PNEUMATIC DEVICE FOR WHEEL RIM AND ASSOCIATED TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM

Abstract

The invention relates to a pneumatic device (1) for a wheel rim (10) adapted to fix a tire body (2) having a first inflation zone (2-1), a pneumatic connection (20) and an additional casing (30) defining a second inflation zone, the pneumatic connection comprises a first actuator (23-1), ensuring the passage of fluid from the pneumatic connection to the second inflation zone or from the second inflation zone to the first inflation zone, a second actuator (23-2), ensuring the passage of fluid into the first inflation zone, wherein: the first actuator changes from an inflation configuration to a re-inflation configuration, so that the fluid passes from the second inflation zone to the first inflation zone, the second actuator is configured to prevent the passage of fluid from the pneumatic connection into the first inflation zone. Figure to be published with the abstract: figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: PNEUMATIC DEVICE FOR A WHEEL RIM AND ASSOCIATED TIRE PRESSURE CONTROL SYSTEM Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of tire pressure management, and more particularly to the field of devices or systems integrated into a wheel rim. The invention relates to a pneumatic rim device comprising an arrangement of fluid communication paths and actuators allowing the inflation or deflation of an additional inflation zone. The invention further relates to a tire pressure monitoring system comprising the pneumatic rim device and an inflation station. Prior art

[0002] Below we describe the known prior art from which the invention was developed.

[0003] One of the main problems regarding the use of tires is related to the control of their pressure. An over-inflated or under-inflated tire will tend to wear prematurely and may present a greater risk of bursting than a correctly inflated tire. Many solutions for automatically adjusting tire pressure to an appropriate reference pressure to increase the durability and safety of a tire have already emerged.

[0004] A first solution, described in patent document No. EP0296017, proposed integrating into a conventional tire a pneumatic valve intended primarily for inflating and deflating a tire by a source external to the tire. The valve is controlled by a pneumatic block itself automatically controlled by an electronic box or manually by push buttons.

[0005] Other solutions have been proposed in order to integrate an additional inflation reserve directly into the tire in order to ensure that the optimal pressure is maintained in said tire during its use.

[0006] In particular, a second solution, described in patent document no. FR2879128, proposed an additional inflation reserve to those commonly integrated into the wheels of vehicles to carry out tire inflation / deflation operations and manage said additional inflation source.

[0007] However, in this solution the rim comprises a first actuator connected to the additional inflation reserve by a conduit and a second actuator connected to the inflation zone of the tire by another conduit, the two actuators being in communication with each other. Thus, such a solution remains limited in the context of adjusting the tire pressure via the additional inflation reserve. Indeed, such an arrangement does not allow a high flow rate and consequently does not allow rapid and optimal re-inflation of the tire, by the additional inflation reserve. In addition, this additional inflation reserve requires a structural modification of the rim, leading to a need for additional approval, and this solution is not suitable for implementation on all types of rim.

[0008] Thus, there is a need for a pneumatic device that can be integrated into a rim and that can address the problems caused by existing devices.

[0009] The invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to propose, in addition to a first system for regulating the pressure of a tire comprising a pneumatic component integrated into the wheels of the vehicles to carry out the inflation / deflation operations thereof, a second regulation system comprising one or more additional pneumatic components and making it possible to manage an additional source of high-pressure air. The invention proposes to integrate a reserve of high-pressure air which can be integrated into the rim and making it possible, in connection with an external inflation station, to inflate this reserve of high-pressure air or to re-inflate the tire using this high-pressure air. Summary of the invention

[0010] The invention aims to overcome these drawbacks. The following presents a simplified summary of selected aspects, embodiments and examples of the present invention for the purpose of providing a basic understanding of the invention. However, this summary does not constitute an exhaustive overview of all aspects, embodiments and examples of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present selected aspects, embodiments and examples of the invention in a concise form as an introduction to the more detailed description of the aspects, embodiments and examples of the invention which follow the summary.

