Transmitter of tire condition monitoring apparatus and method for manufacturing transmitter of tire condition monitoring apparatus

• US 6,647,772 B2
• Filed: 06/20/2002
• Issued: 11/18/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 06/28/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Pacific Industrial Company Limited
• Original Assignee: Pacific Industrial Company Limited
• Inventors: Ito, Yoshitaka, Okubo, Youichi, Saheki, Setsuhiro
• Primary Examiner(s): Lefkowtiz, Edward
• Assistant Examiner(s): ALLEN, ANDRE J
• Application Number:
  US10/175,727
• Publication Number:
  US 20030000297A1
• Time in Patent Office: 516 Days
• Field of Search: 731/46, 731/462, 731/463, 731/464, 731/465, 731/468
• US Class Current: 73/146
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 45/14639 for obtaining an insulating effect, e.g. for electrical components
• 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 23/0494 Valve stem attachments positioned inside the tyre chamber

Abstract

A transmitter of a tire condition monitoring apparatus that has a superior moisture resistant characteristic, enables reduction in size, and facilitates manufacturing. The transmitter includes a casing formed from resin. An electric circuit unit is arranged in the casing to detect the condition of the tire and generate a signal corresponding to the condition of the tire. A battery is arranged in the casing to supply the electric circuit unit with power. The casing is insert molded to embed the electric circuit unit and the battery in the resin forming the casing.

Claims

1. A transmitter of an apparatus for monitoring a condition of a vehicle tire, the transmitter comprising:

a casing formed from resin;

an electric circuit unit arranged in the casing to detect the condition of the tire and generate a signal corresponding to the condition of the tire; and

a battery arranged in the casing to supply the electric circuit unit with power, wherein the electric circuit unit and the battery are inserts, and the casing is insert molded to embed the electric circuit unit and the battery in the resin forming the casing.

2. The transmitter according to claim 1, further comprising a valve stem extending from the casing, wherein the valve stem has a basal end that is embedded in the resin forming the casing when the casing is insert molded.

3. The transmitter according to claim 1, wherein the electric circuit unit includes an electric device, the electric device being enveloped in a damping material that absorbs stress acting on the casing.

4. The transmitter according to claim 3, wherein the damping materials is softer than the resin that forms the casing.

5. The transmitter according to claim 3, wherein the damping material is silicone gel.

6. The transmitter according to claim 3, wherein the damping material is rubber.

7. A method for manufacturing a transmitter of an apparatus for monitoring a condition of a vehicle tire, the method comprising the steps of:

arranging an electric circuit unit, which detects the condition of the tire and generates a signal in accordance with the detected tire condition, and a battery, which supplies the electric circuit unit with power, in a mold as inserts; and

insert molding the casing by charging the mold with molten resin to envelop the electric circuit unit and the battery in the resin.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising the step of cooling the battery when insert molding the casing.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the step of cooling the battery includes supporting the battery with a cooling pin.

10. The method according to claim 7, further comprising the step of cooling the electric circuit unit when insert molding the casing.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the step of cooling the electric circuit unit includes supporting the electric circuit unit with a cooling pin.

12. A transmitter of an apparatus for monitoring a condition of a vehicle tire, the transmitter comprising:

a valve stem extending out of the tire;

a bushing fixed to the valve stem and attached to a wheel of the tire;

a collar arranged on the valve stem;

a nut coupled to the valve stem to fasten the wheel between the bushing and the collar;

a casing formed from resin;

an electric circuit unit arranged in the casing to detect the condition of the tire and generate a signal corresponding to the condition of the tire; and

a battery arranged in the casing to supply the electric circuit unit with power, wherein the electric circuit unit and the battery are inserts, and the casing is insert molded to embed the electric circuit unit and the battery in the resin forming the casing.

13. The transmitter according to claim 12, wherein the valve stem has a basal end that is embedded in the resin forming the casing when the casing is insert molded.

14. The transmitter according to claim 12, wherein the electric circuit unit includes an electric device, the electric device being enveloped in a damping material that absorbs stress acting on the casing.

15. The transmitter according to claim 14, wherein the damping material is softer than the resin that forms the casing.

16. The transmitter according to claim 14, wherein the damping material is silicone gel.

17. The transmitter according to claim 14, wherein the damping material is rubber.