WO2012098268A1 - Stand-alone warning device for the visual inspection of tyre pressure - Google Patents

Stand-alone warning device for the visual inspection of tyre pressure Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012098268A1
WO2012098268A1 PCT/ES2011/000007 ES2011000007W WO2012098268A1 WO 2012098268 A1 WO2012098268 A1 WO 2012098268A1 ES 2011000007 W ES2011000007 W ES 2011000007W WO 2012098268 A1 WO2012098268 A1 WO 2012098268A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
warning device
valve
pressure
control circuit
tire
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/ES2011/000007
Other languages
Spanish (es)
French (fr)
Inventor
Alberto DOMÍNGUEZ ALONSO
Original Assignee
Dominguez Alonso Alberto
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dominguez Alonso Alberto filed Critical Dominguez Alonso Alberto
Priority to PCT/ES2011/000007 priority Critical patent/WO2012098268A1/en
Publication of WO2012098268A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012098268A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
    • G01L17/00—Devices or apparatus for measuring tyre pressure or the pressure in other inflated bodies
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
    • B60C23/00—Devices for measuring, signalling, controlling, or distributing tyre pressure or temperature, specially adapted for mounting on vehicles; Arrangement of tyre inflating devices on vehicles, e.g. of pumps or of tanks; Tyre cooling arrangements
    • B60C23/02—Signalling devices actuated by tyre pressure
    • B60C23/04—Signalling devices actuated by tyre pressure mounted on the wheel or tyre
    • B60C23/0491—Constructional details of means for attaching the control device
    • B60C23/0496—Valve stem attachments positioned outside of the tyre chamber

Definitions

  • the present invention refers to an autonomous warning device applicable to the visual control of the inflation pressure of a tire of a vehicle, and more generally to an autonomous warning device applicable to the visual control of the pressure of a tank containing a gaseous, liquid or viscous phase fluid that includes a filling or emptying valve.
  • the device notifies immediately and accurately by means of a light signal, if the pressure conditions in the tire or tank are incorrect.
  • the warning device of this invention emits a visible light signal at a certain distance, in particular through an LED, when the fluid pressure contained in the tank falls below or exceeds a previously established characteristic operating pressure and operates, to acquire said control parameter through a pressure sensor.
  • the device includes a pressure sensor that can be either electronic, being understood as such, for example of the piezoresistive, capacitive, electromagnetic or piezoelectric type, or a mechanical sensor, understood as such, for example, of the membrane, bellows, capsule type , "Bourdon” tube, helical or simply including a spring, located in both embodiments at the end of the tank valve, in particular a "Schrader” type valve, in permanent contact with the pressure zone of the tank when the valve is closed.
  • a pressure sensor that can be either electronic, being understood as such, for example of the piezoresistive, capacitive, electromagnetic or piezoelectric type, or a mechanical sensor, understood as such, for example, of the membrane, bellows, capsule type , "Bourdon” tube, helical or simply including a spring, located in both embodiments at the end of the tank valve, in particular a "Schrader” type valve, in permanent contact with the pressure zone of the tank when the valve is closed.
  • EP-A-2036744 describes a device for monitoring the pressure in a tire of a vehicle, and comprises a base body mounted by thread coupling directly on the bushing of an air inflation valve of a tire.
  • the device includes an LED connected to a battery through an electrical connection loop comprising a plurality of electrically conductive structural components and at least two of the structural components are physically separated when the tire is in a normal pressure state and connected when the tire pressure is below a predetermined threshold, in which case the electrical circuit closes and the device emits light through an LED (light emitting diode). The light emitted by the LED is a low pressure warning on the tire.
  • a drawback of the device described in the aforementioned patent EP-A-2036744 is that the pressure sensing element, in this case a membrane, is housed in the base body of the device and therefore is on the outer side of the valve plug. swollen, which means that the device must keep the valve open so that the membrane receives the internal pressure of the tire.
  • Patent DE-A-102009003460 discloses a method for measuring pressure in truck tires.
  • the method comprises measuring the filling pressure of the tires by means of a measurement and emission module arranged in each truck tire.
  • the data concerning the tire filling pressure are transmitted wirelessly by the measurement and emission modules to a reception unit arranged in a truck trailer, where the tire filling pressures are monitored and compared with a default reference pressure. If the measured pressure deviates significantly from the reference pressure, a warning signal is emitted by means of an LED lamp arranged in the receiving unit located on the trailer.
  • the method of said patent DE-A-102009003460 has the disadvantage of requiring a signal emitter installed in the measurement and emission module in each tire and a receiver installed in the receiving unit, which implies a significantly high cost of the device and a difficult installation.
  • Document DE-A-202005014712-U concerns generically the measurement of the pressure in a fluid. It consists of a microprocessor and LEDs that function as alarms.
  • Document CN-A-201002484-Y concerns an alarm device for ultra-low pressure and ultra-high temperature in a vehicle tire.
  • the device comprises a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor installed inside a metal bushing that forms a housing for the inflation valve, on an inner side of the valve plug.
  • the sensors are connected to a control circuit through respective dynamic contacts arranged through a central stem of the valve plug and a common static contact through the metal valve bushing.
  • accelerometers used to generate a signal when the vehicle is stationary, which enables a pressure sensing device to perform a pressure measurement in a tire only when the vehicle is stopped, with the purpose of minimizing the consumption of electrical energy supplied from a battery, battery or similar.
  • This use of the accelerometer with the indicated functionality is detailed in numerous documents, although not linked to a warning light signaling by means of an LED.
  • the invention proposes, in relation to the state of the art referred to, a warning device that is very simple to assemble, where the body of the reservoir valve is used, of which only the plug stem and the plug itself are replaced valve, and eventually its closure cap is dimensioned, so that the device operates in conditions of tightness of said reservoir, that is, with the valve closed.
  • the device can be installed without hardly altering the conditions of the tank, for example, of a tire, to which it is applied, that is, without the need to disassemble the valve, and in general the installation inside the tire of parts of the device, removing said tire from the tire.
  • the invention proposes an autonomous warning device applicable to the visual control of the pressure of a tire, or other kind of tank provided with a valve, comprising:
  • a pressure sensor that detects a tire inflation pressure and transmits a signal representing said inflation pressure to the control circuit, which activates the light emitting diode if the detected inflation pressure is outside a predetermined pressure range , acceptable estimate, and in particular if it is below a predetermined threshold;
  • said pressure sensor is arranged directly in contact with the inflation pressure of the tire without actuation on a shutter of said valve and in particular by obviating a push button or pusher of the shutter.
  • the device operates in conditions of tightness of the tank or tire, that is, with said valve closed.
  • the pressure sensor is disposed tightly attached or fixed to the valve valve stem seal on one side located inside the reservoir, the pressure sensor being connected to conductors running along said mobile rod and end in first contacts that are coupled with a few second contacts connected to the control circuit when the base body is operatively coupled to the outer sleeve of the valve.
  • the pressure sensor will receive power, if required (for example, an electronic pressure sensor, powered from said battery) and in any case it will send a warning signal to the control circuit.
  • the control circuit will have means for pressure calibration, that is, adaptation of the pressure values that set the range of acceptable pressures, so that it can adapt to different kinds of tanks and in particular to different tire speed pressures according to Be the vehicles.
  • Said calibration means may be integrated in the pressure sensor itself in its mechanical sensor version.
  • the measuring component, the sensor, and possibly other components, in the pressure or sealed area of the valve guarantees that the pressure measurement will be carried out without opening the valve so that the tightness of the reservoir will always be ensured.
  • the components located in this area will be small enough to be inserted in this area only by screwing the core of the valve stem, which is provided with some known gaskets.
  • the action of the fluid contained in the reservoir on the electronic pressure sensor gives the latter a voltage that once processed by the control circuit, in particular an integrated circuit or microchip (ie equipped with a processor) acts on a light emitting diode, specifically an LED, at the moment when this pressure is different from an established pressure.
  • the control circuit in particular an integrated circuit or microchip (ie equipped with a processor) acts on a light emitting diode, specifically an LED, at the moment when this pressure is different from an established pressure.
  • the movement of a part of the sensor closes a circuit and allows the microprocessor to act on the LED when the pressure is different from an established pressure.
  • the energy source is a battery, or a set of batteries, although the device could operate with a permanent piezoelectric power source, located inside the tire, according to a known arrangement in itself and which for the present proposal could lead to a long rod, without contacting the inner rim of the pneumatic, connected to a piezoelectric material that charges a capacitor that in turn discharges onto the battery or battery when the device is not active.
  • the activation of the device depends on the type of tank whose fluid is to be controlled and can be manual (ordering the pressure reading), by means of a remote control or a telephone device, in particular a mobile telephone, incorporating the components necessary for wireless or automatic transmission into the control circuit or integrated in the microprocessor, in the latter case advantageously providing for its association with an accelerometer which in combination with instructions stored in the circuit of control will govern the time sequence of pressure check and warning.
  • the warning device, pressure controller, of the invention is constituted by the following elements: a pressure sensor, a valve stem with current cables running inside it, a microprocessor, a component that emits a light signal , the electrical or electronic circuitry of connection between components, some necessary gaskets, a source of energy (battery or battery), an alarm pressure gauge, which in the mechanical variant is the valve stem itself, possibly a accelerometer and a base body that is constituted in a chassis or plug, and that houses part of the elements, embedded in an insulating resin, protective of said components.
  • the pressure sensor in its electronic variant, receives the battery current, current that is managed by the microprocessor powered by that battery, for activation and in response sends the pressure measurement to the same microprocessor, both components located in the usual valve closure plug, through power cables that run through the inside of the valve stem so that it always remains closed ensuring the tightness of the reservoir.
  • the microprocessor compares the measurement of fluid pressure with alarm threshold pressures, programmed in the same microprocessor, triggering the light signal, also located the valve plug (emerging outside), if that pressure is lower or higher than the work characteristic.
  • the range of acceptable pressures is determined in the microprocessor, admitting different values, even for the same tire.
  • the determination of the threshold pressures can be manually set on the microprocessor or can be varied wirelessly from a remote control or mobile phone as long as the appropriate electronic circuit or microprocessor is adapted to this wireless technology.
  • the pressure sensor in its mechanical variant, closes the activation circuit of the microprocessor through current cables that run through the inside of the valve stem when the fluid pressure is lower or higher than the working characteristic so that The valve is always closed ensuring the tightness of the tank.
  • the microprocessor manages the light signal being the two components located in the usual valve closure plug.
  • the threshold or limit pressure is determined by threading or unscrewing the valve stem to limit or extend the path of a mechanical element that constitutes the mechanical pressure sensor, admitting different values for a single alarm pressure, for a tire.
  • the atmospheric reference for the mechanical pressure sensor is achieved by allowing its access to the atmospheric reference chamber, necessary for the sensor to function, through a perforated channel at the base of the valve core stem
  • the visual pressure control indicator is fixed, and is fixed, whether the vehicle, whose tires carry it, is stopped or is running. In this way, and with a simple display, it will be possible to see if the tires of said vehicles are at the correct pressure.
  • the tire pressure value captured by the pressure sensor, can be sent, to a second remote receiving device such as a remote control, a mobile phone or the key itself that opens the doors of the vehicle without prejudice to the emission of the light signal.
