GB2548103B

GB2548103B - Vehicle tyre assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2548103B
Application number: GB1603899.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lenik Sebastian; Dowell Luke
Original assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2016-03-07
Filing date: 2016-03-07
Publication date: 2019-09-11
Anticipated expiration: 2036-03-07
Also published as: GB2548103A; GB201603899D0

Description

VEHICLE TYRE ASSEMBLY

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle tyre assembly and particularly, but not exclusively, to a vehicle tyre assembly for an electric or hybrid electric vehicle. Aspects of the invention relate to a tyre, to a vehicle wheel, to a wheel assembly, to a vehicle incorporating a wheel assembly, and to an associated charging station.

BACKGROUND

It is known to provide electric vehicles (EV) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) with an onboard battery to supply electrical energy to a traction electric motor. The battery is typically re-charged using energy recovery techniques, such as regenerative braking, and also by connecting the vehicle to an external electrical supply using a charging cable. However, the use of a cable to charge the vehicle battery is not entirely satisfactory. The cable usually takes up space in the vehicle and can take time to unravel as it is prone to tangle. Also, the additional operation of connecting the charging cable to the vehicle battery may prove inconvenient for the user. Moreover, cables may become wet and/or dirty when handled, and can also be subject to damage or even vandalism.

At least in certain embodiments, the present invention sets out to overcome or ameliorate at least some ofthe problems associated with known vehicle charging systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle tyre, to a vehicle wheel rim, to a wheel assembly, to a vehicle incorporating a wheel assembly, and to an associated charging station.

According to an aspect ofthe present invention there is provided a vehicle tyre for mounting on a wheel, the vehicle tyre comprising: a conductive power coupling for establishing electrical contact with a charging station, the conductive power coupling being disposed in a circumferential groove of an external surface ofthe vehicle tyre; at least one first electrical contact connected to the conductive power coupling and configured to connect to at least one second electrical contact disposed on the wheel; and a conductive proximity coupling configured to enable the position of the tyre in relation to the charging station to be determined. By incorporating the conductive power coupling, the vehicle tyre can provide a connection to a charging station. Thus, the vehicle tyre can function as a conductor to transfer electrical energy to charge an on-board battery. A conductive power coupling in a circumferential groove beneficially improves safety against electrocution, and further reduces wear of the conductive power coupling as it is not in direct contact with the road whilst driving.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a tyre for mounting on a wheel of a vehicle, the tyre comprising: a conductive power coupling for establishing electrical contact with a charging station, the conductive power coupling being disposed on an external surface of the tyre and comprising a plurality of segments; at least one first electrical contact connected to the conductive power coupling and configured to connect to at least one second electrical contact disposed on the wheel, wherein each first electrical contact is connected to one of said segments; and a conductive proximity coupling configured to enable the position of the tyre in relation to the charging station to be determined. A segmented design beneficially improves safety because only the segment in contact with a power source is electrified.

The tyre may comprise a first sidewall, a second sidewall and a transverse surface. In use, the transverse surface provides a contact surface between the tyre and the ground. The conductive power coupling can be disposed on the transverse surface of the tyre. The transverse surface can comprise a tread pattern. The tread pattern can include at least one circumferential groove and/or at least one circumferential rib. The conductive power coupling can be disposed in said circumferential groove. This arrangement can help to prevent or reduce contact of the conductive power coupling with the road surface under normal driving conditions.

The conductive power coupling can comprise a plurality of segments. The segments can be disposed in an annular configuration. The segments can be disposed around the circumference of the transverse surface. The segments can each have an external surface which extends radially outwardly. The segments can each be configured such that, in use, at least one complete segment is located entirely within a contact patch defined by the transverse surface of the vehicle tyre. The size and/or shape and/or distribution of the segments can be determined such that at least one complete segment locates completely within the contact patch. In certain arrangements, more than one segment can be configured to locate within the contact patch. The segments can be sized such that one or more complete segments are under the contact patch of the tyre at any one time. The segments can be sized such that a particular rotational position of the vehicle tyre is not required for charging.

The vehicle tyre can comprise a plurality of said first electrical contacts. The first electrical contacts can each be connected to a respective one of said segments.

The conductive power coupling can comprise a first electrically conductive band. The first electrically conductive band can extend around the circumference of the transverse surface.

The vehicle tyre can comprise a conductive earthing (grounding) coupling for providing a connection to earth (ground). The conductive earthing coupling can comprise a second electrically conductive band. The second electrically conductive band can extend around the circumference of the transverse surface.

The vehicle tyre can comprise a conductive pilot coupling configured to establish a communication channel. The conductive pilot coupling can provide a channel for transmitting and/or receiving control signals. The conductive pilot coupling can therefore be used to establish communication between the vehicle and the charging station. The conductive pilot coupling can comprise a third electrically conductive band. The third electrically conductive band can extend around the circumference of the transverse surface.

