WO2023076255A1

WO2023076255A1 - Kick lift

Info

Publication number: WO2023076255A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/047710
Authority: WO
Inventors: Victor Darolfi; Levi ADAMS; Caitlin BUNT; Michael Anderson
Original assignee: Robotire, Inc.
Priority date: 2021-10-25
Filing date: 2022-10-25
Publication date: 2023-05-04

Abstract

A kick lift can include a top assembly configured to support a vehicle tire to prevent the tire from kicking outward when loosened from the vehicle, a bottom assembly configured to support and position the top assembly, and an automated system. The top assembly can include one or more support rods to support the tire. A support rod drive motor can drive each support rod to extend and retract laterally. Lift components, which can be movable scissor arms or a single vertical lift arm, can be driven by a lift drive motor to be raised and lowered vertically. The bottom assembly can include a movable sled that slides forward and backward on a sled track to account for the location of the vehicle tire. A sled drive motor can drive the movable sled forward and backward. Each of the motors can be controlled by the processor based on various inputs.

Description

KICK LIFT

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to automated mechanical systems, and more particularly to automated mechanical systems for vehicle maintenance.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicle maintenance and repair typically require high amounts of manual labor even where some automated mechanical systems are used. For example, a mechanical vehicle lift is often operated by a technician or other user who positions the vehicle lift under lifting points or frame rails that are unique to specific makes and models of vehicles. The technician or other user typically then engages the lifting mechanism until the lift contacts the lifting points. This may require adjusting before engaging the lifting mechanism as well as during its operation.

[0003] In situations involving tire removal and installation, it is common for tires to “kick” outward once the lug nuts, studs, or other fasteners holding them in place are removed or even loosened. Unfortunately, this tire kick effect tends to result in the need for manual intervention, as there is no way for current automated system to be able to know the level of kick and location of the tire for every different type and size of tire. Accordingly, the technician or other user then must manually hold and remove each tire as its lug nuts, studs, or other fasteners are removed.

[0004] Although traditional ways of removing and installing vehicle tires have worked well in the past, improvements are always helpful. In particular, what is desired are mechanical systems and methods that can serve to automate the process of removing and installing vehicle tires such that less manual labor is required. SUMMARY

[0005] It is an advantage of the present disclosure to provide automated mechanical systems and methods that that further automate the process of removing and installing vehicle tires. The disclosed features, apparatuses, systems, and methods provide improved vehicle tire removal and installation systems that result in a reduced need for manual intervention and labor. In particular, the disclosed systems and methods automatically account for the tendency of vehicle tires to kick outward once they are loosened, such that other parts of an overall automated system can then handle the loosened tires without the need for a technician or other user to hold the tires.

[0006] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a kick lift configured for vehicle tire operations can include a top assembly, a bottom assembly, and an automated system. The top assembly can be configured to support a vehicle tire to prevent the vehicle tire from kicking outward when the vehicle tire is loosened from the vehicle, and the top assembly can include at least vehicle tire support components and vehicle tire support component positioners. The bottom assembly can be configured to support and position the top assembly, and the bottom assembly can include one or more movable components. The automated system can be configured to operate various components of the top assembly and the bottom assembly.

[0007] In various detailed embodiments, the vehicle tire support components of the top assembly can include one or more support rods. The vehicle tire support component positioners can include a support rod drive motor for each support rod, and each support rod drive motor can be configured to drive its respective support rod laterally. Each support rod drive motor can extend and retract its respective support rod laterally to account for the size of the vehicle tire, the lateral location of the vehicle tire, or both. The automated system can include a processor configured to signal each support rod drive motor based on one or more inputs to the automated system. The one or more inputs can include a vehicle identification number, a visual detection of the lateral location of the tire, or both. In some arrangements, a ball screw arrangement can be used for each support rod drive motor.

[0008] In further detailed embodiments, the vehicle tire support component positioners can include one or more sets of lift components and a lift drive motor, with the lift drive motor being configured to drive the one or more sets of lift components vertically. In some arrangements each set of lift components can include a set of interacting movable scissor arms. The lift drive motor can raise and lower each set of interacting movable scissor arms to account for the size of the vehicle tire, the location of the vehicle tire, or both. The automated system can include a processor configured to signal the lift drive motor based on one or more inputs to the automated system, and the one or more inputs can include a vehicle identification number, a load detection from the tire, or both. In some arrangements, the one or more sets of lift components can include a single vertical lift arm and a single support rod or other support component. A ball screw arrangement can be used for the lift drive motor.

