Tire having a tread that is formed in full or in part from a composite material of unitary molded construction

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tire (10) having a tread (15), said tread comprising a main composite material (30) which is of unitary molded construction and which comprises a thermoplastic polymer matrix and a textile reinforcement assembly. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a tire, comprising the thermocompression of a multilayer assembly comprising a hot-melt textile part and a non-hot-melt textile part.

Description

[0001] A tire whose tread is formed entirely or partly of a composite material of unitary molded construction

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to the technical field of vehicle tires, for example bicycle tires. A tire traditionally comprises a carcass having two free longitudinal edges, each being reinforced by a bead element. The carcass supports a tread intended to come into contact with the ground. On either side of the tread extend sidewalls connected to the tread.

[0004] A tire's grip on the ground, its resistance to punctures and abrasion, its weight, and its ability to absorb vibrations while driving all depend directly on the material it is made of. In particular, a tire's tread must meet strict requirements to ensure the comfort and safety of the vehicle's user.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] The treads of traditional tires, particularly those of bicycle tires, are essentially made of a composite material comprising vulcanized rubber and nylon fibers. The rubber gives the tread its grip on the ground and also effectively absorbs the vibrations experienced by the tire tread during rolling, ensuring user comfort. This composite material provides strength to the tire and guarantees good efficiency, i.e. good restitution of the energy supplied, for example by the cyclist, in rolling conditions.

[0007] A disadvantage of these traditional tires is that vulcanized rubber is not or only slightly recyclable since it cannot be melted and its production is irreversible. However, the rubber in known tires, particularly bicycle tires, is commonly embedded in the composite layer, which is very difficult to extract. It is particularly difficult to separate the nylon from the vulcanized rubber. Therefore, recycling traditional tires is very complex and is generally not considered due to the excessively high processing costs. Also, current tires, particularly bicycle tires, are destroyed after use and have a very high environmental impact.

[0008] Statement of the invention

[0009] An aim of the present invention is to propose a tire which overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks and in particular has a reduced environmental impact and is suitable for recycling.

[0010] To this end, the invention relates, according to a first aspect, to a tire comprising a tread characterized in that said tread comprises a main composite material which is of unitary molded construction and which comprises a thermoplastic polymer matrix and a textile reinforcement assembly.

[0011] Advantageously, the tire according to a first aspect of the invention is capable of being obtained by the method of manufacturing a tire according to a second aspect of the invention. The tread is the part of the tire intended to come into contact with the ground. It preferably has a thickness of between 1 and 3 millimeters. The tread advantageously has a width of between 18 and 120 millimeters. The tread may have reliefs making it possible to improve its grip and its performance.

[0012] The tire advantageously comprises a carcass supporting the tread.

[0013] The tire is preferably a cycle tire. A cycle is a vehicle weighing less than 100 kilograms and having one, two, or three wheels, such as a bicycle or scooter.

[0014] The tire is preferably a bicycle tire.

[0015] Compared to a car tire, the tread of a cycle tire has a reduced thickness, preferably substantially half the thickness of the tread of a car tire. In addition, the tread width of a cycle tire is less, preferably between 2 and 10 times, than the tread width of a car tire.

[0016] Preferably, the tread and / or the carcass and / or the tire and / or the multi-layer assembly and / or the composite material described in the present text comprises / comprise (in particular each) a first free longitudinal edge (in particular substantially annular), and optionally a second free longitudinal edge (in particular substantially annular). Preferably, the tread and / or the carcass and / or the tire and / or the multi-layer assembly and / or the composite material described in the present text comprises / comprise (in particular each) a first end and a second end, free or secured to each other, and arranged between said first and second free longitudinal edges.

[0017] By main composite material is meant a material comprising at least two components of different nature, in particular comprising a main thermoplastic matrix and a textile reinforcement assembly, and optionally one or more non-textile element(s), possibly one or more non-textile reinforcing element(s). In particular, said textile reinforcement assembly, and optionally the non-textile element(s), is / are embedded in the main thermoplastic matrix.

[0018] The main composite material is preferably obtained by thermocompression of a multi-layer assembly comprising a thermofusible textile part (in particular forming a thermofused textile part in the tire) and a non-thermofusible textile part (in particular forming a non-thermofusible textile part in the tire), and optionally one or more non-thermofusible non-textile element(s) (for example a reinforcing glass fiber rod) and one or more thermofusible non-textile element(s) (for example a thermoplastic polymer film).

[0019] In one embodiment, the main composite material comprises:

[0020] - one or more non-textile, non-thermal-fusible elements (for example, a reinforcing glass fiber rod); and / or

[0021] - one or more non-textile heat-fusible element(s) (for example a thermoplastic polymer film).

[0022] In this text, the term textile means any element / component / tube / part / portion / structure obtained by the manipulation, in particular mechanical, of at least one fiber and / or at least one thread, or at least one set of fibers. Advantageously, the thermofused textile part, and possibly one or more thermofused non-textile element(s), form(s) the main thermoplastic matrix.

[0023] Advantageously, the non-thermal-fusible textile part forms the textile reinforcement assembly.

[0024] Advantageously, the textile reinforcement assembly comprises one or more textile reinforcement element(s), in particular said textile reinforcement element(s) may be chosen from: a fabric, a knit, a non-woven (for example a spunbond non-woven, a meltbown non-woven, or a combination thereof), one or more yarn(s), a braid, a sheet of fibers optionally carded and / or needled, any element obtained by the manipulation of at least one yarn and / or at least one fiber, and a mixture of these, preferably a knit, more preferably a tubular knit.By unitary molded construction is meant any composite material obtained by molding at least one thermofusible textile part, and at least one non-thermofusible textile part, and optionally at least one non-thermofusible non-textile part (for example a fiberglass reinforcing rod) and / or at least one non-textile thermofusible part (for example a thermoplastic polymeric film), arranged in a molding assembly, in a single molding step comprising the application of heat and pressure to melt or soften the thermofusible part(s).

[0025] Preferably, by non-thermal-fusible textile part or non-thermal-fusible non-textile part, is understood in the present text any textile part, or any non-textile part, which is not intended to be thermofused, that is to say which is not intended to be melted or softened, during the manufacturing process of a tire according to the invention, and therefore in the tire obtained.

[0026] The thermoplastic polymer matrix according to the invention may comprise one or more thermoplastic polymers, for example of different nature. The thermoplastic polymer matrix comprises for example polypropylene (PP) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or a mixture thereof. In a non-limiting manner, said polymers may be of different colors.

[0027] In this text, thermoplastic means any material capable of melting or being softened by heating to form it, and this several times.

[0028] In particular, a thermosetting or non-thermoplastic material cannot be softened sufficiently by heating to be shaped, and this several times.

[0029] The thermoplastic polymer matrix constitutes a binding sheet, within which is arranged said textile reinforcement assembly, and possibly one or more non-textile, non-thermal-fusible element(s). The thermoplastic polymer matrix ensures the transfer of the forces undergone by the tread to the textile reinforcement assembly.

[0030] Advantageously, in the present text, non-hot-melt is understood to mean any element / component / portion / structure or any part which is not configured to be in a hot-melt state(s) in the tire (i.e. during the thermocompression step for the manufacture of the tire), this element / component / portion / structure or part may be partially or totally thermoplastic, or be non-thermoplastic partially or totally, preferably is thermoplastic, but the highest heating temperature applied in the method for manufacturing the tire according to the invention is lower than the melting (or degradation) temperature of said element / component / portion / structure or of said part. Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer matrix comprises one or more hot-melt melted textile element(s), more preferably is essentially constituted by one or more hot-melt melted textile(s).

[0031] Preferably, at least 50% by mass or at least 60% by mass or at least 70% by mass or at least 80% by mass or at least 90% by mass or at least about 95% by mass of the thermoplastic matrix is ​​formed from one or more melted hot-melt textile element(s) and / or one or more melted hot-melt film(s). The tread preferably comprises one or more reinforcing element(s), including at least one textile reinforcing element.

[0032] The textile reinforcing element is advantageously a non-heat-melt textile part, and possibly thermoplastic.

[0033] Preferably, but not limited to, the tread has an internal face and the textile reinforcing element is located on said internal face of the tread.

[0034] Preferably, the textile reinforcing element comprises one or more yarn(s). More preferably, the textile reinforcing element comprises one or more knitted yarn(s).

[0035] Preferably, the textile reinforcement assembly comprises one or more textile reinforcement element(s) which is / are each a textile tubular element, or a textile layer, in particular knitted or braided or woven, still preferably said knitted tubular element, or said knitted layer, comprises gathered stitches (also designated in the state of the art by weft knit) or chain stitches (also designated in the state of the art by warp knit).

[0036] Preferably, the textile reinforcement assembly comprises one or more textile tubular element(s), in particular knitted or woven or braided, possibly substantially flattened, or one or more textile tube portion(s), in particular knitted or woven or braided, possibly substantially flattened, comprising, in particular each, first and second longitudinal edges, in particular substantially annular in shape.

[0037] Preferably, a portion of textile tube (for example a first or second portion of textile tube), optionally flattened, or a textile tubular element, optionally flattened, comprises:

[0038] - a first longitudinal edge coinciding with, or overlapping with, the first free longitudinal edge of the tread and / or the carcass and / or the tire; and / or

[0039] - a second longitudinal edge coinciding with, or overlapping with, the second free longitudinal edge of the tread and / or the carcass and / or the tire. Preferably, a portion of textile tube (for example a first or second portion of textile tube), possibly flattened, or a textile tubular element, possibly flattened, comprises first and second superimposed textile layers.

[0040] Preferably, the first longitudinal edge, respectively the second longitudinal edge, of the composite material, or of the multi-layer assembly described below, coincide(s), or overlap(s) with the first longitudinal edge, respectively the second longitudinal edge of the carcass or of the tire or of the tread. Preferably, said knitted tubular element is knitted on a circular knitting machine, in particular of small diameter called a sock knitting machine, or even a double-bed flat knitting machine.

[0041] Said at least one textile reinforcing element gives the tread significant resistance, in particular resistance to abrasion and to the shear forces experienced by the tread during rolling. Said at least one textile reinforcing element also ensures the adhesion of the tread to the surface, in particular the ground, on which said tread rolls.

[0042] The tire according to the invention therefore has technical properties, in particular properties of grip on the ground, resistance to abrasion and shear forces, absorption of shocks and vibrations, similar to those of a traditional tire made of vulcanized rubber.

[0043] The tire according to the invention has a weight substantially similar to that of a traditional tire, of the same size, but formed from a composite material based on vulcanized rubber and nylon. In other words, the use of a main composite material comprising a thermoplastic polymer matrix and at least one textile reinforcement element according to the invention does not significantly increase the weight of the tread and therefore of the tire.

[0044] The main composite material forming at least in part the tread of the tire according to the invention also gives the latter a recyclability much superior to that of traditional tires whose tread is formed of vulcanized rubber and nylon.

[0045] Indeed, since the polymer matrix is ​​thermoplastic, it can be softened or melted by heating it to a temperature above a threshold temperature, for example a melting temperature. The manufacture of the polymer matrix is ​​therefore reversible and allows the recycling of said thermoplastic polymer matrix. In other words, by heating the tire, possibly after grinding, it is possible to recycle the thermoplastic polymer matrix in combination with the textile reinforcement assembly to produce new tires or one or more tire components, for example. In addition, the thermoplastic polymer material forming the thermoplastic polymer matrix and the textile reinforcement assembly can easily be separated from each other by heating the tread.

[0046] Furthermore, since the reinforcement assembly is made of textile, it is also particularly recyclable. Also, the entire composite material is particularly recyclable, so that the part of the tread formed by the main composite material can be easily recycled.

[0047] The tire according to the invention is therefore highly recyclable and its environmental impact is greatly reduced.

[0048] The tread is preferably made essentially of the main composite material so as to be substantially fully recyclable.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the main composite material of unitary molded construction consists essentially of a thermoplastic polymer matrix, and of a textile reinforcement assembly, in particular of at least one textile reinforcement element, and optionally of one or more non-textile element(s).Preferably, in the present text, the main composite material is essentially constituted by a thermoplastic polymer matrix and a textile reinforcement assembly, meaning that the thermoplastic polymer matrix and said textile reinforcement assembly are, considered together, the majority by mass or by volume in said main composite material, preferably that said thermoplastic matrix and said textile reinforcement assembly represent at least 50% by mass or by volume, more preferably at least 60% or at least 70% or at least 80% or at least 90% or at least 95% by mass or by volume, of the main composite material.

[0050] In this text, "at least in part" of an object means substantially the entirety of this object or only part of this object.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the main composite material represents at least 60% by volume or by mass, preferably at least 70% by volume or by mass, more preferably at least 80% by volume or by mass, preferably at least 90% by volume or by mass, in particular at least 95% by volume or by mass, more particularly approximately 100% by volume or by mass, of the tread.

[0052] The main composite material preferably comprises one or more reinforcing elements including one or more textile reinforcing element(s). In other words, without departing from the scope of the invention, the main composite material may comprise one or more reinforcing element(s) which are not textile.

[0053] Without departing from the scope of the invention, the thermoplastic polymer matrix may comprise one or more thermoplastic (co)(ter)polymer(s) chosen from: polyolefins, styrenic thermoplastic elastomers, olefinic thermoplastic elastomers, polyurethanes, in particular polyurethane elastomers, polyamides, polyesters, and a mixture of the latter, preferably polyurethanes.

[0054] Advantageously, the polyolefins are chosen from: polypropylene, polyethylene, high density polyethylene, very high density polyethylene.

