Tire inspection device

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of tire inspection technology and provides a tire inspection device comprising a conveying assembly, a clamping assembly, and a collection assembly. The conveying assembly conveys a tire to be inspected. The clamping assembly is provided at a tire inspection station and includes a pair of symmetrically installed clamping members; each clamping member includes a swing arm of two sections; and a clamping roller is rotatably connected to the outer end of each swing arm, so that the pair of clamping members clamp the tire to be inspected by surrounding and contacting the surface of the tire to be inspected; wherein at least one clamping roller is driven to rotate, thereby rotating the tire to be inspected. The collection assembly includes a plurality of first image collectors and a second collection member; the plurality of first image collectors are installed correspondingly on the outer surface of the tire to be inspected; and the second collection member includes at least one second image collector movable to be inserted into the tire, thereby inspecting the surface of the tire while it is rotating. The clamping member firmly grips the tire to induce deformation in the tire under inspection, and drives the tire under inspection to rotate through an actively rotating clamping roller.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of tire inspection technology, and in particular to a tire inspection device. Background Technology

[0002] Tires are toroidal elastic rubber products mounted on various vehicles or machines to make contact with the ground and roll. Tires are generally used under complex and harsh conditions and must withstand various deformations, loads, forces, and high and low temperatures while driving; therefore, they must possess high load-bearing capacity, traction performance, and cushioning performance.

[0003] In practice, tires must undergo various quality inspections after production. For instance, these inspections check for defects on the tire surface, such as cracks, rubber deficiency, scratches, and air bubbles, to identify issues that affect the quality of the tire product. In related technologies, inspection techniques generally involve placing the tire on an inspection platform, deforming it by compressing it using a compression device (such as a cross-shaped frame, a "Rice" shaped frame, or a disc), and then observing the appearance of the compressed, deformed tire. However, existing tire surface inspection devices have the following problems:

[0004] 1. Since most tires are inspected while stationary after compression, the inspection is ineffective as it does not properly reflect the condition of the tire while driving.

[0005] 2. Some devices can deform and rotate tires, but the inspection efficiency is low because the structure of the device is complex and operation is cumbersome. The problem to be solved

[0006] Taking into account the disadvantages of the prior art described above, the objective of the present invention is to provide a tire inspection device to solve the problems of the related technology. means of solving the problem

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention provides a tire inspection device. The tire inspection device comprises:

[0008] It includes a return assembly, a clamping assembly, and a collection assembly;

[0009] The above-described return assembly is configured to return a tire to be inspected along a predetermined path, wherein the predetermined path includes a tire inspection station;

[0010] The clamping assembly is provided in the tire inspection station, and the clamping assembly includes a pair of clamping members symmetrically installed and provided above the conveying assembly; each of the clamping members includes at least two sections of swing arms connected in conjunction, and when the at least two sections of swing arms are driven to swing, they perform a clamping / unceasing operation on the tire to be inspected; a clamping roller is rotatably connected to the outer end of each of the swing arms, so that the pair of clamping members clamp the tire to be inspected so as to surround and contact the surface of the tire to be inspected; wherein, at least one of the clamping rollers is driven to rotate, thereby rotating the tire to be inspected;

[0011] The above-described collection assembly includes a plurality of first image collectors and a second collection member; the plurality of first image collectors are installed correspondingly on the outer surface of the tire to be inspected; the second collection member is provided between a pair of clamping members, and the second collection member includes at least one second image collector movable to be inserted into the tire to inspect the surface of the tire while it is rotating.

[0012] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the second collecting member further includes at least one spreading unit installed corresponding to the second image collector; the spreading unit includes two spreading members that are driven to move closer to or further apart from each other, and when they move apart, the bead of the tire to be inspected is spread apart so that the second image collector is inserted into the tire to be inspected, thereby collecting an image of the inner surface of the tire to be inspected.

[0013] In an embodiment of the first aspect, each of the spreading members includes a connecting tooth and a spreading portion rotatably connected to the connecting tooth; the connecting teeth of two of the spreading members are engaged, wherein at least one of the connecting teeth is driven to rotate so that the spreading portions of the two spreading members are separated from each other.

[0014] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the spreading unit is implemented as a pair; and the second image collector is installed between the pair of spreading units.

[0015] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the second collecting member further comprises a second connector; and a plurality of the second image collectors are spaced apart and installed on the surface of the second connector along the circumferential direction of the second connector.

[0016] In an embodiment of the first aspect, a driving tooth is installed at the inner end of each swing arm; and the driving teeth of two swing arms located on the same clamping member engage to link the two swing arms.

[0017] In an embodiment of the first aspect, an inwardly concave region is formed in the central portion of one of the two clamping rollers of each clamping member and an outwardly convex region is formed in the central portion of the other; among the four clamping rollers, an inwardly concave region is formed in the central portion of one of the two clamping rollers adjacent to each other and an outwardly convex region is formed in the central portion of the other; and / or, at least one of the clamping rollers of each clamping member is installed to be driven and rotated.

