JP7083009B2 - Wheel cleaning equipment and how to clean the wheels - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a wheel cleaning device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a device for cleaning a rim and a wheel of a vehicle having tires attached to the rim. This type of wheel cleaning device is commonly used in tire shops to clean used wheels. Wheel cleaning devices clean wheels in connection with wheel changes, for example between a set of wheels for regular tires (also known as summer tires) and a set of wheels for winter tires (also known as snow tires). Used for. Such a wheel washer cleans the wheel in connection with a tire change that uses the same rim again, or in connection with repairing one or more damaged tires, such as a leaking or punctured tire. Can also be used for. The present invention also relates to a method of cleaning the wheel.

Prior art includes several different types of wheel cleaning devices. One such wheel cleaning device comprises a washing chamber in which the wheels are positioned within the washing chamber for automatic washing. The clean wheels are then manually removed from the wash chamber for storage or attachment to the vehicle. Another prior art wheel cleaning device comprises a washing chamber and a carrier for continuously transporting wheels laid on the carrier through the washing chamber.

The problem with such wheel cleaning devices according to the prior art is that they are inefficient.

Another challenge with such prior art wheel cleaning devices is that they are laborious, non-ergonomic, costly operations, and pose a significant risk of human injury.

It is an object of the present invention to avoid the problems of the prior art and to provide an improved wheel cleaning device and a method of cleaning a wheel. The present invention provides efficient handling and cleaning of wheels, efficiently cleaning wheels in a stack of wheels, such as setting wheels from a vehicle, and stacking for further handling, such as storage or mounting on a vehicle. According to the present invention, a set of wheels from a single vehicle is configured as a stack of wheels. The wheels of this stack are cleaned and the corresponding stack of clean wheels is prepared for further handling, such as storage or mounting on the vehicle.

The present invention relates to a wheel cleaning device for cleaning the wheels of a vehicle having a rim and tires attached to the rim. The cleaning device comprises a wheel cleaning zone and at least one wheel transport system for loading and unloading the wheels into and out of the wheel cleaning zone. The wheel transfer system is characterized by having at least one vertically movable wheel engagement element and at least a partially horizontally extending wheel transfer machine. The wheel transport system transports the wheels to the wheel wash zone, at least partially horizontally, in a continuous, laid-down orientation, and then the washed wheel stacks. It is configured to be taken out. Vertically movable wheel engagement elements, combined with a carrier for loading and unloading laid wheels into and out of the cleaning zone, and optionally through the cleaning zone, provide efficient cleaning and handling of the wheels. Bringing the possibility, a stack of wheels consisting of a set of wheels from a single vehicle, such as an automobile, is put into a wheel cleaning device for cleaning, and then the washed stack of wheels is taken out in place. be able to.

For example, the wheel engagement element can be configured as a vertically translatable wheel grip device for gripping one or more wheels in a stack of wheels. The wheel gripping device can be configured to pick up a single wheel in a laid-down orientation and carry it in and out of the wheel cleaning zone. The wheel gripping device can be configured to pick up the top wheel of the wheel stack. Alternatively, the wheel gripping device can be configured to grip multiple wheels from the wheel stack so that the bottom of the wheel stack can be transported by the conveyor to the wheel cleaning zone.

Alternatively, the first wheel engagement element can be configured as a vertically movable first wheel support for supporting the stack of wheels to be washed, and the second wheel engagement element can be configured as a second wheel engagement element. It can be configured as a vertically movable second wheel support for receiving the washed wheels. The wheel carrier transports the wheels individually, continuously, in a laid position, from the first wheel support to the second wheel support, at least partially horizontally through the wheel wash zone. It is configured to remove the washed wheel stack on the second wheel support. Therefore, a stack of wheels consisting of a set of wheels from a single vehicle, such as an automobile, is positioned on the first wheel support and then removed as a stack of washed wheels on the second wheel support. Can be done.

One wheel cleaning device to automatically control one or more wheel engaging elements and, optionally, a carrier to handle the stack of wheels to be cleaned and to remove the stack of cleaned wheels. Alternatively, it may include a control unit connected to one or more sensors for detecting the presence and / or position and / or height of the plurality of wheels. For example, the first and second wheel supports, and optionally the conveyor, may also be controlled by the control unit. The control unit is a time regulator and / or one or more for detecting the position and / or presence of one or more wheels on the first wheel support and / or second wheel support. It can be connected to a sensor. Thus, the cleaning device can be configured to automatically handle and clean the stack of wheels in an efficient manner.

The control unit can be configured to position the wheels of the stack continuously to gradually raise the first wheel support and transfer it to the cleaning zone by the conveyor. Similarly, the control unit can be configured to lower the second wheel support in a corresponding manner to receive continuously washed wheels and form a stack of washed wheels.

The carrier can be equipped with belts, rollers, etc. that engage the tread of the wheel. Conveyance belts, rollers, etc. can extend vertically to transport the laid wheel at least partially horizontally. Therefore, the sides of the wheel are accessible from above and below for efficient cleaning. In addition, the wheel carrier can be equipped with a tightening device that urges the wheel towards the conveyor belt, rollers, etc., the wheels are transported in a reliable manner, and wheels of different sizes such as different radii are also efficient. And it can be transported by a reliable method.

