Tires
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE202021004522
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2021-07-08
- Publication Date
- 2025-08-28
- Estimated Expiration
- 2031-07-31
Smart Images

Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a tire. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART
[0002] Tires have traditionally been provided with letters, symbols, figures, patterns, and the like on the outer surface of the tire in a manner that allows for identification from the outside. Patent Literature (PTL) 1 describes this type of tire. The tire described in PTL 1 is surrounded by asymmetric narrow stripes in a first portion, which is a portion surrounding letters, and in a second portion, which is a portion containing the letters. CITATION LISTPatent literature
[0003] PTL 1: JP 2002-522294 A SUMMARY (Technical Problem)
[0004] The tire in PTL 1 is provided with the asymmetric narrow stripes in the first and second sections to create an optical contrast between the first and second sections at a variety of viewing angles and illumination angles, thereby making the letters easier to read.
[0005] However, the tire in PTL 1 still has room for improvement in terms of making specific areas, such as the lettered sections, stand out even more.
[0006] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a tire capable of improving the visibility of a specific area on the outer surface of the tire. (Solution to the problem)
[0007] A tire according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes, on a tire outer surface, a first region including an uneven surface formed by a convex portion arranged through the entire first region, and a second region comprising an uneven surface formed by a plurality of ridges arranged in parallel through the entire second region, the second region being arranged adjacent to the first region, wherein a minimum separation distance between vertices of the convex portion in the first region is shorter than a minimum separation distance between vertices of two adjacent ridges in the second region. (Beneficial effect)
[0008] According to the present disclosure, a tire capable of improving the visibility of a specific area on the outer surface of the tire can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] In the accompanying drawings: is Fig. a cross-sectional view taken along a cross section parallel to the tire width direction when a tire as an embodiment of the present disclosure is in a reference state, is Fig. a side view of the Fig. illustrated tire, is Fig. an enlarged view of a section of Fig. , is Fig. an enlarged view of the neighborhood of a section of the letter “D” in Fig. and a further enlarged view of this section, is Fig. a cross-sectional view along section II-II of Fig. , is Fig. a cross-sectional view along section III-III of Fig. , is Fig. a cross-sectional view along cross section II of Fig. , is Fig. a representation showing a variation of a first region and a second region shown in Fig. are illustrated, illustrated, is Fig. a representation showing another variation of the second area shown in Fig. is illustrated, illustrated, and is Fig. a diagram illustrating a configuration in which a ridge having a higher projection height than the ridges in each segmented region is provided at the boundary of a plurality of segmented regions in the Fig. illustrated second area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] Embodiments of a tire according to the present disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. Elements, components, and directions common across drawings are designated by the same reference numerals.
[0011] Tires according to the present disclosure include both pneumatic tires and airless tires. In the present embodiment, a pneumatic tire is described as an example of a tire according to the present disclosure.
[0012] Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, it is assumed that the dimensions, length relationships, positional relationships, and the like of each element are measured in a reference state in which the pneumatic tire is mounted on an applicable rim, filled to a prescribed internal pressure, and without load.
[0013] The "applicable rim" refers to a standard rim specified in the following standards according to the tire size ("design rim" in the Tire and Rim Association, Inc. (TRA) YEARBOOK and "measuring rim" in the European Tire and Rim Technological Organization (ETRTO) STANDARDS MANUAL). The standards are determined according to an applicable technical standard in the areas where the tire is manufactured or used. Examples of standards include the TRA YEARBOOK in the USA, the ETRTO STANDARDS MANUAL in Europe, and the JATMA YEARBOOK of the Japan Automobile Tire Manufacturers Association (JATMA) in Japan. The "applicable rim" includes sizes that may be included in the aforementioned industrial standards in the future, in addition to current sizes.Examples of sizes that may be described in the aforementioned industrial standards in the future include the sizes described under "FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS" in the 2013 edition of ETRTO. In the case of a size not listed in the aforementioned industrial standards, the "applicable rim" refers to a rim whose width corresponds to the bead width of the pneumatic tire.
[0014] The "specified internal pressure" refers to the air pressure (maximum air pressure) corresponding to the maximum load capacity of a single wheel for the applicable size / ply index in the aforementioned JATMA YEARBOOK or the like. For a size not specified in the aforementioned industrial standards, the "specified internal pressure" refers to the air pressure (maximum air pressure) corresponding to the maximum load capacity specified for each vehicle on which the tire is mounted.The “maximum load capacity” described below refers to the maximum tire load capacity specified in the aforementioned standards, such as JATMA, for tires of the applicable size, or in the case of sizes not specified in the aforementioned industrial standards, the “maximum load capacity” refers to the load corresponding to the maximum load capacity specified for each vehicle on which the tire is mounted.
[0015] Fig. illustrates a pneumatic tire 1 (hereinafter referred to simply as “tire 1”) as the present embodiment. In detail, Fig. a cross-sectional view of the tire 1, in a cross section parallel to a tire width direction A, in the reference state in which the tire 1 is mounted on an applicable rim 2, inflated to the prescribed internal pressure, and without load. Hereinafter, this cross section is referred to as the "tire width cross section." Since the tire 1 in the present embodiment has a symmetrical configuration with respect to the tire equatorial plane CL, Fig. a tire width cross-section on only one side of the tire equatorial plane CL in the tire width direction. However, the tire may have an asymmetric configuration with respect to the tire equatorial plane CL. (Applicable rim 2)
[0016] The applicable rim 2 in the present in Fig. illustrated embodiment includes a rim seat portion 2a to which a bead member 3, described below, of the tire 1 is attached on the outer side in a tire radial direction B, and a rim flange portion 2b projecting outward in the tire radial direction B from both ends of the rim seat portion 2a in the tire width direction A. (Tire 1)
[0017] As in Fig. As illustrated, the tire 1 includes a tread portion 1a and a pair of tire side portions 1b extending inward in the tire radial direction B from both ends of the tread portion 1a in the tire width direction A. The tire side portions 1b include a pair of sidewall portions 1b1 extending inward in the tire radial direction B from both ends of the tread portion 1a in the tire width direction A, and a pair of bead portions 1b2 provided at the inner ends of the sidewall portions 1b1 in the tire radial direction B. The tire 1 in the present embodiment is a tubeless passenger car radial tire. Herein, the "tread portion 1a" refers to the portion nipped by tread edges TE on both sides in the tire width direction A.The "bead portion 1b2" refers to the portion in the tire radial direction B where the bead element 3 described below is arranged. The "sidewall portion 1b1" refers to the portion between the tread portion 1a and the bead portion 1b2. The "tread edge TE" refers to the outermost position of the contact patch in the tire width direction when the tire is mounted on the applicable rim described above, inflated to the above-described prescribed internal pressure, and placed under the maximum load.
[0018] The tire outer surface is configured by a surface 31 on the outer side, in the tire radial direction B, of the tread portion 1a, which is the outer surface of the tread portion 1a (hereinafter referred to as the “tread outer surface 31”), and a surface 32 on the outer side, in the tire width direction A, of the tire side portion 1b, which is the outer surface of the tire side portion 1b (hereinafter referred to as the “tire side outer surface 32”). The tire side outer surface 32 includes a surface 32a on the outer side, in the tire width direction A, of the sidewall portion 1b1 (hereinafter referred to as the “sidewall outer surface 32a”) and a surface 32b on the outer side, in the tire width direction A, of the bead portion 1b2 (hereinafter referred to as the “bead outer surface 32b”).
