Crack detection device

Abstract

The present invention provides a rupture detection device that can improve the detection efficiency of steam and accurately detect the rupture of an airbag. The rupture detection device (1) includes: a fluid inlet (2) having an inlet (21) for taking in fluid; a sensor chamber (3) configured with a sensor (31) for determining whether the fluid taken in from the fluid inlet (2) is a first fluid; a fluid discharge portion (4) having an outlet (41) for discharging the fluid passing through the sensor chamber (3) to the outside of the device; and a fan (5) for generating a flow of fluid from the fluid inlet (4) toward the sensor chamber (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for detecting rupture of an air bag used for tire vulcanization. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various airbag rupture detection devices have been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention

[0003] The rupture detection device disclosed in Patent Document 1 comprises a sensor box housing a sensor for detecting steam, and an inlet pipe that guides steam leaking from the airbag to the sensor box. A filter is provided at one end of the inlet pipe, and the other end is connected to a control box that regulates the flow of steam. The control box is equipped with a fan, and steam is guided through the control box to the sensor box.

[0004] However, in the above structure, the sensor box provided with the sensor and the control box provided with the fan are connected via an introduction pipe. Therefore, the amount of fluid supplied to the sensor is reduced, and the steam detection efficiency is reduced.

[0005] The present invention is proposed in view of the above actual situation, and its main purpose is to provide a rupture detection device, which can improve the detection efficiency of steam and accurately detect the rupture of the airbag.

[0006] The present invention relates to a rupture detection device for detecting the rupture of an air bladder for tire vulcanization that is inflated and deformed due to the supply of a first fluid, and is characterized in that it includes: a fluid inlet portion having an inlet for taking in a fluid; a sensor chamber provided with a sensor for determining whether the fluid taken in from the fluid inlet portion is the first fluid; a liquid discharge portion having an outlet for discharging the fluid passing through the sensor chamber to the outside of the device; and a fan for generating a flow of the fluid from the fluid inlet portion toward the sensor chamber.

[0007] In the rupture detection device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the fan is provided in the fluid discharge portion.

[0008] The rupture detection device according to the present invention preferably includes a cylindrical member that partitions the fluid introduction portion, the sensor chamber, and the fluid discharge portion.

[0009] In the rupture detection device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the fluid introduction portion, the sensor chamber, and the fluid discharge portion are arranged in a straight line.

[0010] In the rupture detection device according to the present invention, preferably, the sensor includes a detection portion having a circular cross-section perpendicular to the flow of the fluid, and the inner diameter of the tubular member is 100% to 130% of the diameter of the detection portion.

[0011] In the rupture detection device according to the present invention, it is preferable that a filter is provided in the fluid introduction portion.

[0012] In the rupture detection device of the present invention, preferably, the tubular member is divided into a plurality of tubular segments.

[0013] In the rupture detection device according to the present invention, it is preferable that the cylindrical pieces are fixed to each other by magnetic force.

[0014] The rupture detection device according to the present invention preferably further includes an opening / closing detection unit that detects an opening / closing state of the tire vulcanization mold; and a control unit that controls the operation of the fan based on the opening / closing state.

[0015] In the crack detection device according to the present invention, preferably, the control unit stops the operation of the fan when the tire vulcanization mold is in the open state.

[0016] The crack detection device according to the present invention preferably further includes a comparison unit that detects the presence or absence of the crack by comparing an output value from the sensor with a predetermined threshold value.

[0017] The rupture detection device according to the present invention preferably further includes a calculation unit that calculates the threshold value based on the amount of the first fluid detected in the past by the sensor.

[0018] In the rupture detection device of the present invention, the fan generates a flow of the fluid from the fluid inlet toward the sensor chamber. This makes it easy to ensure the amount of fluid supplied to the sensor, improves the efficiency of steam detection, and accurately detects the rupture of the airbag. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a tire vulcanization mold provided with a crack detection device showing one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of a rupture detection device.

[0021] Figure 3 Yes Figure 1 Block diagram of the electrical structure of the rupture detection device.

