Vehicle tire

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle tire having a profiled tread (1) with a shoulder-side tread part (11) made of a rubber material which has a tear propagation resistance at 100°C (TS (100°C)) according to ASTM D 624-00 of 40.0 N / mm to 60.0 N / mm, a groove (12, 12') which starts from the tread outer surface (1a) within the ground contact area and runs around in the circumferential direction being embedded in the shoulder-side tread part (11). The width (bN) of the groove (12, 12') is 0.50 mm to 5.00 mm and the depth (tN) is 80% to 110% of the profile depth (TP), the shoulder-side tread part (11) being a rubber strip (11) which consists of an electrically conductive rubber material and has two material boundaries (11a, 11b) which start from the tread outer surface (1a) and extend radially inward and a width (bGS) of 3.0 mm to 15.0 mm, determined as the smallest possible distance between the material boundaries (11a, 11b).

Description

[0001] 202404094

[0002] Description

[0003] Vehicle tires

[0004] The invention relates to a vehicle tire with a profiled tread – comprising a ground contact area, an outer tread surface located in the tread periphery, at least one main drainage groove which is the widest of all grooves provided on the tread and which is designed to the tread depth, and

[0005] - with at least one circumferentially circumferential, shoulder-side tread section made of a rubber material which is limited by the outer surface of the tread and which differs from the adjacent rubber material(s) of the tread and has a tear resistance at 100°C according to ASTM D 624-00 of 40.0 N / mm to 60.0 N / mm,

[0006] - wherein the shoulder-side tread section has a material boundary extending from the outer surface of the tread, on the inner side of the tread, with an end located within the ground contact area on the outer surface of the tread and

[0007] - wherein in the shoulder-side tread section, a circumferential groove extending from the outer surface of the tread within the ground contact area is embedded, comprising two groove edges, adjoining groove flanks, a groove base, and a central plane extending to the groove base and running centrally between the groove flanks in the tire cross-section, the groove having, viewed in the tire cross-section, a width measured perpendicularly between two reference lines running parallel to the central plane and through the groove edges, and a depth measured along the central plane and relative to an intersection point between the central plane and a straight auxiliary line running between the groove edges. 202404094

[0008] Such a vehicle tire is known, for example, from EP 0662396 A1. This vehicle tire has a tread consisting of a central tread section with an axial width of 82% to 96% of the width of the ground contact area, two shoulder-side tread sections extending partly inside and partly outside the ground contact area, and a radially inner tread section extending across the width of the central tread section.The rubber material (“second rubber material”) of the shoulder-side tread sections has a higher tear strength value, determined according to ASTM D 624 Form (“Die”) B (Standard Test Method for Tear Strength of Conventional Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers), than the rubber material (“third rubber material”) of the central tread section, wherein the tear strength of the rubber material of the shoulder-side tread sections is 140 kN / m to 200 kN / m, preferably 145 kN / m to 165 kN / m, and wherein the tear strength of the rubber material of the central tread section is at least 40 kN / m lower than that of the rubber material of the shoulder-side tread sections and is 70 kN / m to 100 kN / m, preferably 80 kN / m to 95 kN / m.The rubber material of the central tread section also exhibits a rebound elasticity (“Healy rebound value”), determined according to ASTM D 1054 using a Goodyear-Healey pendulum at 100°C, which is greater than that of the rubber material of the shoulder-side tread sections. The rebound elasticity of the rubber material of the central tread section is 74% to 95%, particularly 75% to 90%, and the rebound elasticity of the rubber material of the shoulder-side tread section is 60% to 75%, particularly 65% ​​to 72%. The rubber material of the radially inner tread section exhibits a rebound elasticity (“Healy rebound value”) of 75% to 90%, particularly 85% to 92%. The radially inner tread section should exhibit good crack and aging resistance while maintaining a certain degree of flexibility (deformability) and contribute minimally to rolling resistance.Each shoulder-side section of the tread has a narrow groove, often referred to as a "decoupling groove" or "pressure distribution groove". 202404094.

[0009] For vehicle tires of the type mentioned above, increasingly stringent regulatory requirements make it desirable to further optimize, i.e., reduce, rolling resistance. One possible measure for improving rolling resistance is the formation of narrow grooves running along the shoulder side of the tread. These grooves allow for a certain degree of "decoupling" of the adjacent tread areas, thereby influencing the deformation behavior of the tread rubber material as the tire rolls, thus reducing rolling resistance. Furthermore, vehicle tires of the type mentioned above must be provided with a discharge channel to dissipate electrostatic charges.