[0019] The tire includes the bead element 3, a carcass 4, a belt 6, a tread rubber 7, a side rubber 8 and an inner liner 9. (Bead element 3)
[0020] The bead element 3 is embedded in the bead portion 1b2. The bead element 3 includes a bead core 3a and a rubber apex 3b arranged outward from the bead core 3a in the tire radial direction B. The bead core 3a includes a plurality of bead wires covered with rubber. The bead wires may be, for example, steel cords. The steel cords may be, for example, a monofilament of steel or may be formed by twisted wires. (Carcass 4)
[0021] The carcass 4 extends annularly to span the pair of bead portions 1b2, in particular to span the bead cores 3a of the pair of bead elements 3.
[0022] The carcass 4 is configured by one or more carcass plies (one in the present embodiment) having carcass cords arranged at an angle of, for example, 75° to 90° with respect to the tire circumferential direction C (see Fig. and the like). This carcass layer includes a ply main body 4a disposed between the pair of bead cores 3a, and ply turn-up portions 4b connected to both ends of the ply main body 4a and formed to turn up around the bead cores 3a from the inside to the outside in the tire width direction A. In the present embodiment, the apex 3b, which tapers in the tire radial direction B from the bead core 3a, is disposed between the ply main body 4a and the ply turn-up portions 4b. The carcass cords of the carcass ply may be, for example, metallic cords such as steel cords, or organic fiber cords made of polyester, nylon, rayon, aramid, or the like. The number of carcass plies may also be two or more. (Belt 6)
[0023] The belt 6 includes one or two belt plies (two in the present embodiment) arranged outward in the tire radial direction B from a crown portion of the carcass 4. Each belt ply of the belt 6 in the present embodiment includes a belt cord covered with rubber. Each belt ply may be an inclined belt ply or a circumferential belt ply. The inclined belt ply is configured by a belt ply including belt cords inclined and arranged at an angle greater than 10° and equal to or less than 40° relative to the tire circumferential direction C (see Fig. ). The circumferential belt layer is also configured by a belt layer containing belt cords arranged along the tire circumferential direction C (see Fig. ) (at an angle of 10° or less, preferably 5° or less, relative to the tire circumferential direction C). The belt cords of each belt ply may be, for example, metallic cords such as steel cords, or organic fiber cords made of polyester, nylon, rayon, aramid, or the like. Although the belt 6 is configured by two belt plies in the present embodiment, the belt 6 may be single-ply or may include three or more belt plies. (Tread rubber 7 and side rubber 8)
[0024] The tread rubber 7 forms the tread outer surface 31. A tread pattern comprising circumferential grooves 7a extending in the tire circumferential direction C (see Fig. and the like), unillustrated width-direction grooves extending in the tire width direction A, and the like, are formed on the tread outer surface 31 in the present embodiment. The side rubber 8 forms the tire side outer surface 32 of the tire side portion 1b. Moreover, the side rubber 8 is bonded to the outer edge, in the tire width direction A, of the above-described tread rubber 7. (Innerliner 9)
[0025] The inner liner 9 is layered on the inner surface of the carcass 4. The inner liner 9 can, for example, be formed from a butyl-based rubber that has low air permeability. Butyl-based rubber refers to butyl rubber and butyl halide rubber, which is a derivative thereof.
[0026] Next, further features of tire 1 are described.
[0027] Fig. is a side view of the tire 1 in the reference condition described above. In detail, Fig. a front view of the tire side portion 1b of the tire 1 in the reference state from the outer side in the tire width direction A. Fig. is an enlarged view of a part of the tire in Fig. . As in Fig. As illustrated, a mark 10 including letters, symbols, figures, or patterns is formed on the tire side outer surface 32 of the tire outer surface of the tire 1. The mark 10 in the present embodiment is formed on the sidewall outer surface 32a of the tire side outer surface 32, but the mark 10 may be formed at a different position on the tire side outer surface. However, considering visibility from the outside and durability, the mark 10 is preferably applied to the tire side outer surface 32.
[0028] As in Fig. As illustrated, the marking 10 includes a plurality of marking elements 11 formed at different positions in the tire circumferential direction C on the tire side outer surface 32 of the tire outer surface.
[0029] Specifically, the mark 10 in the present embodiment is a letter mark consisting of only the seven letters "ABCDEFG." In other words, the mark 10 in the present embodiment includes the seven letters "A" to "G" as the plurality of mark elements 11. In addition to the letters, as in the present embodiment, or in place of them, the mark may include a graphic, a barcode, or other symbol and / or a pattern.
[0030] The letters "A" to "G" as the plurality of marking elements 11 of the marking 10 in the present embodiment are formed at different positions in the tire circumferential direction C on the tire side outer surface 32. Specifically, the letters "A" to "G" as the plurality of marking elements 11 of the marking 10 in the present embodiment are formed at positions spaced apart from each other in the tire circumferential direction C. A convex portion 50 (see Fig. ) is arranged through an entire first area X1, where the marking elements 11 of the marking 10 are respectively arranged in the present embodiment. In addition, a plurality of webs 26 (see Fig. ) as a kind of convex portion in parallel through an entire second area X2 adjacent to each marking element 11 of the marker 10 in the present embodiment. Details are described below (see Fig. ).
[0031] In addition to the first region X1, the second region X2 in the present embodiment also adjoins a third region X3 formed by a flat, planar surface. Specifically, the first region X1 in the present embodiment is surrounded by the second region X2. The second region X2 is then surrounded by the third region X3, which is a flat surface. In other words, the second region X2 in the present embodiment adjoins the first region X1 on the inner side and adjoins the third region X3 on the outer side. A flat surface refers to a surface on which no unevenness is formed. The flat surface may be a flat surface or a curved surface. The surface roughness of the flat surface is preferably 1 to 15 Rz (Rt).
[0032] As in Fig. As illustrated, on the tire side outer surface 32 in the present embodiment, two marks 10 are provided at opposite positions in the tire radial direction B across a tire center axis O (see Fig. ). In the present embodiment, separate second regions X2 are arranged at the positions of the two marks 10 on the tire side outer surface 32, but the second region X2 may be connected in a ring. There may also be other marks formed on the tire side outer surface 32 by unevenness or printing.
[0033] Next, details of the first area X1 and the second area X2 are explained. The right side of Fig. is an enlarged view of the neighborhood of a section (within the dashed rectangular frame in Fig. ) of the letter “D” as a marking element 11 in Fig. . The left side of Fig. is another enlarged view of the section (within the dashed rectangular frame on the right side of Fig. ) of the letter “D” in the right figure of Fig. . As in Fig. illustrated, the first area X1, where the letter “D” is arranged as the marking element 11, has a convex portion 50 (see Fig. ) arranged throughout the entire first region X1 to form an uneven surface. As shown in Fig. illustrated, the second area X2, where the letter “D” is arranged, includes an uneven surface formed by a plurality of webs 26 (see Fig. ) arranged in parallel throughout the entire second area X2. The letter “D” and its surroundings as the marking element 11 are shown as examples in Fig. illustrated, but the first areas X1, in which other letters are arranged, and the surrounding second area X2 have the same configuration and are therefore not described here.
[0034] The first region X1 includes a base portion 12 and a convex portion 50 protruding from the base portion 12. The convex portion 50 in the present embodiment includes a unit pattern having a predetermined shape that is repeatedly arranged. The unit pattern in the present embodiment is repeatedly arranged at predetermined intervals. By using the unit pattern, the entire first region X1 can be easily filled regardless of the area of the first region X1. Specifically, the convex portion 50 in the present embodiment includes two unit patterns, that is, a first unit pattern 13 and a second unit pattern 14. The convex portion 50 in the present embodiment further includes a connecting portion 60 connecting the first unit pattern 13 and the second unit pattern 14.As described in detail below, each of the first unit pattern 13 and the second unit pattern 14 in the present embodiment is configured as a star including six extended portions extending in different directions from a node point in a plan view. Furthermore, a portion of the extended portions of the first unit pattern 13 and the second unit pattern 14 in the present embodiment is connected to each other via the connecting portion 60.
