Pneumatic tire

Abstract

The pneumatic tire according to the present invention comprises: a tire body including a sidewall portion, the outer surface of which is composed of a side cover rubber; and a communication device embedded in a sidewall portion of the tire body. When a region in which the communication device is located in a tire radial direction and a tire circumferential direction of the sidewall portion is defined as a device region, an outer surface of the sidewall portion protrudes in the device region, and a thickness of the side cover rubber in the device region is thinner than a periphery of the device region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to pneumatic tires. Background Art

[0002] There is known a pneumatic tire having a communication device such as an RF tag buried inside. Patent Document 1 describes such a pneumatic tire.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-148953 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] It is difficult to identify the position of a communication device buried inside the tire body from the outside of the pneumatic tire. Therefore, in the pneumatic tire described in Patent Document 1, a protrusion may be provided as an indication portion for indicating the position of the communication device from the outside. However, the protrusion as the indication portion may be damaged, torn, etc. due to various impacts from the outside of the pneumatic tire.

[0008] It would be helpful to provide a pneumatic tire that can improve the durability of a portion that protrudes to indicate the location of a communication device.

[0009] Solutions for solving problems

[0010] A pneumatic tire as a first aspect of the present disclosure is (1)

[0012] Pneumatic tires include:

[0013] a tire body including a sidewall portion whose outer surface is composed of a side covering rubber; and

[0014] A communication device embedded in the sidewall of the tire body, wherein

[0015] When the area where the communication device is located in the tire radial direction and the tire circumferential direction of the tire side portion is defined as the device area,

[0016] The outer surface of the sidewall portion protrudes in the device region, and

[0017] The thickness of the side cover rubber is thinner in the device region than around the device region.

[0018] A pneumatic tire as an embodiment of the present disclosure is (2)

[0020] The pneumatic tire according to (1) above, wherein a maximum protrusion amount of the outer surface of the sidewall portion in the device region is 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm.

[0021] A pneumatic tire as an embodiment of the present disclosure is (3)

[0023] The pneumatic tire according to (2) above, wherein:

[0024] On the outer surface of the sidewall portion, a marking portion consisting of a protrusion is provided on at least one side of the device region in the tire radial direction, and

[0025] The maximum protrusion amount of the outer surface of the sidewall portion in the device region is smaller than the maximum protrusion amount of the protruding portion of the marking portion.

[0026] Effects of the Invention

[0027] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a pneumatic tire capable of improving the durability of a portion protruding to indicate the position of a communication device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 It is a tire width direction cross-sectional view of a pneumatic tire as an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 is a plan view of a communication device.

[0030] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of a communication device.

[0031] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the communication device with the cover of the outer casing removed.

[0032] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view of a communication device.

[0033] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 This is the floor plan of the second antenna.

[0034] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 It is a partial cross-sectional view of a communication device.

[0035] [ Figure 8 ] Figure 8 It's a picture. Figure 1 An enlarged view of the area near the communication device in FIG.

[0036] [ Fig. 9 ] Fig. 9 It's a picture. Figure 1 An enlarged view of the area near the communication device in a side view of the pneumatic tire is shown.

[0037] [ Fig.10 ] Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view of the sidewall portion at the line II-II in FIG.

[0038] [ Fig.11 ] Fig.11 It's a picture. Figure 1 A diagram showing variations of the position of the communication device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of a pneumatic tire according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each of the drawings, the same structure is denoted by the same reference numeral.

[0040] Figure 1 : is a tire width direction cross-sectional view of a pneumatic tire 50 as an embodiment of a pneumatic tire according to the present disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, the pneumatic tire 50 includes a tire body 60 and a communication device 10. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the pneumatic tire 50 is also simply referred to as "tire 50".

[0041] Figure 1 Only one half in the tire width direction C defined by the tire equatorial plane CL of the tire 50 is illustrated, but the same structure is used for the other half except for the presence / absence of the communication device 10. However, the tire 50 may include an asymmetric portion bounded by the tire equatorial plane CL.

[0042] Figure 1 The tire 50 shown is a tire for a truck or bus, but the tire 50 may be other heavy duty tires or a tire for a passenger vehicle.

[0043] [Tire body 60]

[0044] The internal structure of the tire body 60 is not particularly limited. The following configuration is an example. The tire body 60 includes a pair of sidewalls 57 and a tread portion 53 connected to the pair of sidewalls 57. Each sidewall 57 is composed of a bead portion 51 and a sidewall portion 52 connected to the bead portion 51.

[0045] In the bead portion 51, a bead core 51a is buried, and a reinforcement member 51b is arranged on the outer side of the bead core 51a in the tire radial direction E. According to the present embodiment, as the reinforcement member 51b, a plurality of (two, according to the present embodiment) reinforcement members 51b1 and 51b2 of different hardness are included. The reinforcement member 51b1 arranged on the inner side in the tire radial direction E is harder than the reinforcement member 51b2 arranged on the outer side in the tire radial direction E.

[0046] In addition, the tire body 60 includes a carcass 54 consisting of one or more carcass plies extending annularly between a pair of bead portions 51. The carcass 54 is wound around the bead core 51a and folded back from the inner side to the outer side in the tire width direction C, extending to the folded end 54a. The carcass ply can be a meridian array of carcass cords covered with rubber. In this example, the carcass cords are composed of steel cords. The number of carcass plies is not particularly limited. The diameter of the carcass cord is not particularly limited and can be, for example, 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm.

[0047] The belt 55 composed of one or more layers (four layers in the example shown) of belt plies 55a to 55d is arranged on the outer side of the crown portion of the carcass 54 in the tire radial direction E. The tread rubber 53a is arranged on the outer side of the belt 55 in the tire radial direction E. According to the present example, the belt cords of the belt 55 are steel cords. For example, the belt cords may be angled relative to the tire circumferential direction F, such as an inclination angle of 30° to 60°. The number of layers of the belt and the belt width are not particularly limited. In addition, as Figure 1 As shown, the cushion rubber 53 b may be arranged near the end of the belt 55 .

[0048] In addition to the bead core 51a and the reinforcement 51b, the bead portion 51 also includes a rubber bead filler 51c, a nylon bead filler 51d, a wire bead filler 51e and a cap rubber 51f. In addition, from the bead portion 51 to the sidewall portion 52, the sidewall rubber 52a is arranged on the outer side of the carcass 54 in the tire width direction C.

