Pneumatic tire and tire vulcanization mold
By setting specific inclined protrusions and mold recesses on the sidewall of pneumatic tires, the problem of lack of texture on the sidewall pattern is solved, thus improving the tire's appearance.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TOYO TIRE CORP
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-24
AI Technical Summary
The sidewall patterns of existing pneumatic tires lack a textured effect, resulting in an unremarkable visual appearance and failing to enhance their aesthetics.
A decorative area is provided on the sidewall of the tire, which adopts a protrusion design with a specific inclined structure. When viewed from the vertical direction of the first reference plane, the protrusion has a long side direction and a short side direction and tapers at the front end. It includes a ridge line, a first inclined surface, a second inclined surface and a third inclined surface. A corresponding recess is provided on the mold to form the protrusion.
Enhance the appearance of tires by using unique visual effects, making dents and bumps less noticeable and increasing the sense of three-dimensionality, thereby improving the visual effect.
Smart Images
Figure CN224545620U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates to pneumatic tires and tire vulcanization molds for vulcanizing pneumatic tires. Background Technology
[0002] Previously, pneumatic tires with patterns on their sidewalls were known. In the tire described in Patent Document 1, the pattern was formed by serrations arranged with multiple ridges. However, patterns formed by serrations sometimes lack the effect of making the unevenness appearing on the tire sidewall during inflation less noticeable. Furthermore, in the tire described in Patent Document 2, the pattern was formed by arranging multiple protrusions. However, this document focuses on ride comfort and handling stability and does not reveal a method for creating a distinctive visual effect through patterns.
[0003] Existing technical documents
[0004] Patent documents
[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-175707
[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-81306 Utility Model Content
[0007] The problem to be solved by utility models
[0008] This disclosure was made in view of the above-mentioned actual situation, and its purpose is to provide a pneumatic tire and a tire vulcanization mold that can make the bumps and dents on the tire sidewall inconspicuous and improve the appearance through a special visual effect.
[0009] Methods for solving problems
[0010] The pneumatic tire disclosed herein has a sidewall including a decorative area. A first reference surface and a plurality of protrusions projecting from the first reference surface are provided in the decorative area. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first reference surface, the protrusions have a long side direction and a short side direction orthogonal to it, and taper at their front ends towards both sides of the long side direction. Each protrusion has: a ridge extending along the long side direction in a region on one side of the long side; a first slope whose protrusion height decreases from the ridge towards the short side; a second slope whose protrusion height decreases from the ridge towards the other side of the short side; and a third slope disposed in a region on the other side of the long side, whose protrusion height decreases towards the other side of the long side.
[0011] The tire vulcanizing mold disclosed herein includes a sidewall forming surface for forming a sidewall containing a decorative area. A first mold reference surface and a plurality of recesses recessed from the first mold reference surface are provided in the decorative forming area corresponding to the decorative area. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first mold reference surface, the shape of each recess has a long side direction and a short side direction orthogonal to it, tapering towards both sides in the long side direction. Each recess includes: a mold ridge extending along the long side direction in a region on one side; a first mold slope whose recess depth decreases from the mold ridge towards the short side direction; a second mold slope whose recess depth decreases from the mold ridge towards the other side in the short side direction; and a third mold slope disposed in a region on the other side in the long side direction, whose recess depth decreases towards the other side in the long side direction. Attached Figure Description
[0012] Figure 1 This is a simplified cross-sectional view of the main parts of an example of a pneumatic tire.
[0013] Figure 2 This is a side view showing the tire sidewall as seen from the axial outside of the tire.
[0014] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of the pattern along the circumference of the tire.
[0015] Figure 4 This is a top view showing a portion of the pattern.
[0016] Figure 5 It is a top view of the protrusion.
[0017] Figure 6 (A) is a side view of the protrusion, (B) is a sectional view along the A-A direction, and (C) is a sectional view along the B-B direction.
[0018] Figure 7 It is a three-dimensional image with protrusions.
[0019] Figure 8 (A) is a side view of the protrusion in the modified example, and (B) is a perspective view.
[0020] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a tire vulcanizing mold.
[0021] Figure 10 It is a cross-sectional view along the tire circumference of the part corresponding to the pattern of the decorative forming area.
