Tire inflation structure and vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides a tire inflation structure and a vehicle. The tire inflation structure comprises an inflation device; the tire comprises an air tap; the hub bearing comprises a static outer flange ring and a rotary inner flange ring, and the static outer flange ring comprises an air inlet connected with the inflating equipment; the rotary inner flange ring comprises an inflation channel, and the inflation channel is communicated with the air inlet and the air tap. The tire inflation structure provided by the invention can inflate the tire in the vehicle running process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to a tire inflation structure and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Tires are a very important component of a vehicle, they come into contact with the ground and provide traction, suspension and shock absorption.

[0003] Tires need to maintain proper air pressure to ensure safety and performance. Too high or too low air pressure will adversely affect the performance and life of the tire.

[0004] Different road conditions have different requirements for tire pressure. For example, in extreme road conditions such as off-road driving, the tires need to be deflated to reduce tire pressure, improve tire grip and prevent tire blowouts. When returning to normal roads after off-road driving, the tires need to maintain a higher air pressure to avoid problems such as excessive fuel consumption and severe wear caused by low tire pressure. However, traditional tires can only be inflated at repair shops or with tools after parking. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present application provides a tire inflation structure and a vehicle, which can inflate the tire during the driving of the vehicle.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a tire inflation structure, comprising:

[0007] Pumping equipment;

[0008] Tires, including valves;

[0009] The wheel hub bearing comprises a stationary outer flange ring and a rotating inner flange ring, wherein the stationary outer flange ring comprises an air inlet connected to the air pumping device; the rotating inner flange ring comprises an air charging channel, and the air charging channel is respectively connected to the air inlet and the air nozzle.

[0010] In an optional embodiment, a cavity is formed between the stationary outer flange ring and the rotating inner flange ring, the cavity includes a sealing cavity and a raceway for filling rollers, the sealing cavity and the raceway are sealingly connected, and the sealing cavity is respectively connected to the air inlet and the inflation channel.

[0011] In an optional embodiment, the wheel hub bearing also includes a first seal and a second seal arranged in the cavity, the first seal and the second seal are both clamped between the stationary outer flange ring and the rotating inner flange ring, the first seal and the second seal are arranged at intervals, and the first seal and the second seal are respectively located on both sides of the air inlet; wherein the second seal is located at the junction of the sealing cavity and the raceway, and the sealing cavity is sealed and connected to the raceway through the second seal.

[0012] In an optional embodiment, the wheel hub bearing also includes an end cover, which is sealingly connected to the inflation channel. The end cover includes an air outlet, which is respectively connected to the inflation channel and the air nozzle, and the inflation channel is connected to the air nozzle through the end cover.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, the air outlet is located at the central axis of the wheel hub bearing.

[0014] In an optional embodiment, the end cover is symmetrically arranged along the central axis of the hub bearing, the air outlet is located at the center of the end cover, and the end cover and the rotating inner flange ring are sealed and connected at their respective ends.

[0015] In an optional embodiment, the inflation channel includes a first channel and a second channel that are connected, the first channel is connected to the air inlet, and the second channel is connected to the air nozzle; wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the first channel is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second channel.

[0016] In an optional embodiment, the wheel hub bearing is applied to a non-driven wheel, the outlet end of the inflation channel is located on the side of the rotating inner flange ring away from the stationary outer flange ring, and the outlet end of the inflation channel is arranged toward the central axis of the wheel hub bearing.

[0017] In an optional embodiment, the stationary outer flange ring further includes an extension portion extending toward the end of the rotating inner flange ring, and the air inlet is provided at the extension portion.

[0018] In a second aspect, the present application provides a vehicle, comprising: a tire inflation structure as described in any one of the above embodiments.

[0019] The tire inflation structure provided by the present application has at least the following advantages:

[0020] The air inlet is set on the stationary outer flange ring, so that the pumping device can still pump air into the air inlet during the driving of the vehicle. The inflation channel is set on the rotating inner flange ring that rotates synchronously with the tire. During the driving of the vehicle, the inflation channel rotates at the same angle as the tire's air nozzle, so that the gas can enter the tire more easily to complete the inflation of the tire. In summary, the tire inflation structure provided in the embodiment of the present application can inflate the tire while the vehicle is driving, and the user can inflate the tire by himself without getting off the vehicle or going to a repair shop, which improves the user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 is a partial structural schematic diagram of a hub bearing shown in an exemplary embodiment;

[0022] Figure 2 is a partial structural schematic diagram of a wheel hub bearing shown in another exemplary embodiment;

[0023] Figure 3 is a partial structural schematic diagram of a wheel hub bearing shown in another exemplary embodiment;

[0024] Figure 4 1 is a partial structural schematic diagram of a wheel hub bearing shown in yet another exemplary embodiment.

