GB2532932A

GB2532932A - A device to heat the tyre of a vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2532932A
Application number: GB1421266.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Grosvenor Jonathan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-12-01
Filing date: 2014-12-01
Publication date: 2016-06-08
Anticipated expiration: 2034-12-01
Also published as: GB201421266D0; GB2532932B

Abstract

A device for heating a tyre while in use on a vehicle and adapted to mount adjacent to and spaced apart from the tyre, comprising a flexible support having a length, a width and a depth less than the length and the width, a first major surface and a second opposing surface, configured to conform adjustably to a curved profile such that the first surface is positioned on the concave side of the profile, a plurality of electrical infrared radiation (IR) sources mounted on the first surface of the support such that when the support confirms to the curved profile the IR sources are on the concave side of the profile, electrical connections to each IR source, connector means to contact the electrical connections, to connect the IR sources to a power supply, and control means to control the power supply to the IR sources.

Description

A device to heat the tyre of a vehicle

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to devices for heating tyres of a vehicle while in situ on the vehicle, and optionally while the vehicle is moving.

Background

Devices to heat tyres are known, and are used to increase the performance of the tyre, for example in cold weather or where optimum tyre performance is needed, as in motor racing. The prior art devices are usually adapted for use when a tyre is removed from a vehicle, or when the vehicle is stationary. Devices adapted for use on moving vehicles suffer from drawbacks, such as being poorly adapted to heat an extended area of the tyre surface, or being bulky and not capable of retrofit to an existing vehicle. Some devices need use of special tyres, for example in which the tyre comprises a heatable material. In contrast the present invention provides a convenient device to heat standard tyres while in use on a vehicle.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: JP07290916 discloses the following: PURPOSE: To normalize the tire surface temperature and reduce rolling resistance by detecting the surface temperature of a tire and controlling cold air or hot air from an air conditioner, traveling wind and flow rate of purified exhaust gas of a muffler. CONSTITUTION: Surface temperature signals of a tire from an infrared rays sensor are input into a control unit and respective valves are controlled. Cold blast or hot air 'a' from an air condition and running wind lb are selected by a changeover valve and this air quantity is controlled by a cold blast control valve in accordance with the control command. Purified exhaust exhaust gas 'd', which is the purified exhaust gas of a muffer, is sucked through a bypass passage and a hot air control valve controls the discharge by the control command. Air discharged through the cold air and hot air control valves is mixed by a mixer and discharged to the tire through a fire house. Thus the surface temperature of the tire is rapidly brought to an appropriate value, and fuel consumption, grip performance and cornering performance can be improved by reduction of rolling resistance.

This device blows waste heated air from the engine compartment or filtered exhaust gases at a tyre around its circumference -it is complex, and clearly unsuitable for retrofit to an existing vehicle.

JP10086851 discloses the following: PROBLEM: To provide an antifreezing device for a vehicle by which freezing in the vicinity of a tire of the vehicle can be surely prevented by means of an inexpensive structure. SOLUTION: A plurality of heater modules H (H1-H4) connected in parallel are fixed on an installation face for a fender inside panel while being brought into tight contact with it. Therefore, heat generated from the heater module H is given to the fender inside panel. The heat given to the fender inside panel is transmitted through the fender inside panel so as to be discharged from an opposite face opposed to the fender inside panel. In this way, water adhering to the opposite face of the fender inside panel is prevented from being frozen, so that no ice block is formed in a tire house. The heater module H is provided with a plurality of PTC element heating bodies constructed of ceramics semiconductors, each of which is a positive characteristic thermistor element and provided with a PTC property, in the inside.

JP03189216 disclsoses the following: PURPOSE: To have quick and stable temp. rise of a tire using a simple constitution through utilization of Joule's heat to be generated in a conductor, by embedding the conductor under the grounding surface of the tire, and by arranging a high frequency generating source in proximity to the grounding surface. CONSTITUTION: In a tire temp. rising device, a conductor is embedded in a rubber member under the grounding surface of a tire, and a high frequency generating source is equipped in proximity to the grounding surface. At the time of service, high frequency energy is generated from the mentioned high frequency source simultaneously with commencement of tire revolutions. This high frequency energy is transmitted to the conductor through the grounding surface of the fire, and eddy current is generated on the skin layer of the conductor by means of skin effect. Thereby Joule's heat is generated in the conductor through utilization of this eddy current and the resistance of the conductor, and the surface temp. of the tire is raised.

