Tire pneumatic pressure adjusting device for vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tire pressure adjustment device for automobiles that is applied to a wheel of an automobile and appropriately controls the air pressure of a tire coupled to the wheel. The tire pressure adjustment device according to the present invention is a tire pressure adjustment device for automobiles applied to a wheel of an automobile comprising a wheel (10) and a tire coupled to the outer side of the wheel (10). The air pressure adjustment device (20) is characterized by comprising a pad (21) that is installed in the internal space formed by the wheel (10) and the tire and is attached to and coupled to the outer surface of the drum (11) of the wheel (10), a thermoelectric member (22) that is installed on the pad (21) and emits or absorbs heat, a pressure sensor (23) for detecting the pressure in the internal space of the tire, a control means for driving the thermoelectric member (22), and a battery for supplying operating power to the entire device.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tire pressure adjustment device for automobiles that is applied to the wheel of an automobile and appropriately adjusts the air pressure of a tire coupled to the wheel. Background Technology

[0002] Automobiles move through the rotation of their wheels. A wheel typically consists of a wheel and a tire attached to it. Tires support the vehicle's weight and absorb shocks transmitted from the road surface. Additionally, tires perform key functions such as providing appropriate friction between the wheel and the road surface and enhancing the vehicle's steering performance. Tires are composed of flexible materials, such as rubber, and are filled with air. For tires to effectively perform their intended functions, the air pressure inside them must be maintained at an appropriate level. If tire pressure is improper, uneven wear occurs, fundamentally shortening the tire's lifespan. Furthermore, if tire pressure is insufficient, shock absorption is reduced, the risk of hydroplaning increases significantly, and fuel consumption rises due to increased friction with the road surface. Conversely, if tire pressure is excessive, the contact area between the tire and the road surface is reduced, lowering driving safety and increasing the vehicle's braking distance.

[0003] Tire pressure cannot be maintained at a constant level and varies depending on the external environment. For example, tire pressure changes with the outside temperature. Generally, if the temperature drops by 10°C, tire pressure decreases by approximately 0.07 to 0.14 bar. Additionally, tire pressure changes depending on the altitude at which the vehicle is located. In other words, if the vehicle is at a high altitude, the tire pressure decreases inversely proportional to that altitude.

[0004] Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) that inform drivers of tire pressure have been introduced. This is disclosed in, for example, Korean Registered Patent No. 10-1743652 (Title: Method for determining the mounting position of a wheel module using a multi-axis tilt sensor and a tire pressure monitoring system using the same), Registered Patent No. 10-1670803 (Title: Sensor position recognition device and method in a tire pressure monitoring system), Registered Patent No. 10-1357423 (Title: Tire pressure monitoring system), Registered Patent No. 10-1946001 (Title: Tire pressure monitoring system), Published Patent No. 10-2013-0018354 (Title: Tire pressure monitoring system), and Registered Patent No. 10-1408001 (Title: Vehicle tire pressure monitoring device and method).

[0005] The aforementioned technologies are intended simply to monitor tire pressure. With these technologies, the driver must manually adjust the tire pressure if it is inappropriate after noticing it. This constitutes a highly cumbersome task for the driver. Furthermore, it may be required to adjust tire pressure appropriately according to road conditions or driving circumstances. However, conventional technologies cannot actively respond to such driving conditions. The problem to be solved

[0006] The present invention was created in consideration of the above circumstances, and has a technical objective of providing an automobile tire pressure adjustment device capable of always maintaining and managing the tire pressure at an appropriate level.

[0007] In addition, the present invention has another technical objective of providing an automobile tire pressure adjustment device capable of preventing damage to the tire and shortening of its lifespan caused by high temperatures by appropriately adjusting the tire temperature. means of solving the problem

[0008] According to the first aspect of the present invention for realizing the above objective, a tire pressure adjustment device for an automobile is applied to an automobile wheel comprising a wheel and a tire coupled to the outer side of the wheel. The tire pressure adjustment device comprises a pad installed in the internal space formed by the wheel and the tire and coupled to the outer surface of the wheel drum, a thermoelectric member installed on the pad and emitting or absorbing heat, a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in the internal space of the tire, a control means for driving the thermoelectric member, and a battery for supplying operating power to the entire device. The thermoelectric member is a Peltier element, and the thermoelectric member is characterized in that one side is disposed on the upper surface of the pad and the other side is disposed on the back surface of the pad. Additionally, the pad is characterized in that it is composed of an insulating material and coupled to the outer surface of the wheel drum.

