TIRE COMPRISING AN OPTIMIZED LAYER OF SELF-SEALING PRODUCT

Abstract

The tire comprises a tread (14) comprising a deeply cut rib (68, 70) and a slightly cut rib (62, 64, 66), and a layer of a self-sealing product (80) comprising: a portion (90″, 92″) extending in line with the deeply cut rib (68, 70) and having an average thickness Ec > 0 of self-sealing product, and a portion (100′, 102′, 104′) extending in line with the slightly cut rib (62, 64, 66) and having an average thickness Eb ≥ 0 of self-sealing product such that Eb <Ec.

Claims

1-15. (canceled)

16. A tire (10) comprising a tread (14) comprising: at least one deeply cut rib (68, 70) comprising at least one transverse cut (77, 78) having a depth Ht such that Ht/Hs ≥ 50%, where Hs is a tread pattern height; at least one non-cut or slightly cut rib (62, 64, 66), which lacks transverse cuts or comprises transverse cuts (71, 72, 73), each satisfying, for at least 50% of a number of transverse cuts (71, 72, 73) of the or each non-cut or slightly cut rib (62, 64, 66), at least one of the following conditions: the transverse cut (71, 72, 73) of the uncut or slightly cut rib (62, 64, 66) has a width strictly less than 1.6 mm, and the transverse cut (71, 72, 73) of the uncut or slightly cut rib (62, 64, 66) has a depth H such that H/Hs < 50%; an airtight internal layer (18); and a layer of a self-sealing product (80) extending circumferentially radially on an inside of part of the airtight internal layer (18), wherein, over at least 50% of a circumferential length of the layer of self-sealing product (80), the layer of self-sealing product (80) comprises: an axial portion (90″, 92″) extending axially in line with the deeply cut rib (68, 70) and having an average thickness Ec > 0 of self-sealing product, and an axial portion (100′, 102′, 104′) extending axially in line with the non-cut or slightly cut rib (62, 64, 66) and having an average thickness Eb ≥ 0 of self-sealing product such that Eb < Ec.

17. The tire (10) according to claim 16, wherein each deeply cut rib (68, 70) and each non-cut or slightly cut rib (62, 64, 66) is axially delimited by an axially inner end and by an axially outer end, each axially inner and outer end being chosen from: an axial end (41, 42) of the tread (14), and an axially inner or outer end (521, 522, 541, 542, 561, 562, 581, 582) of a main circumferential cut (52, 54, 56, 58) having a depth Ha such that Ha/Hs ≥ 50%, the axially inner and outer ends of the deeply cut rib or the non-cut or slightly cut rib (62, 64, 66, 68, 70) being ends that are adjacent to one another.

18. The tire (10) according to claim 16, wherein Ec ≥ 1.10 x Eb.

19. The tire (10) according to claim 16, wherein Ec ≤ 5.00 x Eb.

20. The tire (10) according to claim 16, wherein the layer of self-sealing product (80) comprises at least one thick axial portion (90, 92), the or each thick axial portion (90, 92) at least partially coinciding with all or part of the or each axial portion (90″, 92″) extending axially in line with the or each deeply cut rib (68, 70), the or each thick axial portion (90, 92) being axially delimited by two adjacent inflection points (81, 82, 83, 88) on a radially inner surface curve (89) of the layer of self-sealing product (80), a thickness of the thick axial portion (90, 92) increasing in a direction axially toward an inside of the thick axial portion from each of the inflection points, an axial width Wy of the thick axial portion (90, 92) being such that Wy/Lcy ≥ 0.50, where Lcy is an axial width of the deeply cut rib (68, 70).

21. The tire (10) according to claim 16, wherein the or each transverse cut (77, 78) of the or each deeply cut rib (68, 70) has a width greater than or equal to 0.7 mm.

22. The tire (10) according to claim 16, wherein the or each transverse cut (77, 78) of the or each deeply cut rib (68, 70) has a depth ranging from 2.0 mm to the tread pattern height.

23. The tire (10) according to claim 16, wherein each axial end (81, 82) of the layer of self-sealing product (80) is arranged at an axial distance less than or equal to 20% of the tread (14) in relation to each axial end (41, 42), respectively, of the tread (14).

