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

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle tire according to the preamble of patent claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for producing a vehicle tire according to the preamble of patent claim 8, a tire heating mold for producing such a vehicle tire according to the preamble of patent claim 11, and a use of a new tire marking on such a vehicle tire according to the preamble of patent claim 12.

[0002] Tire markings are generally located on the sidewall of vehicle tires and primarily serve to provide consumer information. A tire marking includes, among other things, the speed index, brand, tire size, and date of manufacture (DOT number). Other markings indicate the manufacturer or additional information. Sidewall markings are generally not subject to wear, so they are visible to the consumer throughout the entire service life of a vehicle tire. Therefore, markings in the tread area of ​​a vehicle tire are atypical. Markings on the tread of a vehicle tire are known in the prior art. For example, EP 3 369 589 A1 discloses shallow grooves in a tread section of a new motorcycle tire that are intended to provide early indication of a new tire's performance by visually confirming that the new tire has worn to a certain extent.

[0003] EP3412477A1 discloses a tire comprising protrusions having a hexagonal shape in plan view and formed on an outer surface of the tire, wherein a height of the protrusions is set to 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm and the protrusions are arranged adjacent to each other at a distance of 0.15 mm to 0.4 mm.

[0004] DE202006002539U1 deals with the marking of rubber tires for cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other road-legal vehicles on the tread. The marking is done using appropriately designed profile elements. These can be positive (raised) or negative (cut into the tread). The marking can be in a form that is normally legible when viewed directly, in mirror writing, or a combination of these elements.

[0005] CN201099146Y discloses a tire with markings on the tire tread that engrave fonts reflecting all the tire's information on a tread pattern block. The font length can range from 15 mm to 40 mm, depending on the tire size. The fonts can be convex or concave on the pattern block surface, and the convex length or concave depth ranges from 1 mm to 5 mm, depending on the tire size.

[0006] JP2017071302A relates to a tire in which a pitch variation, which is a ratio of a land portion and a groove portion in the tire circumferential direction, is given.

[0007] Furthermore, JP2013180588A discloses a tire capable of identifying a use of a tire and the like by visually recognizing a tread portion.

[0008] EP3524446A1 relates to a vehicle tire having an outer surface, wherein the outer surface has a vulcanized surface. The invention further comprises two methods and a mold for producing such a vehicle tire, as well as a tread.

[0009] However, the problem with such markings in the current state of the art is that they can be subsequently recreated on the tread of a vehicle tire and are therefore not suitable as new tire markings. For example, a marking can be relatively easily engraved into the tread with a laser. Thus, these markings cannot provide consumers with reliable information as to whether the vehicle tire is new or used.

[0010] This is where the present invention comes in. The object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle tire with an identification mark that identifies the vehicle tire as new and is forgery-proof. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a vehicle tire, by means of which an identification mark is produced on a vehicle tire that identifies the vehicle tire as new for the consumer. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide a tire heating mold by means of which an identification mark can be produced on a vehicle tire that identifies the vehicle tire as new. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a use of an identification mark that identifies the vehicle tire as new.

[0011] This object is achieved by a vehicle tire having the features of claim 1, by a method having the features of claim 8, by a tire heating mold having the features of claim 11, and by the use of a marking having the features of claim 12. Preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims, the following description, and / or the accompanying figures.

[0012] This object is achieved by a vehicle tire having a tread, the tread having at least one new tire identification mark whose surface is at least partially higher than the surrounding surface of the tread. Within the meaning of the invention, a higher surface is a surface that is raised relative to the surface of the tread of the vehicle tire. Advantageously, the new tire identification mark wears down due to the partially higher surface as soon as the vehicle tire is used. Consequently, the new tire identification mark only identifies the vehicle tire in its new, unused condition. It is also advantageous that such a new tire identification mark cannot be subsequently applied to the surface of a vehicle tire, so that such a new tire identification mark is forgery-proof. Furthermore, such a new tire identification mark can convey additional consumer information, such as installation instructions.

[0013] The tread or the surface of the tread can be designed differently depending on the type of vehicle tire. For the purposes of the invention, the surface of the tread is the outermost surface of the vehicle tire that is in direct contact with the road surface. It is conceivable that the tread extends into the side area of ​​a tire. Wear of the tread leads to greater wear of the new tire marking than the surrounding surface of the tread, causing the new tire marking to disappear after a certain period of driving. It is essential that the tread is at least partially in contact with the road surface while driving, so that the new tire marking is worn during driving.

