VEHICLE TIRES

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle tire with a tread having at least one profile rib bounded on both sides by a circumferential groove, which has a rib centerline, and with groove-cut combinations consisting of a transverse groove opening into at least one circumferential groove and passing the rib centerline in plan view, and exactly one cut passing the rib centerline in plan view, wherein the transverse groove has a width with a maximum value of 3.0 mm to 6.0 mm, a maximum depth of 5% to 30% of the tread depth, two groove edges, two groove flanks and a groove base, wherein the cut extends in plan view in the direction of extension of the transverse groove, has a width of 30% to 55% of the maximum value of the width of the transverse groove and extends to a maximum depth of 65% to 100% of the tread depth, wherein the cut starts without interruption from the groove base and ends closed on both sides within the profile rib.

[0002] Such a vehicle tire, which is in particular a commercial vehicle tire, is known from US 2010 / 200138 A1.

[0003] Another tire is known from DE 10 2021 205 792 A1. This tire has a tread with at least one central profile rib, which is bounded by two circumferential grooves. In cross-section, each circumferential groove has a radially outer section that widens in a V-shape towards the tread periphery, a radially extending central section, and a radially inner channel area adjoining the latter. The profile rib is provided with groove-cut combinations consisting of a transverse groove ("cut widening") that opens into at least one circumferential groove and passes the rib centerline in plan view, and exactly one cut that passes the rib centerline in plan view. The cut has a width of 0.4 mm to 1.2 mm, in particular up to 0.8 mm, and extends to a maximum depth of 70% to 100% of the tread depth.The transverse groove has a constant width of 250% to 370%, in particular 290% to 330%, of the width of the cut and is therefore, for example, approximately 4.0 mm (=3.3*1.2). Consequently, the...

[0004] The width of the slit is, for example, approximately 40% (=100 / 250*100) or approximately 34% (=100 / 290*100) of the width of the transverse groove. Furthermore, the transverse groove has a depth of 10% to 30%, particularly 15% to 25%, of the maximum depth of the slit, so that with a maximum depth of 100% of the tread depth, the depth of the transverse groove is 10% to 30%, particularly 15% to 25%, of the tread depth. The slit is locally widened by at least one channel open to the tread periphery and leading into the radially inner channel area of ​​the circumferential groove. The tire should exhibit good drainage characteristics while maintaining the rolling resistance advantage associated with the special circumferential grooves.

[0005] Furthermore, DE 10 2017 222 513 A1 discloses a pneumatic tire for passenger cars, vans, or light trucks, the tread of which has at least one profile rib with cuts extending at an angle of up to 45% to the axial direction when viewed from above, and with groove-cut combinations between successive cuts in the circumferential direction. Each groove-cut combination comprises a transverse groove with a constant width of 2.0 mm to 5.0 mm and a maximum depth of at least 2.0 mm and at most 60% of the tread depth. The tread depth is 6.5 mm to 9.0 mm, so that the maximum depth of the transverse groove is at least 31% of the tread depth.Viewed from above, the transverse groove consists of groove sections running at an angle to each other. A notch, following the course of these angled groove sections, extends along the groove's base, measuring 0.3 mm to 1.2 mm in width and reaching a maximum radial depth not exceeding the tread depth. The tire is designed to exhibit good braking and traction characteristics.

[0006] Currently manufactured tires in some European countries must be marked with the 3PMSF symbol (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake, Alpine symbol) to be considered winter tires. The 3PMSF symbol is an easily recognizable snowflake against a backdrop of three mountain peaks and is only awarded after the tire has undergone testing to demonstrate specific performance on snow. The 3PMSF symbol is currently the only symbol that definitively confirms a tire's excellent winter performance.

[0007] Against the background described above, it is therefore of great interest to further improve the snow performance of the aforementioned type of vehicle tires, which are primarily intended for all-season use, so that they can be marked with the 3PMSF symbol. Good driving characteristics on dry roads (dry performance), for which the highest possible tread stiffness is particularly important, as well as on wet roads (wet performance), should be maintained at the highest possible level. In this respect, there is still room for improvement in the aforementioned type of tire.

[0008] The invention is therefore based on the objective of improving the snow performance, dry performance and wet performance of a vehicle tire of the type mentioned above in a more favorably balanced way than before.

[0009] The problem set out in the invention is solved by forming at least one local depression open to the periphery of the tread in the extension area of ​​the cut adjacent to a groove flank.

