Device for equilibrating rotating masses or masses capable of rotating

Abstract

The present invention refers to the field of technologies, methods, and devices used for equilibrating rotating masses or masses capable of rotating for obtaining the stability both of said masses when rotate about a central axis thereof, and the stability of all those systems in which said masses, rotating about their respective central axis, operate.

Description

[0001] " Device for equilibrating rotating masses or masses capable of rotating " DESCRIPTION

[0002] Technical field of the invention

[0003] The present invention refers to the field of technologies, methods, and devices used for equilibrating rotating masses or masses capable of rotating for obtaining the stability both of said masses when rotate about a central axis thereof, such for example, the rims of wheels, and consequently the same wheels, or generally gears rotating about their central rotation axis, and the stability of all those systems in which said masses rotating about their respective central axis, operate: generally vehicles or all those mechanical systems characterized by the presence, due to their operation, of masses rotating about their own central rotation axis.

[0004] Background of the invention and problem to be solved

[0005] In field of the general mechanics, for the purpose of equilibrating rotating masses or masses capable of rotating about their respective central rotation axis, for a long time particular attention has been given to the equilibration of rims of wheels, and therefore of the same wheels, by using initially approximated methodologies, which over the years were refined even though they are still affected by huge problems: both direct problems with reference to the health of the operators of this field and with reference to the processing times, and indirect problems with reference to the disposal and eco-compatibility of the residues and of the processing scraps.

[0006] Particularly, for the purpose of equilibrating the wheel rims, and therefore the wheels themselves, an operator loads the wheel rim on a suitable balancing machine which, by setting it into rotation, about the rim central axis, the whole wheel, shows the operator at the rim edge, in proximity to the tire, or in other points of the perimetral zone of the rim, where already calibrated counterweights having known weights should be positioned.

[0007] Despite the help given to an operator by the balancing machine, there is still a multiplicity of unresolved problems.

[0008] In case of the procedure of equilibrating wheels provided with steel rims, the used counterweights, which also made of steel, are mainly counterweights having a spring calibrated value, to be used both for the static and the dynamic equilibrations, to be positioned only in proximity to the rim edge which laps the tire. When the balancing machine, by a light pointer, shows to position one or more counterweights at points where it is not possible to fasten the former by spring, it is imperative the use of counterweights applicable by an adhesive layer present on the counterweights themselves. This solution is the only one available for rims made of an alloy.

[0009] During the equilibrating procedure, an operator must accurately clean the rim, both the one made of steel and more importantly the one made of alloy, in order to start from a condition suitable for correctly equilibrating the wheel.

[0010] This necessarily implies that, before loading the wheel and its rim on the balancing machine, the rim must be accurately cleaned by using brushes, solvents, and that the already present counterweights mounted by adhesive or spring must be removed, consequently the processing times are lengthened, generating in turn substantial amounts of processing residuals and scrap materials: all the counterweights applied or applicable by adhesive, once removed, are unusable and consequently they are discarded because they cannot be easily recycled or reused. Moreover, the operators of the field are forced to work under conditions of risk for their health because they are required to wear masks for preventing them from inhaling the processing residuals, such as fine dust generated by the use of rotating brushes for removing the adhesive released by a counterweight from the rim, and the solvents used for removing all the impurities present on the rim, in order to enable to adhere new counterweights.

[0011] Therefore, it was strongly felt in the specific field of wheels for vehicles, for the purpose of an optimization of the equilibrating process, to develop new technical solutions capable of overcoming the inconveniences typical of the present equilibrating procedures, which are also as good and effective as the present ones.

[0012] Therefore, the Applicant has noted that there is the possibility to realize, for the purpose of equilibrating the wheels of a vehicle and more, one or more devices, respective accessories / kits, and their uses, that represent a technical solution capable of reducing the processing times, of improving the work conditions of the operators of this field, of reducing or even eliminating the actually present wastes and sources of pollution.

[0013] Objects of the invention

[0014] Therefore, the main object of the present invention consists of overcoming the beforehand described inconveniences of the prior art.

[0015] The Applicant, operating in the technical field of equilibrating vehicle wheels, has developed and realized a substantially effective technical solution which is an alternative to the ones of the prior art. An object of the present invention consists of providing a methodology, and therefore a device, an assembly, or kit, capable of enabling to equilibrate vehicle wheels and more, wherein it is obtained: a reduction of the processing times, by making useless processing steps which are now considered necessary, better conditions of work for the operators of the field by avoiding the use of solvents and the generation of fine dust which are noxious to the airways; a reduction or even an elimination of waste materials: consequently it is obtained a complete reuse in real time of the material to be employed for the equilibration procedure.

[0016] Summary of the invention

[0017] Aspects of the invention, which are an integral part of the technical contents of the present patent text are herein described. Said aspects can be used to limit the claims and / or define further claims during the life of the present patent.

