DE202024106158U1 - System for monitoring and controlling the tire pressure of a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

System for use on board a vehicle, the system being adapted to adjust the tyre pressure of one or more tyres, in particular pneumatic tyres of the vehicle, while the vehicle is travelling, the system comprising:
- a control system for detecting the tyre pressure of one or more tyres;
- a pressure vessel for storing air under pressure;
- a distributor connected to the pressure vessel, designed to supply or remove air from the pressure vessel and equipped with one or more adjustable valves;
- a pipe system for supplying air from the pressure vessel to one or more tires and vice versa;
- a control unit connected to the distributor, which is designed to control the one or more valves, in particular to open or close them, in order to adjust the tire pressure of the one or more tires; characterized in that
- the control system comprises a measuring system configured to measure a tire pressure of the one or more tires;
- the vehicle comprises, in addition to the measuring system, one or more sensor systems designed to collect vehicle data on the tyre pressure of one or more of the tyres and to transmit them to the control system;
- the control system is arranged to receive the vehicle data and use it as input for calculating the optimal tire pressure for the vehicle's tires.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a system or device for monitoring and regulating the air pressure in pneumatic tires for vehicles. More specifically, the invention relates to a system for determining the optimal tire pressure and for automatically checking tire pressure and leaks and for controlled inflation and deflation of tires in order to obtain and maintain the correct pressure.

BACKGROUND

For the tires of vehicles with pneumatic tires to function optimally, i.e. roadholding, rolling resistance, braking and acceleration ability, an optimal tire pressure is required. The tires in particular are the point of contact with the road and their function and service life are influenced by various conditions such as ambient temperature, road temperature, road surface condition, vehicle load, terrain and vehicle speed. The quality of the tires, such as wear resistance and age, also plays a major role. Finally, it is always possible that there is a sharp object on the road surface that can damage the tire, cause it to lose air or even burst.

Tire pressure that is too low leads to higher rolling resistance, which, among other things, leads to higher fuel consumption and increased tire wear, which also creates more fine dust that gets into the ambient air and the ground.

Higher fuel consumption leads to more CO2 and NOx emissions.

The increased wear leads to a shortening of the life of the tires, but also to poorer roadholding and handling of the vehicle, a more difficult vehicle to drive, less grip on the road and therefore longer braking distances and a higher risk of skidding. Incorrect tire pressure also leads to irregular, uneven tire wear, which contributes to the negative consequences mentioned above and also has a negative impact on driving comfort. One form of uneven wear is cupping. Cupping can make the rolling noise of the tires significantly louder and the steering wheel vibrate. Too high tire pressure has similar consequences to too low tire pressure, e.g. poorer roadholding, increased and uneven wear, a longer braking distance and a higher risk of skidding. Too high or too low tire pressure and the associated higher wear can ultimately even lead to tire damage with all the consequences. It is easy to imagine that the above-mentioned negative effects of incorrect tire pressure can have even more serious consequences for a truck, where a skid can cause significant damage to the road, the vehicle and other vehicles, as well as the driver and other road users. Tire fragments flying around due to a flat tire pose a real danger to other traffic. In any case, a flat tire can have catastrophic consequences for the vehicle and/or other traffic. The economic damage of a flat tire is usually quite large due to downtime and roadside assistance, while the social damage due to traffic jams, dangerous situations and accidents is also not insignificant. Finally, an accident involving a truck or a stationary truck that breaks down along a road often leads to exponentially higher traffic nuisance and economic damage for society and the transport company. The ambient temperature is (partly) responsible for the temperature of the air in the tires, which means that the air pressure in the tire can vary, with a cold tire temperature leading to a lower tire pressure and a higher temperature leading to a higher tire pressure. Sustained higher speeds as well as acceleration and deceleration also lead to temperature fluctuations. It is also important to mention that the correct tire pressure also depends on the weight of the vehicle. For example, a fully loaded truck requires a higher tire pressure than an empty truck. A visual inspection before driving is helpful to prevent a vehicle from being driven with under-inflated tires and/or leaks. However, this check is much more difficult, if not impossible, while driving. In particular, with trucks with multiple rear wheels and/or with trailers, a visual inspection is difficult even when stationary, while the driver is usually not aware at all that, for example, one of the eight tires is already mounted while driving. a dangerously low voltage level. Contact, be it through eyes, hearing, seeing, hearing or by feeling vibrations, is even more difficult, if not impossible, with a trailer.

