JP2021081409A - Tire deterioration state measuring unit - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a tire deterioration state measuring unit that can take an image to analyze a generation distribution of cracks in the treads of a tire and in the side surfaces of a tire.SOLUTION: A tire deterioration state measuring unit 1 includes: a housing 2 having a window part 3 in a measurement surface 4, the window part being in contact with a ground surface 17 of the tire 16 or being close to the ground surface; a light source 10 for illumination located in a position of the housing 2 which faces the window part 3, the light source sliding in a direction that crosses the tread part 18 of the tire 16; an imaging device 11, which slides in the same direction as that of the light source 10; and a slide mechanism for sliding the light source 10 and the imaging device 11. The imaging device 11 and the light source 10 slide to a position which is away from the tire 16 across the edge 16a of the grounded surface 17 of the tire 16.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention is a tire deterioration condition measuring instrument and a jig for holding the tire, which can measure the remaining amount of the groove of the tire and take an image to analyze the distribution of cracks in the groove of the tire and on the side surface of the tire. And the tire deterioration status measuring device including these.

Generally, in order to ensure the safety of equipment having wheels such as automobiles during running, it is necessary to regularly check the deterioration status of tires.
In view of these circumstances, there are several known installation type and handy type groove remaining amount measuring instruments for accurately measuring the remaining amount (depth) of the groove formed in the tread of a tire in a short time. There is.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an invention relating to a tire groove detecting device under the name of "tire groove detecting device", for example, for measuring and detecting a tire groove depth (wear degree) in an automobile, a motorcycle, a bicycle, or the like. There is.
The tire groove detection device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a tire groove detection device including a sensor unit for detecting the groove depth of the tire and an output unit for outputting the groove depth of the tire detected by the sensor unit. It is characterized in that at least the sensor unit is arranged on the movable carriage.
According to the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 having the above configuration, the above-mentioned sensor unit detects the tire groove depth, and the above-mentioned output unit outputs the tire groove depth detected by the above-mentioned sensor unit. Since at least the above-mentioned sensor unit is arranged on the movable carriage, this sensor unit can accurately detect a non-deformed portion other than the ground contact portion of the tire. Moreover, according to the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, even if a vehicle or the like having a tire to be detected is stopped at an arbitrary position, the tire position and the sensor position can be changed by moving the movable carriage provided with the sensor unit. The positioning operation can be easily performed. As a result, according to the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, the operability of the tire groove detection device can be significantly improved.

Patent Document 2 discloses an invention relating to a tire groove remaining amount measuring device and a tire groove remaining amount measuring system under the name of "tire groove remaining amount measuring device and tire groove remaining amount measuring system". ing.
The tire groove remaining amount measuring device disclosed in Patent Document 2 includes a laser displacement sensor that measures the depth of a groove formed in a tire tread without contacting the tread, and slides the laser displacement sensor in the tire width direction. It is provided with an electric slider for making the tire, an output unit for outputting measurement data indicating the depth of the groove measured by the laser displacement sensor, and an accommodating unit for accommodating the laser displacement sensor and the electric slider.
According to the invention disclosed in Patent Document 2 having the above configuration, the remaining groove amount of the tire can be easily and accurately measured periodically.

Patent Document 3 discloses an invention relating to an apparatus for measuring tire tread wear under the name of "handheld probe for measuring tire tread wear".
The handheld probe disclosed in Patent Document 3 is a housing having a slit formed parallel to the main axis thereof, and the length of the tube of the housing while directing light from the laser to the tire surface through a window. A computer connection with a range finder mounted inside the housing so that it can cross most of the tire, and a bracket supported by the near end of the tube to allow the user to hold the probe in place with respect to the tire. It is provided with a serial port for, and a handle for accommodating an operating battery and an IR or RF transmitter.
According to the invention disclosed in Patent Document 3 having the above configuration, it is possible to provide an apparatus that is easy to operate at the time of use. More specifically, according to the invention disclosed in Patent Document 3, the bracket and the bow-shaped housing can be easily positioned with respect to the tire so that the device is stable. Further, according to the invention disclosed in Patent Document 3, there is an advantage that the measurement result can be quickly made available to the user via any computer by the computer port that supports data transmission to the computer. ..

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 9-49719 JP-A-2019-86293 Special Table 2002-535613

In general, when a tire is stored or left for a long period of time without being used, the deterioration of the rubber may progress excessively even if the remaining amount (depth) of the groove portion of the tire is sufficient. Even in such a case, the tire is not suitable for running.
Further, the deterioration state of the rubber of such a tire can be easily determined by checking the presence or absence of cracks in the groove portion or the side surface of the tire.
On the other hand, in the case of the inventions disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, although the remaining amount (depth) of the groove portion of the tire can be measured, the deterioration state of the rubber of the tire should be inspected. I couldn't.

Further, as a scene for checking the deterioration status of the tire, it is assumed that the tire is mounted on the wheel of the device or equipment and the tire is removed from the wheel.
On the other hand, in each of the inventions disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, the form is particularly suitable for inspecting the deterioration state of the tire with the tire mounted on the wheel.
Therefore, in the case of the inventions disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3, it is difficult to use the invention as a facility for fully automatically measuring the deteriorated state of a tire removed from a wheel in a factory or the like without human intervention. Met.

The present invention has been made in response to such conventional circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to measure the remaining amount (depth) of a groove formed in a tread of a tire with a simple structure. It is an object of the present invention to provide a tire deterioration condition measuring instrument capable of taking an image in order to analyze the occurrence distribution of cracks in a groove portion and a side surface of a tire.
Further, in addition to the above object, the present invention provides a tire deterioration status measuring instrument that can be used as a handy type or as a part of permanently installed equipment, a jig for holding the tire deterioration status measuring instrument, and a tire deterioration status measuring device including these. To provide.

The tire deterioration status measuring instrument, which is the first invention for solving the above problems, is an instrument for measuring the deterioration status of a tire, and has a window portion arranged in contact with or close to the ground contact surface of the tire. A housing provided on the measurement surface, a distance measuring sensor provided in the housing at a position facing the window and sliding in a direction crossing the groove of the tire, and a distance measuring sensor provided in the housing facing the window. A light source for illumination that slides in the direction across the groove of the tire, an imaging device that is provided at a position facing the window in the housing and slides in the direction that slides across the groove of the tire, a distance measuring sensor, and a light source. The image pickup device and the light source are provided with a slide mechanism for sliding the image pickup device, and the image pickup device and the light source are characterized in that the image pickup device and the light source slide at a position away from the tire beyond the edge portion of the ground contact surface of the tire.
In the first invention of the above configuration, the housing has an function of accommodating a distance measuring sensor, a light source, an image pickup device, and a slide mechanism thereof inside the housing. Further, the distance measuring sensor has an effect of continuously measuring the distance to the contact patch of the tire including the groove when sliding in the direction crossing the groove of the tire. In this case, the measured value of the tire groove depth (so-called residual groove depth) can be obtained from the difference between the distance to the bottom of the tire groove and the distance to the tire contact patch. In addition, the light source has the function of brightly illuminating the image pickup target of the image pickup apparatus. Further, the imaging device has an function of imaging the inside of the groove portion of the tire and the side surface of the tire irradiated with the light from the light source. In addition, the slide mechanism has the function of sliding the distance measuring sensor, the light source, and the image pickup device in the direction across the groove of the tire.
Therefore, according to the first invention, an image can be taken to analyze the distribution of cracks in the groove of the tire and on the side surface of the tire at the same time as measuring the depth of the groove of the tire.
In the first invention, a specific method for analyzing the distribution of cracks in the groove portion of the tire and on the side surface of the tire based on the image captured by the imaging device, and the remaining groove obtained by using the distance measuring sensor. A method for evaluating tire deterioration using depth can be used, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6283534 or Japanese Patent No. 6381094 by the applicant of the present application.

