Tire information acquisition device

Abstract

Tire information acquisition device (1), comprising: a sensor unit (2) with a sensor (41) configured to acquire tire information; a first band (10) for fixing the sensor unit (2) to a rim (R), wherein the first band (10) has an adjustable band circumference length by reversibly attaching another end (10B) to a fastening section (12) provided at one end (10A); at least a second strap (20) configured to attach the sensor unit (2) and the first strap (10) in one piece, wherein the sensor unit (2) is arranged between the first band (10) and the rim (R), wherein the second band (20) is wrapped around both the sensor unit (2) and the first band (10), and wherein a groove or hole that allows the second band (20) to pass through is formed in a housing (3) that forms the sensor unit (2), and the groove or hole accommodates part or all of a fastening section (22) of the second band (20).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tire information acquisition device, more precisely a tire information acquisition device that can be achieved at low cost, is easy to install, and is applicable to various rim sizes. State of the art

[0002] To acquire internal tire information, such as internal pressure and temperature, various types of sensors are installed within the tire cavity. One proposed method for installing a sensor in a pneumatic tire involves attaching a sensor to a rim using a band (see, for example, JP 2016-104619 A and JP 2016-538195 A). However, the band described in JP 2016-104619 A and JP 2016-538195 A is designed with a specific length and lacks a structure applicable to both passenger car tires and large truck tires, among others. This presents a problem in that the band is not widely applicable to different rim sizes.

[0003] Furthermore, a method for installing a sensor in a pneumatic tire is proposed, involving attaching a sensor to one end of a wheel valve. While this method offers advantages, such as the sensor's installation position being identifiable from the outside of the tire and relatively easy mounting on a rim, it presents challenges. For example, truck tires may use different types of valves, requiring compatible valves. Therefore, this method is undesirable from both a product management and cost perspective.

[0004] US 9,812,614 B1 discloses a tire pressure sensor mounting system. The tire pressure sensor mounting system comprises a tire pressure sensor mounted to the wheel rim by a tire pressure sensor mounting device. The tire pressure sensor mounting device comprises a mounting base and a rim tape. The rim tape comprises a first and a second rim tape end, the second rim tape end comprising a first locking mechanism.

[0005] US 2008 / 0 018 445 A1 discloses a method for detecting an anomaly in a vehicle tire. A sensor unit is arranged on a rim. The sensor unit is attached to the rim by a stainless steel band that forms a circle around the rim and a resin base. In particular, the sensor unit is attached to the base by cable ties, the base being mounted to the rim by the stainless steel band.

[0006] CN 2 06 485 141 U discloses a tire pressure monitoring device. The tire pressure monitoring device comprises a tire pressure monitoring system that is mounted within a TPMS mounting hole by means of a tie-on TPMS strap on a curved support belt. The support belt includes high-strength fastening bolts for attaching the curved support belt to a rim.

[0007] DE 10 2013 221 225 A1 discloses a fastening device for securing a pressure sensor, in particular a tire pressure sensor, within a tire cavity. The fastening device comprises a tension strap with a first end and a second end. A receiving device is arranged at the first end, in which a pressure sensor is arranged. The first end has an eyelet through which the second end is passed, the second end having textile fields designed to provide a hook-and-loop fastener.

[0008] JP H10-315 720 A discloses a device that detects the internal pressure of a pneumatic tire. A cover section is attached to the recessed section of a rim by a strap, along with a box-shaped container and an air pressure sensor. The strap is made, for example, of a plain weave of heat-resistant resin fibers, with both ends of the strap secured by a belt.

[0009] US 8,776,589 B1 discloses a tire pressure sensor mounting system. The tire pressure sensor mounting system comprises a mounting piece for mounting a tire pressure sensor to a wheel rim. The mounting piece includes a rim strap with a first end and a second end, the second end having a first locking means. The mounting piece further comprises a first side strip and a second side strip, both having a first end and a locking means at a second end.

