An irregular AT tire pattern structure and processing equipment thereof

By designing an irregular AT tire tread structure, using trapezoidal and triangular tread blocks and optimizing the included angle, the problems of high noise, high vibration, and poor water drainage in AT tires are solved, achieving better grip and water drainage while maintaining aesthetics.

CN119610949BActive Publication Date: 2025-10-28ZHAOQING JUNHONG CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202411992456.0
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-31
Publication Date
2025-10-28
Estimated Expiration
2044-12-31

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing all-terrain tires have strong grip in harsh environments but also generate a lot of noise and vibration, have poor water drainage, and affect their service life and appearance.

Method used

Design an irregular AT tire tread structure, including shoulder tread blocks and crown tread blocks, with trapezoidal arrangement and triangular structure. The main grooves and small grooves are combined into N-type and Y-type arrangements, and steel plates are set on the tread blocks. The included angle and draft angle are optimized to reduce noise and improve grip.

Benefits of technology

It improves tire grip and drainage in harsh environments, reduces noise and vibration, and ensures aesthetics and service life.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This invention discloses an irregular AT tire tread structure and its processing equipment, which is an improvement on the conventional AT tire tread structure. Specifically, it forms triangular structures a and b based on multiple irregular tread blocks. The shape and size of the entire tread blocks are irregular, but the overall arrangement is regular. Based on the regular arrangement of triangular structures a and b, irregular main grooves c and small grooves d are further formed. Based on this, the draft angle of the grooves and the included angle f between the N-shaped main grooves are limited. The overall tread structure retains the aesthetics of off-road treads and avoids the possibility of resonance caused by the tread blocks having the same angle, reducing the generation of tread noise. The Y-shaped small grooves cut the N-shaped main grooves into two segments, which not only avoids the generation of concentrated noise, but also increases the force point when the tire is turning, ensuring the tire's grip performance.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tire technology, specifically to an irregular AT tire tread pattern structure and its processing equipment. Background Technology

[0002] The difference between AT tires and conventional tires lies in their surface tread pattern. They are designed for various complex road surfaces, with larger design gaps and deeper treads. For more information, please refer to the relevant content in publication number CN108482021A.

[0003] Because AT tires have a wider tread width, they increase rolling resistance and thus increase fuel consumption. AT tires have larger tread blocks and deeper tread grooves, which helps to improve grip and passability in harsh environments such as mud and sand. However, during highway driving, due to material issues and tread pattern gaps, they generate more noise and vibration.

[0004] Furthermore, conventional all-terrain tires have relatively complex tread patterns in pursuit of grip and aesthetics. This increases the complexity of the tread pattern manufacturing process, as well as noise and vibration. In addition, it can also affect the water drainage of the all-terrain tire tread or increase friction damage between the tread and the ground.

[0005] This application proposes a solution to this problem. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide an irregular AT tire tread structure and its processing equipment. Due to the special tread design structure of AT tires, more noise and vibration will be generated during actual operation. On the other hand, the service life of the tread is affected by the difference in water drainage.

[0007] The objective of this invention can be achieved through the following technical solution: an irregular AT tire tread structure, wherein the tread structure is applied to the outer surface of the AT tire and is obtained by processing equipment through a processing procedure, wherein the tread structure includes shoulder tread blocks and crown tread blocks;

[0008] The shoulder tread blocks are arranged in a trapezoidal shape, wider near the middle and narrower near the shoulder. Three of the tread blocks form triangular structures a and b. Small grooves d are provided between the tread blocks in triangular structures a and b, and the small grooves d are arranged in a Y-shape. Main grooves c are provided in the transverse direction of the tread structure in triangular structures a and b, and the main grooves c are arranged in an N-shape. An included angle f is provided in the vertical direction of the main grooves c. Steel plates e are provided on the tread blocks that make up triangular structures a and b. The shape of steel plates e is parallel to the edge shape of the corresponding tread block.

[0009] Further configuration: the included angle f in the main groove c has different angles along the vertical direction, and the included angle f ranges from 40 to 50°; the main groove c and the small groove d are provided with draft angles along the depth direction, and the draft angles range from 3 to 5°.

[0010] The present invention also proposes a processing equipment for irregular AT tire tread structure, including a machine frame and a processing head seat. A working platform is provided on the lower side of the machine frame, and the processing head seat is provided on the upper end of the machine frame.