[0049] The outer surface of the tire body 60 according to the present embodiment is composed of the outer surfaces of a pair of sidewalls 57 and the outer surface of the tread portion 53. The outer surface of the sidewall 57 is composed of the side cover rubber 57a. The outer surface of the tread portion 53 is composed of the tread rubber 53a.

[0050] According to the present embodiment, the side cover rubber 57 a is constituted by the rubber chafer 51 c of the bead portion 51 and the sidewall rubber 52 a extending over the bead portion 51 and the sidewall portion 52 .

[0051] In addition, the inner surface of the tire body 60 according to the present embodiment faces the tire inner cavity 60 a and is constituted by the inner liner 56 extending over the bead portion 51 , the sidewall portion 52 , and the tread portion 53 .

[0052] [Communication device 10]

[0053] The communication device 10 is embedded in the sidewall portion 57 of the tire body 60. Specifically, the communication device 10 according to the present embodiment is arranged in the sidewall portion 57 adjacent to the inner side of the side cover rubber 57a in the tire width direction C. More specifically, the communication device 10 is embedded in the sidewall portion 57 at a position adjacent to the inner side of the sidewall rubber 52a as the side cover rubber 57a in the tire width direction C and between the sidewall rubber 52a and the reinforcement 51b2.

[0054] The communication device 10 may be configured to be used for wireless communication with a defined device outside the tire body 60, and the configuration of the communication device 10 is not particularly limited. One example of the communication device 10 is an RF tag. The communication device 10 according to the present embodiment is an RF tag. The RF tag as the communication device 10 is capable of wireless communication with a reader arranged outside the tire body 60. The RF tag may be, for example, a passive RF tag that operates by power provided by a reader arranged outside the tire body 60. Specifically, the RF tag as the communication device 10 is capable of receiving information transmitted from the antenna of the reader through radio waves or magnetic fields via the antenna of the RF tag. Rectification (in the case of radio waves) or resonance (in the case of magnetic fields) generates power in the antenna of the RF tag, and an IC chip including a memory, a controller, etc. of the RF tag performs a defined operation. In the IC chip of the RF tag, the controller can, for example, read information in a memory as, for example, a nonvolatile memory, and send (transmit) the information back from the antenna to the reader via radio waves or magnetic fields. The antenna of the reader receives radio waves or magnetic fields from the RF tag. The controller of the reader can retrieve the information stored in the memory of the IC chip of the RF tag by extracting it from the received information.

[0055] Figure 2 1 is a plan view of the communication device 10 according to the present embodiment. Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the communication device 10 . Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the communication device 10 with the cover portion 32 of the exterior body 3 removed. Figure 5 It is an exploded perspective view of the communication device 10 . Figure 6 This is a plan view of the second antenna 2. Figure 7 It is a partial cross-sectional view of the communication device 10 . Figure 7 yes Figure 3 II cross-section diagram in.

[0056] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the communication device 10 includes a substrate 1, a second antenna 2, and an outer casing 3. In the following, for the convenience of explanation, the holding surface 31a (see FIG. 3 ) of the outer casing 3 is Figure 4 )'s vertical ( Figure 2 The left and right directions in the image are called the X direction. Figure 2 The other direction along the X direction (to the right in Figure 2 The holding surface 31a (see Figure 4 ) is referred to as the Y direction. In the plane along the holding surface 31a, the Y direction is orthogonal to the X direction. A direction along the Y direction (in Figure 2 The other direction along the Y direction (in Figure 2 The direction perpendicular to the holding surface 31a of the outer body 3 is called the Z direction. The Z direction is perpendicular to the X and Y directions. The view seen from the Z direction is called the plan view (see FIG. Figure 2 ). The Z axis is the central axis along the Z direction.

[0057] like Figure 4 As shown, the substrate 1 includes an IC chip 11 , a first antenna 12 and a base material 13 .

[0058] The substrate 13 is formed into a plate-like shape. The shape of the substrate 13 in the plan view is not particularly limited. Preferably, at least a portion of the outer periphery 13a is a curved shape. The curved shape may be, for example, an elliptical arc, a circular arc, a high-order curve shape (for example, a quadratic curve), etc. Examples of high-order curve shapes include parabolic shapes, hyperbolic shapes, etc. The outer shape of the substrate 13 in the plan view may be, for example, an ellipse, a circle, an oval (racetrack shape), etc. The outer shape of the substrate 13 in the plan view is preferably non-circular. According to the present embodiment, the substrate 13 is an elliptical shape. The substrate 13 is oriented so that the major axis length is along the X direction. A glass epoxy substrate, a ceramic, a plastic film, etc. may be used as the substrate 13.

[0059] The IC chip 11 can read and write information in a contactless manner via the first antenna 12 and the second antenna 2. The IC chip 11 is mounted on a substrate 13.

[0060] The first antenna 12 is a conductive layer formed on one side of the substrate 13, for example. The conductive layer is composed of, for example, a conductive foil, an electroplated layer, a conductive ink layer, etc. The conductive foil is a metal foil composed of, for example, copper, silver, gold, platinum, aluminum, etc. The conductive foil is formed into a defined shape by etching, etc. The electroplated layer is composed of metals such as copper, silver, gold, platinum, aluminum, etc. The conductive ink layer is formed by printing, etc. using conductive ink. The conductive ink contains conductive particles formed of metals, carbon materials, etc.

[0061] The first antenna 12 is in a loop shape. The first antenna 12 is, for example, in a curved shape along the outer periphery 13 a of the substrate 13 . The first antenna 12 is formed in an elliptical loop. The first antenna 12 is electrically connected to the IC chip 11 .

[0062] The second antenna 2 is a booster antenna. The second antenna 2 is, for example, linear. The second antenna 2 is formed of a metal such as steel, stainless steel, copper, copper alloy, etc. For example, the second antenna 2 can be formed of a brass-plated steel wire. The second antenna 2 is independent of the substrate 1. According to the present embodiment, the second antenna 2 has a flat profile. In other words, the second antenna 2 having a flat shape extends in a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction A (Z direction according to the present embodiment) (in-plane direction of the XY plane according to the present embodiment). In the following, the direction perpendicular to the thickness direction A (Z direction according to the present embodiment) (in-plane direction of the XY plane according to the present embodiment) is also referred to as "antenna in-plane direction B". According to the present embodiment, the second antenna 2 is a flat linear antenna composed of a linear body extending in the antenna in-plane direction B, but the second antenna 2 is not limited to this configuration. The second antenna 2 can be, for example, a flat plate-shaped antenna composed of a plate-shaped body extending in the antenna in-plane direction B.

