Tire

Abstract

A tire according to the present disclosure includes a tire body and a communication device embedded inside the tire body or mounted to an inner surface of the tire body. The tire is further provided with a label area located on an outer surface of the tire body and indicating a location of the communication device, the label area including a light-emitting area.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tire. BACKGROUND

[0002] Tires in which a communication device such as an RF tag is embedded are known. Patent Literature 1 discloses a tire of this type.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-148953 SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] It is difficult to distinguish the position of a communication device embedded in a tire or mounted on the inner surface of a tire from the outside of the tire in the dark or in a dark surrounding environment.

[0008] It would be helpful to provide a tire that can distinguish the position of a communication device from the outside of the tire in a dark surrounding environment.

[0009] SOLUTION TO PROBLEM

[0010] As a first aspect of the present disclosure, a tire includes a tire body and a communication device embedded in the tire body or mounted on the inner surface of the tire body. The tire includes a label region on the outer surface of the tire body and indicating the position of the communication device. The label region includes a light-emitting region.

[0011] EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

[0012] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a tire that can distinguish the position of a communication device from the outside of the tire in a dark surrounding environment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] [ FIG. 1 ] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the tire in the tire width direction as an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] [ FIG. 2 ] FIG. 2 is FIG. 1 is a front view of a first label region of the tire shown in

[0015] [ FIG. 3 ] FIG. 3 is a side view of the tire shown in FIG. 1 from the side on which the first tire side portion is located.

[0016] [ FIG. 4A ]FIG. 4A It shows FIG. 1 Figure 1 shows a variation of the first label area.

[0017] [ FIG. 4B ] FIG. 4B It shows FIG. 1 Figure 1 shows a variation of the first label area.

[0018] [ FIG. 4C ] FIG. 4C It shows FIG. 1 Figure 1 shows a variation of the first label area.

[0019] [ FIG. 4D ] FIG. 4D It shows FIG. 1 Figure 1 shows a variation of the first label area.

[0020] [ FIG. 4E ] FIG. 4E It shows FIG. 1 Figure 1 shows a variation of the first label area.

[0021] [ FIG. 5 ] FIG. 5 2 is a cross-sectional view in the tire width direction of a tire as an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] [ FIG. 6 ] FIG. 6 2 is a cross-sectional view in the tire width direction of a tire as an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] [ FIG. 7 ] FIG. 7 yes FIG. 6 A portion of an expanded view of the outer tread surface of the tire is shown.

[0024] [ FIG. 8A ] FIG. 8A It shows FIG. 6 A diagram showing a variation of the third label area is shown.

[0025] [ FIG. 8B ] FIG. 8B It shows FIG. 6 A diagram showing a variation of the third label area is shown.

[0026] [ FIG. 8C ] FIG. 8C It shows FIG. 6 A diagram showing a variation of the third label area is shown.

[0027] [ FIG. 8D ] FIG. 8D It shows FIG. 6 A diagram showing a variation of the third label area is shown.

[0028] [FIG. 8E FIG. 8E is a view showing FIG. 6 a modification of the third label area shown in DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Embodiments of a tire according to the present disclosure will be described hereinbelow with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals denote common parts. In the present specification, the tire width direction refers to a direction parallel to the center axis of the tire. The tire radial direction refers to a radial direction orthogonal to the center axis of the tire and centered on the center axis. The tire circumferential direction refers to a direction in which the tire rotates around the center axis of the tire.

[0030] In the present specification, the "tread outer surface" refers to the outer circumferential surface of the tire over the entire circumference that comes into contact with the road surface when the tire installed on the rim and filled with a prescribed internal pressure is rotated under the maximum load (hereinafter also referred to as "maximum load state"). In addition, the "tread end" refers to the outer end of the tread outer surface in the tire width direction.

[0031] In the present specification, the "rim" refers to a standard rim (measurement rim in the ETRTO Standard Manual and design rim in the TRA Annual) of an applicable size as explained or to be explained in the industry standards effective in the region where the tire is produced and used, such as the JATMA Annual of the Japan Automobile Tire Manufacturers Association (JATMA) in Japan, the standard manual of the European Tyre and Rim Technical Organization (ETRTO) in Europe, and the Annual of the Tire and Rim Association (TRA) in the United States, but in the case of a size not listed in these industry standards, the "rim" refers to a rim whose width corresponds to the bead width of the tire. The "rim" can be a size that can be included in the above industry standards in the future as well as the current size. An example of the "size to be included in the future" can be a size listed as "FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS" in the 2013 edition of the ETRTO standard manual.

[0032] In the present specification, the "prescribed internal pressure" refers to an air pressure (maximum air pressure) corresponding to the maximum load capacity of a single wheel at an applicable size and a cord layer grade as explained in the aforementioned industry standards such as the JATMA Annual, but in the case of a size not listed in the aforementioned industry standards, the "prescribed internal pressure" refers to an air pressure (maximum air pressure) corresponding to the maximum load capacity prescribed for each vehicle on which the tire is installed. In the present specification, the "maximum load" refers to a load corresponding to the maximum load capacity of a tire of an applicable size listed in the above industry standards, but in the case of a size not listed in the above industry standards, the "maximum load" refers to a load corresponding to the maximum load capacity prescribed for each vehicle on which the tire is installed.

[0033] <First Embodiment>​

[0034] An example pneumatic tire 1 (hereinafter referred to simply as "tire 1") as an embodiment of a tire according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the tire 1 described below is assumed to mean a tire 1 mounted on a rim, filled with a prescribed internal pressure, and in a maximum load state. The type of the tire 1 is not particularly limited, and can be, for example, a tire for a truck or a bus or a tire for a passenger car.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the tire 1 in the tire width direction. As shown in FIG. 1 , the tire 1 includes a tire body 10 and a communication device 40.

[0036] The tire body 10 includes a tread portion 10a, a first side portion 10b1, and a second side portion 10b2. The first side portion 10b1 extends from one end of the tread portion 10a in the tire width direction A toward the inner side B2 in the tire radial direction B. The second side portion 10b2 extends from the other end of the tread portion 10a in the tire width direction A toward the inner side B2 in the tire radial direction B. Hereinafter, the first side portion 10b1 and the second side portion 10b2 are simply described as "side portion 10b" when not specifically distinguished.

[0037] The side portion 10b has a sidewall portion 11 and a bead portion 12. The sidewall portion 11 is connected to an end of the tread portion 10a in the tire width direction A and extends toward the inner side B2 in the tire radial direction B. The bead portion 12 is connected to an end of the sidewall portion 11 on the inner side B2 in the tire radial direction B.

[0038] More specifically, the tire body 10 of the present embodiment includes a bead core 2, a bead filler 3, a carcass 4, a belt 5, a tread rubber 7, a side rubber 8, and an inner liner 9. However, the tire body 10 can include other components, without being limited to the above components.

[0039] [Tire body 10]

[0040] [[Bead core 2 and bead filler 3]]

[0041] The bead core 2 and the bead filler 3 are embedded in the bead portion 12 of the side portion 10b. Each bead core 2 includes a bead cord surrounded by a rubber coating. The bead cord is formed of a steel cord. Each bead filler 3 is made of rubber and is located on the outer side B1 in the tire radial direction B with respect to the bead core 2.