[0022] Figure 11 This is a top view of the concave area.
[0023] Figure 12 (A) is a side sectional view of the concave part, (B) is a sectional view along the C-C direction, and (C) is a sectional view along the D-D direction.
[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0025] 10 Decorative area, 20 Tire sidewall, 31 First reference surface, 40 Protrusion, 40A Protrusion row, 40t Top, 41 First slope, 42 Second slope, 43 Third slope, 44 Ridge, 50 Gap, 61 First mold reference surface, 70 Recess, 71 First mold slope, 72 Second mold slope, 73 Third mold slope, 74 Mold ridge, LD Long side direction, LD1 One side of long side direction, LD2 The other side of long side direction, SD Short side direction, SD1 One side of short side direction, SD2 The other side of short side direction, T Pneumatic tire. Detailed Implementation
[0026] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0027] Figure 1 This is a simplified cross-sectional view showing the main parts of the pneumatic tire T according to this embodiment. The pneumatic tire T is an automobile tire, which includes a pair of bead portions 1, a pair of sidewall portions 2 extending radially outward from the bead portions 1, and a tread portion 3 connected to the radially outward end of each of the sidewall portions 2. An annular bead core 1a is embedded in the bead portion 1. The bead core 1a is formed by covering a bundle of materials such as steel wire with rubber. A bead filler 1b is disposed radially outward from the bead core 1a. The bead filler 1b is formed of rubber with a triangular cross-section extending radially outward from the bead core 1a.
[0028] Here, the tire circumferential direction is around the central axis CA of the tire T (refer to...). Figure 2 The direction of the tire's radial axis is along the diameter of the tire T. The side closer to the central axis CA is called the inner radial side, and the side farther from the central axis CA is called the outer radial side. The tire's axial direction is parallel to the central axis CA. The side closer to the tire equator (not shown) is called the inner axial side, and the side farther from the tire equator is called the outer axial side. The tire equator is located at the center of the tire T's axial direction and is an imaginary line orthogonal to the central axis CA when viewed from the outer radial side of the tire T.
[0029] Unless otherwise specified, the dimensions and angles of all parts of a tire are determined by its unloaded state when mounted on a standard rim and inflated to the standard internal pressure. A standard rim is a rim defined for each tire within a specification system, including the tire's underlying specification. For example, JATMA is a standard rim, while TRA and ETRTO are "Measuring Rim". Standard internal pressure is the air pressure defined for each tire within a specification system, including the tire's underlying specification. For truck and bus tires, and light truck tires, JATMA represents the maximum air pressure, TRA represents the value corresponding to the Load Index listed in the table "TIRE LOAD LIMITS AT VARIOUS COLD INFLATION PRESSURES", and ETRTO represents "INFLATION PRESSURE". For passenger car tires, this is typically 180 kPa, but 220 kPa for tires designated Extra Load or Reinforced.
[0030] The tire T has a carcass 4 extending in a ring shape across a pair of bead portions 1. The carcass 4 is rolled up from the inside to the outside of the tire axial direction by sandwiching the bead core 1a and bead filler 1b. The carcass 4 is formed of a carcass ply formed by rubber-coating the carcass cords. The carcass cords are aligned in a direction that intersects the tire circumference (e.g., at an angle of 75 to 90 degrees relative to the tire circumference). The material of the carcass cords is preferably metal such as steel, polyester, rayon, nylon, aramid, or other organic fibers.
[0031] The tire T has a belt layer 5 stacked on the radially outer side of the tire carcass 4. The belt layer 5 is formed by stacking multiple (two sheets in this embodiment) belt layer plies. Each belt layer ply is formed by rubber-coating the belt layer cords. The belt layer cords are aligned in a direction inclined relative to the tire circumference (e.g., at an angle of 20 to 30 degrees relative to the tire circumference). The belt layer cords are preferably made of a metal such as steel. The multiple belt layer plies are stacked in such a way that the belt layer cords cross each other in opposite directions.
