Methods for restoring monitoring functions in tires and related tires

Abstract

This application relates to a method for restoring monitoring functionality in a tire (99) and a tire (99) suitable for such a method of restoration, the method comprising: producing a vulcanized tire (99) including at least a first clean portion (A1) and a second clean portion (A2) of an inner surface (1) of the tire (99); fixing a first monitoring device (3) to the first clean portion (A1) and removing the monitoring device from the second clean portion (A2); and fixing a second monitoring device (4) to the second clean portion (A2) after the monitoring functionality of the first monitoring device (3) fixed to the first clean portion (A1) is lost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for restoring monitoring functions in a tire and a tire suitable for implementing the method. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, a tire has a substantially annular structure about its axis of rotation during operation and has an equatorial plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, which is usually a (basic) geometrically symmetrical plane (e.g., ignoring any minor asymmetries, such as tread design and / or lettering on the sidewalls and / or internal structure).

[0003] The "crown portion" refers to the tire portion located at the tread band.

[0004] The terms "radial" and "axial" refer to directions perpendicular to the tire's axis of rotation and directions parallel to the tire's axis of rotation, respectively.

[0005] The term "tangential" is used to refer to the direction that is generally oriented toward the direction of tire rolling, which is perpendicular to both the radial and axial directions.

[0006] There exists a known tire that includes a monitoring device fixed to the inner surface of the tire at the crown portion to enable monitoring of one or more physical quantities related to the tire, such as temperature, pressure, acceleration of the inner surface, deformation of the inner surface, etc. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In the context of manufacturing tires that include monitoring devices, the manufacturing process typically involves, in sequence, building a raw tire, vulcanizing the tire, and attaching the monitoring device to the inner surface of the vulcanized tire.

[0008] Before installing the monitoring device, the inner surface of the tire at the point where the device must be installed is typically treated or protected to ensure that the area is largely free of contaminants left by vulcanization residues (such as silicone release agents used in vulcanization chambers and / or on raw tires). These contaminants can actually affect the stable and lasting adhesion of the monitoring device to the tire's inner surface.

[0009] After the monitoring device is installed, such as after the tire has been placed on the market, several situations may arise that could prevent the monitoring device from functioning properly. For example, the monitoring device may be physically damaged, such as due to mechanical impact during tire mounting on the rim; or, as the tire is used, the monitoring device may malfunction, fail, and / or fall off, for example due to the high acceleration it experiences during use; or the monitoring device may stop working due to its respective power supply running out.

[0010] In these cases, to restore the monitoring function, the no longer functional monitoring device must be replaced by removing the monitoring device itself and the components used to secure the monitoring device (protective housing, adhesive, etc. made of rubber or other materials), and thoroughly cleaning the inner surface of the tire to secure the new monitoring device.

[0011] Furthermore, because these events that cause monitoring devices to malfunction can occur after the tire has been placed on the market, the restoration of monitoring functionality is often delegated to external operators who are not always adequately equipped or trained to perform such removal, rigorous cleaning, and replacement operations. In particular, improper removal and / or cleaning operations can lead to unstable installation of the new monitoring device or even damage to the tire's inner surfaces (such as the liner, which may compromise the tire's intended airtightness). In particularly severe cases, the entire tire may need to be replaced.

[0012] Therefore, applicants face the challenge of restoring the monitoring function in tires through a reliable, simple, fast, and economical procedure that does not necessarily require the use of professionals or specialized equipment, nor does it necessarily require replacing the entire tire.

[0013] The applicant has discovered that the aforementioned problem can be solved by having at least two cleaning sections downstream of the vulcanization process on the tire, one cleaning section for securing a first monitoring device, and the other cleaning section for subsequently securing a different monitoring device, if necessary. In fact, the applicant has surprisingly discovered that the additional cleaning sections implemented on new tires can be used (possibly even after simple cleaning) to secure the corresponding monitoring devices long after tire production (e.g., even months later, such as after the tire has been placed on the market and / or stored and / or used).

