A normally closed intelligent breather plug and a hub cap assembly using the same

Abstract

The utility model discloses a normally closed intelligent vent plug and use its hub cover subassembly, including sensor component and valve body, sensor component includes the shell and by the probe of shell one end extension, the one end of shell towards the probe extension direction has the convex setting's second limit portion, the valve body includes with the shell cooperation fixed sleeve, with the probe cooperation's sealing sheet and located sealing sheet peripheral and with second limit portion outer surface abuts the first limit portion, sealing sheet is connected with sleeve through first limit portion. The utility model discloses through the second limit portion on the shell in sensor component to the radial support of the first limit portion of sealing sheet peripheral, prevent the radial deformation of first limit portion to the inside, and then prevent the radial deformation of sealing sheet to the inside under the sealing pressure, avoid the vent plug failure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of wheel hub cover design technology, and in particular to a normally closed intelligent vent plug and a wheel hub cover assembly using the same. Background Technology

[0002] A hubcap is a cover installed on a car wheel hub to prevent lubricant from leaking out or becoming contaminated in the bearing.

[0003] During vehicle operation, friction generates heat, causing the gas inside the hubcap cavity to expand. This expansion can lead to a significant increase in internal pressure compared to external atmospheric pressure, posing a risk of the hubcap bursting or leaking. Therefore, a pressure balancing channel needs to be installed on the hubcap to balance the internal and external air pressure.

[0004] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, patent CN 220390871 U proposes a technical solution that utilizes the easily deformable characteristics of a thin-walled structure 71 to achieve pressure release and replenishment within the hubcap cavity. However, as... Figure 3 As shown, after installation, the end of the valve body extending into the hub cover cavity is subjected to the radially inward sealing pressure of the oil level indicator cap. This inevitably causes radially inward deformation at this end, resulting in deformation of the thin-walled structure during installation and preventing it from functioning normally as intended. Since the sealing pressure on the valve body is transmitted to the thin-walled structure through the end face, and the valve body is a flexible structure, the end face of the valve body undergoes radial deformation that gradually decreases from the outside to the inside during force transmission. Therefore, even if the inner diameter of the thin-walled structure is increased to offset the deformation, it cannot be guaranteed that the thin-walled structure will undergo axial deformation due to continuous radial deformation. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the technical problem that the thin-walled structure of existing hubcaps is prone to radial inward deformation, leading to malfunction, this invention provides a normally closed intelligent vent plug and a hubcap assembly using it to solve the aforementioned problem.

[0006] This utility model proposes a normally closed intelligent vent plug, including a sensor assembly and a valve body. The sensor assembly includes a housing and a probe extending from one end of the housing. The end of the housing facing the direction of probe extension has a protruding second limiting part. The valve body includes a sleeve that is fixed to the housing, a sealing sheet that cooperates with the probe, and a first limiting part located around the sealing sheet and abutting against the outer surface of the second limiting part. The sealing sheet is connected to the sleeve through the first limiting part.

[0007] In an optional embodiment of this utility model, the contact surface of the first limiting part and the second limiting part is an arc surface coaxial with the center of the valve body.

[0008] In an optional embodiment of this utility model, a shaping portion is further provided on the radially outer side of the sealing sheet, and the thickness of the shaping portion is greater than the thickness of the sealing sheet.

[0009] In an optional embodiment of this utility model, the shaping part is connected to the first limiting part and is radially spaced from the sleeve.

[0010] In an optional embodiment of this utility model, the thickness T of the shaping part is 1~3mm, and the minimum radial width W is 1~5mm.

[0011] In an optional embodiment of this utility model, a buffer portion is provided between the sleeve and the first limiting portion. The buffer portion is arranged obliquely to the center of the valve body, and the buffer portion extends obliquely from the end of the sleeve into the sleeve.

[0012] In an optional embodiment of this utility model, the thickness D of the buffer portion is 0.3~0.8mm.

[0013] In an optional embodiment of this utility model, the shaping part abuts against the end face of the second limiting part, and a gap is left between the buffer part and the first limiting part and the end face of the outer shell provided with the second limiting part.

[0014] In an optional embodiment of this utility model, multiple second limiting portions are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction, and an air guide is formed between adjacent second limiting portions.

[0015] In an optional embodiment of this utility model, the outer shell includes a shell and a cover that are fixed together. The shell has a mounting post connected to the valve body. The second limiting part is located at the end of the mounting post. The outer circumferential surface of the mounting post has a plurality of limiting ribs arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction and interference fit with the sleeve. An air guiding channel communicating with the air guide port is formed between adjacent limiting ribs.

