tire

Abstract

To provide a tire that has a tire skeleton member made of resin and an RFID tag, in which positional deviation of the RFID tag can be suppressed.SOLUTION: The tire comprises: an annular tire skeleton member made of resin comprising at least a bead part; a tread member arranged outside in a tire radial direction of the tire skeleton member to constitute a tire tread; a tire skeleton step part formed closer to outside in the tire radial direction of the tire skeleton member and to inside in a tire width direction than an end part in the tire width direction of the tread member, whose outside in the tire width direction gradually lowers toward inside in the tire radial direction; a coating layer formed outside the tire skeleton member, from the bead part toward the tire skeleton step part; and an RFID tag provided on the tire skeleton step part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tire.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a tire having an annular resin tire skeleton member and an RFID tag. The tire skeleton member includes a bead portion, a side portion continuous with the outer side in the tire radial direction of the bead portion, and a crown portion continuous with the inner side in the tire width direction of the side portion. The RFID tag is attached to the outer surface of the side portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the tire of Patent Document 1, when the resin tire skeleton member is molded by injection molding and the RFID tag is set in the mold and integrated with the tire skeleton member, the position of the RFID tag may shift due to the resin flow generated from the gate.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to suppress the displacement of the RFID tag in a tire having a resin tire skeleton member and an RFID tag.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The tire according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes an annular and resinous tire skeleton member having at least a bead portion, a tread member disposed on the outer side in the tire radial direction of the tire skeleton member and constituting a tire tread, a tire skeleton step portion formed on the outer side in the tire radial direction of the tire skeleton member and on the inner side in the tire width direction rather than the end portion in the tire width direction of the tread member, with the outer side in the tire width direction being lower toward the inner side in the tire radial direction, a covering layer formed on the outer side of the tire skeleton member from the bead portion to the tire skeleton step portion, and an RFID tag provided on the tire skeleton step portion.

[0007] In the tire according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, since the tire skeleton step portion is formed, when forming the covering layer using a mold or the like, the tire skeleton step portion can be used as a weir for stopping the outflow of the material for the covering layer. Further, according to the tire of the first aspect of the present disclosure, the RFID tag is provided on the tire skeleton step portion.

[0008] Here, in the tire skeleton step portion, since the outer side in the tire width direction is lower toward the inner side in the tire radial direction, it rises more than the low portion on the inner side in the tire width direction with respect to the lowered portion (hereinafter referred to as the low portion). For this reason, a recess (hereinafter referred to as a mold recess) for forming the tire skeleton step portion is provided in the mold when molding the tire skeleton member by injection molding.

[0009] And since the RFID tag is provided on the tire skeleton step portion, it becomes possible to dispose the RFID tag in the mold recess. In this way, by disposing the RFID tag in the mold recess, when molding the tire skeleton member by injection molding, it is less affected by the resin flow. For this reason, displacement of the RFID tag can be suppressed.

[0010] In the tire according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, the RFID tag is integrated with the tire skeleton step portion.

[0011] According to the tire of the second aspect of the present disclosure, since the RFID tag is integrated with the tire skeleton step portion, it is possible to dispose the RFID tag in the mold recess. In this way, by disposing the RFID tag in the mold recess, when the tire skeleton member is molded by injection molding, it is less affected by the resin flow. Therefore, displacement of the RFID tag can be suppressed.

[0012] In the tire of the third aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect or the second aspect, the RFID tag forms a part of the tire circumferential direction of the tire skeleton step portion, and the tire skeleton step portion including the RFID tag is formed along the tire circumferential direction.

[0013] According to the tire of the third aspect of the present disclosure, since the RFID tag forms a part of the tire circumferential direction of the tire skeleton step portion and the tire skeleton step portion including the RFID tag is formed along the tire circumferential direction, the RFID tag can be firmly integrated with the tire skeleton step portion, and it is possible to give the RFID tag a function as a weir for stopping the outflow.

[0014] In the tire of the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the first aspect to the third aspect, a recess is formed in the tire skeleton step portion adjacent to the RFID tag in the tire circumferential direction.

[0015] According to the tire of the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, since a recess is formed in the tire skeleton step portion adjacent to the RFID tag in the tire circumferential direction, a convex portion (hereinafter referred to as a mold convex portion) for forming the recess is provided adjacent to the mold recess in the mold when the tire skeleton member is molded by injection molding.

