Bearing unit with a film unit for a tire test bench, method for producing a bearing unit and tire test bench with a bearing unit

Abstract

Shown and described is a bearing unit (3) for a tire test bench (1), wherein the bearing unit (3) comprises a carrier unit (21) and a film unit (23), wherein the carrier unit (21) comprises an inlet section (25) defining an inlet opening (27), and a plurality of outlet sections, wherein each outlet section (29) defines an outlet opening (31), wherein each outlet opening (31) is connected to the inlet opening (27) such that when a pressurized gaseous fluid flows into the inlet opening (27), the pressurized gaseous fluid flows out of each outlet opening (31), wherein the film unit (23) comprises a plurality of passage sections, wherein each passage section (33) defines a passage opening (35), and wherein the carrier unit (21) and the film unit (23) are arranged relative to one another such thatthat for each outlet opening (31), the outlet opening (31) and a passage opening (35) associated with the outlet opening (31) are arranged relative to one another such that when the pressurized gaseous fluid flows out of the outlet opening (31), the gaseous fluid flowing out of the outlet opening (31) flows through the passage opening (35) associated with the outlet opening (31). Furthermore, a method and a tire test bench (1) are shown and described.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a bearing unit for a tire test bench, a method for producing a bearing unit and a tire test bench with a bearing unit.

[0002] Tire test stands are known from the prior art. These tire test stands usually comprise a frame and a tire holder. A tire with a tread can be mounted on the tire holder so that it can rotate about its axis of rotation. If the tire is mounted rotatably on the tire holder, the tire can be moved into different positions relative to the frame. The tire test stands known from the prior art feature a rolling surface unit with a rolling surface that can be moved relative to the frame. The rolling surface of the rolling surface unit can also be referred to as a road substitute and is designed to approximately simulate the conditions on a road.

[0003] In general, it is desirable that tire testing can be carried out particularly reliably.

[0004] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a bearing unit for a tire test bench so that the testing of tires can be carried out particularly reliably.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention, the stated object is achieved by a bearing unit having the features of patent claim 1. The bearing unit is designed for a tire test bench. The bearing unit has a carrier unit and a film unit. The carrier unit has an inlet section defining an inlet opening and a plurality of outlet sections. Each outlet section of the plurality of outlet sections defines an outlet opening. Each outlet opening is connected to the inlet opening such that when a pressurized gaseous fluid flows into the inlet opening, the pressurized gaseous fluid flows out of each outlet opening. The film unit has a plurality of passage sections. Each passage section of the plurality of passage sections defines a passage opening.The carrier unit and the film unit are arranged relative to each other such that for each outlet opening, the corresponding outlet opening and a passage opening associated with the corresponding outlet opening are arranged relative to each other such that when the pressurized gaseous fluid flows out of the corresponding outlet opening, the gaseous fluid flowing out of the corresponding outlet opening flows through the passage opening associated with the corresponding outlet opening.

[0006] As already described, the bearing unit is designed for a tire test bench. Preferably, the bearing unit has a fastening section with which the bearing unit can be fastened to a fastening section of the tire test bench. Preferably, the fastening section of the bearing unit can be fastened to a fastening section of a frame of the tire test bench.

[0007] As already described, the bearing unit comprises a carrier unit and a film unit. The carrier unit can also be referred to as a carrier. Preferably, the carrier unit comprises the fastening section with which the bearing unit can be fastened to the fastening section of the tire test bench. Alternatively, the carrier unit is preferably connected to the fastening section with which the bearing unit can be fastened to the fastening section of the tire test bench. The film unit can also be referred to as a film or a sliding film. Preferably, the film unit has a surface that faces towards the surroundings of the bearing unit.In particular, the film unit is configurable independently of the carrier unit and can, for example, be adjusted so that the surface of the film unit provides a low coefficient of friction with high abrasion resistance and high temperature resistance, in particular in the case where the surface of the film unit comes into contact with a surface of a flat belt section of a belt unit of the tire test bench.

[0008] As also already described, the carrier unit has an inlet section defining an inlet opening and a plurality of outlet sections, wherein each outlet section of the plurality of outlet sections defines an outlet opening. As also already described, each outlet opening is connected to the inlet opening such that when a pressurized gaseous fluid flows into the inlet opening, the pressurized gaseous fluid flows out of each outlet opening. By virtue of the carrier unit having the inlet section defining the inlet opening and the plurality of outlet sections, wherein each outlet section of the plurality of output sections defines an outlet opening and each outlet opening is connected to the inlet opening such that when a pressurized gaseous fluid flows into the inlet opening,the pressurised gaseous fluid flows out of each outlet opening, it is ensured that, with the aid of the bearing unit in the region of the outlet openings, a bearing for guiding the belt unit of the tyre test bench can be provided, in particular since, with the aid of the gaseous fluid flowing out of each outlet opening, a force acting on the flat belt section can be provided, which force acts in a direction from the bearing unit towards the flat belt section and towards a tyre in contact with the flat belt section.

