Tires with a durable, rigid structure

Abstract

The tire (10) comprises a crown (12), two sidewalls (30A, 30B), two beads (32A, 32B), an inner surface (33) defining a torus-shaped cavity (35), and a stiffening structure (50) comprising a stiffening element (52) extending continuously within the torus-shaped cavity (35) from at least one of the sidewalls (30A, 30B) or one of the beads (32A, 32B) to the crown (12). The stiffening elements (52) are secured to or around radially inner reinforcing structures (60A, 60B) arranged on the flanks (30A, 30B) and / or the beads (32A, 32B), which are distinct from the circumferential reinforcing elements (40A, 40B) situated on the same side of the median plane (M) of the tire (10) as the flanks (30A, 30B) and / or the beads (32A, 32B), and from the radially outer reinforcing structures (70A, 70B) arranged in the crown (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates in particular to a tire for a passenger car. The tire means a pneumatic tire intended to form a cavity by cooperating with a mounting support, for example a rim, which cavity is intended to be pressurized to a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. The tire according to the invention has a substantially circular toroidal structure around the main axis of the tire, which main axis coincides with the axis of rotation of the tire.

Background Art

[0002] Tires intended to be equipped on a passenger car and described in WO2020 / 128225 are known from the prior art. The described tires comprise a crown extending radially inwards on each opposite side of the median plane of the tire near the first and second sidewalls and then near the first and second beads intended to come into contact with a mounting support, for example a rim. Each of the first and second beads comprises a circumferential reinforcing element intended to enable the attachment of the tire to the mounting support.

[0003] The tire has an inner surface that defines the toroidal inflation cavity of the tire when it is mounted on the mounting support.

[0004] The tire described in WO2020 / 128225 comprises a stiffening structure comprising a first yarn stiffening element extending continuously in the toroidal cavity from the first bead to the crown and a second yarn stiffening element extending continuously in the toroidal cavity from the second bead to the crown.

[0005] Each of the first and second wire stiffening elements is bonded to each bead, from which it extends near the bead interface between the wire stiffening element and a portion of the inner surface of the bead. In a similar manner, each of the first and second wire stiffening elements is fastened to the crown of the tire near the crown interface between the wire stiffening element and a portion of the inner surface of the crown. Each bead and crown interface is provided with an elastomer mixture cushion positioned between the wire stiffening element and the corresponding portion of the inner surface.

[0006] It has been noted that each bead and crown interface is susceptible to delamination under load. Such interfaces are sensitive to repeated loading, which can lead to premature separation of the wire stiffening element from the inner surface of the bead and / or the inner surface located radially inside the crown, and thus to premature failure of the stiffening structure.

[0007] Other assemblies or tires are also known from the prior art, in particular from WO2019 / 115917, GB2299554, FR3089870, FR2638398, US3010504, or US2005279438. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] WO2020 / 128225 [Patent Document 2] WO2019 / 115917 [Patent Document 3] GB2299554 [Patent Document 4] FR3089870 [Patent Document 5] FR2638398 [Patent Document 6] US3010504 [Patent Document 7] US2005279438 [Patent Document 8] WO2017 / 005713 [Patent Document 9] WO2013 / 017422 [Patent Document 10] WO2017 / 168107 [Patent Document 11] WO2018 / 046376 [Patent Document 12] WO2013 / 182477 [Patent Document 13] WO2010 / 51203 [Patent Document 14] EP2660075 [Patent Document 15] EP1253025 [Patent Document 16] EP1876038 [Patent Document 17] EP3406462 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The objective of this invention is to improve the durability of the rigid structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The object of the present invention is a tire having a crown that extends radially inward near two sidewalls and then near two beads, each bead having at least one circumferential reinforcing element intended to allow the tire to be mounted on a tire mounting support, the tire having an inner surface that defines a torus-shaped expansion cavity of the tire, and a stiffening structure having at least one reinforcing element that extends continuously within the torus-shaped cavity far from at least one of the sidewalls or beads to at least the crown, the above or each reinforcing element is - At least one radially inward stiffening structure located on the sidewall and / or bead, which is on the same side as the midline plane of the tire and is distinct from the above or each circumferential reinforcing element, and - At least one radially outward reinforcing structure located in the crown, To be fixed to or around it:

[0011] Due to the radial inner and outer reinforcement structures, said or each stiffening element is fixed on the one hand to one of the sidewalls and / or one of the beads and on the other hand to the crown, which enables fastening by fixing said or each stiffening element to the tire. The fastening by this type of fixing is significantly more robust than the bead and crown interfaces described in WO2020 / 128225. In fact, the fixing makes it possible to avoid the loads and the radial and axial slips during the peeling of said or each stiffening element towards the inside of the tire. The durability of the stiffening structure of the tire according to the invention is thus significantly improved as revealed by the tests carried out and described below.

[0012] Due to fixing said or each stiffening element to the crown, said or each stiffening element is fixed axially and radially with respect to the part of the crown to which it is fixed. In a similar way, due to fixing said or each stiffening element to the sidewall and / or the bead, said or each stiffening element is fixed axially and radially with respect to the part of the sidewall and / or the bead to which it is fixed.

[0013] Each of the radial inner and outer reinforcement structures is arranged respectively on the sidewall or the bead of the tire and on the crown, i.e., arranged radially inside the inner surface and embedded in a mass of material constituting the sidewall or the bead and in the crown, and said or each stiffening element is fixed to or around the radial inner reinforcement structure at a radial inner fixing point passing through the inner surface and is fixed to or around the radial outer reinforcement structure at a radial outer fixing point passing through the inner surface. This feature makes it possible in particular to reduce the noise generated by the stiffening structure, which is attenuated by the structure of the tire separating said or each radial inner or outer reinforcement structure from the mounting support.

[0014] In this invention, the above or each stiffening element is fixed to or around each radially inner and outer reinforcing structure. That is, in the first variation, the above or each stiffening element may be fixed to one or both of the radially inner and outer reinforcing structures, i.e., each stiffening element at least partially penetrates into the structure, or even completely passes through it, so that the structure forms a mechanical fixation of the above or each stiffening element within the structure. In particular, in situations where the structure is an assembly of multiple wire elements, stating that the above or each stiffening element is fixed to the structure means, for example, that the above or each stiffening element is wrapped around a certain wire element of the structure so that it passes through the structure itself. In the second variation, the above or each stiffening element may be fixed around one or both of the radially inner and outer reinforcing structures, i.e., the above or each stiffening element compresses the structure so that the structure absorbs some of the forces acting on the above or each stiffening element and fixes the structure to the sidewall or bead and crown. In particular, in situations where the structure is an assembly of multiple wire elements, stating that the above or each stiffening element is fixed around the structure means, for example, that the above or each stiffening element is wrapped around the surrounding wire elements of the structure without passing through them.

[0015] According to the present invention, said or each radially inner reinforcing structure is distinguished from said or each circumferential reinforcing element located on the same side of the median plane of the tire, which makes it possible to very significantly reduce the propagation to the vehicle through the mounting support of the tire of the stiffening structure of the noise generated by the stiffening structure. In fact, the inventor behind the present invention hypothesized that the noise generated by the stiffening structure is attenuated by the structure of the tire that separates said or each radially inner reinforcing structure from each circumferential reinforcing element intended to enable the attachment of the tire to its mounting support. This attenuation is the result of the fact that the radially inner reinforcing structure is mechanically separated from said or each circumferential reinforcing element located on the same side of the median plane of the tire, due to being distinguished from said or each circumferential reinforcing element located on the same side of the median plane of the tire. In other words, the radially inner reinforcing structure and said or each circumferential reinforcing element located on the same side of the median plane of the tire are physically separated from each other by one or two or more separating materials, for example, an elastomeric material, enabling mechanical cutting of one from the other.

[0016] The toroidal inflation cavity is intended to be pressurized by inflation gas in the state where the tire is mounted on the mounting support, which is most often a rim.

[0017] Among other advantages, the stiffening structure makes it possible to simultaneously improve the radial stiffness, axial stiffness, and cornering stiffness of the tire, compared not only to classical tires without a stiffening structure but also to tires with other stiffening structures as described in WO2017 / 005713. The radial stiffness is expressed in daN / mm and is the radial force generated by the tire when a radial displacement equal to 1 mm is applied. The axial stiffness is expressed in daN / mm and is the axial force generated by the tire when an axial displacement equal to 1 mm is applied. The cornering stiffness is expressed in daN / ° and is the axial force generated by the tire when rolling at an angle of 1° around the radial axis.

[0018] By increasing radial stiffness, the stiffening structure suppresses radial deformation of the crown during rolling, and in particular, suppresses reverse bending, i.e., radial deformation on the opposite side of the contact area of ​​the tread that is in contact with the ground. Therefore, while the tire rolls around the wheel, the stiffening structure makes it possible to suppress the amplitude of periodic deformation of the tire, especially the tread, and thus suppress the dissipation of energy, contributing to a reduction in rolling resistance. Furthermore, since the value of the contact area does not change with respect to radial load, it is possible to maintain the same grip performance as the tire described in WO2017 / 005713.

[0019] By increasing axial and cornering rigidity, the stiffening structure contributes to improved behavior under lateral loads, such as during cornering. Furthermore, under lateral loads, the contact area ensures a more uniform distribution of contact pressure, thereby increasing lateral grip.

[0020] Furthermore, since the stiffening structure is at least partially involved in supporting the load applied to the tire, this applied load is absorbed by the tire and the stiffening structure working together, due to the tire's stiffness and its inherent structural stiffness. Thus, when the tire is subjected to a nominal radial load, the stiffening elements located on the opposite side of the contact area are under tension. Conversely, in some embodiments, the stiffening elements aligned with the contact area are subjected to buckling under compression.

[0021] Therefore, the presence of a stiffening structure can reduce the tire's contribution to load support, and thus, for example, reducing the volume of the bead can reduce the structural stiffness of the tire. In fact, the bead of a classic tire dissipates a significant amount of energy due to its volume and the hysteresis properties of the elastomer mixture it comprises. Therefore, reducing the volume of the bead can significantly reduce rolling resistance.

[0022] The stiffening elements are independent pairs within the torus cavity of the tire, meaning they are not mechanically interconnected within the torus cavity and therefore have independent mechanical behavior. For example, they are not interconnected in a way that would form a mesh or network within the cavity.

[0023] The tire according to the present invention has a substantially torus shape around a pivot axis that substantially coincides with the rotation axis of the tire. This pivot axis defines three directions conventionally used by those skilled in the art: the axial direction, the circumferential direction, and the radial direction.

[0024] The axial direction refers to the direction substantially parallel to the tire's pivot axis, i.e., the tire's rotation axis. The circumferential direction refers to the direction substantially perpendicular to both the axial direction and the tire's radius (in other words, the direction tangent to the circle centered on the tire's rotation axis).

[0025] The radial direction refers to the direction along the radius of the tire, that is, any direction that intersects the tire's axis of rotation and is substantially perpendicular to that axis.

[0026] The midline plane of a tire (denoted as M) refers to the plane located midway between the two beads in the axial direction and perpendicular to the tire's axis of rotation, passing through the axial center of the crown reinforcement.

[0027] The tire's equatorial plane (denoted as E) refers to the plane that passes through the tire's equator, perpendicular to the median plane and radially in the meridional section. The tire's equator is the axis that, in the meridional section (a plane perpendicular to the circumferential direction and parallel to the radial and axial directions), is parallel to the tire's axis of rotation and is equidistant between the radially outermost point of the tread intended to contact the ground and the radially innermost point of the tire intended to contact a support, such as the rim.

[0028] The median plane refers to a plane that is parallel to and contains the tire's axis of rotation, and perpendicular to the circumferential direction.

[0029] The radially inward and radially outward directions respectively mean closer to the tire's axis of rotation and further from the tire's axis of rotation, respectively. The axially inward and axially outward directions respectively mean closer to the tire's midline and further from the tire's midline, respectively.

[0030] The bead refers to the radial portion of a tire intended to be mounted on a mounting support, such as a wheel with a rim. Each bead is therefore specifically intended to facilitate mounting by contacting bead hooks. Thus, the bead is defined radially inward by its radially inner edge and radially outward by an axial linear segment passing through the radially outermost point that contacts a standard rim, as defined in the European Tire and Rim Technology Organization (ETRTO) 2020 standard.

[0031] The sidewall refers to the radial portion of the tire that connects the bead to the crown. The sidewall is defined radially outward by a straight segment perpendicular to the outer surface of the tire, passing through a point where the angle between the tangent to the outer surface of the tire and a straight segment parallel to the axis passing through that point is equal to 30°. In the meridional section, if there are multiple points where the angle is equal to 30° in absolute value, the radially outermost point is adopted. The sidewall is defined radially inward by an axial straight segment passing through the radially outermost point that contacts the standard rim as defined in the European Tire and Rim Technology Organization (ETRTO) 2020 standard.

[0032] The expression "between a and b" represents a range of values ​​that extends from greater than a to less than b (i.e., excluding the limit values ​​a and b), whereas the expression "from a to b" means a range of values ​​that extends from a to b (i.e., including the strict limit values ​​a and b).

[0033] The tire of the present invention is preferably intended for passenger cars as defined by the European Tire and Rim Technology (ETRTO) 2020 standard. This type of tire has a cross section characterized by a meridional section height H and a nominal section width SW, as defined by the European Tire and Rim Technology (ETRTO) 2020 standard. The values ​​of SW and H are indicated by markings on the sidewall of the tire, for example, as defined in the ETRTO Manual 2020.

