• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
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    • 专利摘要:
    AIR MAINTENANCE PUMP TUBE AND TIRE ASSEMBLY A wall defined by groove side walls is positioned within the region of curvature of the tire tread. An elongated air tube positioned inside the side wall groove is in contact with the groove side walls and resiliently compresses and dismounts segment by segment when the groove contracts segment by segment within the drawing impression of the rolling tire design . A longitudinally oriented locking groove extends from a side pipe wall and registers within a complementary located and configured detent extending adjacent the groove to stop the lateral movement of the pipe inside the groove after insertion. An annular projected streak extends from the groove to engage the side walls of the air tube to stop axial movement of the tube within the groove after insertion.
    公开号:BR102012015209B1
    申请号:R102012015209-6
    申请日:2012-06-19
    公开日:2020-11-03
    发明作者:Andres Ignacio Delgado；Christopher David Dyrlund
    申请人:The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    FIELD OF INVENTION
    [001] The invention relates in general to air maintenance tires and, more specifically, to an air maintenance and tire pumping assembly. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
    [002] Normal air diffusion reduces tire pressure over time. The natural state of tires is underinflated. Consequently, drivers must act repeatedly to maintain tire pressures or they will see reduced fuel economy, tire life and reduced vehicle braking and handling performance. Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems have been proposed to warn drivers when tire pressure is significantly low. Such systems, however, remain dependent on the driver taking remedial action when advised to re-inflate the tire to the recommended pressure. It is therefore desirable to incorporate an air maintenance feature inside a tire that will maintain air pressure inside the tire in order to compensate for any reduction in tire pressure over time without the need for driver intervention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
    [003] In one aspect of the invention, a groove defined by the groove sidewalls is positioned within a curvature region of the first tire sidewall. An elongated air tube positioned within the groove of the sidewall is in contact with the groove sidewalls and resiliently compresses and dismounts segment by segment when the groove contracts segment by segment within the drawing impression of the rolling tire design . One or more locking ribs projecting longitudinally oriented extend from a side pipe wall and registers within a complementary located and configured detent extending adjacent the groove to stop the lateral movement of the pipe inside the groove after insertion .
    [004] In another aspect, a pair of longitudinal grooves are directed in opposite directions from the sides of the tube and in respective complementary detectors adjacent to the groove to stop the lateral movement of the tube within the groove.
    [005] According to another aspect, the tube still includes one or more lanes protruding from each other along the air tube to engage the side walls of the groove to stop axial movement of the tube inside the groove after insertion. DEFINITIONS
    [006] "Aspect ratio" of the tire means the ratio of a section height (SH) to its section width (SW) multiplied by 100 percent for expression as a percentage.
    [007] "Asymmetric tread" means a tread that has a non-symmetrical tread pattern around the tire's center or equatorial EP plane.
    [008] "Axial" and "axially" mean lines or directions that are parallel to the tire's axis of rotation.
    [009] "Chafer" is a narrow strip of material placed around the outside of a tire bead to protect the cord lining from wear and cut against the rim and distribute the flex above the rim.
    [010] “Circumferential” means lines or directions extending along the perimeter of the annular tread surface perpendicular to the axial direction.
    [011] “Equatorial central plane (CP)” means the plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the tire and passing through the center of the tread.
    [012] “Tread drawing impression” means the contact notch or contact area of the tire tread with a flat surface at zero speed and under normal load and pressure.
    [013] “Groove” means an elongated empty area on a tire dimensioned and configured in section for receiving an elongated air tube in it.
    [014] “Inner side” means the side of the tire closest to the vehicle when the tire is mounted on a wheel, and the wheel is mounted on the vehicle.
    [015] “Lateral” means an axial direction.
    [016] “Side edges” means a line tangent to the axially outermost tread contact notch or impression of the tread pattern when measured under normal load and tire inflation, the lines being parallel to the equatorial central plane.
    [017] “Final contact area” means the total ground area that contacts the tread elements between the lateral edges around the entire circumference of the tread divided by the total area of the entire tread between the lateral edges.
    [018] “Non-directional tread” means a tread that has no preferred forward direction and is not required to be positioned on a vehicle at a specific wheel position or positions to ensure that the tread pattern is aligned with the preferred direction of travel. Conversely, a directional tread pattern has a preferred travel direction that requires specific wheel placement.
