Vehicle tires
The groove design in vehicle tires addresses the conflict between wet grip and noise by creating a direct water drainage path through the incision into the circumferential groove, enhancing wet-weather performance while maintaining low noise levels.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE102024205994
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-06-27
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-31
AI Technical Summary
Existing vehicle tires face a conflict between wet grip performance and tire-road noise due to the design of groove-cut combinations in the shoulder-side tread ribs, where transverse grooves enhance water drainage but contribute to audible noise frequencies.
The groove design includes an incision that opens into the shoulder-side circumferential groove, dividing the end edge into two sections and creating a direct water drainage path, with a cut mouth depth of at least 50% of the transverse groove depth, to improve water flow while minimizing tire-road noise.
This design enhances wet-weather performance by improving water drainage and reducing tire-road noise, particularly under transverse loads, without significantly increasing noise levels.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle tire with a tread having at least one shoulder-side profile rib bounded by a shoulder-side circumferential groove designed to the tread depth, the rib having an inner section located within the ground contact area, a shoulder section located outside the ground contact area, a rib outer surface, and groove-cut combinations consisting of a transverse groove extending at least in the shoulder section and a cut extending from the transverse groove towards the shoulder-side circumferential groove, which is narrower than the transverse groove. wherein the transverse groove has two groove edges located on the outer surface of the rib, an end edge running between the inner ends of the groove edges, a groove base and an end flank adjoining the end of the groove base on the inner side of the tread and extending to the end edge, and wherein the cut originates from the outer surface of the rib, has a width of 0.4 mm to 2.0 mm, a maximum depth of 60% to 100% of the profile depth and a cut opening located on the end flank of the transverse groove.
[0002] Such a vehicle tire is known, for example, from DE 10 2021 211 351 A1. The vehicle tire has a tread with a shoulder-side profile rib, bounded by a shoulder-side circumferential groove, comprising an inner section and a shoulder section. The shoulder-side profile rib is provided with groove-cut combinations, each consisting of a transverse groove extending at least largely within the shoulder section, with a maximum circumferential width of 2.0 mm to 10.0 mm, and a cut extending from the end edge of the transverse groove towards the shoulder-side circumferential groove, with a maximum depth of 70% to 100% of the tread depth and a width of 0.4 mm to 2.0 mm. Furthermore, the inner section features a circumferential groove extending straight in the circumferential direction (in plan view), with a width of 0.5 mm to 5.0 mm and a depth of 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm, at which the cut terminates.Furthermore, in the area between adjacent transverse grooves in the circumferential direction, a further cut with a width of 0.40 mm to 2.00 mm and a maximum depth of 70% to 100% is formed, opening into the circumferential groove. Between each further cut and the transverse groove runs a micro-cut with a depth of at least 0.5 mm and at most 50% of the tread depth and a width of 0.4 mm to 2.0 mm, the ends of the micro-cut being located within a distance of up to 10.0 mm from the lateral edge of the contact patch, measured transversely to the circumferential direction. The tire is intended to provide good tire-road contact during cornering and thus improved handling characteristics.
[0003] DE 10 2005 013 810 A1 discloses a vehicle tire with a tread having two shoulder-side profile ribs with groove-cut combinations, each consisting of a transverse groove and a cut extending from the transverse groove towards the shoulder-side circumferential groove. The cut is formed in a rib web that is set back from the level of the rib's outer surface and spaced apart from the circumferential groove that delimits the respective profile rib. The rib web extends radially to a depth of at least 36%, and in particular at least 45%, of the tread depth relative to the level of the rib's outer surface and traverses the rib web in the longitudinal direction of the transverse groove.
[0004] In the case of vehicle tires of the type mentioned above, the design of the groove-cut combinations in the shoulder-side tread ribs presents a significant conflict between wet grip performance and the contribution of the tread rib to tire-road noise. While transverse grooves with a larger void volume are advantageous for draining water from the shoulder-side tread rib and thus for wet grip performance, they also lead – depending on their position – to more audible noise frequencies.
[0005] The invention is therefore based on the objective of improving the wet performance of a vehicle tire of the type mentioned above while maintaining a low contribution of the shoulder-side profile rib to the tire-road noise.
[0006] The problem set out in the invention is solved by the fact that the incision opens into the shoulder-side circumferential groove and divides the end edge into two end edge sections, wherein the incision opening located on the end flank of the transverse groove is surrounded by the end flank in a U-shape.
