Magnetic chuck for truck wheel alignment

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of card bus wheel positioning magnetic suction type clamp, including the clamp main plate with three outer extension positioning arms, the center main shaft for installing wheel target is installed in the middle part of clamp main plate outer side;Three outer extension positioning arms on the inner side of clamp main plate each assemble a magnetic suction positioning assembly for with wheel hub plane suction positioning.The utility model is used for all card bus positioning instrument, when photoelectric positioning, clamp center main shaft does not need to rotate, when 3D positioning, center main shaft can rotate relative to clamp, without pushing trolley or reversing, reduce the difficult problem of trolley laborious and rotation angle difficult to accurate control in traditional clamp measurement process.Magnet of conical surface structure is used to automatically align and quickly adsorb positioning, improve positioning operation efficiency and positioning accuracy, compared with traditional clamp more accurate and fast controllable.Safety lock assembly further increases the operation stability of clamp, avoid clamp instability falling in process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a magnetic clamp for positioning truck and bus wheels, belonging to the technical field of wheel positioning clamp structure. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of my country's economy, logistics is an important part of economic development. The number of trucks and buses responsible for freight transportation is increasing day by day. The precise positioning of truck and bus wheels and axles is directly related to the lifespan and function of vehicle tires, fuel or electricity, as well as suspension components such as chassis bushings.

[0003] Currently, the two mainstream positioning methods commonly used in the market include photoelectric positioning and 3D positioning. Among them, the photoelectric positioning device directly installs the photoelectric sensor measuring head on the wheel or axle. Because the measurement environment of trucks and buses is relatively poor, most of the testing is done outdoors. If the photoelectric sensor or wheel clamp is inaccurate, it can cause data inaccuracy. Therefore, positioning technicians need to frequently judge whether the positioning device is accurate or frequently return it to the factory for calibration. It relies heavily on the maintenance technician's experience in judging the accuracy of the equipment, which may very likely cause incorrect positioning of trucks and buses. 3D positioning is currently mainly used in small cars. Although 3D four-wheel alignment machines for cars are relatively mature technology and have been widely used in repair shops and quick repair stores for nearly 20 years, they cannot replace wheel and axle alignment machines for trucks and buses. One reason for this is the pushing aspect: car alignment requires pushing the car backward to rotate the target mounted on the wheels by a certain angle. The camera calculates the target's value, and the software calculates the measurement result. Because cars are lighter and have less resistance than trucks and buses, one person can easily push the car. However, trucks and buses are heavier and have greater driving resistance, making it impossible to push or reverse the car while it is stationary. The car must be started to operate. The vibration of the wheels during engine operation will also cause the target to vibrate, resulting in errors when the camera measures the target's value. After multiple tests, it was found that different errors occurred each time the target value was measured due to vehicle vibration. The greater the vibration, the greater the error. Moreover, the frequency of vibration is not exactly the same for each vehicle and each measurement, resulting in significant errors in each positioning measurement result. Secondly, regarding the cameras, 3D four-wheel alignment for passenger cars is typically done with the alignment device installed in a fixed indoor location. This device consists of a long crossbeam with two cameras mounted at each end, used in conjunction with a four-post or scissor lift. However, most truck and bus repair shops in China perform alignment and repairs outdoors or in parking lots, making it difficult to fix the installation location of the alignment device. Furthermore, due to the longer bodies of trucks and buses, it's inconvenient to move them to a fixed location for alignment and repairs. Therefore, truck and bus alignment devices need to be mobile for convenient operation. Because of the wider bodies of trucks and buses, if a camera crossbeam were used like that of a passenger car 3D four-wheel alignment device, the truck and bus alignment device would require an even longer crossbeam, making movement very inconvenient.

