tire

Abstract

To provide a tire which can keep a function of an embedded electronic component.SOLUTION: In a tire 1 including a plurality of rubber members and an RFID tag 40 as an electronic component, the RFID tag 40 is arranged at a position where three rubbers of a shoulder pad 38 that is arranged on the outer surface side of a carcass ply 23, is arranged on an inner cavity side of a tread rubber 28 and a side wall rubber 30 and acts as a rubber member, the tread rubber 28 and the side wall rubber 30 cross each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tire in which electronic components are embedded.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a tire in which an electronic component such as an RFID is embedded in a rubber structure is known. Such a tire can perform tire manufacturing management, usage history management, etc. by communication between an RFID tag embedded in the tire and a reader as an external device. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a tire in which a patch combined with an electric component having an antenna is disposed in a portion close to the inner liner. It is also shown that the electric component can be disposed between the carcass and the sidewall or between the carcass and the tread portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, when an electric component is disposed between the carcass and the sidewall, since the physical properties of the carcass and the sidewall are greatly different, due to the difference in physical properties, for example, the difference in linear expansion coefficient or elastic modulus, etc., relative movement occurs between the two members during vulcanization or use, and the electric component may be subjected to stress. And when the allowable stress is exceeded, the electric component may not be able to maintain its function. Further, when the electric component is simply disposed so as to be sandwiched between two rubber members, it is difficult to set a reference for the arrangement position, and the arrangement position of the electric component may vary. As a result, the electric component may be disposed at an unfavorable position in terms of stress, strain, etc., and there is also a possibility that its function cannot be maintained.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a tire in which an embedded electronic component can maintain its function.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] (1) The tire of the present invention (for example, tire 1) includes a plurality of rubber members constituting the tire and an electronic component (for example, RFID tag 40), and the electronic component is disposed at a position where at least three rubber members intersect.

[0007] (2) In the tire of (1), the three rubber members may each be an annular rubber member formed in an annular shape.

[0008] (3) In the tire of (2), a shoulder pad (for example, shoulder pad 38) as a rubber member disposed on the outer surface side of a carcass ply (for example, carcass ply 23) and on the inner cavity side of a tread rubber (for example, tread rubber 28) and a sidewall rubber (for example, sidewall rubber 30) is provided, and the electronic component may be disposed at a position where the shoulder pad, the tread rubber, and the sidewall rubber intersect.

[0009] (4) In the tire of (1) to (3), at least a part of the electronic component is covered with a covering rubber sheet (for example, covering rubber sheets 431 and 432), and the covering rubber sheet covering the electronic component may be disposed at a position where at least three rubber members intersect.

[0010] In the tire of (5)(4), the three rubber members include a first rubber member, a second rubber member having a tapered end in a cross-section in the tire width direction and arranged to cover a part on the first rubber member, and a third rubber member covering at least the boundary portion between the first rubber member and the second rubber member. The covering rubber sheet may be arranged so as to straddle the first rubber member and the second rubber member at the boundary portion between the first rubber member and the second rubber member and may be covered with the third rubber member.

[0011] A manufacturing method for manufacturing the tire of (6)(5), the method may include a step of attaching the covering rubber sheet so as to straddle the first rubber member and the second rubber member at the boundary portion between the first rubber member and the second rubber member, and a step of attaching the third rubber member so as to cover the covering rubber sheet attached to the boundary portion between the first rubber member and the second rubber member.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a tire in which the embedded electronic components can maintain their functions.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

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MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0014] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a half-sectional view in the tire width direction of the tire 1 according to the present embodiment. Since the basic structure of the tire is symmetric in the cross section in the tire width direction, here, a cross-sectional view of the right half is shown. In the figure, reference symbol S1 is the tire equatorial plane. The tire equatorial plane S1 is a plane orthogonal to the tire rotation axis and is located at the center in the tire width direction. Here, the tire width direction is a direction parallel to the tire rotation axis and is the horizontal direction of the paper surface in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, it is illustrated as the tire width direction X. And the inner side in the tire width direction is a direction approaching the tire equatorial plane S1, and in FIG. 1, it is the left side of the paper surface. The outer side in the tire width direction is a direction away from the tire equatorial plane S1, and in FIG. 1, it is the right side of the paper surface. Also, the tire radial direction is a direction perpendicular to the tire rotation axis and is the vertical direction of the paper surface in FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, it is illustrated as the tire radial direction Y. And the outer side in the tire radial direction is a direction away from the tire rotation axis, and in FIG. 1, it is the upper side of the paper surface. The inner side in the tire radial direction is a direction approaching the tire rotation axis, and in FIG. 1, it is the lower side of the paper surface. The same applies to FIGS. 2, 5 to 7, 9 to 11, and 13.

[0015] The tire 1 is, for example, a tire for trucks and buses, and includes a pair of beads 11 provided on both sides in the tire width direction, a tread 12 forming a ground contact surface with the road surface, and a pair of sidewalls 13 extending between the pair of beads 11 and the tread 12.

[0016] The bead 11 includes an annular bead core 21 formed by winding a plurality of metal bead wires coated with rubber, and a tapered bead filler 22 extending outward in the tire radial direction of the bead core 21. The bead filler 22 is composed of a first bead filler 221 covering the outer circumference of the bead core 21 and a second bead filler 222 disposed outside the first bead filler 221 in the tire radial direction. The second bead filler 222 is made of rubber having a higher modulus than the inner liner 29 and the sidewall rubber 30 described later. And the first bead filler 221 is made of rubber having an even higher modulus than the second bead filler 222. Note that the first bead filler 221 may be in a mode that does not cover the outer circumference of the bead core 21 as long as at least a part of it is disposed outside the bead core 21 in the tire radial direction. Also, the bead filler 22 may be formed of one type of rubber. That is, it may not be divided into the first bead filler 221 and the second bead filler 222. The bead core 21 is a member that serves to fix the air-filled tire to a rim of a wheel (not shown). The bead filler 22 is a member provided to increase the rigidity of the bead peripheral portion and ensure high maneuverability and stability.

[0017] Inside the tire 1, a carcass ply 23 that constitutes a ply serving as the skeleton of the tire is embedded. The carcass ply 23 extends from one bead core to the other bead core. That is, it is embedded in the tire 1 in a mode that passes between the pair of bead cores 21 through the pair of sidewalls 13 and the tread 12. As shown in FIG. 1, the carcass ply 23 includes a ply body 24 that extends from one bead core to the other bead core and extends between the tread 12 and the bead 11, and a ply folded portion 25 that is folded around the bead core 21. Here, the folded end 25A of the ply folded portion 25 is located radially inward of the tire in the tire radial direction than the radially outer end 22A of the bead filler 22. The carcass ply 23 is composed of a plurality of ply cords extending in the tire width direction. Further, the plurality of ply cords are arranged side by side in the tire circumferential direction. This ply cord is composed of a metal steel cord or an insulating organic fiber cord such as polyester or polyamide, etc., and is coated with rubber.

[0018] In the tread 12, a plurality of layers of steel belts 26 are provided on the radially outer side of the carcass ply 23. The steel belt 26 is composed of a plurality of steel cords coated with rubber. By providing the steel belt 26, the rigidity of the tire is ensured and the grounding state of the tread 12 and the road surface is improved. In the present embodiment, four layers of steel belts 26 are provided, but the number of laminated steel belts 26 is not limited to this.

[0019] A tread rubber 28 is provided on the radially outer side of the steel belt 26. A tread pattern (not shown) is provided on the outer surface of the tread rubber 28, and this outer surface serves as a grounding surface that contacts the road surface.

