Tire and tire forming mold

Abstract

The present invention easily improves the black density of a pattern region, and easily achieves a high contrast ratio between the pattern region and the surroundings thereof. The tire is provided with a pattern region in a portion of the outer surface of the sidewall, the pattern region being visible as a portion different from the periphery of the portion. The pattern region is provided with a plurality of two or more multi-segment cones, each of which includes a base portion and a top portion provided closer to the distal end side than the base portion. A top taper angle, which is an inclination angle of the tapered surface of the top with respect to the protruding direction of the multistage cone, and a base taper angle, which is an inclination angle of the tapered surface of the base with respect to the protruding direction, differ from each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tire having a pattern area for displaying, for example, a logo, a tread pattern, etc. on a part of the outer surface of the sidewall, and a tire molding die for molding the tire. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a tire in which a pattern area formed by a plurality of minute protrusions is provided on a part of the sidewall of the tire (for example, Patent Document 1, etc.). In such a pattern area, the incident light is repeatedly reflected between the protrusions to generate a light absorption effect, whereby it is visually recognized as darker than the outer surface of the surrounding sidewall, and the contrast is improved. By providing such a pattern area, for example, the design effect and the appearance of the tire can be improved.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-1440 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The high contrast achieved by a plurality of protrusions is less likely to undergo secular changes compared to the method achieved by painting or the like, and has the advantage of maintaining its effect for a long time. Therefore, it is desired to further increase the black density compared to the prior art and promote high contrast, and to form a pattern area based on protrusions that further improves the design effect and appearance.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to easily increase the black density of the pattern area and easily achieve high contrast between the pattern area and its surroundings.

[0009] Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] The tire of the present invention has a pattern area on a part of the outer surface of the sidewall, and the pattern area is visually recognizable as a part different from the surroundings of the part. Among them,

[0011] A plurality of multi-stage cones having two or more stages are provided in the pattern area. The multi-stage cone includes a base and a top provided at a position closer to the top side than the base.

[0012] The top cone angle, which is the inclination angle of the conical surface as the top with respect to the protruding direction of the multi-stage cone, is different from the base cone angle, which is the inclination angle of the conical surface as the base with respect to the protruding direction.

[0013] The tire molding die of the present invention is for molding the tire of the present invention. Among them,

[0014] The tire forming die has a multi-stage tapered portion, and the multi-stage tapered portion includes a plurality of concave portions corresponding to the plurality of multi-stages of tapers.

[0015] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0016] In the tire according to the present invention, by making the apex taper angle and the base taper angle different from each other, it is easier to freely set the shape of the multi-stage taper serving as a protrusion as compared with the case where they are not made different. Thereby, it is easy to increase the black density of the pattern area and it is easy to achieve high contrast between the pattern area and its surroundings. In addition, with the tire forming die according to the present invention, such a tire can be manufactured. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 FIG. is a side view showing a tire according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 FIG. is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a tire forming die.

[0019] Figure 3 FIG. is a perspective view showing a pattern area of a tire.

[0020] Figure 4 FIG. shows Figure 3 a cross-section taken along line fg4-fg4 of

[0021] Figure 5 FIG. is a view Figure 4 enlarging a part of

[0022] Figure 6 FIG. is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a formed pattern area in a tire forming die.

[0023] Figure 7 FIG. is a side view showing a pattern area according to the second embodiment.

[0024] Figure 8 FIG. is a perspective view showing a pattern area according to the third embodiment.

[0025] Figure 9 FIG. shows Figure 8 a cross-section taken along line fg9-fg9 of

[0026] Figure 10 FIG. is a view Figure 9 enlarging a part of

[0027] Figure 11 FIG. is a perspective view showing a pattern area according to the fourth embodiment.

[0028] Figure 12 FIG. shows Figure 11 a cross-section taken along line fg12-fg12 of

[0029] Figure 13 is a figure in which a part of Figure 12 is enlarged.

[0030] Figure 14 is a perspective view showing a multi-stage cone of the fifth embodiment.

[0031] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the multi-stage cone.

