TIRE REPAIR KIT AND METHOD FOR INFLATING AND / OR SEALING A TIRE

Description

[0001] The invention relates generally to methods and devices for inflating and / or sealing a vehicle tire and, in particular, to dispensing an agent for sealing an inflatable object, in particular a tire, from a container.

[0002] In particular, the invention relates to a tire repair kit for inflating and / or sealing a tire mounted on a rim of a vehicle wheel as needed. Such a tire repair kit can be used as a so-called puncture repair kit, for example, as a replacement for a spare tire in a motor vehicle.

[0003] The invention further relates to a method for inflating and / or sealing a vehicle tire and in particular for dispensing a sealant for sealing a tire mounted on a rim of a vehicle wheel.

[0004] Such devices, in the form of tire repair kits or breakdown kits, and methods are available in a wide variety of forms and designs. For example, if a vehicle tire develops a leak and loses air, there is either the option of changing the tire or using a breakdown kit / tire repair kit. Changing a tire is strenuous and difficult, and above all, a tire takes up a lot of space in the trunk. Added to that is the additional fuel consumption due to the added weight of the tire and rim.

[0005] The simpler and faster option is a puncture kit or tire repair kit. These familiar puncture kits can often be used either to inflate a tire alone or to seal and then inflate a tire. Depending on whether the tire needs to be inflated only or both sealed and inflated, the user connects either a hose to a compressor or a sealant container to the tire via a hose, for example, a compressor.

[0006] For example, the document DE 20 2005 021 981 U1 describes a kit for inflating and repairing inflatable objects, in particular tires, wherein the kit comprises a compressor assembly, a container with a sealing liquid, and a connecting device for connecting the container to the compressor assembly and to an inflatable object or product for repair and inflation. The kit further comprises an outer housing which accommodates the compressor assembly and which defines a seat for the container of the sealing liquid. The container is removably received in the seat. By providing the connecting device for stably connecting the container to the compressor assembly, it follows that when the container is received in the seat, the container remains functionally connected to the compressor assembly.

[0007] EP 1 914 062 A1 discloses a device according to the preamble of claim 1 in the form of a repair kit for sealing and inflating motor vehicle tires. The device comprises a compressed gas source, a valve and distributor unit for sealant and compressed gas with an inlet line connectable to the compressed gas source and a tubular outlet line connectable to the motor vehicle tire, as well as a connecting means for supplying energy. The device is housed in a pot-shaped housing that serves as a support body and can be temporarily fastened to a vehicle, e.g., to the vehicle body or the vehicle wheel, by means of at least one fastening means. The compressed gas source is a compressor unit connected to the support body, which has a drive and a compressor section with at least one working chamber.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a tire repair kit for inflating and / or sealing a tire mounted on a rim of a vehicle wheel as needed, wherein the handling of the tire repair kit is significantly simplified compared to the tire repair kits or puncture kits known from the prior art. Furthermore, a corresponding method, in particular for repairing a defective tire, is to be specified. This object is achieved in particular by the subject matter of independent patent claim 1, which relates to a tire repair kit for inflating and / or sealing a tire mounted on a rim of a vehicle wheel as needed. According to the invention, it is particularly provided that the support body has a flange region via which the compressor section is preferably detachably connected to the support body.When the support body is inserted into the center recess of the vehicle rim, the compressor unit is arranged at least partially and preferably completely outside the center recess of the vehicle rim. Advantageous further developments of the tire repair kit according to the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims 2 to 10.

[0009] The problem underlying the invention is solved with regard to the method by the subject matter of the independent patent claim 11, which relates to a method for inflating and / or sealing a tire mounted on a rim of a vehicle wheel. Advantageous developments of the method according to the invention are specified in the dependent patent claims 12 to 14.

[0010] The tire repair kit according to the invention is characterized in particular in that the tire repair kit can be mounted, in particular temporarily, on the vehicle wheel. Compared to tire repair kits or breakdown kits known from the prior art, this offers the decisive advantage that after the tire repair, the user no longer has to disassemble and stow the tire repair kit away. Rather, the invention provides that in the event of a flat tire, for example, the user takes the tire repair kit from the trunk of the vehicle, places it on the vehicle rim of the vehicle wheel to be repaired and then activates the tire repair kit in order to inflate the tire accordingly and / or dispense a sealant accordingly. After the tire has been repaired or after the tire has been inflated and / or sealed, the tire repair kit remains on the vehicle rim ormounted on the vehicle wheel and no longer needs to be removed.

[0011] In other words, the user can get back into the vehicle immediately after the inflation or sealing process is completed and continue driving, for example to an appropriate car repair shop.

