METHOD

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method for fitting and/or removing wheel nuts.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Mining vehicles such as haul trucks, just like many other vehicles, require wheels to be removed at various times, such as when replacement of tyres is necessary. Such mining vehicles pose particular problems and hazards, however, particularly due to their large size.

[0003] The wheels of mining vehicles are generally far too large for people to move, requiring specialist machinery to lift and carry the wheels to be fitted or once wheel nuts are removed. However, the operator fitting or removing the wheel nuts is in danger if the wheel falls during the fitting or removal process. In fact, workers are sometimes killed from such accidents.

[0004] Each wheel may also be held in place by a large number of nuts, often over 30 for a single rim. This makes the process of removing even a single wheel a time consuming and therefore expensive operation.

[0005] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

SUMMARY

[0006] The present invention seeks to provide an apparatus and method for fitting and/or removing wheel nuts that improves the safety of personnel. [0007] According to one aspect, there is provided an apparatus for fitting and/or removing wheel nuts, the apparatus including a base structure that supports a movable wheel engaging portion, the wheel engaging portion including a socket wrench and a positioning device, wherein the positioning device can be used to locate the wheel engaging portion to aid the socket wrench to fit or remove a wheel nut.

[0008] In a preferred form, the invention has the advantage of removing the need for persons to be located close to the wheel during fitting or removal.

[0009] According to another aspect, the wheel engaging portion supports the socket wrench and the positioning device on an annular rotatable member. Preferably, the positioning device is configured to locate the rotatable member in a position concentric to a wheel, such that rotation of the rotatable member allows the socket wrench to access subsequent wheel nuts.

[0010] In a preferred form, the socket wrench is movable in a direction towards or away from a central axis of the rotatable member. This allows the apparatus to be used on a range of wheels with different wheel nut locations. In one form, the rotatable member includes an annular control ring coaxial with the rotatable member, such that rotating the annular ring relative to the rotatable member causes the socket wrench to be moved relative to the rotatable member. This may provide for inward and outward movement, and in a situation where there are multiple socket wrenches they may all be moved simultaneously and automatically maintained at equivalent locations.

[0011] In one form, the socket wrench is extendable in a direction parallel to the axis of the rotatable member. This allows the socket wrench to reach a wheel nut, remove the wheel nut, and then retreat before being rotated to another location, without the need to move the entire apparatus or even the entire wheel engaging portion.

[0012] Preferably, the rotatable member has a central void, such that an inner wheel can be accessed by receiving an outer hub within the void. Also preferably, the apparatus includes a plurality of socket wrenches, which may be evenly spaced around the rotatable member. [0013] In one form, the positioning device includes a rim engaging member. This ensures accurate positioning of the device, however in other forms the positioning device may include a remote sensor or another suitable means.

[0014] In a more preferred form, the apparatus is configured to automatically locate and remove all wheel nuts of a wheel fitted to a vehicle. In such a form, the apparatus may include a wheel nut collection device and/or a wheel nut supply device. Also preferably, the apparatus includes a wheel holding device.

[0015] According to one aspect, the apparatus is configured to fit or remove wheel nuts to or from a mining vehicle. Preferably, the apparatus is configured to fit or remove wheel nuts to or from an inner wheel of a haul truck.

[0016] According to one aspect, there is provided a method for fitting and/or removing wheel nuts, including the steps of positioning a wheel engaging portion of an apparatus using a positioning device; and removing a wheel nut using a socket wrench connected to the wheel engaging portion. In one form, the method further includes the step of rotating the wheel engaging portion, thereby allowing the socket wrench to fit/remove subsequent wheel nuts. Preferably, the method is performed using the apparatus defined herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0017] Example embodiments should become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only, of at least one preferred but non- limiting embodiment, described in connection with the accompanying figures, wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an apparatus positioned near a haul truck prior to removal of wheel nuts;

[0019] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus with a wheel engaging portion in a lowered position;

[0020] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the apparatus with the wheel engaging portion in the lowered position; [0021] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus with the wheel engaging portion in a raised position;

[0022] Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the apparatus with the wheel engaging portion in the raised position;

[0023] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus with a positioning ring actuator retracted, whilst Figure 6A illustrates a detailed enlarged view of detail A of Figure 6;

[0024] Figure 7 illustrates a front view of Figure 6;

