Tire

By integrating conductive linear bodies into the carcass layer, the tire maintains electrical resistance reduction performance over time, addressing the challenge of silica-induced resistance increase in tires with improved fuel economy.

JP2025156810APending Publication Date: 2025-10-15THE YOKOHAMA RUBBER CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024059498
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-04-02
Publication Date
2025-10-15

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing tires with increased silica content for improved fuel economy face challenges in maintaining long-term electrical resistance reduction due to potential damage to thin metal layers on carcass cords during deformation.

Method used

Incorporating conductive linear bodies into the carcass layer, replacing at least one carcass cord with a conductive linear member, and ensuring a conductive path from the bead portion to the belt layer through coating rubber, which maintains electrical conductivity despite tire deformation.

Benefits of technology

The tire maintains reduced electrical resistance over a long period by ensuring a stable conductive path, preventing static electricity buildup and reducing rolling resistance.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To maintain performance for reducing electric resistance over a long term.SOLUTION: A tire includes: a pair of bead parts; a carcass layer bridged between the pair of bead parts; a belt layer which is provided on a tire radial direction outer side of the carcass layer; and a tread part which is provided on a radial direction outer side of the belt layer. The carcass layer includes a plurality of carcass cords, a conductive filament, and a coat rubber which covers the plurality of carcass cords and the conductive filament. The pair of bead parts has a pair of bead cores, and a rubber part which is provided around each of the pair of bead cores, and contacts a rim in the state of being mounted to the rim. The carcass layer is so configured that at least one of the plurality of carcass cords is replaced by the conductive filament.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to tires. [Background technology]

[0002] To improve the fuel economy of tires, the silica content of rubber compounds constituting the cap tread, undertread, sidewall rubber, etc. is sometimes increased. Because silica has high insulating properties, increasing the silica content of the cap tread increases the resistance value of the cap tread, thereby reducing the tire's anti-static performance. In the tire disclosed in Patent Document 1, electrical conductivity of the carcass cord is achieved by applying a thin metal layer, i.e., plating, to the surface of the organic fiber. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-171848 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when electrical conductivity is achieved in carcass cords by plating, the thin film may be damaged as the tire deforms, leaving room for improvement in maintaining the electrical resistance reduction performance over the long term.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a tire that can maintain the performance of reducing electrical resistance for a long period of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, a tire according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a pair of bead portions, a carcass layer spanning between the pair of bead portions, a belt layer provided radially outside the carcass layer, and a tread portion provided radially outside the belt layer, wherein the carcass layer includes a plurality of carcass cords, conductive linear bodies, and coating rubber covering the plurality of carcass cords and the conductive linear bodies, and the pair of bead portions have a pair of bead cores and rubber portions provided around each of the pair of bead cores and in contact with the rim when mounted on the rim, and the carcass layer is configured such that at least one carcass cord of the plurality of carcass cords is replaced with the conductive linear body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] A tire according to the present disclosure can maintain its electrical resistance reduction performance for a long period of time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a tire according to a first embodiment taken along the tire meridian direction. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a cross section in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the carcass layer. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the number and arrangement of conductive linear bodies. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the number and arrangement of conductive linear bodies. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the number and arrangement of conductive linear bodies. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a bead portion of the tire shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the diameter of the conductive linear body and the thickness of the coating rubber of the carcass layer at the location including the conductive linear body. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the periphery length of the portion of the carcass layer that comes into contact with the rubber portion. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a main part of a second embodiment, which is a modified example of the tire of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a main portion of a third embodiment, which is another modified example of a tire according to the present disclosure. [Figure 11A] FIG. 11A is a chart showing performance test results for tires of the present disclosure. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is a chart showing performance test results for tires of the present disclosure. [Figure 11C] FIG. 11C is a chart showing performance test results for tires of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description of each embodiment, components that are the same as or equivalent to those in other embodiments will be given the same reference numerals, and their description will be simplified or omitted. The present invention is not limited to each embodiment. Furthermore, the components of each embodiment include those that are easily replaceable by those skilled in the art, or those that are substantially the same. Note that the configurations described below can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, the configurations can be omitted, replaced, or modified within the scope of the gist of the invention.

[0010] (tire) FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a tire 1 according to a first embodiment in the tire meridian direction. FIG. 1 shows one side region in the tire radial direction. FIG. 1 shows a radial tire for a passenger car as an example of the tire 1. The tire 1 according to this embodiment is preferably a pneumatic tire. As the gas to be filled into the tire 1, normal air or air with an adjusted oxygen partial pressure, as well as an inert gas such as nitrogen, argon, or helium can be used.

[0011] In the following description, a meridian section of a tire refers to a section of the tire cut by a plane including the tire's rotation axis (not shown). The tire radial direction refers to a direction perpendicular to the tire's rotation axis (not shown), the tire radially inner side refers to the side toward the rotation axis in the tire radial direction, and the tire radially outer side refers to the side away from the rotation axis in the tire radial direction. The tire circumferential direction refers to a direction around the rotation axis as the central axis. The tire width direction refers to a direction parallel to the rotation axis, the tire widthwise inner side refers to the side toward the tire equatorial plane (tire equator line) CL in the tire width direction, and the tire widthwise outer side refers to the side away from the tire equatorial plane CL in the tire width direction. The tire equatorial plane CL is a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis of the tire 1 and passing through the center of the tire width of the tire 1. The tire width is the width in the tire width direction between portions located on outer sides in the tire width direction, that is, the distance between portions farthest from the tire equatorial plane CL in the tire width direction. The tire equator line refers to a line that is on the tire equatorial plane CL and extends along the tire circumferential direction of the tire 1. In this embodiment, the tire equator line is given the same symbol "CL" as the tire equatorial plane.