[0032] Although not used in this embodiment, a structure in which the belt layer reinforcement is laminated radially outside the belt layer 5 on the tire can also be used. The belt layer reinforcement is formed by rubber-coating the belt layer reinforcement cords. The belt layer reinforcement cords are substantially parallel to each other relative to the tire circumference. The belt layer reinforcement cord is formed, for example, by spirally winding one or more rubber-coated belt layer reinforcement cords along the tire circumference. The material of the belt layer reinforcement cords is preferably the aforementioned organic fibers. In addition to completely covering the belt layer 5, the belt layer reinforcement can also partially (e.g., only at both ends) cover the belt layer 5.
[0033] An inner liner rubber layer 6, made of butyl rubber or other rubber with excellent air-shielding properties, is provided on the inner surface of the tire T. A rim strip rubber 7, forming the outer surface of the bead portion 1, is provided on the axial outer side of the bead core 1a and bead filler 1b. A sidewall rubber 8, forming the outer surface of the sidewall portion 2, is provided on the axial outer side of the tire carcass 4. A tread rubber 9, forming the outer surface of the tread portion 3, is provided on the radial outer side of the tire belt layer 5. A tread pattern corresponding to the required tire performance and operating conditions is formed on the tread rubber 9.
[0034] Figure 2 This is a side view showing the tire sidewall 2 as viewed from the axial outside of the tire. (See attached image.) Figure 2 As shown, the pneumatic tire T has a sidewall 20 including a decorative region 10. The decorative region 10 has an annular shape centered on a central axis CA. The decorative region 10 is configured as a strip-shaped area of a certain width enclosed by an inner diameter sideline 11 with a relatively smaller diameter and an outer diameter sideline 12 with a relatively larger diameter. The inner diameter sideline 11 and the outer diameter sideline 12 can be lines that are visually identifiable as convex, concave, or stepped on the tire surface, or they can be imaginary lines. The sidewall 20 is formed on the outer surface of at least one of a pair of sidewall portions 2.
[0035] Decorative area 10 can be 2 meters including the location of the maximum tire width (see reference). Figure 1 The region can be a region radially outer of the tire, beyond the tire's maximum width position 2M. The tire's maximum width position 2M is the location on the tire sidewall 20 furthest from the tire equator in the tire's axial direction. The outer diameter sidewall 12 is preferably located radially outer of the tire beyond the tire's maximum width position 2M, and is located at the mold dividing position Ps or radially inner of the tire beyond the mold dividing position Ps. The mold dividing position Ps is the region corresponding to the tread mold portion Mt of the formed tread portion 3 (see reference). Figure 9 ) and the sidewall mold part Ms of the formed sidewall part 2 (refer to Figure 9 The position corresponding to the boundary (segmentation position) of the tire can sometimes be identified by the parting line that appears on the sidewall 2.
[0036] A badge 13 and a pattern 14 are provided in the decorative area 10. The badge 13 is disposed at multiple locations around the tire (two locations in this embodiment), and the pattern 14 is disposed between them. The badge 13 is composed of text (including numbers), symbols, etc., and can include various display information such as tire size, manufacturer name, product name, and brand. The badge 13 can be formed by a bulge protruding outward in the tire axial direction or a recessed portion inward in the tire axial direction. The pattern 14 is provided on the first reference surface 31, described later, and is in the form of a prescribed shape. The shape of this shape is not particularly limited.
[0037] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the pattern 14 along the tire circumference. A first reference surface 31 and a plurality of protrusions 40 projecting from the first reference surface 31 are provided in the decorative area 10. In this embodiment, the first reference surface 31 is recessed relative to a second reference surface 32 surrounding it. The second reference surface 32 may be a contour surface in the tire sidewall 20. A contour surface is a smooth, curved surface that forms the basic contour of the tire sidewall portion 2. The contour 14c of the pattern 14 is formed by a step between the first reference surface 31 and the second reference surface 32. The protrusion height H40 of the protrusions 40, which are referenced to the first reference surface 31 (see reference...), is... Figure 6 From the perspective of [the relevant point of view], the recess depth D31 of the first reference surface 31, with the second reference surface 32 as the reference, is preferably 0.1 mm or more, and more preferably 0.2 mm or more. Ensuring that the protrusion height H40 is beneficial in improving the visual effect described later is also important.
