Tire processing device, tire repair device, repair sheet, tire repair method, and tire manufacturing method

Abstract

The present invention provides a tire processing device, a tire repair device, a repair sheet, a tire repair method, and a tire manufacturing method. The tire repair device (10) of the present invention comprises: a tire support portion (15) that rotatably supports a pneumatic tire (5); and an attachment mechanism (18) that causes a softening additive to adhere to a tread portion (5A) of the pneumatic tire (5) supported by the tire support portion (15) so that the additive permeates the tread portion (5A).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tire processing technology. Background Art

[0002] In addition to rubber components (rubber materials) such as SBR (styrene butadiene rubber), rubber compositions used in automotive tires and other applications also contain reinforcing agents (such as carbon black and silica), sulfur, vulcanization accelerators, and antioxidants. In particular, a softener is added to the tread portion, which comes into contact with the road surface, to soften the rubber component and maintain its softness while improving basic properties such as grip and weather resistance.

[0003] However, the main factor in the progression of tire degradation is the degradation of the tire over time. The softener gradually escapes from the tire over time, causing the rubber itself to harden. When the rubber hardens, the tread blocks and sipes formed on the tread become difficult to flex, and the grip performance and weather resistance are reduced. In particular, studless tires (studless tires) contain more softener than ordinary tires (summer tires) to achieve better grip on icy and snowy roads. Therefore, compared with ordinary tires, the hardening of the rubber in studless tires over time is more pronounced. Therefore, the hardening of the rubber causes a significant reduction in the ground contact and edge effect of studless tires on icy and snowy roads.

[0004] Conventionally, there has been known a method for removing the old tread portion of a tire whose tread has reached the end of its service life and replacing it with new tread rubber (see Patent Document 1).

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-114781 Summary of the Invention

[0008] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0009] However, conventional processing methods require processing operations such as removal and attachment of the tread portion, and thus cannot easily improve tire performance such as grip performance and weather resistance of the tread portion.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a tire processing device, a tire repair device, a repair sheet, a tire repair method, and a tire manufacturing method that can easily improve tire performance such as tire grip performance and weather resistance.

[0011] Solutions to Problems

[0012] (1) A tire processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a support portion for supporting a tire; and an attachment mechanism for attaching a softening additive to a tread portion of the tire supported by the support portion, thereby allowing the additive to penetrate into the tread portion.

[0013] Due to this configuration, the additive can be absorbed into the tire tread through the adhesion mechanism. This softens the tread, thereby improving tire performance, such as grip and weather resistance. Furthermore, the support portion is configured to support a tire without a wheel attached, or with a wheel attached.

[0014] (2) The tire processing apparatus of the present invention further includes a heating portion for heating the tread portion.

[0015] According to this configuration, the attachment mechanism can attach the additive to the tread portion heated by the heating portion, thereby allowing the additive to more effectively permeate the tread portion.

[0016] (3) In the tire processing apparatus of the present invention, the heating portion is provided in the vicinity of the attachment mechanism.

[0017] According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the heat of the heated tread portion.

[0018] (4) In the tire processing apparatus of the present invention, when the tire rotates in a predetermined rotational direction, the heating portion is provided on an upstream side of the attachment mechanism in the rotational direction.

[0019] According to this configuration, the tread portion is heated by the heating unit on the upstream side in the rotational direction, and the downstream attachment mechanism causes the additive to adhere to the heated area immediately after heating. Thus, the additive adheres to the tread portion immediately after the heated area is heated, allowing the additive to penetrate further into the tread portion.

[0020] (5) In the tire processing apparatus of the present invention, the support portion supports the tire rotatably in a predetermined rotational direction. Furthermore, the attachment mechanism includes a contact member that contacts a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the tread portion to cause the additive to adhere.

[0021] According to this configuration, the additive can be reliably attached to the entire outer peripheral surface of the tread portion by rotating the tire.

[0022] (6) The tire processing device of the present invention further includes a drive applying unit that applies a rotational driving force in the rotational direction to the tire.

[0023] According to this configuration, when the drive applying unit starts rotating, the tire continues rotating until the rotation stops. This allows the additive to adhere to the outer peripheral surface of the tread portion in an amount corresponding to the number of rotations of the tire.

[0024] (7) In the tire processing apparatus of the present invention, the contact member is a roller member that is rotatably supported in contact with the tread portion and is driven to rotate by contact with the tread portion of the rotating tire.

[0025] According to this configuration, the additive can be uniformly attached to the tread portion in the width direction.

[0026] (8) In the tire processing apparatus of the present invention, the attachment mechanism includes a pressing member that presses a contact surface of the contact member with the tread portion against the tread portion.

[0027] According to this structure, the contact member can be pressed against the tread portion. As a result, the penetration efficiency of the additive into the tread portion is improved, and the penetration time can be shortened.

[0028] (9) In the tire processing apparatus of the present invention, the pressing member is a biasing member that biases the contact member toward the tread portion.

[0029] According to this configuration, the contact member can be pressed against the tread portion by the stable restoring force of the urging member.

[0030] (10) In the tire processing apparatus of the present invention, the pressing member is an elastic member provided on the contact member and compressed by contact with the tread portion.

[0031] According to this configuration, the contact member can be pressed against the tread portion by the stable elastic force of the elastic member.

[0032] (11) The tire processing device of the present invention further includes a storage portion for storing the additive. Furthermore, the contact member is configured to be able to transport the additive from the storage portion to the tread portion.

[0033] With this structure, the additive stored in the storage portion can be smoothly delivered to the tread portion. In this case, the contact member is preferably a liquid-absorbing member such as a sponge member or a porous member that absorbs and retains the additive. Alternatively, the contact member may be a roller member formed from the liquid-absorbing member. Furthermore, the contact member may be a roller member having an outer peripheral layer formed from the liquid-absorbing member on its outer peripheral surface.

[0034] (12) Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a tire repair device comprising: an idling mechanism that causes a tire mounted on a vehicle to idle; and an attachment mechanism that causes an additive having a softening effect to adhere to the tread portion of the tire rotated by the idling mechanism and allows the additive to penetrate into the tread portion.

[0035] Due to this structure, the tire, when mounted on a vehicle wheel, rotates via the idling mechanism, allowing the additive to reliably adhere to the entire outer circumference of the tread. Furthermore, the additive can penetrate the tread without removing the tire from the vehicle. This softens the tread, improving tire performance, including grip and weather resistance.

[0036] (13) Another embodiment of the present invention is a repair sheet configured to be attached to a tire tread. The repair sheet includes an additive layer for retaining an additive having a softening effect on the tread, and a support layer for supporting the additive layer.

[0037] Due to this configuration, by attaching the surface of the repair sheet facing the additive layer to the tire tread, the additive can be reliably adhered to the outer circumference of the tread, allowing the additive to penetrate the tread. This softens the tread, improving tire performance, such as grip and weather resistance. Furthermore, by attaching the repair sheet to a tire that has not been used, it can prevent tire degradation over time.

[0038] (14) In the repairing sheet of the present invention, the additive layer is formed by solidifying the liquid additive with a predetermined solidifying agent.

[0039] According to this structure, the additive can be gradually supplied from the additive layer of the repair sheet to the tread portion. In addition, examples of the coagulant include polymer gelling agents and low molecular gelling agents.

[0040] (15) Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a tire repair method for restoring a hardened tread portion of a tire, comprising an additive attachment step in which an additive having a softening effect on the tread portion is attached to the tread portion, and the additive is allowed to penetrate into the tread portion.

[0041] By being constructed in this manner, the additive can be allowed to penetrate into the tread portion of the tire, thereby softening the hardened tread portion and restoring tire performance such as the tread portion's grip performance and weather resistance.

[0042] (16) The tire repair method of the present invention further includes a tire rotating step of imparting a rotational driving force to the tire to rotate it in a predetermined rotational direction. Furthermore, the additive attaching step attaches the additive to the tread portion of the tire rotated by the tire rotating step.

[0043] According to this configuration, the additive can be reliably attached to the entire outer peripheral surface of the tread portion by rotating the tire.