[0025] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus with the positioning ring actuator extended, whilst Figure 8A illustrates a detailed enlarged view of detail B of Figure 8;

[0026] Figure 9 illustrates a front view of Figure 8;

[0027] Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus from substantially behind the apparatus;

[0028] Figure 11 illustrates a rear view of the apparatus with socket wrenches in a central location;

[0029] Figure 12 illustrates a rear view of the apparatus with the socket wrenches in an outer location;

[0030] Figure 13 illustrates a rear view of the apparatus with a ring assembly in a first position;

[0031] Figure 14 illustrates a rear view of the apparatus with the ring assembly in a second position offset 90° to the first position;

[0032] Figure 15 illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 14; [0033] Figure 16 illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus with a wrench extension actuator retracted; and

[0034] Figure 17 illustrates a perspective view of the apparatus with the wrench extension actuator extended.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The following modes, given by way of example only, are described in order to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments.

[0036] In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of an example embodiment, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout the figures.

[0037] Referring to Figure 1, a preferred embodiment of an apparatus 10 is shown positioned near an example of a mining vehicle, in this case a haul truck 100. The truck 100 has a wheel 12 fitted that includes a rim 13 and a tyre 14.

[0038] The apparatus 10 includes a base structure that includes a carrier vehicle 15 with lift arms 16 and lift actuator 17. The lift arms 16 connect to a wheel engaging portion, which includes a ring support frame 18 and a rotating ring assembly 20. The ring assembly 20 includes guide rollers 22 and socket wrenches 23, the operation of which will be described in more detail below.

[0039] Referring to Figure 2, the carrier vehicle 15 is movable over a substrate surface via wheels 24, each of which is pivotally mounted using a pivotal wheel mount 25. The wheel mounts 25 allow steering of the carrier vehicle 15 as well as movement in forward or sideways directions. This setup allows for easy manoeuvring of the carrier vehicle 15 to a position where it is close to and correctly aligned with the wheel 12 that is to be removed and then to subsequently move towards or away from the wheel 12.

[0040] Figures 2 and 3 show the apparatus 10 with the ring assembly 20 in a lowered position. The ring assembly 20 can be raised and lowered using the lift actuator 17. [0041] Referring to Figure 3, the lift arms 16 are mounted to the carrier vehicle 15 by a vehicle mount 27 at pivot points 28. Similarly, the lift arms 16 connect to the ring support frame 18 by connecting to a support frame mount 29 at pivot points 30. The two sets of pivot points 28, 30 form a parallelogram, where the vehicle mount 27 and the support frame mount 29 are vertical. This configuration means that as the ring support frame 18 is raised and lowered, its orientation remains the same.

[0042] The raising and lowering of the ring support frame 18 is achieved simply by extending or contracting the lift actuator 17, which acts on one of the lift arms 16. Figures 4 and 5 show the ring support frame 18, and therefore the ring assembly 20, in a raised position. By adjusting the height of the ring assembly 20 in this way, together with the positioning of the carrier vehicle 15 as described previously, a central axis of the ring assembly 20 can be aligned with an axis 32 of the wheel 12.

[0043] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the guide rollers 22 are shown in an inward position. While in this position, the carrier vehicle 15 can be driven forward so that the guide rollers 22 are within the rim 13.

[0044] As detailed in Figure 6A, the guide rollers 22 are mounted on a roller arm 35 that has a slot 36. The ring assembly 20 has a positioning control ring 38 that is mounted using positioning ring rollers 39 and is movable using a positioning ring actuator 40. The positioning control ring 38 couples with the slots 36 so that rotation of the positioning control ring 38 causes inward or outward movement of the guide rollers 22. Therefore, movement of the control ring 38 simultaneously controls the position of all of the guide rollers 22.

[0045] Figure 7 shows the positioning ring actuator 40 retracted (as in Figure 6) so that the guide rollers 22 are close to an innermost position. In one example embodiment, a circle 42 created by the guide rollers 22 has a diameter 43 that is suited to fit small wheels 12, such as wheels 12 with a nominal inside rim diameter of 1100mm. As mentioned above, the rollers 22 may also be moved to this position during positioning of the ring assembly 20. [0046] Figures 8 and 9 show the actuator 40 extended. The guide rollers 22 are now in an outward position, so that the circle 42 (Figure 9) has a larger diameter 43. In the example embodiment, this larger diameter 43 is suited to fit larger wheels 12, such as wheels 12 with a nominal inside rim diameter of 1450mm.

