FR3064619A1 - METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SUPPORTING A WHEEL - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for supporting a wheel (11) of a vehicle above a working surface (12), which comprises; - a deformable structure (13) comprising at least one support member (16 to 22, 103, 104, 50) arranged to be able to be engaged, at least in part, between the wheel and the work surface, resting on the work surface, and so that the (or) support member (s) extend (s) away from the wheel; means (55, 57, 60, 61, 61a, 70) for deforming the deformable structure until the at least one support member bears under the wheel; and means (65, 78, 79) for stopping the deformation of the deformable structure when - or before - the support of the (or) support member (s) on the wheel (ne) compensates the weight of wheel.

Description

Holder (s): BOURDEAU FLORIAN, VIARD LIONEL.

Extension request (s)

Agent (s): PAUL HERARD CONSEIL Limited liability company.

? 4) METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SUPPORTING A WHEEL.

FR 3 064 619 - A1 _ The invention relates to a device (10) for supporting a wheel (11) of a vehicle above a work surface (12), which comprises;

- a deformable structure (13) comprising at least one support member (16 to 22, 103, 104, 50), arranged to be able to be engaged, at least in part, between the wheel and the work surface, resting on the work surface, and so that the support member (s) extend (s) away from the wheel;

- Means (55, 57, 60, 61.61 a, 70) for deforming the deformable structure until the at least one support member is in support under the wheel; and

- Means (65, 78, 79) for stopping the deformation of the deformable structure when - or before - the support of the support member (s) on the wheel compensates for the weight of the wheel.

Method and device for supporting a wheel TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a method of supporting a wheel of a vehicle and to a device for supporting the wheel.

The invention relates in particular to the support of a wheel of a motorcycle which is rotatably mounted on a shaft fixed to a fork or to an oscillating arm of the motorcycle.

STATE OF THE ART

For maintenance, assembly or disassembly of a wheel of a motorcycle, the motorcycle can be supported by the center stand of the motorcycle or by a workshop stand for example such as that described in patent EP3090931A1, such so that the wheel extends above and at a distance from a work surface (such as the ground) supporting the motorcycle.

In this configuration, the distance or height separating the wheel from the ground can take various values which depend mainly on the geometry of the motorcycle and that of the stand, these values generally extending in a range going from approximately three centimeters to twenty centimeters about.

In particular when the wheel is rotatably mounted on a shaft attached to the motorcycle, maintenance or disassembly of the wheel requires extraction of the shaft from the shaft housings provided in the fork and from the wheel hub.

During this operation, a thread on the shaft can be damaged by friction against the wheel or against the shaft housings if the wheel is poorly supported or not supported.

When this extraction is carried out, the wheel is no longer supported by the shaft and it is up to the operator (mechanic) to avoid the fall of the wheel so as to avoid damaging the wheel and / or components of the motorcycles near the wheel, such as a drive chain or disc brake calipers.

When reassembling the wheel, the difficulties encountered by the operator are manifold, in particular for a rear motorcycle wheel, since it is generally necessary to i) align the axis of rotation of the wheel with the shaft housings, by guiding the wheel with one hand, the operator being able to support the wheel with one of his feet to adjust the height of the wheel axle; ii) position centering spacers on each side of the wheel; iii) set up the chain of transmission; iv) position a brake caliper on a brake disc secured to the wheel, ensuring that the brake pads remain in place; v) position a brake caliper support both on one of the swinging arms and on the brake disc; and vi) reassemble the wheel shaft, ensuring that all the equipment remains in place and aligned.

These difficulties are all the greater when the mass of the wheel is high, this mass often being at least ten kilograms and up to twenty kilograms.

To facilitate these operations, EP2048107A1 describes a lifting device such as a lifting table, the height-adjustable plate of which receives the vehicle and two jacks arranged on the plate for lifting or supporting at least one wheel of the vehicle.

Each cylinder is a jack or a hydraulic cylinder.

Each cylinder is movable in the plane of the plate to position the cylinder under the wheel, and has a wheel support surface which can be moved between a position flush with the upper surface of the plate and a position above (or on the contrary below) the surface top of the tray.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

A drawback of the device described in EP2048107A1 is that a jack capable of lifting a wheel secured to a vehicle is likely to compress the wheel suspension device which is integrated into the vehicle; the combined forces of the suspensions and of the jack then apply significant friction to the wheel shaft, and it is then necessary to drive the shaft out by shocks applied to its end with the risk of damaging it; once one end of the shaft is cleared from one of its housings, the opposite forces exerted on the wheel by the jack and the suspension have the effect of positioning the shaft and the wheel at an angle, which causes these rooms.

In addition, a jack capable of lifting the wheel is liable to destabilize the vehicle and cause the vehicle to fall, particularly when the vehicle has only two wheels.

In addition, hydraulic jacks and jacks generally have a significant minimum height. In fact, the platform of the lifting platform of EP2048107A1 has two depressions receiving the jacks, which requires a platform of suitable thickness or of complex shape. In addition, for a user who does not have a lifting platform, the use of such jacks requires forming these depressions in the ground.

Also, hydraulic jacks and cylinders generally have a small surface base as well as a small surface (wheel) support surface, so that they are generally unstable.

A disadvantage of a jack is that it is difficult to deploy it with a hand tool or actuator when the jack is in a "picked up" configuration, therefore close to the surface on which it rests.

