Wheel assembly service system with integrated air supply

Abstract

A vehicle wheel service system having an air hose coupled to a source of pressurized air for use during tire inflation / deflation procedures. An air chuck on the air hose is configured for temporary air-tight engagement with a valve stem of a wheel assembly supported on a rotationally driven spindle of the vehicle wheel service system to enable transfer of pressurized air to or from an associated tire. To accommodate slow speed revolution of the wheel assembly during inflation, the air chuck is coupled to the air hose by a swiveling connection, and the air hose extends from a support housing axially above the wheel assembly to reduce entanglement risks. The support housing includes a detection system configured to generate a signal indicative of a presence of the air chuck and air hose in a retracted position, thereby providing a safety interlock preventing specific operations of the vehicle tire changing system which might interfere with the air chuck and air hose during use.

Description

WHEEL ASSEMBLY SERVICE SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED AIR SUPPLYCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is related to and claims priority from co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 583,766 filed on September 19, 2023, is related to and claims priority from co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 566,674 filed on March 18, 2024, and is related to and claims priority from co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 653,560 filed on May 30, 2024. Each of the aforementioned applications are herein incorporated by reference.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

[0002] Not Applicable.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present application is related to vehicle tire changing machine which incorporates a supply of air pressure for inflation of a tire on the rim of a wheel assembly secured to a rotating spindle of the machine, and in particular to a retractable air chuck and air hose for coupling from the air pressure supply to a valve stem of the wheel assembly, which includes a mechanism for detecting when the air chuck and air hose is retracted to a stored position.

[0004] Many products manufactured for the automotive service industry are designed to inflate automotive tires. These systems generally provide a source of pressurized air via an air hose to inflate or deflate the tire. The operator manually connects an air chuck at the end of the air hose to the valve stem of the stationary wheel assembly, initiates a flow of pressurized air from the source through the air hose and chuck, and either monitors the flow or establishes an inflation cut off point for automatic termination. Traditionally, the air chuck must be manuallydisconnected from the valve stem when the correct air pressure within the tire is achieved, and the air hose returned to a storage location.

[0005] The process of removing a tire from a wheel rim of a wheel assembly and replacing it with another tire, referred to herein as tire changing, can be difficult. In response to such difficulties, tire changing machines have been developed to facilitate the tire changing process. The tire changing machines commonly include a base having a clamping mechanism and a rotationally driven drive shaft assembly configured to rotate the wheel rim about an axis of a drive spindle. A support structure extending upward from the base carries a bead breaker tool configured to exert pressure on the tire to break the tire bead seal, and a tire removal tool, sometimes referred to as a demount tool, to pull the bead of the tire off the wheel rim as the wheel rim is rotated about the spindle axis. Operating of the bead breaker tool and the demount tool enable removal of the tire by separating the tire from the wheel rim.

[0006] To reinstall the tire, or to install a replacement tire, manual or machine implemented tools are utilized to press the tire onto the wheel rim, after which it is inflated with a burst of air to seat the beads. Final inflation of the tire may be completed by connecting an air hose located on the tire changing machine to the wheel assembly valve stem and providing a flow of pressurized air. After inflation, the wheel assembly consisting of the wheel rim and tire mounted thereon is often transferred to a wheel balancing machine to measure rotational imbalance forces and apply corrective weights. Traditionally an operator is closely involved in this process, manipulating the tire onto the wheel rim, applying force to facilitate seating of the tire beads, and subsequently inflating the tire by connecting an air hose. The required operator actions lead to inefficient use of the operator’s time, and result inlonger vehicle service times as well as increased costs to both the vehicle owner and vehicle repair shop.

[0007] Configuring a tire changing machine to enable automated mounting of a tire to a wheel rim assembly with minimal operator interaction would be beneficial in an automotive service environment. During a tire-changing process, an operator manually places the tire onto the wheel rim, connects a retractable air hose to the wheel rim valve stem, and initiates an automated tire mounting and inflation procedure. The tire changing machine completes the tire mounting by utilizing tools to rotate the tire and apply the necessary forces, as well as by delivering a flow of air to the tire through the connected air hose. Additional operations carried out by a tire changing machine include the demounting of a tire from a wheel rim. During a tire demounting operation, the presence of an air hose coupled to the inflation valve of the wheel rim could be a safety hazard, and could cause entanglement of the air hose with the tools operating to demount the tire. Accordingly, it would be further beneficial to configure a tire changing machine to detect when an air hose used for tire inflation is safely stowed in a retracted position.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0008] Briefly stated, the present disclosure provides a wheel service system with a source of pressurized air located in close proximity to the valve stem of a tire secured coaxially to a rotationally driven drive assembly by a wheel clamp mechanism.

[0009] In one embodiment, the drive assembly of a tire changer is configured with an axial coupling connected to a source of pressurized air. A clamp mechanism which acts to axially clamp a wheel rim to the drive assembly includes a spindle having an axial air passage which operatively connects to the axial coupling whenthe spindle is passed through a central bore of the wheel rim and axially seated within the drive assembly to clamp the wheel rim in place. The axial air passage conveys pressurized air through the spindle to a reel of air hose located at an opposite axial end of the spindle. During use, the air hose is drawn from the reel and connected to a valve stem on the wheel rim to introduce pressurized air into a tire mounted to the wheel rim.