[0011] The work platform is equipped with a tooling table corresponding to AT tires, and the machine frame is equipped with a cooperating component on the lower side of the processing head seat and the upper side of the work platform.

[0012] The tooling is further configured such that: a central top plate is installed directly above the tooling table, and side wing plates are rotatably connected to both sides of the central top plate; and cylinder actuators corresponding to the two side wing plates are installed in the tooling table.

[0013] The configuration is further defined as follows: the side wing plate is directionally deflected on both sides of the central top plate by means of a cylinder actuator, and the upper curved surfaces of the side wing plate and the central top plate correspond to the inner curved surfaces of the AT tire.

[0014] Further configured as follows: the coordinating component includes a pressure roller and a drive motor. The pressure roller is arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner along the vertical plane at the midpoint of the central top plate, and the pressure roller is rotatably connected to the machine frame. The drive motor is mounted on the machine frame, and the center point of the drive motor output shaft is on the same vertical axis as the midpoint of the central top plate.

[0015] The pressing roller is equipped with a belt drive structure at one end and on the output shaft of the drive motor, and the pressing roller rotates in the same direction as the drive motor through the belt drive structure.

[0016] The configuration is further defined as follows: the outer surface of the pressure roller matches the outer curved surface of the AT tire, and a pin is installed on one of the outer surfaces of the pressure roller, and the position of the pressure roller corresponds to the position of the side wing plate.

[0017] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] 1. The overall structure is improved to address the unique characteristics of AT tire tread patterns. Specifically, the tread blocks on the shoulder and crown are irregular in shape and size, but their overall arrangement is regular. This gives the overall tread structure both off-road characteristics and an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The key features are: while meeting the off-road requirements of AT tires, the irregular tread blocks further improve the tire's grip. In addition, on wet roads, the irregular tread pattern allows for better water drainage, reducing the probability of hydroplaning and improving driving safety. The steel plates on the three tread blocks forming a triangle are all different in shape, and their shapes are parallel to the edges of the tread blocks. The steel plates on the three tread blocks also form a triangle, which is very harmonious with the triangle formed by the tread blocks and ensures the aesthetic appeal of the tread pattern.

[0019] 2. Further explanation regarding the arrangement of the tread blocks in the crown and shoulder sections: Grooves are created between both the shoulder and crown tread blocks. Two triangular structures arrange the main lateral grooves (c) of the overall tread blocks in an N-shape, while the smaller grooves (d) between the three tread blocks are arranged in a Y-shape. The vertical angles (f) between the N-shaped main grooves are not uniform, requiring an angle between 40 and 50 degrees. This ensures good lateral steering force when the tire is in contact with the ground. A difference of 3 to 5 degrees between the vertical angles prevents resonance caused by uniform angles in the tread blocks, reducing tread noise. The Y-shaped grooves divide the N-shaped main grooves into two segments, preventing concentrated noise generation while increasing the tire's leverage point during steering, ensuring tire grip while reducing noise.

[0020] 3. Further explanation based on the above: For the optimized pattern structure, the processing equipment is further improved. When the processing headstock performs directional grooving based on the main groove c and the small groove d, the central top plate and side wing plates provide downward support for the AT tire, and two clamping rollers apply downward pressure to the AT tire. The AT tire is clamped and fixed to maintain the stability of the processing position and ensure the grooving size parameters. In addition, the AT tire can also be directionally rotated during clamping and fixing to further ensure processing accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the tread pattern structure of an irregular AT tire proposed in this invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is an analytical positional diagram of the tread pattern structure of an irregular AT tire proposed in this invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a processing position diagram of a processing equipment for an irregular AT tire tread structure proposed in this invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the processing equipment for the irregular AT tire tread structure proposed in this invention;

[0026] Figure 5 In the processing equipment for irregular AT tire tread structure proposed in this invention Figure 4 A partial cross-sectional view;

[0027] Figure 6 In the processing equipment for irregular AT tire tread structure proposed in this invention Figure 3 A sectional view.

[0028] In the diagram: 1. Machine frame; 2. Pressure roller; 3. Working platform; 4. Side wing plate; 5. Tooling table; 6. Center top plate; 7. Drive motor; 8. Machining head base; 9. Cylinder actuator. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solution of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] Example 1: Due to the special tread design of AT tires, significant noise and vibration are generated during operation. Furthermore, differences in water drainage affect the tread's lifespan. The following technical solution is proposed to address this:

[0031] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, an irregular AT tire tread structure is provided. The tread structure is applied to the outer surface of the AT tire and is obtained by processing equipment through a processing procedure. The tread structure includes shoulder tread blocks and crown tread blocks.