[0004] In addition, traditional wheel alignment clamps are four- or three-jaw clamps, installed on the edges of the wheel hub and tire bead. Because trucks have a large load capacity, most wheel hub edges will have errors. The only way to compensate for the errors caused by the clamp is to rotate the wheel. Rotating the wheel is a lot of work, especially the drive axle, which is linked to the rear axle and drive shaft, making it even more difficult to rotate. In addition, when performing wheel compensation, the axle needs to be lifted with a jack and the wheel needs to be rotated while it is suspended in the air. At this time, the vehicle will have errors due to the kingpin clearance, wheel bearing clearance, etc. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the various problems mentioned above, and thus provide a magnetic clamp for positioning truck and bus wheels.

[0006] To solve the above problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0007] A magnetic clamp for locating truck and bus wheels includes a clamp main board with three outward positioning arms. A central spindle for mounting wheel targets is installed on the middle of the outer side of the clamp main board. Each of the three outward positioning arms on the inner side of the clamp main board is equipped with a magnetic positioning component for adsorbing and positioning with the wheel hub plane.

[0008] The magnetic positioning assembly includes a column connected to the outward positioning arm, a positioning sleeve fixed to the end of the column, a slide rod movably sleeved inside the column, a slide rod handle installed on the upper end of the column for driving the slide rod, a magnet assembly fixed to the lower end of the slide rod and located inside the positioning sleeve, and a spring press-fitted between the magnet assembly and the positioning sleeve.

[0009] Furthermore, the central spindle includes a main board connection part and a target connection part. The main board connection part is rotatably mounted on the clamp main board and has a spindle rotation handle. The spindle rotation handle enables the central spindle to rotate relative to the clamp main board. The target connection part is located at the front end of the main board connection part and is an integral structure therewith. It has a target insertion hole in the middle and a locking screw hole that extends radially into the target insertion hole. A target locking handle is installed in the locking screw hole to lock and fix the wheel target inserted into the target insertion hole.

[0010] Furthermore, the central spindle is installed on the center of the outer end face of the fixture main board via bearing one, bearing two, spindle bolt, and spindle end cap. Bearing one and bearing two are respectively installed on the front and rear end faces of the fixture main board. The spindle bolt passes through bearing two, the central hole of the spindle, and bearing one sequentially from the inner side of the fixture main board and is then threaded into the inner hole of the central spindle. Thus, the central spindle is rotatably installed on the fixture main board.

[0011] Furthermore, an angle scale value is provided on the surface of the fixture main board at a position corresponding to the spindle rotation handle, that is, above the central spindle. The spindle rotation handle adjusts the target angle on the central spindle based on the calibrated angle scale value.

[0012] Furthermore, the outward positioning arm is provided with an adjustment groove, one end of the column is installed in the adjustment groove through the column base and the column knob, and the other end of the column is fixed to the positioning sleeve through the positioning sleeve end cap.

[0013] Furthermore, the magnet assembly includes two magnet sleeves, a first magnet sleeve and a second magnet sleeve, which are nested together, and a magnet installed between the two magnet sleeves. One end of the first magnet sleeve is fixedly connected to the end of the slide rod, and the magnet's adsorption surface is configured as a conical structure adapted to the outer screw of the wheel hub.

[0014] Furthermore, the main body of the clamp has a predetermined planar accuracy on both sides, the column and the column base are connected by threads and can achieve positional accuracy between the three positioning sleeves. In the adsorption state, the conical structure of the magnet is adsorbed and fixed with the wheel hub screw, and the end face of the positioning sleeve abuts against the wheel hub plane.

[0015] Furthermore, a safety lock assembly is installed on the inner end face of the middle part of the clamp body. The safety lock assembly includes a safety lock base, a safety lock bearing placed inside the safety lock base, a safety lock flywheel installed on the safety lock bearing, and a coil spring disposed inside the safety lock flywheel. One end of the coil spring is hooked to the safety lock flywheel, and the other end is hooked to the shaft of the safety lock base. One end of the safety lock flywheel is connected to a pull cable. The pull cable extends through a pulley to the outside of the safety lock base and is fixed to a safety lock hook. The safety lock hook is used to hook onto the wheel hub ventilation opening.