[0010] DE 10 2010 037 597 A1 discloses a tire module for a pneumatic tire. The pneumatic tire comprises a rim, with a strip-shaped retaining element provided around the rim. The strip-shaped retaining element comprises a closable pocket containing a tire module and an eyelet, so that one end of the strip-shaped retaining element can be passed through the eyelet to form a closed loop using hook-and-loop fasteners. Brief description of the invention: Technical problem

[0011] One object of the present invention is to provide a tire information acquisition device that can be achieved at low cost, is easy to install, and is applicable to various rim sizes. Solution to the problem

[0012] To achieve the aforementioned task, a tire information acquisition device includes a sensor unit with a sensor configured to acquire tire information, a first band for fixing the sensor unit to a rim and having an adjustable band circumference length by reversibly attaching one end to a mounting section provided at one end, and at least one second band configured to integrally secure the sensor unit and the first band. The sensor unit is positioned between the first band and the rim, with the second band wrapped around both the sensor unit and the first band. A groove or hole, allowing the second band to pass through, is formed in a housing that constitutes the sensor unit, and the groove or hole accommodates part or all of a mounting section of the second band. Advantageous effects of the invention

[0013] The present invention comprises a sensor unit with a sensor configured to acquire tire information, a first band for fixing the sensor unit to a rim and having an adjustable circumference length by reversibly attaching one end to a fastening section at the other, and at least one second band configured to attach the sensor unit and the first band in one piece. This simple mechanism allows for low-cost manufacturing and easy installation of the sensor unit on the rim. Furthermore, the first band, being a single size, is applicable to various rim sizes.

[0014] According to the present invention, the first band preferably has a width in the range of 5 mm to 50 mm. By adjusting the appropriate width of the first band, as described above, a defect during rim mounting or application of the first band can be prevented.

[0015] In the present invention, prior to mounting on the rim, the first band is preferably in the range of 1800 mm to 2500 mm in length, and the first band preferably has a structure in which the other end can be cut. In this way, the present invention is widely applicable to various rim sizes, such as a tire for a passenger vehicle and a large tire for a truck, and the like. In particular, if a predetermined length is left in the area from the mounting section to the other end at the time of cutting the first band, the same first band can be reused after replacing the sensor unit.

[0016] In the present invention, the first band preferably has breathability. In this way, even if the first band is arranged to cover a ventilation hole in the sensor unit, the breathability of the ventilation hole formed in the surface of the sensor unit can be ensured.

[0017] In the present invention, the sensor unit is preferably arranged between the first band and the rim. By arranging the sensor unit on the inside of the tire in the radial direction of the first band, the sensor unit can be firmly fixed to the rim.

[0018] In the present invention, a groove or hole through which the second band can pass is preferably formed in a housing that forms the sensor unit, and the groove or hole preferably accommodates part or all of an attachment section of the second band. In this way, the attachment performance of the second band can be improved, and deviation of the second band in a circumferential direction of the tire can be prevented. Furthermore, breakage of the attachment section of the second band during rim mounting, caused by contact with the bead sections of the pneumatic tire, and a deterioration of rim mounting performance can be prevented.

[0019] In the present invention, at least parts of a band body and the fastening section of the first band that are in contact with the rim are preferably made of a non-metallic material. If the part of the first band that is in contact with the rim is made of a metallic material, rust may form in some cases due to a difference in ionization tendency. In contrast, if the part of the first band that is in contact with the rim is made of a non-metallic material, rust formation can be prevented.

[0020] In the present invention, a base configured to hold the sensor unit is preferably inserted between the second band and the rim, and the base preferably has a thermal conductivity of 1.0 W / m·K or less. If the sensor unit is held in direct contact with the rim, heat from the rim is likely to affect the temperature information of the tire. Furthermore, the second band is wrapped around a lower part of the sensor unit, and therefore the second band can be rubbed against the rim, worn down, and broken during long-term driving. With the configuration described above, heat from the rim can be suppressed, and breakage or wear of the second band can be prevented.

[0021] In the present invention, at least a portion of the base that is held in contact with the rim preferably includes a section for preventing slippage. In some cases, during rim mounting, bead sections of the pneumatic tire can be held in contact with the sensor unit and the band elements, and the sensor unit can be deflected in a transverse direction of the tire. By providing the section for preventing slippage at the base, such a deflection can be prevented. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a pneumatic tire on which a tire information acquisition device according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted. Fig. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along an arrow XX from Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 is a top view of the tire information acquisition device according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the tire information acquisition device according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5A and Fig. Figure 5B illustrates a modified example of a sensor unit of the tire information acquisition device according to the embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5A is a top view and Fig. 5B is a side view in the direction of arrow Y from Fig. 5A. Fig. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along the arrow ZZ from Fig. 5A. Description of embodiments

[0022] Configurations of embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a pneumatic tire on which a tire information acquisition device according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted. Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 illustrates the tire information acquisition device according to the embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that in Fig. 1, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Arrow Tw indicates the lateral direction of the tire and arrow Tc indicates the circumferential direction of the tire.