[0038] Figure 4 This is a top view showing a portion of pattern 14. Pattern 14 consists of a plurality of protrusions 40 arranged repeatedly in the circumferential and radial directions of the tire. At the edge (starting point) of pattern 14, the protrusions 40 are cut off midway along the contour 14c. The location where the protrusions 40 are cut off can be arbitrarily set and can vary for each pattern 14. Alternatively, the contour 14c can be configured to extend between adjacent protrusions 40 to avoid cutting off the protrusions 40 midway.
[0039] Figure 5 This is a top view of protrusion 40. It should be noted that, regarding protrusion 40 and pattern 14, a top view (or top view) refers to a view (or mode) viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first reference plane 31. Figure 6 (A) is a side view of protrusion 40, (B) is a sectional view along line A-A, and (C) is a sectional view along line B-B. Figure 7 It is a 3D image of a protrusion of 40.
[0040] Viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first reference plane 31, the protrusion 40 has a shape having a long side direction LD and a short side direction SD orthogonal to it, tapering towards its two front ends in the long side direction LD. The protrusion 40 has a ridge 44, a first inclined surface 41, a second inclined surface 42, and a third inclined surface 43. The ridge 44 extends along the long side direction LD1 in the region on one side of the long side direction. The protrusion height of the first inclined surface 41 decreases from the ridge 44 towards the short side direction SD1. The protrusion height of the second inclined surface 42 decreases from the ridge 44 towards the other side of the short side direction SD2. The third inclined surface 43 is positioned in the region on the other side of the long side direction LD2, causing the protrusion height to decrease towards the other side of the long side direction LD2.
[0041] According to this structure, compared to the serrated arrangement of the ridges, the unevenness that appears on the tire sidewall 20 during inflation, especially the striped unevenness extending radially along the tire, is less noticeable. Furthermore, when light shines on the protrusion 40, it is reflected by multiple inclined surfaces, thus allowing the pattern 14 of the decorative area 10 to be seen three-dimensionally. At this time, in the region LD1 on the long side of the protrusion 40, the first inclined surface 41 and the second inclined surface 42 are opposite to each other in the short side direction SD, so that when viewed from the short side direction SD, one appears bright and the other appears dark. Moreover, in the region LD2 on the other side of the protrusion 40 in the long side direction, the third inclined surface 43 facing the long side direction LD forms a different light-emitting mode than the first inclined surface 41 and the second inclined surface 42. As a result, through light reflection, the pattern 14 appears to shimmer like water, enhancing its appearance through a unique visual effect.
[0042] The protrusion 40 has a length L40 in the long side direction and a width W40 in the short side direction SD. The length L40 is, for example, set to be 2.0 to 4.0 times the width W40. The width W40 is preferably 0.5 mm or more, more preferably 2.0 mm or more. The width W40 is, for example, 3.0 mm or less. In this embodiment, a pattern 14 (see reference) is formed by arranging a plurality of protrusions 40 with the same length L40 and width W40. Figure 4 The length L40 and width W40 can be different for each pattern 14. In this case, the appearance of light reflection varies for each pattern 14, thus giving a variation in visual effect. The combination of length L40 and width W40 suitable for a decorative area 10 is preferably two or three types.
[0043] The ridge 44 has an end 44a on one side LD1 along its long side and an end 44b on the other side LD2 along its long side. End 44a is substantially located on the first reference plane 31. End 44b is located away from the first reference plane 31, and its protrusion height gradually decreases from end 44b toward end 44a. End 44b is located in the region on one side LD1 along its long side, with the center of the protrusion 40 along its long side LD as a reference. In this embodiment, end 44b is positioned to overlap with the top 40t (described later) when viewed from above. The length L44 of the ridge 44 when viewed from above is, for example, set to be more than 20% and less than 45% of the length L40. Figure 6 The cross-sectional shape of the ridge 44 shown in (B) is sharp and V-shaped, but it can also be a shape that is curved, for example, by an arc with a radius of curvature of less than 0.5 mm.
