WO2001080327A1 - Piezoelectric generator for sensors inside vehicle tyres - Google Patents

Piezoelectric generator for sensors inside vehicle tyres Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2001080327A1
WO2001080327A1 PCT/EP2001/004210 EP0104210W WO0180327A1 WO 2001080327 A1 WO2001080327 A1 WO 2001080327A1 EP 0104210 W EP0104210 W EP 0104210W WO 0180327 A1 WO0180327 A1 WO 0180327A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tyre
piezoelectric element
vehicle
transmitter
electrical circuit
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2001/004210
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Federico Mancosu
Giuseppe Matrascia
Diego Villa
Original Assignee
Pirelli Pneumatici S.P.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Pirelli Pneumatici S.P.A. filed Critical Pirelli Pneumatici S.P.A.
Priority to DE60127109T priority Critical patent/DE60127109T2/en
Priority to AU2001260201A priority patent/AU2001260201A1/en
Priority to US10/257,215 priority patent/US6992423B2/en
Priority to EP01933821A priority patent/EP1275161B1/en
Priority to BR0110131-5A priority patent/BR0110131A/en
Publication of WO2001080327A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001080327A1/en
Priority to US11/292,240 priority patent/US7138750B2/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
    • B60C23/00—Devices for measuring, signalling, controlling, or distributing tyre pressure or temperature, specially adapted for mounting on vehicles; Arrangement of tyre inflating devices on vehicles, e.g. of pumps or of tanks; Tyre cooling arrangements
    • B60C23/02—Signalling devices actuated by tyre pressure
    • B60C23/04—Signalling devices actuated by tyre pressure mounted on the wheel or tyre
    • B60C23/0408—Signalling devices actuated by tyre pressure mounted on the wheel or tyre transmitting the signals by non-mechanical means from the wheel or tyre to a vehicle body mounted receiver
    • B60C23/041—Means for supplying power to the signal- transmitting means on the wheel
    • B60C23/0411—Piezo-electric generators
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02N—ELECTRIC MACHINES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H02N2/00—Electric machines in general using piezoelectric effect, electrostriction or magnetostriction
    • H02N2/18—Electric machines in general using piezoelectric effect, electrostriction or magnetostriction producing electrical output from mechanical input, e.g. generators
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H10—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N—ELECTRIC SOLID-STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H10N30/00—Piezoelectric or electrostrictive devices
    • H10N30/60—Piezoelectric or electrostrictive devices having a coaxial cable structure

