PORTABLE REPAIR KIT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a portable repair kit for sealing and inflating motor vehicle tires, with an electrically driven compressor as a compressed gas source, with a sealant container for an automatic sealant that can be filled into the motor vehicle tire, wherein the sealant container is connected to a valve unit for sealant and compressed gas, and the valve unit is provided with an inlet line that can be connected to the compressor and an outlet line that can be connected to the motor vehicle tire, wherein the outlet line can be connected to an inlet or inlet valve of the motor vehicle tire, as well as with means for supplying energy, in particular a plug and electrical cable, and operating and display elements for operating the repair kit, wherein the repair kit has at least one fastening means with the aid of which the repair kit can be temporarily fastened to a vehicle in the operating state.

[0002] In the case of flat tires, the problem usually arises that—as was previously common with cars, for example—a fully inflated spare tire mounted on a rim must be carried along. This spare tire is then mounted in place of the wheel with the defective tire. The defective tire must then be secured in the vehicle's designated spare tire storage space and later repaired. This often requires not only removing the loaded vehicle to access the storage space, but also jacking up the vehicle itself, which requires laborious repair work.

[0003] In the case of vehicles that are not equipped with tubeless tires, such as bicycles, a flat tire requires the use of extensive tools after mounting the tire, removing the casing from the rim, removing the tube, and patching it with the appropriate repair materials carried on board. The tire or tube then often has to be inflated several times to ensure a reasonably safe onward journey. In addition to the difficult repair work, the current method has the disadvantage that the necessary repair materials, such as an appropriate pump, lifting and screwing tools, as well as lighting required in the event of a breakdown at night, are either incomplete or not available in or on the vehicles in question, or are stowed in various places and require a long search.

[0004] To avoid these disadvantages, repair kits are already available. These include a compressor, a tire-coagulating sealant (usually a latex-milk mixture), the appropriate connecting hoses, and the necessary power cable connections, as well as a switch, pressure gauge, and control element. They thus provide a fully usable repair kit that eliminates the need to carry a spare tire mounted on a rim or constantly check other repair materials such as hoses, various tool wrenches, jacks, etc. These repair kits / breakdown sets are typically stored in the trunk of a vehicle.

[0005] Commercially available tire sealing kits that include a small compressor can be divided into two systems.

[0006] On the one hand, there are systems in which the sealant is pumped through the tire valve core with the help of the compressor and then the tire is filled with air without interruption. On the other hand, there are systems in which only the sealant is first poured into the tire. After the sealant has been pressed into the tire, for example using a deformable bottle (squeeze bottle), the tire valve core is screwed back in before, in a second step, the compressor is connected to the tire valve and the tire is filled with air. Typically, parts of the system, especially the compressor, are placed on the ground next to the tire and connected to the tire valve with a sufficiently long, pressure-resistant hose.

[0007] For both systems, it is important to ensure that all relevant system information (e.g. pressure display) is made available in a user-friendly manner during use.

[0008] When such repair kits are needed, the user finds themselves in an unfamiliar and unpracticed situation. The individual accessories of such repair kits must therefore be readily available and connected or assembled in a way that ensures that all functional parts are in the correct, intended location and can interact with each other. This is not always easy to ensure, especially when, depending on the operating condition, sealant containers and various hose connections must first be connected or reconfigured. System components are often misplaced, forgotten, or connected incorrectly.

[0009] To facilitate handling of the devices / repair kits, EP 1914062 A1 discloses a repair kit for sealing and inflating inflatable objects, which has at least one fastening means by which the device can be temporarily attached to a vehicle in operation. This creates a connection between the most important components / accessories, ensuring that all accessories of the breakdown kit are together and in the correct place during use.

[0010] The current trend toward larger tire sizes is diametrically opposed to the trend toward ever smaller and more cost-effective repair kits. One of the conflicting objectives in the design of small repair kits is, among other things, the length of the hose and the packing dimensions for storing the repair kit in the vehicle. A particularly small repair kit, if it is to be used on the ground next to the tire, requires, among other things, a long and flexible hose connecting a distribution unit for pressure and sealant to the tire valve, which increases the packing dimensions and is undesirable.

[0011] The object of the invention was therefore to provide a portable repair kit as a so-called "breakdown kit" that has small pack dimensions, is safe, simple and as user-friendly as possible to handle, has a robust design and is also simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0012] This problem is solved by the features of the main claim. Further advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the subclaims.

[0013] The repair kit is suspended by means of a detachable mechanical connection between the outlet line and the inlet or inlet valve of the vehicle tire, preferably in such a way that contact of the repair kit with the ground is unnecessary. The repair kit then "hangs" on the tire valve and can thus be used regardless of the road surface. For example, it can be used on uneven or muddy shoulders without any additional work, and no separate hose connections need to be connected or modified. The operator can therefore insert the repair kit without much preparation by simply connecting it to the tire valve. An advantageous design is that, once attached, the repair kit remains in an operational orientation even when there is no contact between the repair kit and the ground.In this context, the term "operational alignment" refers to a condition in which all functions of the repair kit are guaranteed for at least the period necessary to perform their function, for example, the period required to seal and inflate a tire. Operational alignment is also guaranteed when the repair kit is not in contact with the ground.

