JP2005153769A - Pneumatic pressure pressure sensor unit and vehicle wheel - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate a fixing or removal of a pneumatic pressure sensor and impart a compatibility to the pneumatic pressure sensor. <P>SOLUTION: A pneumatic pressure sensor unit 7 having a pneumatic pressure sensor is removably attached to a tire valve 8 fixed to a wheel disk 11. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an air pressure sensor unit for measuring tire air pressure and a vehicle wheel including the air pressure sensor unit.

  Generally, a vehicle wheel is composed of a wheel disc attached to a hub on the vehicle body side and a rim to which a tire is attached. The rim has an annular wall that forms an air chamber together with the tubeless tire, and a tire valve is disposed in a valve mounting hole that passes through the annular wall.

In recent years, vehicles have been equipped with an air pressure sensor that detects a decrease in tire air pressure during travel. However, a vehicle wheel having an air pressure sensor integrated with a tire valve mounted on a rim (see, for example, Patent Document 1). And a vehicle wheel (see, for example, Patent Document 2) in which an air pressure sensor separate from a tire valve is mounted on an annular wall of a rim.
JP 2002-283801 A (paragraphs 0024 to 0025, FIGS. 1 and 2) Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-200723 (paragraph 0013, FIG. 1)

  However, in such a vehicle wheel, for example, when the air pressure sensor is replaced, the air pressure sensor is attached to the rim. Therefore, the tire must be removed from the vehicle wheel, and it is troublesome to attach and remove the air pressure sensor. It takes. On the other hand, since the air pressure sensor is attached along the annular wall of the rim, the shape of the air pressure sensor is changed according to the diameter of the vehicle wheel. Therefore, the pneumatic sensors to be mounted are not compatible between vehicle wheels having different diameters. Furthermore, since the air pressure sensor attached to the rim is strongly affected by the centrifugal force caused by the rotation of the vehicle wheel when the vehicle is running, it is necessary to strengthen the attachment and improve the strength and durability of the sensor body. .

  Therefore, the present invention can facilitate attachment / detachment of the air pressure sensor, can provide compatibility with the air pressure sensor, and can reduce the influence of centrifugal force on the air pressure sensor when the vehicle wheel rotates. It is an object to provide an air pressure sensor unit that can be used and a vehicle wheel including the air pressure sensor unit.

  Based on the knowledge that the above-mentioned problem can be solved by arranging the tire valve on the wheel disc and arranging the air pressure sensor so as to monitor the tire air pressure via the tire valve, the present inventor has found that The invention has been reached.

  That is, the invention according to claim 1 for solving the above problem is an air pressure sensor unit mounted on a tire valve disposed on a wheel disk so as to communicate with an air chamber of a tire, the casing, An air chamber formed in the casing, an air pressure sensor disposed in the air chamber, and a tire valve are detachably attached to communicate the tire air chamber and the air chamber via the tire valve. And a connector.

  In this pneumatic sensor unit, when the connector is attached to the tire valve, the connector causes the air chamber and the air chamber of the tire to communicate with each other via the tire valve. As a result, the air pressure of the tire air chamber is equal to the air pressure of the air chamber. On the other hand, the air pressure sensor disposed in the air chamber detects the air pressure in the air chamber that is equal to the air pressure in the air chamber of the tire.

  In addition, since the air pressure sensor unit is attached to a tire valve disposed on the wheel disk, the air pressure sensor is disposed on the wheel disk. Therefore, this air pressure sensor is less affected by centrifugal force when the wheel rotates than a conventional air pressure sensor attached to the rim.

  Further, since the air pressure sensor unit is attached to a tire valve disposed on the wheel disc, the air pressure sensor can be attached without removing the tire in this air pressure sensor unit.

  Further, since the air pressure sensor unit is attached to the tire valve disposed on the wheel disk, it is not necessary to change the shape of the air pressure sensor in accordance with the diameter of the vehicle wheel. That is, this air pressure sensor unit gives the air pressure sensor compatibility between vehicle wheels having different diameters.

  Further, since the air pressure sensor unit is detachably attached to a tire valve disposed on the wheel disc, the air pressure sensor is detachably attached to the wheel disc.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the pneumatic sensor unit of the first aspect, an air valve is disposed in the casing so as to communicate with the air chamber.

  In this pneumatic sensor unit, when the connector is attached to the tire valve, the connector causes the air chamber and the air chamber of the tire to communicate with each other via the tire valve. The air is filled into the air chamber of the tire through an air valve.

  The vehicle wheel according to claim 3 is a wheel disk, a rim provided on an outer peripheral side of the wheel disk, to which a tire is mounted, a valve holder mounting hole formed in the wheel disk, and the valve holder mounting. A valve holder attached to a hole; a tire valve attached to the valve holder; an air flow passage for communicating the tire air chamber and the tire valve; and a pneumatic sensor unit attached to the tire valve. A casing, an air chamber formed in the casing, an air pressure sensor disposed in the air chamber, and a tire valve detachably attached to the tire air chamber and the air through the tire valve. And an air pressure sensor unit having a connector for communicating the chamber.