[0063] The second antenna 2 includes an electromagnetic field combining portion 21 and a pair of extension portions 22. The electromagnetic field combining portion 21 is a curved shape. Here, "curved shape" refers to a smoothly curved shape without a sharp bend. As a curved shape, examples include an elliptical arc, a circular arc, a high-order curve shape (for example, a quadratic curve), etc. As a high-order curve shape, examples include a parabolic shape, a hyperbolic shape, etc. The electromagnetic field combining portion 21 is a semi-elliptical shape. In detail, the electromagnetic field combining portion 21 is a semi-elliptical shape extending from one vertex of the elliptical shape (the vertex intersecting the major axis) to the other vertex (the vertex intersecting the major axis).

[0064] The shape of the electromagnetic field coupling part 21 in a plan view surrounds at least a portion of the substrate 1. The electromagnetic field coupling part 21 surrounds the range (semicircle range on the +Y direction side) from one vertex (vertex intersecting the long axis) to the other vertex (vertex intersecting the long axis) of the elliptical substrate 1.

[0065] The electromagnetic field combining portion 21 is a curved shape (e.g., an elliptical arc) along the outer periphery 12a of the first antenna 12 in a plan view. The gap distance between the electromagnetic field combining portion 21 and the outer periphery 12a is approximately constant. The electromagnetic field combining portion 21 is arranged near the outer periphery 13a outside the outer periphery 13a of the substrate 1 in a plan view. The shape of the electromagnetic field combining portion 21 is along the shape of the outer periphery 13a in a plan view. The gap distance between the electromagnetic field combining portion 21 and the outer periphery 13a is approximately constant.

[0066] The electromagnetic field coupling part 21 couples the electromagnetic field with the first antenna 12 in a non-contact manner. The electromagnetic field coupling is, for example, one of electric field coupling or magnetic field coupling. The shape of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electromagnetic field coupling part 21 is, for example, a circle (see Figure 7 ).

[0067] The extension portion 22 extends from one end 21a and the other end 21a of the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 respectively. Figure 6 As shown, the first extension portion 22A, which is one of the pair of extension portions 22, extends in the -X direction while meandering from the end portion 21a in the -X direction of the electromagnetic field combining portion 21. The second extension portion 22B, which is the other of the pair of extension portions 22, extends in the +X direction while meandering from the end portion 21a in the +X direction of the electromagnetic field combining portion 21.

[0068] The plan view shape of the extension portion 22 is, for example, a meandering shape, a wave shape, a zigzag shape, etc. The extension portion 22 has a meandering shape.

[0069] like Figure 5 As shown, the extension portions 22 each include a plurality of straight portions 23 and a plurality of return portions 24. The straight portion 23 is a straight line along the Y direction. The plurality of straight portions 23 are spaced apart in the X direction. The return portions 24 connect the ends of adjacent straight portions 23. The return portions 24 each have a curved shape (e.g., an arc shape).

[0070] Among the plurality of straight portions 23, the straight portion 23 closest to the electromagnetic field combining portion 21 is referred to as the "first straight portion 23A". Among the plurality of straight portions 23, the straight portion 23 second closest to the electromagnetic field combining portion 21 is referred to as the "second straight portion 23B". Among the plurality of straight portions 23, the straight portion 23 third closest to the electromagnetic field combining portion 21 is referred to as the "third straight portion 23C". The return portion 24 connecting the first straight portion 23A and the second straight portion 23B is referred to as the "first return portion 24A". The return portion 24 connecting the second straight portion 23B and the third straight portion 23C is referred to as the "second return portion 24B".

[0071] The first straight portion 23A extends from the end 21a of the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 in the -Y direction. The first return portion 24A bends from the -Y direction end of the first straight portion 23A and extends to the -Y direction end of the second straight portion 23B. In the extension portion 22, a portion of the first return portion 24A and the first straight portion 23A are inside the outer body 3, and the other portion of the extension portion 22 extends outside the outer body 3 (see FIG. Figure 4 ).

[0072] The exterior body 3 holds the substrate 1 and the second antenna 2 on the holding surface 31 a .

[0073] More specifically, if Figure 3As shown, according to the present embodiment, the outer body 3 includes a plate-shaped main body 31 and a plate-shaped cover 32. One side of the main body 31 in the thickness direction is a holding surface 31a. In the communication device 10 according to the present embodiment, in a state where the substrate 1 and the second antenna 2 are held on the holding surface 31a of the main body 31, the cover 32 is attached to cover the holding surface 31a of the main body 31. As a result, the entire substrate 1 and a part of the second antenna 2 (according to the present embodiment, the entire electromagnetic field combining portion 21 and a part of the pair of extension portions 22) are accommodated between the holding surface 31a of the main body 31 and the cover 32.

[0074] The main body 3 has a plate-like shape as a whole. The main body 31 and the cover 32 are formed of, for example, resin. As the resin, examples include polyamide resins such as nylon 6,6; polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET); polyolefin resins such as polyethylene; fluorine-containing vinyl resins such as polyvinyl fluoride; vinyl polymers such as polyvinyl chloride; acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate; and the like.

[0075] like Figure 5 As shown, the main body 31 has a rectangular shape in a plan view. One side of the main body 31, that is, the holding surface 31a has a substrate holding recess 37 (substrate holding portion), an antenna holding groove 34 and a pair of side recesses 35. The substrate holding recess 37 is formed by the substrate holding protrusion 33. The substrate holding recess 37 is a recess surrounded by the substrate holding protrusion 33.

[0076] The substrate holding protrusion 33 is an annular rib-like protrusion. The substrate holding protrusion 33 is curved along the outer peripheral edge 13a of the substrate 1 (for example, an ellipse). The substrate holding protrusion 33 protrudes from the holding surface 31a in the +Z direction. The shape of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the substrate holding protrusion 33 is, for example, a rectangle. The substrate holding protrusion 33 is curved along the outer peripheral edge 12a of the first antenna 12 in a plan view (for example, an ellipse).

