阅读说明：本技术 轮胎压力监测系统 (Tire pressure monitoring system ) 是由 瑞恩·布蒂默 罗伯特·亨利·卡米列里 于 2019-06-26 设计创作，主要内容包括：本公开提供了“轮胎压力监测系统”。一种轮胎压力监测系统包括具有杆部和球部的柔性构件、同轴设置在所述杆部中的金属管、附接构件和固定到所述附接构件的传感器壳体。所述球部包括具有凹槽的外圆周表面。所述附接构件与所述外圆周表面相邻并包括定位在所述凹槽中的肋。(The present disclosure provides a tire pressure monitoring system. A tire pressure monitoring system includes a flexible member having a shaft portion and a ball portion, a metal tube coaxially disposed in the shaft portion, an attachment member, and a sensor housing secured to the attachment member. The ball portion includes an outer circumferential surface having a groove. The attachment member is adjacent the outer circumferential surface and includes a rib positioned in the groove.)

1. A tire pressure monitoring system, comprising:

a flexible member including a shaft portion and a ball portion, the ball portion including an outer circumferential surface having a groove;

a metal tube coaxially disposed in the rod portion;

an attachment member adjacent the outer circumferential surface and including a rib positioned in the groove; and

a sensor housing secured to the attachment member.

2. The tire pressure monitoring system of claim 1 wherein said metal tube is elongated from a first end in said shank portion, away from said ball portion, to a second end outside said shank portion.

3. The tire pressure monitoring system of claim 2, wherein said first end of said metal tube is axially spaced from said attachment member.

4. The tire pressure monitoring system of claim 1 wherein said attachment member defines a cup that receives said ball portion, and said rib extends into said cup.

5. The tire pressure monitoring system of claim 4 wherein said rib extends circumferentially around said cup.

6. The tire pressure monitoring system of claim 1, wherein said attachment member and said sensor housing are integral.

7. The tire pressure monitoring system of claim 1, wherein said attachment member extends circumferentially around said outer circumferential surface.

8. The tire pressure monitoring system of claim 1 wherein said groove extends circumferentially 360 ° around said ball portion.

9. The tire pressure monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the ball portion includes a bore and the attachment member includes a port in fluid communication with the bore and extending away from the ball portion.

10. The tire pressure monitoring system of claim 1 wherein said groove is a first groove, said flexible member includes a second groove between said shank and said ball portion, and said second groove is shaped to fit in a rim hole.

11. The tire pressure monitoring system of claim 1 wherein said metal tube includes a tube bore, said ball portion includes a ball bore opening into said tube bore, and said ball bore has a diameter greater than a diameter of said tube bore.

12. The tire pressure monitoring system of claim 1 wherein said stem includes a stem bore, said ball portion includes a ball bore leading to said tube bore, and said ball bore has a diameter greater than a diameter of said stem bore.

13. The tire pressure monitoring system of claim 12 wherein said metal tube extends into said ball bore.

14. The tire pressure monitoring system of claim 1, further comprising a TPMS sensor disposed in said sensor housing.

15. The tire pressure monitoring system of any one of claims 1-14, further comprising a rim having an aperture, wherein the flexible member is disposed in the aperture with the stem portion outside of the aperture and the ball portion inside of the aperture.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to vehicle tire pressure monitoring systems.

Background

A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is a system for monitoring the air pressure of vehicle tires. When the TPMS detects an improper inflation of one of the vehicle tires, an indicator light on the instrument panel is illuminated to provide a warning to the driver about the tire. The TPMS may be indirect or direct.

The indirect TPMS monitors information available outside the tire to indirectly determine air pressure. Some indirect TPMS rely on the individual rotational speeds of the tires. If one tire rotates faster than the other, the tire has a smaller diameter and therefore may be under-inflated.

Direct TPMS use pressure sensors mounted on the inside or outside surface of each tire. Pressure sensors mounted inside the tire communicate using wireless short range signals.

Disclosure of Invention

A tire pressure monitoring system includes a flexible member having a shaft portion and a ball portion, a metal tube coaxially disposed in the shaft portion, an attachment member, and a sensor housing secured to the attachment member. The ball portion includes an outer circumferential surface having a groove. The attachment member is adjacent the outer circumferential surface and includes a rib positioned in the groove.

