COMPACT VALVE SYSTEM FOR SELF-INFLATING TIRE

摘要

A tire having a tire cavity is disclosed, wherein the tire has a bi-directional pump assembly including a pump passageway having an inlet end and an outlet end, and being operative to allow a portion of the pump passageway near a tire footprint to substantially close and open the pump passageway. The tire includes a valve assembly having a valve housing, wherein a diaphragm is mounted in the valve housing forming an interior chamber, and wherein the diaphragm is responsive to the pressure of the tire cavity. The interior chamber has an inlet in fluid communication with outside air, and an outlet in fluid communication with inlet and outlet of the pump passageway. The diaphragm is positioned over the outlet and operative to open and close the outlet. A resilient member biases the diaphragm into the open position.

主权项

1. A tire having a pump and valve assembly comprising:
a. the tire having a tire cavity, and a first and second sidewall extending respectively from first and second tire bead regions to a tire tread region; b. the valve assembly having a valve housing having an interior chamber, wherein a diaphragm is mounted in the interior chamber, and wherein the diaphragm has a first side in fluid communication with the tire cavity and a second side in fluid communication with the interior chamber; c. said pump having a pump passageway having a first and second end, wherein the pump passageway is positioned in the tire to open and close as the tire rotates; d. said interior chamber having an inlet chamber in fluid communication with the outside air, and a central port in fluid communication with the first and second end of the pump passageway, e. said diaphragm positioned over the central port and operative to open and close said central port; f. wherein a spring is positioned in the interior chamber of the valve housing, and operative to bias the diaphragm in an open position; g. wherein the pump is in fluid communication with the tire cavity.