Tire with sidewall inserts

Abstract

The subject of the present invention is a tire (1) comprising at least one sidewall (3) intended to cooperate with a sidewall insert (9) through fastening means (6), with the goal of customizing the design of this tire sidewall. According to the invention, the fastening means (6) comprising a recess (7) formed in the axially outer sidewall layer (30) comprises a protrusion (8) projecting relative to the bottom surface of the recess (71) and extending from the bottom surface of the recess (71) to the vicinity of the axially outer surface of the sidewall (31), this protrusion (8) having a minimum width Lpmin near the bottom surface of the recess (71) in any mid-plane (YZ) to ensure the fastening of the sidewall insert (9) intended to cooperate with the fastening means (6).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to tires, and more particularly to tires intended to equip light four-wheeled vehicles (cars, vans) or two-wheeled vehicles (motorcycles) and to have at least one sidewall with a sidewall insert to personalize the design of the tire sidewall. [Background technology]

[0002] A continuing concern of vehicle manufacturers and users is personalizing tire sidewall designs using coloring means and / or additional elements, referred to herein as inserts.

[0003] Known coloring means are, for example, white colored rubber compositions present on the sidewall of a tire that contrast with the black color of the adjacent rubber composition. However, this technical solution has certain drawbacks. First, certain chemical components, such as protective ingredients, present in the rubber composition adjacent to the coloring means can migrate toward the colored rubber composition, causing it to gradually lose its color over time. In addition, deformation of the sidewall throughout the tire's service life can cause the colored rubber composition to initiate cracks and deteriorate its appearance. Furthermore, the mechanical means used to mount a tire on its rim can also deteriorate the colored rubber composition by rubbing it against it. Finally, the manufacture of tires with different colored sections is more complex from an industrial point of view.

[0004] Among other known inserts, EP 2692542 describes a decorative ring intended to be mounted between the tire bead and the rim. However, the mounting of this ring is delicate due to its positioning. In addition, the presence of the ring between the tire bead and the rim can modify the mechanical behavior of the tire and therefore that of the vehicle. Finally, in order to mount it correctly, this ring runs the risk of requiring an adaptation of the rim's shape, which would then no longer comply with the standard rim profile for which the tire was designed.

[0005] U.S. Patent No. 3,128,815 describes another insert in the form of a tire backing element intended to removably engage the sidewall. This backing element can be secured to the sidewall by various means, such as engaging its ends within the sidewall or attaching its ends by raised or recessed fastening means relative to the sidewall. Furthermore, the described backing element covers a significant portion of the sidewall, typically at least one-third of the sidewall's surface area, and is more specifically positioned on the radially inner segment of the sidewall between the axially outermost point of the sidewall and the rim flange. However, because this backing element is positioned in a highly flexible zone of the tire, it is susceptible to deformation and becoming detached from the sidewall as the tire is running.

[0006] JP 11-151918 A also describes a removable color insert intended to be fixed to the tire sidewall in the radially outer segment of the sidewall near the tread by means of attachment means recessed relative to the surface of the sidewall. However, such attachment means do not allow the insert to be easily attached to the tire when the tire is mounted on its rim and inflated, because the shape of the insert there may be insufficient compared to the shape of the recess of the attachment means depending on the inflation pressure or depending on the width of the rim. In addition, when the tire is running, the locking of the insert in the sidewall may be modified, for example under strong transverse acceleration, with the risk of the insert being ejected. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 2692542 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 3,128,815 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-151918 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The objective that the inventor has set himself is to propose a tire that can be equipped with at least one sidewall insert that has improved mounting on the sidewall and attachment thereto. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] This object is achieved by a tire for light vehicles, intended to be mounted on a rim and capable of being equipped with at least one sidewall insert, said tire having a nominal cross section of height H and comprising: - two side walls each connecting the crown to two beads intended to come into contact with the rim, at least one side wall provided with fastening means intended to interact with at least one side wall insert; the anchoring means extend at least partially circumferentially in the circumferential direction of the tire and comprise recesses formed in the axially outer sidewall layer comprising at least one rubber material and extending axially from the axially outer sidewall surface towards the inside of the sidewall, the recess is bounded axially inwards by a recess base and radially by two recess walls; the recess has, in any meridian plane containing the tire's axis of rotation, a depth Pc, i.e. the maximum distance measured vertically between the axially outer sidewall surface and the bottom of the recess, equal to at least 2 mm, and a width Lc, measured at the axially outer sidewall surface between the two recess walls, equal to at most 15% of the tire's nominal section height H, the fastening means comprises a protrusion that rises relative to the bottom surface of the recess and extends from the bottom surface of the recess to the vicinity of the axially outer side wall surface; the protrusions have, in any meridional plane, a minimum width Lpmin near the bottom of the recess to ensure the fixation of the side wall insert intended to interact with the fixation means.