  In this vehicle wheel, a tire valve is attached to a valve holder attached to a wheel disc, and the air chamber of the tire and the tire valve communicate with each other through an air flow passage. An air pressure sensor unit is attached to the tire valve via a connector, and the air pressure of the air chamber of the tire and the air chamber of the air pressure sensor unit are equal. The air pressure sensor of the air pressure sensor unit detects the air pressure in the air chamber equal to the air pressure in the air chamber of the tire.

  In this vehicle wheel, since the air pressure sensor unit is attached to the tire valve disposed on the wheel disk, the air pressure sensor is disposed on the wheel disk. Therefore, in this vehicle wheel, the influence of centrifugal force on the air pressure sensor during the rotation of the wheel is reduced as compared with a conventional wheel in which the air pressure sensor is attached to the rim.

  Further, in this vehicle wheel, the air pressure sensor unit is attached to a tire valve disposed on the wheel disc. Therefore, in this vehicle wheel, when replacing the air pressure sensor, the air pressure sensor can be attached and detached without removing the tire from the rim.

  In this vehicle wheel, since the air pressure sensor unit is attached to the tire valve disposed on the wheel disc, it is not necessary to change the shape of the air pressure sensor in accordance with the wheel diameter. That is, this vehicle wheel gives the air pressure sensor compatibility between vehicle wheels having different diameters.

  Moreover, in this vehicle wheel, the air pressure sensor unit can be detachably attached because the air pressure sensor unit is detachably attached to the tire valve disposed on the wheel disc.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle wheel according to the third aspect, the air pressure sensor unit is detachably attached to the valve holder.

  In this vehicle wheel, the air pressure sensor unit is attached to the tire valve and also to the valve holder. As a result, in this vehicle wheel, the air pressure sensor unit is more firmly attached to the wheel disc.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle wheel according to the third or fourth aspect, the valve holder is formed with a recess, and the air pressure sensor unit is fitted into the recess. It is characterized by.

  In this vehicle wheel, since the air pressure sensor unit is fitted in the recess formed in the valve holder, the portion from which the air pressure sensor unit protrudes from the valve holder is reduced, and the air pressure sensor unit is firmly attached to the valve holder. .

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle wheel according to any one of the third to fifth aspects, the air pressure sensor unit is disposed in the casing so as to communicate with the air chamber. An air valve is provided.

  In this vehicle wheel, the connector of the air pressure sensor unit is attached to the tire valve, and the connector communicates the air chamber and the air chamber of the tire via the tire valve. As a result, the air chamber of the tire is filled with air via the air valve.

  According to the air pressure sensor unit and the vehicle wheel according to the present invention, the air pressure sensor can be easily attached and detached, and compatibility can be given to the air pressure sensor. The influence of centrifugal force can be reduced.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a vehicle wheel (hereinafter simply referred to as “wheel”) of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. 1 is an overall perspective view of a wheel assembled with a wheel according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is indicated by B in FIG. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a state where the valve holder and the air pressure sensor unit are removed from the wheel disk in FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is a valve holder taken along the line DD in FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 3, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line EE in FIG. 4, and FIG. 8 is indicated by F in FIG. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the wheel 1 includes a wheel disc 11 that is fastened to a hub (not shown) of the vehicle, a rim 12 that is provided on the outer peripheral side of the wheel disc 11 and on which a tire 2 is mounted, a valve holder 5, An air pressure sensor unit 7 and a cover 14 are provided.

(Wheel disc and rim)
As shown in FIG. 1, the wheel disc 11 in the present embodiment has four connecting portions 13 that connect the rim 12 on the outer peripheral side thereof. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, hollow portions 17 a are formed in these connecting portions 13. These hollow portions 17a open in the air chamber 21 (see FIG. 2) of the tire 2 and extend in the wheel disk 11 and open in a valve holder mounting hole 16 described later. The hollow portion 17a, together with a communication hole 64 (see FIG. 6) formed in the valve holder 5 to be described later, constitutes an “air flow passage” in the claims.

  An annular wall 15 is formed on the outer peripheral side of the rim 12 as shown in FIG. The annular wall 15 defines an air chamber 21 together with the inner surface of the tire 2.

  A valve holder mounting hole 16 in which the valve holder 5 is mounted is formed in the axial center of the wheel disk 11. The valve holder mounting hole 16 has a circular cross section, and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the inner diameter is stepped from the front side X (see FIG. 3) to the back side Y (see FIG. 3) of the wheel 1. The first tapered surface formed between the first inner circumferential surface 16a, the second inner circumferential surface 16b and the third inner circumferential surface 16c, and the first inner circumferential surface 16a and the second inner circumferential surface 16b. 16d and a second tapered surface 16e formed between the second inner peripheral surface 16b and the third inner peripheral surface 16c. An annular groove 18 is formed in the second inner peripheral surface 16b so as to go around the second inner peripheral surface 16b. One end of the hollow portion 17a is open to the annular groove 18. The annular groove 18 mediates air flow between the hollow portion 17a and a communication hole 64 (see FIG. 6) formed in the valve holder 5 described later. The position of the hollow portion 17a and the communication hole Even if the position 64 deviates in the circumferential direction, the air flow between the hollow portion 17a and the communication hole 64 is maintained. The wheel disk 11 and the rim 12 in the present embodiment are cast products made of an aluminum alloy.

