotic arm 12a according to the direction of the arrows, PI, P2.
  • the robotic arm 12a may be moved in a "drop and sweep" motion according to the direction of the arrows, D4 and D5 (see, e.g., Figure 3C) for mounting the tire, T, to the wheel, W.
  • the "drop motion” results in the robotic arm 12a moving the wheel, W, through the central opening of the tire, T, and, the "sweep motion” results in the tire, T, being joined to the wheel, W, such that the tire, T, is loosely configured about the rim portion, W R , of the wheel, W.
  • the portion 34a of the structure of the robotic arm 12a may be pivoted clockwise relative the joint 36 according to the direction of the arrow, PI, as the portion 34b of the robotic arm 12a is pivoted clockwise relative the joint 36 according to the direction of the arrow, P2, in order to position the second side, Ws 2 , of the wheel, W, proximate a first sidewall, T S i, of the tire, T.
  • the movement of the robotic arm 12a according to the direction of the arrow, D4 results in the portion of the first bead, T B1 , of the tire, T, being located further away from the drop center portion, W D C, of the wheel, W, and in closer proximity to that of the first bead seat, W B I, of the wheel, W.
  • the tire-engaging portion 208 engages and operates on the tire, T, such that the first and second beads, T B1 , T B2 , of the tire, T, are ultimately seated at least proximate the first and second bead seats, W B1 , W B2 , of the wheel, W.
  • the tire-engaging portion 208 engages the second bead, T B2 , of the tire, T, such that the second bead, T B2 , of the tire, T, is pushed over the second beat seat, W B2 , of the wheel, W, and, as seen in Figure 3D, as the "sweep motion" according to the direction of the arrow, D5, is continued, the tire-engaging portion 208 further causes the second bead, T B2 , of the tire, T, to be pushed over the second beat seat, W B2 , of the wheel, W, such that the remaining portion of the first bead, T B1 , of the tire, T, that was not located between the first bead seat, W B1 , and second bead seat, W B2 , of the wheel, W, is shifted in orientation and space such that the first bead, T B1 , of the tire, T, is moved to an orientation and space that is proximate the
  • the "sweep motion" according to the direction of the arrow, D5, continues such that the tire, T, no longer contacts the tire-engaging portion 208.
  • the tire, T may be joined to the wheel, W, such that the tire, T, is loosely-disposed about the rim portion, W R , of the wheel, W, to form the un-inflated tire -wheel assembly, TWu-
  • the robotic arm 12a may then be moved according to the direction of the arrow, D6, in order to move the un-inflated tire-wheel assembly, TWu, toward the inflating end effecter 10b of the apparatus 10 for inflating the un- inflated tire-wheel assembly, TWu-
  • the first robotic arm 12a moves the un-inflated tire-wheel assembly, TWu (that is attached to the assembling end effecter 10a), according to the direction of the arrow, D6, such that the un-inflated tire -wheel assembly, TW U? is located proximate the inflating end effecter 10b of the apparatus 10.
  • the second robotic arm 12b may move the inflating end effecter 10b according to the direction of the arrow, D7, for moving the inflating end effecter 10b toward the assembling end effecter 10a.
  • the inflating portion 38 includes a retaining member 40 having a distal end surface 42 (see, e.g., Figure 4E) for selectively engaging and retaining the wheel, W, to the inflating end effecter 10b. Further, in an embodiment, the inflating portion 38 includes a plunging portion 44 and an actuating rod 46.
  • the actuating rod 46 is movably-disposed within a bore of the plunging portion 44.
  • the retaining member 40 is attached to one or more of the plunging portion 44 and actuating rod 46.
  • the retaining member 40 is attached to an outer surface (see, e.g., outer surface 52 in Figure 5) of the plunging portion 44.
  • the retaining member 40 is attached to the actuating rod 46 by way of an actuating pin (see, e.g., pin 58e in Figure 5) that extends through one or more slots (see, e.g., slots 74a, 74b in Figure 5) formed in the plunging portion 44.
  • an axial orientation of the plunging portion 44 is changed according to the direction of arrows, D8.
  • a radial orientation of the retaining member 40 may be changed according to the direction of the arrow, D9, which is responsive to movement of the actuating rod 46 according to the direction of the arrow, D10.
  • movement of the retaining member 40 according to the direction of the arrow, D9 may result in the retaining member 40 engaging the un-inflated tire- wheel assembly, TWu, by way of coming into contact with / engaging the wheel, W.
  • the assembling end effecter 10a of the apparatus 10 may be moved according to the direction of the arrow D6' for moving the assembling end effecter 10a away from the inflating end effecter 10b such that the assembling end effecter 10a may be moved away from the un-inflated tire-wheel assembly, TWu, which is now retained by the inflating end effecter 10b of the apparatus 10.
  • the inflating end effecter 10b may operate independently of the assembling end effecter 10a during, for example, the method for inflating the un-inflated tire- wheel assembly, TWu; thus, it will be appreciated that, in one aspect of the invention, the assembling end effecter 10a is not a critical or essential feature of the apparatus 10 that is required for the inflating end effecter 10b to properly function or operate during, for example, the inflating procedure shown and described at Figures 9A-9F.
