FR2897015A1 - Motor vehicle, has tire re-inflating system in communication with tire rolling state monitoring device such that re-inflating system is activated in event of detection of tire puncture state - Google Patents

Abstract

The vehicle has wheel on which a tire is mounted, where the tire contains gas for being in rolling state. A tire rolling state monitoring device is arranged to detect a state of puncture of the tire. A tire re-inflating system reconditions the punctured tire in the rolling state. The tire re-inflating system is in communication with the monitoring device such that the re-inflating system is activated in the event of detection of the state of tire puncture. An independent claim is also included for an anti-friction bearing for the guidance in rotation of the wheel of the motor vehicle.

Description

The invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one wheel

  on which is mounted a tire, and a rolling bearing for guiding a rotation of a motor vehicle wheel.

  Motor vehicles are known which are equipped with a system for controlling and regulating tire pressure.

  In particular, these vehicles comprise a compressor and a pressurized air tank which is in communication with the interior of the tire via an air passage path through the rolling bearing.

  However, these achievements are unsatisfactory from the point of view of cost, weight and the space required for their installation, particularly because of the presence of the compressor.

  In addition, the realization of the path forming the air passage requires significant changes of the bearing, in particular by increasing its axial dimension, which requires a specific integration of said bearing in the wheel train of the vehicle. Therefore, the integration of the air passage function requires a specific wheel assembly, which, in addition to the cost of development, impedes the possibility of offering this optional function on the vehicle.

  Furthermore, the systems for controlling and regulating the tire pressure are inoperative in the event of a puncture. Therefore, known motor vehicles include a spare wheel or a re-inflation kit.

  However, the implementation of these palliative means, in addition to being very restrictive for the motorist, requires immobilization of the vehicle which is not satisfactory. The object of the invention is to overcome these drawbacks by proposing, in particular, a motor vehicle comprising means capable of detecting and repairing a puncture in an automatic manner and without necessarily immobilizing said vehicle. In addition, the invention proposes a rolling bearing which makes it possible to implement this function in an optional manner.

  For this purpose, and according to a first aspect, the invention proposes a motor vehicle comprising at least one wheel on which is a tire, said tire containing gas to be in a rolling state, said vehicle comprising a device for monitoring the vehicle. the rolling condition of said tire which is arranged to detect a puncture condition thereof. The vehicle incorporates a tire reinflation system which is able to repackage the flat tire in a rolling condition, said inflation system being in communication with the monitoring device to be actuated in the event of detection of a puncture condition.

  According to a second aspect, the invention proposes a rolling bearing for the rotational guidance of a motor vehicle wheel according to the invention, said bearing comprising a gas passage module which is associated with the fixed member, and a path forming a gas passage which comprises a fixed channel formed in said module and a rotating channel passing through the rotating member.

  According to a particular embodiment, the rolling bearing comprises: a lateral housing which is formed between the fixed member and the rotating member and in which the gas passage module is associated with the fixed member; a rear seal provided between the fixed member and the rotating member; a front seal provided between the rotating member and the fixed member or the gas passage module; the gas passage path comprising a lateral annular space which is formed in the lateral housing between the front seal and a third seal provided between the gas passage module and the rotating member, the fixed channel comprising a downstream end opening into the lateral space and the rotating channel comprising an upstream end opening into said space.

  Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear in the description which follows, made with reference to the appended figures, in which: FIGS. 1 to 4 are perspective representations of a rolling bearing according to an embodiment of the invention, respectively; invention; - Figures la and lb are representations respectively in longitudinal section and in partial longitudinal section of the rolling bearing according to Figure 1; FIG. 1c is a cross-sectional representation showing inside the casing of FIG. 1; FIGS. 2a and 2b are representations respectively in longitudinal section and in partial longitudinal section of the rolling bearing according to FIG. 2; FIG. in cross-section showing the interior of the housing of FIG. 2 - FIGS. 3a and 3b are representations respectively in longitudinal section and in partial longitudinal section of the rolling bearing according to FIG. 3; FIG. 3c is a cross-sectional representation showing FIGS. 4a and 4b are representations respectively in longitudinal section and in partial longitudinal section of the rolling bearing according to FIG. 4; FIG. 4c is a cross-sectional representation showing the inside of the housing of the housing of FIG. FIG. 4 - FIG. 4d is a sectional representation of an assembly comprising a bus gas button and means for releasing the gas contained in the cartridge, said assembly being intended to be in communication with the gas passage module according to FIG. 4.