[0042] [[Carcass 4]]

[0043] The carcass 4 extends annularly between a pair of bead portions 12, more specifically, between a pair of bead cores 2. The pair of bead portions 12 are composed of the bead portions 12 of the first sidewall portion 10b1 and the bead portions 12 of the second sidewall portion 10b2. Specifically, the carcass 4 of this embodiment includes a carcass ply 4a. The carcass ply 4a is folded back from the inner side to the outer side in the tire width direction A around the corresponding bead core 2. The carcass ply 4a may have a plurality of ply cords arranged parallel to each other and a coating rubber coating the plurality of ply cords. The carcass 4 of this embodiment includes only one carcass ply 4a, but may include two or more carcass ply cords 4a. The plurality of ply cords of the carcass ply 4a may be arranged at an angle of, for example, 75° to 90° relative to the tire circumferential direction C. The ply cords of the carcass ply 4a may be, for example, metal cords (such as steel cords).

[0044] More specifically, the carcass ply 4a of the present embodiment includes a main portion 4a1 positioned between a pair of bead cores 2, and a folded portion 4a2 connected to the main portion 4a1 and folded around the corresponding bead core 2 from the inner side to the outer side in the tire width direction A. The bead fillers 3 are each positioned between the main portion 4a1 of the carcass ply 4a and each folded portion 4a2.

[0045] [[Belt 5]]

[0046] The belt 5 is embedded in the tread portion 10a. The tire body 10 of this embodiment includes four belts 5 located on the outer side B1 of the crown portion of the carcass 4 in the tire radial direction B. The four belts 5 of this embodiment include a first belt 5a, a second belt 5b, a third belt 5c, and a fourth belt 5d. Hereinafter, the first belt 5a, the second belt 5b, the third belt 5c, and the fourth belt 5d are simply referred to as "belts 5" unless otherwise specified. Of the first belt 5a, the second belt 5b, the third belt 5c, and the fourth belt 5d, the first belt 5a is located on the innermost side B2 in the tire radial direction B. Of the first belt 5a, the second belt 5b, the third belt 5c, and the fourth belt 5d, the fourth belt 5d is located on the outermost side B1 in the tire radial direction B. The second belt 5b and the third belt 5c are located between the first belt 5a and the fourth belt 5d in the tire radial direction B. More specifically, the third belt 5c is located outside B1 of the second belt 5b in the tire radial direction B.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first belt 5a, the second belt 5b, the third belt 5c, and the fourth belt 5d constitute four belt layers. Specifically, the first belt 5a forms the first belt layer 20a located at the innermost side B2 in the tire radial direction B. The fourth belt 5d forms the fourth belt layer 20d located at the outermost side B1 in the tire radial direction B. The second belt 5b forms the second belt layer 20b. The third belt 5c forms the third belt layer 20c.

[0048] Each belt 5 can include a plurality of belt cords arranged in parallel to each other and a coating rubber that coats the plurality of belt cords. The first to fourth belt layers 20a to 20d are inclined belt layers in which the belt cords form a predetermined angle with respect to the tire circumferential direction C. The belt cords of two belt layers adjacent in the tire radial direction B among the first to fourth belt layers 20a to 20d can be inclined in the same direction or in opposite directions with respect to the tire circumferential direction C.

[0049] The material of the belt cords of the belt 5 is not particularly limited. The belt cords of the belt 5 can be, for example, metal cords or organic fiber cords. The rubber composition of the coating rubber for the belt 5 is not particularly limited.

[0050] [[tread rubber 7]]

[0051] As FIG. 1 shown, the tread rubber 7 is located on the outer side B1 in the tire radial direction B of the crown portion of the body portion 4a1 of the carcass ply 4a and on the outer side B1 in the tire radial direction B of the first to fourth belts 5a to 5d that constitute the first to fourth belt layers 20a to 20d. The tread outer surface 13a that is the outer surface of the tread portion 10a of the present embodiment is constituted by the tread rubber 7. In the tread outer surface 13a, as FIG. 1 shown, two inner circumferential grooves 7a1 that demarcate a central land region 7a that passes through the tire equatorial plane CL and two outer circumferential grooves 7b1 that are located on the outer side in the tire width direction A of the inner circumferential grooves 7a1 and that demarcate each intermediate land region 7b between the inner circumferential grooves 7a1 and the outer circumferential grooves 7b1 are formed. In the tread outer surface 13a of the present embodiment, a shoulder land region 7c is demarcated between the outer circumferential grooves 7b1 and the tread end 15 located on the outer side in the tire width direction A of the outer circumferential grooves 7b1. For example, a width direction groove or the like that extends in the tire width direction A can be formed in the tread outer surface 13a.

[0052] [[tread rubber 7]]

[0053] The sidewall rubber 8 is arranged on the outer side in the tire width direction A of the body portion 4a1 and the turn-up portion 4a2 of the carcass ply 4a. The sidewall outer surface 14a that is the outer surface of the sidewall portion 10b of the present embodiment is constituted by the sidewall rubber 8. The sidewall rubber 8 is connected to the end portion of the above-described tread rubber 7 on the outer side B1 in the tire radial direction B.

[0054] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the outer surface of the tire body 10 includes the outer surface of the tread 13a and the outer surface of the sidewall 14a connected to the outer surface of the tread 13a. The tire body 10 includes a label region 50 on its outer surface, which indicates the position of the communication device 40 as described below. Details of the identification region 50 will be described below (see FIG. 2 , FIG. 3 etc.).

[0055] [[Inner liner layer 9]]

[0056] The inner liner layer 9 covers the tire inner surface side of the body portion 4al of the carcass ply 4a and constitutes the inner surface of the tire body 10. The inner surface of the tire body 10 includes the inner surface of the tread 13b as the inner surface of the tread portion 10a and the inner surface of the sidewall 14b as the inner surface of the sidewall portion 10b. The inner liner layer 9 is layered on the tire inner surface side of the body portion 4al of the carcass ply 4a. The inner liner layer 9 can be formed of, for example, butyl rubber having low air permeability.

[0057] [[Communication device 40]]

[0058] As shown in FIG. 1 , the communication device 40 is embedded within the tire body 10. However, the communication device 40 can be mounted on the inner surface of the tire body 10. The inner surface of the tire body 10 on which the communication device 40 is mounted can be the inner surface of the tread 13b, the inner surface of the first sidewall 14bl as the inner surface of the first sidewall portion 10bl, or the inner surface of the second sidewall 14b2 as the inner surface of the second sidewall portion 10b2.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 1 , the communication device 40 of the present embodiment is embedded within the sidewall portion 10b of the tire body 10. More specifically, the communication device 40 of the present embodiment is embedded within the first sidewall portion 10bl of the tire body 10. The communication device 40 of the present embodiment is embedded between the body portion 4al of the carcass 4 and the sidewall rubber 8 in the first sidewall portion 10bl. However, the communication device 40 can be embedded at other positions in the first sidewall portion 10bl. As described above, the communication device 40 can also be mounted on the inner surface of the first sidewall portion 10bl (see the position indicated by the dotted line with reference sign "40" in FIG. 1 ).

[0060] Further, the communication device 40 can be arranged in other positions different from the first sidewall portion 10bl. The communication device 40 can be, for example, embedded within the second sidewall portion 10b2 of the tire body 10, or mounted on the inner surface of the second sidewall portion 10b2. The communication device 40 can be embedded within the tread portion 10a of the tire body 10 (see FIG. 5 ), or can be mounted on the inner surface of the tread portion 10a (seeFIG. 6 ).