[0035] The base portion 12 forms a reference plane for each marking element 11. The first unit pattern 13, the second unit pattern 14 and the connecting portion 60 project from the base portion 12 as a reference.
[0036] The first unit pattern 13 includes extended portions 16 that protrude from the base portion 12 and extend in a plurality of directions from a node 15 in a plan view. Specifically, the first unit pattern 13 in the present embodiment is configured by the star projection described above. The star projection as the first unit pattern 13 in the present embodiment includes the extended portions 16 that are identically shaped and extend linearly in different directions from a center point O1 as the node 15.Specifically, the star projection as the first unit pattern 13 in the present embodiment includes a first extended portion 16a, a second extended portion 16b, a third extended portion 16c, a fourth extended portion 16d, a fifth extended portion 16e, and a sixth extended portion 16f as six extended portions 16 extending in different directions from the center O1 as the node 15. Hereinafter, when no distinction is made among the six extended portions 16, they are simply referred to as the "extended portions 16."
[0037] As in Fig. As illustrated, the first extended portion 16a and the second extended portion 16b extend in opposite directions from the center point O1 as the node 15, and a shape extending continuously in a straight line is formed by the first extended portion 16a and the second extended portion 16b. For convenience, the first extended portion 16a and the second extended portion 16b are hereinafter collectively referred to as a "first straight portion 17a."
[0038] As in Fig. As illustrated, the third extended portion 16c and the fourth extended portion 16d extend in opposite directions from the center point O1 as the node 15, and a shape extending continuously in a straight line is formed by the third extended portion 16c and the fourth extended portion 16d. For convenience, the third extended portion 16c and the fourth extended portion 16d are hereinafter collectively referred to as a "second straight portion 17b."
[0039] As in Fig. As illustrated, the fifth extended portion 16e and the sixth extended portion 16f extend in opposite directions from the center point O1 as the node 15, and a shape extending continuously in a straight line is formed by the fifth extended portion 16e and the sixth extended portion 16f. For convenience, the fifth extended portion 16e and the sixth extended portion 16f are hereinafter collectively referred to as a "third straight portion 17c."
[0040] In this way, the star projection as the first unit pattern 13 in the present embodiment is configured by the first straight portion 17a, the second straight portion 17b, and the third straight portion 17c intersecting at the center O1 as the node 15.
[0041] Among the six extended portions 16, an angle of 60° is formed between adjacent extended portions 16. In other words, the six extended portions 16 extend radially from the center point O1 as the node point 15.
[0042] Fig. is a diagram illustrating a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the first straight portion 17a, the second straight portion 17b, and the third straight portion 17c of the first unit pattern 13 in the present embodiment. In detail, Fig. a cross-sectional view along section II-II of Fig. . As in Fig. As illustrated, in the star protrusion as the first unit pattern 13, the first straight section 17a, the second straight section 17b, and the third straight section 17c are substantially isosceles triangles with flat vertices. The vertex of the first straight section 17a will hereinafter be referred to as a "first vertex 18a," the vertex of the second straight section 17b as a "second vertex 18b," and the vertex of the third straight section 17c as a "third vertex 18c."
[0043] The height from the base portion 12 to each of the first vertex 18a, the second vertex 18b, and the third vertex 18c (hereinafter referred to as the "protrusion height H1") is 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less. The protrusion height H1 is more preferably set within a range of 0.2 mm or more and 0.8 mm or less.
[0044] As in Fig. As illustrated, in the star projection as the first unit pattern 13 in the present embodiment, the base portion 12 between the first straight portion 17a and the second straight portion 17b is flat. As shown in Fig. As illustrated, the base portion 12 is curved between the second straight portion 17b and the third straight portion 17c. By making the base portion 12 curved, the reflection of incident light is suppressed and the contrast with the outer surface of the marking element 11 is increased, thereby improving visibility.
[0045] On first side wall surfaces 19a, which form the legs of the isosceles triangle of the first straight section 17a, second side wall surfaces 19b, which form the legs of the isosceles triangle of the second straight section 17b, and third side wall surfaces 19c, which form the legs of the isosceles triangle of the third straight section 17c, a width W1, which is the distance between the side wall surfaces, from the vertex side toward the base section 12 in a cross-sectional view (see Fig. ), perpendicular to the respective extending directions of the first straight portion 17a to the third straight portion 17c, wider. The first side wall surfaces 19a, the second side wall surfaces 19b, and the third side wall surfaces 19c form an angle θ1 with respect to a virtual vertical plane F1 relative to the base portion 12. The angle θ1 is preferably in the range of 5° to 30°, more preferably in the range of 15° to 25°. When the angle θ1 is greater than 30°, a larger proportion of the light reflected on the first side wall surface 19a to the third side wall surface 19c returns to the outside from between the extended portions 16, resulting in less improvement in visibility. In other words, light is reflected, and the difference from the outside of the marking element 11 becomes smaller, resulting in less improvement in the visibility of the marking element 11.On the other hand, when the angle θ1 is less than 5°, the extended portions 16 are more likely to collapse. Therefore, considering the effect of preventing the reflected light incident between the extended portions 16 from returning to the outside and the durability of the extended portions 16, the angle θ1 is preferably 5° to 30°.
[0046] In the extended portion 16, the projection height H1 is preferably 0.8 to 6 times the maximum width W1max (distance between the bases of the side surfaces on the base portion 12) at the base of the isosceles triangle. When the projection height H1 is less than 0.8 times the maximum width W1max, a larger proportion of the light reflected from the first side wall surface 19a to the third side wall surface 19c returns to the outside from between the extended portions 16, resulting in less improvement in visibility. In other words, light is reflected, and the difference from the outside of the marking element 11 becomes smaller, resulting in less improvement in the visibility of the marking element 11.On the other hand, when the projection height H1 is more than 6 times the maximum width W1max, the first side wall surface 19a to the third side wall surface 19c reach an angle nearly perpendicular to the base portion, which makes the extended portions 16 more easily collapse. Therefore, considering the effect of preventing the reflected light incident between the extended portions 16 from returning to the outside and the durability of the extended portions 16, the projection height H1 is preferably 0.8 to 6 times the maximum width W1max, which is the base length.
[0047] The second unit pattern 14 in the present embodiment includes extended portions 21 projecting from the base portion 12 and extending in a plurality of directions from a node 20 in a plan view. In the second unit pattern 14 in the present embodiment, a star projection having the same shape and size as the first unit pattern 13 is shown in a side view of the tire (see Fig. ) is inclined at an angle different from the star projection as the first unit pattern 13. In detail, as in Fig. illustrated, the star projection as the second unit pattern 14 is inclined at an angle resulting from rotating the star projection as the first unit pattern 13 by 30° around the center O1.
[0048] Specifically, the star protrusion as the second unit pattern 14 in the present embodiment includes the extended portions 21 that are identically shaped and extend linearly from a center point O2 as the node 20 in different directions. Specifically, the star protrusion as the second unit pattern 14 in the present embodiment includes a first extended portion 21a, a second extended portion 21b, a third extended portion 21c, a fourth extended portion 21d, a fifth extended portion 21e, and a sixth extended portion 21f as six extended portions 21 that extend in different directions from the center point O2 as the node 20. Hereinafter, if no distinction is made among the six extended portions 21, they will be simply referred to as the "extended portions 21."