[0023] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2, a tire cavity is formed between a pneumatic tire T and a rim R. A tire information acquisition device 1 is mounted on the rim R within this tire cavity. The tire information acquisition device 1 is arranged in a recess that is a flat section of the rim R.

[0024] As in Fig. 3 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, the tire information acquisition device 1 includes a sensor unit 2 that measures a condition of the pneumatic tire T, a first band 10 that fixes the sensor unit 2 to the edge R, and a second band 20 that integrally fastens the sensor unit 2 and the first band 10.

[0025] The sensor unit 2 includes a housing 3 and electronic components 4. The housing 3 has a hollow structure and contains the electronic components 4. A ventilation opening 5, which allows air to flow through the tire cavity, is provided in the housing 3. The electronic components 4 include sensors 41, which comprise a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor, a transmitter, a receiver, a control circuit, a battery / accumulator, and the like, as applicable. Furthermore, the sensor unit 2 transmits the internal temperature and internal pressure of the pneumatic tire T, measured by the sensors 41, to the outside of the tire. The sensor unit 2 can be arranged outside of the first band 10 in the radial direction of the tire.However, in order to firmly attach the sensor unit 2 to the rim R, the sensor unit 2 is arranged on the inside of the first band 10 in the tire radial direction (between the first band 10 and the rim R).

[0026] The first band 10 is formed from a band body 11 and a fastening section 12. The fastening section 12 is arranged at one end 10a of the first band 10 and reversibly fastens the other end 10B. In this fastening structure, the first band 10 has an adjustable band circumference length.

[0027] The second band 20 is at least one band formed from a band body 21 and a fastening section 22. The fastening section 22 is provided at one end 20A and fastens the other end 20B. The fastening section 22 can fasten the other end 20B reversibly, or alternatively, it can fasten the other end 20B irreversibly. A zipper is shown as an example of the second band 20, and in this case, the fastening section 22 fastens the other end 20B irreversibly. Any excess portion of the fastening section 22 extending to the other end 20B can be cut off accordingly.

[0028] In a case where the sensor unit 2 is fixed to the rim R by using the first band 10 and the second band 20 as described above, the first band 10 is stretched along a direction of extension of the sensor unit 2 at an intermediate position between one end 10A and the other end 10B of the first band 10. The second band 20 is positioned in a direction that intersects or is perpendicular to a direction of extension of the first band 10, and the second band 20 is wrapped around both the sensor unit 2 and the first band 10. Furthermore, the other end 20B is inserted into and secured in the fastening section 22 of the second band 20. Subsequently, the first band 10 and the sensor unit 2, which is integrated by the second band 20, are placed in the recess of the rim R, and the other end 10B is inserted into and secured in the fastening section 12 of the first band 10.In this stage, a section from the other end 10B to the mounting section 12 can be cut off by slicing off a predetermined length, or alternatively, it can be fixed using a separate element such as a clamp. In this way, the tire information acquisition device 1 can be fixed to the rim R. It should be noted that in the description given above, the second strap 20 is attached before the first strap 10. After the first strap 10 fixes the sensor unit 2 to the rim R, the second strap 20 can be wrapped around both the sensor unit 2 and the first strap 10 to secure the second strap 20.

[0029] The tire information acquisition device 1, as described above, comprises a sensor unit 2, which measures the condition of the pneumatic tire T; a first band 10 for fixing the sensor unit 2 to the rim R, which has an adjustable circumference length by reversibly attaching the other end 10B to the fastening section 12 provided at one end 10A; and at least one second band 20, which integrally fastens the sensor unit 2 and the first band 10. This simple mechanism allows for low-cost manufacturing and easy installation of the sensor unit 2 on the rim R. Furthermore, the first band 10, being a single size, is applicable to various rim sizes.

[0030] In the tire information acquisition device described above, the width W of the first band 10 preferably falls within a range of 5 mm to 50 mm. By appropriately adjusting the width W of the first band 10, as described above, a defect during rim mounting or the application of the first band 10 can be prevented. If the width W of the first band 10 is less than 5 mm, the sensor unit 2 is more likely to deviate during the mounting of the pneumatic tire T on a rim. Conversely, if the width W of the first band 10 is greater than 50 mm, the first band 10 may not be seated in the recess of the rim R.

