Tire pattern residual depth measuring device

Abstract

A tire pattern remaining depth measuring device disclosed by the present invention comprises a main shell, the front end and the rear end of the main shell are connected with a front slope plate and a rear slope plate respectively, the main shell comprises a base and an upper cover connected to the upper end of the base, and a camera, a laser emitting device and a pressing triggering mechanism are sequentially installed in an inner cavity of the base in the wheel advancing direction. The upper cover comprises a first cover plate, a second cover plate and a third cover plate, one end of the second cover plate is provided with a first mounting inclined surface, the other end of the second cover plate is provided with a second mounting groove, and the first mounting inclined surface and the bottom surface of the second mounting groove are respectively provided with a camera window opposite to the camera and a laser window opposite to the laser emitting device; a laser shielding device is mounted at an opening of the second mounting groove, and a dust removal mechanism is further mounted in the inner cavity of the base. By means of the device, automatic measurement of the residual depth of the tire pattern can be achieved, the measurement stability and reliability are high, the measurement efficiency is high, and the measurement accuracy and safety are high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of tire tread depth, and more specifically, to a device for measuring the remaining depth of tire tread. Background Art

[0002] Tires are the load-bearing components of a car, and their condition, especially the wear of the tread, directly affects the vehicle's performance, safety, and fuel consumption. Generally, the condition of a tire is judged by the size and wear of the tread pattern. Current methods for inspecting tread wear typically involve mechanics visually inspecting the tread pattern for completeness. This method relies heavily on human experience and is highly subjective, making it difficult to guarantee accuracy. Another method involves inspectors measuring the tread depth through contact. However, the methods used by inspectors and the inherent errors in the tire's tread depth measurement can lead to significant inaccuracies in the data. Furthermore, manual measurement is inefficient and unsuitable for large-scale vehicle inspections during annual vehicle checks.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, patent number CN117405037A discloses a "through-type tire tread detection device," which describes a process where "the laser beam emitted by the laser emitting device is first reflected by the laser reflector, then passes through the first window and is directed at the tire, forming a laser line pattern on the tire. Simultaneously, the laser line image on the tire surface is reflected back to the camera by the camera reflector. After the camera captures the laser line image, the tread groove depth is calculated by the built-in system on the control board or another computer system based on the captured image, thereby achieving the through-type detection function." However, this application still has certain problems. First, both the laser emitting device and the camera require reflectors during use, and the layout of the reflectors increases the overall size and manufacturing cost of the detection device. Second, when the tire passes through the first and second windows, dust easily falls onto the windows, affecting the light transmission effect and thus impacting the detection. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned technical problems in related technologies, the present invention provides a tire tread depth measuring device, which can solve the above problems.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is implemented as follows: A tire tread depth measuring device includes a main housing with a front ramp and a rear ramp connected to its front and rear ends, respectively. The main housing includes a base and a top cover connected to the upper end of the base. A camera, a laser emitting device, and a press trigger mechanism are sequentially installed in the inner cavity of the base along the wheel travel direction. The top cover includes a first cover plate, a second cover plate, and a third cover plate. One end of the second cover plate has a first mounting slope, and the other end has a second mounting groove. A camera window opposite to the camera and a laser window opposite to the laser emitting device are respectively installed on the bottom surface of the first mounting slope and the second mounting groove. A dust removal mechanism is also installed in the inner cavity of the base. The dust removal mechanism includes a first air blowing block for blowing air onto the camera window and a second air blowing block for blowing air onto the laser window.

[0006] Furthermore, the inner cavity of the base is provided with several support members for supporting the upper cover. The support members include a cylindrical support member one and a C-shaped support member two. The side end of the base is provided with several connecting through holes, and the bottom of the base is connected to a rubber pad by fixing bolts.

[0007] Furthermore, the press trigger mechanism includes a frame, in which a trigger plate is movably connected. Several horizontally arranged pressure balls are connected to the upper end of the trigger plate, and a sensor is arranged below the trigger plate.

[0008] Furthermore, the frame is a square tube structure, the upper end face of the frame contacts the lower bottom surface of the third cover plate, the lower end face of the frame contacts the bottom surface of the base, and the third cover plate is provided with a clearance hole for the pressure ball to pass through.

[0009] Furthermore, both the first and second air-blowing blocks are connected to an outer air tank via air pipes. Both the first and second air-blowing blocks have two air-blowing columns at their outlet ends, and each air-blowing column has a long, narrow air-blowing nozzle. The air-blowing column of the first air-blowing block passes through the second cover plate and extends toward the center of the camera window, while the air-blowing column of the second air-blowing block passes through the second mounting groove and extends toward the center of the laser window.

