• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
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  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    set of reversible air maintenance pump and tire. an air maintenance pump and tire assembly includes an elongated annular airway enclosed within a tire bend region, the air passage operatively closing and opening segment by segment as the tire's curvature region passes through of a rolling tire footprint to pump air along the air passage. a pair of in-line valves are positioned on respective opposite sides of an inlet joint and direct an inlet air flow in opposite directions into the air passage; and a pair of outlet valves is positioned on a downstream side of a respective in-line valve and directs a flow of incoming air from the downstream side of a respective in-line valve towards the tire cavity. a control duct conducts an inlet air flow between the air inlet port and an upstream side of the in-line valves; and a piston valve driver carrying the control duct opens to allow inlet air to travel through the in-line valves and closes to prevent air from traveling through the in-line valves. the in-line and outlet valves are selectively opened by a direction of the air flow within the air passage which, in turn, is directionally determined by the direction in which the tire rotates.
    公开号:BR102013014718B1
    申请号:R102013014718-4
    申请日:2013-06-12
    公开日:2021-03-30
    发明作者:Thulasiram Gobinath
    申请人:The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    FIELD OF THE INVENTION
    [001] The invention generally relates to air maintenance tires and, more specifically, to an integrated tire and pump set. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
    [002] Normal air diffusion gradually reduces the tire pressure. The natural state of the tires is under-inflated. Consequently, drivers must repeatedly act 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 alert drivers when tire pressure is significantly low. Such systems, however, remain dependent on the driver to take corrective action when advised to inflate a tire to the recommended pressure. It is therefore desirable to incorporate an air maintenance feature inside a tire that will maintain correct air pressure inside the tire without the need for driver intervention to compensate for any reduction in tire pressure over time. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
    [003] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, an air maintenance tire and pump assembly is provided, the pump assembly including an elongated annular airway enclosed within a tire bend region, the airway closing and opening operatively, segment by segment, as the region of curvature of the tire passes through a rolling tire footprint to pump air along the air passage. The pump set also includes a coupled air inlet opening assembly to channel external air into the air passage at an inlet joint; a pair of in-line valves positioned to guide a flow of incoming air in opposite directions into the air passage; and a pair of outlet valves, each positioned on a downstream side of a respective in-line valve, the outlet valves directing a bidirectional flow of inlet air from the downstream side of a respective in-line valve, towards the tire cavity.
    [004] In another aspect, the inlet opening assembly includes a control duct that extends between and conducts an inlet air flow between the air inlet port and the upstream side of the in-line valves, and an actuator valve to interrupt the flow of incoming air through the control line to the in-line valves when the air pressure inside the tire cavity is above the minimum air pressure level.
    [005] The invention in an additional aspect is configured by having a valve actuator piston seated within a valve housing cavity, the control conduit extending transversely through the piston and moving reciprocally with the piston between orientation closed, misaligned with the upstream sides of the in-line valves and an open orientation, aligned with the upstream sides of the in-line valves.
    [006] An additional aspect is that the outlet valves and the in-line valves are selectively opened by means of the bidirectional air flow within the air passage and in which the direction of bidirectional air flow is determined by the forward and reverse directions in the which turns the tire. DEFINITIONS
    [007] “Aspect ratio” of the tire means the ratio of its section height (SH) to its section width (SW) multiplied by 100 percent for expression as a percentage.
    [008] "Asymmetric tread" means a tread that has a non-symmetrical tread pattern around the tire's central or equatorial EP plane.
    [009] "Axial" and "axially" mean lines or directions that are parallel to the axis of rotation of the tire.
    [010] "Ball check valve" is a check valve in which the closing member, the movable part to block the air flow, is a ball. On some ball check valves, the ball is spring loaded to help keep it closed and requires a specified magnitude of pressure upstream of the ball to overcome the valve spring's propensity for the valve to open. The inner surface of the main seats of the ball check valves can be tapered tapered to guide the ball into the seat and form a positive seal by stopping reverse flow.
    [011] “Manchão” is a narrow strip of material placed around the outside of a tire bead to protect the cord linings against wear and cut against the rim and distribute the flex above the rim.
    [012] “Check valve” is a valve with two openings having two openings in the body, one for air inlet and the other for air outlet.
    [013] “Circumferential” means lines or directions that extend along the perimeter of the annular tread surface perpendicular to the axial direction.
    [014] "Cracking pressure" means the minimum upstream pressure at which the valve will operate. Typically, a check valve is designed for a specific crack pressure and therefore can be specified for a specific crack pressure.
    [015] "Downstream" is a direction away from the energy source, that is, the direction away from the air flow source. In the context of a valve, "downstream" refers to a side of the valve from which air flows out of the valve when an air flow "upstream" in the valve exerts enough pressure in the crack to open the valve.
    [016] “Equatorial central plane (CP)” means the plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the tire and passing through the center of the tread.
