Tire and sensor container assembly with attachment component

Abstract

In one aspect, the invention relates to a tire having an inner surface comprising an elastomeric composition, the inner surface partially surrounding a tire cavity. The tire also includes a component having an attachment surface comprising a polymer composition, the attachment surface being attached to a portion of the inner surface by an adhesive, where the attachment surface comprises a surface pattern comprising protrusions having a height in the range of 20 [mu] m to 1000 [mu] m. In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method of attaching a component to a portion of an inner surface of a tire. Furthermore, the invention relates to a sensor container assembly comprising a sensor container and a tire pressure sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tire comprising a component (e.g. a sensor container) attached to the inner surface of the tire (e.g. the inner surface of an inner liner). The present invention also relates to a sensor container or a sensor container assembly comprising a sensor container and a sensor (in particular a tire pressure sensor). In addition, the present invention relates to a method for attaching a component (e.g. a sensor container) to the inner surface of a tire. Background Art

[0002] Some modern tires include additional components, such as components added after curing, which are attached to the tire after curing. For example, some pneumatic tire types include additional sensors that are attached to the inner surface of the tire within the tire cavity. In order to maintain such sensors in their position during the service life of the tire, they must be reliably attached to the inner surface of the tire. Although some methods of attaching components and / or sensors to the inner surface of the tire may be known in the art, there is still much room for improvement in durable attachment, especially for use in high-speed applications. Summary of the invention

[0003] In a first aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a tire having an inner surface comprising an elastomeric composition, the inner surface partially surrounding a tire cavity, wherein the tire further comprises a component having an attachment surface comprising a polymer composition, the attachment surface being attached to a portion of the inner surface by an adhesive. The attachment surface comprises a surface pattern comprising protrusions having a height ranging from 20 μm to 1000 μm.

[0004] In a second aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a method of attaching a component to a portion of an inner surface of a tire. The method comprises the steps of providing a tire comprising an inner surface partially surrounding a tire cavity; providing a component having an attachment surface comprising a polymer composition and having a surface pattern formed on the attachment surface; applying an adhesive to one or more of the attachment surface and the portion of the inner surface; and attaching the component having its attachment surface to the portion of the inner surface.

[0005] In a third aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a sensor container assembly for a tire, comprising a sensor container having an attachment surface, the attachment surface comprising an elastomeric composition, wherein the attachment surface comprises a surface pattern, the surface pattern comprising a plurality of protrusions having a height in the range of 20 μm to 1000 μm. In addition, the sensor container assembly comprises a tire pressure sensor carried by the sensor container.

[0006] The present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0007] 1. A tire having an inner surface, the inner surface comprising an elastomeric composition and partially surrounding a tire cavity, wherein the tire further comprises a component having an attachment surface, the attachment surface comprising a polymer composition, the attachment surface being attached to a portion of the inner surface by an adhesive, wherein the attachment surface comprises a surface pattern, the surface pattern comprising protrusions having a height in the range of 20 μm to 1000 μm.

[0008] 2. The tire according to claim 1, wherein most of the protrusions include one or more of columns, ribs, cones and pyramids.

[0009] 3. The tire according to claim 1, wherein most of the protrusions are ribs extending parallel to each other.

[0010] 4. The tire according to claim 3, wherein the rib has a width in the range of 30 μm to 800 μm.

[0011] 5. The tire according to claim 3, wherein a distance between adjacent ribs is in the range of 30 μm to 800 μm.

[0012] 6. The tire according to claim 3, wherein the portion of the inner surface includes another surface pattern, the other surface pattern including one or more of columns, ribs, cones, and pyramids.

[0013] 7. The tire according to claim 1, wherein spaces between adjacent protrusions are at least mainly filled with an adhesive.

[0014] 8. The tire according to claim 1, wherein the surface pattern is open along at least one direction parallel to the attachment surface.

[0015] 9. The tire according to claim 1, wherein the tire includes an inner liner, and wherein the portion of the inner surface is a portion of a surface of the inner liner.