[0016] Furthermore, the three outward positioning arms of the fixture main board are respectively provided with three sets of identical letter points, which are marked based on the number of wheel hub bolts and pitch circle diameter of different vehicle models.

[0017] This utility model relates to a magnetic clamp for truck and bus wheel positioning, suitable for use with all truck and bus positioning devices. Its central spindle is designed to rotate relative to the clamp, eliminating the need for pushing or reversing the vehicle when used for 3D positioning. This reduces the effort required for pushing the vehicle and the difficulty in accurately controlling the rotation angle during traditional clamp measurements. The conical magnet in the magnetic positioning component automatically aligns and quickly attracts the vehicle for positioning, improving operational efficiency and accuracy. Compared to traditional clamps, it is more precise, faster, and controllable. Furthermore, when the magnet is attracted, the end face of the positioning sleeve abuts against the wheel hub plane, further ensuring the accuracy of the attraction and positioning. A safety lock component increases the clamp's operational stability, preventing it from becoming unstable and falling during operation. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 Example 1: Overall structural diagram of the magnetic clamp for positioning truck and bus wheels;

[0019] Figure 2 : Figure 1 Back view;

[0020] Figure 3 Exploded view of the overall structure of the magnetic clamp for positioning truck wheels in Example 1;

[0021] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the magnetic positioning component structure;

[0022] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the safety lock component structure;

[0023] In the diagram, 100 is the main clamp board, 110 is the central spindle, 111a is the first bearing, 111b is the second bearing, 112 is the spindle bolt, 113 is the spindle end cap, 114 is the spindle rotation handle, 115 is the target locking handle, 120 is the outward positioning arm, 121 is the adjusting slide, 130 is the column, 131 is the column base, 132 is the column knob, 140 is the slide rod, 150 is the positioning sleeve, 151 is the positioning sleeve end cap, 160 is the slide rod handle, 161 is the handle bracket, 170 is the magnet assembly, 171 is the first magnet sleeve, 172 is the second magnet sleeve, 173 is the magnet, 174 is the spring, 180 is the safety lock assembly, 181 is the safety lock base, 182 is the safety lock bearing, 183 is the safety lock flywheel, 184 is the coil spring, 186 is the pulley, and 187 is the safety lock hook. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Example 1

[0026] A magnetic clamp for locating truck and bus wheels includes a clamping main board 100 made of aluminum alloy. Both sides of the clamping main board 100 are machined using a high-precision grinding machine to ensure planar accuracy. A central spindle 110 is rotatably mounted on the outer end face of the clamping main board 100, and a wheel target is mounted through this central spindle 110. Three outwardly extending positioning arms 120 extend outward from the periphery of the clamping main board 100 at a predetermined angle. Three magnetic positioning components are respectively assembled on the inner side of the clamping main board 100 through the three outwardly extending positioning arms 120. Adjustment grooves 121 are provided on the three outwardly extending positioning arms 120, and the ends of the magnetic positioning components are respectively installed in the adjustment grooves 121, allowing adjustment of the adsorption position of the magnetic positioning components. The three magnetic positioning components are respectively used to adsorb and install on three screws on the wheel hub plane. A safety lock assembly 180 is installed on the inner end face of the middle part of the clamp main board 100. The safety lock assembly 180 is used to hang on the wheel hub ventilation port.

[0027] The central spindle 110 is mounted on the center of the outer end face of the fixture main plate 100 via bearing 111a, bearing 111b, spindle bolt 112, and spindle end cap 113. Bearing 111a and bearing 111b are respectively mounted on the front and rear end faces of the fixture main plate 100. The spindle bolt 112 passes through bearing 111b, the spindle center hole, and bearing 111a sequentially from the inner side of the fixture main plate 100 and is then threaded into the inner hole of the central spindle 110. Thus, the central spindle 110 is rotatably mounted on the fixture main plate 100. The central spindle 110 includes a main board connecting part and a target connecting part. The main board connecting part is mounted on a bearing 111a and has a spindle rotation handle 114. The spindle rotation handle 114 can drive the central spindle 110 to rotate relative to the clamping main board 100. The target connecting part is located at the front end of the main board connecting part and is an integral structure therewith. It has a target insertion hole in the middle and a locking screw hole that extends radially into the target insertion hole. A target locking handle 115 is installed in the locking screw hole. The wheel target is inserted into the target insertion hole of the central spindle 110, and the target is tightened and fixed by the threaded rod of the target locking handle 115 being threadedly connected to the locking screw hole. An angle scale value is provided on the surface of the clamping main board 100 at a position corresponding to the position of the spindle rotation handle 114, that is, above the central spindle 110. The spindle rotation handle 114 can adjust the target angle on the central spindle 110 based on the angle scale value.

