FR3040657A1 - METHOD FOR REDUCING THE SOUND LEVEL OF A VALVE OF AN INFLATION / DEFLATION SYSTEM OF A PNEUMATIC, VALVE AND RIM FOR PERFORMING SUCH A METHOD - Google Patents

Abstract

The subject of the invention is a method for reducing the sound level during the operation of a valve (4) of an inflation / deflation system of a vehicle tire, a valve integral with a rim (1) carrying the tire. . According to this method is connected a vent (11) allowing the evacuation of air out of the valve, to an inner portion (lint) of the rim which is oriented on the side of the vehicle. The invention also relates to a valve and a rim for the implementation of this method.

Description

METHOD FOR REDUCING THE SOUND LEVEL OF A VALVE OF AN INFLATION / DEFLATION SYSTEM OF A PNEUMATIC, VALVE AND RIM FOR PERFORMING SUCH A METHOD

The technical field of the invention is that of inflation / deflation systems of a vehicle tire and more particularly that of the inflation / deflation valves and rims equipped with such a valve.

It is known to equip a rim of a vehicle wheel with a valve which is connected on the one hand to a source of pressure and depression and on the other hand to a tire.

The patent WO2011 / 112416 thus describes such a valve and its mounting on a rim.

Patent FR2731655 also describes an inflation / deflation control valve and its adaptation to a rim or a rocket of a wheel axle.

The inflation / deflation valves have the disadvantage of having a noisy operation during deflation operations. It is the object of the invention to provide a method for reducing the noise level in the vicinity of the vehicle during operation of a tire inflation / deflation valve. The invention also aims to provide an inflation / deflation valve for the implementation of such a method, so having a quiet operation. Finally, the object of the invention is to propose a rim which is suitable for implementing the method according to the invention.

Thus, the subject of the invention is a method for reducing the sound level during the operation of a valve of an inflation / deflation system of a vehicle tire, a valve integral with a rim carrying the tire, a process in which one connects a vent allowing the evacuation of the air out of the valve towards an inner part of the rim which is oriented towards the side of the vehicle.

According to one embodiment, the valve is fixed at an outer portion of the rim and at least a portion of the conduit is incorporated in the valve.

According to another embodiment, the valve is fixed at an outer portion of the rim and at least a portion of the conduit is constituted by a pipe connected to the valve and passing through the rim away from the valve.

According to another embodiment, the valve is fixed at an inner portion of the rim. The subject of the invention is also an inflation / deflation valve comprising a body intended to be fixed at the level of an outer wall of a rim carrying a tire, a valve comprising an inlet orifice intended to be connected to a source of pressure, an outlet port for connection to the tire through a channel internal to the rim and an air exhaust vent, valve characterized in that the exhaust vent is arranged so as to find next to a hole through the rim.

According to another embodiment, the inflation / deflation valve comprises a body intended to be fixed at the level of an outer wall of a rim carrying a tire, which valve comprises an inlet orifice intended to be connected to a source. a pressure port, an outlet port for connection to the tire through a channel internal to the rim and an air exhaust vent, valve characterized in that the exhaust vent is arranged to able to receive a pipe for connecting the vent to a hole through the rim. The invention finally relates to a vehicle rim intended to carry a tire and to be equipped at an outer face of an inflation / deflation valve, characterized in that it comprises at least one first through hole which is intended to cooperate with a discharge vent of the valve or to receive a pipe connected to a discharge vent of the valve.

According to one embodiment, the rim has a second through hole intended to cooperate with an inlet port of the valve.

The rim may comprise a mudguard device covering the first through hole, device comprising a face disposed at a distance from an inner wall of the rim so as to provide a gap allowing the evacuation of air.

The mudguard may include a lip seal closing the gap.

