PNEUMATIC DEVICE FOR WHEEL RIM AND ASSOCIATED TIRE PRESSURE CONTROL SYSTEM

Abstract

The invention relates to a pneumatic device (1) for a wheel rim (10) adapted to hold a tire body (2) having a first inflation zone (2-1), a pneumatic linkage (20), and an additional casing (30) defining a second inflation zone. The pneumatic linkage includes a first actuator (23-1) that ensures the passage of fluid from the pneumatic linkage to the second inflation zone or from the second inflation zone to the first inflation zone, and a second actuator (23-2) that ensures the passage of fluid into the first inflation zone. The first actuator changes from an inflation configuration to a reinflation configuration, such 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 linkage into the first inflation zone. Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: PNEUMATIC DEVICE FOR 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 fluidic communication channels and actuators enabling the inflation or deflation of an additional inflation zone. The invention further relates to a tire pressure control system comprising the pneumatic rim device and an inflation station. Previous technique

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

[0003] One of the main problems concerning the use of tires is related to controlling their pressure. An overinflated or underinflated tire will tend to wear prematurely and may present a greater risk of bursting than a correctly inflated tire. Numerous solutions for automatically adjusting tire pressure to an appropriate reference pressure to increase tire durability and safety have already been developed.

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

[0005] Other solutions have been proposed 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 at the level of vehicle wheels 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 reservoir by a conduit and a second actuator connected to the tire inflation zone by another conduit, the two actuators being in communication with each other. Thus, such a solution remains limited in the context of adjusting tire pressure via the additional inflation reserve. Indeed, such an arrangement does not allow for a high flow rate and consequently does not allow for rapid and optimal tire reinflation using the additional inflation reserve. Furthermore, this additional inflation reserve requires a structural modification of the rim, leading to a need for additional homologation, and this solution is not suitable for implementation on all types of rims.

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

[0009] The invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art. In particular, the invention aims to provide, in addition to a first tire pressure regulation system comprising a pneumatic component integrated into the vehicle wheels for inflation / deflation, a second regulation system comprising one or more additional pneumatic components and enabling the management of an additional high-pressure air source. The invention proposes integrating a high-pressure air reservoir that can be integrated into the rim and, in conjunction with an external inflation station, allows this high-pressure air reservoir to be inflated or the tire to be reinflated 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 in order to provide 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 that follows 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 linkage and an additional casing adapted to withstand a working pressure at least three times greater than the maximum pressure of the first inflation zone and defining a second inflation zone, the additional casing being further arranged to surround an element of the wheel rim and communicate fluidly with the pneumatic linkage, said pneumatic linkage being adapted to deliver a fluid from an inflation station, the pneumatic device being characterized in that the pneumatic linkage includes a first fluidic communication channel, connected to a first actuator, ensuring the passage of fluid from the pneumatic linkage to the second inflation zone of the additional envelope via an inflation conduit connected to the first actuator, or from the second inflation zone of the additional envelope to the first inflation zone via a reinflation conduit connected to the first actuator, and a second fluidic communication channel, connected to a second actuator, ensuring the passage of fluid from the pneumatic linkage to 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 re-inflation conduit is in the closed position, to a so-called re-inflation configuration, in which the inflation and re-inflation conduits are in the open position and in which the first fluid communication channel is blocked so that the pressure exerted in the pneumatic link 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 up to the first inflation zone, when the first actuator is in the inflation or re-inflation 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 wheel rim element corresponds to a perimeter of a hollow base, of preferably the outer edge of the hollow base.

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

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

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

[0019] - the pneumatic link is fluidly connected to a single-pass rotary joint pneumatic arranged to deliver the fluid from the inflation station to the first and second fluid communication channels, said rotating joint being further arranged to connect a fixed part of the wheel, preferably a hub, and a rotating part of the wheel.

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

[0021] - the wheel rim includes a second sensor configured to measure the pressure of the first inflation zone, the first actuator being further configured to switch to reinflation mode 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 tire pressure control system 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 having a high-pressure compressor fluidly connected to the pneumatic link, at least one electropneumatic control device configured to receive measurements from the first and second sensors and to:

[0024] - to control the switching of the first actuator to the inflation configuration when The pressure measured by the first sensor is below a predetermined threshold, triggering the high-pressure compressor so that the pressure in the second inflation zone is approximately equal to a predetermined threshold.