[0010] The invention is based on the objective of enabling, in the case of a vehicle tire of the type mentioned at the outset, a design of the tread that is as free as possible with regard to the rubber materials, while forming a drainage path and maintaining good crack resistance in the area of ​​the rubber material adjacent to the grooves of the shoulder-side tread part.

[0011] The problem is solved according to the invention by,

[0012] that the width of the groove is 0.50 mm to 5.00 mm and the depth is 80% to 110% of the profile depth,

[0013] wherein the shoulder-side tread section is a rubber strip consisting of an electrically conductive rubber material with two material boundaries extending radially inwards from the outer surface of the tread and a width of 3.0 mm to 15.0 mm determined as the smallest possible distance between the material boundaries.

[0014] The groove is therefore located in an electrically conductive, locally well-defined rubber strip, which is part of the discharge path. The conductive rubber strip is optimized for tear resistance in accordance with the tear propagation resistance of its rubber material. These two rubber properties can be summarized in 202404094.

[0015] They can be combined in an excellent way. Consequently, various rubber materials can be used in variable ways across most of the tread.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the rubber strip penetrates the tread such that the material boundaries of the rubber strip run between the outer surface of the tread and the inner surface of the tread facing the tire interior. This contributes to a structurally simple design of the drainage path.

[0017] According to a further preferred embodiment, the electrically conductive rubber material of the rubber strip exhibits an elongation at break at 70°C, determined according to DIN 53504, of 450% to 750%, and in particular of 600% to 700%. The elongation at break at 70°C is an indicator of the crack resistance of the rubber material. A rubber strip made of such a rubber material is particularly advantageous with regard to its crack resistance.

[0018] In this context, it is a further advantage if the tear resistance at 100°C, determined according to ASTM D 624-00, of the electrically conductive rubber material of the rubber strip is 45.0 N / mm to 55.0 N / mm.

[0019] According to a further preferred embodiment, the outer material boundary of the tread has an end located on the outer surface of the tread, which is axially spaced at least 3.0 mm, and in particular at least 5.0 mm, from the lateral edge of the ground contact area. Consequently, the groove has a corresponding position relative to the lateral edge of the ground contact area, which is particularly advantageous with regard to the groove's function as a decoupling groove.

[0020] For crack resistance, it is advantageous if the groove width is up to 4.00 mm, particularly up to 3.00 mm, preferably from 1.00 mm to 2.00 mm. 202404094

[0021] It is also advantageous if the width of the rubber strip is up to 14.0 mm, in particular up to 10.0 mm, preferably from 4.0 mm to 5.0 mm.

[0022] Furthermore, it is preferred if the width of the rubber strip is at least 3.00 mm, and in particular at least 4.00 mm, greater than the width of the groove. This contributes to a further improvement in the crack resistance of the rubber material in the area of ​​the inner surface of the groove.

[0023] In particular, the maximum depth of the groove is at least 90%, preferably at least 100%, of the profile depth.

[0024] According to a further preferred embodiment, the groove base has a distance of at least 1.0 mm, and in particular at least 2.0 mm, measured in extension of the central plane, from the end of the rubber strip. This measure also contributes to a further improvement in crack resistance in the area of ​​the rubber strip.

[0025] Preferably, the profile depth on which the main drainage groove(s) is / are designed is 5.5 mm to 27.0 mm.

[0026] Furthermore, it is preferred if the main drainage groove(s) has a width of 5.0 mm to 25.0 mm.

[0027] According to a further advantageous embodiment, at least one circumferential groove is provided as the main drainage groove, which defines a shoulder-side profile rib of the tread strip that is located partially inside and partially outside the ground contact area, wherein the rubber strip is located in the shoulder-side profile rib.

[0028] Preferably, the groove, viewed in the tire cross-section, runs at an angle of 2° to 15°, and in particular 5° to 10°, to its central plane in the radial direction. 202404094

[0029] For the rolling resistance of the tire, it is advantageous if the tread in the area outside the rubber strip consists of one or more rubber materials or materials.

[0030] a radially outer tread layer forming the outer surface of the tread, which in the area outside the rubber strip consists of one or more rubber materials,

[0031] wherein the rubber material(s) has a rebound elasticity according to DIN 53512 at 70°C of at least 60%, in particular of 60% to 85%, preferably of 70% to 80%, and is preferably electrically non-conductive.