[0010] The closed-ended cut on both sides maintains high stiffness in the central tread rib, ensuring optimal dry performance. When driving on snow-covered roads, the grooves effectively collect and compact snow, improving snow performance through the effect of snow-on-snow friction. On wet roads, the cut and local grooves ensure effective water drainage from the tread rib, resulting in an excellent balance between snow, dry, and wet performance.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the transverse groove, viewed from above, is straight, continuously curved, or in the form of an axially elongated S-curve. This is advantageous for the water drainage behavior of the transverse groove and thus for its wet-weather performance. A transverse groove in the form of an elongated S-curve is particularly advantageous because, when rolling on snow, the snow compacts especially well within the transverse groove, while maintaining good wet-weather performance.

[0012] According to an alternative preferred embodiment, the transverse groove, viewed from above, has the form of an axially elongated S-curve and is composed of two circumferentially offset, straight, in particular axially extending, edge groove sections and a central groove section passing the rib centerline, continuously curving in an S-shape, wherein the cut originates exclusively in the area of ​​the central groove section from the groove base, wherein the central groove section, viewed from above, preferably projects beyond the cut on both sides and / or preferably has a length projected in the axial direction, relative to the groove centerline, of 65% to 90%, in particular 70% to 85%, of the axially projected length of the transverse groove.Such an S-shape is particularly advantageous for wet performance due to its axially oriented "transverse component" in relation to the traction and braking forces that usually occur predominantly in the circumferential direction.

[0013] Another preferred embodiment is characterized in that at least one, in particular several, preferably three to five, local depressions open towards the tread periphery are formed adjacent to each groove flank of the transverse groove. This contributes to a further improvement in snow performance.

[0014] In the latter design, it is advantageous if recesses located on the same side of the transverse groove and directly adjacent to each other have a minimum spacing of 1.0 mm to 3.0 mm, determined as the smallest possible distance on the outer surface of the profile rib. Such adjacent recesses work together advantageously with regard to snow performance.

[0015] Another preferred embodiment provides that the recess(s) in the transverse groove at the level of the outer surface of the profile rib have a maximum length measured along a straight auxiliary line, a maximum width measured perpendicular to the auxiliary line in a plan view, and a maximum depth measured radially to the auxiliary line, wherein the maximum width and maximum depth are each 40% to 100%, in particular 45% to 80%, preferably 50% to 60%, and most preferably up to 55%, of the maximum depth of the transverse groove, and the maximum length is 80% to 200%, in particular 100% to 160%, and more preferably 120% to 140%, of the maximum depth of the transverse groove. Recesses dimensioned in this way contribute to a further improvement in wet performance, taking into account dry performance.

[0016] Furthermore, it is preferred if the depression(s) is / are bounded by a continuously inwardly curved base, wherein the depression(s) preferably have the shape of a quarter of a sphere. This ensures good crack resistance of the rubber material adjacent to the depression, which is advantageous for dry performance.

[0017] Another preferred embodiment provides that the cut, viewed from above, has a length projected axially to the cut centerline of 35% to 75%, particularly 40% to 60%, preferably up to 55%, and most preferably up to 50%, of the axially projected length of the transverse groove. This ensures the maintenance of high stiffness of the profile rib and is therefore advantageous for dry performance. The specified lower limits are particularly beneficial for drainage.

[0018] According to another preferred embodiment, the cut inside the profile rib opens into two radially extending and radially elongated cavities spaced apart from the circumferential grooves, formed along the edges of the cut. These cavities provide additional water reservoirs and thus further improve wet weather performance.

[0019] In the latter design, it is further advantageous for wet performance if the cavities are tubular and, viewed in the cross-section running parallel to the outer surface of the profile rib, circular with a diameter of 125% to 200%, in particular 135% to 180%, preferably 140% to 160%, of the width of the cut.

[0020] Furthermore, in the latter embodiment, it is advantageous for wet performance if the cavities have a length in the radial direction of 65% to 100%, in particular 75% to 85%, of the maximum extension height of the cut determined in the radial direction, with the cavities preferably ending at the level of the maximum depth of the cut.

[0021] Another preferred embodiment provides that the transverse grooves, viewed in plan view, run at an angle of 5° to 35°, in particular 10° to 30°, preferably at most 10°, to the axial direction, wherein the angle, in the case of transverse grooves not running straight, refers to a straight auxiliary line connecting the ends of the groove centerline.

[0022] Another preferred embodiment is characterized in that the width of the transverse groove decreases towards its ends and has a minimum value of 30% to 60%, in particular 35% to 55%, preferably 40% to 50%, of its maximum value, wherein – if edge groove sections are present – ​​the width has the minimum value in the edge groove sections. This contributes to a more uniform stiffness of the profile rib in the area of ​​the transverse groove and is therefore advantageous for dry performance.

