IT202100007853A1 - SYSTEM FOR THE AUTOMATIC REPAIR OF PUNCTURED TIRES, RELATIVE KIT AND REPAIR METHOD - Google Patents

Description

AUTOMATIC TIRE REPAIR SYSTEM

DRILLED, RELATIVE KIT AND REPAIR METHOD

The present invention relates to a system for the automatic repair of punctured tyres, a related kit and a related repair method.

Pi? precisely, the present invention relates to a system for the automatic repair of motor vehicle tires punctured with screws/nails/glasses etc., which allows to carry out this repair without getting out of the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle itself.

The present invention also relates to an automatic repair method for punctured tires which can be implemented by means of this system.

As ? known, there are kits on the market for repairing punctured tyres. These kits usually include a dispenser containing sealing liquid, which can be released in the form of foam or liquid with high viscosity?, and that has the capacity? to obstruct the hole, blocking the escape of air.

When a tire is punctured, the dispenser is connected to the punctured tire valve and the sealing liquid is released inside it. Subsequently, the tire containing the sealing liquid must be rotated so that this liquid is evenly distributed inside it before the initial puncture is repaired.

Once the repair has taken place, the tire can? be inflated and used at least to get to the tire shop.

The use of these kits is particularly advantageous, as more? simple compared to replacing the punctured tire with the spare wheel, especially in the case of motorists with poor manual skills.

However, as mentioned, the use of the kit still requires that a person get out of the vehicle, locate the tire valve and connect the dispenser.

These actions can be uncomfortable and/or dangerous, especially in the case of cold outside temperatures, bad weather/fog, etc.

Furthermore, the use of these kits involves the risk of getting dirty with the sealant liquid coming out of the dispenser and/or by touching the tire to be repaired.

? therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a repair system, for the automatic repair of tyres, which allows punctured tires to be repaired without getting out of the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle.

Furthermore, the purpose of the present invention ? that this repair system is simple to use, safe and reliable.

Again, the object of the present invention ? that this system is adaptable for the repair of tires of different sizes.

Another purpose of the present invention ? that this repair system is economical.

Finally, the purpose of the present invention ? that of providing an automatic method of repairing punctured tires which can be implemented by means of this repair system.

? therefore object of the present invention is a tire repair system, which can be installed on a motor vehicle in correspondence with a relative tyre, for the release of a sealing liquid in said tire when punctured, wherein said repair system comprises:

a sealing liquid container, containing tire sealing liquid;

a dispensing tube, in fluid connection with said container,

a rigid conduit, in fluid connection with said dispensing tube, e

a ferrule connected to said rigid conduit by removable connecting means, wherein said ferrule comprises a piercing tip;

handling means, connected to said rigid duct and/or to said delivery tube, to move said delivery tube and/or said rigid duct and allow, in use, the passage of said tip from a rest position, with said drilling tip not interacts with said tyre, in an operating configuration, with said piercing tip interacting with said punctured tyre, so that said tip is inserted inside said tire to form a channel for introducing the sealing liquid into the tire and can subsequently be detached from said rigid conduit by means of said removable connection means; And

pressure means, connected to said container, to move, in use, said sealing liquid from said container towards said insertion channel.

According to the invention, said repair system can understand a unit? connected to said movement means and to said pressing means and configured for

- receiving information relating to the state of said tyre; And

- if this information indicates that the tire ? drilled, then

activating the movement means for the passage of said tip into said operating configuration, e

activating said pressing means, to move said sealing liquid towards said insertion channel so that it is inserted inside said tyre.

Still according to the invention, said movement means can comprise a rotation member. Furthermore, said rigid duct can? be connected to said rotation member, so as to be rotated together with said push rod in said operating configuration. In this case, said tip pu? comprising a self-threading portion, arranged upstream of said piercing tip, for inserting said ferrule into said tire by screwing.

Furthermore, according to the invention, said repair system can comprising a stabilizer member coupled to said push rod, for stabilizing the rotation of said push rod in said operating configuration.

Furthermore, according to the invention, said tip can comprising a check valve, arranged downstream of said removable coupling means and upstream of said piercing tip, to allow the passage of sealing liquid towards the inside of the tire and prevent the passage of air from inside the tire towards the outside .

Always according to the invention, said repair system can comprising sensor means configured to detect the relative position between said ferrule and said rigid conduit. In this case, this unit? control can? be configured to perform, in use, the following phases, subsequent to the insertion of said ferrule in said tire and the rotation of the wheels of said vehicle:

- receiving the relative position between said ferrule and said rigid duct, detected by said sensor means;

- activating the motor vehicle engine so as to rotate the tires and align said push rod with said rigid conduit;

- activating said movement means, to connect said ferrule to said rigid conduit; And

- activating said pressure means for introducing compressed air into said tire through said insertion channel and inflating said tire to a predetermined pressure.

Again, according to the invention, said movement means can comprise a sliding member, configured to slide, in use, said delivery tube and said rigid conduit towards said tyre, so that said push rod passes into said operating configuration.

Furthermore, according to the invention, a repair system which can be installed on a motor vehicle comprising double wheels with respective adjacent tyres, can comprising an external actuator connected to said ferrule for its movement between a tire and the tire adjacent thereto.

A further object of the present invention is a kit for restoring a repair system according to the invention, comprising means for refilling said sealing liquid so as to be able to restore said repair system by refilling the sealing liquid in said container.

In addition, or alternatively, said repair kit can? comprising said ferrule, in such a way as to be able to restore said repair system by coupling a new ferrule with said rigid duct.

