PNEUMATIC TIRE

Abstract

Pneumatic tire which has: a decorative area (11) on a side wall surface (10); and a first reference surface (21) and a plurality of projections (30, 330) projecting from the first reference surface (21) on the decorative area (11), wherein each of the projections (30, 330) has a rib line (31, 331) extending in a first direction and slopes (32, 332), the slopes (32, 332) extending from the rib line (31, 331) to the first reference surface (21) on both sides in a second direction, and the rib line (31, 331) is arranged therebetween, while the slopes (32, 332) are inclined with respect to the first reference surface (21), wherein a length of the rib line (31, 331) is shorter than a length of the projection (30, 330) in the second direction, wherein a plurality of projection lines (23, 123, 223) are formed, in each of which the plurality of projections (30, 330) are arranged in the second direction and positions of the projections (30, 330) in the second direction are offset next to each other in the projection lines (23, 123, 223), wherein at least one of the first direction and the second direction is a non-contact arrangement direction in which gaps (24, 25, 124a, 124b, 224a, 224b, 224c) are provided between the projections (30, 330), and wherein the first reference surface (21) is recessed to be lower than the second reference surface (22) around it, and the rib line (31, 331) is higher than the second reference surface (22).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pneumatic tire. [State of the art]

[0002] A pneumatic tire with a pattern on the sidewall, such as that described in JP 2003 / 175707 A, is known. Most patterns in the related prior art are formed by the arrangement of many ribs extending in straight lines at equal intervals. Such a pattern increases the designability of the sidewall surface.

[0003] EP 2 127 911 A1 discloses a pneumatic tire with turbulence-generating protrusions on a tire surface, each of the turbulence-generating protrusions having a sharp edge portion. In this pneumatic tire, the following relationships are satisfied: 0.01 5≤H / R≤0.64 and 1.0 :S p / H ≤ 50.0 and 0.1 ≤ H / e ≤ 3.0 and 1.0 ≤ L / H ≤ 50.0 and 1.0 ≤ (p- w) / w ≤ 100.0, where R is a tire radius, H is a maximum height projection, p is a protrusion in the circumferential direction, e is a protrusion in the radial direction, L is a protrusion length in the radial direction, and A is a protrusion length in the circumferential direction. [Summary of the invention][Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Beautiful patterns have been proposed many times, but an innovative pattern that creates novel optical effects has not been proposed many times.

[0005] In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a pneumatic tire with which new optical effects can be created. [Means of solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a pneumatic tire including a decorative portion on a sidewall surface and a first reference surface and a plurality of projections projecting from the first reference surface on the decorative portion, each of the projections having a rib line extending in a first direction and slopes, the slopes extending from the rib line to the first reference surface on both sides in a second direction, the rib line being interposed therebetween while the slopes are inclined with respect to the first reference surface, a length of the rib line being shorter than a length of the projection in the second direction, thereby forming a plurality of projection lines,wherein each of the plurality of projections is arranged in the second direction, and positions of the projections in the second direction are arranged offset from each other in the projection lines, wherein at least one of the first direction and the second direction is a non-contact arrangement direction in which gaps are provided between the projections, and wherein the first reference surface is recessed to be deeper than the second reference surface around it, and the ridge line is higher than the second reference surface. [Advantage of the invention]

[0007] In the pneumatic tire according to the embodiment, new optical effects are created by the reflection of light on the slopes and the gaps. [Brief description of the drawings] The Fig. 1 is a semi-cross-sectional view of a pneumatic tire in an axial direction. The Fig. 2 is a view of a decorative area on a sidewall surface viewed from the axial direction of the tire. The Fig. 3 is a perspective view of part of a pattern. The Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the pattern in a circumferential direction of the tire. The Fig. 5 is a view of the pattern viewed from a direction perpendicular to a first reference surface. The Fig. 6 is a view of a pattern according to a modification example viewed from the direction perpendicular to the first reference surface, which is a view with long and short gaps. The Fig. 7 is a view of a pattern according to a modification example, viewed from the direction perpendicular to the first reference surface, including three kinds of gaps having different lengths. The Fig. 8 is a perspective view of projections according to a modification example, showing an example in which the heights of both ends of a rib line are different. The Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a pattern in the circumferential direction of the tire according to a modification example not according to the invention, showing an example in which the rib lines of the protrusions are lower than a second reference surface. The Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a pattern in the circumferential direction of the tire according to a modification example not according to the invention, showing an example in which the first reference surface is higher than the second reference surface. [Mode for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional structure of a pneumatic tire 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 1 shows only one half of the structure in an axial direction of the tire, and the actual pneumatic tire 1 is approximately right-left symmetrical with respect to a center line C. The axial direction of the tire is in the Fig. 1 is indicated by an arrow A, and a radial direction of the tire is in the Fig. 1 and the Fig. 2 indicated by an arrow B.

