Vehicle tires

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle tire with a tread having profile blocks (7) delimited by transverse grooves (6) and further grooves (5), which are traversed by a dividing groove (8) which opens into the adjacent further groove(s) (5) and has two boundary edges (8a), a maximum depth (tN) determined in the radial direction of at least 55% of the tread depth (TUR) and a width (bR) of 1.00 mm to 3.00, wherein the dividing groove (8) is formed from an outer groove (9) and an inner cut (10) with a width (bE) of at least 0.40 mm and at most 50% of the width (bR) of the outer groove (9). The inner cut (10) opens together with the outer groove (9) into the oreach further groove (5) delimiting the profile block (7), wherein the outer groove (9) has a maximum depth (tR) of at least 50% of the maximum depth (tN) of the dividing groove (8) and wherein the block flanks (7f, 7g) each have an inclined surface (7f', 7g') extending towards the block outer surface (7d).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle tire with a tread with profile blocks delimited by transverse grooves and lateral grooves, each with a block outer surface and a block flank on each transverse groove, wherein the profile blocks include those which are each traversed by at least one dividing groove which opens into the adjacent further groove(s), is narrower than the transverse grooves and in particular narrower than the further grooves and has two boundary edges lying on the block outer surface, a maximum depth determined in the radial direction of at least 55% of the tread depth and a width determined between the boundary edges of 1.00 mm to 3.00 mm and are thus divided into block parts, wherein the dividing groove consists in the radial direction of an outer groove running over the boundary edges and an inner cut adjoining the outer groove radially on the inside and having a width of at least 0.40 mm and a maximum of 50% of the width of the outer groove.

[0002] Such a vehicle tire is disclosed, for example, in DE 10 2008 037 563 A1. The vehicle tire has a tread with circumferential grooves that separate rows of tread blocks. The tread blocks are provided with incisions with a width of 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm and, alternating with these, dividing grooves with a width of 1.0 mm to 4.0 mm. According to one embodiment, each dividing groove is formed in the radial direction from an outer groove ("wider incision") that does not extend to the tread depth, and an inner incision ("additional narrow incision") emanating from the groove base of the outer groove. The outer groove extends to a depth of at least 1.0 mm, in particular at least 2.0 mm. The inner incision ends at the level of the tread depth and has a width of 0.4 mm to 0.6 mm. The incisions and dividing grooves provide grip edges.In addition, the tread grooves can fill with snow when the tire rolls on snow. Therefore, the tire should offer good snow grip while only slightly compromising the stiffness of the tread blocks, meaning it should be reduced.

[0003] The invention is therefore based on the object of balancing the snow grip and dry performance of a vehicle tire of the type mentioned above in a more favorable manner than before.

[0004] The object is achieved according to the invention by ◯ that the inner cut, together with the outer groove, opens into the or each further groove delimiting the tread block, whereby the outer groove has a maximum depth of at least 50% of the maximum depth of the pitch groove and ◯ wherein the block flanks each have an inclined surface extending towards the outer surface of the block, which, viewed in a cross-section oriented perpendicular to the groove centre line of the transverse groove in plan view, appears as a straight line and extends at an angle of 35° to 55° to the radial direction.

[0005] The designed split groove, consisting of a converging inner sipe and outer groove, with the outer groove having a specific minimum depth, ensures a particularly favorable opening behavior of the split groove when passing through the ground contact patch, with regard to the grip effect of the edge of the split groove, thereby improving snow grip. The beveled surfaces on the block flanks counteract the reduction in stiffness of the tread blocks associated with the split groove by preventing the heavily loaded block edge areas from "rolling in," especially during braking and traction on dry roads, thus maintaining good dry performance.

[0006] According to a preferred embodiment, the outer groove has a groove base from which the inner notch extends. This groove base, viewed in cross-section, is formed by two groove base halves separated from each other by the inner notch. Viewed in plan view, the inner notch is thus formed centrally in the outer groove, further improving the opening behavior of the dividing groove and thus the snow grip.

[0007] The following section will discuss advantageous further developments of the preferred embodiment that can be combined with one another.

[0008] In a first advantageous further development, the groove base halves extend across the inner cut, viewed in cross-section, at an angle to the radial direction and in an S-shape such that a mutual distance measured parallel to the tread periphery between the groove base halves decreases continuously toward the groove base over the entire radial extent of the groove base halves. This ensures good crack resistance of the adjacent rubber material, which is also beneficial for dry performance, especially with advanced tread wear.

