Tire inflation valve equipped with an adjustment system for a TPMS sensor

Abstract

A tire inflation valve equipped with an adjustment system for a TPMS sensor, the tire inflation valve (1) comprising a stem (8) terminating in a head (11), the head (11) being equipped with a head body (111). The valve includes an adjustable insert (2) which is associated with the TPMS sensor (3) by means of a connecting device (4) and is hinged to the head body (111) to rotate about a transverse axis (Z) and allow adjustment of the position of the sensor (3). Since, by virtue of the adjustable insert (2), the inclination of the TPMS sensor can be modified according to different usage conditions, this solution allows for the implementation of a single valve suitable for all requirements.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of wheel tire inflation valves, in particular for vehicles, where the term vehicle generally refers to motor vehicles, vans, trucks, motorcycles or generally road transport means.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a snap-in valve with controlled tightening, designed for the field of Tire Pressure Monitoring System technology (TPMS), where, for example, an electronic sensor for detecting and transmitting certain operating parameters of the tire (in particular pressure, but also temperature) is directly mounted on the valve itself, and the valve is fastened to the wheel by means of a hole made in the rim. Background Art

[0003] Snap-in metal valves generally consist of a shaped head, usually cylindrical or hemispherical or polygonal, associated with a TPMS sensor, and a slender rod (or shank) that allows the tire inflation / deflation operation (by means of a suitable inner valve), and the valve itself is fastened to the rim by means of a suitable screw locking device.

[0004] In the example of the drawings, the rod 8 has a straight line; in different embodiments, the rod has bends or folds.

[0005] In the field of inflation valves that may be associated with TPMS, there is a need for different types of available valves, depending on the shape, material and thickness of the rim, the thickness, position and diameter of the hole for inserting the valve, to name just a few examples.

[0006] Furthermore, while motor vehicles must use TPMS, for trucks the sensors are still considered accessories, although they are very advantageous in terms of safety and efficiency (frequent tire wear, the possibility of traveling more kilometers, lower tire retreading frequency, cost and emission reduction). In the near future, trucks will also be forced to use TPMS.

[0007] Specifically referring to truck tire inflation valves, depending on the tire and the associated rim, as well as the part of the vehicle (tractor or trailer) where the tire is mounted, there are various types. Moreover, even in complex situations, such as in the case of inner wheels or dual wheels, such valves must allow access to the inflation system. Therefore, there are many more types of valves for trucks than for motor vehicles. Thus, such valves have different types of "feet" (the area of the seal and the nut thread part), which have very variable lengths, and may have one or more folds in the shank area (also called the "shaft").

[0008] Although such valves are now standardized, the introduction of TPMS sensors has led to new complex variables to manage. For example, dedicated space must be reserved for the valve head and the TPMS sensor, which must be oriented according to the shape of the rim. Dedicated space must be left during assembly to tighten the sensor, without forgetting the safety requirements of the sensor in case of possible impacts when mounting the tire on the rim.

[0009] Therefore, in the field of tire inflation valves for vehicles, specifically for trucks, valves and relatively adjustable valve-sensor systems that can adapt to different usage scenarios are needed. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a tire inflation valve for vehicles, specifically for trucks, which is equipped with a system for adjusting the position of the TPMS sensor.

[0011] This object is achieved by the valve with an adjustable insert, the adjustable insert, and the valve-sensor system of the present invention.