    [017] "Footprint" means a section of the tire tread contact area with a flat surface at zero speed and under load and pressure.
    [018] "Streak" means an elongated empty area on a side wall that can extend circumferentially or sideways around the tread in a straight, curved, or zigzag manner. Stretch marks circumferentially and laterally extended sometimes have common portions. The "streak width" is equal to the surface area occupied by a streak or streak portion, the width of which is in this case divided by the length of such streak or streak portion; thus, the width of the groove is its average width by its length. Stretch marks can be of varying depths on a tire. The depth of a rib may vary around the circumference of the tread, or the depth of a rib may be constant, but vary from the depth of another rib in the tire. If such narrow or wide grooves are substantially reduced in depth compared to the wide circumferential grooves with which they interconnect, they are considered to form "connecting bars" tending to maintain a rib-like type in the tread region involved.
    [019] “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.
    [020] “Lateral” means an axial direction.
    [021] "Side edges" means a line tangent to the track or tread contact footprint axially more external as measured under normal load and tire inflation, the lines being parallel to the central equatorial plane.
    [022] “Net contact area” means the total area of the tread elements in contact with the ground between the side edges around the total circumference of the tread divided by the gross area of the total tread between the side edges .
    [023] “Non-directional tread” means a tread that has no preferred forward travel direction and does not have to be positioned on a vehicle in a specific wheel position or positions to ensure that the tread pattern wheel is aligned with the preferred direction of travel. Conversely, a directional tread pattern has a preferred direction of travel requiring specific placement of the wheels.
    [024] “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.
    [025] “Peristaltic” means operation by means of contractions similar to the wave that propel the contained material, such as air, along the tubular passages.
    [026] "Radial" and "radially" means directions radially in the direction of, or in the direction opposite to the axis of rotation of the tire.
    [027] “Streak” means a rubber strip extending circumferentially or a tread that is defined by at least one circumferential groove and a second of such a groove or a lateral edge, the strip being laterally not divided by the streaks of total depth.
    [028] “Groove” means small slits molded into the tread elements of the tire that subdivide the tread surface and improve traction, grooves are generally narrow and close in the tire track as opposed to the grooves that remain open in the grip of the tire.
    [029] “Tread element” or “traction element” means a lane or block element defined by the fact that it has a shape adjacent to the grooves.
    [030] “Tread arc width” means the length of the tread arc as measured between the side edges of the tread.
    [031] “Upstream” is a direction towards the air flow energy source, that is, the direction from which the air flows or from where it comes from. In the context of a valve, “upstream” refers to one side of the valve into which air flows when an “upstream” air flow over the valve exerts sufficient crack pressure to open the valve. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    [032] The invention will be described as an example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
    [033] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a tire, rim and intubation with a peristaltic pump and inlet valve.
    [034] Figure 2A is a side view of the tire and peristaltic pump assembly with the tire rotating counterclockwise and establishing a grip against a ground surface.
    [035] Figure 2B is a side view of the tire and peristaltic pump assembly with the tire rotating clockwise against a ground surface.
    [036] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram in cross section of the inlet port of the peristaltic pump having an inlet control valve with two openings in the closed position.
    [037] Figure 3B is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of the peristaltic pump inlet port having a two-port inlet valve in the operable open position to inflate the tire with the tire rotating in a counterclockwise direction. .
    [038] Figure 3C is a schematic diagram in cross section of the entry port of the bidirectional valve of the peristaltic pump having inlet control of two openings that fills the tire with the tire rotating in a clockwise direction.
    [039] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram in cross section of the peristaltic pump inlet port having an alternatively configured, two-way inlet valve, closed in two positions.
    [040] Figure 4B is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of the peristaltic pump inlet port having an alternatively configured, bidirectional, five-way inlet valve shown in the operable open position to inflate the tire with the tire rotating in one counterclockwise.
    [041] Figure 4C is a schematic diagram in cross section of the entry port of the bidirectional valve of the peristaltic pump having an entrance control of five openings configured in an alternative way that fills the tire with the tire rotating in a clockwise rotation.
    [042] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram in cross section of the inlet port of a bidirectional valve of an alternative peristaltic pump filling a tire, with the tire in a counterclockwise rotation, in which the valve incorporated a regulator in that place. of five openings.
    [043] Figure 5B is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of the inlet port of the alternative peristaltic pump valve in Figure 5A filling a tire, with the tire in a clockwise rotation and showing the five-way regulator.
    [044] Figure 5C is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of the inlet port of the alternative peristaltic pump valve of Figure 5B with clockwise rotation of the tire and the valve in a bypass mode.
