WO2017077304A1 - Dispositif et procédé pour transporter de l'air entre une source d'air d'un véhicule et une valve de pneumatique - Google Patents

Dispositif et procédé pour transporter de l'air entre une source d'air d'un véhicule et une valve de pneumatique Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2017077304A1
WO2017077304A1 PCT/GB2016/053415 GB2016053415W WO2017077304A1 WO 2017077304 A1 WO2017077304 A1 WO 2017077304A1 GB 2016053415 W GB2016053415 W GB 2016053415W WO 2017077304 A1 WO2017077304 A1 WO 2017077304A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
vehicle
wheel
rotary component
air
housing
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2016/053415
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Mark Stephen MCCORMACK
Original Assignee
Ftl Seals Technology Limited
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 Ftl Seals Technology Limited filed Critical Ftl Seals Technology Limited
Publication of WO2017077304A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017077304A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • B60C23/001—Devices for manually or automatically controlling or distributing tyre pressure whilst the vehicle is moving
    • B60C23/003—Devices for manually or automatically controlling or distributing tyre pressure whilst the vehicle is moving comprising rotational joints between vehicle-mounted pressure sources and the tyres
    • B60C23/00363—Details of sealings
    • 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
    • B60C23/001—Devices for manually or automatically controlling or distributing tyre pressure whilst the vehicle is moving
    • B60C23/003—Devices for manually or automatically controlling or distributing tyre pressure whilst the vehicle is moving comprising rotational joints between vehicle-mounted pressure sources and the tyres
    • B60C23/00309—Devices for manually or automatically controlling or distributing tyre pressure whilst the vehicle is moving comprising rotational joints between vehicle-mounted pressure sources and the tyres characterised by the location of the components, e.g. valves, sealings, conduits or sensors
    • B60C23/00318—Devices for manually or automatically controlling or distributing tyre pressure whilst the vehicle is moving comprising rotational joints between vehicle-mounted pressure sources and the tyres characterised by the location of the components, e.g. valves, sealings, conduits or sensors on the wheels or the hubs
    • 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
    • B60C23/001—Devices for manually or automatically controlling or distributing tyre pressure whilst the vehicle is moving
    • B60C23/003—Devices for manually or automatically controlling or distributing tyre pressure whilst the vehicle is moving comprising rotational joints between vehicle-mounted pressure sources and the tyres
    • B60C23/00345—Details of the rotational joints
    • 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
    • B60C23/001—Devices for manually or automatically controlling or distributing tyre pressure whilst the vehicle is moving
    • B60C23/003—Devices for manually or automatically controlling or distributing tyre pressure whilst the vehicle is moving comprising rotational joints between vehicle-mounted pressure sources and the tyres
    • B60C23/00354—Details of valves

