Method for producing a reinforcement structure for a tire

Abstract

The reinforcing structure for a tire is in the form of a stratified assembly formed of two layers of reinforcing strips of completely connected cross section, and flattened in shape. According to the method, the strips of each layer are laid side by side in a main direction of laying. The strips of the first layer are spaced apart by a distance that is less than the width of the strips of the second layer and in such a way that the edges of the strips of the first layer overlap the edges of the strips of the second layer. The two layers of strips are separated by a layer of uncoupling rubber.

1 . A method of manufacturing a reinforcing structure for a tire in the form of a stratified assembly formed of two layers of reinforcing strips of completely connected cross section, and flattened in shape, comprising the steps:
 laying the strips of each layer side by side in a main direction of laying, spacing the strips of the first layer apart by a distance that is less than the width of the strips of the second layer and in such a way that the edges of the strips of the first layer overlap the edges of the strips of the second layer, and wherein   the two layers of strips are separated by a layer of uncoupling rubber.   
     
     
         2 . The method of manufacturing a reinforcing structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the strips of the first and the second layer have the same width L and their edges overlap over at least 20% of the width L. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the elastic modulus of the strips is greater than 500 MPa. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the said stratified assembly is arranged between and in contact with two layers of rubber. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the said reinforcing structure comprises, in this order: an external layer of elastomer of a thickness comprised between 0.1 and 0.5 mm, a first layer of reinforcing strips having a thickness comprised between 0.05 and 0.35 mm, a layer of uncoupling rubber of a thickness comprised between 0.1 and 0.5 mm, a second layer of strips having a thickness comprised between 0.05 and 0.35 mm, and an internal layer of elastomer of a thickness comprised between 0.1 and 0.5 mm. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein each strip has a width L and the strips forming a layer are arranged with a pitch p of less than 2L. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein the amount of overlap between the edges of the strips of the two layers of strips is comprised between 0.2 and 0.5 times the pitch p. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the width L of the strips is comprised between 1 and 12 mm, preferably between 3 and 7 mm. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the said strips are made of a single material. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 9 , wherein the said material is selected from PET, PEN, aluminium, steel, or polyamides. 
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing structure is produced by calendering. 
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing structure is produced by winding successive layers onto a rotary shell ring. 
     
     
         13 . A tire reinforcing structure obtained using a method according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         14 . A tire with no airtight inner liner, comprising a reinforcing structure obtained using a method according to  claim 1 .