Retread detection device, retread detection method, and retread detection program

Abstract

The present invention provides a retreading determination device, a retreading determination method, and a retreading determination program that can appropriately determine whether or not a tire needs to be retreaded. [Solution] The retread determination device 10 includes: a collection unit 11A that collects usage history data relating to the usage history of the tire since it was mounted on the vehicle; a calculation unit 11B that calculates a remaining durability value, which is the time or distance until the current fatigue level of the tire reaches a predetermined limit value of fatigue level according to the tire's performance, based on the relationship between the tire fatigue level accumulated according to the usage history data and the tire's usage time or mileage; a determination unit 11C that determines whether or not the tire should be retreaded based on the remaining durability value and the remaining tire life, which is the time or distance until the tire's tread thickness falls below a predetermined value; and a notification unit 11D that notifies whether or not the tire should be retreaded based on the determination result.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a retread determination device, a retread determination method, and a retread determination program.

Background Art

[0002] A pneumatic tire is made by attaching tread rubber that contacts the road surface to a case composed of a carcass, a belt, an inner liner, a sidewall, etc. The case often can still withstand sufficient use even after the tread rubber has reached the end of its life. Therefore, new tread rubber is attached (retreaded) to the case of a tire whose tread rubber has worn due to use, and it is reused as a retread tire (regenerated tire) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Retreading of tires is utilized as a method for efficient use of tires and reduction of costs associated with purchasing new tires.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, depending on the state of the case, it may not be possible to run as expected after retreading and the cost of retreading may not be recovered. Therefore, it is desired to appropriately determine the necessity of retreading tires.

[0005] [[ID=​​​​​​To achieve the above objective, the first aspect is: A collection unit that collects usage history data regarding the usage history of tires after they have been mounted on a vehicle, A calculation unit calculates a remaining durability value, which is the time or distance until the current fatigue level of the tire reaches a predetermined limit value of the fatigue level according to the tire's performance, based on the relationship between the tire's fatigue level accumulated according to the usage history data and the tire's usage time or mileage. A determination unit that determines whether or not the tire should be retreaded based on the remaining durability value and the remaining tire life, which is the remaining time or distance until the tread thickness of the tire falls below a predetermined value, A notification unit notifies whether or not the tire should be retreaded based on the determination result from the determination unit, This is a retreading detection device equipped with [specific features / features].

[0007] The second aspect is a retread determination device according to the first aspect, The determination unit obtains the remaining tread thickness, which is the tread thickness currently remaining on the tire; the retread life, which is the remaining time or distance until the tread thickness of the tire falls below a predetermined value after retreading the tire; the tire cost, which is the cost per tire; and the retread cost, which is the cost of retreading the tire. Based on the remaining durability value, the remaining tire life, the remaining tread thickness, the retread life, the tire cost, and the retread cost, it determines whether or not the tire should be retreaded.

[0008] The third aspect is a retreading determination device according to the second aspect, If the determination unit determines that the tire should be retreaded, the system further includes a determination unit that determines the tread thickness necessary to satisfy the retread life based on the remaining durability value.

[0009] The fourth aspect is a retread determination device according to the third aspect, The determination unit calculates the cost per unit time or unit distance from the remaining durability value, the remaining tire life, the remaining tread thickness, the retread life, the tire cost, and the retread cost, and determines the timing of the retread and the tread thickness based on the calculated cost per unit time or unit distance.

[0010] The fifth aspect is, We collect usage history data regarding the usage history of tires after they have been installed on the vehicle. Based on the relationship between the tire fatigue level accumulated according to the usage history data and the tire usage time or mileage, the remaining durability value is calculated, which is the time or distance until the current tire fatigue level reaches a predetermined limit value of fatigue level according to the tire's performance. Based on the remaining durability value and the remaining tire life, which is the remaining time or distance until the tire tread thickness falls below a predetermined value, a determination is made as to whether or not the tire should be retreaded. Based on the judgment result, a process is performed to notify whether or not the tire should be retreaded. This is a computer-based method for detecting retreading.

