Tire comprising a sidewall insert

By designing anchoring devices with circumferential recesses and protrusions in the outer sidewall layer of the tire axial direction, the problems of difficult installation and easy detachment of tire sidewall inserts are solved, achieving stable attachment and simplified manufacturing, and enhancing the personalized design effect.

CN116249627BActive Publication Date: 2025-12-05MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202180067375.8
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2020-10-01
Filing Date
2021-09-28
Publication Date
2025-12-05
Estimated Expiration
2041-09-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing tire sidewall designs, colored rubber compositions are prone to migration and discoloration, mechanical friction leads to deterioration, manufacturing is complex and mechanical properties are affected, and inserts are difficult to install and are prone to detachment and deformation.

Method used

An anchoring device with circumferential recesses and protrusions is designed in the axial outer sidewall of the tire to fix the sidewall insert. The recess depth Pc is at least 2 mm and the width Lc is at most 15% of the tire's nominal section height. The protrusions ensure that the insert contacts and is clamped on the axial inner surface. The material is selected as deformable material such as rubber or silicone resin.

Benefits of technology

It enables stable installation and attachment of the sidewall insert, reduces the risk of deformation and detachment, avoids increased aerodynamic drag and decreased mechanical performance, and simplifies the manufacturing process.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The subject of the present invention is a tire (1) comprising at least one sidewall (3) intended to cooperate with a sidewall insert (9) by means of anchoring means (6) and aiming at customizing the design of the tire sidewall. According to the invention, the anchoring means (6) comprising a recess (7) formed in the axially outer sidewall layer (30) comprise a protrusion (8) which is raised with respect to the recess bottom (71) and which extends from the recess bottom (71) to the vicinity of the axially outer face of the sidewall (31), the protrusion (8) having a minimum width Lpmin in any meridian plane (YZ) in the vicinity of the recess bottom (71), thereby ensuring anchoring of the sidewall insert (9) intended to cooperate with the anchoring means (6).
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tire, and more specifically, to a tire intended for use on a light four-wheeled vehicle (motor vehicle, van) or a two-wheeled vehicle (motorcycle) and comprising at least one sidewall having a sidewall insert designed to personalize the design of the tire sidewall. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicle manufacturers and users continue to focus on personalizing tire sidewall designs using color devices and / or additional elements (referred to as inserts in this application).

[0003] Known coloring devices are colored rubber compositions, such as white compositions, present in the tire sidewall and contrasting with the black of adjacent rubber compositions. However, this approach has several drawbacks. First, certain chemical components (e.g., protective components) present in the rubber compositions of adjacent coloring devices may migrate into the colored rubber composition, causing it to gradually lose its color over time. Additionally, sidewall deformation throughout the tire's lifespan can cause cracking to begin at the colored rubber composition, deteriorating its appearance. Furthermore, the machinery used to mount the tire to its rim can also cause the colored rubber composition to deteriorate due to friction against the machinery. Finally, from an industrial perspective, manufacturing tires that include different colored portions is more complex.

[0004] Among known inserts, document EP 2692542B1 describes a decorative ring intended for installation between the tire bead and the rim. However, the installation of this ring is tricky due to its location. Furthermore, the presence of the ring between the tire bead and the rim can alter the tire's mechanical properties, and consequently, the vehicle's mechanical properties. Finally, to install the ring correctly, there is a risk that the rim geometry needs to be adapted, meaning the rim geometry will no longer conform to the standard rim profile for which the tire was designed.

[0005] Document US 3128815 describes another type of insert designed to be detachably engaged with the tire sidewall in the form of a tire cover element. This cover element can be secured to the sidewall by various means, such as its ends engaging within the sidewall, or by anchoring devices that bulge or recess relative to the sidewall. Moreover, the cover element covers a significant portion of the sidewall, typically at least one-third of the sidewall surface area, and is more specifically arranged in the radially inner section of the sidewall between the outermost axial point of the sidewall and the rim flange. However, because this cover element is located in a highly deflective area of ​​the tire, it is prone to deformation and detachment from the sidewall as the tire travels.