[0032] Further features, advantages and details of the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the drawing, which shows several embodiments of the invention.

[0033] Fig. 1 shows a partial cross-section of a commercial vehicle tire in the shoulder area with a first embodiment of the invention,

[0034] Fig. 2 shows an enlarged view of detail Z2 of Fig. 1 and

[0035] Fig. 3 shows a view analogous to Fig. 2 with a second embodiment of the invention.

[0036] According to the invention, vehicle tires are tires for multi-track motor vehicles, in particular for passenger cars, vans, SUVs, or commercial vehicles, preferably for trucks or buses. The vehicle tires are preferably pneumatic tires, especially preferably radial pneumatic tires. The passenger car, van, and SUV tires are specifically designed for rims with an integer rim diameter of 13 inches to 24 inches, preferably 18 inches to 23 inches, and have a load index of, in particular, 71 to 126. The commercial vehicle tires are specifically designed for rims with a half-integer or integer load index.

[0037] Rim diameters of 17.5 inches to 24.5 inches are provided and they have a load index of, in particular, > 126.

[0038] Fig. 1 shows a shoulder-side partial cross-section of a commercial vehicle tire. The tire equatorial plane is indicated by a line AA, the radial direction by a double arrow R, and the axial direction by a double arrow A. The "axial direction" refers to the direction perpendicular to the tire equatorial plane. The "radial direction" refers to the direction parallel to the tire equatorial plane in the axially oriented cross-section (hereinafter referred to as the tire cross-section).

[0039] The commercial vehicle tire has a profiled tread 1, a belt bond 2, a carcass ply 3, an airtight inner layer 4, sidewalls 5, and in each shoulder area a radially inner shoulder pad 6 and a radially outer belt edge pad 7. All of the aforementioned components are circumferential components.

[0040] The belt bandage 2, the carcass insert 3, the inner layer 4, the side walls 5, the radial inner shoulder pad 6 and the radial outer belt edge pad 7 can be designed in a manner known per se.

[0041] The belt assembly 2 is located between the running strip 1 and the carcass insert 3, has three belt layers, namely a radially inner belt layer 2a, a middle belt layer 2b designed in particular as a 0° layer and a radially outer belt layer 2c, wherein the belt layers each consist of steel cords running parallel to each other embedded in an electrically non-conductive belt rubber.

[0042] The sidewalls 5 overlap the tread 1 on the outer side of the tire and are made of an electrically non-conductive rubber material. 202404094

[0043] The radially inner shoulder pad 6, viewed in the tire cross-section, extends radially outside and along and in contact with the carcass ply 3, is elongated in the axial direction, has a substantially triangular cross-section, contacts the corresponding sidewall 5, and extends in the direction of the tire equatorial plane (line AA) between the carcass ply 3 and the radially inner belt layer 2a. The radially inner shoulder pad 6 consists of an electrically non-conductive rubber material.

[0044] The radially outer belt edge pad 7 is located radially outside the radially inner shoulder pad 6, extends between the radially inner belt layer 2a and the radially outer belt layer 2c, terminates at the middle belt layer 2b, and thus separates the axially laterally extending edge section of the radially inner belt layer 2a beyond the corresponding belt edge of the middle belt layer 2b from the axially laterally extending edge section of the radially outer belt layer 2c. The radially outer belt edge pad 7 is made of an electrically non-conductive rubber material.

[0045] The carcass insert 3 consists of reinforcing elements, in particular steel cords, embedded in an electrically non-conductive carcass rubber lining.

[0046] The tread 1 is preferably symmetrical with respect to the tire equatorial plane (line AA), has an outer tread surface 1a located at the tread periphery, an inner tread surface 1b facing the tire interior and extending along the adjacent tire components, and a ground contact area, one lateral edge of which is marked in Fig. 1 by a radially extending line L. The ground contact area corresponds, as is known, 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). 202404094

[0047] The tread 1 has a profile of a known design, which includes main drainage grooves 8, which in this embodiment are circumferential grooves. The main drainage grooves 8 are each bounded on the outer surface 1a of the tread by two groove edges 8a, have a width Bp determined as the smallest possible distance between the groove edges 8a, are the widest of all grooves provided on the tread 1 on the outer surface 1a, and extend radially to the respective intended tread depth Tp. The width Bp of the main drainage grooves 8 is, in particular, 10.0 mm to 25.0 mm for commercial vehicle tires and, in particular, 5.0 mm to 18.0 mm for passenger car, van, and light truck tires. The tread depth Tp is typically 9.00 mm to 27.0 mm for commercial vehicle tires and 5.5 mm to 13.0 mm for passenger car, van and light truck tires.If main drainage grooves 8 of varying depths are provided, the profile depth Tp refers to the depth of the deepest main drainage groove(s) 8. The main drainage groove(s) 8 is / are therefore the groove(s) on which the legally prescribed minimum profile depth is based.

