CA2783999C - Pneumatic vehicle tire - Google Patents
Pneumatic vehicle tire Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2783999C CA2783999C CA2783999A CA2783999A CA2783999C CA 2783999 C CA2783999 C CA 2783999C CA 2783999 A CA2783999 A CA 2783999A CA 2783999 A CA2783999 A CA 2783999A CA 2783999 C CA2783999 C CA 2783999C
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- projections
- sipe
- tread
- vehicle tire
- pneumatic vehicle
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
- B60C11/00—Tyre tread bands; Tread patterns; Anti-skid inserts
- B60C11/03—Tread patterns
- B60C11/12—Tread patterns characterised by the use of narrow slits or incisions, e.g. sipes
- B60C11/1204—Tread patterns characterised by the use of narrow slits or incisions, e.g. sipes with special shape of the sipe
- B60C11/1218—Three-dimensional shape with regard to depth and extending direction
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
- B60C11/00—Tyre tread bands; Tread patterns; Anti-skid inserts
- B60C11/03—Tread patterns
- B60C11/12—Tread patterns characterised by the use of narrow slits or incisions, e.g. sipes
- B60C11/1204—Tread patterns characterised by the use of narrow slits or incisions, e.g. sipes with special shape of the sipe
- B60C2011/1213—Tread patterns characterised by the use of narrow slits or incisions, e.g. sipes with special shape of the sipe sinusoidal or zigzag at the tread surface
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Tires In General (AREA)
Abstract
The invention relates to a vehicle tyre, in particular for use in winter driving conditions, comprising a tread having positive profiles (1), for example profile blocks or tread strips, which are separated from one another by grooves (2), by transverse grooves (3) and the like extending peripherally in the circumferential direction, wherein each of said positive profiles is provided with a plurality of narrow indents (4) which extend at least substantially parallel to one another and at least substantially in the transverse direction of the tread and the indent walls (5) of which located opposite of one another have projections (6, 7) and depressions (16, 17) that correspond to one another. The projections (6, 7) are overall rounded raised areas, which are surrounded by wall regions which remain unstructured, wherein projections (6) are disposed at individual locations in the radially outer region of the indent wall (5), each of said projections (6) having a flattened face forming a support surface (6a) which is oriented in the radial direction and substantially perpendicular to the indent wall (5), and wherein projections (7) are disposed at individual locations in the radially inner region of the indent wall (5), each of said projections (7) having a flattened face forming a support surface (7a) which is oriented substantially parallel to the positive profile surface.
Description
Description Pneumatic vehicle tire The invention relates to a pneumatic vehicle tire, in particular for use in winter driving conditions, comprising a tread having positive profiles, for example profile blocks or tread strips, which are separated from one another by grooves running around in the circumferential direction, by transverse grooves and the like, which positive profiles are each provided with a multiplicity of narrow sipes, which extend at least substantially parallel to one another and at least substantially in the transverse direction of the tread and the mutually opposite sipe walls of which have projections and depressions that correspond to one another.
A pneumatic vehicle tire of this kind is known from EP-A-0 945 248. The tread of this tire is provided with sipes, one sipe wall of which has a multiplicity of pyramid-shaped raised areas that are directly adjacent to one another, while the opposite sipe wall has depressions of equal and opposite design. The intention is to enable the sipe blades for the production of sipes embodied in this way to be presented in a manner resistant to buckling in relation to the thickness of the sipe blades, even when there are relatively high radial forces. This makes it possible to reduce the wall thickness of the sipe blades, the effect on the properties of the tire being that the sipe walls bounding the sipe come into contact with one another and produce the desired positive engagement, even when there is very little bending of the block. As a result, the tires are supposed to have good dry handling.
Sipes with sipe walls that have raised areas and depressions are generally referred to as 3-D sipes (three dimensional sipes) and are known in many
A pneumatic vehicle tire of this kind is known from EP-A-0 945 248. The tread of this tire is provided with sipes, one sipe wall of which has a multiplicity of pyramid-shaped raised areas that are directly adjacent to one another, while the opposite sipe wall has depressions of equal and opposite design. The intention is to enable the sipe blades for the production of sipes embodied in this way to be presented in a manner resistant to buckling in relation to the thickness of the sipe blades, even when there are relatively high radial forces. This makes it possible to reduce the wall thickness of the sipe blades, the effect on the properties of the tire being that the sipe walls bounding the sipe come into contact with one another and produce the desired positive engagement, even when there is very little bending of the block. As a result, the tires are supposed to have good dry handling.
