FR3084853A1 - TRACTION ASSISTANCE DEVICE WITH TRACTION BELT CONSISTING OF BLOCKS WITH SCULPTURES - Google Patents

Abstract

Traction aid device for arrangement on the periphery of a tread of a tire mounted on a rim, comprising a traction band (1) extending along a TT axis and provided for winding around the tire tread, and a lateral fixing module (2) designed to laterally fix said traction strip (1) to the rim, said traction strip comprising a plurality of blocks (3, 4) arranged one after the other others, the traction strip (1) comprising an alternation of at least two types of blocks (3, 4), each of the block types comprising a specific arrangement of traction elastomer bars (7).

Description

Description

Title of the invention: TRACTION ASSISTANCE DEVICE

WITH TRACTION BAND CONSISTING OF BLOCKS WITH

SCULPTURES

Technical Field The present invention relates to a traction aid device for arrangement on the periphery of a tread of a tire mounted on a rim, comprising a traction strip extending along a TT axis. and provided for winding around the tread of the tire, and a lateral fixing module designed to laterally fix said traction strip to the rim, said traction strip comprising a plurality of blocks arranged one after the other.

PRIOR ART Many types of traction aid devices are known for vehicles. These devices are generally intended for occasional use to troubleshoot a vehicle stuck on a snow-covered road, or in anticipation of short-term driving on a road in difficult winter conditions.

Depending on the case, and according to the laws of the countries concerning the use of winter tires, the traction assistance devices can be used with winter or summer tires.

In all cases, these devices make it possible to position on the tire tread a complementary structure intended to improve the traction performance of the vehicle.

Many devices use chains, arranged to cover the tread and part of the sidewalls of the tires. These devices present honorable performances, but at the expense of ergonomics. Indeed, the assembly and disassembly operations of the snow chains are often tedious and long.

To overcome these drawbacks, other types of devices have been designed. Devices made of reinforced elastic fabric or textile cabling are known, for example, designed to encapsulate tires. The assembly / disassembly operations of such devices are carried out in a simple and rapid manner.

Also known are devices provided for lateral attachment to the rim of the vehicle. These devices also make it possible to facilitate assembly and disassembly operations.

However, in general, it has been found that the performance of traction assistance devices on snowy ground is often deficient. There is therefore a need for a traction aid device which is easy to assemble and disassemble, but above all which has improved traction performance compared to existing devices.

For example, document FR 2579143 describes a removable non-slip strip of flexible and elastic material intended to equip the tire with a vehicle wheel. The strip comprises a central rolling portion comprising at least one row of hollowed cells and alternating rigid edges. The first edge of the strip bears against the upper part of the internal sidewall of the tire and the second edge against the upper part of the external sidewall. The second edge is provided with radial straps that can catch on a ring or on the wheel disc. The assembly and disassembly operations of such a strip are tedious. The performance associated with such a configuration may be insufficient.

Document FR2437307 describes a removable non-slip belt intended to be wound around a vehicle tire. This belt is formed by a relatively flexible strip whose width covers at least part of the tire tread. The radially external part of the non-slip strip comprises raised parts of the bar type or the like, transverse and parallel, and / or raised patterns having various geometries. These bars have small ribs and / or hollow parts. The mounting of such a tread, with two ends to be fixed, is particularly difficult to implement and can in certain cases prove to be very difficult if the wheel is immobilized.

Document FR3017336 describes a monolithic shoe for the raceway of a non-slip device for a vehicle tire. The skate has at least one rigid insert having a longitudinal direction and means for securing to elements for joining the skids together. It also includes an envelope made of polymer material in which a rigid insert is at least partially embedded. The skate has a central portion comprising a plurality of sometimes opening openings and protuberances of rectilinear, elongated shape. The securing means are crimped or riveted clips between them, forming a loop passing through the junction elements and the non-slip pad. The characteristics of this device give it limited abilities with regard to the desired traction performance.

To overcome the various drawbacks previously mentioned, the invention provides different technical means.