[0014] New tire markings may have ventilation structures, but do not serve as ventilation structures that arise on or at the surface due to the manufacturing process of the vehicle tire. Such ventilation structures include, for example, cylindrical protrusions of minivents, plate-like impressions of Eurovents, or linear protrusions of vents extending beyond the mold segment boundaries. New tire markings also differ from "color markers," which identify a vehicle tire with a colored element and can also be applied subsequently. At the same time, a new tire marking can also be used as an information carrier, thus substituting the function of the color marker.

[0015] New tire markings on the surface of a tread are conceivable on all types of vehicle tires. For the purposes of the invention, a vehicle tire is understood to be a car tire. Motorcycle tires, tires for agricultural machinery, trailer tires, aircraft tires, or other tire types are also conceivable.

[0016] It is conceivable that only one new tire marking is arranged on a surface of a tread of a vehicle tire. It is also conceivable that at least two new tire markings, in particular a plurality of new tire markings, are arranged on a surface of a tread of a vehicle tire. Advantageously, at least two new tire markings, in particular a plurality of new tire markings, are located on the tread to ensure that the tire is marked in a particularly forgery-proof manner.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the invention, the surface of the new tire marking has at least a first region that is a maximum of 150 micrometers, in particular a maximum of 100 micrometers, higher than the surrounding surface of the tread. It has advantageously been shown that a new tire marking with a maximum elevation of 150 micrometers does not lead to any deterioration in the performance of the vehicle tire.

[0018] Furthermore, it is preferably conceivable that the raised surface is at least partially a maximum of 80 micrometers higher than the surrounding surface of the tread. Advantageously, a different, high-contrast impression is created for the consumer if the height is at least partially a maximum of 80 micrometers. It is further preferably conceivable that the height is a maximum of 60 micrometers, particularly preferably a maximum of 40 micrometers. Advantageously, a special visual impression can be created for the consumer if the new tire marking is a maximum of 60 micrometers, preferably 40 micrometers, higher than the surrounding surface of the tread.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first region of the surface encloses a second, lower region, which is preferably at least partially lower than the surrounding surface of the tread. Advantageously, a better contrast for the consumer is created if the periphery of the new tire marking is raised and the inner second region of the surface is deeper. A significantly better contrast is achieved by having the inner second surface lower than the surrounding surface of the tread.

[0020] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second, lower region is located a maximum of 150 micrometers, in particular a maximum of 100 micrometers, deeper than the surrounding surface of the tread. Advantageously, a clear contrast is created for the consumer if the second inner surface is located a maximum of 150 micrometers deeper than the surrounding surface of the tread. Furthermore, it is preferably conceivable for the second surface to be located a maximum of 80 micrometers deeper than the surrounding surface of the tread, as this advantageously creates a different contrast for the consumer.

[0021] It is also conceivable that the second inner surface is preferably a maximum of 60 micrometers, in particular a maximum of 40 micrometers, deeper than the surrounding surface of the tread, so that a different contrast is advantageously created for the consumer.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first and / or second region has a surface structure that contrasts more strongly with the surrounding surface of the tread, and is preferably roughened. Advantageously, a surface with a high-contrast surface structure is significantly more visible to the consumer. New tire markings can thus be produced that are given optical depth by the differently raised and high-contrast surfaces. It is conceivable that the surface is preferably roughened. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the surface has serrations that create a particular optical contrast for the consumer.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the invention, the at least one new tire marking is only visible when the vehicle tire is new. Advantageously, the at least one new tire marking disappears due to wear on the tread surface, so that such a new tire marking is only visible when the tire is new. Advantageously, such a new tire marking cannot be subsequently applied to the tread surface, making it significantly more forgery-proof than other prior art markings.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the invention, the at least one new tire marking has at least one hatching and / or one symbol and / or at least one character and / or at least one number and / or at least one letter. It may be useful for the consumer if the new tire marking, for example, refers to a company. A logo, for example, is conceivable. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the at least one new tire marking to be an energy label and / or an inscription "Made in Germany." The use of a barcode is also conceivable. This advantageously provides the consumer with additional information about the condition of the vehicle tire. This information is only visible when new and disappears with use due to wear.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the invention is directed to a method for producing a vehicle tire with at least one new tire identification mark, in particular a described vehicle tire, wherein the vehicle tire is produced in a tire heating mold, wherein the tire heating mold has at least one at least partially engraved negative of a new tire identification mark in the region of the tread. Advantageously, the at least one new tire identification mark can only be produced on the surface of the tread of a vehicle tire during the manufacturing process. Such a new tire identification mark is thus significantly more forgery-proof since it cannot be subsequently applied to the tread. Tire heating molds such as a milling mold and / or a casting mold are conceivable. Other shapes are also conceivable.An engraved negative of a new tire marking can, for example, be created using a laser on the inner surface of the tire heating mold in the area of ​​the tread. Other methods are also conceivable, however. The key requirement is that the negative of the new tire marking is a negative image of the new tire marking to be created on the tread of the vehicle tire. It is conceivable that the surface structure to be created has already been created as a negative image in the tire heating mold. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the surface structure of the new tire marking is contrasted after the new tire marking has been created, for example, by roughening the surface. This advantageously creates a high-contrast representation of a new tire marking for the consumer.

