Tread mold and tire curing mold

Abstract

To provide a tread mold and a tire curing mold capable of improving convenience and efficiency of a tire curing process.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a tire curing mold, and one embodiment of the present invention relates to a tread mold formed to be used in a curing process of a green tire, wherein the tread mold comprises a pattern segment comprising a pattern surface disposed to face the green tire during the curing process, a back segment disposed outside the pattern segment, and a middle segment disposed between the pattern segment and the back segment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tread mold and a tire vulcanization mold. [Background technology]

[0002] In the manufacturing process of pneumatic tires, the molding process is the process in which semi-finished products that have been processed according to specifications in the preceding processes of rolling, extrusion, cutting, and beading are transported, assembled according to specifications in a molding machine to create a green case, and then passed on to the vulcanization process.

[0003] The subsequent vulcanization process is a process in which the green case is placed in a mold and vulcanized for a certain period of time by applying a certain amount of pressure and heat inside and outside the mold to turn it into an elastic rubber tire. The three elements of vulcanization are time, pressure, and temperature, and vulcanization methods include steam cure, hot water cure, and gas cure.

[0004] The final shape of the tire is completed through the vulcanization process, specifically creating the pattern of the tire's tread and the shape of its sides.

[0005] However, the tire vulcanization process is a precise process, and it is not easy to precisely control the tire tread formation. In particular, there are limitations in that it is not easy to control the vulcanization device and vulcanization method for forming different tread patterns according to various tires. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention has been created to address the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a tread mold and a tire vulcanization mold that can improve the convenience and efficiency of the tire vulcanization process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a tread mold formed to be used in a vulcanization process for a green tire, the tread mold including a pattern segment including a pattern surface that is positioned toward the green tire during the vulcanization process, a back segment that is positioned outside the pattern segment, and a middle segment that is positioned between the pattern segment and the back segment.

[0008] In one embodiment, the back segment, the middle segment, and the pattern segment may be formed to be attachable and detachable to each other.

[0009] In one embodiment, the pattern segment may include a bonding surface formed on a surface opposite to the pattern surface of the pattern segment, and the middle segment may include an inner surface facing the pattern segment, and the bonding surface and the inner surface of the middle segment may have corresponding shapes.

[0010] In one embodiment, the middle segment may include an outer surface formed on a surface opposite to the inner surface, and the back segment may include a fastening surface on a surface facing the middle segment, and the outer surface and the fastening surface may have shapes corresponding to each other.

[0011] In one embodiment, the pattern surface of the pattern segment may include a curved shape corresponding to the green tire along the circumferential direction of the green tire, and the fastening surface may include a planar shape.

[0012] In one embodiment, the pair of middle segments connected to the pair of pattern segments may be fastened to the one back segment correspondingly.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, the pattern segment may include a plurality of pattern puzzle pieces, and the middle segment may include a plurality of middle puzzle pieces corresponding to the pattern puzzle pieces.

[0014] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a tire vulcanization mold configured to perform a vulcanization process on a green tire, and provides a tire vulcanization mold including: a tread mold arranged to face one side of the green tire during the vulcanization process; a first side mold arranged on one side of the tread mold; and a second side mold arranged on the other side of the tread mold to face the first side mold, wherein the tread mold includes a pattern segment including a pattern surface that faces the green tire during the vulcanization process, a back segment arranged on the outside of the pattern segment, and a middle segment arranged between the pattern segment and the back segment.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first side mold or the second side mold may include a base plate that is coupled to a vulcanizer container during the vulcanization process, and an inner plate that is coupled to the base plate to form the sidewall profile of the tire.

[0016] In one embodiment, the base plate and the inner plate may be configured to be attachable and detachable to each other.

[0017] In an optional embodiment, the pattern segment may include a plurality of hollow portions and support portions therein.

[0018] As an optional embodiment, the inner plate may include a plurality of hollow portions and support portions therein.

[0019] Other embodiments of the present invention, as well as other aspects, features, and advantages beyond those described above, will become apparent from the following drawings, claims, and detailed description of the invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] The tread mold and tire vulcanization mold according to the embodiments of the present invention can improve the convenience and efficiency of the tire vulcanization process.

