Wheel cleaning device for cleaning the rims of a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a rim cleaning device for cleaning the rims of a vehicle, in particular for cleaning rims while the vehicle is in motion, comprising at least one holding body for mechanically fixed mounting on a wheel suspension of the vehicle, such that the holding body is mounted behind the tire and its rim inside the vehicle when viewed from the outside, wherein at least one fluid nozzle is arranged on the holding body, the main direction of which is directed at the rim at a predefinable angle.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a rim cleaning device for cleaning rims of a vehicle.

[0002] Vehicle rims usually need to be cleaned separately and manually to achieve a sufficient cleaning effect.

[0003] The basic problem is that rims get dirty quite quickly, even after a short drive. This is especially true for front axle rims, which is also caused by brake dust from the brake shoes.

[0004] The premature and rapid soiling of the rims is caused and triggered, among other things, by brake dust.

[0005] This means you would have to go to the car wash much earlier or clean the rims manually, even though the vehicle itself is still clean.

[0006] This invention allows the rims to be kept clean throughout, preventing stubborn dirt from accumulating.

[0007] The invention ensures that the rims remain "permanently" clean, so that the entire vehicle only needs to be taken to a car wash when necessary, thus eliminating the need for manual cleaning / re-cleaning.

[0008] The object of the invention is now to propose an inexpensive and reliable cleaning method and the corresponding device for this purpose, in order to remove dirt from a rim using only machine-operated devices without manual cleaning, in particular without manual re-cleaning.

[0009] This problem is solved by the present invention.

[0010] The device for cleaning vehicle rims allows cleaning to be carried out without manual intervention.

[0011] According to the invention, the rim cleaning device for cleaning rims of a vehicle, in particular for cleaning rims while the vehicle is moving, comprises at least one holding body for mechanically fixed mounting on a wheel suspension of the vehicle or on screw connections of the brake shoes and / or brake callipers, so that the holding body is mounted behind the tire and its rim in a vehicle interior, viewed from the outside, wherein at least one fluid nozzle is arranged on the holding body, the main jet direction of which is aimed at the rim at a predeterminable angle.

[0012] In addition, the rim cleaning device for cleaning rims of a vehicle comprises at least one fluid reservoir in which a cleaning fluid is stored and at least one fluid pump which applies a predeterminable pressure to the cleaning fluid and presses it into the fluid nozzle via at least one fluid hose, so that the cleaning fluid is then sprayed under pressure from the inside onto a predeterminable surface zone of the rim and / or the tire, wherein the cleaning fluid is free, in particular completely free, of substances which remove lubrication and decompose the material of the brake disc and brake shoes.

[0013] It is conceivable that the device has only one central fluid pump, which pumps fluid to all nozzles or even the windshield washer system. In this case, the device could only include one fluid pump, for example, the windshield washer fluid pump that is standard equipment in the vehicle. However, it is also conceivable that one fluid pump could be assigned to a specific nozzle or set of nozzles. This could lead to cost savings.

[0014] According to at least one embodiment, the cleaning fluid is water, in particular tap water, rainwater (a separate container with a filter fills up when it rains), and in particular is further free of soap additives and / or antifreeze additives.

[0015] According to at least one embodiment, the fluid nozzle is movable and / or extendable and retractable, and is thus, for example, attached closer to the rim on the bracket, so that a main spray direction of the fluid nozzle is adjustable and, for example, is coordinated with, and in particular dependent on, the angular velocity of the rim and / or the tire.

[0016] According to at least one embodiment, the fluid nozzle(s) are fixed or movable, for example rotating / circulating, directly attached to the hose supply line and secured to the bracket, so that direct radiation is directed onto the rims. Each nozzle can be controlled separately and individually by the control unit. Each nozzle can then be mounted on the bracket in such a way that it controls and / or regulates an independent movement, for example, rotation of the nozzle to adjust the main radiation direction, a jet intensity, and also the timing of the jet emission.

[0017] According to at least one embodiment, the holding body can be fastened by means of a mechanically fixed fastening element that is detachable from the wheel suspension, and furthermore, the holding body is designed such that it can be mounted with one end on the wheel suspension and / or the suspension of the brake shoes or the wheel axle sleeve and thus even behind the brake disc inside the vehicle, but a second end of the holding body runs around the brake disc from the inside, outside and is then positioned between the brake disc and the tire and / or rim interior, and at this second end the fluid nozzle can then spray at the adjustable angle.

[0018] According to at least one embodiment, the holding body is formed with a metal and / or a plastic.