[0018] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the transfer assembly is further included; the transfer assembly includes a first transfer table, the first transfer table includes a first outlet, and one end of the return assembly is installed corresponding to the first outlet; and the tire inspection device further includes a centering assembly installed on the first transfer table and positioned close to the first outlet to align a tire to be inspected on the first transfer table with the return assembly.

[0019] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the centering assembly comprises a second support and two centering members; the second support is provided on the first transfer table, and the two centering members are spaced adjustablely and provided on the second support; and / or, the transfer assembly further comprises a second transfer table configured to receive a tire that has been inspected and installed correspondingly to the transfer assembly.

[0020] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the centering assembly further comprises an interlocking mechanism; the interlocking mechanism comprises an interlocking plate, two interlocking rods, and a fourth driving member; the central portion of the interlocking plate is hinged to the second support and is located between the two centering members; one end of each interlocking rod is hinged to one centering member, and both ends of the interlocking plate are hinged to the other end of the centering member; and the fourth driving member is provided on the second support and is drivenly connected to one centering member or the interlocking plate. Effects of the invention

[0021] As described above, the present invention provides a tire inspection device comprising a conveying assembly, a clamping assembly, and a collection assembly. The conveying assembly is configured to convey a tire to be inspected along a predetermined path, wherein the predetermined path includes a tire inspection station. The clamping assembly is provided at the tire inspection station and includes a pair of clamping members symmetrically installed and provided above the conveying assembly; each of the clamping members includes at least two sections of swing arms connected in conjunction, and when the at least two sections of the swing arms are driven to swing, they perform a clamping / unclamping operation on the tire to be inspected; a clamping roller is rotatably connected to the outer end of each of the swing arms, so that the pair of clamping members clamp the tire to be inspected so as to surround and contact the surface of the tire to be inspected; wherein at least one of the clamping rollers is driven to rotate, thereby rotating the tire to be inspected. The collection assembly includes a plurality of first image collectors and second collection members; A plurality of the first image collectors are installed correspondingly on the outer surface of the tire to be inspected; the second collecting member is provided between a pair of the clamping members, and the second collecting member includes at least one second image collector movable to be inserted into the tire to inspect the surface of the tire while it is rotating. By configuring as above, the following advantages are provided. That is, the two clamping members firmly grip the tire to cause deformation in the tire to be inspected, thereby easily inspecting whether cracks exist in the tire tread; furthermore, by driving and rotating the tire to be inspected through an actively rotating clamping roller, the collecting member can completely collect image information of the outer surface and the inner surface of the tire, thereby improving the accuracy of the tire inspection.Next, the swing arm can firmly grip tires of different sizes to be inspected in a swing manner, thereby improving the applicability of the tire inspection device and improving the efficiency of the tire inspection. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a structure showing a tire inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure showing a tire inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a structure showing a return assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a structure showing a clamping assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. The example in FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a structure showing another embodiment of the clamping assembly of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure showing the combination of a collection assembly and a tire to be inspected according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a structure showing the movement method of a second collecting member according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a structure showing the movement method of a first image collector according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a structure showing a second collecting member according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a second collecting member according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a collection assembly implemented as a pair. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a single structure showing a pair of spreading units. FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a collection assembly implemented as a pair. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a structure showing another embodiment of a spreading unit. FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a structure showing a centering assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention are described below through specific examples, and those skilled in the art can easily understand the other advantages and effects of the present invention through the contents disclosed in the present invention. The present invention may also be implemented through different specific embodiments or application modules, and various details of the present invention may be modified or changed according to different aspects and application modules without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It should be noted that embodiments and features of the present invention may be combined with one another as long as they do not conflict.

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention are described below in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. The present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0025] In the content of the present invention, references to terms such as “one embodiment,” “some embodiment,” “example,” “specific example,” or “some example” mean that specific features, structures, materials, or properties associated with or exemplarily expressed in such embodiments are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or properties described may be combined in an appropriate manner in any one or a set of embodiments or examples. Additionally, unless contradictory, those skilled in the art may combine and combine different embodiments or examples and features of different embodiments or examples as described in the present invention.

[0026] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used solely for descriptive purposes and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance, or implying the number of indicated technical features. Accordingly, the features limited to "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In the expression of the invention, "a set" means two or more unless specifically limited otherwise.

[0027] To clearly explain the present invention, elements unrelated to the description have been omitted, and the same reference numerals have been assigned to identical or similar components throughout the specification.

[0028] Throughout the specification, when it is stated that one element is "connected" to another element, this includes not only cases where they are "directly connected," but also cases where they are "indirectly connected" with another element interposed between them. Furthermore, when it is stated that one element "includes" a certain component, unless specifically stated otherwise, this does not mean that other components are excluded, but rather that other components may be included.

