WO2018114897A1

WO2018114897A1 - Calendered product comprising a matrix and a woven fabric, and tyre provided with such a product

Info

Publication number: WO2018114897A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/083458
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mickael Rouby; Christophe Bessac; Alexis DECHELLE; Guy Chevrel; Richard CORNILLE
Original assignee: Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin
Priority date: 2016-12-20
Filing date: 2017-12-19
Publication date: 2018-06-28
Also published as: FR3060444A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a calendered product, intended to be incorporated into a tyre and comprising a matrix consisting of a rubber blend and a reinforcing woven fabric, said woven fabric comprising a plurality of warp yarns (16) extending in a first direction and at least one weft yarn (43) oriented in at least one second direction transverse to the first direction. The woven fabric has a continuous weft yarn (43).

Description

Calendered product comprising a matrix and a fabric and a tire with such a product

The invention relates to the field of fabrics, in particular composites and intended to constitute reinforcements for tires, as well as products intended to constitute such reinforcements, and in particular calendered products.

Conventionally, a tire comprises plies made from sections cut from calendered products. A calendered product is a composite product comprising a matrix, for example rubber, and a fabric. To produce such fabrics at a satisfactory rate, an industrial weaving machine is generally used.

Conventionally, a weaving machine comprises a structure supporting a plurality of warp threads extending in a first direction. A heald mechanism selectively moves at least a portion of the plurality of warp yarns to form first and second warp yarns.

An industrial weaving machine further comprises a weft feed spool mounted on the structure and a means for removing this thread, for example a needle. The needle hooks one end of the weft yarn of the spool so as to move the weft yarn between the first and second plies of warp yarns in a second direction perpendicular or oblique to the first direction. The needle releases the end of the weft yarn as it passes through the plurality of warp yarns. The weft yarn is then cut at a portion located at the opposite end of the end that has just been released. The needle is returned to its original position, the warp threads are moved selectively to form webs in a configuration different, then repeat the previously described actions to deposit a new portion of weft yarn between the webs.

Such an industrial weaving machine makes it possible to produce fabrics at a high rate while respecting a quality of removal of the satisfactory weft thread.

Conventionally, the fabrics used to reinforce calendered products, for example to form fleeces of tires, are fabrics with discontinuous weft thread, for example cut at each passage between the plurality of warp threads.

Although such fabrics are generally considered satisfactory, it remains necessary to improve the quality of the fabric produced so as to improve the strength of the tire and increase its life.

To obtain a fabric having a better resistance, it is possible to increase the density and / or the diameter of the warp threads and / or the weft threads. This solution, however, is not satisfactory because it increases the weight and bulk generated by the fabric, which limits the overall performance of the tire. In addition, the increase in the density of the warp yarns and / or weft yarns further complicates the method of manufacturing the calendered product.

In view of the above, the invention aims to provide a calendered product and a tire overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks.

More particularly, the object of the invention is to provide a calendered product that can be incorporated in a tire so as to give it better strength, to improve the behavior of the tire and to increase the service life, while avoiding complicating the process of manufacture of the calendered product.

For this purpose, there is provided a calendered product for incorporation in a tire and comprising a matrix comprising a rubber mixture and at least one reinforcing fabric, said fabric comprising a plurality of warp yarns extending in a first direction and at least one weft yarn oriented in at least one second direction transverse to the first direction. According to a general characteristic, said weft yarn is continuous.

The continuous weft yarn makes it possible to obtain a monoblock fabric enabling a better passage of the forces. When the calendered product comprising a continuous weft yarn is incorporated in a tire, a better transmission of forces between the road and the vehicle ensues. As opposed to a discontinuous weft yarn, a continuous weft yarn is a fabric in which the weft yarn makes several passes between the plurality of warp yarns, said weft yarn consisting of a single continuous portion , i. e. uninterrupted. This avoids increasing the density and / or the diameter of the warp and / or weft threads, so as to avoid increasing the weight and bulk generated by the fabric and to reduce the manufacturing process of the product. calendered. By "second direction transverse to the first direction" is meant that the second direction is intersecting with respect to the first direction, in other words not parallel to the first direction.

According to one embodiment, the weaving angle formed between the second direction and the first direction is between 85 ° and 95 °.

According to one embodiment, the weaving angle formed between the second direction and the first direction is between 55 ° and 65 °.

According to one embodiment, the weaving angle formed between the second direction and the first direction is between 35 ° and 45 °.

Advantageously, the warp son of said plurality of warp son are metallic.

The use of metal warp threads makes it possible to improve the stability of the fabric and therefore the tensile strength of the calendered product. When the calendered product is incorporated in a tire, it results in greater strength and increased tire life. Advantageously, said weft yarn is made of a textile material, for example aramid fibers.