24. The tire (10) according to claim 16, wherein the tread (14) comprises: an axially central portion (P0) comprising: two axially outermost main circumferential cuts (52, 54) arranged axially one on each side of a median plane (M) of the tire and having a depth Ha1, Ha2, respectively, such that Ha1/Hs ≥ 50% and Ha2/Hs ≥ 50%, and the or each non-cut or slightly cut rib (62, 64, 66), and wherein first and second axially lateral portions (P1, P2) arranged axially on an outside of an axially central portion (P0) axially one on each side of the axially central portion (P0) in relation to a median plane (M) of the tire (10), each first and second axially lateral portion (P1, P2) extending axially from each axial end (41, 42) of the tread (14) to each axially outer end (521, 541) of each axially outermost main circumferential cut (52, 54), at least one of the first and second axially lateral portions (P1, P2) comprising a deeply cut rib (68, 70).

25. The tire (10) according to claim 24, wherein each first and second axially lateral portion (P1, P2) comprises a first and a second deeply cut rib (68, 70), respectively.

26. The tire (10) according to claim 16, wherein the tread (14) comprises: P > 1 deeply cut ribs (68, 70) comprising at least one transverse cut (77, 78), respectively, having a depth Ht such that Ht/Hs ≥ 50%, where Hs is the tread pattern height and P is a total number of deeply cut ribs present on the tire, and Q ≥ 1 non-cut or slightly cut ribs (62, 64, 66) which lack transverse cuts or comprises transverse cuts (71, 72, 73), each satisfying, for at least 50% of a number of transverse cuts (71, 72, 73) of the or each slightly cut rib (62, 64, 66), at least one of the following conditions: the transverse cut (71, 72, 73) of the non-cut or slightly cut rib (62, 64, 66) has a width strictly less than 1.6 mm, and the transverse cut (71, 72, 73) of the non-cut or slightly cut rib (62, 64, 66) has a depth H such that H/Hs < 50%, Q being the total number of non-cut or slightly cut rib(s) present on the tire, and wherein the layer of self-sealing product (80) comprises: P > 1 axial portions (90″, 92″) each extending axially in line with one of the N deeply cut ribs (68, 70) and each having an average thickness Eck > 0 of self-sealing product, and Q ≥ 1 axial portions (100′, 102′, 104′) each extending axially in line with the or one of the Q non-cut or slightly cut ribs (62, 64, 66) and each having an average thickness Ebj ≥ 0 of self-sealing product, with j ranging from 1 to Q, and being arranged axially between two adjacent axial portions (90″, 92″) of the layer of self-sealing product (80) extending axially in line with two of the P deeply cut ribs (68, 70), and such that, for each value of k ranging from 1 to P, at least 50% of the values of j ranging from 1 to Q are such that Ebj < Eck.

27. The tire (10) according to claim 26, wherein the tread (14) comprises N=Q+1 > 1 main circumferential cuts (52, 54, 56, 58) respectively having a depth Hai such that Hai/Hs ≥ 50% for i ranging from 1 to N, N being a total number of main circumferential cuts present on the tire, the or each non-cut or slightly cut rib (62, 64, 66) being arranged axially between two adjacent main circumferential cuts (52, 54, 56, 58) and being delimited axially by the two adjacent main circumferential cuts (52, 54, 56, 58), wherein the layer of self-sealing product (80) comprises N > 1 axial portions (90′, 92′, 94′, 96′) each extending axially in line with one of the N main circumferential cuts (52, 54, 56, 58) and each having an average thickness Eai > 0 of self-sealing product, such that, for each value of i ranging from 1 to N, at least 50% of the values of j ranging from 1 to Q are such that Ebj < Eai.

28. The tire (10) according to claim 27, wherein the or each main circumferential cut (52, 54, 56, 58) has an axial width greater than or equal to 1.0 mm.

29. The tire (10) according to claim 27, wherein the or each main circumferential cut (52, 54, 56, 58) has a depth ranging from 4.0 mm to the tread pattern height.

30. The tire (10) according to claim 27, wherein the layer of self-sealing product (80) comprises at least one thick axial portion (90, 92, 94, 96), the or each thick axial portion (90, 92, 94, 96) at least partially coinciding with all or part of the or each axial portion (90′, 92′, 94′, 96′) extending axially in line with the or each main circumferential cut (52, 54, 56, 58), the or each thick axial portion (90, 92, 94, 96) being axially delimited by two adjacent inflection points (81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88) on a radially inner surface curve (89) of the layer of self-sealing product (80), a thickness of the thick axial portion (90, 92, 94, 96) increasing in a direction axially toward an inside of the thick axial portion (90, 92, 94, 96) from each of the inflection points, an axial width Wx of the thick axial portion (90, 92, 94, 96) being such that Wx/Lcx ≥ 0.50, where Lcx is the axial width of the main circumferential cut (52, 54, 56, 58).

