Tires with a device for generating electric current

Abstract

Tires with a device for generating electric current, which a) comprising at least one tire structure with a tread (3), sidewalls (4), tire beads (5), steel belt (8) and carcass (9), and at least one tire cord coating (7) between the steel belt (8) and a tread (3), wherein b) in the tire structure of the at least one wheel (1) at least one piezoelectric device is incorporated which is designed to generate electrical energy and which is coupled to the energy storage system for receiving the electrical energy of the piezoelectric device and for storing selected quantities of electrical energy, wherein c) at least one piezoelectric device is designed to absorb mechanical deformations of the at least one rotating wheel (1) caused by the pressure of the ground on the vehicle wheels (1) and to convert them into electrical charge according to the piezoelectric effect, characterized in that d) the tire cord coating (7) of the at least one piezoelectric device consists of multi-coated threads, a combination of tire cord threads (11), electrically conductive carbon nanomaterials (12), for example graphene nanotubes having piezoelectric properties, and an insulating coating (15), for example varnish, wherein adjacent threads are insulated from each other by the formation of the multi-coated threads and / or by an insulating coating (15) between the multi-coated threads.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a tire with a device for generating electric current according to the preamble of claim 1. State of the art

[0002] Current electric vehicle concepts focus on the use of various types of batteries and hydrogen fuel cells. The disadvantage is that these energy sources can only provide energy for a limited period of time and then require complex recharging. As a result, they can only provide a limited range and are by no means climate-neutral.

[0003] Conventional electric vehicles have heavy, multi-component battery packs and a shatter-resistant structure. Batteries must be protected from damage, temperature differences, and spontaneous combustion in accidents. These factors represent a disproportionate share of the vehicle's overall weight, increasing the need for powerful electric motors or increasing their number in a vehicle and increasing the use of construction materials. This reduces the ultimate efficiency of the electric motor, leads to increased wear on brake pads and tires, including the release of particulate matter, and causes road surfaces to age more quickly due to the increased load. The battery is located between the axles in the underbody, which makes interior use difficult.

[0004] The production of traction batteries and the operation of the vehicle consumes a great deal of energy and is still relatively expensive. In addition to lithium, the battery also uses cobalt, nickel, and copper, the extraction of which places a significant burden on the environment. A defective traction battery can be very expensive. The disposal and biodegradability of batteries is completely unexplored and unclear. Other significant disadvantages of electric vehicles include the time factor when charging the batteries via a socket, wall box, or charging station, the risk of immediate interruption of the current flow, and the risk of spontaneous combustion when towing, because energy in the electric motor is usually generated via at least one axle. If energy flows in the electric motor without an activated on-board system, high induced voltages can occur, which can damage the control electronics.

[0005] When the market becomes saturated, electric cars will effectively increase electricity consumption to charge their batteries. Currently, there isn't enough green electricity to replace all cars with combustion engines. Electricity generation by burning coal and gas creates significant air pollution. Hydroelectric, solar, and wind power plants also leave a carbon footprint: at least, they have to be built first.

[0006] Due to the increased demand for energy generation and consumption, operating costs are rising. Huge investments in grid expansion, the need for battery production, and the infrastructure for battery charging stations are driving up the price of electric cars.

[0007] For all the many advantages of hydrogen fuel cells, there are also some disadvantages and challenges that need to be addressed: Hydrogen extraction is an energy-intensive process that consumes more energy than the hydrogen itself provides.

[0008] Because hydrogen fuel cell technology is still immature, it is not yet a reliable fuel source capable of meeting all energy needs. Therefore, hydrogen fuel cells require investment to be developed to the point where they become a truly viable energy source.

[0009] Precious metals such as platinum are required to manufacture hydrogen fuel cells, which means the initial cost of fuel cells can be high. The cost per unit of energy from hydrogen fuel cells is currently higher than that of other energy sources, including solar cells.

[0010] Hydrogen storage and transport cannot simply be pumped through pipelines or loaded onto trucks. This makes hydrogen fuel cell costs even higher than the energy output. The transition to hydrogen fuel cell technology requires new infrastructure, as well as other additional requirements, such as the need to convert vehicles to use hydrogen fuel cells as a fuel source. Furthermore, a refueling infrastructure for vehicles at gas stations, for example, would have to be created. Hydrogen is a highly flammable energy source, which raises understandable safety concerns.

[0011] Various power generators have been proposed as energy sources. Of particular interest are energy generators that convert vibration energy into electrical energy using the piezoelectric effect, as the size of such generators can be easily varied.

