Tire inflation device, inflation system and inflation method

Abstract

The present application provides a tire inflation device, inflation system, and inflation method, the tire inflation device being at least partially integrated into a hub bearing comprising an outer ring and an inner ring and comprising: an engagement port extending through an axial end of the outer ring in a radial direction of the hub bearing; a joint configured to be in fluid communication with an air source, the joint being joined to the joint port to define a first air passage; a second air passage disposed in the inner ring to be in fluid communication with the interior of the tire; and a seal assembly including a first seal member including a first end abutting against the axial end of the outer ring in the radial direction and a second seal member including a second end abutting against the inner ring in the radial direction, the second seal member being rotatably engaged to the first seal member, the first end abutting against the axial end of the outer ring in the radial direction, and the second end abutting against the inner ring in the radial direction. The first gas passage is in fluid communication with the second gas passage, and gas from the gas source can be conveyed into the tire interior through the first gas passage, the annular gas passage and the second gas passage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of vehicles, and more particularly to a tire inflation device, an inflation system, and an inflation method. Background Art

[0002] Currently, an active tire pressure regulation system can be applied to the tires of a vehicle to regulate the tire pressure inside the tires during vehicle driving. How to effectively integrate the active tire pressure regulation system with other systems in the vehicle while improving the safety and durability of, for example, a tire inflation device related to the active tire pressure regulation system remains a challenge. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An object of the present application is to provide a safe and durable tire inflation device, an inflation system having such a tire inflation device, and an inflation method implemented using such an inflation system, wherein the inflation system effectively integrates the active tire pressure regulation system in the vehicle with the suspension system.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present application, there is provided a tire inflation device that is at least partially integrated into a wheel hub bearing, the wheel hub bearing including a stationary outer ring and a rotatable inner ring. The tire inflation device includes: a mating port that extends in a radial direction of the wheel hub bearing through an axial end of the outer ring; a connector configured to be in fluid communication with a gas source, the connector being mated to the mating port to define a first air passage; a second air passage disposed in the inner ring to be in fluid communication with the interior of the tire; and a sealing assembly that includes a first sealing member and a second sealing member. The first sealing member includes a first end that abuts against the axial end of the outer ring in the radial direction, and the second sealing member includes a second end that abuts against the inner ring in the radial direction. Wherein, the second sealing member is rotatably mated to the first sealing member to define an annular air passage that fluidly connects the first air passage to the second air passage. When the inner ring rotates, gas from the gas source can be delivered into the interior of the tire via the first air passage, the annular air passage, and the second air passage.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided an inflation system for a vehicle, the vehicle including a plurality of wheels and a plurality of air springs for a suspension. Each wheel includes a wheel hub bearing and a tire. The inflation system includes: a gas source configured to supply gas for inflating each tire and each air spring; a tire inflation device configured for each tire, the tire inflation device being at least partially integrated into the wheel hub bearing; and a control device configured to control the inflation and deflation of each tire and each air spring. Wherein, the gas from the gas source is delivered into the interior of each tire via the tire inflation device.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present application, there is provided an inflation method implemented using an inflation system. In the inflation method, when the control device determines that the vehicle speed of the vehicle is greater than a vehicle speed threshold, the vehicle is not steering, and all doors, the engine hood, and the trunk lid of the vehicle are closed, each tire is inflated and deflated independently.

[0007] The tire inflation device provided by the present application is at least partially integrated into the wheel hub bearing to reduce the occupied area of the tire inflation device. At the same time, the structure of the sealing assembly is beneficial to improving the sealing assembly and thus the service life of the tire inflation device. In addition, the inflation system provided by the present application will enable the active tire pressure regulation system and the suspension system to share a gas source, which is beneficial to improving the utilization rate of the gas source and reducing the number of vehicle components.

[0008] Other features and advantages of the present application will become clear from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present application with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The drawings forming a part of the specification depict embodiments of the present application and, together with the specification, are used to explain the principles of the present application.

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a wheel. The tire inflation device according to an embodiment of the present application is at least partially integrated into the wheel hub bearing of the wheel.

[0011] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a partial enlarged view of the tire inflation device shown in

[0012] Figure 3 is Figure 2 an enlarged view of two sealing assemblies of the tire inflation device of

[0013] Figure 4 is a partial enlarged view of the tire inflation device according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0014] Figure 5 is Figure 4 an enlarged view of the floating sealing assembly and the additional sealing assembly of the tire inflation device of

[0015] Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram of an inflation system according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0016] Figure 7 is using Figure 6 the inflation system in DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Various exemplary embodiments of the present application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that: unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangements, numerical expressions, and numerical values of the components and steps set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present application.

[0018] Techniques and devices known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques and devices should be regarded as part of the specification.

[0019] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values should be construed as merely exemplary and not as a limitation. Thus, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values.

[0020] It should be noted that: like reference numerals and letters denote like items in the following drawings, and thus, once an item is defined in one drawing, further discussion thereof is not required in subsequent drawings.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1 , an exemplary tire inflation device according to an embodiment of the present application is at least partially integrated with the wheel hub bearing 12. That is to say, the exemplary tire inflation device can be applied to a vehicle, which includes a plurality of wheels 10, and each wheel 10 includes a wheel hub bearing 12 and a tire 14. Generally speaking, the wheel hub bearing 12 includes: an outer ring 16 having radial inner and outer surfaces; an inner ring 18 having radial inner and outer surfaces; and a rolling unit disposed in a rolling space defined by the radial inner surface of the outer ring 16 and the radial outer surface of the inner ring 18. For example, the rolling unit may include a cage (not shown) placed in the rolling space and a plurality of rollers 20 supported by the cage and capable of rolling. The axle of the wheel 10 extends through a central hole 22 defined by the radial inner surface of the inner ring 18 to be fixed to the inner ring 18. During the running of the vehicle, the engine drives the axle to rotate, the rotation of the axle will cause the rotation of the inner ring 18, and the rotation of the inner ring 18 will further cause the rolling of the plurality of rollers 20, but the outer ring 16 remains stationary. A lubricant can be filled in the rolling space to facilitate the rolling of the plurality of rollers 20. In addition, the steering knuckle 24 is fixed to the radial outer surface of the outer ring 16, and the brake disc 26 is fixed to the radial outer surface of the inner ring 18. In addition, the wheel spoke 27 is also fixed to the radial outer surface of the inner ring 18 to connect the rim 28 to the inner ring 18, and the tire 14 is mounted on the rim 28. Herein, the wheel spoke 27 can be regarded as part of the inner ring 18, that is, the rim 28 is directly connected to the inner ring 18.