[0007] The groove creates a direct water drainage path between the circumferential groove and the transverse groove, so that when driving on wet roads, water picked up by the groove is channeled into both the circumferential and transverse grooves. Furthermore, the special design of the groove's opening at the transverse groove promotes a smooth flow of water from the groove into the transverse groove. Due to its small volume, the groove advantageously has minimal impact on tire-road noise. Thus, wet-weather performance is improved while maintaining low tire-road noise.
[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, the cut at the cut mouth has a depth, measured radially relative to the level of the outer rib surface, of at least 50% of the maximum depth of the transverse groove and at most the maximum depth of the transverse groove reduced by 0.50 mm. The depth of the cut at the cut mouth is particularly at least 60%, preferably at least 70%, and more preferably at least 80%, of the maximum depth of the transverse groove. The transverse groove preferably becomes shallower, and in particular continuously shallower, from the point of maximum depth towards its end on the outer side of the tread. A cut mouth designed in this way further facilitates water flow from the cut into the transverse groove, thus improving water drainage within the cut and consequently the wet-weather performance.
[0009] According to a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that that the transverse groove has a maximum depth of 2.00 mm to 7.00 mm, in particular of 3.00 mm to 6.00 mm, or that the maximum depth of the transverse groove is 2.00 mm to 7.00 mm, in particular 3.00 mm to 6.00 mm.
[0010] A transverse groove designed in this way is also advantageous for water drainage capacity and thus for wet performance.
[0011] A particularly advantageous embodiment for drainage under transverse loads, such as those occurring when driving around curves at high speed, provides that the transverse groove, viewed from above, is elongated transversely to the circumferential direction and has a straight longitudinal groove axis located at the level of the rib's outer surface and aligned along its maximum length. This contributes to improved drainage of the profile rib in the shoulder section.
[0012] The following section discusses combinable, advantageous further developments of the latter embodiment as well as combinable specific configurations belonging to these further developments.
[0013] According to a first further development of the latter embodiment, the transverse groove runs – with respect to the longitudinal axis of the groove – at an angle to the circumferential direction which deviates from 90° by up to 10°, in particular by up to 7°, preferably by up to 5°, and which is particularly preferably 90°. This contributes to a further improvement in drainage under transverse loading.
[0014] A second improvement involves the transverse groove, viewed from above, being composed along its longitudinal axis of a trapezoidal tapered section adjacent to the cut, which widens continuously from its end edge towards the edge of the tread, and a main section elongated along the longitudinal axis of the groove. The tapered section facilitates a smooth flow of water absorbed by the transverse groove. The main section further improves drainage under transverse loading.
[0015] According to a specific embodiment of the second further development, the tapered section extends over a groove edge section on the inside of the tread, which is straight in plan view and forms exclusively one leg of the trapezoid, and the second groove edge forms the other leg of the trapezoid, wherein the tapered section has a width measured circumferentially between the groove edge section on the inside of the tread and the second groove edge, with a maximum value present at the outer end of the groove edge section on the inside of the tread and a minimum value projected circumferentially at the end edge, wherein the maximum value is 300% to 400%, in particular 320% to 380%, preferably 330% to 370%, particularly preferably 340% to 360%, and most preferably 345% to 355%, of the minimum value.Such a widening tapered section is advantageous for water drainage capacity and contributes little or not at all to tire-road noise, especially when the ground contact area is temporarily shifted towards the edge of the tread.
[0016] In the specific design, it is advantageous for drainage if the minimum value of the width of the tapered section is 1.8 mm to 3.0 mm, in particular up to 2.5 mm.
[0017] Furthermore, in the specific design for drainage, it is advantageous if the tapered section has a length of 15% to 25% of the length of the transverse groove, measured transversely to the circumferential direction, based on the groove edge section on the inside of the tread forming exclusively one leg of the trapezoid, wherein the length of the transverse groove is based on the longitudinal axis of the groove and determined transversely to the circumferential direction.
[0018] According to a further specific embodiment of the second development, the transverse groove, viewed from above, is composed of the tapered section, the main section, and a bulging, trapezoidal groove extension located on one side of the groove's longitudinal axis, adjacent to the main section but not adjacent to the tapered section. This extension has a trapezoidal base located within the transverse groove, particularly one extending transversely to the circumferential direction. The transverse grooves are preferably designed such that, in the case of successive transverse grooves in the circumferential direction, the groove extensions alternately face each other and face away from each other. The groove extension forms an additional water reservoir and therefore contributes to a further improvement in wet performance.
