Sealed and silent valve for a vehicle tire pressure regulation system

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve (1) of a tire pressure regulation system of a vehicle, the valve (1) comprising: - a first part (2) comprising an inlet orifice (6) for a pressurized gaseous fluid, - a second part (3) coupled to the first part (2) and comprising a deflation orifice (8) intended to communicate with the tire, and an exhaust orifice (9) opening between said two parts; - a control system (4) with a valve (10) actuable to move from a position of closing the exhaust orifice (9), to a position of releasing the exhaust orifice (9) to deflate the tire;- an annular and frustoconical protective flap (12), mounted between the first and second parts (2, 3) and around the exhaust orifice (9) to protect it against external atmospheric agents, the flap (12) being deformable to allow fluid to escape between said flap (12) and the second part (3) during tire deflation; characterized in that one of the parts comprises an anti-vibration ring (13) coaxially capping the flap (12), and against which the protective flap (12) is intended to bear when it is deformed to block vibrations of the flap (12). Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 2;

Description

Title of the invention: Leak-proof and silent valve of a system for regulating the pressure of a vehicle tire Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of systems which make it possible to regulate the pressure of the tires of a vehicle, generally to inflate or deflate them depending on the driving conditions, more commonly called CTIS from the English acronym "Central Tire Inflation System".

[0002] These systems allow the pressure of a vehicle's tires to be adjusted remotely, in order to modify the wheel lift depending on the nature of the ground on which the vehicle is moving.

[0003] For example, this functionality is important for all-terrain vehicles, which must be able to progress in varied conditions, whether on hard, stony, or soft terrain, without the driver needing to interrupt driving to manually adjust the tire pressure. Prior art

[0004] Document WO 2015 / 173493 in the name of the Applicant discloses an automatic inflation-deflation device for a tire comprising: - a first part comprising a control system mounted to slide in a first chamber under the effect of the injection of a gaseous fluid through an inlet orifice; - a second part, coupled to the first part, and defining a second chamber with an inflation-deflation orifice intended to communicate with the tire, and an exhaust orifice opening between said first and second parts.

[0005] In this document, the second part also comprises a valve secured to the control system so as to adopt a rest position in which it closes the exhaust orifice, or a deflation position, against an elastic return member and when the control system slides, in which it releases the exhaust orifice.

[0006] This device therefore makes it possible, by injecting a gaseous fluid, to cause the control system to slide and therefore to control the valve to release the exhaust orifice for deflating the tire.

[0007] This device can, for example, be mounted on off-road vehicles, which travel in puddles, dust, and / or mud.

[0008] In order to prevent projections of dust, mud and water from entering the inflation-deflation device and damage it, document WO 2015 / 173493 provides for the integration of a protective flap, preferably made of elastomeric material, mounted between the first and second parts and around the exhaust orifice to protect it against external atmospheric agents, such as mud, water, dust, or any other undesirable element which could harm the operation of the device.

[0009] This flap helps maintain the device's watertightness and ensures optimal protection against splashes of mud, water, dust, or any other element.

[0010] When the tire is deflated, that is to say when gaseous fluid, in particular air, is expelled from the device, and escapes through the exhaust orifice, the flap made of elastomeric material is folded back to allow the air to escape between said flap and the second part.

[0011] Depending on the pressure of the gaseous fluid which is released, the washer made of elastomer material begins to vibrate, which causes a significant noise nuisance.

[0012] In order to remedy this problem, document WO 2015 / 173493 provides that one of the parts of the device comprises arrangements for receiving the flap, in the form of a groove profiled in the shape of a "V" capable of allowing said flap to deform elastically, under the effect of pressure from a gaseous fluid escaping through the exhaust orifice, to free itself from a facial support provided by an annular protuberance that the other part comprises, and to create a fluid escape passage between said annular protuberance and said washer.

[0013] In particular, in the rest position of the device, the annular protuberance is in forced support against the flap, forcing it to maintain a curved position.

[0014] In this way, when the tire is deflated, that is to say when gaseous fluid escapes through the exhaust orifice, the latter forces the protective washer to deform and bend further in the receiving arrangements. In this way the pressurized fluid is able to escape through a passage freed between said flap and the annular projection. Thus, the washer does not vibrate and does not generate any unwanted noise pollution.

[0015] However, depending on the environmental conditions in which the device is used, and for example if water or mud is stored in the curved area of ​​the flap, the pressure of the water or mud tends to open the passage initially blocked by the flap, which impairs the sealing performance. Statement of the invention

[0016] One of the aims of the invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art, by proposing a valve of a system for regulating the pressure of a tire of a vehicle that is leak-proof and quiet, regardless of the environmental conditions in which the valve is used.

[0017] For this purpose, a valve has been developed comprising a first part with an inlet orifice for pressurized gaseous fluid, and a second part coupled to the first part. The second part comprises a deflation orifice which communicates with the tire, and an exhaust orifice opening between the two parts.

[0018] The valve comprises a flap control system operable to move from a position for closing the exhaust port to a position for releasing the exhaust port to deflate the tire.