The present invention also relates to a method for cleaning a rim and a wheel of a vehicle having tires attached to the rim, including the following steps.
a) Steps to position the stack of wheels to be cleaned on the vertically movable wheel engagement element of the wheel transfer system,
b) The step of transporting the wheels of the stack individually, in a laid-down orientation, at least partially horizontally to the wheel cleaning zone, by the wheel transporter of the wheel transport system.
c) Steps to wash the wheels in the wheel wash zone,
d) The step of transporting the washed wheels from the wheel cleaning zone by a wheel carrier,
e) Steps to position the washed wheels in place by the transport system,
f) The step of repeating steps b to e and taking out the stack of the wheels washed by the steps.

The method can include the step of gripping one or more of a plurality of wheels by means of a wheel engaging element.

The method can include the following steps:
a) A step of positioning the stack of wheels to be cleaned on a first vertically translatable wheel support,
b) The step of transporting the wheels at the top of the wheel stack individually, in a laid position, from the first wheel support to the wheel cleaning zone, at least partially horizontally, by the wheel transport system.
c) Steps to wash the wheels in the wheel wash zone,
d) A step of transporting the washed wheels from the wheel cleaning zone to a vertically translatable second wheel support by a wheel transfer system.
e) The step of lowering the second wheel support to a position to receive another wheel on top of the previous wheel,
f) A step of raising the first wheel support to align the next wheel on the first wheel support with the transfer system.
g) A step of repeating steps b-f until all wheels in the stack have been cleaned, thereby providing a clean wheel stack onto the second wheel support.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the description of embodiments below, the accompanying figures, and the dependent claims.

Next, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the auxiliary and attached figures of the embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a system for cleaning and handling wheels, including a wheel cleaning device and a storage rack for storing the wheels, according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a wheel cleaning device according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a wheel cleaning device according to one alternative embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a part of a wheel cleaning device according to one embodiment. It is a schematic top view of a part of the wheel cleaning apparatus of FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the operation of a wheel cleaning device, and the handling of a set of wheels. It is a schematic diagram which shows the operation of a wheel cleaning device, and the handling of a set of wheels. It is a schematic diagram which shows the operation of a wheel cleaning device, and the handling of a set of wheels. It is a schematic diagram which shows the operation of a wheel cleaning device, and the handling of a set of wheels. It is a schematic diagram which shows the operation of a wheel cleaning device, and the handling of a set of wheels. It is a schematic diagram which shows the operation of a wheel cleaning device, and the handling of a set of wheels. It is a schematic diagram which shows the operation of a wheel cleaning device, and the handling of a set of wheels. It is a schematic diagram which shows the operation of a wheel cleaning device, and the handling of a set of wheels. It is a schematic diagram which shows the operation of a wheel cleaning device, and the handling of a set of wheels. It is a schematic diagram which shows the operation of the wheel cleaning apparatus, and the handling of a set of wheels according to another embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the operation of the wheel cleaning apparatus, and the handling of a set of wheels according to another embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the operation of the wheel cleaning apparatus, and the handling of a set of wheels according to another embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the operation of the wheel cleaning apparatus, and the handling of a set of wheels according to another embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the operation of the wheel cleaning apparatus, and the handling of a set of wheels according to another embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the operation of the wheel cleaning apparatus, and the handling of a set of wheels according to another embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the wheel cleaning apparatus by still another Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the wheel cleaning apparatus by still another Embodiment.

With reference to FIG. 1, the wheel cleaning device 10 and the wheel storage rack 11 of the system for handling and cleaning the wheel 12 according to one embodiment are schematically shown. For example, the system is arranged for handling, cleaning, and storage of the rim and the wheels 12 of the vehicle having tires attached to the rim. In FIG. 1, a vehicle 13 in the form of an automobile is schematically shown, and a wheel cleaning device 10 and a wheel storage rack 11 are installed in, for example, a tire shop. There, vehicles 13 such as automobiles, trucks and motorcycles are accepted for repair, maintenance, or wheel 12 or tire replacement. The system is configured to handle a stack 14 of wheels 12, where the full stack 14 is from a single vehicle 13, such as two, three, four, six, eight, or more wheels. It consists of a set of wheels 12. Typically, a set of wheels 12 consists of four wheels from a vehicle 13 in the form of an automobile, and a full stack 14 consists of four wheels 12. The stack 14 of the wheels 12 consists of a plurality of wheels 12 in the laid position. Here, the expression full stack is used for a stack consisting of all wheels of a vehicle, such as all four wheels of an automobile. It is understood that the number of wheel stacks can be reduced until the wheel is removed from the stack and the last wheel in the wheel stack is removed. Each wheel 12 has a radial circumferential tread, sides, and a central axis that is practically perpendicular to the laid surface of the wheel, with the sides parallel to the laid surface. The sides of the wheels 12 of the stack 14 are in contact with each other and their central axes are substantially aligned. Normally, the wheels 12 of the stack 14 are arranged substantially horizontally. For example, the bottom wheel 12 of the stack 14 is placed on the ground, floor, shelves, and the like. The wheel cleaning device 10 is configured to receive the stack 14 of the wheels 12 to be cleaned and is configured to remove the stack 14 of the cleaned wheels 12 for another handling such as storage or mounting on the vehicle 13. Will be done. The wheel storage rack 11 is configured to store the wheels 12 of a plurality of groups 14.