[0016] 10. The tire according to claim 1, wherein the component is one or more of the following:

[0017] sensor;

[0018] container;

[0019] a container containing a sensor;

[0020] comprising an elastomeric composition;

[0021] A sulfur-cured rubber composition comprising:

[0022] Included are containers having attachment surfaces with a maximum diameter in the range of 10 mm to 60 mm.

[0023] 11. A method of attaching a component to a portion of the inner surface of a tire, comprising the steps of:

[0024] providing a tire, the tire comprising an inner surface partially surrounding a tire cavity;

[0025] providing a component having an attachment surface, the attachment surface comprising a polymer composition and having a surface pattern formed on the attachment surface;

[0026] applying an adhesive to one or more of the attachment surface and the portion of the inner surface; and

[0027] The component is attached to the portion of the interior surface via its attachment surface.

[0028] 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of providing a tire comprises providing a cured tire.

[0029] 13. A method according to Option 11, wherein the step of providing a component having an attachment surface further includes: forming a surface pattern on the attachment surface by one or more of molding, additive manufacturing, and subtractive manufacturing to obtain a surface pattern formed on the attachment surface.

[0030] 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the part is a container comprising an elastomeric composition, and wherein the surface pattern is formed when the container is molded.

[0031] 15. A method according to claim 13, wherein the surface pattern is formed by subtractive manufacturing.

[0032] 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the surface pattern is formed by laser ablation.

[0033] 17. The method according to claim 11, wherein the method further comprises the step of laser cleaning one or more of the attachment surface and the portion of the inner surface before attaching the component.

[0034] 18. A method according to Option 11, wherein the component is a sensor container, and wherein the method further comprises the step of installing a sensor in the sensor container, wherein the sensor container is attached to the portion of the inner surface together with the sensor installed in the sensor container via an attachment surface.

[0035] 19. The method according to claim 11,

[0036] wherein the surface pattern comprises protrusions having one or more of: i) a height in the range of 20 μm to 1000 μm, and ii) one or more of pillars, ribs and pyramids;

[0037] and

[0038] Wherein, the portion of the inner surface optionally includes another surface pattern, which includes protrusions having one or more of the following: A) a height in the range of 20μm to 500μm, and B) one or more of columns, ribs, cones and pyramids.

[0039] 20. A sensor container assembly for a tire, comprising:

[0040] A sensor container having an attachment surface comprising an elastomeric composition, wherein the attachment surface comprises a surface pattern comprising a plurality of protrusions having a height in a range of 20 μm to 1000 μm; and

[0041] A tire pressure sensor carried by a sensor container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tire including a sensor container carrying a sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the sensor container having the sensor installed therein already shown;

[0045] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic plan view of the bottom of the sensor container shown in FIG.

[0046] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-section of another embodiment of a sensor container having triangular protrusions on its attachment surface;

[0047] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-section of another embodiment of a sensor container having a plurality of posts on an attachment surface thereof;

[0048] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-section of a comparative sensor container attached to a tire inner liner using an adhesive, the sensor container having no protrusions on its attachment surface; and

[0049] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 , 2 3 and 4 show schematic cross-sections of sensor containers attached to an inner lining layer, wherein the spaces between the protrusions on the attachment surface are filled with an adhesive to bond the sensor container to the inner lining layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] According to said first aspect, the invention relates to a tire having an inner surface (for example formed by an inner liner of the tire), the inner surface comprising or being formed by an elastomeric composition (preferably a rubber composition) and partially surrounding a tire cavity. The tire also comprises a component (or in other words, a device) having an attachment surface, the attachment surface comprising or being formed by a polymer composition (preferably an elastomeric composition, or in particular a rubber composition), the attachment surface being attached to a portion of the inner surface by means of or through an adhesive. The attachment surface comprises a surface pattern comprising protrusions having a height in the range of 20 μm to 1000 μm, preferably in the range of 30 μm to 500 μm, or more preferably in the range of 30 μm to 200 μm, or even more preferably in the range of 50 μm to 150 μm. For example, such a surface pattern helps to ensure that the adhesive is not completely displaced from a large area of ​​the attachment surface during mounting of the component to the inner surface. In particular, in the absence of such protrusions, it may happen that the adhesive is unevenly distributed due to displacement within the surface area, which may lead to a weakening of the adhesion of the component to the inner surface. Furthermore, providing such a surface pattern helps to provide a more regular adhesive layer between the inner surface and the component. In addition, the pattern increases the total surface area covered with adhesive.

