Support

Abstract

To support a functional device on a mounting surface of an inner cavity of a tire while suppressing application of stress to the functional device even when a tread of the tire is deformed.SOLUTION: The support 5 is attached to the attachment surface Ta of the inner cavity S of the tire T and supports the resonance sound absorber 1. The support body 5 includes a device-attaching part 50 to which the resonance sound absorbing body 1 is attached, a first base part 51a attached to the attachment surface Ta, and a first leg part 51a connecting the first base part 51a and the device-attaching part 50 and rising from the first base part 52a. A space B between the apparatus mounting part 50 supported by the first leg part 52a and the mounting surface Ta of the tire T is twice or more of the thickness A of the first base part 51a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a support for supporting a functional device. [Background technology]

[0002] Functional devices such as air pressure gauges and sound absorbers are sometimes provided inside the tire cavity of a vehicle. In this case, the functional devices are attached to, for example, the mounting surface of the tire cavity. For example, Patent Document 1 describes providing such a functional device, a resonant sound absorber, inside the tire cavity. This resonant sound absorber absorbs resonant sounds generated inside the tire cavity using the principle of Helmholtz resonance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-067767 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, when a vehicle travels, the road surface deforms the tire tread, which in turn deforms the tire mounting surface to which the functional device is attached. If the mounting surface deforms, stress is applied to the functional device attached to the mounting surface, which may cause the functional device to malfunction.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure describes a support that can support a functional device on the mounting surface of the tire cavity while suppressing stress from being applied to the functional device even when the tire tread is deformed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A support according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a support that is attached to a mounting surface of the inner cavity of a tire and supports a functional device against the mounting surface, and includes a device mounting portion to which the functional device is attached, a base portion that is attached to the mounting surface, and legs that connect the device mounting portion and the base portion and rise from the base portion, wherein the legs support the device mounting portion so that the device mounting portion is spaced apart from the mounting surface when the base portion is attached to the mounting surface, and the distance between the device mounting portion supported by the legs and the mounting surface is at least twice the thickness of the legs.

[0007] In this support, the device mounting portion, to which the functional device is attached, is supported by the legs in a state spaced apart from the tire mounting surface, which allows the support to absorb (suppress) the stress input to the base portion from the tire mounting surface in the event of tire tread deformation.

[0008] Here, the thicker the legs are, the less the legs will bend, and the more easily the stress input from the base will be transmitted to the device mounting part. Furthermore, the narrower the gap between the device mounting part and the mounting surface, i.e., the shorter the legs rising from the base, the more easily the stress input from the base will be transmitted to the device mounting part. For this reason, in this support, the gap between the device mounting part supported by the legs and the mounting surface is more than twice the leg thickness.

[0009] In this case, the support can support the functional device at a distance from the mounting surface while appropriately absorbing the stress input from the base to the legs at the legs. In this way, the support can support the functional device on the mounting surface of the tire cavity while suppressing the application of stress to the functional device even when the tire tread is deformed.

[0010] A support according to another aspect of the present disclosure is a support that is attached to a mounting surface of the inner cavity of a tire and supports a functional device against the mounting surface, and includes a device mounting portion that surrounds and holds the functional device, a base portion that is attached to the mounting surface, and legs that connect the device mounting portion and the base portion and rise from the base portion, and the legs support the device mounting portion so that the device mounting portion is spaced apart from the mounting surface when the base portion is attached to the mounting surface.

[0011] In this support, the functional device can be held by surrounding it with the device mounting portion. Also, in this support, the device mounting portion that holds the functional device is supported by the legs while being spaced apart from the tire mounting surface. This allows the support to absorb (suppress) stress input from the tire mounting surface to the base portion in the event of deformation of the tire tread using the legs. In this way, the support can support the functional device on the mounting surface of the tire cavity while suppressing stress from being applied to the functional device even when the tire tread is deformed.

[0012] In the support body described above, the device mounting portion may have a holding portion where the inner surface of the device mounting portion abuts against the outer surface of the functional device, and a separation portion where the inner surface of the device mounting portion is spaced apart from the outer surface of the functional device, and the leg portion may be connected to the outer surface of the device mounting portion at the separation portion. In this case, stress input from the base portion to the leg portion due to deformation of the tire tread is input to the separation portion of the device mounting portion. The inner surface of the separation portion of the device mounting portion does not abut against the outer surface of the functional device. Therefore, even if stress is input from the leg portion to the separation portion of the device mounting portion, the stress is not directly input to the functional device held by the device mounting portion. This allows the support body to hold the functional device with the device mounting portion while further suppressing stress transmission to the functional device.

