Breakdown assistance system

Abstract

The invention relates to a breakdown assistance system (1) for inflating a vehicle tyre, comprising: - an electric compressor (100) designed for pressurising tyre sealant and air, wherein the compressor (100) has an electric motor (101) that can be operated with a direct current for powering the compressor (100); - a plug (110) for connection to an electrical alternating current network (200), wherein the plug (110) has a plug housing (111) in which a rectifier (112) for converting the alternating current into direct current and a transformer (113) for reducing the electrical voltage are arranged; - an electrically conductive cable (120) connecting the plug (110) and the compressor (100) to one another in order to supply the compressor (100) with electrical power from the alternating current network (200), wherein the cable (120) is fixedly connected to the plug (110).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Breakdown assistance system

[0003] The application relates to a breakdown assistance system for inflating a vehicle tire, in particular for a motor vehicle.

[0004] A breakdown assistance system is used, for example, in a motor vehicle to enable the tire to be sealed and inflated in the event of a tire puncture.

[0005] It is desirable to provide a breakdown assistance system that enables reliable operation.

[0006] A breakdown assistance system for inflating a vehicle tire is specified. The breakdown assistance system includes a compressor. The compressor is designed to pressurize tire sealant. The compressor is also designed to pressurize air. Using the breakdown assistance system's compressor, it is possible to pump tire sealant and / or air into the vehicle tire.

[0007] The compressor is an electrically driven compressor. The compressor has an electric motor. The electric motor is powered by direct current. During operation, the electric motor is supplied with direct current to drive the compressor.

[0008] In particular, the electric motor drives a linear movement of a piston to pressurize the tire sealant and / or the air.

[0009] The breakdown assistance system has a plug. The plug is designed for connection to an AC electrical network. The plug has a plug housing. A rectifier and a transformer are arranged in the plug housing. The rectifier is designed to convert the AC current into DC current. The transformer is designed to reduce the electrical voltage. Further electrical or electronic components can be provided to convert AC current into low-voltage DC current. The breakdown assistance system has an electrically conductive cable. The cable connects the plug and the compressor to one another. The cable makes it possible to supply the compressor with electrical energy from the AC electrical network. During operation, the plug can be inserted into a socket that is electrically coupled to the AC electrical network.By means of the plug and the cable, electrical energy can be conducted from the AC mains to the compressor and in particular to the electric motor.

[0010] The cable is firmly connected to the plug. In particular, the cable cannot be reversibly connected to and detached from the plug. The plug and the cable form a structural unit which, in particular, cannot be separated non-destructively. The cable cannot be plugged into the plug using another plug. In particular, the cable is led into the plug housing and held firmly in the plug housing by means of a clamp or other elements to prevent the cable from being pulled out of the plug housing. For example, the cable is mechanically held in the plug housing by means of a screw connection. When ready for operation, the plug and the cable cannot be separated from one another but are always firmly connected to one another, so that even a conventionally applied force cannot pull the cable out of the plug.

[0011] Using the plug and the components located in the plug housing, it is possible to connect the breakdown assistance system to the AC power supply while still providing the electric motor, which can be operated with DC. The plug provides the necessary conversion circuitry to convert the higher-voltage AC current into lower-voltage DC current. The conversion circuitry is integrated into the plug.

[0012] The breakdown assistance system, and in particular the compressor, can be connected to and operated with alternating current, yet low-voltage components, particularly in the compressor, such as the electric motor, can still be used. This eliminates the need for special compressor protection, which would be necessary if operated with alternating current and higher voltage. The compressor only needs to be fused as required for conventional low-voltage operation. Only the plug needs to be fused to meet the requirements for operation with alternating current and higher voltage. The plug is designed so that only the lower-voltage direct current is present on the output side. This means that the cable does not require additional protection; it simply needs to meet the requirements for low-voltage operation.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the electric motor has a nominal power consumption of less than 20 A. The electric motor has a nominal voltage of 12 V up to and including 48 V. In particular, the electric motor can be operated with a voltage of 12 V. For example, the electric motor can be operated with a voltage of 48 V. When operated with a voltage of 48 V, a lower current consumption is required than when operated with 12 V. Thus, when operated with 48 V, the electrical requirements for the connector components are lower.