[0025] - to control the switching of the first actuator to the reinflation configuration when the pressure measured by the second sensor is below a second predetermined threshold such that the pressure of the first inflation zone is substantially equal to a predetermined threshold,

[0026] - control the second actuator, simultaneously with the switch to the configuration of inflation or re-inflation of the first actuator, to prevent the passage of fluid from the pneumatic link 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 measurements from the third-party sensor and to control the switching of the first actuator into inflation or re-inflation configuration and to control the second actuator according to a value measured by the third-party sensor.

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

[0030] Other features and advantages of the invention will be better understood from the following description and with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of illustration and not limitation.

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

[0032] [Fig.2] Fig.2 represents a schematic cross-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 cross-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, particularly in thickness, for illustrative purposes.

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

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

[0037] The terms "fixed", "fixed", or "fixed", in the sense of the invention, correspond to the direct or indirect association of one element with respect to another without movement of these elements with respect to each other, immovable or removable with one or more intermediate elements.

[0038] The term “removable” in the context of the invention refers to the ability to be easily detached, removed, or disassembled without damaging any fastening means, either because there are no fastening means or because the fastening means are easily and quickly removable (e.g., notch, screw, tab, lug, clips). For example, “removable” should be understood to mean that the object is not fixed by welding or by any other means not designed to allow the object to be detached.

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

[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, integrating an additional high-pressure reservoir into a modified rim implies, 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 include a portion arranged to hook onto the rim, more commonly known as the "bead," this portion allows the tire body to be retained 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 sleeve 30 is adapted to withstand a working pressure at least 3 times greater than the maximum pressure of the first inflation zone. By way of non-limiting example, the additional sleeve 30 can be adapted to withstand a working pressure of at least 9 bar, preferably at least 24 bar.

[0043] The additional envelope 30 defines a second inflation zone arranged to surround an element of the wheel rim 10. By way of illustrative examples, a wheel rim element 10 can correspond to any structural element, internal or external to said rim such as in particular a hollow rim base, a part of the rim bearing face 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 Figures 1 and 2, the additional envelope 30 can be arranged to surround a perimeter of the hollow base 11.

[0045] In the first embodiment, the additional envelope 30 is arranged to surround the inner perimeter 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 perimeter 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 perimeter of the inner face of the wheel rim 10, that is to say directly on the perimeter 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 includes one or more turns 31.

[0049] In addition, the additional casing 30 can be made of at least one material suitable for withstanding more than 3 times the maximum service pressure intended for the tire body 2, for example made of a braided layer of fibers or stainless steel, preferably with an inner coating of polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0050] Advantageously, in order to ensure a high reinflation flow rate of the first inflation zone 2-1 and a sufficient volume to ensure optimal reinflation, the tubular structure of the additional envelope 30 may include 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 link 20 communicating fluidly with the additional casing 30. The pneumatic link 20 is adapted to deliver a fluid from an inflation station 40.

[0052] In the invention, the pneumatic link 20 comprises a first fluid communication channel 21-1, connected to a first actuator 23-1, ensuring the passage of fluid from the pneumatic link 20 to 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 channel 21-1 also comprises a reinflation conduit 21-3 connected to the first actuator 23-1 in order to ensure the passage of 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 link 20 further includes a second fluid communication channel 22-1, connected to a second actuator 23-2, ensuring the passage of the fluid from the pneumatic link 20 to 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 an inflation configuration to a reinflation configuration. The switch of the first actuator 23-1 between the inflation and reinflation configurations can be triggered by applying a predetermined pressure for each configuration. Naturally, when no pressure is applied to the pneumatic connection 20, both the first actuator 23-1 and the second actuator 23-2 are in the closed position.

[0055] In general, 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 a 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 allows the fluid to pass into the additional sleeve 30. The first actuator 23-1 can be initiated to move to the inflation position when the pressure in the additional sleeve 30 is below a predetermined threshold value.

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

[0059] By way of illustration, the first actuator 23-1 can be configured to switch to inflation mode when the fluid delivered by the pneumatic link 20 is at a first predetermined control pressure and to reinflation mode when the fluid delivered by the pneumatic link 20 is at a second control pressure. Furthermore, the fluid delivered by the pneumatic link 20 can 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 can be configured to prevent the flow of fluid from the pneumatic link 20 when the fluid delivered by the pneumatic link 20 is at the first or second predetermined control pressure.