[0010] Furthermore, the first cover plate, the third cover plate, and the base plate of the base are all flat plate structures. The upper end face of the first cover plate and the upper end face of the third cover plate are flush. The upper end face of the first cover plate is parallel to the base plate. The camera window is covered by the rear end of the first cover plate. The second mounting groove includes a ramp surface, which is located below the opening of the second mounting groove.

[0011] Furthermore, a driving component is installed on one side wall of the base, and the output end of the driving component is connected to a rotating shaft via a connecting rod. A laser light-shielding plate is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft, and the laser light-shielding plate is located at the opening of the second mounting groove.

[0012] Furthermore, a transition connecting plate is connected between the first mounting slope and the second mounting groove. The transition connecting plate includes a connecting plate one and a connecting plate two. The rear end of the connecting plate two is connected to the front slope of the second mounting groove, and the upper end surface of the connecting plate two is flush with the upper end surface of the third cover plate. One end of the connecting plate one is connected to the front end of the connecting plate two, and the other end is connected to the bottom end of the first mounting slope.

[0013] Furthermore, the angle α between the center line of the camera's field of view and the base plate of the base is 5 to 25 degrees, and the angle β between the emitted light of the laser emitting device and the base plate of the base is 30 to 60 degrees.

[0014] Furthermore, the inner cavity of the base is provided with a control board for controlling electrical components. The control board is set in a sealed control board box. Waterproof inlet connectors are provided on both sides of the control board box. A PTC heater is also provided inside the control board box. An air blowing pipe is connected to one side wall of the base. One end of the air blowing pipe faces the control board box, and the other end extends out of the base and is connected to a fan.

[0015] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the device of this application can realize the automatic measurement of the remaining depth of tire tread, with high measurement stability and reliability, high measurement efficiency, and high measurement accuracy and safety. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a tire tread depth measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the layout of the camera and laser emitting device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the press trigger mechanism described in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the base described in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the gas storage tank connected to the air blowing block via an external air inlet pipe, as described in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the dust removal mechanism described in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the air-blowing block according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second mounting groove according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of connecting the laser light shield at the opening of the second mounting groove according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a top view of the camera window as described in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a top view of the control board installed in the base according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the control board enclosure box as described in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the control board box, air blowing pipe, and fan described in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a PTC heater installed inside the control board box according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] In the picture: 110. Front ramp; 120. Rear ramp; 130. Base; 131. Support; 132. Fixing bolt; 200. Camera; 210. Camera window; 211. Window glass pressure plate; 300. Laser emitting device; 410. First cover plate; 420. Second cover plate; 421. First mounting ramp; 422. Second mounting groove; 4221. Ramp surface; 423. Transition connecting plate; 430. Third cover plate; 500. Laser window; 610. Frame; 620. Trigger plate; 630, pressure ball; 640, sensor; 710, first air blowing block; 720, second air blowing block; 730, air tank; 740, air blowing port; 750, external air inlet pipe; 760, internal air inlet pipe; 770, air inlet connector; 810, drive component; 820, connecting rod; 830, rotating shaft; 840, laser light shield; 900, control board; 910, control board box; 920, air blowing pipe; 930, fan; 940, PTC heater; 950, waterproof inlet connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] like Figure 1-14 As shown, a tire tread depth measuring device is disclosed according to the present invention, comprising a main housing, with a front ramp 110 and a rear ramp 120 respectively connected to the front and rear ends of the main housing. The main housing includes a base 130 and an upper cover connected to the upper end of the base 130. A camera 200, a laser emitting device 300, and a press trigger mechanism are sequentially installed in the inner cavity of the base 130 along the wheel travel direction. The upper cover includes a first cover plate 410, a second cover plate 420, and a third cover plate 430. One end of the second cover plate 420 is provided with a first mounting plate. The first mounting slope 421 has a second mounting groove 422 at the other end. A camera window 210 (fixed by a window glass pressure plate 211) opposite to the camera 200 and a laser window 500 opposite to the laser emitting device 300 are respectively installed on the bottom surface of the first mounting slope 421 and the second mounting groove 422. A dust removal mechanism is also installed in the inner cavity of the base 130. The dust removal mechanism includes a first air blowing block 710 for blowing air onto the camera window 210 and a second air blowing block 720 for blowing air onto the laser window 500.

