阅读说明：本技术 用于将控制压力和/或工作压力传输到轮毂或由轮毂接纳的车轮的旋转传输装置 (Rotation transmission device for transmitting a control pressure and/or a working pressure to a wheel hub or a wheel received by a wheel hub ) 是由 伊娃·特里斯勒 克里斯蒂安·施瓦茨 罗兰·贝朗 亨利·克莱姆 马丁·斯宾德勒 布鲁诺·舒尔 于 2019-01-28 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明提供一种用于将控制压力和/或工作压力传输到轮毂或由轮毂接纳的车轮的旋转传输装置。所述旋转传输装置具有壳体结构,活塞元件可在其中相对于壳体结构并相对于轮毂的运转主体在第一位置与第二位置之间移位,所述运转主体被安装成相对于壳体结构围绕车轮轴线旋转。为了传输控制压力和/或工作压力,至少一个压力介质通道形成在活塞元件中。在活塞元件的第一位置中,空气间隙存在于运转主体侧上的活塞元件的端面与活塞元件侧上的运转主体的端面之间,而在活塞元件的第二位置中,没有空气间隙存在于运转主体侧上的活塞元件的端面与活塞元件侧上的运转主体的端面之间,并且活塞元件的至少一个压力介质通道以密封方式朝向形成在运转主体中的至少一个压力介质通道开放。(The invention provides a rotation transmission device for transmitting a control pressure and/or a working pressure to a wheel hub or a wheel received by the wheel hub. The rotation transmission device has a housing structure in which the piston element is displaceable between a first position and a second position relative to the housing structure and relative to a running body of the wheel hub, which running body is mounted for rotation relative to the housing structure about the wheel axis. For the transmission of the control pressure and/or the working pressure, at least one pressure medium channel is formed in the piston element. In the first position of the piston element, an air gap is present between the end face of the piston element on the side of the running body and the end face of the running body on the side of the piston element, while in the second position of the piston element no air gap is present between the end face of the piston element on the side of the running body and the end face of the running body on the side of the piston element, and the at least one pressure medium channel of the piston element is open in a sealing manner towards the at least one pressure medium channel formed in the running body.)

1. A rotation transmission device (25) for transmitting control and/or working pressure to a wheel hub (1) or a wheel received by the wheel hub (1), wherein the rotation transmission device (25) has a housing structure (2), in which a piston element (3) is displaceable relative to the housing structure (2) and relative to a running body (4) of the wheel hub (1) between a first position and a second position, the running body (4) being mounted so as to rotate relative to the housing structure (2) about a wheel axis (14), wherein for transmitting the control and/or working pressure at least one pressure medium channel (5) is formed in the piston element (3), wherein in the first position of the piston element (3) an air gap (S) is present between an end face (6) of the piston element (3) on the running body side and an end face of the running body (4) on the piston element side Between faces (7), whereas in the second position of the piston element (3) no air gap exists between the end face (6) of the piston element (3) on the operating body side and the end face (7) of the operating body (4) on the piston element side, and the at least one pressure medium channel (5) of the piston element (3) is open in a sealing manner towards at least one pressure medium channel (11) formed in the operating body (4).

2. A rotation transmission device (25) according to claim 1, wherein the piston element (3) is movable relative to the housing structure (2) and relative to the running body (4) by application of a corresponding control pressure, wherein the control pressure is different from the control pressure and/or working pressure to be transmitted.

3. A rotary transmission device (25) according to claim 2, wherein a control pressure port (18) is provided for supplying a control pressure to a control chamber (19) assigned to the piston element (3) and for discharging a control pressure from the control chamber (19).

4. A rotation transmission arrangement (25) according to claim 3, wherein the control chamber (19) is at least partly formed by a side surface of the piston element (3), preferably opposite the end surface (6) of the piston element (3) on the running body side.

5. A rotation transfer device (25) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the control chamber (19) is sealingly separated from the at least one pressure medium channel (5) formed in the piston element (3).

6. The rotation transmission device (25) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the piston element (3) has a sealing element (8) at its end region on the running body side, which sealing element (8) at least partially forms the end face (6) of the piston element (3) on the running body side, and wherein at least one pressure medium channel (9) is formed in the sealing element (8), which at least one pressure medium channel (9) is preferably configured to be axially aligned with the pressure medium channel (5) formed in the piston element (3) and to open towards the pressure medium channel (5) formed in the piston element (3).

7. The rotation transmission device (25) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one pressure medium channel (9) formed in the sealing element (8) has a larger diameter than the diameter of the at least one pressure medium channel (5) formed in the piston element (3), at least on the end face (6) of the piston element (3) on the running body side.

8. A rotation transmission device (25) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein at least two pressure medium channels are formed in the piston element (3) and open towards corresponding pressure medium channels in the sealing element (8).

