阅读说明：本技术 轮子夹持器 (Wheel clamp holder ) 是由 斯特凡妮·彼得斯 特伦达菲尔·伊尔切夫 克里斯汀·瓦格曼 克劳迪娅·霍夫曼 于 2019-08-22 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种用于紧固到轮子(1)、尤其是紧固到机动车辆的轮子(1)上的轮子夹持器(2),轮子夹持器(2)包括至少两个臂(22,23,24),以及中心旋转元件(40),所述臂(22,23,24)从轮子夹持器(2)的中心(28)沿径向方向向外延伸,中心旋转元件(40)可旋转地布置在轮子夹持器(2)的中心(28)中。每个臂(22,23,24)具有沿径向方向可移动的至少一个可移动元件(32,33,34),以便允许改变臂(22,23,24)在径向方向上的长度。轮子夹持器(2)还包括至少两个耦接元件(52,53,54),耦接元件(52,53,54)各自在可移动元件(32,33,34)中的一个与中心旋转元件(40)之间延伸,使得可移动元件(32,33,34)可以通过旋转该旋转元件(40)而沿径向方向移动。(The invention relates to a wheel holder (2) for fastening to a wheel (1), in particular to a wheel (1) of a motor vehicle, the wheel holder (2) comprising at least two arms (22, 23, 24), said arms (22, 23, 24) extending outwards in a radial direction from a centre (28) of the wheel holder (2), and a central rotational element (40), the central rotational element (40) being rotatably arranged in the centre (28) of the wheel holder (2). Each arm (22, 23, 24) has at least one movable element (32, 33, 34) movable in a radial direction so as to allow the length of the arm (22, 23, 24) in the radial direction to be varied. The wheel holder (2) further comprises at least two coupling elements (52, 53, 54), the coupling elements (52, 53, 54) each extending between one of the movable elements (32, 33, 34) and the central rotational element (40) such that the movable element (32, 33, 34) can be moved in a radial direction by rotating the rotational element (40).)

1. A wheel holder (2) for fastening to a wheel (1), in particular to a wheel (1) of a motor vehicle, the wheel holder (2) comprising:

at least two arms (22, 23, 24), the arms (22, 23, 24) extending outwardly in a radial direction from a center (28) of the wheel holder (2); each of said arms (22, 23, 24) having at least one movable element (32, 33, 34) movable in said radial direction;

a central rotational element (40), the central rotational element (40) being rotatably arranged in the center (28) of the wheel holder (2); and

at least two coupling elements (52, 53, 54), the coupling elements (52, 53, 54) each extending between one of the movable elements (32, 33, 34) and the central rotational element (40) such that the movable elements (32, 33, 34) are movable in the radial direction by rotating the rotational element (40).

2. The wheel holder (2) according to claim 1, wherein the arms (22, 23, 24) extend in a common plane, and wherein the rotating element (40) is rotatable about an axis (30), the axis (30) being oriented orthogonal to the common plane of the arms (22, 23, 24).

3. The wheel holder (2) according to claim 2, wherein the coupling elements (52, 53, 54) extend substantially parallel to a common plane of the arms (22, 23, 24).

4. The wheel holder (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating element (40) is coupled to an elastic element (60) such that the elastic element (60) exerts an elastic force on the rotating element (40), which elastic force pushes the movable element (32, 33, 34) via the rotating element (40) and the coupling element (52, 53, 54) in a direction towards the center (28) of the wheel holder (2).

5. The wheel holder (2) according to claim 4, wherein the resilient element is formed in a spiral shape around the rotational axis (30) of the rotational element (40).

6. The wheel holder (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rotating element (40) has a central portion and at least two rotating element arms, each of the coupling elements (52, 53, 54) being connected to one of the rotating element arms.

7. The wheel holder (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the coupling elements (52, 53, 54) are each pivotably connected to the rotating element (40) and the movable element (32, 33, 34).

8. The wheel holder (2) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the wheel holder (2) comprises three arms (22, 23, 24).

9. Method of mounting a wheel holder (2) according to any of the preceding claims on a wheel (1), in particular on a wheel (1) of a motor vehicle, comprising the steps of:

moving the movable element (32, 33, 34) outwards in the radial direction so as to increase the arm length of the arm;

-applying the wheel holder (2) to the wheel (1), in particular to a wheel (1) of a motor vehicle; and

-moving the movable element (32, 33, 34) in a direction towards the centre (28) by rotating the rotating element (40) thereby fixing the wheel holder (2) to the wheel (1).