[0031] In a state where the first band 10 is not attached to the rim R, the band length falls within a range of 1800 mm to 2500 mm, and a structure is preferably used in which the other end 10B of the first band 10 can be cut. This cuttable structure is a design that allows a cutting tool, such as scissors, to perform a cutting operation. Furthermore, in a state where the tire information acquisition device 1 is mounted on the rim R, if any excess portion is present, the excess is cut off by removing a predetermined length from the area of ​​the first band 10 between the mounting section 12 and the other end 10B.For example, if the band length is 2000 mm, a predetermined length of 100 mm to 150 mm is left in the area from the fastening section 12 to the other end 10B, and the remaining portion is cut off as excess. In particular, if fabric is used as the band body 11 of the first band 10 and the fastening section 12 is provided with a structure that can engage with the fabric, for which one end 10A of the first band 10 is provided, the first band 10 can be cut to a freely selectable length, and the length adjustment can be stepless, which is advantageous. By appropriately adjusting the band length of the first band 10 as described above, the present invention is widely applicable to various rim sizes, such as a tire for a passenger vehicle and a large tire for a truck, and the like.In particular, in a case where a predetermined length is left in the area from the fastening section 12 to the other end 10B at the time of cutting the first strip 10, the same first strip 10 can be reused after replacing the sensor unit 2.

[0032] Furthermore, the first band 10 preferably exhibits breathability. Even if the first band 10 is arranged such that it covers the ventilation hole 5 in the sensor unit 2, the breathability of the ventilation hole 5 formed in the surface of the sensor unit 2 can be ensured, wherein the first band 10 exhibits breathability as described above.

[0033] In the tire information acquisition device described above, at least parts of the band body 11 and the mounting section 12, which form the first band 10 and are in contact with the rim R, are preferably made of a non-metallic material. As a method for forming the part of the first band 10 that is in contact with the rim R with a non-metallic material, the application of a coating material made of a non-metallic material or the application of a non-metallic material to the surface of the band body 11 and the alternating insertion of a separate element made of a non-metallic material between the band body 11 and the rim R is shown by way of example. Examples of non-metallic materials include plastic, rubber, ceramic, and natural fibers, with plastic being particularly suitable.If the portion of the first band 10 that is in contact with the rim R is made of a metallic material, rust may form in some cases due to a difference in ionization tendency. Conversely, if the portion of the first band 10 that is in contact with the rim R is made of a non-metallic material, rust formation may be prevented.

[0034] Furthermore, each of the sensor units 2, the band body 11, and the mounting section 12 is preferably made of a malleable material that exhibits relatively high heat resistance. Examples of materials with such physical properties include polypropylene, polyethylene, and nylon. Furthermore, the band body 21 and the mounting section 22, which form the second band 20, are preferably designed similarly to the sensor unit 2, the band body 11, and the mounting section 12.

[0035] Fig. 5A, Fig. 5B and Fig. Figure 6 illustrates a modified example of the sensor unit of the tire information acquisition device according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 5A and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 5B, a recess 3A is provided in the housing 3, which forms the sensor unit 2. In the embodiment of Fig. 5A and Fig. Figure 5B is an example of a case in which a hole through which a projection 3B extends in a transverse direction of the tire is formed as the recess 3A, although the present invention is not specifically limited to this. Additionally, a groove can be formed that extends in a transverse direction of the tire. Part or all of the fastening section 22 of the second band 20 can be received in the recess 3A thus formed. The depth of the recess 3A is preferably set so deep that the entire fastening section 22 of the second band 20 can be received. Particularly in a case of the Fig. 5A and Fig. In the embodiment illustrated in 5B, the recess 3A formed in the projection 3B can accommodate the entire fastening section 22 of the second band 20, and thus the recess 3A can protect the fastening section 22.

[0036] As described above, the recess 3A, which allows the second band 20 to be inserted through it, is provided, and the fastening section 22 of the second band 20 is received in the recess 3A. This improves the fastening performance of the second band 20 and prevents deviation of the second band 20 in the circumferential direction of the tire. Furthermore, it prevents breakage of the fastening section 22 of the second band 20 during rim mounting, which is caused by contact with the bead sections of the pneumatic tire T, and thus prevents a deterioration of the rim mounting performance.