[0010] The principle of the present invention is to have a fastening means for the sidewall insert comprising a circumferential recess formed in the axially outer sidewall layer and a protrusion formed in the recess.

[0011] The recesses may be circumferentially continuous or circumferentially discontinuous, i.e. formed in separate circumferential portions.

[0012] The axially outer sidewall layer in which the recess is formed extends axially from its axially outer sidewall surface in contact with the atmosphere to an axially outermost reinforcing layer made of a reinforcing material, most often a fabric. More specifically, the axially outer sidewall layer is in axially inner contact with a rubber compound, usually called a coating compound, which coats the reinforcing material of the axially outermost reinforcing layer.

[0013] The recesses allow the edges of the sidewall insert to be locked between the walls, thereby securing the sidewall, i.e., helping to keep the sidewall insert in place as the tire rolls, which may cause the sidewall insert to be easily ejected.

[0014] The recesses also allow the sidewall insert to engage the thickness of the sidewall without creating a significant protrusion relative to the axially outer sidewall surface and therefore without disrupting the airflow near the sidewall in this zone, resulting in no increase in the aerodynamic resistance of the tire and correspondingly no increase in the rolling resistance and therefore fuel consumption of the tire.

[0015] According to the invention, the depth Pc of the recess is at least equal to 2 mm.

[0016] If the depth Pc is less than 2 mm, the fastening means do not ensure sufficient attachment of the sidewall insert to enable the tire to withstand the various mechanical stresses applied to it in the course of its use and throughout its service life.

[0017] Likewise, according to the invention, the width Lc of the recess is equal to at most 15% of the nominal section height H of the tire.

[0018] The recess width Lc must remain limited because the larger it is, the more the zone of the sidewall insert will deflect during use, which will cause significant deformation of the sidewall insert and potential fatigue problems. The deformation at the recess specifically increases with the recess width Lc, which can be expressed as a percentage of the nominal section height H of the tire or as an absolute value. The nominal section height H is defined by the usual standards related to tires, such as the "European Tyre and Rim Technical Organization" or "ETRTO" standard.

[0019] The protrusion formed in the recess from the bottom surface of the recess is intended to contact the axially inner surface of the sidewall insert and is capable of securing the sidewall insert by its axially inner portion having a minimum width Lpmin near the bottom surface of the recess. This protrusion configuration allows the sidewall insert to be substantially clipped over the protrusion and ensures that it is held in place under the mechanical bending and centrifugal stresses applied to the tire when it is running.

[0020] Advantageously, the depth Pc of the recess is: at least Equals 3mm.

[0021] More advantageously, the depth Pc of the recess is at most equal to 7 mm, preferably at most equal to 5 mm.

[0022] If the depth Pc is greater than 7 mm, the thickness of the rubber material layer axially inside the recess bottom is not sufficient to ensure mechanical decoupling between the sidewall insert intended to be engaged in this recess and the axially outermost reinforcing layer. This leads to stress concentrations at the recess bottom that are prone to cracking and reduced durability of the sidewall. Furthermore, in terms of manufacturing, a recess of limited depth ensures the presence of a thickness of the rubber material layer axially inside the recess bottom during the tire assembly and subsequent finishing stages, despite significant material movement in this zone. In other words, a recess depth that is not excessively high makes it possible to guarantee manufacturing tolerances.

[0023] When the fastening means uses an axially outer sidewall layer having a width W, the difference between the thickness W of the axially outer sidewall layer and the depth Pc of the recess is at least equal to 1 mm, preferably at least equal to 2 mm.

