Tire

Abstract

The tire (1) has a carcass (3) composed of at least one carcass ply (3a) extending between a pair of bead portions (13) via a pair of sidewall portions (12). The tire (1) includes: a conductive member (21) embedded in a sidewall portion (14) formed by the sidewall portion (12) and the bead portion (13) on the outer or inner side of the carcass (3) in the tire width direction, and extending throughout at least one region in the tire circumferential direction and at least one region in the tire radial direction in each sidewall portion (14); and one or more IC chips (22) embedded in the sidewall portion (14). At least one of the one or more IC chips is a contact IC chip (22c) that contacts the conductive member without mechanical connection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a tire. Background Technology

[0002] Constructions that embed communication devices such as RF tags in tires are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a tire having an RF tag embedded in the sidewall.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-539047 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, if RF tags (where the IC chip and antenna are mechanically connected by solder or other means) are typically embedded in the tire as is, there is a risk of durability degradation at such connections due to wire breakage or other reasons. To reinforce this, RF tags can be pre-coated with rubber or resin, but this complicates the structure and requires advanced technology.

[0008] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a tire that can improve the durability of a communication device using a simple construction.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] According to this disclosure, the tire is,

[0011] A tire having a carcass composed of at least one carcass ply extending between a pair of bead portions via a pair of sidewall portions, wherein the tire comprises:

[0012] A conductive member, embedded on the outer or inner side of the tire carcass in a sidewall portion formed by the sidewall portion and the bead portion, and extending in the sidewall portion through at least a portion of the tire's circumferential direction and at least a portion of the tire's radial direction; and

[0013] At least one IC chip is embedded in the tire sidewall.

[0014] Among them, at least one of the at least one IC chips is a contact IC chip that contacts the conductive component without mechanical connection.

[0015] The effects of the invention

[0016] According to this disclosure, a tire that can improve the durability of a communication device using a simple construction can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a side view of the sidewall portion of a tire according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the outside in the tire width direction.

[0018] Figure 2 Therefore, along Figure 1 The cross-sectional diagram of line AA in the diagram is shown. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a portion of the tire along its width, and a magnified view of that portion.

[0019] Figure 3 By along Figure 1 The AA line in the diagram illustrates a cross-sectional view in the tire width direction of a portion of a tire according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The tires disclosed herein can be suitably used for any type of pneumatic tire, such as pneumatic tires for passenger cars, trucks and buses.

[0021] The following is an illustrative description of embodiments of the tire according to the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] In all the figures, common parts and components are indicated by the same reference numerals / symbols. In some figures, the symbol "WD" indicates the tire width direction, the symbol "RD" indicates the tire radial direction, and the symbol "CD" indicates the tire circumferential direction. In this specification, the side closer to the tire's inner cavity is referred to as the "tire inner side," while the side farther from the tire's inner cavity is referred to as the "tire outer side."

[0023] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The illustration shows a tire 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 This is a side view of the sidewall portion of a tire according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the outside in the tire width direction. Figure 2 Therefore, along Figure 1 The cross-sectional diagram of line AA in the diagram is shown. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view and a magnified view of a portion of the tire (specifically, the portion located on one side relative to the tire's equatorial plane CL) in the tire width direction. Figure 3 By along Figure 1 The cross-section diagram along line AA in the figure shows a portion of the tire 10 in the tire width direction according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] The tires 1 and 10 according to embodiments of this disclosure can be constructed as any type of tire.

[0025] In the following text, unless otherwise stated, the positional relationships and dimensions of each element shall be measured under the reference condition of the tire mounted on an applicable rim, inflated to the specified internal pressure, and unloaded. When the tire is mounted on an applicable rim, inflated to the specified internal pressure, and loaded with the maximum load, the width of the contact patch in the tire width direction is referred to as the tire's contact width, and the edge of this contact patch in the tire width direction is referred to as the contact end.

[0026] As used herein, the term "applicable rim" refers to a standard rim of applicable size that is already recorded or will be recorded in an industry standard (measured rim in the ETRO standards manual and designed rim in the TRA yearbook) in effect in the region where the tire is manufactured and used. Such industry standards include, for example, the JATMA yearbook of Japan's JATMA (Japan Automobile Tire Manufacturers Association), the standards manual of Europe's ETRO (European Tire & Rim Technology Organization), and the yearbook of the US-based TRA (Tire & Rim Association). For sizes not listed in these industry standards, the term "applicable rim" refers to a rim with a width corresponding to the bead width of the pneumatic tire. The term "applicable rim" includes both current and future sizes listed in the aforementioned industry standards. An example of a "size to be recorded in the future" could be a size listed as "FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS" in the 2013 edition of ETRO.

