Tire dimension measuring device and tire dimension measuring system

Abstract

The present invention provides a tire dimension measuring device and a tire dimension measuring system that can measure the tread radius of a tire with high precision. [Solution] A tire dimension measuring device 1. It includes a tire holder 2 for holding a tire T in a vertical position with the tire rotation axis Tc horizontal, and a non-contact displacement meter 3 for measuring at least the tread radius of the tire T held by the tire holder 2. The non-contact displacement meter 3 further includes a mover for moving the held tire in the tire radial direction and / or tire axial direction, and measures the tire outer diameter and / or tire total width.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tire dimension measuring device and a tire dimension measuring system.

Background Art

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 describes a dimension measuring device for measuring the cross-sectional width of a tire. This dimension measuring device includes a tire holder for holding the tire in a vertical state and a caliper for measuring the cross-sectional width of the tire fixed to the tire holder. <x

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Since the tread radius of a tire has a great influence on tire performance such as handling stability performance, it is an extremely important issue to measure the tread radius with high precision.

[0005] The present invention has been devised in view of the above actual situation, and the main object thereof is to provide a tire dimension measuring device and a tire dimension measuring system capable of measuring the tread radius of a tire with high precision.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention is a tire dimension measuring device including a tire holder for holding a tire in a vertical state with the tire rotation axis being horizontal, and a non-contact displacement meter for measuring at least the tread radius of the tire held by the tire holder.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] By adopting the above configuration, the tire dimension measuring device of the present invention can measure the tread radius of a tire with high precision. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a tire dimension measuring device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a side view of the tire dimension measuring device. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of a tire's cross-section. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of a tire holder. [Figure 5] This is a side view of Figure 4. [Figure 6] This is a plan view of a tire dimension measurement system. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 6. [Figure 8] (a) to (c) are side views illustrating the operation of the first tilting mechanism. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of a non-contact displacement sensor and a movable device according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] (a) is a graph showing the results of measuring the tread radius Tr in the comparative example, and (b) is a graph showing the results of measuring the tread radius Tr in the example. [Figure 11] (a) is a graph showing the results of measuring the total tire width W in the comparative example, and (b) is a graph showing the results of measuring the total tire width W in the example. [Figure 12] (a) is a graph showing the results of measuring the tire outer diameter D in the comparative example, and (b) is a graph showing the results of measuring the tire outer diameter D in the example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings contain exaggerations and representations that differ from the actual structural dimensional ratios in order to aid in understanding the present invention. Furthermore, where there are multiple embodiments, the same or common elements are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the specification, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the tire dimension measuring device (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "measuring device") 1 of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a side view of the measuring device 1 of Figure 1. The measuring device 1 of the present invention can measure the dimensions of various tires, such as pneumatic tires for passenger cars and motorcycles, and non-pneumatic tires that are not filled with air. In this specification, a pneumatic tire will be used as an example. In Figures 1 and 2, a pneumatic tire (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "tire") T is shown by dashed lines. Also, for convenience, Figures 1 and 2 show the measuring device 1 with a portion of the vertical axis 12, which will be described later, removed.

[0011] When measuring dimensions, it is desirable that the pneumatic tire T is in its normal state. This ensures that the tire's shape is substantially constant (stable), thereby reducing variations in the measured values. The "normal state" refers to an unloaded state in which the tire is mounted on a normal rim R (shown in Figure 3) and adjusted to the normal internal pressure. The "normal rim" refers to the rim specified for each tire by the standard, including the standard on which the tire is based. For example, it is the "standard rim" for JATMA, the "Design Rim" for TRA, and the "Measuring Rim" for ETRTO. The "normal internal pressure" refers to the air pressure specified for each tire by the standard, including the standard on which the tire is based. For example, it is the "maximum air pressure" for JATMA, the maximum value listed in the table "TIRE LOAD LIMITS AT VARIOUS COLD INFLATION PRESSURES" for TRA, and the "INFLATION PRESSURE" for ETRTO.