[0011] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a pneumatic device for a wheel rim adapted to fix a tire body so as to define a first inflation zone, said device comprising a pneumatic connection and an additional envelope adapted to withstand a working pressure at least three times higher than the maximum pressure of the first inflation zone and defining a second inflation zone, the additional envelope being further arranged to surround an element of the wheel rim and communicate fluidically with the pneumatic connection, said pneumatic connection being adapted to deliver a fluid from an inflation station, the pneumatic device being characterized in that the pneumatic connection comprises a first fluid communication path, connected to a first actuator, ensuring the passage of fluid from the pneumatic connection into the second inflation zone of the additional envelope by an inflation conduit connected to the first actuator or from the second inflation zone of the additional envelope to the first inflation zone by a re-inflation conduit connected to the first actuator and, a second fluid communication path, connected to a second actuator, ensuring the passage of fluid from the pneumatic connection into the first inflation zone, and in which:

[0012] - the first actuator is configured to switch from a so-called configuration of inflation, in which the inflation conduit is in the open position and the reinflation conduit is in the closed position, to a so-called reinflation configuration, in which the inflation and reinflation conduits are in the open position and in which the first fluid communication path is closed so that the pressure exerted in the pneumatic connection causes the fluid to pass from the second inflation zone to the first inflation zone,

[0013] - the second actuator is configured to prevent the passage of fluid from the pneumatic connection to the first inflation zone, when the first actuator is in the inflation or reinflation configuration.

[0014] According to other optional features, the device according to the invention may include one or more of the following features, alone or in combination:

[0015] - the element of the wheel rim corresponds to a periphery of a hollow base, of preferably the outer perimeter of the hollow base.

[0016] - the additional envelope is formed by a winding of a tubular structure which includes one or more turns.

[0017] - the tubular structure of the additional envelope comprises an internal diameter ranging from 10 mm to 250 mm, preferably from 20 mm to 100 mm.

[0018] - the additional envelope is composed of at least one material suitable for withstand more than three times the maximum working pressure intended for the tire body.

[0019] - the pneumatic connection is fluidically connected to a single-pass rotary joint pneumatic device arranged to deliver the fluid from the inflation station to the first and second fluid communication paths, said rotating joint being further arranged to provide the connection between a fixed wheel part, preferably a hub, and a rotating wheel part.

[0020] - the wheel rim comprises a first sensor configured to measure the pressure of the additional envelope, the first actuator being further configured to switch to inflation configuration when the pressure measured by the first sensor is lower than a predetermined threshold.

[0021] - the wheel rim comprises a second sensor configured to measure the pressure of the first inflation zone, the first actuator being further configured to switch to re-inflation configuration when the pressure measured by the second sensor is below a predetermined threshold.

[0022] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle wheel comprising a pneumatic device according to the invention and a wheel rim.

[0023] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a system for monitoring the pressure of a tire comprising a vehicle wheel equipped with a tire mounted on a wheel rim and a pneumatic device according to the invention, said system further comprising an inflation station comprising a high-pressure compressor fluidly connected to the pneumatic connection, at least one electropneumatic control device configured to receive the measurements from the first and second sensors and to:

[0024] - control the passage of the first actuator into inflation configuration when the pressure measured by the first sensor is lower than a first predetermined threshold and trigger the high pressure compressor so that the pressure of the second inflation zone is substantially equal to a predetermined threshold,

[0025] - control the passage of the first actuator into the re-inflation configuration when the pressure measured by the second sensor is lower than a second predetermined threshold so that the pressure of the first inflation zone is substantially equal to a predetermined threshold,

[0026] - control the second actuator, simultaneously with the transition to configuration of inflation or re-inflation of the first actuator, to prevent the passage of fluid from the pneumatic connection into the first inflation zone.

[0027] According to other optional features, the system according to the invention may include:

[0028] - at least one third-party sensor configured to determine a speed, a load and / or a soil typology, the electropneumatic control device being further configured to receive the measurements from the third-party sensor and to control the transition of the first actuator to the inflation or re-inflation configuration and control the second actuator based on a value measured by the third-party sensor.

[0029] According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle comprising a tire pressure monitoring system according to the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0030] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows and with reference to the appended drawings, given for illustrative purposes and in no way limiting.

[0031] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] represents a schematic section of a first mode of rea- [Fig.2] [Fig.2] represents a schematic section of a second embodiment of a pneumatic device according to the invention mounted on a wheel rim.

[0033] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents a schematic section of a third embodiment of a pneumatic device according to the invention mounted on a wheel rim.

[0034] The figures do not necessarily respect the scales, in particular in thickness, and this is for illustration purposes.

[0035] Aspects of the present invention are described with reference to functional diagrams of apparatuses (systems) according to embodiments of the invention. Description of the embodiments

[0036] Below, we describe a summary of the invention and the associated vocabulary, before presenting the disadvantages of the prior art, and then finally showing in more detail how the invention overcomes them.

