A tire for a vehicle wheel includes a tread band. The tread band includes a pattern, including at least two circumferential portions, an elongated ridge, and at least two shoulder blocks. The at least two circumferential portions are disposed in axial side-by-side relationship. At least one of the circumferential portions includes a first geometric module repeated along a circumferential extension direction of the tire. The elongated ridge is bounded by two grooves oblique to the circumferential extension direction and is divided into a plurality of intermediate blocks with respect to an axial extension direction of the tread band. The intermediate blocks are bounded by a plurality of cuts substantially transverse to the elongated ridge. The at least two shoulder blocks are associated with the elongated ridge, are circumferentially aligned along a side edge of the tread band, and are bounded by grooves oriented substantially transversely to the circumferential extension direction.
A method for determining a load exerted on a tire, fitted on a vehicle, during running of the vehicle on a rolling surface, is disclosed. The method includes acquiring a first signal comprising a first signal portion representative of a radial deformation; measuring an amplitude of the radial deformation in the first signal portion; estimating a rotation speed of the tire corresponding to the radial deformation; estimating an inflation pressure of the tire corresponding to the radial deformation; and deriving the load exerted on the tire from the amplitude, the rotation speed, and the inflation pressure. The first signal portion is representative of the radial deformation to which a first tread area portion of the tire is subjected during passage of the first tread area portion through a contact region between the tire and the rolling surface. A system for determining the load exerted on the tire is also disclosed.
B60C 23/06 - Signalling devices actuated by deformation of the tyre
G01G 19/02 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups for weighing wheeled or rolling bodies, e.g. vehicles
G01B 21/12 - Measuring arrangements or details thereof, where the measuring technique is not covered by the other groups of this subclass, unspecified or not relevant for measuring diameters of objects while moving
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
3.
Method and apparatus for cutting a ribbon of rubber-coated fabric
A method for cutting a ribbon of rubber-coated fabric includes dragging a free end of the ribbon past a working position of a punching device, forming a notch between two adjacent reinforcing cords of the ribbon using the punching device, moving a counter-blade of the punching device away from the working position, inserting at least one cutting blade through the notch, and performing first and second cuts of the ribbon. An associated apparatus includes a punching device and a cutting device. The punching device includes an incision tool, an abutting counter-blade, and control devices for moving the incision tool and the abutting counter-blade toward and away from the ribbon. The cutting device includes at least one cutting blade and a control device for moving the at least one cutting blade toward and away from the ribbon.
B26D 3/14 - Forming notches in marginal portion of work by cutting
B26D 1/10 - Cutting through work characterised by the nature or movement of the cutting memberApparatus or machines thereforCutting members therefor involving a cutting member which does not travel with the work having a linearly-movable cutting member wherein the cutting member reciprocates in, or substantially in, a direction parallel to the cutting edge
A method of manufacturing tires by disposing an uncured elastomeric material on a substantially rigid toroidal support so as to form a green tire. The green tire and the toroidal support are then disposed within a vulcanization mold in which a molding cavity is defined, so as to mold and cure the green tire. The molding cavity includes at least a portion in which molding and curing are carried out at a constant volume. The disposition of the elastomeric material onto the rigid toroidal support is carried out by controlling the volume distribution of the elastomeric material onto the toroidal support, so as to fit a predetermined curve of excess material volume, i.e., a curve showing a difference between the volume distribution of the material forming the green tire and the available volume in the portion of the molding cavity adapted for molding and curing the green tire at constant volume, versus a predetermined, e.g. radial, direction.
A tire has a piezoelectric flexing element associated with an energy storage device (e.g., a capacitor). The piezoelectric flexure element is mounted in cantilever fashion in a housing so as to be positioned substantially along a plane orthogonal to a radial direction of the tire and, so that a first end of the piezoelement is restrained by the housing. A loading mass is coupled to the second end of the piezoelectric flexure element. A small gap is formed between the inner walls of the housing and the outer surface of the loading mass in order to allow limited flexure of the piezo-electric element. The housing including the piezoelectric is mounted in a tire portion in correspondence of a tread area of the tire, preferably on the inner surface of the tire. The piezoelectric element flexes under the action of the radial acceleration when the tire rotates. The loading mass and the gap are chosen to obtain a) small entity oscillations of the flexure element substantially during a complete revolution of the tire when the tire rotates at low speed; b) large entity oscillations of the flexure element substantially only during the passage of the tire portion including the piezoelectric element in the contact patch. Sufficient electrical power for powering an electronic device included within the tire is obtained, together with a long durability of the piezoelectric element.