The use of a weft yarn of textile material makes it possible to improve the resistance of the warp yarns with respect to each other, while avoiding that the mass of the calendered product increases excessively or that the process of weaving the fabric is made too complex.

According to one embodiment, the diameter of the warp threads of said plurality of warp threads and / or the diameter of said weft thread is between 0.4 mm and 1.5 mm.

Advantageously, the distance between two successive warp threads of the plurality of warp threads and / or the distance between two successive portions of said weft thread is between 2 mm and 4 mm.

In one embodiment, the warp yarns of the said plurality of warp yarns and / or the weft yarn are covered with a glue, for example a Resorcinol-Formaldehyde-Latex glue.

The use of such an adhesive makes it possible in particular to promote the holding of the fabric in the matrix of the calendered product so as to improve the resistance of the calendered product and to facilitate the calendering process.

In another aspect, there is provided a tire comprising a crown composed of a belt reinforcement and a carved tread extended by two sidewalls, in which at least one tire zone is reinforced by means of a calendered product such as previously described.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description, given solely by way of nonlimiting example, and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

- Figure 1 shows schematically from above a weaving machine for weaving a reinforcing fabric of a calendered product,

- Figure 2 is a sectional view along the axis II-II of the figure

1, FIG. 3 is a view from above of the weaving machine of FIGS. 1 and 2 in a different weave configuration,

FIG. 4 is a view schematically illustrating the principle of operation of a smooth mechanism of the weaving machine of FIGS. 1 to 3,

FIG. 5 is a front view of a reel and a support shuttle of the weaving machine of FIGS. 1 to 3,

FIGS. 6 and 7 are top views of two blade packers of the weaving machine of FIGS. 1 to 3,

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a fabric to form a calendered product, and

- Figure 9 is a sectional view of the calendered product according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, there is shown a weaving machine 2. The weaving machine 2 is intended for the production of fabrics, including composite fabrics and, more particularly, fabrics for reinforcing tires. More particularly, the fabrics produced are intended to be wrapped in a rubber mixture by calendering so as to form calendered products. The machine 2 is shown in Figures 1 and 2 in a first operating configuration, and in Figure 3 in a second operating configuration. The machine 2 comprises a structure 4 constituting its frame.

For the sake of clarity and comprehension, an orthonormal vector base 6 attached to the structure 4 is defined. The base 6 consists of a vector x, a vector y and a vector z. As illustrated in the figures, the vector x is oriented parallel to a transverse direction of the structure 4, the vector y being parallel to a longitudinal direction of the structure 4. The weaving machine 2 is intended to be installed in such a way that the z vector attached to the structure 4 is vertical and upward. In other words, the vector z is parallel to a vertical direction defined with respect to the structure 4. Under these conditions, the plane formed by the vectors x and y is horizontal. In the present application, the terms "downward", "upward", "lower" and "upper" will be understood as referring to base 6 when weaving machine 2 is normally installed; that is, assuming the vector z directed vertically upwards. Similarly, the terms "left" and "right" will be understood to refer relatively to the vector x, the left side to the starting point of the vector x and the right side to the end point of the vector x.

Throughout the present application, the term "ferromagnetic" will be understood in the sense of its usual definition, that is to say that a ferromagnetic material is a material capable of being magnetized under the effect of an external magnetic field .

The structure 4 comprises a main body 8 of oblong shape oriented in the direction of the vector y. The body 8 is extended by a first transverse arm 10 and a second transverse arm 12. The transverse arms 10 and 12 extend from the two respective ends of the body 8 in the direction and direction of the vector x. Each of the arms 10, 12 has an oblong shape and is oriented parallel to the direction of the vector x. The arms 1 0 and 12 are of the same length. The structure 4 further comprises a longitudinal arm 14. The arm 14 is connected, on the one hand, to the end of the arm 1 0 opposite to the connection end to the body 8 and, on the other hand, to the end of the arm 12 opposite the end of connection to the body 8. The arm 14 extends between these ends in the direction of the vector y.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 to 3, the structure 4 further comprises a transverse beam 15 connecting the main body 8 to the longitudinal arm 14. In particular, the beam 15 extends in the direction of the vector x from a lower portion ( not referenced) of the body 8 to a lower portion (not referenced) of the arm 14. The beam 15 further comprises an axis 17 extending in the direction of the vector z. In the illustrated example, the axis 17 is located, on the beam 14, at a distance from the body 8 between half and three quarters of the length of the beam 14. However, it is of course possible without departing from the scope of the invention to place the axis 17 at a position different from the beam 15, or on the body 8 or the arm 14.

