VEHICLE AIR TIRES

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle pneumatic tire with a tread having grooved profile positives with incisions extending at an angle of 0° to 50° to the axial direction in a top view, each incision having a base and a width of 0.4 mm to 2.0 mm, wherein each incision extends to a maximum depth of 70% to 100% of the tread depth in at least one incision part shown in a top view and, viewed in cross-section, has a radially extending, corrugated section with an amplitude decreasing towards the base of the incision, which is determined relative to a reference line oriented in the direction of propagation of the wave, wherein the corrugated section or a part of the corrugated section is composed of segments passing the reference line exactly once and extending between the maximally deflected points of the corrugated section.wherein each segment is a first segment inclined with respect to the radial direction or a second segment inclined with respect to the radial direction opposite to the first segment, and wherein in each first segment the amplitude value at the radially outer end is greater than the amplitude value at the radially inner end, wherein the corrugated section or the part of the corrugated section is composed of at least, preferably exactly, two first and two second segments.

[0002] Such a pneumatic tire is known, for example, from WO 2019 / 035847 A1. This pneumatic tire has a tread with profile grooves featuring cuts which, viewed in cross-section, have a radially corrugated central section. The central section is composed of adjoining segments, each spanning half a wavelength. The wavelength and amplitude decrease stepwise from one mutual connection point of the segments to the next mutual connection point in the direction of the cut base. These measures are intended to ensure that the cuts remain in perfect condition when the tire is removed from the vulcanization mold.

[0003] From US patent 4,794,965 A, a vehicle tire is known with a tread consisting of profile blocks separated by circumferential and transverse grooves. Each of these blocks is provided with an even number of incisions, ranging in width from 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm, which, when viewed from above, run parallel to the transverse grooves and at an angle of no more than 30° to the axial direction. In cross-section, the incisions are corrugated and consist of adjacent segments that run at an angle of up to 40° between their maximum deflection points and to the radial direction. The orientation of the incisions within a profile block is such that, in cross-section, immediately adjacent incisions are mirror-symmetrical with respect to a radially extending line, so that the crests and troughs of such incisions face each other.The amplitude of the wave decreases gradually across the mutual connection points of the segments towards the bottom of the cut. Such a tire should exhibit a uniform wear pattern while maintaining the usual function of the cuts.

[0004] JP 2000 177 329 A discloses a vehicle tire with a tread featuring profile blocks with cuts which, viewed in cross-section, form a triangular wave (i.e., zigzag-shaped) or a trapezoidal wave and are each composed of adjoining segments extending between the points of maximum deflection. The amplitude of the wave decreases stepwise across the mutual connection points of the segments towards the base of the cut. Such cuts are intended to compensate for the increase in block stiffness that accompanies progressive tread wear in a manner favorable to grip characteristics.

[0005] With pneumatic tires of the type mentioned above, advantageous support effects occur during tire rolling in the area of ​​the slits in the footprint due to the radially wavy section. These effects provide mutual stiffening of the positive profile segments formed by the slits and enhance the effects of the slits on traction and grip. The mutual support effects depend on the remaining tread depth of the tire and the load exerted on the tires by the vehicle, and are particularly impaired in heavily loaded vehicles.

[0006] The invention is therefore based on the objective of maintaining, in a vehicle pneumatic tire of the type mentioned at the outset, the support effects of the cuts, which are favorable for the traction and grip properties, as independently as possible of the remaining tread depth and the load acting on the tire.

[0007] The problem set out in the invention is solved by ensuring that, in every second segment, the amplitude value at the radially outer end corresponds to the amplitude value at the radially inner end, and that the corresponding amplitude values ​​decrease stepwise in the direction of the cut base from one second segment to the next second segment.

[0008] The incisions designed according to the invention exhibit a specifically changing articulation behavior under tread load as tread wear increases. The amplitude, which is constant or changing across the segments, ensures that the articulation effects provide optimal stiffness of the tread elements regardless of the remaining tread depth and the load acting on the tire. This compensates for the disproportionate increase in the stiffness of the tread elements with progressive tread wear in a manner more favorable to traction and grip than previously possible.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, a first segment is the radially outermost segment and a second segment is the radially innermost segment. This improves the interlocking effects, particularly because of the aforementioned disproportionate increase in continuity with progressive tread wear.