[0034] A passenger car tire to which the present invention is advantageously applied preferably has a ratio H / S expressed as a percentage that is equal to a maximum of 90, preferably a maximum of 80, more preferably a maximum of 70, and at least 20, preferably at least 30, and a nominal section width SW that is equal to at least 115 mm, preferably at least 155 mm, more preferably at least 175 mm, and at a maximum of 385 mm, preferably at a maximum of 315 mm, and more preferably at a maximum of 285 mm. Furthermore, the diameter D at the hook that determines the diameter of the rim for tire mounting is equal to at least 12 inches, preferably at least 16 inches, and at a maximum of 24 inches, preferably at a maximum of 21 inches.

[0035] In a tire with crown and carcass reinforcements, the crown conventionally comprises a tread intended to contact the ground and a crown reinforcement positioned radially inward of the tread. The tire also comprises a carcass reinforcement fixed within each bead and extending radially within each sidewall and axially within the crown radially inward of the crown reinforcement. Conventionally, the crown reinforcement comprises at least one crown layer comprising reinforcing elements. These reinforcing elements are preferably metal or fabric thread elements. The carcass reinforcement is fixed within each bead using circumferential reinforcing elements.

[0036] In embodiments that enable the performance achieved by so-called radial tires as defined by ETRTO, the carcass reinforcement comprises at least one carcass layer, the or each carcass layer comprising a carcass thread reinforcement element, each carcass thread reinforcement element substantially extending in a principal direction that forms an angle of 80° to 90° in absolute terms with respect to the circumferential direction of the tire.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the stiffening structure comprises a plurality of stiffening elements distributed circumferentially within a torus-shaped cavity.

[0038] Therefore, the stiffening structure performs its function around the entire circumference of the tire.

[0039] Circumferentially distributed arrangement can be achieved by a stiffening structure in which reinforcing elements are distributed at a constant circumferential pitch around the entire circumference of the tire, by a stiffening structure in which reinforcing elements are distributed periodically around the entire circumference of the tire, or by a stiffening structure in which reinforcing elements are distributed randomly around the entire circumference of the tire instead. In one advantageous embodiment, the above or each stiffening element is not airtight to the tire's expansion gas. Therefore, the above or each stiffening element allows the expansion gas to pass through it. In other words, each stiffening element does not define a secondary cavity under tire pressure. Being non-airtight means that the stiffening element is permeable to the expansion gas, and that the pressure within the torus cavity is always uniform, especially during tire expansion.

[0040] To enable a relatively easy manufacturing method, it is highly advantageous for the tire to comprise a carcass reinforcement fixed to each bead, and a crown comprising a crown reinforcement and a tread, wherein the carcass reinforcement extends within each side wall and within the crown radially inward of the crown reinforcement, and the above or each radially outward reinforcing structure is located radially inward of the carcass reinforcement. In the first embodiment, the above or each stiffening element is, - A first radially inner reinforcing structure positioned on the first sidewall and / or first bead, wherein the first radially inner reinforcing structure is located on the same side as the first sidewall and / or first bead and the midline plane of the tire, and is distinguished from each circumferential reinforcing element. - The above or a plurality of radially outer reinforcing structures arranged in the crown, - A second radially inner reinforcing structure positioned on the second side wall and / or second bead, which is located on the opposite side of the first side wall and / or first bead with respect to the midline plane of the tire, the second radially inner reinforcing structure being distinguished from the above or each circumferential reinforcing element, which is located on the same second side as the second side of the midline plane of the tire, They are fixed to or around the crown, so that each of the above-mentioned or each of the stiffening elements extends continuously within the crown from the first sidewall and / or first bead to the second sidewall and / or second bead.

[0041] In this first embodiment, the above-mentioned or each of the stiffening elements are continuous between the first and second sidewalls or beads. Therefore, since there are no edges of the reinforcing elements fixed to the crown, the manufacturing of the tire is made easier on the one hand, and the risk of the edges of the reinforcing elements located on the crown slipping is reduced on the other hand. The continuity of the above-mentioned or each of the stiffening elements also improves the transmission of forces between each of the first and second sidewalls and / or beads, so that the forces are distributed throughout the entire tire.

[0042] Furthermore, the stiffening structure functions on each side of the tire's midline, thereby enabling the tire to exhibit uniform behavior.

[0043] In a preferred variation of the first preferred embodiment, the above or each of the stiffening elements is: - First radially inward reinforcing structure, - First and second radially outer reinforcing structures located in the crown, - A second radially inward reinforcing structure, It is fixed to or around it.

[0044] In this preferred modification, the tire is equipped with first and second radially external reinforcing structures that are separate from each other. This reduces the weight of the reinforcing structure and allows the reinforcing element to be fastened within the crown. Furthermore, with respect to a given axial width, the use of first and second radially external reinforcing structures limits the allowable stress within the crown compared to a single radially external reinforcing structure, thereby allowing a constant contact area to be maintained.

[0045] In the second embodiment, the stiffening structure comprises at least first and second reinforcing elements, and the above or each first reinforcing element is - A first radially inner reinforcing structure positioned on the first sidewall and / or first bead, wherein the first radially inner reinforcing structure is located on the same side as the first sidewall and / or first bead and the midline plane of the tire, and is distinguished from each circumferential reinforcing element. - The above or a plurality of radially outer reinforcing structures, It is fixed to or around it. The above or each of the second reinforcing elements are, - A second radially inner reinforcing structure positioned on the second side wall and / or second bead, which is located on the opposite side of the first side wall and / or first bead with respect to the midline plane of the tire, the second radially inner reinforcing structure being distinguished from the above or each circumferential reinforcing element, which is located on the same second side as the second side of the midline plane of the tire, - The above or a plurality of radially outer reinforcing structures, It is fixed to or around it. To this end, the above-mentioned or each of the first and second reinforcing elements extends continuously from the first sidewall and / or the first bead and from the second sidewall and / or the second bead to the crown, respectively.

[0046] In this second embodiment, in contrast to the first embodiment, the above-mentioned or each first reinforcing element is distinct from and discontinuous with respect to the above-mentioned or each second reinforcing element.

[0047] In this preferred variation of the second embodiment, the above-mentioned or each of the first reinforcing elements are: - First radially inward reinforcing structure, - A first radially outer reinforcing structure located in the crown, It is fixed to or around it. The above or each of the second reinforcing elements are, - A second radially inward reinforcing structure, - A second radially outer reinforcing structure located in the crown, distinct from the first radially outer reinforcing structure, It is fixed to or around it.

[0048] Optionally, the first and second radially outer reinforcing structures are arranged axially on both sides of the tire's midline, preferably substantially symmetrically with respect to the tire's midline. This improves the axial distribution of forces exerted by the reinforcing elements on each of the first and second sidewalls and / or bead and crown.

[0049] In order to suppress axial buckling of the tread as much as possible, and thus maintain a uniform contact surface on the one hand, and reduce the risk of deterioration of the tire crown reinforcement on the other hand, the above or each of the reinforcing elements extending from the radially inward reinforcing structure, -Radial inner fixing points where the above or each stiffening element passes through the inner surface and is fixed to or around the radial inner reinforcing structure, -Radial outer fixing points where the above or each stiffening element passes through the inner surface and is fixed to or around this radial outer reinforcing structure or one of the radial outer reinforcing structures, The system includes a portion that extends within a torus-shaped cavity, with the radially outer and radially inner fixing points axially positioned on the same side of the tire's midline plane.

[0050] In the first embodiment, the above or each of the stiffening elements are - A first radially inner fixing point where the above or each stiffening element passes through the inner surface and is fixed to or around the first radially inner reinforcing structure, - A first radially outer fixing point where the above or each stiffening element passes through the inner surface and is fixed to or around the above or a plurality of radially outer reinforcing structures, It has a portion that extends within a torus-shaped cavity between them, The above or each stiffening element is, - A second radially inner fixing point where the above or each stiffening element passes through the inner surface and is fixed to or around the second radially inner reinforcing structure, - A second radially outer fixing point to which the above or each stiffening element passes through the inner surface and is fixed to or around the above or a plurality of radially outer reinforcing structures, It has a portion that extends within a torus-shaped cavity between them, Each of the first and second radially inward fixing points and the first and second radially outward fixing points is, - The portion extending between the first radially outer fixing point and the first radially inner fixing point and the portion extending between the second radially outer fixing point and the second radially inner fixing point do not cross over within the torus-shaped cavity. - The first radially outer fixing point and the first radially inner fixing point are axially positioned on the same side of the midline plane of the tire, - The second radially outer fixing point and the second radially inner fixing point are axially positioned on the same other side of the midline plane of the tire. It is like that.

[0051] In fact, the portions extending between the first fixing points located on the same side of the midline and between the second fixing points located on the other side of the midline do not cross over, which makes it possible to suppress axial buckling of the tread, i.e., axial compression of the tread, especially under conditions of large lateral loads. As a result, the contact surface is kept uniform on the one hand, and the risk of deterioration of the tire's crown reinforcement is reduced by avoiding compression of various elements, especially those comprising the crown reinforcement, such as the fabric and metal fibrous reinforcing elements of the crown reinforcement.

[0052] In a similar method, in the case of the second embodiment, the above or each of the first reinforcing elements are - A first radially inner fixing point where the above or each of the first reinforcing elements passes through the inner surface and is fixed to or around the first radially inner reinforcing structure, - A first radially outer fixing point where the above or each first reinforcing element passes through the inner surface and is fixed to or around the above or a plurality of radially outer reinforcing structures, It has a portion that extends within a torus-shaped cavity between them, The above or each of the second reinforcing elements are, - A second radially inner fixing point where the above or each second reinforcing element passes through the inner surface and is fixed to or around the second radially inner reinforcing structure, - A second radially outer fixing point where the above or each second reinforcing element passes through the inner surface and is fixed to or around the above or a plurality of radially outer reinforcing structures, It has a portion that extends within a torus-shaped cavity between them, Each of the first and second radially inward fixing points and the first and second radially outward fixing points is, - The first radially outer fixing point and the first radially inner fixing point are positioned axially on the same side of the midline plane of the tire. - The second radially outer fixing point and the second radially inner fixing point are axially positioned on the same other side of the midline plane of the tire, - The portion extending between the first radially outer fixing point and the first radially inner fixing point and the portion extending between the second radially outer fixing point and the second radially inner fixing point do not cross over within the torus-shaped cavity. They are arranged in this manner.

[0053] Alternatively, in either the first or second embodiment, the opposite can be assumed: each radially outer first and second fixing point is positioned such that the portion extending between the first fixing point and the portion extending between the second fixing point cross over within the torus cavity, and / or the first radially outer fixing point and the first radially inner fixing point are axially positioned on two different sides of the midline plane of the tire, and / or the second radially outer fixing point and the second radially inner fixing point are axially positioned on two different sides of the midline plane of the tire.

[0054] In a preferred variation of the first embodiment, the stiffening structure comprises a plurality of stiffening elements that form a continuous reinforcing element so as to indicate a plowing path through the crown between the first side wall and / or first bead and the second side wall and / or second bead.

[0055] Therefore, the robustness of the stiffening structure is further improved by eliminating the edges of the reinforcing elements fixed to each sidewall or each bead. Thus, in this variation, a single continuous reinforcing element can form the stiffening structure around the entire circumference of the tire. Similarly, multiple continuous reinforcing elements can each form part of the stiffening structure around a portion of the tire's circumference. Furthermore, this type of stiffening structure is relatively easy to manufacture because it uses a single reinforcing element whose laying rules can be varied as a function of different tire dimensions. When using multiple stiffening elements that are different from each other, it becomes necessary to adjust their lengths for each tire dimension.

[0056] In the preferred modification of the second embodiment, the stiffening structure is - A plurality of first reinforcing elements that form a first continuous reinforcing element to indicate a plowing path between the first side wall and / or the first bead and crown, - A plurality of second reinforcing elements that form a second continuous reinforcing element to indicate a plowing path between the second side wall and / or the second bead and crown, It is equipped with.

[0057] It is highly advantageous that the above-mentioned or each of the stiffening elements are fixed to or around the radially inner fixing point, which is radially positioned at a radial distance from 0.10 × H to 0.50 × H, preferably from 0.10 × H to 0.35 × H, from the innermost point in the radial direction of the tire, when H is the cross-sectional height of the tire, passing through the inner surface.

[0058] Therefore, the propagation of noise generated by the stiffening structure from the stiffening structure to the vehicle through the tire mounting support is further reduced. In fact, beyond a radial distance equal to 0.10 × H, the radially inner fixing point becomes farther from the bead, and especially farther from the circumferential reinforcing elements of the bead, such as the bead wire, and the sound waves generated by the stiffening structure are significantly attenuated by the tire structure before reaching the circumferential reinforcing elements, which are the main elements that transmit noise between the tire and the mounting support. Nevertheless, it is preferable that the radially inner fixing point be at a radial distance that is not too large, as this allows for the effective absorption of axial forces through the reinforcing elements between the stiffening structure and the sidewall or bead, and thus contributes to improving axial stiffness.

[0059] It is highly advantageous that the above-mentioned or each of the stiffening elements are fixed to or around one of the radially outer reinforcing structures or radially outer reinforcing structures at radially outer fixing points located axially at an axial distance from the midline of the tire, at a maximum of 0.45 × SW, preferably from 0.05 × SW to 0.45 × SW, when SW is the cross-sectional width of the tire, passing through the inner surface.