[0009] delete

[0010] delete

[0011] In addition, the above-mentioned air pressure adjusting device is characterized by being configured such that the control means additionally includes a communication means for the control means to communicate with an external control device.

[0012] In addition, the wheel or tire is characterized by being equipped with a charging terminal for supplying charging power to the battery.

[0013] In addition, the side of the pad facing the wheel drum is characterized by having a coil for generating an induced current.

[0014] In addition, the wireless charging device for generating an induced current in the coil is positioned adjacent to the wheel on the inner surface side of the wheel.

[0015] In addition, the wireless charging device is characterized by being installed on the brake caliper.

[0016] According to the second aspect of the present invention, a tire pressure adjustment device for an automobile is a tire pressure adjustment device for an automobile that adjusts the tire pressure of an automobile wheel, wherein the automobile wheel is configured to have a wheel and a tire coupled to the wheel, and a pad for adjusting air pressure is coupled to the outer surface of the drum of the wheel, and the pad comprises a thermoelectric member that emits or absorbs heat, a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in the internal space of the tire, a control means for driving the thermoelectric member, and a battery for supplying operating power to the entire device, wherein the thermoelectric member is a Peltier element, and one side of the thermoelectric member is disposed on the upper surface of the pad and the other side is disposed on the back surface of the pad, and two or more coil members for generating an induced current are installed on the inner surface of the wheel, and the coil members are electrically coupled to the pad. Additionally, a wireless charging device for generating an induced current in the coil members is disposed adjacent to the wheel on the inner surface of the wheel.

[0017] delete Effects of the invention

[0018] According to the present invention configured as described above, an insulating pad is attached to the outer surface of the wheel. Accordingly, fluctuations in the tire's air pressure caused by changes in the internal temperature of the tire due to the ambient temperature of the vehicle are prevented. Furthermore, in the present invention, a control means can maintain the tire's air pressure appropriately by activating a thermoelectric element based on a detection signal from a pressure sensor. Additionally, if the tire's air pressure drops below a certain level, the control means provides abnormal state information to an external control device. Moreover, in the present invention, the control means communicates with an external control device to identify the vehicle's driving environment and, based on this, can appropriately adjust the tire's air pressure. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0019] The attached drawings are intended to illustrate embodiments according to the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that some components may be exaggerated or omitted for the effective explanation of the embodiments. FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a tire pressure adjustment device for an automobile according to one embodiment of the present invention, which is a schematic perspective view showing the form in which the tire pressure adjustment device (20) is applied to an automobile wheel (10). FIG. 2 is a side view showing the structure of a car wheel (10) to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an air pressure adjusting device (20) coupled to a wheel (10) shown in FIG. 2, where FIG. 3a is a plan view of the air pressure adjusting device (20) and FIG. 3b is a rear view of the air pressure adjusting device (20). FIG. 4 is a rear view showing the configuration of an air pressure adjusting device (30) configured to enable wireless charging. FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an example of the installation configuration of a charging device (44) for an air pressure adjusting device (30). FIG. 6 is a diagram of a wheel (50) to explain an air pressure adjustment device (30) according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a partial separation view showing an example of a coupling structure of a coil member (60) to a wheel (50). Specific details for implementing the invention