[0060] In addition, it is envisaged 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 may, for example, comprise a compressor, an electropneumatic control device, a pneumatic link, a first fluidic communication channel, an intermediate fluidic communication channel, an actuator, and a sensor such as the various features represented respectively by reference numerals 40, 43 or 45, 20, 22-1, 22-2, 23-3, and 24-2 in Figures 1 to 3. Within the scope of the invention, the pre-existing compressor would be replaced by a high-pressure compressor.Thus, when a pre-existing pressure control system is already fitted to a pneumatic device, the second actuator 23-2 of the pneumatic device 1 is added to it and can further be configured to be in the open position when the fluid delivered by the pneumatic connection 20 is at a pressure lower than the first and second predetermined control pressures, thereby allowing the fluid to pass from the pneumatic connection 20 to the third actuator 23-3 via the intermediate fluidic communication channel 22-2 fluidically connecting the second and third actuators 23-2, 23-3. Consequently, when the fluid delivered by the pneumatic connection 20 is at a third predetermined control pressure, which is preferably lower than the first and second predetermined control pressures, the third actuator 23-3 is configured to allow the inflation of the first inflation zone 2-1.

[0061] Furthermore, the fluid delivered by the pneumatic link 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 include 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 inflation mode when the pressure measured by the first sensor 24-1 is below a predetermined threshold. By way of example, the first sensor may communicate the pressure measurement of the additional tire 30 to an electropneumatic control device 43, 45, which may be configured to command a suitable pressure so that the first actuator 23-1 switches to inflation mode.

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

[0064] In an optional embodiment of the pneumatic device 1 according to the invention, the pneumatic link 20 can be fluidically connected to a single-passage rotary joint 50 to deliver the fluid from the inflation station 40 to the first and second fluid communication channels 21-1, 22-1. The single-passage rotary joint 50 can also be arranged to connect a fixed wheel component, such as a hub 60, to a rotating wheel component 61. Such an arrangement allows the pneumatic device 1 according to the invention to be integrated into any type of rim without requiring modification of the rim structure. Furthermore, a rotary joint incorporating a single pneumatic passage reduces the size and complexity of integration compared to a multi-passage rotary joint.

[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 flat rolling system or having a beadlock® system and being removable with a bolted rim.

[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 the first inflation zone 2-1. Furthermore, also in the system according to the invention, the first actuator 23-1 is further configured to switch to inflation mode when the pressure measured by the first sensor 24-1 is below a predetermined threshold and / or to switch to reinflation mode when the pressure measured by the second sensor 24-2 is below a predetermined threshold.

[0069] The inflation station 40 of the system according to the invention comprises a high-pressure compressor 41 fluidically connected to the pneumatic link 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 below predetermined thresholds as described previously in connection with the pneumatic device 1.

[0071] Furthermore, it is provided within the framework 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] As an alternative or in addition, the control of 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 may include 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 measurements from the first and second sensors 24-1, 24-2 and to: - to command the first actuator 23-1 to switch to inflation mode when the pressure measured by the first sensor 24-1 is below a predetermined threshold and to trigger the high-pressure compressor 41 so that the pressure in the second inflation zone is substantially equal to a predetermined threshold, - to command the first actuator 23-1 to switch to re-inflation mode when the pressure measured by the second sensor 24-2 is below a predetermined threshold so that the pressure of the first inflation zone 2-1 is substantially equal to a predetermined threshold, - to control the second actuator 23-2, simultaneously with the switching to inflation or re-inflation configuration of the first actuator 23-1, to prevent the passage of fluid from the pneumatic link 20 into the first inflation zone 2-1.

[0075] The electropneumatic control devices 43, 45 may thus include 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 may be processed by the electropneumatic control device 43, 45 to control the first, second, and / or third actuator 23-1, 23-2, 23-3. Furthermore, the first and second sensors 24-1, 24-2 of the pneumatic device 1 according to the invention may be configured to communicate pressure measurements to the human-machine interface 42, 44.

[0076] In one embodiment of the system according to the invention, it may include 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 position when the actuator 23-1 switches to the inflation or reinflation position.