A disadvantage of a jack is that it is difficult to operate it with one hand while ensuring its stability.

An object of the invention is to propose a method for supporting a wheel of a vehicle, in particular of a motorcycle, during maintenance operations, assembly, or disassembly of the wheel, so as to relieve the operator, as well as a device for implementing the method.

An objective of the invention is to provide such a device whose stability is improved.

An objective of the invention is to provide such a device whose minimum height (in the picked up configuration) is reduced, so that it can be slid or inserted between the ground (or other work surface) and a wheel held at a short distance from the above the ground.

An objective of the invention is to provide such a device which can be easily used to support a wheel of a motorcycle supported on a workshop stand or on its center stand, during assembly and disassembly of the wheel.

An objective of the invention is to provide such a device which can be easily actuated by a single end part (hand or foot) of a member of an operator.

An object of the invention is to provide a method and a device for supporting a wheel above a work surface, which is improved and / or which overcomes, at least in part, the drawbacks of known methods and devices .

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for supporting a wheel of a vehicle above a work surface, which comprises;

- a base extending along a plane for placing the device on the work surface;

- at least one support member under the wheel;

a mechanism for moving the support member relative to the base between a first configuration where the support member is distant from the wheel and a second configuration where the support member is in abutment against the wheel, the movement mechanism comprising a drive piece mounted to slide relative to the base along a drive axis parallel to the laying plane;

- Means for immobilizing the movement mechanism in said second configuration; and

- An actuator arranged to cause the drive part to slide relative to the base along an actuation axis whose distance from the laying plane is greater than the distance separating the laying plane from the driving axis.

This allows the actuator to be moved away from the working surface and to avoid any interference with the working surface during the operation of the actuator, and makes it possible to easily cause the operation of the actuator, in particular when the actuator is a portable tool such as a pneumatic or cordless screwdriver, or an actuator manually driven by the operator.

To this end, the base may include a first part of elongated shape along a longitudinal axis parallel to the laying plane and which has a first height (measured along a measurement axis perpendicular to the laying plane), and a second part (rigidly) secured to a longitudinal end of the first part of the base and having a second height greater than the first height.

The drive part may comprise a first part of elongated shape along said longitudinal axis and having a third height, and a second part (rigidly) integral with a longitudinal end of the first part of the drive part and having a fourth height greater than the third height.

The drive part is arranged to drive the organ (the organs) or support surface (s) in movement when it slides relative to the base; and the actuator cooperates with (in particular is connected to or attached to) the second part of the base and (a) the second part of the drive part.

This enables only part of the wheel support device to be engaged in the picked up configuration, in particular only at least part of the first part of the base and at least part of the first part of the drive part, between the work surface and the lowest point of the wheel, the device resting on the work surface.

According to one embodiment, the first and third heights are less than or equal to about one or two centimeters, so that the height (measured along the measurement axis) of the vertex (s) of the organ (des support organs) can be less than or equal to about three centimeters when the deformable / deployable structure is in the “picked up” configuration.

To facilitate the movement of the support member by the action of one operator's hand:

- The distance separating the laying plane from the actuation axis can be determined (fixed), not varying during a movement of the support member by the movement mechanism;

- the actuator can be fixed (in particular suspended) to the base;

- The actuator can be a linear actuator, in particular a mechanical linear actuator with manual drive; in particular the actuator may comprise an outlet member such as a tube or a bar extending along the actuation axis and fixed to the drive part, as well as a handle fixed to the base and a lever whose the displacement relative to the handle causes a sliding of the tube or bar relative to the handle, along the actuation axis, and consequently a sliding of the drive piece relative to the base, along the axis of training; such an actuator can be an actuator comprising a handle and a trigger;

- alternatively, the linear actuator can be pneumatic or hydraulic; in particular the actuator may comprise a deformable body fixed to the base, an actuating member such as a rod extending along the actuation axis, connected to the deformable body and fixed to the drive part, as well as '' a pump, in particular a hand or foot pump, connected to the deformable body to deliver a fluid (in particular a gas, for example air) under pressure inside the deformable body, the increase in the pressure of the fluid in the deformable body causing a displacement of the actuating rod relative to the deformable body and the base, along the actuation axis, and therefore the sliding of the drive part relative to the base.

According to another aspect of the invention, a device is proposed for supporting a wheel of a vehicle above the ground, which comprises;

- a base extending along a plane for placing the device on a work surface;

- at least one support member (such as a plate) configured to support the wheel;

a mechanism for moving the support member relative to the base between a first configuration where the support member is distant from the wheel and a second configuration where the support member is in abutment against the wheel, the movement mechanism comprising a drive part mounted to slide relative to the base or to the support member along a drive axis parallel to the laying plane;

- Means for immobilizing the movement mechanism in said second configuration; and

- A “linear” actuator, that is to say comprising an output member movable in translation, mechanical or pneumatic, and “manual” drive, by one hand or one foot of an operator, which is arranged for cause the drive part to slide relative to the base or to the support member.

The mechanism for moving the support member (or organs) may comprise a deformable or deployable structure supporting or integrating the support member (or organs), in particular an articulated structure comprising articulated arms or connecting rods ( e) s connected to the base and to the drive part so as to vary the height of the support member (or members) relative to the laying plane during the movement of the workpiece. training.

