Vehicle tire with a new tire mark, method for producing a vehicle tire with a new tire mark, tire heating mold for producing such a vehicle tire, and use of a new tire mark on such a vehicle tire

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle tire (1) having a tread (3) with at least one new tire marking (4, 7, 8), the surface (5) of which is at least partially higher than the circumferential surface of the tread (3). The invention also relates to a method for producing a vehicle tire (1) having at least one new tire marking (4, 7, 8), in particular the described vehicle tire (1), which is produced in a tire heating mold (2) having at least one at least partially engraved, new tire marking matrix (10, 13, 14) in the region of the tread (3). The invention further relates to a tire heating mold (2) for the described method for producing a vehicle tire (1) having at least one new tire marking (4, 7, 8), in particular the described vehicle tire (1), wherein the tire heating mold (2) has an engraved new tire marking matrix (10, 13, 14) in the region of the tread. And the use of a new tire marking (10, 13, 14) on the tread (3) of the described vehicle tire (1) for identifying the new state of the vehicle tire (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle tire. The invention further relates to a method for producing a vehicle tire, a tire heating mold for producing the aforementioned vehicle tire, and the use of a novel tire marking on such a vehicle tire. Background Technology

[0002] Tire markings are typically located within vehicle tires, in the lateral region of the tire, and primarily serve as consumer information. Tire markings typically include speed index, brand, tire size, and manufacturing date (DOT number). Other markings indicate the manufacturer or additional information. Markings in the lateral region generally do not wear down, making them visible to the consumer throughout the tire's lifespan. Therefore, markings in the tread region of a vehicle tire are not typical. Markings on the tread of vehicle tires are known in the prior art. Therefore, EP 3 369 589 A1 discloses shallow grooves in the tread portion of new tires for motorcycles, designed to indicate the performance of a new tire in a timely manner by visually confirming that the tire has worn to a specific degree.

[0003] However, the problem with such markings in the prior art is that they are unsuitable as new tire markings because new markings can be subsequently created on the tire tread. For example, markings can be relatively easily engraved into the tread using a laser. Therefore, these markings cannot provide consumers with any reliable information about whether a vehicle tire is new or used. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention applies here. An object of this invention is to provide a vehicle tire with a marking that identifies the vehicle tire as new and is tamper-proof. Another object of this invention is to provide a method for producing vehicle tires by generating a marking on the vehicle tire that identifies the vehicle tire as new to the consumer. Another object of this invention is to provide a tire heating mold by which a marking can be generated on a vehicle tire that identifies the vehicle tire as new. Another object of this invention is to provide a use for the marking that identifies the vehicle tire as new.

[0005] This objective is achieved through a vehicle tire, method, tire heating mold, and marking application according to the invention. Preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the following description and / or drawings.

[0006] This problem is solved by a vehicle tire with a tread having at least one new tire marking, the surface of which is at least partially raised above the circumferential surface of the tread. For the purposes of this invention, the raised surface is a surface that protrudes relative to the surface of the tread band of the vehicle tire. Advantageously, once the vehicle tire has been used, the new tire marking will wear off due to the partially raised surface. Therefore, the new tire marking identifies the vehicle tire only in its new, unused state. It is also advantageous that this new tire marking cannot be subsequently applied to the surface of the vehicle tire, making it tamper-proof. Furthermore, this new tire marking can convey additional consumer information (e.g., assembly direction).

[0007] The surface of the tread, or tread band, can be configured differently depending on the type of vehicle tire. According to the invention, the surface of the tread band is the outermost surface of the vehicle tire that is in direct contact with the lane. It is conceivable that the tread extends in the lateral region of the tire. Tread wear results in new tire markings appearing with greater wear compared to the surrounding surface of the tread, thus causing the new tire markings to disappear after a certain period of travel. Importantly, the tread is at least partially in contact with the lane during travel, so that the new tire markings are worn away during travel.

[0008] The new tire markings may have ventilated structures, but not as ventilated structures created on or at the surface due to the vehicle tire manufacturing process. Such ventilated structures include, for example, columnar lateral flow micro-vents, or Euroventilated plate-like embossed elements, or linear lateral flow vents within the molded section boundaries. Furthermore, the new tire markings differ from "color markings," which identify vehicle tires with colored elements (which may also be applied subsequently). Simultaneously, the new tire markings can also serve as information carriers and may therefore replace the function of color markings.

[0009] It is conceivable that the new tire markings will be present on the surface of the tread band on all types of vehicle tires. According to the invention, the term "vehicle tire" is intended to be understood as automobile tires. However, it is also conceivable that it could be used for motorcycle tires, agricultural vehicle tires, trailer tires, aircraft tires, or other types of tires.

