Inflation valve with ball valve for tubeless tires

Abstract

The present invention relates to an inflation valve used in conjunction with a tubeless tire, which includes a ball valve. The ball valve optionally includes a housing in which a ball is provided. The ball is formed to have a through hole. The ball is rotatable between an open position, which allows air and / or a sealant to flow through the through hole, and a closed position, which substantially prevents air and / or a sealant from flowing through the through hole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inflation valve provided with a ball valve for use in combination with a tubeless tire. Background Art

[0002] Tires for motor vehicles (e.g., automobiles, motorcycles, scooters) or self-propelled vehicles (e.g., bicycles) generally comprise an annular member surrounding a rim of a vehicle wheel. The annular member typically includes an outer body formed of rubber, which outer body contacts the road surface on which the vehicle travels. In a pneumatic tire, the outer body surrounds an inflatable inner tube that encircles the rim and is mounted to the rim. The inner tube acts as a cushion when the vehicle travels over rough terrain, improving the ride comfort for occupants (driver / passengers).

[0003] A problem with pneumatic tires is that the inner tube is easily damaged, particularly when used on rough terrain, resulting in air leakage (i.e., a puncture) of the inner tube.

[0004] As one attempt to address this drawback of pneumatic tires, tubeless tires have been developed. Tubeless tires have the same general structure as pneumatic tires, but do not include an inner tube. Instead, the outer body of the tire is manufactured or treated to form a substantially hermetic seal with the rim of the wheel. For example, a sealant may be applied to the inner surface of the tire.

[0005] One of the main valves used in sets of tubeless tires is known as a Presta valve. However, problems may occur when inflating tubeless tires using such Presta valves. These problems are described in more detail below.

[0006] An inflation valve includes a part called the valve core, which controls the airflow through the valve. When inflating a tubeless tire, the valve core needs to allow sufficient airflow for efficient inflation. However, several factors limit the airflow through the valve, which can make it difficult to properly inflate the tire. These include: (a) Valve core design: Some tubeless Presta valves have a narrow, or spatially limited, valve core design. This can obstruct airflow through the valve, resulting in longer inflation times or inability to fully inflate the tire. As a result, users may have to remove the valve core to inflate their tires as before. (b) Valve length: Inflation valves for tubeless tires are available in various lengths to accommodate different rim depths. Tires with deeper rim profiles may require longer valves. However, such longer valves are more likely to restrict airflow due to their length, which can lead to slower or insufficient inflation. (c) Valve stem design: The overall design of the valve stem (i.e., the part in which the valve core is mounted) can also affect airflow. Some valve stems have a narrower profile or additional internal obstructions, which can create resistance and reduce the amount of air passing through the valve during inflation.

[0007] As mentioned above, applying a sealant to the inside of a tubeless tire can improve the seal between the outer tire body and the wheel rim. Such sealants are typically injected into the tubeless tire through an inflation valve. In addition to limiting airflow, tubeless Presta valves can also obstruct the flow of sealant through the valve. This can be due to one of the following reasons: (a) Clogging of the valve core: Over time, the sealant may accumulate inside and outside the valve core, dry out, and harden or clog. This can reduce the flow of sealant through the valve, resulting in an insufficient seal or making it difficult to replenish the sealant. (b) Seal buildup: In some cases, sealant may build up inside the valve, forming a barrier that obstructs the flow of sealant through the valve. This buildup may be caused by the viscosity of the sealant or its interaction with air and moisture. Reduced sealant flow may impair the tire's ability to effectively self-repair punctures.

[0008] To address these issues, users are often advised to remove the valve core when inflating tubeless tires or adding sealant. Removing the valve core improves airflow and allows the sealant to pass freely through the valve. This results in more efficient inflation and improved sealant distribution within the tire. However, it is desirable to achieve these goals without removing the valve core and partially disassembling the inflation valve. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] There has been a need for improvements to the inflation valves for tubeless tires. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention relates to an inflation valve used in conjunction with a tubeless tire, the inflation valve comprising a ball valve. In particular, the inflation valve includes a housing in which a ball is provided, the ball may be formed to have a through hole. Furthermore, the ball may be rotatable between an open position that allows air and / or sealant to pass through the through hole and a closed position that substantially prevents air and / or sealant from passing through the through hole. The advantage of this system is that it can provide a larger, less restrictive path and improve airflow when inflating a tubeless tire. This is particularly important in a set of tubeless tires and inflation valves used in conjunction with them, where a large amount of air is required to generate sufficient pressure to seat the tire bead onto the rim. This is especially important in the initial tire mounting stage—when it is necessary to obtain an airtight seal between the tire and the rim, in which case it is necessary to obtain the maximum airflow to do so.