[0044] (17) In the tire repair method of the present invention, the tire rotating step causes the tire mounted on the vehicle to rotate idly using an idling mechanism that causes the tire to rotate idly.

[0045] According to this configuration, the additive can be allowed to permeate into the tread portion without removing the tire from the vehicle.

[0046] (18) In the tire repair method of the present invention, in the additive attachment step, the additive is attached to the entire area of ​​the outer peripheral surface of the tread portion by bringing a contact member holding the additive into contact with a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the tread portion of the rotating tire.

[0047] According to this configuration, the additive can be reliably attached to the entire outer peripheral surface of the tread portion.

[0048] (19) The tire repair method of the present invention further includes a heating step of heating the tread portion. Furthermore, the additive attaching step attaches the additive to the tread portion heated by the heating step.

[0049] According to this configuration, the additive can be attached to the tread portion heated in the heating step, thereby allowing the additive to more effectively permeate the tread portion.

[0050] (20) Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a tire, including an additive attachment step, wherein an additive having a softening effect on the tread portion is attached to the tread portion of the tire after vulcanization molding, and the additive is allowed to penetrate into the tread portion.

[0051] Due to this configuration, tire performance, such as grip and weather resistance, can be improved after vulcanization. Furthermore, by adjusting the amount of the additive that permeates the tread during the additive attachment process or adjusting the duration of the additive attachment process, tire performance, such as grip and weather resistance, can be arbitrarily varied.

[0052] Effects of the Invention

[0053] According to the present invention, tire performance such as the grip performance and weather resistance of the tread portion can be easily improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of a tire repairing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 2 It is a longitudinal sectional view of a tire repair device.

[0056] Figure 3 Schematic diagram showing the internal structure of a tire repair device.

[0057] Figure 4 It is a perspective view showing a tire to which a repair sheet according to a second embodiment of the present invention is attached.

[0058] Figure 5 A partially enlarged view showing the structure of a repair sheet.

[0059] Figure 6 A perspective view of a storage box for storing tires to which repair sheets are affixed.

[0060] Figure 7 This is a front view of a storage box containing tires.

[0061] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a tire repairing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiment is merely an example of a specific embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention. The following description uses the vertical direction D1, the front-back direction D2, and the left-right direction or the width direction D3 shown in the various figures.

[0063] <First embodiment>

[0064] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the appearance of the front side of a tire repair device 10 (an example of a tire processing device of the present invention) according to an embodiment of the present invention. The tire repair device 10 is used to restore the tread portion 5A (see FIG. 1 ) of a pneumatic tire 5 (hereinafter referred to as a "tire") that has deteriorated and hardened over time. Figure 2 ) of tire performance (grip performance, weather resistance, etc.).

[0065] The tire repair device 10 in this embodiment is designed to repair pneumatic tires 5 used on vehicles such as passenger cars. Specifically, the tires 5 can be used on a wide variety of vehicles, including passenger cars, large vehicles such as trucks and buses, motorcycles, racing vehicles, industrial vehicles, special vehicles, trailers, and trucks. While the pneumatic tires 5 described above are exemplary tires for vehicles, various types of tires, including airless tires not filled with pressurized air, that primarily contain rubber components (rubber materials) such as natural rubber (NR) and SBR (styrene butadiene rubber) can also be repaired. The tire 5 can be any tire primarily containing a rubber component used in the tire industry, and the rubber component is not particularly limited.

[0066] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the section II-II in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the tire repair device 10 is composed of a device body 11 as a housing, a door 12 mounted on the device body 11, and various functional units provided on the device body 11. The device body is formed in a substantially rectangular box shape and has an opening 111 (see FIG. Figure 2 The door 12 is a member for opening and closing the opening 111, and is rotated in a closed position ( Figure 1 The door 12 is rotatably supported on the apparatus body 11 between a position (shown) and an open position in which the opening 111 is opened. A window 121 made of transparent resin or glass is provided on the door 12 to enable observation of the interior of the apparatus body 11. When the door 12 is open, the tire 5 with the wheel 6 to be repaired is received into the apparatus body 11 through the opening 111.

[0067] The device body 11 is provided with a tire storage portion 14, a tire support portion 15 (an example of the support portion of the present invention), a motor 16 (an example of the drive imparting portion of the present invention), a drive transmission portion 17, an attachment mechanism 18 (an example of the attachment mechanism of the present invention), a liquid tank 19 (an example of the storage portion of the present invention), a heating portion 20 (see Figure 3 ), operation display panel 21 and control unit 22, etc.

[0068] The tire storage section 14 is a component that separates a storage chamber 141 for the tire 5 to be repaired. It is formed into a square cylindrical shape that extends rearward from the opening 111. The front side of the tire storage section 14 is connected to the opening 111. When the door 12 is locked in the closed position, the internal storage chamber 141 is sealed. Furthermore, the tire storage section 14 can be formed in any shape and size as long as it can accommodate the tire 5. For example, it can be formed into a cylindrical shape (drum shape) to match the shape of the tire 5.

[0069] The operation display panel 21 is provided on the upper wall 114 of the device body 11. The operation display panel 21 includes a display unit such as a liquid crystal panel and an operation unit such as a keypad or touch panel for touch input. The operation display panel 21 is operated by an operator and receives inputs such as start and stop instructions for the tire repair device 10, operation time settings, the rotational speed of the tire 5 driven by the motor 16 (described later), and the heating temperature setting for the heating unit 20 (described later). The input instructions and information are transmitted to the control unit 22 and used for control by the control unit 22.

[0070] A control unit 22 is provided above the tire storage section 14. A removable cover 115 is provided on the upper wall 114, and a storage section 116 is formed below the cover 115. The control unit 22 is provided within the storage section 116. The control unit 22 controls the driving of the motor 16 and the heating section 20, which will be described later.

[0071] The tire support unit 15 is configured to support the tire 5 housed in the storage chamber 141. In this embodiment, the tire support unit 15 supports the tire 5 so that it can rotate in the circumferential direction. Specifically, the tire support unit 15 includes a support frame 151 fixed to the rear wall 112 of the device body 11; a support frame 152 fixed to the rear wall 142 of the tire storage unit 14; a shaft 153 that passes through the rear wall 142 and is rotatably supported by the support frames 151 and 152; and a fixing plate 154 for securing the tire 5.

[0072] Rolling bearings 155 for supporting shaft 153 are provided on support frames 151 and 152. A sealing member for keeping the gap between rear wall 142 and shaft 153 airtight is provided in the through hole of rear wall 142 into which shaft 153 is inserted.

[0073] A disc-shaped fixing plate 154 is attached to the front end of the shaft 153. The fixing plate 154 is provided with a center shaft 156 protruding forward and a plurality of bolts 157. When the tire 5 is mounted, the center shaft 156 is inserted into the center hole 6A of the wheel 6. Furthermore, the bolts 157 are inserted into the bolt holes 6B of the wheel 6. The wheel 6 is mounted to the fixing plate 154, and nuts are tightened onto the bolts 157 to secure the tire 5 to the fixing plate 154. Thus, the tire 5 is rotatably supported by the tire support 15.

[0074] The motor 16 is a member for rotating the tire 5 supported by the tire support portion 15 and is provided at the bottom of the device body 11, specifically, at the bottom wall 113 of the device body 11. The motor 16 imparts a predetermined rotation direction D11 (see FIG. 11 ) to the tire 5 via the drive transmission portion 17. Figure 3 ) of the rotational driving force. Thus, when the motor 16 is driven and controlled, the tire 5 also rotates in the rotation direction D11. The drive of the motor 16 is controlled by the control unit 22.

[0075] The drive transmission unit 17 is a component that transmits the rotational driving force output from the output shaft 161 of the motor 16 to the shaft 153 of the tire support unit 15, and is arranged on the back side of the device body 11. The drive transmission unit 17 includes an output pulley 171, a belt 172, and an input pulley 173. The output pulley 171 is fixed to the output shaft 161. In addition, the input pulley 173 is fixed to the shaft 153. Moreover, an endless ring-shaped belt 172 is mounted on each pulley 171, 173 in a manner that is wound around each pulley 171, 173. Thus, when the motor 16 is driven, the rotational driving force is transmitted to the tire 5 via the output pulley 171, the belt 172, the input pulley 173, the shaft 153, and the fixed disk 154, causing the tire 5 to rotate in the rotation direction D11.