[0019] In the latter specific design, it is particularly advantageous for wet performance to if the groove widening has a maximum width of 3.0 mm to 5.0 mm, measured circumferentially and based on the trapezoidal base, and / or when the groove widening has a length measured along the base of the trapezoid of 40% to 55% of the length of the transverse groove, where the length of the transverse groove is related to the groove longitudinal extension line and is determined perpendicular to the circumferential direction.
[0020] According to a further specific design of the second further development, it is planned that a) that the second groove edge, which forms the other leg of the trapezoid, runs straight in plan view or b) that the second groove edge, which forms the other leg of the trapezoid, has a groove edge section on the inside of the tread which runs straight in plan view, forms the other leg of the trapezoid, and ends at the base of the trapezoidal groove extension, wherein the inner groove edge section of the first groove edge, forming exclusively one leg of the trapezoid, encloses an angle of 35° to 55°, in particular 40° to 50°, determined via the transverse groove, with the second groove edge in variant a) and with the inner groove edge section of the second groove edge in variant b).
[0021] Such an opening angle in the area of the tapered section is of additional advantage for its explained mode of operation.
[0022] Furthermore, it is preferred if the first groove edge has a groove edge section adjoining the groove edge section on the inside of the tread and extending in the main section, wherein this groove edge section and the groove edge section on the inside of the tread of the second groove edge, viewed from above, each extend at an angle to the circumferential direction which deviates from the angle at which the transverse grooves extend with respect to the longitudinal groove extension lines by at most 3°, preferably by at most 2°.
[0023] Another preferred embodiment relates to the design of the end edge of the transverse groove, wherein it is provided that that the end edge, viewed from above, is straight and runs at an angle to the circumferential direction which deviates from 0° by up to 2°, preferably 0° and / or that the end edge, viewed from above, has a distance to the lateral edge of the ground contact surface of 1.0 mm to 15.0 mm, in particular 2.0 mm to 8.0 mm, determined as the smallest possible distance perpendicular to the circumferential direction, so that the transverse groove runs completely in the shoulder section.
[0024] For the drainage performance of the transverse groove, it is further advantageous if the transverse groove, viewed in plan view, has a length, determined perpendicular to the circumferential direction and related to the longitudinal axis of the groove, of 50% to 90%, in particular 55% to 85%, preferably 65% to 75%, of the width of the shoulder section of the profile rib. when the length of the transverse groove is 50% to 90%, in particular 55% to 85%, preferably 65% to 75%, of the width of the shoulder section of the profile rib.
[0025] Further features, advantages, and details of the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the drawing, which schematically illustrates an embodiment of the invention. The drawing shows... Fig. 1 a simplified top view of a circumferential section of a shoulder-side profile rib of a tread of a vehicle pneumatic tire developed into a plane with an embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 an enlarged top view of detail Z2 of the Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a cut along line III-III of the Fig. 2, Fig. 4 a cut along line IV-IV of the Fig. 2, Fig. 5 a cut along line VV of the Fig. 2, Fig. 6 A greatly enlarged top view of detail Z6 of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 7 a slant view according to the in Fig. 2. Viewing direction indicated by arrow S7, whereby the tread is not unwound into the plane, but curved according to the tire contour.
[0026] Vehicle tires designed according to the invention are tires for motor vehicles, in particular for multi-track motor vehicles, preferably for passenger cars, vans or SUVs, and preferably pneumatic tires, especially preferably radial pneumatic tires for rims with an integer rim diameter of 13 inches to 24 inches, in particular from 18 inches to 23 inches.
[0027] Fig. Figure 1 shows a top view of a circumferential section of a shoulder-side profile rib 1 of a vehicle tire tread. The shoulder-side profile rib 1 is bounded on the inside of the tread by a shoulder-side circumferential groove 2, of which only a portion is shown. The lateral edge of the contact patch running in the area of the shoulder-side profile rib 1 (corresponding to the statically determined footprint according to ETRTO standards, load at 70% of the maximum load-bearing capacity, internal pressure of 85% of the standard pressure) is indicated by a dashed line L.
[0028] Viewed from above, the circumferential groove 2 runs straight and is radially aligned with the respective intended profile depth T, which is related to the lowest point P1 in the cross-section. UR ( Fig. 3) typically manufactured from 6.0 mm to 13.0 mm and has a constant width B determined in the axial direction at the tread periphery UR ( Fig. 2: 0.5 * B UR (is shown) from 6.5 mm to 13.0 mm.
