Chamfered tire

Abstract

The invention discloses a chamfered tire. One aspect of the invention relates to a tire having a tread, an inner shoulder and an outer shoulder, the tread comprising V-shaped grooves protruding in a tire circumferential direction and extending from the inner shoulder to the outer shoulder, the V-shaped grooves being arranged in the tire circumferential direction, the tire further comprising tread blocks separating the V-shaped grooves, each of the tread blocks includes a leading edge and a trailing edge, where at least one of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the tread block includes a chamfer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tire having tread blocks, wherein at least one of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the tread block includes a chamfer. Background Technology

[0002] US 4057089A relates to a pneumatic tire for a motor vehicle having a circumferential tread surface with molded, embedded grooves extending in a direction transverse to the circumferential direction of the tire, wherein the grooves extend from a central circumferential tread surface portion toward two lateral tire sides while following a second-order parabolic curvature. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A first aspect of the invention relates to a tire having a tread, an inner shoulder, and an outer shoulder, the tread including a V-shaped groove projecting in the tire circumferential direction and extending from the inner shoulder to the outer shoulder, the V-shaped groove being arranged along the tire circumferential direction, the tire further including tread pattern blocks separating the V-shaped groove, each of the tread pattern blocks including a leading edge and a trailing edge, wherein at least one of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the tread pattern block includes a chamfer.

[0004] The tire according to the first aspect of the invention exhibits improved acceleration and braking in adverse conditions (e.g., on snow-covered roads) compared to a tire without chamfers.

[0005] Both the leading and trailing edges of the tread blocks can include chamfers.

[0006] In an embodiment, at least one of the leading and trailing edges of the tread block has a length. The chamfer of the tread block may extend along a portion of the length of at least one of the leading and trailing edges of the tread block.

[0007] In one embodiment, at least one of the leading and trailing edges of the tread block has a length. The chamfer of the tread block may extend along the entire length of at least one of the leading and trailing edges of the tread block.

[0008] Tread blocks may further include one or more slits extending in the tire width direction. Tire width is the width of the tire along the axial direction.

[0009] One or more slits may include at least one of the following: one or more linear portions and one or more curved portions.

[0010] In an embodiment, one or more slits have a depth, which may be included in the range of 1 mm to 10 mm, preferably in the range of 4 mm to 9 mm, and even more preferably in the range of 6 mm to 8 mm.

[0011] In one embodiment, each of the tread blocks includes a single slit extending in the tire width direction.

[0012] Each of one or more slits may include a leading edge and a trailing edge, wherein at least one of the leading edge and trailing edge of one or more slits includes a chamfer. In an embodiment, both the leading edge and trailing edge of one or more slits include a chamfer.

[0013] In an embodiment, the chamfer of each of the tread blocks has a cross-section. The cross-section may have a shape selected from the following: a linear shape, a square shape, or a circular shape. The cross-section of the chamfer of each of the tread blocks may have the same shape (all of them). Alternatively, the cross-section of each of the tread blocks may be independently selected from the following: a linear shape, a square shape, or a circular shape.

[0014] In an embodiment, the chamfer of each of the one or more slits has a cross-section having a shape selected from: a linear shape, a square shape, or a circular shape. The cross-sections of the chamfers of each of the one or more slits may all have the same shape. Alternatively, the cross-section of each of the one or more slits may be independently selected from: a linear shape, a square shape, or a circular shape.

[0015] In an embodiment, the chamfer of the tread pattern block has a width and a depth, wherein at least one of the width and depth of the chamfer of the tread pattern block may be included in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably in the range of 0.7 mm to 3 mm, and even more preferably in the range of 1 mm to 2 mm.

[0016] In an embodiment, the chamfer of one or more slits has a width, wherein the width of the chamfer of one or more slits is included in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably in the range of 2 mm to 3 mm.

[0017] In an embodiment, the chamfer of one or more slits has a depth, wherein the depth of the chamfer of one or more slits is included in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably in the range of 0.7 mm to 3 mm, and even more preferably in the range of 1 mm to 2 mm.