[0029] In some examples, the terms "first" and "second" are used to refer to various elements in the text, but these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one element from another. For example, they are denoted as the first interface and the second interface. Additionally, as used herein, the singular forms "one," "one," and "corresponding" are interpreted to include the plural forms unless otherwise specified in the context. It should be further understood that the terms "include" and "include" indicate the presence of the aforementioned features, steps, operations, elements, modules, items, types, and / or sets, but do not exclude the presence, occurrence, or addition of one or a set of other features, steps, operations, elements, modules, items, types, and / or sets. The terms "or" and "and / or" as used herein are interpreted inclusively or mean any one or any combination. Therefore, "A, B or C" or "A, B and / or C" means "A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C". An exception to this definition appears only when combinations of elements, functions, steps, or operations are essentially mutually exclusive in any way.

[0030] The technical terms used herein are for the reference of specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular forms used herein include the plural forms unless otherwise clearly indicated in the text. The meaning of "included" as used in the specification is to specify a particular characteristic, area, integer, step, operation, element, and / or component, and is not to exclude the presence or addition of other characteristics, areas, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components.

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be further interpreted to have meanings consistent with relevant technical literature and the information currently provided, and should not be over-interpreted to have an ideal or highly formal meaning unless otherwise defined.

[0032] Tires are toroidal elastic rubber products mounted on various vehicles or machines to make contact with the ground and roll. Tires are generally used in complex and harsh conditions and must withstand various deformations, loads, forces, and high and low temperatures while driving; therefore, they must possess high load-bearing capacity, traction performance, and cushioning performance.

[0033] In practice, tires must undergo various quality inspections after production to check for defects, such as cracks on the tire surface, thereby inspecting for issues that affect the quality of the tire product. Conventional inspection techniques generally involve placing the tire on an inspection platform, deforming it by compressing it using a compression device (such as a cross-shaped frame, a "Rice" shaped frame, or a disc), and then observing the appearance of the deformed tire. However, existing tire surface inspection devices have the following problems:

[0034] 1. Since most tires are inspected while stationary after compression, the inspection is ineffective as it does not properly reflect the condition of the tire while driving.

[0035] 2. Some devices can deform and rotate tires, but the inspection efficiency is low because the structure of the device is complex and operation is cumbersome.

[0036] Based on the aforementioned problems, the two clamping members of the present invention not only firmly grip the tire to cause deformation in the tire under inspection and easily inspect whether cracks exist in the tread, but also drive and rotate the tire under inspection through an actively rotating clamping roller, thereby enabling the collecting member to completely collect image information of the outer and inner surfaces of the tire, thus improving the accuracy of the tire inspection. Furthermore, the swing arm firmly grips tires under inspection of different sizes in a swinging manner, thereby improving the applicability of the tire inspection device and improving the efficiency of the tire inspection.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a structure showing a tire inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure showing a tire inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram showing a clamping assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the examples of FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the tire inspection device includes a conveying assembly (100), a clamping assembly (200), and a collection assembly (300).

[0038] The above-described return assembly (100) is configured to return a tire to be inspected along a predetermined path, wherein the predetermined path includes a tire inspection station. It can be understood that the tire to be inspected can be accurately transported to the tire inspection station by providing feedback on the position of the tire through a device such as a transparent photoelectric device.

[0039] The clamping assembly (200) is provided in the tire inspection station, and the clamping assembly (200) includes a pair of clamping members (210) symmetrically installed above the conveying assembly (100), each clamping member (210) includes at least two sections of swing arms (211) connected in conjunction, and when the at least two sections of the swing arms (211) are driven and swing, they perform a clamping / unceasing operation on the tire to be inspected, and a clamping roller (212) is rotatably connected to each outer end of each swing arm (211), so that the pair of clamping members (210) clamp the tire to be inspected by surrounding and contacting the surface of the tire to be inspected, wherein at least one of the clamping rollers (212) is driven and rotated to rotate the tire to be inspected.

[0040] The above-described collection assembly (300) includes a plurality of first image collectors (310) and a second collection member (320), wherein the plurality of first image collectors (310) are installed correspondingly on the outer surface of the tire to be inspected, and the second collection member (320) is provided between a pair of clamping members (210), and the second collection member (320) includes at least one second image collector (321) that is movable as much as possible to inspect the surface of the tire while it is rotating.

[0041] By configuring as described above, the following advantages are achieved. Specifically, the two clamping members (210) firmly grip the tire to cause deformation in the tire to be inspected, thereby facilitating inspection for cracks in the tire tread. Additionally, by driving and rotating the tire to be inspected through the actively rotating clamping roller (212), the collection assembly (300) can completely collect image information of the outer and inner surfaces of the tire, thereby improving the accuracy of the tire inspection. Furthermore, the swing arm (211) firmly grips tires of different sizes to be inspected in a swinging manner, thereby improving the applicability of the tire inspection device and improving the efficiency of the tire inspection.

[0042] For example, the tire inspection device includes a frame body (10) for loading each assembly. Each assembly is bolted to a predetermined position on the frame body (10) to satisfy the production requirements described above.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a structure showing a conveying assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the example of FIG. 3, the conveying assembly (100) includes a first support (110), a conveyor belt unit (120), and at least one first extendable member (130). The conveyor belt unit (120) is provided to be vertically movable on the upper part of the first support (110), and the first extendable member (130) is vertically installed, with one end fixedly connected to the first support (110) and the other end fixedly connected to the conveyor belt unit (120) to drive the vertical movement of the conveyor belt unit (120) through an extendable motion.