[0012] The solution according to the invention not only significantly simplifies the handling of the tire repair kit, but also increases road safety, since the user of the tire repair kit only has to leave the vehicle interior for a short time and is therefore less exposed to traffic.

[0013] According to a further aspect of the invention, the tire repair kit thus comprises a support body, in particular a cup-shaped or pot-shaped, which can be interchangeably attached to the vehicle rim as needed and can be interchangeably received in the center recess of the vehicle rim. The tire repair kit further comprises a compressor unit connected to the support body, in particular a cup-shaped or pot-shaped, having a drive and a compressor section with at least one working chamber.

[0014] In particular, the support body can have a size and / or geometry adapted to the center recess of the vehicle rim. In this case, it is advisable for the support body to be at least partially and preferably completely accommodated in the center recess of the vehicle rim.

[0015] Preferably, the support body is assigned reversibly detachable connecting means, particularly in the form of snap-in connecting means, for releasably securing the support body to the vehicle rim. The securing with the aid of the connecting means can be achieved, for example, by interacting with correspondingly complementary connecting means in the central recess. Alternatively or additionally, the connecting means can also interact with other components of the vehicle rim, for example, by clamping to the wheel bolts of the vehicle rim.

[0016] The connecting means of the support body, which are in particular reversibly detachable, are preferably designed in such a way that the tire repair kit is securely fixed to the vehicle rim even when the vehicle is moving.

[0017] According to the implementation of the tire repair kit, it is provided that the drive of the compressor unit is at least partially or partially accommodated in the support body.

[0018] Preferably, the drive of the compressor unit is an electric motor drive to which the electrical energy required to operate the drive can be supplied as needed and especially when the vehicle is stationary, in particular via an electrical line running at least partially outside the vehicle.

[0019] The tire repair kit can in particular optionally comprise a sealant container which preferably has, at least in some areas, a substantially toroidal and in particular rotationally toroidal shape.

[0020] The sealant container is fluidly connected or connectable to the compressor section and in particular to the at least one working chamber of the compressor section, in particular in a detachable manner, in such a way that compressed air can be supplied to the sealant container at least as needed to dispense a sealant.

[0021] Furthermore, the sealant container can preferably have a sealant outlet coupling, in particular in the form of a quick coupling, via which an outlet of the sealant container can be fluidly connected to a valve of the tire if required.

[0022] In this context, it would be conceivable for the sealant container to be (mechanically) connected or connectable to the vehicle rim and / or the support body and / or the compressor unit, particularly in a detachable manner. However, a "freestanding" design of the sealant container is also conceivable.

[0023] Accordingly, according to embodiments of the tire repair kit according to the invention, it can have a support body, in particular a cup-shaped or pot-shaped support body, which can be exchangeably received in the central recess of the vehicle rim in order to mount the tire repair kit, in particular temporarily, on the vehicle wheel.

[0024] According to these embodiments of the tire repair kit according to the invention, the tire repair kit can further comprise a compressor unit with a drive and a compressor section with at least one working chamber as well as a sealant container which is at least partially toroidal and in particular rotationally toroidal, wherein the sealant container which is at least partially toroidal and in particular rotationally toroidal surrounds the compressor section of the compressor unit at least partially or in some areas.

[0025] In other words, in these embodiments of the tire repair kit according to the invention, all structural components necessary for dispensing a sealant or for inflating a tire as needed are fully integrated into the tire repair kit.

[0026] In particular, in the solution according to the invention, the composition of the structural components of the tire repair kit is selected such that the tire repair kit has a particularly compact design adapted to the size and geometry of the rim of the vehicle wheel. This ensures that when the tire repair kit is attached to the vehicle rim, the vehicle width is only slightly increased - if at all - even with a sealant container connected to the compressor section.

[0027] This is characterized, for example, by the fact that the sealant container of the tire repair kit according to the invention is designed to be toroidal, and in particular rotationally toroidal, at least in some areas. Such a shape guarantees a relatively large volume for the sealant to be provided, while at the same time, the inner area of ​​the toroidal shape can be utilized to at least partially or partially accommodate the compressor section of the compressor unit. This has the crucial advantage that only relatively short compressed air lines are required from the compressor section of the compressor unit to the sealant container, which reduces the susceptibility to wear on the one hand and also any compressed air losses on the other.

[0028] A further advantage of the toroidal shape of the sealant container is that when compressed air is introduced, optimal mixing and thus particularly efficient application of the sealant can be achieved.