[0018] The tread block may further include one or more circumferential narrow conditions extending at least partially from the rear edge of the tread block to the front edge. In an embodiment, the circumferential narrow conditions extend from the rear edge of the tread block to the front edge in the circumferential direction.

[0019] In an embodiment, one or more circumferential narrow conditions intersect with one or more slits.

[0020] The tire may further include a plurality of equatorial tread bumps that are separated from each other by the V-grooves and separated from the tread blocks by the V-grooves.

[0021] In one embodiment, the equatorial tread pattern includes one or more slits.

[0022] A second aspect of the invention relates to a tire having a tread, an inner shoulder, and an outer shoulder. The tread includes a V-shaped groove projecting in the tire circumferential direction and extending from the inner shoulder to the outer shoulder, the V-shaped groove being arranged along the tire circumferential direction. The tire further includes tread pattern blocks separating the V-shaped grooves, each of the tread pattern blocks including one or more slits extending in the tire width direction, the one or more slits having a leading edge and a trailing edge, wherein at least one of the leading edge and the trailing edge includes a chamfer.

[0023] The tire according to the second aspect of the invention exhibits improved acceleration and braking in favorable conditions (e.g., dry roads) and unfavorable conditions (e.g., wet or snow-covered roads) compared to a tire without chamfers, and also exhibits better snow grip.

[0024] Of course, all embodiments disclosed for tires according to the first aspect of the invention are contemplated for use in tires according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0025] In this document, the verb "comprising" and the expression "comprising of" are used as open-ended cohesive phrases, meaning "including" or "consisting of at least." Unless otherwise implied by the context, the use of singular forms is intended to include plural forms, except when the cardinal number "one" is used: "one" here means "exactly one." Ordinal numbers ("first," "second," etc.) are used herein to distinguish different examples of a general object; they are not intended to imply a particular order, importance, or hierarchy through the use of these expressions. Furthermore, when multiple examples of an object are referred to by ordinal numbers, this does not necessarily mean that other examples of that object do not exist (unless this is clearly understood from the context). When referring to "an embodiment," "one embodiment," "multiple embodiments," etc., it means that these embodiments can be combined with each other. Furthermore, features of those embodiments can be used in clearly presented combinations, and said features can also be combined across embodiments without departing from the invention, unless it is understood from the context that features cannot be combined.

[0026] This invention provides the following technical solutions: 1. A tire having a tread, an inner shoulder, and an outer shoulder, the tread including a V-shaped groove projecting in a circumferential direction of the tire and extending from the inner shoulder to the outer shoulder, the V-shaped groove being arranged along the circumferential direction of the tire, the tire further including tread pattern blocks separating the V-shaped groove, each of the tread pattern blocks including a leading edge and a trailing edge, wherein at least one of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the tread pattern block includes a chamfer.

[0027] 2. The tire according to Scheme 1, wherein both the leading edge and the trailing edge of the tread pattern block include a chamfer.

[0028] 3. The tire according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the tread block has a length, wherein the chamfer of the tread block extends along a portion of the length of at least one of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the tread block.

[0029] 4. The tire according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the tread block has a length, wherein the chamfer of the tread block extends along the entire length of at least one of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the tread block.

[0030] 5. The tire according to claim 1, wherein the tread pattern block further includes one or more slits extending in the tire width direction.

[0031] 6. The tire according to claim 5, wherein the one or more slots include at least one of the following: one or more linear portions and one or more curved portions.

[0032] 7. The tire according to embodiment 5, wherein the one or more slits have a depth, the depth of the one or more slits being included in the range from 1 mm to 10 mm.

[0033] 8. The tire according to embodiment 5, wherein each of the tread blocks includes a single slit extending in the tire width direction.

[0034] 9. The tire according to claim 5, wherein each of the one or more slits includes a leading edge and a trailing edge, wherein at least one of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the one or more slits includes a chamfer.

