tire

Abstract

The tire has a decorative portion arranged on the side of the tire and having a base surface, and a plurality of first pattern areas are arranged on the decorative portion along the tire circumference. The first pattern area is composed of a plurality of first asterisk protrusions and second asterisk protrusions having a height of 0.05 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less from the base surface (16) and arranged at intervals of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less. The areas of the plurality of first pattern areas arranged along the tire circumference gradually decrease as they go to the sides in both directions of the tire circumference.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tire. Background Art

[0002] A design has been developed in which a decoration having minute projections and depressions is provided on a smooth surface of a tire side surface (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-099094). Summary of the Invention

[0003] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a tire capable of widening the expressive width of a decorative portion.

[0005] Solutions for solving problems

[0006] In the tire of the first technical solution, a decorative portion is provided on the base surface of the outer surface of the tire, and a plurality of first pattern areas are arranged along the circumference of the tire on the decorative portion, each of which is constituted by a plurality of first protrusions protruding from the base surface. The area of ​​the plurality of first pattern areas arranged along the circumference of the tire gradually decreases as it goes toward one direction or two directions of the tire circumference.

[0007] In the tire of the first technical solution, the decorative portion is arranged on the outer surface of the tire, and a plurality of first pattern areas are arranged along the circumference of the tire, each of which is composed of a plurality of first protrusions protruding from the base surface. The area of ​​the plurality of first pattern areas arranged along the circumference of the tire gradually decreases as it goes toward one direction or two directions of the tire circumference.

[0008] Therefore, the decorative portion of the tire according to the first aspect can have a wider expression width than a decorative portion not configured in this way.

[0009] According to the tire of the first technical solution, in the second technical solution, a plurality of the first protrusions are provided in the first pattern region, the first protrusions having a height of 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm from the base surface and arranged at intervals of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm.

[0010] By providing a plurality of first protrusions having a height of not less than 0.05 mm and not more than 1.0 mm from the base surface and arranged at intervals of not less than 0.1 mm and not more than 1.0 mm in the first pattern area, the first pattern area can be made uneven compared with the smooth surface and the brightness of the first pattern area can be made lower than the brightness of the smooth surface, thereby improving the visual recognition of the first pattern area and making it conspicuous.

[0011] In the tire according to the first or second technical solution, in the third technical solution, a plurality of second pattern areas having a higher brightness than the first pattern area are arranged adjacent to the decorative portion and the first pattern area, and the areas of the plurality of second pattern areas arranged along the circumference of the tire gradually increase as they go toward the direction in which the area of ​​the first pattern area gradually decreases.

[0012] In the decorative portion of the tire of the third technical solution, a plurality of second pattern areas having a brightness higher than that of the first pattern area are arranged adjacent to the first pattern area, and the areas of the plurality of second pattern areas arranged along the circumference of the tire gradually increase as they go toward the direction in which the area of ​​the first pattern area gradually decreases.

[0013] Therefore, the decorative portion of the tire according to the third aspect can increase the expression width of the decorative portion compared to decorative portions not configured in this manner.

[0014] According to the tire of the third aspect, in a fourth aspect, the second pattern area includes a plurality of second protrusions having a height of 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm from the base surface and arranged at intervals of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm.

[0015] By providing a plurality of second protrusions in the second pattern area having a height of not less than 0.05 mm and not more than 1.0 mm from the base surface and arranged at intervals of not less than 0.1 mm and not more than 1.0 mm, the second pattern area can be made uneven compared with the smooth surface and the brightness of the second pattern area can be lower than that of the smooth surface, thereby improving the visual recognition of the second pattern area and making it conspicuous.

[0016] In the tire according to the third or fourth aspect, in a fifth aspect, a plurality of third pattern regions having a brightness higher than that of the second pattern region are arranged adjacent to the decorative portion and the second pattern region.

[0017] In the decorative portion of the tire according to the fifth aspect, a plurality of third pattern regions having a brightness higher than that of the second pattern regions are arranged adjacent to the second pattern regions. Therefore, the expression width can be widened compared to decorative portions not structured in this manner.

[0018] According to the tire of the fifth technical solution, in a sixth technical solution, the third pattern area is configured to include a plurality of third protrusions having a height of 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm from the base surface and arranged at intervals of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm.