  • the retaining member 40 is initially arranged in a radially-retracted, "collapsed orientation" such that the retaining member 40 may be permitted to be axially plunged by the plunging member 44 according to the direction of the arrow, D8, and through an axially-centered passage, W P , of the wheel, W, having an opening diameter, W D .
  • the radially-expanded, "enlarged orientation" of the retaining member 40 may result in the retaining member 40 having a width, X, that is greater than the opening diameter, W D , of the axially-centered passage, W P , of the wheel, W.
  • the assembling end effecter 10a may be moved according to the direction of the arrow, D6', which is opposite the direction of the arrow, D6, for moving the assembling end effecter 10a away from the un-inflated tire -wheel assembly, TWu, which is retained by the inflating end effecter 10b of the apparatus 10 by way of the retaining member 40.
  • movement of the retaining member 40 according to the direction of the arrow, D9 results in the distal end surface 42 of the retaining member 40 being drawn in a substantially close, opposing relationship with, or, alternatively, substantially adjacent to the inner surface, Ws 2- i, of the second side, Ws 2 , of the wheel, W.
  • the retaining member 40 includes a pair hinged assemblies 48 including a first hinged assembly 48a and a second hinged assembly 48b.
  • the retaining member 40 also includes a sleeve member 50, which may also be referred to as a carrier member.
  • each of the first and second hinged assembly 48a, 48b of the pair of hinged assemblies 48 are arranged in an opposing relationship relative an outer surface 52 of the plunger member 44 as the sleeve member 50 is slidably-disposed about the outer surface 52 of the plunger member 44.
  • one or more of the first and second hinged assembly 48a, 48b and sleeve member 50 may contact the outer surface 52 of the plunger member 44, or, alternatively, be disposed proximate, but not directly contacting the outer surface 52 of the plunger member 44.
  • each of the first and second hinged assembly 48a, 48b includes a pair of hinge arms 54 and a pair of hinge arm bearing brackets 56.
  • the pair of hinge arms 54 include a first hinge arm 54a and a second hinge arm 54b.
  • the pair of hinge arm brackets 56 include a first hinge arm bracket 56a and a second hinge arm bracket 56b.
  • a first pin 58a extends at least partially into and rotatably-couples a first end 54a' of the first hinge arm 54a and a first end 56a' of the first hinge arm bracket 56a.
  • a second pin 58b extends at least partially into and rotatably-couples a first end 54b' of the second hinge arm 54b and a first end 56b' of the second hinge arm bracket 56b.
  • a third pin 58c extends at least partially into and rotatably-couples a second end 54a" of the first hinge arm 54a and a second end 54b" of the second hinge arm 54b.
  • a fourth pin 58d extends at least partially into and rotatably-couples a second end 56a" of the first hinge arm bracket 56a and a second end 56b" of the second hinge arm bracket 56b.
  • the sleeve member 50 includes an outer surface 60.
  • the outer surface 60 forms a first pin passage 62a and a second pin passage 62b.
  • the first pin passage 62a and second pin passage 62b are arranged in a diametrically-opposed relationship.
  • the third pin 58c corresponding to the first hinged assembly 48a also extends into the first pin passage 62a for coupling the second ends 54a", 54b" of the first and second hinge arms 54a, 54b of the first hinged assembly 48a to the sleeve member 50.
  • the third pin 58c corresponding to the second hinged assembly 48b similarly extends into the second pin passage 62b for coupling the second ends 54a", 54b" of the first and second hinge arms 54a, 54b of the second hinged assembly 48b to the sleeve member 50.
  • the outer surface 52 of the plunger member 44 forms a first pin passage 64a and a second pin passage 64b.
  • the first pin passage 64a and second pin passage 64b are arranged in a diametrically-opposed relationship.
  • the fourth pin 58d corresponding to the first hinged assembly 48a extends into the first pin passage 64a for coupling the second ends 56a", 56b" of the first and second hinge arm brackets 56a, 56b of the first hinged assembly 48a to the plunger member 44.
  • the fourth pin 58d corresponding to the second hinged assembly 48b similarly extends into the second pin passage 64b for coupling the second ends 56a", 56b" of the first and second hinge arm brackets 56a, 56b of the second hinged assembly 48b to the plunger member 44.
  • a distal end 66 of the actuating rod 46 forms a passage 68.
  • the passage 68 extends through the distal end 66 of the actuating rod 46.
  • a fifth pin 58e which may be referred to as an actuating pin, extends through the passage 68.
  • the actuating pin 58e extends through the passage 68 and radially beyond an outer surface 70 of the actuating rod 46.
  • a distal end 72 of the plunger member 44 forms a first slot 74a and a second slot 74b.
  • the first slot 74a and the second slot 74b are arranged in a diametrically-opposed relationship.
  • the first slot 74a, the second slot 74b and the passage 68 are aligned such that the actuating pin 58e may extend radially beyond the outer surface 70 of the actuating rod 46 and through each of the first slot 74a and the second slot 74b.