Finally, a further object of the present invention is a method for repairing a punctured tire by means of a repair system according to the invention, which can be implemented by a unit? control connected to said repair system, comprising the following phases:

A. receive information relating to the condition of said tyre, and, if the information received indicates that said tire is ? drilled, carry out the following steps:

B. activating said movement means, so as to make said ferrule pass from said rest configuration into said operative configuration and insert said ferrule inside said punctured tyre, creating an insertion channel, for the insertion of sealing liquid;

C. activating said pressure means, for the passage of sealing liquid from said container towards said insertion channel formed in step B.; And

D. once the sealing liquid ? been inserted into said tyre, activate said movement means so as to detach said ferrule from said rigid conduit by means of said removable connection means and uncouple said repair system from said tyre.

In particular, according to the invention, said method can include the following steps:

E. following said step D. and following rotation of the wheels of said motor vehicle, receiving the relative position between said push rod and said rigid duct;

F. activating the motor vehicle engine so as to rotate the tires and align said ferrule with said rigid duct;

G. activating said movement means to connect said ferrule to said rigid conduit; and H. activating said pressure means for inserting compressed air into said tire through said insertion channel and inflating said tire to a predetermined pressure.

The invention will come now described for illustrative but non-limiting purposes, with particular reference to the drawings of the attached figures, in which: figure 1 shows a side view of a repair system according to the present invention in rest configuration, in which said repair system comprises a dispensing tube connected to a tank containing sealing liquid and to a rigid pipe coupled to a removable tip;

figure 2 shows a side view of the repair system of figure 1 in operative configuration;

figure 3 shows a perspective view of a motor vehicle comprising the repair system of figure 1 installed in correspondence with a front tyre, in which said front tire is intact and the repair system ? in rest configuration, with the toe cap away from the front tyre;

figure 4 shows a perspective view of the motor vehicle of figure 3, in which the front tire is? been drilled and the repair system ? in operating configuration, with the toe inserted into the tyre;

figure 5 shows a perspective view of a detail of figure 3, including the front tire and the repair system in said rest configuration;

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a detail of Figure 4, including the front tire and the repair system in said operating configuration;

Figure 7 shows a side view of a motor vehicle comprising two repair systems for the automatic repair of punctured tires according to the present invention, so as to show two possible alternative installation positions of this repair system at a front tyre;

figure 8 shows a perspective view of a motor vehicle comprising the repair system of figure 1 installed at a rear tyre, in which said rear tire is intact and the repair system ? in a rest configuration, with the toe cap away from the rear tyre;

figure 9 shows a perspective view of the motor vehicle of figure 8, in which the rear tire is? been drilled and the repair system ? in an operational configuration, with the ferrule inserted into the rear tyre;

figure 10 shows a perspective view of a detail of figure 8, including the rear tire and the repair system in said rest configuration;

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a detail of Figure 9, including the front tire and the repair system in said operating configuration;

Figure 12 shows a side view of a motor vehicle comprising two repair systems for the automatic repair of punctured tires according to the present invention, so as to show two possible alternative installation positions of this repair system at a rear tyre;

Figure 13 shows a side view of the rigid duct and of the toe piece connected to it of the repair system of Figure 1, in which the toe piece comprises a piercing tip which can be inserted inside a tire to be repaired, a self-threading portion arranged upstream of the tip piercing for interlocking insertion into the tire to be repaired and an internal check valve arranged in correspondence with the self-threading portion;

figure 14 shows a side perspective view of the rigid duct and of the ferrule of figure 13;

figure 15 shows a side view of the tip of figure 13;

Figure 16 shows a sectional side view of the push rod of Figure 15 including the check valve and a spring;

Figure 17 shows a sealing liquid container of a repair system according to the present invention, wherein said sealing liquid container comprises an extendable portion;

figure 18 shows an exploded side view of the container of sealing liquid of figure 17 with the elongated portion in extended configuration;

figure 19 shows a top view of a compressor of a repair system according to the present invention, in which said compressor is in fluid connection with a container of sealing liquid, to allow the passage of sealing liquid into a punctured tire and for the subsequent inflation of such a tyre;

figure 20 ? a side view of the compressor of figure 19;

figure 21 shows a partially exploded schematic view of actuation means of a repair system according to the present invention, in which said actuation means comprise a sliding member in closed configuration and a rotation member, and in which ? the connection diagram between this sliding member and the rotation member is shown;

Figure 22 shows a top view of the sliding member of Figure 21 in the open configuration;

figure 23 shows a top view of the rotation member of figure 21, in which this rotation member is? attached to an awl;

figure 24 shows a front view of the rotary motor of figure 23;

figure 25 shows a rear view of the rotary motor of figure 23,

figure 26 shows a side view of a stabilizer of a repair system according to the present invention in which said stabilizer ? connected to the rotation member of figure 23 in which the stabilizer comprises rails and sliding rods connected to these rails and rings with decreasing diameter for connecting the rails;

figure 27 shows a side view of a rod and relative track of the stabilizer of figure 26; figure 28 shows a top view of a ring of the stabilizer of figure 26;

figure 29 shows a side perspective view of a position sensor of a repair system according to the present invention in which said proximity sensor? ? connected to a terminal ring of the stabilizer of figure 26 and ? configured to detect the position of a ferrule inserted into the tire with respect to the repair system associated therewith;

figure 30 shows an exploded side view of the position sensor of figure 29;