[0049] As in Fig. As illustrated, the first extended portion 21a and the second extended portion 21b extend in opposite directions from the center point O2 as the node 20, and a shape extending continuously in a straight line is formed by the first extended portion 21a and the second extended portion 21b. For convenience, the first extended portion 21a and the second extended portion 21b are hereinafter collectively referred to as a "first straight portion 22a."
[0050] As in Fig. As illustrated, the third extended portion 21c and the fourth extended portion 21d extend in opposite directions from the center point O2 as the node 20, and a shape extending continuously in a straight line is formed by the third extended portion 21c and the fourth extended portion 21d. For convenience, the third extended portion 21c and the fourth extended portion 21d are hereinafter collectively referred to as a "second straight portion 22b."
[0051] As in Fig. As illustrated, the fifth extended portion 21e and the sixth extended portion 21f extend in opposite directions from the center point O2 as the node 20, and a shape extending continuously in a straight line is formed by the fifth extended portion 21e and the sixth extended portion 21f. For convenience, the fifth extended portion 21e and the sixth extended portion 21f are hereinafter collectively referred to as a "third straight portion 22c."
[0052] In this way, the star projection as the second unit pattern 14 in the present embodiment is configured by the first straight portion 22a, the second straight portion 22b, and the third straight portion 22c intersecting at the center O2 as the node 20.
[0053] Among the six extended portions 21, an angle of 60° is formed between adjacent extended portions 21. In other words, the six extended portions 21 extend radially from the center point O2 as the node point 20.
[0054] Fig. is a diagram illustrating a cross section perpendicular to the extending direction of the straight portion 22a, the second straight portion 22b, and the third straight portion 22c of the second unit pattern 14 in the present embodiment. In detail, Fig. a cross-sectional view along section III-III of Fig. . As in Fig. As illustrated, in the star protrusion as the second unit pattern 14, the first straight section 22a, the second straight section 22b, and the third straight section 22c are substantially isosceles triangles with flat vertices. The vertex of the first straight section 22a will hereinafter be referred to as a "first vertex 23a," the vertex of the second straight section 22b as a "second vertex 23b," and the vertex of the third straight section 22c as a "third vertex 23c."
[0055] The protrusion height H1, which is the height from the base portion 12 to each of the first vertex 23a, the second vertex 23b, and the third vertex 23c, is 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, like the protrusion height H1 in the first unit pattern 13. The protrusion height H1 is more preferably set within a range of 0.2 mm or more and 0.8 mm or less.
[0056] As in Fig. As illustrated, in the star projection as the second unit pattern 14 in the present embodiment, the base portion 12 between the first straight portion 22a and the second straight portion 22b is flat. As shown in Fig. As illustrated, the base portion 12 is curved between the second straight portion 22b and the third straight portion 22c. By making the base portion 12 curved, the reflection of incident light is suppressed and the contrast with the outer surface of the marking element 11 is increased, thereby improving visibility.
[0057] First side wall surfaces 24a, which form the legs of the isosceles triangle of the first straight section 22a, second side wall surfaces 24b, which form the legs of the isosceles triangle of the second straight section 22b, and third side wall surfaces 24c, which form the legs of the isosceles triangle of the third straight section 22c, are configured such that a width W1, which is the distance between the side wall surfaces, from the vertex side toward the base section 12 in a cross-sectional view (see Fig. ), perpendicular to the respective extending directions of the first straight section 22a to the third straight section 22c. The first side wall surfaces 24a, the second side wall surfaces 24b, and the third side wall surfaces 24c form an angle θ1 with respect to a virtual vertical plane F1 relative to the base section 12. The angle θ1 is preferably in the range of 5° to 30°, more preferably in the range of 15° to 25°, for the same reasons as the angle θ1 in the first unit pattern 13.
[0058] In the extended portion 21, the projection height H1 is preferably 0.8 to 6 times the maximum width W1max (distance between the bases of the side surfaces at the base portion 12) at the base of the isosceles triangle, for the same reasons as the projection height H1 in the first unit pattern 13.
[0059] As in Fig. As illustrated, the first unit pattern 13 and the second unit pattern 14 described above are arranged to fill the entire first area X1, which is the position of the marking elements 11.
[0060] Specifically, a plurality of the first unit patterns 13 for each marking element 11 in the present embodiment are arranged along the tire radial direction B (at an angle of 10° or less with respect to the tire radial direction B). A plurality of the second unit patterns 14 are also arranged along the tire radial direction B (at an angle of 10° or less with respect to the tire radial direction B) for each marking element 11 in the present embodiment.
[0061] Furthermore, a plurality of the first unit patterns 13 for each marking element 11 in the present embodiment are arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the tire radial direction B. A plurality of the second unit patterns 14 are also arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the tire radial direction B for each marking element 11 in the present embodiment.
[0062] Thus, by regularly arranging the first unit pattern 13 and the second unit pattern 14 in a predetermined direction, the arrangement of the first unit pattern 13 and the second unit pattern 14 can be simplified even when the first unit pattern 13 and the second unit pattern 14 are not anisotropic. The configuration of the present embodiment is not limiting, and in the case of using non-anisotropic unit patterns, a repeating pattern formed by regularly arranging unit patterns is preferably used. In this way, a large area can be easily filled with unit patterns even when using non-anisotropic unit patterns.
[0063] As on the left side of Fig. As illustrated, the tip of the first extended portion 16a of the star protrusion as the first unit pattern 13 is positioned to be sandwiched between the third extended portion 21c and the fifth extended portion 21e of the star protrusion as the adjacent second unit pattern 14. The tip of the second extended portion 16b of the star protrusion as the first unit pattern 13 is positioned to be sandwiched between the fourth extended portion 21d and the sixth extended portion 21f of the star protrusion as the adjacent second unit pattern 14.
[0064] As also on the left side of Fig. As illustrated, the tip of the first extended portion 21a of the star protrusion as the second unit pattern 14 is positioned to be sandwiched between the fourth extended portion 16d and the sixth extended portion 16f of the star protrusion as the adjacent first unit pattern 13. Moreover, the tip of the second extended portion 21b of the star protrusion as the second unit pattern 14 is positioned to be sandwiched between the third extended portion 16c and the fifth extended portion 16e of the star protrusion as the adjacent first unit pattern 13.
[0065] The interval between the center point O1 as the nodal point 15 and the center point O2 as the nodal point 20 (hereinafter referred to as "interval P") in the first unit pattern 13 and the adjacent second unit pattern 14 is 0.2 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less. In the first unit pattern 13, the length from the tip of the first extended portion 16a to the tip of the second extended portion 16b, the length from the tip of the third extended portion 16c to the tip of the fourth extended portion 16d, and the length from the tip of the fifth extended portion 16e to the tip of the sixth extended portion 16f are equivalent and are the longest length of the first unit pattern 13 in the side view of the tire. This length is hereinafter referred to as the "linear extension length L." The linear extension length L is set longer than the interval P.
[0066] The length from the tip of the first extended portion 21a to the tip of the second extended portion 21b, the length from the tip of the third extended portion 21c to the tip of the fourth extended portion 21d, and the length from the tip of the fifth extended portion 21e to the tip of the sixth extended portion 21f are the longest length of the second unit pattern 14 in the side view of the tire and are the same as the linear extension length L of the first unit pattern 13.
