EP2414583B1 - Method and device for the manufacture of a steel strand having a three-layer structure - Google Patents

Method and device for the manufacture of a steel strand having a three-layer structure Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2414583B1
EP2414583B1 EP10711226.0A EP10711226A EP2414583B1 EP 2414583 B1 EP2414583 B1 EP 2414583B1 EP 10711226 A EP10711226 A EP 10711226A EP 2414583 B1 EP2414583 B1 EP 2414583B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
layer
core
wires
rubber
cable
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP10711226.0A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2414583A1 (en
Inventor
Thibaud Pottier
Jacques Gauthier
Jérémy TOUSSAIN
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA
Michelin Recherche et Technique SA France
Original Assignee
Michelin Recherche et Technique SA Switzerland
Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA
Michelin Recherche et Technique SA France
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Michelin Recherche et Technique SA Switzerland, Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin SCA, Michelin Recherche et Technique SA France filed Critical Michelin Recherche et Technique SA Switzerland
Publication of EP2414583A1 publication Critical patent/EP2414583A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2414583B1 publication Critical patent/EP2414583B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D07ROPES; CABLES OTHER THAN ELECTRIC
    • D07BROPES OR CABLES IN GENERAL
    • D07B5/00Making ropes or cables from special materials or of particular form
    • D07B5/12Making ropes or cables from special materials or of particular form of low twist or low tension by processes comprising setting or straightening treatments
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D07ROPES; CABLES OTHER THAN ELECTRIC
    • D07BROPES OR CABLES IN GENERAL
    • D07B1/00Constructional features of ropes or cables
    • D07B1/06Ropes or cables built-up from metal wires, e.g. of section wires around a hemp core
    • D07B1/0606Reinforcing cords for rubber or plastic articles
    • D07B1/062Reinforcing cords for rubber or plastic articles the reinforcing cords being characterised by the strand configuration
    • D07B1/0633Reinforcing cords for rubber or plastic articles the reinforcing cords being characterised by the strand configuration having a multiple-layer configuration
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D07ROPES; CABLES OTHER THAN ELECTRIC
    • D07BROPES OR CABLES IN GENERAL
    • D07B7/00Details of, or auxiliary devices incorporated in, rope- or cable-making machines; Auxiliary apparatus associated with such machines
    • D07B7/02Machine details; Auxiliary devices
    • D07B7/14Machine details; Auxiliary devices for coating or wrapping ropes, cables, or component strands thereof
    • D07B7/145Coating or filling-up interstices
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D07ROPES; CABLES OTHER THAN ELECTRIC
    • D07BROPES OR CABLES IN GENERAL
    • D07B2201/00Ropes or cables
    • D07B2201/20Rope or cable components
    • D07B2201/2015Strands
    • D07B2201/2023Strands with core
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D07ROPES; CABLES OTHER THAN ELECTRIC
    • D07BROPES OR CABLES IN GENERAL
    • D07B2201/00Ropes or cables
    • D07B2201/20Rope or cable components
    • D07B2201/2015Strands
    • D07B2201/2024Strands twisted
    • D07B2201/2025Strands twisted characterised by a value or range of the pitch parameter given
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D07ROPES; CABLES OTHER THAN ELECTRIC
    • D07BROPES OR CABLES IN GENERAL
    • D07B2201/00Ropes or cables
    • D07B2201/20Rope or cable components
    • D07B2201/2015Strands
    • D07B2201/2024Strands twisted
    • D07B2201/2027Compact winding
    • D07B2201/2028Compact winding having the same lay direction and lay pitch
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D07ROPES; CABLES OTHER THAN ELECTRIC
    • D07BROPES OR CABLES IN GENERAL
    • D07B2201/00Ropes or cables
    • D07B2201/20Rope or cable components
    • D07B2201/2015Strands
    • D07B2201/2024Strands twisted
    • D07B2201/2029Open winding
    • D07B2201/2031Different twist pitch
    • D07B2201/2032Different twist pitch compared with the core
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D07ROPES; CABLES OTHER THAN ELECTRIC
    • D07BROPES OR CABLES IN GENERAL
    • D07B2201/00Ropes or cables
    • D07B2201/20Rope or cable components
    • D07B2201/2015Strands
    • D07B2201/2038Strands characterised by the number of wires or filaments
    • D07B2201/204Strands characterised by the number of wires or filaments nine or more wires or filaments respectively forming multiple layers
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D07ROPES; CABLES OTHER THAN ELECTRIC
    • D07BROPES OR CABLES IN GENERAL
    • D07B2201/00Ropes or cables
    • D07B2201/20Rope or cable components
    • D07B2201/2015Strands
    • D07B2201/2046Strands comprising fillers
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D07ROPES; CABLES OTHER THAN ELECTRIC
    • D07BROPES OR CABLES IN GENERAL
    • D07B2201/00Ropes or cables
    • D07B2201/20Rope or cable components
    • D07B2201/2047Cores
    • D07B2201/2052Cores characterised by their structure
    • D07B2201/2059Cores characterised by their structure comprising wires
    • D07B2201/2062Cores characterised by their structure comprising wires comprising fillers
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D07ROPES; CABLES OTHER THAN ELECTRIC
    • D07BROPES OR CABLES IN GENERAL
    • D07B2201/00Ropes or cables
    • D07B2201/20Rope or cable components
    • D07B2201/2047Cores
    • D07B2201/2052Cores characterised by their structure
    • D07B2201/2065Cores characterised by their structure comprising a coating
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D07ROPES; CABLES OTHER THAN ELECTRIC
    • D07BROPES OR CABLES IN GENERAL
    • D07B2201/00Ropes or cables
    • D07B2201/20Rope or cable components
    • D07B2201/2075Fillers
    • D07B2201/2079Fillers characterised by the kind or amount of filling
    • D07B2201/2081Fillers characterised by the kind or amount of filling having maximum filling
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D07ROPES; CABLES OTHER THAN ELECTRIC
    • D07BROPES OR CABLES IN GENERAL
    • D07B2207/00Rope or cable making machines
    • D07B2207/20Type of machine
    • D07B2207/204Double twist winding
    • D07B2207/205Double twist winding comprising flyer
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D07ROPES; CABLES OTHER THAN ELECTRIC
    • D07BROPES OR CABLES IN GENERAL
    • D07B2207/00Rope or cable making machines
    • D07B2207/40Machine components
    • D07B2207/4072Means for mechanically reducing serpentining or mechanically killing of rope
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D07ROPES; CABLES OTHER THAN ELECTRIC
    • D07BROPES OR CABLES IN GENERAL
    • D07B2401/00Aspects related to the problem to be solved or advantage
    • D07B2401/20Aspects related to the problem to be solved or advantage related to ropes or cables
    • D07B2401/202Environmental resistance
    • D07B2401/2025Environmental resistance avoiding corrosion
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D07ROPES; CABLES OTHER THAN ELECTRIC
    • D07BROPES OR CABLES IN GENERAL
    • D07B2401/00Aspects related to the problem to be solved or advantage
    • D07B2401/20Aspects related to the problem to be solved or advantage related to ropes or cables
    • D07B2401/208Enabling filler penetration
    • DTEXTILES; PAPER
    • D07ROPES; CABLES OTHER THAN ELECTRIC
    • D07BROPES OR CABLES IN GENERAL
    • D07B2501/00Application field
    • D07B2501/20Application field related to ropes or cables
    • D07B2501/2046Tire cords