In the first invention described above, the tire deterioration status measuring instrument according to the second invention is provided with a table on which a distance measuring sensor, a light source, and an imaging device are mounted, and which slides in a direction crossing a groove of the tire. The mechanism is characterized by sliding the table.
In the second invention having the above configuration, in addition to the same action as the action according to the first invention described above, the table has an action of placing the distance measuring sensor, the light source, and the image pickup device together. Further, by sliding the table by the slide mechanism, it has an effect of simplifying the structure of the slide mechanism of the distance measuring sensor, the light source and the image pickup device.

In the first or second invention described above, the tire deterioration status measuring instrument according to the third invention has a housing having a back surface parallel to the measurement surface and an angle θ with respect to the measurement surface within a range of 35 ° to 57 °. The distance from the measurement surface to the back surface is 0 when the length of the measurement surface in the cross section perpendicular to the sliding direction of the distance measuring sensor or the light source or the image pickup device of the housing is 1. It is characterized by being .6 or less.
In the third invention having the above configuration, in addition to the same action as the action according to the first or second invention described above, the distance from the measurement surface to the back surface of the housing is determined by the distance measuring sensor or the light source or the imaging device of the housing. When the length of the measurement surface in the vertical cross section with respect to the slide direction is set to 0.6 or less, it has an effect of flattening the outer shape of the housing. As a result, when the tire deterioration status measuring instrument of the third invention is used as a handy type measuring instrument, the tire deterioration of the third invention is formed in the gap between the tire and its cover or the gap between the tire and its drive mechanism. It has the effect of making it easier to insert and remove the situation measuring instrument.
Further, by setting the angle θ of the installation surface with respect to the measurement surface within the range of 35 ° to 57 ° and using this installation surface in contact with the mounting surface (for example, the ground surface), the diameter size is 400 to 1000 mm. It has the effect of reducing the measurement error when measuring the depth of the groove on the ground contact surface of the tire, which is within the range.
More specifically, when the tire deterioration status measuring instrument according to the third invention is installed between the ground contact surface and the ground surface of the tire and viewed from the direction of the rotation axis of the tire, the distance measuring sensor is used. When the path of the transmitted laser passes through the center of the tire, the measurement error of the depth of the groove on the ground contact surface of the tire by the distance measuring sensor is theoretically almost eliminated.
Therefore, when the diameter size of the tire is relatively large, for example, 1000 mm, the distance from the path of the laser transmitted from the ranging sensor to the center of the tire increases as the angle θ of the installation surface with respect to the measurement surface approaches 35 °. It approaches zero, which causes the measurement error of the tire groove depth by the distance measuring sensor to approach zero.
Further, when the diameter size of the tire is relatively small, for example, 400 mm, as the angle of the installation surface with respect to the measurement surface approaches 57 °, the measurement error of the depth of the groove portion of the tire by the distance measuring sensor is obtained for the same reason as described above. Approaches zero.
Therefore, according to the third invention, as the angle θ of the installation surface with respect to the measurement surface approaches 35 °, it is suitable for measuring the depth of the groove of a tire having a large diameter (a tire having a diameter size close to 1000 mm). Becomes a tire deterioration status measuring instrument. Further, according to the third invention, as the angle θ of the installation surface with respect to the measurement surface approaches 57 °, it is suitable for measuring the depth of the groove of a tire having a small diameter (a tire having a diameter size close to 400 mm). Becomes a tire deterioration status measuring instrument.

In the third invention described above, the tire deterioration status measuring instrument according to the fourth invention has two installation surfaces, a first installation surface having an angle θ of θ ₁ and a second installation surface having an angle θ of θ ₂ . The angle θ ₁ and the angle θ ₂ are 35 ° ≤ θ ₁ <θ ₂ ≤ 57 °.
The fourth invention having the above configuration has the same action as that of the third invention described above. Further, the first installation surface is a desired tire size (for example, a tire diameter in the range of 400 to 1000 mm) when the first installation surface is used in contact with the mounting surface (for example, the ground surface). Hereinafter, this tire size is referred to as “first tire size”), and has the effect of minimizing the measurement error by the distance measuring sensor. Further, when the second installation surface is used in contact with the mounting surface (for example, the ground surface), the tire diameter is within the range of 400 to 1000 mm, and the above-mentioned "second installation surface" is used. It has the effect of minimizing the measurement error by the distance measuring sensor when the "second tire size" is different from the "1 tire size".
Therefore, according to the fourth invention, a tire deterioration condition measuring instrument particularly suitable for measuring the depth of a groove on the ground contact surface of tires having two different diameter sizes (first tire size and second tire size). Has the effect of providing.

In the first to third inventions described above, the tire deterioration status measuring instrument according to the fifth invention has a housing having a substantially vertical cross section with respect to the sliding direction of the distance measuring sensor or the image pickup device or the light source.

Outside 1

形状（上記図形と略同様の形状、すなわち長方形における一の長辺側の２つの角部を切除してなる六角形状）をなしており、この垂直断面において、計測面が最も長い辺であることを特徴とするものである。
上記構成の第５の発明は、上述の第１乃至第４のそれぞれの発明による作用と同じ作用を有する。また、第５の発明において筐体の垂直断面形状が上述のように特定されていることで、この第５の発明をハンディータイプの計測器として用いる際に、計測面以外の面を使用者の手のひらにフィットさせるという作用を有する。これにより、第５の発明を手で把持して使用する際の操作性を向上させるという作用を有する。

It has a shape (approximately the same shape as the above figure, that is, a hexagonal shape formed by cutting off two corners on one long side of a rectangle), and the measurement surface is the longest side in this vertical cross section. It is characterized by.
The fifth invention having the above configuration has the same action as that of the first to fourth inventions described above. Further, since the vertical cross-sectional shape of the housing is specified as described above in the fifth invention, when the fifth invention is used as a handy type measuring instrument, a surface other than the measuring surface is used by the user. It has the effect of fitting to the palm of your hand. This has the effect of improving the operability when the fifth invention is gripped and used by hand.

The tire deterioration status measuring instrument according to the sixth invention is the first to fifth inventions described above, wherein at least one of the end faces of the distance measuring sensor or the light source or the image pickup device in the sliding direction is connected in the housing. A portion is provided, and the connecting portion is characterized in that it is connected to a holding jig for holding a tire deterioration state measuring instrument as desired.
The sixth invention having the above configuration has the same action as that of the first to fifth inventions described above. Further, in the sixth invention, the connecting portion has an action of connecting the tire deterioration status measuring instrument and the holding jig. Further, in the sixth invention, since the connecting portion is provided in at least one of the end faces of the distance measuring sensor or the light source or the image pickup device in the sliding direction in the housing, the tire deterioration status measuring instrument is connected to the holding jig. Even if this is done, it has the effect of maintaining the outer shape of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument in a flat shape.
In this case, when the tire deterioration status measuring instrument is inserted into the gap between the tire and its cover or the gap between the tire and its drive mechanism, the tire deterioration status measuring instrument connected to the holding jig must be inserted or removed. It has the effect of facilitating.