[0012] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a tire T in its normal state. As shown in Figure 3, the tire T includes a tread portion Ta extending in the circumferential direction and a pair of sidewall portions Tb arranged on both sides of the tread portion Ta (both outer sides in the tire axial direction). The tread portion Ta includes an outer surface T1 that contacts the road surface during driving. The radius of curvature of the outer surface T1 of the tread portion Ta is defined as the tread radius Tr. In this embodiment, the measuring device 1 can measure, for example, a tire T with an outer diameter D of 400 to 1500 mm and a total tire width W of 50 to 400 mm. The total tire width W is the maximum width including any patterns or letters on the sidewall portions Tb in the normal state. Although Figure 3 shows a tire T with an outer surface T1 without grooves, the tire T may also have an outer surface T1 with grooves.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the measuring device 1 of this embodiment includes a tire holder 2 and a non-contact displacement meter (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "displacement meter") 3. The tire holder 2 has the function of holding the tire T in a vertical position with the tire rotation axis Tc horizontal. The displacement meter 3 has the function of measuring at least the tread radius Tr (shown in Figure 3) of the tire T held by the tire holder 2. For example, in a horizontal position with the tire rotation axis Tc vertical (shown in Figure 6), the tread radius Tr of the tire T is easily changed (deformed) by its own weight, but in a vertical position, such problems are suppressed, at least in the upper tread portion Ta. In addition, the displacement meter 3 is less susceptible to hand shake and other issues compared to using, for example, a ruler, and allows for accurate measurement. Furthermore, the tire holder 2 can stably hold the tire T. Therefore, by equipping the measuring device 1 of this embodiment with these tire holder 2 and displacement meter 3, the tread radius Tr of the tire T can be measured with high accuracy and in a short time.

[0014] The displacement meter 3 is preferably a laser displacement meter that can irradiate, for example, a measurement object (in this embodiment, the tire T) with a laser and measure the shape of the measurement object and the distance from the measurement object from the reflected light. The displacement meter 3 may be an ultrasonic displacement meter. Note that the displacement meter 3 is preferably one that can output the measured data as an electrical signal, for example.

[0015] In this embodiment, the displacement meter 3 can measure not only the tread radius Tr but also the tire outer diameter D and / or the tire total width W. The displacement meter 3 can preferably measure the tire outer diameter D and / or the tire total width W simultaneously with the measurement of the tread radius Tr, for example. Such a displacement meter 3 can perform dimensional measurement including the tread radius Tr of the tire T in a short time.

[0016] In this embodiment, the displacement meter 3 is attached to the tire holder 2. This makes it less likely for hand tremors or the like to occur, and the tread radius Tr can be measured with high precision.

[0017] In this specification, the tire axial direction (the direction in which the tire rotation axis Tc extends) of the tire T held in a vertical state by the tire holder 2 is defined as the X-axis, the vertical direction (the up-and-down direction) is defined as the Z-axis, and the orthogonal direction between the X-axis and the Z-axis is defined as the Y-axis. Also, in this specification, the lower side in the vertical direction is the lower side, and the upper side in the vertical direction is the upper side.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tire holder 2. FIG. 5 is a side view of the tire holder 2 of FIG. 4. For convenience, the displacement meter 3 and the moving device 4 described later are deleted in FIGS. 4 and 5. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the tire holder 2 includes, for example, a pair of horizontal axes 11 and a pair of vertical axes 12. Also, in this embodiment, the tire holder 2 includes a base 13 to which the pair of horizontal axes 11 and the pair of vertical axes 12 are attached.

[0019] In this embodiment, the base 13 includes an upper frame 13A framed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, a lower frame 13B positioned below it, and a support column 13C connecting the upper frame 13A and the lower frame 13B. The lower frame 13B in this embodiment is provided with a plurality of caster wheels K with stoppers. Note that the shape of the base 13 is not limited to this configuration.

[0020] A pair of transverse shafts 11 can support the tread portion Ta of the tire T from below. Each transverse shaft 11 extends parallel to the tire rotation axis Tc (tire axis direction X). Each transverse shaft 11 is spaced apart on both sides in the Y-axis direction, flanking the tire rotation axis Tc. The transverse shafts 11 suppress movement of the vertically positioned tire T in the Y-axis direction.

[0021] In this embodiment, the horizontal shaft 11 includes a shaft body 11a and a guide roller 11b that is rotatable around the axis of the shaft body 11a. The shaft body 11a of the horizontal shaft 11 is supported at both ends by support members 14 fixed to the lower frame 13B. In this way, each horizontal shaft 11 is rotatable around its axis. The guide roller 11b of the horizontal shaft 11 contacts, for example, the outer surface T1 of the tread portion Ta. The guide roller 11b is formed, for example, of an elastomer having rubber elasticity. The horizontal shaft 11 supports the tire T so that it can rotate around the tire rotation axis Tc.