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

[0078] The system according to the invention may further include third sensors connected, like the first and second sensors 24-1, 24-2, to the electropneumatic control device 43, 45. The third sensors may emit signals that can 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 sensors may include a speed sensor, a terrain sensor configured to determine a soil type (for example, a road-type soil composed of asphalt, tar or bitumen, or an all-terrain-type soil composed 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 reinflation control and simultaneously the closure of the second actuator 23-2. It is also possible to control the third actuator 23-3 to allow deflation or reinflation of the tire body 2 according to 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 switching of the first actuator 23-1 to the reinflation configuration to establish fluidic communication between the second inflation zone, formed by the additional casing 30, and the first inflation zone 2-1 through the simultaneous opening of the inflation ducts 21-2 and the reinflation 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 control system according to the invention. When the system according to the invention includes several electro-pneumatic control devices 43, 45, as well as several Human-Machine Interfaces 42, 44, the latter can be grouped into a single interface. However, when the system according to the invention includes a single electro-pneumatic control device 45 with a human-machine interface 44, these can be added to a pre-existing electro-pneumatic control device and a pre-existing dedicated human-machine interface. In this case, the first and second actuators 23-1 and 23-2, as well as the corresponding pneumatic connections, allow connection to the second inflation zone.

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

[0083] The invention can be implemented in numerous variations and applications other than those described above. In particular, unless otherwise indicated, the various structural and functional features of each of the embodiments described above should not be considered as combined and / or closely and / or inextricably linked to one another, but rather as mere juxtapositions. Furthermore, the structural and / or functional features of the various embodiments described above may be juxtaposed or combined, in whole or in part, in any different way.

Claims

Demands

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 link (20) and an additional casing (30) adapted to withstand a working pressure at least three times greater than the maximum pressure of the first inflation zone and defining a second inflation zone, the additional casing (30) being further arranged to surround an element of the wheel rim (10) and communicate fluidly with the pneumatic link (20), said pneumatic link being adapted to deliver a fluid from an inflation station (40), the pneumatic device (1) being characterized in that the pneumatic link (20) comprises a first fluid communication channel (21-1), connected to a first actuator (23-1),ensuring the passage of fluid from the pneumatic connection (20) to the second inflation zone of the additional envelope (30) via 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) via a reinflation conduit (21-3) connected to the first actuator (23-1), and a second fluid communication channel (22-1), connected to a second actuator (23-2), ensuring the passage of fluid from the pneumatic connection (20) to the first inflation zone (2-1), and in which: - the first actuator (23-1) is configured to switch from an inflation configuration, in which the inflation conduit (21-2) is in the open position and the reinflation conduit (21-3) is in the closed position, to a reinflation configuration, in which the inflation conduits (21-2) and reinflation conduits (21-3) are in the open position and in which the first fluid communication channel (21-1) is blocked so that the pressure exerted in the pneumatic link (20) causes the fluid to flow from the second inflation zone to the first inflation zone (2-1), - the second actuator (23-2) is configured to prevent the fluid from flowing from the pneumatic link (20) to the first inflation zone (2-1), when the first actuator (23-1) is in the inflation or re- configuration inflation.

2. Pneumatic device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the wheel rim element (10) corresponds to a perimeter of a hollow base (11), preferably the outer perimeter 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 comprising 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 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 casing (30) is composed of at least one material suitable for withstanding more than three times the maximum service pressure intended for the tire body (2).

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

7. Pneumatic device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the wheel rim (10) includes a first sensor (24-1) configured to measure the pressure of the additional cover (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 below a predetermined threshold.

8. Pneumatic device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the wheel rim (10) includes 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 reinflation configuration when the pressure measured by the second sensor (24-2) is below a predetermined threshold.

9. 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 control 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) having a high-pressure compressor (41) fluidly connected to the pneumatic linkage (20), at least one electropneumatic control device (43, 45) configured to receive 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 below 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,- to command the first actuator (23-1) to switch to the reinflation configuration when the pressure measured by the second sensor (24-2) is below a second predetermined threshold so that the pressure in the first inflation zone (2-1) is substantially equal to a predetermined threshold, - to command the second actuator (23-2), simultaneously with the switching of the first actuator (23-1) to the inflation or reinflation configuration, 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 sensor configured to determine a speed, a load and / or a soil type, the electropneumatic control device (43, 45) being further configured to receive the measurements from the third sensor and to control the switching of the first actuator (23-1) into inflation or reinflation configuration and to control the second actuator (23-2) according to a value measured by the third sensor.

12. Vehicle comprising a tire pressure control system according to one of claims 10 or 11.

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