[0020] In the vicinity of the outer side in the tire width direction of the tread 12, that is, in the end regions in the tire width direction of the steel belt 26 and the tread rubber 28, a shoulder pad 38 as a pad is provided in the region between the carcass ply 23 and the steel belt 26 and the tread rubber 28. This shoulder pad 38 extends to the outer region in the tire radial direction of the sidewall 13, and a part of it forms an interface with the sidewall rubber 30 described later. That is, in the outer region in the tire radial direction of the sidewall 13, a part of the shoulder pad 38 exists on the inner side in the tire width direction of the sidewall rubber 30. In other words, in the extending portion of the shoulder pad 38, from the inner cavity side of the tire toward the outer surface side of the tire, on the carcass ply 23, the extending portion of the shoulder pad 38 and the sidewall rubber 30 are laminated in this order. That is, in a part of the carcass ply 23, the shoulder pad 38 and the sidewall rubber 30 are laminated. The shoulder pad 38 is made of a rubber member having cushioning properties and exhibits a cushioning function between the carcass ply 23 and the steel belt 26. Further, since the shoulder pad 38 is made of rubber having the property of low heat generation, heat generation can be effectively suppressed by extending it to the sidewall 13. In this way, the shoulder pad 38 is disposed on the outer surface side of the tire of the carcass ply 23 and on the inner cavity side of the tread rubber 28 and the sidewall rubber 30.

[0021] In the bead 11, the sidewall 13, and the tread 12, an inner liner 29 as a rubber layer constituting the inner wall surface of the tire 1 is provided on the inner cavity side of the carcass ply 23. The inner liner 29 is made of air permeation resistant rubber and prevents the air in the tire inner cavity from leaking to the outside.

[0022] In the sidewall 13, on the outer side in the tire width direction of the carcass ply 23, a sidewall rubber 30 that constitutes the outer wall surface of the tire 1 is provided. This sidewall rubber 30 is the part that bends the most when the tire acts as a cushion, and usually, a flexible rubber having fatigue resistance is adopted.

[0023] On the inner side in the tire diameter direction of the carcass ply 23 provided around the bead core 21 of the bead 11, a steel chafer 31 as a reinforcing ply is provided so as to cover at least a part of the carcass ply 23. The steel chafer 31 also extends to the outer side in the tire width direction of the ply turn-back portion 25 of the carcass ply 23, and the end portion 31A of the steel chafer 31 is located on the inner side in the tire diameter direction than the turn-back end 25A of the carcass ply 23. This steel chafer 31 is a metal reinforcing layer composed of a steel cord made of metal and is covered with rubber.

[0024] On the inner side in the tire diameter direction of the steel chafer 31, a rim strip rubber 32 is provided. This rim strip rubber 32 is arranged along the outer surface of the tire and is connected to the sidewall rubber 30. The rim strip rubber 32 and the sidewall rubber 30 are rubber members that constitute the outer surface of the tire.

[0025] And on the outer side in the tire diameter direction of the end portion 31A of the steel chafer 31, and on the outer side in the tire width direction of the turn-back portion 25 of the carcass ply 23 and the bead filler 22, a first pad 35 is provided. This first pad 35 is provided at least on the outer side in the tire width direction of the turn-back end 25A of the carcass ply 23. The outer side in the tire diameter direction of the first pad 35 is formed to be tapered so as to become narrower toward the outer side in the tire diameter direction.

[0026] Furthermore, a second pad 36 is provided so as to cover the outer side in the tire width direction of the first pad 35. More specifically, the second pad 36 is provided so as to cover the outer side in the tire width direction of a part of the steel chafer 31, the first pad 35, a part of the second bead filler 222, and a part of the ply body 24 of the carcass ply 23. And, a sidewall rubber 30 is disposed on the outer side in the tire width direction in the outer region in the tire radial direction of the second pad 36, and a rim strip rubber 32 is disposed on the outer side in the tire width direction in the inner region in the tire radial direction of the second pad 36. In other words, the second pad 36 is provided between the first pad 35 or the like and the rim strip rubber 32 and the sidewall rubber 30 which are members constituting the outer surface of the tire.

[0027] The first pad 35 and the second pad 36 constitute a pad member 34, and this pad member 34 is composed of rubber having a higher modulus than the modulus of the radially outer portion (second bead filler 222) of the bead filler 22. More specifically, the second pad 36 is composed of rubber having a higher modulus than the second bead filler 222, and the first pad 35 is composed of rubber having an even higher modulus than the second pad 36. The first pad 35 and the second pad 36 have a function of alleviating abrupt strain caused by a local rigidity change point at the folded-back end 25A of the carcass ply 23 and the end 31A of the steel chafer 31.

[0028] A rubber sheet 37 as a reinforcing rubber sheet is disposed between the bead filler 22 and the pad member 34 in the vicinity of the folded-back end 25A of the carcass ply 23. The rubber sheet 37 is disposed so as to cover the folded-back end 25A of the carcass ply 23 from the inner side in the tire width direction. The rubber sheet 37 is composed of rubber having a higher modulus than the second bead filler 222. More preferably, it is composed of rubber having substantially the same modulus as the first pad 35.

[0029] In general, the folded end 25A of the carcass ply 23 is prone to stress concentration. However, by providing the rubber sheet 37 as the above-described reinforcing rubber sheet, it becomes possible to effectively suppress stress concentration. In the present embodiment, the pad member 34 is composed of the first pad 35 and the second pad 36. However, the pad member 34 may be composed of a single member. However, as described above, by adopting a configuration in which the pad member 34 is composed of the first pad 35 and the second pad 36 and the rubber sheet 37 is further disposed, stress concentration can be suppressed more effectively.

[0030] In the present embodiment, the position of the outer end 37A in the tire diameter direction of the rubber sheet 37 is located on the inner side in the tire diameter direction rather than the outer end 22A in the tire diameter direction of the bead filler 22. However, the position of the outer end 37A in the tire diameter direction of the rubber sheet 37 may be substantially coincident with the position of the outer end 22A in the tire diameter direction of the bead filler 22. As shown in FIG. 1, it is preferable that the rubber sheet 37 is arranged so as to cover the folded end 25A of the carcass ply 23 from the inner side in the tire width direction. However, a configuration in which the folded end 25A of the carcass ply 23 is covered from the outer side in the tire width direction may be adopted. Even in this case, stress concentration can be alleviated.

[0031] In the tire 1 of the present embodiment, an RFID tag 40 as an electronic component is embedded. The RFID tag 40 is a passive transponder equipped with an RFID chip and an antenna for communicating with an external device, and performs wireless communication with a reader (not shown) as the external device. As the antenna, various types of antennas such as a coil-shaped spring antenna, a plate-shaped antenna, and a rod-shaped antenna are used. For example, an antenna formed by printing a predetermined pattern on a flexible substrate may be used. The antenna is set to an optimized antenna length according to the frequency band to be used and the like. Identification information such as a manufacturing number and a part number is stored in the storage unit in the RFID chip.

[0032] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the embedding portion of the RFID tag 40 in the tire 1 of FIG. 1. The RFID tag 40 (including a state in which at least a part thereof is covered by a protection member 43 described later) is disposed at a position where at least three rubber members constituting the tire 1 intersect. More specifically, the tire 1 of the present embodiment includes a shoulder pad 38 as a first rubber member in the present embodiment, a tread rubber 28 as a second rubber member in the present embodiment disposed so as to cover a part of the shoulder pad 38, and a sidewall rubber 30 as a third rubber member in the present embodiment that covers at least the boundary portion between the shoulder pad 38 and the tread rubber 28. The RFID tag 40 is disposed at a position where the shoulder pad 38, the tread rubber 28, and the sidewall rubber 30 intersect.

[0033] More preferably, the RFID tag 40 is integrally covered by a protection member 43 made of a coating rubber sheet described later. This protection member 43 is disposed so as to straddle the shoulder pad 38 and the tread rubber 28 at the boundary portion between the shoulder pad 38 and the tread rubber 28. That is, this protection member 43 is attached so as to press the radially inner end 28B of the tread rubber 28 having a tapered shape at the radially inner end in the cross-sectional view in the tire width direction from the tire outer surface side. And this protection member 43 is covered with the sidewall rubber 30 on the tire outer surface side.

[0034] Here, the shoulder pad 38, the tread rubber 28, and the sidewall rubber 30 are each annular rubber members constituting the annular tire 1. And the protective member 43 holding the RFID tag 40 is arranged so as to be in surface contact with the shoulder pad 38, the tread rubber 28, and the sidewall rubber 30.