The vehicle rim may in particular be equipped with a valve according to the invention, the first through hole carried by the rim for driving to the inner wall of the rim the air coming from the discharge vent of the valve. . The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of particular embodiments, a description given with reference to the accompanying drawings and in which: FIG. 1 is a front external perspective view of a rim according to FIG. invention equipped with a valve according to the invention; - Figure 2 is an inner perspective view of this rim; - Figure 3 is an external front view of a first embodiment of a valve according to the invention fixed on a rim; - Figure 4 is a sectional view of this first embodiment of a valve, cut according to the plane whose track AA is marked in Figure 3; - Figure 5 is another sectional view of this first embodiment of a valve, cut according to the plane whose trace BB is marked in Figure 3; - Figure 6 is a partial view of the inside of a rim equipped with a mudguard; - Figure 7 is an external front view of a second embodiment of a valve according to the invention fixed on a rim; - Figure 8 is a sectional view of this second embodiment of a valve, cut according to the plane whose trace CC is marked in Figure 7.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a rim 1 according to one embodiment of the invention comprises an outer flange and a ring lb. In a conventional manner, described for example by the patent WO2011 / 112416, the flange la and the ring 1b are connected to each other by screws (not shown). The rim 1 is intended to receive a tire (not shown) of which a sectional profile is partially represented by the dashed lines 2 in FIG.

The tire 2 is thus positioned between the annular flanges 3a and 3b of the rim, the flange 3a (or outer flange) being integral with the flange 1a and the flange 3b (or outer flange) being integral with the ring 1b.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rim 1 is equipped with an inflation / deflation valve 4 which comprises a body 5 fixed at the level of an outer wall extending from the rim which is formed by the front face of the tire. flaccid that is facing outward.

An embodiment of the valve 4 is shown in Figures 3 to 6. The body 5 of the valve 4 is fixed to the flange 1a of the rim 1 by screws 6 (visible in Figure 3).

The valve 4 comprises an inlet port 7 which is intended to be connected to a source of pressure / depression through a hole 8 passing through the rim 1, which hole is hereinafter designated as the second hole 8 (see FIG. 2).

The source of pressure / depression is secured to the vehicle. The ducts bringing the air to the valve 4, via the second hole 8, for example through the rocket end axle. They incorporate conventionally a rotary joint. These elements are not part of the invention and are therefore not described. We can refer to the patent FR2731655 which describes possible solutions.

The valve 4 comprises an outlet orifice 9 (FIG. 5) which is intended to be connected to the tire 2 through a channel 10 internal to the rim and having a substantially radial branch opening into the tire.

It is conventional to provide an internal inflation channel to the rim. This is described by the patent WO2011 / 112416. Such a channel is most often arranged between the flange la and the crown lb.

The valve 4 finally has a vent 11 of air evacuation. Of course, O-rings are provided between the valve 4 and the second hole 8, between the outlet orifice 9 and the channel 10 and between the vent 11 and the rim 1.

The body 5 of the valve delimits a chamber 12 in which is placed a support 13 carrying a membrane 14. The membrane 14 is integral with a valve 15 which is pushed by a spring 19 which is interposed between a bearing of the support 13 and the valve 15. The membrane 14 comprises a lip which abuts against the body 5 of the valve around an axial orifice 18 made in the body 5 and leading, via a pipe 20, to the outlet orifice 9 (FIG. ).

The membrane 14 seals around the axial orifice 18.

A ball 16 can move inside the valve 15 between a closed position in which it bears against a bearing surface 17 of the valve 15 and an open position in which it allows air to pass through. inlet port 7 through an axial passage 21 of the valve 15 which is in the extension of the axial orifice 18 of the body 5.

This general architecture of an inflation / deflation valve is described by patent FR2731655 to which reference may be made. It is therefore not necessary to describe its operation in more detail.

It will be recalled simply that the spring 19 exerts a force on the valve 15 carrying the membrane 14 which is greater than that resulting from the pressure of the air in the tire 2. When the tire is inflated, the membrane 14 is in the normal way resting around the axial orifice 18. The pressure of the air in the tire also pushes the ball 16 which bears against its bearing 17. The air can not escape the tire.