[0012] The tire 1 according to this embodiment has an annular structure centered on a rotation axis, and includes a tread portion 2, a pair of sidewall portions 3, 3, a pair of bead portions 10, 10, a carcass layer 13, a belt layer 14, and a tire inner surface rubber layer 20. Of these, the pair of sidewall portions 3, 3 and the pair of bead portions 10, 10 are each disposed on either side of the tire equatorial plane CL in the tire width direction.

[0013] The pair of bead portions 10, 10 are located radially inward of the pair of sidewall portions 3, 3, and each has a bead core 11, a bead filler 12, and a rubber portion 30 of the bead portion 10. That is, the pair of bead cores 11, 11, the pair of bead fillers 12, 12, and the pair of rubber portions 30 of the bead portions 10 are arranged on both sides of the tire equatorial plane CL in the tire width direction. Furthermore, the rubber portion 30 has a rim cushion rubber 31 and a chafer 32. Therefore, the pair of rim cushion rubbers 31, 31 and the pair of chafers 32, 32 are arranged on both sides of the tire equatorial plane CL in the tire width direction.

[0014] The pair of bead cores 11, 11 are annular members formed by bundling a plurality of bead wires and form the cores of the pair of bead portions 10, 10. The pair of bead fillers 12, 12 are respectively arranged on the outer sides of the pair of bead cores 11, 11 in the tire radial direction to reinforce the bead portion 10.

[0015] The carcass layer 13 has a single-layer structure consisting of one carcass ply or a multi-layer structure consisting of multiple carcass plies stacked together, and is toroidally laid between the bead portions 10, 10 located on both sides in the tire width direction to form the tire framework. The carcass ply of the carcass layer 13 is formed by coating multiple carcass cords made of steel or organic fiber material such as aramid, nylon, polyester, or rayon with coating rubber and rolling them. The carcass ply of the carcass layer 13 has a carcass angle, defined as the inclination angle of the extension direction of the carcass cords with respect to the tire circumferential direction, in the range of 80 degrees to 95 degrees in absolute value.

[0016] In this embodiment, a carcass layer 13 formed by laminating a plurality of carcass plies is continuously laid between the bead cores 11, 11 on both sides in the tire width direction. In addition, both end portions of the carcass layer 13 are wrapped back and secured to the outer side in the tire width direction so as to enclose the bead cores 11 and the bead fillers 12. In other words, the carcass layer 13 is wrapped back near both end portions in a cross section viewed in the tire meridian direction from the inner side in the tire width direction of the bead cores 11 and the bead fillers 12 to the inner side in the tire radial direction, and then wrapped back to the outer side in the tire width direction.

[0017] Furthermore, for the carcass ply of the carcass layer 13, the tan δ value at 60°C of the coating rubber of the carcass cord is preferably 0.20 or less. Furthermore, the volume resistivity of the coating rubber of the carcass cord is preferably 1×10^8 [Ω·cm] or more. This reduces the rolling resistance of the tire. Coating rubber with such volume resistivity can be produced, for example, by using a low-heat-generating compound with a low carbon content. Furthermore, the coating rubber may be constructed without using silica, or may be reinforced by incorporating silica.

[0018] The tan δ value at 60° C. is measured using a viscoelasticity spectrometer manufactured by Toyo Seiki Seisakusho Co., Ltd. under the conditions of an initial strain of 10%, an amplitude of ±0.5%, and a frequency of 20 Hz.

[0019] Volume resistivity (volume specific resistance) is measured based on JIS K6271, "Vulcanized rubber and thermoplastic rubber - Determination of volume resistivity and surface resistivity." Generally, if the volume resistivity is less than 1 x 10^8 [Ω·cm] or the surface resistivity is less than 1 x 10^8 [Ω / cm], the material can be said to have conductivity that can suppress static electricity buildup.

[0020] A pair of rubber portions 30, 30 of a pair of bead portions 10, 10 are respectively arranged on the tire radially inward side of the bead cores 11, 11 on both sides in the tire width direction and the turnup portion of the carcass layer 13. The rubber portion 30 of the bead portion 10 is the portion that abuts against the rim flange Ri of the rim when the tire 1 is mounted on the rim, and forms the contact surface of the bead portion 10 with the rim flange Ri. The volume resistivity of the rubber portion 30 is preferably less than 1×10^8 [Ω·cm]. The volume resistivity of the rubber portion 30 is more preferably 1×10^7 [Ω·cm] or less.

