Vehicle tire
Rotating microribs in vehicle tires dynamically alter cross-sectional angles to enhance light reflection and absorption, improving visibility and grip through unique light/shadow effects.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CONTINENTAL REIFEN DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-18
AI Technical Summary
Existing vehicle tire designs lack the ability to create surface elements with high contrast and varying light reflection/absorption based on viewing angle, limiting decorative and functional visibility.
Microribs in the tire sidewalls are designed to rotate continuously along their extension, altering their cross-sectional angles to enhance light reflection and absorption dynamically, forming striking design elements.
The rotating microribs produce unique light/shadow effects, enhancing the visibility and grip of decorative and functional elements on the tire sidewalls.
Smart Images
Figure EP2025086103_18062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] 202404140
[0002] 1
[0003] Description
[0004] Vehicle tires
[0005] The invention relates to a vehicle tire with a profiled tread with profile positives, for example profile ribs or profile blocks, and with sidewalls, furthermore with surface elements formed on base surfaces from a plurality of adjacent microribs, each of which has an isosceles-triangular, isosceles-trapezoidal or rectangular base cross-section with a base at the level of the base surface and each has a maximum height of 0.10 mm to 1.00 mm determined perpendicular to the base along a straight contour line crossing the base and the tip or tip area of the microrib, and two sidewalls which run at an angle of 0° to 60° relative to a perpendicular to the base.
[0006] Such a vehicle tire is known, for example, from WO 2018 / 059751 A1. On the sidewalls of this vehicle tire, a decorative sidewall hatching pattern is formed, consisting of at least one hatched area with two differently designed types of hatched area components. Each hatched area component comprises a multitude of ribs running side by side, in particular parallel to each other, and essentially triangular in cross-section. The two types of hatched area components absorb and reflect incident light differently, so that one hatched area component appears darker than the other. The combination of such hatched area components within a single hatched area therefore allows decorative surface elements or lettering on tire sidewalls to be designed with high contrast, thereby increasing their visibility.
[0007] The invention is based on the objective of creating, in a completely new and variable way, surface elements from a multitude of adjacent micro-ribs in a vehicle tire of the type mentioned above, with particularly high contrast and 202404140
[0008] 2. To design it in a striking way, in order to create a different perception of absorbed or reflected light depending on the viewing angle.
[0009] The problem set out in the invention is solved by the microribs continuously rotating, at least in one section of their extension, starting from the base cross-section, about an axis of rotation running in their respective extension, thereby increasing the length of their base sides remaining on the base surface, such that the angle of one side flank relative to a perpendicular to the base side increases by up to 60° and the angle of the other side flank relative to a perpendicular to the base side decreases to the same extent.
[0010] This change in the cross-section of the microribs along their length allows light incident on the microribs from the outside to be reflected or absorbed in a special and striking way, depending on the viewing angle.
[0011] Particularly striking light / shadow effects can be achieved when the microribs rotate from a twisted position to a position with the base cross-section in a section of their extension.
[0012] Advantageous effects resulting from the angle of the two side faces established during rotation can be achieved by positioning the axis of rotation in specific ways. In one variant, the axis of rotation passes through the point where the straight contour line intersects the base. In an alternative design, the axis of rotation passes through the point where the straight contour line intersects the apex or the center of the apex of the base cross-section.
[0013] Certain dimensions of the base cross-section are particularly advantageous for light / shadow effects. Preferably, the tip region of the microribs has a width of 0.05 mm to 1.00 mm, while the length of the microribs in the base cross-section is [missing information].
[0014] 3
[0015] Base of the microribs: 0.10 mm to 1.00 mm. The width of the tip area and the length of the base are matched to the cross-sectional design of the base cross-section of the microribs, so that, for example, in the case of a rectangular cross-section, the width and length are identical.
[0016] It is particularly advantageous if several adjacent micro-ribs on at least one sidewall of the tire form at least one hatched surface element. Especially on tire sidewalls, it is important to create striking design elements. Such design elements or surface elements can each represent a symbol, such as a number or letter, or a pictorial representation.