[0016] And by disposing the RFID tag in the mold recess, when the tire skeleton member is molded by injection molding, the RFID tag can be positioned by the mold convex portion. Therefore, the RFID tag is less affected by the resin flow, and displacement of the RFID tag can be suppressed.

[0017] In the tire according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in the fourth aspect, recesses are formed in the tire skeleton step portion adjacent to both sides in the tire circumferential direction with respect to the RFID tag.

[0018] According to the tire of the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, since recesses are formed in the tire skeleton step portion adjacent to both sides in the tire circumferential direction with respect to the RFID tag, mold protrusions are provided adjacent to both sides in the tire circumferential direction with respect to the mold recesses in the mold when molding the tire skeleton member by injection molding.

[0019] Then, by disposing the RFID tag in the mold recess, when molding the tire skeleton member by injection molding, the RFID tag can be positioned by the mold protrusions on both sides in the tire circumferential direction. Therefore, the RFID tag is less affected by the resin flow, and displacement of the RFID tag can be suppressed.

[0020] In the tire according to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the RFID tag includes a resin case, an RFID chip and an antenna housed in the case, and the tire skeleton step portion is molded so as to be integrated with the case.

[0021] According to the tire of the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, since the tire skeleton step portion is molded so as to be integrated with the case that houses the RFID chip and the antenna, the RFID tag can be easily incorporated into the tire skeleton member.

[0022] In the tire according to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, in the sixth aspect, the case is formed of a resin material of the same type as the resin material forming the tire skeleton member.

[0023] According to the tire of the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, since the resin material forming the case of the RFID tag is of the same type as the resin material forming the tire skeleton member, the case can be more firmly integrated with the tire skeleton step portion than in a tire in which the resin materials are different.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] According to the present disclosure, in a tire having a resin tire skeleton member and an RFID tag, displacement of the RFID tag can be suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Components denoted by the same reference numerals in each drawing mean the same or similar components. In the embodiments described below, redundant descriptions and reference numerals may be omitted. In addition, the drawings used in the following description are all schematic, and the dimensional relationships of the respective elements shown in the drawings, the ratios of the respective elements, etc. do not necessarily match the actual ones. Also, the dimensional relationships of the respective elements and the ratios of the respective elements do not necessarily match even between a plurality of drawings.

[0027] In the drawings, arrow TC indicates the tire circumferential direction, arrow TW indicates the tire width direction, and arrow TR indicates the tire radial direction. Further, hereinafter, the side closer to the tire rotation axis along the tire radial direction is described as the "inner side in the tire radial direction", and the side farther from the tire rotation axis along the tire radial direction is described as the "outer side in the tire radial direction". On the other hand, the side closer to the tire equatorial plane CL along the tire width direction is described as the "inner side in the tire width direction", and the side farther from the tire equatorial plane CL along the tire width direction is described as the "outer side in the tire width direction". Note that the method for measuring the dimensions of each part conforms to the method described in the 2021 edition YEAR BOOK issued by JATMA (Japan Automobile Tire Manufacturers Association).

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1(A), the tire 10 of the present embodiment is a pneumatic tire filled with air inside and has a cross-sectional shape substantially the same as that of a conventional general rubber pneumatic tire (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as a "rubber tire").

[0029] (Tire skeleton member 17) The tire 10 of the present embodiment has an annular resin tire skeleton member 17 that forms the skeleton portion of the tire 10. The tire skeleton member 17 of the present embodiment is formed by joining a pair of tire halves 17A made of a resin material at the tire equatorial plane CL with a joining member 19.

[0030] The tire skeleton member 17 includes a pair of bead portions 12 arranged at intervals in the tire width direction, a side portion 14 continuous with the outer side in the tire radial direction of the bead portion 12, and a crown portion 16 continuous with the inner side in the tire width direction of the side portion 14 and connecting the outer ends in the tire radial direction of the respective side portions 14. Note that the circumferential direction, width direction, and radial direction of the tire skeleton member 17 correspond to the tire circumferential direction, tire width direction (tire axis direction), and tire radial direction, respectively.

[0031] The tire skeletal member 17 is formed mainly from a resin material. This resin material does not contain vulcanized rubber. Examples of the resin material include thermoplastic resins (including thermoplastic elastomers), thermosetting resins, and other general-purpose resins, as well as engineering plastics (including super engineering plastics).