With reference to FIG. 2, the wheel cleaning device 10 is shown schematically according to one embodiment. The wheel cleaning device 10 includes a wheel cleaning zone 15 for cleaning the wheel 12. In the figure, the wheel cleaning zone 15 is indicated by a dotted line. For example, the wheel cleaning zone 15 is located inside the cleaning chamber 16. As an alternative, the wheel cleaning zone 15 is arranged in an open space such as outdoors. Alternatively, the wheel wash zone 15 is located inside the building. The wheel cleaning zone 15 is arranged for cleaning the wheel 12 in any suitable manner with a cleaning solution such as water, detergent, chemical cleaning solution, compressed air, steam or the like. Alternatively, the cleaning zone 15 is arranged to clean the wheel 12 with a mechanical cleaning device such as an ultrasonic wave or a brush. Alternatively, the cleaning zone 15 is arranged to clean the wheels with a combination of cleaning fluid, ultrasonic waves, and / or mechanical cleaning equipment. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the wheel cleaning device 10 includes a nozzle 17 to provide a cleaning liquid such as water and optionally a detergent to the cleaning zone 15 for cleaning the wheel 12. Alternatively, the nozzle 17 is configured to provide steam to the wash zone 15. The nozzle 17 is configured to inject, for example, the cleaning liquid onto the wheel 12. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the first nozzle 17a or the set of the first nozzles is configured to spray the cleaning liquid on the upper surface side of the wheel 12, and the second nozzle 17b or the set of the second nozzles is configured. It is configured to spray on the opposite bottom side of the wheel 12. Therefore, the first and second nozzles 17a and 17b are configured to wash both sides of the wheel 12 and are arranged so as to face each other. The first nozzle 17a is an upper nozzle and is configured to eject downwards, and the second nozzle 17b is a lower nozzle and is configured to eject upwards. In the embodiments shown, the nozzles 17a, 17b are located inside the cleaning chamber 16. The wash chamber 16 comprises an inlet 18 and an outlet 19, the inlet 18 is located at one end of the wash chamber 16, the outlet 19 is located at the opposite end, and the wash zone 15 is located at the inlet 18 and the outlet 19. Placed between and. In the embodiments shown, the inlet 18 is configured to accept the stack 14 of the wheels 12. Therefore, the height of the entrance 18 corresponds to or is higher than the total height of the plurality of laid wheels 12, such as the four wheels 12. The height of the stack 14 of the wheels 12 corresponds to the total width of the wheels 12. Alternatively, the inlet 18 is configured to accept one wheel 12 at a time, and the height of the inlet 18 corresponds to or is somewhat higher than the width of a single wheel 12. For example, the maximum width of a single wheel 12 is considered to be less than 400 mm, or less than 300 mm, for an automotive wheel 12. For example, the exit 19 is also configured to accept the stack 14 of the wheels 12. Therefore, the height of the exit 19 also corresponds to or is higher than the total height of the plurality of laid wheels 12, such as the four wheels 12.

The wheel cleaning device 10 includes a wheel transport system for transporting the wheel 12 to the wheel cleaning zone 15 for cleaning and then transporting the wheel 12 from the wheel cleaning zone 15 after cleaning. The transport system comprises a wheel transporter 20, which is configured to transport the wheels 12 through the cleaning zone 15 in the travel path indicated by the arrow A in FIG. The transporter 20 is configured to transport the wheels 12 individually rather than as a stack 14. For example, the conveyor 20 is configured to transport a single wheel 12 through the cleaning zone 15. Alternatively, the transporter 20 is configured to transport a row of wheels 12 continuously or intermittently through the wash zone 15. For example, the conveyor comprises a circulating rotary belt or a plurality of rotary rolls for engaging with the tread of the wheel 12 so that the top and bottom sides of the wheel 12 can be accessed for cleaning. For example, the transfer machine 20 arranges the wheel engagement surface of the transfer machine 20 as a vertical surface so that the wheel 12, for example, is conveyed at least partially horizontally through the cleaning zone 15. The carrier 20 comprises two opposing wheel engaging surfaces to engage on both sides of the tread of the wheel 12, which is clamped between these portions and conveyed through the wash zone 15. In FIG. 2, only a part of the wheel carrier 20 is shown and the opposite part is not shown. Further, in FIG. 2, the conveyor 20 is arranged inside the cleaning chamber 16 so that the wheels 12 are substantially transported from the inlet 18 to the outlet 19 through the cleaning zone 15.