[0029] The shoulder-side profile rib 1 has an inner section 11 located within the ground contact area and extending circumferentially, a shoulder section 12 located outside the ground contact area and extending circumferentially towards the side wall (not shown), an outer rib surface 1a located at the periphery of the tread, extending over both the inner section 11 and the shoulder section 12, a rib flank 1b formed along the shoulder-side circumferential groove 2, and a rib edge 1c formed at the junction of the outer rib surface 1a and the rib flank 1b, which runs straight in plan view. The shoulder section 12 has a width bs determined at the outer rib surface 1a transversely to the circumferential direction. "Transversely to the circumferential direction" means transverse to a tangent that is drawn to a corresponding line extending circumferentially.
[0030] The shoulder-side profile rib 1 is provided with groove-incision combinations K distributed over its circumference, each consisting of a transverse groove 3 running completely in the shoulder section 12 and an incision 9 running between the transverse groove 3 and the shoulder-side circumferential groove 2.
[0031] The transverse grooves 3, viewed from above, are elongated perpendicular to the circumferential direction and each has a straight groove longitudinal extension line L lying at the level of the rib outer surface 1a, aligned along its maximum length (length at the longest point). QR on, wherein the transverse grooves 3 - with respect to the groove longitudinal extension lines L QR - are each asymmetrically designed and parallel to each other and to the circumferential direction at an angle α (cf. Fig. 2) run at an angle which deviates from 90° by up to 10°, in particular by up to 7°, preferably by up to 5°. The angle α is particularly preferably 90°. Transverse grooves 3, which follow each other directly in the circumferential direction, exhibit – with respect to their groove longitudinal extension lines L QR - mutual distances determined in the circumferential direction as the smallest possible distances a QR from 20.0 mm to 55.0 mm.
[0032] The further design of the transverse grooves 3 is explained below using a single transverse groove 3 as an example.
[0033] According to Fig. 2 the transverse groove 3 has a point on the groove longitudinal extension line L QR related length c, determined perpendicular to the circumferential direction QR of 50% to 90%, in particular of 55% to 85%, preferably of 65% to 75%, of the width bs of the shoulder section 12 and a maximum depth t determined in the radial direction QRmax (Depth at the deepest point, Fig. 5) from 2.00 mm to 7.00 mm, in particular from 3.00 mm to 6.00 mm, wherein the transverse groove 3 becomes progressively shallower from the deepest point in a manner known in particular towards its outer end on the tread, and has a minimum depth t at the outer end on the tread. QRmin (Depth at the shallowest point, Fig. 5) of at most 1.0 mm, in particular of at most 0.5 mm. Alternatively, the transverse groove 3 can taper off towards the outer surface of the rib 1a on the outside of the tread.
[0034] Viewed from above, the transverse groove 3 consists of a funnel-shaped and asymmetrically trapezoidal, inner-tread tapering section 31, a main section 32, and a lateral, bulging, trapezoidal groove widening 33 (division indicated by dotted lines, with the division between the tapering section 31 and the main section 32 superimposed by a double arrow). The tapering section 31 and the main section 32 follow the groove's longitudinal extension line L. QR on top of each other, so that the groove longitudinal extension line L QR in these two sections. The main section 32 is along the groove longitudinal extension line L. QR elongated, extends along the groove longitudinal extension line L QR from a rectangular, inner section part 3 adjacent to the tapering section 31 2i and an outer section part 3 adjacent to the groove extension 332a together. The groove extension 33 has a section part 3 on the outer side. 2a The trapezoidal base TB3, which lies flat and runs transversely to the circumferential direction, therefore borders the main section 32, but not the tapered section 31. The transverse grooves 3 are designed such that, in the case of successive transverse grooves 3 in the circumferential direction, the groove widenings 33 alternately face each other and face away from each other (see Fig. 1).
[0035] The transverse groove 3 is circumferentially defined at the level of the outer rib surface 1a by a line on one side of the groove longitudinal extension line L. QR groove edge 5 located over the tapered section 31 and the main section 32 and one on the other side of the groove longitudinal extension line L QR located, via the tapered section 31, the inner section part 3 2iand the groove widening 33 is bounded by the groove edge 6. The groove edges 5, 6 close at the outer end of the groove longitudinal extension line L on the tread side. QR The groove edges 5, 6 are joined to one another, with the connection of the groove edges 5, 6 in the exemplary embodiment being effected by a barely perceptible, optional connecting edge 7 with a length of, in particular, at most 1.0 mm. Furthermore, the transverse groove 3, more precisely the tapered section 31, is bounded on the inside of the tread at the level of the outer rib surface 1a by an end edge 4.
[0036] The further explanations regarding the end edge 4 and the groove edges 5, 6 refer to the top view.
