Tire

Abstract

To provide a tire, which is configured so that a communication device can be suppressed from being damaged due to heat evolved inside the tire during rolling.SOLUTION: The tire comprises a side reinforcement rubber 2 with a crescent-shaped cross section, arranged in a side wall part 1b of the tire, and a communication device 10 buried inside the tire. The side reinforcement rubber has a side reinforcement rubber joined part ate which end parts in a tire circumferential direction of the side reinforcement rubber are joined to each other. The whole of the communication device is positioned in a predetermined region Kr in the tire circumferential direction extending from a center in the tire circumferential direction of the side reinforcement rubber joined part to a tire-angle range of 90° with a predetermined position Kb in the tire circumferential direction away by 180° from the center as a center.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tire.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a tire provided with side reinforcing rubber in the sidewall portion (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The inventor of the present invention newly found a configuration capable of suppressing damage to a communication device (for example, an RF tag, etc.) due to heat generation inside the tire during rolling when the communication device is embedded inside the tire in the above conventional tire, and thus arrived at the present invention.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a tire capable of suppressing damage to a communication device due to heat generation inside the tire during rolling.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] 〔1〕A tire, a side reinforcing rubber having a crescent cross-section disposed in the sidewall portion of the tire, and a communication device embedded inside the tire, comprising: the side reinforcing rubber has a side reinforcing rubber joint portion where the tire circumferential direction ends of the side reinforcing rubber are joined, The entire tire is located within a predetermined tire circumferential region that extends over a tire angle range of 90° centered on a predetermined tire circumferential position that is 180° away from the center of the tire circumferential direction of the side reinforcing rubber joint portion. This can suppress damage to the communication device due to heat generation inside the tire during rolling.

[0007] 〔2〕Further comprising a bead filler, The bead filler has a bead filler joint portion where the circumferential ends of the bead filler are joined to each other. In the projection plane when the tire is projected in the tire width direction, the communication device does not overlap the bead filler joint portion, and the tire according to 〔1〕. This can further suppress damage to the communication device due to heat generation inside the tire during rolling.

[0008] 〔3〕The bead filler joint portion is located outside the predetermined tire circumferential region, and the tire according to 〔2〕. This can further suppress damage to the communication device due to heat generation inside the tire during rolling.

[0009] 〔4〕The shorter tire circumferential distance from the tire circumferential center of the communication device to the tire circumferential center of the bead filler joint portion is shorter than the shorter tire circumferential distance from the tire circumferential center of the communication device to the tire circumferential center of the side reinforcing rubber joint portion, and the tire according to 〔2〕 or 〔3〕.

[0010] 〔5〕The communication device has an RF tag, and the tire according to any one of 〔1〕 to 〔4〕.

Advantages of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a tire that can suppress damage to the communication device due to heat generation inside the tire during rolling.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

[0013] The tire according to the present invention can be suitably used for any type of pneumatic tire, and for example, can be suitably used for a pneumatic tire for a passenger car.

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the tire according to the present invention will be illustrated and described with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals are given to the members and parts common to each figure. In some drawings, the tire width direction is indicated by the symbol "WD", the tire radial direction is indicated by the symbol "RD", and the tire circumferential direction is indicated by the symbol "CD". In this specification, one side in the tire circumferential direction (CD) is referred to as "the first side in the tire circumferential direction (CD1)" (FIGS. 1 and 3), and the other side in the tire circumferential direction (CD) is referred to as "the second side in the tire circumferential direction (CD2)" (FIGS. 1 and 3). Further, in this specification, the "tire angle range" refers to an angle range when the central axis (rotation axis) (O) of the tire is used as the center of rotation.

[0015] Figs. 1 to 3 are drawings for explaining a tire 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a side view schematically showing the tire 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from one side in the tire width direction, and is also a projection plane view schematically showing a state when the tire 1 is projected in the tire width direction. Fig. 2 is an A-A cross-sectional view showing a tire half portion (a portion on either one side with respect to the tire equatorial plane CL) of the tire 1 in Fig. 1 by a cross-section along the line A-A in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a B-B cross-sectional view showing a part of the side reinforcing rubber 2 in Fig. 1 by a cross-section along the line B-B in Fig. 1. The line B-B in Fig. 1 extends along the tire circumferential direction. The tire 1 of the embodiment in Fig. 1 is configured as a pneumatic tire for a passenger car. However, the tire 1 of any embodiment of the present invention may be configured as any type of tire.

[0016] The tire 1 includes a tire body 1M and a communication device 10. The tire body 1M corresponds to a portion of the tire 1 other than the communication device 10.

[0017] Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the positional relationship, dimensions, etc. of each element are measured in a reference state in which the tire 1 is mounted on an application rim, filled with a specified internal pressure, and unloaded. Also, in a state where the tire 1 is mounted on an application rim, the tire 1 is filled with a specified internal pressure, and a maximum load is applied, the width in the tire width direction of the ground contact surface in contact with the road surface is referred to as the ground contact width of the tire, and the end portion in the tire width direction of the ground contact surface is referred to as the ground contact end.

