Retread design device, retread design method, and retread design program

Abstract

Determine the appropriate tread thickness so that the retreaded tread rubber can be used up completely. [Solution] The retread design 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 a vehicle, a calculation unit 11B that calculates the current fatigue level of the tire accumulated according to the usage history data, and a determination unit 11C that determines the tread thickness corresponding to the current fatigue level of the tire calculated by the calculation unit 11B, based on the correspondence between the tire fatigue level and the tread thickness required for retreading.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a retread design device, a retread design method, and a retread design 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. For this reason, 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 efficiently using tires and reducing the cost of 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, the durability of the case other than the tread rubber affects the tire life after retreading. One of the factors affecting the durability of the case is the heat history (hereinafter referred to as "heat history") that the tire receives during driving. A case with a large heat history has a shorter remaining durability time until the limit of use compared to a case with a small heat history. For this reason, even if a thick layer of tread rubber is wound by retreading on a tire with a relatively short remaining durability time, the case may reach the limit of use before the tread rubber is completely used up, and the tread rubber may not be able to be completely used up. If the retread rubber cannot be completely used up, it is not preferable from the perspective of effective utilization of resources, etc.

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a retread design apparatus, a retread design method, and a retread design program that can determine an appropriate tread thickness so that the retreaded tread rubber can be used up completely. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] 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 that calculates the current fatigue level of the tire accumulated according to the usage history data, Based on the relationship between the tire fatigue level and the tread thickness required for retreading, a determination unit determines the tread thickness corresponding to the current tire fatigue level calculated by the calculation unit, This is a retread design device equipped with [specific features / features].

[0007] The second aspect is a retread design apparatus according to the first aspect, The determination unit determines that the tread thickness decreases as the current fatigue level of the tire increases.

[0008] The third aspect is a retread design apparatus according to the first or second aspect, The fatigue level of the tire is expressed as one or a combination of the following: the thermal history, which is the history of heat the tire has been subjected to; the internal pressure history, which is the history of the internal pressure of the tire during use; and the acceleration history, which is the history of the acceleration of the vehicle on which the tire is mounted.

[0009] The fourth aspect is a retread design apparatus relating to any one of the first to third aspects, The collection unit collects condition information regarding the tire at the end of the retread life, which is the time or distance from the time the tire is retreaded until it is completely worn out. The system further includes an update unit that updates the aforementioned correspondence relationship using the status information of the tire.

[0010] The fifth aspect is, We collect usage history data regarding the usage history of tires after they have been mounted on the vehicle. The current fatigue level of the tire, which is accumulated according to the aforementioned usage history data, is calculated. Based on the relationship between the tire's fatigue level and the tread thickness required for retreading, the process of determining the tread thickness corresponding to the calculated current fatigue level of the tire is performed. This is a retreading design method executed by computers.

[0011] The sixth aspect is, We collect usage history data regarding the usage history of tires after they have been mounted on the vehicle. The current fatigue level of the tire, which is accumulated according to the aforementioned usage history data, is calculated. Based on the relationship between the tire's fatigue level and the tread thickness required for retreading, the process of determining the tread thickness corresponding to the calculated current fatigue level of the tire is performed. This is a retread design program designed to be executed by a computer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to this disclosure, the effect is that an appropriate tread thickness can be determined so that the retreaded tread rubber can be used up completely. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a retread design system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This block diagram shows an example of the functional configuration of a retread design apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of usage history data and tools. [Figure 4] This graph shows an example of the relationship between tire fatigue and the tread thickness required for retreading. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of retread thickness according to tire fatigue. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow by the retread design program according to the embodiment.

Mode 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, components and processes that perform the same functions may be given the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and redundant descriptions 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 design device according to the present embodiment collects usage history data regarding the usage history of a tire after it is mounted on a vehicle, calculates the current fatigue degree of the tire accumulated according to the usage history data, and determines the tread thickness corresponding to the calculated current fatigue degree of the tire based on the correspondence relationship between the fatigue degree of the tire and the tread thickness required for retreading. Thereby, an appropriate tread thickness can be determined so that the retreaded tread rubber can be used up.

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

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, the retread design system 100 according to this embodiment comprises a retread design device 10 that performs retread design and a terminal device 20 used by the user of the vehicle 21. The terminal device 20 and the vehicle 21 are located, for example, in a mine. The retread design device 10 and the terminal device 20 are connected to communicate via a network N. Network N is, for example, a communication network such as the Internet, LAN (Local Area Network), or WAN (Wide Area Network). The retread design 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, tablet terminal, or PC.