[0032] Description of reference numerals:

[0033] 1 Tire

[0034] 3 Sidewall

[0035] 3a Outer surface of the sidewall

[0036] 7 Pattern area

[0037] 7a Reference plane

[0038] 10 Tire forming die

[0039] 15 Recess

[0040] 16 Multi-stage cone forming part

[0041] 20 Multi-stage cone

[0042] 21 Top

[0043] 21s Top conical surface

[0044] 22 Middle part

[0045] 22s Middle part conical surface

[0046] 23 Base

[0047] 23d Overlapping part

[0048] 23s Base conical surface

[0049] 23v Base imaginary cone

[0050] 24 Protrusion

[0051] Dp Protrusion direction of the multi-stage cone

[0052] h Protrusion length of the multi-stage cone

[0053] hv Protrusion length of the base imaginary cone

[0054] θ1 Top conical angle

[0055] θ3 Base conical angle. Detailed implementation mode

[0056] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments at all, and can be implemented with appropriate modifications within the scope of the present invention.

[0057] [First embodiment]

[0058] Figure 1 1 is a side view of a tire 1 according to an embodiment. The tire 1 is a so-called pneumatic tire whose inner cavity is filled with a predetermined air pressure. The tire 1 according to the embodiment is a pneumatic tire for passenger vehicles including light vehicles, SUVs, etc. It should be noted that the structure of the tire 1 according to the embodiment can also be applied to pneumatic tires for other types of vehicles such as light trucks, trucks, and buses.

[0059] First, refer to Figure 1 The outline of the structure of the tire 1 mainly related to the side faces will be described. Figure 1 This is a side view of the tire 1 viewed from the direction of the tire rotation axis X. It should be noted that the "tire axial direction", "tire circumferential direction" and "tire radial direction" mentioned in the following description are as follows. "Tire axial direction" refers to the extension direction of the tire rotation axis X. Figure 1 The middle refers to the front and back direction of the paper. It should be noted that when the tire is viewed from the radial direction, the tire axial direction is the left and right direction, so sometimes "the two sides of the tire axial direction" are referred to as "left and right". The "tire circumferential direction" refers to the arc line centered on the tire rotation axis X, which is the direction along the rotation direction of the tire 1. Figure 1 Indicated by arrow G. “Tire radial direction” refers to the direction perpendicular to the tire rotation axis X. Figure 1 It is arbitrarily indicated by arrow Y. Hereinafter, the side farther from the tire rotation axis X in the tire radial direction is referred to as the "tire radial outer side", and the side closer to the tire rotation axis X in the tire radial direction is referred to as the "tire radial inner side".

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the tire 1 includes a bead 2, a sidewall 3, and a tread 4. The sidewall 3 extends from the bead 2 to the outside in the tire radial direction. The bead 2 and the sidewall 3 are respectively Figure 1 The side 1s of the tire 1 shown is separated from the side 1s of the tire 1 in the axial direction. Figure 1 The other side surface not shown in the figure is provided with one on each side, that is, a pair of left and right. The tread 4 connects the radially outer ends of the left and right sidewalls 3. The outer peripheral surface of the tread 4 includes a tread surface that contacts the road surface.

[0061] The tire 1 is composed mainly of various rubbers that respectively form the bead 2, the sidewall 3, and the tread 4. A carcass ply that forms the skeleton of the tire 1 is disposed on the inner cavity side of the rubber that constitutes the entire tire 1. Further, an airtight layer that maintains the air pressure is disposed on the inner cavity side of the carcass ply. In addition, an annular reinforcing belt layer (the carcass ply, the airtight layer, and the reinforcing belt layer are omitted from illustration) is embedded in the rubber that forms the tread 4. It should be noted that, in addition to these components, various components are also provided as needed in terms of the functions of the tire 1.

[0062] As Figure 1 shown, the sidewall 3 has an annular decorative area 5 on its outer surface 3a that extends over the entire tire circumference. The decorative area 5 is an area with a constant width sandwiched between a prescribed inner arc line 5a and an outer arc line 5b that is radially outside the tire compared to the inner arc line 5a. The inner arc line 5a and the outer arc line 5b can be lines formed by concave, convex, or stepped portions on the outer surface 3a of the sidewall 3, or they can be imaginary lines that do not actually exist.

[0063] A pattern area 7 is provided in a part of the decorative area 5, and the pattern area 7 is set to be visually recognizable as a part different from the surrounding area. The pattern area 7 includes, for example, an emblem portion 6A and a tread pattern portion 6B. The pattern area 7 is provided on the sidewall rubber, which is a black rubber member that forms the outer surface of the sidewall 3.

