Vehicle tyre

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle tyre having a tread with oblique grooves (2), short grooves (31, 32, 41, 42) extending between successive oblique grooves (2), at least one profile block row (5', 6') located within the ground contact area and having first and second profile blocks (5K, 5G, 6K, 6G), wherein each first and each second profile block (5K, 5G, 6K, 6G) is provided with sipes (9) extending through it, wherein the sipes (9) - in each case with respect to the circumferential direction - in each first profile block (5K, 6K) extend inclined in the same direction to the block edges (5b, 6b) and in each second profile block (5G, 6G) extend inclined in the opposite direction to the block edges (5b, 6b). The short grooves (31, 32, 41, 42) are spaced from the tyre equatorial plane (line A-A) in such a way that the first profile blocks (5K, 6K) have a first length (C5K, C6K) projected in the axial direction, and the second profile blocks (5G, 6G) have a second length (C5G, C6G) projected in the axial direction, said second length being longer than the first length (C5K, C6K).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] vehicle tires

[0003] The invention relates to a vehicle tire with a tread having circumferentially successive oblique grooves which are inclined in the same direction relative to one another, each of which is designed to the profile depth and runs at least over most of its extent in the same tread half, and short grooves running between successive oblique grooves, wherein the oblique grooves and the short grooves provide the tread with at least one row of tread blocks located completely within the ground contact area, with first and second tread blocks separated from one another by the oblique grooves and with block edges on the oblique grooves, wherein each first and each second tread block is provided with transverse cuts which, in plan view, run in particular parallel to one another, having a width of 0.40 mm to 2.00 mm and a maximum depth of 40% to 100% of the tread depth,wherein the cuts - each with respect to the circumferential direction - run in the same direction inclined to the block edges in each first profile block and run in the opposite direction inclined to the block edges in each second profile block.

[0004] Such a vehicle tire is known, for example, from EP 3 045 326 A1. This vehicle tire has a tread with a semi-central row of tread blocks with first and second tread blocks which are separated from one another by oblique grooves. Short grooves run between the oblique grooves, inclined in the circumferential direction in the same direction as the oblique grooves, which together with the oblique grooves delimit the first and second tread blocks. The first and second tread blocks are each provided with transverse cuts which run parallel to one another in plan view and have a width of 0.40 mm to 0.60 mm, wherein the cuts in each first tread block run parallel to the block edges and are therefore inclined in the same direction to them in the circumferential direction, and wherein the cuts in each second tread block run at an angle of 50° to 70° to the oblique grooves and are inclined in the opposite direction to the block edges.The vehicle tire exhibits good handling characteristics on snow under loads acting in different directions, especially when cornering.

[0005] Due to the differently inclined cuts in the circumferential direction, the probability is increased that the different bending behavior of the profile blocks, or more precisely their block segments, associated with the cuts will cause uneven wear.

[0006] The invention is therefore based on the object of noticeably reducing the risk of an uneven wear pattern occurring in a vehicle tire of the type mentioned above.

[0007] The stated object is achieved according to the invention in that the short grooves are spaced from the tire equatorial plane in such a way that within the or each tread block row, the first tread blocks, in which the cuts run in the same direction inclined to the block edges, have a first length projected in the axial direction and the second tread blocks, in which the cuts run in the opposite direction inclined to the block edges, have a second length projected in the axial direction which is larger than the first length.

[0008] According to the invention, the block length is matched to the relative inclination of the sipes to the block edges. In "longer" tread blocks, the sipes run in the opposite direction to the block edges, while in "shorter" tread blocks, the sipes run in the same direction to the block edges. This ensures that the circumferential stiffness of the tread blocks, which are segmented in various ways by the sipes, is equalized within the tread block row, significantly smoothing out the wear pattern of the tread block row compared to conventional tires.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the second length which the second profile blocks have is 102% to 140%, in particular up to 130%, preferably up to 125%, of an arithmetically averaged first length which results from the first lengths of those first profile blocks which are closest to the respective second profile block in one circumferential direction and in the other circumferential direction.

[0010] This helps to further even out the abrasion pattern.

[0011] Preferably, within the or each row of tread blocks, one of the first tread blocks alternates with one of the second tread blocks in the circumferential direction. This allows the bending behavior of the tread blocks to be further aligned across the circumferential extent of the row of tread blocks, ensuring a particularly uniform wear pattern.