The wheel transfer system of the wheel cleaning device 10 comprises a vertically movable wheel engaging element, and in the embodiment of FIG. 2, a vertically movable first wheel for supporting a stack 14 of wheels 12 to be washed. It is configured as a support portion 21. The first wheel support 21 is movable in the direction indicated by the arrow B in FIG. Therefore, the first wheel support 21 is at least partially vertically movable and can be raised and lowered. For example, the first wheel support portion 21 is configured as an elevator. For example, the first wheel support portion 21 is configured to lift the wheel 12 substantially perpendicular to the movement path of the conveyor 20. In the embodiments shown, the first wheel support 21 is located inside the cleaning chamber 16. Alternatively, the first wheel support 21 is located adjacent to the wash zone 15 in the open structure or outside the wash chamber 16. The first wheel support 21 is configured to receive and support the stack 14 of the wheels 12 and is raised to supply the wheels 12 to the conveyor 20. Therefore, the first wheel support 21 is initially configured to support the full stack 14, after which the wheel is removed from the stack until the first wheel support 21 is empty. The first wheel support 21 is then configured to be lowered to its initial position to receive the stack 14 of another wheel 12.

The wheel transfer system of the wheel cleaning device 10 of FIG. 2 comprises another vertically movable wheel engaging element, which in the embodiment of FIG. 2 is vertically movable to receive the cleaned wheel 12. It is configured as the wheel support portion 22 of 2. The second wheel support 22 is movable in the direction indicated by the arrow C in FIG. Therefore, the second wheel support 22 is also at least partially vertically movable and can be raised and lowered. For example, the second wheel support portion 22 is also configured as an elevator. For example, the second wheel support 22 can move to a plane parallel to the first wheel support 21. In the embodiments shown, the second wheel support 22 is located inside the cleaning chamber 16. Alternatively, the second wheel support 22 is located adjacent to the wash zone 15 in the open structure or outside the wash chamber 16. The cleaning zone 15 is arranged between the first and second wheel supports 21 and 22. The transfer machine 20 is configured to transfer the wheel 12 from the first wheel support portion 21 to the second wheel support portion through the cleaning zone 15. The wheels 12 of the stack 14 were individually and continuously transported from the first wheel support 21 to the second wheel support 22 through the wheel cleaning zone 15 at least partially in the horizontal direction A and cleaned. The stack 14 of the wheel 12 is taken out on the second wheel support portion 22. Therefore, the second wheel support 22 is configured to receive the washed wheels 12 by the conveyor 20 until the stack 14 of the clean wheels 12 is placed on the second wheel support 22. , Is lowered to receive another washed wheel 12. Therefore, the second wheel support 22 is configured to form a full stack 14 of the washed wheels 12 on it. The second wheel support 22 is then configured to be raised to its original position in order to receive the first wheel 12 of the stack 14 of another wheel 12. Therefore, the wheel cleaning device 10 is configured to receive the full stack of wheels, clean those wheels, and remove the cleaned wheel 12 full stack 14 onto the second wheel support 22. The washed full stack 14 of the wheels 12 is then automatically removed from the second wheel support 22 manually, by a pusher, conveyor, etc. for storage or other handling.

The wheel cleaning device 10 is an operation of the first and second wheel supports 21, 22 and optionally any other operable device for cleaning in the conveyor 20 and / or the nozzle 17 or the cleaning zone 15. The control unit 23 is provided for controlling the operation of the above. Therefore, the control unit 23 is configured to control the operation of the cleaning device 10 or its components. The control unit 23 is connected to, for example, one or more sensors for controlling the operation of the first and second wheel supports 21, 22. In the embodiments shown, the control unit 23 connects to a first sensor to detect the stack 14 of the wheels 12 on the first wheel support 21 or to detect the wheel in place. Will be done. The first sensor 24 is, for example, an optical sensor or a mechanical electrical sensor that detects the presence of a wheel at a predetermined position such as a predetermined height. For example, the first sensor 24 is configured to measure or sense the height of the laid wheel 12 (ie, corresponding to the width of the tire or wheel) and / or the height of the stack 14 of the wheel 12. The control unit 23 raises the first wheel support 21, for example, gradually, and the top wheel 12 of the stack 14 of the wheels 12 is lifted by the conveyor 20 until the first wheel support 21 is empty. Positioned for engagement, then configured to lower the first wheel support 21 to its original position. In the embodiment shown, the control unit 23 is also connected to the second sensor 25. The second sensor 25 is configured to detect the wheel on the second wheel support 22. The second sensor 25 is, for example, an optical sensor or a mechanical electrical sensor for detecting the wheel 12 at a predetermined position. For example, the second sensor 25 is configured to measure or sense the height of the laid wheel 12. The control unit 23 has placed the second wheel support 22 at a corresponding height distance of the laid wheel 12 (ie, of the wheel 12) until the stack 14 of the wheels 12 is placed on the second wheel support 22. It is configured to lower by a distance corresponding to the width) and then raise the second wheel support 22 to its original position when the stack 14 of the wheels 12 is removed from the second wheel support 22. Wheel.