A claimed improvement according to the state of the art concerns the measurement of the current air pressure in the tires, for example by using tire pressure monitoring caps (Tire Pressure Monitor Caps or TPMCs). These can be read visually on site in the TPMC. It is then up to the driver/inspector to determine whether the measured sen tire pressure is the correct tire pressure. In practice, however, the measurements are often unreliable due to the large error rate.

However, it is not possible to regulate the tire pressure immediately by filling the tires with air if the tire pressure is too low or by partially deflating the tires if the tire pressure is too high.

Recognition of this problem has led to the introduction of on-board devices to monitor tire pressure while driving, known as Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS). A further step has been systems that use a pumping system to inflate tires that appear to be under-inflated when the system is checked, even while driving. These systems must also be able to reduce tire pressure to prevent excessive tire pressure from causing excessive tire wear or bursting.

The ability to increase or decrease the tire pressure for each tire in a targeted manner is desirable in the context of optimizing vehicle operation. It is also desirable to be able to measure and adjust the tire pressure in each tire separately so that a problem such as a puncture in one tire does not affect the air pressure in the other tires. Today, on-board systems are known that serve to inflate and deflate vehicle tires in a controlled manner while driving. Such systems usually comprise a pressure vessel containing a supply of air. In addition, a pipe system and a control system are provided for selectively increasing or decreasing the tire pressure of the tires connected to the system.

Typically, the system has a separate air line running from the pressure vessel to each individual connected tire. Such an air line generally runs through the fixed axle on which the tire and associated wheel assembly are pivotally mounted. The connection to the pneumatic tire is airtight.

The following discusses a publication that may be relevant to the technical field.

The patent US 5,540,268 A (United States of America) by Chander Mittal can be summarized as a device for adjusting and regulating air pressure in pneumatic tires of vehicles. The microcomputer-based device automatically monitors tire pressure, checks for tire and system leaks, and inflates and deflates the tires in a controlled manner depending on the conditions. The device also includes tire inflation valves designed to prevent contamination of the system.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an on-board monitoring and control system and device that ensures reliable measurement and control of the tire pressure of one or more pneumatic tires of a vehicle. More specifically, the invention aims to carry out the control and adjustment while driving.

Furthermore, the invention aims to provide a system that enables tires to be used optimally throughout their entire lifespan, thus minimizing the waste of raw materials.

This object is achieved by the following aspect and the various embodiments.

• - ein Steuersystem zur Feststellung des Reifendrucks eines oder mehrerer Reifen;
• - einen Druckbehälter zur Speicherung von Luft unter Druck;
• - einen mit dem Druckbehälter verbundenen Verteiler, der dazu bestimmt ist, dem Druckbehälter Luft zuzuführen bzw. Luft zu entziehen, und der mit einem oder mehreren einstellbaren Ventilen ausgestattet ist;
• - ein Rohrsystem zur Luftzufuhr vom Druckbehälter zu einem oder mehreren Reifen und umgekehrt;
• - eine mit dem Verteiler verbundene Steuereinheit, die dazu eingerichtet ist, das eine oder die mehreren Ventile zu steuern, insbesondere zu öffnen oder zu schließen, um den Reifendruck des einen oder der mehreren (Luft)Reifen einzustellen, wobei:
• - das Steuersystem ein Messsystem umfasst, das dazu eingerichtet ist, einen Reifendruck des einen oder der mehreren Reifen zu messen;
• - das Fahrzeug zusätzlich zum Messsystem ein oder mehrere Sensorsysteme umfasst, die dazu bestimmt sind, Fahrzeugdaten über den Reifendruck eines oder mehrerer der Reifen zu sammeln und an das Steuersystem zu übermitteln;
• - das Steuersystem eingerichtet ist, die Fahrzeugdaten zu empfangen und sie als Eingabe für die Berechnung des optimalen Reifendrucks für die Reifen des Fahrzeugs zu verwenden.