[0018] In this specification, the "applicable rim" refers to the industrial standard effective in the region where pneumatic tires are produced and used. In Japan, it refers to the standard rim (Measuring Rim in the ETRTO's STANDARDS MANUAL and Design Rim in the TRA's YEAR BOOK) in the applicable size described in the JATMA YEAR BOOK of JATMA (Japan Automobile Tire Manufacturers Association), in Europe, it refers to the standard rim described in the STANDARDS MANUAL of ETRTO (The European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation), and in the United States, it refers to the standard rim described in the YEAR BOOK of TRA (The Tire and Rim Association, Inc.). However, for sizes not described in these industrial standards, it refers to a rim with a width corresponding to the bead width of the pneumatic tire. The "applicable rim" includes sizes that will be described in the aforementioned industrial standards in the future in addition to the current sizes. Examples of "sizes to be described in the future" may include the sizes described as "FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS" in the 2013 edition of ETRTO.

[0019] In this specification, the "specified internal pressure" refers to the air pressure (maximum air pressure) corresponding to the maximum load capacity of a single wheel in the applicable size and ply rating described in the industrial standards such as the JATMA YEAR BOOK mentioned above. For sizes not described in the aforementioned industrial standards, it refers to the air pressure (maximum air pressure) corresponding to the maximum load capacity specified for each vehicle on which the tire is mounted. Also, in this specification, the "maximum load" refers to the load corresponding to the maximum load capacity of a tire in the applicable size described in the industrial standards mentioned above, or, in the case of sizes not described in the aforementioned industrial standards, it refers to the load corresponding to the maximum load capacity specified for each vehicle on which the tire is mounted.

[0020] First, the tire body 1M will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 2, the tire body 1M includes a tread portion 1a, a pair of sidewall portions 1b extending radially inward in the tire diameter direction from both ends of the tread portion 1a in the tire width direction, and a pair of bead portions 1c provided at the radially inner ends of the respective sidewall portions 1b. The tread portion 1a is the portion in the tire width direction between the pair of grounding ends of the tire body 1M. The bead portion 1c is configured to contact the rim on the radially inner side and the outer side in the tire width direction when the tire 1 is mounted on the rim. The tire body 1M has a pair of tire side portions 1d extending radially inward in the tire diameter direction from both ends of the tread portion 1a in the tire width direction. The tire side portion 1d is composed of the sidewall portion 1b and the bead portion 1c. Further, the tire body 1M includes a pair of bead cores 4a, a pair of bead fillers 4b, a carcass 5, a belt 6, a tread rubber 7, a side rubber 8, an inner liner 9, and a pair of side reinforcing rubbers 2.

[0021] Each bead core 4a is embedded in the corresponding bead portion 1c. The bead core 4a includes a plurality of bead wires whose peripheries are covered with rubber. The bead wire is preferably made of metal (for example, steel). The bead wire can be, for example, a monofilament or a stranded wire. Note that the bead wire may be made of organic fiber or carbon fiber.

[0022] Each bead filler 4b is located radially outside the corresponding bead core 4a. The bead filler 4b extends in a tapered shape toward the outside in the tire diameter direction. The bead filler 4b is, for example, made of rubber.

[0023] The carcass 5 spans between a pair of bead cores 4a and extends in a toroidal shape. The carcass 5 is composed of one or more (two in the embodiment of FIG. 2) carcass plies 5a. Each carcass ply 5a includes one or more carcass cords 5c and a covering rubber 5r that covers the carcass cords 5c (FIG. 2). The carcass cords 5c can be formed of a monofilament or a stranded wire. The carcass cords 5c are preferably composed of organic fibers made of polyester, nylon, rayon, aramid, or the like. The carcass ply 5a includes a ply main body portion 5M located between a pair of bead cores 4a. The carcass ply 5a may further include a ply turned-back portion 5T that is turned back from both ends of the ply main body portion 5M around the bead core 4a from the inner side in the tire width direction to the outer side in the tire width direction. However, the carcass ply 5a may not include the ply turned-back portion 5T. The ply main body portion 5M is located on the inner side in the tire width direction of the bead filler 4b and the bead core 4a. The ply turned-back portion 5T is located on the outer side in the tire width direction of the bead filler 4b and the bead core 4a. The carcass 5 is preferably of a radial structure, but may also be of a bias structure.

[0024] The belt 6 is disposed on the outer side in the tire radial direction with respect to the crown portion of the carcass 5. The belt 6 includes one or more belt layers 6a. Each belt layer 6a includes one or more belt cords and a covering rubber that covers the belt cords. The belt cords can be formed of a monofilament or a stranded wire. The belt cords may be composed of a metal (e.g., steel) or may be composed of organic fibers made of polyester, nylon, rayon, aramid, or the like.

[0025] The tread rubber 7 is located on the outer side in the tire radial direction of the belt 6 in the tread portion 1a. The tread rubber 7 constitutes a tread surface that is the outer surface in the tire radial direction of the tread portion 1a. A tread pattern is formed on the tread surface.

[0026] The side rubber 8 is located in the sidewall portion 1b. The side rubber 8 constitutes the outer surface on the outer side in the tire width direction of the sidewall portion 1b. The side rubber 8 is located on the outer side in the tire width direction than the carcass 5. The side rubber 8 is located on the outer side in the tire width direction than the bead filler 4b. The side rubber 8 is integrally formed with the tread rubber 7.

