Tires with temporary identification labels

Abstract

A tire (2) comprising a toroidal carcass (8) having a central cavity (6) and consisting of at least one body ply (9), the body ply (9) being partially folded on itself and therefore having two turn-up portions laterally, each of the turn-up portions having an edge of the body ply (9) abutting an intermediate portion of the body ply (9); two annular beads (10) each surrounded by a body ply (9) and having a bead core and a bead filler (12); and an identification label (19) fixed in a removably manner by adhesive, positioned in the region of the annular bead (10), and carrying a temporary RFID device (20) that can be read from a distance.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to tires equipped with temporary identification labels (i.e., with identification labels that are used only during handling of the tire and are removed once the tire is mounted on a corresponding rim). [Background technology]

[0002] Generally speaking, when tires need to be handled at the end of a production line (typically to load the tires into a cargo container) or in a warehouse, an operator uses a forklift with a pair of forks that lifts (at least) the stack of tires from the bottom (typically when the stack of tires is on a pallet), or a forklift with clamps that clamp the stack of tires sideways.

[0003] In recent years, so-called "smart" tires have been developed which are equipped with RFID devices (RFID stands for "Radio Frequency Identification" and is typically a transponder) which allow items of information such as the tire's identification, characteristics and story to be communicated remotely.

[0004] As a result, in addition to having to move the tire with a forklift, the operator must also be able to access this information and thus be able to read the RFID device associated with the tire with a suitable reader, for example, to verify that they are operating on the correct tire and / or to store possible changes to the tire's position in an electronic register.

[0005] An operator handling a forklift truck is typically equipped with a manual reader (i.e., a lightweight reader that can be easily carried), and after tires are loaded onto the forklift truck, the operator dismounts the forklift truck, approaches the tires with the reader, and reads the corresponding RFID device to identify the tire in a specific manner. However, this mode of operation is inefficient and time-consuming because the operator must dismount the forklift truck (and thus turn off the forklift truck and place the forklift in a secure parking configuration) and further place the manual reader near each single tire to read the corresponding RFID device (i.e., known manual readers cannot simultaneously read the RFID devices of all tires in a stack of tires, but the reader must be placed near each single tire in the stack).

[0006] In this regard, it should be pointed out that the maximum reading distance of an RFID device integrated into a single tire often reaches approximately 1-2 meters, stacks of tires usually have a height of more than 3 meters (thus exceeding the maximum reading distance) in the case of TBR (truck and bus radial tires), and furthermore, when several tires are in close proximity (stacked together), shielding and / or reflection phenomena may occur due to the metal parts of the tires, which further reduce the maximum reading distance of the RFID device integrated into the tire.

[0007] To ensure the reading of the tire's RFID device, manufacturers have proposed applying an identification label carrying an additional temporary RFID device to the tire's outer surface (i.e., on the tire's tread) in a removable manner (since it is obviously intended to be removed when the tire is first mounted on the corresponding rim), which is not shielded by the tire (since it is located on the outside) and can be read from a significantly greater distance than an RFID device integrated into the tire's structure. However, this solution does not completely solve the problem, since when using a forklift equipped with clamps that clamp the tire stack laterally, the clamps (obviously made of metal) may cover and thus completely shield the additional RFID device attached to the tread, or, in the worst case, the clamps may even destroy the additional RFID device attached to the tread. Therefore, it is necessary to attach at least two identification labels (each carrying an additional temporary RFID device) to the tread and position them at approximately 90° to each other (in this way, at least one identification label is always free when the tire stack is clamped laterally by the clamps). However, this solution doubles the cost, since two different identification labels must be affixed to each tire. Furthermore, with this solution, each identification label must face the reader's antenna (i.e., the identification label must be in a "Line of Sight" relationship with the reader's antenna), and therefore the reader's antenna must move all the way around the stack of tires to read the temporary RFID devices on all tires in the stack; in fact, when an identification label is on the opposite side of the tire from the reader's antenna, all the metal and "lossy material" on the tire will shield the identification label (or in any case jeopardize the performance of the identification label), thus making it difficult, if not impossible, for the corresponding temporary RFID device to be read.

[0008] Patent application WO 2022219025 A1 discloses a tire equipped with an identification label, which is fixed in a removably manner by adhesive and is positioned in the area of ​​the annular bead, and which carries a temporary RFID device that can be read from a distance.

