JP2016188767A - Observation device and method of contact surface of rubber - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an observation device and a method of a contact surface of rubber, capable of grasping further accurately a behavior of a contact state between an object body such as a road surface and rubber.SOLUTION: A rubber sample R is brought into contact with a transparent object body 2b, and simultaneously moved relatively, and the state of a contact surface S of the rubber sample R to the object body 2b extending in the relative moving direction of the rubber sample R is photographed successively by photographing means 8 through the object body 2b, and friction force between the rubber sample R and the object body 2b is detected successively by a friction force sensor 6. The friction force sensor 6 is disposed out of a photographing range where the state of the contact surface S is photographed by the photographing means 8.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a rubber contact surface observation device and method, and more particularly to a rubber contact surface observation device and method that can more accurately grasp the behavior of a contact state between an object such as a road surface and rubber. is there.

  In a tire, a water film interposed between the road surface and the tire surface is a factor that reduces the frictional force between the road surface and the tire. In the studless tire, a water film is interposed between the surface of ice existing on the road surface and the tire. Eliminating these water films and increasing the actual ground contact area of the tire will lead to improvements in the tire's slip resistance, running performance on ice, and the like. In order to develop a tire that can secure a larger actual contact area by eliminating the water film, the behavior of the contact state between the running tire and the road surface (frictional force between the running tire and the road surface, movement of the water film, etc.) It is very useful if you can accurately grasp (including In addition, not only tires, but also rubber products that are used in contact with the object, if the behavior of the contact state between the object and the rubber product can be accurately grasped, it is beneficial for improvement and development of the rubber product. .

  Conventionally, various apparatuses for measuring the ground contact state of a tire have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the measuring apparatus described in Patent Document 1, a small pressure receiving portion (force detector) that detects the force received from the test tire is pinpointed on the test road surface. Therefore, it is possible to grasp only the force received from the test tire when it comes into contact with the pressure receiving portion having a very small area. The behavior of the contact state between the test tire and the test road surface can be more accurately grasped by observing changes in the tire contact area and frictional force with a certain amount of travel length (contact length). It is difficult to accurately grasp the behavior with this measuring device. Therefore, in order to grasp the behavior of the contact state between the test tire and the test road surface more accurately using this measuring apparatus, it is necessary to continuously arrange a number of force detectors in the running direction of the test tire. Such a configuration causes a problem that the apparatus becomes complicated.

  This measuring device is provided with photographing means for photographing a tread surface of a test tire that contacts the test road surface. However, since the pressure receiving portion exists between the photographing means and the tread surface of the test tire, the state of the tread surface of the test tire in contact with the pressure receiving portion cannot be photographed by the photographing means. Therefore, the measuring device described in Patent Document 1 has a disadvantageous structure for accurately grasping the behavior of the contact state between the test tire and the test road surface.

JP 2013-238565 A

  An object of the present invention is to provide a rubber contact surface observation apparatus and method that can more accurately grasp the behavior of a contact state between an object such as a road surface and rubber.

  In order to achieve the above object, an apparatus for observing a rubber contact surface according to the present invention comprises a transparent object in contact with a rubber sample, and the rubber sample in contact with the object while being relatively in contact with the object. A moving means for moving; an imaging means for sequentially photographing the state of the contact surface of the rubber sample, which is disposed outside the target object and moved relative to the target object, through the target object; A friction force sensor for sequentially detecting a friction force between the rubber sample and the object, the object extending in a relative moving direction of the rubber sample, and the photographing means The frictional force sensor is arranged outside the photographing range when photographing the state.

  The method for observing a rubber contact surface according to the present invention is such that the rubber sample is moved relative to the object while contacting the transparent object and extends in the relative movement direction of the rubber sample. The state of the contact surface of the rubber sample with respect to the object is sequentially photographed by the photographing means through the object, and the friction force between the rubber sample and the object is sequentially detected by the friction force sensor, The frictional force sensor is disposed outside a photographing range when photographing the state of the contact surface by the photographing means.

