Components for inner tubes

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly (100) for or belonging to an inner tube (110) of a tyre, comprising a base membrane (101, 201) forming part of the inner tube (110) or configured to be attached to the inner tube (110). The assembly (100) further comprises a ring (102) inserted into a hole passing through the base membrane (101, 201), the ring (102) comprising an internal thread of a fastening means. The assembly (100) further comprises a plug (103) removably insertable in the ring (102), the plug (103) comprising an external thread of the fastening means, a first end having a first surface (103a) and a second end having a second surface (103b), wherein the first surface (103a) is adapted to face outwardly towards the cavity of the inner tube when inflated, and the second surface (103b) is adapted to face inwardly towards the cavity of the inner tube and to attach a module (104) comprising an electronic device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed solution relates to an inner tube for a tire. Background Art

[0002] It is known that tires can be equipped with devices for sensing measurements of interest, such as the air pressure inside the tire. Such devices transmit information via low frequency radio, for example, to the vehicle's onboard computer and to a corresponding display in the instrument cluster, if the vehicle is equipped with such a display.

[0003] Tire pressure sensors are often integrated into so-called tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), and the sensors are often attached to the valve stem assembly at each tire rim. The sensors may also be attached to the inner liner of the tire using adhesives or other mounting means.

[0004] However, the solutions known in the art are applicable only to vehicles, where the tires do not have inner tubes. Some vehicles have inner tubes inserted into the tires to provide an airtight means for maintaining tire pressure. The above mentioned solutions are not applicable to those vehicles equipped with inner tubes, since the air cavity cannot be accessed to at least measure the temperature and pressure. Summary of the invention

[0005] The disclosed solution is based on an assembly for enabling a module comprising electronic equipment to enter the air cavity of the inner tube of a tire.

[0006] Therefore, according to a first aspect of the disclosed solution, a component for an inner tube of a tire is provided. A component belonging to the inner tube of a tire is also provided. The component comprises:

[0007] - a base membrane which forms part of an inner tube or is configured to be attached to an inner tube,

[0008] - a ring, which is inserted into a hole through the basement membrane, said ring comprising

[0009] Internal threads of the fastening mechanism,

[0010] - a plug which can be removably inserted into said ring, said plug comprising

[0011] The external thread of the fastening mechanism,

[0012] a first end portion having a first surface adapted to face outwardly toward the cavity of the inner tube when inflated,

[0013] • A second end having a second surface adapted to face inwardly toward the cavity of the inner tube and adapted to attach a module comprising electronic equipment.

[0014] For example, the electronic device may be a sensor, such as a sensor for sensing temperature and / or pressure. The assembly according to the disclosed solution enables accurate monitoring of conditions within the inner tube, thereby making driving safer.

[0015] The base film may be part of the inner tube, thereby providing a simplified manufacturing process for the inner tube including the assembly. The base film may also be a separate patch, thereby allowing the assembly to be manufactured at a different location from the inner tube. It is noted that the term "separate patch" as used herein does not mean separate from the ring; rather, it means that the patch is a distinct part separate from the inner tube.

[0016] Furthermore, the arrangement of rings and plugs makes it much easier to change the module according to actual needs compared to prior art solutions.

[0017] Thus, according to a second aspect of the disclosed solution, there is provided an inner tube for a tire. The inner tube comprises an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a cavity when the inner tube is inflated. The inner tube further comprises:

[0018] - a ring inserted into the hole through the inner tube, said ring comprising

[0019] Internal threads of the fastening mechanism,

[0020] - a plug which can be removably inserted into said ring, said plug comprising

[0021] The external thread of the fastening mechanism,

[0022] a first end portion having a first surface that faces outwardly toward the cavity of the inner tube,

[0023] • A second end having a second surface facing inwardly toward the cavity of the inner tube and adapted for attachment of a module comprising electronic equipment.

[0024] The disclosed solution also includes a sensor assembly for or belonging to an inner tube of a tire, the sensor assembly including any of the assemblies and sensors disclosed herein.

[0025] In a second aspect, the ring may be inserted into a hole through a base membrane, which is a separate patch that has been attached to the outer or inner surface of the inner tube.