[0023] It is also advantageous if the axially projected length of the transverse groove is at least 75% of the axially projected maximum width of the profile rib, or if the transverse groove has an axially projected length of at least 75% of the axially projected maximum width of the profile rib. This is beneficial for wet weather performance.

[0024] Another preferred embodiment is characterized in that each of the recesses is adjoined by a further recess, elongated in the circumferential direction in plan view, in particular rectangular, which has a depth that decreases continuously from the recess in the radial direction. The recesses create additional gripping edges as well as additional surface void volume and thus contribute to a further improvement in wet performance.

[0025] Further features, advantages, and details of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawing, which schematically illustrates exemplary embodiments of the invention. These show Fig. 1 a simplified top view of a circumferential section of a tread of a commercial vehicle tire developed into a plane with a first embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 an enlarged top view of detail Z 2 of the Fig. 1 , Fig. 3 an oblique view of the detail of Fig. 2 , Fig. 4 a section along line IV-IV of the Fig. 2 , Fig. 5 a cut along line VV of the Fig. 2 , Fig. 6 a perspective cut analogous to Fig. 5 , Fig. 7 a section along line VII-VII of the Fig. 2 , Fig. 8 a simplified top view of a circumferential section of a profile rib of a tread strip developed into a plane with a second embodiment of the invention and Fig. 9 a simplified top view of a circumferential section of a profile rib of a tread strip developed into a plane with a third embodiment of the invention.

[0026] According to the invention, vehicle tires are tires for motor vehicles, in particular for multi-track motor vehicles, and preferably commercial vehicle tires in radial design for rims with a rim diameter of 17.5, 19.5 or 22.5 inches, wherein the tires are intended for all-season use.

[0027] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a circumferential section of a tread of a commercial vehicle tire. The tire equatorial plane is indicated by a line AA. The tread has a central profile rib 1 circumferentially in the region of the tire equatorial plane, two semi-central profile ribs 2, and two shoulder-side profile ribs 3, which are shown in a simplified manner and are structured in a known way. The central profile rib 1 is separated from each of the semi-central profile ribs 2 by a central circumferential groove 4, which is wavy in plan view. Each semi-central profile rib 2 is separated from its adjacent shoulder-side profile rib 3 by a shoulder-side circumferential groove 5, which is straight in plan view. The circumferential grooves 4 and 5 are radially oriented to the respective intended tread depth TUR (shown in Figure 1). Fig. 5 , Fig. 7 The tread grooves are designed with a tread depth typically ranging from 10.0 mm to 26.0 mm for commercial vehicle tires and from 6.5 mm to 13.0 mm for passenger car, van, and light truck tires. They each have a maximum width BUR (width at the widest point) at the tread periphery in the axial direction, which is preferably 10.0 mm to 25.0 mm for commercial vehicle tires. If the circumferential grooves 3 and 4 are of different depths, the tread depth TUR is understood to be the depth of the deepest circumferential groove(s) 3 and 4.

[0028] The design of the profile ribs 1, 2, which will be discussed in more detail below, is such that the tread has an asymmetric shape with respect to the tire equatorial plane (line AA) and the vehicle tire has no preferred orientation on the axle of a vehicle.

[0029] Each profile rib 1, 2 is bounded by a rib outer surface 6 located at the periphery of the tread and by a rib flank 7 at the respective adjacent circumferential groove 4, 5. The central profile rib 1 also has a rib edge 8a that is wavy in plan view at each central circumferential groove 4, while the semi-central profile ribs 2 have a rib edge 8a that is wavy in plan view at each adjacent central circumferential groove 4 and a rib edge 8b that is straight in plan view at each adjacent shoulder-side circumferential groove 5. Furthermore, the profile ribs 1, 2 each have a maximum width bPR determined axially at the rib outer surface 6 and a rib centerline mPR extending circumferentially, bisecting the maximum width bPR.The maximum width b PR of the wave-like curved rib edges 8a refers to a circumferentially running auxiliary line h 1, which passes through the points of the rib edge 8a that project furthest into the central circumferential groove 4 in the axial direction.

[0030] The following explanations regarding the rib edges 8a refer to the top view.

[0031] Each wave-like curved rib edge 8a consists of a total of arc-like edge sections 8a 1, which increasingly project towards their edge center into the adjacent central circumferential groove 4, and edge sections 8a 2 running straight in the circumferential direction (cf. Fig. 2 ), wherein in the circumferential direction an edge segment 8a 1 alternates with an edge segment 8a 2.

