WHEEL BALANCING MACHINE FOR TYRES EQUIPPED WITH ELECTRONIC LABELS

Description

Technical Office Eng.A.Mannucci srl FASEP 2000 srl in Florence WHEEL BALANCER WITH TYRES EQUIPPED OF ELECTRONIC LABELS 5 Description Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of balancing devices for wheels, and more specifically it has as its object a balancing machine for wheels equipped with of tires with electronic labels. 10

[0002] The invention also includes a wheel balancing system. with electronically labeled tires and a wheel balancing method with tires equipped with electronic labels. State of the art

[0003] As is known, wheel balancing machines have a base of 15 support for a rotating shaft on which the bell is placed wheel to be balanced. Force measurement sensors are associated with the shaft. The al- bero is rotated at a predetermined speed and the values ​​are measured forces generated at the rotation shaft due to the wheel imbalance. Starting from These measurements, correlated to a signal of the angular position of the wheel, are re- 20 indications on the imbalance and therefore on the value and angular positions of the con- trapweights to be fixed to the wheel.

[0004] To calculate the wheel imbalance and operate the counter-arrangement weights, it is also necessary to know the dimensions of the wheel, i.e. the tyre associated with it. 25

[0005] Wheel dimensions can be taken manually by an operator or through an automatic or semi-automatic measuring device associated with the machine balancing china. Page 1 of 16 AV Technical Office Eng.A.Mannucci srl

[0006] This phase of acquiring the wheel measurements obviously involves a certain time and, moreover, it can be subject to errors, especially in the case of measurements manual or semi-automatic, for example when carried out by inexperienced personnel. Summary 5

[0007] The aim of the present invention is to speed up the balancing phases of a wheel in a balancing machine.

[0008] Within this task, an important aim of the present invention is to create a wheel balancing machine capable of improving the balancing phase acquisition of the dimensions of the wheel to be balanced. 10

[0009] Another important aim of the present invention is to provide a wheel balancing machine capable of improving the value of wheel measurements usable in the balancing calculation.

[0010] Another important aim of the present invention is to create a machine China wheel balancer can improve the value of wheel sizes 15 usable in the balancing calculation, starting from existing balancing machines hardship.

[0011] These and other purposes, which will be clearer later, are achieved with a wheel balancing machine according to the attached claim 1.

[0012] It has been known for some years, within the consortium of tyre manufacturers, 20 the use of electronic labels, such as RFID tags, placed inside tires, and in which an identification code is stored in the electronic label unique.

[0013] The unique identification code is stored within a database of the consortium of producers, which includes, in addition to the age of the tyre, al- 25 minus the tire size data, such as radius, width and height of the shoulder. Page 2 of 16 AV Technical Office Eng.A.Mannucci srl

[0014] The purpose of this unique identification code is for example to be able to guarantee at least the origin and age of the tyre to retailers and buyers querents.

[0015] In relation to such types of electronically labelled tyres, according to the in- 5 invention, the balancing machine includes - a basic body, - a rotating shaft that cantilevers from the base body, - a wheel fastening device provided on the shaft, - electronic means associated with said shaft, configured to measure the imbalance 10 of said wheel fixed to said shaft, - an electronic control unit for managing and controlling balancing operations operationally connected with said electronic means, said electronic control unit tronics being equipped with an electronic machine management program, said wheel balancing machine being configured to interact with pneu- 15 machines of the type equipped with an electronic label in which an identification code is stored unique identification code of the tyre, and in which said unique identification code is associate the tire dimensions, said wheel balancing machine comprising at least one reading device remotely for electronic labels, operationally connected to the electronic control unit 20 tronics and configured to remotely read the unique identification code contained in the electronic label of the tire of the wheel subject to balancing, and in which the said electronic program is configured to receive the unique identification code from at least one reading device, identify the tire size data associated with the tire identification code 25 unique ficative, and use said dimensional data in the wheel balancing calculation.