[0055] Advantageously, the styrenic thermoplastic elastomers are chosen from thermoplastic elastomers comprising styrenic repeating units (TPE-S) (in particular a styrene group: -CH(C6H5)-CH2), more preferably from thermoplastic elastomers comprising one or more styrenic block(s) and optionally one or more olefin block(s) (optionally grafted), preferentially from poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) (SEBS); poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene) (SBS); poly(styrene-butadiene) (SBC); poly(styrene-isoprene-styrene) (SIS); poly(styrene-ethylene-propylene-styrene) (SEPS), for example marketed under the brand name Septon SEPS® by the company Kuraray, or Kraton G® by the company Kraton.

[0056] Advantageously, the olefinic thermoplastic elastomers are chosen from:

[0057] - polyisobutylenes (PIB); and / or

[0058] - terpolymers of ethylene, propylene, and diene (EPDM); copolymers of ethylene and propylene; copolymers of ethylene and alpha-olefin(s), for example copolymers of ethylene and butene or copolymers of ethylene and octene, and a mixture thereof; preferably EPDM and copolymers of ethylene and propylene; and / or - blends of a polyolefin, in particular polypropylene, with one or more unvulcanized olefinic thermoplastic elastomers, and optionally one or more plasticizers (for example mineral or naphthenic or paraffinic oil(s)), said olefinic thermoplastic elastomer(s) may be copolymers of ethylene and propylene, terpolymers of ethylene, propylene and diene, copolymers of ethylene and alpha-olefin(s) (for example copolymers of ethylene and butene or copolymers of ethylene and octene).

[0059] Advantageously, the polyesters are chosen from polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate.

[0060] Advantageously, the polyamides are chosen from PA 6, PA 66, PA 4-6.

[0061] Advantageously, polyurethanes also include polyurethane elastomers.

[0062] Advantageously, the thermoplastic polymer matrix consists essentially of one or more thermofused polymer(s).

[0063] By essentially constituted is understood that the thermofused polymer(s) represent(s) at least 80% by mass, preferably at least 90% by mass, more preferably approximately 100% by mass, of the thermoplastic polymer matrix.

[0064] In an alternative embodiment, the main composite material forms at least 80% by mass of the tread. Preferably, the main composite material forms at least 90% by mass, in particular at least 95% by mass, more particularly approximately 100% by mass, of the tread. An advantage is that the tread is formed in the vast majority, more particularly in its entirety, of a recyclable material, thus improving the recyclability of the tire and further reducing its environmental impact.

[0065] In an alternative embodiment, the textile reinforcement assembly comprises at least two textile layers.

[0066] Without limitation, a first layer may be heat-meltable while the second layer is non-heat-meltable. Alternatively, each of the two textile layers may be partly heat-meltable, and optionally each of the two layers may comprise a non-heat-meltable portion.

[0067] In an alternative embodiment, the main composite material comprises at least a first textile layer, a second textile layer, a third textile layer and a fourth textile layer.

[0068] Preferably, at least one of said textile layers is partly heat-meltable. Preferably, at least one of said textile layers has a heat-meltable portion and a non-heat-meltable portion.

[0069] Alternatively, and without departing from the scope of the invention, one or more of said textile layers could be entirely heat-meltable while the other textile layer(s) is / are not heat-meltable.

[0070] The presence of these four textile layers improves the grip and resistance of the tire.

[0071] In a non-limiting manner, the main composite material may further comprise a fifth textile layer and a sixth textile layer. In one embodiment, each of said textile layers comprises at least one heat-meltable portion, and at least one non-heat-meltable portion.

[0072] In an alternative embodiment, said textile reinforcement assembly comprises a first textile tube portion, the first textile tube portion comprising said first and second textile layers, and said textile reinforcement assembly further comprises a second textile tube portion, the second tube portion comprising said third and fourth textile layers.

[0073] An advantage is that the manufacture of each of the tube sections allows two textile layers to be created, which facilitates the manufacturing process, in particular by avoiding errors in superimposing the layers on each other.

[0074] In an alternative embodiment, said textile reinforcement assembly comprises a first portion of knitted, woven or braided tube, the first portion of tube comprising said first and second textile layers, and said textile reinforcement assembly further comprises a second portion of knitted, woven or braided tube, the second portion of tube comprising said third and fourth textile layers.

[0075] Advantageously, the first portion of textile tube is flattened so that two superimposed textile layers are obtained, formed by the first and second textile layers. Preferably, the second portion of textile tube is flattened so that two superimposed textile layers are obtained, formed by the third and fourth textile layers.

[0076] Without limitation, the first and second tube portions may be distinct from each other.

[0077] Preferably, at least one of the first and second tube portions is knitted in the round on a circular knitting machine, in particular of small diameter, or on a flat knitting machine comprising two needle beds.

[0078] In a non-limiting manner, the first tube portion may be obtained by knitting a strip whose longitudinal edges are joined, for example by a longitudinal seam. Alternatively, and preferably, the first textile tube portion may be knitted in a circular manner, in which case it is not necessary to close said first tube portion longitudinally. In an alternative embodiment, said first and second tube portions are arranged one above the other or arranged one inside the other.

[0079] One advantage is that it is easier and more precise to position the four layers in relation to each other and also to be able to achieve more precise “zoning” on the tread.

[0080] In this text, zoning is understood to mean any modification of at least one textile parameter in one or more region(s) of the textile tubular portion (also referred to in this text as a textile tube portion), in particular knitted, said at least one parameter is chosen from: the type of yarn (composition, fineness, partially or not hot-melt, color, transparency) and the binding point (stitch pattern). In the embodiment where the first and second tube portions are arranged one above the other, the first and second textile layers are successive textile layers while the third and fourth textile layers are successive textile layers.

[0081] In the embodiment where the first and second tube portions are arranged one inside the other, the second tube portion is preferably arranged inside the first tube portion. In which case, the third and fourth textile layers extend between the first and second textile layers. The first and second tube portions are substantially coaxial.

[0082] Alternatively, and in a non-limiting manner, the first tube portion may be disposed inside the second tube portion, in which case the first and second textile layers extend between the third and fourth textile layers.

[0083] In an alternative embodiment, said textile reinforcement assembly comprises a first textile reinforcement element comprising a first textile zone and a second textile zone in textile connection with the first textile zone, in particular by knitting, said first textile zone differs from said second textile zone by at least one property chosen from: the mesh pattern (for example presence of looped terry-type meshes or woven floats or mesh lines inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the first textile reinforcement element), the number of thread(s), the nature of the thread(s), the mass fraction in thermofused textile part (in particular the mass fraction in thermofusible textile part), the mass fraction in non-thermofused textile part (in particular the mass fraction in non-thermofusible textile part) or the fineness (dtex) of the thread(s).

[0084] Advantageously, the first knitted zone differs from the second knitted zone by at least one property which will impact, for example, the mechanical behavior.

[0085] For example, the first knitted area includes elastic yarn while the second knitted area does not include elastic yarn.

[0086] For example, the second knitted zone comprises a mass proportion of at least partly thermofusible yarn(s) greater than the mass proportion of at least partly thermofusible yarn(s) of the first knitted zone.

[0087] In an alternative embodiment, the first and second textile layers are in a first reinforcing textile element of unitary textile construction, and the third and fourth textile layers are in a second reinforcing textile element of unitary textile construction.

[0088] It is understood by the first, respectively third, textile layer and the second, respectively fourth, textile layer are of unitary textile construction that they are in textile connection, in particular in knitted connection, in particular that they are in the same textile piece of a single piece obtained at the output of a textile loom, in particular of a knitting loom, more particularly without additional step for its manufacture with the exception of the finishing of its edges and / or the embroidery of at least one elongated element. This definition applies advantageously for any textile layer / element / piece of unitary textile construction in the present text.

[0089] In other words, the first and second textile layers are in the same textile piece. The first and second textile layers are connected to each other by at least one knitted or woven thread in both the first textile layer and the second textile layer. Similarly, the third and fourth textile layers are in the same textile piece. The third and fourth textile layers are connected to each other by at least one knitted or woven thread in both the first textile layer and the second textile layer.

[0090] In a non-limiting manner, said first and second layers may be successive layers, for example superimposed layers, or even layers distant from each other, separated by other layers.

[0091] Preferably, said first, second, third and fourth textile layers are at least partially superimposed on each other.

[0092] In an alternative embodiment, the first, second, third and fourth textile layers are in a first reinforcing textile element of unitary textile construction.

[0093] More preferably, the main composite material comprises a tube comprising said first and second tube portions.

[0094] In a first embodiment, said tube is folded back on itself so as to arrange said first and second tube portions one above the other. In this embodiment, the first and second tube portions are connected to each other by a fold.

[0095] In another embodiment, said tube is folded back on itself so as to arrange the second portion of tube inside the first portion of tube.

[0096] In an alternative embodiment, the main composite material comprises at least one intermediate thermoplastic polymer layer, said intermediate thermoplastic polymer layer being arranged between two adjacent textile layers.

[0097] Said intermediate thermoplastic polymer layer is configured to partially form the thermoplastic polymer matrix. This intermediate thermoplastic polymer layer makes it possible to improve the impermeability and puncture resistance of the tread.

[0098] The intermediate thermoplastic polymer layer advantageously has the form of a thermofused polymer sheet (in particular thermofusible before its thermocompression).

[0099] Advantageously, an intermediate thermoplastic polymer layer may be arranged between two superimposed tube portions, and / or between the first and second textile layers, and / or between the third and fourth textile layers, and / or between the first and third textile layers (when the first and second tube portions are coaxial), and / or between the fourth and second textile layers (when the first and second tube portions are coaxial).

[0100] In an alternative embodiment, the main composite material comprises at least one outer thermoplastic polymer layer, said outer thermoplastic polymer layer being arranged in an outer portion of the tread intended to come into contact with the ground. Said outer thermoplastic polymer layer is intended to come into contact with the ground. Said outer thermoplastic polymer layer forms a wear layer for the tread.

[0101] Said external thermoplastic polymer sheet melted improves the grip of the tread on the ground as well as the abrasion resistance of the tread.

[0102] The outer thermoplastic polymer layer advantageously has the form of a thermofused polymer sheet at least in part or entirely. In an alternative embodiment, the main composite material comprises at least one substantially continuous or discontinuous outer polymer coating, in particular at least in part or entirely thermoplastic, said outer polymer coating being arranged in an outer part of the tread intended to come into contact with the ground.

[0103] Said external polymer coating can advantageously form a wear layer for the tread.

[0104] Said external polymeric coating may comprise a base surface from which first recessed patterns project towards the inside of the base surface and second patterns in the form of projections towards the outside of the base surface, preferably the first and second patterns are alternating.

[0105] Said coating can be applied by applying at least one liquid composition as described below.

[0106] Preferably, said coating comprises a polyurethane, in particular a polyurethane elastomer.

[0107] In an alternative embodiment, the mass fraction of thermoplastic material(s) in the main composite material is greater than or equal to 80%, preferably greater than or equal to 90%, more preferably greater than or equal to 95%, in particular approximately 100%.

[0108] This arrangement promotes the tire's ability to be recycled. Indeed, thermoplastic materials can be shaped several times by heating.

[0109] In an alternative embodiment, the mass fraction of the thermoplastic polymer matrix in the main composite material is greater than or equal to 50%, preferably greater than or equal to 60%, more preferably greater than or equal to 70%, more preferably greater than or equal to 80%.

[0110] In one embodiment, the mass fraction of the thermoplastic polymer matrix in the main composite material is less than or equal to 90%, preferably less than or equal to 85%. By mass fraction of the polymer matrix in the main composite material is understood the ratio of the total mass of the polymer(s) (in particular thermofused) forming the thermoplastic polymer matrix to the total mass of the main composite material of unitary molded construction.

[0111] In an alternative embodiment, the mass fraction of the textile reinforcement assembly, in particular textile reinforcement element(s), in the composite material is less than or equal to 50%, preferably less than or equal to 40%, in particular less than or equal to 30%, preferably greater than or equal to 5% and less than or equal to 20%, still preferably greater than or equal to 10% and less than or equal to 15%.

[0112] Preferably, the textile reinforcement assembly forms a textile reinforcement skeleton, still preferably partly thermoplastic or entirely thermoplastic and / or not thermofused.

[0113] In an alternative embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer matrix comprises polyurethane, in particular comprises predominantly polyurethane by mass. In an alternative embodiment, the mass fraction of polyurethane(s), in particular thermoplastic(s), in the main composite material is greater than or equal to 5%, preferably greater than or equal to 10%, more preferably greater than or equal to 20%, preferably greater than or equal to 30%, in particular greater than or equal to 40%, more particularly greater than or equal to 50%.

[0114] In an alternative embodiment, the mass fraction of polyurethane(s), in particular thermoplastic(s), in the main composite material is less than or equal to 90%, preferably less than or equal to 80%, more preferably less than or equal to 70%.

[0115] In an alternative embodiment, the mass fraction of thermoplastic material(s) in said textile reinforcement assembly is greater than or equal to 60% or 70% or 80% (optionally less than or equal to 90%), preferably greater than or equal to 90%, more preferably greater than or equal to 95%, in particular approximately 100%.

[0116] This arrangement promotes the tire's ability to be recycled. Indeed, thermoplastic materials can be shaped several times by heating.

[0117] In an alternative embodiment, the main composite material, preferably the thermoplastic polymer matrix, comprises a first part comprising a first aesthetic property chosen from a first color and a first design, and a second part comprising a second aesthetic property chosen from a second color and a second design, the first aesthetic property being different from the second aesthetic property.

