Pneumatic tyre equipped with an electronic device

Abstract

Pneumatic tyre (1) having: a body ply (3); two annular beads (4); an annular tread (7); an innerliner (12); a pair of sidewalls (13); a pair of covering elements (14), each surrounding a respective bead (4); a pair of squeegees (18), each interposed between a respective edge (17) of the body ply (3) and the remaining part of the body ply (3); and an electronic device which is applied to an inner surface of the innerliner (12) and which is arranged between a respective covering element (14) and a respective squeegee (18). The electronic device is arranged at a first radial distance (R1) greater than 8 mm from the inner edge (15) of the respective covering element (14) and at a second radial distance (R2) greater than 5 mm from the respective squeegee (18). Alternatively, the electronic device is arranged at the first radial distance (R1) from the inner edge (15) of the respective covering element (14) and is radially aligned or radially partially superimposed upon the respective squeegee (18). Alternatively, the electronic device is radially aligned or radially partially superimposed upon the respective covering element (14) and is arranged at the second radial distance (R2) from the respective squeegee (18).

Description

[0001] PNEUMATIC TYRE EQUIPPED WITH AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Technical sector

[0004] The present invention relates to a pneumatic tyre equipped with an electronic device.

[0005] The present invention is advantageously applied to a pneumatic tyre equipped with an RFID label, i.e., with an identification label based upon RFID ("Radio Frequency IDentification") technology, to which the discussion below will explicitly refer without thereby sacrificing general applicability.

[0006] Prior art

[0007] In recent years, so-called "smart" pneumatic tyres have emerged, which are capable of forming an active part of modern vehicles, supplying information concerning the type of pneumatic tyres mounted, information concerning the state of the pneumatic tyres and also information concerning ambient conditions. A "smart" pneumatic tyre is provided with an RFID ("Radio Frequency IDentification") label, which permits remote communication of information such as the identification, the characteristics and the history of the pneumatic tyre.

[0008] It has been proposed (for example, as described in the patent applications US2020070597A1, US20210016614A1 and EP4019241A2) to apply (glue) an RFID label onto the inner surface or onto the external surface of a sidewall of a pneumatic tyre; this solution is extremely simple from a constructive perspective and is applicable also to existing pneumatic tyres; however, by contrast, it does not guarantee that the transponder will not detach from the pneumatic tyre (especially when it is glued to the external surface) following the cyclical deformations whereto the sidewall of a pneumatic tyre is subjected. It was also proposed (as described, for example, in the patent applications US20080289736A1, EP2186658A1 and EP1366931A2) to integrate an RFID label into the structure of a pneumatic tyre, i.e., within the various layers that make up the pneumatic tyre. The patent US7556074B2 describes a pneumatic tyre having a cavity formed in its interior for receiving a removable electronic monitoring module.

[0009] The patent application EP3798020A1 describes a pneumatic tyre having an overlap zone wherein an inner layer of the pneumatic tyre is overlapping.

[0010] In the case wherein the RFID label is applied (glued) to the inner surface (constituted of the innerliner) of a green pneumatic tyre before vulcanization, it was observed that with a certain frequency there may be defects in the innerliner at the RFID label. In particular, after the vulcanization of the pneumatic tyre has been completed, the innerliner may have detachments or breakages at the RFID label.

[0011] Description of the invention

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a pneumatic tyre equipped with an electronic device, such pneumatic tyre being free of the drawbacks described above, i.e., not being subject to the risk of detachments or ruptures of the innerliner near the zone wherein the electronic device was applied and, at the same time, being easy and economical to manufacture.

[0013] According to the present invention, a pneumatic tyre equipped with an electronic device is provided as set forth in the appended claims.

[0014] The claims describe preferred embodiments of the present invention that form an integral part of the present description.

[0015] Brief description of the drawings

[0016] The present invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings, which illustrate an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, wherein:

[0017] • Fig. 1 is a schematic, cross-sectional view, with parts removed for clarity, of part of a pneumatic tyre provided with an RFID label;

[0018] • Fig. 2 and 3 are, respectively, a perspective view and a perspective exploded view of the RFID label of the pneumatic tyre of Fig. 1; and

[0019] • Fig. 4-7 are schematic cross-sectional views, with parts removed for clarity, of many variants of the pneumatic tyre of Fig. 1. Preferred embodiments of the invention

[0020] In Fig. 1 a pneumatic tyre is indicated as a whole by the numeral 1 and comprises a toroidal carcass 2, which is constituted of a single body ply 3 partially folded onto itself and therefore having two lateral flaps that are overlapping therebetween (i.e., two layers superimposed upon one another and jointly referred to as "turn-up").