[0014] The repair kit can be connected to the vehicle or the intake valve directly on the valve using conventional connecting means, such as loops or hooks, or, as provided in an advantageous development, with the aid of a detachable, compressed-gas-conducting mechanical connection between the outlet line and the intake or intake valve on the vehicle tire. This creates a simultaneous mechanical and pneumatic connection in the simplest way.

[0015] A further advantageous embodiment consists in the outlet line being at least partially designed as a piece of hose, and the detachable mechanical connection being designed as a screw cap on the piece of hose for connecting the hose to the inlet valve. This provides an easy-to-use and well-known type of connection for the repair kit, so that the operator does not face any difficulties when connecting the system to the tire valve. Here, the connection serves not only as a pneumatic connection but also as a mechanical connection, with the lightweight and compact repair kit hanging directly from the tire valve via the hose. The hose is significantly shorter than in the prior art and follows the requirement that the repair kit is generally prevented from coming into contact with the ground.

[0016] Of course, both advantageous designs of the connection can also exist side by side, for example a connection via a hose, whereby a screw cap on the hose is combined with a loop for hanging the repair kit on the valve connection.

[0017] A further advantageous feature is that the mechanical connection is arranged such that, after the outlet line is connected or secured to the inlet or inlet valve, the portable repair kit assumes a position in which the operating and display elements face the operator's side and the sealant container is in its operating position. For example, a particularly short piece of hose or a pipe socket as the outlet line, which is provided with a screw cap suitable for connection to the valve, can ensure that the front of the compressor housing, equipped with operating elements, is on the "correct" side, namely the operator's side, and that the sealant bottle is simultaneously in its correct position. The operator's side is usually close to the outside of the tire, since the operator is located in front of the tire or rim.This makes it extremely easy to determine the correct position for operating the repair kit.

[0018] A further advantageous embodiment consists in that the detachable connection has a movable or flexible coupling, preferably a rotary coupling, and the center of gravity of the portable repair kit is designed such that, after the outlet line is connected or fastened to the inlet or inlet valve, the portable repair kit assumes a position in which the operating and display elements point towards the operator and the sealant container is in its operating position. In the simplest case, after being connected to the tire valve, the repair kit rotates and swings downwards around the latter or the hose as a flexible pivot point and aligns itself so that the operating elements are also on the operator side, and the operator only needs to make slight adjustments if necessary to achieve the best position for operation.To ensure such a stable operating position, the center of gravity of the hanging tire repair kit is preferably located below the valve suspension during operation. Due to gravity, the repair kit automatically aligns itself to its operating position. In this operating position, the valve assembly and sealant are aligned as required with the fluid level. The resulting "correct" positioning of the sealant container also takes into account that the height of the sealant container is greater than its width or depth, thus ensuring the most complete emptying possible. Given the given weight ratios, a change in the center of gravity of the repair kit due to pumping out the sealant is negligible with respect to the position of the hanging repair kit on the tire.

[0019] In exactly the same way or in a supporting manner, a further advantageous embodiment acts in that the detachable connection has a movable or flexible coupling, preferably a rotary coupling, and the shape of the portable repair kit is designed such that after the connection or fastening of the outlet line to the inlet or inlet valve, the portable repair kit assumes a position in which the operating and display elements point towards the operator side and the sealant container is in its operating position.

[0020] In addition to the operational advantages, the repair kit according to the invention offers a smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective design. A shorter hose reduces the space required and the associated housing, has a lower overall weight, and provides savings in manufacturing costs. A shortened hose, thanks to its very space-saving design, enables new options for storing the repair kit in the vehicle, for example, underneath the vehicle seats.

[0021] The invention will be explained in more detail using an embodiment.

[0022] The figures should be viewed together. Fig. 1a portable repair kit 1 according to the invention for inflating a motor vehicle tire 2 mounted on a rim, wherein the repair kit has an electrically driven compressor (not shown in detail here) as a compressed gas source and an inlet line 3 with which the compressor is connected to the valve and distribution unit, hereinafter referred to as valve unit 4.

[0023] The Fig. 1 shows the portable repair kit 1 according to the invention hanging on a tire, seen from the tire side. Fig. 2 shows the same repair kit 1 hanging on a tire in a sectional view.

[0024] The repair kit is suspended from the inlet or inlet valve 7 of the vehicle tire 2 by means of a detachable mechanical connection of the outlet line 9.

[0025] The repair kit further comprises a sealant container 8 for an automatic sealant that can be filled into the motor vehicle tire, wherein the sealant container 8 is connected to the valve unit 4 for sealant and compressed gas and the valve unit is provided with an outlet line 9 that can be connected to the motor vehicle tire, wherein the outlet line is connected to an inlet or inlet valve 7 of the motor vehicle tire.