[0016] According to preferred embodiments, the electronic control unit is operative- connected to an external data network and the balancing machine is of the confi- type designed to interact with tires in which the said unique identification code is re- 30 recorded in a database external to the tire and accessible via said data network Page 3 of 16 AV Technical Office Eng.A.Mannucci srl external, and in which the tire dimensions are stored in said database, for which the electronic program is configured to receive the unique identification code from at least one reading device, retrieve, from the external database, the data relating to the dimensions of the associated tyre 5 referred to the unique identification code, and use said dimensional data in the wheel balancing calculation.

[0017] Preferably, said at least one reading device is fixedly arranged in the space, unless there are any means of regulating its position, and generates a substantially fixed reading field. 10

[0018] Preferably, the balancing machine comprises at least two devices reading, operationally connected to the electronic control unit.

[0019] Preferably, given a median plane orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the rotating shaft, wherein said plane is configured to cut at an inter- mediates the tire, defining two half-spaces; at least one reading device is pre- 15 seen in the half-space looking towards the base body of the machine and at least one disposi- reading device is provided in the other half-space. For example, the fastening device of the wheel provides a fixing body provided on the shaft, and this fixing body It is equipped with a beaten surface configured to match the rim, and in which the median plane develops parallel to this beat. 20

[0020] Preferably, at least one reading device is arranged on a surface configured to look at a plane orthogonal to the tree axis, such as a plane lying on the inside of the wheel, when the wheel is fixed on the shaft. For example pi at least one reading device is arranged so as to look at least partially the shoulder of the tire when the wheel is fixed on the shaft. 25

[0021] Preferably, at least one reading device is arranged on a surface configured to look at a plane parallel to the shaft axis, e.g. the least a reading device is placed on a surface configured to watch the beat- wheel road, when the wheel is fixed on the shaft. Page 4 of 16 AV Technical Office Eng.A.Mannucci srl

[0022] Preferably, there are at least two reading devices placed on su- surfaces that are approximately orthogonal to each other and facing a space configured to house the wheel, when fixed to the shaft, or a space containing the fastening device play at the tree. 5

[0023] In other embodiments at least one reading device is arranged on the al- I drink.

[0024] Preferably, the balancing machine comprises adjustment means of the position of the at least one reading device.

[0025] Preferably, the at least one reading device is a reading antenna for 10 RFID type labels.

[0026] Tires equipped with electronic labels and balancing machines according to the invention forms a balancing system.

[0027] According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a method of balancing brating of wheels with tires equipped with electronic labels in which the labels are stored 15 unique tyre identification codes, and where the unique identification codes tire sizes are associated. This method involves - place a wheel with said tire on a balancing machine - remotely read the contents of the electronic label, to which they are associated directly or indirectly indicate the size of the tire, 20 - by reading the contents of the electronic label, acquire the dimensions of the tire, - use the dimensions of the tyre thus acquired to carry out the balancing wheel balancing in said balancing machine.

[0028] Preferably the method provides, by means of said reading, 25 - acquire a unique identification code for the tyre, and Page 5 of 16 AV Technical Office Eng.A.Mannucci srl - query a database of unique tire identification codes, in which for each unique identification code contains at least the dimensions of the respect tire with that unique identification code, - use the tire dimensions thus acquired indirectly via 5 database query, to perform wheel balancing in said balancing machine. Brief description of the drawings

[0029] The invention will be better understood by following the description and the attachments. drawings, which illustrate some of its exemplary and non-limiting embodiments 10 invention. More specifically, in the drawing:

[0030] Fig. 1 represents a schematic perspective view, 3 / 4 view from above, of a balancing machine according to the invention;

[0031] Fig. 2 represents a schematic side perspective view of the machine balancer of figure 1; 15

[0032] Fig. 3 represents a simplified, schematic top view of the machine. balancing china of figures 1 and 2. Detailed description of embodiments

[0033] With reference to the figures previously cited, a balancing machine The wheelset is generally indicated by the number 10. 20

[0034] According to a known structure, the machine 10 comprises a base body 11, a rotating shaft 12 which cantilevers from the base body 11, for example from one side 11A which develops on a plane approximately orthogonal to the X axis of the shaft 11. A portion of the shaft is internal to the base body 11, and a portion 13 is external to the base body 11.