[0009] The pneumatic tire 1 is provided with bead portions 9 on both sides in the tire's axial direction. Each bead portion 9 includes a bead core formed of circularly wound steel wire and a rubber bead filler provided on an outer side in a radial direction of the bead core.

[0010] One or two carcass plies 2 are suspended over the bead portions 9 on both sides in the tire axial direction. The carcass ply 2 is a sheet-shaped member in which many ply cords oriented orthogonal to the tire circumferential direction are coated with a rubber. The carcass plies 2 form a frame shape of the pneumatic tire 1 between the bead portions 9 on both sides in the tire axial direction and wrap the bead portions 9 by being turned up from the inside to the outside in the tire axial direction and wound around the bead portions 9. Furthermore, a rubber chafer 3 is provided at a position on an outer side in the tire axial direction of a turned-up portion 2a in the carcass plies 2.

[0011] One or a plurality of belts 4 are provided on an outer side in the tire radial direction of the carcass plies 2, and a belt reinforcing layer 5 is provided on an outer side in the tire radial direction of the belts 4. The belt 4 is a member formed of many rubber-coated steel cords. The belt reinforcing layer 5 is a member formed of many rubber-coated organic fiber cords. A tread rubber 6 is attached to an outer side in the radial direction of the belt reinforcing layer 5. Many grooves are formed on the tread rubber 6, forming a tread pattern.

[0012] Sidewall rubbers 7 are arranged on both sides of the carcass plies 2 in the tire axial direction. The tread rubber 6 and the sidewall rubber 7 overlap on a support. However, each of the tread rubber 6 and the sidewall rubber 7 may overlap on a tire surface side. A portion of the sidewall rubber 7 on an inner side in the tire radial direction extends near the bead portion 9 and covers a part of the rubber chafer 3.

[0013] A rim line 8, which is a small protrusion with a height of about 1 mm, is formed at a boundary between the sidewall rubber 7 and the rubber chafer 3 on the tire surface. The rim line 8 extends circumferentially in the circumferential direction of the tire. Preferably, a rim protector having an approximately triangular shape in cross section is provided at the same position as the rim line 8 in place of the rim line 8. A range from the rim line 8 or the rim protector to a tread end in the tire radial direction is defined as a sidewall surface 10. Here, the tread end refers to an end in the tire axial direction of a ground contact surface in the tread rubber 6 when the pneumatic tire 1 contacts a road surface.

[0014] A sheet-shaped inner liner 8, made of a rubber with low air permeability, is bonded to the inside of the carcass ply 2. In addition to these elements, elements such as a belt underlay and a chafer are provided depending on the functional requirements of the tire.

[0015] As in the Fig. 1 and the Fig. 2, a decorative region 11 is provided on at least one of the sidewall surfaces 10 on both sides in the axial direction of the tire. The decorative region 11 has the shape of a ring centered on the rotational axis of the tire. The decorative region 11 is a region with a fixed width surrounded by an inner diameter-side line 12 having a circular shape with a small diameter and an outer diameter-side line 13 having a circular shape with a large diameter. The inner diameter-side line 12 and the outer diameter-side line 13 may be lines formed by depressions / protrusions or steps on the tire surface, or they may be virtual lines that do not actually exist.