[0019] According to at least one embodiment, the rim cleaning device comprises at least one sensor device which is designed and provided to measure a surface moisture and / or a surface dryness and / or a degree of soiling of at least surfaces of the rim which are visible from the inside.

[0020] According to at least one embodiment, the rim cleaning device comprises at least one sensor device which has at least one moisture sensor and / or optical sensor.

[0021] According to at least one embodiment, at least one sensor of the sensor device is arranged at the second end of the holding device, and by means of an optical measurement and a concomitant alignment of the sensor to a specific surface section of an inner surface of the rim, a degree of contamination can be determined, in particular measured.

[0022] According to at least one embodiment, the rim cleaning device comprises at least one control unit which stores the degree of moisture and / or the degree of soiling, and depending on whether a limit value for moisture and / or soiling is exceeded or fallen below, activates the pump device so that the cleaning fluid is sprayed under pressure from one direction from the inside for a predetermined time.

[0023] According to at least one embodiment, the rim cleaning device comprises at least one control unit which, after a specified number of braking maneuvers on the vehicle or after specified kilometers driven, automatically activates the pump device when the vehicle is in motion and within a certain speed range (e.g., between 30 km / h and 80 km / h), so that the cleaning fluid is sprayed under pressure from the inside for a predetermined time.

[0024] In at least one embodiment, the cleaning of the rims is controlled so that each wheel is cleaned individually, for example, one after the other (possibly with a delay of several seconds). This also allows for a pump with low pressure build-up (which can prove more cost-effective) (the pressure is not distributed) and also serves a safety purpose, ensuring that the brake discs do not get wet at the same time, and the braking effect is not impaired or remains unchanged.

[0025] According to at least one embodiment, the rim cleaning device comprises at least one control unit which, after a specified number of braking maneuvers on the vehicle or after specified kilometers driven, automatically activates the pump device (4) when the vehicle is in motion and within a specific speed range (e.g., between 30 km / h and 80 km / h), so that the cleaning fluid is sprayed under pressure from the inside for a predetermined time, the cleaning of the rims being controlled in such a way that each wheel is cleaned, for example, simultaneously or individually, i.e., one after the other (possibly with a delay of several seconds).

[0026] According to at least one embodiment, the rim cleaning device comprises a method for cleaning rims, in particular for cleaning rims while the vehicle is moving.

[0027] The method for cleaning rims, in particular for cleaning rims while the vehicle is in motion, comprising a rim cleaning device for cleaning the rims of a vehicle, in particular for cleaning rims while the vehicle is in motion, especially according to claim 1, which comprises the following steps: Commissioning of the rim cleaning device, wherein the rim cleaning device comprises at least one holding body for mechanically fixed mounting on a wheel suspension and / or on the inner surface of the wheel arch of the vehicle or on the screw connections of the brake shoes and / or brake calipers, such that the holding body is mounted behind the tire and its rim inside the vehicle when viewed from the outside, wherein at least one fluid nozzle is arranged on the holding body, the main spray direction of which is directed at the rim at a predefinable angle, and comprises at least one fluid reservoir in which a cleaning fluid is stored, and at least one fluid pump which pressurizes the cleaning fluid with a predefinable pressure and forces it into the fluid nozzle via at least one fluid hose, so that the cleaning fluid is subsequently sprayed under pressure from the inside onto a predefinable surface area of ​​the rim and / or the tire.wherein the cleaning fluid is free of substances that abrasive the lubricant and degrade the material of the brake disc and brake shoes, and wherein in a next step the cleaning fluid is sprayed onto the inside of the rim under pressure by means of separate manual and / or control or fully automatically.

[0028] The invention described here will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures and the accompanying description.

[0029] The Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a brake disc 7 with a brake caliper 11 and the brake shoes 12.

[0030] Fig. 1 shows a rim cleaning device for cleaning the rims of a vehicle 100, in particular for cleaning rims while the vehicle is moving. The device comprises at least one holding body 1 for mechanically fixed mounting on a wheel suspension of the vehicle, so that the holding body 1, viewed from the outside, is mounted behind the tire and its rim in a vehicle interior. At least one fluid nozzle 2 is arranged on the holding body 1, the main jet direction H of which is directed at the rim at a predeterminable angle. For example, the holding body is U-shaped.