[0018] The invention provides devices and respective uses / methods of use, such as the method of equilibrating wheel rims / wheels or methods of equilibrating rotating masses or masses capable of rotating, having different embodiments which are summarized in the following:

[0019] I) DEVICE FOR EQUILIBRATING ROTATING MASSES OR MASSES CAPABLE OF ROTATING

[0020] 1 ) Device 1 for equilibrating rotating masses or masses capable of rotating, preferably about their own central axis, said device comprising at least one circular or polygonal ring or crown C, delimited by two concentric annular structures, one E being external and the other one I being internal, preferably having the same width, said ring being subdivided into cells / cavities C1 , C2, C3, ...Cn, such as blind or through cells / cavities, preferably blind, equal to or different from each other, delimited from each other by connecting laminae D1 , D2, D3, ...Dn, orthogonally positioned between the two concentric annular structures, preferably having the same width, more preferably the same width as the two concentric annular structures, wherein the internal walls of said cells / cavities are characterized by the presence of engagement / disengagement means F of the mechanical or magnetic type, for housing into said cells / cavities suitable equilibrating / balancing counterweights;

[0021] 2) Device (1 ) for equilibrating rotating masses or masses capable of rotating according to embodiment 1 , wherein when the cells / cavities C1 , C2, C3...are closed, preferably in the ring / crown C of the equilibrating device 1 , there is present a circular / polygonal lamina L, orthogonal to the two concentric annular structures, positioned at, and delimited by, the circular or polygonal perimeters of the two external and internal concentric annular structures E and I;

[0022] 3) Device 1 for equilibrating rotating masses or masses capable of rotating according to embodiment 1 , wherein when the ring or crown C is polygonal, the two concentric annular structures E and I which delimit the former, are concentrically to each other and have both a closed polygonal shape, subdivided into rectilinear portions E1 , E2 E3,...En and 11 , I2, I3,...ln, respectively, at each single cell or hollow portion: C1 , C2, C3,...Cn, as blind or through cells / cavities, preferably blind, equal to or different from each other, delimited from each other by connecting laminae D1 , D2, D3,...Dn, orthogonally positioned between the two concentric annular structures, preferably having the same width, more preferably the same width as the ones of the two concentric annular structures, wherein the internal walls of said cells / cavities are also characterized by the presence of engagement and disengagement means F of the mechanical or magnetic type, for housing in said cells / cavities suitable equilibrating counterweighs;

[0023] 4) Device 1 for equilibrating rotating masses or masses capable of rotating according to embodiment 3, wherein when the cells / cavities C1 , C2, C3,...are closed, preferably in the polygonal ring or crown C of the equilibrating device 1 , it is present a polygonal circular lamina L, orthogonal to the two concentric annular structures, positioned at, and delimited by, the polygonal perimeters of the two concentric annular structures, wherein said lamina L is subdivided into rectilinear portions / sides L1 , L2, L3,..Ln at each single cell or hollow portion C1 , C2, C3,...Cn;

[0024] 5) Device 1 for equilibrating rotating masses or masses capable of rotating according to anyone of the embodiments from 1 to 4, further comprising one or more equilibrating counterweights CP, having many different shapes and dimensions, anyway suitable for being housed, since they can inserted or extracted, in the cells / cavities C1 , C2, C3,...Cn, by adapting to the engagement and disengagement means F of the mechanical or magnetic type present on the internal surfaces of said cavities / cells;

[0025] II) ROTATING MASSES OR MASSES CAPABLE OF ROTATING

[0026] 6) Rotating mass or mass capable of rotating, comprising the equilibrating device 1 according to anyone of the embodiments from 1 to 5;

[0027] 7) Rotating mass or mass capable of rotating according to embodiment 6, wherein the rotating mass or the mass capable of rotating is a mass rotating or a mass capable of rotating about its own central axis;

[0028] 8) Rotating mass or mass capable of rotating according to anyone of the embodiments from 6 to 7, wherein said rotating mass or mass capable of rotating is selected among: a rim for a wheel, an alloy rim for a wheel, a steel rim for a wheel, any moving mechanical part, such as for example or selected among: pulleys, sheaves, wheel gears, propeller shafts / spin axes;

[0029] 9) vehicle or mechanical device comprising a rotating mass or a mass capable of rotating according to anyone of the embodiments from 6 to 8;

[0030] III) PROCESS OF EQUILIBRATING A RIM FOR A WHEEL (WHEEL RIM)

[0031] 10) Process of equilibrating a rim of a wheel comprising the steps of: a) loading a wheel on a wheel balancing machine, on the rim thereof being present at least one equilibrating device 1 according to anyone of embodiments from 1 to 5, wherein at least one ring o crown C is inserted and fixed on the internal side and / or on the external side of the wheel rim; b) starting and operating the balancing machine until the identification of the cavities / cells (C1 , C2, etc.) of the ring or crown C and of the counterweight / s CP with a calibrated value, suitable to be housed in said cavities / cells to obtain the equilibration of the wheel; c) inserting and / or repositioning the counterweights CP, suitable to be housed by the operator in the cavities / cells (C1 , C2, etc.) of the ring or crown C, as indicated by the balancing machine, then restarting the balancing machine in order verify the attainment of the equilibration.

[0032] Brief description of the drawings

[0033] Figure 1 a shows the graphic representation, for illustrative non-limiting purposes, in an axonometric view, of one of the embodiments of the device 1 for equilibrating a rotating mass or a mass capable of rotating, according to the present invention, in which the fundamental parts of said device comprising the circular ring or crown C are shown, in which the circular lamina L and the engagement and disengagement means F of the mechanical or magnetic type are not shown, but in which section plane S intersecting the circular annular structure E at its external surface Ee, and the connecting laminae D are shown.

[0034] Figure 1 b shows the graphic representation for illustrative non-limiting purposes, in front view, of one of the embodiments of the device 1 for equilibrating a rotating mass or a mass capable of rotating according to the present invention, in which the fundamental parts of said device comprising the circular ring or crown C are shown, in this case the circular lamina L orthogonal to, and delimited by the perimeters of the two concentric annular structures E and I, and the engagement and disengagement means F of the mechanical or magnetic type are also shown.