Figure 31 shows a side view of a sedan-type car including a repair system according to the present invention at a front tire, wherein the repair system comprises a dividing panel dividing it from the front tire and wherein that front tire ? been drilled and the repair system ? in an operational configuration;

Figure 32 shows a side view of an SUV-type car comprising a repair system according to the present invention at a front tire, wherein the repair system comprises a dividing panel dividing it from the front tire and wherein this front tire ? been drilled and the repair system ? in an operational configuration;

Figure 33 shows a side view of a crane truck including a repair system according to the present invention at a dual wheel front tire, wherein the repair system comprises a partition panel dividing it from the front tire and an actuator external and in which this front tire ? been drilled and the repair system ? in an operational configuration;

figure 34 shows a front view of a partition panel of a repair system according to the present invention;

figure 35 shows a side view of the panel of figure 34;

Figure 36 shows a top view of an external actuator of a repair system according to the present invention;

figure 37 shows a side view of the actuator of figure 36;

figure 38 shows a side view of a first variant of wheel arch panel connectable to the external actuator of figure 36;

figure 39 shows a side view of a second variant of wheelhouse panel which can be connected to the external actuator of figure 36;

figure 40 shows a detail of figure 38

the figures 41 ? 46 show a screen in which the different steps of a tire repair method according to the present invention are displayed;

figures 47-54 show a schematic view of the exterior and interior of a motor vehicle in the different phases of a tire repair method according to the present invention; And

figures 55 - 57 show an operating diagram of the position sensors of figures 29 and 30 in the different phases of a method of repairing a tire according to the present invention.

Referring to figures 1 - 57, a repair system 1 according to the present invention for the automatic release of a sealing liquid in a punctured tire? installable on the body of a motor vehicle A in correspondence with a respective tire P, for example being arranged inside the wheel arch or mudguard relating to this tire P (as shown in figures 3-12 or 31-33).

Such a repair system 1 ? configured to automatically insert a sealing liquid into the tire P punctured from the outside, making a further hole on the tire P.

In fact, the sealing liquid will be? capable of sealing both the hole in the tire to be repaired and the second hole made by the repair system 1.

In particular, the repair system 1 (shown in figures 1 - 12 and 31 - 33) comprises:

a sealing liquid container 2, or container 2 or pan 2, containing sealing liquid for tires;

a dispensing tube 30 in fluid connection with the container 2;

a rigid conduit 31, in fluid connection the dispensing tube 30; And

a push rod 32 connected to the rigid conduit 31 and comprising a drilling tip 320.

In particular, the tip 32 ? configured to switch between

a rest position, in which the piercing tip 320 does not interact with the tire P, a

an operating configuration, in which the piercing tip 320 interacts with the punctured tire P, making a further hole and forming a channel for the insertion of the sealing liquid, to dispense, inside the tire P, the sealing liquid at a predetermined delivery pressure .

The dispensing tube 30, the rigid conduit 31 and the piercing tip 32 therefore form a dispensing member 3 for dispensing the sealing liquid coming from the container 2 into the tire P.

The repair system 1 further comprises: pressure means 4, to increase the pressure of the sealing liquid in the container 2 and allow the achievement of said predetermined delivery pressure and/or a pressure to inflate the tire P; And

handling means 5, connected to the dispensing tube 30 and/or to the rigid conduit 31, to move the dispensing tube 30 and/or the rigid conduit 31 and allowing the tip 32 to pass between said rest configuration and said operating configuration and vice versa.

In particular, in the repair system shown in figures 1-11, the movement means 5 are connected to the rigid conduit 31 and the dispensing tube 30 moves integrally with the rigid conduit 31, as better illustrated below.

The repair system 1 can? also understand

a stabilizing member 6, to stabilize the toe 32 in the operative position, e

position sensors 7, to detect the relative position of the rigid duct 31 with respect to the insertion channel formed by means of the push rod 32 in said operating configuration, as better illustrated below.

As can be seen from figures 3 ? 12 and 31-33, the repair system 1 pu? be installed in different positions with respect to the relative tire P, for example laterally to it, in correspondence with the rear or front wheel arch or the rear or front underbody, (as shown in figures 3-6 and 8 -11) or above the tire P (as shown in figures 7 and 12).

In fact, the repair system 1 pu? be installed in any point of? the vehicle A near? of the tire P. However, preferably, the container 2 and the pressure means 4 are sized so as to be installed in the chassis, while the dispensing member 3, the movement means 5 and the possible stabilizing member 6 can be installed in correspondence with the band of? motor vehicle A. In this way, advantageously, ? is it possible to exploit the spaces already? existing in the vehicle A.

As shown in figures 3-6, 8-11, the preferred position for installing the repair system 1 is? behind the front P tyre, in particular in the relative underbody, and in front of the rear P tyre, in particular below the relative wheel arch, since in these points the chassis has greater spaces for housing the various components, and especially for the housing of the container 2 and of the pressure means 4, which have the largest dimensions.

? it is also possible to choose the parts pi? resistance of the chassis at these preferred points. By way of example, this resistant party can? be the basis of the front underbody chassis or the rear wheel arch.

Advantageously, there? allows a fixing more? sure of the components and an access pi? convenient for their maintenance, as better illustrated below.

However, as shown in figures 7, 12, alternative points for installing the repair system 1 are the front or rear bumper, the positions contralateral to the preferred ones with respect to the tire P and the body above the tire P. In the first case and in the second case, the components of the repair system 1 will have smaller dimensions than those that can be installed in the preferred positions, while in the case of installation in the upper body of the tire P, the container 2 and the pressure means 4 must have a shape with smaller thicknesses than the elements that can be installed in the preferred positions.