  Four embodiments of the invention are described below in connection with a wheel of a motor vehicle on which a tire is mounted, said tire containing gas to be in a rolling state. Of course, a motor vehicle generally comprises four wheels on each of which 4 the invention can be implemented for, as explained below, overcome a puncture condition automatically.

  In known manner, the wheel is mounted on the chassis of the vehicle by means of a rolling bearing, said bearing comprising a fixed member 1 integral with the frame and a rotating member 2 which is secured to the wheel.

  The motor vehicle comprises a device for monitoring the rolling state of a tire which is arranged to detect a puncture condition thereof.

  Alternatively, the device may be common to several tires to monitor their respective driving state.

  According to one embodiment, the monitoring device comprises a means of measuring the gas pressure in the tire which can be embedded on the wheel, in particular in the form of a sensor integrated in the tire valve. Indeed, as disclosed in particular in the documents FR-A-2 862 822, FR-A-2 862 751 and FR-A-2 862 752, it is possible to communicate this pressure information from the sensor to a calculator solidary of the chassis of the vehicle.

  The monitoring device further comprises means for comparing this pressure with a threshold value corresponding to a puncture condition, said comparison means being able to be implemented in the computer.

  According to another embodiment, the monitoring device comprises a means for measuring a rolling condition of the tire, in particular so as to be able to indirectly deduce the tire pressure or a puncture condition. In particular, the measuring means can be based on an analysis of the differential speed of the speed of rotation of the wheels of a train. In addition, the monitoring device comprises means for comparing the indirect measurement with a value corresponding to a puncture condition.

  According to the invention, the vehicle incorporates a tire reinflation system that is able to repackage the flat tire in a rolling condition. Thus, by providing that the reinflation system is in communication with the monitoring device, said reinflation system can be actuated by the latter if a puncture condition is detected. In particular, it is thus possible to repackage the tire in a rolling condition automatically, and even without necessarily immobilizing the vehicle.

  Regarding the communication between the monitoring device and the reinflation system, it is possible to provide a wired connection or a radio link between them. It is also possible to delay and / or check the puncture condition before operating the reinflation system, so as to avoid its actuation inadvertently.

  According to another embodiment, it can be provided that the monitoring device is integrated in the reinflation system to be autonomous with respect to a vehicle computer.

  In the embodiments described, the reinflation system comprises a gas cartridge 3, said cartridge being in fluid communication with the inside of the tire via a communication circuit. The use of a gas cartridge 3 has the particular advantage that it can be replaced in a simple manner after its actuation. Thus, by changing only the cartridge 3, it is possible to overcome the possible occurrence of a subsequent puncture condition. To allow the change of the cartridge 3, the motor vehicle may include means for signaling the driver of the operation of the refueling system, for example at the dashboard of said vehicle.

  In these embodiments, it is possible to provide the reinflation system with a valve calibrated at a gas pressure in the tire which corresponds to a rolling state, said valve being integrated in the communication circuit. Thus, the amount of gas contained in the cartridge 3 may be greater than that necessary for the reconditioning of the tire in a rolling condition, without the risk of overpressure inside said tire.

  To repackage the tire in a rolling condition, the inflation system may include an air chamber which is disposed around the wheel in a deflated state. The air chamber is then inflated by the gas of the cartridge 3 so as to repackage the flat tire in a rolling condition even if the envelope of the latter is pierced. To do this, the air chamber is disposed in the tire and around the rim of the wheel.

  In another embodiment, the reinflation system comprises a sealing means of the tire inner envelope, such as a clogging gel to restore the tire seal. Thus, by actuating the sealing means in the event of detecting a puncture condition, especially before or simultaneously with the actuation of the cartridge 3, it is possible to repair the flat tire automatically.

  In relation to FIGS. 1, a first embodiment of a rolling bearing for guiding the rotation of a motor vehicle wheel as described above is described below, the communication circuit comprising a path forming gas passage which is formed between the outside of the fixed member 1 and the front face of the rotating member 2.