[0009] Patent application WO 2022049054 A1 discloses a method for the management of a warehouse containing tires equipped with transponders and arranged in vertical stacks, using an autonomous guided robot for automatic tire recognition.

[0010] Patent application WO 2020126757 A1 discloses a method for reading and / or writing data from / to RFID tags on tires transported on a conveyor belt. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a tire provided with a temporary identification label that does not suffer from the drawbacks mentioned above and that is at the same time easy and economical to manufacture.

[0012] According to the present invention there is provided a tire provided with a temporary identification label as set out in the accompanying claims.

[0013] According to the present invention there is also provided a logistics system for handling a tire warehouse and a method for handling a tire warehouse as set out in the accompanying claims.

[0014] The appended claims describe preferred embodiments of the present invention and form an integral part of this specification. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show non-limiting embodiments thereof. [Figure 1]1 is a schematic diagram of a warehouse for tires that have to be loaded into containers or trucks for delivery to customers and are each provided with a temporary identification label. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic view of a stack of tires standing in the warehouse of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view, with portions removed for greater clarity, of a tire available at the warehouse of FIG. 1; [Figure 4] 2A and 2B are schematic, front and side views of temporary identification labels suitable for fastening to tires available at the warehouse of FIG. 1; [Figure 5] 2A and 2B are schematic, front and side views of temporary identification labels suitable for fastening to tires available at the warehouse of FIG. 1; [Figure 6] is a schematic diagram of the warehouse of FIG. 1 highlighting the stacks of tires oriented horizontally rather than vertically as in FIG. 1; and [Figure 7] 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams of the warehouse of FIG. 1 with respective variants of forklifts. [Figure 8] 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams of the warehouse of FIG. 1 with respective variants of forklifts.

[0016] Preferred Embodiments of the Invention In FIG. 1, the number 1 indicates as a whole a warehouse of tires 2 that have to be loaded into containers or trucks for delivery to customers.

[0017] Inside the warehouse 1, there are multiple support elements 3, each designed to support a vertically oriented stack of tires 2 at a given distance from the ground (i.e., from the floor of the warehouse 1). In other words, the support elements 3 are shelves or racks that support the stack of tires 2 and keep them elevated above the ground. It should be noted that the stack of tires 2 may be oriented vertically (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1) or horizontally (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 7, or FIG. 8); in a vertically oriented stack of tires 2, the tires 2 are arranged on top of each other, thus increasing the height of the stack, while in a horizontally oriented stack of tires 2, the tires 2 are arranged next to each other, thus increasing the length of the stack. Obviously, in the same warehouse 1, there may be stacks of tires 2 that are vertically oriented as well as stacks of tires 2 that are horizontally oriented.

[0018] A series of forklifts 4 operate within the warehouse 1, i.e. the forklifts 4 move stacks of tires 2, in particular placing stacks of tires 2 coming from the production line onto support elements 3, as well as removing stacks of tires 2 from the support elements 3 in order to insert them into containers or trucks.

[0019] Each forklift 4 is a wheeled operating means powered by an electric motor, a diesel engine or a gas engine and comprises a holding device 5 arranged at the front and designed to lift the stack of tires 2. In the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the holding device 5 consists of a pair of forks (only one of which is visible in the accompanying drawings) that lift the stack of tires 2 from the bottom, while according to another embodiment not shown here, the holding device 5 consists of a clamp that clamps the stack of tires 2 laterally.

[0020] According to FIGS. 2 and 3, each tire 2 has an annular shape with a central cavity 6 .

[0021] 3, each tire 2 comprises a toroidal carcass 8 made of a body ply 9 that is partially folded onto itself and thus has two "turn-ups" (i.e., two overlapping layers) on its side. At each turn-up of the body ply 9, an edge (i.e., a terminal end) of the body ply 9 abuts an intermediate portion of the body ply 9.

[0022] On both sides of the carcass 8, there are two annular beads 10, each surrounded by the main ply 9 (i.e., surrounded by the turn-up of the main ply 9) and having a bead core 11 reinforced with several metal wire loops, and a bead filler 12. In other words, the bead core 11 is made of steel wires embedded in rubber, ensuring a perfect bond between the tire 2 and the rim. Therefore, the bead core 11 is basically made of a metal material, mainly a metal covered with a relatively thin layer of rubber.