The repair system 1 ? also connectable or pu? understand a unit? of control U, configured for

- receive information relating to the condition of the tyre; And

- if this information indicates that the tire P is punctured, activate the movement means 5 and the pressure means 4.

In particular, the repair system 1 pu? be connected to or include pressure detector means (not shown), configured to detect the internal pressure of the tire P and send it to the unit? control U.

The unit control U pu? therefore be configured to compare a detected pressure with a predetermined threshold pressure and verify whether the tire P has an internal pressure lower than said threshold pressure due to the presence of a hole.

By way of example, the predetermined threshold pressure can? be equal to 1.8bar (180000Pa).

Alternatively, instead of the predetermined threshold pressure, the unit? control U pu? be configured to compare two consecutive readings and check if tire P is losing pressure due to the presence of a puncture.

The unit of control U and the eventual sensor means can be installed in the?motor vehicle A during the installation of the other components of the repair system 1 or can they already be? present in vehicle A and connected to repair system 1 during its installation.

A motor vehicle A pu? include a repair system 1 for each tire P and the unit? control U pu? be configured to receive information relating to the pressure status of each tire P.

As illustrated below, in the case of motor vehicles A with double or twin wheels (ie with two wheels on the same axle and on the same side of the motor vehicle), the same repair system 1 can? be connected to the tires P of said double or twin wheels.

With particular reference to figures 1-2 and 17-18, the container 2 can be any container suitable to be installed at the tire P and to release sealing liquid when activated by the dispensing means. However, in an embodiment shown in figures 17 and 18, this container 2 of sealing liquid has a rigid portion 20 and an extendable portion 21, or membrane 21, in particular an extendable "bellows" portion 21, able to pass from one closed configuration to an elongated configuration.

The rigid portion 20 comprises a bottom 200 comprising an opening 201, which connects it to the extendable portion 21.

Closing means 210 are connected to the opening 201 and to the extendable portion 21, so as to keep the extendable portion 21 in the closed configuration and block the passage of fluid between the rigid portion 20 and the extendable portion 21 through the opening 201.

In figures 17 and 18 such closure means 210 are a cap 210, in particular a rubber cap 210, arranged on a side wall of the extensible portion 21 in such a way that, when the rubber cap 210 is ? coupled with the opening 201, the extendable portion 21 is in closed configuration, while when the rubber stopper 210 is removed from the opening 201, the extendable portion 21 passes into the extended configuration and the fluid connection takes place between the rigid portion 20 and the extendable portion 21.

The extendable portion 21 ? coupled to the dispensing tube 30, therefore, in the closed configuration the sealing liquid cannot? go into the dispensing tube 30.

The hard portion 20 ? also connected to the pressure means 4 through a snap clip 22, so that, when the pressure means 4 are activated, the snap clip 22 allows the pressurization of the liquid inside the rigid portion 20, and the consequent decoupling between the cap 210 and the opening 201 with the lengthening of the extendable portion 21. The sealing liquid is then pushed with said predetermined delivery pressure and passes from the rigid portion 20 towards the extendable portion 21 and into the delivery tube 30, once the tip 32 ? switched to operational configuration.

The container 2 just described can return from the stretched configuration to the closed configuration automatically.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the container for sealing liquid can be be a common commercially available container containing sealing liquid, in particular a spray can.

Further alternative embodiments of containers for sealing liquid 2 can be adapted to the different motor vehicles A on which the system 1 is to be installed.

The dispensing tube 30 ? a flexible tube 30, connected to the container 2.

In particular, when the tip 32 passes into the operative configuration, the dispensing tube 30 slides following the path defined by the movement means 5 and can also be stretched.

Being made of flexible material, the delivery tube 30 can in fact, deform, and form a sharp bend, when the rigid duct 31 connected to it translates along a substantially horizontal direction. The dispensing tube 30, in fact, slides integrally with the rigid duct 31.

In particular, the dispensing tube 30 ? inserted in the handling means 5 and a first end? 310 of the rigid conduit 31 ? in fluid connection with the delivery tube portion 30 inserted in said movement means 5 and with the movement means 5 themselves. Therefore, the movement means 5 cause the rigid conduit 31 to translate, acting on said first end? 310, and the dispensing tube 30 ? dragged accordingly.

As shown in figure 13 and 14, the first extremity? 310 of the rigid duct 31 pu? in fact, it can be an interlocking base 310, integrally fixed to the movement means 5, and comprising a bearing 311, to facilitate the rotation of the push rod 32, as better illustrated below.

A second end? of the rigid duct 31 ? connected to the ferrule 32, which, in turn, comprises the piercing tip 320 for piercing the tire P and forming the insertion channel in the operating configuration.

The rigid duct 31 and the ferrule 32 can be made of the same rigid material, such as for example metal or PVC.

As shown in figures 13-16, the connection between the rigid duct 31 and the ferrule 32? made by means of removable connection means 321.

In particular, the removable connection means 321 shown comprise magnetic elements, preferably a magnetic clip, the function of which will be? better illustrated below.

The ferrule 32 further comprises a check valve 322, to let the sealing liquid pass from the outside towards the inside of the tire P and prevent the passage of air from the inside of the tire P towards the outside when the ferrule 32 is? inserted inside it.