The structure 4 supports a plurality of warp yarns generally designated by the reference 1 6. In the illustrated example, ten warp yarns 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e, 16f, 16g, 16h, 16i and 16j are expected to succeed in this order according to the direction and direction of the vector x. Of course, the number of son illustrated here is in no way limiting.

By means of the structure 4, and more particularly the arms 10 and 12, the warp threads 16 extend in the longitudinal direction of the structure 4 parallel to the vector y. For example, the arm 10 may comprise a perforated plate (not shown), the warp threads 16 respectively passing through the perforations of the perforated plate held by the arm 1 0. On the other side, the arm 12 may comprise two rolls (not shown) between which passes the fabric made. Alternatively, there can be provided a single roller around which the fabric is wound. Thus, the arms 10 and 12 ensure the maintenance in the directions of the vectors x and z of the portion of the warp son 1 6 located opposite the arms 10 and 12.

The weaving machine 2 may furthermore comprise a feed mechanism (not shown) for the fabric and thus the warp threads 16. In a manner known per se, such a mechanism may comprise an electric motor (not shown) driving a driving roller the simultaneous movement of the fabric and therefore the warp 16 in the direction of the vector y.

The structure 4 is further provided with a smooth mechanism 18, having an upper transverse arm 20 and a lower transverse arm 22 vertically facing one another. The arm 20 has a vertical portion (not referenced) extending from the upper surface of the body 8 in the direction and in the direction of the vector z. The arm 22 has a vertical portion (not referenced) extending from a lower surface of the body 8 in the direction of the vector z and in the opposite direction to the vector z. Each arm 20, 22 comprises a horizontal portion (not referenced) extending, respectively, from the upper or lower end of the vertical portion of said arm 20, 22, in the direction and in the direction of the vector x.

The principle of operation of the sled mechanism 18 is illustrated schematically with reference to FIG. 4. The slat mechanism 18 also comprises a plurality of slats globally designated by the reference 24. In the present case, the mechanism 18 comprises ten smooth 24a, 24b, 24d, 24th, 24f, 24g, 24h, 24i and 24j. The slats 24 are oriented in the direction of the vector z, the mechanism 1 8 having means (not shown) capable of selectively moving each smooth 24a to 24j relative to the structure 4 in translation in the direction of the vector z. Furthermore, each smooth 24a to 24j is located in the plane formed by each warp 16a to 16j, respectively, and the vector z. Each rail 24a to 24j comprises a wire or a metal bar extending on either side of an eyelet 26 through which the associated chain wire 16a to 16j is passed.

By means of the heald mechanism 18, it is possible to selectively move at least a portion of the warp yarns 16 to form a plurality of warp yarns. More particularly, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the mechanism 18 is configured to selectively move half of the healds upward and the other half of the healds down. The smooth mechanism 1 8 thus divides the smooth 24 into two groups of smooth, a first group consisting of the smooth 24b, 24d, 24f, 24h and 24j and a second group consisting of the smooth 24a, 24c, 24e, 24g and 24i . The mechanism 18 thus forms two plies, one of which is lower and the other is greater. The plies correspond respectively to the son associated with the first group and the son associated with the second group, the mechanism 18 then periodically alternates the position of the two plies.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the mechanism 1 8 actuated the displacement of the first group of smooth members 24 in the opposite direction to the vector z and the mechanism 1 8 actuated the movement of the second group of smooth 24 in the direction of the vector z. As a result, half of the warp yarns 1 6, more particularly the warp yarns 16a, 16c, 16e, 16g and 16i are selectively shifted downwardly with respect to the structure 4 and form a first lower ply 28. Likewise, the other half of the warp threads 16, that is to say the warp threads 16b, 16d, 16f, 16h and 16i, are shifted upwards with respect to the structure 4 to form a second layer 30 upper.

Referring now to Figures 1 to 3, the machine 2 comprises a movable oblong profile 3 1. The profile 3 1 is rotatably mounted about the axis 17. In this way, the profile 3 1 pivots around the direction of the vector z relative to the beam 1 5 and to the structure 4. The longitudinal direction of the profile 3 1 forms an angle a with the direction of the vector y. As will be explained later, the angle α corresponds to the weaving angle implemented by the machine 2.

More particularly, the angle a is capable of varying between a first extreme value ai and a second extreme value a ₂ . In the example shown, the angle α1 is substantially equal to 90 °, the angle α ₂ being substantially equal to 40 °. FIGS. 1 and 3 respectively show the section 3 1 pivoted according to two different operating configurations of the machine 2, the configuration of FIG. 1 corresponding to an angle α ₁ , the configuration of FIG. 2 corresponding to an angle α ₂ .