The holding jig according to the seventh invention is a holding jig for holding the first to sixth tire deterioration status measuring instruments as desired, and is erected on the mounting surface. The support arm is provided with a support column and a support arm pivotally installed on the support column so that the angle of the support column with respect to the axial direction can be changed as desired. The support arm contacts the window portion of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument with the ground contact surface of the tire. Alternatively, it is characterized by being provided with a fixture that can be held in close proximity.
In the seventh invention having the above configuration, the support arm has an effect of holding the tire deterioration status measuring instrument in a state where the window portion of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument is in contact with or close to the ground contact surface of the tire. Further, the support column has an effect of supporting the support arm while being erected on the mounting surface and allowing the angle with respect to the axial direction to be changed as desired. Further, the fixture has an action of fixing the tire deterioration status measuring instrument to the support arm in a state where the window portion is in contact with or close to the ground contact surface of the tire.

The holding jig according to the eighth invention is the seventh invention described above, wherein the holding jig is provided with a pivot for fixing the angle formed by the support arm to the support column in a changeable manner, and the support arm is for inserting the pivot. The support arm is slidable in the longitudinal direction of the elongated hole.
The eighth invention having the above configuration has the same action as that of the seventh invention described above. Further, in the eighth invention, the support arm is provided with a long hole, and the support arm is slidable in the longitudinal direction of the long hole by inserting the pivot shaft through the long hole and pivotally installing the support arm on the support column. Has an action.
In this case, even if the diameters of the tires to be measured are different, the groove depth on the ground contact surface of the tire is used to evaluate the deterioration status of the tires having various diameter sizes using one eighth holding jig. It becomes possible to measure the tire and to take an image of the inside of the groove of the tire and the side surface of the tire.

The tire deterioration status measuring device according to the ninth invention includes the tire deterioration status measuring device according to the first to sixth inventions and the holding jig according to the seventh or eighth invention. It is characterized by that.
In the ninth invention of the above configuration, the tire deterioration status measuring instrument has the same action as that of the first to sixth inventions. Further, the holding jig has the same action as that according to the seventh or eighth invention.
Therefore, according to the ninth invention, by integrating the tire deterioration status measuring instrument, which is the first to sixth inventions, with the holding jig (seventh or eighth invention), manually. It has the function of making it possible to divert the operated type tire deterioration status measuring instrument (each of the first to sixth inventions) as a tire deterioration status measuring device which is a permanently installed facility.
In this case, it has the effect of improving the versatility of each of the first to sixth inventions.

According to the first invention as described above, when measuring the depth of the groove formed on the ground contact surface of the tire, the inside of the groove of the tire and the side surface of the tire (the tire is viewed from the direction of its rotation axis). An image can be taken to analyze the crack occurrence distribution of the case surface).
Further, in the first invention, since the light source slides together with the image pickup device, it is possible to make the brightness substantially uniform when photographing the inside of the groove portion of the tire and the side surface of the tire. As a result, according to the first invention, the inside of the groove of the tire and the side surface of the tire are imaged, and the captured image is used, for example, a method as disclosed in the patent gazette by the applicant of the present application described above. The distribution of cracks in the groove of the tire and on the side surface of the tire can be grasped by the analysis. This makes it possible to comprehensively evaluate the deterioration status of the tire.
As a result, the quality and safety of the recycled tire can be ensured when the deterioration state of the tire is evaluated by utilizing the first invention and the tire having a light degree of deterioration is recycled.

The second invention has the same effect as that of the first invention described above. In addition, in the second invention, the structure of the slide mechanism can be simplified as compared with the case where the distance measuring sensor, the light source and the image pickup device are slid individually.
Therefore, according to the second invention, it is possible to provide a high-performance tire deterioration status measuring instrument while having a simple structure.

In the third invention, in addition to the same effect as that of the first or second invention described above, the outer shape of the housing can be made elongated and flat. In this case, when the third invention is used by inserting it into the gap between the tire and its cover or the gap between the tire and its drive mechanism, the insertion / removal of the third invention into these gaps is facilitated. Can be done.
Further, in the third invention, the angle of the installation surface with respect to the measurement surface is specified within the range of 35 ° to 57 °, so that the diameter of the tire to be measured is within the range of 400 mm to 1000 mm. It is possible to reduce the measurement error of the depth of the groove on the ground plane.
More specifically, as the angle θ of the installation surface with respect to the measurement surface in the third invention approaches 35 °, the measurement when measuring the depth of the groove of a tire having a large diameter size (a tire having a diameter close to 1000 mm). The error can be reduced. On the other hand, as the angle θ of the installation surface with respect to the measurement surface in the third invention approaches 57 °, the measurement error when measuring the depth of the groove of a tire having a small diameter size (a tire having a diameter close to 400 mm) is reduced. be able to. In the third invention, it is assumed that the angle θ of the installation surface with respect to the measurement surface is substantially the same on the two installation surfaces.
Further, according to the third invention, since the housing has two installation surfaces sandwiching the back surface, it is possible to measure the deterioration state of the tire on either the advancing side or the retracting side of the tire. ..
Therefore, according to the third invention, high-performance tire deterioration with good operability and less occurrence of measurement error when measuring the depth of the groove of a tire having a desired diameter size in the range of 400 mm to 1000 mm. A situation measuring instrument can be provided.

The fourth invention has the same effect as the effect of each of the first to third inventions described above. Further, in the fourth invention, the depth of the groove of any two types of tires (a tire having a first tire size and a tire having a second tire size) having a tire diameter size in the range of 400 mm to 1000 mm. It is possible to provide a tire deterioration status measuring instrument that can minimize the measurement error when measuring the tire.
In this case, by using an appropriate installation surface (first or second installation surface) according to the diameter size of the tire in contact with the mounting surface (for example, the ground surface), two desired diameter sizes can be used. It is possible to measure the depth of the groove of the tire with high accuracy.
Therefore, according to the fourth invention, it is possible to provide a tire deterioration status measuring instrument suitable for measuring the depth of a groove portion of tires having two desired diameter sizes.

The fifth invention has the same effect as the effect of each of the first to fourth inventions described above. Further, according to the fifth invention, the outer shape of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument can be made into a form that fits in the palm of the hand. In this case, when the operator holds and operates the tire deterioration status measuring instrument, the physical burden on the operator can be reduced. Further, it is possible to reduce the risk that the operator drops the tire deterioration status measuring instrument during the work.

The sixth invention has the same effect as the effect of each of the first to fifth inventions described above. Further, according to the sixth invention, the holding jig is provided with a connection portion with the holding jig on the end face of the distance measuring sensor or the light source or the image pickup device in the slide direction in the housing. Even when the invention of No. 6 is connected, the outer shape of the housing can be made slender and flat.
Therefore, according to the sixth invention, the tire deterioration status measuring instrument connected to the holding jig can be easily inserted and removed in the gap between the tire and its cover, or in the gap between the tire and its drive mechanism. ..
Therefore, according to the sixth invention, the operability of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument in the state of being connected to the holding jig can be improved.