    [045] Figure 5D is a schematic cross-sectional diagram of the inlet port of the alternative peristaltic pump valve in Figure 5B with the tire rotating counterclockwise and the valve in a bypass mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
    [046] With reference to Figures 1, 2A and 2B, a tire and pump assembly includes a conventionally constructed tire having a pair of sidewalls 12 that extend to a tread 14 and enclosing a tire air cavity 26 defined by the inner tire lining layer 25. A peristaltic pump assembly 16 is attached to one or two tire sidewalls 12 generally in a region of high curvature of the sidewall. The peristaltic pump set 16 includes an annular air passage 20 whether in the form of an independent tube formed separately from the tire and mounted on the tire in a post-fabrication procedure; or an air passage formed as an integral empty space within the sidewall during the manufacture of the tire. The air passage 20 is closed by the sidewall and extends along an annular path around a region of the sidewall that experiences high flexion or curvature as the tire turns. If in an independent tube form, the air passage tube is formed of a resilient, flexible material such as rubber or plastic compounds that are able to withstand repeated deformation cycles in which the tube is deformed to a flattened condition to the external force and, after the removal of such force, it returns to an original condition generally circular in cross section. If the airway is formed integrally within the sidewall, the airway must similarly withstand deformation and recovery cycles, repeated as the tire rotates and be of sufficient diameter to operatively pass a volume of air. sufficient for the purposes described here. The general operation of an air tube in a peristaltic pump is described in United States Patent No. 8,113,254 which is incorporated herein by reference.
    [047] The opposite ends 22, 24 of the air passage end in a set of inlet openings 28. The set of inlet openings is attached to rotate with the tire when the tire rotates against a surface of the ground 132. The rotation of the tire creates a footprint 134 against surface 132 which in turn introduces compressive force 138 into the tire. The compressive force 138 in turn is applied at 140 into the air passage 20 causing the segment to segment collapse of the passage as the tire rotates. Air-to-air segment-by-segment collapse occurs regardless of whether the tire rotates counterclockwise 136 in Figure 2 or clockwise 133 in Figure 2B. The peristaltic pump assembly is thus considered to be bidirectional or reversible in the operation of the air pump for the tire cavity 26 in the forward direction or in the reverse direction of the air flow continuously for a full 360 degree tire rotation.
    [048] As the tire rotates in the forward and backward directions 136, 133 of Figure 2A or 2B, the air passage 20 is flattened segment by segment if the passage is in the form of a separate side-wall flush tube or a fully formed empty space. The sequential flattening segment by segment 137 of the air passage moves in a direction 142 opposite the direction of the tire rotations of Figure 2A and 2B. The sequential flattening of the passage 20 segment by segment causes the exhaust air from the flattened segments to be pumped in direction 142 to the set of inlet openings 28 where the air is directed into the tire cavity. The air pressure within the cavity 26 is thus maintained at a desired threshold pressure. The air admitted by the set of inlet openings 28 is introduced into the air passage 20 to replenish the air pumped into the tire cavity or recirculated out of the pump assembly if it is not necessary to maintain the tire pressure at the desired level.
    [049] The set of inlet openings 28 includes a set of regulating valve 30 and a filtered air inlet opening 32. A two-way, two-way inlet control mode is shown in Figures 3A to 3C. Figure 3A representing the Entry Control in the closed position; Figure 3B shows the Inlet Control open with the air flow moving counterclockwise and the tire rotating clockwise; and Figure 3C shows the Inlet Control open with the airflow moving clockwise and the tire rotating counterclockwise. It will be considered that the system is bidirectional, with the air flow within the passage 20 occurring in both directions as the tire rotates, with the direction of the air flow within the passage 20 determined by the tire rotating or in the forward direction or in the reverse direction. The pumping along the passage 20 occurs in both directions, alternately, for a complete 360 degree rotation of the tire.
    [050] A filtered air inlet opening 32 is positioned on the outer surface of a tire sidewall 12 and external air is admitted to the inlet opening through a cell filter 34, housed within a cylindrical housing 36. The Figure 3A shows the assembly in the closed condition in which air from outside the tire is prevented from entering inlet opening 32; a condition that will occur when the pressure inside the tire cavity 26 is at the regulated pressure threshold Preg or above it. An air passage duct 56 extends from the filter housing 36 to the regulating valve assembly 30 and passes the incoming air to the valve assembly. From the regulating valve assembly 30, an outlet duct 54 carries the airflow to a connection duct 40 which conducts the airflow to the opposing directed valves 62, 64 positioned adjacent and on opposite sides of the inlet joint 38 As used here, “inlet junction” refers to the location of the inlet air bypass from the assembly 28 to the upstream sides of the in-line stop valves. Alternative system configurations are shown in Figures 3A to 3C, 4A to 4C, and 5A to 5D in which the inlet joint for each of them is placed as will be explained for the different valve configurations.