Referring to FIG. 3, an alternative embodiment of the wheel cleaning device 10 is schematically shown. Also in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the wheel cleaning device 10 is in the form of a cleaning chamber 16 with a cleaning zone 15, a wheel transfer system with a conveyor 20, and first and second wheel supports 21, 22. It has two wheel engaging elements. In FIG. 3, the cleaning zone 15 is provided with a container 26 having an open upper portion and accompanied by a cleaning liquid, and the conveyor 20 is configured to carry in and out the wheel 12 into and out of the container 26. The wheel 12 is submerged in the cleaning liquid inside the container 26. Optionally, the wheel receives ultrasonic waves inside the container 26 for cleaning. For example, the container 26 is configured to accept a single wheel 12 at a time, or to accept multiple wheels at the same time.

In FIG. 3, the transfer system also includes a push unit 27 and an inclined transfer element 28. The transporter 20 with the tilted transport element 28 is configured to support the bottom side of the laid wheel 12 and transport the wheel 12 at least partially horizontally A through the wash zone 15. As shown in FIG. 3, the wheels are also lowered into the container 26 and transported vertically so that they can be lifted from the container 26. For example, the wheel 12 is obliquely transported into and out of the container 26 by the tilted transport element 28. The travel path is both horizontal and vertical. For example, the transporter 20 and the tilted transport element 28 are configured to continuously transport the wheels 12 through the cleaning zone 15. Alternatively, the transporter 20 with the tilted transport element 28 transports one wheel 12 into the container 26, rests for a predetermined period of time, and then removes the washed wheels 12 from the container 26. It is configured to be conveyed to the second wheel support portion 22. The push unit 27 is configured to push one wheel at a time from the first wheel support 21 onto the conveyor 20 or its tilted transfer element 28, as indicated by the arrow D in FIG. Wheel. Therefore, the push unit 27 is configured to push the wheel 12 substantially horizontally. For example, the push unit 27 is connected to the control unit 23 and is activated when the first sensor 24 detects that the wheel 12 is in a predetermined position. Next, when the top wheel 12 on the first wheel support 21 is pushed, the first sensor 24 no longer detects the wheel 12, and the control unit 23 raises the first wheel support 21. Send a signal to let you. Optionally, the cleaning device 10 separately for pushing the cleaned wheel 12 from the conveyor 20 or its tilted transport element 28 to the second wheel support 22 as indicated by the arrow E in FIG. The push unit 29 is provided. For example, the other push unit 29 is also configured to push the wheel 12 substantially horizontally. For example, the control unit 23 is in a position to push the washed wheel 12 onto the second wheel support 22 or onto another wheel 12 located on the second wheel support 22. It is connected to a third sensor 29 for detecting whether it is in position. When the washed wheel 12 is pushed onto the second wheel support 22, this is detected by the second sensor 25 and the control unit 23 activates the second wheel support 22 to activate the next wheel 12. Is lowered by a distance to receive the wheel to form a stack 14 on the second wheel support 22.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, a portion of the cleaning device 10 is schematically shown, wherein the first wheel support 21, the conveyor 20, and the second wheel support 22 according to one embodiment. Shown. The first wheel support 21 comprises a platform 31 and one or more stanchions 32. The platform 31 is configured to engage the laid wheels 12 and support the stack 14 of the wheels 12, which are movable along the stanchions 32 by a motor (not shown). The second wheel support 22 is configured in the corresponding manner of the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5 and comprises a platform 31 and a strut 32. A push unit 27 is provided that pushes the wheel 12 from the first wheel support 21 into the conveyor 20. The push unit 27 pushes the top wheel of the stack 14 on the first wheel support 21, or the only wheel 12 left on the first wheel support 21 is the first wheel support. It is configured to be put into the conveyor 20 from 21. In the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5, the carrier 20 is configured to engage the tread of the laid wheel 12. The wheel 12 is at least partially horizontally transported in the laid position and the sides of the wheel 12 are accessible for cleaning while moving through the cleaning zone 15. The transport machine 20 includes a plurality of transport rollers 33 for transporting the wheels 12. The transport roller 33 is configured with a vertical axis to move the wheel 12 horizontally. Alternatively, the carrier 20 is provided with a conveyor belt, a chain, etc. to engage the tread of the laid wheel 12. The transport roller 33 is rotated by a motor (not shown). In the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5, the conveyor 20 also includes a plurality of tightening devices 34. The plurality of tightening devices 34 are configured to press the wheel 12 toward the transfer roller 33, the belt, the chain, etc., whereby the wheel 12 is placed between the transfer roller 33, the belt, the chain, etc. and the tightening device 34. Tighten. For example, the tightening device 34 is a spring urged toward a transport roller 33, a belt, a chain, etc., and the tightening device 34 is a spring urged substantially in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the tightening device 34 is arranged so as to engage the tread of the wheel 12, i.e., radially with respect to the laid wheel 12. Therefore, the tightening device 34 includes a vertical surface for engaging with the tread of the wheel 12. Alternatively, the conveyor 20 comprises two opposing transport belts, a set of transport rollers 33, and the like, with one or more laid wheels 12 between the two belts, between a set of transport rollers 33, and the like. Tightened and transported. The conveyor 20 is configured to, for example, transport the wheels 12 in a row in sequence, optionally with a gap between the wheels 12. In the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5, the transfer system guides the wheel 12 from the first wheel support 21 into the gap between the transfer roller 33, the belt, and the tightening device 34. It also has an element 35.