[0006] Document JPH11151918 also describes a removable colored insert designed to be secured to the tire sidewall in the radially outer segment near the tread via an attachment device recessed relative to the sidewall surface. However, because the geometry of the insert may be insufficient compared to the geometry of the attachment device recess (depending on the inflation pressure or the rim width), this attachment device may make it difficult to install the insert onto the tire when it is mounted on its rim and inflated. Furthermore, the locking of the insert in the sidewall may change as the tire travels, for example, under large lateral accelerations, posing a risk of the insert being ejected. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The inventors aim to provide a tire that is equipped with at least one sidewall insert that improves the mounting and attachment of the sidewall.

[0008] This objective has been achieved by tires for light vehicles, designed to be mounted on rims and capable of being equipped with at least one sidewall insert, having a nominal cross-section of height H and comprising:

[0009] - The tire crown is attached to the two sides of the two tire beads, each tire bead designed to contact the rim.

[0010] - At least one sidewall including an anchoring device designed to interact with at least one sidewall insert.

[0011] - An anchoring device that extends at least partially circumferentially along the circumferential direction of the tire and includes a recess formed in the axial outer tire sidewall layer, the axial outer tire sidewall layer comprising at least one rubber material and extending axially from the axial outer tire sidewall toward the inner sidewall.

[0012] - A recess, which is defined axially by the inwardly extending bottom of the recess and radially by two recess walls.

[0013] The recess has a depth Pc in any meridional plane including the tire's axis of rotation, the maximum distance measured perpendicularly between the axial tire sidewall and the bottom of the recess, and a width Lc between the two recess walls measured at the axial tire sidewall, wherein the depth Pc is at least equal to 2 mm and the width Lc is at most equal to 15% of the tire's nominal section height H.

[0014] - The anchoring device includes a protrusion that protrudes relative to the bottom of the recess and extends from the bottom of the recess to near the axial tire sidewall.

[0015] - The protrusion has a minimum width Lpmin near the bottom of the recess in any meridional plane, thereby ensuring the anchoring of the sidewall insert intended to interact with the anchoring device.

[0016] The principle of the present invention is to have an anchoring device for a sidewall insert, the anchoring device comprising a circumferential recess formed in the axially outer sidewall layer and a protrusion formed in the recess.

[0017] The recess can be circumferentially continuous or circumferentially discontinuous, that is, it is composed of multiple independent circumferential parts.

[0018] The axial tire sidewall, with recesses formed therein, extends axially from the axial tire sidewall (which is in contact with atmospheric air) to the outermost axial reinforcement layer (which is composed of a reinforcement, most commonly fabric). More specifically, the axial tire sidewall is in axial inward contact with a rubber compound (commonly referred to as a rubber-coated compound) that coats the reinforcement of the outermost axial reinforcement layer.

[0019] The recess anchors the tire sidewall by locking the edge of the sidewall insert between the walls of the recess. This helps keep the sidewall insert in place as the tire travels, and the sidewall insert can be easily ejected.

[0020] This recess also allows the sidewall insert to engage within the thickness of the sidewall, thus preventing a significant protrusion relative to the axially outer sidewall and consequently minimizing disturbance to airflow near the sidewall in this area. Therefore, it does not increase tire aerodynamic drag. Correspondingly, it also does not increase tire rolling resistance or, consequently, fuel consumption.

[0021] According to the present invention, the depth Pc of the recess is at least 2 mm.

[0022] If the depth Pc is less than 2 mm, the anchoring device cannot ensure sufficient attachment of the sidewall insert throughout its service life, which is capable of withstanding the various mechanical stresses applied to the tire during tire use.

[0023] Also according to the present invention, the width Lc of the recess is at most equal to 15% of the nominal section height H of the tire.

