Abstract:
Tire, comprising at least one carcass-type reinforcement structure extending circumferentially from the bead to the sidewall and a crown reinforcement, each of the beads further comprising a main anchoring zone for supporting the reinforcement structure, the tire comprising a rim protector provided by a rubber projection extending axially outwardly relative to the sidewall and comprising at least one secondary anchoring zone comprising a plurality of circumferential cord windings, the windings cooperating with an adjacent portion of a secondary reinforcement structure via a rubber anchoring mix. Since anchoring is distributed between the bead and the rim protector, new architectural or design possibilities are opened up, for example permitting the use of the restricted space of the bead in an optimum manner. Thus, for example, the presence of the secondary anchoring zone at the rim protector helps greatly to improve the behavior of the tires, in particular resistance to drift.

Description:
This application is a continuation of international PCT application Ser. No. PCT/EP02/05479, filed May 17, 2002, which was published in English as WO 02/094584 A1 on Nov. 28, 2002, and which is incorporated by reference. 

   BACKGROUND 
   The present invention relates to tires. More particularly it relates to a tire having a rim protector acting as an anchorage point for at least one carcass-type reinforcement structure. 
   The reinforcement of tire carcasses is currently formed by one or more plies (conventionally termed “carcass plies” from the manufacturing process in the form of semi-finished products as plies), provided with cord reinforcements which are usually radial. The anchoring or support of these plies or reinforcements is effected conventionally by turning up a portion of the ply around a bead wire disposed in the bead of the tire. 
   Furthermore, there are currently tires which do not have the traditional turning-up of the carcass ply around a bead wire, nor even a bead wire in the traditional sense of this element. For example, the specification EP 0 582 196 describes a means of contriving a carcass-type reinforcement structure in the beads, by disposing adjacent to the reinforcement structure circumferential filaments, the whole being embedded in a rubber anchoring or bonding mix, preferably with a high modulus of elasticity. Various arrangements are proposed in this specification. The specification further refers to tires manufactured without the aid of semi-finished products in the form of plies. For example, the cords of the various reinforcement structures are applied directly to the adjacent layers of rubber mixes, the whole being applied by successive layers on to a core having a form whereby it is possible to obtain directly a profile related to the final profile of the tire being manufactured. Thus, in this case, rather than “carcass plies” in the conventional sense, more specifically “carcass-type reinforcements” are found. 
   The anchoring of the reinforcement structure or carcass ply (if the tire is assembled with various semi-finished products, including a carcass ply) is of particular importance in order to ensure durability of the tire. The realisation of durable and reliable anchorage often involves using a large area of the bead and using high-quality materials, which is therefore costly. The presence of cord windings or a bead wire further implies a large mass. 
   Furthermore, the specifications of motor vehicle manufacturers on the one hand and standards in force in the various countries on the other mean that, for a tire of a given dimension, one finds a rim also of given dimensions. These technical standards mean that it is more difficult to get away from the usual compromise of the conventional anchoring found in tires of known types. The manufacturers of tires therefore generally use other architectural elements than beads and anchorings in order to optimise the features of the product. 
   SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
   Thus the invention proposes a tire comprising at least one carcass-type reinforcement structure anchored on each side of the tire in a bead whose base is intended to be mounted on a rim seat, each bead extending radially outwardly by a sidewall, the sidewalls radially outwardly joining a tread, the carcass-type reinforcement structure extending circumferentially from the bead to the sidewall, and a crown reinforcement, each of the beads further comprising a main anchoring zone for supporting the reinforcement structure, the tire comprising, in a position that is radially outward from the anchoring zone, a rim protector provided with a rubber projection extending axially outwardly from the sidewall and comprising at least one secondary anchoring zone comprising a plurality of circumferential cord windings, the windings cooperating with an adjacent portion of a secondary reinforcement structure via a rubber anchoring mix. 
   As its name indicates, the rim protector provides a bearing point extending axially beyond the rim: in the case of impact or friction against an attacking element, e.g. a pavement, the rim protector prevents contact with the rim. In this case, slight deterioration of the rim protector, such as a scratch or graze which is generally barely visible and above all has no effect on the lifespan of the tire, is preferred to deterioration of the rim, which would often be more easily visible. 
   Furthermore, the presence of the secondary anchoring zone in the rim protector helps to lend rigidity thereto in order to improve its strength and durability. 