[0051] In one embodiment, preferably, most of the protrusions include one or more posts, ribs, cones and pyramids. Optionally, the post can have various cross-sectional shapes (in a plane parallel to the attachment surface), including but not limited to circular, elliptical, polygonal, rectangular, triangular and other cross-sectional shapes. As another option, the rib can also be regarded as an elongated rib extending along the attachment surface. The rib can have various cross-sectional shapes, particularly in a plane perpendicular to its elongated shape, such as including rectangles, triangles, curved shapes, semicircular and other cross-sectional shapes. The rib can extend over the entire width of the attachment surface and / or only extend along the portion of the attachment surface. A plurality of ribs can be lined up in a row, one by one (e.g., spaced apart from each other). The rib can optionally extend along the attachment surface in one or more of a kink shape, a curved shape, a wavy shape and a zigzag shape. The pyramid can, for example, include one or more of a polygonal base shape, a rectangular base shape, a triangular base shape and other base shapes. Optionally, the term surface pattern can also be understood as surface texture.

[0052] In another embodiment, the attachment surface comprises at least 10, preferably at least 20, or even more preferably at least 50 protrusions, or at least 100 protrusions.

[0053] In another embodiment, most of the protrusions are ribs extending parallel to each other. The ribs may extend over the entire width of the attachment surface or only over a portion of the attachment surface. In one embodiment, most of the ribs extend over at least 90% of the width of the attachment surface, which width may be measured at the location of each rib or along the length of each rib, respectively. The ribs can be manufactured relatively quickly and / or reliably, and can provide a solid foundation for attaching the component to the inner surface. In addition, adjacent parallel ribs form channels between them that allow the adhesive to flow parallel to the ribs along the attachment surface. Excess adhesive can leave the interface between the attachment surface and the portion of the inner surface through such channels. This helps to provide a more uniform and / or regular adhesive thickness at the interface between the component and the inner surface.

[0054] In another embodiment, the attachment surface is one or more of substantially circular, flat and planar. Additionally, or alternatively, the portion of the inner surface is one or more of substantially circular, flat and planar.

[0055] In yet another embodiment, the protrusions (e.g. ribs) have one or more widths (or diameters) in the range of 30 μm to 800 μm, preferably 30 μm to 600 μm, or even 50 μm to 600 μm. This (maximum) width of the rib is measured perpendicular to its extension. Preferably, the ribs do not cross and / or touch each other. The width and / or diameter may vary, for example, within such a range.

[0056] Regarding the height ranges mentioned herein, it should be noted that the minimum height should not exclude typical surface roughness. Optionally, the attachment surface and / or part of the inner surface may also include protrusions with a height less than 20 μm, but the pattern has at least protrusions within one of the above ranges.

[0057] In yet another embodiment, the attachment surface has no protrusions having a height greater than 1000 μm, greater than 500 μm, greater than 200 μm, or greater than 150 μm.

[0058] In yet another embodiment, the distance between adjacent protrusions (e.g. ribs) is in the range of 30 μm to 800 μm, preferably 30 μm to 600 μm, or 50 μm to 600 μm. The distance may vary, for example, within these ranges. The distance between adjacent protrusions (or in other words the lateral distance) is measured as the shortest line between these protrusions.

[0059] In yet another embodiment, the (lateral) distance between the top center of a rib and the top center of an adjacent rib is in the range of 60 μm to 1600 μm, preferably in the range of 60 μm to 1200 μm, or 100 μm to 1200 μm.

[0060] In yet another embodiment, the portion of the inner surface comprises another surface pattern. This other surface pattern can be selected and / or sized as described in the above embodiments regarding the surface pattern of the attachment surface. The pattern of this portion of the inner surface can be the same or different from the pattern of the attachment surface.