[0022] A pair of vertical axes 12 can hold the vertically positioned tire T, held by the tire holder 2, from both outer sides in the X-axis direction (tire axis direction). Such vertical axes 12 prevent the vertically positioned tire T from moving in the X-axis direction. Each vertical axis 12 extends, for example, parallel to the Z-axis direction. Each vertical axis 12 is spaced apart on both sides in the X-axis direction, flanking the tire T.

[0023] Each of the pair of vertical shafts 12 includes, for example, a short vertical shaft portion 15 and a long vertical shaft portion 16 that is longer than the short vertical shaft portion 15. The short vertical shaft portion 15 is positioned, for example, on one side in the Y-axis direction (the front side in Figure 4) of the tire rotation axis Tc of the vertically positioned tire T. The long vertical shaft portion 16 is positioned, for example, on the other side in the Y-axis direction (the rear side in Figure 4) of the tire rotation axis Tc of the vertically positioned tire T. Each of the short vertical shaft portion 15 and the long vertical shaft portion 16 is held by a retaining piece 18 that extends in the Y-axis direction. Note that the vertical shaft 12 is not limited to this configuration.

[0024] The retaining pieces 18 are connected, for example, to the lower end of the short vertical shaft portion 15 and the lower end of the long vertical shaft portion 16. The retaining pieces 18 are positioned above the horizontal shaft 11. The retaining pieces 18 are provided on both sides in the X-axis direction, flanking the tire T.

[0025] In this embodiment, each vertical shaft 12 includes a shaft body 12a and a guide roller 12b that is rotatable around the axis of the shaft body 12a. Thus, each vertical shaft 12 is rotatable around its axis. The guide roller 12b of the vertical shaft 12 contacts, for example, the outer surface of the sidewall portion Tb of the tire T. The guide roller 12b is formed of, for example, an elastomer having rubber elasticity. The shaft body 12a and the guide roller 12b are provided on the short vertical shaft portion 15 and the long vertical shaft portion 16, respectively. The guide roller 12b of the long vertical shaft portion 16 is formed in a larger number than the guide roller 12b of the short vertical shaft portion 15.

[0026] Each vertical axis 12 is connected to a vertical axis moving device 19 for moving the vertical axis 12 in the X-axis direction. The vertical axis moving device 19 includes, for example, an upward moving device 19A provided above the long vertical axis portion 16 and a downward moving device 19B provided below the retaining piece 18.

[0027] In this embodiment, the upward moving device 19A is fixed to the upper frame 13A and includes an upper guide rail 20 extending in the X-axis direction, and an upper sliding mechanism 21 that engages with the upper guide rail 20. The upper guide rail 20 in this embodiment is formed in a plate shape and has an elongated hole 20a extending in the X-axis direction. The upper sliding mechanism 21 in this embodiment is connected to the upper part of each long vertical shaft portion 16 and has a threaded portion 21a that screws into a nut portion (not shown). The threaded portion 21a can move along the X-axis direction by passing through the elongated hole 20a.

[0028] In this embodiment, the downward moving device 19B includes a guide rail 23 fixed to the lower frame 13B and extending in the X-axis direction, and a roller portion 24 that engages with the guide rail 23. The guide rail 23 is formed as a plate shape with its center in the width direction bent upward in a convex manner. In this embodiment, the roller portion 24 is attached to the lower surface of the retaining piece 18. As the roller portion 24 rotates along the guide rail 23, the short vertical shaft portion 15 and the long vertical shaft portion 16 held by the retaining piece 18 are moved in the X-axis direction. Furthermore, since the long vertical shaft portion 16 is connected to the upward moving device 19A, the long vertical shaft portion 16 can move stably in the X-axis direction. Note that the vertical axis moving device 19 is not limited to this configuration.

