Tire and tire manufacturing method

Abstract

The present invention provides a tire which can ensure the function of implanted electronic components by arranging the electronic components at a position in the tire structure which is not easily affected by stress and strain. The tire (1) comprises: a bead core (21), a bead outer rubber (22) extending to the outer side of the bead core in the tire radial direction, and a carcass cord (23) extending from the bead core toward the other bead core and folded around the bead core; and further comprises: a first rubber sheet covering the folded end of the folded carcass cord from the inner side in the tire width direction, and a second rubber sheet covering the folded end of the folded carcass cord from the outer side in the tire width direction, the bead outer rubber being composed of a first bead outer rubber covering the outer periphery of the bead core and a second bead outer rubber arranged on the outer side of the first bead outer rubber in the tire radial direction, and an RFID tag being arranged between the first rubber sheet and the second rubber sheet.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 201911344577.3, application date December 24, 2019, and invention name “Tire and tire manufacturing method”. Technical Field

[0002] The invention relates to a tire with electronic components implanted therein. Background Art

[0003] In the past, a tire having an electronic component such as RFID embedded in a rubber structure is well known. Such a tire can manage the manufacturing and use history of the tire by communicating between an RFID tag embedded in the tire and a reader as an external device.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a tire in which electronic components are arranged on two different object interfaces. The two object interfaces on which the electronic components are arranged are surfaces extending from the free edge of a carcass ply.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-265750 Summary of the invention

[0008] In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, although the interface between the two objects where the electronic components are arranged is a surface extending from the free edge of the carcass cord, this portion is prone to stress and strain when the tire is deformed. Therefore, the electronic components arranged in this portion will be affected by stress and strain when the tire is deformed, which may result in the inability to guarantee the function as electronic components.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a tire capable of ensuring the functions of implanted electronic components by arranging the electronic components at positions in the tire structure that are less susceptible to stress and strain.

[0010] (1) The tire of the present invention (e.g., tire 1) comprises: a bead core (e.g., bead core 21), a bead outer rubber extending to the outer side of the bead core in the tire radial direction (e.g., bead outer rubber 22), and a carcass ply (e.g., carcass ply 23) extending from the bead core toward the other bead core and folded around the bead core; and further comprises: a first rubber sheet (e.g., first rubber sheet 37) covering the folded end (e.g., folded end 25A) of the folded carcass ply from the inner side in the tire width direction, and a second rubber sheet covering the folded end of the folded carcass ply from the outer side in the tire width direction, the bead outer rubber being composed of: a first bead outer rubber covering the outer circumference of the bead core, and a second bead outer rubber arranged on the outer side of the first bead outer rubber in the tire radial direction, and an electronic component (e.g., RFID tag 40) being provided between the first rubber sheet and the second rubber sheet.

[0011] (2) In the tire of (1), the first and second rubber sheets may be both formed into annular shapes, and the annular first and second rubber sheets may cover the folded end (for example, the folded end 25A) of the carcass ply over the entire circumference.

[0012] (3) In the tire of (2), the bead outer rubber may be formed into a ring shape, and the ring-shaped first rubber sheet, the ring-shaped second rubber sheet, and the outer peripheral edge portion of the ring-shaped bead outer rubber (for example, Figure 6 22A, 37A, 47A) are roughly consistent.

[0013] (4) In the tires of (1) to (3), the electronic component may be covered by a covering rubber sheet (for example, covering rubber sheets 431 and 432), and the electronic component covered by the covering rubber sheet may be arranged between the first rubber sheet and the second rubber sheet.

[0014] (5) In the tires of (1) to (3), the uncovered electronic component may be disposed between the first rubber sheet and the second rubber sheet.

[0015] (6) In the tires of (1) to (5), the modulus of the first and second rubber sheets may be greater than the modulus of the rubber components (e.g., the liner component 34, the second bead outer rubber 222) covering the first and second rubber sheets.

[0016] (7) In the tire of (4), the modulus of the covering rubber sheet may be lower than the moduli of the first and second rubber sheets.

[0017] (8) In the tires of (1) to (7), the first rubber sheet and the second rubber sheet may respectively include: an inner surface layer facing the electronic component (for example, inner surface layer 371, 471), and an outer layer located on a side farther from the electronic component than the inner surface layer (for example, outer layer 372, 472), and the modulus of the inner surface layer is lower than the modulus of the outer layer.

[0018] (9) In the tires of (1) to (8), when, in a cross-sectional view in the tire width direction, the distance from the radially outer end of the tire bead guard to the folded end of the folded carcass cord is set as a reference distance (for example, a reference distance R), the electronic components are arranged in an area (for example, area Q) from the position of the radially outer end of the tire bead guard to a position (for example, position P) that is 60% of the reference distance toward the radial inside of the tire.

[0019] (10) A method for manufacturing a tire is a method for manufacturing a tire according to (1) to (9), which may include: a step of adhering the first rubber sheet to the tire bead outer protective rubber, and a step of overlapping the first rubber sheet and the second rubber sheet, wherein the electronic component is adhered to the first rubber sheet or the second rubber sheet before the overlapping step, and during the overlapping step, the electronic component is sandwiched between the first rubber sheet and the second rubber sheet.

[0020] (11) In the tire manufacturing method of (10), the electronic component may have a spring antenna (for example, spring antenna 421), and the tire manufacturing method may include: a step of configuring rubber (for example, rubber 46) in the spring antenna, and in the overlapping step, the electronic component having the spring antenna configured with the rubber is sandwiched between the first rubber sheet and the second rubber sheet.

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a tire in which the functions of the implanted electronic components can be ensured by arranging the electronic components at positions in the tire structure that are less susceptible to stress and strain. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 A diagram showing a half cross section in the tire width direction of a tire according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 It is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a tire according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the simulation results of the distribution of strain energy in a plane when a load is applied to the tire.

[0025] Figure 4A It is a diagram showing an RFID tag covered with a covering rubber sheet of a tire according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4B Yes means Figure 4A Figure 1. Diagram of the bb cross section.

[0027] Figure 4C Yes means Figure 4A Diagram of the cc cross section.

[0028] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing a state in which a first rubber sheet and an RFID tag covered by a covering rubber sheet are attached to a bead outer rubber in a tire according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 6 It is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a tire according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing a state in which a first rubber sheet and an RFID tag covered by a covering rubber sheet are attached to a bead outer rubber in a tire according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 8 It is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a tire according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Fig. 9 This is a diagram showing a cross section before the RFID tag is sandwiched by the covering rubber sheet when the spring antenna is not filled with rubber.

[0033] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing a cross section after the RFID tag is sandwiched by the covering rubber sheet when the spring antenna is not filled with rubber.

[0034] Fig.11 This is a diagram showing a cross section after the RFID tag is sandwiched by the covering rubber sheet when the spring antenna is not filled with rubber.

[0035] Fig.12 It is a diagram showing an RFID tag of a tire according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention before rubber is filled into a spring antenna.

[0036] Fig.13 It is a diagram showing an RFID tag of a tire according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention after the spring antenna is filled with rubber.

