TIRE REPAIR KIT AND METHOD FOR INFLATING AND / OR SEALING A TIRE - Patent application

Abstract

The invention relates to a tire repair kit (1) for inflating and / or sealing a tire, optionally mounted on a vehicle wheel rim (2). The tire repair kit (1) comprises a support (3), in particular for temporary mounting on a vehicle wheel, in particular in the shape of a bowl or pot, which can be replaceably received in said central recess (4) of said vehicle wheel rim (2). The tire repair kit (1) also comprises a compressor unit (5) having a drive and a compressor part (7), the compressor part having at least one working chamber. The tire repair kit (1) optionally comprises a sealant container (8), which is toroidal in at least some circular direction, in particular toroidal in rotation, at least partially or in some areas surrounding said compressor part (7) of said compressor unit (5).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for inflating and / or sealing vehicle tires, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for dispensing from a container an agent for sealing inflatable objects, particularly tires.

[0002] In particular, the invention relates to a tire repair kit for optionally inflating and / or sealing a tire, in particular mounted on the rim of a vehicle wheel, such a tire repair kit being usable as a so-called breakdown kit, for example as a replacement for a spare wheel of a motor vehicle.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a method for inflating and / or sealing a vehicle tire, and in particular to a method for dispensing a sealant for sealing a tire mounted on a vehicle wheel rim. [Background technology]

[0004] Such devices and methods in the form of tire repair kits or breakdown kits are known in a variety of forms and designs. For example, when a vehicle tire begins to leak and loses air, the choice is between replacing the tire or using a breakdown kit / tire repair kit. Changing a tire is a hassle and, anyway, tires take up a lot of space in the trunk. Furthermore, the weight of the tire and rim increases, which increases fuel consumption.

[0005] Breakdown kits or tire repair kits are an easier and faster alternative. Known types of breakdown kits or tire repair kits can usually be used either only to inflate the tire or to seal and then inflate the tire. Depending on whether the tire is intended to be only inflated or both sealed and inflated, the user connects a hose to a compressor or a sealant container via a hose to, for example, the compressor and the tire.

[0006] For example, publication DE 20 2005 021 981 U1 describes an equipment kit for inflating and repairing inflatable objects, in particular tires, which comprises a compressor assembly, a container with sealing liquid, and a connection device for connecting the container to the compressor assembly and to the inflatable object or product for repair and inflation. The equipment kit further comprises an outer housing for receiving the compressor assembly and defining a seat for the sealing liquid container. The container is removably accommodated in the seat. Providing a connection device for stably connecting the container to the compressor assembly, such that when the container is accommodated in the seat, the container remains functionally connected to the compressor assembly. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] DE 20 2005 021 981 U1 Publication Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a tire repair kit for inflating and / or sealing, as required, a tire mounted on the rim of a vehicle wheel, the handling of which is significantly simplified compared to tire repair kits or faulty kits known in the prior art. Furthermore, a corresponding method for repairing a tire, in particular a faulty tire, is provided. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] This object is achieved in particular by the subject matter of independent patent claim 1, which relates to a tire repair kit for optionally inflating and / or sealing a tire mounted on the rim of a vehicle wheel. Advantageous developments of the tire repair kit according to the invention are described in the dependent claims 2 to 11.

[0010] The object on which the invention is based is further achieved by the subject matter of the independent claim 12, which relates to a method for inflating and / or sealing a tyre for mounting on a rim of a vehicle wheel. Advantageous developments of the method according to the invention are set out in the dependent claims 13 to 15.

[0011] The tire repair kit according to the invention is particularly distinguished by the fact that the tire repair kit is attached to the vehicle wheel, in particular temporarily. In comparison with tire repair kits or breakdown kits known from the prior art, this provides the decisive advantage that the user no longer has to disassemble and store the tire repair kit after repairing the tire. Rather, according to the invention, in the case of, for example, a puncture, the user removes the tire repair kit, for example from the trunk of the vehicle, places it on the rim of the vehicle wheel to be repaired, and activates the tire repair kit in order to inflate the tire and / or apply a sealant, as the case may be. After the tire has been repaired or after it has been inflated and / or sealed, the tire repair kit remains attached to the vehicle wheel rim or vehicle wheel and does not have to be removed.

[0012] In other words, the user can immediately return to the vehicle after the inflation or sealing process is completed and drive it, for example, to a suitable repair shop.

