Device for measuring tire pressure, tire tube or rim for receiving such a device, and tire tube or rim with such a device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for detecting tire pressure, wherein the device (10) comprises a valve housing (20), a radio module (30), a sensor unit (40) with a pressure sensor element, and an energy storage element (50), wherein the valve housing (20) comprises a first section (21) and a second section (22), wherein the first section (21) is cylindrical and wherein a valve insert (60) is at least partially inserted into the valve housing (20) at a first end of the first section (21), and wherein the second section (22) is arranged at a second end of the first section (21) opposite the first end of the first section (21) and is at least partially wider, in particular twice as wide, than the first section (21), and wherein the sensor unit (40) and / or the energy storage element (50) are arranged at least partially within the second section (22).and wherein the second section (22) has a connecting element (23) for connection with a mating connecting element (123). The invention also relates to a tire tube (100) or a rim for receiving a device (10) for detecting tire pressure.

Description

State of the art

[0001] A tire pressure sensor is an important component of modern vehicles, used to measure and monitor tire pressure. Proper tire pressure significantly contributes to improving vehicle safety, efficiency, and driving comfort, while simultaneously extending tire lifespan. Tire pressure sensors are used not only in cars and trucks, but also, for example, in bicycles and bicycle trailers. Data transmission from the tire pressure sensor to an external receiver or device is typically wireless.

[0002] Depending on whether a tire is designed without a tube (called a "tubeless tire") or with a tube (called a "tubular tire"), the typical mounting location and setup for the associated tire pressure sensor may differ.

[0003] With tubeless tires, the tire pressure sensor is typically mounted inside the rim at the valve. The sensor itself comprises a housing containing the circuit board with a wireless interface, the pressure sensor, and the battery, and is shaped to fit snugly against the rim. The sensor housing is not visible from the outside; only the valve protrudes from the rim.

[0004] With tubular tires, the tire pressure sensor is typically not located in the rim, but is screwed onto the valve stem that protrudes from the rim. The sensor housing contains a circuit board with a wireless interface, a pressure sensor, and the battery.

[0005] Furthermore, the device must have a connection to the tire pressure monitoring system so that the pressure can be measured. The advantage of this mounting option is that it can also be easily retrofitted.

[0006] However, especially with tubular tires, the current state of the art as a retrofit option presents several problems. There is a risk that the sensor can be easily removed and stolen, as it is clearly visible from the outside. Furthermore, it is typically quite large and, due to its visibility, often considered an aesthetic flaw by the user. Additionally, such a tire pressure sensor can cause an imbalance in the tire. Another disadvantage is that the sensor is only protected from external influences, such as mechanical impacts, by the sensor housing.

[0007] In contrast, tubeless tires often present the problem that, especially with bicycle tires, the inner rim width is sometimes very narrow (e.g. 13mm inner width), which makes it difficult to mount a tire pressure sensor in the rim using state-of-the-art technology.

[0008] The invention aims to solve, or at least reduce or optimize, the aforementioned problems in the prior art. Disclosure of the invention

[0009] The invention relates to a device for detecting tire pressure, wherein the device comprises a valve housing, a radio module, a sensor unit with a pressure sensor element, and an energy storage element, wherein the valve housing has a first section and a second section, wherein the first section is cylindrical and wherein a valve insert is at least partially inserted into the valve housing at a first end of the first section, and wherein the second section is arranged at a second end of the first section opposite the first end of the first section and is at least partially wider, in particular twice as wide, than the first section, and wherein the sensor unit and / or the energy storage element are at least partially arranged within the second section, and wherein the second section has a connecting element for connection with a mating connecting element.

[0010] The advantage here is that, compared to a state-of-the-art device, the theft protection is significantly improved, since the sensor unit in the valve housing is not visible or at least difficult to detect.

[0011] Another advantage is that the integrated sensor assembly in the valve housing significantly reduces the installation space required for the tire pressure sensor. This is achieved by eliminating the external sensor housing. An external sensor housing is no longer necessary with this solution, as the sensor is protected by the valve housing itself. This also has a positive impact on manufacturing costs, as less material (housing and seal) is required and the number of assembly steps can be reduced. Furthermore, the length of the valve housing is also reduced. Compared to the retrofit approach for tubular tires, depending on the specific design according to the invention, the length of the protruding valve stem can be significantly reduced, as the entire length from the tube or rim connection can be used for the sensor unit.This also offers an aesthetic advantage, as there is no longer an external, visible sensor housing that could be perceived as aesthetically displeasing. For the user, there is therefore little to no visual difference whether they have a tire pressure sensor integrated into the valve or not.