Summary of the invention First of all, a first objective of the invention consists in providing a truly efficient traction aid device in difficult winter conditions, in particular on snow-covered ground.

Another objective of the invention consists in providing an efficient and effective traction aid device whatever the type of tire used, including summer tires.

Another objective of the invention is to provide an easy and quick traction aid device to be installed / uninstalled by anyone, without requiring special skills.

Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a traction aid device adaptable to all vehicles, even the most recent.

Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a traction aid device with optimal grip characteristics.

To do this, the invention provides a traction aid device for arrangement on the periphery of a tread of a tire mounted on a rim, comprising a traction strip extending along a TT axis and provided for winding around the tread of the tire, and a lateral fixing module designed to laterally fix said traction strip to the rim, said traction strip comprising a plurality of blocks arranged one after the other and held together by two circumferential rods arranged on the edges of the blocks and passing through passages provided in each of the blocks, the traction strip comprising an alternation of at least two types of blocks, each of the types of block comprising a specific arrangement elastomeric pull bars.

The traction strip comprises blocks of different and complementary architectures, arranged alternately, making it possible to provide different functions. The blocks are provided with traction bars and are particularly suitable for the traction function. They provide good grip, even in unfavorable conditions such as on snow-covered ground. The architectures of the blocks differ for example by the number and / or the width and / or the profile and / or the length and / or the spacing of the bars and / or by the orientation of the arrangement of bars with respect to the TT axis and / or the characteristics of the materials and / or by incisions and / or grooves and / or angles of bars, incision or grooves which differ on the different types of blocks.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the blocks comprise a support, the traction bars having come integrally with said support.

This embodiment simplifies manufacturing and allows obtaining homogeneous and durable blocks.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the bars of the same type of block are arranged according to a non-uniform profile.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the pull bars have a length "Lonbar" corresponding to at least 30% and more preferably at least 50% of the length "Larbloc" of the block at its greatest length.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the traction bars form an angle a between 45 ° and 135 ° and more preferably between 60 ° and 120 ° and even more preferably 90 ° relative to the transverse axis TT .

Advantageously, at least a portion of the pull bars have a rectangular profile, or in the form of an S, or V, or W.

The arrangement of the traction bars is determined according to the type of performance sought, in particular the distribution between the longitudinal and transverse grip.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the device comprises a hinge zone at the junction of the blocks.

The hinges or bending zones allow the blocks to be articulated relative to each other to facilitate assembly / disassembly operations. This characteristic also makes it possible to compact the traction strip to allow storage occupying a limited volume.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the traction strip comprises at least one elongation zone.

This elastic extension zone makes it possible to facilitate the assembly / disassembly operations of the traction aid device on the wheels of vehicles. The extension zone also makes it possible to use a traction strip for different profiles and / or families and / or dimensions of tires.

Advantageously, the elongation zones are constituted by portions of the rods located between the blocks forming elastic elongation zones.

This characteristic makes it possible to simplify the architecture of the blocks by avoiding having to integrate the elongation zones into the blocks.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the lateral fixing module comprises a central flange carrying a plurality of radial arms cooperating laterally with the traction strip, said flange carrying at least one rod for fixing to a wheel of a vehicle, and a positioning lever allowing the said flange to be brought closer to the vehicle wheel.

The lateral attachment, that is to say by the outer side of the wheel, considerably simplifies the processes of fitting and removing the traction aid device. There is no longer any need to position clamping elements on either side of the wheel as on traditional chains. The traction strip is simply positioned on the tread. The lateral attachment with clamping against the rim provides the traction strip with a series of anchor points at the edge of the tread. The traction strip is thus put in place and maintained by the radial arms.

The user therefore has easy access to all the elements of the system and can therefore quickly and easily carry out the assembly / disassembly operations.

The space required in the vehicle wheel housing to position the device and carry out the manipulations for assembly and disassembly is minimized. Thus, the traction device is compatible with a large majority of vehicles, including certain recent vehicles for which the space available between the tread and the body is relatively small.

