Tyre changing machine

Abstract

A tyre changing machine is described (10) comprising: - a support frame (15), - a drive shaft (45), rotatably connected to the support frame (15) relative to a rotation axis (R1), said drive shaft (45) being adapted to receive a wheel provided with a rim and a tyre, - a drive motor (50) connected to the drive shaft (45) to drive it in rotation about said rotation axis (R1), said drive motor (50) being of the electric type.

Description

[0001] TYRE CHANGING MACHINE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of tyre replacement.

[0004] In particular, the present invention relates to a tyre changing machine.

[0005] PRIOR ART

[0006] In the auto-mobile and automotive sector in a more general sense, tyre changing machines are known, viz. machines configured to allow the mounting and removal of a tyre from a wheel rim, thus enabling the replacement thereof.

[0007] Such tyre changing machines generally comprise a support frame to which a drive shaft rotating about its own axis is rotatably connected, which is adapted to receive and rotate the wheel during the tyre removal and mounting operations on the rim.

[0008] Such tyre changing machines then comprise a working apparatus which generally comprises at least one arm that is movable relative to the frame, selectively approaching or moving away from the wheel and provided with a contact body that is adapted to exert pressure on the tyre to decouple it from the rim.

[0009] The various movable elements of the tyre changing machine, viz. at least the drive shaft and said working apparatus, are connected to a pneumatic system with one or more pneumatic actuators connected to a pneumatic circuit of the tyre changing machine itself in order to move such movable elements.

[0010] A known drawback in the field, however, is that such a pneumatic drive system is energy-intensive.

[0011] Furthermore, another drawback is that the tyre changing machine is provided with a pressurised system that makes it potentially dangerous for one or more of its operators in the event of failure or malfunction.

[0012] In light of the foregoing, it is an aim of the present invention to overcome this / these drawbacks) of the prior art.

[0013] It is a further aim of the present invention to achieve the aforementioned objective within the scope of a simple and rational solution.

[0014] Such aims are achieved by the characteristics of the invention reported in the independent claims.

[0015] The dependent claims outline preferred and / or particularly advantageous aspects of the invention.DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0016] In particular, the invention provides a tyre changing machine comprising:

[0017] - a support frame,

[0018] - a drive shaft, rotatably connected to the support frame relative to a rotation axis, said drive shaft being adapted to receive, and for example, drive in rotation about said rotation axis, a wheel provided with a rim and a tyre associated with (or to be associated with) the rim,

[0019] - a drive motor connected to the drive shaft to drive it in rotation about said rotation axis,

[0020] said drive motor being of the electric type.

[0021] Thanks to this solution, the actuation of the drive shaft is energy-efficient and also safer than the common pneumatic drive motor.

[0022] According to the invention, the tyre changing machine can be without a pneumatic system and / or any pneumatically driven motor.

[0023] Thanks to this solution, the tyre changing machine is particularly safe, as it does not have a pressure circuit that could be particularly dangerous for a machine operator in the event of malfunction and / or failure.

[0024] Another aspect of the invention is that the tyre changing machine can comprise exclusively electric motors.

[0025] Another aspect of the invention is that the drive shaft can also be movably connected to the support frame in translation along a movement direction orthogonal to the rotation axis thereof.

[0026] Thanks to this solution, the position of the drive shaft can be varied depending on the size, viz. diameter, of the wheel to be operated on.

[0027] The tyre changing machine is therefore particularly versatile.

[0028] In particular, an aspect of the invention envisages that the drive shaft can be movable relative to the support frame along said movement direction for a stroke of at least 25 cm. Thanks to this solution, the tyre changing machine can also be used for the replacement of large tyres, e.g. up to 26".

[0029] A further aspect of the invention is that the tyre changing machine can comprise a command motor adapted to actuate the drive shaft along the movement direction, and that said control motor can be of an electric type.Thanks to this solution, even the movement of the drive shaft along the movement direction can be carried out in accordance with an energy-saving perspective.

[0030] Furthermore, another aspect of the invention envisages that the drive shaft can be mounted on a carriage slidingly associated with (viz. movable relative to) the support frame relative to (viz. along) said movement direction, and that the drive motor (for actuating the drive shaft in rotation) can in turn be mounted on said carriage and movable therewith.

[0031] Thanks to this solution, the drive motor is integral with the drive shaft relative to the movement direction, making it possible to avoid any transmission members due to a possible change in position of the drive shaft relative to the drive motor.

[0032] The architecture of the tyre changing machine, while allowing the position of the drive shaft to be adjusted, is therefore particularly compact.

[0033] An aspect of the invention is that the drive motor can be (directly or indirectly) connected to the carriage to actuate it along the movement direction.

[0034] A further aspect of the invention envisages that the carriage can be screwed to a worm screw having a longitudinal axis (e.g. longitudinal central axis) parallel to the movement direction and, further, associated with the support frame prevented from rotating about an rotation axis parallel to the movement direction, the worm screw being connected to the drive motor, which can, for example, be an electric rotary motor (viz., of the electric rotary type) and, adapted to rotate on itself selectively in one direction or the other about (viz., relative to) its own longitudinal axis (e.g., about its longitudinal central axis).

[0035] Thanks to this solution, it is possible to move the carriage along the movement direction simply by actuating the drive motor, which, being electric, e.g. an electric rotary motor, is energy-efficient and also particularly safe and reliable.

[0036] Still another aspect of the invention is that said drive motor can be a linear electric motor, e.g. preferably a permanent magnet linear electric motor.

[0037] Thanks to this solution, the movement of the drive shaft is particularly precise and fast. At the same time, such a linear electric motor is subject to limited mechanical wear and tear, allowing the required maintenance to be limited as much as possible.

[0038] A further aspect of the invention envisages that said drive motor, of the linear electric type, e.g. preferably of the permanent magnet linear electric type, can comprise a stator arranged with its own longitudinal extension parallel to the movement direction, and amovable (viz. translating) translator (or slider) along the longitudinal extension of the stator, and that the carriage can be mounted on said translator and integral therewith moving along the movement direction.

[0039] Still a further aspect of the invention envisages that the tyre changing machine can further comprise a working apparatus configured to carry out an operation of bead-breaking the tyre from the rim of the wheel, and that said working apparatus can comprise a pair of arms slidingly associated with the support frame mutually towards / away from each other along a movement direction parallel to the rotation axis of the drive shaft, and wherein each of said arms carries a respective contact body adapted to be rested on and to exert pressure on a respective sidewall of the tyre of the wheel.

[0040] Thanks to this solution, the bead-breaking operation is particularly reliable and repeatable, thanks to the joint action of the two arms of the apparatus.

[0041] A further aspect of the invention envisages that the tyre changing machine (viz. e.g., said working apparatus) can comprise a pair of control motors, each of which is adapted to actuate a respective arm along the movement direction (e.g. so as to overall move the arms mutually towards or away from each other), and that each control motor can be of an electric type.

[0042] Thanks to this solution, the movement of the arms along the movement direction can also be carried out in accordance with an energy-saving perspective.

[0043] A further aspect of the invention envisages that each arm can be carried by a sliding carriage movable along a translation guide extending longitudinally parallel to the movement direction, and that said sliding carriage can further be screwed on a threaded rod provided with a longitudinal axis (e.g., a longitudinal central axis) parallel to the movement direction so as to define therewith a screw / nut screw type coupling, and that each threaded rod can be connected to a respective control motor configured to rotate the threaded rod on itself (selectively in one direction or the other) about said longitudinal axis (e.g. longitudinal central axis) thereof.

[0044] Thanks to this solution, it is possible to move each arm along the direction of motion simply by actuating the control motor, which is energy-efficient and also particularly safe and reliable.

[0045] Furthermore, another aspect of the invention envisages that the support frame can define a housing seat delimited, or at least partially circumscribed, by the walls of the supportframe itself, and that said drive motor can be housed within said housing seat, and that at least one of said walls of the support frame can be provided with a plurality of through slots.

[0046] Thanks to this solution, it is possible to ensure a recirculation of air between the outside and the housing seat, thereby achieving a cooling of the drive motor.