[0061] The configuration of the communication device 40 is not particularly limited, as long as the communication device 40 is configured to be able to wirelessly communicate with a predetermined device outside the tire body 10. An example of the communication device 40 is an RF tag. The RF tag as the communication device 40 can wirelessly communicate with a reader / writer located outside the tire body 10. The RF tag can be a passive RF tag, for example, operated by power supplied from the reader / writer located outside the tire body 10. Specifically, the RF tag as the communication device 40 can receive information transmitted in the form of radio waves or a magnetic field from an antenna of the reader / writer at an antenna of the RF tag. Due to rectification (in the case of radio waves) or resonance (in the case of a magnetic field), power is generated at the antenna of the RF tag, and a memory and a controller of the RF tag perform a predetermined operation. The controller of the RF tag can read out information from the memory of the RF tag, for example, and transmit (return) the information from the antenna to the reader / writer in the form of radio waves or a magnetic field. The antenna of the reader / writer receives radio waves or a magnetic field from the RF tag. The controller of the reader / writer takes out the received information to acquire information stored in the memory of the RF tag. The above-described memory and controller of the RF tag can be configured in an integrated circuit (IC chip), for example, including a non-volatile memory.

[0062] The communication device 40 can be embedded within the tire body 10, for example, as a covered communication device whose periphery is covered in advance by a covering rubber. In this case, the covering rubber that covers the periphery of the communication device 40 can be colored differently from the adjacent portion of the tire body 10.

[0063] [[[The label region 50 on the outer surface of the tire body 10]]]

[0064] As FIG. 1 indicated, the label region 50 indicating the position of the communication device 40 is provided on the outer surface of the tire body 10. The label region 50 of the present embodiment is provided on the shoulder outer surface 14a that is the outer surface of the shoulder portion 10b of the tire body 10. More specifically, the tire body 10 of the present embodiment includes a first label region 50a provided on a first shoulder outer surface 14a1 that is the outer surface of a first shoulder portion 10b1 and a second label region 50b provided on a second shoulder outer surface 14a2 that is the outer surface of a second shoulder portion 10b2.

[0065] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 is a view showing the first label region 50a viewed from the front. In particular, FIG. 3 is a side view of the tire 1 viewed from the side on which the first shoulder portion 10b1 is located. In FIG. 3The position of the communication device 40 is indicated by a broken line.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the first tag region 50a and the communication device 40 are arranged at the same position in the tire radial direction B. Here, the "first tag region 50a and the communication device 40 are arranged at the same position in the tire radial direction B" means that, in a side view of the tire 1 (see FIG. 2), there is at least one imaginary circle L1 passing through the first tag region 50a and the communication device 40 around the center axis O of the tire 1. In other words, it is not limited to the case where the respective extension regions of the first tag region 50a and the communication device 40 in the tire radial direction B completely coincide. FIG. 3 FIG. 3 As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the first tag region 50a and the communication device 40 are arranged at the same position in the tire radial direction B. Here, the "first tag region 50a and the communication device 40 are arranged at the same position in the tire radial direction B" means that, in a side view of the tire 1 (see FIG. 2), there is at least one imaginary circle L1 passing through the first tag region 50a and the communication device 40 around the center axis O of the tire 1. In other words, it is not limited to the case where the respective extension regions of the first tag region 50a and the communication device 40 in the tire radial direction B completely coincide.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the first tag region 50a and the communication device 40 are arranged at the same position in the tire radial direction B. Here, the "first tag region 50a and the communication device 40 are arranged at the same position in the tire radial direction B" means that, in a side view of the tire 1 (see FIG. 2), there is at least one imaginary circle L1 passing through the first tag region 50a and the communication device 40 around the center axis O of the tire 1. In other words, it is not limited to the case where the respective extension regions of the first tag region 50a and the communication device 40 in the tire radial direction B completely coincide. FIG. 3 FIG. 3 As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the first tag region 50a and the communication device 40 are arranged at the same position in the tire radial direction B. Here, the "first tag region 50a and the communication device 40 are arranged at the same position in the tire radial direction B" means that, in a side view of the tire 1 (see FIG. 2), there is at least one imaginary circle L1 passing through the first tag region 50a and the communication device 40 around the center axis O of the tire 1. In other words, it is not limited to the case where the respective extension regions of the first tag region 50a and the communication device 40 in the tire radial direction B completely coincide.

[0068] In other words, the first tag region 50a and the communication device 40 of the present embodiment overlap in the tire wall thickness direction D. The communication device 40 of the present embodiment overlaps the tag region 50a in the tire wall thickness direction D in its entire extension region in the tire radial direction B and the tire circumferential direction C. In other words, the entire communication device 40 of the present embodiment overlaps the first tag region 50a in the tire wall thickness direction D. However, only a part of the communication device 40 can overlap the first tag region 50a in the tire wall thickness direction D. The entire first tag region 50a can overlap the communication device 40 in the tire wall thickness direction D. Furthermore, the profile of the first tag region 50a can coincide with the profile of the communication device 40 in the tire wall thickness direction D. In other words, the entire first tag region 50a can overlap the entire communication device 40 in the tire wall thickness direction D.

[0069] Accordingly, the first tag region 50a of the present embodiment is arranged in a position such that at least a part of the first tag region 50a overlaps the communication device 40 in the tire wall thickness direction D. Therefore, the position of the communication device 40 can be identified by identifying the first tag region 50a from the outside of the tire 1.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the first tag region 50a and the communication device 40 are arranged at the same position in the tire radial direction B. Here, the "first tag region 50a and the communication device 40 are arranged at the same position in the tire radial direction B" means that, in a side view of the tire 1 (see FIG. 2), there is at least one imaginary circle L1 passing through the first tag region 50a and the communication device 40 around the center axis O of the tire 1. In other words, it is not limited to the case where the respective extension regions of the first tag region 50a and the communication device 40 in the tire radial direction B completely coincide. FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 ​​As shown, the first label region 50a of the present embodiment includes a light-emitting region 61. The light-emitting region 61 can be, for example, a phosphorescent region that emits stored light. The provision of the light-emitting region 61 in the first label region 50a allows the first label region 50a to be easily recognized from the outside of the tire 1 in a dark environment (e.g., at night or in the dark). Thus, the position of the communication device 40 can be easily recognized in a dark environment.

[0071] The light-emitting region 61 of the first label region 50a is not particularly limited, as long as the light-emitting region 61 is a region that emits light to the outside. The light-emitting region 61 can be composed of, for example, a phosphorescent paint that contains a phosphorescent material. The light-emitting region 61 can be formed, for example, by mixing the phosphorescent material into a portion of a rubber composition that constitutes the outer surface of the tire body 10. The rubber composition containing the phosphorescent material can be attached to the unvulcanized tire, for example, and vulcanized together with the unvulcanized tire. The rubber composition containing the phosphorescent material can also be attached to the tire after vulcanization, for example. Further, the light-emitting region 61 can be formed of a resin phosphorescent material that constitutes a portion of the outer surface of the tire, for example. The resin phosphorescent material can be formed, for example, by carrying the phosphorescent material in the void space of a foamed resin such as a polyurethane foam. The resin phosphorescent material can be attached to the unvulcanized tire, for example, and vulcanized together with the unvulcanized tire. The resin phosphorescent material can also be attached to the tire after vulcanization, for example.

[0072] The phosphorescent material is not particularly limited, and any known phosphorescent material can be used. Examples of the phosphorescent material include, for example, compositions: SrAl2O4:Eu, Dy; Sr4Al14O25:Eu, Dy; SrAl2O4:Eu, Dy + Sr4Al14O25:Eu, Dy; Sr4Al14O25:Eu, Dy + CaAl2O4:Eu, Nd; CaAl2O4:Eu, Nd; ZnS:Cu, Mn, Co; ZnS:Cu, etc.