[0021] On the opposite sides of the carcass 2, two annular beads 4 are arranged, wherein each thereof is surrounded by the body ply (3) and has a bead core 5 that is reinforced with a number of revolutions of a metallic wire and a bead filler 6.

[0022] The carcass 2 supports an annular tread 7; between the carcass 2 and the tread 7 a tread belt 8 is interposed, which comprises two tread plies 9. Each tread ply 9 comprises a number of cords (not shown) that are embedded within a rubber belt; they are arranged alongside one another with a given pitch and form an angle of inclination that is determined in relation to an equatorial plane of the pneumatic tyre 1.

[0023] Above the tread belt 8 (and therefore between the tread belt 8 and the tread 7) there is a reinforcing layer 10, which is commonly referred to as the "cap ply" and which is constituted of a continuous green rubber ribbon, which is internally reinforced with strands of nylon or similar and is longitudinally wrapped (i.e., transversely and about the central axis A of the pneumatic tyre 1) over the tread belt 8 and has the function of protecting and containing the tread plies 9.

[0024] Between the body ply 3 and the outer ends of the tread belt 8, two tread ply inserts 11 (TPI) are interposed, which have the function of a cushion (filler) and which are manufactured using a soft rubber compound. In particular, the inserts 11 of the tread ply are arranged at the two axially opposite ends of the tread belt 8 and are interposed between the tread belt 8 and the body ply 3.

[0025] Within the body ply 3 an innerliner 12 is arranged, which is airtight, constitutes an inner lining, and has the function of retaining the air within the pneumatic tyre 1 in order to maintain the inflation pressure of said pneumatic tyre 1 over time.

[0026] The body ply 3 supports a pair of sidewalls 13 arranged externally to the body ply 3, between the tread 7 and the beads 4.

[0027] Finally, the body ply 3 supports a pair of covering elements 14 that are arranged radially more to the inside of the sidewalls 13 and at the beads 4 and have a "U" shape in order to surround (cover) the beads 4 in such a way as to protect the beads 4 from direct contact with the rim. The lining elements 14 are designed to come into contact with the rim and, therefore, to interpose themselves between the pneumatic tyre 1 and the rim; consequently, the composition of the lining elements 14 must be very resistant to abrasion, strong and with a relatively high modulus, as well as possessing acceptable flexural and fatigue properties and good shear strength.

[0028] Each covering element 14 has an inner edge 15, which is arranged axially more to the inside of the respective bead 4 and is in contact with the innerliner 12, and an outer edge 16, which is arranged axially more to the outside of the respective bead 4 and is adjacent to a respective side wall 13; i.e., the two edges 15 and 16 of each covering element 14 are on opposite sides of the respective bead 4.

[0029] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying figures, the covering elements 14 are abrasion gum strips (AGS) which are constituted of rubber and have a green thickness (i.e. before vulcanization) that is of between 2.2 and 3.0 mm and that is generally equal to 2.5-2.7 mm. According to a different embodiment, the covering elements 14 are toe gums which are constituted of rubber and have a green thickness (i.e., before vulcanization) that is less than the green thickness of the abrasion gum strips and is between 1.5 and 1.9 mm and is generally equal to 1.7 mm. According to a further different embodiment, the covering elements 14 are chafers that comprise the ply (covered with an outer layer of rubber) and have a green thickness (i.e., before vulcanization) that is less than the green thickness of the toe gums (and therefore of the abrasion gum strips), and is between 1.1 and 1.5 mm and is generally equal to 1.3 mm.

[0030] In each flap of the body ply 3, an edge 17 (i.e, a terminal end) of the body ply 3 rests against an intermediate portion of the body ply 3. In the embodiment shown in the accompanying figures, between each edge 17 of the body ply 3 and the remaining part of the body ply 3 a squeegee 18 is interposed, constituted of a relatively hard rubber compound (i.e., harder than the rubber compound that constitutes the sidewalls 13 and harder than the rubber compound that constitutes the innerliner 12). Each squeegee 18 has a radially lower end which is radially closer (proximal) to a respective bead 4 and a radially upper end (opposite the radially lower end) which is radially farther (distal) from the respective bead 4.