[0118] Preferably the first and second colors are not black.

[0119] Patterns and inscriptions can therefore be formed on the tread.

[0120] Preferably, the tread comprises a plurality of substantially similar patterns spaced along the length of the tread.

[0121] Preferably, the main composite material, preferably the thermoplastic polymer matrix, comprises a first portion comprising a first relief, and a second portion comprising a second relief different from the first relief.

[0122] Said first and second reliefs are advantageously independent of the color of the thermoplastic polymer matrix.

[0123] Preferably, the main composite material comprises a first textile reinforcing element in a first color and a second textile reinforcing element in a second color, the second color being different from the first color.

[0124] In an alternative embodiment, the main composite material, preferably the thermoplastic polymer matrix, comprises a transparent or translucent portion forming a viewing window through which at least a portion of the textile reinforcement assembly is visible from the outside of the tire.

[0125] In an alternative embodiment, the main composite material, preferably the thermoplastic polymer matrix, comprises at least one light-reflecting design.

[0126] In an alternative embodiment, said textile reinforcement assembly comprises one or more threads comprising at least one material chosen from: polyesters; in particular high-tenacity polyesters; polyamides; aramids; polyolefins; celluloses; glasses, or a mixture of these.

[0127] In an alternative embodiment, said at least one textile reinforcement assembly comprises, in particular the textile reinforcement element(s) comprises / comprise (each), one or more thread(s) in at least one material chosen from: polyesters; in particular high-tenacity polyesters; polyamides; aramids; polyolefins; glasses, or a mixture thereof; preferably polyesters; in particular high-tenacity polyesters; polyamides; polyolefins; or a mixture thereof.

[0128] Advantageously, the polyesters may be chosen from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), or a mixture of these, preferably polyethylene terephthalate PET.

[0129] Advantageously, the polyolefins may be chosen from polypropylene, polyethylene, a copolymer of ethylene and propylene, high density polyethylene (such as PEUHMW), preferably polypropylene and polyethylene, in particular high density or very high density (e.g. Dyneema).

[0130] Advantageously, the polyamides can be chosen from: PA 6, PA 6-6, PA 4-6, PA 11 or 12, or a mixture of these, preferably PA 6 or PA 6-6.

[0131] Advantageously, the aramids are chosen from meta-aramids and para-aramids. Aramids are not preferred in the context of the present invention because they are not thermoplastic.

[0132] Preferably, said textile reinforcement assembly comprises one or more textile reinforcement element(s) comprising, in particular consisting of, (each) one or more thread(s) chosen from the preceding list.

[0133] Preferably, said textile reinforcement assembly comprises several threads, said threads being able to be of the same nature or of a different nature.

[0134] In an alternative embodiment, the main composite material comprises one or more threads at least partly heat-melted.

[0135] In this text, the said at least partly thermofused wire(s) may (each) be entirely melted or partially melted.

[0136] Said at least partly heat-melted thread(s) is / are one or more thread(s) at least partly heat-meltable before being transformed in the method for manufacturing a tire according to the invention, in particular described below according to a second aspect of the invention.

[0137] In this text, the said at least partly thermofusible wire(s) may (each) be entirely (thermo)fusible or partially (thermo)fusible.

[0138] An at least partially heat-melted yarn may be a core-mantle type yarn. Preferably, a core-mantle type yarn comprises a core having a melting or softening temperature T1, and a mantle having a melting or softening temperature T2, T1 is greater than T2. ​​Advantageously, the mantle is configured to melt / soften at a temperature T2 which is lower than the melting / softening temperature T1 of the core during tire manufacturing. An at least partially heat-melted yarn may be a side-by-side type yarn, a first side is formed from a material having the melting or softening temperature T1 as defined above, and a second side is formed from a material having the melting or softening temperature T2 as defined above.

[0139] In particular, the first side and the second side are arranged longitudinally along the length of the wire.

[0140] Therefore, in the main composite material, the coat or second side of such a yarn is melted into the thermoplastic polymer matrix while the core or first side forms at least in part the textile reinforcing element.

[0141] An at least partly thermofused wire may be a wire entirely or partly in a thermofusible material, that is to say having a melting or softening temperature lower than the thermocompression temperature used for the manufacture of the tire according to the invention.

[0142] In this case, the fully or partially hot-melt yarn forms at least part of the thermoplastic polymer matrix of the main composite material.

[0143] In an alternative embodiment, the main composite material comprises, in particular the textile reinforcing element(s) comprises / comprise (each), one or more non-thermally melted thread(s) at least in part.

[0144] Advantageously, the at least partially non-thermal melted wire(s) may (each) be entirely non-thermal melted or partially thermal melted.

[0145] Advantageously, the non-thermally melted portion of a non-thermally melted yarn at least in part forms a textile reinforcing yarn, i.e. an elongated textile reinforcing element.

[0146] Advantageously, the textile reinforcement assembly comprises one or more tubular knit(s) comprising (each) one or more partially non-thermal melted yarn(s) and / or one or more non-thermal melted yarn(s).

[0147] In an alternative embodiment, the main composite material comprises one or more core-mantle type wire(s) comprising (each) a metal core and a coat comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer material, in particular thermofused (in particular thermofusible in the tire manufacturing process), for example polyurethane.

[0148] This arrangement significantly improves the tire's durability. Another advantage is that the metal core can be easily removed from the used tire and recycled separately from the rest of the tire before recycling. This makes it easier to recycle the remaining tire.

[0149] In an alternative embodiment, the tread, in particular at least one textile reinforcing element, comprises at least one knitted pattern, for example herringbone. Preferably, the knitted patterns extend in a longitudinal direction (Lbr) of the tread, in particular of said knitted reinforcing element, and repeatedly over a portion of the length of the tread or of said knitted reinforcing element, or over the entire length of the tread or of said knitted reinforcing element.

[0150] The knitted patterns may also extend into a first sidewall and / or into a second sidewall (as described below). In this case, preferably, the tread and the first sidewall, and optionally the second sidewall, are each formed at least in part, in particular entirely, from the main composite material.

[0151] In one variant, the tread comprises a longitudinal direction Lbr, and the main composite material, in particular at least one textile reinforcing element, comprises knitted stitches arranged along knitted stitch lines and comprising one or more reinforcing thread(s), at least one (or each) of said knitted stitch lines having a longitudinal direction Lmt, the direction Lmt intersecting with the longitudinal direction Lbr.

[0152] Advantageously, the main composite material, in particular said at least one textile reinforcing element, comprises a longitudinal direction Lmc substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction Lbr of the tread.

[0153] Advantageously, the longitudinal direction Lbr of the tread, respectively the longitudinal direction Lmc of the main composite material, extends in the general circumferential direction of the tire.

[0154] Advantageously, the longitudinal direction Lmt forms with the longitudinal direction Lbr an angle pi greater than 0° and less than or equal to 90°, in particular less than or equal to 60°, more particularly less than or equal to 50°.

[0155] Advantageously, pi is greater than or equal to 10°, in particular greater than or equal to 20°, more particularly greater than or equal to 30°.

[0156] Said knitted meshes arranged according to knitted mesh lines may also extend into a first sidewall and / or into a second sidewall (as described below). In this case, preferably, the tread and the first sidewall, and optionally the second sidewall, are each formed at least in part from the main composite material.

[0157] In an alternative embodiment, said tire further comprises at least one sidewall, and said main composite material forms at least in part, in particular entirely, said at least one sidewall. An interest is also to improve the recyclability of the sidewall and therefore more generally of the tire.

[0158] Said sidewall and said tread are preferably of unitary molded construction.

[0159] The tire preferably comprises a first sidewall and a second sidewall, said sidewalls extending on either side of the tread.

[0160] Preferably, the main composite material forms at least in part the first sidewall, and at least in part the second sidewall, more preferably the main composite material forms the first and second sidewalls and the tread.

[0161] The first and second sidewalls and said tread are preferably of unitary molded construction, in particular in said main composite material.

[0162] Preferably, the tread and the sidewall comprise at least one yarn in common, preferably a knitted yarn.

[0163] In an alternative embodiment, the mass fraction of the textile reinforcement assembly in the tread is greater, in particular by at least two or three times, than the mass fraction of the textile reinforcement assembly in said at least one sidewall. One advantage is to improve the resistance, in particular the abrasion and impact resistance, of the tread while reducing the weight of the tire. Indeed, the sidewalls are not or are only slightly intended to come into contact with the ground, so that they are less subject to the constraints of grip and abrasion resistance.

[0164] By mass fraction (%) of the textile reinforcement assembly in the tread, respectively a sidewall, is understood the ratio of the total mass of the textile reinforcement assembly in said tread, respectively said sidewall, to the total mass of the tread, respectively said sidewall, in particular this mass fraction can be calculated on a portion of the length of the tire or on the entire tire.

[0165] In an alternative embodiment, the mass fraction of the textile reinforcement assembly in at least one sidewall, in particular the first sidewall and / or the second sidewall, is greater than or equal to 20%, preferably greater than or equal to 30%, more preferably greater than or equal to 40%, preferably less than or equal to 80%, in particular less than or equal to 70% or 60%.

[0166] In an alternative embodiment, the mass fraction of the textile reinforcement assembly in the tread is less than or equal to 45%, in particular less than or equal to 30%, more particularly less than or equal to 20%.

[0167] In an alternative embodiment, the mass fraction of the thermoplastic polymer matrix in the tread is greater, in particular by at least two or three times, than the mass fraction of thermoplastic polymer matrix in a sidewall, in particular a first or second sidewall.

[0168] Advantageously, a sidewall serves to allow the tire to be attached to a wheel, and does not come into direct contact with the ground so that less textile reinforcement is required.

[0169] Advantageously, it is possible in the present invention to adjust the mass fraction of thermoplastic polymer matrix and the mass fraction of textile reinforcement independently of each other in the tire, in particular between the tread and at least one sidewall, by varying the mass fractions of thermofused textile portion(s) and non-thermofused textile portion(s).

[0170] In an alternative embodiment, the mass fraction of the thermoplastic polymer matrix in the tread is greater than or equal to 30%, preferably greater than or equal to 50%, more preferably greater than or equal to 60%.

[0171] In an alternative embodiment, the mass fraction of the thermoplastic polymer matrix in said at least one sidewall, in particular in the first sidewall and / or the second sidewall, is greater than or equal to 5%, preferably greater than or equal to 20%, more preferably greater than or equal to 30%, in particular less than or equal to 60%.

[0172] In an alternative embodiment, the tread comprises at least one ERBR textile reinforcement element, and said at least one sidewall comprises at least one ERPF textile reinforcement element different from said ERBR textile reinforcement element of the tread.

[0173] The ERPF textile reinforcing element advantageously has a different linear density (dtex), in particular two to three times lower, than the linear density of the ERBR textile reinforcing element. The ERBR textile reinforcing element and the ERPF textile reinforcing element preferably comprise (or are) one or more threads of a different nature. For example, the ERBR textile reinforcing element may comprise (or be) one or more polyamide threads while the ERPF textile reinforcing element comprises (or is) one or more polyester threads.

[0174] In an alternative embodiment, the surface mass (g / m 2 ) of said at least one side is less than the surface mass (g / m 2 ) of the tread. One advantage is to increase the puncture resistance of the tread while limiting the weight of the sidewall and therefore of the tire.

[0175] In an alternative embodiment, the mass fraction of textile reinforcement(s) in said at least one sidewall is greater than the mass fraction of textile reinforcement(s) in said tread.

[0176] In an alternative embodiment, said tire comprises two left and right free longitudinal edges, at least one of said two left and right free longitudinal edges comprises a bead element, and said main composite material forms at least in part, in particular entirely, said bead element.

[0177] In one embodiment, the thermoplastic polymer matrix forms at least 50% by volume or mass of said rod element, in particular at least 80% by volume or mass of said rod element.

[0178] One benefit is to further improve the recyclability of the tire compared to traditional tires whose bead cores are metallic and must be extracted before recycling the tire. In addition, it is understood that the bead cores and the tread are in a unitary molded construction, so that the tire manufacturing is facilitated.

[0179] In an alternative embodiment, the tire comprises at most 10% by mass of vulcanized rubber(s) and / or one or more thermosetting polymer(s), optionally vulcanized. One advantage is to reduce the quantity of material that is little or not recyclable within the tire, in order to further improve the recyclability of the tire.

[0180] Preferably, the tire comprises at most 5% by mass of vulcanized rubber(s) and / or one or more thermosetting polymer(s), optionally vulcanized.

[0181] More preferably, the tread and / or the main composite material and / or the tire does not comprise vulcanized rubber(s) and / or thermosetting polymer(s), possibly vulcanized.

[0182] When the tread and / or the main composite material and / or the tyre comprises one or more vulcanised rubbers and / or one or more thermosetting polymers, possibly vulcanised, this or these latter represent(s) at most 10% by mass of the total mass of the tyre, in particular at most 5% by mass of the total mass of the tyre.

[0183] In an alternative embodiment, the tread comprises at least 50%, preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 70%, preferentially at least 80%, by mass of polyurethane(s), in particular thermoplastic polyurethane(s).

[0184] In an alternative embodiment, at least 50% by mass, preferably at least 60% or 70% or 80% by mass, of the thermoplastic polymer matrix of the main composite material consists of one or more thermoplastic polyurethane(s) which are thermofused, and optionally said main composite material comprises one or more textile reinforcing elements, in particular non-thermofused, based on polyurethane(s).