[0019] In the sixth technical solution, a plurality of third protrusions having a height of not less than 0.05 mm and not more than 1.0 mm from the base surface and arranged at intervals of not less than 0.1 mm and not more than 1.0 mm are provided in the third pattern area, so that the third pattern area can appear uneven compared with the smooth surface and the brightness of the third pattern area can be lower than that of the smooth surface, thereby improving the visual recognition of the third pattern area and making it conspicuous.

[0020] In the tire according to the fifth or sixth aspect, in a seventh aspect, the areas of the plurality of third pattern regions arranged along the tire circumferential direction gradually increase toward a direction in which the areas of the second pattern regions gradually decrease.

[0021] In the decorative portion of the tire of the seventh technical solution, the areas of the plurality of third pattern regions arranged along the tire circumferential direction gradually increase as the area of ​​the second pattern region gradually decreases, thereby enabling a wider expression width than a decorative portion not constructed in this manner.

[0022] In the tire according to any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, in an eighth aspect, the first pattern area and the third pattern area are separated from each other.

[0023] In the decorative portion of the tire according to the eighth aspect, the first pattern area and the third pattern area are separated from each other, and thus the expression width can be widened compared to a decorative portion not structured in this manner.

[0024] In the tire according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, in a ninth aspect, a mark having a higher brightness than that of the first pattern region is arranged in the first pattern region having the largest area.

[0025] In the tire of the ninth aspect, a mark having a higher brightness than the first pattern region is arranged in the first pattern region having a lower brightness and the largest area. This allows the expression width of the decorative portion to be widened and the visibility of the mark to be improved.

[0026] In addition, the "mark" in the present disclosure refers to characters, graphics, symbols, three-dimensional shapes or colors among objects that can be recognized by human perception, or an object formed by combining these characters, graphics, symbols, three-dimensional shapes or colors.

[0027] Effects of the Invention

[0028] As described above, the tire of the present disclosure has the excellent effect of being able to widen the display width of the decorative portion on the outer surface of the tire. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1This is a plan view showing a decorative portion formed on a tire side portion of a tire according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 2 It is an enlarged plan view showing a part of the decorative portion.

[0031] Figure 3 It is an enlarged plan view showing another part of the decorative portion.

[0032] Figure 4A It is an enlarged plan view showing a part of the pattern area.

[0033] Figure 4B It is an enlarged plan view showing a part of the pattern area.

[0034] Figure 4C It is an enlarged plan view showing a part of the pattern area.

[0035] Figure 5 It is a cross-sectional view showing the asterisk protrusion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] use Figures 1 to 5 A tire 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Arrow C in the drawings indicates the tire circumferential direction, arrow CW indicates the clockwise direction, arrow CCW indicates the counterclockwise direction, and arrow R indicates the tire radial direction.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, a decorative portion 14 extending along the tire circumferential direction (direction of arrow C) is provided on a tire side portion 12 as an example of the outer surface of the tire 10. The decorative portion 14 is arc-shaped when viewed from the axial direction of the tire 10 and is arranged at an arbitrary position in the tire circumferential direction.

[0038] The portion of the tire side portion 12 other than the decorative portion 14 is formed into a smooth surface similar to a normal tire.

[0039] The decorative portion 14 is configured to include a first pattern region 20, a second pattern region 22, and a third pattern region 24, each having different brightness (L*). In this embodiment, the brightness increases in the order of the first pattern region 20, the second pattern region 22, the third pattern region 24, and the base surface 16. In other words, the first pattern region 20 appears darkest, and the base surface 16 appears brightest.

[0040] (First pattern area 20)

[0041] like Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, a plurality of first pattern regions 20 are provided along the tire circumferential direction (arrow C direction) at the tire circumferential center portion of the decorative portion 14 , and their area decreases as going clockwise (arrow CW direction) and counterclockwise (arrow CCW direction).

[0042] The first pattern region 20 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view at a portion counterclockwise (in the CCW direction) from the tire circumferential center of the decorative portion 14 , and its width in the tire circumferential direction decreases counterclockwise.

[0043] On the other hand, the first pattern region 20 is formed into a circular shape in a plan view, with its area decreasing as it goes clockwise, in a position clockwise from the center of the decorative portion 14 in the tire circumferential direction. Furthermore, as the diameter of the first pattern region 20 increases, adjacent first pattern regions 20 come into contact with each other, and the gaps between them disappear.

[0044] (Second pattern area 22)

[0045] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the second pattern area 22 is provided on the clockwise side and the counterclockwise side of the decorative portion 14 .

