Adapter, tire parameter monitoring system and method for mounting a tire parameter monitoring system on a wheel rim

Abstract

Adapter, tire parameter monitoring system and method for mounting a tire parameter monitoring system on a wheel rim In an embodiment, a tire parameter monitoring system (2) is provided, comprising an electronic module (4) having a fitting (6) for a snap valve, a ball stud (8) coupled to the fitting (6) and a valve stem (10) for clamping a valve. The valve stem (10) has a ball socket (12) coupled to the ball stud (8) to form a ball joint, such that the valve stem (10) is positionable at different angles relative to the electronic module (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for measuring one or more parameters (especially pressure) of a tire mounted on a wheel.

[0002] This system is used to notify the driver of any abnormal changes in measured parameters, such as tire pressure. Such a system typically includes an inflation valve and an electronic module. The inflation valve is located in a hole or bore in the rim, and the electronic module is housed inside the tire and connected to the inflation valve. Background Technology

[0003] One type of tire parameter monitoring system, or tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), is called a snap-fit ​​type, in which an inflation valve positioned on the outside of the rim extends through a hole in the rim and is connected via a snap-fit ​​connection to an electronic unit positioned on the inside of the rim. The snap-fit ​​valve includes a resiliently deformable rod. An example of such a snap-fit ​​system is disclosed in EP 2 818 506 A1.

[0004] Another type of tire parameter monitoring system is called a clamping type. With clamping types, the electronic module can be secured in various angular positions relative to the rim. This allows the system to be mounted on rims with different designs. An example of such a clamping system is disclosed in US 7,059,178 B2.

[0005] Depending on a variety of factors, a system that is either a snap-fit ​​or a clamping type may be desired. To simplify assembly and reduce costs, it would be desirable to use components that can be used in both snap-fit ​​and clamping tire parameter monitoring systems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, a tire parameter monitoring system, such as a tire pressure monitoring system, is provided, comprising: an electronic module having an assembly for a snap-fit ​​valve, a ball joint connected to the assembly, and a valve stem for clamping the valve. The valve stem has a ball socket connected to the ball joint to form a ball joint, thereby allowing the valve stem to be positioned at different angles relative to the electronic module.

[0007] The system could include an adapter that provides a hinged ball joint between the valve stem and the electronic module using a ball socket on the valve stem and a ball head bolt connected to the fitting. This allows the clamping valve to be used with an electronic module that has fittings for snap-fit ​​valves. Therefore, the electronic module can be used for both snap-fit ​​and clamping valves. The clamping valve can also be positioned at different angles relative to the electronic module, allowing the system with the clamping valve to be used for rims of different designs that require different angles between the valve stem and the electronic module.

[0008] In one embodiment, the ball joint further includes a connecting rod extending from the ball head bolt, and the connecting rod is coupled to the housing fitting. The head of the ball joint (i.e., the ball head bolt) protrudes from the electronic module. In the installed and assembled state, the head of the ball joint (i.e., the ball head bolt) is positioned on the outside of the rim, and the electronic module with the fitting is positioned on the inside of the rim and inside the tire.

[0009] The diameter of the ball head of the ball joint is larger than the diameter or width of the connecting rod. Therefore, the ball head extends laterally or radially outward and substantially symmetrically from the longitudinal axis of the connecting rod, providing a head with a diameter larger than the diameter or width of the connecting rod. The ball head provides a spherical joint surface larger than a hemisphere, and thus allows for additional radial movement of the ball socket relative to the longitudinal axis of the connecting rod about the ball head.

[0010] In some embodiments, the fitting for the snap-fit ​​valve in the electronic module includes an orifice. A connecting rod may be aligned with the orifice, or positioned within the orifice and extending through it.

[0011] In some embodiments, the connecting rod includes internal threads and engages with a screw to secure the valve stem to the assembly and electronic module. The connecting rod and screw are located on opposite sides of the orifice of the assembly. The screw is located inside the tire, and the connecting rod extends through the rim such that the ball joint is located on the outside of the rim.

[0012] The connecting rod can extend from the first side of the assembly through the orifice and be secured to the assembly by a screw that engages with the internal thread, the screw being located on the second side of the assembly opposite to the first side.