Description

[0114] The invention will be understood better on reading the following description, which is given purely by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a view, in a meridian section plane parallel to the axis of rotation of the tyre, of a tyre according to a first embodiment of the invention,

[0115] FIG. 2 is a top view of the tread of the tyre of FIG. 1;

[0116] FIG. 3 is a view, in a meridian section plane parallel to the axis of rotation of the tyre, illustrating the method for manufacturing the tyre of FIG. 1, and

[0117] FIG. 4 is a view, similar to the one in FIG. 1, of a tyre according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0118] A frame of reference X, Y, Z corresponding to the usual axial (Y), radial (Z) and circumferential (X) directions, respectively, of a tyre is shown in the figures relating to the tyre.

[0119] In the following description, the measurements taken are taken on an unladen and non-inflated tyre or on a section of a tyre in a meridian plane.

[0120] FIG. 1 shows a tyre according to the invention and denoted by the general reference 10. The tyre 10 has a substantially toric shape about an axis of revolution substantially parallel to the axial direction Y. The tyre 10 is intended for a passenger vehicle and has the size 245/45 R18. In the various figures, the tyre 10 is depicted as new, which is to say when it has not yet been run.

[0121] The tyre 10 comprises a crown 12 comprising a tread 14 intended to come into contact with the ground when it is running and a crown reinforcement 16 extending in the crown 12 in the circumferential direction X. The tyre 10 also comprises a layer 18 that is airtight with respect to an inflation gas and is intended to delimit an internal cavity closed with a mounting support for the tyre 10 once the tyre 10 has been mounted on the mounting support, for example a rim.

[0122] The crown reinforcement 16 comprises a working reinforcement 20 and a hoop reinforcement 22. The working reinforcement 16 comprises at least one working layer and in this case comprises two working layers comprising a radially inner working layer 24 arranged radially on the inside of a radially outer working layer 26.

[0123] The hoop reinforcement 22 comprises at least one hooping layer and in this case comprises one hooping layer 28.

[0124] The crown reinforcement 16 is surmounted radially by the tread 14. In this case, the hoop reinforcement 22, in this case the hooping layer 28, is arranged radially on the outside of the working reinforcement 20 and is therefore interposed radially between the working reinforcement 20 and the tread 14.

[0125] The tyre 10 comprises two sidewalls 30 that extend the crown 12 radially inwards. The tyre 10 also has two beads 32 radially on the inside of the sidewalls 30. Each sidewall 30 connects each bead 32 to the crown 12.

[0126] The tyre 10 comprises a carcass reinforcement 34 that is anchored in each bead 32 and, in this instance, is wrapped around a bead wire 33. The carcass reinforcement 34 extends radially in each sidewall 30 and axially in the crown 12, radially on the inside of the crown reinforcement 16. The crown reinforcement 16 is arranged radially between the tread 14 and the carcass reinforcement 34. The carcass reinforcement 34 comprises at least one carcass layer 36.

[0127] Each working layer 24, 26, hooping layer 28 and carcass layer 36 comprises an elastomer matrix in which one or more filamentary reinforcing elements of the corresponding layer are embedded.

[0128] The hoop reinforcement 22, in this case the hooping layer 28, comprises one or more hooping filamentary reinforcing elements that are wrapped circumferentially helically in a main direction and form an angle AF which, in terms of absolute value, is less than or equal to 10°, preferably less than or equal to 7° and more preferably less than or equal to 5° with the circumferential direction X of the tyre 10. In this case, AF = -5°.

[0129] Each radially inner working layer 24 and radially outer working layer 26 comprises working filamentary reinforcing elements extending in main directions and forming oppositely oriented angles AT1 and AT2, respectively, which, in terms of absolute value, are strictly greater than 10°, preferably ranging from 15° to 50° and more preferably ranging from 15° to 30° with the circumferential direction X of the tyre 10. In this case, AT1=-26° and AT2=+26°.

[0130] The carcass layer 36 comprises carcass filamentary reinforcing elements extending in a main direction D3 forming an angle AC which, in terms of absolute value, is greater than or equal to 60°, preferably ranging from 80° to 90° and in this case AC=+90°, with the circumferential direction X of the tyre 10.

[0131] Each hooping filamentary reinforcing element conventionally comprises two multifilament plies, each multifilament ply being made up of a spun yarn of aliphatic polyamide, in this instance nylon, monofilaments, with a thread count equal to 140 tex, these two multifilament plies being twisted in a helix individually at 250 turns per metre in one direction and then twisted together in a helix at 250 turns per metre in the opposite direction. These two multifilament plies are wound in a helix around one another. As a variant, use could be made of a hooping filamentary reinforcing element comprising one multifilament ply made up of a spun yarn of aliphatic polyamide, in this case nylon, monofilaments with a thread count equal to 140 tex, and one multifilament ply made up of a spun yarn of aromatic polyamide, in this case aramid, monofilaments with a thread count equal to 167 tex, these two multifilament plies being twisted in a helix individually at 290 turns per metre in one direction and then twisted together in a helix at 290 turns per metre in the opposite direction. These two multifilament plies are wound in a helix around one another. This variant will give AT1=-29° and AT2=+29°.