In one aspect of the invention, a system for use on board a vehicle is presented, the system being adapted to adjust the tire pressure of one or more tires, in particular pneumatic tires of the vehicle, while the vehicle is traveling, the system comprising:

• - a control system for detecting the tyre pressure of one or more tyres;
• - a pressure vessel for storing air under pressure;
• - a distributor connected to the pressure vessel, designed to supply or remove air from the pressure vessel and equipped with one or more adjustable valves;
• - a pipe system for supplying air from the pressure vessel to one or more tires and vice versa;
• - a control unit connected to the distributor, which is designed to control the one or more valves, in particular to open or close them, in order to adjust the tire pressure of the one or more (pneumatic) tires, wherein:
• - the control system comprises a measuring system configured to measure a tire pressure of the one or more tires;
• - the vehicle comprises, in addition to the measuring system, one or more sensor systems designed to collect vehicle data on the tyre pressure of one or more of the tyres and to transmit them to the control system;
• - the control system is arranged to receive the vehicle data and use it as input for calculating the optimal tire pressure for the vehicle's tires.

• - ein Temperatursensorsystem zur Messung der Temperatur um das Fahrzeug, im Fahrzeug, um einen oder mehrere Reifen und/oder in einem oder mehreren Reifen;
• - eine lastabhängige Bremsdruckregelung zur Messung einer Gesamtlast und/oder Lastverteilung auf einen oder mehrere Reifen;
• - ein automatisches Luftfederungssystem zur Messung der Gesamtlast und/oder Lastverteilung auf einen oder mehrere Reifen.

In one embodiment of the invention, a sensor system of the one or more sensor systems is presented, wherein a system from the following group comprises:

• - a temperature sensor system for measuring the temperature around the vehicle, inside the vehicle, around one or more tires and/or in one or more tires;
• - a load-dependent brake pressure control for measuring a total load and/or load distribution on one or more tires;
• - an automatic air suspension system for measuring the total load and/or load distribution on one or more tires.

• - vom Temperatursensorsystem gemessene Temperatur;
• - Gesamtlast bzw. Lastverteilung auf einen oder mehrere Reifen gemessen durch die lastabhängige Bremsdruckregelung;
• - Gesamtlast und/oder Lastverteilung auf einen oder mehrere Reifen, gemessen durch ein automatisches Luftfederungssystem.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a system is presented, wherein the vehicle data comprises data from the following group:

• - temperature measured by the temperature sensor system;
• - Total load or load distribution on one or more tires measured by the load-dependent brake pressure control;
• - Total load and/or load distribution on one or more tires, measured by an automatic air suspension system.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a system is presented, wherein the control system determines, based on the current tire pressure of one or more of the tires, whether and to what extent the tire pressure of the tire needs to be adjusted, wherein the control system serves to adjust the control unit so that the tire pressure corresponds as closely as possible to the determined optimal tire pressure.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a system is presented, wherein the one band or the several bands are connected to a separate line that leads to the measuring system.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a system is presented, wherein the measuring system is equipped with a central sensor system.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a system is presented, wherein the system comprises a warning system configured to generate warnings when the control system detects a deviation of the measured tire pressure compared to the optimal tire pressure of a tire of one or more tires, and wherein the warning system is configured such that a driver of the vehicle can heed the warnings.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a system is presented, wherein the deviation is classified into different degrees with an associated warning system.

• - gemessene Häufigkeit der Erkennung einer Abweichung jedes Mal, nachdem eine Anpassung stattgefunden hat;
• - eine absolute und/oder relative Abweichung, die über einem Maximalwert liegt;
• - ein absolutes und/oder relatives Wachstum der Abweichungen nach jeder Anpassung.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a system is presented, wherein the warning system comprises different escalation levels depending on factors, for example factors from the group consisting of:

• - measured frequency of detection of a deviation each time after an adjustment has taken place;
• - an absolute and/or relative deviation exceeding a maximum value;
• - an absolute and/or relative growth of the deviations after each adjustment.