[0022] As Figure 2As shown, an exemplary tire inflation device includes: a mating port 30 that extends through the outer ring 16 along the radial direction of the wheel hub bearing 12, for example, near the axial end of the brake disc 26; and a connector 32 configured to be in fluid communication with a gas source, and the connector 32 is joined to the mating port 30 in various ways to define a first air passage 34. For example, a through hole can be formed along the radial direction at the axial end of the outer ring 16, and internal threads can be provided on at least a part of the through hole along the central axis of the through hole to serve as the mating port 30. At the same time, external threads are provided at one end of the connector 32, and then the connector 32 is screwed onto the mating port 30. The connector 32 has a central passage formed along the central axis of the connector 32. When the connector 32 is screwed onto the mating port 30, the central passage of the connector 32 is combined with the through hole at the axial end of the outer ring 16 to form the first air passage 34. A first sealing ring 36 can be provided between the mating port 30 and the said one end of the connector 32. In addition, the other end of the connector 32 is connected to a hose, and the hose can receive gas from the gas source, and a second sealing ring 38 can be provided between the other end of the connector 32 and the hose to allow the gas to flow into the first air passage 34 without leakage.

[0023] Continuing to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the exemplary tire inflation device further includes: a second air passage 40 that is arranged in the inner ring 18. For example, the second air passage 40 can be directly formed in the inner ring 18 (including the spoke 27). One end of the second air passage 40 is connected to the valve stem 42 to be in fluid communication with the inside of the tire via the valve stem 42. When the airtightness of the material of the inner ring 18 itself is insufficient, an additional sealing pipe can be provided for the second air passage 40, that is, a passage is first formed in the inner ring 18, and a part of the passage can be used as a part of the second air passage 40, and then a sealing pipe is arranged along the other part of the passage so that the sealing pipe defines the other part of the second air passage 40 to ensure the airtightness of the second air passage 40. It should be understood that the sealing pipe can also be arranged along the entire passage so that the sealing pipe defines the entire second air passage 40. In addition, the second air passage 40 is prevented from extending through the brake disc 26.

[0024] Referring to Figures 2 to 3 , the exemplary tire inflation device further includes: a sealing assembly 42, and the sealing assembly 42 includes a first sealing member 44 and a second sealing member 46. The second sealing member 46 is rotatably joined to the first sealing member 44 to define an annular air passage 48. The radial / axial direction of the annular air passage 48 coincides with / is parallel to the radial / axial direction of the wheel hub bearing 12, and the annular air passage 48 fluidly connects the first air passage 34 to the second air passage 40. When the inner ring 18 rotates, the gas from the gas source can be delivered to the inside of the tire via the first air passage 34, the annular air passage 48, and the second air passage 40.

[0025] Continue to refer to Figure 3 , the first sealing member 44 includes: a first end 50 having a first end face 50a and a second end face 50b arranged oppositely along the radial direction; a first lip 52 arranged oppositely to the first end 50 along the radial direction; a first labyrinth structure 54 connecting the first lip 52 to the first end 50, the first labyrinth structure 54 being elastically deformable; and a first spring 56. Similarly, the second sealing member 46 includes: a second end 58 having a third end face 58a and a fourth end face 58b arranged oppositely along the radial direction; a second lip 60 arranged oppositely to the second end 58 along the radial direction; a second labyrinth structure 62 connecting the second lip 60 to the second end 58, the second labyrinth structure 62 also being elastically deformable; and a second spring 64. The first spring 56 acts on the first lip 52 to make the first lip 52 abut against the third end face 58a of the second end 58, while the fourth end face 58b will abut against the radially outer surface of the inner ring 18. The second spring 64 acts on the second lip 60 to make the second lip 60 abut against the first end face 50a of the first end 50, while the second end face 50b will abut against the radially inner surface of the axial end of the outer ring 16.

[0026] For example, the first lip 52 includes a first contact portion 52a and a second contact portion 52b, which are adapted to abut against a first position and a second position of the third end face 58a respectively, the first position being closer to the annular air passage 48 and farther from the second labyrinth structure 62 than the second position. The first contact portion 52a and the second contact portion 52b respectively have first and second sharp corners / arc portions facing to abut against the third end face 58a. Similarly, the second lip 60 includes a third contact portion 60a and a fourth contact portion 60b, which are adapted to abut against a third position and a fourth position of the first end face 50a respectively, the third position being closer to the annular air passage 48 and closer to the first labyrinth structure 54 than the fourth position. The third contact portion 60a and the fourth contact portion 60b respectively have third and fourth sharp corners / arc portions facing to abut against the first end face 50a. The design of the first to fourth sharp corners / arc portions significantly reduces the contact area between the first lip 52 and the third end face 58a and the contact area between the second lip 60 and the first end face 50a, so as not to hinder the rotation of the second sealing member 46 relative to the first sealing member 44, thereby reducing the heat generated by friction, reducing possible wear, and improving the service life and service efficiency of the sealing assembly 42, while ensuring the sealing performance of the sealing assembly 42.

[0027] The first spring 56 and the second spring 64 can be two separate springs or two segments of the same spring. The first contact portion 52a also has a first seating portion facing away from the third end face 58a for receiving the first spring 56, such that the first spring 56 acts directly on the first contact portion 52a and indirectly on the second contact portion 52b along the radial direction, thereby ensuring that the first and second pointed / rounded portions stably abut against the third end face 58a. Similarly, the fourth contact portion 60b also has a second seating portion facing away from the first end face 50a for receiving the second spring 64, such that the second spring 64 acts directly on the fourth contact portion 60b and indirectly on the third contact portion 60a along the radial direction, thereby ensuring that the third and fourth pointed / rounded portions stably abut against the first end face 50a.

