WO2008132595A2 - Device for raising and lowering the spare wheel of a vehicle - Google Patents

Device for raising and lowering the spare wheel of a vehicle Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2008132595A2
WO2008132595A2 PCT/IB2008/001043 IB2008001043W WO2008132595A2 WO 2008132595 A2 WO2008132595 A2 WO 2008132595A2 IB 2008001043 W IB2008001043 W IB 2008001043W WO 2008132595 A2 WO2008132595 A2 WO 2008132595A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
transmission member
fixed
wheel
bar
vehicle
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/IB2008/001043
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2008132595A3 (en
Inventor
Mario Tarabuso
Carlo Otelli
Nicola Giorgio Pino
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Proma Srl
Original Assignee
Proma Srl
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Proma Srl filed Critical Proma Srl
Priority to AT08737553T priority Critical patent/ATE498536T1/en
Priority to JP2010504892A priority patent/JP5235984B2/en
Priority to KR1020097020401A priority patent/KR101507624B1/en
Priority to BRPI0810394-1A priority patent/BRPI0810394B1/en
Priority to CN2008800138423A priority patent/CN101720294B/en
Priority to DE602008005010T priority patent/DE602008005010D1/en
Priority to MX2009011478A priority patent/MX2009011478A/en
Priority to US12/597,439 priority patent/US8517658B2/en
Priority to EP08737553A priority patent/EP2142422B1/en
Priority to CA2681396A priority patent/CA2681396C/en
Publication of WO2008132595A2 publication Critical patent/WO2008132595A2/en
Publication of WO2008132595A3 publication Critical patent/WO2008132595A3/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D43/00—Spare wheel stowing, holding, or mounting arrangements
    • B62D43/02—Spare wheel stowing, holding, or mounting arrangements external to the vehicle body
    • B62D43/04—Spare wheel stowing, holding, or mounting arrangements external to the vehicle body attached beneath the vehicle body
    • B62D43/045—Spare wheel stowing, holding, or mounting arrangements external to the vehicle body attached beneath the vehicle body the wheel or its cradle being attached to one or more chains or cables for handling
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R11/00—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for
    • B60R11/06—Arrangements for holding or mounting articles, not otherwise provided for for tools or spare parts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
    • B62D43/00—Spare wheel stowing, holding, or mounting arrangements
    • B62D43/002—Handling devices, mainly for heavy wheels
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO ASPECTS CROSS-CUTTING VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
    • B60Y2200/00—Type of vehicle
    • B60Y2200/10—Road Vehicles
    • B60Y2200/14—Trucks; Load vehicles, Busses
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO ASPECTS CROSS-CUTTING VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
    • B60Y2200/00—Type of vehicle
    • B60Y2200/20—Off-Road Vehicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO ASPECTS CROSS-CUTTING VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
    • B60Y2304/00—Optimising design; Manufacturing; Testing
    • B60Y2304/05—Reducing production costs, e.g. by redesign
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO ASPECTS CROSS-CUTTING VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
    • B60Y2304/00—Optimising design; Manufacturing; Testing
    • B60Y2304/07—Facilitating assembling or mounting