[0037] The terms "fixed", "fixed", or "fix", within the meaning of the invention, correspond to the direct or indirect association of one element relative to another without movement of these elements relative to each other, irremovable or removable with one or more intermediate elements.

[0038] The term "removable" within the meaning of the invention corresponds to the ability to be detached, removed or dismantled easily without having to destroy the fixing means either because there is no fixing means or because the fixing means are easily and quickly removable (e.g. notch, screw, tab, lug, clips). For example, by removable, it should be understood that the object is not fixed by welding or by another means not provided to allow the object to be detached.

[0039] Thus, the invention relates to a pneumatic device for a wheel rim, preferably comprising a hollow base, adapted to fix a tire body so as to define a first inflation zone, a pneumatic connection and an additional envelope.

[0040] As described in connection with Figures 1 to 3, the pneumatic device 1 according to the invention is adapted to be integrated into a wheel rim 10 without requiring modification of the structure of said rim, whether it is in one or two parts. Indeed, the integration of an additional reserve under high pressure in a modified rim involves, during its use, cracking and deformation.

[0041] In the context of the invention, the wheel rim 10 is adapted to fix a tire body 2 so as to define a first inflation zone 2-1. As is well known, the tire body 2 may comprise a part arranged to attach to the rim, better known as a “bead”, this part allows the tire body to be held on the wheel rim 10 once the first inflation zone 2-1 is filled with air. under pressure.

[0042] According to the invention, the additional envelope 30 is adapted to withstand a service pressure at least 3 times higher than the maximum pressure of the first inflation zone. By way of non-limiting examples, the additional envelope 30 may be adapted to withstand a service pressure of at least 9 bars, preferably at least 24 bars.

[0043] The additional envelope 30 defines a second inflation zone arranged to surround an element of the wheel rim 10. As illustrative examples, a wheel rim element 10 may correspond to any structural element, internal or external of said rim such as in particular a hollow rim base, a part of the bearing face of the rim on the hub, a cavity arranged in the rim.

[0044] As can be seen in the first or second embodiment of the pneumatic device 1 of the invention in FIGS. 1 and 2, the additional envelope 30 can be arranged to surround a periphery of the hollow base 11.

[0045] In the first embodiment, the additional envelope 30 is arranged to surround the inner periphery of the hollow base 11, that is to say directly in the first inflation zone 2-1 of the tire body 2.

[0046] In the second embodiment, the additional envelope 30 is arranged to surround the outer periphery of the hollow base 11, more particularly on the side intended to accommodate the tire 2.

[0047] In the third embodiment, the additional envelope 30 is arranged to surround the periphery of the internal face of the wheel rim 10, that is to say directly on the periphery of the bearing face of the rim which is intended to accommodate the hub and which corresponds to a part which is not in contact with the hub.

[0048] Generally, the additional envelope 30 can be formed by a winding of a tubular structure which comprises one or more turns 31.

[0049] Furthermore, the additional envelope 30 may be composed of at least one material suitable for withstanding more than 3 times the maximum service pressure provided for the tire body 2, for example consisting of a braided layer of fibers or stainless steel, preferably with an inner coating of polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0050] Advantageously, in order to ensure a high re-inflation flow rate of the first inflation zone 2-1 and a sufficient volume to ensure optimal re-inflation, the tubular structure of the additional envelope 30 may comprise an internal diameter ranging from 10 mm to 250 mm, preferably from 20 mm to 100 mm.

[0051] A pneumatic device according to the invention further comprises a pneumatic connection 20 communicating fluidically with the additional casing 30. The pneumatic connection 20 is adapted to deliver a fluid from an inflation station 40.

[0052] In the invention, the pneumatic connection 20 comprises a first fluid communication path 21-1, connected to a first actuator 23-1, ensuring the passage of the fluid from the pneumatic connection 20 into the second inflation zone of the additional envelope 30 via an inflation conduit 21-2 connected to the first actuator 23-1. The first fluid communication path 21-1 also comprises a re-inflation conduit 21-3 connected to the first actuator 23-1 in order to ensure the passage of the fluid from the second inflation zone of the additional envelope 30 to the first inflation zone 2-1.