[0013] In the support, the device mounting portion may be elastically deformable and may detachably hold the functional device. In this case, the support holds the functional device by the elastic force of the device mounting portion, and the functional device can be easily attached and detached.

[0014] In the above support, the device mounting portion may be annular and supported by the legs so as to surround a reference line perpendicular to the normal to the mounting surface. Here, a functional device mounted by the support to the tire mounting surface is urged toward the mounting surface by centrifugal force and also urged away from the mounting surface by deformation of the tread. The device mounting portion is arranged so as to surround the reference line perpendicular to the normal to the mounting surface. In other words, the annular device mounting portion is arranged so as to rise from the mounting surface. This allows the device mounting portion to receive the functional device even when the functional device is urged toward the mounting surface by centrifugal force. Furthermore, the device mounting portion can receive the functional device even when the functional device is urged away from the mounting surface by deformation of the tread. In this way, the annular device mounting portion allows the support to more appropriately hold the functional device.

[0015] The support may be configured so that the natural frequency of the entire functional device and the support when the functional device is attached to the device mounting portion and the base portion is fixed is 300 Hz or higher. Here, vibrations caused by deformation of the tread at the portion where the support is attached as the tire rotates are input to the support. Furthermore, air pressure fluctuations occur within the tire cavity as the tire changes shape due to tire rotation. Therefore, the support is configured so that the natural frequency of the entire functional device and the support is 300 Hz or higher, as described above. This allows the support to suppress resonance with vibrations caused by deformation of the tread at the portion where the support is attached. Furthermore, the support can suppress resonance with air pressure fluctuations within the tire cavity.

[0016] In the support, the base portion may include a first base portion and a second base portion, the legs may include a first leg portion connecting the device mounting portion and the first base portion and rising from the first base portion, and a second leg portion connecting the device mounting portion and the second base portion and rising from the second base portion, the first base portion may extend from an end of the first leg toward the opposite side to the second base portion, and the second base portion may extend from an end of the second leg toward the opposite side to the first base portion. In this case, the support allows the first base portion and the second base portion to be easily pressure-attached to the mounting surface without being obstructed by the device mounting portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, even when the tire tread is deformed, it is possible to support the functional device on the mounting surface of the tire cavity while suppressing the application of stress to the functional device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tire to which a sound absorbing unit according to an embodiment is attached. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the sound absorbing unit according to the embodiment, as viewed from the opening side. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the sound absorbing unit according to the embodiment, as viewed from the opening side. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view for explaining the orientation of the support body attached to the mounting surface of the tire. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the resonant sound absorber of FIG. 2 as viewed from the opening side. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the resonant sound absorber of FIG. 2 as viewed from the flat portion side. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic front view of the resonant sound absorber of FIG. 2 as viewed from the opening side. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the resonant sound absorber of FIG. 2 taken along the axis. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the resonant sound absorber of FIG. 2 taken along a direction perpendicular to the axis. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of a sound absorbing unit including a support body according to a first modified example, as viewed from the opening side. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a sound absorbing unit including a support body according to the second modification, viewed from the opening side. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of a sound absorbing unit including a support body according to a third modified example, viewed from the opening side. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a sound absorbing unit including a support body according to a fourth modification, viewed from the opening side. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of a sound absorbing unit including a support body according to a fourth modified example, as viewed from the base portion side. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic front view of a sound absorbing unit including a support body according to a fifth modified example, as viewed from the opening side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an embodiment of a sound-absorbing unit having a support according to the present disclosure will be described in detail. Note that in the drawings, identical or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted. Numerical ranges indicated using "to" indicate ranges that include the numerical values ​​before and after "to" as the minimum and maximum values, respectively.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a tire fitted with a sound absorbing unit according to an embodiment. In the tire T, cavity resonance can occur, in which the air in the cavity S resonates due to vibrations caused by passing over uneven road surfaces while the vehicle is traveling. The frequency of the cavity resonance is, for example, approximately 180 Hz to 250 Hz. The frequency of this cavity resonance varies depending on factors such as the size of the tire T. The sound absorbing unit 100 according to this embodiment is fitted to the mounting surface Ta of the cavity S of the tire T in order to efficiently absorb cavity resonance in the low frequency band. The mounting surface Ta is the inner circumferential surface of the tread Tb of the tire T.