[0047] The guide rollers 22 act as a positioning device, contacting the rim 13 and ensuring the ring assembly 20 is centred with respect to the wheel 12. In alternative embodiments, it is anticipated that different types of positioning devices could be used. For example, an alternative positioning device may not contact the rim 13 at all, relying instead only on sensors.

[0048] Referring to Figure 10, a socket wrench 23 is shown mounted to a wrench control ring 52 by a wrench arm 53. The socket wrench 23 in the present embodiment is an electric gun- style wrench, but in alternative embodiments may take any other suitable form, such as but not limited to an electric, air powered or other pneumatic impact driver or torque gun.

[0049] Similar to the setup of the guide rollers 22, the wrench control ring 52 interacts with a slot 54 in the wrench arm 53 to control the position of the socket wrench 23 in order for it to be aligned with wheel nuts 55. Also similar to the setup of the guide rollers 22, the wrench control ring 52 is moved by an actuator 56, with the wrench control ring 52 moving along wrench ring rollers 57.

[0050] Figure 11 shows the socket wrenches 23 aligned with particular wheel nuts 55. In the example embodiment, the rim 13 has a pitch circle diameter 58 (PCD) of 1050mm. Figure 12 shows the socket wrenches 23 aligned to suit a rim 13 with a larger PCD 58, which in the example embodiment is 1560mm. As the wrench control ring 52 is offset to the positioning control ring 38 in a direction away from the wheel 12, it is possible for the apparatus 10 to be used with wheels 12 where the PCD 58 is smaller or larger than the rim 13 inner surface against which the guide rollers 22 engage.

[0051] Alternative embodiments may include a means for supplying and/or collecting wheel nuts 55 during fitting and/or removal procedures respectively (not shown in the Figures). During the fitting procedure, for example, the wheel nuts 55 may be stored in a magazine. As each wheel nut 55 is fitted, another wheel nut 55 from the magazine may be supplied to the socket wrench 23 or fitted to the wheel 12 ready to be tightened by the socket wrench 23. Similarly, during the removal procedure, as each wheel nut 55 is removed from the wheel 12 it may then be automatically taken from the socket wrench 23 and stored in the magazine. The use of a magazine or other similar means to store, supply and collect wheel nuts 55 allows the entire procedure to be automated.

[0052] Automating the process will also require various other sensors and processing components (not shown in the Figures). These extra components may include, but are not limited to, one or more processors, memory, automated input devices such as infra-red sensors, position sensors or code scanners, manual input devices such as a keypad or touchscreen, and an output device.

[0053] In one example embodiment, the memory will store data pertaining to a range of wheel models, such as the number of wheel nuts and the PCD. A user will then input the wheel type, allowing the apparatus to then complete a fitting or removal procedure automatically. Alternatively, the wheel may include a barcode or other identification that allows the apparatus to automatically determine the wheel parameters. This may also include the apparatus being connected to a remote database to retrieve information, such as via the internet or another means.

[0054] The apparatus 10 may also include a range of sensors to assist with alignment tasks, even if the expected wheel nut locations are known. In particular, sensors will likely be required during the initial alignment of the socket wrenches 23 with the wheel nuts 55 to rotate the ring assembly 20 initially, as the exact position of the wheel 12 will likely not be known. Once this initial alignment with one wheel nut 55 is completed, the apparatus can then automatically rotate and access other wheel nuts 55 according to the procedure specified for that wheel type. Other sensors may be employed, however, to ensure the procedure is progressing as anticipated.

[0055] Different embodiments of the invention will range from requiring significant user control through to being completely automatic. However, in all cases the invention provides increased safety to the user by removing them from the immediate vicinity of the wheel 12 and by placing at least the ring assembly 20 between the user and the wheel 12.

[0056] Figures 13 to 15 show the rotation of the ring assembly 20. Referring to Figure 13, the ring assembly 20 is shown in a first position. The entire ring assembly 20 is movable using motor 60, which drives a pinion gear 62 that in turn drives a ring gear 64 located around the periphery of the ring assembly 20. As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the ring assembly 20 sits on support rollers 67 and is secured and guided using side rollers 69 and hold down rollers 70.