[0047] A further aspect of the invention is that the tyre changing machine is without command pedals, viz., foot commands, of the drive shaft and working apparatus (viz., control motors), viz. that it is without foot-operated command means for controlling the operation of the tyre changing machine.

[0048] Thanks to this solution, the tyre changing machine is particularly safe.

[0049] In fact, it is not possible to command the tyre changing machine with one's feet and at the same time have one's hands free, so that it is possible to avoid injuries to the operator of the tyre changing machine.

[0050] Another aspect of the invention envisages that each control motor can be a linear electric motor (viz. of the linear electric type), e.g. preferably a permanent magnet linear electric motor (type).

[0051] Furthermore, another aspect of the invention envisages that each control motor can comprise a stator arranged with its own longitudinal extension parallel to the movement direction, and a movable (viz. translating) translator (or slider) along the longitudinal extension of the stator, that each arm can be carried by a respective sliding carriage, and that each sliding carriage can be mounted on said translator of the respective control motor and integral therewith in movement along the movement direction.

[0052] Still a further aspect of the invention envisages that the tyre changing machine can further comprise an electronic control unit operatively connected to the drive motor, the command motor and each control motor and configured to selectively actuate them.

[0053] Thanks to this solution, the operation of the tyre changing machine can be at least partially or fully automated, and therefore the operations of the tyre changing machine are particularly reliable and repeatable.

[0054] Another aspect of the invention envisages that the electronic control unit can be configured to:

[0055] actuate the arms mutually moving closer along the movement direction from a primitive position (where, for example, they are distal from each other) to a pre-bead-breaking position where the contact bodies (facing each other and) carried by them are (placed at such a mutual reference distance as to be) each moved closer a respective sidewall of the tyre at a non-zero distance therefrom, following the receipt of a first command signal, said command signal being of impulsive type, and

[0056] - further move the arms mutually closer to each other along the movement direction from said pre-bead-breaking position towards and in a bead-breaking position in which the contact bodies carried by them are each in contact and exerting pressure on a respective sidewall of tyre, only upon continuous receipt of a second command signal.

[0057] A further aspect of the invention envisages that the tyre changing machine can be adapted to be connected to a primary source of electrical energy, so as to be electrically powered thereby, and also be provided with an (electrical) energy storage device adapted to power the tyre changing machine itself (viz. any component thereof requiring electric power) if the primary source of electrical energy fails.

[0058] Furthermore, a further aspect of the invention envisages that said tyre changing machine can be adapted to be connected to a primary source of electrical energy in order to be electrically powered thereby, and that the electronic control unit can be configured to actuate the arms in the primitive position if (for example, the arms are in a different position from the primitive position and) the power supply of the primary source of electrical energy fails (by means of an electrical power supply received from an electrical energy storage device of the tyre changing machine).

[0059] Thanks to this solution, the tyre changing machine is particularly safe.

[0060] In fact, in the event of a power failure, the electronic control unit returns the arms to the primitive position in order to obviate possible inconvenience to an operator and / or for the tyre removal or mounting operation, should the power supply from the primary source suddenly be restored.

[0061] In practice, in the event of a temporary interruption of power supply from the primary electrical energy, when this is re-established, it is possible to restart operations from the beginning.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] Further features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent after reading the following description provided by way of non-limiting example, with the aid of the figures illustrated in the attached drawings.

[0063] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a tyre changing machine according to the invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the tyre changing machine of Figure 1 , in which parts of one of its support frames have been removed to highlight other components.

[0064] Figure 3 is a front side view of the tyre changing machine of Figure 1.

[0065] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the tyre changing machine in Figure 1 , in which one of its support frames has been omitted to highlight other components.

[0066] Figure 5 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a tyre changing machine according to the invention, where in particular some walls of a support frame are not shown in order to highlight other components of the tyre changing machine, in which a tyre removed from a rim of a wheel is visible in a schematic manner.

[0067] Figure 6 is a partial view of the tyre changing machine of Figure 5, in a step of tyre removal from a wheel rim.

[0068] Figure 7 is a partial view of an embodiment of a tyre changing machine according to the invention, where walls of the support frame and other components are not shown in order to highlight other components, in which linear electric control motors of a working apparatus of the tyre changing machine are better visible.

[0069] BEST MODE TO IMPLEMENT THE INVENTION

[0070] By way of example, with reference to such pictures, a tyre changing machine, which is particularly configured to allow alternatively mounting or removing a tyre T from a rim R of a wheel W, has been referred to as 10.

[0071] The wheel W, viz. the rim R and the tyre T, are known per se and will only be briefly described below.

[0072] The rim R can be substantially cylindrical in shape and have opposite sidewalls of which an inner sidewall, in use adapted to be facing towards the vehicle on which the wheel is mounted, and an outer sidewall, in use adapted to be facing away from the vehicle. Each of said sidewalls (inner and outer) has an annular edge (or flange) for coupling to the tyre T.

[0073] Between said annular edges, a channel of the rim R remains defined, which in use iscovered by the tyre T and therefore not visible from the outside.

[0074] The R rim also comprises a central hub by means of which the wheel is adapted to be fixed to the vehicle axle.

[0075] The tyre T is generally provided with an annular surface on which a tread is made, and two opposite sidewalls which are derived, seamlessly, from opposite edges of the annular surface substantially transverse thereto and each of which has a so-called bead, with said beads being inserted within the channel between said annular edges of the rim R and each abutting and pressing on a respective annular edge, so as to allow the (stable) coupling of the tyre T with the rim R.

[0076] Returning to the tyre changing machine 10, as can be seen in Figure 1, this comprises, firstly, a rigid support frame 15, viz. not deformable when subjected to the usual loads for which it is intended.

[0077] As illustrated in the attached figures, such a support frame 15 can comprise a base 20 for resting on the ground, of substantially box-like shape.

[0078] In practice, such a base 20 comprises a respective rigid framework, viz. one that is not deformable when subjected to the usual loads for which it is intended, e.g. formed by a plurality of metal profiles mutually connected (viz. fixed) in an appropriate manner.

[0079] The base 20 then comprises a plurality of walls which are fixed, e.g. removably (preferably screwed), to the framework so as to close, viz. delimit or circumscribe, a working compartment V1.

[0080] For example, such a base 20 as visible in Figure 1, can be essentially in the form of a parallelepiped.

[0081] In particular, the base 20 can have a plurality of side walls 25, e.g., four in number, vertical or substantially vertical, delimiting the perimeter of the working compartment V1 and a horizontal or substantially horizontal (viz., parallel to the ground) top wall 30 closing said working compartment V1 above.

[0082] The support frame 15 can then comprise a tower structure 35 (or turret) connected to the base 20, e.g. rigidly fixed (preferably bolted) and which extends substantially square therewith.

[0083] In practice, such a tower structure 35 and such a base 20 can define a substantially L-shaped structure of the support frame 15.

[0084] Such a tower structure 35, which can also have a substantially box-like shape, comprisesa respective rigid framework, for example defined by a plurality of metal profiles mutually connected (viz. fixed) in an appropriate manner, and a plurality of walls fixed e.g. removably (preferably screwed), to the rigid framework so as to delimit a further working compartment V2 of the support frame 15, e.g. preferably communicating with the working compartment V1 delimited by the base 20 (viz. circumscribed by the walls thereof).

[0085] The base 20 and the tower structure 35 can be mutually fixed to each other, e.g. removably or not, to define an integral block.

[0086] For example, the framework of the tower structure 35 can be fixed, for example removably or otherwise, to the framework of the base 20, so that the tower structure 35 and the base 20 can define an integral block.

[0087] In particular, as better visible in Figure 1 , such a tower structure can have a front wall 40, or front panel, which rises substantially from the top wall of the base 20 square therewith. The working compartment V1 and the further working compartment V2, as will be seen below, define (viz. make available) housing seats of functional components of the tyre changing machine 10.

[0088] The tyre changing machine 10 further comprises a drive shaft 45, rotatably connected to the support frame 15 relative to a rotation axis R1 , viz., rotatable on itself about said rotation axis R1 , which is adapted to receive and, for example, drive in rotation about said rotation axis the wheel W, viz., said rim R and a tyre T to be associated with or disassociated therefrom (viz., a tyre to be removed or mounted on the rim).