[0028] The magnetic positioning components on the three outward positioning arms 120 of the clamp main board 100 have the same structure, each including a column 130, a slide rod 140 sleeved inside the column 130, and a positioning sleeve 150 fixed to the end of the column 130. The upper end of the slide rod 140 is driven and connected by the slide rod handle 160, and the lower end is connected to a magnet assembly 170.

[0029] One end of the column 130 is mounted on the outward positioning arm 120 via the column base 131 and the column knob 132, and the column base 131 and the end of the column 130 are connected by threads, which allows the adsorption position of the three positioning sleeves 150 to be adjusted. The other end of the column 130 is fixed to the positioning sleeve 150 via the positioning sleeve end cap 151.

[0030] The slide rod 140 is sleeved inside the column 130. One end of the slide rod is connected and driven by the slide rod handle 160 installed on the column 130, and the other end extends into the positioning sleeve 150 and is connected to the magnet assembly 170. When the slide rod handle 160 is turned, the slide rod 140 can be driven to slide inside the column 130, while the magnet assembly 170 is driven to move up and down inside the positioning sleeve 150.

[0031] The magnet assembly 170 includes two magnet sleeves 171 and 172 that are nested together, and a magnet 173 installed between the two magnet sleeves. One end of the magnet sleeve 171 is provided with a screw hole and is threadedly connected to the end of the slide rod 140 through the screw hole. The adsorption surface of the magnet 173 is a conical structure adapted to the screw on the outside of the wheel hub.

[0032] The column 130 has an elongated slot at its upper end and a handle bracket 161 is installed in the slot. The slide handle 160 is rotatably mounted on the handle bracket 161, and its connecting end extends into the interior of the column 130 through the elongated slot and connects to the end of the slide rod 140. The handle for operation is located outside the column 130 so that it can be held and operated by a person.

[0033] A spring 174 is provided between the magnet sleeve 171 and the positioning sleeve 150. When the operating slide handle 160 is lowered, the slide rod 140 pushes the magnet assembly 170 downward. The magnet sleeve 170 compresses the spring 174 and acts on the limiting platform of the positioning sleeve 150. When the magnet 173 is aligned with the screw on the hub and firmly attracted, the slide handle 160 is released. The spring 174 will release its compression energy and act in the opposite direction on the magnet sleeve 171 and the upper slide rod 140.

[0034] The safety lock assembly 180 includes a safety lock base 181, a safety lock bearing 182 placed inside the safety lock base 181, and a safety lock flywheel 183 mounted on the safety lock bearing 182. A coil spring 184 is installed on the inner side of the safety lock flywheel 183. One end of the coil spring 184 is hooked onto the safety lock flywheel 183, and the other end is hooked onto the shaft of the safety lock base 181. A pull cable is connected to one end of the safety lock flywheel 183. The pull cable extends to the outside of the safety lock base 181 via a pulley 186 and is fixed to a safety lock hook 187. The safety lock hook 187 is positioned by interlocking with the outer wall of the safety lock base 181 through its own shape. In use, the safety lock hook 187 can be removed from the safety lock base 181 and the pull cable can be pulled outward to hang it at the vent of the wheel hub.