[0032] The shoulder tread blocks are arranged in a trapezoidal shape, wider on the side closer to the middle and narrower on the side closer to the shoulder. Three crown tread blocks form triangular structures a and b. Small grooves d are set between the crown tread blocks in triangular structures a and b. The small grooves d are arranged in a Y-shape. Triangular structures a and b have main grooves c along the transverse direction of the tread structure. The main grooves c are arranged in an N-shape, and the main grooves c have an included angle f along the vertical direction.

[0033] Steel plates e are provided on the tread blocks that make up triangular structures a and b. The shape of steel plate e is parallel to the edge shape of the corresponding tread block. The included angle f in the main groove c is different along the vertical direction, and the included angle f ranges from 40 to 50°. The main groove c and the small groove d are provided with draft angles along the depth direction, and the draft angle ranges from 3 to 5°.

[0034] Solution Description: This section explains the application targets of all-terrain (AT) tires. They are primarily suitable for various road conditions, including unpaved surfaces such as mud, dirt roads, and gravel roads, as well as highways. They exhibit excellent passability and grip on unpaved surfaces. This can be indirectly understood as a direct correlation between the complexity of the tread pattern and the tire's grip and water drainage. Tires with regular tread patterns provide stronger grip under complex road conditions. For example, tires with blocky tread patterns can better embed themselves into the ground under complex road conditions, increasing friction and thus improving grip. On wet and slippery surfaces, tires with irregular tread patterns can better drain water, reducing the probability of hydroplaning and improving driving safety.

[0035] Tires with predominantly longitudinal tread patterns have good water drainage, effectively reducing the probability of hydroplaning. Tires with irregular tread patterns offer better handling and stability at high speeds. For example, asymmetric tread pattern tires have good lateral stability during high-speed cornering, making them suitable for sporty vehicles. Different tread patterns produce different levels of noise during rolling. Generally, tires with more complex tread patterns and smaller, more numerous tread blocks tend to have higher rolling noise; while tires with relatively simple tread patterns and larger tread blocks tend to have lower rolling noise. The tread structure proposed in this embodiment is basically similar to conventional tread structures.

[0036] However, there is a difference: the shoulder tread blocks are not discussed here; the key is the crown tread blocks. Each crown tread block is essentially irregular in shape and size, such as... Figure 1 As shown, every three tread blocks are arranged in a regular triangular pattern, forming two structures: triangular structure a and triangular structure b. This arrangement combines the characteristics of off-road tread patterns with an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The steel plates (e) on the three tread blocks forming the triangles are all different in shape, and their overall shape is parallel to the edge of the tread block. The steel plates on the three tread blocks also form a triangle. This arrangement is very harmonious with the triangles formed by the tread blocks, ensuring the aesthetic appeal of the tread pattern.

[0037] In addition, the grooves between each tread block are explained, such as... Figure 2 As shown, small grooves d exist between the tread blocks in triangular structures a and b, while main grooves c are formed between triangular structures a and b. The main grooves c of the overall tread blocks are arranged in an N-shape by triangular structures a and b, while the small grooves d between the three tread blocks are arranged in a Y-shape. The upper and lower angles f between the N-shaped main grooves c are not consistent and are required to be between 40 and 50 degrees. This ensures that the tire has good lateral steering force when in contact with the ground. The difference of 3 to 5 degrees between the upper and lower angles avoids resonance caused by the tread blocks having the same angle and reduces the generation of tread noise.

[0038] The Y-shaped groove d divides the N-shaped main groove into two sections, which not only avoids the generation of concentrated noise, but also increases the force points of the tire when turning, ensuring the tire's grip performance while reducing noise generation. In addition, as shown above, although the overall AT tire tread structure is relatively complex, the arrangement is relatively regular. This is to ensure that the main groove c and the groove d work together to complete the drainage process, avoiding hydroplaning due to poor drainage.

[0039] Example 2: Based on the relevant content in Example 1, the processing procedure for the pattern structure is supplemented as follows:

[0040] Reference Figures 3-6 This embodiment of a processing equipment for irregular AT tire tread structure includes a machine frame 1 and a processing head seat 8. A work platform 3 is provided on the lower side of the machine frame 1, and the processing head seat 8 is provided on the upper end of the machine frame 1.