[0031] Each squeegee 18 has a green thickness (i.e., before vulcanization) that is between 0.4 and 0.8 mm and that is generally equal to 0.6 mm. More precisely, each squeegee 18 has a green thickness between 0.4 and 0.6 mm at the respective edge 17 of the body ply 3 and has a green thickness between 0.6 and 0.8 mm at the ends.

[0032] The pneumatic tyre 1 is provided with an RFID ("Radio-Frequency IDentification") label 19, also called a "smart label," which is capable of storing information and / or acquiring signals related to the operating conditions or the state of the pneumatic tyre 1 and is capable of communicating via radio frequency. In other words, the RFID label 19 is configured to respond to remote polling on the part of suitable fixed or portable apparatuses, called readers (or also interrogators) or to autonomously transmit signals to a receiver; a reader or a receiver is capable of reading and / or modifying the information contained in the RFID label 19, communicating in radio frequency.

[0033] The RFID label 19 has a radially lower end, which is radially closer (proximal) to a respective bead 4 and is radially farther (distal) from the respective from the respective squeegee 18, and a radially upper end (opposite the radially lower end), which is radially farther (distal) from the respective bead 4 and is radially closer (proximal) to the respective squeegee 18.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 1, the RFID label 19 is arranged in proximity to a sidewall 13 of the pneumatic tyre 1 and is fixed (glued) to the innerliner 12, i.e., it is applied to the inner surface (more precisely, radially inner with respect to the tread 7 and axially inner with respect to the sidewalls 13) of the pneumatic tyre 1 constituted of the inner surface (exposed to air) of the innerliner 12 (therefore, the RFID label 19 is in direct contact with the innerliner 12). In other words, the RFID label 19 is outside of the pneumatic tyre 1, i.e., it is not integrated within the pneumatic tyre 1 and is applied (fixed, affixed) to a radially inner (and visible) surface of the innerliner 12, i.e., on a surface of the innerliner 12 which is outside the pneumatic tyre 2 and therefore is in direct contact with the air within the pneumatic tyre 2 and therefore on the innermost free surface of the pneumatic tyre 1.

[0035] Furthermore, the RFID label 19 is arranged between a respective covering element 14 and a respective squeegee 18, i.e., it is located within an area delimited on one side (radially innermost) by a respective covering element 14 and on the opposite side (radially outermost) by a respective squeegee 18.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 2 and 3, the RFID label 19 comprises an electronic circuit 20 (i.e., a microchip) provided with a non-volatile memory and an antenna 21 connected to the electronic circuit 20 (preferably the electronic circuit 20 and the antenna 21 constitute a transponder, i.e., the RFID label 19 is substantially a transponder); these components are inserted in a rubber enclosure constituted of two strips 22 and 23 of rubber that are overlapped and pressed one onto the other. According to a different and equivalent embodiment (not shown), a single strip 22 or 23 of rubber is provided which is located on the opposite side of the innerliner 12 (i.e., one of the two strips 22 and 23 of rubber is replaced by the innerliner 12).

[0037] Some green components of the pneumatic tyre 1 are superimposed and other green components of the pneumatic tyre 1 are arranged side by side (by means of superpositioning and juxtapositioning) so as to form a flat strip which is then wrapped (around, i.e., over an assembly drum of a construction machine) in order to form a cylinder, which is then deformed in order to assume the final toroidal shape. The strip, being wrapped in a ring around the assembly drum, is connected onto itself, forming a plurality of joints that are oriented axially, and each component of the pneumatic tyre 1 is joined in a different position in order to avoid overlapping of the joints and therefore to avoid forming a great discontinuity at a single point.

[0038] Once the manufacture of the green pneumatic tyre 1 has been completed (i.e., once all of the components of the green pneumatic tyre 1 have been assembled together and once the toroidal shape has been conferred), the green pneumatic tyre 1 is subjected to a vulcanization process within a suitable vulcanization mold.