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are merely illustrative examples of one preferred embodiment of the present invention, and such examples are not intended to limit the scope of the rights of the present invention. The present invention may be implemented with various modifications within the scope of the technical concept thereof.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a tire pressure adjustment device for an automobile according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is a schematic perspective view showing the form in which a tire pressure adjustment device (hereinafter referred to as the air pressure adjustment device) (20) is applied to an automobile wheel (10). The air pressure adjustment device (20) according to the present invention is provided with a pad (21) that is coupled to the drum of the wheel (10). The pad (21) is equipped with a thermoelectric element (22) and a pressure sensor (23). The thermoelectric element (22) is intended to adjust the internal temperature of a tire (not shown) coupled to the wheel (10). Preferably, a plurality of thermoelectric elements (22) are provided, and they are arranged at a certain interval considering the wheel balance. The thermoelectric element (22) is equipped with a heat-generating means for raising the air temperature inside the tire and a heat-absorbing means for lowering the air temperature inside. The thermoelectric element (22) is not specified and any element capable of changing the ambient temperature may be employed. Preferably, a Peltier element is employed as the thermoelectric element (22). The pressure sensor (23) is for measuring the air pressure inside the tire. The detection signal of the pressure sensor (23) will be used as data for driving the thermoelectric element (22).

[0022] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the structure of an automobile wheel (10) to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an air pressure adjustment device (20) coupled to the wheel (10) shown in FIG. 2, where FIG. 3a is a plan view of the air pressure adjustment device (20) and FIG. 3b is a rear view of the air pressure adjustment device (20). In FIG. 2, the wheel (10) is configured to have a cylindrical drum (11) and rims (12a, 12b) provided on both sides of the drum (11), similar to a conventional wheel. Additionally, a rim flange (13) that supports the side of a tire bead is provided on the outer circumference of the rims (12a, 12b). The type and material of the wheel (10) are very diverse. However, the material and shape of the wheel are not specified in the present invention. The present invention can be applied to various types of wheels in the same way.

[0023] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, a mounting hole (11a) is provided in the wheel (10), preferably the drum (11). The mounting hole (11a) is for installing a connector for power supply to the air pressure adjustment device (20). The installation location of the mounting hole (11a) is not specified. The mounting hole (11a) may be installed in the rim (12b). Preferably, the mounting hole (11a) is installed in a location adjacent to a disc (not shown) provided on one side of the wheel (10) to ensure smooth power supply to the air pressure adjustment device (20).

[0024] In FIG. 3, the air pressure adjustment device (20) is configured to have a pad (21) attached to the outer surface of the drum (11). The material of the pad (21) is not specified. The pad (21) is preferably made of an insulating material. In addition, more preferably, the pad (21) is made of an elastic material such as rubber or silicone. The pad (21) is preferably formed in the shape of a rectangular strip. The length of the pad (21) is preferably set to be equal to the circumference of the drum (11). In addition, the width of the pad (21) is preferably set to a size corresponding to the width of the drum (11). The pad (21) is fixedly attached to the outer surface of the drum (11), for example, through an adhesive. The pad (21) attaches various devices to the wheel (10) and provides an insulating function for the wheel (10).

[0025] A plurality of thermoelectric elements (22) are installed on the pad (21). As can be understood from FIGS. 3a and 3b, one side of the thermoelectric element (22) is positioned on the upper surface of the pad (21), and the other side is positioned on the back surface of the pad (21). The wheel (10) provides a heat dissipation function for the thermoelectric element (22), more specifically, the other side of the thermoelectric element (22) positioned on the back surface of the pad (21). As described above, the thermoelectric elements (22) are arranged at equal intervals to account for wheel balance. Additionally, a pressure sensor (23) for detecting the air pressure of the tire is provided on the upper surface of the pad (21), and a connector (25) is protruded on the lower surface of the pad (21). The connector (25) is installed in an installation hole (11a) provided in the drum (11). A power jack (not shown) for charging the pad (21) is detachably connected to the connector (25) as needed, or an antenna is detachably connected.

[0026] Although not specifically shown in the drawing, a secondary battery and a controller are provided inside the pad (21). The controller drives the thermoelectric element (22) based on the detection signal of the pressure sensor (23) to appropriately adjust the internal air pressure of the tire. In addition, in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the air pressure adjustment device (20) may be equipped with a communication module for the controller to communicate with an external control device. In this case, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) that controls the driving of the vehicle or a navigation system may be employed as the external control device. The controller can appropriately adjust the air pressure of the tire according to the driving environment of the vehicle.

