Tire

Abstract

To provide a tire that can improve the appearance performance of a sidewall portion.SOLUTION: A tire has a plurality of unit patterns 11 arranged on a sidewall portion 3. Each of the unit patterns 11 includes a rising portion 7 rising from a reference surface 6. The plurality of rising portions 7 include a first rising portion 13, a second rising portion 14 connected at one end thereof to the first rising portion 13, and a plurality of connecting rising portions 15 connecting the first rising portion 13 and the second rising portion 14. The first rising portion 13 and the second rising portion 14 extend in an arc shape. The plurality of connecting rising portions 15 include a plurality of first intersections connected to the first rising portion 13 and are formed by ridges 8. The plurality of first intersections are separated from each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tire.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 below describes a tire having a pattern portion provided on a sidewall portion. The pattern portion includes an outer pattern and an inner pattern. The outer pattern includes a plurality of outer ridges concentrically arranged outward in the tire radial direction from a first point toward a second point on a tire circumferential line different from the first point. The inner pattern includes a plurality of inner ridges concentrically arranged inward in the tire radial direction from the second point toward the first point. The outer ridge is continuous with any of the inner ridges.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The decorative pattern as described above has an effect of making molding defects such as bulges and dents that tend to occur on the surface of the sidewall portion less noticeable by using, for example, the contrast of light (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "camouflage effect"), and enhances the appearance performance of the sidewall portion.

[0005] In recent years, it has been required to further enhance the appearance performance of the sidewall portion by making this type of decorative pattern more prominent.

[0006] The present invention has been devised in view of the above actual situation, and the main object thereof is to provide a tire capable of improving the appearance performance of the sidewall portion.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A tire including a pair of sidewall portions, wherein a decorative portion having a plurality of unit patterns arranged thereon is formed on at least one of the pair of sidewall portions, each of the plurality of unit patterns includes a plurality of rising portions formed of ridges or wall surfaces rising from a reference plane, the plurality of rising portions include a first rising portion extending in an arc shape, a second rising portion having one end connected to the first rising portion and extending in an arc shape, and a plurality of connecting rising portions connecting the first rising portion and the second rising portion, the plurality of connecting rising portions include a plurality of first intersection points connected to the first rising portion and are formed by the ridges, and the plurality of first intersection points are spaced apart from each other.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] By adopting the above configuration, the tire of the present invention can improve the appearance performance of the sidewall portion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings include exaggerated expressions and expressions different from the dimensional ratios of actual structures in order to assist in understanding the present invention. Further, when there are a plurality of embodiments, the same or common elements are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the specification, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a right half tire meridian cross-sectional view including a tire rotation axis (not shown) of a tire 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a pneumatic tire for passenger cars as a preferred embodiment. However, the present invention may also be applied to pneumatic tires for light trucks and heavy-duty vehicles, and non-pneumatic tires not filled with pressurized air inside the tires.

[0012] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the dimensions and the like of each part of the tire 1 are values measured in a normal state. The "normal state" is a no-load state in which the tire 1 is rim-mounted on a normal rim (not shown) and filled with a normal internal pressure in the case of a pneumatic tire.

[0013] The "normal rim" is a rim defined for each tire in a standard system including the standard on which the tire 1 is based. For example, it is the "standard rim" in JATMA, the "Design Rim" in TRA, and the "Measuring Rim" in ETRTO.

[0014] "Normal internal pressure" is the air pressure defined for each tire in a standard system including the standards on which Tire 1 is based. In the case of JATMA, it is the "maximum air pressure"; in the case of TRA, it is the maximum value described in the table "TIRE LOAD LIMITS AT VARIOUS COLD INFLATION PRESSURES"; and in the case of ETRTO, it is the "INFLATION PRESSURE".