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to processes and devices for manufacturing three-layer metal cables, in particular of M + N + P construction, which can be used in particular for reinforcing rubber articles such as tires.
  • a radial tire comprises in known manner a tread, two inextensible beads, two flanks connecting the beads to the tread and a belt circumferentially disposed between the carcass reinforcement and the tread.
  • This carcass reinforcement is constituted in known manner by at least one ply (or “layer”) of rubber reinforced by reinforcement elements (“reinforcements”) such as cords or monofilaments, generally of the metal type in the case of pneumatic tires for industrial vehicles carrying heavy loads.
  • steel wires for the reinforcement of the above carcass reinforcements, use is generally made of steel wires ( “steel cords”) called “layers” ( “layered cords”) consisting of a central layer or core and one or more layers of concentric threads arranged around this core.
  • the most used three-layer cables are essentially M + N + P construction cables, formed of a core of M wire (s), M varying from 1 to 4, surrounded by an intermediate layer of N wires, N typically ranging from 3 to 12, itself surrounded by an outer layer of P son, P typically ranging from 8 to 20, the assembly may be optionally shrunk by an outer hoop thread wound helically around the outer layer.
  • M wire s
  • M varying from 1 to 4
  • N typically ranging from 3 to 12
  • P typically ranging from 8 to 20
  • P typically ranging from 8 to 20
  • Such a cable is described in the application JP2007303044 .
  • these layered cables are subjected to considerable stresses during the rolling of the tires, in particular to repeated flexures or variations of curvature inducing at the level of the strands of friction, in particular as a result of the contacts between adjacent layers, and therefore of wear, as well as fatigue; they must therefore have a high resistance to phenomena known as "fatigue-fretting".
  • this material penetrates into all the spaces between the threads constituting the cables. Indeed, if this penetration is insufficient, then empty channels or capillaries are formed, along and inside the cables, and corrosive agents such as water or even oxygen in the air, likely to to enter the tires for example following cuts in their tread, walk along these empty channels into the carcass of the tire.
  • corrosive agents such as water or even oxygen in the air, likely to to enter the tires for example following cuts in their tread, walk along these empty channels into the carcass of the tire.
  • the presence of this moisture plays an important role in causing corrosion and accelerating the degradation processes above (phenomena known as "fatigue-corrosion”), compared to use in a dry atmosphere.
  • one of the essential characteristics is that a sheath consisting of a rubber composition covers at least the intermediate layer consisting of M son, the core (or unit wire) of the cable may itself be covered or not rubber. Thanks to this specific architecture, not only an excellent penetrability by the rubber is obtained, limiting the corrosion problems, but also the fatigue-fretting endurance properties are significantly improved compared to the cables of the prior art. The longevity of the tires and that of their carcass reinforcement are thus very significantly improved.
  • these three-layer cables are obtained in several steps which have the disadvantage of being discontinuous, firstly by producing an intermediate cable 1 + M (in particular 1 + 6), then by sheathing via an extrusion head of this intermediate cable, finally by a final operation of wiring the N (in particular 12) son remaining around the core thus sheathed, for forming the outer layer.
  • an intermediate cable 1 + M in particular 1 + 6
  • an extrusion head of this intermediate cable finally by a final operation of wiring the N (in particular 12) son remaining around the core thus sheathed, for forming the outer layer.
  • N in particular 12
  • This method of the invention makes it possible to manufacture, preferably in line and continuously, a three-layer cable which, compared to the three-layer gummed in situ cables of the prior art, has the significant advantage of having a reduced quantity. filling gum, which guarantees a better compactness, this gum being furthermore evenly distributed to the inside of the cable, inside each of its capillaries, thus conferring on it an improved longitudinal impermeability.
  • any range of values designated by the expression "between a and b" represents the range of values from more than a to less than b (i.e. terminals a and b excluded) while any range of values designated by the term “from a to b” means the range from a to b (i.e., including the strict limits a and b).
  • An essential feature of the above method is to use a twisting step both for assembling the second layer (C2) around the first layer (C1) and for assembling the third layer (C3) around the second layer (C2).
  • the diameter d 0 (or total overall diameter) of the core (C1) is preferably in a range of 0.08 to 0.50 mm, this core may consist of a single wire or several son previously assembled between them by any known means, for example by cabling or more preferably by twisting.
  • the number denoted "M" of yarn (s) of the core is within a range of 1 to 4. More preferably, the core consists of a single unitary wire (M equal to 1) whose diameter d 1 is itself more preferably within a range of 0.08 to 0.50 mm.
  • this core is first sheathed by the filling rubber in the uncrosslinked state, provided by an extrusion screw at an appropriate temperature.
  • the filling rubber can thus be delivered at a fixed point, unique and compact, by means of a single extrusion head.
  • the extrusion head may comprise one or more dies, for example an upstream guide die and a downstream die calibration. It is possible to add continuous measurement and control means of the diameter of the sheathed core, connected to the extruder, as well as means for controlling the centering of the core in the extrusion head.
  • the extrusion temperature of the filling rubber is between 50 ° C and 120 ° C, more preferably between 50 ° C and 100 ° C.
  • the extrusion head thus defines a cladding zone having the shape of a cylinder of revolution whose diameter is preferably between 0.15 mm and 1.2 mm, more preferably between 0.2 and 1.0 mm, and whose length is preferably between 4 and 10 mm.
  • the core of the cable at every point of its periphery, is covered with a minimum thickness of filling compound which is preferably greater than 5 ⁇ m, more preferably greater than 10 ⁇ m, in particular greater than 15 microns, in particular between 15 and 40 microns.
  • the elastomer (or indistinctly "rubber”, both of which are considered synonymous) of the filling rubber is preferably a diene elastomer, that is to say by definition an elastomer derived at least in part (ie a homopolymer or a copolymer) of monomer (s) diene (s) (ie, monomer (s) carrier (s) of two carbon-carbon double bonds, conjugated or not).
  • the diene elastomer is more preferentially selected from the group consisting of polybutadienes (BR), natural rubber (NR), synthetic polyisoprenes (IR), various butadiene copolymers, the various isoprene copolymers, and mixtures
  • Such copolymers are more preferably selected from the group consisting of butadiene-styrene copolymers (SBR), whether the latter are prepared by emulsion polymerization (ESBR) or in solution (SSBR), the isoprene copolymers.
  • SBR butadiene-styrene copolymers
  • BIR isoprene-styrene copolymers
  • SBIR isoprene-butadiene-styrene copolymers
  • a preferred embodiment consists in using an "isoprene" elastomer, that is to say a homopolymer or a copolymer of isoprene, in other words a diene elastomer chosen from the group consisting of natural rubber (NR). , the synthetic polyisoprenes (IR), the various isoprene copolymers and the mixtures of these elastomers.
  • the isoprene elastomer is preferably natural rubber or synthetic polyisoprene of the cis-1,4 type. Among these synthetic polyisoprenes, polyisoprenes having a content (mol%) of cis-1,4 bonds greater than 90%, more preferably still greater than 98%, are preferably used.
  • the isoprene elastomer may also be associated with another diene elastomer such as, for example, an SBR and / or BR elastomer.
  • the filling rubber may contain one or more elastomer (s), especially diene (s), the latter or they may be used (s) in combination with any type of polymer other than elastomer.
  • the filling rubber is preferably of the crosslinkable type, that is to say that it comprises by definition a crosslinking system adapted to allow the crosslinking of the composition during its baking (i.e., its hardening and not its melting); thus, in such a case, this rubber composition can be described as infusible, since it can not be melted by heating at any temperature.
  • the system for crosslinking the rubber sheath is a so-called vulcanization system, that is to say based on sulfur (or a sulfur-donor agent). ) and at least one vulcanization accelerator.
  • the invention also applies to cases where the filling gum is free of sulfur and even of any other crosslinking system, it being understood that it could be sufficient, for its own crosslinking or vulcanization, the crosslinking or vulcanization system already present in the rubber matrix that the cable of the invention is intended to reinforce, and capable of migrating by contact of said surrounding matrix to the filling rubber.
  • the filling rubber may also comprise all or part of the usual additives intended for tire rubber matrices, such as, for example, reinforcing fillers such as carbon black or silica, antioxidants, oils, plasticizers, anti-eversion agents, resins, adhesion promoters such as cobalt salts.
  • reinforcing fillers such as carbon black or silica, antioxidants, oils, plasticizers, anti-eversion agents, resins, adhesion promoters such as cobalt salts.
  • the level of reinforcing filler for example carbon black or a reinforcing inorganic filler such as silica, is preferably greater than 50 phr, for example between 50 and 120 phr.
  • carbon blacks for example, all carbon blacks are suitable, in particular blacks of the HAF, ISAF, SAF type conventionally used in tires (so-called pneumatic grade blacks). Among the latter, there will be mentioned more particularly the carbon blacks of ASTM grade 300, 600 or 700 (for example N326, N330, N347, N375, N683, N772).
  • Suitable reinforcing inorganic fillers are in particular silica (SiO 2 ) type inorganic fillers, in particular precipitated or fumed silica having a BET surface area of less than 450 m 2 / g, preferably from 30 to 400 m 2 / g.
  • the N son of the second layer (C2) are twisted together (direction S or Z) around the core (C1) sheathed for formation in a point said point of assembly of the core strand (C1 + C2), in a manner known per se; the son are delivered by supply means such as coils, a distribution grid, coupled or not to a connecting grain, intended to converge around the core N son in a common point of torsion (or point d 'assembly).
  • the diameter d 2 of the N son is within a range of 0.08 to 0.45 mm and the twisting pitch p 2 is within a range of 5 to 30 mm.
  • the pitch "p" represents the length, measured parallel to the axis of the cable, at the end of which a wire having this pitch performs a complete revolution about said axis of the cable.
  • the tension stress exerted on the core strand is preferably between 10 and 25% of its breaking force.
  • the core strand (C1 + C2) thus formed is in turn sheathed by the filling gum in the green state, brought for example by a second extrusion head carried to an appropriate temperature.
  • this extrusion head may comprise one or more dies, for example an upstream guide die and a downstream die calibration; may also be added means for measuring and continuously monitoring the diameter of the sheathed core strand, connected to the extruder, as well as web centering control means in the extrusion head.
  • the extrusion temperature of the filling rubber is between 50 ° C and 120 ° C, more preferably between 50 ° C and 100 ° C.
  • the extrusion head defines a cladding zone in the form of a cylinder of revolution whose diameter is preferably between 0.4 and 1.2 mm, more preferably between 0.5 and 1.0 mm, and the length is preferably between 4 and 10 mm.
  • the core strand (C1 + C2) thus sheathed, at every point of its periphery, is covered with a minimum thickness of filling compound which is preferably greater than 5 ⁇ m. More preferably greater than 10 ⁇ m, in particular between 15 and 50 ⁇ m.
  • the final assembly is carried out, always by twisting (S or Z direction), P son of the third layer or outer layer (C3) around the core strand (C1 + C2) thus sheathed.
  • the diameter d 3 of P son is in a range of 0.08 to 0.45 mm and the twisting pitch p 3 is greater than or equal to p 2 , in particular in a range of 5 to 30 mm.
  • the P son come to bear in turn on the filling rubber present at the periphery of the core strand, to become embedded in the latter.
  • the filling rubber under the pressure exerted by these P external son, then partially fills the capillaries or cavities left empty by the son, between the second layer (C2) and the outer layer (C3).
  • the cable of the invention is not yet complete: the above capillaries delimited by the N wires of the second layer (C2) and the P wires of the third layer (C3) are not not yet filled with filling rubber sufficiently to obtain a cable having an impermeability to air that is optimal.
  • Torsion balancing is meant here in a known manner the cancellation of the residual torsional torques (or detorsional springback) exerted on each wire of the cable in the twisted state, in its respective layer.
  • Torsion balancing tools are known to those skilled in the art of twisting; they may consist for example of “trainers” and / or “twisters” and / or “twister-trainers” consisting of either pulleys for twisters or small diameter rollers for trainers, pulleys or rollers through which circulates the cable in a single plane or preferably in at least two different planes.
  • the training function provided by the use of a trainer tool, would also have the advantage that the contact of roller of the trainer with the son of the outer layer (C3) will exert additional pressure on the filling rubber further promoting its optimal distribution in the capillaries present between the second layer (C2) and the third layer (C3) of the cable.
  • the method of the invention described above exploits the torsion of the son and the radial pressure exerted on them at the final stage of manufacture of the cable, to radially distribute the filling rubber inside. cable, while perfectly controlling the amount of filling compound provided.
  • the person skilled in the art will in particular be able to adjust the arrangement, the diameter of the pulleys and / or rollers of the torsion balancing means in order to modify the intensity of the radial pressure exerted on the threads.
  • the thickness of filling rubber between two adjacent wires of the cable, whatever they are, is greater than 1 micron, preferably between 1 and 10 microns.
  • This cable can be wound on a receiving reel, for storage, before being processed, for example, through a calendering installation, for preparing a metal-rubber composite fabric that can be used, for example, as a tire carcass reinforcement.
  • the total amount of filling gum delivered by the first and second cladding means previously described is adjusted in a preferred range of between 5 and 40 mg, in particular between 5 and 30 mg per gram of final cable (ie, finished manufacturing, gummed in situ).
  • the amount of filling gum delivered by each of the first and second cladding means may advantageously be adjusted in a preferred range between 2.5 and 20 mg, in particular between 2, 5 and 15 mg per gram of final cable.
  • the following relationship is satisfied (d 1 , d 2 , d 3 , p 2 and p 3 being expressed in mm): 5 ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ d 1 + d 2 ⁇ p 2 ⁇ p 3 ⁇ 10 ⁇ ⁇ ⁇ d 1 + 2 ⁇ d 2 + d 3 .
  • the steps p 2 and p 3 are equal, which simplifies the manufacturing process.
  • the formulation of the filling rubber may be chosen to be identical to the formulation of the rubber matrix that the final cable is intended to reinforce; thus, there is no problem of compatibility between the respective materials of the filling rubber and said rubber matrix.
  • the formulation of the filling compound may be chosen different from the formulation of the rubber matrix that the final cable is intended to reinforce.
  • the formulation of the filling gum may be adjusted by using a relatively high quantity of adhesion promoter, typically for example from 5 to 15 phr of a metal salt such as a salt of cobalt, nickel or a salt of lanthanide such as neodymium (see in particular application WO 2005/113666 ), and advantageously reducing the amount of said promoter (or even removing it completely) in the surrounding rubber matrix.
  • adhesion promoter typically for example from 5 to 15 phr of a metal salt such as a salt of cobalt, nickel or a salt of lanthanide such as neodymium
  • the filling rubber has, in the crosslinked state, a secant modulus in extension E10 (at 10% elongation) which is between 2 and 25 MPa, more preferably between 3 and 20 MPa, in particular included in a range of 3 to 15 MPa.
  • a secant modulus in extension E10 at 10% elongation
  • the third layer (C3) has the preferred characteristic of being a saturated layer, that is to say that, by definition, there is not enough room in this layer to add at least one ( P max +1) th wire of diameter d 3 , P max representing the maximum number of wires rollable in a third layer (C3) around the second layer (C2).
  • This construction has the advantage of limiting the risk of overfilling gum filling at its periphery and offer, for a given diameter of the cable, a higher strength.
  • the number P of son of the third layer can vary to a very large extent according to the particular embodiment of the invention, it being understood that the maximum number of P son will be increased if their diameter d 3 is reduced compared to the diameter d 2 son of the second layer, in order to preferentially keep the outer layer in a saturated state.
  • the core (C1) consists of several wires (ie, M is different from 1)
  • the M wires are preferably assembled together in an assembly pitch which is preferably between 4 and 15 mm, in particular between 5 and 15 mm. and 10 mm.
  • the second layer (C2) has 5 to 7 wires (ie, N varies from 5 to 7).
  • the first layer (C1) comprises a single wire (M equal to 1)
  • the second layer (C2) has 6 wires (N equal to 6)
  • the third layer (C3) comprises 11 or 12 wires (P equal to 11 or 12).
  • the cable of the invention has the preferred constructions 1 + 6 + 11 or 1 + 6 + 12.
  • the cable prepared according to the invention can be of two types, namely of the compact layer type or the type with cylindrical layers.
  • the compactness is such that virtually no distinct layer of wires is visible; as a result, the cross-section of such cables has an outline which is generally polygonal and non-cylindrical, as illustrated for example in figure 2 (compact cable 1 + 6 + 12 gummed in situ) and figure 3 (compact cable 1 + 6 + 12 conventional, that is to say not gummed in situ).
  • the cable manufactured according to the invention can be described as airtight in the fired state: in the air permeability test described in paragraph II-1-B which follows, it is characterized by a average air flow rate less than 2 cm 3 / min, preferably less than or equal to 0.2 cm 3 / min.
  • the method of the invention has the advantage of making possible the complete operation of initial twisting, scrubbing and final twisting in line and in a single step, regardless of the type of cable produced (compact cable as cable with cylindrical layers) , all this at high speed.
  • the above method can be implemented at a speed (running speed of the cable on the twisting-scrub line) greater than 50 m / min, preferably greater than 70 m / min.
  • the method of the invention makes it possible to manufacture cables which may be lacking (or virtually devoid of) filling gum at their periphery.
  • an expression it is meant that no particle of filling compound is visible, with the naked eye, at the periphery of the cable, that is to say that the person skilled in the art does not make any difference at the end of the manufacturing process, with the naked eye and at a distance of three meters or more, between a cable reel according to the invention and a conventional cable reel not gummed in situ.
  • wire rope is meant by definition in the present application a cable formed of son constituted mainly (that is to say for more than 50% in number of these son) or integrally (for 100% son) a metallic material.
  • the core wire (s) (C1), the wires of the second layer (C2) and the wires of the third layer (C3) are preferably made of steel, more preferably carbon steel. But it is of course possible to use other steels, for example a stainless steel, or other alloys.
  • carbon steel its carbon content (% by weight of steel) is preferably between 0.4% and 1.2%, especially between 0.5% and 1.1%; these levels represent a good compromise between the mechanical properties required for the tire and the feasibility of the wires.
  • a carbon content of between 0.5% and 0.6% makes such steels ultimately less expensive because easier to draw.
  • Another advantageous embodiment of the invention may also consist, according to the targeted applications, to use low carbon steels, for example between 0.2% and 0.5%, due in particular to lower cost and greater ease of drawing.
  • a single core wire (C1) delivered by supply means (110) first passes through a cladding zone consisting for example of a first extrusion head (1a).
  • Feeding means (120) then deliver, around the core wire (C1) thus sheathed, N wires (12) through a distribution grid (13) (axisymmetric splitter), coupled or not to an assembly line ( 14), beyond which converge the N (for example six) son of the second layer into an assembly point (15), for forming the core strand (C1 + C2) of construction 1 + N (by example 1 + 6).
  • the distance between the first cladding point (11a) and the convergence point (15) and is for example between 1 and 5 meters.
  • the core strand (C1 + C2) thus formed is in turn sheathed through a second cladding zone (11b) consisting for example of a second extrusion head.
  • the distance between the assembly point (15) and the second sheathing point (11b) is for example between 50 cm and 5 meters.
  • FIG 2 schematically, in section perpendicular to the axis of the cable (assumed rectilinear and at rest), an example of a preferred cable 1 + 6 + 12 gummed in situ, obtainable using the method according to the previously described invention.
  • This type of construction has the consequence that the wires (21, 22) of these second and third layers (C2, C3) form around the core (20) or first layer (C1) two substantially concentric layers which each have a contour (E ) (shown in dashed lines) which is substantially polygonal (more precisely hexagonal) and non-cylindrical as in the case of cables with so-called cylindrical layers.
  • This cable C-1 can be described as cable gummed in situ: each of the capillaries or interstices (empty spaces in the absence of filling rubber) formed by the adjacent wires, taken three by three, of its three layers C1, C2 and C3, is filled, at least in part (continuously or not along the axis of the cable), by the filling rubber such that for any cable length of 2 cm, each capillary comprises at least one rubber stopper .
  • the filling rubber (23) fills each capillary (24) (symbolized by a triangle) formed by the adjacent wires (taken three to three) of the various layers (C1, C2, C3) of the cable, by discarding them very slightly.
  • these capillaries or interstices are naturally formed either by the core wire (20) and the son (21) of the second layer (C2) surrounding it, or by two son (21) of the second layer (C2) and a wire (23) of the third layer (C3) which is immediately adjacent thereto, or else by each wire (21) of the second layer (C2) and the two wires (22) of the third layer (C3) which are immediately adjacent; a total of 24 capillaries or interstices (24) are thus present in this cable 1 + 6 + 12.
  • the filling rubber preferably extends continuously around the second layer (C2) that it covers.
  • the figure 3 recalls the section of a cable 1 + 6 + 12 (noted C-2) conventional (ie, not gummed in situ), also of the compact type.
  • C-2 conventional (ie, not gummed in situ), also of the compact type.
  • the absence of filling rubber makes practically all the son (30, 31, 32) are in contact with each other, which leads to a particularly compact structure, moreover very difficult to penetrate (not to say impenetrable) from the outside by rubber.
  • the characteristic of this type of cable is that the various wires form three to three of the channels or capillaries (34) which for a large number of them remain closed and empty and thus conducive, by "wicking" effect, to the propagation corrosive environments such as water.
  • Fm maximum load in N
  • Rm tensile strength in MPa
  • At total elongation in %
  • the modulus measurements are carried out in tension, unless otherwise indicated according to ASTM D 412 of 1998 (test piece “C"): it is measured in second elongation (ie after one cycle). accommodation) the secant modulus "true” (that is, reduced to the actual section of the specimen) at 10% elongation, denoted E10 and expressed in MPa (normal temperature and humidity conditions according to ASTM D 1349 of 1999).
  • This test makes it possible to determine the longitudinal permeability to the air of the cables tested, by measuring the volume of air passing through a specimen under constant pressure for a given time.
  • the principle of such a test is to demonstrate the effectiveness of the treatment of a cable to make it impermeable to air; it has been described for example in ASTM D2692-98.
  • the test is here carried out either on cables extracted from tires or rubber sheets which they reinforce, thus already coated from the outside by rubber in the fired state, or on raw manufacturing cables, which have been coated and subsequent cooking.
  • the raw cables must be previously embedded, coated from the outside by a so-called coating gum.
  • a series of 10 cables arranged in parallel is placed between two skims (two rectangles of 80 x 200 mm) of a rubber composition in the raw state, each skim having a thickness 3.5 mm; the whole is then locked in a mold, each of the cables being kept under a sufficient tension (for example 2 daN) to ensure its straightness during the establishment in the mold, using clamping modules; then the vulcanization (baking) is carried out for 40 min at a temperature of 140 ° C and a pressure of 15 bar (rectangular piston 80 x 200 mm). After which, the assembly is demolded and cut 10 pieces of cables thus coated, in the form of parallelepipeds of dimensions 7x7x20 mm, for characterization.
  • the test is carried out on 2 cm of cable length, thus coated by its surrounding rubber composition (or coating gum) in the fired state, as follows: air is sent to the cable inlet at a pressure of 1 bar, and the volume of air at the outlet is measured using a flow meter (calibrated for example from 0 to 500 cm 3 / min). During the measurement, the cable sample is locked in a compressed seal (for example a dense foam or rubber seal) in such a way that only the amount of air passing through the cable from one end to the other along its longitudinal axis , is taken into account by the measure; a leakproofness test of the seal is made using a solid rubber specimen, ie without cable.
  • a compressed seal for example a dense foam or rubber seal
  • the measured flow rate is lower as long as the longitudinal imperviousness of the cable is high.
  • measured values equal to or less than 0.2 cm 3 / min are considered to be zero; they correspond to a cable that can be described as airtight along its axis (ie, in its longitudinal direction).
  • the amount of filling compound is measured by difference between the weight of the initial cable (thus erased in situ) and the weight of the cable (and therefore that of its threads) whose filling rubber has been eliminated by a suitable electrolytic treatment.
  • a sample of cable (length 1 m), wound on itself to reduce its bulk, constitutes the cathode of an electrolyzer (connected to the negative terminal of a generator), while the anode (connected to the positive terminal ) consists of a platinum wire.
  • the electrolyte consists of an aqueous solution (demineralized water) comprising 1 mole per liter of sodium carbonate.
  • the sample immersed completely in the electrolyte, is energized for 15 minutes under a current of 300 mA.
  • the cable is then removed from the bath, rinsed thoroughly with water. This treatment allows the rubber to be easily detached from the cable (if this is not the case, we continue the electrolysis for a few minutes).
  • the eraser is carefully removed, for example by simply wiping with an absorbent cloth, while detaching one by one the son of the cable.
  • the threads are rinsed with water again and then immersed in a beaker containing a mixture of demineralized water (50%) and ethanol (50%); the beaker is immersed in an ultrasonic tank for 10 minutes.
  • the yarns thus devoid of any trace of gum are removed from the beaker, dried under a stream of nitrogen or air, and finally weighed.
  • the rate of filling rubber in the cable is calculated and averaged over 10 measurements (10 meters of cable in total).
  • the carbon steel wires are prepared in a known manner, for example starting from machine wires (diameter 5 to 6 mm) which are first cold-rolled, by rolling and / or drawing, to a neighboring intermediate diameter. of 1 mm.
  • the steel used is a known carbon steel (USA AISI 1069 standard) with a carbon content of 0.70%.
  • the intermediate diameter son undergo a degreasing treatment and / or pickling, before further processing.
  • the rate of filling rubber measured according to the method indicated previously in paragraph II-1-C, is equal to about 22 mg per g of cable.
  • This filling rubber is present in each of the 24 capillaries formed by the various son taken three to three, that is to say that it fills all or at least partly each of these capillaries in such a way that it exists at least, on any length of cable of length equal to 2 cm, a rubber stopper in each capillary.
  • the filling gum is a conventional rubber composition for a tire carcass reinforcement for industrial vehicles, having the same formulation as that of the carcass rubber ply that the C-1 cable is intended to reinforce; this composition is based on natural rubber (peptized) and carbon black N330 (55 phr); it also comprises the following usual additives: sulfur (6 phr), sulfenamide accelerator (1 phr), ZnO (9 phr), stearic acid (0.7 phr), antioxidant (1.5 phr), cobalt naphthenate (1 phr) pce); the module E10 of the composition is about 6 MPa. This composition was extruded at a temperature of about 85 ° C through two calibration dies (11a, 11b) of respective diameters 0.250 and 0.580 mm.
  • the C-1 cables thus prepared were subjected to the air permeability test described in paragraph II-1-B, by measuring the volume of air (in cm 3 ) passing through the cables in 1 minute (average of 10 measurements for each cable tested). For each cable C-1 tested and for 100% of the measurements (ie ten test pieces out of ten), a flow rate of zero or less than 0.2 cm 3 / min was measured; in other words, the cables prepared according to the method of the invention can be qualified as airtight along their longitudinal axis; they therefore have an optimal penetration rate by rubber.
  • control gummed in situ cables of the same construction as the C-1 compact cables above, were prepared according to the method described in the application WO 2005/071557 mentioned above, in several discontinuous steps, by sheathing via an extrusion head of the intermediate core strand 1 + 6, then in a second step by wiring the remaining 12 wires around the core thus sheathed, for forming the outer layer .
  • These control cables were then subjected to the air permeability test of paragraph I-2.
  • the method of the invention allows the manufacture of M + N + P construction cables gummed in situ which, thanks to an optimal penetration rate by rubber, on the one hand have a high endurance in carcass reinforcement of pneumatic, on the other hand can be implemented effectively under industrial conditions, in particular without the difficulties associated with overflowing of rubber during their manufacture.

Description

La présente invention est relative aux procédés et dispositifs de fabrication de câbles métalliques à trois couches, notamment de construction M+N+P, utilisables en particulier pour le renforcement d'articles en caoutchouc tels que des pneumatiques.The present invention relates to processes and devices for manufacturing three-layer metal cables, in particular of M + N + P construction, which can be used in particular for reinforcing rubber articles such as tires.

Elle est plus particulièrement relative aux procédés et dispositifs de fabrication de câbles métalliques du type « gommés in situ », c'est-à-dire gommés de l'intérieur, pendant leur fabrication même, par du caoutchouc à l'état non réticulé, en vue notamment d'améliorer leur résistance à la corrosion et par voie de conséquence leur endurance notamment dans les armatures de carcasses des pneumatiques pour véhicules industriels.It is more particularly related to processes and devices for manufacturing metal cables of the type "gummed in situ", that is to say, gummed from the inside, during their manufacture, by rubber in the uncrosslinked state, in particular with a view to improving their resistance to corrosion and consequently their endurance, in particular in carcass reinforcement of tires for industrial vehicles.