   Furthermore, the use of the rim protector in order to provide therein a secondary anchoring zone makes it possible to optimise the use of the rim protector as such. Thus there is benefit to be gained from the available space in the rim protector, freeing the bead, which thus benefits from a larger available volume for disposing the various constituent elements. Since anchoring is distributed between the bead and the rim protector, new architectural or design possibilities are opened up, for example permitting the use of the restricted space of the bead in an optimum manner. Thus, for example, the presence of the secondary anchoring zone at the rim protector helps greatly to improve the behaviour of the tires, in particular resistance to drift. 
   Furthermore, the use of alignments or windings of cord in cooperation with a rubber anchoring mix, preferably with a high modulus of elasticity, and preferably in cooperation also with an adjacent portion of reinforcement structure, helps to separate rigidities. Therefore, it is thus possible to increase the transverse rigidity whilst keeping the radial rigidity unchanged. 
   The secondary reinforcement structure is preferably a structure portion extending from the rim protector to a portion of the sidewall located radially outwardly. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the secondary structure cooperates with the first reinforcement structure. 
   According to a first advantageous embodiment of the invention, the secondary reinforcement structure extends from one sidewall of the tire to the other along a meridian path substantially adjacent to the first carcass-type reinforcement structure. The tire therefore comprises two reinforcement structures. 
   In a second advantageous embodiment of the invention, the secondary reinforcement structure consists of a plurality of sections of carcass-type reinforcement structure of limited circumferential length, whose axial position is apart from the two other adjacent circumferential sections from the sidewall to the rim protector. These may be portions of the main reinforcement structure of which certain portions are uncoupled starting from a certain position along the sidewall, which is radially exterior to the rim protector, in order to extend radially inwardly and axially outwardly from the point of separation towards the secondary anchoring zone. The tire is thus formed of a circumferential alternation between uncoupled zones on one hand, and non-uncoupled or single-structure zones up to their anchoring in the bead on the other. 
   The main anchoring zone may advantageously be realised in particular according to two main types of structure: first of all, it comprises a plurality of circumferential windings cooperating with the adjacent reinforcement structure portion via a rubber anchoring mix. According to the second type, it comprises a bead wire about which a carcass-type structure portion is at least partially wound or turned. 
   According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the rubber mix of the secondary anchoring zone is similar to that of the main anchoring zone. The conception and manufacture of the tire are therefore simplified. Homogeneity of certain properties is also obtained. 
   According to an advantageous example, at least one of the anchoring zones comprises or is generally formed of a rubber mix with a high modulus of elasticity. This mix may for example be provided on only one side of the cord alignments. A high modulus helps to effect optimum anchoring. By way of non-limiting example, the modulus of elasticity of such a mix may reach or even exceed 15 Mpa, and even in some cases reach or exceed 40 Mpa. 
   According to a further advantageous embodiment the rubber anchoring mix extends along the reinforcement structure from the primary anchoring zone to the secondary anchoring zone. 
   The cord alignments of the second zone are advantageously of a similar kind to those of the primary zone. 
   According to an advantageous modification, the secondary zone comprises plural types of cord. These may be metal, textile or of a hybrid type. 
   Whether the main or secondary anchoring zone is involved, a winding or alignment may comprise one single or plural cords. The cord alignments may also be arranged and manufactured in various ways. For example, one alignment may be advantageously formed of a single cord wound (substantially at zero degrees) in a spiral in plural turns, preferably from the smallest diameter to the largest. It may also be formed of a plurality of concentric cords placed one inside another, so that rings of progressively increasing diameters are superimposed one on another. It is not necessary to add a rubber mix in order to effect impregnation of the cord or circumferential windings of cord. The cords may also be discontinuous along the circumference. 
   According to another advantageous example, some cords are of a substantially elastic type. The elastic cords are arranged preferably in the radially outer portion of the mechanical bonding means. This type of cord affords behaviour which is adapted to possible compression zones tending to form during operation, e.g. when the sidewall is pushed inwards. The probability of formation of such zones is higher the further one goes from the bead, radially outwardly. 
   By using different types of cord having different properties or materials, each has a very specific place whereby it is possible to optimise the features of the bottom zone of the tire. 
   Some or all of the cords of the alignment are advantageously non-metal, preferably of a textile type, such as cords with a base of aramide, aromatic polyester, or other types of cord with lower moduli of elasticity such as cords with a base of PET, nylon, rayon, etc. These cords advantageously have a lower modulus of elasticity than that of the metal cords of the anchoring zone. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
     All the details of realisation are given in the following description with reference to  FIGS. 1  to  3 , which show: 
       FIG. 1 , a radial section showing essentially a sidewall and a bead of a first embodiment of a tire according to the invention; 
       FIG. 2 , a radial section showing essentially a sidewall and a bead of a second embodiment of a tire according to the invention; 
       FIG. 3 , is a radial section showing essentially a sidewall and a bead of a modification with respect to the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ; and 
       FIG. 4 , a radial section showing a modification of the reinforcement structure. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   For reference, “radially upward” or “radially upper” or “radially outward” here means towards the larger radii. 