The vehicle tyre comprises a conductive proximity coupling configured to enable the position of the tyre in relation to the charging station to be determined. The conductive proximity coupling can comprise a fourth electrically conductive band. The fourth electrically conductive band can extend around the circumference of the transverse surface.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a wheel configured to receive a vehicle tyre as described herein, wherein the wheel comprises at least one second electrical contact for connecting to the at least one first electrical contact disposed on the vehicle tyre.

The wheel can comprise a first wheel part and a second wheel part. For example, the wheel can have a split-rim configuration. At least one second electrical contact can be disposed in said first wheel part. In arrangements comprising a plurality of said second electrical contacts, the second electrical contacts can be electrically isolated from each other. The first wheel part can be made of an electrically insulating material.

The wheel can comprise a rim having first and second rim flanges. The second electrical contact can be disposed in either said first rim flange or said second rim flange. Each first electrical contact disposed on the vehicle tyre can be adapted to establish an electrical connection with at least one of said second electrical contacts. In one embodiment, each first electrical contact establishes an electrical connection with only one of said second electrical contacts. The first electrical contacts can be smaller in size (i.e. more granular) than the second electrical contacts. The first electrical contacts can be sized and/or positioned such that they are unable to bridge between two adjacent second electrical contacts disposed on the rim flange. At least in certain embodiments, this can avoid the need for a particular angular orientation ofthe tyre in relation to the wheel.

The wheel can comprise at least one conductive pilot contact configured to establish a conductive connection with the conductive pilot coupling disposed on the tyre. The at least one conductive pilot contact provides a communication link between the wheel and the tyre, thereby enabling communication between the vehicle and the charging station. The at least one conductive pilot contact can be disposed in either said first rim flange or said second rim flange.

The wheel can comprise at least one conductive proximity contact configured to establish a conductive connection with the conductive proximity coupling disposed on the tyre. The at least one conductive proximity contact provides a connection between the conductive proximity coupling and the wheel, thereby enabling the position ofthe tyre in relation to the charging station to be determined. The at least one conductive proximity contact can be disposed in said first rim flange or said second rim flange.

The wheel can comprise at least one power transfer line extending radially inwardly from said at least one second electrical contact.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a wheel assembly comprising a vehicle tyre as described herein in combination with a vehicle wheel as described herein.

According to a further aspect ofthe present invention there is provided a vehicle comprising at least one wheel assembly ofthe type described herein. The vehicle can comprise firstand second wheel assemblies of the type described herein. Each first and second wheel assembly can have only one conductive power coupling for receiving a respective charging current. Alternatively, a first wheel assembly could have first and second conductive power couplings and a second wheel assembly could have third and fourth power couplings. The first, second and third power couplings could be configured to receive a single phase of a three-phase charging current and the fourth conductive power coupling could be configured to provide a neutral connection for connecting the vehicle to earth. The charging current could be an alternating current or a direct current.

The first and second wheel assemblies could be disposed on opposing sides of the vehicle. The first and second wheel assemblies could be both disposed at the front of the vehicle or the first and second wheel assemblies could be both disposed at the rear of the vehicle. Alternatively, the first wheel assembly could be disposed at the front of the vehicle on a first side, and the second wheel assembly could be disposed at the rear of the vehicle on a second side opposed to the first side. In a variant, the first and second wheel assemblies could be disposed on a single side of the vehicle.

In a variant, the vehicle can comprise first, second and third wheel assemblies of the type described herein. Each first, second and third wheel assembly can have only one conductive power coupling for receiving a single phase of a three-phase charging current The vehicle can comprise a fourth wheel assembly having one conductive power coupling to provide a neutral connection for connecting the vehicle to earth.

In a further variant, the vehicle can comprise one single wheel assembly of the type described herein. The wheel assembly can have a plurality of power couplings for receiving charging currents, for example first and second conductive power couplings for receiving first and second charging currents.

The invention(s) described herein can be incorporated into any type of vehicle having an onboard battery requiring charging. The vehicle can be an electric vehicle (EV), a battery electric vehicle (BEV), or a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) such as a plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV). The vehicle can, for example, be an automobile, a sports utility vehicle (SUV) or an off-road vehicle.