[0024] The thickness W is measured between the axially outer sidewall surface and the axially outer fibers of the reinforcement of the axially outermost reinforcing layer, and this thickness therefore takes into account the actual axially outer sidewall layer and the axially outer coating layer of the axially outermost reinforcing layer. The difference between the thickness W of the axially outer sidewall layer and the depth Pc of the recess, in other words, determines the thickness of the rubber material layer provided between the bottom surface of the recess and the axially outermost reinforcing layer.

[0025] The thickness of 1 mm is the minimum thickness of the rubber material layer that ensures mechanical decoupling at the interface between the sidewall insert intended to engage in this recess and the axially outer sidewall layer between the axially inner reinforcement of the reinforcement, thereby avoiding stress concentrations at the bottom of the recess that are prone to cracking and a decrease in the durability of the sidewall.

[0026] Advantageously, the width Lc of the recess is equal to at most 10% of the nominal section height H of the tire.

[0027] Also advantageously, the width Lc of the recess is at most equal to 20 mm, preferably at most equal to 12 mm.

[0028] Preferably, the recesses are formed in an axially outer sidewall layer made of a single rubber material.

[0029] As a result, recesses are not formed in the composite layer, which is composed of overlapping materials and is therefore potentially susceptible to mechanical strength problems at the interface between the materials.

[0030] Advantageously, a straight line lying in any meridian plane and passing through the two intersection points of each recess wall with the axially outer side wall surface respectively forms with the radial direction an angle at most equal to 25°, preferably at most equal to 15°.

[0031] When the angle A is greater than 25°, the axially outer sidewall surface becomes excessively inclined relative to the radial direction, generally in the zone of the fastening means close to the tire bead, so that the lateral walls of the recess do not make it possible to retain the sidewall insert, which will be deformed under the action of centrifugal forces.

[0032] Preferably, the protrusion has a height Hp in any meridian plane at least equal to 2 mm less the depth Pc of the recess.

[0033] The minimum height value Hp, equal to 2 mm less than the recess depth Pc, allows the sidewall insert to be positioned over the protrusion with sufficient anchoring height while still not protruding beyond the axially outer sidewall surface or only slightly beyond it. This configuration thus ensures effective fixation of the sidewall insert while still protecting it from potential scraping of the sidewall against the curb. Furthermore, the limited engagement of the sidewall insert within the thickness of the sidewall ensures that it can be viewed as a design measure.

[0034] Also preferably, the protrusion has a height Hp in any meridional plane at least equal to the depth Pc of the recess plus 2 mm.

[0035] The maximum height value Hp, which is equal to the recess depth Pc plus 2 mm, makes it possible to avoid the insert protruding relative to the axially outer sidewall surface. This configuration, in other words, makes it possible not to disturb the air flow in the vicinity of the sidewall in this zone. As a result, the aerodynamic resistance of the tire does not increase. Correspondingly, the rolling resistance of the tire and therefore its fuel consumption also do not increase. Furthermore, the susceptibility of the sidewall to potential scraping against curbs remains limited.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment of the protrusion, the protrusion is configured in a stepped arrangement in any meridian plane of a first narrow portion extending axially outward from the bottom of the recess and having a minimum width equal to the minimum protrusion width Lpmin, and a second wider portion extending axially outward from the first narrow portion and having a maximum width equal to the maximum protrusion width Lpmax. Such a protrusion is, i.e., substantially mushroom-shaped, its stem being the first narrow portion and its cap being the second wide portion.

[0037] If the side wall comprises, on its axially outer side wall surface and in the radially outer vicinity of the bead, a protective ridge having an edge corner, and the fastening means has a circumferential mean line, the circumferential mean line of the fastening means is advantageously positioned in any meridian plane radially outside the edge corner of the protective ridge at a radial distance d1 at least equal to 4 mm.

[0038] The protective ridge is positioned on the axially outer sidewall surface and radially outwardly adjacent the bead. Positioning radially outwardly adjacent the bead means that the radially innermost point of the protective ridge is positioned at a radial distance of at least 4 mm radially outwardly of the rim flange on which the tire is intended to be mounted. Furthermore, the edge corners of the protective ridge are the apexes of the substantially triangular cross-section of the protective ridge that are not positioned on the axially outer sidewall surface.