9. The rotary transmission device (25) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one pressure medium channel (11) is formed in the running body (4), open towards the end face (7) of the running body (4) on the piston side, and is configured such that, with respect to the at least one pressure medium channel (5) formed in the piston element (3) and/or with respect to the at least one pressure medium channel (9) formed in the sealing element (8), a flow path sealed with respect to the external atmosphere is preferably formed in a state in which the piston element (3) is in its second position, the flow path starts from the at least one pressure medium channel (5) formed in the piston element (3) up to the at least one pressure medium channel (11) formed in the running body (4).

10. The rotary transmission device (25) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the housing structure (2) has at least one pressure medium port (13), via which at least one pressure medium port (13) control pressure and/or working pressure can be supplied to the at least one pressure medium channel (5) formed in the piston element (3), and wherein a pressure medium distribution channel (15) is present between an end face of the piston element (3) opposite the end face (6) of the piston element (3) on the running body side and an inner wall of the housing structure (2), at least in the state in which the piston element (3) is in its second position, wherein the at least one pressure medium port (13) is open towards the channel.

11. The rotary transmission device (25) according to claim 7, wherein a sealing arrangement (30) is assigned to the piston element (3) for sealing the piston element (3) with respect to the pressure medium distribution channel (15); and/or

Wherein a sealing arrangement (31) is assigned to the piston element (3) for sealing the piston element (3) with respect to the housing structure (2).

12. The rotation transmission device (25) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a pre-stressing element is assigned to the piston element (3) for pre-stressing the piston element (3) in its first position, wherein the pre-stressing element preferably comprises a spring element.

13. The rotation transmission device (25) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the housing structure (2), the piston element (3), the sealing element (8) at the end region of the piston element (3) on the running body side and the running body (4) are each formed as a ring and arranged coaxially with the wheel axis (14).

14. The rotary transmission device (25) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one pressure medium channel (5) formed in the piston element (3) is configured as an annular channel.

15. The rotary transmission device (25) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the piston element (3) is formed as a pneumatically actuatable piston element (3), which pneumatically actuatable piston element (3) can be transferred into its second position with the application of a corresponding control pressure, in particular on its end face opposite to the end face on the running body side; or wherein the piston element (3) is formed as an electromagnetically actuatable piston element (3).

16. A rotation transmission device (25) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the housing structure (2) has at least one pressure medium port (13), via which at least one pressure medium port (13) control pressure and/or working pressure can be supplied to the at least one pressure medium channel (5) formed in the piston element (3), and wherein a pressure medium distribution channel (15) is present between an end face of the piston element (3) opposite the end face (6) of the piston element (3) on the running body side and an inner wall of the housing structure (2), at least in the state in which the piston element (3) is in its second position, wherein the at least one pressure medium port (13) is open towards the channel.

17. The rotation transfer device (25) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a pre-stressing element is assigned to the piston element (3) for pre-stressing the piston element (3) in its first position, wherein the pre-stressing element preferably comprises a spring element.

18. The rotation transmission device (25) as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the housing structure (2), the piston element (3), the sealing element (8) at the end region of the piston element (3) on the running body side and the running body (4) are each formed as a ring and arranged coaxially with the wheel axis (14).

19. The rotation transmission device (25) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the at least one pressure medium channel (5) formed in the piston element (3) is configured as an annular channel.

20. The rotation transmission device (25) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the piston element (3) is formed as a pneumatically actuatable piston element (3), which pneumatically actuatable piston element (3) can be transferred into its second position with the application of a corresponding control pressure, in particular on its end face opposite to the end face on the running body side; or wherein the piston element (3) is formed as an electromagnetically actuatable piston element (3).

Technical Field

The present invention relates in general to a system for transmitting a control pressure and/or a working pressure, in particular in a wheel unit having a rotatably mounted tyre. The invention relates in particular to a rotation transmission device for transmitting a control pressure and/or a working pressure to a wheel hub or a wheel rim received by the wheel hub, according to an embodiment of the invention.

The invention also relates to a wheel unit having such a rotation transmission device for transmitting a control pressure and/or a working pressure, and to a distributed system for pressure medium supply, wherein the distributed system comprises a plurality of wheel units, each having a corresponding rotation transmission device for transmitting a control pressure and/or a working pressure.

Background

Vehicle tires are typically filled with compressed air. It is also conceivable to fill with other pressurizing media, for example nitrogen. For the purposes of this disclosure, a vehicle tire may be, for example, an inner tire or a tubeless tire. Vehicle tires are used, for example, on automobiles, buses, trucks and also on aircraft.

Conventional vehicle tires are typically supplied with a pressure medium, such as compressed air or nitrogen, via an external port. Normally standardized valves are used for this purpose. Vehicle tires generally have an optimum operating or filling pressure depending on the respective use or operating conditions. For example, for a land-based vehicle (e.g., a car, bus or truck), the operating pressure or pressure range applied thereto ensures as far as possible optimum values for rolling resistance, lateral guidance, longitudinal guidance, heat generation and/or wear behavior.

