Method and machine for producing belt of cord-reinforced elastomer composition

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a machine for manufacturing a belt of cord-reinforced elastomer composition. The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a cord-reinforced elastomer component tape, the method comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of parallel cords; extruding an elastomer component onto the cord in a first region to form a first end portion of the belt; further extruding the elastomeric composition onto the cord in the first region while moving the first end portion of the belt away from the first region; and keeping the cords at a constant distance relative to each other in a second region adjacent to the first end portion of the belt downstream of the first end portion of the belt, and moving together with the first end portion of the belt away from the first region. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a tyre comprising these steps, and to a machine for manufacturing a belt of cord-reinforced elastomer composition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a cord-reinforced elastomeric component band, and to a method for manufacturing a tire that includes one or more bands manufactured according to the method and / or its steps. In addition, the present invention relates to a machine for manufacturing a cord-reinforced elastomeric component band, and also to the use of such a machine in a method for manufacturing a cord-reinforced elastomeric component band and / or a tire that includes such a band (such as one of the methods described above). Background Art

[0002] Many tire types include tire components that include cord-reinforced elastomeric component bands. Typically, such bands are manufactured using a calender unit in which multiple cords are coated with flat milled rubber material sheets from both sides. While this process has been improved over the past few decades, there is still room for improvement in manufacturing advanced cord-reinforced elastomeric component bands. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a cord-reinforced elastomeric component band, wherein the method includes the steps of: providing multiple parallel cords, and starting to extrude at least one elastomeric component onto the parallel cords in a first region to form a first end portion of the cord-reinforced elastomeric component band. In addition, and still according to the first aspect, the method includes the steps of: further extruding the elastomeric component onto the parallel cords in the first region while moving the first end portion of the cord-reinforced band parallel to the cords and away from the first region; and maintaining the parallel cords at a constant distance from each other in a second region that is adjacent to and downstream of the first end portion, and that moves parallel to the cords and away from the first region together with the first end portion of the cord-reinforced band.

[0004] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a tire, including the steps according to the first aspect.

[0005] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a machine for manufacturing an elastomeric component band reinforced by multiple parallel cords, wherein the machine includes: an elongated channel for forming the band; a first cord guide for slidably guiding the cords parallel to and spaced apart from each other into the channel; at least one die for extruding the elastomeric component into the channel to cover the cords; and a second cord guide for guiding the cords parallel to and spaced apart from each other, wherein the second cord guide is adapted to pass through and slide along the elongated channel.

[0006] The present invention includes the following technical solutions:

[0007] Solution 1. A method of manufacturing a cord-reinforced elastomeric composition strip, the method comprising the steps of:

[0008] Providing a plurality of parallel cords;

[0009] Beginning to extrude at least one elastomeric composition onto the parallel cords in a first region to form a first end portion of the cord-reinforced elastomeric composition strip;

[0010] Further extruding the elastomeric composition onto the parallel cords in the first region while moving the first end portion of the cord-reinforced elastomeric composition strip parallel to the cords and away from the first region; and

[0011] Maintaining the parallel cords at a constant distance from each other in a second region, the second region being adjacent to and downstream of the first end portion, and the second region moving parallel to the cords and away from the first region together with the first end portion of the cord-reinforced elastomeric composition strip.

[0012] Solution 2. The method according to Solution 1, wherein the parallel cords are arranged in a plane, and wherein the elastomeric composition is extruded onto each side of the plane.

[0013] Solution 3. The method according to Solution 1, wherein the parallel cords are arranged in at least two parallel planes.

[0014] Solution 4. The method according to Solution 3, wherein the at least two parallel planes include a first plane and a second plane, the first plane and the second plane being laterally displaced relative to each other, and wherein, when observed in a cross-section perpendicular to the parallel cords, the cords of the first plane are arranged between the cords of the second plane.

[0015] Solution 5. The method according to Solution 1, wherein the cords pass through a channel and move along the channel, and wherein in the first region the elastomeric composition is extruded onto the cords and into the channel to define the profile of the strip.

[0016] Solution 6. The method according to Solution 1, wherein in the second region the parallel cords are held at a constant distance from each other by at least one cord guiding device, the at least one cord guiding device moving away from the first region together with the first end portion.

[0017] Aspect 7. The method according to Aspect 6, wherein the cord passes through and moves along the channel, and wherein in the first region the elastomeric composition is extruded onto the cord and into the channel to define the profile of the strip, and wherein the cord guiding device moves slidably through the channel together with and downstream of the first end portion.

[0018] Aspect 8. The method according to Aspect 7, wherein the cord guiding device is removed after the first end portion has moved out of the end of the channel substantially opposite the first region.