(Valve holder)
The valve holder 5 is a disk-shaped member having a thickness. As shown in FIG. 3, the outer diameter of the wheel holder 5 gradually increases from the front side X (see FIG. 3) to the back side Y (see FIG. 3). The first outer peripheral surface 61a, the second outer peripheral surface 61b, the third outer peripheral surface 61c, the first tapered surface 61d formed between the first outer peripheral surface 61a and the second outer peripheral surface 61b, And a second tapered surface 61e formed between the surface 61b and the third outer peripheral surface 61c. The first outer peripheral surface 61a, the second outer peripheral surface 61b and the third outer peripheral surface 61c, and the first tapered surface 61d and the second tapered surface 61e are the first inner peripheral surface 16a and the second inner peripheral surface of the valve holder mounting hole 16, respectively. The surface 16b and the third inner peripheral surface 16c correspond to the first tapered surface 16d and the second tapered surface 16e, respectively. The first outer peripheral surface 61a, the second outer peripheral surface 61b, and the third outer peripheral surface 61c of the valve holder 5 are provided with a predetermined tightening allowance to the first inner peripheral surface 16a, the second inner peripheral surface 16b, and the third inner peripheral surface 16c. It is press-fitted so as to be internally fitted. Further, between the first taper surface 61 d of the valve holder 5 and the first taper surface 16 d of the valve holder mounting hole 16 and the second taper surface 61 e of the valve holder 5 and the second taper surface 16 e of the valve holder mounting hole 16. A sealing material S1 is sandwiched between the two. This sealing material S1 maintains airtightness between the first tapered surface 16d and the first tapered surface 61d and between the second tapered surface 16e and the second tapered surface 61e. As this sealing material S1, for example, , Metal seals, resin seals such as silicone rubber, liquid seals such as silicone grease, and paper.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the valve holder 5 is formed with a recess 5 a into which the air pressure sensor unit 7 is fitted. The recess 5a in the present embodiment forms a substantially cylindrical space. And as shown in FIG. 5, the cyclic | annular cover mounting groove 14a which circulates around this surrounding surface is formed in the surrounding surface of opening vicinity of this recessed part 5a. The edge of the cover 14 (see FIG. 3) is fitted into the cover mounting groove 14a. A tire valve holding hole 5b for holding the tire valve 8 is formed at the bottom of the recess 5a. The tire valve holding hole 5b communicates with the communication hole 64 as shown in FIG.

  As is apparent from FIG. 6 as well, the communication holes 64 extend in four directions at an angular interval of 90 ° from the tire valve holding holes 5b, and the extended tips open to the second outer peripheral surface 61b. It faces the annular groove 18 formed in the second inner peripheral surface 16b (see FIG. 3) of the valve holder mounting hole 16. The communication hole 64, together with the hollow portion 17a (see FIG. 3) formed in the wheel disk 11, constitutes an “air flow passage” in the claims.

  Such openings of the communication hole 64 and the hollow portion 17a are arranged so as to face each other through the annular groove 18. Since the air flow between the communication hole 64 and the hollow portion 17a is performed via the annular groove 18 as described above, the position of the hollow portion 17a and the position of the communication hole 64 are shifted in the circumferential direction. Even so, air circulation is maintained. Examples of the material of the valve holder 5 include synthetic resins such as ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) resin and modified PPE (Polyphenilene Eter) resin.

(Tire valve)
As shown in FIG. 5, the tire valve 8 includes a tire valve main body 81 and an outer cylinder portion 82 that holds the tire valve main body 81 on its inner peripheral surface. The tire valve main body 81 may be of a known structure, for example, a tubular body member 81a, a shaft member 81b inserted into the body member 81a and projecting a part thereof from the tip of the body member 81a, A valve 81c that is attached to the shaft member 81b and closes the rear end of the body member 81a, and a spring (not shown) that is disposed in the body member 81a and biases the shaft member 81b toward the front end of the body member 81a. It is mainly equipped with.

  In the tire valve body 81, when the shaft member 81b protruding from the front end of the body member 81a is pressed against the rear end of the body member 81a against the biasing force of the spring, the valve 81c that closes the rear end of the body member 81a is opened. It is supposed to be. Further, in the tire valve main body 81, when the shaft member 81b is released from the pressing force, the shaft member 81b moves in the distal direction of the body member 81a by the biasing force of the spring, so that the valve 81c is moved to the rear of the body member 81a. It is designed to close the edges. The tire valve body 81 is held in the outer cylinder portion 82, and a seal material S <b> 2 is disposed between the tire valve body 81 and the outer cylinder portion 82. Examples of the material of the sealing material S2 include elastic rubber materials such as silicone rubber.

