Pneumatic snow tire

Abstract

A pneumatic snow tire is disclosed. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pneumatic snow tire may include a plurality of stud units formed on a block at predetermined intervals, wherein each stud unit comprises: a stud hole recessed inward of the block to allow a stud pin to be mounted therein; a plurality of slit portions arranged along an outer periphery of the stud hole at predetermined intervals and spaced apart from each other, each slit portion being formed to be recessed inward of the block; and a plurality of reinforcing slit portions arranged along an outer periphery of the slit portions at predetermined intervals and spaced apart from each other, each reinforcing slit portion having a width greater than that of the slit portions and being recessed inward of the block.

Description

Air-filled snow tires

[0001] The present invention relates to an air-filled snow tire, and more specifically, to an air-filled snow tire capable of enhancing steering performance and driving performance by arranging the angle of the stud unit differently according to the position of the block so as to generate maximum shear stress on a snow road surface.

[0002] Generally, an air-filled snow tire consists of an inner liner forming the interior of the tire, a carcass laminated on the outer circumference of the inner liner, a belt laminated on the outer circumference of the carcass, a tread laminated on the outer circumference of the belt that substantially contacts the ground, two sidewalls forming both sides of the tire, and two bead portions that are coupled to the wheel to maintain air pressure.

[0003] The tread of such pneumatic snow tires includes main grooves formed in the circumferential direction to maintain or improve dry traction performance, wet traction performance, noise performance, etc., a plurality of transverse grooves formed in the transverse or width direction, and blocks formed by said grooves. In addition, the external shape of the tread formed by these grooves and blocks is commonly referred to as a tread pattern.

[0004] Meanwhile, unlike the aforementioned conventional tires, snow tires are equipped with a structure capable of enhancing snow traction, such as braking and driving power, on snowy and icy surfaces during the winter season. These snow tires include a stud type in which metal studs are installed on the tread blocks.

[0005] These stud-type snow tires are characterized by superior braking and driving power on snowy and icy surfaces, as the studs installed on the tread blocks act as spikes to improve grip.

[0006] However, stud-type snow tires had a problem in that the effective contact area between the tread and the snowy road surface was reduced, making it difficult to easily expel ice sludge.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for research and development on studs that can generate shear stress on snowy roads by increasing the effective contact area between the tread and the snowy road surface in snow tires and facilitating the discharge of ice sludge.

[0008] The present embodiment aims to provide an air-filled snow tire capable of generating maximum shear stress advantageous on snowy roads by having a stud unit provided with a plurality of slit sections and reinforcing slit sections.

[0009] The present embodiment aims to provide an air-filled snow tire capable of enhancing steering performance by arranging the angle of the stud unit differently according to the position of the block so as to generate maximum shear stress on a snow road surface.

[0010] The present embodiment aims to provide an air-filled snow tire capable of enhancing driving performance on snowy surfaces by varying the arrangement angle of the stud units to maximize the generation of shear stress according to the steering direction.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, an air-filled snow tire comprising a plurality of blocks partitioned by a plurality of transverse grooves formed diagonally along the transverse direction of the tread from the center portion of the tread and a plurality of longitudinal grooves formed diagonally along the longitudinal direction of the tread, wherein the invention comprises: a plurality of stud units formed at regular intervals in the blocks; wherein the stud units comprise: a stud hole formed by being recessed inwardly in the block so that a stud pin can be mounted on the inner side of the block; a plurality of slit portions arranged along the outer circumference of the stud hole at a regular interval from the stud hole and formed by being recessed inwardly in the block at regular intervals from each other; and a plurality of reinforcing slit portions arranged along the outer circumference of the slit portion at a regular interval from the slit portion, having a width wider than the width of the slit portion, and formed by being recessed inwardly in the block at regular intervals from each other.

[0012] The stud unit may be positioned on the block rotated 90° or 180° counterclockwise.

