EP4626687A2 - Usb pd-powered compressor/tire repair kit - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is an apparatus for inflating or repairing inflatable items or products as needed, in particular tires, preferably vehicle tires. The device includes a compressor assembly having at least one compressor unit comprising a compressed air outlet, via which air that is compressed, in particular as needed, by the at least one compressor unit is supplied or suppliable. The compressor assembly is configured to be connected to an in-vehicle data communication port in order to power and/or control the compressor assembly.

Description

USB PD-POWERED COMPRESSOR/TIRE REPAIR KIT

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of German Patent Application No. 10 2022 131 721.8, filed November 30, 2022, and Application No. 10 2023 120 927.2, filed August 7, 2023, titled “USB-PD Powered Compressor/Tire Repair Kit,” the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Tire sealants or sealing liquids for quickly repairing inflatable items or products are known as such. The liquid is introduced into the product or item for repair by means of compressed air, in particular by means of a compressor, penetrates all holes or slits in the product or item, and hardens through contact with air, thereby quickly sealing the product or item. Such sealing liquids are widely used for the rapid repair of tires, in particular vehicle tires. The following description relates to these circumstances. However, the description is purely exemplary, is focused on clarity, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0003] Spare tires for vehicles raise a number of well-known problems, not the least of which are their notable size and weight. In particular, when the spare tire is accommodated inside the vehicle, the effective available capacity of the trunk is noticeably reduced, and the tire is frequently difficult to loosen or remove, in particular when the trunk is full. Therefore, for vehicles, so-called tire repair kits have become common, which are used instead of a spare tire.

[0004] In addition to the noticeable size and weight reduction, the repair of a tire in the event of a flat tire has been proven to be faster and easier: unlike changing the vehicle tire, the compressor can be easily connected to a power outlet on the vehicle, wherein the container for the sealing liquid is then connected to the compressor as well as to the valve of the tire in order to carry out the repair.

[0005] Compressed air is forced into the container with the sealing liquid by means of the compressor, and the sealing liquid is then pumped into the defective tire via a valve through the corresponding rising pipes. Thereafter, the valve can be switched so that the tire can now be inflated by means of the compressor. Standard functions from the prior art are such that either only air is pumped, for example in order to inflate balls or air mattresses, or an air pressure control is carried out. In the repair function, the prior art is designed such that the sealant input and the air occurs in one pass.

[0006] What is disadvantageous in conventional tire repair kits is that the compressor can typically only be connected to the sealing fluid container with great effort with valves, changeover valves, mechanical devices, etc., in order to pressurize the container and to pump the tire sealant out of it and into the defective tires. In addition, conventional tire repair kits are usable in combinations, costly to install, and complicated to operate.

[0007] A further disadvantage of conventional tire repair kits is the power supply of the compressor necessary for a sealant input into a defective tire. For example, with the tire repair sets currently available on the market, it is generally provided that the power supply of the associated compressor of the tire repair set is supplied via an in-vehicle 12V DC port, for example the ubiquitous cigarette lighter plug (cf. also the definition in the standard ANSI/SE J563).

[0008] Because vehicle technology and electronics are improving, there is an ongoing need and an opportunity for improved vehicle accessories that can be associated with these new vehicle systems. The present disclosure thus relates to an apparatus for delivering air and/or sealant, such as a mini-compressor or an inflation apparatus, with a pressure source powered and/or controlled via a data communication port and a cable, such as a powered Universal Serial Bus (USB).

SUMMARY

[0009] The present disclosure relates generally to a powered compressor and tire repair kit, substantially as illustrated by and described in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forth more completely in the claims. More specifically, to tire repair kits and, in particular, to devices for dispensing tire sealants from a container by way of a compressed air source.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the devices, systems, and methods described herein will be apparent from the following description of particular examples thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying figures; where like or similar reference numbers refer to like or similar structures. The figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the devices, systems, and methods described herein.

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates schematically, a characteristic variable diagram of an electric motor suitable as a drive of a compressor assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates schematically, various diagrams for explaining the necessary filling time of a vehicle tire at different levels of actuation of the electromotive drive of the compressor assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] References to items in the singular should be understood to include items in the plural, and vice versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise or clear from the text. Grammatical conjunctions are intended to express any and all disjunctive and conjunctive combinations of conjoined clauses, sentences, words, and the like, unless otherwise stated or clear from the context. Recitation of ranges of values herein are not intended to be limiting, referring instead individually to any and all values falling within and/or including the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value within such a range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. In the following description, it is understood that terms such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “side,” “front,” “back,” and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms. For example, while in some examples a first side is located adjacent or near a second side, the terms “first side” and “second side” do not imply any specific order in which the sides are ordered.