10. A method according to claim 9, wherein the method comprises moving the movable elements (32, 33, 34) outwards against a spring force acting on the rotating member (40); and moving the movable element (32, 33, 34) in a direction towards the centre (28) by the spring force.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a wheel holder or wheel clamp, in particular for wheel alignment measurements, and to a method of mounting such a wheel clamp to a wheel of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle.

Background

For wheel alignment measurements, wheel holders are typically mounted, which are adapted to support sensors and/or measurement markers ("targets") on the vehicle wheel to be measured for wheel alignment. Handling of such wheel holders, particularly attaching and detaching them to and from the wheels of a vehicle, is complicated and difficult. In particular, several work steps must be performed using two hands. There is a risk that the measurement results of the wheel alignment measurement will be tampered with due to incorrect and/or inaccurate attachment of the wheel holder.

The object of the present invention is to simplify the attachment and detachment of a wheel holder to and from a wheel of a vehicle and to reduce the risk of incorrect and/or inaccurate attachment.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one embodiment of the invention, a wheel holder for fastening to a wheel, in particular a wheel of a motor vehicle, comprises: at least two arms extending outward in a radial direction from a center of the wheel holder, and a center rotating element rotatably disposed in the center of the wheel holder. Each arm has at least one movable element movable in a radial direction, such that the length of each arm in the radial direction can be varied by moving the movable element. The wheel holder further comprises at least two coupling elements, each coupling element extending between one of the movable elements and the central rotational element, such that the movable elements are movable in a radial direction by rotation of the rotational element.

Embodiments of the present invention also include methods of mounting a wheel holder according to embodiments of the present invention on a wheel, particularly a wheel of an automotive vehicle. The method comprises the following steps: moving the movable element outwardly in a radial direction to increase the arm length of the arm; applying a wheel holder to a wheel, in particular of a motor vehicle; and moving the movable element towards the center by rotating the rotating element so as to reduce the arm length of the arm and thereby secure the wheel holder to the wheel.

The length of the arm of the wheel holder according to embodiments of the invention can be varied simply by rotating the central rotating element in order to secure the wheel holder to the wheel or release it from the wheel. Thus, handling of the wheel holder can be significantly simplified. The wheel holder according to the invention can thus be aligned on the wheel with high precision, in particular centered on the wheel axis. The wheel holder according to the invention is equally suitable for right-handed and left-handed persons.

In one embodiment, the arms extend in a common plane, and the rotating element is rotatable about an axis oriented orthogonal to the common plane of the arms. The coupling element extends substantially parallel to the common plane of the arms. This arrangement enables a particularly compact construction of the wheel holder.

In one embodiment, the rotating element is coupled to an elastic element, which is designed such that it applies an elastic force to the rotating element, whereby the movable element is pulled by the rotating element and the coupling element in a direction towards the center of the wheel holder in order to minimize the length of the arm.

In one embodiment, a method of mounting a wheel holder comprises the steps of: the movable member is first moved outward against the elastic force of the elastic member acting on the rotary member, and then moved toward the center by the elastic force of the elastic member. This allows a particularly simple and secure mounting of the wheel holder on the wheel.

In one embodiment, the elastic member is formed in a spiral shape around the rotation axis of the rotating member. In this way, an effective resilient element with a small space requirement can be provided.

In one embodiment, the rotary element has a central portion and at least two rotary element arms, and each coupling element is connected to one of the arms. By virtue of the rotating element being formed with a rotating element arm, mechanical translation can be achieved with little material usage, so as to increase the distance the movable element moves when the rotating element rotates a predetermined angle.

In one embodiment, the coupling elements are each pivotably connected to the rotary element and the movable element, so that forces can be efficiently transferred from the rotary element to the movable element.

In one embodiment, the wheel holder has three arms that allow the wheel holder to be securely attached to the wheel.

Exemplary embodiments of a wheel holder according to the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a wheel with a wheel holder attached to the wheel.

Fig. 2 and 3 each show a perspective view of a wheel holder according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a rotating elastic element in a schematic perspective view.