[0011] The sixth aspect is, We collect usage history data regarding the usage history of tires after they have been installed on the vehicle. Based on the relationship between the tire fatigue level accumulated according to the usage history data and the tire usage time or mileage, the remaining durability value is calculated, which is the time or distance until the current tire fatigue level reaches a predetermined limit value of fatigue level according to the tire's performance. Based on the remaining durability value and the remaining tire life, which is the remaining time or distance until the tire tread thickness falls below a predetermined value, a determination is made as to whether or not the tire should be retreaded. Based on the judgment result, a process is performed to notify whether or not the tire should be retreaded. This is a retread detection program designed to be run on a computer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present disclosure, it has the effect that the necessity of retreading of a tire can be appropriately determined.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0013] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a retread determination system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a retread determination device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of usage history data and tools. [Figure 4] It is a graph showing an example of the correspondence between the tire fatigue degree of each tire and the total tire life. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow by a retread determination program according to an embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments for realizing the technology of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, for components and processes that perform the same functions, the same reference numerals may be given throughout the drawings, and duplicate explanations may be omitted as appropriate. Further, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and can be implemented with appropriate modifications within the scope of the object of the present disclosure.

[0015] The retread determination device according to the present embodiment collects usage history data regarding the usage history of a tire after it is mounted on a vehicle, and based on the correspondence relationship between the degree of tire fatigue accumulated according to the usage history data and the usage time or mileage of the tire, calculates the remaining durability value, which is the time or distance until the current degree of tire fatigue reaches the limit value of the fatigue degree preset according to the tire performance. Based on the remaining durability value and the remaining tire life, which is the remaining time or distance until the tread thickness of the tire becomes less than or equal to a predetermined value, it determines whether the tire should be retreaded, and notifies whether the tire should be retreaded from the determination result. By using the remaining durability value and the remaining tire life, it is possible to appropriately determine the necessity of retreading the tire.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a retread determination system 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the retread determination system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a retread determination device 10 that executes retread determination, and a terminal device 20 used by a user of the vehicle 21. The retread determination device 10 and the terminal device 20 are communicably connected via a network N. The network N is, for example, a communication network such as the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), or a WAN (Wide Area Network). The retread determination device 10 is, for example, a general-purpose computer device such as a server computer or a personal computer (PC). The terminal device 20 is, for example, a terminal device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a PC.

[0018] The terminal device 20 is communicably connected to the vehicle 21 and acquires sensor information obtained from a sensor 22 installed in the vehicle 21. The sensor information includes, for example, traveling speed, acceleration / deceleration / left and right G, steering angle, load, and tire internal pressure.

[0019] The retreading detection device 10 according to this embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, an input / output interface (I / O) 14, a storage unit 15, a display unit 16, an operation unit 17, and a communication unit 18.

[0020] The CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, and I / O 14 are connected to each other via a bus. The I / O 14 is connected to various functional units, including a storage unit 15, a display unit 16, an operation unit 17, and a communication unit 18. These functional units are capable of communicating with the CPU 11 via the I / O 14.

[0021] The control unit is comprised of a CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, and I / O 14. The control unit may be configured as a sub-control unit that controls the operation of a part of the retreading detection device 10, or as part of a main control unit that controls the operation of the entire retreading detection device 10. Integrated circuits or IC chipsets, such as LSIs (Large Scale Integrations), are used for some or all of the blocks of the control unit. Individual circuits may be used for each of the above blocks, or circuits that integrate some or all of them may be used. The above blocks may be provided as a single unit, or some of the blocks may be provided separately. Furthermore, parts of each of the above blocks may be provided separately. For the integration of the control unit, dedicated circuits or general-purpose processors may be used, not just LSIs.