[0027] The inner liner 9 is disposed inside the tire of the carcass 5, and may be laminated, for example, on the inner side of the tire of the carcass 5. The inner liner 9 is composed of, for example, a butyl rubber having low air permeability. The butyl rubber includes, for example, butyl rubber and halogenated butyl rubber which is a derivative thereof. The inner liner 9 is not limited to butyl rubber, and can be composed of other rubber compositions, resins, or elastomers.

[0028] Side reinforcing rubbers 2 are disposed in the sidewall portion 1b. Each side reinforcing rubber 2 is embedded in the corresponding sidewall portion 1b, respectively. Each side reinforcing rubber 2 is disposed on the inner side in the tire width direction of the carcass 5. Further, each side reinforcing rubber 2 is disposed on the outer side in the tire width direction of the inner liner 9. The side reinforcing rubber 2 has a crescent cross section in which the thickness gradually decreases toward the inner and outer sides in the tire radial direction in the cross section in the tire width direction, and is curved convexly toward the outer side in the tire width direction. In this way, the tire 1 is configured as a run-flat tire. The side reinforcing rubber 2 reinforces the tire side portion 1d, and in a state where the internal pressure of the tire 1 is low due to a puncture or the like, contributes to supporting the vehicle body weight and suppresses the longitudinal deflection of the tire 1, thereby enabling running over a certain distance.

[0029] Next, the communication device 10 will be described. The communication device 10 only needs to be configured to be capable of wireless communication with a predetermined external device (for example, a reader or a reader / writer) outside the tire 1, and the configuration of the communication device 10 is not particularly limited. The communication device 10 preferably has an RF tag. The RF tag is also called an "RFID tag". The RF tag is preferably configured as a passive type, but may also be configured as an active type. Instead of or in addition to the RF tag, the communication device 10 may have an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the tire 1, an internal pressure sensor that detects the internal pressure of the tire 1, and the like.

[0030] Figs. 4 to 5 show an example of the communication device 10. In this example, the communication device 10 has an RF tag. In this example, the communication device 10 includes an RF tag 10e and a covering portion 10f. The RF tag 10e includes an IC chip 10c and an antenna portion 10b. The RF tag 10e is configured as a passive type.

[0031] The IC chip 10c operates, for example, by the dielectric electromotive force generated by the radio wave received by the antenna portion 10b. The IC chip 10c has, for example, a control portion and a storage portion. The storage portion may store any information. For example, the storage portion may store the identification information of the tire 1. The identification information of the tire 1 is, for example, the unique identification information of the tire 1 that can identify each tire, such as the manufacturer of the tire 1, the manufacturing factory, and the manufacturing date. Further, the storage portion may store tire history information such as the running distance of the tire, the number of hard braking times, the number of rapid acceleration times, and the number of sharp turning times. Further, for example, sensors for detecting the internal temperature of the tire, the internal pressure of the tire, the acceleration of the tire, etc. are provided in the tire cavity, and the storage portion may store the detection information detected by these sensors. In this case, the RF tag 10e can acquire the detection information of the sensors by wirelessly communicating with the sensors through the antenna portion 10b. The control portion is configured to be able to read information from the storage portion.

[0032] The antenna unit 10b has a pair of antennas 10b1 and 10b2. The pair of antennas 10b1 and 10b2 are respectively connected to the ends of the IC chip 10c that are located on opposite sides of each other. The antenna unit 10b is configured to be able to transmit and receive with the above-mentioned predetermined external device outside the tire 1. In the examples of FIGS. 4 to 5, each of the antennas 10b1 and 10b2 extends linearly, but each of the antennas 10b1 and 10b2 may extend in an arbitrary shape such as a waveform or the like.

[0033] The covering portion 10f covers the entire RF tag 10e. The covering portion 10f is formed of, for example, rubber or resin. In this example, the covering portion 10f has a pair of sheet-like covering members 10f1 and 10f2. The pair of covering members 10f1 and 10f2 are overlapped with each other with the RF tag 10e sandwiched therebetween. It is preferable that the pair of covering members 10f1 and 10f2 are fixed to each other by adhesion or the like. However, the covering portion 10f may be composed of one member. In this example, the covering portion 10f has a rectangular shape in plan view, but the covering portion 10f may have an arbitrary shape in plan view. Note that the communication device 10 may not have the covering portion 10f, that is, it may be composed of only the RF tag 10e.

[0034] The communication device 10 configured as described above is configured such that the antenna unit 10b can receive information transmitted on an electric wave or a magnetic field from the above-mentioned predetermined external device. By rectification (in the case of an electric wave) or resonance (in the case of a magnetic field), electric power is generated in the antenna unit 10b of the communication device 10, and the storage unit and the control unit of the IC chip 10c perform predetermined operations. For example, the control unit reads out the information in the storage unit and returns (transmits) it from the antenna unit 10b on an electric wave or a magnetic field to the above-mentioned predetermined external device. The above-mentioned predetermined external device receives the electric wave or magnetic field from the communication device 10. The above-mentioned predetermined external device can acquire the information stored in the storage unit of the IC chip 10c of the communication device 10 by extracting the received information.

[0035] However, the communication device 10 may have any configuration different from this example.