• - eine visuelle Anzeige der Aktivierung des Betriebssystems;
• - eine visuelle Anzeige einer Häufigkeit und/oder Abweichung, die noch ein sicheres Fahren ermöglicht, aber beim nächsten Servicepunkt Aufmerksamkeit erfordert;
• - eine audiovisuelle Anzeige einer Häufigkeit oder Abweichung, die auf ein Leck oder eine andere Beschädigung eines oder mehrerer Reifen hinweist, die einen sofortigen Stopp erfordert.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a system is presented, wherein the escalation levels in ascending escalation comprise the following actions:

• - a visual indication of the activation of the operating system;
• - a visual indication of a frequency and/or deviation that still allows safe driving but requires attention at the next service point;
• - an audio-visual indication of a frequency or deviation indicating a leak or other damage to one or more tires requiring an immediate stop.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a system is presented, wherein a sensor system of the one or more sensor systems is configured to analyze the condition of the surface under one or more wheels of the vehicle on which the vehicle is moving, wherein the system optionally adjusts the tire pressure of the one or more tires according to the analyzed surface, wherein, for example, a soft, loose and/or sloping surface leads to an adjustment to a lower tire pressure of the tires, and a harder and/or smoother surface, on the other hand, leads to an adjustment to a normal or higher tire pressure.

Automatic subsoil detection for agriculture in particular is about minimizing soil compaction and structural changes.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a system is presented, wherein the sensor system comprises a video camera with an image recognition system.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a system is presented, wherein a sensor system of the one or more sensor systems is configured to measure the traction of the vehicle, wherein the system adjusts the tire pressure of the tires of the one or more wheels of the vehicle based on the measured traction of one or more wheels, wherein reduced traction of one or more wheels leads to an adjustment to a lower tire pressure of the tires and normal traction leads to an adjustment to a normal tire pressure.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a system is presented, wherein the sensor system comprises or makes use of an anti-lock braking system, ABS, an electronic stability program, ESP, an electronic braking system, EBS, an anti-skid control, ASR and/or another traction control system of the vehicle.

The invention can be summarised as a system for use on board a vehicle, the system being designed to adjust the tyre pressure of one or more (pneumatic) tyres of the vehicle while the vehicle is travelling. To achieve this, a control system is provided for measuring and regulating the tyre pressure of the tyres. Air is used to inflate the tyres when the tyre pressure is too low and to deflate air when the tyre pressure is too high. Air is supplied to the tyres from a pressure vessel and vice versa when the tyre pressure needs to be reduced. For this purpose, pressurised air is contained in the pressure vessel.

To regulate the air supply and return to and from the pressure vessel, a distributor is provided with various air ducts connected to the tires. The distributor is equipped with valves that can be operated by a control unit connected to the control system. The control system has a measuring system that is set up to measure or calculate the tire pressure of the tires by deriving it from other parameters.

For this purpose, the vehicle preferably has sensor systems that are designed to record tire pressure-related vehicle data and transmit them to the control system. The control system can use this data as input to calculate the optimal tire pressure for the vehicle's tires.

The system according to the invention uses, wherever possible, sensors and measurement data already present in the vehicle. This data is converted into parameters that can be used as input 1 for the measurement system.

For example, there are systems that can measure how effective a braking system is and use this to determine how much a truck weighs compared to an empty load. Although the measurement will not be very accurate, it is sufficient to calculate a range of optimal tire pressure.

According to the present invention, the inflation or deflation of the pressure per individual tire is carried out on the basis of the measured brake pressure and optionally measured or derived current tire pressure in the tire, which is measured in another way, for example with TPMS.

The brake pressure is preferably derived from the pressure in an air spring bellows, which is designed to provide the brake pressure. The system according to the invention determines the optimal tire pressure via the air spring system or the automatic load-dependent brake pressure control (ALR) of a truck trailer.