[0022] Label Description

[0023] 1: Rupture detection device; 2: Fluid inlet; 3: Sensor chamber; 4: Fluid discharge; 5: Fan; 6: Filter; 7: Opening and closing detection unit; 8: Control unit; 11: Cylindrical component; 12: Cylindrical sheet; 13: Cylindrical sheet; 14: Cylindrical sheet; 21: Inlet; 31: Sensor; 32: Detection unit; 41: Outlet; 100: Tire vulcanization mold; 200: Airbag; D2: Inner diameter; J: First fluid. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a tire vulcanization mold 100 provided with a rupture detection device 1 according to the present embodiment. The rupture detection device 1 is a device for detecting rupture of a bladder 200 for tire vulcanization.

[0026] The bladder 200 is disposed in the tire vulcanization mold 100 and is expanded and deformed by supplying steam J as a vulcanizing medium thereinto, thereby pressing the green tire T against the tire vulcanization mold 100 for vulcanization molding.

[0027] The rupture detection device 1 is mounted on a mold holder 101 that holds a tire curing mold 100. A gap 102 is provided between the tire curing mold 100 and the mold holder 101. When the airbag 200 ruptures, steam J within the airbag 200 leaks into the gap 102 through the gap between the molds, etc. The rupture detection device 1 detects the rupture of the airbag 200 by detecting the steam J that leaks into the gap 102.

[0028] Figure 2 FIG. 1 shows a schematic structure of a rupture detection device 1. The rupture detection device 1 includes a fluid introduction portion 2, a sensor chamber 3, a fluid discharge portion 4, and a fan 5.

[0029] The fluid introduction portion 2 has an inlet 21 for taking in fluid from the gap 102. A hole for attaching the fluid introduction portion 2 is formed in the mold holder 101. When the fluid introduction portion 2 is attached to the mold holder 101, the gap 102 and the inlet 21 communicate with each other.

[0030] A sensor 31 is disposed in the sensor chamber 3. The sensor 31 determines whether the fluid taken in from the fluid introduction portion 2 is the first fluid.

[0031] When the fluid supplied to the interior of the airbag 200 is steam J, the first fluid is steam J. The first fluid is not limited to steam J. In a method in which other fluids are supplied to the interior of the airbag 200, the sensor 31 detects the other fluid supplied to the interior of the airbag 200. The case in which the first fluid is steam J will be described below.

[0032] The sensor 31 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of steam J detected to the control unit 8 described later.

[0033] The fluid discharge section 4 has an outlet 41 for discharging the fluid passing through the sensor chamber 3 to the outside of the device. In this embodiment, a fan 5 is provided in the fluid discharge section 4 to discharge the fluid in the sensor chamber 3 to the outside of the device. By discharging the fluid from the fluid discharge section 4 to the outside of the device, the fan 5 draws the fluid in the sensor chamber 3, generating a flow of fluid from the fluid inlet section 2 toward the sensor chamber 3.

[0034] In the rupture detection device 1 of the present invention, fan 5 generates a flow of fluid from fluid inlet 2 toward sensor chamber 3. This makes it easy to ensure the amount of fluid supplied to sensor 31, improves the detection efficiency of vapor J, and accurately detects the rupture of airbag 200.

[0035] The main body of the rupture detection device 1 is composed of a cylindrical member 11. The cylindrical member 11 partitions the fluid inlet 2, the sensor chamber 3, and the fluid outlet 4. This simplifies the structure of the rupture detection device 1 and facilitates cost reduction.

[0036] Preferably, the fluid inlet 2, sensor chamber 3, and fluid outlet 4 are aligned in a straight line. This facilitates the flow of fluid within the tubular member 11, increasing the amount of fluid passing through the sensor 31. This facilitates improving the efficiency of the sensor 31 in detecting steam J.

[0037] The sensor 31 includes a detection portion 32. The detection portion 32 of this embodiment has a circular cross section perpendicular to the flow of the fluid. On the other hand, the tubular member 11 is a cylinder having a circular cross section perpendicular to the flow of the fluid.

[0038] The inner diameter D2 of the tubular member 11 is preferably 100% to 130% of the diameter D1 of the detection portion 32. In this embodiment, the tubular member 11 has the ventilation path 15 therein. In such a configuration, the inner diameter of the ventilation path 15 is equal to the inner diameter of the tubular member 11.