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for raising and lowering the spare wheel of a vehicle.
  • the spare wheel In the case of vehicles equipped with a spare wheel of large dimensions, such as for example vans, offroad vehicles and the like, the spare wheel is generally positioned on the outside, underneath the rear luggage compartment of the vehicle. In general, the spare wheel is set horizontal in the proximity of the rear bumpers of the vehicle. In these cases, since they are generally spare wheels of considerable dimensions and weight, the vehicle is equipped with a device that enables raising and lowering of the spare wheel.
  • Devices of a known type envisage a manual-control actuation device via which the user controls, via a flexible cable, raising and lowering of the wheel. For reasons of safety, said devices must be provided with a clamping system for withholding the wheel stably in the raised position.
  • the main drawback of the solutions of a known type is represented by the high cost of the actuation device, basically due to the complexity of the system that enables clamping of the wheel in the raised position to be obtained.
  • the purpose of the present invention is to provide a device for raising and lowering the spare wheel of a vehicle that is simpler and less costly than devices of a known type .
  • Figures 1, 2 and 3 are schematic side views illustrating a first embodiment of the device according to the present invention in three different operating positions;
  • FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7 are perspective views in greater detail of the part indicated by the arrow IV in Figure 1, illustrating the sequence of raising of the wheel ;
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic cross section of an actuation device indicated by the arrow VIII in Figure 1;
  • FIGS 9, 10 and 11 are schematic perspective views illustrating a second embodiment of the device according to the present invention in three different operating positions.
  • Figure 12 is a perspective view of the solution of Figures 9-11 in a further variant embodiment.
  • the reference number 10 designates a device for raising and lowering the spare wheel R of a vehicle.
  • Designated as a whole by 12 in Figure 1 is the fixed structure of the vehicle.
  • the fixed structure 12 is for example constituted by the end wall of the rear loading compartment of the vehicle.
  • the device 10 comprises an actuation device 14 housed, for example, within the loading compartment.
  • the actuation device 14 enables control of the movement of a flexible cable 16, by means of which raising and lowering of the wheel R is governed.
  • the flexible cable 16 is fixed at one of its ends to an engagement member 18 provided with an element 20 that is shaped so as to engage a central hole of the rim C of the wheel R.
  • the device 10 comprises a transmission member 22 fixed with respect to the structure 12 of the vehicle.
  • the transmission member 22 is made up of a metal body- substantially shaped like a cylinder with horizontal axis, with a curved lateral surface 24 and two plane front surfaces 26 parallel to one another. On the curved surface 24 a groove 28 is made that functions as guide for the flexible cable 16.
  • the transmission member 22 has a top surface 30 that functions as housing seat for retention in the raised position of the engagement member 18.
  • the transmission member 22 can be, for example, fixed to a base 32, which is, in turn, fixed to the bottom surface of the horizontal end wall 12 of the loading compartment.
  • the base 32 can be provided with a hole, through which the flexible cable 16 extends.
  • the cable 16 co-operates with the guide 28 formed on the arched surface 24 of the transmission member 22 and is deviated substantially by 90° around the transmission member 22.
  • the engagement member 18 comprises a bar with horizontal axis 34, preferably having the shape of a cylindrical pin with circular cross section.
  • the bar 34 is fixed at the two opposite ends to two elongated plates 36 that extend in the vertical direction.
  • the elongated plates 36 are fixed to a second bar (not illustrated) , which is in turn fixed centrally to the element 20 ( Figures 1-3) that has the function of engaging the rim C of the wheel R.
  • the top bar 34 of the engagement member 18 is fixed to the bottom end of the flexible cable 16 in a central position between the two elongated plates 36.
  • the device according to the present invention is advantageously provided with an orientation element 38 designed to orient the engagement member 18 automatically with respect to the transmission member 22 during raising of the wheel.
  • the orientation element 38 is preferably constituted by a metal element substantially shaped like a pin fixed underneath the transmission member 22.
  • the orientation element 28 extends from top to bottom and is comprised between two planes passing through the front ends 16 of the transmission member 22.
  • the orientation element 38 is fixed to the bottom surface of the transmission member 22 by means of an appendage 40 welded to the orientation element 38 and to the transmission member 22.
  • the actuation device 14 comprises a casing 42 mounted inside which so that it can turn is a first gear 44 fixed with respect to an actuation shaft 46.
  • the shaft 46 can be actuated in rotation about its own axis 48 by means of a spanner, preferably by means of the same spanner that serves for screwing and unscrewing the screws for fixing the wheels.
  • the actuation shaft 46 is preferably associated to a spring brake 49.
  • the first gear 44 meshes with two second gears 52 which are able to rotate about respective axes 54 parallel to the axis of rotation 48 of the first wheel 44.
  • the flexible cable 16 as illustrated in particular in Figures 4 to 6, is a helical flexible cable. Said cable is provided on its outer surface with a metal wire wound in a helix, fixed on the internal surface of a cable with internal ?strands.
  • the flexible cable 16 is able to slide within of a guide sheath (not illustrated) fixed with respect to the structure 12.
  • the sheath is preferably made as described in the Italian patent application No. TO2006A000271 filed in the name of the present applicant. This type of sheath is particularly suitable in this application since it enables transmission of forces of considerable intensity necessary for raising heavy wheels weighing up to 40 kg.
  • the outer helical surface of the cable 16 cooperates with two helical gears 56, which are fixed and coaxial with respect to the second gears 52.
  • the cable 16 is kept meshed with the helical gears 56, for example by means of a fixed contrast surface of the casing 42 that defines a compartment for sliding of the cable 16 along a path of meshing with the helical gears 56.
  • Rotation, by means of a spanner, of the first gear 44 enables movement of the flexible cable 16 in the direction indicated by the double-headed arrows 58 in Figure 8.
  • FIGS 1 to 3 and 4 to 7 illustrate the sequence of raising of the wheel R.
  • the engagement device 18 is engaged to the rim C of the wheel R when the wheel R rests on the ground in a horizontal position. Then, the actuation device 14 is actuated in the direction corresponding to raising of the wheel . The wheel is thus raised in the direction indicated by the arrow 60 in Figure 1, with the terminal stretch of the flexible cable 16 that extends in the vertical direction tangential to the curved surface 24 of the transmission member 22.
  • the engagement member 18 will have a generic orientation with respect to a vertical axis.
  • the bar 34 (oriented in a generic way with respect to a vertical axis) comes into contact with the orientation element 38.
  • the inclined position of the orientation element 38 causes, as the movement of the flexible cable 16 proceeds in the direction of raising, the top bar 34 of the engagement member 18 to rotate about a vertical axis as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 until the bar 34 sets itself with its own longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the transmission member 22 (position illustrated in Figure 6) .
  • the top bar 34 passes over the transmission member 22, sliding on the curved surface 24 of the transmission member 22 until it comes into engagement in the seat 30 provided on the top part of the transmission member 22.
  • the seat 30 is in a position slightly lower than the top of the curved surface 24.
  • the two elongated plates 36 of the engagement member 18 set themselves on the outside of the transmission member 22, parallel to the front surfaces 16 of the latter.
  • the engagement member 18 is withheld in a stable position by the transmission member 22.
  • This position corresponds to the one illustrated in Figure 3, where the wheel R is kept in a horizontal position underneath the end surface 12.
  • the tyre of the wheel R is pressed against a series of positioning elements 62 fixed on the underside of the wall 12.
  • the actuation device 14 is actuated in the opposite direction.
  • the movement of the cable 16 in the direction of lowering of the wheel causes disengagement of the top bar 34 from the transmission member 22.
  • the helical cable 16 is provided with a very high force of thrust as compared to normal flexible cables. This enables the bar 34 to be pushed out of engagement with the respective seat 30.
  • the device according to the present invention enables the wheel R to be withheld stably in the raised position, without the need to provide auxiliary anchorage devices or systems. Engagement and disengagement of the bar 34 with the respective seat 30 occur automatically with actuation of the device 14. This enables considerable simplification of the structure of the actuation device 14 as compared to known solutions since it is not necessary to envisage devices for controlling the mechanisms of engagement designed to withhold the wheel securely in the raised position.
  • the device for raising a spare wheel in this second embodiment, has a supporting bracket 70 constituted by two rear plates 71 joined by a cross member 72 and forming two bent -back edges 73 set in the same plane and provided with holes 74 for fixing the bracket 70 and the entire device connected thereto to the fixed structure 12 of the vehicle (see Figure D •
  • bent-back edges 73 extend vertically with respective plates 75 provided with lead-in grooves 76 and holes 77 for fixing of a transmission member 78.
  • the latter has the shape of two truncated cones coupled on their minor base in such a way as to form a groove 79 in the middle.
  • an orientation element 80 in the form of a conical buffer.
  • a containment rod 81 is also constrained to the rear brackets 71 of the supporting bracket 70.
  • the engagement member 82, fixed to the flexible cable 16 is constituted by a horizontal bar 83 in the form of a cylinder fixed at its ends 84 to the top ends of the sides 86 of a U-shaped plate 85.
  • the cross member 87 of the plate 85 (through a pin 92) carries constrained thereto the bell 88 for supporting the rim C of the wheel R (see Figure 1) .
  • the cable draws upwards the wheel R with the raising device 82 until this comes into the proximity of the bracket 70 (see Figure 9) .
  • the pin 83 of the plate 85 comes into contact with the buffer 80, which orients the pin automatically; i.e., the wheel is in the position (see Figure 10) such that, as raising proceeds, the ends 84 of the pin 83 slide into the lead-in grooves 76 of the bracket 70 (see Figure 11) .
  • the wheel R is stably clamped in the raised position with the cable 16 in tension pressed against the groove 79 of the transmission 78, which determines correct positioning thereof.
  • the containment rod 81 of the U-shaped bracket 85 prevents any excessive oscillations of the raising device both during raising and during lowering of the wheel, a fact that would move the pin 83 away from the triangular buffer 80, which, instead, should orient the pin 83 so that this will be inserted correctly in the seats 76 of the bracket 70.
  • the lateral safety brackets 89 prevent, during driving, on account of accidental jolting of the vehicle, the raising device 82 from possibly being released autonomously, i.e., prevent the pin 83 from coming out of the seats 76 of the bracket 70 with the result that the wheel would hang down without any stable constraint.
  • Figure 12 illustrates a variant of the embodiment of Figures 9-11; namely, this variant is suitable when the wheel, in addition to having to be raised and lowered, also has to be translated sideways because there are structural elements of the vehicle that require installation of the raising device in a position that does not enable simple raising and lowering of the device itself.
  • the plates 75 of the bracket 70 instead of bringing the transmission member 78 into the immediate vicinity (underneath) the lead-in grooves 76 for the bar 83, extend in obliquely for a length substantially equal to the internal radius of the spare wheel .

