Interface between a tum and a grinder

Abstract

The invention relates to a control device (1) for correcting tires, comprising an interface (2) for a tire uniformity measuring system (3) in order to receive measurement data relating to the uniformity of a tire; an interface (4) for a tire processing system (5) for correcting irregularities of a tire in order to transmit control commands for removing tire material to the tire processing system; and an interface (6) for a computing unit (7) and / or a computing unit in order to analyze received measurement data and to determine control commands for removing tire material on the basis of the analyzed measurement data. The invention also relates to a method for correcting tires, having the following steps: - acquiring (S1) measurement data relating to the uniformity of a tire by means of a tire uniformity measuring system; - determining (S2), by means of a computing unit, control commands for removing tire material on the basis of the measurement data, the computing unit being connected to the tire uniformity measuring system and to a tire processing system so as to transmit data; - transporting (S3) the tire from the tire uniformity measuring system to the tire processing system in such a way that measurement data and / or determined control commands can be assigned to a tire during transport; and - removing (S4) tire material by means of the tire processing system according to determined control commands.

Description

[0001] ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 304695 Friedrichshafen 2024-09-25

[0002] Interface between a TUM and a Grinder

[0003] AREA OF INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to a control unit for tire correction and a method for tire correction.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Accordingly, the following is planned:

[0007] - a tire correction control unit comprising an interface to a tire uniformity measurement system to receive measurement data on the tire uniformity of a tire; an interface to a tire processing system for correcting irregularities of a tire to transmit control commands for removing tire material to the tire processing system; an interface to a computing unit and / or a processing unit to analyze received measurement data and to determine control commands for removing tire material based on the analyzed measurement data; and

[0008] - A tire correction process comprising the following steps: Acquisition of measurement data on the tire uniformity of a tire using a tire uniformity measuring system; Determination of control commands for the removal of tire material using a processing unit, based on the measurement data, wherein the processing unit is data-connected to the tire uniformity measuring system and a tire processing machine; Transport of the tire from the tire uniformity measuring system to the tire processing machine in such a way that measurement data and / or determined control commands can be assigned to a tire during transport; Removal of tire material using the tire processing machine according to the determined control commands. ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 304695 Friedrichshafen 2024-09-25

[0009] The term "tire uniformity measurement data" can encompass radially acting forces, laterally acting forces, radial runout, mass distribution, and runout data. For simplicity, the formulation can also include derived data such as the nth harmonic of the radial forces.

[0010] An exemplary tire uniformity measurement system (TUM) is based on systematically checking a tire for irregularities and deviations from its ideal shape. For this purpose, the tire is mounted on a rotating axle and successively rotated through various defined positions. A measurement is taken at each of these positions. The system measures forces acting on the tire, such as radial forces perpendicular to the tire surface, as well as lateral forces acting on the side of the tire.

[0011] It is conceivable that TUM could also record the so-called runout, which describes the tire's deviation from ideal circular motion. Radial runout can detect vertical deviations, while lateral runout measures lateral displacements. These measurements can be systematically performed at various rotational positions of the tire, rotating it in fixed angular increments and collecting the relevant measurement data for each position.

[0012] Tire reconditioning systems are used to correct irregularities in tires that can arise from manufacturing defects. These systems improve the uniformity and concentricity of the tires to reduce vibrations, road noise, and uneven wear. The operating principles and tools vary depending on the system, with laser-based systems, known as grinders, and mechanical systems being the most common technologies.

[0013] Laser-based tire reconditioning systems use a precise laser beam to selectively remove material from the tire surface. These systems operate without contact. The system uses a laser beam to selectively remove material from the affected areas. A laser source generates the laser beam, which is directed at the tire. ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 304695 Friedrichshafen 2024-09-25

[0014] The laser beam is focused on the surface. Optical systems ensure beam guidance, directing the laser beam to the location of the irregularity.

[0015] In contrast, there are mechanical systems that use grinding or milling tools to remove material from the tire surface.