[0013] In some embodiments, the assembly includes a mounting plate and one or more lateral gussets, the mounting plate including the aperture. The mounting plate and the lateral gussets may extend substantially perpendicular to the upper surface of the housing of the electronic module. The lateral gussets may be positioned at the ends of the mounting plate and provide mechanical support to the mounting plate. In the case of one lateral gusset, the assembly may have an L-shape in plan view; in the case of two lateral gussets, the assembly may have a U-shape in plan view.

[0014] The tire parameter monitoring system may further include nuts, washers, and seals. The valve stem can be positioned relative to the electronic module by securing the nuts and seals to the distal end of the valve stem and to the outer surface of the rim.

[0015] In some embodiments, the electronic module includes a housing that houses the tire pressure sensor unit.

[0016] The present invention also provides an adapter for mounting a clamping valve on a snap-fit ​​housing of a tire parameter monitoring system, thereby allowing the clamping valve to be variably positioned relative to the snap-fit ​​housing. The adapter includes a ball-end plug and a connecting rod. The connecting rod is secured to the snap-fit ​​housing, and the ball-end plug engages with a ball socket on the valve stem to form a ball joint.

[0017] The housing may be formed from an electronic module or a portion thereof that can house a sensor unit (such as a tire pressure sensor unit).

[0018] The external dimensions (e.g., outer diameter) of the connecting rod can be adapted for fitting into the orifice of the snap-fit ​​housing. The connecting rod can be secured to the snap-fit ​​housing by screws located on the opposite side of the ring that engage with the internal threads of the connecting rod.

[0019] A method for mounting a tire parameter monitoring system to a wheel rim is also provided. The method includes: providing an adapter having a ball joint and a connecting rod; inserting the connecting rod into a hole on the outer surface of the wheel rim; securing the connecting rod to a snap-fit ​​electronic module located on the inner surface of the wheel rim; and causing the ball joint to engage with a ball socket of a valve stem to provide a hinged ball joint between the valve stem and the adapter.

[0020] Thus, the clamping valve stem is connected to the snap-fit ​​electronic module via an adapter. This adapter allows the valve stem to be positioned at different angles relative to the electronic module via a hinged ball joint between the valve stem and the adapter. The angle between the adapter's connecting rod and the snap-fit ​​electronic module is fixed.

[0021] In an embodiment, the method further includes: placing a seal and a gasket on the valve stem located on the outside of the rim, and securing the valve stem to the outer surface of the rim by means of a nut that engages with the seal, the external thread of the valve stem, and the outer surface of the rim.

[0022] In one embodiment, the nut located on the outer surface of the rim is tightened to clamp the sealing washer between the valve stem and the rim, thereby pulling the valve stem into the washer, applying pressure to the ball joint, and preventing the valve stem from rotating around the head of the ball joint, thus providing an automatic locking mechanism.

[0023] The connecting rod can be secured to the snap-fit ​​housing by screws. For example, the connecting rod can be inserted into an opening in the snap-fit ​​housing and secured to the snap-fit ​​housing by a screw located on the opposite side of the opening that engages with the internal thread of the connecting rod. In some embodiments, the connecting rod includes external threads that engage with a nut located on the opposite side of the opening.

[0024] The articulated ball joint formed by the ball head and ball socket also provides a self-adjusting mechanism to fix the angle between the valve stem and the electronics module when they engage with the rim. This thus fixes the sensor's position on the rim during rotation. Since the valve stem rests on the rim, the valve angle can be easily adjusted to mount the electronics module onto the rim. After initial assembly is complete and the electronics module is in good contact with the rim, tighten the nut on the opposite side of the rim to clamp the sealing gasket between the valve stem and the rim. This also serves to pull the valve stem. Pulling the valve stem into the sealing gasket applies pressure to the ball socket and prevents the valve stem from rotating around the ball head, thus providing an automatic locking mechanism. The torque applied to the nut can be 8 Nm, which is sufficient to hold the valve stem and sensor in the desired position during high-acceleration rotation.

[0025] The electronic unit module can be used with both snap-fit ​​and clamp-fit ​​valves while maintaining flexible positioning, especially at the variable angle between the clamp-fit ​​valve and the electronic module. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] Figure 1a An exploded view of the components of a tire parameter monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0028] Figure 1b It shows Figure 1a Another view of the valve stem of the tire parameter monitoring system.

[0029] Figure 2 This shows an assembled view of the tire parameter monitoring system.

[0030] Figure 3a A tire pressure monitoring system equipped with a snap-on valve mounted on the rim in a fixed angular position is shown.

[0031] Figure 3b A tire pressure monitoring system equipped with a clamping valve that allows for adjustable angle mounting on the rim for optimal fit is shown.