[0044] The first inclined surface 41 and the second inclined surface 42 can also be formed by planes extending to the first reference surface 31. In top view, the first inclined surface 41 is a shape that tapers at the front end towards both sides in the long side direction LD. The first inclined surface 41 is triangular in shape in top view. The second inclined surface 42 is formed symmetrically with respect to the edge 44 and the first inclined surface 41. In this embodiment, the opening angle θ between the first inclined surface 41 and the second inclined surface 42 is an obtuse angle (i.e., 90 degrees < θ < 180 degrees). This structure provides the following advantages: reducing snagging when removing the tire from the tire vulcanizing mold, or promoting the intrusion of particles (plastic beads, glass beads, dry ice, etc.) during mold cleaning and suppressing contamination.
[0045] The third inclined surface 43 is disposed on the other side LD2 of the first inclined surface 41 and the second inclined surface 42 in the long side direction. The third inclined surface 43 may also be formed by a plane extending toward the first reference surface 31. The third inclined surface 43 has a top view shape that tapers at the front end on both sides in the long side direction LD1. The portion of the third inclined surface 43 that tapers at the front end on the long side direction LD1 is disposed between the first inclined surface 41 and the second inclined surface 42 in the short side direction SD. The protrusion 40 has a top 40t in the region on the long side direction LD1, which is the part furthest from the first reference surface 31, and the third inclined surface 43 extends from the top 40t toward the other side LD2 in the long side direction. With the first reference surface 31 as a reference, the top 40t is located at a position higher than the end 44b, but their height positions may also be the same.
[0046] The boundary 45 between the first inclined surface 41 and the third inclined surface 43 extends obliquely from the end 44b toward the other side LD2 in the long side direction and toward the other side SD1 in the short side direction. The boundary 46 between the second inclined surface 42 and the third inclined surface 43 extends obliquely from the end 44b toward the other side LD2 in the long side direction and toward the other side SD2 in the short side direction. When viewed from above, the boundaries 45 and 46 extend in a straight line and together with the edge line 44, they form a Y-shape. The boundaries 45 and 46 may also extend in a curved shape when viewed from above. In this embodiment, the boundaries 45 and 46 are formed in a stepped shape. According to this structure, the size of the first to third inclined surfaces 41 to 43 can be maintained, and new surfaces with different angles (along the stepped surfaces of the boundaries 45 and 46) can be set, thus giving a variation to the visual effect. However, it is not limited to this, and the boundaries 45 and 46 may also be formed by an edge line.
[0047] When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first reference plane 31, the third inclined plane 43 is larger than both the first inclined plane 41 and the second inclined plane 42. That is, when viewed from above, the third inclined plane 43 has a larger area than both the first and second inclined planes 41. Therefore, it is easy to form a different light emission pattern on the third inclined plane 43 than on the first and second inclined planes 41, making it suitable for improving appearance through the aforementioned visual effects. When viewed from above, the front end of LD2 on the other side of the long side of the third inclined plane 43 is sharply V-shaped, but it could also be... Figure 5 A shape with rounded corners, as shown by the dashed line.
[0048] like Figure 5 Thus, the protrusion 40 forms a rhombus shape when viewed from above. In this embodiment, the top-view shape of the protrusion 40 is essentially composed of three surfaces (first to third inclined surfaces 41 to 43). Therefore, it is easy to ensure that the size of each inclined surface is suitable in terms of appropriately achieving the aforementioned visual effect. In addition, because the protrusion 40 has such a simple shape, compared with cases having more complex shapes, it is easier for particles to intrude during mold cleaning, and therefore it is suitable in terms of suppressing mold contamination. The surface roughness of the first to third inclined surfaces 41 to 43 can be substantially the same as each other, or it can be different for each surface.
[0049] The protrusion 40 has a protrusion height H40 from the first reference surface 31 to the top 40t. The ratio of the width W40 to the protrusion height H40 (W40 / H40) is, for example, 1.0 to 10.0. In this embodiment, the protrusion height H40 of the protrusion 40 is greater than the recess depth D31 of the first reference surface 31 (i.e., D31 < H40). According to this structure, it is possible to improve the resistance to external damage by protecting the tire sidewall 20 from damage such as curb stones. In addition, compared with the case where the protrusion height H40 is equal to or less than the recess depth D31, the protrusion height H40 can be increased, so it is suitable in terms of improving the appearance through the above-mentioned visual effect. The protrusion amount P40 of the protrusion 40 based on the second reference surface 32 (refer to...) Figure 3 The protrusion P40 is preferably 0.1 mm or more. The protrusion depth P40 is preferably less than the recess depth D31.