[0089] For example, said rotation axis R1 of the drive shaft 45 can be vertical or substantially vertical, viz. orthogonal to the top wall 30 of the base 20 of the support frame 15.

[0090] In particular, the drive shaft 45 can rise relative to the top wall of the base 20 square therewith, and has an end distal from the base 20 on which the rim R of the wheel W is adapted to be mounted and removably fixed so as to be rotationally integral therewith. In particular, the rim R (with the tyre T installed or to be installed thereon) is made rotationally integral with the shaft by fixing means, known per se and therefore not described in detail (and not illustrated), adapted to allow the rim R to be removably locked to the drive shaft 45.

[0091] Furthermore, the rim R, in use (viz. when mounting or removing the tyre by means of the tyre changing machine 10) can preferably be fixed to the drive shaft 45 with the inner sidewall, viz. that adapted to be use (viz. when the wheel W is fixed to the vehicle) facingthe vehicle on which the wheel W is mounted, facing the support frame 15, viz. the base 20 of the support frame 15, and with the outer sidewall (viz. the sidewall opposite the inner sidewall) facing upwards.

[0092] The tyre changing machine 10 thus comprises a drive motor 50 connected to the drive shaft 45 and adapted to drive in rotation the drive shaft 45 itself about the rotation axis R1 , and possibly the wheel W therewith.

[0093] The drive motor 50, for example, can be inserted and contained within the working compartment V1 delimited by the base 20 of the support frame 15. The drive motor 50 can therefore be housed in a housing seat, made available by the working compartment V1 delimited by the walls of the base 20.

[0094] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 3, one or more of said walls of the base 20, e.g. one or more of the side walls 25, can be provided with one or more through slots F.

[0095] Such slot(s) F allow(s) air recirculation between said housing seat, viz. said working compartment V1 , and the outside so as to allow cooling the drive motor 50.

[0096] Such a drive motor 50, in particular, can be of the electric type, e.g. the electric rotary type.

[0097] For example, said drive motor can preferably be of the brushless electric rotary type. Such an electric rotary drive motor 50 can comprise a rotor provided with permanent magnets adapted to generate a fixed magnetic field, and a stator (which for example winds the rotor, viz. circumferentially embraces the rotor), which can comprise electrical windings adapted to be crossed by current, so as to generate an induced magnetic field which, interacting with the fixed magnetic field of the rotor, causes the rotor to rotate. Alternatively, it is also possible to envisage that, vice versa, the stator is provided with permanent magnets, and the rotor is provided with electrical windings adapted to be crossed by current.

[0098] The rotor of the drive motor 50 can then be (directly or indirectly) connected to the drive shaft 45 so as to actuate it in rotation about the rotation axis R1.

[0099] For example, the drive motor 50 can include a drive shaft connected to the rotor and rotationally integral therewith, and said drive shaft can be connected to the drive shaft 45, e.g. directly or indirectly by means of motion transmission members, to move it in rotation about the rotation axis R1.

[0100] For example, it is possible to envisage that said drive motor 50 can be connected to thedrive shaft 45, so as to drive it in rotation, by means of a gearbox (viz. that said drive motor 50 can be a gearmotor).

[0101] Preferably, the drive shaft 45 can further be movably connected to the support frame 15, e.g. to the base 20, in translation along a movement direction A orthogonal to the rotation axis R1 thereof, viz. along a horizontal or substantially horizontal movement direction A, for example.

[0102] In other words, the drive shaft 45 moving along said movement direction A can move away from or towards, depending on the direction of movement along the movement direction A, (the front wall 40 of) the tower structure 35 of the support frame 15.

[0103] In particular, the drive shaft 45 moving along said movement direction can move from a first position, in which it is placed proximal to the tower structure 35 (and for example the tyre changing machine is configured to allow the mounting or removal of 6" tyres), to a second position in which it is distal from the tower structure 35 (and for example the tyre changing machine is configured to allow the mounting or removal of 26" tyres).

[0104] Between the first position and the second position, the drive shaft 45 can be movably connected to the support frame 15, e.g. the base, along said movement direction A for a stroke of at least 50 cm, e.g. preferably at least 51.5 cm.

[0105] The tyre changing machine 10, therefore, comprises a command motor M adapted to actuate the drive shaft 45 along the movement direction A (e.g. between the first position and the second position).

[0106] Such a command motor M can be fixed to the support frame 15, for example to the framework of the base 20 of the support frame 15.

[0107] In particular, such a command motor M can be housed within the working compartment V1 (delimited by the base 20).

[0108] Such a command motor M, in particular, can be of an electric type, e.g. an electric rotary type, or alternatively a linear electric type (e.g. preferably a permanent magnet linear electric type).

[0109] For example, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3-6, the command motor M can be of the electric rotary type.

[0110] Such a command motor M of the electric rotary type can comprise a rotor provided with permanent magnets adapted to generate a fixed magnetic field, and a stator which can comprise electrical windings adapted to be crossed by current, so as to generate aninduced magnetic field which, interacting with the fixed magnetic field of the rotor, causes the rotor to rotate.

[0111] Alternatively, it is also possible to envisage that, vice versa, the stator is provided with permanent magnets, and the rotor is provided with electrical windings adapted to be crossed by current.

[0112] Alternatively, the command motor M, as for example shown in Figure 7, can be of a linear electric type, e.g. a permanent magnet linear electric type.

[0113] Such a command motor M of the linear electric type (e.g. linear electric with permanent magnets), as for example shown in Figure 7, can comprise a stator M1 elongated its own longitudinal axis, which is fixed to the support frame with said longitudinal axis parallel to the movement direction A, and a translator M2 associated with the stator M1 and movable along the longitudinal extension of the stator M1 (and thus along the movement direction A).

[0114] The translator M2 (or slider) can comprise (viz. be provided with one or more) permanent magnets adapted to generate a fixed magnetic field, while the stator M1 can comprise (viz. be provided with one or more) electrical windings adapted to be crossed by current, so as to generate an induced magnetic field which, interacting with the fixed magnetic field of the stator, causes the translation of the translator along the stator.

[0115] In particular, depending on the supply polarity of said one or more windings, an induced magnetic field with an attractive or repulsive effect will be obtained relative to said one or more permanent magnets of the translator M2, thereby allowing to move the translator M2 along the stator M1 selectively in one direction or the other along the longitudinal extension of the stator (viz. along the movement direction A).

[0116] Alternatively, it is also possible to envisage that, vice versa, the stator M1 is provided with permanent magnets, and the translator (or slider) M2 is provided with electrical windings adapted to be crossed by current.

[0117] For example, as can be best intuited from such a Figure 7, the stator M1 and the translator M2 can be shaped so as to define a sliding shape coupling, e.g. a prismatic coupling. The tyre changing machine 10 then comprises means for transmitting the motion imposed by the command motor M to the drive shaft 45 to allow it to move along the movement direction A.

[0118] In practice, such transmission means are connected to the command motor M and thedrive shaft 45 so as to transmit the motion imposed by the former to the latter.

[0119] Such transmission means can comprise, firstly, a carriage 65 movably associated (viz. slidingly associated) with the support frame 15 along the movement direction A, which is (directly or indirectly) connected to the command motor M to be actuated in translation along the movement direction A (selectively in one direction or the other) by the same. The carriage 65 is, moreover, preferably associated with the support frame 15 which cannot rotate about a rotation axis parallel to the movement direction A.

[0120] In particular, the carriage 65 can be movably coupled to the support frame 15 with a single translational degree of freedom for its translation along the movement direction A.

[0121] In particular, such transmission means can comprise at least one sliding guide 70 for the carriage 65, which is adapted to guide the carriage 65 along the movement direction A and to prevent a rotation (viz. oscillation) thereof (viz. substantially any rotation or oscillation) during the translation along the movement direction A.

[0122] For example, such transmission means can comprise a pair of sliding guides 70 extending longitudinally along the movement direction A, and which are, for example, arranged opposite (and symmetrical) to each other relative to a vertical median plane of the base 20 of the support frame 15.