[0029] Generally speaking, the tire repair kit according to the invention preferably has an overall at least substantially rotationally symmetrical design, wherein, when the tire repair kit is mounted on the vehicle rim, the center of gravity of the tire repair kit lies on the central axis of the vehicle wheel. This also applies if the sealant container of the tire repair kit is connected to the compressor section. In this way, no imbalance, or if any, only a slight imbalance, occurs when the vehicle is driving with the tire repair kit mounted on the vehicle rim.

[0030] According to preferred embodiments of the tire repair kit according to the invention, the support body has a size and / or geometry adapted to the center recess of the vehicle rim. In particular, the support body of the tire repair kit is dimensioned and designed such that the support body can preferably be completely accommodated in the center recess of the vehicle rim.

[0031] In principle, it is advisable for the support body to have, in particular, reversibly detachable connecting means in order to fix the support body preferably detachably to the vehicle rim, such as in the central recess of the vehicle rim or to wheel bolts of the vehicle rim.

[0032] The connecting means, in particular those which are reversibly detachable, can be, for example, locking connecting means, such as locking lugs, which automatically lock into place when the support body is inserted into the central recess and fix the support body accordingly.

[0033] In this context, the connecting means of the support body, which are particularly reversibly detachable, should advantageously be designed in such a way that the tire repair kit remains securely attached to the vehicle rim even when the vehicle is moving. This also applies if the sealant container of the tire repair kit is connected to the compressor section.

[0034] A "secure fixation" of the tire repair kit to the vehicle rim or wheel means, in particular, that it remains firmly attached to the vehicle wheel at a speed of up to, for example, 100 km / h, even if the vehicle wheel is subjected to vibrations or lateral acceleration.

[0035] It is further advantageous that the support body has a type of flange region, via which the compressor unit is detachably connected to the support body. When the support body is inserted into the central recess of the vehicle rim, the compressor unit and the sealant container, which is at least partially toroidal and in particular rotationally toroidal, are preferably arranged completely outside the central recess of the vehicle rim.

[0036] This embodiment offers several advantages. In particular, a particularly compact design is achieved, whereby, at least in a state in which the sealant container is at least partially empty, the center of gravity of the tire repair kit lies on the rotational axis of the vehicle wheel and, in particular, within the center recess of the vehicle rim. This allows for particularly secure storage of the tire repair kit on the vehicle rim.

[0037] According to implementations of the tire repair kit according to the invention, the compressor unit has at least one compressed air coupling fluidly connected to a pressure side of the compressor section, in particular in the form of a quick coupling.

[0038] Alternatively or additionally, the sealant container preferably has at least one compressed air coupling, in particular in the form of a quick coupling.

[0039] The sealant container can then be supplied with compressed air as required via the at least one compressed air coupling of the compressor unit and / or via the at least one compressed air coupling of the sealant container.

[0040] In this context, quick couplings as compressed air couplings are particularly preferred, as they allow easy assembly of the tire repair kit and easy disassembly of the tire repair kit, for example when components of the tire repair kit need to be serviced or replaced.

[0041] Likewise, it is advisable for the sealant container to have at least one sealant outlet coupling, particularly in the form of a quick-release coupling, via which an outlet of the sealant container can be fluidly connected to a tire valve as needed. For this purpose, the tire repair kit preferably includes a corresponding fluid line that can be connected to the sealant outlet coupling of the sealant container, which can also be fluidly connected to the tire valve of the tire to be treated via a corresponding extension or adapter.

[0042] With regard to the center of gravity of the tire repair kit, it is advantageous for the drive of the compressor unit to be at least partially or partially, and preferably completely, accommodated in the support body. This ensures that, when the support body is accommodated in the center recess of the vehicle rim, the center of gravity of the tire repair kit also preferably falls into the center recess of the vehicle rim.

[0043] The compressor unit can be powered by an electric motor, for example. Other alternatives are, of course, also conceivable. However, an electric motor is a suitable option insofar as it can be plugged into a 12-volt socket in the vehicle to power the drive, for example, via an electrical cable (extension cable) that runs at least partially outside the vehicle.

[0044] Thus, after inserting the tire repair kit or support body into the center recess of the vehicle's rim and connecting the sealant outlet coupling of the sealant container to the tire valve, the user simply plugs the extension cable into, for example, the socket of an on-board cigarette lighter to supply the electrical power required to operate the compressor unit. Of course, this only occurs when the vehicle is stationary.

[0045] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the sealant container is detachably and / or replaceably connected or connectable to the compressor unit and / or the support body. This ensures that the sealant container can only be connected to the compressor unit when needed, for example, when sealing the tire is necessary. Furthermore, the sealant container can be replaced accordingly after use of the tire repair kit.

