Vehicle tires

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle tire with a tread having at least one shoulder-side profile block row (1) with profile blocks (4, 5) each having a shoulder-side block section (42, 52) located outside the ground contact area with a shoulder flank (6, 9), the profile blocks (4, 5) include those whose shoulder-side block section (52) is provided with a depression (11) extending from the shoulder flank (9) and a. wherein the depression (11) is completely surrounded by the shoulder flank (9) or b. wherein the depression (11) is surrounded by the shoulder flank (9) in such a U-shape that the U-legs of the shoulder flank (9) point towards the inner block section (41, 51). The profile blocks (4, 5) include profile blocks (4) whose shoulder-side block section (42) is provided with a groove-shaped indentation (7), wherein the groove-shaped indentation (7) adjoins the shoulder flank (6) and is bounded by a bottom (7c) extending to the boundary edges (7a, 7b), which is continuously curved inwards in the section oriented transversely to the circumferential direction.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to vehicle tires with a tread having at least one shoulder-side row of profile blocks with transverse grooves having a maximum depth of 70% to 100% of the tread depth and a maximum width of 5.0 mm to 25.0 mm, and with profile blocks separated from one another by the transverse grooves, each having an inner block section located within the ground contact area and a shoulder-side block section located outside the ground contact area with a shoulder flank lying between the transverse grooves. the profile blocks include those whose shoulder-side block section is provided with a depression extending from the shoulder flank and having limiting edges on this side, wherein the recess has a first maximum length of 7.00 mm to 35.00 mm measured in the circumferential direction between the respective boundary edges and, viewed in the cross-section oriented perpendicular to the circumferential direction in plan view, a second maximum length of 15.00 mm to 35.00 mm measured along a straight auxiliary line running between the respective boundary edges and a. where the depression is completely surrounded by the shoulder flank or b. wherein the depression is circumferentially U-shaped from the shoulder flank such that the U-legs of the shoulder flank point towards the inner block section.

[0002] Such a vehicle tire is known, for example, from EP 2 905 148 A1, which is cited as a comparative example. This vehicle tire has a tread with a shoulder-side row of tread blocks with transverse grooves and shoulder-side tread blocks. The shoulder-side block sections of the shoulder-side tread blocks each have a trapezoidal depression extending from and circumferentially around the shoulder flank.

[0003] From DE 10 2021 210 022 A1 and DE 10 2018 220 707 A1, a vehicle tire is known with a tread having a shoulder-side profile rib, which is provided with transverse grooves on the inside of the tread ending within the shoulder-side profile rib, wherein rectangular depressions are formed in the area between transverse grooves in the shoulder-side rib section located outside the ground contact area.

[0004] In the case of vehicle tires of the type mentioned above, the indentations formed in the shoulder-side block sections improve traction performance when driving on soft, especially deep, surfaces such as mud, snow, slush and the like, although efforts are currently underway to further improve the tires in this respect, especially under extreme conditions, particularly when driving on unpaved roads or off-road.

[0005] The invention is therefore based on the objective of improving traction performance on soft surfaces, especially when driving on unpaved roads and off-road, when using a driving grip of the type mentioned above.

[0006] The problem set out in the invention is solved by including profile blocks whose shoulder-side block section is provided with a groove-shaped indentation, wherein the groove-shaped indentation adjoins the shoulder flank, extends to the transverse grooves, has an inner tread edge and an outer tread edge, and is bounded by a bottom extending to the boundary edges, which is continuously curved inwards in the section oriented transversely to the circumferential direction, and profile blocks whose shoulder-side block section is provided with a groove-shaped indentation include those which are separated by a transverse groove from one of the profile blocks whose shoulder-side block section is provided with a depression.

[0007] The gripping edges of the groove-shaped indentations engage particularly effectively when driving on soft surfaces. Additionally, these grooves exhibit a "milling effect," facilitating the ejection of soft, especially muddy, material collected in the tread grooves and depressions. This also allows the gripping edges of the depressions to engage more efficiently with the surface. This interaction of the groove-shaped indentations and depressions further improves traction performance on soft surfaces, particularly when driving on unpaved roads and off-road.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, the shoulder flanks, viewed in a top view in a section perpendicular to the circumferential direction, each run at an angle to a reference line running parallel to the tire's equatorial plane. The angle of the shoulder flanks of the shoulder-side block sections with a groove-shaped indentation differs from the angle of the shoulder flanks of the shoulder-side block sections with a recess, in particular by 1.0° to 5.0°, preferably by up to 3.0°. The differently inclined shoulder flanks contribute to a further improvement in traction performance.