[0035] If the RFID tag 40 is arranged at such a position, since the RFID tag 40 is surrounded by a plurality of rubber members, specifically, the shoulder pad 38, the tread rubber 28, and the sidewall rubber 30, the RFID tag 40 is less likely to be affected by stress. And by setting the boundary portion of the plurality of rubber members, specifically, the boundary portion between the shoulder pad 38 and the tread rubber 28 as the reference for the arrangement position of the RFID tag 40 in this embodiment, the variation in the arrangement position of the RFID tag 40 is reduced. Thereby, the possibility that the RFID tag 40 is mistakenly arranged at an unfavorable position in terms of stress, strain, etc. is also decreased, and the function of the RFID tag 40 can be appropriately maintained.

[0036] Also, by arranging the RFID tag 40 in the shoulder portion, that is, near the outer side in the tire diameter direction of the sidewall, the RFID tag 40 can be arranged at a position sufficiently separated from the metal bead core 21 that may have an adverse effect on communication. Here, since the bead core 21 is formed in an annular shape by laminating and winding a metal bead wire, it is a metal member that is particularly likely to have an adverse effect on communication. Also, considering the communication quality, it is preferable to arrange the RFID tag 40 at a portion as close as possible to the outer surface of the tire 1. If the RFID tag 40 is arranged on the inner cavity side of the carcass ply 23, since it is away from the outer surface of the tire 1, the communication quality deteriorates. Furthermore, when the carcass ply 23 is made of metal, if the RFID tag 40 is arranged on the inner cavity side of the carcass ply 23, the communication quality significantly decreases. Considering these points, the intersection position of the shoulder pad 38, the tread rubber 28, and the sidewall rubber 30 is suitable as the embedding position of the RFID tag 40.

[0037] Also, considering embedding the RFID tag 40 during the tire manufacturing process, it is preferable to dispose the RFID tag 40 at the intersection of the three rubber members constituting the tire. For example, when sandwiching the RFID tag 40 between the laminations of the wound ribbon-shaped rubber members, the timing of attaching the RFID tag 40 to the ribbon-shaped rubber member becomes complicated. Further, when the RFID tag 40 is simply disposed so as to be sandwiched between two rubber members, it is difficult to set the reference for the disposition position, and the disposition positions of the electrical components may vary. On the other hand, if it is disposed at the intersection of the three rubber members as in the present embodiment, in the tire molding process, the RFID tag 40 can be accurately attached to the boundary between the first rubber member (in the present embodiment, the shoulder pad 38) and the second rubber member (in the present embodiment, the tread rubber 28), and then the third rubber member (in the present embodiment, the sidewall rubber 30) can be overlaid thereon to sandwich the RFID tag 40. Even considering these points, the intersection position of the shoulder pad 38, the tread rubber 28, and the sidewall rubber 30 is suitable as the embedding position of the RFID tag 40.

[0038] Also, even when the RFID tag 40 is disposed by being sandwiched between plies such as the carcass ply 23, for example, when the plies sandwiching the RFID tag 40 move in different directions from each other, stress may be applied to the RFID tag 40. Further, even when the RFID tag 40 is sandwiched between a ply such as the carcass ply 23 and a rubber member such as the sidewall rubber, since the physical properties of the ply and the rubber member are greatly different, relative movement occurs between the two members during vulcanization or use due to the difference in physical properties, such as the difference in linear expansion coefficient, elastic modulus, hardness, etc., and the RFID tag 40 may be subjected to stress. And when the allowable stress is exceeded, the RFID tag 40 may not be able to maintain its function. The shoulder pad 38, the tread rubber 28, and the sidewall rubber 30 are all rubber members. Even considering these points, the intersection position of the shoulder pad 38, the tread rubber 28, and the sidewall rubber 30 is suitable as the embedding position of the RFID tag 40.

[0039] Note that the shoulder pad 38 has cushioning properties. Therefore, if the RFID tag 40 is arranged in this part, the distortion generated around the RFID tag 40 can be absorbed. Also, the shoulder pad has low heat generation properties. Therefore, the RFID tag 40 provided at such a position is less likely to be affected by the heat generation of the rubber during use. Even considering these points, the intersection position of the shoulder pad 38, the tread rubber 28, and the sidewall rubber 30 is suitable as the embedding position of the RFID tag 40.

[0040] Furthermore, if the RFID tag 40 is arranged at the intersection position of the shoulder pad 38, the tread rubber 28, and the sidewall rubber 30, the RFID tag 40 will not be removed even when retreading is performed. That is, since the part removed during retreading is at least outside the tire diameter direction of the steel belt 26 in the tread rubber 28, if the RFID tag 40 is arranged at the intersection position of the shoulder pad 38, the tread rubber 28, and the sidewall rubber 30, the RFID tag 40 will not be removed and can be continuously used. Also in this regard, the intersection position of the shoulder pad 38, the tread rubber 28, and the sidewall rubber 30 is suitable as the embedding position of the RFID tag 40.

[0041] Note that based on the modulus of the shoulder pad 38, the sidewall rubber 30 preferably has a modulus of 0.4 to 0.7 times that of the shoulder pad 38. Also, the tread rubber 28 preferably has a modulus of 0.4 to 0.9 times that of the shoulder pad 38. By setting such a modulus, the balance between the flexibility and rigidity of the tire can be maintained. Note that the modulus refers to the 100% elongation modulus (M100) at 23°C in an atmosphere, which is measured in accordance with "3.7 Stress at a given elongation, S" of JIS K6251:2010.

[0042] Here, the RFID tag 40 is covered by the coating rubber sheets 431 and 432 that constitute the protection member 43. This point will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C.

[0043] FIG. 3A is a view showing the RFID tag 40 covered by the protection member 43 composed of a rubber sheet. In FIG. 3A, the RFID tag 40 is covered and hidden by the coating rubber sheet 431 described later. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line b-b of FIG. 3A, and FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line c-c of FIG. 3A.

[0044] The RFID tag 40 includes an RFID chip 41 and an antenna 42 for communicating with an external device. As the antenna 42, various antennas such as a coil-shaped spring antenna, a plate-shaped antenna, and a rod-shaped antenna are used. For example, it may be an antenna formed by printing a predetermined pattern on a flexible substrate. Considering communication performance and flexibility, a coil-shaped spring antenna is most preferable. The antenna is set to an optimized antenna length according to the frequency band used and the like.

[0045] The protection member 43 is composed of two coating rubber sheets 431 and 432 that sandwich and protect the RFID tag 40.

[0046] The protection member 43 is composed of, for example, rubber having a predetermined modulus. Here, the modulus refers to the 100% elongation modulus (M100) at 23°C in an atmosphere, which is measured in accordance with "3.7 Stress at a given elongation, S" of JIS K6251:2010.

[0047] As the rubber used for the protection member 43, a rubber having a modulus higher than at least the sidewall rubber 30 is used. For example, a rubber having a modulus higher than the sidewall rubber 30 and lower than the shoulder pad 38 is used.

[0048] For example, as the rubber used for the protection member 43, it is more preferable to use a rubber having a modulus of 1.1 to 1.8 times that of the sidewall rubber 30 as a reference. At this time, as the rubber of the shoulder pad 38, a rubber having a modulus of 1.6 to 3 times that of the sidewall rubber, for example, a rubber having a modulus of about 2 times, may be used. In addition, if emphasis is placed on strengthening the protection of the RFID tag 40, a rubber having a modulus higher than that of the shoulder pad 38 may be employed as the rubber used for the protection member 43.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 2, the RFID tag 40 is disposed in a region at the intersection of the shoulder pad 38, the tread rubber 28, and the sidewall rubber 30. Therefore, by setting the modulus of the protection member 43 to a value higher than that of the sidewall rubber 30 and lower than that of the shoulder pad 38, when the tire is deformed, excessive stress can be prevented from occurring in the rubber structure at the RFID tag 40 embedding portion. That is, the generation of stress can be suppressed.

[0050] Further, the protection member 43 may be constituted by a short fiber filler mixed rubber. As the short fiber filler, for example, insulating short fibers such as organic short fibers such as aramid short fibers and cellulose short fibers, ceramic short fibers such as alumina short fibers, and inorganic short fibers such as glass short fibers can be used. By mixing such short fiber fillers into the rubber, the strength of the rubber can be increased. Further, as the protective member 43, a rubber sheet in a vulcanized state may be used. Since the rubber sheet in a vulcanized state does not plastically deform like raw rubber, the RFID tag 40 can be appropriately protected. However, considering the workability of attachment during the manufacturing process and the stabilization of the rubber structure by integration with other rubber members during vulcanization, it is more preferable to use a rubber sheet with a predetermined thickness in an unvulcanized state as the protective member 43.