In this way, once the ferrule 32 is inserted into the tire P and the sealing liquid is dispensed inside the tire P, the ferrule 32 can? be disconnected from the rigid duct 31 by means of the removable connection means 321. The air will not be able to? come out from inside the tire through the ferrule 32 thanks to the presence of the check valve 322. The ferrule 32 can? therefore remain inside the tire P and, after the rotation of the wheels of the motor vehicle A, the ferrule 32 can? be reused for inflating or re-inflating the tire P, as better illustrated below.

Furthermore, any space between the rubber of the tire and the outer perimeter of the toe cap 32 will be? filled with sealing liquid, so as to ensure the tightness of the tyre.

In the particular embodiment of figures 13 ? 16, the ferrule 32 has a self-threading portion 323 arranged in correspondence with the check valve 322, to ensure better adhesion between the ferrule 32 and the rubber of the tire P.

Also, as shown in FIG. 16, check valve 322 can comprising a shutter 324 connected to a spring 325 to allow the passage of fluid at said predetermined pressure only in the direction that goes from the outside towards the tire P.

Indeed, in use, the shutter 324 is pushed out of its seat by the sealing liquid and/or compressed air which flows at said predetermined pressure towards the inside of the tire P. Once said sealing liquid/compressed air has been dispensed in the tire P, the action of the spring 325 causes the obturator 324 to return to its seat, preventing the passage of fluid from inside the tire P towards the outside.

The pressure means 4, which, as already? described, are configured to move the sealing liquid from the container 2 towards the dispensing organ 3, they can be a mini-compressor 4 comprising a compressed air outlet 40 connectable to said container 2, as shown in figures 19 and 20.

In this way, once all the sealing liquid present in the container 2 has been dispensed inside the punctured tire P, the tire P will be able to? subsequently inflated or re-inflated by means of the compressed air leaving the mini-compressor 4 through the same hydraulic circuit, as better illustrated below.

The mini-compressor 4 pu? be fixed, in use, to the chassis of the motor vehicle A, for example by means of brackets 42 and bolts 43. Therefore, its shape can? be specially sized for the?motor vehicle A on which it will go? installed.

Furthermore, the mini-compressor 4 pu? be connected by electric cables to means of external power supply, or can? be connected directly to the vehicle battery A.

In the embodiment shown in figures 19 and 20, the electric power supply means 41 are electric cables 41 arranged laterally to the external casing of the mini-compressor 4, while the compressed air outlet is ? arranged below the mini-compressor 4.

In one embodiment, instead of the pressure means 4, the container 2 can be connected to a pump for mechanical movement of the sealing liquid at said predetermined delivery pressure or to equivalent elements. In this case, the repair system 1 will be able to be used only to repair the holes in the tire P but not to inflate it, unless an external compressor is provided which can be connected directly to the tire P.

With particular reference to figures 21 - 25, the handling means 5 can comprise:

a sliding member 51, in particular an electric actuator 51, configured to slide the dispensing tube 30 and, consequently, the rigid conduit 31, to make the tip 32 pass from said rest configuration to said operating configuration; And

a rotation member 52, or rotation member 52 or rotator 52, connected to the interlocking base 310 of the rigid conduit 31, to make the rigid conduit 31, and the ferrule 32 connected thereto, rotate around its own axis and allow the? insertion of the ferrule 32 into the rubber of the punctured tire P by screwing. The bearing 311 connected to the rigid conduit 31 therefore favors this rotation.

The sliding member 51 comprises extendable rods 510, in particular of the telescopic type.

The sliding member 51 also comprises tube-sliding elements 512 coupled to relative metal rollers 513, to allow the delivery tube 30 to slide and extend during use.

Thanks to this sliding and extension of the dispensing tube 30, the rigid conduit 31, and consequently the push rod 32, can translate towards the tire P to be punctured.

In particular, in figure 21 the extendable rods 510 are shown in the closed configuration, while in figure 22 they are shown in the open configuration.

The rotation member 52 (shown in figures 23-25) is fixed to the sliding rods 510 by interlocking points 511 or teeth 511.

Therefore, in passing from the rest configuration to the operating configuration, the sliding rods 510 will extend, carrying the rotation member 52 and making the dispensing tube 30 connected to it slide, extending it.

With particular reference to figures 26-28, the stabilizer member 6 can? be arranged around the rotation member 52, being coupled slidingly to it and around the rigid duct 31 and to the tip 32. The stabilizing member 6 in fact comprises external tracks 61, within which it can? slide the rotation device 52.

In the particular embodiment shown, the stabilizing member 6 comprises parallel rings 62, 63, connected to each other by rails 61.

In figure 26 ? shown is a stabilizer member 6 having two parallel rings 62, having a first radius, and a smaller ring 63, having a second, larger radius. small of the first ray. In the case shown, the? minor ring 63 forms an? extremity? of the stabilizer organ 6 and pu? therefore also be indicated with the term ring end 63.

In this way, when the rotation member 52 slides inside the stabilizer member 6, it can? butt against the inner ring 62, and the stabilizer member 6 can? be then dragged by the rotation member 52 and arrange itself so that the toe 32 comes out of the end ring 63, while said end ring 63 applies a pressure on the tire P, so? to stabilize the rotation of the push rod 32, allowing it to penetrate the tire P without oscillations.

In one embodiment (not shown), the stabilizer member 6 can? be different from the one described, since it could be any element capable of stabilizing the rotation of the push rod 32.

With particular reference to figures 29 ? 30, the position sensors 7 can be sensors 7 placed in correspondence with an element that comes into contact with the tire P, for example the terminal ring 63 of the stabilizer member 6 and configured to detect the relative distance between them and the ferrule 32, once that ? coupled to the P tire.