[0009] As also already described, the carrier unit and the film unit are arranged relative to each other such that for each outlet opening, the corresponding outlet opening and a passage opening associated with the corresponding outlet opening are arranged relative to each other such that when the pressurized gaseous fluid flows out of the corresponding outlet opening, the gaseous fluid flowing out of the corresponding outlet opening flows through the passage opening associated with the corresponding outlet opening.The fact that the carrier unit and the film unit are arranged relative to one another in such a way that for each outlet opening the corresponding outlet opening and a passage opening associated with the corresponding outlet opening are arranged relative to one another in such a way that when the pressurised gaseous fluid flows out of the corresponding outlet opening, the gaseous fluid flowing out of the corresponding outlet opening flows through the passage opening associated with the corresponding outlet opening, ensures that the bearing unit can be arranged in such a way that the film unit can be arranged on a side of the carrier unit facing the flat belt section and, in this arrangement, a bearing for guiding the belt unit can be provided with the aid of the outlet openings, the passage openings and the gaseous fluid as well as with the aid of the film unit.The storage unit provides two functions, so that the storage unit can also be referred to as a hybrid storage unit or hybrid storage unit.A first of the two functions is provided with the aid of the outlet openings, the passage openings and the gaseous fluid, in that a bearing for guiding the belt unit is provided in the region of the outlet openings and the passage openings, in that with the aid of the gaseous fluid flowing out of each outlet opening on the side of the flat belt section on which the bearing unit is arranged, a force can be provided on this side on the flat belt section, which force acts in a direction towards a side of the flat belt section opposite this side of the flat belt section, so that a deformation of the flat belt section in a direction towards the side of the flat belt section on which the bearing unit is arranged can be reduced or even completely prevented.If a load on the flat belt section due to different load conditions of a tire attached to a tire holder of the test bench is so great that the flat belt section deforms so much that it comes into contact with the bearing unit, the film unit is provided for this contact, which can be designed for contact with the flat belt section independently of the design of the carrier unit and has a surface designed for this contact.A second function of the two functions is provided by means of the film unit in that a bearing for guiding the belt unit is additionally provided by means of the film unit in that the surface, which can also be referred to as the contact surface, for contact with the flat belt section is provided by means of the film unit, so that an additional force acting on the flat belt section can be provided, which force acts on the side of the flat belt section on which the bearing unit is arranged in a direction towards that of the flat belt section.

[0010] Because the bearing unit can provide a double-acting bearing unit with the help of the pressurised gaseous fluid and the film unit, particularly large forces can act on the flat belt section with the help of the bearing unit. This means that tire test benches can be operated in the high load range, particularly with wheel loads of more than one ton (wheel loads>1t), without the need for water bearings. Water bearings often use water to support the flat belt section. Water bearings often have a metal body with pressurised water emerging from the surface through a large number of small holes and thus getting between a belt unit, in particular a flat belt section of the belt unit, of the tire test bench and this surface.This pressurised water and the resulting water film between the belt unit and the surface being described supports the flat belt section as it is moved past the surface, sometimes at high speed. The water used is often collected and drained away and must not get between the belt unit and the tire test bench's pulleys, as this would reduce the required friction and, in extreme cases, cause the belt unit position control to fail. If water does get between the belt unit and the tire test bench's pulleys, the belt unit can no longer transfer the tire's traction and lateral forces to the pulleys. If water also gets between the belt unit and the tire (splash water, water mist), the measured values ​​on the tire will be falsified (the friction between the tire and the belt unit is changed). Wipers are usually installed all the way around the water bearing.These attempt to drain the entire water film and spray water in a controlled manner. Another weakness is the risk of damage to the deflectors from tire particles adhering to the underside of the belt unit. After intensive testing, the deflectors sometimes have to be replaced frequently. Compared to water bearings, the bearing unit according to the invention thus ensures more reliable tire testing while being simpler and requiring less maintenance than water bearings.

[0011] The bearing unit according to the invention also offers advantages over counter bearings, which use air as a medium and can also be referred to as air bearings. With air bearings, air is often pressed under high pressure (30 bar) between the two parts that are mounted against each other. Standard industrial air bearings operate without contact. If contact occurs during operation while moving, this leads to damage to the contact surfaces. As long as it can be assumed that the two parts hold their shape with sufficient precision, however, direct contact can be avoided. Contact between two conventionally designed partners leads to high friction and, in conjunction with high speeds, to high frictional power and thus high temperatures that damage the surfaces. With wheel loads of more than one ton and the resulting lateral forces, significant elastic deformation of the belt unit and in particular of the flat belt section occurs.Current tire designs, in particular, generate high pressure peaks under certain operating conditions. As a result, the belt unit can also experience local deformation and thus come into contact with the air bearing components. The mandatory zero-contact requirement is no longer feasible in these cases. Therefore, there is a misconception that air bearings can only be used in load ranges up to one ton, with certain tire types, and with only very limited lateral forces. Compared to air bearings, the bearing unit according to the invention thus ensures that tire test benches can be operated reliably even for load ranges exceeding one ton.

[0012] In the bearing unit according to the invention, contact between the bearing unit and the belt unit, particularly the flat belt section, can be deliberately permitted due to the film unit. Tests conducted on the bearing unit according to the invention demonstrated that even under extreme operating conditions with regard to load, tire pressure, and lateral forces from steering, over 95% of the load is still borne by the pressurized gaseous fluid.

[0013] In particular, the bearing unit according to the invention can prevent damage to the carrier unit, which is particularly advantageous compared to air bearings that only have a carrier unit and no film unit. In particular, the film unit can provide a suitable layer whose surface has a low coefficient of friction with high abrasion and temperature resistance, so that the remaining 5% of the load from these local contacts can be absorbed. This allows all common tire types to be tested under high wheel loads. In the event of wear, simple, quick, and cost-effective replacement is possible. It is not the air bearing itself that is subject to wear, but only the film unit.

[0014] In summary, it can be stated that the present invention allows tire testing to be carried out particularly reliably.

[0015] In one embodiment, the carrier unit and the film unit are connected to one another. Because the carrier unit and the film unit are connected to one another, a particularly simply constructed bearing unit is provided which can be designed to be particularly weight-saving, in particular since a plate unit can be dispensed with. Preferably, the carrier unit and the film unit are connected to one another by the film unit being adhesively bonded to the carrier unit. Because the film unit is adhesively bonded to the carrier unit, the film unit can be replaced particularly easily. Preferably, the film unit has an adhesive layer on one side, with which the remaining section of the film unit is coated. The film unit can then also be referred to as a film unit coated with adhesive on one side, wherein the adhesive is a component of the film unit. Preferably, the adhesive layer is formed from the adhesive.The adhesive is preferably a pressure-sensitive adhesive. This ensures that the carrier unit and the film unit can be bonded together particularly easily. The adhesive preferably comprises a silicone.

