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: Sealed and silent valve for a vehicle tire pressure regulation system technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of systems which allow the regulation of the tire pressure of a vehicle, generally to inflate or deflate them according to driving conditions, more commonly called CTIS from the English acronym "Central Tire Inflation System".

[0002] These systems allow the tire pressure of a vehicle to be adjusted remotely, in order to modify the load-bearing capacity of the wheels according to the nature of the ground on which the vehicle is moving.

[0003] By way of example, this feature is important for all-terrain vehicles, which must be able to move forward in varied conditions, whether on hard, stony, or loose terrain, without the driver needing to interrupt driving to manually adjust tire pressure. Prior art

[0004] Document WO 2015 / 173493 filed on behalf of the Applicant is known to be an automatic tire inflation / deflation device 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 includes a valve subjected to the piloting system so as to adopt a rest position in which it closes the exhaust port, or a deflation position, against an elastic return member and when the piloting system slides, in which it releases the exhaust port.

[0006] This device therefore allows, by the injection of a gaseous fluid, to cause the sliding of the piloting system and thus to control the valve to release the exhaust orifice for the deflation of the tire.

[0007] This device can, for example, be mounted on all-terrain vehicles, which travel through puddles, dust, and / or mud.

[0008] In order to prevent 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 elastomer 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 may impair the operation of the device.

[0009] This flap helps to maintain the sealing of the device and to ensure 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 port, the flap made of elastomeric material is folded to allow air to escape between said flap and the second part.

[0011] Depending on the pressure of the gaseous fluid which is released, the elastomeric material washer 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 includes receiving arrangements for the bib, in the form of a profiled groove in the shape of a "V" suitable for allowing said bib to deform elastically, under the effect of a pressure of a gaseous fluid escaping through the exhaust orifice, to free itself from a face support made by an annular protuberance included in the other part, and create a fluid exhaust passage between said annular protuberance and said washer.

[0013] In particular, in the rest position of the device, the annular protuberance is in forced contact with the lip, forcing it to maintain a curved position.

[0014] In this way, when the tire is deflated, that is, when gaseous fluid escapes from the exhaust port, it forces the protective washer to deform and bend further within the receiving arrangements. This allows the pressurized fluid to escape through a gap between the mudguard and the annular projection. Thus, the washer does not vibrate and does not generate any unwanted noise.

[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 sealed by the flap, which impairs the sealing performance. Description of the invention

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

[0017] To this end, 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 has a deflation orifice that communicates with the tire, and an exhaust orifice opening between the two parts.

[0018] The valve includes a pilot system with an actuable flap to move from a position of closing the exhaust port to a position of releasing the exhaust port to deflate the tire.

[0019] To protect the exhaust port against external aggressions, the valve includes an annular and truncated conical protective flap, mounted between the first and second parts and around the exhaust port to protect it against external atmospheric agents, the flap being deformable to allow the fluid to escape between said flap and the second part during deflation of the tire.

[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 rest when it is deformed in order to block the vibrations of the flap while preserving the deflation speed performance.

[0021] Advantageously, the valve includes an element made of sintered material, preferably sintered bronze, positioned on an exhaust path of the gaseous fluid, and intended to be traversed by the gaseous fluid during the deflation of the tire so as to further reduce the level of noise emitted by the valve during the deflation of 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 is formed peripherally 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, sealed 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 tire pressure regulating valve for a vehicle, offering 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 embodiments set forth 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 section view of the valve of [Fig.1].

[0028] [Fig.3] represents a perspective and longitudinal section view of the valve of [Fig.1], the cutting plane being offset to be centered on the deflation port 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 section view of the valve of [Fig.6].

[0033] [Fig.8] represents a perspective and longitudinal section view of the valve of [Fig.6], the cutting plane being offset to be centered on the deflation port 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 vehicle tire pressure control system. The invention provides a tight seal 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 piloting system (4) mounted to slide in a first chamber (5). This piloting system (4) consists of a piston (4a) or a slider attached to a diaphragm (4b), capable of moving in a first chamber (5) under the effect of the injection of a gaseous fluid through an inlet orifice (6) into the first chamber (5).

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

[0038] The valve (1) further 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 gaseous fluid to escape depending on the positioning of the valve (10) described below.

[0039] The second part (3) of the valve (1) comprises a flapper (10) which is attached to the piloting system (4) so ​​as to assume two main positions. In the rest position, as illustrated, the flapper (10) closes the exhaust port (9) by blocking the exit of the gaseous fluid, which is forced into this position by a spring (11). Conversely, in the deflation position, the flapper (10) is pushed against the spring (11) and by the sliding of the piloting system (4), which allows the exhaust port (9) to be opened.

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

[0041] To protect the exhaust port (9) from external aggressions, the valve (1) is equipped with a deformable, frustoconical, annular protective flap (12). The flap (12) is, for example, made of an elastomeric material. This flap (12) is mounted between the first and second parts (2, 3) of the valve (1) and surrounds the exhaust port (9) to protect it from external atmospheric agents.

[0042] The truncated conical protective flap (12) is specifically designed to ensure a tight and flexible seal with the surrounding parts. It comprises a small base that rests tightly against the first part (2), and a large base that also rests tightly against the second part (3).

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

[0044] The valve (1) also includes 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 with it.

[0045] During tire deflation, when the mud flap (12) deforms, it comes into contact with the anti-vibration ring (13) so as to block the vibrations of the mud 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 includes a serrated bearing surface, meaning that it has notches or slots (13a).

[0047] By applying intermittent pressure to the flap (12), the anti-vibration ring (13) preserves the flexibility of the flap (12) while keeping it correctly positioned. This prevents any unwanted resonance or oscillation of the flap (12) during deflation, which could generate noise.

[0048] The slots (13a) are positioned around the major diameter of the flap (12). Each slot (13a) has an internal portion facing the flap (12) that is inclined to follow the frustoconical wall of the flap. The circumferential support is made on the frustoconical lateral wall of the flap (12), at an intermediate point, to allow sufficient space for the flap (12) to deform. The circumferential support may 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 can 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 a sintered material element (14) positioned on an exhaust path (15) of the gaseous fluid. The implementation of this sintered element (14) can be envisioned independently of the use of the anti-vibration ring (13). For greater efficiency, the sintered element (14) is used in combination with the anti-vibration ring (13) to further reduce noise during deflation.

[0051] The exhaust path (15) is at least semi-cylindrical and formed peripherally in the body of the second part (3) of the valve (1), downstream of the protective flap (12). It is semi-cylindrical because, in the illustrated embodiment, it is necessary to leave a passage for the deflation line leading to the deflation port (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, portions (3a) and (3b) may be 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 by leaving a gap between them so that the valve (1) further includes 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 controlled exhaust 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 pressure buildup, which could compromise the integrity of the valve (1) and lead to malfunctions.

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

Claims

Demands

1. Valve (1) of a tire pressure regulation system of a vehicle, 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) that can be actuated 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 the gaseous fluid to escape between said flap (12) and the second part (3) during deflation of the tire; 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 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 serrated bearing surface to achieve discontinuous support on the flap (12) when the latter is deformed.

3. Valve (1) according to any 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 traversed by the gaseous fluid during deflation of the tire so as to reduce the level of noise emitted by the valve (1).

4. Valve (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the exhaust path (15) is provided peripherally 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).

Images