[0064] As Figure 1 shown, the emblem portion 6A is provided at two positions in the annular decorative area 5 that are opposed across the tire rotation axis X. Each emblem portion 6A is formed by arranging a plurality of characters along the tire circumference. At least one of the emblems such as the manufacturer name, product name, brand, etc. is displayed by these plurality of characters. Each character can be formed by being bordered by concave or convex lines, or the entire character can be formed by concave or convex portions.

[0065] As Figure 1 shown, the tread pattern portion 6B is provided at two positions in the annular decorative area 5 that are sandwiched by the two emblem portions 6A in the tire circumferential direction. A pattern in which a parallelogram is bent following the annular decorative area 5 is provided in each tread pattern portion 6B.

[0066] It should be noted that the pattern area 7 is not limited to these, and can include various shapes such as any shape, or the shape of the above-mentioned emblems such as the manufacturer name, product name, brand, etc., or the shape of other numbers, characters, etc.

[0067] Each pattern area 7 has a reference plane 7a along the contour of the sidewall 3. A plurality of multi-stage cones 20 that protrude from the reference plane 7a are provided in each pattern area 7. It should be noted that the "multi-stage" mentioned here means "two or more stages". More specifically, the multi-stage cone 20 in the present embodiment is a two-stage cone.

[0068] These multiple multi-stage cones 20 are configured in a configuration state of each unit Ce in the honeycomb shape Hc. That is, the center of the bottom surface of each multi-stage cone 20 is arranged at the center of the unit Ce corresponding to the multi-stage cone 20 in the honeycomb shape Hc. The pattern area 7 is configured by these multiple multi-stage cones 20 to be visually distinguishable as a part different from the periphery of the pattern area 7, specifically, visually distinguishable as darker than the periphery.

[0069] Figure 2 An example of a tire forming die 10 for vulcanizing and forming the tire 1 of the present embodiment is shown. Figure 2 It is a meridian sectional view along the axial direction of the formed tire 1 of such a tire forming die 10.

[0070] Figure 2 The shown tire forming die 10 includes a plurality of segment dies 11, a pair of side plates 12, and a pair of bead rings (not shown). The plurality of segment dies 11 are arranged in a circular shape along the outer peripheral side of the tire 1. The side plates 12 are arranged on both axial sides of the annular body formed by the combination of the plurality of segment dies 11.

[0071] During vulcanization molding, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 2 , an unvulcanized tire 1a that is the material of the tire 1 is provided inside the tire forming die 10. The combination of the segment die 11, the side plate 12, and the bead ring is a forming die for forming the tire 1, and the outer surface of the entire tire 1 is formed by the inner surfaces of this forming die, that is, the inner surface 11a of the segment die 11, the inner surface 12a of the side plate 12, and the inner surface of the bead ring. In addition, during vulcanization molding, an airbag (not shown) that presses the unvulcanized tire 1a against the inner surface of the tire forming die 10 is arranged inside the unvulcanized tire 1a. The tread 4 is mainly formed by the plurality of segment dies 11, and the sidewall 3 is mainly formed by the pair of side plates 12. The bead 2 is formed by the pair of above-mentioned bead rings, and the entire inner surface of the tire 1 is formed by the above-mentioned airbag.

[0072] The unvulcanized tire 1a is vulcanized using the tire forming die 10 to form the rubber shape of the entire tire 1, and a plurality of multi-stage cones 20 are formed in the above-mentioned pattern area 7.

[0073] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing the pattern area 7. It should be noted that this Figure 3 shows the state after UV unfolding of the pattern area 7. Therefore, in this Figure 3 , the multi-stage cone 20 protrudes from the planar reference surface 7a, but actually protrudes from the curved reference surface 7a. Figure 4 It is a view showing Figure 3 the cross-section of the fg4-fg4 line of Figure 5 It is toFigure 4 An enlarged view of a part

[0074] As Figure 5 shown, each multi-stage cone 20 includes a base portion 23 and a top portion 21 provided at a position closer to the top end side than the base portion 23. Hereinafter, the tapered surface of the base portion 23 will be referred to as the "base tapered surface 23s", and the tapered surface of the top portion 21 will be referred to as the "top tapered surface 21s". In addition, hereinafter, the imaginary cone formed by extending the base tapered surface 23s toward the top end side will be referred to as the "base imaginary cone 23v". That is, the base portion 23 is the proximal end side portion in the base imaginary cone 23v. The top portion 21 is conical and protrudes from its base portion 23. More specifically, it is conical with a rounded top end. The top tapered surface 21s is continuous with the base tapered surface 23s. In the present embodiment, the protruding direction Dp of each multi-stage cone 20 is the normal direction of the reference plane 7a. It should be noted that the "protruding direction Dp" as used herein is the direction from the center of the bottom surface of the base portion 23 toward the top end of the top portion 21.