[0016] In one embodiment, a plate unit is arranged between the carrier unit and the film unit, wherein the plate unit and the film unit are connected to one another. The fact that a plate unit is arranged between the carrier unit and the film unit, wherein the plate unit and the film unit are connected to one another, ensures that the plate unit can be replaced together with the film unit, in particular without the carrier unit having to be replaced or processed. Preferably, the plate unit is connected to the carrier unit on a first side of the plate unit and is connected to the film unit on a second side of the plate unit opposite the first side.If the film unit now needs to be replaced, the carrier unit and the plate unit can be separated from one another and the plate unit can be removed together with the film unit and a new plate unit, which is also connected to a film unit, can be connected to the carrier unit. The fact that the plate unit is arranged between the carrier unit and the film unit, with the plate unit and the film unit being connected to one another, makes replacing the film unit much easier. Preferably, the plate unit and the film unit are connected to one another by gluing the film unit to the plate unit. Because the film unit is gluing the film unit to the plate unit, the film unit can be connected to the plate unit and removed from the plate unit particularly easily.

[0017] In one embodiment, the carrier unit comprises a metal or a metal alloy. The fact that the carrier unit comprises a metal or a metal alloy ensures that a mechanically particularly robust carrier unit is provided. Preferably, the carrier unit is formed from a metal or a metal alloy, so that the carrier unit can be designed to be mechanically particularly robust. Preferably, the carrier unit is formed from steel, so that the mechanical robustness of the carrier unit is particularly optimally adjusted. Preferably, the carrier unit is formed from aluminum, so that the carrier unit can be designed to be particularly lightweight.

[0018] In one embodiment, the film unit comprises a fabric. The fact that the film unit comprises a fabric ensures that the film unit is particularly mechanically robust. The fabric preferably extends within a plane in which the film unit extends, so that, with the help of the fabric, the film unit can be particularly mechanically robust, particularly within this plane. The fabric is preferably a glass fabric. Because the fabric is a glass fabric, the film unit can be mechanically robust while remaining lightweight.

[0019] In one embodiment, the film unit comprises a polymer. Because the film unit comprises a polymer, a surface with a particularly low coefficient of friction can be provided. Preferably, the film unit comprises a fluoropolymer. Because the film unit comprises the fluoropolymer, a particularly low coefficient of friction is provided. Preferably, the film unit comprises polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Because the film unit comprises polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a particularly low coefficient of friction is provided. In particular, because the film unit comprises polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), the film unit can provide a surface for contact with the belt unit, in particular with the flat belt section, wherein the surface has a low coefficient of friction with high abrasion resistance and high temperature resistance.Preferably, the film unit comprises a glass fabric and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), wherein the glass fabric is encased in the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Because the film unit comprises a glass fabric and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), wherein the glass fabric is encased in the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), the glass fabric can provide mechanical robustness for the film unit, particularly within a plane in which the film unit extends. The polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) can protect the glass fabric and provide the surface for contact with the belt unit, so that the surface can provide a particularly low coefficient of friction with high abrasion resistance and high temperature resistance.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the invention, the stated object is achieved by a method having the features of patent claim 7. The method is intended for producing a bearing unit according to the first aspect of the invention. The method comprises the following steps: providing the carrier unit and the film unit such that the carrier unit and the film unit are arranged relative to one another such that, for each outlet opening, the corresponding outlet opening and a passage opening assigned to the corresponding outlet opening are arranged relative to one another such that, when the pressurized gaseous fluid flows out of the corresponding outlet opening, the gaseous fluid flowing out of the corresponding outlet opening flows through the passage opening assigned to the corresponding outlet opening.The fact that the carrier unit and the film unit are arranged relative to one another in such a way that for each outlet opening the corresponding outlet opening and a passage opening associated with the corresponding outlet opening are arranged relative to one another in such a way that when the pressurised gaseous fluid flows out of the corresponding outlet opening, the gaseous fluid flowing out of the corresponding outlet opening flows through the passage opening associated with the corresponding outlet opening, ensures that the bearing unit can be arranged in such a way that the film unit can be arranged on a side of the carrier unit facing the flat belt section and, in this arrangement, a bearing for guiding the belt unit can be provided with the aid of the outlet openings, the passage openings and the gaseous fluid as well as with the aid of the film unit.The storage unit provides the two functions already described.

[0021] In one embodiment, the film unit is glued to the carrier unit such that the carrier unit and the film unit are arranged relative to one another such that, for each outlet opening, the corresponding outlet opening and a passage opening associated with the corresponding outlet opening are arranged relative to one another such that when the pressurized gaseous fluid flows out of the corresponding outlet opening, the gaseous fluid flowing out of the corresponding outlet opening flows through the passage opening associated with the corresponding outlet opening. Gluing the film unit to the carrier unit ensures that the bearing unit can be manufactured particularly easily and quickly, and that the film unit can be replaced particularly easily.

[0022] The features, technical effects, and / or advantages described in connection with the storage unit according to the first aspect of the invention also apply at least analogously to the method according to the second aspect of the invention, so that a corresponding repetition is omitted here. Even if the method steps are described in a specific order, the present invention is not limited to this order. Rather, the individual method steps can be carried out in any meaningful order, in particular at least partially in parallel.