[0012] A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the first and second profile blocks are each divided by the incisions into block segments, each with a maximum segment width, wherein the incisions within each first and second profile block run parallel to one another in plan view, and the average maximum segment width of the middle block segments of each first profile block is 70% to 130%, in particular 75% to 120%, preferably 80% to 110%, particularly preferably 84% to 102%, of the average maximum segment width of the middle block segments of each second profile block. Such a uniform distribution of the incisions across the profile blocks of the profile block row contributes to further homogenizing the wear pattern.

[0013] In this context, it is furthermore advantageous if, in the latter preferred embodiment, the maximum segment widths of the middle block segments within each first profile block and within each second profile block are the same or vary within an interval of 0.5 mm, in particular of 0.2 mm.

[0014] Furthermore, it is advantageous in this context if, in the last-mentioned preferred embodiment, the maximum segment widths of the middle block segments are each 4.0 mm to 7.0 mm, wherein edge-side block segments are preferably provided whose maximum segment widths are also each 4.0 mm to 7.0 mm. According to a further preferred embodiment, the cuts in the second tread blocks, viewed in plan view, run at an angle of 2° to 18°, in particular of 4° to 16°, preferably of 6° to 14°, particularly preferably of 8° to 12°, to the axial direction. Cuts angled in this way ensure block segments whose abrasion behavior is further uniformed, especially under forces acting in the circumferential direction, as occur predominantly when driving straight ahead.

[0015] A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the incisions in the first profile blocks, viewed in plan view, run parallel to the block edges. This allows the stiffnesses of the block segments within the first profile blocks to be particularly well matched to one another.

[0016] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the tread block rows include a central tread block row and a semi-central tread block row, and if two short grooves each run between the consecutive oblique grooves, each of which separates one of the tread blocks of the central tread block row from one of the tread blocks of the semi-central tread block row, with one of the two tread blocks separated by a short groove being one of the first tread blocks and the other being one of the second tread blocks. This measure extends the concept of "longer" and "shorter" tread blocks to another tread block row in a way that is particularly beneficial for uniform tread block row wear.

[0017] A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the first and second tread blocks are each provided in the area or areas between the cuts with at least one, preferably more precisely one, microgroove, which runs in particular parallel to the cuts in plan view and has a width and a depth of 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm each. The microgrooves are advantageous for snow grip on new or slightly worn tires. Furthermore, it is particularly provided that the short grooves each have a width of 2.5 mm to 7.0 mm, in particular of up to 6.0 mm, and a maximum depth of 35% to 100%, in particular of up to 90%, preferably of up to 70%, of the tread depth.

[0018] The tread is designed in a directional manner, with the diagonal grooves being V-shaped and running across the tread width.

[0019] A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the short grooves, which delimit immediately consecutive profile blocks in the circumferential direction within the or one of the profile block row(s), are formed in pairs so that, viewed in plan view, they run in alignment with one another in such a way that, for each pair of short grooves belonging to a pair, the groove center lines extended beyond the short grooves run through the other short groove of the pair.

[0020] In the latter preferred embodiment, it is advantageous if the tread is composed of circumferentially successive pitches, each with a single circumferential length. The pitches include pitches with at least two different circumferential lengths. Circumferentially successive pitches with matching circumferential lengths are provided, in which the circumferentially successive tread blocks are delimited by pairs of short grooves. This contributes to further even out the wear of the tread blocks.

[0021] Furthermore, it is preferred if the short grooves, viewed in plan view, run in the circumferential direction or in the same direction inclined to the oblique grooves with respect to the circumferential direction.

[0022] Further features, advantages, and details of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawing, which schematically shows an embodiment of the invention. Figure 1 shows a simplified plan view of a circumferential section of a tread of a vehicle tire with an embodiment of the invention, unfolded in a plane.

[0023] Fig. 2 is an enlarged plan view of the detail Z2 of Fig. 1 ,

[0024] Fig. 3 is a section along the line III-III of Fig. 2,

[0025] Fig. 4 is a section along the line IV-IV of Fig. 2 and

[0026] Fig. 5 is a section along the line VV of Fig. 2.

[0027] Vehicle tires designed according to the invention are tires for motor vehicles, in particular for multi-track motor vehicles, preferably for passenger cars (PCs), vans (transporters) or SUVs, and preferably pneumatic vehicle tires, particularly preferably pneumatic vehicle tires of radial design for rims with an integer rim diameter of 13 inches to 24 inches, in particular of 15 inches to 23 inches, wherein the tires are intended for driving under winter driving conditions.