  The outer cylinder portion 82 that holds the tire valve main body 81 is arranged such that the front end of the body member 81a of the tire valve main body 81 faces the concave portion 5a and the rear end of the body member 81a faces the communication hole 64 side. It is press-fitted and held in the tire valve holding hole 5b. In addition, a part of the outer cylinder portion 82 protrudes into the recess 5a, and a male screw 82a is carved on the peripheral surface of the protruding outer cylinder portion 82. A female screw 74g (see FIG. 8) carved in a connector 74 of the air pressure sensor unit 7 described below is screwed into the male screw 82a of the outer cylinder portion 82.

(Pneumatic sensor unit)
As shown in FIG. 4, the air pressure sensor unit 7 has a cylindrical outer shape. As shown in FIG. 7, the air pressure sensor unit 7 includes a casing 71, an air pressure sensor 73a, a temperature sensor 73b, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 73c, a memory IC 73d, a transmitter 73e, an antenna 73f, and a connector. 74 and an air valve 75 are provided.

  The casing 71 forms the outer shape of the air pressure sensor unit 7, and an air chamber 72 is formed therein. Examples of the material of the casing 71 include synthetic resins such as ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) resin and modified PPE (Polyphenilene Eter) resin.

  The air pressure sensor 73a and the temperature sensor 73b are disposed in the air chamber 72, and the CPU 73c, the memory IC 73d, the transmitter 73e, and the antenna 73f are embedded in the casing 71 itself. These air pressure sensor 73a, temperature sensor 73b, CPU 73c, memory IC 73d, transmitter 73e, and antenna 73f can constitute a TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) together with, for example, a receiver (not shown) arranged on the vehicle body side. ing. That is, the CPU 73c that has input the pressure detection signal from the air pressure sensor 73a and the temperature detection signal from the temperature sensor 73b refers to the identification ID of the tire 2 (see FIG. 1) recorded in the memory IC 73d, and detects the pressure detection signal and the temperature detection. An identification ID flag is given to the signal, and a command signal for instructing the transmitter 73e to transmit the pressure detection signal and the temperature detection signal to the receiver is output. The transmitter 73e that receives this command signal transmits the pressure detection signal and the temperature detection signal to the receiver via the antenna 73f. The power supply to the temperature sensor 73b, the CPU 73c, the memory IC 73d, and the transmitter 73e may be performed by, for example, a battery (not shown) disposed in the air chamber 72 or an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) method. As described above, a method may be employed in which radio waves received from outside are converted into electric power for use.

  The connector 74 removably joins the tire valve 8 (see FIG. 3) and the air pressure sensor unit 7 on the valve holder 5 side, and connects the air chamber 21 (see FIG. 2) and the air chamber 72 of the tire 2 together. The communication is made through the tire valve 8. As shown in FIG. 8, the connector 74 includes a joining portion 74a joined to the tire valve 8, a connecting portion 74b for connecting the joining portion 74a to the casing 71, and a partition portion for partitioning the joining portion 74a and the connecting portion 74b. 74d. The joining portion 74a is formed in a tubular shape, opens to the side for receiving the tire valve 8, and has a male screw 82a (see FIG. 5) engraved on the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylindrical portion 82 of the tire valve 8. ) Is threaded. The connecting portion 74 b is formed in a tubular shape, and the side connected to the casing 71 is open to the air chamber 72. The partition portion 74d is formed with a protrusion 74e that protrudes into the joint portion 74a, and a hole 74f is formed around the protrusion 74e. The inside of the joining part 74a and the connecting part 74b are communicated with each other through the hole 74f. As will be described later, when the joint 74a and the outer cylindrical portion 82 (see FIG. 5) of the tire valve 8 are joined, the protrusion 74e connects the shaft member 81b of the tire valve 8 to the communication hole 64 (see FIG. 5). ) Push toward the side. An annular seal material S3 is disposed in the joint 74a so as to surround the protrusion 74e. This sealing material S3 is for ensuring airtightness when the joining portion 74a and the outer cylinder portion 82 (see FIG. 5) of the tire valve 8 are joined. Examples of the material of the sealing material S3 include elastic rubber materials such as silicone rubber.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the air valve 75 is press-fitted and held in the air valve mounting hole 75b. The air valve mounting hole 75 b is formed in the casing 71 on the opposite side of the casing 71 in which the connector 74 is formed so as to communicate with the air chamber 72. In the present embodiment, the air valve 75 has the same configuration as the tire valve 8 (see FIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 4, a dust cap 75a is attached to the tip of the air valve 75 exposed from the air pressure sensor unit 7.