As said, the tip 32 pu? include magnetic elements. Therefore, the position sensors 7 can be magnetic sensors 7 capable of detecting the moving away/approaching of the magnetic elements included in the tip 32.

These position sensors 7 are configured to send to the unit? of control U a signal when the ferrule 32 inside the tire P ? realigned with the rigid duct 31 and allow the subsequent re-inflation of the tire P repaired by means of the same repair system 1. By way of example, this re-inflation can? be activated after the vehicle A has traveled a predetermined number of kilometers or when the unit? control unit U has received information relating to the occurred loss of pressure by the tire P, for example by means of said pressure detector means, which can be configured to send a signal following the achievement of the same predetermined threshold set for further interventions.

With particular reference to figures 31 ? 33 three different motor vehicles A are shown on which ? mounted a repair system 1 according to the present invention comprising a dividing panel 8, in particular a composite panel 8, for separating the other elements of the repair system 1 from the tire P to protect them from gravel and other elements which can be entrained by the tire P himself.

In particular, this dividing panel ? mounted on the mudguard of vehicle A using screws 80.

The dividing panel 8 comprises a deflector 81 for rotating the dividing panel 8 itself when pushed by the push rod 32 or by the stabilizer member 6, so as not to hinder the movement of these elements during use.

Furthermore, the dividing panel 8 shown in figures 34 and 35 comprises cable-lead elements 82 for the electrical connection of the other components of the repair system 1 and/or to allow the automation of the movement of the dividing panel 8.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the partition panel 8 can include a hole for the passage of the tip 32.

As shown in figure 33, the repair system 1 can? be installed in motor vehicles A comprising double wheels or twin wheels, in particular in motor vehicles A with large engine capacity, such as lorries, lorries, lorries, buses and the like.

These double or twin wheels are pairs of wheels arranged along the same axis on the same side of vehicle A.

In this case, the repair system 1 can? be installed in the space between the two tires P of the respective double wheels and pu? comprise an external actuator 9 to allow the action of the repair system 1 on any of these double wheels, when the respective tire P ? drilled.

As shown in figures 36 and 37, the external actuator 9 in fact comprises deflection means 90 connected to the movement means 5, to deflect the movement means 5 and make them act in correspondence with one or the other tire P depending on the necessity.

In the embodiment shown in figure 37, the external actuator 9 is? also connected to a wheel arch panel 10.

In particular, the wheelhouse panel 10 (shown in detail in figures 38 - 40) is a panel with a substantially curved shape, with a radius of curvature similar to that of the P tires of the double wheels on which it will go? installed repair system 1.

In this way, this wheel arch panel 10 can? cover the tires P. The wheel arch panel 10 can? comprising a respective hole substantially perpendicular to each tire P, so as to function as a stabilizer for the toe cap 32.

In particular, can be practiced a hole in the panels wheel already? present in large motor vehicles A, so as to use this wheel arch panel as a stabilizer, instead of the stabilizer member 6 described above. In this case, the?motor vehicle A will be able? be equipped with an external actuator.

With particular reference to figures 1-6, 8 -11 and 41 ? 57, an operating method of the repair system 1 just described is now illustrated.

When the unit? of control U receives information relating to the state of the tire P, which indicate that this tire P ? punctured, sends signals to the repair system 1 installed in correspondence with this tire P for the execution of the following phases:

A. activating the movement means 5, so as to move the ferrule 32 and bring it in correspondence with the punctured tire P;

B. continue to activate the movement means 5 so that the ferrule 32 is inserted inside the punctured tire P, creating an insertion channel for the insertion of sealing liquid inside the tire P;

C. activate the pressure means 4, so as to make the sealing liquid pass from said container 2 towards the toe 32, through the dispensing tube 30 and the rigid pipe 31, and insert the sealing liquid inside the punctured tire P; And

D. once the sealing liquid ? been inserted into the tire P, decouple the repair system 1 from the tire P, by de-coupling the toe cap 32 from the rigid duct 31 by means of the removable connection means 321.

In particular, the vehicle can? include a repair system 1 connected to each tire P and the unit? control U pu? receive information relating to the pressure status of each tire P.

Previously to phase A. ? it is advisable for the tires to be aligned with the axis of the vehicle A, for example by making it move in a straight line for at least 3m.

This alignment can be operated by the driver or can? be operated automatically by? unit? control system U, especially if it is connected to a guided parking system for the vehicle U or other similar systems, capable of checking for the presence of any obstacles in the vicinity.

This alignment step is particularly advantageous, as it prevents the ferrule 32 from penetrating the shoulder of the tire P during said step C, potentially causing it to break.

Preferably, when does said alignment phase ? carried out automatically, the? unit? of control U ? configured to receive information from appropriate sensors relating to the free maneuvering space available around vehicle A and to start the maneuver only if vehicle A has a predetermined free maneuvering space available, in particular equal to at least 3m.

During said phase A. the push rod 32 can? be moved by means of said sliding member 51, while during said phase B. the tip 32 can? be inserted into the punctured tire P by the action of said rotation member 52, which screws it inside the tyre.

Furthermore, this movement of phases A. and B. pu? be stabilized by means of the stabilizer 6.

During phase C, the pressure means 4 can involve the lengthening of the extendable portion 21 of the container and the extension of the dispensing tube 30 made of flexible material, as previously described.