[0012] The tire inflation valve associated with a TPMS sensor according to the present invention has a longitudinal deployment axis and comprises: a rod terminating in a head, the head being equipped with a head body; an adjustable insert associated with the TPMS sensor by means of connection means and hinged to the head body to rotate about a transverse axis and allow adjustment of the position of the sensor. The adjustable insert includes an internal body equipped with a central seat for the insertion of the connection means and the engagement portion to allow connection of the adjustable insert to the head body. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily understood from the following description of preferred embodiments given by way of non-limiting example, in the drawings:

[0014] Figure 1 and Figure 2 show a cross-sectional view of the valve according to the present invention, in an alternative embodiment, in which the head and the shank are integral and respectively have ( Figure 2 ) and do not have ( Figure 1 ) a system for adjusting the position of the TPMS sensor;

[0015] Figures 3A to 3D respectively show the steps for assembling the valve according to the present invention and for assembling the corresponding TPMS sensor, the positioning of the valve in the rim hole ( Figure 3A ), the fastening of the valve on the rim ( Figure 3B ), the positioning and adjustment of the TPMS sensor on the valve head ( Figure 3C ), the fastening of the TPMS sensor on the valve;

[0016] Figure 4A and Figure 4B shows a valve according to the present invention, which in an alternative embodiment is equipped with a protective cap for the head;

[0017] Figure 5A and Figure 5B shows a valve according to the present invention, which in a further alternative embodiment is equipped with a protective cap for the head;

[0018] Figure 6A and Figure 6B shows a valve according to the present invention, in an alternative embodiment, wherein the head is separable from the stem;

[0019] Figure 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 8A , Figure 8B , Figure 8H and Figure 8J respectively show in detail a system for adjusting the position of a TPMS sensor for a valve according to the present invention according to a single-component alternative embodiment: Figure 7A is a top isometric view; Figure 7B is a bottom isometric view; Figure 8A is a bottom view; Figure 8B is a top view showing sections H and J; Figure 8H is a cross-sectional view along plane H; Figure 8J is a cross-sectional view along plane J;

[0020] Figure 9 , Figure 10A , Figure 10B , Figure 10F , Figure 10G , Figure 11 , Figure 12 , Figure 13C and Figure 13D respectively show in detail a system for adjusting the position of a TPMS sensor for a valve according to the present invention according to a two-component alternative embodiment: Figure 9 is a top isometric view of the assembly; Figure 10A is a bottom view of the assembly; Figure 10B is a top view of the assembly showing sections H and J; Figure 10F is a cross-sectional view of the assembly along plane F; Figure 10G is a cross-sectional view of the assembly along plane G; Figure 11 is Figure 9 exploded view of the adjustment system of; Figure 12 is a top view of the external component showing sections C and D; Figure 13C is a cross-sectional view of the external component along plane D; Figure 13D is a cross-sectional view of the external component along plane D;

[0021] Figure 14 , Figure 15A , Figure 15B , Figure 15K , Figure 15L , Figure 16 , Figure 17 , Figure 18P and Figure 18R respectively and in detail show a system for adjusting the position of a TPMS sensor for a valve according to the present invention in a further two-component alternative embodiment: Figure 14 is a top isometric view of the assembly;

[0022] Figure 15A is a bottom view of the assembly; Figure 15B is a top view of the assembly, showing sections K and L; Figure 15K is a cross-sectional view of the assembly along plane K; Figure 15L is a cross-sectional view of the assembly along plane L; Figure 16 is an exploded view of the adjustment system; Figure 17 is a top view of the external component, showing sections R and P; Figure 18P is a cross-sectional view of the external component along plane P; Figure 18R is a cross-sectional view of the external component along plane R;

[0023] Figure 19A , Figure 19B , Figure 19C , Figure 20A , Figure 20B , Figure 20C , Figure 20D and Figure 20E , respectively show a valve according to the present invention, which in a further alternative embodiment has a single-component system for adjusting the position of the TPMS sensor: Figure 19A is a top isometric view of the valve; Figure 19B is a side view of the valve; Figure 19C is a side cross-sectional view of the valve; Figure 20A is an isometric view of the adjustment system; Figure 20B is a side view of the adjustment system; Figure 20C is a front view of the adjustment system; Figure 20D is a side cross-sectional view of the adjustment system; Figure 20E is a front cross-sectional view of the adjustment system;