[0009] In the first advantageous further development, it is preferred if the groove base halves are each composed of a radially outer section and a radially inner section tangentially adjoining the inner incision over the extent of the inner incision, viewed in cross section, wherein the radially outer section and the radially inner section each extend along a circular arc with a radius of 0.20 mm to 0.50 mm.

[0010] According to a second advantageous development, the outer groove is defined by the groove base and two groove flanks, wherein the groove flanks, viewed in a cross-section oriented perpendicular to the groove centerline of the transverse groove in plan view, extend at an angle of 0° to 6°, in particular of at least 2°, preferably of 3° to 5°, to the radial direction and, in particular, connect tangentially to the radially outer end of the groove base halves. The tangential connection further improves the crack resistance of the adjacent rubber material. The specified angle of the groove flanks contributes to keeping the stiffness reduction of the tread blocks due to the dividing groove low, which is beneficial for dry performance.

[0011] According to a third advantageous refinement, the inner groove is defined by a groove base and two radially extending groove walls, which, viewed in cross-section, connect tangentially to the radially inner ends of the groove base halves. This measure is also beneficial for the crack resistance of the adjacent rubber material and for dry performance.

[0012] According to a further preferred embodiment, the tread blocks each traversed by at least one dividing groove include, in particular, exclusively tread blocks each traversed by exactly one dividing groove. Such tread blocks are particularly advantageous for dry performance.

[0013] Furthermore, it is preferred if the angle at which the inclined surfaces of the block flanks extend to the radial direction is 40° to 50°.

[0014] According to a further preferred embodiment, the inclined surface of each block flank is defined by a radially outer edge located on the block's outer surface and a radially inner edge, wherein the radially inner edge extends at a constant depth of 0.50 mm to 1.50 mm, in particular 0.75 mm to 1.25 mm, determined in the radial direction. This contributes to good dry performance.

[0015] According to a further preferred embodiment, the block flank, viewed in cross-section, is composed of the inclined surface and a radially inner flank section, wherein the radially inner flank section extends at an angle of 1° to 10° to the radial direction and adjoins the groove base of the transverse groove at a depth of 55% to 95%, in particular 65% to 85%, of the maximum depth of the transverse groove, determined in the radial direction relative to the level of the block outer surfaces. The radially inner flank section contributes to maintaining high rigidity of the tread blocks.

[0016] In the latter embodiment, it is furthermore advantageous if the tread is designed to be directional, so that the tread blocks have an incoming block edge region which first enters the ground when the tire rolls forwards on one adjacent transverse groove and a tapered block edge region on the other adjacent transverse groove, wherein the angle at which the radially inner flank section of the block flank formed along the incoming block edge region runs is 2° to 8°, in particular by up to 6°, greater than the angle at which the radially inner flank section of the block flank formed along the tapered block edge region runs.

[0017] A further preferred embodiment provides that the block sections are each traversed by at least one cut, 0.4 mm to 1.2 mm wide and with a maximum depth of 60% to 100% of the profile depth, leading into the further groove(s) adjacent to the tread block, and are thus divided into block segments. The or each cut—relative to its cut center line aligned in the direction of extension in plan view—runs parallel to the dividing groove. The cuts are beneficial for snow performance. The parallel course of the cuts to the dividing groove ensures evenly abrasive block segments, which contributes to maintaining good dry performance.

[0018] According to an advantageous variant of the latter embodiment, the block segments are each provided with microgrooves that are elongated in plan view and extend at a supplementary angle of 60° to 120°, in particular 70° to 110°, relative to the incisions, with a constant width and a constant depth of 0.20 mm to 1.00 mm, in particular 0.30 mm to 0.90 mm, respectively. The microgrooves located in block segments adjacent to the same incision, viewed in plan view, are preferably aligned with one another. Microgrooves oriented in this way are a particularly beneficial complement to the incisions for the grip properties of the tread on new or slightly worn tires.

[0019] Preferably, the maximum depth of the dividing groove is up to 100%, in particular 60% to 90%, preferably 65% to 80%, of the tread depth. This is particularly advantageous for the aforementioned opening behavior of the dividing groove and thus for snow grip.

[0020] Furthermore, it is preferred if the width of the outer groove is 1.50 mm to 2.50 mm and / or if the maximum depth of the outer groove is 60% to 90%, preferably 65% to 85%, particularly preferably 70% to 75%, of the maximum depth of the dividing groove. This is also of additional advantage for the aforementioned folding behavior of the dividing groove and thus for snow grip.