    [019] “Outer side” means the side of the tire furthest from the vehicle when the tire is mounted on a wheel and the wheel is mounted on the vehicle.
    [020] “Peristaltic” means to operate by means of wave-type contractions that impel the contained material, such as air, along the tubular trajectories.
    [021] "Radial" and "radially" mean directions radially towards or away from the tire's axis of rotation.
    [022] "Streak" means a rubber strip extending circumferentially in the tread which is defined by at least one circumferential groove and both a second such groove and a side edge, the strip being not laterally divided by grooves of full depth .
    [023] "Sipe" means small cracks molded into the tread elements of the tire that subdivide the tread surface and improve traction, sipes are generally narrow in width and close on the impression of tire tread design when opposite to the grooves that remain open in the tire tread pattern.
    [024] “Tread element” or “traction element” means a lane or block element defined by having an adjacent groove shape.
    [025] “Tread arc width” means the tread arc length when measured between the lateral edges of the tread. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    [026] The invention will be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 - Isometric exploded view of tire and tube assembly.
    [027] Figure 2 - Side view of tire and tube assembly.
    [028] Figures 3A to 3C - Details of output connector.
    [029] Figures 4A to 4E - Details of input connector (filter).
    [030] Figure 5A - Side view of a tire rotating with air movement (84) into the cavity.
    [031] Figure 5B - Side view of a tire running with an air cleaning filter.
    [032] Figure 6A - Section view taken from Figure 5A.
    [033] Figure 6B - Increased detail of the tube area taken from Figure 6A, the side wall in an uncompressed state.
    [034] Figure 7A - Section view taken from Figure 5A.
    [035] Figure 7B - Increased detail of the tube area taken from Figure 7A, side wall in a compressed state.
    [036] Figure 8A - Increased detail of the preferred pipe and groove detail taken from Figure 2.
    [037] Figure 8B - Detail showing the preferred tube compressed and being inserted into the groove.
    [038] Figure 8C - Detail showing the preferred tube completely inserted in the groove in the grooved area of the groove.
    [039] Figure 8D - Exploded fragmented view of the tube being inserted into the streaked groove.
    [040] Figure 9 - Increased detail taken from Figure 2 showing the “first” groove profile area located on both sides of the cavity connector outlet.
    [041] Figure 10A - Increased groove detail with “first” groove profile.
    [042] Figure 10B - Increased detail of tube pressed into the “first” groove profile.
    [043] Figure 11 - Increased detail taken from Figure 2 showing the “second” groove profile area located on both sides of the outlet for the cavity connector.
    [044] Figure 12A - Increased groove detail with “second” groove profile.
    [045] Figure 12B - Increased detail of tube pressed into the “second” groove profile.
    [046] Figure 13A - Enlarged view of a “second” modality of a tube and groove detail.
    [047] Figure 13B - Detail showing the tube of Figure 13A being compressed and inserted into the groove.
    [048] Figure 13C - Detail showing the tube of Figure 13A completely inserted in the groove.
    [049] Figure 14A - Enlarged view of a “third” modality of a tube and groove detail.
    [050] Figure 14B - Detail showing the tube of Figure 14A being compressed and inserted into the groove.
    [051] Figure 14C - Detail showing the Figure 14A tube completely inserted into the groove.
    [052] Figure 15A - Enlarged view of a “fourth” modality of a tube and groove detail.
    [053] Figure 15B - Detail showing the tube of Figure 15A being compressed and inserted into the groove.
    [054] Figure 15C - Detail showing the tube of Figure 15A completely inserted in the groove. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
    [055] Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 6A, a tire mount 10 includes a tire 12, a peristaltic pump mount 14, and a tire rim 16. The tire mounts in a conventional manner on a pair of tire surfaces. bezel assembly 18, 20 adjacent to the outer bezel flanges 22, 24. The bezel flanges 22, 24 have a flange end facing radially outward 26. The bezel body 28 supports the bezel assembly as shown. The tire is of conventional construction, having a pair of side walls 30, 32 extending from opposite bead areas 34, 36 to the tire cord or tread region 38. The tire and rim contain a cavity of tire 40.