[0046] For detachable and / or replaceable connection of the sealant container to the compressor unit and / or the support body, at least one fastening means, in particular in the form of a screw, a quick-release fastener and / or a quick-lock device, can be assigned to the sealant container.

[0047] In this context, it is advisable for the sealant container to preferably have a flange region that is arranged distally with respect to the support body and that at least partially encompasses the central opening of the toroidal and, in particular, rotationally toroidal sealant container. Advantageously, a bore is formed in the preferably provided flange region that is arranged centrally with respect to a rotational axis of the toroidal and, in particular, rotationally toroidal sealant container, and that at least partially accommodates a fastening means, in particular in the form of a screw, a quick-release fastener, and / or a quick-lock device.

[0048] Preferably, the sealant container is connected to the compressor unit and / or the support body via a single fastening means, in particular in the form of a screw, a quick-release fastener, and / or a quick-lock device. This allows for particularly rapid replacement or exchange of the sealant container.

[0049] In particular, the only fastening means should be on the rotation axis of the tire repair kit so that no imbalance occurs when the vehicle is moving again and the tire repair kit is still attached to the vehicle rim.

[0050] Alternatively or in addition to the aforementioned embodiments, according to implementations of the tire repair kit according to the invention, it is provided that the sealant container has an interface area via which the sealant container can be or is connected to the compressor unit and / or the support body in a detachable and / or replaceable manner.

[0051] In order to prevent the sealant container from protruding too far from the vehicle rim when the tire repair kit is mounted on the vehicle rim, it is provided in particular that the sealant container is designed to be at least substantially flat (even) on a side opposite the interface area.

[0052] According to embodiments of the tire repair kit according to the invention, it is provided that, in a state in which the sealant container is connected to the support body and / or to the compressor unit, the tire repair kit has at least substantially a rotationally symmetrical, in particular mushroom-shaped, structure. Preferably, the sealant container is connected to the compressor unit and / or the support body via a single fastening means, in particular in the form of a screw, a quick-release fastener, and / or a quick-lock device. The single fastening means is located, in particular, on the rotational axis of the tire repair kit. This provides a particularly compact solution for the tire repair kit.

[0053] Generally speaking, it is advantageous for the tire repair kit to have at least a substantially rotationally symmetrical, particularly mushroom-shaped, design. Such a rotationally symmetrical design allows the vehicle to continue driving despite the tire repair kit being installed without any noticeable or disruptive change in the handling characteristics, since the tire repair kit does not generate any imbalance.

[0054] According to embodiments of the tire repair kit according to the invention, the sealant container comprises two toroidal segment-shaped regions, preferably at least substantially identical but mirror-inverted, which are preferably fluidically connected to one another. The two toroidal segment-shaped regions each have two mutually facing end faces.

[0055] In this context, it is advisable to arrange at least one compressed air connection for supplying compressed air to the sealant container and at least one sealant outlet between the mutually facing end faces of the two toroidal segment-shaped regions. In particular, the at least one compressed air connection and the at least one sealant outlet should preferably be arranged opposite one another.

[0056] This has the advantage that the compressed air fed into the sealant container only reaches the sealant outlet via a relatively long path through the sealant container, which allows for particularly efficient mixing and expulsion of the sealant from the sealant container.

[0057] The compressor unit of the tire repair kit according to the invention can, in particular, comprise a compressor as the compressor section, which is preferably coupled to the drive. In principle, the compressor unit can also be associated with a buffer unit, which, for example, provides (electrical) energy for a limited operating period.

[0058] According to the inventive design of the tire repair kit, the compressor unit comprises a drive and a compressor section with at least one working chamber, wherein the drive and the compressor section are arranged axially offset from one another. In this context, the compressor section faces an outer side and the drive faces an inner side, wherein the compressor unit, in a state when the tire repair kit is mounted on the vehicle wheel, is received at least partially along its axial extent in the central recess, such as the center hole of the vehicle rim.

[0059] The compressor unit is preferably of modular construction and can, in particular, have a compressor shaft, which is arranged parallel to a central axis of the vehicle wheel when the tire repair kit is mounted on the vehicle wheel. The compressor shaft preferably coincides with the central axis of the vehicle wheel. The compressor shaft drives the compressor.

[0060] According to a further development of this embodiment, a drive of the compressor unit has a longitudinal axis that is arranged parallel to the central axis of the vehicle wheel when the tire repair kit is mounted on the vehicle wheel, wherein the drive is directly or indirectly coupled to the compressor shaft. Alternative designs are conceivable in which the compressor shaft is spaced from the central axis and arranged parallel to it. It goes without saying that at least one transmission stage or gear stage can be interposed between the drive and the compressor section.