[0015] Tire 1 includes a pair of sidewall portions 3 (only one sidewall portion 3 is shown in FIG. 1). Tire 1 further includes a pair of bead portions 4 (only one bead portion 4 is shown in FIG. 1) located on the inner side in the tire radial direction of each of the pair of sidewall portions 3, and a tread portion 2 connecting the pair of sidewall portions 3 to each other.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a partial plan view of the sidewall portion 3. As shown in FIG. 2, a decorative portion 10 in which a plurality of unit patterns 11 are arranged is formed on at least one of the pair of sidewall portions 3. In Tire 1 of the present embodiment, the decorative portion 10 is formed only on one of the pair of sidewall portions 3. Note that the decorative portion 10 may be formed on each of the pair of sidewall portions 3.

[0017] FIG. 3(A) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 2. FIG. 3(B) is an enlarged view of one unit pattern 11 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each of the plurality of unit patterns 11 includes a plurality of rising portions 7 rising from a reference plane 6. Each rising portion 7 is formed from a ridge 8 or a wall surface 9. In the plan view of each unit pattern 11, the ridge 8 is indicated by a dashed line and the wall surface 9 is indicated by a solid line.

[0018] The plurality of rising portions 7 of each unit pattern 11 include a first rising portion 13, a second rising portion 14, and a connecting rising portion 15. The first rising portion 13 extends in an arc shape. One end 14e of the second rising portion 14 is continuous with the first rising portion 13 and extends in an arc shape. The connecting rising portion 15 connects the first rising portion 13 and the second rising portion 14. The connecting rising portion 15 is formed by a ridge 8. In each unit pattern 11, the first rising portion 13 and the second rising portion 14 are each formed by one piece, and the connecting rising portion 15 is formed by a plurality of pieces. Such a unit pattern 11 has an effect of making less conspicuous molding defects such as bulges and dents that tend to occur on the surface of the sidewall portion 3. The "arc shape" in this specification may include not only an arc but also a mode that bends continuously to the left or right along its longitudinal direction.

[0019] The plurality of connecting rising portions 15 include a plurality of first intersections 17 that are continuous with the first rising portion 13. The plurality of first intersections 17 are spaced apart from each other. Thereby, at each first intersection 17, each of the plurality of connecting rising portions 15 is clearly distinguishable, and the occurrence of molding defects that are the unevenness is suppressed. Therefore, the tire 1 of the present invention has excellent appearance performance of the sidewall portion.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3(A), in this embodiment, the reference plane 6 is located on the inner side in the tire axial direction with respect to the sidewall reference profile 3s. The reference plane 6 is, for example, a plane that extends substantially parallel to the sidewall reference profile 3s. The term "substantially parallel" means that the distance La in the direction of the normal line 6n of the reference plane 6 between the sidewall reference profile 3s and the reference plane 6 is the same at all positions on the reference plane 6, and also means that the distance La is the same at positions with an area of 80% or more of the area of the reference plane 6. The sidewall reference profile 3s is, in this specification, the outermost surface in the tire axial direction of the sidewall portion 3, excluding local convex portions such as sprues, bulges, emblems, etc., and annular uneven portions that extend continuously in the tire circumferential direction and have a small length in the tire radial direction. The sidewall reference profile 3s is connected to, for example, the tread end Te of the tread portion 2. The sidewall reference profile 3s and the reference plane 6 are formed by an arc convex outward in the tire axial direction.

[0021] The tread end Te is, in the case of a pneumatic tire, the position that contacts the plane most outward in the tire axial direction of the tire 1 in the normal load state. The normal load state is a state in which the normal load is applied to the tire 1 in the normal state and the tire is grounded on the plane with a camber angle of 0°. The "normal load" is the load determined for each tire in a standard system including the standard based on which the tire 1 is defined. In the case of JATMA, it is the "maximum load capacity"; in the case of TRA, it is the maximum value described in the table "TIRE LOAD LIMITS AT VARIOUS COLD INFLATION PRESSURES"; in the case of ETRTO, it is the "LOAD CAPACITY".

[0022] In this embodiment, the ridge 8 is formed such that its cross section is trapezoidal, more specifically, isosceles trapezoidal. The ridge 8 includes, for example, a pair of side surfaces 8s, 8s extending in the longitudinal direction and a top surface 8c connecting the outer ends in the tire axial direction of both side surfaces 8s, 8s. The top surface 8c of this embodiment extends parallel to the reference plane 6. Note that the ridge 8 is not limited to such a form. For example, its cross section may be triangular, semi-elliptical, or rectangular.