[0132] Each working filamentary reinforcing element is an assembly of two steel monofilaments wound in a helix at a pitch of 14 mm, each steel monofilament having a diameter equal to 0.30 mm. As a variant, use could also be made of an assembly of six steel monofilaments having a diameter equal to 0.23 mm and comprising an inner layer of two monofilaments wound together in a helix at a pitch of 12.5 mm in a first direction, for example the Z direction, and an outer layer of four monofilaments wound together in a helix around the inner layer at a pitch of 12.5 mm in a second direction opposite to the first direction, for example the S direction. In another variant, each working filamentary reinforcing element is made up of one steel monofilament having a diameter equal to 0.30 mm. More generally, the steel monofilaments have diameters ranging from 0.25 mm to 0.32 mm.

[0133] Each carcass filamentary reinforcing element conventionally comprises two multifilament plies, each multifilament ply being made up of a spun yarn of polyester, in this case PET, monofilaments, these two multifilament plies being twisted in a helix individually at 240 turns per metre in one direction and then twisted together in a helix at 240 turns per metre in the opposite direction. Each of these multifilament plies has a thread count equal to 220 tex. In other variants, use could be made of thread counts equal to 144 tex and twists equal to 420 turns per metre or thread counts equal to 334 tex and twists equal to 270 turns per metre.

[0134] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the tread 14 comprises a tread surface 38 by means of which the tread 14 comes into contact with the ground. The tread surface 38 is intended to come into contact with the ground when the tyre 10 is running on the ground. The tread is axially delimited by first and second axial edges 41, 42 passing through each point N arranged on each side of the median plane M and for which the angle between the tangent T to the tread surface 38 and a straight line R parallel to the axial direction Y passing through this point is equal to 30°.

[0135] The tread 14 comprises an axially central portion P0 and first and second axially lateral portions P1, P2 arranged axially on the outside of the axially central portion P0 axially one on each side of the axially central portion P0 in relation to the median plane M of the tyre 10.

[0136] Without it being specific to the embodiment illustrated, the axially central portion P0 has an axial width L0 greater than or equal to 50%, preferably greater than or equal to 60%, and less than or equal to 80%, preferably less than or equal to 70% of the axial width L of the tread surface 38 of the tyre 10 when new. Each first and second axially lateral portion P1, P2 has an axial width L1, L2 less than or equal to 25%, preferably less than or equal to 20%, and greater than or equal to 5%, preferably greater than or equal to 10% of the axial width L of the tread surface 38 of the tyre 10 when new. The ratio of the axial width L0 of the central portion P0 to the axial width L1, L2 of each first and second axially lateral portion P1, P2 is greater than or equal to 3.0, preferably ranges from 3.0 to 5.0 and more preferably ranges from 4.0 to 4.5.

[0137] The axially central portion P0 comprises N>1 main circumferential cuts, in this case N main circumferential grooves, comprising first, second, third and fourth main circumferential cuts denoted by the references 52, 54, 56, 58, respectively. The first and second main circumferential cuts 52, 54 are arranged axially one on each side of the median plane M of the tyre 10 and are the axially outermost main circumferential cuts of the tread 14.

[0138] Each main circumferential cut 52 to 58 is axially delimited by an axially outer end denoted by the reference 521, 541, 561, 581, respectively, and by an axially inner end denoted by the reference 522, 542, 562, 582, respectively. The axially central portion P0 extends axially from the axially outer end 521 of the first main circumferential cut 52 as far as the axially outer end 541 of the second main circumferential cut 54.

[0139] Each main circumferential cut 52 to 58 has a depth that is denoted by the reference Ha1, Ha2, Ha3, Ha4, respectively, and ranges from 4.0 mm to the tread pattern height Hs, preferably ranging from 5.0 mm to the tread pattern height Hs and more preferably ranging from 5.5 mm to the tread pattern height Hs. Each depth Ha1, Ha2, Ha3, Ha4 is greater than or equal to 50% of the tread pattern height Hs. In this case, Hs=Ha3=Ha4=6.5 mm and Ha1=Ha2=6.0 mm. Thus, each main circumferential cut 52, 54, 56, 58 is such that Hai/Hs ≥ 75% and in this case such that Hai/Hs ≥ 90%, with i ranging from 1 to 4, since Hs=6.5 mm.