Un pneumatique radial comporte de manière connue une bande de roulement, deux bourrelets inextensibles, deux flancs reliant les bourrelets à la bande de roulement et une ceinture disposée circonférentiellement entre l'armature de carcasse et la bande de roulement. Cette armature de carcasse est constituée de manière connue d'au moins une nappe (ou "couche") de caoutchouc renforcée par des éléments de renforcement ("renforts") tels que des câblés ou des monofilaments, généralement du type métalliques dans le cas de pneumatiques pour véhicules industriels porteurs de lourdes charges.A radial tire comprises in known manner a tread, two inextensible beads, two flanks connecting the beads to the tread and a belt circumferentially disposed between the carcass reinforcement and the tread. This carcass reinforcement is constituted in known manner by at least one ply (or "layer") of rubber reinforced by reinforcement elements ("reinforcements") such as cords or monofilaments, generally of the metal type in the case of pneumatic tires for industrial vehicles carrying heavy loads.

Pour le renforcement des armatures de carcasse ci-dessus, on utilise généralement des câbles d'acier ("steel cords") dits "à couches" ("layered cords") constitués d'une couche centrale ou noyau et d'une ou plusieurs couches de fils concentriques disposées autour de ce noyau. Les câbles à trois couches les plus utilisés sont essentiellement des câbles de construction M+N+P, formés d'un noyau de M fil(s), M variant de 1 à 4, entourée d'une couche intermédiaire de N fils, N variant typiquement de 3 à 12, elle-même entourée d'une couche externe de P fils, P variant typiquement de 8 à 20, l'ensemble pouvant être éventuellement fretté par un fil de frette externe enroulé en hélice autour de la couche externe. Un tel câble est décrit dans la demande JP2007303044 .For the reinforcement of the above carcass reinforcements, use is generally made of steel wires ( "steel cords") called "layers" ( "layered cords") consisting of a central layer or core and one or more layers of concentric threads arranged around this core. The most used three-layer cables are essentially M + N + P construction cables, formed of a core of M wire (s), M varying from 1 to 4, surrounded by an intermediate layer of N wires, N typically ranging from 3 to 12, itself surrounded by an outer layer of P son, P typically ranging from 8 to 20, the assembly may be optionally shrunk by an outer hoop thread wound helically around the outer layer. Such a cable is described in the application JP2007303044 .

De manière bien connue, ces câbles à couches sont soumis à des contraintes importantes lors du roulage des pneumatiques, notamment à des flexions ou variations de courbure répétées induisant au niveau des fils des frottements, notamment par suite des contacts entre couches adjacentes, et donc de l'usure, ainsi que de la fatigue ; ils doivent donc présenter une haute résistance aux phénomènes dits de "fatigue-fretting".In a well-known manner, these layered cables are subjected to considerable stresses during the rolling of the tires, in particular to repeated flexures or variations of curvature inducing at the level of the strands of friction, in particular as a result of the contacts between adjacent layers, and therefore of wear, as well as fatigue; they must therefore have a high resistance to phenomena known as "fatigue-fretting".

Il est particulièrement important en outre qu'ils soient imprégnés autant que possible par le caoutchouc, que cette matière pénètre dans tous les espaces situés entre les fils constituant les câbles. En effet, si cette pénétration est insuffisante, il se forme alors des canaux ou capillaires vides, le long et à l'intérieur des câbles, et les agents corrosifs tels que l'eau ou même l'oxygène de l'air, susceptibles de pénétrer dans les pneumatiques par exemple à la suite de coupures de leur bande de roulement, cheminent le long de ces canaux vides jusque dans la carcasse du pneumatique. La présence de cette humidité joue un rôle important en provoquant de la corrosion et en accélérant les processus de dégradation ci-dessus (phénomènes dits de "fatigue-corrosion"), par rapport à une utilisation en atmosphère sèche.It is also particularly important that they be impregnated as much as possible with the rubber, that this material penetrates into all the spaces between the threads constituting the cables. Indeed, if this penetration is insufficient, then empty channels or capillaries are formed, along and inside the cables, and corrosive agents such as water or even oxygen in the air, likely to to enter the tires for example following cuts in their tread, walk along these empty channels into the carcass of the tire. The presence of this moisture plays an important role in causing corrosion and accelerating the degradation processes above (phenomena known as "fatigue-corrosion"), compared to use in a dry atmosphere.

Tous ces phénomènes de fatigue que l'on regroupe généralement sous le terme générique de "fatigue-fretting-corrosion" sont à l'origine d'une dégénérescence progressive des propriétés mécaniques des câbles et peuvent affecter, pour les conditions de roulage les plus sévères, la durée de vie de ces derniers.All these phenomena of fatigue that are generally grouped under the generic term "fatigue-fretting-corrosion" are at the origin of a gradual degeneration of the mechanical properties of the cables and can affect, for the most severe driving conditions , the life of these.

Pour pallier les inconvénients ci-dessus, la demande WO 2005/071157 a proposé des câbles à trois couches de construction 1+M+N, en particulier de construction 1+6+12, dont une des caractéristiques essentielles est qu'une gaine constituée d'une composition de caoutchouc recouvre au moins la couche intermédiaire constituée des M fils, le noyau (ou fil unitaire) du câble pouvant être lui-même recouvert ou non de caoutchouc. Grâce à cette architecture spécifique, non seulement une excellente pénétrabilité par le caoutchouc est obtenue, limitant les problèmes de corrosion, mais encore les propriétés d'endurance en fatigue-fretting sont notablement améliorées par rapport aux câbles de l'art antérieur. La longévité des pneumatiques et celle de leurs armatures de carcasse sont ainsi très sensiblement améliorées.To overcome the above disadvantages, the demand WO 2005/071157 proposed cables with three layers of 1 + M + N construction, in particular of construction 1 + 6 + 12, one of the essential characteristics is that a sheath consisting of a rubber composition covers at least the intermediate layer consisting of M son, the core (or unit wire) of the cable may itself be covered or not rubber. Thanks to this specific architecture, not only an excellent penetrability by the rubber is obtained, limiting the corrosion problems, but also the fatigue-fretting endurance properties are significantly improved compared to the cables of the prior art. The longevity of the tires and that of their carcass reinforcement are thus very significantly improved.

Toutefois, les procédés décrits pour la fabrication de ces câbles, ainsi que les câbles qui en sont issus, ne sont pas dépourvus d'inconvénients.However, the processes described for the manufacture of these cables, as well as the cables that come from them, are not without drawbacks.

Tout d'abord, ces câbles à trois couches sont obtenus en plusieurs étapes qui présentent l'inconvénient d'être discontinues, d'abord par réalisation d'un câble intermédiaire 1+M (en particulier 1+6), puis par gainage via une tête d'extrusion de ce câble intermédiaire, enfin par une opération finale de câblage des N (en particulier 12) fils restants autour de l'âme ainsi gainée, pour formation de la couche externe. Pour éviter le problème de "collant à cru" de la gaine de caoutchouc avant câblage de la couche externe autour de l'âme, doit être utilisé en outre un film intercalaire en matière plastique lors des opérations intermédiaires de bobinage et débobinage. Toutes ces manipulations successives sont pénalisantes du point de vue industriel et antinomiques de la recherche de cadences de fabrication élevées.First of all, these three-layer cables are obtained in several steps which have the disadvantage of being discontinuous, firstly by producing an intermediate cable 1 + M (in particular 1 + 6), then by sheathing via an extrusion head of this intermediate cable, finally by a final operation of wiring the N (in particular 12) son remaining around the core thus sheathed, for forming the outer layer. To avoid the problem of "raw tights" of the rubber sheath before wiring the outer layer around the core, should be further used a plastic interlayer film during intermediate operations of winding and unwinding. All these successive manipulations are penalizing from the industrial and antinomic point of view of the search for high production rates.

D'autre part, si l'on veut pouvoir garantir un taux de pénétration élevé par le caoutchouc à l'intérieur du câble pour l'obtention d'une perméabilité à l'air du câble, selon son axe, qui soit aussi faible que possible, il s'est avéré nécessaire selon ces procédés de l'art antérieur, d'utiliser des quantités relativement importantes de caoutchouc lors du gainage. De telles quantités conduisent à un débordement parasite, plus ou moins prononcé, du caoutchouc cru à la périphérie du câble terminé de fabrication.On the other hand, if one wants to be able to guarantee a high penetration rate by the rubber inside the cable to obtain a permeability to the air of the cable, along its axis, which is as low as It has been found necessary, according to these prior art methods, to use relatively large amounts of rubber during sheathing. Such quantities lead to a spurious overflow, more or less pronounced, of the raw rubber at the periphery of the finished cable manufacturing.

Or, comme cela a déjà été évoqué ci-dessus, en raison du fort pouvoir collant que possède le caoutchouc à l'état cru (c'est-à-dire non réticulé), un tel débordement parasite génère à son tour des inconvénients notables lors de la manipulation ultérieure du câble, en particulier lors des opérations de calandrage qui vont suivre pour l'incorporation du câble à une bande de caoutchouc elle-même à l'état cru, avant les opérations ultimes de fabrication du bandage pneumatique et de cuisson finale.However, as already mentioned above, because of the high tackiness of the raw (ie uncrosslinked) rubber, such a spurious overflow in turn generates significant disadvantages. during the subsequent handling of the cable, in particular during the calendering operations that will follow for the incorporation of the cable into a rubber band itself in the green state, before the final operations of manufacturing the tire and cooking final.

Tous les inconvénients exposés ci-dessus ralentissent bien entendu les cadences industrielles et pénalisent le coût final des câbles et des pneumatiques qu'ils renforcent.All the disadvantages described above, of course, slow industrial speeds and penalize the final cost of the cables and tires they reinforce.

Poursuivant leurs recherches, les Demanderesses ont découvert un procédé de fabrication amélioré qui permet de pallier les inconvénients précités.Continuing their research, the Applicants have discovered an improved manufacturing process that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks.

En conséquence, un premier objet de l'invention est un procédé de fabrication d'un câble métallique à trois couches concentriques (C1, C2, C3), du type gommé in situ c'est-à-dire incorporant une composition de caoutchouc à l'état non réticulé (cru) dite « gomme de remplissage », ledit câble comportant une première couche interne ou noyau (C1) autour duquel sont entourés ensemble en hélice selon un pas p2, en une deuxième couche intermédiaire (C2), N fils de diamètre d2, N variant de 3 à 12, deuxième couche autour de laquelle sont entourés ensemble en hélice selon un pas p3, en une troisième couche externe (C3), P fils de diamètre d3, P variant de 8 à 20, ledit procédé comportant les étapes suivantes :

  • une première étape de gainage du noyau (C1) par la gomme de remplissage ;
  • une première étape d'assemblage par retordage des N fils de la deuxième couche (C2) autour du noyau (C1) ainsi gainé, pour formation en un point, dit «point d'assemblage » d'un câble intermédiaire dit « toron d'âme » (C1+C2) ;
  • en aval dudit point d'assemblage, une seconde étape de gainage du toron d'âme (C1+C2) par la gomme de remplissage ;
  • une seconde étape d'assemblage par retordage des P fils de la troisième couche (C3) autour du toron d'âme (C1+C2) ainsi gainé ;
  • une étape d'équilibrage final des torsions du câble comprenant la gomme de remplissage à l'état non réticulé.
Accordingly, a first object of the invention is a method of manufacturing a metal cable with three concentric layers (C1, C2, C3) of the type gummed in situ, that is to say incorporating a rubber composition to the uncrosslinked (green) state called "filling rubber", said cable comprising a first inner layer or core (C1) around which are surrounded together in a helix in a pitch p 2 , in a second intermediate layer (C2), N son of diameter d 2 , N varying from 3 to 12, second layer around which are surrounded together in a helix in a step p 3 , in a third outer layer (C3), P son of diameter d 3 , P varying from 8 to 20, said method comprising the following steps:
  • a first step of sheathing the core (C1) with the filling rubber;
  • a first assembly step by twisting the N son of the second layer (C2) around the core (C1) and sheathed for formation at a point, called "assembly point" of an intermediate cable called "strand of soul "(C1 + C2);
  • downstream of said assembly point, a second step of sheathing the core strand (C1 + C2) by the filling rubber;
  • a second assembly step by twisting the P son of the third layer (C3) around the core strand (C1 + C2) and sheathed;
  • a final balancing step of the twists of the cable comprising the filling rubber in the uncrosslinked state.

Ce procédé de l'invention permet de fabriquer, de préférence en ligne et en continu, un câble à trois couches qui, comparé aux câbles à trois couches gommés in situ de l'art antérieur, a l'avantage notable de comporter une quantité réduite de gomme de remplissage, ce qui lui garantit une meilleure compacité, cette gomme étant en outre répartie uniformément à l'intérieur du câble, à l'intérieur de chacun de ses capillaires, lui conférant ainsi une imperméabilité longitudinale encore améliorée.This method of the invention makes it possible to manufacture, preferably in line and continuously, a three-layer cable which, compared to the three-layer gummed in situ cables of the prior art, has the significant advantage of having a reduced quantity. filling gum, which guarantees a better compactness, this gum being furthermore evenly distributed to the inside of the cable, inside each of its capillaries, thus conferring on it an improved longitudinal impermeability.

L'invention concerne également un dispositif d'assemblage et gommage en ligne, utilisable pour la mise en oeuvre de procédé de l'invention, ledit dispositif comportant d'amont en aval, selon la direction d'avancement du câble en cours de formation :

  • des moyens d'alimentation de la première couche ou noyau (C1) ;
  • des premiers moyens de gainage du noyau (C1) ;
  • des moyens d'alimentation des N fils de la deuxième couche (C2) et des premiers moyens d'assemblage par retordage de ces N fils autour du noyau (C1) gainé, en un point dit point d'assemblage, pour formation d'un câble intermédiaire dit « toron d'âme » (C1+C2);
  • en aval dudit point d'assemblage, des seconds moyens de gainage du toron d'âme (C1+C2) ;
  • en sortie des seconds moyens de gainage, des moyens d'alimentation des P fils de la troisième couche (C3) et des seconds moyens d'assemblage par retordage de ces P fils autour du toron d'âme (C1+C2), pour mise en place de la troisième couche (C3) ;
  • en sortie desdits seconds moyens d'assemblage, des moyens d'équilibrage de torsion.
The invention also relates to an assembly device and in-line scrubbing, usable for implementing the method of the invention, said device comprising upstream downstream, according to the direction of advancement of the cable being formed:
  • feed means for the first layer or core (C1);
  • first cladding means of the core (C1);
  • means for feeding the N son of the second layer (C2) and the first assembly means by twisting these N son around the core (C1) sheathed, at a point called said point of assembly, for forming a intermediate cable called "core strand" (C1 + C2);
  • downstream from said assembly point, second cladding means of the core strand (C1 + C2);
  • at the output of the second cladding means, means for feeding the P wires of the third layer (C3) and second assembly means by twisting these P wires around the core strand (C1 + C2), for setting in place of the third layer (C3);
  • at the output of said second assembly means, torsion balancing means.

L'invention ainsi que ses avantages seront aisément compris à la lumière de la description et des exemples de réalisation qui suivent, ainsi que des figures 1 à 3 relatives à ces exemples qui schématisent, respectivement :

  • un exemple de dispositif de retordage et gommage in situ utilisable pour la fabrication d'un câble à trois couches du type compact, selon un procédé conforme à l'invention (Fig. 1) ;
  • en coupe transversale, un câble de construction 1+6+12, gommé in situ, du type compact, susceptible d'être fabriqué par le procédé de l'invention (Fig. 2) ;
  • en coupe transversale, un câble de construction 1+6+12 conventionnel, non gommé in situ, également du type compact (Fig. 3).
The invention as well as its advantages will be readily understood in the light of the description and the following exemplary embodiments, as well as Figures 1 to 3 relating to these examples which schematize, respectively:
  • an example of an in situ twisting and scrubbing device that can be used for the manufacture of a cable of three layers of the compact type, according to a method according to the invention ( Fig. 1 );
  • in cross-section, a construction cable 1 + 6 + 12, gummed in situ, of the compact type, which can be manufactured by the process of the invention ( Fig. 2 );
  • in cross-section, a conventional 1 + 6 + 12 construction cable, not gummed in situ, also of the compact type ( Fig. 3 ).

I. DESCRIPTION DETAILLEE DE L'INVENTIONI. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Dans la présente description, sauf indication expresse différente, tous les pourcentages (%) indiqués sont des % massiques.In the present description, unless expressly indicated otherwise, all the percentages (%) indicated are% by weight.

D'autre part, tout intervalle de valeurs désigné par l'expression "entre a et b" représente le domaine de valeurs allant de plus de a à moins de b (c'est-à-dire bornes a et b exclues) tandis que tout intervalle de valeurs désigné par l'expression "de a à b" signifie le domaine de valeurs allant de a jusqu'à b (c'est-à-dire incluant les bornes strictes a et b).On the other hand, any range of values designated by the expression "between a and b" represents the range of values from more than a to less than b (i.e. terminals a and b excluded) while any range of values designated by the term "from a to b" means the range from a to b (i.e., including the strict limits a and b).

Le procédé de l'invention est destiné à la fabrication d'un câble métallique à trois couches concentriques (C1, C2, C3) du type gommé in situ, c'est-à-dire incorporant une composition de caoutchouc à l'état cru ou non réticulé dite « gomme de remplissage », ledit câble comportant une première couche interne ou noyau (C1) autour duquel sont entourés ensemble en hélice selon un pas p2, en une deuxième couche intermédiaire (C2), N fils de diamètre d2, N variant de 3 à 12, deuxième couche autour de laquelle sont entourés ensemble en hélice selon un pas p3, en une troisième couche externe (C3), P fils de diamètre d3, P variant de 8 à 20, ledit procédé comportant les étapes suivantes, opérées de préférence en ligne et en continu :

  • une première étape de gainage du noyau (C1) par la gomme de remplissage à l'état cru (c'est-à-dire non réticulée ou non cuite) ;
  • une première étape d'assemblage par retordage des N fils de la deuxième couche (C2) autour du noyau (C1) ainsi gainé, pour formation en un point, dit « point d'assemblage » d'un câble intermédiaire dit « toron d'âme » (C1+C2) ;
  • en aval du point d'assemblage, une seconde étape de gainage du toron d'âme (C1+C2) par la gomme de remplissage ;
  • une seconde étape d'assemblage par retordage des P fils de la troisième couche (C3) autour du toron d'âme ainsi gainé ;
  • une étape d'équilibrage final des torsions.
The method of the invention is intended for the manufacture of a metal cable with three concentric layers (C1, C2, C3) of the type gummed in situ, that is to say incorporating a composition of rubber in the raw state or non-crosslinked called "filling rubber", said cable having a first inner layer or core (C1) around which are surrounded together helically in a pitch p 2 , in a second intermediate layer (C2), N son diameter d 2 , N varying from 3 to 12, second layer around which are surrounded together in a helix in a step p 3 , in a third outer layer (C3), P son of diameter d 3 , P varying from 8 to 20, said method comprising the following steps, preferably operated online and continuously:
  • a first cladding step of the core (C1) by the filling gum in the green state (that is to say uncrosslinked or uncured);
  • a first assembly step by twisting the N son of the second layer (C2) around the core (C1) and sheathed for formation at a point, called "assembly point" of an intermediate cable called "strand of soul "(C1 + C2);
  • downstream of the assembly point, a second step of sheathing the core strand (C1 + C2) with the filling rubber;
  • a second assembly step by twisting the P son of the third layer (C3) around the core strand and sheathed;
  • a final balancing step of the twists.