[0011] In particular, the inflation valve has a first end and a second end, and the first end may have a valve top including a ball valve.

[0012] In the context of this invention, the term “upper” refers to the portion of the inflation valve closest to the center of the wheel to which it is mounted when in use. Similarly, the term “lower” refers to the portion of the inflation valve closest to the road surface contact portion of the tire (i.e., the portion furthest from the rim or wheel center) when in use.

[0013] In particular, the valve top may have a valve upper portion at its first end that is compatible with connection to an inflation device. Furthermore, the inflation device may be a motor-driven or manual pump. In particular, the inflation valve may have a conduit that provides fluid communication between the first and second ends of the valve.

[0014] In particular, the second end of the inflation valve may be provided with a valve bottom. Furthermore, the valve top and valve bottom may be connected by a valve stalk.

[0015] In some embodiments, the inflation valve may be integrally molded. In other embodiments, the inflation valve may comprise two interconnectable parts, namely (i) a valve top and (ii) a valve stalk and valve bottom.

[0016] Furthermore, the valve stalk may have a substantially circular, triangular, rectangular, square, elliptical, rhombus, pentagonal, hexagonal, or octagonal cross-section, and may particularly have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0017] In particular, the valve base may have a diameter larger than the valve stalk. Furthermore, the valve base may have a substantially circular, triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, or octagonal cross-section. Furthermore, the valve base may have a substantially circular or hexagonal cross-section. In particular, the valve base may have an outer end face and at least one side wall extending inward from the outer end face. Furthermore, the valve base may have a substantially circular cross-section and have one or more openings that connect to a conduit that penetrates the inflation valve. Furthermore, each opening may be connected to a conduit to provide fluid communication between the first and second ends of the inflation valve. Alternatively, the valve base may have a substantially hexagonal cross-section and have one or more of its six side walls that connect to an opening that connects to a conduit that penetrates the inflation valve. Furthermore, each side wall may have an opening that connects to a conduit that provides fluid communication between the first and second ends of the inflation valve.

[0018] Furthermore, the valve stalk may have a substantially circular cross-section. In particular, the valve stalk may have threads formed on its outer surface. Furthermore, a lock nut may be provided on the threads. The lock nut is useful when attaching the inflation valve to the wheel rim.

[0019] In some embodiments, the valve top and the valve stem may be in the shape of a Presta valve. That is, the valve stem may have an outer diameter of about 6 mm. In another embodiment, the valve stem may be in the shape of a Presta valve, and the valve top may be in the shape of a Schrader valve. That is, the valve top may be connectable to a Schrader pump. In still another embodiment, the valve top and the valve stem may be in the shape of a Schrader valve. That is, the valve stem may have an outer diameter of about 8 mm, and the valve top may be connectable to a Schrader pump.

[0020] In particular, the inflation valve may be used for vehicle tires. In particular, the vehicle may be a bicycle, an electric bicycle, a motorcycle, an electric motorcycle, a scooter, an automobile, a truck, a freight vehicle, or an airplane. Further, the bicycle may be a mountain bike. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The present invention will be further described with reference to the following drawings, which do not limit the scope of the claimed invention. [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of an inflation valve for tubeless tires according to the first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the valve comprises a Presta valve top and a valve stem. [Figure 2] It is an exploded perspective view of the inflation valve in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a side view of the inflation valve in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a front view of the inflation valve in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view of the inflation valve taken along line A-A in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view of the ball valve and the upper portion of the inflation valve in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] It is an exploded perspective view of the ball valve and the upper portion of the inflation valve in FIG. 1. [Figure 8]It is a front view of an inflation valve for tubeless tires according to a second embodiment of the present invention, the valve comprising a Schrader valve top and a Presta valve stem. [Figure 9] It is a rear cross-sectional view of the inflation valve of Figure 8 with the valve cap removed. [Figure 10] It is a front view of an inflation valve for tubeless tires according to a third embodiment of the present invention, the valve comprising a Schrader valve top and a valve stem. [Figure 11] It is a rear cross-sectional view of the inflation valve of Figure 10 with the valve cap removed. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0022] Figures 1 to 5 show an inflation valve 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. For convenience of reference, not all components are labeled with reference signs in all drawings. The valve 1 has a valve top 10 formed at a first end 5 and a valve bottom 20 formed at a second end 15. The valve top 10 and the valve bottom 20 are connected by a valve stem 25. The valve stem 25 is cylindrical, and a thread 26 is formed on an outer surface 27 thereof. In the present embodiment, the valve top 10, particularly the upper valve portion 65 (see description below) and the valve stem 25, have the shape of a Presta valve (i.e., an outer diameter of about 6 mm).

