JPS63275409A - Air pressure detecting control device for vehicle tire - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable the air pressure within a tire to be detected on the car side in a simple manner by forming a passage communicating the inside of the tire with the outside thereof in an axle, and providing thereby a connecting device equipped with the sealing function by magnetic fluid for the bearing section of the axle through which the passage is communicated outside. CONSTITUTION:An axle D is provided with a communicating pipe 9 to the axial direction wherein the aforesaid pipe is communicate with the inside of a tire through a pipe 11. Furthermore, the axle 1 is provided to the radial direction with another communicating pipe 13 the center section of which is communicated with a connecting pipe 9. And one end section thereof is hermetically communicated with a pipe 15 through a connecting device 16. And the connecting device 16 is constituted in such a way that a plurality of circularly projected sections 20a is provided on the inner circumference of the outer wheel 20 of a bearing 3 for forming a space 21, and that a permanent magnet 23 and magnetic fluid 24 allowing magnetic flux thereof to be energized in maintaining the space 21 at a hermetic condition are provided in the space 21. Owing to this constitution, the air pressure within a tire is led to a pipe 15 from the pipe 11 through the connecting device 16, thereby detecting thereof by a specified detecting means for controlling loads.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Invention] (Industrial Application Field) The present invention relates to a method for detecting the air pressure of a vehicle tire, which is a rotating body, for controlling a load in which the air pressure of the vehicle tire is detected on the side of a heavy object. Regarding a control device.

(Prior art) For example, in a car, when the tire air pressure drops below the limit, it may affect the driving fuel efficiency, so the tire air pressure is detected and the detection result is displayed inside the vehicle. The following methods have been proposed. However, since a tire is a rotating body, in order to detect its air pressure on the vehicle body side, special measures are required for the air pressure detection means. That is, for example, when attempting to detect tire air pressure using an air pressure sensor installed on the vehicle body, there is a
A sliding structure is required to connect the rotating part and the stationary part in an airtight manner, and this structural part is required to have wear resistance as well as airtightness. For this reason, conventionally, a sensor for detecting the air pressure and a transmitter for transmitting the detection output from the sensor as a wireless signal are provided on the tire side, and a receiver for receiving the wireless signal is provided on the vehicle body side. It is being considered that there will be seven.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) However, the above conventional configuration requires an expensive transmitter and receiver, and the overall f+'4
There are problems such as complicated construction and high manufacturing costs. Furthermore, conventionally, there has been no device that actively controls tire air pressure, and the emergence of such a device has been desired.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its first point is that the air pressure of vehicle tires is directly detected on the vehicle body side, but the overall structure is simple.
and reduce manufacturing costs; the assembly of the air pressure detection structure into the first and second parts aims to improve the air pressure detection structure for vehicle tires. A second control device is provided.
An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle tire air pressure detection and control device that has the effect of actively controlling the air pressure of vehicle tires in addition to the above-mentioned effects.

[Configuration of the Invention] The first feature is that by providing several annular protrusions projecting over the entire area of the inner circumference of the outer ring or the outer circumference of the inner ring, or both, of the axle bearing, a communicating conduit having one end communicating with the vehicle tire and the other end communicating with the space through the inner ring of the bearing; A ventilation hole that penetrates and communicates with the space, a permanent magnet installed in the space, a magnetic fluid that is biased by magnetic flux from the permanent magnet to a position that maintains the space in an airtight state, and the space. The tire air pressure is communicated with the pipe.

The present invention is characterized in that control means for controlling the load by sensing through the space and the ventilation hole are provided. Moreover, the second feature of the present invention is the above-mentioned space and communication pipe.

After providing a vent hole, a permanent magnet, and a magnetic fluid, a pressure source is provided on the vehicle body side, a valve device is provided for selectively communicating between the pressure source and the vent hole, and the air pressure of the tire is controlled by the communication. The present invention is characterized in that a control means is provided for controlling the opening and closing of the valve device by sensing through the conduit, the space, and the ventilation hole.