[0031] Fig. 1 shows that at least one fluid reservoir 3, in which a cleaning fluid is stored, is arranged, and at least one fluid pump 4, which applies a predeterminable pressure to the cleaning fluid and presses it into the fluid nozzle 2 via at least one fluid hose 5, so that the cleaning fluid is then sprayed under pressure from the inside onto a predeterminable surface zone of the rim and / or the tire, wherein the cleaning fluid is free of substances that remove lubrication and decompose the material of the brake disc 7 and brake shoes (12).

[0032] Fig. 1 also shows that the cleaning fluid is water, in particular tap water, rainwater (separate container with filter fills up when it rains) and in particular is free of soap additives and / or antifreeze additives and that the fluid nozzle 2 is attached to the holder 6 in a movable manner, for example rotating, or extending and retracting (thus closer to the rim), so that a main jet direction H of the fluid nozzle 2 is adjustable and, for example, is coordinated with, in particular dependent on, the angular velocity of the rim and / or the tire.

[0033] The fluid nozzle(s) are fixed or movable, for example rotating / circulating, directly attached to the hose supply and fixed to the bracket so that direct radiation occurs on the rims.

[0034] In addition, Fig. 1, that the holding body 1 can be fastened by means of a mechanically strong fastening element which can however be detachably removed from the wheel suspension, and further wherein the holding body 1 is designed such that it can be mounted with one end on the wheel suspension and / or the suspension of the brake shoes 12 or the wheel axle sleeve and thus even behind the brake disc 7 in the vehicle interior, but a second end of the holding body 8 runs around the brake disc 7 from the inside and outside and is then positioned between the brake disc 7 and the inside of the tire and / or rim, and at this second end 8 the fluid nozzle 2 can then be sprayed at the adjustable angle, wherein the holding body 1 is formed with a metal and / or a plastic.

[0035] Fig. 1 also includes at least one sensor device 9 which is designed and intended to measure surface moisture, and / or surface dryness and / or degree of soiling at least from internally visible surfaces of the rim, wherein at least one sensor device 9 is present which has at least one moisture sensor 13, and / or optical sensor 13.

[0036] Fig. Figure 1 also shows that at least one sensor 13 of the sensor device 9 is arranged at the second end of the holding device 8, and that by means of an optical measurement and an associated alignment of the sensor 13 with a specific surface section of an inner surface of the rim, a degree of soiling can be determined, in particular measured.

[0037] Fig. 1 also shows at least one control unit 10 which stores the degree of humidity and / or the degree of contamination and, depending on whether a limit value for humidity and / or contamination is exceeded or not reached, puts the pump device 4 into operation so that the cleaning fluid is sprayed under pressure from a direction from the inside for a predetermined time.

[0038] The wheel rim cleaning device 100 shown also shows at least one control unit 10 which, after a specified number of braking operations on the vehicle or after a specified number of kilometers driven, automatically puts the pump device 4 into operation when the vehicle is in motion and within a certain speed range (e.g., between 30 km / h - 80 km / h), so that the cleaning fluid is sprayed under pressure from a direction from the inside for a specified time.

[0039] Rim cleaning is controlled so that each wheel is cleaned individually, one after the other (possibly with a delay of several seconds). This also allows for a low-pressure pump (which can prove more cost-effective) (the pressure is not distributed) and also serves as a safety measure, preventing the brake discs from getting wet at the same time, thus ensuring that the braking effect is not impaired or remains unchanged.

[0040] In addition, Fig. 1. A method for cleaning rims 1000, in particular for cleaning rims while the vehicle is in motion, comprising a rim cleaning device 100 for cleaning rims of a vehicle, in particular for cleaning rims while the vehicle is in motion, in particular according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: commissioning the rim cleaning device 100, wherein the rim cleaning device 100 comprises at least one holding body 1 for mechanically fixed mounting on a wheel suspension of the vehicle, such that the holding body 1 is mounted behind the tire and its rim inside the vehicle when viewed from the outside, wherein at least one fluid nozzle 2 is arranged on the holding body 1, the main jet direction H of which is directed at the rim at a predefinable angle, with at least one fluid reservoir 3 in which a cleaning fluid is stored, and at least one fluid pump 4 which pressurizes the cleaning fluid with a predefinable pressure.and presses the cleaning fluid into the fluid nozzle 2 via at least one fluid hose 5, so that the cleaning fluid is subsequently sprayed under pressure from the inside onto a predefinable surface area of ​​the rim and / or the tire, wherein the cleaning fluid is free of substances that abrasive the lubrication and that degrade the material of the brake disc 7 and brake shoes 12, and further, wherein in a next step, the cleaning fluid is sprayed under pressure from the inside onto the rim by means of separate manual control or fully automatically.