  • a second remote receiving device such as a remote control, a mobile phone or the key itself that opens the doors of the vehicle without prejudice to the emission of the light signal.
  • a light signal such as an LED, come on, which in general does not turn off until the tire pressure is changed and normalized.
  • a light signal such as an LED
  • the warning device presents a signal when it detects a low pressure or two exclusive signals: one when the pressure is excessive and another when it is low.
  • pressure controller it must be calibrated for the operating pressure of the tire so that the LED emits a signal or warning light when the inflation pressure is at least below the pressure prescribed by the tire manufacturer.
  • a potentiometer or rheostat it is possible to connect a potentiometer or rheostat to the control circuit, which modifies the LED activation voltage.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an autonomous warning device according to an embodiment of the present invention, applied to the visual control of a tire pressure;
  • Fig. 2 is an enlarged schematic view in enlarged cross section of elements of the warning device.
  • Fig. 3 is an enlarged partial view of a valve core including elements of the warning device according to a variant of the embodiment of Fig. 2 equipped with an electronic pressure sensor, showing the arrangement of the conductors running thereon. length of the actuator stem of the valve plug;
  • Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a base body materialized in the form of a valve plug, and housing several components of the warning device in conjunction with the embodiment of Fig. 3.
  • Fig. 5 is an enlarged partial view, with an even more enlarged detail, of a valve core including elements of the warning device according to another embodiment of the present invention equipped with a mechanical pressure sensor, showing the arrangement of the conductors. that run along the actuator stem of the valve plug;
  • Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a base body materialized in the form of a valve plug, and housing several components of the warning device in conjunction with the embodiment of Fig. 5; Y
  • Fig. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a base body materialized in the form of a valve plug, and housing various components of the warning device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed description of an embodiment example
  • FIGs. 1 and 2 there is shown an autonomous warning device according to an embodiment of the present invention, applied to the visual control of the pressure of a tire 30. It should be noted, however, that the warning device of the The present invention, as already indicated, can also be applied to the visual control of the pressure of any other type of reservoir on condition that it is provided with a valve.
  • Fig. 1 schematically shows said tire 30, which is provided with a valve 20 closed by a plug 35.
  • Some components of the warning device of the present invention are incorporated in a core 26 (Fig. 2) of said valve 20 and other components of the warning device are incorporated in said plug 35.
  • the valve 20 is of the "Schrader” type and comprises an outer bushing 21 fixed to the tire 30 and valve core 26 housed in an inner passage of said outer bushing 21.
  • the valve core 26 comprises an inner bushing 24 threadedly coupled to the outer bushing 21.
  • a sealing ring 27 ensures the tightness between the outer and inner bushes 21, 24.
  • a movable rod 22 connected to a plug 23 is installed inside the inner bushing 24 so that it can move between a position open (not shown), in which the shutter 23 is separated from one end of the inner sleeve 24 allowing the passage of air between them, and a closed position (Figs. 1 and 2), in which the shutter 23 closes said end of the inner sleeve 24 preventing the passage of air.
  • a spring 25 is arranged so that it pushes the moving rod 22 and the plug 23 towards the closed position.
  • the mobile rod 22 drives said shutter 23.
  • an electronic pressure sensor 2 is connected to the shutter 23 on one side thereof located inside the reservoir, so that said pressure sensor 2 is arranged directly in contact with the tire inflation pressure 30 while the shutter 23 of the valve 20 is in the closed position.
  • the pressure sensor 2 is connected to conductors 3 that run along the moving rod 22 and end in first contacts 7 (Fig. 2) configured as a plurality of circular conductive tracks located at an outer end of the mobile rod 22 and Coaxial with it.
  • the plug 35 comprises a base body 1 having at one end an internal thread thread 1a configured to engage a thread with an external thread thread 21a formed in the outer sleeve 21 of the valve 20.
  • the body base 1 has an opening 1 ba through which a diode emerges and is visible light emitter 4, which is connected to a control circuit 5 powered by a battery 6.
  • Said control circuit 5 and said battery 6 are supported for example on a plate 5a fixed internally to the base body 1.
  • the second contacts are, for example, in the form of a plurality of conductive pins arranged to make static and dynamic contact with said circular conductive tracks when the base body 1 of the plug 35 is operatively coupled to the outer bushing 21 of the valve 20, and the outer end of the movable rod 22 is inserted in said housing of the cap 35, so that the first contacts 7 automatically connect with the second contacts 8.
  • the construction of the contacts could be inverse, that is, the second contacts 8 in the form of circular conductive tracks and the first contacts 7 in the form of conductive pins.
  • the pressure sensor 2 which detects the inflation pressure of the tire
  • the control circuit 5 transmits a signal representative of said inflation pressure to the control circuit 5, which activates the light emitting diode 4 if the detected inflation pressure is below a predetermined threshold.
  • the light emitting diode 4 is a warning signal that the tire inflation pressure is too low.
  • the control circuit 5 can activate the light emitting diode 4 if the detected inflation pressure is outside a predetermined pressure range, so that the light warning signal is generated both if the tire inflation pressure is too high. It falls as if it is too high.
  • the warning device further comprises, in a preferred embodiment, an accelerometer 9 that transmits a signal representative of whether the tire 30 is in motion to the control circuit 5, and the control circuit is configured to activate the pressure sensor 2 only if the tire 30 is stopped.
  • the control circuit 5 comprises a microprocessor 10, which is programmed to activate the pressure sensor 2 only if predetermined temporary tire stop conditions 30 are met. For example, if the detention time exceeds a predetermined value, to avoid energy consumption during the short stops that occur, for example, in urban driving.
  • the warning device further comprises a pressure gauge 11 associated with the control circuit 5.
  • said calibrator is embedded in the plate 5a that supports the microprocessor 10 and is accessible from the lower opening of the base body for manual adjustment.
  • Figs. 3 and 4 show a variant of the warning device described above in relation to Figs. 1 and 2, in which the pressure sensor 2 is also an electronic pressure sensor.
  • the conductors 3 that extend along the mobile rod 22 comprise two supply conductors and two signal conductors.
  • the accelerometer 9 (also fed by said feed conductors) is fixed to the moving rod 22 on an inner side of the plug 23 and connected to two other signal conductors that are part of said conductors 3 arranged along the moving rod 22 and terminated in corresponding contacts of said first contacts 7.
  • the accelerometer 9 and the pressure sensor 2 could be integrated into a single unit.
  • Fig. 3 shows a sealing ring 29 housed in a circular race formed in the plug 23 and the end of the inner sleeve 24 presses said sealing ring 29 when the plug 23 is in the closed position thus ensuring the hermetic seal of the valve 20.
  • the pressure sensor 2 and the accelerometer 9 are protected by a protective element 28 provided with an opening through which the internal pressure of the tire 30 reaches the pressure sensor 2 and the accelerometer 9.
  • the accelerometer 9 could be supported on the base body 1 and directly connected to the control circuit 5 or integrated in said microprocessor 10, and therefore not subjected to the inflation pressure of the tire 30.
  • the movable rod 22 of the valve 20 is made of an electro-insulating plastic material and the conductors 3 are embedded in said plastic material preventing them from making contact with each other.
  • the mobile rod 22 of the valve 20 is made of an electroconductive metal material, such as bronze, brass or the like, and the conductors 3, which comprise an individual electro-insulating coating for each, are embedded in said metallic material electroconductor
  • the cap 35 comprises the base body 1 analogous to the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2, with the internal thread thread 1a at one end and the opening 1b through which a light emitting diode 4 is visible in the other opposite end.
  • the plate 5a is installed with the housing provided with the second contacts 8.
  • the control circuit 5 including the microprocessor 10 is installed, which in This case has the accelerometer integrated.
  • the control circuit 5 is powered by a battery 6 by means of corresponding connections 31.
  • the plate 5a is arranged perpendicularly to the axis of the internal thread thread 1a and the battery 6, which is a button-type battery, is located parallel to the plate 5a between the microprocessor 10 and the light emitting diode 4.
  • Figs. 5 and 6 show another embodiment of the warning device, with a pressure sensor 2, which is a mechanical pressure sensor, which does not need power, so that along the moving stem 22 of the core 26 of the valve 20 there are only two signal conductors 3 in this case.
  • a pressure sensor 2 which is a mechanical pressure sensor, which does not need power
  • an atmospheric reference chamber 32 is formed in communication with the atmospheric pressure through a channel 32a drilled at the base of the mobile rod 22 of the core 26 of the valve 20.
  • On an inner surface of said atmospheric reference chamber 32 there are a pair of contacts 33a, 33b connected to a pair of corresponding first contacts 7a, 7b located at the outer end of the moving rod 22 by said two conductors 3a , 3b signal.
  • the mechanical pressure sensor 2 comprises an actuator or spring member
  • This actuator member 34 which may be formed by a "Bourdon” tube or the like, extends and contracts as a result of variations in the inflation pressure in relation to the atmospheric pressure.
  • a rod 36 is connected to the actuator member 34 directly or by means of a set of axes and / or levers dependent on the shape of the actuator and inserted into the atmospheric reference chamber 32, through said lower opening thereof, without continuity solution with the camera surrounding the "Bourdon" tube.
  • Said rod 36 has fixed upper and lower conductive elements 37a, 37b arranged so as to make contact with the contacts 33a, 33b, and thereby close an electrical loop of the control circuit 5, when the actuator member 34 contracts accordingly of a poor inflation pressure or expands as a result of excessive inflation pressure, respectively.
  • the threading and unscrewing of the stem 22 in the plug 23 determines a separation distance between the upper and lower conductive elements 37a, 37b and the contacts 33a, 33b resulting in a range of acceptable inflation pressures.
  • the closing of said electric loop of the control circuit 5 activates the light emitting diode 4, mediating or not the said microprocessor 10, as a warning of an incorrect or acceptable inflation pressure.
  • the cap 35 comprises the same elements as in the embodiment of Figs. 3 and 4, except that, instead of the second contacts to contact first contacts in the form of a circular track, it includes a pair of second contacts 8a, 8b configured and arranged to make contact with the first contacts 7a, 7b located at the end outside of the moving stem 22 of the core 26 of the valve 20 when the plug 35 is coupled to the outer sleeve 21 of the valve 20.
  • Fig. 7 shows a variant of the cap 35 illustrated in Fig. 6, which is adapted to operate with a valve core 26 provided with a mechanical pressure sensor 2 as shown in Fig. 5, although with simple ones modifications that can easily occur to one skilled in the art would also serve to operate with a valve core 26 provided with an electronic pressure sensor 2 as shown in Figs. 2 and 3
  • the cap 35 shown in Fig. 7 comprises a base body 1 more elongated than that shown in Figs. 1, 2, 4 and 6, which integrates said internal thread thread 1a at one end and the opening 1 b through which a light emitting diode 4 is visible at the other opposite end.
  • a first plate 5a disposed perpendicularly to the axis of the internal thread thread 1a and a second plate 5b perpendicular to the first and connected thereto in an approximately central position is installed.
  • the first and second boards 5a, 5b can be printed circuit boards with their circuits connected to each other.
  • On the lower side of the first plate 5a are the two second contacts 8a, 8b analogous to those shown in Fig. 6, although alternatively there could be the housing with the second contacts 8 analogous to those shown in Fig. 4.
