Abstract: The present invention relates to communication system for tyre service machine being configured for receiving tyre and/or rim of vehicle wheel rotatably about rotation axis, the communication system comprising at least one processing unit and at least one measuring unit, at least one measuring unit comprising at least one sensor component for measuring at least one property of wheel, processing component for processing data acquired by at least one sensor component and/or for processing input data received from at least one of at least one processing unit, at least one processing unit and at least one measuring unit each comprising data communication component for receiving data from and/or transmitting data to another data communication component. The data communication component of processing unit and data communication components of at least one measuring unit are arranged for communicating wirelessly with each other in accordance with at least one sensor-independent protocol.

Abstract: A tire mounting/demounting tool assembly for a tire mounting/demounting machine comprises a carrier unit having a first as well as a second end and being provided with first support means for receiving a bead breaker tool and second support means for receiving a mounting support tool, a bead breaker tool for loosening the tire bead from the rim edge of a wheel, having a first as well as a second end, the first end is provided with at least one bead breaker tool element and the second end is adapted to be mounted to the carrier unit via the first support means, and a mounting support tool for supporting the mounting of at least one tire bead of a tire to be mounted on a rim, the mounting support tool having a first as well as a second end, the first end is provided with a mounting support tool element and the second end is adapted to be mounted to the carrier unit via the second support means.

Abstract: A holding device for a rim of a vehicle wheel, comprising a base plate, a plurality of retaining elements, a synchronization element, and a locking element for locking a rotational position of at least one of the plurality of retaining elements or the synchronization element. The plurality of retaining elements and the synchronization element comprise corresponding coupling portions for form-fitting coupling of the rotational movement of the plurality of retaining elements and the synchronization element. Any one of the synchronization element or at least one of the plurality of retaining elements comprises an elastic coupling portion, biasing the corresponding coupling portions of the synchronization element and the retaining elements towards each other for ensuring the form-fitting coupling of the synchronization element and the plurality of retaining elements.

Abstract: A tire changer, comprising: a mounting device for receiving at least a wheel rim of a wheel/tire assembly, the mounting device having an axis (S), a load belt apparatus being able to contact a peripheral surface of the wheel/tire assembly and to apply a predetermined force to the peripheral surface of the wheel/tire assembly, a control device for controlling the predetermined force applied by the load belt apparatus during a rotation of the wheel/tire assembly about the axis (S) of the mounting device and a sensor device for measuring force variations acting between the peripheral surface of the wheel/tire assembly and the load belt apparatus, wherein supports of the load belt apparatus and of the mounting device are designed for a relative movement of the load belt apparatus and of the mounting device towards each other to apply the predetermined force to the peripheral surface of the wheel/tire assembly.

Abstract: A lifting device (10, 40) for at least one wheel (8) of a vehicle or for a tyre (6), said device (10, 40) comprising at least one platform (12, 41, 42) on which the wheel (8) or tyre (6) moves, said platform (12) being liftable relative to a fixed surface (P). The movable platform (12) is associated with a laser scanner (20) for detecting the state of wear of the tyre (6).

Abstract: A mounting/demounting tool for mounting/demounting a tire with respect to the rim of a vehicle wheel, comprising a tool body defining a first end of the tool, an extension from the tool body defining a second end of the tool, and a hook arranged at the extension in the vicinity of the second end. The hook has an inner surface section for gripping and guiding a tire bead during tire demounting, and a first outer surface section for guiding a tire bead during tire mounting. A protrusion extends from between the first outer surface section and a second outer surface section of the hook to the second end.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for synchronously moving first and second fitting or removal tools (300, 400) of a tire fitting or removing apparatus. When an operator moves the first fitting or removal tool (300) in a substantially radial direction with respect to a longitudinal axis (L) of a post (210) supporting the first and second fitting or removal tools (300, 400), a synchronization unit receives first and second input signals of first and second sensors (320, 420) coupled to the first and second fitting or removal tools (300, 400) and indicating a radial movement or position of the tools (300, 400). The synchronization unit generates, based on a comparison of the first and second input signals, an output signal causing an actuator (450) to move the second fitting or removal tool (400) synchronous to the first fitting or removal tool (300) in said substantially radial direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mounting/demounting tool unit for mounting a tyre to or demounting a tyre from a rim of a vehicle wheel and for being adapted to be attached to a tyre mounting/demounting machine, including: a longitudinally extending tool carrier arm having a center line and a first as well as a second end, a mounting/demounting tool having a first as well as a second end and a hook arranged in the region of the second end, and being pivotally mounted to the tool carrier arm in the region of its first end, wherein means for reversibly urging the mounting/demounting tool in a resting/operating position and for positioning the mounting/demounting tool in said resting/operating position are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for mounting/demounting a tyre (T) on a rim (R). The method comprises the steps of: determining an initial reference position for the mounting/demounting device (U1, U2), said initial reference position being proximal to an edge (E) of the wheel rim (R); linking the position of the mounting/demounting device (U1, U2) with the initial reference position; adjusting the position of the mounting/demounting device (U1, U2) with respect to either the first or the second direction; continuously detecting the position of the mounting/demounting device (U1, U2) with respect to said either first or second direction; and continuously and automatically adjusting the position of the mounting/demounting device (U1, U2), with respect to the other one of said either first or second direction, at least in dependence of the initial reference position.