According to the seventh invention, in order to evaluate the deterioration state of the tire, the work of measuring the depth of the groove portion of the tire and the work of imaging the inside of the groove portion and the side surface of the tire are performed without human intervention. Can be done.
Further, according to the seventh invention, the positional relationship between the tire deterioration status measuring instrument and the ground contact surface of the tire can be made substantially constant. Therefore, according to the seventh invention, the tire deterioration status measuring instrument is used by grasping it by hand, or the tire deterioration status measuring instrument is mounted and used on a mounting surface (for example, the ground surface or the like). Compared with the case, it is possible to reduce the measurement error when measuring the depth of the groove portion of the tire and the variation in the image quality when imaging the inside of the groove portion of the tire and the side surface of the tire. As a result, it is possible to quantify the deterioration state of the tire based on the measured value with a small error and the image with a small variation in the image quality obtained by using the seventh invention. Therefore, by using the seventh invention, it becomes possible to appropriately determine the deterioration state of the tire.
Further, according to the seventh invention, the holding jig according to the seventh invention is incorporated into the mechanism for automatically supplying the tire removed from the wheel or the like to the measurement position and automatically discharging the measured tire. Therefore, the work for obtaining desired measured values and images for evaluating the deterioration state of the tire can be completely automated.
In this case, the work of evaluating the tire deterioration state can be carried out quickly and efficiently.

According to the eighth invention, it has the same effect as that of the seventh invention described above. Further, in the eighth invention, the fact that the support arm can be slid in the longitudinal direction of the elongated hole formed in the support arm means that the length of the support arm from the pivotal position can be changed as desired.
Therefore, according to the eighth invention, by changing the length of the support arm from the pivotal position as desired, even if the diameters of the tires are different, the window portion of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument is placed on the ground contact surface of each tire. Can be held in contact or in close proximity.
As a result, according to the eighth invention, it is possible to provide a holding jig having high versatility with respect to the diameter of the tire.

According to the ninth invention, the effect of each of the above-mentioned first to sixth inventions and the effect of the above-mentioned seventh or eighth invention can be exerted together.
That is, according to the ninth invention, not only can the tire deterioration status measuring instrument be used as a stationary tire deterioration status measuring device, but also a handy type tire deterioration status measuring instrument can be obtained by removing the tire deterioration status measuring instrument from the holding jig. Can also be used as.
Therefore, according to the ninth invention, the versatility of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument according to each of the first to sixth inventions can be enhanced.

It is a perspective view seen from the measurement surface side of the tire deterioration state measuring instrument which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. It is sectional drawing of the housing in the tire deterioration state measuring instrument which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. (A) is a perspective view of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the measurement surface side, and (b) is a perspective view of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument as viewed from the back side. It is a side view which shows one use state of the tire deterioration state measuring instrument which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. (A) It is a front view of the tire deterioration condition measuring apparatus which installs the tire deterioration condition measuring instrument which concerns on Example 1 of this invention on the holding jig which concerns on Example 2 of this invention, and (b) the apparatus. It is a side view of. (A) It is a front view of the tire deterioration condition measuring apparatus which installs the tire deterioration condition measuring instrument which concerns on Example 1 of this invention on the holding jig which concerns on the modification of Example 2 of this invention, (b). ) It is a side view of the device.

The tire deterioration status measuring instrument according to the embodiment of the present invention, the holding jig thereof, and the tire deterioration status measuring device including these will be described in detail with reference to Examples 1 and 2.

First, the internal structure and outer shape of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view (partial view of a main part) of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the measurement surface side. Further, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a housing in the tire deterioration status measuring instrument according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment is an instrument for measuring the deterioration status of the tire. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, such a tire deterioration condition measuring instrument 1 has a window portion 3 (FIGS. 1 and 2 (a)) arranged in contact with or close to the ground contact surface 17 of the tire 16. A housing 2 provided on the measurement surface 4), a distance measuring sensor 9 provided in the housing 2 at a position facing the window portion 3 and sliding in a direction crossing the groove portion 18 of the tire 16. Similarly, the light source 10 and the image pickup device 11 for illumination, which are provided at positions facing the window portion 3 in the housing 2 and slide in the direction across the groove portion 18 of the tire 16, and the distance measuring sensor 9, the light source 10, and the image pickup. It is provided with a slide mechanism (slider 13) for sliding the device 11.
Further, in the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment, the image pickup device 11 and the light source 10 are separated from the tire 16 beyond the edge 16a of the ground contact surface 17 of the tire 16 as shown in FIG. It is configured to slide into position.

In the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment, the motor and the like for driving the slide mechanism (slide 13) for sliding the distance measuring sensor 9, the light source 10, and the imaging device 11 are as shown in FIG. It is stored in the housing 2. Alternatively, in the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment, a motor or the like for driving the slide mechanism (slide 13) is arranged outside the housing 2, and the motor or the like is stored in a case (not shown). This case can also be used as the connecting portion 7 which will be described in detail later.
Further, the slide mechanism in the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment may be configured such that the slider 13 reciprocates on the guide rail 14, as shown in FIG. 1, for example.

The tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment as described above includes a light source 10 and an image pickup device 11 in addition to the distance measuring sensor 9, and the light source 10 and the image pickup device 11 include tires as shown in FIG. The distance measuring sensor 9 measures the depth of the groove 18 formed on the ground contact surface 17 of the tire 16 by being configured to slide beyond the edge 16a of the ground contact surface 17 of the tire 16 to a position away from the tire 16. At the same time, the state of the inside of the groove 18 of the tire 16 and the side surface 16b of the tire 16 (the surface when the tire 16 is viewed from the direction of its rotation axis) can be imaged by the image pickup device 11.
Further, in the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment, when the side surface 16b of the tire 16 is imaged by the image pickup device 11, the light emitted from the light source 10 is used in the groove 18 of the tire 16 and the side surface 16b of the tire 16. Can illuminate. In this case, the brightness when imaging the inside of the groove 18 of the tire 16 and the side surface 16b of the tire 16 is non-uniform as compared with the case where the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment does not have the light source 10. Can be prevented from becoming. That is, since the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment includes the light source 10, it is possible to prevent a large variation in the image quality of the image captured by the imaging device 11.
In this case, the image captured by the image pickup device 11 of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment is analyzed by using, for example, the method disclosed in the patent gazette by the applicant of the present application described above. , It is possible to improve the analysis accuracy when grasping the generation distribution of cracks in the groove portion 18 of the tire 16 and in the side surface 16b of the tire 16.

Generally, as the deterioration of the rubber forming the tire 16 progresses, the side surface 16b of the tire 16 cracks. The greater the length and depth of the cracks, the more the tire 16 is deteriorated.
Therefore, when measuring the deterioration status of the tire 16, not only the presence or absence of cracks on the side surface 16b of the tire 16 is confirmed, but also the degree of the cracks (length and depth) is grasped in detail. There is a need to.
Therefore, according to the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment, the wear state of the ground contact surface 17 of the tire 16 can be grasped by measuring the depth of the groove 18 of the tire 16. In addition, according to the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment, after imaging the inside of the groove 18 of the tire 16 and the side surface 16b of the tire 16 with the image pickup device 11 while irradiating the light with the light source 10. By analyzing this image using, for example, the method disclosed in the patent gazette by the applicant of the present application described above, the distribution of cracks in the groove 18 of the tire 16 and in the side surface 16b of the tire 16 can be grasped. can do. As a result, it becomes possible to accurately evaluate the deterioration state of the rubber of the tire 16.
Therefore, according to the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment, comprehensively based on the remaining amount of the groove portion 18 of the tire 16 and the occurrence status of cracks in the groove portion 18 of the tire 16 and the side surface 16b of the tire 16. It becomes possible to evaluate whether or not the tire 16 has recyclable quality.
In this case, since the tire 16 that has not been deteriorated can be extracted, its recycling can be promoted. As a result, the total amount of discarded tires 16 can be reduced. As a result, the environmental load associated with the disposal of the tire 16 can be reduced.
Therefore, according to the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide a tire deterioration status measuring instrument having a simple structure and excellent performance.