(cover)
The cover 14 is a substantially dish-like body having a concave shape on one side and a convex shape on the other side, and is formed in a concave shape so as to cover the air pressure sensor unit 7 on the valve holder 7 as shown in FIG. The other side is arranged so as to face the air pressure sensor unit 7. The cover 14 is attached to the valve holder 5 by fitting an edge portion 14 b of the cover 14 into a cover mounting groove 14 a formed in the valve holder 5. Examples of the material of the cover 14 include synthetic resins such as ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) resin and modified PPE (Polyphenilene Eter) resin.
The cover 14 covers the air pressure sensor unit 7 on the valve holder 7 so as to prevent the air pressure sensor unit 7 from being vibrated and waterproof, and to protect the air pressure sensor unit 7 from a sudden change in the outside air temperature. ing. Further, the cover 14 covers the air pressure sensor unit 7 on the valve holder 7, so that even if the air pressure sensor unit 7 is removed from the concave portion 5 a of the valve holder 7, the detached air pressure sensor unit 7 is removed from the wheel disk 11. So as not to detach from it.

  Next, the operation of the wheel 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. In the drawings to be referred to, FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic views showing a joined state between the connector 74 and the tire valve 8.

  In a state where the valve holder 5 (see FIG. 3) and the air pressure sensor unit 7 (see FIG. 3) are not joined, as shown in FIG. 9A, the shaft member 81b of the tire valve 8 is a tire valve body 81. The rear end of the body member 81a of the tire valve body 81 is closed by a valve 81c. Therefore, the air filled in the air chamber 21 (see FIG. 2) does not leak through the tire valve 8.

  Next, the air pressure sensor unit 7 (see FIG. 7) is fitted into the concave portion 5a (see FIG. 5) of the valve holder 5 from the connector 74 (see FIG. 7) side, and the female screw 74g of the connector 74 is attached to the tire valve 8. It is screwed into a male screw 82a (see FIG. 5) formed on the outer cylinder portion 82 (see FIG. 5). By connecting the connector 74 to the tire valve 8 in this way, the air pressure sensor unit 7 is integrated with the wheel disk 11 (see FIG. 3) via the valve holder 5.

  At this time, as shown in FIG. 9B, the projection 74e of the connector 74 pushes the shaft member 81b protruding from the tip of the body member 81a of the tire valve 8 into the body member 81a. The valve 81c connected to the shaft member 81b and closing the rear end of the body member 81a opens the rear end. When the rear end of the trunk member 81a is thus opened, the air on the rear end side of the trunk member 81a flows into the connecting portion 74b on the connector 74 side via the tire valve body 81. On the other hand, the sealing material S3 of the connector 74 is brought into contact with the tip of the body member 81a of the tire valve 8 to thereby join the connector 74 and the tire valve 8 in an airtight manner.

  The air that has flowed into the connecting portion 74 b on the connector 74 side flows into the air chamber 72 of the air pressure sensor unit 7. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the air filled in the air chamber 21 of the tire 2 passes through the hollow portion 17 a of the connecting portion 13, the communication hole 64 of the valve holder 5, the tire valve 8, and the connector 74. It flows into the chamber 72. The air pressure in the air chamber 21 of the tire 2 is equal to the air pressure in the air chamber 72.

  On the other hand, the air pressure sensor 73a disposed in the air chamber 72 shown in FIG. 7 detects the air pressure in the air chamber 72 and outputs the pressure detection signal to the CPU 73c. The temperature sensor 73b detects the temperature in the air chamber 72 and outputs the temperature detection signal to the CPU 73c. The CPU 73c receiving these pressure detection signal and temperature detection signal gives an identification ID flag to the pressure detection signal and the temperature detection signal with reference to the identification ID of the tire 2 (see FIG. 1) recorded in the memory IC 73d. Then, the pressure detection signal and the temperature detection signal with the identification ID flag are output to the transmitter 73e, and a command signal for instructing the transmitter 73e to transmit the pressure detection signal and the temperature detection signal to the receiver. Output. On the other hand, the transmitter 73e receiving this command signal transmits the input pressure detection signal and temperature detection signal to the receiver via the antenna 73f. Based on the wirelessly transmitted pressure detection signal and temperature detection signal, the receiver monitors the air pressure and temperature in the air chamber 72. Whether or not the air pressure of the tire 2 (see FIG. 1) is a normal value is determined based on the air pressure in the air chamber 72 thus monitored. Therefore, the air pressure and temperature changes in the air chamber 72 to be monitored not only instantly determine whether or not the tire 2 is punctured while the vehicle is running, but also the puncture in which air gradually leaks. Is also judged.

  Further, since the air pressure sensor unit 7 has an air valve 75 (see FIG. 7), air can be filled into the air chamber 72 via the air valve 75. That is, air can be filled into the air chamber 21 of the tire 2 through the air valve 75.