[0077] The substrate holding recess 37 holds the substrate 1. The substrate holding recess 37 has a shape (e.g., an elliptical shape) along the outer peripheral edge 13a of the substrate 1. The inner dimension (inner diameter) of the substrate holding recess 37 is substantially the same as or slightly larger than the outer dimension (outer diameter) of the substrate 1. In a plan view, the substrate holding recess 37 has a shape similar to that of the substrate 1.

[0078] When the substrate 1 and the substrate holding recess 37 are non-circular shapes (e.g., elliptical shapes), the tilt of the substrate 1 around the Z axis can be restricted and the correct direction of the substrate 1 can be maintained. Therefore, the electromagnetic field coupling between the first antenna 12 and the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 can be maintained.

[0079] The antenna holding groove 34 receives the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 of the second antenna 2 (see Figure 4 and Figure 7 ). The antenna holding groove 34 is formed on the outside of the substrate holding protrusion 33 and is close to the substrate holding protrusion 33. The antenna holding groove 34 has a shape along the substrate holding protrusion 33 in a plan view. The antenna holding groove 34 has a curved shape (for example, an elliptical arc shape) along the outer periphery 12a of the first antenna 12 in a plan view. The antenna holding groove 34 has a curved shape (for example, an elliptical arc) along the outer periphery 13a of the substrate 1 in a plan view. The antenna holding groove 34 is a semi-elliptical shape in a plan view. In detail, the antenna holding groove 34 has a semi-elliptical shape extending from one vertex of the elliptical shape (the vertex intersecting the major axis) to the other vertex (the vertex intersecting the major axis).

[0080] The shape of the antenna holding groove 34 in a plan view surrounds at least a portion of the substrate 1. The antenna holding groove 34 surrounds the range (semicircle range on the +Y direction side) from one vertex (the vertex intersecting the long axis) to the other vertex (the vertex intersecting the long axis) of the elliptical substrate 1.

[0081] like Figure 7 As shown, the cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the antenna holding groove 34 is, for example, a rectangle. The width (inner dimension) W1 of the antenna holding groove 34 is greater than the outer diameter (outer dimension) D1 of the electromagnetic field coupling part 21. The difference between the width W1 and the outer diameter D1 can be, for example, 0.01 mm to 1 mm (preferably 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm). The width W1 of the antenna holding groove 34 is greater than the outer diameter D1 of the electromagnetic field coupling part 21, so the electromagnetic field coupling part 21 is accommodated in the antenna holding groove 34 in a state that it can be displaced in the linear diameter direction (for example, the Y direction). The "linear diameter direction" is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electromagnetic field coupling part 21. The electromagnetic field coupling part 21 can also be displaced in the longitudinal direction relative to the antenna holding groove 34.

[0082] The depth of the antenna holding groove 34 is defined such that the height (inner dimension) H1 from the bottom surface 34a of the antenna holding groove 34 to the cover portion 32 (top surface 38a) is greater than the outer diameter D1 of the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21. The difference between the height H1 and the outer diameter D1 can be, for example, 0.01 mm to 1 mm (preferably 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm). The height H1 of the antenna holding groove 34 is greater than the outer diameter D1 of the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21, so the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 is accommodated in the antenna holding groove 34 in a state that it can be displaced in the linear diameter direction (for example, the Z direction).

[0083] like Figure 5 As shown, a side recess 35 is formed on either side of the holding surface 31a. The side recess 35 is formed in a region including the side end edge 31b in the X direction of the main body 31. The inner peripheral edge 35a of each side recess 35 has a first straight portion 35b along the Y direction, a curved portion 35c, and a second straight portion 35d along the X direction.

[0084] The first straight portion 35b starts at the end of the inner periphery of the antenna holding groove 34 and extends in the -Y direction. The curved portion 35c extends from the end of the first straight portion 35b at a gradually decreasing inclination angle relative to the X direction. The second straight portion 35d is a portion extending from the end of the curved portion 35c to the side edge 31b in the X direction.

[0085] like Figure 4 As shown, the side recess 35 includes a portion of the first return portion 24A and the first straight portion 23A of the second antenna 2 in a plan view. The first straight portion 23A is close to the first straight portion 35b (see Figure 5 The first folded portion 24A is close to the curved portion 35c (see Figure 5 Each of the side recesses 35 accommodates at least a portion of a limited length range of the second antenna 2 (a portion of the first return portion 24A and the first straight portion 23A).

[0086] like Figure 3 As shown, the side recess 35 extends far enough in the Y direction to form a slit-shaped side end opening 36 in the side end edge 31b extending in the Y direction (in the direction along the holding surface 31a). The second antenna 2 extends out of the outer body 3 through the side end opening 36. Figure 5 As shown, two locking recesses 39 are formed at different positions along the X direction at the end edge 31c in the +Y direction of the main body 31. The end edge 31d in the -Y direction of the main body 31 also has two locking recesses 39 at different positions along the X direction.

[0087] like Figure 3 As shown, the cover 32 is rectangular in plan view. The cover 32 is the same shape as the main body 31 and is installed to face the holding surface 31a of the main body 31. The cover 32 is installed to overlap the holding surface 31a of the main body 31 in plan view.

[0088] like Figure 7 As shown, the facing surface 32a of the cover 32 is a surface facing the holding surface 31a of the main body 31. A positioning groove 38 is formed on the facing surface 32a. The positioning groove 38 is an annular groove. The shape of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the positioning groove 38 is, for example, a rectangle.

[0089] The positioning groove 38 has a curved shape (e.g., an elliptical shape) corresponding to the substrate holding protrusion 33 and the antenna holding groove 34. The width of the positioning groove 38 in a plan view covers both the substrate holding protrusion 33 and the antenna holding groove 34. A portion of the top surface 38a of the positioning groove 38 faces the bottom surface 34a of the antenna holding groove 34.

[0090] like Figure 3As shown, two locking projections 40 are formed at different positions along the X direction at the end edge 32c of the cover 32 in the +Y direction. The end edge 32d of the cover 32 in the -Y direction also has two locking projections 40 formed at different positions along the X direction.

[0091] Each locking protrusion 40 has a locking hook portion (not shown) formed at an end thereof. The locking protrusion 40 is inserted into the locking recess 39 of the main body 31. The locking hook portion of the locking protrusion 40 is locked to the main body 31. This allows the cover 32 to be detachably coupled to the main body 31.