  In other embodiments not shown, the geometry of the bearing may be different in particular to meet the constraints of integration and operation of said bearing. In particular, the geometry of the rolling bodies, their arrangement between the members, as well as the geometry and the arrangement of the members 1, 2 are not limited to the embodiments described.

  The rotating member 2 is rotatably mounted about an axis A and makes it possible to transmit to the wheel the rotational movement of a rotating driving axle. Furthermore, the rotating member 2 is rotatably mounted inside the fixed member 1 by means of rolling bodies 4, such as balls, arranged in an annular rolling space which is formed between the members rotating 2 and fixed 1.

  In the remainder of the description, the terms axial or longitudinal and radial or lateral refer to planes respectively parallel and perpendicular to the axis A. The terms inner and outer refer to longitudinal planes situated respectively close and at a distance from the axis A. In addition, the front and rear terms refer to lateral planes located respectively on the side of the wheel, namely on the left side in Figure la, and on the opposite side to the wheel, namely on the right side. in figure la.

  The rotating inner member 2 comprises a generally cylindrical hub A axis which comprises a front portion for the association of the wheel and a rear portion for the association of the axle. The diameter of the front portion is substantially greater than that of the rear portion so as to provide at least one shoulder 5 on the hub.

  To allow attachment of the wheel to the hub, the front portion comprises an annular radial clamping flange 6 which extends from the outer surface of the front portion. Axial fixing holes 7 are provided on the radial flange 6 in order to cooperate with fasteners of the wheel to the hub.

  The rear part of the hub comprises an axial bore 8 of axis A in which a transmission element can be fitted through splines. In variant not shown, the hub may be free of bore, especially for mounting a non-driving wheel.

  The fixed outer member 1 is a generally cylindrical piece whose axis is disposed coaxially with the axis A. The fixed member also has an axial bore centered on the axis A within which the rear portion of the hub is mounted in rotation. The fixed member 1 comprises a flange 9 associated with the frame 8 which has axial holes 10 to cooperate with association members.

  In the figures, the relative rotation of the fixed member 1 and the rotating member 2 is ensured by two rows of balls 4 arranged in an O-shaped assembly in the annular rolling space formed between the rear part of the hub and the Boring of the fixed member 1.

  At the rear of the bearing, the bearing space is sealed laterally by a rear seal 11 provided between the fixed member 1 and the rotating member 2. In the embodiment shown, the seal comprises a rigid frame provided with an axial wall and a radial wall. The axial wall is fitted on an axial bearing surface of the fixed member 1. The radial wall carries two elastomeric lips which are in frictional contact, respectively axial and radial, on a rigid reinforcement secured to the rotating member facing the reinforcement. fixed.

  The bearing comprises a lateral housing which is formed between the fixed member 1 and the rotating member 2. In the embodiment shown, the lateral housing is delimited axially on either side respectively by a lateral surface of the flange. 6 and fixing by lateral surfaces of the fixed member and the association flange 9. Furthermore, the housing is delimited by external axial surfaces of the fixed member 1 and the hub which extend between said lateral surfaces. .

  A gas passage module 12 is associated with the fixed member 1. In particular, the module 12 comprises an annular body which is fitted on an axial surface of the fixed member 1 provided in front of the association flange 9. In addition, to ensure the positioning and wedging of the module 12, it can be provided that the latter comes into rear abutment on the association flange 9. In a variant, provision may be made to interpose a seal, in particular a ring, between the module 12 and the flange 9 to improve the seal at this level. The invention is not limited to the association of the gas passage module 12 by fitting, any other mode of association, for example by means of reported means, which can be provided.

  The path forming the gas passage comprises a fixed channel 13 formed in the module 12 and a rotating channel 14 passing through the rotary member 2. The fixed and rotating channels 13 and 14 are placed in gas communication by means of a lateral annular space 15 which is formed in the lateral housing. The gas passage between the module 12 and the rotating member 2 is thus carried out through the lateral annular space 15.

  It can be provided that the path comprises several fixed channels 13 and / or several rotating channels 14 which are communicated through the lateral annular space 15.

  In the embodiment shown, the module 12 comprises a housing 16 integrated in the annular body, the fixed channel 13 being formed in said housing. Furthermore, the housing 16 comprises a housing 17 in which at least some means of the reinflation system are arranged to be integrated in the bearing, said housing being in communication with the fixed channel 13.

