DE102021116307A1 - Device for setting an internal tire pressure for a vehicle wheel of a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for adjusting the internal tire pressure of a vehicle wheel (14) for a vehicle (12), comprising at least one vehicle (12) on which at least one vehicle wheel (14) is arranged, which is used to adjust the internal tire pressure with a tire inflation device (16) communicated. The invention is characterized in that the tire inflation device (16) communicates with a control system (36) of the vehicle (12) in order to store a set value for the internal tire pressure in the vehicle. A method for the device (10) according to the invention is also proposed.

Description

The invention relates to a device for adjusting an internal tire pressure for a vehicle wheel of a vehicle of the type specified in the preamble of patent claim 1 and a method for adjusting an internal tire pressure according to patent claim 10.

The operation of a vehicle, road safety and mileage depend, among other things, on the correct tire inflation pressure. The specified tire inflation pressure for a tire fitted to the vehicle can vary depending on the vehicle manufacturer, the type of tire and/or wheel rim, vehicle weight, loading condition, etc. and should be checked regularly. When changing tires due to wear and when changing complete wheels from summer to winter tires and vice versa, the tire pressure should also be checked and adjusted.

The internal tire pressure can be read, for example, from the logbook and/or a note in the entry area, whereby the correct tire type must be selected here. When checking the tire pressure, this value must be read again each time. This process is time-consuming, especially in workshops with many different models, and there is a risk that the tire pressure will be set incorrectly.

Devices for monitoring tire pressure are known from the prior art. That's how she describes it WO 2002 057 097 A2 a method for monitoring the internal tire pressure and a wireless tire pressure measuring device, via which information on the internal tire pressure for a tire of a vehicle is obtained. An identifier for each wheel of the vehicle can be assigned to the pressure information. The rotation speed of the tire can be determined by amplitude fluctuations of a radio frequency carrier from a radio frequency transmitter rotating with the wheel. Differences in wheel speeds during a turn can be used to determine the position of each tire of the vehicle. An RFID tag and a pressure sensor can be used as a wireless tire air pressure gauge, and an RFID pick-up coil can be provided in each wheelhouse for picking up the air pressure signals from each RFID tag on a wheel.

the EP 0 590 462 A1 describes a device and a method for controlling the internal tire pressure of a tire for a motor vehicle. The device calculates the pressure difference between the target air pressure entered via an input range and the actual air pressure of a tire measured by a pressure sensor and controls its air filling or emptying valve by specifying a degree of opening of the valve and a hold-open time depending on the determined pressure difference. The device can pressurize the tire internal pressure of the tire to a specified level with a reduced number of operations of the inflation and deflation valves of the device, thereby reducing the time required for the entire air pressure regulation operation.

In the WO 1999 036 850 A1 describes a tire management system for monitoring and maintaining vehicle tires, comprising a portable handheld computer unit that receives, stores and forwards data for maintenance of the vehicle tire and data collected from the vehicle tire. The portable hand-held computer unit can transmit the maintenance data, in particular a target tire pressure, for example to a tire inflation device which is designed to automatically inflate or deflate the vehicle tire to the target tire pressure. The tire inflation device is also set up to send back a signal to the hand-held computer unit after the vehicle tire has been brought to the desired internal tire pressure, with the data being able to be transmitted to a database computer via the hand-held computer unit for updating. A method for the tire management system for monitoring and maintaining vehicle tires is also proposed.

the EP 3 216 628 B1 describes a device for monitoring the internal tire pressure of a vehicle system, with at least one vehicle tire that communicates with a tire inflation system for adjusting the internal tire pressure, and a control unit that calculates a target value to be maintained for the internal tire pressure based on at least one external control variable. The control unit adapts the calculated target value depending on an operating state classification derived from operating state variables of the vehicle system, wherein the control unit determines a geoposition of the vehicle system that correlates with the derived operating state classification and stores this together with the operating state classification in a memory unit in order to detect a renewed approach of the vehicle system to call up the associated operating state classification for the purpose of anticipatory adjustment of the target value to the stored geoposition.

the WO 2007 113 732 A2 describes a device for inflating car tires, bicycle tires or other inflatable objects. The device reads information from a microchip attached to a valve stem of the inflatable Subject is associated, wherein the microchip stores information on the correct pressure level for a variety of conditions or circumstances to inflate the inflatable object to a predetermined pressure.