[0013] The solution according to the invention not only simplifies the handling of the tire repair kit considerably, but also increases road safety since the user of the tire repair kit only needs to leave the vehicle interior for a short time, thus reducing the risk from traffic.

[0014] According to a further aspect of the invention, the tire repair kit therefore comprises a support, in particular a cup- or pot-shaped support, which is replaceably fastenable, in particular as required, to a vehicle wheel rim and in particular replaceably accommodateable in a central recess of the vehicle wheel rim, and the tire repair kit also comprises a compressor unit, which is connected to the support, in particular a cup- or pot-shaped support, and which comprises a drive and a compressor part with at least one working chamber.

[0015] In particular, the support body may have a size and / or shape that is adapted to a central recess of a vehicle wheel rim, where it is suitable for the support body to be at least partially, preferably completely, accommodated in the central recess of the vehicle wheel rim.

[0016] Preferably, the support body is associated with a reversibly removable connecting means, in particular in the form of a snap-in connecting means, for releasably fixing the support body on the vehicle wheel rim. Fixing by the connecting means can be achieved, for example, by interacting with a corresponding complementary connecting means in the central recess. However, alternatively or additionally, the connecting means can also interact with other parts of the vehicle wheel rim, for example by being fastened to a wheel bolt of the vehicle wheel rim.

[0017] The particularly reversibly detachable connection means of the support are preferably designed to securely fasten the tyre repair kit to the vehicle wheel rim even when the vehicle is moving.

[0018] According to an implementation of the tire repair kit, the drive of the compressor unit is at least partially received in the area of ​​the support or support.

[0019] Preferably, the drive of the compressor unit is an electric motor, and if necessary, in particular when the vehicle is stationary, the electrical energy required to operate the drive can be provided to the electric motor via electrical lines, in particular passing at least in a specific area outside the vehicle.

[0020] In an embodiment of the tire repair kit according to the invention, it is envisaged that the support has a flange region, via which the compressor part is preferably removably connected to the support, such that, with the support inserted into the central recess of the vehicle wheel rim, the compressor unit can be located at least partially, preferably completely, outside the central recess of the vehicle wheel rim.

[0021] The tire repair kit may in particular optionally comprise a sealant container which preferably has a substantially toroidal shape, in particular a toroidal shape of rotation, at least in certain regions.

[0022] The sealant container is releasably fluidly connected or connectable to the compressor part, in particular to at least one working chamber of the compressor part, in such a way that compressed air can be supplied to the sealant container at least as needed to dispense the sealant.

[0023] Furthermore, the sealant container can preferably have an agent outlet coupling, especially in the form of a quick action coupling, via which the outlet of the sealant container is fluidly connectable to the valve of the tire, if required.

[0024] In this connection, it is conceivable that the sealant container is in particular removably connected or (mechanically) connectable to the vehicle wheel rim and / or the support and / or the compressor unit, however, "free-standing" embodiments of the sealant container are also conceivable.

[0025] Thus, according to an embodiment of the tire repair kit of the present invention, the latter may have a support, in particular a cup-shaped or pot-shaped support, which can be replaceably accommodated in a central recess of a vehicle wheel rim, in order to mount the tire repair kit on the vehicle wheel, in particular temporarily.

[0026] According to these embodiments of the tire repair kit of the present invention, the tire repair kit may further comprise a compressor unit having a compressor part with a drive device and at least one working chamber, and a sealant container which is toroidal, in particular a toroid of rotation at least in certain areas, and which at least partially or regionally surrounds the compressor part of the compressor unit.

[0027] In other words, in these embodiments of the tire repair kit of the present invention, all of the structural components necessary to dispense the sealant or inflate the tire as needed are fully integrated into the tire repair kit.

[0028] In particular, in the solution according to the invention, the composition of the structural components of the tire repair kit is selected in such a way that the tire repair kit has a particularly compact design adapted to the size and shape of the vehicle wheel rim, with regard to the connection being such that when the tire repair kit is mounted on the vehicle wheel rim, and in particular even when the sealant container is connected to the compressor part, the vehicle width increases only slightly, if at all.

[0029] Said tire repair kit is distinguished, for example, by the fact that the sealant container of the tire repair kit according to the invention is constructed toroidally, in particular at least in certain regions toroidally rotate. Such a shape ensures a relatively large volume in which the sealant is provided, while at the same time the inner region of the toroidal shape can be used to at least partially or regionally accommodate the compressor part of the compressor unit. This has the decisive advantage that only a relatively short compressed air line is required from the compressor part of the compressor unit to the sealant container, which on the one hand reduces the susceptibility to wear and also reduces losses of compressed air.