Brief description of the drawings All the details of construction are given in the description which follows, supplemented by FIGS. La to 15, presented only for the purposes of nonlimiting examples, and in which:

Fig.la [fig.la] is a schematic representation illustrating a portion of an exemplary embodiment of a traction strip for traction aid device;

Fig.lb [fig.lb] is a schematic representation of another exemplary embodiment of a traction band for traction aid device;

Fig.lc [fig.lc] is a cross section of a block of the traction strip of Figure la;

Fig.2 [0041] [fig.2] illustrates a front view of an example of a traction band fixing system;

Fig.3 [0042] [fig.3] is a side view of the fixing system of Figure 2;

Fig.4a [fig.4a] is a schematic representation of an example of arrangement of draw bars;

Fig.4b [fig.4b] is a sectional view of the exemplary arrangement of Figure 4a;

Fig.5a [0045] [fig.5a] is a schematic representation of another example of arrangement of draw bars;

Fig.5b [0046] [fig.5b] is a sectional view of the exemplary arrangement of Figure 5a;

Fig.6a [0047] [fig.6a] is a schematic representation of another example of arrangement of draw bars;

Fig.6b [fig.6b] is a sectional view of the exemplary arrangement of Figure 6a;

Fig.7a [fig.7a] is a schematic representation of an example of arrangement of drawbars forming V-shaped profiles;

Fig.7b [fig.7b] is a schematic representation of an example of arrangement of traction bars forming W-shaped profiles;

Fig.8 [0051] [fig.8] is a sectional view of an example of arrangement of draw bars with trapezoidal profile;

Fig.9a [fig.9a] is a schematic representation of an example of arrangement of draw bars with inclined incisions;

Fig.9b [fig.9b] is a sectional view of the example arrangement of Figure 9a;

Fig.10 [0054] [fig.10] is a schematic representation of an example of arrangement of inclined traction bars;

Fig.ll [fig. 55 11] is a schematic representation of another example of an arrangement of inclined traction bars;

Fig.l2a [fig.l2a] is a schematic representation of an example of arrangement of traction bars with evolving profile along the block;

Fig.l2b [fig. 12b] is a sectional view of the exemplary arrangement of FIG. 12a;

Fig. 13a [fig. 13a] is a schematic representation of an example of arrangement of drawbars with incisions forming S-shaped profiles in the height direction; Fig. 13b [Fig. 13b] is a sectional view of the exemplary arrangement of FIG. 13a;

Fig. L4a [fig. 14a] is a schematic representation of an example of arrangement of draw bars with incisions forming S-shaped profiles in the height and length direction of the bars;

Fig.l4b [fig. 14b] is a sectional view of the exemplary arrangement of FIG. 14a;

Fig.15 [fig.15] is a schematic representation illustrating preferred angular arrangements of the traction bars.

Description of the embodiments DEFINITIONS:

PASSAGES: “passage” means an arrangement provided at the edge of the block in the direction of the T-T axis of traction in which a rod is arranged. A passage can be completely integrated in a block, then forming a tunnel, or be provided in whole or in part outside a block, for example in the form of hooks or rings making it possible to hang the rod on an edge of a block.

TRINGLES: by "rod" means a textile or metallic or hybrid cable or an arrangement with links such as a chain, arranged on at least one circumferential portion of a traction strip, in order to connect the blocks between them to form a traction strip. A rod crosses or runs along at least two consecutive blocks, and preferably three or more blocks. As a variant, a traction strip is formed by replacing the rods by fasteners (cables or hooks or clamps or the like) arranged between two consecutive blocks in order to connect them together.

BLOCK WITH SUBSTANTIALLY CONSTANT DIMENSION: by “block with substantially constant dimension”, we mean a block whose dimensions in the direction of the axis TT and in the direction transverse to this axis vary by less than 10% and preferably by less than 5% and even more preferably less than 3%.

ELASTICALLY DEEORMABLE BLOCK: by “elastically deformable block” is meant a block designed to allow elastic deformations in the direction of the axis TT of all or part of the block of at least 5% and more preferably at least 10% and even more preferably at least 20%.