[0014] Preferably, a standard electric motor with an operating voltage of 48 V is used, and the transformer is designed to reduce the voltage of the AC mains to 48 V. For example, an electric motor is used that can also be operated with a conventional vehicle electrical system, i.e., in particular, with 12 V, 24 V, or 48 V.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the plug is designed to convert single-phase alternating current with a voltage between 100 V and 250 V and a frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz into direct current with a voltage of 12 V up to and including 48 V. The plug is designed to convert the alternating current, which, for example, has the properties of alternating current used in households, into direct current. Depending on the country, for example, a single-phase alternating current of 110 V, 220 V, or 230 V is present. For example, the plug is designed to convert alternating current with a voltage of 110 V and 60 Hz into direct current and / or to convert alternating current with a voltage of 220 V / 230 V and a frequency of 50 Hz into direct current. The plug is thus designed to convert the alternating current with the higher voltage into the direct current that is conventionally used in a vehicle.According to one embodiment, the plug has two elongated, projecting contact pins. The contact pins can be plugged into a corresponding AC socket. In particular, the plug is not designed like a USB plug. In particular, the plug is not designed like a plug that can be plugged into a cigarette lighter socket. The two contact pins protrude elongatedly and are parallel to one another and spaced from one another, as is the case with a Schuko plug. In particular, the plug is designed like one of the plug types A to N in the list of the International Electrotechnical Commission. Different plug types are designed depending on the country, which influences, for example, the shape and relative arrangement of the elongated, projecting contact pins. In particular, the plug is designed like a conventional plug that is used in the home.The plug can be plugged into a conventional household socket. In particular, the plug can be plugged into a conventional household socket that is located in a vehicle. For example, in electric vehicles, a 230 V / 110 V AC socket is provided to enable the connection of conventional electrical devices with conventional household plugs. The power supply in the vehicle is possible by converting the voltage and alternating direction from the internal high-voltage battery. The breakdown assistance system can be connected to such a socket in the vehicle. This means that the breakdown assistance system does not have to be operated directly via the 12 V or 48 V vehicle electrical system. This avoids interference with the on-board electronics. In addition, the power required to operate the compressor can be provided. In particular, a higher power output can be provided than with a USB port, for example more than 90 watts up to 240 watts.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the cable is firmly connected mechanically and electrically to a circuit board by means of a soldered connection. The circuit board is arranged in the connector housing. The rectifier and / or the transformer are arranged on the circuit board. Several circuit boards can be provided which are electrically connected to one another. The electrical or electronic components required to convert the alternating current into low-voltage direct current are arranged on the circuit board. The cable is firmly connected to the circuit board, in particular not by means of a plug connection or a similar reversibly separable connection, but by means of the fixed connection, in particular the soldered connection, which cannot be separated non-destructively.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the connector housing is designed to be closed. In particular, the connector housing does not have its own sockets or similar devices into which a plug or similar device can be inserted.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the plug incorporates a network separation between the AC and DC mains. This ensures that the low-voltage side of the plug's output is safely separated from the higher-voltage AC mains during operation. Thus, the simpler protective measures for the low-voltage range are sufficient for the cable and the compressor.

[0019] Further advantages, features, and refinements are evident from the following examples explained in conjunction with the figures. Identical, similar, and functionally identical elements may be provided with the same reference numerals throughout the figures. The figures and the proportions of the elements depicted in the figures are not to scale.

[0020] They show:

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a breakdown assistance system according to an embodiment, and

[0022] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the breakdown assistance system according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 1 shows a breakdown assistance system 1. The breakdown assistance system 1 is designed for sealing and inflating a vehicle tire. For this purpose, the breakdown assistance system 1 is particularly designed for pumping sealant into the vehicle tire and for inflating the vehicle tire with air or another gas. For pumping the sealant and air, the breakdown assistance system 1 has an electrically driven compressor 100 (Figure 2). For connection to a power supply network in order to supply the compressor 100 with electrical energy, the breakdown assistance system 1 has a cable 120 with a plug 110. The plug 110 can be plugged into a socket 301 (Figure 2), also called a socket, of a power network in order to conduct electrical current from the power network to the compressor 100 via the cable 120. A first end 121 of the cable 120 is connected to the plug 120. An opposite second end 122 of the cable 120 is connected to the compressor 100.

[0024] Figure 2 shows schematically the breakdown assistance system 1 in a further representation.