[0014] The terms “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” or the like, when accompanying a numerical value, are to be construed as indicating a deviation as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art to operate satisfactorily for an intended purpose. Ranges of values and/or numeric values are provided herein as examples only, and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of the disclosure. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (“e.g.,” “such as,” or the like) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the disclosed examples and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure. The terms “e.g.,” and “for example” set off lists of one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any unclaimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosed examples.

[0015] The term “and/or” means any one or more of the items in the list joined by “and/or.” As an example, “x and/or y” means any element of the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, “x and/or y” means “one or both of x and y”. As another example, “x, y, and/or z” means any element of the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. In other words, “x, y, and/or z” means “one or more of x, y, and z.”

[0016] The present disclosure relates generally to tire repair kits and, in particular, to devices for dispensing tire sealants from a container by way of a compressed air source.

[0017] This is a built-in kit for repairing and inflating tires comprising a small compressor and a container for a sealing liquid, wherein this built-in kit can be easily accommodated in a special compartment or in the trunk of the car.

[0018] While the apparatus, which is configured in particular as a compressor, is suitable for various inflation requirements, it is particularly useful for dispensing/inflation apparatuses for portable or emergency vehicles and is powered and/or controlled via the data communication port (e.g., USB) of the vehicle.

[0019] In embodiments of this disclosure, during inflation or dispensing, the status of the inflated object, e.g., the vehicle tire, is monitored and/or determined via the data interface of the vehicle USB port. Through the communication between the compressor and the vehicle electronics systems (e.g., RDC or ECU), the compressor can shut down when the recommended tire pressure is reached.

[0020] In some embodiments of this disclosure, additional comfort functions can be realized, for example with the aid of the vehicle entertainment system. For example, the remaining fill time can be calculated and displayed on a screen of the inflation apparatus and/or via a user interface display of the vehicle. Or, depending on the filling process, the collection system can predict whether the tire can be repaired using the compressor. [0021] If necessary, help can be requested immediately from a third party. These and other advantages can be achieved by an apparatus for delivering air and/or sealant to a tire of a vehicle that comprises a pressure source, a dispenser outlet connected to the pressure source, a coupling element, and a control module associated therewith as well as with the coupler and the pressure source. The connecting element, e.g., a data and/or power cable, is most desirably configured to connect to a vehicle data communication port (e.g., USB or equivalent) in order to obtain inflation information and/or power. The data communication element is most desirably a powered data communication port, allowing the control module to draw operational power for the dispensing apparatus via the powered data communication port.

[0022] In embodiments of this disclosure, the control module obtains tire fill values from a tire pressure monitoring system and/or other sensor systems, such as vehicle load sensors.

[0023] The apparatus can operate (e.g., turn on) automatically when it receives a low tire fill value from the tire pressure monitoring system and automatically cease inflation when it automatically determines proper filling.

[0024] The disclosure further comprises a method for delivering air and/or sealant to a tire of a vehicle. The method includes connecting a tire filling or repair apparatus to the tire, connecting the tire repair apparatus to a data communication port of the vehicle, and providing power to the tire repair apparatus that is output via the data communication port of the vehicle. The method can further include automatically monitoring and/or controlling a tire pressure via data provided to the tire repair apparatus from the vehicle via the data communication port.

[0025] According to design variants of the present disclosure, it is provided that the compressor of the tire repair set can be connected as needed to an in-vehicle power supply via a bit-serial data transmission system, in particular USB, and can also communicate with the vehicle controller at the same time. For this purpose, the controller required for communication is integrated in the USB plug. This allows the on-board computer of the vehicle to automatically detect the connected compressor as well as its properties.

[0026] In particular, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for inflating or repairing inflatable items or products as needed, in particular tires, preferably vehicle tires, wherein the device comprises a compressor assembly having at least one compressor unit comprising a compressed air outlet, via which air that is compressed, in particular as needed, by the at least one compressor unit is supplied or suppliable.

