Manufacturing method for pneumatic vehicle tire and pneumatic vehicle tire

Abstract

A method for manufacturing a pneumatic vehicle tire (1) having a belt assembly (3) having a plurality of reinforcement plies (4, 5) and at least one conductive ply (6), comprising at least b) on the carcass (2) at least the following two steps: b1) installing reinforcement plies (4, 5) of a belt assembly, the reinforcement plies collectively occupying, in their axial extent, an axial region (9) defined by two axial boundaries (8); b2) attaching at least one conductive thread (10, 10', 10'') to at least the radially outermost already constructed component of the tire to be manufactured in order to construct a conductive ply (6, 6'); forming a belt assembly (3) provided by the radially outermost pre-constructed component is the carcass (2) or one of the reinforcement plies (4, 5) of the belt assembly (3); At least one conductive thread (10, 10', 10'') is arranged over the circumferential extent of the belt assembly (3) in such a way that it repeatedly straddles in each case at least one of the axial boundaries (8). The invention also relates to a corresponding pneumatic vehicle tire.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention particularly relates to a method for manufacturing a pneumatic vehicle tire having a radial carcass and a belt assembly, the belt assembly having a plurality of reinforcement plies and at least one conductive ply. The present invention also relates to a pneumatic vehicle tire having a carcass, a belt assembly radially attached to the carcass from the outside, and a tread, the belt assembly having a plurality of reinforcement plies and a conductive ply in contact with at least one of the reinforcement plies, the reinforcement plies collectively occupying an axial region defined by two axial boundaries in their axial extent. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known that the use of tire components containing low-hysteresis rubber compounds is advantageous for reducing tire rolling resistance. Measures used in this regard include, among others, the use of low-activity fillers, the use of low amounts of active fillers, or the use of silicon dioxide (silica) instead of carbon black. Each of the above measures increases the electrical resistance of the rubber compound or of the component containing the compound. However, these tire components designed for low rolling resistance have such high electrical resistance that they no longer have sufficient electrical conductivity. Sufficient tire conductivity, necessary for discharging electrical charges resulting from vehicle electrification, is not provided.

[0003] To resolve the conflict between the objectives of rolling resistance and electrical conductivity, various efforts have been made to ensure the conductive path even when increasing the use of rubber compounds optimized in terms of rolling resistance. For example, in the case of a pneumatic vehicle tire disclosed in DE 10 2010 037 004 A1, a component is prepared as a pre-product with a conductive thread wound helically around it or surrounding its periphery, and then placed on a forming drum. However, such an additional process step in the production of pre-products is cumbersome.

[0004] There is also a trend towards optimizing the rolling resistance of the internal components of pneumatic vehicle tires, such as the belt assembly, and particularly the reinforcement plies of the belt bandage.

[0005] Pneumatic vehicle tires, particularly of radial design, generally comprise an air-impermeable inner layer, a carcass, particularly of the radial type, containing reinforcements and extending from the apex region of the tire through the sidewalls to the bead region and usually looped around and secured to a tensile-bearing bead core, a shaped tread disposed radially outward, and a belt assembly disposed radially between the tread and the carcass. The radial carcass has reinforcements in the bead region that extend primarily radially, particularly at an angle of 0° to 8°, preferably 0° to 5° relative to the radial direction.

[0006] The belt assembly includes a belt covered radially outward by a belt bandage. The belt may have two or more reinforcement plies that intersect at an angle and are prefabricated as plies and attached to the tire to be formed.

[0007] The belt bandage may have one or more, preferably one, reinforcement plies covering at least the periphery of the belt and including textile reinforcements extending parallel to one another and substantially in the circumferential direction, in particular at an angle of 0° to 8°, preferably 0° to 5° with respect to the circumferential direction, embedded in a rubber compound.

[0008] If semi-finished products for the reinforcement plies of tires, in particular bands or strips, are provided with conductive threads on their surface during their production, both during the cooling process and during the various winding and spooling processes, the conductive threads may become dislodged, damaged or cut, so that the conductivity of the tire cannot be reliably ensured.

[0009] A tire can be considered to be sufficiently conductive if its discharge resistance is a maximum of 1 x 10^8 ohms. The discharge resistance of pneumatic vehicle tires can be measured in accordance with ISO 16392:2017. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] German Patent Application Publication No. 10 2010 037 004 A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] One object is to provide a method for manufacturing a pneumatic vehicle tire that, due to its improved processability, allows for sufficient electrical conductivity of the tire, particularly in the region of the belt assembly, while at the same time, it is intended that the belt assembly can be designed to have low rolling resistance.

[0012] Another object is to provide a pneumatic vehicle tire that has sufficient electrical conductivity in the area of ​​the belt assembly so that the belt assembly can be designed with low rolling resistance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] In relation to the method, the object is to provide a method comprising at least the following steps: a) providing a carcass on a building drum; b) on the carcass, at least the following two steps, namely: b1) attaching reinforcement plies of a belt assembly, the reinforcement plies collectively occupying, in their axial extent, an axial region defined by two axial boundaries; b2) attaching at least one conductive thread to at least the radially outermost already constructed component of the tire to be manufactured in order to construct a conductive ply, the radially outermost pre-constructed component being a carcass or one of the reinforcing plies of the belt assembly, and the at least one conductive yarn being arranged to repeatedly straddle at least one of the axial boundaries over the circumferential extent of the belt assembly, respectively; configuring a belt assembly provided by c) attaching a tread to the radially outer side of the belt assembly; d) finishing the tire by another means; This is achieved by including

[0014] This method allows the individual reinforcement plies of the belt assembly to be pre-manufactured as semi-finished products without additional or modified process steps and to be used in the manufacture of a tire. Each reinforcement ply is arranged substantially parallel to one another and has reinforcements embedded in an elastomeric material. The tire manufacturing method includes an additional step b2) in which conductive threads are attached to the radially outermost, already constructed component of the tire to be manufactured.

