Sensor device for tire

• US 20060144132A1
• Filed: 03/24/2004
• Published: 07/06/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 03/31/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Yokohama Rubber Company Limited
• Original Assignee: Yokohama Rubber Company Limited
• Inventors: Shimura, Kazuhiro
• Granted Patent: US 7,293,455 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 73/146
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/0408 transmitting the signals by non-mechanical means from the wheel or tyre to a vehicle body mounted receiver
• CPC Class Codes: B60C 23/0498 for rim attachments B60C23/0494, B60C23/0496 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/2241 used in or for vehicle tyres

Abstract

A sensor device for a tire, having enhanced transmission capability without disturbing the assembly of a rim to the tire. With itself installed in the tire, the sensor device detects information inside the tire and transmits the result to the outside. The sensor device has a case for receiving an electronic component and an antenna electrically connected to the electronic component and extended to the outside of the case. The fore-end portion of the antenna is made to be displaceable outwardly in the tire radial direction by centrifugal force generated in the rotation of the tire.

Claims

1. A sensor device for a tire, which detects information inside the tire with itself installed in an air chamber of the tire and transmits the result to the outside, comprising:

a case for receiving and electronic component; and

an antenna which is electrically connected to the electronic component and extended to the outside of the case,

wherein a fore-end portion of the antenna is made to be displaceable outwardly in a tire radial direction by centrifugal force generated in the rotation of the tire.

2. The sensore device for a tire according to claim 1, wherein the antenna is made of a conductive material having flexibility.

3. The sensor device for a tire according to claim 1, wherein the antenna is made of elastomer filled with conductive fillers.

4. The sensor device for a tire according to claim 1, wherein the antenna is made of a coated wire obtained by subjecting a conductive core wire to insulating coating.

5. The sensore device for a tire according to claim 2, wherein flexural rigidity of an attachment portion of the antenna is not more than 60 Nmm².

6. The sensor device for a tire according to claim 1, wherein the antenna is formed to be swingable by a rotation mechanism.

7. The sensor device for a tire according to claim 1, wherein the antenna is formed to be retractable by a slide mechanism.

8. The sensor device for a tire according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein a length of the antenna is any of ½

, ¼

, ⅛ and

1/16 of a wavelength of electromagnetic waves used for communication.

9. The sensor device for a tire according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein an insulating weight is attached to the fore-end portion of the antenna.

10. The sensor device for a tire according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the antenna is covered with an insulating spacer.