[0044] For example, the conveyor belt unit (120) includes a conveyor belt, a pair of power transmission rollers, and a motor that drives the rotation of the power transmission rollers. For example, the first extension member (130) is implemented in multiple numbers. The multiple first extension members (130) are installed in a uniform distribution between the first support (110) and the conveyor belt unit (120) to ensure stability during the lifting and lowering of the conveyor belt unit (120). For example, the first extension member (130) is implemented as an oil cylinder or a gas cylinder.

[0045] A person skilled in the art will understand that after the clamping assembly (200) firmly grips the tire to be inspected, the conveyor belt unit (120) descends to a designated position to prevent damage to the tire caused by contact with the tire to be inspected while it is subsequently rotating.

[0046] In the example of FIG. 3, the conveying assembly (100) further includes a support member. The support member includes a plurality of support rollers (140), and the plurality of support rollers (140) are uniformly distributed and installed on the first support (110) along the horizontal circumference direction, and the support rollers (140) are located at the same height as the conveyor belt unit (120). It can be understood that when the width of the conveyor belt unit (120) is smaller than the diameter of the tire to be inspected, the support member can improve the stability of the tire to be inspected by supporting a portion of the tire to be inspected that does not come into contact with the conveyor belt unit (120).

[0047] In the example of FIG. 4, each of the clamping members (210) further includes a first driving member (213). For example, a driving tooth (2111) is provided on the inner end of each swing arm (211). The driving teeth (2111) of two swing arms (211) on the same clamping member (210) are engaged, and the first driving member (213) is fixedly connected coaxially with the driving tooth (2111) on one of the swing arms (211) so that when the first driving member (213) operates, the two swing arms (211) can be coupled. For example, the driving tooth (2111) is implemented with a plurality of spur gear teeth or helical teeth.

[0048] In the example of FIG. 4, each of the clamping members (210) further includes a second driving member (214), and the second driving member (214) is driven to one of the clamping rollers (212). For example, the second driving member (214) is provided on the upper wall of the swing arm (211), and the output end penetrates the swing arm (211) downward and is fixedly connected coaxially to the clamping roller (212). That is, the second driving member (214) and the clamping roller (212) are installed together on the swing arm (211) without needing to be installed separately, thereby saving space.

[0049] In the example of FIG. 4, an inwardly concave region is formed in the central part of each clamping roller (212). Those skilled in the art will understand that when the clamping roller (212) comes into contact with the tire to be inspected, the upper and lower edges of the tire come into contact with the larger diameter portion of the clamping roller (212), and at this time, the deformation region provides a deformation space to a portion of the tire wall of the compressed tire to be inspected. Preferably, the upper and lower diameter sizes of the clamping roller (212) are the same, thereby further enhancing the above-described effect.

[0050] The example of FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a structure showing another embodiment of the clamping assembly of the present invention. In the example of FIG. 5, an inwardly concave region is formed in the center of one of the two clamping rollers (212) of each clamping member (210), and an outwardly convex region is formed in the center of the other. In four clamping rollers (212), an inwardly concave region is formed in the center of one of the two adjacent clamping rollers (212), and an outwardly convex region is formed in the center of the other.

[0051] A person skilled in the art will understand that when the tire under inspection rotates, the tire wall takes the following form:

[0052] 1. The tire wall of the portion corresponding to the clamping roller (212) forming an inward concave area on the tire to be inspected is compressed and protrudes outward to the inward concave area (contacting or not contacting the wall surface of the inward concave area).

[0053] 2. The tire wall in contact with the clamping roller (212) forming an outward convex area on the tire being inspected is compressed and indented inward in a form that is clamped to the outward convex area.

[0054] For example, the area corresponding to the inwardly concave region of the tire to be inspected is referred to as the outer convex wall portion, and the outer convex wall portion includes a first outer wall and a first inner wall. The area of ​​the tire to be inspected corresponding to the outwardly convex region is referred to as the inner concave wall portion, and the inner concave wall portion includes a second outer wall and a second inner wall. Preferably, the location of the collection area of ​​a plurality of the first image collectors (310) is installed corresponding to the first outer wall of the outer convex wall portion to acquire image information of the tire wall of the convex portion of the tire outer wall in a timely manner. The location of the collection area of ​​the second image collectors (321) is installed corresponding to the second inner wall of the inner concave wall portion to acquire image information of the tire wall of the concave portion of the tire inner wall in a timely manner. This improves the inspection effect of tire cracks.

[0055] By configuring as described above, the following advantages are provided. Specifically, in the case where cracks exist in the tire wall, the cracks appear not only when the tire wall becomes convex outward, but also when the tire wall becomes concave inward. By configuring as described above, the tire can be inspected when it is in the two aforementioned deformation states, thereby making the inspection more comprehensive and improving the effectiveness of the tire inspection.