[0027] As used herein, the term "specified internal pressure" refers to the air pressure (maximum air pressure) corresponding to the maximum load capacity of a single wheel at the applicable size and ply rating specified in the aforementioned JATMA Yearbook and other industry standards. For sizes not listed in the aforementioned industry standards, the term "specified internal pressure" refers to the air pressure (maximum air pressure) corresponding to the maximum load capacity specified for each vehicle with the tire mounted. Furthermore, as used herein, the term "maximum load" means the load corresponding to the maximum load capacity of a tire of the applicable size specified in the aforementioned industry standards, or, for sizes not listed in the aforementioned industry standards, the load corresponding to the maximum load capacity specified for each vehicle with the tire mounted.

[0028] (First Implementation)

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, the tire 1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure includes a tread portion 11, a pair of sidewall portions 12 extending radially inward from both ends of the tread portion 11 in the tire width direction, and a pair of bead portions 13 disposed at the radially inward end of each sidewall portion 12. The tread portion 11 is the portion of the tire 1 extending in the tire width direction between a pair of contact ends. The bead portions 13 are configured to contact the rim both radially inward and radially outward when the tire 1 is mounted on a rim.

[0030] The tire 1 has a pair of sidewall portions 14 extending from both ends of the tire width of the tread portion 11 toward the inside of the tire diameter. The sidewall portion 14 includes a sidewall portion 12 and a bead portion 13.

[0031] In addition, the tire 1 also includes a pair of bead cores 2a, a pair of bead fillers 2b, a tire body 3, a belt 4, a tread rubber 5, a sidewall rubber 6a, and an inner liner 7. The aforementioned sidewall portion 12 is a portion that extends at least from the belt 4 radially inward to the tire and from the bead portion 13 radially outward to the tire.

[0032] Each bead core 2a is embedded in a corresponding bead portion 13. The bead core 2a includes a plurality of bead lines surrounded by a rubber coating. However, the bead core 2a may include a single bead line. The bead line is suitably constructed of metal (e.g., steel). The bead line may be made of, for example, monofilament or stranded wire. The bead line may be constructed of organic fibers or carbon fibers.

[0033] The bead fillers 2b are all positioned radially outward of the tire relative to the corresponding bead core 2a. The bead fillers 2b extend radially outward, gradually tapering. The bead fillers 2b are, for example, made of rubber.

[0034] Bead filler is sometimes referred to as a "reinforcement".

[0035] For example, when tire 1 is constructed as a pneumatic tire for a truck / bus, although not shown, bead filler 2b may include multiple (e.g., two) bead filler portions. For example, the multiple bead filler portions may differ from each other in hardness. For example, the multiple bead filler portions may be arranged (stacked) along the radial direction of the tire.

[0036] The tire carcass 3 spans between a pair of bead cores 2a and extends circumferentially through a pair of sidewall portions 12 and a tread portion 11. In other words, the tire carcass 3 extends through a pair of sidewall portions 12 between a pair of bead portions 13. The tire carcass 3 includes at least one carcass ply 3a. Figure 2 (In the example, this is a carcass ply). Each carcass ply 3a includes one or more carcass cords and a coating rubber covering the carcass cords. For example, monofilaments or stranded threads can be used to form the carcass cords.

[0037] The tire carcass cords can be made of organic fibers such as polyester, nylon, rayon, and aramid, or they can be made of metal (e.g., steel). When tire 1 is constructed as a pneumatic tire for trucks / buses, the tire carcass cords are suitably made of metal (e.g., steel). When tire 1 is constructed as a pneumatic tire for passenger cars, the tire carcass cords are suitably made of organic fibers such as polyester, nylon, rayon, and aramid.

[0038] The carcass ply 3a includes a ply body portion 3M positioned between a pair of bead cores 2a. The carcass ply 3a may also include ply fold-back portions 3T, which fold back from both ends of the ply body portion 3M around the bead cores 2a from the inside to the outside in the tire width direction. However, the carcass ply 3a does not necessarily include ply fold-back portions 3T. The carcass 3 is preferably a radial structure, but it can also be a bias structure.

[0039] The belt 4 is arranged radially outward of the crown portion of the tire carcass 3. The belt 4 includes at least one ( Figure 2 The example in the text shows two belt layers 4a. Each belt layer 4a includes one or more belt cords and a coated rubber covering the belt cords. For example, the belt cords can be formed using monofilaments or stranded yarns. The belt cords can be made of metal (e.g., steel) or organic fibers including polyester, nylon, rayon, aramid, etc.