The invention is based on the object of proposing a device for setting the internal tire pressure for a vehicle wheel, which can be used by a user with great comfort and ease of use and which, for increased safety, provides evidence that the pressurization of a tire has been carried out correctly. Furthermore, the invention has the task of proposing a method for such a device.

These objects are solved by the characterizing features of patent claim 1 in conjunction with its preamble features and by patent claim 10.

In a known manner, a device for setting a tire pressure for a vehicle wheel of a vehicle comprises at least one vehicle on which at least one vehicle wheel is arranged, the vehicle wheel communicating with a tire inflation device for adjusting the tire pressure of the vehicle wheel via a data connection. To apply compressed air, the tire inflation device, which is separate from the vehicle and, in particular, stationary relative to the vehicle, can be connected to a tire of the vehicle wheel starting from a pressure source via a working line.

The tire inflation device receives information on pressurizing the tire, in particular by contactless reading of an identifier arranged on the vehicle wheel. The information can, for example, contain a target value for the tire pressure for the respective tire. This information is mostly provided by the tire manufacturer.

The tire inflator responds to receiving the information by automatically pressurizing or automatically depressurizing the tire. In other words, the tire inflation device can automatically set an internal tire pressure in the respective tire by retrieving the information on the vehicle wheel.

According to the invention, the tire inflation device communicates with a control system of the vehicle in order to store a set value of the internal tire pressure in the vehicle. The tire inflation device recognizes a set actual value of the internal tire pressure after the tire has been pressurized and transmits this value to the vehicle's control system, which stores it so that it can be called up. This means that after the tire has been pressurized, the set actual value of the internal tire pressure is transmitted from the tire inflation device to the vehicle control system and stored in a memory unit of the vehicle. The set tire pressure can, for example, be transmitted to a central vehicle data memory, an accident data memory, e.g. a black box or the like, and stored there. It is conceivable that the value of the set internal tire pressure can be called up by the vehicle user and/or workshops or tire dealers or the like. The risk of an incorrect internal tire pressure due to manual determination and setting of the setpoint value of the internal tire pressure is avoided, and proof of the correct implementation of the setting or adaptation of the internal tire pressure is advantageously provided.

According to a preferred embodiment, the tire inflation device has a control unit that is connected to at least one wireless interface for communication with the vehicle wheel and/or the control system. The control unit enables the exchange of commands and data between processes and components of the facility. The control unit can communicate with the vehicle wheel quickly and easily via the at least one wireless interface and query information for adjusting the internal tire pressure. In this case, the wireless interface can be arranged, for example, on a working line of the tire inflation device that can be connected to the vehicle wheel. In particular, it can be arranged on a free end of the working line that can be connected to the vehicle wheel, in order to communicate with the vehicle wheel over a short distance.

The control unit processes the information requested from the vehicle wheel and, based on this information, issues a control command for the automatic adjustment of the internal tire pressure by the tire inflation device.

The control unit then communicates the set value of the tire pressure to the vehicle control system for storage in the vehicle, which controls, for example, one or more electrical systems or subsystems of vehicle electronics. The wireless data communication between the tire inflation device and the vehicle control system can be based on radio technology, for example. In particular, a radio standard such as Bluetooth can be used to transmit data over short distances from the tire inflation device, which is designed separately from the vehicle, to the vehicle control system. The tire inflator or the control unit can for Responsible for controlling the communication process and establishes a radio connection to the vehicle's control system in order to transmit the actual value of the tire pressure after the pressure has been applied and to store it in the vehicle, for example in the central vehicle data memory or in the accident data memory.