[0053] Still in the invention, the pneumatic connection 20 further comprises a second fluid communication path 22-1, connected to a second actuator 23-2, ensuring the passage of the fluid from the pneumatic connection 20 into the first inflation zone 2-1, for example via a dedicated conduit 22-3.

[0054] The first actuator 23-1 is configured to switch from a so-called inflation configuration to a so-called reinflation configuration. The switch to one or other of the inflation or reinflation configurations of the first actuator 23-1 can be triggered according to the application of a predetermined pressure for each of said configurations. Of course, when no pressure is applied in the pneumatic connection 20, the first actuator 23-1 and the second actuator 23-2 are in the closed position.

[0055] Generally speaking, the positions or configurations mentioned in connection with the actuators according to the invention can be implemented by an arrangement of one or more valves of known type.

[0056] In the inflation position, the inflation conduit 21-2 is in the open position and the reinflation conduit 21-3 is in the closed position. This thus allows the passage of fluid into the additional envelope 30. The passage to the inflation position of the first actuator 23-1 can be initiated when the pressure of the additional envelope 30 is lower than a predetermined threshold value.

[0057] The pressure exerted in the first fluid communication path 21-1 through the pneumatic connection 20 thus allows the actuator 23-1 to move into the re-inflation position. In the re-inflation configuration, the inflation ducts 21-2 and re-inflation ducts 21-3 are in the open position, the first actuator 23-1 thus allows fluid communication between said inflation and re-inflation ducts. This thus allows the fluid to pass from the additional casing 30 to the first inflation zone 2-1 at a high flow rate. The first actuator 23-1 can be initiated to move into the re-inflation position when the pressure of the tire body 2 is below a predetermined threshold value. In the re-inflation configuration, the first actuator 23-1 is further configured to prevent any fluid communication between said inflation and re-inflation conduits and the first communication path. fluidic communication 21-1.

[0058] The second actuator 23-2 of a pneumatic device 1 according to the invention is configured to prevent the passage of fluid from the pneumatic connection 20 into the first inflation zone 2-1, when the first actuator 23-1 is in the inflation or re-inflation configuration.

[0059] As illustrative examples, the first actuator 23-1 may be configured to switch to an inflation configuration when the fluid delivered by the pneumatic connection 20 is at a first predetermined control pressure and to a re-inflation configuration when the fluid delivered by the pneumatic connection 20 is at a second control pressure. In addition, the fluid delivered by the pneumatic connection 20 may be at a third predetermined control pressure to allow inflation of the first inflation zone 2-1 or at a fourth predetermined control pressure to allow deflation of the first inflation zone 2-1. The second actuator 23-2 may be configured to prevent the passage of fluid from the pneumatic connection 20 when the fluid delivered by the pneumatic connection 20 is at the first or second predetermined control pressure.

[0060] In addition, it is provided that the pneumatic device 1 according to the invention can be implemented in a pre-existing pressure control system. A pre-existing pressure control system can for example comprise a compressor, an electropneumatic control device, a pneumatic connection, a first fluid communication path, an intermediate fluid communication path, an actuator and a sensor such as the different characteristics represented respectively by the references 40, 43 or 45, 20, 22-1, 22-2, 23-3 and 24-2 in FIGS. 1 to 3. In the context of the invention, the pre-existing compressor would be replaced by a high-pressure compressor.Thus, when a pre-existing pressure control system already equips a tire, the second actuator 23-2 of the pneumatic device 1 is added thereto and can further be configured to be in the open position, when the fluid delivered by the pneumatic connection 20 is at a pressure which is lower than the first and second predetermined control pressure, thus allowing the passage of the fluid from the pneumatic connection 20 to the third actuator 23-3 via the intermediate fluid communication path 22-2 fluidly connecting the second and third actuators 23-2, 23-3. As a result, when the fluid delivered by the pneumatic connection 20 is at a third predetermined control pressure, which is preferably lower than the first predetermined control pressure and the second predetermined control pressure, the third actuator 23-3 is configured to allow inflation of the first inflation zone 2-1.

[0061] Furthermore, the fluid delivered by the pneumatic connection 20 can be at a fourth predetermined control pressure, lower than the third predetermined control pressure, the third actuator 23-3 is then configured to allow deflation of the first inflation zone 2-1.