[0021] The belt layer 14 has one or more belt plies extending in the tire width direction, and in this embodiment, multiple belt plies are laminated. That is, in this embodiment, the belt layer 14 is configured by laminating a pair of cross belts 141, 142 and a belt cover 143 in the tire radial direction, and is disposed radially outward of the carcass layer 13 and wound around the carcass layer 13. The pair of cross belts 141, 142 are configured by coating a plurality of belt cords made of steel or organic fiber material with coating rubber and rolling them, and the belt angle, which is the inclination angle of the extension direction of the belt cords with respect to the tire circumferential direction, is within the range of 20 degrees to 65 degrees in absolute value. The pair of cross belts 141, 142 have a so-called cross-ply structure in which the belt angles have opposite signs and are laminated so that the extension directions of the belt cords cross each other. That is, the pair of cross belts 141, 142 have the inclination directions of the belt cords with respect to the tire circumferential direction in the tire width direction opposite to each other. The belt cover 143 is formed by rolling a plurality of cords made of steel or organic fiber material coated with coated rubber, and the belt angle is in the range of 0 to 10 degrees in absolute value. The belt cover 143 is also arranged by being layered on the outer side of the cross belts 141 and 142 in the tire radial direction.

[0022] The tread portion 2 is configured with tread rubber 15, which is a rubber composition, and is arranged radially outward of the carcass layer 13 and the belt layer 14, and is exposed at the outermost portion in the radial direction of the tire 1. Therefore, the outer peripheral surface of the tread portion 2 forms part of the contour of the tire 1, and a plurality of grooves, such as circumferential main grooves 6 and lug grooves (not shown), that extend in the circumferential direction of the tire are formed in the tread portion 2. In addition, the tread rubber 15 that configures the tread portion 2 has a cap tread 151 and an undertread 152.

[0023] The cap tread 151 is a rubber member located at the outermost position of the tread portion 2 in the tire radial direction and constituting the tire contact surface. It may have a single-layer structure (see FIG. 1) or a multi-layer structure (not shown). The tan δ value of the cap tread 151 at 60°C is preferably 0.25 or less. The volume resistivity of the cap tread 151 is preferably in the range of 1×10^8 [Ω·cm] or more, more preferably 1×10^10 [Ω·cm] or more, and even more preferably 1×10^12 [Ω·cm] or more. This reduces the rolling resistance of the tire 1. The cap tread 151 with such a volume resistivity is produced by using a low-heat-generating compound with a low carbon content and reinforcing it with an increased silica content.

[0024] The undertread 152 is a member laminated on the inner side in the tire radial direction of the cap tread 151. The volume resistivity of the undertread 152 is preferably lower than the volume resistivity of the cap tread 151.

[0025] Each of the pair of sidewall portions 3, 3 includes a sidewall rubber 16, and the pair of sidewall rubbers 16, 16 of the pair of sidewall portions 3, 3 are disposed on the outer side of the carcass layer 13 in the tire width direction. The tan δ value of the sidewall rubber 16 at 60°C is preferably 0.20 or less. The volume resistivity of the sidewall rubber 16 is preferably in the range of 1×10^8 [Ω·cm] or more, more preferably 1×10^10 [Ω·cm] or more, and even more preferably 1×10^12 [Ω·cm] or more. This reduces the rolling resistance of the tire 1. The sidewall rubber 16 with such a volume resistivity is produced by using a low-heat-generating compound with a low carbon content and reinforcing it with an increased silica content.

[0026] Although there are no particular limitations on the upper limit of the volume resistivity of the cap tread 151, the lower limit of the volume resistivity of the undertread 152, the upper limit of the volume resistivity of the sidewall rubber 16, and the lower limit of the volume resistivity of the rim cushion rubber 17, they are subject to physical constraints since they are rubber components.

[0027] The tire inner surface rubber layer 20 constitutes a tire inner surface 25, which is the inner surface of the tire 1, and faces the tire cavity, which is the space inside the tire 1. In this way, the tire inner surface rubber layer 20 constituting the tire inner surface 25 is disposed on the tire cavity side with respect to the carcass layer 13, and covers the carcass layer 13 from the tire cavity side.

[0028] In this embodiment, the bead portion 10 refers to the region from the measurement point of the rim diameter to 1 / 3 of the tire cross-sectional height SH. The tire cross-sectional height SH refers to 1 / 2 of the difference between the tire outer diameter and the rim diameter, and is measured with the tire 1 mounted on a specified rim, pressurized to a specified internal pressure, and in an unloaded state.

[0029] Here, the specified rim refers to the "applicable rim" specified by JATMA, the "design rim" specified by TRA, or the "measuring rim" specified by ETRTO. The specified internal pressure refers to the "maximum air pressure" specified by JATMA, the maximum value of the "tire load limits at various cold inflation pressures" specified by TRA, or the "inflation pressures" specified by ETRTO. The specified load refers to the "maximum load capacity" specified by JATMA, the maximum value of the "tire load limits at various cold inflation pressures" specified by TRA, or the "load capacity" specified by ETRTO. However, in JATMA, for passenger car tires, the specified internal pressure is 180 kPa, and the specified load is 88% of the maximum load capacity.

[0030] (Earth Rubber) As shown in FIG. 1, the tire 1 includes an earth rubber 7. The earth rubber 7 is made of a conductive rubber material having a volume resistivity lower than that of the tread rubber 15. Specifically, the volume resistivity of the earth rubber 7 is preferably less than 1×10^8 [Ω·cm], and more preferably 1×10^6 [Ω·cm] or less.