[0019] Aspect 9. The method according to Aspect 1, wherein the elastomeric composition is a rubber composition, and wherein the cord is selected from one or more of textile cord, steel cord, glass fiber cord, and carbon material cord.

[0020] Aspect 10. The method according to Aspect 1, wherein the strip has one or more of the following: i) a thickness in the range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm, ii) a width in the range of 4 mm to 400 mm, iii) a cord having a diameter in the range of 0.3 mm to 2 mm, and iv) a substantially rectangular cross-section perpendicular to the cord.

[0021] Aspect 11. A method of manufacturing a tire including a plurality of tire components, the method including applying at least one strip and the step of manufacturing the strip, including the steps according to Aspect 1 before applying the strip.

[0022] Aspect 12. The method according to Aspect 11, wherein the strip is applied as at least one of a belt ply, a cover ply, a cover ply strip, a carcass ply, and a shear band ply.

[0023] Aspect 13. The method according to Aspect 12, wherein the tire is a non-pneumatic tire, which includes

[0024] a tread strip having a circumferential tread portion and a circumferential shear band carrying the tread portion,

[0025] a hub portion, and

[0026] a support portion that supports the tread strip on the hub portion, and

[0027] wherein the shear band includes a plurality of stacked circumferential layers, and wherein at least one of the layers is formed of the strip.

[0028] Aspect 14. A machine for manufacturing an elastomeric composition strip reinforced by a plurality of parallel cords, the machine comprising:

[0029] An elongate channel for forming the belt;

[0030] A first cord guide for slidably guiding cords into the channel in parallel and spaced apart from each other;

[0031] At least one die for extruding the elastomeric composition into the channel to cover the cords; and

[0032] A second cord guide for guiding the cords in parallel and spaced apart from each other, wherein the second cord guide is adapted to pass through the elongate channel and slide along the elongate channel.

[0033] Aspect 15. The machine according to aspect 14, wherein the elongate channel has a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion, and wherein the first cord guide is provided at the first end portion.

[0034] Aspect 16. The machine according to aspect 15, wherein the first cord guide forms at least a part of the die for extruding the elastomeric composition into the elongate channel and onto the cords.

[0035] Aspect 17. The machine according to aspect 15, wherein the elongate channel and the second cord guide are configured to allow the second cord guide to slide from the first end portion of the channel to the second end portion of the channel and out of the second end portion of the elongate channel.

[0036] Aspect 18. The machine according to aspect 14, wherein the elongate channel has one or more of the following: i) a substantially rectangular cross-section perpendicular to its elongation, ii) a height in the range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm, iii) a width in the range of 4 mm to 400 mm, and iv) a length in the range of 10 cm to 2 m.

[0037] Aspect 19. The machine according to aspect 14, wherein one or more of the first cord guide and the second cord guide include a plurality of parallel cord guide channels for guiding the cords in parallel and spaced apart from each other, wherein the cord guide channels have a diameter in the range of 0.3 mm to 2 mm.

[0038] Aspect 20. The machine according to aspect 19, wherein the cord guide channels of the first cord guide and the cord guide channels of the second cord guide are arranged to keep the cords extending between the first cord guide and the second cord guide parallel to each other. Description of the Drawings

[0039] The present invention will be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0040] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a machine for manufacturing a cord-reinforced elastomeric composition strip according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the machine, in particular Figure 1 a cross-sectional view in the plane A - A as indicated in

[0042] Figure 3 is Figure 1 another cross-sectional view of the machine, in particular Figure 1 a cross-sectional view in the plane B - B as indicated in

[0043] Figure 4a is another schematic cross-sectional view of another machine for manufacturing a cord-reinforced elastomeric composition strip according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 4b is Figure 4a a schematic cross-sectional view of the first cord guiding device of the machine shown in

[0045] Figure 4c is Figure 4a a schematic cross-sectional view of the second slidable cord guiding device of the machine shown in

[0046] Figure 5 is the same as the machine shown in Figure 4a a schematic cross-sectional view of the machine, in which the cord is held by the cord guiding device;

[0047] Figure 6 is the same as the machine shown in Figure 4a and Figure 5 a schematic cross-sectional view of the machine, in which the elastomeric composition has been extruded into the channel of the machine between the first cord guiding device and the second cord guiding device;

[0048] Figure 7 again is the same as the machine shown in Figure 4a 、 Figure 5 and Figure 6 a schematic cross-sectional view of the machine, in which the second cord guiding device has left the channel;

[0049] Figure 8 is the same as the machine shown in Figure 4a 、 Figure 5 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7Another schematic cross-sectional view of a machine identical to the machine shown in FIG., wherein the second cord guiding device has been removed from the cord and / or the cord-reinforced band;