[0012] Furthermore, the design according to the invention reduces potential imbalance caused by the tire pressure sensor, since the overall weight is reduced and no additional sensor housing is mounted on the valve, which could lead to such an imbalance. Moreover, the orientation of the tire pressure sensor is no longer relevant, as, compared to prior art devices, there is no longer an external housing with a battery compartment that needs to be aligned. The sensor can therefore remain in any orientation.

[0013] Because the sensor unit is located in the valve housing in this invention, rims, especially those with tubeless tires, with very narrow inner widths, such as those for racing bikes, can also be equipped with a tire pressure sensor.

[0014] Due to the protected sensor design and the arrangement in the valve housing, the sensor unit or the pressure sensor element is better protected against external influences, such as water, dirt or mechanical shocks from the outside, compared to state-of-the-art solutions.

[0015] Tire pressure refers to the pressure inside a tire filled with a medium, especially air. A tire can be from any vehicle with wheels filled with this medium, such as a car, truck, bicycle, or even an airplane.

[0016] A valve housing is a casing that serves to at least partially enclose and protect the actual valve, which is designed as a valve insert. It can be made of various materials such as metal or plastic.

[0017] The outer diameter of the valve housing remains virtually unchanged in the first section compared to a prior art valve housing. In the second section, the inner diameter of the valve housing is modified accordingly to allow the other components to fit within the housing while still providing sufficient space for air to flow from one end of the valve housing to the other. In particular, the components within the valve housing should be designed and arranged in such a way that a media passage can be formed from one end of the valve housing to the other, where the valve insert is typically located.

[0018] The second section can be designed, at least partially, with circular symmetry. Furthermore, the second section can also widen in a stepped fashion, with a correspondingly designed step serving, for example, as a stop surface and for alignment within the rim.

[0019] The valve insert is a standard valve insert, as found in previous state-of-the-art valves, and remains unchanged. In particular, the sensor unit or energy storage element is completely located within the second section.

[0020] In addition to the actual pressure sensor element, the sensor unit includes, among other things, a processing unit, for example an ASIC or a microcontroller, which can process data, for example measurement data from the pressure sensor element, and control other electrical components as needed.

[0021] The pressure sensor element can be designed, for example, as a piezoelectric or capacitive sensor, which can convert the vibrations of a membrane into an electrical signal. Alternatively, a sensor with a different sensor principle is also conceivable. The pressure sensor element is designed and arranged in such a way that tire pressure can be detected using the pressure sensor element.

[0022] In particular, the pressure sensor element is designed as a MEMS component.

[0023] A radio module is an electronic component that enables wireless communication between devices and typically includes at least a control unit and an antenna element. The radio module usually acts as a transmitter or receiver and can exchange signals via radio waves. A radio module can operate in various frequency bands, such as the 2.4 GHz band, the 433 MHz band, or the 315 MHz band, and can support various communication protocols such as Bluetooth (especially Bluetooth Low Energy), Wi-Fi, Zigbee, or LoRa. The control unit can also be, for example, a corresponding processing unit of the sensor unit.

[0024] The energy storage element is designed as an electrical energy storage element. An electrical energy storage element is a component that stores electrical energy and releases it when needed. The released energy can then be used, for example, to power the sensor unit and the radio module. Examples of electrical energy storage elements include batteries, capacitors, and superconducting magnetic field storage devices. A lithium-ion battery, such as a button cell, can be used as a battery. However, any other battery is also suitable, provided it is small enough and has the necessary supply voltage. Furthermore, both a secondary and a primary cell can be used as an energy storage element.

[0025] A fastener is used to mechanically join two or more parts. Such mechanical fasteners can come in various shapes and sizes. Examples of fasteners include screws, nuts, bolts, rivets, pins, clamps, welds, and adhesives. A component of a snap-fit ​​or plug-in connection can also be considered a fastener. Each of these elements has specific properties and applications. For example, screws and nuts are used to temporarily hold two or more parts together, while rivets and pins are used to permanently join parts. Welds and adhesives are used to join materials together without the need for visible fasteners.

[0026] Fasteners are crucial for the manufacture of products and structures, as they ensure mechanical integrity and stability. They enable parts to be joined together to form larger structures and play a vital role in the safety and reliability of products and constructions.