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for transporting air between an air source of a vehicle and the tyres of the vehicle. Aspects of the invention relate to a method of retrofitting the device to vehicles.
  • One technique to increase off-road traction is to deflate the tyres of the vehicle to some extent.
  • Wth reference to Figure 1A when a tyre 100a is fully inflated, it forms a near perfect "donut shape", resulting in a small surface area 102a of the tyre in contact with the terrain. Deflating the tyres results in a larger surface area 102b of tyre contacting the ground and therefore more friction and traction.
  • This increased surface area spreads the weight of the vehicle over a larger area and helps to prevent the vehicle from sinking into soft terrain, thereby enabling the vehicle to maintain forward momentum with less effort and reducing the chances of the vehicle becoming bogged.
  • Deflating the tyres also softens the tyre, allowing a significant amount of vibration that would normally be transferred through to the suspension to be absorbed by the deflated tyre 100b.
  • a softer tyre also has increased ability to shape itself around obstacles.
  • reducing the tyre pressure decreases clearance under parts of the vehicle, such as the axles.
  • failure to re-inflate the tyres when the vehicle is back on public roads can be dangerous.
  • a user will simply stop, alight the vehicle and manually inflate or deflate its tyres to suit the type of terrain or road. This is inconvenient for the user and interrupts the off-roading experience. Consequently, there is a need for a way to adjust inflation of tyres of vehicles, particularly those which engage in off-road activity.
  • a device for transporting air between an air source of a vehicle and a tyre valve in a wheel of the vehicle comprising
  • a housing having a passageway for air
  • a rotary component within the housing, the rotary component being rotatable with respect to the housing and comprising a passageway for air, with an opening connectable to the tyre valve of the wheel; wherein the passageway of the housing and the passageway of the rotary component are in fluid connection via an annular groove defining an airflow channel in either the housing or the rotary component;
  • the device is configured to be connectable between a stub shaft and the wheel of the vehicle.
  • kit of parts comprising the device, and a conduit for connecting the device to an air source in a vehicle
  • a vehicle comprising one or more of the above devices.
  • a method of retrofitting the device to a vehicle, between a wheel and a stub shaft of the vehicle comprising the steps of:
  • Certain embodiments of the invention provide the advantage that a device is provided for conveniently linking an air source in a vehicle to a tyre for inflating or deflating the tyre.
  • Certain embodiments of the invention provide the advantage that the device is locatable within a vehicle, with only a small external tubing connecting to a tyre valve, compared to known systems.
  • the device may be less prone to damage compared to known systems.
  • Certain embodiments of the present invention provide the advantage that the device may be retrofitted to many vehicles, without specialist fitting.
  • Figures 1A and 1 B are schematic front views of a fully inflated tyre and a partially inflated tyre in contact with a terrain;
  • Figure 1 C is a known tyre inflator system
  • Figure 2A is a perspective view of a CTI rotary union
  • Figure 2B is a cutaway view of the CTI rotary union of Figure 2A;
  • Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of a CTI rotary union
  • Figures 4A - 4E are various views of a CTI rotary union
  • Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of a CTI rotary union and its connection to an air source within a vehicle
  • Figure 6 is an exploded view of a CTI rotary union, including a seal arrangement
  • Figure 7 is an exploded view of a CTI rotary union between a vehicle wheel and a stub shaft
  • a central tyre inflation rotary union (CTIRU) 200 includes a housing 202 and a rotary component 204 within the housing 202.
  • the rotary component 204 is rotatable with respect to the housing 202.
  • the housing 202 may be effectively stationary with respect to the vehicle body.
  • the housing has an annular groove 206.
  • the groove 206 extends around the internal circumference of the housing 202, and faces the external circumference of the rotary component 204.
  • the housing 202 also includes an opening 208 for connecting to an air source 209, e.g. an air compressor.
  • the annular groove defines an airflow channel 206 through which air can move.
  • the housing 202 and rotary component 204 are typically metallic (e.g. stainless steel), although the skilled person will appreciate that other materials having suitable mechanical properties may be used.
  • the rotary component 204 within the housing 202 includes an opening 210 on a wheel facing side 205 that may be connected to a valve of a tyre on a wheel 700 of a vehicle 500 by means of, for example, a tube 232.
  • the tube 232 extends from the opening 210 through the wheel body, and to the tyre valve on the outer side of the wheel.
  • the opening 208 of the housing 202, the airflow channel 206 and the opening 210 of the rotary component 204 are in fluid connection.
  • the fluid connection is provided by means of a channel 212 in the rotary component 204 that connects the opening 210 to the annular air flow channel 206 via an internal opening 207 in the rotary component 204. Consequently, as the rotary component 204 rotates about a central axis 214, the channel 212 will always connect the external opening 210 of the rotary body 204 to the airflow channel 206.
  • a conduit 230 connects the opening 208 of the housing 202 with an air source 209.
  • the air source 209 may be a manifold connecting to each CTIRU 200 in a vehicle 500.
  • the air source 209 may be provided at a suitable location within the vehicle 500.
  • a person skilled in the art will understand how to locate the conduit 230 and tube 232 such that they connect to the required components without interference to other vehicle components.
  • the conduit 230 (and therefore the air route) could generally follow the route of the hydraulic break lines.
  • the vehicle may need to be fitted with a compressor, which would function as the air source.
  • the CTIRU 200 is provided with a seal arrangement.
  • the device may be provided with environmental seals 602, 604 on a back face of the housing 202 and a front face 205 of the rotary component 204, respectively.
  • the device 200 is further provided with a roller bearing 606 between the rotary component 204 and the housing 202.
  • a pressure seal 608 is provided between the environmental seal 604 and the rotary component 204.
  • Pressure seals 608 may also be provided around the part of the opening 208 of the housing 202 that leads to the airflow channel 206 (as shown in Figure 3).
  • the seals ensure that air flow remains in only the desired parts of the device 200, i.e., in the airflow channel 206, channel 212 and through openings 208, 210.
  • a seal is used for the CTIRU 200 and is completely dry running; there is no requirement for oil.
  • other seals, including oil seals could be used with the device 200. Indeed, seals similar to those supplied by axle manufacturers could be suitable or could be easily adapted to be suitable.
  • Known vehicle wheels 700 include a plurality of cavities that are sized and shaped for connection with respective corresponding mounting studs 702 present on a stub shaft 704 of the vehicle.
  • the rotary component 204 of the CTIRU 200 includes an array of mounting studs 220.
  • the mounting studs 220 are provided on a first side 205 of the rotary component 204 that, in use, faces the wheel.