[0018] The terminal device 20 is connected to the vehicle 21 in a communication manner and acquires sensor information obtained from sensors 22 installed on the vehicle 21. The sensor information includes, for example, driving speed, acceleration / deceleration / lateral G-force, steering angle, load, and tire pressure.

[0019] The retread design apparatus 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 retread design device 10, or as part of the main control unit that controls the operation of the entire retread design device 10. Integrated circuits or IC chipsets, such as LSIs (Large Scale Integrations), are used in part or all of each block of the control unit. Individual circuits may be used for each of the above blocks, or circuits that integrate part 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 limited to LSIs.

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

[0023] The retread design program 15A may, for example, be pre-installed on the retread design device 10. The retread design 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 design 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 organic 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 retread design machine 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 retread design apparatus 10 according to this embodiment functions as the various parts shown in Figure 2 by writing the retread design 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 design apparatus 10 according to this embodiment.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the CPU 11 of the retread design apparatus 10 according to this embodiment functions as an acquisition unit 11A, a calculation unit 11B, a determination unit 11C, an output unit 11D, and an update 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 current fatigue level of the tire, which is accumulated according to the usage history data. Here, the tire fatigue level is represented, for example, as a thermal history, which is the history of heat the tire has received. Specifically, it acquires temperature data measured for the tire (for example, the temperature of the air inside the tire) and calculates the thermal history from the acquired tire temperature data. The temperature data to be acquired is set at a sample rate of one per predetermined time (for example, one every 12 seconds). For example, the thermal history is calculated using the Arrhenius law. The Arrhenius law is known as an equation that expresses the temperature dependence of the reaction rate of organic materials such as plastics and rubber. Here, the calculation of the Arrhenius law is performed using one temperature data per predetermined time. The values ​​obtained from the calculation of the Arrhenius law are totaled over a predetermined tire life period to obtain a total value. This total value is then considered as the thermal history (thermal damage = rubber deterioration) that the tire has received.

[0036] The degree of tire fatigue may be expressed as one or a combination of the following: the thermal history, the internal pressure history during tire use, and the acceleration history of the vehicle on which the tire is mounted. The internal pressure of the tire is obtained using a sensor (TPMS) attached to the tire, similar to temperature, and the degree of tire fatigue may be determined by accumulating and analyzing the history of changes in internal pressure. For example, based on information such as the amount of load applied and for how long from the increase or decrease in internal pressure, how long the vehicle was driven with internal pressure outside the appropriate range (too high / too low), and the degree of rapid changes in internal pressure (representing overcoming obstacles, entering potholes, etc.), the amount of damage input to the case is calculated, and the tire fatigue is calculated taking into account the durability of the case.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] The determination unit 11C determines the tread thickness corresponding to the current tire fatigue level calculated by the calculation unit 11B, based on the correspondence between the tire fatigue level and the tread thickness required for retreading. Specifically, the determination unit 11C uses, for example, the correspondence shown in Figure 4 to determine that the tread thickness decreases as the current tire fatigue level increases.

[0040] Figure 4 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between tire fatigue and the tread thickness required for retreading. In Figure 4, the horizontal axis represents tire fatigue (=thermal history), and the vertical axis represents the retread thickness required for retreading. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of retread thickness according to tire fatigue. In Figure 5, the hatched area represents the tread rubber to be retreaded.

[0041] According to the examples in Figures 4 and 5, when the total value obtained by the Arrhenius law calculation described above is H1, the tread thickness required for retreading is determined to be R1; when the total value is H2, the tread thickness required for retreading is determined to be R2; and when the total value is H3, the tread thickness required for retreading is determined to be R3.

[0042] The output unit 11D outputs the tread thickness for each tire, determined by the determination unit 11C, to, for example, the display unit 16.

[0043] Furthermore, the collection unit 11A may collect information on the tire's condition at the end of the retread life, which is the time or distance from retreading until the tire is completely worn out. Here, "condition information" refers to data such as the thickness of the tread rubber remaining at the end of the retread life (remaining tread thickness), and whether or not the case has reached its usage limit. In this case, the update unit 11E updates the correspondence shown in Figure 4 as an example, using the tire's condition information. Specifically, for example, the remaining tread thickness is determined to a threshold at the end of the retread life, and if the remaining tread thickness is above the threshold, that is, if a certain amount remains, it is considered that the tread thickness at the time of retreading was unnecessarily thick. For this reason, the correspondence is updated so that the tread thickness at the time of retreading becomes thinner. Also, if the case has reached its usage limit at the end of the retread life, it is considered that the tread thickness at the time of retreading was insufficient. For this reason, the correspondence is updated so that the tread thickness at the time of retreading becomes thicker.