Fig. 5 shows the rotating elastic element in the mounted state.

FIG. 6 shows an enlarged view of a locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a first embodiment of a locking handle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a second embodiment of a locking handle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a wheel 1 together with a wheel holder 2, the wheel holder 2 being mounted on the wheel 1 and having an object 3 attached thereto.

Fig. 2 and 3 each show a perspective view of a wheel holder or wheel clamp 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

The wheel holder 2 comprises a housing 4, the housing 4 having a base plate 6 and three side walls 8, the three side walls 8 extending orthogonally from an edge of the base plate 6 in the same direction. The wheel holder 2 has several carrying handles 9, 10 for facilitating handling of the wheel holder 2.

The central axis 30 extends through the central portion (center) 28 of the substrate 6 orthogonal to the substrate 6. Three arms 22, 23, 24 extend radially outwardly from a center 28 of the base plate 6 through openings 7, which openings 7 are formed between the side walls 8. The arms 22, 23, 24 extend substantially parallel to the plane of the base plate 6.

The arms 22, 23, 24 each comprise a fixed inner element 32b, 33b, 34b near the center and a movable outer element 32a, 33a, 34a, which movable outer element 32a, 33a, 34a is movable in a radial direction along the corresponding inner element 32b, 33b, 34 b. The length of the arms 22, 23, 24 in the radial direction can thus be varied by moving (in particular sliding) the outer element 32a, 33a, 34a along the inner element 32b, 33b, 34 b.

At the outer end of the outer element 32a, 33a, 34a facing away from the central axis 30, a claw 12, 13, 14 is formed, which claw 12, 13, 14 extends substantially at right angles to the arm 22, 23, 24. When the wheel holder 2 is attached to the wheel 1 (see fig. 1), the claws 12, 13, 14 are designed to rest on the tire surface of the wheel 1, not shown in fig. 2 and 3.

By moving the outer elements 32a, 33a, 34a outwards in the radial direction, the length of the arms 22, 23, 24 can be extended such that the wheel holder 2 can be easily attached to the wheel 1 in the axial direction of the wheel 1. By moving the outer elements 32a, 33a, 34a inwards the arm length can be shortened in order to secure the wheel holder 2 to the wheel 1, as shown in fig. 1.

The wheel holder 2 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention further includes a central rotating element 40, the central rotating element 40 being attached to the central shaft 30 in the center 28 of the base plate 6 such that the central rotating element 40 can rotate around the central shaft 30. The rotating element 40 extends in a plane oriented substantially parallel to the plane of the base plate 6.

Each of the movable elements 32a, 33a, 34a is connected to the rotating element 40 by a respective coupling element 52, 53, 54. The coupling elements 52, 53, 54 are each movably connected to the rotating element 40 and the movable element 32a, 33a, 34a, such that the coupling elements 52, 53, 54 can pivot relative to the rotating element 40 and the movable element 32a, 33a, 34a in a plane extending parallel to the plane of the base plate 6.

The coupling elements 52, 53, 54 convert a rotational movement of the rotating element 40 around the central axis 30 into a translational movement of the movable elements 32a, 33a, 34a in radial direction. Thus, by rotating the rotating element 40 around the central axis 30, the movable elements 32a, 33a, 34a are made movable in radial direction along the inner elements 32b, 33b, 34b, so as to vary the length of the arms 22, 23, 24.

By means of the rotating element 40 and the coupling elements 52, 53, 54, the movable elements 32a, 33a, 34a of the arms 22, 23, 24 are coupled to each other such that when one of the movable elements 32a, 33a, 34a moves, all movable elements 32a, 33a, 34a move synchronously with each other. Thus, the diameter of the wheel holder 2, defined by the distance between the jaws 12, 13, 14, can be preset in a simple manner by moving one of the movable elements 32a, 33a, 34a, so that the wheel holder 2 can be easily applied to the wheel 1, in particular with only one hand.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 2 and 3, the coupling elements 52, 53, 54 are designed as coupling rods. The coupling elements 52, 53, 54 can also have different shapes, as long as they fulfil the aforementioned function of converting the rotary motion of the rotary element 40 into a translational motion of the movable elements 32a, 33a, 34 a.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 2 and 3, the rotating element 40 is formed with three rotating element arms (projections) that extend radially outward from a central portion of the rotating element 40 on the central shaft 30. The coupling elements 52, 53, 54 are each pivotably connected to one of the outer portions of the swivel element arm. With this configuration of the rotating element 40, mechanical translation can be achieved with little material usage, which increases the distance the movable elements 32a, 33a, 34a move in the radial direction when the rotating element 40 rotates a predetermined angle around the central axis 30.