[0056] In another embodiment, an inwardly concave region is formed in the central part of one clamping roller (212) of one clamping member (210), and an outwardly convex region is formed in the central part of the other clamping roller (212), and an inwardly concave region is formed in the central part of both clamping rollers (212) of the other clamping member (210). Thus, crack inspection of the outer wall of the tire is implemented by compressing through three inwardly concave clamping rollers (212), and crack inspection of the inner wall of the tire is implemented by compressing through one outwardly convex clamping roller (212). By configuring as above, the following advantages are provided. That is, not only can cracks in the inner and outer walls of the tire be additionally inspected, but stability during rotation of the tire to be inspected can also be additionally secured through the three inwardly concave clamping rollers (212).

[0057] Preferably, the location of the collection area of ​​the second image collector (321) is installed corresponding to the clamping roller (212) forming an outwardly convex area, thereby acquiring image information of the tire wall in a timely manner in the concave portion inwardly of the tire wall. This improves the accuracy of tire crack inspection.

[0058] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure showing the combination of a collection assembly and a tire to be inspected according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the example of FIG. 6, the dotted line represents a cross-section of the tire to be inspected. One of the plurality of first image collectors (310) is installed aligned with the upper surface of the tire to be inspected, another is installed aligned with the lower surface of the tire to be inspected, and yet another is installed aligned with the tread of the tire to be inspected that contacts the ground. The second image collector (321) is driven and installed aligned with the tire to be inspected. It can be understood that the placement positions of the collectors described above allow for the relatively complete collection of image information of the tire surface when the tire to be inspected rotates, thereby improving the accuracy of the tire surface crack inspection.

[0059] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a structure showing the movement method of a second collecting member (320) according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the example of FIG. 7, the second collecting member (320) is provided in a second moving unit. The second moving unit includes a first moving member (322) that moves up and down in the vertical direction and a second moving member (323) that moves in the horizontal direction. The second collecting member (320) is provided in the first moving member (322), the first moving member (322) is provided in the second moving member (323), and the second moving member (323) is provided in the frame body.

[0060] In the example of FIG. 7, the first moving member (322) and the second moving member (323) are both implemented as electric cylinders. Those skilled in the art will understand that when the tire to be inspected is not in the tire inspection station of the return assembly, the second collecting member (320) is located directly above the tire inspection station, and when the tire to be inspected is in the tire inspection station, it does not come into contact with the tire. When the tire to be inspected moves to the tire inspection station, the second collecting member (320) is driven by the first moving member (322) so that the second image collector (321) is aligned with the bead of the tire to be inspected, and by the second moving member (323) so that the second image collector (321) is inserted into the bead of the tire to be inspected, thereby collecting an image of the inner surface of the tire to be inspected.

[0061] In another embodiment, the first moving member (322) and the second moving member (323) may also be implemented as oil cylinders or gas cylinders.

[0062] For example, the first image collector (310) and the second image collector (321) are implemented as depth cameras.

[0063] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a structure showing a movement method of a first image collector according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the example of FIG. 8, the first image collector (310) is provided in a first moving unit, and the first moving unit includes a third moving member (311) that moves in a horizontal direction. For example, the first image collector (310) is provided in a protective case, the protective case is provided in the third moving member (311), and the third moving member (311) is provided in the frame body (10). In the example of FIG. 8, the third moving member (311) is implemented as an electric cylinder.

[0064] More exemplarily, a laser distance measuring device (312) is further provided within the protective case. For example, the laser distance measuring device (312) is electrically connected to an external control device, and the control device is electrically connected to the third moving member (311). It can be understood that since the inner diameters of tires of different sizes are different, the distance that the first image collector (310) must travel also varies. Accordingly, the first image collector (310) moves to a designated position based on the measurement of the laser distance measuring device (312) and the driving of the third moving member (311), thereby improving the applicability of the tire inspection device.

[0065] For example, since the driving method of multiple first image collectors (310) is the same, it is not repeated here.

[0066] FIG. 9 is a schematic structural diagram showing a second collecting member according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram showing a second collecting member according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the example of FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the second collecting member (320) further includes at least one spreading unit (324) and is installed correspondingly to the second image collector (321). The spreading unit (324) includes two spreading members (3241) that are driven to move closer to or further apart from each other. When they move apart, the bead of the tire to be inspected is spread apart so that the second image collector (321) is inserted into the tire to be inspected, thereby collecting an image of the inner surface of the tire to be inspected.

[0067] For example, the second collecting member (320) further includes a second connector (325), and at least one spreading unit (324) is provided on the side wall of the second connector (325).