[0035] 10. The tire according to claim 9, wherein both the leading edge and the trailing edge of the one or more slits include a chamfer.

[0036] 11. The tire according to claim 1, wherein the chamfer of each of the tread blocks has a cross section having a shape selected from the following: a linear shape, a square shape, or a circular shape; the cross section of the chamfer of each of the tread blocks has the same shape; or the cross section of each of the tread blocks is independently selected from the following: a linear shape, a square shape, or a circular shape.

[0037] 12. The tire according to claim 5, wherein the chamfer of each of the one or more slits has a cross-section having a shape selected from the following: a linear shape, a square shape, or a circular shape; the cross-section of the chamfer of each of the one or more slits has all the same shape; or the cross-section of each of the one or more slits is independently selected from the following: a linear shape, a square shape, or a circular shape.

[0038] 13. The tire according to claim 1, wherein the chamfer of the tread block has a width and a depth, wherein at least one of the width and depth of the chamfer of the tread block is included in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

[0039] 14. The tire according to embodiment 5, wherein the chamfer of the one or more slits has a width, wherein the width of the chamfer of the one or more slits is included in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

[0040] 15. The tire according to embodiment 5, wherein the chamfer of the one or more slits has a depth, wherein the depth of the chamfer of the one or more slits is included in the range of 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0041] 16. The tire according to claim 1, wherein the tread block further includes one or more circumferential narrow conditions extending at least partially from the rear edge of the tread block to the front edge.

[0042] 17. The tire according to claim 16, wherein the one or more circumferential narrow conditions intersect with the one or more slots.

[0043] 18. The tire according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of equatorial tread bumps separated from each other by the V-shaped grooves and separated from the tread blocks.

[0044] 19. The tire according to claim 18, wherein the equatorial tread pattern comprises one or more slits.

[0045] 20. A tire having a tread, an inner shoulder, and an outer shoulder, the tread including a V-shaped groove projecting in a tire circumferential direction and extending from the inner shoulder to the outer shoulder, the V-shaped groove being arranged along the tire circumferential direction, the tire further including tread pattern blocks separating the V-shaped groove, each of the tread pattern blocks including one or more slits extending in a tire width direction, the one or more slits having a leading edge and a trailing edge, wherein at least one of the leading edge and the trailing edge includes a chamfer.

[0046] definition As used in this article, the tire's "shoulder" is the rubber section between the tread and the sidewall. The "inner shoulder" is the shoulder located on the inside of the tire when mounted on a vehicle (it is not visible during installation). Conversely, the "outer shoulder" is the shoulder located on the outside of the tire when mounted on a vehicle (it is easily visible during installation).

[0047] As used in this article, "circumferential direction" refers to the direction around the circumference of the tire.

[0048] As used in this article, the “tread” of a tire refers to the area of ​​the tire that comes into contact with the road or ground when the tire is mounted on a vehicle.

[0049] As used in this article, a "tread block" is a rubber portion of the tread that protrudes from the surface of the tire. It is the part of the tire that contacts the road or ground. A tread block is a raised rubber portion of the tread that contacts the road surface. As used in this article, a "groove" is a recessed, thick block of rubber on the tread that does not contact the road or ground (relative to the tread block).

[0050] As used in this article, when a tire is mounted on a vehicle and rotates on a road or ground, the “leading edge” of the tread blocks or slots is the edge that first contacts the road or ground, while the “rear edge” of the tread blocks or slots is the edge that last (i.e., after the leading edge) comes into contact with the road or ground.

[0051] The terms "axial" and "axially" are used in this text to refer to a line or direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the tire.

[0052] The term "equatorial plane" means a plane perpendicular to the tire's axis of rotation and passing through the geometric center of the tire's tread. In particular, as used herein, "equatorial tread lug" refers to tread lugs located at (or near) the equatorial plane.

[0053] The terms "radial" and "radially" are used to indicate the direction of a line that intersects the axis of rotation of the tire at a right angle.