[0009] An advantageous further development of the latter design provides that the angle of the shoulder flanks of the shoulder-side block sections, each with a groove-shaped indentation, is greater or smaller than the angle of the shoulder flanks of the shoulder-side block sections, each with a depression. This contributes to a further improvement of the aforementioned synergistic effect between the depressions and the groove-shaped indentations and simultaneously promotes the maintenance of tire uniformity.

[0010] According to a further advantageous development of the latter design, the shoulder flanks, viewed in a top view in a section perpendicular to the circumferential direction, are such that, when projected circumferentially onto a surface spanned by the radial direction and the direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction, they intersect each other exactly once at a single point. Shoulder flanks designed in this way exhibit a particularly favorable synergistic effect with the groove-shaped indentations, primarily providing an additional contact area when driving on soft surfaces and thus further improving traction on such surfaces.

[0011] According to a further preferred embodiment, the shoulder flanks, viewed in a top view in a section perpendicular to the circumferential direction, are such that they are parallel offset to each other when projected in the circumferential direction onto a surface spanned by the radial direction and the direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction.

[0012] According to another preferred embodiment, the boundary edges of the groove-shaped indentation run without kinks.

[0013] In the latter preferred embodiment, it is advantageous if the boundary edges of the groove-shaped indentation, viewed from above, run parallel to each other and, in particular, in the circumferential direction. This enhances the aforementioned "milling effect" of the groove-shaped indentations and consequently further improves traction performance on soft surfaces.

[0014] Furthermore, it is preferred if the inner boundary edge of the groove-shaped indentation on the tread surface has a minimum distance of up to 2.00 mm, determined to be the smallest possible distance perpendicular to the circumferential direction. Such a position of the groove-shaped indentation contributes to a further improvement of its described functionality.

[0015] The base of the groove-shaped indentation, viewed in a section oriented transversely to the circumferential direction, preferably runs along a circular arc. This contributes to a uniform load distribution in the rubber material adjacent to the indentation, thus protecting it well from cracking and making the indentations particularly resilient and durable. The beneficial effect of the indentations is therefore maintained through tread wear.

[0016] According to a further preferred embodiment, the groove-shaped indentation, viewed in a top view perpendicular to the circumferential direction, has a width determined along a straight auxiliary line between the boundary edges, measuring 8.0 mm to 14.0 mm, particularly 10.0 mm to 12.0 mm. This is an additional advantage with regard to the aforementioned "milling effect".

[0017] In this context, it is further advantageous if the groove-shaped indentation, viewed in plan view in a section perpendicular to the circumferential direction, has a maximum depth which is determined perpendicular to an auxiliary line running straight between the boundary edges and is 2.0 mm to 5.0 mm, in particular 3.0 mm to 4.0 mm.

[0018] Preferably, the profile blocks consist exclusively of those profile blocks whose shoulder-side block section is provided with a depression and those profile blocks whose shoulder-side block section is provided with a groove-shaped indentation, wherein within the shoulder-side profile block row, a profile block whose shoulder-side block section is provided with a depression alternates with a profile block whose shoulder-side block section is provided with a groove-shaped indentation. This further enhances the aforementioned synergistic effect, resulting in a particularly high level of traction performance.

[0019] According to another preferred embodiment, it is provided that - the recess (11), viewed in plan view in cross-section perpendicular to the circumferential direction, has a maximum depth (tv) of 1.00 mm to 4.00 mm, in particular up to 3.00 mm, wherein the maximum depth (tv) is determined perpendicular to the auxiliary line (hv), and / or - where the first maximum length (c V2 ) the recess (11) is 10.00 mm to 30.00 mm, preferably 15.00 mm to 25.0 mm, and / or - where the second maximum length (c V1 ) the depth (11) is 20.00 mm to 30.00 mm.

[0020] Such depressions are particularly advantageous for traction performance on soft surfaces.