[0019] To protect the exhaust orifice against external aggressions, the valve comprises an annular and frustoconical protective flap, mounted between the first and second parts and around the exhaust orifice to protect it against external atmospheric agents, the flap being deformable to allow the fluid to escape between said flap and the second part when the tire is deflated.

[0020] According to the invention, one of the parts comprises an anti-vibration ring coaxially covering the flap, and against which the protective flap is intended to come to bear when it is deformed to block the vibrations of the flap while preserving the deflation speed performance.

[0021] Advantageously, the valve comprises an element made of sintered material, preferably sintered bronze, positioned on an exhaust path for the gaseous fluid, and intended to be crossed by the gaseous fluid during deflation of the tire so as to further reduce the level of noise pollution emitted by the valve when deflating the tire.

[0022] According to a particular embodiment, the exhaust path is, for example, at least semi-cylindrical or cylindrical or of any other shape, and arranged at the periphery in the body of the second part, downstream of the protective flap. The exhaust path opens, at a first end opposite the first part, into a chamber, preferably annular, closed by the sintered element.

[0023] Preferably, the exhaust path opens outside the valve at a second end on the side of the first part, and through decompression slots defined between the first part and the second part to limit the overpressure downstream and upstream of the flap in order to maintain optimal operation of the system.

[0024] The invention therefore proposes an innovative technical solution for a valve for regulating the pressure of the tires of a vehicle, providing a seal improved, quiet operation and optimal adaptation to various environmental conditions.

[0025] Other features and advantages of the invention will be better understood from the detailed description of the embodiments set out below. Description of the drawings

[0026] [Fig. 1] illustrates in perspective a first embodiment of the valve according to the invention.

[0027] [Fig.2] represents a perspective and longitudinal sectional view of the valve of [Fig.l].

[0028] [Fig.3] represents a perspective view and longitudinal section of the valve of [Fig.l], the section plane being offset to be centered on the deflation orifice intended to communicate with the tire.

[0029] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of the anti-vibration ring covering the protective flap.

[0030] [Fig.5] is a perspective and longitudinal sectional view of the anti-vibration ring and the protective flap.

[0031] [Fig.6] illustrates in perspective a second embodiment of the valve according to the invention

[0032] [Fig.7] represents a perspective and longitudinal sectional view of the valve of [Fig.6].

[0033] [Fig.8] represents a perspective and longitudinal sectional view of the valve of [Fig.6], the sectional plane being offset to be centered on the deflation orifice intended to communicate with the tire. Detailed description of the invention

[0034] With reference to Figures 1 to 8, the invention relates to an improved valve (1) for use in a tire pressure regulation system of a vehicle. The invention provides sealing and quiet operation regardless of the environmental conditions in which it is used.

[0035] The valve (1) of the invention comprises a first part (2) and a second part (3), coupled to each other, for example by screwing.

[0036] The first part (2) is equipped with a control system (4) slidably mounted in a first chamber (5). This control system (4) consists of a piston (4a) or a slider secured to a membrane (4b), capable of moving in a first chamber (5) under the effect of the injection of a gaseous fluid through an inlet orifice (6) in the first chamber (5).

[0037] The second part (3) defines a second chamber (7) with a deflation orifice (8) intended to communicate with the vehicle tire, not shown, and designed to allow the controlled release of gaseous fluid from the tire. The invention thus allows deflation of the tire directly at the wheel, without air rising to the control unit or to the vehicle chassis, which allows for better deflation speed, and independence of each circuit.

[0038] The valve (1) then comprises an exhaust orifice (9) positioned between the first and second parts (2, 3) of the valve (1). This exhaust orifice (9) opens at a junction zone between the two parts and allows the escape of the gaseous fluid depending on the positioning of the valve (10) described below.

[0039] The second part (3) of the valve (1) comprises a flap (10) which is subject to the control system (4) so ​​as to adopt two main positions. In the rest position, notably illustrated, the flap (10) closes the exhaust orifice (9) by blocking the outlet of the gaseous fluid, forced into this position by a spring (11). On the other hand, in the deflation position, the flap (10) is pushed back against the spring (11) and by the sliding of the control system (4), which allows the exhaust orifice (9) to be released.

[0040] When the valve (10) is in the deflation position, the gaseous fluid can thus escape through the exhaust orifice (9) which allows controlled deflation of the tire.

[0041] To protect the exhaust orifice (9) against external aggressions, the valve (1) is equipped with an annular, truncated cone-shaped and deformable protective flap (12). The flap (12) is for example made of elastomer material. This flap (12) is mounted between the first and second parts (2, 3) of the valve (1) and surrounds the exhaust orifice (9) to protect it against external atmospheric agents.

[0042] The frustoconical protective flap (12) is specifically designed to ensure a sealed and flexible contact with the surrounding parts. It comprises a small base in sealed contact against the first part (2), and a large base which also rests in a sealed manner against the second part (3).

[0043] This design allows controlled deformation of the flap (12) during deflation of the tire. When the valve (1) is in the deflation position, the elastomeric flap (12) deforms, thus allowing the gaseous fluid to escape between the flap (12) and the second part (3).