The wireless interface is preferably designed to read data from a data carrier, the data carrier being arranged on the vehicle wheel. The data carrier stores information for adjusting or setting the tire pressure and is arranged on the vehicle wheel. The data carrier can be arranged, for example, on a tire or on a tire wall, on a rim and/or on a valve unit of the vehicle wheel.

The wireless interface has a data acquisition unit that is specifically tailored to the embodiment of the data carrier. The wireless interface can be connected to the control unit via a wireless data link or via an electrical line so that it can communicate with it, in order to transmit information to the control unit for adjusting or setting the correct internal tire pressure.

Wheel-specific information on the internal tire pressure is preferably stored on the data carrier. For example, a target value for the tire pressure can be stored on the data carrier. The target value varies depending on the vehicle and the type of tires and rims and is often provided by the tire manufacturer. Information regarding a minimum or maximum permissible internal tire pressure can be stored on the data carrier. The information can also contain a position of the vehicle tire on the vehicle, so that the internal tire pressure to be controlled advantageously takes place as a function of a position of the vehicle wheel on the vehicle.

The data carrier preferably stores information on the internal tire pressure for a large number of situations. The target value of the tire pressure is dependent, for example, on a driving speed, temperature, area of use, vehicle load and the like. Depending on the circumstances, the tire pressure can vary greatly. Advantageously, the internal tire pressure of a vehicle wheel can be automatically adjusted according to circumstances via the tire inflation device.

According to a preferred embodiment, the data carrier can be read out on a radio basis. The data carrier can be designed as a microchip. Near Field Communication (NFC) and/or Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, for example, can be used for wireless data exchange between the microchip and the tire inflation device. Thus, the tire inflation device can exchange data with the vehicle wheel via the wireless interface, which generates an alternating electromagnetic field, for example via an antenna, over short distances, which in particular can be up to about 4 cm. The microchip can be in the form of an NFC tag or an RFID tag. The control unit can trigger the command to automatically pressurize the tire via the wireless contact between the interface of the tire inflation device and the microchip. Microchips have a unique reference number for object identification and have the advantage that a large amount of additional information can be stored on them. Other practical advantages are that reading the microchip, ie NFC tag and/or RFID tag, does not depend on direct visual contact with the data acquisition unit, and that microchips are insensitive to external influences, making them suitable for use on vehicle wheels .

According to a preferred embodiment, the data carrier can be read out optoelectronically. The data carrier can have a barcode, for example. The barcodes include u.a. 1-D barcodes, 2-D stacked codes, data matrix codes, QR codes, etc. The barcodes are arranged according to a specific coding specification and are recorded optically, e.g. with a camera system or a light-sensitive sensor, for evaluation Decoding unit are deciphered. The opto-electronic reading is advantageously very quick and easy and has a low susceptibility to errors.

The control unit is preferably connected to a user interface. The control unit receives signals from the user interface, processes them and outputs response signals to the user interface. For example, a user can give information to and/or receive information from the tire inflation device via the user interface. The user interface can be designed, for example, as a control panel with a touchscreen, a screen, a keyboard or the like, which gives the user instructions and/or selection options for automatically setting a tire internal pressure and/or offers manual input for, in particular, individual setting of the tire internal pressure. Furthermore, the user interface can, for example, confirm the successful communication of the tire inflation device with the vehicle tire and/or a completion of the tire inflation process, for example by means of an acoustic or optical signal.

The control unit preferably calculates the internal tire pressure to be controlled based on an external control variable. The control unit can use the user interface in particular to query an external control variable, e.g. the load status of a vehicle, number of occupants, position of the vehicle wheel on the vehicle, etc. From the control variable entered, the control unit calculates the correct or characteristic target value of the internal tire pressure for a given Operating state and issues a control command that automatically generates a user-independent setting of a tire pressure by the tire inflation system. This means that the calculated internal tire pressure is set automatically and an actual value of the corresponding set internal tire pressure is stored in the vehicle after the pressurization has ended.