[0046] On the counterclockwise side of the first pattern area 20 , the second pattern area 22 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view, and its area decreases in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions. The second pattern areas 22 and the first pattern areas 20 are arranged alternately.

[0047] On the other hand, the second pattern region 22, clockwise of the first pattern region 20, is circular in plan view, its area decreasing clockwise. Furthermore, as the diameter of the second pattern region 22 increases, adjacent second pattern regions 22 come into contact, and the gaps between them disappear. Furthermore, clockwise of the first pattern region 20, a portion of the second pattern region 22 and a portion of the first pattern region 20 are adjacent to each other. In the area where the first and second pattern regions 20 and 22 contact, the proportion of the second pattern region 22 per unit area decreases counterclockwise.

[0048] (Third pattern area 24)

[0049] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the third pattern area 24 is provided at the end portion on the clockwise side and the end portion on the counterclockwise side of the decorative portion 14 .

[0050] On the counterclockwise side of the second pattern area 22 , the third pattern area 24 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view, and its area decreases as it goes in the clockwise direction. The third pattern areas 24 and the second pattern areas 24 are alternately arranged.

[0051] On the other hand, the third pattern region 24 is arranged adjacent to the second pattern region 22 on the clockwise side of the second pattern region 22 , and the proportion of the third pattern region 24 per unit area decreases as going counterclockwise.

[0052] The first pattern region 20 has a lower brightness than the base surface 16 and appears black compared to the base surface 16. The second pattern region 22 has a higher brightness than the first pattern region 20. Furthermore, the third pattern region 24 has a higher brightness than the second pattern region 22. In other words, the brightness decreases in the order of base surface 16, third pattern region 24, second pattern region 22, and first pattern region 20, with the base surface 16 appearing the brightest and the first pattern region 20 appearing the darkest.

[0053] In addition, in the casting mold (die) used to form the tire 10, tiny bumps and depressions are provided in the portions corresponding to the first pattern area 20, the second pattern area 22, and the third pattern area 24, so that the first pattern area 20, the second pattern area 22, and the third pattern area 24 can be formed on the surface of the tire side portion 12.

[0054] Micro protrusions protruding from the base surface 16 are formed in the first pattern area 20 , the second pattern area 22 , and the third pattern area 24 , so that the surfaces of the first pattern area 20 , the second pattern area 22 , and the third pattern area 24 have unevenness.

[0055] like Figures 4A to 4C As shown, the first asterisk protrusion 34 and the second asterisk protrusion 36 as examples of the protrusion are formed similarly to each other in the first pattern area 20 , the second pattern area 22 , and the third pattern area 24 .

[0056] The shapes of the first and second asterisk protrusions 34 and 36 are similar in each region. In addition, the interval P between the first and second asterisk protrusions 34 and 36 adjacent to each other varies accordingly according to the similarity ratio.

[0057] As described above, the shapes of the first and second asterisk projections 34 and 36 are similar in each region. Therefore, the shapes of the first and second asterisk projections 34 and 36 will be described below using the first pattern region 20 as an example.

[0058] (Protrusion in the first pattern area)

[0059] like Figure 4AAs shown, the first pattern area 20 includes a plurality of first asterisk protrusions 34 and a plurality of second asterisk protrusions 36 protruding from the base surface 16. The first asterisk protrusions 34 and the second asterisk protrusions 36 are alternately arranged in the tire circumferential direction and the tire radial direction.

[0060] (First asterisk protrusion 34)

[0061] like Figure 4A As shown, the first asterisk protrusion 34 includes a plurality of, in this embodiment, six, extensions 34E, which extend from the center O1 (refer to FIG. Figure 4C ) extend in different directions.

[0062] The six protruding portions 34E form an angle of 60° with each adjacent protruding portion 34E. In other words, the first asterisk protrusion 34 has a shape in which the six protruding portions 34E radially protrude from the center O1.

[0063] like Figure 5 As shown, the cross-section of the extension portion 34E of the first asterisk protrusion 34 in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction is a roughly isosceles triangle with a flat top surface 34C. In other words, the first asterisk protrusion 34 has a top surface 34C and a pair of side surfaces 34D. In this embodiment, the width of the top surface 34C (reference symbol W1 in the figure) is set to 0.02 [mm], and the vertex angle of the first asterisk protrusion 34 (reference symbol D in the figure) is set to 26 [degrees]. In addition, the height of the first asterisk protrusion 34 (reference symbol H in the figure) is set to a predetermined value of not less than 0.05 [mm] and not more than 1.0 [mm]. If the protrusion height (protrusion height) is less than 0.05 [mm], it becomes difficult to shape the protrusion, and there is a possibility that the incident light cannot be attenuated, and the brightness is reduced to a level that appears black. Furthermore, by setting the protrusion height to less than 1.0 [mm], the difference in rigidity between the protrusion portion and the surrounding portion of the protrusion is reduced, thereby suppressing local stress concentration.