  According to the present invention, since the object extends in the relative movement direction of the rubber sample, the change in the contact area of the rubber sample in the process of moving the rubber sample to some extent or between the rubber sample and the object. Changes in frictional force can be grasped. Further, since the frictional force sensor is disposed outside the photographing range when photographing the contact surface of the rubber sample by the photographing means, it is possible to sequentially photograph the contact surface without being blocked by the frictional force sensor. Thereby, it becomes possible to grasp | ascertain more correctly the behavior of the contact state of target objects, such as a road surface, and rubber | gum.

  Here, the rubber sample can be moved relative to the target object while rolling while being brought into contact with the target object. In this case, the movement of the rubber sample is similar to the movement of the tire, which is beneficial for the development of the tire.

  When light is irradiated from one side surface different from the surface that the rubber sample of the target object contacts from a light source arranged outside the target object, the irradiated light makes contact with the rubber sample of the target object. The irradiation direction is set in advance so as to be totally reflected on the surface, and the light reflected from the light source is reflected on one side of the object in the range of the object in contact with the rubber sample. The state of the contact surface can also be sequentially photographed by photographing with the photographing means arranged on the other side surface. In this case, there is an advantage that the state of the contact surface can be grasped more clearly.

  For example, ice can be used as the object. In this case, it is useful for grasping the behavior of rubber products such as tires on ice.

  The object is exposed to a resin or glass container with the surface in contact with the rubber sample exposed, and at least the imaging range of the container when the contact surface is imaged by the imaging means is transparent. You can also. In this case, the behavior of the rubber sample with respect to various objects can be grasped only by changing the object to be accommodated in the container. In addition, since the target object is protected by the container, the target object can be prevented from being damaged.

It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the observation apparatus of the contact surface of the rubber | gum of this invention by planar view. It is A arrow directional view of FIG. It is a B arrow line view of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates another embodiment of the observation apparatus of the contact surface of rubber | gum by planar view. It is C arrow line view of FIG.

  The rubber contact surface observation device and method of the present invention will be described below based on the embodiments shown in the drawings.

  The rubber contact surface observation apparatus 1 (hereinafter referred to as the observation apparatus 1) of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 is a behavior of a contact state between the object 2b and rubber (rubber sample R), that is, dynamic. It is a device for grasping the proper contact state. When the tread rubber of the tire is used as the rubber sample R, for example, a material having a friction coefficient equivalent to that of the road surface on which the tire is in contact and the like is used as the object 2b. When the tread rubber of the studless tire is used as the rubber sample R, for example, ice is used as the object 2b.

  This observation device 1 is disposed outside the object 2b, a transparent object 2b, a moving means 2c that moves the rubber sample R relative to the object 2b while being in contact with the object 2b. An imaging unit 8 and a frictional force sensor 6 that sequentially detects the frictional force between the rubber sample R and the object 2b are provided. In this embodiment, a light source 7 is further provided.

  As described above, various materials can be used for the object 2b depending on the type of the rubber sample R, but a certain degree of transparency is required. More specifically, since the contact surface S of the rubber sample R with the object 2b is photographed by the photographing means 8 through the object 2b, transparency that allows the state of the contact surface S to be grasped is necessary. For example, the object 2b is required to have a transparency with a total light transmittance of 90% or more.

  In this embodiment, the upper surface of the circular dish-shaped container 2a is exposed and the object 2b is accommodated. The base 2 is composed of the container 2a and the object 2b accommodated in the container 2a. The diameter of the peripheral surface of the container 2a is increased upward from the bottom surface, and the vertical cross-sectional shape of the container 2a is a trapezoid. The outer diameter of the upper edge of the container 2a is, for example, 100 mm to 3000 mm.

  Although various specifications (shape, material, etc.) can be adopted for the container 2a, the same transparency as that of the object 2b is required. As the material of the container 2a, for example, resin such as acrylic or glass is used. The light source 7 is disposed outside the peripheral surface of the base table 2.

  The rubber sample R can adopt a desired shape. In this embodiment, the cylindrical rubber sample R fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the rotating cylindrical body 5 is used. However, for example, a rubber sample R having a block shape or a tire shape may be used.

  The rotating cylinder 5 is suspended from the arm 4 and is rotatably supported integrally with the rubber sample R. The arm 4 protrudes horizontally from a support column 3 that passes vertically through the center of the base table 2. The rubber sample R is set so as to contact the upper surface of the object 2b. The ground pressure for the object 2b of the rubber sample R can be set to a desired value.