[0037] Fig.14It is a diagram showing an RFID tag before being sandwiched by a covering rubber sheet of a tire according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Fig.15 It is a diagram showing an RFID tag after being sandwiched by a covering rubber sheet of a tire according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Description of reference numerals:

[0040] 1…tire; 11…bead portion; 12…tread portion; 13…sidewall portion; 21…bead core; 22…bead outer rubber; 221…first bead outer rubber; 222…second bead outer rubber; 23…carcass cord; 24…cord body; 25…cord folded portion; 25A…folded end; 26…steel belt layer; 28…tread rubber; 29…inner liner; 30…sidewall rubber; 31…steel bead chafer; 31A…end of steel bead chafer; 32…cushion rubber 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, RFID tag, 42, RFID chip, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 97, 98, 99, 91, 93, 94, 95, 99, 91, 94, 95, 99, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 91, 94, DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] <First Embodiment>

[0042] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0043] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing a half cross section of a tire 1 according to the present embodiment in the tire width direction. The basic structure of the tire is that the cross section in the tire width direction is bilaterally symmetrical, and the cross section shown here is a cross section of the right half. In the figure, symbol S1 is the tire equatorial plane. The tire equatorial plane S1 is a plane that is orthogonal to the tire rotation axis and is located at the center of the tire width direction.

[0044] Here, the tire width direction refers to the direction parallel to the tire rotation axis. Figure 1 The left-right direction of the paper in the cross-sectional view. Figure 1 In the figure, the tire width direction X is shown.

[0045] The inner side in the tire width direction refers to the direction approaching the tire equatorial plane S1. Figure 1 The tire width direction outer side refers to the direction away from the tire equatorial plane S1. Figure 1 The middle is the right side of the paper.

[0046] In addition, the tire radial direction refers to the direction perpendicular to the tire rotation axis. Figure 1 The up and down direction on paper. Figure 1 In the figure, the tire radial direction Y is shown.

[0047] The outer side in the tire radial direction refers to the direction away from the tire rotation axis. Figure 1 The inner side of the tire radial direction refers to the direction close to the tire rotation axis. Figure 1 The middle is the lower side of the paper.

[0048] Figure 2 , 6 The same goes for 8.

[0049] The tire 1 is a tire for trucks or buses, for example, and includes a pair of bead portions 11 provided on both sides in the tire width direction, a tread portion 12 forming a contact surface that contacts the road surface, and a pair of sidewall portions 13 extending between the pair of bead portions 11 and the tread portion 12 .

[0050] The bead portion 11 includes: an annular bead core 21 formed by winding a rubber-coated metal bead wire multiple times, and a bead outer rubber 22 with a tapered front end extending to the tire radially outer side of the bead core 21. The bead outer rubber 22 is composed of a first bead outer rubber 221 covering the outer circumference of the bead core 21, and a second bead outer rubber 222 arranged on the tire radially outer side of the first bead outer rubber 221. The second bead outer rubber 222 is composed of a rubber having a modulus higher than that of the inner liner 29 and the sidewall rubber 30 described later. Moreover, the first bead outer rubber 221 is composed of a rubber having a higher modulus than that of the second bead outer rubber 222. In addition, as long as at least a portion of the first bead outer rubber 221 is arranged on the tire radially outer side of the bead core 21, it may be in a form that does not cover the outer circumference of the bead core 21. In addition, the bead outer rubber 22 may be formed of one type of rubber. In other words, the bead outer rubber 22 may not be divided into the first bead outer rubber 221 and the second bead outer rubber 222 .

[0051] The bead core 21 is a member that can play the role of fixing the tire filled with air to the wheel rim (not shown). The bead outer rubber 22 is a member provided to increase the rigidity of the bead periphery and to ensure high operability and stability.

[0052] A carcass ply 23 constituting a ply serving as a tire skeleton is implanted inside the tire 1. The carcass ply 23 extends from a bead core on one side toward a bead core on the other side. That is, the carcass ply 23 is implanted between a pair of bead cores 21 in the tire 1 in a form passing through a pair of sidewall portions 13 and a tread portion 12.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, the carcass ply 23 extends from the bead core on one side toward the bead core on the other side, and includes: a ply main body 24 extending between the tread portion 12 and the bead portion 11, and a ply folded portion 25 folded around the bead core 21. Here, the folded end 25A of the ply folded portion 25 is located at a position closer to the tire radial inner side than the tire radial outer side end 22A of the bead outer rubber 22.

[0054] The carcass ply 23 is composed of a plurality of carcass cords extending in the tire width direction. The plurality of carcass cords are arranged in a row in the tire circumferential direction.

[0055] The fabric cords are made of metal steel cords or insulating organic fiber cords such as polyester and polyamide, and are coated with rubber.

[0056] In the tread portion 12, and on the tire radially outer side of the carcass cord 23, a plurality of steel belt layers 26 are provided. The steel belt layer 26 is composed of a plurality of steel cords covered with rubber. By providing the steel belt layer 26, the rigidity of the tire can be ensured, so that the ground contact state between the tread portion 12 and the road surface is good. In this embodiment, although four steel belt layers 26 are provided, the number of stacked steel belt layers 26 is not limited to this.

[0057] A tread rubber 28 is provided on the tire radially outer side of the steel belt layer 26. A tread pattern (not shown) is provided on the outer surface of the tread rubber 28, and the outer surface serves as a contact surface that comes into contact with the road surface.

[0058] A shoulder pad 38 is provided near the outer side of the tread portion 12 in the tire width direction and in the area between the carcass cord 23, the steel belt layer 26 and the tread rubber 28. The shoulder pad 38 extends to the outer side of the sidewall portion 13 in the tire radial direction, and an interface is formed between a portion of the shoulder pad 38 and the sidewall rubber 30 described later. That is, a portion of the shoulder pad 38 exists in the outer side of the sidewall portion 13 in the tire radial direction and on the inner side of the sidewall rubber 30 in the tire width direction.

[0059] The shoulder pad 38 is made of a rubber member having a cushioning property, and performs a cushioning function between the carcass cord 23 and the steel belt layer 26. In addition, since the shoulder pad 38 is made of a rubber having a low heat generation property, it can effectively suppress heat generation by extending to the sidewall portion 13.

[0060] In the bead portion 11, the sidewall portion 13, and the tread portion 12, an inner liner 29 as a rubber layer constituting the inner wall surface of the tire 1 is provided on the tire inner cavity side of the carcass ply 23. The inner liner 29 is made of air-permeable rubber and can prevent the air in the tire inner cavity from leaking to the outside.

[0061] In the sidewall portion 13, a sidewall rubber 30 constituting the outer wall surface of the tire 1 is provided outside the carcass ply 23 in the tire width direction. The sidewall rubber 30 is the most curved part when the tire plays a cushioning role, and is usually made of a soft rubber with fatigue resistance.

[0062] A steel bead chafer 31 as a reinforcing cord is provided on the tire radial inner side of the carcass cord 23 provided around the bead core 21 of the bead portion 11 so as to cover at least a portion of the carcass cord 23. The steel bead chafer 31 also extends outwardly in the tire width direction of the cord folded portion 25 of the carcass cord 23, and an end portion 31A of the steel bead chafer 31 is located at a position closer to the tire radial inner side than the folded end 25A of the carcass cord 23.

[0063] The chafer 31 is a metal reinforcement layer composed of metal steel cords and is covered with rubber.

[0064] A rim strip rubber 32 is provided on the inner side of the chafer 31 in the tire radial direction. The rim strip rubber 32 is arranged along the outer surface of the tire and connected to the sidewall rubber 30. The rim strip rubber 32 and the sidewall rubber 30 are rubber components constituting the outer surface of the tire.

[0065] Furthermore, a first liner 35 is provided on the tire radially outer side of the end 31A of the wire chafer 31 and on the tire width direction outer side of the folded portion 25 of the carcass ply 23 and the bead outer rubber 22. The first liner 35 is provided at least on the tire width direction outer side of the folded end 25A of the carcass ply 23. The tire radially outer side of the first liner 35 is formed to be tapered toward the tire radially outer side.