[0027] One embodiment of the invention provides that the connecting element is designed as an external thread radially circumferential on the outer surface of the second section, in particular in an end region of the valve housing.

[0028] The advantage here is that this is a simple way to design the connecting element so that the valve housing can be reversibly removed if necessary and subsequently attached to a different inner tube or rim, for example. This allows the device to be used multiple times. Furthermore, it also facilitates, for example, the easy replacement of the energy storage element.

[0029] One embodiment of the invention provides that the sensor unit additionally includes an acceleration sensor element.

[0030] The advantage here is that the accelerometer allows for the acquisition of additional measurements, which can then be processed and used for further device functions. For example, the accelerometer can detect movement. The device can then remain in a sleep mode until movement is detected and only then measure the tire pressure, thus saving energy and consequently extending the device's lifespan.

[0031] The acceleration sensor element can be designed, for example, as a piezoelectric or capacitive sensor, which monitors the movement of a mass in order to infer acceleration.

[0032] In particular, the acceleration sensor element is designed as a MEMS component.

[0033] Another embodiment of the invention provides that the radio module is arranged inside the valve housing in the second section.

[0034] An advantage here is that the radio module is protected from negative external influences by the valve housing. Furthermore, the radio module could also be integrated into a combined component with other components, such as the sensor unit, which could reduce manufacturing costs. Such a combined component could also require less installation space and be easier to install.

[0035] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the radio module or at least an antenna element of the radio module is arranged outside the valve housing and is connected to the sensor unit by a wire.

[0036] The advantage here is that this allows for improved communication with an external device or user, since the radio module or antenna element can be arranged in such a way that it is not shielded by the typically metallic valve housing.

[0037] An antenna element is a fundamental component of the radio module and is responsible for transmitting or receiving electromagnetic waves. Antenna elements can come in various shapes and configurations, depending on the requirements and application. For example, the antenna element can be located outside the valve housing, while the rest of the radio module is located inside the valve housing. In this case, the antenna element can then be electrically connected to the rest of the radio module.

[0038] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the device has a printed circuit board, wherein the printed circuit board is arranged inside the valve housing and wherein at least the sensor unit and the radio module are arranged on the printed circuit board.

[0039] The advantage here is that the relevant electronic components can be pre-assembled on the circuit board and then inserted into the valve housing together in a single step. This simplifies and reduces the cost of the manufacturing process.

[0040] A printed circuit board (PCB), also known as a printed circuit board, is a flat board made of insulating material on which conductive paths and connections for electronic components are mounted. The PCB serves as mechanical support and electrical connection for electronic components such as resistors, capacitors, transistors, integrated circuits, and other electronic parts. All electronic components, such as the sensor unit and the radio module, or other necessary components like crystals, voltage regulators, and capacitors, can be arranged on the PCB. For example, the antenna element can be located outside the valve housing, while the rest of the radio module is located inside the valve housing. In this case, the antenna element can then be electrically connected to the rest of the radio module.

[0041] The invention further relates to a tire tube for receiving a device for detecting tire pressure or a rim for receiving a device for detecting tire pressure, wherein the tire tube or the rim has a receiving unit with a counter-connecting element for connection with a connecting element of the device.

[0042] An inner tube, for example, is a flexible, hollow rubber or plastic tube used inside a tire to hold a medium, typically air, and thus maintain the tire's shape. The inner tube is placed inside the tire and inflated with air to inflate the tire and achieve the necessary shape and rigidity. Inner tubes are manufactured in various sizes and designs to meet the requirements of different tire types and vehicle applications.

[0043] A rim is the outer part of a wheel onto which the tire is mounted. It is usually made of metal or plastic and serves to stabilize and protect the tire. Rims are available in various sizes, designs, and materials, depending on requirements and personal preferences.

[0044] The receiving unit serves to hold the device by having a mating connection element designed to match the device's connecting element. The receiving unit has a corresponding through-hole to allow the media channel, in particular an air channel, to pass between the inside of the inner tube or the inside of the rim and the tire pressure monitoring device, thus enabling the tire pressure to be determined by the device. Depending on requirements, the receiving unit can be made of, for example, metal or plastic.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving unit is designed in a cup shape and is integrated into the tire tube or the rim, wherein the receiving unit has a radially circumferential internal thread on an inner surface of the receiving unit and a through hole, in particular on a bottom surface of the receiving unit.