[0010] It is conceivable that only one new tire marking is placed on the surface of the vehicle tire tread. It is also conceivable that at least two new tire markings, particularly a large number of new tire markings, are placed on the surface of the vehicle tire tread. Advantageously, the presence of at least two new tire markings, particularly a large number of new tire markings, on the tread ensures that the tire is marked in a particularly tamper-proof manner.

[0011] In another embodiment of the invention, the surface of the new tire marking has at least one first region that is at most 150 micrometers, particularly at most 100 micrometers, higher than the surrounding surface. It has been advantageously found that a new tire marking that protrudes by at most 150 micrometers does not lead to a deterioration of properties related to the performance of the vehicle tire.

[0012] Furthermore, preferably, it is conceivable that the raised surface is at least partially higher than the circumferential surface of the tread by up to 80 micrometers. Advantageously, if the height is at least partially at most 80 micrometers, it will produce a highly contrasting embossing that is different to the consumer. In a further preferred manner, it is conceivable that the height is at most 60 micrometers, particularly preferably at most 40 micrometers. Advantageously, if the new tire marking is at most 60 micrometers higher than the circumferential surface of the tread, preferably 40 micrometers, it can form a specific optical embossing that is specific to the consumer.

[0013] In another embodiment of the invention, a first region of the surface surrounds a second lower region, which preferably is at least partially lower than the surrounding surface of the tread. Advantageously, if the periphery of the new tire marking is raised and the inner second region of the surface is configured to be lower, better contrast is produced for the consumer. Essentially, better contrast is achieved by the inner second surface being lower than the surrounding surface of the tread.

[0014] In another embodiment of the invention, the second lower region is at most 150 micrometers, particularly at most 100 micrometers, lower than the circumferential surface of the tread. Advantageously, if the second inner surface is at most 150 micrometers lower than the circumferential surface of the tread, a sharp contrast is created for the consumer. Furthermore, since it is advantageous to create a different contrast for the consumer, it is preferably conceivable that the second surface is at most 80 micrometers lower than the circumferential surface of the tread.

[0015] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the second inner surface is preferably at least 60 micrometers lower than the circumferential surface of the tread, particularly at least 40 micrometers lower, thereby advantageously producing a different contrast for the consumer.

[0016] In another embodiment of the invention, the first region and / or the second region has a surface structure that provides a higher contrast to the surrounding surface of the tread, wherein this region / both regions are preferably roughened. Advantageously, a surface with a highly contrasting surface structure is substantially more visible to the consumer. Thus, new tire markings that receive optical depth due to the differentially raised and highly contrasting surfaces can be produced. It is conceivable that the surface is preferably roughened. Further, it is conceivable that the surface has serrated portions that produce a specific optical contrast for the consumer.

[0017] In another embodiment of the invention, at least one new tire marking is visible only when the vehicle tire is in a new condition. Advantageously, at least one new tire marking disappears due to wear on the tread surface, making it visible only when the tire is in a new condition. Advantageously, this new tire marking cannot be subsequently applied to the tread surface, making it substantially more tamper-proof than other markings in the prior art.

[0018] In another embodiment of the invention, at least one new tire marking has at least one ray, and / or a symbol, and / or at least one mark, and / or at least one number, and / or at least one letter. It may be advantageous for consumers that the new tire marking indicates, for example, a company. For example, a logo is conceivable. Further, it is conceivable that at least one new tire marking is an energy label and / or a label "Made in Germany." Further, the use of a barcode is conceivable. Thus, advantageously, consumers receive additional information about the quality of the vehicle tires, wherein this information is only visible in a new condition and will disappear with use due to wear.

[0019] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for producing a vehicle tire, particularly the described vehicle tire, having at least one new tire mark, wherein the vehicle tire is produced in a tire heating mold, wherein the tire heating mold has at least one at least partially engraved concave mold of the new tire mark in a region of the tread. Advantageously, in this production method, at least one new tire mark can be produced only on the surface of the tread of the vehicle tire. Therefore, this new tire mark is substantially more tamper-proof because it cannot be subsequently applied to the tread. Tire heating molds such as milling molds and / or casting molds are conceivable. Other molds are also conceivable. The engraved concave mold of the new tire mark can be produced, for example, by laser on the inner surface of the tire heating mold in the region of the tread. However, other types are also conceivable. An important aspect is that the concave mold of the new tire mark is a concave image of the new tire mark intended to be produced on the tread of the vehicle tire. It is conceivable that the surface structure to be produced has already been produced as a concave image in the tire heating mold. Alternatively, it can be envisioned that after the new tire markings are created, the surface texture of the new tire markings will be contrasted due to the surface being roughened, for example. Advantageously, this results in a new tire marking that presents a highly contrasting image to the consumer.