[0013] The above block includes a center block located in the center, a first middle block located on one side of the center block, a second middle block located on the other side of the center block, a first shoulder block located on one side of the first middle block, and a second shoulder block located on one side of the second middle block, and the stud unit may be formed at a certain interval in the first shoulder block.

[0014] Stud units rotated 90° counterclockwise may be formed at regular intervals in the center block, the first middle block, and the second middle block.

[0015] In the second shoulder block above, stud units rotated 180° counterclockwise may be formed at regular intervals.

[0016] When a circular outer circle is formed along the outer perimeter of the slit portion, the outer circle may include: a first area formed on the lower side of the slit portion, which is partitioned by the slit portion; a second area formed on the upper left side relative to the first area, which is partitioned by the slit portion; and a third area formed on the upper right side relative to the first area, which is partitioned by the slit portion.

[0017] The slit portion may include: a plurality of first slits formed by being recessed at regular intervals and positioned in the space between the upper part of the stud hole and the upper part of the outer circle; a plurality of second slits formed by being recessed at regular intervals and positioned in the space between the lower left part of the stud hole and the lower left part of the outer circle; and a plurality of third slits formed by being recessed at regular intervals and positioned in the space between the lower right part of the stud hole and the lower right part of the outer circle.

[0018] The first slit, the second slit, and the third slit may be formed in different directions.

[0019] The above reinforcing slit portion may include: a first reinforcing slit disposed in the first region of the outer circle and formed at a certain distance from the second slit and the third slit; a second reinforcing slit disposed in the second region of the outer circle and formed at a certain distance from the first slit and the second slit; and a third reinforcing slit disposed in the third region of the outer circle and formed at a certain distance from the first slit and the third slit.

[0020] The above reinforcing slit portion may be provided in a shape in which both sides are bent at a certain angle in the direction of the outer circle with respect to the center.

[0021] The reinforcing slit portion may be formed by being recessed deeper than the depth of the slit portion in the inner direction of the block.

[0022] The above slit portions are each provided with a width of 0.3 to 0.4 mm, and the above reinforcing slit portions may each be provided with a width of 1.0 to 1.5 mm.

[0023] The stud unit may be positioned on the block rotated 120° or 240° counterclockwise.

[0024] The air-filled snow tire according to the present embodiment can generate maximum shear stress advantageous on snowy roads by having a stud unit provided with a plurality of slit sections and reinforcing slit sections.

[0025] The air-filled snow tire according to the present embodiment can improve steering performance by arranging the angle of the stud unit differently according to the position of the block so as to generate maximum shear stress on the snow road surface.

[0026] The air-filled snow tire according to the present embodiment can maximize the generation of shear stress according to the steering direction by varying the arrangement angle of the stud unit, thereby improving driving performance on snowy roads.

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a stud unit of an air-filled snow tire according to the present embodiment.

[0028] Figure 2 shows the stud unit and outer circle of an air-filled snow tire according to the present embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 3 shows a stud unit with a different arrangement angle of an air-filled snow tire according to the present embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 4 shows a stud unit formed on the tread of an air-filled snow tire according to the present embodiment.

[0031] Figure 5 is a photograph showing the tread of an air-filled snow tire according to the present embodiment and the stud unit formed thereon.

[0032] The following describes the embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are presented to sufficiently convey the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented herein and may be embodied in other forms. In order to clarify the present invention, the drawings may omit the illustration of parts unrelated to the description and may slightly exaggerate the size of components to aid understanding.

[0033] An air-filled snow tire according to an embodiment of the present invention may be composed of a tread (10), a carcass, a belt layer, an inner liner, a rim, a bead portion, etc.

[0034] Specifically, the air-filled snow tire may be composed of a tread (10) that contacts the road surface, a carcass that forms the framework of the tire, a belt layer installed between the tread (10) and the carcass, an inner liner that prevents air leakage, a sidewall that protects the carcass and allows for flexible bending movement, and a bead portion that mounts the tire to the rim.