[0030] A further advantage of the toroidal shape of the sealant container which should be mentioned is that when compressed air is introduced, optimal mixing and therefore a particularly efficient distribution of the sealant can be achieved.

[0031] In general terms, the tire repair kit of the present invention preferably has an overall at least substantially rotationally symmetrical structure in which the center of gravity of the tire repair kit is on the central axis of the vehicle wheel when the tire repair kit is mounted on the vehicle wheel rim. This also applies when the sealant container is connected to the compressor part in the tire repair kit. In this way, when the vehicle is driven with the tire repair kit mounted on the vehicle wheel rim, no imbalance or only a small imbalance occurs.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment of the tire repair kit of the present invention, it is envisaged that the support has a size and / or a geometric shape adapted to a central recess of a vehicle wheel rim, in particular the support of the tire repair kit is preferably dimensioned and designed so as to be completely received in the central recess of the vehicle wheel rim.

[0033] In principle, it is suitable for the support to have, in particular, reversibly removable connection means for fastening the support on the vehicle wheel rim, for example in a central recess of the vehicle wheel rim or on a wheel bolt of the vehicle wheel rim, preferably removably.

[0034] In particular, the reversibly releasable connecting means may be snap-in connecting means, such as for example snap-in lugs which automatically latch into a central recess when the support is inserted, thus fixing the support.

[0035] In particular, in this connection, the particularly reversibly releasable connection means of the support should be advantageously designed in such a way that the tire repair kit is firmly fixed to the vehicle wheel rim even when the vehicle is moving, which also applies when in the tire repair kit a sealant container is connected to the compressor part.

[0036] "Secure fixation" of the tire repair kit to the vehicle wheel rim or to the vehicle wheel should be understood to mean in particular that it remains firmly attached to the vehicle wheel even when the vehicle wheel is subjected to vibrations or lateral accelerations, for example at speeds of up to 100 km / h.

[0037] It is furthermore advantageous if the support has a kind of flange area, via which the compressor unit is preferably removably connected to the support. With the support inserted into the central recess of the vehicle wheel rim, the compressor unit and the toroidal, in particular toroidal in rotation at least in certain areas, sealant container are preferably arranged completely outside the central recess of the vehicle wheel rim.

[0038] This embodiment offers various advantages: in particular, a particularly compact design is achieved, since, at least in certain areas, at least in the empty state of the container, the centre of gravity of the tyre repair kit is located on the axis of rotation of the vehicle wheel, in particular in a central recess of the vehicle wheel rim, so that the tyre repair kit can be stored particularly securely on the vehicle wheel rim.

[0039] According to an implementation of the tire repair kit of the invention, the compressor unit has at least one compressed air coupling, particularly in the form of a quick action coupling, fluidly connected to the pressure side of the compressor part.

[0040] Alternatively or additionally, the sealant container preferably has at least one compressed air coupling, in particular in the form of a quick action coupling.

[0041] There, compressed air can be applied to the sealant container via at least one compressed air coupling of the compressor unit and / or via at least one compressed air coupling of the sealant container, if required.

[0042] In particular, in this connection, a quick action pneumatic coupling is preferred, which facilitates assembly of the tire repair kit and facilitates removal of the tire repair kit, for example when components of the tire repair kit need to be serviced or replaced.

[0043] It is likewise expedient for the sealant container to have at least one sealant outlet coupling, in particular in the form of a quick action coupling, via which the outlet of the sealant container is fluidly connectable to the valve of the tire, if required. For this purpose, the tire repair kit preferably comprises a corresponding fluid line which is connectable to the sealant outlet coupling of the sealant container and which is in turn fluidly connectable, via a corresponding extension or a corresponding adapter, to the tire valve of the tire to be treated.

[0044] With regard to the center of gravity of the tire repair kit, it is advantageous if the drive of the compressor unit is at least partially or regionally, preferably completely, received on the support, so that when the support is accommodated in the central recess of the vehicle wheel rim, the center of gravity of the tire repair kit is also preferably located in the central recess of the vehicle wheel rim.

[0045] The drive for the compressor unit can be, for example, an electric motor. Alternatively, of course, other drives are conceivable. However, an electric motor is suitable as long as it can be plugged, for example, into a 12-volt socket in the vehicle and, if necessary, can be supplied with power, for example via an electric wire (extension cable) running in at least a certain area outside the vehicle.