[0060] When the value exceeds 0.45 × S, the above-mentioned or each stiffening element extends in a direction that forms a very small angle with respect to the radial direction, thus reducing their contribution to axial stiffness and cornering stiffness, respectively.

[0061] Regarding stiffening structures, each reinforcing element can be geometrically characterized in particular by its average cross-section Sm, and this characteristic is not necessarily identical for all reinforcing elements. The average cross-section Sm is the average of the cross-sections obtained by the intersection of the reinforcing element with all cylindrical surfaces that are coaxial with the tire and radially contained within the inner torus-shaped cavity. In the most common situation where the cross-section is constant, the average cross-section Sm is the constant cross-section of the reinforcing element. The average cross-section Sm has a larger characteristic dimension Dmax and a smaller characteristic dimension Dmin, and their ratio R = Dmax / Dmin is called the shape factor. As an example, a reinforcing element with a circular average cross-section Sm having a diameter equal to d has a shape factor R = 1, a reinforcing element with a rectangular average cross-section Sm having length L and width l has a shape factor R = L / l, and a reinforcing element with an elliptical average cross-section Sm having major axis D and minor axis d has a shape factor R = D / d.

[0062] A first preferred type of reinforcing element is called one-dimensional if its shape factor R is at most equal to 3. In other words, a reinforcing element is considered one-dimensional if its maximum characteristic dimension Dmax of its average cross-section Sm is at most equal to 3 times its minimum characteristic dimension Dmin. A one-dimensional reinforcing element can have the mechanical behavior of a thread-type element, i.e., it can be subjected only to tension and compressive forces along its average line. This is why one-dimensional reinforcing elements are usually called thread-type reinforcing elements. Among the components commonly used in the field of tires, fabric-type thread elements composed of assemblies of fabric-based monofibers, or metal cables composed of assemblies of metal-based monofibers, can be considered one-dimensional reinforcing elements because their average cross-section Sm is substantially circular and their shape factor R is equal to 1, and therefore less than 3.

[0063] A reinforcing element of the second type is called two-dimensional if its shape factor R is at least equal to 3. In other words, a reinforcing element is considered two-dimensional if its maximum characteristic dimension Dmax of its average cross-section Sm is at least three times its minimum characteristic dimension Dmin. A two-dimensional reinforcing element may exhibit membrane-type mechanical behavior, i.e., it may be subjected to tensile or compressive forces only within its thickness, which is determined by its minimum characteristic dimension Dmin of its average cross-section Sm. In the first variation, a reinforcing element with a shape factor R at least equal to 3 and at most equal to 50 is called a lanyard-type two-dimensional element. In the second variation, a reinforcing element with a shape factor R at least equal to 50 is called a film-type two-dimensional element.

[0064] A first structural modification relating to the reinforcing element results in each reinforcing element having a homogeneous structure having a single component. This is the simplest possible structure, for example, a basic single fiber of a single material or a layer of a single material. A second structural modification results in each reinforcing element having a composite structure having at least two components. This is a structure consisting of an assembly of at least two elements, for example, an assembly of multiple basic single fibers, or an assembly of a first layer of the first material and a second layer of the second material.

[0065] With respect to one or more materials constituting a stiffening element, in the first structural deformation, each stiffening element comprises a single material: for example, a basic single fiber of a single material, or an assembly comprising multiple basic single fibers of the same material. In the second structural deformation, each stiffening element comprises at least two materials. In this case, it comprises a composite structure in terms of materials: for example, an assembly comprising a single fiber of the first material and a single fiber of a second material different from the first material, or a layer comprising a single fiber or assembly of single fibers embedded in a polymer matrix.

[0066] In a highly advantageous embodiment, the above-mentioned or each reinforcing element is a thread reinforcing element, preferably a fabric thread reinforcing element. The reinforcing thread elements are preferably identical, i.e., they have the same geometric properties and are made of the same material.

[0067] These wire stiffening elements are commonly called stays. The advantage of using wire stiffening elements is that they create a stiffened structure with low weight and low hysteresis. By using identical reinforcing wire elements, uniform force distribution between stiffening elements is possible.

[0068] When the material is a thread, each thread reinforcing element is preferably a fabric. Fabric means that each thread reinforcing element is nonmetallic and is made from a material selected from, for example, polyester, polyamide, polyketone, polyvinyl alcohol, cellulose, mineral fibers, natural fibers, elastomer materials, or mixtures thereof. Examples of polyesters include PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PEN (polyethylene naphthalate), PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), PBN (polybutylene naphthalate), PPT (polypropylene terephthalate), and PPN (polypropylene naphthalate). Examples of polyamides include aliphatic polyamides such as 4-6,6,6-6 polyamide (nylon), 11, or 12, and aromatic polyamides such as aramid. The material is preferably polyester or aliphatic polyamide.

[0069] For example, each fabric thread stiffening element is a fabric assembly comprising one or more basic monofibers, some twisted and some untwisted. Thus, in one embodiment, there may be assemblies in which the basic monofibers are substantially parallel to each other. In another embodiment, there may also be assemblies in which the basic monofibers are spirally wound. In yet another embodiment, each thread stiffening element comprises basic monofibers, each having a diameter ranging from 5 μm to 0.80 mm.

[0070] In the first variation, each fabric thread stiffening element comprises one or more multi-fiber plies, each having multiple single fibers with a diameter ranging from 5 μm to 20 μm. In this first variation, the number of single fibers in each multi-fiber ply is generally between 100 and 10,000. To suppress the leakage of expansion gas through capillaries between the single fibers of the fabric thread stiffening element in this first variation, it is advantageous to coat each fabric thread stiffening element with, for example, one or more polymer compositions known to those skilled in the art to block the capillaries. In the second variation, each fabric thread stiffening element comprises a multi-fiber ply, each having multiple single fibers wound in a spiral shape, each having a diameter ranging from 0.10 mm to 0.80 mm. In this second variation, the number of single fibers is generally between 2 and 10. In this second variation, since the number of capillaries between the single fibers is small, coating the fabric thread stiffening element is not useful, although it can certainly be conceivable.

[0071] Each fabric thread stiffening element has conventionally been coated with, for example, an RFL-type adhesive or at least one aqueous adhesive as described in documents WO2013 / 017422 and WO2017 / 168107.

[0072] In another embodiment, each wire stiffening element is made of metal, for example, an assembly of metal single fibers, each metal single fiber typically less than 50 μm, for example, 10 μm. In one embodiment, each wire stiffening element comprises an assembly composed of multiple metal single fibers. In another embodiment, each wire stiffening element comprises a metal single fiber.

[0073] In a modification that allows for the manufacture of the tire using a relatively simple method, it is advantageous for the wire stiffening element to extend continuously within the torus cavity from the sidewall or bead to the crown in the principal direction, forming an angle of 85° to 90° in absolute terms with respect to the circumferential direction of the tire. In another modification that allows for the manufacture of the tire using a more complex method but enables increased circumferential stiffness, as described in particular in WO2020 / 128225, the above or each wire stiffening element extends within the torus cavity from the sidewall or bead to the crown in the principal direction, forming an angle of 45° to 75° in absolute terms with respect to the circumferential direction of the tire.

[0074] In one embodiment, the above or each radially inner reinforcing structure and / or the above or each radially outer reinforcing structure comprises at least one thread stiffening element extending in a principal direction that forms an angle with the circumferential direction of the tire of less than or equal to 10°, preferably less than or equal to 5°, more preferably substantially zero.

[0075] Since the tire has a substantially torus shape around the pivot axis, the wire stiffening elements of the radially inward reinforcing structure are optionally wrapped around the pivot axis over a maximum of two full turns, preferably over a maximum of one full turn.

[0076] Therefore, the wire reinforcement elements of the radially inward reinforcement structure can be assumed to be rings without free ends, because these wire reinforcement elements are joined by, for example, a sleeve, or because the ring is a single, integrated structure. It can also be assumed that the wire reinforcement elements of the radially inward reinforcement structure have two free ends.

[0077] The radially inward circular wire reinforcement elements are preferably made of metal. In some embodiments, this is advantageous as it becomes possible to use the same metal wire reinforcement elements that are used to manufacture the circumferential reinforcement elements.

[0078] In one embodiment, since the tire has a substantially torus shape around the pivot axis, the thread reinforcing elements of the above or each radially outer reinforcing structure are wound circumferentially over at least two complete turns and up to 10 complete turns around the pivot axis.

[0079] Therefore, similar to the wire reinforcement elements of the radially inner reinforcement structure, the wire reinforcement elements of the radially outer reinforcement structure can also be assumed to be rings without free ends, because these wire reinforcement elements are joined by, for example, a sleeve, or because the ring is a single, integrated structure. It can also be assumed that the wire reinforcement elements of the radially outer reinforcement structure have two free ends.

[0080] The radially outer circular wire reinforcement element is made of fabric. This avoids localized rigidity of the crown. Thus, in contrast to situations where the radially outer circular wire reinforcement element is made of metal, proper flatness of the tread is maintained. Fabric wire reinforcement elements that exhibit relatively low thermal shrinkage are preferred.

[0081] The above or each reinforcing element may optionally be wrapped, at least partially, around the above or each thread reinforcing element.

[0082] Since the thread is at least partially wrapped around the reinforcing element, the direction in which the reinforcing element extends through the torus cavity is not collinear with the direction in which the reinforcing element extends through the sidewall or bead and crown.

[0083] In the fourth embodiment, the stiffening structure comprises at least one axially inward fixed stiffening element and at least one axially outward fixed stiffening element, each of the inward and outward axially fixed stiffening elements extending continuously within a torus-shaped cavity from at least one sidewall and / or at least one bead to the crown. The above or each axially inward fixing stiffening element is, - A radially inward fixing reinforcement structure for each axially inward fixing stiffener element positioned on one of the sidewalls and / or one of the beads, wherein the radially inward fixing reinforcement structure for each axially inward fixing stiffener element is distinguished from the circumferential reinforcing element located on the same side as the sidewall and / or the bead and the midline plane of the tire, - A radially outward fixing reinforcement structure for at least one of the above-mentioned or each axially inward fixing stiffening element positioned within the crown, It is fixed to or around it. The above or each axially inward fixing stiffening element is, -The radially inner fixing point where the above or each axially inner fixing stiffening element passes through its inner surface and is fixed to or around the radially inner fixing reinforcement structure of the above or each axially inner fixing stiffening element, -The above or each axially-direction-inner fixing stiffening element passes through its inner surface and is fixed to or around one or more radially-outer fixing reinforcement structures of the above or each axially-direction-inner fixing stiffening element at radially-outer fixing points, It has a portion that extends within a torus-shaped cavity between them, The above or each axially outward fixing stiffening element is, - A radially inner fixing reinforcement structure for each axially outer fixing reinforcement element, which is arranged on the same side wall and / or bead as the radially inner fixing reinforcement structure to which the above-mentioned or each axially inner fixing reinforcement element is fixed, and which is distinguished from the above-mentioned or each circumferential fixing reinforcement element located on the same side as this side wall and / or this bead and the midline plane of the tire, - A radially outward fixing reinforcement structure of the above or each axially outward fixing stiffening element arranged within the crown, It is fixed to or around it. The above or each axially outward fixing stiffening element is, -The radially inner fixing point where the above or each axially outer fixing stiffening element passes through its inner surface and is fixed to or around the radially inner fixing reinforcement structure of the above or each axially outer fixing stiffening element, -The above or each axially-outward fixing stiffening element passes through its inner surface and is fixed to or around one or more radially-outward fixing reinforcement structures of the above or each axially-outward fixing stiffening element at radially-outward fixing points, It has a portion that extends within a torus-shaped cavity between them, The radially outer fixing points of the above-mentioned or each axially outer fixing stiffener element are positioned axially inward with respect to the radially outer fixing points of the above-mentioned or each axially outer fixing stiffener element.

[0084] The terms "internal" and "external" rigid stiffening elements are used because of the axial offset relative to the radially external fixing point of each reinforcing element within the crown. Therefore, a stiffening element is an axially external rigid stiffening element if its fixing point within the crown is further axially from the midline of the tire than another axially internal rigid stiffening element whose fixing point within the crown is closer axially to the midline of the tire.

[0085] The radially outer fixing point is preferably located on the same side of the tire's midline.

[0086] In a variation of the fourth embodiment, the radially inner fixing point of the above-mentioned or each axially inner fixing stiffener element and the radially inner fixing point of the above-mentioned or each axially outer fixing stiffener element are aligned on the same circumferential line in the radial and axial directions. In another variation of the fourth embodiment, as assumed in the fifth embodiment described below, the radially inner fixing point of the above-mentioned or each axially inner fixing stiffener element and the radially inner fixing point of the above-mentioned or each axially outer fixing stiffener element are radially offset from each other.

[0087] In a variation of the fourth embodiment, the radially inner and outer fixing points of the above-mentioned or each axially inner fixing stiffener element are in the same meridional cross-section as the radially inner and outer fixing points of the above-mentioned or each axially outer fixing stiffener element. In another variation of the fourth embodiment, the radially inner and outer fixing points of the above-mentioned or each axially inner fixing stiffener element are in a different meridional cross-section than the radially inner and outer fixing points of the above-mentioned or each axially outer fixing stiffener element.