[0066] In addition, the second liner 36 is provided so as to cover the outer side in the tire width direction of the first liner 35. More specifically, the second liner 36 is provided so as to cover the outer side in the tire width direction of a part of the wire chafer 31, the first liner 35, a part of the second bead outer rubber 222, and a part of the ply body 24 of the carcass ply 23.

[0067] The sidewall rubber 30 is arranged outside in the tire width direction in the tire radial direction outer side region of the second pad 36 , and the rim strip rubber 32 is arranged outside in the tire width direction in the tire radial direction inner side region of the second pad 36 .

[0068] In other words, the second gasket 36 is provided between the first gasket 35 and the like and the rim strip rubber 32 and the sidewall rubber 30 which are members constituting the outer surface of the tire.

[0069] The first gasket 35 and the second gasket 36 constitute a gasket member 34 made of rubber having a modulus higher than that of the tire radial direction outer side portion (the second bead outer rubber 222) of the bead outer rubber 22.

[0070] More specifically, the second liner 36 is made of rubber having a higher modulus than the second bead outer rubber 222, and the first liner 35 is made of rubber having a higher modulus than the second liner 36. The first liner 35 and the second liner 36 have the function of relieving the sharp strain caused by the local rigidity change point at the folded end 25A of the carcass ply 23 and the end 31A of the wire bead wrapper 31.

[0071] Between the bead outer rubber 22 and the liner member 34, and near the folded end 25A of the carcass ply 23, a first rubber sheet 37 and a second rubber sheet 47 as reinforcing rubber sheets are arranged. Figure 1 As shown, the first rubber sheet 37 is arranged to cover the folded end 25A of the carcass ply 23 from the inner side in the tire width direction. The second rubber sheet 47 is arranged to cover the folded end 25A of the carcass ply 23 from the outer side in the tire width direction. Moreover, the first and second rubber sheets 37, 47 are bonded to each other in the area outside the tire radial direction.

[0072] The modulus of the first and second rubber sheets 37 and 47 is preferably equal to or greater than the modulus of the rubber member covering the surroundings.

[0073] Generally, stress concentration is likely to occur at the folded end 25A of the carcass ply 23. However, by providing the first and second rubber sheets 37 and 47 as the reinforcing rubber sheets, stress concentration can be effectively suppressed.

[0074] In the present embodiment, the cushion member 34 is composed of the first cushion 35 and the second cushion 36, but the cushion member 34 may be composed of one member. However, as described above, the cushion member 34 may be composed of the first cushion 35 and the second cushion 36, and the first and second rubber sheets 37 and 47 may be further arranged, thereby more effectively suppressing stress concentration.

[0075] In the present embodiment, the tire radial direction outer ends 37A and 47A of the first and second rubber sheets 37 and 47 are located further inward in the tire radial direction than the tire radial direction outer end 22A of the bead outer 22 .

[0076] The tire 1 of the present embodiment has an RFID tag 40 embedded therein as an electronic component.

[0077] The RFID tag 40 is a passive transponder, which has an RFID chip and an antenna for communicating with an external device. The RFID tag 40 communicates wirelessly with a reader (not shown) as an external device. As the antenna, a coil-shaped spring antenna, a plate-shaped antenna, and various rod-shaped antennas can be used. For example, it can also be an antenna formed by printing a prescribed pattern on a flexible substrate. The antenna is set to an optimized antenna length according to the frequency band used, etc. The storage unit in the RFID chip stores identification information such as the manufacturing number and the part number.

[0078] Figure 2 Yes means Figure 1 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of the implantation portion of the RFID tag 40 in the tire 1.

[0079] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the RFID tag 40 is disposed between the first rubber sheet 37 and the second rubber sheet 47 .

[0080] Here, the RFID tag 40 is covered by the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 constituting the protective member 43 described below in conjunction with FIG. Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the covering rubber sheets 431, 432 covering the RFID tag 40 are arranged so that their tire radially outer ends substantially coincide with the tire radially outer ends 37A, 47A of the first and second rubber sheets 37. Thus, the RFID tag 40 can be arranged as far as possible outside in the tire radial direction.

[0081] Furthermore, if the modulus of the second liner 36 is used as a reference, the modulus of the sidewall rubber 30 is preferably 0.4 to 0.6 times the modulus of the second liner 36. Furthermore, the modulus of the first liner 35 is preferably 1.1 to 1.2 times the modulus of the second liner 36. Furthermore, the modulus of the second bead outer rubber 222 is preferably 0.7 to 0.8 times the modulus of the second liner. By setting such a modulus, the balance between the flexibility of the tire and the rigidity near the bead portion 11 can be ensured.

[0082] Furthermore, the modulus of the first and second rubber sheets 37 and 47 is preferably 1.1 to 1.2 times the modulus of the second gasket 36. In other words, the modulus of the first and second rubber sheets 37 and 47 is preferably substantially equal to the modulus of the portion (first gasket 35) with a higher modulus in the gasket member 34. Alternatively, the modulus of the first and second rubber sheets 37 and 47 may be higher than the modulus of the gasket member 34.

[0083] Thus, in this embodiment, the modulus of the first and second rubber sheets 37, 47 is preferably greater than the modulus of the surrounding rubber member. Accordingly, the folded end 25A of the carcass ply 23 is sandwiched by the rubber members with a higher modulus, thereby effectively suppressing the stress concentration near the folded end 25A.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the RFID tag 40 is also disposed between the first rubber sheet 37 and the second rubber sheet 47, which are rubber members having a relatively high modulus, so that even when the tire 1 is deformed, the deformation of the RFID tag 40 is small. Thus, the RFID tag 40 can be appropriately protected.

[0085] Furthermore, even when the modulus of the first and second rubber sheets 37 and 47 is smaller than the modulus of the rubber member covering the periphery, the first and second rubber sheets 37 and 47 can still play a role in reinforcing the arrangement region by absorbing deformation of the surrounding members.

[0086] Furthermore, when the cushion member 34 is formed by a single component, the modulus of the cushion member 34 is set to be at least higher than the modulus of the sidewall rubber 30. The modulus of the cushion member 34 is preferably set to be higher than the modulus of the sidewall rubber 30 and the second bead outer rubber 222. Furthermore, the modulus of the cushion member 34 may be set to be the same as the modulus of the first and second rubber sheets 37 and 47, or lower than the modulus of the first and second rubber sheets 37 and 47.

[0087] The modulus refers to the 100% elongation modulus (M100) in an atmosphere at 23° C. measured in accordance with “3.7 Stress at a given elongation, S” of JIS K6251:2010.

[0088] As described above, generally, when the interface between two objects is a surface extending from the folded end 25A of the carcass ply 23, strain is easily generated on the surface. However, in the present embodiment, since the first and second rubber sheets 37 and 47 are arranged in a form covering the folded end 25A of the carcass ply 23, the position closer to the outer side in the tire radial direction than the folded end 25A of the carcass ply 23 becomes a portion that is less susceptible to strain.

[0089] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the simulation results of the distribution of strain energy in a plane when a tire is assembled on a rim and a 100% load is applied.

[0090] In such Figure 3 In the enlarged cross-sectional view shown, the strain energy is divided into five regions. Here, the region with the highest strain energy is set to level 5, the region with relatively high strain energy is set to level 4, the region with slightly lower strain energy is set to level 3, the region with further lower strain energy is set to level 2, and the region with the lowest strain energy is set to level 1. Figure 3 In the figure, the regions are separated by thick dotted lines as boundaries.