[0016] A location of the decorative region 11 in the tire radial direction may be a location on an outer side in the tire radial direction as the maximum width position of the pneumatic tire 1, and it may be a location including the maximum width position of the pneumatic tire 1. Here, the maximum width position of the pneumatic tire 1 is a position where the length in the tire axial direction from the surface of one sidewall surface 10 in the axial direction to the surface of the other sidewall surface 10 in the tire axial direction is the largest.

[0017] In the Fig. 1, the decorative region 11 is provided to include a location where an interface between the tread rubber 6 and the sidewall rubber 7 appears on the tire surface. The decorative region 11 may be provided to include a location where a step appears on the surface of the sidewall surface 10, as described above. The location where the step appears on the surface of the sidewall surface 10 typically includes locations at the ends of the elements constituting the tire. Such typical locations include, for example, the location of a wound end 2b of the carcass plies 2 (one end of the wound part 2a of the carcass plies 2) in the axial direction of the tire and the like, in addition to the location where the interface between the tread rubber 6 and the sidewall rubber 7 appears on the tire surface, as described above.

[0018] As in the Fig. 2, labels 15 are provided at two opposite locations in the annular decorative area 11. The label 15 is formed by arranging a plurality of letters 16 in the circumferential direction of the tire. The plurality of letters 16 may include the name of a manufacturer, a product, a brand, or the like. These letters 16 are also outlined with recessed or projecting lines.

[0019] A pattern 14 is provided at a location between the two labels 15. The pattern 14 is formed from certain figures. As shown in the Fig. 4, the pattern 14 is provided on a first reference surface 21, which is recessed from the second reference surface 22 when a tire surface around the pattern 14 is a second reference surface 22. A contour 17 of the pattern 14 is formed by a step between the first reference surface 21 and the second reference surface 22.

[0020] Within the contour 17 forming the pattern 14, a plurality of projections 30 are provided, which project from the first reference surface 21. As shown in the Fig. 3 to the Fig. 5, each of the projections 30 is formed by a rib line 31 extending in a first direction, two slopes 32 extending from the rib line 31 to both sides in a second direction, and two lateral surfaces 33 sloping from both ends in an extending direction of the rib line 31 so as to be perpendicular to the first reference surface 21. The first direction and the second direction are orthogonal to each other in this embodiment. The first direction is indicated by an arrow C and the second direction by an arrow D in the Fig. 3 and the Fig. 5. In the Fig. 5, the projections 30 are each shown by solid lines and the rib lines 31 are shown by dashed lines.

[0021] The rib line 31 is a straight line extending in the first direction C. The height of the rib line 31 from the first reference surface 21 is fixed. Accordingly, the heights of the two ends of the rib line 31 from the first reference surface 21 are equal. The rib line 31 is the highest portion protruding from the first reference surface 21 in the projection 30, which according to the invention is located at a higher position than the second reference surface 22, as shown in FIG. Fig. 4. The slopes 32 extend from the rib line 31 to the first reference surface 21, being inclined with respect to the first reference surface 21. The two slopes 32 on both sides of the rib line 31 have the same angle of inclination θ with respect to a direction perpendicular to the first reference surface 21 (see the Fig. 4). Accordingly, the projection 30 has the shape of an isosceles triangle when viewed from the first direction C. An opening angle of the two slopes (i.e., 2 × θ) is preferably 30 degrees or more to 150 degrees or less, and more preferably, it is 90 degrees or more to 150 degrees or less.

[0022] The bevel 32 has a rectangular shape with the rib line 31 as one side. A line opposite the rib line 31 in the bevel 32 is an intersection line between the bevel 32 and the first reference surface 21. The intersection line between the bevel 32 and the first reference surface 21 corresponds to a second directional end 34 of the projection 30.

[0023] The lateral surface 33 is a face of the isosceles triangle in which one end of the rib line is a vertex. The intersection lines 35 between the lateral surface 33 and the slopes 32 (see the Fig. 3) are two equal sides of the isosceles triangle, and an intersection line 36 between the lateral surface 33 and the first reference surface 21 is a base of the isosceles triangle.