  • the actuating pin 58e extends through each of the first and second slots 74a, 74b and radially beyond the outer surface 52 of the plunger member 44.
  • a lower distal end 76 of the sleeve member 50 may form an optional first slot 78a and an optional second slot 78b.
  • the optional first slot 78a and the optional second slot 78b are arranged in a diametrically-opposed relationship.
  • the optional slots 78a, 78b are aligned with the first slot 74a, the second slot 74b and the passage 68 such that the actuating pin 58e may extend at least partially into each of the optional first and second slots 78a, 78b of the sleeve member 50. It will be appreciated that extension of the actuating pin 58e into the optional first and second slots 78a, 78b prevents free rotation of the sleeve member 50 relative the outer surface 52 of the plunger member 44.
  • the optional first and second slots 78a, 78b formed at the lower distal end 76 of the sleeve member 50 may not be included in the design of the sleeve member 50.
  • the fifth actuating pin 58e may be adjacently- / opposingly-disposed relative to an axial end surface 80 of the lower distal end 76 of the sleeve member 50.
  • the first and second slots 78a, 78b may form part of the axial end surface 80 of the lower distal end 76 of the sleeve member 50.
  • the sleeve member 50 is firstly arranged at a distance, Z (see, e.g., Figure 6B), away from an axial end surface 82 of the distal end 72 of the plunger member 44. Then, the actuating pin 58e may be inserted through each of the slots 74a, 74b of the plunger member 44 and the passage 68 of the actuating rod 46 such that the actuating pin 58e may be disposed within the slots 78a, 78b and/or adjacent the axial end surface 80 of the sleeve member 50. Subsequent to the arrangement of the actuating pin 58e as described immediately above, the remaining pins 58a-58d may be arranged as described above to finish the assembly the retaining member 40 relative the outer surface 52 of the plunger member 44.
  • first and second slots 74a, 74b formed in the plunger member 44 extend from an axial end surface 82 of the plunger member 44 at the distance, Z. Further, as will be described in the foregoing disclosure, axial travel of the actuating rod 46 relative the plunger member 44 is limited to the distance, Z, such that corresponding axial travel of the actuating pin 58e is also limited to the distance, Z.
  • the limitation of the axial travel of the actuating rod 46 according to the distance, Z, prevents the actuating pin 58e from travelling axially beyond the axial end surface 82 of the plunger member 44 such that a concentric arrangement of the sleeve member 50 relative the outer surface 52 of the plunger member 44 is maintained, thereby preventing the sleeve member 50 to be concentrically-decoupled from the plunger member 44.
  • the actuating pin 58e moves away from the axial end surface 82 of the plunger member 44 according to the direction of the arrow, D10, the actuating pin 58e engages the axial end surface 80 of the lower distal end 76 of the sleeve member 50 such that the sleeve member 50 is also urged according to the direction of the arrow, D10, thereby permitting the sleeve member 50 to axially move concurrently with the movement of the actuating rod 46 and actuating pin 58e.
  • the actuating rod 46 is shown to have moved the actuating pin 58e at a maximum lift orientation according to the distance, Z (as limited by the length of the slots 74a, 74b).
  • Z as limited by the length of the slots 74a, 74b.
  • the lengths of the first and second hinge arms 54a, 54b and first and second hinge arm brackets 56a, 56b is designed such that upon ceasing movement of the first and second hinge arms 54a, 54b and first and second hinge arm brackets 56a, 56b according to the direction of the arrows, D9, an upper surface 84a, 84b of each of the first and second hinge arm brackets 56a, 56b are substantially co-planar with one another in order to form the distal end surface 42 of the retaining member 40.
  • the distal end surface 42 of the retaining member 40 is drawn adjacent the inner surface, Ws 2- i, of the second side, Ws 2 , of the wheel, W, when the retaining member 40 (i.e., the first and second hinge arms 54a, 54b and first and second hinge arm brackets 56a, 56b) is moved according to the direction of arrows, D9.
  • the retaining member 40 i.e., the first and second hinge arms 54a, 54b and first and second hinge arm brackets 56a, 56b
  • the actuating rod 46 may be moved according to the direction of the arrow, D10', which is opposite the direction of the arrow, D10.
  • movement according to the direction of the arrow, D10' permits the inflating end effecter 10b to be selectively de-coupled from the wheel, W, such that an inflated tire -wheel assembly, TWi, may be selectively detached from the inflating end effecter 10b.
  • each of the first and second hinge arm brackets 56a, 56b include thickness, Tl .
  • the thickness, Tl is reduced in at least one selected area of each of the first and second hinge arm brackets 56a, 56b to form each of the first and second hinge arm brackets 56a, 56b to include a recessed pocket 88 having a bearing surface 92.
  • the bearing surface 92 includes a first flat portion 92a', an arcuate portion 92a" and a second flat portion 92a' ".
  • an axial center of the arcuate portion 92a' ' is referenced from a pin passage formed in the second hinge arm bracket 56b that receives the second pin 58b.