[0041] The work platform 3 is equipped with a tooling table 5 corresponding to the AT tire. The machine frame 1 is equipped with a cooperating component on the lower side of the processing head seat 8 and the upper side of the work platform 3. A central top plate 6 is installed directly above the tooling table 5. Side wing plates 4 are rotatably connected to both sides of the central top plate 6. A cylinder actuator 9 corresponding to the two side wing plates 4 is installed in the tooling table 5. The side wing plates 4 are directionally deflected on both sides of the central top plate 6 through the cylinder actuator 9. The upper curved surfaces of the side wing plates 4 and the central top plate 6 correspond to the inner curved surface of the AT tire.

[0042] The coordinating component includes a pressure roller 2 and a drive motor 7. The pressure roller 2 is arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner along the vertical plane at the midpoint of the central top plate 6, and the pressure roller 2 is rotatably connected to the machine frame 1. The drive motor 7 is mounted on the machine frame 1, and the center point of the output shaft of the drive motor 7 is on the same vertical axis as the midpoint of the central top plate 6.

[0043] A belt drive structure is installed at one end of the pressure roller 2 and on the output shaft of the drive motor 7. The pressure roller 2 rotates in the same direction as the drive motor 7 through the belt drive structure. The outer surface of the pressure roller 2 matches the outer curved surface of the AT tire. A pin is installed on one of the outer surfaces of the pressure roller 2. The setting position of the pressure roller 2 corresponds to the setting position of the side wing plate 4.

[0044] Solution Description: For AT tires, the sidewall thickness is relatively large, and the tread structure is essentially obtained through the main groove c and the small groove d. Therefore, this embodiment adopts an automated processing method. Specifically, based on the processing head 8, a tool of corresponding diameter is installed on it. The diameter of the tool is equal to the groove width of the main groove c and the small groove d. The automated production method ensures that the processing head 8 rotates in an directional manner. As shown in Embodiment 1, it is necessary to maintain the included angle f in the range of 40-50° and the draft angle in the range of 3-5°. The operation process of the processing head 8 will not be described in detail in this invention.

[0045] It should be noted that although all-terrain (AT) tires have a thicker sidewall, when grooving with a cutting tool, the relatively hard plastic material of AT tires can cause localized deformation, affecting the processing quality. Please refer to [the relevant documentation / reference needed]. Figure 3 and Figure 6 Provide a combined explanation;

[0046] S1: The central top plate 6 is used to place the AT tire. In the initial state, the two side wing plates 4 are folded together in a counter-rotating manner, so that the AT tire can be placed directly on the central top plate 6. The two side wing plates 4 are opened by the air pump actuator 9, so that the entire AT tire can be supported from below. The working platform 3 and the tooling table 5 are briefly described. The working platform 3 has both horizontal and vertical movement capabilities, while the tooling table 5 is mainly used to drive the central top plate 6 and the air pump actuator 9 to move up and down. Its purpose is to ensure that the supported AT tire moves to the position corresponding to the processing machine head seat 8.

[0047] S2: In conjunction with S1, as the AT tire continues to move upward, until the two clamping rollers 2 and the side wing plate 4 complete the clamping and fixing process of the AT tire, the grooving action performed by the processing headstock 8 is mainly maintained in the middle area of ​​the two clamping rollers 2 corresponding to the AT tire. The lower side of this middle area always bears the downward support action from the central top plate 6 and the side wing plate 4. The purpose is to avoid the processing accuracy being affected by the local plastic deformation of the AT tire during the grooving action.

[0048] It should also be noted that, regarding the clamping area of ​​the two clamping rollers 2 for the AT tire, after completing the grooving action in the middle area, while the AT tire remains clamped and fixed, the clamping force of the clamping rollers 2, the center top plate 6, and the side wing plate 4 can be appropriately reduced. The two clamping rollers 2 can then be rotated slightly in the same direction by the drive motor 7. This is mainly used to replace the middle area during the grooving action. Furthermore, one of the clamping rollers 2 is equipped with a ejector pin, such as... Figure 6 A pin is provided on the pressure roller 2 on the right side of the middle. Therefore, in the middle area of ​​the grooving action, the rotation direction of the AT tire is clockwise.