[0073] The light-emitting region 61 of the first label region 50a preferably has a color or shape that is distinguishable from the surroundings. As FIG. 1 As shown, the light-emitting region 61 of the present embodiment is provided on the top surface of a convex portion 70 that protrudes from the surroundings to the outside in the tire width direction A. Thus, the light-emitting region 61 has a color or shape that is distinguishable from the surroundings, so that the first label region 50a can be easily recognized not only in a dark environment but also in a bright environment (e.g., during the day). In other words, even in a bright environment, the position of the communication device 40 can be distinguished from the outside of the tire 1.

[0074] The light emitting region 61 of the present embodiment is provided on the top surface of the convex portion 70, but is not limited to this configuration. The light emitting region 61 may, for example, be provided on the bottom surface of the concave portion. In addition to or instead of being provided on the top surface of the convex portion 70 or the bottom surface of the concave portion, the light emitting region 61 may, for example, have a color different from the surroundings. Here, "different color" refers not only to a difference in at least one of hue, brightness, and saturation, but also to a difference in pattern, gloss, or the like, so that the difference can be grasped visually. Coloring of the light emitting region 61 may, for example, be achieved by adding a pigment to the phosphor material described above or by using a pigment containing the phosphor material described above. However, as in the present embodiment, the light emitting region 61 is preferably provided at least on the top surface of the convex portion 70. This prevents a decrease in visibility of the light emitting region 61 from the outside, for example, in a case where the light emitting region 61 is covered with mud or the like and it is difficult to see from the outside. The light emitting region 61 provided on the top surface of the convex portion 70 may, for example, be composed of a phosphor paint layered on the top surface of the convex portion 70. The light emitting region 61 provided on the top surface of the convex portion 70 may, for example, be achieved by making the convex portion 70 itself of a rubber composition containing a phosphor material as described above, a resin phosphor material, or the like.

[0075] As FIG. 2 indicated, the first label region 50a of the present embodiment preferably includes a non-light emitting region 62 surrounded by the light emitting region 61. Providing such a non-light emitting region 62 emphasizes the contrast between the light emitting region 61 and the non-light emitting region 62 in a dark environment. Thus, the visibility of the first label region 50a in a dark environment can be enhanced.

[0076] In the present embodiment, in the front view (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 ) of the first label region 50a, the entire periphery of the non-light emitting region 62 is surrounded by the light emitting region 61. More specifically, in the front view (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 ) of the first label region 50a, the shape of the light emitting region 61 of the first label region 50a of the present embodiment is annular. In other words, in the front view (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 ) of the first label region 50a, the shape of the convex portion 70 of the present embodiment is annular, and the light emitting region 61 is provided on the top surface of this annular convex portion 70. In the front view (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 3), the non-light-emitting region 62 is provided inside the annular light-emitting region 61. However, the configuration of the light-emitting region 61 and the non-light-emitting region 62 of the first tag region 50a is not limited thereto. As long as the non-light-emitting region 62 of the first tag region 50a can be recognized in a dark environment, there can be a position where the light-emitting region 61 is not provided around the non-light-emitting region 62. Such an aspect includes, for example, a non-light-emitting region 62 surrounded by a light-emitting region 61 in a plan view (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 ) of the first tag region 50a. However, as in the present embodiment, in a plan view (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 ) of the first tag region 50a, the entire circumference of the non-light-emitting region 62 is preferably surrounded by the light-emitting region 61. This can further emphasize the contrast between the light-emitting region 61 and the non-light-emitting region 62 in a dark environment.

[0077] Further, in the present embodiment, only the non-light-emitting region 62 of the first tag region 50a is configured to overlap the communication device 40 in the tire wall thickness direction D. In other words, the light-emitting region 61 of the first tag region 50a is configured not to overlap the communication device 40 in the tire wall thickness direction D. Thereby, in a plan view (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 ) of the first tag region 50a, a position outside the outline (see the dotted line in FIG. 3 ) of the communication device 40 can be recognized by the light-emitting region 61. Therefore, for example, at the time of disposal of the tire 1, the entire communication device 40 can be easily removed from the tire body 10 by using the first tag region 50a.

[0078] The non-light-emitting region 62 can have a different color from the light-emitting region 61. The non-light-emitting region 62 can have a color different from the color of the first tire shoulder outer surface 14a1 of the first tire shoulder portion 10b1 located around the first tag region 50a. This can enhance the distinguishability of each of the light-emitting region 61, the non-light-emitting region 62, and the surroundings of the first tag region 50a in a bright environment.

[0079] The non-luminous region 62 of different color from the luminous region 61 can be constructed, for example, by a coating comprising a pigment. The non-luminous region 62 of different color from the luminous region 61 can be formed, for example, by mixing other pigments except carbon black into a part of the rubber composition constituting the outer surface of the tire body 10 to color the non-luminous region 62. This colored rubber composition can, for example, be attached to an unvulcanized tire and vulcanized together with the unvulcanized tire. For example, the colored rubber composition can also be attached to the tire after vulcanization. In addition, the non-luminous region 62 of different color from the luminous region 61 can be formed by a resin coloring body that, for example, constitutes a part of the outer surface of the tire. The resin coloring body can, for example, be formed by carrying a pigment in the void space of a foamed resin (such as polyurethane foam). The resin coloring body can, for example, be attached to an unvulcanized tire and vulcanized together with the unvulcanized tire. For example, the resin coloring body can also be attached to the tire after vulcanization.

[0080] like FIG. 1 As shown, the non-luminous area 62 can be provided on a fine concave-convex surface. The fine concave-convex surface can have, for example, a base surface and a plurality of ridges 68 with a height of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm arranged parallel to the base surface. For example, the distance between the tops of two adjacent ridges 68 is preferably 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm. Providing the non-luminous area 62 on such a fine concave-convex surface can control the reflection of light from the non-luminous area 62 in a bright environment, thereby achieving a high contrast between the reflected light and the surrounding luminous area 61. Therefore, the distinguishability of each of the luminous area 61 and the non-luminous area 62 can be further enhanced in a bright environment.

[0081] The tire body 10 of this embodiment includes a cylindrical base protrusion 69 protruding from the outer surface of the first sidewall portion 10b1 and an annular protrusion 70 protruding from the outer edge of the top surface of the base protrusion 69. The first label area 50a of this embodiment is composed of a luminous area 61 provided on the top surface of the protrusion 70 and a non-luminous area 62 provided on the top surface of the base protrusion 69 inside the protrusion 70. In other words, in this embodiment, not only the luminous area 61 but also the non-luminous area 62 are provided on the top surface of the portion protruding from the periphery of the first label area 50a. As described above, by providing the entire first label area 50a on the top surface of the portion protruding from the outer surface of the tire body 10, the distinguishability of the first label area 50a can be further enhanced.