[0054] As used in this article, "slit" refers to a recess in the tire block. Attached Figure Description

[0055] The present invention will be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 Two views of a tire 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown; Figure 2 A unit profile 28 repeating along the circumference of tire 10 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown; Figure 3 A cross-section of a tread pattern block according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the effect of linear chamfering on acceleration in snowy conditions. Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the effect of linear chamfering on braking in snowy conditions; and Figure 6 The illustration shows the effects of linear chamfers (acceleration and braking) positioned at the leading edge of the slot and the trailing edge of the tread block in snowy conditions. Detailed Implementation

[0056] Figure 1 Two views of a tire 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown. Specifically, Figure 1 (a) shows the tread 12 of tire 10. Tire 10 also includes an inner shoulder 14 and an outer shoulder 16. The inner shoulder 14 is the shoulder facing the vehicle when tire 10 is mounted on the vehicle. Conversely, the outer shoulder 16 is the shoulder facing the environment (i.e., opposite to the vehicle) when tire 10 is mounted on the vehicle. Tire 10 further includes a V-shaped groove 18 arranged along the tire circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the "V" shape of the groove 18 is arranged such that the two upper ends of the "V" are located at the inner shoulder 14 and the outer shoulder 16, while the lower end of the "V" is located near the equatorial plane. Figure 1 As shown in (a), a plurality of grooves 18 are arranged along the circumference of the tire 10 and spaced apart from each other in the shoulder region. Figure 1 (b) shows a side view of the tire 10, with particular attention to the sidewall 21. Additionally, in Figure 1 (b) shows the end 22 of the V-groove 18, which is arranged such that the V-groove 18 allows liquid to be discharged from the V-groove 18 into the environment.

[0057] Tread blocks 20 are positioned between multiple V-shaped grooves 18 (see Figure 1 (a)), which extends from near the equatorial plane to the inner shoulder 14 or the outer shoulder 16. The ends 24 of the tread blocks 20 are also... Figure 1As shown in (b). Of course, in other embodiments, the tread pattern blocks 20 can extend from the inner shoulder 14 across the equatorial plane to the outer shoulder 16. In that case, with Figure 1 Compared to the embodiment depicted in (a), the V-shaped grooves 18 are spaced apart near the equatorial plane, wherein the V-shaped grooves 18 intersect near the equatorial plane to provide a circumferential serrated groove 26 around the equatorial plane.

[0058] Figure 2 A unit profile 28 repeating along the circumference of tire 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 Grooves 18 defining the boundaries of tread blocks 20 are shown. Tread blocks 20 include (single) slits 30 extending in the tire width direction (i.e., in the axial direction of the tire 20). In other embodiments, tread blocks 20 may include multiple slits extending in the axial direction of the tire 10. In any case, slits 20 may include one or more linear portions (such as...) Figure 2 (as depicted in the image), and / or one or more curved sections (e.g., winding sections). Figure 2 As depicted, the slits 30 are arranged such that the distance between the slits 30 and the edges of the tread blocks is constant. The end 31 of the slit 30 closest to the equatorial plane can coincide with the end 33 (i.e., the wall) of the tread block 20 closest to the equatorial plane, so that the slit 20 is (fluidly) connected to the groove 18.

[0059] Furthermore, the tire 10 includes a plurality of equatorial tread protrusions 32, separated from each other by V-grooves 18 and also separated from the tread blocks by V-grooves 18. The equatorial tread protrusions 32 are positioned near the equatorial plane along the circumference of the tire 10. Figure 2 As depicted, the equatorial tread lugs 32 are arranged alternately around the equatorial plane, in which the first equatorial tread lug is substantially positioned on one side of the equatorial plane, and the adjacent second equatorial tread lug is substantially positioned on the other side of the equatorial plane. The tread lugs 32 may also include one or more slits 34. The one or more slits 34 have substantially axial extensions. Some ends 36 of the one or more slits 34 may coincide with the ends 38 (i.e., walls) of the tread lugs 32, such that some of the one or more slits 34 are (fluidly) connected to the groove 18.