[0020] The embodiments already described concerning vehicle tires can, in turn, be related to the method according to the invention.

[0021] In another embodiment of the invention, the engraving die for the new tire marking has a surface having at least one first engraving area, which is at least partially lower than the surrounding die surface of the tread by at least 150 micrometers, particularly at least 100 micrometers. The die surface of the tread is the area of ​​the tire heating die, which is used to depict the tire tread after the vehicle tire has been produced. Advantageously, the at least partially engraved die in the tire heating die has a recess with a depth difference of at least partially at most 150 micrometers, particularly at least 100 micrometers, such that the new tire marking has a raised portion on the surface of the tread. Accordingly, the new tire marking disappears after the tire has been used, such that the new tire marking only identifies the vehicle tire in its new state. Furthermore, this method is advantageous because such a new tire marking cannot be subsequently applied to the vehicle tire and is therefore tamper-proof.

[0022] Furthermore, the recesses of the at least partially engraved die are preferably up to 80 micrometers, particularly preferably up to 60 micrometers, and even more particularly preferably up to 40 micrometers. Advantageously, with such recesses, an optical embossing specific to the consumer is produced.

[0023] In another embodiment of the invention, a first engraved area of ​​the surface surrounds a second, higher engraved area, which preferably is at least partially higher than the surrounding mold surface of the tread. According to the invention, the surrounding mold surface of the tread is the inner surface of a tire heating mold that outlines the concave shape of the tire surface. The concave shape of the new tire mark can be configured, for example, to be partially higher than the surrounding surface of the mold surface, so that subsequent imprinting of the new tire mark on the tire tread produces a more high-contrast impression for the consumer. This is particularly possible with new tire marks of varying heights or depths.

[0024] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a tire heating mold for the described method of producing a vehicle tire with at least one new tire marking, particularly a vehicle tire as described, wherein the tire heating mold has an engraving cavity for the new tire marking in a region of the tread. Advantageously, using such a tire heating mold, a new tire marking can be produced on the tread of the vehicle tire, which identifies the tire as new and cannot be subsequently applied to the tread. For example, a tire can be produced with tamper-proof new tire markings due to the described tire heating mold.

[0025] The embodiments of the vehicle tires and methods already described can, in turn, relate to the tire heating mold according to the invention.

[0026] In another embodiment of the invention, the invention further relates to the use of new tire markings on the tread of a described vehicle tire for identifying a new state of the vehicle tire. Advantageously, by using new tire markings on the tread of a vehicle tire, the vehicle tire can be identified only in its new state. In the prior art, the use of new tire markings on the tread of a vehicle tire, particularly new tire markings having a surface raised compared to the surrounding surface of the tread, is not conventional. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Other details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic side view shows a vehicle tire with new tire markings and a tire heating mold.

[0029] Figure 2 A schematic side view of the tire heating mold is shown, and

[0030] Figure 3 A plan view of the tire tread of a vehicle is shown.

[0031] 1. Vehicle tires

[0032] 2 Tire heating mold

[0033] 3. Tread

[0034] 4 New tire markings

[0035] 5. Surface of new tire markings

[0036] 6. Height differences

[0037] 7 Second new tire markings

[0038] 8 Third new tire markings

[0039] 9. Mold surface

[0040] 10 New tire marking die

[0041] 11. Engraved surface

[0042] 12 Depth Differences

[0043] 13 Second new tire marking die

[0044] 14. Die of the third new tire marking

[0045] 15 Additional tire heating molds

[0046] 16. Mold surface of the additional tire heating mold

[0047] 17. Additional tire heating mold for new tire marking cavity

[0048] 18. Serrated concave mold for new tire markings

[0049] 19. U-shaped die for new tire markings

[0050] 20 Planar Surface

[0051] 21 Serrated surface

[0052] 22 First lower surface

[0053] 23 Second Higher Surface

[0054] 24. New tire markings "NEW"

[0055] 25 New tire markings with energy labels

[0056] 26. New tire markings: "Made in Germany" Detailed Implementation

[0057] Figure 1 The diagram shows a cutout of the vehicle tire 1 and a side view of the tire heating mold 2. The vehicle tire 1 has a new tire mark 4 on the tread 3, which has a surface 5 that is higher than the surrounding surface of the tread 3. A height difference 6 is the difference between the surface 5 of the new tire mark and the surrounding surface of the tread 3. Furthermore, the vehicle tire 1 has a second new tire mark 7 and a third new tire mark 8, which correspond to the new tire mark 3.

