Tread grinding method and apparatus for correlating tire pattern grooves with performance

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of tire manufacturing, and particularly relates to a tread polishing method and device for the correlation between tire pattern deep grooves and performance. The method comprises the following steps: reserving the maximum deep groove on two smooth tire crowns, and engraving patterns on the tire surface; after the tire with engraved patterns is assembled, inflated and parked, the tire is placed on the bearing of a double-station tread polishing machine, and a load is applied; the wear degree of the pattern deep groove of one tire is set to be reduced by 1 mm each time, and the wear degree of the pattern deep groove of the other tire is set to be reduced by 0.5 mm for the first time, and then reduced by 1 mm each time until the polishing is finished; when the pattern depth of the two tires is reduced to below half of the initial depth, the polishing is stopped. The present method polishes tires with different pattern groove depths, and performs non-destructive performance testing, which is cyclic, and is equivalent to performance testing of molds and tires with different pattern groove depths, thereby shortening the development cycle and reducing the production cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of tire manufacturing, and in particular relates to a tread grinding method and device based on the correlation between tire pattern deep grooves and performance. Background Art

[0002] During tire development, new product molds with the same pattern and specifications must be created using a single, identical mold to ensure product uniformity. Without sufficient experience, it's difficult to guarantee the designed mold fully meets OEM development requirements. Modifying the mold when performance doesn't meet the target is inherently difficult. Prior art technology allows smooth tires produced using smooth tire molds to be engraved with different patterns. However, engraving tires with the same pattern but varying tread depths requires significant manual effort.

[0003] Meanwhile, in the market, during the development of mid- to high-end OEM products, tire groove depth significantly impacts tire tread rigidity, drainage performance, rolling resistance, as well as related performance such as noise, comfort, and handling. While engineers have a general understanding of relevant trend analysis based on experience, they lack sufficient data to support the specific correlation between groove depth and performance values. Consequently, precise product development cannot be achieved, requiring repeated adjustments and improvements. Consequently, accurate design rules for OEM products cannot be formed.

[0004] The existing method for testing different groove depths and determining their performance correlation involves manufacturing molds with varying groove depths, manufacturing tires, engraving the pattern on each tire surface, and then polishing each tire individually. This process is cumbersome, time-consuming, and costly. Furthermore, different molds cannot be guaranteed to be identical, and the accuracy of the performance correlations detected is uncertain. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In response to the shortcomings in the relevant technologies, the present invention provides a tread grinding method and device that can be used to determine the correlation between tire tread groove depth and performance. Tires with different tread groove depths can be ground and non-destructive performance tests can be performed in a repetitive cycle, which is equivalent to performing performance tests on molds and tires with different tread groove depths, thereby shortening the development cycle.

[0006] The present invention provides a tread grinding method based on the correlation between tire tread deep grooves and tire performance, comprising the following steps:

[0007] Reserving maximum deep grooves on the crowns of two smooth tires and carving patterns on the tire surfaces;

[0008] After assembling, inflating and parking the tire with the engraved pattern, place it on the bearing of the double-station tread grinding machine and load it;

[0009] The wear degree of the tread groove of one tire is set to decrease by 1mm each time, and the wear degree of the tread groove of the other tire is set to decrease by 0.5mm for the first time, and decrease by 1mm each time from the second time until the end of grinding; when the tread depth of both tires drops below half of the initial depth, stop grinding;

[0010] After each tire grinding, the two worn tires are tested for relevant non-destructive performance according to the testing standards and methods of rolling resistance, noise and rigidity.

[0011] In some embodiments, at least 8 hours are allowed between each polishing cycle and the next.

[0012] In some embodiments, the assembling, inflating and parking are specifically as follows: assembling the tire with the engraved pattern with the rim, inflating the tire and then parking it for 3 hours.

[0013] In some embodiments, the grinding machine grinds two tires on both sides simultaneously from the second grinding of the tire with the first reduction of 0.5 mm until the end of the grinding.

[0014] In some embodiments, the roughness of the grinding machine drum surface is more than 3 times the roughness of the road surface.

[0015] In some embodiments, the tire specification is 205 / 50R17 or 205 / 50R16.

[0016] In some embodiments, an infrared detection probe is used to detect the tire grinding distance each time, and the tire grinding process stops automatically when a set value is reached.