The vehicle tyre described herein can be a pneumatic vehicle tyre. The invention(s) described herein can be used in conjunction with other technologies, such as run-flat technologies.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a wheel assembly connected to a battery of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a part of a tyre of the wheel assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a vertical cross sectional view of the wheel assembly shown in

Figure 1;

Figure 4a shows a side view of a vertical cross section of a wheel of the wheel assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4b shows a front view of the vertical cross section of the wheel shown in Figure 4a;

Figure 5 shows a front view of a coupling shaft of the wheel of the wheel assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6a shows a side view of a vertical cross section of a charging station for use with the wheel assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6b shows a top view of the vertical cross section of the charging station shown in Figure 6a;

Figure 7a, 7b,and 7c show schematic representations of various embodiments of a vehicle comprising one or more wheel assembly in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention; and

Figure 8 shows a part of a wheel rim of a wheel assembly in accordance with a further embodiment ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION A wheel assembly 1 in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention for a vehicle V will now be described with reference to the accompanying Figures. The vehicle V in the present embodiment is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle PHEV, but the apparatus described herein could also be applied to a hybrid electric vehicle HEV or to an electric vehicle EV. The vehicle V has an on-board battery B for supplying electrical power to an electric machine in the form of a traction motor for providing traction to drive the vehicle V.

The wheel assembly 1 is a front wheel assembly and, as described herein, is configured to establish an electrical connection with a ground-mounted charging station S to charge the vehicle battery B. The embodiment described herein has particular application in vehicles using charging voltages which are potentially hazardous, for example greater than 60 volts.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the wheel assembly 1 comprises a tyre 3 and a wheel 5. The wheel 5 comprises a wheel rim 7, and a wheel hub 9. The wheel rim 7 is mounted to the wheel hub 9 by a plurality of spokes (not shown) and the tyre 3 is mounted to the wheel rim 7. The wheel hub 9 is configured to be mounted to a vehicle hub H provided on the vehicle V to mount the wheel assembly 1. The wheel rim 7 comprises outer and inner rim flanges 11, 13 for mounting the tyre 3. The terms 'inner, and 'outer, are herein used in relation to the orientation ofthe wheel assembly 1 relative to a longitudinal centreline ofthe vehicle V.

The tyre 3 comprises an outer sidewall 15, an inner sidewall 17 and a transverse surface 19. An outer bead 21 is formed on the outer sidewall 15, and an inner bead 23 is formed on the inner sidewall 17 for mounting the tyre 3 to the wheel 5. The outer and inner beads 21, 23 are configured to engage the outer and inner rim flanges 11,13 respectively to fixedly mount the tyre 3 to the wheel 5. Specifically, the outer and inner beads 21, 23 each define a bead chafer which contacts the outer and inner rim flanges 11, 13. As shown in Figure 2, the transverse surface 19 ofthe tyre 3 defines a tread area (crown) comprising a tread 25 for contacting the ground to provide traction. The area ofthe tyre 3 which is in contact with the ground, for example a road surface, defines a contact patch. The tread 25 has a tread pattern extending circumferentially around the transverse surface 19 of the tyre 3. The tyre 3 is composed of a series of body plies (not shown). A belt in the form of a rubber-coated layer of cords is located between the body plies and the tread 25. The cords are made from steel in the present embodiment but may also be made from fiberglass, rayon, nylon, polyester, Kevlars or other fabrics.

As shown in Figure 2, the tread 25 in the present embodiment comprises an inner shoulder 27, an outer shoulder 29, a first rib R1, a second rib R2, and a third rib R3. The illustrated tread 25 is by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting. Each of the first, second and third ribs R1-R3 comprise a succession of tread blocks (not shown) in conventional manner. The tread 25 comprises a firstgroove G1, a second groove G2, a third groove G3 and a fourth groove G4 disposed between adjacent ribs R1-R3, as shown in Figure 2. As described below, a conductive coupling is disposed in each groove G1-G4 to transfer electrical energy. A conductive power coupling 31 is disposed in the firstgroove G1. The power coupling 31 is segmented and comprises a plurality of segments 33 evenly distributed around the circumference of the transverse surface 19, as illustrated in Figure 3. An outer surface of each segment 33 is exposed to establish an electrical contact with the charging station S, as described herein. The segments 33 are electrically isolated from each other and also from the cords embedded in the structure of the tyre 3. The segments 33 are sized such that at least one complete segment 33 can locate within the contact patch of the tyre 3 under normal operating conditions. As illustrated in Figure 3, the lowermost segments) 33“(i.e. the segments) 33 positioned at or proximal to the 6 o clock position on the transverse surface 19 of the tyre 3) is disposed entirely within the contact patch of the tyre 3 such that the region of the transverse surface 19 surrounding the segment 33 forms an electrically insulating shield. It will be appreciated that the power coupling 31 rotates with the tyre 3 such that the segment 33 disposed in the lowermost position will depend on the rotational position of the tyre 3. A conductive proximity coupling 35 is disposed in the second groove G2. The proximity coupling 35 is an electrically conductive band which extends continuously around the transverse surface 19 of the tyre 3. The proximity coupling 35 is provided to enable the position of the tyre 3 in relation to the charging station S to be determined. The proximity coupling 35 is provided to determine if a connection with the charging station S has been correctly established, i.e. if the tyre 3 is in the correct position and/or alignment with the charging station S. If a connection is not established between the proximity coupling 35 and the charging station S, i.e. if the tyre 3 is not aligned with the charging station S, the charging station S is controlled to inhibit the supply of electrical energy to the vehicle. This provides a safety feature to prevent the supply of electrical energy to segments 33 which may be exposed (i.e. segments which are not disposed in the lowermost position on the tyre 3). The signals transmitted via the proximity coupling 35 are low current signals. A conductive pilot (communication) coupling 37 is disposed in the third groove G3. The pilot coupling 37 is an electrically conductive band which extends continuously around the circumference of the transverse surface 19 of the tyre 3. The pilot coupling 37 is operable to establish a communication channel between the charging station S and the vehicle B. Control signals can be transmitted between the charging station S and the vehicle V via the pilot coupling 37. The control signals can, for example, comprise one or more of the following information types: the operating state of the charging station S (for example ON/OFF); the power rating of the charging station S; a request by the vehicle V for the supply of electrical energy from the charging station; the need for ventilation while charging. The control signals transmitted via the pilot coupling 37 are low current signals. A conductive earthing (grounding) coupling 39 is disposed in the fourth groove G4 of the transverse surface 19 of the tyre 3. The earthing coupling 39 is an electrically conductive band which extends continuously around the circumference of the transverse surface 19. The earthing coupling 39 is adapted to provide a connection to earth (ground) for the vehicle V through the wheel assembly 1.