[0021] Further features, advantages and details of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawing, which schematically shows an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 1 a plan view of a circumferential section of a tread of a vehicle tire with an embodiment variant of the invention, developed in the plane, Fig. 2 a section along the line II-II of the Fig. 1, Fig. 3 an enlarged plan view of the detail Z3 of the Fig. 1, Fig. 4 a section along the line IV-IV of the Fig. 3, Fig. 5 a section along the line VV of the Fig. 3, Fig. 5a an enlargement of the Fig. 5, Fig. 6 a section along the line VI-VI of the Fig. 3, Fig. 7 an oblique view of a visualization (of a trigger body) of a dividing groove and Fig. 8 a section along the line VIII-VIII of the Fig. 3.

[0022] Vehicle tires designed according to the invention are tires for motor vehicles, in particular for multi-track motor vehicles, preferably for passenger cars (PCs), vans (transporters) or SUVs, and preferably pneumatic vehicle tires, particularly preferably pneumatic vehicle tires of radial design, for rims with an integer rim diameter of 13 inches to 24 inches, in particular of 14 inches to 23 inches, wherein the vehicle tires are intended for driving under winter driving conditions.

[0023] Fig. Figure 1 shows a plan view of a simplified circumferential section of a vehicle tire tread. The tire's equatorial plane is indicated by a dashed line AA, and the lateral edges of the tread's ground contact patch are indicated by dashed lines L. The ground contact patch corresponds to the statically determined footprint according to ETRTO standards (load at 70% of the maximum load capacity at an internal pressure of 85% according to the ETRTO standard).

[0024] The tread has two shoulder-side tread block rows 1 and a central tread area Z, is symmetrical with respect to the tire equatorial plane (line AA) and is also directional, whereby the vehicle tire is to be mounted on a vehicle in such a way that it has the rolling direction indicated by the arrow R when driving forward.

[0025] The central tread area Z is shown only schematically and comprises a central profile rib 2 bisected by the tire equatorial plane and two semi-central profile ribs 3, which are separated from the central profile rib 2 by a central circumferential groove 4 each and from the adjacent shoulder-side profile block row 1 by a shoulder-side circumferential groove 5 each.

[0026] The circumferential grooves 4, 5 are aligned in the radial direction to the respective intended point P1 ( Fig. 2, shown for a shoulder-side circumferential groove 5) related tread depth T UR ( Fig. 2), which is usually 6.5 mm to 13.0 mm for the preferred tire type.

[0027] The shoulder-side circumferential grooves 5 run, viewed in plan view, in a zigzag shape, each having a groove center line m following the groove course URand a plan view perpendicular to the groove center line m UR Width B determined at the tread periphery UR ( Fig. 2, compare position of line II-II in Fig. 1) from 5.0 mm to 10.0 mm and, viewed in plan view, are composed of short groove sections 5a and, in relation to these, long groove sections 5b which are longer, wherein a groove section 5a alternately follows a groove section 5b and the groove sections 5a are inclined in the opposite direction to the groove sections 5b with respect to the circumferential direction.

[0028] The shoulder-side profile block rows 1 are each provided with shoulder-side transverse grooves 6 which run parallel to one another in plan view and which each open into a long groove section 5b of the respective shoulder-side circumferential groove 5, a groove center line m QR have, viewed in plan view, straight, relative to the groove center line m QRto the axial direction at an angle α of 0° to 15°, in particular of 5° to 10°, as well as in sections within the ground contact area and in sections outside the ground contact area and separate shoulder-side profile blocks 7 from each other within the respective shoulder-side profile block row 1. According to Fig. 4, the shoulder-side transverse grooves 6 each have a maximum depth t determined in the radial direction QR (Depth at the deepest point) of 70% to 100%, in particular of at least 90%, particularly preferably of 100%, of the profile depth T UR ( Fig. 2), one at the level of the tread periphery and in plan view perpendicular to the groove center line m QR (see location of line IV-IV in Fig. 3) determined width b QRfrom 4.0 mm to 10.0 mm, in particular up to 8.0 mm, the exact determination of which will be discussed later, and each has a groove base 6a. The groove base 6a runs, in plan view, perpendicular to the groove center line m QR viewed in a cross-section, is U-shaped and has two lateral groove base curves 6a' running continuously in an arc shape, in particular along a circular arc each, and in the exemplary embodiment also a groove base 6a'' running between the lateral groove base curves 6a' and parallel to the tread periphery. Alternatively, the groove base 6a can be formed exclusively from the groove base curves 6a'.

[0029] As in Fig. 1, the tread is noise-optimised according to a method of pitch length variation and is composed of circumferentially successive pitches (similarly designed profile sections), whereby in the embodiment shown in the circumferential section pitches K, M, G with a circumferential length c K (Pitch K), c M (Pitch M), c G (Pitch G) and where the circumferential length c K of the pitch K of all circumferential lengths c K , c M , c G smallest and the circumference c G of the pitch G of all circumferential lengths c K , c M , c G is greatest. The pitch boundaries are indicated only on one lateral edge of the tread and, viewed from above, run longitudinally through the transverse grooves 6, so that in each pitch K, M, G there is a single shoulder-side profile block 7.