[0023] In this embodiment, the wall surface 9 is a surface that connects the reference surface 6 and the sidewall reference profile 3s and extends in the tire axial direction. The wall surface 9 continuously extends outward in the tire axial direction from the reference surface 6 to the sidewall reference profile 3s. In this embodiment, the wall surface 9 is formed by an arc portion 9a with a radius of curvature extending from the reference surface 6 and being 0.2 to 0.5 mm, and a straight portion 9b extending linearly between the arc portion 9a and the sidewall reference profile 3s. The angle θs of the straight portion 9b with respect to the normal line 3n of the sidewall reference profile 3s is desirably 20 degrees or more, more desirably 25 degrees or more, desirably 40 degrees or less, and more desirably 35 degrees or less.

[0024] In order to enhance the visibility of the decorative portion 10 and improve the appearance performance of the sidewall portion 3, the length H1 of the decorative portion 10 in the tire radial direction is desirably 10% or more of the tire section height H, and more desirably 15% or more. Also, the distance Ha in the tire radial direction between the outer end 10e of the decorative portion 10 in the tire radial direction and the bead base line BL is desirably 70% or more of the tire section height H, and more desirably 75% or more. Further, the distance Hb in the tire radial direction between the inner end 10i of the decorative portion 10 in the tire radial direction and the bead base line BL is desirably 35% or more of the tire section height H, more desirably 40% or more, desirably 65% or less, and more desirably 60% or less. The bead base line BL is, in this specification, a tire axial direction line passing through the rim diameter position determined by the standard to which the tire 1 conforms. Also, the tire section height H is the distance in the tire radial direction from the bead base line BL to the outer surface 2a of the tread portion 2 at the tire equator position C.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the decorative portion 10 overlaps, for example, with the tire maximum width position M in the tire radial direction. The tire maximum width position M is the most visible region. Therefore, the decorative portion 10 of the present embodiment enhances the appearance performance of the sidewall portion 3. In the present embodiment, the intermediate point 10c in the tire radial direction of the decorative portion 10 coincides with the tire maximum width position M. The tire maximum width position M is, in this specification, the position where the sidewall reference profile 3s projects most outward in the tire axial direction.

[0026] The decorative portion 10 may be provided, for example, at a position overlapping with a logo such as a manufacturer name or a product name provided on the sidewall portion 3 in the tire radial direction. In other words, the decorative portion 10 is provided so as to be displaced in the tire circumferential direction from the logo. The logo is formed, for example, as a convex portion protruding outward in the tire axial direction from the sidewall reference profile 3s.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3(B), each of the plurality of unit patterns 11 includes a third rising portion 16 that connects the end (the other end) 13i of the first rising portion 13 and the end (the other end) 14i of the second rising portion 14. And the third rising portion 16 extends linearly. Such a third rising portion 16 enhances the appearance of the unit pattern 11. The third rising portion 16 and the plurality of continuous rising portions 15 are arranged without intersecting each other from the side of the third rising portion 16 toward the one end 14e side. Thereby, the effect of hiding molding defects is enhanced. In the present embodiment, the third rising portion 16 is formed on the wall surface 9. Further, the "connecting the ends" includes not only the case where the end 13i or the end 14i is connected to the third rising portion 16, but also the mode in which the shortest separation distance between the end 13i or the end 14i and the end of the third rising portion 16 is 3 mm or less.

[0028] The first rising part 13 curves convexly in a direction away from the third rising part 16. Also, the second rising part 14 curves convexly toward the third rising part 16. Such first rising part 13 and second rising part 14 further enhance the effect of making the unit pattern 11 prominent. In this embodiment, the center of curvature 14c of the second rising part 14 is displaced from the center of curvature 13c of the first rising part 13.