[0068] For example, each of the above-mentioned spreading members (3241) includes a connecting tooth (32411) and a spreading member (32412) rotatably connected to the connecting tooth (32411). The connecting teeth (32411) of two of the spreading members (3241) are engaged. Here, at least one of the connecting teeth (32411) is driven to rotate, causing the two spreading members (3241) to swing in opposite directions. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 9, the second collecting member (320) further includes a third driving member (326), and the third driving member (326) is driven to one of the connecting teeth (32411). A person skilled in the art can understand that when the third driving member (326) drives and rotates one of the connecting teeth (32411), the connecting teeth (32411) drives and rotates another connecting tooth (32411), thereby causing the spreading portions (32412) of the two spreading members (3241) to move apart from each other, thereby achieving the purpose of spreading the bead of the tire to be inspected.

[0069] In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the connecting member (32411) is provided with a connecting rod, and the spreading member (32412) is rotatably connected to the connecting rod coaxially. At least one bearing is provided between the area where the spreading member (32412) and the connecting rod are joined, and if the area where the spreading member (32412) and the connecting rod are joined is long, the bearing may be implemented as two or more. For example, the connecting rod is detachably connected to the connecting member (32411). In another embodiment, the connecting rod is fixedly connected to the connecting member (32411).

[0070] In the example of FIG. 10, the connecting tooth (32411) is provided with a plurality of teeth. The plurality of teeth are installed intensively in a part area (e.g., an incomplete gear) of the connecting tooth (32411), and the specific number of teeth installed is based on the opening angle required by the two opening members (3241). That is, the larger the opening angle required by the two opening members (3241), the more teeth the connecting tooth (32411) has, and the wider the angle range in which the plurality of teeth are arranged.

[0071] In the example of FIG. 10, the second image collector (321) is implemented in multiple units. The multiple second image collectors (321) are spaced apart along the axial direction of the second connector (325), and, for example, a part of the second connector (325) is implemented in a shape that matches the shape of the cross-section of the tire (e.g., circular). More exemplarily, the sum of the collection areas of the multiple second image collectors (321) is greater than the length of the cross-section of the tire to be inspected. By configuring it as above, the following advantages are provided. That is, by preventing a situation where inspection accuracy is reduced due to the collection area failing to effectively cover the surface of the tire to be inspected, the inspection accuracy of the tire inspection device can be further improved. For example, in the example of FIG. 7, the dotted line represents the sum of the collection areas of the multiple second image collectors (321).

[0072] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a structure showing a collection assembly (300) implemented as a pair. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a single structure showing a pair of spreading units (324). FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a collection assembly (300) implemented as a pair.

[0073] In the examples of FIGS. 11, 12 and 13, the second collecting member (320) includes a second extendable member (327), an interlocking frame (328), and a second connector (325). The spreading unit (324) is implemented in two and operates synchronously. The two spreading units (324) are symmetrically installed on two side walls facing each other of the second connector (325), and the second collector is located between the two spreading units (324) in the second connector (325).

[0074] For example, the interlocking frame (328) includes two symmetrically installed connecting plates (3281) and a connecting shaft (3282). Both ends of the connecting shaft (3282) are fixedly connected to the connecting plates (3281), and the other ends of the two connecting plates (3281) are fixedly connected to the connecting teeth (32411). One end of the second extendable member (327) is hinged to the second connecting body (325), and the other end is hinged to the connecting shaft (3282). In this way, when the second extension member (327) moves in an extension motion, the two connecting plates (3281) are swung through the connecting shaft (3282), thereby swinging the two spreading members (3241) of the spreading unit (324) on the corresponding side in opposite directions, and further spreading the bead of the tire to be inspected so that the area where the second image collector (321) is located on the second connector (325) enters the tire to be inspected. For example, the second extension member (327) is implemented as an oil cylinder or a gas cylinder.

[0075] In another embodiment, the second extension member (327) may be replaced with a motor having a double export end, the motor being fixedly connected to the second connector (325), and each export end being coaxially fixedly connected to the connecting tooth (32411) of one of the spreading units (324).

[0076] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of a structure showing another embodiment of a spreading unit. In the example of FIG. 14, the spreading unit (324) includes a vertically installed and rotatable bidirectional ball screw (3242) (shown only schematically in the drawing), two spreading members (3241), and a guide member (3243). The two spreading members (3241) are each screw-connected to the screw direction of one of the bidirectional ball screws (3242), and each spreading member (3241) includes a driven part (32413) and a spreading part (32412). The driven part (32413) is screw-connected to the screw direction of one of the bidirectional ball screws (3242), and the spreading part (32412) is rotatably connected to the driven part (32413). The guide member (3243) comprises a slide rail (32431) positioned parallel to the bidirectional ball screw (3242) and two slide blocks (32432) slidably coupled to the slide rail (32431). Each of the slide blocks (32432) is connected to a driven part (32413) of one of the spreading members (3241). Those skilled in the art will understand that the rotation of the bidirectional ball screw (3242) drives the two spreading members (3241) to move closer to or further apart from each other in a vertical direction, thereby allowing the bead of the tire under inspection to be spread apart when they move further apart.

[0077] In the example of FIG. 14, the spreading unit (324) is likewise implemented in two, and the two spreading units (324) are symmetrically installed on two side walls facing each other of the second connector (325). Since the structure of the two spreading units (324) is identical, it is not repeated here.