[0023] According to a third aspect of the invention, the stated object is achieved by a tire test stand having the features of patent claim 9. The tire test stand has a frame. Furthermore, the tire test stand has a tire holder attached to the frame, to which a tire with a tread can be mounted so as to rotate about its axis of rotation. Furthermore, the tire test stand has a belt unit. Furthermore, the tire test stand has two deflection pulleys mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the frame. The belt unit partially wraps around the deflection pulleys, so that the belt unit forms a flat belt section between the deflection pulleys. Once the tire is rotatably mounted on the tire holder, the tire can be moved into a contact position on a first side of the flat belt section, in which the tread of the tire and the flat belt section are in contact.Then, when the tire and the flat belt section are in contact and the belt unit is moved relative to the tire, the tire rolls on the flat belt section. The tire test bench also has a bearing unit according to the first aspect of the invention. The bearing unit is arranged on a second side of the flat belt section opposite the first side, such that the film unit is arranged on a side of the support unit facing the flat belt section. Each deflection pulley can also be referred to as a drum. Because the bearing unit is arranged on the second side of the flat belt section, the bearing unit can counteract the deformation of the flat belt section in the direction toward the second side of the flat belt section or even prevent deformation of the flat belt section in the direction toward the second side of the flat belt section.The fact that the bearing unit is arranged on the second side of the flat belt section opposite the first side, such that the film unit is arranged on the side of the carrier unit facing the flat belt section, ensures that the film unit is intended for contact with the flat belt section and that the film unit protects the carrier unit from contact with the flat belt section. Thus, the film unit can be specifically designed for contact with the flat belt section, and if the film unit becomes worn, the film unit can be renewed or replaced, and the carrier unit can continue to be used, thereby providing a particularly resource-efficient bearing unit and a particularly resource-efficient tire test bench.

[0024] In one embodiment, the belt unit comprises a metal or a metal alloy. The fact that the belt unit comprises a metal or a metal alloy ensures that the belt unit is mechanically particularly robust. Preferably, the belt unit is made of steel, which ensures that the belt unit is only slightly deformed under different tire loading conditions. As a result, tires can be subjected to particularly high mechanical loads using the tire test bench. If the belt unit is made of steel, the belt unit can also be referred to as a steel belt.

[0025] The features, technical effects and / or advantages described in connection with the storage unit according to the first aspect of the invention and the features, technical effects and / or advantages described in connection with the method according to the second aspect of the invention also apply at least analogously to the tire test bench according to the third aspect of the invention, so that a corresponding repetition is omitted at this point.

[0026] It has been found that the bearing unit according to the first aspect of the present invention offers the following advantages over prior art water bearings: the bearing unit according to the first aspect of the present invention eliminates the need for wipers (including conditioning, adjustment, replacement, etc.). the bearing unit according to the first aspect of the present invention avoids the risk of measurements being distorted by splashing water. the bearing unit according to the first aspect of the present invention avoids the risk of belt unit position control failing due to friction loss between the belt unit and the deflection pulleys. the bearing unit according to the first aspect of the present invention significantly reduces the risk of corrosion of components of the bearing unit and the risk of corrosion of components of the tire test bench.The storage unit according to the first aspect of the present invention prevents tire particles from mixing with water (contamination of the system). The storage unit according to the first aspect of the present invention eliminates the need to replace used water (odor nuisance). The storage unit according to the first aspect of the present invention eliminates the need for a pressurized water system.

[0027] It has been found that the bearing unit according to the first aspect of the present invention offers the following advantages over air bearings known from the prior art: The bearing unit according to the first aspect of the present invention can be used to safely control high wheel and lateral forces. The bearing unit according to the first aspect of the present invention keeps the cost of the sliding film low. The bearing unit according to the first aspect of the present invention ensures very quick and easy replacement of the sliding film and therefore short system downtimes. The bearing unit according to the first aspect of the present invention ensures very short system downtimes in the event of damage and repairs.

[0028] Further features, advantages, and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the exemplary embodiments and the figures. All described and / or illustrated features, individually and in any combination, constitute the subject matter of the invention, regardless of their composition in the individual claims or their references. In the figures, the same reference numerals continue to represent the same or similar objects. Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a tire test bench according to the invention, Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a storage unit according to the invention, and Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a method according to the invention for producing the Fig. 2 schematically illustrated embodiment of the bearing unit according to the invention.

[0029] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a tire test bench 1 according to the invention, Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a storage unit 3 according to the invention, and Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a method according to the invention for producing the Fig. 2 schematically illustrated embodiment of the bearing unit 3 according to the invention.

[0030] The tire test stand 1 has a frame (not shown). Furthermore, the tire test stand 1 has a tire holder (also not shown) attached to the frame. A tire 5 with a tread 7 can be mounted on the tire holder so as to be rotatable about its axis of rotation 9. Furthermore, the tire test stand 1 has a belt unit 11. Furthermore, the tire test stand 1 has two deflection pulleys mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the frame. Each deflection pulley 13 of the deflection pulleys is partially wrapped around by the belt unit 11. The deflection pulleys are thus partially wrapped around the belt unit 11. The deflection pulleys are partially wrapped around the belt unit 11 such that the belt unit 11 forms a flat belt section 15 between the deflection pulleys. When the tire 5 is rotatably mounted on the tire holder, the tire 5 can be brought into a contact position on a first side 17 of the flat belt section 15, which Fig. 1 and in which the tread 7 of the tire 5 and the flat belt section 15 are in contact. The tire test bench 1 has a belt drive unit (not shown). The belt drive unit can drive the belt unit 11 in a belt rotation direction. The belt drive unit is coupled to a deflection pulley 13 of the deflection pulleys in order to drive the belt unit 11 via this deflection pulley 13 in the belt rotation direction. When the tire 5 and the flat belt section 15 are in contact and the belt unit 11 is moved relative to the tire 5, the tire 5 rolls on the flat belt section 15. The tire test bench 1 also has the bearing unit 3. The bearing unit 3 is arranged on a second side 19 of the flat belt section 15 opposite the first side 17.