[0029] In this embodiment, the measuring device 1 further includes a moving device 4 (shown in Figures 1 and 2), a control unit 5 (shown in Figure 2), and a pressure applying device 6 (shown in Figures 4 and 5). The moving device 4 has the function of moving the displacement gauge 3. The control unit 5 has the function of controlling the moving device 4. The pressure applying device 6 has the function of applying a pressing force to the tire T.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the movable device 4 holds the displacement sensor 3 in a movable manner. The movable device 4 is fixed to the tire holder 2. In this embodiment, the movable device 4 includes a first movable part 31 and a second movable part 32.

[0031] The first moving section 31 moves, for example, the displacement sensor 3 in the Z-axis direction. The first moving section 31 includes, for example, a pair of linear guides 34 and a first support piece 35 spanning the pair of linear guides 34. Each linear guide 34 is positioned on both sides in the X-axis direction, flanking the tire T. Each linear guide 34 includes a rail 34a extending along the support column 13C and a stage 34b movably supported on the rail 34a. In this embodiment, the stage 34b is movable in the Z-axis direction. The first support piece 35 is fixed at both ends to the respective stages 34b of each linear guide 34. This allows the first support piece 35 to move in the Z-axis direction as the stage 34b moves in the Z-axis direction. In this embodiment, the first support piece 35 is fixed to each stage 34b so as to be horizontal.

[0032] The linear guide 34 further includes a ball screw portion (not shown), a nut portion rotatably held relative to the ball screw portion, and a motor portion for rotationally driving the ball screw portion. The nut portion holds the stage 34b. Such a linear guide 34 can move and hold the stage 34b at any position in the Z-axis direction by the motor portion.

[0033] The second moving part 32 moves, for example, the displacement sensor 3 in the X-axis direction. The second moving part 32 includes, for example, a linear guide 36. The linear guide 36 of the second moving part 32 is configured similarly to the linear guide 34 of the first moving part 31. The rail 36a of the linear guide 36 of the second moving part 32 extends along the first support piece 35. The stage 36b of the linear guide 36 of the second moving part 32 holds the displacement sensor 3. A moving device 4 having such a first moving part 31 and a second moving part 32 can move the displacement sensor 3 in the tire radial direction and / or tire axial direction of the tire T held by the tire holder 2.

[0034] The moving device 4 may also include a third moving part (not shown) that allows the displacement sensor 3 to move in the Y-axis direction. The third moving part may be composed of a linear guide, for example, similar to the second moving part 32.

[0035] The control unit 5 is, for example, a computer or a programmable controller. The configuration of the control unit 5 is not particularly limited. The control unit 5 may include, for example, a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU), and ROM or RAM that stores programs executed by the CPU. The processing unit of the control unit 5 may be composed of software or hardware. The processing unit of the control unit 5 may be a processor or a circuit.

[0036] The control unit 5 controls the moving mechanism 4 so that the displacement meter 3 moves to a predetermined position according to the size of the tire T held in the tire holder 2. For example, if the tire T has a relatively large outer diameter D, the control unit 5 controls the operation of the first moving part 31 so that the displacement meter 3 is positioned relatively higher. Conversely, if the tire T has a relatively small outer diameter D, the control unit 5 controls the operation of the first moving part 31 so that the displacement meter 3 is positioned relatively lower. Also, if the tire T has a relatively large total width W, the control unit 5 controls the operation of the second moving part 32 so that the displacement meter 3 is moved relatively larger in the X-axis direction. Conversely, if the tire T has a relatively small total width W, the control unit 5 controls the operation of the second moving part 32 so that the displacement meter 3 is moved relatively smaller in the X-axis direction. This makes it possible to measure the dimensions of tires T with different outer diameters D and total widths W accurately and quickly. The control unit 5 may also include a display unit to display the dimension data measured by the displacement meter 3 and a storage unit to store the data.

[0037] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, in this embodiment, the pressure device 6 is a cylinder portion 40 having a rod 40a. The cylinder portions 40 are provided, for example, on both sides in the X-axis direction, flanking the tire T. Each cylinder portion 40 is positioned outside the retaining piece 18 in the X-axis direction. The rod 40a extends in the X-axis direction. The tip of the rod 40a is attached to a protruding portion 41 fixed to the lower surface of the retaining piece 18. Such a pressure device 6, by extending the rod 40a, imparts movement of the vertical axis 12 toward the X-axis direction (tire T), and consequently, can press each vertical axis 12 against the tire T with a predetermined pressing force. This further suppresses the movement of the tire T toward the X-axis direction. The pressing force applied to the tire T by the pressure device 6 is preferably, for example, about 0.05 to 0.2 kN, and in this embodiment, it is 0.1 kN. It is preferable that the pressing force applied by the pressure device 6 is controlled by the control unit 5. The pressure-applying device 6 may also have the function of providing driving force (movement in the X-axis direction) to the vertical axis moving device 19. The pressure-applying device 6 may be, for example, a ball screw instead of the cylinder part 40, a chain sprocket, or a rack and pinion.