[0076] The liquid tank 19 is a component that stores a liquid additive (an example of the additive of the present invention) inside, and is provided in the tire storage portion 14. In the present embodiment, the liquid tank 19 is provided on the bottom wall 143 of the tire storage portion 14. The additive stored in the liquid tank 19 is a substance that is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the tread portion 5A of the tire 5 through the attachment mechanism 18, and has a softening effect on the tread portion 5A. When the additive is attached to the tread portion 5A, the additive penetrates into the interior of the tread portion 5A over time and enters between the polymers of the rubber component (rubber material) that is the main component. When the additive is oil, the fluidity can be increased and the grip performance can be improved. In addition, when the additive is an anti-aging agent, the weather resistance can also be improved. In this way, the tire performance of the tread portion 5A can be repaired.

[0077] The attachment mechanism 18 is a member for attaching the additive to the tread portion 5A of the tire 5 supported by the tire support portion 15, and is provided in the tire housing portion 14. When the additive stored in the liquid tank 19 is attached to the tread portion 5A by the attachment mechanism 18, the additive permeates from the surface of the tread portion 5A into the interior.

[0078] like Figure 2 As shown, the attachment mechanism 18 has a rotating roller 181 (an example of a contact member or roller member of the present invention) that causes the additive to adhere to the tread portion 5A by contacting the tread portion 5A on the outer peripheral surface. The rotating roller 181 has a rotating shaft 182 extending in the front-to-back direction D2. A bearing portion 183 that rotatably supports the rotating shaft 182 is provided on the bottom wall 143 of the tire storage portion 14. The bearing portions 183 are respectively provided at both ends of the bottom wall 143 in the front-to-back direction D2. Rolling bearings 185 are provided on the bearing portion 183, and both ends of the rotating shaft 182 are axially supported by the rolling bearings 185. As a result, the rotating roller 181 is rotatably supported by the bearing portion 183.

[0079] Figure 3 for Figure 2 The cross-section diagram of the cutting line III-III in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the rotating roller 181 is rotatably supported by the bearing portion 183, with the roller surface of the rotating roller 181 in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the tread portion 5A. Furthermore, the rotating roller 181 is rotatably supported by the bearing portion 183 while immersed in the additive stored in the liquid tank 19 located below it. Therefore, when the motor 16 is driven by the control unit 22 to rotate the tire 5 in the rotation direction D11, the rotating roller 181 is driven to rotate in the rotation direction D12 opposite to the rotation direction D11 of the tire 5 by the driving force transmitted from the outer peripheral surface of the tread portion 5A.

[0080] The rotating roller 181 is configured to transport the additive stored in the liquid tank 19 to the tread portion 5A. Specifically, as the rotating roller 181 rotates, the portion of the roller surface immersed in the liquid in the liquid tank 19 retains the additive and reaches a position of contact with the tread portion 5A. As a result, the additive adheres from the roller surface of the rotating roller 181 to the tread portion 5A.

[0081] Rotating roller 181 has a liquid absorption layer 187 on its outer periphery that absorbs and retains the additive. Liquid absorption layer 187 is not particularly limited as long as it can absorb and retain the additive; for example, it can be formed from a sponge, porous ceramics, non-woven fabric, or a mesh made of metal or resin. This configuration of rotating roller 181 ensures that the additive stored in liquid tank 19 is reliably deposited on tread portion 5A.

[0082] like Figure 2 As shown, the attachment mechanism 18 includes a spring member 186 (an example of a pressing member or biasing member of the present invention) that biases the rotating roller 181 toward the tread portion 5A. The spring member 186 is a so-called compression spring. It is provided in each bearing portion 183. The bearing portion 183 can be configured to support the rotating shaft 182 so that it can move within a predetermined range of motion in the vertical direction D1. In this case, if the rotating roller 181 is not subjected to any other external force, the spring member 186 biases the rotating shaft 182 upward, positioning the rotating roller 181 at its highest position within the range of motion. On the other hand, when the tire 5 is mounted on the fixed plate 154 and the tread portion 5A contacts the roller surface of the rotating roller 181, pushing the rotating roller 181 downward, the spring member 186 contracts against its restoring force (spring force), causing the rotating roller 181 to move downward from its uppermost position. In this state, the roller surface of the rotating roller 181 is pressed against the tread portion 5A by the restoring force of the spring member 186 , and pushes the tread portion 5A upward.

[0083] Due to this configuration of the attachment mechanism 18, the tread portion 5A can be pressed upward, and the additive can be attached to the tread portion 5A from the roller surface of the rotating roller 181. This improves the efficiency with which the additive penetrates the tread portion 5A, thereby shortening the penetration time. Furthermore, because the roller surface of the rotating roller 181 is pressed against the tread portion 5A by the restoring force of the spring member 186, a uniform pressing force can be applied across the width of the tread portion 5A, ensuring uniform penetration of the additive across the width.

[0084] In addition, the spring member 186 is shown as an example of a pressing member that urges the rotating roller 181 toward the tread portion 5A and pushes the tread portion 5A. However, for example, a tension spring that pulls the rotating shaft 182 upward may be provided in place of the spring member 186. In addition, an elastic member such as a rubber member may be used in place of the spring member 186.

[0085] Furthermore, as a pressing member for pressing the roller surface of rotating roller 181 toward the tread portion 5A, for example, rotating roller 181 may be formed of an elastic member such as a sponge or rubber member. In this case, rotating roller 181 does not need to be supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction D1, nor does it need to be provided with spring member 186. For example, the elastic member may rotatably support rotating roller 181 in a position recessed toward the rotation axis 182 when in contact with the tread portion 5A. With this configuration, a clamping portion having the same arc-shaped shape as the outer circumference of the tread portion 5A is formed on the roller surface of rotating roller 181. Therefore, the elastic force of the clamping portion, which causes it to return to its original position, is applied to the tread portion 5A. As a result, the roller surface of rotating roller 181 is pressed against the tread portion 5A. Even with this configuration, the stable elastic force of the elastic member can be used to press the roller surface against the tread portion 5A.

[0086] like Figure 3 As shown, a heating unit 20 is provided within the device body 11. The heating unit 20 radiates heat toward the tread portion 5A of the tire 5 supported by the tire support unit 15, thereby heating the tread portion 5A. The heating unit 20 is, for example, a heating device that radiates heat by passing an electric current through an electric heating element such as a halogen lamp. When the additive is attached to the tread portion 5A heated by the heating unit 20 using the attachment mechanism 18, the additive can more effectively penetrate the interior of the tread portion 5A.

[0087] The heating unit 20 is not limited to one that radiates heat to the tread portion 5A. For example, it may be a heat roller having the aforementioned electric heating element internally. In this case, the heat roller is rotatably supported in the tire housing portion 14 with the outer peripheral surface of the tread portion 5A of the tire 5 in contact with the roller surface.

[0088] The surface temperature of the tread portion 5A heated by the heating unit 20 is maintained at a predetermined set temperature by the control unit 22. Specifically, the surface temperature of the tread portion 5A heated by the heating unit 20 is detected by a temperature sensor 201, and the control unit 22 performs feedback control on the heating unit 20 so that the detected temperature reaches the set temperature. The set temperature is, for example, 60°. Furthermore, the set temperature is preferably set to a temperature corresponding to the additive being used.

[0089] In this embodiment, the heating unit 20 is provided near the attachment mechanism 18, specifically, upstream of the attachment mechanism 18 in the rotational direction D11. This prevents a decrease in the heat of the tread portion 5A heated by the heating unit 20. Furthermore, the additive can be attached to the heated portion of the tread portion 5A immediately after heating, allowing the additive to penetrate further into the tread portion 5A.

[0090] The tire repair method (tire repair method) for repairing a tire 5 using the tire repair device 10 according to this embodiment is a method for restoring tire characteristics such as grip performance and weather resistance of a hardened tread portion 5A. The method includes a tire rotation step, a heating step, and an additive application step. The steps described below may be performed in different orders while still producing the same desired effects. Of the steps, at least the additive application step is essential; the other steps may be omitted as appropriate.