[0023] The carcass 8 supports an annular tread 13, and between the carcass 8 and the tread 13 is interposed a tread belt 14 comprising two tread plies 15. Each tread ply 15 includes several metal cords (not shown) embedded in the rubber belt and arranged next to each other at a given pitch and forming a determined angle of inclination with respect to the equatorial plane of the tire 2.

[0024] Inside the body ply 9 is an inner liner 16 which is air impermeable, forms an inner coating and has the function of retaining air inside the tire 2 to maintain the inflation pressure of the tire 2 over time.

[0025] The main ply 9 supports a pair of sidewalls 17 disposed outside the main ply 9 between the tread 13 and the bead 10 .

[0026] Finally, the body ply 9 carries a pair of wear rubber strips 18 located radially outwardly of the inner side of the sidewall 17 and in the region of the bead 10 .

[0027] According to Figures 2 and 3, each tire 2 also comprises (at least) an identification label 19, which is attached in a removably manner to the circumferential surface of the tire, preferably by gluing or adhesive, and which carries a temporary RFID device 20 that can be read from a distance (shown in Figure 4).

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, each temporary RFID device 20 can store a so-called "Unique Item Identifier - UII" for applications in the tire industry according to the ISO 20910 standard and can be coded with the "SGTIN-96" coding ("96-bit-Serialized Global Trade Item Number") according to the "GS1EPCTagData" standard.

[0029] It should be pointed out that in each tire 2, the temporary RFID device 20 is only used inside the warehouse 1, if necessary, during the transport of the tire 2 to the end user, but is usually removed from the tire 2 (and therefore discarded) before the tire 2 is mounted on a rim. The temporary RFID device 20 is used because it can be (very) easily read when the tire 2 is in the stack (as will be explained below) compared to the permanent RFID (shown with reference number 7 in Figures 2 and 3) embedded inside the tire. The temporary RFID device 20 always contains information making it possible to identify the tire 2 (for example its serial number), and in particular the temporary RFID device 20 contains a so-called "unique item identifier - UII".

[0030] In each tire 2 , an identification label 19 (carrying a temporary RFID device 20 ) is arranged in the area of ​​the annular bead 10 , in particular radially overlapping the bead core 11 .

[0031] Preferably, the identification label 19 radially overlaps the bead core 11 and extends radially beyond the bead core 11 in at least a radially inward direction.

[0032] Figure 3 shows two different (and completely equivalent) locations of an identification label 19 in a tire 2; the identification label 19 can be attached axially outward from the tire's circumferential surface, such as on the worn rubber strip 18 or on the sidewall 17; or the identification label 19 can be attached axially inward from the tire's circumferential surface, such as on the inner liner 16 or on the axially inner portion of the worn rubber strip 18 radially inward from the end of the inner liner 16; although Figure 3 shows two identification labels 19 in two different locations, it is clear that in reality there is one identification label 19.

[0033] Preferably, the identification label 19 is attached to the tire (2) on the circumferential surface located axially outward of the bead core 11.

[0034] Preferably, the identification label 19 is attached to the tire (2) on the circumferential surface located axially inside the bead core 11.

[0035] According to Figures 3, 4 and 5, each identification label 19 has an outer part 21 (i.e. located radially further outward) that is attached (glued or by adhesive) to the tire 2 in the area of ​​the annular bead 10, and a radially inner part 22 that is connected to the outer part 1 that protrudes freely without being attached to the tire 2 in the area of ​​the annular bead 10.

[0036] The radially outer portion 21 of each identification label 19 has a radially outer end 211 and a radially inner end 212 , and the radially inner portion 22 is connected to the radially inner end 212 of the outer portion 21 .

[0037] Preferably, the radial distance between the radially outer end 211 and the radially inner end 212 of the outer portion 21 of the identification label 19 is in the range of 85 to 15 mm, preferably in the range of 55 to 35 mm, more preferably in the range of 50 to 25 mm, and even more preferably about 45 mm.

[0038] A radially inner portion 22 of the identification label 19 projects like a flag from the radially innermost annular edge of the tire 2 in the region of the annular bead 10 towards the center of the central cavity 6 .

[0039] In each identification label 19, an outer portion 21 of the identification label 19 has a connecting surface 23 that is attached (particularly adhered by glue) to the circumferential surface of the tire 2.