[0010] Another preferred embodiment provides that the corrugated section or part of the corrugated section has exactly two first and two second segments, such that the largest amplitude value is located at the radially outer end of the radially outermost, first segment, wherein the following holds: A 1 = A 2 + A 2 − A 3 , where A1 is the largest amplitude value, A2 is the medium amplitude value, and A3 is the smallest amplitude value. is.

[0011] Such a gradually changing amplitude provides particularly favorable compensation for the increasing stiffness of the profile elements due to tread abrasion and therefore further improves traction and grip properties.

[0012] Another preferred embodiment is characterized in that the smallest amplitude value(s) is / are 80% to 120%, in particular 90% to 100%, of the width of the cut. This is advantageous for the aforementioned support and interlocking effects, especially in the case of correspondingly advanced tread wear.

[0013] In the latter embodiment, it is advantageous if the second smallest amplitude values ​​are 150% to 250%, in particular 170% to 230%, preferably 190% to 210%, of the smallest amplitude value(s).

[0014] It is further advantageous if the corrugated section has a length of 50% to 70%, in particular 55% to 65%, of the maximum depth of the cut in the radial direction.

[0015] Another preferred embodiment provides that each segment, viewed in cross-section, has a straight central segment section that passes through the reference line. These central segment sections are connected by arc-shaped segment transitions that adjoin the central segment sections tangentially. The straight central segment sections contribute to improved mutual support of the cut walls under load, regardless of the remaining tread depth and the load acting on the tire. The specially designed segment transitions ensure particularly high crack resistance of the cut walls and the rubber material defining the cut.

[0016] An advantageous further development of the last-mentioned preferred embodiment is characterized by the fact that the segment transitions run along radii of equal size.

[0017] According to a further preferred embodiment, a radially outer section extending towards the tread periphery and with a radial length of 10% to 20%, in particular up to 17%, of the maximum depth of the cut is connected to the radially outer end of the corrugated section. This radially outer section ensures good forming behavior of the cuts when the tire is removed from the vulcanization mold, so that the cuts reliably provide good traction and grip properties from the outset.

[0018] Furthermore, it is advantageous if a radially inner section extending in a radial direction adjoins the radially inner end of the corrugated section, particularly if this section is aligned with the optionally provided radially outer section. The radially inner section primarily improves crack resistance at and near the bottom of the cut.

[0019] For the aforementioned support effects, it is advantageous if the cut section in which the cut has the corrugated section, viewed from above, extends over at least 50%, and in particular over at least 75%, of the length of the cut.

[0020] For the aforementioned support effects, it is also advantageous if the cut extends to the maximum depth over its entire extent and has the corrugated section over its entire extent as seen from above.

[0021] Preferably, the cut, viewed from above, consists of a main section with a wave-like shape and two straight or curved edge sections that are aligned with each other. The main section improves the twisting behavior of the cut, especially under transverse loading. In the case of cuts merging into grooves, the edge sections allow for the maintenance of a stiffness at the respective edge regions of the profile segments adjacent to the cuts, which is favorable with regard to the abrasion behavior of the respective profile positive.

[0022] Furthermore, it is preferred if the cuts cross the profile positives.

[0023] Another preferred embodiment is characterized in that the part of the corrugated section is composed of the segments, wherein the two ends of the part are deflected relative to the reference line and wherein the wave of the corrugated section is guided back to the reference line by a transition part terminating at the radially outer end of the part of the corrugated section and a transition part terminating at the radially inner end of the part of the corrugated section.

[0024] 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 top view of a profile block of a tread of a vehicle pneumatic tire with an embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 an enlarged top view of a section of the profile block made of Fig. 1 in the area of ​​a cut, Fig. 3 a cut according to the line III-III the Fig. 2 , Fig. 4 a visualization of the incision (deduction body of the incision) and Fig. 5 an enlarged view of the Fig. 3 .

[0025] Vehicle pneumatic 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 radial tires for rims with an integer rim diameter of 18 inches to 23 inches.