[0040] The tread rubber 5 is positioned in the tread portion 11 on the radially outer side of the tire, within the belt 4. The tread rubber 5 constitutes the tread surface, which is the radially outer surface of the tire within the tread portion 11. Tread patterns are formed on the tread surface.

[0041] The sidewall rubber 6a is positioned in the sidewall portion 12 on the outer side of the tire body 3 in the tire width direction. The sidewall rubber 6a forms the outer surface of the sidewall portion 12 in the tire width direction. The sidewall rubber 6a is integrally formed with the tread rubber 5.

[0042] The liner 7 can be positioned inside the tire body 3, for example, it can be laminated inside the tire body 3. For example, the liner 9 is made of butyl rubber with low air permeability. Butyl rubber includes, for example, butyl rubber and its derivatives, halogenated butyl rubber. The liner 9 is not limited to butyl rubber, but can be made of other rubber components, resins or elastomers.

[0043] Regarding tire 1 according to this embodiment, although Figure 2 Only one side of tire 1 relative to the tire equator CL is shown in the diagram, but the structure of tire 1, excluding the conductive member 21 and the IC chip 22 (i.e., the structure of the tire body portion when the portion of tire 1 excluding the conductive member 21 and the IC chip 22 described later is referred to as the tire body portion), is symmetrical with respect to the tire equator CL. In other words, in the structure of tire 1, the other side of the tire relative to the tire equator CL is equivalent to... Figure 2 The structure shown is shown. However, the structure of tire 1 can be asymmetrical with respect to the tire equatorial plane CL.

[0044] Furthermore, the structure of the tire 1, apart from the conductive component 21 and IC chip 22 described later, may differ from those described above, as long as it does not depart from the purpose of this disclosure.

[0045] Next, the conductive member 21 and the IC chip 22 embedded in the sidewall portion 14, which is composed of the sidewall portion 12 and the bead portion 13, in this embodiment will be described.

[0046] In this embodiment, the IC chip 22 (more specifically, at least the contact IC chip 22d described later) and the conductive member 21 can work together to construct a communication device 20 capable of communicating with the outside world, wherein the conductive member 21 acts as an antenna. In other words, compared to a general RF tag (often also called an RFID tag), in this embodiment, the IC chip 22 and the conductive member 21 respectively act as the IC chip of the RF tag and the antenna of the RF tag, enabling the IC chip 22 and the conductive member 21 to work together to construct the communication device 20.

[0047] In this embodiment, the communication device 20, which includes an IC chip 22 (more specifically, at least the contact IC chip 22d described later) and a conductive member 21, is capable of wireless communication with a predetermined external device (e.g., a reader or a reader-writer) located outside the tire 1.

[0048] The communication device 20 is appropriately configured as a passive type; however, it can also be configured as an active type.

[0049] In this embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the conductive member 21 is embedded in the sidewall portion 14, which is composed of the sidewall portion 12 and the bead portion 13 (more precisely, embedded inside the sidewall portion 14). More specifically, as... Figure 2 As shown, the conductive member 21 is embedded in the sidewall portion 14 on the outer side of the tire carcass 3 (more specifically, the ply body portion 3M of the carcass ply 3a) in the tire width direction. In this example, the conductive member 21 is embedded in the sidewall rubber 6a that forms the sidewall portion 12 (i.e., inside the sidewall rubber 6a).

[0050] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, the conductive member 21 is embedded on the outer side of the carcass ply 3a in the tire width direction, such that at least a portion of the conductive member 21 in the tire radial direction contacts the carcass ply 3a constituting the carcass 3. However, in this example, the conductive member 21 may not contact the carcass ply 3a, as long as the entire conductive member 21 is positioned on the outer side of the carcass ply 3a (and thus the carcass 3) in the tire width direction.

[0051] In this embodiment, the conductive member 21 is formed to have a predetermined width (in Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the middle, the width along the radial direction RD of the tire) and along the longitudinal direction (in Figure 1 In the tire, it is a strip extending circumferentially (CD). The predetermined width can be constant or variable along the longitudinal direction.