[0091] After the additive is added to the liquid tank 19, the tire 5 is mounted on the tire support 15, and the door 12 is locked in the closed position, the operator operates the operation display panel 21 and inputs a drive instruction. During the tire rotation process, when the drive instruction is input, the motor 16 is driven by the control unit 22, thereby transmitting the rotational drive force in the rotation direction D11 to the tire 5, thereby rotating the tire 5 in the rotation direction D11.

[0092] In the heating step, when the driving instruction is input, the heating unit 20 is driven by the control unit 22 , and the heating unit 20 starts heating the tread portion 5A.

[0093] Furthermore, in the additive attaching step, when the tire 5 rotates in the rotation direction D11, the additive is attached to the tread portion 5A of the rotating tire 5 by the attaching mechanism 18. In this case, as described above, by bringing the rotating roller 181 holding the additive into contact with the tread portion 5A, the additive is attached to the entire roller surface of the tread portion 5A.

[0094] The additive attaching step may also be included in a method for manufacturing a tire 5 (tire manufacturing method) using the tire repairing device 10. In this case, the additive attaching step attaches the additive to the tread portion 5A of the vulcanized tire 5 and allows the additive to penetrate into the tread portion 5A.

[0095] In this case, the tire performance, such as the grip performance and weather resistance, of the tire 5 can be improved after vulcanization molding. Furthermore, by adjusting the amount of the additive that permeates the tread portion 5A during the additive attachment step or adjusting the duration of the additive attachment step, the tire performance, such as the grip performance and weather resistance, of the tire 5 can be arbitrarily changed.

[0096] As described above, the tire repair device 10 of this embodiment includes the attachment mechanism 18 for attaching the additive to the tread portion 5A of the tire 5 supported by the tire support portion 15. Therefore, the attachment mechanism 18 allows the additive to penetrate the tread portion 5A of the tire 5. This allows the additive to be supplied to the tread portion 5A, thereby improving tire performance, such as the grip performance and weather resistance, of the tire 5.

[0097] Furthermore, the tire repair device 10 is provided with a heating unit 20 for heating the tread portion 5A. Therefore, the attachment mechanism 18 can cause the additive to adhere to the tread portion 5A heated by the heating unit 20. This allows the additive to more effectively penetrate the tread portion 5A. Furthermore, the heating unit 20 is disposed near the attachment mechanism 18, thereby suppressing thermal degradation of the heated tread portion 5A. Furthermore, the heating unit 20 is disposed on the upstream side of the rotation direction D11 closer to the attachment mechanism 18, thereby allowing the additive to further penetrate the tread portion 5A after it has been heated.

[0098] Furthermore, in the tire repair device 10, since the rotating roller 181 is in contact with the tread portion 5A, the additive can be reliably and evenly applied to the tread portion 5A. Furthermore, since the roller surface of the rotating roller 181 is pressed against and pressed against the tread portion 5A, the efficiency of the additive penetrating into the tread portion 5A is improved, thereby shortening the penetration time.

[0099] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a rotating roller 181 is illustrated as an example of a contact member of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a flexible liquid-absorbing member capable of absorbing the additive may be used in place of the rotating roller 181. In this case, the lower end of the liquid-absorbing member is immersed in the liquid in the liquid tank 19, while the upper end is pressed against the tread portion 5A of the tire 5. As a result, the additive absorbed by capillary action moves through the liquid-absorbing member toward the upper end, where it adheres to the tread portion 5A.

[0100] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the rotating roller 181 is shown as being in contact with the tread portion 5A to cause the additive to adhere to the tread portion 5A. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, a configuration may be employed in which the additive in the liquid tank 19 is sprayed onto the tread portion 5A in a non-contact manner.

[0101] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the tire support portion 15 is illustrated as being mounted and fixed to the fixed plate 154 on the wheel 6 of the tire 5. However, the tire support portion 15 may be configured to only hold the tire 5 without the wheel 6. In this case, a cylindrical member is mounted on the fixed plate 154 to support the tire 5 instead of the wheel 6.

[0102] While the above embodiment illustrates a structure in which the tire 5 is rotatably supported by the tire support portion 15, the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, the tire housing 14 may be a cylindrical rotating drum rotatably supported within the apparatus body 11. In this case, the tire 5 is secured within the tire housing 14, where it rotates under the rotational drive force of the motor 16. Furthermore, in this case, the bottom of the tire housing 14 holds the substitute for the liquid tank 19. Furthermore, the tire 5 is secured to the tire housing 14 while its lower portion is constantly immersed in the additive stored at the bottom of the tire housing 14. With this structure, as the tire housing 14 rotates with the tire 5, the tread portion 5A of the tire 5 is continuously immersed in the additive at the bottom. Consequently, the additive adheres to the tread portion 5A.

[0103] Preferred examples of the additive having a softening effect will be described below.

[0104] The additive is an additive to be supplied to the tread portion 5A, and can be a softener commonly used in tire applications, such as aromatic resins, processing oils or oils such as vegetable oils, liquid diene polymers, polyterpene resins, etc. In addition, the additive itself can have a softening effect that softens the tread, or it can be mixed with other additives (oils, etc.) that have a softening effect when it has no softening effect itself. In the latter case, the mixture is equivalent to the "additive having a softening effect that softens the tread portion" in the present invention. The additive to be supplied to the tread portion 5A can be one type or contain two or more types.

[0105] The aromatic resin is a polymer containing an aromatic compound as a constituent component. The aromatic compound is not particularly limited as long as it is a compound having an aromatic ring. Examples of the aromatic resin include phenol compounds such as phenol, alkylphenol, alkoxyphenol, and phenol containing an unsaturated hydrocarbon group; naphthol compounds such as naphthol, alkylnaphthol, alkoxynaphthol, and naphthol containing an unsaturated hydrocarbon group; styrene derivatives such as styrene, alkylstyrene, alkoxystyrene, and styrene containing an unsaturated hydrocarbon group; coumarone, indene, and the like.

[0106] Furthermore, as the aromatic resin, for example, α-methylstyrene resin, coumarone indene resin, aromatic modified terpene resin, terpene aromatic resin, etc. can be applied.

[0107] Examples of α-methylstyrene resins include α-methylstyrene homopolymers and copolymers of α-methylstyrene and styrene. Coumarin-indene resins are resins containing coumarone and indene as monomer components constituting the skeleton (main chain) of the resin. Examples of monomer components contained in the skeleton other than coumarone and indene include styrene, methylindene, and vinyltoluene. Examples of aromatic-modified terpene resins include resins obtained by modifying terpene resins with aromatic compounds (preferably styrene derivatives, more preferably styrene) and resins obtained by hydrogenating the resins. Examples of terpene aromatic resins include resins obtained by copolymerizing terpene compounds and aromatic compounds (preferably styrene derivatives, phenol compounds, more preferably styrene) and resins obtained by hydrogenating the resins.

[0108] Examples of α-methylstyrene resins include SYLVARES SA85 (SYLVATRAX 4401), SA100, SA120, and SA140 (manufactured by Kraton Corporation, U.S.A.), and FTR0100, 2120, 2140, and 7100 (manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.). Examples of coumarone indene resins include G-90 and V-120 (manufactured by Nippon Paint Chemical Co., Ltd.), and NOVARES C10, C30, C70, C80, C90, C100, C120, C140, and C160 (manufactured by Rutgers Chemicals, Germany). Examples of the aromatic modified terpene resin include YS RESIN TO85, TO105, TO115, TO125, CLEARON M125, M115, M105, K100, and K4100 (manufactured by Yasuhara Chemical Co., Ltd.). Examples of the terpene aromatic resin include YS POLYSTER U130, U115, T160, T145, T130, T115, T100, T80, T30, S145, G150, G125, N125, K125, TH130, and UH115 (manufactured by Yasuhara Chemical Co., Ltd.), TAMANOL 803L and 901 (manufactured by Arakawa Chemical Industries, Ltd.), and SYLVARES TP95, TP96, TP300, TP2040, TP2019, TP2040HM, TP2040LO, TP7042, TP105, and TP115 (manufactured by Kraton Corporation, U.S.A.).