[0036] The communication device 10 may have a longitudinal direction LD, a short-side direction SD, and a thickness direction TD. The longitudinal direction LD, the short-side direction SD, and the thickness direction TD are perpendicular to each other. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 5, when the communication device 10 has the RF tag 10e, the longitudinal direction LD of the communication device 10 is parallel to the extending direction of the antenna unit 10b. When each antenna 10b1, 10b2 of the antenna unit 10b is wavy, the extending direction of the antenna unit 10b refers to the extending direction of the amplitude center line of the wave formed by each antenna 10b1, 10b2. In the communication device 10, when the communication device 10 has the covering portion 10f, the thickness direction TD of the communication device 10 refers to the thickness direction of the covering portion 10f, and when the communication device 10 does not have the covering portion 10f, the thickness direction TD of the communication device 10 refers to the thickness direction of the IC chip 10c.

[0037] The length of the longitudinal direction LD of the RF tag 10e is preferably, for example, 20 mm or more, or 50 mm or more. Also, the length of the longitudinal direction LD of the RF tag 10e is preferably, for example, 100 mm or less, or 70 mm or less. The length of the short-side direction SD of the RF tag 10e is preferably, for example, 10 mm or less, or 8 mm or less. The length of the thickness direction TD of the RF tag 10e is preferably, for example, 5 mm or less, or 2 mm or less. When the communication device 10 has the covering portion 10f, the length of the longitudinal direction LD of the communication device 10 is preferably, for example, 30 mm or more, or 60 mm or more. Also, the length of the longitudinal direction LD of the RF tag 10e is preferably, for example, 110 mm or less, or 80 mm or less. When the communication device 10 has the covering portion 10f, the length of the short-side direction SD of the communication device 10 is preferably, for example, 20 mm or less, or 15 mm or less. When the communication device 10 has the covering portion 10f, the length of the thickness direction TD of the communication device 10 is preferably, for example, 6 mm or less, or 3 mm or less. The thickness of each of the covering members 10f1 and 10f2 of the covering portion 10f is preferably, for example, 0.5 mm or more. Further, the thickness of each of the covering members 10f1 and 10f2 of the covering portion 10f is preferably, for example, 1 mm or less.

[0038] The communication device 10 is embedded inside the tire 1 (tire body 1M).

[0039] During the manufacture of the tire 1, the green tire constituting the tire body 1M and the communication device 10 are accommodated inside a tire molding die and vulcanized and molded.

[0040] Hereinafter, the preferred configurations of various tire constituent members (side reinforcing rubber 2, bead filler 4b, etc.) constituting the tire body 1M, and the preferred positional relationships between the various tire constituent members constituting the tire body 1M and the communication device 10 will be described. Note that the communication device 10 may be provided only in one of the pair of tire halves on both sides of the tire equatorial plane CL in the tire 1. In that case, with respect to the configurations and positions described below, it is preferable that they are satisfied in at least the tire half in which the communication device 10 is provided among the pair of tire halves of the tire 1, but they may be satisfied in each of the pair of tire halves of the tire 1. Further, the communication device 10 may be provided in each of the pair of tire halves of the tire 1. In that case, with respect to the configurations and positions described below, it is preferable that they are satisfied in each of the tire halves, but they may be satisfied only in one of the pair of tire halves of the tire 1.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the side reinforcing rubber 2 has a side reinforcing rubber joint portion 2j in which a pair of tire circumferential direction end portions 2p1 and 2p2 in the side reinforcing rubber 2 are joined. As schematically shown in FIG. 3, one of a pair of tire circumferential end portions 2p1 and 2p2 in the side reinforcing rubber 2 is a first tire circumferential end portion 2p1 which is an end portion on the first tire circumferential side CD1 of the side reinforcing rubber 2. The first tire circumferential end portion 2p1 includes a first tire circumferential edge 2e1 which is a tire circumferential edge that is located on the most first tire circumferential side CD1 among the first tire circumferential end portions 2p1 and faces the first tire circumferential side CD1. The other of the pair of tire circumferential end portions 2p1 and 2p2 in the side reinforcing rubber 2 is a second tire circumferential end portion 2p2 which is an end portion on the second tire circumferential side CD2 of the side reinforcing rubber 2. The second tire circumferential end portion 2p2 includes a second tire circumferential edge 2e2 which is a tire circumferential edge that is located on the most second tire circumferential side CD2 among the second tire circumferential end portions 2p2 and faces the second tire circumferential side CD2. As illustrated in FIG. 3, in the side reinforcing rubber joint portion 2j, the pair of tire circumferential end portions 2p1 and 2p2 in the side reinforcing rubber 2 may overlap each other in the tire width direction. In this case, the joining strength between the pair of tire circumferential end portions 2p1 and 2p2 in the side reinforcing rubber 2 can be improved, and thus, it is possible to effectively suppress the formation of a gap between the tire circumferential end portions 2p1 and 2p2. In this case, the first tire circumferential end portion 2p1 may be located outside the second tire circumferential end portion 2p2 in the tire width direction, or the first tire circumferential end portion 2p1 may be located inside the second tire circumferential end portion 2p2 in the tire width direction. Alternatively, although not shown, in the side reinforcing rubber joint portion 2j, the pair of tire circumferential end portions 2p1 and 2p2 in the side reinforcing rubber 2 may have their respective tire circumferential edges 2e1 and 2e2 butted (and thus, in contact) with each other. In this case, as in the example of FIG. 3, when looking at a cross section (FIG. 3) along the tire width direction and the tire circumferential direction, the pair of tire circumferential edges 2e1 and 2e2 of the side reinforcing rubber 2 may be substantially parallel to the tire width direction, or may extend in a direction inclined with respect to the tire width direction. In each of the above examples, in the side reinforcing rubber 2, the pair of tire circumferential direction end portions 2p1 and 2p2 may each have a substantially uniform (constant) thickness in the tire width direction along the tire circumferential direction as in the example of FIG. 3, or alternatively, the thickness in the tire width direction may be non-uniform along the tire circumferential direction. For example, the thickness in the tire width direction may gradually decrease as it approaches the respective tire circumferential edges 2e1 and 2e2 along the tire circumferential direction. In each of the above examples, the pair of tire circumferential direction edges 2e1 and 2e2 in the side reinforcing rubber 2 may form a three-dimensional planar shape as in the example of FIG. 3, and thus, when viewed in cross-section along the tire width direction and the tire circumferential direction (FIG. 3), they may form a linear shape. Alternatively, the pair of tire circumferential direction edges 2e1 and 2e2 in the side reinforcing rubber 2 may form a three-dimensional linear shape, and thus, when viewed in cross-section along the tire width direction and the tire circumferential direction (FIG. 3), they may form a dot-like shape. In each of the above examples, in the projection plane (FIG. 1) when the tire 1 is projected in the tire width direction, the pair of tire circumferential direction edges 2e1 and 2e2 in the side reinforcing rubber 2 may each extend in a direction inclined with respect to the tire radial direction as in the example of FIG. 1, or alternatively, they may extend parallel to the tire radial direction. In each of the above examples, the side reinforcing rubber 2 may have a greater thickness in the tire width direction at the side reinforcing rubber joint portion 2j than the thickness in the tire width direction at portions other than the side reinforcing rubber joint portion 2j, as in the example of FIG. 3.