[0010] In a further embodiment, the present disclosure provides a vehicle tire changing system having a source of pressurized air for use during tire inflation / deflation procedures. A flexible length of retractable air hose couples the source of pressured air to an air chuck operatively configured for temporary air-tight engagement with a valve stem of a wheel assembly supported on a rotationally driven spindle of the vehicle tire changing system. The source of pressurized air, air hose, and air chuck enable a transfer of pressurized air to or from an associated tire during a wheel service procedure. To accommodate slow speed revolution of the wheel assembly during mounting, the air chuck is coupled to the air hose by a ball swivel connection, and the air hose extends from a support housing axially above the wheel assembly to reduce entanglement risks. The support housing includes a detection system configured to either generate a signal indicative of a presence of the air chuck and air hose in a stored position upon detachment from the wheel assembly, or alternatively to generate a signal indicative of a withdrawal of the air hose from the store position during use, thereby providing a safety interlock to prevent specific operations of the vehicle tire changing system which might interfere with the air chuck and air hose during use.

[0011] A method of the present disclosure enables efficient operation of a vehicle tire changing system having a source of pressurized air for use during tiremounting and inflation procedures. After a wheel assembly is secured to a spindle of the vehicle tire changing system, an air chuck located at an end of a flexible length of air hose coupled to the source of pressured air is drawn from a stored position and secured in air-tight engagement with a valve stem of a wheel assembly supported on the vehicle wheel service system. Pressurized air is delivered from the source to the valve stem, facilitating tire bead seating or inflation. Once the inflation pressure within the tire reaches a predetermined or selected level, the air chuck is disengaged from the valve stem. The air chuck and air hose are withdrawn from proximity to the wheel assembly and returned to the storage position. The vehicle tire changing system monitors a sensor to restrict or limit specific operations of the vehicle tire changing system, such as automatic tire demounting, while the air chuck and air hose are separated from the storage position, re-enabling or releasing such operations only upon detection of the air chuck and air hose at the storage position to avoid entanglement or damage to the air hose and air chuck.

[0012] The foregoing features, and advantages set forth in the present disclosure as well as presently preferred embodiments will become more apparent from the reading of the following description in connection with the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] In the accompanying drawings which form part of the specification:

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary prior art tire changer system;

[0015] Figure 2 is an illustration of a prior art wheel assembly being secured to a tire changer system by a prior art wheel clamp assembly;

[0016] Figure 3 is a cross section view of a wheel clamp mechanism, incorporating an air inflation hose and reel;

[0017] Figure 4 is a cross section view of a wheel support spindle for axially receiving the wheel clamp mechanism of Fig. 3;

[0018] Figure 5 is a cross section view of the wheel clamp mechanism of Fig. 3 engaged with the wheel support spindle of Fig. 5;

[0019] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a tire changing system incorporating an alternative configuration of an air inflation system.

[0020] Figure 7 A is a cross sectional view of an air hose housing of the present disclosure, with the air hose and air chuck in an extended position for use;

[0021] Figure 7B is a cross sectional view of the air hose housing of Fig 7B, with the air hose and air chuck in an extended position for use;

[0022] Figure 7C is a close view of region 7c shown in each of Figs. 7A and 7B, illustrating the interaction of a sensor and floating sleeve within the housing for signaling air hose extended position;

[0023] Figure 8A is a cross sectional view similar to Fig. 7A, with the air hose and air chuck in a retracted position for storage;

[0024] Figure 8B is a cross sectional view of the air hose housing of Fig 7B, with the air hose and air chuck in a retracted position for storage;

[0025] Figure 8C is a close view of region 8c shown in Figs. 7A and 7B, illustrating the interaction of a sensor and floating sleeve within the housing for signaling the air hose retracted position; and

[0026] Figure 9 is a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the air hose housing of the present disclosure.

[0027] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several figures of the drawings. It is to be understood that the drawings are for illustrating the concepts set forth in the present disclosure and are not to scale.

[0028] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description enables one skilled in the art to make and use the present disclosure, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the present disclosure, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 1 illustrates a prior art tire changer machine 100 including a frame or base 102 and a rotatable drive shaft assembly 104 attached to the base 102 for receiving and retaining a wheel assembly 105 consisting of a wheel rim 106 having a tire 108. The drive shaft assembly 104 may, as described in U.S. Patent No. 8,307,874 B1 to Hanneken et al., herein incorporated by reference, be configured for movement to different positions to assist with lifting and mounting the wheel rim 106 to the drive shaft assembly 104 and may include a post or shaft positioned centrally on the base 102. As seen in Figure 2, the wheel rim 106 is secured to the drive shaft assembly 104 with a conventional clamping mechanism passed through a central bore in the wheel rim 106 to engage a receiver in the drive shaft assembly104 after the wheel assembly 105 is loaded and mounted onto the tire changer machine 100.

[0031] The conventional clamping mechanism shown in Fig. 2 consists of a clamp nut assembly 400 disposed coaxially about a spindle 402 and secured in an axial position on the spindle 402 by engagement of a ring clamp with annular grooves formed in the drive shaft assembly 104. Engagement and release of the ring clamp is by means of press tabs on the external surface of the clamp nut 420. The clamping mechanism terminates in a short knob 404, having an annular recessed region configured for an operator to easily engage between two fingers, such that the operator’s thumb can simultaneously engage an axially extending release button 406 when seating the clamping mechanism within the drive shaft assembly receiver.