[0022] Example 1: In practical applications, two measuring devices are symmetrically arranged and can be placed in vehicle maintenance bays or garages. During vehicle movement, the wheels pass sequentially over the upper end of the front ramp 110, the upper end of the main housing, and the upper end of the rear ramp 120. When the vehicle reaches the third cover plate 430, the wheel presses over the pressure ball 630. The pressure ball 630 drives the trigger plate 620 to press down the sensor 640. The sensor 640 transmits the wheel passing signal to the control board. The control board controls the camera 200 and the laser emitting device 300 to start. The laser beam emitted by the laser emitting device 300 passes through the slot of the second mounting groove 422 and is directed towards the tire, forming a laser line pattern on the tire. The camera 200 captures the pattern through the camera window 210 and transmits the captured pattern to the control board. The control board calculates the tread groove depth based on the captured pattern, thereby realizing the through-type detection function.

[0023] For safety, a laser light shield 840 can be installed at the opening of the second mounting groove 422. When no detection is being performed, the laser light shield 840 covers the opening of the second mounting groove 422. When detection is performed and the sensor 640 is triggered, the control board controls the drive unit 810 to start. The drive unit 810 drives the rotating shaft 830 to rotate through the connecting rod 820, thereby rotating the laser light shield 840 into the second mounting groove 422, thus removing the obstruction and allowing the laser to be emitted smoothly.

[0024] Example 2: In this application, in order to improve the structural strength of the main shell, a number of support members 131 are provided in the inner cavity of the base 130, including a cylindrical support member one and a C-shaped support member two. When the support member is located at the lower end of the transition connecting plate 423, the upper end surface of the support member is an inclined surface that matches the transition connecting plate 423. In addition to its supporting function, the C-shaped groove of the C-shaped support member two can be used for positioning internal components. The lower end of the third cover plate 430 is supported by a square tube frame 610. A number of connecting through holes are provided on the side of the base 130 for the installation of components such as power cords, network cables, control lines, and air pipes.

[0025] Example 3: This application does not use a reflector to guide the light; instead, it achieves pattern capture by setting the centerline angle of the field of view of the camera 200 and the emission angle of the light emitted by the laser emitting device 300. Figure 2 As shown, the angle α between the center line of the field of view of the camera 200 and the base plate of the base 130 is 5 to 25 degrees, and the angle β between the emitted light of the laser emitting device 300 and the base plate of the base 130 is 30 to 60 degrees.

[0026] To match the angular layout of the camera 200 and the laser emitting device 300, this application features an irregularly shaped design for the second cover plate 420. The second cover plate 420 includes a first mounting slope 421, a second mounting groove 422, and a transition connecting plate 423. The second mounting groove 422 is a U-shaped groove with its opening inclined toward the direction of wheel travel. The laser emitted by the laser emitting device 300 can be emitted from the groove onto the traveling wheel. To enable the camera 200 to successfully capture the tire tread image through the camera window 210, the connecting plate in the transition connecting plate 423 is designed as a ramp to avoid obstructing the camera window 210.

[0027] Example 4: When the wheel passes over the main housing, to prevent dust and other debris from falling into the camera window and laser window, on the one hand, the rear end of the first cover plate 410 extends a short section into the second cover plate 420. While not affecting the camera 200's ability to capture images through the camera window, the extended rear end covers the camera window, so that dust and other debris falling from the wheel will slide down the ramp-shaped connecting plate to the bottom of the camera window without affecting its normal use. On the other hand, the opening of the second mounting groove 422 in this application is inclined towards the direction of wheel travel, so the bottom surface of the second mounting groove 422 is also inclined towards the direction of the traveling wheel. The second mounting groove 422 includes a ramp surface 4221, which is located below the opening of the second mounting groove 422. Therefore, dust and other debris falling from the wheel will fall through the opening of the second mounting groove 422 onto the ramp surface 4221, and finally slide down to the bottom of the laser window 500 without affecting its normal use.

[0028] Furthermore, a dust removal mechanism is installed in the inner cavity of the base 130, including an air tank 730. The air tank 730 is connected to an external air inlet pipe 750, which is connected to an internal air inlet pipe 760 through an air inlet connector 770. The two ends of the internal air inlet pipe 760 are respectively connected to a first air blowing block 710 and a second air blowing block 720. The air blowing column of the first air blowing block 710 passes through the second cover plate 420 and extends to the middle of the camera window. The air blowing column of the second air blowing block 720 passes through the second mounting groove 422 and extends to the middle of the laser window 500. After each measurement, the dust removal mechanism will perform dust removal and cleaning operations (and also perform timed dust removal and cleaning operations during idle periods). That is, the air blowing ports 740 of the two air blowing columns blow air from the middle of the window to both sides of the window to clean up dust and other debris and prevent excessive accumulation of dust and other debris.