[0023] The lock nut 45 is screwed onto the threads 26 (see Figures 1 and 3-5) and is used to attach the inflation valve 1 to the wheel rim (not shown). As shown in Figure 2, the lock nut 45 has a through hole 46 with threads 46A formed inside. The threads 46A are formed to engage with the threads 26 of the valve stalk 25. The outer surface of the lock nut 45 has grooves or knurled sections 47 to facilitate operation when the user screws it onto the threads 26. Furthermore, an annular recess 45A is provided at the lower end 45B of the lock nut 45 (i.e., the end closest to the valve bottom 20 when in use, see Figure 5). The annular recess 45C is shaped to receive an O-ring 49. A gasket 48 is also fitted onto the valve stalk 25 via an internal through hole 48A. The gasket 48 has an upper tapered section 45B and a lower annular section 48C (see Figure 2). During use (see Figures 1 and 3-5), the lower annular portion 48C is in contact with the upper annular plate 20A of the valve bottom 20.

[0024] In some embodiments, the valve top 10, valve stalk 25, and valve bottom 20 may be integrally molded. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 2, the valve stalk 25 and valve bottom 20 may be formed as a single component, and the valve top 10 may be formed as a separate component, with both components being assembled before use to constitute the inflation valve 1.

[0025] The valve top 10 is equipped with a ball valve 30. The first end 30A of the ball valve 30 is connected to the upper part 65 of the valve (part of the valve top 10, see Figures 2 and 5, details below) and a valve cap 35 is attached. The second end 30B is screwed into the threads 26 of the valve shank 25.

[0026] The valve base 20 has a larger diameter than the valve stalk 25. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the valve base 20 has a circular cross-section, but other cross-sectional shapes are also available. The valve base 20 comprises an annular plate upper 20A and a lower 20B, separated by a recess 20C. Within the recess 20C, four circular channels (21A, 21B, 21C, etc., as illustrated in Figures 3 to 5) are formed at equal intervals.

[0027] As shown in Figure 5, a conduit 40 (internal valve stem) passes through the valve stalk 25. Therefore, fluid communication is provided from the first end 25A (connected to the valve top 10) through the valve stalk 25 to the channels 21A, 21B, and 21C of the valve bottom 20 through the conduit 40.

[0028] The components of the ball valve 30 and the valve upper part 65 will be described in more detail with reference to the cross-sectional view of the ball valve 30 in Figure 6 and the exploded view of the ball valve 30 and valve upper part 65 in Figure 7. Not all components of the ball valve 30 and valve upper part 65 are shown in both Figure 6 and Figure 7.

[0029] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the ball valve 30 comprises a hollow cylindrical central housing 50 and an inner surface 51. A first thread 51A is formed on the inner surface 51 extending from the first end 50A of the central housing 50, and extends for approximately one-quarter of the length from the first end 50A of the inner surface 51. A second thread 51B (not visible in Figure 7) is formed on the second end 50B of the central housing 50, and extends for approximately one-quarter of the length from the second end 50B of the inner surface 51. The inner diameter of the second thread 51B is smaller than that of the first thread 51A.

[0030] The second thread 51B is formed to engage with a thread 26 formed on the outer surface 27 of the valve stalk 25. An annular recess 55 is provided at the inner end 51C of the second thread 51B (not visible in Figure 7). The annular recess 55 has a diameter slightly larger than the second thread 51B and is shaped to receive an O-ring 60. The O-ring 60 helps to provide a substantially airtight seal between the ball valve 30 and the valve stalk 25.

[0031] The first thread 51A is formed to engage with the corresponding thread formed on the upper part 65 of the valve. The upper part 65 of the valve is substantially hollow and cylindrical. The outer surface 66 extending from the first end 65A has a first thread 65C formed thereon. The first thread 65C is formed to engage with the internal thread of the valve cap 35. As is well known, the valve cap 35 has an outer surface 36 and an inner cylindrical recess 37 (see Figure 5). The inner cylindrical recess 37 has an open end 37A and a closed end 37B. A thread 38 is formed near the closed end 37B of the cylindrical recess 37. Therefore, in use, the valve cap 35 is placed over the upper part 65 of the valve, and the thread 38 of the valve cap 35 is screwed into the first thread 65C of the upper part 65 of the valve. The outer surface 36 of the valve cap 35 may be provided with grooves or knurled sections 39 (see Figures 1 to 4) to facilitate operation when the user screws it onto the upper part 65 of the valve.