[0039] The ventilation path 15 extends to the vicinity of the sensor 31. “Extending to the vicinity of the sensor 31” means, for example, that the distance between the ventilation path 15 and the sensor 31 is smaller than the thickness of the sensor 31 in the flow direction of the fluid.

[0040] When the inner diameter D2 of the tubular member 11 is at least 100% of the diameter D1 of the detection portion 32, the fluid smoothly passes through the sensor 31. When the inner diameter D2 of the tubular member 11 is at most 130% of the diameter D1 of the detection portion 32, the detection portion 32 easily detects the steam J.

[0041] Preferably, a filter 6 is provided on the fluid inlet 2. The filter 6 purifies the fluid passing through the fluid inlet 2 and prevents contamination of the sensor 31. More specifically, it prevents mineral oil evaporated by the heat of the vulcanizer from flowing into the sensor chamber 3 and adhering to the sensor 31.

[0042] In this embodiment, since the fluid inlet 2, sensor chamber 3, and fluid outlet 4 are aligned, the filter 6, sensor 31, and fan 5 are also aligned. Consequently, fluid passing through the filter 6 directly reaches the sensor 31. This increases the amount of fluid passing through the sensor 31, improving the sensor 31's detection efficiency for steam J.

[0043] In addition, there is no obstacle such as a filter 6 between the sensor 31 and the fan 5. Therefore, the flow of the fluid driven by the fan 5 is not hindered. Therefore, the fluid passing through the sensor 31 increases, making it easier for the sensor 31 to detect steam J.

[0044] Preferably, the tubular member 11 can be divided into a plurality of tubular segments. In this embodiment, the tubular member 11 can be divided into a tubular segment 12 that defines the fluid inlet portion 2, a tubular segment 13 that defines the sensor chamber 3, and a tubular segment 14 that defines the fluid outlet portion 4. This structure facilitates assembly of the tubular member 11 and, consequently, installation of the filter 6, sensor 31, and fan 5.

[0045] Flanges are provided at the joints between the cylinder pieces 12 and 13, and at the joints between the cylinder pieces 13 and 14. The cylinder pieces 12 and 13 are fixed together by joining the flange 12a of the cylinder piece 12 with the flange 13a of the cylinder piece 13. The cylinder pieces 13 and 14 are fixed together by joining the flange 13b of the cylinder piece 13 with the flange 14a of the cylinder piece 14.

[0046] A filter 6 is provided near the flange 12a. A sensor 31 is provided near the flange 13b. A fan 5 is provided near the flange 14a.

[0047] The cylindrical segments 12, 13, and 14 are preferably fixed to each other by magnetic force. This structure can be easily achieved, for example, by embedding neodymium magnets 17 in flanges 12a, 13a, 13b, and 14a. This facilitates assembly of the cylindrical member 11. It also facilitates replacement of the filter 6 and other components. Furthermore, maintenance of the sensor 31 is facilitated.

[0048] Even if the bladder 200 ruptures, the steam J leaking from the bladder 200 is released into the atmosphere when the tire vulcanization mold 100 is in the open state, making it difficult for the sensor 31 to detect it. Therefore, the rupture detection device 1 is preferably configured so that it operates according to the open state of the tire vulcanization mold 100.

[0049] Figure 3 FIG. 2 shows an electrical configuration of the crack detection device 1 . The crack detection device 1 further includes an opening / closing detection unit 7 for detecting the opening / closing state of the tire vulcanization mold 100 , and a control unit 8 for controlling the operation of the fan 5 .

[0050] The opening and closing detection unit 7 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the opening and closing state of the tire vulcanization mold 100 to the control unit 8 .

[0051] The control unit 8 includes a PCU (Central Processing Unit) that performs information processing, a program that controls the operation of the CPU, and a memory that stores various information. The various functions of the control unit 8 are implemented by the CPU, memory, and program. The control unit 8 controls the operation of the fan 5 based on the electrical signal input from the opening and closing detection unit 7. This allows the crack detection device 1 to be appropriately controlled based on the open and closed state of the tire vulcanization mold 100.