  • the microprocessor 10 On one side of the second plate 5b the microprocessor 10 is installed, which in this case has the pressure gauge 11 integrated in the form of a mobile element provided with contacts 11a placed on purpose to selectively contact some of the pins 10a of the microprocessor 10 when the mobile element is moved.
  • the movable element is passed through an opening 38 in the first plate 5a and is accessible from the outer side thereof to adjust the pressure calibration.
  • a pair of batteries 6 are housed on the opposite side of the second plate 5b of the button type, which are arranged parallel to the second plate 5b and connected to the microprocessor 10 and the light emitting diode 4 by means of corresponding connections 31.
  • the control circuit 5 installed in the first and second plates 5a, 5b is powered by the pair of batteries 6.

Abstract

The warning device comprises a light-emitting diode (4) connected to a control circuit (5) powered by a battery (6). The light-emitting diode (4), the control circuit (5) and the battery (6) are supported on a base body (1) in the form of a cap couplable to an outer tip (21) of a valve (20) of a tyre (30). A pressure sensor (2) is placed in direct contact with the tyre inflation pressure (30), without acting on a plug (23) of the valve (20), to detect a tyre inflation pressure (30) and send a signal representing said inflation pressure to the control circuit (5), which activates the light-emitting diode (4) if the inflation pressure detected is below a predetermined threshold.

Description

DISPOSITIVO AUTÓNOMO DE AVISO APLICABLE AL CONTROL VISUAL DE  AUTONOMOUS NOTICE DEVICE APPLICABLE TO VISUAL CONTROL OF
LA PRESIÓN DE UN NEUMÁTICO  THE PRESSURE OF A TIRE
Campo de la técnica Technical field
La presente invención hace referencia a un dispositivo autónomo de aviso aplicable al control visual de la presión de hinchado de un neumático de un vehículo, y de forma más general a un dispositivo autónomo de aviso aplicable al control visual de la presión de un depósito que contenga un fluido en fase gaseosa, líquida o viscosa y que incluya una válvula de llenado o vaciado. El dispositivo avisa de forma inmediata y precisa por medio de una señal luminosa, si las condiciones de presión en el neumático o depósito son incorrectas.  The present invention refers to an autonomous warning device applicable to the visual control of the inflation pressure of a tire of a vehicle, and more generally to an autonomous warning device applicable to the visual control of the pressure of a tank containing a gaseous, liquid or viscous phase fluid that includes a filling or emptying valve. The device notifies immediately and accurately by means of a light signal, if the pressure conditions in the tire or tank are incorrect.
El dispositivo de aviso de esta invención emite una señal luminosa visible a cierta distancia, en particular a través de un LED, cuando la presión del fluido contenido en el depósito cae por debajo o supera una presión característica de trabajo establecida previamente y opera, para adquirir dicho parámetro de control a través de un sensor de presión.  The warning device of this invention emits a visible light signal at a certain distance, in particular through an LED, when the fluid pressure contained in the tank falls below or exceeds a previously established characteristic operating pressure and operates, to acquire said control parameter through a pressure sensor.
El dispositivo incluye un sensor de presión que puede ser o bien electrónico, entendiéndose como tal, por ejemplo de tipo piezoresistivo, capacitivo, electromagnético o piezoeléctrico, o bien un sensor mecánico, entendiendo por tal, por ejemplo, de tipo membrana, fuelle, cápsula, tubo "Bourdon", helicoidal o simplemente incluyendo un muelle, situado en ambas realizaciones en el extremo de la válvula del depósito, en particular una válvula de tipo "Schrader", en contacto permanente con la zona de presión del depósito cuando la válvula está cerrada. Antecedentes de la invención  The device includes a pressure sensor that can be either electronic, being understood as such, for example of the piezoresistive, capacitive, electromagnetic or piezoelectric type, or a mechanical sensor, understood as such, for example, of the membrane, bellows, capsule type , "Bourdon" tube, helical or simply including a spring, located in both embodiments at the end of the tank valve, in particular a "Schrader" type valve, in permanent contact with the pressure zone of the tank when the valve is closed. Background of the invention
La patente EP-A-2036744 describe un dispositivo para monitorizar la presión en un neumáticos de un vehículo, y comprende un cuerpo base montado por acoplamiento a rosca directamente sobre el casquillo de una válvula de hinchado de aire de un neumático. El dispositivo incluye un LED conectado a una batería a través de un bucle de conexión eléctrica que comprende una pluralidad de componentes estructurales de conducción eléctrica y al menos dos de los componentes estructurales están físicamente separados cuando el neumático está en un estado de presión normal y conectados cuando la presión del neumático está por debajo de un umbral predeterminado, en cuyo caso el circuito eléctrico se cierra y el dispositivo emite luz a través de un LED (diodo emisor de luz). La luz emitida por el LED es una advertencia de baja presión en el neumático. Un inconveniente del dispositivo descrito en la citada patente EP-A-2036744 es que el elemento sensor de presión, en este caso una membrana, está alojado en el cuerpo base del dispositivo y por consiguiente queda en el lado exterior del obturador de la válvula de hinchado, lo que implica que el dispositivo debe mantener la válvula abierta para que la membrana reciba la presión interior del neumático. EP-A-2036744 describes a device for monitoring the pressure in a tire of a vehicle, and comprises a base body mounted by thread coupling directly on the bushing of an air inflation valve of a tire. The device includes an LED connected to a battery through an electrical connection loop comprising a plurality of electrically conductive structural components and at least two of the structural components are physically separated when the tire is in a normal pressure state and connected when the tire pressure is below a predetermined threshold, in which case the electrical circuit closes and the device emits light through an LED (light emitting diode). The light emitted by the LED is a low pressure warning on the tire. A drawback of the device described in the aforementioned patent EP-A-2036744 is that the pressure sensing element, in this case a membrane, is housed in the base body of the device and therefore is on the outer side of the valve plug. swollen, which means that the device must keep the valve open so that the membrane receives the internal pressure of the tire.
La patente DE-A-102009003460 da a conocer un método para la medición de la presión en neumáticos de camión. El método comprende medir la presión de llenado de los neumáticos mediante un módulo de medición y emisión dispuesto en cada neumático del camión. Los datos referentes a la presión de llenado de los neumáticos son transmitidos de manera inalámbrica por los módulos de medición y emisión a una unidad de recepción dispuesta en un remolque del camión, donde las presiones de llenado de los neumáticos se supervisan y se comparan con una presión de referencia predeterminada. Si la presión medida se desvía notablemente de la presión de referencia se emite una señal de advertencia por medio de una lámpara LED dispuesta en la unidad de recepción situada en el remolque.  Patent DE-A-102009003460 discloses a method for measuring pressure in truck tires. The method comprises measuring the filling pressure of the tires by means of a measurement and emission module arranged in each truck tire. The data concerning the tire filling pressure are transmitted wirelessly by the measurement and emission modules to a reception unit arranged in a truck trailer, where the tire filling pressures are monitored and compared with a default reference pressure. If the measured pressure deviates significantly from the reference pressure, a warning signal is emitted by means of an LED lamp arranged in the receiving unit located on the trailer.
El método de la citada patente DE-A-102009003460 tiene el inconveniente de requerir un emisor de señal instalado en el módulo de medición y emisión en cada neumático y un receptor instalado en la unidad de recepción, lo que implica un coste significativamente alto del dispositivo y una difícil instalación.  The method of said patent DE-A-102009003460 has the disadvantage of requiring a signal emitter installed in the measurement and emission module in each tire and a receiver installed in the receiving unit, which implies a significantly high cost of the device and a difficult installation.
El documento DE-A-202005014712-U concierne de forma genérica a la medición de la presión en un fluido. Consta de un microprocesador y de LEDs que funcionan como alarmas.  Document DE-A-202005014712-U concerns generically the measurement of the pressure in a fluid. It consists of a microprocessor and LEDs that function as alarms.
El documento CN-A-201002484-Y concierne a un dispositivo de alarma para una presión ultra-baja y una temperatura ultra-alta en un neumático de un vehículo. El dispositivo comprende un sensor de presión y un sensor de temperatura instalados en el interior de un casquillo metálico que forma un alojamiento para la válvula de hinchado, en un lado interior del obturador de la válvula. Los sensores están conectados a un circuito de control a través de respectivos contactos dinámicos dispuestos a través de un vástago central del obturador de la válvula y de un contacto estático común a través del casquillo metálico de la válvula.  Document CN-A-201002484-Y concerns an alarm device for ultra-low pressure and ultra-high temperature in a vehicle tire. The device comprises a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor installed inside a metal bushing that forms a housing for the inflation valve, on an inner side of the valve plug. The sensors are connected to a control circuit through respective dynamic contacts arranged through a central stem of the valve plug and a common static contact through the metal valve bushing.
También es conocido el uso de uno o más acelerómetros utilizados para generar una señal cuándo el vehículo se encuentra parado, lo que habilita a un dispositivo sensor de presión para realizar una medición de la presión en un neumático sólo cuando el vehículo está detenido, con la finalidad de minimizar el consumo de energía eléctrica suministrada desde una pila, batería o similar. Este uso del acelerómetro con la funcionalidad indicada aparece detallado en numerosos documentos, si bien no ligado a una señalización lumínica de advertencia por medio de un LED. It is also known to use one or more accelerometers used to generate a signal when the vehicle is stationary, which enables a pressure sensing device to perform a pressure measurement in a tire only when the vehicle is stopped, with the purpose of minimizing the consumption of electrical energy supplied from a battery, battery or similar. This use of the accelerometer with the indicated functionality is detailed in numerous documents, although not linked to a warning light signaling by means of an LED.
La invención propone, en relación con el estado de la técnica referido un dispositivo de aviso que es de muy sencillo montaje, en donde se aprovecha el cuerpo de la válvula del depósito, de la que se sustituye únicamente el vástago del obturador y el propio obturador de válvula, y eventualmente se dimensiona su tapón de cierre, de manera que el dispositivo opera en condiciones de estanqueidad de dicho depósito, es decir con la válvula cerrada. De esta manera el dispositivo puede instalarse sin apenas alterar las condiciones del depósito, por ejemplo, de un neumático, al que se aplica, es decir sin que sea necesario el desmontaje de la válvula, y en general la instalación en el interior del neumático de partes del dispositivo, descalzando dicho neumático de la llanta.  The invention proposes, in relation to the state of the art referred to, a warning device that is very simple to assemble, where the body of the reservoir valve is used, of which only the plug stem and the plug itself are replaced valve, and eventually its closure cap is dimensioned, so that the device operates in conditions of tightness of said reservoir, that is, with the valve closed. In this way the device can be installed without hardly altering the conditions of the tank, for example, of a tire, to which it is applied, that is, without the need to disassemble the valve, and in general the installation inside the tire of parts of the device, removing said tire from the tire.