(Function) The ventilation hole provided in the outer ring of the axle bearing is in communication with the inside of the vehicle tire via the space kept in an airtight state and the communication pipe. At this time, the outer ring provided with the ventilation holes is supported in a stationary state, and therefore, the air pressure of the tire, which is a rotating body, can be directly detected through the ventilation holes in a stationary state. , its functionality will improve. In this case, a magnetic fluid combined with a permanent magnet is used to keep the space between the inner ring, which is a rotating body, and the outer ring, which is a stationary body, airtight, so that the inner ring rotates. 11 to be done!
Even under such circumstances, there is no risk of abrasion in the airtight L7 portion, which improves durability. Further, since the space necessary for air pressure detection as described above is provided within the axle support, the entire device becomes smaller. Furthermore, since each component necessary for air detection as described above can be integrated into a unit together with the bearing, the ease of assembly is improved.

On the other hand, in a configuration that includes a pressure source, a valve device, and a control means for controlling the opening and closing of this valve device, when the valve device is opened, the pressure source and the inside of the tire are in communication with each other. As a result, the pressure inside the tire can be controlled in accordance with the opening/closing control of the valve device.

(Example) Hereinafter, an example in which the present invention is applied to an automatic small machine will be described with reference to the drawings.

In FIG. 1 showing the structure related to one wheel in an automatic vehicle, reference numeral 1 denotes an axle shaft, which is supported by an axle housing 2 via a bearing 3. Further, 4 is a seal part shrine, 5 is a hub, 6 is a road wheel attached to this hub 5 via a hub bolt 7a and a nut 7b, and a tire 8 is attached to this road wheel 6.
(See Figure 4) is attached.

Reference numeral 9 denotes a communication hole, which is a communication conduit, provided in the axle shaft 1, and is formed at the axial center of the axle shaft 1 so as to open at its end surface.

The communication hole 9 is communicated with the inside of the tire 8 via a base 10 and a vibrator 11 that are screwed into the opening of the communication hole 9 in an airtight manner. Note that 12 is a nut for airtightly connecting the vibrator 11 to the base 10. Reference numeral 13 denotes a through hole serving as a communication conduit formed to radially penetrate the axle shaft 1, and is connected to the communication hole 9 at its base end portion. Further, reference numeral 14 denotes a connection port provided so as to penetrate the wall of the axle housing 2, and a vibrator 15 is connected to this. Now,
This vibrator 15 and the through hole 13 (and eventually the communication hole 9)
There is airtight communication between the connecting device 16 and the connecting device 16.The specific configuration of the connecting device t16 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

In other words, the coupling device 16 is composed of four bearings including the bearing 3, and in this case, the bearing 3 is configured as a rear-row bearing having two rows of bearings 17. Also, bearing 3
The inner ring 18 is divided into two in the axial direction, and four through holes 18a, for example, are formed along the dividing surface at an angle of 90 degrees to each other. And such inner circle 18
In this case, two of the through holes 18a are positioned so as to communicate with the through holes 13 when the axle shaft 1 is fitted onto the outer periphery of the axle shaft 1. Reference numerals 19 and 19 denote O-rings, which are provided between the axle shaft 1 and the inner ring 18 on both sides of the through hole 18H.

On the other hand, on the inner circumference of the outer ring 20 of the bearing 3, there are two
The annular convex portions 20a, 20a of the strip are integrally protruded,
Thus, a space 21 facing the through hole 18a on the inner ring 18 side is formed between each annular convex portion 20a, 2Oa. In this case, the gap between the tip of the -1-registered annular convex portion 20a and the outer periphery of the inner ring 18 is configured to be as small as possible. Further, the outer ring 20 is provided with an annular groove 20b extending over the entire outer circumference thereof, and the outer ring 20 is penetrated at the bottom of the annular groove 20b to form the space 21.
For example, four ventilation holes 20c communicating with each other are formed at intervals of 90 degrees. The outer ring 20 is integrated with the inner periphery of the axle housing 2, and is positioned such that the annular groove 20b thereof communicates with the connection mouth body 14.