[0032] Figure 4a A snap-fit ​​valve mounted on an electronic module is shown, and

[0033] Figure 4b A clamping valve mounted on an electronic module is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Figure 1a An exploded view of the components of a tire parameter monitoring system 2 (especially a tire pressure monitoring system) according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2An assembled view of the components of a tire parameter monitoring system (particularly a tire pressure monitoring system) according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The tire parameter monitoring system 2 includes: an electronic module 4, which includes a fitting 6 for a snap-fit ​​valve; a ball bolt 8 connected to the fitting 6 and thereby connected to the electronic module 4; and a valve stem 10 for clamping the valve.

[0035] The valve stem 10 has a generally elongated shape, and a ball-and-socket recess 12 is formed on the inner surface of one end 14 of the valve stem 10. The ball-and-socket recess 12 is visible in... Figure 1b The valve stem 10 can open outward at the end 14 to form a ball socket 12, so that the valve stem has a flange at the end 14.

[0036] The ball joint 12 is connected to the ball head 8, allowing the valve stem 10 to be positioned at different angles relative to the electronic module 4. The ball head 8 includes a connecting rod 16 that extends from one side of the ball head 8 and connects to the mounting bracket 6 of the electronic module 4. The diameter of the ball head 8 is larger than the diameter or width of the connecting rod 16. The electronic module 4 includes a housing in which electronics for sensors used in the tire parameter monitoring system are positioned.

[0037] In some embodiments, the mounting 6 of the electronic module 4 includes an aperture 18. A connecting rod 16 is aligned with and extends through the aperture 18 located on the outer side 20 of the mounting 6. The connecting rod 16 may include internal threads that engage with a screw 22 located on the opposite inner side 24 of the mounting 6. In some embodiments, the mounting 6 includes a mounting plate 26 that can be supported by one or more lateral gussets 28. The tire parameter monitoring system 2 may also include a seal 30, a washer 32, and a nut 34 adapted for mounting on the valve stem 10.

[0038] Figure 3a and Figure 3b A tire parameter monitoring system 2 mounted on rim 36 is shown. Figure 3a A tire parameter monitoring system 2 is shown, equipped with a snap-on valve 50 mounted on the rim 36 at a fixed angular position.

[0039] Figure 3b A tire parameter monitoring system 2 equipped with a clamping valve is shown. The clamping valve has a valve stem 10 that allows the system to be mounted on a rim 36 at an adjustable angle. The clamping valve is mounted on the rim 36 at the appropriate angle to achieve optimal assembly of the valve stem 10. The angular position between the valve stem 10 and the electronic module 4 varies. The base portion of the electronic module 4 and the connecting rod 16 is positioned on the inner surface 38 of the rim 36 and is located inside the tire during operation. The valve stem 10, ball joint 8, seal 30, washer 32, and nut 34 are positioned on the outer surface 40 of the rim 36.

[0040] The tire parameter monitoring system 2 is mounted to the rim 36 by inserting a connecting rod 16 from the outer surface 40 of the rim 36 into a hole 42 in the rim 36, and securing the connecting rod to the assembly 6 of the electronic module 4 located on the inner surface 38 of the rim 36. The connecting rod 16 can be secured to the assembly 6 using screws 22. A ball joint 8 is arranged on the outer surface 40 of the rim 36. The ball head 8 engages with the ball socket 12 of the valve stem 10, such that the connecting rod 16 of the ball head 8 protrudes from the axial end 14 of the valve stem 10. The valve stem 10 can be locked in place relative to the electronic module 4 by placing the seal 30, washer 32, and nut 34 on the valve stem 10, and tightening the nut 34 onto the external thread 44 of the valve stem 10, such that the ball head 8 is pulled into the ball socket 12 to lock the angular position of the valve stem 10 relative to the connecting rod 16 and the electronic module 4, and thus securing the valve stem 10 to the outer surface 40 of the rim 36.

[0041] The hinged ball joint between the ball head 8 and the ball socket 12 allows the angle between the valve stem 10 and the electronic unit 4 to be varied, thereby enabling the tire parameter monitoring system 2 to be used for different types of rims.

[0042] Figure 4a An electronic housing connected to the snap-fit ​​valve 50 is shown, and Figure 4b The electronic module 4, connected to the valve stem 10, is shown. Both the snap-fit ​​valve and the clamping valve can be used with the snap-fit ​​electronic module 4, thereby reducing the number of parts required to manufacture the two systems. Furthermore, the clamping valve can be mounted at different angular positions relative to the electronic module 4, allowing system 2 to be used with different wheel rims.