[0014] Therefore, according to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for restoring monitoring functions in a tire. The method includes:

[0015] - Producing vulcanized tires, said vulcanized tires (at least) including a first clean portion and a second clean portion of the inner surface of the tire;

[0016] - Attach the first monitoring device to the first cleaning section and remove the monitoring device from the second cleaning section; and

[0017] -After the first monitoring device fixed to the first cleaning part loses its monitoring function, the second monitoring device is fixed to the second cleaning part.

[0018] The term "clean portion" is defined as the portion of the inner surface of a vulcanized tire that is substantially free of contaminants (e.g., silicone release agents) left by the vulcanization process.

[0019] As mentioned above, the applicant has surprisingly discovered that, contrary to expectations, the additional cleaning portion made inside the new tire (i.e., the aforementioned second cleaning portion, distinct from the first cleaning portion) also serves to secure the corresponding monitoring device sometime after tire production (e.g., even months later, such as after the tire has been placed on the market and / or stored and / or used). In fact, the applicant has verified that during this period and / or these events, the second cleaning portion typically becomes soiled, but not to a degree as severe as the rest of the tire's inner surface (on which residues of the contaminants used during vulcanization remain) (for the purpose of effectively cleaning to secure the new monitoring device).

[0020] The applicant has also verified that even after several months of tire use and / or storage, a new, functional monitoring device can be applied to the additional cleaning section without the need for professionals, hard-to-find cleaning materials, and / or specific machines (such as laser cleaning systems).

[0021] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a vulcanized tire, the vulcanized tire comprising (at least) a first cleaning portion and a second cleaning portion on the inner surface of the tire, wherein the tire includes a first monitoring device fixed to the first cleaning portion, and the second cleaning portion does not have a monitoring device.

[0022] The present invention may present one or more of the following preferred features in one or more aspects thereof.

[0023] Preferably, the first cleaning portion and the second cleaning portion are spatially separated.

[0024] Preferably, the first cleaning portion and / or the second cleaning portion are formed at the crown portion of the tire. This facilitates the fixing of the corresponding monitoring device.

[0025] Preferably, the tire includes a plurality of cleaning portions having the first and second cleaning portions (e.g., the tire includes a third cleaning portion without monitoring devices), wherein the plurality of cleaning portions are more preferably (substantially) uniformly distributed at an angle along the inner surface of the tire (relative to the axis of rotation of the tire). In this way, when the cleaning portions are simultaneously occupied by corresponding monitoring devices, the mass arrangement of these monitoring devices is balanced relative to the rotation of the tire.

[0026] Preferably, the method includes: after securing the second monitoring device, maintaining the first monitoring device fixed to the first cleaning portion. In other words, the first monitoring device may not even need to be removed. This may save time and / or operations performed on the inner surface of the tire, and also reduce the risk of tire damage.

[0027] In one embodiment, the method includes creating the first clean portion and / or the second clean portion by laser abrasion of the inner surface performed downstream of the vulcanization of the tire (before fixing the first monitoring device). The applicant has observed that the laser effectively removes mold release agent residue.

[0028] Preferably, the method includes marking (graphic) symbols on the inner surface, more preferably at the first and / or second cleaned portions, the (graphic) symbols representing the intersection of the inner surface and the equatorial plane of the tire, the marking being more preferably done by laser writing, and even more preferably accompanied (e.g., simultaneously or immediately after) by laser abrasion to form the first and / or second cleaned portions. In this way, it also advantageously provides a reference for fixing monitoring devices that need to be fixed to the inner surface in a given spatial relationship relative to the equatorial plane of the tire.

[0029] In one embodiment, to create the first cleaning portion and / or the second cleaning portion, the method includes the following steps:

[0030] - Manufacturing raw tires;

[0031] - Apply a first protective sheet and / or a second protective sheet (e.g., a film made of nylon and / or polyester and / or poly-4-methyl-1-pentene, such as multilayer, rubber, Teflon, Mylar) to the corresponding first and / or second portions of the corresponding inner surface precursor of the first cleaning portion and / or the second cleaning portion. TM Polyester, polyurethane, polyolefins, such as polyethylene and / or polypropylene, etc.