[0140] Each main circumferential cut 52 to 58 has an axial width that is denoted by the reference La1, La2, La3, La4, respectively, and is greater than or equal to 1.0 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 5.0 mm and more preferably greater than or equal to 8.0 mm and, more preferably still, ranging from 8.0 mm to 20.0 mm. In this case, La1=La2=10.0 mm and La3=La4=2.5 mm.

[0141] The axially central portion P0 comprises Q=N-1≥1 central ribs, in this case first, second and third central ribs, denoted by the references 62, 64, 66, respectively. Each central rib 62, 64, 66 is arranged axially between two of the adjacent main circumferential cuts 52 to 58 and is axially delimited by two adjacent main circumferential cuts 52 to 58.

[0142] Each central rib 62, 64, 66 is axially delimited by an axially inner end and by an axially outer end, each axially inner and outer end being an axially inner or outer end of the main circumferential cuts 52 to 58. The axially inner and outer ends of each central rib 62, 64, 66 are adjacent to one another. In this specific case, the first central rib 62 is axially delimited by the axially inner end 522 of the first main circumferential cut 52 and by the axially outer end 561 of the third main circumferential cut 56. The second central rib 64 is axially delimited by the axially inner end 562 of the third main circumferential cut 56 and by the axially inner end 582 of the fourth main circumferential cut 58. The third central rib 66 is axially delimited by the axially outer end 581 of the fourth main circumferential cut 58 and by the axially inner end 542 of the second main circumferential cut 54.

[0143] The axially central portion P0 comprises additional circumferential cuts formed in the central ribs 62, 64, 66. In this case, each central rib 62, 64, 66 comprises an additional circumferential cut 71, 72, 73, respectively. Each additional circumferential cut 71, 72, 73 has a depth strictly less than 50% of the tread pattern height Hs, preferably less than or equal to 30% of the tread pattern height Hs and more preferably ranging from 10% to 30% of the tread pattern height Hs and in this case ranging from 1.0 mm to 4.0 mm, and in this case equal to 2.0 mm. Each additional circumferential cut 71, 72, 73 has a respective axial width ranging from 4% to 15%, preferably from 4% to 10% respectively of each axial width of each central rib 62, 64, 66 and in this case less than or equal to 3.0 mm, preferably ranging from 1.0 mm to 3.0 mm and in this case equal to 1.0 mm.

[0144] Moreover, each central rib 62, 64, 66 comprises transverse cuts 74, 75, 76 satisfying for at least 50%, preferably for at least 75% and more preferably for 100% of the number of transverse cuts 74, 75, 76 of each central rib 62, 64, 66, at least one of the following conditions: [0145] the transverse cut of the central rib has a width strictly less than 1.6 mm, preferably strictly less than 1.0 mm and more preferably strictly less than 0.7 mm, [0146] the transverse cut of the central rib has a depth H such that H/Hs < 50%, preferably H/Hs ≤ 30%.

[0147] In this specific case, each central rib 62, 64, 66 comprises transverse cuts 74, 75, 76 satisfying, for 100% of the number of transverse cuts 74, 75, 76 of each central rib 62, 64, 66, the condition according to which each transverse cut 74, 75, 76 has a width strictly less than 0.7 mm. In this regard, each central rib 62, 64, 66 is referred to as slightly cut.

[0148] The first axially lateral portion P1 extends axially from the first axial end 41 of the tread 14 as far as the axially outer end 521 of the first main circumferential cut 52. The second axially lateral portion P2 extends axially from the second axial end 42 of the tread 14 as far as the axially outer end 541 of the second main circumferential cut 54.

[0149] Each first and second axially lateral portion P1, P2 respectively comprises a first and a second lateral rib denoted by the references 68, 70, respectively, and in this instance is respectively made up of each first and second lateral rib 68, 70. The tyre 10 thus comprises P=2>1 lateral ribs. Thus, the first lateral rib 68 is axially delimited by two mutually adjacent ends, in this instance by the axial end 41 of the tread 14 and the axially outer end 521 of the first main circumferential cut 52. The second lateral rib 70 is axially delimited by two mutually adjacent ends, in this instance by the axial end 42 of the tread 14 and the axially outer end 541 of the second main circumferential cut 54. Each first and second lateral rib 68, 70 has an axial width denoted by the reference Lc1, Lc2, respectively, with Lc1 =Lc2=33 mm holding true here.

