WO2012127492A1

WO2012127492A1 - Novel method of valve positioning for drop center wheels

Info

Publication number: WO2012127492A1
Application number: PCT/IN2012/000102
Authority: WO
Inventors: Badrinarayanan RAMACHANDRA RAO; Sundararajan THIAGARAJAN; Rajaram BALASESHAN
Original assignee: Wheels India Limited
Priority date: 2011-03-24
Filing date: 2012-02-14
Publication date: 2012-09-27

Abstract

a wheel is provided, which comprises of a disc (202), a rim (201) with two flanges (203), two bead seats (204), a circumferential mounting groove (205) and a connecting portion (207) for connecting the rim and disc, and a valve (209) passing though a valve hole (208), wherein the valve hole (208) is positioned at a flat portion (206) of the rim (201), particularly near the connecting portion (207), and a small cut portion at the flange portion of the disc (202) is provided to extend the valve stem (210) outside the disc (202). Thereby a larger clearance between the valve (209) and drum/caliper can be achieved.

Description

NOVEL METHOD OF VALVE POSITIONING FOR DROP CENTER WHEELS

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The embodiments herein generally relate to commercial vehicle wheel, more particularly, to a wheel includes a rim, a disc, and a valve, wherein the valve positioned in such a way to have larger clearance between valve and drum/caliper.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART [0002] A wheel is made up of a rim and center member, known as a disc or spider. The rim supports the tire and the spider (disc) connects the vehicle with the rim. [0003] Wheels are usually of two types, namely the drop center and the semi-drop center. Drop center wheels are used on all cars, buses and trucks, which use tubeless tires; semi- drop center wheels are multi piece wheels used on vehicles with tubed tires. [0004] Conventionally, in a vehicle, a tire is mounted onto a wheel and inflated to recommended pressure. In tubeless wheels, valve stem is fitted to the rim to inflate the tire. A valve stem is nothing but a self-contained valve which opens to admit the air into the chamber and is automatically closed and kept sealed by the pressure in the chamber to prevent the air from escaping. [0005] In wheels of utility vehicles, the valve hole lies in the bottom or in the flank of the groove of the rim. The valves of these wheels are such that the stem of the valve runs alongside the interior wall of the rim and extends to the outside of the vehicle, passing through the opening in the wheel disc.

[0006] One problem encountered with the above arrangement of the stem valve is the maintenance of valve stems. Valve stems rotate with the wheel of the vehicle. They are positioned between the rim and the axle where the braking components are housed. Often when the vehicle runs, foreign particles, stones, pebbles, penetrate the cavities between the rim, hub and. the braking components. These particles might accumulate between the rim and the disc brake and rotate along with the wheel motion and can accumulate and jam the cavity between the valve stem (moving) and the brake mounting (stationary). In worst case scenarios, the result of the jamming of the foreign bodies between the moving valve stem and the stationary brake mounting may result in breakage of the stem valve or damage the rim or the brake mounting parts. This in turn would result in accidents due to sudden break failure.

[0007] Attempts have been made in the prior art to address the above problem, such as providing the valve stem outside the spider. This may give more clearance between rim and brake drum. Also, if the space between the two parts is increased then situations of valve stem damage due to caliper-brake fouling friction would be eliminated.

[0008] In the prior art, valve is totally exposed outside of the spider which may undergo damage due to hitting by foreign particles.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need in the art to have a valve assembly wherein the valve is placed close to the rim, leading to an increased space between the valve stem and the drum which in turn not only results in pave the way for accommodating the larger brake drum without any hindrance, but also reduced valve stem damage. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[00010] A main object of the invention is to provide a drop center wheel with larger clearance between valve and drum/caliper.

[00011] Another object of the invention is to provide a wheel comprising of a rim, a disc, and a valve, wherein the valve is positioned near to flat portion of the rim.

[00012] Still another object of the invention is to provide a wheel having a valve hole positioned at the flat portion of the rim as well as the valve inside the disc portion.

[00013] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a wheel having a valve hole positioned near the connecting portion of rim and disc.

[00014] Another object of the invention to provide a wheel having substantial space for accommodating the larger brake drum without any hindrance.

[00015] Another object of the invention is to provide a wheel with disc having a small cut flange portion to position the valve stem.

[00016] The other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which are incorporated for illustration of preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope thereof. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[00017] In view of the foregoing, an embodiment herein provides a wheel comprises of a disc, a rim with two flanges, two bead seats, a circumferential mounting groove and a connecting region for connecting the rim and disc, and a valve passing though a valve hole, wherein the valve hole is positioned at flat portion of the rim, particularly near the connecting portion, a small cut portion at the flange portion of the disc is provided to extend the valve outside the disc, thereby results in pave the way for accommodating the larger brake drum/calliper without any hindrance.

[00018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for positioning a valve in a wheel is provided, wherein the method comprising the step of providing a rim and a disc; joining the rim and disc to form connecting portion, providing a valve hole near the connecting portion, providing a valve having shorter valve stem, positioning the valve at the valve hole, and providing a cut portion in the disc to extend the valve stem outside the disc.