[0042] As illustrated in FIG. 1, in the tire 1, the entire communication device 10 is located within a predetermined tire circumferential direction region Kr. The predetermined tire circumferential direction region Kr is located on the side opposite to the side reinforcing rubber joint portion 2j in the tire circumferential direction. More specifically, the predetermined tire circumferential direction region Kr is a tire circumferential direction region that extends over a tire angle range of 90° with a predetermined tire circumferential position Kb as the center (the tire circumferential direction center of the predetermined tire circumferential direction region Kr). The predetermined tire circumferential position Kb is a tire circumferential position that is 180° away from the tire circumferential direction center 2jc of the side reinforcing rubber joint portion 2j when rotating around the central axis O of the tire 1. The tire circumferential direction center 2jc of the side reinforcing rubber joint portion 2j is a tire circumferential position that is exactly in the middle of the tire circumferential direction between the end on the first tire circumferential side CD1 (specifically, the end on the first tire circumferential side CD1 at the first tire circumferential edge 2e1) and the end on the second tire circumferential side CD2 (specifically, the end on the second tire circumferential side CD2 at the second tire circumferential edge 2e2) of the side reinforcing rubber joint portion 2j.

[0043] As described above, in the present embodiment, the entire communication device 10 is located within the predetermined tire circumferential direction region Kr. As a result, the communication device 10 is located on the side substantially opposite to the side reinforcing rubber joint portion 2j in the tire circumferential direction, and thus is located at a position away from the side reinforcing rubber joint portion 2j. The rubber constituting the side reinforcing rubber 2 generally has a tendency to generate heat particularly easily among all tire constituent members (especially tire constituent members made of rubber) constituting the tire body 1M when the tire 1 rolls (for example, during run-flat driving). In addition, the side reinforcing rubber 2 is generally relatively thick among all tire constituent members (especially tire constituent members made of rubber) constituting the tire body 1M, and particularly at the side reinforcing rubber joint portion 2j, it tends to be even thicker, and thus the amount of heat generation and the amount of heat storage tend to be particularly high. In this regard, according to the present embodiment, since the communication device 10 is disposed at a position away from the side reinforcing rubber joint portion 2j which is a portion of the tire 1 (specifically, the tire body 1M) that is particularly likely to generate and accumulate heat during rolling, it is possible to effectively suppress damage to the communication device 10 due to heat generation inside the tire 1 (specifically, the tire body 1M) during rolling. Thereby, the durability of the communication device 10 and thus the tire 1 can be improved.