[0032] After the wheel rim 106 is clamped in position, a machine operator manipulates an input selector 110a which operates the drive shaft assembly 104 to rotate the wheel assembly 105 about a drive axis 1 12. In different exemplary embodiments, the drive shaft assembly 104 may be actuated pneumatically, hydraulically, or electrically. In another embodiment, a rotating clamping turntable or other rim holding mechanism may be provided in lieu of the drive shaft assembly 104 and clamping mechanism 400. Clockwise and counterclockwise rotation about the axis 1 12, indicated by the arrow A, is possible in different embodiments. While the drive axis 1 12 is illustrated as being generally vertical in the embodiment depicted, the axis 1 12 may be oriented horizontally or otherwise in other embodiments, and the axis 1 12 may be selectively adjusted to different positions relative to the base 102, such as by linear movement of the drive shaft assembly 104.

[0033] As the wheel rim 106 is rotated about the axis 112, a tool assembly 1 14 is brought into physical contact or engagement with the tire 108 in the direction of arrow B, at a respective location proximate an outer periphery of the rim 106. With the tool assembly 1 14 properly positioned with respect to the tire 108 and wheel rim 106, the wheel assembly 105 is further rotated about the axis 1 12 to demounts the tire 108 from the wheel rim 106. Additionally, the tool assembly 1 14 may be utilized to mount a new tire 108 to the wheel rim 106. While a single tool assembly 114 is shown to facilitate both mounting and demounting of tires 108 from the wheel rim 106, it is contemplated that separate mounting and demounting tools may likewise be provided and utilized.

[0034] The tool assembly 114 may include features such as a tire hook to separate or displace an inner circumference of the tire 108, including a tire bead surface, (not shown) over the outer lip of the wheel rim 106 to remove the tire 108 during a tire demount operation, or alternatively to engage the inner circumference of the tire 108 including the tire bead during installation or mounting of the tire 108 to the wheel rim 106. The tool assembly is further described in U.S. Patent No. 8,973,640 B1 to Hanneken, which is herein incorporated by reference.

[0035] Bead breaker tools 1 16a and 1 16b, are configured to exert pressure on the sidewall surfaces of the tire 108 to either break a seal between the tire bead and the rim 106, or to push or displace the inner circumference of the tire 108 over the outer lip of the wheel rim 106 during installation of the tire 108. As shown in Figure 1 , a first bead breaker tool is located above the tire 108 and second is located below the tire 108. In another embodiment, a single bead breaker tool 116 could be provided. Exemplary operation of the bead breaker tools 116 are more completelydescribed in U.S. Patent No. 8,613,303 B1 to Hanneken et al., which is herein incorporated by reference.

[0036] Machine tools 1 18a and 1 18b are provided and sometimes are referred to as pressing tools, pusher tools, or bead pressing devices. As shown in Figure 1 , bead pressing devices 118a, 1 18b exert pressure on the tire sidewall during tire mounting and demounting procedures. As shown, bead pressing device 118a is a roller device mounted for rotation about an axis 120 substantially perpendicular to the machine drive axis 1 12. Thus, when the roller device 118a is placed in contact with a tire sidewall, it rotates about the axis 120 as the tire 108 is rotated about the machine drive axis 112, such that the device 1 18a remains in a fixed position relative to the machine drive axis 1 12. When desired, the roller device 118a is operable to rotate in tandem with the tire 108 about the drive axis 112.

[0037] The bead pressing device 1 18b is adapted for contact with the tire 108 and includes a frictional engagement surface to facilitate movement relative to the tire. When engaged with the tire sidewall, the pressing device 1 18b rotates about the drive axis 1 12 with the tire 108. Optionally the pressing device 1 18b may incorporate a feature for engaging a spoke, a hole, or other feature of the wheel rim 106 to ensure that the pressing device 1 18b (and the tire 108 with which it is engaged) rotate along with the wheel rim 106, and that the pressing device 1 18b does not move relative to the wheel rim 106. Alternatively, the pressing device 1 18b may be coupled with an independent drive mechanism 122 configured to push the bead pressing device 118b and the tire 108 in the direction of rim rotation about the drive axis 112. This establishes a “traction point” in addition to pushing the tire bead into the drop center of the wheel rim 106 when mounting the tire 108.

[0038] The pressing tools 118a, 1 18b may be spaced from one another to maintain the tire bead in a drop center of the wheel rim 106 during a tire demounting procedure, or to push the tire bead into the drop center during a tire mounting procedure. While two bead pressing devices 118a and 118b are shown in Figure 1 , additional bead pressing devices 1 18 may be provided. Two or more bead pressing devices 1 18 are beneficial for mounting or demounting larger diameter tires and stiffer tires, although it is understood that in some cases a single bead pressing device 1 18 may be sufficient to mount or demount certain types of tires. Operation of the pressing tools and the independent drive mechanism are more completely described in U.S. Patent No. 8,387,675 B1 to Vaninger et al., which is herein incorporated by reference.

[0039] In different exemplary embodiments, the tool assembly 1 14, and the tools 1 16, 1 18 may be actuated pneumatically, electrically, or hydraulically, and serve to supply sufficient tire insertion or removal forces at the correct angles and locations with respect to the tire 108 such that the bead of the tire 108 is forced out of, or into, a bead seat on the wheel rim 106. While exemplary tools 116, 1 18 are illustrated in combination with the tool assembly 114, still other tire changing tools and devices may be provided and used for bead breaking, tire mounting and / or demounting, locating a valve stem, locating a wheel weight, locating a wheel sensor such as a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor, or other purposes. Such other tools may be provided in addition to, or in lieu of, the tools 1 16, 118 as depicted.