[0032] The thermoplastic resin (including thermoplastic elastomer) refers to a polymer compound that softens, flows as the temperature rises, and becomes relatively hard and strong when cooled. In this specification, among these, a polymer compound that softens, flows as the temperature rises, and becomes relatively hard and strong when cooled, and has rubber-like elasticity is defined as a thermoplastic elastomer, and a polymer compound that softens, flows as the temperature rises, and becomes relatively hard and strong when cooled, and does not have rubber-like elasticity is defined as a non-elastomeric thermoplastic resin and is distinguished.

[0033] Examples of the thermoplastic resin (including thermoplastic elastomer) include polyolefin-based thermoplastic elastomers (TPO), polystyrene-based thermoplastic elastomers (TPS), polyamide-based thermoplastic elastomers (TPA), polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomers (TPU), polyester-based thermoplastic elastomers (TPC), and dynamically crosslinked thermoplastic elastomers (TPV), as well as polyolefin-based thermoplastic resins, polystyrene-based thermoplastic resins, polyamide-based thermoplastic resins, and polyester-based thermoplastic resins.

[0034] Also, as the above-mentioned thermoplastic material, for example, those having a heat distortion temperature (at a load of 0.45 MPa) specified in ISO 75-2 or ASTM D648 of 78°C or higher, a tensile yield strength specified in JIS K7113 of 10 MPa or higher, a tensile fracture elongation also specified in JIS K7113 of 50% or higher, and a Vicat softening temperature (Method A) specified in JIS K7206 of 130°C can be used.

[0035] A thermosetting resin refers to a polymer compound that forms a three-dimensional network structure and cures as the temperature rises. Examples of thermosetting resins include phenolic resins, epoxy resins, melamine resins, urea resins, and the like.

[0036] In addition to the aforementioned thermoplastic resins (including thermoplastic elastomers) and thermosetting resins, general-purpose resins such as (meth)acrylic resins, EVA resins, vinyl chloride resins, fluorine-based resins, and silicone-based resins may also be used as the resin material.

[0037] Further, the tire skeleton member 17 may be formed of a single resin material or may be formed of resin materials having different characteristics for each part (such as the bead part 12, the side part 14, the crown part 16, etc.) of the tire skeleton member 17.

[0038] An annular bead core 15 extending along the tire circumferential direction is embedded inside the bead part 12. The bead core 15 is composed of a bead cord (not shown) such as a metal cord (for example, a steel cord), an organic fiber cord, an organic fiber cord coated with resin, or a hard resin. Regarding the bead core 15, it may be omitted if the rigidity of the bead part 12 can be sufficiently ensured.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 1(B), the bead part 12 is in close contact with the bead seat part 21 and the rim flange 22 of the rim 20 via the covering layer 24 to maintain the internal pressure of the air filled in the tire.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 1(A), the side part 14 is a part that constitutes the side portion of the tire 10, and is gently curved so as to protrude outward in the tire width direction from the bead part 12 toward the crown part 16.

[0041] The crown part 16 is a part that supports a tread member 30, which will be described later, provided on the outer side in the tire radial direction, and its outer peripheral surface is substantially flat along the tire width direction.

[0042] Here, the tire skeleton member 17 (specifically, the tire half 17A) is formed by injection molding. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, a gate mark 70 indicating the position of the gate (hereinafter referred to as the gate position) where the molten resin is injected during injection molding is formed on the tire skeleton member 17. In FIG. 4, the tire skeleton member 17 is shown in a simplified manner, and the gate mark 70 is schematically shown. Also, in FIG. 4, the flow of the resin is indicated by a dashed arrow.

[0043] In the molded tire skeleton member 17, at the gate position, for example, a gate mark 70 such as being cloudy compared to the parts other than the gate position and presenting a circular shape is formed, so that the gate position can be discriminated.

[0044] Since it can be known from the gate mark 70 that the tire skeleton member 17 is formed by injection molding, the gate mark 70 can also be said to be an injection molding mark indicating that the tire skeleton member 17 is formed by injection molding.

[0045] The gate is arranged on the outer side in the tire radial direction (that is, on the crown part 16 side) of the tire skeleton member 17 or on the inner side in the tire radial direction (that is, on the bead part 12 side) of the tire skeleton member 17 during injection molding. Therefore, the gate mark 70 is formed on the outer side in the radial direction of the tire skeleton member 17 or on the inner side in the radial direction of the tire skeleton member 17.