[0015] Depending on whether the radially outermost already constructed component is the carcass, the radially outermost reinforcement ply of the belt assembly or the radially inner reinforcement ply of the belt assembly, step b2) is performed before step b1) or after step b1) or during step b1) between the installation of the two reinforcement plies.

[0016] The conductive threads are applied only at the forming drum, thereby preventing alterations to upstream processes, particularly the production of semi-finished products. Damage to the conductive threads during the pre-construction stage of the tire is also avoided. The conductive layer can be formed by at least one conductive thread.

[0017] According to the invention, the conductive thread is attached in such a way that it comes into contact with the radially outermost already-constructed component on its radially outer surface. Furthermore, the conductive thread is arranged so as to repeatedly straddle at least one of the axial boundaries over the circumferential extent of the belt assembly. The conductive thread therefore protrudes beyond the axial region, and therefore beyond the axial extent of the reinforcement ply of the belt assembly, where it comes into contact with at least one further component of the tire, preferably the carcass and / or sidewall of the tire, i.e., axially outside the axial region. Through simple adjustment of the axial extent of the thread, it is now possible to set the overlap with at least one further component and therefore control the conductive contact.

[0018] The conductive threads form a conductive connection of the axial region of the belt assembly with the axially outer side of this region. Electrical conductivity in the region of the belt assembly of the tire can be ensured, while the rubber compounds of the reinforcement plies of the belt assembly, in particular the reinforcement plies of the belt assembly arranged radially within the conductive plies, can be improved with respect to other properties. In particular, the rubber compound of one or more reinforcement plies of the belt assembly can be designed to have low rolling resistance and in particular poor electrical conductivity.

[0019] Repeated straddling of the conductive yarn over a circumferential range allows the tire's discharge capacity to be more independent of tire location and conductive yarn interruptions.

[0020] The conductive ply may be formed by at least one conductive thread attached in step b2), thus providing a conductive ply that allows for sufficient conductivity of the tire without further increasing the radial extent of the tire.

[0021] The improved processability provides a method for manufacturing pneumatic vehicle tires that allows for sufficient electrical conductivity of the tire, particularly in the area of ​​the belt assembly, while at the same time allowing the belt assembly to be designed for low rolling resistance.

[0022] In the following, the method according to the invention is explained in more detail on the basis of advantageous embodiments according to the invention, without however being limited thereto.

[0023] An advantageous embodiment is obtained in step b2) by arranging the conductive yarns so that they repeatedly straddle both axial boundaries of the axial region over the circumferential extent of the belt assembly, thereby enabling electric charges to be discharged on both axial sides of the axial region, thereby improving the electric charge discharge capability and increasing the reliability of the conductive path.

[0024] Another advantageous embodiment is achieved in step b2) by arranging the conductive yarn in such a way that it has deflection regions on both sides of the axial boundaries and spaced axially from the respective axial boundaries, preferably by arranging the conductive yarn in an oscillating manner, particularly preferably by arranging the yarn in an oscillating manner in a wave-like, loop-like or zigzag manner, which makes it possible in a particularly simple way to attach the conductive yarn over the circumferential extent of the belt assembly so that it repeatedly straddles at least one of the axial boundaries.

[0025] The deflection zones may have bends or twists. They may be arranged to oscillate, preferably in a wave-like, loop-like or zigzag form. Attachment of the thread is particularly simple if the thread is arranged to oscillate in a wave-like form.

[0026] Another advantageous embodiment is obtained in step b2) in which two or more conductive threads are attached to at least the same radially outermost already constructed component of the tire to be manufactured to form a conductive ply, with a first one of the conductive threads being arranged to repeatedly cross at least one of the axial boundaries over the circumferential extent of the belt assembly and a second one of the conductive threads being arranged to repeatedly cross at least the other axial boundary over the circumferential extent of the belt assembly, preferably in which at least two of the conductive threads are arranged to repeatedly cross each other over the circumferential extent of the tire.

[0027] Two or more conductive threads in the same conductive braid increase the conductive contact area and therefore the discharge capacity. The conductive threads can also be arranged so as to repeatedly straddle both axial boundaries in each case.

[0028] Preferably, the yarns are arranged to repeatedly cross one another over the circumferential extent of the tire. At the crossings, the yarns are in conductive contact with one another, making the conductive path more robust against localized interruptions. Each crossing can be located within the axial region or outside the axial region.

[0029] For an oscillating configuration with turning points on either side of each axial boundary, the threads may be configured to be phase shifted with respect to each other and to repeatedly cross over each other.

[0030] Two or more conductive yarns of the same conductive ply may be a continuous yarn extending over more than one revolution of the tire, or alternatively, they may be two or more separate yarns.

[0031] Another advantageous embodiment is obtained in that in step b2) the conductive thread is wound up or wound onto a spool, which allows for a particularly simple and reliable production method on a forming drum.