Sipes with sipe walls that have raised areas and depressions are generally referred to as 3-D sipes (three dimensional sipes) and are known in many
- 2 -different embodiments. The raised areas and depressions are generally formed over a large part of the sipe walls and are of matching design and of the same dimensions. To influence the stiffness of the profile blocks, the sipe depth is varied by the provision of raised base areas. In the case of a tread which is new or is not very worn, the wear over the width of the positive profiles or profile blocks is generally uneven since the known 3-D sipes offer only slight resistance to transverse forces, especially in the case of new tires.
It is the underlying object of the invention, in the case of a tire of the type stated at the outset, to influence the stiffness of the positive profiles by means of a special embodiment of the 3-D sipes in such a way that, as wear progresses, the positive profiles initially absorb lateral forces effectively and are subsequently able to distribute circumferential forces in an optimum manner in order to ensure uniform wear.
According to the pursuant invention, there is provided a pneumatic vehicle tire comprising a tread having positive profiles (1) which are separated from one another by first grooves (2) running around in a circumferential direction, and by second grooves (3) that are transversal to the first grooves (2), the positive profiles being each provided with a multiplicity of narrow sipes (4) which extend at least substantially parallel to one another and at least substantially in a transverse direction of the tread, and with mutually opposite sipe walls (5), one of the sipe walls (4) having first and second projections (6, 7) capable of cooperating with first and second depressions (16, 17) of the opposite sipe wall, characterized in that the first and second projections (6, 7) are each partially rounded with a flattened side, wherein the first projections (6) are arranged - 2a -at individual locations in the radially outer region of one sipe wall (5), each of said first projections (6) having its flattened side forming a support surface (6a) which is oriented in the radial direction and substantially perpendicular to the sipe wall (5), and wherein the second projections (7) are arranged at individual locations in the radially inner region of the sipe wall (5), each of said second projections (7) having its flattened side forming a support surface (7a) which is oriented substantially parallel to the upper surface of the positive profile.
Preferred embodiments are described hereunder.
According to the invention, the stated object is achieved by virtue of the fact that, overall, the projections are rounded raised areas, which are surrounded by wall regions which remain unstructured, wherein projections are arranged at individual locations in the radially outer region of one sipe wall, each of said projections having a flattened side forming a support surface which is oriented in the radial direction and substantially perpendicular to the sipe wall, and wherein projections are arranged at individual locations in the radially inner region of the sipe wall, each of said projections having a flattened side forming a support surface which is oriented substantially parallel to the upper surface of the positive profile.
It is the underlying object of the invention, in the case of a tire of the type stated at the outset, to influence the stiffness of the positive profiles by means of a special embodiment of the 3-D sipes in such a way that, as wear progresses, the positive profiles initially absorb lateral forces effectively and are subsequently able to distribute circumferential forces in an optimum manner in order to ensure uniform wear.
According to the pursuant invention, there is provided a pneumatic vehicle tire comprising a tread having positive profiles (1) which are separated from one another by first grooves (2) running around in a circumferential direction, and by second grooves (3) that are transversal to the first grooves (2), the positive profiles being each provided with a multiplicity of narrow sipes (4) which extend at least substantially parallel to one another and at least substantially in a transverse direction of the tread, and with mutually opposite sipe walls (5), one of the sipe walls (4) having first and second projections (6, 7) capable of cooperating with first and second depressions (16, 17) of the opposite sipe wall, characterized in that the first and second projections (6, 7) are each partially rounded with a flattened side, wherein the first projections (6) are arranged - 2a -at individual locations in the radially outer region of one sipe wall (5), each of said first projections (6) having its flattened side forming a support surface (6a) which is oriented in the radial direction and substantially perpendicular to the sipe wall (5), and wherein the second projections (7) are arranged at individual locations in the radially inner region of the sipe wall (5), each of said second projections (7) having its flattened side forming a support surface (7a) which is oriented substantially parallel to the upper surface of the positive profile.
Preferred embodiments are described hereunder.
According to the invention, the stated object is achieved by virtue of the fact that, overall, the projections are rounded raised areas, which are surrounded by wall regions which remain unstructured, wherein projections are arranged at individual locations in the radially outer region of one sipe wall, each of said projections having a flattened side forming a support surface which is oriented in the radial direction and substantially perpendicular to the sipe wall, and wherein projections are arranged at individual locations in the radially inner region of the sipe wall, each of said projections having a flattened side forming a support surface which is oriented substantially parallel to the upper surface of the positive profile.
