Rotor with improved airtightness and venting for tire calibration assemblies

Abstract

Rotor with improved airtightness and venting for tire calibration assemblies that prevents the entry of water and / or liquids into the rotor, thus improving the functionality and lifespan of the components, providing improved venting for the axle hub, maintaining oil retention, and preventing premature wear of internal parts and potential accidents during operation.

Description

[0001] ROTOR WITH IMPROVED AIRTIGHTNESS AND VENTING FOR TIRE CALIBRATION ASSEMBLIES

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to equipment for controlling, regulating, and calibrating pressure in a pneumatic pressure assembly. More specifically, it pertains to a rotor for tire calibrating assemblies, wherein the rotor is designed and constructed to improve airtightness by preventing the entry of water or liquids, thereby improving the functionality and lifespan of components. Additionally, it provides better venting space for the axle hub while maintaining oil retention, thus preventing premature wear of the internal parts and accidents during operation.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] As is well known in the art, tire inflation-deflation systems consist of an external air compressor connected by various pipes and tubes to the tire inflation valves. Control equipment or mechanisms also detect the lack or excess of pressure inside the tires and send the appropriate signals to adjust the pressure accordingly. It should be noted that inflation or deflation systems, such as those described in Patent Document AR037242, are well known in the art, and therefore, no further descriptive details will be provided about them.

[0006] On the other hand, the axles of the cargo or transport vehicle equipped with these systems can be hollow, with axle ends often having a through-hole. The hollow axle provides an advantageous conduit for supplying air pressure to the wheel end via the respective pipes. Between the axles and the tires or wheels, some valves allow inflation or deflation (Patent AR037242), and in front of these, rotary couplings are mounted on the vehicle's wheels.

[0007] Such rotary couplings may be as described in Argentine Patent Document AR037242B1 , which is included here as a reference. According to Patent AR037242, a rotary coupling consists of a block fixedly mounted to an adjustable support, both of which are rotatably mounted to a shaft through respective rolling bearings. A fixed nut or locknut and multiple O- ring seals are also provided. Inside the shaft, there is an air duct, while outside, the shaft connects to a hose that runs along and inside a hollow shaft.

[0008] This system requires constant oil or grease retention and proper venting for the axle hub to compensate for internal pressure changes and prevent accidents that could compromise the vehicle's safety during operation.

[0009] As a result, the current applicant developed a rotor with venting, oil retention, and anti-spin assembly, which solves the said drawbacks, as outlined in Argentine Patent Application P20210103605, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. In this way, and according to Fig. 1 related to prior art and more particularly to Fig. 5 of Patent Application AR P210103605, an improved venting of the hub is provided, thereby avoiding the use of the "J" tubes thanks to the air venting passages / holes / channels 120, 119, 118 generated between the bearing 113 and the block 106, which improves oil retention due to the assembly of the oil traps 117 and in turn, prevent damage to the rotor 101 resulting from the rotation of the spring 138, thanks to the anti-spin assembly 139 of the spring.

[0010] Thus, bearing 113 prevents oil from passing through the venting holes 119, which are designed solely for venting, from the inside of the axle hub to the outside. The design of bearing 113 incorporates traps 117 with a cavity-shaped design that communicates via venting guide channels 118, allowing the oil to return to the hub through passages 120 between block 106 and bearing 113, while still enabling the axle hub to breathe through the venting holes. Venting holes 119 are safeguarded against particle entry by the O-ring seal 137 located between the inner 111 and outer 112 parts of the block 106. The O-ring seal 137 expands due to air pressure, facilitating air escape to the outside.

[0011] Although Patent Application AR P210103605 provides a solution to the drawbacks of the prior art concerning oil retention and venting, while also preventing the rotor damage due to rotation, several disadvantages still exist. One such issue is the rotor's inability to completely seal against the intrusion of liquids like water. As is known, vehicles are washed using hoses, pressure washers, or similar. Pressurized or atmospheric water entering the rotor through venting holes 119 exposed to the outside causes damage to its internal components, generating premature wear and functional complications for the rotor.