• - Herstellen einer Verbindung zwischen der Reifenfüllvorrichtung und dem Fahrzeugrad;
• - Auslesen eines am Fahrzeugrad angeordneten Datenträgers;
• - Ermitteln eines Soll-Werts für den Reifeninnendruck;
• - Einstellen des Soll-Werts des Reifeninnendrucks;
• - Übermittlung eines eingestellten Ist-Werts des Reifeninnendrucks an ein Steuersystem des Fahrzeugs zur Speicherung.

A method for the device according to the invention is also proposed. The device for setting an internal tire pressure for a vehicle wheel of a vehicle comprises at least one vehicle on which at least one vehicle wheel is arranged, which communicates with a tire inflation device in order to adjust the internal tire pressure. The procedure includes the steps:

• - Establishing a connection between the tire inflation device and the vehicle wheel;
• - Reading a data carrier arranged on the vehicle wheel;
• - Determining a target value for the tire pressure;
• - setting the target value of the internal tire pressure;
• - Transmission of a set actual value of the tire pressure to a control system of the vehicle for storage.

To carry out the method, data communication and a connection via a working line are established between the vehicle wheel and the tire inflation device, it being possible for the sequence of these two steps to be interchangeable.

The vehicle wheel is connected to the tire inflation device or a pressure source of the tire inflation device by means of a working line, which is set via a valve arranged on the vehicle tire, in order to enable a respective tire to be pressurized.

The data communication between the vehicle wheel and the tire inflation device takes place via a data carrier arranged on the vehicle wheel and a wireless interface which is connected to a control unit of the tire inflation device. The wireless interface has a data acquisition unit, which is designed as a reading device for the data carrier. In order to read out the information contained on the data carrier relating to the tire pressure, the wireless interface or the data acquisition unit is brought sufficiently close to the data carrier. The communication link between the data carrier and the data acquisition unit can be established automatically, for example by means of a radio link. Alternatively, the communication connection can be effected via a wireless, optoelectronically designed data acquisition unit, which occurs, for example, on the basis of a command from a user of the tire inflation device. The command can be entered via a user interface, for example.

After reading out the data carrier on which tire pressure-dependent information about the correct target value is stored, a correct target value for the tire internal pressure is determined. Thus, by reading the data carrier, a control command for automatic pressurization of the vehicle tire can be triggered immediately. This means that the tire inflation pressure device reads the target value of the internal tire pressure to be controlled from the data carrier and adjusts itself automatically to this. This can be done, for example, taking into account tire-specific information that is stored in the data memory, for example a position detection of the vehicle wheel on the vehicle.

Furthermore, the method provides that, if required, an individually determined internal tire pressure to be set can be created. This gives the user of the tire inflation device the opportunity to communicate situation-related control variables, for example the state of charge of the vehicle, the number of occupants and the like, to the tire inflation device, in particular via a user interface. From the entered control variable, the control unit calculates a characteristic target value of the tire pressure that is to be controlled for a given operating state.

By determining the target value of the tire pressure to be controlled, i.e. either by reading the data carrier and/or by calculating it based on the specification of an external control variable, a control command is issued which generates user-independent actuation of the tire inflation system. I.e. the control of the determined target value of the internal tire pressure takes place automatically after the correct target value of the internal tire pressure to be controlled has been determined.

An actual value of the correspondingly controlled internal tire pressure is after completion of the pressurization of the vehicle, ie to a Vehicle control system transmitted and stored. The controlled internal tire pressure is verifiably stored in a vehicle data memory and can be called up by the vehicle user, for example, in order to prove that the internal tire pressure was adjusted correctly.

Further advantages and application possibilities of the present invention result from the following description in connection with the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the drawing.

• 1 eine erfindungsgemäße Einrichtung zur Einstellung eines Reifeninnendrucks für ein Fahrzeugrad eines Fahrzeugs; und
• 2 ein Verfahren für eine erfindungsgemäße Einrichtung zur Einstellung eines Reifeninnendrucks für ein Fahrzeugrad eines Fahrzeugs.

In the drawing means:

• 1 a device according to the invention for setting an internal tire pressure for a vehicle wheel of a vehicle; and
• 2 a method for a device according to the invention for setting an internal tire pressure for a vehicle wheel of a vehicle.