[0032] - Vulcanizing the raw tires; and

[0033] - Remove the first protective sheet and / or the second protective sheet from the vulcanized tire.

[0034] In this way, the manufacture of the first cleaning part and / or the second cleaning part is simple and / or inexpensive.

[0035] Preferably, the installation of the second monitoring device is performed after the commercialization of the tire, more preferably after the tire is used in vehicle wheels and / or after a period of storage of the tire (e.g., more than three or six months). In fact, the second cleaning component can be used at any time after the tire is manufactured.

[0036] Preferably, the method includes cleaning the second cleaning portion with detergent before securing the second monitoring device, more preferably manually. In this way, restoration is particularly simple, quick, and inexpensive. The applicant has verified that simple cleaning (even manual cleaning) of the second cleaning portion with detergent is sufficient to restore it to a clean condition suitable for securing the monitoring device (i.e., as if it were just made on a new tire).

[0037] Preferably, cleaning with the detergent is performed using a solvent, such as a hydrocarbon-based solvent (e.g., solvents used for contaminants and / or mold release agents, such as silicone mold release agents, and / or solvents containing or based on limonene). For example, a hydrocarbon-based solvent could be Liquid Buffer manufactured by Rema Tip Top AG. TM Tire solvent or Rub-O-Matic tire solvent manufactured by TechTire Repair Supplies & Equipment. The applicant has found this type of solvent advantageous for cleaning the second cleaning section.

[0038] In one embodiment, cleaning with the detergent is performed by using a ketone solvent, such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), etc.

[0039] In one embodiment, cleaning with the detergent is performed by using an alcohol-based solvent, more preferably a denatured alcohol.

[0040] In one embodiment, cleaning with the detergent is performed by using one or more of the solvents described above.

[0041] For example, the solvent can be in liquid or aerosol form.

[0042] Preferably, the first monitoring device and / or the second monitoring device include an electronic unit.

[0043] Preferably, the electronic unit includes: at least one sensor; a processing unit; and a transceiver, wherein the at least one sensor is used to detect at least one of the following physical quantities: temperature, pressure, acceleration, and deformation.

[0044] Preferably, the at least one sensor is adapted to detect at least two of the following physical quantities: temperature, pressure, acceleration, and deformation, for example, detecting temperature and pressure. Even more preferably, the at least one sensor is adapted to detect at least three of the physical quantities, or even all four of the physical quantities. Preferably, the at least one sensor is adapted to detect the acceleration, more preferably to detect at least one component of the acceleration (axial, radial, and / or tangential). In this way, the monitoring device provides particularly useful data for obtaining the condition and / or function of the tire, and / or the behavior of the vehicle with the tire mounted.

[0045] Preferably, the first monitoring device and / or the second monitoring device includes a power supply electrically connected to the electronic unit.

[0046] The term "power supply" refers to a component configured to supply electricity, whether the electricity supplied is pre-accumulated (e.g. in an energy storage device, such as a battery or capacitor) or the electricity supplied is generated and / or received in real time on-site (e.g., in an energy recovery device or "energy harvester" with or without an energy storage device).

[0047] Typically, the power supply is an electrical storage device, more preferably including a battery, such as a button cell. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Figure 1 A cross-section of a tire according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically;

[0049] Figure 2 A cross-section of a tire according to a second embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown;

[0050] Figure 3 and Figure 4 A corresponding perspective view schematically illustrating details of a tire according to the invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0051] The features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of some embodiments given by way of example rather than as a limitation thereof, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for restoring the monitoring function in a tire 99.

[0053] The method includes manufacturing a vulcanized tire 99, which includes at least a first clean portion A1 and a second clean portion A2 on the inner surface 1 of the tire 99.

[0054] For example, in Figure 1In the embodiment, tire 99 includes only the two cleaning parts A1 and A2 mentioned above, while Figure 2 In one embodiment, tire 99 also includes, exemplarily, a third cleaning portion A3.