[0041] Fig. 2 shows that the holding body 1 can be fastened by means of a mechanically strong fastening element which can nevertheless be detached from the wheel suspension, and further wherein the holding body 1 is designed in such a way that, although one end can be mounted on the wheel suspension and / or the suspension of the brake shoes 12 or the wheel axle sleeve and thus even behind the brake disc 7 in the vehicle interior, a second end of the holding body 8 runs around the brake disc 7 from the inside and outside and is then positioned between the brake disc 7 and the inside of the tire and / or rim, and at this second end 8 the fluid nozzle 2 can then be sprayed at the adjustable angle, wherein the holding body 1 is formed from a metal and / or a plastic.

[0042] Fig. 2 also includes at least one sensor device 9 which is designed and intended to measure surface moisture, and / or surface dryness and / or degree of soiling at least from internally visible surfaces of the rim, wherein at least one sensor device 9 is present which has at least one moisture sensor 13, and / or optical sensor 13.

[0043] Fig. 2 also shows that at least one sensor 13 of the sensor device 9 is arranged at the second end of the holding device 8, and by means of an optical measurement and a concomitant alignment of the sensor 13 to a specific surface section of an inner surface of the rim, a degree of contamination can be determined, in particular measured.

[0044] Fig. 2 also includes at least one control unit 10 which stores the degree of moisture and / or the degree of contamination, and depending on whether a limit value for moisture and / or contamination is exceeded or fallen below, the pump device 4 is put into operation so that the cleaning fluid is sprayed under pressure from one direction from the inside for a specified time.

[0045] Fig. 3A shows that, unlike the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the holding body 1 is mounted on the inner surface of a wheel housing. The holding body can be extended and retracted, rotated, and controlled separately.

[0046] In the Fig. In contrast to the previous figures, Figure 3B shows a further embodiment of the present invention in a roughly schematic manner.

[0047] As can be seen there, the holding body and in particular the mounting screws or other fastening means of the holding body are located at least partially inside the wheel housing and are fastened there. The holding body therefore runs from the inside of the wheel housing at least partially towards the outside, i.e. outside the entire body. This can be initiated by means of a control or monitoring element. The holding body therefore moves from inside the body to the outside and projects over a certain space, in particular projects away from the body in a vertical direction. The corresponding nozzle is now mounted at the other end, i.e. at the end of the holding body located outside the body. Wheel rims can therefore be cleaned when the vehicle is stationary or while driving.The corresponding cleaning fluid is therefore sprayed onto the rim from the outside, preferably under pressure generated by the fluid pump. The holder and / or the nozzle can be arranged so that they rotate or are otherwise movable at the end of the holder, allowing a particularly customized adjustment of the main jet direction of the nozzle located outside the body.

[0048] The Fig. Figure 3C shows the Fig.Figure 3B shows the arrangement from a longitudinal perspective along the vehicle body and further illustrates that the nozzle is extended from outside the body. For example, the mounting bracket can be extended and / or folded out of the body by a special mechanism located inside the body compartment. It can be seen that the nozzle is then always positioned outside the vehicle during the cleaning process. Once the cleaning process is complete, the nozzle, along with the mounting bracket, is retracted back into the vehicle body. List of reference symbols 100 Rim cleaning device for cleaning the rims of a vehicle 1 holding body 2 Fluid nozzles 3 Fluid reservoir 4 Fluid pump 5 Fluid hose 6 Bracket 7 brake disc 8 second end of the holding body 9 Sensor device 10 Control unit 11 brake caliper 12 brake shoes 13 Sensor 1000 methods for cleaning rims H Main radiation direction