[0021] According to a further preferred embodiment, the shoulder-side block section of the tread blocks, which is provided with a recess, has a chamfer formed between the shoulder flank and the outer surface of the inner block section. This chamfer is formed by an inclined surface which, viewed in a plan view perpendicular to the circumferential direction, is straight, has a width of 2.0 mm to 5.0 mm, in particular 2.5 mm to 4.5 mm, and forms an angle α of 145° to 165°, in particular 150° to 160°, with the shoulder flank. Such a chamfer—given a corresponding design of the shoulder-side tread block row—contributes in particular to maintaining tire uniformity.

[0022] According to another preferred embodiment, the depression has a bottom which does not adjoin any of the boundary edges of the depression.

[0023] Further features, advantages, and details of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawing, which schematically depicts an embodiment of the invention. The drawing shows Fig. 1 a top view of a shoulder-side circumferential section of a tread of a vehicle 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. 3a a cut along line IIIa-IIIa of the Fig. 2, wherein the tread is curved according to its outer contour, Fig. 4 a cut along line IV-IV of the Fig. 2, Fig. 4a a cut along line IVa-IVa of the Fig. 2, wherein the tread is curved according to its outer contour, Fig. 5 an enlarged oblique view according to the in Fig. 1. Viewing direction indicated by arrow S5, whereby the tread is curved according to its outer contour and Fig. 6 superimposed shoulder flanks of two profile blocks.

[0024] According to the invention, vehicle tires are tires for motor vehicles, in particular for multi-track motor vehicles, preferably for passenger cars, vans, or SUVs, and preferably pneumatic tires, especially radial pneumatic tires. The passenger car, van, and SUV tires are specifically designed for rims with an integer rim diameter of 13 inches to 24 inches, preferably 18 inches to 23 inches, and have a load index of, in particular, 71 to 126. The tires are preferably designed for all-season use.

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 shows a circumferential section of a shoulder-side profile block row 1, which is formed on the inside of the tread by a radially directed profile depth T. UR (shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) a shoulder-side circumferential groove 2, typically 6.5 mm to 13.0 mm in diameter and, in the exemplary embodiment, running in a zigzag pattern in top view, is bounded on the outside of the tread strip by a circumferential edge K (cf. Fig. 5) ends, at which the outer surface A formed during vulcanization from the side wall shell (cf. Fig. 5) adjoins. Preferably, a further shoulder-side tread block row, designed analogously to the shoulder-side tread block row 1 and oriented rotated by 180°, is formed in the second tread shoulder, which is not shown. The lateral edge of the ground contact area running in the area of ​​the shoulder-side tread block row 1 (determined with a tire mounted on a standard rim, load at 70% of the maximum load capacity, internal pressure 85% of the standard pressure, according to ETRTO standards) is marked by a dashed line L.

[0026] The shoulder-side profile block row 1 is provided with shoulder-side transverse grooves 3 which open into the shoulder-side circumferential groove 2 and end at the edge K (cf. Fig. 5), traverse the shoulder-side profile block row 1 and add shoulder-side profile blocks 4, 5 to it, with a shoulder-side profile block 4 alternating with a shoulder-side profile block 5 in the circumferential direction.

[0027] The shoulder-side transverse grooves 3, viewed from above, run in a generally slightly curved shape and parallel to each other, partly within the ground contact area and partly outside the ground contact area, and are each radially defined by a groove base 3a ending at the edge K (cf. Fig. 3, Fig. 3a, Fig. 4, Fig. 4a: Depth profile of the groove base 3a (shown as a dashed line) and two groove flanks 3b formed on the respective shoulder-side profile blocks 4, 5, each have a maximum depth t determined in the radial direction. QR (Depth at the deepest point, Fig. 3, Fig. 4) of 70% to 100%, in particular of at least 90%, in the exemplary embodiment of 100%, of the profile depth T UR ( Fig. 3, Fig. 4) and a maximum width b determined at the level of the tread periphery in the circumferential direction QR (Width at the widest point) from 5.0 mm to 25.0 mm, in particular from 7.0 mm to 20.0 mm, preferably from up to 15.0 mm, particularly preferably from up to 12.0 mm.

