초록 ▼

A loadwheel assembly for a tire testing machine includes a loadwheel with a tire contacting surface supported along substantially its entire circumference by one or more solid discs. The loadwheel consistently measures forces and generates electrical signals corresponding to the forces to more preci

A loadwheel assembly for a tire testing machine includes a loadwheel with a tire contacting surface supported along substantially its entire circumference by one or more solid discs. The loadwheel consistently measures forces and generates electrical signals corresponding to the forces to more precisely determine tire uniformity. The loadwheel, formed as an aluminum weldment which reduces manufacturing costs, rotates about spindles provided with load cells and mounted to a C-shaped carriage. The carriage has upper and lower legs with the spindles fixed to one side of each leg such that the load cells are easily accessible from one side of the carriage. The top and bottom legs of the carriage are selectively attachable to a guide piece that slidably engages a complementarily shaped member secured to the machine frame to permit the carriage to be secured to the frame with the load cells disposed on either side of the carriage legs, thereby providing access to the load cells regardless of the layout of the machine. The loadwheel assembly includes a motor and gearbox integrated with and directly driving a ball screw connected to the carriage to move the loadwheel toward and away from the tire under test.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [15.] A loadwheel for contacting a rotating load, the loadwheel comprising:a first end and a second end;a cylindrical wall extending between the first and second ends, the cylindrical wall having an outer surface adapted to be contacted by a load;a hub disposed between the fir

[ What is claimed is:] [15.] A loadwheel for contacting a rotating load, the loadwheel comprising:a first end and a second end;a cylindrical wall extending between the first and second ends, the cylindrical wall having an outer surface adapted to be contacted by a load;a hub disposed between the first and second ends; anda pair of conically-shaped support plates secured to and extending between the hub and an interior of the cylindrical wall so as to support the cylindrical wall around substantially the entire periphery thereof, said conically-shaped support plates diverging in opposite directions with respect to each other.