[0037] The groove edge 5 runs in the form of a baseless trapezoid, with the "imaginary" trapezoid base TB5 connected to the groove longitudinal extension line L QRThe groove edge 5 is composed of an inner groove edge section 51, a middle groove edge section 52, and an outer groove edge section 52'. The inner groove edge section 51 forms one leg of the trapezoid of the groove edge 5 and one leg of the trapezoid of the trapezoidal tapered section 31, is therefore located in the tapered section 31, and extends from the inner end of the groove longitudinal extension line L. QR The middle groove edge section 52 forms the shorter base of the trapezoid of the groove edge 5, and extends over the entire inner section part 3 in the main section 32. 2i and extends into the outer section part 3 2a into. The outer groove edge section 52' forms the other trapezoidal leg of the trapezoid of the groove edge 5, runs in the outer section part 3. 2aand ends at the outer end of the groove longitudinal extension line L QR .
[0038] The groove edge 6 consists of a groove edge section on the inside of the tread 6 12 and a groove edge section sequence 63 together. The groove edge section 6 on the inner side of the tread. 12 forms the other trapezoidal leg of the trapezoidal tapered section 31, runs over the tapered section 31 and the inner section part 3 2i and ends at the groove extension 33 and thus at the trapezoid base TB3. The groove edge section sequence 63 extends over the groove extension 33, runs - corresponding to the trapezoidal shape of the groove extension 33 - in the form of a baseless trapezoid and consists of a groove edge section 63' forming the shorter base side of the trapezoid, in particular running transversely to the circumferential direction, and two groove edge sections 63'' each forming a leg of the trapezoid.
[0039] The groove edge sections 51, 52, 52', 6 12 , 63', 63'' each run straight. The groove edge section 63 runs parallel to the trapezoidal base TB3, corresponding to the trapezoidal shape.
[0040] The end edge 4 forms the shorter base of the trapezoid of the tapered section 31, runs straight and between the inner ends of the groove edges 5, 6, i.e. the inner ends of the inner groove edge sections 51, 6. 12 , and to the circumferential direction at an angle β which deviates from 0° by up to 2°, preferably 0°, and has a distance a to the lateral edge of the ground contact area (line L) determined as the smallest possible and perpendicular to the circumferential direction K from 1.0 mm to 15.0 mm, especially from 2.0 mm to 8.0 mm.
[0041] The inner groove edge sections 51, 6 forming the trapezoidal legs of the tapered section 31 12 The grooves enclose an angle γ of 35° to 55°, in particular 40° to 50°, determined via the transverse groove 3. The middle groove edge section 52 and the groove edge section 6 on the inside of the tread 12 run at an angle α' (groove edge section 52), α'' (groove edge section 6) to the circumferential direction. 12 ), which deviates from the angle α by at most 3°, preferably by at most 2°.
[0042] The tapered section 31 has a length c1, measured transversely to the circumferential direction and related to the inner groove edge section 51 of 15% to 25% of the length c. QR the transverse groove 3 as well as one between the inner groove edge section 51 of the tread and the inner groove edge section 6 12The width b1 is measured in the circumferential direction and increases continuously towards the tread edge along the extension of the groove edge section 51 on the inside of the tread. The width b1 has a minimum value b projected in the circumferential direction at the end edge 4. min1 (cf. Fig. 6) from 1.8 mm to 3.0 mm, in particular from up to 2.5 mm, and a circumferential gap between the outer end of the inner groove edge section 51 and the inner groove edge section 6 12 determined maximum value b max1 (cf. Fig. 6) from 300% to 400%, in particular from 320% to 380%, preferably from 330% to 370%, particularly preferably from 340% to 360%, and most preferably from 345% to 355%, of the minimum value b min1 on.
[0043] The main section 32 has a circumferentially measured width b2, related to the middle groove edge section 52, which is located in the inner section part 3 2i on the inner groove edge section 6 12 and in the outer section part 3 2a refers to the trapezoidal base TB3 of the trapezoidal groove extension 33. The local size of the width b2 results from the maximum value b. max1 and the inclination (angle α, α) of the groove edge sections 52, 6 12 , where the width b2 is either constant or varies within an interval of up to 1.00 mm.
[0044] The groove extension 33 has a length c3 measured along the trapezoidal base TB3 of 40% to 55% of the length c QR the transverse groove 3 and a maximum width b determined in the circumferential direction between the trapezoidal base TB3 and the groove edge section 63' max3 (Width at the widest point) from 3.0 mm to 5.0 mm.