[0027] In particular, the compressor assembly is configured to be connected to an in-vehicle data communication port in order to power and/or control the compressor assembly.

[0028] It is provided in this context that the data communication port comprises a powered data communication port and further comprises a power supply configured to connect to and draw operating power from the powered data communication port.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus according to the disclosure can further comprise a connection cable with a plug that fits into the data communication port.

[0030] In this context, it is conceivable that a control device, in particular in the form of a microchip, is integrated in the plug, which device is configured to control the compressor assembly.

[0031] It is thus generally conceivable that a control device, in particular in the form of a microchip, is associated with the compressor assembly and is configured to control the compressor assembly. The control device can be a control device integrated in the USB plug or in the compressor assembly.

[0032] According to realizations of the present disclosure, it is provided that the apparatus further comprises: a container holding a sealing liquid and in particular a tire sealant; and a distribution system configured to fluidically connect the compressed air outlet of the at least one compressor unit as needed to a compressed air inlet of the sealing liquid container.

[0033] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, it is still possible to control the battery voltage. In particular, it is conceivable that with the help of a control device, the supply voltage of the in particular in-vehicle battery can be monitored or the compressor can be switched off or otherwise controlled if it becomes apparent that the battery is too stressed. Alternatively or additionally, via the control device, a corresponding message can also be output to the driver, whereby the driver is prompted to, for example, start the internal combustion engine in order to provide sufficient charging voltage.

[0034] Aspects of the present disclosure include: changing end-user standards; intuitively operating the tire repair kit through a communicative device; generating customer value and enduser value; increasing performance; reducing costs; improved Technical capabilities; and increased performance. For example, by providing a 240W USB PD (Power Delivery) on-board power system with max. 48V and 5A, new technical capabilities arise for driving and operating a compressor and tire repair kit. Performance increases can be achieved as well as intuitive operation by an HMI (human-machine interface). Further, by means of a USB PD on-board power system, the option of providing a demand-oriented power supply to the compressor is available. Thus, the fdling time of a tire can be significantly shortened. In the following, it will now be described how the reduction in the filling time can be achieved.

[0035] Because the inflation of a tire is a dynamic process and a DC motor is designed for a particular point of operation, the compressor operates outside of its technical capabilities in the peripheral regions. At the start of the inflation, the compressor could provide a higher flow rate due to a higher speed without consuming more energy, because there is no or only a low backpressure. A higher speed can be achieved by intelligently controlling the supply voltage of the compressor via the USB PD plug. At the start, the supply voltage is increased in order to achieve a maximum speed and thus a maximum flow rate. With increasing back-pressure, the tension is reduced step-by-step in order to obtain the best speed/torque ratio to reach the desired tire pressure.

[0036] Human-machine interface/interaction:

[0037] In order to achieve an intuitive handling of a tire repair kit, a USB PD port provides wide-ranging possibilities, because the USB port can also be used in order to communicate with the vehicle.

[0038] If necessary, the entire control of the repair kit could be controlled via the touch panel of the HMI. Instructions for using the compressor/kit can also be shown in an animated manner in a step-by-step process and the individual steps can possibly also be confirmed (further clicked) by the customer. [0039] For example, pressure and temperature data of the tires of the vehicle can be used in order to detect damage and lead the end-user to the damaged tire via instructions. Pressure set points allow the compressor to set the required pressure without any end-user intervention.

[0040] A test cycle would also be conceivable in which the compressor automatically determines the leakage rate in the event of tire damage, notifying the end-user whether the damage can be repaired or a breakdown service should be called. If the damage can be repaired, a one- piece kit can automatically begin the sealant injection.

[0041] For manual operation, the individual steps that must be carried out can also be displayed via the vehicle display or an integrated display in the compressor.

[0042] Intelligent control:

[0043] Based on the calculated air loss, the compressor can actuate an over-filling of the tire via the specified target pressure in order to compensate for the pressure drop between the stopping of the compressor (for disassembly and stowage in the vehicle) and the starting up of the vehicle. Thus, the repair probability can be increased, because the tire pressure level then approximately corresponds to the target pressure upon starting.

[0044] Based on the information obtained from the vehicle (e.g., stored target pressures), the compressor can use the temperature information of the tire in order to adjust the correct temperature-compensated cold tire pressure. Thus, it can be ensured that when refilling a warm tire, the later cold tire pressure is automatically set by the temperature compensation. A later tire pressure check for cold tires is thus not applicable for the user.