[0029] In this embodiment, the first rising part 13 and the second rising part 14 are arcs consisting of single radii of curvature R1 and R2. Such first rising part 13 and second rising part 14 are helpful for improving the appearance performance. It is desirable that the radius of curvature R1 of the first rising part 13 is equal to the radius of curvature R2 of the second rising part 14. Thereby, the above-described actions are effectively exerted. The "equal" includes not only the case where the absolute value |R1 - R2| of the difference between the radius of curvature R1 and the radius of curvature R2 is 0 mm, but also the aspect where the ratio |R1 - R2| / R of the larger one of the radius of curvature R1 or the radius of curvature R2 and the absolute value |R1 - R2| is 0.1.

[0030] The radius of curvature R1 and the radius of curvature R2 are desirably 15 mm or more, more desirably 17 mm or more, desirably 25 mm or less, and more desirably 23 mm or less. Since the radius of curvature R1 and the radius of curvature R2 are 15 mm or more, the designability of the unit pattern 11 is maintained highly. Since the radius of curvature R1 and the radius of curvature R2 are 25 mm or less, the effect of masking the molding defect of the unevenness is highly exerted.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the unit pattern 11. As shown in FIG. 4, each of the plurality of continuous rising parts 15 extends linearly, for example. Such continuous rising parts 15 are helpful for enhancing the appearance of the unit pattern 11.

[0032] In each unit pattern 11, in this embodiment, the plurality of continuous rising parts 15 extend non-parallel to each other. Such continuous rising parts 15 have a great effect of making the unit pattern 11 prominent, so the appearance performance of the side wall part 3 is further improved. In this embodiment, in each unit pattern 11, the adjacent continuous rising parts 15 extend non-parallel to each other.

[0033] In the plurality of unit patterns 11, it is desirable to provide five or more rising portions 15. Such unit patterns 11 appropriately reduce the area of the reference surface 6 between adjacent rising portions 15, enhancing the effect of making molding defects such as bulges and dents formed on the reference surface 6 less conspicuous. Although not particularly limited, in the unit pattern 11, it is more desirable to have seven or more rising portions 15, desirably thirteen or less, and more desirably eleven or less.

[0034] The plurality of rising portions 15 include a plurality of second intersections 18 that are continuous with the second rising portion 14. And each second intersection 18 is spaced apart from each other. Thereby, at each second intersection 18, each of the plurality of rising portions 15 is clearly distinguishable, and the occurrence of molding defects that are the unevenness is suppressed. Also, the plurality of rising portions 15 are arranged so as not to intersect each other. Such rising portions 15 more effectively exhibit the above-described actions.

[0035] The first pitch P1, which is the distance between adjacent first intersections 17, and the second pitch P2, which is the distance between adjacent second intersections 18, are both desirably 1.0 mm or more. Thereby, at each first intersection 17 and each second intersection 18, each of the plurality of rising portions 15 is more clearly distinguishable, improving the appearance performance of the side wall portion 3. If the first pitch P1 and the second pitch P2 are excessively large, if a molding defect occurs between the rising portions 15, there is a possibility that it cannot be made inconspicuous. For this reason, the first pitch P1 and the second pitch P2 are desirably 3 mm or less, and more desirably 2.5 mm or less. The first pitch P1 is the shortest distance between the first intersections 17, 17. The second pitch P2 is the shortest distance between the second intersections 18, 18.

[0036] In each unit pattern 11, the first pitch P1 of the present embodiment decreases toward one end 14e. Also, the second pitch P2 of the present embodiment decreases toward one end 14e. As a result, each rising-up portion 15 gives an impression of being neatly arranged toward one end 14e, thus improving the appearance performance. Further, the first pitch P1a on the side of the third rising-up portion 16 is smaller than the distance Pa between one end 16e of the third rising-up portion 16 and the first intersection 17a on the side of the third rising-up portion 16. Similarly, the second pitch P2a on the side of the third rising-up portion 16 is smaller than the distance Pb between the other end 16i of the third rising-up portion 16 and the second intersection 18a on the side of the third rising-up portion 16. Thereby, the above-described effects are effectively exerted.