[0024] The width Lc of the recess must be limited because the greater the width Lc, the greater the deflection in the sidewall insert area during use, which can cause significant deformation of the sidewall insert and potential fatigue problems. The deformation at the recess specifically increases with the width Lc, and can be expressed as a percentage of the tire's nominal section height H or as an absolute value. The nominal section height H is defined by common tire-related standards, such as the European Tire and Rim Technology Organization (ETRTO) or other similar standards.

[0025] The protrusion formed from the bottom of the recess is designed to contact the axially inner surface of the sidewall insert and to anchor the sidewall insert by means of its axially inner portion having a minimum width Lpmin near the bottom of the recess. This protrusion configuration allows the sidewall insert to be effectively clamped onto the protrusion and ensures that the sidewall insert remains in place under the mechanical bending and centrifugal stresses applied to the tire as the tire travels.

[0026] Advantageously, the depth Pc of the recess is at most 3 mm.

[0027] More advantageously, the depth Pc of the recess is at most 7 mm, and preferably at most 5 mm.

[0028] If the depth Pc is greater than 7 mm, the thickness of the rubber material layer located axially inside the bottom of the recess is insufficient to ensure mechanical isolation between the sidewall insert and the outermost axial reinforcement layer, which are designed to engage within the recess. This leads to stress concentration at the bottom of the recess, making it prone to cracking and reducing sidewall durability. Furthermore, for manufacturing, the limited depth of the recess ensures the presence of a thick rubber material layer axially inside the bottom of the recess during tire manufacturing and subsequent finishing steps, without considering significant material displacement in this area. In other words, a moderate recess depth ensures manufacturing tolerances.

[0029] Given that the axial tire sidewall has a thickness W at the anchoring device, the difference between the thickness W of the axial tire sidewall and the depth Pc of the recess is at least equal to 1 mm, preferably at least equal to 2 mm.

[0030] Thickness W is measured between the axial outer tire sidewall and the axial outermost reinforcement fiber: this thickness therefore takes into account the actual axial outer tire sidewall and the axial outermost reinforcement coating. The difference between the thickness W of the axial outer tire sidewall and the depth Pc of the recess thus defines the thickness of the rubber material layer included between the bottom of the recess and the axial outermost reinforcement.

[0031] A thickness of 1 mm is the minimum thickness of the rubber material layer, which ensures mechanical isolation between the sidewall insert designed to engage in the recess and the axially inner reinforcement located at the junction with the outer sidewall layer. This minimum thickness thus avoids stress concentration at the bottom of the recess, which is prone to cracking, and reduces sidewall durability.

[0032] Advantageously, the width Lc of the recess is at most equal to 10% of the nominal section height H of the tire.

[0033] Also advantageously, the width Lc of the recess is at most 20 mm, and preferably at most 12 mm.

[0034] Preferably, the recess is formed in the axial outer sidewall layer made of a single rubber material.

[0035] Accordingly, the recess is not formed in the composite layer, which is composed of a stack of materials and is therefore potentially sensitive to mechanical strength issues at the interfaces between the materials.

[0036] Advantageously, the straight line existing in any meridian plane and passing through the two intersection points of each concave wall and the axial tire sidewall respectively forms an angle of at most 25° with the radial direction, preferably at most 15°.

[0037] When angle A is greater than 25°, the axial tire sidewall becomes excessively inclined relative to the radial direction in the area of ​​the anchoring device that is generally close to the tire bead. Therefore, the sidewall of the recess cannot hold the sidewall insert, and the sidewall insert will deform under the action of centrifugal force.

[0038] Preferably, the protrusion has a height Hp in any meridian plane, the height Hp being at least equal to the depth Pc of the recess minus 2mm.

[0039] A minimum height value Hp, equal to the depth Pc of the recess minus 2 mm, allows the sidewall insert to be positioned on the protrusion with sufficient anchoring height while not protruding beyond, or only very slightly protruding beyond, the axial sidewall. This configuration thus ensures effective anchoring of the sidewall insert while protecting it from scratches that may occur from rubbing against curbs. Furthermore, the restricted engagement of the sidewall insert within the sidewall thickness ensures that it can be considered a design feature.