[0035] A fixing device is provided on the outer portion of the rotating shaft 12. 25 essay for a wheel, such as a fixing body in the form of a flange 14 configured to attach coaxially to the rim C of the wheel R. The tire mounted on the rim is indicated with P. Page 6 of 16 AV Technical Office Eng.A.Mannucci srl

[0036] In a manner known in itself, inside the base body 11 there are electro- nici 15 (which include sensors to measure the unbalancing force on the shaft) associated with tree 12, simply outlined by the number 16, used to measure the imbalance of the wheel R fixed to the shaft 11, also of a known type. 5

[0037] The balancing machine 10 comprises an electronic control unit 20 for ge- management and control of balancing operations operationally connected with the electronic means 15. An electronic program is associated with the electronic control unit 20 nico 21 machine management.

[0038] The machine 10 further comprises a management monitor 22, operationally 10 connected to control unit 20.

[0039] The balancing machine 10 is configured to interact advantageously with new generation tyres, equipped with an electronic label, such as For example, an RFID tag. In the figures, the electronic label is indicated by EL.

[0040] In fact, as mentioned, the use of has been implemented for some years now 15 RFID tags embedded in the tires.

[0041] This RFID tag stores a unique identification code that identifies uniquely defines the tire.

[0042] In recent years, tire manufacturers have created a database, acces- accessible via a network (for example an Internet network), in which, for each identification code 20 unique, production data is present, such as the production date and the tire dimensions (e.g., radius, width, and shoulder height). The purpose of the database is to ensure that tire dealers and buyers have access to tici, the origin and age of the tire.

[0043] According to the invention, the balancing machine 10 is equipped with at least one 25 remote reading device 30 for EL electronic labels, operationally con- connection with the electronic control unit 20 and configured to remotely read the code unique identifier contained in the electronic label EL of the tyre wheel R subject to balancing. For example, the electronic label EL is an RFID tag, and the remote reading device 30 is an antenna adapted to generate a field Page 7 of 16 AV Technical Office Eng.A.Mannucci srl electromagnetic M that hits the RFID tag, and which, in a known way, allows the antenna to acquire data associated with the tag.

[0044] The electronic program 21 is configured to receive the identification code unique from at least one reading device 30, identify the data relating to the dimensions 5 tyre sizes associated with the unique identification code, and use the data di- tire dimensions in the wheel balance calculation, rather than mi- place them inside the machine directly on the wheel.

[0045] For example, to identify tire size data P, the electronic control unit 20 is operationally connected to an external data network 23 a 10 which is connected to a server on which a DB database is provided, within which are stored unique identification codes COD and, for each of these, the dimensions DIM of the tire associated with its unique identification code.

[0046] Therefore, the remote reading device 30 for EL electronic labels, Once the R wheel is fixed on the flange 14, it detects the unique identification code 15 stored in the label, sends it to the electronic control unit 20, which in turn queries the DB database via network 23, taking the dimensional data from it tire associated with the unique identification code. This data is used in the electronic program 21 to calculate the wheel imbalance, i.e. providing the data to perform wheel balancing. 20

[0047] In a possible development, it is possible that the dimensional data of the wheel are directly stored in the electronic label, so, in this case, it is not necessary You would need to access the external database but you can simply use this data directly in the electronic program of the balancing machine to perform the balancing of the wheel. 25

[0048] In the example shown in the figures, the balancing machine comp- takes two reading devices, respectively a first device 30, and a se- second reading device 30', operationally connected to the electronic control unit 20.

[0049] Using more than one reading device allows you to have 30 devices 30 relatively small and positioned so that the fields of action M of the devices Page 8 of 16 AV Technical Office Eng.A.Mannucci srl cover the entire area occupied by a section of the tyre, as the position of the label on the tire is not certain.

[0050] In fact, at the level of the consortium of tyre manufacturers, no standard has been unambiguously defines the position that the electronic label must assume 5 EL on the tire, and also the position of the label on the wheel is also dependent tooth from the mounting orientation of the tire on the rim.