[0088] In one configuration of the fourth embodiment, the above-mentioned or each axially inward fixing stiffening element is, - A first radially inward fixing reinforcement structure of the above-mentioned or each axially inward fixing stiffening element located on the first side wall and / or first bead, wherein the first radially inward fixing reinforcement structure of the above-mentioned or each axially inward fixing stiffening element is distinguished from the above-mentioned or each circumferential reinforcing element located on the same first side as the first side wall and / or first bead and the midline plane of the tire, -At least one radially outward fixing reinforcement structure of the above or each axially inward fixing stiffening element located in the crown, - A second radially inward fixing reinforcement structure for each axially inward fixing stiffener element located on the second side wall and / or second bead, which is located on the other side of the first bead with respect to the midline plane of the tire, wherein the second radially inward fixing reinforcement structure for each axially inward fixing stiffener element is distinguished from the second side of the second side wall and / or second bead and which is located on the same second side of the midline plane of the tire, It is fixed to or around it, and for that reason, The above-mentioned or each axially-directed inner reinforcing element extends continuously within the crown from the first side wall and / or the first bead to the second side wall and / or the second bead. The above or each axially inward fixing stiffening element is, -A first portion extending within a torus-shaped cavity, - The above or each axially-direction-inner fixing stiffening element passes through its inner surface and is fixed to or around the first radially-inner fixing reinforcement structure of the above or each axially-direction-inner fixing stiffening element, -The first portion extending within a torus-shaped cavity between the above or each axially-inner fixing stiffener element passing through its inner surface and a first radially-outer fixing point to which it is fixed to or around one or more radially-outer fixing reinforcement structures of the above or each axially-inner fixing stiffener element, -A second portion extending within a torus-shaped cavity, - The above or each axially-direction-inner fixing stiffening element passes through its inner surface and is fixed to or around the second radially-inner fixing reinforcement structure of the above or each axially-direction-inner fixing stiffening element, - The above or each axially-direction-inner fixing stiffening element passes through its inner surface and is fixed to or around one or more radially-outer fixing reinforcement structures of the above or each axially-direction-inner fixing stiffening element, The second portion extends between them within a torus-shaped cavity, The above or each axially outward fixing stiffening element is, - A first radially inward fixing reinforcement structure of the above-mentioned or each axially outward fixing stiffening element located on the first side wall and / or first bead, wherein the first radially inward fixing reinforcement structure of the above-mentioned or each axially outward fixing stiffening element is distinguished from the above-mentioned or each circumferential reinforcing element located on the same first side as the first side wall and / or first bead and the midline plane of the tire, - At least one radially outward fixing reinforcement structure of the above-mentioned or each axially outward fixing stiffening element located in the crown, - A second radially inward fixing reinforcement structure for each axially outward fixing stiffener element located on the second side wall and / or second bead, which is located on the other side of the first bead with respect to the midline plane of the tire, wherein the second radially inward fixing reinforcement structure for each axially outward fixing stiffener element is distinguished from the second side of the second side wall and / or second bead and each circumferential reinforcing element located on the same second side as the midline plane of the tire, It is fixed to or around it, and for that reason, The above-mentioned or each axially oriented outer reinforcing element extends continuously within the crown from the first side wall and / or the first bead to the second side wall and / or the second bead. The above or each axially outward fixing stiffening element is, -A first portion extending within a torus-shaped cavity, - The above or each axially-outward fixing stiffening element passes through its inner surface and is fixed to or around the first radially-inward fixing reinforcement structure of the above or each axially-outward fixing stiffening element, - The above or each axially-outward fixing stiffening element passes through its inner surface and is fixed to or around one or more radially-outward fixing reinforcement structures of the above or each axially-outward fixing stiffening element, The first portion extends between them within a torus-shaped cavity, -A second portion extending within a torus-shaped cavity, - The above or each axially-outward fixing stiffening element passes through its inner surface and is fixed to or around the second radially-inward fixing reinforcement structure of the above or each axially-outward fixing stiffening element, - The above or each axially-outer fixing stiffening element passes through its inner surface and is fixed to one or more radially-outer fixing reinforcement structures of the above or each axially-outer fixing stiffening element, a second radially-outer fixing point, The second portion extends between them within a torus-shaped cavity, Each of the first and second radially outward fixing points of the above-mentioned or each axially outward fixing stiffener element is positioned axially inward with respect to each of the first and second radially outward fixing points of the above-mentioned or each axially outward fixing stiffener element.

[0089] Regardless of the configuration of the fourth embodiment, in the variation, each of the first and second radially inward fixing points relating to the above or each axially inward fixing stiffener element and each of the first and second first radially inward fixing points relating to the above or each axially outward fixing stiffener element are aligned radially on the same circumferential line. In another variation, as assumed in the fifth embodiment described below, each of the first and second first radially inward fixing points relating to the above or each axially inward fixing stiffener element and each of the first and second first radially inward fixing points relating to the above or each axially outward fixing stiffener element are radially offset from each other.

[0090] Regardless of the configuration of the fourth embodiment, in the variation, each of the first and second radially inner and outer fixing points relating to the above or each axially inner fixing stiffener element is in the same meridional cross-section as each of the first and second radially inner and outer fixing points relating to the above or each axially outer fixing stiffener element. In another variation, each of the first and second radially inner and outer fixing points relating to the above or each axially inner fixing stiffener element is in a different meridional cross-section than each of the first and second radially inner and outer fixing points relating to the above or each axially outer fixing stiffener element.

[0091] It is highly advantageous that each of the above-mentioned first and second radially inward fixing reinforcement structures relating to each axially inward fixing stiffening element is each of the above-mentioned first and second radially inward fixing reinforcement structures relating to each axially outward fixing stiffening element. Alternatively, each of the above-mentioned first and second radially inward fixing reinforcement structures relating to each axially inward fixing stiffening element is separate from the above-mentioned first and second radially inward fixing reinforcement structures relating to each axially outward fixing stiffening element.

[0092] A significant advantage is that the radially outer fixing reinforcement structure of the above-mentioned or each axially inner fixing stiffening element is the radially outer fixing reinforcement structure of the above-mentioned or each axially outer fixing stiffening element. Alternatively, the radially outer fixing reinforcement structure of the above-mentioned or each axially inner fixing stiffening element is the radially outer fixing reinforcement structure of the above-mentioned or each axially outer fixing stiffening element.

[0093] In the fifth embodiment, the stiffening structure comprises at least one radially inward stiffening element and at least one radially outward stiffening element, each of the radially inward and outward stiffening elements extending continuously within a torus-shaped cavity from at least one sidewall and / or at least one bead to the crown. The above or each radially inward fixing stiffening element is, - A radially inner fixing reinforcement structure of the above or each radially inner fixing stiffening element located on one of the sidewalls and / or one of the beads, wherein the radially inner fixing reinforcement structure of the above or each radially inner fixing stiffening element is distinguished from the above or each circumferential reinforcing element located on the same side of the sidewall and / or the bead and the midline plane of the tire, -At least one radially outward fixing reinforcement structure of the above or each radially inward fixing stiffening element located in the crown, It is fixed to or around it. The above or each radially inward fixing stiffening element is, -The radially inner fixing points where the above or each radially inner fixing stiffening element passes through the inner surface and is fixed to or around the radially inner fixing reinforcement structure of the above or each radially inner fixing stiffening element, -The above or each radially inner fixing stiffening element passes through its inner surface and is fixed to or around one or more radially outer fixing reinforcement structures of the above or each radially inner fixing stiffening element at radially outer fixing points, It has a portion that extends within a torus-shaped cavity between them, The above or each radially outward fixing stiffening element is, - A radially inner fixing reinforcement structure for each radially outer fixing reinforcement element located on the same side wall and / or bead as the radially inner fixing reinforcement structure to which the above or each radially inner fixing reinforcement element is fixed, and which is distinguished from the above or each radially outer fixing reinforcement structure located on the same side as this side wall and / or this bead and the midline plane of the tire, -At least one radially outward fixing reinforcement structure of the above or each radially outward fixing stiffening element located in the crown, It is fixed to or around it. The above or each radially outward fixing stiffening element is, -The radially inner fixing point where the above or each radially outer fixing stiffening element passes through the inner surface and is fixed to or around the radially inner fixing reinforcement structure of the above or each radially outer fixing stiffening element, -The above or each radially outer fixing stiffening element passes through the inner surface and is fixed to or around one or more radially outer fixing reinforcement structures of the above or each axially outer fixing stiffening element, It has a portion that extends within a torus-shaped cavity between them, The radially inward fixing points of the above-mentioned or each radially inward fixing stiffening element are positioned radially inward relative to the radially inward fixing points of the above-mentioned or each radially outward fixing stiffening element.

[0094] The terms "radially inward" and "radially outward" stiffening elements are used because of the radial offset of the radially inward fastening points of each stiffening element on each sidewall and / or bead. Therefore, a stiffening element is called a radially outward stiffening element because its fastening points on each sidewall and / or bead are radially further from the tire's axis of rotation than the fastening points on the crown of other radially inward stiffening elements, which are radially closer to the tire's axis of rotation.

[0095] The radially outer fixing point is preferably located on the same side of the tire's midline.

[0096] In a variation of the fifth embodiment, the radially outer fixing point of the above-mentioned or each axially inner fixing stiffener element and the radially outer fixing point of the above-mentioned or each axially outer fixing stiffener element are aligned on the same circumferential line in the radial and axial directions. In another variation of the fifth embodiment, as assumed in the fourth embodiment described above, the radially outer fixing point of the above-mentioned or each radially inner fixing stiffener element and the radially outer fixing point of the above-mentioned or each radially outer fixing stiffener element are offset from each other in the axial direction.

[0097] In a variation of the fifth embodiment, each of the radially inner and outer fixing points relating to the above or each radially inner fixing stiffener element is in the same meridional cross-section as each of the radially inner and outer fixing points relating to the above or each radially outer fixing stiffener element. In another variation of the fifth embodiment, each of the radially inner and outer fixing points relating to the above or each radially inner fixing stiffener element is in a different meridional cross-section from each of the first inner and outer fixing points relating to the above or each radially outer fixing stiffener element.

[0098] In one configuration of the fifth embodiment, the above-mentioned or each radially inward fixing stiffening element is - A first radially inner fixing reinforcement structure of the above or each radially inner fixing stiffening element located on the first sidewall and / or first bead, wherein the first radially inner fixing reinforcement structure of the above or each radially inner fixing stiffening element is distinguished from the above or each circumferential reinforcing element located on the same first side as the first sidewall and / or first bead and the midline plane of the tire, -At least one radially outward fixing reinforcement structure of the above or each radially inward fixing stiffening element located in the crown, - A second radially inner fixing reinforcement structure for each radially inner fixing stiffening element located on the second side wall and / or second bead, which is located on the other side of the first side wall and / or first bead with respect to the midline plane of the tire, wherein the second radially inner fixing reinforcement structure for each radially inner fixing stiffening element is distinguished from the second side of the second side wall and / or second bead and the midline plane of the tire, It is fixed to or around it, and for that reason, The above or each radially inward fixing stiffening element extends continuously within the crown from the first side wall and / or the first bead to the second side wall and / or the second bead. The above or each radially inward fixing stiffening element is, -A first portion extending within a torus-shaped cavity, - The above or each radially inward fixing stiffening element passes through its inner surface and is fixed to or around the first radially inward fixing reinforcement structure of the above or each radially inward fixing stiffening element, - The above or each radially inner fixing stiffening element passes through its inner surface and is fixed to one or more axially outer fixing reinforcement structures of the above or each radially inner fixing stiffening element, a first radially outer fixing point, The first portion extends between them within a torus-shaped cavity, -A second portion extending within a torus-shaped cavity, - The above or each radially inward fixing stiffening element passes through its inner surface and is fixed to or around the second radially inward fixing reinforcement structure of the above or each radially inward fixing stiffening element, - The above or each radially inner fixing stiffening element passes through its inner surface and is fixed to one or more radially outer fixing reinforcement structures of the above or each radially inner fixing stiffening element, a second radially outer fixing point, The second portion extends between them within a torus-shaped cavity, The above or each radially outward fixing stiffening element is, - A first radially inner fixing reinforcement structure of the above or each radially outer fixing stiffening element located on the first sidewall and / or first bead, wherein the first radially inner fixing reinforcement structure of the above or each radially outer fixing stiffening element is distinguished from the above or each circumferential reinforcing element located on the same first side as the first sidewall and / or first bead and the midline plane of the tire, -At least one radially outward fixing reinforcement structure of the above or each radially outward fixing stiffening element located in the crown, - A second radially inner fixing reinforcement structure for each radially outer fixing stiffener element located on the second side wall and / or second bead, which is located on the other side of the first bead with respect to the midline plane of the tire, wherein the second radially inner fixing reinforcement structure for each radially outer fixing stiffener element is distinguished from the second side of the second side wall and / or second bead and which is located on the same second side of the midline plane of the tire, It is fixed to or around it, and for that reason, The above or each radially outer reinforcing element extends continuously within the crown from the first sidewall and / or first bead to the second sidewall and / or second bead. The above or each radially outward fixing stiffening element is, -A first portion extending within a torus-shaped cavity, - The above or each radially outer fixing stiffening element passes through its inner surface and is fixed to or around the first radially inner fixing reinforcement structure of the above or each radially outer fixing stiffening element, - The above or each radially outer fixing stiffening element passes through its inner surface and is fixed to one or more radially outer fixing reinforcement structures of the above or each radially outer fixing stiffening element, a first radially outer fixing point, The first portion extends between them within a torus-shaped cavity, -A second portion extending within a torus-shaped cavity, - The above or each radially outer fixing stiffening element passes through its inner surface and is fixed to or around a second radially inner fixing reinforcement structure of the above or each radially outer fixing stiffening element, - The above or each radially outer fixing stiffening element passes through its inner surface and is fixed to one or more radially outer fixing reinforcement structures of the above or each radially outer fixing stiffening element, a second radially outer fixing point, The second portion extends between them within a torus-shaped cavity, Each of the first and second radially inward fixing points relating to the above or each radially inward fixing stiffener element is positioned radially inward with respect to each of the first and second radially inward fixing points relating to the above or each radially outward fixing stiffener element.