[0024] A length of the rib line 31 is shorter than a length of the protrusion 30 in the second direction D. However, the length of the protrusion 30 in the second direction D is preferably 30 times or less of the length of the rib line 31, and more preferably, it is 20 times or less thereof. Here, the length of the protrusion 30 in the second direction D is also a length of the intersection line 36 between the side surface 33 and the first reference surface 21. The length of the rib line 31 is, for example, 0.8 mm or more to 1.2 mm or less. The height of the protrusion 30 (that is, the length from the first reference surface 21 to the rib line 31 in the direction perpendicular to the first reference surface 21) is, for example, 0.1 mm or more to 1.5 mm or less.

[0025] Many (for example, 50 or more) of the above-described protrusions 30 are arranged within the contour 17 of the pattern 14. These protrusions 30 are arranged such that the first direction C corresponds to the radial direction of the tire and the second direction D corresponds to the circumferential direction of the tire.

[0026] A plurality of protrusions 30 are arranged in the tire circumferential direction as the second direction D to form a protrusion line 23. In the protrusion line 23, gaps 24 are provided between adjacent protrusions 30. Accordingly, the protrusions 30 and the gaps 24 are alternately arranged in the protrusion line 23. The second direction D is a direction in which the protrusions 30 do not contact each other by interposing the gaps 24 therebetween, which is a non-contact arrangement direction. In the gap 24, the first reference surface 21 is exposed to the tire surface.

[0027] The lengths of all gaps 24 in the second direction D are equal in all projection lines 23. Therefore, the projections 30 are arranged at equal intervals in the second direction D. A length L2 of the gap 24 in the second direction D (see the Fig. 5) is, for example, 3 / 4 or less of the length of the projection 30 in the second direction D.

[0028] As in the Fig. 3 and the Fig. 5, a plurality of projection lines 23 are arranged parallel to one another in the pattern 14. As shown in the Fig. 5, gaps 25 are provided between the adjacent protrusion lines 23. Accordingly, the protrusion lines 23 and the gaps 25 are alternately arranged in the first direction C. The first direction C is a direction in which the protrusions 30 do not contact each other by having the gaps 25 therebetween, which is a non-contact arrangement direction. In the gap 25, the first reference surface 21 is exposed to the tire surface. A length L1 of the gap 25 in the second direction D (see the Fig. 5) is preferably 3 / 4 or less of the length of the projection 30 in the first direction C.

[0029] Regarding the relationship between adjacent projection lines 23, one projection line 23 is shifted with respect to the other projection line 23 in the second direction D. Therefore, the positions of the projections 30 and their rib lines 31 are shifted in the second direction D between two adjacent projection lines 23. A distance of the shift is half a pitch (i.e., half a pitch) in the projection line 23. Here, a pitch in the projection line 23 corresponds to the sum of the lengths of a projection 30 and a gap 24 adjacent to the projection 30 in the second direction D. The distances of the shift in the second direction D are the same between all adjacent projection lines 23. Since the projection lines 23 are shifted in this way, the rib lines 31 of the projections 30 and the gaps 24 in the second direction D are arranged alternately in the first direction C, as shown in the Fig. 5 is shown.

[0030] These protrusions 30 can be formed by a mold used at the time of vulcanization of the pneumatic tire 1. Irregularities corresponding to the shapes of the protrusions 30 are formed on the mold surface of the mold used during vulcanization. Such irregularities can be created by cutting or laser processing.

[0031] As described above, in the pneumatic tire 1 according to the embodiment, the protrusion 30 provided in the decorative portion 11 includes the rib line 31 extending in the first direction C and the slopes 32 extending obliquely from the rib line 31 to the first reference surface 21 on both sides of the rib line 31 in the second direction D. At this time, the length of the rib line 31 is shorter than the length of the protrusion 30 in the second direction D. Then, the plurality of protrusion lines 23 are formed in which the plurality of protrusions 30 are respectively arranged in the second direction D, and the positions of the rib line 31 are shifted in the second direction D in the protrusion lines 23 adjacent to each other. In addition, both the first direction C and the second direction D are the non-contact arrangement directions, and the gaps 24, 25 are provided between the projections 30 in the non-contact arrangement directions.