[0035] To enable rapid positioning of wheel hub bolts for different wheel models, the surface of the fixture main board 100 is marked with the number of wheel hub bolts and the pitch circle diameter (PCD refers to the diameter of the circle formed by the centers of the bolt holes on the wheel hub, which is an important parameter of the wheel hub). Several corresponding letters are defined for the number and diameter of the bolts, such as the seven letters AG in this embodiment that mark the positioning points. Correspondingly, the three outward positioning arms 120 on the fixture main board 100 are marked with the corresponding letters.

[0036] The magnetic clamp for positioning truck and bus wheels in this embodiment has the following technical advantages:

[0037] (1) Based on the hub plane

[0038] Solution: The outer edge of the wheel hub (near the tire bead) is prone to deformation, which can cause positioning measurement errors. The only solution to this error is to rotate the wheel to compensate for the wheel's coaxiality.

[0039] Advantages: No need for rotary wheel compensation, which saves workload and increases accuracy.

[0040] (2) Magnetic tire screw positioning clamp

[0041] Solution: Tire clamps can be used normally on aluminum alloy wheels without the need for traditional clamps; the problem of clamp center point centered on the tire bolts around the wheel rim is solved.

[0042] Advantages: Fast installation

[0043] (3) The cone magnet developed has been verified to automatically find the center point of the wheel.

[0044] Solution: When measuring the caster angle and kingpin inclination angle, the center point of the clamp must be consistent with the center point of the tire.

[0045] Advantages: It can quickly align the screw center and automatically adsorb for alignment.

[0046] (4) Quick switching between multiple vehicle models

[0047] Advantages: Compatible with multiple vehicle models, quick switching between 10, 8, 6, and 5 wheel lug nuts, solving the problem of universality of positioning fixtures for light and heavy trucks.

[0048] (5) Applicable to steel rims or aluminum alloy wheels

[0049] Advantages: The magnetic tire screw positioning clamp can solve the problem of magnetic compatibility between aluminum alloy wheels and steel rims. Since all tire screws are made of steel, they are suitable for all truck and bus models.

[0050] (6) Planar three-claw type

[0051] Solution: The flat surface is made of aluminum plate, which is not easily deformed, and the three-jaw clamp will not lift the feet like a four-jaw clamp, making the adsorption more precise.

[0052] Advantages: Extremely high accuracy, no need for frequent calibration.

[0053] (7) Fixture accuracy calibration function

[0054] Solution: If errors occur in machining accuracy, the jaw length can be adjusted to calibrate the fixture accuracy.

[0055] Advantages: Allows for convenient and quick calibration of fixture accuracy.

[0056] (8) Applicable to all truck and bus positioning devices.

[0057] Solutions: The optical positioning device for trucks and buses has drawbacks such as inaccurate fixtures, the need for dynamic wheel compensation, and cumbersome installation.

[0058] Advantages: All positioning devices do not require dynamic compensation, saving the operation process of rotating the tires; they are highly accurate, quick to install, and not easily deformed.

[0059] (9) Clamp anti-drop expansion joint

[0060] Solution: Prevent the clamp from falling off due to unstable installation.

[0061] Advantages: Telescopic steel wire rope design, easy to operate, and occupies little space.

[0062] (10) Quickly adjust the wheel hubs of various car models

[0063] Solution: Quickly locate and adjust the column size according to the tire bolt hole spacing markings.

[0064] Advantages: The adjustable slide design allows for quick and easy adjustment by simply loosening the column fixing knob, allowing you to quickly find the appropriate tire bolt hole spacing as shown in the diagram.

[0065] This utility model is not limited to the embodiments discussed above. The above description of specific embodiments is intended to describe and illustrate the technical solutions involved in this utility model. Obvious variations, substitutions, or combinations based on the teachings of this utility model should also be considered to fall within the protection scope of this utility model. The above specific embodiments are used to disclose the best implementation method of this utility model, so that those skilled in the art can apply various embodiments and alternative methods of this utility model to achieve the purpose of this utility model.

