Device for adjustment of pressure in vehicle tires during operation

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for adjusting pressure in tires (19) of a vehicle during operation, comprising a source of pressure (10a, 10b, 10c); an inflow valve (12) for regulating the flow of gas from the source of pressure (10a, 10b, 10c) to the tire (19) and thus increasing the pressure in the tire (19); an exhaust valve (13) for regulating the flow of gas from the tire (19) and thus reducing the pressure in the tire (19); a wheel hub unit (30) able to control the flow of gas to and / or from the tire (19); and an electronic control sys- tem (21) in communication with and able to control the source of pressure (10a, 10b, 10c), the inflow valve (12), the exhaust valve (13) and the wheel hub unit (30) in order to increase and / or to reduce the pressure in tires (19).

Description

[0001] Device for adjustment of pressure in vehicle tires during operation

[0002] Technical Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a device for adjusting pressure in vehicle tires. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device for adjusting pressure in bicycle tires which includes human powered bicycles, electric bicycles, and motorcycles capable of adjusting (e.g. increasing and / or decreasing) the pressure in bicycle tires during operation (i.e. while driving).

[0004] State of the Art

[0005] One of the main objectives in bicycle riding, electric bicycle riding and motorcycling is to move the vehicle with its rider with the lowest possible amount of energy along a given route. The rider is confronted with different road conditions or, while riding offroad, different ground surface condition.

[0006] The tire pressure has a crucial impact on rolling resistance, traction and absorption of shocks and vibrations resulting from uneven surface. Today, the rider set a constant tire pressure for the entire trip. This manual pressure setting is always a compromise between rolling resistance, traction and shock absorption.

[0007] On hard and even ground (e.g. asphalt), the raider aims to set a high tire pressure to minimize rolling resistance. This reduces the energy being required by the rider and / or the drive motor to move the vehicle. However, a high tire pressure has a negative effect on traction. Therefore, on soft or uneven grounds, the raider aims to set a medium to low tire pressure to increase the contact area between the tire and the ground, and hence improve traction. Particularly on wet, muddy, slippery, sandy or inclined ground, it is crucial to have sufficient traction between the tires and the ground. On descents, on the other hand, a medium tire pressure is desirable to avoid punctures and damage to the tire, tube or rim. Furthermore, the tire pressure has a significant impact on the shock absorption towards the bicycle, coming from uneven and rough ground surface. With a low tire pressure, the shock absorption or damping improves, which results in higher comfort for the rider. On the downside, a low tire pressure increases the rolling resistance, thus the rider and / or motor drive needs more energy to move the bicycle.

[0008] It is common practice for the rider to set a fixed tire pressure at the beginning of a trip, which always represents a compromise on the expected surface. Beside the road- and surface condition, tire pressures depend on bicycle type, tire size and tire type. Tire pressures vary usually between 12 and 40 PSI for mountain bikes, 15 and 70 PSI for gravel bikes and up to 140 PSI for road bikes.

[0009] In less common occasions, it is seen that riders interrupt their trip to adjust the tire pressure before a significant change of the ground surface conditions. However, this stopping and adjusting of the tire pressure is often not practicable since the conditions of the ground are constantly changing and interrupting the trip costs the rider time and energy.

[0010] Also, according to currently known solutions, the tire pressure of human powered bicycles, electric bicycles and motorcycles is generally only adjusted while the vehicle is stationary. A few patents describe systems for tire pressure adjustment while driving. Most of these systems consists of a pump integrated in the wheel or the wheel hub. However, these systems have not been widely adopted in the market because they are technically complex, add additional weight to the wheel and are expensive.

[0011] On the other hand, tire pressure maintenance systems for cars and trucks are available and established. These systems usually consist of a centralized air compressor, a set of valves and pressure sensors and a system for distribution of compressed air through the axis of each wheel. Unfortunately, it is not easy to adapt such a concept to bicycles, namely because of its complexity, weight, and cost. Summary of the Invention

[0012] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of devices and methods for adjusting pressure in vehicle tires now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a device (and the corresponding method) for adjusting (i.e. increasing and / or decreasing) pressure in vehicle tires during operation (i.e. while driving), thus making it possible to adjust the pressure at any time.

[0013] More specifically, the present invention is particularly adapted for use with bicycles, comprising human powered bicycles, electric bicycles, and motorcycles.