[0009] In still further detailed embodiments, the one or more movable components of the bottom assembly can include a movable sled, which can be configured to move forward and backward on a sled track to account for the location of the vehicle tire. The bottom assembly can further include a sled drive motor configured to drive the movable sled forward and backward to account for the size of the vehicle tire, the forward or backward location of the vehicle tire, or both. A ball screw or rack and pinion arrangement can be used for the sled drive motor, among other possible drive mechanisms. The movable sled can be arranged on the sled track using guide rails and a guide rail nut interacting with a ball screw arrangement. In various embodiments, some or all of the foregoing features can be combined on the kick lift. [0010] In various further embodiments of the present disclosure, various methods of stabilizing a vehicle tire during removal of a vehicle tire are disclosed. Methods can include use of a kick lift that can include a top assembly configured to support a vehicle tire to prevent the vehicle tire from kicking outward when the vehicle tire is loosened from the vehicle, the top assembly including at least vehicle tire support components and vehicle tire support component positioners, a bottom assembly configured to support and position the top assembly, the bottom assembly including one or more movable components, and an automated system configured to operate various components of the top assembly and the bottom assembly.

[0011] Pertinent process steps can include lowering a kick lift before positioning a vehicle over the kick lift, keeping the kick lift lowered vertically until a robotic system detects the position of the vehicle and the vehicle tire, adjusting the position of one or components of the kick lift based on the position of the vehicle and the vehicle tire, raising the kick lift vertically until a tire load is detected upon contact with the vehicle tire by the vehicle tire support components, and supporting the vehicle tire after the vehicle tire is loosened from the vehicle. In various arrangements, the vehicle tire support components include one or more support rods. Also, the vehicle tire support component positioners can include a support rod drive motor for each support rod, each support rod drive motor being configured to drive its respective support rod laterally, one or more sets of lift components, and a lift drive motor, the lift drive motor being configured to drive the one or more sets of lift components vertically. Further, the one or more movable components of the bottom assembly can include a movable sled.

[0012] In various detailed embodiments, additional process steps can include registering the vertical position of the kick lift after the tire load is detected upon contact with the vehicle tire, lowering vertically the kick lift until no load is detected, raising the kick lift to the registered vertical position without causing a new tire load, and/or accounting automatically for detection of an irregular or unexpected size, shape, or inflation amount of the vehicle tire.

[0013] Other apparatuses, methods, features, and advantages of the disclosure will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional apparatuses, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and serve only to provide examples of possible structures and arrangements for the disclosed apparatuses, systems and methods for vehicle kick lifts. These drawings in no way limit any changes in form and detail that may be made to the disclosure by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates in top plan view an example overall vehicle tire removal and installation system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates in top perspective view an example kick lift frame for an overall vehicle tire and removal system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates in front perspective view an example headboard and sensors of a kick lift frame according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates in side perspective view an example kick lift in a raised position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 5 A illustrates in side elevation view the kick lift of FIG. 4 in a raised position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 5B illustrates in end elevation view the kick lift of FIG. 4 in a raised position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 6 A illustrates in top perspective view the kick lift of FIG. 4 in a fully lowered position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 6B illustrates in side perspective view the kick lift of FIG. 4 in a partially raised position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [0023] FIG. 7A illustrates in side perspective view an example kick lift moved to a full rearward position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 7B illustrates in side perspective view the kick lift of FIG. 7A moved to a full forward position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 8A illustrates in front perspective view an example scissor arm adjustment arrangement according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 8B illustrates in isolated front perspective view an example linear nut plate and roller bearing of the scissor arm adjustment arrangement of FIG. 8 A according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 9A illustrates in end perspective view and example kick lift with its support rods in a fully retracted position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 9B illustrates in end perspective view the example kick lift of FIG. 9 A with its support rods in a fully extended position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 10A illustrates in end perspective view an example rod slide bearing for a support rod of a kick lift according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 10B illustrates in partially cutaway end perspective view an example rod nut for a rod slide bearing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart of an example method of method of stabilizing a vehicle tire according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Exemplary applications of apparatuses, systems, and methods according to the present disclosure are described in this section. These examples are being provided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of the disclosure. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of these specific details provided herein. In some instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Other applications are possible, such that the following examples should not be taken as limiting. In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments of the present disclosure. Although these embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, it is understood that these examples are not limiting, such that other embodiments may be used, and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0033] The present disclosure relates in various embodiments to features, apparatuses, systems, and methods for automated vehicle kick lifts. The disclosed embodiments can involve the use of an overall system with one or more vehicle lifts, robotic arms, cameras and other sensors, and separate kick lifts for each tire of a vehicle. Although four separate individually operated kick lifts can be used, in some arrangements more or fewer kick lifts for the number of vehicle tires may be available. Various advantages of the disclosed overall system and the kick lift(s) in particular can include saving time and manual labor by robotically automating the process of removing and installing vehicle tires. [0034] Although various embodiments disclosed herein discuss a single kick lift for an automobile, truck, or other common consumer vehicle, it will be readily appreciated that similar kick lift type arrangements can be used for the removal and installation of tires on other vehicles. For example, the disclosed or similar kick lifts can be used to service tires on big rigs, tractors, or other large vehicles. Other applications, arrangements, and extrapolations beyond the illustrated embodiments are also contemplated, as will be readily appreciated.