[0030] The further design of the shoulder-side profile blocks 7 is explained below using a single shoulder-side profile block 7.

[0031] According to Fig. 3, the shoulder-side tread block 7 has an inside block section 71 located within the ground contact area, a shoulder-side block section 72 adjacent to this, located outside the ground contact area and running to the respective sidewall (not shown), an incoming block edge region 7a formed on one adjacent transverse groove 6 and which first enters the ground when the tire rolls during forward travel (arrow R), a tapered block edge region 7b formed on the other adjacent transverse groove 6 and a lateral block edge 7c formed on the shoulder-side circumferential groove 5.The shoulder-side profile block 7 is delimited in the radial direction by a block outer surface 7d located in the tread periphery, extending both over the inside block section 71 and over the shoulder-side block section 72, on the shoulder-side circumferential groove 5 by a lateral block flank 7e extending over the lateral block edge 7c, in one circumferential direction to the adjacent transverse groove 6 by a block flank 7f formed along the incoming block edge region 7a and in the other circumferential direction to the adjacent transverse groove 6 by a block flank 7g formed along the outgoing block edge region 7b.

[0032] According to Fig. 2, the lateral block flank 7e, viewed in the cross-section perpendicular to the lateral block edge 7c in plan view (compare position of line II-II in Fig. 1 in conjunction with Fig. 3), consisting of a radially outer flank section 7e' and a radially inner flank section 7e''. The radially outer flank section 7e' runs, viewed in the mentioned cross section, straight and to the radial direction at an angle β of 0° to 10°, in particular of 4° to 8°, and ends at a depth t1 determined in the radial direction of 45% to 85%, in particular of 50% to 80%, of the profile depth T UR tangentially to the radially inner flank section 7e'', which, viewed in the mentioned cross-section, is arcuate and extends to the deepest point P1 of the shoulder-side circumferential groove 5.

[0033] According to Fig. 4 close the block flanks 7f, 7g, in plan view perpendicular to the groove center line m QR aligned cross-section (cf. position of line IV-IV in Fig. 3), to the respective radially outer end of the groove base 6a, in the exemplary embodiment therefore to the radially outer end of the respective groove base rounding 6a', and are composed, viewed in the last-mentioned cross section, of a radially outer inclined surface 7f', 7g' and a radially inner flank section 7f'', 7g''. The radially outer inclined surface 7f' is connected to the corresponding block outer surface 7d by a radially outer edge 7a a (cf. Fig. 3) of the incoming block edge area 7a and a radially inner edge 7a b (cf. Fig. 3) of the incoming block edge area 7a. The radially outer inclined surface 7g' is connected to the corresponding block outer surface 7d by a radially outer edge 7b a (cf. Fig. 3) of the outgoing block edge area 7b and a radially inner edge 7b b (cf. Fig. 3) of the tapered block edge region 7b. The radially outer inclined surfaces 7f', 7g', viewed in the last-mentioned cross-section, appear as straight lines and extend to the radial direction at an angle γ of 35° to 55°, in particular 40° to 50°, which is constant over their extension in plan view. The radially inner edge 7a b , 7b b runs at a constant depth t determined in the radial direction Kfrom 0.50 mm to 1.50 mm, in particular from 0.75 mm to 1.25 mm. The radially inner flank section 7f'', 7g'' runs, viewed in the last-mentioned cross-section, to the radial direction at a constant angle δ (flank section 7f''), ε (flank section 7g'') of 1° to 10°, respectively, wherein the angle δ of the flank section 7f'' is 2° to 8°, in particular up to 6°, greater than the angle ε of the flank section 7g''. The radially inner flank section 7f'', 7g'' closes at a depth t determined in the radial direction relative to the level of the block outer surfaces 7d F from 55% to 95%, in particular from 65% to 85%, of the maximum depth t QR the transverse groove 6 at the groove base 6a, i.e. the respective groove base rounding 6a'.

[0034] The already mentioned width b QRthe transverse grooves 6 is determined without the radially outer inclined surfaces 7f', 7g' and refers to the cross section in the radial direction through the radially inner edges 7a b , 7b b running auxiliary lines h1.