[0022] For example, the storage unit 15 can be an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash memory. The storage unit 15 stores a retreading determination program 15A for executing the retreading determination process according to this embodiment. This retreading determination program 15A may also be stored in the ROM 12.

[0023] The retread detection program 15A may, for example, be pre-installed in the retread detection device 10. The retread detection program 15A may also be implemented by storing it on a non-volatile storage medium or distributing it via a network N and installing it on the retread detection device 10 as appropriate. Examples of non-volatile storage media include CD-ROMs (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), magneto-optical disks, HDDs, DVD-ROMs (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), flash memory, and memory cards.

[0024] The display unit 16 may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an electroluminescent (EL) display, or the like. The display unit 16 may also have an integrated touch panel. The operation unit 17 is equipped with, for example, a keyboard, mouse, or other device for operation input. The display unit 16 and the operation unit 17 receive various instructions from the user of the retreading detection device 10. The display unit 16 displays various information such as the results of processing performed in response to the instructions received from the user, and notifications regarding the processing.

[0025] The communication unit 18 is connected to a network N, such as the Internet, LAN, or WAN, and can communicate with the terminal device 20 via the network N.

[0026] The CPU 11 of the retreading detection device 10 according to this embodiment functions as the various parts shown in Figure 2 by writing the retreading detection program 15A stored in the ROM 12 or memory unit 15 to the RAM 13 and executing it.

[0027] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the retread determination device 10 according to this embodiment.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the CPU 11 of the retreading determination device 10 according to this embodiment functions as a collection unit 11A, a calculation unit 11B, a determination unit 11C, a notification unit 11D, and a decision unit 11E.

[0029] The collection unit 11A collects usage history data regarding the usage history of the tires since they were mounted on the vehicle 21.

[0030] Figure 3 shows an example of usage history data and tools. Usage history data includes, for example, thermal history during driving, mileage, load, remaining tread amount / installation history, and vehicle information.

[0031] The thermal history during driving is acquired, for example, using a TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System). A TPMS is a system that uses sensors attached to the tires to monitor the internal pressure, internal temperature, etc., of the tires while driving.

[0032] The mileage is obtained, for example, using GPS (Global Positioning System). However, iTrack (registered trademark: Mining Vehicle Tire Monitoring System) may be used instead of GPS. iTrack is a system that integrates and manages data such as tire pressure, internal temperature, vehicle location information, and driving speed.

[0033] Load information is obtained, for example, using an FMS (Fleet Management System). An FMS is a system that manages the load on the tires. However, if it is possible to predict the load from changes in tire pressure, a TPMS may be used instead of an FMS.

[0034] The remaining tread depth (groove depth) and installation history are obtained, for example, using a TMS (Tire Management System). A TMS is a system that manages information such as vehicle information, tire installation history, and remaining tire tread depth.

[0035] The calculation unit 11B calculates the remaining durability value based on the relationship between the tire fatigue level, which is accumulated according to the usage history data collected by the collection unit 11A, and the tire usage time or mileage. The remaining durability value is the time or distance until the tire's current fatigue level reaches a predetermined fatigue limit value according to the tire's performance.

[0036] Figure 4 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between tire fatigue levels (T1-T3) and total tire life. In Figure 4, the horizontal axis represents total tire life (time or distance), and the vertical axis represents tire fatigue level.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4, first, a fatigue limit value Ld is set according to the performance of tires T1 to T3. The limit value Ld is set, for example, to correspond to the timing when tires T1 to T3 reach their usage limit. Then, the fatigue level is quantified according to the usage history (internal temperature, etc.) of tires T1 to T3 since they were installed. Next, the relationship between the fatigue level of tires T1 to T3 and the usage time or mileage (i.e., total tire life) of tires T1 to T3 is graphed. Finally, the remaining durability value is calculated from the graphed relationship. The remaining durability value is expressed as the time or distance from the current fatigue level H of tires T1 to T3 until they reach the limit value Ld. For tires T1 to T3, a steeper slope indicates a smaller remaining durability value, and a smaller slope indicates a larger remaining durability value.