[0032] According to the configuration, a plurality of bevels 32 with a small area are provided, and light is reflected at each of the bevels 32. Since the light is reflected at a plurality of bevels 32, the pattern 14 in the decorative area 11 looks bright and three-dimensional. Accordingly, the pattern 14 in the decorative area 11 becomes outstandingly visible and beautiful. When a person observes the protrusion 30 from either of the two bevels 32 with the ridge line 31 between them, one bevel 32 looks shiny and the other dark. Since there are many protrusions 30 in the pattern 14, subtle patterns of light and dark can be seen in the pattern 14, making the pattern 14 beautiful. By reflecting light at the plurality of bevels 32 as described above, new optical effects are created.

[0033] When the pneumatic tire 1 is inflated, a thin depression may be formed on the sidewall surface 10 extending in the radial direction of the tire. However, this depression is made inconspicuous by a plurality of projections 30 on the pattern 14 in the decorative area 11.

[0034] Since such a depression is more conspicuous on the outer side in the tire radial direction than at the maximum width position of the pneumatic tire 1, the effect of making the depression inconspicuous is enhanced when the decorative region 11 is arranged on the outer side in the tire radial direction than at the maximum width position. When the decorative region 11 is arranged at one end of the member constituting the tire, the effect of making the step appearing on the surface of the sidewall surface 10 inconspicuous can be achieved through the end.

[0035] Furthermore, the presence of the gaps 24, 25 between the protrusions 30 can also create new optical effects. For example, when the light reflected at the gap 24 between the protrusions 30 in the second direction D enters the human eyes, the reflected light does not easily penetrate the human eyes at a deep part in the slope 32 of the protrusion 30 (a part close to the first reference surface 21). Therefore, when the gap 24 between the protrusions 30 appears bright in the second direction D, the deep part in the slope 32 appears dark. As described above, the presence of the gap 24 between the protrusions 30 in the second direction D creates a difference between the bright and dark parts, which can produce new optical effects.The gap 25 between the projections 30 in the first direction also appears brighter or darker than the edge depending on the viewing angle, which can create new optical effects.

[0036] Since the gaps 24, 25 are formed between the projections 30, a crack does not easily occur at one end of the projection 30 as in the case where the projections 30 contact each other.

[0037] The lengths of the plurality of gaps 24 in the second direction D are equal, and the lengths of the plurality of gaps 25 in the first direction C are also equal. That is, the projections 30 are arranged at equal intervals in the second direction D, and the projection lines 23 are arranged at equal intervals in the first direction C. Accordingly, a gradation of constant repetition of light and dark is created in the pattern 14.

[0038] The inclination angles θ of the two slopes 32 with respect to a ridge line 31 in the direction perpendicular to the first reference surface 21 are equal. Therefore, the gradation of light and shadow is similar when a person views the pattern 14 from any side of the two slopes 32 of the projection 30.

[0039] Since the second direction D of the projection 30 is the circumferential direction of the tire, unique optical effects can be created when the pneumatic tire 1 rotates.

[0040] The first reference surface 21 is recessed to be lower than the second reference surface 22 therearound, and the protrusions 30 are provided on the first reference surface 21. However, the ridge lines 31 of the protrusions 30 are higher than the second reference surface 22. According to this configuration, a lot of light is applied to the portions of the protrusions 30 near the ridge lines 31 to produce high reflection, and the light is not sufficiently applied to the portions of the protrusions 30 near the first reference surface 21 to produce low reflection. Therefore, the portions of the protrusions 30 near the ridge lines 31 look bright, and the portions of the protrusions 30 near the first reference surface 21 look dark, creating optical effects in which the contrast of light and dark is emphasized.

[0041] Since the heights of both ends of the rib line 31 in the projection 30 from the first reference surface 21 are equal, a mold for forming the projections 30 can be easily manufactured.

