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

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10, 11, 12) for detecting tire pressure, wherein the device (10, 11, 12) comprises a cylindrical valve housing (20), a valve insert (30), a sensor unit (40) with a pressure sensor element, a radio module (50) and an energy storage element (60), wherein the sensor unit (40) and the energy storage element (60) are arranged completely and the valve insert (30) at least partially within the valve housing (20). The invention also relates to a tire tube (101, 102) or a rim with a device according to the invention (10, 11, 12).

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 cylindrical valve housing, a valve insert, a sensor unit with a pressure sensor element, a radio module and an energy storage element, wherein the sensor unit and the energy storage element are arranged completely and the valve insert at least partially within the valve housing.

[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 version 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 hose 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 considered aesthetically displeasing.For the user, there is therefore no visual difference, or at least hardly any, between having a tire pressure sensor integrated into the valve and not. Furthermore, the design according to the invention reduces potential imbalance caused by the tire pressure sensor, since the overall weight is reduced and there is no additional sensor housing mounted on the valve that could lead to such an imbalance. Moreover, the orientation of the tire pressure sensor is no longer relevant, as, unlike 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. Because the sensor unit is located in the valve housing in this invention, rims with very narrow inner widths, such as those used for racing bikes, can also be equipped with a tire pressure sensor, particularly for tubeless tires.In particular, the outer diameter of the valve housing does not need to be increased compared to a standard valve from the prior art, so the valve still fits through common rim bores. Thanks to the protected sensor design and its arrangement within the valve housing, the sensor unit or pressure sensor element is better protected against external influences such as water, dirt, or mechanical shocks compared to prior art solutions.

[0012] 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.

[0013] A valve housing is a casing designed 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. The outer diameter of the valve housing remains virtually unchanged compared to a conventional valve housing, allowing it to fit through existing rim holes. The interior of the valve housing is modified below the valve insert to accommodate the other components while still ensuring sufficient airflow from one end of the 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 within the valve housing from one end to the other, where the valve insert is typically located. The valve insert is a standard valve insert, as found in previous valves and remains unchanged. To secure the sensor unit and the energy storage element within the valve housing, the valve housing has a mechanical closure element on the side opposite the valve insert. This closure element is plug-like and has a hole. It is glued or screwed into the valve housing to prevent the components from falling out. Alternatively, the components themselves could be glued into the valve housing.

[0014] In addition to the actual pressure sensor element, the sensor unit includes, among other things, a processing unit, such as 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. 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. In particular, the pressure sensor element is designed as a MEMS component.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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 can be used as an example. However, any other battery is also conceivable, provided it is sufficiently narrow and has the necessary supply voltage. Furthermore, both a secondary and a primary cell can be used as an energy storage element.

[0017] One embodiment of the invention provides that the sensor unit additionally includes an acceleration sensor element.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] In particular, the acceleration sensor element is designed as a MEMS component.

[0021] One embodiment of the invention provides that the radio module is arranged inside the valve housing.

[0022] 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.

[0023] A further embodiment of the invention provides that the radio module, or at least an antenna element of the radio module, is arranged outside the valve housing and connected to the sensor unit by a wire. The advantage here is that this enables improved communication with an external device or user, since the radio module or the antenna element can be arranged in such a way that it is not shielded by the typically metallic valve housing.

[0024] 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.

[0025] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a printed circuit board (PCB) arranged within the valve housing, with at least the sensor unit and the radio module being arranged on the PCB. An advantage of this is that the corresponding electronic components can be pre-assembled on the PCB and then inserted into the valve housing together in a single step. This simplifies and reduces the cost of the manufacturing process.

[0026] 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.

[0027] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the valve insert is arranged in a region of a first end of the valve housing, and the valve housing has a connecting element in a region of a second end opposite the first end for connection to a mating connecting element of a tire tube or a mating element of a rim. The advantage here is that a simple mechanical connection between the device and, for example, a tire tube or a rim can be established by means of the connecting element.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the connecting element is designed as a thread which is arranged radially around the second end of the valve housing. 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, for example, to a different inner tube or rim. This allows the device to be used multiple times. Furthermore, this also allows, for example, the energy storage element to be easily replaced.

[0031] The thread can be designed as an external thread, for example, to enable a mechanical connection between the device and a tire tube or rim using a correspondingly designed counterpart with an internal thread. A sealing element, such as an O-ring, can optionally be used to seal the device and the tire tube or rim. Alternatively, the connecting element can have a correspondingly designed internal thread to allow it to be screwed onto an existing, prior art valve as a retrofit option.

