VALVE WITH A NUMBER OF DUCTS FOR PASSING AND INCREASED SEALING

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve for a compartmentalized tube or tyre, including a number of ducts for passing and increased sealing. It therefore has one end for coupling to an inflation/deflation system; another end in contact with the rim; a flow channel between both, with opening by means of a cover solidly joined to a mobile rod. The valve has at least two cavities with connection means to the airtight compartments of the tube or tyre. One cavity is displaced solidly joined to the rod, allowing gas or liquid flow through the communication channel between the cavities when in the open position. The existence of friction surfaces are thereby eliminated, increasing the sealing, the maximum operating pressure and the useful life. Additionally, the number of items in contact with one another are reduced, allowing for a simpler manufacturing process by reducing the level of accuracy required for the components.

Claims

1. Valve for a compartmentalized tyre, wherein said valve has a body which has: a) a first end configured for coupling to inflation/deflation means of a compartmentalized tyre or tube; b) a second end, opposite the first end, configured for coupling to an inflation/deflation duct of the compartmentalized tyre or tube; c) a flow channel between the first end and the second end, d) an opening/closing cover of the flow channel solidly joined to a mobile rod; e) at least two cavities located in the interior of the valve body: e1) a first cavity comprising first connection means to a first compartment of the tyre or tube; e2) a second cavity comprising second connection means to a second compartment of the tyre or tube; f) a communication channel between the first cavity and the second cavity; characterized in that: g) at least one of the cavities located in the interior of the valve body is displaced with respect to the valve body solidly joined to the rod displacement; h) at least one of the cavities located in the interior of the valve body is fixed with respect to the valve body; i) there is a fixed closing surface with respect to the valve body, forming an angle with the displacement direction of the mobile cavity, constituting a cover of the communication channel between the fixed cavity and the mobile cavity such that: i1) in the rod resting position, the fixed closing surface blocks the communication channel between the fixed cavity and the mobile cavity, preventing any gas or liquid flow between both cavities; i2) in the rod displacement position, the fixed closing surface is separated from the communication channel between the fixed cavity and the mobile cavity, allowing gas or liquid flow between both cavities;

2. Valve for a compartmentalized tyre according to claim 1 wherein the wall surrounding the cavity located in the interior of the valve body, which is fixed with respect to the valve body, completely or partially surrounds the mobile cavity.

3. Valve for a compartmentalized tyre according to claim 2 wherein the opening/closing cover of the flow channel constitutes a fixed closing surface located in the mobile cavity such that: a) in the rod resting position, the mobile closing surface blocks the communication channel between the first end and the second end, preventing any gas or liquid flow therein; b) in the rod displacement position, the mobile closing surface is separated from the communication channel between the first end and the second end, allowing gas or liquid flow therein;

4. Valve for a compartmentalized tyre according to claim 3 wherein the mobile closing surface which constitutes the opening/closing cover of the flow channel makes contact with the fixed closing surface which constitutes the communication channel cover between the fixed cavity and the mobile cavity, such that: a) in the rod resting position, the mobile closing surface and the fixed closing surface make contact, simultaneously blocking the flow channel between the first end and the second end, and the communication channel between the fixed cavity and the mobile cavity; b) in the rod displacement position, the mobile closing surface and the fixed closing surface are separated, thereby allowing gas or liquid flow, simultaneously, through the flow channel between the first end and the second end, and through the communication channel between the fixed cavity and the mobile cavity;

5. Valve for a compartmentalized tyre according to claim 1 wherein the wall surrounding the communication channel between the fixed cavity and the mobile cavity is displaced solidly joined to the mobile cavity.

6. Valve for a compartmentalized tyre according to claim 1 wherein the second end of the valve is connected to an airtight auxiliary device, such that: a)it has a wall which isolates the volume formed therein; b)it has two or more orifices drilled in its surface; c)at least one of the orifices is communicated with the mobile cavity of the valve by means of a duct through the interior of the airtight auxiliary device; d)each of the orifices is communicated with each one of the tyre or tube compartments by connecting means through the exterior of the airtight auxiliary device.

7. Valve for a compartmentalized tyre according to claim 1 wherein the axis of symmetry of the mobile cavity coincides with the rod displacement axis.

8. Valve for a compartmentalized tyre according to claim 1 wherein the axis of symmetry of the fixed cavity coincides with the axis of symmetry of the mobile cavity.

9. Valve for a compartmentalized tyre according to claim 1 wherein the axis of symmetry of the fixed cavity is parallel to the axis of symmetry of the mobile cavity.

10. Valve for a compartmentalized tyre according to claim 1 wherein the mobile rod displacement direction is determined by guiding elements located in the interior of the valve body.