[0026] The embodiments already described with respect to the vehicle tire can, vice versa, relate to the method according to the invention.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the invention, the engraved negative of the new tire identification mark has a surface with at least one first engraved region which is at least partially a maximum of 150 micrometers, in particular a maximum of 100 micrometers, deeper than the surrounding mold surface of the tread. The mold surface of the tread is the region of the tire heating mold which, after the vehicle tire has been manufactured, images the tread of the tire. Advantageously, the at least partially engraved negative in the tire heating mold has a depression with a depth difference of at least partially a maximum of 150 micrometers, in particular a maximum of 100 micrometers, so that the new tire identification mark has a raised area on the surface of the tread. Accordingly, the new tire identification mark disappears after the tire has been used, so that the new tire identification mark only identifies the vehicle tire when new.Furthermore, the method is advantageous because such a new tire license plate cannot be subsequently applied to a vehicle tire and is therefore forgery-proof.

[0028] Furthermore, the recess of the at least partially engraved negative is preferably a maximum of 80 micrometers, particularly preferably a maximum of 60 micrometers, and even more particularly preferably a maximum of 40 micrometers. Such a recess advantageously creates a special visual impression for the consumer.

[0029] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first engraved area of ​​the surface encloses a second, higher engraved area, which is preferably at least partially higher than the surrounding mold surface of the tread. The surrounding mold surface of the tread, within the meaning of the invention, is the inner surface of the tire heating mold, which reproduces the negative of the tire surface. The negative of the new tire marking can, for example, be partially higher than the surrounding surface of the mold surface in order to later create a higher-contrast impression of the new tire marking for the consumer on the tread of the tire. This is possible, in particular, if the new tire marking has different heights or depths.

[0030] In a further embodiment, the invention is directed to a tire heating mold for a described method for producing a vehicle tire with at least one new tire identification mark, in particular a described vehicle tire, wherein the tire heating mold has an engraved negative of a new tire identification mark in the region of the tread. Advantageously, with the aid of such a tire heating mold, a new tire identification mark can be produced on the tread of a vehicle tire, which identifies the tire as new and cannot be subsequently applied to the tread. For example, the described tire heating mold can be used to produce a tire with a forgery-proof new tire identification mark.

[0031] The embodiments already described with regard to the vehicle tire and the method can, vice versa, relate to the tire heating mold according to the invention.

[0032] Furthermore, in a further embodiment of the invention, the invention is directed to the use of a new tire marking on a tread of a described vehicle tire to indicate the newness of the vehicle tire. Advantageously, the use of a new tire marking on a tread of a vehicle tire allows the vehicle tire to be marked only when new. The use of new tire markings on the tread of a vehicle tire is not common in the prior art, especially not new tire markings that have a raised surface compared to the surrounding surface of the tread. Character description

[0033] Further details and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a vehicle tire with a new tire marking and a tire heating mold, Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of a tire heating mold and Figure 3 shows a plan view of a tread of a vehicle tire.

[0034] Figure 1 shows a section of a vehicle tire 1 and a tire heating mold 2 in side view. The vehicle tire 1 has a new tire marking 4 on the tread 3 with a surface 5 of the new tire marking, wherein the surface 5 is higher than the surrounding surface of the tread 3. The height difference 6 is the difference between the surface 5 of the new tire marking and the surrounding surface of the tread 3. In addition, the vehicle tire 1 has a second new tire marking 7 and a third new tire marking 8, which correspond to the new tire marking 3.

[0035] Furthermore, the tire heating mold 2 comprises a mold surface 9 in the region of the tread, wherein a negative of the new tire identification mark 10 is engraved on the mold surface 9. The negative of the new tire identification mark 10 has an engraved surface 11 that is deeper than the surrounding surface of the mold surface 9. The depth difference 12 in the tire heating mold 2 corresponds to the height difference 6 of the first new tire identification mark 4 minus the shrinkage, which is neglected for the sake of simplicity. The tire heating mold 2 also has a negative of the second new tire identification mark 13 and a negative of the third new tire identification mark 14 on the mold surface 9. The surface of the tread 3 of the vehicle tire 1 is determined overall by the mold surface 9 of the tire heating mold 2 in the region of the tread.