[0012] US 4,504,761 A1 discloses a device for generating electricity, the device comprising a motor vehicle with an electrical system having a battery and a plurality of assemblies including a wheel and a tire having a rubber casing with a first annular band and a second annular band, and a plurality of projections arranged close to the first band so as to move towards it in response to the rolling movements of the tire, and means for generating electricity in response to movements of the motor vehicle on a road, said means comprising a plurality of piezoelectric elements attached to the first band and positioned close to the projections so as to engage them during the rolling movement of the tire to generate electricity in response to the rolling movement of the tire on the road surface.and means for connecting the piezoelectric element in a circuit with the battery to supply electrical energy generated by the piezoelectric elements to the battery, the means comprising output conductors.

[0013] The power generation system in US 4,504,761 A1 has numerous disadvantages. The bands carry the piezoelectric elements, and activating them requires the presence of a kind of chamber within the tire. This also requires a profound change in the tire's structure and significantly increases manufacturing costs. Furthermore, this design increases the tire's weight, thereby negatively impacting its performance, such as rolling resistance and comfort. Furthermore, the assembly of the various piezoelectric elements within their band is very complex and expensive.

[0014] Another significant disadvantage is the need to equip standard car tires with additional solid-state transducer elements such as spikes, rods, bending beams, piezo stacks, torsion elements, etc. for coupling and converting deformation energy, as proposed in patents Nos. US20150042211A1, US4504761A, US20080084138A1, US4504761A, US20080203850A1, US20100186493A1, DE102004002909A1, DE000060316734T2, DE102004031810A1, DE102006044563B4, and many others. This complicates not only the tire design but also its installation on the vehicle.

[0015] DE102016201591A1 discloses a power supply unit for a tire sensor module in a vehicle tire with a conversion unit, wherein the thermoelectric conversion unit is designed in the form of piezoelectric crystals in order to convert a thermal energy form generated in the vehicle tire during vehicle movement into electrical energy by means of a temperature difference between contact points.

[0016] The disadvantage of this solution is that electrical energy can only be generated after the vehicle has been driving for a longer period of time. Description of the invention

[0017] The present invention is based on the object of providing an energy source for electric vehicles which eliminates the design deficiencies of vehicles by changing the concept of power supply in order to ensure a reduction of pollutant emissions into the atmosphere, energy generation and energy consumption as well as a minimization of production and operating costs.

[0018] According to the invention, the above object is achieved according to the preamble of claim 1 in conjunction with the characterizing features. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the electric vehicle according to the invention are specified in the dependent subclaims. Brief description of the drawings

[0019] Further objects, features, advantages and possible applications of the car tire according to the invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment with reference to the drawings.

[0020] The drawings show Fig. 1 an isometric view of a tire ( Fig. 1a) and cross-section of a tire ( Fig. 1b); Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b multi-coated threads as a combination of tire cord threads, electrically conductive carbon nanomaterials and insulation coating; Fig. 3. a steel belt with piezoelectric material; Fig. 4 the piezoelectric elements; Implementation of the invention

[0021] The tire 2 according to the invention ( Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b) includes a tread (3) and a pair of annular sidewalls (4) secured to the wheel (1) by a pair of round tire beads (5). The tread (3) consists of a profile (6), two layers of tire cord coating (7), a steel belt (8), and a carcass (9). The tire beads (5) comprise a rubber-filled steel wire core (10) and a layer of tire cord coating.

[0022] Each layer of the tire cord coating (7) advantageously consists of a tire cord thread (11) ( Fig. 2a), onto which electrically conductive carbon nanomaterials (12), for example graphene nanotubes, are applied using methods known in the art and then covered with an insulating layer (15) for insulation between adjacent threads. A combination of tire cord threads (11), electrically conductive carbon nanomaterials (12), and insulating coating (15) form multi-coated threads ( Fig. 2a).

[0023] Carbon nanomaterials (12) such as graphene possess high electrical and thermal conductivities, as well as mechanical and piezoelectric properties, and can be bonded with flexible, electrically conductive adhesives. In combination with polymers, graphene is capable of converting mechanical vibrations into electrical current and forms the basis for piezoelectric elements and electronics such as transistors, conductive traces, integrated circuits, etc.

[0024] A number of parallel connected adjacent multi-coated threads, which come into contact with the road surface at the same time, form piezoelectric elements (13) ( Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b) which are integrated into each pneumatic tire structure, preferably throughout the entire tire structure, during the tire manufacturing process ( Fig. 4d). The number of wires connected depends on the vehicle weight and tire pressure.

[0025] Furthermore, the piezoelectric elements (13) can be arranged between the tread (3) of the tire (2) and the steel belt (8) evenly around the circumference of the tire (2) ( Fig. 3 and Fig. 4d) distributed at intervals ( Fig. 4d) so that the piezoelectric elements (13) in the upper layer (130) of the tire cord coating 13 are above the distance between adjacent piezoelectric elements (13) of the lower layer (131).