[0035] Figure 2 shows the graphic representation, for illustrative non-limiting purposes, in front view, of one of the embodiments of the device 1 for equilibrating a rotating mass or a mass capable of rotating according to the present invention, in which fundamental parts of said device comprising the circular or polygonal ring or crown C are shown, in this case, besides the circular lamina L orthogonal to, and delimited by the perimeters of the concentric annular structures E and I, these latter and the engagement and disengagement means F of the mechanical or magnetic type, as well as the rectilinear portions / sides L1 , L2, L3,...Ln, E1 , E2, E3,...EN, and 11 , I2, I3, ... In, respectively, are shown, wherein the circular lamina L and the annular structures I and E are subdivided at each single cell or hollow portion C1 , C2, C3, ...Cn.

[0036] Figure 3 shows the graphic representation, for illustrative non-limiting purposes, of the view of the partial cross-section S-S along the section plane S, of one of the embodiments, of the device 1 for equilibrating a rotating mass or a mass capable of rotating, according to the present invention, as shown in Figure 1 a, in this case the circular ring or crown C, besides the concentric annular structure I, and its internal surface li, at the perimeter thereof being present the open side LA of the circular or polygonal ring or crown C, also the view of the cross-section of the circular or polygonal lamina L, delimiting the blind side LC of the circular or polygonal ring or crown C, and of the connecting laminae D1 , D2, D3, D4,..are shown. Moreover, the one or more engagement and disengagement means F of the mechanical or magnetic type, and two possible types of counterweights CP, among all the possible ones, which are anyway suitable to be housed because they can be inserted into and extracted from the cells / cavities C1 , C2, C3,...Cn, by adapting to the engagement and disengagement means F of the mechanical or magnetic type present on the internal surfaces of said cavities / cells, are shown in cross-section.

[0037] Figure 4 a), b), and c) shows the graphic representation, for illustrative but nonlimiting purposes, of the front view (Figure 4a) of the view of the cross-section S1 -S1 along the section plane S1 (Figure 4c), and of the rear view (Figure 4b) of an alloy wheel rim (CLR) and of one of the embodiments of the device 1 for equilibrating a rotating mass or a mass capable of rotating, according to the present invention as shown in Figure 1 a, In this case, being shown the modes of using the device 1 for equilibrating a rotating mass or a mass capable of rotating, in this specific case, the alloy wheel rim in order to perform the method of equilibrating the same alloy wheel rim.

[0038] Figure 5 shows the graphic representation, for illustrative non-limiting purposes, of the cross-section view S2-S2 of a steel wheel rim (CAR) and of one of the embodiments of the device 1 for equilibrating a rotating mass or a mass capable of rotating, according to the present invention, as shown in Figure 1 a. In this case, said device 1 comprising two rings or crowns C, one on the internal side LI of the steel wheel rim, the other one on the external side LE, these, also shown in cross-section, having diameters different from each other, so that they are made suitable to be positioned and fixed in the respective internal and external zones of the steel wheel rim. Further, the modes of using, positioning, and fixing (this is not shown) the equilibrating device 1 , with respect to the rotating mass or mass capable of rotating, in this particular case, the steel wheel rim, in order to perform the method of equilibrating the same steel wheel rim, are exemplified.

[0039] Figure 6 shows the graphic representation, for illustrative non-limiting purposes, in an axonometric view, of a spin axis AT and of one of the embodiments of the device 1 for equilibrating a rotating mass or a mass capable of rotating, according to the present invention, as illustrated in Figure 1 a, in this case being shown the modes of using the equilibrating device 1 with respect to the rotating mass or the mass capable of rotating, in this particularly case, the spin axis, in order to perform the method of equilibrating the same spin axis.

[0040] Reference symbols

[0041] C: circular or polygonal ring or crown

[0042] C1 , C2, C3,...Cn: cavities / cells

[0043] I: circular or polygonal internal annular structure

[0044] 11 , I2, I3,...ln: rectilinear sides / portions of the internal polygonal structure

[0045] E: circular or polygonal external annular structure

[0046] E1 , E2, E3,...En: rectilinear sides / portions of the external polygonal

[0047] D1 , D2, D3,...Dn: connecting laminae

[0048] L: circular / polygonal lamina

[0049] L1 , L2, L3,...Ln: rectilinear sides / portions of the polygonal lamina

[0050] F: engagement and disengagement means of the mechanical or magnetic type li: internal surface of the annular structure I le: external surface of the annular structure I Ee: external surface of the annular structure E Ei: internal surface of the annular structure E LA: open side LC: blind side LE: external side LI: internal side

[0051] CP: equilibrating counterweight

[0052] CLR: alloy wheel rim

[0053] CAR: steel wheel rim

[0054] AT: spin axis

[0055] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0056] Therefore, one of the embodiments of the present invention is a device 1 for equilibrating a rotating mass or a mass capable of rotating, comprising at least one circular or polygonal ring or crown C, delimited by two circular or polygonal concentric annular structures, one external E and one internal I, preferably having the same width, said ring being subdivided into cells / cavities C1 , C2, C3,...Cn, as blind or through cells, preferably blind, equal to or different from each other, delimited from each other by connecting laminae D1 , D2, D3,...Dn, positioned orthogonally between the two concentric annular structures, preferably having the same width, more preferably the same width as the one of the two concentric annular structures, wherein the internal walls of said cells / cavities are characterized by the presence of engagement and disengagement means F of the mechanical or magnetic type, for housing suitable equilibrating counterweights in said cells / cavities (Figure 1 a).

[0057] In a preferred embodiment of the device 1 for equilibrating a rotating mass or a mass capable of rotating, comprising at least one ring or crown C, as according to the invention, when the cells / cavities C1 , C2, C3,... are closed, preferably in the ring or crown C in the equilibrating device 1 , there is present a circular / polygonal lamina L, orthogonal to the two concentric annular structures, positioned at, and delimited by, the circular or polygonal perimeters of the two external and internal concentric annular structures E and I (Figures 1 b and 2).