[0075] Hereinafter, the inclination angle of the base tapered surface 23s with respect to the protruding direction Dp of the multi-stage cone 20 will be referred to as the "base tapered angle θ3", and the inclination angle of the top tapered surface 21s with respect to the protruding direction Dp of the multi-stage cone 20 will be referred to as the "top tapered angle θ1". The top tapered angle θ1 and the base tapered angle θ3 are different from each other. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the base tapered angle θ3 is larger than the top tapered angle θ1.

[0076] Hereinafter, the protruding length in the normal direction from the reference plane 7a will be simply referred to as the "protruding length". In each multi-stage cone 20, the protruding length hv of the base imaginary cone 23v is 30% or more and 70% or less of the protruding length h of the multi-stage cone 20.

[0077] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the forming pattern area 7 in the side plate 12 of the tire forming die 10. It should be noted that this Figure 6 shows the state after UV unfolding of this part in the side plate 12. Therefore, in this Figure 6 , the reference plane 16a of this part is planar, but is actually curved.

[0078] A multi-stage cone forming portion 16 is formed on the reference plane 16a. The multi-stage cone forming portion 16 includes a plurality of concave portions 15. These plurality of concave portions 15 are provided at positions corresponding to the arrangement of the multi-stage cones 20. Each concave portion 15 is a recess corresponding to the shape and size of the multi-stage cone 20 formed in the pattern area 7 after vulcanization. Therefore, each concave portion 15 has a base forming portion 15c for forming the base portion 23 and a top forming portion 15a for forming the top portion.

[0079] As a method for forming the recess 15 in the side plate 12, there is no limitation, but laser processing that irradiates the inner surface 12a of the side plate 12 to locally remove the inner surface 12a is preferred. As the laser processing, for example, removal processing using pulsed fiber laser can be adopted. As the conditions for this laser processing, laser processing with a center wavelength of 1080 nm, an average output of 100 W or more and 300 W or less, and a laser spot diameter of about 0.05 mm is preferred.

[0080] Hereinafter, the structure and effects of the present embodiment will be summarized.

[0081] As Figure 5 shown, the top cone angle θ1 and the base cone angle θ3 are different from each other. By making the top cone angle θ1 and the base cone angle θ3 different from each other in this way, it is easier to freely set the shape of the multi-stage cone 20 as the protrusion compared to the case where they are not made different. As a result, it is easy to increase the black density of the pattern area 7, and it is easy to achieve high contrast between the pattern area 7 and its surroundings.

[0082] Specifically, in the present embodiment, in each multi-stage cone 20, the base cone angle θ3 is larger than the top cone angle θ1. In this way, by expanding the slope foot portion of the multi-stage cone 20, the multi-stage cone 20 is less likely to be damaged, and the exposed area of the reference surface 7a can be made narrower. As a result, the light incident on the pattern area 7 can be more easily irradiated onto the multi-stage cone 20, and thus the reflection of light between the multi-stage cones 20 can be easily repeated. As a result, light is more easily absorbed, and the black density of the pattern area 7 can be further increased.

[0083] More specifically, the protruding length hv of the base imaginary cone 23v is 30% or more and 70% or less of the protruding length h of the multi-stage cone 20. In this way, by making the protruding length hv of the base imaginary cone 23v 70% or less of the protruding length h of the multi-stage cone 20, the slope foot portion of the multi-stage cone 20 can be sufficiently expanded, the multi-stage cone 20 can be sufficiently less likely to be damaged, and the exposed area of the reference surface 7a can be made sufficiently small. In addition, by making the protruding length h of the base imaginary cone 23v 30% or more of the protruding length h of the multi-stage cone 20, it is possible to prevent the slope foot portion of the multi-stage cone 20 from being unnecessarily over-expanded.