[0123] Each of said sliding guides 70 is fixed, preferably without residual degrees of freedom, to the base 20 of the support frame 15 or alternatively made available by the framework of the base 20 itself, viz. alternatively made available by one of said metal profiles of the framework of the base 20.

[0124] For example, each of said sliding guides 70 can be substantially defined by a rigid bar, viz. not deformable when subjected to the usual loads for which it is intended, which extends longitudinally along the movement direction A (viz. it is fixed to the support frame 15 arranged with its own longitudinal axis parallel to the movement direction A).

[0125] The carriage 65 is then associated with the sliding guide 70, viz. with each sliding guide 70, so as to move, viz. slide, along the longitudinal extension of the sliding rail (during the translation along the movement direction A).

[0126] In particular, the carriage 65 is provided with a sliding block 75 for each sliding guide 70. For example, each sliding block 75 can be adapted to define a sliding shape coupling with a respective sliding guide 70, e.g. substantially a prismatic coupling. Preferably such a prismatic coupling essentially embraces the guides 70 peripherally, ensuring that there isno bending of the shaft 45 under load.

[0127] In particular, each sliding block 75, as visible in Figure 2, can substantially define a channel or tunnel within which a respective sliding guide 70 is inserted (with reduced clearance, viz. with clearance such as to allow the sliding of the sliding block 75 along the guide).

[0128] In other words, as visible in Figure 2, each sliding block 75 can be adapted to embrace peripherally, preferably for the entire perimeter, a respective sliding guide 70.

[0129] For example, each sliding guide 70 can have a substantially quadrangular transsection shape, and each sliding guide 75 can define a housing channel for the sliding guide 70 where said channel has a transsection shape homologous to that of the sliding guide 70. As visible in Figure 2, for example, each sliding block 75 can comprise a mutually opposite bottom wall and top wall, and two mutually opposite side walls connecting the bottom wall and the top wall, where for example each of said side walls can be defined by a plurality of rigid pillars or columns.

[0130] Preferably, each guide 70 comprises a plurality of wheels provided with wear-resistant rubber for sliding, thereby obtaining a “self-cleaning” type system, viz., a system that compensates for vibrations and protects the guides 70 from debris typical of the workshop environment, eliminating the need for lubrication and preventing the seizing typical of metal-on-metal systems.

[0131] The drive shaft 45 is mounted, rotating about its rotation axis R1 , on said carriage 65 and integral therewith in movement along the movement direction A.

[0132] In practice, the drive shaft 45 can have a lower end, opposite that adapted to receive the wheel W (viz. the rim R), which is inserted in the working compartment V1 delimited by the base 20 and by means of which it is connected (e.g. by means of the interposition of a transmission unit) to the drive motor 50.

[0133] In particular, as better visible in Figure 4, on the carriage 65 a hub Q can be mounted (and integral in movement) within which is rotatably housed, for example by means of the interposition of special bearings, (at least a section of) the drive shaft 45.

[0134] The hub Q, for example, can be substantially defined by a rigid tubular body, viz. not deformable when subjected to the usual loads for which it is intended, which is fixed e.g. welded onto the carriage 65 arranged with its own vertical longitudinal central axis, viz. parallel to said rotation axis R1 of the drive shaft 45.A section of the drive shaft 45 interposed between the opposite ends thereof (and e.g. housed within the hub Q) can be inserted (as well as the hub Q) into an elongated through hole 80 made in the top wall of the base 20 and movable along it in movement along the movement direction A.

[0135] The drive motor 50 of the drive shaft 45 (as well as, if applicable, said transmission members by means of which it is connected to the drive shaft 45 in order to drive it in rotation about the rotation axis R1), is likewise mounted on the carriage 65 and movable therewith along the movement direction A.

[0136] If the command motor M is a linear electric motor, e.g. a permanent magnet linear electric motor, then the carriage 65 can be fixed to (viz. mounted on) the translator M2 and movable therewith (viz. integral with) along the movement direction A.

[0137] If the command motor M is of the electric rotary type, then such transmission means can further comprise a worm screw 55 (diagrammed and whose threading is not illustrated in the attached figures) which is rotatably fixed to the support frame 15 (so that it can rotate on itself).

[0138] The worm screw 55 is arranged (and fixed to the support frame 15) with its own longitudinal axis R2 (e.g. its own longitudinal central axis R2) parallel to the movement direction A and rotating (on itself) about its own longitudinal axis R2 (e.g. its own longitudinal central axis).

[0139] The command motor M is (directly or indirectly) connected to the worm screw 55 and adapted to actuate it in rotation (on itself), selectively or alternately in one direction or the other, about its own longitudinal axis R2 parallel to the movement direction A.

[0140] For example, a drive shaft of the command motor M, driven in rotation by its rotor, can be directly (or indirectly) connected to the worm screw 55.

[0141] In this case, viz. if the control motor M is of the electric rotary type, then the carriage 65 can be screwed onto the worm screw 55 so as to define a screw-nut screw type coupling therewith.

[0142] Since the carnage 65 can be movably associated with the support frame 15 with a single degree of translational freedom to translate it along the movement direction A, the actuation in rotation of the worm screw 55 (by the control motor M) in one direction causes the translation of the carriage 65 in one direction along the movement direction A, while the actuation in rotation of the worm screw 55 in the opposite direction causes thetranslation of the carriage 65 in the opposite direction along the movement direction A For example, thanks to each sliding guide 70, viz., the sliding coupling between each sliding block 75 and the respective sliding guide 70, the actuation in rotation of the worm screw 55 in one direction causes the movement (viz., translation) of the carriage 65 in a direction along the movement direction A, while the actuation in rotation of the worm screw 55 in the opposite direction causes the actuation (viz., movement, viz. translation) of the carriage 65 in the opposite direction along the movement direction A.

[0143] Such motion transmission means can be, at least partially for example entirely, housed in the working compartment V1 delimited by the walls of the base 20.

[0144] In other words, each sliding guide 70, each sliding block 75, the carriage 65, and optionally (viz. where present) the worm screw 55, are housed (at least partially, preferably entirely) within said working compartment V1 (which then defines a housing seat thereof). The tyre changing machine 10, for example as visible in Figure 2, comprises a working apparatus configured to alternately carry out an operation of bead-fitting or an operation of bead-breaking of the tyre T from the rim R of the wheel W.

[0145] Such an operation of bead-fitting, as is known, involves exerting pressure on the tyre T so as to thread a bead of the tyre T within the channel defined by the rim R.

[0146] Such an operation of bead-breaking, as is known, involves exerting pressure on the tyre T so that the beads of the tyre T detach from the corresponding annular edges of the rim R.

[0147] In particular, as visible in the attached figures, such a working apparatus can comprise a pair of rigid arms 85, viz. not deformable when subjected to the usual loads for which they are intended, of which an upper arm, viz. distal to base 20, and a lower arm, viz. proximal to base 20).

[0148] The arms 85 are slidingly associated with the support frame 15 mutually towards / away from each other along a movement direction B parallel to the rotation axis of the drive shaft 45.

[0149] For example, said arms 85 are movably connected to the tower structure 35 of the support frame 15 and movable along it during the mutual movement towards / away along the movement direction B.

[0150] In particular, each of said arms 85 can extend longitudinally substantially horizontally (viz. , parallel to the movement direction A), and has a first end by means of which it isassociated with the support frame 15, e.g. at the tower structure 35, and a second end opposite the first end which carries a contact body 90 adapted to be placed in abutment and press, viz., exert pressure, on the tyre T, viz. on a respective sidewall thereof.

[0151] The contact bodies 90 carried by the two arms 85 are preferably homologous (in shape and size) to each other.

[0152] The contact bodies 90 carried by the two arms 85 move along the movement direction B along a contact trajectory, along which they are adapted to intercept the tyre T to be removed or associated with the rim R of the wheel W.