[0150] Each first and second lateral rib 68, 70 comprises transverse cuts 77, 78 having a depth Ht such that Ht/Hs ≥ 50%, preferably Ht/Hs ≥ 75% and preferably Ht/Hs ≥ 90%. Each transverse cut 77, 78 has a depth Ht ranging from 2.0 mm to the tread pattern height Hs, preferably ranging from 4.0 mm to the tread pattern height Hs and, more preferably still, ranging from 5.0 mm to the tread pattern height Hs, and in this case Ht=6.0 mm. Each transverse cut 77, 78 has a width greater than or equal to 0.7 mm, preferably greater than or equal to 1.0 mm and more preferably greater than or equal to 1.6 mm. In this regard, each lateral rib 68, 70 is referred to as deeply cut.

[0151] With reference to FIG. 1, the tyre 10 also comprises a layer 80 of a self-sealing product extending circumferentially radially on the inside of part of the airtight internal layer 18 and at least partially in line with the tread 14. The self-sealing product is known from the prior art and can be chosen notably from among the products described in documents WO2020009849, WO2011092122 and WO2011092123. The layer of self-sealing product is axially delimited by two axial ends 81, 82 arranged respectively at an axial distance less than or equal to 20%, preferably less than or equal to 10% of the axial width of the tread in relation to each axial end 41, 42, respectively, of the tread 14. In this instance, each axial end 81, 82 is radially aligned with each end 41, 42, respectively, even though preference will be given to the embodiments in which each axial end 81, 82 is arranged axially on the inside of each axial end 81, 82.

[0152] The layer of self-sealing product 80 comprises L≥1, in this instance L=4>1 axial portions referred to as thick axial portions and in this case denoted by the references 90, 92, 94, 96, and also M≥1, in this instance M=3>1 axial portions referred to as thin axial portions and in this case denoted by the references 100, 102, 104. As illustrated in FIG. 1, each thick and thin axial portion is delimited by two inflection points 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88 on the radially inner surface curve 89 of the layer of self-sealing product 80. Each thick axial portion 90 to 96 is axially delimited by two adjacent inflection points such that the thickness of each thick axial portion 90 to 96 increases in the direction axially towards the inside of each thick axial portion from each of the said inflection points. Each thin axial portion 100 to 104 is axially delimited by two adjacent inflection points such that the thickness of the said thin axial portion decreases in the direction axially towards the inside of each thin axial portion 100 to 104 from each of the said inflection points.

[0153] Each thick axial portion 90 to 96 and thin axial portion 100 to 104 extends circumferentially continuously over at least 50%, preferably at least 75% and more preferably over at least 95% and in the present case over 100% of the circumferential length of the layer of self-sealing product 80. The average thickness EE1, EE2, EE3, EE4 of each thick axial portion 90, 92, 94, 96, respectively, and the average thickness EM1, EM2, EM3 of each thin axial portion 100, 102, 104, respectively, is circumferentially substantially constant over at least 50%, preferably over at least 75% and more preferably over at least 95% and in the present case over 100% of the circumferential length of the layer of self-sealing product 80. In this instance, EE1=EE2=EE3=EE4=3.45 mm and EM1=EM2=EM3=1.95 mm.

[0154] Each thick axial portion 90, 92, 94, 96 comprises an axial portion 90′, 92′, 94′, 96′, respectively, extending axially in line with each main circumferential cut 52, 54, 56, 58, respectively. The layer of self-sealing product 80 thus comprises N=4 axial portions 90′ to 96′ extending axially in line with one of the N main circumferential cuts 52 to 58. Each axial portion 90′ to 96′ has an average thickness Eai > 0 of self-sealing product, with i ranging from 1 to 4. In this instance, Ea1=Ea2=Ea3=Ea4=3.50 mm.

[0155] Each thick axial portion 90, 92 also comprises an axial portion 90″, 92″, respectively, extending axially in line with the first and the second lateral rib 68, 70. Each portion 90″, 92″ has an average thickness Ec1>0, Ec2>0, respectively. In this instance, Ec1=Ec2=3.50 mm.

[0156] Each thin axial portion 100, 102, 104 comprises an axial portion 100′, 102′, 104′, respectively, extending axially in line with each central rib 62, 64, 66, respectively. The layer of self-sealing product 80 thus comprises Q=N-1=3 axial portions 100′, 102′, 104′ extending axially in line with one of the Q central ribs 62, 64, 66. Each axial portion 100′, 102′, 104′ is arranged axially between two adjacent axial portions 90′ to 96′. Each axial portion 100′, 102′, 104′ has an average thickness Ebj ≥ 0 of self-sealing product, with j ranging from 1 to 3. In this instance, Eb1=Eb2=Eb3=2.00 mm.