[0062] Optionally, the wheel rim 10 of the pneumatic device 1 according to the invention may comprise a first sensor 24-1 configured to measure the pressure of the additional tire 30, the first actuator 23-1 may further be configured to switch to the inflation configuration when the pressure measured by the first sensor 24-1 is lower than a predetermined threshold. By way of example, the first sensor may communicate the measurement of the pressure of the additional tire 30 to an electropneumatic control device 43, 45 which may be configured to command a pressure suitable for the first actuator 23-1 to switch to the inflation configuration.

[0063] Alternatively or in addition, the wheel rim 10 of the pneumatic device 1 according to the invention may comprise a second sensor 24-2 configured to measure the pressure of the first inflation zone 2-1, the first actuator 23-1 may further be configured to switch to the reinflation configuration when the pressure measured by the second sensor 24-2 is lower than a predetermined threshold. By way of example, the second sensor 24-2 may communicate the measurement of the pressure of the first inflation zone 2-1 to an electropneumatic control device 43, 45 which may be configured to command a pressure suitable for the first actuator 23-1 to switch to the reinflation configuration.

[0064] In an optional embodiment of the pneumatic device 1 according to the invention, the pneumatic connection 20 can be fluidically connected to a rotating joint 50 with a single pneumatic passage to deliver the fluid from the inflation station 40 to the first and second fluid communication paths 21-1, 22-1. The rotating joint 50 with a single pneumatic passage can further be arranged to make the connection between a fixed wheel part, such as a hub 60, and a rotating wheel part 61. Such an arrangement makes it possible to integrate the pneumatic device 1 according to the invention into any type of rim without needing to modify the structure of the rim. In addition, a rotating joint incorporating a single pneumatic passage limits the size and complexity of integration compared to a rotating joint with several passages.

[0065] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a vehicle wheel comprising a pneumatic device 1 according to the invention and a wheel rim 10, preferably the wheel rim comprises a tire body mounted on said rim.

[0066] According to the invention, the wheel can correspond to any type of wheel such as for example a wheel incorporating a run-flat system or having a beadlock® system while being removable with a bolted disc.

[0067] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a pressure control system of a tire comprising a vehicle wheel equipped with a tire mounted on the wheel rim 10 of the pneumatic device 1 according to the invention, an inflation station 40 and at least one electropneumatic control device 43, 45.

[0068] In the system according to the invention, the pneumatic device 1 comprises a pneumatic device 1 according to the invention equipped with the first and second sensors 24-1, 24-2 respectively configured to measure the pressure of the additional envelope 30 and of the first inflation zone 2-1. Furthermore, still in the system according to the invention, the first actuator 23-1 is further configured to switch to the inflation configuration when the pressure measured by the first sensor 24-1 is lower than a predetermined threshold and / or to switch to the reinflation configuration when the pressure measured by the second sensor 24-2 is lower than a predetermined threshold.

[0069] The inflation station 40 of the system according to the invention comprises a high-pressure compressor 41 fluidly connected to the pneumatic connection 20. The electropneumatic control device 43, 45 is further configured to receive the measurements from the first and second sensors 24-1, 24-2 and to control the actuators 23-1, 23-2 and / or 23-3.

[0070] The control of the actuators 23-1, 23-2 and / or 23-3 can be automatic, in particular when the pressure values ​​measured by the first and second sensors 24-1, 24-2 are lower than predetermined thresholds as described previously in connection with the pneumatic device 1.

[0071] Furthermore, it is provided within the scope of the invention that the functions described in connection with the second and third actuators 23-2, 23-3 can be implemented in a single actuator.

[0072] Alternatively or in addition, the control of the actuators 23-1, 23-2 and / or 23-3 can be manual, in particular a user can trigger the change of configuration of the actuators via a dedicated interface.

[0073] Thus, the system according to the invention can comprise at least one human-machine interface 42, 44, of the known type, configured to control the actuators 23-1, 23-2 and / or 23-3.

[0074] In the system according to the invention, the electropneumatic control device 43, 45 is configured to receive the measurements from the first and second sensors 24-1, 24-2 and to: - controlling the first actuator 23-1 to switch to the inflation configuration when the pressure measured by the first sensor 24-1 is lower than a predetermined threshold and triggering the high pressure compressor 41 so that the pressure of the second inflation zone is substantially equal to a predetermined threshold, - controlling the transition of the first actuator 23-1 to the re-inflation configuration when the pressure measured by the second sensor 24-2 is lower than a predetermined threshold so that the pressure of the first inflation zone 2-1 is substantially equal to a predetermined threshold, - control the second actuator 23-2, simultaneously with the transition to the inflation or re-inflation configuration of the first actuator 23-1, to prevent the passage of fluid from the pneumatic connection 20 into the first inflation zone 2-1.