[0039] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the RFID label 19 is arranged at a radial distance R1 greater than 8 mm from the inner edge 15 of the respective covering element 14 and at a radial distance R2 greater than 5 mm from the respective squeegee 18, i.e., from the radially innermost edge of the respective squeegee 18. In other words, the radially lower edge of the RIFD label 19 is arranged at the radial distance R1 from the inner edge 15 of the respective covering element 14, and similarly the radially upper edge of the RIFD label 19 is arranged at the radial distance R2 from the radially lower edge of the respective squeegee 18.

[0040] In the alternative embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the RFID label 19 is arranged at a radial distance R1 greater than 8 mm from the inner edge 15 of the respective covering element 14 and is radially aligned with the respective squeegee 18. In other words, the radially lower edge of the RIFD label 19 is arranged at the radial distance R1 from the inner edge 15 of the respective covering element 14, and the radially upper edge of the RIFD label 19 is arranged at the same radial height as the radially lower edge of the respective squeegee 18 (i.e. the radially upper edge of the RIFD label 19 is radially aligned with the radially lower edge of the respective squeegee 18).

[0041] In the alternative embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the RFID label 19 is arranged at a radial distance R1 greater than 8 mm from the inner edge 15 of the respective covering element 14 and is radially partially superimposed upon the respective squeegee 18. In other words, the radially lower edge of the RIFD label 19 is arranged at the radial distance R1 from the inner edge 15 of the respective covering element 14, and the radially upper edge of the RIFD label 19 is arranged radially further outward than the radially lower edge of the respective squeegee 18. In particular, between the RFID label 19 and the respective squeegee 18, there is an overlap zone, and such overlap zone extends radially and has a radial dimension OL2 not exceeding 10 mm.

[0042] In the alternative embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the RFID label 19 is arranged at a radial distance R2 greater than 8 mm from the respective squeegee 18 and is radially aligned with the respective covering element 14. In other words, the radially upper edge of the RIFD label 19 is arranged at the radial distance R2 from the radially lower edge of the respective squeegee 18, and the radially lower edge of the RIFD label 19 is arranged at the same radial height as the inner edge 15 of the respective covering element 14 (i.e. the radially lower edge of the RIFD label 19 is radially aligned with the inner edge 15 of the respective covering element 14).

[0043] In the alternative embodiment shown in Fig. 7, the RFID label 19 is arranged at a radial distance R2 greater than 8 mm from the respective squeegee 18 and is radially partially superimposed upon the respective covering element 14. In other words, the radially upper edge of the RIFD label 19 is arranged at the radial distance R2 from the radially lower edge of the respective squeegee 18, and the radially lower edge of the RIFD label 19 is arranged radially more to the inside of the inner edge 15 of the respective covering element 14. In particular, there is an overlap zone between the RFID label 19 and the respective covering element 14, and such overlap zone extends radially and has a radial dimension OL1 not exceeding 10 mm.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment, when each covering element 14 has a green thickness between 2.2 and 3.0 mm (and preferably equal to 2.5-2.7 mm) the radial distance R1 is greater than 12 mm; more precisely, under such conditions the radial distance R1 is greater than 15 mm if the thickness of the RFID label 19 is equal to 1.2 mm and is greater than 12 mm if the thickness of the RFID label 19 is equal to 0.8 mm.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment, when each covering element 14 has a green thickness between 1.5 and 1.9 mm (and preferably equal to 1.7 mm), the radial distance R1 is greater than 8 mm; more precisely, under such conditions the radial distance R1 is greater than 10 mm if the thickness of the RFID label 19 is equal to 1.2 mm and is greater than 8 mm if the thickness of the RFID label 19 is equal to 0.8 mm.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment, when each covering element 14 has a green thickness between 1.1 and 1.4 mm (and preferably equal to 1.3 mm) the radial distance R1 is greater than 8 mm; more precisely, under such conditions the radial distance R1 is greater than 8 mm if the thickness of the RFID label 19 is equal to 1.2 mm and is greater than 5 mm if the thickness of the RFID label 19 is equal to 0.8 mm.

[0047] The embodiments described herein may be combined without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0048] The pneumatic tyre 1 described above has many advantages.