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Vehicle Cleaning, Maintenance, Repair, Refitting, And Outriggers (AREA)
  • Handcart (AREA)
  • Flexible Shafts (AREA)
  • Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
  • Forklifts And Lifting Vehicles (AREA)
  • Automatic Cycles, And Cycles In General (AREA)
  • Motorcycle And Bicycle Frame (AREA)
  • Electric Propulsion And Braking For Vehicles (AREA)
  • Seats For Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

A device for raising and lowering a spare wheel (R) of a vehicle, comprising: an actuation device (14), a flexible cable (16) co-operating with the actuation device (14), and an engagement member (18, 85) fixed to one end of the flexible cable (16); the device further comprises a transmission member (22, 78) fixed with respect to the structure (12) of the vehicle and having a substantially cylindrical shape, arranged with its own longitudinal axis horizontal; the flexible cable (16) co-operating with a curved outer surface (28, 79) of the transmission member (22) from which it is deviated substantially by 90 around the transmission member (22); the engagement member (18, 85) comprising a bar with horizontal axis (83) fixed to one end of the flexible cable (16), said bar being designed to engage in a fixed transverse seat (30, 76) made on top of the transmission member (22, 78) for stable anchorage of the wheel (R) to the structure of the vehicle (12) when the wheel is in the completely raised position.

