VEHICLE AIR TIRES

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a pneumatic vehicle tire with sidewalls having a decorative, for example pictorially designed pattern formed on at least one sidewall, which extends over a circumferential section of the sidewall and has two types of rectangular pattern fields arranged in a checkerboard pattern, which run in rows arranged next to one another and largely parallel to one another, are largely straight and of constant width and alternate with one another within the rows, wherein the pattern fields in rows running next to one another are offset from one another so that a pattern field of one type in one row is assigned to a pattern field of the other type in the adjacent row, wherein in each of the pattern fields a microrib, in particular running in a meandering or rectangular wave shape, is formed and the two types of pattern fields differ from one another in the course of the microribs.

[0002] To create micro-rib patterns on tire sidewalls, software-controlled recesses simulating the pattern are typically milled into the sidewalls of the tire's vulcanization mold. These recesses create raised areas or micro-ribs in the rubber material of the sidewalls during tire vulcanization. Furthermore, the milled recesses are designed to ensure the formation of micro-ribs that are as small as possible and closely spaced, ensuring good visibility of the pattern through reflection or scattering of incident light.

[0003] A pneumatic vehicle tire of the type mentioned above is known, for example, from EP 3 213 934 B1. The pattern formed over a circumferential section of the sidewall is composed of pattern fields arranged in rows, each structured with a microrib extending in rectangular loops. In any two of the pattern fields arranged in rows, the microribs are interconnected. Furthermore, the pattern fields contain additional, narrower microribs forming separate loops. The production of this pattern on the tire sidewalls requires complex and time-consuming milling operations in the side shells of the tire's vulcanization mold.

[0004] US 2016 / 0361955 A1 discloses a pneumatic vehicle tire with sidewalls having decorative patterns that extend over a circumferential portion of the respective sidewall. The patterns have two types of pattern fields that are arranged in adjacent rows and alternate within the rows, wherein the pattern fields in adjacent rows are offset from one another. The pattern fields each comprise a microrib, wherein the microrib in the pattern fields of the first type each runs in a meandering manner, and the microrib in pattern fields of the second type connects microribs from the adjacent pattern fields of the first type to one another, so that a continuous microrib pattern across the entire row The micro-rib pattern should be clearly visible and highly crack-resistant. Furthermore, the milling time for the corresponding negative on the side shell should be reduced.

[0005] EP 3 213 936 A1 discloses a pneumatic vehicle tire with sidewalls having a decorative pattern formed on at least one sidewall, which extends over a circumferential section of the sidewall and has two types of rectangular pattern fields arranged in a checkerboard pattern. According to one exemplary embodiment, the pattern fields are formed in alternating rows such that the pattern fields in adjacent rows are offset from one another. Within the pattern fields, a plurality of microribs are provided which run parallel to one another and in a wavy manner, wherein the microribs in the pattern fields of the first type are oriented at a 90° angle to the microribs in the pattern fields of the second type. According to a further exemplary embodiment, the microribs each run in a rectangular wave shape. The pattern is intended to improve the external appearance of the sidewall.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of designing a pattern of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that the milling time in the side shell of the vulcanization mold can be significantly reduced and the milling process can be simplified, wherein the pattern formed in the side wall should remain clearly visible and should be capable of being implemented in different, including pictorial, designs.

[0007] The stated object is achieved according to the invention in that, in order to form the pattern within rows, at the location of a pattern field or several pattern fields, an empty field with an unstructured or smooth outer surface is included which interrupts the alternating course of the two types of rectangular pattern fields provided within a row, wherein only the microribs of immediately consecutive pattern fields within a row are connected to one another to form a continuous microrib train.

[0008] The invention allows for a variable, highly appealing, and particularly visually appealing design of a pattern on the sidewall of a pneumatic vehicle tire by providing free pattern fields, referred to here as empty fields, at corresponding locations along the intended microrib design. The alternating sequence of the two types of pattern fields with different microrib configurations within a row is "maintained" throughout the entire row and is merely interrupted by the empty fields. The microribs of all consecutive pattern fields within a row are interconnected. This significantly simplifies the software-controlled milling process in the side shells of the vulcanization mold and significantly reduces milling time.

[0009] The pattern is primarily characterized by the pattern fields and the microribs running within them. To ensure the pattern fields are clearly visible on the sidewall, it is advantageous if the pattern fields adjacent to each other in a row each have an edge region with a minimum width of 0.10 mm. These edge regions are traversed by a microrib section that connects the microribs of the pattern fields adjacent in a row. The edge regions are otherwise free of microribs.

[0010] Almost any desired pattern design can be achieved by alternating blank and patterned fields within the rows. Particularly visible patterns can be achieved with a design in which the micro-ribs in the patterned fields run in meandering or rectangular waves, utilizing the available surface area within the edge area.

[0011] Further measures support a particularly visible and aesthetic design of the pattern. One of these measures involves the pattern fields of each of the two types of pattern fields within the pattern having identical dimensions. Within the pattern, all pattern fields can have identical dimensions, preferably in the shape of squares.