- 3 -The flattened sides on the projections and depressions arranged in the radially outer region of the sipe walls are capable of supporting each other when subjected to forces acting in the transverse direction and thereby limit the relative mobility of the elements of the positive profiles. As wear progresses, the projections provided in the radially inner region primarily serve to limit the mobility of the elements of the positive profiles in the two circumferential directions. As a result, the wear of the positive profiles remains uniform, even in this stage of the "life" of the tire.
The extent of reinforcement of the individual positive profiles in the transverse direction of the tread can be matched to the profile configuration and to the respective position of the positive profiles in the tread. Thus, for instance, provision can be made for the majority of the flattened sides or all the flattened sides of the projections provided in the radially outer region of the sipe walls to be arranged on the same sides of the projections. This measure produces a high resistance to transverse forces from a particular direction.
This measure is particularly advantageous for treads which, in relation to the vehicle, have an outer region and an inner region, wherein the majority of the flattened sides or all the flattened sides of the projections provided in the radially outer region of the sipe walls of sipes in positive profiles face the outer region. The higher transverse stiffness on the outside of the profiles that can be achieved by this means is advantageous especially for the performance of the tire in the limiting range, e.g. when cornering at high speed.
In the case of treads without a defined outer and inner region, attention must be paid to balance, and it is
The extent of reinforcement of the individual positive profiles in the transverse direction of the tread can be matched to the profile configuration and to the respective position of the positive profiles in the tread. Thus, for instance, provision can be made for the majority of the flattened sides or all the flattened sides of the projections provided in the radially outer region of the sipe walls to be arranged on the same sides of the projections. This measure produces a high resistance to transverse forces from a particular direction.
This measure is particularly advantageous for treads which, in relation to the vehicle, have an outer region and an inner region, wherein the majority of the flattened sides or all the flattened sides of the projections provided in the radially outer region of the sipe walls of sipes in positive profiles face the outer region. The higher transverse stiffness on the outside of the profiles that can be achieved by this means is advantageous especially for the performance of the tire in the limiting range, e.g. when cornering at high speed.
In the case of treads without a defined outer and inner region, attention must be paid to balance, and it is
- 4 -therefore advantageous if the majority of the flattened sides or all the flattened sides of the projections provided in the radially outer region of the sipe walls of sipes in positive profiles each face the closer edge of the tread. As an alternative, the flattened sides of the projections provided in the radially outer region of the sipe walls can be arranged alternately on one side and on the other side of the projections from projection to projection.
In order to achieve optimum reinforcement of the positive profiles in the transverse and in the circumferential direction, certain dimensions of the projections are significant. The projections in the radially outer region of the sipe walls should have a maximum length of 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm in the axial direction and a maximum width of 1 mm to 3 mm in the radial direction, and, in particular, the width corresponds at most to the maximum length. The projections in the radially inner region of the sipe walls should have a maximum length of 3 mm to 7 mm in the axial direction and a maximum width of 1 mm to 3 mm in the radial direction. Moreover, the projections should project from the respective sipe wall by 0.7 mm to 2.5 mm.
Further features, advantages and details of the invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the drawing, which shows an illustrative embodiment in schematic form. In the drawing:
Figure 1 shows a view of profile blocks of a tread of a pneumatic vehicle tire, Figure 2 shows a view of a sipe wall of a profile block sectioned along the line II-II, and
In order to achieve optimum reinforcement of the positive profiles in the transverse and in the circumferential direction, certain dimensions of the projections are significant. The projections in the radially outer region of the sipe walls should have a maximum length of 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm in the axial direction and a maximum width of 1 mm to 3 mm in the radial direction, and, in particular, the width corresponds at most to the maximum length. The projections in the radially inner region of the sipe walls should have a maximum length of 3 mm to 7 mm in the axial direction and a maximum width of 1 mm to 3 mm in the radial direction. Moreover, the projections should project from the respective sipe wall by 0.7 mm to 2.5 mm.
Further features, advantages and details of the invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the drawing, which shows an illustrative embodiment in schematic form. In the drawing:
Figure 1 shows a view of profile blocks of a tread of a pneumatic vehicle tire, Figure 2 shows a view of a sipe wall of a profile block sectioned along the line II-II, and
- 5 -Figure 3 shows a sectional representation along the line in figure 2.