[0029] Example 5: The base 130 of this application houses a control board 900 for electrically connecting electrical components such as the camera 200, laser emitting device 300, sensor 640, and drive unit 810. When the tire tread depth measuring device of this application is used in harsh environments, especially outdoors, it may encounter water immersion, high temperature, low temperature and other environments. Therefore, the control board of this application is set in a sealed control board box 910 for waterproofing. At the same time, an air blowing pipe 920 and a fan 930 are set to control the high temperature protection function of the control board box 910. A PTC heater 940 is also set in the control board box 910 to control the low temperature protection function of the control board box 910.

[0030] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tire tread depth measuring device, comprising a main housing, wherein a front ramp plate (110) and a rear ramp plate (120) are respectively connected to the front and rear ends of the main housing, the main housing comprising a base (130) and an upper cover connected to the upper end of the base (130), wherein a camera (200), a laser emitting device (300), and a press triggering mechanism are sequentially installed in the inner cavity of the base (130) along the wheel travel direction, characterized in that, The top cover includes a first cover plate (410), a second cover plate (420), and a third cover plate (430). One end of the second cover plate (420) is provided with a first mounting slope (421), and the other end is provided with a second mounting groove (422). A camera window (210) opposite to the camera (200) and a laser window (500) opposite to the laser emitting device (300) are respectively installed on the bottom surface of the first mounting slope (421) and the second mounting groove (422). A dust removal mechanism is also installed in the inner cavity of the base (130). The dust removal mechanism includes a first air blowing block (710) for blowing air into the camera window (210) and a second air blowing block (720) for blowing air into the laser window (500).

2. The tire tread depth measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner cavity of the base (130) is provided with a number of support members (131) for supporting the upper cover. The support members (131) include a cylindrical support member one and a C-shaped support member two. The side end of the base (130) is provided with a number of connecting through holes. The bottom of the base (130) is connected to a rubber pad by fixing bolts (132).

3. The tire tread depth measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The press trigger mechanism includes a frame (610), a trigger plate (620) is movably connected in the frame (610), a plurality of horizontally arranged pressure balls (630) are connected to the upper end of the trigger plate (620), and a sensor (640) is arranged below the trigger plate (620).

4. The tire tread depth measuring device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The frame (610) is a square tube structure. The upper end face of the frame (610) is in contact with the lower bottom face of the third cover plate (430), and the lower end face of the frame (610) is in contact with the bottom face of the base (130). The third cover plate (430) is provided with a clearance hole for the pressure ball (630) to pass through.

5. The tire tread depth measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first air block (710) and the second air block (720) are both connected to an air tank (730) on the outside via air pipes. The air outlet of the first air block (710) and the second air block (720) are provided with two air columns. A long strip-shaped air outlet (740) is opened on the air column. The air column of the first air block (710) passes through the second cover plate (420) and extends to the middle of the camera window (210). The air column of the second air block (720) passes through the second mounting groove (422) and extends to the middle of the laser window (500).

6. The tire tread depth measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first cover plate (410), the third cover plate (430), and the base plate (130) are all flat plate structures. The upper end face of the first cover plate (410) and the upper end face of the third cover plate (430) are flush. The upper end face of the first cover plate (410) is parallel to the base plate (130). The camera window (210) is covered by the rear end of the first cover plate (410). The second mounting groove (422) includes a ramp surface (4221), which is located below the opening of the second mounting groove (422).

7. The tire tread depth measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A drive unit (810) is installed on one side wall of the base (130). The output end of the drive unit (810) is connected to the rotating shaft (830) via a connecting rod (820). A laser light shield (840) is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft (830). The laser light shield (840) is located at the opening of the second mounting groove (422).

8. The tire tread depth measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A transition connecting plate (423) is connected between the first mounting inclined surface (421) and the second mounting groove (422). The transition connecting plate (423) includes a connecting plate one and a connecting plate two. The rear end of the connecting plate two is connected to the front inclined surface of the second mounting groove (422), and the upper end surface of the connecting plate two is flush with the upper end surface of the third cover plate (430). One end of the connecting plate one is connected to the front end of the connecting plate two, and the other end is connected to the bottom end of the first mounting inclined surface (421).

9. The tire tread depth measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle α between the center line of the field of view of the camera (200) and the bottom plate of the base (130) is 5 to 25 degrees, and the angle β between the emitted light of the laser emitting device (300) and the bottom plate of the base (130) is 30 to 60 degrees.

10. The tire tread depth measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base (130) has a control board (900) for controlling electrical components in its inner cavity. The control board is housed in a sealed control board box (910). Waterproof inlet connectors (950) are provided on both sides of the control board box (910). A PTC heater (940) is also provided inside the control board box (910). An air blowing pipe (920) is connected to one side wall of the base (130). One end of the air blowing pipe (920) faces the control board box (910), and the other end extends out of the base (130) and is connected to a fan (930).

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