[0044] From the same viewpoint, as in the example of FIG. 1, it is preferable that the communication device 10 is located at a predetermined tire circumferential direction position Kb on the projection plane (FIG. 1) when the tire 1 is projected in the tire width direction, and it is more preferable that the IC chip 10c of the communication device 10 is located at the predetermined tire circumferential direction position Kb.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the bead filler 4b has a bead filler joint portion 4bj where a pair of tire circumferential direction end portions 4bp1, 4bp2 in the bead filler 4b are joined to each other. Although not shown, regarding the configuration of the bead filler joint portion 4bj, the same can be said as that described above for the configuration of the side reinforcing rubber joint portion 2j. That is, one of the pair of tire circumferential direction end portions 4bp1, 4bp2 in the bead filler 4b is the first tire circumferential direction end portion 4bp1 which is the end portion on the first tire circumferential direction side CD1 of the bead filler 4b. The first tire circumferential direction end portion 4bp1 includes a first tire circumferential direction edge 4be1 which is the tire circumferential direction edge that is located on the first tire circumferential direction side CD1 most among the first tire circumferential direction end portion 4bp1 and faces the first tire circumferential direction side CD1. The other of the pair of tire circumferential direction end portions 4bp1, 4bp2 in the bead filler 4b is the second tire circumferential direction end portion 4bp2 which is the end portion on the second tire circumferential direction side CD2 of the bead filler 4b. The second tire circumferential direction end portion 4bp2 includes a second tire circumferential direction edge 4be2 which is the tire circumferential direction edge that is located on the second tire circumferential direction side CD2 most among the second tire circumferential direction end portion 4bp2 and faces the second tire circumferential direction side CD2. Similar to FIG. 3, at the bead filler joint portion 4bj, the pair of tire circumferential direction end portions 4bp1 and 4bp2 in the bead filler 4b may overlap in the tire width direction. In this case, the joining strength between the pair of tire circumferential direction end portions 4bp1 and 4bp2 in the bead filler 4b can be improved, and thus, the formation of a gap between the tire circumferential direction end portions 4bp1 and 4bp2 can be effectively suppressed. In this case, the first tire circumferential direction end portion 4bp1 may be located outside the tire width direction with respect to the second tire circumferential direction end portion 4bp2, or alternatively, the first tire circumferential direction end portion 4bp1 may be located inside the tire width direction with respect to the second tire circumferential direction end portion 4bp2. Alternatively, at the bead filler joint portion 4bj, the pair of tire circumferential direction end portions 4bp1 and 4bp2 in the bead filler 4b may have their respective tire circumferential direction edges 4be1 and 4be2 butted against each other (and thus, in contact). In this case, when viewing a cross-section along the tire width direction and the tire circumferential direction, the pair of tire circumferential direction edges 4be1 and 4be2 of the bead filler 4b may be substantially parallel to the tire width direction, or alternatively, may extend in a direction inclined with respect to the tire width direction. In each of the above examples, the pair of tire circumferential direction end portions 4bp1 and 4bp2 in the bead filler 4b may each have a substantially uniform (constant) thickness in the tire width direction along the tire circumferential direction, or alternatively, may have a non-uniform thickness in the tire width direction along the tire circumferential direction. For example, the thickness in the tire width direction may gradually decrease as approaching the respective tire circumferential direction edges 4be1 and 4be2 along the tire circumferential direction. In each of the above examples, the pair of tire circumferential direction edges 4be1 and 4be2 in the bead filler 4b may form a three-dimensional planar shape, and thus, may form a linear shape when viewing a cross-section along the tire width direction and the tire circumferential direction. Alternatively, the pair of tire circumferential direction edges 4be1 and 4be2 in the bead filler 4b may form a three-dimensional linear shape, and thus, may form a dot shape when viewing a cross-section along the tire width direction and the tire circumferential direction. In each of the above examples, on the projection plane (FIG. 1) when the tire 1 is projected in the tire width direction, the pair of tire circumferential direction edges 4be1 and 4be2 of the bead filler 4b may extend in a direction inclined with respect to the tire radial direction as in the example of FIG. 1, or may extend parallel to the tire radial direction. In each of the above examples, the bead filler 4b may have a greater thickness in the tire width direction at the bead filler joint portion 4bj than the thickness in the tire width direction of portions other than the bead filler joint portion 4bj.

[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 1, it is preferable that the entire communication device 10 does not overlap the bead filler joint portion 4bj on the projection plane (FIG. 1) when the tire 1 is projected in the tire width direction. The bead filler 4b is generally relatively thick among all tire constituent members (particularly, tire constituent members made of rubber) constituting the tire body 1M, and particularly at the bead filler joint portion 4bj, there is a tendency to be even thicker, and thus, there is a tendency for the heat storage amount to be high. Therefore, as in this example, by ensuring that the communication device 10 does not overlap the bead filler joint portion 4bj on the above projection plane (FIG. 1), the communication device 10 can be arranged at a position away from the bead filler joint portion 4bj, which is a portion where heat is easily stored in the tire 1 (specifically, the tire body 1M) during rolling. As a result, it is possible to effectively suppress damage to the communication device 10 caused by heat generation and heat storage inside the tire 1 (specifically, the tire body 1M) during rolling. Thereby, the durability of the communication device 10 and thus the tire 1 can be improved. However, at least a part of the communication device 10 may overlap the bead filler joint portion 4bj on the above projection plane (FIG. 1).

[0047] From the same perspective, as illustrated in FIG. 1, it is preferable that at least a part (preferably, the whole) of the bead filler joint 4bj is located within the tire circumferential direction region outside the predetermined tire circumferential direction region Kr. Thereby, the communication device 10 can be arranged at a position further away from the bead filler joint 4bj, which is a part of the tire 1 (specifically, the tire body 1M) that is likely to accumulate heat during rolling. As a result, it is possible to more effectively suppress damage to the communication device 10 caused by heat generation and heat accumulation inside the tire 1 (specifically, the tire body 1M) during rolling.