[0185] The present invention also relates, according to a second aspect, to a method for manufacturing at least one part of a tire, in particular a tire, in particular as described above with reference to the first aspect of the invention, comprising the steps of: a) preparing a multilayer assembly comprising at least one thermofusible textile part, in particular during step b) of thermocompression, and at least one non-thermofusible textile part, in particular during step b) of thermocompression; b) thermocompressing said multilayer assembly with a mold configured to mold at least in part the tread of a tire, in particular the tread or said tire, by heating said multilayer assembly so as to melt said thermofusible textile part, in particular so as not to melt the non-thermofusible textile part;c) obtaining a main composite material of unitary molded construction comprising a thermoplastic polymer matrix and a textile reinforcement assembly, said composite material forming at least in part the tread of a tire, in particular forming said tread and / or said tire.;

[0186] Thermocompression causes the melting and / or softening of the thermofusible textile part of the multilayer assembly so that the thermofusible textile part melted by thermocompression forms at least in part the thermoplastic polymer matrix of the composite material obtained. The non-thermal meltable textile part does not melt during thermocompression, so that said non-thermal meltable textile part forms at least in part the textile reinforcement assembly of the main composite material obtained.

[0187] Advantageously, the textile reinforcement assembly comprises said at least one non-heat-meltable and / or non-thermally melted textile part, possibly at least partly thermoplastic, or thermoplastic.

[0188] Preferably, the multi-layer assembly comprises at least a first textile layer which is partly heat-meltable, and optionally a second textile layer, in particular at least partly heat-meltable.

[0189] In one embodiment, the multi-layer assembly results from the implementation of elements (possibly polymeric film or metal wire for example) and / or solid and / or dry textile layer(s). No liquid resins or solvents are used.

[0190] Advantageously, the multi-layer assembly has a general strip shape comprising two free or joined ends, in particular joined together to form a torus, for example the free ends are joined together by a seam.

[0191] Advantageously, the multilayer assembly comprises a strip, in particular has a strip shape, and said strip has first and second free ends between which the longitudinal direction of said multilayer assembly extends, and a first lateral edge, in particular also designated in the present text as the first longitudinal edge, and a second lateral edge, also designated in the present text as the second longitudinal edge, between which the transverse direction of said multilayer assembly extends. Advantageously, the transverse direction of said multilayer assembly is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of said multilayer assembly.

[0192] Advantageously, the length of the strip-shaped multi-layer assembly corresponds to the distance between the first and second free, or joined together, ends of the multi-layer assembly.

[0193] Advantageously, the width of the strip-shaped multi-layer assembly corresponds to the distance between the first and second lateral (or longitudinal) edges.

[0194] Advantageously, the longitudinal direction of the multi-layer assembly extends in the general circumferential direction of the tire (or torus).

[0195] Advantageously, the multi-layer assembly comprises an inner surface and an outer surface, in particular the outer surface is intended to come into contact with the ground and the inner surface is opposite the outer surface, in particular the inner surface is opposite the carcass of the tire.

[0196] Preferably, the first textile layer is oriented directly towards the outer surface of the multi-layer assembly.

[0197] Preferably, the multi-layer assembly comprises one or more textile layers, in particular knitted or woven or braided, and / or one or more portion(s) of textile tube, in particular knitted or woven or braided, possibly substantially flattened, comprising, in particular each, first and second longitudinal edges, in particular each substantially annular in shape.

[0198] Preferably, a portion of textile tube (for example a first or second portion of textile tube), possibly flattened, or a textile layer (eg first / second / third / fourth textile layer), comprises a first longitudinal edge coinciding with, or overlapping with, the first free longitudinal edge of the tread and / or of the carcass and / or of the tire and / or of the composite material.

[0199] Preferably, a portion of textile tube (for example a first or second portion of textile tube), possibly flattened, or a textile layer (eg first / second / third / fourth textile layer), comprises a second longitudinal edge coinciding with, or overlapping with, the second free longitudinal edge of the tread and / or of the carcass and / or of the tire and / or of the composite material.

[0200] Preferably, a portion of textile tube, possibly flattened, or a textile tubular element, possibly flattened, comprises two superimposed textile layers, such as the first and second textile layers or third and fourth textile layers described in the present text.

[0201] Said textile layer (e.g. the first / second / third / fourth textile layer(s)) may also comprise a textile portion which is thermoplastic and therefore intrinsically heat-meltable but which is not intended to be heat-melted / softened during the thermocompression step b). This type of textile material is not considered heat-meltable within the scope of the present invention (referred to in this text as a non-heat-meltable textile portion / part). Advantageously, a non-heat-meltable portion / part (e.g. textile or not) in this text (whether for the first, second, third, fourth or fifth aspect of the invention), is a portion / part (e.g. textile or not) which is not intended to be heat-melted in the thermocompression step b), and / or having a melting and / or softening or degradation temperature (e.g.: if not thermoplastic) greater than or equal to the highest heating temperature applied during the thermocompression step b) and / or implemented in the tire manufacturing process.

[0202] Advantageously, a thermofusible portion / part (e.g.: textile or not) in the present text (whether for the first, second, third, fourth or fifth aspect of the invention), is a portion / part (e.g.: textile or not) intended to be thermofused in the thermocompression step b), and / or having a melting and / or softening temperature lower than or equal to the heating temperature, in particular the highest, applied during the thermocompression step b) and / or implemented in the tire manufacturing process.

[0203] The multi-layer assembly in the present text may comprise first and second textile layers, in particular comprises a first portion of textile tube (in particular woven or knitted or braided) comprising said first and second textile layers (in particular knitted), and possibly third and fourth textile layers, more particularly also comprises a second portion of textile tube (in particular woven or knitted or braided) comprising said third and fourth textile layers (in particular knitted).

[0204] The first and second textile tube portions may be two separate textile tubes, or be in the same textile tube folded back on itself or of which a tube portion is inserted into the interior volume of the remaining tube portion.

[0205] In an alternative embodiment, step a) comprises preparing a multi-layer assembly comprising a first textile layer comprising at least one yarn A which is at least partly heat-meltable, a second textile layer comprising at least one yarn B which is at least partly heat-meltable, a third textile layer comprising at least one yarn C which is at least partly heat-meltable and a fourth textile layer comprising at least one yarn D which is at least partly heat-meltable; and step b) comprises thermocompression of the multi-layer assembly with a mold configured to mold at least the tread of a tire, by heating said multi-layer assembly so as to at least partly melt said yarns A, B, C and D, of said first, second, and third and fourth textile layers.

[0206] The melted part from yarns A and / or B and / or C and / or D forms, at least in part or in whole, the thermoplastic polymer matrix of the main composite material, while the non-melted part from yarns A and / or B and / or C and / or D forms, at least in part or in whole, the textile reinforcement assembly of said main composite material.

[0207] Advantageously, said non-melted part, and therefore not heat-meltable as defined in the present text, may be at least partly thermoplastic, or thermoplastic.

[0208] A textile layer, whether a first, second, third or fourth textile layer, is advantageously at least partly heat-meltable, that is to say that it can be entirely heat-meltable (and therefore heat-melted / softened during step b) in the main composite material) or partially heat-meltable (and therefore heat-melted / softened during step b) partially in the main composite material).

[0209] In an alternative embodiment, the non-hot-melt textile portion comprises a first polyurethane having a melting or softening temperature T3, and the hot-melt textile portion comprises a second polyurethane having a melting or softening temperature T4, T3 being greater than T4.

[0210] The first polyurethane provides the tread with stiffening properties and improves the tread's resistance, particularly to perforation, abrasion and deformation. The second polyurethane, once melted, allows the textile reinforcement element(s) comprising the textile reinforcement assembly to be bonded within the thermoplastic polymer matrix, providing cohesion between these reinforcement elements.

[0211] In particular, T4 is higher than the highest heating temperature applied during thermocompression step b) and / or the highest heating temperature applied in the tire manufacturing process.

[0212] In particular, T3 is less than or equal to the heating temperature, in particular the highest, during the thermocompression step b) and / or to the highest heating temperature applied in the tire manufacturing process.

[0213] In an alternative embodiment, the multi-layer assembly comprises at least one textile reinforcing element comprising knitted loops or woven floats comprising one or more threads which are at least partly thermofusible.

[0214] In an alternative embodiment, the multi-layer assembly is configured so as to obtain in step c) a main composite material also forming at least in part a sidewall of the tire.

[0215] In an alternative embodiment, the first and second textile layers are in a first textile element of unitary textile construction and the third and fourth textile layers are in a second textile element of unitary textile construction.

[0216] Advantageously, the multi-layer assembly comprises a first textile element of unitary textile construction, said first textile element comprising said first and second textile layers, and a second textile element of unitary textile construction, said second textile element comprising said third and fourth textile layers.

[0217] In an alternative embodiment, the main composite material, or the multi-layer assembly, comprises a first portion of knitted or woven or braided tube, the first portion of tube comprising said first and second textile layers, and the main composite material, or the multi-layer assembly, further comprises a second portion of knitted or woven or braided tube, the second portion of tube comprising said third and fourth textile layers.

[0218] In a preferred embodiment, the first knitted, or woven, or braided tube portion is in knitted, or woven, or braided connection with the second knitted, or woven, or braided tube portion. Preferably, the first knitted tube portion is of unitary knitted construction with the second knitted tube portion. This arrangement facilitates the correct placement of the first tube portion relative to the second tube portion when they are superimposed to form a torus.

[0219] Advantageously, the second portion of textile tube is folded over the first portion of textile tube, or housed inside the interior volume of the first portion of textile tube.

[0220] In another embodiment, the first tube portion and the second tube portion are respectively first and second textile tubes independent of each other.

[0221] In an alternative embodiment, the multilayer assembly is heated to a temperature greater than or equal to 100°C and less than or equal to 250°C during thermocompression step b).

[0222] In an alternative embodiment, the multilayer assembly is thermocompressed during step b) by applying a pressure greater than or equal to 1 bar and less than or equal to 200 bars, preferably less than or equal to 150 bars or 100 bars or 50 bars.

[0223] In an alternative embodiment, the method comprises the application (step e)) using a spraying device of one or more liquid composition(s) on:

[0224] - one or more surface portions, in particular of the internal surface and / or the external surface, of the multi-layer assembly, and / or

[0225] - one or more portions of surface, in particular of the internal surface and / or the external surface, of the tread and / or of the tire,

[0226] - in particular the multi-layer assembly or the tread or the tire is arranged in a mold or on a conveyor so as to form at least one coating zone, in particular so as to form two or more coating zones, at least one coating zone comprising a physicochemical and / or mechanical characteristic different from a physicochemical and / or mechanical characteristic of the remaining coating zones.

[0227] In particular, the physicochemical and / or mechanical characteristics are chosen from: thickness, abrasion resistance, adhesion to a surface such as the ground, Shore A or D hardness, type of liquid composition, pattern applied, more particularly the type of liquid composition varies according to the type of polymer(s), the type of fibers possibly present, dry extract.

[0228] Preferably, step e) comprises, after the application of said at least one liquid composition, a drying step during which the solvent (organic or water) of said liquid composition is evaporated to form one or more coating zones.

[0229] Preferably, the polymer type is a natural rubber and / or a polyurethane, especially a polyurethane elastomer.

[0230] Preferably, the polymer type is a thermoplastic polymer and / or a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0231] In one embodiment, the liquid composition comprises at least one polymer dispersed in an organic solvent or in water.

[0232] Aqueous dispersions, optionally comprising fibers, are known in the state of the art, such as aqueous polyurethane dispersions. The dry extract of said at least one polymer in the liquid composition may be greater than or equal to 5% or 10% and less than or equal to 60% or 55% or 50%, optionally less than or equal to 30% or 25% or 20%.

[0233] The dry extract is for example greater than or equal to 30% and less than or equal to 50%.

[0234] The dry extract of said at least one polymer is calculated by dividing the total dry mass of the polymer(s) of the liquid composition by the total mass of the dry extract of said liquid composition.

[0235] The mass fraction of fibers in the liquid composition may be greater than or equal to 5% or 10% and less than or equal to 30% or 25% or 20%.

[0236] The mass fraction of fibers is calculated by dividing the total mass of fibers by the total mass of the liquid composition.

[0237] The liquid composition may comprise fibers, in particular chosen from fibers made of synthetic material(s), in particular polyester fibers (e.g., PET, PBT), polyamide fibers (e.g., PA 6 or 66), polyurethane fibers, polyolefin fibers (PP, PE, PEHMW, PEUHMW), or a mixture of the latter; fibers made of natural material(s) (cotton, hemp, linen, etc.); recycled fibers, reinforcing fibers, in particular from a mixture of fibers made of synthetic and / or natural material(s), such as those mentioned above; or a mixture of the latter.

[0238] Said fibers may be at least partly heat-meltable, or at least partly non-heat-meltable (within the meaning of this text and therefore possibly at least partly thermoplastic).

[0239] The application of the liquid composition can be carried out on the multi-layer assembly, in particular substantially flat, for example on a conveyor, or after step d) of gathering on a torus-shaped mold, before step b) of thermocompression, or possibly after step b) of thermocompression on all or part of the tread and / or the tire.

[0240] The spraying device may include one or more spray nozzles. One spray nozzle may spray a liquid composition similar to or different from the liquid composition sprayed by another spray nozzle.

[0241] The spray nozzles can apply one or more liquid compositions simultaneously so as to form at least one integrated coating zone, in particular integrated coating zones, i.e., zones appearing in one piece without demarcation or border.

[0242] The liquid composition(s) may be applied as described in European patents EP 2864536, EP 2262632, and EP 1807253.