[0028] Fig. 1 shows a plan view of a vehicle tire tread. The tire's equatorial plane is indicated by a line AA, and the lateral edges of the tread's ground contact patch are indicated by two lines L. The ground contact patch corresponds to the statically determined footprint (determined with a tire mounted on a standard rim, loaded at 70% of the maximum load capacity, internal pressure at 85% of the standard pressure, according to ETRTO standards) and has a width B in the axial direction.

[0029] The tread is noise-optimised using a pitch length variation process and is made up of pitches (similarly designed profile sections) that follow one another in the circumferential direction. In the exemplary embodiment, pitches S1 and S2, each with a circumferential length cs, and pitches L1 and L2, each with a circumferential length CL that is greater than the circumferential length cs, follow one another in the circumferential section shown. The tread has a directional profile and is to be mounted on a vehicle in such a way that it has the rolling direction indicated by the arrow R when driving forward. When the tyre rolls when driving forward, the pitches S1, S2, L1 and L2 pass through the ground contact patch in the order S1 - S2 - L1 - L2.

[0030] The tread is provided with a central circumferential groove 1 running in the area of ​​the tire equatorial plane (line AA) and with oblique grooves 2 running in a V-shape relative to one another in plan view across the tread width, wherein the rolling direction of the tire when driving forward (arrow R) is such that the oblique grooves 2 first enter the ground contact area with their ends on the inside of the tread.

[0031] The oblique grooves 2 form the main (drainage) grooves of the tread and are designed in the radial direction to the respective intended profile depth Tp (Fig. 3) of usually 6.5 mm to 10.0 mm.

[0032] The central circumferential groove 1, viewed in plan view, runs in a zigzag shape, has a groove center line ITIUR (shown in sections) that follows its course centrally, and furthermore has a width BUR (see Fig. 4) on the tread periphery, determined perpendicular to the groove center line muR, in particular a constant width BUR of 2.0 mm to 5.5 mm, in particular of at least 2.5 mm, as well as a maximum depth TUR (Fig. 4, depth at the deepest point) determined in the radial direction of 70% to 100% of the profile depth Tp (Fig. 3), in particular of at most the profile depth Tp reduced by 1.5 mm (Fig. 3).The central circumferential groove 1, viewed in plan view, is composed of groove sections 1a passing through the tire equatorial plane (line AA), which extend straight and, with respect to the groove center line ITIUR, at an angle a of 10° to 55°, in particular of 15° to 45°, to the circumferential direction. Directly adjacent groove sections 1a—corresponding to the zigzag shape—are inclined in opposite directions to one another with respect to the circumferential direction. At the mutual connecting area of ​​the groove sections 1a, the central circumferential groove 1 has a groove bend with an outer bend side T and an inner bend side 1".

[0033] The oblique grooves 2 run, viewed in plan view, parallel to one another in each tread half, open into the central circumferential groove 1 at the outer bend sides 1', so that the oblique grooves 2 running in one tread half are offset in the circumferential direction from the oblique grooves 2 running in the other tread half, each have, viewed in plan view, a groove center line msR that follows their course centrally and a width BSR determined on the tread periphery and perpendicular to the groove center line ITISR (Fig. 3, compare position of line III-III in Fig. 2) of 2.5 mm to 9.0 mm, and further run - based on a straight auxiliary line hi connecting the ends of the respective groove center line ITISR - to the circumferential direction at an angle ß of 60° to 80°. The width BSR in the exemplary embodiment increases continuously towards the outside of the tread."Perpendicular to the groove center line ITISR" means, for a curved oblique groove 2, perpendicular to a tangent locally applied to the respective point of the groove center line msR. Each oblique groove 2, also viewed in plan view, consists of a straight, inside-tread groove section 2a and a slightly curved, outside-tread groove section 2b that is inclined more strongly to the circumferential direction than the inside-tread groove section 2a. The inside-tread groove section 2a has a length c projected in the axial direction relative to the groove center line msR. aof 20% to 40%, in particular of 25% to 30%, of the width B of the ground contact patch. An intersection point S (Fig. 2) determined between the associated groove center line ITISR and the groove center line muR of the central circumferential groove 1 has a distance as (Fig. 2) determined in the axial direction of at least 1.0 mm from the tire equatorial plane (line AA).

