JPH04321405A - Tire pressure regulating device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To automatically adjust the air pressure of each of tires, appropriately in accordance with a running condition. CONSTITUTION:Each of wheel rotors is incorporated therein with an air regulating section including a pump 2 and a solenoid valve 3 for adjusting the air pressure of a tire tube so that the air pressure of the tire is set within a set range, and a pressure detecting section 4 for detecting an air pressure of the tire. Electric circuits 7, 7,... for transmitting a set value change-over signal to the pressure detecting section 4 and an operation status signal from the above-mentioned air regulating section 3 are disposed between the above- mentioned wheel rotor T and a vehicle body C.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

[Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a tire pressure adjustment device, and in particular, it is capable of automatically adjusting the tire pressure within an appropriate pressure setting range depending on the driving condition, and also allows manual remote adjustment of each tire pressure from the driver's seat. The present invention relates to a tire air pressure adjustment device that allows adjustment of tire air pressure.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art Tire air pressure has a great effect on the ride comfort and maneuverability of the automobile in which the tire is used, so it is necessary to maintain it at an appropriate set pressure at all times. Particularly in the case of passenger cars, the functions of springs are important, such as maintaining a well-balanced vehicle weight and absorbing vibrations during driving, but it is known that in terms of functionality, cornering characteristics change significantly. Generally, tire pressure is P=1.0kg/cm
It is known that when the speed is less than 2, cornering power decreases dramatically, making driving in curves unstable.

[0003] Furthermore, when the internal pressure of the tire decreases, the deflection of the tire becomes larger than necessary, which tends to cause tire wear, fatigue, etc., which also poses a problem from the viewpoint of durability. On the other hand, if the tire air pressure is too high, the carcass may peel off or excessive tension may occur in the rubber layer, increasing the burden on various parts of the tire and easily causing tire damage. In this way, keeping tires in proper condition is important for driving a vehicle or the like. By the way, tire pressure is broadly divided into two types: one for driving on ordinary roads and one for driving on highways, and drivers usually check and adjust the tire pressure at a gas station etc. before driving on the highway. . Furthermore, even when adjusting tire pressure at a gas station, etc., it is necessary to check each tire individually and adjust the air pressure. In many cases, the vehicle will continue to drive in its current state. For this reason, there is also the problem that the life of the tire is shortened.

[0004] Therefore, it has been proposed to install an air pressure pressurizing device such as a compressor inside the vehicle body, connect a supply hose to each tire, and adjust the air pressure of the tires.

[0005]

[Problem to be solved by the invention] However, in the above-mentioned air pressure adjustment device, since there is only one compressor on the vehicle body side, it is necessary to connect each tire securely, and the hose connection and pressure adjustment are difficult. The problem is that it is complicated, expensive and impractical.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the conventional technology described above, and to provide a tire pressure adjustment system that allows the air pressure of all tires to be set and maintained within a predetermined pressure range or at an arbitrary pressure value from the driver's seat. The goal is to provide equipment.

[0007]

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, the first invention includes an air pressure adjusting section that adjusts and depressurizes a tire tube so that the tire air pressure is within a set range; A pressure detection section that outputs an operating signal to the air pressure adjustment section is housed in each wheel rotating body, and an electrical path is provided for transmitting a set value switching signal to the pressure detection section and an operation state signal of the air pressure adjustment section. The present invention is characterized in that it is provided between the wheel rotating body and the vehicle body, so that set value switching operations and display of the operating state of the air pressure adjustment section can be performed from the driver's seat.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention also provides an air pressure adjustment section that increases and decreases the pressure of the tire tube in accordance with commands from a tire air pressure adjustment command switch provided in the driver's seat, and a pressure detection section that detects the tire air pressure. stored in the body,
An electrical path for transmitting the air pressure adjustment command signal and tire air pressure to the air pressure adjustment section is provided between the wheel rotating body and the vehicle body, and the air pressure adjustment operation of each tire is controlled by referring to the pressure gauge provided in the driver's seat. The feature is that it can be performed by