H02N 2/18 - Electric machines in general using piezoelectric effect, electrostriction or magnetostriction producing electrical output from mechanical input, e.g. generators
6.
Method and a system for determining the roughness of a tyre rolling surface
A method for determining the roughness of a tyre rolling surface by the steps of providing a first signal representative of the motion of at least one point of the tyre during rolling of the surface and processing the first signal for providing an output indicative of the roughness of the rolling surface of the tyre.
G01C 19/00 - GyroscopesTurn-sensitive devices using vibrating massesTurn-sensitive devices without moving massesMeasuring angular rate using gyroscopic effects
G01B 3/44 - Gauges with an open yoke and opposed faces, i.e. calipers, in which the internal distance between the faces is fixed, although it may be preadjustable of limit-gauge type, i.e. "go/no-go" preadjustable for wear or tolerance
G01B 3/52 - Plug gauges for internal dimensions with engaging surfaces which are at a fixed distance, although they may be preadjustable of limit-gauge type, i.e. "go/no-go" preadjustable for wear or tolerance
G01B 5/28 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring roughness or irregularity of surfaces
7.
Expandable bladder for tyre-curing apparatuses, a manufacturing method thereof, and a process for manufacturing tyres for vehicle wheels
An expandable bladder has at least one first layer of butyl material and one second layer of silicone material, radially external to the first layer. The first and second layers have an undulated interface profile defining mechanical-engagement elements between the first and second elastomer materials. A process for manufacturing bladder as well as a tire molding and vulcanising apparatus incorporating the bladder.
A method and a system for determining a cornering angle of a tyre fitted on a vehicle during running of the vehicle on a rolling surface. The tyre has an equatorial plane. In the method, the length of the contact region between the tyre and the rolling surface is estimated, the length being measured at a distance from the equatorial plane; the load exerted on the tyre is estimated; a camber angle to which the tyre is subjected, is estimated; and the cornering angle is derived from the camber angle, tyre load and contact region length.
A method for determining a load exerted on a tire, fitted on a vehicle, during running of the vehicle on a rolling surface, is disclosed. The method includes acquiring a first signal comprising a first signal portion representative of a radial deformation; measuring an amplitude of the radial deformation in the first signal portion; estimating a rotation speed of the tire corresponding to the radial deformation; estimating an inflation pressure of the tire corresponding to the radial deformation; and deriving the load exerted on the tire from the amplitude, the rotation speed, and the inflation pressure. The first signal portion is representative of the radial deformation to which a first tread area portion of the tire is subjected during passage of the first tread area portion through a contact region between the tire and the rolling surface. A system for determining the load exerted on the tire is also disclosed.
A process for manufacturing elastomeric components of a tire for a vehicle wheel includes feeding a continuous elongated element from a delivery member by exerting a feeding pressure inside the delivery member, rotating a building support around a geometrical rotation axis of the support, carrying out controlled relative displacements between the delivery member and the support to form a tire component, stopping the feeding of the elongated element when formation of the tire component is complete, and exerting a counter-pressure inside the delivery member after stopping the feeding. Rotating the support assists circumferential distribution of the elongated element on the support. Carrying out controlled relative displacements assists transverse distribution of the elongated element on the support. The tire component is defined by a plurality of coils laid in a pre-established deposition pattern depending on a predetermined cross-section outline to be given to the tire component.
A tire includes a carcass, a belt structure, and a tread band. The belt structure includes at least two belt plies and at least one belt layer radially external to the belt plies. The at least one belt layer extends at least for an axial width of the at least two belt plies and includes at least one first elongated element and at least one second elongated element. The elongated elements form turns substantially oriented in a circumferential direction of the tire. The turns are alternately disposed along an axial development of the at least one belt layer. The at least one first elongated element is a hybrid cord including at least one high-elastic-modulus filament and at least one low-elastic-modulus filament that are twisted together. An elastic modulus of the at least one second elongated element is lower than an elastic modulus of the at least one first elongated element.