[0091] The interface between the bead outer rubber 22 and the liner member 34 and its vicinity, which is closer to the tire radial outside than the folded end 25A of the carcass ply 23, is approximately a level 2-3 area with less strain energy. Therefore, this area is a preferred area for arranging the RFID tag 40.

[0092] In addition, in this embodiment (refer to Figure 2 ), in addition to the first rubber sheet 37, a second rubber sheet 47 is also provided, but the basic structure of configuring the rubber sheet for reinforcement is the same, so the strain energy around the rubber sheet is the same as Figure 3 Same, or smaller.

[0093] In addition, in Figure 1 to Figure 3 In the tire width direction cross-sectional view shown, when the distance from the tire radial outer end 22A of the bead outer rubber 22 to the folded end 25A of the carcass ply 23 is set as the reference distance R, the RFID tag 40 is preferably arranged at: starting from the position of the tire radial outer end 22A of the bead outer rubber 22 toward the folded end 25A of the carcass ply 23 and at a position P that is 60% of the reference distance (refer to Figure 3 ) to the area Q (area Q).

[0094] The strain energy of the interface between the bead outer rubber 22 and the cushion member 34 and its vicinity in the region Q is approximately level 2, which is a very ideal region for arranging the RFID tag 40. Therefore, it is preferred to extend the first and second rubber sheets 37 and 47 to this region and arrange the RFID tag 40 in this region.

[0095] In addition, if it is within the area of ​​the range Q, it is in a position that is somewhat away from the metal bead core 21 that may have an adverse effect on communication. Here, the bead core 21 is a metal component that is formed into a ring shape by stacking and winding metal bead wires, so the possibility of adversely affecting communication is particularly high.

[0096] In addition, the first and second rubber sheets 37 and 47 are located somewhat away from the outer surface of the tire 1, so they are not easily affected by external damage. In addition, the outer side in the tire width direction is protected by the cushion member 34 having a high elastic modulus, so they are also not easily affected by external damage.

[0097] Here, the RFID tag 40 is covered by the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 constituting the protection member 43. That is, in the present embodiment, the protection member 43 is composed of two covering rubber sheets 431 and 432.

[0098] Regarding this, see Figures 4A to 4C Provide explanation.

[0099] Figure 4A 4 is a diagram showing an RFID tag 40 covered with a covering rubber sheet constituting a protective member 43. Figure 4A In the embodiment, the RFID tag 40 is covered and hidden by a covering rubber sheet 431 described later. Figure 4B yes Figure 4A bb cross-section diagram, Figure 4C yes Figure 4A cc cross-sectional view.

[0100] The RFID tag 40 includes an RFID chip 41 and an antenna 42 for communicating with an external device. As the antenna 42, a coil-shaped spring antenna, a plate-shaped antenna, and various rod-shaped antennas can be used. In consideration of communication performance and flexibility, a coil-shaped spring antenna is most preferred.

[0101] As the rubber used for the protective member 43, a rubber having a modulus lower than at least the modulus of the first and second rubber sheets 37, 47 is used. For example, the modulus of the covering rubber sheets 431, 432 constituting the protective member 43 is preferably 0.5 to 0.8 times the modulus of the first and second rubber sheets 37, 47. However, in order to have a certain degree of strength, it is preferred to use a rubber having a modulus higher than the modulus of the sidewall rubber 30. More preferably, it is a modulus substantially the same as that of the second bead outer rubber 222. Alternatively, a rubber having a modulus lower than the modulus of the second bead outer rubber 222 may be used in order to effectively absorb the deformation.

[0102] As described above, by arranging the RFID tag 40 near the first and second rubber sheets 37 and 47 having a relatively high modulus, even when the tire 1 is deformed, the deformation of the peripheral portion of the RFID tag 40 can be suppressed. In addition, by covering the RFID tag 40 with the protective member 43 having a relatively low modulus, the deformation of the first and second rubber sheets 37 and 47 can be absorbed in the protective member 43 so that it is not directly transmitted to the RFID tag 40.

[0103] In addition, the protective member 43 may also be formed by mixing short fiber fillers with rubber. As the short fiber fillers, for example, short insulating fibers such as organic short fibers such as aramid short fibers or cellulose short fibers, short ceramic fibers such as alumina short fibers, or short glass fibers such as inorganic short fibers may be used. By mixing such short fiber fillers with rubber, the strength of the rubber can be increased.

[0104] In addition, a vulcanized coated rubber sheet may be used as the protective member 43. The vulcanized coated rubber sheet does not undergo plastic deformation like raw rubber, and thus can appropriately protect the RFID tag 40.

[0105] In addition, an organic fiber layer made of polyester fiber, polyamide fiber, etc. may be provided as the protection member 43. The organic fiber layer may be embedded in the two covering rubber sheets 431 and 432.

[0106] Next, the manufacturing process of the tire 1 will be described. Figure 5 This is a diagram of the tire bead outer rubber 22 in the manufacturing process when viewed from the outside in the tire width direction, and also shows the state in which the first rubber sheet 37 and the RFID tag 40 covered by the protective member 43 are attached to the tire bead outer rubber 22. Here, the RFID tag 40 is covered by the protective member 43, so it is indicated by a dotted line.

[0107] like Figure 5As shown in FIG. 1 , the bead outer rubber 22 and the first rubber sheet 37 constituting the bead portion 11 are each formed in an annular shape. Furthermore, the first rubber sheet 37 has a joint portion 37C.

[0108] In this embodiment, if Figure 5 As shown, the outer periphery 37A ( Figure 2 The outer diameter of the tire radially outer end 37A in the tire width direction cross-sectional view is larger than the outer periphery 22A ( Figure 2 The outer diameter of the tire radially outer end 22A) in the tire width direction cross-sectional view is slightly smaller.

[0109] The RFID tag 40 covered by the protective member 43 as a coated rubber sheet is attached before the vulcanization process in the manufacturing process of the tire 1. In this embodiment, the first rubber sheet 37 is attached to the bead outer rubber 22 before vulcanization. Then, the RFID tag 40 covered by the protective member 43 is attached to the first rubber sheet 37. Figure 5 The second rubber sheet 47 (not shown) is attached to the first rubber sheet 37 , so that the RFID tag 40 covered by the protective member 43 is sandwiched between the first rubber sheet 37 and the second rubber sheet 47 .

[0110] At this time, the bead outer rubber 22, the first and second rubber sheets 37, 47 are in the state of raw rubber before vulcanization, so they can be pasted using their adhesiveness. Alternatively, in the case of low adhesiveness, adhesives can be used for pasting.

[0111] The rubber components constituting the tire are assembled to form a green tire.

[0112] Thereafter, in the vulcanization step, the green tire to which the components including the RFID tag 40 are attached is vulcanized to manufacture the tire.

[0113] In addition, in the state after the green tire is installed, the first and second rubber sheets 37, 47 are respectively formed into annular shapes in a form of covering the folded end 25A of the carcass ply 23 over the entire circumference. Accordingly, stress concentration can be suppressed over the entire circumference. As a result, the stress received by the RFID tag 40 is also reduced.

[0114] Furthermore, as a modified example of the manufacturing process of the tire 1 , the following manufacturing process may be adopted.

[0115] That is, the RFID tag 40 covered by the protective member 43 is attached to the second rubber sheet 47 side, and then the first rubber sheet 37 and the second rubber sheet 47 are bonded together in such a manner that the RFID tag 40 covered by the protective member 43 is sandwiched between the first rubber sheet 37 and the second rubber sheet 47. Even with this process, the RFID tag 40 can be disposed between the first rubber sheet 37 and the second rubber sheet 47.