[0016] A tire transport system can be based on different conveying technologies, including conveyor belts, automated transport systems such as AGVs, robot arms, rotary tables or rail systems.

[0017] Computer program products typically comprise a sequence of instructions that, when the program is loaded, cause the hardware to perform a specific procedure that leads to a particular result.

[0018] The basic idea of ​​the invention is an interface between a tire uniformity measuring system and a tire processing machine that automates the entire tire correction process. This is a central control and communication interface, i.e., a control unit comprising interfaces that receives measurement data from the tire uniformity measuring system, determines the necessary corrective measures, and forwards them to the tire processing machine to correct irregularities in the tire.

[0019] The control unit establishes a direct connection between the tire uniformity measuring system and the tire processing machine by automating the data flow from the measuring system to the processing machine. The control unit can receive and analyze raw data from the tire uniformity measuring system and / or receive already processed and evaluated measurement data in order to send appropriate control commands to the tire processing machine for correcting multiple tires from a batch and / or the tire itself.

[0020] Control commands for correcting a tire in a tire processing system can contain various pieces of information, such as the position at which the correction is to take place. A position can be specified by angles from 0 to 359 degrees along the ZF Friedrichshafen AG file 304695 Friedrichshafen 2024-09-25

[0021] The control commands can specify tire rotation as well as radial or lateral offsets. These positions can identify the areas on the tire where irregularities need to be removed. Another component of the control commands can be the removal rate. This specifies how much material should be removed from the identified locations. The depth of removal and the length of the area to be treated along the tire circumference can also be specified.

[0022] Additionally, the control commands can contain information about the type of correction to be performed. This might refer to whether it is a radial or lateral force deviation, or a geometric error such as runout. The parameters of the tool being used can also be included. For example, with laser systems, it may be necessary to specify energy parameters such as laser intensity or power to perform the ablation. Similarly, the processing speed can be specified to achieve the desired surface quality.

[0023] It is conceivable that a control command determines the timing or synchronization of the machining process. These control commands can specify when corrections are to be made during the tire's rotation. Furthermore, control commands may contain correction settings, such as the fineness of the machining or whether multiple machining steps are necessary to achieve the desired result.

[0024] This allows for automated iteration between measurement and processing to increase the quality and efficiency of tire manufacturing.

[0025] It is understood that the computing unit can be located in different locations and may be situated on the periphery of various components or systems. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the computing unit can be located locally or accessible via an interface to a cloud, such as a data center.

[0026] Accordingly, the invention relates not only to the control unit but also to a ZF Friedrichshafen AG file 304695 Friedrichshafen 2024-09-25

[0027] Tire correction procedure.

[0028] Advantageous designs and further developments result from the further sub-claims as well as from the description with reference to the figures in the drawing.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the control unit further comprises an interface to a tire transport system for the transport of tires between the tire uniformity measuring system and the tire processing system, and in particular vice versa, in order to transmit control commands relating to the transport of tires to the tire transport system.

[0030] This ensures a seamless and automated transfer of the tires between the various processing stations, thereby minimizing manual intervention.

[0031] If a transport option is provided from the tire processing plant to the tire uniformity measuring system, this ensures a loop, allowing tires to go through the measurement and processing process again after an initial pass.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the control unit further comprises an interface to a tire sorting system for sorting reject tires, good tires that have passed a test process of the tire uniformity measuring system, and tires to be processed.

[0033] This ensures efficient separation of tires according to their processing or testing status. For example, it may be planned to process only tires whose measured values ​​do not exceed predefined thresholds and to reject tires whose measured values ​​exceed predefined thresholds. ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 304695 Friedrichshafen 2024-09-25

[0034] Furthermore, good tires whose measured values ​​already meet predefined criteria before processing can be sorted for further processing without passing through the tire processing plant.