This device is typical of a class of devices that use inductive heating of a conductor within the tyre to heat the tyre rubber. It relies on using modified tyres and so is unsuitable for mass market applications.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a device for heating a tyre, comprising: a flexible support having a length, a width and a depth less than the length and the width, a first major surface and a second opposing surface, configured to conform adjustably to a curved profile such that the first surface is positioned on the concave side of the profile; a plurality of electrical infrared radiation (IR) sources mounted on or adjacent the first surface of the support such that when the support confirms to the curved profile the IR sources are on or adjacent the concave side of the profile; electrical connections to connect the IR sources to a power supply; and control means to control the power supply to the IR sources.

In preferred embodiments the device is configured for use whilst the tyre is on a vehicle and adapted to mount adjacent to and spaced apart from the tyre In some embodiments the device is configured to mount inside the wheel arch of the vehicle. In some embodiments the device is configured to mount inside a mudguard of a motorcycle. In some embodiments the device comprises a support frame on which the support is mounted to provide the concave configuration. In this way the device may be used to heat a tyre while not in position adjacent to a wheelarch, for example to heat a tyre while not on a vehicle, as done in motor racing.

The IR sources may be selected from IR LEDs, IR incandescent lamps and resistive radiant heaters.

The support may comprise a flexible material and the IR sources may be mounted on adjacent regions of first surface of the flexible material, the material being configured to flex such that the IR sources are on the concave curved side of the material.

The electrical connections may comprise electrical cables mounted on the support. The support may comprise a flexible insulating material and the electrical connections may comprise electrical conductors embedded within the said material.

The support may comprise a flexible material comprising a plurality of cutaways in the material to define wider and narrower regions, such that the device is configured to conform to a surface curved in a first direction extending along the length of the device and also in a second direction along the width of the device, orthogonal to the first direction. In this way the device is adapted to be mounted in use in a curved configuration, curved in a first direction circumferentially with respect to the wheel and in a second direction axially with respect to the wheel. In this way the device may be mounted on, and conform to the curves inside, a wheelarch of a vehicle.

The support may comprise a plurality of substantially rigid components connected together by flexible linkages. The IR sources may be mounted on the rigid components, and the flexible linkages may comprise electrical connections to connect the IR sources to a connection means. Such electrical connections may be flexible cables mounted on the flexible linkages or conductors embedded within a material forming the flexible linkages.

In some embodiments the device comprises a flexible insulating support having a length and a width, and two long sides aligned along the length, and recesses formed in the long sides to define a plurality of wide sections joined by narrow sections, in the sense of a series of ribs joined along the spine of the device. In some such embodiments IR sources may be provided on the wide sections or ribs, on the narrow sections or spine sections, or both. In some embodiments IR sources are provided in a pattern aligned along one or more wide sections substantially perpendicular to the length of the device.

In some embodiments the IR sources are provided in a linear pattern aligned along the width of the device.

In some embodiments the IR sources are provided in a repeating pattern along the length of the device.

In this way the device provides a series of lateral arrays of IS sources arranged in a repeating pattern along the length of the device. A lateral array may have a pattern, such as a linear array of sources, a linear arrangement of pairs of sources, or another pattern arranged along the wide section of the device.

The device may further comprise a cover, to cover one or more IS sources. The cover may comprise a flexible unit configured to cover a plurality of IS sources. In some embodiments the cover comprises an IS-translucent polymer component configured to conform flexibly to the support and to mount onto it. In some embodiments the footprint of the cover is adapted to fit on or within the footprint of the support so as to mount onto the support and join to it.