[0116] Thus, in the present embodiment, when manufacturing a tire, the RFID tag 40 covered by the protective member 43 can be attached using raw rubber, thereby facilitating the installation of the RFID tag 40 in the tire manufacturing process.

[0117] In addition, if the protective member 43 is formed by two coated rubber sheets 431 and 432, the RFID tag 40 including the protective member 43 can be formed thinner, and therefore is suitable for implantation in the tire 1. In addition, when the RFID tag 40 is installed in the component of the tire 1 before vulcanization, the RFID tag 40 covered by the coated rubber sheet can be installed very easily.

[0118] For example, by utilizing the adhesiveness of raw rubber, the RFID tag 40 covered by the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 can be appropriately affixed to a desired position on a component such as the first rubber sheet 37 before vulcanization. In addition, by making the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 also made of raw rubber before vulcanization, it is also possible to use the adhesiveness of the covering rubber sheets themselves to facilitate affixing.

[0119] However, the protective member 43 is not limited to the form consisting of two coated rubber sheets, and various forms can be adopted. For example, if the coated rubber sheet constituting the protective member covers at least a portion of the RFID tag 40, it is possible to obtain the effects of improving workability in the manufacturing process or relieving stress.

[0120] For example, a protective member may be formed by winding a rubber sheet around the entire circumference of the RFID tag 40 or by attaching a potting agent with high viscosity to the entire circumference of the RFID tag 40. Even with such a configuration, the RFID tag 40 can be appropriately protected.

[0121] The RFID tag 40 covered by the protective member 43 has its antenna extending in a direction, i.e., its length direction, which is, for example, a tangent direction to the circumferential direction of the tire 1, i.e., in the direction of the tangent line. Figures 1-2The RFID tag 40 covered by the protective member 43 is placed between the first rubber sheet 37 and the second rubber sheet 47.

[0122] By adopting such a configuration, even when the tire 1 is deformed, stress is less likely to be applied to the RFID tag 40. In addition, in the manufacturing process, the work of attaching the RFID tag 40 covered with the protective member 43 is simplified.

[0123] Here, in the process of installing the RFID tag 40, the RFID tag 40 covered by the protective member 43 can be easily arranged in the above-mentioned direction by taking the shape of the outer periphery 37A of the annular first rubber sheet 37 as a reference. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 for covering the RFID tag 40 are attached along the circumferential direction of the outer periphery 37A of the annular first rubber sheet 37. Figure 5 As shown, the covering rubber sheets 431, 432 formed of raw rubber can be attached while being deformed along the circumferential direction of the outer periphery 37A of the first rubber sheet 37. As the antenna of the RFID tag 40, a soft coil-shaped spring antenna or the like can be used so that the antenna can deform along with the deformation of the covering rubber sheets 431, 432.

[0124] Alternatively, the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 covering the RFID tag 40 are attached with the outer circumference of the annular first rubber sheet 37 as a reference so that the longitudinal direction of the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 substantially coincides with the tangential direction of the outer circumference of the annular first rubber sheet 37 .

[0125] According to this method, the RFID tag 40 covered by the protective member 43 can be simply and accurately arranged in the above-mentioned direction without adding a particularly eye-catching mark. In addition, the thickness of the bead portion when the tire is manufactured is also stable, thereby also reducing the unevenness in manufacturing.

[0126] In addition, the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 are attached while being deformed along the outer periphery 37A of the first rubber sheet 37. Figure 5As shown, the outer periphery 37A of the first rubber sheet 37 is preferably substantially aligned with one side 43A in the longitudinal direction of the covering rubber sheets 431, 432. This allows the RFID tag 40 to be arranged as far as possible outside the tire radial direction, that is, in a region with less strain energy.

[0127] However, one side 43A of the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 in the longitudinal direction and the outer periphery 37A of the first rubber sheet 37 may be separated by a predetermined distance.

[0128] In addition, the RFID tag 40 is preferably sandwiched between the first rubber sheet 37 and the second rubber sheet 47 in a state of being covered by the protective component 43 as described above, but it can also be directly sandwiched between the first rubber sheet 37 and the second rubber sheet 47 without being covered by the protective component 43.

[0129] If the uncovered RFID tag 40 is directly sandwiched between the first rubber sheet 37 and the second rubber sheet 47, the thickness variation of the rubber member in the sandwiched portion of the RFID tag 40 is reduced, thereby improving the uniformity of the tire. In addition, in the operation of sandwiching the RFID tag 40 between the first rubber sheet 37 and the second rubber sheet 47, it is easy to remove the air in an amount corresponding to the reduction in the volume of the sandwiched object. In addition, by eliminating the process of covering the RFID tag 40 with a protective member, the operation time is shortened.

[0130] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, although the RFID tag 40 is implanted in the tire as an electronic component, the electronic components implanted in the tire are not limited to the RFID tag. For example, various electronic components such as sensors for wireless communication may also be used. In addition, since electronic components process electrical information such as the reception and transmission of electrical signals, the performance of the electronic components may be reduced if there are metal parts nearby. In addition, if excessive stress is applied to the electronic components, they may be damaged. Accordingly, the effects of the present invention can be obtained even when various electronic components are implanted in the tire. For example, the electronic components may also be piezoelectric elements or strain sensors.

[0131] According to the tire 1 of the present embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0132] (1) The tire 1 involved in this embodiment comprises: a bead core 21, a bead outer rubber 22 extending to the outside of the bead core 21 in the tire radial direction, and a carcass ply 23 extending from the bead core 21 toward the other bead core 21 and folded around the bead core 21; the tire also comprises: a first rubber sheet 37 covering the folded-back end 25A of the folded-back carcass ply 23 from the inner side in the tire width direction, and a second rubber sheet 47 covering the folded-back end 25A of the folded-back carcass ply 23 from the outer side in the tire width direction, and an RFID tag 40 is arranged between the first rubber sheet 37 and the second rubber sheet 47.

[0133] In this way, the RFID tag 40 is sandwiched from both sides by the rubber sheet and is arranged at a position in the tire structure that is less susceptible to stress and strain, thereby suppressing the movement of the RFID tag 40 and ensuring its function.

[0134] (2) The tire 1 according to the present embodiment is configured such that the first and second rubber sheets 37 and 47 are both formed in annular shapes, and the annular first and second rubber sheets 37 and 47 cover the folded-back end 25A of the carcass ply 23 over the entire circumference.

[0135] This can suppress the generation of stress around the folded end 25A of the carcass ply 23 over the entire circumference. As a result, the stress applied to the RFID tag 40 is also reduced.

[0136] (3) The tire 1 according to the present embodiment is configured such that the RFID tag 40 is covered by the covering rubber sheets 431 , 432 , and the RFID tag 40 covered by the covering rubber sheets 431 , 432 is arranged between the first rubber sheet 37 and the second rubber sheet 47 .

[0137] According to this, the RFID tag 40 can be appropriately protected.

[0138] (4) The tire 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that the uncovered RFID tag 40 is disposed between the first rubber sheet 37 and the second rubber sheet 47 .

[0139] Thus, by directly sandwiching the uncovered RFID tag 40 between the first rubber sheet 37 and the second rubber sheet 47, the thickness variation of the rubber member at the sandwiched portion of the RFID tag 40 is reduced, thereby improving the uniformity of the tire. Accordingly, the quality of the finished tire is also improved.