[0025] Explanation of the reference numerals: 10, rotating inner flange ring; 11, inflation channel; 111, first channel; 112, second channel; 20, stationary outer flange ring; 21, air inlet; 22, extension portion; 31, first seal; 32, second seal; 40, end cover; 41, air outlet; 42, connecting portion; 51, sealing chamber; 52, first raceway; 53, second raceway; 60, roller; 70, inner ring; 81, air inlet plug; 82, air outlet plug; 91, half-shaft fixing joint; 92, half-shaft bolt; 93, steering knuckle; 101, center axis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Here, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail, and examples thereof are shown in the accompanying drawings. When the following description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The implementations described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all implementations under the concept of the present application. Instead, they are only examples of some devices and methods that present the concept of the present application.

[0027] The terms used in this application are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit this application. Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used in this application should be understood by people with ordinary skills in the field to which this application belongs. The "first", "second" and similar words used in this application do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. Similarly, similar words such as "one" or "one" do not indicate quantitative restrictions, but indicate that there is at least one, and will be separately described if only "one" is referred to. "Multiple" or "several" means two or more. Unless otherwise specified, similar words such as "front", "rear", "lower" and / or "upper", "top", "bottom" are only for the convenience of explanation, and are not limited to one position or one spatial orientation. Similar words such as "include" or "comprise" mean that the elements or objects appearing in front of "include" or "comprise" cover the elements or objects listed after "include" or "comprise" and their equivalent elements or objects, and do not exclude other elements or objects. The words "connected" or "connected" and the like are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect.

[0028] The singular forms "a", "said" and "the" used in this specification and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0029] The present application provides a tire inflation structure for use in a vehicle. The vehicle may be a car, truck, van, sport utility vehicle, or any other type of vehicle with a battery. In one embodiment, the vehicle is a high-voltage traction battery-powered electric vehicle (e.g., a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), etc.). In another embodiment, the vehicle is an autonomous vehicle, in which the maneuvering functions of the vehicle are controlled without direct input from a human driver.

[0030] The tire inflation structure includes a tire, an inflation device and a wheel hub bearing. The tire includes an air nozzle for inflating and deflation of the tire. The wheel hub bearing includes a stationary outer flange ring 20 and a rotating inner flange ring 10. The stationary outer flange ring 20 includes an air inlet 21 connected to the inflation device, and the rotating inner flange ring 10 includes an inflation channel 11, which is respectively connected to the air inlet 21 and the air nozzle of the tire.

[0031] It is understandable that the stationary outer flange 20 is generally connected to the vehicle body and does not rotate with the wheel, while the rotating inner flange 10 is generally connected to the vehicle wheel or brake disc and rotates with the wheel. Therefore, during the vehicle driving process, the air inlet 21 and the air pumping device provided on the vehicle body remain stationary, and the air pumping device can deliver gas to the air inlet 21 without being affected by the rotation of the wheel. The gas enters the inflation channel 11 through the air inlet 21, and the inflation channel 11 is connected to the air nozzle of the tire. Finally, the gas enters the tire through the air nozzle, solving the problem of how to inflate the tire during the driving process of the wheel.

[0032] From the above description, it can be known that the air inlet 21 is set on the stationary outer flange ring 20 that is relatively stationary with the inflation device, so that the inflation device can still inflate the air inlet 21 during the driving of the vehicle, and the inflation channel 11 is set on the rotating inner flange ring 10 that rotates synchronously with the tire. During the driving of the vehicle, the inflation channel 11 rotates at the same angle as the tire's air nozzle, so that the gas can more easily enter the tire to complete the inflation of the tire. In summary, the tire inflation structure provided in the embodiment of the present application can inflate the tire while the vehicle is driving, and the user can inflate the tire by himself without getting off the vehicle or going to a repair shop, which improves the user experience.