[0035] In addition, the pattern of the tread (10) consists of a plurality of tread (10) blocks (40) and a plurality of grooves formed between each of the plurality of tread (10) blocks (40).

[0036] These treads (10) form the surface where the tire contacts the road surface and provide traction for the vehicle. Accordingly, the treads (10) can be made of various shapes and materials so that sufficient traction of the tire can be achieved depending on the road conditions.

[0037] That is, the tread (10) can be provided with a thick rubber layer, and can be provided with a rubber material that is resistant to cuts and impacts to protect the carcass and belt portion, and has excellent wear resistance to extend the driving life of the tire.

[0038] The above carcass, belt layer, inner liner, rim, bead section, etc. are identical to the composition of a general pneumatic tire, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates a stud unit (100) of an air-filled snow tire according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 illustrates a stud unit (100) and an outer circle (C) of an air-filled snow tire according to the present embodiment, FIG. 3 illustrates a stud unit (100) of an air-filled snow tire with a different arrangement angle according to the present embodiment, FIG. 4 illustrates a stud unit (100) formed on a tread (10) of an air-filled snow tire according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a photograph showing a tread (10) of an air-filled snow tire according to the present embodiment and a stud unit (100) formed thereon.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, an air-filled snow tire according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a plurality of blocks (40) partitioned by a plurality of transverse grooves (20) formed diagonally along the transverse direction of the tread (10) from the center portion of the tread (10) and a plurality of longitudinal grooves (30) formed diagonally along the longitudinal direction of the tread (10), wherein the air-filled snow tire comprises: a plurality of stud units (100) formed at a certain interval in the blocks (40); wherein the stud units (100) comprise a stud hole (110) formed by being recessed inwardly in the block (40) so that a stud pin can be mounted on the inner side of the block (40); and a plurality of slit portions (120) arranged along the outer circumference of the stud hole (110) at a certain interval from the stud hole (110) and formed by being recessed inwardly in the block (40) at a certain interval from each other. and a plurality of reinforcing slit sections (130) are arranged along the outer circumference of the slit section (120) at a certain distance from the slit section (120), have a width wider than the width of the slit section (120), and are formed by being recessed inwardly in the block (40) at a certain distance from each other.

[0041] The tread (10) of the present invention may be provided to include a center portion located in the center, middle portions located on both sides of the center portion, and shoulder portions located in the transverse direction of the middle portion.

[0042] Specifically, the tread (10) may have a longitudinal groove (30) formed along the circumferential direction of the tire or the longitudinal direction of the tread (10) in the center portion, and a plurality of transverse grooves (20) formed along the transverse direction (width direction) of the tire or tread (10). Accordingly, the block (40) may be divided by the longitudinal groove (30) and the transverse groove (20) and provided in a plurality.

[0043] The stud units (100) can be provided in multiple numbers and formed at regular intervals on the block (40).

[0044] That is, the stud unit (100) plays a role in improving traction performance by increasing friction with the road surface on snowy or icy roads.

[0045] Specifically, the stud unit (100) may be configured to include a stud hole (110), a slit portion (120), and a reinforcing slit portion (130).

[0046] The stud hole (110) can be formed by being recessed inwardly in the block (40) so that a stud pin can be mounted on the inner side of the block (40).

[0047] These stud holes (110) are provided in a circular shape and are formed in a groove shape so that a stud pin can be installed.

[0048] The slit portion (120) is arranged along the outer circumference of the stud hole (110) at a certain distance from the stud hole (110), and can be formed by being recessed inwardly toward the block (40) at a certain distance from each other, and can be provided in multiple numbers.

[0049] The reinforcing slit portion (130) may be arranged along the outer circumference of the slit at a certain distance from the slit and may be provided to have a width wider than the width of the slit.

[0050] In addition, the reinforcing slit portions (130) can be formed in multiple numbers by being recessed inwardly toward the block (40) at regular intervals from each other.