11. Valve for a compartmentalized tyre according to claim 1 wherein the mobile cavity displacement direction is determined by guiding elements located in the interior of the valve body.

12. Valve for a compartmentalized tyre according to claim 1 wherein the diameter of the mobile closing surface located in the mobile cavity is larger than the diameter of the external contour of the wall of this mobile cavity, such that, if the pressure inside the wheel is greater than the external pressure, the pressure gradient pushes the mobile cavity towards the first end of the valve, thereby increasing the sealing of the valve closure.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] FIG. 1 shows a cross-section of the valve including the elastomer material tread for setting into a motor vehicle rim, in the valve closed position.

[0025] FIG. 2 shows a cross-section of the valve including the elastomer material tread for setting into a motor vehicle rim, in the valve open position, it being coupled to the inflation/deflation device nozzle. This figure shows the flow of air during the inflation process.

[0026] FIG. 3 shows an isometric cross-section of the valve, without the elastomer material tread, in the closed position. This figure particularly shows the closing device and how the external air flow does not pass through the closure of the lower cavities (interior/mobile and exterior/fixed).

[0027] FIG. 4 shows a detailed magnified isometric cross-section of the valve closing device in the open position. This figure shows the flow of inflation air and its passage from the upper cavity to the lower cavities (interior/mobile and exterior/fixed).

[0028] FIG. 5 shows a cross-section of a motor vehicle compartmentalized tyre next to the rim incorporating the valve of the invention. This figure shows the flow of air entering and exiting the various volumes.

[0029] FIG. 6 shows a cross-section of a bicycle tube with two compartments incorporating the valve by means of a vulcanizing process.

[0030] FIG. 7 shows a cross-section of a bicycle wheel formed by three parallel tubes, a tread, the valve of the invention and an airtight auxiliary device for filling the parallel tubes.