[0028] The first labyrinth structure 54 has a first main body 54a extending generally along the radial direction and at least one first branch 54b (e.g., two first branches) protruding from the first main body 54a, and the at least one first branch 54b can be bent. The second labyrinth structure 62 has a second main body 62a extending generally along the radial direction and at least one second branch 62b (e.g., one second branch) protruding from the second main body 62a, and the at least one second branch 62b can be bent. The first main body 54a is connected to the first end 50, and the first end 50 also has a shielding portion 63 extending along the radial direction. The first end 50, the first main body 54a, and the first branch 54b close to the first end 50 together define a first gap 65 for receiving the second lip 60 and an inlet leading to the first gap 65, wherein the shielding portion 63 helps to block lubricant from the rolling space from entering the first gap 65. The second main body 62a is connected to the second end 58, but the second end 58 does not have the shielding portion 63, so that the second gap for receiving the first lip 52 is completely open, especially open towards the annular air passage 48. For example, when there is no gas from the gas source passing through the annular air passage 48, the first labyrinth structure 54 and the second labyrinth structure 62 engage with each other, e.g., cross but do not contact each other. For example, the two first branches 54b and the one second branch 62b are arranged alternately along the radial direction to form a first meandering gap between the first sealing member 44 and the first sealing member 44, that is, the first meandering gap is defined by the first and second labyrinth structures 54, 62 and the first and second ends 50, 58 together. The first meandering gap includes a portion of the gap extending along the radial direction and a portion of the gap extending at an angle to the radial direction, and the first meandering gap is closed by the first to fourth pointed / rounded portions at the first to fourth positions, which helps to ensure the airtightness of the sealing assembly 42 under different acting forces.

[0029] When the gas from the gas source passes through the annular air passage 48, a force will be applied to the first and second sharp-corner / arc portions. Such a force may cause the first and second sharp-corner / arc portions to at least partially separate from the third end face 58a. Thus, the gas can further enter the first meandering gap to apply a force to the first branch 54b close to the third end face 58a, so that the first branch 54b elastically deforms to contact the second branch 62b. The contact between the first branch 54b and the second branch 62b will hinder the gas from further flowing along the first meandering gap to, for example, the first void 65 and thus is beneficial to the airtightness of the sealing assembly 42.

[0030] In Figure 3 the example of, the sealing assembly 42 includes two sealing assemblies that together define the annular air passage 48. The first sealing member 44 of one of the two sealing assemblies abuts against a part of the axial end of the outer ring 16 that is axially adjacent to the rolling space to at least partially seal the rolling space, that is, to make the annular air passage 48 airtight to the rolling space, and the first sealing member 44 of the other sealing assembly of the two sealing assemblies abuts against a part of the axial end of the outer ring 16 that is axially away from the rolling space to make the annular air passage 48 airtight to the external environment. Optionally, the minimum width of the annular air passage 48 in the axial direction of the annular air passage 48 or in the axial direction of the hub bearing 12 is approximately equal to the diameter of the first air passage 34 and approximately equal to the diameter of the other end of the second air passage 40 that is fluidly connected to the annular air passage 48. For example, the minimum width of the annular air passage 48 is defined by the first end 50 or the second end 58 of the first sealing member 44 of the two sealing assemblies 42. At the same time, although the first main body 54a of the first sealing member 44 of the two sealing assemblies 42 generally extends along the radial direction, a part of the first main body 54a may also be bent, so that the width of the annular air passage 48 defined by the part of the first main body 54a in the axial direction is greater than the minimum width. In this case, the other end of the second air passage 40 needs to extend radially inward in the inner ring 18 first and then bend so that the said end of the second air passage 40 can be fluidly connected to the valve nozzle 42.

[0031] In Figure 4 and Figure 5 the example of, the sealing assembly 42 is a single sealing assembly. The first sealing member 44 of the single sealing assembly abuts against a part of the axial end of the outer ring 16 that is axially adjacent to the rolling space to at least partially seal the rolling space, that is, to make the annular air passage 48 airtight to the rolling space, and the single sealing assembly 42 and the inner ring 18 together define the annular air passage 48. At the same time, especially as Figure 5As clearly shown, the exemplary tire inflation device further includes: a floating seal assembly 67, which is disposed between a first axial end face 16a at an axial end of the outer ring 16 and a second axial end face 18a of the inner ring 18 that is axially opposite to the first axial end face 16a, so that the annular air passage 48 is airtight with respect to the external environment. For example, as Figure 4 shown, the second axial end face 18a is the axial end face of the flange of the inner ring 18 for connecting to the brake disc 26. Continuing to refer to Figure 5 , the floating seal assembly 67 includes: a first annular groove 66, which is formed on the first axial end face 16a; a second annular groove 68, which is formed on the second axial end face 18a to be axially opposite to the first annular groove 66; and a floating seal member disposed in the space between the first annular groove 66 and the second annular groove 68, as Figure 5 clearly shown, the floating seal member includes an annular skeleton 70 and a first seal ring 72 and a second seal ring 74 supported by the annular skeleton 70. The first seal ring 72 is elastically deformable and abuts against a first radially outer wall 66a of the first annular groove 66 formed on the first axial end face 16a and a first groove bottom wall 66b that extends perpendicularly to the first radially outer wall 66a, and the second seal ring 74 is elastically deformable and abuts against a second radially outer wall 68a of the second annular groove 68 formed on the second axial end face 18a and a second groove bottom wall 68b that extends perpendicularly to the second radially outer wall 68a, so that the floating seal member can block the fluid communication between the external environment and the annular air passage 48. When the inner ring 18 rotates, the first seal ring 72, the second seal ring 74, and the annular skeleton 70 may all rotate to a certain extent relative to the outer ring 16. Due to the presence of the floating seal assembly 67, it is possible to avoid making the other end of the second air passage 40 first radially inwardly extend in the inner ring 18, but instead, the other end of the second air passage 40 can directly axially extend in the inner ring 18 for convenient processing.

[0032] Optionally, the exemplary tire inflation device further includes: an additional sealing assembly 75. The additional sealing assembly 75 includes: a labyrinth protrusion 76, which is formed radially outward relative to the first annular groove 66 on the first axial end face 16a. The labyrinth protrusion 76 includes a first ring portion 76a connected to the first axial end face 16a and a second ring portion 76b connected to the first ring portion 76a. The outer diameter of the first ring portion 76a is greater than the outer diameter of the second ring portion 76b and the inner diameter of the first ring portion 76a is less than the inner diameter of the second ring portion 76b, such that the thickness of the first ring portion 76a in the radial direction is greater than the thickness of the second ring portion 76b in the radial direction; and a third annular groove 78, which is formed on the second axial end face 18a of the inner ring 18. The shape of the third annular groove 78 is substantially complementary to the shape of the labyrinth protrusion 76 to allow the labyrinth protrusion 76 to axially protrude into the third annular groove 78, thereby forming a second meandering gap between the first axial end face 16a and the second axial end face 18a, that is, the second meandering gap is defined by the inner and outer diameters of the first ring portion 76a and the second ring portion 76b to contribute to the airtightness of the annular air passage 48 to the external environment. Prevent external environmental substances from entering and scratching and damaging especially the first sealing ring 72 and the second sealing ring 74.