[0153] For example, in the first position of the drive shaft 45 along the movement direction A, the distance between the rotation axis R1 of the drive shaft 45 and said contact trajectory (relative to the movement direction A) can be at least 150 mm, while in the second position of the drive shaft 45 the distance between the rotation axis R1 of the drive shaft 45 and said contact trajectory (relative to the movement direction A) can be at least 665 mm. For example, the contact bodies 90 carried by the two arms 85 can be movable, moved by them, along the same contact trajectory.

[0154] In other words, the contact bodies 90 can be arranged mutually aligned along the movement direction B.

[0155] Each contact body 90, as better visible in Figure 1 , can substantially be defined by a rigid, viz. discoidal body, viz. not deformable when subjected to the usual loads for which it is intended, e.g. made of plastic (viz. polymeric) material.

[0156] For example, as better visible in the attached figures, a further contact body W can further be mounted on said end of one of the two arms 85, in particular the upper arm 85, viz. the one distal from the base 20.

[0157] Such a further contact body W, in particular, is adapted, in use, to extract one of the beads of the already bead-broken tyre T from the channel of the rim R.

[0158] Such a further contact body W, which is already known per se and therefore not described in detail, can substantially be shaped like a hook or clip.

[0159] For example, as can be intuited from the attached figures, the contact body 90 and said further contact body W carried by said upper arm 85, e.g. the upper arm 85, viz. the arm distal from the base 20, can be made in an integral block, and said block can be rotatably coupled to said end of the arm 85 and selectively positioned in a first position in which the contact body 90 faces the contact body 90 carried by the other arm 85 and the furthercontact body W faces the opposite side relative thereto, and a second position in which the further contact body W faces the contact body 90 carried by the other arm 85 (while the contact bodies 90 face the opposite side, or in any case do not face each other). In particular, the arms 85 are movable along the movement direction B, between a primitive position in which they are placed at a maximum mutual distance along the movement direction B, and the respective contact bodies 90 (facing each other) are distal from each other (e.g. placed at a maximum mutual distance along the movement direction B) and a bead-breaking position in which they are placed at a mutual distance along the movement direction B less than the maximum distance, and the respective contact bodies 90 (facing each other) are proximal to each other and each is adapted to be placed under pressure on a respective sidewall of the tyre T.

[0160] Furthermore, the arms 85 are movable along the movement direction B, between the primitive position in which they are placed at a maximum mutual distance along the movement direction B, and the further contact body W and the contact body 90 (facing each other) carried by them are distal from each other (viz. placed at a maximum mutual distance along the movement direction B) and a bead-fitting position in which they are placed at a mutual distance along the movement direction B which is less than the maximum distance, and the further contact body W and the contact body 90 (facing each other) are proximal to each other and each adapted to be placed under pressure on a respective sidewall of the tyre T.

[0161] The working apparatus further comprises at least one control motor 100 adapted to actuate the arms 85 of the working apparatus along the movement direction B, for example a pair of control motors 100 each adapted to move a respective arm 85 along the movement direction B (to overall allow the movement of the arms 85 selectively towards or away from each other).

[0162] For example, it is also possible to envisage that each arm 85 can be connected to a respective pair of control motors 100 adapted (overall) to actuate the same along the movement direction B.

[0163] Each of said control motors 100 can be of the electric type.

[0164] Each control motor 100, in particular, can be of the electric type, e.g. an electric rotary type, or alternatively a linear electric type (e.g. a permanent magnet linear electric type). For example, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3-6, each control motor 100 can be of theelectric rotary type, e.g. preferably a brushless electric rotary type and possibly provided with a gearbox.

[0165] Preferably each control motor 100 is of the brushless type, and still preferably the actuation device 50 is of the brushless type. In brushless motors, the permanent magnets are on the rotor (rotating part) and the windings (electromagnets) on the stator (fixed part). Brushless motors use electronic switching to switch the current, e.g. an electronic controller (ESC), and position sensors to drive the phases. The absence of brushes eliminates mechanical friction, reducing maintenance and the heat generated, ensuring 85-90% efficiency.

[0166] Each control motor 100 of the rotary electric type can comprise a rotor provided with permanent magnets adapted to generate a fixed magnetic field, and a stator which can comprise electrical windings adapted to be crossed by current, so as to generate an induced magnetic field which, interacting with the fixed magnetic field of the rotor, causes the rotor to rotate.

[0167] Alternatively, it is also possible to envisage that, vice versa, the stator is provided with permanent magnets, and the rotor is provided with electrical windings adapted to be crossed by current.

[0168] Alternatively, each control motor 100, as for example shown in Figure 7, can be of a linear electric type, e.g. a permanent magnet linear electric type.

[0169] Each control motor 100 of the linear electric type, e.g. of the linear electric type with permanent magnets, can comprise a respective stator 100A elongated along its own longitudinal axis, which is arranged (e.g. fixed to the support frame 15) with said longitudinal axis parallel to the movement direction B, and a respective translator 100B (or slider) associated with the stator 100A and movable along the longitudinal extension of the stator 100A (and thus along the movement direction B).

[0170] Each translator 100B (or slider) can comprise (viz. be provided with one or more) permanent magnets adapted to generate a fixed magnetic field, while the stator 100A can comprise (viz. be provided with one or more) electrical windings adapted to be crossed by current, so as to generate an induced magnetic field which, interacting with the fixed magnetic field of the translator 100B, causes the translation of the translator 100B along the stator 100A.

[0171] In particular, depending on the supply polarity of said one or more windings, an inducedmagnetic field with an attractive or repulsive effect will be obtained relative to said one or more permanent magnets of the respective translator 100B, thereby allowing to move the translator 100B along the respective stator 100A selectively in one direction or the other along the longitudinal extension of the stator 100A (viz. along the movement direction A). Alternatively, it is also possible to envisage that, vice versa, the stator T1 is provided with permanent magnets, and that the translator (or slider) T2 is provided with electrical windings adapted to be crossed by current.

[0172] For example, as can be better intuited from Figure 7, the stator 100A and the respective translator 100B of each control motor 100 can be shaped so as to define a sliding shape coupling (relative to the longitudinal extension of the stator 100A), e.g. a prismatic coupling.

[0173] Said control motors 100, can be housed in a housing seat defined by the support frame 15, for example made available by the working compartment V1 or by the further working compartment V2.

[0174] Thus, the working apparatus can comprise transfer means adapted to transmit the motion imposed by the control motors 100 to the respective arms 85, e.g. adapted to transmit the motion imposed by each control motor 100 to the respective arm 85, in order to (overall) allow the movement thereof mutually towards / away from each other along the movement direction B.

[0175] Such transfer means can comprise, firstly, a pair of sliding carriages 105, each of which carries (viz. on which is mounted) a respective arm 85 of the working apparatus.

[0176] In particular, each sliding carriage 105 is movably associated with the support frame along the movement direction B, and is (directly or indirectly) connected to a respective control motor 100 to be actuated in translation along the movement direction B (selectively in one direction or the other) by the same.

[0177] Each sliding carriage 105 is, moreover, associated with the support frame 15 unable to rotate about a rotation axis parallel to the movement direction A.

[0178] In particular, each sliding carriage 105 can be movably associated with the support frame 15 with a single degree of translational freedom for the translation thereof along the movement direction B.

[0179] In particular, such transfer means can comprise at least one translation guide 110 for the sliding carriage 105, which is adapted to guide the sliding carriage 105 along themovement direction B.

[0180] For example, such transfer means can comprise a pair of translation guides 110 extending longitudinally along the movement direction B, and which are, for example, arranged opposite (and e.g. symmetrical) to each other relative to a vertical median plane of the base 20 of the support frame 15.

[0181] Each of said translation guides 110 is fixed, preferably without residual degrees of freedom, to the base 20 of the support frame 15.

[0182] For example, each of the said translation guides 110 can be substantially defined by a rigid bar, viz. not deformable when subjected to the usual loads for which it is intended, which extends longitudinally along the movement direction B.

[0183] For example, said rigid bars which make said translation guides 110 available can be made available by uprights parallel to the movement direction B (viz. vertical or substantially vertical) of the framework of the tower structure 35 of the support frame 15. Each sliding carriage 105 is therefore associated with at least one respective translation guide 110, e.g. with each of said translation guides 110, so as to move, viz. slide, along the longitudinal extension thereof, translating along the movement direction B.