[0040] To assist with locating the tool assembly 1 14 and the tools 116, 118 a sensory capability may further be provided in the machine 100 to detect a position of the tool assembly 114 and the tools 1 16, 1 18 (or other tools that may be provided) with respect to the tire 108 and / or wheel rim 106. For example, a switch mechanismmay be included that changes state when a bead breaker tool moves just beyond the outer edge of the wheel rim 106, ensuring that the tool is positioned to engage the tire 108 at a predetermined location. Machine vision systems can assist in aligning the machine tools with respect to the wheel rim 106 at predetermined locations. Force feedback sensors may be integrated as further monitoring and control features for the machine components, including but not limited to the machine tools. While such sensory capabilities may be beneficial, in some embodiments they may be considered optional and accordingly may not be present or utilized.

[0041] The machine 100 as shown in Figure 1 includes a support tower 130 extending from the base 102 at a location spaced from the drive shaft assembly 104. The support tower 130 extends to a height above any wheel assembly secured to the drive shaft assembly 104. A linkage 132 extends outwardly from the support tower 130, and the pressing tools 118a, 1 18b are coupled to the linkage 132. The linkage 132 is movable by an actuator on the support tower 130 in a direction parallel to arrow B in Figure 1 , such that as the linkage 132 moves, the bead pressing devices carried on the linkage 132 are moved either towards or away from the tire 108. As such, the bead pressing devices 118a, 1 18b may be moved in a direction parallel to the machine drive axis 1 12.

[0042] In addition to movement parallel to the machine drive axis 1 12, the bead pressing devices 1 18a, 1 18b are mounted to the linkage 132 such that they are rotatable about an axis 136 that is fixed and coincident with the machine drive axis 1 12. That is, the pressing devices 1 18 are rotatable about the axis 136 that is coaxial with the machine drive axis 1 12. Because the axis 136 is coincident with the drive axis 112, when the bead pressing devices 1 18 are in contact with the tire 108,the bead pressing devices 1 18 may rotate with the tire 108 as it is rotated about the drive axis 112.

[0043] While locating the rotation axis 136 of the pressing devices 1 18 at a fixed and set distance and location from the tower support frame 130 can be beneficial for the reasons stated, it is recognized that in further and / or alternative embodiments, neither the location of the drive axis 1 12, nor the rotational axis 136 for the pressing devices, need necessarily be fixed in such a manner so long as the axes 1 12 and 136 are adjustable to become coincident when the pressing devices 118 are utilized. That is, either or both of the axes 112 and 136 may be movable to different positions, distances and orientations relative to each other, and relative to the tower support frame 130, for reasons not pertinent to the use of the pressing devices 118a, 1 18b, but when the pressing devices 1 18a, 1 18b are to be engaged to the tire, the axes 112 and 136 are moved to become coincident once again so that the bead pressing devices 118 may rotate with the tire 108 about the drive axis 112.

[0044] The bead pressing devices 118a, 1 18b are further movable in a direction perpendicular to the axis 136 and the drive axis 1 12. That is, actuators are provided that move the bead pressing devices 1 18a, 1 18b radially toward, and away from, the drive axis 1 12, such that the bead pressing devices 118 may be manually or automatically adjusted to different radial positions measured from the drive axis 112 accommodating tires and rims of different diameters. The bead pressing devices 118 may be manually or automatically positioned in the direction perpendicular to the drive axis 112 as described below.

[0045] The bead breaker tools 116a, 1 16b are coupled to and supported by the tower support frame 130 (or other support structure in an alternative embodiment)via linkages movable in vertical and horizontal directions to position the bead breaker tools 116a, 116b relative to the wheel rim 106 and tire 108 during use.

[0046] The tool assembly 1 14 is likewise coupled to a support 138 and associated linkages on the tower support frame 130 by actuators such that the support 138 is movable relative to the tower support frame 130 in the vertical and horizontal directions. As such, the tool assembly 1 14 is movable radially toward and away from the drive axis 112, and toward and away from the wheel assembly 105 in a direction parallel to arrow B. The tool assembly 114 operates independent of the tools 116, 118, but may be used in concert while changing the tire 108. The positions of the various components 1 14, 1 16, and 1 18, and operation of the drive shaft assembly 104 and other features of the machine 100 may be coordinated by a programmable control unit and actuator components.

[0047] A machine operator may manipulate input selectors 1 10a, and 110b to direct the control unit to move the tool assembly 1 14, and the tools 1 16, 1 18 to desired positions, to operate the drive shaft assembly 104, or to activate other machine features. In illustrative embodiments, the input selectors 1 10a, 110b are foot pedals located near the bottom of the machine base 102 for convenient use of the machine operator(s). In other embodiments, input devices 154, including but not limited to levers, buttons, knobs, switches, joysticks, and touch sensitive display 152 may be employed in various locations on or near the machine 100. An operator station 150 including a display 152 and an input device 154 including a keyboard or other input selectors may be optionally provided for the benefit of the operator.

[0048] When operating the tire changer machine 100, a preliminary step required before performing a wheel assembly service procedure is to secure the wheel rim 106 to the drive shaft assembly 104. Generally, the wheel rim 106 issecured to the drive shaft assembly 104 by means of a clamping mechanism which retains the wheel rim 106 coaxially against an axial end of the drive assembly.