[0012] A further measure that contributes to good visibility of the microribs within the pattern fields is that the pattern fields have a size in the range of 3.00 mm x 3.00 mm to 9.00 mm x 9.00 mm.

[0013] Particularly harmonious design of the pattern can be created if the rows with the pattern fields run in the circumferential direction or in the radial direction of the side wall within the pattern.

[0014] The dimensions of the microribs also play a role in ensuring good visibility of the pattern on the tire's sidewall. A particularly advantageous design for the microribs is a dome-shaped cross-section, with the microribs having a maximum height and a base width of 0.20 mm to 0.40 mm. In this regard, it is also advantageous if all pattern cases within a pattern have microribs of the same design and dimensions.

[0015] Further features, advantages and details of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the schematic drawing, which illustrates exemplary embodiments. Fig. 1 a plan view of a peripheral section of a sidewall of a pneumatic vehicle tire with a first embodiment of a pattern according to the invention, Fig. 2 an enlarged section of the pattern Fig. 1 , Fig. 3 an enlarged detail of the Fig. 2 , Fig. 4 an enlarged section of a second variant of a pattern and Fig. 5 an enlarged detail of the Fig. 4 .

[0016] Fig. 1shows a circumferential section of a sidewall 1 of a pneumatic vehicle tire with a variant of a decorative pattern 2, which is formed within a circular ring section, thus over a partial area of ​​the also circular ring-shaped circumference of the sidewall 1. In the figures, the arrow R indicates the radial direction, and the arrow U the circumferential direction of the tire.

[0017] The particularly in Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 The sections shown of variants of a pattern 2, 2' have a pictorial design. The patterns 2, 2' are formed by microribs 3, 3' ( Fig. 1 to Fig. 5) and are based on checkerboard-like pattern fields 4, 4', which are rectangular in plan view and arranged in adjacent, largely parallel and straight rows of constant and consistent width. The terms "largely parallel and straight" refer to the fact that, due to the circular ring shape and curvature of the side wall, the rows of pattern fields 4, 4', which in the examples are arranged in the radial direction ( Fig. 1, Fig. 2 ) or in the circumferential direction ( Fig. 4 ) are not exactly parallel and straight. Within patterns 2, 2' there are rows with empty fields 7 ( Fig. 2 , Fig. 4 ) - without microribs and instead of pattern fields with microribs - are present, as will be described below. The empty fields 7 preferably have an unstructured, smooth, or largely smooth surface. The combination of pattern fields 4, 4' with empty fields 7 results in the desired overall appearance of the patterns 2, 2'.

[0018] Within the patterns 2, 2', the microribs 3, 3' are of identical design and have a substantially uniform dome-shaped cross-section with a maximum central height of 0.20 mm to 0.40 mm and a width at their base of also 0.20 mm to 0.40 mm.

[0019] The pattern fields 4, 4' have a width B ( Fig. 3 , Fig.5 ) of the rows, which is 3.00 mm to 9.00 mm. In the direction of extension of the rows, the pattern fields 4, 4' have a length 1 ( Fig. 3 , Fig. 5 ), which also ranges from 3.00 mm to 9.00 mm. Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 In the version shown, all sample fields 4, 4' are the same size and square. Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 In the version shown, the pattern fields 4, 4' are of different lengths, but all pattern fields 4 and all pattern fields 4' are the same size.

[0020] The pattern fields 4, 4' differ in the pattern of the microribs 3, 3' formed within them. In each row of immediately consecutive pattern fields 4, 4', a pattern field 4 alternates with a pattern field 4'. Provided empty fields 7 merely interrupt the otherwise intended alternating pattern. Within a row of consecutive pattern fields 4, 4', their microribs 3, 3' are connected to one another and form a continuous microrib line. The pattern 2, 2' can have rows consisting entirely of alternating pattern fields 4, 4', whose microribs 3, 3' are all connected to one another. In rows with empty fields 7, these interrupt the alternating sequence, as mentioned, and take the place(s) of the otherwise intended pattern fields 4, 4'.The pattern 2, 2 also has, in rows, individual pattern fields 4, 4' located between empty fields 7 and groups with two or more consecutive pattern fields 4, 4'.

[0021] Each pattern field 4, 4' further has a peripheral edge region 8 with a minimum width b of 0.10 mm, for example, a width of up to 0.40 mm, and a surface region located within the edge region 8, within which the respective microrib 3, 3' is formed in a meandering or rectangular wave shape, preferably utilizing the surface region. A microrib section 5 crosses the edge region 8 and connects the microribs 3, 3' of successive pattern fields 4, 4' in the rows. Otherwise, the edge regions 8 are unstructured.

[0022] In the adjacent or adjacent rows, the pattern fields 4, 4' are offset from each other in the direction of extension of the rows by one pattern field 4, 4' each, so that when pattern fields 4, 4' are present, a pattern field 4 from one row is located next to a pattern field 4' from the adjacent row.