[0021] As a specific example, if the mold part that forms the pattern on the surface of the tire can be made separately replaceable, even if the pattern is changed, it is possible to manufacture a tire with a new pattern by manufacturing only the mold part that forms the changed pattern, rather than manufacturing the entire mold anew. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a tread mold according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view schematically showing a tread mold according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view schematically illustrating an alternative embodiment of the tread mold of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a tire vulcanization mold according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically showing a first side mold according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a pattern segment according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a pattern segment according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a pattern segment according to another alternative embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, the following embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, the same or corresponding components will be given the same reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0024] The present embodiment can be modified in various ways, and specific embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail. The advantages and features of the present embodiment, as well as methods for achieving them, will become apparent from the detailed description below in conjunction with the drawings. However, the present embodiment is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and can be embodied in various forms.

[0025] In the drawings, parts that are not relevant to the description are omitted to clearly explain the present invention, and similar parts are designated by similar reference numerals throughout the specification. In the following embodiments, terms such as first and second are not used in a limiting sense but are used to distinguish one component from another.

[0026] In the following embodiments, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0027] In the following embodiments, terms such as "include" or "have" mean that the features or components described in the specification are present, and do not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added.

[0028] In the following embodiments, when a part such as a unit, area, or component is said to be on or above another part, this includes not only the case where it is directly on top of the other part, but also the case where another unit, area, component, etc. is interposed between them.

[0029] In the following embodiments, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the terms connect or couple do not necessarily mean a direct and / or fixed connection or coupling between two members, and do not exclude the presence of other members between the two members.

[0030] In the drawings, the size of components may be exaggerated or reduced for the sake of convenience of explanation. For example, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for the sake of convenience of explanation, and the following embodiments are not necessarily limited to those shown.

[0031] The terms "upper", "upper", "lower", "lower" and the like used in this specification are used to easily explain the correlation of each component shown in the drawings, and do not limit the orientation of each component.

[0032] The vulcanization process is a process in which compounded rubber is chemically bonded through the application of heat and pressure. The green tire completed in the molding process is placed into a tire vulcanization mold, which applies heat and steam pressure to the inside and outside. The purpose of vulcanization of such green tires is to apply heat and pressure to the flexible green tire made of rubber, causing sulfur and other chemicals to react with the rubber. This chemical reaction turns the rubber molecules into a stable compound, giving it elasticity, and the vulcanization mold gives the tire its unique tread design.

[0033] In conventional tire vulcanization devices, separate molds for various tire dimensions must be manufactured to fit the tire dimensions, and various embossed segments must be manufactured according to the tire tread pattern shape, followed by a mold assembly process. This requires a considerable amount of cost and manpower for the separate mold manufacturing and mold assembly processes, and results in long process times.

[0034] The present invention has been proposed to solve the above-mentioned problems, and relates to a tread mold and a tire vulcanization mold that reduce the manufacturing costs and time involved in developing new tire tread patterns and improve the mold replacement costs according to tire dimensions.

[0035] The present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings.

[0036] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a tread mold 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view schematically showing the tread mold 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view schematically showing a selective embodiment of the tread mold 100 of Fig. 1.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, the tread mold 100 of this embodiment may include a plurality of sectors 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108.

[0038] The tread mold 100 can be used in a vulcanization process using a green tire (not shown), for example, and can be formed to form a tire tread portion (not shown) corresponding to the green tire after the vulcanization process.

[0039] The multiple sectors 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, and 108 that form the tread mold 100 are arranged adjacent to one another along the circumferential direction RT to correspond to the tire tread portion, and can be formed in an annular shape that forms a hollow space as a whole. Also, while Fig. 1 shows the tread mold 100 including eight sectors, this is merely an example, and it goes without saying that the number of the multiple sectors 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, and 108 that form the tread mold 100 can be changed.

[0040] The tread mold 100 will be specifically described with reference to Fig. 2. For example, one sector 101 is shown in Fig. 2.

[0041] For convenience of explanation, one sector 101 is shown, and the other sectors 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, and 108 may be similar to the one sector 101 or may be modified within the similar range as necessary, so explanations of the other sectors 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, and 108 are omitted.

[0042] In one embodiment, one sector 101 of the tread mold 100 may include a pattern segment 111 , a back segment 131 , and a middle segment 121 .

[0043] The pattern segment 111 can be formed to include a pattern surface 111a that is positioned toward the green tire during the vulcanization process, the back segment 131 can be positioned outside the pattern segment 111, and the middle segment 121 can be positioned between the pattern segment 111 and the back segment 131.

[0044] The pattern segments 111 may be placed adjacent the surface of the green tire during the vulcanization process to form a pattern in the tire tread.