    [056] As seen in Figures 2, 3A, 3B, 3C, 6A and 8A, the peristaltic pump assembly 14 includes an annular air tube 42 that encloses an annular passage 43. Tube 42 is formed of a flexible material , resilient such as plastic or rubber compounds that are capable of withstanding repeated deformation cycles in which the tube is deformed in a flattened condition subject to external force and, upon removal of such force, returns to an original condition generally circular in section transversal. The tube is of sufficient diameter to operatively pass a volume of air sufficient for the purposes described herein and to allow a positioning of the tube in an operable location within the tire assembly as will be described. In the configuration shown, tube 42 is elongated in shape generally elliptical in section, having altered tube walls 44, 46 extending from a flat tube rear end 48 to a rounded tube front end 50. Tube 42 is configured having a pair of locking detent splines projecting longitudinally outwards 52 of cross-section in general semicircular and each spline extending along the outer surfaces of the side walls 44, 46 respectively. As noted in Figure 8A, tube 42 has a length L1 within a preferred range of 3.65 to 3.8 mm; a preferred width D1 within a range of 2.2 to 3.8 mm; a preferred width of the rear end D3 within a range of 0.8 to 1.0 mm. The projected detent grooves 52, 54 have a radius of curvature R2 within a range of 0.2 to 0.5 and each groove is located at a position distance L3 within a preferred range of 1.8 to 2.0 mm of the rear end of tube 48. The front end 50 of tube 42 has a radius R1 within a range of 1.1 to 1.9 mm. The air passage 43 inside the tube 42 is also generally cross-sectional elliptical having a length L2 within a preferred range of 2.2 to 2.3 mm; and a preferred width D2 within a range of 0.5 to 0.9 mm.
    [057] Tube 42 is profiled and geometrically configured for insertion into a groove 56. Groove 56 is of elongated configuration, generally elliptical having a length L1 within a range of 3.65 to 3.8 mm in addition to the elliptical shape of the tube 42. The groove 56 includes a narrower restricted inlet 58 having a nominal cross-sectional width D3 within a preferred range of 0.8 to 1.0 mm. A pair of axial groove and rib receiving channels 60, 62 of semicircular configuration are formed within opposite sides of the groove 56 for respective respective complementary reception of the tube locking grooves 52, 54. The channels 60, 62 are spaced approximately a distance L3 within a range of 1.8 to 2.0 mm from the groove inlet 58. The holding channels 60, 62 have a radius of curvature R2 within a preferred range of 0.2 to 0.5 mm. An internal holding groove part 64 is formed having a radius of curvature R1 within a preferred range of 1.1 to 1.9 mm and a nominal width of cross section D1 within a preferred range of 2.2 to 3, 8 mm.
    [058] As best seen in Figures 8D, 9, 10A and 10B, the tire is further formed to provide one or more compression ribs 66 extending in the circumference of and projecting into the groove 56. The ribs 66 form a rib pattern of step, frequency and location determined, as will be explained. For the purpose of explanation, the seven compression grooves are referred to in general by the numeral 66 in the first groove profile pattern shown, and specifically by the groove designations DO to D6. The striations DO to D6, as will be explained, are formed in a preferred sequence and step pattern, in order to make the pumping of air through the tube passage 43 more efficient. The grooves 66 have a unique, predetermined height and placement within the pattern and, as shown in Figure 8D, project out of the groove 56 in a radius R3 (Figure 8A) within a preferred range of 0.95 to 1.6 mm.
    [059] Referring to Figures 1, 2, 3A to 3C, and 4A to 4E, the peristaltic pump assembly 14 further includes an inlet device 68 and an outlet device 70 spaced approximately 180 degrees at respective locations along the tube of circumferential air 42. The outlet device 70 has a T-shaped configuration in which ducts 72m, 74 direct air to and from the tire cavity 40. An outlet device housing 76 contains duct arms 78, 80 which they extend integrally from the respective ducts 72, 74. Each of the duct arms 789, 80 has external coupling grooves 82, 84 to retain the ducts within the disconnected ends of the air tube 42 in the assembled condition. The housing 76 is formed having an external geometry that complements the groove 56 and includes a flat end 86, a generally oblong radius body 88, and longitudinal detent grooves projecting outward 90. Thus configured, the housing 76 is capable of narrow reception in the groove 56 in its intended location with the grooves 90 aligning in the groove 56, as shown in Figure 8A.