Further, when such an air pressure sensor unit 7 is removed from the valve holder 5, the shaft member 81b that has been pushed into the body member 81a of the tire valve 8 by the projection 74e of the connector 74 is moved into the body member 81a. It returns to its original position by the urging force of a spring (not shown) disposed in the. That is, the rear end of the trunk member 81a is closed by the valve 81c. Therefore, even if the air pressure sensor unit 7 is removed from the valve holder 5, the air in the air chamber 21 of the tire 2 is prevented from leaking from the tire valve 8.
In addition, air can be filled into the air chamber 21 of the tire 2 from the tire valve 8 when the air pressure sensor unit 7 is removed from the valve holder 5. That is, at that time, the tire valve 8 is used as a conventional valve (normal valve).

  According to the wheel 1 according to the present embodiment as described above, since the air pressure sensor unit 7 is attached to the wheel disk 11 via the valve holder 5, the air pressure sensor is like a conventional wheel attached to the rim. Even if the tire 2 is not removed, the air pressure sensor 73a can be easily replaced by replacing the air pressure sensor unit 7. In addition, when the air pressure sensor unit 7 is replaced, the temperature sensor 73b, the CPU 73c, the memory IC 73d, the transmitter 73e, the antenna 73f, and the power supply (not shown) for supplying power to the CPU 73c are provided. The power supply can be easily replaced.

  Further, according to the wheel 1, it is possible to secure a flat surface for disposing the air pressure sensor 73 a and the like in the air chamber 72 of the air pressure sensor unit 7. That is, in this wheel 1, unlike the conventional wheel in which the air pressure sensor unit is attached to the annular wall of the rim, it is not necessary to change the shape of the air pressure sensor in accordance with the wheel diameter. Therefore, this wheel 1 can provide compatibility between wheels having different diameters to the used air pressure sensor 73a.

  Moreover, according to this wheel 1, since the air pressure sensor unit 7 is detachably attached to the wheel disc 11, for example, the wheel 1 equipped with the normal tire is replaced with the wheel 1 equipped with the winter studless tire. Or, conversely, the air pressure sensor unit 7 can be easily replaced even when switching quickly.

  Moreover, in this wheel 1, since the air pressure sensor unit 7 is attached to the wheel disk 11, compared with the conventional wheel in which the air pressure sensor is attached to the rim, the influence of the centrifugal force due to the rotation of the wheel when the vehicle travels. Is reduced. Therefore, according to this wheel 1, as compared with the conventional wheel, the attachment structure of the air pressure sensor 73a does not need to be strengthened or the durability of the air pressure sensor 73a does not need to be increased. That is, according to this wheel 1, since the attachment structure of the air pressure sensor 73a and the structure of the air pressure sensor 73a can be simplified, manufacturing cost can be reduced.

  Moreover, in this wheel 1, since the air pressure sensor unit 7 is attached to the wheel disk 11, like the conventional wheel in which the air pressure sensor is attached to the rim, when the tire is removed from the rim at the time of tire replacement, There is no fear that the jig used for attaching and detaching the tire contacts the air pressure sensor. Therefore, according to this wheel 1, damage to the air pressure sensor 73a during tire replacement can be avoided. Further, according to the wheel 1, since the air pressure sensor unit 7 is detachably attached to the wheel disk 11, if the air pressure sensor unit 7 is removed from the wheel disk 11 at the time of tire replacement, the tire at the time of tire replacement can be obtained. Damage to the air pressure sensor 73a can be reliably avoided.

  In the wheel 1, the air pressure sensor unit 7 is attached to the axis of the wheel disk 11. As a result, in this wheel 1, the influence of the air pressure sensor unit 7 on the static wheel balance is less than that of a conventional wheel in which the air pressure sensor is attached to the rim. Therefore, according to the wheel 1, the amount of balance weight attached to the tire can be reduced.

  Further, in this wheel 1, between the first tapered surface 61 d of the valve holder 5 and the first tapered surface 16 d of the valve holder mounting hole 16 and between the second tapered surface 61 e of the valve holder 5 and the valve holder mounting hole 16. A sealing material S1 is sandwiched between the second tapered surface 16e. Therefore, according to the wheel 1, the airtightness at the joint surface between the valve holder 5 and the wheel disk 11 is enhanced, so that leakage of air filled in the air chamber 21 of the tire 2 can be avoided.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the tire sensor 8 on the valve holder 5 side and the connector 74 of the pneumatic sensor unit 7 are screwed together to attach the pneumatic sensor unit 7 to the wheel disk 11 detachably. The invention is not limited to this, and the air pressure sensor unit 7 may be detachably attached to the wheel disk 11 by another joining method. As a specific example, for example, a socket-shaped connector may be inserted into the tire valve 8 and the connector may be joined to the tire valve 8 by the connector's tightness.