The power coupling 31, the proximity coupling 35, the pilot coupling 37 and the earthing coupling 39 are disposed between the ribs R1-R3 of the tread 25 so as not to be in contact with the ground in normal use. The power coupling 31, the proximity coupling 35, the pilot coupling 37 and the earthing coupling 39 are thereby protected from damage and the traction afforded by the tread 25 is unaffected. The power coupling 31, the proximity coupling 35, the pilot coupling 37 and the earthing coupling 39 can be formed from any suitable conductive material, for example a metal or a metal alloy, moulded into the transverse surface 19 of the tyre 3 radially outwardly of the belt forming the structure of the tyre 3.

As shown in Figure 3, the tyre 3 comprises a plurality of power connectors 41 configured to establish an electrical connection between the segments 33 and conductive tyre power contacts 43 disposed on the inner bead 23. The power connectors 41 in the present embodiment are electrically conductive wires embedded in the inner sidewall 17 of the tyre 3. The power connectors 41 are each connected to a single segment 33 and extend radially inwardly to an associated one of said tyre power contact 43. The tyre power contacts 43 are configured to establish electrical contact with the wheel 5 and can be disposed on or adjacent to the tyre chafer on the inner bead 23. A feature of the segmented design for the conductive power coupling 31 is that only the conductive power coupling 31 segment in contact with the ground is electrified. The electrified segment is therefore concealed and not touchable. Other exposed segments are not electrified and so there is a reduced risk of electrocution from touching exposed segments. The segmented design therefore beneficially enables the safe use of a conductive power coupling 31 externally exposed on a rib rather than in a groove.

In an example in which a conductive power coupling 31 is externally exposed on a rib, the coupling 31 is built into the transverse surface ofthe tyre and has a thickness and embed depth sufficient to wear down with the rubber of the tyre in use. The thickness and depth may exceed the depth ofthe ribs or ofthe tread in the tread blocks. In some examples the proximity coupling 35, pilot coupling 37 and earthing coupling 39 are also externally exposed on ribs.

The wheel 5 is circular and has a rotational axis. As shown in Figures 4a and 4b, the wheel 5 has a split-rim configuration and comprises an outboard wheel part 45 and an inboard wheel part 47. The outboard wheel part 45 and the inboard wheel part 47 are joined together along a joint axis perpendicular to the rotational axis of the wheel 5. A plurality of mechanical fasteners (not shown) secures the outer and inboard wheel parts 45, 47 together. The inboard wheel part 47 includes a spigot 50 to align the outer and inboard wheel parts 45, 47 with each other. The wheel 5 comprises four apertures 52 for receiving threaded wheel bolts 53 (shown in Figure 1) disposed on the vehicle hub H. In order to mount the wheel 5 to the vehicle V, lug nuts are screwed onto the wheel bolts in conventional manner.

The outboard wheel part 45 is made of an electrically conductive material and comprises the outer rim flange 11 for receiving the outer bead 21. The outboard wheel part 45 is electrically connected to the earthing coupling 39 by at least one electrical earth connection 54, as shown in Figure 1. The electrical earth connection 54 is disposed on the outer sidewall 15 of the tyre 3, for example connected to an electrical contact disposed on the outer bead 21. When the tyre 3 is mounted on the wheel 5, the electrical earth connection provides a connection to earth for the vehicle electrical systems via the wheel bolts 53, the lug nuts and the outboard wheel part45.