[0061] According to exemplary embodiments of the tire repair kit, the compressor unit comprises a plurality of working chambers, which, when the tire repair kit is mounted on the vehicle wheel, are preferably arranged in groups around a central axis of the vehicle wheel. The working chambers are designed, in particular, as displacement chambers or displacement cylinders. The working chambers are preferably arranged offset around the central axis, for example, in a star-shaped configuration or opposite one another.

[0062] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the tire repair kit according to the invention, the compressor unit is designed as a piston compressor unit, wherein the compressor unit comprises at least one piston, in particular a reciprocating piston or rotary piston, which can preferably be driven via an eccentric coupling drive.

[0063] When the tire repair kit is mounted on the vehicle wheel, the piston is preferably oriented perpendicular to the central axis. The at least one piston can be designed as a cylindrical piston. However, the piston can also be designed as an oval or flat piston and have a non-circular cross-section. The working chamber is adapted accordingly to the design of the piston.

[0064] According to a further development of at least one of the previously described embodiments, the compressor unit has at least two working chambers configured as working cylinders, which, when the tire repair kit is mounted on the vehicle wheel, are arranged around the central axis of the vehicle wheel. Preferably, a longitudinal direction of the working cylinders is oriented perpendicular to the central axis. The working chambers can be arranged approximately in a star shape around the central axis.

[0065] According to a further development, the compressor unit has at least one double piston, preferably a rigid double piston, wherein the double piston has two oppositely facing piston sections that are connected to each other via a drive piece. This eliminates the need for a complex crank drive. The eccentric coupling drive can be designed simply.

[0066] According to a further development of this embodiment, the drive piece has a slotted guide in which a sliding piece or sliding block is guided. The sliding piece rotates eccentrically during operation, and the drive piece can be driven translationally by the sliding piece in order to compress the pressurized fluid in the working cylinders. The piston-supporting drive piece can be driven by longitudinal oscillation.

[0067] According to a further development of at least one of the previously described embodiments, the compressor unit of the tire repair kit according to the invention comprises a plurality of axially offset pistons, which can be driven via a common compressor shaft and which have a plurality of eccentric sections. Preferably, a plurality of rows of axially offset pistons are provided.

[0068] As already stated, the present invention further relates to a method for inflating and / or sealing a tire mounted on a rim of a vehicle wheel.

[0069] In this case, a tire repair kit of the type described above according to the invention is provided, and the support body of the tire repair kit is placed in the center recess of the vehicle rim. Furthermore, a compressed air outlet of the compressor unit is fluidly connected to the tire valve of the tire, and the drive of the compressor unit is activated.

[0070] After deactivating the compressor unit drive, the tire repair kit can remain mounted on the vehicle rim even when the vehicle resumes driving.

[0071] The present invention further relates to a method for applying a sealant for sealing a tire mounted on a rim of a vehicle wheel.

[0072] In this case, a tire repair kit of the type described above according to the invention is first provided. Subsequently, the support body of the tire repair kit is inserted into the center recess of the vehicle rim, a sealant outlet of the sealant container is fluidly connected to the tire valve of the tire to be sealed, and the drive of the compressor unit is activated.

[0073] To activate the drive of the compressor unit, electrical energy is supplied to it, preferably from the vehicle's electrical system, via an electrical line (for example in the form of an extension cable) that runs at least partially outside the vehicle rim and the vehicle.

[0074] According to one aspect of the method according to the invention, it is provided that the drive of the compressor unit is deactivated or can be deactivated manually or automatically, preferably optionally automatically, in particular when an actual pressure in the tire to be sealed, which can preferably be measured or determined by the tire repair kit, reaches or has reached a predetermined or definable target pressure.

[0075] In particular, the solution according to the invention is characterized in that after deactivation of the drive of the compressor unit, the tire repair kit remains or can remain in its state mounted on the vehicle rim, even if the vehicle resumes driving.

[0076] This aspect provides the crucial advantage that should the tire pressure drop again after the sealant has been applied to the tire to be sealed, for example, because the sealant has settled, the user of the tire repair kit simply needs to reactivate the compressor unit's drive to bring the actual tire pressure up to the target pressure. Since the tire repair kit is still mounted on the vehicle's rim, this can be accomplished by the user in just a few simple steps.

[0077] According to a further aspect of the invention, it is provided that after the sealant has been applied, the pressure medium container of the tire repair kit is replaced.