[0028] The shoulder-side profile blocks 4, 5 each have an inner block section 41 (shoulder-side profile block 4), 51 (shoulder-side profile block 5) located within the ground contact area and a shoulder-side block section 42 (shoulder-side profile block 4), 52 (shoulder-side profile block 5) adjoining these, located outside the ground contact area and extending in the direction of the outer surface A formed by the side wall shell.

[0029] The inner block section 41, 51 is bounded in a radial direction by an outer surface 4a1, 5a1 located in the periphery of the running track, which projects slightly into the shoulder-side block section 42, 52.

[0030] The following section will first discuss the design of a single shoulder-side block section 42 and then the design of a single shoulder-side block section 52 in more detail.

[0031] According to Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 3a and Fig. 5 the shoulder-side block section 42 has a length extending to the shoulder-side transverse grooves 3 ( Fig. 2, Fig. 5) extending, continuously outwardly slightly curved shoulder flank 6, wherein the shoulder-side block section 42 is formed between the shoulder flank 6 and the outer surface 4a1 of the inner-side block section 41, extending to the respective adjacent transverse grooves 3 ( Fig. 2, Fig. 5) is traversed through a groove-shaped indentation 7. Between the shoulder flank 6 and the edge k, there is an inwardly indented transition curve 8 that creates a projecting step ( Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 5) with a radius of up to 0.50 mm. The shoulder flank 6, viewed in a top view perpendicular to the circumferential direction, runs without kinks and is continuously curved outwards ( Fig. 3a, cf. location of line IIIa-IIIa in Fig. 2).

[0032] Viewed from above, the indentation 7 runs straight and in the circumferential direction ( Fig. 2), has a circumferentially extending, kink-free, inner running edge 7a formed along the outer surface 4a1 ( Fig. 2, Fig. 5) and a circumferentially extending, kink-free, outer edge of the tread 7b formed along the shoulder flank 6 and is bounded by a floor 7c running between the inner edge of the tread 7a and the outer edge of the tread 7b. The inner edge of the tread 7a has a distance a1, determined transversely to the circumferential direction, to the lateral edge of the floor contact surface (line L). Fig. 2) of up to 2.00 mm. According to Fig. 3 and Fig. 3a The base 7c, viewed in plan view perpendicular to the circumferential direction, is continuously curved inwards, therefore without kinks and such that a straight auxiliary line h between the ends of the base 7c, i.e. between the boundary edges 7a, 7b, EThe indentation 7 lies completely outside the respective rubber material, with the base 7c running in particular along a circular arc. Viewed in the section mentioned last, the indentation 7 has a dimension along the auxiliary line h. E determined width b E ( Fig. 3) from 8.0 mm to 14.0 mm, in particular from 10.0 mm to 12.0 mm, and a perpendicular to the auxiliary line h E determined maximum depth t E ( Fig. 3, depth at the deepest point) from 2.0 mm to 5.0 mm, in particular from 3.0 mm to 4.0 mm.

[0033] In Fig. Figure 3 also shows a dotted reference outer contour line R, which, viewed in plan view perpendicular to the circumferential direction and when the tread is developed into the plane, runs directly between the end of the shoulder flank 6 closest to the side wall and the inner boundary edge 7a of the tread. Fig. Figure 3a shows that the reference outer contour line R has a kink point R when taking the tire curvature into account. K the shoulder flank 6, which results from extending the outer surface 4a1 beyond the indentation 7. Viewed in plan view from a cross-section perpendicular to the circumferential direction, the shoulder flank 6 runs such that the smallest possible distance a between the shoulder flank 6 and the reference outer contour line R is determined. R ( Fig. 3, Fig. 3a) increases continuously along the extension of the shoulder flank 6 from the end of the shoulder flank 6, which is closest to the side wall, to the other end of the shoulder flank 6, i.e. to the outer boundary edge 7b of the indentation 7 on the running track.