[0058] In the equilibrating device 1 according to the invention, both the dimensions of the two concentric annular circular structures E and I, as well as the dimensions of the blind of through cells / hollow portions C1 , C2, C3,... and of the respective laminae D1 , D2, D3,...which delimit with each other the former, and the dimensions of the circular lamina L, can have many different dimensions, in conformity with the dimensions that the equilibrating device 1 should have to be coupled to the rotating mass or the mass capable of rotating to be equilibrated.

[0059] Figure 1 a shows the graphic representation, for illustrative non-limiting purposes, by an axonometric view, of one of the embodiments of the device 1 for equilibrating a rotating mass or a mass capable of rotating according to the present invention, the Figure shows the fundamental parts of said device comprising the circular ring or crown C, in which the circular lamina L and the engagement and disengagement means F of the mechanical or magnetic type are not shown, however it shows the section plane S intersecting the circular annular structure E and the connecting laminae D.

[0060] Figure 1 b shows the graphic representation, for illustrative non-limiting purposes, in front view, of one of the embodiments of the device 1 for equilibrating a rotating mass or a mass capable of rotating according to the present invention, in which the fundamental parts of said device comprising the circular ring or crown C, are shown, in this case being also shown the circular lamina L, orthogonal to, and delimited by, the perimeters of the two concentric annular structures E and I, and the engagement and disengagement means F of the mechanical or magnetic type.

[0061] Consequently, it is a further object of the present invention another embodiment of the device 1 for equilibrating a rotating mass or a mass capable of rotating, according to the present invention, wherein advantageously when the cells / cavities C1 , C2, C3,...are closed, preferably in the ring or crown C, in the equilibrating device 1 there is present a circular / polygonal lamina L, orthogonal to the two concentric annular structures, positioned at, and delimited by, the circular or polygonal perimeters of the two external and internal concentric annular structures E and I.

[0062] In a further embodiment of the present invention, as it is for example shown in Figure 2, the equilibrating device 1 when is characterized by at least one polygonal ring or crown C, the two concentric annular structures E and I delimiting the latter, both have closed polygonal shapes concentric to each other, subdivided into rectilinear portions E1 , E2, E3,...E and 11 , I2, I3,..., respectively at each single cell or hollow portion: C1 , C2, C3,...Cn, as blind or through cells or cavities, preferably blind, equal or different from each other, delimited from each other by the connecting laminae D1 , D2, D3,...Dn, orthogonally positioned between the two concentric annular structures, preferably having the same width, more preferably the same width of the two concentric annular structures, in which the internal walls of said cells / cavities are also these ones characterized by the presence of engagement and disengagement means F of the mechanical or magnetic type, for housing suitable equilibrating counterweights in said cells / cavities.

[0063] Also in said “polygonal” version of the equilibrating device 1 , as according to the present the invention, when the cells / cavities C1 , C2, C3...are closed, preferably in the polygonal ring or crown C of the equilibrating device 1 , there is present a polygonal circular lamina L, orthogonal to the two concentric annular structures, positioned at, and delimited by the polygonal perimeters, of the two concentric annular structures, wherein said lamina L is subdivided into rectilinear portions / sides L1 , L2, L3...Ln at each single cell or hollow portion C1 , C2,C3,...Cn (Figure 2).

[0064] Also in said “polygonal” version of the equilibrating device 1 , as according to the invention, both the number of sides and the dimensions of the two concentric annular structures E and I, as well as the dimensions of the cells / hollow portions C1 , C2, C3..., blind or through, and of the respective laminae D1 , D2, D3,...delimiting the former, as well as the number of sides and the dimensions of the polygonal lamina L, can have many different dimensions, in conformity to the dimensions the equilibrating device 1 should have to be coupled to the rotating mass or the mass capable of rotating to be equilibrate.

[0065] Consequently, a further object of the present invention is an additional embodiment of the device 1 for equilibrating a rotating mass or a mass capable of rotating, according to the present invention, wherein advantageously when the ring or crown C is polygonal, the two concentric annular structures E and I, which delimits it, both have closed polygonal shapes concentric to each other, subdivided into rectilinear portions E1 , E2, E3,...En and 11 , I2, I3,...ln, respectively, at each single cell or hollow portion: C1 , C2, C3,...Cn, as blind or through cells / cavities, preferably blind, equal to or different from each other, delimited from each other by the connecting laminae D1 , D2, D3,...Dn, positioned orthogonally between the two concentric annular structures, preferably of equal width, more preferably having the same width as the two concentric annular structure, wherein the internal walls of said cells / cavities are also these ones characterized by the presence of the engagement and disengagement means F of the mechanical or magnetic type, for housing suitable equilibrating counterweights in said cells / cavities.

[0066] Figure 2 shows the graphic representation, for illustrative non-limiting purposes, in front view, of one of the embodiments of the device 1 for equilibrating a rotating mass or a mass capable of rotating, according to the present invention, in which the fundamental parts of said device comprising the polygonal ring or crown C, are shown, in this case being shown, besides the circular lamina L, orthogonal to, and delimited by the perimeters of the two concentric annular structures E and I, these latter and the engagement and disengagement means F of the mechanical or magnetic type, as well as the rectilinear portions / sides L1 , L2, L3,...Ln, E1 , E2, E3,...En, and 11 , I2, I3„„ln, respectively, in which the circular lamina L and annular structures I and E are subdivided at each single cell or hollow portion C1 , C2, C3,...Cn.