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a system for generating and using electrical energy in a vehicle tyre and a tyre equipped with this system.
  • the present invention relates to a system for generating electrical energy while a vehicle is in motion, this energy also being able to be stored for use in the said tyre even when the vehicle is stationary.
  • a motor vehicle having an electrical system comprising a battery and a plurality of assemblies comprising a wheel and a tyre having a rubber envelope comprising a first annular band and a second annular band that has a plurality of projections positioned close to the first band so as to move towards it in response to rolling movements of the tyre;
  • CONFIRMATION projections which activate them require the existence of a sort of chamber in the tyre. This requires a profound modification of the structure of the tyre and significantly increases the costs of manufacture. It also increases the weight of the tyre and thereby adversely affects its performance, such as rolling resistance and comfort.
  • the power supply systems proposed hitherto are essentially of two types.
  • the first type consists of inductive systems or sliding-contact systems such as that required in US 4,504,761 , except that the electrical energy is transferred from the vehicle battery to a sensor and/or transmitter located in the tyre.
  • these systems have the drawback of being very complicated and expensive.
  • the second type meanwhile consists of a cell mounted inside the tyre.
  • Even the most sophisticated and expensive cells eventually run down and replacing them with a new cell inside the tyre will be a nuisance and expensive for the user of the vehicle.
  • the industry is therefore still highly conscious of the need for a system able to power a sensor and/or a transmitter located inside a tyre of a vehicle wheel that will be simple, cheap and not inconvenience the user of the vehicle.
  • the present invention relates to a system for generating electrical energy in a vehicle tyre comprising at least one piezoelectric element associated to the said tyre which generates electrical energy whenever it is deformed, the said tyre also comprising a carcass and a tread and being mounted on a vehicle wheel rim, characterized in that the said at least one piezoelectric element is elongate, extends along at least a portion of the said tyre and is connected electrically to an electrical circuit that is applied to the said tyre and is not in electrical communication with the vehicle.
  • the present invention relates to a tyre for a vehicle comprising at least one piezoelectric element that generates electrical energy whenever it is deformed, the said tyre also comprising a carcass and a tread and being characterized in that the said at least one piezoelectric element is elongate, extends along at least a portion of the said tyre and is connected electrically to an electrical circuit that is applied to the said tyre and is not in electrical communication with the vehicle.
  • the said electrical circuit comprises a sensor for monitoring and controlling the performance of the tyre and/or of the vehicle.
  • the said sensor is selected from pressure, temperature, force, velocity sensors and the like.
  • the said electrical circuit comprises a transmitter that transmits out of the tyre the data collected by the said sensor.
  • the said transmitter is operationally connected to a receiver installed in the vehicle.
  • the data acquired by the sensors operating inside the tyre are processed by suitable devices installed on the vehicle in order to initiate actions designed to regulate/optimize the behaviour of the moving vehicle during cornering and/or when travelling in a straight line, as described in European Patent Applications No. 99830714.4 filed on 18 November 1999, and No. 00830041.0 filed on 25 January 2000, in the present Applicant's name.
  • the said transmitter is a radio transmitter.
  • the said electrical circuit includes a device that stores the electrical energy produced by the said piezoelectric element.
  • the said storage device is a capacitor/rechargeable battery assembly that acts as a buffer battery.
  • the arrangement of the said elongate piezoelectric element and its length are not of critical importance. However, it is preferable to attach it to an inside surface of the said tyre carcass because fitting it here is very economical.
  • the said elongate piezoelectric element is laid with an undulated path along the circumference of the tyre. This makes it possible to have a continuous output of power.
  • a typical example of an elongate piezoelectric element according to the invention is a coaxial piezoelectric cable comprising a central core of electrically conducting material, an electrically insulating layer made of a piezoelectric polymer, a braided conductor made of an electrically conducting material, and a sheath.
  • the said electrical circuit and its components are preferably also attached to an inside surface of the said carcass for the reasons already given on the subject of the said elongate piezoelectric element.
  • the expression "elongate piezoelectric element” is used to indicate a piezoelectric element whose length is at least 2 times, preferably at least 3 times, and still more preferably at least 5 times greater than its width or diameter.
  • the length of the said "elongate piezoelectric element” is preferably at least 30 mm because otherwise it does not have sufficient sensitivity to the deforming variations imposed on any portion of the tyre during its rotation.
  • Fig. 1 shows a system for generating electrical energy comprising a piezoelectric element associated to a vehicle tyre and produced in accordance with the invention, the tyre being shown in perspective and in a half section on an equatorial plane;
  • Fig. 2 is a cross section through the tyre of Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 3 shows a variant of the tyre of Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 4 is an end-on perspective view on a larger scale of the piezoelectric element of Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 5 is a side view of the piezoelectric element of Fig. 4;
  • Figs 6 and 7 show diagrammatically a number of components of an electrical circuit applied to the tyre of Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 8 is a graph showing the potential difference generated by the piezoelectric element of Fig. 1 against time.
  • Fig. 9 is a graph showing the voltage generated by the piezoelectric element of Fig. 1 against the velocity of the vehicle.
  • Figs 1 and 2 show a vehicle tyre 1 comprising a carcass 2, a tread 3, belt plies (belt pack) 4, sidewalls 5 and beads 6.
  • the carcass 2 has an inside surface 7, optionally covered with a liner.
  • the tyre 1 is mounted on a wheel rim 8.
  • an elongate piezoelectric element 9 formed by a coaxial piezoelectric cable 10 is associated to the tyre 1.
  • the piezoelectric cable 10 is attached to the inside surface 7 of the carcass 2.
  • the cable 10 extends all the way around the equatorial circumference of the inside surface of the carcass in a longitudinal direction (direction X, orthogonal to the plane YZ), that is, in the direction in which the vehicle is travelling.
  • the piezoelectric cable 10 may also extend circumferential ly along a sidewall 5 of the tyre 1 or only along a portion of the circumference (an arc of the circumference).
  • Fig. 3 shows an elongate piezoelectric element 109 formed by a coaxial piezoelectric cable 10 that extends along the equatorial circumference, following an undulated path.
  • the piezoelectric cable 10 comprises a central core 1 1 of electrically conducting material, an electrically insulating layer 12 and a braided conductor 13, also made of electrically conducting material.
  • the core 11 may be made of e.g. strands of brass- coated steel wire while the conductor 13 is copper.
  • the electrically insulating layer 12 is interposed between the core 11 and the conductor 13 and consists of a piezoelectric polymer such as polyvinylidene fluorinated (PVDF) for example.
  • a protective outer sheath coating 14 of elastoplastic material, e.g. polythene or halobutyl rubber Fitted over the conductor 13 is a protective outer sheath coating 14 of elastoplastic material, e.g. polythene or halobutyl rubber.
  • the piezoelectric cable 10 has a diameter of for example approximately 3mm.
  • the piezoelectric cable 10 is attached to the inside surface 7 of the carcass 2, but can also be embedded within the carcass 2, where it can replace one of the cords of the carcass 2 ply, within the belt 4 where it can replace a belt cord, or in the tread 3, where it can be applied inside a circumferential groove of the tread 3, preferably in the bottom of a groove.
  • the piezoelectric layer 12 When the piezoelectric layer 12 is caused to deform at a certain speed, it generates a potential difference between the central core 11 and the conductor 13. This potential difference is proportional, typically in a linear way, to the variation of deformation imposed on 12. More specifically, the potential difference depends on the velocity of deformation of the piezoelectric layer 12.
  • This state of deformation of the piezoelectric layer 12 occurs every time a displacement of that part of the tyre to which the piezoelectric cable 10 is attached or in which it is embedded is propagated to the cable 10 and hence to the layer 12.
  • the piezoelectric cable 10 is electrically connected by conductors 16 to a device 15 capable of storing the electrical energy produced (Fig. 6).
  • the device 15 may consist of, for example, a capacitor/rechargeable battery that acts as a buffer battery and is mounted on the inside surface 7 of the carcass (Fig. 2) or inside the rim 8. In the latter case the electrical circuit is attached not only to the tyre but also therefore to the rim 8. This provides a constant source of power because the piezoelectric cable 10 is used as a "dynamo" that generates electrical energy and the energy produced is stored in the capacitor/rechargeable battery 15.
  • the central core 11 and the conductor 13 of the cable 10 are connected electrically not only to the capacitor/rechargeable battery 15 but also to other components of an electrical circuit.
  • These components, which use the electrical energy generated by the cable 10, consist of sensors, transmitters or sensor/transmitters, one of which is indicated at 18 in Fig. 7.
  • Fig. 9 shows the amplitude of the voltage (volts) generated by two types of piezoelectric cable arranged in line along the internal equatorial circumference of a tyre as the rolling velocity (km/h) varies.
  • a_the piezoelectric cable had an electric capacitance of 800 pF/M and a piezoelectric coefficient d3h of 1.5 pC/N.
  • the piezoelectric cable had an electric capacitance of 700 pF/m and a piezoelectric coefficient d3h of 0.15 pC/N.