[0049] T urning to Figures 3 - 5, a clamping mechanism of the present disclosure is shown generally at 500. The clamping mechanism 500 comprises a hollow spindle assembly 501 for engaging the drive shaft assembly 104, an interchangeable annular wheel cone 502 seated on the spindle assembly 501 for centering a wheel rim 106, and a horizontally oriented air hose reel 550 affixed to the spindle assembly 501 axially outboard of the annular wheel cone 502. The annular wheel cone 502 has an axial bore sized to receive the spindle assembly 501 and includes a conical surface 506 configured to facilitate the centering of a wheel rim 106 center bore about an axis of the clamping mechanism 500. During use, the conical surface 506 seats against a peripheral edge of a wheel’s center bore through which the spindle assembly 501 is passed to axially engage with the drive shaft assembly 104, centering the wheel rim 106 about the spindle assembly axis. A set of interchangeable annular wheel cones 502 having differing conical surfaces 506 can be utilized with the spindle assembly 501 to accommodate a variety of different sizes for wheel rim center bores.

[0050] Securing the wheel rim 106 to the drive shaft assembly 104 with the components of the present disclosure requires four steps. Initially the wheel rim 106 is positioned with a lower edge of the rim center bore located coaxially on a receiving flange 600 at an upper end of the drive shaft assembly 104 shown in Figure 4. The spindle assembly 501 is next passed axially through the wheel rim center bore, and into a receiving bore of the drive shaft assembly 104 as shown in Figure 5, to position the conical surface 506 of the wheel cone 502 in close proximity to, or in contact with an upper edge of the wheel rim center bore. To permitplacement of the spindle assembly 501 within the receiving bore, a spring-loaded push rod 508 extending axially from an upper end of the spindle assembly 501 is depressed to axially shift an internal cylinder 509 within the spindle assembly 501 adjacent to an axially opposite end. The internal cylinder 509 includes radial recesses sized to receive ball bearings 510, and interacts with corresponding radial bores passing through the outer wall of the spindle assembly 501 to engage the drive shaft assembly 104 as set forth and described in U.S. Patent No. 11 ,155,129 B2 to Polster, which is herein incorporated by reference. Once engaged, torque is applied to the spindle assembly 501 , such as by gripping the air hose reel 550, to rotate the entire clamping mechanism 500 about a longitudinal axis of the spindle assembly, drawing the wheel cone 502 into centered clamping engagement with the wheel rim by a threading interaction between the ball bearings 510 and the channels 604.

[0051] With a wheel rim 106 secured to the drive shaft assembly 104 by the spindle assembly 501 , a distal end 552 of an axial passage 554 through the spindle assembly 501 couples to an axially aligned air supply nub 650 located at the base of the drive shaft assembly bore 602. The air supply nub 650 is in turn operatively coupled to a regulated source of pressurized air via an axial passage 652 through the drive shaft assembly 104 and appropriate one or more appropriate air-tight couplings 656. A flow of pressurized air can be delivered from the air source via the axial passage 652 and air supply nub 650 into the axial passage 554. A proximal end of the axial passage 554 is operatively coupled to an air supply hose 556 contained within the horizontally oriented reel 550. During use, the air supply hose 556 is uncoiled radially outward from the reel 550 and secured to valve stem of the wheel rim 106, enabling pressurized air for tire bead seating or tire inflation to beprovided. Preferably, the reel 550 includes a hose recoil mechanism configured to automatically retract the air supply hose 556 back into the reel 550 when not in use. Optionally, the air supply hose 556 is provided with an auto-disconnect air chuck, configured to automatically disconnect from the wheel assembly valve stem when a set inflation pressure is reached within an associated tire. When combined with the hose recoil mechanism, the auto-disconnect chuck enables an operator to perform a walk-away inflation by simply coupling the air chuck to the valve stem and setting the desired inflation pressure.

[0052] To release the wheel assembly 106, the wheel assembly clamping process is reversed. First, the handle assembly 503 is rotated in reverse to unthread the ball bearings 510 engaged with the channels 604 within the drive shaft assembly bore 602, relieving the clamping force exerted on the wheel rim by the wheel cone 502. Next, the spring-loaded push rod 508 is engaged, displacing the internal cylinder 509 within the spindle assembly 501 , aligning the radial bores 512 and the radial recesses 509a. With the radial bores 512 and radial recesses 509a aligned, the ball bearings 510 are free to disengage from the channels 604 and retract below the surface of the spindle assembly 501 . Upon disengagement of the ball bearings 510 from the channels 604, the spindle assembly 501 is axially removed from the drive shaft assembly 104 receiving bore 602, and the wheel assembly 106 is released.

[0053] Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the provision of an air source coupled via an axial pathway through a rotationally driven spindle to supply a flow of pressurized air to an air supply hose located in proximity to a wheel assembly secured coaxially to the driven spindle can be adapted for use on a wheel balancer machine. Wheel balancers typically include a horizontally oriented spindlefor coaxially receiving a wheel assembly. The wheel assembly is secured to the spindle by means of a clamp assembly. By coupling an air source via an axial pathway through the rotationally driven spindle to an air supply hose carried by the wheel clamp assembly, pressurized air for tire bead seating or tire inflation can be provided in substantially the same manner as described above for use in a tire changing system. Optionally, the air supply hose is provided with an autodisconnect air chuck, configured to automatically disconnect from the wheel assembly valve stem when a set inflation pressure is reached within an associated tire. When combined with a hose recoil mechanism, the auto-disconnect chuck enables an operator to perform a walk-away inflation by simply coupling the air chuck to the valve stem and setting the desired inflation pressure. It should be noted that with respect to applications on a wheel balancing system, provisions must be taken to ensure that the mass of an air supply hose and any associated couplings is appropriately rotationally balanced or offset by counterbalance masses to ensure that there is minimal interference with the measurement of imbalance forces exerted by the wheel assembly.