[0050] like Figure 4 Therefore, in this embodiment, a gap 50 is provided between adjacent protrusions 40. The protrusions 40 are arranged at intervals corresponding to the gaps 50 and do not contact each other. According to this structure, in addition to the first to third inclined surfaces 41 to 43, the first reference surface 31 exposed in the gap 50 also becomes a light-reflecting surface, resulting in a well-defined, sparkling effect for the pattern 14. From the viewpoint of appropriately achieving this effect, the size of the gap 50 (the interval between the protrusions 40) is, for example, set to 0.1 mm or more. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of adequately ensuring the arrangement density of the protrusions 40, the size of the gap 50 is, for example, set to 1.0 mm or less. Alternatively, the size of the gap 50 can be substantially zero, allowing adjacent protrusions 40 to be arranged in contact with each other.
[0051] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, multiple rows of protrusions 40A are formed, arranged along the short side direction SD. The phase of each row of protrusions 40A is offset by half a phase relative to the phase of adjacent rows of protrusions 40A in both the long side direction LD and the short side direction SD. This allows for a full arrangement of protrusions 40 that taper towards both sides in the long side direction LD, which is suitable for improving aesthetics through the aforementioned visual effect. In this embodiment, the long side direction LD of the protrusions 40 is along the tire radial direction, for example, at an angle of less than 45 degrees relative to the tire radial direction. However, this is not a limitation; the long side direction LD can be set to other directions, such as along the tire circumference.
[0052] exist Figure 8In the modified example of the protrusion 40 shown, the boundaries 45 and 46 are rounded. Arc-shaped curved surfaces protruding away from the first reference surface 31 are respectively provided on the boundaries 45 and 46. A curved surface of the same shape is also provided between the third inclined surface 43 and the first reference surface 31 in the region LD2 on the other side of the long side of the protrusion 40. According to this structure, the following advantageous effects can be obtained: reduced snagging when removing the tire from the tire vulcanizing mold, and improved particle penetration and reduced contamination during mold cleaning.
[0053] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the tire vulcanizing mold M used for the vulcanization molding of a pneumatic tire T. Figure 9 In the diagram, a tire T is represented by a dashed line. The tire T is positioned in the mold M with its axial direction pointing vertically. The mold M includes a pair of bead rings Mb that fit into the bead portion 1 of the tire T, a pair of sidewall mold portions Ms that abut against the sidewall portion 2 of the tire T, and a tread mold portion Mt that abuts against the tread portion 3 of the tire T. The mold M also includes a sidewall forming surface Mf for forming the sidewall 20, which includes the decorative area 10. The sidewall forming surface Mf is located on the inner surface of the sidewall mold portions Ms.
[0054] Figure 10 It is a cross-sectional view of the decorative forming area corresponding to the decorative area 10, and more specifically, it is a cross-sectional view of the part of the decorative forming area corresponding to the pattern 14 along the tire circumference. Figure 10 Equivalent to making Figure 3 The image is reversed. A first mold reference surface 61 and a plurality of recesses 70 recessed from the first mold reference surface 61 are provided in the decorative forming area. The first mold reference surface 61 is raised relative to a second mold reference surface 62 surrounding it. The depth of the recesses 70 is greater than the height of the raised portion of the first mold reference surface 61 relative to the second mold reference surface 62.
[0055] Figure 11 This is a top view of the recess 70. Figure 12 (A) is a side sectional view of the recess 70, (B) is a sectional view along the C-C direction, and (C) is a sectional view along the D-D direction. Figure 12 Equivalent to making Figure 6The reversed diagram. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first mold reference plane 61, the recess 70 has a shape having a long side direction LD and a short side direction SD orthogonal to it, and tapers at the front end towards both sides of the long side direction LD. The recess 70 has: a mold ridge 74 that extends along the long side direction LD in a region on one side LD1; a first mold slope 71 whose recess depth decreases from the mold ridge 74 towards the short side direction SD1; a second mold slope 72 whose recess depth decreases from the mold ridge 74 towards the other side SD2; and a third mold slope 73 disposed in a region on the other side LD2, whose recess depth decreases towards the other side LD2.