[0031] The earth rubber 7 is embedded in the tread rubber 15. A portion of the earth rubber 7 is exposed on the tread surface of the tread rubber 15. The earth rubber 7 penetrates the cap tread 151 and the undertread 152 and is in conductive contact with the belt layer 14 (belt cover 143). That is, in the tire meridian cross section, one end of the earth rubber 7 is in contact with the belt layer 14, and the other end of the earth rubber 7 is exposed on the tread surface of the tread portion 2. The earth rubber 7 is sometimes called an earth tread. The earth rubber 7 has an annular structure extending around the entire tire circumference, and extends continuously in the tire circumferential direction with a portion of it exposed on the tread surface. Therefore, as the tire rolls, the earth rubber 7 is always in contact with the road surface, thereby always ensuring a conductive path from the belt layer 14 to the road surface.

[0032] As described above, a conductive path is secured from the rubber portion 30 in contact with the rim flange Ri through the carcass layer 13 and the belt layer 14 in this order to the earth rubber 7. This allows static electricity on the vehicle to be released to the road surface. This prevents static electricity from building up on the vehicle on which the tire 1 is mounted. This allows the performance of reducing electrical resistance to be maintained over the long term.

[0033] (carcass layer) Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a cross section in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the carcass layer 13. Fig. 2 is a cross section showing an example of the arrangement of multiple carcass cords 130 and conductive linear bodies 131 provided between them.

[0034] 2, the carcass layer 13 includes carcass cords 130, conductive linear members 131, and coating rubber 132 that covers the carcass cords 130 and the conductive linear members 131. The volume resistivity of the conductive linear members 131 is preferably less than 1×10^8 [Ω·cm].

[0035] 2 can be produced by, for example, replacing one of the plurality of reels corresponding to each of the plurality of carcass cords 130 with a reel of the conductive linear member 131. In other words, the carcass layer 13 is configured such that one of the plurality of carcass cords 130 is replaced with the conductive linear member 131, and the carcass cord 130 and the conductive linear member 131 are covered with the coating rubber 132. The carcass layer 13 may also be configured such that two or more of the plurality of carcass cords 130 are replaced with the conductive linear member 131. In other words, the carcass layer 13 is configured such that at least one of the plurality of carcass cords 130 is replaced with the conductive linear member 131.

[0036] 2, the distance between the center P0 of the conductive linear body 131 and the center P1 of the first carcass cord 130a adjacent to the conductive linear body 131 is defined as Le1. The distance between the center P0 of the conductive linear body 131 and the center P2 of the second carcass cord 130b adjacent to the conductive linear body 131 is defined as Le2. The distance between the center P1 of the first carcass cord 130a and the center Pc of another carcass cord 130 is defined as Lc. The relationship between these distances Le1, Le2, and Lc is as follows: 1.0≦Le1 / Lc≦1.5 and 1.0≦Le2 / Lc≦1.5 It is preferable that the following relationship is satisfied.

[0037] That is, when the conductive linear bodies 131 are included in the multiple carcass cords 130, it is preferable that the distance between the centers of the multiple carcass cords 130, i.e., the pitch, is approximately constant. A substantially constant pitch can maintain durability. When the multiple carcass cords 130 are considered, excluding the conductive linear bodies 131, there are portions where the pitch of the carcass cords 130 is not approximately constant because the carcass cords 130 are not provided at the positions of the conductive linear bodies 131.

[0038] The conductive linear members 131 have lower durability against impact, load, and air pressure than the carcass cords 130. Therefore, if there are too many conductive linear members 131, the durability of the entire tire 1 may decrease. Therefore, the number and arrangement of the conductive linear members 131 are important. For example, for the entire tire 1 of this embodiment, it is preferable that the carcass layer 13 includes 0.04% or more and 0.70% or less of the number of conductive linear members 131 relative to the number of carcass cords 130. By including the number of conductive linear members 131 within this range, the durability of the entire tire 1 can be maintained while maintaining conductivity.

[0039] Furthermore, the ratio of the diameter of the conductive linear body 131 to the diameter of the carcass cord 130 is preferably equal to or greater than 1 and equal to or less than 1.4. That is, the diameter of the conductive linear body 131 is equal to or greater than the diameter of the carcass cord 130. By keeping the diameter ratio within the above range, the durability of the entire tire 1 can be maintained while maintaining electrical conductivity.

[0040] Returning to FIG. 1 , when the tire cross-sectional height SH is less than 103 mm, the number of conductive linear members 131 (see FIG. 2 ) relative to the circumference of the tire's outermost diameter is preferably 0.0005 to 0.007. Furthermore, when the tire cross-sectional height SH is 103 mm or greater, the number of conductive linear members 131 (see FIG. 2 ) relative to the circumference of the tire's outermost diameter is preferably 0.001 to 0.0049. Arranging the conductive linear members 131 within the above range ensures durability regardless of tire flatness. Furthermore, when the tire cross-sectional height SH is less than 103 mm, the number of conductive linear members 131 (see FIG. 2 ) relative to the circumference of the tire's outermost diameter is more preferably 0.0007 to 0.002. Furthermore, when the tire cross-sectional height SH is 103 mm or greater, the number of conductive linear members 131 (see FIG. 2 ) relative to the circumference of the tire's outermost diameter is more preferably 0.002 to 0.004.