Exposición de la invención Exhibition of the invention
La invención propone un dispositivo autónomo de aviso aplicable al control visual de la presión de un neumático, u otra clase de depósito provisto de una válvula, que comprende:  The invention proposes an autonomous warning device applicable to the visual control of the pressure of a tire, or other kind of tank provided with a valve, comprising:
• un diodo emisor de luz conectado a un circuito de control alimentado por una pila o batería,  • a light emitting diode connected to a control circuit powered by a battery or battery,
• un cuerpo base que alberga y soporta a dicho diodo emisor de luz, dicho circuito de control y dicha pila;  • a base body that houses and supports said light emitting diode, said control circuit and said battery;
• un sensor de presión que detecta una presión de hinchado del neumático y transmite una señal representativa de dicha presión de hinchado al circuito de control, el cual activa el diodo emisor de luz si la presión de hinchado detectada está fuera de un rango de presiones predeterminado, estimado aceptable, y en particular si está por debajo de un umbral predeterminado; y  • a pressure sensor that detects a tire inflation pressure and transmits a signal representing said inflation pressure to the control circuit, which activates the light emitting diode if the detected inflation pressure is outside a predetermined pressure range , acceptable estimate, and in particular if it is below a predetermined threshold; Y
• una conexión del sensor de presión a dicho circuito de control;  • a connection of the pressure sensor to said control circuit;
en donde: where:
- dicho cuerpo base es acoplable a un casquillo exterior de una válvula del depósito; y  - said base body is attachable to an outer sleeve of a tank valve; Y
- dicho sensor de presión está dispuesto directamente en contacto con la presión de hinchado del neumático sin actuación sobre un obturador de dicha válvula y en particular obviando un pulsador o empujador del obturador.  - said pressure sensor is arranged directly in contact with the inflation pressure of the tire without actuation on a shutter of said valve and in particular by obviating a push button or pusher of the shutter.
Es decir, el dispositivo opera en condiciones de estanqueidad del depósito o neumático, o sea con la referida válvula cerrada. A tal efecto se ha previsto que el sensor de presión se disponga unido o fijado firmemente al obturador del vástago móvil de la válvula en un lado situado en el interior del depósito, estando el sensor de presión conectado a unos conductores que discurren a lo largo de dicho vástago móvil y terminan en unos primeros contactos que se acoplan con unos segundos contactos conectados al circuito de control cuando el cuerpo base es acoplado operativamente al casquillo exterior de la válvula. That is, the device operates in conditions of tightness of the tank or tire, that is, with said valve closed. For this purpose, it is provided that the pressure sensor is disposed tightly attached or fixed to the valve valve stem seal on one side located inside the reservoir, the pressure sensor being connected to conductors running along said mobile rod and end in first contacts that are coupled with a few second contacts connected to the control circuit when the base body is operatively coupled to the outer sleeve of the valve.
A través de los citados conductores el sensor de presión recibirá alimentación, en caso de precisarla (por ejemplo un sensor de presión electrónico, alimentado desde la citada pila) y en cualquiera de los casos enviará una señal de aviso hacia el circuito de control.  Through these conductors, the pressure sensor will receive power, if required (for example, an electronic pressure sensor, powered from said battery) and in any case it will send a warning signal to the control circuit.
El circuito de control dispondrá de unos medios para calibración de presiones, es decir adaptación de los valores de presión que fijan el rango de presiones aceptables, de manera que pueda adaptarse a diferentes clases de depósitos y en particular a presiones de régimen de neumáticos diferentes según sean los vehículos. Dichos medios de calibración pueden estar integrados en el propio sensor de presión en su versión de sensor mecánico.  The control circuit will have means for pressure calibration, that is, adaptation of the pressure values that set the range of acceptable pressures, so that it can adapt to different kinds of tanks and in particular to different tire speed pressures according to Be the vehicles. Said calibration means may be integrated in the pressure sensor itself in its mechanical sensor version.
Situar el componente de medida, el sensor, y eventualmente otros componentes, en la zona de presión o estanca de la válvula garantiza que la medida de presión se realizará sin necesidad de abrir la válvula por lo que la estanqueidad del depósito quedará siempre asegurada. Los componentes situados en esta zona serán lo suficientemente pequeños para ser insertados en esta zona únicamente enroscando el núcleo del vástago de la válvula, el cual está dotado de unas juntas de estanqueidad en sí conocidas.  Placing the measuring component, the sensor, and possibly other components, in the pressure or sealed area of the valve guarantees that the pressure measurement will be carried out without opening the valve so that the tightness of the reservoir will always be ensured. The components located in this area will be small enough to be inserted in this area only by screwing the core of the valve stem, which is provided with some known gaskets.
La acción del fluido contenido en el depósito sobre el sensor electrónico de presión da como salida de este último un voltaje que una vez procesado por el circuito de control, en particular un circuito integrado o microchip (es decir dotado de un procesador) actúa sobre un diodo emisor de luz, concretamente un LED, en el momento en que esta presión es distinta a una presión establecida.  The action of the fluid contained in the reservoir on the electronic pressure sensor gives the latter a voltage that once processed by the control circuit, in particular an integrated circuit or microchip (ie equipped with a processor) acts on a light emitting diode, specifically an LED, at the moment when this pressure is different from an established pressure.
En la variante de realización con un sensor de presión mecánico el movimiento de una parte del sensor cierra un circuito y permite actuar al microprocesador sobre el LED cuando la presión es distinta a una presión establecida.  In the variant embodiment with a mechanical pressure sensor the movement of a part of the sensor closes a circuit and allows the microprocessor to act on the LED when the pressure is different from an established pressure.
La fuente de energía es una pila, o un conjunto de pilas, si bien el dispositivo podría operar con una fuente de energía permanente piezoeléctrica, emplazada en el interior del neumático, según una disposición en si conocida y que para la presente propuesta podría comportar una varilla larga, sin contactar con la llanta interior del neumático, conectada a un material piezoeléctrico que carga un condensador que a su vez se descarga sobre la pila o batería cuando dispositivo no está activo. The energy source is a battery, or a set of batteries, although the device could operate with a permanent piezoelectric power source, located inside the tire, according to a known arrangement in itself and which for the present proposal could lead to a long rod, without contacting the inner rim of the pneumatic, connected to a piezoelectric material that charges a capacitor that in turn discharges onto the battery or battery when the device is not active.
La activación del dispositivo, entendiendo por ello el control de la presión y la señalización, si es necesaria, depende del tipo de depósito cuyo fluido se quiera controlar y puede ser manual (ordenando la lectura de presión), por medio de un mando a distancia o dispositivo telefónico en particular un teléfono móvil, incorporando al circuito de control o integrado en el microprocesador los componentes necesarios para la transmisión inalámbrica o automática, en este último caso previéndose ventajosamente su asociación a un acelerómetro que en combinación con unas instrucciones almacenadas en el circuito de control gobernará la secuencia temporal de comprobación de presión y aviso.  The activation of the device, thus understanding the pressure control and signaling, if necessary, depends on the type of tank whose fluid is to be controlled and can be manual (ordering the pressure reading), by means of a remote control or a telephone device, in particular a mobile telephone, incorporating the components necessary for wireless or automatic transmission into the control circuit or integrated in the microprocessor, in the latter case advantageously providing for its association with an accelerometer which in combination with instructions stored in the circuit of control will govern the time sequence of pressure check and warning.
De este modo el dispositivo de aviso, controlador de presión, de la invención queda constituido por los siguientes elementos: un sensor de presión, un vástago de válvula con cables de corriente que recorren su interior, un microprocesador, un componente que emite una señal luminosa, la circuitería eléctrica o electrónica de conexión entre componentes, unas juntas de estanqueidad necesarias, una fuente de energía (pila o batería), un calibrador de la presión de alarma, que en la variante mecánica es el propio vástago de la válvula, eventualmente un acelerómetro y un cuerpo de base que se constituye en un chasis o tapón, y que alberga parte de los elementos, embebidos en una resina aislante, protectora de dichos componentes.  In this way the warning device, pressure controller, of the invention is constituted by the following elements: a pressure sensor, a valve stem with current cables running inside it, a microprocessor, a component that emits a light signal , the electrical or electronic circuitry of connection between components, some necessary gaskets, a source of energy (battery or battery), an alarm pressure gauge, which in the mechanical variant is the valve stem itself, possibly a accelerometer and a base body that is constituted in a chassis or plug, and that houses part of the elements, embedded in an insulating resin, protective of said components.
El sensor de presión, en su variante electrónica, recibe la corriente de la batería, corriente que es gestionada por el microprocesador alimentado por esa batería, para su activación y en respuesta envía la medida de presión al mismo microprocesador, ambos componentes situados en el usual tapón de cierre de la válvula, a través de cables de corriente que discurren por el interior del vástago de la válvula de modo que ésta permanece siempre cerrada garantizando la estanqueidad del depósito. El microprocesador, compara la medida de presión del fluido con unas presiones umbral de alarma, programada en el mismo microprocesador, disparando la señal luminosa, situada también el tapón de la válvula (emergiendo al exterior), si esa presión es inferior o superior a la característica de trabajo. El rango de presiones aceptables se determina en el microprocesador, admitiendo diversos valores, incluso para un mismo neumático. La determinación de las presiones umbral se puede fijar manualmente sobre el microprocesador o ser variadas de modo inalámbrico desde un mando a distancia o teléfono móvil siempre y cuando el circuito electrónico adecuado o el microprocesador estén adaptados a esta tecnología inalámbrica. El sensor de presión, en su variante mecánica, cierra el circuito de activación del microprocesador a través de cables de corriente que discurren por el interior del vástago de la válvula cuando la presión del fluido es inferior o superior a la característica de trabajo de modo que la válvula permanece siempre cerrada garantizando la estanqueidad del depósito. El microprocesador gestiona la señal luminosa estando los dos componentes situados en el usual tapón de cierre de la válvula. La presión umbral o límite se determina roscando o desenroscando el vástago de la válvula para limitar o ampliar el recorrido de un elemento mecánico que constituye el sensor de presión mecánico, admitiéndose diferentes valores para una única presión de alarma, para un neumático. La referencia atmosférica para el sensor de presión mecánico se logra permitiendo el acceso de la misma a la cámara de referencia atmosférica, necesaria para que el sensor funcione, a través de un canal perforado en la base del vástago del núcleo de válvula The pressure sensor, in its electronic variant, receives the battery current, current that is managed by the microprocessor powered by that battery, for activation and in response sends the pressure measurement to the same microprocessor, both components located in the usual valve closure plug, through power cables that run through the inside of the valve stem so that it always remains closed ensuring the tightness of the reservoir. The microprocessor, compares the measurement of fluid pressure with alarm threshold pressures, programmed in the same microprocessor, triggering the light signal, also located the valve plug (emerging outside), if that pressure is lower or higher than the work characteristic. The range of acceptable pressures is determined in the microprocessor, admitting different values, even for the same tire. The determination of the threshold pressures can be manually set on the microprocessor or can be varied wirelessly from a remote control or mobile phone as long as the appropriate electronic circuit or microprocessor is adapted to this wireless technology. The pressure sensor, in its mechanical variant, closes the activation circuit of the microprocessor through current cables that run through the inside of the valve stem when the fluid pressure is lower or higher than the working characteristic so that The valve is always closed ensuring the tightness of the tank. The microprocessor manages the light signal being the two components located in the usual valve closure plug. The threshold or limit pressure is determined by threading or unscrewing the valve stem to limit or extend the path of a mechanical element that constitutes the mechanical pressure sensor, admitting different values for a single alarm pressure, for a tire. The atmospheric reference for the mechanical pressure sensor is achieved by allowing its access to the atmospheric reference chamber, necessary for the sensor to function, through a perforated channel at the base of the valve core stem
En el caso de vehículos con neumáticos, el indicador visual de control de presión se fija, y queda fijado, tanto si el vehículo, cuyos neumáticos lo portan, está detenido o está en marcha. De esta manera, y con una simple visualización, se podrá apreciar si los neumáticos de dichos vehículo están a la presión correcta.  In the case of vehicles with tires, the visual pressure control indicator is fixed, and is fixed, whether the vehicle, whose tires carry it, is stopped or is running. In this way, and with a simple display, it will be possible to see if the tires of said vehicles are at the correct pressure.