Figure 1 shows, by way of example, profile blocks 1 of a tread of a pneumatic vehicle tire, in particular of a passenger vehicle tire suitable for use in winter driving conditions. The four profile blocks 1, which are illustrated schematically, each belong to a block row extending in the circumferential direction, =which is indicated by the double arrow U, wherein the two block rows are separated from one another by a circumferential groove 2 and are each bounded by further circumferential grooves 2. The profile blocks 1 extending within a block row are separated from one another by transverse grooves 3. Each profile block 1 is provided with a number of sipes 4, which preferably have a constant width b of between 0.4 mm and 0.6 mm.
In the embodiment illustrated, two sipes 4 are provided per profile block 1, which each extend parallel to one another and to the transverse grooves 3 and the mutual spacing of which and the spacing of which relative to the transverse grooves 3 can be substantially equal.
The sipes 4 divide the profile blocks 1 into profile block elements la and, in plan view, have a zigzag or step shape with an alternating sequence of short sipe sections 4a and long sipe sections 4b.
Figure 2 shows a profile block 1 opened or sectioned along a sipe 4 and therefore shows a view of one sipe wall 5 bounding the sipe 4. The second sipe wall 5 situated opposite sipe wall 5 is at a spacing b from the sipe wall 5 shown in the no-load state of the tread or of the profile block I concerned and is embodied as a negative of the sipe wall 5 illustrated, as shown by figure 3. The sipe wall 5 shown in figure 2 consists of sipe wall surfaces 5a and 5b corresponding to sipe sections 4a and 4b. Wall surfaces 5a are elongate rectangles, the longer sides of which are oriented in =
Figure 1 shows, by way of example, profile blocks 1 of a tread of a pneumatic vehicle tire, in particular of a passenger vehicle tire suitable for use in winter driving conditions. The four profile blocks 1, which are illustrated schematically, each belong to a block row extending in the circumferential direction, =which is indicated by the double arrow U, wherein the two block rows are separated from one another by a circumferential groove 2 and are each bounded by further circumferential grooves 2. The profile blocks 1 extending within a block row are separated from one another by transverse grooves 3. Each profile block 1 is provided with a number of sipes 4, which preferably have a constant width b of between 0.4 mm and 0.6 mm.
In the embodiment illustrated, two sipes 4 are provided per profile block 1, which each extend parallel to one another and to the transverse grooves 3 and the mutual spacing of which and the spacing of which relative to the transverse grooves 3 can be substantially equal.
The sipes 4 divide the profile blocks 1 into profile block elements la and, in plan view, have a zigzag or step shape with an alternating sequence of short sipe sections 4a and long sipe sections 4b.
Figure 2 shows a profile block 1 opened or sectioned along a sipe 4 and therefore shows a view of one sipe wall 5 bounding the sipe 4. The second sipe wall 5 situated opposite sipe wall 5 is at a spacing b from the sipe wall 5 shown in the no-load state of the tread or of the profile block I concerned and is embodied as a negative of the sipe wall 5 illustrated, as shown by figure 3. The sipe wall 5 shown in figure 2 consists of sipe wall surfaces 5a and 5b corresponding to sipe sections 4a and 4b. Wall surfaces 5a are elongate rectangles, the longer sides of which are oriented in =
- 6 -the radial direction and extend to the maximum sipe depth T, which corresponds to the profile depth and is
7 mm to 8 mm. Sipe wall surfaces 5b are likewise level surfaces extending in the radial direction. In the embodiment shown, the sipe wall 5 has five wall surfaces 5b, the two outer surfaces of which each directly adjoin a circumferential groove 2. Raised base areas 8 reduce the depth of the end sipes of the two outer sipe sections 4b and are illustrated as sectioned tread rubber regions in figure 2. The raised base areas
8 reduce the depth or radial extent of the end sections of these two sipe sections 4b to a depth t, which is between 20% and 70% of T.
Sipe wall surface 5b, which extends in the middle of the profile block, is reduced in size by a local raised base area 8', which is an approximately trapezoidal "cutout" from the sipe wall surface 5b and, in this region, brings about a reduction in the depth of the sipe 4 to a depth t' which, like t, can be between 20 and 70% of the depth T, wherein the depths t, t' can be different in all the raised base areas.