Claims

[1] Rim cleaning device for cleaning rims of a vehicle (100), in particular for cleaning rims while the vehicle is moving, comprising - at least one holding body (1) for mechanically fixed mounting on a wheel suspension and / or on the inner surface of the wheel housing of the vehicle or on screw connections of the brake shoes and / or brake callipers, so that the holding body (1) is mounted behind the tire and its rim in a vehicle interior, viewed from the outside, wherein at least one fluid nozzle (2) is arranged on the holding body (1), the main jet direction (H) of which is directed at the rim at a predeterminable angle, - at least one fluid reservoir (3) in which a cleaning fluid is stored, - at least one fluid pump (4) which applies a predeterminable pressure to the cleaning fluid and presses it into the fluid nozzle (2) via at least one fluid hose (5), so that the cleaning fluid is subsequently sprayed under pressure from the inside onto a predeterminable surface zone of the rim and / or the tire, wherein - the cleaning fluid is free from substances that remove lubrication and decompose the material of the brake disc (7) and brake shoes (12). [2] Rim cleaning device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning fluid is water, in particular tap water, rainwater (container and / or reservoir with filter fills up when it rains) and in particular further free, further in particular completely free, of soap additives and / or antifreeze additives. [3] Rim cleaning device (100) according to claim 2, wherein the fluid nozzle (2) is movable, for example rotating, and / or extending and retracting and is thus fastened to the holder (6) closer to the rim, so that a main jet direction (H) of the fluid nozzle (2) is adjustable and, for example, is coordinated with, in particular dependent on, the angular velocity of the rim and / or the tire. [4] Rim cleaning device (100) as a cost-effective variant according to claim 2, wherein the fluid nozzle(s) (2) is fixedly or movably, for example rotating / circulating, attached directly to the hose supply line and fastened to the holder, so that direct radiation onto rims occurs. [5] Rim cleaning device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding body (1) can be fastened by means of a mechanically strong fastening element which can, however, be detachably detached from the wheel suspension and / or the wheel housing, and further wherein the holding body (1) is designed such that, although it can be mounted with one end on the wheel suspension and / or the suspension of the brake shoes (12) or the wheel axle sleeve and thus even behind the brake disc (7) in the vehicle interior, a second end of the holding body (8) surrounds the brake disc (7) from the inside and outside and is then positioned between the brake disc (7) and the inside of the tire and / or rim, and can then spray the fluid nozzle (2) at the adjustable angle at this second end (8). [6] Rim cleaning device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the holding body (1) is formed with a metal and / or a plastic and / or composite material. [7] Rim cleaning device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one sensor device (9) which is designed and provided to measure a surface moisture and / or a surface dryness and / or a degree of soiling of at least surfaces of the rim that are visible from the inside. [8] Rim cleaning device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one sensor device (9) which has at least one moisture sensor (13) and / or optical sensor (13) (e.g. contrast sensor). [9] Rim cleaning device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one sensor (13) of the sensor device (9) is arranged at the second end of the holding device (8), and by means of an optical measurement and an associated alignment of the sensor (13) to a specific surface section of an inner surface of the rim, a degree of soiling can be determined, in particular measured. [10] Rim cleaning device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one control unit (10) which stores the degree of moisture and / or the degree of soiling and, depending on whether a limit value for moisture and / or soiling is exceeded or not reached, puts the pump device (4) into operation so that the cleaning fluid is sprayed under pressure from a direction from the inside for a predetermined time. [11] Rim cleaning device (100) according to at least one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one control unit (10) which, after a specified number of braking operations on the vehicle or after a specified number of kilometers driven, automatically puts the pump device (4) into operation when the vehicle is in motion and within a certain speed range (e.g. between 30 km / h - 80 km / h), so that the cleaning fluid is sprayed under pressure from a direction from the inside for a specified time, wherein the cleaning of the rims is controlled in such a way that each wheel is cleaned simultaneously, or individually, one after the other (possibly with a delay of several seconds). [12] Method for cleaning rims (1000), in particular for cleaning rims while the vehicle is traveling, comprising a rim cleaning device (100) for cleaning rims of a vehicle, in particular for cleaning rims while the vehicle is traveling, in particular according to claim 1, comprising the steps: - Commissioning of the rim cleaning device (100), wherein the rim cleaning device (100) has at least one holding body (1) for mechanically fixed mounting on a wheel suspension of the vehicle and / or on the inner surface of the wheel housing of the vehicle or on screw connections of the brake shoes and / or brake callipers, so that the holding body (1) is mounted behind the tire and its rim in a vehicle interior, viewed from the outside, wherein at least one fluid nozzle (2) is arranged on the holding body (1), the main jet direction (H) of which is aimed at the rim at a predeterminable angle, - at least one fluid reservoir (3) in which a cleaning fluid is stored, - at least one fluid pump (4) which applies a predeterminable pressure to the cleaning fluid and presses it into the fluid nozzle (2) via at least one fluid hose (5), so that the cleaning fluid is subsequently sprayed under pressure from the inside onto a predeterminable surface zone of the rim and / or the tire, wherein - the cleaning fluid is free of substances that remove lubrication and decompose the material of the brake disc (7) and brake shoes (12), and wherein in a next step, - the cleaning fluid is sprayed under pressure onto the rim from the inside by means of separate manual and / or manual control / monitoring or fully automatically.

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