[0021] In this embodiment, four sound absorbing units 100 are provided in the cavity S of the tire T. In this embodiment, the four sound absorbing units 100 are attached to the attachment surface Ta at positions offset by 90° in the rotational direction of the tire T. However, the number and attachment positions of the sound absorbing units 100 are not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1 . Furthermore, the sound absorbing units 100 may be attached to the cavity S of the tire T in combination with other functional components such as a power generation device, sensor device, secondary battery, capacitor, antenna device, transmitter, processor, memory, and circuit, as needed. In this case, it is preferable to attach the sound absorbing units 100 in an appropriate arrangement so that the weight within the tire T is uniform, taking into consideration the weight and number of the attached functional components and sound absorbing units 100.

[0022] A sound absorbing unit 100 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the sound absorbing unit according to the embodiment, as seen from the opening side. FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the sound absorbing unit according to the embodiment, as seen from the opening side. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the sound absorbing unit 100 includes a resonant sound absorber (functional device) 1 and a support body 5. The resonant sound absorber 1 has a Helmholtz resonance structure. The resonant sound absorber 1 absorbs cavity resonance within the inner cavity S of the tire T. The resonant sound absorber 1 has a shape that extends along the axis L1. In other words, the resonant sound absorber 1 has a generally rod-like shape with the axis L1 as its longitudinal direction.

[0023] The support body 5 is attached to the mounting surface Ta of the tire T. The support body 5 supports the resonance sound absorber 1 against the mounting surface Ta. In this embodiment, as an example, three support bodies 5 are provided. The three support bodies 5 are arranged side by side along the axis L1. The three support bodies 5 have the same shape. The resonance sound absorber 1 is supported against the mounting surface Ta by the three support bodies 5. However, the number of support bodies 5 that support the resonance sound absorber 1 is not limited to three.

[0024] The support body 5 includes a device mounting portion 50, a first base portion 51a, a second base portion 51b, a first leg portion 52a, and a second leg portion 52b. The resonant sound absorber 1 is attached to the device mounting portion 50. In this embodiment, the device mounting portion 50 is annular. The device mounting portion 50 surrounds and holds the resonant sound absorber 1. The device mounting portion 50 is elastically deformable. The device mounting portion 50 can detachably hold the resonant sound absorber 1 by its elastic force. Note that the device mounting portion 50 being annular here means that the device mounting portion 50 is approximately annular. In other words, the device mounting portion 50 is not limited to being continuous in the circumferential direction, and may have a shape with a partial discontinuity in the circumferential direction. The device mounting portion 50 being annular includes a shape that allows the device mounting portion 50 to surround most of the entire circumference of the resonant sound absorber 1.

[0025] The device mounting portion 50 includes a holding portion 50X and a spaced portion 50Y. In this embodiment, two holding portions 50X and two spaced portions 50Y are provided. The holding portions 50X and the spaced portions 50Y are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction of the annular device mounting portion 50. The holding portion 50X is a portion of the device mounting portion 50 where the inner surface 50a of the device mounting portion 50 abuts against the outer surface 10a of the resonance box 10 of the resonant sound absorber 1. The spaced portion 50Y is a portion of the device mounting portion 50 where the inner surface 50a of the device mounting portion 50 is spaced from the outer surface 10a of the resonance box 10 of the resonant sound absorber 1. The inner surface 50a of the device mounting portion 50 is the inner circumferential surface of the annular device mounting portion 50.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view illustrating the orientation of the support body attached to the mounting surface of the tire. Note that in FIG. 4, in order to show the orientation of the device mounting part 50, only one device mounting part 50 is shown, and the resonant sound absorber 1 is omitted. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the perpendicular line to the mounting surface Ta of the tire T is defined as perpendicular line K1. A line perpendicular to perpendicular line K1 is defined as reference line K2. Note that reference line K2 is parallel to the width direction of the tire T. In other words, reference line K2 is parallel to the rotational center line of the tire T.

[0027] 4, the annular device mounting portion 50 is supported by the first leg portion 52a and the second leg portion 52b so as to surround a reference line K2 that is perpendicular to the normal line K1 of the inner surface 50a. In other words, the annular device mounting portion 50 is supported so as to stand up from the mounting surface Ta. The opening of the annular device mounting portion 50 does not face the mounting surface Ta.