  In the above embodiment, the tire sensor 8 on the valve holder 5 side and the connector 74 of the air pressure sensor unit 7 are screwed together so that the air pressure sensor unit 7 is detachably attached to the wheel disk 11. This attachment structure in the invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, a female screw 51a formed on the inner peripheral surface of the recess 5a (see FIG. 4) of the valve holder 5 and a male screw 71a formed on the outer peripheral surface of the casing 71 of the air pressure sensor unit 7 are screwed together. By doing so, the air pressure sensor unit 7 may be detachably attached to the wheel disk 11. In addition, it is preferable that the sealing material S4 of the same material as the above-described sealing material S2 is disposed between the casing 71 and the valve holder 5.

  Moreover, this attachment structure in the present invention is such that, for example, as shown in FIG. 11A, the protruding piece T formed on the casing 71 of the air pressure sensor unit 7 is held by a groove 52 formed on the valve holder 5 side. It may be.

  In this attachment structure, a plurality of projecting pieces T are formed along the circumferential direction in the vicinity of the end on the outer peripheral surface of the casing 71 and facing the valve holder 5. Further, a groove 51 for receiving the protruding piece T extends from the opening of the recessed portion 5a toward the bottom of the recessed portion 5a on the inner peripheral surface of the recessed portion 5a of the valve holder 5 so as to correspond to the position where the protruding piece T is formed. A plurality are formed. Each groove 51 is bent from the bottom of the recess 5 a to one side in the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface to form a groove 52.

  In this mounting structure, first, each protruding piece T formed in the casing 71 is inserted into each groove 51 formed in the valve holder 5, and the air pressure sensor unit 7 is inserted into the recess 5 a of the valve holder 5. . Then, the air pressure sensor unit 7 is attached to the valve holder 5 by rotating the air pressure sensor unit 7 and fitting the protruding pieces T into the grooves 52. In such a mounting structure, it is preferable that a sealing material for hermetically sealing between the casing 71 of the air pressure sensor unit 7 and the recess 5a of the valve holder 5 is disposed. In this embodiment, the valve holder A sealing material S5 is disposed on an end surface of the casing 71 on the side facing the surface 5. Examples of the material of the sealing material S5 include the same materials as the sealing material S2.

  Moreover, it is preferable that such a mounting structure is provided with a lock / unlock mechanism so that each protruding piece T is more firmly held at the position of each groove 52. Such a lock / unlock mechanism is not particularly limited as long as each protruding piece T is detachably held at the position of each groove 52. The form here is the following lock / unlock mechanism: It has been adopted.

  The lock / unlock mechanism here is mainly formed at the lock pin 80a disposed in the casing 71 of the pneumatic sensor unit 7 and the bottom of the recess 5a of the valve holder 5, as shown in FIG. It is comprised with the hollow 80b made.

  As shown in FIG. 11B, the lock pin 80a is inserted into a hole 80d penetrating from the upper surface (surface of the wheel 1 on the front side X (see FIG. 3)) toward the lower surface of the casing 71. And this lock pin 80a is urged | biased toward the lower surface side of the casing 71 by the spring 80c arrange | positioned in the hole 80d, and the front-end | tip part protrudes outward from the lower surface of the casing 71. As shown in FIG. .

  The recess 80b on the valve holder 5 side is outward from the lower surface of the casing 71 when the air pressure sensor unit 7 is fitted in the recess 5a of the valve holder 5 and each protruding piece T is disposed at the position of each groove 52. The protruding lock pin 80a is formed at a position where the tip end is fitted.

In this lock / unlock mechanism, when the air pressure sensor unit 7 is fitted into the recess 5a of the valve holder 5 and each protruding piece T is arranged at the position of each groove 52, it protrudes outward from the lower surface of the casing 71. When the tip of the lock pin 80a is fitted, the rotation of the air pressure sensor unit 7 in the recess 5a is stopped. That is, each protruding piece T does not come out of each groove 52. That is, the air pressure sensor unit 7 is attached to the valve holder 5 more firmly.
On the other hand, if the lock pin 80a is pulled against the urging force of the spring 80c and the tip of the lock pin 80a is detached from the recess 80b, the air pressure sensor unit 7 is rotated and each protruding piece T is moved to each groove. It becomes possible to move from 52 toward each groove 51. As a result, the air pressure sensor unit 7 can be detached from the valve holder 5.

  In the present invention, the casing 71 may be composed of a casing main body 71b and a lid 71c as shown in FIG. In the casing 71, an air chamber 72 is formed in the casing main body 71b by screwing a male screw 73g formed on the lid 71c side with a female screw 72a formed on the casing main body 71b side. In such a casing 71, a sealing material S6 may be disposed between the casing main body 71b and the lid 71c. Examples of the material of the sealing material S6 include the same materials as the sealing material S2.