B60C 9/22 - Structure or arrangement of belts or breakers, crown-reinforcing or cushioning layers built-up from rubberised plies each having all cords arranged substantially parallel the plies being arranged with all cords disposed along the circumference of the tyre
B60C 9/20 - Structure or arrangement of belts or breakers, crown-reinforcing or cushioning layers built-up from rubberised plies each having all cords arranged substantially parallel
B60C 9/00 - Reinforcements or ply arrangement of pneumatic tyres
13.
Tyre for a vehicle wheel including a tread-band pattern
A tire for a vehicle wheel includes a tread band. The tread band includes a pattern, including at least two circumferential portions, an elongated ridge, and at least two shoulder blocks. The at least two circumferential portions are disposed in axial side-by-side relationship. At least one of the circumferential portions includes a first geometric module repeated along a circumferential extension direction of the tire. The elongated ridge is bounded by two grooves oblique to the circumferential extension direction and is divided into a plurality of intermediate blocks with respect to an axial extension direction of the tread band. The intermediate blocks are bounded by a plurality of cuts substantially transverse to the elongated ridge. The at least two shoulder blocks are associated with the elongated ridge, are circumferentially aligned along a side edge of the tread band, and are bounded by grooves oriented substantially transversely to the circumferential extension direction.
A method for measuring at least one characteristic property of a pneumatic tire for a vehicle wheel includes arranging at least one array of deformable sensors along a first direction; making the tire pass at speed over the sensors along a second direction; generating an electrical signal proportional to a speed of deformation of each sensor when the tyre contacts the sensor; detecting the electrical signal generated by each sensor; and determining, starting with the detected signals, the at least one characteristic property. The second direction is a motion direction of the tire. The first direction is transverse to the second. The at least one array of sensors extends in the first direction for a distance greater than or equal to a dimension of the tire in the first direction. When the at least one array includes a plurality of arrays, the arrays may be arranged substantially in parallel.
A process for continuously producing an elastomeric composition includes metering and feeding at least one elastomer and at least one filler into at least one extruder, mixing and dispersing the at least one filler into the at least one elastomer using the at least one extruder, and passing the composition that results through at least one static mixer. An apparatus for continuously producing the composition includes at least one twin-screw extruder, at least one metering device, and at least one static mixer. The at least one extruder includes a housing and two screws rotatably mounted in the housing. The housing includes at least one feed opening and a discharge opening. The at least one metering device meters and feeds at least one elastomer and at least one filler into the at least one extruder. The composition discharged from the discharge opening passes through the at least one static mixer.
B29C 47/00 - Extrusion moulding, i.e. expressing the moulding material through a die or nozzle which imparts the desired form; Apparatus therefor (extrusion blow-moulding B29C 49/04)
16.
Movable unit and system for sensing at least one characteristic parameter of a tyre
A system for sensing at least one characteristic parameter of a tyre fitted to a vehicle includes a movable unit and a fixed unit. The movable unit is combined with the tyre and includes a device for sensing the at least one characteristic parameter, a device for transmitting a signal out of the tyre that relates to the at least one characteristic parameter, and a device for generating electrical energy. The fixed unit is combined with the vehicle and includes a device for receiving signals from the movable unit. The electrical energy generating device is capable of supplying electrical energy to the sensing device and to the transmitting device. The electrical energy generating device includes a capacitor that charges itself with electrical energy in response to mechanical stresses applied to the tyre. The movable unit and a vehicle wheel are also disclosed.
B60C 5/00 - Inflatable pneumatic tyres or inner tubes
B60C 5/14 - Inflatable pneumatic tyres or inner tubes without separate inflatable inserts, e.g. tubeless tyres with transverse section open to the rim with impervious liner or coating on the inner wall of the tyre
B29D 30/00 - Producing pneumatic or solid tyres or parts thereof
A system for determining interaction between a tire and a contact surface during movement of a motor vehicle includes at least one first sensor and processing means. The at least one first sensor includes one or more first elongated piezoelectric elements which extend along at least a first portion of the tire. The at least one first sensor supplies a first signal to the processing means. The first signal is generated by rotation of the tire and is generated cyclically with each revolution of the tire. The processing means detects variations in time intervals between distinctive elements of the first signal. A tire including the system, a kit for detecting behaviour of a tire moving with respect to a contact surface, a method for monitoring events correlated with interactions between tires of a moving vehicle and a contact surface, and related systems, tires, methods, and vehicles are also disclosed.