  The lateral space 15 is formed between a front seal 18 provided between the rotating member 2 and the module 12, and a third seal 19 provided between the module 12 and the rotating member 2. Alternatively, the front seal 18 may be provided between the rotating member 2 and the fixed member 1. The front seal 18 is also provided to laterally seal the running space opposite the seal back 11.

  The seals 18, 19 are arranged so that the fixed channel 13 comprises a downstream end opening into the lateral space 15 and the rotating channel 14 comprises an upstream end opening into said space. The seals 18, 19 each comprise a rigid reinforcement 18a, 19a fitted on the module 12, and sealing lips 18b, 19b in rubbing contact on one surface of the hub on each side of the hub. upstream end of the rotating channel 14. The lips 18b, 19b are held in frictional contact by a spring ring type elastic means 18c, 19c.

  In Figures 1, the housing 16 incorporates a cartridge 3 which encloses a generator of a volume of gas which is sufficient to inflate the tire in a rolling condition. The cartridge 3 comprises a pyrotechnic charge 20 and a means 21 for igniting this charge for the delivery of the gas in the communication circuit. The ignition means 21 is actuated by the monitoring device via a wired link 22 forming communication means with said monitoring device, said means being integrated in the module 12. In a variant, a mechanical primer of the load pyrotechnic 20 can be envisaged.

  This embodiment allows, in a small footprint and for a low weight, to generate in situ the gas necessary to reinflate the flat tire and with a fast kinematic. Moreover, the quantity and the nature of the pyrotechnic charge 20 can easily be adapted to the reinflating stresses of the tire (speed, volume, composition, temperature, etc.). In addition, it can be provided that the module 12 integrates the monitoring device so as to be autonomous.

  The housing 16 also comprises a chamber 23 in which the generated gas passes to be introduced into an air passage opening 24 in communication with the fixed channel 13. This chamber 23 allows to relax the generated gas, to filter it and to lower its temperature. In addition, in the case where a clogging product is provided, it can be stored in the chamber 23 to be introduced into the tire during the generation of the gas.

  In relation to FIGS. 2 to 4, three embodiments of a gas passage module 12 which is integrated in a rolling bearing 11 according to that described with reference to FIG. 1 are described. In these three embodiments , the module 12 comprises a housing 16 integrated in the annular body, the fixed channel 13 being formed in said housing.

  In Figures 2, the housing 16 includes a cartridge 3 which encloses a volume of pressurized gas which is sufficient to inflate the tire in a rolling state. In addition, the housing 16 includes means for releasing this volume of gas in the communication circuit, said releasing means being actuated by the monitoring device.

  This embodiment has the advantage of repackaging the tire in its rolling condition by introducing a gas that is pre-conditioned, temperature, composition and volume.

  In the embodiment shown, the release means comprises a striker piston 25 which is mounted in translation in a housing provided in the housing 16. The piston 25 is actuated by a pyrotechnic charge 26 so, in case of actuation, to pierce a cover 27 provided on the cartridge 3. More specifically, the cartridge 3 is sealed in the housing 16 by means of a seal 28, and the piston 25 by means of another seal 29 Between these two seals 28, 29, a chamber provided with two series of air passage openings 30a, 30b is provided, said orifices being in communication with the fixed channel 13.

  The load 26 is ignited by a primer 31 which is actuated by the monitoring device via a wire link 22 forming a means of communication with said monitoring device, said means being integrated in the module 12.

  Thus, it is possible to actuate the reinflation system extremely quickly, which can limit the risks of running in a puncture condition. However, other means, especially mechanical, can be provided to release the gas contained in the cartridge 3, possibly with different triggering kinetics.

  In the embodiment of Figures 3, the module 12 differs from that of Figures 2 in that the housing 16 does not integrate the gas cartridge 3, the latter being disposed in the vehicle away from the bearing to be in communication fluidic with the module 12 not via a tube 32.

  In this embodiment, only the release means is integrated in the gas passage module 12. The release means is similar to that of FIG. 2, namely comprising a striker piston 25 actuated by a pyrotechnic charge 26.