  • the mounting studs 220 thus could be said to mimic those found on the stub shaft 704 of the vehicle.
  • the mounting studs 220 are connectable with corresponding cavities in the vehicle wheel 700.
  • the rotary component 204 also includes an array of cavities 222.
  • the cavities 222 are provided on a further side of the rotary component 204, opposite the first side, and that, in use, faces the stub shaft 704.
  • the cavities 222 thus could be said to mimic those found in the wheel 700 of the vehicle.
  • the cavities 222 are connectable with corresponding mounting studs 702 on the stub shaft 704.
  • the cavities may be through holes, blind holes or other such concavities capable of receiving and connecting to the mounting studs 702 on the stub shaft 704.
  • the wheel 700 of the vehicle 500 is removed (if necessary) and the cavities 222 of the rotary component 204 are connected with the mounting studs 702 on the stub shaft 704.
  • the cavities in the wheel 700 are connected to the mounting studs 220 on the rotary component 204.
  • the CTIRU 200 can be retrofitted to any vehicle.
  • the configuration of the mounting studs 220 and cavities 222 on the rotary component 204 can be designed to match those of the existing stub shaft 704 and wheel 700, respectively.
  • the CTIRU 200 is attached between the stub shaft 704 and the wheel 700.
  • the stub shaft 704 rotates, the rotary component 204 and the connected wheel 700 also rotate in unison.
  • the housing 202 remains stationary throughout rotation of the wheel, rotary component and stub shaft (relative to the rotary component).
  • one CTIRU 200 will be used for each driving wheel of a vehicle.
  • Aptly all wheels may be fitted with a CTIRU.
  • a vehicle including one or more CTIRU 200 is provided. When the CTIRU 200 is in use, for example to inflate a tyre, air is fed from an air source 209 at a manifold of the vehicle 500 through the conduit 230.
  • a valve 211 may be provided in the internal opening 207 of the rotary component, allowing or preventing airflow through the internal opening 207, depending on the type of tyre inflation adjustment desired by the user.
  • the air exits the external opening 210 it then passes through a tube 232 connecting the external opening 210 to a valve on the tyre of the vehicle 500.
  • the result is in air being delivered from the air source 209 to the tyre, thereby inflating the tyre.
  • air is fed in the opposite direction to that described above. That is, air flows from the tyre, through the tyre valve, through the tube 232, passing through external opening 210 to channel 212, into the annular airflow channel 206. Air in the airflow channel flows through the opening 208, through the conduit 230, to the air source 209. Alternatively, there may be provided an outlet for expelling the air to the atmosphere, e.g. a one-way valve.
  • the vehicle 500 fitted with the CTIRU 200 includes a controller (not shown in the Figures) for controlling the input of air from the air source 209 to the tyre, or the output of air from the tyre.
  • a controller (not shown in the Figures) for controlling the input of air from the air source 209 to the tyre, or the output of air from the tyre.
  • This is a central tyre inflation system control unit (CTISCU), which is linked to a control panel on board the vehicle 500.
  • CTISCU controls air flow throughout the CTIRU system, and can be commanded by the user's interaction with the control panel. In this way, the user can control whether the tyres are maintained at current inflation level, or whether they are inflated or deflated (and the extent of inflation/deflation).
  • CTISCUs are well known in the art and are available from a number of manufacturers, selling the device under different trade names.
  • a vehicle 500 including one or more CTIRU 200 includes a monitoring device for monitoring air flow through either the CTIRU or the full system.
  • One suitable means for monitoring airflow is one or more optical sensors.
  • a sensor could be placed at the opening 208 of the housing.
  • a further sensor could be placed at the external opening 210 of the rotary component 204.
  • additional sensors could be placed in a variety of locations throughout the device.
  • the means for monitoring air flow could be at least one pressure sensor, placed, for example, at opening 210 of the rotary component 204 of the CTIRU 200.
  • the sensors relay information about air flow to an on board computer and display informatics on the on board control panel, or another screen, so that a user can readily understand the inflation state of the vehicle's tyres at any given time.
  • a vehicle 500 comprising the device 200 might further be provided with one or more sensors of various type for detecting the level of and/or type of terrain with which tyres of the vehicle 500 are engaging. This information is fed back to the on board computer, along with information from means for monitoring airflow throughout the device. The on board computer panel uses this information to determine whether tyres should be inflated, deflated or maintained. In this way, adaptation of the amount of tyre inflation depending on terrain level or type can be automated, requiring little input from the user.
  • a system could be over - ridable by the user, in case of emergency, for example.
  • Suitable software on a computer readable medium such as a CD, memory stick, SD card, RAM or other suitable readable storage means is provided to enable these functions.
  • the housing 202 may be affixed to a stationary part of the vehicle, e.g. a stub shaft on a fixed axle. Air for inflating/deflating a tyre may be connected thereto.
  • the rotary component 204 of the CTIRU 200 may be affixed to a rotating part of the vehicle, e.g. the wheel. The air passageways within the CTIRU 200 allow air to pass from the fixed part to the rotating part.
  • the CTIRU 200 of the invention provides a device that is fitable to almost any vehicle, and allows air to be passed from an air source 209 within the vehicle 500 to a tyre on a wheel.
  • the device may further allow air to be extracted from the tyre.
  • the main part of the air channel is located within the vehicle body. Thus there is a reduced chance of damage from external impact.
  • the system also allows the steering wheels to move without particular provision for corresponding movement of air channels.
  • the device 200 has been described to have a housing 202 with an annular groove 206, which connects with a channel 212 in the rotary component 204, the annular groove 206 could be provided in the rotary housing. In this case, the annular groove 206 should connect a channel in the housing 202 with a channel through the rotary component.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Tires In General (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un dispositif et un procédé pour transporter de l'air entre une source d'air d'un véhicule et une valve de pneumatique dans une roue du véhicule. Le dispositif comprend un boîtier comportant un passage pour l'air ; un composant rotatif à l'intérieur du boîtier, le composant rotatif pouvant tourner par rapport au boîtier et comprenant un passage pour l'air ; avec une ouverture pouvant être raccordée à la valve de pneumatique de la roue. Le passage du boîtier et le passage du composant rotatif sont en raccordement fluidique par l'intermédiaire d'une rainure annulaire définissant un canal d'écoulement d'air dans le boîtier ou le composant rotatif. Le dispositif est configuré de manière à pouvoir être raccordé entre un faux-arbre et la roue du véhicule.
PCT/GB2016/053415 2015-11-03 2016-11-03 Dispositif et procédé pour transporter de l'air entre une source d'air d'un véhicule et une valve de pneumatique WO2017077304A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1519443.4 2015-11-03
GBGB1519443.4A GB201519443D0 (en) 2015-11-03 2015-11-03 Device and method