[0054] In an alternate configuration shown in Figure 6, the air source is coupled via appropriate airflow pathways to an air hose 700 terminating in an air chuck 702 carried on the linkage 132. The air chuck 702 is positioned in axial alignment with the axis or rotation for the drive assembly 104. During use, the air supply hose 700 is drawn and secured to valve stem of the wheel rim 106, enabling pressurized air for tire bead seating or tire inflation to be provided. Preferably, the air supply hose 700 returns to a stored configuration when not in use. Optionally, the air supply hose 700 is provided with an auto-disconnect air chuck, configured to automatically disconnect from the wheel assembly valve stem when a set inflation pressure isreached within an associated tire enabling an operator to perform a walk-away inflation by simply coupling the air chuck to the valve stem and setting the desired inflation pressure.

[0055] In on embodiment illustrated in Figures 7A and 8A, the air supply hose 700 to the air chuck 702 is routed from a connection to the source of pressurized air at the rear of the tower support frame 130, up and over the top of the linkage 132. The air supply hose 700 drops vertically through an axial bore 704 within a cylindrical housing 706 affixed to the linkage 132, to the air chuck 702 which hangs in general axial alignment with the drive axis of the rotatable drive shaft assembly 104. The air chuck 702 is secured to the air supply hose 700 by a coupling 708 containing a ball swivel connection 708a, permitting the air chuck 702 to rotate or swivel with respect to the air supply hose 700.

[0056] The axial bore 704 of the cylindrical housing 706 provides a storage location for the air chuck 702 and a portion of the air supply hose 700 when retracted or not in use. One or more floating sleeves 710 or 710a-710d are placed within the axial bore 704, each have an inner diameter sufficient to allow unrestricted axial passage of the air supply hose 700. A single axially elongated floating sleeve 710 may be utilized, as shown in Figures 7A and 8A or multiple shorter floating sleeves may be utilized as shown in Figures 7B and 8B. Multiple short floating sleeves 71 Oa-71 Od function to accommodate bending or flexing of the air supply hose 700 within the axial bore 704 without binding by each providing a limited range of radial movement within the axial bore 704. The exact number of short floating sleeves 71 Oa-71 Od, and the individual axial lengths thereof, may vary without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0057] In one embodiment, an uppermost floating sleeve 710 includes an annular outer flange or collar 712 having a diameter greater than that of the upper opening into the axial bore 704, such that the floating sleeve 710 is suspended within the axial bore by engagement of the annular outer flange 712 with an upper surface 714 of the cylindrical housing 706. An endcap 716, secured to the upper surface 714 limits upward movement of the collar 712 and associated sleeve 710. In an alternate embodiment, multiple sleeves 710b-40d are located within the axial bore 704, the annular outer flange 712 may be replaced by an upper floating washer 712a, and downward movement of the sleeves 710b-40d is limited by the bottom edge of the lowermost floating sleeve contacting a second floating washer 713 positioned within the axial bore 704 by a fixed sleeve or spacer 714.

[0058] Axial movement of the one or more floating sleeves 710, 710a-710d within the axial bore 704 is responsive to the force of gravity in the downward direction, and to retraction of the air supply hose 700 in an upward direction by engagement of a lower end of a single floating sleeve 710, or the floating washer 713 adjacent to the lowermost floating sleeve 71 Od, contacting a bushing 716 fitted to the air supply hose adjacent to the coupling 708. As the air supply hose 700 is retracted upward through the floating sleeves 710 or 710a-710d within the cylindrical housing 706, the bushing 716 is drawn into the axial bore 704 to contact either the single floating sleeve 710 or the floating washer 713, which in turn abuts the lowermost floating sleeve 71 Od. Continued upward movement of the air supply hose 700 shifts either the single floating sleeve 710, or the floating washer 713 and the lowermost sleeve 71 Od, upward within the axial bore 704, bringing the annular outer flange 712 or floating washer 713 into contact with the endcap 716, at whichpoint the air supply hose 700 is prevented from further upward movement within the axial bore 704 (Fig. 8C) and is located at the stowed position.

[0059] Detection of the air supply hose 700 (and air chuck 702) at the stowed position (Figs. 8A, 8B, 8C) is by means of a microswitch 720 secured to the endcap 716. The microswitch 720 includes a spring-biased lever arm 722 located between the annular outer flange 712 or floating washing 713 and a lower surface of the endcap 716. Movement of the lever arm 722 in an upward direction in response to upward movement of the annular outer flange 712 or floating washer 713 closes (or opens) a circuit within the microswitch 720, generating a signal indicating the floating sleeve 710 or 710a is in an uppermost position within the axial bore 704. Repositioning of the floating sleeve 710 or 710a downward within the axial bore 704 in response to the air supply hose 700, bushing 716, and air chuck 702 being pulled down to engage a wheel assembly (Figs. 7A, 7B, 7C) allows the spring-biased lever arm 722 to open (or close) the circuit within the microswitch 720. Those of ordinary skill will recognize that the circuit within the microswitch 720 effectively provides a signal (or absence of a signal) both when that the floating sleeve(s) is / are in an uppermost position and when they are displaced therefrom within the axial bore 704. This enables detection of full retraction for the air supply hose and air chuck, as well as when it is withdrawn for use. It will further be recognized that the spring- biased lever arm 722 may be eliminated by positioning the microswitch 720 to directly engage with the annular outer flange 712 or floating washer 713 when the floating sleeve 710 or 40a is in an uppermost position.