Description

DEVICE FOR RAISING AND LOWERING THE SPARE WHEEL OF A VEHICLE
DESCRIPTION
The present invention relates to a device for raising and lowering the spare wheel of a vehicle.
In the case of vehicles equipped with a spare wheel of large dimensions, such as for example vans, offroad vehicles and the like, the spare wheel is generally positioned on the outside, underneath the rear luggage compartment of the vehicle. In general, the spare wheel is set horizontal in the proximity of the rear bumpers of the vehicle. In these cases, since they are generally spare wheels of considerable dimensions and weight, the vehicle is equipped with a device that enables raising and lowering of the spare wheel. Devices of a known type envisage a manual-control actuation device via which the user controls, via a flexible cable, raising and lowering of the wheel. For reasons of safety, said devices must be provided with a clamping system for withholding the wheel stably in the raised position.
The main drawback of the solutions of a known type is represented by the high cost of the actuation device, basically due to the complexity of the system that enables clamping of the wheel in the raised position to be obtained.
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a device for raising and lowering the spare wheel of a vehicle that is simpler and less costly than devices of a known type .
According to the present invention, said purpose is achieved by a device presenting the characteristics forming the subject of the claims.
The characteristics and advantages of the device according to the present invention will emerge clearly in the course of the ensuing detailed description, provided purely by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached plates of drawings, in which:
Figures 1, 2 and 3 are schematic side views illustrating a first embodiment of the device according to the present invention in three different operating positions;
- Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7 are perspective views in greater detail of the part indicated by the arrow IV in Figure 1, illustrating the sequence of raising of the wheel ;
- Figure 8 is a schematic cross section of an actuation device indicated by the arrow VIII in Figure 1;
- Figures 9, 10 and 11 are schematic perspective views illustrating a second embodiment of the device according to the present invention in three different operating positions; and
- Figure 12 is a perspective view of the solution of Figures 9-11 in a further variant embodiment.
With reference to Figure 1, the reference number 10 designates a device for raising and lowering the spare wheel R of a vehicle. Designated as a whole by 12 in Figure 1 is the fixed structure of the vehicle. In the example represented schematically in the figures, the fixed structure 12 is for example constituted by the end wall of the rear loading compartment of the vehicle.
The device 10 according to the present invention comprises an actuation device 14 housed, for example, within the loading compartment. As will be described in greater depth in what follows, the actuation device 14 enables control of the movement of a flexible cable 16, by means of which raising and lowering of the wheel R is governed. The flexible cable 16 is fixed at one of its ends to an engagement member 18 provided with an element 20 that is shaped so as to engage a central hole of the rim C of the wheel R.
With reference in particular to Figures 4 to 7, the device 10 comprises a transmission member 22 fixed with respect to the structure 12 of the vehicle. The transmission member 22 is made up of a metal body- substantially shaped like a cylinder with horizontal axis, with a curved lateral surface 24 and two plane front surfaces 26 parallel to one another. On the curved surface 24 a groove 28 is made that functions as guide for the flexible cable 16. The transmission member 22 has a top surface 30 that functions as housing seat for retention in the raised position of the engagement member 18. The transmission member 22 can be, for example, fixed to a base 32, which is, in turn, fixed to the bottom surface of the horizontal end wall 12 of the loading compartment. The base 32 can be provided with a hole, through which the flexible cable 16 extends.
As may be seen in Figures 4, 5 and 6, the cable 16 co-operates with the guide 28 formed on the arched surface 24 of the transmission member 22 and is deviated substantially by 90° around the transmission member 22.
With reference to Figures 4-7, the engagement member 18 comprises a bar with horizontal axis 34, preferably having the shape of a cylindrical pin with circular cross section. The bar 34 is fixed at the two opposite ends to two elongated plates 36 that extend in the vertical direction. At their bottom end, the elongated plates 36 are fixed to a second bar (not illustrated) , which is in turn fixed centrally to the element 20 (Figures 1-3) that has the function of engaging the rim C of the wheel R. The top bar 34 of the engagement member 18 is fixed to the bottom end of the flexible cable 16 in a central position between the two elongated plates 36.
Once again with reference to Figures 4 to 7, the device according to the present invention is advantageously provided with an orientation element 38 designed to orient the engagement member 18 automatically with respect to the transmission member 22 during raising of the wheel.
The orientation element 38 is preferably constituted by a metal element substantially shaped like a pin fixed underneath the transmission member 22. The orientation element 28 extends from top to bottom and is comprised between two planes passing through the front ends 16 of the transmission member 22. In the example of embodiment illustrated in the figures, the orientation element 38 is fixed to the bottom surface of the transmission member 22 by means of an appendage 40 welded to the orientation element 38 and to the transmission member 22.
With reference to Figure 8, the actuation device 14 comprises a casing 42 mounted inside which so that it can turn is a first gear 44 fixed with respect to an actuation shaft 46. The shaft 46 can be actuated in rotation about its own axis 48 by means of a spanner, preferably by means of the same spanner that serves for screwing and unscrewing the screws for fixing the wheels. The actuation shaft 46 is preferably associated to a spring brake 49.
The first gear 44 meshes with two second gears 52 which are able to rotate about respective axes 54 parallel to the axis of rotation 48 of the first wheel 44.
The flexible cable 16, as illustrated in particular in Figures 4 to 6, is a helical flexible cable. Said cable is provided on its outer surface with a metal wire wound in a helix, fixed on the internal surface of a cable with internal ?strands. The flexible cable 16 is able to slide within of a guide sheath (not illustrated) fixed with respect to the structure 12. The sheath is preferably made as described in the Italian patent application No. TO2006A000271 filed in the name of the present applicant. This type of sheath is particularly suitable in this application since it enables transmission of forces of considerable intensity necessary for raising heavy wheels weighing up to 40 kg.
The outer helical surface of the cable 16 cooperates with two helical gears 56, which are fixed and coaxial with respect to the second gears 52. The cable 16 is kept meshed with the helical gears 56, for example by means of a fixed contrast surface of the casing 42 that defines a compartment for sliding of the cable 16 along a path of meshing with the helical gears 56. -
Rotation, by means of a spanner, of the first gear 44 enables movement of the flexible cable 16 in the direction indicated by the double-headed arrows 58 in Figure 8.
Figures 1 to 3 and 4 to 7 illustrate the sequence of raising of the wheel R.