[0026] According to a third aspect of the disclosed solution, there is provided a method for attaching such an assembly to an inner tube for a tire. The method comprises:

[0027] - preparing an assembly according to the disclosed solution, wherein the base film is a separate patch,

[0028] - forming holes on the surface of the inner tube, the holes being no smaller than the holes of the base film,

[0029] - applying an adhesive to the contact surface of the base film, wherein said contact surface will come into contact with the inner tube,

[0030] - attaching the assembly to the inner tube with the holes of the inner tube and the holes of the base membrane aligned,

[0031] - Pressing the assembly onto the inner tube while the adhesive cures.

[0032] As mentioned, the term "separate patch" as used herein does not mean separate from the ring; rather, it means that the patch is a distinct piece separate from the inner tube.

[0033] Main embodiments are characterized by the independent claims. Various embodiments are disclosed in the dependent claims. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the embodiments and examples stated in the claims and the description are freely combinable with each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 By way of example, a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of an assembly according to the disclosed aspects is shown.

[0035] Figure 2a By way of example, Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of an assembly shown in FIG. 1 , the assembly being attached to an inner tube, the inner tube being partially shown.

[0036] Figure 2b By way of another example, a slightly modified Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of an assembly shown in FIG. 1 , the assembly being attached to an inner tube, the inner tube being partially shown.

[0037] Figure 3 By way of another example, a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of an assembly according to the disclosed aspects is shown.

[0038] Figure 4 By way of example, a schematic diagram of a perspective view of an inner tube including an assembly according to the disclosed aspects is shown, the inner tube being partially shown.

[0039] The drawings are intended to illustrate the general principles of the disclosed scheme. Therefore, the illustrations in the drawings are not necessarily to scale and do not represent the precise layout of the system components.

[0040] List of reference numerals:

[0041] 100 Components

[0042] 101 Basement membrane

[0043] 201 Basement membrane

[0044] 102 Ring

[0045] 103 plug

[0046] 103a First surface

[0047] 103b Second surface

[0048] 104 Circumferentially protruding shoulder

[0049] 105 O-ring

[0050] 106 modules

[0051] 110 Inner tube (part)

[0052] X The axis direction of the ring

[0053] Z The axis of rotation of the inner tube

[0054] α angle DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Reference may be made to the accompanying drawings. The disclosed solution relates to an assembly 100 for an inner tube. Preferably, such an assembly 100 is used for an inner tube 110 of a tire. For example, such an assembly 100 may be used for an inner tube of a tire for a heavy vehicle, such as a tractor, a crawler, a harvester or a front-end loader; such a tire may also be referred to as a heavy-duty tire. The assembly 100 is suitable for attaching a module 106 to the inner tube 110, the module 106 including an electronic device, such as a sensor.

[0056] According to the disclosed solution, the assembly 100 includes a base film 101, 201. The base film 101, 201 serves as a substrate for other components of the assembly 100.

[0057] like Figure 1 , Figure 2a and Figure 2b As shown in the figure, the base film 101 can be a patch. The shape and size of the base film 101 can be changed according to actual needs. Figure 2a and Figure 2b 1 shows an illustrative variation of the base film 101. Figure 2a and Figure 2b As shown in the figure, by attaching the base film 101 to the surface of the inner tube 110, the base film 101 can be attached to the inner tube 110 as a separate patch. The base film 101 can be attached to the outer surface of the inner tube, and thus the assembly 100 is suitable for any commercially available inner tube. Therefore, the assembly 100 can be manufactured in a place where equipment for manufacturing inner tubes is not necessarily required, and the assembly 100 with a small size compared to the inner tube is easy to store and transport to the inner tube manufacturer. On the other hand, the base film 101 can also be attached to the inner surface of the inner tube 110 during the vulcanization process of the inner tube 110 so as to keep the outer surface of the inner tube flat.

[0058] Alternatively, if Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the base film 102 can also form a part of the inner tube 110. In this case, no separate patch is needed. In other words, the inner tube 110 is used as a base film 102 for other components of the assembly 100. This configuration simplifies the process of manufacturing the inner tube 110 including the assembly 100.