[0039] Since the function of the protective ridge is to protect the flange of the rim on which the tire is intended to be mounted, it is the part of the tire that is most likely to rub against external elements such as curbs and stones, and also the part that is most likely to come into contact with the ground when the tire is removed. Consequently, the sidewall insert and therefore the corresponding fastening means must be far enough away from the protective ridge to avoid being damaged. Furthermore, fastening means closer to the protective ridge make it more visible.

[0040] Also advantageously, the circumferential mean line of the fastening means is positioned in any meridian plane radially inward of an axial straight line passing through the midpoint H / 2 of the nominal section height of the tyre at a radial distance d2 equal to at least 10% of the nominal section height H of the tyre.

[0041] If for certain tires with a small nominal section height H and therefore a small sidewall height, the protective ridge is at the axially outermost part of the tire, for other tires the axially outermost point of the tire is positioned on an axial straight line passing through the midpoint H / 2 of the nominal section height of the tire. For these tires, in order to avoid degradation of the sidewall insert, especially when the sidewall rubs against a curb, the circumferential mean line of the corresponding fastening means is advantageously positioned radially radially inward of the axial straight line passing through the midpoint H / 2 of the nominal section height of the tire, at a radial distance d2 equal to at least 10% of the nominal section height H of the tire. Typically, the radial distance d2 is equal to at least 2 mm, preferably at least 8 mm.

[0042] The present invention also relates to a sidewall insert intended to be mounted on a tire sidewall.

[0043] The sidewall insert is intended to interact with the fastening means according to any of the tire embodiments described above by engaging with the recesses (7) of the fastening means (6) and by clipping over the protrusions (8) of the fastening means (6).

[0044] The sidewall insert has a circumferential mean line with a mean diameter D2 that is at most equal to the mean diameter D1 of the circumferential mean line of the fastening means before the sidewall insert is fastened to the tire. Under these conditions, the sidewall insert is fastened to the fastening means under prestress, which substantially holds the sidewall insert in place in the sidewall and contributes to a low risk of ejection when the tire is running.

[0045] According to certain embodiments, the sidewall insert may have a variable width near the axially outer sidewall surface, which entails a variable width recess in the fastening means and therefore a fastening means that does not exhibit rotational symmetry about the tire's axis of rotation.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment, the sidewall insert comprises at least one polymeric material such as a rubber material, silicone, or a thermoplastic material, for example polyurethane.

[0047] The material or materials from which the sidewall insert is made must be sufficiently deformable so as not to create excessive stresses at the interface between the sidewall insert and the fastening means that would tend to induce cracking and fatigue failure in the tire sidewall. While this list is not exhaustive, polymeric materials such as rubber materials, silicones, or thermoplastic materials, e.g., polyurethanes, are believed to meet this requirement.

[0048] If the sidewall insert is made of a material having a tensile modulus M2 at 10% elongation and is intended to interact with fastening means made of a rubber material having a tensile modulus M1 at 10% elongation, M2 is advantageously at least 0.4 * Equal to M1. The sidewall insert must be rigid enough to allow it to be installed on the sidewall.

[0049] If the sidewall insert is made of a material having a tensile modulus M2 at 10% elongation and is intended to interact with fastening means made of a rubber material having a tensile modulus M1 at 10% elongation, M2 may also advantageously be at most 5 *Equal to M1. The sidewall insert must not be too hard so as not to create excessive stresses in the tire sidewall that would make the sidewall prone to damage when subjected to bending stresses, and to reduce the risk of the sidewall insert being ejected by centrifugal forces when the tire is in motion.

[0050] The sidewall insert preferably has a different color and / or texture than that of the sidewall that comprises the fastening means. Since an object of the present invention is to personalize the design of the tire sidewall, the sidewall insert preferably has a distinct color and / or texture relative to the sidewall.

[0051] Preferably, the colored sidewall inserts may have one or more differentiated colors relative to the normally black sidewall. Also preferably, the sidewall inserts are monochromatic to simplify their manufacture.