[0092] The exterior body 3 is not fixed with respect to the second antenna 2. That is, the exterior body 3 is not fixed to the second antenna 2.

[0093] The communication device 10 can be installed in a molded product, for example, made of rubber or resin. For example, the communication device 10 can be buried in the molded product. The molded product is, for example, an elastomer and can be elastically deformed. When the molded product is stretched, bent, or deformed in other ways, the second antenna 2 may be subjected to external forces. For example, a tensile force may act on the extension 22 in the direction away from the outer body 3 along the X direction. The extension 22 may also be subjected to a force in the direction toward the outer body 3 along the X direction. As in the present embodiment, when the communication device 10 is installed in the tire body 60, the communication device 10 may be installed to be wrapped in a fixing member (laminated rubber) made of a rubber sheet. After the communication device 10 is wrapped in the fixing member, when the communication device 10 is assembled into the tire, this not only helps to prevent damage to the communication device 10, but also allows the communication device 10 to be easily assembled into the tire 50 with less risk of damage.

[0094] [Effects of RFID tags]

[0095] In the communication device 10 according to the present embodiment, the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 of the second antenna 2 is accommodated in the antenna holding groove 34 in a state displaceable in the linear diameter direction (a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21) (see Figure 7 ). The electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 can be displaced, so when an external force acts on the second antenna 2, the stress in the second antenna 2 can be relieved. Therefore, damage to the second antenna 2 is less likely to occur. On the contrary, if the second antenna is fixed to the outer body, when an external force acts on the second antenna, the stress will be concentrated on the base end portion (root) of the second antenna extending from the outer body, and damage is likely to occur at this location.

[0096] The electromagnetic field combining portion 21 of the second antenna 2 has a shape along the outer periphery 12a of the first antenna 12 of the substrate 1, allowing the electromagnetic field combining portion 21 to be fully electromagnetically combined with the first antenna 12. The antenna holding groove 34 has a shape along the outer periphery 12a of the first antenna 12, so the electromagnetic field combining portion 21 of the second antenna 2 can be positioned next to the first antenna 12. Therefore, the electromagnetic field combining portion 21 can be fully electromagnetically combined with the first antenna 12.

[0097] The electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 of the second antenna 2 is in a curved shape (e.g., a semi-elliptical shape), so even when an external force acts on the second antenna 2, stress concentration is less likely to occur compared to a rectangular shape. Therefore, damage to the second antenna 2 is less likely to occur. On the contrary, if the shape of the electromagnetic field coupling portion is rectangular, the external force acting on the second antenna may cause stress concentration at the corner (curved portion), where damage may easily occur.

[0098] The antenna holding groove 34 has a shape along the outer periphery 13a of the substrate 1, so the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 of the second antenna 2 can be positioned beside the first antenna 12. Therefore, the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 can be sufficiently electromagnetically coupled with the first antenna 12.

[0099] The outer housing 3 includes a main body 31 and a cover 32 covering the holding surface 31a. The substrate holding recess 37 and the antenna holding groove 34 are formed on the holding surface 31a. Therefore, the cover 32 prevents the substrate 1 and the second antenna 2 from falling off from the main body 31. Therefore, the substrate 1 and the second antenna 2 can be stably held in the outer housing 3.

[0100] In the communication device 10, a slit-shaped side end opening 36 extending in the Y direction (along the holding surface 31a) is formed in the side end edge 31b of the outer body 3. Therefore, the second antenna 2 can change its position in the Y direction relative to the outer body 3. Therefore, when an external force acts on the second antenna 2, it is easier to relieve the stress by displacement. Therefore, damage to the second antenna 2 is less likely to occur.

[0101] For example, in the communication device 10, the outer periphery 13a of the substrate 1 and the outer periphery 12a of the first antenna 12 are curved over the entire circumference, but the substrate and the antenna may be curved only on a portion of the outer periphery. The outer casing 3 includes a main body 31 and a cover 32, but the configuration of the outer casing is not particularly limited. For example, the outer casing may be configured not to include a cover. The outer casing is not limited to a plate-like shape, but may be other shapes (e.g., a block shape).

[0102] Refer to the following Figures 8 to 10 The features of the structure of the side cover rubber 57 a near the communication device 10 will be described. Figure 8 It's a picture. Figure 1An enlarged view of the area near the communication device 10 in FIG. Fig. 9 It's a picture. Figure 1 The tire 50 is shown in an enlarged side view of the tire 50 when viewed from the outside along the tire width direction C, near the communication device 10. Fig. 9 In FIG. 1 , the position of the communication device 10 is indicated by a dotted line. In other words, Fig. 9 This is also a front view of a protrusion 80 of the present embodiment described below, when viewed from the outer surface of the sidewall portion 57 . Fig.10 yes Fig. 9 The II-II cross-section is shown. Figure 8 and Fig.10 In FIG. 1 , for ease of illustration, cross-sectional details of the communication device 10 are omitted. Figure 8 and Fig.10 In the figure, for convenience of explanation, the components of the sidewall portion 57 located on the inner side along the tire width direction C from the communication device 10 are omitted (for example, Figure 1 As shown in the carcass 54). Figures 8 to 10 As shown, the communication device 10 according to the present embodiment is embedded in the tire side portion 57 in such a manner that the X direction is along the tire circumference F. Figures 8 to 10 As shown, the communication device 10 according to the present embodiment is embedded in the tire side portion 57 in such a manner that the Y direction is along the tire radial direction E. Figures 8 to 10 As shown, the communication device 10 according to the present embodiment is embedded in the sidewall portion 57 of the tire body 60 in such a manner that the Z direction is along the tire width direction C.

[0103] like Figure 8 and Fig.10 As shown, the outer surface of the sidewall portion 57 protrudes in the device area Q1. In other words, the side cover rubber 57a constituting the outer surface of the sidewall portion 57 protrudes in the device area Q1. Here, the "device area Q1" means the area where the communication device 10 is located in the tire radial direction E and the tire circumferential direction F of the sidewall portion 57. In other words, the device area Q1 according to the present embodiment means Fig. 9 Therefore, the protrusion 80 is provided on the outer surface of the sidewall portion 57 at the position covering the communication device 10, so that the buried position of the communication device 10 can be more easily recognized from the outside of the tire 50.