[0031] The tire 5 can be positioned relative to the flat belt section 15. In particular, the tire 5 can be brought into the contact position in which the tread 7 of the tire 5 is in contact with the flat belt section 15 by adjusting one drive element or by adjusting several drive elements. Furthermore, the tire 5 can be brought into further contact positions in addition to the contact position by adjusting one drive element or by adjusting several drive elements, in which the tread 7 of the tire 5 is also in contact with the flat belt section 15. If the tire 5 now rolls on the flat belt section 15, the tire 5 is brought into different load states during rolling.By adjusting the drive element or the plurality of drive elements, the camber of the tire 5, the skew of the tire 5, the tire load of the tire 5, and / or the position of the tire 5 relative to the flat belt section 15 can be adjusted as the tire 5 rolls on the flat belt section 15. Furthermore, the tire 5 can be driven in a tire rotation direction using a tire drive unit of the tire test bench 1 or braked in the tire rotation direction using a tire braking unit. This allows the tire 5 to be placed in different load states while rolling. In each load state of the tire 5, different reaction forces act on the tire 5, which can be recorded using a recording unit of the tire test bench 1.Since the tire 5 rolls on the flat belt section 15, this ensures that a situation in which the tire 5 rolls on a real road can be simulated particularly well. In every load state of the tire 5, not only reaction forces act on the tire 5. Rather, in the different load states, forces also act on the belt unit 11 and in particular on the flat belt section 15. These forces can, for example, lead to a deformation of the flat belt section 15 in a direction towards the second side 19 of the flat belt section 15. The bearing unit 3 is arranged on the second side 19 of the flat belt section 15 and can therefore counteract the deformation of the flat belt section 15 in the direction towards the second side 19 of the flat belt section 15 or even prevent a deformation of the flat belt section 15 in the direction towards the second side 19 of the flat belt section 15.

[0032] The bearing unit 3 is designed for the tire test bench 1. The bearing unit 3 has a fastening section with which the bearing unit 3 can be fastened to a fastening section of the tire test bench 1. In the Fig. In the embodiment of the tire test stand 1 shown in Fig. 1, the fastening section of the bearing unit 3 can be fastened to a fastening section of the frame of the tire test stand 1.

[0033] The storage unit 3 comprises a carrier unit 21 and a film unit 23. The carrier unit 21 comprises an input section 25 and a plurality of output sections. The input section 25 defines an inlet opening 27. Each output section 29 of the plurality of output sections defines an outlet opening 31. Fig. In the embodiment of the bearing unit 3 according to the invention schematically illustrated in Figure 2, 130 output sections and 130 outlet openings are schematically illustrated by way of example. Each outlet opening 31 is connected to the inlet opening 27 in such a way that when a pressurized gaseous fluid flows into the inlet opening 27, the pressurized gaseous fluid flows out of each outlet opening 31.The fact that each outlet opening 31 is connected to the inlet opening 27 in such a way that when the pressurized gaseous fluid flows into the inlet opening 27, the pressurized gaseous fluid flows out of each outlet opening 31, ensures that with the help of the bearing unit 3 in the region of the outlet openings, a bearing for guiding the belt unit 11 can be provided, in particular since with the help of the gaseous fluid flowing out of each outlet opening 31 on the second side 19 of the flat belt section 15, a force acting on the second side 19 on the flat belt section 15 can be provided, which force acts in a direction towards the first side 17 of the flat belt section 15.Channels are provided in the support unit 21 that connect the inlet opening 27 and the outlet openings, so that the pressurized fluid can flow into the inlet opening 27 and out of each outlet opening 31. The tire test bench 1 has a compressor unit that can be connected to the inlet opening 27 and that provides the pressurized gaseous fluid. The tire test bench 1 is provided with a compressor unit that provides air as the gaseous fluid, so that the tire test bench 1 can be constructed particularly simply. With the help of the bearing unit 3, an air bearing for guiding the belt unit 11 can be provided in the area of ​​the outlet openings. The bearing unit 3 differs from air bearings known from the prior art, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0034] The film unit 23 has a plurality of passage sections. Each passage section 33 of the plurality of passage sections defines a passage opening 35. Fig. In the embodiment of the bearing unit 3 according to the invention schematically illustrated in Figure 2, 130 passage sections and 130 passage openings are schematically illustrated by way of example. The carrier unit 21 and the film unit 23 are arranged relative to one another such that, for each outlet opening 31, the corresponding outlet opening 31 and a passage opening 35 associated with the corresponding outlet opening 31 are arranged relative to one another such that, when the pressurized gaseous fluid flows out of the corresponding outlet opening 31, the gaseous fluid flowing out of the corresponding outlet opening 31 flows through the passage opening 35 associated with the corresponding outlet opening 31.The fact that the carrier unit 21 and the film unit 23 are arranged relative to one another in such a way that for each outlet opening 31, the corresponding outlet opening 31 and a passage opening 35 assigned to the corresponding outlet opening 31 are arranged relative to one another in such a way that when the pressurized gaseous fluid flows out of the corresponding outlet opening 31, the gaseous fluid flowing out of the corresponding outlet opening 31 flows through the passage opening 35 assigned to the corresponding outlet opening 31, ensures that the bearing unit 3 can be arranged in such a way that the film unit 23 can be arranged on a side of the carrier unit 21 facing the flat belt section 15 and, with this arrangement, a bearing for guiding the belt unit 11 can be provided with the aid of the outlet openings, the passage openings and the gaseous fluid as well as with the aid of the film unit 23.The bearing unit 3 provides two functions, so that the bearing unit 3 can also be referred to as a hybrid bearing unit or hybrid bearing unit. A first of the two functions is provided with the aid of the outlet openings, the passage openings and the gaseous fluid, in that a bearing for guiding the belt unit 11 is provided in the region of the outlet openings and the passage openings, in that with the aid of the gaseous fluid flowing out of each outlet opening 31 on the second side 19 of the flat belt section 15, a force can be provided which acts on the second side 19 of the flat belt section 15 and acts in a direction towards the first side 17 of the flat belt section 15, such that deformation of the flat belt section 15 in a direction towards the second side 19 of the flat belt section 15 is reduced or even completely prevented.If a load on the flat belt section 15 due to different load conditions of the tire 5 is so great that the flat belt section 15 deforms so much that it comes into contact with the bearing unit 3, the film unit 23 is provided for this contact and can be designed for contact with the flat belt section 15 regardless of the design of the support unit 21. A second of the two functions is provided with the help of the film unit 23 in that a bearing for guiding the belt unit 11 is additionally provided with the help of the film unit 23 in that a contact surface for contact with the flat belt section 15 is provided with the help of the film unit 23, so that an additional force acting on the second side 19 on the flat belt section 15 can be provided, which force acts in a direction towards the first side 17 of the flat belt section 15.