[0243] The disclosures of European patents EP 2864536, EP 2262632, and EP 1807253 are incorporated by reference into this text.

[0244] In an alternative embodiment, the multilayer assembly comprises a first textile element, for example a textile layer or a textile layer of a portion of a textile tube or of a textile tubular element, comprising a first textile zone and a second textile zone in textile connection with the first textile zone, in particular by knitting, said first textile zone differs from said second textile zone by at least one property chosen from: the mesh pattern (for example presence of looped terry-type meshes or woven floats or mesh lines inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the first textile element), the number of thread(s), the nature of the thread(s), the mass fraction in thermofused textile part (in particular the mass fraction in thermofusible textile part), the mass fraction in non-thermofusible textile part, or the fineness (dtex) of the thread(s).

[0245] Advantageously, the first knitted zone differs from the second knitted zone by at least one property which will impact, for example, the mechanical behavior.

[0246] For example, the first knitted area includes elastic yarn while the second knitted area does not include elastic yarn.

[0247] For example, the second knitted zone comprises a mass proportion of at least partly thermofusible yarn(s) greater than the mass proportion of at least partly thermofusible yarn(s) of the first knitted zone.

[0248] In an alternative embodiment, the multi-layer assembly comprises at least one textile reinforcing element, for example a first portion of textile tube and / or a second portion of textile tube, said textile reinforcing element comprises at least one knitted pattern, for example herringbone or knitted lines inclined relative to the longitudinal axis L of the strip and in particular parallel to each other.

[0249] Preferably, the knitted patterns extend along the longitudinal direction of the multi-layer assembly, in particular in the general shape of a strip, and repeatedly over a portion of the length of said knitted reinforcing element, or over the entire length of said knitted reinforcing element.

[0250] The knitted patterns may extend equally over a portion of the width of said knitted reinforcing element, or over the entire width of said knitted reinforcing element.

[0251] Advantageously, the knitted patterns, for example in V, or herringbone, or along inclined knitted lines, comprise first patterns, for example in V, and second patterns, for example in V, knitted or woven with one or more yarns different from the yarn(s) of the first patterns, for example in V. The first patterns, for example in V, are alternated with the second patterns, for example in V, over at least part of the length of the multi-layer assembly.

[0252] Advantageously, at least one first pattern, for example V-shaped or chevron-shaped, comprises a mass fraction of thermofusible textile greater than the mass fraction of thermofusible textile of at least one second pattern, for example V-shaped or chevron-shaped. In a variant, the multilayer assembly comprises at least one textile reinforcing element, for example a first portion of textile tube and / or a second portion of textile tube, comprising knitted stitches with one or more reinforcing thread(s), in particular at least partially non-thermofusible, said knitted stitches being arranged along knitted stitch lines, at least one of said knitted stitch lines having a longitudinal direction Lmt, the direction Lmt intersecting with the longitudinal direction of the multilayer assembly.

[0253] Advantageously, the knitted stitch lines comprise knitted stitch lines inclined towards the first (longitudinal) lateral edge or the second (longitudinal) lateral edge. Advantageously, the longitudinal direction Lmt forms with the longitudinal direction of the multilayer assembly an angle 01 greater than 0° and less than or equal to 90°, in particular less than or equal to 60°, more particularly less than or equal to 50°.

[0254] Advantageously, 01 is greater than or equal to 10°, in particular greater than or equal to 20°, more particularly greater than or equal to 30°.

[0255] The knitted stitch lines may also extend over a portion of the width of said knitted reinforcing element, or over the entire width of said knitted reinforcing element.

[0256] In one variant, the multi-layer assembly forms at least 80% by mass or volume, preferably at least 90% by mass or volume, more preferably about 100% by mass or volume, of the tread, in particular of the tread with a first sidewall and / or a second sidewall.

[0257] In a variant, the first, and / or second, and / or third, and / or fourth textile layer(s), in particular knitted, comprises (each comprises) at least one longitudinal textile region, in particular knitted, comprising textile patterns, in particular knitted, in particular inclined textile lines, in particular knitted, in particular along an axis L mt , relative to the longitudinal axis L of the strip, and said patterns comprise at least one thread, in particular knitted, not heat-meltable at least in part, and / or at least one thread, in particular knitted, heat-meltable at least in part.

[0258] Said at least one longitudinal region extends in particular adjacent to one of the first and second longitudinal edges of the strip and / or of said multi-layer assembly and this over all or part of the length of the first portion of tube and / or of said textile layer.

[0259] For example, the surface area (cm 2 ) occupied by said at least one longitudinal region is less than or equal to 60%, in particular between 20% and 40%, of the surface area of ​​the textile layer in question.

[0260] For example, the surface area (cm 2 ) occupied by said at least one longitudinal region is greater than or equal to 60%, in particular greater than or equal to 80% or 90% or substantially 100%.

[0261] For example, the inclination of the textile lines arranged in said at least one textile longitudinal region for a given layer, for example the first or third layer, may be different or similar, for example opposite, to the inclination of the textile lines in said at least one textile longitudinal region for another given layer, for example the second or fourth layer.

[0262] Lmt forms an angle with the longitudinal axis L of the strip which may be greater than 0° and less than or equal to 70°, in particular greater than or equal to 30° and less than or equal to 60°, for example of the order of 45° to + / - 5°.

[0263] In an alternative embodiment, the first, and / or second, and / or third, and / or fourth textile layer(s), in particular knitted, comprises (each comprises) two longitudinal textile regions, in particular knitted, extending over all or part of the length of said textile layer, or of the first portion of textile tube, in particular knitted, one longitudinal textile region comprises textile lines, in particular knitted, inclined relative to the axis L of the strip according to a first inclination, and the other longitudinal textile region comprises textile lines, in particular knitted, inclined relative to the axis L of the strip according to a second inclination different from the first inclination. This arrangement makes it possible to improve the mechanical properties of the tread.

[0264] For example, the surface area (cm 2) occupied by a textile longitudinal region is between 45% and 65% of the surface area of ​​the textile layer in question, or between 25% and 35% of the surface area of ​​the textile layer in question if a third textile longitudinal region is present.

[0265] In an alternative embodiment, the first, and / or second, and / or third, and / or fourth textile layer(s), in particular knitted, comprises (each comprises) at least one longitudinal textile region, in particular knitted, comprising textile loops, in particular knitted, comprising at least one thermofusible thread at least in part. Preferably, this longitudinal textile region is arranged substantially in the center of the first or second textile layer.

[0266] Preferably, the surface area (cm 2 ) occupied by said at least one longitudinal region is less than or equal to 60%, in particular approximately between 20% and 40%, of the surface area of ​​the textile layer in question.

[0267] In a variant, the first textile layer, in particular knitted, of the first portion of textile tube, in particular knitted, comprises first, second and third longitudinal textile regions, in particular knitted, at least one of the first and third longitudinal textile regions comprises textile patterns (in particular textile lines), in particular knitted, extending diagonally (e.g. along the axis Lmt defined above) relative to the longitudinal axis L of the strip, and said textile patterns comprise a non-thermal-fusible thread at least in part and / or a thermofusible thread at least in part, the second longitudinal textile region, arranged between the first and third longitudinal regions, comprises textile loops or elongated textile portions, in particular knitted, comprising at least one thermofusible thread at least in part, and / or

[0268] - the second textile layer, in particular knitted, comprises at least one thermofusible thread at least in part, in particular knitted, so as to extend substantially along the entire width of said second textile layer and substantially at least in part over the entire length of the second layer, and / or

[0269] - the second longitudinal textile region of the first layer is intended to form at least a portion of the surface of the central zone of the tread of the tire, in particular forms one or more regions of engagement with the ground.

[0270] In a variant, the first textile layer of the first portion of textile tube comprises first, second and third longitudinal textile regions, in particular knitted, the second longitudinal region, arranged between the first and third longitudinal regions, comprises knitted loops comprising at least one thermofusible yarn at least in part, and the total mass fraction of the thermofusible textile part in the second longitudinal region is greater than the total mass fraction of the thermofusible textile part in the first longitudinal region or the total mass fraction of the thermofusible textile part in the third longitudinal region.

[0271] Preferably, the second textile longitudinal region of the first layer is intended to form at least a portion of the surface of the central zone of the tread of the tire, in particular forms one or more regions of engagement with the ground.

[0272] In an alternative embodiment, said at least one textile longitudinal region and / or the first textile longitudinal region and / or the third textile longitudinal region of a textile layer T1

[0273] (eg: first / second / third / fourth), in particular of the first textile layer, each comprises / comprises at least one thermofusible yarn at least in part, in particular a polyurethane yarn of 600 deniers to within + / - 200 deniers, in particular knitted with a vanishing yarn, more particularly non-thermofusible, for example a polyamide yarn.

[0274] Preferably, the at least partly knitted thermofusible yarn(s) in the first and / or second and / or third longitudinal region(s) is / are made of polyurethane.

[0275] In a variant, the third knitted layer and / or the fourth knitted layer each comprises / comprise patterns knitted diagonally with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the strip (for example lines knitted diagonally, for example along the axis Lmt), in particular extending substantially over the entire width of the second tube portion, and more particularly substantially over the entire length of the second tube portion.

[0276] Preferably, the knitted patterns extend diagonally and form an angle with the longitudinal axis L between 30° and 60°, for example about 45° to within + / - 5°.

[0277] Preferably, the third and / or fourth layer(s) is / are knitted with at least one thermofusible yarn at least in part, in particular a 600 denier polyurethane monofilament yarn to within + / - 200 denier, with one or more non-thermofusible yarn(s) at least in part, in particular one or more vanishing yarn(s).

[0278] In an alternative embodiment:

[0279] - the multi-layer assembly comprises a strip comprising two ends joined to each other to form a torus,

[0280] - said strip comprises a first longitudinal edge comprising in a first position gathers, and said torus has a circumference Cl in the first position, and

[0281] - said method comprises a step d), taking place before step b), and optionally after or before step e) of application by spraying of at least one liquid composition, and comprising a step of arranging said torus on a counter-mold in a second position in which at least part of the gathers, in particular substantially all of the gathers, are spaced apart from each other, and said torus adopts a circumference C2 greater than Cl.

[0282] Advantageously, the gathers arranged along the first longitudinal edge make it possible to vary the circumference of the torus between a first position, corresponding to a resting position, and a second position, corresponding to an elongated position in which the gathers are separated and the first longitudinal edge is in an extended position.

[0283] Advantageously, said strip also comprises a second longitudinal edge comprising gathers in the first position, at least a portion of these gathers, in particular substantially all of these gathers, are spaced apart from each other in the second position.

[0284] Advantageously, this arrangement makes it possible to maintain the torus in position on the counter-mold, in particular also in the form of a torus, during the thermocompression step b), and possibly during the application step e), without the first longitudinal edge, and in particular the second longitudinal edge, moving unexpectedly on the counter-mold. It has indeed been observed that without this arrangement, the first and second longitudinal edges of the strip, and therefore of the torus, are not correctly tensioned on the counter-mold, and that the positioning of the strip on the counter-mold is also not reproducible.

[0285] The arrangement of first and second gathered longitudinal edges helps to overcome these problems.

[0286] Preferably, the gathers are distributed over at least part of the length, preferably substantially along the entire length, of the first longitudinal edge.

[0287] Preferably, the gathers are distributed over at least part of the length, preferably substantially along the entire length, of the second longitudinal edge.

[0288] Preferably, L2, respectively C2, is greater than L1, respectively Cl, by at least 10% or 20%, more preferably by at least 40% or 50%, more preferably by at least 70% or 80%.

[0289] Advantageously, said strip has a length L1 in the first position, or the torus has a circumference Cl in the first position, and a length L2 in the second position, or the torus has a circumference C2 in the second position.

[0290] Preferably, the length L1 corresponds to the length of the first or second longitudinal edge.

[0291] In a variant, said first longitudinal edge, and / or the second longitudinal edge, of the strip comprises (each comprise) one or more elongate gathering element(s) arranged over all or part of the length of said first longitudinal edge, and / or said second longitudinal edge, so as to create said gathers, at least one of said elongate element(s) is a gathering thread comprising a thermofusible polymer material, in particular a polyurethane.

[0292] The gathers may be formed along the first longitudinal edge, and possibly along the second longitudinal edge, by joining along at least part of the length, in particular substantially over the entire length, of the first longitudinal edge, and possibly of the second longitudinal edge, at least one elongate element (for example an elastic cord) so as to bring portions of the strip closer to each other and create folds.

[0293] In one variant, the first longitudinal edge, and / or the second longitudinal edge, of the strip comprises (each comprises) an elongate gathering element which is a first knitted gathering yarn comprising a hot-melt polymer material, in particular a polyurethane, and an elongate gathering element which is a second knitted gathering yarn and comprising floats, optionally comprising a hot-melt polymer material, in particular a polyurethane.

[0294] Advantageously, a first gathering thread and a second gathering thread are knitted along at least part of the length, in particular substantially over the entire length, of the first longitudinal edge, and possibly of the second longitudinal edge, said gathering threads being knitted so that, in the strip in the first resting position, the first gathering thread exerts tension at regular intervals on the second gathering thread, thus bringing portions of the strip closer together to create pleats.

[0295] Advantageously, the first gathering yarn and the second gathering yarn are both knitted on the first and / or second longitudinal edge(s) of the first knitted tubular portion, and optionally on the first and / or second longitudinal edge(s) of the second knitted tubular portion.

[0296] Advantageously, the width of a pleat or gather corresponds to the length of a float.