[0104] In addition, the thickness T of the side cover rubber 57a is thinner in the device area Q1 than in the periphery of the device area Q1. The thickness T of the side cover rubber 57a means the thickness in the tire width direction C. Figure 8 and Fig.10 For the sake of explanation, Figure 8In the embodiment, the area connected to one side in the tire radial direction E (as an example of the present embodiment, the outer side in the tire radial direction E) with respect to the device area Q1 is referred to as the first adjacent area Q2. Figure 8 In the embodiment, the area connected to the other side in the tire radial direction E (as an example of the present embodiment, the inner side in the tire radial direction E) with respect to the device area Q1 is referred to as the second adjacent area Q3. Using these definitions, as Figure 8 As shown, the thickness T of the side covering rubber 57a in the device area Q1 is thinner than the position adjacent to the device area Q1 in the first adjacent area Q2 and the position adjacent to the device area Q1 in the second adjacent area Q3. In other words, the thickness T1 of the side covering rubber 57a in the device area Q1 is thinner than the thicknesses T2 and T3 of the side covering rubber 57a at the position adjacent to the device area Q1 in the first adjacent area Q2 and the position adjacent to the device area Q1 in the second adjacent area Q3, which are adjacent to the device area Q1 in the tire radial direction E. Here, in the tire width direction cross-sectional view at the position of the communication device 10 (see Figure 1 and Figure 8 ), "a position adjacent to the device area Q1 in the first adjacent area Q2" means a position within a range of 1 mm or less in the tire radial direction E from the boundary with the device area Q1 in the first adjacent area Q2. Similarly, in the tire width direction cross-sectional view at the position of the communication device 10 (see Figure 1 and Figure 8 ), “a position adjacent to the device region Q1 in the second adjacent region Q3” means a position in the second adjacent region Q3 within a range of 1 mm or less in the tire radial direction E from the boundary with the device region Q1.

[0105] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment, the thickness T of the side cover rubber 57a is compared between the device region Q1 and the positions adjacent to the device region Q1 in the first adjacent region Q2 and the second adjacent region Q3 connected to the device region Q1 in the tire radial direction E, but the same applies in the tire circumferential direction F. Fig.10 In the embodiment, the area on one side of the tire circumferential direction F connected to the device area Q1 is the third adjacent area Q4. Fig.10 In the embodiment, the area on the other side of the tire circumferential direction F connected to the device area Q1 is the fourth adjacent area Q5. Using these definitions, as Fig.10As shown, the thickness T of the side covering rubber 57a is thinner in the device area Q1 than in the third adjacent area Q4 and in the fourth adjacent area Q5 adjacent to the device area Q1. In other words, the thickness T1 of the side covering rubber 57a in the device area Q1 is thinner than the thicknesses T4 and T5 of the side covering rubber 57a at the positions adjacent to the device area Q1 in the third adjacent area Q4 and the fourth adjacent area Q5. Here, in the tire circumferential cross-sectional view of the sidewall portion 57 at the position of the communication device 10 (see Fig.10 ), "a position adjacent to the device area Q1 in the third adjacent area Q4" means a position within a range of 1 mm or less in the tire circumferential direction F from the boundary with the device area Q1 in the third adjacent area Q4. Similarly, in the tire circumferential cross-sectional view of the sidewall portion 57 at the position of the communication device 10 (see Fig.10 ), “a position in the fourth adjacent region Q5 adjacent to the device region Q1” means a position in the fourth adjacent region Q5 within a range of 1 mm or less in the tire circumferential direction F from the boundary with the device region Q1.

[0106] As described above, the thickness T of the side cover rubber 57a is thinner in the device area Q1 than around the device area Q1. Due to this configuration, strain concentration of the protrusion 80 as a portion protruding to indicate the position of the communication device 10 can be suppressed, and the durability of the protrusion 80 can be improved.

[0107] The thickness T1 of the side covering rubber 57a in the device area Q1 does not have to be uniform in the device area Q1. In this case, the "thickness T1 of the side covering rubber 57a in the device area Q1" means the maximum thickness of the side covering rubber 57a in the device area Q1. In addition, each of the thicknesses T2 to T5 of the side covering rubber 57a along the tire radial direction E and the tire circumferential direction F relative to the device area Q1 does not have to be uniform. In this case, each of the "thicknesses T2 to T5 of the side covering rubber 57a along the tire radial direction E and the tire circumferential direction F relative to the device area Q1" means the minimum thickness of the side covering rubber 57a along the tire radial direction E and the tire circumferential direction F around the device area Q1.

[0108] In addition, according to the present embodiment, the protrusion 80 is composed of a convex curved surface having a shape that is larger than the protrusion 80 when viewed from the front side of the outer surface of the sidewall portion 57 (see FIG. Fig. 9 ) is a substantially circular base 80a and a central portion of a top 80b when viewed from the front. Figure 8 As shown, the protrusion 80 according to the present embodiment is a convex shape that protrudes most from the center portion along the tire radial direction E in a tire width direction cross-sectional view at the position of the communication device 10. Fig.10As shown, the protrusion 80 according to the present embodiment is a convex shape that protrudes most in the center portion along the tire circumferential direction F in the tire circumferential cross-sectional view of the sidewall portion 57 at the position of the communication device 10. In particular, as in the present embodiment, the protrusion 80 is preferably a flared shape that changes from a convex curved surface to a concave curved surface along the tire radial direction E and the tire circumferential direction F from the top 80b to the base 80a. In other words, in the tire width direction cross-sectional view at the position of the communication device 10 (see Figure 8 ), the protrusion 80 is preferably in a trumpet shape that changes from a convex curve portion L1 to a concave curve portion L2 via an inflection point CP1 from a top portion 80b at the center in the tire radial direction E to a base portion 80a at both ends along the tire radial direction E. Similarly, in the tire circumferential cross-sectional view of the sidewall portion 57 at the position of the communication device 10 (see Fig.10 ), from the top 80b at the center in the tire circumferential direction F to the base 80a at both ends along the tire circumferential direction F, the protrusion 80 is preferably in a trumpet shape that changes from the convex curve portion L1 to the concave curve portion L2 via the inflection point CP1.