The device may comprise a reflective surface provided on the first surface of the support, adjacent to and behind the IS sources, so as to reflect IS towards the inside of the concave surface in use. In some embodiments the support comprises a flexible material having a reflective first surface adjacent to the IS sources. The reflective surface may comprise a layer of an IS-reflective material, for example comprising a metallised film, a metal foil or layer of polymer elastomeric or foam material having a metallised surface, mounted on the first surface of the support, or may comprise a plurality of metal sheets disposed on the first surface, for example mounted on the first surface in the vicinity of the IS sources. The support may comprise a plurality of metal subunits on which the IS sources are mounted, each subunit comprising a polished surface adjacent to which the IS sources are mounted. In this way IS emitted in directions other than towards the inside of the concave surface, that is, towards the tyre in use, is reflected back towards the tyre.

The device may comprise one or more fins mounted on the device and extending from it above the IS sources. The fins may be arranged perpendicular to the length of the device. The fins may be arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the first surface on which the IS sources are mounted. In this way the fins may act in use to prevent dirt thrown off the surface of the tyre as it revolves from reaching the IS sources, or the cover where present. The fins may be removable from the device to allow the fins and/or the cover to be cleaned. The fins may be configured to clip on to the support or to the cover. The fins may comprise clips adapted to interfit with the narrow sections of the support.

The device may comprise a control means adapted to be mounted within the vehicle, for example on or underneath the dashboard of the vehicle. The control means may comprise an on/off switch and optionally a variable heat power control. The device may comprise one or more temperature sensors configured to measure the temperature of a region of the device, the temperature of the tyre, or both. The sensor may be mounted on the device, for example on the first surface of the device, to measure a temperature of an IR source or a region adjacent to one. The sensor may comprise an IR sensor configured to receive IR from the surface of the tyre so as to measure the temperature of the surface. Signals from the one or more sensors may be used by the control means to control the power supply to the IR sources and hence to regulate the temperature of the device, of one or more IR sources on the device, the tyre, or a combination of these. In some embodiments a sensor may be provided to prevent overheating of the device, or of the tyre. In some embodiments the control means comprises an indicator to show the temperature of the device or the tyre.

The support may comprise a metal strip component running along the length of the device, for example formed from strip steel, and an elastomeric component, for example formed from rubber, formed on or around the strip to provide the first surface on which the IR sources are mounted. A reflective layer may be provided on the first surface of the elastomeric component, and electrical connections may be provided in the form of conductors moulded within it. The cover may mount on the support, and may be formed for example from a rigid IR translucent material having living hinges formed perpendicular to the length, at intervals along the length, and living hinges formed parallel to the length, to allow the wider sections of the device to flex in a direction parallel to the length, and positioned at the narrow sections of the support, to form an articulated cover to cover all of the IR sources. In some embodiments the cover comprises a plurality of separate cover components each mounted over an area comprising one or more IS sources and fixed to the support.

The cover may have slots formed within it to receive one or more fins and to retain them in place. The strip may extend at the ends of the device to provide mounting locations for the device; for example the strip may have holes through it to allow it to be fixed to the wheelarch of a vehicle.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 shows a bottom view of the embodiment shown in figure 1.

Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the embodiment shown in figure 1.

Figure 4 shows a side view of the embodiment shown in figure 1.

Figure 5 shows a top view of the embodiment shown in figure 1.

Figure 6 shows an end view of the embodiment shown in figure 1.

Figure 7 shows a view of the embodiment shown in figure 1 fitted within and flexed to conform to the profile of a wheelarch of a vehicle with the IR sources oriented towards the concave surface of the device, and hence towards the tyre when in place on the hub.

Detailed Description of Figures

Referring to figures 1 to 7, an embodiment 10 of present invention comprises: a flexible support 14 having a length 24, a width 26 and a depth less than the length and the width, a first major surface 44 and a second opposing surface 45, configured to conform adjustably to a curved profile such that the first surface 44 is positioned on the concave side of the profile, a plurality of electrical infrared radiation (IR) sources 12 mounted on the first surface 20 44 of the support such that when the support confirms to the curved profile the IR sources are on the concave side of the profile, electrical connections 60 to connect the IR sources to a power supply, and a control means to control the power supply to the IR sources.

As shown in figure 7 the device 10 is configured to mount inside the wheelarch 100 of the vehicle.

The IR sources 12 are IR LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes).

The support 14 comprises a flexible material and the IR sources are mounted on adjacent regions 16 of the flexible material, the material being adapted to flex such that the sources are on the concave curved side of the material. The support may have grooves or score lines in the first surface 44 in order to allow the support to flex.