The actual pressure prevailing in the tire may fluctuate within certain limits, for example with the ambient temperature or the operating temperature. Furthermore, in the long term, some kind of pressure loss, known as latent pressure loss, is usually not completely avoided. Known vehicle systems allow monitoring of the operating or filling pressure in a tire. These systems may be active or passive.

The passive system may, for example, be designed for determining the rolling circumferences of the tires of the axle and comparing these rolling circumferences with one another. If a significant difference occurs, it indicates that a pressure difference exists in the corresponding tire. Active systems for measuring and/or monitoring compressed air typically include pressure monitoring sensors integrated in the wheel unit. These pressure sensors may, for example, also be designed to transmit corresponding pressure signals from the (rotating) tire to a stationary part of the vehicle in a wireless or wired manner.

Furthermore, in principle, systems are known which allow autonomous regulation of the filling pressure of vehicle tyres. These systems are used, for example, on all-terrain vehicles, military vehicles, or similar specialty vehicles. These systems may in principle be configured to allow the filling pressure to be adjusted when the vehicle is stationary, i.e. when the vehicle is not moving.

Known systems for autonomous pressure regulation in vehicles have a central structure. In other words, this means that only one device is used for providing pressure medium for filling the tire. It is also conceivable to provide several means for supplying pressure medium, for example, for a combination of a tractor unit and a trailer or semitrailer. However, such a central supply device for compressed air is intended to inflate a plurality of wheel units, in particular on different axles. For this purpose, a central compressed air or pressure medium supply unit has to be coupled to a plurality of wheel units. Therefore, usually, the supply unit is arranged on the chassis or body or superstructure of the vehicle. The supply unit may for example comprise a compressor or an air compressor. Starting from the supply unit, it is now necessary to provide a plurality of compressed air lines or pressure medium lines to reach the individual wheel units. For this purpose, it is generally necessary to provide a plurality of so-called rotary passages for the pressure medium line. This is because the tires of the wheel units are usually rotatably mounted on the axles.

In principle, it is relatively difficult and complicated to transmit the corresponding control pressure and/or working pressure from a unit mounted centrally with respect to the vehicle to the wheel hub or the wheel rim received on the wheel hub, since the wheel unit with the wheel hub and the wheel is mounted to rotate about the wheel axis. The known rotary transmissions are so easily worn that until now, particularly because of the considerable additional costs and operating costs, a central pressure medium supply has not been widely used in vehicles.

Disclosure of Invention

On this background, it is an object of the invention to improve a rotary transmission device of the type described at the outset in such a way that it features a high robustness and has little effect on the vehicle when not in use. Furthermore, the rotary transmission is characterized by a low wear potential and outstanding durability.

The object of the invention is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claim 1 according to the invention, wherein advantageous refinements of the rotary transmission device are given in the dependent claims.

The invention therefore comprises a rotation transmission device for transmitting a control pressure and/or a working pressure to a wheel hub or a wheel received by the wheel hub, wherein the rotation transmission device has a housing structure in which a piston element is displaceable between a first position and a second position relative to the housing structure and relative to a running body of the wheel hub, which running body is mounted to rotate about a wheel axis relative to the housing structure. For the transmission of the control pressure and/or the working pressure, at least one pressure medium channel is formed in the piston element.

According to an embodiment of the invention, it is specifically proposed that in the first position of the piston element an air gap is present between the end face of the piston element on the side of the running body and the end face of the running body on the side of the piston element, while in the second position of the piston element no air gap is present between the end face of the piston element on the side of the running body and the end face of the running body on the side of the piston element, and that the at least one pressure medium channel of the piston element is open in a sealed manner (with respect to the atmosphere) towards the at least one pressure medium channel formed in the running body.

The subject of the invention is particularly characterized in that the piston element is not in contact with the running body of the hub and is therefore not subject to wear when the rotation-transmitting device is not in use.

An embodiment of the rotary transmission device according to the invention is in particular characterized in that the piston element is formed as a pneumatically actuable piston element which can be transferred into its second position upon application of a corresponding control pressure, in particular on its end face opposite to the end face on the running body side. In this context, it is suitable that the piston element is movable relative to the housing structure and relative to the running body under the application of a corresponding control pressure, wherein the control pressure is clearly different from the control pressure and/or working pressure to be transmitted. This control pressure and/or working pressure is the control and/or working pressure of a component in the wheel hub or wheel.

According to an embodiment, a control pressure port is provided for supplying and discharging a control pressure to and from a control chamber assigned to the piston element as required. The control chamber is at least partially formed by a side face of the piston element, which is in particular opposite to an end face of the piston element on the running body side.

With the rotary transmission system according to an embodiment of the invention, in order to ensure not only that pressure can be transmitted to the hub or the wheel received by the hub but also that pressure can be transmitted out of the hub or the wheel received by the hub, it is proposed that the control chamber is sealingly separated from at least one pressure medium channel formed in the piston element.