[0009]

[Operation] According to the first invention, the present invention includes an air pressure adjusting section that increases and decreases the pressure of the tire tube so that the tire air pressure is within a set range, and an air pressure adjusting section that detects the tire air pressure and sends an operation signal to the air pressure adjusting section. A pressure detection section that outputs a pressure is housed in each wheel rotating body, and an electrical path for transmitting a set value switching signal to the pressure detection section and an operating state signal of the air pressure adjustment section is connected between the wheel rotating body and the vehicle body side. Since the setting value switching operation and the display of the operating status of the air pressure adjustment unit can be performed from the driver's seat, the air pressure adjustment unit installed on each tire or other rotating body can be adjusted to the set air pressure according to the driving condition. The air pressure of each tire can be appropriately and independently set according to the air pressure detected by the pressure detection section. According to the second aspect of the invention, an air pressure adjustment section that increases and decreases the pressure of the tire tube according to commands from a tire air pressure adjustment command switch provided in the driver's seat and a pressure detection section that detects the tire air pressure are housed in each wheel rotating body. An electrical path for transmitting an air pressure adjustment command signal and tire air pressure to the air pressure adjustment section is provided between the wheel rotating body and the vehicle body, and a pressure gauge installed in the driver's seat controls the air pressure adjustment of each tire. This allows you to set the appropriate tire pressure under a wider range of driving conditions from the driver's seat.

0010

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a tire air pressure adjusting device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 shows car C.
Tire pressure adjustment device 1 attached to the right front tire T of
This tire pressure adjustment device 1 is composed of an electric air compressor 2, a pressure reducing solenoid valve 3, and a pressure detection section 4, and each component 2, 3, 4 is connected to the outer peripheral surface of a tire wheel 5. The wheels are arranged centrally around the axle 6 of the wheel in consideration of wheel balance. Therefore, even if each component is mounted inside the tire wheel 5, the running balance of each tire can be hardly changed. Further, each component is connected by piping as shown in FIG. 2, and the end of the piping extends to the rim portion and communicates with the tire tube. In addition, the signal line 7 that electrically connects each part 2, 3, and 4 is electrically connected from the tire side to the vehicle body side via a slip air joint (not shown), and the operating status signals of all tires are transmitted through the signal line. Pilot lamps (PL) 9a, 9 attached to the driver's seat instruction panel 8 via
It is designed to be output to b...

The configuration of each of the above-mentioned parts will now be explained with reference to FIG. 2. Reference numeral 2 indicates an electric air compressor, and this electric air compressor 2 swings a piston (not shown) inside the pump by a crankshaft 11 driven by the rotation of an attached electric motor 10 to obtain a predetermined discharge capacity. It has become. Further, a solenoid valve 3 with two ports and two positions is connected to the discharge side of the electric air compressor 2. This solenoid valve 3 is normally in the shut-off position and functions as a drain when the pressure is reduced. Further, two pressure switches 13 and 14 constituting the pressure detection section 4 are connected to the tire tube side of the pipe 12. Each pressure switch 13 (14) is composed of a piston cylinder mechanism including a 3-contact microswitch 15,
This device 13 (14) is activated by contact between a movable detection piece 17 of a piston cylinder 16 that moves in accordance with the internal pressure of the piping 12 and a movable contact of a microswitch 15. The microswitch 15 has two contact points, one for general roads (Nor) and one for expressways (Hi).
They are set to different types of placements. Further, the end of the pipe 12 extends to the tire tube injection port 18 provided in the rim portion 5a of the wheel 5 as described above.