Abstract

A system for generating electrical energy in a vehicle tyre (1) comprises at least one piezoelectric element (9, 109) associated to the tyre (1) which generates electrical energy whenever it is deformed, and this piezoelectric element (9, 109) is elongate, extends along at least a portion of the tyre (1) and is connected electrically to an electrical circuit that is applied to the said tyre (1) and is not in electrical communication with the vehicle. The piezoelectric element (9, 109) preferably comprises a coaxial cable (10) extending along a straight or undulated path of the tyre circumference.

Description

PIEZOELECTRIC GENERATOR FOR SENSORS INSIDE VEHICLE TYRES
**********
The present invention relates to a system for generating and using electrical energy in a vehicle tyre and a tyre equipped with this system.
More specifically, the present invention relates to a system for generating electrical energy while a vehicle is in motion, this energy also being able to be stored for use in the said tyre even when the vehicle is stationary.
US 4,504,761 discloses an electricity generating apparatus comprising
- a motor vehicle having an electrical system comprising a battery and a plurality of assemblies comprising a wheel and a tyre having a rubber envelope comprising a first annular band and a second annular band that has a plurality of projections positioned close to the first band so as to move towards it in response to rolling movements of the tyre; and
- means for generating electricity in response to movements of the motor vehicle along a road comprising
- a multiplicity of piezoelectric elements fixed to the first band and positioned close to the projections so as to engage with them during the rolling movement of the tyre in order to generate electricity in response to the rolling movement of the tyres with respect to the road; and
- means of interconnection of the piezoelectric elements in a circuit with the battery to supply electrical energy, generated by the piezoelectric elements, to the battery, the said means having output conductors.
The electricity generating system in that patent exhibits many disadvantages. The bands carrying the piezoelectric elements and the
CONFIRMATION projections which activate them require the existence of a sort of chamber in the tyre. This requires a profound modification of the structure of the tyre and significantly increases the costs of manufacture. It also increases the weight of the tyre and thereby adversely affects its performance, such as rolling resistance and comfort.
In addition, the fitting of the various piezoelectric elements in their band and the formation of the inductive systems necessary to transmit the electrical energy produced to the battery of the motor vehicle are very complex and expensive.
It is also known that it has been proposed that various types of sensors be installed in the tyre, e.g. pressure, temperature, force, velocity sensors an the like, to monitor and control the performance of the tyre and/or of the vehicle. These systems however require an electrical power supply system for the operation of the sensor and/or of the transmitter which transfers out the data and information collected by the sensor.
The power supply systems proposed hitherto are essentially of two types.
The first type consists of inductive systems or sliding-contact systems such as that required in US 4,504,761 , except that the electrical energy is transferred from the vehicle battery to a sensor and/or transmitter located in the tyre. However, as we have already seen, these systems have the drawback of being very complicated and expensive.
The second type meanwhile consists of a cell mounted inside the tyre. However, even the most sophisticated and expensive cells eventually run down and replacing them with a new cell inside the tyre will be a nuisance and expensive for the user of the vehicle. The industry is therefore still highly conscious of the need for a system able to power a sensor and/or a transmitter located inside a tyre of a vehicle wheel that will be simple, cheap and not inconvenience the user of the vehicle.
The inventors have now realized that this objective can be achieved by means of a piezoelectric element associated to a tyre without requiring any modification to the conventional tyre structure.
In its first aspect, the present invention relates to a system for generating electrical energy in a vehicle tyre comprising at least one piezoelectric element associated to the said tyre which generates electrical energy whenever it is deformed, the said tyre also comprising a carcass and a tread and being mounted on a vehicle wheel rim, characterized in that the said at least one piezoelectric element is elongate, extends along at least a portion of the said tyre and is connected electrically to an electrical circuit that is applied to the said tyre and is not in electrical communication with the vehicle.
In its second aspect, the present invention relates to a tyre for a vehicle comprising at least one piezoelectric element that generates electrical energy whenever it is deformed, the said tyre also comprising a carcass and a tread and being characterized in that the said at least one piezoelectric element is elongate, extends along at least a portion of the said tyre and is connected electrically to an electrical circuit that is applied to the said tyre and is not in electrical communication with the vehicle.
In a first preferred embodiment, the said electrical circuit comprises a sensor for monitoring and controlling the performance of the tyre and/or of the vehicle.
Typically, the said sensor is selected from pressure, temperature, force, velocity sensors and the like. ln a second preferred embodiment, the said electrical circuit comprises a transmitter that transmits out of the tyre the data collected by the said sensor.
Preferably, the said transmitter is operationally connected to a receiver installed in the vehicle. In this way the data acquired by the sensors operating inside the tyre are processed by suitable devices installed on the vehicle in order to initiate actions designed to regulate/optimize the behaviour of the moving vehicle during cornering and/or when travelling in a straight line, as described in European Patent Applications No. 99830714.4 filed on 18 November 1999, and No. 00830041.0 filed on 25 January 2000, in the present Applicant's name.
Typically, the said transmitter is a radio transmitter.
In a third preferred embodiment, the said electrical circuit includes a device that stores the electrical energy produced by the said piezoelectric element.
Advantageously, the said storage device is a capacitor/rechargeable battery assembly that acts as a buffer battery.
The arrangement of the said elongate piezoelectric element and its length are not of critical importance. However, it is preferable to attach it to an inside surface of the said tyre carcass because fitting it here is very economical.