[0032] Another advantageous embodiment is obtained in that in step b2) the radially outermost already constructed component of the tire to be manufactured is the radially outermost reinforcement ply of the belt assembly or the radially inner reinforcement ply of the belt assembly or the carcass of the tire to be manufactured, preferably the radially outermost reinforcement ply of the belt assembly.

[0033] An advantageous embodiment is obtained in that in step b2) the radially outermost already constructed component of the tire to be manufactured is the radially outermost reinforcement ply of the belt assembly, which is generally a belt bandage ply, the preferably textile reinforcement of which is arranged at an angle of 0° to 5° with respect to the circumferential direction.

[0034] The conductive ply is therefore the radially outermost ply of the belt assembly. In this way, at least the radially outermost reinforcement ply, in particular the rubber compound of the belt bandage, can be designed to have a particularly low rolling resistance while ensuring sufficient electrical conductivity from the radially inner side of the yarns to further components arranged axially outside in the axial region, such as the sidewall and / or carcass.

[0035] An advantageous embodiment is obtained in that in step b2) the radially outermost already constructed component of the tire to be manufactured is a radially inner reinforcement ply of the belt assembly. This may be a reinforcement ply of the belt. An electrically conductive ply is at least partially arranged between two radially adjacent reinforcement plies of the belt assembly. An electrically conductive ply arranged in this way can also discharge electric charges from within the belt assembly in the axial direction to the outside of the belt assembly, thus positively influencing the electrical conductivity of the pneumatic vehicle tire.

[0036] An advantageous embodiment is obtained in that in step b2) the radially outermost already constructed component of the tire to be manufactured is the carcass. The conductive ply is therefore at least partially arranged radially between the reinforcement plies of the belt assembly and the carcass. Such a conductive ply can also have a positive influence on the electrical conductivity of the pneumatic vehicle tire.

[0037] Another advantageous embodiment is obtained in that step b2) is performed twice or at least three times, each time being different from the other on each radially outermost already constructed component to which the conductive thread is attached.

[0038] Thus, the belt assembly has two, or at least three, conductive plies that are at least partially radially separated from one another by at least one reinforcement ply in each case, which further increases the discharge capacity of the belt assembly.

[0039] Preferably, two or at least three conductive plies overlap each other axially outward in the axial region, and particularly preferably, the conductive yarns of the various conductive plies cross each other axially outward in the axial region and are in conductive contact with each other, further improving the reliability of the electrical conductivity.

[0040] Step b2) is in this case preferably performed once after step b1) has been completely performed, whereby the radially outermost already configured component in this run is the radially outermost reinforcement ply of the belt assembly.

[0041] The pneumatic vehicle tire produced by the method according to the present invention may be for a passenger car, van, light truck, motorcycle, or utility vehicle. It is preferably a tire of radial design.

[0042] An advantageous embodiment is obtained in that in step b2), in addition to the at least one conductive thread, a conductive connecting thread is arranged in a substantially circumferential direction U and in such a way that it repeatedly crosses at least one of the conductive threads over the circumferential extent of the tire, preferably arranged axially in its entirety between two axial boundaries. With regard to its conductivity, structure, linear density and / or material composition, the conductive connecting thread may be embodied like the conductive thread. The conductive thread and the connecting thread of the tire may be of the same embodiment. Alternatively, they may be different from each other.

[0043] At the intersections, the threads are in conductive contact with one another, which makes the conductive path even more robust against local interruptions. The approximately circumferential orientation of the conductive threads and their repeated intersections allows for the most efficient distribution and discharge of the tire's charge, even in the event of an interruption of at least one conductive thread.

[0044] For pneumatic vehicle tires, the objective is achieved by a conductive ply having at least one conductive yarn arranged to repeatedly straddle at least one of the axial boundaries over the circumferential extent of the belt assembly.

[0045] The conductive yarns are arranged so that they protrude beyond the axial extent of the reinforcement ply of the belt assembly and are in contact there with a tire component, preferably the carcass, located axially outside the axial region. The axial region of the belt assembly is thus electrically conductively connected to the axially outside of this region. While the tire's electrical conductivity in the belt assembly region can be ensured, the rubber compounds of the reinforcement plies of the belt assembly, particularly those of the belt assembly radially arranged within the conductive ply, can be improved in terms of other properties. In particular, the rubber compound of one or more reinforcement plies of the belt assembly can be designed to have low rolling resistance and, in particular, to be poorly electrically conductive.

[0046] Repeated crossing of the conductive yarns over a circumferential range can make the tire's discharge capacity less dependent on tire position and conductive yarn interruptions.

[0047] The conductive ply may be formed by at least one conductive yarn, thus providing a conductive ply that allows for sufficient conductivity of the tire without further increasing the radial extent of the tire.

[0048] A pneumatic vehicle tire is provided that has sufficient electrical conductivity in the area of ​​the belt assembly and can be designed to have low rolling resistance.

[0049] The conductive yarn is disposed radially between the belt bandage and the tread when it rests on the belt bandage, and a conductive path can be established from a conductive component of the tread, such as a carbon center beam, through the conductive yarn to a component, such as a sidewall or carcass, disposed axially outward in the axial region.

[0050] In the following, the pneumatic vehicle tire according to the invention will be explained in more detail on the basis of advantageous embodiments according to the invention, without however being limited thereto.

[0051] An advantageous embodiment is achieved by disposing the conductive yarns so that they repeatedly straddle both axial boundaries throughout the circumferential extent of the belt assembly, thereby enabling charge discharge on both axial sides of the axial region, resulting in improved charge discharge capability and a more reliable conductive path.