A system for sensing at least one characteristic parameter of a tire fitted to a vehicle includes a movable unit and a fixed unit. The movable unit is combined with the tire and includes a device for sensing the at least one characteristic parameter, a device for transmitting signals out of the tire, a processing unit, and a storage device. The fixed unit is combinable with the vehicle and includes a device for receiving signals from the movable unit. The processing unit and storage device carry out pre-processing of a signal generated by the sensing device and send the pre-processed signal to the transmitting device. The movable unit may also include a device for generating electrical energy that is capable of supplying the processing unit and the transmitting device. The transmitted signal relates to the at least one characteristic parameter. The movable unit and a vehicle wheel are also disclosed.
A method for manufacturing a tire includes forming a carcass structure, forming a tread band, placing the tire in a curing mold, and molding and curing the tire. The carcass structure includes a crown portion defined between two axially opposed sidewalls that extend radially toward an axis of rotation of the tire and terminate in a circumferential portion comprising an annular reinforcing structure for mounting the tire on a rim. The tread band extends circumferentially around the carcass structure and includes a molded relief pattern. Forming the tread band includes producing a strip of elastomeric material and winding it onto the crown portion. The strip includes an elongated right cross-section that is asymmetrical in a transverse direction. The strip is wound in a plurality of axially consecutive turns until the tread band is formed. At least one turn is at least partly overlapped onto a previously deposited, axially consecutive turn.
A method for monitoring instantaneous behavior of a tire in a rolling condition includes acquiring and storing at least one reference curve representing an acceleration profile of at least one specified point of the tire as a function of its position during at least one portion of a revolution of the tire; continuously acquiring signals of acceleration of the at least one point; deriving from the signals of acceleration at least one cyclic curve of acceleration of the at least one point; comparing the at least one cyclic curve with the at least one reference curve; and emitting a signal depending on the comparison that indicates the instantaneous behavior of the tire. The at least one reference curve represents the acceleration profile in at least two directions, including two or more of a centripetal direction, a tangential direction, and a lateral direction. A related system and tire are also disclosed.
A method for cutting a ribbon of rubber-coated fabric includes dragging a free end of the ribbon past a working position of a punching device, forming a notch between two adjacent reinforcing cords of the ribbon using the punching device, moving a counter-blade of the punching device away from the working position, inserting at least one cutting blade through the notch, and performing first and second cuts of the ribbon. An associated apparatus includes a punching device and a cutting device. The punching device includes an incision tool, an abutting counter-blade, and control devices for moving the incision tool and the abutting counter-blade toward and away from the ribbon. The cutting device includes at least one cutting blade and a control device for moving the at least one cutting blade toward and away from the ribbon.
A method for providing assistance to a distressed vehicle having a damaged wheel component includes establishing geographically diverse assistance point facilities and wheel component warehouse facilities, receiving an assistance request regarding the vehicle, identifying an assistance point facility in the vehicle's vicinity, transmitting information and authorization to the assistance point facility, directing the repaired vehicle to visit a dealer, providing dealer authorization to replace the loaner wheel component with a new wheel component, and directing shipment of the loaner wheel component to an assistance point facility. Each facility maintains an inventory of loaner wheel components. Assistance requests include information on vehicle location, vehicle damage, and wheel component requirements. Transmitted information reveals the vehicle location and enables identification of the loaner wheel component corresponding to the vehicle's wheel component requirements. Transmitted authorizations authorize service calls to repair the vehicle by replacing the damaged wheel component with the loaner wheel component.
A method of making reinforcing elements for a vehicle tire includes laying down at least one continuous thread element on a support element of the tire according to a deposition path substantially concentric with a rotation axis of the tire. A tire for a vehicle wheel includes a carcass structure, a belt structure, a pair of sidewalls, a tread band, and reinforcing elements. The reinforcing elements include at least one continuous thread element formed into coils around a rotation axis of the tire. For the method and in the tire, the at least one continuous thread element is superposed on itself at a plurality of crossing points.
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