[0184] In particular, each sliding carriage 105 is provided with a sliding block 115 for each translation guide 110.

[0185] For example, each translation block 115 is adapted to define a sliding shape coupling with a respective translation guide 110, e.g. a prismatic coupling.

[0186] In particular, each translation block 115, as visible in Figure 4, can substantially define a channel or tunnel within which a respective translation guide is inserted (with reduced clearance).

[0187] In other words, as visible in Figure 2, each translation block 115 can be adapted to embrace peripherally, preferably for the entire perimeter, a respective translation guide 110.

[0188] For example, each translation guide 110 can have a substantially quadrangular transsection shape, and each translation block 115 can define a housing channel for the translation guide where said channel has a transsection shape homologous to that of the translation guide.

[0189] As visible in Figure 4, for example, each translation block 115 can comprise a mutually opposite bottom wall and top wall, and two mutually opposite side walls connecting thebottom wall and the top wall, where for example each of said side walls can be defined by a plurality of rigid pillars or columns.

[0190] If the control motors 100 are of the linear electric type, e.g. permanent magnet linear electric type, then each sliding carriage 105 can be fixed to the respective translator 100B (or possibly to the respective translators 100B if several control motors 100 are connected to the same arm 85) and movable with (or integral with) the same along the movement direction B.

[0191] If the control motors 100 are of the electric rotary type, such transfer means can further comprise a pair of threaded rods 95 (diagrammed and whose threads are not illustrated in the attached figures), e.g. each of which substantially defines a respective worm screw. Each threaded rod 95 is connected to the support frame 15, e.g., to the tower structure 35 of the support frame 15, arranged with its own longitudinal extension axis R3 (e.g., its own longitudinal central axis) parallel to the movement direction B (viz., parallel to the rotation axis R1 of the drive shaft 45, viz., vertical or substantially vertical), with the possibility of rotating (thereon) about its own longitudinal axis R3 (e.g., its own longitudinal central axis).

[0192] Each of said control motors 100, viz. the respective rotor, is fixed (directly or indirectly) to a respective threaded rod 95 and is adapted to actuate it in rotation (thereon) about the respective longitudinal axis R3.

[0193] For example, a drive shaft of each control motor 100 (actuated in rotation by the respective rotor) can be directly (or indirectly) fixed to the respective threaded rod 95.

[0194] Since the sliding carriage 105 can be movably associated with the support frame 15 with a single translational degree of freedom for the translation thereof along the movement direction B, the actuation in rotation of the respective threaded rod 95 (by the control motor 100) in one direction causes the translation of the sliding carriage 105 in one direction along the movement direction B, while the actuation of the threaded rod 95 in the opposite direction causes the translation of the sliding carriage 105 in the opposite direction along the movement direction B.

[0195] For example, thanks to such a translation guide 110, viz. each of said translation guides 110, viz. the sliding coupling between each translation block 115 and the respective translation guide 110, the actuation in rotation of the threaded rod 95 in one direction causes the movement (viz. translation) of the respective sliding carriage 105 in one directionalong the movement direction B, while the actuation in rotation of the threaded rod 95 in the opposite direction causes the actuation (viz. displacement, viz. translation) of the respective sliding carriage 105 in the opposite direction along the movement direction B. The transfer means can be contained, at least partially, for example entirely, in the further working compartment V2 defined by the tower structure (which further working compartment V2 therefore defines a housing seat thereof).

[0196] Alternatively, it can be envisaged that such transfer means can be at least partially contained in the working compartment V1 and at least partially contained in the further working compartment V2.

[0197] In other words, each translation guide 110, each translation block 115 and the sliding carriage 105, and optionally (viz. where present) the threaded rods 95, can be housed (at least partially, preferably entirely) within said further working compartment V2 (which thus defines a housing seat thereof), or partially within the working compartment V1 and partially within the further working compartment V2.

[0198] As visible in Figure 2, the arms 85 each have a section interposed between the end connected to the respective sliding carriage 105 and the end where the respective contact body 90 is envisaged, which is inserted into an elongated through hole 120 extending longitudinally parallel to the movement direction B made in the support frame 15, viz. in the front wall of the tower structure of the support frame 15.

[0199] The tyre changing machine 10 can be adapted to be connected to a primary source of electrical energy, e.g. outside the tyre changing machine 10, in order to be electrically powered thereby.

[0200] For example, such a primary source of electrical energy can be the fixed electricity grid (viz. the national power grid), or a renewable source of electrical energy such as solar and / or photovoltaic panels and / or another renewable source of electrical energy.

[0201] Alternatively or additionally, the tyre changing machine 10 can comprise an (electrical) energy storage device 125, e.g. of the type of an electrical supply battery, to electrically power the tyre changing machine 10 (viz. the components which require electrical power to operate it).

[0202] For example, it can be envisaged that the tyre changing machine 10 can be adapted to be connected to a primary source of electrical energy, so as to be electrically powered thereby, and at the same time be provided with an energy storage device 125, and thatthe energy storage device 125 can be adapted to power the tyre changing machine 10 with electrical energy as a secondary source of electrical energy, viz. only when the primary source of electrical energy fails.

[0203] Optionally, the tyre changing machine 10 can comprise a handling apparatus (not shown) configured to move a tyre T to be mounted on the rim R starting from a vertical height near the ground to a vertical height substantially equal to or greater than the vertical height of an end of the drive shaft 45 distal from the base 20.

[0204] Such a handling apparatus, for example, can comprise a platform adapted to make a support surface for a tyre available, horizontal or substantially horizontal, which is movable between a first position in which it is flanked by the base 20 of the tyre changing machine and substantially rested or proximal to the ground, and a second position in which it is superimposed (in view) in plan on the base 20 and arranged at a vertical height substantially equal to the vertical height of said end of the drive shaft distal from the base 20.

[0205] The handling apparatus can also comprise a platform handling system, configured to move it between the first position and second position, in particular by maintaining the horizontal or substantially horizontal support surface at all times when moving between them.

[0206] Such a handling system, for example, can comprise at least one support arm connected to the platform and to the frame of the base 15 of the tyre changing machine, and at least one actuator, e.g. of the electric type, connected to the support arm and configured to move it to move the platform between the first position and the second position.

[0207] In particular, the tyre changing machine, at the support frame 15, e.g. at the base, can include an (electrical) power outlet for the electrical connection of said actuator of the actuation system to an electrical power source, e.g. the mains or said power supply battery 125.

[0208] The tyre changing machine 10 then comprises an electronic control unit 130 (illustrated only schematically in Figure 1) adapted to manage the operation of the tyre changing machine 10, e.g. in automatic or semi-automatic mode.

[0209] In particular, the electronic control unit 130 can be operatively connected to said drive motor 50 of the drive shaft 45 and configured to selectively actuate it to actuate the drive shaft 45 in rotation about the rotation axis R1.Again, the electronic control unit 130 can be operatively connected to the command motor M and configured to selectively actuate it to move, selectively in one direction or the other, the drive shaft 45 along the movement direction A.

[0210] Furthermore, the electronic control unit 130 can be operatively connected to the working apparatus and configured to selectively actuate it, viz. for example operatively connected to the control motors 100 of the arms 85 and configured to selectively actuate them, so as to move the arms 85 (and thus the contact bodies 90 carried by them) selectively mutually towards or away from each other along the movement direction B.

[0211] In particular, it can be envisaged that the tyre changing machine 10 can comprise at least one user interface 135 (illustrated only schematically in Figure 1), for example of the pushbutton panel type, connected to the electronic control unit 130 for the control of the tyre changing machine 10 by an operator.

[0212] In practice, said electronic control unit 130 can be operatively connected to said user interface 135 and be configured to control the operation of the tyre changing machine 10 on the basis of control signals received from said user interface 135.

[0213] This user interface 135 for the control (via the electronic control unit 130) of the operations of the tyre changing machine 10 is preferably manual (viz. can be managed by manual input or manual pressure by an operator).