[0037] The difference (P1n - P1o) between a certain first pitch P1n and the first pitch P1o adjacent to the first pitch P1n on the one end 14e side is preferably 0.1 to 0.3 mm. Also, the difference (P2n - P2o) between a certain second pitch P2n and the second pitch P2o adjacent to the second pitch P2n on the one end 14e side is preferably 0.1 to 0.3 mm. Thereby, the above-described effects are effectively exerted. Further, the difference (Pa - P1a) between the distance Pa and the first pitch P1a, and the difference (Pb - P2a) between the distance Pb and the second pitch P2a are preferably 0.1 to 0.3 mm.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, the decorative portion 10 includes a pattern group 12 composed of two or more adjacent unit patterns 11. The pattern group 12 of the present embodiment is composed of two unit patterns 11. The decorative portion 10 is formed by including, for example, a plurality of pattern groups 12 composed of two unit patterns 11.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a plan view of an embodiment of the pattern group 12 in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the pattern group 12. As shown in FIGS. 2, 5, and 6, the pattern group 12 is arranged in a superimposed manner such that the first rising portion 13A of one unit pattern 11A and the second rising portion 14B of another adjacent unit pattern 11B are shared with each other. Such a unit pattern 11 can enhance the visibility of the decorative portion 10 and enhance the concealing effect of making molding defects less noticeable. In this specification, the one unit pattern may be referred to as the "first unit pattern", and the other adjacent unit pattern may be referred to as the "second unit pattern".

[0040] In the pattern group 12 of the present embodiment, the first rising portion 13A of the first unit pattern 11A is formed by the ridge 8, and the second rising portion 14A of the first unit pattern 11A is formed by the ridge 8 and the wall surface 9. The second rising portion 14A of the first unit pattern 11A is formed by the wall surface 9, for example, from the other end 14i to the intersection K1 between the second rising portion 14A and the first rising portion 13B of the second unit pattern 11B, and the ridge 8 is formed between the intersection K1 and one end 14e of the second rising portion 14A. Also, in the pattern group 12 of the present embodiment, the first rising portion 13B is formed by the wall surface 9, and the second rising portion 14B is formed by the ridge 8.

[0041] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the pattern group 12 in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 7, in the pattern group 12, for example, each of the continuous rising portions 15A of the first unit pattern 11A is connected to the same position via the first rising portion 13A and one of the continuous rising portions 15B of the second unit pattern 11B. Such a pattern group 12 further enhances the appearance performance of the side wall portion 3. The "connected to the same position" includes not only the case where the center line c1 in the width direction of the continuous rising portion 15A and the center line c2 in the width direction of the continuous rising portion 15B intersect on the center line c3 in the width direction of the first rising portion 13A, but also the mode of intersection within the first rising portion 13A.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 3(A), the distance La in the normal line 6n direction of the reference plane 6 between the reference plane 6 and the side wall reference profile 3s is desirably 0.5 to 0.7 mm. In other words, the protruding height Hs (the same as the distance La) of the wall surface 9 from the reference plane 6 is desirably 0.50 mm or more, more desirably 0.55 mm or more, desirably 0.70 mm or less, and more desirably 0.65 mm or less. In this specification, the "protruding height" is the length in the normal line 6n direction of the reference plane 6.

[0043] Furthermore, the protruding height Hs of the wall surface 9 from the reference plane 6 is desirably greater than the protruding height Ht of the ridge 8 from the reference plane 6. Thereby, damage to the ridge 8 caused by protrusions such as curbstones on the road surface is suppressed. Thereby, the appearance performance of the decorative portion 10 is further improved. If the protruding height Ht of the ridge 8 is excessively small, the decorative portion 10 may become inconspicuous. In order to effectively exhibit such an effect, the protruding height Ht of the ridge 8 is desirably 0.40 mm or more, more desirably 0.45 mm or more, desirably 0.60 mm or less, and more desirably 0.55 mm or less.

[0044] In order to ensure a high rigidity of the ridge 8, the angle θt of each side surface 8s with respect to the normal line 6n of the reference plane 6 is desirably 10 degrees or more, more desirably 12 degrees or more, desirably 20 degrees or less, and more desirably 18 degrees or less.