    [051] Regulator valve assembly 30 provides valve housing 42 and valve piston 22 residing within a cylinder or housing chamber 46. A bias mechanism such as a spring 48 exerts a bias force (see arrow 72 in Figures 3B, 3C) on piston 44, with the piston propelling downwards inside cylinder 46 for an “open” or “tire inflation” position and position as indicated in Figure 3B and Figure 3C. When the pressure inside the cavity 26 is at the pressure setting level Preg or greater than the same, the pressure will surpass the propensity force of the spring 48 and force (see arrow 50) the piston in the upward direction inside the cylinder 46 to the “closed” or “non-filling” situation and position in Figure 3A. The piston 22 is provided with a transversely extended air duct 52 that extends through the piston body. In the “closed” position of Figure 3A, duct 52 is misaligned with respect to air ducts 54, 56 and air cannot flow through the piston to ducts 54, 56, and from there to the inlet junction 38 In the “closed” position, therefore, the air flow is prevented from reaching the inlet control junction 38 and thus cannot reach the upstream sides of valves 62, 64. The air flow for passage 20 is thus prevented with the valve assembly 30 in the closed position of Figure 3A.
    [052] Figure 3B shows valve assembly 30 moving to an “open” position. In the “open” position the tire rotates in a clockwise direction, causing air to be pumped along the passage 20 in a counterclockwise direction. A configuration of four single-way valves is provided and located as shown. Two in-line valves 62, 64 are positioned along conduit 40 on the opposite side of inlet joint 38. The two in-line valves 62, 64 open in opposite directions along conduit 40 and conduct airflow in respective directions. with valves 62, 64 in an open condition. The conduit 40 connects on the downstream side of valves 62, 64 with the air passage 20. From the junction of the passage 40 and the passage 20, outgoing duct passages that extend radially 58, 60 extend to the cavity of tire 26 as shown. Positioned along the ducts 58, 60 are two single-way outlet valves 66, 68, respectively. Valves 66, 68 are oriented to open in a direction facing the tire cavity to allow air to flow through valves 66, 68 along conduits 58, 60 and into the tire cavity 26.
    [053] One-way valves 62, 64, 66 and 68 are of a commercially available type such as ball or diaphragm check valves or other known valve configurations. The valves are oriented to open in the direction shown when the pressure on one side upstream of the valve exceeds a bias spring and forces the ball away from its seat. The piston 44 moves downwards under the bias force exerted by the actuating spring 48. When the air pressure, Preg, inside the cavity 26 falls below a desired minimum pressure limit. Piston movement aligns air duct 52 through piston 44 with ducts 54, 56 allowing inlet air from inlet filter opening 32 to flow through piston duct 52 to inlet control junction 38 and for the connection pipe 40. The tire, when rotating clockwise against the soil surface 132 (see Figure 2B), collapses the passage 20 segment by segment opposite to the tire footprint created 134. The collapsed segments create a vacuum which , in turn, is again filled segment by segment by a flow of air inside the passage in a counterclockwise direction 142, pulled inward through the set of inlet openings 28. The counterclockwise flow of the Inlet air forces opening of the one-way valve 64, allowing air to flow into the passage in the counterclockwise direction shown. Air circulates around the passage 20. When the air flow reaches the junction of the duct 40 and the radial outlet duct 60, it cannot flow through the closed valve 62 and must instead flow to the outlet valve. 68. The air flow forces the valve 68 to open and continues to introduce air into the tire cavity 26 as indicated by the arrow 70. When the air pressure within the tire cavity 26 reaches the desired pre-set level, the pressure of the tire against the piston 44 forces the piston to the closed position of Figure 3A and the air flow to the cavity is discontinued as explained previously.
    [054] The operation above the peristaltic pump set 16 operates in the same way in the reverse direction of tire rotation, as will be understood from Figure 3C. In Figure 2A and 3C, with the tire rotating in the anti-clockwise direction, air is pumped in the anti-clockwise direction 142. Figure 3 shows the set of inlet openings 28 and the regulator valve set 30 in such a condition. If the pressure inside cavity 26 is below the pre-established Preg level, piston 44 is propelled by spring 48 to the open position shown. Piston duct 52 aligns with ducts 54, 56, and the air flow is directed to junction 40. Rotating the tire in a counterclockwise direction causes the airflow to be clockwise 34 when the evacuated segments of passage 20 are reloaded. The clockwise air flow opens the one-way valve 62 and allows air to circulate from duct 40 into passage 20. The pressurized air circulates at passage 20 and enters duct 58 where it is again directed against valve 66, opening the valve, and thus passing through valve 66 into tire cavity 26 as indicated by arrow 70 of Figure 3C. As with Figure 3, when the air flow reaches the junction of the duct 40 and the radial outlet duct 58, it cannot flow through the closed valve 64 and must instead flow to the outlet valve 66. The air flow forcing valve opening 66 continues to introduce air into tire cavity 26 as indicated by arrow 70. When the air pressure within tire cavity 36 reaches the desired preset level, the tire pressure against piston 44 forces the piston to the closed position of Figure 3A and the air flow to the cavity is discontinued as previously explained.