[0017] It is possible, and equally advantageous, to form surface elements consisting of several adjacent micro-ribs on the outer surface of the tread, particularly on its outer edges forming the tread periphery. Such surface elements can increase the tread's grip on the road surface when the tire is new. In this respect, it can be particularly beneficial to design the surface elements in a strip-like shape.
[0018] Further features, advantages, and details of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the schematic drawing, which illustrates exemplary embodiments.
[0019] Fig. 1 Cross-sections of an embodiment of a single microrib,
[0020] Fig. 2 Cross-sections of several adjacent microribs according to Fig. 1 ,
[0021] Fig. 3 Cross-sections of another embodiment of a single microrib,
[0022] Fig. 4 shows a top view of a section of two parallel microribs, 202404140
[0023] 4
[0024] Fig. 5 shows a circumferential section of a sidewall of a vehicle tire with an example of hatching made of microribs and
[0025] Fig. 6 shows a top view of profile blocks of a tread of a vehicle tire with strip-shaped surface elements made of parallel micro-ribs.
[0026] Figures 1 and 3 show cross-sections of a microrib 1, which changes its cross-section continuously, and therefore not abruptly, along its longitudinal extent by rotating about an axis of rotation DA running along its length. Solid lines represent the base cross-section of the microrib 1, dashed lines represent the cross-section after maximum clockwise rotation, and dash-dotted lines represent the cross-section after maximum counterclockwise rotation. A horizontal line indicates the level of a base surface BF from which the microrib 1 projects. In this example, the base cross-section of the microrib 1 is an isosceles trapezoid; alternatively, it is an isosceles triangle or a rectangle, each with a base 2 on the base surface BF of a length h ranging from 0.10 mm to 1.00 mm.At the tip region 3, the microrib 1 has a plateau surface with a width bi of 0.05 mm to 1.00 mm, which preferably remains unchanged along the course or longitudinal extent of the microrib 1. The base cross-section of the microrib 1 has a maximum height h of 0.10 mm to 1.00 mm, determined perpendicular to the base 2 along a straight contour line that intersects the base 2 and the tip region 3 at their midpoints. The microrib 1 also has side flanks 4 in its base cross-section, which run at an angle α of 0° to 60° to a perpendicular to the base surface BF.
[0027] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the microrib 1 rotates to the left and / or right around an axis of rotation DA, which passes through the intersection point of the straight contour line with the base 2. In the embodiment shown in 202404140
[0028] 5
[0029] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the microrib 1 is rotated to the left and / or right about an axis of rotation DA, which passes through the intersection of the straight contour line with the apex or apex region 3 in the base cross-section. In the example shown, as a result of the rotation, the cross-sections of the microrib 1 are no longer isosceles trapezoids but trapezoids with one longer and one shorter side flank 4 and with a correspondingly rightward or leftward tilted apex region 3. Figs. 2 and 3 each show cross-sections in the positions of the microrib 1 with maximum leftward and maximum rightward rotation, respectively, whereby the angle α of one side flank 4 relative to a perpendicular to the base 2 increases by up to 60°, and the angle α of the other side flank 4 relative to a perpendicular to the base 2 decreases by the same amount.
[0030] Fig. 2 shows cross-sections of several parallel micro-ribs 1 according to Fig. 1, wherein the cross-sections are shown in the maximally left-hand and maximally right-hand rotated positions.
[0031] Fig. 4 shows a top view of two parallel and straight sections within the path of two adjacent microribs 1. It can be seen that, starting on the left in Fig. 4, the base cross-section is initially present, followed by a continuous leftward rotation of the two microribs 1 to the intended maximum, whereby the leftward-rotated cross-section of the microribs 1 is maintained for a portion of their path. Subsequently, the microribs 1 can return to the base cross-section in an analogous manner through a continuous rightward rotation.
[0032] Fig. 5 schematically shows a circumferential section of a sidewall 5 of a vehicle tire. A hatched surface element 6, formed from adjacent micro-ribs 1 (represented as straight lines), is depicted, along with two decorative elements 7 made of conventionally designed micro-ribs. Such surface elements 6 on sidewalls 5 can have any configuration. 202404140
[0033] 6 exhibit, therefore, for example, any characters such as numbers or letters, as well as pictorial representations and the like, can be formed or reproduced. The microribs 1 can also be curved in plan view and their mutual spacing can vary.