[0064] As an example, the height of the protrusions of the present embodiment and the intervals (pitch) between the protrusions described later can be measured using a One Shot 3D profilometer VR-3000 series manufactured by KEYENCE Corporation.

[0065] (Second asterisk protrusion 36)

[0066] like Figure 4AAs shown, the second asterisk protrusion 36 is formed in the same shape as the first asterisk protrusion 34. Specifically, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the base surface 16, the second asterisk protrusion 36 is a shape obtained by rotating the first asterisk protrusion 34 90 degrees clockwise around the center O1 and then flipping the first asterisk protrusion 34 rotated 90 degrees around the center O1. That is, the second asterisk protrusion 36 has a center O2 (refer to Figure 4C ) Six extension portions 36E extending in different directions respectively, and the extension portions 36E have a top surface 36C and a side surface 36D.

[0067] The first star-marked protrusions 34 and the second star-marked protrusions 36 are alternately arranged in the tire circumferential direction and the tire radial direction, filling the entire region.

[0068] Furthermore, the spacing between the centers O1 and O2 of the first and second asterisk projections 34 and 36, which are adjacent in the tire radial and circumferential directions (hereinafter referred to as "pitch P"), is set to a predetermined value of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm. If pitch P is less than 0.1 mm, protrusion formation becomes difficult. Furthermore, if pitch P is greater than 1.0 mm, incident light may not be attenuated, potentially reducing brightness to the point where the surface appears black.

[0069] (Protrusion in the second pattern area)

[0070] Next, the second pattern region 22 will be described.

[0071] like Figure 4B As shown, the second pattern area 22 includes first and second asterisk protrusions 34, 36 having similar shapes to the first and second asterisk protrusions 34, 36 of the first pattern area 20, but the density of the protrusions formed is lower than that of the protrusions formed in the first pattern area 20. As a result, the second pattern area 22 appears relatively brighter than the first pattern area 20.

[0072] (Protrusion of the third pattern area 24)

[0073] Next, the third pattern region 24 will be described.

[0074] like Figure 4C As shown, the third pattern area 24 is formed with first and second asterisk protrusions 34, 36 having similar shapes to the first and second asterisk protrusions 34, 36 of the first pattern area 20, but the density of the protrusions formed is lower than the density of the protrusions formed in the second pattern area 22. As a result, the third pattern area 24 appears relatively brighter than the second pattern area 22.

[0075] like Figure 1As shown, in the decorative portion 14 of this embodiment, a mark 26 having a higher brightness than the first pattern region 20 is formed as an example of a marking in the first pattern region 20 located at the center of the decorative portion 14 in the tire circumferential direction, which has the largest area. The mark 26 of this embodiment is formed by a smooth base surface 16.

[0076] (Action, effect)

[0077] Next, the effects of the tire 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0078] In the other area of ​​the tire side portion 12 where no protrusions are formed, that is, the base surface 16 , incident light is reflected outward by the smooth outer surface constituting the base surface 16 .

[0079] On the other hand, in the first pattern area 20, the second pattern area 22 and the third pattern area 24, the light incident on the first asterisk protrusion 34 and the second asterisk protrusion 36 is irradiated on Figure 5 The incident light then attenuates as it repeatedly reflects between the opposing side surfaces 34D and 36D, and then reflects outward. As a result, the first pattern area 20, the second pattern area 22, and the third pattern area 24 appear darker than the base surface 16.

[0080] Moreover, since the top angles of the protrusions are the same, the area occupied by the base surface 16 of the second pattern region 22 per unit area is larger than the area occupied by the base surface 16 of the first pattern region 20 per unit area, and the area occupied by the base surface 16 of the third pattern region 24 per unit area is larger than the area occupied by the base surface 16 of the second pattern region 22 per unit area.

[0081] As a result, the amount of light reflected outward in the second pattern region 22 is greater than the amount of light reflected outward in the first pattern region 20, and the amount of light reflected outward in the third pattern region 24 is greater than the amount of light reflected outward in the second pattern region 22. In other words, the brightness of the second pattern region 22 is higher than that of the first pattern region 20, and the brightness of the third pattern region 24 is higher than that of the second pattern region 22.