[0040] Preferably, the outer portion 21 is attached to the tire 2 in a radially outer region of the bead core 11 .

[0041] Preferably, the outer portion 21 is attached to the tire 2 in the area where it radially overlaps the wear rubber strip 18 .

[0042] Preferably, the outer portion 21 is attached to the tire 2 in the area where it radially overlaps the sidewall 17 .

[0043] Preferably, the outer portion 21 is attached to the tire 2 in an area that radially overlaps the sidewall 17 and the abrasive rubber strip 18 .

[0044] Preferably, the outer portion 21 is attached to the tire 2 in a region of the circumference of the tire 2 that has the smallest curvature.

[0045] In each identification label 19, the inner portion 22 of the identification label 19 is completely free and hangs in the air, i.e., all surfaces of the inner portion 22 are in the air and do not contact any part of the tire 2.

[0046] Each identification label 19 is attached (adhered) to the circumferential surface of the tire 2 by glue or adhesive, which allows the identification label 19 to be removed relatively easily later; for example, a non-drying, re-sticking glue or adhesive 23 can be used, which allows the identification label 19 to be removed relatively easily from the outer surface of the corresponding tire 2.

[0047] As used herein, the terms "radial," "radially," or "axial," "axially," and their derivatives, shall have their ordinary meaning as understood in the tire industry, with reference to FIG. 3, where the radial direction is along the Z axis, the axial direction is along the Y axis, and the circumferential direction is along the X axis.

[0048] The terms "outer" or "inner" in combination with radial and axial directions can be clearly identified by the following example with reference to Figure 3: The tread 13 is positioned radially outward of the bead core 11, and in the sidewall region, the inner liner 16 is positioned axially inward of the sidewall 17.

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the identification label 19 includes a radially outer portion 21 having a radially outer end 211 and a radially inner end 212, and a radially inner portion 22 connected to the radially inner end 212 of the outer portion 22.

[0050] The identification label 19 includes a temporary RFID device 20. The temporary RFID device 20 is located exclusively on the radially inner portion 22 of the identification label 19 such that no RFID device 20 is present on the radially outer portion 21.

[0051] The temporary RFID device 20 comprises an antenna, which is located only in the inner portion 22 without extending to the outer portion 21 .

[0052] In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the antenna comprises a first antenna element 24 and a second antenna element 25 .

[0053] Neither the first antenna element 24 nor the second antenna element 25 extends to the outer portion 21, but is disposed only in the inner portion 22.

[0054] The temporary RFID device 20 includes a microchip 26 .

[0055] The microchip 26 is electrically connected to the antenna.

[0056] The microchip 26 is electrically connected to the first antenna element 24 .

[0057] The first antenna element 24 is electromagnetically connected to the second antenna element 25 .

[0058] The outer portion 21 of the identification label 19 has a connecting surface 23 suitable for being attached (in particular glued or fixed with an adhesive) to the circumferential surface of the tire 2 .

[0059] Furthermore, the microchip 26 (ie the miniaturized electronic circuit) comprises a non-volatile memory (typically an EEPROM or FRAM memory, the latter being more expensive but more technologically advanced).

[0060] The microchip 26 may be equipped with an auto-tuning mechanism that can automatically adjust its internal impedance to optimize and improve readability performance, thus allowing for greater tolerances in the manufacturing and positioning of the identification label 19.

[0061] Each identification label 19 includes a support 27 in which a temporary RFID device 20 is housed, typically made from a thin sheet of Mylar, plastic such as PET or PVC, or other similar material.

[0062] According to a preferred embodiment shown in Figure 2, reader devices 28, each comprising an electronic control unit 29 and an antenna 30, are arranged at fixed locations within the warehouse 1. Each antenna 30 functions to emit / receive RF signals having frequencies in the "UHF - Ultra High Frequency" band, preferably within a frequency range ranging from 860 to 960 MHz, more preferably within a sub-range of frequencies ranging from 865 to 868 MHz and / or within a sub-range of frequencies ranging from 902 to 928 MHz. Furthermore, optional requirements for each antenna 30 can advantageously include a gain greater than 0 dB and circular polarization.