The metal tube may be elongated from a first end in the shaft portion, away from the ball portion, to a second end outside the shaft portion. The first end of the metal tube may be axially spaced from the attachment member.

The attachment member may define a cup that receives the ball portion, and the rib may extend into the cup. The ribs may extend circumferentially around the cup.

The attachment member and the sensor housing may be integral.

The attachment member may extend circumferentially around the outer circumferential surface.

The groove may extend 360 ° circumferentially around the ball portion. The rib may extend 360 ° circumferentially around the ball portion in the groove.

The ball portion may include a bore, and the attachment member may include a port in fluid communication with the bore and extending away from the ball portion. The attachment member may include a plurality of ports including the port, and the plurality of ports may be in fluid communication with the bore and extend away from the ball portion.

The flexible member may define an axis, and the port may extend radially away from the axis.

The flexible member may define an axis, and the port may extend axially.

The groove may be a first groove, the flexible member may include a second groove between the stem portion and the ball portion, and the second groove may be shaped to fit in a rim hole.

The metal tube may include a tube bore, the ball portion may include a ball bore leading to the tube bore, and the ball bore may have a diameter greater than a diameter of the tube bore.

The shank may include a shank bore, the ball portion may include a ball bore leading to the tube bore, and the ball bore may have a diameter greater than a diameter of the shank bore. The metal tube may extend into the ball hole.

The tire pressure monitoring system may further include a TPMS sensor disposed in the sensor housing.

The tire pressure monitoring system may further include a rim having an aperture, wherein the flexible member may be disposed in the aperture with the stem portion outside of the aperture and the ball portion inside of the aperture.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary wheel and tire of a vehicle.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the wheel and tire of FIG. 1 with a portion of the tire removed for purposes of illustration.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a tire pressure monitoring system for the wheel and tire of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the tire pressure monitoring system of fig. 3.

Detailed Description

The tire pressure monitoring system 30 includes a flexible member 32 having a stem portion 34 and a ball portion 36, a metal tube 38 coaxially disposed in the stem portion 34, an attachment member 40, and a sensor housing 42 secured to the attachment member 40. The ball portion 36 includes an outer circumferential surface 44 having a groove 46. The attachment member 40 is adjacent the outer circumferential surface 44 and includes a rib 48 positioned in the groove 46.

The tire pressure monitoring system 30 is easy to assemble and robust in use. The components of the tire pressure monitoring system 30 fit together and are mounted to the rim 50 of the vehicle 52 without the use of fasteners, which reduces cost and saves assembly time. The arrangement of the components of the tire pressure monitoring system 30 reduces the centrifugal pressure on the flexible member 32 as the rim 50 rotates, which increases the durability and longevity of the flexible member 32. Thus, the flexible member 32 can be made of less expensive materials, further reducing costs.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, a tire pressure monitoring system may be mounted to a rim 50 of a vehicle 52. The rim 50 is rotatable relative to the body 54 of the vehicle 52. The rim 50 is radially symmetrical and includes two radially symmetrical flanges 56 for mounting a tire 58. The rim 50 may be formed of a non-flexible material, such as a metal (such as steel or aluminum).

The tire 58 is an inflatable ring mounted to the rim 50 of the vehicle 52. The tire 58 provides shock absorption and traction. The tire 58 and rim 50 define an annular inflation chamber 60 that may be filled with a compressed inflation medium, such as air. The plenum 60 has an annular shape. The tire 58 may be formed of synthetic or natural rubber, or other elastomeric material that provides sufficient elasticity, durability, and grip. The tire 58 may also include cords (not shown) extending through the elastomeric material and/or compounds added to the elastomeric material.

The rim 50 includes a rim aperture 62. The tire pressure monitoring system 30 is installed through the rim hole 62. A rim aperture 62 extends from an outer face 64 of the rim 50 to the plenum 60. For purposes of this disclosure, "outer" is defined as the direction away from the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle 52 or the direction that would be away from the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle 52 if the tire pressure monitoring system 30 were mounted to the rim 50, and "inner" is defined as the direction toward the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle 52 or the direction that would be toward the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle 52 if the tire pressure monitoring system 30 were mounted to the rim 50. The rim aperture 62 is spaced from the tire 58. The rim hole 62 is sized so that the tire pressure monitoring system 30 is installed to seal the inflation chamber 60.