When it is desired to inflate the tire, an air pressure is sent through the inlet orifice 7, it pushes the ball 16 (position visible in FIG. 4) and the air can reach the tire via the passage axial 21 of the valve 15, the axial orifice 18 of the body 5, the pipe 20 and the channel 10 internal to the rim 1.

When it is desired to deflate the tire, a depression is applied to the inlet orifice 7, which has the effect of compressing the spring 19. The membrane 14 is then no longer applied around the axial orifice 18. The Ball 16 is still bearing against its reach 17. The air present in the tire 2 can then escape through the axial orifice 18 to join an exhaust pipe 22 which is connected to the vent 11 of the exhaust. the air 23 through pipes 23 and 24 internal to the valve 4. The pipe 23 is closed at one of its ends by a screw cap 26. Such an arrangement makes it possible to seal the construction hole allowing the realization of the driving 23.

As can be seen in FIG. 4 and in accordance with the invention, the air evacuation vent 11 is arranged so as to face a through-hole 25 which is carried by the rim 1 at flange la. This hole 25 is hereinafter called the first through hole 25.

Thus the escaping air is conducted through the rim 1 to an inner portion of the rint lint which is oriented towards the side of the vehicle (see also Figure 2). This inner portion lint comprises the annular housing defined by the ring lb and the inner face of the flange la.

This results in a strong noise attenuation at the vehicle interior and outside the vehicle.

It has thus been possible to observe an attenuation of up to 40 dB as a function of the acoustic frequencies measured between a valve according to the prior art and in which the air is discharged directly from the outer side of the rim (front side of the flange 1a). and a valve according to the invention in which the air is discharged from the inner side of the rim, towards the axle and the body of the vehicle.

The material of the rim as well as the walls of the vehicle surrounding the wheel then constitute a silencer which attenuates the air outlet pressure and reduces its speed.

In order to prevent the mud from plugging the first through hole 25, it is possible to provide a mudguard 27 which is fixed by screws 28 (FIG. 6) on the inner wall of the flange 1a of the rim 1.

As seen in Figure 4, the mudguard is formed by a metal plate which is positioned at a distance from the first hole 25. The mudguard 27 covers the first through hole 25 and thus has a face 29 which is arranged at a distance an inner wall 30 of the rim 1 so as to provide a gap 31 for the evacuation of air. A seal 32 with elastic lips is carried by the mudguard 27. The pressure of the air will have the effect of pushing the lips outwards, allowing the evacuation of air. The elasticity of the lips will provide the desired seal and prevent mud from entering the first hole 25. The seal 32 also contributes to the reduction of the sound level.

According to the embodiment which has just been described, the vent 11 allowing the evacuation of the air out of the valve 4 is connected to an inner part 1int of the rim 1 which is oriented towards the side of the vehicle, by the intermediate of a conduit 22,23,24 which is incorporated in the body 5 of the valve 4.

This solution requires the production of a specific valve body 4. It also requires having the possibility of arranging the first through hole 25 near the valve 4 (see Figure 2).

In some cases it will not be possible to arrange and a first through hole directly next to the valve 4 and the second through hole 8 to bring air to the latter.

According to another embodiment of the invention, it is possible to connect the vent 11 through the rim 1 and to an inner portion lj.nt of the rim by a conduit of which at least a portion is constituted by a pipe passing through the rim 1 at a first hole which is located at any distance from the valve 4.

Figures 7 and 8 schematize this second embodiment.

The valve 4 according to this embodiment always has an inlet port 7 which is intended to be connected to a source of pressure / depression through a hole 8 passing through the rim 1.

The valve 4 also has an outlet (not visible in the figures) which is intended to be connected to the tire through a channel internal to the rim.

The internal structure is similar to that of the valve described above. It comprises a membrane 14 carrying a valve 15 and which encloses a ball 16.