[0034] According to Fig. 2, Fig. 4a and Fig. 5 the shoulder-side block section 52 has a length extending to the shoulder-side transverse grooves 3 ( Fig. 2, Fig. 5) a shoulder flank 9 extending continuously and slightly curved outwards, and a shoulder flank 9 formed between this and the outer surface 5a1 of the inner block section 51, extending to the respective adjacent transverse grooves 3 ( Fig. 2, Fig. 5) a sufficient chamfer 10', which is formed by an inclined surface 10. The shoulder flank 9, viewed in plan view perpendicular to the circumferential direction, runs without kinks and is continuously curved outwards ( Fig. 4a, compare position of line IVa-IVa in Fig. 2) The inclined surface 10 has a circumferentially extending, kink-free, inner boundary edge 10a formed along the outer surface 5a1 and a circumferentially extending, kink-free boundary edge 10b formed along the shoulder flank 9. The radially outer boundary edge 10a has a distance a2, determined transversely to the circumferential direction, to the lateral edge of the ground contact area (line L). Fig. 2) of up to 4.00 mm. According to Fig. 4a The inclined surface 10, viewed in plan view perpendicular to the circumferential direction, runs straight and, viewed in the last-mentioned section, has a width b SFfrom 2.0 mm to 5.0 mm, in particular from 2.5 mm to 4.5 mm, and forms an angle α of 145° to 165°, in particular from 150° to 160°, with the shoulder flank 9, wherein the angle α - due to the curved course of the shoulder flank 9 - refers to a tangent running through the outer boundary edge 10b of the tread and applied to the shoulder flank 9 (not shown).

[0035] In Fig. 4a is also a circumferential projection R* of the already mentioned reference outer contour line R ( Fig. 3, Fig. 3a) dotted line. How Fig. As shown in 4a, the projection R* of the reference outer contour line R, taking into account the tire curvature, has a kink point R. K* which results from extending the outer surface 5a1 beyond the chamfer 10'. The shoulder flank 9, viewed in plan view perpendicular to the circumferential direction, runs such that a distance a, determined as the smallest possible distance between the shoulder flank 9 and the reference outer contour line R*, is obtained. R * decreases continuously along the extension of the shoulder flank 9 from the end of the shoulder flank 9, which is closest to the side wall, to the other end of the shoulder flank 9, i.e. to the outer boundary edge 10b of the inclined surface 10 on the running track.

[0036] According to the design of shoulder flank 6 and shoulder flank 9 explained with the aid of the reference outer contour line R and its projection R*, the shoulder flanks 6 and 9 run according to Fig. 6a, viewed in plan view in a section perpendicular to the circumferential direction, such that, when projected circumferentially onto a common surface spanned by the radial direction and the direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction, they intersect each other exactly once at a point P, i.e., they intersect exactly once at point P, with each shoulder flank 6, 9 relative to a reference line L running parallel to the tire equatorial plane S6 (Shoulder flank 6), L S9 (Shoulder flank 9) runs at an angle η6 (shoulder flank 6), η9 (shoulder flank 9), and the angle η6 is larger than the angle η9. Due to the curvature of shoulder flanks 6, 9, the angle η6, η9 is each relative to a reference line L. S6 , L S9 determined at the level of the shoulder flank 6, 9, the tangent applied to the shoulder flank 6, 9.

[0037] According to Fig. 2 and Fig. 5 In each shoulder-side block section 52, a recess 11 is formed which lies completely within the shoulder-side block section 52 and is therefore completely surrounded by the shoulder flank 9, which, viewed from above on the shoulder flank 9, has the shape of a circumferentially elongated parallelogram with one chamfered corner facing the side wall, by which one acute-angled corner area of ​​the parallelogram is recessed.The recess 11 is located – with respect to the circumferential direction – essentially centrally between the respective transverse grooves 3 and has – each at the level of the shoulder flank 9 – first boundary edges 11k1, 11k2 extending essentially circumferentially and forming one opposite side of a parallelogram, second boundary edges 11k3, 11k4 forming the other opposite side of a parallelogram and inclined transversely to the circumferential direction, and a third boundary edge 11k5 running along the chamfered corner. Neglecting the tire curvature, the boundary edges 11k1, 11k2, 11k3, 11k4, 11k5 each run straight.The boundary edge 11k1 is located closer to the lateral edge of the ground contact surface (line L) than the boundary edge 11k2 and, as a result of the aforementioned chamfer, is longer than the boundary edge 11k2, with the boundary edges 11k1 and 11k2 each running independently in the circumferential direction or at an angle of up to 15° to it, in particular from 5° to 10°. The boundary edge 11k3 forms an acute angle β ( ) with the boundary edge 11k1. Fig. 2) and the boundary edge 11k4 forms an obtuse angle γ with the boundary edge 11k1 ( Fig. 2) such that the boundary edge 11k4 consequently runs to the boundary edge 11k5 and, due to the chamfered corner, is shorter than the boundary edge 11k3. The recess 11 is designed such that, when viewed from the shoulder flank 9, it can be inscribed in a parallelogram of the smallest possible size with respect to its area, whereby the recess 11 occupies at least 90% of the area of ​​this parallelogram.