[0109] As the oil, for example, process oil, vegetable oil or their mixture can be listed. As process oil, for example, paraffinic process oil (mineral oil), aromatic process oil (aromatic oil), naphthenic process oil etc. used as plasticizer can be listed. As vegetable oil, castor oil, cottonseed oil, linseed oil, rapeseed oil, soybean oil, palm oil, coconut oil, peanut oil, rosin, pine oil, pine tar, tall oil, corn oil, rice bran oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, olive oil, sunflower seed oil, palm kernel oil, camellia oil, jojoba oil, macadamia nut oil (macadamia nut oil), tung oil etc. can be listed. They can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0110] The liquid diene polymer is not particularly limited as long as it has a weight average molecular weight of 50,000 or less. Examples thereof include styrene-butadiene copolymer (rubber), butadiene polymer (rubber), isoprene polymer (rubber), and acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer (rubber).

[0111] Examples of the polyterpene resin include terpene resins such as α-pinene resin, β-pinene resin, limonene resin, dipentene resin, and β-pinene / limonene resin, as well as hydrogenated terpene resins obtained by hydrogenating the terpene resins.

[0112] As the softener (additive), for example, products of Maruzen Petrochemical Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Bakelite Co., Ltd., Yasuhara Chemical Co., Ltd., Tosoh Corporation, Rutgers Chemicals (Germany), BASF (Germany), Kraton Corporation (USA), Nippon Paint Chemical Co., Ltd., Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd., JXTG Energy Co., Ltd., Arakawa Chemical Industries, Ltd., Taoka Chemical Industries, Ltd., Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd., Sankyo Yuka Kogyo Co., Ltd., Orisoi (Spain), H&R (Germany), Toyokuni Oil Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Showa Shell Sekiyu Co., Ltd., Fuji Kosan Co., Ltd., Daihachi Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., etc. can be used.

[0113] Furthermore, so-called antioxidants may be used as additives. Examples of such antioxidants include naphthylamine-based antioxidants such as phenyl-α-naphthylamine; diphenylamine-based antioxidants such as octylated diphenylamine and 4,4′-bis(α,α′-dimethylbenzyl)diphenylamine; p-phenylenediamine-based antioxidants such as N-isopropyl-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine, N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine, and N,N′-di-2-naphthyl-p-phenylenediamine; quinoline-based antioxidants such as 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline polymers; monophenol-based antioxidants such as 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol and styrenated phenol; and bis-, tri-, and polyphenol-based antioxidants such as tetrakis-[methylene-3-(3′,5′-di-tert-butyl-4′-hydroxyphenyl)propionate]methane. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0114] As the antioxidant (additive), for example, products of Seiko Chemical Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Ouchi Shinko Chemical Co., Ltd., Eastman Chemical Co. (USA) and the like can be used.

[0115] Furthermore, the additives may be so-called vulcanization accelerators. Examples of the vulcanization accelerator include thiazole-based vulcanization accelerators such as 2-mercaptobenzothiazole, di-2-benzothiazolyl disulfide, and N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazolyl sulfenamide; thiuram-based vulcanization accelerators such as tetramethylthiuram disulfide (TMTD), tetrabenzylthiuram disulfide (TBzTD), and tetrakis(2-ethylhexyl)thiuram disulfide (TOT-N); sulfenamide-based vulcanization accelerators such as N-cyclohexyl-2-benzothiazolesulfenamide, N-tert-butyl-2-benzothiazolylsulfenamide, N-oxyethylene-2-benzothiazolesulfenamide, N-oxyethylene-2-benzothiazolesulfenamide, and N,N′-diisopropyl-2-benzothiazolesulfenamide; and guanidine-based vulcanization accelerators such as diphenylguanidine, di-o-tolylguanidine, and o-tolylbiguanide. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0116] Furthermore, so-called plasticizers can be used as the additives. Examples of such plasticizers include ester plasticizers such as dibutyl adipate (DBA), diisobutyl adipate (DIBA), dioctyl adipate (DOA), di-2-ethylhexyl azelate (DOZ), dibutyl sebacate (DBS), diisononyl adipate (DINA), diethyl phthalate (DEP), dioctyl phthalate (DOP), diundecyl phthalate (DUP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), dioctyl sebacate (DOS), tributyl phosphate (TBP), trioctyl phosphate (TOP), triethyl phosphate (TEP), trimethyl phosphate (TMP), thymidine triphosphate (TTP), tricresyl phosphate (TCP), and trixylyl phosphate (TXP).

[0117] The following describes the effects of Examples 1 to 9 when a plurality of used tires, which are at least four years old from their manufacturing date, were repaired using the tire repair device 10 described above, with reference to Tables 1 to 3. The used tires used in Comparative Example 1 and Examples 1 to 9 described below were all used tires (ENASAVE EC203) manufactured by Sumitomo Rubber Co., Ltd., which were at least four years old from their manufacturing date.

[0118] As shown in the tables, as Comparative Example 1, a used tire T0 that had not been repaired by the tire repair device 10 was prepared. In addition, used tires repaired using the tire repair device 10 under different conditions were prepared as Examples 1 to 9. The tables show the measurement results of the plasticizer content, tire hardness, WET grip index, and ice performance index of the tread portion of the used tire T0 of Comparative Example 1 and the repaired used tires T1 to T9 of each Example, as well as the repair conditions of the used tires T1 to T9. In addition, the evaluation values ​​of the plasticizer content, tire hardness, WET grip index, and ice performance index in each of Examples 1 to 9 are expressed as relative evaluation values ​​when the evaluation values ​​of each item in Comparative Example 1 are set to 100.

[0119] In addition, the plasticizer content in the tread portion is measured using an acetone extraction method based on JIS K6229:2015 "Rubber - Method for determination of solvent extracts (quantitative)" using a small test piece cut from the surface of the tread portion. Specifically, the amount of extract extracted from the test piece is measured based on the acetone extraction method, and the measurement result is used as the plasticizer content in the test piece. In addition, the hardness of the tread portion is measured using a durometer (Type DDurometer) based on JIS K6253. In addition, the WET grip index and ice performance index are measured using a reproducible chassis dynamometer system under conditions such as rainy and snowy environments and frozen road environments.

[0120]

Table 1

[0121]

[0122] Table 1 shows Comparative Example 1 and Examples 1 to 3. Example 1 shows a used tire T1 repaired using the tire repair device 10 with a repair time of 4 hours and a tread surface temperature of 60°C. Example 2 shows a used tire T2 repaired using the tire repair device 10 with a repair time of 15 hours and a surface temperature of 60°C. Example 3 shows a used tire T3 repaired using the tire repair device 10 with a repair time of 24 hours and a surface temperature of 60°C. NH-70S (aromatic oil) manufactured by Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. was used as the additive in all cases.

[0123] As shown in Table 1, the plasticizer content of the repaired old tires T1 to T3 in Examples 1 to 3 increased. This means that the additive has penetrated into the tread portion. In addition, as the plasticizer content increases, the hardness value of the tread portion decreases. Moreover, the WET grip index and the ice performance index also increase with the increase in the plasticizer content. In addition, according to Examples 1 to 3 in Table 1, it can be understood that if the repair time is within the range of 4 to 24 hours, the longer the repair time, the higher the plasticizer content, and the greater the degree of recovery of the tread portion.

[0124]

Table 2

[0125]

[0126] Table 2 shows Comparative Example 1 and Examples 4 to 6. Example 4 shows a used tire T4 that was repaired using the tire repair device 10 with a repair time of 4 hours and a tread surface temperature of 20°. Example 5 shows a used tire T5 that was repaired using the tire repair device 10 with a repair time of 4 hours and a surface temperature of 40°. Example 6 shows a used tire T6 that was repaired using the tire repair device 10 with a repair time of 4 hours and a surface temperature of 80°. NH-70S (aromatic oil) manufactured by Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. was used as the additive in all cases.