[0052] More specifically, the control unit 8 stops the fan 5 when the tire vulcanization mold 100 is in the open state. This reduces the power consumption of the rupture detection device 1. Furthermore, the power consumption of the filter 6 and other components is suppressed. On the other hand, the control unit 8 operates the fan 5 when the tire vulcanization mold 100 is in the closed state. This allows accurate detection of the presence or absence of a rupture in the airbag 200 based on the detection results of the sensor 31.

[0053] The control unit 8 can be programmed with various additional functions. For example, the control unit 8 is preferably equipped with a comparator that detects the presence of a crack by comparing the output value from the sensor 31 with a predetermined threshold. This allows for easy and rapid detection of the presence of a crack.

[0054] When the control unit 8 detects the rupture of the airbag 200, it notifies the operator or the system managing the tire vulcanization process of the rupture, thereby preventing tire vulcanization defects.

[0055] The control unit 8 also functions as a calculation unit that calculates a threshold value based on the amount of steam J detected in the past by the sensor 31. More specifically, the threshold value may be set based on a value calculated by adding an arbitrary value to the average of the amounts of steam J detected during the past ten vulcanization cycles. This configuration allows accurate detection of cracks.

[0056] A control unit (not shown) that controls the operation of the tire vulcanization mold 100 may also be used as the control unit 8. In this case, the opening / closing detection unit 7 is unnecessary. Furthermore, the control unit 8 may be configured to stop the operation of the fan 5 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the tire vulcanization mold 100 was shifted to the open state. Furthermore, the control unit 8 may be configured to activate the fan 5 starting from a predetermined time before the tire vulcanization mold 100 was shifted to the closed state.

[0057] As mentioned above, the fracture detection device 1 of the present invention has been described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned specific embodiment, and can be implemented in various modified forms.

[0058] [Example]

[0059] According to the specifications in Table 1, a prototype was produced. Figure 1 The crack detection device of the basic structure is used to test the crack detection rate and the maintenance cycle of the sensor. In Example 3, the fan is arranged at a position offset by 90 degrees relative to the line connecting the filter and the sensor.

[0060]

Table 1

[0061]

[0062] As can be seen from Table 1, the crack detection rate of the crack detection device of the embodiment is significantly improved compared with that of the comparative example.

Claims

1. A rupture detection device for detecting the rupture of a tire vulcanization bladder that is inflated and deformed by the supply of a first fluid, comprising: a fluid an introduction portion having an inlet for taking in a fluid; a sensor chamber provided with a sensor for determining whether the fluid taken in from the fluid introduction portion is the first fluid; A fluid discharge portion having an outlet for discharging the fluid passing through the sensor chamber to the outside of the device; and a fan for generating a flow of the fluid from the fluid inlet portion toward the sensor chamber, the rupture detection device including a tubular component that divides the fluid inlet portion, the sensor chamber, and the fluid discharge portion, the sensor having a detection portion, the cross-section of the detection portion being circular at right angles to the flow of the fluid, the tubular component having an air path inside, the inner diameter of the air path becoming the inner diameter of the tubular component, the inner diameter of the tubular component being 100% to 130% of the diameter of the detection portion, the fluid inlet portion, the sensor chamber, and the fluid discharge portion being arranged in a straight line.

2. The rupture detection device according to claim 1, wherein: The fan is disposed at the fluid discharge portion.

3. The rupture detection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A filter is provided in the fluid introduction portion.

4. The rupture detection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The cylindrical member can be divided into a plurality of cylindrical pieces.

5. The rupture detection device according to claim 4, wherein: The sleeves are fixed to each other by magnetic forces.

6. The rupture detection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The rupture detection device further includes: an opening / closing detection unit that detects an opening / closing state of the tire vulcanization mold; and a control unit that controls the operation of the fan based on the opening / closing state.

7. The rupture detection device according to claim 6, wherein: The control unit stops the operation of the fan when the tire vulcanization mold is in the open state.

8. The rupture detection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The crack detection device further includes a comparison unit that detects the presence or absence of the crack by comparing the output value from the sensor with a preset threshold value.