[0035] According to Fig. 3, the shoulder-side profile block 7 has a at the level of the block outer surface 7d, in the area of the inside block section 71 between and perpendicular to the radially outer edges 7a a , 7b a Maximum block width b determined in the circumferential direction, in particular constant B (block width at the widest point), which is the circumference c K (Pitch K, Fig. 1), c M (Pitch M, Fig. 1), c G (Pitch G, Fig. 1) of the respective corresponding pitch K, M, G. "Perpendicular to the edges 7a a , 7b a “ means for curved edges 7a a , 7b aperpendicular to locally to the edges 7a a , 7b a Tangents running parallel to each other.

[0036] How Fig. 1 further shows, the shoulder-side profile blocks 7 located in the pitches M and G are each provided with a dividing groove 8 which, viewed in plan view, runs straight and parallel to the transverse grooves 6 and in sections in the inside block section 71 and in sections in the shoulder-side block section 72, opens into the adjacent shoulder-side circumferential groove 5 on the inside of the tread and divides the associated shoulder-side profile block 7 into a block part 7h which also encompasses the incoming block edge region 7a and a block part 7i which also encompasses the outgoing block edge region 7b (cf. Fig. 3).

[0037] According to Fig. 3, the dividing groove 8 on the block outer surface 7d has two straight in plan view, parallel to each other and parallel to the groove center lines m QR boundary edges 8a running along the shoulder-side transverse grooves 6 and a center line m running centrally between the boundary edges 8a N , a symmetry plane E extending from this in the radial direction N ( Fig. 5, Fig. 5a) and one in the symmetry plane E N present maximum depth t determined in radial direction N ( Fig. 6, depth at the deepest point) of 55% to 100%, in particular of 60% to 90%, preferably of 65% to 80%, of the tread depth T UR ( Fig. 6), wherein the dividing groove 8 in the inside block section 71 and in the outside block section 72 runs out in a manner known per se, becoming shallower in the direction of the tread edge ( Fig. 6). Particularly preferably, the maximum depth t Nmaximum of the tread depth T reduced by 2.0 mm UR . How Fig. 5a in conjunction with Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 shows, the dividing groove 8 is made up in the radial direction - viewed from the boundary edges 8a - of a ( Fig. 6, Fig. 7), into the shoulder-side circumferential groove 5 ( Fig. 6) and an outer groove 9 which is radially connected to the inside of the shoulder-side profile block 7 and which, together with the outer groove 9, extends into the shoulder-side circumferential groove 5 ( Fig. 6) opening inner cut 10, wherein the inner cut 10 is formed according to Fig. 6 in the shoulder-side block section 72 along the outer groove 9 and in front of the tread-outside end of the outer groove 9.

[0038] How Fig. 5a and Fig. 7, the outer groove 9 is limited by two opposing groove flanks 9a extending from the boundary edges 8a and a groove base 9b, wherein the outer groove 9 is formed according to Fig. 5a a plan view perpendicular to the center line m N (cf. Fig. 3), and therefore perpendicular to the plane of symmetry E N , as well as constant width b determined between the boundary edges 8a R from 1.00 mm to 3.00 mm, in particular 1.50 mm to 2.50 mm, and in the radial direction a plane of symmetry E N and the radially inner end of the groove base 9b related maximum depth t R (Depth at the deepest point, cf. Fig. 6) of at least 50%, in particular from 60% to 90%, preferably from 65% to 85%, particularly preferably from 70% to 75%, of the maximum depth t N ( Fig. 6) of the dividing groove 8. According to Fig. 6, the outer groove 9 has the maximum depth t Rat least over the majority, in particular over the entire, of its extension present in the inside block section 71 and becomes shallower at least in the shoulder-side block section 72 - analogous to the entire dividing groove 8 - in a particularly known manner in the direction of the tread edge.

[0039] According to Fig. 5a, the groove flanks 9a, in plan view perpendicular to the center line m N viewed in a cross-section (see position of line VV in Fig. 3), straight and to the radial direction at an angle η of 0° to 6°, in particular of at least 2°, preferably of 3° to 5°, wherein in the case of groove flanks 9a inclined to the radial direction (angle η ≠ 0°) the groove perpendicular to the plane of symmetry E N determined mutual distance between the groove flanks 9a is increased in the direction of the boundary edges 8a and wherein the groove flanks 9a in the inside block section 71 ( Fig. 6) at a depth t determined in the radial direction R * (cf. Fig. 6) from 82% to 90% of the maximum depth t R the outer groove 9.