[0026] Furthermore, piezoelectric elements (13) are advantageously formed by two layers of tire cord coatings (7) ( Fig. 4c) are connected by means of electrodes (16), preferably to form parallel-connected blocks. The connection of the listed piezoelectric elements (13) forms a piezoelectric device.

[0027] The blocks of piezoelectric devices are advantageously connected independently of one another to at least one energy storage device, such as a graphene supercapacitor battery. In this embodiment, the output wires (14) are connected to an electrical circuit (not shown here) that includes a means for converting the alternating voltage, high-voltage, and low-current electricity generated by the piezoelectric devices into direct voltage, low-voltage, and low-current electricity compatible with the electrical system of the electric vehicle. The connection is made in a manner known in the art, for example, via a resonant magnetic coupling in accordance with the A4WP wireless power transmission standard. Electronic components and circuit boards must be developed.

[0028] When rolling on the road, the gravity of the Earth or other planets or asteroids acts at the contact point of the tire (2), through the tread pattern (6), on the tire cord coating (7), and on the underlying steel belt (8) and carcass (9). When the wheel (1) leaves the contact point with the road, the internal pressure of the tire (2) also acts on the tire cord coating (7). The pressure of the electric vehicle's wheels (1) on the road creates an electrical potential in the piezoelectric elements (13) due to the direct piezoelectric effect.

[0029] The spacing between the piezoelectric elements (13) is necessary so that the electron flow generated by an excited piezoelectric element (13) is delivered to the output wire (14) instead of being conducted to the unloaded piezoelectric element (13) of the lower (130) or upper (131) layer of tire cord coating (7). Electric current in piezoelectric elements (13) generates a magnetic field according to the principles of electromagnetism, which acts on the steel belt (8). An electric field is created therein, generating a force tending to rotate the wheel (1), as well as providing an additional source of energy. Another additional source for charging the energy storage device is the vehicle's descent, coasting, or engine braking with one wheel. The results of these effects should be taken into account when solving the problem.Electrical energy is transferred to one or more graphene supercapacitor batteries (not shown here) for charging. Special embodiments of the invention

[0030] The tire (2) according to the invention is characterized in that: a) That at least one wheel (1) ( Fig. 1) comprises a tire structure with a tread (3), sidewalls (4), tire beads (5), steel belt (8), carcass (9), and at least one tire cord coating (7) arranged between the steel belt (8) and the tread (3) and extending over the circumference of the tire structure (80), consisting of multi-coated threads formed as a combination of tire cord threads (11), electrically conductive carbon nanomaterials (12), for example graphene nanotubes, which have piezoelectric properties, and an insulating coating (15), for example lacquer. b) The tire cord coating (7) can be formed by interweaving multi-coated threads, the transverse threads being placed perpendicular to the circumference of the wheel tire (2). c) a number of parallel-connected adjacent multi-coated threads which simultaneously come into contact with the roadway form piezoelectric elements (13) which are particularly advantageously distributed uniformly around the tire circumference (80) at defined intervals, so that the piezoelectric elements (13) in the upper layer (130) of the tire cord coating (7) are above the defined distance between adjacent piezoelectric elements (13) of the lower layer (131) of the tire cord coating (7). d) Here, the ends of the piezoelectric elements (13) in each layer of the tire cord coating (7) can be connected in parallel with the electrodes (16) to form blocks and rigidly fixed with electrically conductive carbon adhesive in the immediate vicinity of the rim (17). e) A group of blocks connected in parallel, in combination with an electrical circuit, forms a piezoelectric device, which is preferably integrated throughout the tire structure during the tire manufacturing process. f) Piezoelectric devices are further accommodated in the tire structure of the at least one wheel (1), which are designed to generate electrical energy and which are coupled to the energy storage system for receiving the electrical energy of the piezoelectric devices and for storing selected amounts of the electrical energy. g) Finally, the piezoelectric devices are designed to absorb mechanical deformations of the at least one rotating wheel (1) caused by the pressure of the ground on the vehicle wheels (1) and to convert them into electrical charge according to the piezoelectric effect. p) Furthermore, the method advantageously provides that the conversion of mechanical deformations of at least one rotating wheel (1) of the vehicle, which are alternately caused by the ground pressure on the wheels (1) and the internal pressure in the tire (2) of the vehicle, into an electrical charge due to the piezoelectric effect, takes place simultaneously in a plurality of multi-coated threads of the piezoelectric devices that come into contact with the road surface. k) The electrical component of the electric vehicle may further be connected to the outputs of the piezoelectric devices via the electrodes (16) and a resonant magnetic coupling to ensure energy transmission over reasonable distances to graphene supercapacitor batteries and multiple devices through a single transmitter. I) Using the gravity of the Earth, as well as other planets or asteroids, to generate electricity can ensure the operation of an electric vehicle with increased range and travel time without the need for different battery types and a network of charging stations. m) The use of tyres with a device for generating electric power eliminates the need for heavy batteries, which reduces the weight of the car and therefore the required power of the electric motors or their number on the car.