[0038] The fatigue level of a tire may be expressed as a combination of one or more of the following: thermal history (the history of heat the tire has received), internal pressure history (the history of the internal pressure of the tire during use), and acceleration history (the history of the acceleration of the vehicle on which the tire is mounted). The thermal history of a tire can be calculated, for example, based on the temperature history of the tire cavity and / or specific parts of the tire (e.g., belt end, bead area, etc.). For example, the cumulative temperature value during tire use, the time spent at a specific temperature or higher, the highest temperature reached, etc., can be used. It is also possible to calculate the fatigue level based on the rate of temperature change per unit time; in this case, the more rapid the temperature change, the greater the impact on the fatigue level.

[0039] Furthermore, tire pressure, like temperature, is obtained using sensors (TPMS) attached to the tire. By accumulating and analyzing the history of pressure changes, the tire's fatigue level can also be determined. For example, based on information such as the amount of load applied and for how long, how long the tire was driven with pressure outside the appropriate range (too high / too low), and the degree of rapid pressure fluctuations (representing overcoming obstacles, entering potholes, etc.), the amount of damage input to the casing can be calculated, and the tire's fatigue level can be calculated considering the casing's durability.

[0040] Furthermore, acceleration can be obtained and calculated from data from accelerometers mounted on the vehicle, TPMS hubs, etc., or from GPS data. Changes in longitudinal acceleration provide information on sudden acceleration, sudden braking, and driving speed. Changes in lateral acceleration provide steering operation history, and lateral load is determined based on the number and amount of input. Changes in vertical acceleration provide information on vertical input due to road surface response during driving, altitude changes when climbing slopes, etc. By using this information individually or in combination, the amount of damage input to the case is calculated, and the tire fatigue level is calculated considering the durability of the case.

[0041] For both internal pressure history and acceleration history, one can choose to either accumulate all tire usage history and analyze that information, or acquire and accumulate information when a standard value is exceeded and analyze that information (in this case, the amount of data can be reduced, leading to reduced computational load and costs). Furthermore, by combining any information, including thermal history, it becomes possible to evaluate tire fatigue in more detail. For example, it is thought that accuracy can be improved by capturing chemical degradation of the rubber from thermal history and physical degradation of the rubber from internal pressure history.

[0042] The determination unit 11C determines whether or not to retread the tire based on the remaining durability value and remaining tire life calculated by the calculation unit 11B. The remaining tire life is the remaining time or distance until the tire tread thickness falls below a predetermined value. Specifically, if the remaining durability value > remaining tire life, it is determined that even after the tire has worn out, it still has durability remaining and can be used by retreading. On the other hand, if the remaining durability value ≤ remaining tire life, it is determined that even if the tire is retreaded, the case is likely to reach its usage limit first, so it is better to use the tire until it is completely worn out without retreading.

[0043] The notification unit 11D notifies the user, for example via the terminal device 20, whether or not the tires should be retreaded based on the determination result from the determination unit 11C. The notification method is not particularly limited, but for example, it may indicate whether or not retreading is necessary for each tire.

[0044] Here, the lifespan that can be extended by retreading is also affected by the remaining durability, so the criterion for judgment is whether or not the total benefit can be realized by incurring the additional cost of retreading. In this case, the judgment unit 11C may obtain the remaining tread thickness, retread life, tire cost, and retread cost, and determine whether or not the tire should be retreaded based on the remaining durability value, remaining tire life, remaining tread thickness, retread life, tire cost, and retread cost.

[0045] Remaining tread depth (RTD) is the tread thickness remaining on the tire. Retread life is the remaining time or distance until the tire's tread thickness falls below a specified value after retreading. Tire cost is the cost per tire. Retread cost is the cost of retreading a tire.