[0051] Also, as the protective member 43, an organic fiber layer made of polyester fiber, polyamide fiber, or the like may be provided. It is also possible to embed the organic fiber layer in the two covering rubber sheets 431 and 432.

[0052] Next, the manufacturing process of the tire 1 will be described. FIG. 4A is a view when the peripheral portion of the protective member 43 during the manufacturing process is viewed from the outer side in the tire width direction, and is a view when the protective member 43 covering the RFID tag 40 is attached to the boundary portion B between the shoulder pad 38 and the tread rubber 28.

[0053] The RFID tag 40 covered by the protective member 43 is attached before the vulcanization process in the manufacturing process of the tire. As shown in FIG. 4A, in the manufacturing process of the tire 1 in the present embodiment, the protective member 43 covering the RFID tag 40 is attached at the boundary portion B between the shoulder pad 38 and the tread rubber 28 so as to straddle the shoulder pad 38 and the tread rubber 28. That is, this protective member 43 is attached so as to press the radially inner end 28B of the tread rubber 28 having a tapered shape at the radially inner end in the tire width direction cross-section (FIGS. 1 and 2). By attaching the protective member 43 to such a position, the joining between rubber members, specifically, the joining between the shoulder pad 38 and the tread rubber 28 can be partially assisted.

[0054] Further, in the present embodiment, by using the boundary between the plurality of rubber members, specifically, the boundary B between the shoulder pad 38 and the tread rubber 28, as a reference for the placement position of the RFID tag 40, the variation in the placement position of the RFID tag 40 can be reduced. As a result, the possibility that the RFID tag 40 is mistakenly placed in an unfavorable position in terms of stress, strain, etc. is also decreased, and the function of the RFID tag 40 can be properly maintained.

[0055] Thereafter, in FIG. 4A, a sidewall rubber 30 (see FIGS. 1 and 2), not shown, is attached so as to cover a protective member 43 attached to the boundary B between the shoulder pad 38 and the tread rubber 28. As a result, the RFID tag 40 covered by the protective member 43 is disposed at a position where at least three rubber members constituting the tire 1 intersect. In the present embodiment, the RFID tag 40 is disposed at the intersection of the shoulder pad 38, the tread rubber 28, and the sidewall rubber 30.

[0056] At this time, since the shoulder pad 38, the tread rubber 28, and the sidewall rubber 30 are in the state of raw rubber before vulcanization, the protective member 43 covered by the protective member 43 may be attached to these members by utilizing their adhesiveness. Alternatively, when the adhesiveness is low, it may be attached using an adhesive or the like.

[0057] In this way, each rubber member and the like constituting the tire are assembled to form a green tire. Thereafter, the green tire with each component member including the RFID tag 40 assembled is vulcanized in a vulcanization process to manufacture a tire.

[0058] Thus, in the present embodiment, during tire manufacturing, since the RFID tag 40 covered by the protective member 43 can be attached to the shoulder pad 38 and the tread rubber 28 in the state of raw rubber, the assembly work of the RFID tag 40 in the tire manufacturing process is easy. In particular, since the shoulder pad 38 has a certain degree of rigidity even in the state of raw rubber, the attachment work of the RFID tag 40 covered by the protective member 43 is easy.

[0059] As a modified example of the manufacturing process of the tire 1, the following manufacturing process may be adopted. That is, a protective member 43 covering the RFID tag 40 is attached to the sidewall rubber 30 side, and then the sidewall rubber 30 to which the protective member 43 is attached is attached to the shoulder pad 38 and the tread rubber 28. Here, when the sidewall rubber 30 is attached to the shoulder pad 38 and the tread rubber 28, the protective member 43 is attached to the sidewall rubber 30 so that the protective member 43 is disposed at the boundary portion B between the shoulder pad 38 and the tread rubber 28. Even in the case of adopting such a process, the RFID tag 40 covered by the protective member 43 is disposed at a position where at least three rubber members constituting the tire 1 intersect, that is, at a position where the shoulder pad 38, the tread rubber 28, and the sidewall rubber 30 intersect. Therefore, since the RFID tag 40 is surrounded by a plurality of rubber members, the RFID tag 40 is hardly affected by stress. And the boundary portion of the plurality of rubber members serves as a reference for the arrangement position of the RFID tag 40.

[0060] Further, if the protective member 43 is constituted by two covering rubber sheets 431 and 432, the RFID tag 40 including the protective member 43 can be formed thinly, which is suitable for embedding in the tire 1. Also, when assembling the RFID tag 40 to the constituent members of the tire 1 before vulcanization, the RFID tag 40 covered by the covering rubber sheet can be attached very simply. For example, the RFID tag 40 covered by the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 can be appropriately attached to a desired position of a member such as the boundary portion of a plurality of rubber members before vulcanization by utilizing the adhesiveness of the raw rubber. Also, by making the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 into raw rubber before vulcanization, the adhesiveness of the covering rubber sheets themselves can also be used to attach more simply.

[0061] However, the protective member 43 is not limited to the mode constituted by two covering rubber sheets, and various modes can be adopted. For example, if the covering rubber sheet constituting the protective member covers at least a part of the RFID tag 40, effects such as improvement of workability in the manufacturing process and stress relaxation can be obtained. Therefore, a configuration in which only one side of the RFID tag 40 is covered with a single covering rubber sheet 431 as the protective member may be adopted. Also, for example, a configuration in which a single rubber sheet is wound around the entire circumference of the RFID tag 40, or a configuration in which a protective member in the form of a potting agent with high viscosity is attached over the entire circumference of the RFID tag 40 may be used. Even with such a configuration using a covering rubber, the RFID tag 40 can be appropriately protected.

[0062] The RFID tag 40 covered with the protective member 43 is embedded in the tire 1 such that the direction in which the antenna extends, that is, the longitudinal direction, is, for example, the tangential direction with respect to the circumferential direction of the tire 1, that is, the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 1 to 2. Also, the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 are embedded in the tire 1 in a manner arranged in the tire width direction. That is, in the manufacturing process, one side of either the covering rubber sheet 431 or 432 is attached to a constituent member of the tire 1 before vulcanization, such as the shoulder pad 38 and the tread rubber 28. And the RFID tag 40 covered with the protective member 43 is disposed between the shoulder pad 38 and the tread rubber 28 and the sidewall rubber 30. By adopting such a mode, even when the tire 1 is deformed, stress is less likely to be applied to the RFID tag 40. Also, in the manufacturing process, the operation of attaching the RFID tag 40 covered with the protective member 43 becomes simple.

[0063] Here, in the process of attaching the RFID tag 40, based on the circumferential shape (the inner circumferential shape of the radially inner end 28B of the tread rubber 28) of the boundary portion B between the plurality of rubber members, specifically, the boundary portion between the shoulder pad 38 and the tread rubber 28 shown in FIG. 4A in this embodiment, the RFID tag 40 covered with the protective member 43 can be easily arranged in the above-described direction. That is, as shown in FIG. 4A, the longitudinal directions of the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 covering the RFID tag 40 may be attached so as to substantially coincide with the tangential direction of the circumferential shape of the boundary portion B.

[0064] FIG. 4B is a diagram showing a modified example of the manufacturing process, and shows a case where the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 covering the RFID tag 40 are attached while being bent along the circumferential shape of the boundary portion B between the shoulder pad 38 and the tread rubber 28. At this time, the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 formed of raw rubber can also be attached while being deformed along the circumferential direction of the boundary portion B. As the antenna of the RFID tag 40, a flexible coil-shaped spring antenna or the like may be used so that the antenna is also deformed following the deformation of the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432. By these methods, the RFID tag 40 covered with the protective member 43 can be easily and accurately arranged in the above-described direction without giving any special marks.

[0065] FIG. 4C is a diagram showing an annular rubber sheet 50 as a modified example of the protective member. For example, the RFID tag 40 is sandwiched between two annular covering rubber sheets to form the protective member. In this case, it is preferable to cover the entire circumference of the boundary portion B between the shoulder pad 38 and the tread rubber 28 with the annular rubber sheet 50. Thereby, the joining between the rubber members, specifically, the joining between the shoulder pad 38 and the tread rubber 28 can be assisted as a whole.