  Below the base table 2, moving means 2 c such as a drive motor is arranged. The moving means 2 c rotates the base table 2 around the support column 3. Along with this, the rubber sample R rolls in contact with the upper surface of the object 2b. Therefore, the rubber sample R is moved relative to the object 2c by the moving means 2c. The object 2b extends in the relative movement direction of the rubber sample R.

  In this embodiment, the rubber sample R is fixed at a fixed position and the object 2b is moved. However, the rubber sample R can be moved while the object 2b is fixed at a fixed position. That is, it is only necessary that the rubber sample R can be moved relative to the object 2b, and various moving means 2c that enable this relative movement can be used.

The photographing means 8 is disposed outside the peripheral surface of the base 2 so as to face the light source 7. The photographing means 8 sequentially photographs the contact surface S of the rubber sample R that is relatively moved with the subject 2b through the subject 2b. As the photographing means 8, various video cameras such as a CCD camera can be used. In order to photograph the state of the contact surface S in more detail, an ultra high speed video camera is used. For example, the shutter speed of the photographing means 8 is set to about 1/100000 (= ^10-5 seconds) when the relative moving speed of the rubber sample R is 10 km / h. Alternatively, the relative moving distance of the rubber sample R is set to a shutter speed at which one frame image can be taken per 20 μm to 100 μm.

  In this embodiment, when light is irradiated from one side surface different from the surface that the rubber sample R of the target object 2b contacts by the light source 7, the irradiated light is all on the surface that the rubber sample R of the target object 2b contacts. It is set to reflect. That is, when light is incident from the light source 7 through the object 2b without any contact with the upper surface of the object 2b, all the light does not pass through the upper surface of the object 2b and is reflected by the upper surface. It is set to be. The totally reflected light is set to pass through the base 2 and enter the photographing means 8.

  Thus, the shape of the base 2 (the diameter of the peripheral surface) and the arrangement of the light source 7 and the imaging means 8 are appropriate in advance so that the incident angle A and the reflection angle A at which total reflection occurs on the upper surface of the object 2b. Set to The dashed-dotted line N of FIG. 2 has shown the normal line with respect to the surface of the target object 2b. More specifically, since the light emitted from the light source 7 is refracted when entering the container 2a or the object 2b, the shape of the base table 2, the irradiation direction of the light by the light source 7 and photographing are taken into consideration. The incident direction of light to the means 8 is set.

  If the incident direction of the light to the imaging means 8 is inappropriate, it becomes impossible to capture the light reflected by the upper surface of the object 2b. Therefore, the photographing unit 8 is configured to be adjusted in a desired direction according to the photographing condition such as the refractive index of the object 2b, and the photographing direction (the optical axis direction of the photographing camera) is the incident direction of the light to the photographing unit 8. It is preferable to set the direction of the photographing means 8 so as to be the same.

  The frictional force sensor 6 is installed on the arm 4. Accordingly, the frictional force sensor 6 is disposed outside the photographing range when photographing the contact surface S by the photographing means 8. A known sensor can be used as the friction force sensor 6. For example, based on the rotational resistance force of the rotating cylinder 5, the force acting in the cylinder axis direction of the rotating cylinder 5, the rotational resistance force of the base 2, and the like, the rubber sample R and the object 2 b that move relatively Detect the friction force generated between them. This frictional force is preferably detected not only in the relative movement direction component of the rubber sample R but also in the plane direction component orthogonal to the movement direction.

  The photographing data photographed by the photographing means 8 and the detection data by the friction force sensor 6 are input to the control unit 9. Each piece of data can also be input to another control unit 9.

  An observation method for grasping the behavior of the contact state between the object 2b and the rubber using the observation device 1 will be exemplified below.

  The rubber sample R is brought into contact with the upper surface of the object 2b with a predetermined ground pressure. In this state, the base table 2 is rotated around the column 3. Accordingly, the rubber sample R is moved relative to the target body 2b while being brought into contact with the target body 2b and rolling.

  From the light source 7, light is irradiated to the range (contact surface S) of the target object 2b with which the rubber sample R is in contact. Then, the light reflected by the upper surface of the target 2b is sequentially photographed by the photographing means 8 disposed at a position facing the light source 7.