According to an embodiment of the rotation transmission device according to the invention, the piston element has at its end region on the running body side a sealing element which at least partially forms an end face of the piston element on the running body side and in which at least one pressure medium channel is formed, which is preferably configured to be axially aligned with and open towards the pressure medium channel formed in the piston element. In these embodiments, it is therefore proposed that the sealing elements provided to seal the pressure medium transmission from the external atmosphere are not subject to wear when the rotary transmission device is not in use.

In this context, it is advantageous if the at least one pressure medium channel formed in the sealing element has a larger diameter than the diameter of the at least one pressure medium channel formed in the piston element, at least on the end face of the piston element on the running body side. By means of this embodiment, it is ensured that a reliable pressure medium transmission can be achieved for the at least one pressure medium channel formed in the running body when the rotation transmission device is in use, i.e. when the piston element is in its second position, even if the running body is not optimally oriented with respect to the housing structure of the rotation transmission device.

The invention is not limited to embodiments in which the piston element has only a single pressure medium channel. In fact, the invention obviously also relates to such embodiments: wherein at least two or more pressure medium channels are formed in the piston element and open towards corresponding pressure medium channels in a sealing element which is arranged on or forms an end region of the piston element on the running body side.

In particular, the invention also relates to such embodiments: wherein the at least one pressure medium channel is formed in the running body, open towards the end face of the running body on the piston side, and a flow path or flow route configured to be preferably sealed with respect to the external atmosphere in the state in which the piston element is in its second position is formed with respect to the at least one pressure medium channel formed in the piston element and/or with respect to the at least one pressure medium channel formed in the sealing element: starting from the at least one pressure medium channel formed in the piston element up to the at least one pressure medium channel formed in the running body.

According to a preferred embodiment of the rotary transmission device according to the invention, the housing structure has at least one pressure medium port via which the control pressure and/or the working pressure can be supplied to at least one pressure medium channel formed in the piston element. Here, at least in the state of the piston element in its second position, a pressure medium distribution channel is present between an end face of the piston element opposite to the end face of the piston element on the running body side and an inner wall of the housing structure, to which channel at least one pressure medium port is open.

Preferably, a sealing arrangement is assigned to the piston element for sealing the piston element with respect to the pressure medium distribution channel. Similarly, it is advantageous if a sealing arrangement is assigned to the piston element for sealing the piston element with respect to the housing structure.

According to an embodiment of the rotation transmission device according to the invention, a pretensioning element, preferably in the form of a spring element or the like, is assigned to the piston element for pretensioning the piston element in its first position, wherein advantageously the pretensioning force can be adjusted accordingly.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the housing structure, the piston element, the sealing element provided at the end region on the running body side and the running body are each formed as a ring and arranged coaxially to the wheel axis. In other words, the rotary transmission device is basically designed as a ring. This allows use on a driven shaft without the need to drill the shaft and hub. At the same time, a small mounting space between the wheel bearing and the wheel hub is used as a mounting point due to both variants.

In this context, the at least one pressure medium channel formed in the piston element can also be configured as an annular channel, wherein the same applies correspondingly to the at least one pressure medium channel in the sealing element or in the running body on the end region of the piston element on the running body side.

Advantageously, the piston element can be formed as a pneumatically actuable piston element which can be transferred into its second position by applying a corresponding control pressure, in particular on its end face opposite the end face on the running body side. Here, the control pressure may correspond to the control pressure and/or the working pressure to be transmitted to the hub or the running body of the hub, or the control pressure is supplied via a separate control pressure port in the housing structure, respectively.

Alternatively, it is obviously also conceivable that the piston element can be formed as an electromagnetically actuatable piston element.

According to an embodiment, the system according to the invention further comprises a pressure selection control module comprising at least three control units, a sealing plug, a check valve, a connection to the tire, a push rod seal, a piston spring, a piston seal, a vent hole and a connection to the rotation transmission means.

The home position of at least one of the at least three control units is different from the home positions of the other of the at least three control units. This home position is characterized by the position of the check valve. In particular, in the system according to the invention it is proposed that in the home position in the at least one of the at least three control units the spring of the non-return valve is pre-stressed such that the valve is closed in this control unit. Against this background, in this example according to the invention, the control unit can pass a defined control pressure (p) of at least one of the at least three control units_SB) But moves.As a result of this home position of at least one of the at least three control units, the other of the at least three control units has an open position of the valve.

The at least three control units of the pressure selection control module may be characterized in that the corresponding piston surface areas are identical. This ensures that the at least three springs of the at least three check valves are preloaded such that when the control pressure is continuously rising, the at least three control units are continuously switched from the tire pressure input to the purge bore connection.

The term "rotation transmission means" or "rotation passage" generally denotes a connection structure allowing to transmit a control pressure and/or a working pressure independently of the rotational position of the wheel/rim insert with respect to the outlet.

The invention also comprises a pressure medium supply system for a multi-track vehicle having at least two wheels, each of which is provided with a rotation transmission device of the type described above for transmitting a control pressure and/or a working pressure.

It is to be understood that the features cited above and explained below can be used not only in the given combination but also in other combinations or alone without departing from the scope of the invention.