To reduce the minimum height of the wheel support:

- The articulated structure may include arms, one “upper” end of which is substantially tangent to an “upper” support surface (for the wheel) of a support member;

- The articulated structure may include arms, one “lower” end of which is substantially tangent to a “lower” (laying) surface of the base;

- The articulated structure may include arms, one “lower” end of which comprises means of displacement with low friction on the working surface, such as a caster or a shoe, in particular a caster mounted rotatably along a substantially coincident axis of rotation with an axis of articulation of the arm and the base, or substantially coincident with an axis of articulation of the arm and of the drive part;

- The articulated structure can comprise at least two arms, each arm being articulated to the base and to a support member, the arms remaining substantially parallel and being spaced along the drive axis; this makes it possible to obtain a stable support device while reducing the length of the arms and therefore the height of the arms in the collected configuration;

- the articulated structure may comprise at least three arms articulated to a support member and articulated two by two along a single (common) axis of articulation which is parallel to the base and to the laying plane and perpendicular to the axis of movement the training room; this provides a stable support device while reducing the cross section of the arms, the dimensions of the joints, and therefore the height of the arms in the picked up configuration.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method is proposed for supporting a wheel of a vehicle above a work surface, in which:

- One engages, between the wheel and the work surface, at least part of a deformable or deployable structure comprising at least one bearing surface, the deformable structure resting on the work surface and being configured so that at least one bearing surface extends away from the wheel;

- the deformable structure is deformed until the at least one bearing surface is supported on the wheel; and

- the deformation of the deformable structure is stopped when (or before) the support of the at least one support surface on the wheel (does) compensate for the weight of the wheel.

Generally, the working surface on which the vehicle rests is substantially horizontal, the axis of rotation of the wheel is substantially parallel to the working surface, and the wheel comprises a tire comprising a tread.

The deployable structure can rest on the work surface, directly or through a wedge.

Generally, a deployable structure is gradually deployed until the bearing surface (s) come into contact and bear on one or more zones of the tread which extends (ent) along the lower half circumference of the wheel.

The deployment of the deployable structure is stopped when - or before - the support on the tread (compensates) for the weight of the wheel, and subsequent folding of the deployable structure is prevented under the effect of the weight of the wheel.

The deformation of the deformable structure is stopped (and the deployment of the deployable structure is stopped) can be carried out automatically, in particular when the deployment (the deformation) is caused by an actuator (linear or rotary) mu by electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic energy.

This stop may for example result from the triggering of a torque limiting device fitted to a rotary actuator causing the deployment of the deformable structure.

This stop can also be controlled by a control circuit connected to the actuator and to a sensor sensitive to the support force exerted on the wheel by the support surface (s), depending on a signal delivered to the control circuit by the sensor.

When the deployment is caused by a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator, such as a jack, the shutdown can result from the triggering of a device limiting the pressure of the working fluid present in the actuator.

Alternatively, this stopping can be carried out by an operator sensitive to an indicator (or sensor or transmitter) sensitive to the bearing force exerted on the wheel by the at least one bearing surface, or else sensitive to the deployment of the structure, in particular when the deployment is caused by a “manual” actuator moved by the operator.

According to another aspect of the invention, a support device is proposed which comprises:

- a deformable structure comprising at least one support member, arranged to be able to be engaged, at least in part, between the wheel and the work surface, resting on the work surface, and so that at least one support extends away from the wheel;

- Means for deforming the deformable structure until at least one support member is in support under the wheel; and

- Means for stopping the deformation of the deformable structure when - or shortly before - the support of the at least one support member on the wheel (does) compensates for the weight of the wheel.

The support device may include several support members designed to come to bear respectively on several zones or portions of the tread which extend along the lower part of the wheel.

A mechanism for moving the support member (organs) is arranged to move the support member (organs) from a position distant from the tread to a contact and support position under the tread.

An actuator is arranged to actuate the displacement mechanism and deform the deformable structure, in particular an actuator comprising an output member (such as a rod or a shaft) linked to the displacement mechanism.

The means for stopping the deformation of the deformable structure may consist of means for limiting the component of the resultant of the support forces exerted on the tread which is perpendicular to the work surface and directed towards the wheel, to a value determined which is (slightly) less than or substantially equal to the weight of the wheel, so as to prevent lifting of the wheel.

The support device comprises means for immobilizing the movement mechanism in the contact and support position.

The means for limiting the support on the wheel may include a device limiting or indicating force or torque output from the actuator, an actuator stop control circuit connected to a sensor sensitive to force. support, a device limiting or indicating the pressure of the driving fluid of the actuator, or a mechanical member allowing the displacement of a support member towards the base.

At least one support member can be mounted mobile, relative to the base, in a translational movement perpendicular to the laying plane, in a translational movement parallel to the laying plane, in a rotational movement whose axis of rotation is parallel to the laying plane, or according to a combination of these movements.

To ensure the stability of the support device, the smallest dimension (or width) of the base, measured in a plane parallel to the laying plane, is preferably greater than or equal to the width (or thickness) of the tread of the wheel.

For this purpose also, the width of the base can be at least close to the length of articulated arms of the deformable structure, in particular at least substantially equal to the length of the articulated arms of greater length of the deformable structure.

Furthermore, the largest dimension (or length) of the base can be at least close to twice the width of the base, in particular greater than or equal to double the width of the base.