    [055] Figures 4A to 4C show an alternative modality in which regulator valve assembly 78 is a five-port inlet control configuration. It will be considered that alternative valve configurations can be used in the practice of the invention and that the system does not depend on the use of a specific valve. In Figure 4A, the valve is in the closed position in which air is not introduced into the tire cavity 26. Figure 4B shows the valve in the open position with a clockwise rotational direction of the tire and the airflow in the direction in the direction counter-clockwise. Figure 4C shows the valve in the open position during a counterclockwise rotation of the tire and the direction of the airflow in a clockwise direction. As will be considered, in the valve shown in Figures 4A to 4C, air is admitted into the system through the set of inlet openings 36 to the set of regulating valve 78. The set of openings 76 includes a filter inlet opening 80 and a filter body 82 housed within filter housing 84. Air passing through filter 82 is directed through the inlet duct 86 to a transverse piston duct 88. The junction 90 created by the intersection of inlet duct 86 and inlet duct 86 piston 88, in the alternative modality, is located inside piston 92. Piston 92, as in the first modality, is propelled by spring 94 in an open condition represented by Figures 4B and 4C if the air pressure inside cavity 26 is lower than than a pre-established Preg level. If the air pressure inside cavity 26 is at or above the Preg level, the air pressure in the cavity overcomes propensity spring 94 and moves piston 92 upwardly inside cylinder 98 to the closed position of Figure 4A . In the closed position, no air is pumped into the cavity.
    [056] The piston transverse duct 88 aligns with the connection ducts 100, 102 in the open valve condition of Figure 4B and 4C and misaligns with the connection ducts 100, 102 when the valve is closed as shown in Figure 4A . Four one-way valves 106, 108, 110 and 112 are positioned, valves 108 and 110, representing the in-line valves; and valves 112 and 106 representing the outlet valves. In-line valves 108, 110 open in opposite directions away from junction 90 and outlet valves 112, 106 open radially inwards towards tire cavity 26. Outlet valves 112, 106 reside inside of the outlet ducts 103, 101, respectively, which are coupled to the passage 20. The ducts 103, 101 intersect and connect with the connection ducts 102, 100 respectively, and continue radially inwardly beyond the outlet valves 102 106 to exit from the ends 22, 24 into the tire cavity 26.
    [057] The operation of the five-opening valve configuration in Figures 4A to 4C occurs in a manner similar to that explained above with respect to the two-opening valve in Figures 3A to 3C. Figures 2B, 4B show the regulating valve open with the tire rotating clockwise and causing an air flow counterclockwise within passage 20. The air admitted through the inlet valve assembly 76 is directed to junction 90 on piston 92 via conduit 86. At junction 90, air flow is prevented from passing through closed valve 108 and opens valve 110. Air flow circulates in direction 114 within passageway 20 to enter conduit 101. The air flow at the junction of the duct 101 and the connection duct 100 cannot pass through the closed valve 108 and is thus directed to open the valve 106, allowing the pumped air flow to enter the tire cavity 26.
    [058] Figures 2A and 4C show the operation of the regulating valve with the tire rotating in a counterclockwise direction 136 to pump the air flow into the passage 20 in a clockwise 118 inflation direction. air 118 in passage 20 is directed to tire cavity 26 as indicated. The operation of the valve in the direction of rotation of the tire and contrary to the direction of air flow in Figures 2A and 4C continues as explained above. When the air pressure inside the tire cavity 26 reaches the desired pre-established level, the pressure of the tire against the piston 92 forces the piston to the closed position (misaligned conduit) of Figure 3A and the air flow to the cavity is discontinued. A pressure within the cavity 26 below the preset minimum desired level causes piston 92 to move to the open position of Figures 4A or 4C, and air to flow in passage 20 in the indicated direction as determined by the direction of rotation of the tire. The pumping of the air continues through the entire rotation of the tire in 360 degrees and, as shown, occurs regardless of whether the tire (and the vehicle) is going in the forward or reverse direction.
    [059] Figures 5A to 5D show the third alternative modality of regulating valve assembly 78 modified by the inclusion of a bypass valve 120. Valve 120 is a pressure controlled valve of a commercially available type that is connected to bypass the opening check valves 106, 112 when the pressure inside the tire cavity 26 exceeds a Pset or Preg value. The bypass valve 120 is intended to ensure that air cannot be introduced into the tire cavity 26 when the air pressure inside the tire is at or above the Pset pressure threshold. Bypass valve 120 is positioned to conduct air in any direction when the pressure inside cavity 26 is Pseg or higher, thereby diverting air to outlet valves 106, 112 and preventing the introduction of more air in the cavity. Bypass valve 120 connects to conduit 120 covering piston 82 and connecting to conduits 101, 103 at opposite ends. Figure 5A shows the 5-port bypass regulator with the cavity pressure below Preg or Pset; the tire rotating in a clockwise direction, and the inflation air rotating around the passage 20 in a counterclockwise direction. It will be noted that in the Deviation Regulator mode of Figures 5A to 5D, piston 92 does not move between an aligned orientation, open for conduits 100, 102 and a closed, misaligned orientation, but remains in alignment and in all modes of filling.