[0014] In other words, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to make it possible to the rider to adjust the pressure in tires to the ground conditions at any time and optimize his ride in terms of rolling resistance, traction and comfort.

[0015] To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a device according to the independent claim 1 , more specifically a device for adjusting pressure in tires of a vehicle during operation, comprising a source of pressure; an inflow valve for regulating the flow of gas from the source of pressure to the tire and thus increasing the pressure in the tire; an exhaust valve for regulating the flow of gas from the tire and thus reducing the pressure in the tire; a wheel hub unit able to control the flow of gas to and / or from the tire; and an electronic control system in communication with and able to control the source of pressure, the inflow valve, the exhaust valve and the hub mounted unit in order to increase and / or to reduce the pressure in tires.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the device further comprises a manifold interconnecting the source of pressure, the inflow valve and the exhaust valve. Thanks to the manifold, various elements of the device can be interconnected through a single element, allowing therefore a more compact design. In addition to the source of pressure, the inflow valve and the exhaust valve, the manifold can also interconnect further elements, namely other valves and sensors. The manifold can contain all necessary gas channels and connections. The design of the manifold can be complex and therefore the manifold can preferably be manufactured using additive manufacturing methods, commonly known as 3D- printing.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the source of pressure comprises a refillable pressure tank, a exchangeable liquid gas cartridge, an air compressor, or a pressure pump. The air compressor can in particular be battery-operated. In this case, certain downstream components, in particular the pressure orifice, can be omitted or simplified in its specifications.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment, the hub mounted unit is connected by a hose or an airline to a connector for tubeless tires, the connector for tubeless tires being mounted on the wheel rim so to be able to control the flow of air to and / or from the tire.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment, the device further comprises a pressure reduction unit able to reduce the pressure of gas between the source of pressure and the tire.

[0020] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the electronic control system comprises a remote control for triggering the electronic control system. The remote control can in particular be mounted on the handle of the vehicle, or be integrated in the control system of the vehicle, and the rider can increase and reduce the tire pressure through short manual or time-controlled impulses. The control system of the vehicle can in particular be a HMI (human machine interface). Alternatively, the remote control can also be integrated in a mobile device, such a mobile phone or smart watch, communicating with the device via Bluetooth or another appropriate protocol.

[0021] Preferably, the electronic control system comprises an automatic adjustment of the pressure in tires to a target value set by the rider. Alternatively, the device can further comprise at least one sensor, an automatic adjustment of the pressure in tires to a target value being based on the processing of the signal of the at least one sensor. The at least one sensor can in particular capture pressure in the re-fillable liquid gas tank, gas pressure in the manifold, ambient pressure, position, altitude, weather, terrain and / or preferences of the rider.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the invention, a battery-operated micro air compressor is used as pressure source. For this embodiment, certain downstream components, in particular the pressure orifice, can be omitted or simplified in its specifications.

[0023] Short Description of Drawings

[0024] The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

[0025] Fig. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the function of the invention;

[0026] Fig. 2 is a planar schematic representation of the invention on a bicycle;

[0027] Fig. 3 is a pneumatic scheme of the invention shown in Figure 4. and Figure 5.

[0028] Fig. 4 is a perspective and plan view of one preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0029] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0030] Fig. 6a is a perspective view of a further preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0031] Fig. 6b is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of Figure

[0032] 3a; and Fig. 6c is an exploded plain view of the embodiment of Figures 3a and 3b;

[0033] Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0034] In the following, reference is made to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] According to this, the device for adjusting pressure in bicycle tires according to the present invention comprises a source of pressure, which can be either a re-fillable pressure tank (10a), an exchangeable pressure cartridge (10b) or a pressure pump (10c). In another embodiment, the source of pressure can also be a miniature air compressor, battery-powered, as will be explained in more details further down. The function of the pressure source is to increase the gas pressure in the tire (19) when the inflow valve (12) is open.

[0036] If the pressure source consists of a pressure tank (10a) or pressure cartridge (10b), it can contain any type of compressed gas, in gaseous, liquid or both aggregate states, suitable for inflating a tire (19). For example, the pressure tank (10a) or cartridge (10b) can contain compressed ambient air, carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen (N2), Helium (He) or a comparable medium in liquid or gaseous state.