[0051] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 2, when a circular outer circle (C) is formed along the outer circumference of the slit portion (120), the outer circle (C) may include: a first area (C1) formed on the lower side of the slit portion (120) and partitioned by the slit portion (120); a second area (C2) formed on the upper left side relative to the first area (C1) and partitioned by the slit portion (120); and a third area (C3) formed on the upper right side relative to the first area (C1) and partitioned by the slit portion (120).

[0052] Additionally, referring to FIG. 2, the slit portion (120) may include: a plurality of first slits (121) formed by being recessed at regular intervals and positioned in the space between the upper part of the stud hole (110) and the upper part of the outer circle (C); a plurality of second slits (122) formed by being recessed at regular intervals and positioned in the space between the lower left part of the stud hole (110) and the lower left part of the outer circle (C); and a plurality of third slits (123) formed by being recessed at regular intervals and positioned in the space between the lower right part of the stud hole (110) and the lower right part of the outer circle (C).

[0053] That is, the first area (C1) can be partitioned by the second slit (122) and the third slit (123) located at the top, and a certain range of space can be formed by the second slit (122), the third slit (123), and the lower part of the outer circle (C).

[0054] Additionally, the second area (C2) may be partitioned by the first slit (121) and the second slit (122), and a certain range of space may be formed by the first slit (121), the second slit (122), and the upper left side of the outer circle (C).

[0055] And, the third area (C3) can be partitioned by the first slit (121) and the third slit (123), and a certain range of space can be formed by the first slit (121), the third slit (123), and the upper right side of the outer circle (C).

[0056] Meanwhile, the first slit (121), the second slit (122), and the third slit (123) may be formed in different directions.

[0057] That is, the first slit (121) is provided in multiple numbers and arranged at regular intervals from each other, and can be provided in a straight line shape along the upper direction of the outer circle (C).

[0058] Additionally, the second slit (122) is provided in multiple numbers and arranged at regular intervals from each other, and can be provided in a straight line along the lower left direction of the outer circle (C).

[0059] And, the third slit (123) is provided in multiple numbers and arranged at regular intervals from each other, and can be provided in a straight line along the right lower direction of the outer circle (C).

[0060] The above reinforcing slit portion (130) may include: a first reinforcing slit (131) positioned in the first area (C1) of the outer circle (C) and formed at a certain distance from the second slit (122) and the third slit (123); a second reinforcing slit (132) positioned in the second area (C2) of the outer circle (C) and formed at a certain distance from the first slit (121) and the second slit (122); and a third reinforcing slit (133) positioned in the third area (C3) of the outer circle (C) and formed at a certain distance from the first slit (121) and the third slit (123).

[0061] And, referring to FIG. 2, the reinforcing slit portion (130) may be provided in a shape in which both sides are bent at a certain angle in the direction of the outer circle (C) with respect to the center.

[0062] Specifically, the first reinforcing slit (131) is positioned inside the first region (C1) and is provided in a shape where both sides are bent at a certain angle toward the lower direction of the outer circle (C).

[0063] Additionally, the second reinforcing slit (132) is positioned inside the second area (C2) and is provided in a shape where both sides are bent at a certain angle toward the upper left side of the outer circle (C).

[0064] And, the third reinforcing slit (133) is positioned inside the third area (C3) and is provided in a shape where both sides are bent at a certain angle toward the upper right direction of the outer circle (C).

[0065] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 3, the stud unit (100) can be positioned on the block (40) rotated 90° or 180° counterclockwise.

[0066] These stud units (100) can be positioned rotated 90° or 180° counterclockwise according to the position formed in the block (40) so as to generate more sludge and shear stress in the traction direction.

[0067] That is, referring to FIG. 4, the block (40) may include a center block (41) located in the center, a first middle block (42) located on one side of the center block (41), a second middle block (43) located on the other side of the center block (41), a first shoulder block (44) located on one side of the first middle block (42), and a second shoulder block (45) located on one side of the second middle block (43).