[0075] The electropneumatic control devices 43, 45 can thus comprise a receiver connected by a wired or wireless RI communication bus to the first and second sensors 24-1, 24-2 of the pneumatic device 1 according to the invention. The signals emitted by the first and second sensors 24-1, 24-2 can be processed by the electropneumatic control device 43, 45 to control the first, second and / or third actuator 23-1, 23-2, 23-3. In addition, the first and second sensors 24-1, 24-2 of the pneumatic device 1 according to the invention can be configured to communicate the pressure measurements to the human-machine interface 42, 44.

[0076] In one embodiment of the system according to the invention, the latter may comprise two electropneumatic control devices 43, 45, a first electropneumatic control device 43 for controlling the first actuator 23-1 and the second actuator 23-2 and a second electropneumatic control device 45 for controlling the third actuator 23-3. Preferably, the second actuator 23-2 is configured to be in the open position and to switch to the closed configuration when the actuator 23-1 switches to the inflation or reinflation configuration.

[0077] The first and second sensors 24-1, 24-2 may be pressure sensors but may also be configured to measure other parameters such as, for example, temperature.

[0078] The system according to the invention may further comprise third-party sensors connected, like the first and second sensors 24-1, 24-2, to the electropneumatic control device 43, 45. The third-party sensors may emit signals which may be taken into consideration by the electropneumatic control device 43, 45 to control the various actuators 23-1, 23-2 and / or 23-3. In this case, the third-party sensors may comprise a speed sensor, a terrain sensor configured to determine a soil typology (for example a road-type soil composed of asphalt, tar or bitumen, or an all-terrain type soil composed rather of earth), a load sensor and / or a humidity sensor.

[0079] Thus, it is possible to control the passage of the first actuator 23-1 in confi inflation or re-inflation control and simultaneously closing the second actuator 23-2. It is also possible to control the third actuator 23-3 to allow deflation or re-inflation of the tire body 2 depending on the signals emitted by the first and second sensors 24-1, 24-2 alone or in combination with the signals emitted by the third sensors.

[0080] The electropneumatic control devices 43, 45 can for example control the passage of the first actuator 23-1 into the re-inflation configuration to put the second inflation zone, constituted by the additional casing 30, into fluid communication with the first inflation zone 2-1 through the simultaneous opening of the inflation ducts 21-2 and re-inflation ducts 21-3. When the predetermined pressure value in the tire body 2 is reached, the electropneumatic control device 43, 45 controls the closing of the actuator 23-1.

[0081] According to a fourth object, the invention relates to a vehicle comprising a tire pressure monitoring system according to the invention. When the system according to the invention comprises several electropneumatic control devices 43, 45, as well as several Man-Machine interfaces 42, 44, the latter can be respectively grouped into a single interface. However, when the system according to the invention comprises a single electropneumatic control device 45 with a man-machine interface 44, the latter can be added to a pre-existing electropneumatic control device and a dedicated man-machine interface. In this case, the first and second actuators 23-1 and 23-2 as well as the corresponding pneumatic connections making it possible to connect to the second inflation zone.

[0082] The vehicle may correspond to any known type of vehicle equipped with one or more wheels.

[0083] The invention may be the subject of numerous variants and applications other than those described above. In particular, unless otherwise indicated, the different structural and functional characteristics of each of the implementations described above should not be considered as combined and / or closely and / or inextricably linked to each other, but on the contrary as simple juxtapositions. Furthermore, the structural and / or functional characteristics of the different embodiments described above may be the subject in whole or in part of any different juxtaposition or any different combination.