[0099] Regardless of the configuration of the fifth embodiment, in the variation, each of the first and second radially outer fixing points relating to the above or each radially inner fixing stiffener element and each of the first and second first radially outer fixing points relating to the above or each radially outer fixing stiffener element are aligned on the same circumferential line in the axial direction. In another variation, as assumed in the fourth embodiment described above, each of the first and second first radially outer fixing points relating to the above or each radially inner fixing stiffener element and each of the first and second first radially outer fixing points relating to the above or each radially outer fixing stiffener element are offset from each other in the axial direction.

[0100] Regardless of the configuration of the fifth embodiment, in the variation, each of the first and second radially inner and outer fixing points relating to the above or each radially inner fixing stiffener element is in the same meridional cross-section as each of the first and second radially inner and outer fixing points relating to the above or each radially outer fixing stiffener element. In another variation, each of the first and second radially inner and outer fixing points relating to the above or each radially inner fixing stiffener element is in a different meridional cross-section than each of the first and second radially inner and outer fixing points relating to the above or each radially outer fixing stiffener element.

[0101] It is highly advantageous that each of the above-mentioned first and second radially inward fixing reinforcement structures relating to each radially inward fixing stiffening element is each of the above-mentioned first and second radially inward fixing reinforcement structures relating to each radially outward fixing stiffening element. Alternatively, each of the above-mentioned first and second radially inward fixing reinforcement structures relating to each radially inward fixing stiffening element is distinguished from each of the above-mentioned first and second radially inward fixing reinforcement structures relating to each radially outward fixing stiffening element.

[0102] It is highly advantageous that the radially outer fixing reinforcement structure of the above-mentioned or each radially outer fixing stiffening element is the radially outer fixing reinforcement structure of the above-mentioned or each radially outer fixing stiffening element. Alternatively, the radially outer fixing reinforcement structure of the above-mentioned or each radially inner fixing stiffening element is the radially outer fixing reinforcement structure of the above-mentioned or each radially outer fixing stiffening element.

[0103] Note that the fourth and fifth embodiments can be combined to distinguish between fastening at the crown and each side wall and / or each bead, and may have radial and axial inner reinforcing elements, or radial and axial outer reinforcing elements, or radial inner and axial outer reinforcing elements, or radial outer and axial inner reinforcing elements.

[0104] In other variations relating to the above or each radially inner reinforcing structure and / or the above or each radially outer reinforcing structure, the above or each radially inner reinforcing structure and / or the above or each radially outer reinforcing structure comprises a woven fabric, knitted fabric, or nonwoven fabric, preferably a woven fabric or knitted fabric.

[0105] The above or each reinforcing element preferably passes through a woven fabric, knitted fabric, or nonwoven fabric, and preferably through the woven or knitted fabric of the above or each radially inner reinforcing structure and / or the above or each radially outer reinforcing structure.

[0106] In the above or yet another variation of each radially inward reinforcing structure, the tire comprises a carcass reinforcing body fixed to each bead and extending within each sidewall, and the above or each radially inward reinforcing structure comprises a portion of the carcass reinforcing body extending radially within the sidewall and / or bead.

[0107] In the above or yet another variation of each radially outer reinforcing structure, the tire comprises a carcass reinforcing body extending axially within the crown, and the above or each radially outer reinforcing structure comprises a portion of the carcass reinforcing body extending axially within the crown.

[0108] In other words, in one embodiment, the carcass reinforcement comprises carcass wire reinforcement elements, and each of the above or each reinforcement element is at least partially wrapped around one or more carcass wire reinforcement elements of the carcass reinforcement component that extends axially along the sidewall and / or bead and / or crown.

[0109] Following the general description above, the present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, which is given in conjunction with the drawings as merely a non-limiting example. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0110] [Figure 1] Figures 1A, 1B, and 1C illustrate a tire according to the first embodiment, where Figure 1A is a meridional section parallel to the rotation axis of the tire, and Figures 1B and 1C are views of the inside of the tire from different directions. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a cutaway view of the tire showing the arrangement of wire reinforcement elements within the crown. [Figure 3] This figure shows the arrangement of the stiffening structure for the tire in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 1A is a detailed view of Zone IV. [Figure 5] This is a detailed view of zone V in Figure 1A. [Figure 6] This figure is similar to Figure 1A, relating to a tire according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure is similar to Figure 1A, relating to a tire according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure is similar to Figure 1A, relating to a tire according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure is similar to Figure 1A, relating to a tire according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure is similar to Figure 1A, relating to a tire according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure is similar to Figure 3, relating to the tire in Figure 10 according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure is similar to Figure 4, relating to the tire in Figure 10 according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 13] This figure is similar to Figure 5, relating to the tire in Figure 10 according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 14] This figure is similar to Figure 1A, which relates to a tire according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 15]This is a meridional cross-sectional view parallel to the rotation axis of the tire in Figure 1A, which is subjected to a lateral force F. [Figure 16] This is a meridional cross-sectional view parallel to the rotation axis of a tire relating to a control tire that does not conform to the present invention. [Figure 17] This is a diagram of the tire's contact surface with the tire in Figure 1A, which is subjected to a lateral force F. [Figure 18] This is a diagram of the tire contact surface for a control tire that does not conform to the present invention. [Figure 19A] This figure shows a tool and method for manufacturing a tire according to a first embodiment, as shown in Figures 19A and 19B. [Figure 19B] This figure shows a tool and method for manufacturing a tire according to a first embodiment, as shown in Figures 19A and 19B. [Figure 20A] This figure shows a tool and method for manufacturing a tire according to a first embodiment, comprising Figures 20A and 20B. [Figure 20B] This figure shows a tool and method for manufacturing a tire according to a first embodiment, comprising Figures 20A and 20B. [Figure 21] This figure shows a tool and method for manufacturing a tire according to the first embodiment. [Figure 22A] This figure shows a tool and method for manufacturing a tire according to a first embodiment, comprising Figures 22A to 22F. [Figure 22B] This figure shows a tool and method for manufacturing a tire according to a first embodiment, comprising Figures 22A to 22F. [Figure 22C] This figure shows a tool and method for manufacturing a tire according to a first embodiment, comprising Figures 22A to 22F. [Figure 22D] This figure shows a tool and method for manufacturing a tire according to a first embodiment, comprising Figures 22A to 22F. [Figure 22E] This figure shows a tool and method for manufacturing a tire according to a first embodiment, comprising Figures 22A to 22F. [Figure 22F]This figure shows a tool and method for manufacturing a tire according to a first embodiment, comprising Figures 22A to 22F. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0111] In the diagrams relating to tires, the system of axes X, Y, and Z represents the normal axial direction (Y), radial direction (Z), and circumferential direction (X) of the tire, respectively.

[0112] A tire conforming to the present invention and designated by general reference number 10 is shown in Figures 1A, 1B, and 1C. The tire 10 has a substantially torus shape around a rotation axis substantially parallel to the axial direction Y. The tire 10 is intended for passenger cars and has dimensions of 275 / 35ZR19. In various figures, the tire 10 is shown in a new condition, i.e., unused.

[0113] The tire 10 includes a crown 12, which includes a tread 14 intended to make contact with the ground when rolling, and a crown reinforcement 16 extending circumferentially X within the crown 12. The tire 10 also includes an airtight layer 18 against expansion gases.

[0114] The crown reinforcement 16 comprises an actuation reinforcement 20 and a packaging reinforcement 22. The actuation reinforcement 20 comprises at least one actuation layer, in this case two actuation layers 24 and 26. In this example, the actuation reinforcement 20 consists of two actuation layers 24 and 26. The radially inner actuation layer 24 is located radially inward of the radially outer actuation layer 26.

[0115] The packaging reinforcement 22 comprises at least one packaging layer, in this case one packaging layer 28.

[0116] The crown reinforcement 16 rests radially on the tread 14. In this case, the packaging reinforcement 22, in this case the packaging layer 28, is positioned radially outside the working reinforcement 20 and is therefore sandwiched radially between the working reinforcement 20 and the tread 14.

[0117] The tire 10 comprises first and second side walls 30A, 30B extending radially inward from the crown 12. The second side wall 30B is located opposite the midline M to the first side wall 30A. The tire 10 further includes first and second beads 32A, 32B extending radially inward from each of the first and second side walls 30A, 30B, respectively. The second bead 32B is located opposite the midline M to the first bead 32A. Each of the first and second side walls 30A, 30B connects each of the first and second beads 32A, 32B to the crown 12, respectively. The inner surface 33 of the tire 10, intended to come into contact with the expanding gas, defines the torus-shaped expansion cavity 35 of the tire. Here, the inner surface 33 is comprised of an airtight layer 18. Each of the first and second beads 32A and 32B is provided with first and second circumferential reinforcing elements 40A and 40B, respectively, and includes bead wires that enable the tire 10 to be attached to a mounting support, such as a rim.

[0118] The tire 10 includes a carcass reinforcement 34 wrapped around the first and second circumferential reinforcement elements 40A and 40B, respectively, which are fixed within the first and second beads 32A and 32B. The carcass reinforcement 34 extends radially inward of the axial crown reinforcement 16 in each sidewall 30 and inward of the crown 12. The crown reinforcement 16 is positioned radially between the tread 14 and the carcass reinforcement 34. The carcass reinforcement 34 comprises at least one carcass layer, which in this case comprises only one carcass layer 36. In this example, the carcass reinforcement 34 consists of only one carcass layer 36.

[0119] Each of the working layers 24 and 26, namely the packaging layer 28 and the carcass layer 36, comprises an elastomer matrix in which one or more thread-reinforcement elements of the corresponding layer are embedded. These layers will be described below with reference to Figure 2.

[0120] The packaging reinforcement 22, in this case the packaging layer 28, is axially separated by two axial edges 28A and 28B of the packaging reinforcement 22. The packaging reinforcement 22 comprises one or more packaging thread reinforcing elements 280 that are spirally wound around the circumferential direction so as to extend axially from one axial edge 28A to the other axial edge 28B of the packaging layer 28 in the main direction D0 of each packaging thread reinforcing element 280. The main direction D0 makes an angle AF with the circumferential direction X of the tire 10 that is less than or equal to 10° in absolute value, preferably less than or equal to 7°, and more preferably less than or equal to 5°. Here, AF = -5°.

[0121] The radially inner actuation layer 24 is axially divided by two axial edges 24A and 24B. The radially inner actuation layer 24 includes actuation wire reinforcing elements 240 that extend axially from axial edge 24A to the other axial edge 24B in the principal direction D1, substantially parallel to each other. Similarly, the radially outer actuation layer 26 is axially divided by two axial edges 26A and 26B. The radially outer actuation layer 26 includes actuation wire reinforcing elements 260 that extend axially from axial edge 26A to the other axial edge 26B in the principal direction D2, substantially parallel to each other. The main direction D1 to which each operating thread reinforcing element 240 of the radially inner operating layer 24 extends, and the main direction D2 to which each operating thread reinforcing element 260 of the other radially outer operating layer 26 extend, form angles AT1 and AT2, respectively, opposite to the circumferential direction X of the tire 10. Each main direction D1 and D2 forms angles AT1 and AT2 with respect to the circumferential direction X of the tire 10, which are strictly greater than 10° in absolute value, preferably between 15° and 50°, and more preferably between 20° and 35°. Here, AT1 = -26° and AT2 = +26°.

[0122] The carcass layer 36 is axially divided by two axial edges 36A and 36B. The carcass layer 36 is provided with carcass thread reinforcing elements 340 that extend axially from one axial edge 36A to the other axial edge 36B in the main direction D3, which forms an angle AC with the circumferential direction X of the tire 10. The angle AC is 60° or more in absolute value, preferably between 80° and 90°, where AC = +90°.

[0123] Each packaging thread reinforcement element 280 conventionally comprises two multifiber plies, each consisting of an aliphatic polyamide monofiber ply, here composed of a multifiber ply made of nylon of a count corresponding to 140 tex, and an aromatic polyamide monofiber ply, here composed of a multifiber ply made of aramid of a count corresponding to 167 tex, where the two multifiber plies are advantageously wound around each other at 290 turns per meter in one direction and then wound around each other at 290 turns per meter in the opposite direction. These two multifiber plies are wound around each other in a spiral manner. Of course, any other packaging thread reinforcement elements known to those skilled in the art can also be used.

[0124] Each actuation wire reinforcement element 240, 260 is an assembly of four steel single fibers, comprising an inner layer of two steel single fibers initially wound spirally at an infinite pitch, and an outer layer of two steel single fibers initially wound spirally in one direction at a pitch of 14.3 mm, with the four single fibers then wound in the opposite direction at a pitch of 14.3 mm, and each steel single fiber having a diameter of 0.26 mm. In another variation, each actuation wire reinforcement element 240, 260 is composed of steel single fibers with a diameter of 0.30 mm. In yet another variation, each actuation wire reinforcement element is an assembly of two single fibers with a diameter of 0.30 mm, wound spirally around each other. More generally, the steel single fibers have diameters ranging from 0.25 mm to 0.32 mm. Of course, any other actuation wire reinforcement elements known to those skilled in the art can also be used.