As seen, the decoupling step D provides for the toe cap 32 to remain inside the tire P, being uncoupled from the rigid duct 31 by means of said removable connection means 321.

After the uncoupling phase, the tire P must be rotated so that the sealing liquid is evenly distributed inside it and repairs the tire P, filling its holes.

This phase of rotation of the tires pu? be operated directly by the driver, who sets in motion the?motor vehicle A or can? be operated by? unit? of control U, for example in the case in which it is the? unit? control system of a self-driving or semi-autonomous car. Even in this case, the unit? of control U will be? configured to check if the vehicle has a predefined free maneuvering space available, in particular equal to at least 3m.

? is it possible to provide an interruption signal towards the unit? control U, which can be activated by the driver, to interrupt the phases of the described method, preferably prior to phase B, as shown in figure 50.

Furthermore, after phase C. and after rotation of the wheels of vehicle A, can it? the following phase is foreseen:

E. activate the pressure means 4 to inflate the tire P until a predetermined pressure is reached.

In the event that the pressure means 4 are a mini-compressor 4, this phase E. can? take place after the container 2 has been emptied of the sealing liquid, as the unit? control U pu? continue to activate this mini-compressor 4 so as to send compressed air inside the tire P through the insertion channel formed by the ferrule 32.

The repair method just described can? be performed automatically or semi-automatically by the unit? control U.

In particular, this method can be performed in a completely automatic way if there are pressure sensors, to detect the pressure status of the tire P and send it to the unit? control U.

In this case, the unit? control U pu? be configured to compare the pressure detected for the tire P with a predetermined threshold or can? be configured to compare two signals detected successively by said pressure sensors and check whether the internal pressure of the tire P has decreased.

Once the unit? control U verifies that the internal pressure of the tire P has decreased pu? start the method of repair and/or re-inflation independently or pu? report the problem to the driver and wait for a signal to start the method later.

This signal can be, for example, received from the unit? control when the driver has pressed a special button on the dashboard of the vehicle.

In this way, advantageously, the driver does not have to get off the motor vehicle A to activate the repair system 1 for repairing the tire P and/or for re-inflating it.

Alternatively, the unit? control U pu? be operated manually by the driver who notices the loss of pressure in one of the tyres, both in the case in which an initial repair is required with the insertion of sealing liquid, and in the case in which the tire P has to be re-inflated.

Furthermore, if said position sensors 7 are present, after the introduction of the sealing liquid into the tyre, the unit? control U pu? be configured to continue receiving information relating to the state of tire P, and, if this information indicates that tire P has an internal pressure lower than a predetermined threshold or that it has lost pressure since it was first inflated, carry out the following re- tire inflation P:

F. sending to the motor vehicle engine A a signal to make the wheels of the tire P rotate until said position sensors 7 are at a predetermined distance from said insertion channel, and in particular until the rigid duct 31 is not is aligned with the ferrule 32 remained inside the tire P;

G. activating said movement means 5 to connect the pressure means 4 to the tire P through said insertion channel; And

H. activating the pressure means 4 to inflate the tire P until said predetermined pressure is reached.

With particular reference to figures 55 -57, the unit? control U pu? be configured to perform the following sub-phases during phase F, F1. activate the engine of the vehicle A so as to rotate the tires P at a predetermined speed? and receiving the signals detected by each position sensor 7 over time;

F2. compare these signals detected by the position sensors 7 with a predetermined signal, so as to verify the departure of the insertion channel from the position sensor 7, the approach to it or the alignment of the push rod 32 with the rigid duct 31,

F3. if an approach of the position sensor 7 to the insertion channel is signaled, slow down the speed? rotation of the tires P until they stop when alignment between the push rod 32 and the rigid duct 31 has taken place.

Once the push rod 32 and the rigid duct 31 have been aligned:

the movement means 5 can be activated in said phase G. for the fluid-dynamic connection between push rod 32 and the rigid conduit 31 by means of said removable connection means 321; and the mini-compressor 4 pu? insert compressed air through the delivery tube 30 and the rigid duct 31 during said phase H., for re-inflating the tire P.

With particular reference now to figures 21A - 22H, the unit? control U pu? be connected to display means S present on the dashboard of the motor vehicle A to inform the driver of the pressure state of the tire P and/or of the progress of the phases of the repair or re-inflation method of the tire P.

By way of example , these display means can be a screen or suitable indicator lights. In figures 41 - 54 ? shown a dashboard screen during the different steps of the method. In the example shown the unit? of control U also sends to the screen an indication of the time left for the completion of the operations, in particular equal to about 3min.

Furthermore, again in the example shown in the figures 41 ? 54, the unit? of control U ? configured to send to this screen, prior to phase A., a schematic view of the tires P and the relative pressures detected.

After the tire P has been repaired using the repair and possible re-inflation method described, the driver can? take the vehicle to a specialized operator, for example a mechanic or tire specialist, to check the repaired tire P and replace it if necessary.

During the replacement of the P tyre, the operator must also do the following, for repair system restore 1:

- uncouple the partition panel 8, if present, for example by unscrewing the screws 80 which couple the partition panel to the mudguard and/or the screws of the composite panel and access the remaining parts of the repair system 1;

- fill container 2 with new sealing liquid or replace empty container 2 with a full one (for example if container 2 is a spray can); And

insert a new ferrule 32 on the rigid duct 31, replacing the ferrule 32 left inside the tyre.

Therefore, a kit for restoring a repair system according to the present invention comprises means for refilling the sealing liquid and a tip 32 comprising removable connection means 321 for its connection to the rigid duct 31.