Still more preferably, the said elongate piezoelectric element is laid with an undulated path along the circumference of the tyre. This makes it possible to have a continuous output of power.
A typical example of an elongate piezoelectric element according to the invention is a coaxial piezoelectric cable comprising a central core of electrically conducting material, an electrically insulating layer made of a piezoelectric polymer, a braided conductor made of an electrically conducting material, and a sheath. The said electrical circuit and its components are preferably also attached to an inside surface of the said carcass for the reasons already given on the subject of the said elongate piezoelectric element.
In the course of this description and the claims, the expression "elongate piezoelectric element" is used to indicate a piezoelectric element whose length is at least 2 times, preferably at least 3 times, and still more preferably at least 5 times greater than its width or diameter. The length of the said "elongate piezoelectric element" is preferably at least 30 mm because otherwise it does not have sufficient sensitivity to the deforming variations imposed on any portion of the tyre during its rotation.
The features and advantages of the invention will now be explained with reference to an embodiment shown by way of non-restrictive example in the accompanying figures, where:
Fig. 1 shows a system for generating electrical energy comprising a piezoelectric element associated to a vehicle tyre and produced in accordance with the invention, the tyre being shown in perspective and in a half section on an equatorial plane;
Fig. 2 is a cross section through the tyre of Fig. 1 ;
Fig. 3 shows a variant of the tyre of Fig. 1 ;
Fig. 4 is an end-on perspective view on a larger scale of the piezoelectric element of Fig. 1 ;
Fig. 5 is a side view of the piezoelectric element of Fig. 4;
Figs 6 and 7 show diagrammatically a number of components of an electrical circuit applied to the tyre of Fig. 1 ;
Fig. 8 is a graph showing the potential difference generated by the piezoelectric element of Fig. 1 against time; and
Fig. 9 is a graph showing the voltage generated by the piezoelectric element of Fig. 1 against the velocity of the vehicle. Figs 1 and 2 show a vehicle tyre 1 comprising a carcass 2, a tread 3, belt plies (belt pack) 4, sidewalls 5 and beads 6. The carcass 2 has an inside surface 7, optionally covered with a liner. The tyre 1 is mounted on a wheel rim 8. According to the invention an elongate piezoelectric element 9 formed by a coaxial piezoelectric cable 10 is associated to the tyre 1. The piezoelectric cable 10 is attached to the inside surface 7 of the carcass 2. The cable 10 extends all the way around the equatorial circumference of the inside surface of the carcass in a longitudinal direction (direction X, orthogonal to the plane YZ), that is, in the direction in which the vehicle is travelling. The piezoelectric cable 10 may also extend circumferential ly along a sidewall 5 of the tyre 1 or only along a portion of the circumference (an arc of the circumference).
Fig. 3 shows an elongate piezoelectric element 109 formed by a coaxial piezoelectric cable 10 that extends along the equatorial circumference, following an undulated path.
As shown in Figs 4 and 5, the piezoelectric cable 10 comprises a central core 1 1 of electrically conducting material, an electrically insulating layer 12 and a braided conductor 13, also made of electrically conducting material. The core 11 may be made of e.g. strands of brass- coated steel wire while the conductor 13 is copper. The electrically insulating layer 12 is interposed between the core 11 and the conductor 13 and consists of a piezoelectric polymer such as polyvinylidene fluorinated (PVDF) for example. Fitted over the conductor 13 is a protective outer sheath coating 14 of elastoplastic material, e.g. polythene or halobutyl rubber. The piezoelectric cable 10 has a diameter of for example approximately 3mm.
In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 , 2 and 3, the piezoelectric cable 10 is attached to the inside surface 7 of the carcass 2, but can also be embedded within the carcass 2, where it can replace one of the cords of the carcass 2 ply, within the belt 4 where it can replace a belt cord, or in the tread 3, where it can be applied inside a circumferential groove of the tread 3, preferably in the bottom of a groove.
When the piezoelectric layer 12 is caused to deform at a certain speed, it generates a potential difference between the central core 11 and the conductor 13. This potential difference is proportional, typically in a linear way, to the variation of deformation imposed on 12. More specifically, the potential difference depends on the velocity of deformation of the piezoelectric layer 12.
This state of deformation of the piezoelectric layer 12 occurs every time a displacement of that part of the tyre to which the piezoelectric cable 10 is attached or in which it is embedded is propagated to the cable 10 and hence to the layer 12.
Therefore, when the vehicle is travelling and the tyre 1 is rolling over a surface, an electric voltage (potential difference) is produced in the cable 10 proportional to the variants of its deformations. In the graph, Fig. 8, the amplitude (millivolts) of the voltage over time (sec) is shown for a piezoelectric cable 10 having an electrical capacitance equal to 700 pF/m (picofaradays per metre) and a piezoelectric coefficient d3h of 0.15 pC/N (picocoulombs per Newton), attached to a tyre rolling at a velocity of 80 km/h.
The piezoelectric cable 10 is electrically connected by conductors 16 to a device 15 capable of storing the electrical energy produced (Fig. 6). The device 15 may consist of, for example, a capacitor/rechargeable battery that acts as a buffer battery and is mounted on the inside surface 7 of the carcass (Fig. 2) or inside the rim 8. In the latter case the electrical circuit is attached not only to the tyre but also therefore to the rim 8. This provides a constant source of power because the piezoelectric cable 10 is used as a "dynamo" that generates electrical energy and the energy produced is stored in the capacitor/rechargeable battery 15.
The central core 11 and the conductor 13 of the cable 10 are connected electrically not only to the capacitor/rechargeable battery 15 but also to other components of an electrical circuit. These components, which use the electrical energy generated by the cable 10, consist of sensors, transmitters or sensor/transmitters, one of which is indicated at 18 in Fig. 7.
Fig. 9 shows the amplitude of the voltage (volts) generated by two types of piezoelectric cable arranged in line along the internal equatorial circumference of a tyre as the rolling velocity (km/h) varies. In the case of curve a_the piezoelectric cable had an electric capacitance of 800 pF/M and a piezoelectric coefficient d3h of 1.5 pC/N. In the case of curve b the piezoelectric cable had an electric capacitance of 700 pF/m and a piezoelectric coefficient d3h of 0.15 pC/N.