[0034] In each tread half, between circumferentially adjacent oblique grooves 2, there is a short groove 31 (pitch Si, L1) or 32 (pitch S2, L2) on the inside of the tread, which is closer to the tire equatorial plane (line AA), and a short groove 4i (pitch Si, L1) or 42 (pitch S2, L2) on the outside of the tread, which is closer to the lateral edge of the ground contact patch (line L), whereby in the circumferential direction a short groove 31, 4i alternates with a short groove 32, 42.

[0035] The following statements regarding the short grooves 31, 32, 41, 42 refer - unless otherwise stated - to the top view. According to Fig. 2, the short grooves 31, 32, 41, 42 each have a groove center line mR following their course centrally (only shown in the case of short groove 31), a particularly constant width bR determined at the tread periphery perpendicular to the groove center line mR (Fig. 5: shown for short groove 4i) of 2.5 mm to 7.0 mm, in particular of up to 6.0 mm, and in the radial direction a maximum depth tR (Fig. 5: shown for short groove 4i) of 35% to 100%, in particular of up to 90%, and preferably of up to 70% of the tread depth Tp (Fig.3), wherein the short grooves 31, 32, 41, 42 - based on the groove center lines mR - run straight and at an angle y of 5° to 20°, in particular of up to 15°, preferably of up to 12°, to the circumferential direction, are inclined in the same direction as the oblique grooves 2 with respect to the circumferential direction and - in each case based on a point P lying centrally on their groove center lines mR - have a distance 331 (short groove 31), 332 (short groove 32), a4i (short groove 4i), a42 (short groove 42) in the axial direction from the tire equatorial plane (line AA). The distance 332 is greater than the distance 331, wherein there is a difference Aas between the distances a1, 332. The distance a42 is greater than the distance a4i, whereby there is a difference Aa4 between the distances a4i and a42, which is smaller than the difference Aas. Alternatively, the distances a4i and a42 can be equal, so that the difference Aa4 is 0, meaning there is no difference Aa4.The differences Aas, Aa4 are each adjusted to the angle y in such a way that the two short grooves 31, 32 and the two short grooves 4i, 42, which are located within successive pitches Si, S2, L1, L2 of the same circumferential length cs or CL (cf. Fig. 1), are formed in pairs, so that the two short grooves 31, 32 or the two short grooves 41, 42, viewed in plan view, are aligned with one another in such a way that the groove center lines mR extended beyond the short grooves 31, 32, 41, 42, pass through the other short groove 31, 32, 41, 42 of the pair. In the embodiment shown, a radially extending incision 12 (see Fig. 5) extends from the groove base (not numbered) of each short groove 31, 32, 41, 42, which has a flat U-shaped cross-section and has a width of 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm and extends in the radial direction at most to the level of the profile depth Tp (Fig. 3).

[0036] As Fig. 1 further shows, the described profiling divides the tread into two central tread block rows 5', two semi-central tread block rows 6' and two shoulder-side tread block rows 7'. Each pitch S1, S2, L1, L2 comprises a V-shaped tread section across the tread width, which is delimited by a total of four oblique grooves 2 - two circumferentially consecutive oblique grooves 2 running in one tread half and two circumferentially consecutive oblique grooves 2 running in the other tread half.

[0037] The shoulder-side tread block rows 7' have shoulder-side tread blocks 7 separated in the circumferential direction by the oblique grooves 2, which are delimited on the inside of the tread by the respective short grooves 4i and 42 on the outside of the tread. The shoulder-side tread blocks 7 are shown in a simplified manner and can be provided with incisions and / or microgrooves in a manner known per se.

[0038] The central profile block rows 5' each have central profile blocks 5K, 5G separated in the circumferential direction by the oblique grooves 2 and formed along the central circumferential groove 1, and the semi-central profile block rows 6' each have semi-central profile blocks 6K, 6G separated in the circumferential direction by the oblique grooves 2.

[0039] As Fig. 2 shows, the central tread blocks 5K are each delimited by a short groove 31 having the smaller distance a31 to the tire equatorial plane (line AA), and the central tread blocks 5G are each delimited by a short groove 32 having the greater distance a32 to the tire equatorial plane (line AA), so that in the circumferential direction, a central tread block 5K alternates with a central tread block 5G. The semi-central tread blocks 6G are each formed in pairs with one of the central tread blocks 5K, wherein the tread blocks 6K, 5K belonging to the same pair are separated from one another by the respective short groove 31. The semi-central tread blocks 6K are each formed in pairs with one of the central tread blocks 5G, wherein the tread blocks 6K, 5G belonging to the same pair are separated from one another by the respective short groove 32. In the circumferential direction, a semi-central profile block 6K therefore alternates with a semi-central profile block 6G.