  • the sleeve member 50 includes a thickness, T2, that is reduced in at least two selected areas proximate an upper distal end 86 of the sleeve member 50 to form two recessed pockets 90 having a bearing surface 94.
  • the two recessed pockets 90 are formed in a diametrically opposing relationship on the outer surface 60 of the sleeve member 50.
  • each recessed pocket 90 of the sleeve member 50 includes, respectively, the pin passage 62a, 62b.
  • the bearing surface 94 includes an arcuate portion 94a'.
  • an axial center of the arcuate portion 94a' is referenced from the pin passage 62a. 62b formed in the sleeve member 50 that receives the third pin 58c.
  • each of the first and second hinge arms 54a, 54b include a side surface 96 forming a thickness, T3, of each of the first and second hinge arms 54a, 54b.
  • the thickness, T3, of each of the first and second hinge arms 54a, 54b is less than the thickness, Tl, T2, of the first and second hinge arm brackets 56a, 56b and sleeve member 50.
  • the thickness, of each of the first and second hinge arms 54a, 54b is approximately the same as a width / thickness formed by the bearing surface 92, 94 of the recessed pocket 88, 90.
  • the first end 54b' of the second hinge arm 54b may be arranged within the recessed pocket 88 formed at the first end 56b' of the second hinge arm bracket 56b; likewise (although not entirely shown due to the partial view of Figure 8A), the first end 54a' of the first hinge arm 54a may be arranged within the recessed pocket 88 formed at the first end 56a' of the first hinge arm bracket 56a.
  • the second pin 58b may be extended through each of the second hinge arm 54b and the second hinge arm bracket 56b; likewise (although not entirely shown due to the partial view of Figure 8 A), once the first end 54a' of the first hinge arm 54a may be arranged within the recessed pocket 88 formed at the first end 56a' of the first hinge arm bracket 56a, the first pin 58a may be extended through each of the first hinge arm 54a and the first hinge arm bracket 56a.
  • the second end 54a' ' of the first hinge arm 54a may be arranged within the recessed pocket 90 formed at the upper distal end 86 of the sleeve member 50.
  • the second end 54b" of the second hinge arm 54b may be arranged over / next to / adjacent the second end 54a" of the first hinge arm 54a that is arranged within the recessed pocket 90 formed at the upper distal end 86 of the sleeve member 50.
  • the third pin 58c may be extended through each of the first and second hinge arms 54a, 54b and the sleeve member 50.
  • a portion of the side surface 96 of the first end 54b' of the second hinge arm 54b may be arranged proximate the first flat portion 92a' and the arcuate portion 92a" of the bearing surface 92 of the second hinge arm bracket 56b; likewise (although not entirely shown due to the partial view of Figure 8 A), a portion of the side surface 96 of the first end 54a' of the first hinge arm 54a may be arranged proximate the first flat portion 92a' and the arcuate portion 92a' ' of the bearing surface 92 of the first hinge arm bracket 56a.
  • a portion of the side surface 96 of the first end 54b' of the second hinge arm 54b may be arranged proximate the arcuate portion 92a" and the second flat portion 92a" ' of the bearing surface 92 of the second hinge arm bracket 56b; likewise (although not entirely shown due to the partial view of Figure 8A), a portion of the side surface 96 of the first end 54a' of the first hinge arm 54a may be arranged proximate the arcuate portion 92a' ' and the second flat portion 92a" ' of the bearing surface 92 of the first hinge arm bracket 56a.
  • a portion of the side surface 96 of the second end 54a" of the first arm 54a may be arranged proximate the arcuate portion 94a' of the bearing surface 94 formed at the upper distal end 86 of the sleeve member 50.
  • the bearing surface 92, 94 of each of the sleeve member 50 and first and second hinge arm brackets 56a, 56b may functionally support or permit a portion of the side surface 96 of the first and second hinge arms 54a, 54b to bear against the sleeve member 50 and first and second hinge arm brackets 56a, 56b.
  • a relatively small gap or distance, Zl may be provided between a portion of the side surface 96 and each of the sleeve member 50 and first and second hinge arm brackets 56a, 56b.
  • FIGS 9A-9F a method for utilizing the inflating end effecter 10b for inflating the un-inflated tire-wheel assembly, TWu, is described in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
  • the distal end surface 42 of the retaining member 40 is moved adjacent the inner surface, Ws 2- i, of the second side, Ws 2 , of the wheel, W.
  • the corresponding axial movement imparted to the retaining member 40 causes an outer surface, Ws2-o, of the second side, Ws2, of the wheel, W, to be axially drawn adjacent a lower axial surface 98' of a wheel engaging portion 98 that projects radially away from the outer surface 52 of the plunging member 44.
  • an upper axial surface 98" of the wheel engaging portion 98 is spaced apart from a lower surface 101 ' of a carrier body 101 at a distance, Z2.
  • the carrier body includes a bore.
  • the plunger member 44 and actuating rod 46 are movably-disposed within the bore of the carrier body 101.