[0045] Furthermore, the back segment 131 may be disposed outside the pattern segment 111, for example, may be disposed outside the pattern segment 111 with respect to the radial direction r. As a specific example, the back segment 131 may be positioned at the outermost position of the tread mold 100 in the radial direction r.

[0046] Additionally, the back segment 131 can be coupled to a container (not shown) of a vulcanizer during the vulcanization process.

[0047] The middle segment 121 is disposed between the pattern segment 111 and the back segment 131, and can change the width formed in the radial direction r to increase or decrease the radial size of the hollow formed by the tread mold 100.

[0048] In one embodiment, the back segment 131, the middle segment 121, and the pattern segment 111 can be formed to be attachable and detachable to each other.

[0049] As a specific example, the back segment 131 and the middle segment 121 may further have fastening grooves at corresponding positions to allow them to be attached to each other, and may further include fastening members. Also, the middle segment 121 and the pattern segment 111 may further have fastening grooves 321 at corresponding positions to allow them to be attached to each other, and may further include fastening members 300.

[0050] In other words, the pattern segment 111 can be changed according to a new pattern design, the middle segment 121 can be changed according to the outer diameter of the tire, and the back segment 131 can be changed according to the container type of the vulcanizer, and since these changes can be applied to each, various types of tire molds suitable for various tire types can be easily modified and prepared.

[0051] For a stable coupling structure, as an optional embodiment, the middle segment 121 may include an extended structure that wraps around both ends of the pattern segment 111 .

[0052] In one embodiment, the pattern segment 111 includes a bonding surface 111b formed on the surface opposite to the pattern surface 111a of the pattern segment, and the middle segment 121 includes an inner surface 121a on the surface facing the pattern segment 111, and the bonding surface 111b and the inner surface 121a of the middle segment may have shapes corresponding to each other.

[0053] In one embodiment, the middle segment 121 includes an outer surface 121b formed on the surface opposite to the inner surface 121a, and the back segment 131 includes a fastening surface 131a on the surface facing the middle segment 121, and the outer surface 121b and the fastening surface 131b may have corresponding shapes.

[0054] In one embodiment, the pattern surface 111a of the pattern segment 111 may include a curved shape corresponding to the green tire along the circumferential direction RT of the green tire, and the fastening surface 111b may include a planar shape.

[0055] In an optional embodiment, the pattern surface 111a of the pattern segment 111 may include a curved shape corresponding to the green tire along the circumferential direction RT of the green tire, and the fastening surface 111b may include a curved shape having a smaller curvature than the pattern surface 111a.

[0056] As an optional embodiment, the pattern surface 111a and the joining surface 111b of the pattern segment 111 and the inner surface 121a of the middle segment 121 may include a curved shape corresponding to the green tire along the circumferential direction RT of the green tire, and the outer surface 121b of the middle segment 121 may include a flat shape.

[0057] As an optional embodiment, the pattern surface 111a and the bonding surface 111b of the pattern segment 111 and the inner surface 121a of the middle segment 121 may have a curved shape corresponding to the green tire along the circumferential direction RT of the green tire, and the outer surface 121b of the middle segment 121 may have a curved shape having a smaller curvature than the pattern surface 111a, the bonding surface 111b and the inner surface 121a.

[0058] The vulcanization process involves placing a green tire in a vulcanization mold and applying a certain amount of pressure and heat to vulcanize the green tire and process it into an elastic rubber tire. It is important that a certain amount of heat and pressure is transferred to the vulcanization mold and the green tire.

[0059] Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention may include structures and configurations of the pattern segments 111, middle segments 121, and back segments 131 of the tread mold 100 to provide the tread mold 100 with improved heat transfer capabilities.

[0060] Specifically, the pattern segment 111, the middle segment 121, and the back segment 131 of the tread mold 100 may be formed so that the surfaces that face each other and are joined together correspond to each other. That is, the joining surface 111b and the inner surface 121a, and the outer surface 121b and the fastening surface 131a correspond to each other and are joined in surface contact with each other during the vulcanization process, thereby forming a large heat transfer area and improving the heat transfer effect. In addition, the joining surface 111b and the inner surface 121a, and the outer surface 121b and the fastening surface 131a have surface shapes in which the curvature is reduced as they face outward in the radial direction r, thereby achieving an effective heat transfer effect that reaches more uniformly across the entire surface.

[0061] In one embodiment, a pair of middle segments 121-1, 121-2 coupled to a pair of pattern segments 111-1, 111-2 can be fastened to a corresponding back segment 131 of one piece.