[0059] The assembly 100 also includes a ring 102. The base membrane 101, 201 includes a hole for the ring 102 to be inserted. Therefore, the ring 102 is laterally surrounded by the base membrane 101, 201. The ring 102 includes an internal thread of a fastening mechanism. On the surface of the inner tube 110, the ring 102 provides mechanical support for the assembly 100. The assembly 100 also includes a plug 103, which includes an external thread of the fastening mechanism. The plug 103 can be inserted in the ring 102 by screwing, thereby forming a fastening mechanism. The inserted plug 103 can be removed from the ring 102 by reverse screwing without damaging the connecting parts, such as the plug 103 and the ring 102. Therefore, the ring 102 and the plug 103 form a non-permanent connection together. The internal thread of the ring 102 and the external thread of the plug 103 are designed to make the fastening mechanism substantially airtight. Therefore, when the inner tube 110 is inflated, the ring 102 and the plug 103 prevent air leakage together.

[0060] When the plug 103 is inserted into the ring 102, an additional O-ring 105 between the ring 102 and the plug 103 can be used to further enhance the airtightness. For example, the O-ring 105 made of an elastomeric material can be placed in a groove of the internal thread of the ring 102 or in a groove of the external thread of the plug 103. When the ring 102 is inserted, the O-ring 105 is compressed and forms a seal at the interface. In addition, an additional cover on the top of the assembly 100 can be used to act as an additional air barrier.

[0061] As in Figure 2a , Figure 2b and Figure 3 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the inner tube 110 also includes holes. Figure 3 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the hole of the inner tube 110 is a hole of the base membrane 201. Figure 2a and Figure 2b In the example illustrated in FIG, the hole of the inner tube 110 may not necessarily be exactly the same size as the hole of the base membrane 101 , as long as the module 106 can enter the cavity of the inner tube and the assembly 100 can cover the entire hole of the inner tube 110 when the plug 103 is inserted in the ring 102 .

[0062] The base membrane 101, 201 preferably comprises an elastic material, such as an elastomer-based material. Preferably, the base membrane 101, 201 is made of a material comprising an elastic material, such as an elastomer-based material. In the case where the base membrane 201 is part of the inner tube 110, the base membrane 201 is naturally made of the same material as the inner tube 110, such as a material comprising natural and / or synthetic rubber, such as butyl rubber. In the case where the base membrane 101 is a separate patch, the base membrane 101 can be made of the same or different material as the inner tube 110. As in Figures 1 to 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , according to the disclosed solution, the ring 102 is inserted into the hole of the base film 101, 201. The base film 101, 201 can be attached to the edge of the ring 102, for example by using an adhesive. Preferably, the base film 101, 201 is attached to the ring 102 via a curing process, thereby providing strong adhesion and good sealing. Preferably, the base film 101, 201 includes natural and / or synthetic rubber, and the base film 101, 201 is vulcanized to the ring 102.

[0063] Advantageously, the ring 102 comprises a material that provides rigidity, such as a metal, alloy, polymer, or composite material. Preferably, the ring 102 is made of a material that comprises a metal, alloy, polymer, or composite material. Materials comprising copper, such as brass, are preferred due to their good strength and resistance to atmospheric / aqueous corrosion. Materials comprising polymers, such as polyamides, are also preferred due to their good rigidity, durability, and strength. In addition, it has been found that the ring 102 comprises a polymer, such as plastic, which helps to improve the audibility of the sensor mounted to the assembly 100 via the module 106 on the inflated inner tube 110.

[0064] The dimensions of the ring 102, such as thickness, length and diameter, can be designed according to actual applications. Preferably, the diameter of the ring 102 measured from the outermost edge of the ring 102 does not exceed 40 mm, preferably does not exceed 30 mm, so as to maintain the running performance of the tire well.