  According to such a casing 71, by removing the lid 71c from the casing body 71b, the air pressure sensor 73a and the temperature sensor 73b disposed in the air chamber 72 can be replaced, and as shown in FIG. When the CPU 73c, the memory IC 73d, the transmitter 73e, and the antenna 73f are embedded in the lid 71c, the CPU 73c, the memory IC 73d, the transmitter 73e, and the antenna 73f can be exchanged by replacing the lid 71c.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the four communication holes 64 formed in the valve holder 5 are comprised, this communication hole 64 may be one, or may be five or more. Moreover, although the communication hole 64 in this embodiment is extended linearly, this invention is not limited to this, You may extend in the shape of a curve.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the air pressure sensor unit 7 is attached so that it may protrude outward from the recessed part 5a of the valve holder 5, this invention is not limited to this, The air pressure sensor unit 7 whole May fit in the recess 5 a of the valve holder 5. At this time, the upper surface of the air pressure sensor unit 7 (surface on the front side X (see FIG. 3) of the wheel 1) is flush with the upper surface of the valve holder 5 (surface on the front side X of the wheel 1 (see FIG. 3)). The air pressure sensor unit 7 may be attached to the air bag, or the air pressure sensor unit 7 may be attached so that the upper surface of the air pressure sensor unit 7 moves backward from the upper surface of the valve holder 5 toward the rear side Y of the wheel 1 (see FIG. 3). May be.

  In the embodiment, the tip of the tire valve 8 attached to the valve holder 5 is disposed so as to protrude from the tire valve holding hole 5b. However, in the present invention, the tip of the tire valve 8 is the tire valve. It may be one that fits in the holding hole 5b.

  In the above embodiment, the tip of the air valve 75 of the air pressure sensor unit 7 is disposed so as to protrude from the air pressure sensor unit 7. However, in the present invention, the tip of the air valve 75 fits in the air valve mounting hole 75b. It may be something like this.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the valve holder 5 is attached to the axial center of the wheel disc 11, this invention is not limited to this, There is a restriction | limiting in the position of the wheel disc 11 to which the valve holder 5 is attached. Absent. Further, the position where the tire valve 8 is attached is not limited to the axial center of the valve holder 5.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the hollow part 17a formed in the connection part 13 of the wheel disc 11 and the communicating hole 64 of the valve holder 5 comprise the "air flow path" said to a claim, this invention. However, the air flow passage may be a communication member such as a pipe that connects the air chamber 21 of the tire 2 and the tire valve 8.

It is the whole wheel perspective view with which the wheel concerning the embodiment of the present invention was assembled. It is sectional drawing in the AA line in FIG. It is the elements on larger scale which expanded the part shown by B in FIG. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows a mode that the valve holder and the air pressure sensor unit were removed from the wheel disc in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the valve holder in the DD line in FIG. It is sectional drawing in the CC line in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the air pressure sensor in the EE line | wire in FIG. It is the elements on larger scale which expanded the part shown by F in FIG. (A) And (b) is a schematic diagram which shows the joining state of a connector and a tire valve. It is a figure which shows the attachment structure of the air pressure sensor unit with respect to the valve holder in the wheel which concerns on other embodiment. (A) And (b) is a figure which shows the attachment structure of the air pressure sensor unit with respect to the valve holder in the wheel which concerns on other embodiment. It is a figure which shows the casing of the wheel which concerns on other embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Wheel 2 Tire 5 Valve holder 5a Concave part 7 Air pressure sensor unit 8 Tire valve 11 Wheel disk 12 Rim 16 Valve holder mounting hole 17a Hollow part (air flow path)
21 Air chamber 64 Communication hole (air flow passage)
71 Casing 72 Air chamber 73a Air pressure sensor 74 Connector 75 Air valve

Claims (6)

A pneumatic sensor unit mounted on a tire valve disposed on a wheel disc so as to communicate with a tire air chamber,
A casing,
An air chamber formed in the casing;
An air pressure sensor disposed in the air chamber;
An air pressure sensor unit comprising: a tire valve that is detachably attached to the tire valve, and that communicates the air chamber of the tire and the air chamber via the tire valve.   The air pressure sensor unit according to claim 1, wherein an air valve is disposed in the casing so as to communicate with the air chamber. Wheel discs,
A rim provided on the outer peripheral side of the wheel disc and fitted with a tire;
A valve holder mounting hole formed in the wheel disc;
A valve holder mounted in the valve holder mounting hole;
A tire valve attached to the valve holder;
An air flow passage communicating the tire air chamber and the tire valve;
An air pressure sensor unit attached to the tire valve, wherein the air pressure sensor unit is detachably attached to a casing, an air chamber formed in the casing, an air pressure sensor disposed in the air chamber, and the tire valve, A vehicle wheel, comprising: an air chamber of the tire via a tire valve; and a pneumatic sensor unit having a connector for communicating the air chamber.   4. The vehicle wheel according to claim 3, wherein the air pressure sensor unit is detachably attached to the valve holder.   The vehicle wheel according to claim 3 or 4, wherein a concave portion is formed in the valve holder, and the air pressure sensor unit is fitted into the concave portion.   6. The air valve according to claim 3, wherein an air valve is disposed in the casing of the air pressure sensor unit so as to communicate with the air chamber of the air pressure sensor unit. Vehicle wheel.

Images