[0036] Figure 2shows another possible tire heating mold 15 with a mold surface 16 and a negative of a new tire marking 17, another jagged negative of a new tire marking 18, and another U-shaped negative of a new tire marking 19. The negative of the new tire marking 17 has the engraved surface 20, which is deeper than the surrounding surface of the mold surface 16. The engraved surface 20 has a planar surface structure. The jagged negative of a new tire marking 18, on the other hand, has a jagged surface 21. Only a part of the jagged surface 21 is deeper than the surrounding mold surface 16 in the area of ​​the tread. Furthermore, the U-shaped negative of a new tire marking 19 has a first lower surface 22 and a second higher surface 23. The higher surface 23 is higher than the surrounding mold surface 16.

[0037] Figure 3shows a vehicle tire 1 in a top view of the tread. The vehicle tire 1 has a tread 3, with a "NEW" tire marking 24 arranged on the tread 3. Furthermore, the vehicle tire 1 has a new tire marking with an energy label 25 and a "Made in Germany" new tire marking 26. List of reference symbols

[0038] 1 Vehicle tire 2 Tire heating mold 3 Tread 4 New tire marking 5 Surface of the new tire marking 6 Height difference 7 Second new tire marking 8 Third new tire marking 9 Mold surface 10 Negative of the new tire marking 11 Engraved surface 12 Depth difference 13 Negative of the second new tire marking 14 Negative of the third new tire marking 15 Additional tire heating mold 16 Mold surface of the additional tire heating mold 17 Negative of a new tire marking of the additional tire heating mold 18 Jagged negative of a new tire marking 19 U-shaped negative of a new tire marking 20 Planar surface 21 Jagged surface 22 First lower surface 23 Second higher surface 24 New tire marking "NEW" 25 New tire marking with energy label 26 New tire marking "Made in Germany"

Claims

1. Vehicle tyre (1) having a tread (3), wherein the tread (3) has at least one new-tyre identifier (4, 7, 8) whose surface (5) is at least partly higher than the surrounded surface of the tread (3), wherein the surface of the new-tyre identifier (5) has at least one first region which is at most 150 micrometres higher than the surrounded surface of the tread (3), wherein the first region of the surface (5) surrounds a second, lower region, characterized in that the second, lower region is at most 150 micrometres lower than the surrounded surface of the tread (3).

2. Vehicle tyre (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the surface of the new-tyre identifier (5) has at least one first region which is at most 100 micrometres higher than the surrounded surface of the tread (3).

3. Vehicle tyre (1) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the first region of the surface (5) surrounds a second, lower region which is at least partly lower than the surrounded surface of the tread (3).

4. Vehicle tyre (1) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the second, lower region is at most 100 micrometres lower than the surrounded surface of the tread (3).

5. Vehicle tyre (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first region and / or second region have / has a surface structuring having higher contrast in relation to the surrounded surface of the tread (3), preferably are / is roughened.

6. Vehicle tyre (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one new-tyre identifier (4, 7, 8) is visible only in the new state of the vehicle tyre (1).

7. Vehicle tyre (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one new-tyre identifier (4, 7, 8) has at least one hatching and / or a symbol and / or at least one mark and / or at least one numeral and / or at least one letter.

8. Method for producing a vehicle tyre (1) having at least one new-tyre identifier (4, 7, 8) according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the vehicle tyre (1) is produced in a tyre heating mould (2), wherein the tyre heating mould (2) has at least one at least partly engraved negative of a new-tyre identifier (10, 13, 14) in the region of the tread (3).

9. Method according to Claim 8, characterized in that the engraved negative of the new-tyre identifier (10, 13, 14) has a surface (11) with at least one first engraved region which is at least partly at most 150 micrometres, in particular at most 100 micrometres, lower than the surrounded mould surface (16) of the tread.

10. Method according to Claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the first engraved region of the surface (11) surrounds a second, higher engraved region, which is preferably at least partly higher than the surrounded mould surface (16) of the tread.

11. Tyre heating mould (2) for producing a vehicle tyre (1) having at least one new-tyre identifier (4, 7, 8) according to one of Claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the tyre heating mould (2) has an engraved negative of a new-tyre identifier (10, 13, 14) in the region of the tread.

12. Use of a new-tyre identifier (4, 7, 8) on a tread (3) of a vehicle tyre (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 7 for identifying the new state of the vehicle tyre (1).