WO2020016910A1

WO2020016910A1 - Heating device for a tire

Info

Publication number: WO2020016910A1
Application number: PCT/IT2019/050166
Authority: WO
Inventors: Luigi TONINI; Matteo BIASIZZO
Original assignee: Mb Mark S.R.L.
Priority date: 2018-07-16
Filing date: 2019-07-16
Publication date: 2020-01-23
Also published as: IT201800007240A1

Abstract

Heating device for a tire (11) that comprises a conductive body (16) associable with the tire (11) and a magnetic induction body (17).

Description

“HEATING DEVICE FOR A TIRE”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention concern a heating device for a tire.

The present invention can be used to heat a tire of a vehicle in order to reach and maintain the optimum operative temperature of the tire in relation to the conditions of the environment and/or of the tire itself.

The present invention is particularly useful to overcome the problems connected to the transit of a vehicle on an icy surface, or with snow.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

To guarantee safe driving, it is known that a tire has to have and maintain, during driving, a good grip with the road surface in multiple environmental conditions.

The grip of tires to the road surface is considerably affected by the temperature of the tires. The temperature of the tires is greatly influenced by the temperature of the environment and/or of the road surface, that is, by the presence of rain, ice, or snow.

There are tires suitable for use on icy surfaces, or with snow, the so-called thermal or winter tires, which are made with a softer polymer compound than that of conventional tires.

In ice or snow conditions, thermal tires have a greater grip to the road surface than conventional types.

However, this type of thermal tires needs to be replaced with conventional tires, especially during hot periods, in order to prevent their excessive wear.

It is also known that even known expedients are insufficient for the different traffic, environmental or operative conditions of the vehicle since the tires, whether they are thermal or not, are not able to reach the correct operating temperature.

A condition of snow, ice and/or low temperatures, combined with a prolonged standstill time of the vehicle due, for example, to traffic, leads the tires to operate at least in some initial steps of travel at temperatures lower than those of normal use.

It is also known that heavy load vehicles, such as buses or trucks, do not provide the use of thermal tires and this can be a serious danger if there are adverse environmental conditions.

In these cases, installing suitable chains is usually required or, in the absence of these, it is necessary to delay travel until the environmental conditions have improved.

The installation of the chains, however, in addition to requiring the intervention of the driver, usually directly on the road, in order to mount them, can cause damage to the rims on which the tires are installed and/or damage to the road surface, as well as requiring the driver to proceed with a reduced travel speed.

In this context, the need arises to obtain a correct operating temperature of the tires that is at least sufficient to guarantee an adequate grip to the road surface in relation to the actual conditions thereof.

There is therefore the need to improve the state of the art and to provide a heating device for a tire able to heat which allows the latter to always function at the optimum conditions of use, and in a manner coordinated with the actual environmental and traffic conditions, that is, with the real operating conditions of the vehicle.

It is also a purpose to provide a heating device for a tire that can heat the tire itself, taking into consideration whether the vehicle is stationary or moving.

It is a purpose of the present invention to provide a heating device for a tire that is easy to install and does not require the use of specific equipment for its installation.

It is a further purpose of the present invention to provide a heating device for a tire that does not require to be removed even when its action is not necessary.

The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claim, while the dependent claims describe other characteristics of the invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

In accordance with the above purposes, the present invention concerns a heating device for a tire that comprises:

- a conductive body associable with the tire and defined by at least one electrical conductor provided with free ends and configured to define an open electric circuit;

- at least one magnetic induction body configured to induce a magnetic field in the conductive body and to generate heat by means of electric currents induced in the latter.

When the conductive body is associated with a tire, the induction body induces on the conductive body a magnetic field which, in turn, induces electric currents induced in the conductive body and therefore generates heat by Joule effect which is transferred directly to the tire.

This solution allows to heat the tire so as to improve its grip in the event of snow or ice on the road surface.

These solutions, in the case of adverse environmental conditions, allow to almost instantly bring the tires to an efficient working condition, and such as to guarantee a sufficient grip to the road surface on which it operates.