[0035] Referring first to FIG. 1, an example overall vehicle tire removal and installation system is illustrated in top plan view. Overall vehicle tire removal and installation system 1 can include various robotic and automated components. One or more robotic arms 2 can be configured to grip, hold, remove and install tires to a vehicle. Each robotic arm 3 can have an associated camera 3 or other visual sensing device arranged to visually locate the subject vehicle and tire or tires. A computing system 4 coupled to the robotic arms 2, cameras 3, and other system components can include one or more processors configured to accept inputs and signal commands to the various system components. One or more vehicle lifts 5 can be arranged within a kick lift frame 10 and configured to lift and lower a vehicle positioned over the kick lift frame 10. One or more kick lifts (not shown here) can be positioned within kick lift frame 10 and arranged to handle tires of a vehicle positioned above the kick lift frame. Further details regarding an overall vehicle tire removal and installation system are provided in commonly owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.

filed [MONTH] , 2021, and titled

“AUTOMATIC VISION BASED LOW RISE VEHICLE LIFT,” which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

[0036] Turning next to FIG. 2, an example kick lift frame for an overall vehicle tire and removal system is shown in top perspective view. Kick lift frame 10 can be configured to arrange and house one or more kick lifts 100 therewithin. Although only one kick lift 100 is shown in FIG. 2 (i.e., for the left rear tire of a vehicle positioned above the kick lift frame), it will be readily appreciated that more than one kick lift can be within kick lift frame 10. For example, four identical or similar kick lifts can be within kick lift frame 10 for a standard four wheel automobile, truck, or other consumer vehicle. Each separate kick lift can be individually operated by a processor of an automated system. As shown, each kick lift 100 can be positioned beneath the vehicle and between the vehicle tires. Such an arrangement between the tires can allow for greater movement and flexibility of robotic arms and other overall system components operating to the outside of the vehicle tires.

[0037] A headboard 30 can be located at the front of the kick lift frame 10, and this headboard 30 and the various other rails and components of kick lift frame 10 can provide structural stability for the various components located thereabout. Again, one or more vehicle lifts 5 can be arranged within kick lift frame 10 such that vehicle lift(s) 5 can be used to raise a vehicle that has been driven or otherwise positioned above the kick lift frame 10.

[0038] Each kick lift 100 positioned within kick lift frame 10 can be configured to slide forward and backward within the frame on a sled track 132 to account for the various positions of tires for all different kinds of vehicles lifted above the kick lift frame 10. For example, tire location regions 41 can be below where the tires of a Ford Fl 50 truck would be located, while tire location regions 42 can be below where the tires of a Ford Fiesta would be located. Other tire location regions for various other vehicles are also possible, as will be readily appreciated. [0039] FIG. 3 illustrates in front perspective view an example headboard and sensors of a kick lift frame according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Again, headboard 30 can be located at the front of a kick lift frame 10, such that a vehicle lifted above the kick lift frame faces the headboard 30. One or more sensors 32 can be located on the headboard, and these sensors can be used to detect the position of a vehicle raised above the kick lift frame 10. Such sensors 32 can be laser sensors configured to detect vehicle and/or tire positioning, for example. The locations of the vehicle and one of more tires can then be provided to a system processor, and these detected positions can then be used to position the respective kick lifts.