[0084] As Figure 6 shown, the side plate 12 of the tire forming die 10 of the present embodiment is provided with a multi-stage cone forming portion 16. The multi-stage cone forming portion 16 includes a plurality of recesses 15 corresponding to the plurality of multi-stage cones 20. Therefore, the tire 1 of the present embodiment having a plurality of multi-stage cones 20 can be formed.

[0085] [Second Embodiment]

[0086] Next, referring to Figure 7A description is given of the second embodiment. Regarding the following embodiments, based on the first embodiment, the description will be centered on the differences therefrom, and the description of the same or similar points as those in the first embodiment will be appropriately omitted.

[0087] Figure 7 FIG. 4 is a side view showing the pattern region 7 of the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, compared with the first embodiment, the multi-stage cones 20 are arranged more closely. Therefore, the bases 23 of adjacent multi-stage cones 20 overlap each other. Hereinafter, this overlapping portion will be referred to as "overlapping portion 23d".

[0088] According to the present embodiment, by arranging a plurality of multi-stage cones 20 at a high density to form such an overlapping portion 23d, the exposed area of the reference plane 7a can be further reduced. In other words, through the countless overlapping bases 23, a substantially rough surface can be formed on the sidewall 3. As a result, the reflection of light between the plurality of multi-stage cones 20 can be repeated more easily. Thus, light can be absorbed more easily, and the black density of the pattern region 7 can be further increased.

[0089] [Third Embodiment]

[0090] Next, a reference is made to Figures 8 - 10 for a description of the third embodiment. Figure 8 FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the pattern region 7 of the present embodiment. Figure 9 FIG. 6 is a view showing Figure 8 a cross section taken along line fg9-fg9 of Figure 10 FIG. 7 is a view showing Figure 9 an enlarged part of

[0091] In the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 10 FIG. 8, in each multi-stage cone 20, the base cone angle θ3 is smaller than the top cone angle θ1. Specifically, in each multi-stage cone 20, the protruding length hv of the base imaginary cone 23v is 150% or more and 300% or less of the protruding length h of the multi-stage cone 20.

[0092] In the present embodiment, by making the base cone angle θ3 smaller than the top cone angle θ1 in this way, the toe portions of the multi-stage cones 20 can be concentrated compactly. As a result, a plurality of multi-stage cones 20 can be arranged at a higher density. Therefore, in a form different from that of the first and second embodiments, a large amount of light can be easily absorbed.

[0093] More specifically, as described above, the protruding length hv of the base imaginary cone 23v is more than 150% and less than 300% of the protruding length h of the multi-stage cone 20. Thus, by making the protruding length hv of the base imaginary cone 23v more than 150% of the protruding length h of the multi-stage cone 20, the toe portions of the multi-stage cones 20 can be sufficiently and compactly concentrated, and a plurality of multi-stage cones 20 can be arranged with sufficient high density. In addition, by making the protruding length hv of the base imaginary cone 23v less than 300% of the protruding length hv of the multi-stage cone 20, it is possible to prevent the toe portions of the multi-stage cones 20 from becoming too thin and ensure the strength of the toe portions of the multi-stage cones 20.

[0094] [Fourth Embodiment]

[0095] Next, refer to Figures 11 - 13 to describe the fourth embodiment. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the pattern area 7 of the present embodiment. Figure 12 shows Figure 11 a cross-section of the fg12-fg12 line of Figure 13 is a view obtained by magnifying a part of Figure 12

[0096] As Figure 13 shown, in the present embodiment, the multi-stage cone 20 includes, in addition to the top portion 21 and the base portion 23, an intermediate portion 22 provided therebetween. That is, the multi-stage cone 20 of the present embodiment is a three-stage cone. Hereinafter, the tapered surface of the intermediate portion 22 will be referred to as the "intermediate portion tapered surface 22s". In addition, hereinafter, in each multi-stage cone 20, the inclination angle of the intermediate portion tapered surface 22s with respect to the protruding direction Dp of the multi-stage cone 20 will be referred to as the "intermediate portion tapered angle θ2". The intermediate portion tapered angle θ2 is different from both the top portion tapered angle θ1 and the base portion tapered angle θ3.