The system according to the invention provides air lines that are preferably connected to each individual tire. These pipes are connected to the tires via swivel joints so that the tire (wheel) can rotate without the pipe rotating. The pipes to the tires are connected to a pressure vessel. A powerful air compressor, hereinafter called a booster, is connected to the pressure vessel. This compressor can be used to pump up the pressure vessel from the pressure vessel to tires with too low tire pressure. As long as the air in the pressure vessel is sufficiently compressed, the booster does not have to add much compression to inflate the tires. Conversely, a tire pressure that is measured too high can cause the system to be activated in reverse and air is released from the tire in question and returned to the pressure vessel. The booster ensures that sufficient pressure is provided to fill the pressure vessel. The control of the air supply and discharge to and from the tires is carried out by a central control unit that is part of the system and in which the pressure of each tire can be measured directly.

The air pressure of the tires is preferably connected to the central control unit via air lines. The central measurement of the tire pressure is preferably carried out using a centerfold with a sensor.

Since when a tire is over-inflated, the air from the tire is fed to the pressure vessel and pressurized air from the pressure vessel is fed to a tire with insufficient tire pressure, it is basically a closed system. If the pressure vessel falls below a certain level due to a leak, the air pressure of the trailer can be used to feed air from the environment to the pressure vessel through the booster via an inlet valve.

A visual interface is preferably connected to the central monitoring system, possibly with an audio output.

For example, a screen of the interface can display the current tire pressure per tire, the weight of the vehicle with the corresponding optimal tire pressure, the tire pressure per tire with a visual position determination. With the visual position determination, a (schematic) representation of the arrangement of tires relative to the vehicle can be displayed. In addition, an escalation system can be implemented, whereby a currently measured optimal tire pressure, for example, leads to a "System OK" message, for example with a green color indicator, while a slight deviation in the tire pressure leads to a "System OK" message. "System requires attention" message, for example by a yellow color indicator, while an acutely dangerous deviation in the tire pressure of one or more tires can lead to a "System alarm" message and, if necessary, a flashing red light indicator. Various variations are possible. Also possible Each deviation is accompanied by an acoustic alarm signal, ranging from gently friendly to loudly alarming.

At the highest danger alarm level, the engine management can even be intervened in and the speed of the vehicle can be limited or even put into the so-called emergency running or crawling mode, in which the vehicle can only drive very slowly.

The system according to the invention is ideal for checking and correcting tire pressure before a journey. For example, the tire pressure can be adjusted to changing weather and temperature conditions or load.

In addition, the system proves its value in increasing safety while driving and preventing accidents and breakdowns, as described in the introduction.

An important message from the system may therefore be to report a leak in one or more tires. If, after inflating an under-inflated tire to the optimal pressure, within a certain period of time it turns out that the tire pressure is again too low, the system's software algorithm may conclude that the tire in question is leaking. In principle, the system ensures that the respective tire is always re-inflated, but an urgent warning that a stop and repair or replacement of the tire in question is necessary is shown on the special display, e.g. via an app e.g. via a smartphone or via the vehicle's on-board computer.

If the system fails to inflate the tire despite maximum air supply, it may conclude that a leak is too large and immediate attention or a stop is required. After a loss of tire pressure in one or more tires, the system may recalculate to determine the optimal tire pressure based on the weight of the vehicle with the fewer number of load-bearing tires available, resulting in all non-problem tires having a slightly higher tire pressure while you wait for the next service or roadside assistance.

The same system can be used to detect possible braking or bearing problems on vehicle axles and trailer axles by measuring the difference between repeated pressure increases per tire compared to the other tires on the vehicle or trailer. Since temperature plays an important role in maintaining optimal tire pressure, different temperature values are measured. On the one hand, a vehicle coming from a cold environment to a warm environment will have higher tire pressure and vice versa. A drop in tire pressure due to a drop in temperature (not only regional but often also time of day or whether the vehicle is being driven or not, with the rolling resistance of the tires leading to an increase in temperature and therefore an increase in tire pressure.

Preferably, the pumping and draining system of the central control unit operates with several valves. A supply valve is opened in the central control unit to direct air into all pipes. In addition, a supply valve is opened in the Line opened that leads to a tire that needs to be inflated.