[0048] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the shorter tire circumferential direction distance from the tire circumferential direction center 10g of the communication device 10 to the tire circumferential direction center 4bjc of the bead filler joint 4bj may be shorter than the shorter tire circumferential direction distance from the tire circumferential direction center 10g of the communication device 10 to the tire circumferential direction center 2jc of the side reinforcing rubber joint 2j. Alternatively, the shorter tire circumferential direction distance from the tire circumferential direction center 10g of the communication device 10 to the tire circumferential direction center 4bjc of the bead filler joint 4bj may be substantially the same as the shorter tire circumferential direction distance from the tire circumferential direction center 10g of the communication device 10 to the tire circumferential direction center 2jc of the side reinforcing rubber joint 2j. Alternatively, the shorter tire circumferential direction distance from the tire circumferential direction center 10g of the communication device 10 to the tire circumferential direction center 4bjc of the bead filler joint 4bj may be longer than the shorter tire circumferential direction distance from the tire circumferential direction center 10g of the communication device 10 to the tire circumferential direction center 2jc of the side reinforcing rubber joint 2j. Note that each of the "shorter tire circumferential direction distance from the tire circumferential direction center 10g of the communication device 10 to the tire circumferential direction center 4bjc of the bead filler joint 4bj" and the "shorter tire circumferential direction distance from the tire circumferential direction center 10g of the communication device 10 to the tire circumferential direction center 2jc of the side reinforcing rubber joint 2j" refers to the shorter tire circumferential direction distance between the tire circumferential direction distance measured along the rotational direction toward the first side CD1 in the tire circumferential direction and the tire circumferential direction distance measured along the rotational direction toward the second side CD2 in the tire circumferential direction.

[0049] In the above projection plane (FIG. 1), the bead filler joint 4bj may or may not overlap with the side reinforcing rubber joint 2j as in the example of FIG. 1.

[0050] The pointing direction (orientation) of the communication device 10 is arbitrary. However, from the viewpoints of improving the followability of the tire to deformation during tire rolling and thus the durability of the communication device 10, etc., it is preferable that the longitudinal direction LD of the communication device 10 is directed substantially along the tire circumferential direction as in the example of FIG. 1. However, the communication device 10 may be directed such that the short-side direction SD of the communication device 10 is substantially along the tire circumferential direction (in that case, the longitudinal direction LD of the communication device 10 will be substantially along the tire radial direction).

[0051] It is preferable that the communication device 10 is arranged on the outer side in the tire width direction with respect to the side reinforcing rubber 2 as in the example of FIG. 2. It is preferable that the communication device 10 is arranged on the outer side in the tire width direction with respect to the carcass 5 as in the example of FIG. 2. It is preferable that the communication device 10 is located between the side rubber 8 and the carcass 5 as in the example of FIG. 2. Since the side rubber 8 is located on the outermost side of the tire, it has high heat dissipation performance. Therefore, when the communication device 10 is located between the side rubber 8 and the carcass 5, the amount of heat applied to the communication device 10 can be further reduced by the heat dissipation function of the side rubber 8, and thus damage to the communication device 10 caused by heat can be further suppressed. In this case, it is preferable that the communication device 10 is in contact with the side rubber 8 as shown in FIG. 2.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 2, it is preferable that the communication device 10 is embedded inside the tire side portion 1d of the tire 1. Generally, metal may weaken the radio waves between the communication device 10 and the predetermined external device (e.g., a reader or a reader / writer), reducing the communication performance between the communication device 10 and the predetermined external device, and thus potentially shortening the communication distance between the communication device 10 and the predetermined external device. On the other hand, in the tire body 1M, metal (e.g., steel) can be used for the belt 6, bead core 4a, etc. And generally, the tire side portion 1d tends to have less metal content compared to the tread portion 1a. Therefore, by disposing the communication device 10 in the tire side portion 1d, the communication performance can be improved compared to the case where the communication device 10 is disposed in the tread portion 1a, and the communication distance between the communication device 10 and the predetermined external device can be lengthened. It is preferable that the communication device 10 is embedded in a portion of the tire side portion 1d of the tire body 1M that is outside the carcass 5 in the tire width direction. Also, it is preferable that the thickness direction TD of the communication device 10 is directed so as to substantially follow the tire width direction (FIG. 2).

[0053] It is preferable that the communication device 10 is disposed in the sidewall portion 1b as in the example of FIG. 2. Generally, the sidewall portion 1b tends to have less metal content compared to the bead portion 1c. Therefore, by disposing the communication device 10 in the sidewall portion 1b, the communication performance can be improved compared to the case where the communication device 10 is disposed in the bead portion 1c, and the communication distance between the communication device 10 and the predetermined external device can be lengthened.

[0054] It is preferable that the communication device 10 is located in the vicinity of the maximum tire width position of the tire 1 (specifically, the tire body 1M) in the tire radial direction.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 2, it is preferable that the tire radial outer end 10u of the communication device 10 (more preferably, the whole of the communication device 10) is located radially outside the tire radial outer end of the bead core 4a, and it is more preferable that it is located radially outside the tire radial center of the bead filler 4b. For example, it is preferable that it is located radially outside the tire radial outer end 4bu of the bead filler 4b. This configuration is particularly preferable when the tire 1 is configured as a pneumatic tire for a passenger car.