[0032] The edge sections 8a 1 project into the respective central circumferential groove 4 relative to an auxiliary line h 2 running circumferentially through the mutual connection points of the edge sections 8a 1 , 8a 2, and have a length c 1 projected in the circumferential direction (cf. Fig. 2 ) from 25.0 mm to 50.0 mm and settle according to Fig. 2 Each edge section consists of a central edge segment 8a 1 ' extending straight in the circumferential direction and two edge segments 8a 1 " inclined in the circumferential direction, wherein one edge segment 8a 1 " is inclined in the opposite direction to the other edge segment 8a 1 " with respect to the circumferential direction. The central edge segment 8a 1 ' has a circumferential length c 1 ' of 25% to 50%, in particular at least 40%, of the corresponding length c 1 and a maximum deflection a 1 ' of 1.0 mm to 7.0 mm relative to and perpendicular to the auxiliary line h 2.

[0033] How Fig. 1 As shown, the rib edges 8a of the central profile rib 1 are offset from each other in the circumferential direction, wherein according to Fig. 2 one rib edge 8a to the other rib edge 8a exhibits an offset aa in the circumferential direction, determined with respect to the midpoints of the central edge segments 8a 1 ', of 35% to 50% of the mean length calculated as the arithmetic mean of the lengths c 1 of all edge segments 8a 1 of both rib edges 8a. According to Fig. 1 The rib edges 8a located on the same central circumferential groove 4 are offset from each other in the circumferential direction such that the edge sections 8a 1 of one rib edge 8a are opposite the edge sections 8a 2 of the other rib edges 8a.

[0034] How Fig. 1 Furthermore, as shown, the profile ribs 1, 2 are each provided with a number of groove-cut combinations K (central profile rib 1), K' (semi-central profile ribs 2) distributed along their circumference, the number of groove-cut combinations K, K' corresponding to the number of edge sections 8a 1 of one of the rib edges 8a (central profile rib 1) or to the number of projecting edge sections 8a 1 of the rib edge 8a (semi-central profile rib 2). The design of the groove-cut combinations K is explained below, particularly with reference to a single groove-cut combination K. The design of the groove-cut combination K' is then discussed.

[0035] According to Fig. 1 are the groove-cut combinations K in the central profile rib 1 each between two the offset aa ( Fig. 2 ) the central edge segments 8a 1 ' are formed and run parallel to each other in top view and when viewed in the vertically oriented tire equatorial plane, i.e. from bottom right to top left.

[0036] How Fig. 2 und Fig. 3 As shown together, each groove-cut combination K is formed from a transverse groove 9 extending from the outer rib surface 6 and a cut 10 adjoining the transverse groove 9 in a radial direction. Viewed from a top view, the groove-cut combination K is rotationally symmetrical with respect to an axis A 1 extending in a radial direction and lying on the rib centerline m PR ( Fig. 2 (appears as a point) is executed, whereby the groove-cut combination K is mapped onto itself by a rotation of 180°. Furthermore, open, local recesses 11 adjoin the transverse groove 9 to the outer rib surface 6; their design will be described in more detail later.

[0037] According to Fig. 2 The transverse groove 9, viewed in plan view with the rib centerline m PR running in the vertical direction, runs in the form of a horizontal S-curve elongated in the axial direction, whereby the transverse groove 9 opens centrally into the central circumferential grooves 4 via the central edge section parts 8a 1 ' which have the offset aa to each other - with reference to the length c 1 ' of these edge section parts 8a 1 '.Viewed from above, the transverse groove 9 consists of two circumferentially offset, straight, edge-side groove sections 9 1 and a central groove section 9 2, which passes the rib centerline m PR and is continuously curved in an S-shape. It is bounded on the outer rib surface 6 by two kink-free groove edges 9a, which are partially interrupted by the recesses 11. Viewed from above, it has a groove centerline m N that follows its course centrally and is spaced at the same distance from the groove edges 9a. With respect to a straight auxiliary line h N connecting the groove centerline m N, it runs at an angle α of 5° to 35°, in particular 10° to 30°, preferably at most 10°, to the axial direction. In the exemplary embodiment, the angle α is determined by the respective offset aa and the width b PR. Fig. 1 ) of the central profile rib 1.

[0038] According to Fig. 3 , Fig. 4 and Fig. 7 The transverse groove 9 is formed by two groove flanks 9b extending from each of the groove edges 9a and running over the entire groove edges 9a (in Fig. 3 (one of the groove flanks 9b is visible) and is bounded in a radial direction by a groove base 9c running between the groove flanks 9b. How Fig. 4 and Fig. 7 As shown, the groove base 9c, viewed in plan view and oriented perpendicular to the groove centerline m N, has a U-shaped curve. The groove flanks 9b, viewed in the aforementioned cross-section, run straight and at an angle of 0° to 3° to the radial direction, preferably at 0°.