[0042] When the opening angle of the two bevels 32 of the protrusion 30 is 30 degrees or more, the irregularities for forming the protrusions 30 in the mold used at the time of vulcanization are not too deep. Accordingly, the airflow in the irregularities in the mold at the time of vulcanization is good. Therefore, the occurrence of air pockets is reduced and defects are hardly caused in the pneumatic tire 1. When the opening angle of the two bevels 32 of the protrusion 30 is 90 degrees or more, the above-mentioned effects become even more obvious. When the opening angle of the two bevels 32 is 150 degrees or less, the height of the protrusions 30 is secured to a certain extent. Therefore, the effects achieved by the presence of the protrusions 30 become more noticeable.

[0043] The above embodiment is merely an example, and the scope of the invention is not limited to the above embodiment. < Change example 1>

[0044] One of the first direction C and the second direction D may be the non-contact arrangement direction (the direction in which the protrusions 30 are arranged without contacting each other), and the protrusions 30 may be arranged with contact in the other direction. For example, it is preferable that the plurality of protrusions 30 are arranged at equal intervals in the second direction D to form the protrusion line, and that adjacent protrusion lines contact each other in the first direction C. It is also preferable that the plurality of protrusions 30 are arranged in the second direction while contacting each other, and that the protrusion lines are arranged at equal intervals in the first direction C. < Change example 2>

[0045] There may be long gaps and short gaps as the gaps between the projections 30, and the long gaps and the short gaps may be arranged alternately in the non-contact arrangement direction.

[0046] The Fig. For example, Fig. 6 is a view showing a case where the second direction D is the non-contact arrangement direction. In the Fig. 6, the plurality of protrusions 30 are arranged with gaps in the second direction D to form a protrusion line 123. It is assumed that there is no gap between the protrusion lines 123 in the first direction C and that the protrusion lines 123 touch each other, although this is not shown (however, the protrusion line 123 is shifted with respect to the adjacent protrusion line 123 in the second direction D).

[0047] There are a long gap 124a and a short gap 124b as the gaps in the second direction D. Then, the long gaps 124a and the short gaps 124b are alternately arranged in the second direction D. The gradation of light and dark in the pattern 14 becomes cyclic by the above arrangement of the gaps 124a, 124b.

[0048] There is a case where the protrusions contact each other in the second direction D, and only the first direction C is the non-contact arrangement direction. In this case, it is possible that the long gaps and the short gaps are provided as the gaps between adjacent protrusion lines 123 in the first direction C, and that the long gaps and the short gaps are alternately arranged in the first direction C.

[0049] When both the first direction C and the second direction D are the non-contact arrangement direction, the long gaps and the short gaps may be alternately arranged in both the first direction C and the second direction D, or the long gaps and the short gaps are alternately arranged only in one of the first direction C and the second direction D, and the arrangement of the gaps according to the above embodiment or another modification example may be adopted as an arrangement of the gaps in the other direction. < Change example 3>

[0050] There may be three or more kinds of gaps having different lengths than the gaps between the projections 30, and the length of the gaps may be gradually changed in the non-contact arrangement direction.

[0051] The Fig. For example, Fig. 7 is a view showing the case where the second direction D is the non-contact arrangement direction. In the Fig. 7, the plurality of protrusions 30 are arranged with gaps in the second direction D to form a protrusion line 223. It is assumed that there is no gap between the protrusion lines 223 in the first direction C and that the protrusion lines 223 touch each other, although this is not shown (however, the protrusion line 223 is shifted with respect to the adjacent protrusion line 223 in the second direction D).

[0052] There are a long gap 224a, a medium-length gap 224b, and a short gap 124c as the gaps in the second direction D. Then, the long gap 224a, the medium-length gap 224b, and the short gap 124c are arranged in this order in the second direction D. The arrangement of the three gaps 224a, 224b, and 224c is repeated in the second direction D. The gradation of light and dark in the pattern 14 acquires a long cyclic characteristic by the arrangement of the gaps 224a, 224b, and 224c.

[0053] In other words, there are the short gap, the middle gap, and the long gap as the gaps between adjacent projections 30. Here, when a length of the short gap in the second direction D is LA, a length of the middle gap in the second direction D is LB, and a length of the long gap in the second direction D is LC, the relationship LA < LB < LC holds. Then, the short gap, the middle gap, and the long gap are arranged in this order toward one direction in the second direction D. The arrangement in the order of the short gap, the middle gap, and the long gap is repeated in the second direction D.