On rappelle ici qu'il existe deux techniques possibles d'assemblage de fils métalliques :

  • soit par câblage : dans un tel cas, les fils ne subissent pas de torsion autour de leur propre axe, en raison d'une rotation synchrone avant et après le point d'assemblage ;
  • soit par retordage : dans un tel cas, les fils subissent à la fois une torsion collective et une torsion individuelle autour de leur propre axe, ce qui génère un couple de détorsion sur chacun des fils.
It is recalled here that there are two possible techniques for assembling metal wires:
  • or by wiring: in such a case, the wires are not twisted around their own axis, due to a synchronous rotation before and after the assembly point;
  • either by twisting: in such a case, the son undergo both a collective twist and an individual twist around their own axis, which generates a torque of detorsion on each son.

Une caractéristique essentielle du procédé ci-dessus est d'utiliser une étape de retordage tant pour l'assemblage de la deuxième couche (C2) autour de la première couche (C1) que pour l'assemblage de la troisième couche (C3) autour de la deuxième couche (C2).An essential feature of the above method is to use a twisting step both for assembling the second layer (C2) around the first layer (C1) and for assembling the third layer (C3) around the second layer (C2).

Le diamètre d0 (ou diamètre d'encombrement total) du noyau (C1) est de préférence compris dans un domaine de 0,08 à 0,50 mm, ce noyau pouvant être constitué d'un seul fil voire de plusieurs fils assemblés préalablement entre eux par tout moyen connu, par exemple par câblage ou plus préférentiellement par retordage. De préférence, le nombre noté "M" de fil(s) du noyau est compris dans un domaine de 1 à 4. Plus préférentiellement, le noyau est constitué d'un seul fil unitaire (M égal à 1) dont le diamètre d1 est lui-même plus préférentiellement compris dans un domaine de 0,08 à 0,50 mm.The diameter d 0 (or total overall diameter) of the core (C1) is preferably in a range of 0.08 to 0.50 mm, this core may consist of a single wire or several son previously assembled between them by any known means, for example by cabling or more preferably by twisting. Preferably, the number denoted "M" of yarn (s) of the core is within a range of 1 to 4. More preferably, the core consists of a single unitary wire (M equal to 1) whose diameter d 1 is itself more preferably within a range of 0.08 to 0.50 mm.

Au cours de la première étape de gainage, ce noyau est tout d'abord gainé par de la gomme de remplissage à l'état non réticulé, apportée par une vis d'extrusion à une température appropriée. La gomme de remplissage peut être ainsi délivrée en un point fixe, unique et de faible encombrement, au moyen d'une tête d'extrusion unique.During the first cladding step, this core is first sheathed by the filling rubber in the uncrosslinked state, provided by an extrusion screw at an appropriate temperature. The filling rubber can thus be delivered at a fixed point, unique and compact, by means of a single extrusion head.

La tête d'extrusion peut comporter une ou plusieurs filières, par exemple une filière amont de guidage et une filière aval de calibrage. On peut ajouter des moyens de mesure et de contrôle en continu du diamètre du noyau gainé, reliés à l'extrudeuse, ainsi que des moyens de contrôle du centrage du noyau dans la tête d'extrusion. De préférence, la température d'extrusion de la gomme de remplissage est comprise entre 50°C et 120°C, plus préférentiellement comprise entre 50°C et 100°C.The extrusion head may comprise one or more dies, for example an upstream guide die and a downstream die calibration. It is possible to add continuous measurement and control means of the diameter of the sheathed core, connected to the extruder, as well as means for controlling the centering of the core in the extrusion head. Preferably, the extrusion temperature of the filling rubber is between 50 ° C and 120 ° C, more preferably between 50 ° C and 100 ° C.

La tête d'extrusion définit ainsi une zone de gainage ayant la forme d'un cylindre de révolution dont le diamètre est compris de préférence entre 0,15 mm et 1,2 mm, plus préférentiellement entre 0,2 et 1,0 mm, et dont la longueur est de préférence comprise entre 4 et 10 mm.The extrusion head thus defines a cladding zone having the shape of a cylinder of revolution whose diameter is preferably between 0.15 mm and 1.2 mm, more preferably between 0.2 and 1.0 mm, and whose length is preferably between 4 and 10 mm.

Typiquement, en sortie de la tête d'extrusion, le noyau du câble, en tout point de sa périphérie, est recouvert d'une épaisseur minimale de gomme de remplissage qui est de préférence supérieure à 5 µm, plus préférentiellement supérieure à 10 µm, en particulier supérieure à 15 µm, notamment comprise entre 15 et 40 µm.Typically, at the outlet of the extrusion head, the core of the cable, at every point of its periphery, is covered with a minimum thickness of filling compound which is preferably greater than 5 μm, more preferably greater than 10 μm, in particular greater than 15 microns, in particular between 15 and 40 microns.

L'élastomère (ou indistinctement "caoutchouc", les deux étant considérés comme synonymes) de la gomme de remplissage est préférentiellement un élastomère diénique, c'est-à-dire par définition un élastomère issu au moins en partie (c'est-à-dire un homopolymère ou un copolymère) de monomère(s) diène(s) (i.e., monomère(s) porteur(s) de deux doubles liaisons carbone-carbone, conjuguées ou non). L"élastomère diénique est plus préférentiellement choisi dans le groupe constitué par les polybutadiènes (BR), le caoutchouc naturel (NR), les polyisoprènes de synthèse (IR), les différents copolymères de butadiène, les différents copolymères d'isoprène, et les mélanges de ces élastomères. De tels copolymères sont plus préférentiellement choisis dans le groupe constitué par les copolymères de butadiène-styrène (SBR), que ces derniers soient préparés par polymérisation en émulsion (ESBR) ou en solution (SSBR), les copolymères d'isoprène-butadiène (BIR), les copolymères d'isoprène-styrène (SIR) et les copolymères d'isoprène-butadiène-styrène (SBIR).The elastomer (or indistinctly "rubber", both of which are considered synonymous) of the filling rubber is preferably a diene elastomer, that is to say by definition an elastomer derived at least in part (ie a homopolymer or a copolymer) of monomer (s) diene (s) (ie, monomer (s) carrier (s) of two carbon-carbon double bonds, conjugated or not). The diene elastomer is more preferentially selected from the group consisting of polybutadienes (BR), natural rubber (NR), synthetic polyisoprenes (IR), various butadiene copolymers, the various isoprene copolymers, and mixtures Such copolymers are more preferably selected from the group consisting of butadiene-styrene copolymers (SBR), whether the latter are prepared by emulsion polymerization (ESBR) or in solution (SSBR), the isoprene copolymers. -butadiene (BIR), isoprene-styrene copolymers (SIR) and isoprene-butadiene-styrene copolymers (SBIR).

Un mode de réalisation préférentiel consiste à utiliser un élastomère "isoprénique", c'est-à-dire un homopolymère ou un copolymère d'isoprène, en d'autres termes un élastomère diénique choisi dans le groupe constitué par le caoutchouc naturel (NR), les polyisoprènes de synthèse (IR), les différents copolymères d'isoprène et les mélanges de ces élastomères. L'élastomère isoprénique est de préférence du caoutchouc naturel ou un polyisoprène de synthèse du type cis-1,4. Parmi ces polyisoprènes de synthèse, sont utilisés de préférence des polyisoprènes ayant un taux (% molaire) de liaisons cis-1,4 supérieur à 90%, plus préférentiellement encore supérieur à 98%. Selon d'autres modes de réalisation préférentiels, A l'élastomère isoprénique peut être également associé un autre élastomère diénique tel que, par exemple, un élastomère SBR et/ou BR.A preferred embodiment consists in using an "isoprene" elastomer, that is to say a homopolymer or a copolymer of isoprene, in other words a diene elastomer chosen from the group consisting of natural rubber (NR). , the synthetic polyisoprenes (IR), the various isoprene copolymers and the mixtures of these elastomers. The isoprene elastomer is preferably natural rubber or synthetic polyisoprene of the cis-1,4 type. Among these synthetic polyisoprenes, polyisoprenes having a content (mol%) of cis-1,4 bonds greater than 90%, more preferably still greater than 98%, are preferably used. According to other preferred embodiments, the isoprene elastomer may also be associated with another diene elastomer such as, for example, an SBR and / or BR elastomer.

La gomme de remplissage peut contenir un seul ou plusieurs élastomère(s), notamment diénique(s), ce dernier ou ces derniers pouvant être utilisé(s) en association avec tout type de polymère autre qu'élastomère.The filling rubber may contain one or more elastomer (s), especially diene (s), the latter or they may be used (s) in combination with any type of polymer other than elastomer.

La gomme de remplissage est préférentiellement du type réticulable, c'est-à-dire qu'elle comprend par définition un système de réticulation adapté pour permettre la réticulation de la composition lors de sa cuisson (i.e., son durcissement et non sa fusion) ; ainsi, dans un tel cas, cette composition de caoutchouc peut être qualifiée d'infusible, du fait qu'elle ne peut pas être fondue par chauffage à quelque température que ce soit. De préférence, dans le cas d'une composition de caoutchouc diénique, le système de réticulation de la gaine de caoutchouc est un système dit de vulcanisation, c'est-à-dire à base de soufre (ou d'un agent donneur de soufre) et d'au moins un accélérateur de vulcanisation. Mais l'invention s'applique également aux cas où la gomme de remplissage est dépourvu de soufre et même de tout autre système de réticulation, étant entendu que pourrait suffire, pour sa propre réticulation ou vulcanisation, le système de réticulation ou vulcanisation déjà présent dans la matrice de caoutchouc que le câble de l'invention est destiné à renforcer, et susceptible de migrer par contact de ladite matrice environnante vers la gomme de remplissage.The filling rubber is preferably of the crosslinkable type, that is to say that it comprises by definition a crosslinking system adapted to allow the crosslinking of the composition during its baking (i.e., its hardening and not its melting); thus, in such a case, this rubber composition can be described as infusible, since it can not be melted by heating at any temperature. Preferably, in the case of a diene rubber composition, the system for crosslinking the rubber sheath is a so-called vulcanization system, that is to say based on sulfur (or a sulfur-donor agent). ) and at least one vulcanization accelerator. But the invention also applies to cases where the filling gum is free of sulfur and even of any other crosslinking system, it being understood that it could be sufficient, for its own crosslinking or vulcanization, the crosslinking or vulcanization system already present in the rubber matrix that the cable of the invention is intended to reinforce, and capable of migrating by contact of said surrounding matrix to the filling rubber.

La gomme de remplissage peut comporter également tout ou partie des additifs usuels destinés aux matrices de caoutchouc pour pneumatiques, tels que par exemple des charges renforçantes comme le noir de carbone ou la silice, des antioxydants, des huiles, des plastifiants, des agents antiréversion, des résines, des promoteurs d'adhésion tels que sels de cobalt.The filling rubber may also comprise all or part of the usual additives intended for tire rubber matrices, such as, for example, reinforcing fillers such as carbon black or silica, antioxidants, oils, plasticizers, anti-eversion agents, resins, adhesion promoters such as cobalt salts.

Le taux de charge renforçante, par exemple du noir de carbone ou une charge inorganique renforçante telle que silice, est de préférence supérieur à 50 pce, par exemple compris entre 50 et 120 pce. Comme noirs de carbone, par exemple, conviennent tous les noirs de carbone, notamment les noirs du type HAF, ISAF, SAF conventionnellement utilisés dans les pneumatiques (noirs dits de grade pneumatique). Parmi ces derniers, on citera plus particulièrement les noirs de carbone de grade (ASTM) 300, 600 ou 700 (par exemple N326, N330, N347, N375, N683, N772). Comme charges inorganiques renforçantes conviennent notamment des charges minérales du type silice (SiO2), notamment les silice précipitées ou pyrogénées présentant une surface BET inférieure à 450 m2/g, de préférence de 30 à 400 m2/g.The level of reinforcing filler, for example carbon black or a reinforcing inorganic filler such as silica, is preferably greater than 50 phr, for example between 50 and 120 phr. As carbon blacks, for example, all carbon blacks are suitable, in particular blacks of the HAF, ISAF, SAF type conventionally used in tires (so-called pneumatic grade blacks). Among the latter, there will be mentioned more particularly the carbon blacks of ASTM grade 300, 600 or 700 (for example N326, N330, N347, N375, N683, N772). Suitable reinforcing inorganic fillers are in particular silica (SiO 2 ) type inorganic fillers, in particular precipitated or fumed silica having a BET surface area of less than 450 m 2 / g, preferably from 30 to 400 m 2 / g.

En sortie de la première étape de gainage qui précède, au cours de la première étape d'assemblage, les N fils de la deuxième couche (C2) sont retordus ensemble (direction S ou Z) autour du noyau (C1) gainé pour formation en un point dit point d'assemblage du toron d'âme (C1+C2), de manière connue en soi ; les fils sont délivrés par des moyens d'alimentation tels que des bobines, une grille de répartition, couplée ou non à un grain d'assemblage, destinés à faire converger autour du noyau les N fils en un point de torsion commun (ou point d'assemblage).At the output of the first preceding cladding step, during the first assembly step, the N son of the second layer (C2) are twisted together (direction S or Z) around the core (C1) sheathed for formation in a point said point of assembly of the core strand (C1 + C2), in a manner known per se; the son are delivered by supply means such as coils, a distribution grid, coupled or not to a connecting grain, intended to converge around the core N son in a common point of torsion (or point d 'assembly).

Préférentiellement, le diamètre d2 des N fils est compris dans un domaine de 0,08 à 0,45 mm et le pas de retordage p2 est compris dans un domaine de 5 à 30 mm. On rappelle ici que, de manière connue, le pas « p » représente la longueur, mesurée parallèlement à l'axe du câble, au bout de laquelle un fil ayant ce pas effectue un tour complet autour dudit axe du câble.Preferably, the diameter d 2 of the N son is within a range of 0.08 to 0.45 mm and the twisting pitch p 2 is within a range of 5 to 30 mm. It will be recalled here that, in known manner, the pitch "p" represents the length, measured parallel to the axis of the cable, at the end of which a wire having this pitch performs a complete revolution about said axis of the cable.

Au cours de ce retordage, les N fils viennent s'appuyer sur la gomme de remplissage, s'incruster dans la gaine de gomme recouvrant le noyau (C1). Cette gomme de remplissage, en quantité suffisante, remplit alors naturellement les capillaires qui se forment entre le noyau (C1) et la deuxième couche (C2).During this twisting, the N son come to rely on the filling rubber, to become embedded in the gum sheath covering the core (C1). This filling rubber, in sufficient quantity, then naturally fills the capillaries that form between the core (C1) and the second layer (C2).

En aval du point d'assemblage, la contrainte de tension exercée sur le toron d'âme est de préférence comprise entre 10 et 25% de sa force à la rupture.Downstream of the assembly point, the tension stress exerted on the core strand is preferably between 10 and 25% of its breaking force.

Au cours d'une seconde étape de gainage, le toron d'âme (C1+C2) ainsi formé est gainé à son tour par la gomme de remplissage à l'état cru, apportée par exemple par une seconde tête d'extrusion portée à une température appropriée.During a second cladding step, the core strand (C1 + C2) thus formed is in turn sheathed by the filling gum in the green state, brought for example by a second extrusion head carried to an appropriate temperature.

Comme précédemment, cette tête d'extrusion peut comporter une ou plusieurs filières, par exemple une filière amont de guidage et une filière aval de calibrage ; peuvent être ajoutés également des moyens de mesure et de contrôle en continu du diamètre du toron d'âme gainé, reliés à l'extrudeuse, ainsi que des moyens de contrôle du centrage toron d'âme dans la tête d'extrusion. De préférence, la température d'extrusion de la gomme de remplissage est comprise entre 50°C et 120°C, plus préférentiellement comprise entre 50°C et 100°C.As before, this extrusion head may comprise one or more dies, for example an upstream guide die and a downstream die calibration; may also be added means for measuring and continuously monitoring the diameter of the sheathed core strand, connected to the extruder, as well as web centering control means in the extrusion head. Preferably, the extrusion temperature of the filling rubber is between 50 ° C and 120 ° C, more preferably between 50 ° C and 100 ° C.

La tête d'extrusion définit une zone de gainage ayant la forme d'un cylindre de révolution dont le diamètre est compris de préférence entre 0,4 et 1,2 mm, plus préférentiellement entre 0,5 et 1,0 mm, et dont la longueur est de préférence comprise entre 4 et 10 mm.The extrusion head defines a cladding zone in the form of a cylinder of revolution whose diameter is preferably between 0.4 and 1.2 mm, more preferably between 0.5 and 1.0 mm, and the length is preferably between 4 and 10 mm.

Typiquement, en sortie de la seconde tête d'extrusion, le toron d'âme (C1+C2) ainsi gainé, en tout point de sa périphérie, est recouvert d'une épaisseur minimale de gomme de remplissage qui est préférentiellement supérieure à 5 µm, plus préférentiellement supérieure à 10 µm, notamment comprise entre 15 et 50 µm.Typically, at the outlet of the second extrusion head, the core strand (C1 + C2) thus sheathed, at every point of its periphery, is covered with a minimum thickness of filling compound which is preferably greater than 5 μm. more preferably greater than 10 μm, in particular between 15 and 50 μm.