[0045] How Fig. 2 in combination with Fig. Figure 7 shows that the transverse groove 3 is radially divided by a section over the tapered section 31 ( Fig. 2), main section 32 ( Fig. 2) and the groove extension 33 ( Fig. 2) the groove base 3a, furthermore bounded by a groove wall 3b adjoining the groove edge 5, a groove wall 3c adjoining the groove edge 6 and an end flank 3d adjoining the end edge 4 and extending to the groove walls 3b, 3c.
[0046] According to Fig. 7 the groove walls 3b, 3c each have a groove edge section 51 (groove wall 3b) on the corresponding inner side of the tread, 6 12 (grooved wall 3c) adjoining wall flank 3b1 (grooved wall 3b), 3c 12 (groove wall 3c). Furthermore, the groove wall 3b has a wall flank 3b2 adjoining the middle groove edge section 52. The wall flanks 3b1, 3c 12, 3b2 run, in plan view perpendicular to the associated groove edge section 51, 6 12 , 52 running cross-section considered, to the radial direction at an angle δ ( Fig. 4: Shown for wall flank 3b2, 3c 12 ) from 0° to 6°, in particular from at least 2°, preferably from 3° to 5°. A multi-part, correspondingly circumferential transition radius 8 is formed between the radially inner end of each groove wall 3b, 3c and the groove base 3a.
[0047] According to Fig. 5 the end flank 3d runs, viewed in the cross-section running perpendicular to the end edge 4 in plan view (cf. position of line VV in Fig. 2), straight and to the radial direction at an angle ε of 5° to 15°, in particular of 7° to 13°.
[0048] According to Fig. In each groove-cut combination K, the previously mentioned notch 9 runs between the end flank 3d of the corresponding transverse groove 3 and the shoulder-side circumferential groove 2. In the exemplary embodiment, the notch 9 runs straight in plan view and in the axial direction; however, it can alternatively also run in an arc, a wave-like shape, with multiple bends, and be inclined to the axial direction, particularly at an angle of up to 25°. The notch 9 has two notch edges 9a located on the outer surface 1a of the rib and is bounded by two notch walls 9b extending radially from the notch edges 9a and by a notch base 9c in the radial direction. The notch 9 has a constant width b, determined as the smallest possible distance between the notch walls 9b. Efrom 0.40 mm to 2.00 mm, in particular from 0.80 mm to 1.60 mm, preferably up to 1.20 mm, in the radial direction a maximum depth (depth at the deepest point) of 60% to 100%, in particular from 70% to 95%, of the profile depth T UR ( Fig. 3), a cut opening 9d located on the inner side of the circumferential groove 2 and a cut opening 9e located on the outer side of the tread at the end flank 3d.
[0049] How Fig. 5 to Fig. As shown in combination, the cut 9 leads into the transverse groove 3 via the end flank 3d in such a way that the cut 9 meets the end edge 4 ( Fig. 6, Fig. 7) divides into two end-edge sections 4a ( Fig. 6, Fig. 7), the outer edge of the tread is surrounded by the end flank 3d in a U-shape ( Fig. 7) and the cut 9 at the outer edge of the tread has a depth t determined in a radial direction relative to the level of the outer rib surface 1a EM ( Fig. 5) of at least 50% of the maximum depth t QRmax ( Fig. 5) the transverse groove 3 and at most the maximum depth t reduced by 0.50 mm QRmax the transverse groove 3. The depth t EM in particular, it is at least 60%, preferably at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, of the maximum depth t QRmax the transverse groove 3.
[0050] The invention is not limited to the described embodiment.