[0052] The conductive member 21 can be made, for example, of multiple conductive fibers that are in contact with each other to form a strip. In this case, compared to, for example, when the conductive member 21 is formed from a strip-shaped metal plate that can function as an antenna, the conductive member 21 has better communication performance, and the conductive member 21 is more flexible and easier to embed inside the tire 1. More specifically, the conductive member 21 can be made, for example, by laying several conductive fibers whose extension direction is generally aligned with the longitudinal direction of the conductive member 21 or randomly in contact with each other to form a strip. However, the conductive member 21 is not limited to the above-described structure, and can be formed, for example, from a strip-shaped metal plate that can function as an antenna. Conductive fibers include, for example, steel fibers, stainless steel fibers, carbon fibers, conductive organic fibers such as conductive cotton fibers, etc.

[0053] When the conductive member 21 is formed as a strip as described above, its cross-section in the width direction (equivalent to) Figure 2 The cross-sectional shape can be flat or slightly curved.

[0054] The conductive member 21 can be embedded in the sidewall portion 14 with its outer surface covered by the coating material 23. In this case, the conductive member 21 is easier to handle, making it easier to embed the conductive member 21 inside the sidewall portion 14. The coating material 23 includes, for example, coated rubber and coated resin.

[0055] In this embodiment, the conductive member 21 embedded in the sidewall portion 14 extends through at least a portion of the tire's circumferential direction and at least a portion of the tire's radial direction. In other words, the conductive member 21 has a predetermined width in the tire's radial direction and extends with a predetermined length in the tire's circumferential direction (see...). Figure 1 ).

[0056] exist Figure 1In the example shown, the conductive member 21 extends through the entire circumference of the tire in the sidewall portion 14. However, the conductive member 21 may not extend through the entire circumference of the tire in the sidewall portion 14. For example, the conductive member 21 may only extend through a portion of the tire in the sidewall portion 14, and multiple separated conductive members 21 may extend discontinuously along the tire circumference, or each of multiple conductive members 21 extending only in a portion of the tire circumference may be arbitrarily embedded in the sidewall portion 14 in such a way that they do not contact each other. However, from the viewpoint of fault-resistant reliability of the communication device 20 (of which the conductive member 21 is a part) and from the viewpoint of the appearance of the sidewall portion 14, it is most preferable that the conductive member 21 extends through the entire circumference of the tire in the sidewall portion 14.

[0057] The radial width of the conductive member 21 (or each conductive member 21 when there is more than one conductive member 21) is not limited, but is preferably 10% to 40% of the tire cross-sectional height. If the radial width of the conductive member 21 is more than 10% of the tire cross-sectional height, it is easier to make contact between the IC chip 22 and the conductive member; if the width is less than 40%, the increase in tire weight can be appropriately controlled. From the same perspective, it is more preferable that the radial width of the conductive member 21 is 20% to 30% of the tire cross-sectional height.

[0058] In this embodiment, the radial width of the conductive member 21 along the tire circumference is constant (see...). Figure 1 However, it may not be constant.

[0059] The length of the conductive member 21 (or each conductive member 21 when there is more than one conductive member 21) along the tire circumference is not particularly limited, but is limited to the central angle θ about the tire rotation axis O (see Figure 1 Preferably, the angle is 90 degrees or more (i.e., more than 1 / 4 of the tire's circumference). If the central angle θ of the conductive member 21 along the tire's circumference is 90 degrees or more, it makes it easier for the IC chip 22 to contact the conductive member. From the same angle, the central angle θ of the conductive member 21 along the tire's circumference is more preferably 180 degrees or more, even more preferably 270 degrees or more, and most preferably as shown below. Figure 1 The 360 ​​degrees shown (i.e., the entire circumference of the tire).

[0060] There is no particular limitation on the position of the conductive member 21 in the tire radial direction of the sidewall portion 14 (i.e., the tire radial inner side of the belt 4), but the entire conductive member 21 is preferably embedded in the tire radial outer side of the bead core 2a, and more preferably embedded in the tire radial outer side of the tire radial outer end 3e of the ply fold-back portion 3T.

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, in this example, the entire conductive component 21 is embedded at the radial outer end 3e of the tire at the tire radial outer side of the ply fold-back portion 3T, and approximately spans the tire's maximum width.

[0062] In this embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the enlarged view of part A, at least one (in this example, multiple) IC chip 22 is embedded in the sidewall portion 14 (more precisely, inside the sidewall portion 14). More specifically, as... Figure 2 As shown, at least one (in this example, multiple) IC chip 22 is embedded in the sidewall portion 14 on the outer side of the tire carcass 3 (more specifically, the ply body portion 3M of the tire carcass ply 3a) in the tire width direction. In this example, as... Figure 2 As shown in the enlarged view of part A, at least one (in this example, multiple) IC chip 22 is embedded in the coating material 23 covering the conductive member 21.