[0031] The different components that appear in the drawings are listed below: [0032] 1Interior of the air inlet/outlet mouth to the valve. [0033] 2Thread of the valve cap. [0034] 3Longitudinal mobile rod. [0035] 4Rod Guide. [0036] 5Metal washer upper spring support. [0037] 6Covering of elastomer material for use in car rims. [0038] 7Upper cavity. [0039] 8Thread for introducing the upper component of the valve. [0040] 9Spring. [0041] 10Metal washer lower spring support. [0042] 11Elastomer material washer (fixed closing surface). [0043] 12Communication channel between the lower interior cavity (mobile cavity) and the lower exterior cavity (fixed cavity). [0044] 13Body wall of the lower component of the valve. [0045] 14Lower interior cavity (mobile cavity) of the valve. [0046] 15Lower interior cavity wall. [0047] 16Lower exterior cavity (fixed cavity) of the valve. [0048] 17Communication duct between the lower interior cavity (mobile) and the inside of the tyre. [0049] 18Hollow area above the valve internal covering of elastomer material. [0050] 19End of the lower interior cavity (mobile cavity). [0051] 20Area of reduced diameter of the elastomer material covering. [0052] 21Stop area with the rim of the elastomer material covering. [0053] 22Hollow area below the valve internal covering of elastomer material. [0054] 23Air inlet direction in valve mouth. [0055] 24Air inlet direction in lower exterior cavity (fixed cavity). [0056] 25Air inlet direction in lower interior cavity (mobile cavity). [0057] 26Air flow direction through the lower exterior cavity (fixed cavity). [0058] 27Air inlet direction to the tyre from the lower exterior cavity (fixed) of the valve. [0059] 28Air inlet direction to the tyre from the lower interior cavity (mobile) of the valve. [0060] 29Inflation/deflation device metal nozzle. [0061] 30Inflation/deflation device protuberance for rod displacement. [0062] 31Interior flexible duct of inflation/deflation device. [0063] 32Air inlet direction from inflation/deflation device. [0064] 33Elastomer material ring of the inflation/deflation device. [0065] 34Orifice in the elastomer material ring of the inflation/deflation device. [0066] 35Interior of the inflation/deflation device neck. [0067] 36Ribbed surface of the metal nozzle for introducing the flexible duct. [0068] 37Inflation/deflation device. [0069] 38Lever for securing the inflation/deflation device. [0070] 39Flexible duct of the inflation/deflation device. [0071] 40Air inlet direction through side trims of spring upper support. [0072] 41Flow channel between the upper and lower cavities. [0073] 42Air inlet direction through the flow channel between the upper and lower cavities. [0074] 43Air inlet direction in lower interior cavity (mobile). [0075] 44Air inlet direction through side trims of mobile closing surface for the flow channel between the upper and lower cavities. [0076] 45Mobile closing surface for the flow channel located in the lower interior cavity (mobile cavity). [0077] 46Surface of the rim parallel to the wheel axis of rotation. [0078] 47Surface of the rim for housing the tyre. [0079] 48Outer edge of rim. [0080] 49Surface for securing the rim to the shaft by means of threaded screws. [0081] 50Orifice in the rim for introducing the valve. [0082] 51External tyre side surface. [0083] 52Joining curvature between the side surface and the tyre running surface. [0084] 53Tyre running surface. [0085] 54Internal tyre structural reinforcement. [0086] 55Contact surface between tyre and rim. [0087] 56End of the tyre inside the rim. [0088] 57Separating wall between the main and secondary tyre volumes. [0089] 58Main tyre volume. [0090] 59Secondary tyre volumes. [0091] 60Communication orifices between the secondary tyre volumes. [0092] 61Connecting tube between the valve and the secondary tyre volumes. [0093] 62Through-hole between the connecting tube and the secondary tyre volumes. [0094] 63End of the valve outside the rim. [0095] 64Edge of elastomer material covering of the valve inside the rim. [0096] 65Air inlet/outlet direction in valve. [0097] 66Air inlet/outlet direction from valve to the main tyre volume. [0098] 67Air inlet/outlet direction in the secondary tyre volumes. [0099] 68Air flow direction between the secondary tyre volumes. [0100] 69Covering of elastomer material around the valve in a bicycle tube. [0101] 70Interior wall of the bicycle tube in contact with the rim. [0102] 71Connection duct between the valve lower exterior cavity (fixed) and the inside of the tube. [0103] 72Connection between the valve lower interior cavity (mobile) and the connecting tube with the secondary tube volume. [0104] 73Wall of the connecting tube with the secondary tube volume. [0105] 74Main tube volume. [0106] 75Connecting tube between the valve and the secondary tube volume. [0107] 76Separating wall between the main and secondary tube volumes. [0108] 77Secondary tube volume. [0109] 78Exterior wall of the bicycle tube in contact with the tread. [0110] 79Side of valve fitting with the airtight auxiliary device and the rim. [0111] 80Communication duct between the valve lower exterior cavity (fixed) and the airtight auxiliary device. [0112] 81Central area of bicycle rim. [0113] 82Anchoring thread in the lower interior cavity (mobile cavity). [0114] 83Inside of the airtight auxiliary device. [0115] 84Connection duct between the lower interior cavity (mobile) and the central tube. [0116] 85Airtight auxiliary device walls. [0117] 86Inlet/outlet orifice to central tube. [0118] 87Inlet/outlet orifice to airtight auxiliary device. [0119] 88Connection duct between the airtight auxiliary device and the central tube. [0120] 89Inlet/outlet orifice to side tube. [0121] 90Space between tyre and rim. [0122] 91Side of bicycle rim. [0123] 92Bicycle tread area in contact with the rim. [0124] 93Side of bicycle tread. [0125] 94Central tube. [0126] 95Left tube. [0127] 96Right tube. [0128] 97Separating wall of the central tube with the side tubes. [0129] 98Separating wall of the central tube with the running surface. [0130] 99Running surface of the bicycle wheel.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0131] A preferred embodiment refers to a valve with a cylindrical upper cavity (element 7, FIGS. 1, 2 and 6) and two lower cavities (elements 14 and 16, FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7), also with cylindrical geometry, in a coaxial arrangement.

[0132] The cylindrical upper cavity is surrounded by a threaded surface (8, FIG. 1), prepared for adapting to a plug and for use with a standard inflation/deflation system common in service stations. A cylindrical rod (3, FIG. 2) runs through the inside of this upper cavity, which is displaced due to the pressure caused when contact is made with the internal protuberance of the inflation/deflation system nozzle (30, FIG. 2). The rod displacement direction is determined by guide elements (element 4, FIGS. 1, 2 and 3) and coincides with the axis of symmetry common to the two lower cavities and to the upper cavity.

[0133] In FIGS. 1 and 2 it can be observed how the spring (9) which constitutes the rod elastic mechanism is located inside the upper cavity (7), maintaining a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the same, with its ends running through the inside of two cylindrical groves existing in the metal washers of the upper (5) and lower (10) spring supports. In this way the outer diameter of the spring is increased when it is compressed, not when it comes into contact with the walls of the upper cavity, also occurring at a distance from the walls at all times.

[0134] The upper cavity communicates with the two lower concentric cavities (14 and 16) through a flow channel (element 41, FIG. 4) through the inside of which the rod is displaced.