[0214] At the same time, said tyre changing machine 10 can be without foot command pedals for an operator to control the operations of the tyre changing machine 10.

[0215] In practice, the control of the operation (viz. command) of the tyre changing machine 10 by an operator can only occur (manually) by means of said interface device (via the electronic control unit 130).

[0216] By means of said user interface 135, moreover, the electronic control unit 130 can also be adapted to receive (so as to possibly process and / or store) one or more dimensional or other parameters of the wheel, viz. the rim and / or the tyre.

[0217] For example, the electronic control unit 130 can be adapted to receive, by means of said user interface 135, at least one diameter value of the wheel W mounted on the drive shaft 45, and the dimensional parameters (length and / or width and / or radius) of the tyre T to be mounted or removed on the rim R of the wheel.

[0218] For example, based on said dimensional parameters, the electronic control unit 130 can be configured to calculate and / or set a plurality of operating parameters of the tyrechanging machine.

[0219] For example, the electronic control unit 130 can be configured to, based on the diameter of the wheel W or the tyre T, determine an operating position of the drive shaft 45 along the movement direction A (intermediate between the first position and the second position, or coinciding with one or the other) and to actuate the drive shaft 45 in said position. Again, for example, the electronic control unit can be configured, based on the width of the tyre T, to calculate a mutual operating distance between the arms 85 along the movement direction B in the bead-breaking position.

[0220] Furthermore, the tyre changing machine 10 can comprise a plurality of sensors, for example for controlling the position of the drive shaft 45 along the movement direction A and / or for controlling the position of the arms 85 along the movement direction B and / or for controlling the operation of the drive shaft 45, and the electronic control unit 130 can be operatively connected to said sensors to receive (and possibly process) the signal generated by said sensors. Preferably some or all of said sensors are arranged in the carriage 65, slidingly associated with the support frame 15, and in the sliding carriage 105. In particular, at least one sensor is arranged in the carriage 65 and at least one sensor is arranged in the sliding carriage 105.

[0221] In particular, the electronic control unit 130 can be configured to actuate the arms 85 mutually towards each other along the movement direction A from the primitive position, in which the contact bodies 90 (facing each other, viz., each adapted to face a respective sidewall of the tyre T) are arranged at a first distance from each other, up to a pre-bead-breaking position in which the contact bodies 90 (facing each other, viz., each adapted to face a respective sidewall of the tyre T) carried by the same are mutually placed at a reference distance along the movement direction B, which is less than the first distance, such that each is closer to a respective sidewall of the tyre T at a non-zero distance therefrom, following the receipt of a first command signal, said first command signal being of impulsive type (e.g., received from said user interface).

[0222] For example, the electronic control unit 130 can be configured to also calculate said reference distance based on the width value (viz. the footprint relative to the movement direction B) of the tyre T (received as input by means of the user interface).

[0223] The electronic control unit 130 can, then, be configured to further move the arms 85 mutually towards each other along the movement direction B starting from said pre-bead-breaking position towards and into a bead-breaking position in which the contact bodies 90 carried by them are each in contact with and under pressure on a respective sidewall of the tyre T, only upon continuous receipt of a second command signal (e.g. received from said user interface 135).

[0224] Again, the electronic control unit 130 can be configured to actuate the arms 85 in the primitive position if the power supply from the primary energy source fails (e.g. upon power supply from the energy storage device 125).

[0225] Again, the electronic control unit 130 can be configured to actuate the arms 85 to return them to the primitive position if the bead-breaking operation is not proceeding properly or in emergency cases, such as in the event of a fault.

[0226] Furthermore, the electronic control unit 130 can be configured to arrange the drive shaft 45 in the primitive or initial position if the power supply of the primary energy source fails or if the bead-breaking operation is not proceeding properly or in emergency cases, such as in the event of a fault. In particular, in the aforesaid cases, the action of the electronic control unit 130 on the drive shaft occurs after the action on the arms 85 has occurred, viz. after the arms 85 have been actuated to return them to the primitive position.

[0227] It can also be envisaged that the electronic control unit 130 can be operatively connected to a remote device (not illustrated, e.g. by means of a wifi ethernet Ite or other communication technology, preferably wifi or ethernet).

[0228] The electronic control unit 130, in particular, can be configured to review from said remote device one or more operating parameters of the tyre changing machine 10, as well as operating instructions (viz. an algorithm) of the tyre changing machine, as well as optionally one or more software and / or firmware updates of the electronic control unit 130 itself. Furthermore, the electronic control unit 130 can be configured to share parameters and / or operating / status information of the tyre changing machine 10, e.g. diagnostic information of its components, to said remote device.

[0229] Such a remote device can be of the electronic device type, e.g. a smartphone or tablet or PC, and can for example be provided to (or used by) the manufacturer of the tyre changing machine 10.

[0230] For example, such a remote device operatively connected to the electronic control unit 130 can substantially allow the tyre changing machine manufacturer to remotely control the tyre changing machine (in order to provide remote assistance to the user).In light of the above, the operation of tyre changing machine 10 according to the finding, when removing a tyre T from the rim R of a wheel W, is substantially as follows.

[0231] The operator, through the user interface 135, can enter one or more wheel and / or rim and / or tyre dimensional parameters, e.g. rim and / or tyre diameter and / or tyre width. The electronic control unit can then receive said dimensional parameters and be configured to (automatically) calculate one or more operating parameters of the tyre changing machine 10, including for example an operating position of the drive shaft 45 along the movement direction A, and / or a reference distance between the arms 85 along the movement direction B in a pre-bead-breaking position, and / or a distance between the arms 85 along the movement direction B in the bead-breaking position.

[0232] The electronic control unit 130 can then be configured to actuate, by means of the command motor M, the drive shaft 45 in the operating position, in which it is adapted to receive the wheel.

[0233] An operator can then remotely mount the wheel W on the drive shaft 45.

[0234] Once mounted, the operator can, by means of the user interface, send a start signal to the electronic control unit 130, which receives said start signal and actuates, by means of the drive motor 50, the drive shaft 45 in rotation about the rotation axis R1.

[0235] Subsequently, the electronic control unit 130 is configured to actuate, by means of the control motors 100, the arms 85 with the respective contact bodies 90 (facing each other) from the primitive position to the bead-breaking position.

[0236] For this purpose, the operator can, by means of the user interface, send a first command signal, e.g. by means of impulsive pressure of a button provided on the user interface, to the electronic control unit 130, which receives said first command signal and actuates the arms 85 from the primitive position to the pre-bead-breaking position.

[0237] At this point, the operator can send a second command signal to the electronic control unit 130, which, as long as it receives this second command signal, further moves the arms 85 mutually towards each other from the pre-bead-breaking position to the beadbreaking position so as to carry out the bead-breaking of the tyre T from the rim R of the wheel W.

[0238] In practice, such a second command allows a pointwise control of the movement of the arms 85 along the movement direction B.

[0239] In other words, as long as the operator (manually) holds down a button provided on theuser interface, the electronic control unit 130 further moves the arms 85 mutually towards each other along the movement direction B.

[0240] Alternatively, if the bead-breaking position is predetermined (viz. determined by the electronic control unit 130) then it is possible to be envisage that the electronic control unit 130 can be configured to actuate the arms 85 from the primitive position directly to the bead-breaking position following receipt of the first command signal.

[0241] Once the arms 85 have been brought into the bead-breaking position (for example after receipt of said second command signal) and, precisely, the bead-breaking of the tyre T from the rim R has been achieved, the electronic control unit 130 is configured to actuate the arms 85 in the primitive position.

[0242] At this point, an operator can position the further contact body W carried by one arm 85, e.g. the upper one viz. distal from the base 20, facing the contact body 90 carried by the other arm 85, e.g. the lower one viz. proximal to the base 20.

[0243] At this point, the electronic control unit 130, e.g., upon a command received by means of the interface, can be configured to again bring the arms 85 from the primitive position mutually towards each other to a disengaging position for disengaging the tyre T from the rim R, said disengaging position being, for example, coincident with the bead-breaking position.