The magnetic induction body can comprise an electromagnet connectable to an electric feeder to generate a magnetic field.

The heating device can comprise a control and command unit configured to selectively activate the electromagnet.

The heating device can comprise sensors configured to detect data of at least one of either ambient temperature or humidity, and a processing unit configured to receive and process the data.

The control and command unit can be configured to selectively drive the electromagnet in relation to the data coming from the sensors.

These solutions allow to heat the tire in relation to the actual environmental and traffic conditions, that is, the actual operating conditions of the vehicle on which the tire is installed.

According to one possible embodiment, the magnetic induction body can comprise a permanent magnet.

The electrical conductor can be flexible in order to adapt to the shape of the zone of the tire where, during use, it is associated. The electrical conductor can have a filiform or ribbon-like shape. These conformations of the electrical conductor allow a simple and easy association of the latter with the tire.

By installing one or more flexible electrical conductors with a filiform and/or ribbon-like shape on the tire, for example making a coil, it is possible to efficiently distribute the heat generated by them over a wide surface of the tire itself.

The ribbon-like shape also increases the heat exchange surface between the electrical conductor and the surface of the tire with which the electrical conductor is associated.

The electrical conductor can comprise a support substrate that can be attached, during use, to the tire and the electrical conductor can be attached to the support substrate. This makes the conductive body attachable in a removable manner to the tire.

According to possible solutions, the invention also concerns the combination of a heating device and a tire with which the heating device itself is associated.

According to a possible embodiment of the invention, the electrical conductor can be attached to the internal surface of the tire, that is, to the internal lining.

The electrical conductor can be integrated into the thickness of the tire.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

- fig. 1 schematically shows a heating device before and after its installation on a tire according to a possible embodiment of the present invention;

- fig. 2 is a schematic drawing of a heating device associated with a tire according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

- fig. 3 is a possible variant of fig. 2;

- figs. 4-6 show possible embodiments of a conductive body of a heating device according to the present invention;

- figs. 7-9 are section views of a tire installed on a rim with which a heating device according to the present invention is associated.

To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can conveniently be incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments described here, with reference to the drawings, concern a heating device 10 to heat a tire 11 by means of electromagnetic induction.

Embodiments of the present invention also concern the combination of a tire 11 and a heating device 10 as in any of the embodiments described here.

To simplify the description, we will refer to a tire 11, meaning with this term a plurality of types of tires, such as tires for cars, trucks, means of public transport, mopeds, bicycles, or other means of transport.

The tire 11 is provided with an internal surface 14, and an external surface, during use in contact with the road surface and also called tire tread 12.

Furthermore, the tire 11 can comprise, substantially in a known manner, one or more reinforcement layers, also called belt pack 13, drowned in a polymeric material to define the tire 11 as above.

Furthermore, the tire 1 1 can be installed, during use, on a rim 15 which is facing, during use, directly toward the internal surface 14.

The heating device 10, according to the present invention, comprises a conductive body 16 and at least one magnetic induction body 17 configured to induce a magnetic field in the conductive body 16 and to generate heat by means of electric currents induced in the latter.

The conductive body 16 can be made of an electrically conductive material. By way of example only, it can be provided that the conductive body is made of a material selected from a group comprising copper, steel, aluminum, combinations thereof, and/or their alloys.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the conductive body 16 is made of steel. The use of this material provides optimal performance in heating the tire 11, in particular its compound allowing a uniform distribution of heat, and avoiding high localized temperatures.

According to a possible solution, the magnetic induction body 17 is installed outside the tire 1 1 , and is located, during use, distanced from and facing it, for example on the tread 12.

By way of example only, it can be provided that the magnetic induction body 17 is installed at a distance comprised between 50mm and 300mm, preferably between 80mm and 200mm.