[0051] Using at least two reading devices allows you to scan the entire tire.

[0052] Advantageously, it is sufficient for the reading device 30 (or devices 10 reading) is able to read a fixed area in space that is crossed by the entire radial section of the tire (as shown in figure 3). For example, by rotating the tire around the X-axis, the entire tire passes through will be the reading area and therefore also the EL electronic label. Therefore during the tire rotation the information contained in the label is acquired 15 electronics. So for example at the first rotation of the wheel around the X axis it will be it is possible to read the electronic label EL and therefore let the machine know the data tire dimensions.

[0053] It is clear that even a single reading device can be used to cover the entire section of the tire, or just a part of it, if you have 20 the certainty that this part is suitable for containing the electronic label.

[0054] It is evident that a single reading device can also be used or multiple combined reading devices, capable of covering the entire space occupied by the pneumatic, without the need to rotate to acquire information of the electronic label. 25

[0055] According to what has just been said, the reading device, or devices, are substantially fixed in space (unless their position is adjusted in the space according to one or more directions, for example orthogonal to each other (wk) to generate a reading field that is substantially fixed in space. In other less fixed embodiments advantageous, the reading device can be a handpiece used manually Page 9 of 16 AV Technical Office Eng.A.Mannucci srl by an operator who is approached by the operator directly on the tyre, in an area where the electronic tag is presumed to be present.

[0056] As mentioned, in the example shown, there is a first device of reading 30, and a second reading device 30', operationally connected with the 5 electronic control unit 20.

[0057] For example, given a median plane H orthogonal to the rotation axis X of the rotating shaft 11, this plane is configured to cut in an intermediate position the tyre P, for example because it is positioned between the flange 14 fixing stop wheel test to the shaft 11 and the face 11A of the base body from which the shaft comes out. The 10 plane H defines two half-spaces I and II: the first reading device 30 is foreseen in the half-space I which looks towards the base body 11 and the second reading device 30' is expected in the other half-space II.

[0058] For example, the first reading device 30 is arranged on the face 11A of the base body, i.e. on a surface configured to look at an orthogonal plane 15 to the X-axis of the shaft, for example a plane lying on the inside flank of the wheel, when the wheel is fixed on the shaft. For example, such reading device 30 is available I am so that I can at least partially look at the shoulder S of the tire P when the wheel R is fixed on shaft 12.

[0059] The second reading device 30' is arranged on a configured surface 20 to look at a plane parallel to the X-axis of the tree, and more specifically to look the tread B of the wheel R, when the wheel is fixed on the shaft. For example, the se- second reading device is placed on a backrest 40 which develops from the base body 11 approximately parallel to the X-axis.

[0060] In this example therefore, the two reading devices 30 and 30' are foreseen 25 on surfaces approximately orthogonal to each other and facing a space configured to accommodate to rotate the wheel, when fixed to the shaft, or a space containing the device fixing to the tree.

[0061] According to the above, a balancing method according to the invention, utili- for example, using a machine like the one described, it provides for 30 - place a wheel R with tire P on the balancing machine 10 Page 10 of 16 AV Technical Office Eng.A.Mannucci srl - remotely read the contents of the EL electronic label, to which they are assigned associate, directly or indirectly, the dimensions of the tire P, - by reading the contents of the EL electronic label, acquire the dimensions of the P tire, 5 - use the dimensions of the tyre thus acquired to carry out the balancing wheel alignment in the balancing machine.

[0062] Preferably the method provides, by reading the EL label, to - acquire a unique identification code for the tyre, and - query a DB database of unique tire identification codes, in which 10 for each unique identification code there are at least the dimensions of pneumatic compliance with that unique identification code - use the tire dimensions thus acquired to perform the balancing wheel alignment in said balancing machine.

[0063] The wheel balancer for tyres equipped with electronic labels (non- 15 that the method), as described, is therefore able to avoid the phases of ac- direct acquisition of measurements by the machine, saving time and possibilities error-prone.