[0045] Furthermore, via a contact loop, the compressor can check the connection to the tire valve and/or check the compressor/sealant reservoir/tire valve and prevent an unintended compressor startup.

[0046] A pressure reduction could also be automatically caused by an electronically controlled release valve. This would be advantageous if, for example, a defective tire is not yet fully vented and the existing residual tire pressure would stand in the way of a sealant conveyance in the tires. The compressor could then vent the tire completely before starting the pumping operation in order to prevent back-pressure during the sealant injection.

[0047] Customer benefit (OEM):

[0048] By using a USB PD-powered tire repair kit, the OEM could omit the 12V on-board power supply and thus save costs, because only an on-board power supply for external devices would have to be installed.

[0049] A tire repair kit with the aforementioned options sets new standards in flat tire support and can thus contribute to greater safety, as the correct tire pressure is set and the sealing means is only used if necessary, and the flat tire can thereby be rectified.

[0050] End-user benefit (passenger car drivers):

[0051] For the end-user, this means a worry-free package overall. He or she receives the necessary information and instructions from the kit or vehicle display in order to properly repair a flat tire and to feel comfortable while doing so.

[0052] Tire pressures can be pre-set via the HMI by the user, which then represent a stop signal for the compressor, at which it automatically switches off.

[0053] An iterative stop can be provided in a refilling process. That is to say that hot, compressed air flows into the cold tires and cools there, whereupon the tire pressure already reached falls below the target value. The compressor, with a few further short filling cycles, could compensate for this pressure drop by a sequential redirection.

[0054] According to a further aspect of the disclosure, it relates in particular to an apparatus for inflating or repairing inflatable items or products as needed, in particular tires, preferably vehicle tires, wherein the device comprises a compressor assembly having at least one compressor unit comprising a compressed air outlet, via which air that is compressed, in particular as needed, by the at least one compressor unit is supplied or suppliable.

[0055] The compressor assembly is configured to be connected to an in-vehicle USB port via a connection cable having a USB PD plug for supplying power to the compressor assembly. [0056] In other words, instead of the usual 12V connector (cigarette lighter), which is usually an SE J563 plug or a standard SAEJ563 can, according to this aspect of the disclosure, the compressor assembly and in particular an electromotive drive of the compressor assembly is supplied with power via a USB cable (USB = Universal Serial Bus) and a corresponding in-vehicle USB connection.

[0057] In particular, this is a USB PD plug and a corresponding in-vehicle USB port.

[0058] USB PD is a specification for providing power to corresponding end-users via the live plugs and leads of the USB cable. With USB PD (= Universal Serial Bus Power Delivery), there is a protocol in which the electronically marked cables (integrated chip) negotiate how much power can be transmitted via the cable. That is to say that the in-vehicle power supply in the present case provides the possible voltage and current values to the consumer (here: the drive of the compressor assembly). The consumer, and in particular a control device, which is usually a microchip and is integrated in the USB PD plug of the compressor assembly, selects a corresponding combination of voltage and current from the possible voltage and current values supplied by the in-vehicle power supply and thus the power (profile) and requests this profile from the in-vehicle power supply and the in-vehicle USB port, respectively.

[0059] The USB PD plug or the corresponding in-vehicle USB port is preferably a plug or port according to USB PD profile Version 3.1. In USB PD Version 3.1, respective voltage levels 28, 36, and 48 V, each with 5 A, are defined. At 48 V and 5 A, this corresponds computationally to a power output of 240 W. Thus, USB PD opens up the new possibility of supplying power to a compressor assembly, in particular for a portable apparatus for inflating or repairing vehicle tires (tire repair kit) as needed.

[0060] The further aspect of the disclosure disclosed and claimed herein relates to a corresponding compressor assembly connectable via a USB PD connection to an in-vehicle power supply, wherein the focus is in particular on minimizing the necessary fill time, that is to say the necessary time during which the compressor assembly or an electromotive drive of the compressor assembly must be operated in order to refill a vehicle tire to a desired target pressure. [0061] The problem with a power supply of the compressor assembly via a USB connection is that, according to the USB protocol, the in-vehicle power supply or the in-vehicle USB port and the compressor assembly and/or the control device (microchip), which is in particular integrated in the USB PD plug of the compressor assembly, negotiates the combination of voltage and current and thus the power (profile) to be supplied by the in-vehicle power supply of the compressor assembly.