[0033] The various sealing assemblies mentioned herein can be made of various materials according to the required wear resistance, elasticity, temperature, chemical stability, and compatibility with the use environment. For example, they can be made of rubber, silicone, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or metal.

[0034] Figure 6 An inflation system 79 according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. The vehicle includes a plurality of air springs 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d for suspension and a plurality of wheels. Each wheel includes a hub bearing and a tire 82a, 82b, 82c, 82d, such that the exemplary tire inflation device can be at least partially integrated into each hub bearing for a corresponding tire. The exemplary inflation system 79 can incorporate an active tire pressure regulation system of the vehicle. For example, the active tire pressure regulation system is a central tire inflation system, which is configured to regulate the tire pressure inside the tire and can be operated during the vehicle's travel.

[0035] The exemplary inflation system 79 includes: a human-machine interface (HMI) located on the vehicle dashboard or other suitable positions inside the vehicle. For example, the HMI may include a touch screen with a display function, etc. The user can input user instructions via the HMI. For example, the user instructions may indicate the desired tire pressure performance; an air pump 84, which is operable to suck and compress air from the external environment. Optionally, the air pump 84 can filter the air with a filter 86 located upstream of the air pump 84 and / or dry the compressed air with a dryer 88 located downstream of the air pump 84; a first valve 90; a main air path 92, which is fluidly connected to the air pump 84 via the first valve 90 and is used to transport the compressed air from the air pump 84; an exhaust device 94 with a silencing function; and a first air distribution path 96, which fluidly connects the exhaust device 94 to the main air path 92 via the first valve 90.

[0036] Hereinafter, "near" and "far from" are defined based on the air flow direction.

[0037] For example, the first valve 90 is configured as a two-position four-way solenoid valve. The main air path 92 is divided into a first section of the main air path 92a that is near to / fluidly connected to the air pump 84 and a second section of the main air path 92b that is far from the air pump 84. And the first air distribution path 96 is divided into a first section of the first air distribution path 96a that is near to the air pump 84 and a second section of the first air distribution path 96b that is far from the air pump 84. The first port a of the first valve 90 is fluidly connected to the first interface of the first section of the main air path 92a, the second port b of the first valve 90 is fluidly connected to the second interface of the second section of the main air path 92b, the third port c of the first valve 90 is fluidly connected to the first interface of the first section of the first air distribution path 96a, and the fourth port d of the first valve 90 is fluidly connected to the second interface of the second section of the first air distribution path 96b. When the first valve 90 is switched to the first position (as Figure 1 shown), the first port a and the second port b of the first valve 90 are opened, so that the first port a of the first valve 90 is unidirectionally fluidly connected to the second port b (i.e., the gas from the second port b of the first valve 90 cannot flow through the first port a), and the third port c and the fourth port d are closed. When the first valve 90 is switched to the second position, the first port a and the second port b of the first valve 90 are opened, so that the first port a of the first valve 90 is unidirectionally fluidly connected to the second port b, and the third port c and the fourth port d are opened, so that the third port c is fluidly connected to the fourth port d.

[0038] The exemplary inflation system 79 further includes: an air storage tank 98, which can store a certain amount of compressed air; a second valve 99; and a second air distribution path 100, which fluidly connects the air storage tank 98 to the main air path 92 via the second valve 99.

[0039] For example, the second valve 99 is configured as a two-position two-way solenoid valve, and the second air branch 100 is divided into a first-stage second air branch 100a that is close to / fluidly connected to the main air path 92 and a second-stage second air branch 100b that is far from the main air path 92. The first port a of the second valve 99 is fluidly connected to the first interface of the first-stage second air branch 100a, and the second port b of the second valve 99 is fluidly connected to the second interface of the second-stage second air branch 100b. When the second valve 99 is switched to the first position, for example, by the movement of the spool, the first port a and the second port b of the second valve 99 are opened so that the first port a of the second valve 99 is fluidly connected to the second port b. When the second valve 99 is switched to the second position (as Figure 1 shown), the first port a and the second port b of the second valve 99 are closed.

[0040] The inflation system 79 further includes: a plurality of third valves 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d; and a plurality of third air branches 104, 106, 108, 110. Each third air branch fluidly connects a corresponding air spring or a corresponding tire to the main air path 92 via a corresponding third valve.

[0041] For example, each third valve (e.g., the third valve 102a) is configured as a three-position three-way solenoid valve. A corresponding third air branch (e.g., the third air branch 104) is divided into a first-stage third air branch 104a that is close to / fluidly connected to the main air path 92, a second-stage third air branch 104b that is fluidly connected to the inside of a corresponding air spring (e.g., the air spring 80a), and a third-stage third air branch 104c that is fluidly connected to the inside of a corresponding tire (e.g., the tire 82a). The first port a of the third valve 102a is fluidly connected to the first interface of the first-stage third air branch 104a, the second port b of the third valve 102a is fluidly connected to the second interface of the second-stage third air branch 104b, and the third port c of the third valve 102a is fluidly connected to the third interface of the third-stage third air branch 104c. When the third valve 102a is switched to the first position, for example, by the movement of the spool, the first port a and the second port b of the third valve 102a are opened so that the first port a of the third valve 102a is fluidly connected to the second port b, and the third port c of the third valve 102a is closed. When the third valve 102a is switched to the second position (as Figure 1 shown), the first port a, the second port b, and the third port c of the third valve 102a are closed. When the third valve 102a is switched to the third position, the first port a and the third port c of the third valve 102a are opened so that the first port a of the third valve 102a is fluidly connected to the third port c, and the second port b of the third valve 102a is closed.

[0042] Due to the integration of the active tire pressure regulation system, the inflation system 79 further includes: a direct tire pressure monitoring system (DTPMS for short), which includes a plurality of tire sensors, and each tire sensor can be installed inside a corresponding tire, on the valve stem leading to the inside of a corresponding tire, and / or on the rim where a corresponding tire is mounted, for monitoring the tire pressure P1 of a corresponding tire. For example, the DTPMS sends the detected tire pressure P1 to a remote control receiving module (abbreviated as TCAM) via a wireless transmission signal; a plurality of air spring force sensors, and each air spring pressure sensor is configured to detect the air pressure P2 inside a corresponding air spring; and a control device, which includes a processor and a memory, and executable instructions are stored on the memory, and when the executable instructions are executed, the processor is caused to execute the steps that will be described in detail below.