[0078] In the example of FIG. 14, the rotation of the two bidirectional ball screws (3242) is driven by a synchronous member. For example, a dependent synchronous wheel is installed on each of the bidirectional ball screws (3242), the synchronous member is driven by an active synchronous wheel, and the synchronous member is engaged with the two dependent synchronous wheels and the active synchronous wheel, respectively. More for example, the synchronous member is implemented by a synchronous belt, and the dependent synchronous wheel and the active synchronous wheel are correspondingly implemented by synchronous pulleys. In other embodiments, the synchronous member may be implemented by a chain, or the dependent synchronous wheel and the active synchronous wheel may be correspondingly implemented by a chain sprocket.

[0079] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of a centering assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the example of FIG. 1 and FIG. 15, the tire inspection device further includes a transfer assembly (400). The transfer assembly (400) includes a first transfer table (410), the first transfer table (410) includes a first inlet (411) and a first outlet (412), the first inlet (411) can accommodate a tire to be inspected, and one end of the return assembly (100) is installed correspondingly to the first outlet (412). The tire inspection device further includes a centering assembly installed on the first transfer table (410) and positioned close to the first outlet (412) to align the tire to be inspected on the first transfer table (410) with the return assembly (100).

[0080] For example, the centering assembly includes a second support (421) and two centering members (422). The second support (421) is provided on the first transfer member (410), and the distance between the two centering members (422) is adjustablely provided on the support.

[0081] Additionally, as an example, the centering assembly further includes an interlocking mechanism (423). The interlocking mechanism (423) includes an interlocking plate (4231), two interlocking rods (4232), and a fourth driving member (4233). The central portion of the interlocking plate (4231) is hinged to the second support (421) and is located between the two centering members (422). One end of each interlocking rod (4232) is hinged to the centering member (422), and both ends of the interlocking plate (4231) are hinged to the other end of the centering member (422). The fourth driving member (4233) is provided on the second support (421) and is driven to one of the centering members (422). It can be understood that when the fourth driving member (4233) drives the connected centering member (422) to move it inward / outward, the other centering member (422) moves inward / outward in the same way by driving the interlocking mechanism (423), thereby compressing the tire to be inspected so as to be aligned with a predetermined position of the return assembly (100). In the embodiment of FIG. 15, the fourth driving member (4233) is implemented as an oil cylinder or a gas cylinder.

[0082] In another embodiment, the fourth driving member (4233) may drive and connect the interlocking plate (4231), wherein the fourth driving member (4233) is implemented as a motor and drives the rotation of the interlocking plate (4231). In another embodiment, the interlocking mechanism (423) may be implemented as a different structure capable of adjusting the distance between the two centering members (422). For example, a chain, a pull rope, or two fourth driving members (4233) are each connected to the centering member (422).

[0083] Returning to the example of FIG. 1, the transfer assembly (400) further includes a second transfer table (430) which is installed in correspondence with the return assembly (100) to receive the tire that has been inspected.

[0084] To summarize the above, the present invention provides a tire inspection device comprising a conveying assembly, a clamping assembly, and a collection assembly. The conveying assembly is configured to convey a tire to be inspected along a predetermined path, wherein the predetermined path includes a tire inspection station. The clamping assembly is provided at the tire inspection station and includes a pair of clamping members symmetrically installed and provided above the conveying assembly, each of the clamping members includes at least two sections of swing arms connected in conjunction, and when the at least two sections of the swing arms are driven to swing, they perform a clamping / unceasing operation on the tire to be inspected, and a clamping roller is rotatably connected to the outer end of each of the swing arms, so that the pair of clamping members clamp the tire to be inspected by surrounding and contacting the surface of the tire to be inspected, wherein at least one of the clamping rollers is driven to rotate, thereby rotating the tire to be inspected. The above-described collection assembly includes a plurality of first image collectors and a second collection member, wherein the plurality of first image collectors are installed correspondingly on the outer surface of the tire to be inspected, and the second collection member is provided between a pair of clamping members and includes at least one second image collector that is movable to be inserted into the tire to inspect the surface of the tire while it is rotating. By configuring as above, the following advantages are provided. That is, the two clamping members firmly grip the tire to cause deformation in the tire to be inspected, thereby facilitating inspection for the presence of cracks in the tire tread. Furthermore, by driving and rotating the tire to be inspected through an actively rotating clamping roller, the collection member can completely collect image information of the outer surface and the inner surface of the tire, thereby improving the accuracy of the tire inspection.Next, the swing arm can wrap around tires of different sizes to be inspected in a swinging manner, thereby improving the applicability of the tire inspection device and also improving the efficiency of tire inspection.