[0038] The depression 11 is defined by a base 11a which does not adjoin any of the boundary edges 11k1, 11k2, 11k3, 11k4, 11k5, and circumferentially by two side surfaces 11a3, 11a4 adjoining the boundary edges 11k3, 11k4 (side surface 11a3 in Fig. 5 (covered), end faces 11a1, 11a2 adjoining the boundary edges 11k1, 11k2 and a corner face 11a5 adjoining the boundary edge 11k5. According to Fig. 4. The base 11a, viewed in plan view and perpendicular to the circumferential direction, runs straight. The end flank 11a1, viewed in the aforementioned cross-section, runs relative to a reference line L oriented perpendicular to the base 11a. V1 at an angle δ of 60° to 70°. The end flank 11a2, viewed in the last-mentioned cross-section, runs relative to a reference line L oriented perpendicular to the ground 11a. V2 at an angle ε of 8° to 12°. The depression 11, viewed in the cross-section mentioned last, has a maximum length c measured along a straight auxiliary line hv running between the first boundary edges 11k1, 11k2. V1(Length at the longest point between the first boundary edges 11k1, 11k2) from 15.00 mm to 35.00 mm, in particular from 20.00 mm to 30.00 mm, a maximum depth tv (depth at the deepest point) determined perpendicular to the auxiliary line hv from 1.00 mm to 4.00 mm, in particular up to 3.00 mm, which is present at the mutual connection area of ​​the base 11a to the end flank 11a1, and a maximum length c measured circumferentially between the second boundary edges 11k3, 11k4 V2 ( Fig. 2, length at the longest point between the second boundary edges 11k3, 11k4) from 7.00 mm to 35.00 mm, in particular from 10.00 mm to 30.00 mm, preferably from 15.00 mm to 25.0 mm.

[0039] The invention is not limited to the described embodiment.

[0040] At least one shoulder-side profile block row with appropriately designed profile blocks is provided.

[0041] The shoulder flanks 6, 9 can have an inclination that deviates from the one described. The possible embodiments in this regard are explained below. According to a first embodiment, the shoulder flanks 6, 9 have corresponding angles η6, η9, wherein, viewed in a top view in a section extending transversely to the circumferential direction, the shoulder flanks 6, 9 are such that, when projected circumferentially onto a common surface spanned by the radial direction and the direction transverse to the circumferential direction, they are preferably offset from each other in a parallel direction. According to a second embodiment, the angle η6 is larger than the angle η9, as described in connection with the exemplary embodiment. According to a third embodiment, the angle η6 is smaller than the angle η9. The difference between the angle η6 and the angle η9 is in particular 1.0° to 5.0°, preferably up to 3.0°.If angle η6 deviates from angle η9, it is preferred that the shoulder flanks 6, 9, viewed in the aforementioned projection, intersect once at a point P or converge at the end facing the side wall. Alternatively, if angles η6, η9 differ from each other, the shoulder flanks 6, 9 run in such a way that, viewed in the aforementioned projection, they neither intersect nor converge.