[0109] By making the protrusion 80 have such a trumpet shape, the base 80a of the protrusion 80 and the outer surface of the sidewall portion 57 around the protrusion 80 can be smoothly continuous, and the strain concentration at the base 80a of the protrusion 80 can be suppressed. In addition, the portion of the protrusion 80 including the top 80b is configured to have a convex curved surface, so the top 80b is less likely to have a tapered shape compared to the case where the same portion is configured to have a concave curved surface, and this makes it possible to suppress the tendency of strain to concentrate near the top 80b due to various impacts from the outside of the tire 50. Therefore, the durability of the protrusion 80 can be increased by making the protrusion 80 have a trumpet shape that changes from a convex curved surface to a concave curved surface from the top 80b to the base 80a.

[0110] It is sufficient to arrange at least a part of the protrusion 80 at a position covering the communication device 10 on the outer surface of the tire side portion 57. Therefore, for example, the protrusion 80 may be arranged in a manner covering the entire communication device 10 on the outer surface of the tire side portion 57, or in a manner covering a part of the communication device 10 on the outer surface of the tire side portion 57. Figures 8 to 10 As shown in FIG. 1 , the protrusion 80 preferably covers the entire communication device 10 on the outer surface of the sidewall portion 57. In other words, the base 80a as the outer edge of the protrusion 80 is preferably on the front view of the protrusion 80 (see FIG. 1 ). Fig. 9) in the outside of the device area Q1. By positioning the base 80a outside the device area Q1, the thickness T of the side cover rubber 57a at the boundary between the device area Q1 and the area connected to the device area Q1 in the tire radial direction E and the tire circumferential direction F (according to the present embodiment, the first adjacent area Q2 to the fourth adjacent area Q5) can be changed more gently compared to the configuration in which the base 80a is in the device area Q1. This reduces the rigidity step difference at the above-mentioned boundary and suppresses the strain concentration near the above-mentioned boundary. As a result, the durability of the tire 50 can be improved.

[0111] like Figure 8 As shown, the maximum protrusion PL1 of the outer surface of the sidewall portion 57 in the device area Q1 is preferably from 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm. According to the present embodiment, as an example, the maximum protrusion PL1 is set to 0.5 mm. The maximum protrusion PL1 means the maximum distance between the top 80b and the base 80a in the top normal direction parallel to the normal at the top 80b of the protrusion 80. By setting the maximum protrusion PL1 to 0.1 mm or more, the recognition power from the outside of the tire 50 can be ensured. By setting the maximum protrusion PL1 to 1.0 mm or less, the stress concentration at the protrusion 80 can be suppressed. This can help prevent the protrusion 80 from becoming the starting point of cracking due to strain concentration. From the viewpoint of recognition power from the outside of the tire 50, the maximum protrusion PL1 is more preferably 0.2 mm or more, and even more preferably 0.3 mm or more. From the viewpoint of suppressing strain concentration at the protrusion 80, the maximum protrusion PL1 is more preferably 0.8 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.7 mm or less.

[0112] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , on the outer surface of the sidewall portion 57, a marking portion 90 composed of a protrusion 90a is arranged on at least one side of the device region Q1 along the tire radial direction E (according to the present embodiment, on the outer side of the device region Q1 along the tire radial direction E). Here, examples of the marking portion 90 include a manufacturing company name, a manufacturing company logo, a product name of the tire 50, and the like. The above-mentioned maximum protrusion amount PL1 of the outer surface of the sidewall portion 57 in the device region Q1 (see FIG. 1 ) Figure 8 ) is smaller than the maximum protrusion amount PL2 of the protrusion 90a of the marking portion 90 (see Figure 1 The maximum protrusion amount PL2 means the maximum distance between the top 90a1 of the protrusion 90a and the base 90a2 of the protrusion 90a in the top normal direction parallel to the normal line at the top 90a1 of the protrusion 90a of the marking portion 90.

[0113] As described above, in the tire 50 according to the present embodiment, the communication device 10 is embedded in the sidewall portion 57 of the tire body 60. In particular, Figure 1As shown, the communication device 10 according to the present embodiment is arranged in the tire side portion 57, sandwiched between the reinforcement 51b2 and the sidewall rubber 52a as the side cover rubber 57a adjacent to the reinforcement 51b2, but the position of the communication device 10 may be any other position within the tire side portion 57. Fig.11 , the following is an illustrative illustration of possible locations of the communication device 10 in a tire widthwise cross-sectional view of the tire 50. Fig.11 In addition to Figure 1 and Figures 8 to 10 The position of the communication device 10 shown (denoted by Fig.11 In addition to the white rectangles in FIG. 1 , examples of possible locations of the communication device 10 are also represented by black rectangles.

[0114] As described above, the communication device 10 according to the present embodiment is an RF tag. Hereinafter, the communication device 10 is also referred to as an RF tag. As described above, the RF tag includes an IC chip 11 and an antenna (according to the present embodiment, the first antenna 12 and the second antenna 2 of the substrate 1). The RF tag can be buried in a rubber member such as the sidewall rubber 52a. In addition, the RF tag is preferably not arranged at the boundary of the members of different rigidity in the peripheral length direction, and the peripheral length direction is the direction along the outer surface of the tire in the tire width direction cross-sectional view. In this way, the RF tag is not arranged in a place where the strain is easy to concentrate based on the rigidity step difference. This reduces the load applied to the RF tag. This can improve the durability of the RF tag. In this example, the RF tag is preferably not arranged at the boundary between the return end 54a of the carcass 54 and the member adjacent to the return end 54a of the carcass 54 in the tire width direction cross-section. The number of RF tags is not particularly limited. The tire 50 may include only one RF tag, and may include two or more RF tags. Although the RF tag is shown here as an example of a communication device, the communication device may be something other than an RF tag.

[0115] like Fig.11 As shown, the RF tag can be arranged between the carcass 54 and the sidewall rubber 52a (see Fig.11 ” in the figure (see reference numeral “P1”).

[0116] For example, the RF tag can be arranged between the maximum width position of the tire and the position of the tread surface in the tire radial direction E (see Fig.11 In this way, compared with a configuration in which the RF tag is arranged inside the tire maximum width position in the tire radial direction E, communication with the RF tag from the outside of the tire 50 in the tire radial direction E can be improved.

[0117] The RF tag can be arranged, for example, on the inner side of the tire radial direction E at the tire maximum width position (see Fig.11In this way, the RF tag is arranged near the bead portion 51 having high rigidity. This reduces the load applied to the RF tag. This can improve the durability of the RF tag.