[0046] Also, a plurality of gates are arranged along the tire circumferential direction during injection molding. Therefore, a plurality of gate marks 70 are formed along the tire circumferential direction.

[0047] Furthermore, specifically, during injection molding, as an example, a plurality of gates are arranged along the tire circumferential direction in the range of 6 or more and 12 or less. More specifically, during injection molding, as an example, a plurality of gates are arranged along the tire circumferential direction at equal angular intervals of 30 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less.

[0048] Therefore, the gate marks 70 are specifically formed in a plurality along the tire circumferential direction, for example, in a range of 6 or more and 12 or less. More specifically, the gate marks 70 are formed in a plurality along the tire circumferential direction at equal angular intervals of, for example, 30 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less. In FIG. 4, an example is shown in which 8 gate marks 70 are formed along the tire circumferential direction at equal angular intervals of 45 degrees on the inner side in the tire radial direction of the tire skeletal member 17.

[0049] In the present embodiment, as described above, since the gate is arranged on the outer side in the radial direction of the tire skeletal member 17 or on the inner side in the radial direction of the tire skeletal member 17 during injection molding, in injection molding, a resin flow occurs in the tire radial direction.

[0050] (Tire skeletal step portion 18) As shown in FIG. 2, a tire skeletal step portion 18 is formed on the outer surface of the tire skeletal member 17. The tire skeletal step portion 18 is formed on the inner side in the tire width direction than the end portion 30A in the tire width direction of the tread member 30 described later. The tire skeletal step portion 18 is a stepped portion formed on the surface of the tire skeletal member 17 so that the outer side in the tire width direction is lower, and is integrally formed on the outer surface of the tire skeletal member 17. In other words, the tire skeletal step portion 18 is composed of a wall surface rising from the surface of the tire skeletal member 17, and becomes a portion that defines the boundary with the coating layer 24 described later.

[0051] The angle between the wall surface constituting the tire skeletal step portion 18 and the surface of the tire skeletal member 17 can be set to any angle, and may be set to 90 degrees or may be set to an angle smaller than 90 degrees.

[0052] The thickness of the tire skeleton member 17 on the inner side in the tire width direction than the tire skeleton step portion 18 is thicker than the thickness of the tire skeleton member 17 on the outer side in the tire width direction. The height H1 of the tire skeleton step portion 18 can be arbitrarily set. However, as will be described later, from the viewpoint that the plate-shaped RFID tag 40 is disposed on the tire skeleton step portion 18, it is preferably at least half or more of the dimension in the thickness direction of the RFID tag 40, and more preferably higher than the dimension.

[0053] (Belt layer 28) As shown in FIGS. 1(A) and 2, a belt layer 28 is provided on the outer side in the tire radial direction of the crown portion 16. The belt layer 28 is formed by spirally winding a reinforcing cord 26 coated with resin in the tire circumferential direction. The end portion 28A of the belt layer 28 in the tire width direction is disposed closer to the tire equatorial plane CL side than the tire skeleton step portion 18. Thereby, the end surface 24A of the covering layer 24 described later is disposed on the outer side in the tire width direction than the belt layer 28, avoiding the belt layer 28 being covered by the covering layer 24, and enabling the tread member 30 to be appropriately laminated on the outer side in the tire radial direction of the belt layer 28.

[0054] (Covering layer 24) As shown in FIGS. 1(A) and 2, a covering layer 24 is formed from the bead portion 12 to the tire skeleton step portion 18 on the outer side of the tire skeleton member 17. As shown in FIG. 1(B), the end portion of the covering layer 24 on the bead portion 12 side is disposed so as to extend to the inner side of the tire than the contact portion with the rim 20 of the bead portion 12. As shown in FIG. 2, the end portion of the covering layer 24 on the tread member 30 side is formed up to the tire skeleton step portion 18, and the end surface 24A is in close contact with the tire skeleton step portion 18. When the tire 10 is assembled to the rim 20, the covering layer 24 is in close contact with the rim 20 to seal the gas filling space in the tire 10.

[0055] As the material for the covering layer 24, a material with higher weather resistance than the tire skeleton member 17 is used. The material for the covering layer is preferably a material with better sealing performance than the material constituting the tire skeleton member 17. Also, the elastic modulus of the covering layer 24 is preferably lower than the elastic modulus of the tire skeleton member 17. Thereby, while maintaining the rigidity of the tire skeleton member 17, it is possible to appropriately seal the space between the rim 20.