[0052] According to certain embodiment variations, the sidewall inserts are covered with graphics or textures, for example velvet type, to further differentiate the sidewalls.

[0053] Finally, the invention relates to an assembly made of a tire according to any one of the tire embodiments described above and at least one sidewall insert according to any one of the sidewall insert embodiments described above.

[0054] Schematic diagrams 1 through 5, not drawn to scale, illustrate features of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0055] [Figure 1] 1 shows a meridian semi-section through a tire according to the invention mounted on its rim; [Figure 2] 1 shows a meridional section through a fastening means according to the invention; FIG. [Figure 3A] 10A and 10B show examples of embodiments of fastening means; [Figure 3B] 10A and 10B show examples of embodiments of fastening means; [Figure 3C] 10A and 10B show examples of embodiments of fastening means; [Figure 3D] 10A and 10B show examples of embodiments of fastening means; [Figure 3E] 10A and 10B show examples of embodiments of fastening means; [Figure 3F] 10A and 10B show examples of embodiments of fastening means; [Figure 3G] 10A and 10B show examples of embodiments of fastening means; [Figure 3H] 10A and 10B show examples of embodiments of fastening means; [Figure 4] 1 shows a meridian semi-section through a tire according to the invention mounted on its rim and equipped with sidewall inserts; FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 shows a meridional section through a fastening means according to the invention in combination with a side wall insert. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0056] 1 is a meridional semi-section through a tire 1 according to the invention mounted on a rim 2. The tire 1 for light vehicles is mounted on the rim 2 and can be equipped with at least one sidewall insert 9 (not shown). The tire 1 has a nominal section of height H in the sense of the ETRTO (European Tire and Rim Technical Organisation) standard and comprises two sidewalls 3 connecting a crown 4 to two beads 5 respectively, each of which is intended to come into contact with the rim 2. The sidewall 3 shown comprises fastening means 6 intended to interact with the sidewall insert 9 (not shown). The fastening means 6 extend circumferentially in the circumferential direction XX' of the tire and comprise a recess 7 formed in an axially outer sidewall layer 30 comprising at least one rubber material and extending axially from the axially outer sidewall surface 31 towards the inside of the sidewall 3. According to the invention, the fastening means 6 comprises a protrusion 8 raised relative to the bottom surface of the recess and extending from the bottom surface to the vicinity of the axially outer side wall surface 31, the protrusion 8 having a minimum width Lpmin (not referenced) in the meridian plane YZ near the bottom surface of the recess so as to fasten a side wall insert intended to interact with the fastening means 6. In the particular embodiment shown in Figure 1, the side wall 3 comprises a protective ridge 32 having an edge corner 321 on its axially outer side wall surface 31 near the radially outer side of the bead 5. The edge corner 321 of the protective ridge 32 is the apex of a substantially triangular cross section of the protective ridge that is not located on the axially outer side wall surface 31. In the case of the fastening means 6 having a circumferential mean line 61, the circumferential mean line 61 of the fastening means 6 is positioned in the meridian plane YZ radially outside the edge corner 321 of the protective ridge 32 at a radial distance d1 equal to at least 4 mm. Furthermore, the circumferential mean line 61 of the fastening means 6 is positioned in the meridian plane YZ at a radial distance d2 equal to at least 10% of the nominal section height H of the tire 1 radially inward of an axial straight line D passing through the midpoint H / 2 of the nominal section height H of the tire 1.