Drawings

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be understood by the following description of exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 shows in a schematic manner and in a highly simplified form a top view of a vehicle equipped with a central pressure medium supply system;

fig. 2 shows, in a schematic manner and in a highly simplified form, an air flow diagram of a part of the central pressure medium supply system of fig. 1;

fig. 3 is a top view of the hub side of an exemplary embodiment of a rotation transmission device according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows in a schematic way a sectional view taken along section line A-A in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows, in a schematic manner and in an enlarged view, an excerpt of FIG. 4;

fig. 6 shows in a schematic way a abstract view of fig. 5, wherein an exemplary embodiment of a rotary transmission device according to the present invention is in its inactive state;

fig. 7 shows in a schematic manner and in a highly simplified form an air flow diagram of a pressure selection control module in a pressure medium supply system;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a pressure selection control module;

FIG. 9 is a simplified diagram of a check valve in at least one of the at least three control units according to FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view according to FIG. 8 with the exemplary embodiment in its home position;

11A-11D are cross-sectional views according to FIG. 8 with the exemplary embodiment in a state where pressure is released from the tire;

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a schematic, highly simplified top view of a vehicle 10, wherein the vehicle 10 is shown as an automobile by way of example. It should be understood that the vehicle 10 may be designed as either a pickup truck or, in general, a land-based vehicle. The present disclosure is not limited to land-based vehicles. For example, use on aircraft with a running gear is also conceivable.

The chassis or body of the vehicle 10 is shown at 12.

The vehicle 10 has a plurality of axles 14-1, 14-2, wherein the axles are offset from each other in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The vehicle 10 shown in fig. 1 is a two-axle vehicle. It should be understood that multi-axle vehicles (trucks that may be configured with three or four axles) as well as single axle vehicles (such as semi-trailers, etc.) are also included within the scope of the present disclosure.

It should be understood that the vehicle 10 may generally be designed as a motor vehicle. However, the vehicle 10 may also be a push-on or a pull-on vehicle, in particular a trailer, a semi-trailer or the like. The vehicle 10 illustrated in fig. 1 is a multi-track vehicle, in particular, a two-track vehicle. However, the present disclosure may also relate to monorail vehicles (motorcycles, scooters, etc.).

The vehicle 10 has four wheels 16, two of which are assigned to each of the axles 14-1, 14-2. The wheels are shown as 16-1, 16-2, 16-3, 16-4 in clockwise order.

The vehicle 10 has an integrated (on-board) pressure medium supply system 20. The pressure medium supply system 20 is only schematically illustrated by means of a block diagram in fig. 1. The pressure medium supply system 20 comprises a pressure medium supply in the form of a pump 21 and an intermediate pressure medium reservoir 22 (see the flow diagram in fig. 2).

The wheel 16 is usually provided with a tyre which can be filled with a pressure medium. Generally, the tire is filled with air. However, it is also conceivable to fill the tire with nitrogen or the like. In order to monitor, regulate and regulate the pressure level in the tires of the wheels 16, in the case of a centrally designed pressure generator of the pressure medium supply system 20, each wheel 16 is provided with a rotation transmission device 25 (see fig. 2), wherein pressure medium can be supplied from the central pressure generator of the pressure medium supply system 20 to the wheel 16 by means of the rotation transmission device 25.

Thus, the pressure medium supply system 20 may be directly or indirectly, electrically or hydraulically coupled to the rotation transmission device 25. This can also be used for power transfer or information exchange and control purposes.

As an example, the pressure medium supply system 20 comprises a control device 26, wherein the control device 26 comprises or is coupled to a signal processing unit 27 and an energy storage unit 28. The control device 26 may, for example, be coupled to a main energy storage unit (main battery) of the vehicle 10. Alternatively, it is contemplated that a separate energy storage unit 28 may be provided with the control device 26, or that a separate energy storage unit 28 may be coupled to the control unit 26.

The signal processing unit 27 may be designed as part of a general vehicle control system. Alternatively, the signal processing unit 27 may be configured as a separate module. The control device 26 is configured to monitor the status of the wheel 16, in particular the tyre, in order to establish a demand for pressure medium. This may be accomplished via direct or indirect tire pressure monitoring at the wheel 16. Thus, the control device 26 may be configured to actuate, preferably pneumatically or electrically, one or more rotary transmission devices 25 in order to achieve a desired pressure in the tyre of the wheel 16.

Alternatively or additionally, the rotary transmission device 25 may also be configured to autonomously maintain a specific target state or target range with respect to the pressure in the tire of the wheel 16. In this operating state, no external control commands will be required. Various combinations are conceivable, wherein firstly a central control signal for the pressure regulation is generated and secondly, for example during emergency operation, an at least partially decentralized autonomous regulation is possible.