[0043] The control device can be integrated in the suspension electronic control unit (abbreviated as SUM), or can be integrated in other suitable control units of the vehicle. The control device can obtain information related to the tire pressure P1 from the TCAM via a wired transmission signal. At the same time, the control device can also directly or via the CAN bus (Controller Area Network) obtain messages related to the air pressure P2 from the plurality of air spring pressure sensors. The control device will analyze this information to control the inflation and deflation of each air spring and each tire based on the analysis results, that is, control the stop and start of the air pump 84, and control the first valve 90, the second valve 99, and the plurality of third valves 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d to switch to different positions.

[0044] When the air pump 84 is turned on, the first valve 90 is in the first position, the second valve 99 is in the first position, and the plurality of third valves 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d are in the second position, the compressed air from the air pump 84 is delivered to the air storage tank 98 via the main air path 92 and the second branch air path 100.

[0045] When the air pump 84 is turned on, the first valve 90 is in the first position, the second valve 99 is in the second position, and at least one of the plurality of third valves 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d is in the first position, the compressed air from the air pump 84 is delivered to the inside of a corresponding air spring via the main air path 92, the corresponding first-section third branch air path, and the corresponding second-section third branch air path.

[0046] When the air pump 84 is turned on, the first valve 90 is in the first position, the second valve 99 is in the second position, and at least one of the plurality of third valves 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d is in the third position, the compressed air from the air pump 84 is delivered into the interior of a corresponding tire via the main air passage 92, the corresponding first-stage third air branch passage, and the corresponding third-stage third air branch passage.

[0047] When the air pump 84 is turned off, the first valve 90 is in the first position, the second valve 99 is in the first position, and at least one of the plurality of third valves 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d is in the first position, the compressed air from the air storage tank 98 is delivered into the interior of a corresponding air spring via the second air branch passage 100, the main air passage 92, the corresponding first-stage third air branch passage, and the corresponding second-stage third air branch passage.

[0048] When the air pump 84 is turned off, the first valve 90 is in the first position, the second valve 99 is in the first position, and at least one of the plurality of third valves 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d is in the third position, the compressed air from the air storage tank 98 is delivered into the interior of a corresponding tire via the second air branch passage 100, the main air passage 92, the corresponding first-stage third air branch passage, and the corresponding third-stage third air branch passage.

[0049] When the air pump 84 is turned off, the first valve 90 is in the second position, the second valve 99 is in the second position, and at least one of the plurality of third valves 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d is in the first position, the compressed air from the interior of a corresponding air spring is discharged via the corresponding second-stage third air branch passage, the corresponding first-stage third air branch passage, the main air passage 92, the first air branch passage 96, and the exhaust device 94.

[0050] When the air pump 84 is turned off, the first valve 90 is in the second position, the second valve 99 is in the second position, and at least one of the plurality of third valves 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d is in the third position, the compressed air from the interior of a corresponding tire is discharged via the corresponding third-stage third air branch passage, the corresponding first-stage third air branch passage, the main air passage 92, the first air branch passage 96, and the exhaust device 94.

[0051] Figure 7A flowchart of an inflation method is shown, which uses an inflation system 79 to inflate and deflate each tire 82a, 82b, 82c, 82d independently. It should be understood that based on the same process, the inflation system 79 can be used to inflate and deflate each air spring 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d independently. The key is that the inflation and deflation of each tire 82a, 82b, 82c, 82d and each air spring 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d use the same air source, and this air source was previously part of the suspension.

[0052] The inflation method includes the following steps:

[0053] Step S101. Obtain the vehicle speed V of the vehicle and determine a reference tire pressure S based on the vehicle speed V.

[0054] Step S102. Obtain a tire pressure P1 and determine the difference between the obtained tire pressure P1 and the determined reference tire pressure S. Optionally, the absolute value of the difference needs to be greater than a difference threshold.

[0055] Step S103. Determine whether the vehicle speed V is greater than a vehicle speed threshold (e.g., 10 km / h), whether the vehicle is not steering, and / or whether each door, engine hood, and trunk lid of the vehicle are closed, etc. For example, by means of a vehicle steering sensor, it can be detected whether the vehicle is steering, and by means of relevant sensors located on each door, engine hood, and trunk lid, it can be detected whether each door, engine hood, and trunk lid are closed.

[0056] If the judgment in step S103 is negative, that is, the vehicle speed V is less than or equal to the vehicle speed threshold, the vehicle is steering, or at least one of each door, engine hood, and trunk lid is not closed, it means that it is not suitable to adjust the tire pressure, that is, it is not suitable to inflate and deflate the tire, and it can return to step S101. Optionally, the user can be reminded of the reason why it is not suitable to adjust the tire pressure by means of an HMI, such as a touch screen, other display, or sound signal, etc.

[0057] If the judgment in step S103 is positive, that is, the vehicle speed V is greater than the vehicle speed threshold, the vehicle is not steering, and each door, engine hood, and trunk lid are closed, then it is judged in step S104 whether the difference is positive.

[0058] If it is judged in step S104 that the difference is positive, then air is released from the inside of the tire in step S105. For example, the control device can control the air pump 84 to close, the first solenoid valve 20 to be in / switch to the second position, the second solenoid valve 30 to be in / switch to the second position, and the third solenoid valve to be in / switch to the first position, so that the compressed air inside the tire can be discharged via the third third-branch air path of the third section, the first third-branch air path of the first section, the main air path 92, the first branch air path 96, and the exhaust device 94.

[0059] If it is determined in step S104 that the difference is not positive, i.e., it is negative, then air will be inflated into the tire next.

[0060] For example, in step S106, it is determined whether there is enough compressed air in the air storage tank 98 to inflate the tire interior based on the absolute value of the difference.

[0061] If it is determined in step S106 that there is enough compressed air, then in step S107, the compressed air in the air storage tank 98 is used to inflate the tire interior, i.e., the control device controls the air pump 84 to close, the first solenoid valve 20 to be in / switch to the first position, the second solenoid valve 30 to be in / switch to the first position, and the third solenoid valve to be in / switch to the third position, so that the compressed air in the air storage tank 98 is delivered to the tire interior via the second air distribution path 100, the main air path 92, the corresponding first-segment third air distribution path, and the corresponding third-segment third air distribution path.

[0062] If it is determined in step S106 that there is not enough compressed air, then in step S108, the compressed air from the air pump 84 is used to inflate the tire interior, i.e., the control device controls the air pump 84 to turn on, the first solenoid valve 20 to be in / switch to the first position, the second solenoid valve 30 to be in / switch to the second position, and the third solenoid valve to be in / switch to the third position, so that the compressed air from the air pump 84 is delivered to the tire interior via the main air path 92, the corresponding first-segment third air distribution path, and the corresponding third-segment third air distribution path.