[0043] Reference List

[0044] 2 Tire Parameter Monitoring System

[0045] 4 Electronic Modules

[0046] 6. Assembly parts

[0047] 8. Ball head bolt

[0048] 10 Valve stem

[0049] 12 ball holes

[0050] 14 Valve stem end

[0051] 16 connecting rods

[0052] 18-hole opening

[0053] 20. The outside of the assembly

[0054] 22 screws

[0055] 24. Inside of the assembly

[0056] 26 Mounting Plate

[0057] 28. Horizontal corner brace

[0058] 30 Seals

[0059] 32 Washer

[0060] 34 Nuts

[0061] 36 rims

[0062] 38. Inner surface of the wheel rim

[0063] 40 Outer surface of wheel rim

[0064] 42. Holes in the wheel rim

[0065] 44 External thread

[0066] 50. Snap-fit ​​valve.

Claims

1. A tire parameter monitoring system (2), comprising: Electronic module (4), which has fittings (6) for snap valve; The ball head bolt (8) is connected to the assembly (6); A valve stem (10) for clamping the valve, the valve stem (10) having a ball socket (12) connected to the ball head plug (8) to form a ball joint, such that the valve stem (10) can be positioned at different angles relative to the electronic module (4); and Nut (34), washer (32) and seal (30) are located on the outer surface of the rim, wherein the position of the valve stem (10) relative to the electronic module (4) is secured by fixing the nut (34), the washer (32) and the seal (30) to the distal end of the valve stem (10) and to the rim (36), the nut (34) located on the outer surface (40) of the rim (36) is tightened to clamp the washer between the valve stem (10) and the rim (36), thereby pulling the valve stem (10) into the washer (32), applying pressure to the ball socket (12) and preventing the valve stem (10) from rotating about the head of the ball head bolt (8), thereby providing an automatic locking mechanism.

2. The tire parameter monitoring system (2) according to claim 1, wherein, A connecting rod (16) extends from the ball head bolt (8), wherein the connecting rod (16) is connected to the assembly (6) of the electronic module (4).

3. The tire parameter monitoring system (2) according to claim 2, wherein, The assembly (6) includes an opening (18) and a connecting rod (16) extending through the opening (18).

4. The tire parameter monitoring system (2) according to claim 2, wherein, The connecting rod (16) includes an internal thread and is secured to the assembly (6) by a screw (22) that engages with the internal thread, the screw (22) being positioned on the side of the assembly (6) opposite to the connecting rod (16).

5. The tire parameter monitoring system (2) according to claim 3, wherein, The assembly (6) includes a mounting plate (26) and one or more transverse gusset plates (28), the mounting plate including the orifice (18).

6. The tire parameter monitoring system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The electronic module (4) houses the tire pressure sensor unit.

7. A method for mounting a tire parameter monitoring system (2) to a wheel rim (36), the method comprising: An adapter with a ball head bolt (8) and a connecting rod (16) is provided; Insert the connecting rod (16) into the hole (42) on the outer surface (40) of the rim (36); The connecting rod (16) is fixed to the snap-fit ​​electronic module (4) located on the inner surface (38) of the rim (36); This allows the ball head plug (8) to engage with the ball socket (12) of the valve stem (10) to provide a hinged ball joint between the valve stem (10) and the adapter; Place the seal (30) and gasket (32) on the valve stem (10) located on the outer surface (40) of the rim (36); The valve stem (10) is secured to the outer surface (40) of the rim (36) by a nut (34) that engages with the external thread (44) of the seal (30), the washer (32), the valve stem (10), and the outer surface (40) of the rim (36). The nut (34) located on the outer surface (40) of the rim (36) is tightened to clamp the washer between the valve stem (10) and the rim (36), thereby pulling the valve stem (10) into the washer (32), applying pressure to the ball socket (12), and preventing the valve stem (10) from rotating around the head of the ball head bolt (8), thereby providing an automatic locking mechanism.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The connecting rod (16) is fixed to the snap-fit ​​electronic module (4) by a screw connection.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The connecting rod (16) is inserted into the hole (18) of the snap-fit ​​electronic module (4) and has an internal thread that engages with a screw (22) positioned on the opposite side of the hole (18).

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