[0038] Figure 6 is a plan view of a tire dimension measuring system (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "measuring system") 100 including the measuring device 1 of this embodiment. The measuring system 100 further includes a loading device 60 and an unloading device 80. The loading device 60 is, for example, a device for loading a tire T into a tire holder 2. The unloading device 80 is, for example, a device for unloading a tire T from the tire holder 2.

[0039] In this embodiment, the loading device 60 includes a first loading section 61 that moves the tire T in a horizontal position with the tire rotation axis Tc being vertical, and a second loading section 62 between the first loading section 61 and the tire holder 2. The tire T is moved from the first loading section 61 through the second loading section 62 to the tire holder 2.

[0040] The first loading section 61 is composed of, for example, a conveyor C of a well-known structure. The first loading section 61 has a loading surface 61a on which a tire T in a horizontal position is placed.

[0041] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of Figure 6. Figure 7 shows a side view of the second loading section 62. As shown in Figure 7, in this embodiment, the second loading section 62 includes a first tilting device 63 for changing the tire T from a horizontal position to a vertical position. The first tilting device 63 includes, for example, a holding section 65 for holding the tire T, an arm section 66 fixed to the holding section 65, and a cylinder section 67 for moving the arm section 66 in the Z-axis direction. The holding section 65 includes a main surface section 65A for supporting the tire T in a horizontal position, and a side section 65B located at one end of the main surface section 65A. The cylinder section 67 includes a rod 67A extending upward. The arm section 66 is pivotable around a pivot point 68 of the rod 67A (shown in Figure 8). The pivot of the arm section 66 allows the tire T held by the holding section 65 to be placed in a horizontal or vertical position.

[0042] In this embodiment, the second loading section 62 includes a first auxiliary section 70 for assisting the first tilting tool 63 in holding the tire T, and a first guide section 71 for moving the tire T, which has been placed vertically by the first tilting tool 63, to the tire holder 2 while maintaining its vertical position. The first auxiliary section 70 is shaped like a rectangular box extending in the Z-axis direction. One end 70a of the first auxiliary section 70 is at the same position as the highest point of one end 66a of the arm section 66. The first auxiliary section 70 provides balanced support for the horizontally placed tire T held on the main surface section 65A.

[0043] The first guide section 71 has an upward-facing surface 71a. The tire T is moved to the tire holder 2 while rolling on the upward-facing surface 71a. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first guide section 71 is connected, for example, to the lower frame 13B on the long vertical shaft section 16 side. From the viewpoint of smoothly positioning the tire T between the pair of horizontal shafts 11, it is desirable that the upward-facing surface 71a be located above, for example, the outer end 11e in the Z-axis direction of the horizontal shaft 11. Note that the second loading section 62 is not limited to this configuration. The tire T may also be moved on the upward-facing surface 71a by a transport device (not shown) or by an operator. In Figures 4 to 6, the direction of movement of the tire T is indicated by arrows.

[0044] Next, the operation of the first tilting device 63 will be explained. Figures 8(a) to 8(c) are side views illustrating the operation of the first tilting device 63. Figures 8(a) to 8(c) are views of the first tilting device 63 from the same direction as in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 7, first, the first tilting device 63 is oriented so that the main surface 65A of the holding part 65 is horizontal. Then, the tire T, which has been loaded in a horizontal position by the first loading part 61, is moved to the main surface 65A of the holding part 65. In order to make the movement of the tire T to the main surface 65A smooth, it is desirable that the height Ha of the main surface 65A is smaller (lower) than the height of the mounting surface 61a of the first loading part 61 (not shown).