[0040] Transitioning now to focus on the specifics of each kick lift, FIG. 4 illustrates in side perspective view an example kick lift in a raised position. Again, multiple identical or similar kick lifts can be used for a given system, such that multiple vehicle tires can be serviced simultaneously while a vehicle is lifted above the kick lift frame. Kick lift 100 can include a top assembly 101, a bottom assembly 102, and an associated automated system (not shown). Top assembly 101 can be configured to support a vehicle tire to prevent the vehicle tire from kicking outward when the vehicle tire is loosened from the vehicle, and the top assembly can include vehicle tire support components and vehicle tire support component positioners. Bottom assembly 102 can be configured to support and position the top assembly, and the bottom assembly can include one or more movable components. The automated system can operate various components of the top assembly and the bottom assembly. For example, the automated system can provide signals to the various motors of the top and bottom assemblies.

[0041] Within the top assembly 101, the vehicle tire support components can include one or more support rods 110. These support rod(s) 110 can contact the underside of a tire and provide support to a tire that is loosened from a vehicle such that the tire does not exhibit outward kick away from the vehicle when it is loosened. In some arrangements, support rods 110 can support up to 5000 pounds of static force. Each support rod 110 can extend from or retract into a respective support rod housing 114. A top plate 116 coupled atop each support rod housing 114 can provide structural stability across the respective top of kick lift 100 to prevent wobble or twisting. Slide bearings (not shown) can be included for each support rod 110 to prevent metal on metal friction between the support rods and housing components. As noted below, some arrangements can include just one support rod or other similar support component.

[0042] The vehicle tire support component positioners can include a support rod drive motor 112 for each support rod 110, and each support rod drive motor can be configured to drive its respective support rod laterally. That is, each support rod drive motor 112 can extend and retract its respective support rod 110 laterally to account for the size of the vehicle tire, the lateral location of the vehicle tire, or both. Longer extensions of the support rods 110 can occur in the case of larger tires, for example. Full retraction of the support rods 110 can take place when no tire support is needed. In some arrangements, support rods 110 can travel laterally outward up to 16 inches at full extension.

[0043] In various arrangements, a system processor can signal each support rod drive motor 112 based on one or more inputs to the automated system. Such input(s) can include, for example, a vehicle identification number (which may be input by a technician or operator), and/or a visual detection of the lateral location of the tire, such as by a camera or laser sensor. In various embodiments, a ball screw arrangement can be used for each support rod drive motor 112. Of course, other drive mechanisms can alternatively be used as may be desired.

[0044] The vehicle tire support component positioners can include one or more sets of lift components and a lift drive motor, with the lift drive motor being configured to drive the one or more sets of lift components vertically. In some arrangements, each set of lift components can include a set of interacting movable scissor arms 120, which can be driven by an associated lift drive motor 122. The lift drive motor 122 can raise and lower each set of interacting movable scissor arms 120 to account for the size of the vehicle tire, the location of the vehicle tire, or both. As shown, four scissor arms 120 can be arranged into a scissor lift configuration. One pair of parallel scissor arms can remain stationary or fixed to the bottom assembly, while the other pair of parallel scissor arms can roll or move forward and backward along the bottom assembly. [0045] In various alternative arrangements, other types of lift components besides scissor arms can be used. For example, a single vertical lift arm can be used. Such a single vertical lift arm can be driven to vertically raise or lower a single support rod or other support component. This can be accomplished using a vertical lift arm that is driven by a ball screw arrangement or other suitable drive mechanism to raise or lower vertically a respectively coupled support rod or other support component.

[0046] In some arrangements, a single support rod or other support component can be used. Such a single rod or other support component or components can be configured to support a vehicle tire such that no tire kick occurs when the tire is loosened from the vehicle. Although support rods have been depicted and described for purposes of illustration, it will be readily appreciated that similar support components can alternatively be used. Such alternative support components can include, for example, bars, arms, levers, panels, claws, and/or any other support component or components that adequately provide support to a tire to prevent kick.

[0047] Similar to the support rod drive motors 112, a processor can be configured to signal the lift drive motor 122 based on one or more inputs to the automated system. Such input(s) can include, for example, the vehicle identification number and/or a load detection from the tire. Load detection from the tire can occur when the scissor lift 120 is raised such that the support rods 110 contact the tire and additional drive from the lift drive motor causes pressure or load to be experienced by the support rods 110. In various embodiments, a ball screw arrangement can be used for the lift drive motor 122. Of course, other drive mechanisms can alternatively be used as may be desired.