[0035] Tires coming from the measuring system are categorized according to their measurement data: good tires that have successfully passed the testing process and require no further processing, tires requiring processing that are forwarded to the processing facility, and reject tires that can no longer be used. The sorting system can utilize conveyor belts, robotic arms, or rotary tables to guide the tires to the appropriate stations or storage areas. Automated sensors and controls ensure that each tire is identified and sorted according to its status.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tire uniformity measuring system is configured to measure, for one or more rotational positions of a tire between 0° and 359°, measurement data for calculating and / or measuring data relating to a force acting laterally to the tire, a force acting radially to the tire, a radial impact, and / or a mass distribution. A processing unit of the tire uniformity measuring system and / or the control unit is configured to computationally determine an nth harmonic of the force acting radially to the tire, where n is a natural number between 1 and 30.

[0037] This ensures a detailed and comprehensive recording of the relevant measurement data.

[0038] Lateral force measurement records the lateral forces acting on the tire. Lateral forces arise from various irregularities that load the tire asymmetrically and can pull the vehicle to one side. One cause is an asymmetrical tire construction, where the tire was not manufactured uniformly during production, resulting in an uneven distribution of the ZF Friedrichshafen AG file 304695 Friedrichshafen 2024-09-25

[0039] Forces are involved. Measuring these forces helps to identify and correct such irregularities.

[0040] The measurement of radial force refers to the forces that act radially, i.e., in the direction of the tire's axis. Radial forces arise from irregularities in the tire surface or inside the tire, such as dents, unevenness, or asymmetries in its construction. These forces can cause vibrations while driving and often lead to uneven wear and reduced comfort.

[0041] Lateral force, radial force, radial impact, and mass distribution are typically measured directly by sensors that detect the corresponding forces and deviations during tire rotation. The nth harmonics of the radial force, however, are derived measurement data calculated mathematically from the directly measured radial forces.

[0042] Radial runout describes the deviation of a tire from a perfect circular shape as it rotates. This causes parts of the tire to be either closer to or farther from the axis than they should be during rotation. Significant radial runout can lead to noticeable vibrations and instability while driving.

[0043] This measurement is relevant for determining deviations in the tire shape and the necessary correction to make the tire more uniform.

[0044] Mass distribution indicates whether the tire's mass is evenly distributed around its axis of rotation. An uneven mass distribution leads to imbalance, which causes vibrations and can lead to uneven tire wear. This data is relevant for tire balance. An unbalanced mass distribution can be corrected by adding counterweights.

[0045] Harmonics are vibrations caused by recurring irregularities in the tire structure. The "nth harmonic" refers to a specific frequency of these vibrations, where "n" is a natural number between 1 and 30. The first harmonic (n=1) is the fundamental frequency, often the most pronounced, while higher harmonics (n=2, 3, etc.) represent finer vibrations. This data is relevant for identifying resonant vibrations that can lead to vibrations or unpleasant driving characteristics. Determining the nth harmonic allows for a detailed analysis of tire vibrations and helps in implementing targeted corrective measures.

[0046] The relationship between the aforementioned measurement data and the localization of irregularities in the tire is based on measuring the forces and vibrations during the tire's rotation at defined angular positions. By recording this data, the precise location of the irregularity can be identified, and the area of ​​the tire responsible for the deviations can be localized.

[0047] According to a preferred further development of the method, it is also advantageous to generate new measurement data for a tire using the tire uniformity measuring system after tire material has been removed. This ensures that the progress of the correction can be automatically monitored and verified.

[0048] It is also advantageous if iterations between the tire uniformity measurement system and the tire processing system are handled fully automatically. This enables continuous processing without manual intervention.

[0049] It is also advisable to evaluate the effects of specific tire material wear on the tire's uniformity and to optimize tire material wear based on these evaluations. This ensures that future wear processes are carried out more precisely.

[0050] It is also advantageous if the optimization of tire material removal is ensured by means of an artificial intelligence routine. This enables ZF Friedrichshafen AG (File 304695, Friedrichshafen, 2024-09-25) to continuously optimize material removal through automated learning processes that can be constantly adapted based on previous results.

[0051] It is also useful if the artificial intelligence routine is fed comprehensive measurement data of an unprocessed tire with input data and generates output data for removing tire material, including a removal quantity and a removal position.