[0244] In particular, also in this case, the operator can, by means of the user interface, send a respective first command signal, e.g. by means of impulsive pressure of a button provided on the user interface, to the electronic control unit 130, which receives said respective first control signal and actuates the arms 85 from the primitive position to the pre-bead-breaking position.

[0245] At this point, the operator can send a respective second command signal to the electronic control unit 130, which, as long as it receives said respective second command signal, further moves the arms 85 mutually towards each other from the pre-bead-breaking position to the disengaging position so as to precisely, in combination with the rotation of the wheel W imposed by the drive shaft 45, carry out the disengaging of the tyre T from the rim R of the wheel W.

[0246] Alternatively, if the disengaging position is predetermined (viz. determined by the electronic control unit 130) then the electronic control unit 130 can be configured to actuate the arms 85 from the primitive position directly to the disengaging position followingreceipt of the respective first command signal.

[0247] Having reached said disengaging position, the further contact body W, also thanks to the rotation of the wheel W carried by the drive shaft 45, shaped like a hook, interposes itself between said annular edge of the rim R and the bead, engaging the bead of the tyre T. At this point, the electronic control unit 130 can be configured to actuate the arms 85 in mutual movement towards (and possibly into) the primitive position, e.g. upon command received from the interface, with the further contact body W which, being coupled to the tyre T, will extract the bead from the channel of the rim R, substantially disengaging the tyre T from the rim R of the wheel W.

[0248] The operation of tyre changing machine 10 according to the invention, when mounting a tyre T from the rim R of a wheel W, can for example be as follows.

[0249] The electronic control unit 130, for example following the receipt of one or more dimensional parameters of the wheel W, viz. the rim R and / or the tyre T, can be configured to actuate, by means of the command motor 100, the drive shaft 45 to an operating position, in which it is adapted to receive a rim R.

[0250] An operator can then removably mount the rim R on the drive shaft 45.

[0251] At this point, the operator can thread a tyre T onto the rim R, in particular taking care to thread one of the beads, e.g. the one proximal to the base 20, within the channel defined by the rim R and in abutment on the respective annular edge.

[0252] Following this, the operator can, by means of the user interface, send a start signal to the electronic control unit 130, which receives said start signal and actuates, by means of the drive motor 50, the drive shaft 45 in rotation about the rotation axis R1.

[0253] Subsequently, the electronic control unit 130 is configured to actuate, by means of the control motors 100, the arms 85 with the respective contact bodies 90 (facing each other) from the primitive position to an insertion position (preset or settable in the memory unit of the electronic control unit 130, or determined by the electronic control unit starting from dimensional parameters received as input and saved in the memory unit thereof), in which they are at a mutual distance along the movement direction B which is less than the distance in the primitive position.

[0254] In such an insertion position, in particular, the (minimum) distance between the contact bodies along the movement direction B is less than a footprint of the rim R mounted on the drive shaft with respect to said movement direction B, viz. less than the distancebetween the annular edges of the rim R mounted on the drive shaft 45 along said movement direction B.

[0255] Thereby, the pressure action of the contact bodies 90 on the respective sidewalls of the tyre T on the one hand holds the bead inserted by the operator within the channel of the rim R in position, and on the other hand pushes the other bead of the tyre T within the channel of the rim R.

[0256] At this point, the electronic control unit 130 can be configured to actuate the arms 85 again in the primitive position.

[0257] The invention thus conceived is susceptible to many modifications and variants, all falling within the same inventive concept.

[0258] Moreover, all the details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

[0259] In practice, the materials used, as well as the contingent shapes and sizes, can be whatever according to the requirements without for this reason departing from the scope of protection of the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A tyre changing machine (10) comprising:- a support frame (15),- a drive shaft (45), rotatably connected to the support frame (15) relative to a rotation axis (R1), said drive shaft (45) being adapted to receive a wheel (W) provided with a rim (R) and a tyre (T),- a drive motor (50) connected to the drive shaft (45) to drive it in rotation about said rotation axis (R1),said drive motor (50) being of the electric type.

2. The tyre changing machine (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the drive shaft (45) is also movably connected to the support frame (15) in translation along a movement direction (A) orthogonal to the rotation axis (R1) thereof.

3. The tyre changing machine (10) according to claim 2, comprising a command motor (M) adapted to actuate the drive shaft (45) along the movement direction (A), said command motor (M) being of the electric type.

4. The tyre changing machine (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the drive shaft (45) is mounted on a carriage (65) slidingly associated with the support frame (15) relative to said movement direction (A), the drive motor (50) being in turn mounted on said carriage (65) and movable therewith, and wherein the command motor (M) is connected to the carriage (65) to actuate it along said movement direction (A).

5. The tyre changing machine (10) according to claim 3, wherein the command motor (M) is a linear electric motor, preferably a permanent magnet linear electric motor.

6. The tyre changing machine (10) according to claim 4, wherein the carriage (65) is screwed to a worm screw (55) having a longitudinal axis (R2) parallel to the movement direction (A) and further associated with the support frame (15) prevented from rotating about a rotation axis parallel to the movement direction (A), the worm screw (55) being connected to the command motor (M) which is adapted to rotate it on itself selectively in one or the other direction about its own longitudinal axis (R2).

7. The tyre changing machine (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a working apparatus configured to carry out an operation of bead-breaking the tyre (T) from the rim (R) of the wheel (W), said working apparatus comprising a pair of arms (85) slidingly associated with the support frame (15) towards / away from each other along a movementdirection (B) parallel to the rotation axis (R1) of the drive shaft (45), each of said arms (85) carrying a respective contact body (90) adapted to be placed and to exert a pressure on a respective sidewall of the tyre (T).

8. The tyre changing machine (10) according to the preceding claim, comprising a pair of control motors (100) each of which is adapted to actuate a respective arm (85) along the movement direction (B), each control motor (100) being of the electric type.

9. The machine according to the preceding claim, wherein each control motor (100) is a linear electric motor, preferably a permanent magnet linear electric motor.

10. The tyre changing machine (10) according to claim 7, wherein each arm (85) is carried by a sliding carriage (105) movable along a translation guide (110) extending longitudinally parallel to the movement direction (B) and furthermore screwed on a threaded rod (95) provided with a longitudinal axis (R3) parallel to the movement direction (B) so as to define therewith a coupling of the screw / nut screw type, each threaded rod (95) being connected to a control motor (100) configured to rotate the threaded rod (95) on itself relative to its own longitudinal axis (R3).

11. The tyre changing machine (10) according to claim 1, wherein the support frame (15) defines a housing seat (V1, V2) delimited by walls of the support frame (15) itself, within which said drive motor (50) is housed, a plurality of through slots being provided on at least one of said walls of the support frame (15).

12. The tyre changing machine (10) according to claims 3 and 8, further comprising an electronic control unit (130) operatively connected to the drive motor (50), the command motor (M) and each control motor (100) and configured to selectively actuate them.

13. The tyre changing machine (10) according to claim 7, comprising an electronic control unit (130) operatively connected to the working apparatus and configured to:- actuate the arms (85) mutually moving closer along the movement direction (B) from a primitive position up to a pre-bead-breaking position wherein the contact bodies (90) carried by them are each moved closer to a respective sidewall of the tyre (T) at a non-zero distance therefrom, upon the receival of a first command signal, said command signal being of the impulsive type, and- further move the arms (85) closer to each other along the movement direction from said pre-bead-breaking position towards and in a bead-breaking position wherein the contact bodies (90) carried by them are each in contact with and exertingpressure on a respective sidewall of the tyre (T), only upon continuous receival of a second command signal.

14. The tyre changing machine (10) according to the preceding claim, said tyre changing machine (10) being adapted to be connected to a primary source of electrical energy in order to be electrically powered thereby, and wherein the electronic control unit (130) is configured to actuate the arms (85) in the primitive position if the power supply of the primary source of electrical energy fails.

15. The tyre changing machine (10) according to claim 4, wherein said tyre changing machine (10) comprises at least one sliding guide (70) adapted to guide the carriage (65) along the movement direction (A), said at least one sliding guide (70) comprising a plurality of wheels provided with wear-resistant rubber for sliding.

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