Another possibility offered by the system is that, for each axle of the vehicle, a valve to a left tire of the axle and a valve in a line to the right tire are opened simultaneously. Any pressure difference measured between the two open valves indicates a difference in tire pressure between the left and right tires. The valve that measures the relatively lowest pressure indicates a reduced tire pressure of the tire connected to the pipe in question. The open valves on the same axle prevent air from escaping from one tire on the axle to the other tire on the same axle.

If a pressure difference is measured, the valve to the tire with the correct tire pressure and a so-called booster are activated, which supplies air to the tire with too low tire pressure via a pressure reducing valve.

If a tire pressure higher than optimal is measured, release valves are opened to release air from the tires. This air is then passed through the booster to the pressure vessel where it is stored under pressure.

The present invention is suitable for various applications such as trucks, port machinery and other vehicles that run on pneumatic tires such as semi-trailers and trailers, passenger cars, but also in industrial environments such as mobile port cranes.

The present invention is suitable for various applications such as trucks, port machinery and other vehicles running with pneumatic tires such as semi-trailers and trailers, passenger cars, but also in industrial environments such as mobile port cranes and lifting machines as well as tractors and other agricultural machinery.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

• 1 zeigt in schematischer Darstellung eine Ansicht eines Kraftfahrzeugs von unten mit eingebautem Reifendruckregelsystem.
• 2 zeigt in schematischer Darstellung eine Ansicht eines Kraftfahrzeugs von unten mit eingebautem Reifendrucksteuersystem mit zusätzlichen Komponenten.

The accompanying figures show embodiments according to the present invention.

• 1 shows a schematic view of a motor vehicle from below with an installed tire pressure control system.
• 2 shows a schematic view of a motor vehicle from below with a built-in tire pressure control system with additional components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention is described below with reference to the figures and references used.

100

System zur Überwachung und Regelung des Reifendrucks

101

Steuergerät

102

Reifendruckkontrolleinheit

103

Druckbehälter für Luft

104

Kommunikationsleitungen zwischen Steuergerät 101 und Reifendruckkontrollgerät 102

105

Luftleitungen zwischen Druckbehälter 103 und Reifendruckkontrollgerät 102

106

Bremskraftregler

107

Kommunikationsleitung zwischen Bremskraftregler 106 und Reifendruckkontrolleinheit 102

108

Luftfederungssteuergerät

109

Kommunikationsleitung zwischen Luftfederungssteuergerät 108 und Reifendruckkontrollgerät 102

110a-f

Luftleitungen zwischen Reifendruckkontrolleinheit 102 und Reifen 210a-f

120a

Leitung zwischen Bremskraftregler 106 und Rad 220c des Reifens 210c

130a

Leitung zwischen Luftfederungssteuergerät 107 und Rad 220c des Reifens 210c

200

Pkw bzw. Lkw

201

Kabine

202

Motor

203

Getriebe/Getriebe

204

Antriebswelle

205

Getriebe/Differential vorne und Hinterachse

206

Getriebe/Differential Hinterachse

207a, b

Träger des Fahrwerksteils des Kraftfahrzeugs 200

208

Heckstoßstange des Kraftfahrzeugs 200

210a-f

Reifen

For ease of reading, here is a list of reference numbers used in the drawings and a brief description of the parts.

100

system for monitoring and regulating tire pressure

101

control unit

102

tire pressure monitoring unit

103

pressure vessel for air

104

Communication lines between control unit 101 and tire pressure monitoring unit 102

105

Air lines between pressure vessel 103 and tire pressure monitoring device 102

106

brake force regulator

107

Communication line between brake force regulator 106 and tire pressure monitoring unit 102

108

air suspension control unit

109

Communication line between air suspension control unit 108 and tire pressure monitoring unit 102