[0046] Thus, after inserting the tire repair kit or support into the central recess of the vehicle wheel rim and after connecting the sealant outlet coupling of the sealant container to the valve of the tire, the user only has to plug the extension cable into the socket of the vehicle cigarette lighter, for example, in order to supply the drive of the compressor unit with the electrical energy required to drive it - this is of course only done when the vehicle is stationary.

[0047] According to a further aspect of the invention, it is envisaged that the sealant container is or can be releasably and / or replaceably connected to the compressor unit and / or the support, thereby allowing the sealant container to be connected to the compressor unit only when necessary, such as when a tire needs to be sealed. Furthermore, the sealant container is accordingly replaceable after use of the tire repair kit.

[0048] At least one fastening means, particularly in the form of a screw, a quick action closure means and / or a quick action fixing means, may be associated with the sealant container for releasably and / or replaceably connecting the sealant container to the compressor unit and / or the support.

[0049] In this connection, it is expedient that the sealant container preferably has a flange area, which is in particular arranged distally with respect to the support and which surrounds the toroidal central opening, in particular the rotating toroidal sealant container, at least in a specific region. Advantageously, the preferably provided flange area has a bore which is centrally arranged with respect to the rotation axis of the toroidal sealant container, in particular the rotating toroidal sealant container, by means of which fastening means, in particular in the form of screws, quick action closure means and / or quick action fixing means, are provided at least in a specific region.

[0050] The sealant container is preferably connected to the compressor unit and / or the support via a single fastening means, in particular in the form of a screw, a quick-action closing means and / or a quick-action fixing means, in this way a particularly fast exchange or a particularly fast replacement of the sealant container is possible.

[0051] In particular, the single fastening means is intended to be located on the axis of rotation of the tire repair kit so that no imbalance occurs when the vehicle is again moving while the tire repair kit is still attached to the vehicle wheel rim.

[0052] As an alternative or in addition to the above-mentioned embodiments, according to an implementation of the tire repair kit of the present invention, it is envisaged that the sealant container has a boundary area through which the sealant container is releasably and / or replaceably connectable or connected to the compressor unit and / or the support.

[0053] It is specifically envisaged that the sealant container is at least substantially flat (same height) on opposite sides of the boundary region to prevent the sealant container from protruding excessively from both wheel rims when the tire repair kit is attached to the vehicle wheel rims.

[0054] According to an exemplary embodiment of the tire repair kit of the invention, it is envisaged that with the sealant container connected to the support and / or the compressor unit, the tire repair kit has an at least substantially rotationally symmetrical, in particular mushroom-shaped, construction, whereby preferably the sealant container is connected to the compressor unit and / or the support via a single fastening means, in particular a screw, a quick action closure means and / or a quick action fixing means, which is in particular arranged on the rotation axis of the tire repair kit, thereby providing a particularly compact solution for the tire repair kit.

[0055] In general terms, it is advantageous for the tire repair kit to have an at least substantially rotationally symmetrical, in particular mushroom-shaped, structure, such that the tire repair kit does not cause any imbalances and therefore the vehicle can continue to be driven with the tire repair kit installed, at least without any significant or detrimental changes to the driving characteristics.

[0056] According to an embodiment of the tire repair kit of the present invention, it is envisaged that the sealant container has two preferably at least substantially identical but mirror-inverted toroidal segment-shaped regions, preferably fluidly connected to each other, each of the two toroidal segment-shaped regions having two mutually opposing end faces.

[0057] In this connection, it is expedient that at least one compressed air connection for supplying compressed air to the sealant container and at least one sealant outlet are arranged 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 are preferably intended to be arranged opposite each other.

[0058] This has the advantage that the compressed air supplied into the sealant container reaches the sealant outlet after traveling a relatively long distance within the sealant container, and in particular allows the sealant from the sealant container to be efficiently mixed and discharged.

[0059] The compressor unit of the tire repair kit of the invention may in particular comprise a compressor as compressor part, which is preferably coupled to a drive device. In principle, the compressor unit may also be associated with a buffer unit, which provides (electrical) energy, for example for limited operating periods.

[0060] According to an exemplary embodiment of the tire repair kit according to the invention, the compressor unit comprises a drive and a compressor part having at least one working chamber, the drive and the compressor part being arranged axially offset from one another, in particular in this connection it is intended that when the tire repair kit is mounted on the vehicle wheel, the compressor unit is at least partially received along its axial extent in a central recess, for example a central hole in the vehicle wheel rim, with the compressor part facing outwards and the drive facing inwards.