[0082] For example, such a first label region 50a can be realized by laminating a paint containing a phosphor material on the top surface of the convex portion 70 and laminating a paint containing a pigment on the top surface of the base protrusion 69 inside the convex portion 70. The member corresponding to the base protrusion 69 and the member corresponding to the convex portion 70 can be formed separately and then laminated to form a single unit. The member corresponding to the base protrusion 69 can be formed of, for example, the above-described colored rubber composition, a resin coloring material, or the like. The member corresponding to the convex portion 70 can be formed of, for example, a rubber composition containing the above-described phosphor material, a resin phosphor material, or the like.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 1 the second label region 50b is configured to be distinguishable from the first label region 50a. Specifically, the second label region 50b of the present embodiment is composed of only the light-emitting region 81. In other words, the second label region 50b of the present embodiment is entirely the light-emitting region 81 within the outline in the front view, and does not include a non-light-emitting region. As described above, by making the first label region 50a and the second label region 50b distinguishable, confusion between the first label region 50a and the second label region 50b can be prevented and the information indicated by the first label region 50a and the information indicated by the second label region 50b can be distinguished.

[0084] In the present embodiment, the information indicated by the first label region 50a is the position of the communication device 40 overlapped in the tire wall thickness direction D. Unlike this, the information indicated by the second label region 50b is the position of the communication device 40 in the tire circumferential direction C. The second label region 50b of the present embodiment is arranged at the same position in the tire circumferential direction C as the communication device 40. Here, "the second label region 50b and the communication device 40 are arranged at the same position in the tire circumferential direction C" is the same as the above-described relationship of the first label region 50a and the communication device 40 being arranged at the same position in the tire circumferential direction C. In other words, the second label region 50b of the present embodiment indicates only the position of the communication device 40 in the tire circumferential direction C. Compared to the case where only the first label region 50a is provided, the provision of the second label region 50b in addition to the first label region 50a allows the position of the communication device 40 in the tire circumferential direction C to be identified even from the side where the second side portion 10b2 is located. Therefore, for example, even when the tire 1 is mounted on a vehicle with the first side portion 10b1 located inside the vehicle and the first label region 50a is not visible from the outside of the vehicle, the position of the communication device 40 can be narrowed down based on the second label region 50b on the second side portion 10b2. The position of the communication device 40 can be easily identified regardless of the orientation of the first side portion 10b1 of the tire body 10 mounted on a vehicle.

[0085] The second label area 50b of this embodiment indicates the position of the communication device 40 in the tire circumferential direction C, but is not limited to this configuration. The second label area 50b can indicate the position of the communication device 40 in the tire radial direction B. In other words, the second label area 50b and the communication device 40 can be arranged at the same position in the tire radial direction B. Here, "the second label area 50b and the communication device 40 are arranged at the same position in the tire radial direction B" is similar to the relationship described above, where the first label area 50a and the communication device 40 are arranged at the same position in the tire radial direction B. The second label area 50b does not need to indicate the position of the communication device 40 in the tire radial direction B and the tire circumferential direction C, but rather only indicates that the communication device 40 is located in / on the first sidewall portion 10b1. In other words, the second label area 50b can be a label indicating that the communication device 40 is not located in / on the second sidewall portion 10b2. Therefore, the second label area 50b is not particularly limited, as long as it indicates some positional information about the communication device 40. However, as described above, it is preferred that the second label area 50 b at least indicates the position of the communication device 40 in the tire circumferential direction C.

[0086] The light emitting area 81 of the second label area 50b preferably has a color or shape that can be distinguished from the surroundings. FIG. 1 As shown, the light-emitting area 81 of the present embodiment is provided on the top surface of the protrusion 71, which protrudes from the surrounding area toward the outside in the tire width direction A. Therefore, since the light-emitting area 81 has a color or shape that can be distinguished from the surrounding area, the second label area 50b can be easily identified not only in a dark environment but also in a bright environment (for example, during the day).

[0087] The luminous area 81 of the present embodiment is provided on the top surface of the convex portion 71, but is not limited to this configuration. The luminous area 81 may be provided on the bottom surface of the concave portion, for example. In addition or as an alternative to being provided on the top surface of the convex portion 71 or the bottom surface of the concave portion, for example, the luminous area 81 may have a color different from its surroundings. However, as in the present embodiment, the luminous area 81 is preferably provided at least on the top surface of the convex portion 71. This prevents the visibility of the luminous area 81 from the outside from being reduced, for example, when the luminous area 81 is covered with mud or the like and is difficult to see from the outside. The luminous area 81 can be formed by, for example, a coating containing a phosphorescent material, by the same method as the luminous area 61 described above for the first label area 50a.

[0088] The light emitting region 81 of the second label region 50b of the present embodiment is provided on the entire top surface of the cylindrical protrusion 71, but the aspect thereof is not particularly limited as long as the light emitting region 81 can be distinguished from the light emitting region 61 of the first label region 50a in a dark environment. The second label region 50b is configured by the top surface of the cylindrical protrusion 71, but the aspect thereof is not particularly limited as long as the second label region 50b can be distinguished from the first label region 50a in a bright environment. The aspect of the second label region 50b is not particularly limited as long as the second label region 50b can be distinguished from the first label region 50a in a dark environment and a bright environment.

[0089] Next, with reference to FIG. 4A to FIG. 4E , a modification of the first label region 50a will be described. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4E is a side view of the tire 1 as viewed from the side on which the first tire side portion 10b1 is located. In FIG. 4A to FIG. 4E , the position of the communication device 40 buried in the first tire side portion 10b1 is indicated by a broken line.

[0090] FIG. 4A The first label region 50a illustrated in FIG. 4A does not indicate the position of the communication device 40 in the tire radial direction B. In other words, FIG. 4A The first label region 50a illustrated in FIG. 4A , the position of the communication device 40 in the tire radial direction B can be identified.

[0091] FIG. 4B The first label region 50a illustrated in FIG. 4B does not indicate the position of the communication device 40 in the tire radial direction B. In other words, FIG. 4B The first label region 50a illustrated in FIG. 4B , the position of the communication device 40 in the tire radial direction B can be identified.

[0092] FIG. 4C The first label region 50a illustrated in FIG. 4C does not indicate the position of the communication device 40 in the tire radial direction B. More specifically, FIG. 4CThe illustrated first label region 50a indicates a predetermined range on the tire circumferential direction C. FIG. 4C The illustrated first label region 50a indicates a range on the tire circumferential direction C in which the central angle around the center axis O of the tire 1 is "θ". The communication device 40 is located within the range on the tire circumferential direction C indicated by the first label region 50a. According to FIG. 4C The illustrated first label region 50a, the position of the communication device 40 on the tire circumferential direction C can be identified.

[0093] In FIG. 4C In the illustrated example, two first label regions 50a arranged at different positions on the tire circumferential direction C indicate a range on the tire circumferential direction C in which the communication device 40 is located. In the front view, the shape of each first label region 50a is substantially triangular. The first label regions 50a are arranged such that the vertex 50al of one of the first label regions 50a faces the vertex 50al of the other first label region 50a on the tire circumferential direction C. Thus, when two first label regions 50a indicate a range on the tire circumferential direction C, the respective first label regions 50a preferably include vertices 50al that face each other on the tire circumferential direction C. Providing such vertices 50al makes it easier to visually grasp the range on the tire circumferential direction C indicated by the two first label regions 50a. The external shape of each first label region 50a in the front view is not limited to FIG. 4C the illustrated triangular shape. However, FIG. 4C the triangular shape is preferably the external shape of each first label region 50a in the front view. This further makes it easier to visually grasp the range on the tire circumferential direction C indicated by the two first label regions 50a.