[0056] The first mold reference surface 61, the second mold reference surface 62, and the recess 70 each have a structure corresponding to the first reference surface 31, the second reference surface 32, and the protrusion 40, respectively. Furthermore, the mold ridge 74 of the recess 70, the first mold inclined surface 71, the second mold inclined surface 72, and the third mold inclined surface 73 each have a structure corresponding to the ridge 44, the first inclined surface 41, the second inclined surface 42, and the third inclined surface 43 of the protrusion 40, respectively. Based on this mold M, the aforementioned pneumatic tire T, in which the first reference surface 31 and a plurality of protrusions 40 protruding from the first reference surface 31 are provided in the decorative area 10 of the tire sidewall 20, can be obtained. Regarding the structure of this tire T, see reference... Figures 1-8 As already explained, this makes the bumps and dents on the tire sidewall 20 less noticeable and improves the appearance through a distinctive visual effect. For details regarding other structures, preferred dimensions, shapes, configurations, variations, etc., related to the recess 70, please refer to the description already given regarding the protrusion 40.
[0057] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above-described embodiments are specific examples of the following schemes. [1]
[0059] The pneumatic tire disclosed herein has a sidewall including a decorative area. A first reference surface and a plurality of protrusions projecting from the first reference surface are provided in the decorative area. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first reference surface, the protrusions have a long side direction and a short side direction orthogonal to it, and taper towards both sides of the long side direction. Each protrusion has: a ridge extending along the long side direction in a region on one side; a first slope whose protrusion height decreases from the ridge towards the short side direction; a second slope whose protrusion height decreases from the ridge towards the other side of the short side direction; and a third slope disposed in a region on the other side of the long side direction, whose protrusion height decreases towards the other side of the long side direction. According to this structure, the irregularities appearing on the tire sidewall are inconspicuous, and the appearance is improved through a distinctive visual effect. [2]
[0061] Based on the pneumatic tire described above [1], the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface may also be formed by planes extending to the first reference surface. According to this structure, the contrast between the light and dark of the first and second inclined surfaces when the protrusion is viewed from the short side direction is increased, resulting in a more three-dimensional light emission mode. [3]
[0063] Based on the pneumatic tire described in [1] or [2] above, the opening angle between the first inclined plane and the second inclined plane can also be an obtuse angle. This structure is useful in reducing snagging during tire demolding or in suppressing mold contamination. [4]
[0065] Based on any of the pneumatic tires described in [1] to [3] above, the protrusion may also be configured such that the region on one side of the long side has a top that is the part furthest from the first reference surface, and the third slope extends from the top toward the other side of the long side. Thus, a different light-emitting pattern than the first and second slopes can easily be formed on the third slope, which is suitable for improving appearance. [5]
[0067] Based on any of the pneumatic tires described in [1] to [4] above, the third inclined plane can also be configured such that, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first reference plane, the third inclined plane is larger than the first and second inclined planes. Therefore, a different light-emitting pattern than the first and second inclined planes can easily be formed on the third inclined plane, which is suitable for improving aesthetics. [6]
[0069] Based on any of the pneumatic tires described in [1] to [5] above, it is also possible to configure a plurality of columns of protrusions arranged along the short side direction, wherein the phase of each column of protrusions is offset by half a phase relative to the phase of the other adjacent columns of protrusions in both the long and short side directions of the protrusions. According to this structure, the protrusions can be arranged to cover the entire surface, thus being suitable for improving appearance. [7]
[0071] Based on any of the pneumatic tires described in [1] to [6] above, gaps may also be provided between the protrusions that are adjacent to each other. According to this structure, in addition to the first to third inclined surfaces, light-reflecting surfaces are also provided in the gaps, thus achieving a good sparkling effect. [8]
[0073] Based on any of the pneumatic tires in [1] to [7] above, the length of the protrusion in the long side direction can also be 2.0 to 4.0 times the width of the protrusion in the short side direction. [9]
[0075] Based on any of the pneumatic tires described in [1] to [8] above, it is also possible to configure the first reference surface to be recessed relative to the second reference surface surrounding it, and the protrusion height of the protrusion is greater than the recess depth of the first reference surface. According to this structure, it is possible to improve the tire's resistance to external damage by protecting the tire sidewall from damage such as curb stones.