[0032] An enlarged diameter portion 67 is provided at the second end 65B. A second thread 65D is formed on the enlarged diameter portion 67 extending from the second end 65B, which is formed to engage with the first thread 51A of the central housing 50. Furthermore, a recess 68 for receiving an O-ring 68A is formed on the enlarged diameter portion 67 extending from the second end 65B. In addition, an annular edge portion 69 is provided at the end of the enlarged diameter portion 67 furthest from the second end 65B, which is fixed on the first end 50A of the central housing 50. A chamfered portion 69A is provided on the outer surface of the annular edge portion 69. In this way, a substantially airtight seal is provided between the ball valve 30 and the valve upper portion 65.

[0033] A circular projection 70 is formed on the outer surface 52 of the central housing 50 of the ball valve 30. The circular projection 70 has a central through hole 75 that communicates with the inside of the central housing 50. The circular projection 70 also has an annular quarter-turn notch 80 (see Figure 7).

[0034] The valve switch 85 is mounted on the circular projection 70. The valve switch 85 comprises a central circular portion 85A and opposing arms 85B and 85C. The central circular portion 85A has a central through-hole 90 that aligns with the central through-hole 75 of the circular projection 70. The inner surface 85D of the valve switch 85 (i.e., the surface facing the circular projection when in use) is provided with an annular recess 85F for receiving an O-ring 95. The inner surface 85D also has an inward-facing notch 85E that engages with the annular quarter-turn notch 80 of the circular projection 70. A screw 100 is inserted into the central through-hole 90 of the valve switch 85 and the central through-hole 75 of the central housing 50, helping to secure the valve switch 85 to the central housing 50.

[0035] From inside the central housing 50, the valve key 105 is inserted into two central through holes 75 and 90. The valve key 105 has a projection 110 having a screw hole 110A for receiving a screw 100. The projection 110 is the portion of the valve key 105 that is inserted into the two central through holes 75 and 90. The end of the projection 110 closest to the screw hole 110A is provided with straight edges 110B and 110C (see Figure 7) that engage with the corresponding shaped portion of the central through hole 90 of the valve switch 85. The end of the projection 110 furthest from the screw hole 110A is provided with an annular seat 115 that is set against the inner surface 51 of the central housing 50. Furthermore, an O-ring 120 is fitted between the annular seat 115 and the inner surface 51 of the central housing 50. A key projection 125 is provided on the side of the annular seat 115 opposite to the projection 110.

[0036] The ball 130 is positioned in the center of the central housing 50. The ball 130 is a sphere having a central cylindrical through hole 135. The outer surface 130A of the ball (near the equator of the sphere) is provided with a keyway 140 for receiving the key projection 125 of the valve key 105. The ball 130 is fitted into the upper 145 and lower 150 seating rings. Both seating rings 145 and 150 have chamfered inner surfaces 145A and 150A (see Figure 7) that are positioned against the ball 130 during the assembly of the ball valve 30 and allow rotation within the central housing 50. The seating rings 145 and 150 have outer surfaces 145B and 150B (see Figure 7) opposite to the chamfered inner surfaces 145A and 150A, which are positioned against the annular stepped portions 53A and 53B (see Figure 6) within the central housing 50. In this way, the ball 130 is held within the central housing 50 of the ball valve 30.

[0037] During use, the ball valve 30 can operate from a fully closed position through several intermediate positions where it gradually opens, all the way to the fully open position. In Figures 1 to 7, the ball valve 30 is in the fully closed position, substantially obstructing the airflow through the inflation valve 1. That is, the arms 85B and 85C of the valve switch 85 are aligned perpendicular to the main axis AA of the inflation valve 1 (see Figure 4). The inward notch 85E of the valve switch 85 is adjacent to the closed end face 80A of the annular quarter-turn notch 80. In the fully closed position, the ball 130 of the ball valve 30 has its central cylindrical through hole 135 aligned almost horizontally, substantially perpendicular to the main axis AA of the inflation valve 1. In this position, the ball 130 blocks the airflow through the inflation valve 1.