Claims

1. A magnetic chuck for aligning a truck wheel, comprising: The fixture includes a main board with three outward positioning arms. A central spindle for mounting wheel targets is installed on the middle of the outer side of the main board. Each of the three outward positioning arms on the inner side of the main board is equipped with a magnetic positioning component for adsorbing and positioning with the wheel hub plane.

2. The magnetic clamp for positioning truck and bus wheels as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetic positioning assembly includes a column connected to the outward positioning arm, a positioning sleeve fixed to the end of the column, a slide rod movably sleeved inside the column, a slide rod handle installed on the upper end of the column for driving the slide rod, a magnet assembly fixed to the lower end of the slide rod and located inside the positioning sleeve, and a spring press-fitted between the magnet assembly and the positioning sleeve.

3. The magnetic clamp for positioning truck and bus wheels as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The central spindle includes a main board connection part and a target connection part. The main board connection part is rotatably mounted on the clamp main board and has a spindle rotation handle. The spindle rotation handle allows the central spindle to rotate relative to the clamp main board. The target connection part is located at the front end of the main board connection part and is an integral structure therewith. It has a target insertion hole in the middle and a locking screw hole that extends radially into the target insertion hole. A target locking handle is installed in the locking screw hole to lock and fix the wheel target inserted into the target insertion hole.

4. The magnetic clamp for positioning truck and bus wheels as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The central spindle is mounted on the center of the outer end face of the fixture main board via bearing one, bearing two, spindle bolt, and spindle end cap. Bearing one and bearing two are respectively mounted on the front and rear end faces of the fixture main board. The spindle bolt passes through bearing two, the central hole of the spindle, and bearing one sequentially from the inner side of the fixture main board and is then threaded into the inner hole of the central spindle. Thus, the central spindle is rotatably mounted on the fixture main board.

5. The magnetic clamp for positioning truck and bus wheels as described in claim 4, characterized in that, An angle scale value is provided on the surface of the fixture main board at a position corresponding to the spindle rotation handle, that is, above the central spindle. The spindle rotation handle adjusts the target angle on the central spindle based on the calibrated angle scale value.

6. The magnetic clamp for positioning truck and bus wheels as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The extended positioning arm is provided with an adjustment groove. One end of the column is installed in the adjustment groove through the column base and the column knob, and the other end of the column is fixed to the positioning sleeve through the positioning sleeve end cap.

7. The magnetic clamp for positioning truck and bus wheels as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The magnet assembly includes two magnet sleeves, a first magnet sleeve and a second magnet sleeve, which are nested together, and a magnet installed between the two magnet sleeves. One end of the first magnet sleeve is fixed to the end of the slide rod, and the magnet's adsorption surface is configured as a conical structure that matches the screw on the outside of the wheel hub.

8. The magnetic clamp for positioning truck and bus wheels as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The main body of the clamp has a predetermined planar accuracy on both sides. The column and the column base are connected by threads and can achieve the positional accuracy between the three positioning sleeves. In the adsorption state, the conical structure of the magnet is adsorbed and fixed with the wheel hub screw, and the end face of the positioning sleeve abuts against the wheel hub plane.

9. The magnetic clamp for positioning truck and bus wheels as described in claim 8, characterized in that, A safety lock assembly is installed on the inner end face of the middle part of the clamp body. The safety lock assembly includes a safety lock base, a safety lock bearing placed inside the safety lock base, a safety lock flywheel installed on the safety lock bearing, and a coil spring disposed inside the safety lock flywheel. One end of the coil spring is hooked to the safety lock flywheel, and the other end is hooked to the shaft of the safety lock base. One end of the safety lock flywheel is connected to a pull cable. The pull cable extends to the outside of the safety lock base via a pulley and is fixed to a safety lock hook. The safety lock hook is used to hook onto the wheel hub ventilation opening.

10. The magnetic clamp for positioning truck and bus wheels as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The three outward positioning arms of the clamp main board are respectively provided with three sets of identical letter points, which are marked based on the number of wheel hub bolts and pitch circle diameter of different vehicle models.

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