[0063] According to Fig. 1, several antennas 30 are arranged horizontally at a given height (higher than the maximum height of the stack of tires 2) so as to read the temporary RFID devices 20 of the vertical stack of tires 2. According to Fig. 6 or 8, several antennas 30 are arranged vertically in positions that are considered suitable for reading the temporary RFID devices 20 of the horizontal stack of tires 2, for example, one or two antennas 30 may be arranged on the side of a door / gate through which a support element 3 supporting at least one stack of horizontally arranged tires 2 passes. Generally speaking, a horizontal antenna 30 can read the temporary RFID devices 20 of the vertical stack of tires 2 (as shown in Fig. 8), or a vertical antenna 30 can read the temporary RFID devices 20 of the horizontal stack of tires 2. In fact, in order to effectively read the temporary RFID devices 20 of the tires 2 in the stack, the antenna 30 must face the central cavity 6 of the stacked tires 2 so as to "see" all of the corresponding temporary RFID devices 20 located within the central cavity 6; consequently, to "see" all of the temporary RFID devices 20 of the tires 2 in a vertical stack of tires 2, the antenna 30 must be oriented horizontally and located above or below the stack, whereas to "see" all of the temporary RFID devices 20 of the tires 2 in a horizontal stack of tires 2, the antenna 30 must be oriented vertically and located to the side of the stack.

[0064] In other words, each stack of tires 2 to be identified is placed near the antenna 30 of the reader device 28, in particular below or next to the antenna 30, so that the antenna 30 faces and is aligned with the central cavities 6 of the tires 2 that make up the stack.

[0065] According to a preferred embodiment, one single antenna 30 is sufficient to read all the temporary RFID devices 20 of the tires 2 of a stack of tires 2, i.e. the single antenna 30 is placed at one single end (top, bottom or side) of the stack; alternatively, for higher certainty (reliability), two antennas 30 can be used to read all the temporary RFID devices 20 of the tires 2 of a stack of tires 2, i.e. the two antennas 30 are placed opposite each other at two ends (top, bottom or side) of the stack.

[0066] However, it must be pointed out that, theoretically speaking, the antenna 30 can anyway read the temporary RFID devices 20 on the tires 2 of both vertically and horizontally arranged stacks, regardless of their orientation.

[0067] In use, the stack of tires 2 to be identified is placed within the reading field of the antenna 30 of the reader device 28 (i.e., below or beside the antenna 30) to enable the reader device 28 to read the temporary RFID devices 20 of all tires 2; in particular, the stack of tires 2 (typically carried by the holding device 5 of a forklift 4) can be temporarily stopped within the area of ​​the antenna 30 of the reader device 28 or can be moved slowly forward within the area of ​​the antenna 30 of the reader device 28. If, in addition to reading the temporary RFID devices 20 of all tires 2, the reader device 28 also reads one or more permanent RFID devices 7, the reading of the permanent RFID devices 7 is simply redundant to the reading of the temporary RFID devices 20 and can be ignored as "duplicates" without causing any kind of problem. In particular, according to the "RFIDEPCGen2GS1" protocol, when two RFID devices 7 and 20 with the same name and therefore without an unambiguous EPC are read, one single RFID device 7 or 20 present in the reading field is signaled following an inquiry of the reader device 28.

[0068] From the above, it is clear that the warehouse 1 is equipped with a logistics system that makes it possible to manage the handling of tires 2 in a highly automated manner thanks to the autonomous reading (i.e., without manual operator intervention) of the temporary RFID devices 20 coupled to the tires 2. In particular, the reader device 28 is connected to a control server 31 (schematically shown in FIG. 1 ) of the warehouse 1, which in turn is connected to a tablet computer 32 (or a similar portable device) used by the operator of the forklift 4. Via the tablet computer 32, the operator of the forklift 4 receives operating instructions from the control server 31 and communicates the execution of assigned tasks to the control server 31 so as to update in real time the state of the warehouse 1, i.e., the state of stored and retrieved tires 2 currently present in the warehouse 1. In other words, the control server 31 executes management software that handles communication between the reader device 28 and human operators (part of the operators driving the forklifts 4).