[0038] To open the inflation valve 1, the valve switch 85 is rotated counterclockwise. The straight edges 110B and 110C of the projections 110 of the valve key 105 engage with the corresponding shaped portions of the central through-hole 90 of the valve switch 85. The key projection 125 of the valve key 105 engages with the keyway 140 of the ball 130, causing the ball 130 to rotate. In this way, the central cylindrical through-hole 135 gradually moves from the fully closed position to the fully open position, which is almost vertical, i.e., parallel and in line with the main axis AA of the inflation valve 1. Therefore, as the ball valve 30 moves from the fully closed position to the fully open position, the airflow through the inflation valve 1 gradually increases. When the ball valve 30 is in the fully open position, the arms 85B and 85C of the valve switch 85 are aligned horizontally and substantially perpendicular to the main axis AA of the inflation valve 1. The inward notch 85E of the valve switch 85 is adjacent to the closed end face 80B of the annular quarter-turn notch 80. In this way, air or a sealant (e.g., from an inflator) can flow from the first end 65A of the upper part 65 of the valve, through the upper part 65, the ball valve 30, the conduit 40 of the valve shank 25, and through the channels (e.g., 21A, 21B, 21C) of the valve bottom 20 into the inside of the tire (not shown).

[0039] Figures 8 and 9 show an inflation valve 201 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. For convenience of reference, not all components are labeled with reference numerals. The valve 201 has a valve top 210 formed at a first end 205 and a valve bottom 220 formed at a second end 215. The valve top 210 and the valve bottom 220 are connected by a valve stalk 225. The valve top 210 includes a ball valve 230, a valve upper part 265 (visible only in Figure 9), and a valve cap 235 (not present in Figure 9).

[0040] The valve base 220, valve stalk 225, and ball valve 230 of the second embodiment are identical to those of the inflation valve 1 of the first embodiment. Unlike the first embodiment, the inflation valve 201 of the second embodiment has a larger Schrader diameter (i.e., an outer diameter of approximately 8 mm) in the valve top 210, particularly the upper part of the valve 265. This allows the user to connect the upper part of the valve 265 of the inflation valve 201 to a Schrader pump to inflate a tubeless tire (not shown).

[0041] Figures 10 and 11 show an inflation valve 301 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. For convenience of reference, not all components are labeled with reference numerals. The valve 301 has a valve top 310 formed at a first end 305 and a valve bottom 320 formed at a second end 315. The valve top 310 and the valve bottom 320 are connected by a valve stalk 325. The valve top 310 includes a ball valve 330, a valve upper part 365 (visible only in Figure 11), and a valve cap 335 (not present in Figure 11).

[0042] As shown in Figure 11, a conduit 340 (internal valve stem) passes through the valve stalk 325. Also, as shown in Figure 11, the ball valve 330 is equipped with a ball 430. The ball 430 is a sphere having a central cylindrical through-hole 435.

[0043] Unlike the first embodiment, the inflation valve 301 of the third embodiment has a larger Schrader diameter (i.e., an outer diameter of approximately 8 mm) for the valve top 310 (particularly the upper part of the valve 365), the valve stalk 325, and the ball valve 330. As a result, the conduit 340 in the valve stalk 325 and the central cylindrical through hole 435 of the ball 430 also have a larger diameter than the corresponding part of the inflation valve 1 of the first embodiment. This allows the user to connect the upper part of the valve 365 of the inflation valve 301 to a Schrader pump to inflate a tubeless tire (not shown), and provides a larger diameter flow path within the inflation valve 301.

Claims

1. An inflation valve equipped with a ball valve, used in conjunction with tubeless tires.

2. An inflation valve according to claim 1, wherein the ball valve includes a housing having a ball inside, the ball being formed to have a through hole, and the ball being rotatable between an open position that allows air and / or a sealant to flow through the through hole and a closed position that substantially prevents air and / or a sealant from flowing through the through hole.

3. An inflation valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inflation valve has a first end and a second end, the first end having a valve top portion including the ball valve.

4. An inflation valve according to claim 3, wherein the second end includes the valve bottom.

5. An inflation valve according to claim 4, wherein the top of the valve and the bottom of the valve are connected by the stalk of the valve.

6. An inflation valve according to claim 5, wherein the stalk of the valve has a substantially circular cross-sectional area.

7. An inflation valve according to claim 6, wherein the stalk of the valve has an outer surface on which threads are formed.

8. An inflation valve according to claim 7, wherein a lock nut is provided on the threads.

9. An inflation valve according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the diameter of the valve bottom is greater than the diameter of the valve shank.

10. An inflation valve according to claim 9, wherein the valve bottom has a substantially circular or hexagonal cross-section.

11. An inflation valve according to claim 10, wherein the valve bottom has a substantially circular cross-section and comprises one or more openings for connecting to a conduit for fluid communication between the first end and the second end.

12. An inflation valve according to any one of claims 3 to 11, wherein the valve top is provided with a valve lifting portion at the first end of the valve top that is suitable for connection to an inflation device.

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