Si el circuito del dispositivo o el microprocesador, en su realización con sensor electrónico, integran tecnología inalámbrica como por ejemplo radiofrecuencia, "bluetooth" o cualquiera de las conocidas se podrá enviar el valor de la presión del neumático, capturado por el sensor de presión, a un segundo dispositivo receptor a distancia como por ejemplo un mando a distancia, un teléfono móvil o la propia llave que abre las puertas del vehículo sin menoscabo de la emisión de la señal luminosa.  If the device circuit or the microprocessor, in its realization with an electronic sensor, integrates wireless technology such as radio frequency, "bluetooth" or any of the known ones, the tire pressure value, captured by the pressure sensor, can be sent, to a second remote receiving device such as a remote control, a mobile phone or the key itself that opens the doors of the vehicle without prejudice to the emission of the light signal.
Solamente si la presión del neumático es distinta a la especificada por el usuario o a la estipulada por una normativa vigente se enciende una señal lumínica, por ejemplo un LED, que en general no se apaga hasta que se cambie y normalice la presión del neumático. Se puede así saber de inmediato el estado de la presión de una rueda: si está por encima o por debajo de la presión e incluso si está pinchada. En el caso de que la presión del neumático se encuentre en un rango correcto y aceptable el LED no se encenderá.  Only if the tire pressure is different from that specified by the user or that stipulated by current regulations does a light signal, such as an LED, come on, which in general does not turn off until the tire pressure is changed and normalized. One can thus immediately know the state of the pressure of a wheel: if it is above or below the pressure and even if it is punctured. In the event that the tire pressure is in a correct and acceptable range, the LED will not turn on.
De este modo el dispositivo de aviso presenta una señal al detectar una presión baja o dos señales excluyentes: una cuando la presión sea excesiva y otra cuando sea baja.  In this way the warning device presents a signal when it detects a low pressure or two exclusive signals: one when the pressure is excessive and another when it is low.
Tal como se ha indicado el dispositivo de aviso, controlador de presión, debe ser calibrado para la presión de funcionamiento del neumático de forma que el LED emita una señal o luz de aviso cuando la presión de hinchado esté, al menos, por debajo de la presión prescrita por el fabricante del neumático. Para fijar está presión cabe, eventualmente, la conexión de un potenciómetro o reostato al circuito de control, que modifique la tensión de activación del LED. As indicated in the warning device, pressure controller, it must be calibrated for the operating pressure of the tire so that the LED emits a signal or warning light when the inflation pressure is at least below the pressure prescribed by the tire manufacturer. In order to set this pressure, it is possible to connect a potentiometer or rheostat to the control circuit, which modifies the LED activation voltage.
Es evidente que lo anteriormente descrito haciendo referencia en general a los neumáticos de vehículos es aplicable a cualquier tipo de depósito equipado con una válvula, que contenga un fluido a presión.  It is evident that the above described with reference in general to vehicle tires is applicable to any type of tank equipped with a valve, which contains a pressurized fluid.
Breve descripción de los dibujos Brief description of the drawings
Las anteriores y otras características y ventajas se comprenderán más plenamente a partir de la siguiente descripción detallada de un ejemplo de realización con referencia a los dibujos adjuntos, en los que:  The foregoing and other features and advantages will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
La Fig. 1 es una vista esquemática en sección transversal de un dispositivo autónomo de aviso de acuerdo con una realización de la presente invención, aplicado al control visual de la presión de un neumático;  Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an autonomous warning device according to an embodiment of the present invention, applied to the visual control of a tire pressure;
la Fig. 2 es una vista esquemática ampliada en sección transversal ampliada de unos elementos del dispositivo de aviso.  Fig. 2 is an enlarged schematic view in enlarged cross section of elements of the warning device.
La Fig. 3 es una vista parcial ampliada de un núcleo de válvula incluyendo unos elementos del dispositivo de aviso según una variante de la realización de la Fig. 2 equipada con un sensor de presión electrónico, mostrando la disposición de los conductores que discurren a lo largo del vástago de actuación del obturador de la válvula;  Fig. 3 is an enlarged partial view of a valve core including elements of the warning device according to a variant of the embodiment of Fig. 2 equipped with an electronic pressure sensor, showing the arrangement of the conductors running thereon. length of the actuator stem of the valve plug;
La Fig. 4 es una vista en sección transversal esquemática de un cuerpo base materializado en la forma de un tapón de la válvula, y que alberga varios componentes del dispositivo de aviso en conjunción con la realización de la Fig. 3.  Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a base body materialized in the form of a valve plug, and housing several components of the warning device in conjunction with the embodiment of Fig. 3.
La Fig. 5 es una vista parcial ampliada, con un detalle aún más ampliado, de un núcleo de válvula incluyendo unos elementos del dispositivo de aviso según otra realización de la presente invención equipada con un sensor de presión mecánico, mostrando la disposición de los conductores que discurren a lo largo del vástago de actuación del obturador de la válvula;  Fig. 5 is an enlarged partial view, with an even more enlarged detail, of a valve core including elements of the warning device according to another embodiment of the present invention equipped with a mechanical pressure sensor, showing the arrangement of the conductors. that run along the actuator stem of the valve plug;
la Fig. 6 es una vista en sección transversal esquemática de un cuerpo base materializado en la forma de un tapón de la válvula, y que alberga varios componentes del dispositivo de aviso en conjunción con la realización de la Fig. 5; y  Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a base body materialized in the form of a valve plug, and housing several components of the warning device in conjunction with the embodiment of Fig. 5; Y
la Fig. 7 es una vista en sección transversal esquemática de un cuerpo base materializado en la forma de un tapón de la válvula, y que alberga varios componentes del dispositivo de aviso según todavía otra realización de la presente invención. Descripción detallada de un ejemplo de realización Fig. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a base body materialized in the form of a valve plug, and housing various components of the warning device according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed description of an embodiment example
Haciendo en primer lugar referencia a las Figs. 1 y 2, en ellas se muestran un dispositivo autónomo de aviso de acuerdo con una realización de la presente invención, aplicado al control visual de la presión de un neumático 30. Hay que hacer constar, no obstante, que el dispositivo de aviso de la presente invención, según lo ya indicado, puede ser también aplicado al control visual de la presión de cualquier otro tipo de depósito a condición de que esté provisto de una válvula.  Referring firstly to Figs. 1 and 2, there is shown an autonomous warning device according to an embodiment of the present invention, applied to the visual control of the pressure of a tire 30. It should be noted, however, that the warning device of the The present invention, as already indicated, can also be applied to the visual control of the pressure of any other type of reservoir on condition that it is provided with a valve.
La Fig. 1 muestra esquemáticamente el mencionado neumático 30, el cual está provisto de una válvula 20 cerrada por un tapón 35. Algunos componentes del dispositivo de aviso de la presente invención están incorporados en un núcleo 26 (Fig. 2) de dicha válvula 20 y otros componentes del dispositivo de aviso están incorporados en el mencionado tapón 35.  Fig. 1 schematically shows said tire 30, which is provided with a valve 20 closed by a plug 35. Some components of the warning device of the present invention are incorporated in a core 26 (Fig. 2) of said valve 20 and other components of the warning device are incorporated in said plug 35.
En una realización preferida, la válvula 20 es del tipo "Schrader" y comprende un casquillo exterior 21 fijado al neumático 30 y núcleo de válvula 26 alojado en un pasaje interior de dicho casquillo exterior 21. El núcleo de válvula 26 comprende un casquillo interior 24 acoplado a rosca al casquillo exterior 21. Un anillo de estanqueidad 27 asegura la estanqueidad entre los casquillos exterior e interior 21 , 24. Un vástago móvil 22 conectado a un obturador 23 está instalado dentro del casquillo interior 24 de manera que puede moverse entre una posición abierta (no mostrada), en la que el obturador 23 está separado de un extremo del casquillo interior 24 permitiendo el paso de aire entre ambos, y una posición cerrada (Figs. 1 y 2), en la que el obturador 23 cierra dicho extremo del casquillo interior 24 impidiendo el paso de aire. Un muelle 25 está dispuesto de manera que empuja al vástago móvil 22 y al obturador 23 hacia la posición cerrada. El vástago móvil 22 acciona dicho obturador 23.  In a preferred embodiment, the valve 20 is of the "Schrader" type and comprises an outer bushing 21 fixed to the tire 30 and valve core 26 housed in an inner passage of said outer bushing 21. The valve core 26 comprises an inner bushing 24 threadedly coupled to the outer bushing 21. A sealing ring 27 ensures the tightness between the outer and inner bushes 21, 24. A movable rod 22 connected to a plug 23 is installed inside the inner bushing 24 so that it can move between a position open (not shown), in which the shutter 23 is separated from one end of the inner sleeve 24 allowing the passage of air between them, and a closed position (Figs. 1 and 2), in which the shutter 23 closes said end of the inner sleeve 24 preventing the passage of air. A spring 25 is arranged so that it pushes the moving rod 22 and the plug 23 towards the closed position. The mobile rod 22 drives said shutter 23.
En esta realización, un sensor de presión 2 de tipo electrónico está conectado al obturador 23 en un lado del mismo situado en el interior del depósito, de manera que dicho sensor de presión 2 está dispuesto directamente en contacto con la presión de hinchado del neumático 30 mientras el obturador 23 de la válvula 20 está en la posición cerrada. El sensor de presión 2 está conectado a unos conductores 3 que discurren a lo largo del vástago móvil 22 y terminan en unos primeros contactos 7 (Fig. 2) configurados como una pluralidad de pistas conductoras circulares situadas en un extremo exterior del vástago móvil 22 y coaxiales con el mismo.  In this embodiment, an electronic pressure sensor 2 is connected to the shutter 23 on one side thereof located inside the reservoir, so that said pressure sensor 2 is arranged directly in contact with the tire inflation pressure 30 while the shutter 23 of the valve 20 is in the closed position. The pressure sensor 2 is connected to conductors 3 that run along the moving rod 22 and end in first contacts 7 (Fig. 2) configured as a plurality of circular conductive tracks located at an outer end of the mobile rod 22 and Coaxial with it.