[0127] As shown in Table 2, the plasticizer content of the repaired old tires T4 to T6 in Examples 4 to 6 increased. In addition, as the plasticizer content increased, the hardness value of the tread portion decreased. Moreover, the WET grip index and the ice performance index also increased with the increase in the plasticizer content. According to Example 1 in Table 1 and Examples 4 to 6 in Table 2, it can be understood that when the repair time is fixed (4 hours), if the surface temperature of the tread portion is within the range of 20°C to 80°C, the higher the surface temperature, the higher the plasticizer content, and the greater the degree of recovery of the tread portion.

[0128]

Table 3

[0129]

[0130] Table 3 shows Comparative Example 1 and Examples 7 to 9. Examples 7 to 9 all refer to used tires T7 to T9 that were repaired using the tire repair device 10 with a repair time of 24 hours and a surface temperature of the tread portion of 60°. In Example 7, PS-32 (mineral oil) manufactured by Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. was used as the additive. In Example 8, bis(2-ethylhexyl) sebacic acid (dioctyl sebacate) manufactured by Daihachi Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., which is a synthetic plasticizer, was used as the additive. In Example 9, NOVARES C10 (liquid coumarone indene resin) manufactured by Rutgers Chemicals, which is a liquid resin, was used as the additive.

[0131] As shown in Table 3, the plasticizer content in the repaired used tires T7-T9 in Examples 4-6 increased. Furthermore, according to Examples 3 in Table 1 and Examples 7-9 in Table 3, under the same repair conditions (repair time: 24 hours, surface temperature: 60°C), the tire hardness decreased the most when the synthetic plasticizer was used as the additive, while the WET grip index and ice performance index increased the most (see Example 8). Therefore, synthetic plasticizers are preferred as additives for use in the tire repair device 10, and bis(2-ethylhexyl) sebacic acid (dioctyl sebacate) is particularly preferred.

[0132] Furthermore, when the additive is liquid coumarone indene resin, the plasticizer content increases the most, and the ice performance index also increases the most (see Example 9). Furthermore, although not as good as Example 8, the tire hardness also decreases significantly, and the WET grip index also increases significantly. The greater the amount of additive that penetrates, the slower the rate of its release and degradation becomes, thus further extending the life of the repaired tire. In this regard, liquid coumarone indene resin is the most preferred additive, and aromatic resins to which liquid coumarone indene resin belongs are also preferred.

[0133] <Second embodiment>

[0134] Below, refer to Figures 4 to 7 A repair sheet 40 according to a second embodiment of the present invention (an example of a repair sheet according to the present invention) will be described. Descriptions of portions common to the first embodiment will be omitted. Furthermore, components common to the first embodiment will be designated in the figures with the same reference numerals as those used in the description of the first embodiment, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0135] Figure 4 4 is a perspective view showing a tire to which a repair sheet 40 is attached. Figure 4As shown, the repair sheet 40 is formed into a sheet shape and is used in a manner of being attached to the outer peripheral surface of the tread portion 5A of the tire 5 to be repaired.

[0136] Figure 5 FIG is a partial enlarged view showing the structure of the repair sheet 40. Figure 5 As shown, the repair sheet 40 includes a protective sheet 41 , an additive layer 42 (an example of the additive layer of the present invention) attached to the tread portion 5A, and a support 43 (an example of the support layer of the present invention) supporting the additive layer 42 .

[0137] The protective sheet 41 covers the additive layer 42 and prevents leakage of the additive contained in the additive layer 42. As the protective sheet 41, a known protective sheet can be used, and for example, a resin film sheet can be used.

[0138] The additive layer 42 includes additives to be supplied to the tread portion 5A. The additive may have a softening effect on its own to soften the tread, or it may be mixed with other additives (oil, etc.) that have a softening effect when it does not have a softening effect on its own. In the latter case, the mixture corresponds to the "additive with a softening effect to soften the tread portion" in the present invention. The additive layer 42 may contain one or more additives, and may also contain other components as needed. In this embodiment, the additive layer 42 contains a coagulant for retaining the additive. The coagulant increases the viscosity (or hardness) of the additive by itself or by interacting with the additive, thereby solidifying the additive. Since the coagulant is contained in the additive layer 42, the additive layer 42 maintains its surface in a wet state through the additive, thereby retaining the additive. The coagulant can use, for example, a polymer gelling agent called a polymer absorber, or a low molecular gelling agent such as 12-hydroxystearic acid.

[0139] The support 43 supports the additive layer 42 and prevents damage to the repair sheet 40 due to external factors. The support 43 is flexible and can support the additive layer 42. As long as the additive does not leak, there are no particular limitations on the material. Thick-walled resin sheets, rubber sheets, and surface-coated cloth sheets can be used. Alternatively, the protective sheet 41 can serve as the "support" in the present invention. In this case, when the repair sheet 40 is used, the protective sheet 41 (which also serves as the support) is removed before or after the additive layer 42 is attached to the surface of the tread portion 5A.

[0140] The repair sheet 40 constructed in this manner is attached to the tread portion 5A of a tire 5 whose tire characteristics, such as grip performance and weather resistance, have been reduced, with the protective sheet 41 removed. By attaching the repair sheet 40 to the tread portion 5A, the additives that gradually seep out of the additive layer 42 adhere to the tread portion 5A of the tire 5 and gradually penetrate the interior of the tread portion 5A. This replenishment of the additives to the tread portion 5A improves the tire 5's tire characteristics, such as grip performance and weather resistance. Furthermore, when storing conventional tires not used in the winter or studless tires not used in the summer, attaching the repair sheet 40 to the tread portion 5A prevents tire degradation during periods of non-use and restores tire characteristics. Furthermore, the additives in the liquid state of the additive layer 42 of the repair sheet 40 have a high viscosity due to the coagulant, thus losing their fluidity. Therefore, when the repair sheet 40 is attached to the surface of the tread portion 5A, the additive layer 42 can be modified to match the tread pattern formed on the tread portion 5A. Consequently, when the repair sheet 40 is attached to the surface of the tread portion 5A, a portion of the additive layer 42 partially deforms into the tread grooves formed in the tread portion 5A and enters these grooves. This allows the additive to penetrate into the tread portion 5A from the side and bottom surfaces of the grooves. As a result, the additive is effectively supplied to the tread portion 5A.

[0141] Figure 6 It is a perspective view showing a storage box 50 for storing the tire 5 being repaired to which the repair sheet 40 is affixed.

[0142] like Figure 6 As shown, the storage box 50 includes a lower box 51 that can stand on the ground and an upper box 52 that is rotatably supported on the lower box 51. The lower box 51 has a base 53 that is grounded and a storage portion 54 that can accommodate the lower half of the tire 5. The bottom surface 541 of the storage portion 54 is formed into an arc shape to correspond to the outer circumference of the tire 5. A pressing member 56 is provided on the bottom surface 541, which contacts the tire 5 when it is stored. The pressing member 56 is made of an elastic member such as a sponge or rubber member and is formed into a sheet. The pressing member 56 is attached to the entire surface of the bottom surface 541.

[0143] Upper case 52 is formed into an arcuate shape to correspond to the outer circumference of tire 5. Upper case 52 includes a storage portion 55 that accommodates the upper half of tire 5 housed in lower case 51. Like bottom surface 541, inner surface 551 of storage portion 55 is formed into an arcuate shape to correspond to the outer circumference of tire 5. Furthermore, inner surface 551 is also provided with a pressing member 57 having the same structure as pressing member 56.

[0144] The lower case 51 and the upper case 52 are resin molded products molded from, for example, a synthetic resin capable of shielding ultraviolet light.

[0145] For long-term storage of the tire 5 under repair, the tire 5 is stored in a storage box 50. Once the tire 5 is stored in the lower box 51 of the storage box 50, the upper box 52 is rotated to cover the upper half of the tire 5. Then, when the upper box 52 is fully closed, the lower and upper boxes 51, 52 are locked together using a locking mechanism (not shown). This ensures that the tire 5 under repair is hermetically stored within the storage box 50.