The support 14 comprises a flexible material comprising a plurality of cutaways 18 in the material to define wider regions 20 and narrower regions 22, such that the device is configured to conform to a surface curved in a first direction extending along the length 24 of the device and also in a second direction along the width 26 of the device, orthogonal to the first direction. In this way the device is adapted to be mounted in use in a curved configuration, curved in a first direction circumferentially with respect to the wheel and in a second direction axially with respect to the wheel. In this way the device may conform to curves inside a wheelarch of a vehicle as shown in figure 7.

In this embodiment the device 10 comprises a flexible insulating support 14 having two long sides 28 aligned along the length, and recesses 18 formed in the long sides to define a plurality of wide sections 20 joined by narrow sections 22, in the sense of a series of ribs joined along the spine of the device. In this embodiment IR sources 12 are provided on the wide sections 20 and the narrow sections, as shown in figure 3.

The IR sources 12 are provided in a linear pattern aligned along the width of the device, mounted on PCB components 78, in a repeating pattern along the length of the device, as shown in figure 3.

The device 10 comprises a cover 30 in the form of a flexible unit configured to cover the IR sources. The cover 30 comprises an IR translucent polymer component configured to conform flexibly to the support and to mount onto it.

The device 10 comprises a reflective surface 40 provided on the first surface of the support, adjacent to and behind the IR sources so as to reflect IR towards the inside of the concave surface in use. The reflective surface comprises a layer 42 of an IR reflective material, comprising a layer of a metallised foam material mounted on the first surface 44 of the support. In this way IR emitted in directions other than towards the inside of the concave surface, that is towards the tyre in use, is reflected back towards the tyre.

The device 10 comprises a plurality of fins 50 mounted on the device and extending from it above the IR sources. The fins are arranged perpendicular to the length of the device. The fins are arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the surface 44 on which the IR sources are mounted. In this way the fins may act in use to prevent dirt thrown off the surface of the tyre as it revolves from reaching the IR sources or the cover where present. The fins are removable from the device to allow the fins and/or the cover to be cleaned. The fins are configured to clip on to the support, and comprise clips 52 adapted to interfit with the narrow sections of the support, as shown particularly in figure 6 The device comprises a power cable 60 to connect it to a control means adapted to be mounted within the vehicle, comprising an on/off switch and a variable heat power control.

Referring particularly to figure 3, the support 14 comprises a metal strip component 70 running along the length of the device, for example formed from strip steel, and an elastomeric component 72, for example formed from rubber, formed on or around the strip to provide the first surface 44 on which the IR sources 12 are mounted. The IR sources are mounted on PCB components 78 that in turn are mounted on the support 14. A reflective layer 42 is provided on the surface of the elastomeric component and has cutouts 80 through which the IR sources may project. The device comprises electrical connections to the PCBs 78 provided in the form of conductors mounted on the support and running along it, under the cover 30, and connected to the power cable 60. In some versions of the embodiment the electrical connections are provided as conductors moulded within the elastomeric component 72. The cover 30 mounts on the support 14, and is formed from a rigid IR translucent material. The cover comprises living hinges 74 formed perpendicular to the length, at intervals along the length, and living hinges 76 formed parallel to the length, to allow the wider sections 20 of the device to flex in a direction parallel to the length, and positioned at the narrow sections 22 of the support, to form an articulated cover to cover all of the IR sources. In alternative versions of this embodiment the cover comprises a plurality of separate cover components each mounted over an area comprising one or more IR sources. The strip 70 extends at the ends of the device to provide mounting locations for the device, in the form of holes 82 through it to allow it to be fixed to the wheelarch of a vehicle.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention. Firstly it will be understood that any features described in relation to any particular embodiment may be featured in combinations with other embodiments.