[0061] In yet another embodiment, the pattern is a regular pattern, optionally with one or more repeating distances between adjacent protrusions.

[0062] In yet another embodiment, the portion of the inner surface may have a substantially circular shape and / or have an area that is at least the same as the area of ​​the attachment surface, or at least 5% larger, or even at least 20% larger. In particular, the portion of the inner surface may have an additional surface pattern or texture. In addition, or alternatively, the attachment surface may also have a circular shape. Optionally, the circular portion of the inner surface may have a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the circular attachment portion, preferably in the range of 1% to 20% larger. Optionally, for example, before forming the surface pattern on the portion of the inner surface, the portion is cleaned, for example laser cleaned.

[0063] In yet another embodiment, the spaces between the protrusions are at least predominantly filled with adhesive. The adhesive may be considered to be part of the tire.

[0064] In yet another embodiment, the surface pattern is open along at least one direction parallel to the attachment surface. In other words, the pattern is open laterally to at least one side. In particular, in such an embodiment, the adhesive (when still in a liquid state) can flow between the protrusions along the attachment surface. In particular, such protrusions will not block this flow in all directions parallel to the surface. If the pattern is laterally closed / blocked, or in other words parallel to the attachment surface is not open, the adhesive may still exist in the space between the protrusions, but the flow and / or distribution may not be very effective. In addition, or alternatively, the surface pattern includes a passage between the protrusions, allowing the fluid to flow between a first lateral side of the surface pattern and a second lateral side of the surface pattern (which is laterally opposite to the first lateral side of the surface pattern).

[0065] In yet another embodiment, the tire includes an innerliner (which can generally be described as a gas barrier layer comprising or consisting of a rubber composition (e.g., comprising butyl rubber and a filler material)), wherein the portion of the inner surface is a portion of a surface of the innerliner, in particular a portion of the surface facing the tire cavity.

[0066] In yet another embodiment, the component is one or more of: a container; a sensor; a sensor container; a container including a sensor (which may also be considered a sensor container assembly); including or made of an elastomeric composition; including or made of a rubber composition; including or made of a sulfur-cured rubber composition; a container including an attachment surface. Alternatively, the container may also be an RFID tag including an attachment surface. Alternatively, the sensor may be at least partially encapsulated in a polymer composition and / or have an attachment surface formed of a polymer composition.

[0067] In yet another embodiment, the tire is one of a passenger car tire, a motorcycle tire, a truck tire, an aircraft tire, an agricultural tire, a racing tire (eg, one of a slick tire and a semi-slick tire), and an off-road tire.

[0068] In yet another embodiment, the adhesive is selected from one or more of a cyanoacrylate adhesive, a solvent-based adhesive, an epoxy adhesive, an isocyanate adhesive, a silicone adhesive, a polyurethane adhesive, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The adhesive may also be applied in multiple layers, such as by a double-sided tape. The use of tape is also encompassed by the terms "attached by, using, or through an adhesive" or "applying an adhesive".

[0069] In yet another embodiment, the tire is a pneumatic tire, preferably a passenger car or truck pneumatic tire.

[0070] In yet another embodiment, the elastomeric composition (e.g., rubber composition) includes one or more of the following: one or more rubbers (e.g., including one or more of natural rubber, synthetic polyisoprene, butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, butyl rubber), fillers (e.g., including one or more of carbon black and silica), one or more resins (e.g., one or more hydrocarbon resins, including one or more of coumarone-indene resins, petroleum hydrocarbon resins, terpene resins, styrene / α-methylstyrene resins, terpene phenol resins, rosin-derived resins, and copolymers and / or mixtures thereof), one or more accelerators, one or more antidegradants, one or more oils, one or more liquid diene polymers, one or more coupling agents (e.g., carbon black coupling agents and / or silanes), one or more sulfur donors, and sulfur or one or more sulfur compositions. The composition may be a sulfur-curable or sulfur-curable rubber composition. For example, the inner surface and / or the attachment surface may include, be formed by, and / or consist of such a composition. Optionally, the container includes and / or consists of such a composition. Optionally, the elastomeric composition, such as the rubber composition, may be cord and / or fiber reinforced.