[0039] How Fig. 2 Furthermore, the transverse groove 9 has a length c N, determined at the level of the outer rib surface 6 and projected in the axial direction, relative to the groove centerline m N, which corresponds to the width b PR ( Fig. 1 ) of the central profile rib 1 corresponds, a maximum depth t N determined in the radial direction, which is constant in the embodiment ( Fig. 4, Fig. 5 , Fig. 7 , depth at the deepest point) of 5% to 30%, in particular of 10% to 25%, preferably of 15% to 20%, of the profile depth T UR ( Fig. 5 , Fig. 7 ) and furthermore a width b N determined between the groove edges 9a perpendicular to the groove centerline m N, the size of which will be discussed later. The width b N is determined perpendicular to a tangent drawn to the respective point of the groove centerline m N and, in those areas where the groove edges 9a are interrupted by the recesses 11, as if the recesses 11 were not present and the groove flanks 9b extended to the rib outer surface 6 and the groove edges 9a continued along the rib outer surface 6.

[0040] The following explanations regarding the groove edges 9a refer to the top view.

[0041] According to Fig. 2 The groove edges 9a each consist of two straight, parallel, and axially oriented edge sections 9a 1, each extending over one of the edge groove sections 9 1, and a central edge section 9a 2 extending over the central groove section 9 2 and adjoining the edge sections 9a 1 tangentially. The central edge section 9a 2 is formed by a straight, central edge subsection 9a 2 ' that passes over the rib centerline m PR and by two arcuate, lateral edge subsections 9a 2 " that each adjoin one of the edge sections 9a 1. The edge (sub)sections 9a 1, 9a 2, 9a 2 ', 9a 2 " join each other tangentially, in accordance with the aforementioned kink-free design of the groove edges 9a. The central edge subsections 9a 2 ' of the two groove edges 9a run parallel to each other.

[0042] Viewed from above, the central groove section 9 2 has a length c 2 projected axially in the direction to the groove centerline m N or to the ends of the central edge sections 9a 2 of 65% to 90%, in particular 70% to 85%, of the length c N of the transverse groove 9. The aforementioned width b N of the transverse groove 9 has a maximum value b N,MAX in the central region of the central groove section 9 2, in which parts of the central edge subsections 9a 2 ' run parallel to the groove centerline m N (cf. Fig. 7 ) from 3.0 mm to 6.0 mm, increases continuously (i.e., not abruptly) from the area of ​​the maximum value b N,MAX over the complete, lateral edge subsections 9a 2 ", and therefore up to the edge sections 9a 1 , and exhibits a constant, minimum value b N,MIN in the edge-side groove sections 9 1 (cf. Fig. 4 ) of 30% to 60%, in particular of 35% to 55%, preferably of 40% to 50%, of the maximum value b N,MAX.

[0043] How Fig. 2 und Fig. 3 In combination, the aforementioned cut 10 is shown to be located exclusively in the area of ​​the central groove section 9 2 ( Fig. 2 ) from the groove base 9c, wherein the cut 10, viewed in plan view, is projected on both sides by the central groove section 9 2, starting from the groove base 9c in a radial direction ( Fig. 5 bis Fig. 7 ) runs into the central profile rib 1, ending closed on both sides within the profile rib 1 (cf. Fig. 5 , Fig. 6 ), incision edges 10a lying at the base of the groove 9c ( Fig. 3 , Fig. 6 ) and two radially extending incision walls 10b adjoining the incision edges 10a, opposite each other ( Fig. 5 bis Fig. 7 ) and a cut base 10c running between the radially inner ends of the cut walls 10b ( Fig. 5 bis Fig. 7 ) is limited. "Closed end" means that the cut 10 does not open into any circumferential groove 4 adjacent to the profile rib 1. Viewed from above, the cut 10 is surrounded by the groove base 9c ( Fig. 2 ). According to Fig. 2 The cut 10 further has a cut center line m E lying in plan view centrally between the cut edges 10a, following the cut path and coinciding with the groove center line m N, and a cut center surface ME extending radially from the cut center line m E ( Fig. 7 ), a constant width b E determined between the cut walls 10b and perpendicular to the cut mid-surface ME ( Fig. 7 ) of 20% to 60%, in particular of 30% to 55%, preferably of at least 35%, particularly preferably of at least 40%, of the maximum value b N,MAX ( Fig. 2 , Fig. 7 ) and a length c E projected in the axial direction, relative to the cut centerline m E in a top view, of 35% to 75%, in particular 40% to 60%, preferably up to 55%, particularly preferably up to 50%, of the length c N of the transverse groove 9, extends radially to a maximum depth t E ( Fig. 5 , Fig. 7 , depth at the deepest point) of 50% to 100%, in particular of 65% to 95%, of the profile depth T UR ( Fig. 5 , Fig. 7 ) and also exhibits a maximum extension height h E determined between the level of the depth t N of the transverse groove 9 and the level of maximum depth t E in the radial direction ( Fig. 5 , Fig. 7 , height at the highest point). The maximum depth t E and the maximum extension height h E are each constant in the exemplary embodiment ( Fig. 5 ).