[0051] The transverse grooves 3 can also extend into the inner section 11 of the shoulder-side profile rib 1, but run - with respect to their longitudinal extension line L determined transverse to the circumferential direction. QR related length c QR- at least partially, in particular largely, in the shoulder section 12 of the shoulder-side profile rib 1. The shape of the transverse grooves 3 may deviate from the described shape, so that the transverse grooves 3 may, for example, be executed without groove widening 33 and / or without tapering section 31. Reference symbol list 1 shoulder-side profile rib 11 Interior section 12 Shoulder section 1a Rib outer surface 1b Rib flank 1c Rib edge 2 shoulder-side circumferential grooves 3 transverse grooves 31 Rejuvenation section 32 Main Section 3 2a outer section 3 2i inner section 33 Groove expansion 3a Grooved base 3b Grooved wall 3b1 Wall flank 3b2 Wall flank 3c groove wall 3c 12 wall flank 3D end face 4 End edge 4a End edge section 5 groove edge 51 inner groove edge section 52 middle groove edge section 52' outer groove edge section 6 groove edge 6 12 inner groove edge section of the tread 63 Groove edge section sequence 63' Groove edge section 63'' groove edge section 7 Connecting edge 8 Transition rounding 9 cut 9a Cutting edge 9b Cut wall 9c Cut base 9d inner tread cut opening 9e outer side of the tread cut a K , a QR Distance b1, b2, b E , bs, B UR Width b min1 minimum value b max1 maximum value bmax3 maximum width c QR , c1, c3 length K Groove-cut combination L line (lateral edge of the ground contact area) L QR groove longitudinal extension line P1 lowest point S7 Arrow (direction of view) TB3, TB5 Trapezoidal base t EM depth t QRmax maximum depth t QRmin minimum depth T UR Tread depth Z2, Z6 Detail α, α', α'', β, γ, δ, ε angles QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION
[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature
[0000] DE 10 2021 211 351 A1
[0002] DE 10 2005 013 810 A1
[0003]
Claims
[1] Vehicle tires with a tread strip featuring at least one of a tread depth (T UR ) shoulder-side circumferential groove (2) bounded by a shoulder-side profile rib (1) with an inner section (11) located within the ground contact area, a shoulder section (12) located outside the ground contact area, a rib outer surface (1a) and with groove-incision combinations (K) consisting of a transverse groove (3) extending at least in the shoulder section (12), in particular completely in the shoulder section (12), and an incision (9) extending from the transverse groove (3) towards the shoulder-side circumferential groove (2), which is narrower than the transverse groove (3), wherein the transverse groove (3) on the outer surface of the rib (1a) has a first groove edge (5), a second groove edge (6), an end edge (4) running between the inner ends of the groove edges (5, 6), a groove base (3a) and an end flank (3d) extending to the end edge (4) on the inner side of the tread wherein the incision (9) originates from the outer surface of the rib (1a), a width (b E ) from 0.40 mm to 2.00 mm, a maximum depth of 60% to 100% of the profile depth (T UR ) and has a cut opening (9e) located on the end flank (3d) of the transverse groove (3), characterized by , that the incision (9) opens into the shoulder-side circumferential groove (2) and divides the end edge (4) into two end edge sections (4a), wherein the incision opening (9e) located on the end flank (3d) of the transverse groove (3) is surrounded by the end flank (3d) in a U-shape. [2] Vehicle tires according to claim 1, characterized by , that the incision (9) at the incision mouth (9e) has a depth (t) determined in the radial direction relative to the level of the rib outer surface (1a). EM ) of at least 50% of the maximum depth (t QRmax ) the transverse groove (3) and at most the maximum depth reduced by 0.50 mm (t QRmax ) of the transverse groove (3) has the depth (t EM ) of the cut (9) at the cut mouth (9e) in particular at least 60%, preferably at least 70%, preferably at least 80%, of the maximum depth (t QRmax ) of the transverse groove (3), wherein the transverse groove (3) preferably starts from the point with the maximum depth (t QRmax ) towards its outer end on the tread, becoming shallower, especially continuously shallower. [3] Vehicle tires according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the transverse groove (3) has a maximum depth (t QRmax) of 2.00 mm to 7.00 mm, in particular of 3.00 mm to 6.00 mm, respectively. that the maximum depth (t QRmax ) the transverse groove (3) is 2.00 mm to 7.00 mm, in particular 3.00 mm to 6.00 mm. [4] Vehicle tires according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the transverse groove (3), viewed in plan view, is elongated transversely to the circumferential direction and each has a straight groove longitudinal extension line (L) lying at the level of the rib outer surface (1a), oriented along its maximum length QR ) exhibits. [5] Vehicle tires according to claim 4, characterized by , that the transverse groove (3) - with respect to the groove longitudinal extension line (L QR ) - runs at an angle (α) to the circumferential direction which deviates from 90° by up to 10°, in particular by up to 7°, preferably by up to 5°, and which is particularly preferably 90°. [6] Vehicle tires according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by, that the transverse groove (3), viewed in plan view, runs along the groove longitudinal extent line (L QR ) from a trapezoidal tapering section (31) adjacent to the incision (9) and continuously widening from the end edge (4) towards the edge of the tread, and a longitudinal extension line of the groove (L QR ) is composed of an elongated main section (32). [7] Vehicle