For this purpose also, the width of each surface or support member, measured along the axis of measurement of the width of the base, may be greater than or equal to the width of the tread.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for mounting (respectively disassembling) a motorcycle wheel in which the wheel is supported as described in the present application, while maintaining the axis of rotation of the wheel. substantially horizontal, and in which a shaft is introduced into the hub (respectively a shaft is extracted from the hub) of the wheel.

Other aspects, characteristics, and advantages of the invention appear in the following description which refers to the appended figures and illustrates, without any limiting character, embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a wheel support device above a work surface.

Figure 2 is a schematic side view of another support device for a wheel above a work surface.

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a device for adjusting the height of a support plate for a wheel above a work surface, in the picked up configuration (minimum height).

Figure 4 is a schematic side view of the device illustrated in Figure 3 in which the articulated structure of the device is deployed.

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of another device for adjusting the height of a support plate for a wheel above a work surface, in the deployed configuration.

FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the base of the articulated device illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the drive part of the articulated device illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view of a manual mechanical linear actuator, with two directions of actuation (double acting), in a “neutral” and locked configuration, ie at rest.

Figures 9 to 15 are schematic side views of other wheel support devices above a work surface.

FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view of the actuator illustrated in FIG. 8, in an actuation configuration causing the output member to slide in a first direction.

Figure 17 is a schematic plan view of the actuator illustrated in Figure 8, in an actuation configuration causing sliding of the output member in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Figure 18 is a schematic plan view of the actuator shown in Figure 8, in an unlocking configuration allowing free sliding of the output member relative to the body of the actuator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Unless expressly or implicitly indicated otherwise, identical or similar elements or members - structurally or functionally - are designated by identical references in the various figures.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 in particular, the device 10 serves to support a wheel 11 of a vehicle, above and at a distance from a work surface 12 such as the ground or the upper surface of a lifting table, the wheel being suspended from a vehicle suspension mechanism.

In FIGS. 1 to 4 and 9 to 15, the external contour of a lower part of the tire of the wheel 11 is shown in broken lines.

To support the wheel, the device 10 comprises a deployable (or otherwise deformable) structure 13 between a picked-up configuration such as that illustrated in FIG. 3, in which the structure 13 has a minimum height 14 and is not in contact with the wheel, and a deployed configuration such as those illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, in which the structure 13 is supported under the wheel by one or more surface (s) of support member (s) (marked 16 to 22, 103, 104 , 50 in the figures).

Each support surface can be flat or left, for example in the form of a gutter, and can be smooth or rough, for example tear or abrasive.

The minimum height 14 is for example close to 2 to 4 centimeters.

In the picked up configuration, the surface (s) of support (s) under the wheel carried by the structure 13 is (are) at a maximum distance from the wheel.

Figures 1, 2, and 11 to 15 illustrate the deployable structure 13 in an intermediate configuration between the picked up configuration and the deployed configuration.

Each of the devices 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, 9 to 12, and 14 includes a base 23 by which the device rests by its laying plane which is substantially coincident with the work surface 12.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 in particular, the base 23 has an elongated shape along a longitudinal axis 24 and comprises two substantially identical longitudinal members 25, 26, parallel to Taxe 24, extending on either side of Taxe 24, and connected by three crosspieces 27 to 29.

Each spar 25, 26 has a first projection 37 traversed by a cylindrical orifice 38, the two respective projections 37 of the two spars being connected by the cross member 28, and the respective two orifices 38 of the two spars being aligned along a transverse axis 39 parallel to the installation plan and perpendicular to Tax 24.

Each spar 25, 26 comprises, at its longitudinal end opposite to that comprising the cross member 29, a second projection 40 traversed by a cylindrical orifice 41, the two respective projections 40 of the two spars being connected by the cross member 27, and the two respective orifices of the two longitudinal members being aligned along a transverse axis 42 parallel to the axis 39.

Each orifice 38 serves as a housing for a shaft or pivot integral with the respective lower ends of two arms 43 mounted articulated with respect to the base along the axis 39, and each orifice 41 serves as a housing for a shaft or pivot integral with the respective lower ends of two other arms 44 mounted articulated with respect to the base along the axis 42, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

Each of the devices 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, 9 to 12, and 14 also includes a drive part 30 which is arranged to slide along the axis 24 relative to the base 23, between the side members 25, 26 forming a guide structure or slide for part 30.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7 in particular, the drive part 30 has an elongated shape along the longitudinal axis 24 of the base.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 7, the part 30 comprises a first part 31 elongated along the axis 24, in the form of a thin plate, and a second part 32 provided at a longitudinal end of the plate 31 and projecting at the above the plate.

The upper surface of the plate 31 comprises two groups of five projections 33 in the form of ribs extending parallel to the axis 24.

The ribs 33 of a first group are pierced with identical cylindrical holes 34 aligned along a first transverse axis 35, and the ribs 33 of a second group are pierced with identical cylindrical holes 34 aligned along a second transverse axis 36.

Five aligned holes 34 serve as housing for a shaft or pivot integral with the respective lower ends of four arms 45 mounted articulated with respect to the part 30 along the axis 35, and the other five aligned holes 34 serve as housing for another tree or pivot integral with the respective lower ends of four other arms 46 mounted articulated with respect to the part 30 along the axis 36, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7, the height (or thickness) of the cross member 29 extending at a longitudinal end of the base 23 is greater than that of the side members 25, 26, and the height (or thickness) of the second part 32 of the part 30 is greater than that of the thin ribbed plate 31, 33.