[0040] How Fig. 5a further shows, the groove base 9b, viewed in the last-mentioned cross-section, is formed from two groove base halves 9b', which - each over the extent of the inner incision 10 - are separated from each other by this ( Fig. 7) and are inclined to the radial direction and are S-shaped in such a way that a mutual distance a determined parallel to the tread periphery between the groove base halves 9b' R over the entire radial extent of the groove base halves 9b' continuously decreases in the direction of the inner cut 10. The groove base halves 9b' are set over the extent of the inner cut 10, viewed in the last-mentioned cross section, each of a depth t R* a radially outer section 9b'1 adjoining the respective groove flank 9a and extending along a circular arc, and a radially inner section 9b'2 tangentially adjoining this and also extending along a circular arc. In the area outside the inner incision 10, the groove base halves 9b' are each formed exclusively from the radially outer sections 9b'1, with the radially outer sections 9b'1 converging ( Fig. 7). The circular arc of section 9b'1, 9b'2 has a radius of 0.20 mm to 0.50 mm.

[0041] How Fig. 3 in combination with Fig. 5a shows, the inner incision 10 ( Fig. 5a), viewed from above ( Fig. 3, Note: Inner egg incision 10 but only in Fig. 5a), in the middle of the groove base 9b ( Fig. 5a) of the outer groove 9 ( Fig. 5a) and is thus along the center line m N the dividing groove 8 ( Fig. 3). The inner notch 10 closes according to Fig. 5a to the radially inner end of the radially inner sections 9b'2 of the groove base halves 9b', runs, in plan view perpendicular to the center line m N the dividing groove 8 running cross-section (cf. position of line VV in Fig. 3), in the radial direction and is narrower than the outer groove 9. As Fig. 5a further shows, the inner incision 10 is limited by two incision walls 10a tangentially adjoining the groove base halves 9b', i.e., their radially inner sections 9b'2, and aligned in the radial direction, and a rounded incision base 10b, wherein the inner incision 10 has a perpendicular to the symmetry plane E N and constant width b determined between the cutting walls 10a E of at least 0.40 mm and at most 50% of the width b R the outer groove 9.

[0042] How Fig. 3 shows, the dividing groove 8 is in the shoulder-side profile block 7, which is located in the pitch G (cf. Fig. 1), regarding the maximum block width b B positioned centrally in the shoulder-side profile block 7, so that the block part 7h encompassing the incoming block edge area 7a and the block part 7i encompassing the outgoing block edge area 7b each have a determined at the level of the block outer surface 7d, on the center line m N Width b relative to the dividing groove 8 BT of 50% of the maximum block width b B According to Fig. 1, the dividing groove 8 in the shoulder-side profile block 7, which is located in the pitch M, is offset in the direction of the outgoing block edge area 7b in such a way that the block part 7h encompassing the incoming block edge area 7a has a width b BT from 55% to 65% of the corresponding maximum block width b B (cf. Fig. 3).

[0043] How Fig. 1 further shows, each shoulder-side profile block 7 is provided with three (pitch K, pitch M) or four (pitch G) in plan view parallel to the dividing groove 8 and the transverse grooves 6, opening into the shoulder-side circumferential groove 5, traversing the inside block section 71, extending in sections in the shoulder-side block section 72 with a width of 0.4 mm to 1.2 mm and a maximum depth determined in the radial direction (depth at the deepest point) of 60% to 100% of the profile depth T UR ( Fig. 2). In the shoulder-side profile block 7 located in the pitch K, the cuts 11 are evenly distributed over the maximum block width b B (cf. Fig. 3). In the shoulder-side profile block 7 located in the pitch M, in the block part 7h encompassing the incoming block edge area 7a, two evenly distributed over its width b BTdistributed cuts 11 and in the block part 7i encompassing the outgoing block edge area 7b a single, with respect to the width b BT (not shown) is provided with a cut 11 formed centrally in the block part 7i. In the shoulder-side profile block 7 located in the pitch G, each block part 7h, 7i has two cuts evenly spaced across its width b BT (not shown) distributed incisions 11 are formed.

[0044] The incisions 11 and the dividing grooves 8 provide the shoulder-side profile blocks 7 with block segments 7j, which in the inside block section 71 are each provided with three microgrooves 12 formed next to one another in the axial direction and elongated in plan view with a constant width b MR ( Fig. 8) and a constant depth t MR ( Fig. 8) of 0.20 mm to 1.00 mm, in particular of 0.30 mm to 0.90 mm. Each microgroove 12, viewed in plan view, extends relative to the or each incision 11 adjacent to the respective block segment 7j at a supplementary angle θ ( Fig. 3) from 60° to 120°, in particular from 70° to 110°. The microgrooves 12, which are located in block segments 7j adjacent to the same incision 11, preferably run in alignment with one another in plan view.

[0045] The invention is not limited to the described embodiment.