[0045] Next, as shown in Figure 8(a), the holding portion 65 is tilted by the rotation of the arm portion 66 around the pivot point 68. In this embodiment, the holding portion 65 is tilted so that the side portion 65B is positioned downwards. As a result, the tire T is moved towards the side portion 65B due to its own weight. Next, as shown in Figure 8(b), when the arm portion 66 is rotated to become horizontal, the main surface portion 65A becomes parallel to the Z-axis direction and the side portion 65B becomes horizontal, so that the tire T is held by the side portion 65B. As a result, the tire T is in a vertical position. Next, as shown in Figure 8(c), the rod 67A of the cylinder portion 67 is retracted, and the side portion 65B is placed on the upward surface 71a. As a result, the tire T can be moved from the first guide portion 71 to the tire holder 2 in a vertical position.

[0046] As shown in Figure 6, the unloading device 80 includes a first unloading section 81 and a second unloading section 82. The tire T, whose tread radius Tr has been measured in the tire holder 2, is moved from the first unloading section 81 to the second unloading section 82.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first unloading unit 81 includes a second tilting tool 83 for changing the vertically positioned tire T to a horizontal position. The first unloading unit 81 further includes, for example, a second auxiliary unit 90 for assisting in the holding of the tire T by the second tilting tool 83. The second tilting tool 83 has the same structure as, for example, the first tilting tool 63. The second auxiliary unit 90 has the same structure as the first auxiliary unit 70. Therefore, a description of the second tilting tool 83 and the second auxiliary unit 90 is omitted. The second tilting tool 83 can change the vertically positioned tire T to a horizontal position by performing the reverse operation of the operation described for the first tilting tool 63 (Figures 8(c) to 8(a), Figure 7).

[0048] Furthermore, the first unloading section 81 includes a second guide section 91 for guiding the vertically positioned tire T from the tire holder 2 to the second tilting tool 83. The second guide section 91 has an upward-facing surface 91a. The tire T is moved to the second tilting tool 83 while rolling on the upward-facing surface 91a. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the second guide section 91 is connected to the lower frame 13B on the short vertical shaft section 15 side. From the viewpoint of smoothly unloading the tire T from between the pair of horizontal shafts 11, it is desirable that the upward-facing surface 91a be located below, for example, the outer end 11e of the horizontal shaft 11 in the Z-axis direction.

[0049] The second discharge section 82 moves the tires T in a horizontal position. The second discharge section 82 is composed of a conveyor C of a well-known structure, similar to the first input section 61. Therefore, a description of the second discharge section 82 is omitted.

[0050] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a displacement sensor 3 and a moving device 4 in another embodiment. As shown in Figure 9, three displacement sensors 3 are used in this embodiment. Each displacement sensor 3 is spaced apart in the X-axis direction. The moving device 4 in this embodiment includes a pair of linear guides 34, a first support piece 35 spanning the stage 34b of the linear guides 34, and three linear guides 36 provided on the first support piece 35. The rails 36a of each linear guide 36 are provided on the first support piece 35, spaced apart in the X-axis direction. Each displacement sensor 3 is held on each of the stages 36b of each linear guide 36. Such displacement sensors 3 and moving device 4 can measure each dimension of the tire T in a shorter amount of time.

[0051] Although particularly preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments and can be implemented in various modified forms. [Examples]

[0052] The tire tread radius (Tr), total tire width (W), and outer tire diameter (D) were measured. The measurement method and common specifications are as follows.

[0053] Tire size: 275 / 80R22.5 Rim: Regular rim Tire pressure: Standard pressure Room temperature: 25~30℃ Number of measurements: 1 Number of measurements: 20 times for each dimension The measurement results are shown in Figures 10-12. The results of measurements taken by workers using dimensional measuring instruments such as calipers are shown as comparative examples. In addition, the results of measurements taken using the tire dimension measuring devices shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, and 5 are shown as examples.

[0054] As is clear from the measurement results, the example showed a smaller measurement range (R) compared to the comparative example, confirming that tire dimensions can be measured with high accuracy.

[0055] [Note] The present invention includes the following embodiments.