[0024] Figure 21A , Figure 21B , Figure 21C , Figure 22A , Figure 22B , Figure 22C , Figure 22D and Figure 22E respectively show a valve according to the present invention, which in yet a further alternative embodiment has a single-component system for adjusting the position of the TPMS sensor: Figure 21A is a top isometric view of the valve;Figure 21B is a side view of the valve; Figure 21C is a side sectional view of the valve; Figure 22A is an isometric view of the regulating system; Figure 22B is a side view of the regulating system; Figure 22C is a front view of the regulating system; Figure 22D is a side sectional view of the regulating system; Figure 22E is a front sectional view of the regulating system;

[0025] Figure 23A and Figure 23B and Figure 23C show the valve according to the invention in an isometric view, an isometric sectional view, and a front sectional view, the valve being equipped with a position regulating system on which a corresponding TPMS sensor is mounted.

[0026] In the above-mentioned drawings, the same or similar elements are indicated by the same reference numerals. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0027] Referring to the above-mentioned drawings, reference numeral 1 generally denotes a vehicle tire inflation valve according to the invention (hereinafter referred to as valve 1), which is equipped with a system for adjusting the position of the TPMS sensor.

[0028] Valve 1 is made, for example, of a clamped-in metal or plastic, is used for inflating a tire, and is adapted to be stably associated with a sensor 3 for TPMS technology. Valve 1 can also be used without the sensor 3.

[0029] Specifically referring to Figures 3A to 3D , the steps of positioning ( Figure 3A ) and fastening ( Figure 3B ) valve 1 and the steps of positioning ( Figure 3C ) and fastening ( Figure 3D ) the associated sensor 3 on the wheel rim 6 of a motor vehicle are shown to form a valve-sensor unit 10. Sensor 3 is positioned tangentially to the wheel rim 6 (inside the air chamber defined by the associated tire, not shown), while valve 1 projects outwardly with respect to the wheel rim 6 and is stably fixed to the wheel rim 6 by means of a lock nut 5 adapted to be screwed onto a thread 18 provided on the stem 8 of valve 1.

[0030] To stably associate the two components, both valve 1 and sensor 3 are crossed by a connecting device 4 (e.g., a screw or a pin).

[0031] Valve 1 extends along a longitudinal axis X and includes a stem 8 and a head 11.

[0032] In an alternative embodiment of Figure 6B , valve 1 is made in one piece, i.e., the stem 8 and the head 11 can be non-separable from each other. In Figure 6AIn an alternative embodiment, the rod 8 and the head 11 are distinct and separate elements that can be connected to each other by means of a connecting device 9 (such as a screw) to form the valve 1.

[0033] The valve 1 according to the invention includes at the head 11 means for adjusting the position of the TPMS sensor. The head 11 of the valve 1 itself is means for adjusting the position of the TPMS sensor.

[0034] Specifically, the head 11 includes a head body 111 that is connected ( Figure 6B ) or connectable ( Figure 6A ) to the rod 8, and an adjustable insert 2 that is connectable to the sensor 3. The adjustable insert 2 is pivotally connected to the head body 111 so as to rotate about the axis of rotation Z relative to the head body 111.

[0035] The head body 111 is convex, for example hemispherical or cylindrical or oval. In Figure 1 the example, the head 11 is hemispherical; in Figure 19A the example, it is cylindrical.

[0036] The head body 111 is axially drilled, that is, the channel 7 existing inside the rod 8 opens at the head 11.

[0037] As can be noted in Figure 6A and Figure 6B , the head body 111 has a substantially flat lower part 113 from which a substantially hemispherical upper part 114 extends.

[0038] The upper part 114 includes a central groove 116 that extends along the horizontal axis Y. The central groove 116 divides the upper part 114 of the head body 111 into two side parts 115 that face each other. The central groove 116 constitutes a seat in which the adjustable insert 2 or at least a part thereof is rotatably inserted.