According to the example illustrated in fig. 1, the pressure medium supply system 20 is or can be coupled to the rotary transmission device 25 via a pneumatic line 29. The line 29 is configured in particular to transmit a control pressure and/or a working pressure to the rotary transmission device 25. Furthermore, the line 29 may also be designed and configured as a wire for transmitting information, signals, measured values, parameters and the like. It should also be understood that several pipelines may be provided for the purpose of energy transfer and information transfer.

According to the illustration in fig. 1, the pressure medium supply system 20 is or can be connected to the first rotary transmission device 25-1 via a first line 29-1, to the second rotary transmission device 25-2 via a second line 29-2, to the third rotary transmission device 25-3 via a third line 29-3 and to the fourth rotary transmission device 25-4 via a fourth line 29-4.

The pressure medium supply system 20 is configured to regulate the pressure or air pressure in the tires of the wheels 16 during operation of the vehicle 10. Thus, it is not necessary to slow or stop the vehicle 10 in order to regulate the pressure in the tires. In contrast, the rotation transmitting device 25 is configured to be able to change the pressure even during relative rotation between the wheel 16 and the axle 14 of the vehicle.

Preferably, the control device 26 of the pressure medium supply system 20 is configured to detect a pressure loss, wherein the detection comprises a recognition of a tire damage. To this end, for example, a defined pressure over a specific time may be used as a threshold for a fault or tire damage.

Furthermore, the pressure medium supply system 20 is configured to monitor the pressure in the tyre of the wheel 16 for a long time. In this way, any seasonal (temperature induced) pressure fluctuations or natural long term pressure drops in the wheels 16 may be detected and compensated for. Further use of the pressure medium supply system 20 may result from directional regulation of the pressure in the wheel 16. For example, in this way it is possible to react to different load states, axle loads, road conditions, weather conditions, etc.

Fig. 2 schematically shows a circuit diagram of the pressure-controlled rotary transmission concept according to fig. 1.

The central control unit (control device 26), shown schematically in this exemplary embodiment, includes a corresponding sensor receiver having a power input. The control unit 26 is connected to a (central) pressure medium supply 21 in the form of a pump in order to actuate this device as required. The pressure side output of the pressure medium supply 21 can be fluidly connected to an accumulator 22 for storing or temporarily storing the control pressure and/or the working pressure.

For the control pressure of the rotary transmission system, the pressure accumulator 22 or a pressure-side output from the pressure medium supply 21 is connected to the valve assembly 23 via a corresponding pressure medium line system 29-1. Via a further pressure medium line system 29-2, the pressure accumulator 22 or a pressure-side output from the pressure medium supply 21 is connected to a further valve assembly 24 in order to ensure inflation and deflation of the tires of the respectively assigned wheel unit 6. From the valve assemblies 23, 24, corresponding charging and exhaust lines lead to a rotation transmission device 25, which is only schematically shown in fig. 2. This rotation transmission device 25 provides a pressure-controlled rotation transmission between the wheel bearing and the hub of the corresponding wheel unit 6.

It should be noted here that components contained in the frame drawn with broken lines constitute necessary components for each wheel unit 6.

An exemplary design of the rotation transmitting means 25 for transmitting the control pressure and/or the working pressure to the wheel received by the wheel hub 1 is explained in more detail below with reference to the illustrations in fig. 3 to 6. This exemplary embodiment of the rotary transmission device 25 can be used, for example, in the pressure medium supply system 20 shown in fig. 1.

In detail, fig. 3 shows a top view of the hub side of an exemplary embodiment of a rotation transmission device 25 according to the present invention.

Fig. 4 schematically shows a sectional view taken along section line a-a in fig. 3, wherein the rotary transmission device 25 is in its pressure activated state. Fig. 5 shows in a schematic manner and in an enlarged view the abstract view of fig. 4.

Fig. 6 shows in a schematic way a partial view of fig. 5, wherein an exemplary embodiment of a rotary transmission device 25 according to the invention is in its inactive state.

In short, an exemplary embodiment of a rotation transmission device 25 according to the present invention comprises a housing structure 2, wherein the piston element 3 is received in the housing structure 2 so as to be displaceable between a first position and a second position relative to the housing structure 2. The piston element 3 is at the same time also configured to be displaceable relative to the running body 4 of the wheel hub 1, wherein the running body 4 is mounted to rotate relative to the housing structure 2 about the wheel axis 14.

At least one pressure medium channel 5 (precisely one in the figure) is formed in the piston element 3 for the transmission of a control pressure and/or a working pressure.

In the inactive state (see fig. 6), the piston element 3 is in its first position in which an air gap S is present between the end face 6 of the piston element 3 on the operating body side and the end face 7 of the operating body 4 of the hub 1 on the piston side.

However, in the pressure-activated state of the rotation transmission means 25, the piston element 3 is in its second position in which no air gap exists between the end face 6 of the piston element 3 on the operating body side and the end face 7 of the operating body 4 of the hub 1 on the piston side, and the at least one pressure medium channel 5 of the piston element 3 is open in a sealed manner (with respect to the external atmosphere) towards the at least one pressure medium channel 5 formed in the operating body 4 (see fig. 4 and 5).