However, the rotating element arms/protrusions of rotating element 40 shown in the figures are not an essential feature of the present invention. The rotary element 40 may also be in the form of, for example, an arc-shaped (in particular circular or oval) disc or an angular (for example triangular or square), circular disc.

The rotating element 40 is biased by a rotating elastic element 60 (see fig. 4) in such a way that the movable elements 32a, 33a, 34a are pulled "inwards", i.e. in a direction towards the central shaft 30, by the coupling elements 52, 53, 54. The rotating elastic element 60 is not visible in fig. 2 and 3, because it is arranged between the base plate 6 and the rotating element 40 and is covered by the rotating element 40.

Fig. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of a rotating elastic element 60 in a perspective schematic view.

Fig. 5 shows the rotary elastic element 60 in the mounted state. The rotating element 40 is not shown in fig. 5 to allow a clear illustration of the rotating elastic element 60.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 4 and 5, the rotating elastic element 60 is in the form of a helical spring 60 which extends outwardly in a helical shape starting from the shaft 30.

The curved ends 62, 64 of the coil spring 60 are connected to the rotary member 40 and the shaft 30 or the base plate 6, respectively, such that when the rotary member 40 rotates about the shaft 30, the rotary member 40 tensions and relaxes the coil spring 60.

The rotary elastic element 60 is designed and mounted such that the rotary elastic element 60 drives the rotary element 40 in such a way that the movable elements 32a, 33a, 34a are pulled by the rotary elastic element 60 in a direction towards the center 28. Thus, the length of the arms 22, 23, 24 is minimized and the wheel holder 2 is fixed to the wheel 1 by the elastic tensioning force of the rotating elastic element 60, which is transmitted to the jaws 12, 13, 14 via the rotating element 40, the coupling elements 52, 53, 54 and the movable elements 32a, 33a, 34 a.

The movable elements 32a, 33a, 34a can be moved outward by muscular power against the force of the rotating elastic element 60 to extend the arms 22, 23, 24 so that the wheel holder 2 can be conveniently attached to or removed from the wheel 1. Due to the spring force generated by the rotating spring element 60, the wheel holder 2 automatically adapts to different dimensions (diameter D) of the wheel 1 in the radial direction within the range of movement (maximum path length) of the outer element 32a, 33a, 34 a. Thus, the wheel holder 2 according to the invention can easily be attached to wheels 1 of different sizes.

An outer circumference of the ring-shaped toothed member 68 around the rotary elastic member 60 has outer teeth 66 formed thereon. The toothed member 68 is non-rotatably connected to the rotating member 40 such that the toothed member 68 and the rotating member 40 can only rotate together about the central shaft 30.

The external teeth 66 may be formed across the entire outer circumference of the toothed member 68 (see fig. 5) or only a partial area across the outer circumference of the toothed member 68 (see fig. 6).

The toothed element 68 with the external toothing 66 is part of a locking device 70, which will be described in more detail below with reference to fig. 6 and 7.

In addition to the toothed element 68, the locking device 70 includes a locking mechanism 72, the locking mechanism 72 being pivotably attached to a locking mechanism shaft 79, the locking mechanism shaft 79 extending orthogonally from the base plate 6 of the wheel holder 2.

The locking mechanism 72 can pivot in a plane oriented parallel to the base plate 6. The pivoting range of the lock mechanism 72 is limited by two limiting members (limiting bolts) 75.

At a first end shown on the right side of fig. 5 and 6, the locking mechanism 72 comprises a toothed portion 74, the parameters of the toothed portion 74 corresponding to the parameters of the outer teeth 66 of the toothed element 68, such that the toothed portion 74 of the locking mechanism 72 can mesh with the outer teeth 66.