[0039] Both side parts 115 are provided with radial holes 117, through holes or blind holes that extend along the transverse axis Z. The radial holes 117 face each other. The radial holes 117 constitute a rotational locking seat for the adjustable insert 2 or at least a part thereof.

[0040] The upper part 114 includes at least a pair of side grooves 118, each side groove 118 being located on the outer surface of the side part 115 and being usable as a holder for a tool (such as a wrench).

[0041] Preferably, the valve 1 further includes a cap 119 to cover the head body 111 so as to protect the tire during the assembly of the valve 1. In Figure 4A the shown embodiment, the cap 119 can be inserted into the central groove 116 to complete the hemispherical upper part 114 ( Figure 4B ). In Figure 5AIn a further embodiment shown, the cap 119 is hemispherical and is capable of at least partially covering the hemispherical upper part 114( Figure 5B ).

[0042] Preferably, the cap 119 includes at least a pair of protruding tabs 121 that can be inserted into appropriate seats in the head body 111, for example, the radial holes 117, to facilitate fastening it to the valve 1.

[0043] Preferably, the cap 119 includes at least one recess 120 in which a tool, such as a screwdriver, is inserted to facilitate removing it from the head body 111 of the valve 1.

[0044] Figures 7A to 22E Some embodiments of an adjustable insert 2 that can be hinged to the head body 111 according to the present invention are shown.

[0045] The adjustable insert 2 includes an inner body 21, and the inner body 21 is equipped with a central seat 210 for inserting a connecting device 4 (to connect the valve 1 and the sensor 3) and an engaging portion 220 to allow it to be connected to the head body 111. Preferably, the central seat 210 is a threaded or self-tapping hole.

[0046] In an alternative embodiment involving Figures 7A to 18R the engaging portion 220 is inserted into the radial hole 117 from the inside of a central groove 116 made in the head body 111.

[0047] In such an embodiment, the engaging portion 220 includes a pair of flexible legs 221 that are adapted to elastically deform (move closer) to allow the adjustable insert 2 to be at least partially inserted into the central groove 116 made in the head body 111. In such an embodiment, the flexible legs 221 are arranged inside the head body 111.

[0048] Each flexible leg 221 is equipped with a radial protrusion 222 at its end, and the radial protrusion 222 is adapted to be fitted into the radial hole 117 to achieve a hinged connection between the adjustable insert 2 and the head body 111. The radial protrusion 222 protrudes towards the outer side of the flexible leg 221 on the opposite side with respect to the central seat 210. The flexible legs 221 elastically deform, first by moving closer to allow each radial protrusion 222 to be inserted into the opposite radial hole 117 of the head body 111, and then by moving farther apart to keep each radial protrusion 222 inserted into the opposite radial hole 117.

[0049] As Figure 8H 、 Figure 10F and Figure 17It can be seen that the central seat 210 terminates before the radial protrusions 222, so that the connecting device 4 inserted through the central seat 210 can protrude below it and serve as a radial stop for the flexible legs 221, preventing them from approaching each other. Thus, each radial protrusion 222 remains firmly inserted into the corresponding radial hole 117 of the head body 111 to achieve the articulated connection of the adjustable insert 2. As Figure 23C shown, once the connecting device 4 is correctly inserted, the adjustable insert 2 is firmly hinged to the head body 111.

[0050] In an Figures 19A to 22E alternative embodiment, the engaging portion 220 is inserted into the radial hole 117 from the outside of the central groove 116 formed in the head body 111. Additionally, in such an embodiment, the radial protrusions 222 also form an inner body 21 equipped with the central seat 210.

[0051] In an Figure 20A embodiment, the engaging portion 220 is inserted into the radial hole 117 transversely with respect to the valve 1. In this example, the engaging portion 220 includes flexible legs 221, which are equipped with radial protrusions 222 at their ends. The radial protrusions 222 are adapted to fit into the radial holes 117 to achieve the articulated connection between the adjustable insert 2 and the head body 111. The radial protrusions 222 protrude towards the inside of the flexible legs 221 and are long enough to occupy two radial holes 117 simultaneously.