[0042] The profile block row comprises first profile blocks, each with a shoulder-side block section featuring a recess 7, and second profile blocks, each with a shoulder-side block section featuring a recess 11. First profile blocks are separated from second profile blocks by a transverse groove 3. The recess 11 need not be completely encircled by the shoulder flank 9, but can alternatively be encircled or surrounded by it in a U-shape such that the shoulder flank 9 has two U-shaped legs pointing towards the inner block section 51, located on opposite circumferential sides of the recess 11, and a circumferentially oriented "U-curve" extending between the U-shaped legs, between the recess 11 and the side wall. The U-curve is thus located between the outer surface A formed by the side wall shell and the recess 11.The chamfers 10' are optional, so that the shoulder flank 9 can connect to the outer surface 5a1 either via a sharp edge or tangentially (without a kink) via a transition radius belonging to the outer surface 5a1. If such a transition radius is provided, the shoulder flank 9 extends to the lateral edge of the base contact area (line L), so that the "division" into the outer surface 5a1 and the shoulder flank 9 occurs at the lateral edge of the base contact area. Reference symbol list 1 shoulder-side profile block row 2 shoulder-side circumferential grooves 3 shoulder-side transverse grooves 3a Grooved base 3b Groove flank 4 shoulder-side profile block 41 inner block section 4a1 Outdoor area 42 shoulder-side block section 5 shoulder-side profile block 51 inner block section 5a1 Outdoor area 52 shoulder-side block section 6 Shoulder flank 7 groove-shaped indentations 7a inner edge of the tread 7b outer edge of the running track 7c Floor 8 Transition rounding 9 Shoulder flank 10 inclined surface 10' chamfer 10a inner edge of the running track 10b outer edge of the running track 11 In-depth study 11a Floor 11a1, 11a2 End flank 11a3, 11a4 Side surface 11a5 Corner area 11k1, 11k2 first boundary edge 11k3, 11k4 second boundary edge 11k5 third boundary edge An exterior surface a1, a2, a R , a R * Distance b E , b SF Width b QR maximum width C V1 , c V2 maximum length hE , h V guideline K edge edge L dashed line (lateral edge of the ground contact area) L S6 , L S9 , L V1 , L V2 Reference line P point R Reference outer contour line R* projection R K , R K * Inflection point S5 Arrow (Direction of View) t E , t QR , t V maximum depth T UR Tread depth Z2 Detail α, β, γ, δ, ε, η6, η9 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] EP 2 905 148 A1