[0094] FIG. 4D The illustrated first label region 50a indicates the position of the communication device 40 on the tire radial direction B and the tire circumferential direction C. More specifically, FIG. 4D The illustrated first label region 50a is arranged at the same position on the tire circumferential direction C as the communication device 40. FIG. 4D The illustrated first label region 50a also indicates a predetermined range on the tire radial direction B. The communication device 40 is located within the range on the tire radial direction B indicated by the first label region 50a. According to FIG. 4D The illustrated first label region 50a, the position of the communication device 40 on the tire circumferential direction C can be identified.

[0095] In FIG. 4DIn the example shown, two first label regions 50a arranged at different positions on the tire radial direction B indicate a range on the tire radial direction B at which the communication device 40 is located. Each first label region 50a has a generally triangular shape in the front view. The first label regions 50a are arranged such that a vertex 50a1 of one of the first label regions 50a faces a vertex 50a1 of the other first label region 50a on the tire radial direction B. Thus, when the two first label regions 50a indicate a range on the tire radial direction B, the respective first label regions 50a preferably include vertices 50a1 that face each other on the tire radial direction B. Providing such vertices 50a1 makes it easier to visually grasp the range on the tire radial direction B indicated by the two first label regions 50a (the range between the imaginary circles L3 and L4 represented by the dashed lines in FIG. 4D The outer shape of each first label region 50a in the front view is not limited to FIG. 4D the triangular shape shown. However, FIG. 4D the triangular shape shown is preferably the outer shape of each first label region 50a in the front view. This further makes it easier to visually grasp the range on the tire radial direction B indicated by the two first label regions 50a.

[0096] In FIG. 4D , the two first label regions 50a are arranged at the same position on the tire circumferential direction C as the communication device 40, but can be arranged at different positions. However, as shown in FIG. 4E , the two first label regions 50a are preferably arranged at the same position on the tire circumferential direction C as the communication device 40. This makes it possible to easily identify the position of the communication device 40 on the tire circumferential direction C in addition to the position of the communication device 40 on the tire radial direction B.

[0097] FIG. 4E The first label regions 50a shown do not indicate the position of the communication device 40 on the tire radial direction B and the tire circumferential direction C, but only indicate that the communication device 40 is located in / on the first tire side portion 10b1. In other words, FIG. 1 The first label regions 50a shown can only indicate that the communication device 40 is located in / on the first tire side portion 10b1 among the first tire side portion 10b1 and the second tire side portion 10b2 (see FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 ). However, as shown in FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D and FIG. 5 , the first label regions 50a preferably indicate the position of the communication device 40 provided in / on the first tire side portion 10b1 on at least one of the tire radial direction B and the tire circumferential direction C.

[0098] <Second Embodiment>

[0099] Next, reference will be made to FIG. 5An example will be explained as a pneumatic tire 100 (hereinafter simply referred to as "tire 100") that is an embodiment of a tire according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the tire 100 in the tire width direction. The tire 100 of the present embodiment differs from the above-described tire 1 (see FIG. 5 ) only in the position of the communication device 40. Therefore, the position of the communication device 40 and the information indicated by the first label region 50a and the second label region 50b will be explained here, and the explanation of the configuration common to the tire 1 of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 5 , the tire 100 includes the communication device 40 embedded in the tread portion 10a of the tire body 10. The communication device 40 of the present embodiment is embedded within the tread portion 10a, but can be mounted on the inner tread surface 13b. As shown in FIG. 6 , the communication device 40 is arranged on one side in the tire width direction A with respect to the tire equatorial plane CL. For ease of explanation, the one side in the tire width direction A with respect to the tire equatorial plane CL on which the communication device 40 is arranged is hereinafter simply referred to as the "communication device 40 side in the tire width direction A". The other side in the tire width direction A with respect to the tire equatorial plane CL on which the communication device 40 is not arranged is simply referred to as the "opposite side of the communication device 40 side in the tire width direction A".

[0101] The configuration of the first label region 50a of the present embodiment is the same as that of the above-described first embodiment, and therefore the explanation will be omitted here. However, unlike the first embodiment, the first label region 50a of the present embodiment does not overlap the communication device 40 in the tire wall thickness direction D. The first label region 50a of the present embodiment indicates the communication device 40 side in the tire width direction A. In other words, thanks to the first label region 50a, it is possible to identify on which side in the tire width direction A the communication device 40 is located with respect to the tire equatorial plane CL.

[0102] Furthermore, preferably, the first label region 50a of the present embodiment is arranged at the same position in the tire circumferential direction C as the communication device 40. This makes it possible to identify the position of the communication device 40 in the tire circumferential direction C using the first label region 50a.

[0103] The configuration of the second label region 50b of the present embodiment is the same as that of the above-described first embodiment, and therefore the explanation will be omitted here. Also, as in the first embodiment, the second label region 50b of the present embodiment indicates the opposite side of the communication device 40 side in the tire width direction A. In other words, thanks to the second label region 50b, it is possible to identify on which side in the tire width direction A the communication device 40 is located with respect to the tire equatorial plane CL.

[0104] Further, preferably, the second tag region 50b of the present embodiment is arranged at the same position as the communication device 40 in the tire circumferential direction C. This makes it possible to identify the position of the communication device 40 in the tire circumferential direction C from the second tag region 50b.

[0105] <Third Embodiment>

[0106] Next, referring to FIG. 7 and FIG. 6 , a pneumatic tire 200 (hereinafter simply referred to as "tire 200") as an embodiment of a tire according to the present disclosure will be exemplarily explained. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the tire 200 in the tire width direction. FIG. 7 is a part of an expanded view of the outer surface 13a of the tread of the tire 200. In FIG. 1 , the position of the communication device 40 is indicated by a broken line. Compared with the above-described tire 1 (see FIG. 5 ) and the tire 100 (see FIG. 6 ), the tire 200 of the present embodiment differs in its configuration regarding the position of the communication device 40 and the arrangement of the third tag region 50c. Therefore, the differences will be mainly explained here, and the explanation of the configuration common to the tire 1 of the first embodiment and the tire 100 of the second embodiment will be omitted.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 5 , the tire 200 includes the communication device 40 mounted on the inner surface 13b of the tread of the tire body 10. As shown in FIG. 7 , the communication device 40 of the present embodiment is arranged on one side in the tire width direction A with respect to the tire equatorial plane CL. For the convenience of explanation, the one side in the tire width direction A with respect to the tire equatorial plane CL on which the communication device 40 is arranged is hereinafter simply referred to as "communication device 40 side in the tire width direction A". The other side in the tire width direction A with respect to the tire equatorial plane CL on which the communication device 40 is not arranged is simply referred to as "the opposite side of the communication device 40 side in the tire width direction A".

[0108] The configuration of the first tag region 50a and the second tag region 50b of the present embodiment is the same as that of the above-described first embodiment and second embodiment, and therefore the explanation will be omitted here. The information indicated by the first tag region 50a and the second tag region 50b of the present embodiment is also the same as that of the above-described second embodiment, and therefore the explanation will be omitted here. However, the tire body 10 of the tire 200 of the present embodiment can not include either or both of the first tag region 50a and the second tag region 50b. The provision of the first tag region 50a and the second tag region 50b in the tire body 10 of the tire 200 allows the position of the communication device 40 to be more easily identified.