[0062] However, the electromotive drive of the compressor assembly is usually an electric motor, which has a current consumption demand dependent on a torque generated by the electric motor. In particular, when the electric motor is started, there is a relatively high current consumption demand.

[0063] In this case, the USB protocol would constantly request the voltage of, for example, 12 V and increase the current (current strength) supplied by the in-vehicle power supply over the period of operation of the electromotive drive of the compressor assembly. This approach results in relatively long filling times of the compressor assembly.

[0064] Accordingly, according to implementations of the apparatus according to the disclosure, it is provided in particular that a control device, in particular in the form of a microchip, is integrated in the USB PD plug of the compressor assembly. The control device is configured to communicate with the in-vehicle USB port and/or with an in-vehicle power supply, preferably via a corresponding USB protocol, and to establish a power profile (current and voltage values) to be provided to the compressor assembly by the in-vehicle USB port or by an in-vehicle power supply.

[0065] According to design variants, it is in provided in particular in this context that the control device, which is preferably integrated in the USB PD plug, is configured to query or request a power profile from the in-vehicle USB port and/or from the in-vehicle power supply at least during operation of the compressor assembly or for the duration of operation of the compressor assembly, which power profile corresponds to a temporally constant power.

[0066] Preferably, the control device, which is in particular integrated in the USB PD plug, is configured to continuously query or request from the in-vehicle USB port and/or the in-vehicle power supply a maximum power that can be provided by the in-vehicle USB port and/or by the in- vehicle power supply, or a previously determined or determinable power that is optimal with respect to the compressor assembly and/or with respect to a desired fill time, at least during the operation of the compressor assembly or for the duration of operation of the compressor assembly. This is in particular a power of at least 65 W, preferably at least 100 W, more preferably at least 140 W, and particularly preferably at least 240 W.

[0067] According to preferred realizations of the disclosure, it is provided that the compressor assembly comprises an electromotive drive and a control device associated with the drive, wherein the control device associated with the drive is configured to provide to the drive of the compressor assembly, upon a correspondingly adjusted voltage, a current strength that is required for operating the drive, at least during operation of the drive of the compressor assembly or for the duration of operation of the drive of the compressor assembly, starting from the temporally constant power continuously queried or requested from the in-vehicle USB port and/or from the in-vehicle power supply and supplied accordingly by the in-vehicle USB port and/or by the in-vehicle power supply.

[0068] In this context, in particular, it is provided that the drive has a current consumption demand dependent on a torque generated by the drive. The control device associated with the drive is preferably configured to provide to the drive of the compressor assembly, while adjusting the electrical voltage, an electrical current corresponding to the current consumption demand of the drive, starting from the temporally constant power continuously queried or requested from the in- vehicle USB port and/or from the in-vehicle power supply and supplied accordingly by the in- vehicle USB port and/or by the in-vehicle power supply.

[0069] Preferably, the control device and/or the buck converter device associated with the drive is/are configured to provide to the drive an electrical current corresponding to the current consumption demand of the drive while adjusting the electrical voltage, in particular on the basis of a pulse width modulation.

[0070] Preferably, the construction-related inductance of the motor (coils of the motor) is used as the inductance of the buck converter, so that the buck converter preferably does not operate without a separate coil, and components are thus saved. [0071] The electronically controlled pulse width modulation allows the start-up current spike to be smoothed below a critical level for the power supply (safety shutdown). This in particular enables the compressor to be started up against back-pressure in the tires without additional mechanical start-up aids.

[0072] The disclosure further relates to a method for operating a compressor assembly, in particular in order to minimize filling times of the compressor assembly of an apparatus for inflating or repairing inflatable items or products, in particular vehicle tires, when the compressor assembly is connected to an in-vehicle USB port via a connection cable having a USB PD plug for supplying power to the compressor assembly.

[0073] In the method according to the disclosure, the provided constant power is preferably continuously divided into a voltage value and a current value, wherein the current value corresponds to a prevailing value of an electrical current corresponding to the current consumption demand of the drive.