[0023] At the Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 In the embodiment of the pattern 2 shown, the microribs 3, 3' in the pattern fields 4, 4' run analogously to a regular rectangular wave with longer sections 6a ( Fig. 3 ) and the connecting shorter sections 6b ( Fig. 3) . In the embodiment shown, the microribs 3, 3' within each pattern field 4, 4' have five mutually parallel sections 6a, which run parallel to the direction of extension of the rows in the pattern fields 4, and at right angles to the direction of extension of the rows in the pattern fields 4'. The microrib sections 5 connect the ends of the respective outer, longer sections 6a, running in the direction of extension of the rows.

[0024] At the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5In the embodiment shown, the pattern 2' contains pattern fields 4 with microribs 3, which, similar to those according to the first embodiment, run along a rectangular wave, in the example with three longer sections 6a and two shorter sections 6b connecting the longer sections 6a. In the pattern fields 4', the microribs 3' run along meander structures formed diagonally in the pattern fields 4'. In the embodiment shown, this meander structure consists of loops with a 180° reversal with five sections 6'a running parallel to one another and diagonally across the rectangular shape of the central surface area of ​​the pattern fields 4', which are connected to one another via sections 6'b running in the direction of extension of the rows. As already mentioned, all pattern fields 4 and all pattern fields 4' each have the same dimensions.In the embodiment shown, the length I of the pattern fields 4' is greater, for example by 1.00 mm to 2.00 mm greater, than the length of the pattern fields 4. In the pattern 2', the pattern fields 4, 4' are also offset from one another in adjacent rows, so that, if provided for in the pattern 2', a pattern field 4 is positioned centrally next to a pattern field 4'.

[0025] Patterns according to the invention can also be designed in such a way that the rows running parallel to one another run diagonally or at any angle across the side wall. List of reference symbols

[0026] 1Sidewall 2, 2'Pattern 3, 3', 3"Microrib 4, 4'Pattern field 5Microrib section 6a, 6b, 6'a, 6'bSection 7Empty field 8Edge area B, bWidth lLength RParrow (radial direction) UParrow (circumferential direction)

Claims

1. Pneumatic vehicle tyre having sidewalls (1) with a decorative, for example pictorial, pattern (2, 2'), which is formed on at least one sidewall (1), extends over a circumferential portion of the sidewall (1) and has two types of rectangular pattern fields (4, 4') which are arranged like a chequerboard, run in rows arranged adjacent to one another and largely parallel to one another, running largely in a straight line and of a constant width, and alternate with one another within the rows, wherein the pattern fields (4, 4') are offset from one another in rows running adjacent to one another, so that a pattern field (4') of the one type in the one row is associated with a pattern field (4') of the other type in the adjacent row, wherein a microrib (3, 3') is formed in each of the pattern fields (4, 4'), in particular running in a meandering or rectangular wave form, and the two types of pattern fields (4, 4') differ from one another by the course run by the microribs (3, 3'), characterized in that, to form the pattern (2, 2'), contained within rows there is at the location of a pattern field or a plurality of pattern fields (4, 4') in each case an empty field (7), having an unstructured or smooth outer surface, interrupting the alternating course run by the two types of rectangular pattern fields (4, 4') provided within a row, wherein only the microribs (3, 3') of pattern fields (4, 4') directly following one another within a row are connected to one another, forming a continuous series of microribs.

2. Pneumatic vehicle tyre according to Claim 1, characterized in that the pattern fields (4, 4') adjacent to one another in a row have in each case a border region (8) with a minimum width of 0.10 mm, wherein these border regions (8) are crossed by a microrib portion (5) which connects the microribs (3, 3') of the pattern fields (4, 4') adjacent in a row to one another, wherein the border regions (8) are otherwise free from microribs.

3. Pneumatic vehicle tyre according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pattern (2, 2') has at least one row in which one or more individual pattern field(s) (4, 4') is or are contained.

4. Pneumatic vehicle tyre according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the microribs (3, 3') in the pattern fields (4, 4') run in a meandering or rectangular wave form, utilizing the surface area available within the border region (8).

5. Pneumatic vehicle tyre according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that within the pattern (2, 2') the pattern fields (4, 4') of each of the two types of pattern fields (4, 4') have dimensions that coincide with one another in each case.

6. Pneumatic vehicle tyre according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that within the pattern (2, 2') all of the pattern fields (4, 4') have coinciding dimensions.

7. Pneumatic vehicle tyre according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the pattern fields (4, 4') have a size in the range from 3.00 mm x 3.00 mm to 9.00 mm x 9.00 mm.

8. Pneumatic vehicle tyre according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that within the pattern (2) all of the pattern fields (4, 4') are square.

9. Pneumatic vehicle tyre according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that within the pattern (2) the rows of pattern fields (4, 4') run in the radial direction of the sidewall (1).

10. Pneumatic vehicle tyre according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that within the pattern (2') rows of pattern fields (4, 4') run in the circumferential direction of the sidewall (1).

11. Pneumatic vehicle tyre according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the microribs (3, 3') in the pattern fields (4, 4') are dome-shaped in cross section and have a maximum height and a width at their base of 0.20 mm to 0.40 mm.

12. Pneumatic vehicle tyre according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that all of the pattern fields (4, 4') within a pattern (2, 2') have microribs (3, 3') of the same design and dimensions.