[0078] An exemplary embodiment of the tire repair kit according to the invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0079] They show: FIG. 1 schematically and in an isometric view from above an exemplary embodiment of the tire repair kit according to the invention with a connecting line connected to the sealant container, in particular via a clip or bayonet connection or another quick coupling; FIG. 2 schematically and in an isometric view from below the exemplary embodiment of the tire repair kit according to the invention; FIG. 3 schematically and in an isometric view from below the tire repair kit according to FIG. 2 , but without the connecting line connected to the sealant container; FIG. 4 schematically and in a side view the tire repair kit according to FIG. 3 ; FIG. 5 schematically and in a partially sectioned view the tire repair kit according to FIG. 4 ; FIG. 6 schematically and in an isometric view of the support body of the exemplary embodiment of the tire repair kit according to the invention with the drive of the compressor unit arranged at least partially in the support body; FIG. 7 schematically and in an isometric view of the support body according to FIG. 6 , wherein the compressor section of the compressor unit is connected to the support body via a flange region of the support body; FIG. 8a schematically and in an isometric view an exemplary embodiment of a rim of a vehicle wheel without a tire mounted on the rim; and FIG. 8b schematically and in an isometric view the rim according to FIG. 8a , wherein the exemplary embodiment of the tire repair kit according to the invention according to FIG. 1 mounted on the rim of the vehicle wheel.

[0080] The tire repair kit 1 shown in the drawings serves for inflating and / or sealing a tire mounted on a rim 2 of a vehicle wheel as required, wherein the tire repair kit 1 can be mounted in particular temporarily on the vehicle wheel or on the vehicle rim 2.

[0081] Essentially, the exemplary embodiment of the tire repair kit 1 according to the invention has a cup-shaped or pot-shaped support body 3 which can be exchangeably received in the center recess 4 (ie in particular in the center hole) of the vehicle rim 2.

[0082] Furthermore, the tire repair kit 1 has a compressor unit 5 with a drive and a compressor section 7 with at least one working chamber.

[0083] In addition, the tire repair kit 1 optionally comprises a sealant container 8 which is at least partially toroidal and in particular rotationally toroidal, which - as shown for example in the illustration in FIG. 5 can be removed - at least partially or regionally surrounds the compressor section 7 with the compressor unit 5.

[0084] For example, in FIG. 6 The support body 3 of the tire repair kit 1, which is in particular cup-shaped or pot-shaped, has a size and / or geometry adapted to the center recess 4 of the vehicle rim 2, in such a way that the support body 3 can preferably be completely received in the center recess 4 of the vehicle rim 2.

[0085] Furthermore, for example, the representation in FIG. 6 It can be seen that the support body 3 has, in particular, reversibly detachable connecting means 9, in particular in the form of snap-in connecting means, which serve to detachably fix the support body 3 in the central recess 4 of the vehicle rim 2.

[0086] The connecting means 9 of the support body 3, which are in particular reversibly detachable, are preferably designed such that the tire repair kit 1 is securely fixed to the vehicle rim 2 even when the vehicle is moving.

[0087] As in FIG. 6 As also indicated, in the exemplary embodiment of the tire repair kit 1 according to the invention, it is provided that the preferably electric motor drive of the compressor unit 5 is at least partially or regionally and preferably completely accommodated in the support body 3. In FIG. 6 An eccentric coupling drive 6 of the drive is guided through a central hole arranged centrally in a flange area 10 of the support body 3.

[0088] The compressor section 7 of the compressor unit 5 is preferably detachably connected to the support body 3 via the flange area 10 of the support body 3. In this context, reference is made, for example, to the illustration in FIG. 7 referred to.

[0089] It is preferably provided that, when the support body 3 is inserted into the central recess 4 of the vehicle rim 2, the compressor unit 5 and the at least partially toroidal and in particular rotationally toroidal sealant container 8 are preferably arranged completely outside the central recess 4 of the vehicle rim 2.

[0090] The representation in FIG. 7 It can also be seen that the compressor section 7 has two compressed air couplings 11 in the form of quick couplings, each of which is fluidly connected to a pressure side or to a working chamber of the compressor section 7.

[0091] In the embodiment shown in the drawings, a compressor section 7 with two opposing working chambers is used as the compressor section 7, wherein the fluid to be compressed (air) is compressed alternately in the two working chambers via a piston that can be driven by the eccentric coupling drive 6. For this purpose, FIG. 7 In the compressor unit 5 shown, a total of two compressed air couplings 11 in the form of quick couplings are used, each of which is fluidly connected to a working chamber of the compressor section 7.