[0065] Advantageously, the ring 102 further comprises a circumferentially protruding shoulder 104 that protrudes laterally outward from the ring 102 and is embedded in the base membrane 101, 201 to further improve the strength of the attachment between the base membrane and the ring. Preferably, the circumferentially protruding shoulder 104 comprises at least one hole, which further strengthens the attachment between the ring 102 and the base membrane 101, 201, because when the base membrane 101, 201 is attached / adhered / vulcanized to the ring 102, the uncured material or adhesive used for the base membrane can flow through the hole and provide a strong bond after hardening.

[0066] Advantageously, plug 103 comprises a material that enables radio frequency communication to occur. Metal plugs work well for this purpose. In addition, a plug 103 comprising a metal, such as brass, is dimensionally stable, which facilitates the installation of module 106 and the insertion of plug 103 into ring 102. However, it is more preferred to use a polymeric material, such as nylon. It was found that by using a polymeric material, such as nylon, as the material for plug 103, the audible distance of a sensor mounted to assembly 100 on an inflated inner tube 110 was about four times longer than the audible distance using a metal plug. When both ring 102 and plug 103 comprise plastic, such as nylon, audibility is further improved.

[0067] The plug 103 according to the disclosed solution comprises a first end having a first surface 103a and a second end having a second surface 103b. When the plug 103 is inserted into the ring 102 by screwing, the plug 103 moves in a direction X pointing from the first surface 103a to the second surface 103b. Therefore, when the inner tube is inflated, the second surface 103b of the plug 103 faces inwardly to the cavity of the inner tube 110. The second surface 103b is suitable for attaching a module 106, which includes electronic equipment, such as a sensor. The design of the plug 103 can be varied according to actual needs. For example, as Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the plug 103 may be a solid plug in which the second surface 103 b is substantially at the same level as the edge as viewed from the side of the plug. Figure 2b and Figure 3 , the plug 103 may also be a hollow plug, and the second surface 103b may be a recessed portion of the plug 103 for accommodating the module 106. It should be noted that the design of the plug 103 shown in the drawings is not necessarily associated with other components in the same drawings, but may also be applied together with the components shown in another drawing. This arrangement allows the module 106 including the electronic device to be located in the cavity of the inner tube, so that the conditions in the inner tube can be accurately monitored, making driving safer. The plug 103 is removable, and therefore the module 106 is easily replaced when necessary.

[0068] The assembly 100 may further comprise a cover covering the first surface 103a of the plug 103 and the ring 102. The cover may protect the ring 102 and the plug 103 from mechanical stresses on the one hand and serve as an additional air barrier on the other hand. Preferably, the cover is made of an elastic material, such as butyl rubber.

[0069] The assembly 100 can be conveniently mounted to any position of the inner tube 110. Preferably, the assembly 100 is mounted to the outermost surface of the inner tube 110. For example, Figure 4As illustrated in FIG, the assembly 100 is located at a position on the surface of the inner tube 110, whereby the direction of the axis X of the ring 102, which is directed from the first surface 103a to the second surface 103b, intersects the rotation axis Z of the inner tube and forms an angle α, which is equal to or greater than 85 degrees and at most 95 degrees. Thus, when the inner tube 110 is installed in the tire, the assembly 100 is located close to the tread area of ​​the tire. This enables the measurement of additional variables, such as load and a more accurate temperature of the tread area, compared to installation on, for example, the innermost surface.

[0070] According to the disclosed approach, the ring 102 may be mounted directly to the inner tube 110 using a vulcanization process.

[0071] Alternatively, the base film 101 can be a separate patch that is configured to be attached to the outer surface or the inner surface of the inner tube. As mentioned, a separate patch means that it is a different part from the inner tube. Such an assembly 100, which includes the base film 101 that is a separate patch, can be attached to the inner tube by the following method:

[0072] - forming holes on the surface of the inner tube 110, said holes being no smaller than the holes of the base film 101,

[0073] - applying adhesive to the contact surface of the base film 101, wherein said contact surface will be in contact with the inner tube 110,

[0074] - attaching the assembly 100 to the inner tube 110 with the holes of the inner tube 110 and the holes of the base membrane 101 aligned,

[0075] - Pressing the base film 101 to the inner tube 110 while the adhesive is cured.