In 1 a device, denoted overall by the reference number 10, for setting an internal tire pressure for a vehicle wheel of a vehicle is shown.

Device 10 comprises at least one vehicle 12 on which at least one vehicle wheel 14 is arranged, as well as a tire inflating device 16 which is configured separately from vehicle 12 and which receives information on the pressurization of a tire of vehicle wheel 14 by contactless reading of a data carrier 18 arranged on vehicle wheel 12. For this purpose, the tire inflation device has a wireless interface 20 which is designed with a data acquisition unit or reading device that is specifically matched to the type of embodiment of the data carrier 18 .

In the present case, the data carrier 18 is in the form of a microchip that can be read using radio technology. The data carrier 18 is arranged on the tire, on a rim and/or on a valve of a vehicle wheel 14 in question. In the present case, the data carrier 18 is embodied in particular as an NFC tag on which a large amount of information for adjusting the correct internal tire pressure for the tire of the respective vehicle wheel 14 is stored. The information can contain, for example, an internal tire pressure to be controlled for a particular type of tire, for a particular position of the vehicle wheel 14 on the vehicle 12, for a specific loading condition of the vehicle 12, etc.

The wireless interface 20 has a data acquisition unit and is presently arranged at a free end of a working line 22 of the tire inflation device 16 . The vehicle wheel 14 can be connected via an air hose 24 integrated in the working line 22 to a pressure source 26 of the tire inflation device 16 for pressurization. In this way, the wireless interface 20 can be brought sufficiently close to the data carrier 18 in a simple manner in order to automatically establish wireless communication between the data carrier 18 and the data acquisition unit over a short distance or to read out the information on the data carrier 18 . In the present case, the information read out is transmitted from the wireless interface to a control unit 30 of the tire inflation device 16 via a communicating connection 28 , for example an electrical line integrated into the working line 22 . It is also possible for the data acquisition unit to be connected to the control unit 30 via a wireless data link.

The control unit 30 responds to the receipt of the information in particular by commanding the pressure source to cause the tire to be automatically pressurized to a predetermined internal tire pressure. In other words, the tire inflation device 16 can automatically adjust a tire internal pressure in the respective tire by retrieving information on the vehicle wheel 14 .

It is also conceivable that the tire inflation device 16 additionally receives tire pressure-dependent information via a user interface 32 connected to the control unit 30 . Thus, a user of the tire inflation device 16 can manually provide information about control variables of an internal tire pressure via the user interface 32 or selection options for this can be queried via the user interface. In the present case, the user interface 32 is arranged on a housing 34 of the tire inflation device 16 . It is also conceivable that it is arranged on the working line 22 in the vicinity of the wireless interface 20, for example. It is also possible for wireless interface 20 to be integrated into user interface 32 .

After the data carrier 18 has been read out or after a setpoint value for the internal tire pressure has been created, the tire inflation device 16 starts pressurizing the tire automatically and ends the process automatically after the setpoint value created has been reached. Reaching the target value of the internal tire pressure can be indicated by an acoustic signal or an optical signal. This can be done via the user interface 32, for example.

The control unit 30 detects the internal tire pressure that is controlled or an actual value of the internal tire pressure. According to the invention Tire inflation device 16 sends the actual value of the internal tire pressure to the vehicle 12 for on-board storage, in particular by communicating wirelessly with a control system 36 of the vehicle 12 . A radio standard such as Bluetooth can be used for this purpose, for example, in order to transmit data from the tire inflation device 16 to the control system 36 over short distances. The control unit 30 can be responsible for controlling the communication process between the tire inflation device 16 and the control system 36, establishing a radio connection to the control system 36 of the vehicle 12, transmitting the actual value of the tire internal pressure after pressurization in order to store it in a data memory of the vehicle 12 to deposit.

In 2 Steps for a method of the unit 10 according to the invention are shown.

In a first step, a connection is established between a vehicle wheel 14 and a tire inflation device 16 by arranging a working line 22 of the tire inflation device 16 on a valve of a tire of the vehicle wheel 14 . The working line 22 connects the vehicle wheel 14 to a pressure source 26 of the tire inflation device 16.