[0061] The compressor unit is preferably of modular design and may in particular have a compressor shaft which is arranged in particular parallel to the central axis of the vehicle wheel when the tire repair kit is mounted on the vehicle wheel, the compressor shaft preferably coinciding with the central axis of the vehicle wheel. The compressor shaft drives the compressor.

[0062] According to a development of this embodiment, the drive of the compressor unit has a longitudinal axis which is arranged parallel to the central axis of the vehicle wheel when the tire repair kit is placed on the vehicle wheel, and the drive is directly or indirectly coupled to the compressor shaft. An alternative configuration is also conceivable in which the compressor shaft is arranged parallel to and spaced apart from the central axis. It is self-evident that at least one speed or gear stage can be interposed between the drive and the compressor part.

[0063] According to an exemplary embodiment of the tire repair kit, the compressor unit comprises a number of working chambers which, with the tire repair kit mounted on the vehicle wheel, are preferably arranged in groups around the central axis of the vehicle wheel. The working chambers are in particular designed as displacement chambers or displacement cylinders. Preferably, the working chambers are arranged offset around the central axis, for example in a star shape or opposite one another.

[0064] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the tire repair kit of the present invention, the compressor unit is designed as a piston compressor unit, which comprises at least one piston, in particular a reciprocating or rotating piston, which is preferably driven via an eccentric coupling drive.

[0065] With the tire repair kit mounted on the vehicle wheel, the pistons are preferably oriented perpendicular to the central axis. At least one piston may be designed as a cylindrical piston. However, the pistons may also be designed as elliptical or flat pistons and may have a non-circular cross section. The working chamber is adapted to the shape of the piston.

[0066] According to at least one variant of the above-mentioned embodiment, the compressor unit is configured as a working cylinder and has at least two working chambers arranged around a central axis of the vehicle wheel when the tire repair kit is mounted on the vehicle wheel. The longitudinal extension direction of the working cylinder is preferably oriented perpendicular to the central axis. The working chambers can be arranged approximately in a star shape around the central axis.

[0067] In a further development, the compressor unit has at least one double piston, preferably a rigid double piston, which has two piston parts facing away from each other and connected to each other via a drive component. In this way, a complex crank mechanism can be omitted. The eccentric coupling drive can be of simple design.

[0068] According to a development of this embodiment, the drive component has a slotted guide in which a sliding piece or a sliding block is guided, the sliding piece rotating eccentrically during operation, the drive component being translationally driveable by the sliding piece and compressing the pressure fluid in the working cylinder. The drive component carrying a piston can be driven in a longitudinally oscillating manner.

[0069] According to at least one variant of the above-mentioned embodiment, the compressor unit of the tire repair kit of the invention comprises a plurality of pistons axially offset from one another and drivable via a common compressor shaft having a plurality of eccentrics. Preferably, there are a plurality of rows of pistons axially offset from one another.

[0070] As already mentioned, the present invention also relates to a method for inflating and / or sealing a tire mounted on the rim of a vehicle wheel.

[0071] In this case, a tire repair kit of the above-mentioned type according to the invention is provided, the support of the tire repair kit is placed in a central recess of a vehicle wheel rim, the compressed air outlet of the compressor unit is fluidly connected to a tire valve of the tire, and the drive device of the compressor unit is activated.

[0072] After the compressor unit is stopped, the tire repair kit can remain attached to the vehicle wheel rim even when the vehicle resumes traveling.

[0073] The present invention also relates to a method of dispensing a sealant for sealing a tire mounted on a rim of a vehicle wheel.

[0074] First, preparations are made for providing a tire repair kit of the above-mentioned type according to the invention: then the support of the tire repair kit is inserted into the central recess of the vehicle wheel rim, the sealant outlet of the sealant container is fluidly connected to the tire valve of the tire to be sealed, and the drive device of the compressor unit is activated.

[0075] To operate the compressor unit's drive, electrical energy is preferably supplied to said drive from the vehicle electrical system via electrical wires (e.g. in the form of extension cables) running at least through the vehicle wheel rim and in the area outside the vehicle.

[0076] According to one aspect of the method according to the invention, it is envisaged that the drive of the compressor unit is or can be stopped manually or automatically, preferably automatically at will, in particular when the actual pressure in the tire to be sealed reaches or rises until a previously defined or definable target pressure, which pressure is preferably measurable or determinable by the tire repair kit.