9. The rupture detection device according to claim 8, wherein: The rupture detection device further includes a calculation unit that calculates the threshold value based on the amount of the first fluid detected in the past by the sensor.

10. A rupture detection device for detecting the rupture of a tire vulcanization bladder that is inflated and deformed by the supply of a first fluid, comprising: a fluid an introduction portion having an inlet for taking in a fluid; a sensor chamber provided with a sensor for determining whether the fluid taken in from the fluid introduction portion is the first fluid; A fluid discharge portion having an outlet for discharging the fluid passing through the sensor chamber to the outside of the device; and a fan for generating a flow of the fluid from the fluid inlet portion toward the sensor chamber, the rupture detection device including a tubular component that divides the fluid inlet portion, the sensor chamber, and the fluid discharge portion, the tubular component being divisible into a plurality of tubular sheets, a flange being provided at the joint between the plurality of tubular sheets, a magnet being embedded in the flange, the tubular sheets being fixed to each other by magnetic force, the fluid inlet portion, the sensor chamber, and the fluid discharge portion being arranged in a straight line.

11. The rupture detection device according to claim 10, wherein: The fan is disposed at the fluid discharge portion.

12. The rupture detection device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: The sensor includes a detection portion having a circular cross-section perpendicular to the flow of the fluid, and the inner diameter of the cylindrical member is 100% to 130% of the diameter of the detection portion.

13. The rupture detection device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: A filter is provided in the fluid introduction portion.

14. The rupture detection device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: The rupture detection device further includes: an opening / closing detection unit that detects an opening / closing state of the tire vulcanization mold; and a control unit that controls the operation of the fan based on the opening / closing state.

15. The rupture detection device according to claim 14, wherein: The control unit stops the operation of the fan when the tire vulcanization mold is in the open state.

16. The rupture detection device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: The crack detection device further includes a comparison unit that detects the presence or absence of the crack by comparing the output value from the sensor with a preset threshold value.

17. The rupture detection device according to claim 16, wherein: The rupture detection device further includes a calculation unit that calculates the threshold value based on the amount of the first fluid detected in the past by the sensor.

18. A rupture detection device for detecting rupture of a tire vulcanization bladder that is inflated and deformed by supplying a first fluid, comprising: a fluid an introduction portion having an inlet for taking in a fluid; a sensor chamber provided with a sensor for determining whether the fluid taken in from the fluid introduction portion is the first fluid; A fluid discharge portion having an outlet for discharging the fluid passing through the sensor chamber to the outside of the device; and a fan for generating a flow of the fluid from the fluid inlet portion toward the sensor chamber. The rupture detection device further includes: an opening and closing detection portion for detecting the open and closed state of the tire vulcanization mold; and a control portion for controlling the operation of the fan based on the open and closed state, the control portion stopping the operation of the fan when the tire vulcanization mold is in the open state and operating the fan when the tire vulcanization mold is in the closed state. The fluid inlet portion, the sensor chamber, and the fluid discharge portion are arranged in a straight line.

19. The rupture detection device according to claim 18, wherein: The fan is disposed at the fluid discharge portion.

20. The rupture detection device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein: The rupture detection device includes a cylindrical member that partitions the fluid introduction portion, the sensor chamber, and the fluid discharge portion.

21. The rupture detection device according to claim 20, wherein: The sensor includes a detection portion having a circular cross-section perpendicular to the flow of the fluid, and the inner diameter of the cylindrical member is 100% to 130% of the diameter of the detection portion.

22. The rupture detection device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein: A filter is provided in the fluid introduction portion.

23. The rupture detection device according to claim 20, wherein: The cylindrical member can be divided into a plurality of cylindrical pieces.

24. The rupture detection device according to claim 23, wherein: The sleeves are fixed to each other by magnetic forces.

25. The rupture detection device according to claim 18 or 19, wherein: The crack detection device further includes a comparison unit that detects the presence or absence of the crack by comparing the output value from the sensor with a preset threshold value.

26. The rupture detection device according to claim 25, wherein: The rupture detection device further includes a calculation unit that calculates the threshold value based on the amount of the first fluid detected in the past by the sensor.

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