[0066] FIGS. 5 and 6 show modified examples of the tire 1 of the present embodiment. Also in the first modification example shown in FIG. 5, the protective member 43 covering the RFID tag 40 is disposed at the intersection of the shoulder pad 38, the tread rubber 28, and the sidewall rubber 30. And in this modification example, the protective member 43 covering the RFID tag 40 is disposed so as to straddle the sidewall rubber 30 and the tread rubber 28 at the boundary between the sidewall rubber 30 and the tread rubber 28. That is, the protective member 43 is attached so as to press the radially inner end 28B of the tread rubber 28 having a tapered shape at the radially inner end in the tire radial direction in a cross-sectional view in the tire width direction from the tire inner cavity side. And the inner cavity side of the tire is covered with the shoulder pad 38 for the protective member 43. Even if the RFID tag 40 is disposed at such a position, since the RFID tag 40 is surrounded by a plurality of rubber members, specifically, the shoulder pad 38, the tread rubber 28, and the sidewall rubber 30, the RFID tag 40 is hardly affected by stress. And by using the boundary between the plurality of rubber members, specifically, the boundary between the sidewall rubber 30 and the tread rubber 28 in this modification example, as a reference for the arrangement position of the RFID tag 40, the variation in the arrangement position of the RFID tag 40 is reduced. Thereby, the possibility that the RFID tag 40 is erroneously disposed at an unfavorable position in terms of stress, strain, etc. is also reduced, and the function of the RFID tag 40 can be appropriately maintained. Also, between the three rubber members, the arrangement position of the RFID tag 40 can be ensured without difficulty even after vulcanization, and the uniformity becomes good.

[0067] Also in the second modification example shown in FIG. 6, the protective member 43 covering the RFID tag 40 is disposed at the intersection of the shoulder pad 38, the tread rubber 28, and the sidewall rubber 30. And in this modification example, the protective member 43 covering the RFID tag 40 is disposed so as to contact the radially inner end 28B of the tread rubber 28 having a tapered shape at the radially inner end in the tire radial direction in a cross-sectional view in the tire width direction. Even if the RFID tag 40 is placed in such a position, since the RFID tag 40 is surrounded by a plurality of rubber members, specifically, the shoulder pad 38, the tread rubber 28, and the sidewall rubber 30, the RFID tag 40 is less likely to be affected by stress. And by using the boundary portion of the plurality of rubber members, specifically, the boundary portion B between the shoulder pad 38 and the tread rubber 28 as a reference for the placement position of the RFID tag 40 in this modification, the variation in the placement position of the RFID tag 40 is reduced. As a result, the possibility that the RFID tag 40 is mistakenly placed in an unfavorable position in terms of stress, strain, etc. is also decreased, and the function of the RFID tag 40 can be appropriately maintained.

[0068] Note that the RFID tag 40 is preferably placed at the intersection of the shoulder pad 38, the tread rubber 28, and the sidewall rubber 30 in a state covered by the protection member 43 as described above. However, it may be directly placed at the intersection of the shoulder pad 38, the tread rubber 28, and the sidewall rubber 30 without being covered by the protection member 43. If the uncovered RFID tag 40 is directly placed at the intersection of the shoulder pad 38, the tread rubber 28, and the sidewall rubber 30, the variation in the thickness of the rubber member at the portion where the RFID tag 40 is placed is reduced, and the uniformity of the tire is improved. Also, in the operation of embedding the RFID tag 40 in such a position, since the volume of the object to be embedded is small, it is easier to remove air. Further, since the process of covering the RFID tag 40 with a protection member is eliminated, the working time is shortened.

[0069] In the present embodiment, the RFID tag 40 is embedded in the tire as an electronic component. However, the electronic component embedded in the tire is not limited to the RFID tag. For example, various electronic components such as sensors that perform wireless communication may be used. Further, since the electronic component handles electrical information such as transmission and reception of electrical signals, its performance may deteriorate due to the presence of metal components in the vicinity. In addition, the electronic component may be damaged due to excessive stress. Therefore, even when various electronic components are embedded in the tire, the effects of the present invention can be obtained. For example, the electronic component may be a piezoelectric element or a strain sensor.

[0070] According to the tire 1 of the present embodiment, the following effects are obtained.

[0071] (1) The tire 1 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of rubber members constituting the tire 1 and the RFID tag 40, and the RFID tag 40 is disposed at a position where at least three rubber members intersect. Thereby, the RFID tag 40 is less likely to be affected by stress. Then, by using the boundary portion between the plurality of rubber members, in this embodiment, the boundary portion B between the shoulder pad 38 and the tread rubber 28 as a reference for the arrangement position of the RFID tag 40, the variation in the arrangement position of the RFID tag 40 is reduced. As a result, the possibility that the RFID tag 40 is erroneously arranged at an unfavorable position in terms of stress, strain, etc. is also reduced, and the function of the RFID tag 40 can be appropriately maintained.

[0072] (2) In the tire 1 according to the present embodiment, the three rubber members are each an annular rubber member formed in an annular shape. In this way, even when the three rubber members are annular rubber members that are tire constituent members constituting the annular tire 1, the above-described effects can be obtained.

[0073] (3) The tire 1 according to this embodiment includes a shoulder pad 38 as a rubber member that is disposed on the outer surface side of the carcass ply 23 and on the inner cavity side of the tread rubber 28 and the sidewall rubber 30. The RFID tag 40 is disposed at the intersection of the shoulder pad 38, the tread rubber 28, and the sidewall rubber 30. Even with such a configuration, the above-described effects can be obtained. Also, if the RFID tag 40 is disposed at such a position, good communication performance and the like can also be obtained.

[0074] (4) In the tire 1 according to this embodiment, at least a part of the RFID tag 40 is covered by the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432, and the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 covering the RFID tag 40 are disposed at the intersection of at least three rubber members. Thereby, joining between rubber members, in this embodiment, joining of the shoulder pad 38 and the tread rubber 28 can also be assisted.

[0075] (5) The three rubber members of the tire 1 according to this embodiment include a first rubber member, a second rubber member having a tapered end in a cross-sectional view in the tire width direction that is disposed so as to cover a part on the first rubber member, and a third rubber member that covers at least the boundary portion between the first rubber member and the second rubber member. The covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 are disposed so as to straddle the first rubber member and the second rubber member at the boundary portion between the first rubber member and the second rubber member and are covered by the third rubber member. Thereby, joining between rubber members, in this embodiment, joining of the shoulder pad 38 as the first rubber member and the tread rubber 28 as the second rubber member can also be assisted.

[0076] (6) The manufacturing method for manufacturing the tire 1 according to this embodiment includes a step of attaching the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 so as to straddle the first rubber member and the second rubber member at the boundary portion between the first rubber member and the second rubber member, and a step of attaching the third rubber member so as to cover the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 attached to the boundary portion between the first rubber member and the second rubber member. As a result, joining between rubber members, in this embodiment, can also assist joining of the shoulder pad 38 as the first rubber member and the tread rubber 28 as the second rubber member.

[0077] (7) In the tire 1 according to this embodiment, the RFID tag 40 as an electronic component is covered by an annular rubber sheet 50, and the annular rubber sheet 50 covers the boundary portion between the annular first rubber member and the annular second rubber member over the entire circumference. As a result, the joining between the first rubber member and the second rubber member can be assisted as a whole. For example, the joining of the shoulder pad 38 as the first rubber member and the tread rubber 28 as the second rubber member can be assisted as a whole.

[0078] <Second Embodiment> Next, the tire according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0079] FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the embedding portion of the RFID tag 40 in the tire 1 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the RFID tag 40 (including a state where at least a part thereof is covered by the protective member 43) is disposed at a position where at least three rubber members constituting the tire 1 intersect. More specifically, the tire 1 of this embodiment includes a second pad 36 as the first rubber member in this embodiment, a rim strip rubber 32 as the second rubber member in this embodiment disposed so as to cover a part of the second pad 36 on the outer surface side of the tire, and a sidewall rubber 30 as the third rubber member in this embodiment covering at least the boundary portion between the second pad 36 and the rim strip rubber 32, and the RFID tag 40 is disposed at a position where the second pad 36, the rim strip rubber 32, and the sidewall rubber 30 intersect.