Starting from the configuration in which the wheel R is lowered, for example after replacement of a punctured wheel, the engagement device 18 is engaged to the rim C of the wheel R when the wheel R rests on the ground in a horizontal position. Then, the actuation device 14 is actuated in the direction corresponding to raising of the wheel . The wheel is thus raised in the direction indicated by the arrow 60 in Figure 1, with the terminal stretch of the flexible cable 16 that extends in the vertical direction tangential to the curved surface 24 of the transmission member 22. The engagement member 18 will have a generic orientation with respect to a vertical axis.
With reference to Figure 4, proceeding with raising of the wheel R, the bar 34 (oriented in a generic way with respect to a vertical axis) comes into contact with the orientation element 38. The inclined position of the orientation element 38 causes, as the movement of the flexible cable 16 proceeds in the direction of raising, the top bar 34 of the engagement member 18 to rotate about a vertical axis as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 until the bar 34 sets itself with its own longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the transmission member 22 (position illustrated in Figure 6) .
Continuing further with the movement of the cable 16 in the direction of raising, the top bar 34 passes over the transmission member 22, sliding on the curved surface 24 of the transmission member 22 until it comes into engagement in the seat 30 provided on the top part of the transmission member 22. The seat 30 is in a position slightly lower than the top of the curved surface 24. As illustrated in Figure 7, the two elongated plates 36 of the engagement member 18 set themselves on the outside of the transmission member 22, parallel to the front surfaces 16 of the latter.
In the position where the top bar 34 engages the seat 30, the engagement member 18 is withheld in a stable position by the transmission member 22. This position corresponds to the one illustrated in Figure 3, where the wheel R is kept in a horizontal position underneath the end surface 12. Preferably, in this position the tyre of the wheel R is pressed against a series of positioning elements 62 fixed on the underside of the wall 12.
In order to lower the wheel, the actuation device 14 is actuated in the opposite direction. The movement of the cable 16 in the direction of lowering of the wheel causes disengagement of the top bar 34 from the transmission member 22. The helical cable 16 is provided with a very high force of thrust as compared to normal flexible cables. This enables the bar 34 to be pushed out of engagement with the respective seat 30.
It will be understood that the device according to the present invention enables the wheel R to be withheld stably in the raised position, without the need to provide auxiliary anchorage devices or systems. Engagement and disengagement of the bar 34 with the respective seat 30 occur automatically with actuation of the device 14. This enables considerable simplification of the structure of the actuation device 14 as compared to known solutions since it is not necessary to envisage devices for controlling the mechanisms of engagement designed to withhold the wheel securely in the raised position.
Illustrated with reference to Figures 9, 10 and 11 is a second embodiment of the device according to the invention, without this implying any change in the actuation device 14 previously described and illustrated in Figure 8.
The device for raising a spare wheel, in this second embodiment, has a supporting bracket 70 constituted by two rear plates 71 joined by a cross member 72 and forming two bent -back edges 73 set in the same plane and provided with holes 74 for fixing the bracket 70 and the entire device connected thereto to the fixed structure 12 of the vehicle (see Figure D •
The bent-back edges 73 extend vertically with respective plates 75 provided with lead-in grooves 76 and holes 77 for fixing of a transmission member 78. The latter has the shape of two truncated cones coupled on their minor base in such a way as to form a groove 79 in the middle.
At the bottom, extending from the transmission member 78 is an orientation element 80 in the form of a conical buffer.
Also constrained to the rear brackets 71 of the supporting bracket 70 is a containment rod 81.
The engagement member 82, fixed to the flexible cable 16 is constituted by a horizontal bar 83 in the form of a cylinder fixed at its ends 84 to the top ends of the sides 86 of a U-shaped plate 85.
The cross member 87 of the plate 85 (through a pin 92) carries constrained thereto the bell 88 for supporting the rim C of the wheel R (see Figure 1) .
Also welded along the sides 86 of the U-shaped plate 85 are two substantially C-shaped safety brackets 89.
Operation of the device is described in what follows .
Starting from the condition in which the wheel is lowered (Figure 1) , the flexible cable 16 is actuated by means of the device 14 (Figure 8) exactly as in the case of the first embodiment.
The cable draws upwards the wheel R with the raising device 82 until this comes into the proximity of the bracket 70 (see Figure 9) .
As the device 82 proceeds to return upwards, the pin 83 of the plate 85 comes into contact with the buffer 80, which orients the pin automatically; i.e., the wheel is in the position (see Figure 10) such that, as raising proceeds, the ends 84 of the pin 83 slide into the lead-in grooves 76 of the bracket 70 (see Figure 11) .
In this position, the wheel R is stably clamped in the raised position with the cable 16 in tension pressed against the groove 79 of the transmission 78, which determines correct positioning thereof.
At the moment of release of the wheel R the cable 16 unwinds, and this causes the pin 83 to pass beyond the lead-in seats 76 (see Figure 10) so that the U- shaped bracket 85 can drop downwards until the wheel R comes to rest on the ground.
The containment rod 81 of the U-shaped bracket 85 prevents any excessive oscillations of the raising device both during raising and during lowering of the wheel, a fact that would move the pin 83 away from the triangular buffer 80, which, instead, should orient the pin 83 so that this will be inserted correctly in the seats 76 of the bracket 70.
The lateral safety brackets 89 prevent, during driving, on account of accidental jolting of the vehicle, the raising device 82 from possibly being released autonomously, i.e., prevent the pin 83 from coming out of the seats 76 of the bracket 70 with the result that the wheel would hang down without any stable constraint.
In fact, the contrast elements 89, in the case of oscillations of the device, come to bear upon the rod 81 and prevent the aforesaid accidental release of the pin 83 from the seats 76. Figure 12 illustrates a variant of the embodiment of Figures 9-11; namely, this variant is suitable when the wheel, in addition to having to be raised and lowered, also has to be translated sideways because there are structural elements of the vehicle that require installation of the raising device in a position that does not enable simple raising and lowering of the device itself.
In this case, as may be seen in Figure 12, the plates 75 of the bracket 70, instead of bringing the transmission member 78 into the immediate vicinity (underneath) the lead-in grooves 76 for the bar 83, extend in obliquely for a length substantially equal to the internal radius of the spare wheel .
In this way, the wheel during raising is guided on the top surfaces 90 of the plates 75, thus avoiding cross members or axle-shafts that would render the bracket 70 inaccessible if there were not this translation during raising.
Of course, without prejudice to the principle of the invention, the details of construction and the embodiments may vary widely with respect to what is described and illustrated herein, without thereby departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the ensuing claims .