Au cours d'une seconde étape d'assemblage, on procède à l'assemblage final, toujours par retordage (direction S ou Z), des P fils de la troisième couche ou couche externe (C3) autour du toron d'âme (C1+C2) ainsi gainé. Préférentiellement, le diamètre d3 des P fils est compris dans un domaine de 0,08 à 0,45 mm et le pas de retordage p3 est supérieur ou égal à p2, en particulier compris dans un domaine de 5 à 30 mm.During a second assembly step, the final assembly is carried out, always by twisting (S or Z direction), P son of the third layer or outer layer (C3) around the core strand (C1 + C2) thus sheathed. Preferably, the diameter d 3 of P son is in a range of 0.08 to 0.45 mm and the twisting pitch p 3 is greater than or equal to p 2 , in particular in a range of 5 to 30 mm.

Au cours du retordage, les P fils viennent s'appuyer à leur tour sur la gomme de remplissage présente à la périphérie du toron d'âme, s'incruster dans cette dernière. La gomme de remplissage, sous la pression exercée par ces P fils externes, remplit alors partiellement les capillaires ou cavités laissés vides par les fils, entre la deuxième couche (C2) et la couche externe (C3).During the twisting, the P son come to bear in turn on the filling rubber present at the periphery of the core strand, to become embedded in the latter. The filling rubber, under the pressure exerted by these P external son, then partially fills the capillaries or cavities left empty by the son, between the second layer (C2) and the outer layer (C3).

A ce stade du procédé, le câble de l'invention n'est pas encore terminé : les capillaires ci-dessus délimités par les N fils de la deuxième couche (C2) et les P fils de la troisième couche (C3), ne sont pas encore remplis de gomme de remplissage de manière suffisante pour l'obtention d'un câble ayant une imperméabilité à l'air qui soit optimale.At this stage of the process, the cable of the invention is not yet complete: the above capillaries delimited by the N wires of the second layer (C2) and the P wires of the third layer (C3) are not not yet filled with filling rubber sufficiently to obtain a cable having an impermeability to air that is optimal.

L'étape essentielle qui suit consiste à faire passer le câble, ainsi pourvu de sa gomme de remplissage à l'état cru, à travers des moyens d'équilibrage de torsion. Par "équilibrage de torsion", on entend ici de manière connue l'annulation des couples de torsion résiduels (ou du retour élastique de détorsion) s'exerçant sur chaque fil du câble à l'état retordu, dans sa couche respective. Les outils d'équilibrage de la torsion sont connus de l'homme du métier du retordage ; ils peuvent consister par exemple en des "dresseurs" et/ou des "retordeurs" et/ou des "retordeurs-dresseurs" constitués soit de poulies pour les retordeurs, soit de galets de petit diamètre pour les dresseurs, poulies ou galets à travers lesquels circule le câble, dans un seul plan ou de préférence dans au moins deux plans différents.The next essential step is to pass the cable, thus provided with its filling rubber in the green state, through torsion balancing means. By "torsion balancing" is meant here in a known manner the cancellation of the residual torsional torques (or detorsional springback) exerted on each wire of the cable in the twisted state, in its respective layer. Torsion balancing tools are known to those skilled in the art of twisting; they may consist for example of "trainers" and / or "twisters" and / or "twister-trainers" consisting of either pulleys for twisters or small diameter rollers for trainers, pulleys or rollers through which circulates the cable in a single plane or preferably in at least two different planes.

On suppose a posteriori que, lors du passage à travers les différents moyens d'équilibrage ci-dessus, ces derniers génèrent, sur les N et P fils des deuxième et troisième couches (C2 et C3), une torsion et pression radiale qui sont suffisantes pour répartir, distribuer de manière homogène la gomme de remplissage à l'état cru (i.e., non réticulée, non cuite), encore chaude et relativement fluide, à l'intérieur des capillaires formés par les N fils de la deuxième couche (C2) et les P fils de la troisième couche (C3), offrant finalement au câble de l'invention l'excellente propriété d'imperméabilité à l'air qui le caractérise. La fonction de dressage, apportée par l'utilisation d'un outil dresseur, aurait en outre pour avantage que le contact des galets du dresseur avec les fils de la couche externe (C3) va exercer une pression supplémentaire sur la gomme de remplissage favorisant encore sa répartition optimale dans les capillaires présents entre les deuxième couche (C2) et la troisième couche (C3) du câble.It is assumed a posteriori that, during the passage through the various balancing means above, the latter generate, on the N and P son of the second and third layers (C2 and C3), a torsion and radial pressure which are sufficient for distributing, homogeneously distributing the filling gum in the uncured (ie uncured, uncured) state, still hot and relatively fluid, within the capillaries formed by the N wires of the second layer (C2) and the P wires of the third layer (C3), finally providing the cable of the invention with the excellent property of air impermeability which characterizes it. The training function, provided by the use of a trainer tool, would also have the advantage that the contact of roller of the trainer with the son of the outer layer (C3) will exert additional pressure on the filling rubber further promoting its optimal distribution in the capillaries present between the second layer (C2) and the third layer (C3) of the cable.

En d'autres termes, le procédé de l'invention décrit ci-dessus exploite la torsion des fils et la pression radiale s'exerçant sur ces derniers au stade final de fabrication du câble, pour répartir radialement la gomme de remplissage à l'intérieur du câble, tout en contrôlant parfaitement la quantité de gomme de remplissage fournie. L'homme du métier saura notamment ajuster l'agencement, le diamètre des poulies et/ou galets des moyens d'équilibrage de torsion pour jouer sur l'intensité de la pression radiale s'exerçant sur les fils.In other words, the method of the invention described above exploits the torsion of the son and the radial pressure exerted on them at the final stage of manufacture of the cable, to radially distribute the filling rubber inside. cable, while perfectly controlling the amount of filling compound provided. The person skilled in the art will in particular be able to adjust the arrangement, the diameter of the pulleys and / or rollers of the torsion balancing means in order to modify the intensity of the radial pressure exerted on the threads.

Ainsi, de manière inattendue, il s'est avéré possible de faire pénétrer la gomme de remplissage au coeur même du câble de l'invention, dans l'ensemble de ses capillaires, en déposant la gomme en aval du point d'assemblage des N fils autour de la première couche ou noyau (C1), tout en contrôlant et en optimisant la quantité de gomme de remplissage délivrée grâce à l'emploi de deux têtes d'extrusion successives.Thus, unexpectedly, it has been found possible to make the filling rubber penetrate the heart of the cable of the invention, in all of its capillaries, by depositing the rubber downstream of the N-joint point. son around the first layer or core (C1), while controlling and optimizing the amount of filling gum delivered through the use of two successive extrusion heads.

Après cette étape ultime d'équilibrage de la torsion, la fabrication du câble selon le procédé de l'invention, gommé in situ par sa gomme de remplissage à l'état cru, est terminée. Préférentiellement, dans ce câble terminé, l'épaisseur de gomme de remplissage entre deux fils adjacents du câble, quels qu'ils soient, est supérieure à 1 µm, de préférence comprise entre 1 et 10 µm. Ce câble peut être enroulé sur une bobine de réception, pour stockage, avant d'être traité par exemple à travers une installation de calandrage, pour préparation d'un tissu composite métal-caoutchouc utilisable par exemple comme armature de carcasse de pneumatique.After this final step of balancing the torsion, the manufacture of the cable according to the method of the invention, gummed in situ by its filling rubber in the green state, is completed. Preferably, in this finished cable, the thickness of filling rubber between two adjacent wires of the cable, whatever they are, is greater than 1 micron, preferably between 1 and 10 microns. This cable can be wound on a receiving reel, for storage, before being processed, for example, through a calendering installation, for preparing a metal-rubber composite fabric that can be used, for example, as a tire carcass reinforcement.

Selon un mode de réalisation préférentiel de l'invention, la quantité totale de gomme de remplissage délivrée par les premiers et seconds moyens de gainage précédemment décrits, est ajustée dans un domaine préférentiel compris entre 5 et 40 mg, notamment entre 5 et 30 mg par gramme de câble final (i.e., terminé de fabrication, gommé in situ). Ainsi, selon un mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention, la quantité de gomme de remplissage délivrée par chacun des premiers et seconds moyens de gainage peut être avantageusement ajustée dans un domaine préférentiel compris entre 2,5 et 20 mg, notamment entre 2,5 et 15 mg par gramme de câble final.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the total amount of filling gum delivered by the first and second cladding means previously described is adjusted in a preferred range of between 5 and 40 mg, in particular between 5 and 30 mg per gram of final cable (ie, finished manufacturing, gummed in situ). Thus, according to a particular embodiment of the invention, the amount of filling gum delivered by each of the first and second cladding means may advantageously be adjusted in a preferred range between 2.5 and 20 mg, in particular between 2, 5 and 15 mg per gram of final cable.

En dessous des minima indiqués, il n'est pas possible de garantir que la gomme de remplissage soit bien présente dans chacun des capillaires ou interstices du câble, tandis qu'au-delà des maxima préconisés, on peut s'exposer aux différents problèmes précédemment décrits dus au débordement de la gomme de remplissage à la périphérie du câble, selon les conditions particulières de mise en oeuvre de l'invention et la construction spécifique des câbles fabriqués.Below the minimum indicated, it is not possible to guarantee that the filling rubber is present in each of the capillaries or interstices of the cable, while beyond the recommended maxima, one can expose oneself to the various problems previously described due to the overflow of the filling rubber at the periphery of the cable, according to the particular conditions of implementation of the invention and the specific construction of the cables manufactured.

Selon un autre mode préférentiel de l'invention, on a la relation suivante qui est vérifiée (d1, d2, d3, p2 et p3 étant exprimés en mm): 5 π d 1 + d 2 < p 2 p 3 < 10 π d 1 + 2 d 2 + d 3 .

Figure imgb0001
According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the following relationship is satisfied (d 1 , d 2 , d 3 , p 2 and p 3 being expressed in mm): 5 π d 1 + d 2 < p 2 p 3 < 10 π d 1 + 2 d 2 + d 3 .
Figure imgb0001

Plus particulièrement, on a la relation suivante qui est vérifiée : 5 π d 1 + d 2 < p 2 p 3 < 5 π d 1 + 2 d 2 + d 3 .

Figure imgb0002
In particular, we have the following relation which is verified: 5 π d 1 + d 2 < p 2 p 3 < 5 π d 1 + 2 d 2 + d 3 .
Figure imgb0002

Avantageusement, les pas p2 et p3 sont égaux, ce qui simplifie le procédé de fabrication.Advantageously, the steps p 2 and p 3 are equal, which simplifies the manufacturing process.

L'homme de l'art saura, à la lumière de la présente description, ajuster la formulation de la gomme de remplissage afin d'atteindre les niveaux de propriétés (notamment module d'élasticité) souhaités, et adapter la formulation à l'application spécifique envisagée.Those skilled in the art will know, in the light of the present description, adjust the formulation of the filling rubber in order to achieve the desired levels of properties (including modulus of elasticity), and adapt the formulation to the application specific consideration.

Selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention, la formulation de la gomme de remplissage peut être choisie identique à la formulation de la matrice de caoutchouc que le câble final est destiné à renforcer ; ainsi, il n'y a aucun problème de compatibilité entre les matériaux respectifs de la gomme de remplissage et de ladite matrice de caoutchouc.According to a first embodiment of the invention, the formulation of the filling rubber may be chosen to be identical to the formulation of the rubber matrix that the final cable is intended to reinforce; thus, there is no problem of compatibility between the respective materials of the filling rubber and said rubber matrix.

Selon un second mode de réalisation de l'invention, la formulation de la gomme de remplissage peut être choisie différente de la formulation de la matrice de caoutchouc que le câble final est destiné à renforcer. On pourra notamment ajuster la formulation de la gomme de remplissage en utilisant une quantité relativement élevée de promoteur d'adhésion, typiquement par exemple de 5 à 15 pce d'un sel métallique tel qu'un sel de cobalt, de nickel ou un sel de lanthanide tel que néodyme (voir notamment demande WO 2005/113666 ), et en réduisant avantageusement la quantité dudit promoteur (voire en le supprimant totalement) dans la matrice de caoutchouc environnante. Bien entendu, on pourra également ajuster la formulation de la gomme de remplissage en vue d'optimiser sa viscosité et ainsi sa pénétration à l'intérieur du câble lors de la fabrication de ce dernier.According to a second embodiment of the invention, the formulation of the filling compound may be chosen different from the formulation of the rubber matrix that the final cable is intended to reinforce. In particular, the formulation of the filling gum may be adjusted by using a relatively high quantity of adhesion promoter, typically for example from 5 to 15 phr of a metal salt such as a salt of cobalt, nickel or a salt of lanthanide such as neodymium (see in particular application WO 2005/113666 ), and advantageously reducing the amount of said promoter (or even removing it completely) in the surrounding rubber matrix. Of course, it will also be possible to adjust the formulation of the filling compound in order to optimize its viscosity and thus its penetration inside the cable during manufacture of the latter.

De préférence, la gomme de remplissage présente, à l'état réticulé, un module sécant en extension E10 (à 10% d'allongement) qui est compris entre 2 et 25 MPa, plus préférentiellement entre 3 et 20 MPa, en particulier compris dans un domaine de 3 à 15 MPa.Preferably, the filling rubber has, in the crosslinked state, a secant modulus in extension E10 (at 10% elongation) which is between 2 and 25 MPa, more preferably between 3 and 20 MPa, in particular included in a range of 3 to 15 MPa.

De préférence, la troisième couche (C3) a pour caractéristique préférentielle d'être une couche saturée, c'est-à-dire que, par définition, il n'existe pas suffisamment de place dans cette couche pour y ajouter au moins un (Pmax+1)ème fil de diamètre d3, Pmax représentant le nombre maximal de fils enroulables en une troisième couche (C3) autour de la deuxième couche (C2). Cette construction a pour avantage de limiter le risque de débordement de gomme de remplissage à sa périphérie et d'offrir, pour un diamètre donné du câble, une résistance plus élevée.Preferably, the third layer (C3) has the preferred characteristic of being a saturated layer, that is to say that, by definition, there is not enough room in this layer to add at least one ( P max +1) th wire of diameter d 3 , P max representing the maximum number of wires rollable in a third layer (C3) around the second layer (C2). This construction has the advantage of limiting the risk of overfilling gum filling at its periphery and offer, for a given diameter of the cable, a higher strength.

Ainsi, le nombre P de fils de la troisième couche peut varier dans une très large mesure selon le mode de réalisation particulier de l'invention, étant entendu que le nombre maximal de fils P sera augmenté si leur diamètre d3 est réduit comparativement au diamètre d2 des fils de la deuxième couche, afin de conserver préférentiellement la couche externe dans un état saturé.Thus, the number P of son of the third layer can vary to a very large extent according to the particular embodiment of the invention, it being understood that the maximum number of P son will be increased if their diameter d 3 is reduced compared to the diameter d 2 son of the second layer, in order to preferentially keep the outer layer in a saturated state.

De préférence, la première couche (C1) est constituée d'un fil unitaire (i.e., M = 1) et le diamètre d1 est compris dans un domaine de 0,08 à 0,50 mm.Preferably, the first layer (C1) consists of a unitary yarn (ie, M = 1) and the diameter d 1 is within a range of 0.08 to 0.50 mm.

Si le noyau (C1) est constitué de plusieurs fils (i.e., M est différent de 1), alors les M fils sont préférentiellement assemblés entre eux selon un pas d'assemblage qui est de préférence compris entre 4 et 15 mm, notamment entre 5 et 10 mm.If the core (C1) consists of several wires (ie, M is different from 1), then the M wires are preferably assembled together in an assembly pitch which is preferably between 4 and 15 mm, in particular between 5 and 15 mm. and 10 mm.

Selon un autre mode de réalisation préférentiel, la deuxième couche (C2) comporte 5 à 7 fils (i.e., N varie de 5 à 7). Selon un autre mode particulièrement préférentiel, la couche C3 comporte de 10 à 14 fils ; sont particulièrement sélectionnés parmi les câbles ci-dessus ceux constitués de fils ayant sensiblement le même diamètre de la couche C2 à la couche C3 (soit d2 = d3).According to another preferred embodiment, the second layer (C2) has 5 to 7 wires (ie, N varies from 5 to 7). According to another particularly preferred embodiment, the layer C3 comprises from 10 to 14 wires; are particularly selected from the cables above those consisting of son having substantially the same diameter of the layer C2 to the C3 layer (ie d 2 = d 3 ).

Selon un autre mode de réalisation plus préférentiel, la première couche (C1) comporte un seul fil (M égal à 1), la deuxième couche (C2) comporte 6 fils (N égal à 6) et la troisième couche (C3) comporte 11 ou 12 fils (P égal à 11 ou 12). En d'autres termes, le câble de l'invention a pour constructions préférentielles 1+6+11 ou 1+6+12.According to another more preferred embodiment, the first layer (C1) comprises a single wire (M equal to 1), the second layer (C2) has 6 wires (N equal to 6) and the third layer (C3) comprises 11 or 12 wires (P equal to 11 or 12). In other words, the cable of the invention has the preferred constructions 1 + 6 + 11 or 1 + 6 + 12.

Le câble préparé selon l'invention, comme tout câble à couche, peut être de deux types, à savoir du type à couches compact ou du type à couches cylindriques.The cable prepared according to the invention, like any layer cable, can be of two types, namely of the compact layer type or the type with cylindrical layers.

Selon un mode de réalisation particulièrement préférentiel de l'invention, les fils de la troisième couche (C3) sont enroulés en hélice au même pas (p2 = p3) et dans le même sens de torsion (c'est-à-dire soit dans la direction S (disposition "S/S"), soit dans la direction Z (disposition "Z/Z")) que les fils de la deuxième couche intermédiaire (C2), pour l'obtention d'un câble à couches du type compact tel que schématisé par exemple à la figure 2.According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the son of the third layer (C3) are helically wound at the same pitch (p 2 = p 3 ) and in the same direction of torsion (that is to say either in the direction S ("S / S" arrangement) or in the Z direction ("Z / Z" arrangement)) and the second intermediate layer (C2) wires, in order to obtain a layered cable compact type as schematized for example in the figure 2 .