[0026] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a top view of an axially elongated, parallelogram-shaped central tread block 1 of a vehicle tire. The circumferential direction of the vehicle tire is indicated by a double arrow U. The central tread block 1 is bounded in both circumferential directions by transverse grooves 2 and laterally by circumferential grooves 3 or groove segments of circumferential grooves 3. The transverse grooves 2 separate the central tread block 1 from other central tread blocks (not shown), which are designed in a similar manner, so that the central tread block 1 belongs to a circumferential row of tread blocks. In the exemplary embodiment, the transverse grooves 2 and the circumferential grooves 3 are radially aligned to the respective intended tread depth TP (indicated in the figure). Fig. 3 The profile depth TP is typically 6.5 mm to 13.0 mm, and in particular up to 10.0 mm. However, it is also possible for only the transverse grooves 2 or only the circumferential grooves 3 to be designed to the profile depth TP. Viewed from above, the transverse grooves 2 run straight, parallel to each other, and at an angle of 0° to 50° to the axial direction, and in particular from 5° to 45°.

[0027] In profile block 1, a transverse cut 4 is formed, which, viewed from above, extends straight and parallel to the transverse grooves 2. The cut 4 has two cut edges 5 and, viewed from above, consists of two straight and aligned edge sections 6 and a wave-shaped main section 7.

[0028] According to Fig. 3 und Fig. 4 The incision 4 is bounded by a channel-shaped incision base 8 in the exemplary embodiment and two incision walls 9 extending from the incision edges 5. How Fig. 2 bis Fig. 4 As shown, incision 4 has a cut centerline ML that follows the cut path in plan view ( Fig. 2 ), a cut median surface MF extending from this, spaced at the same intervals as the cut walls 9 ( Fig. 3 ) and a cut baseline BL running straight and centrally through the edge sections 6 in plan view ( Fig. 2 ) on, wherein the cut 4 is parallel to the transverse grooves 2 with respect to the cut baseline BL ( Fig. 1 ). The cut centerline ML and the cut baseline BL coincide in the area of ​​the boundary sections 6 ( Fig. 2 ).

[0029] The cut 4 has a distance between the cut walls 9 determined to be the smallest possible distance, i.e. perpendicular to the cut mid-surface MF ( Fig. 3 ) measured width b E ( Fig. 2, Fig. 3 ) from 0.4 mm to 2.0 mm, in particular from up to 1.6 mm, preferably from up to 1.2 mm, a length c E determined along the cut baseline BL ( Fig. 2 ) and in a radial direction a maximum depth t E (depth at the deepest point, Fig. 3 ) from 70% to 100% of the tread depth TP ( Fig. 3 ) where the maximum depth t E is in particular at most the profile depth TP reduced by 0.5 mm and where - as Fig. 2 bis Fig. 4 in combination with each other - the cut 4 in the exemplary embodiment over the entire length c E ( Fig. 2 ) to the maximum depth t E ( Fig. 3 ) is executed. The main section 7 ( Fig. 2, Fig. 4 ) extends, viewed from above, over at least 50%, preferably over at least 60%, of the length c E ( Fig. 2 ) of incision 4.

[0030] How Fig. 3 und Fig. 4 Particularly in combination, the incision 4 in the area between the incision edges 5 and the incision base 8 consists in the radial direction of a radially outer section 10, a corrugated section 11 extending radially in a wave-like form over its entire extent, and a radially inner section 12. The sections 10, 11, 12 are therefore present in both the edge sections 6 and the main section 7 ( Fig. 4 ). The radially oriented waveform of the corrugated section 11, which will be discussed in more detail later, is superimposed in the main section 7 by its top-view waveform ( Fig. 4 ).

[0031] The following explanations for sections 10, 11, and 12 refer to the view in plan view perpendicular to the cut centerline ML ( Fig. 2 ) running cross-section (cf. position of section line III-III in Fig. 2 ).

[0032] According to Fig. 5 The radially outer section 10 and the radially inner section 12 each extend straight and in a radial direction, with the radially outer section 10 being aligned with the radially inner section 12. Sections 10 and 12 thus extend in a straight line relative to each other. The radially outer section 10 has a length c1, relative to the cut mid-surface MF, of 10% to 20%, and in particular up to 17%, of the maximum depth tE in the radial direction.

[0033] In Fig. 5 A straight reference line L, oriented in the direction of propagation of the wave of the corrugated section 11, is drawn connecting the cut-in center surface MF between the radially outer section 10 and the radially inner section 12.