[0056] When the communication device 10 is arranged in the sidewall portion 1b as described above, as in the example of Fig. 2, it is preferable that the tire radial outer end 10u of the communication device 10 is located radially inside the tire radial outer end 5e of the ply turn-up portion 5T of the carcass 5. Thereby, the communication performance can be improved, the communication distance between the communication device 10 and the predetermined external device can be lengthened, and the communication device 10 can be arranged in a portion of the tire body 1M where there is relatively little distortion during rolling of the tire 1 or the like. Therefore, the durability of the communication device 10 and thus the tire 1 can be improved. The tire radial distance between the tire radial outer end 10u of the communication device 10 and the tire radial outer end 5e of the ply turn-up portion 5T of the carcass 5 is preferably 3 to 30 mm, and more preferably 5 to 15 mm. This configuration is particularly preferable when the tire 1 is configured as a pneumatic tire for a passenger car.

[0057] As in the example of Fig. 2, it is preferable that the tire radial outer end 5e of the ply turn-up portion 5T of the carcass 5 is located radially outside the tire radial outer end 4bu of the bead filler 4b. However, the tire radial outer end 5e of the ply turn-up portion 5T of the carcass 5 may be located at the same tire radial position as the tire radial outer end of the bead filler 4b, or radially inside thereof.

[0058] The outer end 5e in the tire radial direction of the ply turn-up portion 5T of the carcass 5 may be located radially outside the maximum tire width position of the tire 1 (specifically, the tire body 1M), may be located at the same radial position as the maximum tire width position, or may be located radially inside the maximum tire width position. Here, the "maximum tire width position" is the radial position of the tire 1 (specifically, the tire body 1M) where the dimension in the tire width direction is the largest.

[0059] As in the example of FIG. 2, it is preferable that the communication device 10 is in contact with the outer surface in the tire width direction of the carcass 5, and more preferably in contact with the outer surface in the tire width direction of the ply turn-up portion 5T of the carcass 5. This configuration is particularly suitable when the tire 1 is configured as a pneumatic tire for a passenger car.

[0060] [Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) led by the United Nations] Towards the realization of a sustainable society, the SDGs have been proposed. One embodiment of the present invention can be a technology that contributes to "No. 12_Responsibility to create, responsibility to use" and "No. 13_Specific measures against climate change".

Industrial Applicability

[0061] The tire according to the present invention can be suitably used for any type of pneumatic tire, for example, can be suitably used for a pneumatic tire for a passenger car.

Explanation of Signs

[0062] 1: Tire 1M: Tire body, 1a: Tread portion, 1b: Sidewall portion, 1c: Bead portion, 1d: Tire side portion, 2: Side reinforcing rubber, 2p1: First tire circumferential end (tire circumferential end), 2p2: Second tire circumferential end (tire circumferential end), 2e1: First tire circumferential edge (tire circumferential edge), 2e2: Second tire circumferential edge (tire circumferential edge), 2j: Side reinforcing rubber joint, 2jc: Tire circumferential center of side reinforcing rubber joint 4a: Bead core 4b: Bead filler, 4bp1: First tire circumferential end (tire circumferential end), 4bp4b: Second tire circumferential end (tire circumferential end), 4be1: First tire circumferential edge (tire circumferential edge), 4be2: Second tire circumferential edge (tire circumferential edge), 4bj: Bead filler joint, 4bjc: Tire circumferential center of bead filler joint, 4bu: Tire radial outer end of bead filler 5: Carcass, 5a: Carcass ply, 5c: Carcass cord (cord), 5r: Covering rubber, 5M: Ply main body part, 5T: Ply turning-back part, 5e: Tire radial outer end of carcass ply turning-back part 6: Belt, 6a: Belt layer 7: Tread rubber 8: Side rubber 9: Inner liner 10: Communication device 10e: RF tag 10b: Antenna part, 10b1, 10b2: Antenna 10f: Covering part, 10f1, 10f2: Covering member 10c: IC chip 10u: Tire radial outer end of communication device 10g: Tire circumferential center of communication device CL: Tire equatorial plane WD: Tire width direction, RD: Tire radial direction, CD: Tire circumferential direction, CD1: First side in tire circumferential direction, CD2: Second side in tire circumferential direction LD: Longitudinal direction of communication device, SD: Short transverse direction of communication device, TD: Thickness direction of communication device Kb: Predetermined tire circumferential position, Kr: Predetermined tire circumferential region O: Central axis (rotation axis) of the tire

Claims

1. A tire comprising: a side reinforcing rubber having a crescent cross section disposed in a sidewall portion of the tire; a communication device embedded inside the tire; wherein the side reinforcing rubber has a side reinforcing rubber joint portion where the circumferential ends of the side reinforcing rubber are joined; the entire communication device is located within a predetermined circumferential region of the tire that extends over a tire angle range of 90° centered at a predetermined tire circumferential position 180° away from the center of the side reinforcing rubber joint portion in the tire circumferential direction.

2. further comprising a bead filler; the bead filler has a bead filler joint portion where the circumferential ends of the bead filler are joined; the tire according to claim 1, wherein in a projection plane when the tire is projected in the tire width direction, the communication device does not overlap the bead filler joint portion.

3. the tire according to claim 2, wherein the bead filler joint portion is located outside the predetermined tire circumferential region.

4. the tire according to claim 2, wherein the shorter circumferential distance from the circumferential center of the communication device to the circumferential center of the bead filler joint portion is shorter than the shorter circumferential distance from the circumferential center of the communication device to the circumferential center of the side reinforcing rubber joint portion.

5. the tire according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the communication device has an RF tag.

Images