[0040] Preferably, the protrusion has a height Hp in any meridian plane, the height Hp being at most equal to the depth Pc of the recess plus 2mm.

[0041] The maximum height value Hp, equal to the depth Pc of the recess plus 2mm, prevents the insert from protruding relative to the axial outer tire sidewall. This configuration therefore does not disrupt airflow near the tire sidewall in this area. Consequently, it does not increase the tire's aerodynamic drag. Correspondingly, it does not increase the tire's rolling resistance or, consequently, fuel consumption. Furthermore, sensitivity to scratches that may occur when the tire sidewall rubs against curbs remains limited.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment of the protrusion, the protrusion is composed of a first narrow portion and a second wide portion arranged in a stepped manner in any meridional plane. The first narrow portion extends axially outward from the bottom of the recess and has a minimum width equal to the minimum protrusion width Lpmin. The second wide portion extends axially outward from the first narrow portion and has a maximum width equal to the maximum protrusion width Lpmax. Such a protrusion therefore has a roughly mushroom-like shape, with the mushroom stem being the first narrow portion and the mushroom cap being the second wide portion.

[0043] For a sidewall with a protective ridge having corners and an anchoring device having a circumferential mean line on the axial outer sidewall of the tire sidewall and near the radial outer side of the bead, the circumferential mean line of the anchoring device is advantageously arranged radially in any meridional plane at a radial distance d1 at least equal to 4 mm outside the corners of the protective ridge.

[0044] The protective ridge is positioned on the axial outer sidewall of the tire and near the radial outer edge of the bead. "Positioned near the radial outer edge of the bead" means that the innermost radial point of the protective ridge is radially positioned at least 4 mm from the outer edge of the rim flange on which the tire is intended to be mounted. Furthermore, the corners of the protective ridge are the vertices of the basic triangular cross-section of the protective ridge, which are not located on the axial outer sidewall of the tire.

[0045] Since the function of the sidewall ridge is to protect the flange of the rim on which the tire is mounted, it is the part of the tire most susceptible to scratches from external factors such as curbs and stones, and the part most likely to come into contact with the ground when the tire is removed. Therefore, the sidewall inserts and thus the corresponding anchoring devices must be sufficiently far away from the sidewall ridge to avoid damage. Furthermore, anchoring devices located close to the sidewall ridge make them more visible.

[0046] Furthermore, the circumferential mean line of the anchoring device is arranged radially inside the axial line in any meridional plane at a radial distance d2 at least equal to 10% of the nominal section height H of the tire, the axial line passing through the midpoint H / 2 of the nominal section height of the tire.

[0047] If, for some tires with a small nominal section height H and thus a small sidewall height, the protective ridge is the outermost axial portion of the tire, then for other tires, the outermost axial point is located on an axial straight line passing through the midpoint H / 2 of the tire's nominal section height. For these tires, to avoid damage to the sidewall inserts, particularly when the sidewall scrapes against curbs, the circumferential mean line of the corresponding anchoring device is advantageously arranged radially inside the axial straight line at a radial distance d2 at least equal to 10% of the tire's nominal section height H, which passes through the midpoint H / 2 of the tire's nominal section height. Typically, the radial distance d2 is at least 2 mm and preferably at least 8 mm.

[0048] The present invention also relates to a sidewall insert intended for mounting on the sidewall of a tire.

[0049] The sidewall insert is designed to interact with the anchoring device according to any of the above-described tire embodiments by engaging in the recess (7) of the anchoring device (6) and clamping onto the protrusion (8) of the anchoring device (6).

[0050] The circumferential average line of the sidewall insert, having an average diameter D2, is at most equal to the average diameter D1 of the circumferential average line of the anchoring device before the sidewall insert is anchored to the tire. Under these conditions, the sidewall insert is anchored in the anchoring device under prestress, which helps to effectively keep the sidewall insert in place in the sidewall with a low risk of popping out as the tire travels.