Each of the deployable structures 13 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, 9 to 11, 14, and 15 comprises an articulated structure.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the articulated structure 13 allowing the height adjustment of the upper face 15 of support of a plate 50 comprises sixteen identical arms 43 to 46 which are articulated to the plate by their respective vertices and are articulated to the base 23 (for 8 of them) and to the drive part 30 (for 8 of them) by their respective lower ends.

Each of the arms 43 to 46 is pierced in the middle with a cylindrical orifice allowing the mutual articulation of the arms: the four arms 43 articulated to the base by their base according to Tax 39 and the four arms 45 articulated to the part 30 by their base according to Tax 35, are articulated along an axis 51 of mutual articulation common to these eight arms, which is transverse and parallel to the plane 12 of laying.

In the same way, the four arms 44 articulated to the base by their base according to Tax 42 and the four arms 46 articulated to the part 30 by their base according to Tax 36, are articulated according to another axis 52 of mutual articulation common to these eight arm, which is parallel to Tax 51.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the underside of the plate 50 has protruding longitudinal ribs 53.

Each rib 53 is pierced with an oblong opening 54 serving to receive a transverse shaft or pivot enabling the tops of the arms 43 to 46 to be articulated relative to the plate.

These openings 54 also allow the tops of the arms 43 to 46 to slide along the plate during their pivoting and movement (in height) of the plate relative to the base.

The sixteen mutually articulated arms 43 to 46 thus form two scissors each comprising eight arms extending spaced transversely, substantially regularly, substantially over the entire width of the plate 50 and substantially over the entire width of the base 23, which provides stability and high mechanical resistance to the articulated structure.

The tray and other types of support under the wheel, arms, drive, and / or base can be made by molding, for example by injecting a fiber-reinforced plastic.

To cause the deployment of the structure 13 and the rise of the plate 50, that is to say the distance of the plate relative to the base 23, the raised portion 32 is brought closer (parallel to the axis 24) to the part. 30 of the raised cross member 29 of the base 23, so as to "close" the scissors formed by the articulated arms 43 to 46.

Conversely, to cause the "folding" of the structure 13 and the descent of the plate 50, the raised portion 32 is moved away from the part 30 from the raised portion 29 of the base 23, so as to "open" the scissors formed by the arms 43 to 46 articulated.

The minimum height configuration is obtained when the longitudinal axes of the arms 43 to 46 (rectilinear) form, with the laying plane 12, an acute angle of small value, for example an angle less than five or ten degrees.

In this configuration, the arms and the ribs of the plate can be supported on areas of thinner parts of the base and of the drive part.

The articulated structure 13 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises arms 43, 44 articulated on the base 23 by their base and articulated on the plate 50 by their top.

The articulated structure 13 also comprises arms 45, 46 articulated to the drive part 30 by their base and articulated in the middle of the arms 43, 44 by their top.

The device 10 comprises a tool 55 used to slide the drive part 30 relative to the base 23, along a drive axis 56 substantially coincident with the common longitudinal axis 24 of the base and the part 30, and therefore located a short distance from the laying surface 12.

To do this, the device 10 comprises an actuating rod 57 extending along an axis 58 parallel to the axis 56.

The rod 57 extends through the extension 29 and the tool 55 and is fixed to the extension 32 of the part 30 by a first 57a of its two longitudinal ends, the second end 57b of the rod extending to distance from tool 55.

Tool 55 is a linear mechanical actuator with manual actuation such as those forming part of pump clamps or "one-handed" clamps.

The tool 55 comprises a body 55c fixed to the extension 29 of the base 23, a handle 55a and a trigger 55b.

To deploy the structure 13 and bring the plate 50 closer to the wheel 11, an operator can grasp the handle 55a of the tool 55 with one hand and actuate the trigger 55b, so as to exert traction on the rod 57 which causes a mutual approximation of the extensions 29, 32, and therefore a sliding of the part 30 relative to the base 23 according to arrow 59, this sliding causing a rise of the plate 50 by the action of the articulated arms.

To prevent the drop of the plate 50 supporting the wheel 11 under the effect of the weight of the latter, once the wheel is detached from the vehicle suspension, the tool 55 may include a mechanism preventing the sliding of the rod 57 in one direction opposite to that of arrow 59, and therefore immobilizing the movement mechanism of the plate.

To limit the support force of the plate 50 under the wheel 11, the operator has a tactile indicator consisting of the feeling of resistance opposed by the trigger 55b when the operator presses the trigger.

For the same purpose, at least part of the actuating member 57 (rod 57) driven by the tool 55 may have an elongation capacity (preferably elastic) such that a tensile force of the axis 58 exerted by the actuator 55 on the member 57 and sufficient to cause a support of the plate on the wheel exceeding the weight of the wheel, causes the elongation of the member 57 without moving the part 30.

Alternatively, this limitation of the force on the wheel can be operated by a return member connected to the base 23 and to the part 30, for example a spring (not shown) bearing on the risers 29, 32 and subjected to compression during mutual reconciliation 59 of the extensions.

Alternatively, a device for limiting the tensile force exerted by the tool 55 on the rod 57 can be placed in the body of the tool.

The support members under the wheel of the device 10 illustrated in FIG. 2 are two rollers 16, 17 respectively mounted to rotate at the tops of the two arms 43, 44, along axes of rotation parallel to the articulation axes of the arms 43 to 46 and perpendicular in the plane of the figure.

