Device for maintaining the orientation of an emblem in an automobile wheel

• US 9,694,625 B2
• Filed: 07/19/2012
• Issued: 07/04/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 07/19/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Zanini Auto Grup, S.A.
• Original Assignee: Zanini Auto Grup, S.A.
• Inventors: Hernandez Perdomo, Wilmar, Mayer Pujadas, Augusto, Sanahuja Clot, Jose, Fernandez Sanchez, Eduardo
• Primary Examiner(s): Morano, S. Joseph
• Assistant Examiner(s): CHARLESTON, JEAN W
• Application Number:
  US14/415,291
• Publication Number:
  US 20150183266A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,811 Days
• Field of Search: 301 3725, 301 3735, 301 37108
• CPC Class Codes: B60B 2900/571 Visibility
• CPC Class Codes: B60B 2900/572 Visual appearance
• CPC Class Codes: B60B 7/20 having an element mounted for rotation independently of wheel rotation
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/2696 Mounting of devices using LEDs
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/326 on or for wheels
• CPC Class Codes: B60Y 2200/10 Road Vehicles

Abstract

Device for maintaining the orientation of an emblem in an automobile wheel includes maintaining the emblem in a substantially vertical orientation. Maintaining the emblem in a substantially vertical orientation comprises a detection component for detecting the orientation of the emblem. The emblem also comprises a motor provided with an output shaft. The output shaft of the motor rotates integrally with the emblem such that the motor rotates the emblem to place it in a substantially vertical orientation depending on the orientation of the emblem detected by the detecting component.

Claims

1. A device for maintaining the orientation of an emblem in an automobile wheel, comprising means for maintaining said emblem in a substantially vertical orientation, characterized in that said means for maintaining said emblem in a substantially vertical orientation comprise:

detection means for detecting the orientation of said emblem, the detection means comprising two accelerometers, whereby the two accelerometers provide different data; and

a motor provided with an output shaft, which output shaft of the motor rotates integrally with said emblem, such that said motor rotates said emblem to place it in its substantially vertical orientation depending on the orientation of the emblem detected by means of said detection means.

2. The device for maintaining the orientation of an emblem in an automobile wheel according to claim 1, wherein said motor is a servomotor.

3. The device for maintaining the orientation of an emblem in an automobile wheel according to claim 1, wherein said two accelerometers are located with their measuring surfaces opposite one another.

4. The device for maintaining the orientation of an emblem in an automobile wheel according to claim 1, wherein said motor is fed by means of at least one battery.

5. The device for maintaining the orientation of an emblem in an automobile wheel according to claim 4, wherein said motor is also fed by means of an alternator linked to the automobile wheel.

6. The device for maintaining the orientation of an emblem in an automobile wheel according to claim 5, wherein said alternator comprises a rotor which rotates integrally with the axle of the automobile wheel by means of a gear and a crown wheel.

7. The device for maintaining the orientation of an emblem in an automobile wheel according to claim 4, wherein said motor and said at least one battery are housed inside a casing, said at least one battery being placed below said motor.

8. The device for maintaining the orientation of an emblem in an automobile wheel according to claim 1, also comprising a light-emitting diode to light up the emblem.

9. The device for maintaining the orientation of an emblem in an automobile wheel according to claim 8, wherein said light-emitting diode is connected to a light-sensitive photodiode.

10. The device for maintaining the orientation of an emblem in an automobile wheel according to claim 1, wherein said motor comprises detection means for detecting the rotation of the output shaft of the motor.

11. The device for maintaining the orientation of an emblem in an automobile wheel according to claim 10, wherein said detection means for detecting the rotation of the output shaft of the motor comprise an encoder or a potentiometer.