Further, in the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a table 12 formed by bending, for example, a flat plate body onto a slider 13 (slide mechanism) that slides in the housing 2. A distance measuring sensor 9, a light source 10, and an imaging device 11 may be installed on the surface of the table 12 facing the window portion 3 (arbitrary selection component).
In this case, the mechanism for sliding the distance measuring sensor 9, the light source 10, and the imaging device 11 in the direction across the groove 18 of the tire 16 in the housing 2 can be integrated and simplified. The table 12 does not have to be a bent plate, and may be a simple flat plate.
Further, in the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment, a sensor may be used to reliably stop the slider 13 on which the table 12 is installed at the end of the guide rail 14.
More specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, the table 12 is provided with the origin sensor 15a that moves together with the image pickup device 11 and the like, and the advance limit sensor 15b is further guided to one end side of the guide rail 14. The retract limit sensor 15c may be provided on each end side of the rail 14 (arbitrary selection component).
In this case, for example, the current position of the table 12 on the guide rail 14 can be obtained based on the detected values of the above sensors (origin sensor 15a, forward limit sensor 15b, and backward limit sensor 15c). This makes it possible to control the position of the table 12 on the guide rail 14 as desired.

Alternatively, instead of using the origin sensor 15a, the forward limit sensor 15b, and the backward limit sensor 15c as described above as the position control mechanism of the table 12, for example, a proximity sensor (not shown) may be provided (arbitrary selection). Component). In this case, since the operation of the slider 13 can be controlled based on the signal of the proximity sensor, the slide mechanism of the table 12 can be simplified. The detection target by the proximity sensor may be the inner surface of the housing 2. Alternatively, when the inner surface of the housing 2 does not exist at an appropriate position as a detection target by the proximity sensor, the slider 13 approaches the end of the guide rail 14 by providing a partition wall in the housing 2. It may be configured so that this can be detected by the proximity sensor.
Therefore, when the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment includes the table 12, the control mechanism and the internal structure of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 can be further simplified. Since the structure of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment is simple, not only the weight of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 can be reduced, but also defects can be less likely to occur during its use. In addition, when the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment is used, even if a problem should occur, its maintenance is easy.

Subsequently, the detailed structure of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 in addition to FIGS. 1 and 2 above.
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the measurement surface side, and FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument as viewed from the rear side. is there. The same parts as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description of their configurations will be omitted.
As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 2 of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment has a back surface 6 arranged parallel to the measuring surface 4 and an angle θ with respect to the measuring surface 4 of 35 ° to 57 °. It is provided with two installation surfaces 5a and 5b within the range of.
Further, in the housing 2 of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the distance H from the measurement surface 4 to the back surface 6 is the distance measuring sensor 9 or the light source 10 of the housing 2. When the length L of the measurement surface 4 in the vertical cross section with respect to the slide direction of the image pickup apparatus 11 (the direction from the front side to the back side of the paper surface in FIG. 2) is 1, it may be configured to be 0.6 or less (optional). Selected component).
In this case, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the outer shape of the housing 2 can be made flat. As described above, since the housing 2 of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment has a flat shape, there is a gap between the tire 16 and its cover (not shown), or the tire 16 and its drive mechanism (not shown). The tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 can be easily inserted and removed from the gap.
Further, since the housing 2 of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the embodiment includes the installation surfaces 5a and 5b, the installation surface 5a or the installation surface 5b can be placed on the mounting surface (for example, FIG. 4 in the latter stage). By placing the tire in contact with the ground surface 20 and the like shown in (1), the depth of the groove portion 18 of the tire 16 can be measured by the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 regardless of manpower, and further, the groove portion 18 of the tire 16 can be measured. The state of the inside and the side surface 16b can be imaged by the image pickup device 11.

A method of measuring the depth of the groove portion 18 of the tire 16 by using the installation surfaces 5a and 5b in the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.
FIG. 4 is a side view showing one usage state of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description of the configuration thereof will be omitted.
As shown in FIG. 4, the tire deterioration condition measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment is used by being placed in a state where the installation surface 5a (or the installation surface 5b) in the housing 2 is in contact with the ground surface 20. Can be done.
In this case, by setting the angle θ of the installation surface 5a (or installation surface 5b) with respect to the measurement surface 4 within the range of 35 ° to 57 °, the diameter size of the tire 16 is particularly 400 mm (θ = 57 °). When the distance is within the range of about 1000 mm (θ = 35 °), the measurement error that occurs when the depth of the groove 18 of the tire 16 is measured by the distance measuring sensor 9 can be reduced.
When the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment is used by bringing the installation surface 5a (or the installation surface 5b) into contact with the ground surface 20, the ground contact surface 17 of the tire 16 and the window portion 3 of the housing 2 are in contact with each other. Other parts of the housing 2 need to be sized for contact or as close as possible.

Explaining this point in more detail, as shown in FIG. 4, the installation surface 5a (or the installation surface 5b) is brought into contact with the ground surface 20, and the measurement surface 4 (window portion 3) of the housing 2 is brought into contact with the tire 16. If the center 19 of the tire 16 is present in the path of the laser transmitted from the distance measuring sensor 9 when the tire 16 is brought into contact with or close to the ground contact surface 17, no measurement error occurs when measuring the depth of the groove portion 18. ..
On the other hand, in the state shown in FIG. 4, the larger the deviation between the course of the laser transmitted from the distance measuring sensor 9 in the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment and the center 19 position of the tire 16, the greater the deviation of the groove portion 18. The measurement error when measuring the depth becomes large.
For example, when the diameter of the tire 16 is 600 mm and the angle θ of the installation surface 5a (or the installation surface 5b) with respect to the measurement surface 4 is 43 °, a measurement error when measuring the depth of the groove 18 of the tire 16. Does not occur in theory.
On the other hand, using the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 in which the angle θ of the installation surface 5a (or the installation surface 5b) with respect to the measurement surface 4 is set to 43 °, the depth of the groove 18 of the tire 16 having a diameter larger or smaller than 600 mm is used. When measuring the tire size, a measurement error occurs slightly depending on the diameter size of the tire 16, so it is desirable to correct the measured value depending on the required accuracy.
Therefore, in the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment, the diameter can be increased by setting the angle θ of the installation surface 5a (or the installation surface 5b) with respect to the measurement surface 4 within the range of 35 ° to 57 °. It is possible to provide a tire deterioration condition measuring instrument suitable for measuring the depth of the groove 18 of the tire 16 in the range of 400 to 1000 mm.