The two further wall surfaces 5b between the outer and the central wall surfaces 5b extend to the depth T and are rectangular surfaces, which are each provided with a projection 6 and a projection 7. In the embodiment shown, one of the two outer sipe wall surfaces 5b does not have a projection, while the other outer sipe wall surface 5b is provided with a projection 6. The projections 6 are rounded raised areas, the axial extent of which is preferably greater than the radial extent thereof. The greatest length 11 of the projections 6 in the axial direction is from 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm, and the maximum width ci thereof in the radial direction is from 1 mm to 3 mm and is, in particular, less than or equal to 11. The projections 6 project from sipe wall surface 5b by the amount h (figure 3), wherein h is between 0.7 mm and 2.5 mm. The projections 6 are furthermore flattened on one side, thereby forming a support surface 6a, which extends in the radial direction or substantially in the radial direction and perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to sipe wall surface 5b. A11 the projections 6 are situated approximately centrally in the upper half of the sipe wall surfaces 5b and at a minimum spacing d of 2 mm from the upper surface of the profile block 1. The positioning of the projections 6 is similar in sipe regions with raised base areas 8, 8'.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support surfaces 6a of the majority of the projections 6 provided in a sipe 4 are each on the same side of the projection. In the embodiment shown in figure 2, the position of the support surfaces 6a in the case of three projections 6 is the same, while the projection 6 provided on one outer sipe wall surface 5b has a support surface 6a which is formed on the other side of the projection 6.
Radially to the inside of each projection 6 and in each case in the second half of the sipe wall surface 5b, there is a further projection 7 on each of the two sipe wall surfaces 5b extending to the depth T. The projections 7 are rounded raised areas in the form of half shells, with the curve of the shell facing the base of the sipe. The side of the projections 7 which faces the outside of the tread is flattened and in this way is provided with a support surface 7a which is elongate in the axial direction and which extends approximately in a half oval substantially parallel to the upper surface of the profile block. The maximum length 12 of the projections 7 in the axial direction is greater than the length 11 of the projections 6 and is between 3 mm and 7 mm. The maximum radial extent c2 of the projections 7 is between 1 mm and 3 mm. The projections 7 project from sipe wall surface 5b by the amount h, as already described.
As shown especially by figure 3 in conjunction with figure 2, the sipe wall 5 situated opposite the sipe wall 5 shown in figure 2 is provided with sipe wall surfaces 5b which have local depressions 16, 17 corresponding to the projections 6. Owing to the sipe width b, the depressions 16 and 17 are of somewhat larger dimensions than the projections 6, 7.
The sipes 4 are formed in a vulcanization mold during the vulcanization of the raw tire. Sipe blades are anchored in the mold segments which mold the tread, the blades being embossed in such a way that they have depressions on one side forming projections on the other side of the blade. As the pneumatic vehicle tire is vulcanized, the depressions in the sipe blades form the projections 6, 7 in one set of sipe walls, while the projections on the sipe blades form the depressions 16, 17 in the opposite sipe walls.
The projections 6 and the depressions 16 increase the transverse stiffness of the profile block 1, especially in a particular transverse direction since the support surfaces 6b of the projections 6 are supported on the support surfaces (not shown but likewise present) of the depressions 16 into which the projections 6 project, as indicated by the arrows F1 in figure 2. In the case of tires with an asymmetric tread, which, in relation to the vehicle, has a defined outer side of the tread associated with the outer side of the vehicle and a defined inner side of the tread facing the center of the vehicle, the majority of the flattened sides, in particular all the flattened sides, of the projections 6 in the sipes 4 of all the positive profiles should face the outer side of the tread. In the case of tires
Sipe wall surface 5b, which extends in the middle of the profile block, is reduced in size by a local raised base area 8', which is an approximately trapezoidal "cutout" from the sipe wall surface 5b and, in this region, brings about a reduction in the depth of the sipe 4 to a depth t' which, like t, can be between 20 and 70% of the depth T, wherein the depths t, t' can be different in all the raised base areas.