[0076] The method mentioned herein preferably further comprises cleaning the contact surface of the base film with acetone before applying the adhesive, so as to further enhance the attachment between the base film 101 and the inner tube 110 .

[0077] In the method mentioned herein, preferably, the step of applying adhesive comprises applying two layers of adhesive with a time interval, such as one hour. In this way, the attachment between the base film 101 and the inner tube 110 is further enhanced.

[0078] The method mentioned herein preferably further comprises roughening the contact surface of the base film with a wire brush and / or sandpaper before the step of applying the adhesive, so as to further enhance the attachment between the base film 101 and the inner tube 110 .

[0079] In the method mentioned herein, preferably, the curing step lasts for a period of time that is at least twice the time required for the adhesive to cure. In this way, the attachment between the base film 101 and the inner tube 110 is further enhanced.

Claims

1. A method for attaching an assembly to an inner tube for a tire, comprising: - preparing an assembly (100), said assembly (100) comprising: - a base film (101, 201), said base film (101, 201) forming part of said inner tube (110) or being configured to be attached to said inner tube (110), - a ring (102) inserted into a hole passing through the basement membrane (101, 201), the ring (102) comprising: Internal threads of the fastening mechanism, - a plug (103) removably insertable in said ring (102), said plug (103) comprising: The external thread of the fastening mechanism, a first end portion having a first surface (103a) adapted to face outwardly toward the cavity of the inner tube when inflated, - an O-ring (105) made of an elastic material and arranged to be located between the ring (102) and the plug (103) when the plug (103) is inserted into the ring (102), - a second end portion having a second surface (103b) adapted to face inwardly towards the cavity of the inner tube and adapted to attach a module (104) comprising electronic equipment, wherein the base film (101) is a separate patch, - forming a hole through the inner tube (110), the hole being no smaller than the hole of the base membrane (101), - applying an adhesive to the contact surface of the base film (101), wherein the contact surface will be in contact with the inner tube (110), - attaching the assembly to the inner tube (110) with the holes of the inner tube aligned with the holes of the base membrane (101), - Pressing the base film (101) onto the inner tube (110) while the adhesive is cured, so that the assembly (100) covers the entire hole of the inner tube (110).

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Prior to the step of applying the adhesive, cleaning the contact surface of the base film with acetone; and / or Prior to the step of applying adhesive, the contact surface of the base film is roughened using a wire brush and / or sandpaper.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, in, The step of applying adhesive comprises applying two layers of adhesive with a time interval between them; and / or Wherein, the curing step lasts for a period of time that is at least twice the time required for the adhesive to cure.

4. An inner tube for a tire, comprising: - the outer surface, and - an inner surface which defines a cavity when the inner tube is inflated, Characterized in that the inner tube also includes: - an assembly (100) and a hole through the inner tube, the assembly (100) comprising: - a ring (102) inserted into the hole passing through the inner tube, the ring (102) comprising: Internal threads of the fastening mechanism, - a plug (103) removably insertable in said ring (102), said plug (103) comprising: The external thread of the fastening mechanism, a first end portion having a first surface (103a) facing outwardly toward the cavity of the inner tube, a second end having a second surface (103b) facing inwardly towards the cavity of the inner tube and adapted for attachment of a module comprising electronic equipment, and - an O-ring (105) made of an elastic material and arranged to be located between the ring (102) and the plug (103) when the plug (103) is inserted into the ring (102), - wherein said assembly (100) covers the entire hole of said inner tube (110).

5. The inner tube according to claim 4, wherein: The ring (102) is inserted into a hole through a base membrane (101), which is a separate patch that has been attached to the outer surface or the inner surface of the inner tube.

6. The inner tube according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The assembly is located at a position on the surface of the inner tube, whereby the direction of the axis (X) of the ring (102), which is directed from the first surface (103a) to the second surface (103b), intersects the rotation axis (Z) of the inner tube and forms an angle (α), which is at least 85 degrees.

7. The inner tube according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: - said plug (103) is removably insertable in said ring (102), - the O-ring (105) is between the ring (102) and the plug (103), - The assembly (100) covers the entire hole of the inner tube (110).

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