[0052] Another advantageous embodiment is obtained by arranging the conductive thread so that it has deflection regions on both sides of the axial boundary, spaced axially from the respective axial boundary, preferably by arranging the conductive thread so that it vibrates, particularly preferably by arranging the thread so that it vibrates in a wave-like, loop-like or zigzag form.

[0053] This allows for a particularly simple arrangement of the conductive threads, in which they repeatedly cross at least one of the axial boundaries over the circumferential extent of the belt assembly. The deflection regions may have bends or twists. They may be arranged to oscillate, preferably in a wave-like, loop-like, or zigzag form. Particularly preferably, the threads are arranged to oscillate in a wave-like form.

[0054] Another advantageous embodiment is obtained by the conductive ply having two or more conductive yarns, a first of which is arranged to repeatedly cross at least one of the axial boundaries over the circumferential extent of the belt assembly, and a second of which is arranged to repeatedly cross at least the other axial boundary over the circumferential extent of the belt assembly, preferably at least two of which are arranged to repeatedly cross each other over the circumferential extent of the tire.

[0055] Two or more threads increase the conductive contact area and therefore the discharge capacity. The conductive threads can also be arranged so as to repeatedly straddle both axial boundaries in each case.

[0056] Preferably, the threads are arranged to repeatedly cross each other. At the crossings, the threads are in conductive contact with each other. This makes the conductive path even more robust against localized interruptions. Each crossing can be located within the axial region or outside the axial region.

[0057] For a vibrating configuration with turning points on either side of each axial boundary, the threads may be arranged to be phase shifted with respect to each other and to repeatedly cross each other.

[0058] Two or more conductive yarns of the same conductive ply may be a continuous yarn extending over more than one revolution of the tire, or alternatively, they may be two or more separate yarns.

[0059] Another advantageous embodiment is obtained by one of the at least one electrically conductive ply being arranged radially outwardly on a radially outermost reinforcement ply of the belt assembly, and / or by one of the at least one electrically conductive ply being arranged between two reinforcement plies of the belt assembly, and / or by one of the at least one electrically conductive ply being arranged between a radially innermost reinforcement ply of the belt assembly and the carcass.

[0060] In this way, the belt assembly may have only one conductive ply, which is disposed radially outwardly on the radially outermost reinforcement ply of the belt assembly, or between two reinforcement plies of the belt assembly, or between the radially innermost reinforcement ply of the belt assembly and the carcass. Preferably, the conductive ply is disposed radially outwardly on the radially outermost reinforcement ply, which is typically the belt assembly ply.

[0061] The belt assembly may alternatively have two or at least three conductive plies, preferably with at least one of the conductive plies radially outwardly disposed on the radially outermost reinforcement ply, typically the belt bandage ply.

[0062] The belt assembly therefore has two or at least three conductive plies, which are in each case radially separated from one another by at least one reinforcement ply, which further increases the discharge capacity of the belt assembly.

[0063] Preferably, two or at least three conductive plies overlap radially at the axially outer side of the axial region, and particularly preferably, the conductive yarns of the various conductive plies cross over each other at the axially outer side of the axial region and are in conductive contact with each other, further improving the reliability of the electrical conductivity.

[0064] An advantageous embodiment is obtained in that the conductive layer has conductive connecting threads oriented substantially in the circumferential direction U and arranged so as to repeatedly cross at least one of the conductive connecting threads over the circumferential extent of the tire, preferably arranged axially as a whole between two axial boundaries. With regard to their conductivity, configuration, linear density and / or material composition, the conductive connecting threads may be embodied like the conductive threads. The conductive threads and the connecting threads of the tire may be of the same embodiment. Alternatively, they may be different from each other.

[0065] At the intersections, the yarns are in conductive contact with each other, which makes the conductive path more robust against local interruptions. The approximately circumferential orientation of the conductive yarns and their repeated crossings allows the tire's charge to be distributed and discharged as efficiently as possible even if at least one conductive yarn is interrupted.

[0066] A pneumatic vehicle tire according to the invention can be manufactured by a method according to the invention.

[0067] The pneumatic vehicle tire may be for a passenger car, van, light truck, motorcycle, utility vehicle, or may be an industrial or agricultural tire, and is preferably a radial design tire.

[0068] In the following, advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention and of the pneumatic vehicle tire according to the invention are explained in more detail, without however being limited thereto.

[0069] An advantageous embodiment is obtained in which the conductive yarn has an electrical resistance of at most 6.5 x 10^6 ohms / 30cm, measured at a temperature of 22°C + / - 1°C and a humidity of 55% + / - 5%. Such a conductive yarn can be used to achieve sufficient discharge capacity of the belt assembly.

[0070] Another advantageous embodiment is obtained in that the conductive yarn is a textile yarn which preferably comprises filaments made of PES or PA, particularly preferably filaments made of PET or PA6.6, and in that the textile yarn is formed by impregnation with a conductive adhesive.

[0071] Such textile reinforcements containing impregnated conductive adhesive are ideally suited as conductive threads. The adhesive impregnation allows the threads to be easily, permanently and securely attached to the surrounding rubber compound. The conductive adhesive impregnation allows textile threads, which may themselves have relatively low electrical conductivity, to be used in a cost- and process-effective manner.

[0072] To ensure sufficient electrical conductivity of the impregnating conductive adhesive on the textile yarn, the impregnating adhesive may contain a sufficient amount of carbon black, for example, a solution content of at least 20%, preferably at least 25%, particularly preferably at least 30% carbon black.