[0034] The corrugated section 11 has a radial length c 2 of 50% to 70%, in particular 55% to 65%, of the maximum depth t E, relative to the central surface MF of the incision, a wavelength λ, and an amplitude that decreases stepwise towards the bottom 8 of the incision. The wavelength λ is relative to the central surface MF of the incision. The amplitude, or its amplitude values ​​A 1 , A 2 , A 3, which—as will be explained in more detail later—specify the amplitude, is relative to the central surface MF of the incision and the reference line L.

[0035] The corrugated section 11 extends over 2.5 wavelengths λ and, from radially outside to radially inside, consists of a section extending over 0.25 wavelengths λ (in Fig. 5 : λ / 4) a radially outer transition part 13, a middle part 14 extending over 2.0 wavelengths λ and a wavelength λ extending over 0.25 wavelengths λ (in Fig. 5 : λ / 4) reaching, radially inner transition part 15 together.

[0036] The two ends of the middle part 14 are each deflected relative to the reference line L and the wave shape of the corrugated section 11 is returned to the reference line L by the two transition parts 13, 15.

[0037] The central part 14 consists of four segments, each extending over half a wavelength λ / 2, crossing the reference line L exactly once, and running between two maximally deflected points. These segments—viewed from radially outside to radially inside—comprise a radially outer first segment 16a, a radially outer second segment 17a, a radially inner first segment 16b, and a radially inner second segment 17b. The first segments 16a and 16b are inclined in the opposite direction to the second segments 17a and 17b with respect to the radial direction. The "maximally deflected points" are, in a known manner, those at which the amplitude, and thus the amplitude values ​​A₁, A₂, and A₃, are determined.

[0038] The amplitude of the wave has an amplitude value A1 at the radially outer end of the radially outer first segment 16a and an amplitude value A2 at the radially inner end of the radially outer first segment 16a, which is smaller than the amplitude value A1. Furthermore, the amplitude of the wave has an amplitude value A2 at the radially outer end of the radially inner first segment 16b and an amplitude value A3 at the radially inner end of the radially inner first segment 16b, which is smaller than the amplitude value A2. A1 > A2 > A3, so that for each first segment 16a, 16b, the amplitude value at the radially outer end (amplitude value A1 or A2) is greater than the amplitude value at the radially inner end (amplitude value A2 or A3).

[0039] Furthermore, the amplitude of the wave exhibits identical amplitude values ​​at the radially outer and radially inner ends of the second segments 17a and 17b, namely, amplitude value A2 at the ends of the radially outer second segment 17a and amplitude value A3 at the ends of the radially inner second segment 17b. Therefore, in the second segments 17a and 17b, the identical amplitude values ​​A2 and A3 decrease stepwise in the direction of the cut base 8 from the radially outer second segment 17a (amplitude value A2) to the radially inner second segment 17b (amplitude value A3).

[0040] The amplitude value A3 is 80% to 120%, in particular 90% to 100%, of the width bE of the incision 4. The amplitude value A2 is 150% to 250%, in particular 170% to 230%, and most preferably 190% to 210%, of the amplitude value A3. The amplitude value A1 corresponds to the amplitude value A2 increased by the difference between the amplitude values ​​A2 and A3. Therefore, A1 = A2 + (A2 - A3).

[0041] Each segment 16a, 16b, 17a, 17b has a straight central segment part 18 that passes over the reference line L. The central segment parts 18 are connected by arc-shaped segment transitions 19, each formed from parts of the two adjacent segments 16a, 17a, 16b, 17b, and connected tangentially (without kinks) to the central segment parts 18 with respect to the incision mid-surface MF. Another segment transition 19 extends from the central segment part 18 of the radially outer, first segment 16a into the radially outer transition part 13.

[0042] Furthermore, a transition arc 20 is formed at the mutual connection area of ​​the radially outer transition part 13 to the radially outer section 10, which - with reference to the cut center surface MF - ensures a mutual tangential connection of the radially outer transition part 13 and the radially outer section 10 and is disregarded in the described subdivision of the cut 4 into the sections 10, 11, 12.

[0043] "Connecting tangentially" means that a tangent running through the respective mutual connection to the cut's mid-surface MF, applied to one part (middle segment 18, segment transition 19, transition arc 20, radially outer section 10), and a tangent running through the same mutual connection, applied to the other part, have the same slopes relative to the radial direction; these tangents therefore coincide. The tangents are thus applied to the respective section of the cut's mid-surface MF.