[0071] In yet another embodiment, the elastomeric composition comprises and / or is based on a thermoplastic elastomer, such as a thermoplastic polyester elastomer. Optionally, one or more of the attachment surface, component, container and sensor container comprises, is formed from, or consists of such a composition.

[0072] In yet another embodiment, the polymer composition is selected from an elastomeric composition (eg, as described herein above) and a polyurethane-based composition.

[0073] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method of attaching a component (or in other words, a device) to a portion of the inner surface of a tire. For example, the tire may be a tire according to the first aspect and / or one or more embodiments thereof or other embodiments disclosed herein. The method comprises the following steps:

[0074] providing a tire, preferably a cured tire, comprising an inner surface (e.g., a surface of a preferably cured innerliner) at least partially surrounding a tire cavity;

[0075] providing a component, such as a container or a sensor, having an attachment surface comprising a polymer composition and having a surface pattern formed on the attachment surface;

[0076] applying an adhesive to one or more of the attachment surface and the portion of the inner surface; and

[0077] The component is attached to the portion of the interior surface via its attachment surface.

[0078] In one embodiment, the step of providing a tire includes providing a cured tire.

[0079] In another embodiment, the method further comprises the step of forming or manufacturing the surface pattern on the attachment surface by one or more of molding (e.g. injection molding), additive manufacturing (e.g. one or more of 3D printing, chemical deposition and vapor deposition; wherein the added material is preferably the same as the material of the attachment surface), subtractive manufacturing (e.g. one or more of laser engraving, chemical removal (e.g. etching) and grinding, mechanical techniques). The additive manufacturing and / or subtractive manufacturing is also preferred when the surface pattern is provided on part of the inner surface of the tire. Laser engraving or ablation is particularly preferred.

[0080] In yet another embodiment, the component is a container comprising an elastomeric composition, preferably a rubber composition, wherein the surface pattern is optionally formed when the container is molded. Alternatively, the attachment surface can be part of a layer that is attached and / or bonded to such a container. The layer can be molded, including the surface pattern.

[0081] In yet another embodiment, the surface pattern is formed by subtractive manufacturing, which is a preferred method herein.

[0082] In yet another embodiment, the surface pattern is formed by laser engraving / ablation.

[0083] In yet another embodiment, the method further comprises the step of cleaning one or more of the attachment surface and the portion of the inner surface prior to attaching the component. Preferably, such cleaning step involves laser cleaning. Preferably, the cleaning step is performed prior to the step of forming the surface pattern on the respective surface. Other cleaning options include, for example, solvent cleaning. In another option, a removable foil is provided on the inner surface (e.g., the surface of the inner liner) prior to curing the tire, and the removable foil can be peeled off after curing to provide a relatively clean surface.

[0084] In another embodiment, the component is a sensor container, and the method optionally further comprises the step of installing the sensor in the sensor container. Preferably, the sensor container is attached to the portion of the inner surface with its attachment surface together with the installed sensor. In other words, the sensor is optionally installed in the sensor container in a first step, and in a second step the sensor container is attached to the portion of the inner surface together with the installed sensor. Optionally, the sensor container is applied to the inner surface by a robotic device, for example, the sensor container is pushed substantially vertically onto the portion of the inner surface. Preferably, the sensor is located in a laterally central region or portion of the sensor container, and optionally, the robotic device is pushed onto the sensor container in a region laterally beside the sensor (optionally concentrically around the sensor) so as to attach the sensor container to the portion of the inner surface.

[0085] In another embodiment, the surface pattern includes protrusions having one or more of: a height in the range of 20 μm to 1000 μm; and one or more of columns, ribs, and pyramids. It should be noted that very tall protrusions (measured perpendicular to the plane of the attachment surface) are less ideal because the adhesive collected between these protrusions may be too thick, which may result in a large consumption of adhesive and / or may even weaken the bond strength because very thick adhesive layers (such as adhesive layers based on cyanoacrylate adhesives) may tend to become brittle. Very small protrusions may also be less ideal because the adhesive layer collected between the protrusions may be very thin and / or the ability of the adhesive to flow parallel to the attachment surface may be limited.