[0049] First, the pneumatic tyre 1 described above has a lower defectiveness of the innerliner 12 at the RFID label 19; this result is obtained by arranging the RIFD label 19 between a respective covering element 14 and a respective squeegee 18, ensuring at the same time the correct spacing between the RIFD label 19 and such components (the covering element 14 and the squeegee 18). In other words, the RIFD label 19 may have an adequate distance from both of these components (covering element 14 and squeegee 18) or else is arranged alongside or partially superimposed upon only one of these two components (the covering element 14 and the squeegee 18). In this way, during the vulcanization process, the bladder of the vulcanization mold that presses against the innerliner 12 has the possibility of properly adhering to the entire innerliner 12 without creating areas of poor adhesion that may easily generate the onset of surface defects (detachments or breakages). In effect, by ensuring adequate space between the RIFD label 19 and the covering element 14 and the squeegee 18, the bladder of the vulcanization mold has a way of deforming in order to faithfully copy the profile of the innerliner 12; similarly, also by ensuring a juxtaposition (or an overlap) between the RIFD label 19 and the covering element 14 or the squeegee 18, the bladder of the vulcanization mold has a way of deforming in order to faithfully copy the profile of the innerliner 12. In other words, it is avoided that between the RIFD label 19 and the covering element 14 or the squeegee 18 too small a radial space is created thereby preventing the bladder of the vulcanization mold from deforming to faithfully copy the profile of the innerliner 12 and thus creating an insufficient adhesion zone for the bladder to the innerliner 12 (an insufficient adhesion zone which frequently causes defects to occur).

[0050] Furthermore, the pneumatic tyre 1 described above is of a particularly simple and economical construction, insofar as it does not require any additional components, but rather only attention (easily automatable) to the positioning of the RFID label 19.

[0051] List of reference numbers in the figures

[0052] 1 pneumatic tyre

[0053] 2 carcass

[0054] 3 body ply

[0055] 4 beads

[0056] 5 bead core

[0057] 6 bead filler

[0058] 7 tread

[0059] 8 tread belt

[0060] 9 tread plies

[0061] 10 reinforcing layer tread ply inserts innerliner sidewalls covering elements inner element outer element edge squeegee

[0062] RFID label electronic circuit antenna rubber strip rubber strip

Claims

CLAIMS1. Pneumatic tyre (1) comprising: a body ply (3) partially folded onto itself and having two lateral flaps, wherein within each thereof an edge (17) of the body ply (3) rests against an intermediate portion of the body ply (3); two annular beads (4), wherein each thereof is surrounded by the body ply (3) and has a bead core (5) and a bead filler (6); an annular tread (7); an innerliner (12) which constitutes an inner covering and has the purpose of holding the air inside the pneumatic tyre (1); a pair of sidewalls (13) arranged externally to the body ply (3) between the tread (7) and the beads (4); a pair of covering elements (14), wherein each thereof surrounds a respective bead (4) and has an inner edge (15) which is arranged axially inside the bead (4) and is arranged so as to be in contact with the innerliner (12); a pair of squeegees (18), wherein each thereof is interposed between a respective edge (17) of the body ply (3) and the remaining part of the body ply (3); and an electronic device, in particular an RFID label (19), which is applied to an inner surface of the innerliner (12) which constitutes the innermost free surface of the pneumatic tyre (1) and is arranged between a respective covering element (14) and a respective squeegee (18); the pneumatic tyre (1) is characterized in that: the electronic device is arranged at a first radial distance (Rl) greater than 8 mm from the inner edge (15) of the respective covering element (14) and at a second radial distance (R2) greater than 5 mm from the respective squeegee (18); or the electronic device is arranged at the first radial distance (Rl) greater than 8 mm from the inner edge (15) of the respective covering element (14) and is radially aligned or radially partially superimposed upon the respective squeegee (18); orthe electronic device is radially aligned or radially partially superimposed upon the respective covering element (14) and is arranged at the second radial distance (R2) greater than 5 mm from the respective squeegee (18).

2. Pneumatic tyre (1) according to claim 1, wherein: a radially lower edge of the electronic device is arranged at the first radial distance (Rl) from the inner edge (15) of the respective covering element (14); or the radially lower edge of the electronic device is arranged at the same radial height as the inner edge (15) of the respective covering element (14); or the radially lower edge of the electronic device is arranged radially further inside the inner edge (15) of the respective covering element (14).

3. Pneumatic tyre (1) according to claims 1 or 2, wherein: a radially upper edge of the electronic device is arranged at the second radial distance (R2) from a radially lower edge of the respective squeegee (18); or the radially upper edge of the electronic device is arranged at the same radial height as the radially lower edge of the respective squeegee (18); or the radially upper edge of the electronic device is arranged radially further outward than the radially lower edge of the respective squeegee (18).