[0125] Each carcass thread reinforcement element 340 conventionally comprises two multifiber plies, each multifiber ply comprising a single fiber ply of polyester, in this case PET, and these two multifiber plies are individually spirally wound in one direction at 270 turns per meter, and then spirally wound together in the opposite direction at 240 turns per meter. Each of these multifiber strands has a count equal to 334tex. In other variations, a count equal to 144tex and a twist equal to 420 turns per meter, or a count equal to 220tex and a twist equal to 270 turns per meter can be used.

[0126] Referring to Figures 1A, 1B, and 1C, the tire 10 includes a stiffening structure 50 comprising a plurality of stiffening elements 52 that extend continuously within a torus-shaped cavity 35. The stiffening elements 52 are distributed circumferentially within the torus-shaped cavity 35. The stiffening elements 52 are distributed circumferentially at repeating angular pitches between 1 and 5 degrees (inclusive), more preferably between 1 and 3 degrees (inclusive). As a result, depending on the dimensions of the tire 10, the stiffening structure 50 has between 72 and 360 stiffening elements 52, preferably between 120 and 360 stiffening elements 52, in this case 240 stiffening elements 52. The number of these stiffening elements 52 makes it possible to achieve a good trade-off between a number of stiffening elements that is sufficiently high to obtain effective reinforcement of the tire 10, and a number of stiffening elements 52 that is moderate enough to allow a corresponding number of passages 1500 to be placed in the core 1000 without excessively weakening the structure of the core 1000 or complicating extraction from the mold, as will be explained below.

[0127] Each reinforcing element 52 is a fabric thread reinforcement element, comprising an assembly of three polyester, here PET, multifiber plies, each of which is individually wound in one direction at 220 turns per meter, and then wound around each other in the opposite direction at 220 turns per meter. Each of these multifiber plies has a count equal to 220tex.

[0128] Each wire stiffening element 52 extends continuously within the crown 12 from the first side wall 30A and / or the first bead 32A to the second side wall 30B and / or the second bead 32B. The main direction in which each stiffening element 52 extends within the torus cavity 35 forms an angle of 85° to 90° in absolute value with the circumferential direction X.

[0129] The stiffening structure 50 also includes radially inward first and second reinforcing structures 60A, 60B on the first and second side walls 30A, 30B and / or the first and second beads 32A, 32B, respectively. Each of the radially inward first and second reinforcing structures 60A, 60B is separate from each of the first and second circumferential reinforcing elements 40A, 40B, which are located on the same side of the midline as each of the first and second side walls 30A, 30B. In this example, each of the radially inward first and second reinforcing structures 60A, 60B is located radially outward from each of the first and second circumferential reinforcing elements 40A, 40B, respectively.

[0130] Each of the radially inward first and second reinforcing structures 60A and 60B comprises first and second metal wire reinforcing elements 62A and 62B, respectively, each comprising an assembly of an inner layer of four 0.35 mm metal base single fibers spirally wound at a pitch of 5 mm and an outer layer of 0.35 mm metal base single fibers spirally wound around the inner layer at a pitch of 10 mm. Each wire reinforcing element 62A and 62B extends in the principal direction, as seen in Figures 3 and 4, to form an angle less than or equal to 10°, preferably less than or equal to 5°, here substantially zero, with respect to the circumferential direction X. For each of the first and second radially inward reinforcing structures 60A and 60B, the first and second wire reinforcing elements 62A and 62B are wound circumferentially around the pivot axis Y for a maximum of two full turns, here for a maximum of one full turn.

[0131] To ensure optimal fixation of each stiffening element 52, each of the first and second radially inward reinforcing structures 60A and 60B has relatively high rigidity during stretching and bending. Furthermore, to further optimize the fixation of each stiffening element 52, each of the first and second radially inward reinforcing structures 60A and 60B is embedded in one or more blocks of preferably elastomer material, and its nominal secant modulus at 10% stretch is 20 MPa or more, preferably 30 MPa or more, which is equal to 56 MPa here. Its measurement is carried out in accordance with the French standard NF T 46-002 (September 1988). The nominal secant modulus (or apparent stress in MPa units) calculated at 10% stretching for the initial cross-section of the test specimen is measured at the second stretch (i.e., after acceptance). This tensile measurement is performed under normal conditions of temperature (23±2℃) and relative humidity (50±5%) in accordance with the French standard NF T 40-101 (December 1979).

[0132] The stiffening structure 50 further includes first and second radially outer reinforcing structures 70A and 70B within the crown 12. The first and second radially outer reinforcing structures 70A and 70B are axially positioned on both sides of the central plane M of the tire 10, substantially symmetrically with respect to the central plane M of the tire 10. Each of the radially outer reinforcing structures 70A and 70B is positioned radially inward of the carcass reinforcement 34.

[0133] The first and second radially outer reinforcing structures 70A and 70B each comprise first and second fabric thread reinforcing elements 72A and 72B, each comprising an assembly of two multifiber plies, each composed of aromatic polyamide monofiber plies, here of aramid with a count corresponding to 330tex, and one multifiber ply, here of nylon with an aliphatic polyamide monofiber ply, here of 188tex, where each of these multifiber plies is individually spirally wound in one direction at 270 turns per meter, and then spirally wound around each other in the opposite direction at 270 turns per meter. These three multifiber strands are spirally wound around each other. Each of the thread reinforcing elements 72A and 72B extends in the principal direction, as seen in Figures 3 and 5, forming an angle with the circumferential direction X that is less than or equal to 10°, preferably less than or equal to 5°, here substantially zero. For each of the first and second radially outer reinforcing structures 70A and 70B, the first and second wire reinforcing elements 72A and 72B are wound circumferentially around the pivot axis Y over at least two complete turns and a maximum of ten complete turns, in this case over a maximum of four complete turns around the pivot axis.

[0134] To ensure optimal fixation of each stiffening element 52, each of the first and second radial outer reinforcing structures 70A and 70B has relatively high rigidity during extension and relatively low rigidity during bending, thereby limiting over-envelopment of the crown 12 and avoiding the risk of reducing the flatness of the tread 14. Furthermore, to further optimize the fixation of each stiffening element 52, each of the first and second radial outer reinforcing structures 70A and 70B is embedded in one or more blocks of preferably elastomer material, and its nominal secant modulus at 10% extension is 2.5 MPa or more, preferably 15 MPa or less, more preferably 10 MPa or less, more preferably 5 MPa or less, which is equal to 3 MPa.

[0135] Each stiffening element 52 is fixed in the first side wall 30A around the first radially inward reinforcing structure 60A and in the second side wall 30B around the second radially inward reinforcing structure 60B. Here, each stiffening element 52 is at least partially wrapped around the first and second wire reinforcing elements 62A and 62B, respectively. Each stiffening element 52 is also fixed in the crown 12 around the first and second radially outward reinforcing structures 70A and 70B, respectively. Here, each stiffening element 52 is at least partially wrapped around the first and second wire reinforcing elements 72A and 72B, respectively.

[0136] Each stiffening element 52 passes through the inner surface 33 at a first radially inner fixing point 54A fixed around the first radially inner reinforcing structure 60A and a first radially outer fixing point 56A fixed around the first radially outer reinforcing structure 70A. The stiffening element 52 also passes through the inner surface 33 at a second radially inner fixing point 54B fixed around the second radially inner reinforcing structure 60B and a second radially outer fixing point 56B fixed around the second radially outer reinforcing structure 70B.

[0137] Accordingly, each stiffening element 52 comprises portions 521 and 522 embedded in the respective side walls 30A and 30B, first and second portions 523 and 524 extending within the torus-shaped cavity 35 between a first radially inward fixing point 54A and a first radially outward fixing point 56A and between a second radially inward fixing point 54B and a second radially outward fixing point 56B, respectively, and a portion 525 embedded in the crown 12 between the first and second portions 523 and 524.

[0138] To ensure optimal fastening of each stiffening element, each section 521, 522 has a relatively long length, in this case 20 mm or more, and is coupled to each radially inner reinforcing structure 60A, 60B with a length of 1 mm or more.

[0139] As depicted in Figure 1A, the first radially outer fixing point 56A is on the same axial side with respect to the median plane M as the first radially inner fixing point 54A and the first radially inner structure 60A. The second radially outer fixing point 56B is on the same axial side with respect to the median plane M as the second radially inner fixing point 54B and the second radially inner structure 60B. Each of the first and second radially inner fixing points 54A, 54B and the first and second radially outer fixing points 56A, 56B is positioned so that the first and second portions 523, 524 do not cross over within the torus cavity 35.

[0140] The first and second radially outer fixing points 56A and 56B are located at axial distances D1 and D2, respectively, from the midline plane M of the tire 10 at a maximum of 0.45 × SW, preferably from 0.05 × SW to 0.45 × SW, where SW is the nominal section width of the tire 10. The nominal section width is as defined in the ETRTO 2020 standard manual and can be seen in the form SW / ARαVUβ in the markings applied to at least one of the sidewalls 30A and 30B of the tire 10, where SW specifies the nominal section width, AR specifies the nominal aspect ratio, α specifies the structure as R or ZR, V specifies the nominal rim diameter, U specifies the load index, and β specifies the speed rating. Here, D1 = D2 = 45 mm.

[0141] The first and second radially inward fixing points 54A and 54B are located at radial distances B1 and B2, respectively, from the innermost radial point of the tire 10, from 0.10 × H to 0.50 × H, preferably from 0.10 × H to 0.35 × H, where SW is the nominal section width and AR is the nominal aspect ratio of the tire, in accordance with the ETRTO 2020 standard manual. The nominal section width SW and nominal aspect ratio AR are found in the dimensional markings on the sidewall of the tire, in accordance with the ETRTO 2020 standard manual. Here, B1 = B2 = 30 mm.

[0142] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the stiffening element 52 forms a continuous reinforcing element that shows a plow-like path between the first side wall 30A and the second side wall 30B within the crown 12. Alternatively, separate and thus discontinuous stiffening elements 52 can also be envisioned.

[0143] Figure 6 shows a tire according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Elements similar to those in the tire according to the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0144] Unlike the tire according to the first embodiment, the stiffening structure 50 of the tire 10 according to the second embodiment comprises first and second stiffening elements 52A and 52B, which are separate from each other. Each stiffening element 52A is fixed around a first radially inner reinforcing structure 60A located on the first side wall 30A and around a first radially outer reinforcing structure 70A located on the crown 12. Each second stiffening element 52B is fixed around a second radially inner reinforcing structure 60B located on the second side wall 30B and around a second radially outer reinforcing structure 70B located on the crown 12, such that each first stiffening element 52A extends continuously within the torus cavity 35 from the first side wall 30A to the crown 12, and each second stiffening element 52B extends continuously within the torus cavity 35 from the second side wall 30B to the crown 12.

[0145] The first stiffening element 52A forms a first continuous reinforcing element so as to indicate a plow-like path between the first side wall 30A and the crown 12. The second stiffening element 52B forms a second continuous reinforcing element so as to indicate a plow-like path between the second side wall 30B and the crown 12.

[0146] Each of the first and second stiffening elements 52A and 52B comprises first and second portions 521A and 521B embedded in the first and second side walls 30A and 30B, respectively; first and second portions 523A and 524B extending within the torus-shaped cavity 35 between the first radially inward fixing point 54A and the first radially outward fixing point 56A and between the second radially inward fixing point 54B and the second radially outward fixing point 56B, respectively; and first and second portions 525A and 525B embedded in the crown 12. For clarity, in Figure 6, portions 523A' and 523B' of the first and second portions of the stiffening elements 52A' and 52B' are continuous with each of the first and second stiffening elements 52A and 52B, respectively, but are shown outside the meridional section of Figure 6.

[0147] Similar to the first embodiment, the first radially outer fixing point 56A is on the same axial side with respect to the median plane M as the first radially inner fixing point 54A and the first radially inner structure 60A. The second radially outer fixing point 56B is positioned on the same axial side with respect to the median plane M as the second radially inner fixing point 54B and the second radially inner structure 60B. Each of the first and second radially inner fixing points 54A, 54B and the radially outer fixing points 56A, 56B is positioned so that the first and second portions 523A, 523B do not cross over within the torus cavity 35.

[0148] In a variation of the second embodiment (not shown), an embodiment can be envisioned that is similar to the second embodiment, but instead of having two radially outer reinforcing structures, the stiffening structure 50 has a single radially outer reinforcing structure, similar to the third embodiment described below.

[0149] Figure 7 shows a tire according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Elements similar to those in the conventional embodiment of the tire are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0150] Unlike the tire according to the first embodiment, the stiffening structure of the tire 10 according to the third embodiment includes a single radial outer reinforcing structure 73. Each stiffening element 52 is fixed around a first radial inner reinforcing structure 60A, around a radial outer reinforcing structure 73 within the crown 12, and around a second radial inner reinforcing structure 60B, so as to extend continuously within the crown 12 from a first side wall 30A to a second side wall 30B.

[0151] Figure 8 shows a tire according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Elements similar to those in the conventional embodiment of the tire are designated by the same reference numeral.

[0152] Unlike the first embodiment, the stiffening structure 50 comprises an axially outward fixed stiffening element 52 and an axially inward fixed stiffening element 53. The stiffening structure 52 comprises first and second radially outward reinforcing structures 70A and 70B arranged on both sides of the median plane M and substantially symmetrical with respect to the median plane M.