[0035] At the Fig. In the embodiment of the bearing unit 3 according to the invention schematically illustrated in Figure 2, the carrier unit 21 and the film unit 23 are connected to one another. Because the carrier unit 21 and the film unit 23 are connected to one another, a particularly simply constructed bearing unit 3 is provided, which can be designed to be particularly weight-saving, since in particular a plate unit can be dispensed with. As already described, the carrier unit 21 and the film unit 23 are connected to one another, which is the case with the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 schematically illustrated embodiment of the bearing unit 3 according to the invention is ensured by the film unit 23 being glued to the carrier unit 21. Because the film unit 23 is glued to the carrier unit 21, the film unit 23 can be replaced particularly easily.

[0036] In an alternative embodiment of the storage unit 3 according to the invention, a plate unit is arranged between the carrier unit 21 and the film unit 23, wherein the plate unit and the film unit 23 are connected to one another. The fact that a plate unit is arranged between the carrier unit 21 and the film unit 23, wherein the plate unit and the film unit 23 are connected to one another, ensures that the plate unit can be replaced together with the film unit 23, in particular without the carrier unit 21 having to be replaced or processed. In the alternative embodiment of the storage unit 3 according to the invention, the plate unit is connected to the carrier unit 21 on a first side of the plate unit and is connected to the film unit 23 on a second side of the plate unit opposite the first side.If the film unit 23 is to be replaced, the carrier unit 21 and the plate unit can be separated from one another, and the plate unit can be removed together with the film unit 23, and a new plate unit, which is also connected to a film unit 23, can be connected to the carrier unit 21. The fact that the plate unit is arranged between the carrier unit 21 and the film unit 23, with the plate unit and the film unit 23 being connected to one another, significantly simplifies the replacement of the film unit 23. As already described, the plate unit and the film unit 23 are connected to one another, which is ensured in the alternative embodiment of the bearing unit 3 according to the invention by the film unit 23 being glued to the plate unit.Because the film unit 23 is glued to the plate unit, the film unit 23 can be particularly easily connected to the plate unit and removed from the plate unit again.

[0037] Just like the film unit 23, the plate unit also has a plurality of passage sections. Each passage section defines a passage opening. For example, 130 passage sections and 130 passage openings can be provided. The carrier unit 21, the film unit 23, and the plate unit are arranged relative to one another such that for each outlet opening 31, the corresponding outlet opening 31, a passage opening of a corresponding passage section of the plate unit associated with the corresponding outlet opening 31, and a passage opening 35 of a corresponding passage section 33 of the film unit 23 associated with the corresponding outlet opening 31 are arranged relative to one another such that when the pressurized gaseous fluid flows out of the corresponding outlet opening 31,the gaseous fluid flowing out of the corresponding outlet opening 31 first flows through the passage opening of the corresponding passage section of the plate unit associated with the corresponding outlet opening 31 and then through the passage opening 35 of the corresponding passage section 33 of the film unit 23 associated with the corresponding outlet opening 31.

[0038] Due to the fact that the carrier unit 21, the film unit 23 and the plate unit are arranged relative to each other in such a way that for each outlet opening 31, the corresponding outlet opening 31, a passage opening of the corresponding passage section of the plate unit assigned to the corresponding outlet opening 31 and a passage opening 35 of the corresponding passage section 33 of the film unit 23 assigned to the corresponding outlet opening 31 are arranged relative to each other in such a way that when the pressurized gaseous fluid flows out of the corresponding outlet opening 31,The gaseous fluid flowing out of the corresponding outlet opening 31 first flows through the passage opening of the corresponding passage section of the plate unit assigned to the corresponding outlet opening 31 and then through the passage opening 35 of the corresponding passage section 33 of the film unit 23 assigned to the corresponding outlet opening 31. This ensures that the bearing unit 3 can have a plate unit and can be arranged such that the film unit 23 can be arranged on the side of the carrier unit 21 facing the flat belt section 15. In this arrangement, a bearing for guiding the belt unit 11 can be provided with the aid of the outlet openings, the passage openings and the gaseous fluid, as well as with the aid of the film unit 23. The bearing unit 3 provides the two functions already described and can simultaneously ensure thatthat the film unit 23 can be replaced particularly easily. In the alternative embodiment of the bearing unit 3 according to the invention, for each outlet opening 31, a corresponding passage opening 35 of a corresponding passage section 33 of the film unit 23 and a corresponding passage opening of a corresponding passage section of the plate unit are provided.

[0039] At the Fig. In the embodiment of the bearing unit 3 according to the invention schematically illustrated in Figure 2, the support unit 21 is made of a metal alloy, namely steel. Because the support unit 21 is made of a metal alloy, a mechanically particularly robust support unit 21 is provided. Because the support unit 21 is made of steel, the mechanical robustness of the support unit 21 is particularly optimally adjusted. In an alternative embodiment of the bearing unit 3 according to the invention, the support unit 21 is made of a metal, namely aluminum. Because the support unit 21 is made of aluminum, the support unit 21 can be designed to be particularly weight-saving.