[0040] The profile blocks 5K, 5G, 6K, 6G each have an outer block surface 5a (central profile blocks 5K, 5G), 6a (semi-central profile blocks 6K, 6G) located in the tread periphery, block edges 5b (central profile blocks 5K, 5G), 6b (semi-central profile blocks 6K, 6G) formed along the adjacent oblique grooves 2, which also delimit the outer block surface 5a, 6a and therefore run in the tread periphery, as well as a maximum block width bß determined in plan view perpendicular to and between the block edges 5b, 6b (width at the widest point, only shown for profile block 5K). The central tread blocks 5K, 5G each further comprise a block edge 5c located on the short groove 31, 32 on the inside of the tread, and two adjacent block edges 5d located on the central circumferential groove 1. The semi-central tread blocks 6K, 6G each further comprise block edges 6c located on the short grooves 31, 32, 41, 42.The block edges 5b, 5c, 5d, 6b, 6c are each straight when viewed from above.

[0041] The central profile blocks 5K, 5G each have an acute-angled block corner region in plan view on one adjacent oblique groove 2 and the semi-central profile blocks 6K, 6G each have two diagonally opposite, acute-angled block corner regions in plan view on the adjacent oblique grooves 2, wherein the acute-angled block corner regions are each chamfered with a triangular corner chamfer 8 with a chamfer edge 8a on the block outer surface 5a, 6a. The profile blocks 5K, 5G, 6K, 6G furthermore have - determined at the level of their block outer surface 5a, 6a - a length CSK (central profile block 5K), CSG (central profile block 5G), C6K (semi-central profile block 6K), CÖG (semi-central profile block 6G) projected in the axial direction, wherein the corner chamfer(s) 8 are included in the determination of the lengths CSK, CSG, C6K, C6G, so that the lengths CSK, CSG, C6K, CÖG are determined including the corner chamfers 8 projected in the radial direction into the level of the block outer surface 5a, 6a.As a result of the distances asi, a32, a4i, a42 of the short grooves 31, 32, 4i, 42 and the differences Aas, Aa4, the length CSG of the central tread block 5G is greater than the length CSK of the central tread block 5K and the length C6G of the semi-central tread block 6G is greater than the length C6K of the semi-central tread block 6K. The tread blocks 5G, 6G are hereinafter also referred to as longer (semi-)central tread blocks 5G, 6G and the tread blocks 5K, 6K are hereinafter also referred to as shorter (semi-)central tread blocks 5K, 6K.

[0042] The length CSG of a longer central profile block 5G is 102% to 140%, in particular up to 130%, preferably up to 125%, of the arithmetically averaged length determined from the two lengths CSK of the two circumferentially adjacent, shorter, central profile blocks 5K. The length CÖG of a longer, semi-central profile block 6G is 102% to 140%, in particular up to 130%, preferably up to 125%, of the arithmetically averaged length determined from the two lengths CSK of the two circumferentially adjacent, shorter, semi-central profile blocks 6K.

[0043] The central profile blocks 5K, 5G and the semi-central profile blocks 6K, 6G are each provided with traversing incisions 9, which have a constant width of 0.40 mm to 2.00 mm, in particular of 0.50 mm to 1.60 mm, preferably of up to 0.80 mm, and in the radial direction a maximum depth (depth at the deepest point) of 40% to 100%, in particular of 50% to 90%, of the profile depth Tp (Fig. 3) and divide the profile blocks 5K, 5G, 6K, 6G into block segments 10K (shorter (semi-)central profile blocks 5K, 6K), 10G (longer (semi-)central profile blocks 5G, 6G, only designated for profile block 6G), wherein the incisions 9 in the exemplary embodiment, viewed in plan view, in sections run harmoniously wave-shaped and the edge-side incisions 9 closest to the corner bevel 8 in the central profile block 5G run flatly V-shaped.The block segments 10K, 10G each include middle block segments 10K, 10G located between two incisions 9, as well as edge-side block segments 10K, 10G adjacent exclusively to a single incision 9. The incisions 9 each have an incision center line mE that is straight in plan view and runs along the block outer surface 5a, 6a and is aligned in their main direction of extension, wherein the incisions 9 within each (semi-)central profile block 5K, 5G, 6K, 6G run parallel to one another when viewed in plan view and with respect to the incision center lines mE. In the case of the incisions 9 that are wave-shaped in sections, the incision center line mE coincides with the wave center line. The wave center line is the line with respect to which the amplitude of the wave is determined. In the case of the flat V-shaped, edge-side incisions 9, the incision center line mE bisects a maximum deflection A determined perpendicular to it.The maximum deflection A is determined perpendicularly between two auxiliary lines h2 (only one designated) running straight and parallel to the incision center lines mE, whereby the auxiliary lines h2 - taking into account their parallel alignment to the incision center lines mE - run through the furthest apart points of a center line ITIEV present on the block outer surface 5a and following the center of the incision in plan view.