[10]
[0077] The tire vulcanizing mold disclosed herein includes a sidewall forming surface for forming a sidewall containing a decorative area. A first mold reference surface and a plurality of recesses recessed from the first mold reference surface are provided in the decorative forming area corresponding to the decorative area. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first mold reference surface, the shape of each recess has a long side direction and a short side direction orthogonal to it, tapering towards both sides in the long side direction. Each recess has: a mold ridge extending along the long side direction in a region on one side; a first mold slope whose recess depth decreases from the mold ridge towards the short side direction; a second mold slope whose recess depth decreases from the mold ridge towards the other side in the short side direction; and a third mold slope disposed in a region on the other side in the long side direction, whose recess depth decreases towards the other side in the long side direction. According to this structure, the unevenness appearing on the sidewall of the vulcanized tire is inconspicuous, and the appearance is improved through a unique visual effect.
[0078] The pneumatic tire disclosed herein, except for the sidewall structure as described above, can be constructed in the same manner as a conventional pneumatic tire, and conventionally known materials, shapes, structures, and manufacturing methods can be used.
[0079] The tire vulcanizing mold disclosed herein, except that it is configured as a sidewall forming surface for forming the tire sidewall as described above, can be configured in the same way as a conventional tire vulcanizing mold, and conventionally known materials, shapes, structures, mechanisms, etc., can be used.
[0080] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from its spirit. Furthermore, the structures used in the above embodiments can be arbitrarily combined and employed.
Claims
1. A pneumatic tire, characterized in that, The pneumatic tire has a sidewall that includes a decorative area. A first reference surface and a plurality of protrusions extending from the first reference surface are provided in the decorative area. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first reference plane, the protrusion has a long side and a short side orthogonal to it, tapering towards both sides of the long side. The protrusion has: An edge line, which extends along the long side in the region on one side of the long side; The first inclined surface has a protrusion height that decreases from the edge towards the shorter side. The second inclined plane has a protrusion height that decreases from the edge towards the other side in the direction of the shorter side; as well as The third slope, located in the area on the other side of the long side, has a protrusion height that decreases towards the other side of the long side.
2. The pneumatic tire according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first inclined plane and the second inclined plane are respectively formed by planes extending to the first reference plane.
3. The pneumatic tire according to claim 1, characterized in that, The opening angle between the first inclined plane and the second inclined plane is an obtuse angle.
4. The pneumatic tire according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion has a top in the region on one side of the long side that is the part furthest from the first reference plane, and the third slope extends from the top toward the other side of the long side.
5. The pneumatic tire according to claim 1, characterized in that, When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the first reference plane, the third inclined plane is larger than both the first and second inclined planes.
6. The pneumatic tire according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusions are arranged in multiple rows along the short side direction. The phase of the protrusion column is offset by half a phase relative to the phase of the other adjacent protrusion columns in both the long and short side directions of the protrusion.
7. The pneumatic tire according to claim 1, characterized in that, A gap is provided between the protrusions that are adjacent to each other.
8. The pneumatic tire according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the protrusion along its long side is 2.0 to 4.0 times the width of the protrusion along its short side.
9. The pneumatic tire according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The first reference surface is recessed relative to the second reference surface surrounding it, and the protrusion height of the protrusion is greater than the recess depth of the first reference surface.
10. A tire vulcanizing mold, characterized in that, The tire vulcanizing mold has a sidewall forming surface for forming the tire sidewall including the decorative area. A first mold reference surface and multiple recesses recessed from the first mold reference surface are provided in the decorative forming area corresponding to the decorative area. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the reference plane of the first mold, the shape of the recess has a long side direction and a short side direction orthogonal to it, and tapers at the front end towards both sides of the long side direction. The recess has: The mold edge line extends along the long side in the region on one side of the long side. The first mold slope has a recess depth that decreases from the mold edge towards the shorter side. The second mold bevel, the depth of which decreases from the mold ridge towards the other side in the direction of the shorter side; and The third mold slope is located in the area on the other side of the long side, and the depth of the recess decreases towards the other side of the long side.