[0067] If the above-described interval P is less than 0.2 mm, the length of the extended portions 16, 21 becomes shorter, making it difficult to ensure the formability of the first unit pattern 13 and the second unit pattern 14 during manufacturing. On the other hand, if the interval P exceeds 3.0 mm, the effect of reflected light on the base portion 12 becomes significant, making it difficult for the first unit pattern 13 and the second unit pattern 14 to form a contrast with the surroundings. The first unit pattern 13 and the adjacent second unit pattern 14 are densely arranged so that the effect of reflected light on the base portion 12 is reduced, and the interval P is 1.0 mm or less, more preferably 0.8 mm or less.In this way, the reflected light from the base portion 12 can be further reduced, making the marking element 11 appear darker and increasing the contrast of the marking element 11 against its surroundings to improve the visibility of the marking element 11. However, the first unit pattern 13 and the adjacent second unit pattern 14 are spaced apart from each other without being continuous in the portions not connected by the connecting portion 60 described below.
[0068] The marking element 11 in the present embodiment includes the first unit pattern 13 and the second unit pattern 14, but the marking element 11 may be configured to have a plurality of only one unit pattern formed on the base portion 12. However, as in the present embodiment, using multiple types of unit patterns makes it easier to densely arrange the unit patterns for a reduction in the surface area of the base portion 12. Consequently, it becomes easier to achieve a more visible marking element 11.
[0069] Although both the first unit pattern 13 and the second unit pattern 14 are configured by a star projection in the present embodiment, the number of extended portions extending in different directions from the node is not limited to six. Two or more is sufficient, although three or more is preferable. Providing a plurality of extended portions facilitates dense arrangement of the unit patterns, thus reducing the surface area of the base portion 12.
[0070] The connecting portion 60 in the present embodiment connects the first unit pattern 13 and the adjacent second unit pattern 14. In the present embodiment, any one first unit pattern 13 is connected to at least one adjacent second unit pattern 14 via the connecting portion 60. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the sixth extended portion 16f of any one first unit pattern 13 is connected to the fifth extended portion 21e of the adjacent second unit pattern 14 by the connecting portion 60. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the third extended portion 16c of any one first unit pattern 13 is connected to the fourth extended portion 21d of the adjacent second unit pattern 14 by the connecting portion 60.However, the extended portions 16 of the first unit pattern 13 and the extended portions 21 of the second unit pattern 14 connected by the connecting portion 60 are not limited to the configuration of the present embodiment, and other extended portions 16, 21 may be connected to each other.
[0071] The connecting portion 60 in the present embodiment has a linear configuration formed by extending an extended portion 16 of the first unit pattern 13 or an extended portion 21 of the second unit pattern 14. However, the connecting portion 60 may have a curved configuration formed by expanding and connecting an extended portion 16 of the first unit pattern 13 and an extended portion 21 of the second unit pattern 14, and bent at a predetermined angle, such as 90°. The connecting portion 60 is not limited to a straight or curved shape, but may also be configured to curve, for example, in an arc shape.
[0072] The plurality of first unit patterns 13 arranged along the tire radial direction B are continuous via the connecting portions 60 and the second unit patterns 14 connected by the connecting portions 60. In other words, the plurality of second unit patterns 14 arranged along the tire radial direction B are continuous via the connecting portions 60 and the first unit patterns 13 connected by the connecting portions 60. That is, the first unit patterns 13 and the second unit patterns 14 are connected by the connecting portions 60 to be zigzag-shaped in the tire radial direction B. The first unit pattern 13 and the second unit pattern 14 are continuous from one end on the inner side to the other end on the outer side in the tire radial direction B.
[0073] By providing the connecting portions 60, the first unit patterns 13 and the second unit patterns 14 are connected, the first unit patterns 13 and the second unit patterns 14 can support each other, collapse of each unit pattern in the first unit patterns 13 and the second unit patterns 14 can be suppressed, and the durability of each unit pattern can be improved.
[0074] Furthermore, by connecting the first unit pattern 13 and the second unit pattern 14 in a straight line (the tire radial direction B in the present embodiment) as with the connecting portion 60 in the present embodiment, the rubber flow property during vulcanization molding of the tire 1 using one mold can be improved compared to a configuration in which the first unit pattern 13 and adjacent second unit patterns 14 are connected in different directions by connecting portions at irregular positions, with no portion being connected in a straight line. In other words, connecting grooves on the inner surface of the mold, which are the respective shapes of the first unit pattern 13, the second unit pattern 14, and the connecting portion 60, allow air to escape to the outside of the marker elements 11 during vulcanization molding.Therefore, air does not tend to accumulate in the mold during vulcanization molding, which improves rubber flow properties and reduces the occurrence of defective products.
[0075] Furthermore, in each of the marking elements 11 in the present embodiment, the first unit patterns 13 and adjacent second unit patterns 14 are regularly connected in a predetermined direction by the connecting portions 60, which makes it difficult for the shades of black to vary within each marking element 11, so that each marking element 11 appears uniformly black. However, in terms of visibility alone, the convex portion 50 does not need to enclose the connecting portion 60. In other words, in terms of visibility, the first unit patterns 13 and adjacent second unit patterns 14 may be spaced apart from each other. In terms of achieving both visibility and the rubber flow property described above, the first unit patterns 13 and adjacent second unit patterns 14 are preferably regularly connected in a predetermined direction by the connecting portions 60.
[0076] In the present embodiment, the plurality of first unit patterns 13 arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the tire radial direction B are not continuous across the connecting portions 60 or across the second unit patterns 14 connected by the connecting portions 60. The plurality of second unit patterns 14 arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the tire radial direction B are not continuous across the connecting portions 60 or across the first unit patterns 13 connected by the connecting portions 60. In this way, the air flow during vulcanization molding can be improved, allowing air to escape more effectively to the outside of each marking element 11. As a result, the rubber flow property during vulcanization molding can be further improved, and the occurrence of defective products can be further suppressed.
[0077] Next, details of the second region X2 surrounding the marking elements 11 will be explained. In the second region X2, a plurality of webs 26 are arranged in parallel over the entire second region X2. In detail, as shown on the right side of Fig. illustrated, the second region X2 includes a base portion 25 and a plurality of ridges 26 projecting from the base portion 25. Although each ridge 26 extends in a straight line in this configuration, the ridges 26 may be configured to extend in a curve (see Fig. ). By arranging the plurality of ridges 26 in the second region X2 in this manner, the second region X2 can appear brighter at a predetermined viewing angle and a predetermined illumination angle than when the second region X2 is a flat surface. This can emphasize the contrast with the first region X1 in which the marking elements 11 are arranged. In other words, the visibility of the marking elements 11 can be further improved.
[0078] Moreover, in the present embodiment, the plurality of ridges 26 extend in parallel. In other words, in the present embodiment, the ridges 26 extend in the same direction as the marking elements 11 regardless of the position around the letters "A" to "G". In this way, the reflection of light in the second area X2 can be made uniform regardless of the placement of the marking elements 11. That is, even if the marking elements 11 are spaced apart from each other, the reflection of light in the second area X2 is made uniform around each marking element 11. This can prevent the visibility of the plurality of spaced-apart marking elements 11 from varying.In other words, variation in visibility among the plurality of first regions X1 spaced apart from each other can be suppressed by causing the plurality of ridges 26 in the second region X2 to extend in parallel.