[0063] Step S109. At an interval of, for example, T1, the tire pressure P1 is acquired again, and when the newly acquired tire pressure P1 is equal to the reference tire pressure S or close to the reference tire pressure S (i.e., the absolute value of the difference between the newly acquired tire pressure P1 and the reference tire pressure S is less than the difference threshold), the process ends.

[0064] The control device, particularly the processor of the control device, has been described in connection with various devices and methods. These processors can be implemented using electronic hardware, computer software, or any combination thereof. Whether these processors are implemented as hardware or software will depend on the specific application and the overall design constraints imposed on the system. As an example, the processors, any part of the processors, or any combination of the processors given in this application can be implemented as a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic device (PLD), a state machine, gate logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable processing components configured to perform the various functions described in this application. The functions of the processors, any part of the processors, or any combination of the processors given in this application can be implemented as software executed by a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a DSP, or other suitable platforms.

[0065] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of methods, apparatuses, and machine-readable storage media according to various embodiments of the present application. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, a segment of a program, or a part of an instruction, and the module, the segment of a program, or the part of an instruction contains one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function. In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur in a different order than noted in the accompanying drawings. For example, two consecutive blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagram and / or flowchart, and combinations of blocks in the block diagram and / or flowchart, can be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based unit that performs the specified function or action, or can be implemented by a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions. It is well known to those skilled in the art that implementation by hardware, implementation by software, and implementation by a combination of software and hardware are equivalent.

[0066] Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications and variations can be made to the above-disclosed embodiments without departing from the essence of the invention, and these modifications and variations should all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Moreover, the protection scope of the present invention should be defined by the claims.

[0067] Example of an item

[0068] Item 1. A tire inflation device, which is at least partially integrated into a wheel bearing 12. The wheel bearing 12 includes a stationary outer ring 16 and a rotatable inner ring 18. The tire inflation device includes: a mating port 30 that extends along a radial direction of the wheel bearing 12 through an axial end of the outer ring 16; a connector 32 configured to be in fluid communication with a gas source, the connector 32 being mated to the mating port 30 to define a first air passage 34; a second air passage 40 disposed in the inner ring 18 to be in fluid communication with the interior of the tire; and a sealing assembly 42 that includes a first sealing member 44 and a second sealing member 46. The first sealing member 44 includes a first end 50 that abuts against the axial end of the outer ring 16 along the radial direction, and the second sealing member 46 includes a second end 58 that abuts against the inner ring 18 along the radial direction. Wherein, the second sealing member 46 is rotatably mated to the first sealing member 44 to define an annular air passage 48, and the annular air passage 48 fluidly connects the first air passage 34 to the second air passage 40. When the inner ring 18 rotates, gas from the gas source can be delivered into the interior of the tire via the first air passage 34, the annular air passage 48, and the second air passage 40.

[0069] Item 2. The tire inflation device according to Item 1, wherein the first sealing member 44 includes a first lip 52 disposed opposite to the first end 50 along the radial direction and a first spring 56 acting on the first lip 52 to cause the first lip 52 to abut against a part of the second end 58 opposite to the inner ring 18, and the second sealing member 46 further includes a second lip 60 disposed opposite to the second end 58 along the radial direction and a second spring 64 acting on the second lip 60 to cause the second lip 60 to abut against a part of the first end 50 opposite to the axial end of the outer ring 16.

[0070] Item 3. The tire inflation device according to Item 2, wherein the first sealing member 44 includes a first labyrinth structure 54 connecting the first lip 52 to the first end 50, and the second sealing member 46 includes a second labyrinth structure 62 connecting the second lip 60 to the second end 58. When no gas from the gas source passes through the annular air passage 48, the first labyrinth structure 54 and the second labyrinth structure 62 are engaged with each other but do not contact each other to form a first meandering gap between the first sealing member 44 and the first sealing member 44. When the gas from the gas source passes through the annular air passage 48 to further enter the first meandering gap to apply a force to the first labyrinth structure 54, the first labyrinth structure 54 elastically deforms to at least partially contact the second labyrinth structure 62.

[0071] Item 4. The tire inflation device according to any one of Items 1 to 3, wherein the hub bearing 12 further includes rolling elements disposed in the space between the outer ring 16 and the inner ring 18, and the sealing assembly 42 includes two sealing assemblies 42 that together define the annular air passage 48. One of the two sealing assemblies 42 is configured to make the annular air passage 48 airtight with respect to the space, and the other of the two sealing assemblies 42 is configured to make the annular air passage 48 airtight with respect to the external environment.

[0072] Item 5. The tire inflation device according to any one of Items 1 to 3, wherein the hub bearing 12 further includes rolling elements disposed in a space between the outer ring 16 and the inner ring 18, and the sealing assembly 42 is configured to make the annular air passage 48 airtight with respect to the space, and the tire inflation device further includes a floating sealing assembly 67 disposed between a first axial end face 16a at an axial end of the outer ring 16 and a second axial end face 18a of the inner ring 18 axially opposite to the first axial end face 16a so as to make the annular air passage 48 airtight with respect to the external environment. The floating sealing assembly 67 includes: a first annular groove 66 formed on the first axial end face 16a; a second annular groove 68 formed on the second axial end face 18a to be axially opposite to the first annular groove 66; an annular skeleton 70; and a first sealing ring 72 and a second sealing ring 74 supported by the annular skeleton 70, wherein the first sealing ring 72 abuts against a wall of the first axial end face 16a forming the first annular groove 66 and the second sealing ring 74 abuts against a wall of the second axial end face 18a forming the second annular groove 68.

[0073] Item 6. The tire inflation device according to Item 5, further including an additional sealing assembly 75, the additional sealing assembly 75 including: a labyrinth protrusion 76 formed radially outwardly of the first annular groove 66 on the first axial end face 16a; and a third annular groove 78 formed on the second axial end face 18a, wherein the labyrinth protrusion 76 axially projects into the third annular groove 78 to form a second meandering gap between the first axial end face 16a and the second axial end face 18a.

[0074] Item 7. An inflation system 79 for a vehicle, the vehicle including a plurality of wheels and a plurality of air springs 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d for suspension, each wheel including a hub bearing and a tire 82a, 82b, 82c, 82d. The inflation system 79 includes: a gas source configured to supply gas for inflating each tire and each air spring; a tire inflation device according to any one of Items 1 to 6 configured for each tire, the tire inflation device being at least partially integrated into the hub bearing; and a control device configured to control inflation and deflation of each tire and each air spring, wherein the gas from the gas source is delivered to the interior of each tire via the tire inflation device.