Claims

Claims

1. Pneumatic device (1) for a wheel rim (10) adapted to fix a tire body (2) so as to define a first inflation zone (2-1), said device comprising a pneumatic connection (20) and an additional envelope (30) adapted to withstand a working pressure at least three times higher than the maximum pressure of the first inflation zone and defining a second inflation zone, the additional envelope (30) being further arranged to surround an element of the wheel rim (10) and to communicate fluidically with the pneumatic connection (20), said pneumatic connection being adapted to deliver a fluid from an inflation station (40), the pneumatic device (1) being characterized in that the pneumatic connection (20) comprises a first fluid communication path (21-1), connected to a first actuator (23-1),ensuring the passage of the fluid from the pneumatic connection (20) into the second inflation zone of the additional envelope (30) by an inflation conduit (21-2) connected to the first actuator (23-1) or from the second inflation zone of the additional envelope (30) to the first inflation zone (2-1) by a re-inflation conduit (21-3) connected to the first actuator (23-1) and, a second fluid communication path (22-1), connected to a second actuator (23-2), ensuring the passage of the fluid from the pneumatic connection (20) into the first inflation zone (2-1), and in which:, - the first actuator (23-1) is configured to move from a so-called inflation configuration, in which the inflation conduit (21-2) is in the open position and the re-inflation conduit (21-3) is in the closed position, to a so-called re-inflation configuration, in which the inflation conduit (21-2) and re-inflation conduit (21-3) are in the open position and in which the first fluid communication path (21-1) is closed so that the pressure exerted in the pneumatic connection (20) causes the fluid to pass from the second inflation zone to the first inflation zone (2-1), - the second actuator (23-2) is configured to prevent the fluid from passing from the pneumatic connection (20) into the first inflation zone (2-1), when the first actuator (23-1) is in the inflation or re-inflation configuration inflation.

2. Pneumatic device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the element of the wheel rim (10) corresponds to a periphery of a hollow base (11), preferably the outer periphery of the hollow base (11).

3. Pneumatic device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the additional envelope (30) is formed by a winding of a tubular structure which comprises one or more turns (31).

4. Pneumatic device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the tubular structure of the additional casing (30) comprises an inner diameter ranging from 10 mm to 250 mm, preferably from 20 mm to 100 mm.

5. Pneumatic device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the additional envelope (30) is composed of at least one material suitable for withstanding more than three times the maximum working pressure provided for the tire body (2).

6. Pneumatic device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pneumatic connection (20) is fluidically connected to a rotating joint (50) with a single pneumatic passage arranged to deliver the fluid from the inflation station (40) to the first and second fluid communication paths (21-1, 22-1), said rotating joint being further arranged to make the connection between a fixed wheel part, preferably a hub (60), and a rotating wheel part (61).

7. Pneumatic device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the wheel rim (10) comprises a first sensor (24-1) configured to measure the pressure of the additional casing (30), the first actuator (23-1) being further configured to switch to inflation configuration when the pressure measured by the first sensor (24-1) is lower than a predetermined threshold.

8. Pneumatic device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the wheel rim (10) comprises a second sensor (24-2) configured to measure the pressure of the first inflation zone (2-1), the first actuator (23-1) being further configured to switch to re-inflation configuration when the pressure measured by the second sensor (24-2) is lower than a predetermined threshold.

9. A vehicle wheel comprising a pneumatic device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and a wheel rim (10).

10. A tire pressure monitoring system comprising a vehicle wheel equipped with a tire mounted on a wheel rim (10) and a pneumatic device (1) according to claim 8, said system further comprising an inflation station (40) comprising a high-pressure compressor (41) fluidly connected to the pneumatic connection (20), at least one electropneumatic control device (43, 45) configured to receive the measurements from the first and second sensors (24-1, 24-2) and to: - control the switching of the first actuator (23-1) to the inflation configuration when the pressure measured by the first sensor (24-1) is lower than a first predetermined threshold and trigger the high-pressure compressor (41) so that the pressure of the second inflation zone is substantially equal to a predetermined threshold,- controlling the passage of the first actuator (23-1) into the re-inflation configuration when the pressure measured by the second sensor (24-2) is lower than a second predetermined threshold so that the pressure of the first inflation zone (2-1) is substantially equal to a predetermined threshold, - controlling the second actuator (23-2), simultaneously with the passage into the inflation or re-inflation configuration of the first actuator (23-1), to prevent the passage of fluid from the pneumatic connection (20) into the first inflation zone (2-1).,

11. Pressure control system according to claim 10, said system comprising at least one third-party sensor configured to determine a speed, a load and / or a ground typology, the electropneumatic control device (43, 45) being further configured to receive the measurements from the third-party sensor and to control the transition of the first actuator (23-1) to the inflation or re-inflation configuration and control the second actuator (23-2) according to a value measured by the third-party sensor.

12. A vehicle comprising a tire pressure monitoring system according to one of claims 10 or 11.

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