[0044] The incisions 9 formed in the longer (semi-)central profile blocks 5G, 6G run, viewed in plan view and relative to the incision center lines mE, parallel to one another, inclined in the circumferential direction in opposite directions to the block edges 5b and 6b, respectively, and at an angle θ of 2° to 18°, in particular from 4° to 16°, preferably from 6° to 14°, particularly preferably from 8° to 12°, to the axial direction. The block segments 10G each have a maximum segment width bcs (width at the widest point), determined at the level of the block outer surface 5a, 6a and related to the incision center line(s) mE, wherein the number of incisions 9 is selected such that the maximum segment width bcs is 4.0 mm to 7.0 mm. For edge-side block segments 10G, the maximum segment width bcs refers - depending on the design - to the respective block edge 5b, 5c, 5d, 6b, 6c or the chamfer edge 8a.The incisions 9 are furthermore evenly distributed within each profile block 5G, 6G such that at least the maximum segment widths bcs of the middle block segments 10G (block segments 10G between two incisions 9) within the same profile block 5G, 6G are identical or fluctuate within an interval of 0.5 mm, in particular 0.2 mm. Within each profile block 5G, 6G, the middle block segments 10G furthermore have an arithmetically averaged maximum segment width, which is calculated from the associated maximum segment widths ÖGS.

[0045] The incisions 9 formed in the shorter (semi-)central profile blocks 5K, 6K run, viewed in plan view and relative to the incision center lines IDE, parallel to the block edges 5b and 6b, respectively. The incisions 9 in the shorter (semi-)central profile blocks 5K, 6K run, viewed in plan view and relative to the incision center line me, thus inclined in the opposite direction to the incisions 9 in the longer (semi-)central profile blocks 5G, 6G with respect to the circumferential direction.The block segments 10K each have a maximum segment width bKs (width at the widest point) determined at the level of the block outer surface 5a, 6a and related to the incision center line(s) mE, wherein the number of incisions 9 is selected such that the maximum segment width bKs is 4.0 mm to 7.0 mm and wherein the incisions 9 are evenly distributed over the maximum block width bß such that the maximum segment widths bKs within the same profile block 5K, 6K are the same or fluctuate within an interval of 0.5 mm, in particular of 0.2 mm. In the case of edge-side block segments 10K, the maximum segment width bKs refers to the respective block edge 5b, 6b. As Fig. 1 shows, in the embodiment example there are two incisions 9 (pitch Si, S2) or three incisions 9 (pitch L1, L2) in the profile blocks 5K, 6K.Within each profile block 5K, 6K, the middle block segments 10K (block segments 10K between two incisions 9) further have an arithmetically averaged maximum segment width, which is calculated from the associated maximum segment width bKs, wherein the arithmetically averaged maximum segment width of the middle block segments 10K is 70% to 130%, in particular 75% to 120%, preferably 80% to 110%, particularly preferably 84% to 102%, of the already mentioned arithmetically averaged maximum segment width of the middle block segments 10G of the longer (semi-)central profile blocks 5G, 6G.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the middle block segments 10G of the longer (semi-)central profile blocks 5G, 6G, each located between two incisions 9, are each provided with a microgroove 11. Furthermore, the block segments 10K of the shorter (semi-)central profile blocks 5K, 6K are each provided with a microgroove 11. The microgrooves 11, viewed in plan view, are straight and parallel to the incision center lines ITIE and have a width and depth of 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm each.

[0047] The invention is not limited to the described embodiment.