[0086] In yet another embodiment, the portion of the inner surface includes another surface pattern including protrusions having one or more of: a height in the range of 20 μm to 500 μm; and one or more of columns, ribs, cones, and pyramids. With respect to the portion of the inner surface, protrusions having a larger height may also be less desirable, particularly when obtained using a subtractive method. Excessive removal of material at the inner surface (e.g., inner liner material) may compromise the airtight layer of the inner surface of the tire.

[0087] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a sensor container assembly for a tire. The assembly comprises i) a sensor container having an attachment surface comprising an elastomeric composition (e.g. a rubber composition) and / or consisting of an elastomeric composition, wherein the attachment surface comprises a surface pattern comprising a plurality of protrusions having a height in the range of 20 μm to 1000 μm. Furthermore, the sensor container comprises a tire pressure sensor carried by the sensor container.

[0088] In one embodiment, the sensor container includes a hollow space for receiving and / or carrying the sensor.

[0089] In another embodiment, the space is one of a substantially hollow cylindrical space and a frustoconical space.

[0090] In yet another embodiment, the space is located at the lateral center of the sensor container.

[0091] In another embodiment, the sensor has a flange portion for holding the sensor in place, for example in said space and / or by a form fit.

[0092] In another embodiment, the sensor can be removed or separated from the container by deformation of the preferably flexible flange portion.Preferably, the flange portion is made of an elastomeric composition, preferably a rubber composition.

[0093] In another embodiment, the pressure sensor is adapted to measure pressure and optionally one or more of temperature and acceleration.

[0094] In another embodiment, a pressure sensor may involve an energy source (eg, one or more of a battery, an energy harvesting device, and an electromagnetic energy receiver), a processor, and a memory.

[0095] In a further embodiment, the sensor container has a bottom portion having an attachment surface, and wherein the space is optionally arranged opposite the attachment surface. Optionally, the bottom portion supports the sensor, such as a bottom portion of the sensor.

[0096] In yet another embodiment, the attachment surface has one of a circular shape and an oval shape.

[0097] In yet another embodiment, the sensor container is an RFID tag.

[0098] In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a sensor container comprising or consisting of an elastomeric composition comprising a bottom portion having an attachment surface to be attached to the inner surface of a tire. The attachment surface comprises a plurality of protrusions having a height in the range of 20 μm to 1000 μm. In addition, the sensor container comprises one or more of a substantially hollow cylindrical space and a truncated conical space for receiving a cylindrical sensor, such as a cylindrical tire pressure sensor. Optionally, the space comprises a flange portion, such as a flexible portion, located at the top portion of the sensor container, the top portion being opposite to the bottom portion of the container and / or opposite to the attachment surface. Preferably, the bottom portion supports the bottom of the sensor.

[0099] It should be emphasized that the features and / or embodiments of the above aspects can be combined with each other. The same applies to the features and / or embodiments mentioned below.

[0100] Figure 1 A schematic cross section of a tire 1 according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. The tire 1 comprises a tread portion 10, two sidewalls 50 and two bead portions 40, each of which comprises a bead 41, an apex 43 and a chafer 42. In addition, the tire 1 comprises an inner liner 61, which forms an inner surface 60 of the tire 1 and partially surrounds the tire cavity. The tire 1 also comprises two carcass plies 62, 63 folded around each bead 41, and two belt layers 64, 65, and a cover layer 66 covering the belt layers 64, 65.

[0101] According to the present embodiment, the inner surface 60 of the tire 1 or the inner surface of the inner liner 61 carries a sensor container 20 radially below the tread portion 10 and / or the belt layers 64, 65, respectively, which partially surrounds and / or carries a sensor 21. Such a sensor 21 may be, for example, a tire pressure sensor or include a tire pressure sensor. The sensor container 20 is preferably made of a rubber composition, which is attached or adhered to the inner liner 61 via its attachment surface with an adhesive, such as a cyanoacrylate adhesive. The sensor container 20 and the sensor 21 may be considered together as a sensor container assembly.