[0063] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the enlarged view of part A, each IC chip 22 is preferably embedded at a position that roughly corresponds to the conductive member 21 in the tire circumferential and radial directions.

[0064] In this embodiment, at least one (or multiple) of the at least one IC chip 22 is in contact with the conductive member 21 without mechanical connection, such as... Figure 2 The enlarged view of part A is shown in the image.

[0065] In this specification, "contacting (maintaining contact) with conductive member 21 without mechanical connection" means that IC chip 22 is not fixed (not fixed) to conductive member 21 by means of solder or the like (i.e., not mechanically connected), but merely contacts (maintains contact) with conductive member 21. Hereinafter, contact (maintaining contact) without mechanical connection will also be simply referred to as "contact (maintaining contact)" in this specification.

[0066] In this specification, an IC chip 22 that is in contact with (or maintains contact with) the conductive member 21 without mechanical connection is referred to as "contact IC chip 22c", and an IC chip 22 that is not in contact with (or does not maintain contact with) the conductive member 21 is referred to as "non-contact IC chip 22d".

[0067] In this embodiment, as described above, at least one of the at least (in this example, multiple) IC chips 22 is a contact IC chip 22c that contacts the conductive member 21 without mechanical connection.

[0068] In this disclosure, "IC chip 22" refers to an IC chip 22 that does not have a separate antenna component that functions as an antenna.

[0069] When the IC chip 22 is electrically connected to the conductive member 21, which serves as an antenna, for example, by contacting the conductive member 21, the IC chip 22 functions as part of a communication device 20 composed of the IC chip 22 and the conductive member 21, and operates, for example, by the dielectric electromotive force generated by radio waves received by the conductive member 21. The IC chip 22 may have, for example, a controller and a storage unit.

[0070] The storage unit can store any information. For example, it can store the identification information of tire 1. This identification information includes, for example, unique information specific to each tire 1, such as the tire's manufacturer, factory, and manufacturing date. The storage unit can also store historical tire information, such as driving distance, number of sudden braking events, number of sudden starts, and number of sudden turns. Furthermore, for example, sensors that detect tire internal temperature, tire internal pressure, and tire acceleration can be installed inside the tire cavity, and the storage unit can store the detection information detected by these sensors. In this case, the communication device 20, composed of the IC chip 22 and the conductive member 21, can wirelessly communicate with the sensors via the conductive member 21, which acts as an antenna, to obtain the detection information from the sensors.

[0071] The controller is configured to, for example, read information from the storage unit.

[0072] When the communication device 20 is composed of an IC chip 22 and a conductive member 21, the communication device 20 is configured to receive information transmitted via radio waves or magnetic fields from a predetermined external device (e.g., a reader or writer) located outside the tire 1 via the conductive member 21. Rectification (in the case of radio waves) or resonance (in the case of a magnetic field) generates electrical energy in the conductive member 21 of the communication device 20, and the storage unit of the IC chip 22 and the controller perform predetermined operations. For example, the controller reads information from the storage unit and returns (transmits) the information from the conductive member 21 to the aforementioned external device via radio waves or a magnetic field. The aforementioned external device receives the radio waves or magnetic field from the communication device 20. The aforementioned external device can retrieve the information stored in the storage unit of the IC chip 22 of the communication device 20 by retrieving the received information.

[0073] When multiple IC chips 22 are electrically connected to conductive member 21 and function as part of a communication device 20 consisting of IC chips 22 and conductive member 21, they are configured, for example, to transmit the same information to the external device specified above.

[0074] In this embodiment, such as Figure 2As shown in the enlarged view of part A, at least one (in this example, multiple) IC chip 22 is embedded in the coating material 23 covering the conductive member 21, and at least one (in this example, more than one) of the at least one IC chip 22 is in contact with the conductive member 21.

[0075] In this case, for example, the surface of the conductive member 21 is pre-coated with a coating material 23 in which at least one, preferably multiple, IC chips 22 are embedded, and the conductive member 21 coated with the coating material 23 is embedded inside the sidewall portion 14. For example, at least one IC chip 22 may be a contact IC chip 22c that contacts the conductive member 21.

[0076] As a method of embedding the conductive component 21 coated with coating material 23 into the sidewall portion 14, for example, the conductive component 21 coated with coating material 23 can be placed on the green tire during the manufacturing of the tire 1, housed inside the tire molding mold, and vulcanized.