When the heating device 10 is, during use, associated with the tire 11, the electric currents induced in the conductive body 16, also caused by the rotation of the tire 11 , generate heat which is transferred into the structure of the tire 11 as far as the tread 12, heating it. This allows to increase the grip with the road surface ensuring safe driving conditions.

The conductive body 16 can be associated with the tire 11 and can be defined by one or more electrical conductors 18, each provided with ends 19.

The ends 19 of the electrical conductors 18 or of the same electrical conductor

18 are not connected to each other, that is, they are distinct and separate.

Thanks to the presence of free ends 19 each electrical conductor 18 is configured to define an open electric circuit for the induced currents that are generated by the magnetic induction body 17.

This open electric circuit allows to transform the magnetic energy transferred to it into heat by means of the Joule effect. The heat due to the Joule effect generated is dissipated in the tire 11 , that is, in the part of the tire 11 in which the conductive body 16 is present.

The electrical conductor 18 can be flexible so as to adapt to the particular zone of the part of the tire 11 to which, during use, it is associated. This characteristic of the electrical conductor 18 allows the latter to return to the desired shape, for example adhering to the tire, even following a possible deformation thereof due for example to impacts.

According to some embodiments (figs. 7 and 8), the cross-section of the electrical conductor 18 can have circular shapes, that is, the electrical conductor is defined by a wire that can be wound into several coils, axially distanced from each other to affect an extended superficial portion of the tire 11.

According to a variant embodiment (figs. 1, 3-6 and 9), the cross-section of the electrical conductor 18 can have a substantially flat shape, for example rectangular with the longer sides much longer than the short sides, and in which the long sides are located substantially parallel to the tread 12.

In this case, therefore, the electrical conductor 18 can have a ribbon-like conformation. This allows to increase the heat exchange surface with the tire 1 1. According to a possible solution (figs. 1 and 9), the electrical conductor 18, having a ribbon-like conformation, can also be wound into a plurality of coils so as to affect an extended portion of the tire 11.

According to possible solutions (figs. 3-6), the electrical conductor 18 can be defined by a plurality of segments all lying on a common lying plane and located transverse to each other.

In particular, according to this embodiment, it can be provided that the segments defining the electrical conductor 18 are disposed so as to affect a longitudinal, or oblong, surface band. This band conformation allows to dispose the electrical conductor body 18 longitudinally on the periphery of the tire 11.

The segments can have a substantially rectilinear development or can be provided with a plurality of portions protruding to define the segments with a zig zag perimeter (fig. 6).

This last zig-zag conformation of the perimeter of the segments allows to increase the heat distribution action toward the tire, increasing the heating efficiency.

According to some embodiments (figs. 1 , 3, 8 and 9), the electrical conductor 18 can be attached on the internal surface 14 of the tire 11.

In particular, it can be provided that the tire 11 has a concavity which extends over the entire circumferential development of the tire. This concavity is defined by the internal surface 14 as above on at least part of which the electrical conductor 18 is attached, directly or indirectly.

According to a possible solution, the electrical conductor 18 can be attached to the internal surface 14 of the tire 11 with the use of adhesives. These adhesives can be configured to allow the electrical conductors 18 to be removable from the internal surface 14 of the tire 11.

This allows the electrical conductors 18 to be re-used on other tires 11 , in the case of replacement of the tire 11 on which they were previously installed.

According to possible embodiments (figs. 4-6, 8 and 9), the electrical conductor 18 is attached on a support substrate 20 which, in turn, is installed, during use, on the internal surface 14 of the tire 11.

The electrical conductor 18 can be attached to the support substrate 20 with the use of adhesive substances. The support substrate 20 can comprise a polymeric film, a sheet, a film, or suchlike.

According to a possible solution, on one surface of the support substrate 20, or on at least part of it, an adhesive can be applied suitable to allow the attachment of the support substrate 20, and therefore of the electrical conductor 18, on the internal surface 14 of the tire 11.

By way of example only, it can be provided that the support substrate 20 comprises an adhesive or double-sided adhesive tape that allows to apply the electrical conductor 18 on the tire 11 in a simple and easy manner.