[0060] Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the microswitch 720 may be repositioned on the cylindrical housing 706 or reconfigured to trigger when the floating sleeve 710 or 710a is in the downward position without departing fromthe scope of the invention, so long as the microswitch 720 functions to generate a signal (or absence of a signal) indicative of the air supply hose 700 and air chuck 702 either being safely stored in the cylindrical housing 706 or drawn out from the cylindrical housing 706 for use.

[0061] In a further alternative configuration, the floating sleeves are eliminated, and the bushing 716 repositioned on the air supply hose 700 to directly trigger the microswitch 720 by engaging the spring-biased lever arm 722 when the air chuck 702 is sufficiently retracted into the axial bore 704 of the cylindrical housing.

[0062] To inflate a tire of a wheel assembly 105 secured to the tire changing system 100, an operator will grasp the air chuck 702, and draw it downward to engage with an inflation valve of the wheel assembly. As the air chuck 702 is drawn downward, the air supply hose 700 is drawn downward as well, through the axial bore 704 of the cylindrical housing 706 and floating sleeve 710 or multiple sleeves 710a-710d. Free of impediment, the floating sleeve 710 displaces axially downward within the axial bore 704 until the annular outer flange 712 or floating washer 713 rests on the upper end of the cylindrical housing 706, as shown in Figure 7A or the multiple sleeves 710a-710d displace downward to abut the floating washing 713 as see in Figure 7B. With the air chuck 702 connected to the inflation valve, a flow of pressurized air from the source is introduced to the tire through the air supply hose 700 and air chuck 702. Preferably, the flow of pressurized air and / or a level of pressurization within the tire are mechanically limited, or monitored by a suitable configured processing system, to achieve a tire inflation pressure preselected by an operator. In a mechanically limited system, a valve is operatively coupled to the air supply hose 700 and is responsive to either an air flow or an air pressure reaching a preset level to close, isolating the air chuck 702 from the air supply.

[0063] Upon release of the air chuck 702 from the inflation valve the air chuck 702 is drawn away from the wheel assembly by the retraction of the air supply hose 700 to ensure the air supply hose 700 and air chuck 702 do not become entangled with, or entrapped by, the wheel assembly, tire changing tools, or rotating components of the spindle. The retraction of the air supply hose 700 may be by a variety of means such as, but not limited to, a mechanical force from a winding mechanism applying tension to the air supply hose, or the force of gravity exerted on a weight secured to a descending portion of the air supply hose. Upon sufficient retraction of the air supply hose 700, the air chuck 702 is drawn upward to the cylindrical housing 706, and the bushing 716 carried on the air supply hose 700 displaces the floating sleeve 710 vertically within the axial bore 704 to engage the microswitch 720. Engagement of the microswitch 720 generates a signal indicating the air supply hose 700 and air chuck 702 are safely withdrawn from the wheel assembly. Proper confirmation of air supply hose and air chuck withdrawal are required to ensure that the air chuck and air supply hose do not become entangled with the wheel assembly or any operating tools during subsequent wheel service procedures which may follow the inflation of the tire.

[0064] Confirmation of the withdrawal of the air supply line 700 and air chuck 702 into the bore 704 of the cylindrical housing 706 is required to ensure that the air chuck 702 and air supply line 700 do not become entangled with the wheel assembly 105 or any moving tools or components during subsequent wheel service procedures which may follow the inflation of the tire. In an alternate embodiment shown in Figure 9, the floating sleeves 710 and microswitch 720 are eliminated and replaced by an inductive sensor 800 mounted within a lower end cap 802 on the cylindrical housing 706, in operative proximity to an annular constriction 804 in thethroat of a conical opening 806 through which the air hose 700 passes. An annular induction target 808 suitable for use with the inductive sensor 800 is mounted concentrically between the air chuck 702 and the swivel connector 708a. The induction target 808, or associated mounting, has an outer diameter which is greater than the inner diameter of the annular constriction 804, such that the induction target 808 seats within the conical opening 806 and acts as a stop to prevent the air chuck 702 from being drawn upward through the axial bore 704 of the cylindrical housing 706 when the air hose 700 is retracted. When seated within the conical opening 804, the induction target 808 triggers the inductive sensor 800 to generate a signal to a control system indicating the air hose 700 and air chuck 702 are in the retracted position. The control system is configured with software instructions to utilize the generated signal as a safety check before initiating or permitting movement of a tool or component on the tire changing system. Preferably, the control system is further configured to terminate or prohibit movement of tools or components in the event a signal from the inductive sensor is stopped or is indicative of the air hose 700 and air chuck 702 being drawn from the retracted position.

[0065] It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the inductive sensor 800 and induction target 808 may have a variety of different configurations to perform proximity detection without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, in one embodiment, the induction target 808 is a ferrous or magnetic material, which alters a magnetic field generated by the inductive sensor 800 when in proximity thereto. In another example, the induction target 808 is a non-ferrous metal capable of altering a magnetic field generated by the inductive sensor 800 when in proximity thereto. The inductive sensor 800 and induction target 808 maybe replaced by other types of sensors and targets capable of providing proximity detection, such as optical sensors and optical or reflective targets, or optical beaminterruption type sensors.

[0066] Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the air supply line and air chuck position detection system of the present disclosure can be adapted for use, without departing from the scope of the invention, with a variety of automotive service equipment wherein an air supply line is retracted or withdrawn from an operating position when not in use to avoid interference with moving tools or components. Such equipment may include wheel balancing systems, wheel alignment inspection systems, ADAS inspection systems, tire inflation stations, and vehicle lift systems.