[0146] Figure 7 This figure shows a storage box 50 for storing the tire 5 under repair. Figure 7 The internal cross-sectional structure is partially shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, when the storage box 50 contains the tire 5 under repair, the repair sheet 40 attached to the tread 5A is pressed against the tread 5A by the weight of the tire 5 and the elastic force of the pressing member 56. Furthermore, when the upper box 52 is closed, the pressing member 57 of the upper box 52 applies force toward the tread 5A, pressing the repair sheet 40 against the tread 5A. This allows the repair sheet 40 to be attached to the tread 5A with a uniform pressing force, reliably adhering the additive contained in the additive layer 42 to the tread 5A. Furthermore, since the additive layer 42 is pressed against the tread 5A with a uniform force, the amount of additive that penetrates the tread 5A is uniform. Furthermore, as the additive layer 42 is pressed against the tread grooves formed in the tread 5A, a portion of the additive layer 42 partially deforms, facilitating its entry into the grooves. This allows the additive to more effectively penetrate into the tread portion 5A from the side surfaces and bottom surfaces of the tread grooves.

[0147] Furthermore, to shorten the repair time of the stored tire 5 or to promote the penetration of the additive, the storage box 50 may also have a heating function. As a structure having a heating function, a structure in which sheet-like electric heating sheets are provided on the bottom surface 541 and the inner surface 551, and the heating of the electric heating sheets is controlled by a control unit (not shown).

[0148] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the storage box 50 is exemplified as the storage means for storing and storing the tire 5 under repair, but the tire 5 may be stored using, for example, a light-shielding bag-shaped tire cover.

[0149] The following describes the effects of Examples 10 to 18, using repair sheets 40 to repair the tread portions 5A of multiple used tires that are four years old or older, with reference to Tables 4 to 6. The used tires in Examples 10 to 18 were repaired by being stored in a storage container 50 with the repair sheets 40 attached to the outer circumferences of their tread portions 5A and stored for a predetermined period. The used tires used in Comparative Example 2 and Examples 10 to 18, shown below, were all Sumitomo Rubber Co., Ltd. used tires (ENASAVE EC203), four years old or older.

[0150] As shown in the tables, as Comparative Example 2, a used tire T20 that had not been repaired with the repair sheet 40 was prepared. In addition, used tires repaired using the repair sheet 40 under different conditions were prepared as Examples 10 to 18. The tables show the antioxidant content in the tread portion of the used tire T20 of Comparative Example 2 and the results of measuring the ozone resistance index, as well as the repair conditions of the used tires T10 to T18 after repair, as well as the repair conditions of the used tires T10 to T18. In addition, the evaluation values ​​of the antioxidant content and the ozone resistance index in each of Examples 10 to 18 are expressed as relative evaluation values ​​when the evaluation values ​​of each item in Comparative Example 2 are set to 100.

[0151] The antioxidant content in the tread was measured using a small test piece cut from the tread surface using the acetone extraction method in accordance with JIS K6229:2015, "Rubber - Determination of Solvent Extracts (Quantitative)." Specifically, the amount of extract from the test piece was measured using the acetone extraction method, and the result was used as the antioxidant content in the test piece.

[0152] In addition, the ozone resistance index is evaluated by making a test piece of a specified size from the surface of the tread portion and subjecting the test piece to a dynamic ozone degradation test in accordance with JIS K 6259 "Vulcanized rubber and thermoplastic rubber - Method for determining ozone resistance". Specifically, the test piece is subjected to a 48-hour reciprocating motion test at a frequency of 0.5±0.025 Hz under the conditions of an ozone concentration of 50±5 pphm, a test temperature of 40°C, and a tensile strain of 20±2%. The state of cracks generated in the test piece after the test (presence of cracks, number of cracks, crack length, etc.) is observed to evaluate the ozone resistance index. The evaluation method uses the method described in JIS K 6259 (Method A: Crack State Observation Method). Specifically, a numerical value representing the degree of crack occurrence is calculated by multiplying the number of cracks larger than 0.05 mm confirmed after the test by the average length of cracks larger than 0.05 mm in length, and the reciprocal of this numerical value is used as the evaluation value of the ozone resistance index. Therefore, compared with the ozone resistance index of 100 of Comparative Example 2, which serves as an evaluation standard, a larger numerical value indicates that fewer cracks have occurred, and it can be said that the smaller the cracks, the better the ozone resistance.

[0153]

Table 4

[0154]

[0155] Table 4 shows Comparative Example 2 and Examples 10 to 12. The repair sheet 40 used in Examples 10 to 12 primarily contains an anti-aging agent (an example of an additive), oil (an example of an additive), and a coagulant in an additive layer 42 at a ratio of 10:10:2. The anti-aging agent used was nocrac 6C, manufactured by Ouchi Shinko Chemical Co., Ltd., which contains N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N′-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine as its main component. Similarly to Examples 10 to 18, the oil used was PS-32 (mineral oil) manufactured by Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd., and the coagulant used was hydroxystearic acid.

[0156] Examples 10 to 12 are examples of repairing used tires stored at a temperature of 25°C. Example 10 is a used tire T10 repaired by attaching the repair sheet 40 to the tread for three days. Example 11 is a used tire T11 repaired by attaching the repair sheet 40 to the tread for seven days. Example 12 is a used tire T12 repaired by attaching the repair sheet 40 to the tread for 14 days.

[0157] As shown in Table 4, the antioxidant content in the repaired used tires T10 to T12 increased in Examples 10 to 12. This indicates that the additive has penetrated the tread. Furthermore, as the antioxidant content increases, the ozone resistance index in the tread also increases. Furthermore, based on Examples 10 to 12 in Table 4, it can be understood that if the repair time is within the range of 3 to 14 days, the longer the repair time, the greater the antioxidant content, the greater the ozone resistance index, and the greater the degree of tread recovery.

[0158]

Table 5

[0159]

[0160] Table 5 shows Comparative Example 2 and Examples 13 to 15. The repair sheet 40 used in Examples 13 to 15 mainly contains an anti-aging agent (an example of an additive), oil (an example of an additive), and a coagulant in an additive layer 42 at a ratio of 10:10:2. The anti-aging agent used was Nocrac 224, manufactured by Ouchi Shinko Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., which contains a 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline polymer as its main component.

[0161] Examples 13 to 15 are examples of repairing used tires stored at a temperature of 25°C. Example 13 is a used tire T13 repaired by attaching the repair sheet 40 to the tread for three days. Example 14 is a used tire T14 repaired by attaching the repair sheet 40 to the tread for seven days. Example 15 is a used tire T15 repaired by attaching the repair sheet 40 to the tread for fourteen days.

[0162] As shown in Table 5, in Examples 13 to 15, the antioxidant content of the repaired old tires T13 to T15 increased. This means that the additive has penetrated the tread. In addition, as the antioxidant content increases, the ozone resistance index in the tread also increases. In addition, according to Examples 13 to 15 in Table 5, it can be understood that if the repair time is within the range of 3 to 14 days, the longer the repair time, the higher the antioxidant content, the greater the ozone resistance index, and the greater the degree of recovery of the tread. Moreover, when comparing Example 10 and Example 13, Example 11 and Example 14, and Example 12 and Example 15, it can be understood that the nocrac 224 as an antioxidant additive has a greater degree of recovery of the tread than the nocrac 6C.

[0163]

Table 6

[0164]

[0165] Table 6 shows Comparative Example 2 and Examples 16 to 18. The repair sheets 40 used in Examples 16 to 18 primarily contain an anti-aging agent (an example of an additive), oil (an example of an additive), and a coagulant in an additive layer 42 at a ratio of 10:10:2. The anti-aging agent used was a mixture of Nocrac 6C and Nocrac 224 manufactured by Ouchi Shinko Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. at a ratio of 1:1.

[0166] Examples 16 to 18 are examples of repairing used tires stored at a temperature of 25°C. Example 16 is a used tire T16 repaired by attaching the repair sheet 40 to the tread for three days. Example 17 is a used tire T17 repaired by attaching the repair sheet 40 to the tread for seven days. Example 18 is a used tire T18 repaired by attaching the repair sheet 40 to the tread for fourteen days.

[0167] As shown in Table 6, the antioxidant content in the repaired used tires T16-T18 in Examples 16-18 increased. This indicates that the additive has penetrated the tread. Furthermore, as the antioxidant content increases, the ozone resistance index in the tread also increases. Furthermore, based on Examples 16-18 in Table 6, it can be understood that if the repair time is within the range of 3 to 14 days, the longer the repair time, the greater the antioxidant content, the greater the ozone resistance index, and the greater the degree of recovery of the tread.