[0048] Within the bottom assembly 102, the one or more movable components can include a movable sled 130. This movable sled 130 can be configured to move forward and backward on a sled track (shown in FIG. 2) to account for the respective location of the vehicle tire. Bottom assembly 102 can also include a sled drive motor 134 configured to drive the movable sled forward and backward. The sled drive motor 134 can move the movable sled 130 forward or backward to account for the size of the vehicle tire and/or the forward or backward location of the vehicle tire. Movable sled 130 can be arranged on the sled track using guide rails and a guide rail nut interacting with a ball screw arrangement. In various embodiments, a ball screw or rack and pinion arrangement can be used for the sled drive motor 134. Of course, other drive mechanisms can alternatively be used as may be desired.

[0049] FIGS. 5 A and 5B illustrate in side elevation and end elevation views respectively the kick lift of FIG. 4. These figures simply show different views of kick lift 100 and its various primary components. In addition, scissor arms 120 can rotate about a center pivot 124 as they are raised or lowered. A linear nut plate 125 that functions with the scissor drive (as detailed below) can also be seen well in FIG. 5B.

[0050] As shown, kick lift 100 can include four different automated motors including the two support rod drive motors 112, the lift drive motor 122, and the sled drive motor 134. More or fewer automated motors can be used for a given kick lift arrangement. For example, where more than two support rods may be desired, an additional support drive motor can be added to extend and retract each additional support rod. [0051] Continuing with FIG. 6A, the kick lift of FIG. 4 is shown at a fully lowered position in top perspective view. In this configuration, kick lift 100 has been fully lowered by lowering scissor arms 120 to their lowest level. In some arrangements, kick lift 100 can be reduced to a height of only 4.5 inches when scissor arms are fully lowered. Other height and profile amounts are also possible. At such a lowered height, kick lift 100 can be fully retracted and out of the way as vehicles are moved onto and off of the kick lift frame and vehicle lifts.

[0052] Kick lift 100 can stay down at the fully lowered position shown in FIG. 6 A while the robotic sensors and/or other overall system components detect the positions of the vehicle and vehicle tires. Tire position detection by the system can include gross position detection, such as by the laser sensors, as well as fine position detection, such as by the robotic camera or other visual sensor. Kick lift 100 can also stay fully lowered when not in use in some arrangements. [0053] FIG. 6B illustrates in side perspective view the kick lift of FIG. 4 in a partially raised position. As shown in FIG. 6B, kick lift 100 has been partially raised such that the scissor arms 120 and support rods 110 are elevating toward a fully raised position. Again, one set of parallel scissor arms can remain stationary at the bottom assembly and pivot thereabout while the other set of parallel scissor arms rolls along the bottom assembly to raise the kick lift 100. In various arrangements, kick lift 100 can begin to raise from its fully lowered position shown in FIG. 6B based on estimated and known dimensions and properties of the tire. Estimated dimensions can include information gleaned from an entered vehicle identification number and the presumed tire size for that make and model of vehicle, as well as gross position detection, such as laser detector input. Known dimensions and properties can be based on input from the cameras or other visual sensors as well as load detectors that detect load or pressure experienced at the support rods. These known dimensions and property detection inputs can automatically account for odd or unexpected tire issues, such as a shredded or flat tire, or a donut replacement tire, for example.