[0140] (5) The tire 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that the modulus of the first and second rubber sheets 37 and 47 is equal to or greater than the modulus of the rubber member covering the periphery of the first and second rubber sheets 37 and 47 .

[0141] In this way, the structure in which the folded end 25A of the carcass ply 23 is sandwiched between rubber members having a relatively high modulus can effectively suppress the stress concentration in this portion. Furthermore, the RFID tag 40 is arranged to be sandwiched between the first and second rubber sheets 37 and 47, which are rubber members having a relatively high modulus. Therefore, even when the tire 1 is deformed, the deformation amount of the RFID tag 40 is small. Thus, the RFID tag 40 is appropriately protected.

[0142] (6) The tire 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that the modulus of the covering rubber sheets 431 , 432 is lower than the modulus of the first and second rubber sheets 37 , 47 .

[0143] By covering the RFID tag 40 with the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 having a relatively low modulus, the deformation of the first and second rubber sheets 37 and 47 can be absorbed in the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 and is not easily directly transmitted to the RFID tag 40 .

[0144] (7) The tire 1 of the present embodiment is constructed as follows: in a cross-sectional view in the tire width direction, when the distance from the tire radial outer end 22A of the tire bead outer guard 22 to the folded end 25A of the folded carcass cord 23 is set as a reference distance R, the RFID tag 40 is arranged in: an area Q starting from the position of the tire radial outer end 22A of the tire bead outer guard 22 to a position P that is 60% of the reference distance R toward the tire radial inner side.

[0145] According to this, the RFID tag 40 is arranged at a position with smaller strain, so the durability of the RFID tag 40 is improved.

[0146] (8) The manufacturing method of the tire 1 of the present embodiment includes: a process of adhering the first rubber sheet 37 to the tire bead outer rubber 22, and a process of overlapping the first rubber sheet 37 and the second rubber sheet 47, wherein the RFID tag 40 is adhered to the first rubber sheet 37 or the second rubber sheet 47 before the overlapping process, and during the overlapping process, the RFID tag 40 is sandwiched between the first rubber sheet 37 and the second rubber sheet 47.

[0147] According to this, the RFID tag 40 can be arranged at a position in the tire structure that is less susceptible to the influence of stress and strain.

[0148] <Second embodiment>

[0149] Next, refer to Figure 6-7 , a tire according to the second embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0150] Figure 6 It is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a tire according to a second embodiment.

[0151] like Figure 6 As shown, in the present embodiment, the positions of the tire radial direction outer ends 37A, 47A of the first and second rubber sheets 37, 47 are substantially aligned with the position of the tire radial direction outer end 22A of the bead outer rubber 22.

[0152] Figure 7 The diagram is a view of the bead outer rubber 22 during the manufacturing process as viewed from the outside in the tire width direction, and also shows a state where the first rubber sheet 37 and the RFID tag 40 covered by the protective member 43 are attached to the bead outer rubber 22 .

[0153] like Figure 7 As shown, the outer periphery 37A ( Figure 6 The outer diameter of the tire radially outer end 37A in the tire width direction cross-sectional view is the same as the outer periphery 22A of the bead outer rubber 22 ( Figure 6 The outer diameter of the tire radial outer end 22A) in the tire width direction cross-sectional view is roughly the same.

[0154] Next, the manufacturing process of this embodiment is described.

[0155] In the present embodiment, first, the first rubber sheet 37 is attached to the bead filler 22 before vulcanization. At this time, the first rubber sheet 37 is attached so that the outer peripheries 22A and 37A of the first rubber sheet 37 are substantially aligned with each other.

[0156] Then, the RFID tag 40 covered by the protective member 43 is attached to the first rubber sheet 37. At this time, the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 of the protective member 43 are attached so as to be separated from the outer periphery 37A of the first rubber sheet 37 by a predetermined distance.

[0157] Afterwards, Figure 7 The second rubber sheet 47 (not shown) is bonded to the first rubber sheet 37. At this time, the rubber sheet 47 is bonded so that the outer peripheries 37A and 47A of the two are substantially identical.

[0158] In this way, the RFID tag 40 covered by the protective member 43 is sandwiched between the first rubber sheet 37 and the second rubber sheet 47 .

[0159] According to the present embodiment, the outer peripheral edge portions of the annular first rubber sheet 37 , the annular second rubber sheet 47 , and the annular bead filler 22 are substantially aligned.

[0160] According to this, the RFID tag 40 covered by the protective member 43 is firmly covered by the first and second rubber sheets 37 and 47, so that even when the tire 1 is deformed, the movement of the RFID tag 40 can be effectively suppressed. In addition, the movement of the RFID tag 40 can also be suppressed during molding and vulcanization in the manufacturing process of the tire 1.

[0161] In addition, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the RFID tag 40 can be arranged as far as possible outside in the tire radial direction, that is, in a region with less strain energy.

[0162] In addition, the radial outer ends 37A and 47A of the first and second rubber sheets 37 and 47 are not located in the middle of the interface between the bead outer rubber 22 and the cushion component 34. Therefore, there is no step in the middle of the interface between the bead outer rubber 22 and the cushion component 34, and the uniformity of the tire 1 is also improved.

[0163] According to the tire according to the present embodiment, in addition to the above-mentioned (1) to (8), the following effects can be achieved.

[0164] (9) The bead outer rubber 22 of the present embodiment is formed in an annular shape, and the annular first rubber sheet 37, the annular second rubber sheet 47, and the outer peripheral edge portions of the annular bead outer rubber 22 are substantially aligned.

[0165] According to this, the RFID tag 40 can be firmly covered by the annular first rubber sheet 37 and the second rubber sheet 47 , so that the movement of the RFID tag 40 in the tire radial direction or the like can be further suppressed, and the durability of the RFID tag 40 can be improved.

[0166] <Third embodiment>

[0167] Next, refer to Figure 8 , a tire according to the third embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those in the second embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0168] In the present embodiment, the first and second rubber sheets 37 and 47 are each formed of a plurality of layers.

[0169] Specifically, the first rubber sheet 37 includes an inner surface layer 371 facing the RFID tag 40 and an outer layer 372 located farther from the RFID tag 40 than the inner surface layer 371. The modulus of the inner surface layer 371 is lower than that of the outer layer 372.

[0170] The second rubber sheet 47 includes an inner surface layer 471 facing the RFID tag 40 and an outer layer 472 located farther from the RFID tag 40 than the inner surface layer 471. The modulus of the inner surface layer 471 is lower than that of the outer layer 472.

[0171] In this way, the modulus of the rubber member is set so that the closer it is to the RFID tag 40 , the lower the modulus is, so that the RFID tag 40 can be appropriately protected.

[0172] That is, due to the presence of the outer layer 372, 472 having a higher modulus, even when the tire 1 is deformed, the deformation of the peripheral portion of the RFID tag 40 can be suppressed. In addition, due to the presence of the inner surface layer 371, 471 having a lower modulus, the deformation generated in the surrounding can be absorbed in the inner surface layer 371, 471.

[0173] The modulus of the outer layer 372 is preferably 1.1 to 1.2 times that of the second liner 36. In other words, the modulus of the outer layer 372 is preferably substantially equal to the modulus of the portion of the liner member 34 that covers at least the folded end 25A of the carcass ply 23 (the first liner 35).

[0174] In addition, the modulus of the inner surface layer 371 is preferably substantially equal to that of the second bead outer rubber 222. Alternatively, in consideration of effectively absorbing the deformation, a rubber having a modulus lower than that of the second bead outer rubber 222 may be used.