110a-f

Air lines between tire pressure monitoring unit 102 and tires 210a-f

120a

Line between brake force regulator 106 and wheel 220c of tire 210c

130a

Line between air suspension control unit 107 and wheel 220c of tire 210c

200

cars or trucks

201

cabin

202

Motor

203

transmission/gearbox

204

drive shaft

205

gearbox/differential front and rear axle

206

transmission/differential rear axle

207a, b

Carrier of the chassis part of the motor vehicle 200

208

rear bumper of the motor vehicle 200

210a-f

Tires

1 shows a schematic bottom view of a motor vehicle 200, wherein the dashed lines indicate the contours and various standard structural components of the motor vehicle 200. The vehicle shown in the drawing is an example of a three-axle truck, more precisely a panel van. Other vehicles and embodiments are also conceivable and suitable for the application of the invention 100. The vehicle 200 comprises, among other things, a cabin 201, a chassis consisting of a support 207a, b and a rear bumper 208. An engine 202 is provided under the cabin with an engine (with transmission) 203 coupled thereto. The engine 202 drives the front wheels 210a and 210b. In the example, the rear wheels are also driven. The transmission 203 transmits the engine drive via the drive shaft 204 to a gearbox or differential 205 to wheels with tires 210c and 210f and optionally via gearbox or differential 206 to wheels with tires 210d and 210e.

The system according to the invention serves to monitor the tire pressure of at least one, but preferably all tires of the vehicle. For this purpose, a tire pressure monitoring and control system 101 is provided, which is set up to communicate data back and forth with the tire pressure control unit 102 via communication lines 104. The tire pressure control unit is connected to the tires 210a-f via air lines 110a. As described above, a pressure difference can be measured via the air lines and the tire pressure can be set to the correct pressure.

The pressure vessel 103 supplies the required air for the tire pressure monitoring unit 102 via air lines 105.

2 shows the vehicle from 1 , however, the air lines 110a-f are present but omitted from the figure in order not to impair the readability of the figure.

In this embodiment, measurement data from other parts of a vehicle, such as a truck, are optionally used to measure the tire pressure of the tires 210a-f and adjust it to the correct pressure. Preferably, systems are used that are already installed in and on the vehicle, such as an electronic control unit (ECU) that controls many electrical components of a vehicle and collects data from these components. Schematically, the parts shown are shown to be directly connected to the tire pressure monitoring device, but in practice this may also mean that the data flows via the control unit.

The figure shows a brake force controller 106. This is connected to the braking components of the vehicle wheels via lines such as 120a to brake the wheels when necessary. The figure shows only an example for the wheel 220c. The brake force controller 106 is connected to the tire pressure control unit 102 via the communication line 107 (possibly via the ECU as mentioned). The data from the brake force controller is processed as explained above and used to determine whether the tire pressure of the tires 210a-f is correct or should be adjusted.

Also shown in the figure is an air suspension controller 108. This is connected to the suspension components of the vehicle wheels via lines such as 130a. The figure shows only an example of the wheel 220c. The air suspension controller 108 is connected to the tire pressure controller 102 via the communication line 109 (as mentioned, possibly via the ECU). The data from the air suspension controller 108 is processed as described above and used to determine whether the tire pressure of the tires 210a-f is correct or needs to be adjusted.

Since the system according to the invention can work with different input data from different vehicle parts involved in the drive, the system optionally uses artificial intelligence (AI) and/or self-learning systems to analyze the data and draw conclusions from it and initiate appropriate actions by the tire pressure monitoring unit to adjust the tires of the vehicle to the optimal pressure under all conditions, preferably both while driving and when stationary. This AI system can consist of neural network software, but fuzzy logic can also be used, since possible inaccuracies, uncertainties and contradictory measurement data could arise under difficult working conditions, irregular roads, alternating wet and dry roads and rapid temperature and humidity fluctuations to which, for example, trucks are often exposed.