[0051] According to a specific implementation, the sidewall insert may have a variable width near the axially outer tire sidewall. This includes the variable width of the recessed portion of the anchoring device, and thus the anchoring device does not exhibit rotational symmetry about the tire's axis of rotation.

[0052] According to a preferred embodiment, the sidewall insert comprises at least one polymer material such as rubber, silicone, or thermoplastic material such as polyurethane.

[0053] One or more materials used in the fabrication of the sidewall insert must be sufficiently deformable to prevent excessive stress at the junction between the sidewall insert and the anchoring device, which could lead to tire sidewall cracking and fatigue fracture. Polymer materials such as rubber, silicone, or thermoplastic materials like polyurethane (this list is not exhaustive) would meet this requirement.

[0054] Given that the sidewall insert is made of a material having a tensile modulus of elasticity M2 at 10% elongation, and is intended to interact with an anchoring device made of a rubber material having a tensile modulus of elasticity M1 at 10% elongation, M2 is advantageously at least equal to 0.4*M1. The sidewall insert must be sufficiently rigid to allow it to be mounted on the sidewall.

[0055] Given that the sidewall insert is made of a material having a tensile modulus of elasticity M2 at 10% elongation, and is designed to interact with an anchoring device made of a rubber material having a tensile modulus of elasticity M1 at 10% elongation, M2 is advantageously at most equal to 5*M1. The sidewall insert must not be too rigid to avoid generating excessive stress in the tire sidewall that could easily damage it when subjected to bending stress, and to reduce the risk of the sidewall insert being ejected due to centrifugal force during tire travel.

[0056] Preferably, the sidewall insert has a different color and / or texture than the sidewall including the anchoring device. Since the purpose of this invention is to personalize the design of the tire sidewall, the sidewall insert preferably has a color and / or texture that is distinct from the sidewall.

[0057] Preferably, the colored sidewall insert can have one or more colors that distinguish it from the usual black of the sidewall. It is also preferred that the sidewall insert be monochrome, in order to simplify its manufacture.

[0058] Depending on the specific implementation, the sidewall insert may be covered with a graphic or textured material, such as velvet, to further distinguish the sidewall.

[0059] Finally, the present invention relates to an assembly comprising a tire according to any of the tire embodiments described above and at least one sidewall insert according to any of the sidewall insert embodiments described above. Attached Figure Description

[0060] Through non-scale and schematic drawing Figures 1 to 5 To illustrate the features of the present invention:

[0061] - Figure 1 A radial half-section view of the tire according to the invention mounted on its rim.

[0062] - Figure 2 Meridian cross-sectional view through the anchoring device according to the invention.

[0063] Figures [3A] to [3H]: Example diagrams of implementation schemes for anchoring devices.

[0064] - Figure 4 A radial half-section view of a tire according to the invention, mounted on its rim and equipped with a sidewall insert.

[0065] - Figure 5 Meridional cross-sectional view through the anchoring device according to the invention, which incorporates the sidewall insert. Detailed Implementation

[0066] Figure 1A radial half-section view of a tire 1 according to the invention mounted on its rim 2. The tire 1, for light vehicles, is mounted on the rim 2 and can be equipped with at least one sidewall insert 9 (not shown). The tire 1 has a nominal section of height H within the definition of ETRTO (European Tire and Rim Technology Organization) standards. The tire 1 includes two sidewalls 3 that respectively connect a crown 4 to two bead 5, each bead 5 intended to contact the rim 2. The sidewall 3 shown includes an anchoring device 6 intended to interact with the sidewall insert 9 (not shown). The anchoring device 6 extends circumferentially along the tire's circumferential direction XX' and includes a recess 7 formed in an axially outer sidewall layer 30 comprising at least one rubber material and extending axially from the axially outer sidewall lateral 31 toward the inside of the sidewall 3. According to the invention, the anchoring device 6 includes a protrusion 8 that protrudes relative to the bottom of the recess and extends from the bottom of the recess to near the axial outer tire sidewall 31. The protrusion 8 has a minimum width Lpmin (not shown) in the meridional plane YZ near the bottom of the recess, thereby ensuring the anchoring of the tire sidewall insert intended to interact with the anchoring device 6. Figure 1 In the specific embodiment shown, the sidewall 3 includes a protective ridge 32 with corners 321 on the axial outer sidewall 31 and near the radial outer edge of the bead 5. The corners 321 of the protective ridge 32 are the vertices of the basic triangular cross section of the protective ridge, which are not located on the axial outer sidewall 31. The anchoring device 6 has a circumferential mean line 61, which is radially arranged in the meridional plane YZ at a radial distance d1 at least equal to 4 mm outside the corners 321 of the protective ridge 32. Moreover, the circumferential mean line 61 of the anchoring device 6 is radially arranged in the meridional plane YZ at a radial distance d2 at least equal to 10% of the nominal section height H of the tire 1 inside the axial line D, which passes through the midpoint H / 2 of the nominal section height of the tire 1.