[0118] In particular, the RF tag is preferably arranged on the inner side in the tire radial direction E of the tire maximum width position and on the outer side in the tire radial direction E of the bead core 51a of the bead portion 51 (see Fig.11 In this way, the durability of the RF tag can be improved, and the communication between the RF tag and the reader is less likely to be hindered by the bead core 51a, improving the communication performance of the RF tag.

[0119] When the sidewall rubber 52 a includes a plurality of rubber members of the same or different types adjacent to each other in the tire radial direction E, the RF tag may be arranged to be sandwiched between the plurality of rubber members of the sidewall rubber 52 a .

[0120] The RF tag may be arranged to be sandwiched between the nylon chafer 51d and another member adjacent to the nylon chafer 51d on the outside in the tire width direction C. In this way, the position of the RF tag is less likely to change during tire deformation. This reduces the load applied to the RF tag during tire deformation. This can improve the durability of the RF tag.

[0121] The nylon chafer 51d may include, for example, a portion adjacent to the sidewall rubber 52a on the outer side in the tire width direction C. In this case, the RF tag may be arranged to be sandwiched between the nylon chafer 51d and the sidewall rubber 52a (see FIG. Fig.11 ” in the figure (see reference numeral “P2”).

[0122] The pneumatic tire according to the present disclosure is not limited to the specific configurations exemplified by the above-described embodiments and modifications, and various modifications, changes, and combinations are possible without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0123] [Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) led by the United Nations]

[0124] The Sustainable Development Goals are proposed to achieve a sustainable society. The embodiments of the present disclosure can be considered as technologies that may contribute to "No. 12 Responsible Consumption and Production" and "No. 13 Climate Change".

[0125] Industrial Applicability

[0126] The present disclosure relates to pneumatic tires.

[0127] Description of Reference Numerals

[0128] 1: Substrate

[0129] 2: Second Antenna

[0130] 3: Exterior body

[0131] 10: Communication device

[0132] 11: IC chip

[0133] 12: First Antenna

[0134] 12a: Outer periphery

[0135] 13: Base material

[0136] 13a: Outer periphery

[0137] 21: Electromagnetic field combination

[0138] 21a: End of electromagnetic field coupling part

[0139] 22: Extension

[0140] 22A: First extension

[0141] 22B: Second extension

[0142] 23: Straight line

[0143] 23A: First straight line

[0144] 23B: Second straight line

[0145] 23C: The third straight line

[0146] 24: Turnback

[0147] 24A: First return section

[0148] 24B: Second turning section

[0149] 31: Main body

[0150] 31a: Keep the face

[0151] 31b: Lateral edge

[0152] 31c: end edge

[0153] 31d: end edge

[0154] 32: cover

[0155] 32a: Opposite surface

[0156] 32c: End edge

[0157] 32d: end edge

[0158] 33: Base plate retaining convex portion

[0159] 34: Antenna holding slot

[0160] 34a: Bottom

[0161] 35: Side concave part

[0162] 35a: Periphery

[0163] 35b: First straight line

[0164] 35c: Bend

[0165] 35d: Second straight line

[0166] 36: Side opening

[0167] 37: Substrate holding recess

[0168] 38: Positioning slot

[0169] 38a: Top

[0170] 39: Locking recess

[0171] 40: Locking convex part

[0172] 50: Tires

[0173] 51: Bead

[0174] 51a: bead core

[0175] 51b, 51b1, 51b2: reinforcement

[0176] 51c: Rubber chafer (Example of side covering rubber)

[0177] 51d: Nylon chafer

[0178] 51e: Steel bead chafer

[0179] 51f: Cap rubber

[0180] 52: Sidewall portion (example of sidewall portion)

[0181] 52a: Sidewall rubber (Example of side cover rubber)

[0182] 53: Tread

[0183] 53a: Tread rubber

[0184] 53b: Buffer rubber

[0185] 54: Carcass

[0186] 54a: Return end

[0187] 55: Belt

[0188] 55a to 55d: Belt ply

[0189] 56: Lining

[0190] 57: Sidewall

[0191] 57a: Side cover rubber

[0192] 60: Tire body

[0193] 80: Protrusion

[0194] 80a: Base

[0195] 80b: Top

[0196] 90: Marking Department

[0197] 90a: protrusion

[0198] 90a1: Top

[0199] 90b2: Base

[0200] A: The thickness direction of the second antenna

[0201] B: The in-plane direction of the second antenna

[0202] C: Tire width direction

[0203] CL: Tire equatorial plane

[0204] CP1: Inflection point

[0205] D1: The outer diameter of the electromagnetic field coupling part

[0206] E: Tire Radial

[0207] F: Tire circumference

[0208] H1: Height from the bottom of the antenna holding slot to the cover

[0209] L1: Convex curve

[0210] L2: Concave curve

[0211] PL1: Maximum protrusion of the outer surface of the sidewall portion in the device area

[0212] PL2: Maximum protrusion of the protruding part of the marking part

[0213] Q1: Installation area

[0214] Q2: First adjacent area

[0215] Q3: Second adjacent area

[0216] Q4: Third adjacent area

[0217] Q5: The fourth adjacent area

[0218] T: Thickness of the side cover rubber

[0219] T1: Thickness of the side cover rubber in the device area

[0220] T2, T3: Thickness of the side cover rubber around the installation area in the tire radial direction

[0221] T4, T5: Thickness of the side cover rubber around the device area in the tire circumferential direction

[0222] W1: Width of the antenna holding slot

[0223] P1, P2: Possible locations of communication devices

Claims

1. A pneumatic tire comprising: A tire body including a sidewall portion, the outer surface of the sidewall portion being composed of a side covering rubber; and A communication device embedded in the sidewall of the tire body, wherein When the area where the communication device is located in the tire radial direction and the tire circumferential direction of the tire side portion is defined as the device area, The outer surface of the sidewall portion protrudes in the device region, and The thickness of the side cover rubber is thinner in the device region than around the device region.

2. The pneumatic tire according to claim 1, wherein: The maximum protrusion amount of the outer surface of the sidewall portion in the device area is 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm.

3. The pneumatic tire according to claim 2, wherein: On the outer surface of the sidewall portion, a marking portion consisting of a protrusion is provided on at least one side of the device region in the tire radial direction, and The maximum protrusion amount of the outer surface of the sidewall portion in the device region is smaller than the maximum protrusion amount of the protruding portion of the marking portion.

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