[0055] In particular, the present invention can provide any number (greater than or equal to two) of clean portions on the inner surface 1 of the tire 99.

[0056] For example, each cleaning part A1, A2 and A3 is made at the crown portion 2 of the tire 99, wherein each cleaning part is spatially separated from the other.

[0057] In an embodiment not shown, the first cleaning section and the second cleaning section (and possibly a third cleaning section) may be different from each other and spatially adjacent, provided that sufficient space is provided to secure the two different monitoring devices.

[0058] For example, cleaning portions A1, A2, and A3 are along the inner surface 1 of tire 99 relative to the axis of rotation 100 of tire 99. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The symbols (represented by +) are basically evenly distributed with an included angle. Specifically, in... Figure 1 In one embodiment, the first cleaning portion A1 and the second cleaning portion A2 are exemplarily arranged completely opposite to each other, while Figure 2 In one embodiment, the three cleaning sections A1, A2 and A3 are arranged at an angle of approximately 120° to each other.

[0059] In one embodiment, the method includes creating one or more (advantageously all) of clean portions A1, A2, and A3 (according to this embodiment) by performing laser abrasion downstream of tire 99 vulcanization. Exemplarily, to perform cleaning by laser abrasion, known laser cleaning systems, such as those sold by 4JET Technologies GmbH and / or SLCR Lasertechnik GmbH, can be used.

[0060] In one embodiment, the method may further include marking a graphic symbol (not shown) on the inner surface 1 at one or more of the cleaned portions, the graphic symbol representing the intersection between the inner surface 1 and the equatorial plane of the tire (not shown), the marking being made, for example by laser writing and advantageously accompanying (e.g., simultaneously or immediately after) the formation of the cleaned portions by the aforementioned laser abrasion.

[0061] In another embodiment, in order to produce one or more (advantageously all) of the clean portions A1, A2, and A3 (according to this embodiment), the method may exemplary include: applying a protective sheet (e.g., a film made of nylon and / or polyester and / or poly-4-methyl-1-pentene, such as multilayer, rubber, Teflon, Mylar) to the raw tire (the precursor of the vulcanized tire 99) at the corresponding portion of the inner surface 1. TM Polyester, polyurethane, polyolefins, such as polyethylene and / or polypropylene, etc.), the corresponding portion of the inner surface 1 is a precursor to the corresponding clean portion (i.e., a protective film is applied to each clean portion to be made, the surface extension of the protective film substantially corresponding to the surface extension of the corresponding clean portion downstream of vulcanization). Thus, an exemplary provision is provided for vulcanizing a raw tire with a protective sheet applied to the inner surface, and then removing each protective sheet from the vulcanized tire.

[0062] After the cleaning parts are manufactured (regardless of the manufacturing method used), the method therefore includes: (e.g., by adhesive) fixing the first monitoring device 3 to the first cleaning part A1, and making the second cleaning part A2 (and any other cleaning parts that may exist, such as...) Figure 2 The tire cleaning section (A3) has no monitoring device.

[0063] Exemplarily, the first monitoring device 3 includes an electronic unit (not shown), which in turn includes at least one sensor (not shown), a processing unit (not shown), and a transceiver (not shown). The at least one sensor is used to detect at least one (preferably all) of the following physical quantities: temperature, pressure, acceleration, and deformation. Exemplarily, the first monitoring device also includes a power supply (not shown, e.g., a button battery) electrically connected to the electronic unit. Exemplarily, as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the first monitoring device 3 may include an enlarged surface portion suitable for durable attachment to the inner surface 1 of the tire 99. Exemplarily, this surface may be made using a sheet of elastomeric material (optionally reinforced with fabric or metal cords), as described, for example, in patent application WO 2018 / 065846 belonging to the same applicant, or by an enlarged base portion for encapsulating material to protect the electronic unit and / or power supply, as described, for example, in patent application WO 2019 / 123118 belonging to the same applicant.