  • the engaging assembly 100 includes a radially- projecting, annular rim body 106 extending from the axially-projecting annular rim body 104 that is connected to the substantially annular, ring-shaped seal portion 102.
  • movement of the plunging member 44 according to the direction of the arrow, D8' also results in the outer surface, Ws 2 -o, of the second side, Ws 2 , of the wheel, W, to be moved toward a substantially annular, ring-shaped seal portion 102 of the engaging assembly 100 as a sidewall, Ts, of the tire, T, is moved toward an axially-projecting, annular rim body 104 of the engaging assembly 100.
  • the plunging member 44 may be withdrawn into the bore of the carrier body 101 such that the distance, Z2, is reduced as the upper axial surface 98" of the wheel engaging portion 98 is drawn closer to the lower surface 101 ' of the carrier body 101.
  • the substantially annular, ring-shaped seal portion 102 is moved from a substantially planar, neutral orientation (see, e.g., Figure 9A) such that the substantially annular, ring-shaped seal portion 102 "flips" upwardly and away from the substantially planar, neutral orientation.
  • the "flipped" orientation of the substantially annular, ring-shaped seal portion 102 is maintained until the substantially annular, ring-shaped seal portion 102 is permitted to move back to the neutral orientation (see, e.g., Figure 9C) by further movement of the plunging member 44 according to the direction of the arrow, D8', such that the substantially annular, ring-shaped seal portion 102 is located proximate the second bead seat, W B2 , of the wheel, W.
  • the sidewall, T s , of the tire, T exerts a force according to the direction of the arrow, Dl 1, such that the sidewall, Ts, of the tire, T, pushes the axially-projecting, annular rim body 104 of the engaging assembly 100 away from the un-inflated tire-wheel assembly, TWu-
  • the substantially annular, ring-shaped seal portion 102 is disposed substantially adjacent the second flange, W F2 , of the wheel, W, proximate the second bead seat, W B2 , of the wheel, W, for causing the engaging assembly 100 to seal the fluid cavity, FC, from ambient surroundings in order to permit inflation of the un- inflated tire-wheel assembly
  • the plunging member 44 may be moved slightly according to the direction of the arrow, D8, for locating the substantially annular, ring-shaped seal portion 102 adjacent the second flange, W F2 , of the wheel, W, proximate the second bead seat, W B2 , of the wheel, W.
  • the plunging member 44 may be slightly drawn out of the bore of the carrier body 101 such that the distance, Z2, is marginally increased as the upper axial surface 98" of the wheel engaging portion 98 is moved slightly away from the lower surface 101 ' of the carrier body 101.
  • the fluid, F, being deposited into the fluid cavity, FC may be pressurized or compressed such that the fluid, F, may be automatically evacuated from the fluid source 108 and into the fluid cavity, FC.
  • the fluid source 108 may be excluded from the design of the inflating end effecter 10b in favor of, for example, a pump (not shown); in an embodiment, the pump may move fluid, F (e.g. ambient air), from ambient surroundings, through the fluid conduit 110 and into the fluid cavity, FC.
  • F e.g. ambient air
  • the plunging member 44 continues to move slightly at the distance according to the direction of the arrow, D8, such that the substantially annular, ring-shaped seal portion 102 is moved from the sealed, substantially planar, neutral orientation adjacent the second flange, W F2 , of the wheel, W (see, e.g., Figure 9D), to an orientation that is partially engaged with the second flange, W F2 , of the wheel, W, such that the substantially annular, ring- shaped seal portion 102 becomes "flipped" downwardly, and away from the substantially planar, neutral orientation adjacent the second flange, W F2 , of the wheel, W.
  • the substantially annular, ring-shaped seal portion 102 remains disposed adjacent the second flange, W F 2, of the wheel, W, until the fluid, F, fills the fluid cavity, FC, thereby causing the substantially annular, ring-shaped seal portion 102 to be moved away from the second flange, Wp2, of the wheel, W, such that the second bead, T B 2, of the tire, T, may become automatically seated (see, e.g., Figure 9F) adjacent the second bead seat, W B 2, of the wheel, W.
  • the fluid, F, filling the fluid cavity, FC also causes the first bead, T B i, of the tire, T, to be seated adjacent the first bead seat, W B I, of the wheel, W.
  • the plunging member 44 may continue to move slightly at the distance according to the direction of the arrow, D8, such that the now- inflated tire-wheel assembly, TWi, may be further moved away from the engaging assembly 100 of the inflating portion 38.
  • the second robotic arm 12b may move according to the direction of the arrow, D7', which is opposite the direction of the arrow, D7, toward a receiving conveyor 210 (see, e.g., Figure 10A). Further, as seen in Figures 1 and 10A, it will be appreciated that the apparatus 10, conveyor 202, mounting station 204 and conveyor 210 may be said to be components of the system 200.
  • the actuating rod 46 may be moved according to the direction of the arrow, D10', which is opposite the direction of the arrow, D10, for causing the retaining member 40 to move according to the direction of the arrow, D9', which is opposite the direction of the arrow, D9.