[0079] Fig. is a diagram illustrating a cross section, perpendicular to the extension direction, of the first straight portion 22a of the second unit pattern 14 in the first region X1 and the web 26 in the second region X2. In detail, Fig. a cross-sectional view along cross section II of Fig. . As in Fig. illustrated, in the star projection as the second unit pattern 14, the first vertex 23a of the first straight portion 22a is formed by a flat vertex as described above (see Fig. ). In contrast, the cross-sectional shape of the web 26 in a cross-section perpendicular to the extension direction is a substantially isosceles triangle, and the vertex 27 of the web 26 is pointed. As in Fig. As illustrated, the projection height H1 of the convex portion 50 of the first region X1 is higher than a projection height H2 of the web 26 in the second region X2. In this way, the first region X1 can appear darker and contrast more sharply with the second region X2, and the visibility of the first region X1 can be improved. As shown in Fig. As illustrated, a maximum width W2max, which is the base length of the ridge 26, is longer than the maximum width W1max of the first straight portion 22a. The apex 27 of the ridge 26 in the present embodiment is configured by a tapered apex, but this configuration is not limiting. In other words, the apex 27 of the ridge 26 may be a flat apex.
[0080] At side wall surfaces 28 of the web 26, a width W2, which is the distance between the side wall surfaces 28, becomes wider from the side of the apex 27 toward the base portion 25 in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the extension direction of the web 26 (see Fig. ). The sidewall surfaces 28 form an angle θ2 with respect to a virtual vertical plane F2 relative to the base portion 25. The angle θ2 is preferably set to be in a range greater than 30° and equal to or less than 75°, more preferably a range greater than 30° and equal to or less than 60°. When the angle θ2 is 30° or less, a smaller proportion of the light reflected at the sidewall surfaces 28 returns to the outside from between the ridges 26. In other words, light tends to be reflected less, and the difference in contrast with the first area X1 where the marking elements 11 are arranged becomes smaller, resulting in less improvement in the visibility of the marking elements 11.On the other hand, when the angle θ2 is greater than 75°, the ridges 26 approach a flat surface, resulting in a less bright appearance even at a predetermined viewing angle and a predetermined illumination angle. Therefore, to facilitate the reflected light incident between the ridges 26 to return outward from between the ridges 26, and to achieve a particularly bright appearance at a predetermined viewing angle and a predetermined illumination angle, the angle θ2 is preferably greater than 30° and equal to or less than 75°.
[0081] Next, the relationship between the first region X1 and the second region X2 will be explained. The first region X1 and the second region X2 have a relationship such that a minimum separation distance D1 between the vertices 50a of the convex portion 50 of the first region X1 is smaller than a minimum separation distance between the vertices 27 of two adjacent ridges 26 in the second region X2.
[0082] As described above, the convex portion 50 of the first region X1 in the present embodiment includes the first unit pattern 13, the second unit pattern 14, and the connecting portion 60. Here, the minimum separation distance D1 between the vertices 50a of the convex portion 50 of the first region X1 in the present embodiment is 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm. Specifically, in the convex portion 50 in the present embodiment, the above-described minimum separation distance D1 is achieved at a position where an extended portion of one of the first unit pattern 13 and the second unit pattern 14 penetrates between two extended portions of the other unit pattern. As shown on the left side of Fig. As illustrated, an example of the minimum separation distance D1 in the present embodiment is the distance between the vertex at the tip of the first extended portion 16a of the first unit pattern 13 and the vertex of the third extended portion 21c of the second unit pattern 14. The vertex at the tip of the first extended portion 16a of the first unit pattern 13 in the present embodiment is a portion of the flat first vertex 18a of the first straight portion 17a, as shown in Fig. The vertex of the third extended portion 21c of the second unit pattern 14 is a portion of the flat second vertex 23b of the second straight portion 22b, as shown in Fig. illustrated. In this way, it is sufficient that the minimum separation distance D1 between the flat vertices is the distance between the nearest points of the vertices. Although the vertex 50a of the convex portion 50 has a flat configuration in the present embodiment, the vertex 50a may also have a tapered configuration, such as a ridge formed by intersecting surfaces.
[0083] The minimum separation distance D2 between the vertices 27 of two adjacent ridges 26 in the second region X2 in the present embodiment is greater than 0.5 mm and equal to or less than 1.5 mm. The vertices 27 of the ridges 26 are pointed and not flat in the present embodiment, but the vertices 27 may be flat. In a case where the vertices 27 of the ridges 26 are flat, it is sufficient for the minimum separation distance D2 to be the distance between the nearest points of the vertices.
[0084] In this way, the minimum separation distance D1 between the vertices 50a of the convex portion 50 of the first region X1 is smaller than the minimum separation distance D2 between the vertices 27 of two adjacent ridges 26 of the second region X2. This configuration can reduce light reflection in the first region X1 compared to the second region X2. Therefore, the first region X1 appears darker than the second region X2. In contrast, in the second region X2, the plurality of ridges 26 are arranged in parallel. Therefore, the second region X2 appears brighter at a predetermined viewing angle and a predetermined illumination angle than when the second region X2 is a flat surface.This improves the contrast of light between the first region X1 and the adjacent second region X2 at a predetermined viewing angle and a predetermined illumination angle, which improves the visibility of one of the first region X1 and the second region X2 relative to the other. This can improve the visibility of a specific region on the outer surface of the tire. In other words, in the present embodiment, the external visibility of the marking elements 11 formed by the first region X1 can be improved.
[0085] In addition, as in Fig. illustrates, in the present embodiment, a minimum separation distance D3 smaller than the minimum separation distance D2 between the vertices 27 of the two lands 26 in the second area X2. The minimum separation distance D3 in the present embodiment refers to the minimum separation distance from a standard position SP to the vertex of the unit pattern adjacent to a standard unit pattern SU. The standard unit pattern SU refers to any unit pattern in the first area X1 (in the present embodiment, the first unit pattern 13 or the second unit pattern 14), and the standard position SP refers to any position on the vertex of the standard unit pattern SU. The minimum separation distance D3 is 0.5 mm or less in the present embodiment. An example of the minimum separation distance D3 is shown on the left side of Fig. illustrated. In a case where the vertices are flat, it suffices that the minimum separation distance D3 described above is the distance between nearby points of the vertices.
[0086] In this way, by configuring the minimum separation distance D3 in the first region X1 to be smaller than the minimum separation distance D2 in the second region X2, the density of the convex portion 50 in the first region X1 can be made higher than the density of the ridges 26 in the second region X2. This can reduce the surface area of the base portion 12 of the first region X1 and can reduce the amount of light reflected from the base portion 12 of the first region X1. Therefore, the first region X1 can be made to appear darker, and the contrast of light between the first region X1 and the adjacent second region X2 is further increased. That is, the visibility of one of the first region X1 and the second region X2 relative to the other can be further improved.
[0087] In other words, per unit area, the sum of the extension lengths of the vertices 50a of the convex portion 50 in the first region X1 is longer than the sum of the extension lengths of the vertices 27 of the ridges 26 in the second region X2. The sum of the extension lengths of the vertices 50a of the convex portion 50 in the first region X1 per unit area in the present embodiment is the total length obtained by adding the sum of the extension lengths of the first vertex 18a to the third vertex 18c of the first unit pattern 13, the sum of the extension lengths of the first vertex 23a to the third vertex 23c of the second unit pattern 14, and the extension length of the connecting portion 60.The sum of the extension lengths of the vertices 27 of the ridges 26 in the second unit pattern 14 per unit area in the present embodiment is the total length obtained by adding the extension length of the vertex 27 of each ridge 26. In this way, the convex portion 50 of the first region X1 is arranged more densely than the ridges 26 of the second region X2. This can reduce the surface area of the base portion 12 of the first region X1 and can reduce the amount of light reflected from the base portion 12 of the first region X1. The unit area for comparing the total extension lengths is not particularly limited, but may be a sufficiently wide surface area to enclose the vertices 27 of a plurality of ridges 26, such as a 5 mm square or a 10 mm square.