Claims

1. A device for raising and lowering a spare wheel (R) of a vehicle, comprising:
- an actuation device (14) ;
- a flexible cable (16) co-operating with the actuation device (14) ; and
- an engagement member (18, 85) fixed to one end of the flexible cable (16) ; said device being characterized in that it comprises a transmission member (22, 78) fixed with respect to the structure (12) of the vehicle and having a substantially cylindrical shape, arranged with its own longitudinal axis horizontal; the flexible cable (16) co-operating with a curved outer surface (28, 79) of the transmission member (22) from which it is deviated substantially by 90° around the transmission member (22) ; the engagement member (18, 85) comprising a bar with horizontal axis (34, 83) fixed to one end of the flexible cable (16) , said bar being designed to engage in a fixed transverse seat (30, 76) made on top of the transmission member (22, 78) for stable anchorage of the wheel (R) to the structure of the vehicle (12) when the wheel is in the completely raised position.
2. The device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the fixed transverse seat (30) is made directly on the transmission member (22) .
3. The device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the transmission member (22) comprises an orientation element (38) formed by a pin- shaped element fixed on the underside of the transmission member (22) and set inclined from top to bottom so as to orient the aforesaid bar (34) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the transmission member (22) during raising of the wheel (R) .
4. The device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the transmission member (78) has the shape of a double truncated cone with minor bases set facing one another and is provided at the bottom with an orientation element (80) formed by an appendage shaped like a truncated cone such as to orient the aforesaid bar (34) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the transmission member (78) during raising of the wheel (R) .
5. The device according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the transmission member (78) is fixed to a bracket (70) , which is, in turn, fixed to the structure (12) , and the fixed transverse seat (76) is made in said bracket in the form of stable lead-in portion for the bar (83) .
6. The device according to Claims 1 and 5, characterized in that fixed to the bracket (70) is a rod (81) , which surrounds at a distance the engagement member (85) to prevent impact and lateral oscillations thereof.
7. The device according to Claim 6, characterized in that fixed to the engagement member (85) are means (89) designed to come to bear upon the rod (81) in the case of jolting of the vehicle to prevent accidental disengagement of the bar (83) from the seat
(76).
8. The device according to Claim 5, characterized in that the bracket (70) is provided with plates (75) that support the transmission member (78) in the immediate vicinity (underneath) of the lead-in portions (76) for the bar (83) .
9. The device according to Claim 5, characterized in that the bracket (70) is provided with plates (75) that support the transmission member (78) ; the plates (75) extend in obliquely at a distance from the lead-in portions (76) for a length substantially- equal to the internal radius of the spare wheel and guide the bar (83) in the direction of the lead-in portions (76) causing it to slide on their top surfaces (90) .
10. The device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the flexible cable (16) is a helical cable.
11 . The device according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the actuation device ( 14 ) comprises at least one helical gear ( 56 ) that meshes with the outer surface of the flexible helical cable
(16) .
12. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the engagement member (18, 85) comprises a U-shaped element constituted by two elongated plates (36, 86) extending in the vertical direction and fixed at an opposite end to said bar (34) and connected by a cross member (87) fixed to the bell (88) for supporting the wheel.
PCT/IB2008/001043 2007-04-27 2008-04-24 Device for raising and lowering the spare wheel of a vehicle Ceased WO2008132595A2 (en)