   In the present specification, the term “cord” designates very generally both single filaments and multiple filaments or assemblies such as cables, yarns or even any other type of equivalent assembly, whatever the material and processing of these cords, for example surface treatment or coating or pre-coating with glue to promote adhesion to the rubber. 
   A carcass-type reinforcement structure will be known as radial since its cords are arranged at 90°, but also, according to current terminology, at an angle close to 90°. 
   By “features of the cord”, its dimensions, composition, mechanical properties (in particular its modulus), chemical properties etc. are intended. 
     FIG. 1  shows the lower zone, in particular the bead  1  of a first embodiment of the tire according to the invention. The bead  1  has an axially outer portion  2  provided and shaped so as to be placed against the flange of a rim. The upper portion, or radially outer part of the portion  2  forms a portion  5  adapted to the hook of the rim. This portion is often curved axially outwards, as is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The portion  2  ends radially and axially on the inside with a bead seat  4  adapted to be placed against a rim seat. The bead also has an axially inner portion  3  extending substantially radially from the seat  4  to the sidewall  6 . A rubber sidewall mix  62 , advantageously of a lower modulus than the anchoring mix  60 , is provided along the sidewalls. 
   A zone  25  of protective mix, whose modulus of elasticity is lower than that of the mix of the anchoring zone, is advantageously provided along the outer contour of the bead, e.g. in order to promote contact with the rim and to protect the anchoring zone. 
   The tire further comprises a carcass-type reinforcement structure  10  comprised of a main reinforcement structure  10 ′ and a secondary reinforcement structure  11 . Both reinforcement structures  10 ′  11  are provided with reinforcements advantageously configured in a substantially radial arrangement. This structure can be contrived to be continuous from one bead to the other, passing through the sidewalls and the crown of the tire, or again it may comprise two or more parts arranged for example along the sidewalls without covering the entire crown. 
   In order to position the reinforcement cords as precisely as possible, it is most advantageous to pre-fabricate the tire on a rigid support, e.g. a rigid core imposing on the tire the shape of its inner cavity. All the components of the tire are applied to this core in the order required by the final architecture, without the need to modify the tire profile during fabrication. 
   Circumferential cords  21 , preferably arranged in the form of batches  22 , form an arrangement of anchoring cords, provided in each of the beads. These cords are preferably metal, and possibly brass-coated. In each batch, the cords are advantageously substantially concentric and superimposed. 
   In order to effect perfect anchoring of the reinforcement structure, a composite layered bead is formed. Inside the bead  1 , between the cord alignments of the reinforcement structure, cords  21  are provided which are oriented circumferentially. These are disposed in a batch  22  as in the Figures, or in plural adjacent batches or in bundles, or in any other judicious arrangement, according to the type of tire and/or the features desired. 
   The radially inner end portions of the main reinforcement structure  10 ′ cooperate with the cord windings. Thus anchoring of these portions in the beads is obtained. In order to promote this anchoring, the space between the circumferential cords and the reinforcement structure is occupied by a rubber bonding or anchoring mix  60 . The use of plural mixes having different features defining different zones may also be provided, the combinations of mixes and resulting arrangements being virtually unlimited. It is however advantageous to provide the presence of a mix with a high modulus of elasticity in the intersection zone between the cord arrangement and the reinforcement structure, thus forming a main anchoring zone  20 . By way of non-limiting example, the modulus of elasticity of such a mix may reach or even exceed 15 Mpa, and even in some cases reach or exceed 40 Mpa. 
   The arrangements of circumferential cords may be contrived and manufactured in various ways. For example, a batch may advantageously consist of a single cord wound (substantially at zero degrees) in a spiral in plural radially spaced turns, preferably from the smallest diameter to the largest. A batch may also be formed of a plurality of concentric cords placed one inside another, so that radially spaced rings of progressively increasing diameters are superimposed one on another. It is not necessary to add a rubber mix in order to effect impregnation of the cord reinforcement or circumferential windings of cord. 
   In the example in  FIG. 1 , on each side of the reinforcement structure the bead comprises an arrangement of anchoring cords formed of juxtaposed batches of cords disposed on either side of the main reinforcement structure  10 ′. They are advantageously disposed immediately next to the reinforcement structural. The structure shown in  FIG. 1  is particularly simplified and simple to realise. Some stresses of the reinforcement structure are transmitted to the windings at zero degrees via the mix  60 . 