[0044] According to Fig. 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the incision 10 opens inside the central profile rib 1 into radially elongated, tubular, essentially circular cylindrical cavities 12 formed at the edges of the incision (cf. Fig. 6 ). Each cavity 12 has a principal axis a H extending radially through its center, extends to the maximum depth t E, i.e., to the level of the cut base 10c, is circular in cross-section parallel to the outer rib surface 6, and has a diameter d H of 125% to 200%, in particular 135% to 180%, preferably 140% to 160%, of the width b E ( Fig. 7 ) of the cut 10 and furthermore a length c H measured along the main axis a H of 65% to 100%, in particular of 75% to 85%, of the extension height h E of the cut 10.

[0045] According to Fig. 2 On each side of the central groove section 9 2, there are three of the previously mentioned recesses 11 adjacent to the corresponding groove flank 9b ( Fig. 6 ) and in the extension area of ​​the cut 10, i.e., in the area of ​​length c E , wherein one of the three recesses 11, viewed in plan view, is intersected by the rib centerline m PR and the other two of the three recesses 11 are located on different sides of the rib centerline m PR and wherein the recesses 11 adjacent to one groove flank 9b are offset from the recesses 11 adjacent to the other groove flank 9b along the extension of the groove centerline m N or the cut centerline m E. How Fig. 3 and Fig. 6 As shown, the recesses 11 - neglecting the curved course of the transverse groove 9 - each have the shape of a quarter of a sphere, with each recess 11 according to Fig. 6 is bounded by a continuously inwardly curved base 11a corresponding to a segment of a sphere's surface, with a semicircular boundary edge 11a' running along the outer surface of the rib 6 and a semicircular boundary edge 11a" running along the groove flank 9b. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 is in each case between the mutual connection points of the boundary edges 11a' ( Fig. 6 ), 11a" straight auxiliary line h V is drawn. Each recess 11 has a maximum width b V determined at the level of the rib outer surface 6, related to the auxiliary line h V and determined perpendicular to it in plan view ( Fig. 6 , width at the widest point), a maximum depth t V (depth at the deepest point) determined radially with respect to the auxiliary line h V and a maximum length c V (length at the longest point) determined along the auxiliary line h V, wherein the maximum width b V and the maximum depth t V are each 40% to 100%, in particular 45% to 80%, preferably 50% to 60%, particularly preferably up to 55%, of the maximum depth t N ( Fig. 5 ) the transverse groove 9 and the maximum length c V 80% to 200%, in particular 100% to 160%, preferably 120% to 140%, of the maximum depth t N ( Fig. 5 ) of the transverse groove 9. The length c V in the exemplary embodiment – ​​corresponding to the shape of the recess 11 – is twice the maximum width b V or twice the maximum depth t V. Recesses 11 located on the same side of the central groove section 9 2 have distances a V determined to be the smallest possible distances from each other ( Fig. 2 ) from 1.0 mm to 3.0 mm.

[0046] How Fig. 1 As shown, the previously mentioned groove-cut combinations K' formed in the semi-central profile ribs 2 differ from the groove-cut combination K located in the central profile rib 1 in that their transverse groove 9 opens exclusively into the corresponding central circumferential groove 4 and ends before the shoulder-side circumferential groove 5. The transverse groove 9 has a length c N, measured axially from the groove centerline m N and determined at the level of the rib's outer surface 6, of 75% to 95% of the maximum width b PR of the semi-central profile rib 2. At its closed end, it has a groove end flank 9d extending from the groove base 9c to the rib's outer surface 6. Furthermore, viewed from a top view, the groove-cut combinations K' are oriented rotated by 180° relative to the groove-cut combinations K and offset from them in the circumferential direction.

[0047] Fig. 8 und Fig. 9 Each shows a schematic top view of a circumferential section of a central profile rib 1, wherein a groove-cut combination K" ( is shown in the circumferential section. Fig. 8 ), K‴ ( Fig. 9 ) is formed. The groove-cut combination K", K‴ represents an alternative to the groove-cut combination K or K'.

[0048] How Fig. 8 As shown, the groove-cut combination K" differs from the groove-cut combination K in that the transverse groove 9, viewed from above, runs straight, and the cut 10, viewed from above, runs in a wavy shape.