[0056] In addition, the elastic modulus of the covering layer 24 is preferably 0.5 MPa or more and 50 MPa or less. When the elastic modulus of the covering layer 24 is less than 0.5 MPa, the compression creep property of the portion in contact with the rim 20 may not be sufficient, and a gap may be formed between the rim and the covering layer 24. When the elastic modulus of the covering layer 24 exceeds 50 MPa, sufficient compression deformation of the portion in contact with the rim 20 cannot be obtained, and a gap may be formed between the rim 20 and the covering layer 24.

[0057] Also, the elastic modulus of the covering layer 24 is more preferably 70% or less of the elastic modulus of the tire skeleton member 17. And the elastic modulus of the covering layer 24 is even more preferably 50% or less of the elastic modulus of the tire skeleton member 17. Also, when a resin with excellent abrasion resistance is used as the material for the covering layer 24, it is more preferably 25% or less.

[0058] As the resin material of the covering layer 24, a thermoplastic resin having rubber-like elasticity, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a thermosetting resin, etc. can be used. Also, a rubber covering layer 24 may be formed. As the material for the covering layer 24, an olefin-based, ester-based, amide-based, or urethane-based TPE, or a TPV in which a partially rubber-based resin is kneaded is preferable. Further, the deflection temperature under load (at a load of 0.45 MPa) defined in ISO 75-2 or ASTM D648 is 75°C or higher, the tensile yield elongation defined in JIS K7113 is 10% or higher, the tensile fracture elongation defined in JIS K7113 is 50% or higher, and the Vicat softening temperature (Method A) defined in JIS K7113 is 130°C or higher, which is preferable. Also, as the thermosetting resin for the covering layer 24, a phenol resin, a urea resin, a melamine resin, an epoxy resin, a polyester resin, etc. can be used.

[0059] (Tread member 30) As shown in FIGS. 1(A) and 2, a tread member 30 is disposed on the outer side in the tire radial direction of the tire skeleton member 17. The tread member 30 is disposed along the tire skeleton member 17 and constitutes the tire tread which is the ground contact portion of the tire 10. Specifically, the tread member 30 has a tread member main body 32 and an intermediate rubber 34.

[0060] The tread member main body 32 is laminated on the tire skeleton member 17 via the intermediate rubber 34. A tread pattern (not shown) is formed on the ground contact surface of the tread member main body 32 with the road surface.

[0061] The end portion 30A in the tire width direction of the tread member 30 is disposed on the outer side in the tire width direction than the end surface 24A of the covering layer 24. Thereby, the end surface 24A of the covering layer 24 is covered by the tread member 30, and the entire outer surface from the bead portion 12 of the tire skeleton member 17 to the tread member 30 is covered by the covering layer 24.

[0062] The tread member 30 is formed of rubber, for example, which is more wear-resistant than the thermoplastic resin forming the side portion 14. As the rubber used for the tread member 30, the same rubber as the tread rubber of a conventional pneumatic tire or the tread rubber for a retread tire can be used. Note that, as the tread member 30, a member formed of another type of thermoplastic resin that is more wear-resistant than the thermoplastic resin forming the side portion 14 may be used.

[0063] (RFID tag 40) As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the tire 10 has an RFID tag 40. This RFID tag 40 is configured to be capable of wireless communication with a reader (not shown). In FIG. 1(A), the illustration of the RFID tag 40 is omitted.

[0064] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B), the RFID tag 40 has a resin case 42, an RFID chip 44 and an antenna 46 housed in the case 42. In the present embodiment, a pair of antennas 46 extend from the RFID chip 44 in opposite directions.

[0065] The case 42 is plate-shaped and is formed in a substantially rectangular shape having the extending direction of the antenna 46 (arrow W direction) as the longitudinal direction in plan view. In the present embodiment, the case 42 is curved in an arc shape on the short side. Further, the case 42 has flexibility, and the RFID tag 40 (specifically, the case 42) can be deformed according to the deformation of the tire 10 (see FIG. 5(B)).

[0066] In the present embodiment, the case 42 is formed of the same resin material as the resin material forming the tire skeleton member 17. Note that the shape of the case 42 is not limited to the aforementioned substantially rectangular shape. Also, the case 42 may be formed, for example, in a film shape.