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2017077304A1 true WO2017077304A1 (fr) 2017-05-11

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PCT/GB2016/053415 WO2017077304A1 (fr) 2015-11-03 2016-11-03 Dispositif et procédé pour transporter de l'air entre une source d'air d'un véhicule et une valve de pneumatique

Country Status (2)

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GB (1) GB201519443D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2017077304A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102018100955A1 (de) * 2018-01-17 2019-07-18 Illinois Tool Works Inc. System zum übertragen von steuer- und/oder arbeitsdrücken
US11951779B2 (en) 2018-01-17 2024-04-09 Illinois Tool Works Inc. System for transmitting control pressures and/or working pressures

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2002087029A (ja) * 2000-09-13 2002-03-26 Bridgestone Corp タイヤ内圧充填用気体供給装置、タイヤ用ホイールリム、車両のハブ、車両及び空気入りタイヤへの気体充填方法
US6594566B1 (en) * 1999-05-17 2003-07-15 Steyr-Daimler-Puch Spezialfahrzeug Ag Method for the automatic operation of a tire inflation device for motor vehicles
DE102009036524A1 (de) * 2009-08-07 2011-02-10 Ralf Heinemann Vorrichtung zum Verbinden eines Reifens eines Kraftfahrzeugrades mit einer Luftdruckregeleinrichtung des Kraftfahrzeugs

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6594566B1 (en) * 1999-05-17 2003-07-15 Steyr-Daimler-Puch Spezialfahrzeug Ag Method for the automatic operation of a tire inflation device for motor vehicles
JP2002087029A (ja) * 2000-09-13 2002-03-26 Bridgestone Corp タイヤ内圧充填用気体供給装置、タイヤ用ホイールリム、車両のハブ、車両及び空気入りタイヤへの気体充填方法
DE102009036524A1 (de) * 2009-08-07 2011-02-10 Ralf Heinemann Vorrichtung zum Verbinden eines Reifens eines Kraftfahrzeugrades mit einer Luftdruckregeleinrichtung des Kraftfahrzeugs

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102018100955A1 (de) * 2018-01-17 2019-07-18 Illinois Tool Works Inc. System zum übertragen von steuer- und/oder arbeitsdrücken
DE102018100955B4 (de) 2018-01-17 2024-01-18 Illinois Tool Works Inc. System zum übertragen von steuer- und/oder arbeitsdrücken
US11951779B2 (en) 2018-01-17 2024-04-09 Illinois Tool Works Inc. System for transmitting control pressures and/or working pressures

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201519443D0 (en) 2015-12-16

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