[0135] The lower interior cavity (14) is mobile in nature and has a length greater than the lower exterior cavity (16), being able to be displaced by guide elements located on the inside of the valve body. An elastic duct can be coupled to the lower end (19) of this mobile cavity. This elastic duct constitutes a connection means that communicates with the secondary tyre volume (element 59, FIG. 5) or tube volume (element 77, FIG. 6).

[0136] This secondary volume is usually located in the area with the highest probability of breakage or puncture, on the running surface of the wheel.

[0137] The inflation of the main compartment of the compartmentalized tyre or tube is done through the communication of the lower exterior cavity through a duct or ducts (element 17, FIGS. 1 and 2; element 71, FIG. 6 and element 80, FIG. 7) with this volume or volumes.

[0138] In this way, FIG. 2 shows how, in the valve open position, air flow can travel from the inflation system (32), passing through the upper cavity (23), and entering the lower exterior cavity (24) (fixed cavity) through the flow channel. Following this, part of the air surrounds the outer contour of the lower interior cavity (26) (mobile cavity), and another part of the air passes through the communication channels of the lower interior cavity, accessing the same (25). Finally, the air accesses from each one of the two lower cavities to the main and secondary volumes (27 and 28).

[0139] Likewise, in the case that when the rod is in the open position, there is a lower pressure in the inflation/deflation system nozzle than the pressure existing in the interior of the wheel, the air flow will reverse, causing the tyre or tube to deflate.

[0140] FIG. 4 shows the valve closing area in detail. The mobile closing surface for the flow channel (45) between the upper and lower cavities is located in the upper part of the lower interior cavity (mobile cavity). This mobile closing surface in the lower cavity is perpendicular to the displacement direction of the cavity. In the valve closed position (FIG. 3), the mobile closing surface is in contact with an elastomer material seal (11), resulting in the closure of the flow channel.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 4, communication channels (12) between the lower cavities are made in this mobile closing surface. These orifices are located in such a way that the distance between the orifice contour closest to the axis of symmetry and this axis is greater than the flow channel radius. Thereby ensuring that there is no communication between the flow channel and these orifices when the rod is in the rest position. In this position, a fixed closing surface (11) constituted by the elastomer material seal, and which is attached to the valve body, completely plugs the communication channels between the lower exterior cavity (fixed cavity) and the lower interior cavity (mobile cavity), such that there is no flow between the two.

[0142] This configuration ensures that the opening of the flow channel and the communication orifices between cavities occur simultaneously by displacing the rod. Furthermore, the outer radius of the mobile closing surface (45, FIG. 4) is greater than the outer radius of the lower interior cavity (15, FIG. 4), such that when the pressure in the lower exterior cavity is higher than the pressure on the exterior of the valve, this pressure gradient pushes the lower base of the mobile closing surface towards the elastomer material seal, increasing the airtightness of the system.

[0143] FIGS. 1, 2 and 5 show the covering of elastomer material (6) for insertion into a motor vehicle tyre, according to industry standards, having an area of reduced diameter (20) for insertion in the rim orifice (50) and an area of increased diameter (21) which serves as the securing stop of the same.

[0144] FIG. 6 shows a valve in which the incorporation of a bicycle tube has been carried out during the manufacturing of the tube, during the vulcanization process, leaving the valve attached by means of a covering of elastomer material which forms the tube, through the inner wall area (70) in contact with the rim.

[0145] In the two previous embodiments the two lower cavities are in communication with the inside of the tyre or tube that usually operate at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. In the case of using multiple separate tubes located side by side, as described in FIG. 7, there is an area (90) located between the rim (81) and the outside of the tubes, which is not airtight and which is at the same pressure as the pressure outside of the wheel.

[0146] In this last embodiment the placement of an airtight auxiliary device (85) at the outlet of the lower exterior cavity is required to allow maintaining the same inlet pressure throughout the system.

[0147] Thereby achieving, through the use of this auxiliary device, that the air exiting the lower exterior cavity is contained in the device volume and can only leave the space through the orifices (87) which give access to the connection means (88) with the side tubes (95 and 96). In addition, a flexible duct (84) is incorporated in the lower end (82) of the lower interior cavity, which runs through the inside of the airtight auxiliary device such that, when this mobile lower cavity is displaced, the duct is folded in the interior of the device. This flexible duct is in communication with another orifice in the wall of the airtight auxiliary device. There is another flexible duct through the external part of the airtight auxiliary device which connects this orifice with the inlet/outlet (86) of the central tube (94).

[0148] Therefore, using this airtight auxiliary device allows, in the case of parallel tubes, communicating various tubes at the same pressure when in the open position, and when in the closed position all tubes are isolated at an initial homogeneous pressure. In this way, adding this device allows using a general design of a common valve for compartmentalized tyres, compartmentalized tubes and parallel tubes.