The inboard wheel part 47 comprises the inner rim flange 13 which extends around the circumference of the wheel 5. The inboard wheel part 47 is made of electrically insulating material, such as a composite material. It will be appreciated therefore that the outer rim flange 11 and the inner rim flange 13 are electrically isolated from each other. The inner rim flange 13 comprises a plurality of conductive rim power contacts 55 evenly distributed about its circumference. In the embodiment described herein and represented in Figure 4b, the inner rim flange 13 comprises sixteen rim power contacts 55. The pilot and proximity signal connections can pass from the tyre 3 to the wheel rim 7 by means of short flexible electrical wires permanently attached to the tyre 3 and plugged into the wheel rim 7.

As shown in Figures 4a and 4b, the wheel 5 comprises a coupling shaft 61 extending inwardly from the wheel hub 9. The coupling shaft 61 comprises a plurality of shaft power contacts 63 evenly distributed about an inner end thereof. Each shaft power contact 63 is connected to a corresponding rim power contact 55 by a power transfer line 65 which extends radially inwardly, for example along one of the spokes mounting the rim 7 to the wheel hub 9. The power transfer lines 65 are embedded in the inboard wheel part 47 and are electrically isolated from each other. The shaft power contacts 63 each correspond to one of the segments 33 making up the power coupling 31. In the present embodiment, there are sixteen shaft power contacts 63 each electrically connected to a single one of the sixteen segments 33.

As shown in Figure 5, in addition to the shaft power contacts 63, the coupling shaft 61 comprises a shaft pilot contact 67 and a shaft proximity contact 69. The shaft pilot contact 67 is an annular electrical contract disposed at the inner end of the coupling shaft 61. The shaft proximity contact 69 is a circular electrical contact radially inset from the shaft pilot contact 67. The pilot coupling 37 and the proximity coupling 35 are respectively connected to the shaft pilot contact 67 and to the shaft proximity contact 69 through electrical wires (not shown) embedded in the wheel hub 9. A conductive brush 71 disposed on the vehicle V provides a rotating coupling for transferring electrical energy supplied to the tyre 3 by the charging station S to the vehicle V. The brush 71 is spring biased against the shaft power contacts 63 and is adapted to make electrical contact with one or more selected shaft power contacts 63. In particular, the brush 71 is positioned to establish an electrical connection only with the one or more segments) 33“ disposed within the contact patch of the tyre 3. This arrangement ensures that the shaft power contacts 63 remain electrically isolated from each other. Separate conductive brushes (not shown) can be provided to engage the shaft pilot contact 67 and the shaft proximity contact 69.

The charging station S for use with the wheel assembly 1 according to the present embodiment is shown in Figures 6a and 6b. The charging station S comprises a concave portion in the form of a bowl 73 adapted to receive a portion of the tyre 3. The bowl 73 has the same radius of curvature as the tyre 3 and forms a sector having a circumference equal to approximately 1 /8th of the circumference of the tyre 3. The bowl 73 is adapted to provide alignment of the tyre 3 in the bowl 73 and to constrain the steering angle of the wheel assembly 1. The charging station S comprises a first ramp 75 and a second ramp 77 disposed on respective sides of the bowl 73. The first ramp 75 forms an access ramp to the bowl 73 for the tyre 3, and the second ramp 77 forms an exit ramp from the bowl for the tyre 3.

The bowl 73 comprises first second, third and fourth sets of vertically oriented pins P1-P4 located in apertures (not shown). The pins P1-P4 are spring-biased and are adapted to be displaced downwardly to avoid damage due to misalignment of the tyre 3 within the bowl 73. The first set of pins P1 is configured to contact the power coupling 31. In particular, the first set of pins P1 are configured to contact one of the segments 33 making up the power coupling 31. The tyre 3 is configured such that only the lowermost one or more segments 33“ disposed within the contact patch contact the first set of pins P1. The tyre 3 extends around the periphery of each segment 33“within the contact patch such that the segments) 33“ energized by the charging station S are inaccessible to a user.

The second, third and fourth sets of pins P2, P3, P4 are respectively adapted to contact the proximity coupling 35, the pilot coupling 37 and the earthing coupling 39. The bowl 73 comprises a spring-biased guard (not shown) configured to be displaced downwardly by the vehicle mass when the tyre 3 is positioned in the bowl 73 to expose the pins P1-P4. The guard can optionally also comprise brushes (not shown) to clean the pins P1-P4 each time the guard is displaced by the tyre 3.