[0067] Consequently, a further object of the present invention is an additional embodiment of the device 1 for equilibrating a rotating mass or a mass capable of rotating, according to the present invention, wherein advantageously when the cells / cavities C1 , C2, C3...are closed, preferably in the polygonal ring or crown C of the equilibrating device 1 , there is present a circular polygonal lamina L, orthogonal to the two concentric annular structures, positioned at, and delimited by, the polygonal perimeters of the two concentric annular structures, wherein said lamina L is subdivided into rectilinear portions / sides L1 , L2, L3,...Ln at each single cell or hollow portion C1 , C2, C3,...Cn.

[0068] The device 1 for equilibrating a rotating mass or a mass capable of rotating, according to the present invention, in anyone of its possible embodiments as herein described, is characterized by the fact of comprising, besides the ring or crown C, as herein described according to anyone of its possible embodiments, also one or more equilibrating counterweights CP, of many different shapes, anyway suitable to be housed, since they can be inserted or extracted, in the cells / cavities C1 , C2, C3,...Cn, by adapting to the engagement or disengagement means F of the mechanical or magnetic type present on the internal surfaces of said cavities / cells.

[0069] Said one or more counterweights CP and the ring or crown C, of the equilibrating device 1 , according to anyone of the embodiments of the present invention, have dimensions, shapes, and are made of materials so that they can adapt to the rotating mass or the mass capable of rotating, due to its shape, dimensions, and materials, in order to obtain the equilibration.

[0070] Figure 3 shows the graphic representation, for illustrative non-limiting purposes, of the view of the partial cross-section S-S along the section plane S, of one of the embodiments of the device 1 for equilibrating a rotating mass or a mass capable of rotating, according to the present invention, as illustrated in Figure 1 a, wherein, said cross-section view shows the fundamental parts of said device comprising the circular ring or crown C, in this case being shown, besides the concentric annular structure I, and its internal surface li, at its perimeter being present the open side LA of the circular or polygonal ring or crown C, also the cross-section view of the circular or polygonal lamina L, which delimits the blind side LC of the circular or polygonal ring or crown C, and of the connecting laminae D1 , D2, D3, D4,...

[0071] These with the concentric annular structure E, not visible in this Figure, delimit the cells or cavities C1 , C2, C3, C4,..., inside the walls thereof there are present, and herein exemplified, the one or more engagement or disengagement means F of the mechanical or magnetic type, which are also shown in cross-section. Moreover, two possible types of counterweights CP, among all the possible ones, but anyway suitable to be housed, since they can be inserted and extracted, in the cells / cavities C1 , C2, C3,...Cn, by adapting to the engagement and disengagement means F of the mechanical or magnetic type present on the internal surfaces of said cavities / cells, are shown for illustrative non-limiting purposes.

[0072] Figure 3 is a detailed representation of a part of the circular or polygonal ring or crown C, constituting the equilibrating device 1 according to anyone of its embodiments according to the present invention. Said detailed representation is the cross-section view S-S, along the section plane S, of the ring or crown C as illustrated in Figure 1 a, by this representation one can appreciate the blind type configuration of the cells or cavities C1 , C2, C3,...etc., and one of the possible embodiments of the engagement and disengagement means F of the mechanical or magnetic type, as according to anyone of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0073] Therefore, as a further object of the present invention, an additional embodiment of the device 1 for equilibrating a rotating mass or a mass capable of rotating, according to the present invention is realized, wherein, advantageously, in anyone of its embodiment as herein described, said device 1 for equilibrating a rotating mass or a mass capable of rotating comprises, besides the at least one circular or polygonal ring or crown C, delimited by two circular or polygonal concentric annular structures, one external E and one internal I, preferably of equal width as said ring, subdivided into cells / cavities C1 , C2, C3, ...Cn, as blind or through cells / cavities, preferably blind, equal to or different from each other, delimited from each other, by connecting laminae D1 , D2, D3, ...Dn, orthogonally positioned between the two concentric annular structures, preferably of equal width, more preferably having the same width of the two concentric annular structures, wherein the internal walls of said cells / cavities are characterized by the presence of engagement and disengagement means F of the mechanical or magnetic type, for housing in said cells / cavities suitable equilibrating counterweights, even one or more of said equilibrating counterweights CP, with many different shapes and dimensions, anyway suitable to be housed, since they can be inserted and extracted, in the cells / cavities C1 , C2, C3,...Cn, by adapting to the engagement and disengagement means F of the mechanical or magnetic type present of the internal surfaces of said cavities / cells.

[0074] Figures 4 a), b) and c) show a graphic representation, for illustrative non-limiting purposes, of the front view (Figure 4a), of the cross-section view S-S along the section plane S (Figure 4 c) and of the rear view (Figure 4 b) of an alloy wheel rim (CLR) and of one of the embodiments of the device 1 for equilibrating a rotating mass or a mass capable of rotating, according to the present invention, as shown in Figure 1 a, in this case being shown the mode of using the device 1 for equilibrating a rotating mass or a mass capable of rotating, particularly, the alloy wheel rim in order to perform the method of equilibrating the same alloy wheel rim.

[0075] From Figures 4 a), b), and c), it is highlighted as, in the herein shown specific embodiment, in case of alloy rims, for the equilibrating device 1 according to the present invention, the circular or polygonal ring or crown C is positioned on the internal side of the alloy rim, so that the circular / polygonal lamina L, constituting the blind side of the ring or crown C of the device 1 , faces the external side LE of the alloy rim (as shown in Figure 4a).

[0076] The cavities or cells C1 , C2, C3,..of the ring or crown C are visible in the rear view (Figure 4b).