These rollers can be supported under the tire of the wheel 11 by their respective external surfaces forming the bearing surfaces of the device 10.

In this embodiment, the actuation tool for moving the bearing surfaces comprises a pump 60, in particular an air pump which can be formed by a bellows to be actuated by an operator's foot or else by a bladder (or "pear") which can be actuated by one (only) operator's hand.

The outlet port of the pump 60 is connected to a sealed deformable body 61, by a conduit 62 fitted with a non-return valve 63.

A bypass of the conduit 62 includes a drain valve 64.

The body 61 may for example have a cushion or bellows shape, has an elongation capacity along the actuating axis 58, and is fixed or placed in abutment against the extension 29.

The rod 57 is fixed by its end 57a to the riser 32, passes through the riser 29 and the body 61, and is fixed to a wall 61a at the end of the body 61 by its second end 57b.

To deploy the structure 13, an operator can actuate the pump 60 with one hand or one foot, so as to cause an increase in the pressure in the body 61 and an elongation of the body 61.

This results in a displacement along arrow 59 of the wall 61a and a pull on the rod 57 which causes a mutual approach of the extensions 29, 32, and therefore a sliding of the part 30 relative to the base 23 and a rise of the plate 50.

The valve 63 prevents the fluid contained in the cylinder body 61 from escaping through the conduit 62 as long as the operator does not open the drain valve 64, and therefore prevents the pressure of this fluid in the body 61 from falling. cylinder.

As a result, the rod 57 cannot then move in the opposite direction to the arrow 59 and the support members 16, 17 cannot be lowered under the effect of the weight of the wheel 11.

To limit the bearing force of the rollers 16, 17 under the wheel 11, the device 10 includes a calibrated valve 65 connected to the body 61 and limiting the pressure of the fluid contained in the body 61, so as to limit the force of traction exerted on the rod 57 by the wall 61a of the jack.

Alternatively or in addition, the device may include an indicator of the pressure prevailing in the body of the jack, in order to allow the operator observing the indicator not to exceed a determined pressure corresponding to the tensile force on the rod 57 which is necessary and sufficient to compensate for the weight of the wheel.

For the simplification of FIGS. 9 to 12, 14, and 15 and of the following description, the main components of the mechanism for moving the bearing surfaces under the wheel, which are identical or similar to those illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7, are schematically represented by continuous lines, the drive part 30, 32 being represented by broken lines, and the articulations of the arms being represented by small blackened discs.

The actuator 70 of the mechanisms for moving the bearing surfaces on the wheel illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 12 and 14 can be a mechanical hand cylinder 55 identical or similar to that of FIG. 1, or a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder 60, 61 identical or similar to that of FIG. 2, or else a portable rotary tool such as a screwdriver driving in translation a rack forming the actuating member 57, for example.

The actuator 70 linked to the extension 29 can exert traction on a drive member 57 connected to the extension 32, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 12, or can exert traction on the part 30 via a link deformable 71 (such as a strap or a cable) which connects the actuator to the part 30, as illustrated in FIG. 14.

With reference to FIG. 9, the arms 44, 46 are hinged to each other in the middle, the arm 44 being articulated by its base to the base 23 and the arm 46 being articulated by its base to the part 30.

Each of the arms 44, 46 supports at its top a plate 18, 19 pivotally mounted on an axis of rotation parallel to the axes of articulation of the arms and perpendicular to the plane of the figure.

The pivoting of each plate from a horizontal rest position can be counteracted by a return spring, so that the inclination of the plates can provide the operator with an indication of the bearing force exerted by the plates under the wheel.

With reference to FIG. 10, the device 10 can comprise a support member 20, the shape of which at rest can be that of a flat plate, which is pivotally mounted at the top of the arm 46 and is mounted sliding or sliding at the top arm 44.

By this mounting and an elastic deformation capacity of the member 20, this member can be arranged to match the shape (in an arc of a circle) of the portion of the wheel against which the member is supported by the articulated structure 13 , when this bearing force compensates for the weight of the wheel, as illustrated in FIG. 10.

The observation by the operator of the deformation of the member 20 and / or of the spacing between the longitudinal ends of the member 20 and the periphery of the wheel, can thus constitute a visual indicator of the force of maximum support to apply so as not to lift the wheel.

With reference to FIG. 11, the device 10 comprises a first bearing surface on the wheel which is formed by the external surface of a roller 16 which is mounted to move (at the end of an articulated arm 44) in rotation relative to the base 23, the part 30 being movable in translation along the axis 24 relative to the base.

The device 10 comprises a second bearing surface 21 formed by an upper surface of a rigid column 72 fixed to the base 23. The surface 21 is inclined relative to the laying plane in order to enlarge the contact area between the arm ( or column) "fixed" 72 and the wheel 11.

In this embodiment, the device 10 can be positioned by the operator so that the surface 21 is in contact with the wheel, before deploying the articulated structure 13 carrying the movable bearing surface 16 to bring this surface 16 resting on the wheel.

To facilitate the installation of the device under a wheel, the base and / or the drive part may (may) include displacement means with low friction on the work surface, such as casters (marked 99 in FIG. 5). or skids (marked 100 in FIG. 1), in particular skates comprising a coating promoting their sliding on the work surface.

With reference to FIG. 12, the device 10 comprises two columns 72, 73 respectively comprising two support surfaces 21, 22 at their upper end.