[0077] In particular, the solution according to the invention is characterized in that after the drive of the compressor unit has been stopped, the tire repair kit remains or can remain mounted on the vehicle wheel rim, even if the vehicle starts moving again.

[0078] This embodiment provides the decisive advantage that if, after introduction of the sealant into the tire to be sealed, the tire pressure drops again, for example due to settling of the sealant, the user of the tire repair kit only has to activate the drive of the compressor unit again to bring the actual pressure in the tire to the target pressure, which can be done by the user in just a few steps, since the tire repair kit is still mounted on the vehicle wheel rim.

[0079] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, it is contemplated that the sealant container of the tire repair kit is replaced after the sealant has been applied.

[0080] Exemplary embodiments of the tire repair kit of the present invention are described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0081] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a tire repair kit of the present invention in a schematic isometric top view, in which a connecting line is connected to a sealant container, in particular via a clip connection, a bayonet connection or other quick action coupling. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a tire repair kit of the present invention in a schematic bottom isometric view. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows the tire repair kit of FIG. 2 in a schematic isometric view from below, but omitting the connecting lines connected to the sealant container. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows the tire repair kit of FIG. 3 in a schematic side view. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows the tire repair kit of FIG. 4 in a schematic, partial cross-sectional view. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a schematic isometric view of a support of an exemplary embodiment of a tire repair kit according to the invention, with a drive for the compressor unit arranged in at least certain areas of the support. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows the support of FIG. 6 in a schematic isometric view, with the compressor part of the compressor unit connected to the support via a flange region of the support. [Figure 8a] FIG. 8a shows a schematic isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle wheel rim without a tire mounted thereon. [Figure 8b] FIG. 8b shows a schematic isometric view of the vehicle wheel rim of FIG. 8a, with the exemplary embodiment of the inventive tire repair kit of FIG. 1 mounted thereon. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0082] The tire repair kit 1 shown in the drawings serves to inflate and / or seal, if necessary, a tire mounted on the rim 2 of a vehicle wheel, the tire repair kit 1 being capable of being attached in particular temporarily to the vehicle wheel or to the vehicle wheel rim 2.

[0083] For this purpose, the exemplary embodiment of a tire repair kit 1 according to the invention essentially has a cup- or pot-shaped support 3 which is replaceably received in a central recess (i.e. in particular a central hole) 4 of a vehicle wheel rim 2.

[0084] Furthermore, the tire repair kit 1 comprises a compressor unit 5 with a drive and a compressor part 7 with at least one working chamber.

[0085] Furthermore, the tire repair kit 1 optionally includes a sealant container 8 which is toroidal, in particular toroidal of rotation, at least in certain regions and which surrounds the compressor portion 7 together with the compressor unit 5 at least partially or in certain regions, as shown, for example, collectively in FIG.

[0086] For example, the particularly cup-shaped or pot-shaped support 3 of the tire repair kit 1 shown in FIG. 6 has a size and / or geometric shape that is adapted to the central recess 4 of the vehicle wheel rim 2, in particular such that the support 3 can preferably be completely accommodated within the central recess 4 of the vehicle wheel rim 2.

[0087] It can further be inferred, for example, from the illustration in FIG. 6 , that the support 3 has reversibly releasable connection means 9, in particular in the form of a snap-in connection means, which are used to releasably fix the support 3 in the central recess 4 of the vehicle wheel rim 2.

[0088] In particular, the reversibly releasable connection means 9 of the support 3 are preferably designed in such a way that the tyre repair kit 1 is securely fixed to the vehicle wheel rim 2 even when the vehicle is moving.

[0089] Similarly as shown in Fig. 6, an exemplary embodiment of the tire repair kit 1 of the invention provides that the preferably electric motor drive of the compressor unit 5 is accommodated at least partially or in a specific area, preferably completely, in the support 3. In Fig. 6, the eccentric coupling drive 6 of the drive is guided through a central hole arranged in the center of the flange area 10 of the support 3.

[0090] The compressor portion 7 of the compressor unit 5 is preferably removably connected to the support 3 via a flange region 10 of the support 3. In this connection, reference is made, for example, to FIG.

[0091] Preferably, with the support 3 inserted into the central recess 4 of the vehicle wheel rim 2, the compressor unit 5 and the sealant container 8, which is toroidal, in particular a rotational toroid, at least in certain areas, are arranged completely outside the central recess 4 of the vehicle wheel rim 2.