[0064] It is understood that the above represents only possible embodiments. non-limiting of the invention, which can vary in form and arrangement without 20 go beyond the scope of the concept underlying the invention. The possible presence of nu- reference in the attached claims is for convenience only. reading in light of the preceding description and the attached drawings and does not limit it in any way the scope of protection. Page 11 of 16 AV

Claims

Claims 1. Wheel balancing machine comprising a base body, - a rotating shaft projecting from said base body, - a wheel fixing device provided on said shaft, electronic means configured to measure the imbalance of said wheel fixed to said shaft, - an electronic control unit for managing and controlling the balancing operations operationally connected to said electronic means, said electronic control unit being equipped with an electronic machine management program, said wheel balancing machine being configured to interact with tires of the type equipped with an electronic label in which a unique identification code of the tire is stored, and in which said unique identification code is associated with the dimensions of the tire, said wheel balancing machine comprising at least one remote reading device for electronic labels,operationally connected to the electronic control unit and configured to remotely read the unique identification code contained in the electronic tire label of the wheel being balanced, and wherein said electronic program is configured to receive the unique identification code from said at least one reading device, identify the tire size data associated with said unique identification code, and - use said dimensional data in the wheel balancing calculation. Page 12 of 16 Technical Office Ing.A.Mannucci srl, 2. A wheel balancing machine according to claim 1, wherein said electronic control unit is operatively connected to an external data network and the balancing machine is of the type configured to interact with tires in which said unique identification code is recorded in a database external to the tire and accessible via said external data network, and in which the dimensions of the tire are stored in said database, whereby the electronic program is configured to receive the unique identification code from said at least one reading device, retrieve, from said external database, the data relating to the dimensions of the tire associated with said unique identification code, and - use said dimensional data in the calculation of the wheel balancing.

3. Wheel balancing machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said at least one reading device is arranged fixed in space and generates a substantially fixed reading field.

4. Wheel balancing machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising at least two said reading devices, operatively connected to said electronic control unit; preferably given a median plane orthogonal to the rotation axis of said rotating shaft, said plane is configured to cut the tire in an intermediate position, defining two half-spaces; at least one said reading device is provided in the half-space facing said base body and at least one reading device is provided in the other half-space.

5. Wheel balancing machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein at least one reading device is arranged on a surface configured to look at a plane orthogonal to the axis of said rotating shaft, when the wheel is fixed on the shaft.

6. A wheel balancing machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein at least one reading device is arranged so as to look at least partially at the tire shoulder when the wheel is fixed on the shaft. Page 13 of 16 Technical Office Ing.A.Mannucci srl 7. Wheel balancing machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein at least one reading device is arranged on a surface configured to look at a plane parallel to the axis of said rotation shaft.

8. Wheel balancing machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one reading device is arranged on a surface configured to view the tread of the wheel, when the wheel is fixed on the shaft.

9. Wheel balancing machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising at least two said reading devices placed on surfaces approximately orthogonal to each other and facing a space configured to house the wheel, when fixed to the shaft.

10. Wheel balancing machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one reading device is a reading antenna for RFID type labels.

11. A method of balancing wheels with tires equipped with electronic labels in which unique tire identification codes are stored, and in which the unique identification codes are associated with the tire sizes. This method involves placing a wheel with said tire on a balancing machine, remotely reading the contents of the electronic label, which are associated, directly or indirectly, with the tire sizes, and, from reading the contents of the electronic label, acquiring the dimensions of the tire equipped with the label, and using the tire sizes thus acquired to balance the wheel in said balancing machine.

12. Balancing method according to claim 11, which provides, by means of said reading, to acquire a unique identification code of the tyre, and to Page 14 of 16 Ufficio Tecnico Ing.A.Mannucci srl query a database of unique identification codes of tyres, in which for each unique identification code there are at least the dimensions of the tyre corresponding to that unique identification code, - use the dimensions of the tyre thus acquired to carry out the balancing of the wheel in said balancing machine.