AU2017208380A1 - Two Piece Lock Ring Limiter Clamps - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus controlling movement of individual halves of a two piece lock ring whilst being fitted or removed from a wheel rim. The apparatus functions by being clampingly connected to free moving halves of the lock ring by system 32, 33 and shafts 38, 40 bringing the limiter clamp blocks locked together and secured with clamp 36. One apparatus allows the two lock ring halves 11, 11 a to have a controlled fixed pivot distance outwards determined by limiting abutment faces 43, 45 and restricted lateral movement of the lock ring halves 11, 11 a by alignment and connecting shafts 38, 40 in an interacting function restricting any twist motion between lock ring halves. A second apparatus connected and clamped to the free end of the lock ring halves 11,11 a enables clamping onto a wheel rim effectively retaining the tyre and associated parts. a 32 21 33\ 15 30 40 Open Two Piece Lock Ring with Limiter Clamps Figure 2

Description

TITLE OF INVENTION

Two Piece Lock ring limiter clamps

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] This invention relates to apparatus for, and a method of, facilitating safe removal and fitting of a two piece lock ring from a rim assembly of a vehicle wheel.

BACKGROUND ART [0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] Certain vehicles, such as heavy haulage vehicles (including in particular large earth moving vehicles commonly referred to as Haulpacks, and wheel loaders), and rubber-tyred plant, have wheels in which tyres are fitted onto multi-piece rim assemblies. The rim assemblies comprise a rim base, a removable flange and a lock ring. Typically, the rim assemblies comprise three pieces, but certain rim assemblies comprise five pieces. Some wheels have one lock ring groove and some wheels have two lock ring grooves positioned close to each side or edge of the wheel gutter and generally referred to as double gutter wheels. The lock ring functions to hold the tyre in place by locking and securing the other components in position when the tyre is inflated. There are two types of lock ring generally used on such wheel assemblies known as one piece and two piece lock rings. A two piece lock ring being a ring cut into two equal parts, each part known as a lock ring half with a distance allowed at each end for clamping to a wheel rim.

[0004] The current system of removal of a tyre from a multi-piece rim assembly is to deflate the tyre, release the tyre outer flange by pushing it towards the centre of the wheel rim, and then release the lock ring. Where the lock ring is of a two piece construction and assembled onto the rim in two halves it is typically retained by using basic metal blocks connected onto the lock ring halves with standard hexagon bolts and connected together to form a solid clamped ring with another longer bolt and nut exposing its thread, nut and hexagon head on the outer profile of the two blocks forming

2017208380 29 Jul 2017 the block assembly, to dirt, corrosion and impact damage. After operational use it can be difficult to release these bolts from the block assembly and removal or release may require cutting off one or more of the retaining bolts. Once each half of the lock ring has been released from rim assembly, the nature of the lock ring having no restriction of movement in any direction causes it to release from the rim with minimum control of the forces generated by the dispersed weight of the two parts of the lock ring, causing the personnel working on the lock ring removal to physically control the opening and twisting forces introduced by the release and removal away from the wheel. The uncontrolled nature of the released two piece lock ring presents a danger to personnel working on the tyre removal process and other personnel in the vicinity. The lock ring and wheel profiles can also be damaged, particularly if it engages on a hard surface or strikes equipment while released or upon landing.

[0005] The two piece lock ring can also present dangers to personnel during the tyre fitting process.

[0006] It is against this background, and problems and difficulties associated therewith, that the present invention has been developed.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

TECHNICAL PROBLEM [0007] When two lock ring halves are connected at one of the two open points by clamping simple square blocks directly to the lock ring halves connected with an open cross bolt and nut connection, there is considerable difficulty in handling the independent free moving lock ring halves when released from a wheel rim groove which top position is normally a distance in excess of two metres above ground level. The main product weight being disproportionally offset from the grab point of lift at each side, forces the two lock ring halves to centrally collapse from the top in a downward manner, whilst the free twisting lateral movement means the operational personnel have to counteract these free moving forces with physical measures outside of accepted norms and safe practice.

2017208380 29 Jul 2017

SOLUTION TO PROBLEM [0008] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for allowing unencumbered release and movement of the two piece lock ring as it is separated from a rim base, the apparatus comprising a clamping portion called a limiter block, adapted to enable each limiter block to be attached to each side of each of the two sections of the lock ring with a retention and clamping device at each point of two opposite and aligned limiter clamp blocks creating a limiter clamp set and two limiter clamping sets being fitted on a two piece lock ring.

[0009] Preferably, each shaft comprising within the apparatus allows free rotation around its axis.

[0010] Preferably, each shaft comprising within the apparatus will have a system of sealing air space between shaft and adjacent component to stop contaminant ingress and allow the introduction of a lubricating medium within the sealed area.