[0050] Figure 9 is a graph showing the relationship of the volume fraction (VF, in percentage) of cords with respect to the cord diameter (D, in millimeters) for cubic-packed cords (cp) and hexagonal-packed cords (hp) obtained according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 10 is a schematic side view of a non-pneumatic tire according to an embodiment of the present invention, including a shear band having one or more cord-reinforced elastomeric composition bands; and

[0052] Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a pneumatic tire according to an embodiment of the present invention, including one or more cord-reinforced elastomeric composition bands or plies. Detailed Description

[0053] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a cord-reinforced elastomeric composition band. The method includes the steps of: providing a plurality of parallel cords, and (starting) extruding at least one elastomeric composition onto the parallel cords in a first region (or in other words, an extrusion region or an elastomeric composition extrusion region) to form a first end portion of the cord-reinforced elastomeric composition band. Further, the method includes the steps of: further extruding (or continuing to extrude) the elastomeric composition onto the parallel cords in the first region while moving the first end portion of the cord-reinforced elastomeric composition band parallel to the cords and away from the first region; and maintaining the parallel cords at a constant distance from each other (or particularly spaced apart from each other) in a second region, the second region being adjacent to and / or downstream (such as with respect to the direction of movement) of the first end portion, and the second region moving parallel to the cords and away from the first region together with the first end portion of the cord-reinforced elastomeric composition band. Thus, the method allows the cords to be held and / or guided in both the first region and the second region so as to (particularly during the extrusion of the elastomeric composition) maintain the cords at a determined distance from each other. This allows the manufacture of high-quality cord-reinforced elastomeric composition bands with precisely positioned cords. Moreover, the method of the present invention allows the production of bands with closely packed cords (or in other words, bands with a high volume fraction of cords), which is more difficult for the methods of the prior art.

[0054] In one embodiment, the parallel cords are arranged in at least one plane of the parallel cords and / or form at least one plane of the parallel cords (preferably spaced apart from each other in at least one plane), and wherein the elastomeric composition is optionally extruded onto each side of the plane.

[0055] In another embodiment, parallel cords are arranged in at least two parallel planes and / or form at least two parallel planes. Preferably, the (adjacent) cords are spaced apart from each other within said planes. In particular, in the case of a plurality of planes of parallel cords (or in other words a plurality of layers of parallel cords), the method allows for a defined relative positioning of the cords and maintains said position during extrusion.

[0056] In yet another embodiment, the at least two parallel planes include a first plane and a second plane, the first plane and the second plane being laterally displaced or offset relative to each other, and wherein, when observed in a cross-section perpendicular to the parallel cords, the cords of the first plane are arranged between the cords of the second plane. In other words, the cords of the first plane are displaced in a direction perpendicular to the cords relative to the cords of the second plane. The cords of the two planes (preferably all planes) are parallel to each other.

[0057] In yet another embodiment, the cords pass through and move along a channel, and wherein, in a first region, an elastomeric composition is optionally extruded onto the cords and / or into the channel to define the profile of the belt. Preferably, the channel has one or more walls that surround the perimeter and / or outer side of the belt perpendicular to the elongate extension of the belt and / or the cords.

[0058] In yet another embodiment, at least one cord guiding device maintains the parallel cords at a constant distance from each other in a second region, wherein the at least one cord guiding device moves away from the first region together with a first end portion. In other words, the cord guiding device moves downstream.

[0059] In yet another embodiment, the cords (and, for example, also the belt) pass through and move along a channel, and wherein in a first region an elastomeric composition is extruded onto the cords and into the channel to define the profile of the belt, and wherein the cord guiding device slides through the channel together with and downstream of the first end portion. Optionally, the cord guiding device contacts the wall of the channel, for example contacts the wall of the channel, so as to prevent the elastomeric composition from passing between the cord guiding device and the wall of the channel. It may also be mentioned that the cord guiding device slides along the channel in sealing contact with the wall, such as sealed to prevent the elastomeric composition from passing through.

[0060] In yet another embodiment, the cords are tensioned in a direction parallel to the direction of extension of the channel and / or the movement of the cord guiding device.

[0061] In yet another embodiment, the cord guiding device is removed after the first end portion has been removed from the end or end portion of the channel, which end or end portion of the channel is preferably substantially opposite the first region. In particular, once the first end portion of the cord-reinforced elastomeric component strip has left the channel, the cords are held in a fixed position relative to each other in said end portion such that the cord guiding device is no longer needed.