[0168] <Third embodiment>

[0169] Below, refer to Figure 8 A tire repairing device 60 according to a third embodiment of the present invention (an example of a tire processing device according to the present invention) will be described. Figure 8 While a vehicle 61 is shown as a four-wheeled passenger vehicle, the type and application of the vehicle 61 are not limited. Furthermore, descriptions of portions common to the first embodiment are omitted. Furthermore, components common to the first embodiment are denoted in the figures by the same reference numerals as those used in the description of the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0170] Figure 8 Schematic diagram showing the structure of the tire repair device 60. Figure 8 As shown, the tire repair device 60 has an idling drive device 62 (an example of an idling mechanism of the present invention) for idling the tire 5 mounted on the vehicle 61, a roller attachment device 63 (an example of an attachment mechanism of the present invention) for attaching the additive to the tread portion 5A of the tire 5, and a control device 64 for controlling the idling drive device 62.

[0171] The idle drive device 62 is installed in a storage room formed below the floor 71 of the work area where repair work on the vehicle 61 is performed. The idle drive device 62 includes a motor 621, a pair of rollers 622 spaced apart in the width direction of the vehicle 61, and a common base 623 to which these rollers are secured. The pair of rollers 622 are rotatably supported by the common base 623. The pair of rollers 622 are secured to a common rotating shaft 625, which is pivotally supported by a support frame 624 of the common base 623.

[0172] While being supported by the common base 623 , a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the roller 622 is exposed on the ground surface 71 from an opening 72 formed in the ground surface 71 . The tire 5 of the vehicle 61 runs on the exposed portion 628 of the roller 622 .

[0173] A belt 627 for transmitting the rotational driving force of the motor 621 is wound around an output shaft 626 of the motor 621 and a rotation shaft 625 of the roller 622 . The rotational driving force of the motor 621 is transmitted to the rotation shaft 625 via the belt 627 .

[0174] The motor 621 is driven and controlled by the control device 64. When the motor 621 is driven by the control device 64, the roller 622 rotates in a predetermined rotation direction D21.

[0175] The roller attachment device 63 is a device for attaching the additive to the tread portion 5A of the tire 5 of the vehicle 61. The device includes a storage box 631 in which the additive is stored, and a rotating roller 634 (an example of a contact member or roller member of the present invention) rotatably supported by the storage box 631. The rotating roller 634 has a width at least equal to the width of the tread portion 5A of the tire 5.

[0176] Rotating roller 634 is supported by storage box 631 so that a portion of its surface is immersed in the liquid within storage box 631. Therefore, as rotating roller 634 rotates, the immersed portion of the roller surface retains the additive and moves in the direction of rotation. Rotating roller 634 can employ the same structure as rotating roller 181 described in the first embodiment.

[0177] In this embodiment, with the tire 5 of vehicle 61 resting on the exposed portion 628 of roller 622, vehicle 61 is secured by vehicle restraint device 66 installed on ground surface 71. In this state, roller attachment device 63 is secured to ground surface 71 with the roller surface of rotating roller 634 in contact with the tire 5 of vehicle 61. Then, with the transmission of vehicle 61 in neutral and the tire 5 free, control device 64 drives motor 621.

[0178] When the motor 621 is driven by the control device 64 and the roller 622 rotates in the rotational direction D21, the tire 5 is driven to rotate in the rotational direction D22 opposite to the rotational direction D21 by the driving force transmitted from the exposed portion 628 of the roller 622. Then, as the tire 5 rotates in the rotational direction D22, the rotating roller 634 is driven to rotate in the rotational direction D21 opposite to the rotational direction D22 of the tire 5 by the driving force transmitted from the outer peripheral surface of the tread portion 5A. As the rotating roller 634 rotates, the impregnated portion of the roller surface immersed in the liquid in the storage tank 631 retains the additive and reaches a contact position with the tread portion 5A. As a result, the additive is deposited from the roller surface of the rotating roller 634 onto the tread portion 5A.

[0179] With the tire repair device 60 configured in this manner, the additive can be reliably applied to the entire outer circumference of the tread portion 5A by rotating the tire 5 mounted on the wheel 6 of the vehicle 61 via the idling drive 62. Furthermore, the additive can be allowed to penetrate the tread portion 5A without removing the tire 5 from the vehicle 61. As a result, the tread portion 5A can be softened, thereby improving tire performance, such as grip and weather resistance.

Claims

1. A tire processing device, characterized in that: have: a support portion for supporting the tire; a heating portion that heats a tread portion of the tire supported by the support portion; and an attachment mechanism for attaching a softening additive to the tread portion heated by the heating portion, and for allowing the additive to penetrate into the tread portion; The heating unit is provided near the attachment mechanism, and when the tire rotates in a predetermined rotational direction, the heating unit is provided on the upstream side of the attachment mechanism in the rotational direction. The attachment mechanism causes the additive to adhere to the tread portion immediately after being heated by the heating portion.

2. The tire processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The support portion supports the tire rotatably in a predetermined rotation direction. The attachment mechanism includes a contact member that contacts a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the tread portion to cause the additive to adhere.

3. The tire processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The tire further includes a drive imparting unit that imparts a rotational drive force in the rotational direction to the tire.

4. The tire processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The contact member is a roller member that is rotatably supported in contact with the tread portion and is driven to rotate by contact with the tread portion of the rotating tire.

5. The tire processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The attachment mechanism includes a pressing member that presses a surface of the contact member that contacts the tread portion against the tread portion.

6. The tire processing device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The pressing member is a biasing member that biases the contact member toward the tread portion.

7. The tire processing device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The pressing member is an elastic member provided on the contact member and compressed by contact with the tread portion.

8. The tire processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: It also includes a storage portion for storing the additives. The contact member is configured to be capable of conveying the additive from the housing portion to the tread portion.

9. A tire repair device, characterized in that: have: a lost motion mechanism that causes a tire mounted on a vehicle to lose motion; a heating portion that heats a tread portion of the tire; and an attachment mechanism that causes a softening additive to adhere to the tread portion of the tire rotated by the idling mechanism and allows the additive to penetrate into the interior of the tread portion; The heating unit is provided near the attachment mechanism, and when the tire rotates in a predetermined rotational direction, the heating unit is provided on the upstream side of the attachment mechanism in the rotational direction. The attachment mechanism causes the additive to adhere to the tread portion immediately after being heated by the heating portion.

10. A repair sheet to be attached to the tread of a tire. The repair sheet is characterized by comprising: an additive layer for retaining an additive having a softening effect of softening the tread portion; and A support layer is used to support the additive layer.

11. The repair sheet according to claim 10, wherein The additive layer is formed by solidifying the liquid additive using a predetermined coagulant.

12. A tire repair method for restoring a hardened tread portion of a tire, characterized in that: include: a heating step of heating the tread portion of the tire while the tire is rotating in a predetermined direction; an additive attaching step of attaching an additive having a softening effect on the tread portion to the tread portion, and allowing the additive to penetrate into the interior of the tread portion; In the additive adhering step, the additive is adhered to the tread portion that has just been heated in the heating step.

13. The tire repair method according to claim 12, wherein: The method further includes a tire rotating step of applying a rotational driving force to the tire to rotate the tire in a predetermined rotational direction.

14. The tire repair method according to claim 13, wherein: In the tire rotating step, the tire mounted on the vehicle is rotated by an idle rotation mechanism for idle rotation of the tire.

15. The tire repair method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that: In the additive adhering step, the additive is adhered to the entire outer peripheral surface of the tread portion by bringing a contact member holding the additive into contact with a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the tread portion of the rotating tire.

16. A method for manufacturing a tire, characterized in that: The process includes the following steps: a heating step of heating the tread portion of the tire while the tire is rotating in a predetermined direction; The additive attaching step is to attach an additive having a softening effect on the tread portion to the tread portion of the tire after vulcanization and to allow the additive to penetrate into the interior of the tread portion. In the additive adhering step, the additive is adhered to the tread portion that has just been heated in the heating step.

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