[0067] The RFID tag 40 is provided on the tire skeleton step portion 18. Specifically, the RFID tag 40 is integrated with the tire skeleton step portion 18. In the present embodiment, the RFID tag 40 is integrated with the tire skeleton step portion 18 of the tire half 17A by insert molding, in which the tire half 17A is injection molded while the RFID tag 40 is placed in the mold for molding the tire half 17A (hereinafter referred to as insert molding). In this way, the tire skeleton step portion 18 (that is, the tire skeleton member 17) is molded so that the RFID tag 40 (specifically, the case 42) and the tire skeleton step portion 18 are integrated.

[0068] In the present embodiment, the RFID tag 40 forms a part of the tire skeleton step portion 18, and the tire skeleton step portion 18 including the RFID tag 40 is formed along the tire circumferential direction. In the present embodiment, the RFID tag 40 is disposed to face the end face 24A of the coating layer 24.

[0069] Note that, for example, by observing the interface between the RFID tag 40 (specifically, the case 42) and the tire skeleton member 17 with an observation device (for example, an electron microscope), it is possible to determine whether the RFID tag 40 is formed by insert molding or the RFID tag 40 is welded to the tire skeleton member 17 after the tire half 17A is molded. In other words, the tire skeleton member 17 has a molding mark indicating that the RFID tag 40 is formed by insert molding.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 3, the longitudinal direction of the RFID tag 40 (specifically, the longitudinal direction of the case 42) is arranged along the tire circumferential direction (arrow TC direction). Therefore, the extending direction (arrow W direction) of the antenna 46 of the RFID tag 40 is arranged along the tire circumferential direction. In the present embodiment, the RFID tag 40 is provided on one side portion 14 as shown in FIG. 2.

[0071] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, a recess 18A is formed in the tire skeleton step portion 18 adjacent to the RFID tag 40 in the tire circumferential direction. Specifically, the recesses 18A are formed adjacent to both sides of the RFID tag 40 in the tire circumferential direction. In the present embodiment, the tire skeleton step portion 18 including the RFID tag 40 is provided in the entire circumferential region of the tire skeleton member 17 excluding the recesses 18A.

[0072] (Operation) In the tire 10 of the present embodiment, since the tire skeleton step portion 18 is formed, when the coating layer 24 is molded using a mold or the like, the tire skeleton step portion 18 can be used as a weir for stopping the outflow of the coating layer material. Furthermore, according to the tire 10, the RFID tag 40 is provided on the tire skeleton step portion 18. Specifically, the RFID tag 40 is integrated with the tire skeleton step portion 18.

[0073] Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the tire skeleton step portion 18 rises more on the inner side in the tire width direction with respect to the lowered portion (hereinafter referred to as the low portion 181) by the outer side in the tire width direction being lowered toward the inner side in the tire diameter direction. Therefore, a recess (hereinafter referred to as a mold recess) for forming the tire skeleton step portion 18 is provided in the mold when the tire skeleton member 17 is molded by injection molding.

[0074] And since the RFID tag 40 is provided on the tire skeleton step portion 18, it becomes possible to dispose the RFID tag 40 in the mold recess. Thus, by disposing the RFID tag 40 in the mold recess, when the tire skeleton member 17 is molded by injection molding, it is less affected by the resin flow. Therefore, displacement of the RFID tag 40 can be suppressed.

[0075] Further, in the tire 10, the RFID tag 40 forms a part of the tire circumferential direction of the tire carcass step portion 18, and the tire carcass step portion 18 including the RFID tag 40 is formed along the tire circumferential direction. Therefore, the RFID tag 40 can be firmly integrated with the tire carcass step portion 18, and it is possible to give the RFID tag 40 a function as a weir for preventing leakage.

[0076] Furthermore, in the tire 10, as shown in FIG. 3, a recess 18A is formed in the tire carcass step portion 18 adjacent to the RFID tag 40 in the tire circumferential direction. Specifically, the recess 18A is formed adjacent to both sides of the RFID tag 40 in the tire circumferential direction. Therefore, projections (hereinafter referred to as mold projections) for forming the recess are provided adjacent to both sides of the mold recess in the tire circumferential direction on the mold for molding the tire carcass member 17 by injection molding.

[0077] And by disposing the RFID tag 40 in the mold recess, when the tire carcass member 17 is molded by injection molding, the RFID tag 40 can be positioned by the mold projections on both sides in the tire circumferential direction. Therefore, the RFID tag 40 is hardly affected by the resin flow, and displacement of the RFID tag 40 can be suppressed.