[0080] Also, in this embodiment, more preferably, the RFID tag 40 is covered and held by a protective member 43 made of a covering rubber sheet. This protective member 43 is disposed so as to straddle the boundary between the second pad 36 and the rim strip rubber 32 at the boundary between the second pad 36 and the rim strip rubber 32. That is, this protective member 43 is attached so as to press the radially outer end 32A of the rim strip rubber 32, whose radially outer end in the tire radial direction is tapered in a cross-sectional view in the tire width direction. And this protective member 43 is covered on the tire outer surface side by the sidewall rubber 30.

[0081] Here, the second pad 36, the rim strip rubber 32, and the sidewall rubber 30 are each an annular rubber member constituting the annular tire 1. And the protective member 43 holding the RFID tag 40 is disposed so as to be in surface contact with the second pad 36, the rim strip rubber 32, and the sidewall rubber 30.

[0082] Even if the RFID tag 40 is disposed at such a position, since the RFID tag 40 is surrounded by a plurality of rubber members, specifically, the second pad 36, the rim strip rubber 32, and the sidewall rubber 30, the RFID tag 40 is hardly affected by stress. And by using the boundary between the second pad 36 and the rim strip rubber 32 as a reference for the arrangement position of the RFID tag 40 at the boundary between the plurality of rubber members in this embodiment, the variation in the arrangement position of the RFID tag 40 is reduced. Thereby, the possibility that the RFID tag 40 is erroneously disposed at an unfavorable position in terms of stress, strain, etc. is also reduced, and the function of the RFID tag 40 can be appropriately maintained.

[0083] Note that, based on the modulus of the second pad 36, the sidewall rubber 30 preferably has a modulus that is 0.4 to 0.6 times that of the second pad 36. Also, the first pad 35 preferably has a modulus that is 1.1 to 1.2 times that of the second pad 36. Further, the second bead filler 222 preferably has a modulus that is 0.7 to 0.8 times that of the second pad. And, the rim strip rubber 32 preferably has a modulus that is 0.8 to 1 times that of the second pad 36, based on the modulus of the second pad 36. And, the rubber sheet 37 preferably has a modulus that is 1.1 to 1.2 times that of the second pad 36. That is, the modulus of the rubber sheet 37 preferably has a modulus that is substantially equal to the modulus of at least the portion (the first pad 35) that covers the folded-back end 25A of the carcass ply 23 among the pad members 34. By setting the modulus in this way, it is possible to maintain the balance between the flexibility of the tire and the rigidity near the bead 11. Note that the modulus refers to the 100% elongation modulus (M100) measured in an atmosphere of 23°C in accordance with "3.7 Stress at a given elongation, S" of JIS K6251:2010.

[0084] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the result of a simulation of the in-plane distribution of strain energy when the tire 1 of the present embodiment is assembled to a rim and a 100% load is applied. In the enlarged cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 8, the regions are divided into five and displayed according to the magnitude of the strain energy. Here, the region with the highest strain energy is level 5, the region with high strain energy is level 4, the region where the strain energy slightly decreases is level 3, the region where the strain energy further decreases is level 2, and the region where the strain energy decreases the most is level 1. In FIG. 8, the regions are divided and displayed with thick dotted lines as boundaries.

[0085] The intersection position of the second pad 36, the rim strip rubber 32, and the sidewall rubber 30 is generally in the region of levels 1 to 2, with less strain energy, which is a very favorable region for arranging the RFID tag 40.

[0086] In the manufacturing process of the tire 1, regarding the step of attaching the protective member 43 as a coating rubber sheet across the first rubber member and the second rubber member at the boundary between the first rubber member and the second rubber member, and the step of attaching the third rubber member so as to cover the coating rubber sheet attached at the boundary between the first rubber member and the second rubber member, etc., it is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0087] According to the tire 1 of the present embodiment, in addition to the above (1) to (2), (4) to (7), the following effects are achieved.

[0088] (8) In the tire 1 according to the present embodiment, the RFID tag 40 is arranged at the intersection position of the second pad 36, the rim strip rubber 32, and the sidewall rubber 30. Thereby, the RFID tag 40 can maintain its function without being affected by excessive strain.

[0089] <Third Embodiment> Next, the tire according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components as those in the first to second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0090] FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the periphery of the embedding portion of the RFID tag 40 in the tire 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the RFID tag 40 (including the state where at least a part thereof is covered by the protection member 43) is disposed at a position where at least three rubber members constituting the tire 1 intersect. More specifically, the tire 1 of the present embodiment includes a second pad 36 as a first rubber member, a first pad 35 as a second rubber member, and a second bead filler 222 as a third rubber member, and the RFID tag 40 is disposed at a position where the second pad 36, the first pad 35, and the second bead filler 222 intersect.

[0091] Also in the present embodiment, more preferably, the RFID tag 40 is covered and held by a protection member 43 made of a covering rubber sheet, and this protection member 43 is disposed so as to straddle the second pad 36 and the first pad 35 at the boundary between the second pad 36 and the first pad 35. That is, the protection member 43 is attached so as to press against the radially outer end 35A of the first pad 35 whose radially outer end in the tire width direction cross-sectional view is tapered. And the protection member 43 is covered on the tire inner cavity side by the second bead filler 222.

[0092] Here, the second pad 36, the first pad 35, and the second bead filler 222 are each an annular rubber member constituting the annular tire 1. And the protection member 43 for holding the RFID tag 40 is disposed so as to be in surface contact with the second pad 36, the first pad 35, and the second bead filler 222.

[0093] Even if the RFID tag 40 is arranged at such a position, since the RFID tag 40 is surrounded by a plurality of rubber members, specifically, the second pad 36, the first pad 35, and the second bead filler 222, the RFID tag 40 is hardly affected by stress. Then, by using the boundary portion between the plurality of rubber members, specifically, the boundary portion between the second pad 36 and the first pad 35 as a reference for the arrangement position of the RFID tag 40 in this modification example, the variation in the arrangement position of the RFID tag 40 is reduced. As a result, the possibility that the RFID tag 40 is mistakenly arranged at an unfavorable position in terms of stress, distortion, etc. is also reduced, and the function of the RFID tag 40 can be appropriately maintained.

[0094] In addition, in the manufacturing process of the tire 1, regarding the process of attaching the protective member 43 as a coating rubber sheet so as to straddle the first rubber member and the second rubber member at the boundary portion between the first rubber member and the second rubber member, and the point of attaching the third rubber member so as to cover the coating rubber sheet attached to the boundary portion between the first rubber member and the second rubber member, it is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0095] Figs. 10 to 13 show modification examples of the tire 1 of the present embodiment. These modification examples are examples in the case where the three rubber members surrounding the RFID tag 40 are made different. However, in terms of using the second pad 36 as one of the rubber members, they are common. Also in the first modified example shown in FIG. 10, the protective member 43 covering the RFID tag 40 is disposed at a position where at least three rubber members constituting the tire 1 intersect. More specifically, the tire 1 of the embodiment of this modified example is disposed at a position where the second pad 36, the first pad 35, and the second bead filler 222 intersect. And in this modified example, the protective member 43 covering the RFID tag 40 is disposed so as to straddle the second bead filler 222 and the first pad 35 at the boundary between the second bead filler 222 and the first pad 35. That is, the protective member 43 is attached so as to press the radially outer end 35A of the first pad 35 having a tapered shape at the radially outer end in the cross-sectional view in the tire width direction. And the outer surface side of the tire is covered with the second pad 36 for the protective member 43. Even if the RFID tag 40 is disposed at such a position, since the RFID tag 40 is surrounded by a plurality of rubber members, specifically, the second pad 36, the first pad 35, and the second bead filler 222, the RFID tag 40 is hardly affected by stress. And by setting the boundary between the second bead filler 222 and the first pad 35, which is the boundary of the plurality of rubber members in this modified example, as a reference for the arrangement position of the RFID tag 40, the variation in the arrangement position of the RFID tag 40 is reduced. Thereby, the possibility that the RFID tag 40 is erroneously disposed at an unfavorable position in terms of stress, strain, etc. is also reduced, and the function of the RFID tag 40 can be appropriately maintained.