[0153] Each axially externally fixed stiffening element 52 is fixed around the first radially internal reinforcing structure 60A, around the first and second radially external reinforcing structures 70A, 70B, and around the second radially internal reinforcing structure 60B, so that it extends continuously within the crown 12 from the first side wall 30A to the second side wall 30B. Each axially externally fixed stiffening element 52 includes a first portion 523 that extends within the torus cavity 35 between a first radially internal fixing point 54A, through the inner surface 33 to which each axially externally fixed stiffening element 52 is fixed around the first radially internal reinforcing structure 60A, and a first radially external fixing point 56A, through the inner surface 33 to which each axially externally fixed stiffening element 52 is fixed around the first and second radially external reinforcing structures 70A, 70B. Each axially-outer fixing stiffener element 52 includes a second portion 524 that extends within the torus-shaped cavity 35 between a second radially-inner fixing point 54B, to which each axially-outer fixing stiffener element 52 passes through the inner surface 33 and is fixed around the second radially-inner reinforcing structure 60B, and a second radially-outer fixing point 56B, to which each axially-outer fixing stiffener element 52 passes through the inner surface 33 and is fixed around the first and second radially-outer reinforcing structures 70A, 70B.

[0154] Each axially inward fixing stiffener element 53 is fixed around the first radially inward reinforcing structure 60A, around the first and second radially outward reinforcing structures 70A, 70B, and around the second radially inward reinforcing structure 60B, such that each second stiffener element 53 extends continuously within the crown 12 from the first side wall 30A to the second side wall 30B. Each axially inward fixing stiffener element 53 includes a first portion 533 that extends within the torus-shaped cavity 35 between a first radially inward fixing point 55A, to which each axially inward fixing stiffener element 53 passes through the inner surface 33 and is fixed around the first radially inward reinforcing structure 60A, and a first radially outward fixing point 57A, to which each axially inward fixing stiffener element 53 passes through the inner surface 33 and is fixed around the first and second radially outward reinforcing structures 70A, 70B. Each axially inward fixing stiffener element 53 includes a first portion 534 that extends within the torus-shaped cavity 35 between a second radially inward fixing point 55B, to which each axially inward fixing stiffener element 53 passes through the inner surface 33 and is fixed around the second radially inward reinforcing structure 60B, and a second radially outward fixing point 57B, to which each axially inward fixing stiffener element 53 passes through the inner surface 33 and is fixed around the first and second radially outward reinforcing structures 70A, 70B.

[0155] In a manner similar to the first embodiment, the first and second radially inward fixing points 54A, 55A, 54B, 55B and the first and second radially outward fixing points 56A, 57A, 56B, 57B relating to each axially inward fixing stiffening element 53 and axially outward fixing stiffening element 52 are arranged such that portion 533 and portion 534 do not cross over within the torus cavity, and portion 523 and portion 524 do not cross over within the torus cavity, the first radially outward fixing points 56A, 57A and the first radially inward fixing points 54A, 55A are axially positioned on the same side of the midline plane of the tire, and the second radially outward fixing points 56B, 57B and the second radially inward fixing points 54B, 55B are axially positioned on the same other side of the midline plane of the tire.

[0156] Each of the first and second radially outward fixing points 57A and 57B relating to each axially outward fixing stiffening element 53 is located axially inward of each of the first and second radially outward fixing points 56A and 56B relating to each axially outward fixing stiffening element 52.

[0157] Note that each first radially inward fixing point 55A and each first radially inward fixing point 54A are aligned on the same circumferential line in the radial and axial directions. Similarly, each second radially inward fixing point and each second radially inward fixing point 54B are aligned on the same circumferential line in the radial and axial directions.

[0158] Note that each of the first and second radially inner and outer fixing points 55A, 55B, 57A, and 57B lies in the same meridional cross-section as each of the first and second radially inner fixing points and each of the first and second radially outer fixing points 54A, 54B, 56A, and 56B. In deformations not shown, it can similarly be assumed that each of the first and second radially inner and outer fixing points 55A, 55B, 57A, and 57B lies in a different meridional cross-section than each of the first and second radially inner fixing points and each of the first and second radially outer fixing points 54A, 54B, 56A, and 56B.

[0159] In this fourth embodiment, the first and second radially inward fixing reinforcement structures 60A and 60B relating to each axially inward fixing stiffening element 53 are, respectively, the first and second radially inward fixing reinforcement structures 60A and 60B relating to each axially outward fixing stiffening element 52. Furthermore, the first and second radially outward fixing reinforcement structures 70A and 70B relating to each axially inward fixing stiffening element 53 are the radially outward reinforcement structures 70A and 70B relating to each axially outward fixing stiffening element 52. In the variant, they can be assumed to be separate entities.

[0160] Figure 9 shows a tire according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Elements similar to those in the conventional embodiment of the tire are designated by the same reference numeral.

[0161] Unlike the fourth embodiment, the stiffening structure 50 comprises radially and axially outward fixed stiffening elements 52 and radially and axially inward fixed stiffening elements 53. The stiffening structure 50 comprises a first radially outward fixed reinforcing structure 60A for each radially and axially outward fixed stiffening element 52 within the first side wall 30A, and a first radially inward fixed reinforcing structure 61A for each radially and axially inward fixed stiffening element 53 within the first side wall 30A, the reinforcing structure 61A being distinguished from the first radially outward reinforcing structure 60A and the first circumferential reinforcing element 40A. The stiffening structure 50 also comprises a second radially outer fixing reinforcing structure 60B for each radially and axially outer fixing stiffening element 52 within the second side wall 30B, and a second radially inner fixing reinforcing structure 61B for each radially and axially inner fixing stiffening element 53 within the second side wall 30B, the reinforcing structure 61B being distinguished from the second radially outer reinforcing structure 60B and the second circumferential reinforcing element 40B.

[0162] Unlike the fourth embodiment, each of the first and second radially inward fixing points 55A, 55B of each radially and axially inward fixing stiffening element 53 is located radially inward of the first and second radially inward fixing points 54A, 54B of each radially and axially outward fixing stiffening element 52.

[0163] Note that the first and second radially outer fixing points 57A and 57B, respectively, and the first and second first radially outer fixing points 56A and 56B, respectively, are offset from each other in the axial direction. In deformation, it can be assumed that they are aligned on the same circumferential line in the radial and axial directions.

[0164] Note that each of the first and second radially internal reinforcing structures 60A and 60B is distinct from each of the first and second radially internal reinforcing structures 61A and 61B. In this example, each radially internal reinforcing structure 60A, 60B, 61A, and 61B comprises separate and discontinuous thread reinforcing elements 62A, 62B, 63A, and 63B from the thread reinforcing elements of the other radially internal reinforcing structure located in the same sidewall and / or the same bead. In the deformation, it can be assumed that these radially internal reinforcing structures are the same.

[0165] Figures 10-13 show a tire according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Elements similar to those in the conventional embodiment of the tire are designated with the same reference numerals.

[0166] Unlike previous embodiments, each of the first and second radially inward reinforcing structures 60A, 60B comprises respective portions 34A1, 34B1 of a carcass reinforcing body 34 extending radially from each of the side walls 30A, 30B. In this example, each stiffening element 52A, 52B is at least partially wrapped around the carcass wire reinforcing element 340 of each portion 34A1, 34B1 of the carcass reinforcing body 34 extending radially from each of the side walls 30A, 30B.

[0167] In a similar manner, each of the first and second radially outer reinforcing structures 70A and 70B comprises respective portions 34A2 and 34B2 of a carcass reinforcing body 34 extending axially within the crown. In this example, each stiffening element 52A and 52B is at least partially wrapped around the carcass wire reinforcing elements 340 of each portion 34A2 and 34B2 of the carcass reinforcing body 34 extending axially within the crown.

[0168] Unlike previous embodiments, in this sixth embodiment, each of the first and second stiffening elements 52A, 52B is fixed within, but not around, the first and second radially inward reinforcing structures 60A, 60B and the first and second radially outward reinforcing structures 70A, 70B, respectively, which are formed by the corresponding portions 34A1, 34B1, 34A2, 34B2 of the carcass reinforcing body 34.

[0169] Figure 14 shows a tire according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. Elements similar to those in the conventional embodiment of the tire are designated by the same reference numeral.

[0170] Unlike the first embodiment, the first and second beads 32A and 32B each include circumferential reinforcing elements 40A1, 40A2 and 40B1, 40B2, respectively, which enable the fixation of the carcass reinforcement 34. Each of these circumferential reinforcing elements is a continuous thread reinforcing element having multiple circumferential windings around a pivot axis that is radially superimposed on one another.

[0171] Of course, embodiments can be envisioned that include the same circumferential reinforcing elements as the seventh embodiment, which is combined with the stiffening structures of the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth embodiments.

[0172] Official Exam

[0173] To demonstrate the advantages of the present invention with respect to the durability of the stiffening structure, a tire 10 according to the first embodiment was compared with a prior art tire R, which has dimensions of 275 / 35R19 and is described in WO2020 / 128225. Each of tires 10 and R was mounted on a nominal rim and inflated to a pressure equal to 250 kPa. The test was then conducted under load / speed conditions similar to the load / speed performance test described in Appendix VII of EEC-UNO Rule 30, but under more severe load and speed conditions. Subsequently, the number of kilometers traveled until the first detachment of the stiffening element was observed was recorded. This number of kilometers is referenced to a baseline value of 100, which corresponds to the number of kilometers traveled for the prior art tire R; therefore, a number of kilometers exceeding 100 represents an improvement in the durability of the stiffening structure.

[0174] For example, a tire passes the test if it is suitable for use after a kilometer threshold set by each manufacturer as a function of its specifications, such as between 10,000 km and 50,000 km. When a conventional tire R was tested under the above conditions, after driving a number of kilometers less than the determined kilometer threshold, the conventional tire R became unusable due to pressure drop associated with structural deterioration. In contrast, the tire 10 according to the first embodiment exceeded the kilometer threshold without deterioration and was able to withstand even more kilometers.

[0175] The radial stiffness Kzz, axial stiffness Kyy, and cornering stiffness D(z) were also compared for tire 10 and tire R according to the first embodiment. These stiffnesses are substantially the same as those of a tire with dimensions 275 / 35R19 described in WO2020 / 128225, and are far better than the stiffness of conventional tires without a stiffening structure.

[0176] To illustrate additional and optional advantages of embodiments that achieve good tread flattening, a tire 10 according to the first embodiment was compared with a control tire R' also conforming to the present invention, in which the first radially outer fixing point is positioned on the axial opposite side of the first radially inner structure relative to the midline plane of the tire, and the second radially outer fixing point is positioned on the axial opposite side of the second radially inner structure relative to the midline plane of the tire, so that portions 523 and 524 cross over within the torus cavity 35. Each of the tires 10 and R' was subjected to a given lateral force F, mounted on a nominal rim, and inflated to a pressure equal to 250 kPa. The contact area of ​​each tire 10 and R' with the ground was simulated under a load exceeding the nominal load to simulate load transmission equivalent to that observed on the outer wheel of a vehicle dealing with a turning section. Note in Figures 15 and 16 that tire 10 has fewer axial bending zones than the control tire R'. Figures 17 and 18 show the axial limits of each rib in the tread of tire 10 as dashed lines, allowing for a comparison of their contact areas. It can be seen that each rib in the tread of tire 10 has a contact area width that is significantly larger than that of the corresponding rib in tire R'. As described above, the fact that portions 523 and 524 cross over within the torus-shaped cavity of tire R' results in the appearance of multiple axial bending zones in the tread, and therefore, in particular, the axial width of the rib in contact with the ground is reduced due to the radial displacement of the axial edge of each rib in the space formed by the longitudinal groove of the tread defined by the axial edge of each rib.

[0177] Herein, we will describe the tools and methods that enable the manufacture of tires according to the present invention.

[0178] To manufacture the tire 10 according to the first embodiment, the tools and methods described below are used.

[0179] As shown in Figures 19A, 19B and 20A, 20B, the tool comprises a torus-shaped core 1000, a convex outer receiving surface 1000_out around its main axis Z10, a radially outer crown zone 1100 intended to receive a part comprising a crown 12, a first lateral zone 1200 curved toward the main axis Z10 of the torus-shaped core and intended to receive components of a first side wall 30A and a first bead 32A, and a second lateral zone 1300 curved toward the main axis Z10 of the torus-shaped core and intended to receive components of a second side wall 30B and a second bead 32B.

[0180] As a result, the core 1000 is separated from the outside by the receiving surface 1000_out and defines a so-called retained volume corresponding to the internal cavity 35. In this way, the core 1000 can temporarily occupy a volume corresponding to the internal cavity 35 during tire manufacturing, and thus retain this volume, which becomes the internal cavity 35.

[0181] The core 1000 has a plurality of passages 1500 that extend below the receiving surface 1000_out inside the retaining volume and open above the receiving surface 1000_out, each of which has a passage 1500 that connects the crown zone 1100 of the receiving surface 1000_out to one of the first and second lateral zones 1200, 1300 so that the core 10 can receive the stiffening element 52 into the passage 1500. The grooves 1500 are blind grooves and have a solid bottom 1900 located below the receiving surface 1000_out in the retaining volume.