[0052] In an Figure 22A embodiment, the opposing sides 115 are equipped with inlets 191, which are adapted to allow the engaging portion 220 to enter. The engaging portion 220 is inserted into the radial hole 117 from the front with respect to the valve 1. In such an example, the engaging portion 220 includes a pair of legs 221 connected to each other by radial protrusions 222. The radial protrusions 222 are adapted to fit into the radial holes 117 to achieve the articulated connection between the adjustable insert 2 and the head body 111. The radial protrusions 222 are long enough to occupy two radial holes 117 simultaneously.

[0053] In such an embodiment ( Figure 20A and Figure 22A ), the legs 221 are arranged on the outside of the head body 111.

[0054] Preferably, the adjustable insert 2 further includes an outer body 23, and the inner body 21 is arranged in or connected to the outer body 23.

[0055] Preferably, the outer body 23 includes a yielding portion 235, which is obtained, for example, by a pre-cut or as a part ( Figure 8J and Figure 16) or the thickness of the leg 221 is thinned, or even as a protruding element or tab ( Figure 13D ), adapted to yield in the case of excessive stress acting on the adjustable insert 2. Such a yielding portion 235 serves to ensure sealing or tamper-proofing to indicate that the adjustable insert 2 has been used. Advantageously, the yielding portion 235 is arranged on the outer body 23 such that the tamper-proofing function does not impair the fastening of the sensor 3 to the valve 1.

[0056] The outer body 23 is provided with an upper surface 231 which defines a support surface for the sensor 3. Thus, advantageously, the outer body 23 provides a larger surface for the valve 1 to support the sensor 3.

[0057] Preferably, the outer body 23 is provided with an upper seat 232 at the upper surface 231, which is shaped to receive a corresponding possible protrusion on the bottom of the sensor 3 and serves as a restraint against unwanted rotation of the sensor itself.

[0058] Preferably, the outer body 23 is provided with at least one lower seat 234 at the lower surface 233, which is shaped to at least partially receive the hemispherical upper part 114 of the head body 111.

[0059] Preferably, the outer body 23 is provided with at least a pair of side recesses 240 to facilitate the passage of tools (e.g., a wrench for holding the head during tightening).

[0060] In Figures 7A to 8J and Figures 19A to 22E embodiments, the adjustable insert 2 is a single piece, and thus the outer body 23 and the inner body 21 are made integrally. In such an embodiment, the adjustable insert 2 is preferably made of a plastic material.

[0061] In Figures 7A to 8JIn an embodiment, the inner body 21 is substantially a parallelepiped intersected by threaded holes which serve as the central seat 210 for screwing the connecting device 4. A pair of legs 221 facing each other extend downward from two opposite sides of the inner body 21, and the shape of each leg is preferably triangular. Each leg 221 is provided with a radially external protrusion 222 for an articulated connection between the adjustable insert 2 and the head body 111. Preferably, the inner surface of the leg 221 is also at least partially threaded and is a continuation of the central seat 210 of the connecting device 4. The outer body 23 is substantially cylindrical and surrounds the inner body 21. The outer body 23 is connected to the inner body 21 by means of a pair of bridging members 236. Based on the inner body 21, the bridging members 236 are arranged on two opposite free sides of the inner body 21. In addition to connecting the outer body 23 to the inner body 21, the bridging members 236 are also yielding portions 235 which serve as anti-tampering means to indicate whether the adjustable insert 2 has been used. The outer body 23 is further provided with an upper seat 232 to receive any protrusion on the bottom of the sensor 3, a lower seat 234 to receive the hemispherical upper part 114 of the head body 111, and a side recess 240 to facilitate the passage of tools.