[0082] In other words, in the decorative portion 14 of this embodiment, the brightness decreases in the order of the third pattern region 24, the second pattern region 22, and the first pattern region 20, with the lowest brightness appearing the darkest. Because the logo 26, which is composed of a smooth base surface 16 and has the highest brightness, is located in the first pattern region 20, which has the lowest brightness and appears the darkest, this significantly widens the display width of the decorative portion 14 and improves the visual recognition of the logo 26.

[0083] [Other embodiments]

[0084] As mentioned above, one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that the present disclosure can be implemented with various modifications other than the above-described embodiment without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0085] For example, in the first embodiment described above, the first asterisk protrusion 34 and the second asterisk protrusion 36 are connected to each other, but they may be configured not to be connected to each other.

[0086] The top angles of the first asterisk protrusion 34, the second asterisk protrusion 36, etc. (e.g. Figure 5 The reference numeral D) is set to 26 degrees, but other angles are also possible. When the vertex angle D becomes larger, the proportion of the reflected light reflected by the side surfaces 34D and 36D returning to the incident direction becomes larger, and the brightness becomes relatively higher.

[0087] In the above embodiment, as an example of a protrusion, a first asterisk protrusion 34 and a second asterisk protrusion 36 are shown, each having multiple radially extending extensions 34E. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The top view shape of the protrusion is not limited to radial or linear shapes and may also have a so-called textured pattern. Examples of textured patterns include leather patterns, pear skin patterns, wood grain patterns, cloth patterns, and geometric patterns. Furthermore, the protrusion may have a tapering shape, such as a rib or cone.

[0088] Furthermore, the first pattern region 20 , the second pattern region 22 , and the third pattern region 24 are not limited to the shapes shown in the above embodiment, and the shapes may be different. The shape of each region is arbitrary.

[0089] In the above-described embodiment, the decorative portion 14 includes three pattern regions having different brightnesses, but may include four or more pattern regions having different brightnesses.

[0090] In the above embodiment, the mark 26 is formed of a smooth base surface 16. However, if the brightness is higher than that of the first pattern area 20, the mark 26 does not need to be formed of a smooth base surface 16. In addition, in the above embodiment, the mark 26 is given as an example of a mark, but the mark provided on the first pattern area 20 may be a mark other than the mark 26.

[0091] The disclosure of Japanese invention patent application No. 2021-042928 filed on March 16, 2021 is incorporated into this specification in its entirety by reference.

[0092] All documents, invention patent applications, and technical specifications described in this specification are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each document, invention patent application, and technical specification were specifically and separately described.

Claims

1. A tire, wherein: A decorative portion is provided on the base surface of the tire outer surface. The decorative portion includes a plurality of first pattern areas configured to include a plurality of first protrusions protruding from the base surface, arranged along the tire circumferential direction. The areas of the plurality of first pattern regions arranged along the tire circumferential direction gradually decrease as they go toward one or both sides of the tire circumferential direction. A mark is formed on the largest portion of the first pattern region. A plurality of second pattern regions having a brightness higher than that of the first pattern region are arranged adjacent to the first pattern region in the decorative portion. The areas of the plurality of second pattern regions arranged along the tire circumferential direction gradually increase as they go toward the first pattern region, and the area of ​​the first pattern region gradually decreases from the largest area portion. A plurality of third pattern regions having a brightness higher than that of the second pattern region are arranged adjacent to the decorative portion and the second pattern region. The areas of the plurality of third pattern regions arranged along the tire circumferential direction gradually increase as they go toward the second pattern region, with the area gradually decreasing from a portion of the second pattern region having the largest area.

2. The tire according to claim 1, wherein The first pattern region is provided with a plurality of the first projections, each of which has a height of 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm inclusive from the base surface and is arranged at intervals of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm inclusive.

3. The tire according to claim 1, wherein The second pattern region includes a plurality of second projections having a height of 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm inclusive from the base surface and arranged at intervals of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm inclusive.

4. The tire according to claim 1, wherein The third pattern region includes a plurality of third projections having a height of 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm inclusive from the base surface and arranged at intervals of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm inclusive.

5. The tire according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The first pattern area and the third pattern area are separated from each other.

6. The tire according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein In the first pattern region having the largest area, a mark having a higher brightness than that of the first pattern region is arranged.

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