The two further wall surfaces 5b between the outer and the central wall surfaces 5b extend to the depth T and are rectangular surfaces, which are each provided with a projection 6 and a projection 7. In the embodiment shown, one of the two outer sipe wall surfaces 5b does not have a projection, while the other outer sipe wall surface 5b is provided with a projection 6. The projections 6 are rounded raised areas, the axial extent of which is preferably greater than the radial extent thereof. The greatest length 11 of the projections 6 in the axial direction is from 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm, and the maximum width ci thereof in the radial direction is from 1 mm to 3 mm and is, in particular, less than or equal to 11. The projections 6 project from sipe wall surface 5b by the amount h (figure 3), wherein h is between 0.7 mm and 2.5 mm. The projections 6 are furthermore flattened on one side, thereby forming a support surface 6a, which extends in the radial direction or substantially in the radial direction and perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to sipe wall surface 5b. A11 the projections 6 are situated approximately centrally in the upper half of the sipe wall surfaces 5b and at a minimum spacing d of 2 mm from the upper surface of the profile block 1. The positioning of the projections 6 is similar in sipe regions with raised base areas 8, 8'.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support surfaces 6a of the majority of the projections 6 provided in a sipe 4 are each on the same side of the projection. In the embodiment shown in figure 2, the position of the support surfaces 6a in the case of three projections 6 is the same, while the projection 6 provided on one outer sipe wall surface 5b has a support surface 6a which is formed on the other side of the projection 6.
Radially to the inside of each projection 6 and in each case in the second half of the sipe wall surface 5b, there is a further projection 7 on each of the two sipe wall surfaces 5b extending to the depth T. The projections 7 are rounded raised areas in the form of half shells, with the curve of the shell facing the base of the sipe. The side of the projections 7 which faces the outside of the tread is flattened and in this way is provided with a support surface 7a which is elongate in the axial direction and which extends approximately in a half oval substantially parallel to the upper surface of the profile block. The maximum length 12 of the projections 7 in the axial direction is greater than the length 11 of the projections 6 and is between 3 mm and 7 mm. The maximum radial extent c2 of the projections 7 is between 1 mm and 3 mm. The projections 7 project from sipe wall surface 5b by the amount h, as already described.
As shown especially by figure 3 in conjunction with figure 2, the sipe wall 5 situated opposite the sipe wall 5 shown in figure 2 is provided with sipe wall surfaces 5b which have local depressions 16, 17 corresponding to the projections 6. Owing to the sipe width b, the depressions 16 and 17 are of somewhat larger dimensions than the projections 6, 7.
The sipes 4 are formed in a vulcanization mold during the vulcanization of the raw tire. Sipe blades are anchored in the mold segments which mold the tread, the blades being embossed in such a way that they have depressions on one side forming projections on the other side of the blade. As the pneumatic vehicle tire is vulcanized, the depressions in the sipe blades form the projections 6, 7 in one set of sipe walls, while the projections on the sipe blades form the depressions 16, 17 in the opposite sipe walls.
The projections 6 and the depressions 16 increase the transverse stiffness of the profile block 1, especially in a particular transverse direction since the support surfaces 6b of the projections 6 are supported on the support surfaces (not shown but likewise present) of the depressions 16 into which the projections 6 project, as indicated by the arrows F1 in figure 2. In the case of tires with an asymmetric tread, which, in relation to the vehicle, has a defined outer side of the tread associated with the outer side of the vehicle and a defined inner side of the tread facing the center of the vehicle, the majority of the flattened sides, in particular all the flattened sides, of the projections 6 in the sipes 4 of all the positive profiles should face the outer side of the tread. In the case of tires
- 9 -with symmetrical treads, which can be mounted in any position on the vehicle, the majority of the projections 6 or all the projections 6 should be arranged in such a way that the flattened sides face the respectively closer edge of the tread. As an alternative, it is possible to arrange the flattened sides of the projections 6 provided in the radially outer region of the sipe walls 5 alternately on one side and on the other side of the projections 6 from projection 6 to projection 6.
In the radially inner region of the sipes 4, it is advantageous to increase the circumferential stiffness of the positive profiles in the case of advanced wear in order to ensure uniform wear on the positive profiles. This is achieved by means of the mutual support of the projections 7 in the depressions 17.
The invention is not restricted to the illustrative embodiment shown. Instead of sipes which are step shaped in plan view, it is also possible to provide straight or undulating sipes, the sipe walls of which are provided with projections 6, 7 and corresponding depressions in accordance with the invention. It is furthermore possible for sipes embodied in accordance with the invention to open into a groove only in one of the end sections thereof, e.g. when the sipes are arranged in positive profiles provided at the shoulders. The tread profile can be designed in any manner desired: thus, for example, sipes embodied in accordance with the invention can also be provided in tread strips. The shape of the projections can differ from the embodiments shown and described.