[0109] The third tag region 50c is disposed on the tread outer surface 13a that is the outer surface of the tread portion 10a of the tire body 10.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, the third tag region 50c and the communication device 40 are disposed at the same position in the tire width direction A. Here, the "third tag region 50c and the communication device 40 are disposed at the same position in the tire width direction A" means that, in the developed view of the tread outer surface 13a of the tire 200 (see FIG. 6), there is at least one imaginary line L5 that is parallel to the tire circumferential direction C and passes through the third tag region 50c and the communication device 40. In other words, it is not limited to the case where the respective extension regions of the third tag region 50c and the communication device 40 in the tire width direction A completely coincide. FIG. 7 FIG. 7 As shown in FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, the third tag region 50c and the communication device 40 are disposed at the same position in the tire circumferential direction C. Here, the "third tag region 50c and the communication device 40 are disposed at the same position in the tire circumferential direction C" means that, in the developed view of the tread outer surface 13a of the tire 200 (see FIG. 7), there is at least one imaginary line L6 that is parallel to the tire width direction A and passes through the third tag region 50c and the communication device 40. In other words, it is not limited to the case where the respective extension regions of the third tag region 50c and the communication device 40 in the tire circumferential direction C completely coincide.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, the third tag region 50c and the communication device 40 are disposed at the same position in the tire circumferential direction C. Here, the "third tag region 50c and the communication device 40 are disposed at the same position in the tire circumferential direction C" means that, in the developed view of the tread outer surface 13a of the tire 200 (see FIG. 7), there is at least one imaginary line L6 that is parallel to the tire width direction A and passes through the third tag region 50c and the communication device 40. In other words, it is not limited to the case where the respective extension regions of the third tag region 50c and the communication device 40 in the tire circumferential direction C completely coincide. FIG. 7 FIG. 7 In other words, the third tag region 50c and the communication device 40 of the present embodiment overlap in the tire wall thickness direction D. The communication device 40 overlaps the third tag region 50c in the tire wall thickness direction D in its entire extension region in the tire width direction A and the tire circumferential direction C. In other words, the entire communication device 40 of the present embodiment overlaps the third tag region 50c in the tire wall thickness direction D. However, only a portion of the communication device 40 can overlap the third tag region 50c in the tire wall thickness direction D. The entire third tag region 50c can overlap the communication device 40 in the tire wall thickness direction D. Furthermore, the profile of the third tag region 50c can coincide with the profile of the communication device 40 in the tire wall thickness direction D. In other words, the entire third tag region 50c can overlap the entire communication device 40 in the tire wall thickness direction D.

[0112] Accordingly, the third tag region 50c of the present embodiment is disposed in a position such that at least a portion of the third tag region 50c overlaps the communication device 40 in the tire wall thickness direction D. Therefore, the position of the communication device 40 can be recognized by recognizing the third tag region 50c from the outside of the tire 200.

[0113] Accordingly, the third tag region 50c of the present embodiment is disposed in a position such that at least a portion of the third tag region 50c overlaps the communication device 40 in the tire wall thickness direction D. Therefore, the position of the communication device 40 can be recognized by recognizing the third tag region 50c from the outside of the tire 200.

[0114] ​​As with the above-described first label region 50a, the third label region 50c of the present embodiment includes a light-emitting region 91. Details of the light-emitting region 91 are similar to those of the light-emitting region 61 of the above-described first label region 50a, except that the outer shape of the third label region 50c is substantially rectangular in the front view (see FIG. 10) and the third label region 50c is formed on the bottom surface of the outer circumferential groove 7b1, and thus the explanation is omitted here. The light-emitting region 91 of the third label region 50c can be provided, for example, on the top surface of a protrusion provided on the bottom surface of the outer circumferential groove 7b1, for distinguishability in a bright environment. The light-emitting region 91 of the third label region 50c can have, for example, a color that can be distinguished from the surroundings at the bottom surface of the outer circumferential groove 7b1. FIG. 7 ) is substantially rectangular and the third label region 50c is formed on the bottom surface of the outer circumferential groove 7b1, and thus the explanation is omitted here. The light-emitting region 91 of the third label region 50c can be provided, for example, on the top surface of a protrusion provided on the bottom surface of the outer circumferential groove 7b1, for distinguishability in a bright environment. The light-emitting region 91 of the third label region 50c can have, for example, a color that can be distinguished from the surroundings at the bottom surface of the outer circumferential groove 7b1.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 7 , the third label region 50c of the present embodiment preferably includes a non-light-emitting region 92 surrounded by the light-emitting region 91. Details of the non-light-emitting region 92 are similar to those of the non-light-emitting region 62 of the above-described first label region 50a, except that the outer shape of the third label region 50c is substantially rectangular in the front view (see FIG. 10) and the third label region 50c is formed on the bottom surface of the outer circumferential groove 7b1, and thus the explanation is omitted here. FIG. 8A to FIG. 8E ) is substantially rectangular and the third label region 50c is formed on the bottom surface of the outer circumferential groove 7b1, and thus the explanation is omitted here. The light-emitting region 91 of the third label region 50c can be provided, for example, on the top surface of a protrusion provided on the bottom surface of the outer circumferential groove 7b1, for distinguishability in a bright environment. The light-emitting region 91 of the third label region 50c can have, for example, a color that can be distinguished from the surroundings at the bottom surface of the outer circumferential groove 7b1.

[0116] Next, a modification of the third label region 50c will be described with reference to FIG. 8A to FIG. 8E . FIG. 8A to FIG. 8E are respectively a part of an expanded view of the outer surface 13a of the tread of the tire 200. In FIG. 8A , the position of the communication device 40 mounted on the inner surface 13b of the tread is indicated by a broken line.

[0117] FIG. 8A The third label region 50c shown in FIG. 8A indicates the position of the communication device 40 in the tire width direction A. However, FIG. 8A The third label region 50c shown in FIG. 8B , the position of the communication device 40 in the tire width direction A can be identified.

[0118] FIG. 8B The third label region 50c shown in FIG. 8B indicates the position of the communication device 40 in the tire width direction A. However, FIG. 8BThe third label region 50c shown and the communication device 40 are arranged at the same position in the tire circumferential direction C, but not at the same position in the tire width direction A. According to FIG. 8C The third label region 50c shown can identify the position of the communication device 40 in the tire circumferential direction C.

[0119] FIG. 8C The third label region 50c shown indicates the position of the communication device 40 in the tire width direction A. However, FIG. 8C The third label region 50c shown does not indicate the position of the communication device 40 in the tire circumferential direction C. More specifically, FIG. 8C The third label region 50c shown indicates a predetermined range in the tire width direction A. The communication device 40 is located within the range in the tire width direction A indicated by the third label region 50c. According to FIG. 8C The third label region 50c shown can identify the range in the tire width direction A in which the communication device 40 is located.

[0120] In FIG. 7 In the example shown, two third label regions 50c arranged at different positions in the tire width direction A indicate the range in the tire width direction A in which the communication device 40 is located. Each of the third label regions 50c has a generally triangular shape in the elevational view (see FIG. 8C ). The third label regions 50c are arranged such that the vertex 50c1 of one of the third label regions 50c faces the vertex 50c1 of the other third label region 50c in the tire width direction A. Thus, when two third label regions 50c indicate the range in the tire width direction A, the respective third label regions 50c preferably include vertices 50c1 that face each other in the tire width direction A. Providing such vertices 50c1 makes it easier to visually grasp the range in the tire width direction A indicated by the two third label regions 50c. The external shape of each of the third label regions 50c in the elevational view is not limited to FIG. 8C the triangular shape shown. However, FIG. 8C the triangular shape shown is preferably the external shape of each of the third label regions 50c in the elevational view. This further makes it easier to visually grasp the range in the tire width direction A indicated by the two third label regions 50c (the range between the imaginary straight lines L7 and L8 represented by the dotted lines in FIG. 8D ).