[0012] Considering the current state of the art in tire inflation and deflation systems, particularly regarding rotary couplings, it would be highly beneficial to have a new assembly that ensures improved airtightness. This would help prevent water or any liquid from entering the rotor structure, thereby extending its lifespan. Additionally, it should maintain better and continuous venting and prevent the leakage or transfer of oil or grease from inside the hub to the outside.

[0013] Brief Description of the Invention

[0014] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new rotor for tire calibration assemblies that provides improved airtightness to prevent the entry of liquids or water into the rotor, thereby extending its lifespan and functionality.

[0015] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a rotor that not only ensures airtightness but also enhances the venting capacity of the axle hub. It is another object of the present invention to provide a rotor that retains oil or grease from the hub, preventing potential accidents and spills, while also maintaining its ability to avoid the sweeping of the rotor parts caused by the stresses generated during the spring's rotation, thereby avoiding deterioration of components and air leaks.

[0016] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a rotor with improved airtightness and venting for tire calibration assemblies of the type comprising a rotor block rotatably mounted on a rotor shaft which is connected to a pressurized air hose or pipe, and a rotor bearing rotatably mounted on said rotor shaft by means of at least one rotor rolling bearing, said rotor block being in turn mounted on said rotor bearing so that they rotate together relative to said rotor shaft which is fixed, and wherein said rotor bearing further comprises a pair of bearing venting guide channels allowing communication and guided passage of pressurized air to the outside through a rotor venting passage or hole defined between an inner block portion and an outer block portion, wherein the rotor comprises: at least one rotor locknut threaded into said outer and inner block portions so as to cover the venting hole to prevent external elements from entering the rotor venting hole defined therebetween, and which comprises at least one internal locknut venting passage that allows the communication and guided passage of pressurized air between the rotor venting hole and the outside.

[0017] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] For better clarity and understanding, the object of the present invention is illustrated in several figures, which show the invention in one of the preferred embodiments, all by way of example, where:

[0019] Fig. 1 shows a sectional view of a rotor according to the prior art, more particularly with the rotor of Patent Application P210103605.

[0020] Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of the rotor according to the present invention;

[0021] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a rotor locknut according to the present invention;

[0022] Fig. 4 shows a top view of the locknut of Fig. 3, and according to the present invention;

[0023] Fig. 5 shows a sectional view of a portion of the rotor locknut according to the invention; and

[0024] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the rotor locknut according to the present invention, where an arrow indicates the direction of air circulation.

[0025] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0026] The present invention describes a rotor for tire calibration assemblies that improves airtightness and venting, preventing liquid entry, particularly water, which helps avoid premature deterioration of the rotor's components. Additionally, the venting of the axle hub is improved, which helps maintain oil retention, thus preventing premature wear of the internal parts and reducing the risk of accidents during operation.

[0027] Below, reference will be made to those components of the rotor that are the same as in Argentine Patent Application P210103605 of the same holder, incorporated herein by reference. For the sake of simplicity, the same reference numbers as in Argentine Patent Application P210103605 will be used to describe those components that are or remain the same. Thus, and according to Fig. 2, the rotor of the present invention is designated by the general reference 101 and is mounted at one end of a hollow shaft where there is a hub for attaching a wheel, the rotor 101 of the invention being mounted on said hub through support cover 105.

[0028] Rotor 101 comprises a rotor block 106 rotatably mounted on a rotor shaft 107 which has an internal shaft air duct or passage 108 that is in communication, via an internal end and more particularly a connector 109, with a pressurized air hose or pipe located inside said hollow shaft and carrying pressurized air from an external air reservoir or tank. It is important to note that rotor 101 of the present invention is not limited to hollow shafts equipped with pressurized air pipes, since it can also be used with pressurized shafts. That is, the rotor of the invention can be used on pressurized or non-pressurized shafts without any inconvenience. Additionally, rotor block 106 comprises an internal block part 111 and an external block part 112. The internal part of block 111 is rotatably mounted on rotor shaft 107 using a rotor bearing 113. In contrast, the external part of block 112 features a rotor transfer chamber 114 which connects to the external end of said internal shaft air passage 108 of the rotor shaft 107, such that air is ejected through rotor transfer chamber 114 towards the corresponding inflation or deflation valves (Patent AR037242) via appropriate pipes, enabling the inflation or deflation of the tires.