[0031] The implementation of the invention will make it possible to create a climate-neutral electric vehicle and increase its range and travel time. With the development of technology, it will be possible to achieve unlimited values ​​of these indicators. List of reference numbers 1 wheel 2 tires 3 Tread 4 side walls 5 tire beads 6 Profile 7 Tire cord coating 8 steel belts 9 carcasses 10 steel wire cores 11 tire cord threads 12 Carbon nanomaterials 13 piezoelectric elements 14 Output wire 15 Insulation coating 16 Electrode 17 rim 80 tire circumference 130 Layer 1 131 Layer 2 QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 4,504,761 A1 [0012, 0013] US 20150042211A1

[0014] US 4504761A

[0014] US 20080084138A1

[0014] US 20080203850A1

[0014] US 20100186493A1

[0014] DE 102004002909A1

[0014] DE 000060316734T2

[0014] DE 102004031810A1

[0014] DE 102006044563B4

[0014] DE 102016201591A1

[0015]

Claims

[1] Tires with a device for generating electric current, which a) at least one tire structure with a tread (3), sidewalls (4), tire beads (5), steel belt (8) and carcass (9), and at least one tire cord coating (7) between the steel belt (8) and a tread (3), wherein b) at least one piezoelectric device is accommodated in the tire structure of the at least one wheel (1), which is designed to generate electrical energy and which is coupled to the energy storage system for receiving the electrical energy of the piezoelectric device and for storing selected amounts of the electrical energy, wherein c) at least one piezoelectric device is designed to absorb mechanical deformations of the at least one rotating wheel (1) caused by the pressure of the ground on the vehicle wheels (1) and to convert them into electrical charge according to the piezoelectric effect, characterized by , that d) the tire cord coating (7) of the at least one piezoelectric device consists of multi-coated threads, a combination of tire cord threads (11), electrically conductive carbon nanomaterials (12), for example graphene nanotubes, which have piezoelectric properties, and an insulating coating (15), for example varnish, wherein adjacent threads are insulated from one another by the formation of the multi-coated threads and / or by an insulating coating (15) between the multi-coated threads. [2] Tire according to claim 1, characterized bythat the tire cord coating (11) is formed by an interweaving of multi-coated threads, wherein the transverse threads are placed perpendicular to the tire circumference (80) of the wheel tire (2). [3] Tire according to claim 1, characterized by that parallel-connected, adjacent multi-coated threads, which simultaneously come into contact with the road surface and form piezoelectric elements (13), are evenly distributed around the tire circumference (80) of the at least one wheel (1) at defined intervals, so that the piezoelectric elements (13) in the upper layer (130) of the tire cord coating (7) lie above the defined distance between adjacent piezoelectric elements (13) of the lower layer (131) of the tire cord coating (7) and are integrated over the entire tire structure during the tire manufacturing process. [4] Tire according to claim 1, characterized bythat the ends of the piezoelectric elements (13) in each layer (130) and (131) of the tire cord coating (7) are connected in parallel to the electrodes (16) to form blocks and are rigidly fixed with electrically conductive carbon adhesive in the immediate vicinity of the rim (17). [5] Tire according to claim 1, characterized by that the electrical component of the electric vehicle is connected to the outputs of at least one piezoelectric device via the electrodes (16) and a resonant magnetic coupling to ensure energy transmission over reasonable distances to graphene supercapacitor batteries and multiple devices through a single transmitter and to significantly reduce the length and cross-section of the cable. [6] Tire according to claim 1, characterized bythat the conversion of mechanical deformations of at least one rotating wheel (1) of the vehicle, which are alternately caused by the ground pressure on the wheels (1) and the internal pressure in the tire (2) of the vehicle, into an electrical charge due to the piezoelectric effect, takes place simultaneously in a plurality of multi-coated filaments of the at least one piezoelectric device which come into contact with the road surface. [7] Tire according to claim 1, characterized by that the electrical energy for the electric vehicle's propulsion and vehicle systems is provided by the piezoelectric devices through graphene supercapacitor batteries, some of which alternately power the electric vehicle's electrical components while driving, while others are charged by at least one piezoelectric device. [8] Tire according to claim 1, characterized bythat using the gravity of the Earth, as well as other planets or asteroids, to generate electricity can ensure the operation of an electric vehicle with increased range and travel time without different battery types and a network of charging stations. [9] Tire according to claim 1, characterized by that, by using tires with a device for generating electric power, the need for heavy batteries is eliminated, which reduces the weight of the car and therefore the required power of the electric motors or their number on the car.

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