In the foregoing the preferred embodiments have been described and variations of the present invention have been suggested, but ? to be understood that the experts of the branch will be able to make modifications and changes without with what? leave its scope of protection, as defined by the attached claims.

Claims (11)

1. Repair system (1) for tires (P), which can be installed on a motor vehicle (A) in correspondence with a relative tire (P), for the release of a sealing liquid in said tire (P) when punctured, in which said repair system (1) includes: a container (2) of sealing liquid, containing sealing liquid for tires (P); a dispensing tube (30) in fluid connection with said container (2), a rigid conduit (31), in fluid connection with said dispensing tube (30), e a ferrule (32) connected to said rigid conduit (31) by removable connection means (321), wherein said ferrule (32) comprises a drilling tip (320); movement means (5), connected to said rigid duct (31) and/or to said delivery tube (30), to move said delivery tube (30) and/or said rigid duct (31) and allow, in use, the passage of said toe cap (32) from a rest position, with said puncture tip (320) which does not interact with said tire (P), to an operating configuration, with said puncture tip (320) which interacts with said punctured tire (P) , so that said ferrule (32) is inserted inside said tire (P) to form a channel for introducing the sealing liquid into the tire (P) and can subsequently be detached from said rigid duct (31) by means of said removable connection means (321); And pressure means (4), connected to said container (2), to move, in use, said sealing liquid from said container (2) towards said insertion channel. 2. Repair system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a unit? control (U) connected to said movement means (5) and to said pressure means (4) and configured for - receiving information relating to the state of said tire (P); And - if this information indicates that said tire (P) ? drilled, then activate the movement means (5) for the passage of said toe (32) in said operating configuration, e activate said pressure means (4), to move said sealing liquid towards said insertion channel so that it is inserted inside said tire (P). 3. Repair system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said movement means (5) comprise a rotation member (52), and in that said rigid duct (31) ? connected to said rotation member (52), so as to be placed in rotation together with said push rod (32) in said operating configuration, in which said push rod (32) comprises a self-threading portion (323), arranged upstream of said push rod forcing (320), for inserting said toe cap (32) into said tire (P) by screwing. 4. Repair system (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises a stabilizer member (6) coupled to said push rod (32), to stabilize the rotation of said push rod (32) in said operating configuration. 5. Repair system (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said toe (32) comprises a check valve (322), arranged downstream of said removable coupling means (321) and upstream of said toe piercing (320), to allow the passage of the sealing liquid towards the inside of the tire (P) and prevent the passage of air from the inside of the tire (P) towards the outside. 6. Repair system (1) according to claims 2 and 3 or according to claims 2 and 4, characterized in that it comprises sensor means (7) configured to detect the relative position between said push rod (32) and said rigid duct (31 ), and by the fact that this unit? of control (U) ? configured to perform, in use, the following phases, subsequent to the insertion of said ferrule (32) in said tire (P) and the rotation of the wheels of said motor vehicle (A): - receiving the relative position between said push rod (32) and said rigid duct (31), detected by said sensor means (7); - activate the motor vehicle engine (A) so as to rotate the tires (P) and align said push rod (32) with said rigid duct (31); - activating said movement means (5) to connect said ferrule (32) to said rigid duct (31); And - activating said pressure means (4) for inserting compressed air into said tire (P) through said insertion channel and inflating said tire (P) to a predetermined pressure. 7. Repair system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said movement means (5) comprise a sliding member (51), configured to slide, in use, said delivery tube (30) and said rigid conduit (31) towards said tire (P) so that said toe cap (32) passes into said operating configuration. 8. Repair system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, which can be installed on a motor vehicle (A) comprising double wheels with respective adjacent tires (P), characterized in that it comprises an external actuator (9) connected to said toe cap (32 ) for its movement between a tire (P) and the tire (P) adjacent to it. 9. Kit for restoring a repair system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises refill means for said sealing liquid and said tip (32) so as to be able to restore said repair system ( 1) used by the refilling of sealing liquid in said container (2) by means of said refilling means and the coupling of a new tip (32) with said rigid duct (31). 10. Method for repairing a punctured tire (P) by means of a repair system (1) according to any one of claims 1? 8, feasible by a unit? control system (U) connected to said repair system (1), comprising the following phases: A. receive information relating to the condition of said tire (P), and, if the information received indicates that said tire (P) ? drilled, carry out the following steps: B. activate said movement means (5), so as to make said toe cap (32) pass from said rest configuration to said operating configuration and insert said toe cap (32) inside said punctured tire (P), creating a insertion channel, for the insertion of sealing liquid; C. activating said pressing means (4), for the passage of sealing liquid from said container (2) towards said insertion channel formed in step B.; And D. once the sealing liquid ? been inserted in said tire (P), activate said movement means (5) so as to detach said toe cap (32) from said rigid duct (31) by means of said removable connection means (321) and uncouple said repair system (1) from said tire (P). 11. Method according to claim 10 when said repair system (1) is according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: E. following said step D. and following the rotation of the wheels of said motor vehicle (A), receiving the relative position between said push rod (32) and said rigid duct (31); F. activate the motor vehicle engine (A) so as to rotate the tires (P) and align said push rod (32) with said rigid duct (31); G. activating said movement means (5) to connect said ferrule (32) to said rigid duct (31); And H. activating said pressure means (4) for inserting compressed air into said tire (P) through said insertion channel and inflating said tire (P) to a predetermined pressure.