[00019] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[00020] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.

[00021] Fig 1 illustrates an axial section passing through the valve hole of a conventional wheel; and

[00022] Fig 2 illustrates an axial section passing through the valve hole of a wheel, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[00023] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein

[00024] As mentioned earlier, there is a need to develop a wheel having substantial clearance between valve and brake drum/calliper without any hindrance and also overcoming problem associated with the prior art. The embodiments herein achieve this by providing a wheel comprising of a disc, a rim, a valve passing through a valve hole positioned at flat portion of the rim, and a small cut portion at the flange section of the disc to extend the valve outside the disc. Referring now to the drawings, more particularly to Figs 1 through 2, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, they are shown as preferred embodiments.

[00025] Now referring to Fig.1 , an axial section through a conventional wheel 100 is illustrated in accordance with the ETRTO recommendations. The wheel 100 for commercial vehicle comprises of a rim 101, a disc 102, a valve 109 passed through a valve hole 108, wherein the rim comprises of two flanges 103, two bead seats 104, a circumferential mounting groove 105, a flat portion 106 of the rim, and a connecting portion 107. The rim 101 and the disc 102 are connected together at the connecting portion 107 with the help of welding process. The valve hole 108 is located in between the mounting groove 105 and the flat portion 106. The valve 109 is fitted at the valve hole 108 and the valve stem 110 passes through the opening 111 provided at the disc 102. Therefore, the valve stem 110 comes from inside of the disc 102, and as a result, it occupies larger area/space between the flat portion 106 and the valve stem 110.

[00026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an axial section through a wheel 200 is illustrated in Fig 2. In an embodiment, the wheel 200 comprises of a rim 201, a disc 202, and a valve 209 passing through a valve hole 208 positioned at near a flat portion 206 of the rim 201, wherein the rim 201 comprises of two flanges 203, two bead seats 204, a circumferential mounting groove 205, a flat portion 206 of the rim, and a connecting portion 207. Accordingly, the flat portion 206 of the rim is provided in between outside bead seat 204a and circumferential mounting groove 205. The rim 201 and the disc 202 are welded/jointed together near the connecting portion 207 as illustrated in Fig.2. The welding is performed suitably to withstand the strength at the connecting portion 207, and thus able to provide valve hole 209 near the connecting portion 207. Further, a small cut portion [not shown] is provided in the disc 201 to extend the valve 209 outside the disc 202, according to an embodiment. The diameterof the cut portion is made such that to accommodate the valve 209 inside the cut portion.

[00027] Accordingly, the valve hole 208 is placed at near the flat portion 206 of the rim 201 such that the valve stem 210 can be outside the disc 201. The valve 209 is configured to place inside the valve hole and also to come out from the cut portion provided in the disc 201. The length of the valve 209 is shorter than the conventional valve provided in the wheel, and the length can be selected in the range of 40 mm to 100 mm. Further, the valve hole 208 is configured to accommodate the valve 209 in a desired diameter.

[00028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for positioning a valve in a wheel is provided. Accordingly, a conventional rim 201 and a disc 202 are joined together with any one the known process for example welding. The joined portion is formed as connecting portion 207, and the strength of the connecting portion is ensured to have a suitable valve hole near the connecting portion 207. In an embodiment, a valve hole 208 is provided near the connecting portion 207 to position a valve 209 therein. A valve 209 is placed inside the valve hole 208 and configured to have shorter valve stem 210, so that it facilitates to have larger space between the rim and break drum. Further, a small cut portion is provided in the disc region near the connecting portion to protrude the valve stem 210 from the valve hole 208 portion.

[00029] The main advantage of the present invention is that it solves a problem that valve gets damaged by the drum/caliper crown fouling.

[00030] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides a wheel having substantial clearance between valve and brake drum/calliper without any hindrance, [00031] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A commercial vehicle wheel comprising of

a rim 201 ; a disc 202; wherein the rim 201 comprises of two flanges 203, two bead seats 204, a circumferential mounting groove 205, a flat portion 206 of the rim, and a connecting portion 207; and a valve 209 passing through a valve hole 208 positioned at near a flat portion 206 of the rim 201.

2. The commercial vehicle wheel of claim 1, wherein said rim 201 and said disc are joined together to form connecting portion, characterized in that the said valve hole 208 is provided near the connecting portion 207 to accommodate said valve 209.

3. The commercial vehicle wheel of claim 1, characterized in that a cut portion is provided in said disc 202 near connecting portion 207.

4. The commercial vehicle wheel of claim 3, wherein said valve is provided with shorter valve stem, wherein said valve is extended through the said cut portion.

5. A method for positioning valve in commercial vehicle wheel, wherein said method comprising the step of

providing a rim and a disc;

joining the rim and disc to form connecting portion;

providing a valve hole near the connecting portion;

providing a valve having shorter valve stem;

positioning the valve at the valve hole; and

providing a cut portion in the disc to extend the valve stem outside the disc.

6. A method for positioning valve in commercial vehicle wheel substantially as herein described and as illustrated with the help of accompanying figures.