In the example illustrated, the axis 17 comprises an electric motor (not shown) for driving the profile 3 1 in rotation around the direction of the vector z. However, it is not beyond the scope of the invention to envisage another means for implementing this rotation. For example, in one variant, the rotation of the profile 31 around the direction of the vector z relative to the structure 4 is implemented manually by the operator.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the machine 2 also comprises an actuating device 32 mounted on the arm 14. As will be explained later, the actuating device 32 is provided in order to actuate the movement of the machine. a spool of weft yarn in order to implement the weaving. To do this, the device actuator 32 includes in particular a rod 33 whose longitudinal direction coincides with the weaving direction implemented by the machine 2. The rod 33 is mounted on the profile 3 1 so that its longitudinal direction coincides substantially with the longitudinal direction of pro le 3 1. As a result, the angle formed between the longitudinal direction of the rod 33 and the direction of the vector y is equal to the angle a. More particularly, the rod 33 is mounted on a pin 34 extending from one end of the pro file 3 1 in the direction and direction of the vector z. In the example illustrated, the pin 34 extends from the end of the profile 3 1 adj acente the arm 14 but it could of course be envisaged, without departing from the scope of the invention, that the pin extends from the other end of section 3 1. The rod 33 has two ends 35 and 37 opposite to each other.

The actuating device 32 comprises a rack actuator (not shown) whose function is to actuate the translational movement of the rod 33 relative to the pin 34. The rack actuator may, for this purpose, comprise an electric motor. driving a pinion cooperating with a rack. For example, the electric motor comprises a solid housing of the movable portion of the pin 34, the pinion meshing with a rack forming part of the rod 33 and extending in the longitudinal direction of said rod 33. The rack extends advantageously over the entire length of the rod 33 between the ends 35 and 37. As a result, the rod 33 is able to move between a first end position in which the end 35 is in the vicinity of the pin 34, as shown in FIGS. FIGS. 1 and 3, and a second extreme position (not shown) in which the end 37 is close to the pin 34.

Thus, by means of the pivoting profile 3 1 and the rack actuator (not shown), it is possible to actuate the displacement of the rod 33 in rotation around the direction of the vector z and in translation in the longitudinal direction of the rod 33, with respect to the structure 4. The actuating device 32 further comprises a hooking means. The hooking means has the function of making it possible to make the rod 33 of a support shuttle of the weft feed reel solitary. For this purpose, the end 35 of the rod 33 comprises a permanent magnet 36. As will be explained later, the permanent magnet 36 is provided to cooperate with a corresponding permanent magnet provided on the shuttle.

Referring to Figures 1 and 3, the machine 2 further comprises a support 67. The support 67 is intentionally not shown in Figure 2 for a better clarity of the drawing. The support 67 has a substantially parallelepipedal shape and comprises a fixing screw 69. The support 67 is mechanically connected to the structure 4 according to a mechanical linkage with respect to the direction of the vector y. As will be explained later with reference to Figures 6 and 7, the screw 69 is provided for the attachment of a packer.

With reference to FIG. 5, the machine 2 comprises a spool 38 comprising an axis 40 and a cylindrical magazine 42. A weft thread 43 is wrapped around the cylindrical wall of said magazine 42. The spindle 40 is mechanically removably connected to a shuttle 44 for supporting the coil 38. More particularly, the coil 38 is able to pivot about its axis 40 with respect to the shuttle 44.

The shuttle 44 is of oblong shape, the longitudinal direction of the shuttle 44 coinciding substantially with the direction of the axis 40. The shuttle 44 has two ends 45 and 47.

Referring to Figures 1, 3 and 5, the shuttle 44 has a permanent magnet 46 disposed at its end 45. The magnet 46 is biased so as to be attracted by the magnet 36. More particularly, the magnets 36 and 46 are designed so as to implement a magnetic attraction force ε ₃₆ -46 sufficient for the shuttle 44 supporting the coil 38 remains fixed on the rod 33. In other words, in the absence of other efforts, the shuttle 44 supporting the coil 38 forms an assembly integral with the end 35.

In this case, the magnets 36 and 46 will be dimensioned so that the stress ε ₃₆ -46 respects the following inequality: ½, -46 ^{≥ m} S + a _msi ),

or :

m represents the mass of the shuttle 44 supporting the coil 38 loaded with weft thread 43,

g represents the acceleration of gravity, and

a _ma x represents the maximum acceleration experienced by the rod 33 during its movements with respect to the structure 4.