The electrical conductor 18 can be attached in contact with the internal surface 14 of the tire 11. This embodiment is advantageous since it allows to put the electrical conductor 18 in direct contact with the internal surface 14 for an efficient heat exchange.

According to a variant embodiment of the present invention (fig. 7), the electrical conductor 18 can be integrated in the thickness of the tire 11, for example during the production steps of the tire itself.

For example, the electrical conductor 18 can be installed on the belt pack 13 of the tire 11 (fig. 7). These latter solutions allow to install the electrical conductor 18 in retreaded tires 11.

The electrical conductors 18 can be coated with a protective material for wear, or a material suitable to increase the transfer of heat from the electrical conductor 18 to the outside, or a material able to convey the heat generated in defined directions.

The magnetic induction body 17 can be conformed mating with the zone of the external profile of the tire 11 where, during use, it is positioned.

For example, the magnetic induction body 17 can have a concave shape which follows the perimeter profile of the tread 12.

The magnetic induction body 17 can comprise a permanent magnet 22 (fig. 1). The permanent magnet can be configured to generate a substantially linear magnetic field and toward a defined direction.

This configuration allows to transmit heat to the tire 11 when the tire is moving, the tire being installed on a vehicle.

For example, by positioning the magnetic induction body 17 so that it generates a magnetic field toward the tread 12 of the tire 11, the conductive body

16 rotating integrally with the tire 1 1 generates heat, heating the latter.

According to possible variants, not shown, the heating device 10 can comprise movement members to move the magnetic induction body 17 toward/away from the conductive body 16 and in this way modulate the thermal power generated.

Furthermore, or alternatively, the movement members can be configured to move, for example in an alternate manner, the magnetic induction body 17 and to heat the tire 11 even when the vehicle on which it is installed is stationary.

According to possible embodiments, one or more magnetic induction bodies

17 can be integral with the vehicle, also possibly in a removable manner, for example on the mudguard of the latter, so that the rotation of the tire 11 generates electric currents induced in the individual electrical conductors 18 affected by the magnetic field.

According to a variant embodiment (figs. 2 and 3), the magnetic induction body 17 can comprise an electromagnet 23 connected to an electric feeder 24 to generate a magnetic field.

The electromagnet 23 can comprise a magnetic core 31 on which an electric coil 25 is wound, which in turn is connected to and is fed by the electric feeder 24.

In relation to the power supply of the electric coil 25, the magnetic core 31 determines a magnetic field corelated to the power supply.

The electric feeder 24 can be configured to supply a direct current power supply.

According to a variant, the electric feeder 24 can be configured to supply an alternating current power supply.

In relation to the type of power supply supplied to the electric coil 25, whether it is in direct current or in alternating current, a magnetic field is generated respectively stable or variable over time.

The possibility of powering the electromagnet 23 with direct current or alternating current allows to be able to generate heat and therefore heat the tire 11 both when the vehicle on which the latter is installed is stationary and also when it is in motion.

This possibility is particularly advantageous when the heating device 10 is installed on a public vehicle which needs to perform multiple starts and stops.

The electric feeder 24 can comprise a power supply battery, which can be the same power supply battery as the vehicle on which the heating device 10 is installed, or a suitably designed battery.

According to possible embodiments, the electric feeder 24 can comprise a rechargeable feeder, possibly connected to the power supply battery of the vehicle.

According to possible embodiments, the heating device 10 can comprise a control and command unit 26 configured to selectively activate the electromagnet 23.

For example, the control and command unit 26 can be configured to command a selector 27 able to selectively connect the electric feeder 24 to the electromagnet 23.

The heating device 10 can comprise at least one sensor 29, preferably a plurality of sensors, to detect data of at least one of either ambient temperature or humidity.

The at least one sensor 29 is connected to the control and command unit 26 which, in relation to the data received from the sensor 29, determines the selective activation of the electromagnet 23.