  • the plunging member 44 may be moved according to the direction of the arrow, D8', which is opposite the direction of the arrow, D8, for moving the retaining member 40 and plunging member 44 axially away from the inflated tire-wheel assembly, TWi.
  • the plunging member 44 is moved according to the direction of the arrow, D8', for moving the plunging member 44 away from the inflated tire- wheel assembly, TWi, the plunging member 44 is withdrawn from being disposed within axially- centered passage, W P , of the wheel, W.
  • the inflated tire-wheel assembly, TWi may be said to be disconnected from the inflating end effecter 10b / apparatus 10.
  • the conveyor 210 may shuttle the inflated tire-wheel assembly, TWi, according to the direction of the arrow, S, for further processing (e.g., balancing and the like).
  • the inflating end effecter 10b may be moved by the second robotic arm 12b according to the direction of the arrow, D7, for returning the inflating end effecter 10b back to an orientation shown in Figure 4A for subsequent interfacing with another un-inflated tire-wheel assembly, TW U? assembled by the assembling end effecter 10a.
  • an alternative retaining member 40' is shown according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the retaining member 40' is substantially similar to the retaining member 40.
  • the retaining member 40' is not limited to being a component of an inflating end effecter 10b as shown and described above with respect to the retaining member 40.
  • the retaining member 40' may be a component of either of the assembling end effecter 10a, the inflating end effecter 10b or the like.
  • Figures 1 lA-1 ID are not limited to illustrate either of the assembling end effecter 10a and inflating end effecter 10b; rather, Figures 1 1 A- 1 ID are illustrated to only display the wheel, W, in order to illustrate how an orientation of the retaining member 40' is manipulated to engage the wheel, W.
  • the retaining member 40' is substantially similar to the retaining member 40 with the exception that the retaining member 40' does not include the structure of the sleeve / carrier member 50 and hinge arm brackets 56a, 56b including recessed pockets 88, 90 having bearing surfaces 92, 94. Rather, the retaining member 40' is formed to include a carrier member 50' and a first pair of hinge arms 54' and a second pair of hinge arms 54". [00117] Structurally, in an embodiment, the retaining member 40' includes a pair of hinged assemblies 48 including a first hinged assembly 48a and a second hinged assembly 48b.
  • the view of the retaining member 40' is a side view, it will be appreciated that the side view illustrates only one of the first and second hinged assembly 48a, 48b and that the other of the first and second hinged assembly 48a, 48b is provided in a diametrically opposing relationship on the other side of the plunger member 44.
  • each of the first and second hinged assemblies 48a, 48b is formed by pins 58' connecting a first pair of hinge arms 54', a second pair of hinge arms 54" and the carrier member 50'.
  • the pins 58' connect the first pair of hinge arms 54' to a first distal end 50a' the carrier member 50'.
  • the pins 58' connect the first pair of hinge arms 54' to the second pair of hinge arms 54".
  • the pins 58' connect the second pair of hinge arms 54" to a second distal end 50b' of the carrier member 50'.
  • the pins 58' may be formed from a substantially rigid material in order for the retaining member 40' to withstand shear forces imparted about the pins 58' as the orientation of the first and second pairs of hinge arms 54', 54" are changed as the orientation of the retaining member 40' is manipulated relative the wheel, W.
  • the carrier member 50 ' may further comprise a stem portion 51 ' .
  • the stem portion 51 ' is fixed to the second distal end 50b' of the carrier member 50'.
  • the first distal end 50a' of the carrier member 50' is slidably- disposed relative the stem portion 51 ' .
  • the actuating rod 46 is connected to the first distal end 50a' of the carrier member 50' for axially moving the first distal end 50a' of the carrier member 50' relative the stem portion 51 ' for manipulating the orientation of the first and second pair of hinge arms 54', 54".
  • the plunging member 44 is moved according to the direction of the arrow, D8, for moving at least a portion of the retaining member 40' through the axially-centered passage, Wp, of the wheel, W.
  • the actuating rod 46 is then moved according to the direction of the arrow, D10', for causing a corresponding movement of the first distal end 50a' of the retaining member 40' in order to move the first and second pair of hinge arms 54', 54" according to the direction of the arrow, D9.
  • the plunging member 44 may also be formed to include slots 74a', 74b' such that the pins 58' may extend through the first pair of hinge arms 54', through the first distal end 50a' of the carrier member 50' and into the slots 74a', 74b, such that the pins 58' are slidably-disposed within the slots 74a', 74b'.
  • movement of the first ands second pair of hinge arms 54', 54" according to the direction of the arrow, D9 is responsive to movement of the actuating rod 46 according to the direction of the arrow, D10'
  • movements of the pair of hinge arms 54 and pair of hinge arm bearing brackets 56 according to the direction of the arrow, D9 is responsive according to movement of the actuator rod 46 according to the direction of the arrow, D10, which is opposite the direction of arrow, D10'.
  • orientation to the radially-expanded, "enlarged orientation” may be arrived at in a non-limiting fashion according to one of a movement of the actuating rod 46 according to the direction of one of the arrows, D10, D10' relative the wheel, W, (i.e. the actuating rod 46 may move away from or toward the wheel, W, to cause the retaining member 40, 40' to engage the wheel, W).