[0017] The present invention also provides a tread grinding device for tire tread deep groove and performance correlation, the device comprising:

[0018] protective shield;

[0019] A bracket is provided inside the protective cover, a grinder is installed on the bracket, a motor for driving the grinder is installed above the grinder, two sides of the grinder are respectively connected to two tires to be grinded, and a detection probe for detecting the grinding depth is provided on one side of the tire;

[0020] A hydraulic station is arranged outside the protective cover to provide power for the tire rotation.

[0021] Based on the above technical solution, a tread grinding method based on the correlation between tire pattern deep grooves and performance in an embodiment of the present invention solves the problems of complicated procedures and waste of costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute a part of this application. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. In the drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 The tread grinding tire testing process of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of the grinding machine of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 Correlation between rolling resistance and groove depth of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 The correlation between interior noise and groove depth of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 The longitudinal rigidity of the present invention is correlated with the groove depth;

[0028] Figure 6 Correlation between lateral rigidity and groove depth of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 The correlation between radial rigidity and groove depth of the present invention;

[0030] In the picture:

[0031] 1. Protective cover; 2. Bracket; 3. Rotating drum; 4. Hydraulic station; 5. Detection probe; 6. Motor; 7. Tire. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following will provide a clear and complete description of the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making any creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they may refer to direct connections, indirect connections through an intermediary, or internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0034] The present invention provides a tread grinding method based on the correlation between tire tread deep grooves and tire performance, comprising the following steps:

[0035] The maximum deep grooves are reserved on the crowns of the two smooth tires, and patterns are carved on the tire surface; it can be understood that the maximum deep grooves are reserved to provide sufficient space for tread grinding.

[0036] After the engraved tire is assembled, inflated and parked, it is placed on the bearing of the double-station tread grinder and loaded. It can be understood that assembly refers to assembling the tire with the rim, and inflation refers to inflating the tire to reach the required pressure. The above requirements are carried out in accordance with the provisions of GB 2978-2014.

[0037] The tread groove wear of one tire is set to decrease by 1mm each time, while the tread groove wear of the other tire is set to decrease by 0.5mm the first time, and then by 1mm each time from the second time until the end of grinding. Grinding is stopped when the tread depth of both tires drops below half of the initial depth. It is understood that the data obtained after grinding the two tires has a 0.5mm accuracy. For example, in this embodiment, the grinding data of one tire is 10mm→9mm→8mm→7mm→6mm→5mm, and the grinding data of the other tire is 10mm→9.5mm→8.5mm→7.5mm→6.5mm→5.5mm. The tire groove depth values ​​include: 10mm, 9.5mm, 9mm, 8.5mm, 8mm, 7.5mm, 7mm, 6.5mm, 6mm, and 5.5mm. That is, grinding both tires once can obtain data for 10 different groove depths.

[0038] Furthermore, grinding each tire 1mm at a time can both control tire life and ensure data adequacy. Grinding less than 1mm at a time can produce denser tire groove depth values, but the tire life will be depleted more quickly. Therefore, considering the value of 1mm is a trade-off between tire life and data adequacy.

[0039] To further explain, after each tire grinding cycle, two worn tires are subjected to relevant non-destructive performance tests according to the testing standards and methods for rolling resistance, noise, and rigidity. It is understood that after each tire grinding cycle, the grinding machine stops, and the non-destructive performance test is performed on the ground tire. After the test is completed, the next grinding cycle is performed to obtain a tire with the next grinding groove depth, which is then tested again to obtain performance data for rolling resistance, noise, and rigidity at different groove depths. It is understood that grinding tires with different groove depths, conducting non-destructive performance tests, and recycling them is equivalent to testing molds and tires with different groove depths, shortening the development cycle and reducing costs.

[0040] The above exemplary embodiment achieves the simultaneous grinding of two tires to obtain tires with different groove depths, thereby obtaining performance data on rolling resistance, noise, and rigidity of tires with different groove depths, thereby improving efficiency and reducing costs.

[0041] Each grinding session should be followed by a minimum of 8 hours of rest. This is to allow the tire to fully cool and rest, allowing its physical properties to return to their original state, without affecting the accuracy of the data measurement.

[0042] The assembly, inflation and parking are specifically as follows: the tire with the engraved pattern is assembled with the rim, the tire is inflated and then parked for 3 hours. It is understandable that different tire specifications have different requirements at this time. The assembly of the tire and the rim facilitates tire polishing and can also simulate the operation of the tire when it is working.