[0062] In yet another embodiment, the elastomeric component is a rubber component and / or the cords are selected from one or more of textile cords, steel cords, glass fiber cords, and carbon material cords.

[0063] In yet another embodiment, the strip has one or more of the following: i) a thickness in the range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm, ii) a width in the range of 4 mm to 400 mm, iii) cords having a (maximum) diameter in the range of 0.1 mm to 2 mm, and iv) a substantially rectangular cross-section perpendicular to the cords (elongated extension).

[0064] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a tire including a plurality of tire components, the method including the step of applying at least one strip manufactured according to the above first aspect and / or one or more of its embodiments. In other words, the method according to the second aspect includes the method steps of the first aspect and / or one or more of its embodiments. Manufacturing a tire using a strip manufactured as described hereinabove makes the manufacturing process more reliable and allows for the provision of a high-quality cord-reinforced strip in the tire, particularly having cords with a determined relative position and / or closely packed cords.

[0065] In one embodiment, the strip is applied (to the tire) as at least one of a belt ply, a cover ply, a cover ply strip, a carcass ply, and a shear belt ply. The terms strip and ply may be used interchangeably herein.

[0066] In another embodiment, the tire is a non-pneumatic tire, which includes a (circumferential) tread strip having a circumferential tread portion and a circumferential shear belt carrying the tread portion, a (circumferential) hub portion, and a (circumferential) support portion (e.g., including a plurality of spokes) for supporting the tread strip on the hub portion. Optionally, the shear belt includes a plurality of stacked circumferential elastomeric component layers, wherein at least one layer is constituted by a cord-reinforced elastomeric component strip. Optionally, some (radial) stacked circumferential elastomeric component layers are cord-reinforced and some are not.

[0067] In a third aspect of the present invention, the present invention relates to a machine for manufacturing an elastomeric component strip reinforced by a plurality of parallel cords, the machine comprising: an elongate channel for forming the strip; a first cord guide (or guiding device) for slidably guiding the cords into the channel in parallel and spaced apart from each other; at least one die (or die part) for extruding an elastomeric component into the channel to cover the cords; and a second cord guide (or guiding device) for guiding the cords in parallel and spaced apart from each other, wherein the second cord guide (and optionally the elongate channel) is adapted to pass through and slide along the elongate channel.

[0068] Thus, similar to the method mentioned above, the machine allows for the manufacture of a cord-reinforced elastomeric component strip having cords with a defined positioning relative to each other. Additionally, if desired, the arrangement of the cord guides allows for a high volume fraction of cords. Touching of adjacent cords can be more easily avoided.

[0069] In one embodiment, the elongate channel has a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion, and wherein the first cord guide is provided at the first end portion. Preferably, the channel is straight and / or formed by one or more walls of the machine for forming the perimeter or cross-section of the strip, for example, when viewed perpendicular to the elongation direction of the elongate channel and / or the elongate extension of the cords. For example, the cords extend through the channel parallel to the walls. Optionally, the machine includes a body or body part that includes the walls and / or the channel. It should be noted that the term strip should not be understood to be limited to a circular or closed strip. For example, another suitable or alternative term for strip is bar.

[0070] In another embodiment, the first cord guide forms at least a part or a die part of the die for extruding the elastomeric component into the elongate channel and onto the cords.

[0071] In yet another embodiment, the second cord guide clamps or holds the cords to prevent their movement, particularly in a direction parallel to the channel or the cords.

[0072] In yet another embodiment, the cords are tensioned by cord tensioning devices such as those arranged upstream of the first cord guide and / or downstream of the second cord guide. Optionally, the cords can be held by one or more coils upstream of the first cord guide and / or by at least one coil downstream of the second cord guide.

[0073] In yet another embodiment, the elongate channel and the second cord guide are configured to allow the second cord guide to slide from the first end portion of the channel to the second end portion of the channel and out of the second end portion of the elongate channel. As mentioned above, optionally, the second cord guide is in sealing contact with the walls of the channel.

[0074] In yet another embodiment, the elongate channel has one or more of the following: i) a substantially rectangular cross-section perpendicular to the direction of its elongation, ii) a height in the range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm, iii) a width in the range of 4 mm to 400 mm, and iv) a length in the range of 10 cm to 2 m. Thus, the channel can define the profile of the strip, in particular the profile perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the strip.

[0075] In yet another embodiment, one or more of the first cord guide and the second cord guide include a plurality of parallel cord guide channels for guiding cords parallel to and spaced apart from each other, wherein each cord guide channel optionally has a diameter in the range of 0.2 mm to 2 mm, or preferably in the range of 0.3 mm to 2 mm, or 0.4 mm to 2 mm, or 0.5 mm to 2 mm.