[0054] Load detection can be used to fine tune the exact elevation of the scissor arms and thus the support rods. In various operational arrangements, kick lift 100 can be raised until load is detected (i.e., resistant force of the tire as the kick lift is being raised after contacting the tire). Because load is undesirable as the tire fasteners are loosened and removed, the kick lift can then be lowered slightly after load is detected and then raised to the exact position where load was first detected. As such, the support rods will then contact the underside of the tire but provide no force against the tire as the tire fasteners and loosened and removed. At this exact position, the support rods beneath the tire will then support to prevent kick when the fasteners are loosened. [0055] Moving next to FIGS. 7A and 7B, an example kick lift is illustrated in side perspective views as being moved to full rearward and full forward positions respectively. As shown in FIG. 7A, kick lift 100 mounted atop and supported by movable sled 130 is at a full rearward position with respect to its sled track 132. Actuation of the sled drive motor can then move the movable sled forward along the sled track 132 to any position from this full rearward position to the full forward position shown in FIG. 7B. Such sliding position of the movable sled can position kick lift 100 precisely beneath the tire. This can involve positioning kick lift 100 such that center pivot 124 of scissor arms 120 is located directly beneath the center of the tire. [0056] FIG. 8A illustrates in front perspective view an example scissor arm adjustment arrangement. As shown in FIG. 8A, scissor arms 120 are the pair of scissor arms that slide back and forth along movable sled 130, rather than the other pair of scissor arms that are not shown. The depicted scissor arms 120 can be coupled to a roller bearing 126 that rolls within a roll track 127 and is in turn coupled to a linear nut plate 125 that is driven by a ball screw 128. Ball screw can be rotationally driven by the lift drive motor (not shown in FIG. 8A).

[0057] FIG. 8B illustrates in isolated front perspective view an example linear nut plate and roller bearing of the sled adjustment arrangement of FIG. 8A. Linear nut plate 125 can include an opening having an internal thread 129, which internal thread mates with the ball screw driven by the lift drive motor. Again, linear nut plate 125 can be coupled to roller bearing 126, which rolls within the roll track and is coupled to the back and forth sliding pair of scissor arms. As will be readily appreciated, rotation of the ball screw in one direction forces the linear nut plate in a forward lateral direction which lowers the scissor arms, while rotation of the ball screw in the other direction forces the linear nut plate backwards and raises the scissor arms. Although this particular lift and lift drive arrangement is shown by way of example, it will be readily appreciated that alternative lift and lift drive arrangements can be used.

[0058] Shifting now to FIGS. 9 A and 9B an example kick lift with its support rods in fully retracted and fully extended positions respectively is illustrated in end perspective views. As shown in FIG. 9 A, support rods 110 of kick lift 100 are fully retracted laterally with respect to their respective support rod housings 114. Conversely, FIG. 9B depicts support rods 110 as being fully extended laterally from within the support rod housings 114. Various different types of drive mechanisms can be used to retract and extend support rods 110. For example, a ball screw arrangement can be used to rotationally drive and slide the support rods.

[0059] FIG. 10A illustrates in end perspective view an example rod slide bearing for a support rod of a kick lift, while FIG. 10B illustrates in partially cutaway end perspective view an example rod nut for the rod slide bearing. As noted above, support rods 112 can be driven using a ball screw arrangement, among other possible suitable drive mechanisms. In order to prevent metal on metal sliding friction and associated problems, a rod slide bearing 118 can be used to protect the metal support rod 110 from the metal components of support rod housing 114. A threaded rod nut 119 can be used to facilitate the use of rod slide bearing 118.

[0060] Although metal has been described as an example material, each of the various parts of kick lift 100 can be formed of any suitable material. For example, aluminum has been found to work well for most all of the kick lift parts. Plastics or other materials can alternatively be used. In addition, support rods 112 can have a coating configured to grip or hold tires better to eliminate or reduce slippage. Other kick lift parts can also have coatings or be anodized to eliminate or minimize frictions between moving components, such as sliding friction.

[0061] Finally, FIG. 11 provides a flowchart of an example method 200 of stabilizing a vehicle tire. The method can be performed using an overall vehicle tire and removal system using one or more kick lifts. The overall system and one or more kick lifts can be that which is set forth in the figures above and the accompanying description. Although the process set forth here is with respect to a single tire, it will be readily appreciated that method 200 can be performed for more than one tire at the same time. While method 200 can be automatically performed to stabilize a vehicle tire during removal of the tire from the vehicle, it will be readily appreciated that similar methods can be used for stabilizing a vehicle tire during tire installation. [0062] After a start step 202, a first optional process step 204 can involve lowering the kick lift. In some arrangements, the kick lift can be kept in a lowered position by default, such that process step 204 may not always be necessary.

[0063] At the next process step 206, the kick lift can be kept in a lowered position while the vehicle and tire positions are detected. Such detection can be performed by other components in an overall vehicle tire removal and installation system, as noted above. The kick lift can also be kept in a lowered position while the vehicle is driven or otherwise moved onto the overall system, as will be readily appreciated.