[0067] As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An air hose position detection system for automotive service equipment including a retractable air hose coupling a source of pressurized air to an air chuck at an operative end, said air hose drawn from a retracted storage position during use, comprising: a housing having an axial bore through which a portion of said retractable air hose passes, said housing having an upper surface adjacent a first axial opening into said axial bore, and a lower surface adjacent to a second axial opening into said axial bore from which said operative end of said air hose is drawn during use; an end cap affixed to said lower surface of said housing to define an opening coaxial with said axial bore through which said air hose freely passes; a component mounted concentrically to said air hose adjacent to said air chuck, said target component having an outer diameter greater than a constriction within said opening; a sensor secured within said end cap, in operative proximity to said constriction within said opening, said sensor responsive to a presence of said target component seated at said constriction within said opening to generate a signal representative of a position of said air hose.

2. The position detection system of Claim 1 wherein said automotive service equipment is a vehicle tire changing system having a base; a spindle secured to said base for supporting a wheel assembly for rotational movement about a vertical axis; a support column secured to said base; at least one tool support arm configured to support at least one wheel service tool in operative proximity to said wheel assembly; andwherein said housing is affixed to said at least one tool support arm with said axial bore coaxial with said vertical axis.

3. The position detection system of either Claim 1 or 2 wherein an upper travel limit for said air chuck in the direction of retraction for said air hose within said axial passage is restricted by said target component seating within said reducing conical opening of said end cap.

4. The position detection system of any of Claims 1 -3 wherein said air chuck is coupled to said air hose via a ball coupling, enabling said air chuck to pivot and / or rotate independent of said air hose.

5. The position detection system of any of Claims 1 -4 wherein said sensor is an inductive proximity sensor configured to detect a change in a magnetic field due to a presence and an absence of an inductive target component.

6. The position detection system of any of Claims 1 -5 wherein a controller is operatively coupled to said sensor to receive said signal, and wherein said controller is configured with software instructions to respond to said signal during a wheel service procedure.

7. The position detection system of Claim 6 wherein said controller is configured with software instructions to prevent movement of one or more tools or components in an absence of said signal.

8. An air hose position detection system for automotive service equipment including a retractable air hose coupling a source of pressurized air to an air chuck at an operative end, said air hose drawn from a retracted position during use, comprising:a housing having a passage through which a portion of said retractable air hose passes and from which said operative end of said air hose is drawn during use; and a means for detecting a position of said air hose and said air chuck relative to said housing; and a controller responsive to said detection means to control operation of a component of said automotive service equipment.

9. The position detection system of Claim 8 wherein said automotive service equipment is a vehicle tire changing system including a spindle configured to support a wheel assembly for rotational movement about a vertical axis; at least one wheel service tool in operative proximity to said wheel assembly; and wherein said passage through said housing is in axial alignment with said vertical axis of said spindle.

10. The position detection system of either Claim 8 or 9 wherein said air chuck is coupled to said air hose by a means for swiveling and / or rotating movement.

11. The position detection system of any of Claims 8-10 wherein said means for detecting includes a sensor coupled to said housing and a target coupled to said air chuck; and wherein said target is configured to seat within said passage in operative proximity to said detecting means when said air chuck is in a retracted position.

12. The position detection system of Claim 11 wherein said means for detecting is an optical sensor.

13. A method for operating an automotive service device having one or more moving components to detect a position of a retractable air hose coupling a source of pressurized air to an air chuck, comprising: providing a known retracted position for said air chuck on said automotive service device, said known retracted position clear of said one or more moving components; generating a signal in response to a presence of said air chuck at said known retracted position; and communicating said signal to a controller prior to initiating movement of said one or more moving components.

14. A method for operating an automotive service device having one or more moving components to detect a position of a retractable air hose coupling a source of pressurized air to an air chuck, comprising: providing a known retracted position for said air chuck on said automotive service device, said known retracted position clear of said one or more moving components; generating a signal in response to an absence of said air chuck from said known retracted position; and communicating said signal to a controller to prohibit movement of said one or more moving components.

15. A tire changer machine comprising: a base, said base having a supply of pressurized air; a drive assembly supported on said base, said drive assembly configured to receive a wheel rim for rotation about a vertical drive axis;a clamping mechanism configured to releasably engage the drive shaft assembly to secure the wheel rim to the drive shaft assembly, said clamping mechanism configured to axially engaging said drive assembly; a support tower carried on said base adjacent to said drive assembly, said support tower including a linkage extending over said vertical drive axis; a plurality of tools carried on said linkage, said plurality of tools configured to mount a tire on the wheel rim and demount a tire from the wheel rim; a control system configured to coordinate operation of the plurality of tools; a control input element configured to be selectively operable by a human operator to direct said control system to conduct a tire service procedure for a wheel assembly secured by said clamping mechanism; and an air hose coupling disposed on an underside of said linkage, coaxial with said vertical drive axis, said air hose coupling receiving pressurized air via a fluid passage extending through said linkage and said support tower to said supply of pressurized air.

16. The tire changer machine of claim 15 further including a self-coiling air hose coupled to said air hose coupling at a first end, and having a chuck adapted for attachment to a tire air valve at a second end.

17. The tire changing machine of either claim 15 or 16 wherein said air hose coupling is configured for rotation about said vertical drive axis.

18. The tire changing machine of any of claims 15-17 wherein said chuck is configured to automatically disconnect said air hose from a tire air valve in response to a selected air pressure and / or air flow within said tire air valve.

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