[0060] Each of the tread blocks 20 includes a leading edge 40 and a trailing edge 42. When the vehicle is moving and the tire is mounted on the vehicle, the leading edge 40 contacts the road or ground before the trailing edge 42.

[0061] The tread block 20 includes one or more circumferential slats 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d (i.e., having circumferential extensions). The slats can extend from the rear edge 42 of the tread block 20 to the front edge 40 (e.g., 44a, 44c, and 44d). In that case, the slats fluidly connect two different grooves 18. The slats 44 may also not reach the front edge 40 of the tread block 20 (e.g., see 44b). The slats 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d are arranged spaced apart from each other by an axial distance. Additionally, the slats 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d may intersect with slots 30 (or, in corresponding embodiments, with multiple slots 30).

[0062] Similar to the tread block 20, the slits 34 of the equatorial tread tread 32 and the slits 30 of the tread block 20 include a leading edge and a trailing edge. More specifically, the slits 30 of the tread block 20 include a leading edge 46 and a trailing edge 48, and the slits 34 of the equatorial tread tread 32 include a leading edge 50 and a trailing edge 52.

[0063] Any of the leading and trailing edges of the tread block 20, the slits of the tread block, and the slits of the equatorial tread ridge can include a chamfer. The chamfer can be provided to the trailing and / or leading edges by cutting and / or using a die used in the tire molding process (in other words, the chamfer can be molded).

[0064] The chamfers of the tread pattern blocks 20, the slits of the tread pattern blocks 20, and / or the slits of the equatorial tread convex pattern 32 may extend along part or all of the length of the corresponding leading and trailing edges.

[0065] The chamfers of the tread blocks 20, the slots of the tread blocks 20, and / or the slots of the equatorial tread ridge 32 have cross-sections. The cross-section is a plane orthogonal to the wall of the slot. Figure 2 An exemplary cross-section of the tread pattern block 20 and the slits of the tread pattern block 20 at the location depicted in the diagram. Figure 3 (a) to Figure 3 (n) describes the chamfered cross-section. The description of the chamfered cross-section below is modified as necessary to apply to the chamfered cross-section of the slit of the equatorial bump pattern 32.

[0066] Specifically, Figure 3 (a) A comparative cross section depicting the tread pattern block 20, wherein the edges are not chamfered. Figure 3 (b) to Figure 3 (n) depicts an exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein the shape of each of the chamfers is linear ( Figure 3 (b) to Figure 3 (l)), square ( Figure 3(n)) or circular ( Figure 3 (m)). Of course, any (combination) of these shapes can be applied to either the leading or trailing edge. Although Figure 3 (b) to Figure 3 (n) illustrates an example where all shapes are identical, but the shape of the chamfers can differ depending on their position. In detail, Figure 3 (b) to Figure 3 (l) The diagram illustrates one or more linear chamfers on the following: (b) The rear edge of the tread pattern blocks; (c) Leading edge of the tread pattern block; (d) The leading and trailing edges of the tread pattern blocks; (e) The leading edge of the slit; (f) The trailing edge of the slit; (g) The leading and trailing edges of the slit; (h) The leading edge of the tread blocks and the trailing edge of the slits; (i) The rear edge of the tread block and the leading edge of the slit; (j) The leading edge of the tread pattern blocks and the leading edge of the slits; (k) The trailing edge of the slit and the trailing edge of the tread pattern block; and (l) Both the front and rear edges of the tread pattern blocks and the slots.

[0067] Figure 3 (m) illustrates the rounded chamfers on the leading and trailing edges of the tread blocks. Figure 3 (n) illustrates the square chamfers on the front and rear edges of the tread blocks.

[0068] The chamfer of the tread block has a width (WT) and a depth (DT). At least one of the width and depth of the chamfer of the tread block is included in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

[0069] The chamfer of the slit has a width (WS) and a depth (DS). At least one of the width and depth is included in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm. In the case of a rounded chamfer, the radius of curvature is included in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm. The same applies to the chamfer of the tread lug pattern 32 after making the necessary modifications.

[0070] The slit has a depth (D), which is included in the range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm.

[0071] Figure 4 The illustration shows the situation under snowy conditions, such as... Figure 2 The image shows the effect of a linear chamfer on acceleration of the tread profile, with a chamfer width and depth of 2 mm. Four geometries were tested: • (Standard lines) Reference tire without chamfer (100%); • (Dashed line) A tire with chamfered tread blocks at the leading edge; and • (Dotted line) A tire with chamfered tread blocks on both the leading and trailing edges.

[0072] The tests were conducted over four days. As shown in the image, compared to the reference tire, chamfering on both the leading and trailing edges resulted in an average acceleration increase of 4%.

[0073] Figure 5 The illustration shows the situation under snowy conditions, such as... Figure 2 The image shows the effect of a linear chamfer on braking of the tread profile, with a chamfer width and depth of 2 mm. Four geometries were tested: • (Standard lines) Reference tire without chamfer (100%); • (Dashed line) A tire with chamfered tread blocks at the leading edge; and • (Dotted line) A tire with chamfered tread blocks on both the leading and trailing edges.

[0074] The tests were conducted over four days. As shown in the diagram, the chamfering on both the leading and trailing edges of the tire, relative to the reference tire, resulted in an average 3% improvement in braking performance.

[0075] On two different days, tests were also conducted on snowy conditions, such as... Figure 2 The effect of the linear slot chamfer on acceleration and braking is illustrated in the figure. Figure 6 Report from the Central Committee.

[0076] exist Figure 6 In this context, the absence of chamfers establishes a benchmark for testing (e.g., for example). Figure 5 The results were reported regarding the chamfering on the leading edge of the slot combined with the chamfering on the trailing edge of the tread block. As can be readily observed, the combination of the chamfering on the leading edge of the slot and the chamfering on the trailing edge of the tread block is beneficial for both acceleration and braking.

[0077] Given the description of the invention provided herein, various variations of the invention are possible. Although specific representative embodiments and details have been shown for the purpose of illustrating the subject matter, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the subject matter. Therefore, it should be understood that changes can be made to the specific embodiments described, and these changes will be within the full contemplated scope of the invention as defined by the claims appended below.

Claims

1. A tire having a tread, an inner shoulder, and an outer shoulder, the tread including V-shaped grooves projecting in a tire circumferential direction and extending from the inner shoulder to the outer shoulder, the V-shaped grooves being arranged along the tire circumferential direction, the tire further including tread blocks separating the V-shaped grooves, each of the tread blocks including a leading edge and a trailing edge, wherein, At least one of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the tread block includes a chamfer.

2. Tire according to claim 1, wherein, Both the leading edge and the trailing edge of the tread block include a chamfer.

3. The tire of claim 1, wherein, At least one of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the tread block has a length, wherein the chamfer of the tread block extends along a portion of the length of at least one of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the tread block.

4. The tire of claim 1, wherein, At least one of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the tread block has a length, wherein the chamfer of the tread block extends along all of the length of at least one of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the tread block.

5. The tire of claim 1, the tread block further comprising one or more slits extending in a tire width direction.

6. The tire of claim 5, wherein, The one or more slits include at least one of: one or more linear portions, and one or more curved portions.

7. The tire of claim 5, wherein, The one or more slits have a depth, the depth of the one or more slits being included in a range from 1 mm to 10 mm.

8. The tire of claim 5, wherein, Each of the tread blocks includes a single slit extending in a tire width direction.

9. The tire of claim 5, wherein, Each of the one or more slits includes a leading edge and a trailing edge, wherein at least one of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the one or more slits includes a chamfer.

10. The tire of claim 9, wherein, Both the leading edge and the trailing edge of the one or more slits include a chamfer.

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