[0077] In this embodiment, although not shown in the figures, at least one (preferably multiple) IC chip 22 may be embedded in the sidewall rubber 6a forming the sidewall portion 12, such that at least one (preferably more than one) of the at least one IC chip 22 is in contact with the conductive member 21.

[0078] In this case, for example, by embedding a conductive member 21 uncoated with coating material 23, etc., adjacent to the sidewall rubber 6a where at least one, preferably multiple, IC chips 22 are pre-embedded during tire molding, at least one IC chip 22 may be a contact IC chip 22c that contacts the conductive member 21.

[0079] As a method of embedding the conductive component 21 inside the tire sidewall 14, for example, the conductive component 21 can be placed on a green tire containing an IC chip 22, housed inside a tire molding mold, and vulcanized.

[0080] In this embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the tire 1 includes a plurality of contact IC chips 22c, and at least two of the plurality of contact IC chips 22c are embedded at positions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the tire.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the tire 1 includes a plurality of contact IC chips 22c, and at least two of the plurality of contact IC chips 22c are embedded at a position at a central angle θ that is spaced more than 90 degrees apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the tire.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, such as Figure 1As shown, the tire 1 includes a plurality of contact IC chips 22c, and at least two of the plurality of contact IC chips 22c are embedded at positions spaced apart from each other in the radial direction of the tire.

[0083] More specifically, in Figure 1 In the example, tire 1 includes 10 IC chips 22. Of these 10 IC chips 22, 6 are contact IC chips 22c (22c1 to 22c6), and 4 are non-contact IC chips 22d (22d1 to 22d4). All 6 contact IC chips 22c (22c1 to 22c6) are embedded at positions spaced apart from each other in the tire circumferential direction. For example, contact IC chips 22c1, 22c3, and 22c5 are embedded at positions spaced apart from each other at a central angle θ of more than 90 degrees in the tire circumferential direction. Furthermore, for example, contact IC chips 22c1 and 22c5 are embedded at positions spaced apart from each other in the tire radial direction.

[0084] Therefore, the fact that tire 1 includes multiple contact IC chips 22c facilitates the continued operation of the communication device 20 composed of contact IC chips 22c and conductive members 21, because even if at least some of the multiple contact IC chips 22c are damaged or malfunction, the other contact IC chips 22c will still function. Furthermore, compared to the case where two contact IC chips 22c are embedded at the same position in the tire circumferential or radial direction, the fact that at least two contact IC chips 22c are embedded at positions spaced apart from each other in the tire circumferential or radial direction, particularly at positions sufficiently spaced apart from each other in the tire circumferential direction, reduces the possibility that both contact IC chips 22c will be damaged or malfunction due to the same condition. Therefore, the above-described configuration improves the fault-resistant reliability of the communication device 20 composed of contact IC chips 22c and conductive members 21.

[0085] As in Figure 1 In the example shown, when tire 1 also includes at least one contactless IC chip 22d (in Figure 1 In the example, when using contactless IC chips 22d1 to 22d4, at least some of the contactless IC chips can be capacitively connected to the conductive member 21. Therefore, it is preferable that at least some of the contactless IC chips are capacitively connected to the conductive member 21. In this case, the contactless IC chip 22d, which is capacitively connected to the conductive member 21, can also function as part of the communication device 20, thereby making the communication device 20 more reliable in terms of fault resistance.

[0086] Here, the term "capacitive connection" means that two conductive components are placed separately from each other and are electrically connected through the capacitance between them.

[0087] In this embodiment, from the viewpoint of ensuring backup in case at least some of the contact IC chips 22c are damaged or malfunction, the number of contact IC chips 22c embedded in the tire 1 (more specifically, inside the sidewall portion 14) is preferably 3 or more, more preferably 5 or more. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of reducing cost increases, the number of contact IC chips 22c embedded in the tire 1 (more specifically, inside the sidewall portion 14) is preferably 15 or less, more preferably 10 or less.

[0088] In order to obtain the tire 1 of this embodiment, for example, consider the case where the IC chip 22 is embedded in the coating material 23 of the conductive member 21 or the IC chip 22 is embedded in the sidewall rubber 6a; if the number of embedded IC chips 22 is increased, the number of IC chips 22 that will serve as contacts of IC chip 22c can be increased even if the embedding position of IC chips 22 is not controlled so precisely (in other words, even if IC chips 22 are roughly dispersed and embedded to some extent).

[0089] Next, as needed, the main effects of the above implementation methods will be summarized again below.