    [060] The input device 68, as seen in Figures 1, 2, 4A to 4E, includes an elongated outer sleeve body 94 joining in an elongated inner sleeve body 96 in a narrow sleeve neck 98. The outer body of glove is generally triangular in section. The inner glove body 96 has an oblong outer geometry complementary to the groove 56 and includes a pair of detent splines 100 extending longitudinally along the body 96. An elongated air inlet tube 101 is positioned within the glove body inner 96 and includes opposite tube ends 102 and a pattern of inlet openings 104 extending into a central tube passage. The outer grooves 106, 108 secure the tube ends 102 in the air tube 42 opposite the outlet device 70.
    [061] As will be appreciated in Figures 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8A to D, the pump assembly 14 comprising the air tube 42, and inlet and outlet devices 69, 70 fixed in line with the air tube 42 at respective locations 180 degrees apart, it is inserted into groove 56. Groove 56 is located in a region of the lower sidewall of the tire that, when tire 12 is mounted on rim 16, positions air tube 42 above the ends rim flange 26. Figure 8B shows air tube 42 diametrically compressed and disassembled to accommodate insertion into groove 56. In the complete insertion, as shown in Figure 8C, splines 52, 54 align within groove channels 60, 62 and the flat outer end 48 of tube 42 is generally coplanar with the outer surface of the tire sidewall 12. Once fully inserted, the air passage 43 of tube 42 restores elastically in an open condition to allow flow of air along the tube during operation of the b omba.
    [062] Referring to Figures 1, 2, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8A to 8D, the input device 68 and the output device 70 are positioned within the circumference of the circular air tube 42 in general 180 degrees apart. The tire 12 with the tube 42 positioned inside the groove 56 rotates in a direction of rotation 110, causing an impression of the drawing 120 to be formed against the surface of the ground 118. A compressive force 124 is directed to the tire from the impression. design of the runway 120 and acts to flatten a segment of the air tube passage 43 opposite to the print design of the runway 120, as shown in numeral 122. The flattening of the segment of the passage 43 forces the air of the segment along the passage of tube 43 in the direction shown by arrow 116, to outlet device 70.
    [063] As the tire continues to rotate in direction 110 along the ground surface 118, tube 42 will be sequentially flattened or compressed opposite the print pattern of the tire tread segment by segment in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the tire 110. A sequential flattening of the tube passage 43 segment by segment will result and cause the exhaust air from the flat segments to be pumped in direction 116 into the tube passage 43 to the outlet device 70. Air will flow through the outlet device 70 and into the tire cavity as shown in 130. As indicated by arrow 130, the air leaving the outlet device is directed to the tire cavity 40 and serves to re-inflate the tire to a desired pressure level. A valve system for regulating the flow of air into the cavity when the air pressure within the cavity drops to a certain level is shown and described in U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 775,552 series pending, deposited on May 7, 2010m and incorporated here by reference.
    [064] With the tire rotating in direction 110, the flattened pipe segments are sequentially replenished by air flowing into the input device 68 in direction 114 as shown in Figure 5A. The influx of air into the inlet device 68 and then into the tube passage 43 continues to outlet device 70, rotating counterclockwise as shown with tire rotation 110, passes the tire tread pattern. 120. Figure 5B shows the orientation of the peristaltic pump assembly 14 in such a position. In the position shown, the tube 42 continues to be sequentially flattened segment by segment opposite the impression of the tire tread pattern by compressive force 124. Air is pumped clockwise 116 to the inlet device 68 where it is evacuated and exhausted outside the tire. The passage of the exhaust air as shown at 128 of the inlet device 68 is through the filter sleeve 92, which is formed of a cellular or porous or composite material. The air flow through the sleeve 92 and into the tube 101 is thus cleared of debris or particles. In the direction of the exhaust or reverse air flow 128, sleeve 92 is cleared of accumulated debris or particles trapped within the porous medium. With the evacuation of pumped air out of the input device 68, the output device is in the closed position and air does not flow into the tire cavity. When the tire rotates counterclockwise 110 until the input device 44 passes the drawing pattern of the tire tread 20 (as shown in Figure 5A), the air flow resumes to the output device 70 and makes the air pumped flow out and into the tire cavity 40. The air pressure inside the tire cavity is thus maintained at a desired level.