[0046] The microgrooves and the incisions are optional. The incisions can be wave-shaped, for example, in a sawtooth shape, at least in sections, in plan view. The incisions are aligned parallel to the dividing groove with respect to centerlines aligned in their direction of extension in plan view. The dividing grooves and incisions, viewed in plan view and with respect to their centerlines, preferably run straight or continuously curved (arched). The profile blocks can each be provided with several, in particular two or three, dividing grooves.

[0047] The tread does not have to be directional. Furthermore, the pitch grooves can be provided in any tread blocks. The tread blocks can be bordered by transverse grooves running in a V-shape across the tread width, with short grooves bordering the tread blocks running between them, with the pitch grooves opening into the adjacent short groove(s). Depending on the design and viewed from above, the transverse grooves run at an angle of in particular 0° to 65°, in particular up to 55°, to the axial direction. In the case of straight transverse grooves, the angle refers to the groove centerline, and in the case of curved transverse grooves, it refers to a local tangent to the groove centerline. In the case of curved transverse grooves, the expression “perpendicular to the groove centerline” refers to such a tangent. List of reference symbols 1 shoulder-side tread block row 2 central profile ribs 3 semi-central profile ribs 4 middle circumferential groove 5 shoulder-side circumferential groove 5a short groove section 5b long groove section 6 shoulder-side transverse grooves 6a groove base 6a' groove base rounding 6a'' grooved base 7 shoulder-side profile block 71 inside block section 72 shoulder-side block section 7a incoming block edge area 7a a radial outer edge 7a b radial inner edge 7b tapered block edge area 7b a radial outer edge 7b b radial inner edge 7c side block edge 7d Block outer surface 7e lateral block flank 7e' radial outer flank section 7e'' radial inner flank section 7f Block flank 7f' radial outer inclined surface 7f'' radial inner flank section 7g block flank 7g' radial outer inclined surface 7g'' radial inner flank section 7h block part 7i block part 7j block segment 8 dividing groove 8a boundary edge 9 Outer groove 9a groove flank 9b groove base 9b Groove base half 9b'1 radial outer section 9b'2 radial inner section 10 Internal incision 10a cutting wall 10b Cutting base 11 incision 12 microgrooves AA line (tyre equatorial plane) a R mutual distance b B maximum block width b BT , b E , b MR , b QR , b R Width B UR Width c G , c K , c M Circumference length E N plane of symmetry K Pitch G Pitch h1 auxiliary line L line (lateral edge of the ground contact area) M Pitch m N center line m QR , m UR Groove centerline P1 lowest point R arrow (rolling direction) t1, t F , t K , t MR , t R * Depth t N , t QR , t R maximum depth T UR Tread depth Z central tread area Z3 Detail α, β, γ, δ, ε, η angles θ supplement angle QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2008 037 563 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Vehicle tyre with a tread with profile blocks (7) delimited by transverse grooves (6) and lateral grooves (5), each with a block outer surface (7d) and a block flank (7f, 7g) on each transverse groove (6), wherein the profile blocks (7) include those which are each delimited by at least one dividing groove (8) which opens into the adjacent further groove(s) (5), is narrower than the transverse grooves (6) and in particular narrower than the further grooves (5) and has two boundary edges (8a) lying on the block outer surface (7d), a maximum depth (t N ) of at least 55% of the tread depth (T UR ) and a width (b) determined between the boundary edges (8a) R) of 1.00 mm to 3.00 and are thus divided into block parts (7h, 7i), wherein the dividing groove (8) consists in the radial direction of an outer groove (9) extending over the boundary edges (8a) and an inner incision (10) adjoining this radially on the inside and having a width (b E ) of at least 0.40 mm and not more than 50% of the width (b R ) of the outer groove (9), characterized in that ◯ that the inner cut (10) opens together with the outer groove (9) into the or each further groove (5) delimiting the tread block (7), wherein the outer groove (9) has a maximum depth (t R ) of at least 50% of the maximum depth (t N ) of the dividing groove (8) and o wherein the block flanks (7f, 7g) each have an inclined surface (7f', 7g') extending to the block outer surface (7d), which, in plan view perpendicular to the groove center line (m QR) of the transverse groove (6), appears as a straight line and runs at an angle (γ) of 35° to 55° to the radial direction. [2] Vehicle tyre according to claim 1, characterized by that the outer groove (9) has a groove base (9b) from which the inner incision (10) extends and which, viewed in cross section, is formed from two groove base halves (9b') which - over the extent of the inner incision (10) - are separated from one another by the latter. [3] Vehicle tyre according to claim 2, characterized by that the groove base halves (9b') extend over the extension of the inner cut (10), viewed in cross section, inclined to the radial direction and in an S-shape such