[0048] The microgrooves 11 are optional. The short grooves 31, 32, 41, 42 can, viewed in plan view, also run in the circumferential direction at an angle opposite to the oblique grooves 2 or in the circumferential direction. The tread has oblique grooves in at least one tread half and does not have to be directional. Between adjacent oblique grooves in the circumferential direction, at least one short groove runs. The oblique grooves can, viewed in plan view, for example, also run straight or curved in sections or continuously (arc-shaped), whereby in the case of block edges that are curved as a result of the oblique grooves, the maximum block widths are determined perpendicularly between tangents that run parallel to one another and are applied to the block edges. At least one row of tread blocks with corresponding incisions is provided.Within this row of profile blocks, consecutive profile blocks can be provided, with the cuts inclined in the same direction relative to the circumferential direction. The corner chamfers on the profile blocks are optional.

[0049] List of reference symbols

[0050] 1 central circumferential groove

[0051] 1a Groove section 1' outside bend

[0052] 1" inside fold 2 diagonal grooves

[0053] 2a groove section on the inside of the tread

[0054] 2b groove section on the outside of the tread

[0055] 31, 32 short groove on the inside of the tread

[0056] 41, 42 outside tread short groove 5G, 5K central tread block

[0057] 5a Block outer surface

[0058] 5b Block edge

[0059] 5c, 5d block edge

[0060] 5' center tread block row 6G, 6K semi-center tread block

[0061] 6a Block outer surface

[0062] 6b Block edge

[0063] 6c block edge

[0064] 6' semi-center profile block row 7 shoulder-side profile block

[0065] 7' shoulder-side tread block row

[0066] 8 corner bevel

[0067] 8a bevel edge

[0068] 9 incision 10K, 10G block segment

[0069] 11 microgroove

[0070] 12 incision

[0071] A maximum deflection AA line (tire equatorial plane) a31 , a32, a41 , a42, aS distance B, bR, BSR, BUR width bB maximum block width bGs, bKs maximum segment width

[0072] Ca projected length cs, CL circumferential length c5K, C5G, C6K, C6G... projected length h1, h2 auxiliary line L line (lateral edge of the ground contact patch)

[0073] L1, L2 Pitch m E Cutting centerline m EV Run centerline mR, msR, muR Groove centerline

[0074] P point

[0075] R arrow (rolling direction)

[0076] S intersection point

[0077] S1, S2 Pitch

[0078] TP . Tread depth tR, TUR maximum depth

[0079] Z2 detail α, ß, Y, δ angles

[0080] Δa3, Δa4 difference

Claims

Patent claims 1. Vehicle tire with a tread with circumferentially successive oblique grooves (2) which are inclined in the same direction to one another with respect to the circumferential direction and which are each designed to the tread depth (Tp) and run at least over the majority of their extent in the same tread half, and short grooves (31, , 32, 41, 42) running between successive oblique grooves (2), wherein the oblique grooves (2) and the short grooves (31, , 32, 41, 42) give the tread at least one row of tread blocks (5', 6') located completely within the ground contact area, with first and second tread blocks (5K, 5G, 6K, 6G) separated from one another by the oblique grooves (2) and with block edges (5b, 6b) on the oblique grooves (2), wherein each first and each second tread block (5K, 5G, 6K, 6G) is provided with, in plan view, in particular parallel to one another running, transverse incisions (9) with a width of 0.40 mm to 2,00 mm and a maximum depth of 40% to 100% of the tread depth (Tp), wherein the cuts (9) - in each case with respect to the circumferential direction - in each first tread block (5K, 6K) run in the same direction inclined to the block edges (5b, 6b) and in each second tread block (5G, 6G) run in the opposite direction inclined to the block edges (5b, 6b), characterized in that the short grooves (31, 32, 4i, 42) are spaced from the tire equatorial plane (line AA) in such a way that within the or each tread block row (5', 6') the first tread blocks (5K, 6K), in which the cuts (9) run in the same direction inclined to the block edges (5b, 6b), have a first length projected in the axial direction (C5K, C6K) and the second tread blocks (5G, 6G), in which the incisions (9) run in opposite directions inclined to the block edges (5b, 6b), a second length (C5G,C6G).

2. Vehicle tire according to claim 1, characterized in that the second length (C5G, C6G) which the second profile blocks (5G, 6G) have is 102% to 140%, in particular up to 130%, preferably up to 125%, of an arithmetically averaged first length which results from the first lengths (C5K, C6K) of those first profile blocks (5K, 6K) which are closest to the respective second profile block (5G, 6G) in one circumferential direction and in the other circumferential direction.