With reference to FIGS. 6-14, the operation of the cleaning device 10 according to one embodiment is schematically shown. 6-14, the cleaning device 10 comprises a cleaning chamber 16 in which a nozzle 17 is located. However, the overall principle of operation of the cleaning device 10 is located inside or outside any other type of cleaning zone 15, with or without the washing chamber 16, and such any cleaning chamber 16. It is understood that the first and second wheel supports 21, 22 are also applicable to any other type of cleaning zone 15 embodiment.

In FIG. 6, the stack 14 of the wheels 12 to be washed is positioned next to the first wheel support 21. The first wheel support 21 is initially in the lower position to receive the full stack 14. For example, the stack 14 is formed by a set of wheels from an automobile, such as four wheels 12a-12d. The full stack 14 is positioned on the first wheel support 21. For example, the full stack 14 is transferred from the inlet carrier 35 to the first wheel support 21 and the full stack 14 is moved on the first wheel support 21 in the direction indicated by arrow F in FIG. .. Therefore, the full stack 14 is horizontally moved to the first wheel support 21. Alternatively, the full stack 14 is manually positioned on the first wheel support 21, eg, manually by a cart. Thereby, the full stack 14 is positioned on the first wheel support 21 and the first wheel support is in the lower position shown in FIG. For example, the full stack 14 is transported to the first wheel support 21 through the inlet 18 of the cleaning chamber 16. Next, the first wheel 12a at the top of the full stack 14 is conveyed by the conveyor 20 from the stack 14 on the first wheel support 21 into the cleaning zone 15. This is indicated by the arrow G in FIG. 8, where the first wheel 12a is washed. For example, the first wheel 12a is horizontally conveyed from the first wheel support portion 21 into the cleaning zone 15 by the conveyor 20. Next, when the first wheel 12a is washed in the washing zone 15, it is conveyed to the second wheel support portion 22 by the conveyor 20 as shown by the arrow H in FIG. For example, the first wheel 12a is horizontally conveyed from the cleaning zone 15 to the second wheel support 22. The second wheel support 22 is initially in an upper position to receive the washed first wheel 12a, as disclosed in FIG.

After the first wheel 12a is removed from the stack 14, the first wheel support 21 is raised as indicated by arrow I in FIG. For example, the first wheel support 21 is raised immediately or shortly after the first wheel 12a is removed from the stack 14. However, in the example shown, the first wheel support 21 is raised as the first wheel 12a is transported from the wash zone 15 to the second wheel support 22. The first wheel support 21 is a distance corresponding to the height of the laid wheel, or the second wheel 12b of the stack 14, that is, the rest of the stack is the first sensor 24, or the disclosed invention. It is elevated vertically until it is detected by any other suitable method as understood by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the first wheel support 21 is raised until the second wheel 12b is positioned to be transferred into the cleaning zone 15 by the conveyor 20. Next, the second wheel 12b is conveyed into the cleaning zone 15 by the conveyor 20 as indicated by the arrow J in FIG. The second wheel support 22 on which the first wheel 12a is mounted is lowered to a position for receiving the second wheel 12b, as indicated by the arrow K in FIG. Therefore, the second wheel support portion 22 is provided, for example, by a distance corresponding to the height of the laid wheel, or to a position where the upper side of the first wheel 12a is aligned with the bottom side of the second wheel 12b, for example. It is lowered by the sensor 25 of 2 or any other suitable method as understood by those skilled in the art in terms of the disclosed invention. Further, after removing the second wheel 12b from the stack 14 on the first wheel support 21, the first wheel support 21 causes the conveyor 20 to transfer the third wheel 12c to the cleaning zone 15. To position, it is raised again, as indicated by the arrow L in FIG. The second wheel 12b is conveyed to the second wheel support 22 and is positioned on the first wheel 12a. Here, the second wheel support 22 is lowered as indicated by the arrow M in FIG. The third wheel 12c is removed from the position above the fourth wheel 12d and is conveyed into the cleaning zone 15 for cleaning in the direction indicated by the arrow N in FIG. After cleaning the third wheel 12c in the cleaning zone 15, the third wheel 12c is further conveyed by the conveyor 20 towards the second wheel support 22. After removing the third wheel 12c from the fourth wheel 12d on the first wheel support 21, the first wheel support 21 transfers the fourth wheel 12d to the cleaning zone 15 for subsequent transfer. As indicated by the arrow O in FIG. 11, it is raised again to be located in place of. For example, the fourth wheel 12d is at the end of the stack 14, where the first wheel support 21 is in its upper position. Optionally, the upper position of the first wheel support 21 is detected, for example, by the first sensor 24. After cleaning, the third wheel 12c is on the second wheel 12b located above the first wheel 12a on the second wheel support 22 in the direction indicated by the arrow P in FIG. Be transported. The fourth wheel 12d is conveyed into the cleaning zone 15 in the same direction. After the third wheel 12c is located above the other wheels 12a, 12b on the second wheel support 22, the second wheel support 22 is lowered again as indicated by the arrow Q. .. After the fourth and final wheel 12d has been removed from the first wheel support 21, the first wheel support 21 is the wheel of another stack 14 to be cleaned, as indicated by the arrow R in FIG. Is lowered to its original lower position to receive. After cleaning the fourth wheel 12d, as indicated by the arrow S in FIG. 13, the fourth wheel 12d is transported from the cleaning zone 15 to the second wheel support 22 and the third wheel above it. Located on top of 12c. Therefore, the full stack 14 of the washed wheels 12a-12d is formed on the second wheel support 22, and the full stack 14 of the washed wheels is the second, as indicated by the arrow T in FIG. It is manually or automatically removed from the wheel support portion 22 of 2. For example, the full stack 14 of the washed wheels 12a-12d is moved through the outlet 19 of the washing chamber 16. The cleaning device 10 is configured for another handling, such as taking out the full stack 14 of the cleaned wheels 12a-12d and storing it in the storage rack 11 or returning it to the mounting location for mounting on the vehicle 13. Ru. For example, when the washed full stack 14 of the wheels 12a-12d is removed from the second wheel support 22, the second wheel support 22 forms another stack, as shown in FIG. In the upper position to receive the first wheel of another set of wheels from another vehicle 13. The procedure is then repeated to wash another set of wheels to form a stack of different washed wheels.