[0069] According to a possible (but non-binding) embodiment, in order for the operator of the forklift 4 to be able to quickly and confidently verify that the reader device 28 has read the temporary RFID devices 20 of all of the tires 2 constituting the stack carried by the holding device 5 (a stack of TBR truck tires 2 generally consists of 5 to 8 TBR tires 2 on top of each other or next to each other depending on the size of the tires 2), the operator must each time input (type in) the number of tires 2 loaded on the holding device 5 using the tablet computer 32 (the software installed on the tablet computer 32 allows a predetermined limited selection of the number of tires 2 loaded on the holding device 5). The software installed on the tablet computer 32, upon receipt of a request (which may already be suggested to the operator), checks whether the number of temporary RFID devices 20 read by the reader device 28 corresponds to (i.e. is the same as) the number of tires 2 loaded on the holding device 5 of the forklift 4 (provided by the operator); if the numbers are the same, the software provides a positive signal (e.g. by means of a green light) and the reading operation performed by the temporary RFID device 20 is terminated, whereas if the numbers are not the same, the software provides a negative signal (e.g. by means of a red light and an acoustic warning) and the reading operation performed by the temporary RFID device 20 must be repeated.

[0070] It should be pointed out that the same reader device 28 can be equipped with several antennas 30, which are placed in different positions (in any case close to each other) and which are activated at different moments by the electronic control unit. In this way, the driver of the forklift 4 transporting (at least) a stack of tires 2 does not have to follow the predetermined set path exactly and can even deviate (more or less accidentally) from the predetermined set path, since the multiple antennas 30 allow the operator to cover a relatively large area around the predetermined set path.

[0071] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, the antenna 30 of the reader device 28 is arranged at a fixed position within the warehouse 1, i.e., the antenna 30 of the reader device 28 is attached to a fixed structure of the warehouse 1. In the variant shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, at least one reader device 28 is mounted on a forklift 4, and in particular, the forklift 4 is provided with a support device 33 (e.g., attached to the roof of the forklift 4) that supports the antenna 30 so as to position the antenna 30 near (typically, but not necessarily, above) the stack of tires 2 (or stacks of tires 2) carried by the holding device 5 of the forklift 4. The support device 33 may also have a telescopic arm for moving the antenna 30 near (typically, but not necessarily, above) the stack of tires 2 (or stacks of tires 2) carried by the holding device of the forklift 4 only when necessary. The antenna 30 (or antenna 30) of the reader device 28 mounted on the forklift 4 may also be attached to the frame of the holding device 5.

[0072] The embodiments described herein can for this reason be combined with one another without going beyond the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0073] The tire 2 described above has many advantages.

[0074] First of all, the tires 2 described above allow efficient (fast) and effective (reliable) identification of all tires 2 constituting a stack by means of a reader device 28 with a single antenna 30 arranged in a fixed position (and therefore by means of a reader device 28 that is simple, economical and easy to use). This result is obtained thanks to the specific positioning of the identification labels 19, which make it possible to always reliably read the identification labels 19, even when the tires 2 are stacked; in fact, the central cavity 6 of the tire 2 (where the identification labels 19 are located) is always free from electromagnetic shielding (due to the Faraday cage created by the metal elements of the tires 2), even when the stacked tires 2 are handled.

[0075] Furthermore, the particular configuration of the identification label 19 and the resulting positioning of the temporary RFID device 20 can maximize the usable read distance of the temporary RFID device 20, as the "air" positioning of the radially inner portion 22 can move the temporary RFID device away from the metal mass of the tire 2 (i.e., the bead core 11), which is an interfering element.

[0076] Some experiments have shown that a reader device 28 with one single antenna 30 oriented horizontally or vertically can read the temporary RFID devices 20 of all tires 2 in a stack up to a distance of 6 to 8 meters from the tire 2 in the stack farthest from the antenna 30.

[0077] Furthermore, by positioning the identification label 19 on the inside of the tire 2 (i.e., in the area of ​​the central cavity 6 of the tire 2 starting from the bead 10 and protruding inwards), the identification label 19 is highly protected and therefore virtually unaffected by damage or unintentional removal; in fact, the area of ​​the bead 10 is never touched during handling.

[0078] Finally, because the temporary RFID device 20 can have relatively small antenna elements 24 and 25, the identification label 19 is inexpensive (and therefore represents a negligible portion of the total manufacturing cost of the tire).

[0079] Furthermore, it should be pointed out that, regardless of the orientation of the tires 2 and the way the stack is held, even one identification label 19 is always read from above, so that it is always sufficient to attach one single identification label 19 to each tire 2. In any case, it should be pointed out that there is no prohibition (although it would be practically useless) to combine one single tire 2 with two or more identification labels 19.