In a second step, the data carrier 18 is read out. That is, wireless communication is established between the vehicle wheel 14 and the tire inflator 16, with a wireless interface 20 of the tire inflator 16 being brought sufficiently close to a data carrier 18 arranged on the vehicle wheel 14 in order to read out. The data carrier 18 can be read, for example, radio-based or optoelectronically.

The order of the first step and the second step can be interchangeable.

Reading data carrier 18 can, on the one hand, directly cause a control command for automatic pressurization of the tire. I.e. the tire inflation device 16 reads the internal tire pressure to be controlled from the data carrier 18 and adjusts itself automatically to this.

On the other hand, the method can also provide that an individually determined setpoint value of the tire internal pressure that is to be set can be created if required. For example, a user of the tire inflation device 16 can communicate situation-related control variables, for example the state of charge of the vehicle 12 , number of occupants and the like, in particular via a user interface 32 to the tire inflation device 16 . The user can manually enter control variables via the user interface 32 or selection options are made available to him.

By reading out or determining the target value of the tire pressure, the control unit 30 outputs a control command which generates a user-independent actuation of the tire inflation system 16 for pressurizing the tire. This means that the determined target value of the internal tire pressure is automatically applied to the tires.

The correspondingly controlled internal tire pressure, i.e. an actual value of the internal tire pressure, is transmitted to the control system 36 of the vehicle 12 after the pressurization has ended. To this end, the control unit 30 of the tire inflation device 16 communicates wirelessly with the control system 36 of the vehicle 12, for example via a radio link, and stores the actual value of the internal tire pressure in a data memory of the vehicle 12.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• WO 2002057097 A2 [0004]
• EP 0590462 A1 [0005]
• WO 1999036850 A1 [0006]
• EP 3216628 B1 [0007]
• WO 2007113732 A2 [0008]

Claims (10)

Device (10) for adjusting the internal tire pressure of a vehicle wheel (14) for a vehicle (12), comprising at least one vehicle (12) on which at least one vehicle wheel (14) is arranged, which transmits data to a tire inflation device (16) for adjusting the internal tire pressure communicates, characterized in that the tire inflation device (16) communicates with a control system (36) of the vehicle (12) in order to store a set value of the internal tire pressure in the vehicle. setup after claim 1 , characterized in that the tire inflation device (16) has a control unit (30) which is connected to at least one wireless interface (20) for communication with the vehicle wheel (14) and/or the control system (36). Setup according to one of claims 2 , characterized in that the wireless interface (20) is designed to read data from a data carrier (18), the data carrier (18) being arranged on the vehicle wheel (14). setup after claim 3 , characterized in that the data carrier (18) stores wheel-specific information on the internal tire pressure to be controlled. Setup according to one of claims 3 or 4 , characterized in that the data carrier (18) stores information on the internal tire pressure to be controlled for a large number of circumstances. Setup according to one of claims 3 until 5 , characterized in that the data carrier (18) can be read radio-based. Setup according to one of claims 3 until 5 , characterized in that the data carrier (18) can be read optoelectronically. Setup according to one of claims 2 until 7 , characterized in that the control unit (30) is connected to a user interface (32). Setup according to one of claims 2 until 8th , characterized in that the control unit (30) determines the internal tire pressure to be controlled according to an external control variable. Method for a device (10) for setting an internal tire pressure for a vehicle wheel (14) of a vehicle (12), the device (10) comprising at least one vehicle (12) on which at least one vehicle wheel (14) is arranged, which is used for Adjusting the tire pressure communicates with a tire inflation device (16), comprising the steps: - Establishing a connection between the tire inflation device (16) and the vehicle wheel (14); - reading a data carrier (18) arranged on the vehicle wheel (14); - Determining a target value for the tire pressure; - setting the target value of the internal tire pressure; - Transmission of a set actual value of the tire pressure to a control system (36) of the vehicle (12) for storage.

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