    [065] Figure 5B illustrates that tube 42 is flattened segment by segment when the tire rotates in direction 110. A flattened segment 134 moves counterclockwise when it is rotated from the impression of the tread pattern as an adjacent segment 132 moves opposite the drawing impression of the tire tread, and is flattened. Consequently, the progression of compressed or flattened pipe segments can be seen to move air to outlet device 70 (Figure 5A) or inlet device 68 (Figure 5B) depending on the rotational position of the tire with respect to such devices. As each segment is moved by rotating the tire away from the tread pattern print 20, the compressive forces inside the tire from the tread pattern are eliminated and the segment is free to resiliently reconfigure in a non-state flattened when refilling with air from passage 43. Figures 7A and 7B show a pipe segment 42 in the flattened condition while Figures 6A and 6B show the pipe segment in a non-flat configuration, expanded before and after leaving a location opposite to the impression of a tire tread pattern. In the original non-flattened configuration, the segments of tube 42 return to an oblong shape, generally elliptical in section.
    [066] The cycle described above is then repeated for each revolution of the tire, half of each rotation resulting in pumped air going into the tire cavity and half of the rotation the pumped air is directed back to the filter sleeve of the input device 92 for self-cleaning the filter. It will be appreciated that, while the direction of rotation 110 of tire 12, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, must be counterclockwise, the tire assembly and its peristaltic pump assembly 14 will operate in a similar manner in a reverse (clockwise) direction. rotation too. The peristaltic pump is therefore bidirectional and equally functional with the tire assembly moving in a forward or reverse direction of rotation.
    [067] A preferred location of the air tube assembly 14 is shown in Figures 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A and 7B. The tube 42 is located inside the groove 56 in a lower region of the sidewall 30 of the tire 12. Thus located, the passage 43 of the tube 42 is closed by compression deformation by bending the groove of the sidewall 56 within the tread pattern. of the tire rolling as explained above. The location of the tube 42 on the side wall 30 provides freedom of placement for the user and avoids contact between the tube 42 and the rim 16. The higher placement of the tube 42 in the side wall groove 56 uses the high deformation characteristics of this region the side wall when it passes through the tread pattern print to close the tube.
    [068] The configuration and operation of the side walls of the groove, and in particular the compression of the variable pressure pump of the tube 42 by operation of compression streaks or ribs 66 within the groove 56 will be explained with reference to Figures 8A to 8D, 9, 10A and 10B. In the modality shown, the streaks or streaks are generally referred to by numeral 66 and individually as DO to D6. The groove 56 is preferably of uniform width circumferentially along the side of the tire with the molded streaks DO to D6 formed to project into the groove 56 in a pre-selected sequence, pattern or series. The lanes DO to D6 act to retain the tube 42 in its preferred orientation within the groove 56 and also to apply a variable sequential constriction force to the tube 42.
    [069] The uniformly sized pump tube 42 is positioned inside the groove 56 as previously explained, preferably by a procedure initiated by mechanically separating the D3 inlet from the groove 56. The tube 42 is then inserted into the enlarged groove opening. The opening for the groove 56 is released to return and close in the original space D3 and thereby capture the tube 42 within the groove. The longitudinal locking grooves 52, 54 are thus captured in longitudinal grooves 60, 62. The locking grooves 52, 54 operate to lock the tube 42 into the groove 56 and prevent the unwanted ejection of the tube from the groove during tire operation. Alternatively, if so desired, the tube 42 can be inserted by pressing into the groove 56. The pump tube 42, being of uniform width and geometry, is capable of being manufactured in large quantities. In addition, a uniformly sized 42 pump tube reduces total assembly time and material cost and tube inventory complexity. From a reliability perspective, this results in less chance of error.