Claims

1. System for generating electrical energy in a vehicle tyre (1 ) comprising at least one piezoelectric element (9; 109) associated to the said tyre (1 ) which generates electrical energy whenever it is deformed, the said tyre (1 ) also comprising a carcass (2) and a tread (3) and being mounted on a vehicle wheel rim (8), characterized in that the said at least one piezoelectric element (9; 109) is elongate, extends along at least a portion of the said tyre
(1 ) and is connected electrically to an electrical circuit that is applied to the said tyre (1 ) and is not in electrical communication with the vehicle.
2. System according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the said electrical circuit comprises a sensor (18) for monitoring and controlling the performance of the tyre and/or of the vehicle.
3. System according to Claim 2, characterized in that the said sensor (18) is selected from pressure, temperature, force, velocity sensors and the like.
4. System according to Claim 2, characterized in that the said electrical circuit comprises a transmitter (18) that transmits out of the tyre the data collected by the said sensor.
5. System according to Claim 4, characterized in that the said transmitter (18) is operationally connected to a receiver installed in the vehicle.
6. System according to Claim 5, characterized in that the said transmitter (18) is a radio transmitter.
7. System according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the said electrical circuit includes a device (15) that stores the electrical energy produced by the said piezoelectric element (9; 109).
8. System according to Claim 7, characterized in that the said storage device (15) is a capacitor/rechargeable battery assembly that acts as a buffer battery.
9. System according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the said at least one elongate piezoelectric element (9; 109) extends along at least a portion of the circumference of the said tyre (1 ).
10. System according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the said elongate piezoelectric element (109) follows an undulated path along the circumference of the said tyre (1 ).
11. Tyre (1 ) for a vehicle comprising at least one piezoelectric element (9; 109) that generates electrical energy whenever it is deformed, the said tyre (1 ) also comprising a carcass (2) and a tread (3) and being characterized in that the said at least one piezoelectric element (9; 109) is elongate, extends along at least a portion of the said tyre (1 ) and is connected electrically to an electrical circuit that is applied to the said tyre (1 ) and is not in electrical communication with the vehicle.
12. Tyre (1 ) according to Claim 11 , characterized in that the said electrical circuit comprises a sensor (18) for monitoring and controlling the performance of the tyre and/or of the vehicle.
13. Tyre (1 ) according to Claim 12, characterized in that the said sensor (18) is selected from pressure, temperature, force, velocity sensors and the like.
14. Tyre (1 ) according to Claim 12, characterized in that the said electrical circuit comprises a transmitter (18) that transmits out of the tyre the data collected by the said sensor.
15. Tyre (1 ) according to Claim 14, characterized in that the said transmitter (18) is operationally connected to a receiver installed in the vehicle.
16. Tyre (1 ) according to Claim 15, characterized in that the said transmitter (18) is a radio transmitter.
17. Tyre (1 ) according to Claim 11 , characterized in that the said electrical circuit includes a device (15) that stores the electrical energy produced by the said piezoelectric element (9; 109).
18. Tyre (1 ) according to Claim 17, characterized in that the said storage device (15) is a capacitor/rechargeable battery assembly that acts as a buffer battery.
19. Tyre (1 ) according to Claim 11 , characterized in that the said at least one elongate piezoelectric element (9; 109) extends along at least a portion of the circumference of the said tyre (1 ).
20. Tyre (1 ) according to Claim 11 , characterized in that the said elongate piezoelectric element (109) follows an undulated path along the circumference of the said tyre (1 ).
PCT/EP2001/004210 2000-04-18 2001-04-12 Piezoelectric generator for sensors inside vehicle tyres WO2001080327A1 (en)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE60127109T DE60127109T2 (en) 2000-04-18 2001-04-12 PIEZOELECTRIC GENERATOR FOR SENSORS IN VEHICLE TIRES
AU2001260201A AU2001260201A1 (en) 2000-04-18 2001-04-12 Piezoelectric generator for sensors inside vehicle tyres
US10/257,215 US6992423B2 (en) 2000-04-18 2001-04-12 Vehicle tire and system for generating electrical energy in the tire
EP01933821A EP1275161B1 (en) 2000-04-18 2001-04-12 Piezoelectric generator for sensors inside vehicle tyres
BR0110131-5A BR0110131A (en) 2000-04-18 2001-04-12 System for generating electric energy in a vehicle, and tire for a vehicle
US11/292,240 US7138750B2 (en) 2000-04-18 2005-12-02 Piezoelectric generator for sensors inside vehicle tires

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP00830292 2000-04-18
EP00830292.9 2000-04-18
US21882900P 2000-07-18 2000-07-18
US60/218,829 2000-07-18

Related Child Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10257215 A-371-Of-International 2001-04-12
US11/292,240 Division US7138750B2 (en) 2000-04-18 2005-12-02 Piezoelectric generator for sensors inside vehicle tires

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001080327A1 true WO2001080327A1 (en) 2001-10-25

Family

ID=26074140

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2001/004210 WO2001080327A1 (en) 2000-04-18 2001-04-12 Piezoelectric generator for sensors inside vehicle tyres

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (2) US6992423B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1275161B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE356442T1 (en)
AU (1) AU2001260201A1 (en)
DE (1) DE60127109T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2282255T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2001080327A1 (en)

Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2003095245A1 (en) * 2002-05-10 2003-11-20 Societe De Technologie Michelin System for generating electric power from a rotating tire's mechanical energy using reinforced piezoelectric materials
WO2004002759A1 (en) * 2002-06-28 2004-01-08 Pirelli Pneumatici S.P.A. System and monitoring characteristic parameters of a tyre
WO2004002758A1 (en) * 2002-06-28 2004-01-08 Pirelli Pneumatici S.P.A. System for monitoring characteristic parameters of a tyre
WO2004076208A1 (en) * 2003-02-25 2004-09-10 Societe De Technologie Michelin System an method for harvesting electric power from a rotating tire´s static electricity
US6807853B2 (en) 2002-05-10 2004-10-26 Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.A. System and method for generating electric power from a rotating tire's mechanical energy using piezoelectric fiber composites
US7096727B2 (en) 2002-05-10 2006-08-29 Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.A. System and method for generating electric power from a rotating tire's mechanical energy
US7138911B2 (en) 2004-08-04 2006-11-21 Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.A. Power conversion from piezoelectric source with multi-stage storage
US7409273B2 (en) * 2003-06-18 2008-08-05 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Tire trouble detection device
US7415874B2 (en) 2003-12-29 2008-08-26 Pirelli Pneumatici S.P.A. Method and system for generating electrical energy within a vehicle tyre
US7429801B2 (en) 2002-05-10 2008-09-30 Michelin Richerche Et Technique S.A. System and method for generating electric power from a rotating tire's mechanical energy
CN101860263A (en) * 2010-05-21 2010-10-13 浙江海洋学院 Piezoelectric type tyre generator
CN102957338A (en) * 2011-08-29 2013-03-06 文仁信 Piezoelectric power generating device on vehicle
US8476808B2 (en) 2008-08-29 2013-07-02 Michelin Recherche Et Technique 1-d tire apparatus
US8742265B2 (en) 2008-08-29 2014-06-03 Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin 1-D tire patch apparatus and methodology
DE202018001843U1 (en) 2018-04-12 2018-04-30 Rudi Danz Multifunctional modules for generating electrical energy on traffic routes for electromobility
US10035385B2 (en) * 2015-03-03 2018-07-31 The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Tire producing electrical power

Families Citing this family (30)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7549327B2 (en) * 2001-02-16 2009-06-23 Automotive Technologies International, Inc. Tire-mounted energy generator and monitor
ATE356442T1 (en) * 2000-04-18 2007-03-15 Pirelli PIEZOELECTRIC GENERATOR FOR SENSORS IN VEHICLE TIRES
DE10025561A1 (en) * 2000-05-24 2001-12-06 Siemens Ag Self-sufficient high-frequency transmitter
DE10125058B4 (en) * 2001-05-22 2014-02-27 Enocean Gmbh Thermally fed transmitter and sensor system
US7084529B2 (en) 2001-07-03 2006-08-01 Face International Corp. Self-powered switch initiation system
EP1278240A2 (en) * 2001-07-10 2003-01-22 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Transfering method of a component onto a connection support by welding without supplying material
DE10150128C2 (en) * 2001-10-11 2003-10-02 Enocean Gmbh Wireless sensor system
US7285868B2 (en) * 2002-07-25 2007-10-23 Kitchener Clark Wilson Apparatus and method for energy generation within a tire
DE10352539B4 (en) * 2003-11-11 2007-04-12 Siemens Ag System for monitoring a pneumatic vehicle, signal evaluation method and vehicle tires
FI117364B (en) * 2004-05-21 2006-09-15 Valtion Teknillinen Energy production arrangement
KR20070050476A (en) * 2004-09-10 2007-05-15 마쯔시다덴기산교 가부시키가이샤 Vibration detecting sensor and pressure sensitive switch using cable-shaped piezo-electric element
JP2006223054A (en) * 2005-02-10 2006-08-24 Yokohama Rubber Co Ltd:The Tire with generator
CN101193764B (en) * 2005-06-28 2010-05-12 倍耐力轮胎股份公司 A tyre provided with a device for detecting at least one functional parameter of the tyre itself, and a method for detecting at least one functional parameter in a tyre
US7260984B2 (en) * 2005-10-05 2007-08-28 Lv Sensors, Inc. Power generation utilizing tire pressure changes
DE102006039936B4 (en) * 2006-08-25 2011-07-28 EnOcean GmbH, 82041 Electromechanical rotary converter and method for generating electrical energy by means of an electromechanical rotary converter
US20080084138A1 (en) * 2006-10-10 2008-04-10 Micallef Joseph A Apparatus For Piezoelectric Generation of Power To Propel An Automobile and Method of Making
US7411338B1 (en) * 2007-01-30 2008-08-12 Raytheon Company Structural material with piezoelectric material particles
US7523656B1 (en) 2007-11-01 2009-04-28 Infineon Technologies Ag Tire sensor system and monitoring method
US7629727B2 (en) * 2007-12-20 2009-12-08 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Scalable tubular mechanical energy harvesting device
EP2151346A1 (en) * 2008-08-08 2010-02-10 Ludwig Laxhuber System for using the air pressure acting on a moving vehicle to produce energy
US8561525B2 (en) * 2009-11-30 2013-10-22 International Business Machines Corporation Nano timer control system
US20120049692A1 (en) * 2010-06-24 2012-03-01 Boyd Stephen A System for harvesting energy from motor vehicle surfaces and methods thereof
TW201213167A (en) * 2010-09-28 2012-04-01 Foxsemicon Integrated Tech Inc Tire and vehicle
US9788641B2 (en) * 2014-02-12 2017-10-17 Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. Activity powered band device
US9892296B2 (en) 2014-11-12 2018-02-13 Joseph E. Kovarik Method and system for autonomous vehicles
EP3281291A1 (en) * 2015-04-07 2018-02-14 Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC Internal tire windmill energy harvester
US20170084817A1 (en) * 2015-04-24 2017-03-23 Gustavo Antonio Navarro Piezoelectric Power Generating Tire Apparatus
US11209007B2 (en) * 2017-09-25 2021-12-28 Fluid Handling Llc Converting mechanical energy from vibration into electrical energy to power a circuit board for condition monitoring of rotating machinery
DE102018221051A1 (en) * 2018-04-05 2019-10-10 Continental Reifen Deutschland Gmbh Apparatus for measuring a mechanical force comprising first, second, third, fourth and fifth layers and the uses of the apparatus and tires or engineering rubber articles comprising the apparatus
WO2021052957A1 (en) 2019-09-16 2021-03-25 Apollo Tyres Global R&D B.V. Tyre comprising a piezoelectric device