[0062] In Figures 20A to 20E In an embodiment, the inner body 21 is substantially a parallelepiped penetrated by holes, and the threaded holes serve as the central seat 210 for screwing the connecting device 4. On one side of the inner body 21, a leg 221 preferably in a triangular shape extends downward. The leg 221 is provided with a radial protrusion 222 for an articulated connection between the adjustable insert 2 and the head body 111. The radial protrusion 222 is provided with a threaded hole which is a continuation of the central seat 210 of the connecting device 4. The outer body 23 is substantially a parallelepiped and is located above the inner body 21. The outer body 23 is connected to the inner body 21 by means of the leg 221. The outer body 23 is further provided with an upper seat 232 to receive any protrusion on the bottom of the sensor 3, a lower seat 234 to receive the hemispherical upper part 114 of the head body 111, and a side recess 240 to facilitate the passage of tools.

[0063] In Figures 22A to 22EIn an embodiment, the internal body 21 is substantially a parallelepiped through which a hole passes, and this threaded hole serves as the central seat 210 for tightening the connecting device 4. A pair of legs 221 facing each other extend downward from two opposite sides of the internal body 21, and the shape of each leg is preferably triangular. The legs 221 are connected by a radial projection 222 for an articulated connection between the adjustable insert 2 and the head body 111. The radial projection 222 is provided with a threaded hole which is a continuation of the central seat 210 for the connecting device 4. The external body 23 is substantially a parallelepiped and is located above the internal body 21. The external body 23 is connected to the internal body 21 by means of the legs 221. The external body 23 is further provided with an upper seat 232 to accommodate any projection on the bottom of the sensor 3, a lower seat 234 to accommodate the hemispherical upper part 114 of the head body 111, and a side recess 240 to facilitate the passage of tools.

[0064] In Figures 9 to 18R the embodiment, the adjustable insert 2 is a two-component part, and thus the external body 23 and the internal body 21 are different elements assembled mechanically.

[0065] Preferably, in Figures 9 to 13C the embodiment, the external body 23 is made of a plastic material and the internal body 21 is made of metal. Advantageously, the fact that the internal body 21 is made of metal ensures a more resistant fastening between the valve 1 and the sensor 3.

[0066] In another embodiment, the internal body 21 consists of different elements made of plastic and / or metal assembled mechanically.

[0067] In Figures 9 to 13CIn the embodiment, the inner body 21 is substantially a cylinder through which threaded holes or self-tapping holes pass, and the threaded holes serve as the central seat 210 for tightening the connecting device 4. A pair of legs 221 facing each other extend downward from two opposite sides of the inner body 21, and the shape of each leg is preferably U-shaped or C-shaped. Each leg 221 is provided with a radially outer protrusion 222 for the articulated connection between the adjustable insert 2 and the head body 111. The outer body 23 is substantially cylindrical and surrounds the inner body 21. The outer body 23 is connected to the inner body 21 in an interlocking manner by means of adjacent elements 237, 238. Preferably, the outer body 23 includes at least a pair of lower adjacent elements 237 and a pair of upper adjacent elements 238 that protrude inward from opposite sides, and the lower adjacent elements 237 and the upper adjacent elements 238 define a clamping seat 239 for the upper edge 219 of the inner body 21 therebetween. Preferably, the upper adjacent element 238 is shorter than the lower adjacent element 237 and allows the upper edge 219 of the inner body 21 to be inserted into the clamping seat 239 of the outer body 23 and prevents it from coming out. Based on the inner body 21, the adjacent elements 237, 238 are arranged on two opposite free sides of the inner body 21. In addition to allowing the interlocking between the outer body 23 and the inner body 21, the upper adjacent element 238 is also a yielding part 235, and the yielding part 235 functions to prevent tampering to indicate whether the adjustable insert 2 has been used. The outer body 23 is further provided with an upper seat 232 to accommodate any protrusion on the bottom of the sensor 3, a lower seat 234 to accommodate the hemispherical upper part 114 of the head body 111, and a side recess 240 to facilitate the passage of tools.