[0056] [Invention 1] A tire dimension measuring device, A tire holder for holding a tire in a vertical position with the tire rotation axis horizontal, Includes a non-contact displacement meter for measuring at least the tread radius of the tire held in the tire holder, Tire dimension measuring device. [2nd Invention] The tire dimension measuring device according to the present invention 1, wherein the non-contact displacement meter is capable of measuring the outer diameter and / or total width of the tire. [Invention 3] The tire dimension measuring device according to invention 1 or 2, further comprising a moving device for moving the non-contact displacement sensor in the tire radial direction and / or tire axial direction of the held tire. [4th Invention] A tire dimension measuring device according to any one of inventions 1 to 3, further comprising a control unit that controls the moving device so that the non-contact displacement meter moves to a predetermined position according to the size of the held tire. [5th ​​Invention] The tire holder includes a pair of horizontal shafts that support the tread portion of the tire from below. The tire dimension measuring device according to any one of the present invention 1 to 4, wherein the pair of horizontal axes extend parallel to the tire rotation axis. [Invention 6] The tire dimension measuring device according to the present invention, wherein each of the horizontal axes is rotatable about the axis of the horizontal axis. [7th Invention] The tire measuring device according to any one of inventions 1 to 6, wherein the tire holder includes a pair of vertical axes for holding the vertically positioned tire from both outer sides in the tire axial direction. [8th Invention] The tire dimension measuring device according to the present invention, wherein each of the vertical axes is rotatable about the axis of the vertical axis. [Invention 9] The tire dimension measuring device according to claim 7 or 8 of the present invention, further comprising a pressure-applying device for pressing the pair of vertical axes against the tire with a predetermined pressing force. [Invention 10] The invention includes a tire dimension measuring device as described in Invention 1, and a loading device for loading the tire into the tire holder, The loading device includes a first loading section for moving the tire in a horizontal position with the tire rotation axis vertical, and a second loading section between the first loading section and the tire holder. The second loading section is equipped with a first tilting device for changing the horizontally positioned tire to the vertically positioned tire. Tire dimension measurement system. [Invention 11] Includes a discharge device for discharging the tire from the tire holder, The aforementioned unloading device includes a first unloading section and a second unloading section. The first unloading unit is equipped with a second tilting device for changing the vertically positioned tire to the horizontally positioned tire. The tire dimension measuring system according to the present invention 10, wherein the second unloading section moves the tire in the horizontal position. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1. Tire Dimension Measuring Device 2 Tire holders 3. Non-contact displacement sensor T pneumatic tire Tc Tire Rotation Axle

Claims

1. A tire dimension measuring device, A tire holder for holding a tire in a vertical position with the tire rotation axis horizontal, Includes a non-contact displacement meter for measuring at least the tread radius of the tire held in the tire holder, Tire dimension measuring device.

2. The tire dimension measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the non-contact displacement meter is capable of measuring the outer diameter and / or total width of the tire.

3. The tire dimension measuring device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a moving device for moving the non-contact displacement sensor in the radial and / or axial direction of the held tire.

4. The tire dimension measuring device according to claim 3, further comprising a control unit that controls the moving device so that the non-contact displacement meter moves to a predetermined position according to the size of the held tire.

5. The tire holder includes a pair of horizontal shafts that support the tread portion of the tire from below. The tire dimension measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the pair of horizontal axes extend parallel to the tire rotation axis.

6. The tire dimension measuring device according to claim 5, wherein each of the horizontal axes is rotatable about the axis of the horizontal axis.

7. The tire measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the tire holder includes a pair of vertical axes for holding the vertically positioned tire from both outer sides in the tire axial direction.

8. The tire dimension measuring device according to claim 7, wherein each of the vertical axes is rotatable about the axis of the vertical axis.

9. The tire dimension measuring device according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising a pressure-applying device for pressing the pair of vertical axes against the tire with a predetermined pressing force.

10. The tire dimension measuring device described in claim 1 and the loading device for loading the tire into the tire holder are included. The loading device includes a first loading section for moving the tire in a horizontal position with the tire rotation axis vertical, and a second loading section between the first loading section and the tire holder. The second loading section is equipped with a first tilting device for changing the horizontally positioned tire to the vertically positioned tire. Tire dimension measurement system.

11. Includes a discharge device for discharging the tire from the tire holder, The aforementioned unloading device includes a first unloading section and a second unloading section. The first unloading unit is equipped with a second tilting device for changing the vertically positioned tire to the horizontally positioned tire. The tire dimension measuring system according to claim 10, wherein the second unloading unit moves the tire in the horizontal position.

Images