[0040] At the Fig. In the embodiment of the bearing unit 3 according to the invention schematically illustrated in Figure 2, the film unit 23 comprises a fabric, namely a glass fabric, and a polymer, namely a fluoropolymer in the form of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Because the film unit 23 comprises a fabric, namely a glass fabric, and a polymer, namely a fluoropolymer in the form of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), the film unit 23 provides a surface for contact with the belt unit 11, in particular with the flat belt section 15, wherein the surface has a low coefficient of friction with high abrasion resistance and high temperature resistance.The sections of the glass fabric are coated by the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), so that the glass fabric ensures mechanical robustness of the film unit 23, in particular within a plane in which the film unit 23 extends, and the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) protects the glass fabric and provides the surface for contact with the belt unit 11, so that the surface can provide a particularly low coefficient of friction with high abrasion resistance and high temperature resistance.

[0041] The bearing unit 3 is arranged on a second side 19 of the flat belt section 15 opposite the first side 17 such that the film unit 23 is arranged on a side of the carrier unit 21 facing the flat belt section 15. The fact that the bearing unit 3 is arranged on a second side 19 of the flat belt section 15 opposite the first side 17 such that the film unit 23 is arranged on a side of the carrier unit 21 facing the flat belt section 15 ensures that the film unit 23 is provided for contact with the flat belt section 15 and that the film unit 23 protects the carrier unit 21 from contact with the flat belt section 15.Thus, the film unit 23 can be specifically designed for contact with the flat belt section 15 and, if the film unit 23 becomes worn, the film unit 23 can be renewed or replaced and the carrier unit 21 can continue to be used, whereby a particularly resource-saving storage unit 3 and a particularly resource-saving tire test bench 1 can be provided.

[0042] The belt unit 11 comprises a metal alloy, namely steel, and can also be referred to as a steel belt. In particular, the belt unit 11 is made of steel. The fact that the belt unit 11 is made of steel ensures that the belt unit 11 is only slightly deformed under different loading conditions of the tire 5. Thus, tires 5 can be subjected to particularly high mechanical loads using the tire test bench 1.

[0043] When the flat belt section 15 is not loaded by a tire 5, the flat belt section 15 extends along a first plane. Even when the tire 5 slightly loads the flat belt section 15, the first belt section 15 extends along the first plane. If the load on the first belt section 15 by the tire 5 increases further, the first belt section 15 deforms in a direction toward the second side 19 of the flat belt section 15. As already described, the bearing unit 3 counteracts this deformation and thus prevents such deformation or at least reduces this deformation, in contrast to a situation in which no bearing unit 3 is provided. The film unit 23 extends along a second plane, which, in an installed state in which the bearing unit 3 is installed in the test bench 1, runs parallel to the first plane.Because the film unit 23 extends along the second plane, the film unit 23 provides a particularly flat surface for contact with the flat belt section 15, so that a particularly strong deformation of the flat belt section 15 in a direction toward the bearing unit 3 can be counteracted with the help of the surface of the film unit 23, wherein the belt section 15 is exposed to a particularly low mechanical load due to contact between the flat surface and the flat belt section 15. In the event that the plate unit is provided, the plate unit extends along a third plane that runs parallel to the second plane.The fact that the plate unit extends along the third plane, which runs parallel to the second plane, ensures that the plate unit forms a mechanically robust section to which the film unit 23 is connected and to which the film unit 23, when it comes into contact with the flat belt section 15, can dissipate forces acting on it as a result of this contact. The support unit 21 extends along a fourth plane, which runs parallel to the third plane and parallel to the second plane.The fact that the support unit 21 extends along a fourth plane, which runs parallel to the third plane and parallel to the second plane, ensures that the support unit 21 forms a mechanically robust section to which the film unit 23 is connected and to which the film unit 23 can divert forces acting on the film unit 23 as a result of this contact when the film unit 23 comes into contact with the flat belt section 15. In the event that the plate unit is provided, the support unit 21 forms a mechanically robust section to which the plate unit is connected and to which the plate unit can divert forces acting on the plate unit as a result of this contact when the film unit 23 comes into contact with the flat belt section 15.

[0044] As already described, the Fig. 2 schematically illustrated embodiment of the bearing unit 3 according to the invention, 130 output sections, 130 outlet openings, 130 passage sections and 130 passage openings are schematically illustrated by way of example. The present invention is not limited to these specific numbers. Rather, other numbers are also encompassed by the concept of the invention. For better clarification of each output section 29, each outlet opening 31, each passage section 33 and each passage opening 35, a section in Fig. 2 is shown enlarged with a dashed border, in which an output section 29, an outlet opening 31, a passage section 33 and a passage opening 35 are shown. The two dashed lines in Fig. 2 between the storage unit 3 and the enlarged view indicate the location at which the exemplary section is arranged in the storage unit 3.

[0045] As already described, Fig. 3 a schematic representation of the embodiment of the method according to the invention for producing the Fig. 2 schematically illustrated embodiment of the bearing unit 3 according to the invention. In a first method step 101 of the method, the carrier unit 21 is provided. In a second method step 102 of the method, through openings are introduced into the film unit 23. In a third method step 103 of the method, the film unit 23 is glued to the carrier unit 21. The fact that the film unit 23 is glued to the carrier unit 21 ensures that the bearing unit 3 can be manufactured particularly easily and quickly and that the film unit 23 can be replaced particularly easily.

[0046] In the third method step 103 of the method, the film unit 23 is glued to the carrier unit 21 in such a way that the carrier unit 21 and the film unit 23 are arranged relative to one another in such a way that for each outlet opening 31, the corresponding outlet opening 31 and a passage opening 35 assigned to the corresponding outlet opening 31 are arranged relative to one another in such a way that when the pressurized gaseous fluid flows out of the corresponding outlet opening 31, the gaseous fluid flowing out of the corresponding outlet opening 31 flows through the passage opening 35 assigned to the corresponding outlet opening 31.