[0062] As described above, the structure in which the pattern segment 111 and the middle segment 121 are divided into pairs makes it possible to easily form each segment of the tread mold 100 having a surface shape in which the curvature decreases as it faces outward in the radial direction r. Furthermore, as the structure in which the pair of pattern segments 111-1, 111-2 and the pair of middle segments 121-1, 121-2 are fastened by a single back segment 131, it becomes easier to integrate the divided pieces and assemble them into a vulcanizer container, and it is possible to compensate for stress concentration areas that occur in the pattern segment 111 and the middle segment 121 due to the division, thereby strengthening the overall fastening force of the tread mold 100. In this case, the number of divided pattern segments 111 and middle segments 121 connected by one back segment 131 is merely an example, and it goes without saying that a plurality of divided pattern segments 111 and middle segments 121 may be formed rather than a single pair.

[0063] 3, the pattern segment 111 may include a plurality of pattern puzzle pieces 111-11, 111-12, 111-13, 111-21, 111-22, and 111-23, and the middle segment 121 may include a plurality of middle puzzle pieces 121-11, 121-12, 121-13, 121-21, 121-22, and 121-23 corresponding to the pattern puzzle pieces 111-11, 111-12, 111-13, 111-21, 111-22, and 111-23. Additionally, the plurality of pattern puzzle pieces 111-11, 111-12, 111-13, 111-21, 111-22, and 111-23 may be disposed adjacent to one another in the circumferential direction RT or the width direction of the tread mold 101′. In this case, the attachment process can be carried out without any additional fixing members, and as an optional embodiment, fixing or fastening members can be further included to stably position the plurality of pattern puzzle pieces 111-11, 111-12, 111-13, 111-21, 111-22, 111-23 and the middle puzzle pieces 121-11, 121-12, 121-13, 121-21, 121-22, 121-23 during the joining process.

[0064] The pattern segments 111 are components including an embossed pattern shape corresponding to the tire tread pattern shape, and must be newly manufactured according to a new tread pattern design. However, in the tread mold 100 according to an optional embodiment of the present invention, only some of the plurality of pattern puzzle pieces 111-11, 111-12, 111-13, 111-21, 111-22, and 111-23 can be changed, and it may be easy to change and apply the tread mold 101′ according to the changed tread pattern.

[0065] In other words, when developing and changing the tread pattern formed on the pattern segment 110, it is possible to reduce the time investment, labor, and cost required for design, thereby shortening the initial development stage. In addition, the various pattern puzzle pieces 111-11, 111-12, 111-13, 111-21, 111-22, and 111-23 secured through the above process can be used in combination with other patterns in subsequent tread pattern development, thereby improving the efficiency of tread pattern development and manufacturing.

[0066] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a tire vulcanization mold 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a schematic view of a first side mold 200-1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] 4, the tire vulcanization mold 10 of the present invention may include a tread mold 100 and a side mold 200. In this case, the tread mold 100 may be applied in the same manner as the tread mold 100 of the above-described embodiment.

[0068] For convenience of explanation, the following description will focus on the differences from the above-described embodiment.

[0069] The tire vulcanization mold 10 can be used in a vulcanization process using a green tire, for example, and can be configured to form tire tread and sidewall portions corresponding to the green tire after the vulcanization process.

[0070] In another embodiment of the present invention, the side mold 200 of the tire vulcanization mold 10 may include a first side mold 200-1 and a second side mold 200-2.

[0071] The first side mold 200-1 may be disposed on one side of the tread mold 100 that is disposed so as to face one surface of the green tire during the vulcanization process.

[0072] The first side mold 200-1 can be formed during the vulcanization process using a green tire to form a tire side profile that corresponds to the side of the green tire, for example, the sidewall area, and that is adjacent to the tire tread after the vulcanization process.

[0073] In an optional embodiment, the pattern segment 110 of the tread mold 100 can be positioned adjacent to the first side mold 200-1.

[0074] The second side mold 200-2 may be disposed on the other side of the tread mold 100 to face the first side mold 200-1. The second side mold 200-2 may be formed to correspond to the side surface of the green tire during a vulcanization process using the green tire, and to form the shape of the tire side surface adjacent to the tire tread after the vulcanization process. That is, the first side mold 200-1 and the second side mold 200-2 may form the shape of one side surface of the tire and the other side surface opposite thereto.