[0045] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the decorative part 10 of another embodiment. FIG. 9(A) is a plan view of the pattern group 12 of the decorative part 10 shown in FIG. 8. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9(A), in the decorative part 10 of this embodiment, the pattern group 12 has a polygonal shape, specifically, a triangular outline. The pattern group 12 has, for example, a regular polygonal shape, specifically, a regular triangular outline. The pattern group 12 consists of three unit patterns 11 in this embodiment. In the pattern group 12 of this embodiment, the second rising part 14A of the first unit pattern 11A and the first rising part 13B of the second unit pattern 11B are superimposed and arranged so as to be shared with each other. Also, the pattern group 12 is, for example, superimposed and arranged so that the second rising part 14B of the second unit pattern 11B and the first rising part 13C of the third unit pattern 11C are shared with each other. Further, the pattern group 12 of this embodiment is superimposed and arranged so that the second rising part 14C of the third unit pattern 11C and the first rising part 13A of the first unit pattern 11A are shared with each other. Such a pattern group 12 exhibits the effect of making the molding defect due to the unevenness less conspicuous. Also, each of the first rising parts 13A to 13C has the same shape.

[0046] In the pattern group 12 of this embodiment, three third rising parts 16 (16A to 16C) are formed on the wall surface 9, and each of the first rising parts 13A to 13C or each of the second rising parts 14A to 14C is formed on the ridge 8. Also, the center of curvature 13c1 of the first rising part 13A of the first unit pattern 11A, the center of curvature 13c2 of the first rising part 13B of the second unit pattern 11B, and the center of curvature 13c3 of the first rising part 13C of the third unit pattern 11C are located outside the outline of the pattern group 12.

[0047] FIG. 9(B) is a plan view of the pattern group 12 of another embodiment. In the pattern group 12 of FIG. 9(B), the radius of curvature R1 of each of the first rising parts 13 is formed larger than that of the pattern group 12 of FIG. 9(A).

[0048] FIG. 10(A) is a plan view of the pattern group 12 of the decorative part 10 of still another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10(A), the pattern group 12 of this embodiment has a hexagonal contour. The pattern group 12 is formed of six unit patterns 11. In this embodiment, in each unit pattern 11, the first rising part 13 and the second rising part 14 extend in an arc shape like a spiral toward the center 12c of the pattern group 12. The first rising part 13 and the second rising part 14 are, for example, arcs with a changing radius of curvature. In this embodiment, from the side of the third rising part 16 toward the center 12c, the radius of curvature of the first rising part 13 and the second rising part 14 continuously decreases.

[0049] Also, in the pattern group 12 of this embodiment, six third rising parts 16 are formed on the wall surface 9, and each first rising part 13 or each second rising part 14 is formed by the ridge 8. Further, the pattern group 12 of this embodiment is arranged in an overlapping manner such that the second rising part 14A of the first unit pattern 11A and the first rising part 13B of the second unit pattern 11B are shared with each other.

[0050] FIG. 10(B) is a plan view of the pattern group 12 of the decorative part 10 of still another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10(B), the pattern group 12 of this embodiment is formed of four unit patterns 11. In this embodiment, in each unit pattern 11, similar to FIG. 10(A), the first rising part 13 and the second rising part 14 extend in an arc shape like a spiral. Also, in the pattern group 12 of this embodiment, the wall surface 9 is formed by four third rising parts 16, the first rising part 13 of one unit pattern 11a, the second rising part 14 of another unit pattern 11b, and the first rising part 13 and the second rising part 14 of still another unit pattern 11c. Further, in the pattern group 12 of this embodiment, the ridge 8 is formed by the second rising part 14 of one unit pattern 11a and the first rising part 13 of another unit pattern 11b.

