AIR FLOW CONTROL APPARATUS

摘要

An apparatus for regulating airflow into a rim mounted vehicle tyre is disclosed. The apparatus has an elongated valve housing (1) with an inlet end (IA), an outlet end (2) and a central portion between the outlet end (2) and inlet end (1A). The outlet end includes a rim insertion portion (3) configured to fit into an aperture in the tyre rim. A piston (8) is disposed within the housing (1). The piston includes a valve member (19). A coil spring (22) acts between the housing (1) and piston (8). In use, the piston (8) is biased to an open position for passage of air into the tyre and is movable against the spring bias under air pressure build up in the tyre to a closed position. At the closed position, the valve member (19) seals against a valve seat (21). The piston (8) and spring (22) are located in the central portion of the housing (1) clear of the rim insertion portion (3). The rim insertion portion (3) is of a reduced size not obstructive to the mounting of the tyre.