[0077] Figure 4c) shows the cross-section view of the alloy wheel rim CLR, on the internal side LI thereof the ring or crown C of the device 1 according to the present invention is positioned, said ring or crown C, being also shown in cross-section, before and after being positioned on the internal side of the alloy wheel rim, of which it is possible to observe also the external surface of the internal annular structure (le) and the cross-section view of the connecting lamina D1 and Dn-m.

[0078] Figures 4 a), b), and c) exemplify one of the methods of equilibrating, according to one of the embodiments of the present invention, a rotating mass or a mass capable of rotating, when the mass rotating or capable of rotating about its own axis, is an alloy wheel rim, so that the ring or crown C is positioned and fixed.

[0079] Further, it is appreciated that the ring crown C of the device 1 can be positioned and fixed on the internal side LI of the alloy wheel rim LCR, by the external surface Ee of the annular structure E, since the diameter of the circular or polygonal external surface E coincides with the values of standardized diameters of the different models of alloy wheel rims available on the market.

[0080] Figure 5 shows the graphic representation, for illustrative non-limiting purposes, of the cross-section view S2-S2 of a steel wheel rim (CAR) and of one of the embodiments of the device 1 for equilibrating a rotating mass or a mass capable of rotating, according to the present invention, as shown in Figure 1 a. In this case, said device 1 comprising two rings or crowns C, one on the internal side LI of the steel wheel rim, the other one on the external side LE, these also shown in cross-section, having different diameters from each other, such to made them suitable to be positioned and fixed in the respective internal and external zones of the steel wheel rim. Moreover, the modes of using, positioning and fixing (this is not shown) the equilibrating device 1 , with respect to the rotation mass or mass capable of rotating, particularly, the steel wheel rim, are exemplified in order to perform the method of equilibrating the same steel wheel rim.

[0081] Figure 5) shows the cross-section view of the steel wheel rim CAR and of the two rings / crowns C, one on the internal side LI of the steel wheel rim, the other one on the external side LE, also said rings or crowns C being shown in cross-section, before and after positioning them on the internal side and on the external one, respectively, of the steel wheel rim, of which it is possible to observe also the external surface of the internal annular structure (le) and the cross-section view of the connecting lamina D! and Dn-m, respectively.

[0082] Figure 5 exemplifies one of the methods of equilibrating, according to one of the embodiments of the present invention, a rotating mass or a mass capable of rotating when the mass rotating / capable of rotating about its own central axis, is a steel wheel rim, wherein the ring or crown C is positioned and fixed on the internal side LI or on the external side LE, or on both sides of the steel wheel rim.

[0083] Moreover, it is appreciated that, also in this case, the ring or crown C of the device 1 is positioned and fixed on the internal side LI or on the external one, or on both sides, of the steel wheel rim CAR, by the external surface Ee of the annular structure E, since the diameter of the circular or polygonal annular external structure E coincides with the values of the standardized diameters of various models of steel wheel rims available on the market.

[0084] The ring or crown C is fixed by mechanical fixing means or by a layer of adhesive or glue interposed between the ring or crown C, applied on the external surface Ee, the portion of the alloy wheel rim having a suitable diameter apt to house the ring or crown C of the device 1 .

[0085] Such operation is performed just one time during the whole lifetime of the wheel rim, for example, of alloy or steel, or when the wheel rim is manufactured, by providing the latter with the circular or polygonal ring or crown C, of the device 1 according to the present invention, or by inserting and fixing the ring or crown C of the device 1 in the wheel rim before the equilibrating process.

[0086] Figure 6 shows the graphic representation, for illustrative non-limiting purposes, in an axonometric view, of a spin axis AT and of one of the embodiments of the device 1 for equilibrating a rotating mass or a mass capable of rotating, according to the present invention, as illustrated in Figure 1 a, in this case, being shown the mode of using the equilibrating device 1 with respect to the rotating mass or the mass capable of rotating, particularly, the spin axis, in order to perform the method of equilibrating the same spin axis.

[0087] By said Figure in this case it is appreciated how the ring or crown C of the device 1 for equilibrating a rotating mass or a mass capable of rotating is applied to said mass, in the case herein shown, a spin axis, through the external surface le, not shown in the Figure, of the circular or polygonal internal structure I, said surface being put in contact with the external surface of the spin axis, and fixed therein, by suitable fixing means, not shown in the Figure, or simply by interposing an adhesive layer.

[0088] The dimensions of the ring or crown C, as well as the type of material constituting it, as well as the dimensions of the different parts of the ring or crown C of the device 1 : the cavities / cells C1 , C2, C3,...Cn, the circular or polygonal internal structure I, the rectilinear sides / portions of the internal polygonal structure 11 , I2, I3,...ln, the circular or polygonal external annular structure E, the rectilinear sides / portions of the external polygonal structure E1 , E2, E3,...En, the connecting laminae D1 , D2, D3,,..Dn, the circular / polygonal lamina L, the rectilinear sides / portions of the polygonal lamina L1 , L2,L3,...Ln, the engagement and disengagement means F of the mechanical or magnetic type, the internal surface li of the annular structure I, the external surface le of the annular structure I, the external surface Ee of the annular structure E, as well as the dimensions, the type of the material constituting the counterweights CP with many different shapes and dimensions, anyway suitable to be housed, since they can be inserted and extracted, in the cells / cavities C1 , C2, C3,..Cn, by adapting to the engagement and disengagement means F of the mechanical or magnetic type present of the internal surface of said cavities / cells, as well as the positioning and fixing of the ring or crown C of the device 1 , according to the present invention are related to the dimensions and characteristics of the rotating body or the body capable of rotating to which the device 1 according to the invention, must be applied and fixed.