[0033] In one embodiment, the tire inflation structure further comprises a control valve connected to the air nozzle of the tire, and the control valve is controlled to open or close the air nozzle. Thus, when the tire needs to be deflated, the control valve is controlled to open the air nozzle to achieve deflation of the tire.

[0034] In one embodiment, the tire inflation structure further includes a first inflation pipe and a second inflation pipe, the first inflation pipe is respectively connected to the inflation channel 11 and the air nozzle of the tire, and the second inflation pipe is respectively connected to the air inlet 21 and the inflation device, so that the inflation device can inflate the tire. A tire pressure detection sensor can be installed at any point of the first inflation pipe to detect the tire pressure in real time. In some other embodiments, the tire pressure detection sensor can also be installed inside the tire or integrated with the control valve in the above embodiments, but it is not limited to this.

[0035] Furthermore, the vehicle may include a control module and a display module, the control module is respectively connected to the control valve, the tire pressure detection sensor and the inflation device, and is used to obtain the tire pressure data detected by the tire pressure detection sensor, and control the inflation device and the control valve according to the tire pressure data to inflate or deflate the tire. At the same time, the control module is also connected to the display module to display the tire pressure in real time.

[0036] Among them, the control module can be a chassis control unit of the vehicle, the display module can be a central control display screen of the vehicle, the inflation device can be an air spring inflation pump, and the control valve can be a solenoid valve, but are not limited thereto.

[0037] In one embodiment, a cavity is formed between the stationary outer flange ring 20 and the rotating inner flange ring 10, and the cavity includes a sealing cavity 51 and a first raceway 52 for loading the roller 60. The sealing cavity 51 and the first raceway 52 are sealed and connected, and the sealing cavity 51 is respectively connected with the air inlet 21 and the charging channel 11. In this way, the sealing cavity 51 formed by the stationary outer flange ring 20 and the rotating inner flange ring 10 is fully utilized, so that the sealing cavity 51 is not only used to seal the first raceway 52, but also serves as a connecting medium between the air inlet 21 and the charging channel 11, and the design is ingenious and the structure is simple.

[0038] Please refer to Figure 1 In one embodiment, the wheel hub bearing further includes an inner ring 70 and a plurality of rollers 60 , a second raceway 53 is formed between the inner ring 70 and the stationary outer flange ring 20 , and the plurality of rollers 60 are filled in the first raceway 52 and the second raceway 53 .

[0039] In one embodiment, the wheel hub bearing further comprises a first seal 31 and a second seal 32, both of which are clamped between the stationary outer flange ring 20 and the rotating inner flange ring 10, and the first seal 31 and the second seal 32 are arranged at intervals, and the first seal 31 and the second seal 32 are respectively located on both sides of the air inlet 21; wherein, the second seal 32 is located at the junction of the sealing cavity 51 and the raceway. In this way, the sealing cavity 51 is sealed with the raceway through the second seal 32, and is sealed with the outside through the first seal 31, and the first seal 31 and the second seal 32 also seal the air inlet end of the inflation channel 11. In other words, the first seal 31, the second seal 32, the stationary outer flange ring 20 and the rotating inner flange ring 10 jointly define the sealing cavity 51, and the air inlet 21 and the air inlet end of the inflation channel 11 are both connected to the sealing cavity 51. It should be noted that the air inlet end of the inflation channel 11 refers to the end of the inflation channel 11 that is directly connected to the sealing cavity 51.

[0040] In one embodiment, the stationary outer flange 20 includes an extension portion 22 extending toward the end of the rotating inner flange 10, the extension portion 22 abuts against the end of the rotating inner flange 10, and the air inlet 21 is provided at the extension portion 22. By providing the extension portion 22, the length of the stationary outer flange 20 is increased, and while the air inlet 21 is conveniently provided, the first raceway 52 and the second raceway 53 can be free from the influence of the newly added structure of the air inlet 21, so that the roller 60 can smoothly roll in the first raceway 52 and the second raceway 53. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the end of the rotating inner flange 10 refers to the end of the rotating inner flange 10 used to connect with the brake disc or the wheel.

[0041] The structure and shape of the inflation channel 11 can be various. It is understandable that the inflation channel 11 only needs to be able to communicate with the air inlet 21 and the air valve of the tire.