[0046] The advantage here is that this provides a simple way to integrate a receiving unit into the tire tube or rim, which can then accommodate the device. In particular, the second, wider section of the valve housing can be inserted into the cup-shaped design and thus positioned quite discreetly.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the invention, the receiving unit has a support element, in particular on a bottom surface of the receiving unit.

[0048] An advantage here is that the support element can be used to ensure the media channel to the sensor unit by preventing the through-hole from being blocked by the device. Accordingly, the support element acts as a spacer. Furthermore, the support element can be used to align the device, stabilize it within the mounting unit, and enable electrical contact between the energy storage device and the sensor unit or circuit board.

[0049] The support element can be made of materials such as rubber or metal. Its design and arrangement are quite flexible. For example, a circular or circular segment-shaped design is conceivable. Alternatively, the support element can also be simply block-shaped.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the invention, the tire tube has a device according to the invention for detecting tire pressure, or the rim has a device according to the invention for detecting tire pressure, wherein the device is connected to the receiving unit by means of the connecting element and the counter-connecting element.

[0051] The advantage here is that when the device is installed inside the inner tube, the electronic components, such as the sensor unit, radio module, and energy storage element, can be located within the rim and are thus optimally protected. Nevertheless, the inner tube can still be replaced if necessary. With a reversible connection between the inner tube and the device, the device can then be inserted into a new inner tube equipped with a corresponding mounting unit. Furthermore, such a reversible connection between the inner tube and the device allows for easy replacement of the energy storage element.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting element is designed as a radially circumferential external thread and the counter-connecting element as a radially circumferential internal thread, wherein the external thread is screwed into the internal thread.

[0053] The advantage here is that this is a simple way to design the connecting element and the counter-connecting element in order to be able to remove the valve housing reversibly if necessary and, for example, subsequently attach it to another tire tube with a corresponding counter-connecting element.

[0054] According to a further embodiment of the invention, a sealing element is provided that is arranged between the valve housing and the receiving unit.

[0055] The advantage here is that the tire is airtight and has no leaks at the transition between the individual components of the device and the tire tube or rim.

[0056] The sealing element can, for example, be designed as an O-ring. Its primary function is to ensure that the fluid inside the tire can only pass through the valve housing from the inside of the inner tube to the outside of the inner tube, or from the inside of the rim to the outside. Drawings Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a device according to the invention for detecting tire pressure in a side sectional view. Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a tire tube according to the invention with a receiving unit in a side sectional view. Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a tire tube according to the invention with a device according to the invention for detecting tire pressure in a side sectional view. Description of exemplary implementations

[0057] Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a device according to the invention for detecting tire pressure in a side sectional view.

[0058] The figure shows a device 10 for measuring tire pressure. The device 10 comprises a valve housing 20, a radio module 30, a sensor unit 40 with a pressure sensor element, and an energy storage element 50.

[0059] The sensor unit 40 can additionally include an accelerometer. Furthermore, the sensor unit 40 and the radio module 30 are arranged on a common circuit board, which may also accommodate other electronic components. The energy storage element 50 is electrically connected to the circuit board via corresponding electrical contacts and can thereby supply, for example, the sensor unit 40 or the radio module 30 with electrical energy. Despite its very compact design, sufficient space is provided to ensure adequate media passage, particularly for air, around the components, allowing the medium to flow through the valve housing 20.

[0060] The valve housing 20 comprises a first section 21 and a second section 22, wherein the first section 21 is cylindrical and a valve insert 60 is at least partially inserted into the valve housing 20 at a first end of the first section 21. Furthermore, the second section 22 is arranged at a second end of the first section 21 opposite the first end of the first section 21 and is at least partially wider, in particular twice as wide, than the first section 21.

[0061] The second section 22 also has a connecting element 23 for connection with a counter-connecting element 123 (not shown in the illustration). The connecting element 23 is designed as an external thread radially circumferentially on the outer surface of the second section 22, particularly in an end region of the valve housing 20.

[0062] Furthermore, the sensor unit 40 is completely and the energy storage element 50 is at least partially located within the second section 22 of the valve housing 20.

[0063] Furthermore, the radio module 30 is also arranged in the second section 22 inside the valve housing 20.

[0064] In an alternative embodiment, not shown in the illustration, the radio module 30 or at least an antenna element of the radio module 50 can be arranged outside the valve housing 20 and be electrically connected directly or indirectly by wire to the sensor unit 40 or the remaining part of the radio module 30.