In use, the vehicle V is driven onto the charging station S such that the tyre 3 locates in the bowl 73. As the wheel assembly 1 enters the bowl 73, the tyre 3 pushes the guard down to expose the pins P1-P4. The bowl 73 constrains the angular orientation of the tyre 3 to inhibit changes in steering angle which might result in a misalignment of the vehicle wheel assembly 1 with the charging station S. The first, second, third, and fourth sets of pins P1-P4 connect to the power coupling 31, the proximity coupling 35, the pilot coupling 37 and the earthing coupling 39 respectively to establish a wired connection between the vehicle V and the charging station S.

The brush 71 is spring-biased against the shaft power contact 63 to establish an electrical connection between the one or more segment(s) 33“disposed in the lowermost position(s) on the tyre 3 and the vehicle battery B. The shaft pilot contact 67 and the shaft proximity contact 69 provide electrical connection to enable the vehicle V to determine if it is correctly located in relation to the charging station S and to communicate with the charging station S. The charging station S includes charging equipment which is functionally equivalent to a Mode 3 charging station and defined by eitherSAEJ 1772, IEC61851 -1 or GBT20234.2) The supply equipment shall signal available current to the vehicle using the pilot signal as defined by IEC61895-1 , GBT20234.2 or SAEJ 1772. The vehicle V requests the supply of energy from the charging station S using the pilot signal as defined by IEC61895-1, GBT20234.2 or SAEJ 1772. The vehicle V uses the signal transmitted through the proximity coupling 35 to check the correct positioning ofthe vehicle V in relation to the charging station S. If the proximity coupling 35 is not connected to the charging station S, the charging station S determines that the tyre 3 is not correctly positioned. Accordingly, the supply of electrical energy from the charging station S is inhibited and charging is not performed.

The vehicle V communicates with the charging station S via the pilot coupling 37 to control the maximum supply current. The vehicle V outputs a first control signal through the pilot coupling 37 to request electrical energy from the charging station S. In response to the request, the charging station S energizes the first set of pins P1 to supply electrical energy to the segments 33. During charging ofthe vehicle battery B, energy is delivered from the first set of pins P1 ofthe charging station S to the vehicle battery B. The electrical energy is supplied via the wired connection established by the lowermost segments) 33“on the tyre 3, the rim power contact 55, the power transfer line 65, the shaft power contact 63 and the brush 71, as shown in Figures 3, 4b and 5. The charging station S thereby performs conductive charging ofthe vehicle battery B. Once the battery B ofthe vehicle V is charged, the vehicle outputs a second control signal through the pilot coupling 37 to instruct the charging station S to stop the supply of electrical energy.

The vehicle V can comprise one or more than one wheel assembly 1 to provide an electrical connection to the charging station S. Figures 7a, 7b, and 7c show schematic representations of various embodiments of the vehicle V comprising one or more wheel assembly 1 in accordance with the present invention. Figure 7a shows an embodiment ofthe vehicle V in which the vehicle V comprises two wheel assemblies 1 in accordance with the present embodiment. The two wheel assemblies 1 form the two opposed front wheels of the vehicle V. In this configuration, each of the two wheel assemblies carries an alternating current from the charging station to the vehicle battery B. Figure 7b shows an alternative embodiment in which the vehicle V comprises four wheel assemblies 1. In this configuration, the vehicle V forms a three-phase electric system, in which three wheel assemblies 1 each comprise a single power coupling 31 for carrying an alternating current and a fourth wheel assembly comprises a single power coupling 31 to provide a neutral conductor. Figure 7c shows an embodiment in which the vehicle V comprises only one wheel assembly 1. In this configuration, the wheel assembly 1 comprises two power couplings 31, each power coupling 31 carrying an alternating current from the charging station S to the vehicle battery B.

In an alternate arrangement, the charging station S can be configured to deliver direct current. The vehicle V could comprise a first wheel assembly 1 having a first power coupling 31 for connection to a positive terminal of the charging station S, and a second wheel assembly 1 having a second power coupling 31 for connection to a negative terminal of the charging station S. In a further alternative, the wheel assembly 1 could comprise first and second power couplings 31 for connection to respective positive and negative terminals of the charging station S.

It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the wheel assembly described herein without departing from the scope of the present invention, as set out in the appended claims.

In some, but not necessarily all examples a solenoid disposed on the vehicle V provides a coupling for transferring electrical energy supplied to the tyre 3 by the charging station S to the vehicle V. The solenoid is integrated into the back of a suspension upright, and may comprise a coil and plunger. The plunger comprises a contact for power, and optionally contacts for pilot and proximity, and earth. A connector is provided on the vehicle lower wishbone to electrically connect the vehicle electrical systems to the contacts on the plunger.

The shaft power contacts 63, and optionally the shaft pilot contact 67 and the shaft proximity contact 69 are arranged within the inner circumferential surface of the coupling shaft 61, and are referred to herein as coupling shaft electrical contacts.