[0092] It is further summarised in Figure 7, where the compressor section 7 has two compressed air couplings 11 in the form of quick action couplings, each fluidly connected to the pressure side or working chamber of the compressor section 7.

[0093] In the exemplary embodiment shown in the drawings, in particular a compressor part 7 having two opposing working chambers is used as compressor part 7, the fluid to be compressed (air) being compressed alternately in the two working chambers via a piston drivable by an eccentric coupling drive 6. For this purpose, in the case of the compressor unit 5 shown in FIG. 7, a total of two compressed air couplings 11 are also used, which are in the form of quick action couplings and which are each fluidly connected to a working chamber of the compressor part 7.

[0094] Similarly, two compressed air couplings 12 in the form of quick action couplings are assigned to the sealant container 8, and the compressed air couplings 11 of the compressor unit 5 and the sealant container 8 are pressurized with compressed air as required via the two compressed air couplings 12 of the sealant container 8 and the respective connecting lines connected therebetween.

[0095] As can be seen in particular from Figures 1 and 2, 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-action coupling, via which the outlet of the sealant container 8 can be fluidly connected, if necessary, to the valve of the tire, for example via a connecting line 18.

[0096] From the partial cross-sectional view in particular of FIG. 5 it can be seen that the sealant container 8 has at least two substantially identical or mirror-inverted toroidal segment shaped regions 17, which are preferably fluidly connected to one another.

[0097] From a view from below (e.g. FIG. 2 or FIG. 3), it can be seen that the two compressed air connections 12 of the sealant container 8, which are used to supply compressed air to the sealant container 8, and the sealant outlets 13 are arranged opposite each other, i.e. in each case between two mutually opposing end faces of the two toroidal segment-shaped areas 17.

[0098] The sealant container 8 is removably and / or replaceably connected to the compressor unit 5 and / or the support 3 .

[0099] In the exemplary embodiment of the tire repair kit 1 of the present invention shown in the drawings, it is envisaged in this connection that the sealant container 8 has a flange region 14 or a flange-like region which is arranged in particular distally with respect to the support 3 and which, at least in certain areas, spans a central opening of the sealant container 8 which is toroidal, in particular toroidal of rotation.

[0100] In the flange region 14 or flange-like region there is a bore 15 which is centrally arranged with respect to the axis of rotation of the toroidal sealant vessel 8, in particular the rotating toroidal sealant vessel 8, whereby a fastening means 16, in particular a screw, is received at least in a certain region.

[0101] The sealant container 8 is preferably connected to the compressor unit 5 and / or to the support 3 via a single screw 16 , which in particular is located on the axis of rotation of the tire repair kit 1 .

[0102] The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment of the tire repair kit 1 of the invention shown in the drawings, but rather derives from the overall view of all the features disclosed in this specification. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1 tire repair kit 2 Vehicle wheel rims 3 Support 4. Central recess of vehicle wheel rim 5 Compressor unit 6 Eccentric coupling drive of compressor unit drive 7 Compressor section 8 Sealant container 9. Means for connecting the support 10 Flange area of ​​support 11 Compressor section compressed air coupling 12 Compressed air coupling for sealant container 13 Sealant outlet coupling of sealant container 14 Flange area of ​​sealant container 15 centrally located bore 16 Fastening means 17 Toroidal segment shaped area of ​​sealant container 18 Connection Lines

Claims

1. A tire repair kit (1) for optionally inflating and / or sealing a tire mounted on a vehicle wheel rim (2), said tire repair kit (1) being mounted on a vehicle wheel, said tire repair kit (1) comprising: a cup- or pot-shaped support (3) which can be replacedably fixed to the vehicle wheel rim (2) as required and which can be replacedably received in a central recess (4) of the vehicle wheel rim (2); a compressor unit (5) connected to said cup- or pot-shaped support (3) and having a drive and a compressor part (7) having at least one working chamber; The drive unit and the compressor portion (7) are arranged axially offset from one another, The drive unit is disposed inside and the compressor portion (7) is disposed outside, the support (3) has a flange area (10) via which the compressor part (7) is releasably connected to the support (3); With the support (3) inserted into the central recess (4) of the vehicle wheel rim (2), the compressor unit (5) is arranged at least partially outside the central recess (4) of the vehicle wheel rim (2); Tire repair kit (1).