[0064] Exemplarily, the tire 99 is therefore equipped with a monitoring function implemented by the first monitoring device 3. The resulting tire 99 is exemplarily shown in… Figure 1-4 In order to make it clearer, it is important to note that... Figure 3 and Figure 4 It can equivalently refer to belonging to Figure 1Implementation examples and Figure 2 The embodiment of both tires 99.

[0065] The method for restoration also includes: after the first monitoring device 3 fixed to the first cleaning part A1 loses its monitoring function, (e.g., by adhesive) attaching the second monitoring device 4 (in... Figure 4 (Shown in dashed line) Fixed to the second cleaning part A2.

[0066] exist Figure 2 In some embodiments, the third cleaning portion A3 may alternatively be used as the second cleaning portion A2 (i.e., the second cleaning portion A2 is used to apply the second monitoring device 4 after the first monitoring device 3 loses its monitoring function), or subsequently, in addition to the second cleaning portion A2, the third cleaning portion is used, for example, to apply the third monitoring device (not shown) after the second monitoring device (also) loses its monitoring function.

[0067] For example, the second monitoring device 4 (and possibly a third monitoring device) has similar features regarding its monitoring functions and / or structure as the first monitoring device 3 briefly described above.

[0068] The loss of the aforementioned monitoring function of the first monitoring device 3 may result from one or more of the following events involving the first monitoring device 3: damage, detachment (detachment from the inner surface 1), electrical / electronic failure, or depletion of the corresponding power supply. In other words, the method for recovery specifies the application of a second monitoring device when the first monitoring device 3 is no longer able to perform one or more of its monitoring functions.

[0069] Typically, the aforementioned events that can lead to the loss of monitoring function also occur long after the sale of the tire 99 equipped with the first monitoring device 3 (e.g., even several months later). In fact, by way of example, the application of the second monitoring device 4 can be performed after the sale of the tire 99, followed by the use of the tire 99 on the vehicle wheels and / or the storage of the tire for a period of time (e.g., more than three / six months). Indeed, the second cleaning part A2 (or equivalently in...) Figure 2 The third cleaning part A3 in the embodiment can be used at any time after the tire 99 is produced.

[0070] Incidentally, the applicant has recognized that the method for restoration according to the invention can also be advantageously used in the production stage of vulcanized tires 99, including the first monitoring device 3. In fact, after being physically attached to the tire, the first monitoring device 3 can also be associated with the tire at the IT level (e.g., software), in which, during a coupling operation (also known as “pairing”), the serial identification number of the first monitoring device 3 is uniquely associated with the serial identification number of the tire, such that each tire corresponds to one and only one corresponding monitoring device (for purposes determined by subsequent use on the vehicle).

[0071] The applicant has discovered that during the aforementioned pairing operation, errors sometimes occur, for example at the software level, thus precluding a positive outcome. In such cases, it is impossible to repeat the pairing operation with the same monitoring device, and therefore replacement is necessary. In particularly serious situations, it may be necessary to discard both the monitoring device and the corresponding tire.

[0072] In the above-described case, i.e., when the pairing operation of the first monitoring device 3 fails, due to the method for recovery according to the present invention, the second cleaning portion A2 (or equivalently in) Figure 2 The third cleaning section A3 in the embodiment can be immediately used to apply the second monitoring device 4, thereby allowing the production of tires equipped with the monitoring device to be completed.

[0073] For example, the method includes: after securing the second monitoring device 4, maintaining the first monitoring device 3 fixed to the first cleaning portion A1. In other words, the first monitoring device 3 may not even need to be removed from the inner surface 1 of the tire 99.

[0074] For example, the method includes cleaning the second cleaning portion A2 with detergent (or equivalently cleaning the third cleaning portion A3) before fixing the second monitoring device 4, for example, or even (e.g., using a cloth and / or paper) simply by hand.