[0088] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the maximum width of the base of the extended portions 16, 21 in the first region X1 is smaller than the minimum width of the base of the ridges 26 in the second region X2. In other words, the extended portions 16, 21 are narrower than the ridges 26 in the present embodiment. With this configuration, the first region X1 can be easily filled with unit patterns (in the present embodiment, the first unit pattern 13 and the second unit pattern 14), and the surface area of the base portion 12 can be reduced. The bases of the extended portions 16, 21 have a substantially constant width in the present embodiment regardless of the position in the extension direction. The bases of the ridges 26 also have a substantially constant width in the present embodiment regardless of the position in the extension direction.In other words, the maximum width of the base of the extended portions 16, 21 in the present embodiment is that shown in . Fig. illustrated “maximum width Wlmax”, and the minimum width of the base of the web 26 in the second area X2 in the present embodiment is the one shown in Fig. illustrated “maximum width W2max”.
[0089] In addition, as shown on the left side of Fig. As illustrated, a maximum linear length M of the base portion 12 in a plan view of the first region X1 is preferably smaller than the above-described minimum separation distance D2 of the second region X2. This can further reduce the light reflected at the base portion 12 of the first region X1.
[0090] In this way, the convex portion in the first region X1 is arranged more densely than the ridges 26 in the second region X2, so that the first region X1 is more resistant to cracking than the second region X2. Therefore, even if a crack occurs along a ridge 26 in the second region X2, the first region X1 can suppress the propagation of the crack. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the convex portion 50 arranged in the first region X1 is configured by the non-anisotropic first unit pattern 13 and the second unit pattern 14. Therefore, the first region X1 in the present embodiment can suppress the propagation of cracks along the extension direction of the ridges 26 of the second region X2, regardless of the extension direction of the ridges 26.
[0091] In the present embodiment, the marking element 11 is arranged in the first area X1, and the position adjacent to the marking element 11 is the second area X2, but this configuration is not limiting. In other words, it is sufficient that the first area X1 and the second area X2 are arranged adjacent to each other. The positions of the first area X1 and the second area X2 on the outer surface of the tire and the type of display presented by the first area X1 and the second area X2 are not particularly limited.
[0092] However, in a case where the first region X1 and the second region X2 are provided on the tire side outer surface 32, as in the present embodiment, at least both sides of the first region X1 in the tire circumferential direction C are preferably adjacent to the second region X2. In this way, the visibility of the first region X1 enclosed in the tire circumferential direction C by the second region X2 can be improved. In a case where the first region X1 is a plurality of marking elements 11 spaced apart from each other in the tire circumferential direction C, as in the present embodiment, the second region X2 is preferably provided on both sides, in the tire circumferential direction C, of each first region X1 constituting one of the marking elements 11. This can increase the visibility of each of the marking elements 11 and consequently the visibility of the markings 10 as a whole.
[0093] Moreover, in a case where the first region X1 and the second region X2 are provided on the tire side outer surface 32 as in the present embodiment, the second region X2 is preferably adjacent to at least one side of the first region X1 in the tire radial direction B, in addition to both sides of the first region X1 in the tire circumferential direction C. In this way, the visibility of the first region X1 can be further improved.
[0094] Furthermore, the first region X1 is preferably surrounded by the second region X2, and the first region X1 is preferably adjacent to the second region X2 over the entire circumference of the first region X1, as in the present embodiment. In this way, the visibility of the first region X1 can be further improved.
[0095] The tire according to the present disclosure is not limited to the specific configurations described in the above embodiments. Various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. In the above-described embodiment, the convex portion 50 of the first region X1 includes the first unit pattern 13, the second unit pattern 14, and the connecting portion 60, but this configuration is not limiting. Fig. illustrates a variation of the convex portion 50 of the first region X1 and the webs 26 of the second region X2. As in Fig. As illustrated, the convex portion 50 of the first region X1 may be configured by a plurality of ridges 51. The cross-sectional shape in a direction substantially perpendicular to the extension direction, Fig. The illustrated webs 51 are an isosceles triangle, and the vertex 52 is acute, but the vertex may be flat. In the embodiment described above, the webs 26 of the second region X2 are configured to extend in a straight line, but this configuration is not limiting. As shown in Fig. illustrated, the webs 26 of the second region X2 can extend in a curve.
[0096] Fig. illustrates a variation of the second area X2. The Fig. The illustrated configurations of the first area X1 and the third area X3 are the same as those of the Fig. illustrated embodiment described above. Therefore, a description is omitted here.
[0097] As in the embodiment described above, the Fig. illustrated second region X2 includes an uneven surface formed by a plurality of webs 26 arranged parallel through the entire second region X2. However, the Fig. illustrated second region X2 from the second region X2 of the above-described embodiment by including a plurality of types of segmented regions having different separation distances between two adjacent lands 26.
[0098] In detail, the Fig. illustrated second region X2 includes two types of segmented regions X2a, X2b as the plurality of types of segmented regions. For the sake of explanation, the two types of segmented regions X2a, X2b are hereinafter distinguished by being referred to as the "first segmented region X2a" and the "second segmented region X2b". Fig. illustrated second region X2 includes a plurality of the first segmented regions X2a and a plurality of the second segmented regions X2b arranged adjacent to each other. In particular, the Fig. illustrated second region X2 is filled by a plurality of the first segmented regions X2a and a plurality of the second segmented regions X2b.
[0099] The first segmented region X2a has a plurality of first webs 26a arranged in parallel. The second segmented region X2b has a plurality of second webs 26b arranged in parallel. As shown in Fig. illustrated, the first webs 26a and the second webs 26b extend substantially parallel.
[0100] A minimum separation distance D2a between the vertices of the two adjacent first webs 26a in the first segmented region X2a is smaller than a minimum separation distance D2b between the vertices of the two adjacent second webs 26b in the second segmented region X2b. In the Fig. In the example illustrated, the first webs 26a and the second webs 26b extend in a straight line. In the example shown in Fig. In the example illustrated, the plurality of first webs 26a in the first segmented region X2a are arranged at equal intervals. In addition, in the Fig. In the illustrated example, the plurality of second ridges 26b in the second segmented region X2b are also arranged at equal intervals. Therefore, the above-described minimum separation distance D2a is the separation distance between the vertices of two adjacent first ridges 26a in a cross-section perpendicular to the extension direction of the first ridges 26a, and is the pitch of the grouping of first ridges 26a. Furthermore, the above-described minimum separation distance D2b is the separation distance between the vertices of two adjacent second ridges 26b in a cross-section perpendicular to the extension direction of the second ridges 26b, and is the pitch of the grouping of second ridges 26b.
[0101] In this way, the second area X2 can comprise a plurality of segmented areas (in the Fig. illustrated example, the first segmented region X2a and the second segmented region X2b) with different separation distances between the webs 26.
[0102] The Fig. The illustrated second region X2 has only two types of segmented regions (the first segmented region X2a and the second segmented region X2b), but three or more types of segmented regions may be included.
[0103] In addition, the shape and size of the outer edge contour of the first segmented region X2a and the second segmented region X2b shown in Fig. are essentially the same. In detail, the outer edge contour of the first segmented region X2a and the second segmented region X2b shown in Fig. are essentially rectangular. However, the two long sides of the rectangular outer edge contour are concavely curved. The two transverse sides of the rectangular outer edge contour are convexly curved.
[0104] However, the shape and size of the outer edge contour of the first segmented region X2a and the second segmented region X2b may differ. The outer edge contour of the first segmented region X2a and the second segmented region X2b also need not have the rectangular shape described above.