When the solenoid is actuated (closed), the plunger is pushed into the coupling shaft 61 in the wheel hub 9. The actuation pushes the plunger to a position in which the power, pilot and proximity contacts on the plunger engage respectively with the respective coupling shaft electrical contacts.

When the solenoid is not actuated (open), the plunger is positioned external to the coupling shaft 61. The solenoid is open during driving meaning the coupling shaft 61 and plunger are not subject to wear, as would be the case for brushes. The solenoid is actuated during charging, behaving similarly to a conventional electrical contact but allowing free rotation of the plunger relative the coupling shaft 61.

Each of the pilot and proximity contacts on the plunger may comprise a sprung pin arranged to press onto the respective coupling shaft electrical contacts in the coupling shaft 61 when the solenoid is in an actuated state, the plunger being disposed in the coupling shaft 61. The power contact on the plunger may comprise a rigid pin instead of a sprung pin, in which case the rigid pin would also provide a stop for the plunger to control the position of the plunger by limiting further movement of the plunger. An earth contact may be provided on the plunger or on another vehicle component and is arranged to engage with an exposed collar of a wheel bearing, or with any other metallic surface on the hub or wheel assembly, such that the earth contact is in electrical contact with the earthing coupling 39.

In some, but not necessarily all examples magnetic coupling means (magnetic coupler) disposed on the vehicle V provides a contactless coupling for transferring energy supplied to the tyre 3 by the charging station S to the vehicle V. The magnetic coupling means comprises a first magnet arranged to rotate with the wheel assembly 1, and a second magnet disposed on the vehicle V and separated from the first magnet by an air gap. The first magnet can rotate independently of the second magnet The magnets may be two-pole magnets.

In some, but not necessarily all examples inductive coupling means may be provided. Inductive coupling means may comprise a first coil arranged to rotate with the wheel assembly 1, and a second coil disposed on the vehicle V and separated from the first coil by an air gap. The first coil can rotate independently of the second coil. Energy transfer is provided by mutual induction between the first and second coils. The ratio of the number of first coils to second coils provides a step-up or step-down voltage. The ratio may optionally be controlled by one or more coil taps. In some examples the magnetic and inductive coupling means may be integrated. A benefit of using brushed, magnetic, inductive and other independently rotatable couplings is that it is possible to transfer electrical energy supplied to the tyre 3 while driving over charging tracks. Such couplings are therefore not limited to static use with a charging station C.

Figure 8 shows a part of a wheel rim of a wheel assembly 101 according to a further embodiment ofthe present invention. The further embodiment corresponds closely to the other embodiment described above and like reference numerals have been used for like components, albeit incremented by 100 for clarity.

The wheel assembly 101 comprises a tyre 103 and a wheel 105. The wheel 105 comprises a wheel rim 107, and a wheel hub 109. The wheel rim 107 comprises a plurality of conductive rim power contacts 155, conductive rim pilot contacts 157 and conductive rim proximity contacts 159. The rim power contacts 155, the rim pilot contacts 157 and the rim proximity contacts 159 are arranged sequentially in an annular configuration extending circumferentially around the inner rim flange 113. The conductive rim power contacts 155 are configured to connect with associated power contacts 143 disposed on the tyre 103 to establish an electrical connection. The rim pilot contacts 157 and the rim proximity contacts 159 are configured to connect electrically to the respective pilot and proximity couplings (not shown) disposed on the tyre 103. Thus, a plug-in connection between the tyre and the wheel is not required. It will be appreciated that the tyre 103 and the wheel 105 must be angularly aligned with each other to establish the requisite electrical contacts.

The rim power contacts 155, the rim pilot contacts 157 and the rim proximity contacts 159 are electrically isolated from each other. In the illustrated arrangement the wheel rim 107 is made of an electrically insulating material which forms an electrical insulator between adjacent contacts. Alternatively, one or more electrically insulating inserts could be provided to electrically isolate the rim power contacts 155, the rim pilot contacts 157 and the rim proximity contacts 159.

In the embodiments described above, the pilot coupling and the proximity coupling have been described as two separate bands. In a variant the pilot coupling and the proximity coupling could be combined into a single band. For example, a single band could be used to establish a communication channel and to ensure correct alignment ofthe tyre.

In a variant the pilot coupling and/or the proximity coupling can be omitted. The power coupling could optionally act as a part ofthe communication channel between the charging station S and the vehicle V. Alternatively, or in addition, the charging station S and the vehicle V can communicate over a wireless communication channel, for example using a Bluetooth+ connection.

In the embodiments described above, the tyre 3 comprises a single power coupling 31. In a variant, the tyre can comprise more than one power coupling.

The power coupling could be positioned on a sidewall of the tyre, for example on the inner sidewall.