[0052] In this first alternative, the artificial intelligence receives measurement data from an untreated tire, such as radial force, lateral force, and runout. Based on this data, it calculates the necessary material removal amounts and locations to correct existing irregularities. The AI ​​determines how much and where material must be removed to improve the tire's condition. The goal of this method is to automatically determine the optimal material removal rate by the tire reconditioning system to enhance tire quality. This reduces manual effort through the automated calculation of material removal amounts. Compared to other alternatives, this approach focuses on analyzing the current measurement data and calculating the required material removal.

[0053] Additionally or alternatively, it is also useful if the artificial intelligence routine is fed with input data including comprehensive measurement data of an unprocessed tire and data on the removal of tire material, including a removal quantity and a removal position, and generates output data from this to predict measurement data after the removal of tire material.

[0054] In the second alternative, the artificial intelligence is trained to predict the new measurements after correction based on the original measurement data of the untreated tire and the planned material removal amounts. The model learns how the material removal affects the measured irregularities. This allows predictions of the tire's condition after correction, ensuring that the material removal amounts achieve the desired improvements in the measured values. The advantages of this method lie in the simulation of the final result, enabling verification before processing whether the planned material removal amounts will deliver the desired results. Furthermore, potential incorrect corrections or unnecessary processing can be avoided, as the model can predict the outcome in advance.This variant differs from the others in that it aims to simulate the effects of the removal quantities and to check whether they bring the desired result before the machining actually takes place.

[0055] Additionally or alternatively, it is also useful if the artificial intelligence routine is fed with input data including comprehensive measurement data of an unprocessed tire and with input data including target measurement data of a processed tire, and generates output data from this to predict measurement data after the removal of tire material.

[0056] It is particularly advantageous that the artificial intelligence routine is fed with input data including comprehensive measurement data from a large number of unprocessed tires and with input data including comprehensive target measurement data from a large number of processed tires, and generates output data from this to predict measurement data after the removal of tire material.

[0057] In the third alternative, the artificial intelligence receives both the original measurement data of an untreated tire and the desired target values ​​to be achieved after correction. Based on this, the AI ​​calculates the amount of material removed to reach the target values. The goal of this method is to determine the amount of material removed that will bring the tire into optimal condition and meet the desired uniformity values. The advantages of this method lie in the precise achievement of the target values, as the material removal is adapted to the specified measurements. This allows for more specific optimization of the corrections. In contrast to the first alternative, this method considers not only the current condition of the tire, but also calculates the amount of material removed taking into account the desired final values.This allows for targeted correction to achieve the desired results.

[0058] A computer program product according to a method of an embodiment of the invention performs the steps of a method according to the preceding description when the computer program product runs on a computer, in particular an in-vehicle computer. When the program in question is used on a computer, the computer program product produces an effect, namely the automated removal of tire wear based on measurement data.

[0059] CONTENT OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic figures of the drawings. These show:

[0061] Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the invention;

[0062] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the invention.

[0063] The accompanying drawings are intended to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain the principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the advantages mentioned will become apparent with reference to the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale.

[0064] In the figures of the drawings, identical, functionally equivalent, and equivalent elements, features, and components are identified by the same reference symbols, unless otherwise indicated. ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 304695 Friedrichshafen 2024-09-25

[0065] DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EXECUTION

[0066] Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a control unit 1 for tire correction comprising an interface 2 to a tire uniformity measurement system 3 to receive measurement data on the tire uniformity of a tire; an interface 4 to a tire processing system 5 for correcting irregularities of a tire to transmit control commands for removing tire material to the tire processing system 5; an interface 6 to a computing unit 7 to analyze received measurement data and to determine control commands for removing tire material based on the analyzed measurement data.

[0067] Figure 2 shows a schematic block diagram of a tire correction procedure with steps S1-S4.