The machine 2 further comprises a de-lidarization device 48 whose function is to exert an additional force on the shuttle 44 so as to break the integral assembly formed by the rod 33 on the one hand and by the shuttle 44 and the coil 38, on the other hand.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the uncoupling device 48 comprises an electromagnet 50 mounted on a support 52. The support 52 is mounted on the profile 3 1, in the longitudinal extension of the rod 33 and at one end of the profile 3 1 opposite to the end on which is the pin 34. As shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4, the de-lidarization device 48 comprises a permanent magnet 54 incorporated on the second end 47 of the shuttle 44. The magnet 54 is polarized so that, when the electromagnet 50 is supplied with electrical energy, the magnet 54 and the electromagnet 50 implement an electromagnetic attraction force 850 -54 sufficient to exceed the magnetic attraction force 836 -46.

In this case, the electromagnet 50 and the permanent magnet 54 are dimensioned such that the force 85 0-54 is strictly greater than the force 836-46, and preferably greater than or equal to the force 836. -46 multip bound by a factor of at least 1, 5.

As will be explained later, the actuating device 32 moves the coil 38 in translation in the longitudinal direction of the rod 33, so as to dispose the weft thread 43 along the same longitudinal direction of the rod 33. , the direction of removal of the weft thread 43 coincides with the longitudinal direction of the rod 33 and the weaving angle, which corresponds to the angle formed between the direction of the weft thread 43 deposited and the direction of the warp threads 16, corresponds to the angle a.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the machine 2 also comprises a control device 58 comprising hardware and software means for controlling the various actuators of the machine 2. More particularly, the pilot control device in the illustrated example:

the means capable of selectively moving the rails 24,

the electric motor driving the rotation of the profile 3 1,

the electric motor of the rack actuator, and

- the electromagnet 50.

When the rotation of the profile 3 1 is implemented by an electric drive motor, the control device 58 may furthermore comprise an interface for gripping a weaving angle Ccording · As a function of the angle a setpoint, the device 58 controls the rotation of the pin 34 so that the angle equals the angle _C Onsi _g do. The input interface can also be used to enter other setpoint parameters, such as an instruction to make a fabric with linen or taffeta weave, twill weave, satin weave or armor of an equivalent type.

In the illustrated example, the slat mechanism 18 is configured to divide the slats 24 into two slab groups. However, in order to further soften the fabric produced, it is possible without departing from the scope of the invention to increase the number of heald groups. For example, the use of three or four groups of hedges provides greater flexibility without significantly complicating the weaving process.

For example, in a configuration in which the mechanism 18 divides the smooth 24 into four groups of smooth, a first group is composed of the smooth 24a, 24e and 24i, a second group is composed of the smooth 24b, 24f and 24j, a third group is composed of smooth 24c and 24g and a fourth group is composed of smooth 24d and 24h. The mechanism of smooth 1 8 is then duly configured to distribute the heald groups in two layers and to modify this distribution periodically. More specifically, the mechanism implements four successive steps. In each of the first, second, third and fourth stages, respectively, the first, second, third or fourth group of healds comprises the first layer, the other three groups of healds constituting the second layer. The mechanism 1 8 is configured to repeat the succession of these four steps as the machine 2 is used. Such a configuration makes it possible in particular to obtain a fabric with satin weave. A configuration in which the mechanism 1 8 divides the smooth 24 into three groups of healties allows in particular to obtain a fabric with a twill weave.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, there is schematically shown two packers 64 and 66 of the machine 2 to be woven. The packers 64 and 66 are intended to be mounted on the support 67 (see FIGS. The packer 64 has a plurality of blades 68 forming an angle of 70 ° to its own longitudinal direction. The packer 66 has meanwhile a plurality of blades 70 forming an angle of 45 ° relative to its own longitudinal direction. Projection of the length of each packer 64 and 66 relative to the direction perpendicular to the plane of the respective blade 68 and 70 is substantially equal to one and the same value p. The value p is substantially greater than the distance, in the direction of the vector x, between the warp yarns 16a and 16j. To mount a packer 64 or 66 on the support 67, the fixing screw 69 is made to cooperate with a threaded bore (not shown) made in the packer 64 or 66. The angle formed between the longitudinal direction of the packer and the longitudinal direction of the support 67 is adjusted so that the blades 68 or 70 are substantially parallel to the plane formed by the vectors y and z.

Advantageously, the machine 2 is provided with a plurality of compactors similar to the packers 64 and 66, whose blades form angles, with respect to the longitudinal direction of said packers, of different values. For example, the machine 2 comprises a packer whose blades form an angle, with respect to the direction longitudinal gauge of said packer, value 90 °, a packer with a corresponding angle value 85 °, a packer with a corresponding angle value 80 °, etc. As will be explained later, this plurality of packers forms a tool adapted for the operator to produce variable weave angle fabrics.