With respect to the specification therefore, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention, with variation and implementation obvious and clear on the basis of either common general knowledge or of expert knowledge in the field concerned. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as set out in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Claims 1 A device for heating a tyre, comprising: a flexible support having a length, a width and a depth less than the length and the width, a first major surface and a second opposing surface, configured to conform adjustably to a curved profile such that the first surface is positioned on the concave side of the profile; a plurality of electrical infrared radiation (IR) sources mounted on or adjacent the first surface of the support such that when the support confirms to the curved profile the IR sources are on or adjacent the concave side of the profile; electrical connections to connect the IR sources to a power supply; and control means to control the power supply to the IR sources.
2. A device according to claim 1 configured to mount inside the wheel arch of the vehicle.
3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the IR sources are IR LEDs.
4. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the support comprises a flexible material, the material being configured to flex such that the IR sources are on the concave curved side of the material.
5. A device according to claim 4 wherein the support comprises a plurality of cutaways in the material to define wider and narrower regions.
6. A device according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the support comprises a plurality of substantially rigid components connected together by flexible linkages 7. A device according to any preceding claim wherein IR sources are provided in a linear pattern aligned along the width of the device.8. A device according to claim 7 wherein the IR sources are provided in a repeating pattern along the length of the device.9. A device according to any preceding claim comprising a cover to cover one or more IR sources.10. A device according to claim 9 wherein the cover comprises a flexible unit comprising an IR-translucent polymer component configured to conform flexibly to the support and to mount onto it.11. A device according to any preceding claim comprising a reflective surface provided on the first surface of the support, adjacent to and behind the IR sources.12. A device according to any preceding claim comprising one or more fins mounted on the device and extending from it above the IR sources.13. A device according to claim 12 wherein the fins are arranged perpendicular to the first surface of the device, the fins being removable from the device to allow the fins and/or the cover to be cleaned.14. A device according to any preceding claim comprising a variable heat power control.15. A device according to any preceding claim comprising one or more temperature sensors configured to measure the temperature of a region of the device or the temperature of the tyre.16. A device according to claim 15 comprising an IR sensor configured to receive IR from the surface of the tyre so as to measure the temperature of the surface.17. A device according to claim 15 or claim 16 comprising wherein signals from the one or more sensors are used by the control means to control the power supply to the IR sources.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows Claims 1 A device for heating a tyre, comprising: a flexible support having a length defined by two long sides, a width and a depth less than the length and the width, a first major surface and a second opposing surface, configured to conform adjustably to a curved profile such that the first surface is positioned on the concave side of the profile; a plurality of electrical infrared radiation (IR) sources mounted on or adjacent the first surface of the support such that when the support confirms to the curved profile the IR sources are on or adjacent the concave side of the profile; and electrical connections to connect the IR sources to a power supply; wherein the support has recesses formed in the long sides to define a plurality of wide sections, on which the IR sources are provided, joined by narrow sections.2. A device according to claim 1 configured to mount inside the wheel arch of the vehicle.3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the IR sources are IR LEDs. C\II- 20 4. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the support comprises a CO flexible material, the material being configured to flex such that the IR sources C\I are on the concave curved side of the material.5. A device according to claim 4 wherein the support comprises a plurality of cutaways in the material to define wider and narrower regions.6. A device according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the support comprises a plurality of substantially rigid components connected together by flexible linkages.
7. A device according to any preceding claim wherein IR sources are provided in a linear pattern aligned along the width of the device.
8. A device according to claim 7 wherein the IR sources are provided in a repeating pattern along the length of the device.
9. A device according to any preceding claim comprising a cover to cover one or more IR sources.
10. A device according to claim 9 wherein the cover comprises a flexible unit comprising an IR-translucent polymer component configured to conform flexibly to the support and to mount onto it.
11. A device according to any preceding claim comprising a reflective surface provided on the first surface of the support, adjacent to and behind the IR sources.
12. A device according to any preceding claim comprising one or more fins mounted on the device and extending from it above the IR sources.
13. A device according to claim 12 wherein the fins are arranged perpendicular to the first surface of the device, the fins being removable from the device to allow the fins and/or the cover to be cleaned.
14. A device according to any preceding claim comprising a variable heat power I-20 control.COC\I
15. A device according to any preceding claim comprising one or more temperature sensors configured to measure the temperature of a region of the device or the temperature of the tyre.
16. A device according to claim 15 comprising an IR sensor configured to receive IR from the surface of the tyre so as to measure the temperature of the surface.
17. A device according to claim 15 or claim 16 comprising wherein signals from the one or more sensors are used by the control means to control a power supply to the IR sources.