Molding element having cutting means for molding and vulcanizing a tire tread

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a molding element including a main lamella and two ribs positioned on either side of the main lamella at a certain distance from this main lamella. The ribs are mold-able to grooves in the tread, these ribs including rounded ends. The main lamella includes a cutting edge, the cutting edge making an acute angle. The ribs are curved in their length with a curvature C and in that the lamella is curved with the same curvature C.

Claims

1. A molding element of a mold for molding and vulcanizing a tire tread, comprising: a main lamella and two ribs positioned on either side of the main lamella at a certain distance from this main lamella, the ribs being mold-able to grooves in the tread, the ribs including rounded ends, the main lamella having a cutting edge, the cutting edge making an acute angle, wherein the ribs are curved in their length with a curvature C and in that the main lamella is curved with the same curvature C, the molding element includes a plurality of secondary lamellas, each of these secondary lamellas including a cutting edge and in that the secondary lamellas extend globally perpendicularly to the main lamella, the plurality of secondary lamellas are connected with the main lamella in their median location, the plurality of secondary lamellas are globally equally spaced apart along the main lamella, and at least one of the plurality of secondary lamellas are at a different angle from at least another one of the plurality of secondary lamellas relative to the circumference of the tire.

2. The molding element according to claim 1, wherein the pitch (P) between the plurality of secondary lamellas is globally equal along the main lamella.

3. The molding element according to claim 1, wherein a variation of placement of the secondary lamellae follows both a curved pattern of the main lamellae and a maintenance of perpendicularity with the main lamellae.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Other features and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following description, given by way of nonlimiting example, with reference to the attached drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 schematically depicts a molding element according to the invention;

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a second embodiment of the molding element of the FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(4) In the description that follows, elements that are substantially identical or similar will be denoted by identical references.

(5) FIG. 1 depicts a molding element 1 according to the invention. The molding element 1 comprises one main lamella 7 and two ribs 3 positioned on either side of the main lamella 7 at a certain distance from this main lamella 7. The main lamella 7 comprises cutting edge making an acute angle. The cutting edge is able to cut a cover layer 11 that covers a green tire 13. In a preferred embodiment, the acute angle is lower than or equal to 60°. In a variant, the acute angle is lower than or equal to 35°. In other variant, the acute angle is lower than or equal to 20°. Each rib 3 comprises a rounded end. This rib will mold a groove in the tread and at the same time guide part of the cover layer into this groove thus molded.

(6) More particularly, each rib 3 is curved in its length with a curvature C and the main lamella 7 is curved with the same curvature C.

(7) FIG. 2 illustrates a second embodiment in which the molding element 1 comprises a plurality of secondary lamellas. This secondary lamellas extend globally perpendicularly to the main lamella 7. Each of these secondary lamellas comprises a cutting edge for cutting the cover layer. Indeed, the pitch between the plurality of secondary lamellas is globally equal along the main lamella 7.

(8) The invention is not restricted to the examples described and depicted and various modifications can be made thereto without departing from its scope.