[0064] At a following process step 208, various kick lift components can be automatically adjusted based on the tire and vehicle locations detected by the overall system. Such components can include a movable sled that slides the kick lift forward or backward along a track to align the kick lift with the position of the tire above it. Such alignment can involve positioning the center pivot of a scissor lift of the kick lift directly beneath the center of the tire. [0065] At subsequent process step 210, the kick lift can be automatically raised vertically until a load from the tire is detected. This can involve raising the scissor lift of the kick lift until a sensor detects pressure from the tire on support rods of the kick lift, as noted above.

[0066] At the next process step 212, the vertical position of the kick lift can be automatically registered once the tire load is detected. This can involve a processor of the kick lift system registering the vertical adjustment of the scissor lift.

[0067] At process step 214, the kick lift can then be automatically lowered until no tire load is detected onto the support rods. This lowering can be a nominal amount of vertical distance and can be done such that no load is present from the tire onto the support rods while the tire fasteners are being loosened, as any load onto the tire during fastener losing can be undesirable. [0068] At the following process step 216, the kick lift can then be automatically raised to the registered vertical position. Again, this can be a nominal amount, but can done to fine tune the exact vertical position of the support rods. This can be done such that support is provided to the tire once the fasteners are loosened to minimize or prevent outward kick of the loosened tire, while also not providing any load to the tire while the fasteners are being loosened. [0069] At the next process step 218, support can be automatically provided to the vehicle tire after the tire is loosened from the vehicle. Again, such support is provided by the support rods that have been precisely located to support the tire and prevent outward kick once the tire has been loosened. If desired, the method can then be repeated to remove and/or install one or more additional vehicle tires. Alternatively, the method then ends at end step 220.

[0070] It will be appreciated that the foregoing method may include additional steps not shown, and that not all steps are necessary in some embodiments. For example, additional steps may include the robotic detection of the location of the vehicle and the tire. Other steps may include accepting inputs into the system, such as the vehicle identification number of the vehicle, such that the system can grossly adjust components based on expected locations for the tires of that exact vehicle. Furthermore, the order of steps may be altered as desired, and one or more steps may be performed simultaneously in some arrangements.

[0071] Although the foregoing disclosure has been described in detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be recognized that the above described disclosure may be embodied in numerous other specific variations and embodiments without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the disclosure. Certain changes and modifications may be practiced, and it is understood that the disclosure is not to be limited by the foregoing details, but rather is to be defined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A kick lift configured for vehicle tire operations, the kick lift comprising: a top assembly configured to support a vehicle tire to prevent the vehicle tire from kicking outward when the vehicle tire is loosened from the vehicle, the top assembly including at least vehicle tire support components and vehicle tire support component positioners; a bottom assembly configured to support and position the top assembly, the bottom assembly including one or more movable components; and an automated system configured to operate various components of the top assembly and the bottom assembly.

2. The kick lift of claim 1, wherein the vehicle tire support components of the top assembly include one or more support rods.

3. The kick lift of claim 2, wherein the vehicle tire support component positioners include a support rod drive motor for each support rod, each support rod drive motor being configured to drive its respective support rod laterally.

4. The kick lift of claim 3, wherein each support rod drive motor extends and retracts its respective support rod laterally to account for the size of the vehicle tire, the lateral location of the vehicle tire, or both.

5. The kick lift of claim 4, wherein the automated system includes a processor configured to signal each support rod drive motor based on one or more inputs to the automated system.

6. The kick lift of claim 5, wherein the one or more inputs include a vehicle identification number, a visual detection of the lateral location of the tire, or both.

7. The kick lift of claim 3, wherein a ball screw arrangement is used for each support rod drive motor.

8. The kick lift of claim 2, wherein the vehicle tire support component positioners include one or more sets of lift components and a lift drive motor, the lift drive motor being configured to drive the one or more sets of lift components vertically.

9. The kick lift of claim 8, wherein each set of lift components includes a set of interacting movable scissor arms.

10. The kick lift of claim 9, wherein the lift drive motor raises and lowers each set of interacting movable scissor arms to account for the size of the vehicle tire, the location of the vehicle tire, or both.

11. The kick lift of claim 10, wherein the automated system includes a processor configured to signal the lift drive motor based on one or more inputs to the automated system.

12. The kick lift of claim 11, wherein the one or more inputs include a vehicle identification number, a load detection from the tire, or both.

