TYRE APPARATUS

摘要

A tyre apparatus is provided, the apparatus including a tyre body (14) for attachment to a wheel rim (12) to define a first inflatable volume (16). An inner chamber (18) defines a second inflatable volume (20) which is located within the first inflatable volume (16) of the tyre body (14). A first fluid communication path is provided between the first and second inflatable volumes (16,20) and a second fluid communication path is provided between the first inflatable volume (16) and the atmosphere. A first valve (22) opens and closes the first fluid communication path, and a second valve (24) opens and closes the second fluid communication path. The tensile strength and pressure-containing capacity of the material structure of the second inflatable volume (20) is greater than that of the tyre first inflatable volume (16). A first fluid pressure within the first inflatable volume (16) of the tyre body (14) is optimisable by opening the first valve (22) to allow pressure transfer from the second inflatable volume (20) into the tyre body (14), and/or opening the second valve (24) to allow pressure to vent from the tyre body (14) to atmosphere. A vehicle wheel and active tyre pressure control system incorporating the tyre apparatus are also provided.