Each column 72, 73 is mounted movable in translation along an axis 76, 77 relative to a guide 74, 75, the axes 76, 77 being perpendicular to the laying plane.

The guide 75 is fixed to a drive part 30 sliding along a base 23 on which the guide 74 is fixed.

An actuator 70 causes the part 30 to slide, causing the guides 74, 75 as well as the columns 72, 73 and therefore the surfaces 72, 73 to move together, parallel to the laying plane 12, until the surfaces 21 , 22 come to rest on the wheel 11.

Two springs 78, 79 bearing on the base of the columns 72, 73 respectively, allow the displacement of the bearing surfaces by sliding the columns along the axes 76, 77, towards the base, when the bearing force of the columns on the wheel exceeds a determined value.

With reference to FIG. 13, the device 10 comprises a deformable structure 13 comprising two jacks 61 whose body is deformable (expandable) along two axes 80, 81 respectively, which are supplied with fluid under pressure by a pump 60, in particular a manual drive air pump.

Each jack is fixed on a base 23 which rests by its base on the laying plane 12.

Each cylinder has an upper face 103, 104 forming a bearing surface on an area of the wheel 11, the surfaces 103, 104 thus being movable in translation perpendicular to the laying plane, along the two parallel axes 80, 81, depending of the pressure of the fluid contained in the bodies of the cylinders.

Each conduit 62 connecting the pump to one of the jacks is provided with a valve 63 preventing the jack from being crushed when the wheel rests on the bearing faces 103, 104, as long as an operator does not open a valve. 64 for draining the fluid.

Each cylinder is also provided with a valve 65 limiting the pressure in the cylinder and the force exerted by the cylinder under the wheel.

With reference to FIG. 15, the device 10 comprises an articulated structure 13 comprising two first connecting rods 91, 93 articulated relative to the base 23 along transverse axes (perpendicular to the plane of the figure), two second connecting rods 90, 92 articulated relative to to the plate 50 along transverse axes, the connecting rods 90, 92 being articulated by their respective bases at the top of the connecting rods 91, 93 along also transverse axes.

A hand actuator 55 supported on the articulation of the connecting rods 90, 91 can exert a traction, along an axis 58 parallel to the laying plane, on a link such as a rod 57, one end 57a of which is linked to the articulation of the two other connecting rods 92, 93, so as to bring these two articulations together and to cause the plate 50 to move away from the base 23, until the plate comes to bear under the wheel.

With reference to FIGS. 8 and 16 to 18, the linear incremental actuator 55 (step by step advance) comprises two output members in the form of bars or rods 57 extending along an actuating axis 58 and which can - or non - linked, in particular rigidly linked.

Each rod 57 can extend through the extension 29 of the base (in particular Figures 1 and 2), and crosses the body 55c of the tool 55: each rod 57 can be fixed to the extension 32 of the part 30 (figures 1 and 2 in particular), by a first 57a of its two longitudinal ends, the second end 57b of each rod extending outside the body 55c which can be fixed to the extension 29 of the base.

The actuator 55 comprises a handle 55a rigidly secured to the body 55c, and a lever 55b for actuating the tool by a hand of an operator engaged around the handle 55a, which lever is pivotally mounted relative to the body 55c according to an axis 94 perpendicular to the plane of Figures 8 and 16 to 18.

The actuator 55 comprises one or more first drive wedges 95, for example in the form of plates or blades, which are engaged around a first rod 57 (that in the lower part of the figures and 16 to 18), and are maintained in contact with the lever 55b by a spring 96.

The actuator 55 comprises one or more first locking wedges 97, for example in the form of plates or blades, which are engaged around the first rod 57 and are kept inclined by a spring 98.

The members 95 to 98 form a first drive mechanism in translation of the first rod 57, according to Tax 58, in a first direction (from left to right), by pivoting of the lever 55b according to Tax 94, which is identical or similar to those described in patents US1986166A, GB1408886A, and US5009134A.

The tool 55 comprises a second handle 155a rigidly secured to the body 55c, and a second lever 155b for actuating the tool by an operator's hand engaged around the handle 155a, which is pivotally mounted relative to the body 55c along an axis 194 parallel to Tax 94.

The actuator 55 includes one or more second shims 195 for driving, for example in the form of plates or blades, which are engaged around a second rod 57 (that in the upper part of FIGS. 8 and 16 to 18), and are held in contact with lever 155b by a spring 196.

The actuator 55 comprises one or more second locking wedges 197 engaged around the second rod 57 and kept inclined by a spring 198.

The members 195 to 198 form a second drive mechanism in translation of the second rod 57, according to Taxe 58, in a second direction (from right to left) opposite to the first direction, by pivoting of the lever 155b according to Taxe 194, which is identical to the first mechanism 95 to 98.

The actuator 55 further comprises a member 200 for unlocking these two drive mechanisms, for example in the form of a bar or plate, which is pivotally mounted along an axis “of unlocking” parallel and coplanar with the axes 94, 194, and substantially equidistant from these two axes.

In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 8, the locking wedges 197 are held at an angle thanks to the contact of their base with the top of the driving wedges 95 and to the action of the springs 96, 198, the spring 96 bearing on the shims 95 having a higher stiffness than that of the spring 198 for bearing on the shims 197. In the same way, the locking shims 97 are held at an angle by virtue of the contact of their top with the base of the drive shims 195 and when the springs 196, 98 act, the spring 196 bearing on the shims 195 has a higher stiffness than that of the spring 98 bearing on the shims 97.