[0051] FIG. 11(A) is a plan view of the pattern group 12 of the decorative part 10 of still another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11(A), the pattern group 12 of this embodiment has a rectangular outline. The pattern group 12 is formed of four unit patterns 11. In this embodiment, in each unit pattern 11, the first rising part 13 and the second rising part 14 extend in an arcuate spiral shape toward the center 12c of the pattern group 12. Also, in the pattern group 12 of this embodiment, four third rising parts 16 are formed on the wall surface 9, and each first rising part 13 or each second rising part 14 is formed by the ridge 8. Further, the pattern group 12 is arranged in a superimposed manner such that the second rising part 14A of the first unit pattern 11A and the first rising part 13B of the second unit pattern 11B are shared with each other.

[0052] FIG. 11(B) is a plan view of the pattern group 12 of the decorative part 10 of still another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11(B), the pattern group 12 of this embodiment is formed of two unit patterns 11. In this embodiment, in each unit pattern 11, the first rising part 13 and the second rising part 14 extend in an arcuate spiral shape in the same manner as in FIG. 11(A). Also, in the pattern group 12 of this embodiment, the wall surface 9 is formed by two third rising parts 16, the first rising part 13 and the second rising part 14 of each unit pattern 11.

[0053] Figure 12(A) is a plan view of the pattern group 12 of the decorative part 10 of still another embodiment. As shown in Figure 12(A), the pattern group 12 of this embodiment has a rectangular outline. The pattern group 12 is formed of four unit patterns 11. In this embodiment, each unit pattern 11 has the end 13e of the first rising part 13 and the end 14e of the second rising part 14 connected. Also, in the pattern group 12 of this embodiment, four third rising parts 16 are formed by the wall surface 9, and each first rising part 13 and each second rising part 14 are formed by the ridge 8. Further, in the pattern group 12 of this embodiment, the second rising part 14A of the first unit pattern 11A and the first rising part 13B of the second unit pattern 11B are arranged to overlap so as to be shared with each other. Furthermore, each of the plurality of continuous rising parts 15 extends in an arc shape. The curvature radius R3 of the continuous rising part 15 of each unit pattern 11 becomes smaller in the direction away from the third rising part 16.

[0054] Figure 12(B) is a plan view of the pattern group 12 of the decorative part 10 of still another embodiment. As shown in Figure 12(B), the pattern group 12 of this embodiment is formed of two unit patterns 11. In this embodiment, each unit pattern 11 has the first rising part 13 formed in the same shape as the second rising part 14. Also, in the pattern group 12 of this embodiment, the wall surface 9 is formed by two third rising parts 16, the first rising part 13A of the first unit pattern 11A, and the second rising part 14B of the second unit pattern 11B. Further, in the pattern group 12 of this embodiment, the second rising part 14A of the first unit pattern 11A and the first rising part 13B of the second unit pattern 11B are arranged to overlap so as to be shared with each other.

[0055] As described above, the particularly preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments and can be implemented in various forms by deformation.

[0056] [Appendix] The present invention includes the following aspects.