[0092] In the same way, two compressed air couplings 12 in the form of quick couplings are assigned to the sealant container 8, so that the compressed air couplings 11 of the compressor unit 5 and the sealant container 8 can be supplied with compressed air as required via the two compressed air couplings 12 of the sealant container 8 and the connecting lines connected therebetween.

[0093] As can be seen in particular from the depictions in FIG. 1 und FIG. 2 can be seen, the sealant container 8 of the exemplary embodiment of the tire repair kit 1 according to the invention is assigned a sealant outlet coupling 13 in the form of a quick coupling, via which the outlet of the sealant container 8 can be fluidly connected to a valve of the tire, if required, for example via a connecting line 18.

[0094] The partially sectioned view in FIG. 5 In particular, it can be seen that the sealant container 8 has two torus-segment-shaped regions 17 which are at least substantially identical or mirror-inverted and which are preferably in fluid communication with one another.

[0095] The view from below (for example FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 ) it can be seen that the two compressed air connections 12 of the sealant container 8, which serve to supply compressed air to the sealant container 8, and the sealant outlet 13 are arranged opposite one another, namely in each case between two mutually facing end faces of the two toroidal segment-shaped regions 17.

[0096] The sealant container 8 is detachably and / or replaceably connected to the compressor unit 5 and / or the support body 3.

[0097] In the exemplary embodiment of the tire repair kit 1 according to the invention shown in the drawings, it is provided in this context that the sealant container 8 has a flange region 14 or flange-like region which is arranged in particular distally with respect to the support body 3 and which at least partially encompasses the central opening of the toroidal and in particular rotationally toroidal sealant container 8.

[0098] In the flange region 14 or flange-like region, a bore 15 is formed which is arranged centrally with respect to a rotation axis of the toroidal and in particular rotationally toroidal sealant container 8 and which can receive a fastening means 16, in particular a screw, at least in some regions.

[0099] Preferably, the sealant container 8 is connected to the compressor unit 5 and / or the support body 3 via a single screw 16, wherein the single screw 16 is located in particular on the rotation axis of the tire repair kit 1.

[0100] The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment of the tire repair kit 1 according to the invention shown in the drawings, but results from a synopsis of all features disclosed herein. List of reference symbols

[0101] 1 Tire repair kit 2 Vehicle rim 3 Support body 4 Center recess of the vehicle rim 5 Compressor unit 6 Eccentric coupling drive of the compressor unit drive 7 Compressor section 8 Sealant container 9 Connecting means of the support body 10 Flange area of ​​the support body 11 Compressed air coupling of the compressor section 12 Compressed air coupling of the sealant container 13 Sealant outlet coupling of the sealant container 14 Flange area of ​​the sealant container 15 Centrally located bore 16 Fastening means 17 Toroidal segment-shaped areas of the sealant container 18 Connecting line

Claims

1. A tire repair kit (1) for inflating and / or sealing, as required, a tire mounted on a rim (2) of a vehicle wheel, wherein the tire repair kit (1) can be mounted, in particular temporarily, on the vehicle wheel and comprises: - an in particular cup-shaped or pot-shaped supporting body (3) which, in particular as required, is exchangeably fastenable to the vehicle wheel rim (2) and in particular is exchangeably receivable in the central recess (4) of the vehicle wheel rim (2); and - a compressor unit (5), which is connected to the in particular cup-shaped or pot-shaped supporting body (3) and has a drive and a compressor portion (7) with at least one working chamber, characterized in that the drive and the compressor portion (7) are arranged axially offset with respect to each other, and wherein the drive is facing an inside and the compressor portion (7) is facing an outside, and wherein the supporting body (3) has a flange region (10) via which the compressor portion (7) is releasably connected to the supporting body (3), wherein, in a state of the supporting body (3) in which it is inserted in the central recess (4) of the vehicle wheel rim (2), the compressor unit (5) is arranged at least in certain regions and preferably completely outside the central recess (4) of the vehicle wheel rim (2).

2. The tire repair kit (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the supporting body (3) has a size and / or geometry adapted to the central recess (4) of the vehicle wheel rim (2), specifically in particular in such a manner that the supporting body (3) is at least partially and preferably completely receivable in the central recess (4) of the vehicle wheel rim (2), wherein the supporting body (3) is associated with in particular reversibly releasable connecting means (9), in particular in the form of snap-in connecting means, for releasably fixing the supporting body (3) on the vehicle wheel rim, wherein the in particular reversibly releasable connecting means (9) of the supporting body (3) are designed in particular to fix the tire repair kit (1) securely to the vehicle wheel rim (2) even when the vehicle is moving.