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4300119A (en) * 1979-09-06 1981-11-10 Facet Enterprises, Inc. Power generator for telemetry transmitter
FR2580997A1 (en) * 1985-04-25 1986-10-31 Rambaud Guy Piezoelectric-deformation pressure-drop signalling device in a tyre, comprising a detector
DE4402136A1 (en) * 1994-01-26 1995-07-27 Telefunken Microelectron Motor vehicle tyre parameter measuring system

Family Cites Families (28)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4160234A (en) * 1976-03-29 1979-07-03 Gould Inc. Abnormal tire condition sensing system
US4504761A (en) 1981-12-28 1985-03-12 Triplett Charles G Vehicular mounted piezoelectric generator
US6662642B2 (en) * 2000-09-08 2003-12-16 Automotive Technologies International, Inc. Vehicle wireless sensing and communication system
JPH07276914A (en) * 1994-04-13 1995-10-24 Sumitomo Rubber Ind Ltd Pneumatic tire
DE19532914A1 (en) * 1995-09-06 1997-03-13 Dynatron Ag Tyre pressure monitoring arrangement for pneumatic-tyred vehicle
GB2307044A (en) * 1995-11-07 1997-05-14 John Michael Jessop Tyre mileage monitoring apparatus and method
US5749984A (en) * 1995-12-29 1998-05-12 Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.A. Tire monitoring system and method
JPH09237348A (en) * 1996-02-29 1997-09-09 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd Method for estimating posture of human body
JP3626269B2 (en) 1996-02-29 2005-03-02 横浜ゴム株式会社 Transponder fitted tire
JP3683674B2 (en) * 1997-05-07 2005-08-17 本田技研工業株式会社 Pneumatic tire noise reduction device
JP3878280B2 (en) * 1997-05-27 2007-02-07 横浜ゴム株式会社 Transponder for mounting tires and tires equipped with transponders
US6486776B1 (en) * 1998-04-14 2002-11-26 The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company RF transponder and method of measuring parameters associated with a monitored object
WO2000002741A1 (en) * 1998-07-10 2000-01-20 The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Self-powered tire revolution counter
US6204756B1 (en) * 1998-10-23 2001-03-20 Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. Diagnostics for vehicle deformation sensor system
AU1146501A (en) 1999-11-18 2001-05-30 Pirelli Pneumatici S.P.A. Method and device for monitoring the instantaneous behaviour of a tyre during the running of a motor vehicle
US6658928B1 (en) * 1999-12-14 2003-12-09 The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Method of monitoring pressure in a pneumatic tire
KR20010112363A (en) 2000-01-25 2001-12-20 지아네시 피에르 지오반니 Device for continuously measuring deformations in a tyre during the travel movement of a motor vehicle
EP1259390B1 (en) * 2000-03-03 2008-11-05 Continental Automotive GmbH Tyre comprising a sensor and method for determining a wear value for a tyre of this type
ATE356442T1 (en) * 2000-04-18 2007-03-15 Pirelli PIEZOELECTRIC GENERATOR FOR SENSORS IN VEHICLE TIRES
US6951143B1 (en) * 2000-11-28 2005-10-04 Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.A. Three-axis sensor assembly for use in an elastomeric material
JP4882185B2 (en) * 2001-08-29 2012-02-22 日産自動車株式会社 Wheel tire contact length detector
US7285868B2 (en) * 2002-07-25 2007-10-23 Kitchener Clark Wilson Apparatus and method for energy generation within a tire
US7047800B2 (en) * 2004-06-10 2006-05-23 Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.A. Piezoelectric ceramic fibers having metallic cores
US20050285569A1 (en) * 2004-06-28 2005-12-29 Samantha Rao Power conversion system and method
US20050285728A1 (en) * 2004-06-29 2005-12-29 Tyndall Patrick A Power conversion from piezoelectric source
US7132939B2 (en) * 2004-07-07 2006-11-07 Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.A. Integrated self-powered tire revolution counter
US7116036B2 (en) * 2004-08-02 2006-10-03 General Electric Company Energy harvesting system, apparatus and method
US7178389B2 (en) * 2004-12-17 2007-02-20 Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated Method and apparatus for scavenging and using energy caused by changes in pressure

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4300119A (en) * 1979-09-06 1981-11-10 Facet Enterprises, Inc. Power generator for telemetry transmitter
FR2580997A1 (en) * 1985-04-25 1986-10-31 Rambaud Guy Piezoelectric-deformation pressure-drop signalling device in a tyre, comprising a detector
DE4402136A1 (en) * 1994-01-26 1995-07-27 Telefunken Microelectron Motor vehicle tyre parameter measuring system