[0175] Furthermore, the technology using the first and second rubber sheets 37 and 47 formed of a plurality of layers described in this embodiment can also be applied to the first embodiment.

[0176] Furthermore, the first and second rubber sheets 37 and 47 may each include two layers having at least the functions of the inner surface layer and the outer layer, and may be formed of three or more layers, for example.

[0177] According to the tire according to the present embodiment, in addition to the above-mentioned (1) to (9), the following effects can be achieved.

[0178] (10) The first and second rubber sheets 37, 47 of the present embodiment respectively include: an inner surface layer 371, 471 facing the RFID tag 40, and an outer layer 372, 472 located on the side farther from the RFID tag 40 than the inner surface layer 371, 471, and the modulus of the inner surface layer 371, 471 is lower than the modulus of the outer layer 372, 472.

[0179] According to this, due to the presence of the outer layer 372, 472 having a higher modulus, even when the tire 1 is deformed, the deformation of the peripheral portion of the RFID tag 40 can be suppressed. In addition, due to the presence of the inner surface layer 371, 471 having a lower modulus, the deformation generated in the peripheral portion can be absorbed in the inner surface layer 371, 471. Therefore, the RFID tag 40 can be appropriately protected.

[0180] <Fourth Implementation Method>

[0181] Next, refer to Figures 9 to 15 , a tire according to a fourth embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations as those in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0182] This embodiment is a particularly preferred embodiment when the antenna of the RFID tag 40 is a coil-shaped spring antenna.

[0183] The RFID tag 40 of this embodiment can use a coil-shaped spring antenna 421 having high communication performance and flexibility as an antenna. The spring antenna 421 is set to an optimal antenna length according to the frequency band used and the like.

[0184] In this embodiment, before the RFID tag 40 is sandwiched between the two covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 constituting the protection member 43, rubber is placed in the spring antenna 421. More preferably, the spring antenna is filled with rubber so that as little air as possible is left. Figures 9 to 15 , to explain the process and the reasons for adopting the process.

[0185] First, as a reference example, use Figures 9 to 11 , to illustrate the state of the periphery of the RFID tag 40 when the spring antenna 421 is not filled with rubber. Fig. 9 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the spring antenna 421 and the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 before the RFID tag 40 is sandwiched between the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 . Fig.10 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the spring antenna 421 and the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 after the RFID tag 40 is sandwiched between the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 .

[0186] like Fig.10As shown, in this reference example, since the spring antenna 421 is not filled with rubber in advance, air 45 may remain in the spring antenna 421 to a certain extent after being sandwiched by the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432. In this way, if air remains, the integrity of the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 and the spring antenna 421 is not sufficient, and when the tire is deformed, the spring antenna 421 may not follow the movement of the rubber, resulting in damage to the RFID tag 40 having the spring antenna 421.

[0187] In addition, here, raw rubber before vulcanization is used as the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432. Fig.10 As shown, by pressing the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 from both sides, the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 are sunk into the spring antenna to some extent. However, it takes a very long time and effort to sunk the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 until the spring antenna is completely filled.

[0188] Furthermore, even if it takes time for the covering rubber sheet to sink into the spring antenna and fill it up, Fig.11 As shown, the distance L between the outer periphery of the spring antenna 421 and the outer surface of the covering rubber sheets 431, 432 becomes very short. In addition, it is difficult to keep the distance L stable, and there is a possibility that a thinner portion will be generated locally. As a result, the protection of the RFID tag 40 by the covering rubber sheets 431, 432 will become insufficient, and the covering rubber sheets 431, 432 may be damaged during vulcanization.

[0189] Therefore, in this embodiment, if Figures 12 to 15 As shown, before the RFID tag 40 is sandwiched by the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432, rubber is arranged in the spring antenna 421. More preferably, the spring antenna is filled with rubber in a manner that leaves as little air as possible. Figures 12 to 15 The figure shown on the right side in the middle is a cross-sectional view showing the spring antenna 421 and its surroundings.

[0190] Fig.12 This is a diagram showing a state before the spring antenna 421 is filled with the rubber 46 . Fig.13 This is a diagram showing a state after the spring antenna 421 is filled with the rubber 46 .

[0191] The rubber 46 is embedded so that its outer diameter is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the spring antenna 421. Furthermore, it is preferable that, when the rubber 46 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the spring antenna 421, the protruding portion can be wiped off. That is, it is preferable that the outer peripheral surface of the rubber 46 is formed to be substantially flush with the outer peripheral surface of the spring antenna 421.

[0192] Alternatively, the rubber 46 may be filled into the spring antenna 421 and the outer periphery of the spring antenna 421 may be thinly wrapped with the rubber 46. On the other hand, if the spring antenna 421 is thickly wrapped with the rubber 46, the flexibility of the spring antenna 421 is impaired, and the width dimension formed by sandwiching the RFID tag 40 between the coated rubber sheets 431 and 432 becomes larger, which is not preferred.

[0193] Alternatively, the rubber 46 may be embedded so that its outer diameter is substantially the same as the diameter of the inner peripheral surface of the spring antenna 421. The outer peripheral portion of the rubber 46 is preferably located within the range from the inner peripheral surface to the outer peripheral surface of the spring antenna 421.

[0194] Here, in order to ensure the flexibility of the spring antenna 421, a flexible rubber may be used as the rubber 46. However, in consideration of workability, etc., it is preferable to use a rubber having a higher modulus than the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 as the rubber 46.

[0195] In addition, unvulcanized rubber is preferably used as the rubber 46 disposed in the spring antenna 421. By making the rubber 46 and the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 unvulcanized rubber and vulcanizing them at the same time, the integrity of the rubber 46, the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432, and the spring antenna 421 can be improved. In addition, the rubber 46 and the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 are more preferably the same type of rubber.

[0196] If the flexibility of the spring antenna 421 is important, a rubber having a modulus lower than that of the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 may be used as the rubber 46. Alternatively, rubber having substantially the same modulus or rubber of the same material may be used.

[0197] In addition, vulcanized rubber may be used as the rubber 46 disposed in the spring antenna 421. In addition, a rubber-based adhesive, a rubber-based filler, etc. may be used. While ensuring flexibility, various rubber-based materials may be used in consideration of leaving as little air as possible in the spring antenna 421.

[0198] As the operation of disposing the rubber 46, various methods can be adopted, and for example, the rubber can be injected into the spring antenna 421 using a syringe. In this case, the syringe can be used to fill the set appropriate amount of rubber 46. In addition, after a large amount of rubber 46 is filled, the portion protruding from the outer periphery of the spring antenna 421 can be wiped off.

[0199] Fig.144 is a diagram showing a state before the RFID tag 40 filled with rubber 46 in the spring antenna 421 is sandwiched by the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432. Fig.15 This is a diagram showing a state after being sandwiched by the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 .

[0200] like Fig.15 As shown, according to this embodiment, since the rubber 46 is pre-filled in the spring antenna 421, there is no air stagnation between the coated rubber sheets 431 and 432. Therefore, there is no need to worry about the problem of air stagnation, and the process of sandwiching the RFID tag 40 using the coated rubber sheets 431 and 432 becomes simple.

[0201] In addition, by configuring the rubber 46 in the spring antenna 421, the integrity of the spring antenna 421, the rubber 46, and the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 is improved, and when the tire deforms, the spring antenna 421 will follow the movement of the rubber. Accordingly, the durability of the RFID tag 40 having the spring antenna 421 can also be improved.