[0046] Specifically, the first index value D1 is calculated using the following formula 1. The first index value D1 represents the cost per unit time or unit distance incurred when using up a tire without retreading.

[0047] D1 = Tire cost / (Time or distance traveled until remaining tread thickness is reached + remaining tire life) ... (1)

[0048] Furthermore, the second indicator value D2 is calculated using the following formula 2. Note that the new tire life is the time or distance until a new tire is completely used up, and is predetermined for each tire. The second indicator value D2 represents the cost per unit time or unit distance incurred when retreading a tire.

[0049] D2 = (Tire cost + Retread cost) / (New tire life + Retread life) ... (2)

[0050] The first indicator value D1 and the second indicator value D2 are compared. If the first indicator value D1 > the second indicator value D2, it is determined that retreading should be performed. If the first indicator value D1 ≤ the second indicator value D2, it is determined that the stock should be used up without retreading.

[0051] Furthermore, if the determination unit 11C determines that the tire should be retreaded, the determination unit 11E determines the tread thickness required to meet the retread life based on the remaining durability value. Specifically, the determination unit 11E calculates the cost per unit time or unit distance from, for example, the remaining durability value, remaining tire life, remaining tread thickness, retread life, tire cost, and retread cost, and determines the timing of retreading and the tread thickness based on the calculated cost per unit time or unit distance.

[0052] In other words, if the retread life, which is the period during which the retread can be used, can be estimated from the remaining durability value, then it becomes possible to determine the tread thickness necessary to satisfy the estimated retread life. On the other hand, as the tread thickness increases, the retread cost also increases, so the timing and tread thickness of retreading are determined when the second indicator value D2 is, for example, at its minimum. Specifically, the approach differs depending on the average lifespan of new tires and retread tires. For example, by comparing the CPK (cost per unit time or unit distance, hereinafter referred to as "new CPK") of new tires and the CPK (cost per unit time or unit distance, hereinafter referred to as "retread CPK") of retread tires, if new CPK > retread CPK, adjustments are made to use new tires for a longer period and retread tires for a shorter period. On the other hand, if retread CPK > new CPK, it is more cost-effective to use retread tires for a longer period, so the optimal values ​​are calculated within that context to determine the timing and retread groove depth, i.e., the tread thickness. In this case, it is assumed that the remaining durability of a brand new case is the total lifespan of the case.

[0053] Next, with reference to Figure 5, the operation of the retreading determination device 10 included in the retreading determination system 100 according to this embodiment will be explained.

[0054] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow by the retreading determination program 15A according to this embodiment.

[0055] When the retreading detection program 15A is instructed to execute, the CPU 11 of the retreading detection device 10 executes the retreading detection program 15A, which is stored in the ROM 12 or memory unit 15, by writing it to the RAM 13.

[0056] In step S101 of Figure 5, the CPU 11 collects usage history data of the tires mounted on the vehicle 21 from the terminal device 20, as shown in Figure 3 above, as an example.

[0057] In step S102, the CPU 11 calculates the remaining durability value using, for example, the correspondence shown in Figure 4 above.

[0058] In step S103, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the tire should be retreaded based on the remaining durability, remaining tire life, remaining tread thickness, retread life, tire cost, and retread cost. Specifically, for example, the determination is made using equations 1 and 2 described above. If it is determined that the tire should be retreaded (positive determination), the process proceeds to step S104. If it is determined that the tire should be used up without retreading (negative determination), the process proceeds to step S106.

[0059] In step S104, the CPU 11 determines the retreading timing and tread thickness, for example, using equation 2 described above.

[0060] In step S105, the CPU 11 notifies the user, for example, via the terminal device 20, that retreading should be performed, and terminates the series of processes by the retreading determination program 15A.

[0061] On the other hand, in step S106, the CPU 11 notifies the user, for example, via the terminal device 20, that the battery should be used up without retreading, and terminates the series of processes by the retreading determination program 15A.

