Image acquisition device for the visual inspection of the inner surface of a tire, and associated method

An inspection apparatus for a tire, the apparatus comprising:

• at least one image acquisition apparatus structured to acquire images of an interior surface of a tire, wherein each image acquisition apparatus includes:
• a lighting source arranged to project a beam of light onto a predetermined zone of the interior surface of the tire,
• an image acquisition device arranged to acquire a reflected beam of light, the reflected beam of light corresponding to light from the beam of light projected from the lighting source that is reflected off the predetermined zone of the tire, and
• at least one reflector positioned optically between any one or a combination of:
• the lighting source and the predetermined zone of the interior surface of the tire, and
• the predetermined zone of the interior surface of the tire and the image acquisition device.

A method for inspecting an interior surface of a tire of a type that includes a tread and lateral beads, the method comprising steps of:

• rotating the tire about an axis of the tire via one of the lateral beads;
• holding another of the lateral beads at least axially in position during the rotating step;
• and
• capturing images of the interior surface of the tire using an inspection apparatus that includes:
• at least one image acquisition apparatus structured to acquire images of an interior surface of a tire, wherein each image acquisition apparatus includes:
• a lighting source arranged to project a beam of light onto a predetermined zone of the interior surface of the tire,
• an image acquisition device arranged to acquire a reflected beam of light, the reflected beam of light corresponding to light from the beam of light projected from the lighting source that is reflected off the predetermined zone of the tire, and
• at least one reflector positioned optically between any one or a combination of:
• the lighting source and the predetermined zone of the interior surface of the tire, and
• the predetermined zone of the interior surface of the tire and the image acquisition device.