[0047] The bearing unit 3 can therefore be produced using the method. In the method, the carrier unit 21 and the film unit 23 are provided such that the carrier unit 21 and the film unit 23 are arranged relative to one another such that, for each outlet opening 31, the corresponding outlet opening 31 and a passage opening 35 assigned to the corresponding outlet opening 31 are arranged relative to one another such that when the pressurized gaseous fluid flows out of the corresponding outlet opening 31, the gaseous fluid flowing out of the corresponding outlet opening 31 flows through the passage opening 35 assigned to the corresponding outlet opening 31.The fact that the carrier unit 21 and the film unit 23 are arranged relative to one another in such a way that for each outlet opening 31, the corresponding outlet opening 31 and a passage opening 35 assigned to the corresponding outlet opening 31 are arranged relative to one another in such a way that when the pressurized gaseous fluid flows out of the corresponding outlet opening 31, the gaseous fluid flowing out of the corresponding outlet opening 31 flows through the passage opening 35 assigned to the corresponding outlet opening 31, ensures that the bearing unit 3 can be arranged in such a way that the film unit 23 can be arranged on a side of the carrier unit 21 facing the flat belt section 15 and, with this arrangement, a bearing for guiding the belt unit 11 can be provided with the aid of the outlet openings, the passage openings and the gaseous fluid as well as with the aid of the film unit 23.The storage unit 3 provides the two functions already described.

[0048] Even if the method steps are described in a specific order, the present invention is not limited to this order. Rather, the individual method steps can be performed in any meaningful order, in particular at least partially in parallel.

[0049] Additionally, it should be noted that "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features described with reference to one of the above embodiments can also be used in combination with other features of other embodiments described above. Reference signs in the claims are not to be considered as limitations.

[0050] Reference symbol 1 tire test bench 3 storage units 5 tires 7 Tread 9 axis of rotation 11 Belt unit 13 pulley 15 flat belt section 17 first side of the flat belt section 19 second side of the flat belt section 21 carrier unit 23 foil unit 25 Entrance section 27 Entrance opening 29 Exit section 31 Exit opening 33 passage section 35 Passage opening of a passage section of the film unit 101 first procedural step 102 second procedural step 103 third procedural step

Claims

[1] Storage unit (3) for a tire test stand (1), wherein the storage unit (3) comprises a carrier unit (21) and a film unit (23), wherein the carrier unit (21) has an inlet section (25) defining an inlet opening (27) and a plurality of outlet sections, wherein each outlet section (29) of the plurality of outlet sections defines an outlet opening (31), wherein each outlet opening (31) is connected to the inlet opening (27) such that when a pressurized gaseous fluid flows into the inlet opening (27), the pressurized gaseous fluid flows out of each outlet opening (31), wherein the foil unit (23) has a plurality of passage sections, wherein each passage section (33) of the plurality of passage sections defines a passage opening (35), and wherein the carrier unit (21) and the film unit (23) are arranged relative to each other such that for each outlet opening (31) the corresponding outlet opening (31) and a passage opening (35) associated with the corresponding outlet opening (31) are arranged relative to each other such that when the pressurized gaseous fluid flows out of the corresponding outlet opening (31), the gaseous fluid flowing out of the corresponding outlet opening (31) flows through the passage opening (35) associated with the corresponding outlet opening (31). [2] Storage unit (3) according to the preceding claim, wherein the carrier unit (21) and the film unit (23) are connected to each other. [3] Storage unit (3) according to claim 1, wherein a plate unit is arranged between the support unit (21) and the film unit (23), wherein the plate unit and the film unit (23) are connected to each other. [4] Bearing unit (3) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support unit (21) comprises a metal or a metal alloy. [5] Storage unit (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the film unit (23) comprises a fabric. [6] Storage unit (3) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the film unit (23) comprises a polymer. [7] Method for manufacturing a storage unit (3) according to one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the following steps: providing the carrier unit (21) and the film unit (23) such that the carrier unit (21) and the film unit (23) are arranged relative to each other such that for each outlet opening (31) the corresponding outlet opening (31) and a passage opening (35) associated with the corresponding outlet opening (31) are arranged relative to each other such that when the pressurized gaseous fluid flows out of the corresponding outlet opening (31), the gaseous fluid flowing out of the corresponding outlet opening (31) flows through the passage opening (35) associated with the corresponding outlet opening (31). [8] Method according to claim 7, wherein the film unit (23) is glued onto the carrier unit (21) such that the carrier unit (21) and the film unit (23) are arranged relative to each other such that for each outlet opening (31) the corresponding outlet opening (31) and a passage opening (35) associated with the corresponding outlet opening (31) are arranged relative to each other such that when the pressurized gaseous fluid flows out of the corresponding outlet opening (31), the gaseous fluid flowing out of the corresponding outlet opening (31) flows through the passage opening (35) associated with the corresponding outlet opening (31). [9] Tire test stand (1) with a frame with a tire holder attached to the frame, to which a tire (5) with a tread (7) can be rotatably attached about its axis of rotation (9), with a belt unit (11) and with two deflection pulleys rotatably mounted relative to the frame, wherein the deflection pulleys are partially enclosed by the belt unit (11), so that the belt unit (11) forms a flat belt section (15) between the deflection pulleys, wherein, if the tire (5) is rotatably mounted on the tire holder, the tire (5) can be brought into a contact position on a first side (17) of the flat belt section (15) in which the tread (7) of the tire (5) and the flat belt section (15) are in contact, wherein when the tire (5) and the flat belt section (15) are in contact and the belt unit (11) is moved relative to the tire (5), the tire (5) rolls on the flat belt section (15), and wherein the tire test stand (1) has a bearing unit (3) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the bearing unit (3) is arranged on a second side (19) of the flat belt section (15) opposite the first side (17) such that the film unit (23) is arranged on a side of the carrier unit (21) facing the flat belt section (15). [10] Tire test stand (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the belt unit (11) comprises a metal or a metal alloy.

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