[0076] In yet another embodiment, the cord guide channels extend in a direction parallel to the elongation direction of the elongate channel.

[0077] In yet another embodiment, the cord guide channels are arranged and / or stacked in one or more of a hexagonal pattern and an interlaced pattern, such as observed in a plane perpendicular to the elongation direction of the elongate channel and / or perpendicular to the extension of the cords.

[0078] In yet another embodiment, the first cord guide is connected to or mounted on the channel.

[0079] In yet another embodiment, the cord guide channels of the first cord guide and the cord guide channels of the second cord guide are arranged to keep the cords extending between the first cord guide and the second cord guide parallel to each other. In other words, the cord guides and / or the cord guide channels restrict the movement of the cords in a direction perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the cords and / or the elongate channel.

[0080] In another preferred embodiment, the elastomeric component is a rubber component. Optionally, the elastomeric component (such as a rubber component) includes one or more rubbers (such as including one or more of natural rubber, synthetic polyisoprene, butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, and butyl rubber), fillers (such as including one or more of carbon black and silica), resins (such as hydrocarbon resins selected from one or more of the following: coumarone-indene resin, petroleum hydrocarbon resin, terpene resin, styrene / α-methylstyrene resin, terpene phenol resin, rosin-derived resin, and their copolymers and / or mixtures), accelerators, anti-degradants, oils, liquid diene polymers, coupling agents (such as carbon black coupling agents and / or silanes), sulfur donors, and sulfur. Liquid herein means that the material is in a liquid state at 23°C. The component can be a sulfur-curable rubber component. Optionally, the elastomeric component (such as a rubber component) can include fibers.

[0081] In yet another embodiment, the elastomeric component or rubber component includes 100 phr of rubber, which includes one or more of natural rubber, synthetic polyisoprene, polybutadiene rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber. Preferably, the component includes at least 50 phr of natural rubber (such as 50 phr to 100 phr of natural rubber), and optionally includes up to 50 phr (e.g., 5 phr to 50 phr) of polybutadiene rubber and / or styrene-butadiene rubber. In addition, the elastomeric or rubber component includes fillers, preferably including carbon black and / or silica. For example, such fillers can be in the range of 20 phr to 150 phr, preferably in the range of 30 phr to 90 phr. Preferably, such fillers mainly include carbon black. The elastomeric or rubber component can also include from 1 phr to 40 phr of resin, preferably including phenolic resin. Furthermore, the elastomeric or rubber component can include from 1 phr to 30 phr of oil, preferably from 1 phr to 20 phr of oil. Finally, the elastomeric or rubber component generally can include from 1 phr to 15 phr of anti-degradants, from 0.5 phr to 10 phr of accelerators, from 0.1 phr to 10 phr of zinc oxide, and from 0.5 phr to 10 phr of sulfur. There may also be additional components.

[0082] In yet another embodiment, the rubber component mainly includes natural rubber and / or synthetic polyisoprene, such as from 55 phr to 95 phr of natural rubber and / or synthetic polyisoprene, from 5 phr to 45 phr of styrene-butadiene rubber, from 40 phr to 60 phr of fillers (e.g., selected from one or more of carbon black and silica (preferably mainly carbon black)), from 5 phr to 30 phr of oil, and up to 10 phr of resin (e.g., one or more of those mentioned above).

[0083] In yet another embodiment, one or more cords comprise or consist of a textile material, a glass fiber material, a carbon fiber material, a boron fiber material, a basalt fiber material, a plant-based material, and one or more of combinations of these materials. Optionally, the plurality of cords comprises different materials and / or is a hybrid cord of these different materials. Optionally, the plant-based material comprises one or more of cotton, hemp, flax, sisal, and bast.

[0084] In yet another embodiment, one or more cords comprise or consist of a metal (such as steel or brass-coated steel).

[0085] In yet another embodiment, one or more cords comprise or consist of a textile material selected from the following materials: polyester (preferably PET), polyamide (preferably one or more of PA-6, PA-6,6, such as Nylon TM , aramid), and rayon. Optionally, one or more of these materials may be recycled materials. Optionally, the plurality of cords comprises different materials and / or is a hybrid cord of these different materials.

[0086] In yet another embodiment, one or more cords are monofilament cords or multifilament cords.

[0087] In yet another embodiment, one or more cords have a (maximum) diameter (measured perpendicular to the extension of the cord) in the range of 0.1 mm to 2 mm, preferably 0.1 mm to 1 mm, or even more preferably 0.2 mm (or 0.3 mm, or even 0.4 mm) to 0.9 mm.