[0075] Item 8. The inflation system 79 according to Item 7, wherein the air source includes an air pump 84 and an air storage tank 98, and the inflation system 79 further includes: a first valve 90 and a main air passage 92 fluidly connected to the air pump 84 via the first valve 90; an exhaust device 94 having a silencing function; a first branch air passage 96 that fluidly connects the exhaust device 94 to the main air passage 92 via the first valve 90; a second valve 99 and a second branch air passage 100 that fluidly connects the air storage tank 98 to the main air passage 92 via the second valve 99; and a plurality of third valves 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d and a plurality of third branch air passages 104, 106, 108, 110, each third branch air passage fluidly connecting a corresponding air spring or a corresponding tire to the main air passage 92 via a corresponding one of the third valves.

[0076] Item 9. The inflation system 79 according to Item 8, including at least one of the following:

[0077] The first valve 90 is a two-position four-way solenoid valve. The first port of the first valve 90 is fluidly connected to the first interface of the main air passage 92, the second port of the first valve 90 is fluidly connected to the second interface of the main air passage 92, the third port of the first valve 90 is fluidly connected to the first interface of the first branch air passage 96, and the fourth port of the first valve 90 is fluidly connected to the second interface of the first branch air passage 96. When the first valve 90 is in the first position, the first port and the second port of the first valve 90 are opened so that the first port of the first valve 90 is fluidly connected to the second port unidirectionally, and the third port and the fourth port of the first valve 90 are closed. When the first valve 90 is in the second position, the first port and the second port of the first valve 90 are opened so that the first port of the first valve 90 is fluidly connected to the second port unidirectionally, and the third port and the fourth port of the first valve 90 are opened so that the third port of the first valve 90 is fluidly connected to the fourth port;

[0078] The second valve 99 is a two-position two-way solenoid valve. The first port of the second valve 99 is fluidly connected to the first interface of the second branch air passage 100, and the second port of the second valve 99 is fluidly connected to the second interface of the second branch air passage 100. When the second valve 99 is in the first position, the first port and the second port of the second valve 99 are opened so that the first port of the second valve 99 is fluidly connected to the second port. When the second valve 99 is in the second position, the first port and the second port of the second valve 99 are closed; and

[0079] Each third valve is a three-position three-way solenoid valve. Corresponding to one third air branch, it includes a first section of the third air branch fluidly connected to the main air path 92, a second section of the third air branch fluidly connected to the inside of a corresponding air spring, and a third section of the third air branch fluidly connected to the inside of a corresponding tire. The first port of the third valve is fluidly connected to the first interface of the first section of the third air branch, the second port of the third valve is fluidly connected to the second interface of the second section of the third air branch, and the third port of the third valve is fluidly connected to the third interface of the third section of the third air branch. When the third valve is in the first position, the first port and the second port of the third valve are open and the third port is closed, so that the first port of the third valve is fluidly connected to the second port. When the third valve is in the second position, the first port, the second port, and the third port of the third valve are closed. When the third valve is in the third position, the first port and the third port of the third valve are open and the second port is closed, so that the first port of the third valve is fluidly connected to the third port.

[0080] Item 10. The inflation system 79 according to Item 9, wherein the control device is configured to control the air pump 84, the first valve 90, the second valve 99, and the plurality of third valves 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d to perform at least one of the following:

[0081] Turn on the air pump 84, place the first valve 90 in the first position, place the second valve 99 in the first position, and place the plurality of third valves 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d in the second position;

[0082] Turn on the air pump 84, place the first valve 90 in the first position, place the second valve 99 in the second position, and place at least one of the plurality of third valves 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d in the first position or the third position;

[0083] Turn off the air pump 84, place the first valve 90 in the first position, place the second valve 99 in the first position, and place at least one of the plurality of third valves 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d in the first position or the third position; and

[0084] Turn off the air pump 84, place the first valve 90 in the second position, place the second valve 99 in the second position, and place at least one of the plurality of third valves 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d in the first position or the third position.

[0085] Item 11. An inflation method implemented using the inflation system 79 according to any one of Items 7-10, in which inflation and deflation are performed independently for each tire when the control device determines that the vehicle speed of the vehicle is greater than a vehicle speed threshold, the vehicle is not steering, and all doors, the engine hood, and the trunk lid of the vehicle are closed.

Claims

1. A tire inflation device, which is at least partially integrated into a wheel hub bearing (12), the wheel hub bearing (12) comprising a stationary outer ring (16) and a rotatable inner ring (18), characterized in that, The tire inflation device includes: A mating port (30) that extends radially along the hub bearing (12) through an axial end of the outer ring (16); A connector (32) configured to be in fluid communication with a gas source, the connector (32) being mated to the mating port (30) to define a first air passage (34); A second air passage (40) disposed in the inner ring (18) to be in fluid communication with the interior of the tire; and A seal assembly (42) that includes a first seal member (44) and a second seal member (46), the first seal member (44) including a first end (50) that abuts against the axial end of the outer ring (16) along the radial direction, and the second seal member (46) including a second end (58) that abuts against the inner ring (18) along the radial direction, wherein the second seal member (46) is rotatably mated to the first seal member (44) to define an annular air passage (48) that fluidly communicates the first air passage (34) with the second air passage (40), and when the inner ring (18) rotates, gas from the gas source can be delivered into the interior of the tire via the first air passage (34), the annular air passage (48), and the second air passage (40).

2. The tire inflation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first seal member (44) further includes a first lip (52) disposed opposite the first end (50) along the radial direction and a first spring (56) acting on the first lip (52) to cause the first lip (52) to abut against a portion of the second end (58) opposite the inner ring (18), and the second seal member (46) further includes a second lip (60) disposed opposite the second end (58) along the radial direction and a second spring (64) acting on the second lip (60) to cause the second lip (60) to abut against a portion of the first end (50) opposite the axial end of the outer ring (16).

3. The tire inflation device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first seal member (44) includes a first labyrinth structure (54) that connects the first lip (52) to the first end (50) and the second seal member (46) includes a second labyrinth structure (62) that connects the second lip (60) to the second end (58), and when there is no gas from the gas source passing through the annular air passage (48), the first labyrinth structure (54) and the second labyrinth structure (62) engage with each other but do not contact each other to form a first meandering gap between the first seal member (44) and the first seal member (44), and when the gas from the gas source passes through the annular air passage (48) to further enter the first meandering gap to apply a force to the first labyrinth structure (54), the first labyrinth structure (54) elastically deforms to at least partially contact the second labyrinth structure (62).