In a variant the power coupling can comprise a continuous band. The band can, for example, extend around the circumference of the transverse surface or around a sidewall of the tyre. This arrangement has particular application when a charging voltage is not considered to be hazardous, for example less than or equal to 60 volts.

Claims

C LAIMS:

1. A tyre for mounting on a wheel of a vehicle, the tyre comprising: a conductive power coupling for establishing electrical contact with a charging station, the conductive power coupling being disposed in a circumferential groove of an external surface of the tyre; at least one first electrical contact connected to the conductive power coupling and configured to connect to at least one second electrical contact disposed on the wheel; and a conductive proximity coupling configured to enable the position of the tyre in relation to the charging station to be determined.

2. A vehicle tyre as claimed in claim 1, wherein the conductive power coupling comprises a plurality of segments.

3. A vehicle tyre as claimed in claim 2, wherein each segment is configured such that in use, at least one complete segment is located entirely within a contact patch defined by the transverse surface of the vehicle tyre.

4. A vehicle tyre as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 comprising a plurality of said first electrical contacts, wherein each first electrical contact is connected to one of said segments.

5. A tyre for mounting on a wheel of a vehicle, the tyre comprising: a conductive power coupling for establishing electrical contact with a charging station, the conductive power coupling being disposed on an external surface of the tyre and comprising a plurality of segments; at least one first electrical contact connected to the conductive power coupling and configured to connect to at least one second electrical contact disposed on the wheel, wherein each first electrical contact is connected to one of said segments; and a conductive proximity coupling configured to enable the position of the tyre in relation to the charging station to be determined.

6. A vehicle tyre as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the tyre comprises a first sidewall, a second sidewall and a transverse surface, wherein the conductive power coupling is disposed on the transverse surface of the tyre.

7. A vehicle tyre as claimed in claim 6, wherein the transverse surface comprises a tread pattern including said circumferential groove, the conductive power coupling being disposed in said circumferential groove.

8. A vehicle tyre as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the conductive power coupling comprises a first electrically conductive band.

9. A vehicle tyre as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising a conductive earthing coupling for providing a connection to earth.

10. A vehicle tyre as claimed in claim 9, wherein the conductive earthing coupling comprises a second electrically conductive band.

11. A vehicle tyre as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising a conductive pilot coupling configured to enable communication between the vehicle and the charging station.

12. A vehicle tyre as claimed in claim 11, wherein the conductive pilot coupling comprises a third electrically conductive band.

13. A wheel configured to receive a vehicle tyre as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wheel comprises at least one second electrical contact for connecting to the at least one first electrical contact disposed on the vehicle tyre.

14. A wheel as claimed in claim 13, wherein the wheel comprises a first wheel part and a second wheel part; and the at least one second electrical contact is disposed in said first wheel part which is made of an electrically insulating material.

15. A wheel as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the wheel comprises a rim having first and second rim flanges, the second electrical contact being disposed in either said first rim flange or said second rim flange.

16. A wheel as claimed in claim 15, comprising at least one conductive pilot contact configured to enable communication between the vehicle and the charging station, the at least one conductive pilot contact being disposed in either said first rim flange or said second rim flange.

17. A wheel as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, comprising at least one conductive proximity contact configured to enable the position of the tyre in relation to the charging station to be determined, the at least one conductive proximity contact being disposed in either said first rim flange or said second rim flange.

18. A wheel as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 17 comprising at least one power transfer line extending radially inwardly from said at least one second electrical contact.

19. A wheel assembly comprising a vehicle tyre as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 and a vehicle wheel as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 18.

20. A vehicle comprising at least one wheel assembly as claimed in claim 19.

21. A vehicle as claimed in claim 20 comprising one said wheel assembly having first and second conductive power couplings for receiving first and second charging currents.

22. A vehicle as claimed in claim 20 comprising first and second said wheel assemblies each having one said conductive power coupling for receiving a respective charging current

23. A vehicle as claimed in claim 20 comprising first, second and third said wheel assemblies each having one said conductive power coupling for receiving a single phase of a three-phase charging current. ABSTRACT VEHICLE TYRE ASSEMBLY The present disclosure relates to a vehicle tyre (3) for mounting on a wheel (5). A conductive power coupling (31) is provided for establishing electrical contact with a charging station (S). The conductive power coupling (31) is disposed on an external surface ofthe vehicle tyre (3). At least one first electrical contact (43) is connected to the conductive power coupling (31) and is configured to connect to at least one second electrical contact (55, 155) disposed on the wheel. In some aspects the conductive power coupling (31) is disposed in a circumferential groove ofthe vehicle tyre (3). In some aspects the conductive power coupling (31) comprises a plurality of segments. The present disclosure also relates to a wheel assembly (1, 101), to a vehicle wheel (5), and to a vehicle (V) incorporating a wheel assembly (1, 101). [FIGURE 1]