[0048] The main drainage grooves 8 provide the tread 1 with a circumferential central profile rib 9 and a shoulder-side profile rib 10 in each half of the tread. The profile ribs 9, 10 can be structured with incisions and grooves in a manner known in particular.

[0049] The shoulder-side profile rib 10 is penetrated within the ground contact area by a circumferential rubber strip 11 made of an electrically conductive rubber material, extending from the outer surface 1a of the tread to the inner surface 1b of the tread and thus bounded by both the outer surface 1a and the inner surface 1b of the tread. This strip is locally interrupted in the area of ​​any incisions and / or grooves provided in the shoulder-side profile rib 10. (Under a 202404094)

[0050] Electrically conductive rubber material is understood to be one which has a specific electrical resistance of < 10 8 Ohm cm.

[0051] The following statements regarding the rubber strip 11 refer - unless otherwise stated - to the tire cross-section.

[0052] According to Fig. 2, the rubber strip 11 is essentially rectangular, and is further bounded by two straight and parallel material boundaries 11a, 11b – an inner material boundary 11a and an outer material boundary 11b – running between the outer surface 1a and the inner surface 1b of the tread. The rubber strip 11 has a central plane (MGS) spaced at a corresponding distance from the material boundaries 11a, 11b. The inner material boundary 11a has an end 11a* located within the ground contact area at the outer surface 1a of the tread. The outer material boundary 11b of the tread has an end 11b* located on the outer surface 1a of the tread, which has a distance ai of at least 3.0 mm, in particular at least 5.0 mm, in the axial direction (double arrow A) to the lateral edge of the ground contact surface (line L).

[0053] The median plane MGS is inclined to the radial direction (double arrow R) at an angle α of 2° to 15°, in particular 5° to 10°, wherein the rubber strip 11 is inclined to the radial direction such that the axially determined distance between the median plane MGS and the tire equatorial plane (Fig. 1, line AA) decreases continuously from the tread periphery, i.e., from the level of the tread outer surface 1a, towards the tread inner surface 1a. The rubber strip 11 also has a width bcs, measured as the smallest possible distance between the material boundaries 11a, 11b, and therefore perpendicular to the median plane MGS, of 3.0 mm to 15.0 mm, in particular up to 14.0 mm, preferably up to 10.0 mm, and most preferably 4.0 mm to 5.0 mm. 202404094

[0054] The tread 1, outside the rubber strip 11, preferably consists of one or more electrically non-conductive rubber materials, which are optimized with regard to their contribution to the rolling resistance of the vehicle tire. As is known, the rebound elasticity at 70°C can be used as an indicator of rolling resistance, providing an indication of the expected contribution of the rubber material(s) to the rolling resistance. The higher the rebound elasticity at 70°C, the lower the expected contribution to the rolling resistance.

[0055] The rebound elasticity at 70°C of the rubber material of the tread 1 outside the rubber strip 11 is at least 60%, in particular 60% to 85%, preferably 70% to 80%.

[0056] The rebound elasticity at 70°C was determined as follows:

[0057] Determination according to DIN 53512:

[0058] - Testing of rubber and elastomers - Determination of rebound elasticity (Schob pendulum)

[0059] - Edition 2000-04

[0060] - Vulcanization parameters (production of test specimens):

[0061] Vulcanization temperature: 140°C

[0062] Vulcanization time: 30 minutes

[0063] - Test specimens:

[0064] Diameter: 44.6 mm

[0065] Thickness: 6.3 mm ± 0.3 mm

[0066] - Measurement parameters:

[0067] Tempering time: 30 minutes

[0068] Temperature (test specimen temperature): 70°C ± 1°C

[0069] The rubber strip 11 is provided with a narrow groove 12 over its entire circumferential extent, which is embedded in the rubber strip 11, originates from the outer tread surface 1a and, viewed in the tire cross-section, is elongated and U-shaped, with two 202404094 located on the outer rib surface 1a.