[0068] In step S1, measurement data regarding the tire uniformity of a tire are acquired using a tire uniformity measuring system. In step S2, control commands for removing tire material are determined by a processing unit based on the measurement data. This processing unit is data-connected to the tire uniformity measuring system and a tire processing machine. In step S3, the tire is transported from the tire uniformity measuring system to the tire processing machine in such a way that measurement data and / or determined control commands can be assigned to a specific tire during transport. In step S4, tire material is removed by the tire processing machine according to the determined control commands.

[0069] ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 304695 Friedrichshafen 2024-09-25

[0070] Reference mark

[0071] 1 control unit

[0072] 2 Interface

[0073] 3 Tire Uniformity Measuring System

[0074] 4 Interface

[0075] 5 tire processing plant

[0076] 6 Interface

[0077] 7 Calculation unit

[0078] S1-S4 process steps

Claims

ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 304695 Friedrichshafen 2024-09-25 Patent claims 1. Control unit (1) for tire correction comprising - an interface (2) to a tire uniformity measurement system (3) to receive measurement data on the tire uniformity of a tire; - an interface (4) to a tire processing plant (5) for correcting irregularities of a tire, in order to transmit control commands for removing tire material to the tire processing plant; - an interface (6) to a computing unit (7) and / or a computing unit to analyze received measurement data and to determine control commands for removing tire material based on the analyzed measurement data.

2. Control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit further comprises an interface to a tire transport system for the transport of tires, between the tire uniformity measuring system and the tire processing system, and in particular vice versa, in order to transmit control commands relating to the transport of tires to the tire transport system.

3. Control unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit further comprises an interface to a tire sorting system for sorting reject tires, good tires that have passed a test process of the tire uniformity measuring system, and tires to be processed.

4. Control unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tire uniformity measuring system is configured to measure measurement data relating to a force acting laterally to the tire, a force acting radially to the tire, a radial impact and / or a mass distribution for one or more rotational positions of a tire between 0° and 359°, and a computing unit of the tire uniformity measuring system and / or the control unit is provided. ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 304695 Friedrichshafen 2024-09-25 is to determine an nth harmonic of the force acting radially to the tire, where n is a natural number between 1 and 30.

5. Tire correction procedure with the following steps: - Acquisition (S1) of measurement data on tire uniformity of a tire, using a tire uniformity measurement system; - Determining (S2) control commands for the removal of tire material by means of a computing unit, based on the measurement data, wherein the computing unit is data-connected to the tire uniformity measuring system and a tire processing plant; - Transporting (S3) the tire from the tire uniformity measuring system to the tire processing plant in such a way that measurement data and / or determined control commands can be assigned to a tire during transport; - Removal (S4) of tire material using the tire processing system according to determined control commands.

6. Method according to claim 5, wherein measurement data is generated again for a tire after tire material has been removed using the tire uniformity measurement system.

7. Method according to claim 6, wherein iterations between the tire uniformity measuring system and the tire processing system are fully automated.

8. Method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the effects of specific wear of tire material on the tire uniformity of a tire are evaluated, and the wear of tire material is optimized based on the evaluated effects. ZF Friedrichshafen AG File 304695 Friedrichshafen 2024-09-25 9. Method according to claim 8, wherein the optimization of the removal of tire material is ensured by means of an artificial intelligence routine.

10. Method according to claim 9, wherein the artificial intelligence routine is fed with input data comprising measurement data of an unprocessed tire and generates output data for removing tire material comprising a removal quantity and a removal position.

11. Method according to claim 9, wherein the artificial intelligence routine is fed with input data comprising measurement data of an unprocessed tire and data for the removal of tire material comprising a removal quantity and a removal position, and generates output data from this for predicting measurement data after the removal of tire material.

12. Method according to claim 9, wherein the artificial intelligence routine is fed with input data comprising measurement data of an unprocessed tire and with input data comprising target measurement data of a processed tire, and generates output data from this to predict measurement data after the removal of tire material.

13. Computer program product comprising instructions that cause a hardware component of a computer to execute the method according to any of the preceding claims 5-12 when the computer program is loaded onto / from the hardware component or executed by it.

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