4. The tire inflation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The hub bearing (12) further includes rolling elements disposed in the space between the outer ring (16) and the inner ring (18), and the sealing assembly (42) includes two sealing assemblies (42) that together define the annular air passage (48). One of the two sealing assemblies (42) is configured to make the annular air passage (48) airtight with respect to the space, and the other of the two sealing assemblies (42) is configured to make the annular air passage (48) airtight with respect to the external environment.

5. The tire inflation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The hub bearing (12) further includes rolling elements disposed in the space between the outer ring (16) and the inner ring (18), and the sealing assembly (42) is configured to make the annular air passage (48) airtight with respect to the space. The tire inflation device further includes a floating sealing assembly (67) disposed between a first axial end face (16a) of the axial end of the outer ring (16) and a second axial end face (18a) of the inner ring (18) axially opposite to the first axial end face (16a) to make the annular air passage (48) airtight with respect to the external environment. The floating sealing assembly (67) includes: A first annular groove (66) formed in the first axial end face (16a); A second annular groove (68) formed in the second axial end face (18a) axially opposite to the first annular groove (66); An annular skeleton (70); and A first sealing ring (72) and a second sealing ring (74) supported by the annular skeleton (70), the first sealing ring (72) abutting against the wall of the first axial end face (16a) forming the first annular groove (66) and the second sealing ring (74) abutting against the wall of the second axial end face (18a) forming the second annular groove (68).

6. The tire inflation device according to claim 5, characterized in that, An additional sealing assembly (75) is further included, and the additional sealing assembly (75) includes: A labyrinth projection (76) formed radially outwardly of the first annular groove (66) on the first axial end face (16a); and A third annular groove (78) formed in the second axial end face (18a), the labyrinth projection (76) axially protruding into the third annular groove (78) to form a second meandering gap between the first axial end face (16a) and the second axial end face (18a).

7. An inflation system (79) for a vehicle, the vehicle including a plurality of wheels and a plurality of air springs (80a, 80b, 80c, 80d) for a suspension, each wheel including a hub bearing and a tire (82a, 82b, 82c, 82d), characterized in that, The inflation system (79) includes: A gas source configured to supply gas for inflating each tire and each air spring; A tire inflation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 configured for each tire, the tire inflation device being at least partially integrated with the hub bearing; and A control device configured to control the inflation and deflation of each tire and each air spring, wherein the gas from the gas source is delivered to the interior of each tire via the tire inflation device.

8. The inflation system (79) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The gas source includes an air pump (84) and a gas storage tank (98), and the inflation system (79) further includes: The first valve (90) and the main air path (92) that is in fluid communication with the air pump (84) via the first valve (90); An exhaust device (94) having a sound absorption function; The first branch air path (96) that fluidly connects the exhaust device (94) to the main air path (92) via the first valve (90); The second valve (99) and the second branch air path (100) that fluidly connects the air storage tank (98) to the main air path (92) via the second valve (99); and A plurality of third valves (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d) and a plurality of third branch air paths (104, 106, 108, 110), each third branch air path fluidly connecting a corresponding air spring or a corresponding tire to the main air path (92) via a corresponding one of the third valves.

9. The inflation system (79) according to claim 8, wherein Comprising at least one of the following: The first valve (90) is a two-position four-way solenoid valve. The first port of the first valve (90) is fluidly connected to the first interface of the main air path (92), the second port of the first valve (90) is fluidly connected to the second interface of the main air path (92), the third port of the first valve (90) is fluidly connected to the first interface of the first branch air path (96), and the fourth port of the first valve (90) is fluidly connected to the second interface of the first branch air path (96). When the first valve (90) is in the first position, the first port and the second port of the first valve (90) are open so that the first port of the first valve (90) is fluidly connected to the second port unidirectionally, and the third port and the fourth port of the first valve (90) are closed. When the first valve (90) is in the second position, the first port and the second port of the first valve (90) are open so that the first port of the first valve (90) is fluidly connected to the second port unidirectionally, and the third port and the fourth port of the first valve (90) are open so that the third port of the first valve (90) is fluidly connected to the fourth port; The second valve (99) is a two-position two-way solenoid valve. The first port of the second valve (99) is fluidly connected to the first interface of the second branch air path (100), the second port of the second valve (99) is fluidly connected to the second interface of the second branch air path (100). When the second valve (99) is in the first position, the first port and the second port of the second valve (99) are open so that the first port of the second valve (99) is fluidly connected to the second port. When the second valve (99) is in the second position, the first port and the second port of the second valve (99) are closed; and Each third valve is a three-position three-way solenoid valve. A corresponding third air branch includes a first section of the third air branch fluidly connected to the main air path (92), a second section of the third air branch fluidly connected to the inside of a corresponding air spring, and a third section of the third air branch fluidly connected to the inside of a corresponding tire. A first port of the third valve is fluidly connected to a first interface of the first section of the third air branch, a second port of the third valve is fluidly connected to a second interface of the second section of the third air branch, and a third port of the third valve is fluidly connected to a third interface of the third section of the third air branch. When the third valve is in the first position, the first port and the second port of the third valve are open and the third port is closed, so that the first port of the third valve is fluidly connected to the second port. When the third valve is in the second position, the first port, the second port, and the third port of the third valve are closed. When the third valve is in the third position, the first port and the third port of the third valve are open and the second port is closed, so that the first port of the third valve is fluidly connected to the third port.

10. The inflation system (79) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The control device is configured to control the air pump (84), the first valve (90), the second valve (99), and the plurality of third valves (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d) to perform at least one of the following: Turn on the air pump (84), place the first valve (90) in the first position, place the second valve (99) in the first position, and place the plurality of third valves (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d) in the second position; Turn on the air pump (84), place the first valve (90) in the first position, place the second valve (99) in the second position, and place at least one of the plurality of third valves (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d) in the first position or the third position; Turn off the air pump (84), place the first valve (90) in the first position, place the second valve (99) in the first position, and place at least one of the plurality of third valves (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d) in the first position or the third position; and Turn off the air pump (84), place the first valve (90) in the second position, place the second valve (99) in the second position, and place at least one of the plurality of third valves (102a, 102b, 102c, 102d) in the first position or the third position.

11. An inflation method implemented using the inflation system (79) according to any one of claims 7 - 10, characterized in that, In the inflation method, when the control device determines that the vehicle speed of the vehicle is greater than a vehicle speed threshold, the vehicle is not steering, and all doors, the engine hood, and the trunk lid of the vehicle are closed, each tire is inflated and deflated independently.

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