[0029] It should be noted that, although reference has been made to inflation / deflation valves, the invention can be used interchangeably with the valves used by the vehicle's running gear at the rotor outlet, that is, whether they are inflation-only valves or inflation / deflation valves.

[0030] Rotor bearing 113 is rotatably mounted on rotor shaft 107 using rotor rolling bearing 116. Similarly, the inner part of block 111 is mounted on rotor bearing 113 to rotate together with rotor shaft 107, which remains in a fixed or static position. Rotor bearing 113 features a pair of bearing oil traps 117 located in its periphery, and between these traps, a pair of bearing venting guide channels 118 are defined, allowing for the communication and guided passage of pressurized air to the outside through a rotor venting passage or hole 119, which is defined in the middle portion of block 106, more specifically between the inner part of block 111 and the outer part of block 112. According to Argentine Patent Application P210103605, when a puncture occurs in the hose, connector 109, or their connection via an O-ring transporting the pressurized air, the air inside the hollow shaft flows through passages 120, which are defined by the clearance or space between rotor bearing 113 and the internal part of block 111. The air then passes through bearing venting guide channels 118 and finally exits through rotor venting passage or hole 119. Thus, the hub's venting is maintained during a puncture or air leak. Additionally, thanks to the bearing oil traps 117 in the form of cavities, better retention of the hub's oil or grease is achieved, preventing troublesome leaks.

[0031] On the other hand, among said rotor bearing 113, rolling bearing 116, and shaft 107, there is at least one safety retainer 122 housed in a peripheral groove formed in said rotor shaft 107, at least one O-ring seal 123 between said rotor bearing 113 and said rotor shaft 107. This O- ring seal 123 is housed in a seat defined by a stepped portion of said rotor shaft 107 and an internal stepped portion of said rotor bearing 113. Likewise, a rotor nut 125 is threaded at one end of the inner part of block 111 , and an O-ring seal 126 is placed in an outer portion of the inner part of block 111 , which will act as a seal against said supporting cover 105.

[0032] On the other hand, the rotor shaft 107 has an external shaft end 129 which defines a shaft seat

[0033] 130 for a terminal or insert 131 , which contacts a solid seal 132 provided in the external part of block 112. It is to be noted that contact between the terminal or insert 131 and solid seal 132 defines a terminal-seal airtightness surface 134. Both terminal 131 and the solid seal 132 will have an internal passage 135 and 136, respectively, which connect to said internal air duct or passage 108 of the rotor shaft 107 and to said rotor transfer chamber 114. Similarly, between the internal parts of block 111 and the external parts of block 112, there is an O-ring seal 137. Said solid seal 132 must be retained hermetically between said terminal or insert

[0034] 131 and spring 138. To prevent spring 138 from rotating and sweeping the internal surfaces, an anti-rotor rotation assembly 139 is provided, arranged on the external part of block 112, and, more specifically, it is intended to prevent the rotation of spring 138. The anti-rotor rotation assembly 139 is sufficiently described in Argentine Patent Application P210103605 and will not be further specified.

[0035] The major features of the inventive rotor described so far, which are common to those in Argentine Patent Application P210103605, have been conveyed with the understanding that parts omitted or not detailed are sufficiently covered in the said Argentine Patent Application P210103605. As noted in the prior art section, the entry of water or liquids due to a lack of tightness in the rotor is a drawback that affects both the functionality and lifespan of the rotor components. Consequently, the owner of the present invention has continued researching and developing until achieving the novel characteristic of the current invention that addresses tightness issues, enhances venting, and simultaneously maintains oil retention and anti-spin conditions. It is important to note that the novel features pertaining to the present invention will be indicated by reference numbers starting from 200.

[0036] Thus, in Fig. 2, the present invention comprises a rotor locknut 201 threaded onto the rotor block 106 of the invention, more particularly being threaded between said internal portion of block 111 and external portion of block 112, thereby covering the rotor venting hole 119 defined therebetween. To this end, both the internal portion of block 111 and the external portion of block 112 will have an external threading of block 202-203 respectively, while rotor locknut 201 has an internal threading through which rotor locknut 201 will be screwed onto block 106. The internal threading of the rotor locknut 201 has not been illustrated to simplify understanding of the present invention. In this way, rotor locknut 201 completely covers the rotor venting passage or hole 119, preventing liquid or water from entering the rotor 101.