[0088] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a machine according to the foregoing aspect or one or more of its embodiments for manufacturing a cord-reinforced elastomeric composition strip and / or a tire comprising such a strip, optionally according to the method disclosed herein.

[0089] Figure 1 A first preferred embodiment of a machine 100 for manufacturing a cord-reinforced elastomeric composition strip 300 is shown. In particular, the machine 100 comprises a first cord guide 110 and a second cord guide 130 that is capable of sliding in an elongated channel 140 of a body portion 120 of the machine 100. In particular, the channel 140 may be formed by the body portion 120 and / or one or more walls of the machine 100. The channel 140 preferably has a substantially rectangular cross-section that is perpendicular to the direction of elongation of the channel 140. In Figure 1In [the figure], the channel 140 extends along the (length) direction l. The width is shown as the direction w, and the thickness is labeled as along the direction t. Further, a plurality of cords 200 are guided and / or held by a first cord guide 110 and a second cord guide 130, where the cords 200 extend parallel to each other through the elongated channel 140. To form the cord-reinforced elastomeric composition strip 300, the elastomeric composition 303 can be extruded or extruded onto the cords 200 and into the channel 140, as is achieved here, for example, via a die 150 which, in this non-limiting embodiment, is formed by a slot between a portion of the first cord guide 110 and a portion of the body part 120 of the machine 100 so as to feed and / or inject the elastomeric composition 303 onto the cords 200. In other words, the machine 100 includes at least one die 150 so as to extrude the elastomeric composition 303 onto the cords 200 to form part of the cord-reinforced elastomeric composition strip 300. In particular, the die 150 (or in other words, the die portion) can include one or more slot-shaped openings or nozzles so as to extrude and / or inject the elastomeric composition 303 into the channel 140 and / or onto the cords 200. The slot, slot-shaped opening or nozzle preferably extends parallel to one or more planes of the cords 200. When injecting the elastomeric composition 303 onto the cords 200, the second cord guide 130 slides within the channel 140 away from the fixed first cord guide 110. This movement can be triggered, for example, by one or more of the following: extruding the elastomeric composition 303 into the channel 140, pulling the cords 200 away from the first cord guide 110 parallel to the channel 140, and / or driving the second cord guide 130 through the channel 140 away from the first cord guide 110. Still with respect to Figure 1 , after starting to extrude the elastomeric composition and sliding the second cord guide 130, a first end portion 301 of the cord-reinforced elastomeric composition strip 300 is formed adjacent to the second sliding cord guide 130, where the strip 300 and / or its first end portion 301 move along the channel 140 (in this example, in the right-hand direction).

[0090] Figure 2 is shown Figure 1 a cross-section A--A of the machine 100 as indicated in [the figure]. For better understanding, the corresponding directions t, w, and l are shown in the figure. As Figure 2 can be seen in [the figure], the elastomeric composition 303 is fed through two slots of the die 150 formed by the cord guide 110 and the body part 120 of the machine 100. The cord guide 110 includes a plurality of cord guide channels 111 extending along the length direction l, where each cord guide channel 111 holds and / or guides one of the cords 200.

[0091] Figure 3 is shown as Figure 1Cross-section B--B of the machine 100 as indicated. The corresponding directions t, w, and l are indicated again. As Figure 3 can be seen, the second cord guide 130 is arranged within the elongated channel 140 formed by the body part 120, wherein the cord guide 130 includes a plurality of cord guide channels 131 extending along the longitudinal direction l. Each cord guide channel 131 includes (or in other words) guides and / or holds one of the cords 200. Preferably, the elongated cord guide channels 131 of the second cord guide 130 and the elongated cord guide channels 111 of the first cord guide 110 ( Figure 3 not shown in ) that guide the same cord 200 extend along a preferably common straight line and / or parallel to the elongated channel 140.

[0092] Figure 4a Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown for the purpose of demonstrating the preferred method steps according to an embodiment of the present invention. A machine 10 for manufacturing a cord-reinforced elastomeric composition strip includes a first cord guide device 11 having a plurality of parallel cord guide channels 1, and a second cord guide device 13 having a plurality of parallel cord guide channels 3 that are (linearly) aligned with the corresponding cord guide channels 1 of the first cord guide device 11. The first cord guide device 11 is fixedly connected to the body part 12 of the machine 10, and the body part 12 includes an elongated channel 14 for forming a cord-reinforced elastomeric composition strip. The second cord guide device 13 is adapted to slide within the channel and in particular to contact the wall surrounding and / or forming the channel 14. Furthermore, a first region Z1 along the longitudinal direction l is indicated, in which the cords can be held parallel by the first cord guide device and / or the elastomeric composition can be extruded into the channel 14. As in the previous embodiment, for improved understandability herein, the longitudinal direction l, the width direction w, and the thickness direction t are indicated. Figure 4a The reference numerals used in are also used in Figure 5 , 6 , 7, and 8 (where appropriate), and wherein Figure 5 , 6 , 7, and 8 also show the machine 10 or its features or components.