El tapón 35 comprende un cuerpo base 1 que tiene en un extremo un fileteado de rosca interior 1a configurado para acoplar a rosca con un fileteado de rosca exterior 21a formado en el casquillo exterior 21 de la válvula 20. En el otro extremo opuesto, el cuerpo base 1 tiene una abertura 1 b a través de la cual emerge y es visible un diodo emisor de luz 4, el cual está conectado a un circuito de control 5 alimentado por una pila 6. Dicho circuito de control 5 y dicha pila 6 están soportados por ejemplo en una placa 5a fijada interiormente al cuerpo base 1. En el lado exterior de la mencionada placa 5a está formado un alojamiento en el que están formados interiormente unos segundos contactos 8 conectados al circuito de control 5. The plug 35 comprises a base body 1 having at one end an internal thread thread 1a configured to engage a thread with an external thread thread 21a formed in the outer sleeve 21 of the valve 20. At the other opposite end, the body base 1 has an opening 1 ba through which a diode emerges and is visible light emitter 4, which is connected to a control circuit 5 powered by a battery 6. Said control circuit 5 and said battery 6 are supported for example on a plate 5a fixed internally to the base body 1. On the outer side of said plate 5a is formed a housing in which second contacts 8 are connected internally connected to the control circuit 5.
Los segundos contactos son, por ejemplo, en la forma de una pluralidad de patillas conductoras dispuestas para hacer contacto estático y dinámico con dichas pistas conductoras circulares cuando el cuerpo base 1 del tapón 35 es acoplado operativamente al casquillo exterior 21 de la válvula 20, y el extremo exterior del vástago móvil 22 se inserta en el mencionado alojamiento del tapón 35, de manera que los primeros contactos 7 se conectan automáticamente con los segundos contactos 8. Alternativamente la construcción de los contactos podría ser inversa, es decir, los segundos contactos 8 en forma de pistas conductoras circulares y los primeros contactos 7 en forma de patillas conductoras.  The second contacts are, for example, in the form of a plurality of conductive pins arranged to make static and dynamic contact with said circular conductive tracks when the base body 1 of the plug 35 is operatively coupled to the outer bushing 21 of the valve 20, and the outer end of the movable rod 22 is inserted in said housing of the cap 35, so that the first contacts 7 automatically connect with the second contacts 8. Alternatively, the construction of the contacts could be inverse, that is, the second contacts 8 in the form of circular conductive tracks and the first contacts 7 in the form of conductive pins.
Así, el sensor de presión 2, el cual detecta la presión de hinchado del neumático Thus, the pressure sensor 2, which detects the inflation pressure of the tire
30, transmite una señal representativa de dicha presión de hinchado al circuito de control 5, el cual activa el diodo emisor de luz 4 si la presión de hinchado detectada está por debajo de un umbral predeterminado. En este caso, el diodo emisor de luz 4 encendido, es una señal de aviso de que la presión de hinchado del neumático es demasiado baja. Opcionalmente, el circuito de control 5 puede activar el diodo emisor de luz 4 si la presión de hinchado detectada está fuera de un rango de presiones predeterminado, de manera que la señal de aviso luminosa se genera tanto si la presión de hinchado del neumático es demasiado baja como si es demasiado alta. 30, transmits a signal representative of said inflation pressure to the control circuit 5, which activates the light emitting diode 4 if the detected inflation pressure is below a predetermined threshold. In this case, the light emitting diode 4 is a warning signal that the tire inflation pressure is too low. Optionally, the control circuit 5 can activate the light emitting diode 4 if the detected inflation pressure is outside a predetermined pressure range, so that the light warning signal is generated both if the tire inflation pressure is too high. It falls as if it is too high.
El dispositivo de aviso comprende además, en un ejemplo de realización preferido, un acelerómetro 9 que transmite una señal representativa de si el neumático 30 está en movimiento al circuito de control 5, y el circuito de control está configurado para activar el sensor de presión 2 sólo si el neumático 30 está detenido. Esto permite economizar la energía eléctrica almacenada en la pila 6, puesto que un usuario o un mecánico no van a verificar la presión de los neumáticos cuando el vehículo está en movimiento. Preferiblemente, el circuito de control 5 comprende un microprocesador 10, el cual está programado para activar el sensor de presión 2 sólo si se cumplen unas condiciones temporales de detención del neumático 30 predeterminadas. Por ejemplo, si el tiempo de detención supera un valor predeterminado, para evitar el consumo de energía durante las cortas paradas que se producen, por ejemplo, en una conducción urbana. Preferiblemente, el dispositivo de aviso comprende además un calibrador de presiones 11 asociado al circuito de control 5. En la realización de las Figs. 1 y 2, el mencionado calibrador está incrustado en la placa 5a que soporta el microprocesador 10 y es accesible desde la abertura inferior del cuerpo base para su ajuste manual. The warning device further comprises, in a preferred embodiment, an accelerometer 9 that transmits a signal representative of whether the tire 30 is in motion to the control circuit 5, and the control circuit is configured to activate the pressure sensor 2 only if the tire 30 is stopped. This allows to save the electric energy stored in the battery 6, since a user or a mechanic will not check the tire pressure when the vehicle is in motion. Preferably, the control circuit 5 comprises a microprocessor 10, which is programmed to activate the pressure sensor 2 only if predetermined temporary tire stop conditions 30 are met. For example, if the detention time exceeds a predetermined value, to avoid energy consumption during the short stops that occur, for example, in urban driving. Preferably, the warning device further comprises a pressure gauge 11 associated with the control circuit 5. In the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2, said calibrator is embedded in the plate 5a that supports the microprocessor 10 and is accessible from the lower opening of the base body for manual adjustment.
Las Figs. 3 y 4 muestran una variante del dispositivo de aviso descrito más arriba en relación con las Figs. 1 y 2, en la cual el sensor de presión 2 también es un sensor de presión electrónico. En este caso, los conductores 3 que se extienden a lo largo del vástago móvil 22 comprenden dos conductores de alimentación y dos conductores de señal. Además, el acelerómetro 9 (asimismo alimentado por dichos conductores de alimentación) está fijado al vástago móvil 22 en un lado interior del obturador 23 y conectado a otros dos conductores de señal que forman parte de dichos conductores 3 dispuestos a lo largo del vástago móvil 22 y terminados en unos correspondientes contactos de dichos primeros contactos 7. En una versión alternativa el acelerómetro 9 y el sensor de presión 2 podrían estar integrados en una única unidad.  Figs. 3 and 4 show a variant of the warning device described above in relation to Figs. 1 and 2, in which the pressure sensor 2 is also an electronic pressure sensor. In this case, the conductors 3 that extend along the mobile rod 22 comprise two supply conductors and two signal conductors. In addition, the accelerometer 9 (also fed by said feed conductors) is fixed to the moving rod 22 on an inner side of the plug 23 and connected to two other signal conductors that are part of said conductors 3 arranged along the moving rod 22 and terminated in corresponding contacts of said first contacts 7. In an alternative version the accelerometer 9 and the pressure sensor 2 could be integrated into a single unit.
La Fig. 3 muestra un anillo de estanqueidad 29 alojado en una regata circular formada en el obturador 23 y el extremo del casquillo interior 24 presiona dicho anillo de estanqueidad 29 cuando el obturador 23 está en la posición cerrada asegurando así el cierre hermético de la válvula 20. El sensor de presión 2 y el acelerómetro 9 están protegidos por un elemento protector 28 provisto de una abertura a través de la cual la presión interior del neumático 30 alcanza al sensor de presión 2 y al acelerómetro 9. Alternativamente, el acelerómetro 9 podría estar soportado en el cuerpo base 1 y conectado directamente al circuito de control 5 o integrado en dicho microprocesador 10, y por lo tanto no sometido a la presión de hinchado del neumático 30.  Fig. 3 shows a sealing ring 29 housed in a circular race formed in the plug 23 and the end of the inner sleeve 24 presses said sealing ring 29 when the plug 23 is in the closed position thus ensuring the hermetic seal of the valve 20. The pressure sensor 2 and the accelerometer 9 are protected by a protective element 28 provided with an opening through which the internal pressure of the tire 30 reaches the pressure sensor 2 and the accelerometer 9. Alternatively, the accelerometer 9 could be supported on the base body 1 and directly connected to the control circuit 5 or integrated in said microprocessor 10, and therefore not subjected to the inflation pressure of the tire 30.
Opcionalmente, el vástago móvil 22 de la válvula 20 es de un material plástico electroaislante y los conductores 3 están embebidos en dicho material plástico evitando que los mismos hagan contacto entre sí. Según otra construcción alternativa, el vástago móvil 22 de la válvula 20 es de un material metálico electroconductor, tal como bronce, latón o similar, y los conductores 3, los cuales comprenden un recubrimiento electroaislante individual para cada uno, están embebidos en dicho material metálico electroconductor. Estas dos alternativas constructivas del vástago móvil 22 y conductores 3 asociados son válidas para cualquier realización de la presente invención.  Optionally, the movable rod 22 of the valve 20 is made of an electro-insulating plastic material and the conductors 3 are embedded in said plastic material preventing them from making contact with each other. According to another alternative construction, the mobile rod 22 of the valve 20 is made of an electroconductive metal material, such as bronze, brass or the like, and the conductors 3, which comprise an individual electro-insulating coating for each, are embedded in said metallic material electroconductor These two constructive alternatives of the mobile rod 22 and associated conductors 3 are valid for any embodiment of the present invention.
En la variante de las Figs. 3 y 4, el tapón 35 comprende el cuerpo base 1 análogo a la realización de las Figs. 1 y 2, con el fileteado de rosca interior 1a en un extremo y la abertura 1b a través de la cual es visible un diodo emisor de luz 4 en el otro extremo opuesto. En el cuerpo base 1 está instalada la placa 5a con el alojamiento provisto de los segundos contactos 8. Sobre la placa 5a, la cual puede ser una placa de circuito impreso, está instalado el circuito de control 5 incluyendo el microprocesador 10, el cual en este caso lleva integrado el acelerómetro. El circuito de control 5 está alimentado por una pila 6 por medio de unas correspondientes conexiones 31. La placa 5a está dispuesta perpendicularmente al eje del fileteado de rosca interior 1a y la pila 6, la cual es una pila de tipo botón, se halla ubicada paralelamente a la placa 5a entre el microprocesador 10 y el diodo emisor de luz 4. In the variant of Figs. 3 and 4, the cap 35 comprises the base body 1 analogous to the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2, with the internal thread thread 1a at one end and the opening 1b through which a light emitting diode 4 is visible in the other opposite end. In the base body 1 the plate 5a is installed with the housing provided with the second contacts 8. On the plate 5a, which can be a printed circuit board, the control circuit 5 including the microprocessor 10 is installed, which in This case has the accelerometer integrated. The control circuit 5 is powered by a battery 6 by means of corresponding connections 31. The plate 5a is arranged perpendicularly to the axis of the internal thread thread 1a and the battery 6, which is a button-type battery, is located parallel to the plate 5a between the microprocessor 10 and the light emitting diode 4.