[0011] Preferably, a limiter ciamp set comprises two limiter blocks aligned and adapted to be clampingly engaged directly to each lock ring segment but allowing each lock ring segment to freely pivot by a free rotating movement of each Limiter clamp block around the apparatus clamping device.

[0012] Preferably, the distance between the blocks is of selectively variable length [0013] Preferably, the retention and clamping device on each block will have a plain shaft with a threaded portion at one end and larger plain diameter at the other end to allow the block to be retained onto the lock ring half whilst providing free rotational movement around the plain diameter portion.

[0014] Preferably, the clamping device plain section and mating hole further comprise a forward and rear sealing formation adapted to restrict contaminant ingress allow the presence of a lubricating medium to promote free movement between shaft and block.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for controlling the lateral alignment of two lock ring segments as each separates from a wheel rim base, the apparatus being integral to the limiter clamp block portion attached to each side of each of the two sections of the lock ring and restricting lateral movement of the lock ring when separated from the wheel rim

2017208380 29 Jul 2017 [0016] Preferably, the two piece lock ring halves comprise two limiter clamping sets adapted to be clampingly engaged at opposite sides of the two piece lock ring open ends. Each set is connected with two shafts horizontally aligned and parallel to the assembled two piece lock ring centre line providing sliding, adjusting and locking function between the two limiter blocks of the limiter clamp set.

[0017] Preferably, the distance between the blocks is of selectively variable length.

[0018] Preferably, the block set comprises at least two shaft sections selectively movable one relative to another to provide the selectively variable length and clamping means to provide a fixed aspect of adjacent block sections.

[0019] Preferably, the two shaft sections are disposed in parallel relation one in a fixed aligning position and one operating in alignment, adjustment and clamping position.

[0020] Preferably, the relative geometric position of the two shafts in relation to the limiter block clamping device provides restrictive lateral movement of the two lock ring halves when one of the two limiter clamp sets is separated by disconnection.

[0021] Preferably, both shaft plain section and mating block hole further comprise a forward and rear sealing formation adapted to restrict contaminant ingress, allow a lubricating medium to maintain its’ presence and promote free movement between shaft and block.

[0022] Preferably, the threaded shaft portion of the adjustment shaft is biased towards a minimum engaged condition.

[0023] Preferably, the threaded portion of the alignment shaft is biased towards full engagement.

[0024] Preferably, the threaded portion of the adjustment shaft is biased towards the final clamping condition by a locking mechanism on the shaft thread.

[0025] Preferably, the locking mechanism comprises a manually-operable clamp for releasably clamping two sets of blocks by bringing the two lock ring halves to be tightened around the wheel rim.

2017208380 29 Jul 2017 [0026] Preferably, the locking means provides for release stability when disengaging one of the two clamping sets and separating the two lock ring halves from being tightened around the wheel rim.

[0027] Preferably, the two shaft sections are biased towards a fixed distance between shaft centres to restrict rotational, twisting movement of the lock ring halves around the adjustment shaft.

[0028] Preferably, the apparatus comprising the two shafts being integral to the limiter clamp block portion attached to each side of each of the two sections of the lock ring restricts lateral movement of the lock ring when separated from the wheel rim [0029] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for limiting the distance the two lock ring halves can pivot apart when separated from a wheel rim base, the apparatus being integral to the clamping block which being attached to each side of each of the two sections of the lock ring, provides a positive stopping point to limit the distance the lock ring halves can move apart due to the pivoting aspect of the lock ring halves when one of the limiter ciamp sets is disconnected allowing the two lock ring halves to be released from the wheel rim.

[0030] Preferably, each block comprises an offset angled section on the inner side of the blocks upper formation adapted to receive and limit the movement of, retain the lock ring section in a fixed open condition.

[0031] Preferably, the offset section of the block is configured to engage a marginal edge portion of the lock ring. Each offset section is angled to comprise an abutment having an inner face to contact the outer face of the respective marginal edge portion of the lock ring half and a side face to contact the outer side edge of the marginal edge portion of the lock ring half [0032] Preferably, the offset section acts to limit the distance the lock ring half can pivot in a rotational manner around the blocks lock ring clamping device.

[0033] Preferably, the angular face of the offset section is a fixed angle and position relative to the central point of the block clamping device.

2017208380 29 Jul 2017 [0034] Preferably, the limiter blocks are diametrically aligned and configured to permit release of the lock ring segments at either limiter clamp assembly position allowing controlled release and removal of the two piece lock ring from the wheel area.