[0075] For ease of explanation, the first side mold 200-1 is shown, and the second side mold 200-2 may be similar to the first side mold 200-1 or may be modified within the similar range as necessary, so duplicate explanations of the second side mold 200-2 will be omitted.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, the first side mold 200-1 may include a base plate 210-1 and an inner plate 220-1.

[0077] In one embodiment, the base plate 210-1 and the inner plate 220-1 may be configured to be attachable and detachable to each other.

[0078] As a specific example, the base plates 210-1 and 210-2 and the inner plates 220-1 and 220-2 may further have fastening grooves at corresponding positions so as to be attached to each other, and may further include fastening members.

[0079] The base plate 210-1 can be connected to the vulcanizer container during the vulcanization process, and the inner plate 220-1 can be connected to the base plate 220-1 during the vulcanization process to form the profile of the sidewall portion, which is the side portion adjacent to the tread portion of the tire.

[0080] The side mold 200 of the tire vulcanizing mold 10 of the present invention is formed by dividing it into a base plate 210-1 and an inner plate 220-1. Therefore, by changing only the inner plate 220-1 that matches the sidewall profile of various tires from the base plate 210-1 according to the vulcanizer container type, the tire vulcanizing mold 10 for manufacturing tires with different sidewall profiles can be prepared.

[0081] As an alternative embodiment, the base plate 210-1 of the first side mold 200-1 may be formed to have a larger outer diameter than the base plate 210-2 of the second side mold 200-2. In this case, the first side mold 200-1 is disposed adjacent to one side corresponding to the lower portion of the tread mold 100, thereby enabling the tire vulcanization mold 10 to be more stably formed.

[0082] As described above, the tread mold 100 and tire vulcanization mold 10 according to the present invention enable rapid tread pattern changes or new patterns to be developed by simply replacing the pattern segments 110 when developing a new tire. Furthermore, various tire profiles can be accommodated by simply changing the middle segments 120 and inner plates 220 according to the tire profile, thereby reducing the time and cost required for pattern design and production.

[0083] In particular, as the volume of mold pieces required to be manufactured is significantly reduced, it becomes possible to manufacture the tire vulcanization mold 10 using an additive manufacturing method. 3D printing technology, a representative additive manufacturing method, produces 3D printed objects by melting materials at high temperatures and then extruding them at a constant pressure through an extrusion nozzle, thereby laminating them. While this 3D printing manufacturing method is advantageous for achieving precise and complex shapes, it has drawbacks such as high costs and long manufacturing times.

[0084] However, the tire vulcanization mold 10 of the present invention subdivides the manufacturing unit and significantly reduces the volume of each part that must be manufactured according to the tread pattern or tire profile, thereby significantly reducing the burden associated with costs and time consumption. In particular, it is possible to separately manufacture parts with complex shapes, such as the pattern segment 111 that includes an embossed pattern shape corresponding to the tire tread pattern shape, or the inner plate 220-1 that forms the sidewall profile, using the lamination process.

[0085] Additionally, when manufacturing the tread mold 100 or tire vulcanizing mold 10 using an additive manufacturing method, the pattern segments 111 may optionally include a plurality of hollow portions and supports therein.

[0086] Fig. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a pattern segment according to an optional embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a pattern segment according to another optional embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a pattern segment according to yet another optional embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] The structures of the tread mold 100 and tire vulcanizing mold 10 that can be manufactured by the additive manufacturing method will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 6 to 8. Figures 6 and 7 exemplarily show the pattern segment 111, but it goes without saying that they can also be applied to other parts included in the tread mold 100 and tire vulcanizing mold 10, such as the middle segment 121 and the back segment 131.

[0088] For example, referring to FIG. 6, pattern segment 110 may include mesh support portions m that form a support structure therein, and hollow portions e that exist between the mesh support portions m.

[0089] As a more specific alternative embodiment, referring to FIG. 7, the pattern segment 110 includes mesh-like support portions m that form a support structure therein and hollow portions e that exist between the mesh-like support portions m, and such mesh-like support portions m and hollow portions e may have a shape that forms a certain pattern in the cross-sectional portion of the pattern segment 110.

[0090] Furthermore, referring to FIG. 8, for example, the pattern segment 110 can include a surface support portion s that forms a certain thickness from the surface and a skeletal hollow portion r that is hollow and surrounded by the surface support portion.

[0091] The mesh-like support portion m and hollow portion e shown in FIG. 6 and the surface support portion s and skeletal hollow portion r shown in FIG. 7 are illustrative examples of the internal structure of the tread mold 100 and tire vulcanization mold 10, and various modifications are possible to form multiple hollow portions and support portions.