TRACTION BELT: The figure shows a portion of a traction strip 1 intended for a traction aid device. The traction strip comprises a plurality of blocks 3 and 4 arranged alternately. The blocks are arranged along a traction axis T-T illustrated in FIG. La. Two rods 5 are used to connect the blocks 3 and 4 of the traction strip to one another. Passages 6 are provided on the edges of each of the blocks 3 and 4 to allow the tracking of the rods 5 and thus allow the alignment of the blocks along the axis of traction T-T. The traction strip 1 is designed to be placed on a tread of a tire with its traction axis T-T substantially aligned with the circumferential rolling axis of the wheel. The traction strip thus forms a traction layer superimposed on the tread of the tire. The traction characteristics of the traction strip, specifically adapted for difficult winter conditions, make it possible to improve the overall traction of the vehicle, in particular on snow-covered roads.

As illustrated in Figures la, 1b and le, the traction strip 1 comprises two types of blocks 3 and 4 preferably entirely made of elastomeric material, particularly suitable for their grip characteristics on snow-covered ground. The blocks include a support 17 on which are arranged a series of traction bars 7, preferably arranged substantially perpendicular to the axis of traction T-T. The bars 7 are advantageously made from one piece with the support 17. Passages 6, coaxial with the axis TT, are provided on the edges of the block, to accommodate the rods 5. The blocks of elastomeric material are easy to manufacture, for example by molding. It is preferable to provide an overmolding on the rods 5.

As illustrated, the blocks 3 and 4 are arranged alternately to form the traction strip 1. In the example illustrated in Figure la, the bars 7 of the blocks 3 are more spaced apart than the bars 7 blocks 4. This alternation of blocks of different types, with different strip characteristics, makes it possible to improve the traction performance and / or to take into account different contexts of use for each block arrangement.

Figure 1b illustrates another embodiment in which the bars 7 of the blocks 3 have a rectangular profile and are arranged one after the other. In the blocks 4, the bars 7 have a “V” shaped profile, and are arranged one after the other.

For optimal traction characteristics in snow, the traction bars 7 of blocks 3 and 4 are advantageously provided with rectangular profiles and arranged with an angle a of approximately 90 ° relative to the axis T-T.

As illustrated, the blocks 3 and 4 are arranged alternately to form the traction strip 1. This alternation of blocks 3 and 4 of different types, with different characteristics and behaviors during the rotation of the wheel , improves traction performance. In particular, the use of blocks of elastomeric material, provided with transverse traction bars 7, gives traction performance in clear progression in comparison with entirely metallic snow chains.

VARIANTS OF BARS: FIGS. 4a to 14b illustrate examples of embodiment of traction bars 7. In general, the bars 7 have an elongated profile, the length of which “Lonbar” preferably corresponds to the width “Larbloc” of the blocks 3 or 4 on which they are arranged. The width of the bars and represented by the dimension "1" in FIGS. 4b, 5b, 6b, 8, 12b, 13b and 14b. The width "1" is for example between 6 and 20 mm, and more preferably between 9 and 15 mm. Finally, the dimension "H" (Figure 4b) shows the height of the bars. This height H is preferably provided between 5 and 12 mm, and more preferably between 7 and 10 mm.

FIG. 15 illustrates the preferred ranges of angular arrangements of the bars, for rectangular or other profiles. As illustrated, the traction bars 7 form an angle a between 45 ° and 135 ° and more preferably between 60 ° and 120 ° and even more preferably 90 ° relative to the transverse axis T-T.

The bars are separated by grooves 9, of spacing "e". The spacing "e" is for example from 2 to 8 mm and more preferably between 3 and 5 mm. The grooves make it possible to form edges along the bars. These edges, thanks to a scraping action, make it possible to increase the coefficient of friction of the blocks.