3. The tire repair kit (1) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the drive of the compressor unit (5) is received at least partially or in certain regions in the supporting body (3), and wherein the drive of the compressor unit (5) is preferably an electric motor drive to which, as required and especially when the vehicle is stationary, the electrical energy necessary for operating the drive can be supplied, in particular via an electric line running at least in certain regions outside the vehicle.

4. The tire repair kit (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tire repair kit (1) has, in particular optionally, a sealant container (8) which preferably substantially has a toroidal and in particular rotationally toroidal shaping at least in certain regions, wherein the sealant container (8) is in particular releasably connected or connectable fluidically to the compressor portion (7), and in particular to the at least one working chamber of the compressor portion (7), in such a manner that compressed air can be supplied to the sealant container (8) at least as required in order to dispense a sealant, wherein the sealant container (8) preferably has a sealant outlet coupling (13), in particular in the form of a quick-action coupling, via which an outlet of the sealant container (8) is fluidically connectable as required to a valve of the tire.

5. The tire repair kit (1) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the sealant container (8) is in particular releasably connected or connectable to the vehicle wheel rim (2) and / or to the supporting body (3) and / or to the compressor unit (5).

6. The tire repair kit (1) as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the compressor unit (5) has at least one compressed air coupling (11) which is fluidically connected to a pressure side of the compressor portion (7), in particular in the form of a quick-action coupling; and / or wherein the sealant container (8) has at least one compressed air coupling (12), in particular in the form of a quick-action coupling, and wherein compressed air can be applied to the sealant container (8) as required via the at least one compressed air coupling (11) of the compressor unit (5) and / or via the at least one compressed air coupling (12) of the sealant container (8).

7. The tire repair kit (1) as claimed in one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the sealant container (8) is releasably and / or exchangeably connectable or connected to the compressor unit (5) and / or to the supporting body (3), wherein, for this purpose, at least one fastening means (16), in particular in the form of a screw, a quick-action closure and / or a quick-action securing means, is assigned to the sealant container (8).

8. The tire repair kit (1) as claimed in one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the sealant container (8) has an interface region via which the sealant container (8) is releasably and / or exchangeably connectable or connected to the compressor unit (5) and / or to the supporting body (3), wherein the sealant container (8) is at least substantially flat on a side opposite the interface region.

9. The tire repair kit (1) as claimed in one of claims 4 to 8, wherein, in a state in which the sealant container (8) is connected to the supporting body (3) and / or to the compressor unit (5), the tire repair kit (1) has at least substantially a rotationally symmetrical, in particular mushroom-shaped structure, and wherein preferably the sealant container (8) is connected to the compressor unit (5) and / or to the supporting body (3) via a single fastening means (16), in particular in the form of a screw, a quick-action closure and / or a quick-action securing means, wherein the single fastening means (16) is located in particular on the axis of rotation of the tire repair kit (1).

10. The tire repair kit (1) as claimed in one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the sealant container (8) has two preferably at least substantially identical but mirror-inverted toroidal segment-shaped regions (17) which are preferably fluidically connected to one another and which each have two end faces facing one another, wherein, in a state in which the sealant container (8) is connected to the supporting body (3) and / or to the compressor unit (5), at least one compressed air connection (12) for supplying compressed air to the sealant container (8) and at least one sealant outlet (13) are arranged between the mutually facing end faces of the two toroidal segment-shaped regions (17), wherein the at least one compressed air connection (12) and the at least one sealant outlet (13) are preferably arranged opposite one another.

11. A method for inflating and / or sealing a tire mounted on a rim (2) of a vehicle wheel, wherein the method comprises the following method steps: - providing a tire repair kit (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 10; - inserting the supporting body (3) of the tire repair kit (1) into the central recess (4) of the vehicle wheel rim (2); - fluidically connecting a compressed air outlet of the compressor unit (5) to the tire valve of the tire; and - activating the drive of the compressor unit (5).

12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein, in order to activate the drive of the compressor unit (5), electrical energy is preferably supplied from the vehicle electric system to said drive via an electric line running at least in certain regions outside the vehicle wheel rim (2) and the vehicle.

13. The method as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the drive of the compressor unit (5) is deactivated manually or automatically, preferably optionally automatically, in particular when an actual pressure in the tire reaches or has reached a previously defined or definable target pressure, wherein, after the drive of the compressor unit (5) is deactivated, the tire repair kit (1) remains or can remain in its mounted state on the vehicle wheel rim (2), even if the vehicle resumes moving.

14. The method as claimed in one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the compressed air outlet of the compressor unit (5) is indirectly fluidically connected to the tire valve of the tire to be inflated and / or sealed, specifically with the interposition of a sealant container (8) for dispensing a sealant.