FIG. 3 shows the arrangement of the tire air pressure adjusting device 1 shown in FIG. 2 inside the tire wheel 5. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the tire air pressure adjusting device 1 is disposed and fixed approximately at the center of the outer surface of the tire wheel 5. As shown in FIG. Further, in order to connect the signal from the tire air pressure adjustment device 1 to the vehicle body, a rotating electrode plate 20 is installed between the outer surface of the brake drum 19 and the inner surface of the tire wheel 5.
It is fixed so that it rotates with the As shown in FIG. 4, this rotating electrode plate 20 has two pole contacts 21 on the outer surface.
21 is formed, and a three-pole contact 22,
22... are formed. The rotating electrode plate 20 is a circular plate made of hard plastic or the like, and has markings on both surfaces shown in FIG. 5(a).
), a substantially ring-shaped copper foil electrode 23 as shown in (b)
, 23... are formed concentrically by etching or the like. Furthermore, carbon brush electrodes 24 as shown in FIG.
24 are fixed to the fixed frame 25 and arranged at predetermined intervals. A signal line 26 is connected to each carbon brush electrode 24, allowing connection to the signal line 26 connected to the foil electrode 23.

Next, referring to FIG. 6, the electrical connections between the electric air compressor 2, the pressure reducing solenoid valve 3, and the pressure switches 13 and 14 will be explained using the tire pressure adjusting device 1 installed on the right front tire T as an example. explain. In Figure 6,
Reference numeral 8 indicates a driver's seat instruction panel, and this driver's seat instruction panel 8 has a tire pressure setting switch 27, and each tire (right front wheel: FR, left front wheel: FL, right rear wheel: RR).
A pilot lamp 9 is provided to indicate the pressure state of the left rear wheel (RL) and the operating state of the electric air compressor 2 or the pressure reducing solenoid valve 3. In the figure, the tire pressure setting switch 27 is set for highway use (H), and the second pressure switch 14 is activated. Contact b0 of this second pressure switch 14
is a low pressure warning signal contact, which lights up a warning lamp 9a when the tire air pressure falls below a predetermined value. Contact b1 is a pressurization command signal contact, and when the tire air pressure falls below this value, it outputs an operation command signal for the electric air compressor 2, and the electric air compressor 2 is activated. At this time, when the tire air pressure increases and exceeds a predetermined value, the pressure reducing electromagnetic valve 3 is activated, and the air inside the tire is discharged to the outside via the pipe 12, allowing the tire air pressure to be reduced.

FIG. 7 shows a hydraulic circuit for each component of the tire air pressure adjusting device 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the first pressure switch 13 for general roads and the second pressure switch 14 for expressways are arranged in parallel on the circuit, and the movable detection pieces 17 of both pressure switches 13, 14, Although the pressure inside the pipe is acting on the tire pressure setting switch 17, the electric circuit is activated when the tire pressure setting switch 27 is in the ON state.

FIG. 8 shows a first pressure switch 13 for general roads and a second pressure switch 14 for expressways.
The setting values for each contact are shown. In this embodiment, the contact point a0 of the first pressure switch 13 is P=1.5
kg/cm 2 , contact a1 is P=1.8 kg/c
The contact point a2 at m 2 is set to P=1.9 kg/cm 2 . Therefore, when the tire air pressure decreases and the movable detection piece 17 of the first pressure switch 13 reaches the contact a0 position, it becomes ON and the warning lamp 9a of the driver's seat instruction panel 8 lights up. Also, when the movable detection piece 17 reaches the contact a1 position, it turns ON.
The electric air compressor 2 operates and starts pressurizing the tires. On the other hand, when the tire air pressure increases and the movable detection piece 17 reaches the contact point a2 position, it is turned on, the solenoid of the electromagnetic valve 3 is energized, the electromagnetic valve 3 enters the drain state, and the tire air pressure is reduced. At this time, it may have the function of a flow rate regulating valve in order to control the discharge speed. Similarly, in the second pressure switch 14 for expressways, the contact point b0 is set to P=1.5 kg/cm 2 , and the contact point b1 is set to P=1.5 kg/cm 2 .
is P=1.9kg/cm 2 and contact b2 is P=2
．． It is set to 0 kg/cm 2 . The setting values for each of the above-mentioned contacts are determined when the pressure switches 13 and 14 are set, but it is preferable to set the setting values appropriately depending on the type of vehicle and the state in which the pressure switch is mounted on the vehicle.