[0097] Specifically, in the present embodiment, the intermediate portion tapered angle θ2 is larger than either the top portion tapered angle θ1 or the base portion tapered angle θ3. However, instead of this, the intermediate portion tapered angle θ2 may also be smaller than either the top portion tapered angle θ1 or the base portion tapered angle θ3, or may be larger than the smaller one of the top portion tapered angle θ1 and the base portion tapered angle θ3 and smaller than the larger one.

[0098] According to this structure, by providing the intermediate portion 22 between the base portion 23 and the top portion 21, it is easier to freely set the shape of the multi-stage cone 20. As a result, it is easier to increase the black density of the pattern area 7 and easier to achieve a high contrast between the pattern area 7 and its surroundings.

[0099] [Fifth Embodiment]

[0100] Next, refer to Figure 14 , Figure 15 to describe the fifth embodiment.​Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing the multi-stage cone 20 of the present embodiment. Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view showing the multi-stage cone 20. Hereinafter, the top conical surface 21s and the base conical surface 23s are collectively referred to as "conical surfaces 21s, 23s".

[0101] Each multi-stage cone 20 has a protruding portion 24 that protrudes obliquely from the protruding direction Dp of the conical surfaces 21s, 23s with respect to the multi-stage cone 20. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the protruding portion 24 is conical and protrudes from the region including both the base conical surface 23s and the top conical surface 21s. However, instead of this, the protruding portion 24 may protrude only from the base conical surface 23s or may protrude only from the top conical surface 21s.

[0102] Hereinafter, a hypothetical cone obtained by extending the conical surface of the protruding portion 24 toward the proximal end side and having a bottom surface overlapping with the bottom surface of the multi-stage cone 20 is referred to as a "protruding portion hypothetical cone 24v". That is, the protruding portion 24 is the top end side portion in the protruding portion hypothetical cone 24v. Hereinafter, the portion of the multi-stage cone 20 composed of the top 21 and the base 23 is referred to as the "multi-stage cone main portion 21, 23". More than 30% of the total volume of the protruding portion hypothetical cone 24v overlaps with the multi-stage cone main portion 21, 23. In other words, the volume of the protruding portion 24 is 70% or less of the volume of the protruding portion hypothetical cone 24v.

[0103] According to this structure, by providing the protruding portion 24 that protrudes obliquely from the conical surfaces 21s, 23s of the multi-stage cone 20, the volume of the multi-stage cone 20 can be increased, and the light incident on the pattern region 7 can be more easily irradiated onto the multi-stage cone 20. As a result, the reflection of light between the plurality of multi-stage cones 20 can be more easily repeated. Thus, light can be more easily absorbed, and the black density of the pattern region 7 can be further improved.

[0104] [Other Embodiments]

[0105] The embodiments shown above can be modified as follows, for example. In each embodiment, both the top 21 and the base hypothetical cone 23v are conical, but they can also be polygonal conical. In addition, in each embodiment, the protruding direction Dp of the multi-stage cone 20 is the normal direction of the reference plane 7a, but it can also be a direction inclined with respect to this normal direction.

[0106] In addition, in Figure 11 the fourth embodiment shown, the multi-stage cone 20 may also have two or more intermediate portions 22. That is, in this fourth embodiment, the multi-stage cone 20 is a three-stage cone, but it can also be a four-stage cone, a five-stage cone, or other cones with four or more stages. In addition, two or more of the first embodiment to the fifth embodiment can be combined and implemented. Specifically, for example, it can also be provided in the Figure 1 pattern region 7 shownFigure 3 the multi-stage cone 20 of the first embodiment shown and Figure 8 the multi-stage cone 20 of the third embodiment shown.

[0107] According to the above embodiments, the following tires and tire forming molds can be realized.

[0108] (1) A tire having a pattern area on a part of the outer surface of the sidewall, the pattern area being visually recognizable as a part different from the periphery of the part, wherein,

[0109] a plurality of multi-stage cones with two or more stages are provided in the pattern area, the multi-stage cone including a base portion and a top portion provided at a position closer to the top end side than the base portion,

[0110] a top cone angle, which is an inclination angle of the conical surface as the top portion with respect to the protruding direction of the multi-stage cone, and a base cone angle, which is an inclination angle of the conical surface as the base portion with respect to the protruding direction, are different from each other.

[0111] (2) The tire according to (1) above, wherein,

[0112] the base cone angle is larger than the top cone angle.