[0105] The minimum separation distance D2a between the two adjacent first webs 26a in the Fig. The first segmented region X2a illustrated in FIG. 1 is, for example, 0.6 mm, but is not limited to this length. The minimum separation distance D2b between the two adjacent second webs 26b in the Fig. The second segmented region X2b illustrated is, for example, 1.0 mm, but is not limited to this length. The minimum separation distance D2a and the minimum separation distance D2b can be appropriately set, for example, within a range of greater than 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm or less.
[0106] The projection height of the first webs 26a in the first segmented region X2a may be equal to or different from the projection height of the second webs 26b in the second segmented region X2b. However, the projection heights of both the first webs 26a and the second webs 26b are preferably lower than the projection height H1 of the first region (see Fig. ). The projection height of both the first webs 26a and the second webs 26b can be, for example, 0.15 mm.
[0107] There may be another web forming a boundary between the plurality of segmented regions in the second region X2 (in the region shown in Fig. illustrated example, the first segmented region X2a and the second segmented region X2b). In such a case, the projection height of the parallel arranged webs in each segmented region (in the Fig. illustrated example of the first webs 26a and the second webs 26b) higher than the web described above, which forms the boundary, so that the parallel arranged webs in each segmented area (in the one shown in Fig. In the illustrated example, the first webs 26a and the second webs 26b) form an uneven surface over the entire second region X2. In this way, it is sufficient for the parallel webs in each segmented region to cross the web that forms the boundary described above.
[0108] Fig. illustrates an example of providing a boundary web 70 at the boundary between the first segmented region X2a and the second segmented region X2b of the Fig. illustrated second area X2. The upper view in Fig. is an enlarged view of a portion of the first segmented region X2a and the second segmented region X2b. The lower view in Fig. is a cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV of the upper view in Fig. . A projection height H3 of the Fig. illustrated limiting web 70 is higher than the projection heights H4, H5 of the first webs 26a and the second webs 26b, which are arranged in parallel in the first segmented region X2a and the second segmented region X2b. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0109] The present disclosure relates to a tire. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 tire 1a Tread section 1b Tire side section 1b1 Side wall section 1b2 bead section 2 Applicable rim 2a Rim seat section 2b Rim flange section 3 bead element 3a Bead core 3b Core rider 4 Carcass 4a Layer main body 4b Layer transfer section 6 belts 7 Tread rubber 7a Circumferential groove 8 side rubber 9 inner liners 10 Marking 11 Marking element 12 Basic section of the first unit pattern 13 First standard pattern (standard pattern) 14 Second standard pattern (standard pattern) 15 Node point of the first unit pattern 16 Extended section of the first unit pattern 16a First extended section of the first standard pattern 16b Second extended section of the first standard pattern 16c Third extended section of the first standard pattern 16d Fourth extended section of the first standard pattern 16e Fifth extended section of the first standard pattern 16f Sixth extended section of the first standard pattern 17a First straight section of the first standard pattern 17b Second straight section of the first unit pattern 17c Third straight section of the first standard pattern 18a First vertex of the first unit pattern 18b Second vertex of the first unit pattern 18c Third vertex of the first unit pattern 19a First side wall surface of the first standard pattern 19b Second side wall surface of the first unit pattern 19c Third side wall surface of the first standard pattern 20 Node point of the second unit pattern 21 Extended section of the second unit pattern 21a First extended section of the second standard pattern 21b Second extended section of the second standard pattern 21c Third extended section of the second standard pattern 21d Fourth extended section of the second standard pattern 21e Fifth extended section of the second standard pattern 21f Sixth extended section of the second standard pattern 22a First straight section of the second standard pattern 22b Second straight section of the second unit pattern 22c Third straight section of the second standard pattern 23a First vertex of the second unit pattern 23b Second vertex of the second unit pattern 23c Third vertex of the second unit pattern 24a First side wall surface of the second unit pattern 24b Second side wall surface of the second unit pattern 24c Third side wall surface of the second unit pattern 25 Base section of the second unit pattern 26 jetty 26a First footbridge 26b Second Bridge 27 Vertex of the bridge 28 Side wall surface of the web 31 Tread outer surface 32 Tire sidewall outer surface 32a Side wall outer surface 32b Bead outer surface 50 Convex section 50a Vertex of the convex section 51 jetty 52 Vertex of the bridge 60 connecting section 70 boundary bridge A Tire width direction B Tire radial direction C Tire circumferential direction CL Tire equatorial plane D1 Minimum separation distance between vertices of the convex section of the first region D2 Minimum separation distance between vertices of webs of the second area D2a Minimum separation distance between vertices of first webs of the first segmented region of the second region D2b Minimum separation distance between vertices of second webs of the second segmented region of the second region D3 Minimum separation distance from the standard position of the first area to the vertex of the unit pattern adjacent to the standard unit pattern F1 Virtual vertical plane relative to the base section of the first area F2 Virtual vertical plane relative to the base section of the second area H1 Projection height of the straight section of the first area H2 Projection height of the web of the second area H3 Projection height of the boundary web of the second area H4 Projection height of the first web of the first segmented area of the second area H5 Projection height of the second web of the second segmented area of the second area L Linear extension length M Maximum linear length of the base section of the first area O Tire centerline O1 Center of the first unit pattern O2 Center of the second unit pattern W1 Width of the straight section of the first area W2 Width of the web of the second area P Interval between centers of the first unit pattern and the second unit pattern SP standard position SU Standard Unit Pattern TE tread edge X1 First Area X2 Second Area X2a First segmented area X2b Second segmented area X3 Third Area θ1 angle with respect to a virtual vertical plane relative to the base portion of the first region θ2 angle with respect to a virtual vertical plane relative to the base portion of the second region QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION
[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature
[0000] JP 2002-522294 A
[0003]
Claims
[1] Tire comprising: on a tire outer surface, a first region including an uneven surface formed by a convex portion disposed throughout the entire first region, and a second region comprising an uneven surface formed by a plurality of webs arranged in parallel throughout the second region, the second region being arranged adjacent to the first region, wherein a minimum separation distance between vertices of the convex section in the first region is shorter than a minimum separation distance between vertices of two adjacent webs in the second region, the convex portion in the first region includes a unit pattern of a predetermined shape which is repeatedly arranged, the minimum separation distance between the vertices of the convex portion of the first region is 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm, the minimum separation distance between the vertices of two adjacent webs in the second region is greater than 0.5 mm and equal to or less than 1.5 mm, in a case where any unit pattern in the first area is designated as a standard unit pattern, and any position of a vertex of the standard unit pattern is designated as a standard position, a minimum separation distance from the standard position to a vertex of a unit pattern adjacent to the standard unit pattern is shorter than the minimum separation distance between the vertices of the two webs in the second region, and the minimum separation distance from the standard position to the vertex of the unit pattern adjacent to the standard unit pattern is 0.5 mm or less. [2] The tire according to claim 1, wherein a protrusion height of the convex portion of the first region is higher than a protrusion height of a ridge in the second region. [3] Tire according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the unit pattern comprises a plurality of extended sections which extend in different directions from a node point in a plan view, a maximum width of the base of the extended portions in the first region is smaller than a minimum width of the base of the webs in the second region. [4] Tire according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first region and the second region are provided on an outer surface of a tire side portion of the tire outer surface, and at least both sides of the first region adjoin the second region in a tire circumferential direction. [5] A tire according to claim 4, wherein at least one side of the first region is adjacent to the second region in a tire radial direction. [6] Tire according to claim 5, wherein the first area is surrounded by the second area, and the first area borders the second area over an entire circumference of the first area.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Opaque article with design pattern
JP2002522294A