[0044] The segment transitions 19 and the transition arc 20 each run along identically large radii r.

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

[0046] The radially outer transition part 13 and the radially inner transition part 15 of the corrugated section 11 are optional, so that the corrugated section 11 can be composed of segments 16a, 16b, 17a, 17b. The corrugated section 11 is composed of at least two first and two second segments. The cutout 4 includes the corrugated section 11 at least in a portion of the cutout shown in plan view, which extends in particular over at least 50%, preferably over at least 75%, of the length c E of the cutout 4.

[0047] The channel-shaped design of the cut base 8 is optional. In cross-section, the cut base 8 can, for example, also run straight and parallel to the periphery of the tread.

[0048] Viewed from above, the cuts 4 can be curved (arc-shaped, circular arc-like) or straight with respect to the cut baseline BL. Furthermore, viewed from above, the cuts 4 can be straight or continuously wavy with respect to the cut centerline ML. For cuts 4 that are straight with respect to the cut centerline ML, the cut baseline BL is omitted. For cuts 4 that are continuously wavy with respect to the cut centerline ML, the cut baseline BL is aligned along the direction of wave propagation and therefore corresponds to the wave centerline.

[0049] The cuts 4 can be formed in any profile positive, i.e., in profile blocks or in circumferentially circumferential profile ribs, wherein the cuts 4 can terminate on one or both sides within the profile positive, so that they do not penetrate the profile positive. Preferably, the cuts 4 penetrate the profile positive, whereby, in the case of shoulder-side profile positives, penetrating cuts 4 are understood to be those cuts 4 which traverse the profile positive at least within the ground contact area. The ground contact area corresponds to the statically determined footprint (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).Viewed from above, the incisions 4 extend at an angle of 0° to 50° to the axial direction, in particular from 5° to 45°, most preferably from 20% to 40%, wherein the angle is on the incision centerline ML for incisions 4 with a straight incision centerline ML (incision baseline BL is omitted), and on incisions 4 with a straight incision baseline BL.

[0050] (The cut centerline ML runs at least partially in a wavy manner) onto the cut baseline BL, in the case of cuts 4 with a curved (arc-shaped, circular arc-like) cut centerline ML (cut baseline BL is omitted) onto a straight line connecting the ends of the cut centerline ML, and in the case of cuts 4 with a curved cut baseline BL (the cut centerline ML runs at least partially in a wavy manner) onto a straight line connecting the ends of the cut baseline BL. Furthermore, the cuts 4 preferably run parallel to each other at least in groups and, in particular, at least within the respective profile positive. Reference symbol list

[0051] 1 middle profile block 2 transverse groove 3 circumferential groove 4 cut 5 cut edge 6 edge section 7 main section 8 cut base 9 cut wall 10 radial outer section 11 corrugated section 12 radial inner section 13 radial outer transition section 14 middle section 15 radial inner transition section 16 aradial outer, first segment 16 bradial inner, first segment 17 aradial outer, second segment 17 bradial inner, second segment 18 middle segment section 19 segment transition 20 transition arc A1, A2, A3 Amplitude value b E Width BL Cut baseline c1, c2, cE Length L reference line MF Cut center surface ML Cut centerline r radius t E maximum depth TP profile depth U double arrow (circumferential direction) λwavelength