[0297] Advantageously, a knitted float corresponds to a portion of the second gathering thread extending in a substantially rectilinear manner over a determined number of columns of stitches, in particular without forming looped stitches, and possibly without forming loaded stitches.

[0298] Preferably, the first gathering thread is a thermofusible thread at least in part (possibly substantially completely), in particular made of polyurethane.

[0299] Preferably, the first shirring yarn comprises a heat-fusible portion having a melting temperature of between 120°C and 170°C.

[0300] Preferably, the first shirring yarn has a tenacity of the order of 1.50 cN / dtex to + / - 1 cN / dtex.

[0301] Preferably, the first gathering yarn has an elongation at break greater than or equal to 10%, in particular less than or equal to 100% or 30%.

[0302] Preferably, the first gathering yarn is of the core-coat type, with a non-thermal-fusible core, and possibly thermoplastic, for example polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (or polybutylene terephthalate (PBT)) or polyamide (PA 6 or 6-6), and a thermo-fusible coat, for example polyurethane, still preferably the mass fraction of the coat in the yarn is between 60% and 90%, and the mass fraction in the core is between 10% and 40%.

[0303] Preferably, the first gathering yarn is a monofilament yarn, in particular having a diameter greater than or equal to 0.10 mm and less than or equal to 0.60 mm, in particular of the order of 0.35 mm to within + / - 0.20 mm.

[0304] Preferably, the second gathering yarn is a multifilament yarn or yarn made of PET, PBT or polyamide fibers.

[0305] Preferably, the second shirring thread is not a hot melt thread, but is optionally thermoplastic.

[0306] Advantageously, the first and second gathering threads are knitted so that in the first resting position, the first gathering thread retracts and thus brings the float portions closer together, creating pleats or gathers.

[0307] In addition to the intrinsic elasticity characteristics of the first gathering thread, it is also possible to knit it by exerting significant tension in order to amplify its shrinkage in the first position and the formation of gathers.

[0308] The characteristics (elongation at break, toughness, etc.) are preferably measured with the UNI EN ISO 2062-2010 standard, and the linear mass with the DIN EN ISO 2060 standard.

[0309] The present invention also relates, according to a third aspect, to a method for recycling a tire, advantageously comprising:

[0310] - the collection of at least one tire, in particular with reference to the first aspect of the invention, or obtained according to the method described with reference to the second aspect of the invention;

[0311] - crushing said at least one tire to obtain crushed particles or crushed fragments; - a step of transforming said crushed particles or fragments into granules which can be transformed by a hot transformation process, for example by extrusion-molding, said transformation step comprising an extrusion-granulation step.

[0312] The definitions, variant embodiments, embodiments with reference to the first aspect of the invention may be combined with the second aspect or the third aspect or even the fourth aspect of the invention.

[0313] The present invention relates, according to a fourth aspect, to a multi-layer assembly for the manufacture of a tire by thermocompression, in particular for its implementation in the method of manufacturing a tire according to any one of the variant embodiments with reference to the second aspect of the invention.

[0314] The multi-layer assembly may comprise any variation, embodiment or definition described with reference to the multi-layer assembly in the manufacturing method according to a second aspect of the invention, or with reference to the textile reinforcement assembly according to a first aspect of the invention.

[0315] Advantageously, the multilayer assembly comprises a strip, in particular in the form of a strip, comprising two free ends or two ends joined together, in particular secured to each other, to form a torus.

[0316] Advantageously, said multi-layer assembly comprises at least one heat-melting textile part, and at least one non-heat-melting textile part.

[0317] Advantageously, said multilayer assembly comprises a first portion of textile tube comprising first and second textile layers, and optionally a second portion of textile tube comprising third and fourth textile layers, and at least one of the first portion of textile tube and optionally of the second portion of textile tube comprises at least one thermofusible textile part, in particular in the method of manufacturing the tire by thermocompression, and at least one of the first portion of textile tube and optionally of the second portion of textile tube comprises at least one non-thermofusible textile part, in particular in the method of manufacturing the tire by thermocompression.

[0318] Advantageously, said at least one non-thermal-fusible textile part is at least partly thermoplastic.

[0319] In one variant, the majority component by mass relative to the total mass of said multilayer assembly is a thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0320] The term “majority component by mass” means a component whose mass fraction in said multilayer assembly is the highest, possibly in comparison with the mass fraction(s) in the other component(s) present. This majority mass fraction may be less than 50%, for example at least 20% or 30%, or even greater than 50% or 60% or 70% or 80% or 90%.

[0321] In an alternative embodiment, the mass fraction of thermoplastic material(s) in said multilayer assembly is greater than or equal to 60% or 70% or 80% (optionally less than or equal to 90%), preferably greater than or equal to 90%, more preferably greater than or equal to 95%, in particular approximately 100%.

[0322] This arrangement promotes the tire's ability to be recycled. Indeed, thermoplastic materials can be shaped several times by heating.

[0323] In a variant, said strip comprises a first longitudinal edge, said first longitudinal edge comprises in a first position gathers, and said strip has a total length L1, preferably said torus has a circumference Cl, in the first position, and said strip has a length L2, preferably said torus has a circumference C2, in a second position in which at least part of the gathers, in particular substantially all of the gathers, are spaced apart from each other, L2 being greater than L1, preferably C2 is greater than Cl.

[0324] Advantageously, the total length L1 is the distance separating the first and second free or joined ends of the strip.

[0325] Advantageously, said strip has a longitudinal axis L extending between its first and second free ends joined together, and a transverse axis T extending substantially perpendicular to the axis L.

[0326] In a variant, said first longitudinal edge comprises one or more elongate gathering element(s) arranged over all or part of the length of said first longitudinal edge so as to create said gathers, at least one of said elongate element(s) is a gathering thread comprising a thermofusible polymer material, in particular a polyurethane, optionally a polyurethane elastomer.

[0327] In particular, the (first or second) shirring thread is a hot-melt thread (i.e. intended to be hot-melted in the process for manufacturing the tire according to the invention).

[0328] Advantageously, the elongated gathering element(s) is / are knitted in at least one of the first and second portions of textile tube.

[0329] In one variant, the first longitudinal edge, and optionally the second longitudinal edge, of the strip comprises (each comprises) an elongate gathering element which is a first knitted gathering yarn comprising a thermofusible polymer material, in particular a polyurethane, and an elongate gathering element which is a second knitted gathering yarn and comprising floats.

[0330] The strip or multi-layer assembly is also as described in the present text, and in particular according to variant embodiments, taken independently of one another, appearing in the description of the method of manufacturing a tire with reference to the second aspect of the invention, in particular independently of the steps of said manufacturing method, or even with reference to the tire according to a first aspect of the invention.

[0331] The present invention also relates, according to a fifth aspect, to the use of a multi-layer assembly for the manufacture of a tire by thermocompression, said multi-layer assembly being as described in the present text, and in particular according to variant embodiments appearing in the description of the method for manufacturing a tire with reference to the second aspect of the invention, in particular independently of the steps of said manufacturing method, and / or appearing in the description of the multi-layer assembly with reference to the fourth aspect of the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0332] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of the embodiments of the invention given as non-limiting examples, with reference to the appended drawings, in which: [Fig. 1] Figure 1 schematically represents a first example of a tire according to the invention;

[0333] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 schematically represents a side view of a first example of a multi-layer assembly according to the invention for the manufacture of a tire;

[0334] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 schematically represents a side view of a second example of a multi-layer assembly according to the invention for the manufacture of a tire;

[0335] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 schematically represents a side view of a third example of a multi-layer assembly according to the invention for the manufacture of a tire;

[0336] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 schematically represents a side view of a fourth example of a multi-layer assembly according to the invention for the manufacture of a tire;

[0337] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 schematically represents a side view of a fifth example of a multi-layer assembly according to the invention for the manufacture of a tire;

[0338] [Fig. 7] Figure 7 schematically represents a side view of a sixth example of a multi-layer assembly according to the invention for the manufacture of a tire;

[0339] [Fig. 8] Figure 8 schematically represents, seen flat, the arrangement of a textile layer of a textile tube or of a portion of textile tube according to the invention, for example as represented in Figures 2 to 7;

[0340] [Fig. 9] Figure 9 schematically represents, flat, the first and second textile layers of a second example of textile tube according to the invention;

[0341] [Fig. 10] Figure 10 schematically represents, flat, the first textile layer of a fifth example of textile tube according to the invention;

[0342] [Fig. 11] Figure 11 schematically represents, flat, a sixth example of a knitted tube according to the invention forming all or part of a multi-layer assembly according to the invention for the manufacture of a tire;

[0343] [Fig. 12] Figure 12 schematically represents, flat and seen from an external face, the sixth example of tube according to Figure 12 folded in three;

[0344] [Fig. 13] Figure 13 schematically represents, flat and seen from an interior face, the sixth example of tube according to Figure 12 folded in three;

[0345] [Fig. 14] Figure 14 schematically represents, in perspective, the sixth example of tube according to Figure 12 folded in three and whose ends are joined to form a torus;

[0346] [Fig. 15] Figure 15 schematically represents, in perspective, a seventh example of a flattened tube comprising a second portion of textile tube intended to be folded against a first portion of textile tube in order to form a strip;

[0347] [Fig. 16] Figure 16 schematically represents, in perspective, the strip of Figure 15 whose first and second free ends are joined to form a torus;

[0348] [Fig. 17] Figure 17 schematically represents, in perspective, the strip of Figure 16 in the first position at rest; [Fig. 18] Figure 18 schematically represents, in perspective, the strip of Figures 16 and 17 in the second position on a torus-shaped counter-mold;

[0349] [Fig. 19] Figure 19 schematically represents, according to section plane XIX-XIX of Figure 18, the elongated strip in the second position.

[0350] Description of the embodiments

[0351] Figure 1 schematically represents a first example of a tire 10 according to the invention comprising a tread 15, a first sidewall 20 and a second sidewall 25. Advantageously, the first and second sidewalls 20, 25 comprise first and second free longitudinal edges 21, 26 reinforced and forming first and second bead wire elements 22, 27. The first and second sidewalls 20, 25 advantageously extend on either side of the tread 15. Advantageously, the tire 10 has a general shape of a torus open longitudinally, and extends circumferentially (not shown) according to the target diameter of the tire 10. Advantageously, the tread 15, the first and second sidewalls 20, 25 as well as the bead wire elements 22, 27 are of unitary molded construction and are formed from a main composite material 30.The main composite material 30 has a longitudinal axis Lmc, extending circumferentially along the length of the tire 10, and a transverse axis Tmc, substantially perpendicular to the axis Lmc.

[0352] Figure 2 schematically represents a first example of a multi-layer assembly 40 according to the invention for the manufacture of a tire comprising a textile tube 50 folded in two and thus forming a first textile tube portion 42 and a second textile tube portion 44 connected by the fold 45. The first textile tube portion 42 comprises a first textile layer 42a and a second textile layer 42b, the second textile tube portion 44 comprises a third textile layer 44a and a fourth textile layer 44b. The first and / or second and / or third and / or fourth textile layer(s) may each comprise one or more fully or partially thermofusible multifilament and / or monofilament yarn(s) and one or more non-thermofusible monofilament and / or multifilament yarn(s), in particular the linear density (dtex) and mass fraction of which vary according to the textile layer to be functionalized.Preferably, the tube 50 is a tube knitted on a small diameter circular knitting machine. Advantageously, the stitch pattern of the first knitted layer 42a may be identical or different from the stitch pattern of the second knitted layer 42b, or of the third or fourth knitted layer 44a or 44b.

[0353] Advantageously, the first tube portion 42 and the second tube portion 44 differ by at least one physical property and / or one chemical property, in particular chosen from: the composition of a thread, the fineness of a thread, the mass fraction of thermofusible textile material, the mass fraction of non-thermofusible textile material.

[0354] The multilayer assembly 40 may also comprise one or more thermofusible polymeric sheets 46, which may be arranged on the external face of the first layer 42a and / or inside the first tube portion 42 and / or between the first tube portion 42 and the second tube portion 44 and / or inside the second tube portion 44 and / or on the external face of the fourth layer 44b. The thermofusible sheet(s) 46 may be made of at least one polyolefin or a polyolefin elastomer or even polyurethane, for example a polyurethane elastomer. Advantageously, said multilayer assembly 40 is formed into a general torus shape, in particular by joining the free ends 48 and 49 of the tube 50 folded in two, then thermocompressed.Said multilayer assembly 40 advantageously comprises a thermofusible textile part, and a non-thermofusible textile part, and optionally a non-thermofusible textile part formed from the thermofusible sheet(s) 46.

[0355] Advantageously, the multilayer assembly 40 shaped into a torus is arranged in a mold assembly comprising a determined molding volume, then hermetically closed, a pressure or vacuum is applied to the multilayer assembly so as to push / press the latter against the internal walls of the mold, and this concomitantly with the application of a heating temperature making it possible to melt and / or soften the targeted hot-melt material of the multilayer assembly 40. The pressure can be applied advantageously using a deformable and inflatable bladder arranged inside the torus shaped from the multilayer assembly 40, and which is inflated during thermocompression. Thermocompression can also be carried out using a rigid, and therefore non-inflatable, insert, such as a counter-mold arranged in the interior volume of the molding assembly.Advantageously, at the end of thermocompression, a tire is obtained comprising a tread, first and second sidewalls, and possibly bead elements.

[0356] Advantageously, the arrangement of a sheet 46 in a thermoplastic elastomer in the multilayer assembly 40 so as to form at least in part the external face of the tread makes it possible to improve the abrasion resistance and the grip of the tread.