    [060] With reference to Figure 5A, the cavity pressure is below Pset, causing the bypass valve 120 to be closed. With the bypass valve 120 closed, the operation of the regulator and the air passage 18 continues as explained above with reference to the second modality under the conditions of Figure 4B. Figure 5A and Figure 4B represent a clockwise rotation of the tire, air flow to (arrow 124) the system through the filter inlet opening 80, and an anti-clockwise air flow (arrow 126) inside of passage 20. In Figure 5B, for a counterclockwise rotation of the tire and a clockwise inflation direction, the bypass valve 120 remains closed as long as the cavity pressure remains below Preg. The air flow (arrow 128) along the bypass is thus blocked by the closed valve 126. The air flow and the filling direction in Figure 5B thus proceed as previously explained under the same analogous conditions under which the air flow operates. regulator of Figure 4. The air circulating in Figure 5B in a clockwise direction acts to open the outlet valve 112 and pass the air in direction 130 into the tire cavity. In Figure 5C, with the cavity pressure at the Preg threshold or higher, the air circulated in a clockwise direction bypasses outlet valves 106, 112, instead passing through open bypass valve 120. Valves 106 , 112 thus remain closed and no portion of the circulated air (arrow 126) will pass through valves 106, 112 and enter the tire cavity. Figure 5D shows the operation of the Bypass Regulator during an opposite rotation, clockwise of the tire and an air flow path in a counterclockwise direction. As with Figure 5C, the tire cavity pressure in Figure 5D is greater than Preg, causing the bypass valve 126 to open and direct the air flow counterclockwise (direction of arrow 126) through the path bypass valve more properly than opening and moving through outlet valves 106, 112. The flow of air into the tire cavity is thus prevented. The Bypass Regulator thus ensures that under no circumstances will air be forced into the tire cavity when the pressure inside the tire is at the pre-established Preg threshold or the regulator is at the established Preg threshold or greater than the same.
    [061] From the foregoing, it will be considered that the regulating system and peristaltic pump provide the means to maintain the air pressure inside the tire cavity at a desired pressure level, but no higher than the desired pressure. The pump assembly 16 includes the elongated annular air passage 20, enclosed within a region of curvature of the tire. The air passage 20 closes and opens operatively, segment by segment, as the region of curvature of the tire passes through a rolling tire footprint to pump air along the air passage. The pump set further includes the set of air inlet openings 28 positioned to channel the external air into the air passage 20 at an inlet joint (38 or 90). The pair of inlet valves 62, 64 (or 108, 110) is positioned to direct the flow of inlet air in opposite directions into the air passage 20. Each of the pair of outlet valves 66, 68 (or 106 , 112), is positioned on a downstream side of a respective in-line valve, the outlet valves directing a bidirectional flow of inlet air from the downstream side of the respective in-line valve through it towards and into the tire cavity.
    [062] The set of inlet openings 28 also includes the control duct extending between and conducting an inlet air flow between the air inlet port and an upstream side of the in-line valves. The piston 44 operates under the influence of the valve spring actuator 48 to interrupt the incoming air flow through the control junction 38 and to the upstream side of the in-line valves when the air pressure inside the tire cavity is above of the threshold air pressure level. The in-line and outlet valves are selectively opened by the bidirectional air flow within the air passage and determined by the forward and reverse directions in which the tire rotates.
    [063] Although the above representations of the present invention are as indicated in Figures 3A to 3C, Figures 4A to 4C and Figures 5A to 5D, the invention is not limited to the modalities shown. The four check valves used for steering can be anywhere in the tire pumping channel 20, attached to the surface of the inner tire liner 25, attached to the surface of the regulator housing, or completely integrated into the regulator, as shown. Such deviations are covered by the knowledge of those skilled in the art. Similarly, although the modalities shown represent two-port and five-port regulator configurations, other portals can be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. Three- and four-port regulators can be substituted, if desired. It will also be observed that, in the modalities shown of the regulator, the air flow direction inside the regulator must always pass through the inlet filter 34 and always follow in the opposite direction to the rotation of the tire outside the regulator. It will also be understood in the bypass regulator mode, that the bypass duct connects the two check valves, outlet valves 106, 112, which send the high pressure compressed air to the tire. During inflation mode, air cannot flow through the bypass passage as long as the air pressure inside the tire cavity is less than Preg. The air is thus directed to force the opening of the outlet check valves and to send the air to the tire. When the tire reaches the desired pressure, air can flow through the bypass valve. The air is thus circulated around the passage 20 and through the regulator bypass passage through the regulator bypass passage and is not compressed. Overfilling of the tire cavity is thus prevented.