[0044] Next, with reference to Figure 6, the operation of the retread design device 10 included in the retread design system 100 according to this embodiment will be explained.

[0045] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow by the retread design program 15A according to this embodiment.

[0046] When the retread design program 15A is instructed to execute, the CPU 11 of the retread design device 10 executes the program by writing the retread design program 15A, which is stored in the ROM 12 or memory unit 15, to the RAM 13.

[0047] First, at the mine, the tires mounted on the vehicle 21 are put into use, and usage history data regarding the tires is transmitted to the retread design device 10 via the terminal device 20. Then, at the mine, when the tread rubber of the tires decreases and the primary life of the tires ends, the tires that have reached the end of their primary life are transported to the retreading plant.

[0048] The retreading plant manufactures retreaded tires from transported tires that have reached the end of their primary life. The retreading plant then applies the required tread thickness based on the retread thickness provided by the retreading design machine 10. Finally, the retreading plant transports the completed retreaded tires to the mine.

[0049] At the mine, the transported retread tires are put into use. Then, at the mine, when the retread rubber of the tires decreases and the secondary life of the tires ends, status information about the tires after the end of their secondary life is transmitted to the retread design device 10 via the terminal device 20.

[0050] In step S101 of Figure 6, the CPU 11 collects usage history data regarding the tires mounted on the vehicle 21 from the terminal device 20.

[0051] In step S102, the CPU 11 calculates the current fatigue level of the tire, which is accumulated according to the usage history data collected in step S101. Here, the tire fatigue level is represented as a thermal history, which is, for example, the history of heat the tire has received, as described above. Specifically, temperature data measured for the tire (for example, the temperature of the air inside the tire) is acquired, and the thermal history is calculated from the acquired tire temperature data using the Arrhenius law.

[0052] In step S103, the CPU 11 determines the tread thickness corresponding to the current tire fatigue level calculated in step S102, based on the correspondence between the tire fatigue level and the tread thickness required for retreading (see, for example, Figure 4). Specifically, the CPU 11 uses, for example, the correspondence shown in Figure 4 to determine that the tread thickness decreases as the current tire fatigue level increases.

[0053] In step S104, the CPU 11 outputs the tread thickness determined in step S103 to, for example, the display unit 16, and the series of processes by this retread design program 15A is completed. The tread thickness determined by the retread design device 10 is provided to the retreading factory.

[0054] As described above, according to this embodiment, the current fatigue level of the tire is calculated from the usage history data, and the tread thickness required for retreading is determined in accordance with the current tire fatigue level. This makes it possible to determine an appropriate tread thickness so that the retreaded tread rubber can be used up completely.

[0055] 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)

[0056] 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]

[0057] 10 Retread Design Equipment 11 CPU 11A Collection Department 11B Calculation part 11C Decision section 11D Output Section 11E Update section 12 ROM 13 RAM 14 I / O 15 Storage section 15A Retread Design Program 16 Display section 17 Control section 18 Communications Department 20 Terminal devices 100 Retread Design 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 that calculates the current fatigue level of the tire accumulated according to the usage history data, Based on the relationship between the tire fatigue level and the tread thickness required for retreading, a determination unit determines the tread thickness corresponding to the current tire fatigue level calculated by the calculation unit, A retread design device equipped with the following features.

2. The determination unit determines that the tread thickness decreases as the current fatigue level of the tire increases. The retread design apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The fatigue level of the tire is expressed as one or a combination of the following: the thermal history, which is the history of heat the tire has been subjected to; the internal pressure history, which is the history of the internal pressure of the tire during use; and the acceleration history, which is the history of the acceleration of the vehicle on which the tire is mounted. The retread design apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The collection unit collects condition information regarding the tire at the end of the retread life, which is the time or distance from the time the tire is retreaded until it is completely worn out. The system further includes an update unit that updates the aforementioned correspondence relationship using the status information of the tire, The retread design apparatus according to claim 1.

5. We collect usage history data regarding the usage history of tires after they have been mounted on the vehicle. The current fatigue level of the tire, which is accumulated according to the aforementioned usage history data, is calculated. Based on the relationship between the tire's fatigue level and the tread thickness required for retreading, the process of determining the tread thickness corresponding to the calculated current fatigue level of the tire is performed. A retreading design method performed by computers.

6. We collect usage history data regarding the usage history of tires after they have been mounted on the vehicle. The current fatigue level of the tire, which is accumulated according to the aforementioned usage history data, is calculated. Based on the relationship between the tire's fatigue level and the tread thickness required for retreading, the process of determining the tread thickness corresponding to the calculated current fatigue level of the tire is performed. A retread design program designed to be executed by a computer.

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