[0041] Next, an example of the number and arrangement of the conductive linear members 131 will be described. Figures 3 to 5 are diagrams illustrating the number and arrangement of the conductive linear members 131. In a tire of the present disclosure, it is preferable that the tire includes a plurality of conductive linear members, and the ratio of the maximum value to the minimum value of the distance along the tire circumferential direction between adjacent conductive linear members in the tire circumferential direction (i.e., the ratio of the arrangement intervals) is a value within a range of 1 or more and 7 or less.

[0042] The tire 1a shown in FIG. 3 has three conductive linear bodies 131a, 131b, and 131c. The distance along the tire circumferential direction between the conductive linear body 131a and the conductive linear body 131b, which are adjacent in the tire circumferential direction, is defined as H1. The distance along the tire circumferential direction between the conductive linear body 131b and the conductive linear body 131c, which are adjacent in the tire circumferential direction, is defined as H2. The distance along the tire circumferential direction between the conductive linear body 131c and the conductive linear body 131a, which are adjacent in the tire circumferential direction, is defined as H3. Of the distances H1, H2, and H3, the distance H1 is the minimum value (Hmin) and the distance H3 is the maximum value (Hmax). The ratio H3 / H1 is approximately 3.13, which is within the above range.

[0043] The tire 1b shown in FIG. 4 has two conductive linear members 131a and 131c. The distance along the tire circumferential direction between the conductive linear members 131a and 131c, which are adjacent in the tire circumferential direction, is defined as H4. The distance along the tire circumferential direction between the conductive linear members 131c and 131a, which are adjacent in the tire circumferential direction, is defined as H3. The distances H4 and H3 are equal. Therefore, the ratio H4 / H3 is 1, which is within the above range.

[0044] A tire 1c shown in FIG. 5 has two conductive linear members 131a and 131d. The distance along the tire circumferential direction between the conductive linear members 131a and 131d, which are adjacent in the tire circumferential direction, is defined as H5. The distance along the tire circumferential direction between the conductive linear members 131d and 131a, which are adjacent in the tire circumferential direction, is defined as H6. Regarding the distances H5 and H6, the distance H5 is the minimum value (Hmin) and the distance H6 is the maximum value (Hmax). The ratio H6 / H5 is approximately 7, which is within the above range.

[0045] The extension length of the conductive linear body 131 may be equal to or shorter than the extension length of the carcass layer 13. That is, the conductive linear body 131 may extend from one end of the carcass layer 13 to the other end, or may have a length shorter than that of the carcass layer 13. However, to ensure a conductive path, it is preferable that the conductive linear body 131 extend from the turn-up position of the carcass layer 13 in the bead portion 10 to at least a position radially inward of the belt layer 14 in the tire. In particular, it is preferable that the conductive linear body 131 extend to a position radially inward of the contact portion between the earth rubber 7 and the belt cover 143. Therefore, the conductive linear body 131 does not need to extend to the position of the tire equatorial plane CL.

[0046] Here, the fineness of the carcass cord 130 is Tc, and the fineness of the conductive linear body 131 is Te. The fineness is the weight per unit length. The ratio Te / Tc of the fineness Te to the fineness Tc is given by 1.01≦Te / Tc≦3.10 It is preferably so. By having the ratio Te / Tc within the above range, good conductivity can be maintained. When Te / Tc < 1.01, the conductive linear body 131 is thin and durability cannot be ensured, which is not preferable. Also, when 3.10 < Te / Tc, the conductivity decreases due to heat generation of the conductive linear body 131, which is not preferable. The ratio Te / Tc is more preferably 1.50 ≤ Te / Tc ≤ 2.80.

[0047] The fineness is measured in accordance with JIS L1017 (Test Method for Chemical Fiber Tire Cord 8.3 Positive Amount Fineness).

[0048] Here, the elongation rate of the conductive linear body 131 is preferably 3 [%] or more and 25 [%] or less. By having the elongation rate of the conductive linear body 131 within the above range, disconnection of the conductive linear body 131 during manufacturing and during deformation of the tire can be suppressed, and conductivity can be maintained. The elongation rate of the conductive linear body 131 is more preferably 8 [%] or more and 20 [%] or less.

[0049] The elongation of the linear body is measured in accordance with JIS L1017 (Test Method for Chemical Fiber Tire Cord 8.5 Tensile Strength and Elongation Rate).

[0050] The conductive linear body 131 preferably contains carbon fiber or metal fiber. By having the conductive linear body 131 contain carbon fiber or metal fiber, the durability after running improves, and the effect of reducing electrical resistance can be maintained. The metal fiber includes stainless steel, steel, aluminum, copper, and their oxides.

[0051] The conductive linear body 131 is preferably a blended yarn containing conductive fibers with a volume resistivity of less than 1.0×10^8 [Ω·cm] and non-conductive fibers with 1.0×10^8 [Ω·cm] or more. Instead of applying plating to realize the conductivity of the carcass cord, by using a blended yarn of conductive fibers and non-conductive fibers, durability is ensured.

[0052] (Bead part) Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of the bead portion 10 of the tire 1 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 6, in the bead portion 10, the carcass layer 13 extends from the outer side to the inner side in the tire radial direction, passes from the inner side in the tire width direction of the bead core 11 and the bead filler 12 to the inner side in the tire radial direction, and is wound back to the outer side in the tire width direction. The conductive linear body 131 in the carcass layer 13 is located on the outer side in the tire radial direction of the bead toe 35. The conductive linear body 131 in the carcass layer 13 may extend from the tire inner surface 25 side, past the bead toe 35, to the bead base 36. The tire inner surface rubber layer 20 has a structure in which an inner liner 21 and a tie rubber 22 are laminated.