[0027] In the above embodiment, a pad (21) is basically attached to the outer surface of the drum (21). The pad (21) is made of a material with excellent thermal insulation properties. Therefore, it is prevented that the air pressure of the tire fluctuates due to the temperature inside the tire fluctuating with the ambient temperature of the vehicle.

[0028] In addition, in the above embodiment, the controller can operate the thermoelectric element (22) based on the detection signal of the pressure sensor (23) to maintain the air pressure of the tire appropriately. Furthermore, when the air pressure of the tire drops below a certain level, the controller provides abnormal state information to an external control device.

[0029] In addition, in the above embodiment, the controller communicates with an external control device to identify the driving environment of the vehicle and, based on this, can appropriately adjust the tire pressure. Therefore, according to the above embodiment, the tire pressure can always be maintained at an optimal state.

[0030] Meanwhile, in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the air pressure adjusting device (20) has a connector (25) protruding from its rear surface and is configured to charge an internal secondary battery through this connector (25). However, at this time, the battery may be configured to be charged via a wireless charging method. FIG. 4 is a rear view showing the configuration of an air pressure adjusting device (30) configured to enable wireless charging. Also, in FIG. 4, the same reference numerals are added to parts that are substantially identical to FIG. 3 described above. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, a coil (31) for wireless charging is installed on the rear surface of the air pressure adjusting device (30), that is, on the part that contacts the outer surface of the drum (11). The size and shape of the coil (31) are not specified. And a charging part is provided inside the pad (21) to charge the secondary battery using the induced current from the coil (31).

[0031] Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with a charging means for generating an induced current by supplying magnetic force to the coil (31). At this time, a coil or an electromagnet is employed as the charging means. The charging means is positioned close to the inner circumference of the wheel (10) drum (11).

[0032] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing an example of the installation configuration of a charging device (44) for an air pressure adjustment device (30). In the drawing, the vehicle is equipped with a hub (41) to which a wheel (10) is attached and a brake disc (42) for limiting the rotation of the wheel, and a brake caliper (43) for operating a brake pad is installed on one side of the brake disc (42). The caliper (43) is positioned so that the outer surface of the housing is close to the inner circumference of the wheel (10). In a preferred embodiment, the charging device (44) is installed on the outer side of the housing of the caliper (43). In another preferred embodiment, the charging device (44) is integrally formed with the housing of the caliper (43). The operation of the charging device (44) may have a negative effect on the rotation of the wheel (10). In a preferred embodiment, the charging device (44) is operated when the brake is applied.

[0033] Meanwhile, the wheel (10) can be composed of various materials. Among these, a wheel composed of materials such as aluminum shields a significant portion of the magnetic field. In the case of such a wheel, it is difficult to apply the charging device (44) shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a diagram of a wheel (50) to explain an air pressure adjustment device (30) according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the drawing, a plurality of coil members (60) are provided along the circumferential direction on the inner surface of the wheel (50), more specifically on the inner surface of the drum (41).

[0034] FIG. 7 is a partial separation view showing an example of a coupling structure of a coil member (60) to a wheel (50). A mounting groove (51a) for mounting and installing the coil member (60) is provided on the outer surface of the wheel (50), and a mounting hole (50b) is provided in the central part of the mounting groove (51a). A fastening hole (51c) is provided on the outer circumference of the mounting hole (50b). The coil member (60) is configured to have a body (60a) and a flange (60b). The body (60a) and the flange (60b) are formed with a size and shape corresponding to the mounting hole (50b) and the mounting groove (50a), respectively. A fastening hole (60c) is provided in the flange (60b) corresponding to the fastening hole (50c). The coil member (60) is coupled to the wheel (50) through a fastening member such as a screw. Additionally, although not specifically shown in the drawing, a gasket is preferably installed between the coil member (60) and the seating groove (51a). Furthermore, in a more preferred embodiment, a molding material is filled into the space between the coil member (60) and the seating groove (51a).