4. Pneumatic tyre (1) according to claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein: a first overlap zone between the electronic device and the respective covering element (14) has a first radial dimension (OL1) not exceeding 10 mm; or a second overlap zone between the electronic device and the respective squeegee (18) has a second radial dimension (OL2) not exceeding 10 mm.

5. Pneumatic tyre (1) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein each squeegee (18) has a green thickness of between 0.4 and 0.8 mm.

6. Pneumatic tyre (1) according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein each squeegee (18) has a green thickness between 0.4 and 0.6 mm at the respective edge (17) of the body ply (3) and a green thickness between 0.6 and 0.8 mm at the ends.

7. Pneumatic tyre (1) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein: each covering element (14) has a green thickness between 2.2 and 3.0 mm and preferably equal to 2.5-2.7 mm; andthe first radial distance (Rl) is greater than 12 mm.

8. Pneumatic tyre (1) according to claim 7, wherein the first radial distance (Rl) is greater than 15 mm if a thickness of the electronic device is equal to 1.2 mm, and is greater than 12 mm if the thickness of the electronic device is equal to 0.8 mm.

9. Pneumatic tyre (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein each covering element (14) is an abrasion gum strip and is constituted of rubber.

10. Pneumatic tyre (1) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein: each covering element (14) has a green thickness between 1.5 and 1.9 mm and is preferably equal to 1.7 mm; and the first radial distance (Rl) is greater than 8 mm.

11. Pneumatic tyre (1) according to claim 10, wherein the first radial distance (Rl) is greater than 10 mm if a thickness of the electronic device is equal to 1.2 mm, and is greater than 8 mm if the thickness of the electronic device is equal to 0.8 mm.

12. Pneumatic tyre (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein each covering element (14) is a toe gum and is constituted of rubber.

13. Pneumatic tyre (1) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein: each covering element (14) has a green thickness between 1.1 and 1.4 mm and is preferably equal to 1.3 mm; and the first radial distance (Rl) is greater than 8 mm.

14. Pneumatic tyre (1) according to claim 13, wherein the first radial distance (Rl) is greater than 8 mm if a thickness of the electronic device is equal to 1.2 mm, and is greater than 5 mm if the thickness of the electronic device is equal to 0.8 mm.

15. Pneumatic tyre (1) according to claim 13 or 14 wherein each covering element (14) is a chafer and comprises the ply.

16. Production method of a green pneumatic tyre (1) and comprising the steps of: constructing a body ply (3) partially folded onto itself and having two lateral flaps, wherein within each thereof an edge (17) of the body ply (3) rests against an intermediate portion of the body ply (3); constructing two annular beads (4), wherein each thereof is surrounded by the body ply (3) and has a bead core (5) and a bead filler (6);constructing an annular tread (7); constructing an innerliner (12), which constitutes an inner covering and has the purpose of holding the air inside the pneumatic tyre (1); constructing a pair of sidewalls (13) arranged externally to the body ply (3) between the tread (7) and the beads (4); constructing a pair of covering elements (14), wherein each thereof surrounds a respective bead (4) and has an inner edge (15) which is arranged axially inside the bead (4) and which is arranged so as to be in contact with the innerliner (12); constructing a pair of squeegees (18), wherein each thereof is interposed between a respective edge (17) of the body ply (3) and the remaining part of the body ply (3); and applying an electronic device, in particular an RFID label (15), to an inner surface of the innerliner (12) which constitutes the innermost free surface of the pneumatic tyre (1) in such a way that the electronic device is arranged between a respective covering element (14) and a respective squeegee (18); the production method is characterized in that: the electronic device is arranged at a first radial distance (Rl) greater than 8 mm from the inner edge (15) of the respective covering element (14) and at a second radial distance (R2) greater than 5 mm from the respective squeegee (18); or the electronic device is arranged at the first radial distance (Rl) greater than 8 mm from the inner edge (15) of the respective covering element (14) and is radially aligned or radially partially superimposed upon the respective squeegee (18); or the electronic device is radially aligned or radially partially superimposed upon the respective covering element (14) and is arranged at the second radial distance (R2) greater than 5 mm from the respective squeegee (18).

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