It should be noted that the above embodiments are illustrative rather than limiting of the invention and that one skilled in the art can devise many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Reference numerals placed in parentheses in the claims are not to be construed as limiting. The use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those recited in a claim. The term "and/or" includes all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of several such elements. The article "the" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of several such elements. In the device claim that recites several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same hardware element. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in different dependent claims does not mean that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 5,540,268 A [0012]

Claims (14)

System for use on board a vehicle, the system being designed to adjust the tire pressure of one or more tires, in particular pneumatic tires of the vehicle, while the vehicle is traveling, the system comprising: - a control system for determining the tire pressure of one or more tires; - a pressure vessel for storing air under pressure; - a distributor connected to the pressure vessel, intended to supply air to or extract air from the pressure vessel, and equipped with one or more adjustable valves; - a pipe system for supplying air from the pressure vessel to one or more tires and vice versa; - a control unit connected to the distributor, designed to control the one or more valves, in particular to open or close them, in order to adjust the tire pressure of the one or more tires; characterized in that - the control system comprises a measuring system designed to measure a tire pressure of the one or more tires; - the vehicle comprises, in addition to the measuring system, one or more sensor systems designed to collect vehicle data on the tyre pressure of one or more of the tyres and to transmit them to the control system; - the control system is arranged to receive the vehicle data and use them as input for calculating the optimal tyre pressure for the tyres of the vehicle. system according to claim 1 , characterized in that a sensor system of the one or more sensor systems comprises a system from the following group: - a temperature sensor system for measuring the temperature around the vehicle, in the vehicle, around one or more tires and/or in one or more tires; - a load-dependent brake pressure control for measuring a total load and/or load distribution on one or more tires; - an automatic air suspension system for measuring the total load and/or load distribution on one or more tires. system according to claim 1 , characterized in that the vehicle data comprise data from the following group: - temperature measured by the temperature sensor system; - total load or load distribution on one or more tires, measured by the load-dependent brake pressure control; - total load and/or load distribution on one or more tires, measured by an automatic air suspension system. system according to claim 1 , characterized in that the control system determines, on the basis of the current tire pressure of one or more of the tires, whether and to what extent the tire pressure of the tire needs to be adjusted, wherein the control system serves to adjust the control unit so that the tire pressure corresponds as closely as possible to the determined optimal tire pressure. system according to claim 1 , characterized in that the one band or the several bands are connected to a separate line which leads to the measuring system. system according to claim 1 , characterized in that the measuring system is equipped with a central sensor system. system according to claim 1 , characterized in that the system comprises a warning system arranged to generate warnings when the control system detects a deviation of the measured tire pressure compared to the optimal tire pressure of a tire of one or more tires, and wherein the warning system is configured such that a driver of the vehicle can heed the warnings. system according to claim 1 , characterized in that the deviation is classified into different degrees with an associated warning system. system according to claim 1 , characterized in that the warning system comprises different escalation levels depending on factors, for example factors from the group consisting of: - measured frequency of detection of a deviation each time after an adjustment has taken place; - an absolute and/or relative deviation exceeding a maximum value; - an absolute and/or relative growth of the deviations after each adjustment. system according to claim 1 , characterized in that the escalation levels comprise the following actions in ascending escalation: - a visual indication of the activation of the operating system; - a visual indication of a frequency and/or deviation that still allows safe driving but requires attention at the next service point; - an audio-visual indication of a frequency or deviation indicating a leak or other damage to one or more tires requiring an immediate stop. system according to claim 1 , characterized in that a sensor system of the one or more sensor systems is designed to analyse the condition of the surface under one or more wheels of the vehicle on which the vehicle is moving, wherein the system optionally adjusts the tyre pressure of the one or more tyres in accordance with the analysed surface, wherein, for example, a soft, loose and/or sloping surface leads to an adjustment to a lower tyre pressure of the tyres, and a harder and/or smoother surface, on the other hand, leads to an adjustment to a normal or higher tyre pressure. system according to claim 1 , characterized in that the sensor system comprises a video camera with an image recognition system. system according to claim 1 , characterized in that a sensor system of the one or more sensor systems is configured to measure the traction of the vehicle, wherein the system adjusts the tire pressure of the tires of the one or more wheels of the vehicle based on the measured traction of one or more wheels, wherein reduced traction of one or more wheels results in an adjustment to a lower tire pressure of the tires and normal traction results in an adjustment to a normal tire pressure. system according to claim 1 , characterized in that the sensor system comprises or makes use of an anti-lock braking system, ABS, an electronic stability program, ESP, an electronic braking system, EBS, an anti-skid control, ASR and/or another traction control system of the vehicle.

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