[0070] Grooved edges 12a a , 12ai - namely a groove edge 12a on the outside of the tread, located closer to the lateral edge of the ground contact surface (line L). a and has a groove edge 12ai on the inside of the tread and is connected to the groove edges 12a by two U-shaped legs, each forming a U-shaped leg a The groove 12 is bounded by the subsequent straight groove flanks 12b and a groove base 12c forming the U-bend, which runs between the radially inner ends of the groove flanks 12b. "Embedded in the rubber strip 11" means that the entire groove 12 is located exclusively within the rubber strip 11 and not outside of the rubber strip 11.

[0071] The groove 12 has a central plane MN, spaced at the same intervals as the groove flanks 12b and extending to the groove base 12c. The groove 12 is symmetrical with respect to this plane, neglecting the curvature of the tread's outer surface 1a. In this embodiment, the central plane MN coincides with the central plane MGS of the rubber strip 11. Viewed in the tire cross-section, the groove flanks 12b run parallel to the central plane MN and therefore each at the aforementioned angle α to the radial direction, connecting tangentially to the groove base 12c.

[0072] The following explanations regarding groove 12 refer to the tire cross-section.

[0073] In Fig. 2, two straight lines parallel to the central plane MN and each passing through one of the groove edges 12a are shown. a , 12ai extending reference lines Li and a straight line as well as between the two groove edges 12a aReference line L2 is drawn along 12ai. Reference line L2 intersects the center plane MN at point SN. The groove 12 has a width bN, measured perpendicular to and between the reference lines Li, of 0.50 mm to 5.00 mm, in particular up to 4.00 mm, preferably up to 3.00 mm, and most preferably 1.00 mm to 2.00 mm. The width bN is smaller than the width bcs of the rubber strip 11 and, due to the aforementioned parallel alignment of the groove flanks 12b to the center plane MN, is also present between the groove flanks 12b. Preferably, the width bN of the groove 12 and the 202404094

[0074] The width bcs of the rubber strip 11 is matched such that the width bcs of the rubber strip 11 is at least 3.00 mm, in particular at least 4.00 mm, greater than the width bN of the groove 12. The groove 12 also has a constant maximum depth tN (depth at the deepest point), which is determined along the central plane MN and relative to the intersection SN and is 80% to 110%, in particular at least 90%, preferably at least 100%, of the profile depth Tp (Fig. 1). Preferably, the maximum depth tN of the groove 12 is such that the groove bottom 12c has a distance aN, measured in extension of the central plane MN, of at least 1.0 mm, in particular at least 2.0 mm, from the end of the rubber strip 11.

[0075] The electrostatic charges generated during driving are conducted from the vehicle, particularly from the body, to the respective surface ("grounding") via a discharge path formed by the rubber strip 12, an electrically conductive substructure passage contacting the rubber strip 12, and an electrically conductive side wall / horn profile passage. The electrically conductive substructure passage and the electrically conductive side wall / horn profile passage are not shown and can each be designed in a manner known per se.

[0076] The electrically conductive substructure passage and the electrically conductive side wall / horn profile passage are each formed from electrically conductive material, in particular from an electrically conductive layer, an electrically conductive rubber strip, an electrically conductive thread, several electrically conductive threads or from an electrically conductive fabric made from such threads.

[0077] The electrically conductive layer has a thickness of preferably no more than 0.10 mm and is formed during vulcanization from an electrically conductive suspension previously applied to the respective raw tire components. The electrically conductive suspension is based, for example, on latex or a mineral oil plasticizer, each in combination with electrically conductive particles. 202404094

[0078] These include, for example, soot particles, graphite powder, carbon nanotubes, or particles from an electrically conductive rubber mixture, i.e., particles obtained by grinding an electrically conductive rubber mixture. The proportion of electrically conductive particles in the suspension is, for example, 10 wt.% to 70 wt.%, in particular 30 wt.% to 50 wt.%.

[0079] The filament(s) can consist of an electrically conductive material or be a carrier filament made of an electrically conductive or non-conductive material with an electrically conductive coating. The electrically conductive coating is formed, for example, using the aforementioned electrically conductive suspension, which is applied to the carrier filament, particularly by dipping.