[0090] First, in this embodiment, the tire includes: a conductive member 21, which is embedded in the sidewall portion 14 formed by the sidewall portion 12 and the bead portion 13 on the outer side of the tire body 3 in the tire width direction, and extends through at least a portion of the tire circumferential direction and at least a portion of the tire radial direction in the sidewall portion 14; and at least one IC chip, which is embedded in the sidewall portion 14, and at least one of the at least one IC chip 22 is a contact IC chip 22c that contacts the conductive member 21 without mechanical connection.

[0091] This eliminates the need for a mechanical connection between the IC chip 22 and the antenna, and also eliminates the need to pre-cover the IC chip 22 and the antenna with rubber or resin for reinforcement. Therefore, the communication device 20 can be simply constructed using the IC chip 22 (more specifically, contact IC chip 22c, etc.) and the conductive member 21. Furthermore, since the IC chip 22 is not mechanically connected to the conductive member 21, the risk of connection failures is reduced, improving the durability of the communication device 20. In other words, according to this embodiment, the durability of the communication device 20 can be improved using a simple construction.

[0092] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the conductive member 21, which acts as an antenna, is embedded in the sidewall portion 14 (where there are generally no many metal members that could be obstacles to wireless communication), the communication performance of the communication device 20 composed of the IC chip 22 and the conductive member 21 can be excellent.

[0093] In this embodiment, the conductive member 21 may be made of multiple conductive fibers that are in contact with each other to form strips.

[0094] In this case, compared to the case where the conductive member 21 is formed from a strip-shaped metal plate that can act as an antenna, the conductive member 21 has better communication performance, and the conductive member 21 is more flexible and easier to embed inside the tire 1.

[0095] In this embodiment, the conductive member 21 extends in the tire sidewall portion 14 throughout the tire circumference.

[0096] In this case, since the number of contact IC chips 22c can be increased compared to the case where the conductive member 21 does not extend along the entire circumference of the tire in the sidewall portion 14, even if any contact IC chip 22c is damaged or malfunctions, the other contact IC chips 22c can continue to function as part of the communication device 20 composed of the contact IC chip 22c and the conductive member 21, thereby improving the fault-resistant reliability of the communication device 20. Furthermore, compared to the case where the conductive member 21 does not extend along the entire circumference of the tire in the sidewall portion 14, the possibility of local bulging or the like due to the conductive member 21 being embedded in the sidewall portion 14 is reduced, and poor tire appearance can be suppressed. In other words, according to this embodiment, the fault-resistant reliability of the communication device 20 can be improved, and poor tire appearance due to the communication device being embedded in the sidewall portion 14 can be suppressed.

[0097] In this embodiment, the tire 1 includes a plurality of contact IC chips 22c, and at least two of the plurality of contact IC chips 22c are embedded at positions spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the tire.

[0098] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the tire 1 includes a plurality of contact IC chips 22c, and at least two of the plurality of contact IC chips 22c are embedded at a position at a central angle θ that is spaced apart from each other by more than 90 degrees in the circumferential direction of the tire.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the tire 1 includes a plurality of contact IC chips 22c, and at least two of the plurality of contact IC chips 22c are embedded at positions spaced apart from each other in the radial direction of the tire.

[0100] In these situations, as described above, even if at least some of the contact IC chips 22c are damaged or malfunction, it is easier to continue operating the communication device 20 composed of the contact IC chips 22c and the conductive member 21. Furthermore, the fact that at least two contact IC chips 22c are embedded at positions spaced apart from each other in the tire circumferential or radial direction reduces the likelihood that both contact IC chips 22c will be damaged or malfunction due to the same condition. Therefore, the fault tolerance reliability of the communication device 20 composed of the contact IC chips 22c and the conductive member 21 is improved. For the same reason, when at least two contact IC chips 22c are embedded at positions spaced apart from each other at a central angle θ of more than 90 degrees in the tire circumferential direction, the fault tolerance reliability of the communication device 20 is further improved.

[0101] In this embodiment, the IC chip 22 is embedded in the coating material covering the conductive component 21.

[0102] In this case, by using a coating material 23 in which an IC chip 22 is pre-embedded to cover the surface of the conductive member 21, the IC chip 22 can be fabricated at the same time as the conductive member 21 is fabricated, thereby enabling the efficient manufacture of a tire 1 with an IC chip 22.

[0103] In this embodiment, the IC chip 22 is embedded in the sidewall rubber 6a that forms the sidewall portion 12.

[0104] In this case, during the tire forming process, the IC chip 22 can be pre-embedded only in the sidewall rubber 6a (raw rubber), thereby enabling the efficient manufacture of a tire 1 with the IC chip 22.