[0025] The plug 110 is designed to be connected to an alternating current network 200. The alternating current network 200 is, in particular, an alternating current network with a voltage of more than 100 V, for example, more than 200 V, and is also referred to as a high-voltage network in the context of this disclosure. The alternating current network 200 provides alternating current with a frequency of 50 or 60 Hz and has, for example, an electrical voltage of 110 V, 220 V, or 230 V. In particular, the alternating current network 200 is designed like a conventional household power grid, which in Europe, for example, has 220 V or 230 V and 50 Hz.

[0026] The AC power grid 200 is provided, for example, in a vehicle 300. The vehicle 300 is, in particular, an electric vehicle with high-voltage batteries. The high-voltage batteries provide the alternating current for the AC power grid 200 by converting the voltage and inverting the direction. The vehicle 300 has a socket 301 designed like a conventional household socket. For example, the socket 301 is designed like a Schuko socket.

[0027] The plug 110 is designed, in particular, according to one of the types A to N according to the list of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) valid on the filing date of this disclosure. For use in Europe, the plug 110 is designed, for example, according to plug type C (CE7 / 16; CE7 / 17) or plug type F (CE7 / 4, Schuko plug). Other types are also usable, particularly depending on the desired region of use and the plug types commonly used in households there.

[0028] The plug 110 has two parallel, elongated, protruding contact pins 118. Three contact pins can also be provided. The two contact pins 118 can be inserted into the socket 301 and thus connected to the AC power supply 200.

[0029] The contact pins 118 are arranged on an input side 116 of the plug 110. The plug 110 can be connected to the AC power supply 200 at the input side 116.

[0030] The cable 120, which connects the plug 110 and the compressor 100, is arranged on an output side 117 of the plug 110.

[0031] The compressor 100 and in particular an electric motor 101 can be connected to the AC network 200 by means of the plug 110 and the cable 120, so that the electric motor 101 can be supplied with electrical energy.

[0032] The electric motor 101 can be operated with direct current and a voltage of 48 V or less. In particular, the electric motor 101 can be operated with a voltage that is significantly lower than the voltage of the alternating current network 200. Thus, the voltage for the electric motor 101 is also referred to as low voltage in the context of this disclosure, which is, for example, up to 60 V direct current. In particular, the electric motor 101 can be operated with a voltage of a conventional vehicle electrical system, for example, 12 V, 24 V, or 48 V.

[0033] The plug 110 is designed to convert the electrical current of the AC network 200 such that the electric motor 101 can be operated with the low-voltage direct current. For this purpose, the plug 110 has a rectifier 112 and a transformer 113 and / or other electrical or electronic components necessary for converting the voltage and for rectification.

[0034] The rectifier 112 and the transformer 113 and the other components are arranged, for example, on a circuit board 114, in particular soldered to the circuit board 114. The rectifier 112 and the transformer 113 and, if applicable, other components are arranged in a connector housing 111 of the connector 110. The connector housing 111 is made, for example, of a plastic and surrounds an interior space in which the rectifier 112 and the transformer 113 are arranged. The contact pins 118 are, for example, also attached to the connector housing 111. The contact pins 118 are, for example, electrically coupled to the rectifier 112 and the transformer 113 inside the connector housing 111.

[0035] The first end 121 of the cable 120 is connected to the circuit board 114 inside the connector housing 111, for example, by means of a solder connection 115. The cable 120 is electrically coupled to the rectifier 112 and the transformer 113 inside the connector housing 111.

[0036] The connection of the cable 120 at the first end 121 to the circuit board 114 cannot be removed without causing damage. The cable 120 is firmly connected to the connector 110, and in particular, a mechanical fixation is provided so that the cable 120 cannot be pulled out of the connector 110 during normal operation. The connector housing 111 and the cable 120 are firmly connected to one another during production, so that during conventional operation the connector 110 and the cable 120 form a unit that cannot be separated from one another. In particular, the connector 110 and the cable 120 cannot be used separately during operation. During operation, the connector 110 and the cable 120 form a structural unit. Inside the connector housing 111, the cable 120 is electrically and mechanically connected to the circuit board 114.Additionally, a mechanical strain relief is provided, for example, which is formed by a screw connection inside the connector housing 111. The connector housing 111 is tightly closed, particularly during operation, and has no further openings or sockets except for the exit of the cable 120.