[0080] The rubber material of the electrically conductive rubber strip 11 is optimized with regard to its crack resistance. Table 1 shows an example of a recipe R, i.e., a composition of a rubber compound, for the rubber material of the rubber strip 11. As is standard practice in rubber technology, the recipe R is based on 100 parts rubber (phr = parts per hundred parts rubber). The quantities therefore refer to 100 parts by mass of the base polymer, i.e., the rubber, or, in the case of polymer blends, to 100 parts by mass of the base polymers, i.e., the rubbers. Furthermore, a generalized recipe R*, which specifies corresponding ranges for the components, can be found in Table 1.

[0081] Table 1: Recipes

[0082] <

[0083]

[0084] 202404094

[0085] Other additives include, in particular, plasticizers, processing aids, anti-aging agents, UV protection, ozone stabilizers and activators (stearic acid, zinc oxide).

[0086] The following section discusses the vulcanizate properties of the rubber material, which are indicators of crack resistance. These indicators thus provide a clue to the expected crack resistance of the rubber strip 11.

[0087] As an indicator of crack resistance, the elongation at break at a temperature of 70°C according to DIN 53504 (edition 2017-03) is used (hereinafter referred to as "elongation at break £R (70°C)"). A higher elongation at break £R (70°C) indicates better crack resistance.

[0088] As a further indicator of crack resistance, the tear resistance at 100°C according to ASTM D624-00 (2000) (Graves test) is used (hereinafter referred to as "tear resistance Ts (100°C)"). A higher tear resistance Ts (100°C) indicates better crack resistance.

[0089] The elongation at break £R (70°C) was determined as follows:

[0090] Determination according to DIN 53504:

[0091] - Testing of rubber and elastomers - Determination of tear strength, tensile strength, elongation at break and stress values ​​in tensile tests

[0092] - Issue 2017-03

[0093] - Vulcanization parameters (production of test specimens):

[0094] Vulcanization temperature: 140°C

[0095] Vulcanization time: 30 minutes

[0096] - Test specimen: Ring R1

[0097] - Measurement parameters:

[0098] Temperature: 70°C ± 1°C

[0099] The tear resistance Ts (100°C) was determined as follows: 202404094

[0100] Determination according to ASTM D624-00 (2000) (Graves Test)

[0101] - Standard Test Method for Tear Strength of Conventional Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers

[0102] - Last Updated: Feb 21, 2020

[0103] - Vulcanization parameters (production of test specimens):

[0104] Vulcanization temperature: 140°C

[0105] Vulcanization time: 30 minutes

[0106] - Test piece: Angle test piece (unnotched angle test piece, “Angle Test Piece according to Graves Type C”)

[0107] - Measurement parameters:

[0108] Temperature: 100°C ± 1°C

[0109] Table 2 shows the values ​​for the crack resistance indicators of a rubber material G, which is manufactured from the rubber compound specified in Table 1 according to recipe R. Furthermore, Table 2 contains ranges for the crack resistance indicators that the rubber material generally or preferably exhibits.

[0110]

[0111] 202404094

[0112] As can be seen in Table 2, the exemplary rubber material G from the rubber compound according to recipe R, or the corresponding "general rubber material" (see area and preferred area), is characterized by a high value for elongation at break and tear resistance. In the case of a vehicle tire with a tread 1 and a rubber strip 11 made of the rubber material Gi, good crack resistance is ensured in the area of ​​the rubber strip 11 and thus in the area of ​​the groove 12.

[0113] Fig. 3 shows a view analogous to Fig. 2, wherein a rubber strip 11 is provided with a groove 12' and wherein the shoulder-side profile rib 10 is bounded on the outside of the groove 12' by a radially offset edge section 1a' of the outer surface of the tread 1a. The groove 12' has a groove edge 12a formed on the outer surface of the tread at the offset edge section 1a'. a and a groove edge 12ai on the inside of the tread, wherein between the groove edges 12a a, 12ai a distance aK of 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm projected in the radial direction (double arrow R) is present. The groove 12' is bounded by two straight and parallel groove flanks 12b' and a groove base 12c' extending between the radially inner ends of the groove flanks 12b'. The groove 12' has a central plane MN, spaced at the same intervals as the groove flanks 12b' and extending to the groove base 12c', which is inclined opposite to the central plane MGS of the rubber strip 11 with respect to the radial direction and runs at an angle α' of 2° to 15°, in particular 5° to 10°, to the radial direction.