Priority Applications (10)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT08737553T ATE498536T1 (en) 2007-04-27 2008-04-24 DEVICE FOR RAISING AND LOWERING THE SPARE WHEEL OF A VEHICLE
JP2010504892A JP5235984B2 (en) 2007-04-27 2008-04-24 Vehicle spare wheel lifting device
KR1020097020401A KR101507624B1 (en) 2007-04-27 2008-04-24 Apparatus for raising and lowering a spare wheel of a vehicle
BRPI0810394-1A BRPI0810394B1 (en) 2007-04-27 2008-04-24 device for raising and lowering a vehicle's spare wheel
CN2008800138423A CN101720294B (en) 2007-04-27 2008-04-24 Device for raising and lowering the spare wheel of a vehicle
DE602008005010T DE602008005010D1 (en) 2007-04-27 2008-04-24 DEVICE FOR RAISING AND LOWERING THE SPARE WHEEL OF A VEHICLE
MX2009011478A MX2009011478A (en) 2007-04-27 2008-04-24 Device for raising and lowering the spare wheel of a vehicle.
US12/597,439 US8517658B2 (en) 2007-04-27 2008-04-24 Device for raising and lowering the spare wheel of a vehicle
EP08737553A EP2142422B1 (en) 2007-04-27 2008-04-24 Device for raising and lowering the spare wheel of a vehicle
CA2681396A CA2681396C (en) 2007-04-27 2008-04-24 Device for raising and lowering the spare wheel of a vehicle

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT000287A ITTO20070287A1 (en) 2007-04-27 2007-04-27 DEVICE FOR LIFTING AND LOWERING A SPARE WHEEL OF A VEHICLE
ITTO2007A000287 2007-04-27

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008132595A2 true WO2008132595A2 (en) 2008-11-06
WO2008132595A3 WO2008132595A3 (en) 2008-12-24

Family

ID=39791252

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2008/001043 Ceased WO2008132595A2 (en) 2007-04-27 2008-04-24 Device for raising and lowering the spare wheel of a vehicle

Country Status (13)

Country Link
US (1) US8517658B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2142422B1 (en)
JP (1) JP5235984B2 (en)
KR (1) KR101507624B1 (en)
CN (1) CN101720294B (en)
AT (1) ATE498536T1 (en)
BR (1) BRPI0810394B1 (en)
CA (1) CA2681396C (en)
DE (1) DE602008005010D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2361380T3 (en)
IT (1) ITTO20070287A1 (en)
MX (1) MX2009011478A (en)
WO (1) WO2008132595A2 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ITTO20121123A1 (en) * 2012-12-21 2014-06-22 Otelli Riccardo Di Otelli Carlo & C S R L DEVICE FOR LIFTING AND LOWERING A SPARE WHEEL OF A VEHICLE
US10160502B2 (en) 2015-04-21 2018-12-25 Fca Italy S.P.A. Device for loading and unloading a spare wheel of a vehicle

Families Citing this family (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ES2394661B1 (en) * 2010-09-15 2014-02-28 Batz, S.Coop. SAFETY DEVICE FOR A SPARE WHEEL COLLECTION SYSTEM.
IT1404272B1 (en) * 2011-02-28 2013-11-15 Proma S P A LIFTING AND LOWERING DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE SPARE WHEEL.
CN103085897B (en) * 2011-11-03 2015-03-18 北汽福田汽车股份有限公司 Spare tire support lifting device
CN103241297B (en) * 2013-05-15 2015-10-21 上海汽车集团股份有限公司 Spare tyre protection and lifting and fixing device
CN103434578B (en) * 2013-07-30 2016-01-06 浙江吉利汽车研究院有限公司 A kind of spare tyre electric jacking system
ITTO20130811A1 (en) * 2013-10-07 2015-04-08 Otelli Riccardo Di Otelli Carlo & C S R L DEVICE FOR LIFTING AND LOWERING A SPARE WHEEL OF A VEHICLE
ITUA20163206A1 (en) * 2016-05-06 2017-11-06 Proma S P A DEVICE FOR LIFTING AND LOWERING A SPARE WHEEL OF A VEHICLE, HAVING A IMPROVED DRIVE.
EP3746350B1 (en) * 2018-03-08 2022-02-09 Cavo Otomotiv Ticaret Ve Sanayi Anonim Sirketi Spare tire winch with autogenous tire lowering mechanism and lock
US10710533B2 (en) * 2018-11-21 2020-07-14 Doug DeBerti Pickup truck basement box
CN110979481A (en) * 2019-11-29 2020-04-10 东风小康汽车有限公司重庆分公司 Spare tire installation assembly