This valve differs from the previous one in that the exhaust pipe 22 exits the body 5 of the valve by a vent 11 which is located on the body 5 of the valve on the outer side of the rim lext. A pipe 33 is fixed to the valve 4 by a connection 34 which is screwed to the level of the vent 11.

The pipe 33 may be a hose. It passes through the rim 1 at a first through hole 25 which is arranged at a distance from the valve 4.

It allows the evacuation of air to the inner part of the rint 1 which is oriented towards the side of the vehicle, thus ensuring the reduction of the sound level of the valve.

It is thus possible to drive the exhaust air to a through hole 25 which can be arranged at a relatively large distance from the valve 4.

Of course it is still possible to have a mudguard 27 to cover and protect the outlet of the first through hole 25.

According to another embodiment of the method according to the invention can simply mount a valve of known type on the inner side lint of the rim (for example on the wall 30) and not outside.

There is no longer any holes through the rim since the inlet port is on the inner side lint and can be supplied with air directly from this inner side of the rim. The exhaust air vent may be formed by simple holes carried by the valve 4 without additional conduit.

Only the outlet port of the valve is connected as usual to the tire through a channel internal to the jutte.

Claims (11)

A method for reducing the sound level during the operation of a valve (4) of an inflation / deflation system of a vehicle tire (2), valve integral with a rim (1) carrying the tire, process wherein there is connected a vent (11) allowing the evacuation of air from the valve (4) to an inner portion (lint) of the rim (1) which is oriented on the side of the vehicle. 2- A method of reducing the noise level according to claim 1, characterized in that the valve (4) is fixed at an outer portion (lext) of the rim (1) and at least a portion of the duct is incorporated in the valve (4). 3- A method for reducing the noise level according to claim 1, characterized in that the valve (4) is fixed at an outer portion (lext) of the rim and at least a portion of the duct is constituted by a pipe ( 33) connected to the valve (4) and passing through the rim (1) away from the valve. 4- A method of reducing the noise level according to claim 1, characterized in that the valve (4) is fixed at an inner portion (lint) of the rim (1). Inflating / deflating valve (4) comprising a body (5) intended to be fixed at an outer wall of a rim (1) carrying a tire, valve (4) comprising an inlet orifice (7). ) for connection to a source of pressure, an outlet port (9) for connection to the tire through a channel (10) internal to the rim and an air vent (11) , valve characterized in that the exhaust vent (11) is arranged to be opposite a hole (25) passing through the rim (1). An inflation / deflation valve (4) comprising a body (5) intended to be fastened at the level of an outer wall of a rim (1) carrying a tire, a valve comprising an inlet orifice (7) for being connected to a pressure source, an outlet (9) intended to be connected to the tire through a channel (10) internal to the rim and a vent (11) for evacuation of the air, characterized in that the vent (11) is arranged to receive a pipe (33) for connecting the vent (11) to a hole (25) passing through the rim (1). 7- Rim (1) for a vehicle intended to carry a tire and to be equipped at an external face (lext) of an inflation / deflation valve (4), characterized in that it comprises at least one first hole (25) through which is intended to cooperate with a vent (11) discharging the valve (4) or to receive a pipe (33) connected to a vent (11) for evacuation of the valve (4) . 8- A vehicle rim according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a second hole (8) through to cooperate with an inlet port (7) of the valve (4). 9- vehicle rim according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that it comprises a mudguard device (27) covering the first through hole (25), device comprising a face disposed at a distance from an inner wall ( 30) of the rim (1) so as to provide a gap (31) for the evacuation of air. 10- vehicle rim according to claim 9, characterized in that the mudguard (27) comprises a seal (32) to lip closing the gap. 11- Rim (1) vehicle according to one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that it is equipped with a valve (4) according to one of claims 5 or 6, the first through hole (25) carried by the rim allowing to drive to an inner wall of the rim (1) the air from the vent (11) for evacuation of the valve (4).