[0058] Furthermore, the tire heating mold 2 includes a mold surface 9 in the tread region, wherein a concave mold 10 for new tire markings is engraved on the mold surface 9. The concave mold 10 for new tire markings has an engraved surface 11 that is lower than the surrounding surface of the mold surface 9. The depth difference 12 in the tire heating mold 2 corresponds to the height difference 6 of the first new tire marking 4 minus the shrinkage (neglected for simplicity). The tire heating mold 2 further has concave molds 13 for second new tire markings and concave molds 14 for third new tire markings on the mold surface 9. The surface of the tread 3 of the vehicle tire 1 is generally defined by the mold surface 9 of the tire heating mold 2 in the tread region.

[0059] Figure 2An additional, possible tire heating mold 15 is shown, having a mold surface 16 and a new tire marking die 17, an additional serrated die 18 for the new tire marking, and an additional U-shaped die 19 for the new tire marking. The new tire marking die 17 has an engraved surface 20 that is lower than the surrounding surface of the mold surface 16. The engraved surface 20 has a planar surface structure. However, the serrated die 18 for the new tire marking has a serrated surface 21. Only a portion of the serrated surface 21 is lower than the surrounding mold surface 16 in the tread area. Furthermore, the U-shaped die 19 for the new tire marking has a first lower surface 22 and a second higher surface 23. The higher surface 23 is higher than the surrounding surface 16.

[0060] Figure 3 A plan view of the tread strip of vehicle tire 1 is shown. Vehicle tire 1 has a tread 3, on which a new tire marking "NEW" 24 is arranged. In addition, vehicle tire 1 has a new tire marking 25 with an energy label and a new tire marking "Made in Germany" 26.

Claims

1. A vehicle tire (1) having a tread (3), characterized in that, The tread (3) has at least one new tire mark (4, 7, 8) which is visible only in the new state of the vehicle tire (1) and disappears after a certain period of travel. The surface (5) of the at least one new tire mark is at least partially higher than the surrounding surface of the tread (3). The surface (5) of the new tire mark has at least one first region which is at most 150 micrometers higher than the surrounding surface of the tread (3). The first region of the surface (5) surrounds a second lower region which is at most 150 micrometers lower than the surrounding surface of the tread (3).

2. The vehicle tire (1) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The surface (5) of the new tire marking has at least one first region that is at most 100 micrometers higher than the surrounding surface of the tread (3).

3. The vehicle tire (1) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second lower region is up to 100 micrometers lower than the surrounding surface of the tread (3).

4. The vehicle tire (1) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first region and / or the second lower region have surface structures that contrast more strongly with the surrounding surface of the tread (3).

5. The vehicle tire (1) as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first region and / or the second lower region are roughened.

6. The vehicle tire (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one new tire marking (4, 7, 8) has at least one shadow line.

7. The vehicle tire (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one new tire marking (4, 7, 8) has at least one symbol.

8. The vehicle tire (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one new tire marking (4, 7, 8) has at least one mark.

9. The vehicle tire (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one new tire marking (4, 7, 8) has at least one number.

10. The vehicle tire (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one new tire marking (4, 7, 8) has at least one letter.

11. A method for producing a vehicle tire (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, having at least one new tire marking (4, 7, 8). Its features are, The vehicle tire (1) is produced in a tire heating mold (2), wherein the tire heating mold (2) has at least one engraving die (10, 13, 14) for engraving new tire markings in a region of the tread (3), wherein the engraving die (10, 13, 14) for engraving new tire markings has a surface (11) having at least one first engraving area that is at least partially lower than the surrounding mold surface (16) of the tread by at most 150 micrometers, and wherein the first engraving area of ​​the surface (11) surrounds a second higher engraving area that is at least partially higher than the surrounding mold surface (16) of the tread.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The at least one first engraved area is at least partially lower than the surrounding mold surface (16) of the tread by up to 100 micrometers.

13. A tire heating mold (2), the tire heating mold being used in the method as described in claim 11, Its features are, The tire heating mold (2) has engraved recesses (10, 13, 14) for new tire markings in the area of ​​the tread.

14. Use of a new tire marking (4, 7, 8) on the tread (3) of a vehicle tire (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 for identifying a new state of the vehicle tire (1).

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