Reference numerals 22 and 22 indicate O-rings, which are provided between the axle housing 2 and the outer ring 20 on both sides of the annular groove 20b.

Now, 23 is a flat cylindrical permanent magnet that is magnetized in the axial direction.This is constructed by combining four arc-shaped permanent magnets of the same shape, and the combined surface has four transparent pieces. The holes 23a are formed with an interval of 90@ between each other. In such a permanent magnet 23, the outer ring 20
It is fitted into the position between the annular convex parts 20a and 2Oa on the inner periphery of the ring, and is adjusted so that each through hole 23a communicates with each ventilation hole 20c on the outer ring 20 side in the fitted state. As a result of the permanent magnet 23 being arranged in this way, the magnetic flux from the permanent magnet 23 circulates through the inner ring 18 and outer ring 20 made of magnetic material as shown by the arrows in FIG. The magnetic flux density in the gap between each tip of the annular convex portions 20a, 20a and the outer periphery of the inner ring 18 becomes extremely large.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 24 denotes a magnetic fluid provided in the space 21, which gathers in the gap portion where the magnetic flux density is high.

In other words, the magnetic fluid 24 functions to maintain the space 21 in an airtight state while being energized by the magnetic flux from the permanent magnet 23. Such an airtight state is maintained when the inner ring 18 rotates. It will be able to be performed without any trouble even in a closed state.

Therefore, as a result of the provision of the coupling device 16, the tire 8
of air pressure, vibrator 11. Communication hole 92 through hole 13. Through hole 18a of inner ring 18, space 21° through hole 2 of permanent magnet 23
3a, the vent hole 20c and the annular groove 20b of the outer ring 20, the connecting mouth body 14. Detection is possible through the vibrator 15.

The connecting device 16 is constructed by assembling the various keys shown in FIG. , the inner ring 18 is fixed by a nut 25 screwed onto the axle shaft 1, and the outer ring 20 is fixed to the axle housing 2 by an appropriate means (not shown).
fixed to the side.

FIG. 4 shows four tires 8 using the coupling device 16.
A schematic diagram of a device for controlling the air pressure of i is shown below, and will be described below. That is, 26 is a near compressor, 27 is an air tank for storing compressed air from the near compressor 26, and 28 is a regulator that is a pressure source that delivers compressed air from the air tank 27 at a predetermined pressure. The actuator 29 allows the pressure of the air to be regulated and opened/closed as desired within a predetermined range. Further, the air outlet 28a of the regulator 28 is communicated with each of the vibrators 15 corresponding to the four tires 8, respectively. Therefore,
When the air outlet 28a is open, the regulator 2 is connected between the air tank 27 and the inside of the four tires 8.
8. Vibrator 15° connection device 16. Communication hole 9 and vibe 1
1 are respectively formed. In addition, the above-mentioned near compressor 26. The air tank 27 and regulator 28 are provided on the vehicle body side. Reference numeral 30 denotes a total of four solenoid valves, which are valve devices, and these are interposed in each vibrator 15 in the air circulation path. 31 is a pressure sensor that detects the pressure in the air circulation path (particularly the vibrator 15) and also the air pressure of the tire 8, and a pressure signal -Q indicating the detected pressure.
It is designed to generate Sa. A vehicle speed sensor 32 is provided to detect the rotational speed of a predetermined axle shaft 1, and is designed to generate a vehicle speed signal sb indicating the detected speed. 33 is a load display device provided in the vehicle interior, which displays, for example, the actual air pressure of the tires 8, the air pressure set by the operation switch 34, which will be described later, and whether the air pressure of the tires 8 has fallen below the set value. The system is configured to display alarms and the like at certain times. Reference numeral 35 denotes a control device which is also a control means provided in the vehicle interior, and this controls the operation signal Sc from the operation switch 34.
.