[0068] Preferably, in Figures 14 to 18R the exemplary embodiment, both the outer body 23 and the inner body 21 are made of plastic material.

[0069] In Figures 14 to 18RIn an exemplary embodiment thereof, the inner body 21 is substantially a parallelepiped traversed by a self-tapping hole which serves as a central seat 210 for screwing the connecting device 4. A pair of legs 221 facing each other extend downward from two opposite sides of the inner body 21, and the shape of each leg is preferably substantially triangular. Each leg 221 is equipped with a radially external projection 222 for an articulated connection between the adjustable insert 2 and the head body 111. The outer body 23 is substantially rectangular and surrounds the inner body 21. The inner body 21 is slidably inserted into the outer body 23 and is held by means of adjacent elements 237, 238. Preferably, the outer body 23 is equipped with a lower adjacent element 237, preferably U-shaped or C-shaped, and is equipped with at least a pair of upper adjacent elements 238 which define therebetween a clamping seat 239 for the inner body 21. The lower adjacent element 237, in addition to allowing the holding of the outer body 23, is also a yielding part 235 which serves an anti-tampering function to indicate whether the adjustable insert 2 has been used. The outer body 23 is further equipped with an upper seat 232 to accommodate any projection on the bottom of the sensor 3, a lower seat 234 to accommodate the hemispherical upper part 114 of the head body 111, and a side recess 240 to facilitate the passage of tools.

[0070] Advantageously, the adjustable insert 2 is at least partially made of plastic material and serves as a sacrificial element of the valve-sensor unit 10 in case of problems during the step of assembling the valve 1 onto the tyre: in fact, it is preferred that the valve 1 breaks rather than the sensor 3, which is much more expensive. Further, throughout the valve 1, it is preferred that the adjustable insert 2 breaks because it is easier to replace.

[0071] Advantageously, at least the outer body 23 of the adjustable insert 2 is made of plastic material and serves as a sacrificial element of the adjustable insert 2: in fact, it is preferred that the outer body 23 breaks rather than the inner body 21 in order to always and in any case ensure the fastening of the sensor 3 to the valve 1.

[0072] Therefore, the object of the present invention is a tyre inflation valve 1 associated with a TPMS sensor, the tyre inflation valve 1 having a longitudinal development axis X and comprising a rod 8 ending in a head 11, the head 11 being equipped with a head body 111. Such a valve comprises an adjustable insert 2 which is associated with the TPMS sensor 3 by means of a connecting device 4 and is hinged to the head body 111 to rotate about a transverse axis Z and allow the adjustment of the position of the sensor 3.

[0073] Another object of the present invention is a tire inflation valve associated with a TPMS sensor. The tire inflation valve 1 has a longitudinally extending axis X and includes a stem 8 terminating in a head 11, and the head 11 is provided with a head body 111. The head body 111 includes two opposite sides 115, and each side is provided with a radial hole 117 extending along a transverse axis Z. The holes 117 face each other and are adapted to act as locking seats for an adjustable insert associated with the TPMS sensor during rotation.

[0074] Another object of the present invention is an adjustable insert 2 for a tire inflation valve associated with a TPMS sensor, which includes an inner body 21 having a central seat 210 and an engaging portion 220 having at least one leg 221. The leg 221 is provided with a radial protrusion 222, and the radial protrusion 222 can be inserted into the valve head to achieve a hinged connection between the valve and the sensor.

[0075] Another object of the present invention is a valve-sensor system adapted to different usage scenarios, including: a tire inflation valve 1 according to the present invention; a TPMS sensor 3 associated with the adjustable insert 2 by means of a connecting device 4, wherein the connecting device 4 fastens the adjustable insert 2 to the head body 111.