[0044] The valve (1) also comprises an anti-vibration ring (13) which plays an important role in the operation of the valve (1). The anti-vibration ring (13) is positioned on the flap (12) and coaxially therewith.

[0045] When the tire is deflated, when the flap (12) deforms, it comes to bear against the anti-vibration ring (13) so as to block the vibrations of the flap (12) while preserving the deflation speed performance.

[0046] The anti-vibration ring (13) is preferably designed to provide discontinuous support on the flap (12) when the latter is deformed. For this purpose, the ring comprises a notched support surface, which means that it has notches or crenellations (13a).

[0047] By exerting discontinuous pressure on the flap (12), the anti-vibration ring (13) preserves the flexibility of the flap (12) while keeping it correctly positioned. This avoids any phenomenon of resonance or unwanted oscillation of the flap (12) during deflation, which could generate noise pollution.

[0048] The notches (13a) cover the flap (12) by being positioned around the large diameter of said flap (12). Each notch (13a) has an internal portion facing the flap (12) which is inclined to follow the frustoconical wall of the flap. The circumferential support is made on the frustoconical side wall of the flap (12), at an intermediate zone, to leave the space necessary for the flap (12) to deform. The circumferential support can be continuous or discontinuous.

[0049] The anti-vibration ring (13) is made from a strong and durable material, capable of withstanding the mechanical stresses imposed by the operation of the valve (1). A rigid material such as stainless steel or a suitable metal alloy may be used to ensure adequate mechanical strength.

[0050] According to a second particular embodiment, illustrated in Figures 6 to 8, the valve (1) preferably comprises an element (14) made of sintered material positioned on an exhaust path (15) of the gaseous fluid. The implementation of this sintered element (14) can be imagined independently of the use of the anti-vibration ring (13). For greater efficiency, the sintered element (14) comes in combination with the anti-vibration ring (13) to further reduce noise pollution during deflation.

[0051] The exhaust path (15) is at least semi-cylindrical and arranged at the periphery in the body of the second part (3) of the valve (1), downstream of the protective flap (12). Semi-cylindrical because in the illustrated embodiment, it is necessary to leave a passage for the deflation pipe opening onto the deflation orifice (8). In practice, the exhaust path (15) is defined in the second part (3), between an external cylindrical portion (3a) and an internal cylindrical portion (3b) of the second part (3). Of course, the portions (3a) and (3b) can be in the form of independent parts.

[0052] This exhaust path (15) opens at a first end, opposite the first part (2), into a chamber (16), preferably annular, which is closed by the sintered element (14), held in position by a cover (3c) integral with the second part (3). This arrangement allows the gaseous fluid to pass through the sintered element (14) while limiting the propagation of noise to the outside.

[0053] The assembly between the first part (2) and the second part (3) is carried out in leaving a clearance between them so that the valve (1) further comprises decompression slots (17) defined between the first part (2) and the second part (3) of the valve (1).

[0054] These decompression slots (17) communicate with the exterior of the valve (1) and with an upper end of the exhaust path (15) so as to allow the controlled escape of excess gaseous fluid in the event of high pressure in the annular chamber where the sintered element (14) is located. This prevents any excessive build-up of pressure, which could compromise the integrity of the valve (1) and lead to malfunctions

[0055] It is clear (11) from the above that the invention does indeed provide a valve for a vehicle tire pressure regulating system which is leaktight and silent, regardless of the environmental conditions in which the valve is used.

Claims

Claims

1. Valve (1) of a pressure regulation system for a vehicle tire, the valve (1) comprising: - a first part (2) with an inlet orifice (6) for a pressurized gaseous fluid, - a second part (3) coupled to the first part (2) and comprising a deflation orifice (8) intended to communicate with the tire, and an exhaust orifice (9) opening between said two parts (2, 3);- a control system (4) with a valve (10) operable to move from a position for closing the exhaust orifice (9) to a position for releasing the exhaust orifice (9) to deflate the tire - an annular and frustoconical protective flap (12), mounted between the first and second parts (2, 3) and around the exhaust orifice (9) to protect it against external atmospheric agents, the flap (12) being deformable to allow the gaseous fluid to escape between said flap (12) and the second part (3) when the tire is deflated; characterized in that one of the parts (2, 3) comprises an anti-vibration ring (13) coaxially covering the flap (12), and against which the protective flap (12) is intended to come to bear when it is deformed to block the vibrations of the flap (12).;

2. Valve (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the anti-vibration ring (13) comprises a crenellated bearing surface to provide discontinuous support on the flap (12) when the latter is deformed.

3. Valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an element (14) made of sintered material, positioned on an exhaust path (15) of the gaseous fluid, and intended to be crossed by the gaseous fluid during deflation of the tire so as to reduce the level of noise pollution emitted by the valve (1).

4. Valve (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the exhaust path (15) is provided at the periphery in the body of the second part (3), downstream of the protective flap (12), the exhaust path (15) opening at a first end opposite the first part (2) into a chamber (16) closed by the sintered element (14).

5. Valve (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the exhaust path (15) opens outside the valve (1) at a second end on the side of the first part (2), and through decompression slots (17) defined between the first part (2) and the second part (3) to limit the overpressure downstream and upstream of the flap (12).

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