[0057] 2 is a meridional section through the fastening means 6 according to the invention. This is a detail of FIG. 1. The fastening means 6 comprises a recess 7 and a protrusion 8. The recess 7 is delimited axially inwards by a recess bottom 71 and radially by two recess walls 72. The recess 7 has a depth Pc in a meridian plane YZ containing the tire's axis of rotation YY', i.e. the maximum distance measured perpendicularly between the axially outer sidewall surface 31 and the recess bottom 71, and a width Lc measured between the two recess walls 72 at the axially outer sidewall surface 31. The depth Pc of the recess 7 is at least equal to 2 mm and at most equal to 7 mm. The width Lc of the recess 7 is at most equal to 15%, preferably at most 10%, of the nominal section height H of the tire 1. If the axially outer sidewall layer 30 has a thickness W at the fastening means 6, the difference between the thickness W of the axially outer sidewall layer 30 and the depth Pc of the recess 7 is at least equal to 1 mm. Furthermore, a straight line T lying in the meridian plane YZ and passing through the two intersection points 721, 722 of each recess wall 72 with the axially outer side wall surface 31 forms an angle A with the radial direction ZZ' equal to a maximum of 25°. Finally, in any meridian plane YZ, the projection 8 is constituted by a stepped arrangement of a first narrow portion 81 extending axially outward from the recess bottom surface 71 and having a minimum width equal to the minimum projection width Lpmin, and a second wide portion 82 extending axially outward from the first narrow portion 81 and having a maximum width equal to the maximum projection width Lpmax.

[0058] [3A] to [3H] are examples of embodiments of the fastening means. The fastening means in [3A] has a dovetail-shaped protruding meridian cross section. The fastening means in [3B] has a spherical protruding meridian cross section. The fastening means in [3C] has a mushroom-shaped protruding meridian cross section. The fastening means in [3D] has a notched dovetail-shaped protruding meridian cross section. The fastening means in [3E] has a stepped dovetail-shaped protruding meridian cross section. The fastening means in [3F] has a slitted cylindrical protruding meridian cross section. The fastening means in [3G] has a notched cylindrical protruding meridian cross section. The fastening means in [3H] has a toothed cylindrical protruding meridian cross section. All these examples of protrusions of the fastening means are intended to provide effective locking of the side wall insert within the fastening means.

[0059] 4 is a meridional semi-section through a tire according to the invention mounted on its rim and equipped with a sidewall insert 9. It combines the tire of FIG.

[0060] 5 is a meridional section through a fastening means according to the invention as shown in FIG. 2 combined with a side wall insert. This is a detail of FIG.

[0061] The inventor has tested the invention more particularly on a tire of size 245 / 45 R 18 100 W XL, inflated to a recommended pressure equal to 2.9 bar and intended to withstand a recommended load equal to 800 kg.

[0062] The properties of the examples tested by the inventors are presented in Table 1 below.

[0063] [Table 1]

[0064] The inventors have been able to appreciate easier installation and more efficient mounting for the sidewall inserts with which the sidewalls of tires according to the present invention are equipped. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1 tire 2 rims 3 side wall 6 Fixing means 9 Sidewall Inserts H Nominal section height of tire

Claims

1. A tire (1) for a light vehicle, comprising: A tire (1) is intended to be mounted on a rim (2) and can be equipped with at least one sidewall insert (9), said tire (1) having a nominal section height H and comprising two sidewalls (3) respectively connecting a crown (4) of said tire to two beads (5) of said tire each intended to come into contact with said rim (2), At least one of the two side walls (3) an axially outer sidewall layer (30) extending radially from the crown to the corresponding bead and extending radially inward from an axially outer sidewall surface (31) in contact with the atmosphere, the axially outer sidewall layer (30) comprising at least one rubber material; fastening means (6) intended to interact with at least one sidewall insert (9), said fastening means (6) extending circumferentially in the circumferential direction (XX') of said tire, the fastening means (6) comprises a recess (7) formed in the axially outer sidewall layer (30) and recessed from the axially outer sidewall surface (31), bounded axially inward by a recess bottom surface (71) and radially by two recess walls (72), each extending from the recess bottom surface (71) to the axially outer sidewall surface (31); The recess (7) is in any meridian plane (YZ) containing the rotation axis (YY') of the tire, a depth Pc, which is the maximum distance measured perpendicularly between the axially outer side wall surface (31) and the recess bottom surface (71), and which is at least equal to 2 mm; a width Lc measured at the axially outer sidewall surface (31) between the two recess walls (72) and equal to 15% of the nominal section height H of the tire (1); The fixing means (6) further includes a protrusion (8) that protrudes from the recess bottom surface (71) and extends from the recess bottom surface (71) to the vicinity of the axially outer side wall surface (31), said projections (8) have a minimum width Lpmin in any meridian plane (YZ) near the bottom surface (71) of said recess to ensure the fixation of said side wall inserts (9) intended to interact with said fixation means (6); A tire (1) characterized in that