3. Vehicle tire according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that within the or each tread block row (5', 6') in the circumferential direction, one of the first tread blocks (5K, 6K) alternately follows one of the second tread blocks (5G, 6G).

4. Vehicle tire according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first and the second profile blocks (5K, 5G, 6K, 6G) are each divided by the cuts (9) into block segments (10K, 10G) each having a maximum segment width (bss, bKs), wherein the cuts (9) within each first and second profile block (5K, 5G, 6K, 6G) run parallel to one another in plan view and wherein the average maximum segment width of the middle block segments (10K) of each first profile block (5K, 6K) is 70% to 130%, in particular 75% to 120%, preferably 80% to 110%, particularly preferably 84% to 102%, of the average maximum segment width of the middle block segments (10G) of each second profile block (5G, 6G).

5. Vehicle tire according to claim 4, characterized in that the maximum segment widths (bcs, bKs) of the middle block segments (10K, 10G) within each first profile block (5G, 6G) and within each second profile block (5K, 6K) are the same or vary within an interval of 0.5 mm, in particular of 0.2 mm.

6. Vehicle tyre according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that the maximum segment widths (bcs, bKs) of the central block segments (10K, 10G) are each 4.0 mm to 7.0 mm, wherein preferably edge-side Block segments (10K, 10G) are provided, the maximum segment widths (bcs, bKs) of which are also 4.0 mm to 7.0 mm each.

7. Vehicle tire according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the cuts (9) in the second profile blocks (5G, 6G), viewed in plan view, run at an angle (θ) to the axial direction of 2° to 18°, in particular of 4° to 16°, preferably of 6° to 14°, particularly preferably of 8° to 12°.

8. Vehicle tire according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cuts (9) in the first profile blocks (5K, 6K), viewed in plan view, run parallel to the block edges (5b, 6b).

9. Vehicle tire according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the tread block rows (5', 6') include a central tread block row (5') and a semi-central tread block row (6') and two of the short grooves (31, 32, 41, 42) run between the successive oblique grooves (2), of which two short grooves (31, 32) separate one of the tread blocks (5K, 5G) of the central tread block row (5') from one of the tread blocks (6K, 6G) of the semi-central tread block row (6'), wherein of the two tread blocks (5K, 6G; 5G, 6K) separated by a short groove (31, 32), one is one of the first tread blocks (5K, 6K) and the other is one of the second tread blocks (5G, 6G).

10. Vehicle tyres according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the first and second profile blocks (5K, 5G, 6K, 6G) are each provided in the region or regions between the cuts (9) with at least one, preferably more precisely one, micro-groove (11) which, in plan view, runs in particular parallel to the cuts (9) and has a width and a depth of 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm in each case.

11. Vehicle tyres according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the short grooves (31, 32, 41, 42) each have a width (bp) of 2.5 mm to 7.0 mm, in particular of up to 6.0 mm, and a maximum depth (tp) of 35% to 100%, in particular of up to 90%, preferably of up to 70%, of the profile depth (Tp).

12. Vehicle tyres according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the tread is directional, the oblique grooves (2) being V-shaped oblique grooves (2) extending across the tread width.

13. Vehicle tire according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the short grooves (31, 32, 41, 42), which delimit immediately successive profile blocks (5K, 6G; 5G, 6K) in the circumferential direction within the or one of the profile block row(s) (5', 6'), are designed in pairs so that, viewed in plan view, they run in alignment with one another in such a way that, for short grooves (31, 32; 41, 42) belonging to a pair, the groove center lines (mR) extended beyond the short grooves (31, 32, 41, 42) run through the other short groove (31, 32, 41, 42) of the pair.

14. Vehicle tire according to claim 13, characterized in that the tread is composed of circumferentially successive pitches (S1, S2, L1, L2) each having a circumferential length (cs, CL), wherein the pitches (S1, S2, L1, L2) include pitches (S1, S2, L1, L2) with at least two different circumferential lengths (cs, CL), and wherein circumferentially successive pitches (S1, S2, L1, L2) with matching circumferential lengths (cs, CL) are provided, in which the circumferentially successive tread blocks (5K, 6G; 5G, 6K) are delimited by paired short grooves (31, 32, 41, 42).

15. Vehicle tyres according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that the short grooves (31, 32, 41, 42), viewed in plan view, extend in the circumferential direction or in the same direction as the oblique grooves (2) with respect to the circumferential direction.

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