Claims

1. Pneumatic vehicle tyre comprising a tread with profile positives (1), which are delimited by grooves (2, 3) and have sipes (4), which in plan view run at an angle to the axial direction of 0° to 50°and each have a sipe base (8) and a width (bE) of 0.4 mm to 2.0 mm, wherein, at least in a sipe part as seen in plan view, each sipe (4) reaches to a maximum depth (tE) of 70% to 100% of the profile depth (TUR) and has in this sipe part, when seen in cross section, an undulating portion (11) that runs in a wave form in the radial direction and has an amplitude decreasing in the direction of the sipe base (8), determined relative to a reference line (L) aligned in the direction of propagation of the wave, wherein the undulating portion (11) or a part (14) of the undulating portion (11) is made up of segments (16a, 16b, 17a, 17b) running between the points of maximum deflection of the undulating portion (11) and passing through the reference line (L) exactly once, wherein each segment (16a, 16b, 17a, 17b) is a first segment (16a, 16b), inclined with respect to the radial direction, or a second segment (17a, 17b), inclined oppositely to the first segment (16a, 16b) with respect to the radial direction, and wherein, for each first segment (16a, 16b), the amplitude value (A1, A2) at the radially outer end is greater than the amplitude value (A2, A3) at the radially inner end, wherein the undulating portion (11) or the part (14) of the undulating portion (11) is made up of at least, preferably exactly, two first and two second segments (16a, 16b, 17a, 17b), characterized in that, for every second segment (17a, 17b), the amplitude value (A2, A3) at the radially outer end coincides with the amplitude value (A2, A3) at the radially inner end and wherein the coinciding amplitude values (A2, A3) decrease step by step from one second segment (17a) to the next second segment (17b) in the direction of the sipe base (8).

2. Pneumatic vehicle tyre according to Claim 1, characterized in that a first segment (16a) is the radially outermost segment (16a) and a second segment (17b) is the radially innermost segment (17b).

3. Pneumatic vehicle tyre according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the undulating portion (11) or the part (14) of the undulating portion (11) has exactly two first and two second segments (16a, 16b, 17a, 17b), so that the greatest amplitude value (A1) is at the radially outer end of the radially outermost, first segment (16a), wherein the following applies: A 1 = A 2 + A 2 − A 3 , where A1 is the greatest amplitude value, A2 is the mid amplitude value and A3 is the smallest amplitude value4. Pneumatic vehicle tyre according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the smallest amplitude value(s) (A3) is or are 80% to 120%, in particular 90% to 100%, of the width (bE) of the sipe (4).

5. Pneumatic vehicle tyre according to Claim 4, characterized in that the second-smallest amplitude values (A2) is or are 150% to 250%, in particular 170% to 230%, preferably 190% to 210%, of the smallest amplitude value (A1) or the smallest amplitude values (A1).

6. Pneumatic vehicle tyre according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the undulating portion (11) has in the radial direction a length (c2) of 50% to 70%, in particular of 55% to 65%, of the maximum depth (tE) of the sipe (4).

7. Pneumatic vehicle tyre according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, when seen in cross section, each segment (16a, 16b, 17a, 17b) has a straight-running, middle segment part (18) passing through the reference line (L), wherein the middle segment parts (18) are connected by arcuately running segment transitions (19) tangentially adjoining the middle segment parts (18).

8. Pneumatic vehicle tyre according to Claim 7, characterized in that the segment transitions (19) run along radii (r) of the same magnitude.

9. Pneumatic vehicle tyre according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the radially outer end of the undulating portion (11) is adjoined by a radially outer portion (10), which runs in the radial direction, reaches the periphery of the tread and has a length (c1), determined in the radial direction, of 10% to 20%, in particular of up to 17%, of the maximum depth (tE) of the sipe (5).

10. Pneumatic vehicle tyre according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the radially inner end of the undulating portion (11) is adjoined by a radially inner portion (12), which runs in the radial direction and in particular runs in line with the possibly provided radially outer portion (10).

11. Pneumatic vehicle tyre according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, when seen in plan view, the sipe part in which the sipe (4) has the undulating portion (11) runs over at least 50%, in particular over at least 75%, of the length (cE) of the sipe (4).

12. Pneumatic vehicle tyre according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the sipe (4) reaches over its entire extent to the maximum depth (tE) and has the undulating portion (11) over its entire extent in plan view.

13. Pneumatic vehicle tyre according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, when seen in plan view, the sipe (4) is made up of a main portion (7), running in the form of a wave, and two edge portions (6), running straight or bent and in line with one another.

14. Pneumatic vehicle tyre according to one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the sipes (4) extend across the profile positives (1).

15. Pneumatic vehicle tyre according to one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the part (14) of the undulating portion (11) is made up of the segments (16a, 16b, 17a, 17b), wherein the two ends of the part (14) are deflected with respect to the reference line (L) and wherein the wave of the undulating portion (11) is taken back to the reference line (L) by a transitional part (10), ending the radially outer end of the part (14) of the undulating portion (11), and a transitional part (12), ending the radially inner end of the part (14) of the undulating portion (11).