2. Tyre (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the depth Pc of the recess (7) is at least equal to 3 mm.

3. Tyre (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the depth Pc of the recess (7) is at most equal to 7 mm.

4. the axially outer sidewall layer (30) extends axially from the axially outer sidewall surface to an axially outermost reinforcing layer including a reinforcing material; the axially outer sidewall layer (30) has a thickness W, the thickness W being measured at the fastening means (6) between the axially outer sidewall surface and the reinforcement of the axially outermost reinforcing layer; 4. Tyre (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the difference between the thickness W of the axially outer sidewall layer (30) and the depth Pc of the recess (7) is at least equal to 1 mm.

5. Tyre (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the width Lc of the recess (7) is equal to at most 10% of the nominal section height H of the tyre (1).

6. Tyre (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the width Lc of the recess (7) is at most equal to 20 mm.

7. Tyre (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said axially outer sidewall layer (30) is made of a single rubber material.

8. 8. Tyre (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a straight line (T) lying in any meridian plane (YZ) and passing through two intersection points (721, 722) of each recess wall (72) with the axially outer side wall surface (31) forms an angle (A) with the radial direction (ZZ') of the tyre that is at most equal to 25°.

9. 9. Tyre (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the protrusions (8) have a height Hp, in any meridian plane (YZ), at least equal to 2 mm less than the depth Pc of the recesses (7).

10. 10. The tire (1) according to claim 1, wherein the projection (8) is configured in a stepped arrangement in any meridian plane (YZ) of a first narrow portion (81) extending axially outward from the recess bottom (71) and having a minimum width equal to the minimum width Lpmin of the projection (8), and a second wide portion (82) extending axially outward from the first narrow portion (81) and having a maximum width equal to the maximum width Lpmax of the projection (8).

11. 11. Tyre (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the at least one of the side walls (3) further comprises a protective ridge (32) protruding from the axially outer sidewall surface (31) and positioned radially outer vicinity of the corresponding bead (5).

12. 12. Tyre (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that said fastening means (6) have a circumferential mean line (61) positioned in any meridian plane (YZ) at a radial distance d1 at least equal to 4 mm radially outward of the edge corners (321) of said protective ridge (32).

13. 13. Tyre (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the circumferential mean line (61) of the fastening means (6) is positioned in any meridian plane (YZ) radially inward of an axial straight line (D) passing through the midpoint H / 2 of the nominal section height H of the tyre (1) at a radial distance d2 equal to at least 10% of the nominal section height H of the tyre (1).

14. 14. The tyre (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the recess (7) is formed within the thickness of the axially outer sidewall layer (30) such that the two recess walls (72) extend from the axially outer sidewall surface (31) within the thickness of the axially outer sidewall layer (30).

15. 15. A sidewall insert (9) intended to interact with the fastening means (6) of a tire (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 by engaging in the recesses (7) of the fastening means (6) and over the protrusions (8) of the fastening means (6).

16. 16. A sidewall insert (9) according to claim 15, characterized in that before said sidewall insert is mounted on said tire, it has a circumferential mean line with a mean diameter D2 which is at most equal to the mean diameter D1 of the circumferential mean line of said fastening means (6).

17. Sidewall insert (9) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that it comprises at least one polymer material.

18. The sidewall insert (9) is made of a material having a tensile modulus M2 at 10% elongation and is intended to interact with the fastening means (6) made of a rubber material having a tensile modulus M1 at 10% elongation, M2 being at least 0.4 * 18. Sidewall insert (9) according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that it is equal to M1.

19. The sidewall insert (9) is made of a material having a tensile modulus M2 at 10% elongation and is intended to interact with the fastening means (6) made of a rubber material having a tensile modulus M1 at 10% elongation, M2 being at most 5 * 19. A sidewall insert (9) according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that it is equal to M1.

20. 20. Sidewall insert (9) according to any one of claims 15 to 19, characterized in that it has a different colour and / or texture to that of the sidewall (3) comprising the fastening means (6).

21. An assembly (10) consisting of a tire (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and at least one sidewall insert (9) according to any one of claims 15 to 20.

Images