Dans de tels câbles à couches compacts, la compacité est telle que pratiquement aucune couche distincte de fils n'est visible ; il en résulte que la section transversale de tels câbles a un contour qui est généralement polygonal et non cylindrique, comme illustré par exemple sur les figure 2 (câble compact 1+6+12 gommé in situ) et figure 3 (câble compact 1+6+12 conventionnel, c'est-à-dire non gommé in situ).In such compact-layer cables, the compactness is such that virtually no distinct layer of wires is visible; as a result, the cross-section of such cables has an outline which is generally polygonal and non-cylindrical, as illustrated for example in figure 2 (compact cable 1 + 6 + 12 gummed in situ) and figure 3 (compact cable 1 + 6 + 12 conventional, that is to say not gummed in situ).

Ainsi préparé, le câble fabriqué selon l'invention peut être qualifié d'étanche à l'air à l'état cuit : au test de perméabilité à l'air décrit au paragraphe II-1-B qui suit, il se caractérise par un débit d'air moyen inférieur à 2 cm3/min, de préférence inférieur ou au plus égal à 0,2 cm3/min.Thus prepared, the cable manufactured according to the invention can be described as airtight in the fired state: in the air permeability test described in paragraph II-1-B which follows, it is characterized by a average air flow rate less than 2 cm 3 / min, preferably less than or equal to 0.2 cm 3 / min.

Le procédé de l'invention présente l'avantage de rendre possible l'opération complète de retordage initial, gommage et retordage final en ligne et en une seule étape, quel que soit le type de câble produit (câble compact comme câble à couches cylindriques), tout ceci à haute vitesse. Le procédé ci-dessus peut être mis en oeuvre à une vitesse (vitesse de défilement du câble sur la ligne de retordage-gommage) supérieure à 50 m/min, préférentiellement supérieure à 70 m/min.The method of the invention has the advantage of making possible the complete operation of initial twisting, scrubbing and final twisting in line and in a single step, regardless of the type of cable produced (compact cable as cable with cylindrical layers) , all this at high speed. The above method can be implemented at a speed (running speed of the cable on the twisting-scrub line) greater than 50 m / min, preferably greater than 70 m / min.

Le procédé de l'invention rend possible la fabrication de câbles qui peuvent être dépourvus (ou quasiment dépourvus) de gomme de remplissage à leur périphérie. Par une telle expression, on entend qu'aucune particule de gomme de remplissage n'est visible, à l'oeil nu, à la périphérie du câble, c'est-à-dire que l'homme du métier ne fait pas de différence en sortie de fabrication, à l'oeil nu et à une distance de trois mètres ou plus, entre une bobine de câble conforme à l'invention et une bobine de câble conventionnel non gommé in situ.The method of the invention makes it possible to manufacture cables which may be lacking (or virtually devoid of) filling gum at their periphery. By such an expression, it is meant that no particle of filling compound is visible, with the naked eye, at the periphery of the cable, that is to say that the person skilled in the art does not make any difference at the end of the manufacturing process, with the naked eye and at a distance of three meters or more, between a cable reel according to the invention and a conventional cable reel not gummed in situ.

Ce procédé s'applique bien entendu à la fabrication de câbles du type compacts (pour rappel et par définition, ceux dont les couches C2 et C3 sont enroulées au même pas et dans le même sens) comme à la fabrication de câbles du type à couches cylindriques (pour rappel et par définition, ceux dont les couches C2 et C3 sont enroulées soit à des pas différents (quels que soient leurs sens de torsion, identiques ou pas), soit dans des sens opposés (quels que soient leurs pas, identiques ou différents)).This method naturally applies to the manufacture of compact type cables (for recall and by definition, those whose layers C2 and C3 are wound at the same pitch and in the same direction) as for the manufacture of cables of the layer type cylindrical (for recall and by definition, those whose layers C2 and C3 are wound either at different steps (whatever their direction of torsion, identical or not), or in opposite directions (whatever their steps, identical or different)).

Par câble métallique, on entend par définition dans la présente demande un câble formé de fils constitués majoritairement (c'est-à-dire pour plus de 50% en nombre de ces fils) ou intégralement (pour 100% des fils) d'un matériau métallique. Indépendamment les uns des autres et d'une couche à l'autre, le ou les fils du noyau (C1), les fils de la deuxième couche (C2) et les fils de la troisième couche (C3) sont de préférence en acier, plus préférentiellement en acier au carbone. Mais il est bien entendu possible d'utiliser d'autres aciers, par exemple un acier inoxydable, ou d'autres alliages. Lorsqu'un acier au carbone est utilisé, sa teneur en carbone (% en poids d'acier) est de préférence comprise entre 0,4% et 1,2%, notamment entre 0,5% et 1,1% ; ces teneurs représentent un bon compromis entre les propriétés mécaniques requises pour le pneumatique et la faisabilité des fils. Il est à noter qu'une teneur en carbone comprise entre 0,5% et 0,6% rend de tels aciers finalement moins coûteux car plus faciles à tréfiler. Un autre mode avantageux de réalisation de l'invention peut consister aussi, selon les applications visées, à utiliser des aciers à faible teneur en carbone, comprise par exemple entre 0,2% et 0,5%, en raison notamment d'un coût plus bas et d'une plus grande facilité de tréfilage.By wire rope, is meant by definition in the present application a cable formed of son constituted mainly (that is to say for more than 50% in number of these son) or integrally (for 100% son) a metallic material. Independently of each other and from one layer to another, the core wire (s) (C1), the wires of the second layer (C2) and the wires of the third layer (C3) are preferably made of steel, more preferably carbon steel. But it is of course possible to use other steels, for example a stainless steel, or other alloys. When carbon steel is used, its carbon content (% by weight of steel) is preferably between 0.4% and 1.2%, especially between 0.5% and 1.1%; these levels represent a good compromise between the mechanical properties required for the tire and the feasibility of the wires. It should be noted that a carbon content of between 0.5% and 0.6% makes such steels ultimately less expensive because easier to draw. Another advantageous embodiment of the invention may also consist, according to the targeted applications, to use low carbon steels, for example between 0.2% and 0.5%, due in particular to lower cost and greater ease of drawing.

Un dispositif d'assemblage et gommage utilisable préférentiellement pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé de l'invention précédemment décrit, est un dispositif comportant d'amont en aval, selon la direction d'avancement d'un câble en cours de formation :

  • des moyens d'alimentation de la première couche ou noyau (C1) ;
  • des premiers moyens de gainage du noyau (C1) ;
  • des moyens d'alimentation des N fils de la deuxième couche (C2) et des premiers moyens d'assemblage par retordage de ces N fils autour du noyau (C1) gainé, en un point dit point d'assemblage, pour formation d'un câble intermédiaire dit « toron d'âme » (C1+C2);
  • en aval dudit point d'assemblage, des seconds moyens de gainage du toron d'âme (C1+C2) ;
  • en sortie des seconds moyens de gainage, des moyens d'alimentation des P fils de la troisième couche (C3) et des seconds moyens d'assemblage par retordage de ces P fils autour du toron d'âme (C1+C2), pour mise en place de la troisième couche (C3) ;
  • en sortie desdits seconds moyens d'assemblage, des moyens d'équilibrage de torsion.
An assembly and scrubbing device preferably used for implementing the method of the invention described above, is a device comprising upstream downstream, according to the direction of advancement of a cable being formed:
  • feed means for the first layer or core (C1);
  • first cladding means of the core (C1);
  • means for feeding the N son of the second layer (C2) and the first assembly means by twisting these N son around the core (C1) sheathed, at a point called said point of assembly, for forming a intermediate cable called "core strand" (C1 + C2);
  • downstream from said assembly point, second cladding means of the core strand (C1 + C2);
  • at the output of the second cladding means, means for feeding the P wires of the third layer (C3) and second assembly means by twisting these P wires around the core strand (C1 + C2), for setting in place of the third layer (C3);
  • at the output of said second assembly means, torsion balancing means.

On voit sur la figure 1 annexée un exemple de dispositif (10) d'assemblage par retordage, du type à alimentation fixe et à réception tournante, utilisable pour la fabrication d'un câble du type compact (p2 = p3 et même sens de torsion des couches C2 et C3) tel qu'illustré par exemple à la figure 2 commentée plus tard.We see on the figure 1 attached an example of device (10) for assembly by twisting, of the fixed feed and rotary receiving type, usable for the manufacture of a cable of the compact type (p 2 = p 3 and the same direction of twist of the layers C2 and C3) as illustrated, for example, in figure 2 commented later.

Dans ce dispositif (10), un fil noyau unique (C1) délivré par des moyens d'alimentation (110) traverse tout d'abord une zone de gainage consistant par exemple en une première tête d'extrusion (1 la). Des moyens d'alimentation (120) délivrent ensuite, autour du fil noyau (C1) ainsi gainé, N fils (12) à travers une grille (13) de répartition (répartiteur axisymétrique), couplée ou non à un grain d'assemblage (14), au-delà de laquelle convergent les N (par exemple six) fils de la deuxième couche en un point d'assemblage (15), pour formation du toron d'âme (C1+C2) de construction 1+N (par exemple 1+6). La distance entre le premier point de gainage (11a) et le point de convergence (15) et est par exemple comprise entre 1 et 5 mètres.In this device (10), a single core wire (C1) delivered by supply means (110) first passes through a cladding zone consisting for example of a first extrusion head (1a). Feeding means (120) then deliver, around the core wire (C1) thus sheathed, N wires (12) through a distribution grid (13) (axisymmetric splitter), coupled or not to an assembly line ( 14), beyond which converge the N (for example six) son of the second layer into an assembly point (15), for forming the core strand (C1 + C2) of construction 1 + N (by example 1 + 6). The distance between the first cladding point (11a) and the convergence point (15) and is for example between 1 and 5 meters.

Puis le toron d'âme (C1+C2) ainsi formé est à son tour gainé en traversant une seconde zone de gainage (11b) consistant par exemple en une seconde tête d'extrusion. La distance entre le point d'assemblage (15) et le second point de gainage (11b) est par exemple comprise entre 50 cm et 5 mètres.Then the core strand (C1 + C2) thus formed is in turn sheathed through a second cladding zone (11b) consisting for example of a second extrusion head. The distance between the assembly point (15) and the second sheathing point (11b) is for example between 50 cm and 5 meters.

Autour du toron d'âme (16) ainsi gainé et progressant dans le sens de la flèche, sont ensuite assemblés par retordage les P fils (17) de la couche externe (C3), par exemple au nombre de douze, délivrés par des moyens d'alimentation (170). Le câble final (C1+C2+C3) est finalement collecté sur la réception tournante (19), après traversée des moyens d'équilibrage de torsion (18) consistant par exemple en un dresseur ou un retordeur-dresseur.Around the core strand (16) thus sheathed and progressing in the direction of the arrow, are then assembled by twisting the P son (17) of the outer layer (C3), for example twelve in number, delivered by means power supply (170). The final cable (C1 + C2 + C3) is finally collected on the rotary reception (19), after crossing the torsion balancing means (18) consisting for example of a trainer or a twister-trainer.

On rappelle ici que, de manière bien connue de l'homme du métier, pour la fabrication d'un câble du type à couches cylindriques (pas p2 et p3 différents et/ou sens de torsion différents des couches C2 et C3), on utilise un dispositif comportant deux organes (alimentation ou réception) tournants, et non un seul comme décrit ci-dessus (Fig. 1) à titre d'exemple.It will be recalled here that, in a manner well known to those skilled in the art, for the manufacture of a cable of the type with cylindrical layers (different pitch p 2 and p 3 and / or different direction of torsion of the layers C2 and C3), we use a device comprising two rotating organs (feeding or receiving), and not just one as described above ( Fig. 1 ) for exemple.

La figure 2 schématise, en coupe perpendiculaire à l'axe du câble (supposé rectiligne et au repos), un exemple d'un câble préférentiel 1+6+12 gommé in situ, susceptible d'être obtenu à l'aide du procédé conforme à l'invention précédemment décrit.The figure 2 schematically, in section perpendicular to the axis of the cable (assumed rectilinear and at rest), an example of a preferred cable 1 + 6 + 12 gummed in situ, obtainable using the method according to the previously described invention.

Ce câble (noté C-1) est du type compact, c'est-à-dire que ses deuxième et troisième couches (respectivement C2 et C3) sont enroulées dans le même sens (S/S ou Z/Z selon une nomenclature reconnue) et de plus au même pas (p2 = p3). Ce type de construction a pour conséquence que les fils (21, 22) de ces deuxième et troisième couches (C2, C3) forment autour du noyau (20) ou première couche (C1) deux couches sensiblement concentriques qui ont chacune un contour (E) (représenté en pointillés) qui est sensiblement polygonal (plus précisément hexagonal) et non cylindrique comme dans le cas de câbles à couches dits cylindiques.This cable (noted C-1) is of the compact type, that is to say that its second and third layers (respectively C2 and C3) are wound in the same direction (S / S or Z / Z according to a recognized nomenclature ) and moreover at the same step (p 2 = p 3 ). This type of construction has the consequence that the wires (21, 22) of these second and third layers (C2, C3) form around the core (20) or first layer (C1) two substantially concentric layers which each have a contour (E ) (shown in dashed lines) which is substantially polygonal (more precisely hexagonal) and non-cylindrical as in the case of cables with so-called cylindrical layers.

Ce câble C-1 peut être qualifié de câble gommé in situ : chacun des capillaires ou interstices (espaces vides en l'absence de gomme de remplissage) formés par les fils adjacents, pris trois par trois, de ses trois couches C1, C2 et C3, est rempli, au moins en partie (de manière continue ou non selon l'axe du câble), par la gomme de remplissage de telle manière que pour toute longueur de câble de 2 cm, chaque capillaire comporte au moins un bouchon de gomme.This cable C-1 can be described as cable gummed in situ: each of the capillaries or interstices (empty spaces in the absence of filling rubber) formed by the adjacent wires, taken three by three, of its three layers C1, C2 and C3, is filled, at least in part (continuously or not along the axis of the cable), by the filling rubber such that for any cable length of 2 cm, each capillary comprises at least one rubber stopper .

Plus précisément, la gomme de remplissage (23) remplit chaque capillaire (24) (symbolisé par un triangle) formé par les fils adjacents (pris trois à trois) des différentes couches (C1, C2, C3) du câble, en écartant ces derniers très légèrement. On voit que ces capillaires ou interstices sont naturellement formés soit par le fil noyau (20) et les fils (21) de la deuxième couche (C2) qui l'entourent, soit par deux fils (21) de la deuxième couche (C2) et un fil (23) de la troisième couche (C3) qui leur est immédiatement adjacent, soit encore par chaque fil (21) de la deuxième couche (C2) et les deux fils (22) de la troisième couche (C3) qui lui sont immédiatement adjacents ; au total, 24 capillaires ou interstices (24) sont ainsi présents dans ce câble 1+6+12.More specifically, the filling rubber (23) fills each capillary (24) (symbolized by a triangle) formed by the adjacent wires (taken three to three) of the various layers (C1, C2, C3) of the cable, by discarding them very slightly. We see that these capillaries or interstices are naturally formed either by the core wire (20) and the son (21) of the second layer (C2) surrounding it, or by two son (21) of the second layer (C2) and a wire (23) of the third layer (C3) which is immediately adjacent thereto, or else by each wire (21) of the second layer (C2) and the two wires (22) of the third layer (C3) which are immediately adjacent; a total of 24 capillaries or interstices (24) are thus present in this cable 1 + 6 + 12.

Selon un mode de réalisation préférentiel, dans ce câble préférentiel 1+N+P, la gomme de remplissage s'étend préférentiellement d'une manière continue autour de la deuxième couche (C2) qu'elle recouvre.According to a preferred embodiment, in this preferred cable 1 + N + P, the filling rubber preferably extends continuously around the second layer (C2) that it covers.

Pour comparaison, la figure 3 rappelle la coupe d'un câble 1+6+12 (noté C-2) conventionnel (i.e., non gommé in situ), également du type compact. L'absence de gomme de remplissage fait que pratiquement tous les fils (30, 31, 32) sont au contact l'un de l'autre, ce qui conduit à une structure particulièrement compacte, par ailleurs très difficilement pénétrable (pour ne pas dire impénétrable) de l'extérieur par du caoutchouc. La caractéristique de ce type de câble est que les différents fils forment trois à trois des canaux ou capillaires (34) qui pour un nombre important d'entre eux restent fermés et vides et donc propices, par effet "de mèche", à la propagation de milieux corrosifs tels que l'eau.For comparison, the figure 3 recalls the section of a cable 1 + 6 + 12 (noted C-2) conventional (ie, not gummed in situ), also of the compact type. The absence of filling rubber makes practically all the son (30, 31, 32) are in contact with each other, which leads to a particularly compact structure, moreover very difficult to penetrate (not to say impenetrable) from the outside by rubber. The characteristic of this type of cable is that the various wires form three to three of the channels or capillaries (34) which for a large number of them remain closed and empty and thus conducive, by "wicking" effect, to the propagation corrosive environments such as water.

A titre d'exemples préférentiels, le procédé de l'invention est utilisé pour la fabrication de câbles de constructions 1+6+11 et 1+6+12, notamment, parmi ces derniers, ceux constitués de fils ayant sensiblement le même diamètre de la deuxième couche (C2) à la troisième couche (C3) (soit, dans ce cas d2 = d3).By way of preferred examples, the process of the invention is used for the manufacture of construction cables 1 + 6 + 11 and 1 + 6 + 12, in particular, among these, those consisting of wires having substantially the same diameter of the second layer (C2) at the third layer (C3) (in this case d 2 = d 3 ).