[0026] The repair kit further comprises means for supplying energy, in particular plugs and electrical cables, and operating and display elements (5, 6) for operation.

[0027] The repair kit has a screw cap 10 arranged at the end of the outlet line for connecting the outlet line 9 to the inlet valve 7 as a temporarily actuated, detachable mechanical-pneumatic connection to the vehicle tire or to the tire valve.

[0028] Thus, if the outlet line 9 is designed to be correspondingly short, the repair kit 1 hangs on the tire valve in such a way that contact of the repair kit with the ground is unnecessary in all positions of the tire.

[0029] The arrangement of the mechanical-pneumatic connection and the center of gravity of the repair kit are designed such that after the outlet line 9 is connected to the inlet valve 7, the repair kit 1 assumes a position in which the operating and display elements 5, 6 point towards the operator side and the sealant container is in its upright operating position.

[0030] In summary, Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in detail the inventive construction of the repair kit in that the length l of the detachable mechanical connection according to the formula d − h < 1 < 2 r + d − h where d is the sidewall height of the vehicle tire, h is the height of the repair kit, and r is the rim radius of the wheel. This ensures that in almost all positions of the wheel or the valve inlet or tire valve, the repair kit is positioned suspended. Even in the lowest position of the valve, it is positioned at least diagonally in front of the tire sidewall and does not have to rest on the ground.

[0031] The repair kit shown here advantageously has a total weight of less than 1 kg and is therefore light enough to be suspended from the valve without affecting its strength. List of reference symbols (part of the description)

[0032] 1Repair kit 2Motor vehicle tire 3Inlet line 4Valve and distributor unit / valve unit of the repair kit 5Operating and display element 6Operating and display element 7Inlet valve 8Sealant container 9Outlet line 10Screw cap

Claims

1. Portable repair kit (1) for sealing and inflating vehicle tyres, in particular motor-vehicle tyres (2), having an electrically driven compressor as a compressed-gas source, having a sealant container (8) for a self-acting sealant which is introducible into the motor-vehicle tyre, wherein the sealant container (8) is connected to a valve and distributor unit (4) for sealant and compressed gas, said valve and distributor unit being part of the repair kit, and the valve unit (4) is provided with an inlet line (3), which is connectable to the compressor, and an outlet line (9), which is connectable to the motor-vehicle tyre, wherein the outlet line (9) is connectable to an inlet or inlet valve (7) of the motor-vehicle tyre (2), and also having means for energy supply, in particular a plug and an electric cable, and having operating and indicator elements (5, 6) for the operation of the repair kit, wherein the repair kit (1) has at least one fastening means, with the aid of which the repair kit, in the operating state, is temporarily fastenable to a vehicle, wherein, with the aid of a compressed-gas-conducting, releasable mechanical connection between outlet line and inlet or inlet valve (7), the repair kit is fastenable with an operationally ready orientation to the vehicle-tyre valve in a hanging manner and without contact to the underlying surface, it preferably being the case that the outlet line is at least partially in the form of a tube piece and the releasable mechanical connection is in the form of a screw-type cap situated on the tube piece and serving for connecting the tube piece to the inlet valve, characterized in that the length 1 of the releasable mechanical connection is configured according to the following formula d − h < 1 < 2 r + d − h , where d is the side-wall height of the vehicle tyre, h is the height of the repair kit and r is the rim radius of the wheel.

2. Portable repair kit according to Claim 1, in which the arrangement of the mechanical connection is configured in such a way that, after the connection or fastening of the outlet line to the inlet or inlet valve (7), the portable repair kit (1) assumes a position in which the operating and indicator elements (5, 6) point towards the operator side and the sealant container (8) is in its position for operation.

3. Portable repair kit according to either of Claims 1 and 2, in which the releasable connection has a movable or flexible coupling, preferably a rotary coupling, and the centre of gravity of the portable repair kit is configured in such a way that, after the connection or fastening of the outlet line to the inlet or inlet valve (7), the portable repair kit (1) assumes a position in which the operating and indicator elements (5, 6) point towards the operator side and the sealant container (8) is in its position for operation.

4. Portable repair kit according to one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the releasable connection has a movable or flexible coupling, preferably a rotary coupling, and the shaping of the portable repair kit (1) is configured in such a way that, after the connection or fastening of the outlet line to the inlet or inlet valve (7), the portable repair kit assumes a position in which the operating and indicator elements (5, 6) point towards the operator side and the sealant container (8) is in its position for operation.

5. Portable repair kit according to one of Claims 1 to 4, the total weight of which is less than 1.5 kg, preferably less than 1 kg.

6. Portable repair kit according to one of Claims 1 to 5, in which the bottom side of the sealant container (8) is oriented perpendicularly to the direction of gravitational force, in particular also after the emptying process.