[0037] As in Fig. Figure 6 illustrates that a base 6 is provided which holds the sensor unit 2. In the embodiment of Fig. Figure 6 illustrates an example case in which the base 6 is configured to have a U-shape in a cross-sectional view in the transverse direction of the tire, but the shape of the base 6 is not limited. The base 6 is used by inserting it between the second band 20 and the rim R at the time of mounting the tire information acquisition device 1. The thermal conductivity of the base 6 is preferably 1.0 W / m·K or less, more preferably 0.5 W / m·K or less. Examples of materials with such physical properties include natural rubber, polyamide, and polypropylene. If the sensor unit 2 is held in direct contact with the rim R, it is likely that heat from the rim R will affect the temperature information of the tire information.Furthermore, the second band 20 is wrapped around a lower part of the sensor unit 2, and therefore the second band 20 can be rubbed against the rim, worn down, and broken during long-term driving. As described above, the base 6 is arranged between the second band 20 and the rim R, and the thermal conductivity of the base 6 is appropriately adjusted. This suppresses the effect of heat from the rim R and prevents breakage or wear of the second band 20.

[0038] Furthermore, an anti-slip section 7 is provided on at least a portion of the base 6 that is in contact with the rim R. For example, the anti-slip section 7 can be formed by applying a material with a high coefficient of friction to the base 6 or by forming the base 6 itself from a material with a high coefficient of friction. Alternatively, the anti-slip section 7 can be formed by grinding the surface of the base 6, thereby increasing the coefficient of friction of the base 6's surface. Examples of materials with a high coefficient of friction that form the base 6 include rubber and low-density polyethylene, with rubber being particularly suitable.By providing the section for preventing slippage 7 on the base 6 as described above at the time of rim mounting, it is possible to prevent bead sections of the pneumatic tire T from being held in contact with the sensor unit 2 and the band element (the first band 10 or the second band 20), and to prevent the sensor unit 2 from deviating in the tire transverse direction.

[0039] In the tire information acquisition device described above, the distance D between the rim R and the sensor unit 2 is (see Fig.6) preferably 1 mm or more, and is more preferably in the range of 3 mm to 5 mm. By appropriately adjusting the distance D, as described above, the thermal effect on the pneumatic tire T can be minimized. If the distance D is greater than 5 mm, bead sections are more likely to be in contact with the sensor unit 2 during rim mounting. This can impair rim mounting performance. List of reference symbols 1 Tire information acquisition device 2 sensor units 3 cases 4 Electronic Component 5 ventilation holes 6 Base Section 7 on preventing slipping 10 Volume One 10A, 10B End 11 ligament bodies 12 Fastening section 20 Volume Two 20A, 20B End 21 ligament bodies 22 Fastening section 41 Sensor T Pneumatic tire R rim

Claims

[1] Tire information acquisition device (1), comprising: a sensor unit (2) with a sensor (41) configured to acquire tire information; a first band (10) for fixing the sensor unit (2) to a rim (R), wherein the first band (10) has an adjustable band circumference length by reversibly attaching another end (10B) to a fastening section (12) provided at one end (10A); at least a second strap (20) configured to attach the sensor unit (2) and the first strap (10) in one piece, wherein the sensor unit (2) is arranged between the first band (10) and the rim (R), wherein the second band (20) is wrapped around both the sensor unit (2) and the first band (10), and wherein a groove or hole that allows the second band (20) to pass through is formed in a housing (3) that forms the sensor unit (2), and the groove or hole accommodates part or all of a fastening section (22) of the second band (20). [2] Tire information acquisition device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first band (10) has a width which falls within a range of 5 mm to 50 mm. [3] Tire information acquisition device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein prior to a mounting state on the rim (R) a band length of the first band (10) falls in a range of 1800 mm to 2500 mm and the first band (10) has a structure in which the other end (10B) can be cut. [4] Tire information acquisition device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first band (10) has breathability. [5] Tire information acquisition device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least parts of a band body (11) and the fastening section (12) of the first band (10) which are held in contact with the rim (R) are formed from a non-metallic material. [6] Tire information acquisition device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a base (6) configured to hold the sensor unit (2) is inserted between the second band (20) and the rim (R) and the base (6) has a thermal conductivity of 1.0 W / m·K or less. [7] Tire information acquisition device (1) according to claim 6, wherein at least a part of the base (6) which is held in contact with the rim (R) has a section (7) for preventing slippage.

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