[0035] Preferably, the relative geometric position and angle of the offset in relation to the limiter block clamping device provides a pre-determined movement of the two lock ring halves [0036] Preferably, the two lock ring halves being opened are limited in distance by the marginal area of each lock ring half contacting the corresponding inner abutment face.

[0037] Preferably, such distance of opening and abutment angle is determined by the wheel size.

[0038] Preferably, the lock ring halves are limited in all planes for controlled lifting and positioning when fitting onto or removing from a wheel rim.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION [0039] By introducing the features described in the invention, the previous free moving forces are now constrained and more easily and safely controlled by personnel when releasing and lifting a two piece lock ring away from, or onto, a wheel rim. Further, the introduction of enclosed and sealed freely rotating and sliding shafts within the configuration means the functions described in the invention create easy release of the lock ring from a rim with free directed and controlled movement in engagement of the functions of the invention even after extended operation periods in harsh environments and extreme temperatures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0040] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of one non-limiting embodiment thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a front view of the apparatus according to the embodiment connecting the two piece lock ring;

2017208380 29 Jul 2017

Figure 2 is a schematic perspective of the apparatus according to the embodiment in relation to the wheel assembly;

Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of apparatus according to the embodiment being removed or fitted onto a rim assembly from which a tyre fitted thereon is to be removed (with only part of the apparatus being shown);

Figure 4 is a schematic of the front perspective of the apparatus; and

Figure 5 is a schematic view of the apparatus in rear exploded view;

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0041] The embodiment shown in the drawings is directed to apparatus 10 to facilitate safe clamping and removal of a two piece lock ring 11 from a rim assembly 13 to which a tyre 15 is fitted. In the arrangement shown, the rim assembly 13 and the tyre 15 are for a large wheeled vehicle commonly referred to as a Haulpack or Loader.

[0042] Whereas the fitment of lock ring limiter clamp sets 10, 10a clampingiy holds the lock ring halves 11, 12 in a circular condition when each limiter clamp is connected by clamping system 32, 33 at the ends of the two lock ring halves 11,11a. The clamping shaft with thread 38, with retaining drive head 34 along with alignment shaft 40 connects aligns and positions the limiter blocks 30, 31 in a clamped condition when locking nut 36 is firmly abutted to limiter clamp 31. Disconnection of either limiter clamp set 10, 10a can occur by untightening of the clamping nut 36 from limiter clamp 31 and unscrewing shaft 38 by rotating anti clockwise using hexagonal drive 34 until shaft thread 38 no longer engages limiter clamp lock 31, allowing the two lock ring halves to separate and pivot around shafts 33, 32 at the opposing end of the released limiter clamp set.

[0043] In addition to the lock ring 11, the rim assembly 13 comprises a rim base 17 and a removable flange 19. The two piece lock ring 11 functions to hold the tyre 15 in place on the rim assembly 13 by locking and securing the flange 19 in position on the rim base 17 when the tyre is inflated.

[0044] The rim base 17 has an outer groove 23 which is utilized by the 2 halves of the lock ring connected by the apparatus 10, 10a as explained above.

2017208380 29 Jul 2017 [0045] The apparatus 10 comprises a limiter clamp block 30 and a limiter clamp block lock 31 adapted to be releasably attached to the two piece lock ring half 11, 11a.

[0046] The limiter block 30 and limiter block 31 are configured to be clampingly engaged with the lock ring halves 11, 11a with clamping system 32, 33. More particularly, the limiter clamps 30, 31 are connected together with the threaded bolt 34 which is screwed into the limiter ciamp block lock 31 and adjusted to bring the limiter clamp 30 and 31 and lock ring segments 11, 11a together to clamp into groove 23 on the wheel rim 17.

[0047] Once the limiter blocks 30, 31 are connected the locking mechanism 36 is tightened to securely lock to the limiter block 31, assembly 10 and the lock ring segments 11, 11a together.

[0048] Once the two halves of the lock ring are positioned into the groove 23 on the wheel assembly 13, with limiter clamp assembly 10 connected, limiter clamp assembly 10a is connected as described for clamp assembly 10, in position and brought to firm adjustment tightening the two piece lock ring on the wheel rim assembly 17.

[0049] The limiter block assembly 10 comprises two shafts 38, 40 situated parallel to each other. Each shaft is locked into the limiter block lock 31 and slides freely within the corresponding holes in limiter block 30 allowing the blocks to be selectively movable one relative to another in sliding relation allowing a variable distance between limiter block 30, 31, and a locking means 36 to lock the two clamp bock sections together.

[0050] In the arrangement shown, limiter clamp block sections 30, is aligned with the position of the limiter clamp 31, with shaft 38, 40 being adjusted forward or back by turning the threaded shaft 38 with the recessed hexagonal drive 34. The shaft 40 moving freely a corresponding distance within limiter block 30 comprising the corresponding shaft alignment hole.