[0121] FIG. 8D The third label region 50c shown indicates the position of the communication device 40 in the tire circumferential direction C. However, FIG. 8D The third label region 50c shown does not indicate the position of the communication device 40 in the tire width direction A. More specifically,FIG. 8D The third label region 50c shown indicates a predetermined range on the tire circumferential direction C. The communication device 40 is located within the range on the tire circumferential direction C indicated by the third label region 50c. According to FIG. 8D The third label region 50c shown, the range on the tire circumferential direction C in which the communication device 40 is located can be identified.

[0122] In FIG. 7 The example shown, two third label regions 50c arranged at different positions on the tire circumferential direction C indicate the range on the tire circumferential direction C in which the communication device 40 is located. Each third label region 50c is roughly triangular in shape in the front view (see FIG. 8D ). The third label regions 50c are arranged such that the vertex 50c1 of one of the third label regions 50c faces the vertex 50c1 of the other third label region 50c on the tire circumferential direction C. Thus, when two third label regions 50c indicate the range on the tire circumferential direction C, the respective third label regions 50c preferably include vertices 50c1 that face each other on the tire circumferential direction C. Providing such vertices 50c1 makes it easier to visually grasp the range on the tire circumferential direction C indicated by the two third label regions 50c. The external shape of each third label region 50c in the front view is not limited to FIG. 8D the triangular shape shown. However, FIG. 8D the triangular shape shown is preferably the external shape of each third label region 50c in the front view. This further makes it easier to visually grasp the range on the tire circumferential direction C indicated by the two third label regions 50c (the range between the imaginary straight lines L9 and L10 indicated by the dotted lines in FIG. 8D ).

[0123] In FIG. 8E , the two third label regions 50c are arranged at different positions on the tire width direction A from the communication device 40, but can be arranged at the same position. This makes it possible to easily identify the position of the communication device 40 on the tire width direction A in addition to the position of the communication device 40 on the tire circumferential direction C.

[0124] FIG. 8E The third label region 50c shown does not indicate the position of the communication device 40 on the tire width direction A and the tire circumferential direction C, but indicates the communication device 40 side of the tread portion 10a on the tire width direction A. In other words, FIG. 6 The third label region 50c shown can indicate the side of the tread portion 10a on which the communication device 40 is arranged on the tire width direction A with respect to the tire equatorial plane CL. However, as FIG. 7 , FIG. 8A to FIG. 8D and FIG. 6As shown, the third label region 50c preferably indicates the position of the communication device 40 provided in the tread portion 10a on at least one of the tire radial direction B and the tire circumferential direction C.

[0125] As described above, due to the light-emitting regions of the various label regions 50 described in the first to third embodiments and variations thereof, the position of the communication device 40 can be easily recognized even in a dark environment.

[0126] In particular, the light-emitting regions of the label regions 50 are preferably arranged at the same position as the communication device 40 in at least one of the tire width direction A, the tire radial direction B, and the tire circumferential direction C. This allows the position of the communication device 40 to be more easily recognized in a dark environment based on the light-emitting regions of the label regions 50. In the present specification, FIG. 7 FIG. 8A FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 An example in which the light-emitting region 91 of the third label region 50c is arranged at the same position as the communication device 40 in the tire width direction A is shown. In the present specification, FIG. 4B FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 An example in which the light-emitting region 61 of the first label region 50a and the light-emitting region 81 of the second label region 50b are arranged at the same position as the communication device 40 in the tire radial direction B is shown. Further, in the present specification, FIG. 4A FIG. 4D FIG. 5 FIG. 6 FIG. 7 FIG. 8A to FIG. 8E FIG. 6 The light-emitting region 61 of the first label region 50a and the light-emitting region 81 of the second label region 50b are arranged at the same position as the communication device 40 in the tire circumferential direction C as shown. In the present specification, FIG. 7 FIG. 8B ​ The light-emitting region 91 of the third label region 50c is arranged at the same position as the communication device 40 in the tire circumferential direction C as shown.

[0127] The tire according to the present disclosure is not limited to the specific configurations described in the above embodiments and variations, and various variations, modifications, and combinations are possible without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0128] Industrial applicability

[0129] The present invention relates to a tire.

[0130] Explanation of reference numerals

[0131] ​​​​​​​​​​​1, 100, 200: tire; 2: bead core; 3: bead filler; 4: carcass; 4a: carcass ply; 4a1: body portion; 4a2: turn-up portion; 5: belt; 5a to 5d: first to fourth belts; 7: tread rubber; 7a: center land area; 7a1: inner circumferential groove; 7b: intermediate land area; 7b1: outer circumferential groove; 7c: shoulder land area; 8: sidewall rubber; 9: inner liner; 10: tire body; 10a: tread portion; 10b: sidewall portion; 10b1: first sidewall portion; 10b2: second sidewall portion; 11: sidewall portion; 12: bead portion; 13a: tread outer surface (example of outer surface of tire body); 13b: tread inner surface (example of inner surface of tire body); 14a: sidewall outer surface (example of outer surface of tire body); 14a1: first sidewall outer surface; 14a2: second sidewall outer surface; 14b: sidewall inner surface (example of inner surface of tire body); 14b1: first sidewall inner surface; 14b2: second sidewall inner surface; 15: tread end; 20a to 20d: first to fourth belt layers; 40: communication device; 50: label region; 50a: first label region; 50a1: apex; 50b: second label region; 50c: third label region; 50c1: apex; 61: light-emitting region of first label region; 62: non-light-emitting region of first label region; 68: ridge; 69: base protrusion; 70: convex portion; 71: convex portion; 81: light-emitting region of second label region; 91: light-emitting region of third label region; A: tire width direction; B: tire radial direction; B1: tire radial direction outer side; B2: tire radial direction inner side; C: tire circumferential direction; D: tire wall thickness direction; O: center axis of tire; CL: tire equatorial plane; L1, L3, L4: imaginary circle; L2, L5 to L10: imaginary straight line.

Claims

1. A tire comprising: Tire body; and A communication device is embedded in the sidewall portion of the tire body or mounted on the inner surface of the sidewall portion of the tire body, wherein The tire includes a label area on an outer surface of the tire body, the label area indicating the location of the communication device, The label area includes a light-emitting area and a non-light-emitting area surrounded by the light-emitting area, and The tire body includes a cylindrical base protrusion protruding from the outer surface of the sidewall portion and an annular convex portion protruding from the outer edge of the top surface of the base protrusion, the luminous area of ​​the label area is arranged on the top surface of the convex portion, and the non-luminous area of ​​the label area is arranged on the top surface of the base protrusion inside the convex portion. 2 . The tire according to claim 1 , wherein the luminous area of ​​the label area has a color or shape that can be distinguished from the surrounding area.

3. The tire according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The tire body comprises: tread; as well as a first sidewall portion and a second sidewall portion, the first sidewall portion and the second sidewall portion extending from both ends of the tread portion in the tire width direction toward the inside in the tire radial direction; in The communication device is embedded in one of the first sidewall portion and the second sidewall portion, or attached to an inner surface of one of the first sidewall portion and the second sidewall portion, and The light emitting area of ​​the label area is arranged at the same position as the communication device in at least any one of a tire width direction, a tire radial direction, and a tire circumferential direction.

4. The tire according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is arranged in a position such that the communication device does not overlap with the light-emitting area in the tire wall thickness direction, and is arranged in a position such that the communication device overlaps with the non-light-emitting area in the tire wall thickness direction.

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