[0157] It should be noted that, for each value of i ranging from 1 to N, at least 50% of the values of j ranging from 1 to Q, preferably at least 75% of the values of j ranging from 1 to Q and in this case 100% of the values of j ranging from 1 to Q are such that Ebj < Eai, Ebj<Ec1 and Ebj<Ec2.

[0158] It should also be noted that, for each value of i ranging from 1 to N, at least 50% of the values of j ranging from 1 to Q, preferably at least 75% of the values of j ranging from 1 to Q and in this case for 100% of the values of j ranging from 1 to Q are such that, on the one hand, Eai ≥ 1.10 x Ebj, preferably Eai ≥ 1.30 x Ebj and more preferably Eai ≥ 1.50 x Ebj and, on the other hand, Eai ≤ 5.00 x Ebj, preferably Eai ≤ 4.00 x Ebj and more preferably Eai ≤ 2.50 x Ebj. In this case, for each value of i ranging from 1 to N, 100% of the values of j ranging from 1 to Q are such that Eai/Ebj=1.75.

[0159] It should also be noted that at least 50% of the values of j ranging from 1 to Q, preferably at least 75% of the values of j ranging from 1 to Q and in this case for 100% of the values of j ranging from 1 to Q are such that, on the one hand, Ec1 ≥ 1.10 x Ebj and Ec2 ≥ 1.10 x Ebj, preferably Ec1 ≥ 1.30 x Ebj and Ec2 ≥ 1.30 x Ebj and more preferably Ec1 ≥ 1.50 x Ebj and Ec2 ≥ 1.50 x Ebj and, on the other hand, Ec1 ≤ 5.00 x Ebj and Ec2 ≤ 5.00 x Ebj, preferably Ec1 ≤ 4.00 x Ebj and Ec2 ≤ 4.00 x Ebj and more preferably Ec1 ≤ 2.50 x Ebj and Ec2 ≤ 2.50 x Ebj. In this case, 100% of the values of j ranging from 1 to Q are such that Ec1/Ebj=1.75 and Ec2/Ebj=1.75.

[0160] Each thick axial portion 90, 92, 94, 96 at least partially coincides with all or part of each axial portion 90′, 92′, 94′, 96′, respectively. In this instance, as can be seen in FIG. 1, each thick axial portion 90, 92, 94, 96 has an axial width greater than or equal to the axial width of each main circumferential cut 52, 54, 56, 58, respectively. Thus, each thick axial portion 94, 96 has an axial width W3, W4, respectively, such that, on the one hand, W3/La3 ≤ 4.00 and W4/La4 ≤ 4.00, preferably W3/La3 ≤ 3.00 W4/La4 ≤ 3.00, more preferably W3/La3 ≤ 2.00 and W2/La2 ≤ 2.00, more preferably still W3/La3 ≤ 1.50 and W4/La4 ≤ 1.50 and very preferably W3/La3 ≤ 1.25 and W4/La4 ≤ 1.25. In this instance, W3=W4=13.5 mm, such that W3/La3= W4/La4=1.08.

[0161] Moreover, each thick axial portion 90, 92 at least partially coincides with all or part of each axial portion 90″, 92″. In this instance, as can be seen in FIG. 1, each thick axial portion 90, 92 has an axial width greater than or equal to the axial width of each main circumferential cut 90″, 92″, respectively. Thus, each thick axial portion 90, 92 has an axial width W1, W2, respectively, such that, on the one hand, W1/Lc1 ≥ 0.50 and W2/Lc2 ≥ 0.50, preferably W1/Lc1 > 1.00 and W2/Lc2 > 1.00. In this instance, W1=W2=44 mm, such that W1/Lc1= W2/Lc2=1.33.

[0162] Moreover, it holds true that W1/La1 ≥ 0.50 and W2/La2 ≥ 0.50, preferably W1/La1 > 1.00 and W2/La2 > 1.00 and in this case W1/La1 = W2/La2 =4.40.

[0163] All of the conditions satisfied by the various axial portions 90 to 96, 90′ to 96′, 90″, 92″, 100 to 104 and 100′ to 104′ are satisfied over at least 50%, preferably over at least 75% and more preferably over at least 95% and in the present case over 100% of the circumferential length of the layer of self-sealing product 80.

[0164] Each axial portion 90′ to 96′, 90″, 92″ and 100′ to 104′ of the layer of self-sealing product extending in line with each cut 52 to 58 and with each rib 62 to 70 extends circumferentially continuously over at least 50%, preferably over at least 75% and more preferably over at least 95% and in the present case over 100% of the circumferential length of the layer of self-sealing product 80.