[0062] As described above, according to this embodiment, the remaining durability value is calculated from the relationship between the tire fatigue level accumulated according to the tire usage history data and the total tire life of the tire. Using the calculated remaining durability value, it is possible to appropriately determine whether or not the tire needs to be retreaded.

[0063] Furthermore, the technical scope of this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications or improvements can be made to the embodiments without departing from the gist of the work, and such modified or improved forms are also included within the technical scope of this disclosure. Contribution to the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

[0064] The SDGs have been proposed to realize a sustainable society. One embodiment of this invention is considered to be a technology that can contribute to "No. 12: Responsible Consumption and Production" and "No. 13: Climate Action," among others. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 10 Retread detection device 11 CPU 11A Collection Department 11B Calculation part 11C Judgment section 11D Notification Department 11E Decision section 12 ROM 13 RAM 14 I / O 15 Storage section 15A Retreading Judgment Program 16 Display 17 Control section 18 Communications Department 20 Terminal devices 100 Retread Detection System

Claims

1. A collection unit that collects usage history data regarding the usage history of tires after they have been mounted on a vehicle, A calculation unit calculates a remaining durability value, which is the time or distance until the current fatigue level of the tire reaches a predetermined limit value of the fatigue level according to the tire's performance, based on the relationship between the tire's fatigue level accumulated according to the usage history data and the tire's usage time or mileage. A determination unit that determines whether or not the tire should be retreaded based on the remaining durability value and the remaining tire life, which is the remaining time or distance until the tread thickness of the tire falls below a predetermined value, A notification unit notifies whether or not the tire should be retreaded based on the determination result from the determination unit, A retreading detection device equipped with the following features.

2. The determination unit obtains the remaining tread thickness, which is the tread thickness currently remaining on the tire; the retread life, which is the remaining time or distance until the tread thickness of the tire falls below a predetermined value after retreading; the tire cost, which is the cost per tire; and the retread cost, which is the cost of retreading the tire. Based on the remaining durability value, the remaining tire life, the remaining tread thickness, the retread life, the tire cost, and the retread cost, it determines whether or not the tire should be retreaded. The retread determination device according to claim 1.

3. If the determination unit determines that the tire should be retreaded, the system further includes a determination unit that determines the tread thickness necessary to satisfy the retread life based on the remaining durability value. The retread determination device according to claim 2.

4. The determination unit calculates the cost per unit time or unit distance from the remaining durability value, the remaining tire life, the remaining tread thickness, the retread life, the tire cost, and the retread cost, and determines the timing of the retread and the tread thickness based on the calculated cost per unit time or unit distance. The retread determination device according to claim 3.

5. We collect usage history data regarding the usage history of tires after they have been installed on the vehicle. Based on the relationship between the tire fatigue level accumulated according to the usage history data and the tire usage time or mileage, the remaining durability value is calculated, which is the time or distance until the current tire fatigue level reaches a predetermined limit value of fatigue level according to the tire's performance. Based on the remaining durability value and the remaining tire life, which is the remaining time or distance until the tire tread thickness falls below a predetermined value, a determination is made as to whether or not the tire should be retreaded. Based on the judgment result, a process is performed to notify whether or not the tire should be retreaded. The method used by computers to determine if a thread is retreaded.

6. We collect usage history data regarding the usage history of tires after they have been installed on the vehicle. Based on the relationship between the tire fatigue level accumulated according to the usage history data and the tire usage time or mileage, the remaining durability value is calculated, which is the time or distance until the current tire fatigue level reaches a predetermined limit value of fatigue level according to the tire's performance. Based on the remaining durability value and the remaining tire life, which is the remaining time or distance until the tire tread thickness falls below a predetermined value, a determination is made as to whether or not the tire should be retreaded. Based on the judgment result, a process is performed to notify whether or not the tire should be retreaded. A retread detection program to be executed by a computer.

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