Further, the housing 2 of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment has two installation surfaces (installation surfaces 5a and 5b). However, in the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment, it is not necessary to specify the angle θ of the installation surface (installation surface 5a, 5b) with respect to the measurement surface 4 as one type, and two different types may be used.
That is, the housing 2 of the tire deterioration condition measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment, the angle theta is theta ₁ ° with respect to the measuring surface 4 _{(however, 35 ° ≦ θ 1 ≦ 57} °) of the installation surface 5a (previously diagrams 2) and the installation surface 5b (see FIG. 2 above), which also has an angle θ with respect to the measuring surface 4 of θ ₂ ° (where 35 ° ≤ θ ₁ <θ _{2 ≤ 57 °).} May be (optional component).
In this case, when the measurement is performed using the installation surface 5a, the distance (shortest) from the path of the laser transmitted from the distance measuring sensor 9 to the center 19 of the tire 16 when the _{angle θ with respect to the measuring surface 4 is θ 1 °.} A tire 16 having a diameter size such that the distance) is substantially zero, that is, a tire 16 having a diameter size such that the center 19 of the tire 16 is on the path of the laser transmitted from the distance measuring sensor 9 (first tire size). ), The measurement error when measuring the depth of the groove 18 can be minimized.
Further, when the measurement is performed using the installation surface 5b, the distance (shortest distance) from the path of the laser transmitted from the distance measuring sensor 9 to the center 19 of the tire 16 when the _{angle θ with respect to the measuring surface 4 is θ 2 °.} ) Can be minimized when measuring the depth of the groove 18 of the tire 16 (second tire size) having a diameter size such that the) is substantially zero.
That is, when the housing 2 of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment has two types of installation surfaces 5a and 5b having different angles θ with respect to the measurement surface 4, two specific types of tire sizes are provided. The measurement error when measuring the groove 18 depth of (the first tire size and the second tire size) can be minimized.

Further, in the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment, the cross section of the housing 2 (the cross section perpendicular to the sliding direction of the distance measuring sensor 9 or the light source 10 or the imaging device 11) is substantially.

Outside 2

形状（上記図形と略同様の形状）をなすよう構成してもよい（任意選択構成要素）。ただし、上記断面において最も長い辺が計測面４である。
なお、ここで筐体２の断面形状を「略」としているのは、上述の通り、計測面４に対する設置面（設置面５ａ，５ｂ）の角度θが２種類存在する場合があり、この場合、筐体２の断面形状が厳密な線対称をなさない場合があるためである。
そして、実施例１に係るタイヤ劣化状況計測器１の筐体２が上記断面形状を有する場合は、作業者がタイヤ劣化状況計測器１における計測面４以外の面を手のひらに把持した状態で使用する際に、筐体２の外形を作業者の手の平にフィットさせることができる。
この場合、実施例１に係るタイヤ劣化状況計測器１を用いてタイヤ１６の溝部１８の深さを計測する際に、作業者の手の疲労を軽減できることで作業者の身体的な負担を軽減することができる。さらに、作業者がタイヤ１６の溝部１８の深さの計測作業中に、誤ってタイヤ劣化状況計測器１を落下させてしまうリスクを低減することもできる。
したがって、実施例１に係るタイヤ劣化状況計測器１の断面形状を上述のように特定することで、その操作性を向上させることができる。

It may be configured to form a shape (a shape substantially similar to the above figure) (arbitrary selection component). However, the longest side in the above cross section is the measurement surface 4.
As described above, the cross-sectional shape of the housing 2 is defined as "omitted" because there may be two types of angles θ of the installation surfaces (installation surfaces 5a and 5b) with respect to the measurement surface 4. This is because the cross-sectional shape of the housing 2 may not have strict line symmetry.
When the housing 2 of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment has the above cross-sectional shape, it is used in a state where the operator holds a surface other than the measuring surface 4 of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 in the palm of the hand. When doing so, the outer shape of the housing 2 can be fitted to the palm of the operator.
In this case, when measuring the depth of the groove 18 of the tire 16 using the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment, the physical burden on the operator can be reduced by reducing the fatigue of the operator's hands. can do. Further, it is possible to reduce the risk that the operator accidentally drops the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 during the measurement work of the depth of the groove 18 of the tire 16.
Therefore, by specifying the cross-sectional shape of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment as described above, the operability can be improved.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the tire deterioration condition measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment may be provided with a handle 8 at the end of the housing 2 as needed (optional). Selected component).
In this case, the operability and portability of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 can be improved as compared with the case where the housing 2 of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 does not include the handle 8.
Further, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the tire deterioration condition measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment has an end portion of the housing 2 (when the housing 2 includes a handle 8) as needed. For example, a rod-shaped connecting portion 7 may be provided at the end portion on the side that does not have the handle 8 (arbitrary selection component).
In this case, the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment can be used by using the holding jig shown in the latter stage (see the holding jig 26A in FIG. 5 in the latter stage).
In the present embodiment, the case where the housing 2 of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 is provided with both the handle 8 and the connecting portion 7 is described as an example, but the housing 2 is provided with the handle 8 or the connecting portion. Only one of 7 may be provided.

Next, the holding jig according to the second embodiment for holding the tire deterioration condition measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 5A is a front view of a tire deterioration status measuring device in which the tire deterioration status measuring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is installed on the holding jig according to the second embodiment of the present invention. ) Is a side view of the device. The same parts as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description of their configurations will be omitted.
As shown in FIG. 5, for example, the holding jig 26A according to the second embodiment has a support column 22 erected on the mounting surface 21, and is pivotally installed on the support column 22 and with respect to the axial direction of the support column 22. It may be composed of a support arm 23 whose angle can be changed as desired.
Further, in the holding jig 26A according to the second embodiment as shown in FIG. 5, the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment is provided on the support arm 23 with the window portion 3 provided in the housing 2. It is installed and used so as to be in contact with or close to the ground contact surface 17 of the tire 16.

As a method of installing the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment on the support arm 23 of the holding jig 26A according to the second embodiment, for example, the distance is measured in the housing 2 of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1. A rod-shaped connecting portion 7 may be provided on at least one of the end faces of the sensor 9, the light source 10, or the imaging device 11 in the sliding direction, and the connecting portion 7 may be directly or indirectly attached to the support arm 23.
More specifically, when the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment is directly attached to the support arm 23, the support arm is connected to the connection portion 7 of the end surface of the housing 2 of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1. 23 may be fixed using, for example, a fixture (not shown) such as a bolt. Alternatively, when the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment is indirectly attached to the support arm 23, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the slider 13 of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 (FIGS. 1 and 2). A telescopic mechanism 25 that expands and contracts in parallel with the slide direction of (see) may be provided on the support arm 23 as a fixture, and the connecting portion 7 of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 may be connected to the telescopic mechanism 25 for use.
Further, even if the connecting portion 7 and the expansion / contraction mechanism 25 are not provided, the housing 2 of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 may be fixed to the support arm 23 by using a fixing tool (not shown) such as a bolt. ..
The method of installing the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment with respect to the holding jig 26A according to the second embodiment need not be specified as described above, and is, for example, omitted with respect to the measuring surface 4. A holding tool (not shown) for holding a pair of vertically formed side surfaces 31, 31 may be provided on the support arm 23 as a fixing tool.
Further, the two tire deterioration status measuring device 27A according to the second embodiment is obtained by integrally mounting the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment on the holding jig 26A according to the second embodiment.