Abstract: A tyre mounting/demounting tool assembly for a tyre mounting/demounting machine comprises a carrier unit having a first as well as a second end and being provided with first support means for receiving a bead breaker tool and second support means for receiving a mounting support tool, a bead breaker tool for loosening the tyre bead from the rim edge of a wheel, having a first as well as a second end, the first end is provided with at least one bead breaker tool element and the second end is adapted to be mounted to the carrier unit via the first support means, and a mounting support tool for supporting the mounting of at least one tyre bead of a tyre to be mounted on a rim, the mounting support tool having a first as well as a second end, the first end is provided with a mounting support tool element and the second end is adapted to be mounted to the carrier unit via the second support means.

Abstract: A lifting apparatus for a vehicle wheel comprising a wheel support which is selectively movable in order to lift or lower a vehicle wheel which is positioned thereon. An actuator group is connected to the wheel support in order to actuate the lifting and lowering thereof. A control unit is operationally connected to the actuator group in order to control the actuation. A lifting sensor member is provided to detect the height of the wheel support. At least one actuation instruction brings about the actuation of the actuator group in order to lift the wheel support from a lowered rest position to a predetermined lifting position, which is detected by the lifting sensor member.

Abstract: A tyre changer which comprises a mounting device for receiving at least a wheel rim of a wheel/tyre assembly, wherein the mounting device has an axis (S), a roller which is able to contact a peripheral surface of the wheel/tyre assembly and to apply a predetermined force to the peripheral surface of the wheel/tyre assembly, a control device for controlling the predetermined force applied by the during a rotation of the wheel/tyre assembly about the axis (S) of the mounting device and a sensor device for measuring force variations acting between the peripheral surface of the wheel/tyre assembly and the roller, wherein supports of the roller and of the mounting device are designed for a relative movement of the roller and of the mounting device towards each other along a straight line to apply the predetermined force to the peripheral surface of the wheel/tyre assembly.

Abstract: A tire changer which comprises a mounting device (18) for receiving at least a wheel rim of a wheel/tire assembly, wherein the mounting device (18) has an axis (S), a roller (26) which is able to contact a peripheral surface of the wheel/tire assembly (14) and to apply a predetermined force to the peripheral surface of the wheel/tire assembly (14), a control device (32) for controlling the predetermined force applied by the during a rotation of the wheel/tire assembly about the axis (S) of the mounting device and a sensor device (30) for measuring force variations acting between the peripheral surface of the wheel/tire assembly and the roller (26), wherein supports (20, 22) of the roller (26) and of the mounting device (18) are designed for a relative movement of the roller (26) and of the mounting device (18) towards each other along a straight line to apply the predetermined force to the peripheral surface of the wheel/tire assembly (14).