[0074] In the method, the present current consumption demand of the drive can further be sensed indirectly or directly. The present current consumption demand of the drive is preferably determined at least indirectly via an inductance of the drive. For example, wherein the current consumption demand of the drive can be determined in real-time or near real-time at least indirectly via an inductance of the drive.

[0075] FIG. 1 schematically shows a characteristic map of an electric motor, which is suitable as a drive for a compressor assembly of an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. On the X-axis (abscissa) the torque (Torque) generated by the electric motor is plotted, whereas the Y-axis (ordinate) in particular shows the current consumption demand (Current (A)) of the electric motor.

[0076] In particular, it can be seen in FIG. 2 that when the electric motor is “starting up,” there is a relative current consumption demand of the electric motor.

[0077] Various refdling scenarios, in particular of a vehicle tire, are shown in FIG. 2. The X- axis (abscissa) in FIG. 2 shows the fill time, that is to say the time it takes to inflate a vehicle tire to a corresponding target pressure of, for example, 3.5 bar. [0078] On the right ordinate axis, the fill pressure (Pressure) is given in millibars. On the left ordinate axis of the graph shown in FIG. 2, the current consumption demand of the electromotive drive of the compressor assembly is plotted.

[0079] The black line shown in FIG. 2 reflects a scenario in which the electromotive drive of the compressor assembly is supplied with a voltage of 12 V that is constant over the duration of operation of the electromotive assembly. The dotted black line in FIG. 2 shows the corresponding current consumption demand of the electromotive drive which is actuated at a constant 12 V.

[0080] In this actuation of the electromotive drive, the fill time for filling the vehicle tire to the target pressure of 3.5 bar in total lasts about 200 seconds.

[0081] The characteristic curve shown in blue in FIG. 2 reflects a scenario in which the electromotive drive of the compressor assembly is driven according to the method according to the disclosure.

[0082] In this method, a maximum available power of, for example, 100 W is continuously requested from an in-vehicle power supply. The (constant) power of 100 W provided by the in- vehicle power supply is divided into a corresponding current value as well as a corresponding voltage value.

[0083] In particular, it can be seen that in the method according to the disclosure, a voltage is supplied dependent on the current consumption demand of the electric drive, wherein, at any given time, the product of the current consumption value and the voltage value corresponds to the constant power of 100 W provided by the in-vehicle power supply.

[0084] In particular, it can be seen that with the method according to the disclosure, the filling time can be significantly reduced, in particular to a value of about 110 seconds here, for example, in order to achieve the target pressure of 3.5 bar in the vehicle tire to be inflated or refilled.

[0085] While the present method and/or system has been described with reference to certain implementations, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present method and/or system. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. For example, block and/or components of disclosed examples may be combined, divided, re-arranged, and/or otherwise modified. Therefore, the present method and/or system are not limited to the particular implementations disclosed. Instead, the present method and/or system will include all implementations falling within the scope of the appended claims, both literally and under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for inflating or repairing a tire, the apparatus comprising: a compressor assembly having at least one compressor unit comprising a compressed air outlet configured to output air that is compressed by the at least one compressor unit, wherein the compressor assembly is configured to connect to an in-vehicle data communication port in order to power or control the compressor assembly.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data communication port comprises a powered data communication port and further comprises a power supply configured to connect to and draw operating power from the powered data communication port.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a connection cable having a plug that fits into the data communication port.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the compressor assembly is configured to communicate via the plug with a human-machine interface (HMI) device such that a user is enabled to communicate with the compressor assembly or a computer program of the compressor assembly.

5. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a control device is integrated in the plug, which device is configured to control the compressor assembly.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a control device is associated with the compressor assembly and is configured to control the compressor assembly, wherein the control device is a control device integrated in the compressor assembly.

7. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control device is configured to carry out a test cycle in which, in an event of tire damage, the compressor assembly automatically determines a leakage rate and informs the user whether the tire damage can be repaired or a breakdown service should be called, wherein the control device is configured in particular to automatically begin a sealant injection when it is determined in the course of the test cycle that the tire damage can be repaired.

8. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control device is configured to actuate the compressor assembly to overfill the tire with a specified target pressure, based in particular on a calculated air loss, in order to compensate for a pressure drop between a stopping of the compressor assembly and a starting of the vehicle.

9. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control device is configured to use temperature information from the tire based on information obtained from the vehicle, in particular information concerning stored target pressures, in order to actuate the compressor assembly such that a correct, temperature-compensated cold tire pressure is automatically set.

10. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control device is configured to check via a contact loop a fluidic connection to a tire valve or a fluidic connection between the compressor assembly, a sealant reservoir, and a tire valve, and in particular to prevent an unintended start-up of the compressor assembly.

11. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control device is configured to carry out a pressure reduction of the tire, in particular automatically, via an electronically controlled release valve, wherein the control device is configured in particular to completely vent the tire prior to starting a pumping operation in order to prevent a back-pressure of a sealant injection.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises the following: a container holding a sealing liquid and in particular a tire sealant; and a distribution system configured to fluidically connect the compressed air outlet of the at least one compressor unit as needed to a compressed air inlet of inflatable item or product, in particular a tire, or the sealing liquid container.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the compressor assembly is configured to be connected to an in-vehicle USB port via a connection cable having a USB PD plug for supplying power to the compressor assembly.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein a control device is integrated in the USB PD plug and is configured to communicate with the in-vehicle USB port or with an in-vehicle power supply and to establish a power profile to be provided to the compressor assembly by the in-vehicle USB port or by an in-vehicle power supply.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the control device is configured to query or request a power profile from the in-vehicle USB port or from the in-vehicle power supply at least during operation of the compressor assembly or for the duration of operation of the compressor assembly, which power profile corresponds to a temporally constant power.

16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the control device is configured to continuously query or request from the in-vehicle USB port or the in-vehicle power supply a maximum power that can be provided by the in-vehicle USB port or by the in-vehicle power supply at least during the operation of the compressor assembly or for the duration of operation of the compressor assembly.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the control device is configured to continuously query or request a power of at least 65 W from the in-vehicle USB port or the in- vehicle power supply at least during the operation of the compressor assembly or for the duration of operation of the compressor assembly.

18. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the compressor assembly comprises an electromotive drive and a control device associated with the drive, wherein the control device associated with the drive is configured to provide to the drive of the compressor assembly, upon a correspondingly adjusted voltage, a current strength that is required for operating the drive, at least during operation of the drive of the compressor assembly or for the duration of operation of the drive of the compressor assembly, starting from the temporally constant power continuously queried or requested from the in-vehicle USB port or from the in-vehicle power supply and supplied accordingly by the in-vehicle USB port or by the in-vehicle power supply.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the drive comprises a current consumption demand dependent on a torque generated by the drive, and wherein the control device associated with the drive is configured to provide to the drive, while adjusting the electrical voltage, an electrical current corresponding to the current consumption demand of the drive, starting from the temporally constant power continuously queried or requested from the in-vehicle USB port or from the in-vehicle power supply and supplied accordingly by the in-vehicle USB port or by the in-vehicle power supply.

20. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the control device associated with the drive comprises a buck converter device, which is configured to provide to the drive, while adjusting the electrical voltage, an electrical current corresponding to the current consumption demand of the drive, starting from the temporally constant power continuously queried or requested from the in-vehicle USB port or from the in-vehicle power supply and supplied accordingly by the in-vehicle USB port or by the in-vehicle power supply.

21. The apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the control device or the buck converter device associated with the drive is configured to provide to the drive an electrical current corresponding to the current consumption demand of the drive while adjusting the electrical voltage, in particular on the basis of a pulse width modulation.

22. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the control device associated with the drive is configured to provide an electrical current corresponding to the current consumption demand of the drive, taking into account a prevailing current consumption demand of the drive.

23. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the plug is a USB plug or a USB PD Plug.

24. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the HMI device is an in-vehicle dashboard.

25. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the control device is integrated in the USB PD plug,

26. A method for operating a compressor assembly of an apparatus for inflating or repairing inflatable items or products as needed, in particular an apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the compressor assembly comprises an electromotive drive and a control device associated with the drive, and wherein a temporally constant electrical power is provided to the compressor assembly, wherein the method comprises the following method step: continuously dividing the provided constant power into a voltage value and a current value, wherein the current value corresponds to a prevailing value of an electrical current corresponding to the current consumption demand of the drive.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the method further comprises the following method step: directly or indirectly determining the prevailing current consumption demand of the drive.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein the current consumption demand of the drive is determined in real-time or near real-time at least indirectly via an inductance of the drive.