[0016] In an optional embodiment of this utility model, the second limiting part is connected to the corresponding limiting rib via a connecting rib, and the limiting rib has a ring structure.

[0017] This utility model also proposes a hubcap assembly, including the normally closed intelligent vent plug described above.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: (1) This utility model utilizes the deformable characteristics of the sealing sheet to deform towards the side with lower pressure when the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the cavity is large, so as to create a breathable gap between the hole and the probe, thereby balancing the internal and external pressures by allowing air to pass through. Furthermore, the second limiting part on the outer shell of the sensor assembly radially supports the first limiting part around the sealing sheet, preventing the first limiting part from deforming radially inward, thereby preventing the sealing sheet from deforming radially inward under sealing pressure and avoiding the failure of the vent plug.

[0019] (2) The present invention has a thick shaping part on the periphery of the sealing sheet. The shaping part can better resist deformation, thereby indirectly reducing the compression deformation of the sealing sheet.

[0020] (3) The present invention provides a buffer part arranged at an inclination between the sleeve and the first limiting part. When the valve body end is squeezed by the sealing pressure, the buffer part can reduce the influence of the squeezing force on the shaping part by relying on its own large deformation, thereby reducing the deformation of the sealing sheet. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the deformation and pressurization of a thin-walled structure into the hub cover cavity in the prior art; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the deformation and pressure relief of a thin-walled structure towards the outside of the hub cover cavity in the prior art; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a thin-walled structure deformed by radial sealing pressure in the prior art; Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the normally closed intelligent vent plug described in this utility model; Figure 5 This is an axial sectional view of a specific embodiment of the hubcap assembly described in this utility model; Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Enlarged view of point a in the middle; Figure 7 This is a half-sectional perspective view of the valve body in this utility model; Figure 8 This is an axial sectional view of the valve body in this utility model. Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Enlarged view of the area where the center shaping section is located; Figure 10 yes Figure 8 Enlarged view of the area where the buffer section is located; Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the shell in this utility model; Figure 12 This is an exploded view of a specific embodiment of the hubcap assembly described in this utility model.

[0023] In the diagram, 1. Sensor assembly, 101. Probe, 102. PCBA, 103. Temperature sensor, 104. Housing, 105. Cover, 106. Sealing ring, 2. Valve body, 201. Sleeve, 202. Sealing sheet, 203. First limiting part, 204. Shaping part, 205. Buffer part, 206. Horizontal section, 3. Second limiting part, 4. Through hole, 5. Air inlet, 6. Mounting post, 7. Limiting rib, 8. Air passage, 9. Connecting rib, 10. Hub cover, 11. Oil level indicator cover, 12. Pressure cap, 13. Screw, 14. Inner sealing ring, 71. Thin-walled structure. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0025] Example 1 like Figures 4-8 As shown, a normally closed intelligent vent plug includes a sensor assembly 1 and a valve body 2. The sensor assembly 1 includes a housing and a probe 101 extending from one end of the housing. The end of the housing facing the direction of extension of the probe 101 has a protruding second limiting part 3. The valve body 2 includes a sleeve 201 that is fixed to the housing, a sealing sheet 202 that cooperates with the probe 101, and a first limiting part 203 located around the sealing sheet 202 and abutting against the outer surface of the second limiting part 3. The sealing sheet 202 is connected to the sleeve 201 through the first limiting part 203.

[0026] The sealing sheet 202 in this utility model is equivalent to the thin-walled structure in the background art. For easy distinction, this utility model names it as sealing sheet 202.

[0027] Sensor assembly 1 is used to detect the temperature inside the hubcap cavity, and valve body 2 is used to achieve sealing and pressure balance. After assembly, sensor assembly 1 and valve body 2 form a normally closed vent plug. Figure 8 As shown, the end of the valve body 2 that extends into the hub cover chamber has a through hole 4 for connecting with... Figure 6 The probe 101 shown is designed to penetrate the valve body 2 and extend into the hub cover chamber to detect the temperature inside the chamber. The through hole 4 is located at the center of the sealing sheet 202. The sealing sheet 202 is designed to deform towards the side with lower pressure when the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the chamber is large, creating a ventilated gap between the through hole 4 and the probe 101, thereby balancing the internal and external pressures through ventilation.

[0028] In this embodiment, a first limiting part 203 is provided around the sealing sheet 202. The first limiting part 203 is radially supported by a second limiting part 3 at the end of the outer shell. That is, the radial outer wall of the second limiting part 3 contacts the radial inner wall of the first limiting part 203, thereby preventing the first limiting part 203 from deforming radially inward, and thus preventing the sealing sheet 202 from deforming radially inward under sealing pressure.