13. The kick lift of claim 8, wherein the one or more sets of lift components includes a single vertical lift arm.

14. The kick lift of claim 2, wherein the one or more movable components of the bottom assembly includes a movable sled.

15. The kick lift of claim 14, wherein the movable sled is configured to move forward and backward on a sled track to account for the location of the vehicle tire.

16. The kick lift of claim 15, wherein bottom assembly further includes a sled drive motor configured to drive the movable sled forward and backward.

17. The kick lift of claim 16, wherein the sled drive motor moves the movable sled forward or backward to account for the size of the vehicle tire, the forward or backward location of the vehicle tire, or both.

18. The kick lift of claim 17, wherein a ball screw or rack and pinion arrangement is used for the sled drive motor.

19. The kick lift of claim 18, wherein the movable sled is arranged on the sled track using guide rails and a guide rail nut interacting with a ball screw arrangement.

20. A vehicle kick lift configured to assist with the automated removal and installation of vehicle tires, the kick lift comprising: a top assembly configured to support a vehicle tire to prevent the vehicle tire from kicking outward when the vehicle tire is loosened from the vehicle, the top assembly including: one or more support rods arranged to support the vehicle tire, a support rod drive motor for each support rod, each support rod drive motor being configured to drive its respective support rod laterally to account for the size of the vehicle tire, the lateral location of the vehicle tire, or both, one or more sets of lift components, a lift drive motor configured to drive the one or more sets of lift components vertically, wherein the lift drive motor raises and lowers each set of lift components to account for the size of the vehicle tire, the location of the vehicle tire, or both; a bottom assembly configured to support and position the top assembly, the bottom assembly including: a movable sled configured to move forward and backward on a sled track to account for the location of the vehicle tire, a sled drive motor configured to drive the movable sled, wherein the sled drive motor moves the movable sled forward or backward to account for the size of the vehicle tire, the forward or backward location of the vehicle tire, or both, and a sled track configured to guide the movable sled using guide rails and a guide rail nut interacting with a ball screw arrangement; and an automated system configured to operate various components of the top assembly and the bottom assembly, wherein the automated system includes a processor configured to signal each support rod drive motor based on one or more inputs to the automated system, the one or more inputs including a vehicle identification number, a visual detection of the lateral location of the tire, or both, and wherein the processor is also configured to signal the lift drive motor based on one or more inputs to the automated system, the one or more inputs including a vehicle identification number, a load detection from the tire, or both.

21. The vehicle kick lift of claim 20, wherein a ball screw arrangement is used for each support rod drive motor, the lift drive motor, and the sled drive motor.

22. The vehicle kick lift of claim 20, wherein the one or more sets of lift components includes multiple sets of interacting movable scissor arms.

23. The vehicle kick lift of claim 20, wherein the one or more sets of lift components includes a single vertical lift arm.

24. A method of stabilizing a vehicle tire during removal of a vehicle tire, the method comprising: lowering a kick lift before positioning a vehicle over the kick lift, the kick lift including a top assembly configured to support a vehicle tire to prevent the vehicle tire from kicking outward when the vehicle tire is loosened from the vehicle, the top assembly including at least vehicle tire support components and vehicle tire support component positioners, a bottom assembly configured to support and position the top assembly, the bottom assembly including one or more movable components, and an automated system configured to operate various components of the top assembly and the bottom assembly; keeping the kick lift lowered vertically until a robotic system detects the position of the vehicle and the vehicle tire; adjusting the position of one or components of the kick lift based on the position of the vehicle and the vehicle tire; raising the kick lift vertically until a tire load is detected upon contact with the vehicle tire by the vehicle tire support components; and supporting the vehicle tire after the vehicle tire is loosened from the vehicle.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the vehicle tire support components include support rods.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the vehicle tire support component positioners include a support rod drive motor for each support rod, each support rod drive motor being configured to drive its respective support rod laterally, one or more sets of lift components, and a lift drive motor, the lift drive motor being configured to drive the one or more sets of lift components vertically.

27. The method of claim 24, wherein the one or more movable components of the bottom assembly includes a movable sled.

28. The method of claim 24, further including the steps of: registering the vertical position of the kick lift after the tire load is detected upon contact with the vehicle tire; lowering vertically the kick lift until no load is detected; and raising the kick lift to the registered vertical position without causing a new tire load.

29. The method of claim 24, further including the step of: accounting automatically for detection of an irregular or unexpected size, shape, or inflation amount of the vehicle tire.