Referring again to FIG. 5, the shuttle 44 is provided with a device for guiding the weft thread 43. The guiding device comprises a first rod 72 extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the shuttle 44 and a second rod 74. The second rod 74 connected at one of its ends to the first rod 72 by pivot connection means 76. The second rod 74 comprises at the other end of its ends a guide fork 78 comprising two branches 80 and 82. The weft thread 43 passes between the branches 80 and 82 of the fork 78. The guide angle β formed between the stems 72 and 74 is adjusted according to the weaving angle implemented by the machine 2. By choosing a suitable angle β, it is possible to obtain better control of the tension of the deposited thread 43.

In the illustrated example, a single shuttle 44 having a guiding device with an adjustable guide angle β is provided. It is of course possible, without departing from the scope of the invention, to provide a plurality of shuttles having guiding devices with different steering angles β, so that, for each weaving angle, a shuttle having a guiding device with a particular guide angle β is appropriate. Such an alternative has the advantage of keeping the design of the shuttle 44 simple. Furthermore, since the shuttle is held relatively to the structure 4 by magnetic means, it is very easy to implement assembly steps. dismantling and replacement of shuttles.

As indicated above, the shuttle 44 is held relative to the structure 4 by three permanent magnets 36, 46 and 54 respectively provided on the rod 33 and at the ends 45 and 47 of the shuttle 44, and by an electromagnet 50 provided on the support 52. However, it is within the scope of the invention to consider different magnetic means. In particular, at least one of the permanent magnets 36, 46 and 54 can be replaced by an electromagnet, the electromagnet 50 can in this case be replaced by a permanent magnet.

However, the provision of the example shown is advantageous insofar as it is necessary to supply only one electromagnet, and where the supply of the electromagnet is easier to implement when the electromagnet is mounted on the support 52, that it was mounted on the shuttle 44 and, to a lesser extent, on the rod 33.

By means of the weaving machine 2, it is possible to implement the method according to the following example of implementation of the nonlimiting invention. According to this example of implementation, the weaving process aims to obtain a tissue weave angle of 70 °. However, it should be noted that it is just as possible, using the machine 2, to obtain a fabric having different parameters, in particular forming any weaving angle of between 40 ° and 90 °.

In this example of implementation, in the initial state of the method, the machine 2 is configured according to the configuration shown in FIG. In other words, the profile 3 1 forms an angle α of 90 ° with respect to the vector y and the shuttle 44 supports a coil 38 loaded with a weft thread 43. The shuttle 44 is fixed by means of the magnets

36 and 46 at the end 35 of the rod 33, the rod 33 being arranged such that the end 35 is close to the pin 34. The electromagnet 50 is not supplied with electrical energy.

In a first step, an operator enters through the input interface of the device 58 setpoint parameters. More particularly, the operator enters in the input interface if he wants a particular weaving angle. In the present example of implementation, the operator grasps a weaving angle _C Onsi _g = 70 ° and only a fabric continuous weft yarn.

During a second step, the device 58 drives the electric drive motor of the profile 3 1, so that the angle a equal to the angle _C Onsi _g do. At the same time, the rod 33 pivots around the direction of the vector z to be placed parallel to the weaving direction, the end 35 being close to the pin 34. At this moment, the rod 33 is said to be arranged in its initial position.

In a third step, the operator chooses, from among the plurality of packers supplied with the machine 2, a packer adapted to the selected angle C-line. More particularly, the operator chooses a blade packer whose blades form an angle with the longitudinal direction of the packer corresponding to the value of the setpoint angle · The operator then places the chosen packer on its mobile support 68.

In a fourth step, the slat mechanism 18 selectively moves a portion of the warp yarns 16 to form an upper and a lower sheet. In other words, the rails 24a, 24c, 24e, 24g and 24i are offset downwards, the rails 24b, 24d, 24f, 24 and 24j being shifted upwards. As a result, the warp yarns 16a, 16c, 16e, 16g, and 16i are selectively moved downward, with the warp yarns 16b, 16d, 16f, 16h, and 16J selectively moved upward. In other words, the weft yarns 16 are moved selectively so as to form the plies 28 and 30 as shown in FIG. 2.

During a fifth step, the device 58 drives the rack actuator so as to move the rod 33 towards the electromagnet 50. The rod 33 is thus displaced to the left (with respect to FIGS. 1 and 3). until the end 47 of the shuttle 44 comes into contact with the electromagnet 50. During this step, the coil 38 unwinds so that the weft thread 43 is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the rod 33 between the plies 28 and 30.