List of reference signs 1 profile block la profile block elements 2 circumferential groove 3 transverse groove 4 sipe 4a sipe section 4b sipe section sipe wall 5a sipe wall surface 5b sipe wall surface 6 projection 6a support surface 7 projection 7a support surface 8 raised base area 8' raised base area 16 depression 17 depression 11 length 12 length = height = spacing = width width c2 width
In the radially inner region of the sipes 4, it is advantageous to increase the circumferential stiffness of the positive profiles in the case of advanced wear in order to ensure uniform wear on the positive profiles. This is achieved by means of the mutual support of the projections 7 in the depressions 17.
The invention is not restricted to the illustrative embodiment shown. Instead of sipes which are step shaped in plan view, it is also possible to provide straight or undulating sipes, the sipe walls of which are provided with projections 6, 7 and corresponding depressions in accordance with the invention. It is furthermore possible for sipes embodied in accordance with the invention to open into a groove only in one of the end sections thereof, e.g. when the sipes are arranged in positive profiles provided at the shoulders. The tread profile can be designed in any manner desired: thus, for example, sipes embodied in accordance with the invention can also be provided in tread strips. The shape of the projections can differ from the embodiments shown and described.
List of reference signs 1 profile block la profile block elements 2 circumferential groove 3 transverse groove 4 sipe 4a sipe section 4b sipe section sipe wall 5a sipe wall surface 5b sipe wall surface 6 projection 6a support surface 7 projection 7a support surface 8 raised base area 8' raised base area 16 depression 17 depression 11 length 12 length = height = spacing = width width c2 width
Claims (10)
1. A pneumatic vehicle tire comprising a tread having positive profiles (1) which are separated from one another by first grooves (2) running around in a circumferential direction, and by second grooves (3) that are transversal to the first grooves (2), the positive profiles being each provided with a multiplicity of narrow sipes (4) which extend at least substantially parallel to one another and at least substantially in a transverse direction of the tread, and with mutually opposite sipe walls (5), one of the sipe walls (4) having first and second projections (6, 7) capable of cooperating with first and second depressions (16, 17) of the opposite sipe wall, characterized in that the first and second projections (6, 7) are each partially rounded with a flattened side, wherein the first projections (6) are arranged at individual locations in the radially outer region of one sipe wall (5), each of said first projections (6) having its flattened side forming a support surface (6a) which is oriented in the radial direction and substantially perpendicular to the sipe wall (5), and wherein the second projections (7) are arranged at individual locations in the radially inner region of the sipe wail (5), each of said second projections (7) having its flattened side forming a support surface (7a) which is oriented substantially parallel to the upper surface of the positive profile.
2. The pneumatic vehicle tire as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least most of the flattened sides of the first projections (6) provided in the radially outer region of the sipe walls (5) are arranged on the same sides of the first projections (6).
3. The pneumatic vehicle tire as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flattened sides of the first projections (6) provided in the radially outer region of the sipe walls (5) are arranged alternately on one side and on the other side of the first projections (6) from projection to projection.
4. The pneumatic vehicle tire as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the tread which, in relation to a vehicle, has an outer region and an inner region, characterized in that at least most of the flattened sides of the first projections (6) provided in the radially outer region of the sipe walls (5) of sipes (4) in the positive profiles (1) face the outer region.
5. The pneumatic vehicle tire as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the tread is without a defined outer and inner region, and at least most of the flattened sides of the first projections (6) provided in the radially outer region of the sipe walls (5) of sipes (4) in the positive profiles (1) each faces a closer edge of the tread.
6. The pneumatic vehicle tire as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first projections (6) in the radially outer region of the sipe walls (5) have a maximum length (11) of 1.5 mm to 3.5 mm in the axial direction and a maximum width (c1) of 1 mm to 3 mm in the radial direction, and the width corresponds at most to a maximum length (11).
7. The pneumatic vehicle tire as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second projections (7) in the radially inner region of the sipe walls (5) have a maximum length (12) of 3 mm to 7 mm in the axial direction and a maximum width (c2) of 1 mm to 3 mm in the radial direction.
8. The pneumatic vehicle tire as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first and second projections (6, 7) are formed one above the other in respective pairs and on sipe walls (5) of greater depth.
9. The pneumatic vehicle tire as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first and second projections (6, 7) project from the sipe wall (5) by 0.7 mm to 2.5 mm.