For example, the ambient temperature and humidity sensors 29 can be located in correspondence with the tire 11 in order to supply a processed signal to the control and command unit 26 correlated with the operating conditions of the tire 11 itself.

The control and command unit 26 can be configured to receive and process signals relating to the status of a vehicle coming from corresponding sensors installed in the vehicle itself.

In some embodiments of the invention, the control and command unit 26 can comprise a regulation device 28 configured to regulate the electric current supplied to the electromagnet 23 by the electric feeder 24 in relation to the data received from the sensor 29.

For example, the control and command unit 26 can be configured to selectively deactivate the electromagnet 23 when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 29 is equal, or close, to the desired operating temperature for the tire 11.

According to possible embodiments, the sensors 29 can be disposed distanced at least circumferentially in proximity to the tire 11.

The sensors 29 can be configured to detect the uniformity and/or size, pressure, or other characteristics of the tire 11.

According to a possible variant embodiment, the heating device 10 can comprise an electric current converter 30 selectively connectable between the electric feeder 24 and the electromagnet 23 by means of the control and command unit 26 in order to convert the electric current supplied by the electric feeder 24 into a direct electric current or into an alternating electric current in relation to the signal received from the control and command unit 26. In this way, it is possible to determine which electric power supply mode, that is, whether direct or alternating, to adopt in relation to the different operative conditions.

If a sensor 29 detects an anomaly, the control and command unit 26 can emit an alarm signal.

For example, the alarm signal can be light, sound, both, or other.

It is clear that modifications and/or additions of parts may be made to the heating device 10 for a tire 11 as described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention.

By way of example only, it can be provided that the electromagnet 23 can also, or only, be connected to an electric power generator, such as for example an alternator, suitably installed in a motor vehicle and configured to generate the necessary electric power, as well as the electromagnetic field necessary to obtain the desired heating effect.

According to a further variant embodiment, if the electric feeder 24 comprises an electric storage battery, it can be provided that the latter is connected to an electric power converter provided to convert the direct electric power supplied by the battery into alternating electric power.

It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall certainly be able to achieve many other equivalent forms of heating device 10 for a tire 11, having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

Claims

1. Heating device for a tire (1 1) comprising:

- a conductive body (16) associable with said tire (11) and defined by at least one electrical conductor (18) provided with free ends (19) and configured to define an open electric circuit;

- at least one magnetic induction body (17) configured to induce a magnetic field in said conductive body (16) and to generate heat by means of electric currents induced in the latter.

2. Device as in claim 1, characterized in that said magnetic induction body (17) comprises an electromagnet (23) connectable to an electric feeder (24) to generate a magnetic field.

3. Device as in claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a control and command unit (26) configured to selectively activate said electromagnet (23).

4. Device as in claim 3, characterized in that it comprises at least one sensor (29) configured to detect data of at least one of either temperature or ambient humidity, and said control and command unit (26) is connected to said sensor (29) to receive and process said data.

5. Device as in claim 4, characterized in that said control and command unit (26) is connected to said sensor (29) and to said electromagnet (23) in order to selectively drive said electromagnet (23) in relation to said data.

6. Device as in claim 1, characterized in that said magnetic induction body (17) comprises a permanent magnet (22).

7. Device as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that said electrical conductor (18) is flexible to adapt to the shape of the zone of said tire (11) where, during use, it is associated.

8. Device as in claim 1, characterized in that said electrical conductor (18) has a filiform or ribbon-like shape.

9. Device as in any claim hereinbefore, characterized in that it comprises a support substrate (20) that can be attached, during use, to said tire (11), and in that said electrical conductor (18) is attached on said support substrate (20).

10. Combination of a heating device (10) as in any claim hereinbefore and a tire (10) with which said heating device (10) is associated.

11. Combination as in claim 10, characterized in that said electrical conductor (18) is attached to the internal surface (14) of said tire (11).

12. Combination as in claim 10, characterized in that said electrical conductor (18) is integrated in the thickness of said tire (11).