Next, the operation of the tire air pressure adjusting device 1 according to the present invention will be explained. When driving on general roads, the driver usually sets the tire pressure setting switch 27 on the driver's seat instruction panel 8 to the Nor side. This allows the first
The pressure switch 13 is electrically connected, and the movable detection piece 17 moves according to the tire air pressure. Normally, when the tire air pressure is normal, the contact point c of the movable detection piece 17 is located between the contact point a1 and the contact point a2 of the microphone switch 15. It is best to drive in this condition. At this time, if the tire air pressure decreases for some reason and becomes lower than P = 1.8 kg/cm 2 , the instruction lamp 9b on the driver's seat instruction panel 8 lights up and the electric air compressor 2 operates to supply compressed air to the tires. Begin to. And P=1.8kg/
cm 2 , contact a1 becomes OFF state,
The electric air compressor 2 stops. On the other hand, when starting normal driving after high-speed driving, the set air pressure is high, so contact a
2 and turns on, the solenoid valve 3 is energized and the air in the pipe 12 is discharged. Then, when it reaches the contact point a2, it becomes OFF state. At this time, the tire pressure is P=1.8kg/cm2 ~1
．． It is maintained at 9 kg/cm 2 . Similarly, when driving at high speed, the tire pressure setting switch 27 on the driver's seat instruction panel 8 is set to the Hi side. As a result, the second pressure switch 14 is electrically connected, and the movable detection piece 17
moves according to tire pressure. Normally, when the tire air pressure is normal, the contact point c of the movable detection piece 17 is between the contact point b1 and the contact point b2 of the microphone switch 15. It is best to drive in this condition. At this time, if the tire air pressure decreases for some reason and becomes lower than P=1.9kg/cm 2 , the instruction lamp 9b on the driver's seat instruction panel 8 lights up and the electric air compressor 2 operates to supply compressed air to the tires. Begin to. and P=1.9kg/cm
2, the contact b1 becomes OFF, and the electric air compressor 2 stops. On the other hand, if tire air is supplied by an external pump device, etc., and the pressure becomes high due to incorrect operation, the contact b2 will be crossed and turned on, and the solenoid valve 3 will be energized and the air in the pipe 12 will be discharged. be done. Then, when it reaches the contact b2, it becomes OFF state. As a result, the tire pressure is P=1.9kg/cm 2 ~2
．． It is maintained at 0 kg/cm 2 .

Next, as a second aspect of the invention, an embodiment of a tire air pressure adjusting device that allows tire air pressure to be adjusted freely from the driver's seat will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 30 indicates a driver's seat instruction panel, and this driver's seat instruction panel 30 is equipped with a tire pressure gauge 31 and a pressure adjustment switch 32. By switching the pressure adjustment switch 32, the driver can set the air pressure he or she has set while checking the pressure value indicated by the tire pressure gauge 31. Reference numeral 33 indicates a pressurization command transmitter, which is capable of transmitting a predetermined frequency signal. The receiving section 34 receives this oscillation frequency signal. The receiving section 34 receives the command signal from which the actuation signal is received, and the actuation switch is turned on. This causes the electric air compressor 2 to operate and start pressurizing the tire. On the other hand, the pressurized state of the tire is detected by a pressure sensor 35 attached to a part of the tire tube. Although a diaphragm type sensor is used as the pressure sensor 35, the pressure can also be measured by detecting the angle of the pointer of an analog pressure gauge equipped with a Bourdon tube. The signal from this pressure sensor 35 is output to a pressure information transmitter 36 and displayed on the tire pressure gauge 31 on the driver's seat instruction panel 30. On the other hand, the pressure reduction command transmitter 37
serves to issue a command to reduce the tire air pressure, and upon receiving this signal from the pressure reduction command transmitter 37, the receiver 38 operates the solenoid valve 3. The hydraulic circuit at this time is shown in FIG. In contrast to the circuit shown in FIG. 7, this hydraulic circuit can directly measure the pressure inside the pipe 12 using the pressure sensor 35. By changing the tire pressure while checking it with a tire pressure gauge in this way, it is possible to set the appropriate tire pressure under harsh weather conditions such as high-temperature areas or desert areas, or when driving at ultra-high speeds such as racing cars. becomes.