[0357] The textile tube 50 has a longitudinal axis L, corresponding in this example to the direction of the columns of stitches or warp direction or even to the knitting or weaving direction, and a transverse axis T, substantially perpendicular to the axis L. The transverse axis T preferably corresponds to the weft direction or to the direction of the rows of stitches.

[0358] Advantageously, the textile tube 50 is of unitary textile construction, in particular of unitary knitted construction. The textile tube 50 is thus advantageously obtained at the outlet of a knitting machine without an additional step consisting of adding another textile insert to the tube 50, except for the possible finishing of the edges of the tube 50 by a seam. The tube portions 42 and 44 thus comprise at least one common thread, in particular knitted.

[0359] Advantageously, the multilayer assembly 40 has a general strip shape comprising first and second free ends 48, 49, and a longitudinal axis corresponding to the axis L and a transverse axis corresponding to the axis T.

[0360] In the state of the art, the manufacture of a tire comprises numerous steps: manufacturing the tread by impregnating a textile support with a rubber, then manufacturing the carcass by coating a textile support with a resin, then assembling the tread with the carcass during the molding of the carcass and the tread together. The molding also allows the vulcanization of the polymer impregnating the tread. Finally, bead wire elements, in particular metallic ones, are assembled along the free longitudinal edges. In the present invention, a main composite material forming the tread, the first and second blanks, and possibly the bead wire elements, is advantageously obtained in a single thermocompression step, from dry material(s) (and therefore without solvent), and this from thermoplastic material(s) that can be easily recycled together without separation.

[0361] Figure 3 schematically represents a side view of a second example of a multi-layer assembly 60 according to the invention for the manufacture of a tire which may correspond to the multi-layer assembly 40 of Figure 1 with the difference that the tube portion 42 is retracted into the interior volume of the tube portion 44. In this case, the tube portions 42 and 44 are coaxial in Figure 3. The tube portions are also in Figure 3 of unitary textile construction, in particular knitted.

[0362] Figure 4 schematically represents a side view of a third example of a multi-layer assembly 70 according to the invention for the manufacture of a tire which may correspond to the multi-layer assembly 60 of Figure 2 with the difference that the tube portions 42 and 44 are two separate tubes 42' and 44', and are therefore not of unitary textile construction. The tubes 42' and 44' are shown superimposed in Figure 4 but could be arranged coaxially, as shown in Figure 3.

[0363] Figure 5 schematically represents a side view of a fourth example of a multi-layer assembly 80 according to the invention for the manufacture of a tire comprising three tubes 90, 94 and 96 superimposed and distinct. The tubes 90, 94 and 96 are not of unitary textile construction. The tubes 90, 94 and 96 are preferably knitted, in particular on a circular knitting machine. Advantageously, the first tube 90 comprises a first textile layer 90a and a second textile layer 90b, the second tube 94 comprises a third textile layer 94a and a fourth textile layer 94b, and the third tube comprises a fifth textile layer 96a, and a sixth textile layer 96b.

[0364] Advantageously, the first textile layer 90a and / or the second textile layer 90b and / or the third textile layer 94a and / or the fourth textile layer 94b and / or the fifth textile layer 96a and / or the sixth textile layer 96b may each comprise one or more monofilament and / or multifilament yarns that are at least partly heat-meltable, and one or more non-heat-meltable monofilament and / or multifilament yarns. One or more heat-meltable polymer sheets 98 may be sandwiched between and / or inside the tubes 90, 94 and 96 and / or on the outer face of the first layer 90a and / or on the outer face of the sixth layer 96b.

[0365] Figure 6 schematically represents a side view of a fifth example of a multi-layer assembly 100 according to the invention for the manufacture of a tire which may be similar to the multi-layer assembly 80 with the difference that the tubes 90, 94 and 96 are tube portions 90', 94' and 96' of unitary textile construction, in particular knitted, and are in a single tube 110. The tube 110 thus advantageously comprises two plies 112 and 114.

[0366] Figure 7 schematically represents a side view of a sixth example of a multi-layer assembly 120 according to the invention for the manufacture of a tire which may be similar to the multi-layer assembly 100 except that the tubes 90, 94 and 96 are coaxial. The tube 96 is inserted into the tube 94, and the tubes 94 and 96 are inserted into the tube 90.

[0367] Figure 8 schematically represents, seen in flat view, an example of a first textile layer 130 of a textile tube or of a portion of tube 132 according to the invention. The second textile layer of the tube or of the portion of tube 132 may be similar to the first textile layer 130.

[0368] The first textile layer 130 advantageously comprises a central zone 134 for the tread, and first and second lateral zones 136, 138 respectively for a first sidewall and a second sidewall.

[0369] Advantageously, the first textile layer 130 and the tube portion or the tube 132 comprise a longitudinal axis L1 and a transverse axis T1 substantially perpendicular to the axis L1. Advantageously, the central zone of the tread 134 comprises V-shaped, or herringbone, patterns (or inverted V-shaped patterns not shown) of knitted mesh or woven floats 140 whose branches are inclined relative to the longitudinal axis L1, in particular first lateral branches extending in a longitudinal direction L2 forming an angle ol with the transverse axis T1 of between 15° and 50°. Advantageously, the V-shaped patterns comprise first V-shaped patterns and second V-shaped patterns knitted or woven with one or more yarns different from the yarn(s) of the first V-shaped patterns. The first V-shaped patterns are alternated with the second V-shaped patterns along the length of the central zone of the tread 134.For example, the first V-shaped patterns are knitted or woven with a composite yarn comprising two polyamide multifilament yarns, in particular PA 6, and a thermofusible polyurethane monofilament yarn, and the second V-shaped patterns are knitted or woven with a composite yarn comprising two polyurethane thermofusible monofilament yarns and a polyamide multifilament yarn, in particular PA 6. Advantageously, a first V-shaped pattern comprises a thermofusible textile mass fraction greater than the thermofusible textile mass fraction of a second V-shaped pattern. The arrangement of the first and second patterns along the central zone 134 makes it possible to improve the mechanical properties (tensile strength, etc.) of the textile reinforcement in the tire.

[0370] Advantageously, the V-shaped or herringbone (or inverted V-shaped patterns, not shown) of knitted stitches or woven floats 140 may extend into the first lateral zone 136, and possibly into the second lateral zone 138.

[0371] Figure 9 schematically represents, in flat form, first and second textile layers 140, 142 of a portion of textile tube 147 or of a textile tube 147 having a longitudinal axis L3. Advantageously, the first textile layer 140 comprises lines of knitted stitches or woven floats extending in a first direction L4 and inclined relative to the axis L3 in the central zone 144 and the second textile layer 142 comprises lines of knitted stitches or woven floats 145 extending in a second direction L5 and inclined relative to the axis L3 in the central zone 146, the direction L5 being opposite to the direction L4. Advantageously, the stitch lines 145 comprise first and second stitch lines 145, the first stitch lines 145 comprise more non-thermal-fusible textile part than the second stitch lines 145.This arrangement makes it possible to orient the textile reinforcement lines in the final composite material and therefore in the tire in order to improve its mechanical properties. The arrangement of the first and second textile layers 140 and 142 can be repeated for third and fourth textile layers for a second tube portion or a second tube, and possibly in fifth and sixth layers for a third tube portion or a third tube. The first, second or third (portions of) tubes can be arranged as described in the present text, for example being superimposed or coaxial. The inclination of the knitted stitch lines or woven floats can vary from one textile layer to another depending on the mechanical properties targeted for the final textile reinforcement in the main composite material.

[0372] Advantageously, the lines of knitted stitches or woven floats 141, respectively 145, can extend into the first lateral zone 144b, respectively 146b, and possibly into the second lateral zone 144c, respectively 146c.

[0373] Figure 10 schematically represents, flat, the first textile layer 150 of an example of a textile tube 160 or of a portion of a tube 160 according to the invention. The first textile layer 150 comprises a central textile zone 154 intended to form all or part of a tread of a tire according to the invention and lateral zones 152, 153 intended to form all or part of first and second sidewalls respectively of a tire according to the invention. Advantageously, the central zone 154 comprises a central sub-zone 154a arranged between first and second lateral sub-zones 154b and 154c. Advantageously, the central sub-zone 154a has a mass fraction of hot-melt material F1, and the lateral sub-zones 154b and 154c have mass fractions of hot-melt material respectively F2 and F3, preferably F1 is greater than F2 or F3, more preferably F1 is greater than at least twice F2 or F3.This arrangement makes it possible to form a longitudinal strip comprising more thermofused material in the central sub-zone 154a compared to the lateral sub-zones 154b and 154c. In particular, the central sub-zone 154a comprises knitted or woven float loops projecting from the outer face of the textile layer in order to provide more thermofused textile material, for example these are terry loops. The lateral textile zones 152, 153 comprise a mass ratio of thermofused textile part: non-thermal textile part ranging from 20:70 to 45:45.

[0374] Advantageously, the tube portion or tube 160 may be associated with the tube portion or tube 132 or 147, possibly according to the arrangements described in Figures 2 to 7 depending on whether the tubes are separate or whether the tube portions are of unitary textile construction.

[0375] Alternatively, the central area 154 may be formed from the central sub-area 154a, the first lateral area 152 may be formed from the sub-area 154b, and the second lateral area 153 may be formed from the sub-area 154c.

[0376] Figure 11 schematically represents, flat, a sixth example of a knitted tube 170 according to the invention intended to form a multi-layer assembly according to the invention, in whole or in part only, for the manufacture of a tire. The knitted tube 170 comprises first, second and third knitted tube portions 180, 190 and 200 which are therefore of unitary knitted construction. Each knitted tube portion 180, 190, 200 comprises two superimposed textile layers.

[0377] The knitted tube portion 180 comprises first and second 184 superimposed textile layers, the knitted tube portion 190 comprises third and fourth 194 superimposed textile layers, and the knitted tube portion 200 comprises fifth and sixth 204 superimposed textile layers.

[0378] In Figures 12, 13 and 14, the tube portions 180, 190 and 200 are superimposed on each other; they could alternatively be arranged so as to be coaxial. The tube 170, thus folded in three, advantageously forms a multi-layer assembly 210 in which the free ends 170a and 170b of the folded tube 170 are secured to each other to form a main torus 220. The multi-layer assembly 210 thus comprises six superimposed textile layers.

[0379] In particular, the first, second, third and fourth textile layers of the tube portions 180, 190 comprise over their entire width lines of knitted stitches inclined relative to the longitudinal axis L7 and extending in a longitudinal direction L8. The composition of said layers is preferably similar to that of the central textile zones 144 and 146 shown in FIG. 9.

[0380] The composition of the fifth and sixth 204 textile layers of the tube portion 200 is preferably similar to that of the variant of the textile layer 150 described above with reference to FIG. 10.

[0381] The multi-layer assembly 210, in the form of a main tube 220, advantageously comprises the fifth textile layer 204 on its outer face so that the central zone 204a forms at least in part the tread of the tire after thermocompression, and the lateral zones 204b and 204c form in part the first and second sidewalls of the tire. Advantageously, the central zone 204 may be similar to the central sub-zone 154a, the lateral zone 204b may be similar to the sub-zone 154b and the lateral zone 204c may be similar to the sub-zone 154c. Advantageously, the multi-layer assembly 210 is arranged in a mold assembly comprising a molding insert, inflatable or not, arranged inside the main tube 220. Then, pressure or vacuum is applied to the molding volume comprising the multi-layer assembly 210.The multi-layer assembly 210 is heated so as to melt or soften its thermofusible textile portion to form a thermoplastic polymer matrix impregnating the non-thermofusible textile portion, said non-thermofusible textile portion forming the textile reinforcement assembly.

[0382] Figures 15 to 19 represent a seventh example of a multilayer assembly 300 according to the invention. Said multilayer assembly 300 comprises, in particular, a strip 310 comprising first and second free ends 312, 314 which are joined and secured to each other, to form a torus 320.

[0383] The strip 310 comprises a longitudinal axis L extending between its first and second ends 312, 314 and a transverse axis T extending from a first longitudinal edge 316 towards a second longitudinal edge 318 and substantially perpendicular to the axis L.

[0384] Advantageously, the strip 310 comprises a first portion of textile tube 330 and a second portion of textile tube 340 folded over the first portion of textile tube 330 and in textile connection, in particular knitted, with the first portion of tube 330.

[0385] The first textile tube portion 330 comprises first and second textile layers 332, 334 and the second textile tube portion 340 comprises third and fourth textile layers 342, 344. Advantageously, each of the first 330 and second 340 textile tube portions comprises at least one heat-meltable textile portion, and at least one non-heat-meltable textile portion.

[0386] Advantageously, each of the first, second, third and fourth textile layers (332, 334, 342, 344) comprises a heat-meltable textile portion and a non-heat-meltable textile portion. Advantageously, the first textile layer 332 comprises first 332a, second 332b and third 332c longitudinal regions, at least one, preferably each, of the first and third longitudinal regions (332a, 332c) comprises knitted patterns extending diagonally with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the strip 310. Alternatively, the first and third longitudinal regions 332a, 332c do not comprise diagonally knitted patterns, and the third and fourth textile layers (342, 344) comprise diagonally knitted patterns extending substantially along the entire width and the entire length of the second knitted tubular portion 340.

[0387] Said knitted patterns are preferably knitted with at least one partially non-fusible yarn, these diagonally knitted patterns thus providing tensile strength.

[0388] Advantageously, the second knitted region 332b, disposed between the first and third knitted regions 332a and 332c, comprises knitted loops comprising a thermofusible yarn at least in part. The knitted loops make it possible to provide more thermofusible material and therefore to form a tread having improved grip in the said thermofusible material(s) used.