Based on the pressure signal Sa and the vehicle speed signal sb, the actuator 29 (and thus the pressure and opening/closing state of the air outlet 28a of the regulator 28), the solenoid valve 30, and the display device 33 are controlled, for example, as described below. still,
- [- The operation signal Sc from the operation switch 34 includes a command signal for setting the air pressure of the tire 8, and a command signal for setting the air pressure of the tire 8,
This includes command signals for selectively stopping and stopping the functions of No. 5 and the like.

Therefore, below, the operation of the above configuration will be explained together with the control contents by the control device 35. Control device 3
In the state where the function of 5 is stopped, each electromagnetic valve 30 is maintained in a closed state. On the other hand, when the function of the control device 35 is enabled, the control device 35 always keeps the air outlet 28a of the regulator 28 closed via the actuator 29, and in this closed state, each solenoid valve 3° are sequentially opened one by one, and the pressure signal Sa at each opening is read. Therefore, the air pressure of each tire 8 can be monitored based on the pressure signal Sa read in this way, and the control device 35 causes the display device 33 to display the air pressure thus monitored for each tire 8. Further, when the monitor air pressure becomes lower than a predetermined lower limit air pressure, the control device 35 causes the display device 33 to display an alarm indicating that the air pressure of the tire 8 has fallen to the set value. In this case, the tire 8 in which the air pressure has decreased may be displayed in n and ν. Then, at the same time as the above-mentioned alarm is displayed, the control device 35 holds the solenoid valve 30 corresponding to the tire 8 in which the air pressure has decreased in an open state, and also closes the air outlet 28a of the regulator 28 to the actuator 29. During this time, the air pressure of the tire 8 is monitored based on the pressure signal Sa. At this time, the control device 35 previously controls the pressure of the air delivered by the regulator 28 to the set air pressure specified by the operation signal Sc from the operation switch 34, and therefore the tire 8 whose air pressure has decreased Air is supplied from the regulator 28 until the set air pressure is reached. When the air pressure of the tire 8 and thus the air pressure monitored as described above reach the set air pressure, the control device 35 closes the air outlet 28a of the regulator 28 and performs the same air pressure monitoring operation as described above. Return to

Further, the control device 35 monitors the speed of the vehicle by constantly reading the vehicle speed signal sb, and when the monitored speed exceeds a predetermined speed (for example, 80 to 90 Km/h),
While each electromagnetic valve 30 is held open, the air outlet 28a of the regulator 28 is opened via the actuator 29, and in this state, the pressure of the air delivered by the regulator 28 is controlled to a desired pressure. Therefore, when the vehicle is running at high speed, the air pressure of each tire 8 is automatically increased. The state in which the air pressure is increased in this way is canceled by opening each electromagnetic valve 30 and reducing the air pressure delivered by the regulator 28 when the vehicle returns to normal speed.

According to the present embodiment described above, when the air pressure of the tire 8 becomes lower than the predetermined lower limit air pressure, a message to that effect is displayed, and the tire 8 is displayed while the car is running or wherever the air pressure is. Since the air pressure is automatically returned to a predetermined level, driving performance can always be maintained in a desired state and fuel efficiency can be improved. According to the embodiment described in -1-, the airtight state between the through hole 18a on the inner ring 18 side, which is a rotating body, and the space 21 on the outer ring 20 side, which is integrated with the static 11, is achieved by combining the permanent magnet 23. Since the magnetic fluid 24 is held by the magnetic fluid 24, the magnetic fluid 24 does not wear out like a normal sealing member, and there is no risk that the airtightness of the space 21 will deteriorate. Of course, since the configuration directly detects the air pressure of the tires 8 on the vehicle body side, the detection function is improved, and there is no risk of the structure becoming complicated unlike the conventional configuration using a transmitter and receiver. It is. Moreover, since the space 21 necessary for air pressure detection is provided within the bearing 3 by using its outer ring 20, it is possible to downsize the entire device and further simplify the structure. can. In addition, a coupling device 16 for detecting the air pressure of the tire 8
Since it is assembled as a single unit, its assembly becomes easy.