that a mutual distance (a R) decreases continuously over the complete radial extension of the groove base halves (9b') in the direction of the groove base (9b). [4] Vehicle tyre according to claim 3, characterized by that the groove base halves (9b') are each composed of a radially outer section (9b'1) and a radially inner section (9b'2) tangentially adjoining the latter over the extent of the inner incision (10), viewed in cross-section, wherein the radially outer section (9b'1) and the radially inner section (9b'2) each extend along a circular arc with a radius of 0.20 mm to 0.50 mm. [5] Vehicle tyre according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by that the outer groove (9) is limited by the groove base (9b) and two groove flanks (9a), the groove flanks (9a), in plan view perpendicular to the groove center line (m QR) of the transverse groove (6), extend at an angle (η) of 0° to 6°, in particular of at least 2°, preferably of 3° to 5°, to the radial direction and in particular adjoin tangentially to the radially outer end of the groove base halves (9b'). [6] Vehicle tyre according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized by that the inner incision (10) is delimited by an incision base (10b) and two incision walls (10a) running in the radial direction, which, viewed in cross-section, adjoin tangentially to the radially inner ends of the groove base halves (9b'). [7] Vehicle tyre according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the profile blocks (7) which are each traversed by at least one dividing groove (8) include, in particular, exclusively profile blocks (7) which are each traversed by exactly one dividing groove (8). [8] Vehicle tyre according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized bythat the angle (γ) at which the inclined surfaces (7f', 7g') of the block flanks (7f, 7g) extend to the radial direction is 40° to 50°. [9] Vehicle tyre according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the inclined surface (7f', 7g') of each block flank (7f, 7g) is formed by a radially outer edge (7a) lying on the block outer surface (7d) a ) and a radially inner edge (7a b ), wherein the radially inner edge (7a b ) at a constant depth (t K ) from 0.50 mm to 1.50 mm, in particular from 0.75 mm to 1.25 mm. [10] Vehicle tyre according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized bythat the block flank (7f, 7g), viewed in cross-section, is composed of the inclined surface (7f', 7g') and a radially inner flank section (7f'', 7g''), wherein the radially inner flank section (7f'', 7g'') extends at an angle (δ, ε) of 1° to 10° to the radial direction and is at a depth (t F ) from 55% to 95%, especially from 65% to 85%, of the maximum depth (t QR ) of the transverse groove (6) adjoins the groove base (6a) of the transverse groove (6). [11] Vehicle tyre according to claim 10, characterized bythat the tread is designed to be directional, so that the profile blocks (7) have an incoming block edge region (7a) on one adjacent transverse groove (6) which first enters the ground when the tire rolls during forward travel, and a tapered block edge region (7b) on the other adjacent transverse groove (6), wherein the angle (δ) at which the radially inner flank section (7f'') of the block flank (7f) formed along the incoming block edge region (7a) runs is 2° to 8°, in particular by up to 6°, greater than the angle (ε) at which the radially inner flank section (7g'') of the block flank (7g) formed along the tapered block edge region (7b) runs. [12] Vehicle tyre according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized bythat the block parts (7h, 7i) are each formed by at least one cut (11) which opens into the further groove(s) (5) adjacent to the profile block (7) and has a width of 0.4 mm to 1.2 mm and a maximum depth of 60% to 100% of the profile depth (T UR ) and are thus divided into block segments (7j), wherein the or each incision (11) - with respect to its incision center line aligned in the direction of extension in plan view - runs parallel to the dividing groove (8). [13] Vehicle tyre according to claim 12, characterized by that the block segments (7j) are each provided with microgrooves (12) which are elongated in plan view and extend relative to the incisions (11) at a supplementary angle (θ) of 60° to 120°, in particular of 70° to 110°, and have a constant width (b MR ) and a constant depth (t MR) of 0.20 mm to 1.00 mm, in particular of 0.30 mm to 0.90 mm, wherein the microgrooves (12) which are located in block segments (7j) adjacent to the same incision (11) are preferably aligned with one another when viewed in plan view. [14] Vehicle tyre according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by that the maximum depth (t N ) of the dividing groove (8) up to 100%, in particular 60% to 90%, preferably 65% to 80%, of the profile depth (T UR ) amounts. [15] Vehicle tyre according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by that the width (b R ) of the outer groove (9) 1.50 mm to 2.50 mm and / or that the maximum depth (t R ) of the outer groove (9) 60% to 90%, preferably 65% to 85%, particularly preferably 70% to 75%, the maximum depth (t N ) of the dividing groove (8) amounts.

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