[0057] [Invention 1] A tire including a pair of sidewall portions, a decorative portion in which a plurality of unit patterns are arranged is formed on at least one of the pair of sidewall portions, each of the plurality of unit patterns includes a plurality of rising portions formed of ridges or wall surfaces rising from a reference surface, the plurality of rising portions include a first rising portion extending in an arc shape, a second rising portion having one end connected to the first rising portion and extending in an arc shape, and a plurality of connecting rising portions connecting the first rising portion and the second rising portion, the plurality of connecting rising portions include a plurality of first intersections connected to the first rising portion and are formed by the ridges, the plurality of first intersections are spaced apart from each other, a tire. [Invention 2] the plurality of connecting rising portions include a plurality of second intersections connected to the second rising portion, the second intersections are spaced apart from each other, the plurality of connecting rising portions are arranged without intersecting each other, the tire according to Invention 1. [Invention 3] A first pitch which is a distance between adjacent first intersections and a second pitch which is a distance between adjacent second intersections are both 1.0 mm or more, the tire according to Invention 1 or 2. [Invention 4] each of the plurality of connecting rising portions extends linearly, the tire according to any one of Inventions 1 to 3. [Invention 5] each of the plurality of connecting rising portions extends in an arc shape, the tire according to any one of Inventions 1 to 3. [Invention 6] the plurality of connecting rising portions extend non-parallel to each other, the tire according to any one of Inventions 1 to 5. [Invention 7] each of the plurality of unit patterns includes a third rising portion connecting an end of the first rising portion and an end of the second rising portion, the tire according to any one of Inventions 1 to 6. [Invention 8] The first pitch decreases toward the one end. The second pitch decreases toward the one end. The tire according to Invention 3. [Invention 9] The first rising portion is convexly curved in a direction away from the third rising portion. The second rising portion is convexly curved toward the third rising portion. The tire according to Invention 7. [Invention 10] The first rising portion and the second rising portion are arcs having a single radius of curvature. The tire according to any one of Inventions 1 to 9. [Invention 11] The radius of curvature R1 of the first rising portion is equal to the radius of curvature R2 of the second rising portion. The tire according to Invention 10. [Invention 12] The first rising portion and the second rising portion are arcs with a changing radius of curvature. The tire according to any one of Inventions 1 to 9. [Invention 13] The decorative portion includes a pattern group composed of two or more of the adjacent unit patterns. The pattern group is arranged in an overlapping manner such that the second rising portion of one unit pattern and the first rising portion of another adjacent unit pattern are shared with each other. The tire according to any one of Inventions 1 to 12. [Invention 14] The pattern group has a triangular contour. The tire according to Invention 13. [Invention 15] The protruding height of the wall surface from the reference plane is greater than the protruding height of the ridge from the reference plane. The tire according to any one of Inventions 1 to 15.

Explanation of Signs

[0058] 3 Sidewall portion 6 Reference plane 7 Rising portion 8 Ridge 11 Unit pattern 13 First rising portion 14 Second rising part 15 Successive rising part

Claims

1. A tire including a pair of sidewall portions, wherein at least one of the pair of sidewall portions is formed with a decorative portion in which a plurality of unit patterns are arranged, each of the plurality of unit patterns includes a plurality of rising portions formed of ridges or wall surfaces rising from a reference plane, the plurality of rising portions include a first rising portion extending in an arc shape, a second rising portion having one end connected to the first rising portion and extending in an arc shape, and a plurality of connecting rising portions connecting the first rising portion and the second rising portion, the plurality of connecting rising portions include a plurality of first intersections connected to the first rising portion and are formed by the ridges, the plurality of first intersections are spaced apart from each other, Tire.

2. the plurality of connecting rising portions include a plurality of second intersections connected to the second rising portion, the second intersections are spaced apart from each other, the plurality of connecting rising portions are arranged without intersecting each other, the tire according to claim 1.

3. A first pitch which is a distance between adjacent ones of the first intersections and a second pitch which is a distance between adjacent ones of the second intersections are both 1.0 mm or more, the tire according to claim 2.

4. each of the plurality of connecting rising portions extends linearly, the tire according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. each of the plurality of connecting rising portions extends in an arc shape, the tire according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. the plurality of connecting rising portions extend non-parallel to each other, the tire according to claim 4.

7. Each of the plurality of unit patterns includes a third rising portion connecting the ends of the first rising portion and the ends of the second rising portion, and the tire according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The first pitch becomes smaller toward the one end, The second pitch becomes smaller toward the one end, and the tire according to claim 3.

9. The first rising portion is convexly curved in a direction away from the third rising portion, The second rising portion is convexly curved toward the third rising portion, and the tire according to claim 7.

10. The first rising portion and the second rising portion are arcs having a single radius of curvature, and the tire according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. The radius of curvature R1 of the first rising portion is equal to the radius of curvature R2 of the second rising portion, and the tire according to claim 10.

12. The first rising portion and the second rising portion are arcs with a changing radius of curvature, and the tire according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

13. The decorative portion includes a pattern group composed of two or more adjacent unit patterns, The pattern group is arranged in an overlapping manner such that the second rising portion of one unit pattern and the first rising portion of another adjacent unit pattern are shared with each other, and the tire according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

14. The pattern group has a triangular contour, and the tire according to claim 13.

15. The protruding height of the wall surface from the reference plane is greater than the protruding height of the ridge from the reference plane, and the tire according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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