In the embodiment L, the outer ring 20 has two annular protrusions 20a protruding from the outer periphery.
It is also possible to form a space by providing a strip of annular protrusion, or by providing one annular protrusion on the outer periphery of the inner ring 18 and the inner periphery of the outer ring 20. Further, in the above embodiment, air is automatically replenished when the air pressure of the tire 8 decreases, but the solenoid valve 30 can be manually operated.
By adopting a configuration in which the air pressure of the tires 8 can be released, the air pressure of the tires 8 may be adjusted at the will of the driver. In this configuration, the air pressure of the tires 8 can be adjusted according to changes in road surface conditions such as rain or snowfall. The air pressure can be adjusted to the desired value within a week. Furthermore, the air pressure of each of the four tires 8 may be adjusted individually.

[Effects of the Invention] As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, although the air pressure of vehicle tires is directly detected on the vehicle body side, the overall structure is simplified.

Miniaturizing the device, reducing manufacturing costs, and assembling the air pressure detection structure can improve performance, durability, and the function of air pressure detection. It is also possible to have the effect of being able to actively control tire air pressure.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The drawings show one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view of the main part, FIG. 2 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the main part, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the coupling device, and FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the main part. is an air supply system diagram for tires. In the figure, 1 is an axle shaft (axle), 2 is an axle housing, 3 is a bearing, 8 is a tire, 9 is a communication hole (communication pipe), 13 is a through hole, 15 is a pipe, 16 is a coupling device,
18 is an inner ring, 18a is a through hole, 20 is an outer ring, 20a is an annular convex portion, 20b is an annular groove, 20c is a ventilation hole, 21 is a space, 23 is a permanent magnet, 23a is a through hole, 24 is a magnetic fluid,
26 is a near compressor, 27 is an air tank, 28 is a regulator (pressure source), 30 is a solenoid valve (valve device), 31
3 is a pressure sensor, 33 is a display device (load), and 35 is a control device (control means). Figure 2

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A space formed between each annular protrusion by providing a plurality of annular protrusions extending over the entire area on one or both of the inner circumference of the outer ring or the outer circumference of the inner ring of an axle bearing. and a communication conduit whose one end communicates with the inside of the vehicle tire and whose other end communicates with the space through the inner ring of the bearing, and a communication pipe that passes through the outer ring of the bearing and communicates with the space. a permanent magnet installed in the space, a magnetic fluid that is biased to a position to keep the space airtight by magnetic flux from the permanent magnet, and an air pressure of the tire. A control device for detecting and controlling air pressure of a vehicle tire, comprising: a control means for controlling a load by detecting the air pressure through the communication pipe, the space, and the ventilation hole. 2. A space formed between each annular protrusion by protruding a plurality of annular protrusions extending over the entire area on one or both of the inner circumference of the outer ring or the outer circumference of the inner ring of the axle bearing; A communication conduit that communicates with the inside of the tire and has its other end communicated with the space through the inner ring of the bearing, and a communication pipe that is formed so as to pass through the outer ring of the bearing and communicate with the space. an air hole, a permanent magnet installed in the space, a magnetic fluid that is biased by magnetic flux from the permanent magnet to a position that maintains the space in an airtight state, and a pressure source provided on the vehicle body side; A valve device that selectively communicates between the pressure source and the vent, and a control means that detects the air pressure of the tire through the communication pipe, the space, and the vent to control opening and closing of the valve device. A vehicle tire air pressure detection control device characterized by: