초록 ▼

A wheel balancer has an improved drive circuit and improved safety features. The drive circuit includes an H-bridge configuration, preferably utilizing MOSFET or IGBT transistors. The safety features include an electrical brake which operates upon removal of power to safely and reliably stop the rot

A wheel balancer has an improved drive circuit and improved safety features. The drive circuit includes an H-bridge configuration, preferably utilizing MOSFET or IGBT transistors. The safety features include an electrical brake which operates upon removal of power to safely and reliably stop the rotation of the wheel/tire assembly being balanced. A hardware safety interlock is provided to limit rpm and/or travel of the wheel/tire assembly based upon preset criteria. A novel display system is included for displaying axial, radial, and/or loaded runout of the wheel/tire assembly.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A wheel balancer comprising:a shaft adapted for receiving a wheel/tire assembly, said shaft having a longitudinal axis and being rotatable about said axis so as to rotate the wheel/tire assembly removably mounted thereon;a rotation sensor assembly for measuring rotation

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A wheel balancer comprising:a shaft adapted for receiving a wheel/tire assembly, said shaft having a longitudinal axis and being rotatable about said axis so as to rotate the wheel/tire assembly removably mounted thereon;a rotation sensor assembly for measuring rotation of the shaft about said longitudinal axis;a vibration sensor assembly operatively connected to the shaft for measuring vibrations resulting from imbalance in the wheel/tire assembly;a motor operatively connected to the shaft for rotating said shaft about said longitudinal axis, thereby to rotate the wheel/tire assembly;a control circuit for controlling an application of current to the motor and for determining from vibrations measured by the vibration sensor assembly at least one weight placement position on the wheel/tire assembly to correct said vibrations, said control circuit including a set of high voltage semiconductor devices disposed in an H-bridge configuration with the motor, the motor being connected intermediate the two legs of the H-bridge configuration, and the control circuit being configured to controllably pass current in either direction through the motor.