[0102] For better understanding, Figure 1 , the radial direction r, the circumferential direction c and the axial direction a are indicated. The axial direction is parallel to the axis of rotation of the tire. The circumferential direction c is parallel to the circumference of the tire and is perpendicular to the axial direction a. The radial direction r is also perpendicular to the axial direction and the circumferential direction. It should be emphasized that, unless otherwise specified herein, a reference to one of these directions does not necessarily limit it to a specific orientation.

[0103] Figure 2An enlarged cross section of a sensor container 20 and a sensor 21 is schematically shown in further detail. The sensor 21 is at least partially surrounded and / or carried by the sensor container 20. The sensor container 20 has a bottom portion 24, a substantially hollow cylindrical or frustoconical sensor holding portion 26, and a circular flange portion 27 to hold the sensor 21 (which may have a substantially cylindrical shape, for example) in the sensor container 20. The bottom portion 24 also includes an attachment surface 25 (on a side opposite and / or facing away from the sensor 21) for attaching the sensor container 20 to the inner surface of a pneumatic tire (i.e., within the tire cavity). The attachment surface 25 of the sensor container 20 is schematically shown with protrusions, here ribs 22, which protrude from the surface to be attached to the inner surface of the tire 1. The depicted protrusions, here in the form of ribs 22, have a substantially rectangular cross section perpendicular to their length / extension. The width of these ribs 22 extends in direction w, their elongated length extends in direction l, and their height extends in direction h indicated, which is perpendicular to the plane of the attachment surface 25. The spaces provided transversely between the ribs 22 are indicated here by reference numeral 23. It is worth noting that the number, size and distance of the ribs 22 are Figure 2 . Typically, the width of such a rib is in the range of 30 μm to 800 μm, for example 100 μm in one example. The distance between adjacent ribs may be in the range of 30 μm to 800 μm, for example 400 μm in one example. The height of the ribs may be in the range of 30 μm to 500 μm, for example 70 μm in a preferred example. In the case of pillars, these pillars may, for example, have a width and length of similar order of magnitude, for example in the range of 30 μm to 800 μm.

[0104] Figure 3 Shown with Figure 2 . In particular, the bottom of the sensor container 20, or in other words, its attachment surface 25, is shown, with a plurality of ribs 22 and spaces 23 (or in other words channels) between these adjacent ribs 22. In this case, the attachment surface 25 of the sensor container 20 has a circular cross-section. Other shapes are also possible. However, curved shapes are preferred (e.g. curved attachment surfaces) because they reduce the risk of detachment at corners. The (maximum) diameter of the sensor container is preferably less than 60 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment surface 25 has a diameter of 42 mm, or a diameter in the range of 40 mm to 45 mm.

[0105] Figure 4Another schematic cross section of a sensor container 20' according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. In particular, the sensor container 20' comprises an attachment surface 25' having prismatic ribs 22'. The ribs 22' have an elongated shape extending in a direction l.

[0106] Figure 5 Yet another sensor container 22" according to yet another embodiment of the invention is shown, which includes a plurality of circular posts 22" extending from an attachment surface 25". The posts 22" have a curved shape at their distal ends (facing the inner surface). In another example, they may be substantially hemispherical. In the depicted embodiment, the attachment surface 25" does not include ribs, but rather a plurality of circular posts, for example, regularly distributed on the attachment surface 25" along directions w and l.

[0107] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The sensor containers without the protrusions according to the invention (i.e., Figure 6 ) and a sensor container having a protrusion according to an embodiment of the present invention (ie, as Figure 7 ). About Figure 6 , a sensor container 20"' (not according to the present invention) is attached to an inner liner 61"' by an adhesive 30"' applied to its attachment surface 25"'. The lateral distribution of the adhesive 30"' is irregular along the surface. While the central area of ​​the attachment surface 25"' has a relatively large thickness of adhesive material, the lateral outer edges of the attachment surface 25"' have little or no adhesive. This exemplary uneven distribution of adhesive impairs optimal bonding of the container 20"' to the inner liner 61"'. In addition, excessively thick adhesive areas (such as in the central portion of the attachment surface 25") may result in large amounts of brittle adhesive, further impairing durability. For example, the depicted adhesive distribution may occur if the sensor is already mounted to the container during attachment, wherein physical pressure on the sensor should be avoided, thereby pushing the circumferential bottom of the container 20"' onto the inner surface 60"' of the inner liner 61"'.