10. The pneumatic vehicle tire as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first projections (6) in the radially outer region of the sipe walls have a minimum spacing (d) of 2 mm from the upper surface of the profile.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE201010000272 DE102010000272A1 (en) | 2010-02-01 | 2010-02-01 | Vehicle tires |
| DE102010000272.0 | 2010-02-01 | ||
| PCT/EP2010/065845 WO2011091870A1 (en) | 2010-02-01 | 2010-10-21 | Vehicle tyre |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2783999A1 CA2783999A1 (en) | 2011-08-04 |
| CA2783999C true CA2783999C (en) | 2017-12-19 |
Family
ID=43298655
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2783999A Active CA2783999C (en) | 2010-02-01 | 2010-10-21 | Pneumatic vehicle tire |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP2531361B1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2783999C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE102010000272A1 (en) |
| RU (1) | RU2526713C2 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2011091870A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9827812B2 (en) | 2012-06-29 | 2017-11-28 | The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. | Pneumatic tire |
| KR101845720B1 (en) * | 2016-11-11 | 2018-05-18 | 금호타이어 주식회사 | Tyre with improved sipe |
| DE102016224803A1 (en) | 2016-12-13 | 2018-06-28 | Continental Reifen Deutschland Gmbh | Vehicle tires |
| DE102017206731A1 (en) | 2017-04-21 | 2018-10-25 | Continental Reifen Deutschland Gmbh | Pneumatic vehicle tire having a tread comprising a contact surface, the tread having at least one sipe in a tread block element |
| DE102017212713A1 (en) * | 2017-07-25 | 2019-01-31 | Continental Reifen Deutschland Gmbh | Tread pattern of a vehicle tire |
| DE102017213820A1 (en) | 2017-08-08 | 2019-02-14 | Continental Reifen Deutschland Gmbh | Vehicle tires |
| DE102018220704A1 (en) | 2018-11-30 | 2020-06-04 | Continental Reifen Deutschland Gmbh | Pneumatic vehicle tires |
| DE102018221118A1 (en) | 2018-12-06 | 2020-06-10 | Continental Reifen Deutschland Gmbh | Pneumatic vehicle tires |
| DE102020201635A1 (en) | 2020-02-11 | 2021-08-12 | Continental Reifen Deutschland Gmbh | Pneumatic vehicle tires |
| DE102022210082A1 (en) * | 2022-09-23 | 2024-03-28 | Continental Reifen Deutschland Gmbh | Pneumatic vehicle tires |
Family Cites Families (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPH1080923A (en) * | 1996-09-09 | 1998-03-31 | Bridgestone Corp | Pneumatic tire and vulcanizing mold for pneumatic tire |
| DE19812778C2 (en) | 1998-03-24 | 2002-07-04 | Continental Ag | Highly stable sipe, vulcanization form with such sipes, vehicle tires with a tread into which cuts are made by means of such sipes |
| CA2428572C (en) * | 2000-11-13 | 2010-01-12 | Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.A. | Pneumatic tire tread |
| JP4743956B2 (en) * | 2000-12-20 | 2011-08-10 | 東洋ゴム工業株式会社 | Pneumatic tire |
| SK882006A3 (en) * | 2006-06-13 | 2008-01-07 | Matador Rubber, S. R. O. | Tyre protector and segment suitable for mounting into vulcanisation form for creating segment slot in block of tyre protector |
| US7546861B2 (en) * | 2006-06-26 | 2009-06-16 | The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company | Tire with tread having crossed configuration sipe |
| JP4316603B2 (en) * | 2006-11-27 | 2009-08-19 | 東洋ゴム工業株式会社 | Pneumatic tire |
| US20120168049A1 (en) * | 2009-05-13 | 2012-07-05 | Brian William Jenkins | Tire with a sipe having areas with reduced thickness and apparatus for making the same |
-
2010
- 2010-02-01 DE DE201010000272 patent/DE102010000272A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2010-10-21 WO PCT/EP2010/065845 patent/WO2011091870A1/en active Application Filing
- 2010-10-21 EP EP10778587.5A patent/EP2531361B1/en active Active
- 2010-10-21 RU RU2012137207/11A patent/RU2526713C2/en active
- 2010-10-21 CA CA2783999A patent/CA2783999C/en active Active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| RU2012137207A (en) | 2014-03-10 |
| RU2526713C2 (en) | 2014-08-27 |
| EP2531361B1 (en) | 2019-01-16 |
| DE102010000272A1 (en) | 2011-08-04 |
| CA2783999A1 (en) | 2011-08-04 |
| EP2531361A1 (en) | 2012-12-12 |
| WO2011091870A1 (en) | 2011-08-04 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request |
Effective date: 20150619 |