[0067] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view along the meridian passing through the anchoring device 6 according to the invention. It is... Figure 1Detailed diagram. The anchoring device 6 includes a recess 7 and a protrusion 8. The recess 7 is axially defined by a recess bottom 71 extending inward and radially defined by two recess walls 72. The recess 7 has a depth Pc in the meridional plane YZ including the axis of rotation YY' of the tire, the maximum distance measured vertically between the axial tire sidewall 31 and the recess bottom 71, and a width Lc between the two recess walls 72 measured at the axial tire sidewall 31. The depth Pc of the recess 7 is at least equal to 2 mm and at most equal to 7 mm. The width Lc of the recess 7 is at most equal to 15% of the nominal section height H of the tire 1, preferably at most equal to 10% of the nominal section height H of the tire 1. Given that the axial tire sidewall 30 has a thickness W at the anchoring device 6, the difference between the thickness W of the axial tire sidewall 30 and the depth Pc of the recess 7 is at least equal to 1 mm. Furthermore, the straight line T existing in the meridional plane YZ and passing through the two intersection points 721 and 722 of each recess wall 72 and intersecting the axial tire sidewall 31 forms an angle A with the radial direction ZZ' of at most 25°. Finally, the protrusion 8 in any meridional plane YZ is composed of a first narrow portion 81 and a second wide portion 82 arranged in a stepped manner. The first narrow portion 81 extends axially from the bottom 71 of the recess outward and has a minimum width equal to the minimum protrusion width Lpmin. The second wide portion 82 extends axially from the first narrow portion 81 outward and has a maximum width equal to the maximum protrusion width Lpmax.

[0068] Figures [3A] to [3H] are examples of implementation schemes for anchoring devices. The anchoring device in Figure [3A] has a wedge-shaped protrusion meridian section. The anchoring device in Figure [3B] has a spherical protrusion meridian section. The anchoring device in Figure [3C] has a mushroom-shaped protrusion meridian section. The anchoring device in Figure [3D] has a crenellated wedge-shaped protrusion meridian section. The anchoring device in Figure [3E] has a stepped wedge-shaped protrusion meridian section. The anchoring device in Figure [3F] has a torn cylindrical protrusion meridian section. The anchoring device in Figure [3G] has a crenellated cylindrical protrusion meridian section. The anchoring device in Figure [3H] has a toothed cylindrical protrusion meridian section. All these examples of anchoring device protrusions aim to provide effective locking of the sidewall insert in its anchoring device.

[0069] Figure 4 A radial half-section view of a tire according to the invention, mounted on its rim and equipped with a sidewall insert. It will... Figure 1 The tire is combined with the sidewall insert 9.

[0070] Figure 5 For passing through the assembly with sidewall insert 9, Figure 2 The diagram shown is a meridional cross-sectional view of the anchoring device 6 according to the present invention. It is... Figure 4 Detailed images.

[0071] The inventors have conducted more specific tests on the invention with a tire of size 245 / 45R 18 100W XL, which is designed to be inflated to a recommended pressure of 2.9 bar and to carry a recommended load of 800 kg.