[0032] The invention further relates to a tire tube comprising a receiving unit with a counter-connecting element for connection with a connecting element, wherein the tire tube has a device according to the invention for detecting a tire pressure, wherein the device is connected to the receiving unit by means of the connecting element and the counter-connecting element.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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 the air channel, to pass between the inside of the inner tube and the tire pressure measuring device, thus enabling the tire pressure to be determined by the device.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the mating connection element is designed as a radially circumferential internal thread and the connecting element of the valve housing as a radially circumferential external thread, and the connecting element of the valve housing is screwed into the mating connection element of the receiving unit. An advantage of this is that it provides a simple way to design the connecting element and the mating connection element so that the valve housing can be reversibly removed if necessary and, for example, subsequently attached to another inner tube with a corresponding mating connection element.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the invention, a sealing element is arranged between the receiving unit and the valve housing. The advantage here is that the tire is airtight and has no leaks at the interface between the individual components of the device and the inner tube.

[0037] 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, and vice versa.

[0038] The invention further relates to a rim with a through-opening and a device according to the invention for detecting tire pressure, wherein the valve housing is arranged extending through the through-opening and is connected by means of the connecting element to a counter element, which is in particular arranged inside the rim.

[0039] The through-opening serves to allow, on the one hand, the media channel, in particular the air channel, between the inside of the rim and the device for measuring the tire pressure, in order to determine the tire pressure using the device, and on the other hand, to allow access to the device from the outside.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the invention, the connecting element of the valve housing is designed as a radially circumferential external thread, and the mating element has a radially circumferential internal thread, with the connecting element being screwed to the mating element. An advantage of this is that it provides a simple way to design the connecting element and the mating element so that the valve housing can be reversibly removed if necessary and, for example, subsequently attached to another rim with a corresponding mating element.

[0041] In this case, the counterpart element can, for example, be designed as a simple nut to match the screw-shaped connecting element.

[0042] According to a further embodiment of the invention, a sealing element is arranged between the rim and the mating element and / or between the mating element and the valve housing. The advantage here is that the tire is airtight and has no leaks at the interface between the individual components of the device and the rim.

[0043] 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 rim to the outside, and vice versa. Drawings Fig. Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a device according to the invention for detecting tire pressure in a side sectional view. Fig. Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of a device according to the invention for detecting tire pressure in a side sectional view. Fig. Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of a device according to the invention for detecting tire pressure in a side sectional view. Description of exemplary implementations

[0044] Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a sensor device according to the invention in a side sectional view.

[0045] The illustration shows a device 10 for detecting tire pressure. The device 10 comprises a cylindrical valve housing 20, a valve insert 30, a sensor unit 40 with a pressure sensor element, a radio module 50, and an energy storage element 60.

[0046] In addition to the pressure sensor element, the sensor unit 40 can also include an acceleration sensor element. Here, the sensor unit 40 and the energy storage element 60 are completely, and the valve insert 30 is at least partially, located within the valve housing 20.

[0047] Furthermore, the valve insert 30 is arranged in a region of a first end 21 of the valve housing 20. Additionally, the valve housing 20 has a connecting element 25 in a region of a second end 22 of the valve housing 20, opposite the first end 21, for connection with a mating connecting element or counter element. The connecting element 25 is designed as an internal thread, which is arranged radially around the second end 22 of the valve housing 20.

[0048] The mating element can, for example, be provided by a valve from the prior art. Alternatively, a tire inner tube or a rim could also have a corresponding mating element.

[0049] Furthermore, the radio module 50 is arranged inside the valve housing 20. The device 10 also has a circuit board 70, the circuit board 70 being likewise arranged inside the valve housing 20, and the circuit board 70 containing at least the sensor unit 40 and the radio module 50.

[0050] In an alternative embodiment, not shown in the illustration, the radio module 50 or at least an antenna element of the radio module 50 could be arranged outside the valve housing 20 and be electrically connected directly or indirectly by wire to the sensor unit 40 or the rest of the radio module 50.

[0051] Furthermore, a sealing element 80, here designed as an O-ring, can be arranged in the area of ​​the connecting element 25. When the device 10 is connected to another component, for example a valve, a tire tube or a rim, this sealing element 80 serves to provide the necessary seal to prevent leaks in the tire.

[0052] Fig. Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of a device according to the invention for detecting tire pressure in a side sectional view.

[0053] The illustration shows a device 11 for measuring tire pressure. Device 11 differs from device 10 in that Fig. 1 among other things by the fact that the connecting element 26 of the valve housing 20 is not designed as a thread like the connecting element 25, but as a tab.

[0054] Furthermore, a tire inner tube 101 is shown, wherein the tire inner tube 101 comprises a receiving unit 121 with a mating connection element 126 for connection with the tab-like connecting element 26. The device 11 is connected to the receiving unit 121 by means of the connecting element 26 and the mating connection element 126. In particular, the device 11 can also be vulcanized directly into the tire inner tube 101 by means of the connecting element 26 and thus attached to the tire inner tube 101, in which case the receiving unit 121 is formed by the tire inner tube 101 itself. The receiving unit 121 has a corresponding through-hole to allow a media channel from the interior of the tire inner tube 101 to the pressure sensor element arranged within the valve housing 20.