[0002] DE 10 2021 210 022 A1

[0003] DE 10 2018 220 707 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Vehicle tire with a tread having at least one shoulder-side row of tread blocks (1) with transverse grooves (3) having a maximum depth (t QR ) from 70% to 100% of the profile depth (T UR ) and a maximum width (b QR ) from 5.0 mm to 25.0 mm and with profile blocks (4, 5) separated from each other by the transverse grooves (3) with each having an inner block section (41, 51) located within the ground contact area and a shoulder-side block section (42, 52) located outside the ground contact area with a shoulder flank (6, 9) lying between the transverse grooves (3), wherein the profile blocks (4, 5) include those whose shoulder-side block section (52) is provided with a recess (11) extending from the shoulder flank (9) and having boundary edges (11k1, 11k2, 11k3, 11k4, 11k5) on this side, wherein the depression (11) has a first maximum length (c) measured in the circumferential direction between the respective boundary edges (11k3, 11k4). V2 ) from 7.00 mm to 35.00 mm and, viewed in the cross-section oriented perpendicular to the circumferential direction in plan view, a second maximum length (c) measured along a straight auxiliary line (hv) running between the respective boundary edges (11k1, 11k2). V1 ) from 15.00 mm to 35.00 mm and a. wherein the depression (11) is completely surrounded by the shoulder flank (9) or b. wherein the depression (11) is surrounded by the shoulder flank (9) in such a U-shape that the U-legs of the shoulder flank (9) point towards the inner block section (41, 51), characterized by , that the profile blocks (4, 5) include profile blocks (4) whose shoulder-side block section (42) is provided with a groove-shaped indentation (7), wherein the groove-shaped indentation (7) adjoins the shoulder flank (6), extends to the transverse grooves (3), has an inner tread boundary edge (7a) and an outer tread boundary edge (7b) and is bounded by a bottom (7c) extending to the boundary edges (7a, 7b), which is continuously curved inwards in the section oriented transversely to the circumferential direction, and wherein profile blocks (4) whose shoulder-side block section (42) is provided with a groove-shaped indentation (7) include those which are separated by a transverse groove (3) from one of the profile blocks (5) whose shoulder-side block section (52) is provided with a depression (11). [2] Vehicle tires according to claim 1, characterized by, that the shoulder flanks (6, 9), viewed in a top view in a section perpendicular to the circumferential direction, with respect to a reference line running parallel to the tire equatorial plane (L S6 , L S9 ) each run at an angle (η6, η9), wherein the angle (η6) of the shoulder flanks (6) of the shoulder-side block sections (42) with each a groove-shaped indentation (7) differs from the angle (η9) of the shoulder flanks (9) of the shoulder-side block sections (52) with each a depression (11), in particular by 1.0° to 5.0°, preferably by up to 3.0°. [3] Vehicle tires according to claim 2, characterized by , that the angle (η6) of the shoulder flanks (6) of the shoulder-side block sections (42) with each a groove-shaped indentation (7) is greater or smaller than the angle (η9) of the shoulder flanks (9) of the shoulder-side block sections (52) with each a depression (11). [4] Vehicle tires according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by, that the shoulder flanks (6, 9), viewed in a top view in a section perpendicular to the circumferential direction, are such that when projected in the circumferential direction onto a surface spanned by the radial direction and the direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction, they intersect each other exactly once at a point (P). [5] Vehicle tires according to claim 1, characterized by , that the shoulder flanks (6, 9), viewed in a section perpendicular to the circumferential direction in plan view, are such that they are parallel offset to each other when projected in the circumferential direction onto a surface spanned by the radial direction and the direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction. [6] Vehicle tires according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the boundary edges (7a, 7b) of the groove-shaped indentation (7) run without kinks. [7] Vehicle tires according to claim 6, characterized by, that the boundary edges (7a, 7b) of the groove-shaped indentation (7), viewed in plan view, run parallel to each other and in particular in the circumferential direction. [8] Vehicle tires according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that the inner boundary edge (7a) of the groove-shaped indentation (7) to the lateral edge of the ground contact surface (line L) has a distance (a1) of up to 2.00 mm determined as the smallest possible distance transverse to the circumferential direction. [9] Vehicle tires according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the bottom (7c) of the groove-shaped indentation (7), viewed in section oriented perpendicular to the circumferential direction, runs along a circular arc. [10] Driving access according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the groove-shaped indentation (7), viewed in plan view perpendicular to the circumferential direction, has a width (b E) exhibits, which runs along a straight auxiliary line (h) between the boundary edges (7a, 7b). E ) is determined and is 8.0 mm to 14.0 mm, in particular 10.0 mm to 12.0 mm. [11] Driving access according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by , that the groove-shaped indentation (7), viewed in plan view perpendicular to the circumferential direction, has a maximum depth (t E ) exhibits a perpendicular line (h) running between the boundary edges (7a, 7b) E ) is determined and is between 2.0 mm and 5.0 mm, in particular between 3.0 mm and 4.0 mm. [12] Vehicle tires according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by, that the profile blocks (4, 5) include exclusively the profile blocks (5) whose shoulder-side block section (52) is provided with a recess (11) and the profile blocks (4) whose shoulder-side block section (42) is provided with a groove-shaped indentation (7), wherein within the shoulder-side profile block row (1) in particular a profile block (5) whose shoulder-side block section (52) is provided with a recess (11) alternately follows a profile block (4) whose shoulder-side block section (42) is provided with a groove-shaped indentation (7). [13] Vehicle tires according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by , that - the recess (11), viewed in plan view in cross-section perpendicular to the circumferential direction, has a maximum depth (tv) of 1.00 mm to 4.00 mm, in particular up to 3.00 mm, wherein the maximum depth (tv) is determined perpendicular to the auxiliary line (hv), and / or - where the first maximum length (c V2 ) the recess (11) is 10.00 mm to 30.00 mm, preferably 15.00 mm to 25.0 mm, and / or - where the second maximum length (c V1 ) the depth (11) is 20.00 mm to 30.00 mm. [14] Vehicle tires according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by , that the shoulder-side block section (52) of the profile blocks (5), whose shoulder-side block section (52) is provided with a recess (11), has a chamfer (10') formed between the shoulder flank (9) and the outer surface (5a1) of the inner block section (51), which is formed by an inclined surface (10) which, viewed in plan view perpendicular to the circumferential direction, runs straight, a width (b SF ) of 2.0 mm to 5.0 mm, in particular of 2.5 mm to 4.5 mm, and encloses an angle α of 145° to 165°, in particular of 150° to 160°, with the shoulder flank (9). [15] Vehicle tires according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by , that the depression (11) has a bottom (11a) which does not adjoin any of the boundary edges (11k1, 11k2, 11k3, 11k4, 11k5) of the depression (11).

Images