Another embodiment is shown with reference to FIGS. 15-20, where the wheel cleaning device 10 is vertically movable for gripping a single wheel 12 at a time from the stack 14 of the wheels 12a-12d. It comprises a wheel engaging element in the form of a wheel gripping device 36. For example, the wheel gripping device 36 is configured to grip the laid wheel 12. For example, the wheel gripping device 36 is configured to engage the tread of the wheel 12. For example, the wheels of the stack 14 are arranged on the first wheel support portion 21, which is the form of the inlet conveyor 35, and the wheel gripping device 36 is configured to take in the wheels 12 from the inlet conveyor 35. Alternatively, the first wheel support is a fixed wheel support suitable for supporting the stack 14 of the wheels to be cleaned, where the wheel grip device 36 is from the first wheel support. It is configured to capture the wheel 12. Therefore, the wheel gripping device 36 is vertically movable and can be raised and lowered. The wheel gripping device 36 is connected to the conveyor 20. The wheel gripping device 36 is movable along the conveyor 20. For example, the wheel gripping device 36 and the conveyor 20 can be moved along the conveyor 20 so that the gripping device 36 grips the wheel 12 and raises and lowers it, and the wheel 12 is carried in and out of the wheel cleaning zone 15. It is composed of. Therefore, the wheel gripping device 36 and the conveyor 20 are configured to pick up the top wheel 12 from the stack 14 and move it to the wheel cleaning zone 15 to clean the wheel 12. The washed wheel 12 is then transferred from the wheel washing zone 15 to a predetermined position such as the second wheel support 22 by the wheel gripping device 36 and the conveyor 20. In the embodiment of FIGS. 15 to 20. Alternatively, the wheel to be washed is transferred to the wheel cleaning zone by the first wheel gripping device, and the cleaned wheel 12 is transferred from the cleaning zone 15 to a predetermined position by the second wheel gripping device. In the embodiments shown, the wheel gripping device 36 is suspended from the conveyor 20 and carried to a position above the stack 14 of the wheels to be washed, as shown in FIG. The wheel gripping device 36 is movable downward to pick up a wheel such as the first wheel 12a of the stack 14, as shown in FIG. Thereby, the wheel gripping device 36 grips the first wheel 12a at the top of the stack 14. The wheel gripping device 36 with the first wheel 12a is conveyed to the wheel cleaning zone 15 along the conveyor 20 as shown in FIG. Optionally, the wheel gripping device 36 is raised before the first wheel 12a is horizontally transferred to the wash zone 15. The first wheel 12a is then cleaned in the wash zone by lowering into the nozzle 17 or container 26 as shown in FIG. Optionally, the gripping device 36 releases the first wheel 12a and is lifted during cleaning. After cleaning, the first wheel 12a is gripped again by the same wheel gripping device 36 or another wheel gripping device (not shown). Next, the first wheel 12a is transferred from the wheel cleaning zone 15 to the second wheel support 22 by the wheel gripping device 36, as shown in FIG. Therefore, the first wheel 12a is optionally lowered by a suitable distance and then released from the wheel gripping device 36. The wheel gripping device 20 is then returned to its original position above the next wheel 12b of the stack 14 until the procedure for the first wheel 12a is removed from the washed wheel 12 stack 14 in place. , Second and subsequent wheels 12b-12d are repeated. Therefore, after cleaning, the second wheel 12b is positioned above the first wheel 12a, the third wheel 12c is positioned above the second wheel 12b, and the fourth wheel 12d is located above the third wheel 12c. Positioned at the top. Further, embodiments of FIGS. 15-20 provide, for example, suitable sensors and control units for the automatic operation of the cleaning device 10.