[0029] The sensor assembly 1 is a prior art technology, which typically includes a housing with a receiving cavity and a PCBA102 (PCBA102 is an assembly of PCB board and battery) located in the receiving cavity, a temperature sensor 103 and a probe 101. The probe 101 extends from one end of the housing, passes through the through hole 4 and extends into the hub cover cavity.

[0030] The contact surfaces of the first limiting part 203 and the second limiting part 3 are preferably arc surfaces coaxial with the center of the valve body 2, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the first limiting part 203 is a ring structure, which has stronger resistance to deformation. In other alternative embodiments, the first limiting part 203 can also be a multi-segment arc-shaped block.

[0031] For ease of assembly and disassembly, the outer shell is preferably a split structure. The outer shell typically includes a housing 104 and a cover 105 that are fixed together. Sealing rings 106 are preferably provided at the connection between the housing 104 and the cover 105, and between the housing 104 and the probe 101. The housing 104 has a mounting post 6 that is connected to the valve body 2, and the second limiting part 3 is located at the end of the mounting post 6.

[0032] In order to adjust the air pressure inside and outside the hubcap 10, the second limiting part 3 cannot be a complete annular structure, but is arranged in multiple intervals along the circumference, forming an air guide port 5 between adjacent second limiting parts 3. The outer circumferential surface of the mounting post 6 has several circumferentially spaced limiting ribs 7 that are interference-fitted with the sleeve 201, and an air guide channel 8 communicating with the air guide port 5 is formed between adjacent limiting ribs 7. Figure 11 As shown, the air guide channel 8 runs through the axial direction. When the sealing sheet 202 deforms due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside, the gas passes through the gap between the probe and the sealing sheet 202. The external air communicates with the inner cavity of the hub cover 10 through the air guide channel 8, the air guide port 5, and the through hole 4.

[0033] When the first limiting part 203 is a closed annular structure, to prevent the first limiting part 203 from blocking the air guide channel 8 and the air guide port 5, the axial length of the first limiting part 203 should be less than the axial length of the second limiting part 3. That is, the first limiting part 203 will not extend to the root of the second limiting part 3, such as... Figure 11As shown, the second limiting part 3 is connected to the corresponding limiting rib 7 via a connecting rib 9. The connecting rib 9 can strengthen the support strength of the second limiting part 3 and also block the limiting rib 7 to prevent it from extending to the root of the second limiting part 3.

[0034] Example 2 Based on Embodiment 1, to further prevent the sealing sheet 202 from deforming radially inward, this embodiment also provides a shaping portion 204 on the radially outer side of the sealing sheet 202. The thickness of the shaping portion 204 is greater than the thickness of the sealing sheet 202. The thicker shaping portion 204 can better resist deformation, thereby indirectly reducing the extrusion deformation of the sealing sheet 202. Considering both material cost and deformation resistance, the thickness T of the shaping portion 204 is preferably 1~3mm, and the minimum radial width W is preferably 1~5mm (e.g., ...). Figure 9 (As shown).

[0035] The shaping part 204 can be connected to the sleeve 201. At this time, the first limiting part 203 can be directly connected to the sealing sheet 202, or it can be connected to the sealing sheet 202 through the shaping part 204. The shaping part 204 and the first limiting part 203 reduce the extrusion deformation of the sealing sheet 202 from two aspects.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the shaping part 204 is connected to the first limiting part 203 and radially spaced from the sleeve 201. At this time, the inner radial side of the shaping part 204 is connected to the sealing sheet 202, and the outer radial side is connected to the first limiting part 203. The first limiting part 203 is connected to the sleeve 201. This simplifies the end structure of the valve body 2, saves material costs, and at the same time prevents the sealing pressure at the sleeve 201 from acting directly radially on the shaping part 204, further reducing the deformation of the shaping part 204, and thus reducing the deformation of the sealing sheet 202.

[0037] Example 3 Based on the above embodiment, a buffer portion 205 is provided between the sleeve 201 and the first limiting portion 203. The buffer portion 205 is arranged obliquely to the center of the valve body 2, and extends obliquely from the end of the sleeve 201 into the sleeve 201. When the end of the valve body 2 is squeezed by sealing pressure, the buffer portion 205 can reduce the impact of the squeezing pressure on the first limiting portion 203 and the shaping portion 204 by its own large deformation, thereby reducing the deformation of the sealing sheet 202. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the buffer part 205 is located inside the sleeve 201. The two ends of the buffer part 205 can be directly connected to the sleeve 201 and the first limiting part 203, or they can be transitioned through the horizontal section 206.