[0055] Alternatively, but not shown in the illustration, the device 11 can, for example, be glued to the inner tube 101 either from the inside or also from the outside. In this case, the inner tube 101 has a corresponding hole.

[0056] Of course, it is also conceivable, although not shown in the image, that the inner tube 101 is replaced by a rim with a correspondingly designed mounting unit, thus creating a tubeless tire.

[0057] Fig. Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of a device according to the invention for detecting tire pressure in a side sectional view.

[0058] The illustration shows a device 12 for measuring tire pressure. Device 12 differs from device 10 in that... Fig.1 among other things by the fact that the connecting element 27 of the valve housing 20 is designed not as an internal thread like the connecting element 25, but as an external thread.

[0059] Furthermore, a tire inner tube 102 is shown, wherein the tire inner tube 102 comprises a receiving unit 122 with a mating element 127 for connection to the connecting element 27. The device 12 is connected to the receiving unit 122 by means of the connecting element 27 and the mating element 127. Here, the mating element 127 is designed as a radially circumferential internal thread and the connecting element 27 of the valve housing 20 as a radially circumferential external thread, wherein the connecting element 27 of the valve housing 20 is screwed into the mating element 127 of the receiving unit 122. A sealing element 130, which here is designed as an O-ring, is arranged between the receiving unit 122 and the valve housing 20, here in particular the connecting element 27.The receiving unit 122 also has a corresponding through-hole to allow a media channel from the inside of the tire tube 102 to the pressure sensor element located inside the valve housing 20.

[0060] Of course, it's also conceivable, though not shown in the image, that the inner tube (102) could be replaced by a rim with a corresponding mounting unit, thus creating a tubeless tire. In this case, the rim would, for example, have a through-hole.

[0061] In an alternative embodiment, not shown in the illustration, the valve housing 20 could extend through a through-opening in the rim and be connected by means of the connecting element 25, 26, 27 to a correspondingly designed mating element, which is located, in particular, within the rim. Specifically, the connecting element 27 of the valve housing 20 could be designed as a radially circumferential external thread, and the mating element could have a radially circumferential internal thread, with the connecting element 27 being screwed to the mating element. In this case, a sealing element should then be arranged between the rim and the mating element and / or between the mating element and the valve housing 20.

Claims

[1] Device (10, 11, 12) for detecting tire pressure, wherein the device (10, 11, 12) comprises a cylindrical valve housing (20), a valve insert (30), a sensor unit (40) with a pressure sensor element, a radio module (50) and an energy storage element (60), wherein the sensor unit (40) and the energy storage element (60) are completely and the valve insert (30) is at least partially arranged within the valve housing (20). [2] Device (10, 11, 12) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the sensor unit (40) additionally has an acceleration sensor element. [3] Device (10, 11, 12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the radio module (50) is arranged inside the valve housing (20). [4] Device (10, 11, 12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the radio module (50) 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. [5] Device (10, 11, 12) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the device (10, 11, 12) has a printed circuit board (70), wherein the printed circuit board (70) is arranged inside the valve housing (20) and wherein at least the sensor unit (40) and the radio module (50) are arranged on the printed circuit board (70). [6] Device (10, 11, 12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the valve insert (20) is arranged in a region of a first end (21) of the valve housing (20) and the valve housing (20) has a connecting element (25, 26, 27) for connection with a counter-connecting element (126, 127) or a counter-element in a region of a second end (22) of the valve housing (20) opposite the first end (21). [7] Device (10, 12) according to claim 6, characterized by , that the connecting element (25, 27) is designed as a thread which is arranged radially around the second end (22) of the valve housing (20). [8] Tire tube (101, 102) comprising a receiving unit (121, 122) with a counter-connecting element (126, 127) for connection with a connecting element (26, 27), wherein the tire tube (101, 102) has a device (11, 12) for detecting a tire pressure according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the device (11, 12) is connected to the receiving unit (121, 122) by means of the connecting element (26, 27) and the counter-connecting element (126, 127). [9] Tire tube (102) according to claim 8, wherein the counter-connecting element (127) is designed as a radially circumferential internal thread and the connecting element (27) of the valve housing (20) is designed as a radially circumferential external thread, and wherein the connecting element (27) of the valve housing (20) is screwed into the counter-connecting element (127) of the receiving unit (122). [10] Tire tube (102) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by , that a sealing element (130) is arranged between the receiving unit (122) and the valve housing (20). [11] Rim with a through-opening and a device (10, 11, 12) for detecting a tire pressure according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the valve housing (20) is arranged extending through the through-opening and is connected by means of the connecting element (25, 26, 27) to a counter element, which is in particular arranged inside the rim. [12] Rim according to claim 11, characterized by, that the connecting element (27) of the valve housing (20) is designed as a radially circumferential external thread and the counter element has a radially circumferential internal thread, wherein the connecting element (27) is screwed to the counter element. [13] Rim according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by , that a sealing element is arranged between the rim and the counter element and / or between the counter element and the valve housing (20).

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