[0037] If the pressure source consists of a re-fillable pressure tank (10a), it is designed to be re-filled manually by connecting a larger liquid gas bottle to the recharge-connector (17). To enable a flow of gas from the larger liquid gas bottle into the smaller pressure tank (10a), it is necessary to release small amounts of vaporous gas from to upper part of the tank. This venting to the atmosphere can be either done manually through an exhaust screw (18), or automatically through pulsation of the solenoid valves (12) and (13).

[0038] If the source of pressure consists of a pressure cartridge (10b), it can be a single-use cartridge, as it is currently widely used in emergency pump kits. The pressure cartridge (10b) can however also be re-fillable or re-cyclable, while mounted on the bicycle or dismounted from the bicycle. The pressure cartridge (10b) can be replaced and connected to the rest of the system via a screw connection and / or a clamp connection.

[0039] At this stage, it is important to stress that this embodiment of the invention is not limited to a single pressure cartridge (10b), but that it can also comprise more than one pressure cartridge (10b) of identical or of different sizes (usually 12, 16 to 25 gr net).

[0040] After connecting the pressure cartridge (10b) to the system, respectively charging of the re-fillable pressure tank (10a), the gas flows to a pressure reducing unit (11 ), which can be designed both as a pressure maintaining valve and as an arrangement of one or several pressure-reducing nozzles. The pressure reducing unit (11 ) reduces the gas pressure in the pressure cartridge from up to 4400 PSI (820 PSI for CO2, up to 4400 PSI for N2 or He) to the lower pressure level of the tire (19), which is generally between 20 and 140 PSI, depending on bicycle type, tire type and tire dimensions. When the inflow valve (12) is opened, the pressure reduction takes place in an orifice (shock-flow pressure reduction) or in a pressure regulator (constant-flow pressure reduction).

[0041] Instead of a pressure tank (10a) or one or multiple pressure cartridges (10b), the source of pressure according to another embodiment can comprise a battery-powered miniature air compressor (10c). The structure of the device and the function of the invention remain the same as with the first embodiment using a pressure tank (10a) or one or multiple pressure cartridges (10b), but the pressure rating of the inflow valve (12) and the exhaust valve (13) in this case changes because the feed-pressure of the pump with up to 200 PSI is significantly lower than the gas pressure from the pressure tank or cartridge. In the embodiment with a miniature air compressor (10c), the pressure reducing unit (11 ) can be omitted.

[0042] The inflow valve (12) is actuated by the electronic control system (21 ) and serves to increase the tire pressure. It regulates the flow of gas from the pressure source (10a) to the tire (19). The inflow valve (12) can be arranged both before and after the pressure reducing unit (11 ). The pressure release valve (13) serves to reduce the tire pressure. Like the inflow valve (12), is also controlled by the electronic control system (21 ) and regulates the exhaust flow of gas from the tire (19) into the environment.

[0043] A pump connection valve (20) allows the rider to top up the tire air pressure with a manual pump, an air compressor, an emergency pump kit or any other suitable means. Also, the rider can deflate the tire pressure manually, independently of the present invention, namely in order to adjust pressure in bicycle tires while the bicycle has stopped.

[0044] One of the central elements of the invention is a manifold (40) that interconnects at least the source of pressure (10a, 10b, 10c), the inflow valve (12) and the pressure release valve (13). To this end, the manifold (40) contains all necessary internal gas channels and connections. In addition, the manifold (40) interconnects all other elements that can be optional, such as the airline (14), pump connection valve (20), and sensors (23, 24, 25). This central manifold (40) enables all functions of the invention with a cost-optimized design. The design of the manifold (40) can in particular be complex, therefore the manifold (40) can be designed for being produced using additive manufacturing methods, commonly known as 3D-printing.

[0045] All pneumatic components and distributors can be connected using screw connections, hard brazed connections, chemical bonding or flexible pneumatic connections. However, any other suitable connection can be used.

[0046] According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the wheel hub unit (30) can be hub mounted or hub integrated unit. It is connected by an airline or a pneumatic hose (14) to a connector for tubeless tires (15), which is mounted on the bicycle rim. The tire connector (15) allows the air to flow to and from the tire.