Abstract: The invention provides a drive assembly for tire service machines comprising a drive motor having a rotatable output drive shaft, and a wheel support. The inventive drive assembly further comprises a gear unit having at least one gearbox, wherein the at least gear box has at least a gear box input shaft and a gear box output shaft. The wheel support is in 5 direct torque transmitting connection with the gear box output shaft, and the output drive shaft of the drive motor is in a direct torque transmitting connection with the gear box input shaft of the gear box. Furthermore, the drive assembly is adapted to provide structural support.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a wheel-clamping device for wheels on wheel-service-machines with only one drive unit and further a method for clamping wheels on a wheel-clamping device of wheel-service-machines with only one drive unit. The innovative wheel-clamping device for a wheel-service-machine according to the present invention comprises a frame 20 having a through-opening 22, and a spindle 30 being rotatably supported in the through-opening 22. Further, the spindle 30 has a through-hole 32 with a mounting-side end 30b and a driving-side end 30a, which is connectable to a drive means which is provided for a rotary movement for the spindle 30, wherein the spindle 30 has an external thread 34 on an external circumferential portion. Moreover, the wheel-clamping device comprises a sleeve 50 with a turntable 58 for the wheel to be clamped, wherein the sleeve 50 has an internal thread portion 52 which is in threaded engagement with the external thread-portion 34 of the spindle 30.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for mounting a tyre on a rim or demounting a tyre from a rim. The method includes the steps of rotating the wheel (tyre/rim assembly) by an electric motor about an axis, checking the current consumption of the electric motor during the mounting and demounting operation, and continuously and automatically adjusting a specific combination of torque and speed of the electric motor during the mounting/demounting operation. The apparatus for mounting a tyre on a rim or demounting a tyre from a rim comprises an electric motor for rotating the wheel (rim/tyre assembly) about an axis, a sensing device for sensing the motor current and transmitting corresponding signals to a control device and an adjustment controller for continuously and automatically adjusting a specific combination of torque and speed of the electric motor during the mounting/demounting operation.

Abstract: A device for measuring forces generated by an unbalance of a rotor, said device comprising a stationary frame, a first bearing, measuring shaft mounted rotatably about its shaft axis in the first bearing, a mounting means provided on the measuring shaft designed for attachment of the rotor, wherein the rotor is designed to be balanced in at least one compensating plane, a second bearing pivotally supporting the first bearing about a pivot axis which intersects the shaft axis and being supported on the stationary frame, a first force sensor for measuring forces generated by the unbalance of the rotating rotor and acting about the pivot axis, and a second force sensor for measuring forces generated by the unbalance of the rotating rotor and acting on the measuring shaft and on the second bearing in a direction intersecting the shaft axis.

Abstract: Apparatus including a wheel balancing device and a tire changing device, comprising a spindle shaft for rotatably supporting a vehicle wheel or rim, unbalance measuring means operatively connected to the spindle shaft and having a spatial unbalance measuring area in which unbalance forces of the wheel or rim are detected, tire changer tools for assembling a tire onto a rim, spindle supporting means supporting the spindle shaft in a force acting range in which forces are created between the tire changer tools and the tire during the assembling or disassembling of the tire, tool supporting means supporting the tire changer tools within the force acting range which is arranged outside of the spatial unbalance measuring area, and drive means driving the spindle shaft with a rotational speed and torque adapted for assembling and disassembling the tire or for measuring unbalance forces of the wheel or rim.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for contactless determining a behavior of a loaded tyre or wheel, comprising the steps of determining a contour of at least a portion of the tyre or wheel; simulating loading of the tyre or wheel with a virtual loading element bearing against the tyre for at least one rotary position of the wheel on the basis of the determined contour, a displacement of the determined contour caused by the virtual loading element and at least one parameter associated to the tyre or wheel or to a part of the tyre; and determining the behavior of the loaded wheel using the simulation results.

Abstract: A tyre changer, comprising: a mounting device for receiving at least a wheel rim of a wheel/tyre assembly, the mounting device having an axis (S), a load belt apparatus being able to contact a peripheral surface of the wheel/tyre assembly and to apply a predetermined force to the peripheral surface of the wheel/tyre assembly, a control device for controlling the predetermined force applied by the load belt apparatus during a rotation of the wheel/tyre assembly about the axis (S) of the mounting device and a sensor device for measuring force variations acting between the peripheral surface of the wheel/tyre assembly and the load belt apparatus, wherein supports of the load belt apparatus and of the mounting device are designed for a relative movement of the load belt apparatus and of the mounting device towards each other to apply the predetermined force to the peripheral surface of the wheel/tyre assembly.