According to the holding jig 26A according to the second embodiment as described above, the tire deterioration according to the first embodiment is in a state most suitable for measuring the depth of the groove 18 formed on the ground contact surface 17 of the tire 16. The situation measuring instrument 1 can be held.
In this case, the positional relationship between the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment and the tire 16 to be measured can be maintained in an appropriate state. In this case, it is possible to prevent a measurement error from occurring when measuring the depth of the groove 18 of the tire 16 due to the improper positional relationship between the tire 16 and the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment. be able to.
Therefore, according to the device in which the tire deterioration status measuring device 1 according to the first embodiment is attached to the holding jig 26A according to the second embodiment, that is, the tire deterioration status measuring device 27A according to the second embodiment, the first embodiment. It is possible to improve the measurement accuracy of the depth of the groove portion 18 of the tire 16 by the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the above.
In addition, when the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment is appropriately held by the holding jig 26A, the image pickup device 11 images the state of the inside of the groove 18 of the tire 16 and the side surface 16b of the tire 16. In this case, the positional relationship between the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 and the tire 16 can be made substantially constant. In this case, the variation in the image quality captured by the imaging device 11 can be reduced. As a result, the image captured by the image pickup apparatus 11 is analyzed by a method as disclosed in, for example, the patent gazette by the applicant of the present application described above, and the inside of the groove 18 of the tire 16 and the side surface 16b of the tire 16 are analyzed. It is possible to improve the accuracy when quantifying and grasping the crack occurrence distribution.

Further, in the tire deterioration status measuring device 27A according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a support arm 23 is pivotally provided on the support column 22. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5A, the angle of the support arm 23 with respect to the axial direction of the support column 22 can be changed as desired.
This means that by using the tire deterioration status measuring device 27A according to the second embodiment, the depth of the groove portion 18 at a desired position on the ground contact surface 17 of the tire 16 can be set to substantially the same condition without rotating the tire 16. In addition to this operation, it means that the state of the inside of the groove 18 of the tire 16 and the state of the side surface 16b of the tire 16 can also be imaged by the image pickup device 11.
Therefore, according to the tire deterioration status measuring device 27A according to the second embodiment, the depth of the groove 18 can be measured with high accuracy at a desired position on the ground contact surface 17 of the tire 16, and at that time, the imaging device By analyzing the image captured by 11, the deterioration state of the rubber of the tire 16 can be quantified and accurately evaluated.
As a result, according to the holding jig 26A (tire deterioration status measuring device 27A) according to the second embodiment, the deterioration status of the entire tire 16 can be grasped more accurately, whereby the tire 16 can be recycled. It becomes possible to appropriately evaluate whether or not there is, or whether or not it is possible to drive safely.

Further, the holding jig 26A (tire deterioration status measuring device 27A) according to the second embodiment may include the elongated hole 23a in the support arm 23 as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Optional component). In this case, the support arm 23 is pivotally installed on the support column 22 by the pivot shaft 24a (the shaft of the bolt 24) inserted into the elongated hole 23a formed in the support arm 23.
When the support arm 23 includes the elongated hole 23a, the support arm 23 can be slid in the longitudinal direction of the elongated hole 23a.
In this case, in the holding jig 26A according to the second embodiment (the tire deterioration status measuring device 27A according to the second embodiment), the distance from the installation position of the bolt 24 to the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment is determined. It can be changed steplessly.
As a result, the deterioration status of the tires 16 having various diameter sizes can be measured by using one holding jig 26A.
Therefore, according to the holding jig 26A according to the second embodiment (the tire deterioration status measuring device 27A according to the second embodiment), the versatility of the holding jig 26A with respect to the tire 16 diameter can be enhanced.

When the diameter of the tire 16 to be measured changes in the holding jig 26A according to the second embodiment (the tire deterioration status measuring device 27A according to the second embodiment), the mounting position of the pivot 24a on the support column 22 is set to the tire 16. It is necessary to change the position of the bearing 32 of the pivot 24a on the support column 22 so as to coincide with the center of rotation of. Therefore, the holding jig 26A according to the second embodiment has a slide structure of the bearing 32 on the support column 22.
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, for example, a scale 33 may be provided along the long side of the support column 22, and a scale 34 may be provided in the elongated hole 23a of the support arm 23 (optional component). ..
In this case, the scale 33 provided on the support column 22 is set so that, for example, the position of the mounting surface 21 is set to zero and the numerical value of the scale 33 increases toward the vertically upward side. Further, the scale 34 provided on the support arm 23 is set so that, for example, the position of the measurement surface 4 on the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 is set to zero, and the numerical value of the scale 33 increases as the distance from the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 increases. There is.
In this way, when the support column 22 and the support arm 23 are provided with the scale 33 and the scale 34, the work of changing the position of the bearing 32 on the support column 22 and the tire deterioration when the diameter of the tire 16 to be measured changes. The work of changing the distance from the measurement surface 4 of the situation measuring instrument 1 to the bearing axis 24a can be easily and accurately performed.
Further, when the diameter size of the tire 16 to be set on the holding jig 26A according to the second embodiment is predetermined, a reference line indicating the installation position of the pivot 24a according to the size of each tire 16 is set on the scale 33 or the scale 33. Instead of the scale 34, it may be provided on the support column 22 or the support arm 23 (arbitrary selection component; not shown).

Alternatively, instead of making the position of the bearing 32 on the column 22 changeable, the tire 16 is fixed while the center of the tire 16 (center 19; see FIG. 4 above) and the center of the pivot 24a are aligned and fixed in advance. A plurality of tire holding structures (not shown) may be provided according to the tire diameter (arbitrary selection component).

Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the holding jig 26A according to the second embodiment (the tire deterioration status measuring device 27A according to the second embodiment) includes the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment and the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment. An expansion / contraction mechanism 25 may be provided between the support arms 23 of the holding jig 26A (arbitrary selection component).
In this case, even when two tires 16 are arranged side by side, the expansion / contraction mechanism 25 is used to make contact with or approach the ground contact surface 17 of the tires 16 located away from the support arm 23, according to the first embodiment. The tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 can be arranged.
That is, the length of the measurement surface 4 of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment (the length of the guide rail 14 (see FIG. 1) in the central axis direction) is the groove portion 18 in the width of the single tire 16. Even if it is set to be suitable for depth measurement, using the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), two tires arranged side by side used for the rear wheels of a truck or the like. The depth of each groove 18 of 16 can be measured.
Therefore, when the holding jig 26A according to the second embodiment (the tire deterioration status measuring device 27A according to the second embodiment) is provided with the expansion / contraction mechanism 25, the convenience of the holding jig 26A can be further improved.

Finally, a modified example of the holding jig according to the modified example of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6A is a front view of a tire deterioration status measuring device in which the tire deterioration status measuring device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is installed on the holding jig according to the modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention. , (B) are side views of the device. The same parts as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description of their configurations will be omitted.
The holding jig 26B (tire deterioration status measuring device 27B) according to the modified example of the second embodiment may be provided with a rotation mechanism for rotating the tire 16 to be measured in the circumferential direction (arbitrary selection configuration). element).
As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the rotation mechanism includes, for example, a pedestal 28 that holds the support column 22 in an upright position, and a roller 29 that is provided on the pedestal 28 and rotates the tire 16 in the circumferential direction thereof. It may be provided with. Although not particularly shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the above-mentioned rotation mechanism further includes a drive mechanism for rotating the roller 29 at a desired speed.