With reference to FIGS. 21 and 22, another embodiment of the wheel cleaning device 10 is shown. Here, the wheel engaging device is configured as a vertically movable wheel gripping device 36, and the wheel gripping device 36 grips and lifts the entire stack 14 of the wheels 12, that is, among the wheels 12 of the full stack 14. It is configured to grip all, not one of them. For example, the wheel gripping device 36 is configured to grip a plurality of laid wheels. For example, the wheel gripping device 36 is configured to engage the tread of the wheel 12. Therefore, the wheel gripping device 36 is vertically movable and can be raised and lowered. In the embodiment of FIGS. 21 and 22, the wheel gripping device 36 is to release a single wheel 12 at a time for transfer to the wheel cleaning zone 15 by the conveyor 20 at least partially in the horizontal direction A. It is composed of.

In FIGS. 21 and 22, the conveyor 20 is configured to transport through the wheel cleaning zone 15 in order to individually clean the wheels 12. For example, the carrier 20 is configured to engage the bottom surface side of the wheel 12. Alternatively, the carrier 20 is configured to engage the tread of the wheel 12 as described above. The transfer machine 20 includes an inclined transfer element 28. The transporter 20 with the tilted transport element 28 is configured to support the bottom side of the laid wheel 12 and transport the wheel 12 at least partially horizontally A through the wash zone 15. Therefore, the wheel 12 is conveyed upward in the vertical direction by the conveyor 20. For example, the wheel 12 is obliquely transported through a part of the container 26 by the inclined transport element 28. The travel path is both horizontal and vertical. For example, a portion of the conveyor 20 forms a first wheel support for receiving the stack 14 of the wheels 12 to be washed. Alternatively, the first wheel support is a separate, fixed wheel support.

In embodiments of FIGS. 21 and 22, the wheel cleaning device 10 receives the cleaned wheels 12 and is vertically translatable so as to form a stack 14 as described above with reference to FIGS. 2-14. The wheel support portion 22 of 2 is also provided. Therefore, the wheel support portion 22 is movable in the vertical direction as shown by the arrow C in FIG. 21 because the wheel support portion 22 receives the washed wheels 12 from the conveyor 20 after cleaning. After receiving the washed wheel 12, the wheel support 22 is positioned to receive another washed wheel 12 on top of the other wheel 12 by a distance substantially corresponding to the height of the laid wheel. Is descended to.

Claims (8)

Wheels of said vehicle with rims and tires attached to said rims, provided with a wheel transport system for loading and unloading the wheel cleaning zone (15) and the wheels of the vehicle (12) into and out of said wheel cleaning zone (15). (12) is a wheel cleaning device (10) for cleaning, and the wheel transfer system is
A wheel gripping device ( 36 ) and a wheel carrier (20) extending at least partially in the horizontal direction (A) are provided, the wheel gripping device (36) being suspended from the wheel carrier (20) and said to be a wheel. Movable by the conveyor (20) and configured to releasably grip a single wheel, the wheel transfer system said the wheels (12) individually, continuously, in a laid position. It is conveyed to the wheel cleaning zone (15) at least partially in the horizontal direction (A), and then from the wheel cleaning zone (15) to the wheel support portion (22) at least partially in the horizontal direction (A). It is characterized in that it is configured to transport to , then return to a position above the next wheel to be cleaned, and repeat the procedure to eject the stack (14) of the cleaned wheels (12). , Wheel cleaning device. The wheel cleaning device according to claim 1, further comprising an inlet carrier (35) for transporting the wheel (12) to the wheel gripping device ( 36 ). The wheel cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein the inlet carrier (35) is configured to transport a stack (14) of wheels (12) to the wheel gripping device ( 36 ). From claim 1, the wheel transport system is configured to transport the wheels (12) individually, continuously, in a laid position, from the wheel stack (14) to the wheel cleaning zone (15). The wheel cleaning device according to any one of 3. The cleaning zone (15) is a nozzle (17a) arranged above and below the movement path of the wheel (12) so as to provide cleaning liquid to the cleaning zone (15) for cleaning the wheel (12). , 17b), the wheel cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . The wheel cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the cleaning zone (15) comprises a container (26) with a cleaning liquid for receiving the wheel (12) to be cleaned. A method for cleaning the wheel (12) of a vehicle having a rim and tires attached to the rim.
a) Steps to position the wheel (12) to be cleaned on the wheel gripping device ( 36 ) of the wheel transfer system, and
b) A step of gripping a single wheel (12) to be cleaned by the wheel gripping device (36).
c) By the wheel conveyor (20) of the wheel transfer system, the wheel gripping device (36) having the single wheel (12) in a laid position is at least partially horizontal to the wheel cleaning zone (15). The step of transporting in the direction (A) and
d) In the step of cleaning the wheel (12) in the wheel cleaning zone (15),
e) The wheel gripping device (36) having the washed wheels (12) is at least partially conveyed in the horizontal direction (A) from the wheel cleaning zone (15) by the wheel carrier (20). Steps and
f) A step of positioning the washed wheel in place by the transfer system and releasing the washed wheel from the wheel gripping device (36) .
g) A step of returning the wheel gripping device (36) to a position above the next wheel to be washed.
h) Repeat steps b- g for the next wheel so that the predetermined position in step f) is on the previously washed wheel, thereby the stack (14) of the wheel (12) washed. How to put out, including steps. 7. The method of claim 7 , comprising transporting the wheel (12) to the wheel gripping device ( 36 ) by an inlet carrier (35).

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