  Here, the irradiated light is totally reflected at the portion of the upper surface of the object 2b where the rubber sample R is not in contact. Therefore, a portion where the rubber sample R is not in contact is photographed in a bright color (light color). On the other hand, light is not totally reflected at the portion where the rubber sample R is in contact with the upper surface of the object 2b. For this reason, the portion in contact with the rubber sample R is photographed in a dark color (dark color). Therefore, by sequentially photographing the light reflected from the upper surface of the object 2b, it is possible to grasp in detail the change in the contact state (ground contact area) of the rubber sample R with the object 2b.

  Further, the friction force between the rubber sample R and the object 2b that rolls is sequentially detected by the friction force sensor 6. The photographing data by the photographing means 8 is stored in the control unit 9 together with the photographing time, and the detection data by the friction force sensor 6 is stored in the control unit 9 together with the detection time. Therefore, the frictional force at the time when the state of the contact surface S is photographed is determined. Thereby, it becomes possible to grasp | ascertain the behavior of the contact state of the target object 2b and the rubber sample R more correctly.

  In the present invention, since the object 2b extends in the relative movement direction of the rubber sample R, changes in the contact area of the rubber sample R and changes in frictional force in the process of moving the rubber sample R to some extent. I can grasp it. Further, the frictional force sensor 6 is disposed outside the photographing range when photographing the contact surface S of the rubber sample R by the photographing means 8. Outside the imaging range means a portion through which irradiated light is transmitted (passed) in this embodiment. Therefore, the contact surface S can be sequentially photographed without being blocked by the frictional force sensor 6. Therefore, it is advantageous to grasp the behavior of the contact state between the object 2b and the rubber sample R more accurately.

  When ice is used as the object 2b, the ice melts as the rubber sample R rolls, and a water film is formed between the rubber sample R and the upper surface of the object 2b. That is, it is possible to simulate a state in which the studless tire is traveling on ice. According to the present invention, since the water movement of the water film can be sequentially photographed by the photographing means 8, it is very useful for the development of a studless tire. At this time, if grooves, sipes, dimples, or the like are formed on the contact surface S of the rubber sample R, it is possible to grasp the influence of these water movements and changes in the contact area.

  When ice is used as the object 2b, the ice is easily melted by the heat of the light source 7. For this reason, it is preferable to use a light source 7 that generates little heat, such as an LED bulb.

  Using a material having a friction coefficient equivalent to that of the road surface as the target body 2b, forming a water film on the upper surface of the target body 2b and rolling the rubber sample R, the tire is running on a wet road surface. Can be simulated. According to the present invention, the movement of water in the water film can also be sequentially photographed by the photographing means, which is very useful for development to improve the wet performance of the tire. It is also possible to simulate a state where the rubber sample R is rolled on the upper surface of the dry object 2b to travel on the dry road surface.

  The object 2b can be used without being accommodated in the container 2a. However, when the container 2a is employed as in this embodiment, the rubber samples R for various objects 2b can be obtained simply by changing the object 2b accommodated in the container 2a. Can be understood. Moreover, since the target object 2b is protected by the container 2a, damage to the target object 2b can be prevented. When the object 2b is ice, it is easy to damage, so it is preferable to use it in the container 2a.

  The container 2a is not limited to being transparent as a whole, and it is sufficient that at least a portion that is an imaging range when the imaging unit 8 captures the state of the contact surface S is transparent. For example, in this embodiment, it is possible to use a container 2a having a non-transparent bottom surface and a transparent other portion.

  The state of the contact surface S can be transmitted through the base table 2 and sequentially photographed by the photographing means 8 disposed below the base table 2. However, in this case, it becomes difficult to clearly photograph the density of the contact surface S as compared to this embodiment.

  Another embodiment of the observation apparatus 1 illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 5 is different from the previous embodiment in the specifications of the base 2. Other configurations are the same as those of the previous embodiment. The base 2 is rectangular in plan view and has a trapezoidal cross section in the width direction. The container 2a has a rectangular dish shape in plan view, and the object 2b is accommodated in the container 2a with its upper surface exposed.