In this position, the two rods 57 are blocked in translation.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, a pull on the “trigger” 55b for raising the platform, first causes an inclination of the drive wedges 95 and then their displacement of a few millimeters (for example of the order of 5 to 10 mm) along of the axis 58, from left to right, the inclined shims 95 causing the first rod 57 in their movement. This movement of the driving shims 95 and the support of the spring 198 at the same time makes it possible to release (“straighten”) the shims 197 for locking the second rod 57, thus allowing the two rods 57 to be translated simultaneously and identically. During and at the end of this movement, the locking wedges 97 remain inclined, which keeps the rod 57 in position when the trigger 55b is released.

The approach of the support plate towards the wheel can thus be carried out, "by pumping" on the handle 55a, 55b, ie. by several successive actions on the lever 55b.

To move the support plate away from the wheel, for example to finely adjust the support force or to modify the height of the support plate when replacing a wheel whose tire is worn by a wheel fitted with a new tire, the second mechanism 194 to 198 is actuated as described above for the 98 mechanism, by action on the lever or "trigger" 155b, as illustrated in FIG. 17, so as to move the shims 195 and the rods 57 of the right to left.

The unlocking member 200 is arranged to be able to be supported on the first locking wedge (s) 97, for example by a first of its two longitudinal ends, and to be able to be (simultaneously) supported on the second (s) locking wedges 197, for example by a second of its two longitudinal ends, by a rotation of the member 200 (here counterclockwise).

It is thus possible, by pivoting the member 200, to “straighten” the shims 97, 197 which then extend perpendicular to the axis 58, as in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 18, so as to “release” the rods 57 and allow their free sliding along the axis 58.

Thus, according to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a linear actuator comprising two substantially identical mechanisms for driving in translation of at least one member 57 for output relative to the body 55c of the actuator, each drive mechanism comprising a lever 55b, 155b, at least one piece 95, 195 of drive engaged around the output member and at least one locking piece 97, 197 engaged around the output member, piece 95, 195 d drive of a mechanism cooperating with the piece (respectively 197, 97) for locking the other mechanism to allow incremental translation of the output member in two opposite directions, respectively by action on the two levers, and in particular such an actuator comprising a member 200 for unlocking the drive mechanisms.

According to another aspect of the invention, a wheel support is proposed, the height of which is adjustable by an incremental linear actuator with manual actuation.

Claims (10)

Claims 1 - Device (10) for supporting a wheel (11) of a vehicle above a work surface (12), characterized in that it comprises; - a deformable structure (13) comprising at least one support member (16 to 22, 103, 104, 50), arranged to be able to be engaged, at least in part, between the wheel and the work surface, resting on the work surface, and so that the support member (s) extend (s) away from the wheel; - Means (55, 57, 60, 61, 61a, 70) for deforming the deformable structure until the at least one support member is in support under the wheel; and - Means (65, 78, 79) for stopping the deformation of the deformable structure when - or before - the support of the support member (s) on the wheel compensates for the weight of the wheel. 2 - Device according to claim 1 which comprises a mechanism for moving the support member (organs) which is arranged to move the support member (organs) from a position distant from the wheel to a contact and support position under the wheel, and an actuator (55, 57, 60, 61, 61a, 70) arranged to actuate the movement mechanism and deform the deformable structure, in particular a linear actuator comprising a member (57 , 61a) movable in translation output (59), which is linked to the movement mechanism. 3 - Device according to claim 2 which comprises means for immobilizing the movement mechanism in the contact and support position. 4 - Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the means for stopping the deformation of the deformable structure consist of means for limiting the component of the resultant of the support forces exerted on the wheel which is perpendicular to the working surface and directed towards the wheel, at a determined value which is less than or equal to the weight of the wheel. 5 - Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the means (65, 78, 79) for stopping the deformation and for limiting the support on the wheel comprise a device limiting or indicating force or torque output of an actuator, an actuator stop control circuit connected to a sensor sensitive to the support force, a device limiting or indicating the pressure of the actuating motor fluid, or a mechanical member allowing the displacement of a support member towards a base (23). 6 - Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 which comprises a base (23) extending along a plane (12) for placing the device on the work surface, and wherein at least one member of support is mounted mobile, relative to the base, in a translational movement perpendicular to the laying plane, in a translational movement parallel to the laying plane, in a rotational movement whose axis of rotation is parallel to the laying plane , or a combination of these movements. 7 - Device according to any one of claims 2 to 6 wherein the movement mechanism comprises a part (30) of drive mounted slidably relative to the base or to the support member (to organs) along an axis ( 56) drive substantially parallel to the laying plane, and in which the actuator (55, 57, 60, 61, 61a, 70) is arranged to cause the sliding of the drive part. 8 - Device according to any one of claims 2 to 7 wherein the actuator (55, 57, 60, 61, 61a, 70) is arranged to be driven by one hand or one foot of an operator. 9 - Device according to any one of claims 2 to 8 wherein the actuator (55) is a mechanical or pneumatic actuator, and / or a portable tool such as a pneumatic or cordless screwdriver. 10 - A method of mounting - respectively disassembly - of a wheel (11) of a motorcycle in which the wheel is supported with a device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, while maintaining the axis of rotation of the wheel substantially horizontal, and into which we introduce 5 a shaft in the hub - respectively a shaft is extracted from the hub - of the wheel. 1/15