[0080] The present invention finds advantageous application in the handling of so-called TBR "truck and bus radial" tires 2, but in any case the invention can be applied to any type of tire 2 (larger or smaller than so-called TBR tires 2). [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1 warehouse 2 tires 3 Supporting Elements 4 forklifts 5 holding device 6 central cavity 7 permanent RFID device 8 Carcass 9 Body Ply 10 beads 11 bead core 12 bead filler 13 tread 14 tread belt 15 tread plies 16 Inner liner 17 side wall 18 wear rubber strips 19 Identification Label 20 temporary RFID devices 21 inner part 22 outer part 23 Connection Surface 24 first antenna element 25 second antenna element 26 microchips 27 support 28 reader device 29 Electronic Control Unit 30 antennas 31 control server 32 tablet computers 33 support device

Claims

1. A tire (2), a toroidal carcass (8) having a central cavity (6); two annular beads (10) each having at least one bead core (11); and an identification label (19) attached in a removably manner to the circumferential surface of said tire, preferably by gluing or adhesive, and carrying a remotely readable temporary RFID device (20); The identification label (19) is located in the area of ​​the annular bead (10); and The identification label (19) has a radially outer portion (21) attached to the tire (2) and having a radially outer end (211) and a radially inner end (212), and a radially inner portion (22) that is not attached to the tire (2) but protrudes from the tire (2) in a free manner and is connected to the radially inner end (212) of the outer portion (21), The tire (2) is characterized in that the temporary RFID device (20) is arranged exclusively only on the radially inner portion (22) of the identification label (19), so that the RFID device (20) is not present at all on the radially outer portion (21).

2. 2. The tire (2) of claim 1, wherein the radially inner portion (22) projects like a flag from the radially innermost annular edge of the tire (2) in the region of the annular bead (10) towards the center of the central cavity (6).

3. 3. The tyre (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the radial distance between the radially outer end (211) and the radially inner end (212) of the outer portion (21) of the identification label (19) is in the range of 85 to 15 mm, preferably in the range of 55 to 35 mm.

4. The tire (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the outer portion (21) of the identification label (19) has a connecting surface (23) that is attached to the tire (2) in the area of ​​the bead core (11).

5. 5. A tire (2) according to claim 4, wherein the inner part (22) of the identification label (19) has no connecting surface (23), is not glued to the area of ​​the annular bead (10), is completely free and hangs in the air, i.e. all surfaces of the inner part (22) are in the air.

6. 6. The tire (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the temporary RFID device (20) comprises an antenna, the antenna being arranged only on the inner portion (22) without extending to the outer portion (21).

7. The antenna comprises a first antenna element (24) and a second antenna element (25); and The first antenna element (24) is electromagnetically connected to the second antenna element (25). A tire (2) according to claim 6.

8. The tire (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the identification label (19) is positioned on a circumferential surface located axially outward of the bead core (11).

9. The tire (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the identification label (19) is positioned on a circumferential surface located axially inside the bead core (11).

10. 10. A warehouse (1) for tires (2) comprising a plurality of tires (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, each tire being therefore provided with an identification label (19), said tires (2) being arranged in a stack.

11. A warehouse (1) according to claim 10, a reader device (28) designed to read the RFID device from a distance and comprising at least one antenna (30); and a handling device configured to position a stack of tires (2) to be identified near the antenna (30) of the reader device (28), in particular below the antenna (30) or next to the antenna (30), the antenna (30) facing and aligned with the central cavities (6) of the tires (2) that make up the stack.

12. 12. The warehouse (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the reader device (28) comprises a plurality of antennas (30), which are alternately activated to increase the area covered by the reading.

13. A method for handling a warehouse (1) for tires (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising: A step of attaching the identification label (19) to each tire (2); and and stacking said tires (2) in a stack.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, Providing a reader device (28) designed to read the RFID device from a distance and comprising at least one antenna (30); and placing the stack of tires (2) to be identified near the antenna (30) of the reader device (28), in particular below or next to the antenna (30), so that the antenna (30) faces and is aligned with the central cavities (6) of the tires (2) that make up the stack.

15. 15. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein the reader device (28) comprises a plurality of antennas (30), the plurality of antennas (30) being alternately activated to increase the area covered by the reading.

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