    [064] The reversible set of peristaltic pump and tire will work for any air pump passage configuration and for an angle of passage in relation to the tire up to a 360 degree annular circumference. The system is functional for integrated or post-curing air passages fixed in tube-based passages. In-line and outlet check valves can be integrated into the regulator housing model. Both bypass (third mode) and input control (first and second mode) regulators are possible. In addition, no dead air volume (s) are created in the middle of the air flow path. More precisely, the air flow paths are symmetrical and the inlet and outlet can be exchanged reciprocally without compromising functionality.
    [065] Variations in the present invention are possible by virtue of the description provided herein. Although certain representative modalities 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. Therefore, it should be understood that changes can be made in the specific modalities described, which will be within the full intended scope of the invention as defined by the following appended claims.
    权利要求:
    Claims (20)
    [0001]
    1. Air maintenance pump and tire set CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises: a tire (10) having a tire cavity (26), first and second side walls (12) that extend respectively from the first and second tire bead regions to a tire tread region; a substantially annular elongated air passage (18, 20) enclosed within a region of curvature of the tire (10), the air passage (18, 20) operatively closing and opening segment (137) by segment (137) as the tire curvature region (10) passes through a rolling tire footprint (134) to pump air along the air passage (18, 20); a set of air inlet openings (28) coupled to and in air flow communication with the air passage (18, 20) at an inlet air passage junction (38), the set of air inlet openings (28) operable to channel the incoming air from the outside of the tire (10) into the air passage (18, 20); a pair of substantially in-line valves (62, 64) positioned on respective opposite sides of the inlet air passage junction (38) in air flow communication with the set of inlet openings (28); the in-line valves (62, 64) operative to selectively open in respective opposite directions and pass a flow of inlet air from an upstream valve side to a downstream valve side and into the air passage (18 , 20), and a pair of outlet valves (66, 68), each outlet valve (66, 68) positioned in airflow communication with a downstream side of a respective in-line valve (62, 64), the valves (66, 68) operative to selectively open and conduct a flow of inlet air from the downstream side of a respective in-line valve (62, 64) to the tire cavity (26).
    [0002]
    2. Air maintenance pump and tire assembly according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the air passage (18, 20) extends in an annular manner within a substantially circumferential closed position within of a tire sidewall (12).
    [0003]
    3. Pump set and air maintenance tire, according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that each of the outlet valves (66, 68) is positioned adjacent and in proximal relation with the downstream side of a valve on line (62, 64) respectively.
    [0004]
    4. Air maintenance pump and tire assembly according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the outlet valves (66, 68) open to conduct an outflow of air in a substantially radial direction towards the tire cavity (26).
    [0005]
    5. Air maintenance pump and tire assembly according to claim 4, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the in-line (62, 64) and outlet (66, 68) valves open selectively as determined by rotational directions alternative tires (10).
    [0006]
    6. Air maintenance pump and tire set according to claim 5, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the set of inlet openings (28) comprises an air inlet port (32) and an air pressure regulator , the air pressure regulator operative to selectively open and close the in-line valves (62, 64) in response to a level of air pressure within the tire cavity (26).
    [0007]
    7. Air maintenance pump and tire assembly according to claim 6, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the outlet valves (66, 68) open and close in response to air pressure on the respective downstream sides of the valves in line (62, 64).
    [0008]
    8. Air maintenance pump and tire assembly according to claim 6, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the air pressure regulator includes operative control valve means to prohibit the flow of incoming air into the air passage air (18, 20) when the air pressure inside the tire cavity (26) is above a threshold air pressure level.
    [0009]
    9. Air maintenance pump and tire assembly according to claim 7, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the valve control means comprise a control duct (52) that extends between and conducts an inlet air flow between the air inlet port (32) and the upstream side of the in-line valves (62, 64), the control valve means further comprising a control valve actuator to interrupt the inlet air flow through from the control line (52) to the in-line valves (62, 64) when the air pressure inside the tire cavity (26) is above the air pressure threshold level.
    [0010]
    10. Air maintenance pump and tire assembly according to claim 8, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the control valve driver moves between an open position in which the air flow through the control duct (52) into the in-line valves (62, 64) it is uninterrupted and a closed position in which the flow of air through the control duct (52) into the in-line valves (62, 64) is interrupted.
    [0011]
    11. Air maintenance pump and tire assembly, according to claim 9, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the control valve actuator further comprises means of propensity for propensity of the valve actuator within the closed position when the air pressure inside the tire cavity (26) is above the threshold air pressure level.
    [0012]
    12. Air maintenance pump and tire assembly, according to claim 10, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the control duct (52) is positioned in series between the inlet port (32) and the upstream sides of the valves online (62, 64).