[0114] The following explanations regarding the 12' groove refer to the tire cross-section.

[0115] The groove base 12c' is channel-shaped and asymmetrically rounded with respect to the central plane MN and projects towards the lateral edge of the floor contact surface beyond the radially inner end of the groove edge 12a on the outer side of the tread. a subsequent groove flank 12b' in the axial direction. 202404094

[0116] In Fig. 3 there are two reference lines Li (analogous to Fig. 2) and one straight line as well as between the two groove edges 12a. aThe reference line l_2 running along the center plane MN is shown. The reference line l_2 intersects the center plane MN at point SN. The groove 12' has – analogous to the groove 12 – a width bN measured perpendicular to and between the reference lines Li of 0.50 mm to 5.00 mm, in particular of 1.00 mm to 4.00 mm, preferably of up to 3.00 mm, and most preferably of up to 2.00 mm, and a constant maximum depth tN (depth at the deepest point), which is determined along the center plane MN and relative to the intersection point SN and is 80% to 110%, in particular at least 90%, preferably at least 100%, of the profile depth Tp (Fig. 1). Preferably the maximum depth tN of the groove 12' is such that the groove base 12c has a distance aN measured in extension of the central plane MN of at least 1.0 mm, in particular at least 2.0 mm, to the end of the rubber strip 11.

[0117] The invention is not limited to the described embodiments.

[0118] For example, the groove can have a cross-section that differs from those described. Viewed in the tire cross-section, the groove's median plane exhibits consistent distances to the groove flanks, measured perpendicular to the median plane and referenced to each point on the median plane. The tread can, instead of or in addition to circumferential grooves, have, for example, oblique grooves that run in a V-shape across the tread width. The rubber strip does not necessarily have to extend radially through the tread but can also terminate within the tread, in which case the rubber strip is connected to the respective electrically conductive substructure via an electrically conductive tread element, such as another electrically conductive rubber strip, an electrically conductive thread, several electrically conductive threads, a radially innermost tread layer, or a tread segment, each made of an electrically conductive rubber material.202404094.

[0119] Reference symbol list

[0120] 1 tread

[0121] 1a Outer surface of the tread

[0122] 1a' Edge section

[0123] 1b Inner tread

[0124] 2 belt bandage

[0125] 2a radial inner belt layer

[0126] 2b middle belt position

[0127] 2c radial outer belt layer

[0128] 3 Carcass insert

[0129] 4 inner layer

[0130] 5 side wall

[0131] 6 radial inner shoulder pads

[0132] 7 radial outer belt edge padding

[0133] 8 Main drainage groove

[0134] 8a Groove edge

[0135] 9 middle profile rib

[0136] 10 shoulder-side profile rib

[0137] 11 rubber strips

[0138] 11a inner tread material boundary 11a* end

[0139] 11b outer material boundary of the tread 11b* End

[0140] 12, 12' Nut

[0141] 12a a outer groove edge of the tread

[0142] 12ai inner groove edge of tread 12b, 12b' groove flank

[0143] 12c, 12c' Nutgrund 202404094

[0144] A double file (axial direction)

[0145] ai , aK, aN distance

[0146] AA line (tire equatorial plane)

[0147] bcs, bN, BP width

[0148] CGS . Length

[0149] L line (lateral edge of the ground contact area) Li , L2 reference line

[0150] MGS, MN Middle Level

[0151] R double arrow (radial direction)