[0043] From the second grinding of the tire with the initial 0.5mm reduction until the end of the grinding, the grinder grinds both tires simultaneously. It is understood that when the grinder is rotating, the performance parameters of the left and right sides of the same grinding are the same, and the data obtained from the grinding is closer to the ideal value, which improves the accuracy of the results.

[0044] The roughness of the grinding machine drum surface is more than 3 times the roughness of the road surface. It can be understood that indoor simulation of the tire driving on the road will achieve the outdoor effect when the drum surface roughness is more than 3 times the roughness of the road surface.

[0045] The tire specifications are 205 / 50R17 or 205 / 55R16. These two specifications of tires are in high demand in the market. The maximum groove depth of 205 / 50R17 or 205 / 55R16 tires is 10mm.

[0046] The infrared detection probe detects the distance of each tire grinding and automatically stops when the set value is reached. It can be understood that the infrared detection probe can accurately control the grinding depth and the control is intelligent.

[0047] Example

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, the embodiment of this solution takes the common tire specification 205 / 50R17 on the market as an example to illustrate the tire grinding method, but is not limited to tires of this specification.

[0049] 1. Tire production steps: Make a smooth tire mold, use the mold to make two smooth tires with a groove depth of 10mm, carve patterns on the two smooth tires, and then the two tires to be polished are completed;

[0050] 2. Preparation steps before grinding: Assemble the two tires with the rims as required, inflate them and leave them for 3 hours;

[0051] 3. Grinding steps: The tire is installed on the bearing of the double-station tread grinder and loaded;

[0052] The wear order of the first tire groove depth is set as: 10mm→9mm→8mm→7mm→6mm→5mm;

[0053] The wear order of the second tire groove depth is set as: 10mm→9.5mm→8.5mm→7.5mm→6.5mm→5.5mm;

[0054] Each time the grinding is performed, the infrared detection probe is used to automatically measure the groove depth, and the grinding stops automatically when the groove depth decreases by 1mm.

[0055] 4. Performance test steps: Each time the groove depth decreases by 1mm, the tire is tested according to the test standards for rolling resistance, noise, and rigidity. The performance data is recorded. See Table 1 for details.

[0056] 5. Parking steps: After the test is completed, park for more than 8 hours. After the tire has cooled and stabilized, install the tire rim on the grinder and proceed to the next groove grinding.

[0057] 6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until the set value test is completed.

[0058] 7. Count 10 data points of two tires in total, and process the data to establish the data correlation between different tread depths and rolling resistance, noise, and rigidity under the conditions of specifications, patterns, and tread formulas, such as Figure 3-7 shown.

[0059] The above exemplary embodiment achieves the measurement of two tires at a time and obtains 10 sets of data, thereby maximizing product consistency and adequacy of test performance.

[0060] Table 1 Test results

[0061]

[0062] Comparative Example

[0063] A tread grinding method based on the correlation between tire tread groove depth and performance is presented. The method is described using a 205 / 50R17 tire as an example.

[0064] 1. Tire production steps: Make a smooth tire mold, use the mold to make 10 smooth tires with a groove depth of 10mm, carve patterns on the surface of each smooth tire, and the 10 tires to be polished are completed;

[0065] 2. Preparation steps before grinding: Assemble each tire with the grinder as required, inflate it and leave it for 3 hours;

[0066] 3. Grinding step: Grind the first tire by 0.5mm to obtain a tire with a groove depth of 9.5mm;

[0067] Grind the second tire by 1 mm to obtain a tire with a groove depth of 9 mm;

[0068] The third tire was ground down by 1.5 mm to obtain a tire with a groove depth of 8.5 mm;

[0069] Grind the fourth tire by 2 mm to obtain a tire with a groove depth of 8 mm;

[0070] The fifth tire was ground down 2.5 mm to obtain a tire with a groove depth of 7.5 mm;

[0071] Grind the sixth tire by 3 mm to obtain a tire with a groove depth of 7 mm;

[0072] The seventh tire was ground down 3.5 mm to obtain a tire with a groove depth of 6.5 mm;

[0073] The eighth tire was ground down 4 mm to obtain a tire with a groove depth of 6 mm;

[0074] The ninth tire was ground down 4.5 mm to obtain a tire with a groove depth of 5.5 mm;

[0075] The tenth tire was ground down 4 mm to obtain a tire with a groove depth of 5 mm;

[0076] 4. After each tire is polished, remove it from the grinder and install the next tire to be polished. Test the polished tire according to the test standards for rolling resistance, noise, and rigidity.