[0093] Figure 4b A cross-section of the first cord guide device 11 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction l is shown. The depicted cord guide channel 1 has a circular cross-section for receiving, holding, and / or guiding the cord. In particular, the cord can move slidably within the guide channel 1, but is restricted in its movement perpendicular and / or transverse to the longitudinal direction l. As mentioned above, the longitudinal direction l can also be regarded as the elongation direction herein.

[0094] Figure 4cA cross-section of a second cord guiding device 13 is shown, which includes an elongated cord guiding channel 3 (elongated along a longitudinal direction l) and has a circular cross-section for receiving, holding, and / or guiding cords (in particular the same cords as those held by the first cord guiding device). Preferably, the elongated cord guiding channel 3 is arranged parallel and / or aligned with the corresponding channel of the first cord guiding device, preferably such as to keep the cords held by the two cord guiding devices parallel to each other.

[0095] Figure 5 Again shown is Figure 4a the machine 10 already shown in, in which a plurality of cords 20 have been inserted into cord guiding devices 11, 13 (or their respective cord guiding channels) and are held parallel to each other and parallel to the elongation direction or longitudinal direction l of the channel 14. The second cord guiding device 13 remains in the same position adjacent or close to the first cord guiding device 11 and holds the cords 20 in a second region Z2 along the longitudinal direction l.

[0096] Figure 6 The machine 10 is still shown in a state where an elastomeric composition 33 (preferably a rubber composition) has been extruded into one end portion of the channel 14, for example in the first region Z1, and the second cord guiding device 13 has moved parallel to the channel 14 away from the first cord guiding device 11 and / or away from the first region Z1. In particular, the cords 20 are held by the second cord guiding device 13 in the second region Z2, which moves together with the first end portion 31 of the formed cord-reinforced elastomeric composition strip 30 through the channel 14. Thus, the cords 20 are held by the second cord guiding device 13 (in the second region Z2) at a defined distance from each other at the first end portion 31 of the strip 30, which is adjacent to (and in contact with) the first end portion 31 of the strip 30, while the extruded strip 30 and the second cord guiding device 13 slide along the channel 14, in particular away from the first region Z1 and / or the first cord guiding device 11.

[0097] Figure 7Shows a state in which the strip 30 has been further extruded such that the first end portion 31 of the strip 30 has left the opening of the channel 14 (or the end portion of the channel 14) which is opposite the first cord guiding device 11 and / or the first region Z1, where the elastomeric composition 33 is extruded or fed into the channel 14. Optionally, the second cord guiding device 13 can be removed from the cord 20. For this purpose, it is possible that the cord guiding device 13 comprises a plurality of removable parts, and / or the cord 20 can be cut downstream of the cord guiding device 13, since the extrusion of the strip 30 can be driven (e.g., only) by the extrusion of the elastomeric composition 33 into the channel 14, and where the elastomeric composition 33 holds the cord 20 in place at least in the end portion 31 of the strip 30. In particular, the elastomeric composition 33 can be cooled while moving through the channel 14 such that it is in a solid state when leaving the channel 14. Depending on one or more of the elastomeric compositions 33 used, the length of the channel 14, the thickness and / or width of the strip 30, the number and / or diameter of the cords 20, the extrusion speed, the person skilled in the art can optionally provide additional cooling devices along parts of the channel 14, so as to ensure that the cord-reinforced elastomeric composition strip is (sufficiently) cured when leaving the channel 14. As another alternative, downstream of the first region Z1, another curing region for heating the elastomeric composition (e.g., a pre-cured elastomeric composition, such as a sulfur-curable rubber composition) can be provided, such as upstream of another cooling region comprising cooling devices. For example, cooling can be provided by a water cooling device if considered necessary. However, generally, the cooling of the cord-reinforced elastomeric composition strip 30 takes place without additional cooling devices.

[0098] Figure 8 Shows a situation in which the strip 30 is further extruded during the self-holding process, in particular when the cured end portion 31 of the cord-reinforced elastomeric composition strip 30 holds the cord 20 in place together with the first cord guiding device 11, in particular preventing movement perpendicular to the length direction l.

[0099] A machine (such as one of the machines 10 and 100) or one of the methods disclosed herein allows for improved parallel holding of the cords during the manufacture of the cord-reinforced elastomeric composition strip. Due to such improved manufacturing machines and / or processes, it is possible to provide such strips with a denser cord packing, or in other words, with a higher volume fraction than other prior art machines and / or methods used to make cord-reinforced elastomeric composition strips.