[0105] (Second Implementation)

[0106] Next, we will refer to Figure 3 The tire 10 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure is described.

[0107] exist Figure 3 In, with Figure 1 and Figure 2 The same components shown are given the same... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The accompanying figures use the same reference numerals as those in the figures, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0108] The tire 10 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure differs from the tire 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure only in that it includes a sidewall reinforcing rubber 6b inside the tire body 3 in the tire width direction in the sidewall portion 12, and the conductive member 21 and the IC chip 22 are embedded in the sidewall reinforcing rubber 6b, and other points are the same as the tire 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0109] like Figure 3As shown, the tire 10 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure includes a substantially crescent-shaped sidewall reinforcing rubber 6b in the sidewall portion 12 between the tire carcass 3 and the inner liner 7, on the inner sidewall portion 12 in the tire width direction of the tire carcass 3 (more specifically, the ply body portion 3M of the tire carcass ply 3a).

[0110] In this embodiment, the conductive component 21 and the IC chip 22 are embedded inside the sidewall reinforcing rubber 6b (more specifically, with...). Figure 3 (In the example shown, the carcass ply 3a is adjacent). In other words, in this embodiment, the conductive member 21 (and the IC chip 22) are embedded in the sidewall portion 14 inside the tire width direction of the carcass 3.

[0111] Compared to, for example, when the conductive component 21 (and IC chip 22) is embedded in the sidewall portion 14 on the outer side of the tire body 3 in the tire width direction, this reduces the risk of damage or malfunction of the communication device 20 composed of IC chip 22 and conductive component 21 due to foreign objects outside the tire.

[0112] The tire 10 according to this embodiment has the same other construction and effects as the tire 1 according to the first embodiment described above.

[0113] Industrial availability

[0114] The tires disclosed herein can be suitably used for any type of pneumatic tire, such as pneumatic tires for passenger cars, trucks and buses.

[0115] List of reference numerals

[0116] 1. 10 tires

[0117] 11th pregnancy face

[0118] 12 Side wall portion

[0119] 13. Bead section

[0120] 14. Side of the tire

[0121] 2a tire bead core

[0122] 2b bead filler

[0123] 3-fetal body

[0124] 3a Carcass Cord Layer

[0125] 3M fabric layer body

[0126] 3T fabric layer foldback section

[0127] 3e tire radial outer end of the ply folding section

[0128] 4 belts

[0129] 4a Belt Layer

[0130] 5 Tread Rubber

[0131] 6a tire sidewall rubber

[0132] 6b sidewall reinforcement rubber

[0133] 7 Lining

[0134] 20 Communication devices

[0135] 21 Conductive components

[0136] 22 IC chips

[0137] Contact IC chips 22c, 22c1 to 22c6

[0138] 22d, 22d1 to 22d4 contactless IC chips

[0139] 23 Coating materials for conductive components

[0140] CL tire equatorial plane

[0141] WD (Wheel Width Direction)

[0142] RD tire radial

[0143] CD Tire Circumferential

[0144] O Tire rotation axis

[0145] θ central angle

Claims

1. A tire having a carcass composed of at least one carcass ply extending between a pair of bead portions via a pair of sidewall portions, wherein, The tire includes: A conductive member, embedded on the outer or inner side of the tire carcass in a sidewall portion formed by the sidewall portion and the bead portion, and extending in the sidewall portion through at least a portion of the tire's circumferential direction and at least a portion of the tire's radial direction; and At least one IC chip is embedded in the tire sidewall. Wherein, at least one of the at least one IC chips is a contact IC chip that contacts the conductive component without mechanical connection. The conductive component is made of multiple conductive fibers that extend in the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the conductive component and are in contact with each other to form a strip.

2. The tire according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conductive member extends along the entire circumference of the tire in the sidewall portion.

3. The tire according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The tire includes multiple contact IC chips, and At least two of the plurality of contact IC chips are embedded at positions spaced apart from each other in the tire circumferential direction.

4. The tire according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least two of the plurality of contact IC chips are embedded at the center corners of the tire circumferential direction, spaced more than 90 degrees apart from each other.

5. The tire according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The tire includes multiple contact IC chips. At least two of the plurality of contact IC chips are embedded at locations spaced apart from each other in the radial direction of the tire.

6. The tire according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The IC chip is embedded in the sidewall rubber that forms the sidewall portion.

7. The tire according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The IC chip is embedded in a coating material covering the conductive component.

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