[0077] The tires used in the examples and comparative examples are of the same model. In order to obtain 10 sets of data with different groove depths when studying the correlation between tire tread depth and performance, some data are different as shown in Table 2:

[0078] Table 2 Comparison of data between examples and comparative examples

[0079]

[0080] As shown in Table 2, the Example required two tires to generate 10 sets of data, while the Comparative Example required ten tires. The Example tire did not require manual removal from the grinder after each polishing cycle, while the Comparative Example tire required manual removal and replacement for the next tire. Five sets of data were obtained for each tire in the Example, while only one set was obtained for each tire in the Comparative Example. Having five sets of data from the same tire, compared to using data from different tires, can reduce the error associated with using tire molds to produce smooth tires, thus reducing the error in subsequent test results. This also saves time when engraving tires with grooves on smooth tires. Manual engraving of each grooved tire is estimated to take two weeks. Engraving tires with deeper grooves requires twice the time and labor. Using the same tire for testing also ensures product consistency, facilitating differentiation and comparison.

[0081] like Figure 2 As shown, the present invention also provides a tread grinding device for tire tread deep groove and performance correlation, comprising:

[0082] Protective cover 1, which is used to reduce the noise generated when the equipment is in operation;

[0083] A bracket 2 is provided inside the protective cover 1, on which a grinder is mounted, and above which a motor 6 for driving the grinder is mounted. Two grinding tires 7 are connected to both sides of the grinding drum 3, and a detection probe 5 for detecting the grinding depth is provided on one side of the tire 7.

[0084] A hydraulic station 4 is provided outside the protective cover, and the hydraulic station 4 provides power for the rotation of the tire 7 .

[0085] The grinding device is placed on a flat ground surface to ensure smooth grinding.

[0086] Through the description of multiple embodiments of the tire tread grinding method and device for determining the correlation between tire tread grooves and performance, it can be seen that the present invention has at least one or more of the following advantages:

[0087] 1. The present invention grinds tires with different tread groove depths, conducts non-destructive performance testing, and recycles them, which is equivalent to testing molds and tires with different tread groove depths, shortening the development cycle and reducing costs.

[0088] 2. The present invention grinds 1mm each time, which not only takes into account the controllability of life but also ensures the adequacy of data;

[0089] 3. The wear degrees of the two tire tread grooves of the same solution of the present invention are different, which can provide more test data, make the research more comprehensive, and at the same time, the error is smaller.

[0090] Finally, it should be noted that the various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referenced to each other.

[0091] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the same. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art should understand that the specific implementation methods of the present invention may still be modified or some technical features may be replaced by equivalents without departing from the spirit of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all of these should fall within the scope of the technical solutions claimed for protection by the present invention.

Claims

1. A tread grinding method for tire pattern deep groove and performance correlation, characterized in that: The tread grinding machine is used for grinding, and two tires to be ground are connected to two sides of the tread grinding machine, respectively, and the following steps are included: Reserving maximum deep grooves on the crowns of two smooth tires and carving patterns on the tire surfaces; After assembling, inflating and parking the tire with the engraved pattern, place it on the bearing of the tread grinding machine and grind it after loading; The wear degree of the tread groove of one tire is set to decrease by 1mm each time, and the wear degree of the tread groove of the other tire is set to decrease by 0.5mm for the first time, and decrease by 1mm each time from the second time until the end of grinding; when the tread depth of both tires drops below half of the initial depth, stop grinding; After each tire grinding, the two worn tires are tested for relevant non-destructive performance according to the testing standards and methods of rolling resistance, noise and rigidity.

2. A tire tread grinding method based on the correlation between tire tread grooves and performance according to claim 1, characterized in that: Wait at least 8 hours between each sanding.

3. The tire tread grinding method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The assembly, inflation and parking are specifically as follows: The tire with the carved pattern is assembled with a rim, and the tire is inflated and then parked for 3 hours.

4. The tire tread grinding method according to claim 1, characterized in that: From the second grinding of the tire with the initial reduction of 0.5 mm until the end of the grinding, the grinder grinds the two tires on both sides simultaneously.

5. The tire tread grinding method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The roughness of the grinding machine drum surface is more than 3 times the roughness of the road surface.

6. The tire tread grinding method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tire specification is 205 / 50R17 or 205 / 50R16.

7. The tire tread grinding method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The infrared detection probe detects the tire grinding distance each time and stops automatically when the set value is reached.

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