In certain illustrated examples, the bars have one or more incisions 10. The incisions form notches substantially narrower than the grooves 9, for example between 0.5 mm and 2 mm in spacing, and more preferably between 0, 6 and 0.8 mm.

In the examples of Figures 4a to 5b, the grooves and incisions are parallel to the main axes of the bars, that is to say perpendicular to the axis T-T of the traction strip.

In the example of FIGS. 6a and 6b, the bars 7, the grooves 9 and the incisions 10 are arranged with an angle alpha relative to the axis T-T, as defined above.

In the example of Figures 7a and 7b, the bars 7, the grooves 9 and the incisions 10 are arranged with an angle alpha relative to the axis TT, as defined above and form a V-shaped arrangement or W.

In the example of Figure 8, the bars have a trapezoidal profile. This type of profile makes it possible to slightly increase the angle of the edges at the edge of the bars, helping to increase the coefficient of friction of the blocks.

In the example of Figures 9a and 9b, the pull bars have incisions oriented diagonally.

In the example of Figures 10 and 11, the traction bars 7 and the grooves 9 are oriented diagonally, with transverse incisions (Figure 10) or inclined (Figure H).

In the example of FIGS. 12a and 12b, the architecture is progressive, that is to say that it varies as a function of the position along the T-T axis. In this example, progressivity is achieved with a narrow bar without incision, followed by a wider bar with two incisions, and another even wider bar with three incisions.

In the example of Figures 13a and 13b, the pull bars have incisions with profiles in the form of "S" in the direction of the height H.

In the example of Figures 14a and 14b, the pull bars have incisions with profiles in the form of "S" in the direction of the height H and the length of the bars.

ELONGATION ZONES: In order to be able to adapt to the different dimensions of tires and to facilitate its installation on a vehicle, the traction strip 1 comprises a plurality of elongation zones 8. Each of the zones 8 makes it possible to extend the free length of rod between the blocks. The sum of the lengths thus freed allows the traction strip to obtain an increased circumferential length.

Thanks to the elongation zones, the traction strip is deformable in the direction of the axis T-T, between a profile forming an elongated path of traction band and a profile forming a shortened path of traction band. Thus, for example during assembly of the traction aid device, when the traction strip 1 is stressed so as to tension the rods 5, the elongation zones 8 make it possible to increase the overall circumferential length of a strip until the mechanical stress decreases or stops. In the latter case, the traction strip then resumes its initial circumferential length. Depending on the dimensions and arrangements of the blocks, the rate of elongation between the shortened path and the elongated path of the traction strip varies for example from 3% to 5% or even more (for example 10%) in certain cases.

As illustrated in Figures la and 1b, the traction strip 1 has at least one elongation zone 8. This zone or these zones making it possible to impart a certain circumferential elasticity to the traction band. As illustrated, the elongation zones 8 are constituted by elastic portions of the rods 5 located between the blocks 3, 4 forming elastic elongation zones. In the example in Figure 8, the rod portions between the blocks are free, directly in the open air. In the example of FIG. 1b, the rod portions 8 between the blocks, forming the elongation zones 8, are housed in block extensions forming hinges 19 between the blocks. The hinges 19 are zones with higher bending characteristics than in the blocks, making it possible to articulate the blocks with respect to each other. Advantageously, the hinge zones 19 are provided with elastic portions of rods, so as to form the elongation zones in the same place.

LATERAL FIXING MODULE: Figures 2 and 3 illustrate an example of module 2 for lateral fixing. This module makes it possible to fix and maintain a traction strip 1 to a rim of a vehicle when the traction strip 1 is arranged against the tread of the tire mounted on this rim. The binding is implemented on the side of the outer edge of the wheel, along the rim and the outer side of the tire. This method of attachment considerably simplifies the installation of the traction band in comparison with traditional snow chains. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, a central flange 11 carries a plurality of radial arms 12 extending from the flange to a distance sufficient to allow the positioning of the blocks 3 and 4 of the traction strip 1 on the tire tread. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, the fixing module comprises six radial arms distributed angularly with a difference of 60 degrees between them. Each of the radial arms is fixed to a block 3 or 4 of the traction strip by means of an articulation 16 of radial arms. These joints are flexible, and allow the blocks to be angularly displaced, for example to lift them above the tread. Alternatively, the number of radial arms varies, and is preferably greater than or equal to three. The angular distance between each of the arms is substantially identical. Still alternatively, the radial arms 12 are replaced by a fixing disc which extends radially between the flange 11 and the traction strip. This disc has the advantage of allowing the fixing of all the blocks, facilitates assembly and provides greater rigidity to the assembly.