  • the wheel, W may be moved according to the direction of one of the arrows, D3, or D7'.
  • the retaining member 40' may be associated with one of the first robotic arm 12a or the second robotic arm 12b.
  • the retaining member 40' may replace the structure associated with, for example, the bracket 20, the one or more flanges 22, the pair of sliding members 24 and the pair of wheel-engaging members 26 such that the robotic arm 12a including the retaining member 40' may move the wheel, W, according to the direction of the arrow, D3; alternatively, if, for example, the retaining member 40' is associated with the second robotic arm 12b, it will be appreciated that the retaining member 40' may replace the structure associated with, for example, the retaining member 40 such that the robotic arm 12b may move the wheel, W, according to the direction of the arrow, D7'.
  • the retaining member 40" includes a baton, B, that affixed to the wheel, W.
  • the baton, B is extended through the axially-centered passage, Wp, of the wheel, W. It will be appreciated that the baton, B, is not limited to being utilized in conjunction with the assembling end effecter 10a or the inflating end effecter 10b of the apparatus 10'.
  • the baton, B may be joined to a robotic arm associated with an assembling end effecter 10a of the apparatus 10' for subsequent, indirect interfacing of the assembling end effecter 10a of the apparatus 10' (by way of, e.g., the un-inflated tire-wheel assembly, TWu) to an inflating end effecter 10b of the apparatus 10'; as such, in an embodiment, the assembling end effecter 10a may be said to "hand off the un-inflated tire -wheel assembly, TWu, to the inflating end effecter 10b of the apparatus 10' without directly engaging the inflating end effecter 10b of the apparatus 10'.
  • the baton, B is shown being utilized in conjunction with an apparatus 10' for assembling and inflating an un-inflated tire -wheel assembly, TWu-
  • the apparatus 10' includes an assembling end effecter (not shown), a plurality of robotic arms 12 (all having a similar distal interfacing end 12') and an inflating end effecter 10b (see, e.g., Figure 12F).
  • the distal interfacing end 12' of each robotic arm of the plurality of robotic arms 12 is engagable with the baton, B, which is shown affixed to the wheel, W.
  • the baton, B is illustrated to include a first distal end, B', and a second distal end, B".
  • each of the first and second distal ends, B', B", of the baton, B are selectively connectable with the distal interfacing end 12' of each of the plurality of robotic arms 12.
  • the first distal end, B' extends axially away from a hub, W H , of the wheel, W, and is located proximate a first side, Wsi, of the wheel, W.
  • the second distal end, B" extends axially away from the hub, W H , of the wheel, W, and is located proximate a second side, Ws 2 , of the wheel, W.
  • the baton, B is utilized by the plurality of robotic arms 12 in a substantially similar manner as that of a "track-and-field baton” that is utilized, for example, in a “relay race” wherein the track-and-field baton is passed from one runner participant to another runner participant.
  • the baton, B is "passed" from one robotic arm to another robotic arm of the plurality of robotic arms 12 all while the wheel, W, is attached to the baton, B, such that the plurality of robotic arms 12 may transport the wheel, W, from one processing station to another without ever directly contacting the wheel, W, with the distal interfacing end 12' of each robotic arm of the plurality of robotic arms 12.
  • the wheel, W is shown joined to the tire, T, to form an un-inflated tire-wheel assembly, TWu; as such, it will be appreciated that the baton, B, may not only be utilized to carry the wheel, W, but also, the tire, T, when the wheel, W, is attached to the tire, T, to form the un-inflated tire-wheel assembly, TWu- [00128]
  • the un-inflated tire-wheel assembly, TW U? is shown disposed upon a stand, conveyor or the like such that the first distal end B' of the baton, B, projects away from the stand, conveyor or the like as the second distal end B" of the baton, B, projects toward and faces the stand, conveyor or the like.
  • the distal interfacing end 12' of a first robotic arm 12i is arranged proximate the first distal end, B', of the baton, B.
  • the distal interfacing end 12' of the first robotic arm 12i is selectively interfaced with the first distal end, B', of the baton, B, such that the first robotic arm 12i may be connected to the baton, B, in order to permit subsequent transporting of the un- inflated tire-wheel assembly, TWu, away from the stand, conveyor or the like and toward a second robotic arm 12 2 (see, e.g., Figure 12C).
  • the first robotic arm 121 moves the un-inflated tire-wheel assembly, TWu, such that the second distal end, B", of the baton, B, is located proximate the distal interfacing end 12' of the second robotic arm 12 2 .
  • the distal interfacing end 12' of the second robotic arm 12 2 is selectively interfaced with the second distal end, B", of the baton, B.
  • the distal interfacing end 12' of the first robotic arm 121 is selectively de-coupled from the first distal end, B', of the baton, B.
  • the second robotic arm 12 2 may transport the un-inflated tire-wheel assembly, TWu, to a third robotic arm 12 3 (see, e.g., Figure 12F).