II. EXEMPLES DE REALISATION DE L'INVENTIONII. EXAMPLES OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Les essais qui suivent démontrent la capacité du procédé de l'invention à fournir des câbles à trois couches qui, comparés aux câbles à trois couches gommés in situ de l'art antérieur, ont l'avantage notable de comporter une quantité réduite de gomme de remplissage, ce qui leur garantit une meilleure compacité, cette gomme étant en outre répartie uniformément à l'intérieur du câble, à l'intérieur de chacun de ses capillaires, leur conférant ainsi une imperméabilité longitudinale optimale.The following tests demonstrate the ability of the method of the invention to provide three-layer cables which, compared to the prior art in situ three-layered cords, have the significant advantage of having a reduced amount of gum. filling, which guarantees them a better compactness, this gum being further distributed uniformly inside the cable, inside each of its capillaries, thus conferring on them an optimal longitudinal impermeability.

II-1. Mesures et tests utilisésII-1. Measurements and tests used II-1-A. MesuresII-1-A. Measures dynamométriquesTorque

Pour ce qui concerne les fils et câbles métalliques, les mesures de force à la rupture notée Fm (charge maximale en N), de résistance à la rupture notée Rm (en MPa) et d'allongement à la rupture noté At (allongement total en %) sont effectuées en traction selon la norme ISO 6892 de 1984.For metal wire and cable, the breaking force measurements denoted Fm (maximum load in N), tensile strength Rm (in MPa) and elongation at break denoted At (total elongation in %) are made in tension according to ISO 6892 of 1984.

Concernant les compositions de caoutchouc, les mesures de module sont effectuées en traction, sauf indication différente selon la norme ASTM D 412 de 1998 (éprouvette "C") : on mesure en seconde élongation (c'est-à-dire après un cycle d'accommodation) le module sécant "vrai" (c'est-à-dire ramené à la section réelle de l'éprouvette) à 10% d'allongement, noté E10 et exprimé en MPa (conditions normales de température et d'hygrométrie selon la norme ASTM D 1349 de 1999).With regard to the rubber compositions, the modulus measurements are carried out in tension, unless otherwise indicated according to ASTM D 412 of 1998 (test piece "C"): it is measured in second elongation (ie after one cycle). accommodation) the secant modulus "true" (that is, reduced to the actual section of the specimen) at 10% elongation, denoted E10 and expressed in MPa (normal temperature and humidity conditions according to ASTM D 1349 of 1999).

II-1-B. Test de perméabilité à l'airII-1-B. Air permeability test

Ce test permet de déterminer la perméabilité longitudinale à l'air des câbles testés, par mesure du volume d'air traversant une éprouvette sous pression constante pendant un temps donné. Le principe d'un tel test, bien connu de l'homme du métier, est de démontrer l'efficacité du traitement d'un câble pour le rendre imperméable à l'air ; il a été décrit par exemple dans la norme ASTM D2692-98.This test makes it possible to determine the longitudinal permeability to the air of the cables tested, by measuring the volume of air passing through a specimen under constant pressure for a given time. The principle of such a test, well known to those skilled in the art, is to demonstrate the effectiveness of the treatment of a cable to make it impermeable to air; it has been described for example in ASTM D2692-98.

Le test est ici réalisé soit sur des câbles extraits des pneumatiques ou des nappes de caoutchouc qu'ils renforcent, donc déjà enrobés de l'extérieur par du caoutchouc à l'état cuit, soit sur des câbles bruts de fabrication, ayant subi un enrobage et une cuisson ultérieurs.The test is here carried out either on cables extracted from tires or rubber sheets which they reinforce, thus already coated from the outside by rubber in the fired state, or on raw manufacturing cables, which have been coated and subsequent cooking.

Dans le second cas, les câbles bruts doivent être préalablement noyés, enrobés de l'extérieur par une gomme dite d'enrobage. Pour cela, une série de 10 câbles disposés parallèlement (distance inter-câble : 20 mm) est placée entre deux skims (deux rectangles de 80 x 200 mm) d'une composition de caoutchouc à l'état cru, chaque skim ayant une épaisseur de 3,5 mm ; le tout est alors bloqué dans un moule, chacun des câbles étant maintenu sous une tension suffisante (par exemple 2 daN) pour garantir sa rectitude lors de la mise en place dans le moule, à l'aide de modules de serrage ; puis on procède à la vulcanisation (cuisson) pendant 40 min à une température de 140°C et sous une pression de 15 bar (piston rectangulaire de 80 x 200 mm). Après quoi, on démoule l'ensemble et on découpe 10 éprouvettes de câbles ainsi enrobés, sous forme de parallélépipèdes de dimensions 7x7x20 mm, pour caractérisation.In the second case, the raw cables must be previously embedded, coated from the outside by a so-called coating gum. For this, a series of 10 cables arranged in parallel (inter-cable distance: 20 mm) is placed between two skims (two rectangles of 80 x 200 mm) of a rubber composition in the raw state, each skim having a thickness 3.5 mm; the whole is then locked in a mold, each of the cables being kept under a sufficient tension (for example 2 daN) to ensure its straightness during the establishment in the mold, using clamping modules; then the vulcanization (baking) is carried out for 40 min at a temperature of 140 ° C and a pressure of 15 bar (rectangular piston 80 x 200 mm). After which, the assembly is demolded and cut 10 pieces of cables thus coated, in the form of parallelepipeds of dimensions 7x7x20 mm, for characterization.

On utilise comme gomme d'enrobage une composition de caoutchouc conventionnelle pour pneumatique, à base de caoutchouc naturel (peptisé) et de noir de carbone N330 (65 pce), comportant en outre les additifs usuels suivants: soufre (7 pce), accélérateur sulfénamide (1 pce), ZnO (8 pce), acide stéarique (0,7 pce), antioxydant (1,5 pce), naphténate de cobalt (1,5 pce) ; le module E10 de la gomme d'enrobage est de 10 MPa environ.A conventional rubber composition for tires based on natural rubber (peptized) and carbon black N330 (65 phr), comprising the following usual additives: sulfur (7 phr), sulfenamide accelerator, is used as a coating rubber. (1 phr), ZnO (8 phr), stearic acid (0.7 phr), antioxidant (1.5 phr), cobalt naphthenate (1.5 phr); the E10 module of the coating gum is approximately 10 MPa.

Le test est réalisé sur 2 cm de longueur de câble, enrobé donc par sa composition de caoutchouc (ou gomme d'enrobage) environnante à l'état cuit, de la manière suivante : on envoie de l'air à l'entrée du câble, sous une pression de 1 bar, et on mesure le volume d'air à la sortie, à l'aide d'un débitmètre (calibré par exemple de 0 à 500 cm3/min). Pendant la mesure, l'échantillon de câble est bloqué dans un joint étanche comprimé (par exemple un joint en mousse dense ou en caoutchouc) de telle manière que seule la quantité d'air traversant le câble d'une extrémité à l'autre, selon son axe longitudinal, est prise en compte par la mesure ; un contrôle d'étanchéité préalable du joint étanche est fait à l'aide d'une éprouvette de caoutchouc pleine, i.e., sans câble.The test is carried out on 2 cm of cable length, thus coated by its surrounding rubber composition (or coating gum) in the fired state, as follows: air is sent to the cable inlet at a pressure of 1 bar, and the volume of air at the outlet is measured using a flow meter (calibrated for example from 0 to 500 cm 3 / min). During the measurement, the cable sample is locked in a compressed seal (for example a dense foam or rubber seal) in such a way that only the amount of air passing through the cable from one end to the other along its longitudinal axis , is taken into account by the measure; a leakproofness test of the seal is made using a solid rubber specimen, ie without cable.

Le débit mesuré est d'autant plus faible que l'imperméabilité longitudinale du câble est élevée. La mesure étant faite avec une précision de ± 0,2 cm3/min, les valeurs mesurées égales ou inférieures à 0,2 cm3/min sont considérées comme nulles ; elles correspondent à un câble qui peut être qualifié d'étanche à l'air selon son axe (i.e., selon sa direction longitudinale).The measured flow rate is lower as long as the longitudinal imperviousness of the cable is high. As the measurement is made with an accuracy of ± 0.2 cm 3 / min, measured values equal to or less than 0.2 cm 3 / min are considered to be zero; they correspond to a cable that can be described as airtight along its axis (ie, in its longitudinal direction).

II-1-C. TauxII-1-C. Rate deof gommerubber deof remplissagefilling

La quantité de gomme de remplissage est mesurée par différence entre le poids du câble initial (donc gommé in situ) et le poids du câble (donc celui de ses fils) dont la gomme de remplissage a été éliminée par un traitement électrolytique approprié.The amount of filling compound is measured by difference between the weight of the initial cable (thus erased in situ) and the weight of the cable (and therefore that of its threads) whose filling rubber has been eliminated by a suitable electrolytic treatment.

Un échantillon de câble (longueur 1 m), bobiné sur lui-même pour réduire son encombrement, constitue la cathode d'un électrolyseur (reliée à la borne négative d'un générateur), tandis que l'anode (reliée à la borne positive) est constituée d'un fil de platine. L'électrolyte consiste en une solution aqueuse (eau déminéralisée) comportant 1 mole par litre de carbonate de sodium.A sample of cable (length 1 m), wound on itself to reduce its bulk, constitutes the cathode of an electrolyzer (connected to the negative terminal of a generator), while the anode (connected to the positive terminal ) consists of a platinum wire. The electrolyte consists of an aqueous solution (demineralized water) comprising 1 mole per liter of sodium carbonate.

L' échantillon, plongé complètement dans l'électrolyte, est mis sous tension pendant 15 min sous un courant de 300 mA. Le câble est ensuite retiré du bain, rincé abondamment avec de l'eau. Ce traitement permet à la gomme de se détacher facilement du câble (si tel n'est pas le cas, on continue l'électrolyse pendant quelques minutes). On élimine soigneusement la gomme, par exemple par simple essuyage à l'aide d'un tissu absorbant, tout en détordant un à un les fils du câble. Les fils sont de nouveau rincés à l'eau puis plongés dans un bécher contenant un mélange d'eau déminéralisée (50%) et d'éthanol (50%) ; le bécher est plongé dans une cuve à ultrasons pendant 10 min. Les fils ainsi dépourvus de toute trace de gomme sont retirés du bécher, séchés sous un courant d'azote ou d'air, et enfin pesés.The sample, immersed completely in the electrolyte, is energized for 15 minutes under a current of 300 mA. The cable is then removed from the bath, rinsed thoroughly with water. This treatment allows the rubber to be easily detached from the cable (if this is not the case, we continue the electrolysis for a few minutes). The eraser is carefully removed, for example by simply wiping with an absorbent cloth, while detaching one by one the son of the cable. The threads are rinsed with water again and then immersed in a beaker containing a mixture of demineralized water (50%) and ethanol (50%); the beaker is immersed in an ultrasonic tank for 10 minutes. The yarns thus devoid of any trace of gum are removed from the beaker, dried under a stream of nitrogen or air, and finally weighed.

On en déduit par le calcul le taux de gomme de remplissage dans le câble, exprimé en mg de gomme de remplissage par gramme de câble initial, et moyenné sur 10 mesures (10 mètres de câble au total).From the calculation, the rate of filling rubber in the cable, expressed in mg of filling rubber per gram of initial cable, is calculated and averaged over 10 measurements (10 meters of cable in total).

II-2. Fabrication des câbles et testsII-2. Cable manufacturing and testing

On utilise dans les essais qui suivent des câbles à couches de constructions 1+6+12 constitués de fils fins en acier au carbone revêtus de laiton.In the following tests, 1 + 6 + 12 layered wires made of brass-coated carbon steel thin wires are used.

Les fils en acier au carbone sont préparés de manière connue, en partant par exemple de fils machine (diamètre 5 à 6 mm) que l'on écrouit tout d'abord, par laminage et/ou tréfilage, jusqu'à un diamètre intermédiaire voisin de 1 mm. L'acier utilisé est un acier au carbone connu (norme USA AISI 1069) dont la teneur en carbone est de 0,70%. Les fils de diamètre intermédiaire subissent un traitement de dégraissage et/ou décapage, avant leur transformation ultérieure. Après dépôt d'un revêtement de laiton sur ces fils intermédiaires, on effectue sur chaque fil un écrouissage dit "final" (i.e., après le dernier traitement thermique de patentage), par tréfilage à froid en milieu humide avec un lubrifiant de tréfilage qui se présente par exemple sous forme d'une émulsion ou d'une dispersion aqueuse. Le revêtement de laiton qui entoure les fils a une épaisseur très faible, nettement inférieure au micromètre, par exemple de l'ordre de 0,15 à 0,30 µm, ce qui est négligeable par rapport au diamètre des fils en acier. Les fils en acier ainsi tréfilés ont le diamètre et les propriétés mécaniques indiquées dans le tableau 1 ci-dessous. Tableau 1 Acier φ(mm) Fm (N) Rm (MPa) NT 0,18 68 2820 NT 0,20 82 2620 The carbon steel wires are prepared in a known manner, for example starting from machine wires (diameter 5 to 6 mm) which are first cold-rolled, by rolling and / or drawing, to a neighboring intermediate diameter. of 1 mm. The steel used is a known carbon steel (USA AISI 1069 standard) with a carbon content of 0.70%. The intermediate diameter son undergo a degreasing treatment and / or pickling, before further processing. After deposition of a brass coating on these intermediate son, is carried on each wire a so-called "final" work hardening (ie, after the last patenting heat treatment), by cold drawing in a moist medium with a drawing lubricant which is for example in the form of an emulsion or an aqueous dispersion. The brass coating that surrounds the son has a very small thickness, significantly less than one micrometer, for example of the order of 0.15 to 0.30 microns, which is negligible compared to the diameter of the steel son. The steel wires thus drawn have the diameter and the mechanical properties indicated in Table 1 below. <b> Table 1 </ b> Steel φ (mm) Fm (N) Rm (MPa) NT 0.18 68 2820 NT 0.20 82 2620

Ces fils sont ensuite assemblés sous forme de câbles à couches 1+6+12 dont la construction est conforme à la représentation de la figure 1 et dont les propriétés mécaniques sont données dans le tableau 2. Tableau 2 Câble p2 (mm) p3 (mm) Fm (daN) Rm (MPa) At (%) C-1 10 10 126 2645 2,4 These wires are then assembled in the form of 1 + 6 + 12 layer cables, the construction of which is in accordance with the representation of the figure 1 and whose mechanical properties are given in Table 2. <b> Table 2 </ b> Cable p 2 (mm) p 3 (mm) Fm (daN) Rm (MPa) At (%) C-1 10 10 126 2645 2.4

L'exemple (C-1) de câble 1+6+12 préparé selon le procédé de l'invention, tel que schématisé à la Fig. 1, est donc formé de 19 fils au total, un fil noyau de diamètre 0,20 mm et 18 fils autour, tous de diamètre 0,18 mm, qui ont été enroulés en deux couches concentriques au même pas (p2 = p3 = 10,0 mm) et dans la même direction de torsion (S) pour l'obtention d'un câble du type compact. Le taux de gomme de remplissage, mesuré selon la méthode indiquée précédemment au paragraphe II-1-C, est égal à environ 22 mg par g de câble. Cette gomme de remplissage est présente dans chacun des 24 capillaires formés par les différents fils pris trois à trois, c'est-à-dire qu'elle remplit en totalité ou au moins en partie chacun de ces capillaires de telle manière qu'il existe au moins, sur toute longueur de câble de longueur égale à 2 cm, un bouchon de gomme dans chaque capillaire.The example (C-1) of cable 1 + 6 + 12 prepared according to the method of the invention, as schematized in FIG. Fig. 1 , is therefore formed of 19 son in total, a core wire of diameter 0.20 mm and 18 son around, all of diameter 0.18 mm, which were wound in two concentric layers at the same pitch (p 2 = p 3 = 10.0 mm) and in the same direction of twist (S) to obtain a cable of the compact type. The rate of filling rubber, measured according to the method indicated previously in paragraph II-1-C, is equal to about 22 mg per g of cable. This filling rubber is present in each of the 24 capillaries formed by the various son taken three to three, that is to say that it fills all or at least partly each of these capillaries in such a way that it exists at least, on any length of cable of length equal to 2 cm, a rubber stopper in each capillary.

Pour la fabrication de ce câble, on a utilisé un dispositif tel que décrit précédemment et schématisé à la figure 1. La gomme de remplissage est une composition de caoutchouc conventionnelle pour armature carcasse de pneumatique pour véhicules industriels, ayant la même formulation que celle de la nappe de caoutchouc de carcasse que le câble C-1 est destiné à renforcer ; cette composition est à base de caoutchouc naturel (peptisé) et de noir de carbone N330 (55 pce) ; elle comporte en outre les additifs usuels suivants: soufre (6 pce), accélérateur sulfénamide (1 pce), ZnO (9 pce), acide stéarique (0,7 pce), antioxydant (1,5 pce), naphténate de cobalt (1 pce) ; le module E10 de la composition est de 6 MPa environ. Cette composition a été extrudée à une température de 85°C environ à travers deux filières de calibrage (11a, 11b) de diamètres respectifs 0,250 et 0,580 mm.For the manufacture of this cable, we used a device as described previously and schematized in the figure 1 . The filling gum is a conventional rubber composition for a tire carcass reinforcement for industrial vehicles, having the same formulation as that of the carcass rubber ply that the C-1 cable is intended to reinforce; this composition is based on natural rubber (peptized) and carbon black N330 (55 phr); it also comprises the following usual additives: sulfur (6 phr), sulfenamide accelerator (1 phr), ZnO (9 phr), stearic acid (0.7 phr), antioxidant (1.5 phr), cobalt naphthenate (1 phr) pce); the module E10 of the composition is about 6 MPa. This composition was extruded at a temperature of about 85 ° C through two calibration dies (11a, 11b) of respective diameters 0.250 and 0.580 mm.

Les câbles C-1 ainsi préparés ont été soumis au test de perméabilité à l'air décrit au paragraphe II-1-B, en mesurant le volume d'air (en cm3) traversant les câbles en 1 minute (moyenne de 10 mesures pour chaque câble testé). Pour chaque câble C-1 testé et pour 100% des mesures (soit dix éprouvettes sur dix), on a mesuré un débit nul ou inférieur à 0,2 cm3/min ; en d'autres termes, les câbles préparés selon le procédé de l'invention peuvent être qualifiés d'étanches à l'air selon leur axe longitudinal ; ils présentent donc un taux de pénétration optimal par le caoutchouc.The C-1 cables thus prepared were subjected to the air permeability test described in paragraph II-1-B, by measuring the volume of air (in cm 3 ) passing through the cables in 1 minute (average of 10 measurements for each cable tested). For each cable C-1 tested and for 100% of the measurements (ie ten test pieces out of ten), a flow rate of zero or less than 0.2 cm 3 / min was measured; in other words, the cables prepared according to the method of the invention can be qualified as airtight along their longitudinal axis; they therefore have an optimal penetration rate by rubber.