The pressure selection control module according to fig. 7 establishes a connection between the pressure medium supply system a and the tire B via a pneumatic line. In the exemplary embodiment, the pressure selection control module is composed of at least three control units and at least one control piston 18, wherein the at least one control piston 18 is embedded in at least one of the at least three control units and is spring-actuatable.

According to the depiction in fig. 7, the pressure selection control module monitors the pressure supply regulated by the pressure medium supply system. To this end, the tire pressure may be set such that the tire pressure may be adapted to the resistance of the surface on which the tire is rolling. Thus, for example, on wet roads, the tire pressure may be adjusted to give the vehicle better grip.

Simplified diagrams of exemplary embodiments are shown in the views of fig. 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D. The view in FIG. 11A shows the in-situ state of the exemplary embodiment. In this position, one of the at least three control units (such as control unit 14 in the example in fig. 11A) has a spring element that is pre-biased, while the other control units 12 and 15 have spring elements that are not biased. In this exemplary embodiment, this home state corresponds to at least one open control unit, wherein at least two control units are closed. This state allows neither air supply to the tire nor air evacuation from the tire.

The closure control unit 14 in the exemplary embodiment also has a vent 22, wherein the received tire pressure is released to the atmosphere via the vent 22. Thus, the control unit 15 connected to the control port 23 may receive air, wherein the air may be delivered to the tire via the pressure selection control module.

The illustration of the exemplary embodiment in fig. 11B shows a state in which at least two of the at least three control units of the pressure selection control module are open and at least one control unit is closed. According to fig. 11B, the control unit 15 is in the closed position. In this state, air from the tire may be delivered to the atmosphere. This reduces the tire pressure of the vehicle. Here, the position of the control unit 12 corresponds to the position of the control unit 14.

Another possibility of the pressure selection control system according to the exemplary embodiment in fig. 11C corresponds to a state in which a so-called lock-up occurs. This state of this embodiment corresponds to the position: in which the control unit 12 connected to the tyre is open and the other control units are closed. This locked state allows air discharged from the tire to be released to the atmosphere, but no air can be supplied to the tire.

The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 11D illustrates air supply to a tire. This state is characterized by the control units 12 and 15 being open and the control unit 14 being closed. Because control unit 14 is closed and control unit 15 is open, air directed from control port a is supplied into the tire because control unit 12 is connected to tire port 16.

As shown in the figures, in the exemplary embodiment of the rotation transmission device 25 according to the invention, in particular, the piston element 3 has a sealing element 8 at its end region on the running body side, wherein the sealing element 8 at least partially forms the end face 6 of the piston element 3 on the running body side and at least one pressure medium channel 9 is formed in the sealing element 8. The at least one pressure medium channel 9 formed in the sealing element 8 is preferably configured to be axially aligned with the pressure medium channel 5 formed in the piston element 3 and to open towards the pressure medium channel 5 formed in the piston element 3.

In particular, in the exemplary embodiment of the rotation transmission device 25 according to the invention and shown in the figures, it is proposed that the at least one pressure medium channel 9 formed in the sealing element 8 has a larger diameter than the diameter of the at least one pressure medium channel 5 formed in the piston element 3, at least in the end face 6 on the running body side.

As indicated above, in the exemplary embodiment of the rotation transmission device 25 according to the invention and shown in the figures, at least one pressure medium channel 11 is also formed in the running body 4 of the hub 1; said channels are open towards the end face 7 of the running body 4 on the piston side and are configured such that, with respect to at least one pressure medium channel 5 formed in the piston element 3 or with respect to at least one pressure medium channel 9 formed in the sealing element 8, in the state in which the piston element 3 is in its second position (see fig. 4 and 5), a flow path or flow route, which is preferably sealed with respect to the external atmosphere, is formed starting from the at least one pressure medium channel 5 formed in the piston element 3 up to the at least one pressure medium channel 11 formed in the running body 4.

The housing structure 2 of the rotation transmission device 25 according to the invention further comprises at least one pressure medium port 13, wherein via the at least one pressure medium port 13 a control pressure and/or a working pressure can be supplied to the at least one pressure medium channel 5 formed in the piston element 3. At least in the state in which the piston element 3 is in its second position, i.e. in the state of pressure-activated rotation transmission (see fig. 4 and 5), a pressure medium distribution channel 15 is present between the end face of the piston element 3 opposite the end face 6 of the piston element 3 on the running body side and the inner wall of the housing structure 2, wherein at least one pressure medium port 13 is open towards said channel.

In this context, it is advantageous if the sealing arrangement 30 is assigned to the piston element 3 in order to seal the piston element 3 with respect to the pressure medium distribution channel 50. Similarly, in the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, it is proposed that a (further) sealing arrangement 31 is assigned to the piston element 3 in order to seal the piston element 3 with respect to the housing structure 2.