During a sixth following step, the device 58 supplies the electromagnet 50 with electrical energy. The effort 850 -54 thus appears, and the solid assembly constituted by the rod 33 on the one hand and the shuttle 44 on the other hand is disengaged. The shuttle 44 is now a solarium of the electromagnet 50.

During a seventh step, the device 58 drives the rack actuator so as to recall the rod 33 disengaged of the shuttle 44 in its initial position. The rod 33 is then moved to the right (with respect to FIGS. 1 and 3) until the end 35 is again placed close to the pin 34.

In a next eighth step, the slider mechanism 18 selectively moves a portion of the warp yarns 1 6 in a different configuration than in the fourth step. The rails 24b, 24d, 24f, 24h and 24j are then shifted downwards, the rails 24a, 24c, 24e, 24g and 24i being shifted upwards. The warp yarns 16b, 16d, 16f, 16h, and 16j are thus moved downward, the warp yarns 16a, 16c, 16e, 16g, and 16i being moved upward. At the end of the eighth step, the position of the plies 28 and 30 is then reversed, with respect to their position at the end of the fourth step.

During a ninth step, the device 58 again drives the rack actuator so as to move the rod 33 towards the electromagnet 50. The ninth step is completed when the end 35 comes into contact with the end 45 of the shuttle 44.

During a tenth step, the device 58 deactivates the supply of the electromagnet 50 with electrical energy. This results in the disappearance of the force 850-54, so that the shuttle 44 again forms a unitary assembly with the rod 33.

During an eleventh step, the device 58 drives the rack actuator so as to return the rod 33 to its initial position. The rod 33 is moved to the right (with respect to FIGS. 1 and 3) until the end 35 of the rod 33 comes close to the pin 34. During this step, the coil 38 is unwound so that that weft yarn 43 is disposed in the longitudinal direction of the rod 33 between the plies 28 and 30.

The method comprises a twelfth step of tamping the deposited weft yarn. During this step, the packer (not shown) mounted by the operator is moved in translation in the direction and direction of the vector y. The packer, initially located between the smooth mechanism 1 8 and the beam 15, exceeds the beam 15 so as to push and compacting the deposited weft yarn to an arrival position (not shown) between the beam 1 5 and the arm 12.

These twelve steps can be repeated, as many times as necessary, until a sufficiently long tissue is obtained with respect to the intended use.

Advantageously, the machine 2 may further comprise clamps (not shown) mounted on the structure 4, and more particularly respectively mounted on the body 8 and on the arm 14, or on the profile 3 1. The clamps have the function, when a weft yarn has been deposited between the warp threads 16, to maintain the tension of the weft yarn. More particularly, each clamp holds, respectively, a portion of the weft yarn located to the left of the warp yarn 16a and a portion of the weft yarn located to the right of the warp yarn 1 6j. The maintenance is advantageously implemented between the end of the removal of the weft yarn and the passage of the packer.

Thus, by means of the weaving machine 2 and the method which has just been described, it is possible to produce a continuous weft yarn with a variable weave angle and different from 90 °. In addition, the rate is essentially unchanged compared to a conventional industrial weaving machine. Moreover, the weaving machine is not of more complicated design and the corresponding weaving method does not include a particularly complex stage for the operator. Compared to a conventional industrial weaving machine, the invention also makes it possible to control the tension of the weft thread disposed at a weaving angle other than 90 °. This results in a better quality of the fabric.

In the illustrated embodiment, machine 2 provides a continuous weft yarn. However, it is also possible without departing from the scope of the invention to use the weaving machine 2 to obtain a discontinuous weft yarn. To do this, it suffices to provide a cutting member configured to cut the weft thread at each passage of the shuttle 44.

A particularly interesting application of such a weaving machine concerns the manufacture of tires. Indeed, in allowing the production of continuous warp yarns with a weave angle different from 90 °, the fabric thus produced is particularly suitable for producing tire reinforcements. Indeed, because of the continuity of the weft son and their arrangement according to a particular weave angle, the fabric allows a better passage of forces in the tire and therefore between the road and the vehicle. In addition, by further controlling the tension of the weft yarn, the quality of the tire which can be produced by means of the fabric produced is also improved.

To do this, the fabric obtained by means of such a weaving machine and by such a weaving process can be wrapped in a rubber mix. It is then possible to cut into the rubber mix reinforced sections in which sections will be taken to form crown plies or other reinforced parts of a tire. In particular, the fabric produced by means of a weaving process according to the invention may be wrapped in a rubber mix by a calendering process.

An example of a fabric having particularly satisfactory results when it is wrapped in a rubber mix to produce a tire is a fabric with a metallic warp, preferably steel, and a continuous weft yarn made of textile, obtained by the process according to the invention with a weave angle of about 60 °.