[0042] In one embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 The wheel hub bearing shown is applied to the driving wheel axle, and the vehicle further comprises a half-shaft fixed joint 91, a steering knuckle 93 and a half-shaft bolt 92. The rotating inner flange ring 10 is hollowly arranged to form a driving cavity, the half-shaft fixed joint 91 is penetrated in the driving cavity for transmitting power, and the half-shaft bolt 92 is penetrated in the half-shaft fixed joint 91 to fasten the half-shaft fixed joint 91 to the rotating inner flange ring 10. The end of the stationary outer flange ring 20 is fixedly connected to the steering knuckle 93.

[0043] The air charging channel 11 is arranged parallel to the central axis 101 of the hub bearing, the air inlet end of the air charging channel 11 is connected to the sealing chamber 51, and the air outlet end of the air charging channel 11 is arranged at the side end of the rotating inner flange ring 10. Along the length direction of the air charging channel 11, the cross-sectional area of ​​the air charging channel 11 is the same everywhere. In this way, the structure and shape of the air charging channel 11 are relatively simple, and the air charging channel 11 is a uniform linear channel with a short length, which is relatively easy to open on the rotating inner flange ring 10, and has little effect on the structural strength of the rotating inner flange ring 10.

[0044] In another embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 The hub bearing shown is applied to a non-driven wheel, and the outlet end of the air-charging channel 11 is located on the side of the rotating inner flange ring 10 away from the stationary outer flange ring 20, and the outlet end of the air-charging channel 11 is arranged toward the central axis 101 of the hub bearing. It is easy to understand that when the hub bearing is applied to a non-driven wheel, there is no need to arrange driving connectors such as the half-shaft fixing joint 91 and the half-shaft bolt 92 inside the hub bearing. Therefore, by arranging the outlet end of the air-charging channel 11 as above, the outlet end of the air-charging channel 11 can be closer to the central axis 101 of the hub bearing. When the first air-charging pipe is arranged to connect the outlet end of the air-charging channel 11 with the air nozzle of the tire, the first air-charging pipe can be conveniently installed between the air-charging channel 11 and the air nozzle regardless of the rotation angle of the wheel.

[0045] In yet another embodiment, please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3The hub bearing shown is applied to the driving wheel, and the inflation channel 11 includes a first channel 111 and a second channel 112 which are connected to each other, the first channel 111 is connected to the air inlet 21, and the second channel 112 is connected to the air nozzle of the tire, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the first channel 111 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second channel 112. It can be understood that the air inlet end of the inflation channel 11 is located at the first channel 111, and the air outlet end is located at the second channel 112, that is, the cross-sectional area of ​​the air outlet end of the inflation channel 11 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the inflation channel 11. This enables the gas to be quickly discharged from the inflation channel 11, thereby increasing the flow rate of the gas passing through the inflation channel 11, so that the tire can be inflated more quickly. Of course, in some other embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first channel 111 may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second channel 112, so that the gas flows faster and has a higher pressure at the air outlet end of the inflation channel 11, and it is easier to inflate the tire.

[0046] In one embodiment, please continue to refer to Figure 1 The wheel hub bearing also includes an end cover 40, which is sealed and connected to the inflation channel 11. The end cover 40 includes an air outlet 41, which is respectively connected to the inflation channel 11 and the air nozzle of the tire, and the inflation channel 11 is connected to the air nozzle through the end cover 40. By setting the end cover 40 to be sealed and connected to the inflation channel 11, dust, moisture and other impurities can be prevented from entering the inflation channel 11, thereby protecting the internal cleanliness and integrity of the inflation channel 11. This helps to extend the service life of the inflation channel 11. In addition, the air outlet 41 can be set at any position of the end cover 40 as required, which increases the convenience of connecting the inflation channel 11 with the air nozzle of the tire.

[0047] In a further embodiment, the air outlet 41 is located at the central axis 101 of the wheel hub bearing. In this way, when the first air-inflating pipe is set to connect the air outlet 41 and the air nozzle of the tire, no matter how the wheel rotates, the air outlet 41 is always located at the center position, and the operator can easily connect the first air-inflating pipe between the air outlet 41 and the air nozzle.