[0089] Figures 4, 5, and 6 show some representations of possible methods of equilibrating, according to one of the embodiments of the present invention, a rotating mass or a mass capable of rotating in case the mass rotates or is capable of rotating about its own central axis.

[0090] The herein exemplified masses can be wheel rims, made of an alloy or steel, and consequently the wheel having such rims, as well as spin axes or other mechanical parts moving or capable of moving by rotation, preferably with respect to their own central axis.

[0091] Advantageously, and as an additional embodiment according to the present invention, the following embodiments constitute a further object of the present invention:

[0092] 6) rotating mass or mass capable of rotating comprising the equilibrating device (1 ) according to anyone of the embodiments from 1 to 5;

[0093] 7) rotating mass or mass capable of rotating according to embodiment 6, wherein the rotating mass or the mass capable of rotating is a mass rotating or a mass capable of rotating about its own central axis;

[0094] 8) Rotating mass or mass capable of rotating according to anyone of the embodiments from 6 to 7, wherein said rotating mass or mass capable of rotating is selected among: a rim for a wheel, an alloy rim for a wheel, a steel rim for a wheel, any moving mechanical part, such as for example or selected among: pulleys, sheaves, wheel gears, propeller shafts / spin axes.

[0095] Advantageously, and as a further embodiment according to the present invention, the following embodiments constitute a further object of the present invention:

[0096] 9) vehicle or mechanical device comprising a rotating mass or a mass capable of rotating according to anyone of the embodiments from 6 to 8.

[0097] Therefore, the Applicant operating in the technical field about the equilibration of vehicle wheels, has developed and realized a highly effective technical solution alternative to the solutions of the prior art.

[0098] One of the objects of the present invention consists of providing also a methodology, and consequently a device, assembly, or kit capable of permitting to equilibrate the vehicle wheels, and more, wherein it is obtained a reduction of the processing times: by making superfluous processing steps which are now necessary; better work conditions for the operators of the field: by avoiding the use of solvents, the production of fine dust highly noxious to the airways; a reduction or even the elimination of waste materials: obtaining in this way a complete reuse in real time of the material to be employed for the equilibration procedure.

[0099] Therefore, a further object of the present invention is constituted by a process of equilibrating a wheel rim comprising the steps of: a) loading a wheel on an wheel balancing machine, on the rim thereof being present at least one equilibrating device (1 ) according to anyone of the embodiments from 1 to 5 of said device, wherein at least one ring or crown C is inserted or fixed on the internal side and / or on the external side of the wheel rim; b) starting and operating the balancing machine until the identification of the cavities / cells C1 , C2, C3,..Cn of the ring or crown C and of the counterweight / s CP with a calibrated value, suitable to be housed in said cavities / cells in order to obtain the equilibration of the wheel: c) inserting and / or repositioning the counterweights CP, suitable to be housed in the cavities / cells C1 , C2, C3,..Cn of the ring or crown C, as indicated by the balancing machine, by the operator, then restarting the balancing machine in order to verify the attainment of the equilibration.

[0100] In said method for the equilibrating device 1 , according to anyone of its embodiments according to the present invention, the at least one or more rings or crowns C, is / are already inserted and fixed on the internal side and / or on the external side of the wheel rim, alloy or steel rim, or before the step a), said at least one or more rings or crowns C of the device 1 , as according to anyone of its embodiments in accordance with the present invention, having a diameter compliant to the standard measures of the diameters of the internal and / or external sides of the wheel rim, is / are inserted and fixed, preferably by adhesive or glue, on said side or sides of the wheel rim.

[0101] Said equilibrating method, applicable to any type of wheel with rim, such as an alloy or steel rim, enables both the static and dynamic equilibration in accordance with the requirements and needs.

[0102] The device according to the present invention, according to anyone of its embodiments as herein described and claimed, due to its configuration, enables, when required, the dynamic or static stabilization / equilibration / balancing of a mass rotating about its own central axis, adapting to different needs in a simple, immediate, cost- effective, environmentally friendly way and protecting the health of the operators of the field.

[0103] The equilibration, as herein understood, provides the use of balancing machines for wheels well known in the technical field and by now used for a long time for the purpose of equilibrating any type of wheels, both wheels with rim made of an alloy and wheels with rim made of steel.

[0104] Particularly, such method entails, among other things, practical advantages both for the operator and for the environment; a substantial reduction of waste material, elimination of the use of solvents, elimination of the use of devices which were considered indispensable, and which are now unnecessary, such as the rotating brushes.

[0105] The equilibrating method according to the invention, provides therefore the equilibrating device 1 according to the present invention comprising one or more rings or crowns C and the respective set of equilibrating counterweights CP having many different shapes and dimensions, anyway suitable to be housed, since they can be inserted and extracted, in the cells / cavities C1 , C1 , C3, ...Cn, of the one or more rings or crowns C, by adapting to the engagement and disengagement means F of the mechanical or magnetic type present on the internal surfaces of said cavities / cells, and consequently suitable for being reused over and over.

[0106] DEFINITIONS

[0107] The term rotating mass / masses or mass / masses capable of rotating according to the present invention means any mass rotating or capable of rotating about its own axis, more preferably about its own central axis.

[0108] The term wheel according to the present invention means: - a disk-shaped mechanical member, rotatable about or together with an axis passing through its center and, in some cases, which moves simultaneously orthogonally to the rotation axis. In this case, the wheel becomes an essential element for the locomotion of vehicles: the wheel / s of a unicycle, bicycle, tricycle, quadricycle, the wheel / s of a motorcycle / motor vehicle / three wheeler / car / truck; driving wheel / s, steering wheel / s;

[0109] - a disk shaped member transmitting motion by direct contact rotatable about or together with an axis passing through its center.