tires according to claim 6, characterized by, that the tapered section (31) extends over a groove edge section (51) on the inside of the tread, which runs straight in plan view and forms exclusively one leg of the trapezoid, and the second groove edge (6) forms the other leg of the trapezoid, wherein the tapered section (31) has a width (b1) measured circumferentially between the groove edge section (51) on the inside of the tread and the second groove edge (6) with a maximum value (b) at the outer end of the groove edge section (51) on the inside of the tread. max1 ) and a minimum value (b) present at the end edge (4) projected in the circumferential direction. min1 ) has the maximum value (b max1 ) 300% to 400%, in particular 320% to 380%, preferably 330% to 370%, particularly preferably 340% to 360%, and most preferably 345% to 355%, of the minimum value (b min1 ) amounts. [8] Vehicle tires according to claim 7, characterized by , that the minimum value (b min1 ) the width (b1) of the tapered section (31) is 1.8 mm to 3.0 mm, in particular up to 2.5 mm. [9] Vehicle tires according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by , that the tapered section (31) has a length (c1) measured transversely to the circumferential direction of 15% to 25% of the length (c) of the groove edge section (51) on the inner side of the tread, which forms exclusively one leg of the trapezoid. QR ) of the transverse groove (3) has the length (c QR ) of the transverse groove (3) onto the groove longitudinal extension line (L QR ) is related and determined perpendicular to the circumferential direction. [10] Vehicle tires according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized by , that the transverse groove (3), viewed in plan view, consists of the tapered section (31), the main section (32) and a section on one side of the groove longitudinal extent line (L QR) lying adjacent to the main section (32), not adjacent to the tapered section (31), is composed of a bulging, trapezoidal groove extension (33) with a trapezoidal base (TB3) lying within the transverse groove (3), in particular extending transversely to the circumferential direction, wherein the transverse grooves (3) are preferably designed such that, in the case of successive transverse grooves (3) in the circumferential direction, the groove extensions (33) are alternately facing towards and away from each other. [11] Vehicle tires according to claim 10, characterized by , that the groove extension (33) has a maximum width (b) determined in the circumferential direction with respect to the trapezoidal base (TB3). max3 ) from 3.0 mm to 5.0 mm and / or that the groove widening (33) has a length (c3) measured along the trapezoidal base (TB3) of 40% to 55% of the length (c QR ) of the transverse groove (3) has the length (c QR) of the transverse groove (3) onto the groove longitudinal extension line (L QR ) is related and determined perpendicular to the circumferential direction. [12] Vehicle tires according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized by , a) that the second groove edge (6), which forms the other leg of the trapezoid, runs straight in plan view or b) that the second groove edge (6), which forms the other leg of the trapezoid, forms a groove edge section (6) on the inside of the tread, which runs straight in plan view, forms the other leg of the trapezoid, and ends at the base (TB3) of the trapezoidal groove extension (33). 12 ) exhibits, wherein the groove edge section (51) on the inside of the tread, forming exclusively one leg of the trapezoid, of the first groove edge (5) is connected to the second groove edge (6) in variant a) and to the groove edge section on the inside of the tread in variant b) 12) the second groove edge (6) includes an angle (γ) of 35° to 55°, in particular of 40° to 50°, determined via the transverse groove (3). [13] Vehicle tires according to claims 5 and 12, characterized by , that the first groove edge (5) has a groove edge section (52) adjoining the groove edge section (51) on the inside of the tread and extending in the main section (32), wherein this groove edge section (52) and the groove edge section (6) on the inside of the tread 12 ) the second groove edge (6), viewed in plan view, run at an angle (α', α'') to the circumferential direction, which is determined by the angle (α) at which the transverse grooves (3) are viewed with respect to the groove longitudinal extension lines (L QR ) deviates by no more than 3°, preferably by no more than 2°. [14] Vehicle tires according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by, that the end edge (4), viewed in plan view, is straight and runs at an angle (β) to the circumferential direction which deviates from 0° by up to 2°, preferably is 0° and / or that the end edge (4), viewed in plan view, maintains a distance (a) to the lateral edge of the ground contact area (line L) determined to be the smallest possible distance and perpendicular to the circumferential direction. K ) from 1.0 mm to 15.0 mm, in particular from 2.0 mm to 8.0 mm, so that the transverse groove (3) runs completely in the shoulder section (12). [15] Vehicle tires according to any one of claims 4 to 14, characterized by , that the transverse groove (3), viewed from above, forms a groove on the Groove longitudinal extension line (L QR ) related length determined perpendicular to the circumferential direction (c QR ) of 50% to 90%, in particular of 55% to 85%, preferably of 65% to 75%, the width (bs) of the shoulder section (12) of the profile rib (1) has or that the length (c QR) of the transverse groove (3) 50% to 90%, in particular 55% to 85%, preferably 65% to 75%, of the width (bs) of the shoulder section (12) of the profile rib (1).