[0068] First, the stud units (100) can be formed at regular intervals on the first shoulder block (44). That is, the stud units (100) corresponding to (a) of FIG. 3, which are provided in multiple numbers, can be formed at regular intervals on the first shoulder block (44).

[0069] In addition, stud units (100a) rotated 90° counterclockwise with respect to the stud unit (100) formed in the first shoulder block (44) may be formed at regular intervals in the center block (41), the first middle block (42), and the second middle block (43).

[0070] That is, the center block (41), the first middle block (42), and the second middle block (43) are provided in multiple numbers, and stud units (100a) corresponding to (b) of FIG. 3 can be formed at regular intervals.

[0071] In addition, based on the stud unit (100) formed in the first shoulder block (44), a stud unit (100b) rotated 180° counterclockwise can be formed at regular intervals in the second shoulder block (45).

[0072] That is, in the second shoulder block (45), a plurality of stud units (100b) corresponding to (c) of FIG. 3 can be formed at regular intervals.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the angle of the stud unit (100) according to the steering direction on the snow road surface of the air-filled snow tire according to an embodiment of the present invention is described as follows.

[0074] Accordingly, the air-filled snow tire according to the embodiment of the present invention can generate a maximum amount of shear stress favorable for snow performance in the stud unit (100a) of the form (b) of FIG. 3 when driving straight on a snow road surface.

[0075] For example, when the stud unit (100a) of type (b) of FIG. 3 is arranged in the same direction as the tire's driving direction, the first slit (121) can be arranged in a straight line in a direction corresponding to the tire's driving direction. That is, when driving straight, the arrangement in the same direction as the tire's driving direction is not limited to only the first slit (121), but at least one slit portion (120) is arranged in a straight line in the same direction as the tire's driving direction.

[0076] Accordingly, the stud unit (100a) of the form (b) of Fig. 3 is formed in the center block (41) and the first middle block (42) and second middle block (43) located close to both sides of the center block (41), thereby maximizing the shear stress during straight driving.

[0077] In addition, when the air-filled snow tire according to the embodiment of the present invention rotates and drives in the direction of the first shoulder block (44) on a snow road surface, it can generate a maximum amount of shear stress favorable for snow performance in the stud unit (100) of the form (a) of FIG. 3.

[0078] And, when the air-filled snow tire according to the embodiment of the present invention rotates and drives in the direction of the second shoulder block (45) on a snow road surface, it can generate a maximum amount of shear stress favorable to snow performance in the stud unit (100b) of the shape of (c) in FIG. 3.

[0079] In addition, the reinforcing slit portion (130) may be formed by being recessed deeper than the depth of the slit portion (120) in the inner direction of the block (40).

[0080] The above slit portion (120) may each have a width (B) of 0.3 to 0.4 mm, and the above reinforcing slit portion (130) may each have a width (A) of 1.0 to 1.5 mm.

[0081] Accordingly, the reinforcing slit section (130) is provided with a wider width and a deeper depth than the slit section (120).

[0082] Meanwhile, the stud unit (100) of the present invention may be positioned on the block (40) rotated 120° or 240° counterclockwise depending on the implementation.

[0083] That is, referring to FIG. 4, a stud unit (100a) arranged by rotating 120° counterclockwise with respect to the stud unit (100) formed in the first shoulder block (44) can be formed in the center block (41), the first middle block (42), and the second middle block (43).

[0084] Likewise, a stud unit (100b) arranged by rotating 240° counterclockwise with respect to the stud unit (100) formed in the first shoulder block (44) can be formed in the second shoulder block (45).

[0085] In this way, the pneumatic snow tire according to an embodiment of the present invention can increase steering performance by arranging the angles of the stud units (100) formed in the center block (41), the first middle block (42), the second middle block (43), the first shoulder block (44), and the second shoulder block (45) at the aforementioned angles so as to generate maximum shear stress according to the steering direction on a snow road surface.