[0049] In summary, the improvement to the conventional AT tire tread structure involves using multiple irregularly shaped tread blocks to form triangular structures a and b. While the overall shape and size of the tread blocks are irregular, their overall arrangement is regular. Based on the regular arrangement of triangular structures a and b, irregular main grooves c and small grooves d are further formed. This limits the draft angle for groove cutting and the included angle f between the N-shaped main grooves. The overall tread structure retains the aesthetics of an off-road tread pattern and avoids the possibility of resonance caused by consistent angles in the tread blocks, reducing tread noise. The Y-shaped small grooves divide the N-shaped main grooves into two segments, preventing noise concentration and increasing the point of contact during tire steering, thus ensuring tire grip.

[0050] The preferred embodiments of the present invention disclosed above are merely illustrative of the invention. These preferred embodiments do not exhaustively describe all details, nor do they limit the invention to specific implementations. Clearly, many modifications and variations can be made based on the content of this specification. This specification selects and specifically describes these embodiments to better explain the principles and practical applications of the invention, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better understand and utilize the invention. The invention is limited only by the claims and their full scope and equivalents.

Claims

1. A tread pattern structure for an irregular all-terrain tire, characterized in that, The tread pattern is applied to the outer surface of the AT tire and is obtained by processing equipment. The tread pattern includes shoulder tread blocks and crown tread blocks. The shoulder tread blocks are arranged in a trapezoidal shape, wider near the middle and narrower near the shoulder. Three of the crown tread blocks form a triangular structure a and a triangular structure b. Small grooves d are provided between the crown tread blocks in triangular structures a and b. The small grooves d are arranged in a Y-shape. Triangular structures a and b are provided with main grooves c along the transverse direction of the tread structure. The main grooves c are arranged in an N-shape and are provided with an included angle f along the vertical direction. Steel plates e are provided on the tread blocks that make up the triangular structures a and b, and the shape of the steel plates e is parallel to the edge shape of the corresponding tread blocks.

2. The tread pattern structure of an irregular AT tire according to claim 1, characterized in that, The included angle f in the main groove c has different angles along the vertical direction, and the included angle f ranges from 40 to 50°. The main groove c and the small groove d are provided with draft angles along the depth direction, and the draft angles range from 3 to 5°.

3. A processing device for an irregular AT tire tread structure, applied in the processing step of an irregular AT tire tread structure as described in claim 2, characterized in that, It includes a machine frame (1) and a machining head base (8). A working platform (3) is provided on the lower side of the machine frame (1). The machining head base (8) is located at the upper end of the machine frame (1). Based on the machining head base (8), a tool with a corresponding diameter is installed on it. The diameter of the tool is equal to the width of the main groove c and the small groove d. The work platform (3) is provided with a tooling table (5) corresponding to the AT tire. The machine frame (1) is provided with a coordinating component on the lower side of the processing head seat (8) and the upper side of the work platform (3). A central top plate (6) is installed directly above the tooling table (5). Side wing plates (4) are rotatably connected to both sides of the central top plate (6). Cylinder actuators (9) corresponding to the two side wing plates (4) are installed in the tooling table (5). The side wing plates (4) are directionally deflected on both sides of the central top plate (6) by the cylinder actuators (9). The upper curved surfaces of the side wing plates (4) and the central top plate (6) correspond to the inner curved surface of the AT tire. The coordinating component includes a pressure roller (2) and a drive motor (7). The pressure roller (2) is set in a mirror-symmetrical manner along the vertical plane at the midpoint of the central top plate (6).

4. The processing equipment for irregular AT tire tread structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pressing roller (2) is rotatably connected to the machine frame (1), the drive motor (7) is mounted on the machine frame (1), and the center point of the output shaft of the drive motor (7) is on the same vertical axis as the center point of the top plate (6); The pressing roller (2) is equipped with a belt drive structure at one end and on the output shaft of the drive motor (7), and the pressing roller (2) rotates in the same direction as the drive motor (7) through the belt drive structure.

5. The processing equipment for irregular AT tire tread structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer surface of the pressure roller (2) matches the outer curved surface of the AT tire, and a pin is installed on the outer surface of one of the pressure rollers (2). The setting position of the pressure roller (2) corresponds to the setting position of the side wing plate (4).

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • AT tire with snowfield traction performance

    CN108482021A

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    US5074346A