    [070] The circumferential streaks DO to D6 projecting into groove 56 increase in frequency (the number of streaks per unit of axial groove length) for the inlet end of tube 42 represented by outlet device 70. Each of the lanes DO to D6 has a common radius dimension R4 within a preferred range of 0.15 to 0.30 mm. The spacing between lanes D0 and D1 is the largest, the spacing between D1 and D2 the next largest and so on until the spacing between lanes D5 and D6 is nominally eliminated completely. While the seven lanes are shown, more or less lanes can be deployed at various frequencies along the groove if desired. The projection of the lanes into slot 56 by radius R4 serves a dual purpose. First, lanes DO to D6 engage tube 42 and prevent tube 42 from migrating or "walking" along groove 56 during tire operation from the intended location of the tube. Second, lanes DO through D6 act to compress the segment of tube 42 opposite each lane largely when the tire rotates through its rotating pumping cycle as explained above. The flexion of the side wall manifests a compressive force through each lane DO to D6 and contracts the pipe segment opposite to that lane to a greater extent than would otherwise occur in pipe segments opposite the non-streaked parts of the groove 56 As seen in Figures 10A and 10B, as the frequency of the lanes increases in the direction of air flow, a tightening of the tube passage 43 occurs progressively until the passage contracts to the size shown in numeral 136, gradually reducing the volume of air and increasing the pressure. As a result, with the presence of the streaks, the tube groove 56 provides variable pumping pressure in a pump tube 42 configured to be uniform in size throughout it. As such, the side wall groove 56 may constitute a variable pressure pump groove which functions to apply variable pressure to a pipe located within the groove. It will be appreciated that the degree of pumping pressure variation will be determined by the streak pitch or frequency within the groove 56 and the amplitude of the streaks unfolded in relation to the diametal dimensions of the tube passage 43. The greater the amplitude of the streak with respect to the tube passage, more air volume will be reduced in the tube segment opposite the increased streak and pressure, and vice versa. Figure 9 represents the fixation of the tube 42 in the outlet device 70 and the air flow direction on both sides inside the device 70.
    [071] Figure 11 shows a second alternative groove profile area located on both sides of the outlet for the cavity connector device 70. Figure 12A shows an enlarged detail of the groove 56 with the second alternate groove profile and Figure 12B shows an enlarged detail of the tube 42 pressed into the second groove profile. With reference to Figures 11, 12A, 12B, the streaks or streaks DO to D6 in the alternative embodiment have a frequency pattern similar to that described above with reference to Figures 10A, 10B, but each streak is also formed having a single respective amplitude as well. Each of the grooves DO to D6 is generally of semicircular cross section having a respective radius of curvature R1 to R7 respectively. The change in the radius of curvature of the streaks or striations DO to D6 is within the preferred exemplary ranges: Δ = 0.02 to 0.036 mm.
    [072] The number of rays, and the respective rays of each, can be constructed outside the preferred ranges above, to suit a preference of particular size or application if desired. The radius of curvature increasing in the air flow direction results in the DFO to D6 grooves projecting in an increasing amplitude and an increasing extension within the tube channel 43 to the outlet device 70. As such, the passage 43 will contract for a narrower region 138 for the outlet device and will cause a commensurately greater increase in air pressure than a reduction in air volume. The benefit of such a configuration is that the tube 42 can be constructed less than otherwise necessary in order to obtain a preferred desired air flow pressure along the passage and within the tire cavity of the outlet device 70. A smaller dimension 42 is economically and functionally desirable in allowing a smaller groove 56 within the tire to be used, thereby resulting in minimal structural discontinuity in the tire sidewall.
    [073] Figures 13a to 13C show a second embodiment of a detail of tube 42 and groove 56 in which the detent grooves 90 in the embodiment of Figures 8A to 8C are eliminated as a result of modification of groove and groove. In the second embodiment of Figures 13A to 13C, tube 42 is configured having an external geometry and passage configuration having dimensions indicated within preferred ranges specified as follows: D1 = 2.2 to 3.8 mm; D2 = 0.5 to 0.9 mm; D3 = 0.8 to 1.0 mm; R4 = 0.15 to 0.30 mm; L1 = 3.65 to 3.8 mm; L2 = 2.2 to 2.3 mm; L3 = 1.8 to 2.0 mm.
    [074] The ranges above are preferred exemplary values that can be modified to suit a particular dimensional preference, tire geometry, or tire application if desired. As shown, the outer configuration of tube 42 includes chamfered surfaces 138, 140 joining outer surface 48; opposite and parallel straight intermediate surfaces 142, 144 joining the chamfered surfaces 1389, 140, respectively; and a radius tip or lead surface 146 joining the intermediate surfaces. As seen in Figures 13B and 13C, the tube 42 is compressed by inserting pressure into the groove 56 and, on complete insertion, expands. The contracted opening of the groove 56 on the side wall surface works to retain the tube 42 firmly within the groove 56.