[0096] Also in the second modified example shown in FIG. 11, the protective member 43 covering the RFID tag 40 is disposed at a position where at least three rubber members constituting the tire 1 intersect. More specifically, the tire 1 of the embodiment of this modified example is disposed at a position where the second bead filler 222, the rubber sheet 37, and the second pad 36 intersect. And in this modified example, the protective member 43 covering the RFID tag 40 is disposed so as to straddle the second bead filler 222 and the rubber sheet 37 at the boundary between the second bead filler 222 and the rubber sheet 37. That is, the protective member 43 is attached so as to press the radially outer end 37A of the rubber sheet 37 in the tire diameter direction. And the outer surface side of the tire of the protective member 43 is covered by the second pad 36. The rubber sheet 37 is formed slightly larger in the radially outer direction of the tire than in the first modified example shown in FIG. 10. Even if the RFID tag 40 is disposed at such a position, since the RFID tag 40 is surrounded by a plurality of rubber members, specifically, the second bead filler 222, the rubber sheet 37, and the second pad 36, the RFID tag 40 is hardly affected by stress. And by using the boundary between a plurality of rubber members, specifically, the boundary between the second bead filler 222 and the rubber sheet 37 in this modified example, as a reference for the arrangement position of the RFID tag 40, the variation in the arrangement position of the RFID tag 40 is reduced. Thereby, the possibility that the RFID tag 40 is erroneously disposed at an unfavorable position in terms of stress, strain, etc. is also reduced, and the function of the RFID tag 40 can be properly maintained.

[0097] FIG. 12 is a view when the bead filler 22, the rubber sheet 37, and the protective member 43 during the manufacturing process of the tire 1 in FIG. 11 are viewed from the outside in the tire width direction. The rubber sheet 37 is attached to the bead filler 22 and joined at the joint portion 37C to form an annular shape. As shown in this figure, a protective member 43 covering the RFID tag 40 is attached to the boundary between the annular second bead filler 222 and the rubber sheet 37. Also, as shown in FIG. 12, considering assisting the joining of the bead filler 22 and the rubber sheet 37, an additional rubber sheet 51 may be attached to the boundary between the second bead filler 222 and the rubber sheet 37. There may be one additional rubber sheet 51 or two or more. It is preferable that the protective member 43 and the additional rubber sheets 51 are arranged at equal intervals. In the present embodiment, one protective member 43 and two additional rubber sheets 51 are arranged at 120° intervals. Further, when a plurality of electronic components are embedded in the tire 1, the additional rubber sheet 51 may be a rubber sheet covering the electronic components. The additional rubber sheet is preferably unvulcanized raw rubber at the time of attachment, similar to the protective member 43. Such a configuration of attaching the additional rubber sheet 51 is also applicable to the first to second embodiments.

[0098] Also in the third modification shown in FIG. 13, the protective member 43 covering the RFID tag 40 is arranged at a position where at least three rubber members constituting the tire 1 intersect. More specifically, the tire 1 of the embodiment of this modification is arranged at a position where the second pad 36, the first pad 35, and the rubber sheet 37 intersect. And in this modification, the protective member 43 covering the RFID tag 40 is arranged so as to straddle the second pad 36 and the first pad 35 at the boundary between the second pad 36 and the first pad 35. That is, the protective member 43 is attached so as to press against the radially outer end 35A of the first pad 35 having a tapered shape at the radially outer end in the cross-sectional view in the tire width direction. And the protective member 43 is covered on the tire inner cavity side by the rubber sheet 37. Even if the RFID tag 40 is arranged at such a position, since the RFID tag 40 is surrounded by a plurality of rubber members, specifically, the second pad 36, the first pad 35, and the rubber sheet 37, the RFID tag 40 is hardly affected by stress. And by setting the boundary between the plurality of rubber members, specifically, the boundary between the second pad 36 and the first pad 35 as the reference for the arrangement position of the RFID tag 40 in this modified example, the variation in the arrangement position of the RFID tag 40 is reduced. As a result, the possibility that the RFID tag 40 is erroneously arranged in an unfavorable position in terms of stress, strain, etc. is also reduced, and the function of the RFID tag 40 can be properly maintained.

[0099] In addition, as shown in the results of the in-plane distribution simulation of the strain energy in FIG. 8, also in the modified examples shown in FIGS. 9 to 13, the position where the RFID tag 40 is arranged is generally in the region of level 2, with less strain energy, which is a very favorable region for arranging the RFID tag 40.

[0100] According to the tire 1 of the present embodiment, in addition to the above (1) to (2), (4) to (7), the following effects are obtained.

[0101] (9) In the tire 1 according to the present embodiment, the RFID tag 40 is arranged at the intersection of three rubber members including the second pad 36. As a result, the RFID tag 40 can maintain its function without being affected by excessive strain.

[0102] <Fourth Embodiment> Next, the tire according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 20. In the following description, the same components as those in the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. This embodiment is a particularly suitable embodiment when the antenna of the RFID tag 40 is a coil-shaped spring antenna.

[0103] In the RFID tag 40 of this embodiment, a coil-shaped spring antenna 421 with high communication performance and flexibility is used as the antenna. The spring antenna 421 is set to an optimized antenna length according to the frequency band to be used and the like.

[0104] In this embodiment, before sandwiching the RFID tag 40 between the two coating rubber sheets 431 and 432 that constitute the protection member 43, rubber is placed in the spring antenna 421. More preferably, the spring antenna is filled with rubber so that as little air as possible remains. Using FIGS. 14 to 20, the process and the reasons for adopting the process will be described.

[0105] First, using FIGS. 14 to 17, as a reference example, the state around the RFID tag 40 when the spring antenna 421 is not filled with rubber will be described. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the spring antenna 421, the coating rubber sheets 431 and 432 before sandwiching the RFID tag 40 between the coating rubber sheets 431 and 432. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the spring antenna 421, the coating rubber sheets 431 and 432 after sandwiching the RFID tag 40 between the coating rubber sheets 431 and 432.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 15, in this reference example, since the spring antenna 421 is not pre-filled with rubber, a certain amount of air 45 may remain in the spring antenna 421 after being sandwiched between the coating rubber sheets 431 and 432. If air remains in this way, the integrity between the coating rubber sheets 431 and 432 and the spring antenna 421 becomes insufficient, and when the tire is deformed, the spring antenna 421 may not follow the movement of the rubber, and the RFID tag 40 having the spring antenna 421 may be damaged.

[0107] Here, uncured rubber is used as the coating rubber sheets 431 and 432. Therefore, by pressing the coating rubber sheets 431 and 432 from both sides, as shown in FIG. 15, the coating rubber sheets 431 and 432 are somewhat recessed into the spring antenna. However, it takes a very long time and a lot of labor to make the coating rubber sheets 431 and 432 fully recess until the inside of the spring antenna is completely filled.

[0108] And even if the rubber sheet is recessed over time until the inside of the spring antenna is filled, as shown in FIG. 16, the distance L between the outer peripheral portion of the spring antenna 421 and the outer surfaces of the coating rubber sheets 431 and 432 becomes very short. Also, it is difficult to stabilize the distance L, and locally thin portions may occur. Therefore, the protection of the RFID tag 40 by the coating rubber sheets 431 and 432 becomes insufficient, and the coating rubber sheets 431 and 432 may be damaged during vulcanization.

[0109] Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 17 to 20, before sandwiching the RFID tag 40 with the coating rubber sheets 431 and 432, rubber is disposed inside the spring antenna 421. More preferably, the inside of the spring antenna is filled with rubber so that as little air as possible remains. The figures shown on the right side of FIGS. 17 to 20 are diagrams showing a cross section of the spring antenna 421 and its surroundings.