Family Cites Families (22)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1392687A (en) * 1921-04-30 1921-10-04 Aaron J Johnston Fair-leader
US1640672A (en) * 1922-08-03 1927-08-30 An Ass Comprising Grandin V Jo Anchor davit
US2927772A (en) * 1957-06-03 1960-03-08 Robert F Kanouse Portable anchor winch
US3542413A (en) * 1968-11-20 1970-11-24 James W Hardison Apparatus for storing spare wheels under vehicles
US3554397A (en) * 1968-11-29 1971-01-12 John Verl Cluff Spare tire lift and carrier
JPS583735Y2 (en) * 1978-12-22 1983-01-22 いすゞ自動車株式会社 Spare tire carrier tire holder
JPS58110581U (en) * 1982-01-21 1983-07-28 トヨタ自動車株式会社 Fixing device for spare tire in vehicle
JPS60157491U (en) * 1984-03-30 1985-10-19 いすゞ自動車株式会社 spare tire hanger
US4600352A (en) * 1984-07-18 1986-07-15 Gulf & Western Manufacturing Company Spare tire handling mechanism
JPS6137084U (en) * 1984-08-09 1986-03-07 トヨタ自動車株式会社 Roll-up spare tire carrier
KR100223064B1 (en) * 1995-12-15 1999-10-15 정몽규 Auto spare wheel carrier system
JPH09240981A (en) * 1996-03-11 1997-09-16 Hamanako Denso Kk Chain assembly of spare tire carrier
DE19841281C1 (en) * 1998-09-09 2000-03-02 Krupp Bilstein Gmbh Mounting for reserve wheel under vehicle has a cable operated hoist with a friction operated safety catch to secure the wheel in the raised position
IL130974A0 (en) 1999-07-15 2001-01-28 Mag Eh Ltd Load securing device
KR100412840B1 (en) * 2001-07-23 2003-12-31 현대자동차주식회사 a mounting device of spare tire for vehicles
US6837667B2 (en) * 2002-10-15 2005-01-04 Eli Tiar Apparatus for drawing a wheel in and out relative to a vehicle
US6941802B2 (en) * 2004-01-27 2005-09-13 Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc. Vehicle spare tire pressure detection assembly
FR2867744B1 (en) * 2004-03-16 2006-06-23 Renault Sas MOTOR VEHICLE HAVING A WHEEL EMERGENCY MOUNTED BY A WINCH
CN2732591Y (en) * 2004-07-01 2005-10-12 贾锁柱 Automobile spare tire lifting gear
KR101047602B1 (en) * 2004-12-17 2011-07-07 현대자동차주식회사 Spare tire fixing device
JP4645219B2 (en) * 2005-02-15 2011-03-09 日産自動車株式会社 Spare tire storage device
CN2853559Y (en) * 2005-06-08 2007-01-03 蔡文行 Cylinder automatic lifting device for spare tyre

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ITTO20121123A1 (en) * 2012-12-21 2014-06-22 Otelli Riccardo Di Otelli Carlo & C S R L DEVICE FOR LIFTING AND LOWERING A SPARE WHEEL OF A VEHICLE
US10160502B2 (en) 2015-04-21 2018-12-25 Fca Italy S.P.A. Device for loading and unloading a spare wheel of a vehicle

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
MX2009011478A (en) 2010-03-10
WO2008132595A3 (en) 2008-12-24
CN101720294B (en) 2012-06-20
JP5235984B2 (en) 2013-07-10
US20100143085A1 (en) 2010-06-10
KR101507624B1 (en) 2015-03-31
BRPI0810394A2 (en) 2014-11-04
CN101720294A (en) 2010-06-02
DE602008005010D1 (en) 2011-03-31
ITTO20070287A1 (en) 2008-10-28
KR20100014680A (en) 2010-02-10
ES2361380T3 (en) 2011-06-16
CA2681396C (en) 2015-03-31
US8517658B2 (en) 2013-08-27
JP2010524776A (en) 2010-07-22
EP2142422B1 (en) 2011-02-16
EP2142422A2 (en) 2010-01-13
BRPI0810394B1 (en) 2020-04-14
ATE498536T1 (en) 2011-03-15
CA2681396A1 (en) 2008-11-06

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA2681396C (en) Device for raising and lowering the spare wheel of a vehicle
EP1018463B1 (en) Adjustable motor vehicle steering column energy absorbing mechanism
US10960917B2 (en) Steering column for a motor vehicle
CN101269620B (en) Side window blind with hinged pull bar and rectangular support rod
EP3034363B1 (en) Winder holder for rear seatbelt comprising a shelf with added reinforcement
WO2007100477A2 (en) Vehicle arresting apparatus
US20130251475A1 (en) Device for fastening door or flap hinges or other elements to the doors or flaps or to the bodywork of motor vehicles
CN103625311B (en) A kind of motor vehicle seat back hook locking structure
US7621507B2 (en) Break-away cable sheave for tire carrier
EP3452361B1 (en) Device for raising and lowering a spare wheel of a vehicle, having an improved actuating device
JP3166293U (en) Vehicle towing mechanism and truck
US6702317B2 (en) Apparatus for temporarily retaining a component within a vehicle passenger compartment
CN220483135U (en) A kind of seat and car
EP3233585B1 (en) Retractor support of a rear seat belt of a motor vehicle
US20110174913A1 (en) Wheel winch
JP2011131806A (en) Wind regulator unit mounting structure
FR2968246A1 (en) Module for producing frame for seat of car, has seat belt fixed to top of beam, where force exerted by belt is transmitted to bar centered in bore of flange such that claw of flange enclosed in housing immobilizes module on vehicle floor
FR2734780A1 (en) DIRECTION SYSTEM WITH COLLISION SAFETY DEVICE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE
US10160502B2 (en) Device for loading and unloading a spare wheel of a vehicle
KR20140025944A (en) Supporting device for preventing chain damage and back lash of spare tire carrier

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 200880013842.3

Country of ref document: CN

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2008737553

Country of ref document: EP

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2681396

Country of ref document: CA

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 1020097020401

Country of ref document: KR

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2010504892

Country of ref document: JP

Ref document number: MX/A/2009/011478

Country of ref document: MX

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 08737553

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 12597439

Country of ref document: US

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: PI0810394

Country of ref document: BR

Kind code of ref document: A2

Effective date: 20091020