[0100] Figure 9 Shows a comparison of two different cord packings perpendicular to the elongation direction of the cord-reinforced elastomeric composition strip in this context. In particular, Figure 9The figure shows the volume fraction VF (in percent) relative to the cord diameter D (in millimeters) for two different cord packings, namely the hexagonal interlaced cord packing hp and the cubic cord packing cp. As can be seen in the corresponding graph, the hexagonal cord packing hp allows for a higher volume fraction of cords compared to the cubic cord packing cp. Thus, this hexagonal interlaced cord packing hp can provide a higher cord density and thereby provide different or improved belt characteristics by including more cords in the volume of the belt.

[0101] Figure 10 A schematic side view of a non-pneumatic tire 500 is shown, which includes a peripheral tread band 510 that includes a radially outer peripheral tread portion 511 and a peripheral shear band 512 that supports the tread portion 511. In addition, the tire 500 includes a peripheral hub portion 560 and a peripheral connecting or supporting structure 540 that supports the tread band 510 on the hub portion 560. The supporting structure 540 includes a plurality of spokes 530 that extend between the hub portion 560 and the tread band 510. In one embodiment, the shear band 512 includes one or more cord-reinforced elastomeric composition bands manufactured by or consisting of one of the methods and / or machines mentioned above.

[0102] Figure 11 A schematic cross-section of a pneumatic tire 600 is shown, where the tire 600 includes a tread portion 610, two sidewalls 640, and two bead portions, each of which includes a chafer core 670 and a bead 680. In addition, the tire includes a carcass ply 620, a plurality of belt plies 621, 622, 623, 624 (four belt plies in this example), and a cover ply 625 that covers the plurality of belt plies 621, 622, 623, 624, which are radially arranged between the tread portion 610 and the carcass ply 620 in the crown portion of the tire 600. According to an embodiment of the present invention, one or more of the carcass ply 620, the belt plies 621, 622, 623, 624, and the cover ply 625 include one or more cord-reinforced elastomeric composition bands manufactured by or consisting of one of the methods and / or machines mentioned above. Furthermore, it is possible for the cover ply 625 to be formed from ply strips that can also be composed of cord-reinforced elastomeric composition bands manufactured by or consisting of one of the methods and / or machines mentioned above.

[0103] Variations are possible in the present invention in light of the description provided herein. While certain representative embodiments and details have been shown for purposes of illustrating the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that changes can be made in the particular embodiments described which will fall within the full intended scope of the present invention as defined by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a cord-reinforced elastomeric component tape, the method comprising the following steps: Providing multiple parallel cords; beginning to extrude at least one elastomeric component onto said parallel cords in a first region to form a first end portion of said cord reinforced elastomeric component band; further extruding the elastomeric component onto the parallel cords in the first region while moving a first end portion of the cord-reinforced elastomeric component band parallel to the cords and away from the first region; and The parallel cords are maintained at a constant distance relative to each other in a second region, the second region being adjacent to and downstream of the first end portion, and the second region together with the first end portion of the cord-reinforced elastomeric component band moves parallel to the cords and away from the first region.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The parallel cords are arranged in a plane, and wherein the elastomeric composition is extruded on each side of the plane.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The parallel cords are arranged in at least two parallel planes.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The at least two parallel planes include a first plane and a second plane, the first plane and the second plane being laterally displaced relative to each other and wherein, viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the parallel cords, the cords of the first plane are arranged between the cords of the second plane.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The cords pass through and move along a channel, and wherein the elastomeric composition is extruded onto the cords and into the channel in the first region to define the outer shape of the belt.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein: In the second region the parallel cords are kept at a constant distance relative to each other by at least one cord guiding means which is moved together with the first end portion away from the first region.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The cords pass through and move along the channel, and wherein in the first area the elastomeric component is extruded onto the cords and into the channel to define the outer shape of the belt, and wherein the cord guiding device slides through the channel together with the first end portion and downstream of the first end portion.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: After the first end portion has been moved out of the end of the channel substantially opposite the first region, the cord guiding means is removed.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The elastomer component is a rubber component, and the cord is selected from one or more of a textile cord, a steel cord, a glass fiber cord and a carbon material cord.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The tape has one or more of: i) a thickness in the range of 0.5 mm to 10 mm, ii) a width in the range of 4 mm to 400 mm, iii) cords having a diameter in the range of 0.3 mm to 2 mm, and iv) a substantially rectangular cross-section perpendicular to the cords.

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