[0073] The properties of the textile yarns can be optimized through the selection of textile materials and construction.

[0074] The textile yarns may comprise or be formed from a polymer. The textile yarns may comprise or be formed from polyamide (PA), preferably PA6.6 or PA6 or PA4.6. The textile yarns may comprise or be formed from polyester, preferably polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0075] At least one polymer of the textile yarn, preferably PA and / or PES, in particular PA6.6 and / or PA4.6 and / or PET, can be a wholly or partly recycled polymer with the aim of improving sustainability. The expression "recycled polymer" in relation to the present invention means a polymer obtained by at least one recycling method. The recycling method can be any recycling method known to those skilled in the art, in particular chemical and / or mechanical recycling. Alternatively, the polymer of the textile yarn can be formed wholly or partly as a non-recycled (newly formed) polymer.

[0076] At least one polymer of the textile yarn, preferably PA and / or PES, in particular PA6.6 and / or PA4.6 and / or PET, can be a biopolymer, in whole or in part, for the purpose of improving sustainability. The term "biopolymer" in the context of the present invention means a polymer formed entirely or at least in part from monomers physically obtained from biomass. As known to those skilled in the art, the proportion of biomaterials, i.e., the proportion derived from renewable raw materials in a polymer, can be determined according to ASTM D 6866 (method C-14). Alternatively, the polymer can be formed as a non-biopolymer, which in the context of the present invention means that none of the starting monomers are physically obtained directly from biomass. It can be a conventional polymer, in particular a mineral oil-based polymer.

[0077] The textile yarns may be composed of exactly one textile material. Alternatively, the textile yarns may be hybrid textile yarns that include different textile materials. The textile yarns may be formed from textile multifilament yarns. Alternatively, the textile reinforcement may be formed from multiple textile multifilament yarns twisted together at their ends. Alternatively, the textile yarns may be formed from monofilaments or from at least two twisted monofilaments.

[0078] Another advantageous embodiment is achieved by having the textile yarn have a linear density of 50 dtex to 500 dtex, preferably 75 dtex to 450 dtex, and particularly preferably 100 dtex to 400 dtex. Such a low linear density ensures sufficient resistance to damage to the conductive yarn. At the same time, the relatively thin conductive yarn has little effect on the mechanical properties of the tire.

[0079] Another advantageous embodiment is obtained by the conductive yarn comprising one or more conductive metal filaments, in which case the conductivity of the conductive yarn comprising one or more conductive metal filaments can be mainly attributed to the conductive metal filaments.

[0080] A conductive yarn comprising one or more conductive metal filaments may be formed from the one or more conductive metal filaments.

[0081] Alternatively, the conductive yarn comprising one or more conductive metal filaments may comprise at least one filament, in particular one multifilament yarn, made of a textile material, preferably PES or PA, particularly preferably PET, PA6.6 or PA4.6.

[0082] Another advantageous embodiment is achieved by the conductive yarn comprising carbon fiber. Carbon fiber has advantageously high electrical conductivity and advantageously high strength. In this case, the conductivity of the conductive yarn can be primarily attributed to the conductive carbon fiber. This avoids the need to impregnate the conductive yarn with additional conductive adhesive to ensure sufficient conductivity. The conductive yarn can be formed without adhesive impregnation. At the same time, carbon fiber has excellent strength properties, thereby avoiding damage and possible tearing of the conductive yarn during the spooling process on the forming machine, and the associated interruption of the conductive path. Compared to textile materials such as PET or PA6.6, carbon fiber also has the advantage of lower moisture absorption, resulting in reduced air entrapment due to moisture evaporation.

[0083] Preferably, the conductive yarns containing carbon fibers are formed entirely from carbon fibers, which give the conductive yarns advantageous, particularly high, electrical conductivity and strength.

[0084] The conductive yarn containing carbon fibers may alternatively comprise at least one filament, in particular a multifilament yarn, made of a fiber material, preferably PES or PA, particularly preferably PET, PA6.6 or PA4.6. In such hybrid yarns, the advantageous properties of different materials and / or yarn constructions are combined with one another.

[0085] An advantageous embodiment of the conductive yarn containing carbon fibers is achieved by the conductive yarn having a linear density of 100 dtex to 800 dtex, preferably 200 dtex to 700 dtex, particularly preferably 300 dtex to 700 dtex. Such a low linear density ensures that the conductive yarn is sufficiently robust against damage. At the same time, the relatively thin conductive yarn has little effect on the mechanical properties of the tire.

[0086] The present invention includes all of the advantageous embodiments, particularly those reflected in the claims. The present invention also includes configurations resulting from combinations of different features, each of which has a different preference level, so the present invention also includes the combination of a first feature described as "preferred" with another feature, for example, described as "particularly preferred."

[0087] Further features, advantages and details of the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to schematic drawings that represent exemplary embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0088] [Figure 1] 1 shows a cross section of a tire configured at various stages of the method. [Figure 2] 1 shows a cross section of a tire configured at various stages of the method. [Figure 3] 1 shows a cross section of a tire configured at various stages of the method. [Figure 4] 1 shows a top view of a tire constructed according to step b2). [Figure 5] 1 shows a top view of a tire constructed according to step b2). [Figure 6] 1 shows a top view of a tire constructed according to step b2). [Figure 7] 1 shows a pneumatic vehicle tire according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0089] 1-3 show cross-sectional views of a pneumatic vehicle tire 1 as constructed at various stages of the manufacturing method, the tire having a carcass 2 and a belt assembly 3, the belt assembly 3 having a plurality of reinforcing plies 4, 5 and at least one conductive ply 6.