Referring to fig. 3 and 4, flexible member 32 includes a shaft portion 34 and a ball portion 36. The flexible member 32 defines an axis a. The flexible member 32 is radially symmetric about the axis a. The flexible member 32 may be formed of synthetic or natural rubber or another resilient material. The flexible member 32 may be unitary. For purposes of this disclosure, "unitary" is defined as being made from a single uniform piece of material without seams, joints, fasteners, or adhesives that hold it together.

Flexible member 32 includes a second groove 66 between shaft portion 34 and ball portion 36. The second groove 66 is shaped to fit in the rim hole 62, i.e., has a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the rim hole 62. The ball portion 36 has an outer diameter greater than the diameter of the second groove 66. The stem 34 includes a lip 68 adjacent the second groove 66 and having a diameter greater than the diameter of the second groove 66. The flexible member 32 is mounted to the rim 50 by a second recess 66. The flexible member 32 is disposed in the rim hole 62 with the stem portion 34 outside of the rim hole 62 and the ball portion 36 inside of the rim hole 62. The stem portion 34 is disposed outside of the outer face 64 of the rim 50. The bulb 36 is disposed in the plenum 60.

The stem 34 has a tubular shape and is elongated along an axis a. The shaft portion 34 is tapered in an outer direction (i.e., in a direction away from the ball portion 36) along the axis a, i.e., has a gradually decreasing outer diameter. The stem portion 34 includes a stem bore 70 elongated along axis a. The rod bore 70 extends the full length of the rod portion 34. The rod hole 70 is open at both ends.

The ball portion 36 has a tubular shape and is elongated along an axis a. The ball portion 36 includes an outer circumferential surface 44. The outer circumferential surface 44 extends axially along and circumferentially about the axis a. The ball portion 36 includes a ball hole 72. One end of the stem bore 70 opens into a ball bore 72. The ball hole 72 is elongated along axis a. The ball hole 72 has a diameter greater than the diameter of the stem hole 70.

The outer circumferential surface 44 includes a groove 46. The groove 46 extends into the ball portion 36, i.e., radially from the outer circumferential surface 44 toward the axis a. The groove 46 extends 360 circumferentially around the ball portion 36. The groove 46 is shaped to receive the rib 48.

The metal tube 38 extends from a first end 74 to a second end 76. The metal tube 38 includes threads 78 proximate the second end 76 for receiving a cap 80. The threads 78 are closer to the second end 76 than the first end 74. The metal tube 38 has a tubular shape. The metal tube 38 includes a tube bore 82. The tube bore 82 extends from the first end 74 to the second end 76 of the tube. The size and shape of the metal tube 38 may conform to standards promulgated by the Tire and Rim Association (Inc.) and/or the european Tire and Rim Technical organization (european type and Rim Technical organization). The metal tube 38 may be a copper alloy, such as brass.

The metal tube 38 is elongated along an axis a. A metal tube 38 is coaxially disposed in the stem portion 34. The metal tube 38 is flush with the rod bore 70 along axis a, and the fit of the metal tube 38 in the rod bore 70 prevents air from passing between the rod bore 70 and the metal tube 38. The outer diameter of metal tube 38 is approximately equal to the diameter of rod bore 70 along axis a. The first end 74 of the metal tube 38 is disposed in the shaft portion 34 distal from the ball portion 36, and the first end 74 of the tube is axially spaced from the attachment member 40. A first end 74 of the metal tube 38 extends out of the stem bore 70 and into the ball bore 72. The position of first end 74 of metal tube 38 may reduce the pressure on second groove 66 against rim hole 62. The second end 76 of the metal tube 38 is disposed outside the stem portion 34, specifically, outside the flexible member 32 along axis a. The tube bore 82 opens into the ball bore 72 at the first end 74 of the metal tube 38, and the tube bore 82 is sealed by the cap 80 at the second end 76 of the metal tube 38. The tube bore 82 is in fluid communication with the ball bore 72. For purposes of this disclosure, "fluid communication" is defined as allowing fluid (i.e., gas or liquid) to flow from one to the other.