[0051] The two shaft sections 38, 40 are slidingly moveable between extended and retracted conditions. The two limiter block sections 30, 31 are biased towards a minimum extended condition by a locking mechanism 36 accommodating a sealing feature over the plain shaft area of 38.

[0052] The two shaft sections 38, 40 being parallel at a set distance apart on a plane 90 degrees to the clampingly engaging clamping system 32, 33 create a resistive force

2017208380 29 Jul 2017 against rotational movement around shaft 38 stopping lateral movement of lock ring halves 11, 11a in opposing configuration keeping them in a concentric and aligned position.

[0053] Each clamp section 30, 31 is configured to engage the outer marginal edge portion 42, 44 of the lock ring. Each ciamp section 30, 31 comprises an abutment 43, 45 adapted to contact the outer face 42, 44 of the outer marginal edge of the lock ring segment having an inclined top face and a side face 47, 48 adapted to contact the side edge 49, 50 of the marginal edge portion 42, 44 of the of the lock ring half.

[0054] The two angled abutment surfaces 43, 45 being aligned and obtuse in angle creates a determined opposed opening position between the two lock ring halves 11, 11a when abutment 43, 45 contact marginal edge portions 42, 44 thus limiting the distance 11, 11a can separate.

[0055] . A stable handling condition is promoted with 11, 11a as a consequence of the non-twisting feature of shafts 38, 40 in relation to 11, 11a moving apart to limiting maximum open distance by contact to the abutment surfaces 43, 45 being in contact with marginal edge portion of the lock ring halves 42, 44 adapted to hold the lock ring halves at a pre-determined maximum distance apart.

[0056] Any opposing lateral forces applied between limiter clamp assembly 10, along lock ring halves 11, 11a towards positions 14, 15 are resisted and maintain minimal twisting movement between limiter blocks 30, 31 by shaft 38, 40 positioned a fixed distance apart, parallel and on a plane 90 degrees to the front plane of the aligned position of the two lock ring halves.

[0057] When the tyre 15 is to be removed from the rim assembly 13, the tyre is first deflated, and depending on the resting position the wheel, allowing release of the lower of the two limiter clamp assemblies 10, 10a by unlocking the clamp nut 36 and rotating the shaft 38 with the hexagonal drive 34 until apart. The lock ring halves 11, 11a are prised or otherwise separated and lifted out of engagement from the rim groove 23 of assembly 13, the lock ring halves 11, 11a are moved in an outward motion away from the wheel rim 13, until the marginal edge portion of the lock ring half 11, 11a make positive contact with the abutment surfaces 43, 45 of the limiter blocks 30, 31. The lock ring halves 11, 11a, being at maximum separated distance apart the two piece lock ring

2017208380 29 Jul 2017 assembly 12 is moved away from the wheel rim in a controlled manner allowing the weight of the two piece lock ring to be applied as an equal lifting force controlled by the tyre personnel, one each side. The two piece lock ring is maintained in a stable horizontal and vertical plane during its path along its removal trajectory by the upper and side formations of the limiter configurations in conjunction with the resistive rotational force created by the sliding and locking shafts 38, 40.

[0058] It should be appreciated the method of removing the two piece lock ring described above can be used in its reverse when the tyre 15 is fitted onto the wheel assembly 13.

[0059] If desired, the apparatus 10, 10a can also be used to maintain connection of the two piece lock ring 11, 11a prior to its installation onto a wheel rim assembly 13, and prior to and during fitment of a replacement tyre.

[0060] From the foregoing, it is evident that the present embodiment provides a simple yet highly effective arrangement to allow safe removal and fitting of a two piece lock ring on a wheel rim assembly.

[0061] It should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiment described.

[0062] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word comprise or variations such as comprises or comprising, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims (4)

1. Apparatus for controlling a two piece lock ring as it separates from a rim base, the apparatus comprising two limiter block portions adapted to be releasably attached to each side of each half of a two piece lock ring incorporating free movement around the clamping system.

2. Apparatus for controlling the lateral movement of a two piece lock ring when it is separated from a wheel rim, the limiter clamping set comprising apparatus to effectively connect, align, adjust and clamp the limiter blocks together and restrict lateral movement between the two attached lock ring halves when not connected to the wheel rim.

3. Apparatus for controlling the aligned pivotal and twisting movement between the two parts of a two piece lock ring as it separates from or is not connected to a wheel rim, the apparatus comprising within each limiter clamp set pre-determined obtuse angular abutment faces to contact and position each lock ring half a fixed pivoted distance apart.

4. A method of removing and fitting a two piece lock ring from a rim base using apparatus according to claim 1, 2, 3.