[0037] The connector 110 enables the use of the electric motor 101, which is operated with low-voltage direct current. The ability to connect the connector 110 to the alternating current network 200 enables sufficient electrical power to be provided to operate the compressor 100. The compressor 100 does not need to be connected to a 12 V or 48 V vehicle electrical system and, in particular, cannot be connected to a cigarette lighter socket. The connector 110 can be connected to the household socket 301 provided in the vehicle 300 and is designed such that only low-voltage direct current can be applied to the output side 117. Thus, the cable 120 and the compressor 100, in particular the electric motor 101 and other electrical or electronic components of the compressor 100, only need to meet the safety requirements for a low-voltage system.The only component of the breakdown assistance system 1 that must meet the safety requirements for a high-voltage AC system is the connector 110. This allows for the use of more cost-effective components for the compressor 100. For example, the compressor 100 does not have to meet the watertightness requirements required when operating the compressor 100 with high voltage.

[0038] The electric motor 101 as a DC motor is more cost-effective than an AC motor. Furthermore, the electric motor 101 as a DC motor requires less space than an AC motor, enabling a compact design for the breakdown assistance system 1. For example, the electric motor 101 is supplied with a voltage of 48 V during operation. Thus, the electrical requirements for the components of the connector 110 are lower than with 12 V operation, since lower current consumption is required for 48 V operation and components for 48 V are available as standard.

[0039] The plug 110, which is permanently connected to the cable 120 and functions as a power supply for operating the breakdown assistance system 1 with the AC network 200, enables the use of cost-effective and compact components, for example, for the compressor 100. Because the output side 117 of the plug 110 only supplies electrical current in a low-voltage range that is conventionally harmless to humans, no special safety requirements need to be provided for the components on the output side of the plug 110. The breakdown assistance system 1 can be connected to the socket 301 of the vehicle 300 by means of the plug 110 and also to other conventional household sockets outside the vehicle 300 in order to supply the compressor 100 and the electric motor 101 with electrical energy.Nevertheless, special protection for the compressor 100 can be dispensed with, which would be necessary for the electric motor 101 when operating with high-voltage AC without the conversion in the connector 110. Reference numerals.

[0040] 1 breakdown assistance system

[0041] 100 compressor

[0042] 101 Electric Motor

[0043] 110 plugs

[0044] 111 connector housing

[0045] 112 rectifiers

[0046] 113 Transformer

[0047] 114 circuit board

[0048] 115 Solder connection

[0049] 116 Entrance page

[0050] 117 Exit page

[0051] 118 contact pin

[0052] 120 cables

[0053] 121 first end

[0054] 122 second end

[0055] 200 AC network

[0056] 300 vehicles

[0057] 301 socket

Claims

Patent claims 1. Breakdown assistance system (1 ) for inflating a vehicle tire, comprising - an electric compressor (100) designed to pressurise tyre sealant and air, the compressor (100) having an electric motor (101) operable with a direct current for driving the compressor (100), - a plug (110) for connection to an electrical AC network (200), wherein the plug (110) has a plug housing (111) in which a rectifier (112) for converting alternating current into direct current and a transformer (113) are arranged to reduce the electrical voltage, - an electrically conductive cable (120) connecting the plug (110) and the compressor (100) to supply the compressor (100) with electrical energy from the AC mains (200), the cable (120) being fixedly connected to the plug (110).

2. Breakdown assistance system according to claim 1, wherein the electric motor (101) has a nominal power consumption of less than 20 amperes and a nominal voltage of 12 volts up to and including 48 volts.

3. Breakdown assistance system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plug (110) is designed to convert single-phase alternating current with a voltage between 100 volts and 250 volts and a frequency of 50 hertz or 60 hertz into direct current with a voltage of 12 volts up to and including 48 volts.

4. Breakdown assistance system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plug (110) has two elongated projecting contact pins (118).

5. Breakdown assistance system according to claim 4, in which the plug (110) is designed in the manner of one of the plug types A to N of the list of the International Electrotechnical Commission.

6. Breakdown assistance system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the plug (110) is designed in the manner of a Schuko plug.

7. Breakdown assistance system according to one of the preceding claims, in which the cable (120) is mechanically and electrically connected to a circuit board (114) by means of a soldered connection (115), the circuit board (114) being arranged in the plug housing (111) and the rectifier (112) and / or the transformer (113) being arranged on the circuit board (114).

8. Breakdown assistance system according to one of the preceding claims, in which the plug housing (111) is closed.

9. Breakdown assistance system according to one of the preceding claims, in which the cable (120) cannot be separated from the plug (110) without causing damage.

10. Breakdown assistance system according to one of the preceding claims, in which a mains separation between the alternating current network (200) and the direct current is formed in the plug (110).

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