The attachment member 40 defines a cup 84. The attachment member 40 includes a rear wall 86 and a side wall 88 that define the cup 84. The rear wall 86 may be generally planar and may be orthogonal to the axis a. The side wall 88 has a tubular shape that is elongated along the axis a from the rear wall 86 to the open end 90. The open end 90 has a tapered inside edge. The side wall 88 extends 360 ° about the axis a. The outer diameter of the side wall 88 is greater than the outer diameter of the ball portion 36, i.e., the diameter of the outer circumferential surface 44. The inner diameter of the side wall 88 is substantially equal to or less than the outer diameter of the ball portion 36. The attachment member 40 includes a sensor attachment projection 92. The sensor attachment tab 92 may extend axially from inside the rear wall 86.

An attachment member 40 is positioned about the ball portion 36. An attachment member 40, such as the shape of a cup 84 of the attachment member 40, receives the ball portion 36. The attachment member 40, specifically the sidewall 88, extends circumferentially around the outer circumferential surface 44. The attachment member 40, specifically the sidewall 88, is adjacent the outer circumferential surface 44. The attachment member 40 has a larger outer diameter than the ball portion 36, which may make it easier to assemble the tire pressure monitoring system 30 because it is easier to position the ball portion 36 in the cup 84. The tapered inside edge of the open end 90 may also make it easier to position the ball portion 36 in the cup 84. The attachment member 40 may have an inner diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the ball portion 36, which may create an interference fit, thereby avoiding the need for fasteners or adhesives for attaching the attachment member 40 to the ball portion 36. The rear wall 86 is spaced from the bulb 36. The attachment member 40 and ball portion 36 define a cup chamber 94, and the cup chamber 94 opens into the ball hole 72. The cup chamber 94 is in fluid communication with the ball hole 72. More specifically, the ball portion 36, the rear wall 86, and the side wall 88 between the ball portion 36 and the rear wall 86 define a cup chamber 94.

The attachment member 40 includes a rib 48. The ribs 48 extend into the cup 84 and extend circumferentially around the cup 84. The ribs 48 extend along the inner side of the side walls 88. The ribs 48 extend about the axis a. The rib 48 extends 360 around the ball portion 36. The ribs 48 extend radially inward (i.e., toward the axis a) from the side wall 88 of the attachment member 40. The ribs 48 are positioned in the grooves 46.

The rib 48 includes a sliding surface 96 and a catch surface 98. The sliding surface 96 is outside the catch surface 98. The sliding surface 96 may form an obtuse angle with the side wall 88 extending away from the rib 48, and the catch surface 98 may form a right or acute angle with the side wall 88 extending away from the rib 48. The sliding surface 96 may extend from the sidewall 88 in a radially inward and inward direction. The retaining surface 98 may extend from the sidewall 88 in a radially inward direction or in both a radially inward and inward direction.

The attachment member 40 includes a plurality of ports 100 in fluid communication with the cup chamber 94, the ball bore 72, and the tube bore 82. A port 100 extends from the plenum 60 through the attachment member 40 to the cup chamber 94. A port 100 extends from the cup chamber 94, away from the ball portion 36, through the attachment member 40 to the plenum chamber 60. For example, the ports 100 may include a port 100 extending axially through the rear wall 86 and the sensor attachment projection 92 of the attachment chamber and two ports 100 extending radially away from the axis a through the side wall 88 of the attachment member 40. The axially extending port 100 may have a larger diameter than the radially extending port 100.

The sensor housing 42 is fixed to the attachment member 40, for example to the sensor attachment projection 92. The sensor housing 42 extends from the interior of the attachment member 40. The sensor housing 42 may be attached to the attachment member 40 via a press fit, snap fit, adhesive, fasteners, or the like. Alternatively, the attachment member 40 and the sensor housing 42 may be integral. For purposes of this disclosure, "unitary" is defined as being made from a single uniform piece of material without seams, joints, fasteners, or adhesives that hold it together.

A Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensor 102 is disposed in the sensor housing 42. The TPMS sensor 102 may be a direct TPMS sensor, i.e., a pressure sensor. The TPMS sensor 102 is positioned to monitor the pressure of the plenum 60. TPMS sensor 102 may communicate with a communication network and a controller (not shown) of vehicle 52 using wireless short-range signals. The controller may output a warning if the pressure sensed by the TPMS sensor 102 is below a threshold. The warning may be, for example, sounding and illuminating an indicator light.

To assemble tire pressure monitoring system 30, flexible member 32 may be formed as a unitary piece. The sensor housing 42 may be attached to the attachment member 40, or the sensor housing 42 and the attachment member 40 may be formed as a unitary piece. The metal tube 38 is inserted into the rod bore 70. The attachment member 40 snaps onto the ball portion 36 with the rib 48 engaging the groove 46. The flexible member 32 is inserted through the rim hole 62 with the stem 34 first in the outward direction and the lip 68 snapped over the rim hole 62. The lip 68 and ball portion 36 hold the flexible member 32 in place in the rim hole 62. The tire pressure monitoring system 30 is attached to the rim 50 without the use of fasteners. A cap 80 is screwed onto the threads 78 of the metal tube 38.

In operation, the TPMS sensor 102 continuously or periodically transmits data to the controller indicative of the pressure of the plenum 60. As the vehicle 52 travels, the wheel rotates and the spin angular momentum pushes the tire pressure monitoring system 30 radially away from the center of the rim 50 against the edge of the rim hole 62. The engagement of the metal tube 38 with the rod bore 70 is entirely external, i.e., outside of the rim bore 62, which reduces the pressure on the flexible member 32 from the rim bore 62 as compared to systems in which the metal tube 38 extends through the rim bore 62.

The disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings, and the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

According to the present invention, there is provided a tire pressure monitoring system having: a flexible member including a shaft portion and a ball portion, the ball portion including an outer circumferential surface having a groove; a metal tube coaxially disposed in the rod portion; an attachment member adjacent the outer circumferential surface and including a rib positioned in the groove; and a sensor housing fixed to the attachment member.

According to one embodiment, the metal tube is elongated from a first end in the shank portion, away from the ball portion, to a second end outside the shank portion.

According to one embodiment, the first end of the metal tube is axially spaced from the attachment member.

According to one embodiment, the attachment member defines a cup that receives the ball portion, and the rib extends into the cup.

According to one embodiment, the rib extends circumferentially around the cup.

According to one embodiment, the attachment member and the sensor housing are integral.

According to one embodiment, the attachment member extends circumferentially around the outer circumferential surface.

According to one embodiment, the above invention is further characterized in that the groove extends circumferentially 360 ° around the ball portion.

According to one embodiment, the rib extends 360 ° circumferentially around the ball portion in the groove.

According to one embodiment, the ball portion includes a bore and the attachment member includes a port in fluid communication with the bore and extending away from the ball portion.

According to one embodiment, the attachment member includes a plurality of ports including the port, and the plurality of ports are in fluid communication with the bore and extend away from the ball portion.

According to one embodiment, the flexible member defines an axis and the port extends radially away from the axis.

According to one embodiment, the flexible member defines an axis and the port extends axially.

According to one embodiment, the groove is a first groove, the flexible member includes a second groove between the stem portion and the ball portion, and the second groove is shaped to fit in a rim hole.

According to one embodiment, the metal tube includes a tube bore, the ball portion includes a ball bore opening into the tube bore, and the ball bore has a diameter greater than a diameter of the tube bore.

According to one embodiment, the shank includes a shank bore, the ball portion includes a ball bore leading to the tube bore, and the ball bore has a diameter greater than a diameter of the shank bore.

According to one embodiment, the metal tube extends into the ball hole.

According to one embodiment, the above-described invention is further characterized by a TPMS sensor disposed in the sensor housing.

According to one embodiment, the above-described invention is further characterized by a wheel rim including a bore, wherein the flexible member is disposed in the bore with the stem portion outside of the bore and the ball portion inside of the bore.