[0049] According to Fig. 9 The groove-cut combination K‴ differs from the groove-cut combination K in that the transverse groove 9 and the cut 10, viewed from above, are straight, while the recesses 11, viewed from above, are trapezoidal, with the base of the trapezoid located at the transverse groove 9. A rectangular recess 13, extending circumferentially towards the outer surface of the rib 6, adjoins the short base of the trapezoid. The recess 13 therefore has a continuously decreasing depth from the recess 11.

[0050] The invention is not limited to the described embodiments.

[0051] The recesses may have a shape that deviates from the one described. At least one recess is provided on at least one side of each transverse groove. Viewed from above, the transverse groove may, in particular, also be continuously curved (arc-shaped). The tread strip has at least one arbitrarily positioned central profile rib with corresponding groove-cut combinations, wherein the grooves of the groove-cut combinations open into at least one circumferential groove adjacent to the central profile rib.

[0052] The central profile rib can therefore be a central profile rib running in the area of ​​the tire's equatorial plane or a central or semi-central profile rib running laterally to the tire's equatorial plane. The circumferential grooves and rib edges delimiting the profile rib(s) can, viewed from above, be straight or wavy. The cuts, viewed from above, can be straight or at least partially wavy, for example, in the form of zigzag or trapezoidal waves. Furthermore, viewed from above, the cuts run in the direction of extension of the transverse groove. The cuts, i.e., the cut centerlines or, in the case of wavy cuts, a wave centerline defining the direction of propagation of the wave, follow the groove centerline or a line running parallel to the groove centerline, although they do not necessarily have to be congruent with it. Bezugszeichenliste

[0053] 1 Central profile rib 2 Semi-central profile rib 3 Shoulder-side profile rib 4 Central circumferential groove 5 Shoulder-side circumferential groove 6 Rib outer surface 7 Rib flank 8a Rib edge 8a 1 Edge section 8a 1 Central edge section part 8a 1 Edge section part 8a 2 Edge section 8b Rib edge 9 Transverse groove 9 1 Edge-side groove section 9 2 Central groove section 9a Groove edge 9a 1 Edge-side edge section 9a 2 Central edge section 9a 2 Central edge subsection 9a 2 Lateral edge subsection 9b Groove flank 9c Groove bottom 9d Groove end flank 10 Cut 10a Cut edge 10b Cut wall 10c Cut bottom 11 Recess 11a Bottom 11a', 11a"Boundary edge 12Cavity 13Recess A-A line (tire equatorial plane) A 1 axis a 1 'maximum deflection aa offset a H principal axis a V distance b E , b N width b N,MAx maximum value b N,MIN minimum value b PR , B UR , b V maximum width c 1 , c 1 ', c 2 , c E , c H , c N length c V maximum length d H diameter h 1 , h 2 , h N ,h V Auxiliary line h E Maximum extension height K, K', K", K' Groove-cut combination m E Cut centerline ME Cut center surface m N Groove centerline m PR Rib centerline t E Maximum depth t N Depth t V Maximum depth T UR Profile depth Z 2 Detail α Angle,

Claims

1. Vehicle tyre comprising a tread with at least one profile rib (1, 2) which is delimited on both sides by in each case one circumferential groove (4, 5), has a rib centre line (mPR) and is provided with groove / sipe combinations (K, K', K", K‴) consisting of in each case one transverse groove (9), which merges into at least one circumferential groove (4, 5) and in plan view passes the rib centre line (mPR), and precisely one sipe (10), which in plan view passes the rib centre line (mPR), wherein the transverse groove (9) has a width (bN) with a maximum value (bN,MAX) of 3.0 mm to 6.0 mm, a maximum depth (tN) of 5% to 30% of the profile depth (TUR), two groove edges (9a), two groove flanks (9b) and a groove base (9c), wherein the sipe (10) extends from the groove base (9c) and in plan view runs in the direction of extent of the transverse groove (9), has a width (bE) of 20% to 60% of the maximum value (bN,MAX) of the width (bN) of the transverse groove (9) and reaches to a maximum depth (tE) of 50% to 100% of the profile depth (TUR), wherein the sipe (10) extends uninterruptedly from the groove base (9c) and ends closed on both sides within the profile rib (1, 2), characterized in that, in the region of extent of the sipe (10), at least one local depression (11) which is open towards the periphery of the tread is formed adjacent to a groove flank (9b).

2. Vehicle tyre according to Claim 1, characterized in that the transverse groove (9), when seen in plan view, runs straight, continuously curved or in the form of an S curve elongated in the axial direction.