    [0013]
    13. Air maintenance pump and tire assembly according to claim 11, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the valve driver comprises a piston seated within a valve housing cavity, the control duct (52) extending transversely across the piston and moving reciprocally with the piston between the open and closed positions, the control duct (52) of the piston in the closed position having an offset orientation with the upstream sides of the in-line valves (62, 64) and the control duct (52) of the piston in the open position having an orientation aligned with the upstream sides of the in-line valves (62, 64).
    [0014]
    14. Air maintenance pump and tire set, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises: a tire (10) having a tire cavity (26), first and second side walls (12) that extend respectively from the first and second second tire bead regions to a tire tread region; a substantially annular elongated airway (18, 20) enclosed within a region of curvature of the tire (10), the airway (18, 20) operatively closing and opening segment (137) by segment (137) at the as the tire curvature region (10) passes through a rolling tire footprint (134) to pump air along the air passage (18, 20); a set of air inlet openings (28) coupled to the air passage (18, 20) at an inlet joint (38), the set of air inlet openings (28) operable to channel the inlet air from from the outside of the tire (10) into the air passage (18, 20); a pair of substantially in-line valves (62, 64) positioned on respective opposite sides of the inlet air passage junction (38) in air flow communication with the set of inlet openings (28); the in-line valves (62, 64) operative to selectively open in respective opposite directions and pass a flow of inlet air from an upstream valve side to a downstream valve side and into the air passage (18 , 20), and a pair of outlet valves (66, 68), each outlet valve (66, 68) positioned in airflow communication with a downstream side of a respective in-line valve (62, 64), the outlet valves (66, 68) operative to selectively open and conduct a flow of inlet air from the downstream side of a respective in-line valve (62, 64) towards the tire cavity (26); wherein the set of inlet openings (28) comprises an air inlet port (32) and an air pressure regulator, the operative air pressure regulator to selectively open and close the in-line valves (62, 64) in response to an air pressure level within the tire cavity (26); and wherein the air pressure regulator includes operative control valve means to prohibit the flow of incoming air into the air passage (18, 20) when the air pressure inside the tire cavity (26) is above of a threshold air pressure level.
    [0015]
    15. Air maintenance pump and tire assembly according to claim 14, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the control valve means comprise a control duct (52) that extends between and conducts the incoming air flow between the air inlet port (32) and the upstream sides of the in-line valves (62, 64), the control valve means further comprising a control valve means actuator to interrupt the inlet air flow through from the control line (52) to the in-line valves (62, 64) when the air pressure inside the tire cavity (26) is above the threshold air pressure level.
    [0016]
    16. Air maintenance pump and tire assembly according to claim 14, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the valve driver comprises a piston seated within a valve housing cavity, the control duct (52) extending transversely across the piston and moving reciprocally with the piston between the closed and open positions, the control duct (52) of the piston in the closed position having an offset orientation with the upstream sides of the in-line valves (62, 64) and the control duct (52) of the piston in the open position having an orientation aligned with the upstream sides of the in-line valves (62, 64).
    [0017]
    17. Air maintenance pump and tire assembly, according to claim 15, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the in-line (62, 64) and outlet (66, 68) valves are selectively opened by the air flow direction inside the air passage (18, 20).
    [0018]
    18. Air maintenance pump and tire assembly according to claim 16, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the air flow direction within the air passage (18, 20) is bidirectional and controlled by a forward rotational direction and a reverse rotational direction of the tire (10).
    [0019]
    19. Air maintenance pump and tire assembly according to claim 17, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the air passage (18, 20) is closed within the sidewall (12) of the tire (10) and the flow air is created operatively from the segment (137) by the segment collapse of the air passage (18, 20) opposite the rolling tire footprint (134) against the ground surface (132).
    [0020]
    20. Air maintenance pump and tire assembly according to claim 18, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the air passage (18, 20) substantially circumscribes the sidewall (12) of the tire (10) in a substantially shape cancel.
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    同族专利:
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    CN103522849B|2016-12-28|
    JP2014008961A|2014-01-20|
    CN103522849A|2014-01-22|
    BR102013014718A2|2015-08-11|
    JP6166600B2|2017-07-19|
    EP2679413A1|2014-01-01|
    US20140000778A1|2014-01-02|
    US8991456B2|2015-03-31|
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    法律状态:
    2015-08-11| B03A| Publication of a patent application or of a certificate of addition of invention [chapter 3.1 patent gazette]|
    2018-12-04| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
    2019-11-05| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2020-08-25| B06A| Notification to applicant to reply to the report for non-patentability or inadequacy of the application [chapter 6.1 patent gazette]|
    2021-03-16| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2021-03-30| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 12/06/2013, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US13/536,112|2012-06-28|
    US13/536,112|US8991456B2|2012-06-28|2012-06-28|Reversible air maintenance tire and pump assembly|
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