    [075] Figures 14A to 14C show a third alternative embodiment of a tube 42 and groove configuration 56. Figure 14A is an enlarged view of the detail of the third embodiment; Figure 14B is a detailed view showing the tube of the third embodiment 42 being compressed and inserted into the groove 56; and Figure 14C is a detailed view showing tube 42 fully inserted into slot 56. Tube 42 is generally elliptical in cross section inserting into a slot as configured 56. Slot 56 is formed having a narrow entrance formed between opposite parallel surfaces 148, 150. In the third embodiment of Figures 14A to 14C, the tube 42 is configured having an external geometry and passage configuration having dimensions indicated within preferred ranges specified as follows: D1 = 2.2 to 3.8 mm; D2 = 0.5 to 0.9 mm; D3 = 0.8 to 1.0 mm; R4 = 0.15 to 0.30 mm; L1 = 3.65 to 3.8 mm; L2 = 2.2 to 2.3 mm; L3 = 1.8 to 2.0 mm.
    [076] The ranges above are preferred exemplary values that can be modified to suit a particular dimensional preference, tire geometry, or tire application if desired.
    [077] Figures 15A to 15C show a fourth alternative embodiment of a tube configuration 42 and groove 56. Figure 15A is an enlarged view of the detail of the fourth embodiment; Figure 15B is a detailed view showing the tube of the fourth modality 42 completely inserted in the groove 56. The tube 2 is in general of parabolic cross section inserting into the groove of the configured type 56. The groove 56 is formed having an entrance dimensioned for narrowly accept tube 42. lanes 66 engage tube 42 as it is inserted into slot 56. In the fourth embodiment of Figures 15a to 14C, tube 42 is configured having an external geometry and passage configuration having dimensions indicated within ranges favorites specified as follows: D1 = 2.2 to 3.8 mm; D2 = 0.5 to 0.9 mm; D3 = 2.5 to 4.1 mm; L1 = 3.65 to 3.8 mm; L2 = 2.2 to 2.3 mm; L3 = 1.8 to 2.0 mm.
    [078] The ranges above are preferred exemplary values that can be modified to suit a particular dimensional preference, tire geometry, or tire application if desired.
    [079] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the present invention provides a bidirectional peristaltic pump for maintaining air in a tire. The circular air tube 42 flattens segment by segment and closes in the tire tread pattern print 100. The era input device 68 may include an external filter sleeve 92 formed of porous cellular material, and thereby render the device 68 as self-cleaning. The outlet device 70 employs a valve unit (see U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12 / 775,552 co-pending, filed May 7, 2010, incorporated herein by reference). The peristaltic pump assembly 14 pumps air under rotation of the tire in each direction, one half of a revolution pumping air into the tire cavity 40 and the other half of a revolution pumping air back into the input device 68. The assembly of peristaltic pump 14 can be used with a conventional tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) (not shown) of conventional configuration that serves as a system failure detector. TPMS can be used to detect any failure in the tire inflation auto-inflation system and alert the user of such a condition.
    [080] The tire air maintenance system also incorporates a variable pressure pump groove 56 having one or more streaks or grooves that engage and compress a segment of the air tube 42 opposite to that groove (s). The pitch or frequency of the series of grooves is preferred to increase to the outlet device 70 to gradually reduce the volume of air inside the passage 43 by compressing the tube 42. The reduction in air volume increases the air pressure inside the tube passage 43 and thereby facilitates more efficient air flow from the tube to the tire cavity. The increase in pipe pressure is obtained by engaging the grooves 66 of the groove 56 and the pipe 42 having uniform dimensions along the pipe length. The tube 42 can thus be made of uniform size and relatively small size without compromising the air flow pressure to the tire cavity necessary to maintain the tire air pressure. The pitch and amplitude of the lanes 66 can be varied to obtain the desired pressure increase within the tube passage.
    [081] Variations in the present invention are possible in light of the description provided here. While certain representative embodiments and details have been shown for the purpose of illustrating the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is, therefore, to be understood that changes can be made in the particular modalities described here that will fall within the full intended scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims. - the new Summary page now presented has the title harmonized with that of the Descriptive Report. Therefore, considering that the Claimant has fully complied with the requirements formulated by the Mr. Examiner, and that his process is now in a position to obtain the necessary privilege, the Claimant awaits the prompt DEFERENCE of the request in question. 131.285-5 PPC / BAA
    权利要求:
    Claims (16)
    [0001]
    1. Tire assembly, FEATURED for understanding: a tire having a tire cavity, first and second side walls extending respectively from the first and second tire bead regions to a tire tread region; a groove in the elongated sidewall extending within the first tire sidewall from a first outer sidewall surface; the side wall groove bounded by the side walls of the groove, the groove still having at least one longitudinally elongated locking holder adjacent at least partially extending along the groove parallel to a longitudinal axis of the groove; an elongated air tube positioned within the groove of the elongated side wall in contact with the side walls of the groove; at least one elongated locking groove extending on one side of the air tube and having an external configuration complementary to the groove locking holder, the locking groove operably residing within the groove locking holder to stop the lateral movement of the groove air tube into the side wall groove.