  The downstream end of the tube 32 is provided with a cap 33 which is pierced by the striker piston 25 to ensure the delivery of the gas inside the tire. More specifically, the striker piston 25 is mounted in translation in a chamber of the housing, said chamber being sealed by two seals 34, 35, said chamber being provided with an orifice 36 in communication with the fixed channel 13 so as to put the tube 32 in communication with said channel during the piercing of the lid 33.

  The embodiment of FIGS. 4 differs from that of FIG. 2 in that the release means is also dissociated from the module 12. The release means and the gas cartridge 3 are then integrated into a unitary assembly which comprises a part in which a release means similar to that of Figures 2 is provided.

  The part also includes a connection port of the gas cartridge 3 so that the seal 27 can be perforated, said port also housing an outlet tube 37 which is in sealing communication with the cartridge 3. In addition, The opposite end of the tube 37 is in communication with a chamber 38 provided in the housing 16, said chamber being provided with an air passage opening 39 in communication with the fixed channel 13.

  In this embodiment, the assembly can be integrated into a portion of the vehicle 5 without undergoing the constraints inherent in its integration at the rolling bearing wheel.

Claims (14)

  A motor vehicle comprising at least one wheel on which a tire is mounted, said tire containing gas to be in a rolling condition, said vehicle comprising a device for monitoring the rolling state of said tire which is arranged to detect a tire. puncture condition thereof, said vehicle being characterized in that it incorporates a tire reinflation system which is able to repackage the flat tire in a rolling condition, said reinflation system being in communication with the monitoring device to be activated when a puncture condition is detected.   2. Motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the monitoring device comprises a means for measuring the pressure of the gas in the tire, and means for comparing this pressure with a threshold value corresponding to a puncture condition.   3. Motor vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that the monitoring device comprises a means for measuring a rolling condition of the tire, and means for comparing this measurement with a value corresponding to a puncture condition.   4. Motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the reinflation system comprises an air chamber which is arranged around the wheel, said air chamber being inflated to recondition the tire in a state of rolling.   5. Motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the reinflation system comprises a clogging means of the tire inner casing, said means being actuated in case of detection of a puncture condition. . 15   6. Motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the reinflation system comprises a valve calibrated to regulate the pressure inside the tire.   7. Motor vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the reinflation system comprises a gas cartridge (3) and a circuit for fluid communication of said cartridge with the inside of the tire.   8. Motor vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that the cartridge (3) encloses a volume of pressurized gas which is sufficient to inflate the tire in a rolling condition, the inflation system comprising means for releasing this volume of gas in the communication circuit, said releasing means being actuated by the monitoring device.   9. Motor vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that the cartridge (3) encloses a generator of a volume of gas (20) which is sufficient to inflate the tire in a rolling state, the reinflation system comprising a means priming (21) of this gas generator (20) for its delivery in the communication circuit, said priming means being actuated by the monitoring device.   10. Motor vehicle according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the wheel is mounted on the frame by means of a rolling bearing, said bearing comprising a fixed member (1) integral with the frame and a rotating member (2) to which the wheel is secured, the communication circuit comprising a path forming a gas passage which is formed between the outside of the fixed member (1) and the front face of the rotating member (2) .   Rolling bearing for guiding the rotation of a motor vehicle wheel according to claim 10, said bearing comprising a gas passage module (12) which is associated with the fixed member (1), the path comprising 16 a fixed channel (13) formed in said module and a rotating channel (14) passing through the rotating member (2).   12. Rolling bearing according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises: a lateral housing which is formed between the fixed member (1) and the rotating member (2) and wherein the gas passage module ( 12) is associated with the fixed member (1); a rear seal (11) provided between the fixed member (1) and the rotating member (2); - a front seal (18) provided between the rotating member (2) and the fixed member (1) or the gas passage module (12); the gas passage path comprising a lateral annular space (15) which is formed in the lateral housing between the front seal (18) and a third seal (19) provided between the gas passage module (12) and the rotating member (2), the fixed channel (13) comprising a downstream end opening into the lateral space (15) and the rotating channel (14) comprising an upstream end opening into said space. 20   Rolling bearing according to Claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the module (12) integrates the cartridge (3) as well as a means of communication with the monitoring device.   Roller bearing according to Claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the module (12) incorporates the cartridge (3) and the monitoring device.