3. Vehicle tyre according to Claim 1, characterized in that the transverse groove (9), when seen in plan view, runs in the form of an S curve elongated in the axial direction and is made up of two bordering groove portions (91), formed offset in relation to one another in the circumferential direction and running straight, in particular in the axial direction, and a central groove portion (92), passing the rib centre line (mPR) and running in a continuously S-shaped curved manner, wherein, only in the region of the central groove portion (92), the sipe (10) extends from the sipe base (9c), wherein the central groove portion (92), when seen in plan view, protrudes beyond the sipe (10), preferably on both sides, and / or preferably has a length (c2), projected in the axial direction, with respect to the groove centre line (mN), of 65% to 90%, in particular of 70% to 85%, of the length (cN), projected in the axial direction, of the transverse groove (9).

4. Vehicle tyre according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, adjacent to each groove flank (9b) of the transverse groove (9), in each case at least one, in particular more than one, preferably three to five, local depression(s) (11) open to the periphery of the tread is or are formed.

5. Vehicle tyre according to Claim 4, characterized in that depressions (11) which are formed adjacent to the same side of the transverse groove (9) and directly neighbouring one another are at a mutual distance (av) from one another, determined at the rib outer surface (6) of the profile rib (1, 2) as the smallest possible distance, of 1.0 mm to 3.0 mm.

6. Vehicle tyre according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the depression(s) (11) at the transverse groove (9) has or have at the level of the rib outer surface (6) of the profile rib (1, 2) a maximum length (cv), measured along a straight projection line (hv), a maximum width (bv), with respect to the projection line (hv), determined in plan view perpendicularly thereto, and a maximum depth (tv), determined in the radial direction with respect to the projection line (hv), wherein the maximum width (bv) and the maximum depth (tv) is in each case 40% to 100%, in particular 45% to 80%, preferably 50% to 60%, particularly preferably up to 55%, of the maximum depth (tN) of the transverse groove (9) and the maximum length (cV) is 80% to 200%, in particular 100% to 160%, preferably 120% to 140%, of the maximum depth (tN) of the transverse groove (9).

7. Vehicle tyre according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the depression(s) (11) is or are delimited by a continuously inwardly curved bottom (11a), wherein the depression(s) (11) preferably has or have the form of a quarter of a sphere.

8. Vehicle tyre according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the sipe (10) has, when seen in plan view, a length (cE), projected in the axial direction, with respect to the sipe centre line (mE), of 35% to 75%, in particular of 40% to 60%, preferably of up to 55%, particularly preferably of up to 50%, of the length (cN), projected in the axial direction, of the transverse groove (9).

9. Vehicle tyre according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, inside the profile rib (1), the sipe (10) merges into two cavities (12), which are at a distance from the circumferential grooves (4, 5), are formed along the sipe borders, run in the radial direction and are elongated in the radial direction.

10. Vehicle tyre according to Claim 9, characterized in that the cavities (12) are designed as tubular and, when seen in the cross section running parallel to the rib outer surface (6) of the profile rib (1, 2), circular with a diameter (dH) of 125% to 200%, in particular of 135% to 180%, preferably of 140% to 160%, of the width (bE) of the sipe (10).

11. Vehicle tyre according to Claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the cavities (12) have in the radial direction a length (cH) of 65% to 100%, in particular of 75% to 85%, of the maximum height of extent (hE), determined in the radial direction, of the sipe (10), wherein the cavities (12) preferably end at the level of the maximum depth (tE) of the sipe (10).

12. Vehicle tyre according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the transverse grooves (9), when seen in plan view, run at an angle (α) to the axial direction of 5° to 35°, in particular of 10° to 30°, preferably of at most 10°, wherein, in the case of transverse grooves (9) that are not running straight, the angle (α) relates to a straight projection line (hN), joining the ends of the groove centre line (mN).

13. Vehicle tyre according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the width (bN) of the transverse groove (9) decreases towards its ends and has a minimum value (bN,MIN) of 30% to 60%, in particular of 35% to 55%, preferably of 40% to 50%, of its maximum value (bN,MAX), wherein - if the bordering groove portions (91) are present - the width (bN) has the minimum value (bN,MIN) in the bordering groove portions (91).

14. Vehicle tyre according to one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the length (cN), projected in the axial direction, of the transverse groove (9) is at least 75% of the maximum width (bPR), projected in the axial direction, of the profile rib (1, 2) or in that the transverse groove (9) has a length (cN) of at least 75% of the maximum width (bPR), projected in the axial direction, of the profile rib (1, 2).

15. Vehicle tyre according to one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the depression(s) (11) is or are adjoined by a further depression or in each case a further depression (13), which in plan view is elongated in the circumferential direction, is in particular rectangular and has a depth, determined in the radial direction, that decreases continuously from the depression (11).