[0053] The rubber portion 30 of the bead portion 10 includes a chafer 32 and a rim cushion rubber 31 that contact the rim flange Ri (see FIG. 1). The chafer 32 may not be provided. The periphery length of the portion of the rubber portion 30 that contacts the rim flange Ri and the carcass layer 13 that includes the conductive linear members is defined as L [cm]. That is, the periphery length of the portion of the carcass layer 13 that includes the conductive linear members that contacts the rubber portion 30 is defined as L [cm].

[0054] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating the diameter R of the conductive linear body 131 and the thickness T of the coating rubber of the carcass layer 13 at a portion including the conductive linear body 131. Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating the periphery length L of the portion of the carcass layer 13 that contacts the rubber portion 30. Fig. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating a cross section of the AA portion in Fig. 7.

[0055] In FIG. 7, the thickness of the coating rubber of the carcass layer 13 at the location including the conductive linear body 131 is T [cm]. The volume resistivity of the coating rubber of the carcass layer 13 is ρ [Ω·cm]. The diameter of the conductive linear body 131 is R [cm]. In FIG. 8, the periphery length of the portion of the carcass layer 13 including the conductive linear body that contacts the rubber portion 30 is L [cm]. These relationships are expressed as follows: ρ×T / (R×L)<1.0×10^8[Ω] It is preferable to satisfy the above relationship. By satisfying the above relationship, good conductivity can be obtained. It is more preferable that these relationships satisfy 2.0×10^6[Ω]<ρ[Ω·cm]×T[cm] / (R[cm]×L[cm])<5.0×10^6[Ω].

[0056] (Actions and Effects) When a tire 1 according to the embodiment is mounted on a vehicle and driven, the tire 1 rotates while the lower portion of the surface of the tread portion 2 of the tire 1 that faces the road surface comes into contact with the road surface. As the surface of the tread portion 2 of the tire 1 comes into contact with the road surface in this manner, a frictional force can be generated between the tire 1 and the road surface. This allows the vehicle to transmit driving force, braking force, and turning force to the road surface through the frictional force between the tire 1 and the road surface, and the vehicle can drive using these driving force, braking force, and turning force.

[0057] Furthermore, static electricity may be generated while the vehicle is running, and this static electricity flows from the rim flange Ri through the rubber part 30 of the bead part 10, through the conductive linear body 131, to the belt layer 14, and is then released from the belt layer 14 to the road surface via the earth rubber 7. This allows static electricity generated on the vehicle to be released onto the road surface, suppressing charging of the vehicle due to static electricity.

[0058] That is, the conductive linear members 131 having a volume resistivity of less than 1×10^8 [Ω·cm] allow electricity to flow relatively easily, thereby reducing the electrical resistance of the tire 1. As a result, the tire 1 can channel static electricity generated while the vehicle is running from the rubber portion 30 of the bead portion 10 to the belt layer 14 via the conductive linear members 131 of the carcass layer 13, thereby suppressing charging of the vehicle due to static electricity.

[0059] When the vehicle is running, the tread 2, sidewall 3, etc. rotate while deforming due to loads generated according to the running conditions of the vehicle. Because the tread 2 and sidewall 3 are made by laminating different members, when the tread 2 or sidewall 3 deforms, shear forces tend to occur in directions that cause the members that make up these parts to shift relative to each other.

[0060] If the conductive linear member 131 breaks due to the shear force, the conductive path from the rim flange Ri to the belt layer 14 is severed, making it difficult for static electricity generated in the vehicle to be released onto the road surface. However, in the tire 1 according to this embodiment, the conductive linear member 131 is disposed within the carcass layer 13. Therefore, even if the tread portion 2 or the sidewall portion 3 is deformed, the conductive linear member 131 is not squeezed by other members. Therefore, even after the tire 1 has traveled a long distance, an electrical path between the rubber portion 30 and the belt layer 14 can be secured. This makes it possible to prevent the electrical resistance of the tire 1 from increasing due to the conductive linear member 131 breaking when the tire 1 has traveled a long distance. As a result, the tire's electrical resistance after travel can be maintained.

[0061] (Variation) FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a main portion of a second embodiment, which is a modified example of a tire according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 9, in the second embodiment, the structure of the bead portion 10a is different from the structure of the bead portion 10 (see FIG. 5) of the first embodiment. In the bead portion 10a, the carcass layer 13 includes a carcass 13b and a carcass 13c. As in the case of FIG. 5, the carcass 13b extends from the outer side to the inner side in the tire radial direction, passes from the inner side of the bead core 11 and the bead filler 12 in the tire width direction to the inner side in the tire radial direction, and is wound back to the outer side in the tire width direction. In contrast, the carcass 13c extends from the outer side to the inner side in the tire radial direction, passes from the outer side of the bead core 11 and the bead filler 12 in the tire width direction to the inner side in the tire radial direction, and terminates at the inner side of the bead core 11 in the tire radial direction. Even in the case of the carcass layer 13 shown in FIG. 9, a conductive path can be ensured if the carcass 13b includes a conductive linear body 131 (see FIG. 2).