  In this embodiment, the upper surface is exposed to a dish-shaped container 2a having a rectangular shape in plan view, and the object 2b is accommodated. The four side surfaces of the container 2a are inclined outward from the bottom surface upward, and the vertical cross-sectional shape of the container 2a is trapezoidal. The object 2b extends in the rolling direction of the rubber sample R. FIG. 5 shows an incident angle B and a reflection angle B at which the light incident on the base 2 from the light source 7 is totally reflected on the upper surface of the object 2b.

  In this embodiment, by moving the base table 2 in the longitudinal direction (extending direction), the rubber sample R is moved in contact with the target body 2b and moved relative to the target body 2b. In this embodiment, the rubber sample R can be relatively moved without applying a thrust load. Therefore, it is possible to grasp the state of the contact surface S under the condition that the thrust load is not applied.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the rubber sample R is brought into contact with the object 2b and moved relative to the object 2b, but the rubber sample R can be moved relatively without being rolled. That is, the rubber sample R can be moved relative to the object 2b while sliding.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Rubber | gum contact surface observation apparatus 2 Base stand 2a Container 2b Object 2c Moving means 3 Support column 4 Arm 5 Rotating cylindrical body 6 Friction force sensor 7 Light source 8 Imaging means 9 Control part R Rubber sample

Claims (10)

  A transparent object in contact with the rubber sample, a moving means for moving the rubber sample in contact with the object, and moving relative to the object; Imaging means for sequentially photographing the state of the contact surface of the rubber sample that is being moved with the object through the object, and friction for sequentially detecting the frictional force between the rubber sample and the object A force sensor, the object extends in a relative movement direction of the rubber sample, and the friction force sensor is disposed outside a photographing range when photographing the state of the contact surface by the photographing means. An apparatus for observing a contact surface of rubber, characterized in that the structure is provided.   The rubber contact surface observation device according to claim 1, wherein the rubber sample is configured to move relative to the target object while rolling the rubber sample in contact with the target object.   A light source arranged outside the object is provided, and when the light is irradiated from one side different from the surface that the rubber sample of the object contacts from the light source, the irradiated light is emitted from the object. The irradiation direction is set in advance so as to totally reflect on the surface in contact with the rubber sample, and the light reflected from the light source is reflected from one side of the target object in the range of the target object in contact with the rubber sample. The apparatus for observing a rubber contact surface according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the state of the contact surface is sequentially photographed by photographing with the photographing means disposed on the other side surface facing the side surface.   The apparatus for observing a rubber contact surface according to claim 1, wherein the object is ice.   The object is exposed to a resin or glass container with the surface in contact with the rubber sample exposed, and at least the photographing range of the container when the state of the contact surface is photographed by the photographing means is transparent. The apparatus for observing a rubber contact surface according to claim 1.   While the rubber sample is in contact with the transparent object, the rubber sample is moved relative to the object, and the state of the contact surface of the rubber sample with respect to the object extending in the relative movement direction of the rubber sample is determined. The object is transmitted through the object and sequentially photographed by the photographing means, and the friction force between the rubber sample and the object is sequentially detected by the friction force sensor, and the friction force sensor is contacted by the photographing means. A method for observing a contact surface of a rubber, characterized in that the surface is disposed outside a photographing range when photographing the state of the surface.   The method for observing a rubber contact surface according to claim 6, wherein the rubber sample is moved relative to the object while being brought into contact with the object and rolling.   When light is irradiated from one side surface different from the surface that the rubber sample of the target object contacts from a light source arranged outside the target object, the irradiated light makes contact with the rubber sample of the target object. The irradiation direction is set in advance so as to be totally reflected on the surface, and the light reflected from the light source is reflected on one side of the object in the range of the object in contact with the rubber sample. The method for observing a rubber contact surface according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the state of the contact surface is sequentially photographed by photographing with the photographing means arranged on the other side surface.   The method for observing a rubber contact surface according to claim 6, wherein ice is used as the object.   The object is accommodated in a resin or glass container with the surface in contact with the rubber sample exposed, and at least the photographing range of the container when the state of the contact surface is photographed by the photographing means is transparent. The method for observing the contact surface of the rubber according to any one of claims 6 to 9.

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