[0389] Advantageously, the mass fraction of hot-melt thread(s), in particular polyurethane, in the second longitudinal region 332b is greater than the mass fraction of hot-melt thread(s), in particular polyurethane, in the first or third longitudinal region(s) 332a, 332c.

[0390] Advantageously, the second knitted layer 334 comprises a heat-fusible yarn knitted so as to extend substantially along the entire width of said second layer 334 and substantially at least partly over the entire length of the second layer 334.

[0391] Advantageously, the second region 332b of the first layer is intended to form all or part of the tread of the tire, in particular forms one or more regions of engagement with the ground.

[0392] Advantageously, the first longitudinal edge 316 and the second longitudinal edge 318 each comprise in a first position gathers 350 as shown in Figures 16 and 17. The strip 310 thus has a total length L1, and said torus having a circumference C1, in the first position, and said strip 310 has a length L2, said torus having a circumference C2, in a second position in which at least a portion of the gathers, in particular substantially all of the gathers 350, are spaced apart from each other, L2 being greater than L1, preferably C2 is greater than C1. The second position is illustrated in Figures 18 and 19.

[0393] Advantageously, said first and second longitudinal edges 316, 318 each comprise one or more elongate gathering element(s) arranged substantially over their entire lengths so as to create said gathers 350. In particular, the first and second longitudinal edges 316, 318 each comprise an elongate gathering element which is a first knitted gathering yarn comprising a thermofusible polymer material, in particular a polyurethane, and an elongate gathering element which is a second knitted gathering yarn and comprising floats. Advantageously, the first gathering yarn is knitted under tension so that upon leaving the knitting machine, the first gathering yarn brings the ends of each float together and thus forms gathers 350 or pleats.

[0394] The torus-shaped strip 310 has a circumference C1 in a first reduced rest position, then is put under tension when it is arranged around a counter-mold 360, in particular a flexible torus-shaped membrane, so as to adopt a circumference C2, greater than C1 as shown in Figures 18 and 19.

[0395] The first and second longitudinal edges 316, 318 are thus extensible and make it possible to maintain the torus 320 in the second position on the counter-mold 360, and facilitate its maintenance during the thermocompression step.

[0396] Advantageously, the first shirring thread, and preferably the second shirring thread, is / are wholly or partly heat-meltable so that it / they enter into the composition of the polymer matrix, and thus disappear into the tire. Once the thermocompression step has been carried out, when the tire is demolded, the first shirring thread, and preferably the second shirring thread, therefore no longer exerts tension on the first and second longitudinal edges 316, 318.

Claims

Claims 1. Tire (10) comprising a tread (15) characterized in that said tread comprises a main composite material (30) which is of unitary molded construction and which comprises a thermoplastic polymer matrix and a textile reinforcement assembly.

2. Tire according to claim 2, characterized in that the main composite material (30) forms at least 80% by mass of the tread (15).

3. Tire according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said textile reinforcement assembly comprises at least two textile layers (42a, 90a, 42b, 90b, 44a, 44b, 94a, 94b, 96a, 96b, 130, 140, 150).

4. Tire according to claim 3, characterized in that said textile reinforcement assembly comprises at least: a first textile layer (42a, 90a, 130, 140, 150), a second textile layer (42b, 90b, 142), a third textile layer (44a, 94a) and a fourth textile layer (44b, 94b).

5. Tire according to claim 4, characterized in that said textile reinforcement assembly comprises a first textile tube portion (42, 42', 90, 90'), the first textile tube portion comprising said first (42a, 90a) and second (42b, 90b) textile layers, and in that said textile reinforcement assembly further comprises a second textile tube portion (44, 44', 94, 94'), the second tube portion comprising said third (44a, 94a) and fourth (44b, 94b) textile layers.

6. Tire according to claim 5, characterized in that said first (42, 42', 90, 90') and second (44, 44', 94, 94') tube portions are arranged one above the other or arranged one inside the other.

7. Tire according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the first (42a, 90a) and second (42b, 90b) textile layers are in a first reinforcing textile element of unitary textile construction, and in that the third (44a, 94a) and fourth (44b, 94b) textile layers are in a second reinforcing textile element of unitary textile construction.

8. Tire according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the first (42a), second (42b), third (44a) and fourth (44b) textile layers are in a first reinforcing textile element of unitary textile construction.

9. Tire according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the main composite material (30) comprises at least one intermediate thermoplastic polymer layer (46, 98), said intermediate thermoplastic polymer layer being arranged between two adjacent textile layers.

10. Tire according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the main composite material (30) comprises at least one external thermoplastic polymer layer (46, 98), said external thermoplastic polymer layer being arranged in an outer part of the tread (15) intended to come into contact with the ground.

11. Tire according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the mass fraction of thermoplastic material(s) in the main composite material (30) is greater than or equal to 80%.

12. Tire according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the thermoplastic polymer matrix comprises polyurethane, in particular comprises predominantly polyurethane by mass.

13. Tire according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the main composite material (30), preferably the thermoplastic polymer matrix, comprises a first part comprising a first aesthetic property chosen from a first color and a first design, and a second part comprising a second aesthetic property chosen from a second color and a second design, the first aesthetic property being different from the second aesthetic property.

14. Tire according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the main composite material (30), preferably the thermoplastic polymer matrix, comprises a transparent or translucent part forming a viewing window through which at least a portion of the textile reinforcement assembly is visible from the outside of the tire.

15. Tire according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that said textile reinforcement assembly comprises one or more threads comprising at least one material chosen from: polyesters; in particular high tenacity polyesters; polyamides; aramids; polyolefins; celluloses; glasses, or a mixture of these.

16. Tire according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that said tire further comprises at least one sidewall (20, 25) and in that said main composite material (30) at least partly forms said at least one sidewall.

17. Tire according to claim 16, wherein the mass fraction of the textile reinforcement assembly in the tread (15) is greater, in particular at least two or three times, than the mass fraction of the textile reinforcement assembly in said at least one sidewall (20, 25).

18. Tire according to either of claims 16 and 17, characterized in that the tread (15) comprises at least one ERBR textile reinforcement element, and in that said at least one sidewall (20, 25) comprises at least one ERPF textile reinforcement element different from said ERBR textile reinforcement element of the tread.

19. Tire according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the surface mass (g / m 2 ) of said at least one flank (20,25) is less than the surface mass (g / m 2 ) of the tread (15).

20. Tire according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that said tire (10) comprises two left and right free longitudinal edges (21, 26), in that at least one of said two left and right free longitudinal edges comprises a bead element (22, 27), and in that said main composite material (30) at least partly forms said bead element.

21. Tire according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the tire (10) comprises at most 10% by mass of vulcanized rubber(s) and / or one or more thermosetting polymer(s), optionally vulcanized.

22. A method of manufacturing a tire, in particular according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) preparing a multi-layer assembly (40, 60, 70, 80, 100, 120, 210) comprising at least one thermofusible textile part and at least one non-thermofusible textile part; b) thermocompressing said multi-layer assembly with a mold configured to at least partially mold a tread (15) of a tire (10), by heating said multi-layer assembly so as to melt said thermofusible textile part; c) obtaining a main composite material (30) of unitary molded construction comprising a thermoplastic polymer matrix and a textile reinforcement assembly, said composite material forming at least partially the tread of a tire.

23. Manufacturing method according to claim 22, characterized in that step a) comprises the preparation of a multilayer assembly (40, 60, 70, 80, 100, 120, 210) comprising a first textile layer (42a, 90a, 130, 140, 150) comprising at least one yarn A which is at least partly heat-meltable, a second textile layer (42b, 90b, 142, 184) comprising at least one yarn B which is at least partly heat-meltable, a third textile layer (44a, 94a) comprising at least one yarn C which is at least partly heat-meltable and a fourth textile layer (44b, 94b, 194) comprising at least one yarn D which is at least partly heat-meltable; and in that step b) comprises thermocompression of the multi-layer assembly with a mold configured to mold a tread (15) of a tire (10), by heating said multi-layer assembly so as to at least partly melt said yarns A, B, C and D, of said first, second, and third and fourth textile layers.

24. Manufacturing method according to either of claims 22 and 23, characterized in that the non-hot-melt textile part comprises a first polyurethane having a melting or softening temperature T3, and the hot-melt textile part comprises a second polyurethane having a melting or softening temperature T4, T3 being greater than T4.

25. Manufacturing method according to any one of claims 22 to 24, characterized in that the multilayer assembly (40, 60, 70, 80, 100, 120, 210) comprises at least one textile reinforcing element comprising knitted loops or woven floats, said knitted loops or said woven floats comprising one or more threads which are at least partly thermofusible.

26. Manufacturing method according to any one of claims 22 to 25, characterized in that during step c) the multilayer assembly (40,60,70,80,100,120,210) is heated to a temperature greater than or equal to 100°C and less than or equal to 250°C.

27. Manufacturing method according to any one of claims 22 to 26, characterized in that: - the multi-layer assembly comprises a strip comprising two ends joined to each other to form a torus, - said strip comprises a first longitudinal edge comprising in a first position gathers, and said torus has a circumference Cl in the first position, and - in that said method comprises a step d), taking place before step b) and comprising a step of arranging said torus on a counter-mold in a second position in which at least part of the gathers, in particular substantially all of the gathers, are spaced apart from each other, and said torus adopts a circumference C2 greater than Cl.

28. Manufacturing method according to claim 27, characterized in that said first longitudinal edge comprises one or more elongate gathering element(s) arranged over all or part of the length of said first longitudinal edge so as to create said gathers, at least one of said elongate element(s) is a gathering thread comprising a thermofusible polymer material, in particular a polyurethane.

29. Manufacturing method according to claim 28, characterized in that the first longitudinal edge comprises an elongate gathering element which is a first knitted gathering yarn comprising a thermofusible polymer material, in particular a polyurethane, and an elongate gathering element which is a second knitted gathering yarn and comprising floats.

30. Method for recycling a tire, characterized in that it comprises: - collecting at least one tire (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, or obtained according to any one of claims 22 to 29; - crushing said at least one tire to obtain crushed particles or fragments; - a step of transforming said ground particles or fragments into transformable granules by a process of transforming a heated plastic material, for example by extrusion-molding, said step of transforming a heated plastic material comprising an extrusion-granulation step.

31. Multilayer assembly (40, 60, 70, 80, 100, 120, 210) for the manufacture of a tire (10) by thermocompression, in particular for its implementation in the manufacturing method according to any one of claims 22 to 29, characterized in that it comprises a strip comprising two free ends (48, 49, 170a, 170b) or joined together, in particular secured to each other, to form a torus (220), and in that said multilayer assembly (40, 60, 70, 80, 100, 120, 210) comprises a thermofusible textile part, in particular in the method of manufacturing the tire (10) by thermocompression, and a non-thermofusible textile part, in particular in the method of manufacturing the tire (10) by thermocompression.

32. Multilayer assembly (40,60,70,80,100,120,210) for the manufacture of a tire (10) by thermocompression according to claim 31, characterized in that said multilayer assembly comprises a first textile tube portion (42,42',90',94',96',132,147,180) comprising first (42a,90a,130,140,150) and second textile layers (42b,90b,142,184), and optionally a second textile tube portion (44,44', 190) comprising third and fourth textile layers (44b, 94b, 194), and in that at least one of the first textile tube portion and optionally of the second textile tube portion comprises said at least one thermofusible textile part, and in that at least one of the first textile tube portion and optionally the second portion of textile tube comprises said at least one non-heat-melt textile part, preferably at least partly thermoplastic.

33. Multilayer assembly according to either of claims 31 and 32, characterized in that the majority component by mass relative to the total mass of said multilayer assembly (210) is a thermoplastic polyurethane.

34. Multi-layer assembly according to any one of claims 31 to 33, characterized in that said strip comprises a first longitudinal edge, said first longitudinal edge comprises in a first position gathers, and in that said strip has a total length L1, preferably said torus has a circumference Cl, in the first position, and in that said strip has a length L2, preferably said torus has a circumference C2, in a second position in which at least part of the gathers, in particular substantially all of the gathers, are spaced apart from each other, L2 being greater than L1, preferably C2 is greater than Cl.

35. Multi-layer assembly according to claim 34, characterized in that said first longitudinal edge comprises one or more elongate gathering element(s) arranged over all or part of the length of said first longitudinal edge so as to create said gathers, at least one of said elongate element(s) is a gathering thread comprising a thermofusible polymer material, in particular a polyurethane.

36. Multi-layer assembly according to claim 35, characterized in that the first longitudinal edge comprises an elongate gathering element which is a first knitted gathering yarn comprising a thermofusible polymer material, in particular a polyurethane, and an elongate gathering element which is a second knitted gathering yarn and comprising floats.

37. Multilayer assembly according to any one of claims 31 to 36, characterized in that: - the first textile layer of the first portion of textile tube comprises first, second and third longitudinal regions, at least one of the first and third longitudinal regions comprises knitted patterns extending diagonally with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the strip, and said knitted patterns each comprising a non-thermal-fusible yarn, and the second knitted region, arranged between the first and third knitted regions, comprises knitted loops comprising a thermo-fusible yarn at least in part, - the second knitted layer comprises a heat-fusible yarn knitted so as to extend substantially along the entire width of said second layer and substantially at least partly over the entire length of the second layer, and - in that the second region of the first layer is intended to form all or part of the tread of the tire, in particular forms one or more regions of engagement with the ground. CORRECTED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA / EP

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