[0062] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a main portion of a third embodiment, which is another modified example of a tire according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 10, in the third embodiment, the structure of the bead portion 10b is different from the structure of the bead portion 10 (see FIG. 5) of the first embodiment. In the bead portion 10b, the carcass layer 13 includes a carcass 13b and a carcass 13d. As in the case of FIG. 5, the carcass 13b extends from the outer side to the inner side in the tire radial direction, passes from the inner side of the bead core 11 and the bead filler 12 in the tire width direction to the inner side in the tire radial direction, and is wound back to the outer side in the tire width direction. In contrast, the carcass 13d extends from the outer side to the inner side in the tire radial direction and terminates on the outer side of the bead core 11 and the bead filler 12 in the tire width direction. Even in the case of the carcass layer 13 shown in FIG. 10, a conductive path can be ensured if the carcass 13b includes a conductive linear body 131 (see FIG. 2).

[0063] The tire of the present disclosure does not need to include the earth rubber 7 shown in Fig. 1. In other words, if the volume resistivity of the cap tread 151 and the under tread 152, which are located radially outward of the belt cover 143, is sufficiently low, the earth rubber 7 does not need to be included. This is because if the volume resistivity of the cap tread 151 and the under tread 152 is sufficiently low, a conductive path can be secured from the rubber portion 30 in contact with the rim to the road surface, passing through the carcass layer 13 and the belt layer 14 in this order.

[0064] (Example) 11A to 11C are tables showing the results of performance tests on the tire 1 of the present disclosure. Performance evaluation tests conducted on a conventional tire and the tire 1 of the present disclosure will be described below for the tire 1. Performance evaluation tests were conducted on the electrical resistance of a new tire and a tire after running.

[0065] Performance evaluation tests were conducted using pneumatic tires with a nominal tire size of 195 / 65R15 91H as specified by JATMA as test tires. Evaluation tests for new electrical resistance were conducted using an R8340A Ultra High Resistance Meter manufactured by Advantest Corporation, measuring the electrical resistance [Ω] of the test tires according to the measurement conditions specified by JATMA.

[0066] In addition, an indoor drum-type tire rolling resistance tester with a drum diameter of 1707 mm was used to evaluate the post-run electrical resistance. The test tire was mounted on a rim specified by the JATMA standard, and the test tire was inflated to 200 kPa and subjected to 80% of the maximum load specified by the JATMA standard. After 60 minutes of running at a speed of 81 km / h, the test tire's electrical resistance (Ω) was measured using an R8340A Ultra High Resistance Meter manufactured by Advantest Corporation, based on the measurement conditions specified by the JATMA standard. The lower the measured tire electrical resistance after running compared to when new, the lower the electrical resistance, indicating better tire electrical resistance performance. Note that for Example 28, the tire strength was reduced due to the large number of conductive linear elements, making it impossible to measure the post-run electrical resistance. For Examples 2 and 25, the conductive linear element was single, so the ratio of the conductive linear element spacing could not be calculated.

[0067] The performance evaluation test was conducted on 30 types of tires, including a conventional tire and Examples 1 to 29, which are tire 1 according to the present disclosure. Of these, the conventional tire is a tire that achieves electrical conductivity in the carcass cord by plating the surface of the organic fiber. As shown in Figures 11A to 11C, the tires of Examples 1 to 29 showed better results in maintaining electrical resistance reduction performance over the long term than the conventional tire.