[0085] The embodiments described above are intended merely to illustratively explain the principles and effects of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art may modify or change the embodiments described above without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, all equivalent modifications or variations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in the present invention shall still be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0086] 10: Frame body; 100: Return assembly; 110: First support; 120: Conveyor belt unit; 130: First expansion member; 140: Support roller; 200: Clamping assembly; 210: Clamping member; 211: Swing arm; 2111: Drive part; 212: Clamping roller; 213: First driving member; 214: Second driving member; 300: Collection assembly; 310: First image collector; 311: Third moving member; 312: Laser rangefinder; 320: Second collecting member; 321: Second image collector; 322: First moving member; 323: Second moving member; 324: Spreading unit; 3241: Spreading member; 32411: Connecting part; 32412: Opening part; 32413: Driven part; 3242: Bidirectional ball screw; 3243: Guide member; 32431: Slide rail; 32432: Slide block; 325: Second connector; 326: Third driving member; 327: Second expansion member; 328: Interlocking frame; 3281: Connecting plate; 3282: Connecting shaft; 400: Transfer assembly; 410: First transfer table; 411: Entrance 1; 412: Exit 1; 420: Centering assembly; 421: Second support; 422: Centering absence; 423: Interlocking mechanism; 4231: Linked Plate; 4232: Linked Load; 4233: 4th driving member; 430: 2nd transfer table.

Claims

Claim 1 A tire inspection device comprises a conveying assembly, a clamping assembly, and a collection assembly; wherein the conveying assembly is configured to convey a tire to be inspected along a predetermined path, the predetermined path includes a tire inspection station; wherein the clamping assembly is provided at the tire inspection station and the clamping assembly includes a pair of clamping members symmetrically installed and provided above the conveying assembly; each of the clamping members includes a two-section swing arm connected in conjunction, and when the two-section swing arm is driven to swing, it performs a clamping / unclamping operation on the tire to be inspected; wherein a clamping roller is rotatably connected to the outer end of each of the swing arms, thereby clamping the tire to be inspected so that the pair of clamping members surround and contact the surface of the tire to be inspected; wherein at least one of the clamping rollers is driven to rotate, thereby rotating the tire to be inspected; and wherein the collection assembly includes a plurality of first image collectors and second collection members. A tire inspection device characterized in that a plurality of the first image collectors are installed corresponding to the outer surface of the tire to be inspected; the second collecting member is provided between a pair of the clamping members, and the second collecting member includes at least one second image collector movable to be inserted into the tire to inspect the surface of the tire while it is rotating; an inwardly concave area is formed in the central part of one of the two clamping rollers of each clamping member, and an outwardly convex area is formed in the central part of the other; and among the four clamping rollers, an inwardly concave area is formed in the central part of one of the two clamping rollers adjacent to each other, and an outwardly convex area is formed in the central part of the other. Claim 2 A tire inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the second collecting member further comprises at least one spreading unit installed corresponding to the second image collector; and the spreading unit comprises two spreading members that are driven to move closer to or further apart from each other, and when they move apart, the bead of the tire to be inspected is spread apart so that the second image collector is inserted into the tire to be inspected, thereby collecting an image of the inner surface of the tire to be inspected. Claim 3 A tire inspection device according to paragraph 2, wherein each of the above-mentioned spreading members includes a connecting tooth and a spreading portion rotatably connected to the connecting tooth; the connecting teeth of two of the above-mentioned spreading members are engaged, wherein at least one of the connecting teeth is driven to rotate, thereby causing the spreading portions of the two of the above-mentioned spreading members to move apart from each other. Claim 4 A tire inspection device according to paragraph 2, wherein the spreading unit is implemented as a pair; and the second image collector is installed between the pair of spreading units. Claim 5 A tire inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the second collecting member further comprises a second connector; and a plurality of the second image collectors are installed spaced apart on the surface of the second connector along the circumferential direction of the second connector. Claim 6 A tire inspection device according to claim 1, wherein a driving tooth is installed at the inner end of each of the swing arms; and the driving teeth of two of the swing arms located on the same clamping member engage to link the two of the swing arms. Claim 7 A tire inspection device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the clamping rollers among each of the clamping members is installed to be driven and rotated. Claim 8 A tire inspection device according to claim 1, further comprising a transfer assembly; wherein the transfer assembly comprises a first transfer table, the first transfer table comprises a first outlet, and one end of the return assembly is installed corresponding to the first outlet; and the tire inspection device further comprises a centering assembly installed on the first transfer table and positioned close to the first outlet to align a tire to be inspected on the first transfer table with the return assembly. Claim 9 A tire inspection device according to claim 8, wherein the centering assembly comprises a second support and two centering members; the second support is provided on the first transfer table, and the two centering members are provided on the second support in a space-adjustable manner; and / or, the transfer assembly further comprises a second transfer table configured to receive a tire that has been inspected and installed in correspondence with the return assembly. Claim 10 A tire inspection device according to claim 9, wherein the centering assembly further comprises an interlocking mechanism; the interlocking mechanism comprises an interlocking plate, two interlocking rods, and a fourth driving member; the central portion of the interlocking plate is hinge-connected to the second support and is located between the two centering members; one end of each interlocking rod is hinge-connected to one centering member, and both ends of the interlocking plate are hinge-connected to the other end of the centering member; and the fourth driving member is provided on the second support and is driven-connected to the centering member or the interlocking plate.

Images