[0075] In one embodiment, the detergent used is advantageously a solvent, such as a hydrocarbon-based solvent (e.g., a solvent used for contaminants and / or mold release agents, such as silicone mold release agents, and / or solvents containing or based on limonene). For example, a hydrocarbon-based solvent could be Liquid Buffer manufactured by Rema Tip Top AG. TM Tire solvent or Rub-O-Matic tire solvent manufactured by TechTire Repair Supplies & Equipment.

[0076] Another type of available solvent may include ketone solvents, such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), etc.

[0077] In one embodiment, the detergent may be an alcohol-based solvent, preferably a denatured alcohol.

[0078] For example, the solvent can be in liquid or aerosol form.

[0079] Optionally, several simple cleaning stages with detergent may be provided, and optionally, cleaning may also be combined with cleaning with one or more of the solvents mentioned above.

[0080] Possibly, in the presence of a third cleaning section A3 and where the second monitoring device 4 has also lost its monitoring function (even long after the first monitoring device 3 has lost its function, such as after further use and / or storage of tire 99), the method for recovery may exemplary include repeating the aforementioned stages involving the second monitoring device 4 and / or the second cleaning section A2 (or, if used as a substitute for the second cleaning section A2, involving the third cleaning section A3), and also involving the third monitoring device and / or the third cleaning section A3 (or, for the second cleaning section A2, where the third cleaning section A3 has already been used in its position).

[0081] The content described above in the case of three cleaning sections also applies to the other cleaning sections of the inner surface 1 besides the third cleaning section, each cleaning section being designed to accommodate the corresponding monitoring device in the event of a loss of function of the monitoring device previously fixed to the inner surface.

Claims

1. A method for restoring monitoring functionality in a tire (99), the method comprising: - Producing vulcanized tires (99), the tires including at least a first clean portion (A1) and a second clean portion (A2) of the inner surface (1) of the tires (99); - Fix the first monitoring device (3) to the first cleaning part (A1) and leave the second cleaning part (A2) without a monitoring device; as well as - After the monitoring function of the first monitoring device (3) fixed to the first cleaning part (A1) is lost, the second monitoring device (4) is fixed to the second cleaning part (A2).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises: After securing the second monitoring device (4), keep the first monitoring device (3) secured on the first cleaning section (A1).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the method comprises: The first clean portion (A1) and / or the second clean portion (A2) are made by laser abrasion of the inner surface (1) performed downstream of the vulcanization of the tire (99).

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the method comprises: To create the first clean portion (A1) and / or the second clean portion (A2), the following steps are performed: - Producing raw tires; - Apply a first protective sheet and / or a second protective sheet to the respective first and / or second portions of the precursor on the respective inner surface (1) of the first cleaning portion (A1) and / or the second cleaning portion (A2); - Vulcanizing the raw tires; and - Remove the first protective sheet and / or the second protective sheet from the vulcanized tire (99).

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the method comprises: On the inner surface (1), at the first cleaning portion (A1) and / or the second cleaning portion (A2), a symbol indicating the intersection point between the inner surface (1) of the tire (99) and the equatorial plane is marked.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the method comprises: Before fixing the second monitoring device (4), clean the second cleaning part (A2) with detergent.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, Use one or more of the following to perform cleaning with detergent: hydrocarbon solvents, ketone solvents, alcohol solvents.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first cleaning portion (A1) and the second cleaning portion (A2) are spatially separated, and the first cleaning portion (A1) and / or the second cleaning portion (A2) are formed at the crown portion (2) of the tire (99).

9. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The tire (99) includes a plurality of cleaning portions having a first cleaning portion (A1) and a second cleaning portion (A2), the plurality of cleaning portions being evenly distributed at an angle along the inner surface (1) of the tire (99).

10. A vulcanized tire (99), said tire comprising at least a first clean portion (A1) and a second clean portion (A2) of the inner surface (1) of said tire (99), wherein, The tire (99) includes a first monitoring device (3) fixed to the first cleaning portion (A1), and the second cleaning portion (A2) has no monitoring device, so that a second monitoring device (4) can be fixed to the second cleaning portion (A2) after the monitoring function of the first monitoring device (3) fixed to the first cleaning portion (A1) is lost.

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