[0090] In Figure 1, steps a) and b1) have already been carried out. In step a), a carcass 2 has been provided on a forming drum 7. In step b1), the reinforcing plies 4, 5 of the unfinished belt assembly 3 have been attached to the provided carcass 2. The reinforcing plies 4, 5 collectively occupy, in their axial extent, an axial region 9 defined by two axial boundaries 8. By way of example, a belt assembly 3 to be completed with a conductive ply (see Figure 2) has two reinforcing plies 4, which intersect at an angle and are covered by an axially outermost reinforcing ply 5, which in this case is a belt bandage covering at least the periphery of the diagonal plies 4.

[0091] 2 shows the molding process according to step b2), where a conductive thread 10 is attached to at least the radially outermost molded component of the tire to be manufactured, in this case the belt bandage ply 5, to form a conductive ply 6, to complete the belt assembly 3. The conductive thread 10 is arranged over the circumferential extent of the belt assembly such that it repeatedly straddles at least one of the axial boundaries 8, in this case for example both axial boundaries 8. The conductive thread 10 may be wound up or wound onto a spool in step b2).

[0092] In Figure 3, the tread 11 has already been attached radially outwardly of the belt assembly 3 according to step c). The tread 11 has a carbon center beam 12, which provides a conductive connection to the conductive plies 6 on the tread surface of the tire. Furthermore, in Figure 3, the sidewalls 13 have already been attached. Finishing the tire by other means may include, for example, the attachment of other components, such as the sidewalls 13 (already performed in Figure 3), and molding / curing.

[0093] The conductive ply 6 is in contact with further components axially outside the axial region 9, such as the carcass 2 and the sidewall 13. A conductive connection of the conductive ply 6 to the bead region can be established.

[0094] The components shown in Figures 1 to 7 can be formed as follows: the conductive yarns 10, 10', 10" and the conductive connecting yarn 101 each have an electrical resistance of at most 6.5 x 10^6 ohms / 30cm. The electrical resistance can be measured at a temperature of 22°C + / - 1°C and a humidity of 55% + / - 5%. The yarns 10, 10', 10", 101 can in each case be textile yarns preferably containing filaments made of PES or PA, particularly preferably containing filaments made of PET or PA6.6 impregnated with a conductive adhesive. The linear density of the textile yarns 10, 10', 10", 101 can be between 50 dtex and 500 dtex, preferably between 75 dtex and 450 dtex, particularly preferably between 100 dtex and 400 dtex. The yarns 10, 10', 10", 101 can contain or be formed from one or more conductive metal filaments. The conductive yarns 10, 10', 10'' may contain carbon fibers. The conductive yarns may be formed entirely or partially from carbon fibers. The areal density of the conductive yarns containing carbon fibers may be 100 dtex to 800 dtex, preferably 200 dtex to 700 dtex, and particularly preferably 300 dtex to 700 dtex. They may be formed without adhesive impregnation.

[0095] All conductive threads 10, 10', 10'' and conductive connecting threads 101 of a tire may be of the same design.

[0096] The pneumatic vehicle tire 1 may be for a passenger car, van, light truck, motorcycle, utility vehicle, or may be an industrial or agricultural tire. Preferably, it is a tire of radial design.

[0097] Figures 4, 5, and 6 each show a different variant of the conductive ply 6. In each case, shown is a top view of a tire component already constructed according to step b2). The conductive yarns 10, 10' are in each case arranged in step b2) to have deflection regions 14 on both sides of their respective axial boundaries 8 and axially spaced apart from the respective axial boundaries 8. In Figures 4, 5, and 6, the yarns 10, 10' are arranged to oscillate in a wave-like configuration. As an alternative, configurations in which they oscillate in a loop-like or zigzag configuration are also possible. At the intersections 15 of the conductive yarns 10, 10' and the connector yarns 101, the yarns are in conductive contact with each other.

[0098] 4 shows a top view of a tire component already constructed according to step b2), the already constructed component of the tire to be produced being, for example, the tire's radially outermost reinforcement ply 5 (shown hatched), in particular the belt bandage ply. This can be the structure shown in FIG. 2. The conductive yarns 10 are arranged over the circumferential extent of the belt assembly in such a way that they repeatedly straddle both axial boundaries 8 of the axial region 9. In step b2), the conductive connecting yarns 101 are additionally arranged so that they are oriented approximately in the circumferential direction U, in particular at an angle of 0° to 8°, preferably 0° to a maximum of 5°, with respect to the circumferential direction U, and repeatedly cross over the circumferential extent of the tire in conductive contact with the conductive yarns 10 at the crossings 15, all of which are axially arranged between the two axial boundaries 8.

[0099] FIG. 5 shows a top view of an already constructed tire component according to an alternative embodiment of step b2). Here, in step b2), two or more conductive yarns 10, 10′ have been attached to at least the radially outermost already constructed component of the tire to be constructed, in this case, for example, the radially inner reinforcement ply 4 (shown hatched) of the belt assembly 3 to be constructed, to form one conductive ply 6. A first one of the conductive yarns 10 is arranged over the circumferential extent of the belt assembly 3 so that it repeatedly straddles at least one of the axial boundaries 8, and a second one of the conductive yarns 10′ is arranged over the circumferential extent of the belt assembly so that it repeatedly straddles at least the other axial boundary 8. The conductive ply 6 thus constructed is therefore formed from two conductive yarns 10, 10′. The two conductive yarns 10, 10′ are arranged to repeatedly cross each other at the intersections 15 and are in conductive contact with each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the yarns 10, 10′ straddle only one of the axial boundaries 8 in each case. In the illustrated case, step b2) is performed during step b1) between the installation of the two reinforcement plies of the belt assembly.