[0054] There may be more than three types of gaps between adjacent projections 30. For example, it is preferable that there are multiple lengths such as LB1, LB2 ... as the lengths of the central gap in the second direction D, and that the relationship LA < LB1 < LB2 < ... < LC holds.

[0055] There is a case where the protrusions contact each other in the second direction D, and only the first direction C is the non-contact arrangement direction. In this case, the short gap, the middle gap, and the long gap may be provided as the gaps between adjacent protrusion lines 223 in the first direction C, and the length of the gaps may be changed stepwise in the first direction C.

[0056] When both the first direction C and the second direction D are the non-contact arrangement direction, the length of the gaps may be gradually changed in both the first direction C and the second direction D, or the length of the gaps may be gradually changed in only one of the first and second directions, and the arrangement of the gaps according to the above embodiment or another changing example may be adopted as an arrangement of the gaps in the other direction. < Change example 4>

[0057] The directions of arrangement of the protrusions 30 are not limited to those of the embodiment. For example, the first direction C, which is an extending direction of the rib line 31, may be the circumferential direction of the tire, and the second direction D, which is orthogonal to the first direction C, may be the radial direction of the tire. When the protrusions 30 are arranged so that the first direction C is the circumferential direction of the tire, the appearance of the pattern 14 changes compared to the above embodiment.

[0058] Furthermore, within the pattern 14, a region in which the protrusions 30 in which the first direction C is the tire radial direction are combined and a region in which the protrusions 30 in which the first direction C is the tire circumferential direction are combined may be formed. Furthermore, the protrusions 30 in which the first direction C is the tire radial direction and the protrusions 30 in which the first direction C is the tire circumferential direction are mixed in the pattern 14. < Change example 5>

[0059] As in the Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the heights of the two ends 331a, 331b of a rib line 331 in a protrusion 330 may differ from the first reference surface 21. Such a protrusion 330 may preferably be arranged so that the first direction C, which is an extending direction of the rib line 331, is set to the radial direction of the tire. In the preferred arrangement, it does not matter whether the upper end 331a or the lower end 331b is arranged on an inner side in the radial direction of the tire or on an outer side in the radial direction of the tire.

[0060] The angles of inclination of the two slopes 332 on both sides of the rib line 331 are equal with respect to the direction perpendicular to the first reference surface 21. In the case of Fig. 8, the opening angle of the two slopes 332 of the projection 330 differs at the upper end 331a and the lower end 331b. The opening angle at which the upper end 331a is an apex is larger than the opening angle at which the lower end 331b is an apex. As specific numerical values, the opening angle at which the higher end 331a is the apex is preferably 40 degrees or more to 160 degrees or less, and the opening angle at which the lower end 331b is the apex is preferably 30 degrees or more to 150 degrees or less.

[0061] Conversely, the opening angle at which the higher end 331a is the apex may be smaller than the opening angle at which the lower end 331b is the apex. It is also preferable that the opening angle at which the higher end 331a is the apex and the opening angle at which the lower end 331b is the apex are the same.

[0062] When the heights of the two ends 331a, 331b of the rib line 331 from the first reference surface 21 are different from each other as described in this modification example, the appearance of the pattern 14 becomes beautiful, which is different from the case where the heights of the two ends of the rib line 331 from the first reference surface 21 are the same. <Change example 6>

[0063] Fig. 9 is not in accordance with the invention. <Change example 7>

[0064] As in the Fig. 10, it is not according to the invention that the first reference surface 21 protrudes from the second reference surface 22 around the second reference surface 22 and that the projections 30 are provided on the first reference surface 21. In this modification example, much light is applied to the slopes 32 of the projections 30, therefore the projections 30 look more luminous. <Change example 8>

[0065] The pattern provided in the decorative area 11 is not limited to the Fig. 2. It is also preferable that a mark (for example, in the form of a letter, a symbol, or a figure) and the like is provided instead of the pattern 14, and the plurality of projections 30 may be provided within a contour of the mark or the like.