An example in which the tire air pressure adjusting device 1 described above is accommodated in a tire wheel will now be described with reference to FIG. 11. Reference numeral 40 indicates an area that accommodates a tire pressure adjustment device, and this device is located on the outer peripheral surface of the tire wheel as in the above-mentioned embodiment, and each component is arranged in consideration of wheel balance, and is placed on the wheel surface. It is fixed. At this time, a rotating electrode plate 41 is fitted on the outer periphery of the disc brake drum, and furthermore, signal transmitting parts 33 and 37 are provided on a part of the electrode holding plate 39, and a pair of signal transmitting parts are provided at opposing positions. Receiving sections 34 and 38 are fixed. FIG. 12 shows an example in which the above-described tire pressure adjustment device 1 is housed in a disk drum 42, and in this case, a predetermined heat sink or the like is provided to release heat generated from the disk during brake operation. It is also preferable to provide heat radiation holes. It is also possible to house the device on the inner surface of the disc on the vehicle body side.

[0019]

[Effects of the Invention] As is clear from the above explanation, according to the present invention, the air pressure of each tire can be set independently and appropriately from the driver's seat automatically or manually depending on various driving conditions. It also has the effect of being able to adequately deal with emergencies such as flat tires.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an embodiment in which a tire air pressure adjustment device according to a first invention is mounted on an automobile tire.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view of the tire air pressure adjustment device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional layout diagram of the tire air pressure adjustment device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of a rotating electrode plate.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of the foil-like electrode pattern of the rotating electrode plate shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 6 is an electrical circuit diagram of the tire air pressure adjusting device according to the first invention.

FIG. 7 is a hydraulic circuit diagram of the tire air pressure adjusting device according to the first invention.

FIG. 8 is a contact state diagram of the pressure switch used in the first invention.

FIG. 9 is an electric circuit diagram showing another embodiment of the tire air pressure adjusting device according to the second invention.

FIG. 10 is a hydraulic circuit diagram of the tire air pressure adjusting device according to the second invention shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional layout diagram of the tire air pressure adjusting device according to the second invention shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional layout diagram of the tire air pressure adjusting device according to the second invention shown in FIG. 9;

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Tire pressure adjustment device 2　Electric air compressor 3 Solenoid valve 4 Pressure detection part 13,14 Pressure switch 20 Rotating electrode plate

Claims (2)

[Claims] Claims: 1. A tire pressure adjusting section that increases or decreases the pressure of a tire tube so that the tire air pressure is within a set range; and a pressure detecting section that detects the tire air pressure and outputs an operating signal to the air pressure adjusting section. Housed inside the wheel rotating body,
An electrical path for transmitting a set value switching signal to the pressure detection unit and an operating state signal of the air pressure adjustment unit is provided between the wheel rotating body and the vehicle body, and the set value switching operation and the operation of the air pressure adjustment unit are performed. A tire pressure adjustment device characterized in that the status can be displayed from the driver's seat. 2. An air pressure adjusting section for increasing and decreasing the pressure of the tire tube according to commands from a tire air pressure adjustment command switch provided in the driver's seat, and a pressure detecting section for detecting the tire air pressure are housed in each wheel rotating body, An electrical path for transmitting the air pressure adjustment command signal and tire air pressure to the air pressure adjustment unit is provided between the wheel rotating body and the vehicle body, and the air pressure adjustment operation of each tire is controlled by referring to the pressure gauge provided in the driver's seat. A tire air pressure adjustment device characterized in that the tire pressure adjustment device is capable of adjusting the air pressure.