[0108] and Figure 6 Compared with the situation shown, Figure 7 The attachment conditions shown are significantly improved, which are in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention and show Figure 1 , 2 3. In particular, the protrusions 22 (here in the form of ribs 22) allow the adhesive 30 to be distributed regularly and / or controlled on the attachment surface 25. Excess adhesive can flow along and between adjacent protrusions or ribs 22 and be discharged. The total contact area of ​​the adhesive at the interface is increased. In addition, an excessively thick adhesive layer can be more easily avoided. The bonding to the inner surface 60 of the liner layer 61 is improved.

[0109] The inventor also Figure 6 and Figure 7 The sensor container shown was subjected to comparative tests, i.e. mounted on the innerliner below the tread centerline and radially below the tread. The corresponding tires were driven in high-speed tests at speeds between 250 km / h and 300 km / h. In these tests, it was observed that the Figure 7 The container with the patterned (particularly ribbed) surface shown provides good adhesion up to over 300 km / h, whereas the comparative example without protrusions on its surface only adheres below speeds of about 290 km / h.

[0110] The sensor container has been mentioned herein as a preferred example of a component to be attached to the inner surface of the tire. It should be emphasized that other components may also be attached.

[0111] In summary, the present invention and / or its embodiments provide an advanced method for reliably and / or durably attaching a component such as a sensor container or a sensor to the inner surface of a tire. The thickness of the adhesive layer between the inner surface and the attachment component can be better controlled. In particular, excessively thick adhesive portions can be reduced and the uniform distribution of adhesive material can be facilitated. In addition, it is easier to provide a minimum thickness of adhesive along the attachment surface and increase the contact surface between the inner surface and the container. The same applies to the bond strength between the inner surface of the tire and the attachment surface.

[0112] According to the description provided herein, the present invention can be varied. Although certain representative embodiments and details have been shown for the purpose of illustrating the present invention, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that changes may be made to the specific embodiments described, and these changes will fall within the full intended scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A tire having an inner surface, the inner surface comprising an elastomeric composition and partially surrounding a tire cavity, wherein: The tire further comprises a component having an attachment surface comprising a polymer composition, the attachment surface being attached to a portion of the inner surface by an adhesive, wherein the attachment surface comprises a surface pattern comprising protrusions having a height in the range of 20 μm to 1000 μm.

2. The tire of claim 1, wherein a majority of the protrusions comprise one or more of posts, ribs, cones, and pyramids.

3. The tire of claim 1, wherein a majority of the protrusions are ribs extending parallel to each other. 4 . The tire according to claim 3 , wherein the ribs have a width in the range of 30 μm to 800 μm. 5 . The tire according to claim 3 , wherein the distance between adjacent ribs is in the range of 30 μm to 800 μm.

6. The tire of claim 3, wherein the portion of the inner surface includes another surface pattern including one or more of posts, ribs, cones, and pyramids.

7. The tire of claim 1, wherein spaces between adjacent protrusions are at least primarily filled with adhesive.

8. The tire of claim 1, wherein the surface pattern is open along at least one direction parallel to the attachment surface.

9. The tire of claim 1, wherein the tire includes an innerliner, and wherein the portion of the inner surface is a portion of a surface of the innerliner.

10. A method of attaching a component to a portion of the inner surface of a tire, comprising the steps of: providing a tire, the tire comprising an inner surface partially surrounding a tire cavity; providing a component having an attachment surface, the attachment surface comprising a polymer composition and having a surface pattern formed on the attachment surface; applying an adhesive to one or more of the attachment surface and the portion of the inner surface; and The component is attached to the portion of the interior surface via its attachment surface.

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