The housing structure 2, the piston element 3 and the running body 4 are each formed as a ring and arranged coaxially to the wheel axis 14, wherein the piston element 3 has a sealing element 8 provided at its end region on the running body side. Thus, the at least one pressure medium channel 5 formed in the piston element 3 is configured as an annular channel. The same applies correspondingly to the pressure medium channel 9 formed in the sealing element 8 and to the at least one pressure medium channel 11 in the running body 4 of the wheel hub 1, wherein the sealing element 8 is arranged on the end region of the piston element 3 on the running body side.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the piston element is configured as a pneumatically actuated piston element 3, wherein the pneumatically actuated piston element 3 is transferred into its second position by exerting a corresponding control pressure, in particular on its end face opposite to the end face on the running body side.

In this context, it is conceivable that a pretensioning element (not shown in the figures) is assigned to the piston 3 in order to return or pretension the piston element 3 in its first position. The pre-forcing element preferably comprises a spring element or the like.

The pneumatically actuable piston element 3 is preferably transferred into its first or second position via a control pressure, which is correspondingly supplied to the pressure medium distribution channel 15. For this purpose, advantageously, a corresponding control pressure port 18 is formed in the housing structure 2.

In the exemplary embodiment of the rotation transmission device 25 according to the invention and shown in the figures, it is in particular proposed that the piston element 3 is formed as a pneumatically actuable piston element, wherein the pneumatically actuable piston element can be transferred into its second position by applying a corresponding control pressure, in particular on its end face opposite to the end face on the running body side. For this purpose, it is proposed in particular that the piston element 3 can be moved relative to the housing structure 2 and relative to the running body 4 by applying a corresponding control pressure, wherein in particular this control pressure differs from the control pressure and/or the working pressure to be transmitted by the rotation transmission device 25. Thus, in this way, the piston element 3 can be actuated independently of the control pressure and/or working pressure to be transmitted, which advantageously allows the rotation transmission means to transmit not only the control pressure and/or working pressure to the hub 1 or the wheel received by the hub 1, but also the control pressure and/or working pressure from the hub 1 or the wheel received by the hub 1. In particular, the position of the piston element 3 can be completely independent of the control pressure and/or working pressure to be delivered.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, the above-mentioned control pressure port 18 is provided for this purpose in order to supply the control pressure of the piston element 3 to the control chamber 19 assigned to the piston element 3 and to discharge the control pressure of the piston element 3 from the control chamber 19 assigned to the piston element 3 as required. The control chamber 19 is at least partly formed by the side of the piston element 3. This side face is preferably opposite to the end face 6 of the piston element 3 on the side of the running body. It is, however, obvious that other sides of the piston element 3 can also be used to define the control chamber 19.

In particular, in the embodiment of the rotation transmission device 25 according to the invention and shown in the figures, the control chamber is sealingly separated from the at least one pressure medium channel 5 formed in the piston element 3.

However, it is also alternatively conceivable that the pneumatically actuatable piston element 3 can be displaced into a corresponding second position by a working pressure to be transmitted, wherein the working pressure to be transmitted is supplied to the pressure medium distribution channel 15 via the pressure medium port 13.

The present invention thus relates generally to a system for tire pressure regulation, wherein the system may increase or decrease the tire pressure of each wheel of a vehicle. The system contains a compressed air rotary transmission system, wherein the compressed air rotary transmission system is modified such that the sealing elements do not contact and therefore are not subject to wear when not in use. The rotary transmission system is preferably formed as a ring-shaped body. In this way, the driven shaft may be used without drilling or otherwise modifying the shaft and hub. Meanwhile, due to these two improvements, a minute mounting space between the wheel bearing and the hub 1 is used as a mounting site. By using different control pressure levels in a single channel system or several pressure channels, control functions on the wheel side can be implemented without the need for electrically actuated valves. The improvement also ensures that no friction occurs when not in use.

The system according to the invention comprises in particular an annular housing (stator), an annular piston with optionally radially or axially arranged sealing elements and a running body 4 (rotor) which optionally also contains the radial or axial contact surfaces of the sealing elements. The system may be configured with one or more channels as desired. If the control pressure is transmitted to the running body 4 (rotor), the annular pistons can be contacted with the same or different control pressures as appropriate. After the sealing element has come into contact with the running body 4, different pressures and pressure levels optimized for wear can be transmitted. In the case of an axial seal variant, the amount of wear of the sealing elements can also be compensated by the designed length of the piston stroke, and a long service life and functionality of the rotary transmission 25 is ensured. The piston may even be returned in a targeted manner, provided that different switchable pressures are used for the piston stroke. For this purpose, the working chamber of the piston is vented during the air transfer. In combination with the area closed by the sealing lip, the pressure of the air to be delivered now allows the piston to return completely.

The system according to the invention is designed and configured as part of a tire pressure control system for transmitting different control and/or operating pressures to the wheels. Further, the system is configured to detect tire pressure and/or tire temperature and transmit the detected value or values to the control device. Further, the system is configured to fill or empty a tire connected to a wheel as needed.