[0068] The present disclosure includes the following inventions. <1> a pair of bead portions; a carcass layer laid between the pair of bead portions; a belt layer provided on the tire radially outer side of the carcass layer; and a tread portion provided on the tire radially outer side of the belt layer; Including, The carcass layer a plurality of carcass cords, conductive linear bodies, and a coating rubber covering the plurality of carcass cords and the conductive linear bodies; Including, The pair of bead portions are a pair of bead cores; and rubber portions provided around the pair of bead cores, each of which comes into contact with the rim when the tire is attached to the rim; and The carcass layer is configured such that at least one carcass cord among a plurality of carcass cords is replaced with the conductive linear body. tire. <2> The carcass layer includes the conductive linear bodies in a number that is 0.04% or more and 0.70% or less of the number of the carcass cords. <1> A tire as described in <3> The conductive linear body includes a metal fiber <1> or <2> A tire as described in <4> The tire further includes an earth rubber provided in the tread portion, In the tire meridian section, one end of the earth rubber is in contact with the belt layer, and the other end of the earth rubber is exposed to the tread surface of the tread portion. <1> from <3> 1. A tire according to any one of the preceding items. <5> The volume resistivity of the carcass layer is 1×10^8 [Ω·cm] or more, The volume resistivity of the rubber portion is less than 1×10^8 [Ω·cm], The volume resistivity of the conductive linear body is less than 1×10^8 [Ω·cm] <1> from <4> 1. A tire according to any one of the preceding items. <6> The tire includes a plurality of the conductive linear bodies, and the ratio of the maximum value to the minimum value of the distance along the tire circumferential direction between the conductive linear bodies adjacent in the tire circumferential direction is 1 or more and 7 or less. <1> from <5> 1. A tire according to any one of the preceding items. <7> The ratio of the diameter of the conductive linear body to the diameter of the carcass cord is 1 or more and 1.4 or less. <1> from <6> 1. A tire according to any one of the preceding items. <8> The ratio Te / Tc of the fineness Te of the conductive linear body to the fineness Tc of the carcass cord is 1.01≦Te / Tc≦3.10 is <1> from <7> 1. A tire according to any one of the preceding items. <9> The elongation of the conductive linear body is 3% or more and 25% or less. <1> from <8> 1. A tire according to any one of the preceding items. <10> The conductive linear body is a blended yarn containing conductive fibers with a volume resistivity of less than 1×10^8 [Ω·cm] and non-conductive fibers with a volume resistivity of 1×10^8 [Ω·cm] or more. <1> from <9> 1. A tire according to any one of the preceding items. <11> The relationship between the periphery length L [cm] of the portion of the carcass layer including the conductive linear body that contacts the rubber portion, the thickness T [cm] of the coating rubber of the carcass layer at the portion including the conductive linear body, the volume resistivity ρ [Ω cm] of the coating rubber, and the diameter R of the conductive linear body is as follows: ρ×T / (R×L)<1.0×10^8[Ω] is <1> from <10> 1. A tire according to any one of the preceding items. <12> When the tire cross-sectional height is less than 103 mm, the number of the conductive linear members relative to the circumference of the outermost diameter of the tire is 0.0005 or more and 0.007 or less, and when the tire cross-sectional height is 103 mm or more, the number of the conductive linear members relative to the circumference of the outermost diameter of the tire is 0.001 or more and 0.0049 or less. <1> from <11> 1. A tire according to any one of the preceding items. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1, 1a, 1b, 1c tires 2 Tread section 3 Sidewall 6 Circumferential main groove 7 Earth Rubber 10, 10a, 10b Bead part 11 Bead core 12 Bead filler 13 Carcass layer 13b, 13c, 13d Carcass 14 Belt Layer 15 Tread rubber 16 Sidewall rubber 17 Rim cushion rubber 21 Inner liner 22 Thai Rubber 30 Rubber part 31 Rim cushion rubber 32 Chafer 35 Bead Toe 36 Bead base 130, 130a, 130b carcass cord 131, 131a, 131b, 131c, 131d Conductive wire body 132 Coated Rubber 141, 142 Belt 143 Belt cover 151 Cap Tread 152 Undertread CL Tire equatorial plane Ri rim flange

Claims

1. a pair of bead portions; a carcass layer laid between the pair of bead portions; a belt layer provided on the tire radially outer side of the carcass layer; and a tread portion provided on the tire radially outer side of the belt layer; Including, The carcass layer a plurality of carcass cords, conductive linear bodies, and a coating rubber covering the plurality of carcass cords and the conductive linear bodies; Including, The pair of bead portions are a pair of bead cores; and rubber portions provided around the pair of bead cores, each of which comes into contact with the rim when the tire is attached to the rim; and The carcass layer is configured such that at least one of a plurality of carcass cords is replaced with the conductive linear body. tire.

2. The carcass layer includes the conductive linear members in a number that is 0.04% or more and 0.70% or less of the number of the carcass cords.

2. The tire of claim 1.

3. The conductive linear body includes a metal fiber The tire according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. Further, the tire includes an earth rubber provided in the tread portion, In the tire meridian section, one end of the earth rubber is in contact with the belt layer, and the other end of the earth rubber is exposed to the tread surface of the tread portion. The tire according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. The volume resistivity of the carcass layer is 1×10^8 [Ω cm] or more, The volume resistivity of the rubber portion is less than 1×10^8 [Ω cm], The conductive linear body has a volume resistivity of less than 1×10^8 [Ω·cm]. The tire according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. The tire includes a plurality of the conductive linear bodies, and the ratio of the maximum value to the minimum value of the distance along the tire circumferential direction between the conductive linear bodies adjacent in the tire circumferential direction is 1 or more and 7 or less. The tire according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. The ratio of the diameter of the conductive linear body to the diameter of the carcass cord is 1 or more and 1.4 or less. The tire according to claim 1 or claim 2.

8. The ratio Te / Tc of the fineness Te of the conductive linear body to the fineness Tc of the carcass cord is 1.01≦Te / Tc≦3.10 is The tire according to claim 1 or claim 2.

9. The conductive linear body has an elongation rate of 3% or more and 25% or less. The tire according to claim 1 or claim 2.

10. The conductive linear body is a blended yarn containing conductive fibers having a volume resistivity of less than 1×10^8 [Ω·cm] and non-conductive fibers having a volume resistivity of 1×10^8 [Ω·cm] or more. The tire according to claim 1 or claim 2.

11. The relationship between the periphery length L [cm] of the portion of the carcass layer including the conductive linear body that contacts the rubber portion, the thickness T [cm] of the coating rubber of the carcass layer at the portion including the conductive linear body, the volume resistivity ρ [Ω cm] of the coating rubber, and the diameter R of the conductive linear body is as follows: ρ×T / (R×L)<1.0×10^8[Ω] is The tire according to claim 1 or claim 2.

12. When the tire cross-sectional height is less than 103 mm, the number of the conductive linear members relative to the circumference of the outermost diameter of the tire is 0.0005 or more and 0.007 or less, and when the tire cross-sectional height is 103 mm or more, the number of the conductive linear members relative to the circumference of the outermost diameter of the tire is 0.001 or more and 0.0049 or less. The tire according to claim 1 or claim 2.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Pneumatic tire

    JP2015171848A