[0076] Innovatively, the tire inflation valve according to the present invention for a vehicle, specifically for a truck, is equipped with a system for adjusting the position of the TPMS sensor, and this system allows for the realization of a single head 11 suitable for all requirements.

[0077] Advantageously, with the adjustable insert 2, the valve according to the present invention allows for changing the inclination of the TPMS sensor according to different usage conditions.

[0078] Advantageously, with the adjustable insert 2, the valve according to the present invention is applicable to many types of sensors and different sensor accommodation models, and allows for various customizations.

[0079] Advantageously, the valve according to the present invention includes a head 11, and the head 11 is shaped to leave a free space for operating tools, thus facilitating fastening on the rim and installation of the TPMS sensor.

[0080] Advantageously, since the adjustable insert 2 can be easily removed from the valve head 11, the valve according to the present invention is also applicable to applications without a TPMS sensor.

[0081] Advantageously, with the valve according to the present invention, the TPMS sensor can also be applied in the second step.

[0082] Advantageously, with the presence of an anti-tampering element, the valve according to the present invention can signal whether there has been a previous use or tampering.

[0083] Advantageously, the valve according to the invention is compatible both with perforated and non-perforated, threaded or self-tapping connecting screws 4, since the vent holes of the central channel 7 are positioned away from the screw and are thus not obstructed by it.

[0084] To meet occasional and specific requirements, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the above valve, all of which are included within the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A tire inflation valve (1) associated with a TPMS sensor, having a longitudinally extending axis (X) and comprising: a stem (8) terminating in a head (11), the head being provided with a head body (111), an adjustable insert (2) associated with the TPMS sensor (3) by means of connecting means (4) and hinged to the head body (111) to rotate about a transverse axis (Z) and allow adjustment of the position of the sensor (3); wherein the adjustable insert (2) comprises an inner body (21) provided with a central seat (210) for the insertion of the connecting means (4) and an engagement portion (220) to allow connection of the adjustable insert to the head body (111), wherein the engagement portion (220) comprises at least one leg (221) provided with a radial projection (222) which can be inserted into a corresponding radial hole (117) of the head body (111) to effect a hinged connection between the adjustable insert (2) and the head body (111).

2. The tire inflation valve (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The leg (221) is arranged outside or inside the head body (111).

3. The tire inflation valve (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The adjustable insert (2) comprises an outer body (23) connected to the inner body (21), the outer body (23) being made of plastic material.

4. The tire inflation valve (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The outer body (23) comprises at least one yielding portion (235) serving as an anti-tampering member.

5. The tire inflation valve (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The outer body (23) is provided with an upper surface (231) defining a support surface for the sensor (3) and comprising: at least one upper seat (232) shaped to receive the bottom of the sensor (3), and / or at least one lower seat (234) shaped to at least partially receive the head body (111), and / or at least a pair of side recesses (240).

6. The tire inflation valve (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The inner body (21) and the outer body (23) are made of a single piece of plastic material.

7. The tire inflation valve (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The inner body (21) and the outer body (23) are different elements assembled mechanically, and wherein the inner body (21) is also made of plastic material.

8. The tire inflation valve (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein The inner body (21) and the outer body (23) are different elements assembled mechanically, and wherein the inner body (21) is made of metal.

9. The tire inflation valve (1) according to claim 7, wherein, The inner body (21) is held in position inside the outer body (23) by means of at least one lower abutting element (237) and at least one upper abutting element (238).

10. The tire inflation valve (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The head body (111) comprises two side portions (115) facing each other, each side portion being provided with a radial hole (117) extending along the transverse axis (Z), the radial holes (117) facing each other and being adapted to act as locking seats for the adjustable insert (2) or at least a part of the adjustable insert during rotation.

11. A valve-sensor system comprising: a tire inflation valve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10; TPMS sensor (3), associated with the adjustable insert (2) by means of a connecting device (4), wherein the connecting device (4) fastens the adjustable insert (2) to the head body (111).

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