[0165] The average thickness Ea1 to Ea4, Ec1, Ec2 and Eb1 to Eb3 of each axial portion 90′ to 96′, 90″, 92″ and 100′ to 104′ is circumferentially substantially constant over at least 50%, preferably over at least 75% and more preferably over at least 95% and in the present case over 100% of the circumferential length of the layer of self-sealing product 80.

[0166] A method for manufacturing the tyre 10 will now be described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0167] A new tyre in its vulcanized state without a layer of self-sealing product 80 is provided.

[0168] An extrusion device and a device for applying a strip 200 of self-sealing product having a width equal to 15 mm and a thickness equal to 0.9 mm are provided. Such devices are described notably in WO2015/173120. In a variant, it is possible to use a bead of self-sealing product.

[0169] The strip 200 of self-sealing product is wound through multiple circumferential turns, in this instance through 33 circumferential turns, radially on the inside of the airtight layer 18 of the tyre. This winding step is carried out according to a law for winding the strip 200 in circumferential turns, the result of which is illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0170] The winding of the strip 200 is started from the axial end 81 and the winding of the strip 200 is stopped when the axial end 82 is reached. The strip 200 is wound without interrupting the strip 200 between the two axial ends 81, 82.

[0171] During the winding step, the strip 200 is wound on itself through Nai > 1 radially superposed circumferential turns over each thick axial portion 90, 92, 94, 96 of the layer of self-sealing product 80, with i ranging from 1 to 4. The strip 200 is wound on itself through Nbj > 1 radially superposed circumferential turns over each thin axial portion 100, 102, 104 of the layer of self-sealing product 80, with j ranging from 1 to M. For any value of i ranging from 1 to L, at least 50% of the values of j ranging from 1 to M, preferably at least 75% of the values of j ranging from 1 to M and in this case 100% of the values of j ranging from 1 to M are such that Nbj < Nai. In this specific case, it holds true that Na1=Na2=5 for each thick axial portion 90 and 92, Na3=Na4=4 for each thick axial portion 94, 96, and Nb1=Nb2=Nb3=3 for each thin axial portion 100, 102, 104.

[0172] It should be noted that, for each value of i ranging from 1 to L, at least 50% of the values of j ranging from 1 to M, preferably at least 75% of the values of j ranging from 1 to M and in this case 100% of the values of j ranging from 1 to M are such that, on the one hand, Nai/Nbj ≥ 1.20 and, on the other hand, Nai/Nbj ≤ 3.00, preferably Nai/Nbj ≤ 2.75 and more preferably Nai/Nbj ≤ 2.50.

[0173] To perform this winding step, the winding law includes multiple parameters for axially varying the thickness of the layer of self-sealing product 80. These parameters include a winding pitch of the strip 200, a winding speed of the strip 200 in relation to a device for applying the strip 200, an axial movement speed of the tyre 10 in relation to a device for applying the strip 200 in the tyre 10, an extrusion rate of the strip 200 of a device for extruding the strip 200, a width of the strip 200 or else a thickness of the strip 200. It is possible to choose to vary just one of these parameters or else multiple parameters at the same time. Advantageously, in this case solely the winding pitch of the strip 200 has been varied in order to axially vary the thickness of the layer of self-sealing product 80 over at least 50%, preferably over at least 75%, more preferably over at least 95% and in this case over 100% of the circumferential length of the layer of self-sealing product 80 and to obtain the layer illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0174] A tyre according to a second embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 4. Elements similar to those of the first embodiment are denoted by identical references.

[0175] In comparison with the tyre according to the first embodiment, each thick axial portion 90 to 96 completely coincides with part of each axial portion 90′ to 96′, respectively, extending axially in line with each main circumferential cut 52 to 58, respectively.

[0176] Moreover, the layer of self-sealing product does not comprise any thin axial portion 100, 102, 104. Thus, each axial portion 100′, 102′, 104′ extending axially in line with each central rib 62, 64, 66, respectively, has a self-sealing product thickness of zero. Each axial portion 100′, 102′, 104′ is arranged axially between two of the axially adjacent axial portions 90′ to 96′ and also axially between the two axial portions 90″ and 92″.

[0177] During the method for manufacturing the tyre 10 according to the second embodiment, it is no longer the pitch at which the strip is laid but the thickness of the strip 200, which is substantially zero between the axially adjacent axial portions 90′ to 96′, that is varied. Thus, the strip 200 is wound with interruption of the strip 200, in this case three times, between the two axial ends 81, 82.

[0178] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0179] Specifically, it is also possible to envisage an embodiment in which each central rib 62, 64, 66 lacks any transverse cut. In this case, it could be said that each central rib 62, 64, 66 is not cut.