[0202] In addition, according to the present embodiment, the distance L between the outer periphery of the spring antenna 421 and the outer surface of the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 is stable. That is, as the distance L, it is possible to ensure a distance approximately close to the thickness of the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432. Accordingly, the RFID tag 40 is sufficiently protected by the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432.

[0203] In the present embodiment, the RFID tag 40 sandwiched by the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 is arranged on the bead filler 22 and the like, and then the green tire is vulcanized.

[0204] In the present embodiment, the RFID tag 40 in which the spring antenna 421 is preliminarily filled with the rubber 46 is covered by the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 , and is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the first rubber sheet 37 and the second rubber sheet 47 .

[0205] However, the RFID tag 40 in which the spring antenna 421 is preliminarily filled with the rubber 46 may be directly sandwiched between the first rubber sheet 37 and the second rubber sheet 47 without being covered with the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 .

[0206] In this way, the uncovered RFID tag 40 is directly sandwiched between the first rubber sheet 37 and the second rubber sheet 47, thereby reducing the thickness variation of the rubber member in the portion where the RFID tag 40 is sandwiched, and improving the uniformity of the tire. In addition, since the spring antenna 421 is pre-filled with rubber 46, the first rubber sheet 37 or the second rubber sheet 47 does not excessively sink into the spring antenna.

[0207] According to the tire according to the present embodiment, in addition to the above-mentioned (1) to (10), the following effects can be achieved.

[0208] (11) The manufacturing method of the tire 1 of the present embodiment is as follows: the RFID tag 40 has a spring antenna 421, and the manufacturing method has a step of configuring the rubber 46 in the spring antenna 421. In the step of overlapping the exposed portions of the first rubber sheet 37 and the second rubber sheet 47, the RFID tag 40 having the spring antenna 421 configured with the rubber 46 is sandwiched between the first rubber sheet 37 and the second rubber sheet 47.

[0209] Thereby, in the process of sandwiching the spring antenna 421 of the RFID tag 40 between the rubber members, there is no need to worry about air stagnation, and thus the mounting performance is improved.

[0210] (12) In the present embodiment, there are: a process of configuring rubber 46 in a spring antenna 421 of an RFID tag 40 which is an electronic component having a communication function; a process of sandwiching the RFID tag 40 having the spring antenna 421 on which the rubber 46 is configured using coated rubber sheets 431 and 432; and a process of arranging the RFID tag 40 sandwiched using the coated rubber sheets 431 and 432 between the first rubber sheet 37 and the second rubber sheet 47.

[0211] Thus, the air 45 does not remain in the spring antenna 421. In addition, there is no need to worry about the problem of air stagnation, and thus the process of sandwiching the RFID tag 40 with the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 becomes simple.

[0212] In addition, the distance L between the outer periphery of the spring antenna 421 and the outer surfaces of the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 is stable, so the RFID tag 40 is sufficiently protected by the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 .

[0213] (13) In the present embodiment, the process includes: configuring rubber 46 in the spring antenna 421 of the RFID tag 40 which is an electronic component having a communication function; and pasting a first rubber sheet and a second rubber sheet together to sandwich the uncovered RFID tag 40 between the first rubber sheet 37 and the second rubber sheet 47.

[0214] In this way, the uncovered electronic components are directly sandwiched between the first rubber sheet 37 and the second rubber sheet 47, thereby reducing the thickness variation of the rubber member in the portion where the RFID tag 40 is sandwiched, and improving the uniformity of the tire. In addition, since the spring antenna 421 is pre-filled with rubber 46, the first and second rubber sheets 37 and 47 will not be excessively sunken into the spring antenna.

[0215] The tire of the present invention can be applied to various tires for passenger cars, light trucks, trucks, buses, etc., and is particularly suitable for tires for trucks, buses, etc.

[0216] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and modifications and improvements made within the scope that can achieve the purpose of the present invention are included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tire comprising: a bead core, a bead outer rubber extending outwardly of the bead core in the tire radial direction, and a carcass ply extending from the bead core toward the other bead core and folded back around the bead core, characterized in that: The tire further comprises: a first rubber sheet for covering the folded-back end of the carcass ply from the inner side in the tire width direction in a manner that contacts the folded-back end of the carcass ply; and a second rubber sheet for covering the folded-back end of the carcass ply from the outer side in the tire width direction in a manner that contacts the folded-back end of the carcass ply. The bead outer rubber is composed of a first bead outer rubber covering the outer circumference of the bead core and a second bead outer rubber arranged on the outer side of the first bead outer rubber in the tire radial direction. Electronic components are provided between the first rubber sheet and the second rubber sheet.

2. The tire according to claim 1, characterized in that The first bead guard rubber is made of a rubber having a higher modulus than that of the second bead guard rubber.

3. The tire according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The tire has a pad component consisting of a first pad and a second pad. The first liner is arranged on the folded portion of the carcass cord and on the outer side of the bead outer rubber in the tire width direction. The second pad is provided so as to cover the outer side in the tire width direction of the first pad.

4. The tire according to claim 3, characterized in that The second liner is made of a rubber having a higher modulus than the second bead outer rubber. The first gasket is made of rubber having a higher modulus than that of the second gasket.

5. The tire according to claim 3, characterized in that The outer side in the tire radial direction of the first pad is formed in a shape that tapers toward the outer side in the tire radial direction.

6. The tire according to claim 1, characterized in that The first rubber sheet and the second rubber sheet are both formed in an annular shape, and the annular first rubber sheet and the second rubber sheet cover the folded end of the carcass ply over the entire circumference.

7. The tire according to claim 6, characterized in that The tire bead outer rubber is formed into a ring shape. The outer peripheral edge portions of the annular first rubber sheet, the annular second rubber sheet, and the annular bead filler are substantially consistent with each other.

8. The tire according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The electronic component is covered by a covering rubber sheet, and the electronic component covered by the covering rubber sheet is arranged between the first rubber sheet and the second rubber sheet.

9. The tire according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The uncovered electronic component is disposed between the first rubber sheet and the second rubber sheet.

10. The tire according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The modulus of the first rubber sheet and the second rubber sheet is equal to or greater than the modulus of a rubber member covering the periphery of the first rubber sheet and the second rubber sheet.

11. The tire according to claim 8, characterized in that The covering rubber sheet has a modulus lower than the modulus of the first rubber sheet and the second rubber sheet.

12. The tire according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first rubber sheet and the second rubber sheet each include an inner surface layer facing the electronic component and an outer layer located farther from the electronic component than the inner surface layer, and the modulus of the inner surface layer is lower than that of the outer layer.

13. The tire according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that In the tire width cross-sectional view, When the distance from the outer end of the bead outer rubber in the tire radial direction to the folded-back end of the folded-back carcass ply is set as the reference distance, The electronic component is arranged in a region extending from a position of an outer end of the bead filler in the tire radial direction to a position located at 60% of the reference distance toward the inner side in the tire radial direction.

14. A method for manufacturing a tire, which is a method for manufacturing the tire according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that: include: a step of attaching the first rubber sheet to the bead outer rubber, and a step of overlapping the first rubber sheet and the second rubber sheet, The electronic component is adhered to the first rubber sheet or the second rubber sheet before the overlapping step. In the step of superimposing, the electronic component is sandwiched between the first rubber sheet and the second rubber sheet.

15. The method for manufacturing a tire according to claim 14, characterized in that: The electronic component has a spring antenna. The tire manufacturing method includes: a step of arranging rubber in the spring antenna, In the step of superimposing, the electronic component having the spring antenna on which the rubber is arranged is sandwiched between the first rubber sheet and the second rubber sheet.

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