[0113] (3) The tire according to (2) above, wherein,

[0114] the multi-stage cone protrudes from a specified reference plane in the pattern area,

[0115] the base portion is the base end side portion in a base imaginary cone of a hypothetical cone formed by extending the conical surface of the base portion toward the top end side,

[0116] the protruding length of the base imaginary cone from the reference plane in the normal direction of the reference plane is 30% or more and 70% or less of the protruding length of the multi-stage cone from the reference plane in the normal direction of the reference plane.

[0117] (4) The tire according to (1) above, wherein,

[0118] the base cone angle is smaller than the top cone angle.

[0119] (5) The tire according to (4) above, wherein,

[0120] the multi-stage cone protrudes from a specified reference plane in the pattern area,

[0121] the base portion is the base end side portion in a base imaginary cone of a hypothetical cone formed by extending the conical surface of the base portion toward the top end side,

[0122] The protruding length of the base imaginary cone from the reference plane in the normal direction of the reference plane is 150% or more and 300% or less of the protruding length of the multi-segment cone from the reference plane in the normal direction of the reference plane.

[0123] (6)The tire according to any one of the above (1) to (5), wherein

[0124] The bases of adjacent multi-segment cones overlap each other.

[0125] (7)The tire according to any one of the above (1) to (6), wherein

[0126] The multi-segment cone includes an intermediate portion provided between the base and the top,

[0127] The intermediate cone angle of the conical surface of the intermediate portion as the intermediate portion with respect to the protruding direction is different from both the top cone angle and the base cone angle.

[0128] (8)The tire according to any one of the above (1) to (7), wherein

[0129] The multi-segment cone has a protruding portion that protrudes from the conical surface of the multi-segment cone in a direction inclined with respect to the protruding direction.

[0130] (9)A tire forming die for forming the tire according to any one of the above (1) to (8), wherein

[0131] The tire forming die includes a multi-segment cone forming portion, and the multi-segment cone forming portion includes a plurality of concave portions corresponding to the plurality of multi-segment cones.

Claims

1. A tire comprising a pattern region on a portion of an outer surface of a sidewall, the pattern region being visually recognizable as a portion different from the surroundings of the portion, wherein: A plurality of multi-stage cones with two or more stages are provided in the pattern area, wherein the multi-stage cones include a base and a top portion provided at a position closer to the tip side than the base portion. A top taper angle, which is an inclination angle of the tapered surface of the top with respect to the protruding direction of the multi-stage cone, and a base taper angle, which is an inclination angle of the tapered surface of the base with respect to the protruding direction, are different from each other.

2. The tire according to claim 1, wherein: The base taper angle is greater than the top taper angle.

3. The tire according to claim 2, wherein: The multi-segment cone protrudes from a prescribed reference plane in the pattern area, The base portion is a base end side portion of a base imaginary cone which is an imaginary cone formed by extending the tapered surface of the base portion toward the tip side. The protruding length of the base virtual cone from the reference plane in the normal direction to the reference plane is 30% or more and 70% or less of the protruding length of the multi-stage cone from the reference plane in the normal direction thereof.

4. The tire according to claim 1, wherein: The base taper angle is smaller than the top taper angle.

5. The tire according to claim 4, wherein: The multi-segment cone protrudes from a prescribed reference plane in the pattern area, The base portion is a base end side portion of a base imaginary cone which is an imaginary cone formed by extending the tapered surface of the base portion toward the tip side. A protruding length of the base virtual cone from the reference plane in a normal direction to the reference plane is not less than 150% and not more than 300% of a protruding length of the multi-stage cone from the reference plane in a normal direction to the reference plane.

6. The tire according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The bases of adjacent multi-segment cones overlap each other.

7. The tire according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The multi-segment cone includes an intermediate portion disposed between the base portion and the top portion, A middle portion taper angle, which is an inclination angle of a tapered surface of the middle portion with respect to the protruding direction, is different from both the top portion taper angle and the base portion taper angle.

8. The tire according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The multi-stage cone has a protrusion that protrudes from a tapered surface of the multi-stage cone in a direction inclined with respect to the protruding direction.

9. A tire forming mold for forming the tire according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The tire forming mold includes a multi-step taper forming portion including a plurality of recessed portions corresponding to the plurality of multi-step tapers.

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