[0037] On the other hand, to ensure the flow of air from inside the rotor or shaft to the outside, while preventing the entry of water or liquid, the rotor locknut 201 features an internal locknut venting passage 204 that facilitates communication and a controlled passage of pressurized air between the rotor venting hole 119 and the outside. According to Figs. 3 to 6, this rotor locknut 201 includes a plurality of axial locknut slots 205, a plurality of radial locknut slots 206, and a plurality of circumferential locknut slots 207. Specifically, said plurality of axial locknut slots 205 are arranged axially within respective portions of the internal wall 208 of the locknut 201 ; said plurality of radial locknut slots 206 are positioned radially on at least one of the faces of the locknut; and the plurality of circumferential locknut slots 207 are situated circumferentially on at least one of the faces of the rotor locknut.

[0038] In this way, the internal locknut venting passage 204 is defined by at least the combination of one of said axial locknut slots 205, one of said circumferential locknut slots 207, and one of said radial locknut slots 206, and, as a result, there are multiple internal locknut venting passages 204. Thus, the pressurized air coming from the rotor venting hole 119 enters through the axial locknut slots 205, flows through the circumferential locknut slots 207, and finally exits to the outside through the radial locknut slots 206, as best illustrated by arrows in Fig. 6.

[0039] Thus, the rotor of the present invention is designed and constructed to provide improved airtightness, preventing water or liquids from entering, which could otherwise compromise the operation and lifespan of the components. The invention improves venting, maintains oil retention, and protects rotor 101 from damage caused by the rotation of spring 138, thanks to the anti-rotation assembly of spring rotor 139. Due to the foregoing innovative construction features, it is clear that the rotor of this invention is universally applicable; it can be used for both oil- and grease-filled hubs, as well as for pressurized and non-pressurized axles. Moreover, the rotor can work with inflation valves, inflation / deflation valves, or similar devices without inconvenience. The scope of the present invention is defined in the following set of claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A rotor with improved airtightness and venting for tire calibration assemblies of the type comprising a rotor block rotatably mounted on a rotor shaft which is connected to a pressurized air hose or pipe, and a rotor bearing rotatably mounted on said rotor shaft using at least one rotor rolling bearing, said rotor block being in turn mounted on said rotor bearing to co-rotate relative to said rotor shaft which is fixed, and wherein said rotor bearing further comprises a pair of bearing venting guide channels allowing communication and a guided passage of pressurized air to the outside through a rotor venting passage or hole defined between an inner block portion and an outer block portion, the rotor being characterized by comprising: at least one rotor locknut threaded onto said external and internal block parts and extending to cover the rotor venting hole defined between them, which allows for the entry of external elements, and wherein said rotor locknut comprises at least one internal locknut venting passage which provides communication and a guided passage of pressurized air between the rotor venting hole and the outside.

2. A rotor for tire calibration assemblies according to claim 1 , characterized in that said inner and outer block parts have an outer block thread through which said rotor locknut is threaded.

3. A rotor for tire calibration assemblies according to claim 1 , characterized in that said rotor locknut comprises an internal thread and is provided with a plurality of axial locknut slots, a plurality of radial locknut slots, and a plurality of circumferential locknut slots.

4. A rotor for tire calibration assemblies according to claim 3, characterized in that said plurality of locknut axial slots are axially arranged on respective portions of an inner wall of the rotor locknut.

5. A rotor for tire calibration assemblies according to claim 3, characterized in that said plurality of radial locknut slots are arranged radially on at least one face of said rotor locknut.

6. A rotor for tire calibration assemblies according to claim 3, characterized in that said plurality of circumferential locknut slots are arranged circumferentially on at least one face of said rotor locknut.

7. A rotor for tire calibration assemblies according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said internal locknut venting passage is defined by at least one of said plurality of axial locknut slots, at least one of said radial locknut slots, and at least one of said circumferential locknut slots.

8. A rotor for tire calibration assemblies according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising a plurality of internal locknut venting passages.

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