[0057] By moving the entire ring assembly 20, the position of the guide rollers 22 and socket wrenches 23 relative to the rest of the ring assembly 20 stays the same. Therefore, after positioning the rollers 22 against the rim 13 and the socket wrenches 23 at the correct PCD 58, each successive wheel nut 55 can be accessed simply by rotating the entire ring assembly 20. This is illustrated by the comparison between Figure 13 and Figure 14, where the ring assembly 20 has been rotated 90° in Figure 14 relative to the position in Figure 13.

[0058] Referring to Figures 16 and 17, the socket wrenches 23 are each mounted on an extension actuator 75. Once the socket wrench 23 is positioned in the correct position relative to a wheel nut 55, the extension actuator 75 then moves the socket wrench 23 towards the wheel nut 55, allowing it to contact and then remove the wheel nut 55. Figure 16 shows the extension actuator 75 in a retracted position and Figure 17 shows the extension actuator 75 in an extended position.

[0059] The mounting of the ring assembly 20, using various rollers 67, 69, 70 near the periphery, means that the central part of the ring assembly 20 remains empty. This allows fitting and removing of inner and outer wheels 12 of a haul truck 100 or other vehicle. When requiring access to an inner wheel 12, the hub 80 from which the outer wheel 12 has been removed can fit through the inside of the ring assembly 20 (see Figure 10), with space behind the ring assembly 20 to accommodate the hub 80. [0060] The basic procedure for removing a wheel 12 begins with the carrier vehicle 15 being positioned adjacent to the wheel 12 to be removed, where vertical movement of the ring assembly 20 combined with movement of the carrier vehicle 15 allows the ring assembly 20 to be located in a position concentric with the wheel 12.

[0061] With the guide rollers 22 positioned in an inward location, the carrier vehicle 15 can then be driven forward so that the guide rollers 22 are within the rim 13. The guide rollers 22 are then moved outwardly, contacting the rim 13 and correcting for any small misalignment of the ring assembly 20 with the wheel 12.

[0062] Next, the socket wrenches 23 are moved so that they are at a diameter to match the PCD 58 and the ring assembly 20 is rotated so that the socket wrenches 23 are aligned with respective wheel nuts 55. The socket wrenches 23 are then moved forward using the extension actuators 75 and the wheel nuts 55 removed.

[0063] Once the first set of wheel nuts 55 are removed, the socket wrenches 23 are withdrawn, the removed wheel nuts 55 taken away and the ring assembly 20 rotated so that the socket wrenches 23 align with other wheel nuts 55.

[0064] In one example procedure, the ring assembly 20 is rotated a significant portion, such as about 90°, so that the wheel nuts 55 are removed evenly about the circumference, rather than immediately removing adjacent wheel nuts 55.

[0065] An equivalent, reverse procedure applies when fitting wheel nuts 55.

[0066] In alternative embodiments, the invention may incorporate a holding and lifting means to safely remove the wheel 12 from the hub 80 once the wheel nuts 55 are removed, or to place the wheel 12 on the hub 80 prior to installing the wheel nuts 55.

[0067] While the present invention has been described primarily in relation to a haul truck, it will be appreciated that the invention may be adapted for use with a wide range of mining and non-mining related equipment. Other examples of vehicles particularly suited to use with the invention include, but are not limited to, other mining vehicles such as loaders, scrapers, dump trucks and other lifters and handlers. [0068] Many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0069] Parts list:

10 Apparatus 39 Positioning ring roller

12 Wheel 40 Positioning ring actuator

13 Rim 42 Roller circle

14 Tyre 43 Roller circle diameter

15 Carrier vehicle 52 Wrench control ring

16 Lift arm 53 Wrench arm

17 Lift actuator 54 Wrench arm slot

18 Ring support frame 55 Wheel nut

20 Rotating ring assembly 56 Wrench ring actuator

22 Guide roller 57 Wrench ring roller

23 Socket wrench 58 Pitch Circle Diameter (PCD)

24 Carrier vehicle wheel 60 Ring assembly motor

25 Pivotal wheel mount 62 Pinion gear

27 Vehicle mount 64 Ring gear

28 Vehicle mount pivot 67 Ring assembly support roller

29 Support frame mount 69 Ring assembly side roller

30 Support frame pivot 70 Ring assembly hold down roller

32 Wheel axis 75 Nut wrench extension actuator

35 Roller arm 80 Hub

36 Roller arm slot 100 Haul truck

38 Positioning control ring