[0152] SN intersection

[0153] tN maximum depth

[0154] Tp tread depth

[0155] Z2 Detail

[0156] a, a' angle

Claims

202404094 Patent claims 1. Vehicle tires with a profiled tread (1) - with a ground contact surface, a tread outer surface (1a) located in the tread periphery, at least one main drainage groove (8) which is the widest of all grooves (8) provided on the tread (1) on the tread outer surface (1a) and which is designed to profile depth (Tp), and - with at least one circumferentially circumferential, shoulder-side tread section (11) bounded by the outer surface (1a) of the tread, made of a rubber material which differs from the rubber material(s) of the tread (1) and has a tear resistance at 100°C (Ts (100°C)) according to ASTM D 624-00 of 40.0 N / mm to 60.0 N / mm, o wherein the shoulder-side tread section (11 ) has a tread-side material boundary (11a) extending from the outer surface (1a) of the tread, with an end (11a*) located within the ground contact area on the outer surface (1a) of the tread and o wherein in the shoulder-side tread section (11) a circumferential groove (12, 12') extending from the outer surface of the tread (1a) within the ground contact area with two groove edges (12a) a , 12ai), to these adjoining groove flanks (12b, 12b'), a groove base (12c) and a central plane (MN) running in the tire cross-section centrally between the groove flanks (12b, 12b') and continuing to the groove base (12c, 12c'), wherein the groove (12, 12'), viewed in the tire cross-section, has a width (bu) which is perpendicular between two parallel to the central plane (MN) and through the groove edges (12a a, 12ai) running reference lines (Li), and a depth (tN) which is measured along the midplane (MN) as well as relative to an intersection point (SN) between the midplane (MN) and 202404094 one straight between the groove edges (12a a , 12ai) running auxiliary line (hN2), shows, characterized by, that the width (ÖN) of the groove (12, 12') is 0.50 mm to 5.00 mm and the depth (tj) is 80% to 110% of the profile depth (Tp), wherein the shoulder-side tread section (11) is a rubber strip (11) made of an electrically conductive rubber material with two material boundaries (11a, 11b) extending radially inwards from the outer surface (1a) of the tread and a width (bos) between the material boundaries (11a, 11b) determined as the smallest possible distance of 3.0 mm to 15.0 mm.

2. Vehicle tire according to claim 1, characterized in that the rubber strip (11) penetrates the tread (1) in such a way that the material boundaries (11a, 11b) of the rubber strip (11) each run between the outer surface (1a) of the tread and the inner surface (1b) of the tread (1) facing the interior of the tire.

3. Vehicle tire according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the electrically conductive rubber material of the rubber strip (11) has an elongation at break at 70°C (ER (70°C)), determined according to DIN 53504, of 450% to 750%, in particular of 600% to 700%.

4. Vehicle tire according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the tear resistance at 100°C (Ts (100°C)), determined according to ASTM D 624-00, of the electrically conductive rubber material of the rubber strip (11) is 45.0 N / mm to 55.0 N / mm.

5. Vehicle tire according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the outer tread material boundary (11b) has an end (11b*) located on the outer tread surface (1a), which extends axially towards the lateral edge of the ground contact area (line L). 202404094 (Double arrow A) determined distance (ai) of at least 3.0 mm, in particular at least 5.0 mm.

6. Vehicle tire according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the width (bu) of the groove (12, 12') is up to 4.00 mm, in particular up to 3.00 mm, preferably from 1.00 mm to 2.00 mm.

7. Vehicle tire according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the width (bos) of the rubber strip (11) is up to 14.0 mm, in particular up to 10.0 mm, preferably from 4.0 mm to 5.0 mm.

8. Vehicle tire according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the width (bos) of the rubber strip (11) is at least 3.00 mm, in particular at least 4.00 mm, greater than the width (bN) of the groove (12).

9. Vehicle tire according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the maximum depth (tu) of the groove (12, 12') is at least 90%, preferably at least 100%, of the tread depth (Tp).

10. Vehicle tire according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the groove base (12c, 12c') has a distance (au) measured in extension of the central plane (MN) of at least 1.0 mm, in particular of at least 2.0 mm, to the end of the rubber strip (11).

11. Vehicle tire according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the tread depth (Tp) on which the main drainage groove(s) (8) is / are designed is 5.5 mm to 27.0 mm.

12. Vehicle tire according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the main drainage groove(s) (8) has a width (Bp) of 5.0 mm to 25.0 mm. 202404094 13. Vehicle tire according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that at least one circumferential groove (8) is provided as the main drainage groove (8), which defines a shoulder-side profile rib (10) of the tread (I) that is located partially inside and partially outside the ground contact area, wherein the rubber strip (11) is located in the shoulder-side profile rib (10).

14. Vehicle tire according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the groove (12, 12'), viewed in the tire cross-section, extends with respect to its central plane (MN) to the radial direction at an angle (a, a') of 2° to 15°, in particular of 5° to 10°.

15. Vehicle tire according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the tread (1) in the area outside the rubber strip (11) consists of one or more rubber material(s) or that the tread (1) has a radially outer tread layer forming the outer surface (1a) of the tread, which in the area outside the rubber strip (II) consists of one or more rubber material(s), wherein the rubber material(s) has a rebound elasticity according to DIN 53512 at 70°C of at least 60%, in particular of 60% to 85%, preferably of 70% to 80%, and is preferably electrically non-conductive.

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