[0100] FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the method. Shown is a top view of a constructed tire component where step b2) has been performed twice, the individual executions of step b2) differing from one another for each radially outermost already-constructed component to which conductive yarns 10, 10″ are respectively attached. In the first execution of step b2), the radially inner reinforcement ply 4 (indicated by broken hatching) of the belt assembly 3 was the radially outermost already-constructed component to which conductive yarns 10 were attached. Then, step b1) attached at least one remaining reinforcement ply 5 (indicated by hatching) of the belt assembly. Then, in the second execution of step b2), another one of the conductive yarns 10″ is attached, the radially outermost already-constructed component being in this case the radially outermost reinforcement ply 5 of the belt assembly to be fabricated. The conductive yarns 10, 10″ are arranged over the circumferential extent of the belt assembly such that they repeatedly straddle both axial boundaries 8 of the axial region 9. Thus, the belt assembly has two conductive plies 6, 6' that overlap axially axially outside the axial region 9. The conductive yarns 10 of the conductive ply 6 and the conductive yarns 10'' of the conductive ply 6' are in conductive contact with each other axially outside the axial region 9. The conductive yarns 10 of the conductive ply 6 are disposed at least in a specific radial portion between the reinforcement plies 4 and 5.

[0101] 7 shows a schematic cross-section of a pneumatic vehicle tire 1 according to the invention. The pneumatic vehicle tire 1 comprises an air-impermeable inner layer (not shown), a carcass 2, in particular of radial type, which includes reinforcements and extends from the apex region of the tire through the sidewalls to the bead region and is usually looped around and fixed to a tensile-bearing bead core, a shaped tread 11 arranged radially outward, and a belt assembly 3 arranged radially between the tread 11 and the carcass 2 and resting on the carcass. The radial carcass has reinforcements in the bead region that extend substantially radially, in particular at an angle of 0° to 8°, preferably 0° to 5°, relative to the radial direction.

[0102] The belt assembly 3 comprises a belt having a plurality of reinforcing plies 4, in particular arranged at an angle of at least 15° relative to the circumferential direction, a radially outermost reinforcing ply 5, in particular formed as a belt bandage ply, and, in the exemplary embodiment shown, at least one conductive ply 6 radially outwardly contacting the radially outermost reinforcing ply 5. The reinforcing plies 4, 5 collectively occupy, in their axial extent, an axial region 9 defined by two axial boundaries 8. The conductive ply 6 is formed from at least one conductive yarn 10, which is arranged to repeatedly straddle at least one of the axial boundaries 8 over the circumferential extent of the belt assembly 3.

[0103] The tread 11 illustratively has a carbon center beam 12 which forms an electrically conductive connection with the conductive plies 6 on the tread surface of the tire.

[0104] The pneumatic vehicle tire 1 may have a conductive ply 6 as exemplified by Figures 4 or 5. The pneumatic vehicle tire 1 may also have two conductive plies 6, 6' (not shown), as embodied, for example, by Figure 6. The pneumatic vehicle tire 1 may be manufactured by the method according to the invention shown in Figures 1-3 and 4, 5 and / or 6. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] List of reference numbers (Included in the statement) 1. Pneumatic vehicle tires 2. Carcass 3 Belt Assembly 4 Radially inner reinforcement ply of belt assembly 5 Radially outermost reinforcement ply of belt assembly 6, 6' conductive ply 7. Forming drum 8 Axial boundary 9 Axial area 10, 10', 10'' conductive thread 11 Tread 12 Carbon center beam 13 Sidewall 14 Orientation area 15 Intersection 101 Connecting thread aR Axial direction rR Radial direction

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a pneumatic vehicle tire (1) having a carcass (2) and a belt assembly (3), the belt assembly (3) having a plurality of reinforcement plies (4, 5) and at least one conductive ply (6), comprising at least the following steps: a) providing said carcass (2) on a forming drum (7); b) on said carcass (2), At least the following two steps: b1) attaching the reinforcement plies (4, 5) of the belt assembly, said reinforcement plies collectively occupying in their axial extent an axial region (9) defined by two axial boundaries (8); b2) attaching at least one conductive thread (10, 10', 10'') to at least the radially outermost already constructed component of the tire to be manufactured in order to constitute said conductive ply (6, 6'); Constructing the belt assembly (3) provided by the radially outermost already constructed component is the carcass (2) or one of the reinforcement plies (4, 5) of the belt assembly (3), said at least one conductive thread (10, 10', 10'') being arranged over the circumferential extent of said belt assembly (3) so that it repeatedly straddles in each case at least one of said axial boundaries (8); c) attaching a tread (11) radially outwardly of said belt assembly (3); d) finishing the tire (1) by another means; A method comprising:

2. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that in step b2), the conductive thread (10, 10', 10'') is arranged over the circumferential extent of the belt assembly (3) in such a way that it repeatedly straddles both axial boundaries (8) of the axial region (9).

3. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in step b2) the conductive threads (10, 10', 10'') are arranged so as to have deflection regions (14) on both sides of the axial boundary (8), preferably the conductive threads are arranged to oscillate, particularly preferably the threads are arranged to oscillate in a wave-like, loop-like or zigzag form.

4. In step b2), two or more conductive threads (10, 10') are attached to at least the radially outermost already constructed component of the tire to be manufactured in order to construct the conductive ply (6); a first one of the conductive yarns (10) is arranged to repeatedly straddle at least one of the axial boundaries (8) over the circumferential range of the belt assembly (3), and a second one of the conductive yarns (10') is arranged to repeatedly straddle at least the other of the axial boundaries (8) over the circumferential range of the belt assembly; 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least two of the conductive threads are arranged so as to repeatedly cross each other over the circumferential extent of the tire.

5. 5. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in step b2) the radially outermost already constructed component of the tyre to be produced is the radially outermost reinforcement ply (5) of the belt assembly (3) or a radially inner reinforcement ply (4) of the belt assembly (3) or the carcass (2) of the tyre to be produced, preferably the radially outermost reinforcement ply of the belt assembly.

6. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein step b2) is performed twice or at least three times, the individual executions of step b2) on the respective radially outermost already constructed components to which the respective conductive threads (10, 10'') are attached being different from one another.

7. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that in step b2), in addition to the at least one conductive thread (10, 10', 10''), a conductive connecting thread (101) is oriented substantially in the circumferential direction U and arranged so as to repeatedly cross at least one of the conductive threads (10, 10', 10'') over the circumferential extent of the tire, preferably arranged axially in its entirety between the two axial boundaries (8).

8. A pneumatic vehicle tire (1) comprising a carcass (2), a belt assembly (3) attached radially to the carcass from the outside, and a tread (11), the belt assembly (3) comprising a plurality of reinforcement plies (4, 5) and at least one conductive ply (6, 6') in contact with at least one of the reinforcement plies (4, 5), the reinforcement plies (4, 5) collectively occupying, in their axial extent, an axial region (9) defined by two axial boundaries (8), The conductive ply (6, 6') comprises at least one conductive thread (10, 10', 10''), the at least one conductive thread (10, 10', 10'') being arranged over the circumferential extent of the belt assembly (3) so that it repeatedly straddles in each case at least one of the axial boundaries (8).

9. 9. A pneumatic vehicle tyre (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the conductive threads (10, 10', 10'') are arranged so as to repeatedly straddle both axial boundaries (8) over the circumferential extent of the belt assembly (3).

10. 10. A pneumatic vehicle tyre (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the conductive threads (10, 10', 10'') are arranged to have turning regions (14) on both sides of the axial boundary (8) and spaced axially from the respective axial boundary (8), preferably the conductive threads (10, 10', 10'') are arranged in an oscillating manner, particularly preferably the threads are arranged in an oscillating manner in a wavy, loop-like or zigzag form.

11. the conductive ply (6) has two or more conductive yarns (10, 10'), a first one of the conductive yarns (10) being arranged over the circumferential extent of the belt assembly such that it repeatedly straddles at least one of the axial boundaries (8), and a second one of the conductive yarns (10') being arranged over the circumferential extent of the belt assembly such that it repeatedly straddles at least the other of the axial boundaries (8); Preferably, at least two of the conductive threads (10, 10') are arranged so as to repeatedly cross each other over the circumferential extent of the tire.

12. one conductive ply (6, 6') of the at least one conductive ply is radially disposed on the radially outermost reinforcement ply (5) of the belt assembly (3) from the outside; and / or one of said at least one conductive ply (6) is disposed between two reinforcement plies (4, 5) of said belt assembly; and / or one of the at least one conductive ply is arranged between the radially innermost reinforcing ply (4) of the belt assembly and the carcass (2).

13. 13. A pneumatic vehicle tyre according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the conductive ply (6) has a conductive connecting thread (101) that is oriented substantially in the circumferential direction U and that is arranged to repeatedly cross at least one of the conductive threads (10, 10', 10'') over the circumferential extent of the tyre, preferably arranged entirely axially between the two axial boundaries (8).

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and / or the pneumatic vehicle tyre according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the conductive thread (10, 10', 10'') has an electrical resistance of at most 6.5 x 10^6 ohms / 30cm.

15. 15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and 14 and / or a pneumatic vehicle tyre according to any one of claims 8 to 14, characterized in that the conductive yarn (10, 10', 10'') is a textile yarn comprising filaments preferably made of polyester (PES) or polyamide (PA), particularly preferably made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or PA6.6, and that the textile yarn is formed with a conductive adhesive impregnation.

16. 16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 14 and 15 and / or the pneumatic vehicle tyre according to any one of claims 8 to 15, characterized in that the textile yarns (10, 10', 10'') have a linear density of 50 dtex to 500 dtex, preferably 75 dtex to 450 dtex, particularly preferably 100 dtex to 400 dtex.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, 14 to 16 and / or the pneumatic vehicle tyre according to any one of claims 8 to 16, characterized in that the conductive yarn (10, 10', 10'') comprises one or more conductive metal filaments.

18. 15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and 14 and / or the pneumatic vehicle tyre according to any one of claims 8 to 14, characterized in that the conductive yarn (10, 10', 10'') comprises or is formed from carbon fibres, in particular having a linear density of 100 dtex to 800 dtex, preferably 200 dtex to 700 dtex, particularly preferably 300 dtex to 700 dtex.

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