Then, in the holding jig 26B (tire deterioration status measuring device 27B) according to the modified example of the second embodiment as described above, the measured value required for evaluating the deterioration status of the tire 16 by the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1. By sequentially repeating the operation of obtaining an image and the operation of rotating the tire 16 in the circumferential direction by a desired amount after this operation, the depth of the groove 18 in the entire circumferential direction of the tire 16 is measured regardless of manpower. In addition, images of the inside of the groove 18 of the tire 16 and the side surface 16b of the tire 16 can be captured.
Therefore, according to the holding jig 26B (tire deterioration status measuring device 27B) according to the modified example of the second embodiment, desired measured values and images are acquired in order to evaluate the deterioration status of the tire 16 removed from the wheel. The work can be fully automated.
In the holding jig 26B (tire deterioration status measuring device 27B) according to the modified example of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the angle of the support arm 23 with respect to the central axis of the support column 22 is changed in order to rotate the tire 16. No need. Therefore, in the holding jig 26B (tire deterioration status measuring device 27B) according to the modified example of the second embodiment, the central axis of the pivot axis 24a (bolt 24) and the rotation center of the tire 16 do not necessarily have to coincide with each other. ..

Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, the holding jig 26B (tire deterioration status measuring device 27B) according to the modified example of the second embodiment sets the measurement conditions and the like by the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 as necessary. Input unit that can be input, output unit that can output the measurement result by the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 as needed, correction of measurement error, etc. for the measurement result by the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 as necessary. A control box 30 that houses an arithmetic processing unit that can be used, a control unit that controls the rotation and stop of the roller 29, or a combination thereof as needed is provided integrally with or separately from the pedestal 28. May be (optional component). Although not particularly shown, the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment uses the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 for measuring values measured by the distance measuring sensor 9 and image data captured by the imaging device 11. A transmission means (connector connection, wireless communication equipment, etc.) is provided to enable transmission to the outside (for example, a control box 30 or the like) by wire or wirelessly.
According to the holding jig 26B (tire deterioration status measuring device 27B) according to the modified example of the second embodiment, it is possible to automate the work of acquiring the measured values and images necessary for evaluating the deterioration status of the tire 16. It is possible to change the settings of the measurement conditions and imaging conditions, or it is possible to output the measurement values obtained by the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 and the analysis results based on the images, or the measurement results and analysis results are required. It is possible to provide a high-performance installation type tire deterioration status measuring device which can be corrected accordingly or can control the operation of each part of the holding jig 26B as desired.

In FIG. 6B, the holding jig 26B according to the modified example of the second embodiment is installed with the surface of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 provided with the handle 8 arranged on the support column 22 side. Has been done. This is because the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the present embodiment does not have the window portion 3 on the side where the connecting portion 7 of the measuring surface 4 is arranged, as shown in FIG. 3A. Is.
Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, the support arm 23 of the holding jig 26B according to the modified example of the second embodiment is directly tire-deteriorated by using a conventionally known fixing tool (not shown) such as a bolt. The situation measuring instrument 1 may be installed (arbitrary selection component). In this way, in order to install the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 on the holding jig 26B without using the connecting portion 7, for example, a bolt shaft is placed at a desired position of the housing 2 of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1. It suffices to provide a hole for receiving.
Therefore, in the case where the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 can be attached to the holding jig 26B according to the modified example of the second embodiment without using the connecting portion 7, the housing 2 having no connecting portion 7 Since the holding jig 26B can be connected to the outer side surface, the convenience of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 can be further improved.
Although not particularly shown, when the window portion 3 is provided in substantially the entire longitudinal direction of the measurement surface 4 of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment, the holding jig shown in FIG. 6 (b) is provided. The connection portion 7 of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 can be connected to the support arm 23 of the tool 26B for use.

As described above, according to the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment, in addition to measuring the depth of the groove 18 formed on the ground contact surface 17 of the tire 16, the inside of the groove 18 of the tire 16 and the tire 16 It is possible to provide a tire deterioration status measuring instrument capable of acquiring an image used for analyzing the crack occurrence distribution of the side surface 16b.
Further, according to the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment, a highly versatile tire that can be used as a handy type measuring instrument or as an installation type measuring instrument mounted on the ground surface 20 or the like. A deterioration status measuring instrument can be provided.
In this embodiment, the case where the connection portion 7 and the handle 8 of the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment are provided on the end faces in the longitudinal direction of the housing 2 is described as an example, but the connection is described. The mounting position of the portion 7 and the handle 8 does not need to be specified at the position shown in the drawings of the present application, and may be provided at a desired position of the housing 2 if necessary.
In addition, the tire deterioration status measuring instrument 1 according to the first embodiment as described above can be attached to the holding jigs 26A and 26B according to the second embodiment and used as the tire deterioration status measuring devices 27A and 27B. It can also be used as a stationary type equipment that can measure the deterioration status of the tire 16 fully automatically without manpower.

As described above, the present invention can measure the depth of the groove formed on the ground contact surface of the tire, and also obtains an image used for analyzing the distribution of cracks in the groove of the tire and on the side surface of the tire. It is a tire deterioration status measuring instrument that can be used, a holding jig for holding the tire deterioration status measuring device, and a tire deterioration status measuring device including these, and can be used in the technical field related to transportation or its maintenance.

1 ... Tire deterioration status measuring instrument 2 ... Housing 3 ... Window part 4 ... Measuring surface 5a, 5b ... Installation surface 6 ... Back side 7 ... Connection part 8 ... Handle 9 ... Distance measuring sensor 10 ... Light source 11 ... Imaging device 12 ... Table 13 ... Slider 14 ... Guide rail 15a ... Origin sensor 15a 15b ... Forward limit sensor 15c ... Backward limit sensor 16 ... Tire 16a ... Edge edge 16b ... Side surface 17 ... Ground surface 18 ... Groove 19 ... Center 20 ... Ground surface 21 ... Placement Surface 22 ... Support column 23 ... Support arm 23a ... Long hole 24 ... Bolt 24a ... Axis 25 ... Telescopic mechanism 26A, 26B ... Holding jig 27A, 27B ... Tire deterioration status measuring device 28 ... Pedestal 29 ... Roller 30 ... Control box 31 ... Side surface 32 ... Bearings 33, 34 ... Scale

Claims (4)

It is an instrument for measuring the deterioration status of tires.
A housing provided with a window portion on the measurement surface that is arranged in contact with or close to the ground contact surface of the tire, and
A light source for lighting, which is provided in the housing at a position facing the window portion and slides in a direction across the groove portion of the tire.
An image pickup device provided in the housing at a position facing the window portion and sliding in a direction crossing the groove portion of the tire.
A table on which the light source and the image pickup device are placed and which slides in a direction crossing the groove portion of the tire.
A slide mechanism for sliding the table is provided.
A tire deterioration state measuring instrument, wherein the image pickup apparatus and the light source slide beyond the edge portion of the ground contact surface of the tire to a position away from the tire. The housing includes a back surface parallel to the measurement surface and two installation surfaces having an angle θ with respect to the measurement surface in the range of 35 ° to 57 °.
The distance from the measurement surface to the back surface is 0.6 or less when the length of the measurement surface in the cross section perpendicular to the slide direction of the light source or the image pickup device of the housing is 1. The tire deterioration status measuring instrument according to claim 1. The two installation surfaces
The first installation surface whose angle θ is θ _{1 and}
This is the second installation surface where the angle θ is θ _2.
The tire deterioration status measuring instrument according to claim 2, wherein the angle θ ₁ and the angle θ ₂ are 35 ° ≤ θ ₁ <θ _{2 ≤ 57 °.} The housing has a substantially vertical cross section with respect to the sliding direction of the imaging device or the light source.

It has a shape
The tire deterioration status measuring instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the measuring surface is the longest side in the vertical cross section.

Images