    [0002]
    Tire assembly according to claim 1, characterized by further comprising at least one pair of locking ribs extending from opposite sides of the air tube, and at least one pair of locking holders longitudinally adjacent along sides opposite sides of the side wall groove, the locking grooves each having an external configuration complementary to a respective groove locking holder and each locking holder residing operably within the respective groove locking holder to stop lateral movement of the air tube into the groove in the side wall.
    [0003]
    3. Tire assembly according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the groove lock holders are within the first tire sidewall and oriented to extend along a path parallel to the first outer surface of the sidewall .
    [0004]
    4. Tire assembly according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the air tube locking grooves extend coinciding with the air tube.
    [0005]
    5. Tire assembly, according to claim 4, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the air tube and the groove of the side wall extend along a complementary circular path.
    [0006]
    6. Tire assembly, according to claim 5, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the groove locking holders and the tube locking grooves extend along a complementary circular path.
    [0007]
    7. Tire assembly according to claim 6, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the groove locking holders and the air tube locking grooves are semicircular in cross section.
    [0008]
    8. Tire assembly according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the first groove of the sidewall comprises at least one projected annular streak extending from a groove sidewall segment in a groove air passage, a projection streak operatively positioned to engage a respective opposite segment of the air tube and stop the axial movement of the air tube within the first groove of the side wall.
    [0009]
    9. Tire assembly according to claim 8, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it also comprises a plurality of annular projection rays spaced along the first groove of the side wall and extending inside the air passage to engage respective opposite segments of the air tube and stop axial movement of the air tube.
    [0010]
    10. Tire assembly according to claim 8, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that an annular projection streak and at least one locking streak extend along respective ninety-degree mutually oriented paths.
    [0011]
    Tire assembly according to claim 10, further comprising at least one pair of locking ribs extending from opposite sides of the air tube, and at least a pair of locking detectors longitudinally adjacent along opposite sides of the side wall groove, the locking grooves each having an external configuration complementary to a respective groove locking holder and each locking groove operably residing within the respective groove locking holder to deter lateral movement of the air tube into the groove in the side wall.
    [0012]
    12. Tire assembly according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the groove lock holders are inside the first tire sidewall and oriented to extend along a path parallel to the first outer surface of the sidewall .
    [0013]
    13. Tire assembly according to claim 12, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the air tube locking grooves extend coinciding with the air tube.
    [0014]
    14. Tire assembly according to claim 13, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the air tube and the groove in the side wall extend along a complementary circular path.
    [0015]
    15. Tire assembly according to claim 14, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the groove locking holders and the tube locking grooves extend along a complementary circular path.
    [0016]
    16. Tire assembly according to claim 15, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the groove locking holders and the air tube locking grooves are semicircular in cross section.
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    同族专利:
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    CN102874059A|2013-01-16|
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    CN102874059B|2016-01-06|
    EP2546083B1|2016-08-17|
    EP2546083A1|2013-01-16|
    JP2013023216A|2013-02-04|
    US8695661B2|2014-04-15|
    JP5937445B2|2016-06-22|
    US20130014876A1|2013-01-17|
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    US9290057B2|2011-10-31|2016-03-22|Innovative Technologies, Llc|All season safety tire|
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    法律状态:
    2013-11-05| B03A| Publication of a patent application or of a certificate of addition of invention [chapter 3.1 patent gazette]|
    2018-12-11| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
    2019-10-29| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2020-03-24| B06A| Notification to applicant to reply to the report for non-patentability or inadequacy of the application [chapter 6.1 patent gazette]|
    2020-06-30| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2020-11-03| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 19/06/2012, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US13/183,896|2011-07-15|
    US13/183,896|US8695661B2|2011-07-15|2011-07-15|Air maintenance pumping tube and tire assembly|
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