  • the third robotic arm 12 3 is shown connected to an inflation apparatus 38' .
  • the distal interfacing end 12' of the third robotic arm 12 3 is arranged in an axial center of an inflating portion 38' that includes a substantially annular, ring- shaped seal portion 102' of an engaging assembly 100' .
  • the engaging assembly 100' functions substantially similarly to the engaging assembly 100 disclosed above in order to permit inflation of the un-inflated tire-wheel assembly, TWu- [00131]
  • the second robotic arm 12 2 may transport the un-inflated tire- wheel assembly, TWu, to the third robotic arm 12 3 , such that the distal interfacing end 12' of the third robotic arm 12 3 may be selectively interfaced with the first distal end, B', of the baton, B.
  • the distal interfacing end 12' of the third robotic arm 12 3 may be de-coupled from the second distal end, B", of the baton, B.
  • the axial orientation of the distal interfacing end 12' of the third robotic arm 12 3 may be manipulated before / during / after the inflation of the un-inflated tire-wheel assembly, TW U? by way of the inflating portion 38' .
  • the third robotic arm 12 3 may transport the inflated tire-wheel assembly, TWi, to, for example, a stand, conveyor or the like (not shown) such that the distal interfacing end 12' of the third robotic arm 12 3 may be decoupled from the first distal end, B', of the baton, B.
  • the distal interfacing end 12' of the third robotic arm 12 3 may be de-coupled from the first distal end, B', of the baton, B, the baton, B, may be de-coupled from the wheel, W, such that the inflated tire-wheel assembly, TWi, is no longer attached to the baton, B.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Robotics (AREA)
  • Automatic Assembly (AREA)
  • Tires In General (AREA)
  • Automobile Manufacture Line, Endless Track Vehicle, Trailer (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention a trait à un appareil (10, 10') permettant de traiter un ensemble pneu-roue non gonflé (TWu) en vue de former un ensemble pneu-roue gonflé (TW1). L'appareil (10, 10') inclut au moins un premier bras robotisé (12a) et un second bras robotisé (12b) formant une paire de bras robotisés (12) ; un organe terminal d'assemblage (10a) attaché au premier bras robotisé (12a) ; et un organe terminal de gonflage (10b) attaché au second bras robotisé (12b), l'organe terminal effecteur d'assemblage (10a) pouvant être indirectement interfacé avec l'organe terminal effecteur de gonflage (10b) au moyen de l'ensemble pneu-roue non gonflé (TWu). La présente invention a également trait à un ou plusieurs procédés. La présente invention a aussi trait à un ou plusieurs composants (40, 40', 40"). La présente invention a également trait à un ou plusieurs systèmes.
PCT/US2010/059356 2009-12-09 2010-12-08 Appareil, procédés, composants et systèmes permettant d'assembler et/ou de gonfler un ensemble pneu-roue WO2011071963A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2781668A CA2781668C (fr) 2009-12-09 2010-12-08 Appareil, procedes, composants et systemes permettant d'assembler et/ou de gonfler un ensemble pneu-roue
EP10836579.2A EP2509810A4 (fr) 2009-12-09 2010-12-08 Appareil, procédés, composants et systèmes permettant d'assembler et/ou de gonfler un ensemble pneu-roue
JP2012543219A JP5623546B2 (ja) 2009-12-09 2010-12-08 タイヤホイールアセンブリを組み立て及び／又は膨張させるための装置、方法、部品、及びシステム
MX2012006519A MX2012006519A (es) 2009-12-09 2010-12-08 Aparatos, metodos, componentes y sistemas de ensamble y/o inflado de montaje de rueda-neumatico.
BR112012013568A BR112012013568A2 (pt) 2009-12-09 2010-12-08 aparelho e componente de um aparelho para processar um conjunto de pneu-roda não inflado

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US28509309P 2009-12-09 2009-12-09
US61/285,093 2009-12-09

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2011071963A2 true WO2011071963A2 (fr) 2011-06-16
WO2011071963A3 WO2011071963A3 (fr) 2011-09-09

Family

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PCT/US2010/059356 WO2011071963A2 (fr) 2009-12-09 2010-12-08 Appareil, procédés, composants et systèmes permettant d'assembler et/ou de gonfler un ensemble pneu-roue

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US8567453B2 (fr)
EP (1) EP2509810A4 (fr)
JP (1) JP5623546B2 (fr)
BR (1) BR112012013568A2 (fr)
CA (1) CA2781668C (fr)
MX (1) MX2012006519A (fr)
WO (1) WO2011071963A2 (fr)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2509810A4 (fr) 2014-05-14
MX2012006519A (es) 2012-07-23
EP2509810A2 (fr) 2012-10-17
BR112012013568A2 (pt) 2016-09-13
JP5623546B2 (ja) 2014-11-12
JP2013513517A (ja) 2013-04-22
US20110132491A1 (en) 2011-06-09
CA2781668C (fr) 2014-07-08
CA2781668A1 (fr) 2011-06-16
US8567453B2 (en) 2013-10-29
WO2011071963A3 (fr) 2011-09-09

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