[0086] Accordingly, the air-filled snow tire according to the embodiment of the present invention can maximize the generation of shear stress according to the steering direction by varying the arrangement angle of the stud unit (100), thereby improving driving performance on snowy roads.

Claims

1. An air-filled snow tire having a plurality of blocks partitioned by a plurality of transverse grooves formed diagonally along the transverse direction of the tread from the center portion of the tread and a plurality of longitudinal grooves formed diagonally along the longitudinal direction of the tread, It includes a plurality of stud units formed at regular intervals on the above block; and The above stud unit is A stud hole formed by being recessed inwardly toward the block so that a stud pin can be mounted on the inner side of the block; A plurality of slit portions arranged along the outer perimeter of the stud hole at a certain distance from the stud hole and formed by being recessed inwardly toward the block at a certain distance from each other; and An air-filled snow tire comprising: a plurality of reinforcing slit sections arranged along the outer circumference of the slit section at a certain distance from the slit section, having a width wider than the width of the slit section, and formed by being recessed inwardly in the block at a certain distance from each other.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above stud unit is An air-filled snow tire positioned on the above block rotated 90° or 180° counterclockwise.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above block is It includes a center block located in the center, a first middle block located on one side of the center block, a second middle block located on the other side of the center block, a first shoulder block located on one side of the first middle block, and a second shoulder block located on one side of the second middle block. An air-filled snow tire in which the stud units are formed at regular intervals on the first shoulder block.

4. In Paragraph 3, An air-filled snow tire in which stud units rotated 90° counterclockwise are formed at regular intervals on the center block, the first middle block, and the second middle block.

5. In Paragraph 3, An air-filled snow tire in which stud units rotated 180° counterclockwise are formed at regular intervals on the second shoulder block.

6. In Paragraph 1, When a circular outer circle is formed along the outer circumference of the above-mentioned slit portion, The above outer circle A first region partitioned by the slit portion and formed on the lower side of the slit portion; A second region formed on the upper left side relative to the first region, partitioned by the slit portion; and An air-filled snow tire comprising: a third region formed on the upper right side relative to the first region, partitioned by the slit portion above.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above slit part A plurality of first slits are disposed in the space between the upper part of the stud hole and the upper part of the outer circle, and are formed by being recessed at regular intervals from each other; A plurality of second slits disposed in the space between the lower left of the stud hole and the lower left of the outer circle, and formed by being recessed at regular intervals from each other; and An air-filled snow tire comprising a plurality of third slits that are formed by being recessed at regular intervals and positioned in the space between the lower right side of the stud hole and the lower right side of the outer circle.

8. In Paragraph 7, The first slit, the second slit, and the third slit are formed in different directions in an air-filled snow tire.

9. In Paragraph 7, The above reinforcing slit part A first reinforcing slit disposed in the first region of the outer circle and formed at a certain distance from the second slit and the third slit; A second reinforcing slit disposed in the second region of the outer circle and formed at a certain distance from the first slit and the second slit; and An air-filled snow tire comprising: a third reinforcing slit disposed in the third region of the outer circle and formed at a certain distance from the first slit and the third slit.

10. In Paragraph 6, The above reinforcing slit part An air-filled snow tire having a shape in which both sides are bent at a constant angle in the direction of the outer circle relative to the center.

11. In Paragraph 1, The above reinforcing slit part An air-filled snow tire formed by a depression deeper than the depth of the slit portion in the inner direction of the above block.

12. In Paragraph 1, The above slit portions are each provided with a width of 0.3 to 0.4 mm, and The above reinforcing slit portions are each provided with a width of 1.0 to 1.5 mm in an air-filled snow tire.

13. In Paragraph 1, The above stud unit is An air-filled snow tire positioned on the above block rotated 120° or 240° counterclockwise.

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