At an opposite second end 76, shown on the left side of fig. 5 and 6, the locking mechanism 72 is coupled to a first spring element 78. The first spring element 78 is fastened to the base plate 6 by means of a spring element bolt 79. The first spring element 78 is designed to pull the locking mechanism 72 to the initial position shown in fig. 5 and 6.

When the locking mechanism 72 is in the initial position, the toothed portion 74 of the locking mechanism 72 does not engage the outer teeth 66 of the toothed member 68. Thereby, the rotary element 40 can be rotated, and the outer elements 32a, 33a, 34a coupled with the rotary element 40 can be freely moved in the radial direction.

Due to the coupling established by the coupling elements 52, 53, 54 and the rotating element 40, the outer elements 32a, 33a, 34a move synchronously with each other. Thus, the distance of the claws 12, 13, 14 from the center can easily be adapted to the diameter D of the wheel 1 to which the wheel holder 2 is attached, the distance of the claws 12, 13, 14 from the center defining half the diameter (radius) of the wheel holder 2.

Further, a cable (Bowden cable) 80 is mounted on the second end 76 of the locking mechanism 72, which allows the locking mechanism 72 to be pivoted about a locking mechanism shaft 79 about a locking member 82 (see fig. 7 and 8) from an initial position shown in fig. 6 to a locking position in which the toothed portion 74 of the locking mechanism 72 engages with the outer teeth 66 of the toothed element 68. This engagement prevents rotation of the rotating element 40. Thus, the outer elements 32a, 33a, 34a of the arms 22, 23, 24 no longer move in the radial direction and firmly fix the wheel holder 2 on the wheel 1, these arms 22, 23, 24 being coupled to the rotating element 40 by means of the coupling elements 52, 53, 54.

Instead of the cable 80, a hydraulic system (not shown in the figures) may also be provided, allowing the locking mechanism 72 to be moved from the initial position to the locked position by actuation of the locking member 82.

The toothed portion 74 is elastic due to a free space 77 formed in the lock mechanism 72 between the toothed portion 74 and the lock mechanism shaft 79. Due to this elasticity, the teeth of the toothed portion 74 (which may cause blocking if the relative positioning of the toothed portion 74 and the outer teeth 66 is not good) may recede to some extent and slide into the adjacent tooth spaces of the outer teeth 66. Thus, undesirable interference between the toothed portion 74 of the locking mechanism 72 and the outer teeth 66 of the toothed member 68 can be prevented. The interference between the toothed portion 74 of the locking mechanism 72 and the external teeth 66 may result in the locking mechanism 72 not being able to pivot from the initial position to the locked position.

The locking mechanism 72 and the outer teeth 66 of the toothed member 68 may be made of metal and/or plastic.

Fig. 7 and 8 show two different possible exemplary embodiments of the locking member 82, which locking member 82 is designed to move the locking mechanism 72 on/in the carrying handle 10 of the wheel adapter 2.

In the carrying handle 10 shown in fig. 8, a second spring element 86 is provided, which second spring element 86 is designed to push the locking member 82 into an initial position in which the locking mechanism 72 coupled to the locking member 82 by the cable 80 is in its initial position. When the locking mechanism 72 is disposed in its initial position, the toothed portion 74 of the locking mechanism 72 does not engage the outer teeth 66 of the toothed member 68.

By actuating (pulling) the locking member 82, the locking mechanism 72 is moved from the initial position to the engaged position by the cable 80. In this way, its toothed portion 74 meshes with the external toothing 66 of the toothed element 68, applying an additional mechanical tension to the movable outer element 32a, 33a, 34a and preventing further rotation of the rotating element 40, so as to firmly fasten the wheel holder 2 to the wheel 1.

By means of a locking member securing mechanism 88 formed in the carrying handle 10, the locking member 82 can be secured in an actuated position in which the locking mechanism 72 is in its engaged position. When the locking member 82 is secured in the actuated position, rotation of the rotary element 40 is prevented by engagement of the toothed portion 74 of the locking mechanism 72 with the external teeth 66 of the toothed element 68, i.e., the rotary element 40 remains blocked even when the operator's hand is removed from the locking member 82.

By operating the unlocking member 84 formed in the carrying handle 10, the fixing of the locking member 82 can be released, to thereby release the movable outer elements 32a, 33a, 34a and loosen the arms 22, 23, 24, so that the wheel holder 2 can be easily removed from the wheel 1.