FIG. 8 schematically shows a fabric intended to reinforce a calendered product according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, schematically represented in section in FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a sectional view of the calendered product comprising the fabric of the invention. Figure 8, the sectional plane of Figure 9 containing one of the warp son of the fabric of Figure 8. The identical elements in Figures 8 and 9 have the same references.

With reference to FIG. 8, the fabric 84 comprises a plurality of warp yarns 16 and a continuous weft yarn 43. Only four warp threads 16 have been shown for the sake of clarity of the figure. The weft yarn 43 extends between the warp yarns 1 6 in one direction transversely to the direction of the warp yarns 16. More particularly, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the weft yarn 43 is divided into a plurality of passage portions 86 having substantially the same length. Each passage portion extends from a warp yarn located at one end of the plurality of warp yarns 1 6 to the warp yarn located at the opposite end of the plurality of warp yarns 16. Fabric 84 being continuous weft yarn, all the passage portions 86 are connected together in a continuous manner. On the other hand, in the illustrated example, the weave angle, i.e. the angle formed between the direction of the warp yarns 16 and the direction of the passage portions 86 of the weft yarn 43, is between 35 ° and 65 °, advantageously between 40 ° and 60 °, the average weave angle being substantially equal to 50 °.

In practice, the distance between two warp yarns 1 6 located respectively at the two opposite ends of the plurality of warp yarns 16 is greater than illustrated in FIG. 8. As a result, for a passage portion 86, the angle formed between the direction of the warp threads 16 and the direction of the passage portion 86 will have a smaller deviation from the average weave angle. In order to obtain a satisfactory variation of this angle with respect to the average angle, a width of the fabric 84 of between 1 m and 3 m, and preferably a width equal to 2 m, will be chosen.

Referring now to Figure 9, there is schematically shown the calendered product 88 which comprises the fabric 84. The calendered product 88 is a composite product comprising a matrix 90 and the fabric 84 which forms a reinforcing fabric. Fabric 84 is fully embedded within die 90. Die 90 comprises a rubber blend.

The calendered product 88 is formed by calendering by means of rollers (not shown) covering the fabric 84 with a thin layer of the rubber mixture of the matrix 90. The calendering allows an optimal cohesion between the fabric 84 and the matrix 90. To further improve this cohesion, the warp threads 1 6 and the portions 86 of the weft thread 43 may be coated with a Resorcinol-formaldehyde glue. Latex, also known as RFL. The calendering allows the assembly of the reinforcing fabric 84 with the other components of the tire.

In the example described, the fabric used to constitute the calendered product intended to be incorporated in a tire has been obtained by means of the weaving machine 2. However, the invention is not limited to the use of this machine. weave of particular design, nor to the method of implementation of this machine which has been described. It will therefore be possible to envisage, within the scope of the invention, to produce a continuous weft yarn fabric by means of other types of weaving machines.

Claims

1. A calendered product for incorporation in a tire and comprising a matrix comprising a rubber mixture and at least one reinforcing fabric (84), said fabric comprising a plurality of warp yarns (16) extending in a first direction and at a at least one weft thread (43) oriented in at least one second direction transverse to the first direction, characterized in that said weft thread (43) is continuous.

Calendered product according to claim 1, wherein the weaving angle (a) formed between the second direction and the first direction is between 85 ° and 95 °.

Calendered product according to claim 1, wherein the weaving angle (a) formed between the second direction and the first direction is between 55 ° and 65 °.

4. Calendered product according to claim 1, wherein the weaving angle (a) formed between the second direction and the first direction is between 35 ° and 45 °.

Calendered product according to one of the claims

1 to 4, wherein the warp threads of said plurality of warp threads (16) are metallic, for example steel.

A calendered product according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said weft yarn (43) is made of a textile material, for example aramid fiber.

A calendered product according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the diameter of the warp yarns of said plurality of warp yarns (1 6) and / or the diameter of said weft yarn (43) is between 0 , 4 mm and 1.5 mm.

8. Calendered product according to any one of the claims

1 to 7, wherein the distance between two successive warp threads of the plurality of warp threads (16) and / or the distance between two successive portions of said weft thread (43) is between 2 mm and 4 mm.

A calendered product according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the warp yarns of said plurality of warp yarns (16) and / or weft yarn (43) are coated with a yarn, by Example of a Resorcinol-formaldehyde-latex glue.

A tire comprising a crown composed of a belt reinforcement and a carved tread extended by two sidewalls, wherein at least one tire zone is reinforced by means of a calendered product according to any one of claims 1 to 9.