   The tire further comprises a rim protector  70 . This consists of a circumferential rubber strip which is axially exterior to the sidewall and is located substantially radially outward from the bead  1 . This rim protector acts as a protection by preventing any contact between the rim disposed on this wheel and any external object or obstacle capable of damaging the rim. This is a highly useful element for vehicles equipped with rims composed of alloy, such as aluminium. They furthermore greatly improve the appearance of the vehicle. 
   The tire further comprises a secondary anchoring zone  30 . This zone is intended to cooperate with a carcass-type secondary reinforcement structure  11 . The features of this secondary zone are advantageously similar to those previously described for the main zone  20 . This zone  30  is at least partially disposed in the rim protector  70 . 
   In the various examples illustrated in the Figures, the secondary anchoring zone takes the form of at least one cord batch  31  disposed near or immediately next to the secondary reinforcement structure portion  11 . 
   The batch  31  may advantageously be formed of a single cord wound in a spiral, preferably from the smallest diameter to the largest. A batch may also be formed of plural concentric cords placed one inside another. In  FIG. 1 , the alignment is disposed substantially at zero degrees. 
   The arrangement  30  of cords  31  may extend substantially radially towards the sidewall and even along a portion thereof. 
   The number of windings, the radial spacing, and the radial position of the arrangement may vary infinitely. These features are defined according to the qualities desired, particularly in the lower zone and the zone of the sidewall of the tire, such as rigidity, wear-resistance, durability, etc. For example, the arrangement  30  of cords  31  extends substantially radially from the base of the reinforcement structure  11 . 
   The cords are preferably metal. Various modifications advantageously provide cords of a textile composition, such as aramide, nylon, PET, PEN, or hybrid for example. 
   According to the invention, the use of cord alignments or windings  31  in cooperation with a rubber anchoring mix  60 , preferably with a high modulus of elasticity, and preferably in cooperation also with an adjacent portion of reinforcement structure, contributes to the durability of the anchoring. 
   The secondary reinforcement structure  11  of the tire may take various forms, according to the particular case. Preferably, the structure portion extends from the rim protector to a portion of the sidewall located radially outwardly. According to a first advantageous example, the secondary reinforcement structure  11  extends from one sidewall of the tire to the other along a meridian path substantially adjacent to that of the first carcass-type reinforcement structure. In such a case, the two reinforcement structures of the tire are side-by-side along a portion of their path, then, at a certain radial position along the sidewall, the secondary structure  11  separates from the main structure  10 ′ and extends towards the rim protector  70 , where its end portion is anchored in the secondary anchoring zone  30 . 
   According to another advantageous embodiment, shown in FIG.  4 . the secondary reinforcement structure  11   a  consists of a plurality of carcass-type reinforcement structures of limited circumferential length, whose axial position separates from the two other adjacent integral circumferential portions  10   a  from the sidewall towards the rim protector. In this example, the circumference of the tire is subdivided into main zones where some portions  10   a  of a single reinforcement structure  100  are anchored in the bead, and other secondary zones where the structure  100  separates to form the secondary structure  11   a , the structure  11   a  being then anchored in the rim protector. These main and secondary zones are preferably disposed alternatingly along the tire circumference. This example therefore gives rise to a circumferential alternation of zones where the structure now separates from the sidewall at a given point in order to form the main and secondary reinforcement structures  10   a  and  11   a , respectively, and now the structure  10   a  extends towards the bead until it is anchored therein. 
   In the first of these two embodiments (FIGS.  1 - 3 ), the tire has two reinforcement structures, one anchored in the beads, the other anchored in the rim protector. In the second embodiment (FIG.  4 ), the structure  11   a  extends from the rim protector and joins the structure  10   a  at a certain radial position along the sidewall in order to form, starting from this point of imbrication, one single structure  100  extending preferably as far as a symmetrical point of disimbrication in the other sidewall. In this case, the secondary reinforcement structure  11   a  cooperates with the main reinforcement structure  10   a.    
   In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the main anchoring zone  20  comprises a bead wire  80 , about which a portion of the carcass-type reinforcement structure  10  is at least partially wound. This produces a turned-up portion  81 , the whole preferably in a rubber anchoring mix  82  of known type. 
     FIG. 3  shows a modification of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , wherein a plurality of circumferential windings  90  extend between the bead of one part and the zone where the structures  10 ′ and  11  converge. In a first radially inner portion, the windings are immersed in a rubber anchoring mix  60 , whereas in a radially outer zone, the windings  90  are disposed in a sidewall mix  62 , whose modulus of elasticity is advantageously lower than that of the anchoring mix  60 .