[0065] Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a tire tube according to the invention with a receiving unit in a side sectional view.

[0066] A tire tube 100 is shown for receiving a device 10 for detecting tire pressure, wherein the tire tube 100 has a receiving unit 120 with a counter-connecting element 123 for connection with a connecting element 23 of a device 10 not shown here.

[0067] The receiving unit 120 is cup-shaped and integrated into the inner tube 100 by being vulcanized directly into it. Furthermore, the receiving unit 120 has a radially circumferential internal thread on an inner surface and a through-hole 121, particularly on a bottom surface. The through-hole 121 allows media to flow from the inside of the inner tube to the outside, or, if a device 10 is attached to the receiving unit, from the inside of the inner tube to the device 10, in order to measure the tire pressure.

[0068] Furthermore, the receiving unit 120 has a support element 122, which is arranged, in particular, on a base surface of the receiving unit 120. The support element 122 is designed here in the shape of a circular segment. In particular, the receiving unit 120 could also have block-shaped or multiple support elements 122.

[0069] Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a tire tube according to the invention with a device according to the invention for detecting tire pressure in a side sectional view.

[0070] The tire inner tube 100 is shown, as in Fig. 2 shown, wherein the tire tube 100 has a device 10 for detecting tire pressure, as in Fig. The device 10 is connected to the receiving unit 120 by means of the connecting element 23 and the counter-connecting element 123, as shown in Figure 1.

[0071] In particular, the connecting element 23 is designed as a radially circumferential external thread and the counter-connecting element 123 as a radially circumferential internal thread to fit each other accordingly, with the external thread being screwed into the internal thread.

[0072] In addition, the tire tube 100 has a sealing element 124, which is arranged between the valve housing 20 and the receiving unit 120.

[0073] In an alternative embodiment, not shown in the illustration, the tire tube 100 could be in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 can also be replaced by a suitably designed rim, whereby the receiving unit is then inserted into the rim hole, for example, or the rim hole is already designed as a suitable receiving unit.

Claims

[1] Device (10) for detecting tire pressure, wherein the device (10) comprises a valve housing (20), a radio module (30), a sensor unit (40) with a pressure sensor element and an energy storage element (50), wherein the valve housing (20) comprises a first section (21) and a second section (22), wherein the first section (21) is cylindrical and wherein a valve insert (60) is at least partially inserted into the valve housing (20) at a first end of the first section (21), and wherein the second section (22) is arranged at a second end of the first section (21) opposite the first end of the first section (21) and is at least partially wider, in particular twice as wide, than the first section (21), and wherein the sensor unit (40) and / or the energy storage element (50) are arranged at least partially within the second section (22),and wherein the second section (22) has a connecting element (23) for connection with a counter-connecting element (123). [2] Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the connecting element (23) is designed as an external thread radially circumferential on the outer surface of the second section (22), in particular in an end region of the valve housing (20). [3] Device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the sensor unit (40) additionally has an acceleration sensor element. [4] Device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the radio module (30) is arranged in the second section (22) inside the valve housing (20). [5] Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by, that the radio module (30) or at least an antenna element of the radio module (50) is arranged outside the valve housing (20) and is connected to the sensor unit (40) by a wire. [6] Tire tube (100) or rim for receiving a device (10) for detecting tire pressure, wherein the tire tube (100) or rim has a receiving unit (120) with a counter-connecting element (123) for connection with a connecting element (23) of the device (10). [7] Tire tube (100) or rim according to claim 6, characterized by , that the receiving unit (120) is cup-shaped and integrated into the tire tube (100) or the rim, wherein the receiving unit (120) has a radially circumferential internal thread on an inner surface of the receiving unit (120) and a through hole (121), in particular on a bottom surface of the receiving unit (120). [8] Tire tube (100) or rim according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by, that the receiving unit (120) has a support element (122), in particular on a bottom surface of the receiving unit (120). [9] Tire tube (100) or rim according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized by that the tire tube (100) or the rim has a device (10) for detecting a tire pressure according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the device (10) is connected to the receiving unit (120) by means of the connecting element (23) and the counter-connecting element (123). [10] Tire tube (100) or rim according to claim 9, characterized by , that the connecting element (23) is designed as a radially circumferential external thread and the counter-connecting element (123) as a radially circumferential internal thread, wherein the external thread is screwed into the internal thread. [11] Tire tube (100) or rim according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by, that a sealing element (124) is arranged between the valve housing (20) and the receiving unit (120).

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