2. said support (3) having a size and / or shape adapted to fit into said central recess (4) of said vehicle wheel rim (2), in particular such that said support (3) is at least partially received in said central recess (4) of said vehicle wheel rim (2); said support (3) being associated with reversibly releasable connecting means (9) for releasably fixing said support (3) to said vehicle wheel rim, the reversibly releasable connection means (9) of the support (3) are designed to securely fasten the tire repair kit (1) to the vehicle wheel rim (2) even when the vehicle is moving. A tire repair kit (1) according to claim 1.

3. the drive of the compressor unit (5) is at least partially received in the support (3); the drive of the compressor unit (5) is an electric motor, which is supplied with the electrical energy required to operate it as required. A tire repair kit (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The tire repair kit (1) optionally comprises a sealant container (8) that is substantially toroidal and has a shape of a toroid of revolution at least in some region, the sealant container (8) is releasably fluidly connected or fluidly connectable to the compressor part (7) and to the at least one working chamber of the compressor part (7) at least such that compressed air is supplied to the sealant container (8) on demand for dispensing the sealant. A tire repair kit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The sealant container (8) has a sealant outlet coupling (13) in the form of a quick action coupling, via which the outlet of the sealant container (8) can be fluidly connected, if necessary, to a valve of the tire; A tire repair kit (1) according to claim 4.

6. the sealant container (8) is releasably connected or connectable to the vehicle wheel rim (2) and / or the support body (3) and / or the compressor unit (5); A tire repair kit (1) according to claim 4 or claim 5.

7. the compressor unit (5) has at least one compressed air coupling (11) fluidly connected to the pressure side of the compressor part (7) and / or the sealant container (8) has at least one compressed air coupling (12), compressed air is supplied to the sealing agent container (8) 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 sealing agent container (8) as required, A tire repair kit (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

8. the sealant container (8) is releasably and / or replaceably connectable or connectable to the compressor unit (5) and / or the support body (3), For this purpose, at least one fastening means (16) is assigned to said sealant container (8) in the form of a screw, a quick-action closure means and / or a quick-action fastening means, A tire repair kit (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 7.

9. the sealant container (8) has a boundary area, via which the sealant container (8) is releasably and / or replaceably connectable or connectable to the compressor unit (5) and / or the support body (3), the sealant container (8) is at least substantially flat opposite the boundary area; A tire repair kit (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 8.

10. when the sealant container (8) is connected to the support (3) and / or the compressor unit (5), the tire repair kit (1) at least substantially has a rotationally symmetrical structure, the sealant container (8) is connected to the compressor unit (5) and / or to the support (3) via a single fastening means (16) in the form of a screw, a quick-action closure means and / or a quick-action fastening means, the single fastening means (16) is arranged on the axis of rotation of the tire repair kit (1); A tyre repair kit (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 9.

11. the sealant container (8) has at least two substantially identical but mirror-inverted toroidal segment shaped regions (17), said regions being fluidly connected to each other, each of said regions having two end faces facing each other; at least one compressed air connection (12) for supplying compressed air to the sealant container (8) and to at least one sealant outlet (13) when the sealant container (8) is connected to the support body (3) and / or the compressor unit (5) is arranged between the mutually facing end faces of the two toroidal segment shaped regions (17), A tyre repair kit (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 10.

12. The at least one compressed air connection (12) and the at least one sealant outlet (13) are arranged opposite each other. A tire repair kit (1) according to claim 11.

13. A method for inflating and / or sealing a tire mounted on a vehicle wheel rim (2), comprising the steps of: Providing a tire repair kit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12; inserting the support (3) of the tire repair kit (1) into the central recess (4) of the vehicle wheel rim (2); fluidly connecting a compressed air outlet of the compressor unit (5) to a tire valve of the tire; starting the drive device of the compressor unit (5); method.

14. To start up the drive of the compressor unit (5), electrical energy is supplied from the vehicle's electrical system to the drive via electrical wires running at least in certain areas through the vehicle wheel rim (2) and on the outside of the vehicle. The method of claim 13.

15. the drive of the compressor unit (5) is stopped, either manually or automatically, when the actual pressure of the tire reaches or has reached a preset or settable target pressure; the tire repair kit (1) remains or can remain attached to the vehicle wheel rim (2) even when the vehicle resumes movement after the drive of the compressor unit (5) has been stopped; The method according to claim 13 or claim 14.

16. the compressed air outlet of the compressor unit (5) is indirectly fluidly connected to the tire valve of the tire to be inflated and / or sealed, in particular by the intermediation of a sealant container (8) for dispensing a sealant, 16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15.

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