[0182] In particular as can be seen in Figure 20A, the core 1000 comprises an assembly consisting of a plurality of annular subassemblies 2100, 2200, and 2300, each comprising: i) a first annular subassembly 2100 called the central crown 2100, which forms the central portion of the crown zone 1100 of the receiving surface 1000_out intended to receive one or more components of the crown 12; ii) a second annular subassembly 2200 called the left ear portion 2200, which encloses a groove 1500 that forms a passage toward a stiffening element 52 that connects a first side wall 30A to the crown 12; and iii) a third annular subassembly 2300 called the right ear portion 2300, which encloses a groove 1500 that forms a passage toward a stiffening element 52 that connects a second side wall 30B to the crown 12.

[0183] Each of the annular subassemblies 2100, 2200, and 2300 is angularly divided into sectors 2400, 2500, 2600, 2800, 2900, 2500, 2500, 2500, 2600, 2700, 2800, and 2900 around the azimuth of the main axis Z10, with so-called "key" sectors 2400, 2600, 2800, and 2900 alternating with so-called "vault" sectors 2500, 2700, and 2900, which are held in place and locked by the keys 2400, 2600, and 2800 and designed to be easily operated after the keys 2400, 2600, and 2800 are removed and released. The central ring 2100 is divided into multiple ring keys 2400 and ring vaults 2500. The lug keys 2600 and 2800 and the lug vaults 2700 and 2900 are both preferably made of a metal alloy, more preferably an aluminum alloy.

[0184] The method for manufacturing the tire 10 is, in practice, equivalent to using the tools described above. The method comprises a preparation step (S0) for preparing the tools. During the preparation step (S0), as shown in Figures 20A and 20B, the key 2400 and the bolt 2500 are assembled to form the central ring, and thereafter, the continuous lug keys 2600, 2800 and lug bolts 2700, 2900 are fixed onto the respective clearance surfaces 3200, 3300 to form the lugs 2200, 2300.

[0185] The method then comprises a step (S2) of fitting the stiffening elements 52, during which the stiffening elements 52 are passed through each passage 1500. For this purpose, the stiffening elements 52 are arranged continuously along the plow-type path through the continuous passage 1500, where the continuous stiffening elements 52 are inserted into the groove 1500, and as can be seen in Figure 21, the continuous stiffening elements 52 are positioned by emerging above the receiving surface 1000_out at the level of radially inner fixing points 54A, 54B and radially outer fixing points 56A, 56B in the crown zone 1100 and lateral zones 1200, 1300. In this case, at a stage not shown, the method includes a protection step (S3) using a penetration prevention device (not shown), which cooperates with the core 1000 to form an obstacle to penetration of the components of the crown 12, side walls 30A, 30B and beads 32A, 32B into the groove 1500 into which the stiffening element 52 engages during the mounting step (S4) and the curing step (S5). This type of penetration prevention device may include an element for filling the groove 1500, or a masking band or shell placed across the groove to cover the groove 1500.

[0186] The method then comprises a mounting step (S4) in which the components of the crown 12, side walls 30A, 30B, and beads 32A, 32B are placed on the receiving surface 1000_out. These components include bands or layers based on polymer compounds, and thread reinforcing elements make it possible to form various layers of the tire 10.

[0187] The method then includes a curing step (S5), during which the core 1000 and the preform of the tire 10 supported by the core 1000 are placed in a curing mold and the components are vulcanized.

[0188] The method then includes an extraction step (S6) from the mold, during which the core 1000 of the tire 10 is detached, particularly as shown in the extraction sequence in Figures 22A to 22F, leaving the stiffening element 52 in place in the internal cavity 35. This part is removed and gradually extracted, freeing the tire 10. The extraction from the mold step (S6) first comprises a first sub-step of removing the center ring 2100, during which the key 2400 is removed radially from the center ring to release the lugs 2200, 2300, and then the bolt 2500 of the center ring is removed, such that the sectors 2600, 2700, 2800, 2900 of the lugs 2200, 2300 are accessible from inside the tire 10, as shown in Figure 22A, and then comprises a second sub-step of removing the first lug 2200, during which the key 2600 of one of the left and right lugs is removed from the internal cavity 35 to release the corresponding portion of the internal cavity 35 and the stiffening element 52 located in that portion, and then the bolt 2700 of the lug 2200 is removed from the internal cavity 35, and then comprises a third sub-step of removing the other lug 2300, which is performed similarly to the second sub-step. Here, sectors 2600, 2700, 2800, and 2900 are achieved by axial extraction movement in translation M_A, as shown in Figure 22B, when the side walls of groove 1500 are generated in the axial direction generatrix DG_A, which is collinear with the main axis Z10. Following the axial extraction movement of translation M_A, these sectors 2600, 2700, 2800, and 2900 can be moved at a pitch M_B around an axis perpendicular to the sagittal meridional plane, as shown in Figures 22D and 22E. When sectors 2600, 2700, 2800, and 2900 detach from the stiffening element 52, the extraction sequence can be freely completed from inside the tire 10 by radial movement, for example, as shown in Figure 22F, which moves these sectors 2600, 2700, 2800, and 2900 toward the main axis Z10, thereby completely removing these sectors from the tire 10. The penetration prevention device can be removed sequentially after removing sectors 2600 and 2700 of ear portion 2200, or after releasing ear portions 2200 and 2300 respectively.For example, in the case of masking bands, they can be removed by a spiral sliding mechanism that inserts the masking bands into the space contained between two continuous stiffening elements 52.

[0189] After the preparation stage (S0) and before stage (S2), the method comprises a pre-installation stage (S1) during which, as shown in Figure 21, the radially inner reinforcing structures 60A, 60B and radially outer reinforcing structures 70A, 70B are placed in the lateral zones 1200, 1300 and crown zone 1100 of the receiving surface 1000_out of the core 1000, facing the radially inner fixing points 54A, 54B and radially outer fixing points 56A, 56B. The loops forming portions 521, 522 are found to be captured on the radially inner reinforcing structures 60A, 60B and other adjacent components of the tire 10 placed in the lateral zones 1200, 1300, while portion 525 is found to be captured on the radially outer reinforcing structures 70A, 70B and other adjacent components of the tire 10.

[0190] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0191] In fact, it is certainly conceivable that the second embodiment could be combined with the fourth and fifth embodiments.

[0192] Without departing from the scope of the present invention, for example, the use of a cavity noise absorber fixed to the tire mounting support or the tire itself can be envisioned to reduce tire cavity noise. Such noise absorbers are described in particular in WO2018046376, WO2013182477, WO201051203, EP2660075, EP1253025, EP1876038, and EP3406462. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0193] 10 tires 12 Crown 35 Torus-shaped cavity 50 Stiffening structure 52 Reinforcement elements M Tire midline

Claims

1. The tire comprises a crown (12) extending radially inward by two side walls (30A, 30B) and then by two beads (32A, 32B), and each bead (32A, 32B) comprises at least one circumferential reinforcing element (40A, 40B) which enables the tire (10) to be mounted onto a mounting support for the tire (10), The aforementioned tire (10) The inner surface (33) that defines the torus-shaped expansion cavity (35) of the tire, A stiffening structure (50) comprising at least one stiffening element (52; 52A, 52B; 53) that extends continuously within the torus-shaped expansion cavity (35) from at least one of the side walls (30A, 30B) of the bead (32A, 32B) to at least the crown (12), A tire (10) having, The stiffening elements (52; 52A, 52B; 53) or each stiffening element (52; 52A, 52B; 53) At least one radially inner reinforcing structure (60A, 60B; 61A, 61B) disposed on the side wall (30A, 30B) and / or the bead (32A, 32B), wherein the at least one radially inner reinforcing structure (60A, 60B; 61A, 61B) is distinguished from the circumferential reinforcing elements (40A, 40B) or each circumferential reinforcing element (40A, 40B) located on the same side of the side wall (30A, 30B) and / or the bead (32A, 32B) and the midline plane (M) of the tire (10), The crown (12) is provided with at least one radially outer reinforcing structure (70A, 70B; 73), To be fixed to, or fixed around them A tire (10) characterized by the following features.

2. The stiffening elements (52; 53) or each stiffening element (52; 53) A first radially inward reinforcing structure (60A; 61A) positioned on the first side wall (30A) and / or the first bead (32A), wherein the first radially inward reinforcing structure (60A; 61A) is distinguished from the circumferential reinforcing element (40A) or each circumferential reinforcing element (40A) located on the same first side of the first side wall (30A) and / or the first bead (32B) of the midline plane (M) of the tire (10), The radially outer reinforcing structure (70A, 70B; 73) or a plurality of such radially outer reinforcing structures (70A, 70B; 73) within the crown (12), A second radially inward reinforcing structure (60B; 61B) positioned on the second side wall (30B) and / or the second bead (32B) located on the other side of the first side wall (30A) and / or the first bead (32A) with respect to the median plane (M) of the tire (10), wherein the second radially inward reinforcing structure (60B; 61B) is distinguished from the circumferential reinforcing element (40B) or each circumferential reinforcing element (40B) located on the same second side of the median plane (M) of the tire (10), They are fixed to, or fixed around them. To that end, the stiffening elements (52; 53) or each stiffening element (52; 53) extends continuously over a long distance within the crown (12) from the first side wall (30A) and / or the first bead (32A) to the second side wall (30B) and / or the second bead (32B). The tire (10) according to claim 1.

3. The stiffening elements (52; 53) or each stiffening element (52; 53) The first radially inward reinforcing structure (60A; 61A), The first and second radially outer reinforcing structures (70A, 70B; 73) within the crown (12), The second radially inward reinforcing structure (60B; 61B), To be fixed to, or fixed around them The tire (10) according to feature 2.

4. The stiffening elements (52; 52A, 52B; 53) or each stiffening element (52; 52A, 52B; 53) The stiffening elements (52; 52A, 52B; 53) or each stiffening element (52; 52A, 52B; 53) are fixed to or around the first radially inner reinforcing structure (60A; 61A) by first radially inner fixing points (54A; 55A) passing through the inner surface (33), The stiffening element (52; 52A, 52B; 53) or each stiffening element (52; 52A, 52B; 53) is fixed to or around the radially outer reinforcing structure (70A, 70B; 73) or a plurality of such radially outer reinforcing structures (70A, 70B; 73) via a first radially outer fixing point (56A; 57A) passing through the inner surface (33), The torus-shaped expansion cavity (35) has a portion (523) that extends between them, The stiffening elements (52; 52A, 52B; 53) or each stiffening element (52; 52A, 52B; 53) The stiffening elements (52; 52A, 52B; 53) or each stiffening element (52; 52A, 52B; 53) are fixed to or around the second radially inner reinforcing structure (60B; 61B) by second radially inner fixing points (54B; 55B) passing through the inner surface (33), The stiffening element (52; 52A, 52B; 53) or each stiffening element (52; 52A, 52B; 53) is fixed to or around the radially outer reinforcing structure (70A, 70B; 73) or a plurality of such radially outer reinforcing structures (70A, 70B; 73) via a second radially outer fixing point (56B; 57B) passing through the inner surface (33), The torus-shaped expansion cavity (35) has a portion (524) that extends between them, Each of the first and second radially inward fixing points (54A, 54B; 55A, 55B) and radially outward fixing points (56A, 56B; 57A, 57B) is, The first radially outer fixing point and radially inner fixing point (54A, 56A; 55A, 57A) are on the same side in the axial direction of the central plane (M) of the tire (10), The second radially outer fixing point and radially inner fixing point (54B, 56B; 55B, 57B) are on the same other side in the axial direction of the midline plane (M) of the tire (10), and The portion (523) extending between the first radially outer fixing point and radially inner fixing point (54A, 56A; 55A, 57A) and the portion (524) extending between the second radially outer fixing point and radially inner fixing point (54B, 56B; 55B, 57B) do not cross over within the torus-shaped expansion cavity (35). It is like that, The tire (10) according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The tire (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the stiffening structure (50) comprises a plurality of stiffening elements (52; 53) that form a continuous stiffening element between the first side wall (30A) and / or the first bead (32A) and the second side wall (30B) and / or the second bead (32B) to pass through the crown (12).

6. The tire (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the stiffening elements (52; 52A, 52B; 53) or each stiffening element (52; 52A, 52B; 53) is a fibrous reinforcing element.

7. The tire (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the radially inner reinforcing structure (60A, 60B; 61A, 61B) or each radially inner reinforcing structure (60A, 60B; 61A, 61B) and / or the radially outer reinforcing structure (70A, 70B; 73) or each radially outer reinforcing structure (70A, 70B; 73) comprises at least one fibrous reinforcing element (62A, 62B, 72A, 72B; 63A, 63B) extending along a principal direction that forms an angle less than or equal to 10° with the circumferential direction (X) of the tire (10).

8. The tire (10) has a substantially torus shape around the pivot axis, The fibrous reinforcing elements (62A, 62B; 63A, 63B) of the radially inward reinforcing structure (60A, 60B; 61A, 61B) are wound around the pivot axis over a maximum of two complete turns. The tire (10) according to feature 7.

9. The tire (10) has a substantially torus shape around the pivot axis, The radial outer reinforcing structures (70A, 70B; 73) or the fibrous reinforcing elements (72A, 72B) of each radial outer reinforcing structure (70A, 70B; 73) are wound circumferentially over at least two complete turns around the pivot axis and over up to 10 complete turns around the pivot axis. The tire (10) according to claim 7 or 8.

10. The tire (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the stiffening element (52; 52A, 52B; 53) or each stiffening element (52; 52A, 52B; 53) is at least partially wrapped around the fibrous reinforcing element (62A, 62B, 72A, 72B; 63A, 63B) or each fibrous reinforcing element (62A, 62B, 72A, 72B; 63A, 63B).

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