D'autre part, des câbles gommés in situ témoins, de même construction que les câbles compacts C-1 ci-dessus, ont été préparés conformément au procédé décrit dans la demande WO 2005/071557 précitée, en plusieurs étapes discontinues, par gainage via une tête d'extrusion du toron d'âme intermédiaire 1+6, puis dans un deuxième temps par câblage des 12 fils restants autour de l'âme ainsi gainée, pour formation de la couche externe. Ces câbles témoins ont été ensuite soumis au test de perméabilité à l'air du paragraphe I-2.On the other hand, control gummed in situ cables, of the same construction as the C-1 compact cables above, were prepared according to the method described in the application WO 2005/071557 mentioned above, in several discontinuous steps, by sheathing via an extrusion head of the intermediate core strand 1 + 6, then in a second step by wiring the remaining 12 wires around the core thus sheathed, for forming the outer layer . These control cables were then subjected to the air permeability test of paragraph I-2.

On a constaté tout d'abord qu'aucun de ces câbles témoins ne présentait 100% des mesures (soit dix éprouvettes sur dix) avec un débit nul ou inférieur à 0,2 cm3/min, en d'autres termes qu'aucun de ces câbles témoins ne pouvait être qualifié d'étanche (totalement étanche) à l'air selon son axe. On a observé d'autre part que, parmi ces câbles témoins, ceux présentant les meilleurs résultats d'imperméabilité (soit un débit moyen d'environ 2 cm3/min), présentaient tous une quantité relativement importante de gomme de remplissage parasite débordant à leur périphérie, les rendant inaptes à une opération de calandrage satisfaisante en conditions industrielles.It was found first of all that none of these control cables showed 100% of the measurements (ie ten test pieces out of ten) with a flow rate of zero or less than 0.2 cm 3 / min, in other words that no these control cables could not be qualified as airtight (totally airtight) along its axis. It has been observed, on the other hand, that among these control cables, those having the best imperviousness results (ie an average flow rate of approximately 2 cm 3 / min), all had a relatively large amount of parasitic filling rubber overflowing with their periphery, rendering them unsuitable for a satisfactory calendering operation in industrial conditions.

En résumé, le procédé de l'invention permet la fabrication de câbles de construction M+N+P gommés in situ qui, grâce à un taux de pénétration optimal par du caoutchouc, d'une part présentent une haute endurance en armature de carcasse des pneumatiques, d'autre part peuvent être mis en oeuvre de manière efficace sous des conditions industrielles, notamment sans les difficultés liées à un débordement excessif de caoutchouc lors de leur fabrication.In summary, the method of the invention allows the manufacture of M + N + P construction cables gummed in situ which, thanks to an optimal penetration rate by rubber, on the one hand have a high endurance in carcass reinforcement of pneumatic, on the other hand can be implemented effectively under industrial conditions, in particular without the difficulties associated with overflowing of rubber during their manufacture.

Claims (15)

  1. Method of manufacturing a metal cord with three concentric layers (C1, C2, C3) of the type rubberized in situ, i.e. incorporating a composition made of rubber in the uncrosslinked state referred to as "filling rubber", the said cord comprising a first, internal, layer or core (C1), around which there are wound together in a helix, at a pitch p2, in a second, intermediate, layer (C2), N wires of diameter d2, N varying from 3 to 12, around which second layer there are wound together as a helix at a pitch p3, in a third, outer, layer (C3), P wires of diameter d3, P varying from 8 to 20, characterized in that said method comprises the following steps:
    - a first sheathing step in which the core (C1) is sheathed with the filling rubber;
    - a first assembling step by twisting the N wires of the second layer (C2) around the core (C1) thus sheathed in order to form, at a point named the "assembling point", an intermediate cord named "core strand" (C1+C2);
    - downstream of the said assembling point, a second sheathing step in which the core strand (C1+C2) is sheathed with the filling rubber;
    - a second assembling step in which the P wires of the third layer (C3) are twisted around the core strand (C1+C2) thus sheathed;
    - a final twist-balancing step of the metal cord comprising the filling rubber in the uncrosslinked state.
  2. Method according to Claim 1, in which the extrusion temperature for the filling rubber, in each sheathing step, is comprised between 50°C and 120°C.
  3. Method according to Claim 1 or 2, in which the total quantity of filling rubber delivered in the course of the two sheathing steps is comprised between 5 and 40 mg per gram of final cord.
  4. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the core and the core strand, after sheathing, are each covered with a minimum thickness of filling rubber that exceeds 5 µm.
  5. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, in which the rubber of the filling rubber is a diene elastomer.
  6. Method according to Claim 5, in which the diene elastomer is chosen from the group consisting of polybutadienes, natural rubber, synthetic polyisoprenes, butadiene copolymers, isoprene copolymers and blends of these elastomers.
  7. Method according to Claim 6, in which the diene elastomer is an isoprene elastomer, preferably natural rubber.
  8. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, in which the tensile stress applied to the core strand, downstream of the assembling point, is comprised between 10 and 25% of its breaking strength.
  9. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, in which the core (C1) consists of M wires, M varying from 1 to 4, with a diameter d1 comprised in a range from 0.08 to 0.50 mm.
  10. Method according to Claim 9, in which M is equal to 1.
  11. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, in which the wires of the third layer (C3) are wound in a helix at the same pitch and in the same direction of twisting as the wires of the second layer (C2).
  12. Assembling device, characterized in that it also forms an in-line rubberizing device and in that it can be used for implementing a method according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, the said device comprising, from upstream to downstream in the direction of travel of the cord as it is being formed:
    - feed means for feeding the first layer or core (C1);
    - first sheathing means for sheathing the core (C1);
    - feed means for feeding the N wires of the second layer (C2) and first assembling means which by twisting assemble these N wires around the sheathed core (C1) at a point named the assembling point, to form an intermediate cord named "core strand" (C1+C2);
    - downstream of the said assembling point, second sheathing means of sheathing the core strand (C1+C2);
    - at the exit from the second sheathing means, feed means for feeding the P wires of the third layer (C3) and second assembling means which by twisting assemble these P wires around the core strand (C1+C2), in order to apply the third layer (C3);
    - at the exit from the said second assembling means, twist balancing means.
  13. Device according to Claim 12, comprising a stationary feed and a rotating receiver.
  14. Device according to Claim 12 or 13, in which the first and second sheathing means each consist of a single extrusion head comprising at least one sizing die.
  15. Device according to any one of Claims 12 to 14, in which the twist balancing means comprise at least one tool chosen from straighteners, twisters or twister-straighteners.
EP10711226.0A 2009-03-31 2010-03-29 Method and device for the manufacture of a steel strand having a three-layer structure Not-in-force EP2414583B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0952020A FR2943691B1 (en) 2009-03-31 2009-03-31 METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MANUFACTURING A THREE-LAYER CABLE OF THE TYPE IN SITU GUM
PCT/EP2010/054063 WO2010112445A1 (en) 2009-03-31 2010-03-29 Method and device for producing a three-layer cord

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2414583A1 EP2414583A1 (en) 2012-02-08
EP2414583B1 true EP2414583B1 (en) 2015-03-18

Family

ID=40941496

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP10711226.0A Not-in-force EP2414583B1 (en) 2009-03-31 2010-03-29 Method and device for the manufacture of a steel strand having a three-layer structure

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US8720176B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2414583B1 (en)
JP (1) JP5591909B2 (en)
CN (1) CN102365404B (en)
FR (1) FR2943691B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2010112445A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2938558B1 (en) * 2008-11-17 2010-12-31 Michelin Soc Tech METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MANUFACTURING A THREE LAYER CABLE OF THE TYPE IN SITU GUM.
FR2943690B1 (en) * 2009-03-31 2011-08-19 Michelin Soc Tech METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MANUFACTURING A THREE LAYER CABLE OF THE TYPE GUM A SITU
FR2946366B1 (en) * 2009-06-03 2011-12-02 Michelin Soc Tech THREE-LAYER CABLE, IN SITU GUM, FOR PNEUMATIC CARCASS REINFORCEMENT.
FR2947576B1 (en) * 2009-07-03 2011-08-19 Michelin Soc Tech METAL CABLE WITH THREE LAYERS GUM IN SITU CONSTRUCTION 2 + M + N
FR2947577B1 (en) * 2009-07-03 2013-02-22 Michelin Soc Tech METAL CABLE WITH THREE LAYERS GUM IN SITU CONSTRUCTION 3 + M + N
FR2962456B1 (en) * 2010-05-20 2012-09-21 Michelin Soc Tech PROCESS FOR MANUFACTURING A MULTILAYER METALLIC CABLE IN SITU GUM BY AN UNSATURATED THERMOPLASTIC ELASTOMER
FR2962454B1 (en) * 2010-05-20 2012-09-21 Michelin Soc Tech PROCESS FOR MANUFACTURING A THREE-LAYER METAL CABLE OF THE TYPE IN SITU GUM
FR2969036B1 (en) * 2010-12-21 2012-12-28 Michelin Soc Tech TIRE WITH CARCASE FRAME REINFORCED BY A LAYER OF REINFORCING ELEMENTS IN THE BOURRELET AREA
FR2969035B1 (en) * 2010-12-21 2014-08-29 Michelin Soc Tech TIRE WITH CARCASE FRAME REINFORCED BY A LAYER OF REINFORCING ELEMENTS IN THE BOURRELET AREA
FR2969038B1 (en) * 2010-12-21 2012-12-28 Michelin Soc Tech TIRE WITH CARCASE FRAME REINFORCED BY A LAYER OF REINFORCING ELEMENTS IN THE BOURRELET AREA
FR2969037B1 (en) * 2010-12-21 2014-08-29 Michelin Soc Tech TIRE WITH CARCASE FRAME REINFORCED BY A LAYER OF REINFORCING ELEMENTS IN THE BOURRELET AREA
FR2997410B1 (en) * 2012-10-30 2016-01-01 Michelin & Cie IN SITU GUM CABLE COMPRISING A COMPOSITION COMPRISING A STYRENE BUTADIENE COPOLYMER
FR3022261B1 (en) 2014-06-12 2016-06-03 Michelin & Cie IN SITU GUM CABLE COMPRISING A SCRUB COMPOSITION COMPRISING A CORROSION INHIBITOR
FR3022264A1 (en) 2014-06-12 2015-12-18 Michelin & Cie SEMI-FINISHED PRODUCT COMPRISING A CABLE IN SITU GUM NOYE IN A CALENDER RUBBER COMPOSITION
FR3022262B1 (en) * 2014-06-12 2016-06-03 Michelin & Cie IN SITU GUM CABLE COMPRISING A SCRUB COMPOSITION COMPRISING A CORROSION INHIBITOR
JP5811240B1 (en) * 2014-06-30 2015-11-11 横浜ゴム株式会社 Steel cord and conveyor belt
FR3022822B1 (en) 2014-06-30 2016-10-28 Michelin & Cie METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MANUFACTURING RUBBER-COATED METAL WIRE
US20170175803A1 (en) * 2015-12-21 2017-06-22 Kongsberg Power Products Systems I, Inc. Cable Of A Remote Control Assembly
CN115652669A (en) * 2017-06-27 2023-01-31 贝卡尔特先进帘线阿尔特公司 Reinforcing strand for reinforcing a polymer article

Family Cites Families (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR812539A (en) * 1936-10-26 1937-05-12 Michelin & Cie Improvement to tire beads
JPH06200491A (en) * 1992-12-28 1994-07-19 Bridgestone Metarufua Kk Method for correcting steel cord and apparatus therefor
DE69414912T2 (en) * 1993-06-02 1999-04-22 Bekaert Sa Nv Compact steel cable without a sheathing element
EP0635597A1 (en) * 1993-07-20 1995-01-25 N.V. Bekaert S.A. Steel cord construction
US5806296A (en) * 1995-05-26 1998-09-15 Bridgestone Metalpha Corporation Corrosion resistant spiral steel filament and steel cord made therefrom
EP1038064B1 (en) * 1997-12-15 2003-03-26 N.V. Bekaert S.A. Steel cord with polymer material
ES2322125T3 (en) * 2000-05-18 2009-06-17 Asahi Kasei Kabushiki Kaisha DYEED THREAD.
KR100803644B1 (en) * 2000-09-11 2008-02-19 요코하마 고무 가부시키가이샤 Steel cord for tire and radial tire
WO2002044464A1 (en) * 2000-12-01 2002-06-06 N.V. Bekaert S.A. Steel cord for reinforcing off-the-road tires and conveyor belts
JP2002266266A (en) * 2001-03-13 2002-09-18 Yokohama Rubber Co Ltd:The Method for producing elastomer composite steel cord
DE10213289A1 (en) * 2001-03-30 2002-11-14 Yokohama Rubber Co Ltd Elastomer and steel cord composite and process for making the same
JP4049627B2 (en) * 2002-07-02 2008-02-20 トクセン工業株式会社 Elastomer composite steel cord and manufacturing method thereof
JP4316904B2 (en) * 2003-03-14 2009-08-19 不二精工株式会社 Rubber coated steel cord manufacturing apparatus, cord, rubber ribbon using the cord, and tire manufacturing method using the same
PL1646749T3 (en) * 2003-07-17 2008-10-31 N V Bekaert Sa Open layered steel cord with high breaking load
FR2864556B1 (en) * 2003-12-24 2006-02-24 Michelin Soc Tech LAYERED CABLE FOR PNEUMATIC CARCASS REINFORCEMENT
US20050182884A1 (en) 2004-01-22 2005-08-18 Hofmann Richard G. Multiple address two channel bus structure
FR2869618B1 (en) 2004-04-30 2008-10-10 Michelin Soc Tech IMPROVED ADHESIVE RUBBER COMPOSITION WITH A METAL REINFORCEMENT.
JP4940753B2 (en) * 2006-05-15 2012-05-30 横浜ゴム株式会社 Steel cord for rubber reinforcement and method for producing pneumatic radial tire using the same
JP2008297667A (en) * 2007-05-31 2008-12-11 Yokohama Rubber Co Ltd:The Steel cord, method for producing same and pneumatic tire
JP2009084711A (en) * 2007-09-27 2009-04-23 Bridgestone Corp Process for producing rubber-steel composite cord and thus obtained rubber-steel composite cord
FR2925923B1 (en) * 2007-12-28 2009-12-18 Michelin Soc Tech METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MANUFACTURING A TWO-LAYER CABLE OF THE TYPE IN SITU GUM
FR2925922B1 (en) * 2007-12-28 2009-12-18 Soc Tech Michelin LAYERED CABLE FOR PNEUMATIC BELT
FR2938558B1 (en) * 2008-11-17 2010-12-31 Michelin Soc Tech METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MANUFACTURING A THREE LAYER CABLE OF THE TYPE IN SITU GUM.
FR2943690B1 (en) * 2009-03-31 2011-08-19 Michelin Soc Tech METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MANUFACTURING A THREE LAYER CABLE OF THE TYPE GUM A SITU

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2010112445A1 (en) 2010-10-07
JP2012522144A (en) 2012-09-20
US8720176B2 (en) 2014-05-13
CN102365404B (en) 2015-04-29
JP5591909B2 (en) 2014-09-17
EP2414583A1 (en) 2012-02-08
FR2943691B1 (en) 2011-08-19
CN102365404A (en) 2012-02-29
US20120102909A1 (en) 2012-05-03
FR2943691A1 (en) 2010-10-01

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2366048B1 (en) Method and device for manufacturing a multiple wire strand for tire reinforcement filled with a filler during stranding
EP2414583B1 (en) Method and device for the manufacture of a steel strand having a three-layer structure
EP2414582B1 (en) Method and device for the manufacture of a steel strand having a three-layer structure
EP2366046B1 (en) Multiple layer wire strand filled with a filler during production for a tire reinforcement
EP2449171B1 (en) Multi-strand cable comprising two-layer strands gummed in situ
EP2449170B1 (en) Multi strand cable, wherein each strand is rubberized in-situ
EP2326765B1 (en) In-situ rubberized layered cable for carcass reinforcement for tyre
EP2238289B1 (en) Layered cable gummed in situ suitable for a tyre belt
FR2946366A1 (en) THREE-LAYER CABLE, IN SITU GUM, FOR PNEUMATIC CARCASS REINFORCEMENT.
EP2238288B1 (en) Method and device for manufacturing a cable comprising two layers of the in situ compound type
EP2449168A2 (en) Three-layer steel cord that is rubberized in situ and has a 2+m+n structure
EP2449169A2 (en) Three-layer steel cord that is rubberized in situ and has a 3+m+n structure
FR2959517A1 (en) ELASTIC MULTITOROUS METAL CABLE WITH HIGH PERMEABILITY.
FR2969181A1 (en) Multi-strand metal cable for stiffening crown reinforcement of tire of e.g. mining vehicle, has single strand forming inner layer, and six strands forming outer layer, where each strand includes internal wires with specific diameter
FR2950904A1 (en) Multi-strand metal rope for reinforcement of tire of industrial vehicle, has single strand whose external layer is provided with eight wires that are wound in helical manner according to pitch around interior layer of single strand

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20111031

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK SM TR

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.

Owner name: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20130919

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20140930

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20150113

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 6

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 716662

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20150415

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602010023180

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20150430

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: VDEP

Effective date: 20150318

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: VDEP

Effective date: 20150318

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150618

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150318

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150318

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150318

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150318

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 716662

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20150318

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150318

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150619

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150318

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150720

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150318

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150318

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150318

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150318

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150318

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150718

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150318

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150318

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602010023180

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150318

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150331

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150318

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150329

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150331

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150318

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20151221

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20150618

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150318

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 7

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150618

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150318

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 8

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20100329

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150318

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150318

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150318

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150331

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150318

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150329

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 9

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150318

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20210323

Year of fee payment: 12

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20210319

Year of fee payment: 12

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602010023180

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220331

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20221001