[0035] A coil for generating an induced current is provided inside the body (60a) of the coil member (60). The body (60a) is preferably made of a material that can be magnetized. However, the material of the body (60a) is not specified. The body (60a) may be made of any material through which magnetic field lines can pass. In FIG. 7, a coupling hole (60d) is formed on the upper surface of the body (60a), that is, on the inner surface of the body (60a). A connector (not shown) of the air pressure adjustment device (30) is pressed into this coupling hole (60d). The coil member (60) is electrically connected to the air pressure adjustment device (30) through the coupling hole (60d). In addition, in another preferred embodiment, at least one coil member (60) is provided with an antenna inside.

[0036] The embodiments according to the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention may be implemented with various modifications within the scope of the technical concept thereof. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the air pressure adjusting device (30) was described as being installed on the outer surface of the drum (11) of the wheel (10). However, the air pressure adjusting device (30) may be attached to the inner surface of the tire attached to the wheel (10). That is, the air pressure adjusting device (30) may be appropriately installed in the internal space formed by the wheel (10) and the tire. Explanation of the symbols

[0037] 10: Wheel, 11: Drum, 11a: Installer, 12a, 12b: Rim, 13: Rim flange, 20, 30: Air pressure regulator, 21: Pad, 22: Thermal component, 23: Pressure sensor, 25: Connector, 31: Coil, 50: Wheel, 51: Drum, 60: Coil member.

Claims

Claim 1 delete Claim 2 A tire pressure adjustment device for an automobile applied to a wheel comprising a wheel and a tire coupled to the outer side of the wheel, wherein the tire pressure adjustment device comprises a pad installed in the internal space formed by the wheel and the tire and coupled to the outer surface of the drum of the wheel, a thermoelectric member installed on the pad and emitting or absorbing heat, a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in the internal space of the tire, a control means for driving the thermoelectric member, and a battery for supplying operating power to the entire device, wherein the thermoelectric member is a Peltier element, and the thermoelectric member is characterized in that one side is disposed on the upper surface of the pad and the other side is disposed on the back surface of the pad. Claim 3 A tire pressure adjustment device for an automobile, characterized in that, in paragraph 2, the pad is composed of an insulating material and is coupled to the outer surface of the drum of a wheel. Claim 4 In paragraph 2, the above air pressure adjusting device is characterized by being configured such that the control means additionally comprises a communication means for the control means to communicate with an external control device. Claim 5 A tire pressure adjustment device for an automobile, characterized in that, in paragraph 2, the wheel or tire is provided with a charging terminal for supplying charging power to the battery. Claim 6 A tire pressure adjustment device for an automobile, characterized in that, in paragraph 3, a coil for generating an induced current is provided on the side of the pad facing the wheel drum. Claim 7 A tire pressure adjustment device for an automobile, characterized in that, in claim 6, a wireless charging device for generating an induced current in the coil is disposed adjacent to the wheel on the inner surface side of the wheel. Claim 8 A tire pressure adjustment device for an automobile, characterized in that, in claim 7, the wireless charging device is installed on a brake caliper. Claim 9 A tire pressure adjustment device for an automobile that adjusts the air pressure of a vehicle wheel, wherein the vehicle wheel comprises a wheel and a tire coupled to the wheel, and a pad for adjusting air pressure is coupled to the outer surface of the drum of the wheel, and the pad comprises a thermoelectric element that emits or absorbs heat, a pressure sensor for detecting the pressure in the internal space of the tire, a control means for driving the thermoelectric element, and a battery for supplying operating power to the entire device, wherein the thermoelectric element is a Peltier element, and one side of the thermoelectric element is disposed on the upper surface of the pad and the other side is disposed on the back surface of the pad, and two or more coil members for generating an induced current are installed on the inner surface of the wheel, and the coil members are electrically coupled to the pad. Claim 10 A tire pressure adjustment device for an automobile according to claim 9, characterized in that a wireless charging device for generating an induced current in the coil member is disposed adjacent to the wheel on the inner surface side of the wheel.

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