The flange 11 comprises a lever 14 placed on the outside, connected to at least one rod 13 for fixing, on the inside of the flange. Each fixing rod cooperates at its free end with an adapter 15, designed for fixing to the rim of the wheel, for example at the level of the wheel fixing nuts. The lever cooperates with the rod (s) 13 for fixing and makes it possible to pull the latter towards the flange, for example by turning the lever. This action makes it possible to bring the flange 11, the radial arms 12 and the traction strip towards the tire, until the traction strip 1 is on the tread of the wheel as shown in FIG. 3. Disassembly of the traction device is carried out in the opposite direction, by pushing the rod (s) 13 towards the rim, which allows the radial arms to be moved away from the wheel, by pulling the traction strip out of the tread.

The flange 11 and the handle 14 are advantageously made of polymer material. The arms can be made of reinforced polymer, or metallic, or elastomeric materials. List of reference signs

L Traction band

2. Lateral fixing module

3. Block with a first arrangement of bars

4. Block with a second arrangement of bars

5. Rod

6. Passage

7. Pull bar

8. Extension area

9. Groove

10. Incision

IT flaccid

12. Radial arm

13. Fixing rod

14. Joystick

15. Adapter

16. Radial arm articulation

17. Support

18.

19. Hinge

Claims (1)

claims [Claim 1] Traction aid device for arrangement on the periphery of a tread of a tire mounted on a rim, comprising a traction strip (1) extending along a TT axis and provided for winding around the tire tread, and a lateral fixing module (2) designed to laterally fix said traction strip (1) to the rim, said traction strip comprising a plurality of blocks (3, 4) arranged one after the other of the others and held together by two circumferential rods (5) arranged on the edges of the blocks (3, 4) and passing through passages (6) provided in each of the blocks, characterized in that the traction strip (1) comprises alternating at least two types of blocks (3, 4), each of the block types comprising a specific arrangement of elastomeric bars (7). [Claim 2] A traction aid device according to claim 1, in which the blocks (3, 4) comprise a support (17), the traction bars (7) being made integrally with said support. [Claim 3] A traction aid device according to one of claims 1 or 2, in which the bars of the same type of block are arranged in a non-uniform profile. [Claim 4] Traction aid device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the traction bars (7) have a length "Lonbar" corresponding to at least 30% and more preferably at least 50% of the length "Larbloc" of the block (3, 4) at its greatest length. [Claim 5] Traction aid device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the traction bars (7) form an angle a between 45 ° and 135 ° and more preferably between 60 ° and 120 ° and even more preferably 90 ° relative to the transverse axis TT. [Claim 6] A traction aid device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which at least part of the traction bars (7) have a rectangular profile, or in the form of an S, or V, or W shape. [Claim 7] A traction aid device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a hinge zone (19) at the junction of the blocks (3, 4). [Claim 8] A traction aid device according to any one of the claims previous, in which the traction strip (1) has at least one elongation zone (8). [Claim 9] A traction aid device according to claim 8, in which the elongation zones (8) consist of portions of the rods (5) located between the blocks (3, 4) forming elastic elongation zones. [Claim 10] Traction aid device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the lateral fixing module (2) comprises a central flange (11) carrying a plurality of radial arms (12) cooperating laterally with the traction strip ( 1), said flange (11) carrying at least one rod (13) for fixing to a wheel of a vehicle, and a positioning lever (14) making it possible to bring said flange (11) closer to the wheel of the vehicle. 1/5