[0038] like Figure 10As shown, the thickness D of the buffer part 205 is preferably 0.3~0.8mm. At this time, the buffer part 205 can produce a certain amount of deformation when it is squeezed. The deformation of the buffer part 205 starts from one end of the connecting sleeve 201 and the end of the buffer part 205 connected to the first limiting part 203 lasts to deform. When the squeezing force is small, the first limiting part 203 and its radially inner components can avoid deformation.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the shaping part 204 abuts against the end face of the second limiting part 3, which serves to position the valve body 2 and the end face of the outer shell. A gap is left between the buffer part 205 and the end face of the outer shell where the second limiting part 3 is provided, so that the buffer part 205 can have deformation space.

[0040] Example 4 A hubcap assembly, such as Figure 5 and Figure 12 As shown, the hubcap assembly also includes a hubcap 10, an oil level indicator cap 11, a pressure cap 12, and the normally closed intelligent vent plug described above. The hubcap 10 and the pressure cap 12 are fixed together by screws 13. The oil level indicator cap 11 is connected radially between the valve body 2 of the normally closed intelligent vent plug and the hubcap 10, isolating the inner cavity of the hubcap 10 from the outside. The oil level indicator cap 11 is axially pressed together by the hubcap 10 and the pressure cap 12. An inner sealing ring 14 is provided between the axial contact surfaces of the oil level indicator cap 11 and the hubcap 10.

[0041] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "thickness", "inner", "outer", "axial", "radial", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0042] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the term "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0043] In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0044] Based on the above-described preferred embodiments of this utility model, and through the foregoing description, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the technical concept of this utility model. The technical scope of this utility model is not limited to the contents of the specification, but must be determined according to the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A normally closed intelligent vent plug, characterized in that: The device includes a sensor assembly (1) and a valve body (2). The sensor assembly (1) includes a housing and a probe (101) extending from one end of the housing. The end of the housing facing the probe (101) has a protruding second limiting part (3). The valve body (2) includes a sleeve (201) fixed to the housing, a sealing sheet (202) cooperating with the probe (101), and a first limiting part (203) located around the sealing sheet (202) and abutting against the outer surface of the second limiting part (3). The sealing sheet (202) is connected to the sleeve (201) through the first limiting part (203).

2. The normally closed intelligent vent plug according to claim 1, characterized in that: The contact surfaces of the first limiting part (203) and the second limiting part (3) are arc surfaces coaxial with the center of the valve body (2).

3. The normally closed intelligent vent plug according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing sheet (202) is further provided with a shaping part (204) on its radial outer side, and the thickness of the shaping part (204) is greater than the thickness of the sealing sheet (202).

4. The normally closed intelligent vent plug according to claim 3, characterized in that: The shaping part (204) is connected to the first limiting part (203) and is radially spaced from the sleeve (201).

5. The normally closed intelligent vent plug according to claim 3, characterized in that: The thickness T of the shaping part (204) is 1~3mm, and the minimum radial width W is 1~5mm.

6. The normally closed intelligent vent plug according to claim 3, characterized in that: A buffer portion (205) is provided between the sleeve (201) and the first limiting portion (203). The buffer portion (205) is arranged obliquely to the center of the valve body (2), and the buffer portion (205) extends obliquely from the end of the sleeve (201) into the sleeve (201).

7. The normally closed intelligent vent plug according to claim 6, characterized in that: The thickness D of the buffer section (205) is 0.3~0.8mm.

8. The normally closed intelligent vent plug according to claim 6, characterized in that: The shaping part (204) abuts against the end face of the second limiting part (3), and there is a gap between the buffer part (205) and the first limiting part (203) and the end face of the outer shell provided with the second limiting part (3).

9. The normally closed intelligent vent plug according to claim 1, characterized in that: Multiple second limiting parts (3) are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction, and air inlets (5) are formed between adjacent second limiting parts (3).

10. The normally closed intelligent vent plug according to claim 9, characterized in that: The outer casing includes a shell (104) and a cover (105) that are fixed together. The shell (104) has a mounting post (6) connected to the valve body (2). The second limiting part (3) is located at the end of the mounting post (6). The outer circumferential surface of the mounting post (6) has several circumferentially spaced limiting ribs (7) that are interference-fitted with the sleeve (201). An air guiding channel (8) communicating with the air guide port (5) is formed between adjacent limiting ribs (7).

11. The normally closed intelligent vent plug according to claim 10, characterized in that: The second limiting part (3) is connected to the corresponding limiting rib (7) via a connecting rib (9), and the limiting rib (7) has a ring structure.

12. A hubcap assembly, characterized in that: Includes the normally closed smart vent plug as described in any one of claims 1-11.

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