[0078] Also, in the tire 10, the tire carcass step portion 18 of the tire carcass member 17 is molded so as to be integrated with the case 42 that houses the RFID chip 44 and the antenna 46. Therefore, the RFID tag 40 can be easily incorporated into the tire carcass member 17.

[0079] Also, in the tire 10, the resin material forming the case 42 of the RFID tag 40 is the same type as the resin material forming the tire carcass member 17. Therefore, the case 42 can be firmly integrated with the tire carcass step portion 18 as compared with a tire in which the resin materials are different types.

[0080] (Other embodiments) As described above, an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure has been explained. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist thereof other than the above.

[0081] In the above-described embodiment, the tire skeleton step portion 18 is configured by a step, but it is not limited thereto. The tire skeleton step portion of the present disclosure may be configured by a convex portion rising from the surface of the tire skeleton member. This convex portion may be formed as a ridge extending along the tire circumferential direction.

[0082] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the concave portion 18A was formed adjacent to both sides in the tire circumferential direction with respect to the RFID tag 40, but it is not limited thereto. The concave portion of the present disclosure may be formed adjacent to one side in the tire circumferential direction with respect to the RFID tag 40. Further, as the tire skeleton step portion of the present disclosure, a configuration in which no concave portion is formed may be adopted. In this configuration, for example, the tire skeleton step portion 18 including the RFID tag 40 can be configured to be provided on the entire circumference of the tire skeleton member 17.

[0083] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the tire skeleton step portion 18 including the RFID tag 40 was provided in the entire circumferential region of the tire skeleton member 17 excluding the concave portion 18A, but it is not limited thereto. The tire skeleton step portion 18 including the RFID tag 40 may be provided in a part of the region, and the tire skeleton step portion 18 including the RFID tag 40 may be configured to be provided in a part of the tire circumferential direction of the tire skeleton member 17.

[0084] In the above-described embodiment, the RFID tag 40 was provided on one side portion 14 of the tire skeleton member 17 as shown in FIG. 2, but it is not limited thereto. The RFID tag of the present disclosure may be provided on each of the side portions 14 on both sides of the tire skeleton member 17. That is, as the RFID tag of the present disclosure, it is sufficient if it is provided on at least one of the side portions 14 on both sides of the tire skeleton member 17.

[0085] In addition, in the foregoing embodiment, the resin material forming the case 42 and the resin material forming the side portion 14 are the same type of resin material, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. As the tire 10 of the present disclosure, the resin material forming the case 42 and the resin material forming the side portion 14 may be different types of resin materials.

Explanation of Signs

[0086] 10…tire, 12…bead portion, 14…side portion, 16…crown portion, 17…tire skeleton member, 18…tire skeleton step portion, 18A…recess, 24…coating layer, 30…tread member, 40…RFID tag, 42…case, 44…RFID chip, 46…antenna

Claims

1. An annular and resinous tire skeleton member having at least a bead portion, A tread member disposed on the outer side in the tire radial direction of the tire skeleton member and constituting a tire tread, A tire skeleton step portion formed on the outer side in the tire radial direction of the tire skeleton member and on the inner side in the tire width direction rather than the end portion in the tire width direction of the tread member, with the outer side in the tire width direction being lower toward the inner side in the tire radial direction, A coating layer formed on the outer side of the tire skeleton member from the bead portion to the tire skeleton step portion, An RFID tag provided on the tire skeleton step portion, A tire having the above.

2. The RFID tag is integrated with the tire skeleton step portion. The tire according to Claim 1.

3. The RFID tag forms a part in the tire circumferential direction of the tire skeleton step portion, The tire skeleton step portion including the RFID tag is formed along the tire circumferential direction. The tire according to Claim 1.

4. A recess is formed in the tire skeleton step portion adjacent to the RFID tag in the tire circumferential direction. The tire according to Claim 1.

5. Recesses are formed in the tire skeleton step portion adjacent to both sides in the tire circumferential direction with respect to the RFID tag. The tire according to Claim 4.

6. The RFID tag has a resin case, an RFID chip and an antenna accommodated in the case, The tire skeleton step portion is molded so as to be integrated with the case. The tire according to Claim 1.

7. The case is formed of the same resin material as the resin material forming the tire skeleton member. The tire according to Claim 6.

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