Cited By (26)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN1331689C (en) * 2002-05-10 2007-08-15 米其林技术公司 System for generating electric power from a rotating tire's mechanical energy using reinforced piezoelectric materials
US7096727B2 (en) 2002-05-10 2006-08-29 Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.A. System and method for generating electric power from a rotating tire's mechanical energy
WO2003095245A1 (en) * 2002-05-10 2003-11-20 Societe De Technologie Michelin System for generating electric power from a rotating tire's mechanical energy using reinforced piezoelectric materials
US7429801B2 (en) 2002-05-10 2008-09-30 Michelin Richerche Et Technique S.A. System and method for generating electric power from a rotating tire's mechanical energy
US6725713B2 (en) 2002-05-10 2004-04-27 Michelin & Recherche Et Technique S.A. System for generating electric power from a rotating tire's mechanical energy using reinforced piezoelectric materials
WO2003095244A1 (en) * 2002-05-10 2003-11-20 Societe De Technologie Michelin System for generating electric power from a rotating tire's mechanical energy using reinforced piezoelectric materials
US6807853B2 (en) 2002-05-10 2004-10-26 Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.A. System and method for generating electric power from a rotating tire's mechanical energy using piezoelectric fiber composites
JP2005525265A (en) * 2002-05-10 2005-08-25 ミシュラン ルシェルシェ エ テクニク ソシエテ アノニム System for generating power from the mechanical energy of a rotating tire using reinforced piezoelectric material
WO2004002759A1 (en) * 2002-06-28 2004-01-08 Pirelli Pneumatici S.P.A. System and monitoring characteristic parameters of a tyre
US7415870B2 (en) 2002-06-28 2008-08-26 Pirelli Pneumatici S.P.A. Movable unit and system for sensing at least one characteristic parameter of a tyre
CN1318231C (en) * 2002-06-28 2007-05-30 倍耐力轮胎公司 System and method for monitoring characteristic parameters of a tyre
US7243533B2 (en) 2002-06-28 2007-07-17 Pirelli Pneumatici S.P.A. Movable unit and system for sensing at least one characteristic parameter of a tyre
WO2004002758A1 (en) * 2002-06-28 2004-01-08 Pirelli Pneumatici S.P.A. System for monitoring characteristic parameters of a tyre
CN100375369C (en) * 2003-02-25 2008-03-12 米其林研究和技术股份有限公司 System an method for harvesting electric power from a rotating tire static electricity
WO2004076208A1 (en) * 2003-02-25 2004-09-10 Societe De Technologie Michelin System an method for harvesting electric power from a rotating tire´s static electricity
US7409273B2 (en) * 2003-06-18 2008-08-05 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Tire trouble detection device
US7415874B2 (en) 2003-12-29 2008-08-26 Pirelli Pneumatici S.P.A. Method and system for generating electrical energy within a vehicle tyre
US7138911B2 (en) 2004-08-04 2006-11-21 Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.A. Power conversion from piezoelectric source with multi-stage storage
US8476808B2 (en) 2008-08-29 2013-07-02 Michelin Recherche Et Technique 1-d tire apparatus
US8742265B2 (en) 2008-08-29 2014-06-03 Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin 1-D tire patch apparatus and methodology
US9333811B2 (en) 2008-08-29 2016-05-10 Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin 1-D tire patch apparatus and methodology
CN101860263A (en) * 2010-05-21 2010-10-13 浙江海洋学院 Piezoelectric type tyre generator
CN102957338A (en) * 2011-08-29 2013-03-06 文仁信 Piezoelectric power generating device on vehicle
US10035385B2 (en) * 2015-03-03 2018-07-31 The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Tire producing electrical power
DE202018001843U1 (en) 2018-04-12 2018-04-30 Rudi Danz Multifunctional modules for generating electrical energy on traffic routes for electromobility
DE102019001941A1 (en) 2018-04-12 2019-10-17 Rudi Danz Multifunctional modules for generating electrical energy on traffic cars for electromobility

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20060082258A1 (en) 2006-04-20
ATE356442T1 (en) 2007-03-15
EP1275161B1 (en) 2007-03-07
EP1275161A1 (en) 2003-01-15
DE60127109D1 (en) 2007-04-19
US20030146676A1 (en) 2003-08-07
US6992423B2 (en) 2006-01-31
ES2282255T3 (en) 2007-10-16
DE60127109T2 (en) 2007-12-13
AU2001260201A1 (en) 2001-10-30
US7138750B2 (en) 2006-11-21

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7138750B2 (en) Piezoelectric generator for sensors inside vehicle tires
EP3597455B1 (en) Tire assembly, tire monitoring system, and tire monitoring method
EP2039540B1 (en) Method for determining the behaviour of a tyre in motion
EP1037752B1 (en) Pneumatic tyre having a transponder and an annular antenna and method of manufacturing such a tyre
EP1597097B1 (en) System an method for harvesting electric power from a rotating tire's static electricity
EP1897078B1 (en) Inductive coupling of pulses from piezoelectric device
US7814781B2 (en) Active and adaptive tire systems
EP1454770A1 (en) Electronics device for a tire having an extensible antenna and a tire having such a device
US6615954B2 (en) Monitoring system and method for brake disks
WO1999029523A1 (en) Antenna for radio transponder
JP7292644B2 (en) Tire assembly, tire monitoring system and method
JP4127206B2 (en) Tire and wheel information processing device
US10035385B2 (en) Tire producing electrical power
CN100439132C (en) Sensor device for tire
JP4675966B2 (en) Pneumatic tire for wheels with antenna and method for manufacturing the same
EP3984784A1 (en) Non-pneumatic tire, moving body power supply device, and moving body
JP2021086780A (en) Cable and harness
KR102566645B1 (en) Electric power generating apparatus installed on the tire
JP2021020516A (en) Non-pneumatic tire, and wireless power receiving system
JP6037180B2 (en) Tire, vehicle equipped with the same, and traffic control system
JP2019125489A (en) Electric wire and cable
JP2016055779A5 (en)
JP2021187205A (en) Tread variable device, pneumatic tire, and grip force control method
JP2016199271A (en) Tire, vehicle mounted with the tire, and traffic control system
MXPA00005597A (en) Pneumatic tyre with an antenna for radio transponder

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VN YU ZA ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2001933821

Country of ref document: EP

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 10257215

Country of ref document: US

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 2001933821

Country of ref document: EP

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: JP

WWG Wipo information: grant in national office

Ref document number: 2001933821

Country of ref document: EP