[0072] The features of the examples tested by the inventors are presented in Table 1 below:

[0073] [Table 1]

[0074]

[0075] The inventors noted that by equipping the tire sidewall with a sidewall insert according to the invention, the sidewall insert is made easier to install and more effectively attached.

Claims

1. An assembly comprising: a tire (1) for light vehicle, and a sidewall insert (9), wherein said tire (1) has a nominal section of height H and comprises two sidewalls (3) connecting a crown (4) of the tire (1) to two beads (5) of the tire (1) respectively, each bead (5) being intended to be in contact with a rim (2) on which the tire (1) is intended to be mounted, wherein at least one of said two sidewalls (3) comprises: - an axially outer sidewall face (31) in contact with the atmosphere, - an axially outer sidewall layer (30) extending radially from the crown (4) to the corresponding bead (5) and axially inwardly from the axially outer sidewall face (31), and the axially outer sidewall layer (30) comprises at least one rubber material, and - an anchoring device (6) interacting with the sidewall insert (9) to anchor the sidewall insert (9) and said anchoring device (6) extends circumferentially along a circumferential direction of the tire (1), wherein said anchoring device (6) comprises: - a recess (7) formed in the axially outer sidewall layer (30), recessed from a portion of the axially outer sidewall face (31) extending radially on both sides of the recess (7), the recess (7) being axially defined by a recess bottom (71) towards the inside, and radially defined by two recess walls (72), each extending from the recess bottom (71) to a portion of the axially outer sidewall face (31), and - a protrusion (8) protruding with respect to the recess bottom (71) and extending from the recess bottom (71) to an axially outer protrusion face of the protrusion, located in the vicinity of said portion of the axially outer sidewall face (31), said protrusion (8) having a minimum width Lpmin in any meridian plane (YZ) in the vicinity of the recess bottom (71), thereby ensuring that the sidewall insert (9) interacting with the anchoring device (6) is anchored, wherein said recess (7) has, in any meridian plane comprising an axis of rotation of the tire (1): - a depth Pc, which is a maximum distance measured perpendicularly between said portion of the axially outer sidewall face (31) and the recess bottom (71), said depth Pc being at least equal to 2 mm, and - a width Lc measured between the two recess walls (72) at said portion of the axially outer sidewall face (31), said width Lc being at most equal to 15% of the nominal section height H of the tire (1), wherein said protrusion (8) comprises, in any meridian plane: - a narrow portion extending axially outwardly from the recess bottom (71), said narrow portion having a minimum width equal to the minimum width Lpmin of the protrusion (8), and - a wide portion extending axially outwardly from the narrow portion, said wide portion having a maximum width equal to the maximum width Lpmax of the protrusion (8), said wide portion bearing the axially outer protrusion face, wherein said sidewall insert (9) is a single piece simultaneously engaged in said recess (7) and clamped on said protrusion (8), said single piece comprising: - a front wall comprising an axially outer insertion face and an axially inner insertion face in contact with the axially outer protrusion face, and - a back wall comprising an axially outer insertion face and an axially inner insertion face in contact with the axially outer protrusion face. two rear members, each rear member protruding from an axially inner insertion face integral with the front wall and each comprising two protrusions facing each other and receiving the narrow portion directly therebetween to clamp the single piece at the protrusion (8), and two edges facing away from each other and locked between the two recess walls (72) to hold the single piece in place, wherein the recess (7) is shaped in a thickness of the axially outer sidewall layer (30) and the sidewall insert (9) is joined in the thickness of the axially outer sidewall layer (30) as a single piece, so that the axially outer insertion face of the front wall is radially flush on both sides of the recess (7) with the portion of the axially outer sidewall face (31).

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, The depth Pc of the recess (7) is at least equal to 3 mm.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, The depth Pc of the recess (7) is at most equal to 7 mm.

4. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein the axially outer sidewall layer (30) extends axially from an axially outer sidewall face to an axially outermost reinforcement layer comprising reinforcement elements, wherein, the axially outer sidewall layer (30) has a thickness W at the anchoring means (6), the thickness W of the axially outer sidewall layer being measured at the anchoring means between the portion of the axially outer sidewall face and the reinforcement elements of the axially outermost reinforcement layer, wherein the difference between the thickness W of the axially outer sidewall layer (30) and the depth Pc of the recess (7) is at least equal to 1 mm.

5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, The width Lc of the recess (7) is at most equal to 10% of the nominal cross- sectional height H of the tyre (1).

6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, The width Lc of the recess (7) is at most equal to 20 mm.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, The axially outer sidewall layer (30) is made of a single rubber material.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, A straight line (T) present in any meridian plane (YZ) and crossing the portion of the axially outer sidewall face (31) at two intersection points (721, 722) each of the two intersection points being present in each of the two recess walls (72) forms an angle (A) with the radial direction (ZZ’) of the tyre (1) of at most 25°.

9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, The protrusion (8) has a height Hp in any meridian plane (YZ), the height Hp being the maximum distance measured perpendicularly between the axially outer protrusion face and the recess bottom (71), the height Hp being at least equal to the depth Pc of the recess (7) minus 2 mm.

10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, The protrusion (8) has a height Hp in any meridian plane (YZ), the height Hp being the maximum distance measured perpendicularly between the axially outer protrusion face and the recess bottom (71), the height Hp being at most equal to the depth Pc of the recess (7) plus 2 mm.

11. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, The narrow portion and the wide portion are stepped with respect to each other.

12. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the two sidewalls (3) further comprises a protective ridge protruding from the axially outer sidewall face and located in the vicinity of the radially outer portion of the respective bead (5).

13. Assembly according to claim 12, wherein, the circumferential mean line (61) of the anchoring means (6) is radially outwardly arranged from the corner (321) of the protective ridge (32) in any meridian plane (YZ) by a radial distance dl of at least 4 mm.

14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein, The circumferential mean line (61) of the anchoring device (6) is radially arranged, in any meridian plane (YZ), inside an axial straight line (D) passing through the middle point H / 2 of the nominal section height of the tyre (1), by a radial distance d2 at least equal to 10% of the nominal section height H of the tyre (1).

15. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein the circumferential mean line of the sidewall insert (9) single piece, having an average diameter D2, is at most equal to the average diameter D1 of the circumferential mean line of the anchoring device (6) before the sidewall insert (9) is mounted on the tyre.

16. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein the sidewall insert (9) single piece comprises at least one polymeric material.

17. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein the sidewall insert (9) single piece is made of a material having a tensile elastic modulus M2 at 10% elongation, the anchoring device (6) is made of a rubber material having a tensile elastic modulus M1 at 10% elongation, wherein said M2 is at least equal to 0.4*M1.

18. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein the sidewall insert (9) single piece is made of a material having a tensile elastic modulus M2 at 10% elongation, wherein the anchoring device (6) is made of a rubber material having a tensile elastic modulus M1 at 10% elongation, wherein said M2 is at most equal to 5*M1.

19. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein the colouring and / or the texture of the sidewall insert (9) single piece is different from the colouring and / or the texture of at least one of the two sidewalls (3).

20. The assembly of claim 1, wherein, said portion of the axially outer sidewall surface is flush with the rest of the axially outer sidewall surface radially extending from said portion of the axially outer sidewall surface to the crown (4) and to the respective bead (5).

21. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion (8), the two recess walls (72) and the sidewall insert (9) single piece all have an elongated shape extending in length in the circumferential direction of the tyre (1).

22. Assembly according to claim 11, wherein the protrusion (8) has a mushroom shape having a stem of the mushroom formed by the narrow portion and a cap of the mushroom formed by the wide portion.

23. Assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the two recess walls (72) is planar and each of the two edges is planar and respectively faces the two planar recess walls (72).

Citation Information

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