[0066] Preferably, no protrusion 30 is provided within the contour 17 of the pattern 14 (or the contour of the marking), and the plurality of protrusions 30 are provided outside the contour. In this case, the pattern 14 (or the marking or the like) is provided as a region in which no protrusion 30 is provided within the region in which the plurality of protrusions 30 are provided. < Change example 9>

[0067] The distance of displacement in the second direction D in adjacent projection lines 23 is not limited to half the pitch of the projection line 23, but it may be 2 / 3 pitch or the like. < Change example 10>

[0068] It is not always necessary for the angles of inclination θ of the two slopes 32 of a projection 30 to be equal with respect to the direction perpendicular to the first reference surface 21. [List of reference symbols] C Centerline 1 pneumatic tire 2 carcass layers 2a folded part 2b wound end 3 rubber bead band 4 belts 5 Belt reinforcement layer 6 Tread rubber 7 Sidewall rubber 8 Rim edge 9 Bead part 10 Sidewall surface 11 decorative area 12 inner diameter line 13 outer diameter line 14 patterns 15 labels 16 letters 17 Contour 21 first reference surface 22 second reference surface 23 Leading line 24 Gap (second direction) 25 Gap (first direction) 30 lead 31 Rib line 32 slopes 33 lateral surface 34 second end of direction 35 Cutting line 36 Cutting line 123 lead line 124a long gap 124b short gap 223 lead line 224a long gap 224b Medium-length gap 224c short gap 330 lead 331 rib line 331a End 331b End 332 slope

Claims

[1] Pneumatic tire which has: a decorative area (11) on a side wall surface (10); and a first reference surface (21) and a plurality of projections (30, 330) projecting from the first reference surface (21) on the decorative area (11), wherein each of the projections (30, 330) has a rib line (31, 331) extending in a first direction and slopes (32, 332), the slopes (32, 332) extending from the rib line (31, 331) to the first reference surface (21) on both sides in a second direction, and the rib line (31, 331) is arranged therebetween, while the slopes (32, 332) are inclined with respect to the first reference surface (21), wherein a length of the rib line (31, 331) is shorter than a length of the projection (30, 330) in the second direction, wherein a plurality of projection lines (23, 123, 223) are formed, in each of which the plurality of projections (30, 330) are arranged in the second direction and positions of the projections (30, 330) in the second direction are offset next to each other in the projection lines (23, 123, 223), wherein at least one of the first direction and the second direction is a non-contact arrangement direction in which gaps (24, 25, 124a, 124b, 224a, 224b, 224c) are provided between the projections (30, 330), and wherein the first reference surface (21) is recessed to be lower than the second reference surface (22) around it, and the rib line (31, 331) is higher than the second reference surface (22). [2] A pneumatic tire according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of projections (30, 330) are arranged at equal intervals in the non-contact arrangement direction. [3] Pneumatic tire according to claim 1, wherein the gaps are a long gap (124a) and a short gap (124b), and the long gap (124a) and the short gap (124b) are arranged alternately in the non-contact arrangement direction. [4] Pneumatic tire according to claim 1, wherein three or more types of gaps (224a, 224b, 224c) with different lengths than the gaps are present, and the lengths of the gaps (224a, 224b, 224c) are gradually changed in the non-contact arrangement direction. [5] A pneumatic tire according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein both the first direction and the second direction are the non-contact arrangement direction in which gaps (24, 25, 124a, 124b, 224a, 224b, 224c) are provided between the adjacent projections (30, 330). [6] Pneumatic tire according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the inclination angles of the two slopes (32, 332) with respect to a rib line (31, 331) are equal in a direction perpendicular to the first reference surface (21). [7] A pneumatic tire according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second direction is a circumferential direction of the tire. [8] A pneumatic tire according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second direction is a radial direction of the tire. [9] A pneumatic tire according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the heights of both ends of the rib line (31) from the first reference surface (21) are equal. [10] A pneumatic tire according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the heights of both ends of the rib line (331) from the first reference surface (21) are different.

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