[0048] In one embodiment, the end cap 40 is symmetrically arranged along the central axis 101 of the hub bearing, the air outlet 41 is located at the center of the end cap 40, and the end cap 40 and the rotating inner flange ring 10 are sealed and connected at their respective ends. Since the end cap 40 is connected to the rotating inner flange ring 10, the end cap 40 rotates with the rotating inner flange ring 10. The end cap 40 is configured to be symmetrically arranged along the central axis 101 of the hub bearing, so that the rotation of the end cap 40 is more balanced and the noise generated by the unbalanced rotation of the end cap 40 is reduced.

[0049] like Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the end cover 40 is symmetrically arranged along the central axis 101 of the wheel hub bearing, and the end cover 40 includes a connecting portion 42 extending toward the rotating inner flange ring 10. The connecting portion 42 of the end cover 40 is sealed and embedded in the end portion of the outer side of the rotating inner flange ring 10. The air outlet 41 is located at the center position of the end cover 40, and the air outlet 41 protrudes to the side away from the rotating inner flange ring 10, so as to facilitate the setting of a first inflation pipe to connect the air outlet 41 and the air nozzle of the tire.

[0050] In another embodiment, please refer to Figure 4 The tire inflation structure further includes an air inlet plug 81 and an air outlet plug 82. The air inlet plug 81 is inserted into the air inlet 21 of the stationary outer flange ring 20, and the air outlet plug 82 is inserted into the air outlet end of the inflation channel 11. By providing the air inlet plug 81, the operator can easily connect the air inlet 21 with the inflation device using the second inflation pipe, and the air tightness and reliability of the connection between the second inflation pipe and the air inlet 21 can be improved. Similarly, by providing the air outlet plug 82, the operator can easily connect the air outlet end of the inflation channel 11 with the air nozzle of the tire using the first inflation pipe, and the air tightness reliability of the first inflation pipe and the air outlet end of the inflation channel 11 can be improved.

[0051] Of course, it is understandable that Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the tire inflation structure may also include an air inlet plug 81 and an air outlet plug 82, and the specific arrangement and effects thereof may refer to the above-mentioned embodiment, and will not be described in detail in this application.

[0052] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A tire inflation structure, characterized in that: include: Pumping equipment; Tires, including valves; The wheel hub bearing comprises a stationary outer flange ring and a rotating inner flange ring, wherein the stationary outer flange ring comprises an air inlet connected to the air pumping device; the rotating inner flange ring comprises an air charging channel, and the air charging channel is respectively connected to the air inlet and the air nozzle.

2. The tire inflation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: A cavity is formed between the stationary outer flange ring and the rotating inner flange ring, and the cavity includes a sealing cavity and a raceway for filling rollers. The sealing cavity and the raceway are sealingly connected, and the sealing cavity is communicated with the air inlet and the inflation channel respectively.

3. The tire inflation structure according to claim 2, characterized in that: The wheel hub bearing also includes a first seal and a second seal, both of which are clamped between the stationary outer flange ring and the rotating inner flange ring, the first seal and the second seal are arranged at intervals, and the first seal and the second seal are respectively located on both sides of the air inlet; wherein the second seal is located at the junction of the sealing cavity and the raceway, and the sealing cavity is sealed and connected to the raceway through the second seal.

4. The tire inflation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wheel hub bearing also includes an end cover, which is sealed and connected to the inflation channel. The end cover includes an air outlet, which is respectively connected to the inflation channel and the air nozzle. The inflation channel is connected to the air nozzle through the end cover.

5. The tire inflation structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The air outlet is located at the central axis of the wheel hub bearing.

6. The tire inflation structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The end cover is symmetrically arranged along the central axis of the hub bearing, the air outlet is located at the center of the end cover, and the end cover and the rotating inner flange ring are both sealed and connected at their respective ends.

7. The tire inflation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inflation channel includes a first channel and a second channel that are connected, the first channel is connected to the air inlet, and the second channel is connected to the air nozzle; wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the first channel is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second channel.

8. The tire inflation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air outlet end of the air charging channel is located on the side of the rotating inner flange ring away from the stationary outer flange ring, and the air outlet end of the air charging channel is arranged toward the central axis of the wheel hub bearing.

9. The tire inflation structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: The stationary outer flange ring further includes an extension portion extending toward the end of the rotating inner flange ring, and the air inlet is provided at the extension portion.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that: include: A tire inflation structure according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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