[0110] The term vehicle according to the present invention means any mechanical means driven (or remotely driven) by a human being, which is destined to transport persons, animals, or goods, with at least one, two or more wheels, circulating on the ground / soil, such as cycles, motorcycles / motor vehicles, cars, trucks, particularly mechanical means actuated by a motor provided with an onboard power source, apt to circulate / move on the soil or ground, among which: conventional roads, dirt roads, or rough terrains, provided with apparatuses for steering and braking.

[0111] Particularly, the bike / car as defined by the road traffic regulations according to all its types (motorcycles, bikes, cars, buses, mixed transport vehicles, trucks, road tractors, specific transport vehicles, special use vehicles, tractor trailers, articulated trucks, articulated buses, recreational vehicles, work vehicles.

Claims

C L A I M S1. Device (1 ) for equilibrating a rotating mass or rotating masses or a mass or masses capable of rotating, said device comprising at least one circular or polygonal ring or crown (C), delimited by two circular or polygonal concentric annular structures, one structure being external (E) and the other one structure being internal (I), preferably having the same width (a), said ring being subdivided into cells / cavities (C1 , C2, C3,... Cn), such as blind or through cells / cavities, preferably blind, equal to or different from each other, delimited from each other by connecting laminae (D1 , D2, D3, ... Dn), orthogonally positioned between the two concentric annular structures, preferably having the same width, more preferably the same width as the two concentric annular structures, wherein the internal walls of said cells / cavities are characterized by the presence of mechanical or magnetic type engagement and disengagement means (F), for housing into said cells / cavities suitable equilibrating / balancing counterweights.

2. Device (1 ) for equilibrating rotating masses or masses capable of rotating according to claim 1 , wherein when the cells / cavities (C1 , C2, C3, ... Cn) are closed, preferably in the ring or crown (C) of the equilibrating device (1 ) there is a circular / polygonal lamina / plate (L) orthogonal to the two concentric annular structures, positioned at, and by these delimited by the circular or polygonal perimeters of the two concentric annular structures, external (E) and internal (I).

3. Device (1 ) for equilibrating rotating masses or masses capable of rotating according to claim 1 , wherein when the ring or crown (C) is polygonal, the two concentric annular structures which delimit it: (E) and (I), have both a closed polygonal shape concentric to each other subdivided into rectilinear portions (E1 , E2, E3, ... En) and (11 , I2, I3, ... In) respectively, at each single cell or hollow portion (C1 , C2, C3, ... Cn), such as blind or through cells / cavities, preferably blind, equal to or different from each other, delimited from each other by the connecting laminae (D1 , D2, D3, ... Dn), orthogonally positioned between the two annular concentric structures, preferably having the same width, more preferably the same width as the two annular concentric structures, wherein the internal walls of said cells / cavities are also these ones characterized by the presence of mechanical or magnetic type engagement and disengagement means (F), for housing into said cells / cavities suitable equilibrating / balancing counterweights.

4. Device (1 ) for equilibrating rotating masses or masses capable of rotatingaccording to claim 3, wherein when the cells / cavities (C1 , C2, C3, ... Cn) are closed, preferably in the polygonal ring or crown (C) of the equilibrating device (1 ), there is a polygonal circular lamina / plate (L), orthogonal to the two annular concentric structures, positioned at, and delimited by these, by the polygonal perimeters of the two concentric annular structures, wherein said lamina (L) is subdivided into rectilinear portions / sides (L1 , L2, L3, ... Ln) at each single cell or hollow portion (C1 , C2, C3, ... Cn).

5. Device (1 ) for equilibrating rotating masses or masses capable of rotating according to anyone of claims from 1 to 4, further comprising one or more equilibrating counterweights (CP), having a variety of shapes and sizes, anyway suitable to be housed, since they can be inserted and extracted, into the cells / cavities (C1 , C2, C3, ... Cn) by adapting to the mechanical or magnetic type engagement and disengagement means (F) present on the internal surfaces of said cavities / cells.

6. Rotating mass or mass capable of rotating, comprising the equilibrating device (1 ) according to anyone of claims from 1 to 5.

7. Rotating mass or mass capable of rotating, according to claim 6, wherein the rotating mass or mass capable of rotating is a rotating mass or is a mass capable of rotating with respect to its own central axis.

8. Rotating mass or mass capable of rotating, according to anyone of claims from 6 to 7, wherein said rotating mass or mass capable of rotating is selected among a wheel rim, an alloy wheel rim, a steel wheel rim, any moving mechanical parts such as, for example, or selected among: pulleys, sheaves, wheels gear, propeller shafts / spin axis.

9. Vehicle or mechanical device comprising a rotating mass or mass capable of rotating according to anyone of claims from 6 to 8.

10. Process of equilibrating a wheel rim comprising the steps of: a) loading a wheel on a wheel balancing machine, on the rim thereof being present at least one equilibrating device (1 ) according to anyone of claims from 1 to 5, wherein at least one ring or crown (C) is inserted or fixed on the internal side and / or on the external side of the wheel rim; b) starting and operating the balancing machine until the identification of the cavities / cells (C1 , C2, C3, ... Cn) of the ring or crown (C) and of the counterweight / s (CP) with a calibrated value, suitable to be housed in said cavities / cells in order to obtain the equilibration of the wheel; c) inserting and / or repositioning the counterweights (CP), suitable to be housedin the cavities / cells (C1 , C2, C3, ... Cn) of the ring or crown (C), as indicated by the balancing machine, by the operator, then restarting the balancing machine in order to verify the attainment of the equilibration.

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