[0110] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the state before filling the inside of the spring antenna 421 with rubber 46, and FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the state after filling the inside of the spring antenna 421 with rubber 46. The rubber 46 is embedded so as to have substantially the same outer diameter as the outer peripheral surface of the spring antenna 421. And when the rubber 46 protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the spring antenna 421, it is preferable to wipe off and remove that portion. That is, the outer peripheral surface of the rubber 46 is preferably formed to be substantially flush with the outer peripheral surface of the spring antenna 421. Note that the spring antenna 421 may be filled with rubber 46 and the outer periphery of the spring antenna 421 may be thinly wrapped with the rubber 46. On the other hand, if the spring antenna 421 is thickly wrapped with the rubber 46, the flexibility of the spring antenna 421 will be impaired, and the dimension in the width direction formed by the coating rubber sheets 431 and 432 after sandwiching the RFID tag 40 will increase, which is not preferable. Note that the rubber 46 may be embedded so as to have substantially the same outer diameter as the inner peripheral surface of the spring antenna 421. It is desirable that the outer peripheral portion of the rubber 46 is located within the range from the inner peripheral surface to the outer peripheral surface of the spring antenna 421.

[0111] Here, in order to ensure the flexibility of the spring antenna 421, rubber having flexibility is used as the rubber 46. However, in consideration of workability and the like, it is preferable to use rubber having a higher modulus than the coating rubber sheets 431 and 432 as the rubber 46. Note that preferably unvulcanized rubber is used as the rubber 46 disposed in the spring antenna 421. By using the rubber 46, the coating rubber sheets 431 and 432 as unvulcanized rubber and vulcanizing them simultaneously, the integrality of the rubber 46, the coating rubber sheets 431 and 432, and the spring antenna 421 is enhanced. Further, it is more preferable that the rubber 46, the coating rubber sheets 431 and 432 are made of the same kind of rubber. Note that if emphasis is placed on the flexibility of the spring antenna 421, rubber having a lower modulus than the coating rubber sheets 431 and 432 may be used as the rubber 46. Also, rubber having substantially the same modulus or the same material may be used. Note that vulcanized rubber may be used as the rubber 46 disposed in the spring antenna 421. Also, it is possible to use a rubber-based adhesive, a rubber-based filler, etc. In consideration of ensuring flexibility and minimizing the remaining air in the spring antenna 421, various rubber-based materials can be adopted. As for the operation of arranging the rubber 46, various methods can be adopted. For example, it is also possible to inject the rubber into the spring antenna 421 using a syringe. In this case, an appropriate amount of the set rubber 46 may be filled using the syringe. Also, after filling the rubber 46 in excess, the portion protruding from the outer periphery of the spring antenna 421 may be wiped off.

[0112] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a state before the RFID tag 40 filled with the rubber 46 in the spring antenna 421 is sandwiched between the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432, and FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a state after being sandwiched between the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 20, according to this embodiment, since the rubber 46 was previously filled in the spring antenna 421, there is no air pocket between the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432. Therefore, since there is no need to worry about an air pocket, the process of sandwiching the RFID tag 40 with the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 also becomes simple. In addition, since the rubber 46 is arranged in the spring antenna 421, the integrity of the spring antenna 421, the rubber 46, the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 is enhanced, and when the tire is deformed, the spring antenna 421 follows the movement of the rubber. Therefore, the durability of the RFID tag 40 having the spring antenna 421 is also improved.

[0114] Also, according to this embodiment, the distance L between the outer peripheral portion of the spring antenna 421 and the outer surfaces of the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 is stabilized. That is, as this distance L, a distance close to the thickness of the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 is generally ensured. Therefore, the RFID tag 40 is sufficiently protected by the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432. In this embodiment, the RFID tag 40 sandwiched between the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 is disposed between the rubber members, and then the green tire is vulcanized.

[0115] In addition, in the present embodiment, an RFID tag 40 pre-filled with rubber 46 in a spring antenna 421 is covered with covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 and then disposed between rubber members. However, the RFID tag 40 pre-filled with rubber 46 in the spring antenna 421 may be disposed between rubber members without being covered with the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432. Thus, by directly disposing the uncovered RFID tag 40 between rubber members, the variation in the thickness of the rubber members at the portion where the RFID tag 40 is sandwiched is reduced, and the uniformity of the tire 1 is improved. In addition, since the spring antenna 421 is pre-filled with rubber 46, the rubber sheet 37 does not excessively sink into the spring antenna.

[0116] According to the tire according to the present embodiment, in addition to the above (1) to (10), the following effects are obtained.

[0117] (11) In the present embodiment, the RFID tag 40 as an electronic component having a communication function has a spring antenna 421, and includes a step of disposing rubber 46 in the spring antenna 421 before the step of attaching the RFID tag 40 to a rubber member. Thereby, when the step of sandwiching the spring antenna 421 of the RFID tag 40 between rubber members, it is not necessary to worry about air pockets, and the assemblability is improved. (12) In the present embodiment, it includes a step of disposing rubber 46 in the spring antenna 421 of the RFID tag 40 as an electronic component having a communication function, a step of sandwiching the RFID tag 40 having the spring antenna 421 in which the rubber 46 is disposed with the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432, and a disposing step of disposing the RFID tag 40 sandwiched between the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 between rubber members. Thereby, air 45 does not remain in the spring antenna 421. In addition, since it is not necessary to worry about air pockets, the operation of sandwiching the RFID tag 40 with the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432 is also simplified. In addition, in order to stabilize the distance L between the outer peripheral portion of the spring antenna 421 and the outer surfaces of the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432, the RFID tag 40 is sufficiently protected by the covering rubber sheets 431 and 432.

[0118] (13) In this embodiment, it includes a step of disposing rubber 46 in the spring antenna 421 of the RFID tag 40 as an electronic component having a communication function, and a step of attaching a rubber sheet 37 to the bead filler 22 so as to sandwich the uncovered RFID tag 40 between the rubber members. In this way, by directly sandwiching the uncovered electronic component between the rubber members, the variation in the thickness of the rubber member at the portion where the RFID tag 40 is sandwiched is reduced, and the uniformity of the tire 1 is improved. Further, since the spring antenna 421 is pre-filled with rubber 46, the rubber sheet 37 does not excessively sink into the spring antenna.

[0119] Note that the tire of the present invention can be adopted as various tires such as passenger cars, light trucks, trucks, buses, etc., but is particularly suitable as tires for trucks, buses, etc. Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and modifications, improvements, etc. can be made within the range that can achieve the object of the present invention, and are included in the scope of the present invention.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0120] 1... Tire 11... Bead 12... Tread 13... Sidewall 21... Bead core 22... Bead filler 221... First bead filler 222... Second bead filler 23... Carcass ply 24... Ply body 25... Ply turn-up portion 26... Steel belt 28... Tread rubber 28B... Inner end in the tire radial direction 29…Inner Liner 30…Sidewall Rubber 31…Steel Chafing 32…Rim Strip Rubber 32A…Outer Tire Radial End 34…Pad Member 35…First Pad 35A…Outer Tire Radial End 36…Second Pad 37…Rubber Sheet 37A…Outer Tire Radial End 38…Shoulder Pad 40…RFID Tag 41…RFID Chip 42…Antenna 421…Spring Antenna 43…Protection Member 431, 432…Rubber Sheet 46…Rubber

Claims

1. A bead core; a bead filler extending outward in the tire radial direction from the bead core; a carcass ply having a ply turnup portion turned up around the bead core; a pad member provided on the outer side of the folded-up portion of the carcass ply and the bead filler in the tire width direction; sidewall rubbers arranged on the outer side in the tire width direction of the carcass ply and on the outer side in the tire width direction of an outer region in the tire radial direction of the pad member; a rim strip rubber disposed on the outer side in the tire width direction in the inner region of the pad member in the tire radial direction; and an electronic component disposed at a position where at least three rubber members intersect, the at least three rubber members include the pad member, the sidewall rubber, and the rim strip rubber; The electronic component is disposed between the pad member and the sidewall rubber, and is disposed at a position where the pad member, the sidewall rubber, and the rim strip rubber intersect.

2. A manufacturing method for manufacturing the tire according to claim 1, comprising: At least a portion of the electronic component is covered with a coating rubber sheet, The covering rubber sheet is attached to the boundary between the pad member and the rim strip rubber. a step of attaching the pad member and the rim strip rubber so as to straddle the pad member and the rim strip rubber; and attaching the sidewall rubber so as to cover the covering rubber sheet attached to the boundary between the pad member and the rim strip rubber.

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