[0034] Fig. 6 shows a top view of three tread blocks 8 of a profiled tread of a vehicle tire, the tread blocks 8 belonging to a row of tread blocks running circumferentially around the tread. In the example shown, the tread blocks 8 are separated from each other by transverse grooves 9. Circumferential grooves, not shown, run laterally to each tread block 8. Each tread block 8 is provided on its outer surface with two strip-shaped surface elements 10, parallel to the transverse grooves 9, consisting of parallel micro-ribs 1. The surface elements 10 have, for example, a width of 2.00 mm to 10.00 mm. In an alternative embodiment, the entire outer surface of the tread blocks 8 is covered with micro-ribs 1. Additionally, the tread blocks 8 can be structured with incisions of usual width, grooves, and the like.Furthermore, the surface elements 10 can also run diagonally across the outer surface of profile blocks and be interrupted by incisions and the like.
[0035] The microribs 1 are formed in a known manner as complementary depressions in the sidewall shells or in the surfaces of profile ring segments, which form the tread pattern, by milling or laser. During the vulcanization process of the vehicle tire, the depressions in the rubber material form correspondingly shaped microribs 1.
[0036] 202404140
[0037] 7
[0038] Reference symbol list
[0039] 1 microrib
[0040] 2 Base page
[0041] 3 top range
[0042] 4 side flank
[0043] 5 side wall
[0044] 6, 10 surface element
[0045] 7 Decorative element
[0046] 8 Profile block
[0047] 9 transverse groove a angle h > . length bi width h > . height
[0048] BF base area
[0049] DA axis of rotation
Claims
202404140 8 Patent claims 1. Vehicle tires with a profiled tread with profile positives, for example profile ribs or profile blocks (8), and with sidewalls (5), furthermore with surface elements (6, 10) formed on base surfaces (BF) from a plurality of adjacent microribs (1), each of which has an isosceles-triangular, isosceles-trapezoidal or rectangular base cross-section with a base (2) at the level of the base surface (BF) and each of which extends perpendicular to the base (2) along a straight line, the base (2) and the tip orThe microribs (1) have a maximum height (h) of 0.10 mm to 1.00 mm and two side flanks (4) which extend at an angle (a) of 0° to 60° relative to a perpendicular to the base (2), characterized in that the microribs (1) continuously rotate about an axis of rotation (DA) extending in their respective extent, at least in one section of their extension, starting from the base cross-section, increasing the length of their bases (2) remaining on the base surface (BF), such that the angle (a) of one side flank (4) increases by up to 60° relative to a perpendicular to the base (2), and the angle (a) of the other side flank decreases by the same amount relative to a perpendicular to the base (2).
2. Vehicle tire according to claim 1, characterized in that the microribs (1 ) rotate from a twisted position to a position with the base cross-section in a section of their extension.
3. Vehicle tire according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the axis of rotation (DA) passes through the intersection point of the straight contour line with the base side (2). 202404140 9 4. Vehicle tire according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the axis of rotation (DA) passes through the intersection point of the straight contour line with the tip or the center of the tip area of the base cross-section.
5. Vehicle tire according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the tip area (3) of the micro ribs (1 ) has a width of 0.05 mm to 1.00 mm.
6. Vehicle tire according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that in the base cross-section the base side (2) of the microribs (1 ) has a length (h) of 0.10 mm to 1.00 mm.
7. Vehicle tire according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that on at least one side wall (5) several adjacent micro-ribs (1 ) form at least one hatched surface element (6).
8. Vehicle tire according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one surface element (6) replicates a symbol, such as a digit or a letter, or a pictorial representation.
9. Vehicle tire according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that surface elements (10) consisting of several adjacent microribs (1 ) are formed on the outer surface of profile positives, in particular on their outer surfaces forming the tread periphery.
10. Vehicle tire according to claim 9, characterized in that the surface elements (10) are designed in a strip-like shape.