Las Figs. 5 y 6 muestran otra realización del dispositivo de aviso, con un sensor de presión 2, el cual es un sensor de presión mecánico, que no necesita alimentación eléctrica, por lo que a lo largo del vástago móvil 22 del núcleo 26 de la válvula 20 sólo hay en este caso dos conductores 3 de señal. En el extremo interior del vástago móvil 22, el cual está conectado a rosca con el obturador 23, está formada una cámara de referencia atmosférica 32 en comunicación con la presión atmosférica a través de un canal 32a perforado en la base del vástago móvil 22 del núcleo 26 de la válvula 20. En una superficie interior de dicha cámara de referencia atmosférica 32 hay un par de contactos 33a, 33b conectados a un par de correspondientes primeros contactos 7a, 7b situados en el extremo exterior del vástago móvil 22 por dichos dos conductores 3a, 3b de señal.  Figs. 5 and 6 show another embodiment of the warning device, with a pressure sensor 2, which is a mechanical pressure sensor, which does not need power, so that along the moving stem 22 of the core 26 of the valve 20 there are only two signal conductors 3 in this case. At the inner end of the mobile rod 22, which is threadedly connected to the plug 23, an atmospheric reference chamber 32 is formed in communication with the atmospheric pressure through a channel 32a drilled at the base of the mobile rod 22 of the core 26 of the valve 20. On an inner surface of said atmospheric reference chamber 32 there are a pair of contacts 33a, 33b connected to a pair of corresponding first contacts 7a, 7b located at the outer end of the moving rod 22 by said two conductors 3a , 3b signal.
El sensor de presión 2 mecánico comprende un miembro actuador o muelle The mechanical pressure sensor 2 comprises an actuator or spring member
(término usado en manometría) 34 sujetado al obturador 23 y sometido por un lado a la presión de hinchado en el interior del neumático 30 a través de la abertura del elemento protector 28 y por el otro lado a la presión atmosférica a través de una abertura inferior de la cámara de referencia atmosférica 32. Este miembro actuador 34, el cual puede estar formado por un tubo "Bourdon" o similar, se extiende y se contrae a consecuencia de variaciones en la presión de hinchado en relación con la presión atmosférica. (term used in manometry) 34 attached to the shutter 23 and subjected on one side to the inflation pressure inside the tire 30 through the opening of the protective element 28 and on the other hand to atmospheric pressure through an opening bottom of the atmospheric reference chamber 32. This actuator member 34, which may be formed by a "Bourdon" tube or the like, extends and contracts as a result of variations in the inflation pressure in relation to the atmospheric pressure.
Un vástago 36 está conectado al miembro actuador 34 directamente o por medio de un juego de ejes y/o palancas dependientes de la forma del actuador e insertado en la cámara de referencia atmosférica 32, a través de la mencionada abertura inferior de la misma, sin solución de continuidad con la cámara que rodea al tubo "Bourdon". El mencionado vástago 36 lleva fijados unos elementos conductores superior e inferior 37a, 37b dispuestos de manera que hacen contacto con los contactos 33a, 33b, y con ello cierran un bucle eléctrico del circuito de control 5, cuando el miembro actuador 34 se contrae a consecuencia de una presión de hinchado escasa o se expande a consecuencia de una presión de hinchado excesiva, respectivamente. Así el roscado y desenroscado del vástago 22 en el obturador 23 determina una distancia de separación entre los elementos conductores superior e inferior 37a, 37b y los contactos 33a, 33b dando lugar a un rango de presiones de hinchado aceptables. El cierre de dicho bucle eléctrico del circuito de control 5 activa el diodo emisor de luz 4, mediando o no el citado microprocesador 10, como aviso de una presión de hinchado incorrecta o aceptable. A rod 36 is connected to the actuator member 34 directly or by means of a set of axes and / or levers dependent on the shape of the actuator and inserted into the atmospheric reference chamber 32, through said lower opening thereof, without continuity solution with the camera surrounding the "Bourdon" tube. Said rod 36 has fixed upper and lower conductive elements 37a, 37b arranged so as to make contact with the contacts 33a, 33b, and thereby close an electrical loop of the control circuit 5, when the actuator member 34 contracts accordingly of a poor inflation pressure or expands as a result of excessive inflation pressure, respectively. Thus the threading and unscrewing of the stem 22 in the plug 23 determines a separation distance between the upper and lower conductive elements 37a, 37b and the contacts 33a, 33b resulting in a range of acceptable inflation pressures. The closing of said electric loop of the control circuit 5 activates the light emitting diode 4, mediating or not the said microprocessor 10, as a warning of an incorrect or acceptable inflation pressure.
En la realización de las Figs. 5 y 6, el tapón 35 comprende los mismos elementos que en la realización de las Figs. 3 y 4, excepto en que, en lugar de los segundos contactos para contactar primeros contactos en forma de pista circular, incluye un par de segundos contactos 8a, 8b configurados y dispuestos para hacer contacto con los primeros contactos 7a, 7b situados en el extremo exterior del vástago móvil 22 del núcleo 26 de la válvula 20 cuando el tapón 35 es acoplado al manguito exterior 21 de la válvula 20.  In the embodiment of Figs. 5 and 6, the cap 35 comprises the same elements as in the embodiment of Figs. 3 and 4, except that, instead of the second contacts to contact first contacts in the form of a circular track, it includes a pair of second contacts 8a, 8b configured and arranged to make contact with the first contacts 7a, 7b located at the end outside of the moving stem 22 of the core 26 of the valve 20 when the plug 35 is coupled to the outer sleeve 21 of the valve 20.
La Fig. 7 muestra una variante del tapón 35 ilustrado en la Fig. 6, el cual está adaptado para funcionar con un núcleo de válvula 26 provisto de un sensor de presión 2 mecánico como el mostrado en la Fig. 5, aunque con unas sencillas modificaciones que fácilmente se le pueden ocurrir a un experto en la técnica serviría igualmente para funcionar con un núcleo de válvula 26 provisto de un sensor de presión 2 electrónico como el mostrado en las Figs. 2 y 3.  Fig. 7 shows a variant of the cap 35 illustrated in Fig. 6, which is adapted to operate with a valve core 26 provided with a mechanical pressure sensor 2 as shown in Fig. 5, although with simple ones modifications that can easily occur to one skilled in the art would also serve to operate with a valve core 26 provided with an electronic pressure sensor 2 as shown in Figs. 2 and 3
El tapón 35 mostrado en la Fig. 7 comprende un cuerpo base 1 más alargado que el mostrado en Figs. 1 , 2, 4 y 6, el cual integra el mencionado fileteado de rosca interior 1a en un extremo y la abertura 1 b a través de la cual es visible un diodo emisor de luz 4 en el otro extremo opuesto. En el cuerpo base 1 está instalada una primera placa 5a dispuesta perpendicularmente al eje del fileteado de rosca interior 1a y una segunda placa 5b perpendicular a la primera y conectada a la misma en una posición aproximadamente central. Las primera y segunda placas 5a, 5b pueden ser placas de circuito impreso con sus circuitos conectados entre sí. En el lado inferior de la primera placa 5a se encuentran los dos segundos contactos 8a, 8b análogos a los mostrados en la Fig. 6, aunque alternativamente podría haber el alojamiento con los segundos contactos 8 análogos a los mostrados en la Fig. 4.  The cap 35 shown in Fig. 7 comprises a base body 1 more elongated than that shown in Figs. 1, 2, 4 and 6, which integrates said internal thread thread 1a at one end and the opening 1 b through which a light emitting diode 4 is visible at the other opposite end. In the base body 1 a first plate 5a disposed perpendicularly to the axis of the internal thread thread 1a and a second plate 5b perpendicular to the first and connected thereto in an approximately central position is installed. The first and second boards 5a, 5b can be printed circuit boards with their circuits connected to each other. On the lower side of the first plate 5a are the two second contacts 8a, 8b analogous to those shown in Fig. 6, although alternatively there could be the housing with the second contacts 8 analogous to those shown in Fig. 4.
En un lado de la segunda placa 5b está instalado el microprocesador 10, el cual en este caso lleva integrado el calibrador de presiones 11 en la forma de un elemento móvil provisto de contactos 11a colocados a propósito para contactar selectivamente con algunas de las patillas 10a del microprocesador 10 cuando el elemento móvil es movido. El elemento móvil está pasado a través de una abertura 38 en la primera placa 5a y es accesible desde el lado exterior de la misma para ajustar el calibrado de las presiones. En otro lado opuesto de la segunda placa 5b están alojadas un par de pilas 6 de tipo botón, las cuales están dispuesta paralelamente a la segunda placa 5b y conectadas al microprocesador 10 y al diodo emisor de luz 4 por medio de unas correspondientes conexiones 31. Así, el circuito de control 5 instalado en las primera y segunda placas 5a, 5b está alimentado por el par de pilas 6. On one side of the second plate 5b the microprocessor 10 is installed, which in this case has the pressure gauge 11 integrated in the form of a mobile element provided with contacts 11a placed on purpose to selectively contact some of the pins 10a of the microprocessor 10 when the mobile element is moved. The movable element is passed through an opening 38 in the first plate 5a and is accessible from the outer side thereof to adjust the pressure calibration. A pair of batteries 6 are housed on the opposite side of the second plate 5b of the button type, which are arranged parallel to the second plate 5b and connected to the microprocessor 10 and the light emitting diode 4 by means of corresponding connections 31. Thus, the control circuit 5 installed in the first and second plates 5a, 5b is powered by the pair of batteries 6.
Descrito suficientemente el objeto de esta invención debe indicarse que toda variación en dimensiones, forma, aspecto y acabado de los componentes, así como tipos de materiales empleados en la realización práctica del controlador visual, en nada alterarán la esencialidad de la misma según está definida en las reivindicaciones que siguen.  Described sufficiently the object of this invention it should be indicated that any variation in dimensions, shape, appearance and finish of the components, as well as types of materials used in the practical realization of the visual controller, will in no way alter the essentiality thereof as defined in the claims that follow.

Claims

REIVINDICACIONES
1. - Dispositivo autónomo de aviso aplicable al control visual de la presión de un neumático, del tipo que comprende un diodo emisor de luz (4) conectado a un circuito de control (5) alimentado por una pila (6), estando dicho diodo emisor de luz (4), dicho circuito de control (5) y dicha pila (6) soportados en un cuerpo base (1) acoplable a un casquillo exterior (21) de una válvula (20) de un neumático (30), y un sensor de presión (2) que detecta una presión de hinchado del neumático (30) y transmite una señal representativa de dicha presión de hinchado al circuito de control (5), el cual activa el diodo emisor de luz (4) si la presión de hinchado detectada está por debajo de un umbral predeterminado, caracterizado porque dicho sensor de presión (2) está dispuesto directamente en contacto con la presión de hinchado del neumático (30) sin actuación sobre un obturador (23) de dicha válvula (20).  1. - Autonomous warning device applicable to the visual control of the pressure of a tire, of the type comprising a light emitting diode (4) connected to a control circuit (5) powered by a battery (6), said diode being light emitter (4), said control circuit (5) and said battery (6) supported on a base body (1) attachable to an outer sleeve (21) of a valve (20) of a tire (30), and a pressure sensor (2) that detects a tire inflation pressure (30) and transmits a signal representative of said inflation pressure to the control circuit (5), which activates the light emitting diode (4) if the pressure The inflation rate detected is below a predetermined threshold, characterized in that said pressure sensor (2) is arranged directly in contact with the inflation pressure of the tire (30) without actuation on a plug (23) of said valve (20).