[0047] According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, all automatic actuators and sensors like miniature air compressor (10c), inflow valve (12) , pressure release valve (13), pressure sensors (23) and (24) and temperature sensor (25) are controlled by an electronic control system (21 ), which can comprise a remote control (22) for triggering the electronic control system (21 ). The rider operates the remote control (22) and can thus increase or reduce the tire pressure without stopping the bicycle.

[0048] The electronic control system (21 ) in its simplest design consists of a battery, a signal receiver and two or three relays to switch the actuators on and off. The electronic control system can include additional functions, such as pressure sensors which are connected to the controller. These pressure sensors measure the tire pressure and / or the pressure of the gas source to provide feedback to the control system of the condition of the tire and the pressure source. The signal of the temperature sensor (23) is used to avoid icing and proper function of the inflow valve (12) during pressure increase and re-charging of the pressure tank (10a). Other measurement signals such as ambient air pressure or GPS might be connected to the electronic control system as well. A logic in the electronic control system (21 ) or in the remote control (22) processes the signals, activates the actuators (10b, 12 and 13) and thus regulates automatically the air pressure in the tire (19) according to the programmed parameter by the rider.

[0049] The remote control (22) is preferably attached to the handlebars of the bicycle, either as stand-alone or integrated in the HMI (Human Machine Interface) of the vehicle. The remote control (22) in the simplest design is a oneway transmitter with push buttons to increase and to decrease the tire pressure of the front and the back wheel separately.

[0050] Optionally, the remote control (22) can also receive signals, record measured values or process them in a logic system. The remote control (22) can be either designed as a separate unit, can be integrated into an existing HMI system for controlling other functions of the bicycle, or can be integrated in an APP of a mobile phone or a similar device.

[0051] With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0052] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the prin- ciples of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims1 . A device for adjusting pressure in tires (19) of a vehicle during operation, comprising: a source of pressure (10a, 10b, 10c); an inflow valve (12) for regulating the flow of gas from the source of pressure (10a, 10b, 10b) to the tire (19) and thus increasing the pressure in the tire (19); an exhaust valve (13) for regulating the flow of gas from the tire (19) and thus reducing the pressure in the tire (19); a wheel hub unit (30) able to control the flow of gas to and / or from the tire (19); and an electronic control system (21 ) in communication with and able to control the source of pressure (10a, 10b, 10c), the inflow valve (12), the exhaust valve (13) and the wheel hub unit (30) in order to increase and / or to reduce the pressure in tires (19).

2. Device according to claim 1 , further comprising a manifold (40) interconnecting the source of pressure (10a, 10b, 10c), the inflow valve (12) and the exhaust valve (13).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the source of pressure comprises a re-fillable liquid gas tank (10a), an exchangeable liquid gas cartridge (10b) or an air compressor (10c).

4. Device according to claim 3, wherein the re-fillable liquid gas tank (10a) is directly mounted on the manifold (40).

5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the wheel hub unit (30) is hub mounted or hub integrated and is pneumatically connectedby a hose or an airline (14) to a connector for tubeless tires (15), the connector for tubeless tires (15) being mounted on the wheel rim so to be able to control the flow of air to and / or from the tire (19).

6. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein it further comprises a pressure reduction unit (11 ) able to reduce the pressure of gas between the source of pressure (10a, 10b, 10c) and the tire (19).

7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the electronic control system (21 ) comprises a remote control (22) for triggering the electronic control system (21 ).

8. Device according to claim 7, wherein the remote control (22) is mounted on the handle of the vehicle or integrated in the control system of the vehicle, and the rider can increase and reduce the tire pressure through short manual or time-controlled impulses.

9. Device according to claim 7, wherein the remote control (22) is integrated in a mobile device, such a mobile phone or smart watch, communicating with the device via Bluetooth or another appropriate protocol.

10. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the electronic control system (21 ) comprises an automatic adjustment of the pressure in tires (19) to a target value set by the rider.

11. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein it further comprises at least one sensor (23, 24, 25), an automatic adjustment of the pressure in tires (19) to a target value being based on the processing of the signal of the at least one sensor (23, 24, 25).

12. Device according to claim 12, wherein the at least one sensor () captures pressure in the re-fillable liquid gas tank (10a), gas pressure in the manifold (40), ambient pressure, position, altitude, weather, terrain and / or preferences of the rider.

13. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the vehicle is a human powered bicycle, an electric bicycle or a motorcycle.

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