[0092] In addition, the support part must be designed so that it can maintain its shape without deformation such as bending due to heat or pressure when the tire is vulcanized. Therefore, in the mold, the surface part that forms the surface of the mold and the assembly part that is assembled with other molds can have a shape that does not include the hollow part e.

[0093] By fabricating the tread mold 100 and tire vulcanization mold 10 with hollow sections rather than a solid, filled-with-material interior, the stacking-material manufacturing method significantly shortens the manufacturing time for parts manufactured using the additive manufacturing method. Furthermore, the consumption of expensive powder material used in the additive manufacturing process can be reduced by the volume of the hollow sections, resulting in significant savings in manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the tread mold 100 and tire vulcanization mold 10 with hollow sections significantly reduces their weight, easing the workload of workers who assemble and disassemble the molds during the tire vulcanization process.

[0094] In addition, the tread mold 100 and tire vulcanizing mold 10 of the present invention require only the storage of each piece of the tread mold 100 and tire vulcanizing mold 10, which are smaller in volume than existing tire vulcanizing mold pieces, which has the advantage of not only reducing the storage warehouse size but also making it easy to change patterns in a variety of ways.

[0095] As described above, the standardized pattern segments 110 applied to the tread mold 100 have the advantage that, in addition to allowing for the development of new pattern segments 110, if the pattern segments 110 are stored in a warehouse, they can be easily reconfigured later by simply assembling replacement or new products. Furthermore, because the pattern segments 110 can be quickly replaced by workers at the production site, this also has the advantage of improving productivity in tire manufacturing.

[0096] As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to one embodiment shown in the drawings, but this is merely an example, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations of the embodiment are possible from this. Therefore, the true technical scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 10: Tire vulcanization mold 100: Tread mold 200: Side mold 111: Pattern segment 121: Middle segment 131: Back segment 210-1, 210-2: Base plate 220-1, 220-2: Inner plate

Claims

1. 1. A tread mold configured for use in a green tire vulcanization process, comprising: The tread mold is a pattern segment including a pattern surface that is positioned toward the green tire during a vulcanization step; a back segment disposed outside the pattern segment; a middle segment disposed between the pattern segment and the back segment;

2. The tread mold of claim 1 , wherein the back segment, the middle segment, and the pattern segment are formed to be attachable and detachable to one another.

3. The pattern segment includes a bonding surface formed on a surface opposite to a pattern surface of the pattern segment, and the middle segment includes an inner surface facing the pattern segment, The tread mold of claim 1 , wherein the bonding surface and the inner surface of the middle segment include corresponding configurations.

4. The middle segment includes an outer surface formed on a surface opposite to the inner surface, and the back segment includes a fastening surface on a surface facing the middle segment, The tread mold of claim 3 , wherein the outer surface and the fastening surface include corresponding configurations.

5. The tread mold of claim 4 , wherein the pattern surface of the pattern segment includes a curved shape corresponding to the green tire along a circumferential direction of the green tire, and the fastening surface includes a planar shape.

6. The tread mold according to claim 5 , wherein the pair of middle segments connected to the pair of pattern segments are fastened to correspond to the one back segment.

7. the pattern segment includes a plurality of pattern puzzle pieces; The tread mold of claim 1 , wherein the middle segment includes a plurality of middle puzzle pieces that correspond to the pattern puzzle pieces.

8. A tire vulcanization mold configured to carry out a green tire vulcanization process, comprising: a tread mold disposed to face one surface of the green tire during a vulcanization step; a first side mold disposed on one side of the tread mold; a second side mold disposed on the other side of the tread mold so as to face the first side mold, the tread mold includes a pattern segment having a pattern surface that is positioned toward the green tire during a vulcanization step; a back segment disposed outside the pattern segment; a middle segment disposed between the pattern segment and the back segment;

9. The first side mold or the second side mold includes: a base plate that is coupled to the vulcanizer container during the vulcanization process; 10. The tire vulcanization mold of claim 8, further comprising an inner plate coupled to said base plate to form a sidewall profile of said tire.

10. The tire vulcanization mold of claim 9 , wherein the base plate and the inner plate are configured to be attachable and detachable to each other.

11. The tread mold of claim 1 , wherein the pattern segments include a plurality of hollow portions and support portions therein.

12. The tire vulcanization mold of claim 9 , wherein the inner plate includes a plurality of hollow portions and support portions therein.

Images