2. - Dispositivo autónomo de aviso de acuerdo con la reivindicación 1 , caracterizado porque el sensor de presión (2) está fijado a un vástago móvil (22) que acciona dicho obturador (23) de la válvula (20) en un lado interior del obturador (23), estando el sensor de presión (2) conectado a unos conductores (3) que discurren a lo largo de dicho vástago móvil (22) y terminan en unos primeros contactos (7) que se acoplan con unos segundos contactos (8) conectados al circuito de control (5) cuando el cuerpo base (1) es acoplado operativamente al casquillo exterior (21) de la válvula (20).  2. - Autonomous warning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure sensor (2) is fixed to a mobile stem (22) that drives said valve plug (23) (20) on an inner side of the shutter (23), the pressure sensor (2) being connected to conductors (3) that run along said moving rod (22) and end in first contacts (7) that are coupled with a few second contacts (8 ) connected to the control circuit (5) when the base body (1) is operatively coupled to the outer sleeve (21) of the valve (20).
3. - Dispositivo autónomo de aviso de acuerdo con la reivindicación 2, caracterizado porque dichos primeros contactos (7) comprenden una pluralidad de pistas conductoras circulares y dichos segundos contactos (8) comprenden una pluralidad de patillas conductoras dispuestas para hacer contacto estático y dinámico con dichas pistas conductoras circulares, o viceversa.  3. - Autonomous warning device according to claim 2, characterized in that said first contacts (7) comprise a plurality of circular conductive tracks and said second contacts (8) comprise a plurality of conductive pins arranged to make static and dynamic contact with said circular conductive tracks, or vice versa.
4. - Dispositivo autónomo de aviso de acuerdo con una cualquiera de las reivindicaciones precedentes, caracterizado porque el circuito de control (5) comprende un microprocesador (10).  4. - Autonomous warning device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control circuit (5) comprises a microprocessor (10).
5. - Dispositivo autónomo de aviso de acuerdo con la reivindicación 2, 3 o 4, caracterizado porque el sensor de presión (2) es un sensor de presión mecánico y dichos conductores (3) comprenden dos conductores (3a, 3b) de señal.  5. - Autonomous warning device according to claim 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the pressure sensor (2) is a mechanical pressure sensor and said conductors (3) comprise two signal conductors (3a, 3b).
6. - Dispositivo autónomo de aviso de acuerdo con la reivindicación 2, 3 o 4, caracterizado porque el sensor de presión (2) es un sensor de presión electrónico y dichos conductores (3) comprenden dos conductores de alimentación y dos conductores de señal. 6. - Autonomous warning device according to claim 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the pressure sensor (2) is an electronic pressure sensor and said conductors (3) comprise two supply conductors and two signal conductors.
7. - Dispositivo autónomo de aviso de acuerdo con una cualquiera de las reivindicaciones precedentes, caracterizado porque comprende además un acelerómetro (9) que transmite una señal representativa de si el neumático (30) está en movimiento al circuito de control (5), el cual activa el sensor de presión (2) sólo si el neumático (30) está detenido. 7. - Autonomous warning device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises an accelerometer (9) that transmits a signal representative of whether the tire (30) is in motion to the control circuit (5), the which activates the pressure sensor (2) only if the tire (30) is stopped.
8. - Dispositivo autónomo de aviso de acuerdo con la reivindicación 7, caracterizado porque dicho microprocesador (10) del circuito de control (5) está programado para activa el sensor de presión (2) sólo si se cumplen unas condiciones temporales de detención del neumático (30) predeterminadas.  8. - Autonomous warning device according to claim 7, characterized in that said microprocessor (10) of the control circuit (5) is programmed to activate the pressure sensor (2) only if temporary tire stop conditions are met (30) default.
9.- Dispositivo autónomo de aviso de acuerdo con la reivindicación 7 u 8, caracterizado porque dicho acelerómetro (9) está fijado al vástago móvil (22) en un lado interior del obturador (23) y conectado a unos correspondientes conductores de señal de dichos conductores (3) dispuestos a lo largo del vástago móvil (22) y terminados en unos correspondientes contactos de dichos primeros contactos (7).  9. Autonomous warning device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that said accelerometer (9) is fixed to the moving rod (22) on an inner side of the plug (23) and connected to corresponding signal conductors of said conductors (3) arranged along the moving rod (22) and terminated in corresponding contacts of said first contacts (7).
10.- Dispositivo autónomo de aviso de acuerdo con la reivindicación 7 u 8, caracterizado porque dicho acelerómetro (9) está soportado en el cuerpo base (1) y conectado directamente al circuito de control (5) o integrado en dicho microprocesador (10).  10. Autonomous warning device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that said accelerometer (9) is supported in the base body (1) and connected directly to the control circuit (5) or integrated in said microprocessor (10) .
11. - Dispositivo autónomo de aviso de acuerdo con una cualquiera de las reivindicaciones precedentes, caracterizado porque comprende además unos medios para el calibrado de presiones (11) asociados al circuito de control (5).  11. - Autonomous warning device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises means for calibrating pressures (11) associated with the control circuit (5).
12. - Dispositivo autónomo de aviso de acuerdo con la reivindicación 5, caracterizado porque comprende unos medios para el calibrado de presiones, por ajuste de unas partes móviles del citado sensor de presión mecánico.  12. - Autonomous warning device according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises means for pressure calibration, by adjusting moving parts of said mechanical pressure sensor.
13.- Dispositivo autónomo de aviso de acuerdo con una cualquiera de las reivindicaciones precedentes, caracterizado porque el cuerpo base (1) tiene la forma de un tapón para dicha válvula (20) del neumático (30), y comprende en un extremo un fileteado de rosca interior (1a) configurado para acoplar a rosca con un fileteado de rosca exterior (21a) formado en el casquillo exterior (21) de la válvula (20) y en otro extremo una abertura (1 b) a través de la cual es visible el diodo emisor de luz (4).  13. Autonomous warning device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base body (1) is in the form of a cap for said valve (20) of the tire (30), and comprises at one end a filleting of internal thread (1a) configured to engage thread with an external thread thread (21a) formed in the outer sleeve (21) of the valve (20) and at another end an opening (1 b) through which it is visible the light emitting diode (4).
14.- Dispositivo autónomo de aviso de acuerdo con una cualquiera de las reivindicaciones precedentes, caracterizado porque el sensor de presión (2), el vástago móvil (22), el obturador (23) están instalados junto con un muelle (25) en un casquillo interior (24), y forman conjuntamente un núcleo de válvula (26) configurado para reemplazar un núcleo de válvula en el casquillo exterior (21) de una válvula (20). 14. Autonomous warning device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure sensor (2), the mobile rod (22), the plug (23) are installed together with a spring (25) in a inner sleeve (24), and together form a valve core (26) configured to replace a valve core in the outer sleeve (21) of a valve (20).
15. - Dispositivo autónomo de aviso de acuerdo con la reivindicación 14, caracterizado porque la citada válvula (20) es una válvula Schrader. 15. - Autonomous warning device according to claim 14, characterized in that said valve (20) is a Schrader valve.
16. - Dispositivo autónomo de aviso de acuerdo con la reivindicación 2, caracterizado porque dicho vástago móvil (22) de la válvula (20) es de un material plástico electroaislante en el que están embebidos dichos conductores (3) sin hacer contacto entre sí.  16. - Autonomous warning device according to claim 2, characterized in that said movable stem (22) of the valve (20) is made of an electro-insulating plastic material in which said conductors (3) are embedded without making contact with each other.
17. - Dispositivo autónomo de aviso de acuerdo con la reivindicación 2, caracterizado porque dicho vástago móvil (22) de la válvula (20) es de un material metálico electroconductor en el que están embebidos dichos conductores (3), los cuales comprenden un recubrimiento electroaislante.  17. - Autonomous warning device according to claim 2, characterized in that said movable stem (22) of the valve (20) is made of an electroconductive metallic material in which said conductors (3) are embedded, which comprise a coating electro insulating.
18. - Dispositivo autónomo de aviso de acuerdo con una cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 1 a 9, caracterizado porque comprende una fuente de energía permanente generada por un dispositivo piezoeléctrico, emplazado en el interior del neumático (30) y conectado a los cables de corriente (3) en variante de sensor electrónico y (3a, 3b) en la variante de sensor mecánico unido al obturador (23) y al protector (28) del sensor (2).  18. - Autonomous warning device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises a permanent power source generated by a piezoelectric device, located inside the tire (30) and connected to the power cables ( 3) in an electronic sensor variant and (3a, 3b) in the mechanical sensor variant attached to the shutter (23) and to the sensor protector (28) (2).
19. - Dispositivo autónomo de aviso de acuerdo con una cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 1 a 9, caracterizado porque comprende medios de activación del dispositivo por medio de un accionamiento manual.  19. - Autonomous warning device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises means for activating the device by means of a manual drive.
20.- Dispositivo autónomo de aviso de acuerdo con una cualquiera de las reivindicaciones 1 a 9, caracterizado porque comprende medios de activación del dispositivo inalámbricos, incluyendo un mando a distancia o dispositivo telefónico, y medios de emisión/recepción para a ese fin en el circuito de control (5) y/o microprocesador (10.)  20. Autonomous warning device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises means for activating the wireless device, including a remote control or telephone device, and transmission / reception means for that purpose in the control circuit (5) and / or microprocessor (10.)
21.- Dispositivo autónomo de aviso de acuerdo con las reivindicaciones 4 o 6, caracterizado porque comprende medios de calibración del dispositivo, inalámbricos incluyendo un mando a distancia o dispositivo telefónico, y medios de emisión/recepción para a ese fin en el circuito de control (5) y/o microprocesador (10.) 22.- Dispositivo autónomo de aviso de acuerdo con las reivindicaciones 4 o 6, caracterizado porque comprende medios de transmisión inalámbrica del valor de la señal de presión del dispositivo a un mando a distancia o teléfono móvil, asociados a dicho circuito de control (5) o microprocesador (10).  21. Autonomous warning device according to claims 4 or 6, characterized in that it comprises wireless device calibration means including a remote control or telephone device, and transmission / reception means for that purpose in the control circuit (5) and / or microprocessor (10.) 22.- Autonomous warning device according to claims 4 or 6, characterized in that it comprises means of wireless transmission of the value of the pressure signal of the device to a remote control or telephone mobile, associated with said control circuit (5) or microprocessor (10).
PCT/ES2011/000007 2011-01-18 2011-01-18 Stand-alone warning device for the visual inspection of tyre pressure WO2012098268A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/ES2011/000007 WO2012098268A1 (en) 2011-01-18 2011-01-18 Stand-alone warning device for the visual inspection of tyre pressure

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5503012A (en) * 1995-05-16 1996-04-02 Rabizadeh; Masoud Tire pressure monitoring device
US6351990B1 (en) * 2000-08-09 2002-03-05 Mcinnes Robert P. Low tire pressure light indicator
US7328609B1 (en) * 2004-10-29 2008-02-12 National Semiconductor Corporation Wireless pressure sensing Schrader valve
US7607346B1 (en) * 2006-01-11 2009-10-27 Oboza Andrzej Z Tire pressure indicator

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5503012A (en) * 1995-05-16 1996-04-02 Rabizadeh; Masoud Tire pressure monitoring device
US6351990B1 (en) * 2000-08-09 2002-03-05 Mcinnes Robert P. Low tire pressure light indicator
US7328609B1 (en) * 2004-10-29 2008-02-12 National Semiconductor Corporation Wireless pressure sensing Schrader valve
US7607346B1 (en) * 2006-01-11 2009-10-27 Oboza Andrzej Z Tire pressure indicator

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