[0028] 2 and 3, the first base portion 51a and the second leg portion 52b are each attached to the mounting surface Ta of the tire T. The first base portion 51a and the second leg portion 52b are attached to the mounting surface Ta by, for example, double-sided tape with adhesive surfaces on both sides, adhesive, welding, or the like.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3 , a sealant layer F may be provided on the mounting surface Ta of the tire T. This sealant layer F may have the function of sealing holes in the tire T, for example, to prevent punctures of the tire T. In this case, the first base portion 51a and the like are attached to the sealant layer F provided on the mounting surface Ta. That is, the first base portion 51a and the like are attached to the mounting surface Ta via the sealant layer F. The first base portion 51a and the like are attached to the sealant layer F, for example, with an adhesive. Furthermore, the first base portion 51a and the like may be placed on the sealant layer F when the sealant layer F is cured, and may be adhered to the sealant layer F by curing the sealant layer F.

[0030] In this way, attaching the first base portion 51a etc. to the mounting surface Ta includes attaching the first base portion 51a etc. directly to the mounting surface Ta, and attaching the first base portion 51a etc. to the mounting surface Ta via a member such as a sealant layer F.

[0031] The first leg 52a connects the first base portion 51a and the device mounting portion 50. The first leg 52a stands up from the first base portion 51a. The second leg 52b connects the second base portion 51b and the device mounting portion 50. The second leg 52b stands up from the second base portion 51b. The first leg 52a and the second leg 52b support the device mounting portion 50 so that the device mounting portion 50 is spaced apart from the mounting surface Ta of the tire T when the first base portion 51a and the second base portion 51b are attached to the mounting surface Ta of the tire T. In other words, the first leg 52a and the second leg 52b support the device mounting portion 50 so as to lift it up from the mounting surface Ta of the tire T.

[0032] 3, in this embodiment, the distance B between the device mounting portion 50 supported by the first leg portion 52a and the second leg portion 52b and the mounting surface Ta of the tire T is at least twice the thickness A of the first leg portion 52a (second leg portion 52b). The distance B is the length of the narrowest part of the gap between the device mounting portion 50 and the mounting surface Ta of the tire T in the height direction of the resonant sound absorber 1. Note that a sealant layer F may be provided on the mounting surface Ta of the tire T. In this case, the distance B between the device mounting portion 50 and the mounting surface Ta of the tire T is the distance between the device mounting portion 50 and the sealant layer F.

[0033] As described above, the device mounting portion 50 has two spaced apart portions 50Y. The two spaced apart portions 50Y are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the annular device mounting portion 50. The first leg portion 52a is connected to the outer surface 50b of the device mounting portion 50 at one of the spaced apart portions 50Y. The second leg portion 52b is connected to the outer surface 50b of the device mounting portion 50 at the other of the spaced apart portions 50Y. In this manner, the first leg portion 52a and the second leg portion 52b extend from each of the two spaced apart portions 50Y toward the first base portion 51a and the second base portion 51b, respectively.

[0034] The first base portion 51a protrudes from the end of the first leg portion 52a toward the opposite side to the second base portion 51b. The second base portion 51b protrudes from the end of the second leg portion 52b toward the opposite side to the first base portion 51a.

[0035] The material of the support body 5 may be, for example, a dynamically crosslinked thermoplastic elastomer (TPV) or vulcanized rubber such as styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), butadiene rubber (BR), chloroprene rubber (CR), and isoprene rubber (IR). By using these materials, a support body 5 having excellent elasticity, heat resistance, and flexibility and suitable as a supporting member within the cavity S of the tire T can be obtained.

[0036] However, the material of the support 5 is not limited to these. In addition to these, the material of the support 5 may be a thermoplastic elastomer other than the dynamically crosslinked thermoplastic elastomer (TPV), such as a styrene-based elastomer (TPS), a polyolefin-based elastomer (TPO), a polyurethane-based elastomer (TPU), a polyester-based elastomer (TPEE), or a polyester-based elastomer (TPC). Furthermore, the material of the support 5 may be various foam materials (for example, foamed rubber, foamed urethane, etc.).

[0037] For example, the support 5 may have the same cross-sectional shape along the longitudinal direction of the resonant sound absorber 1 supported by the device mounting portion 50. In other words, the support 5 may have the same cross-sectional shape along the direction penetrating the annular device mounting portion 50. In this case, the support 5 may be manufactured by profile extrusion molding of a material such as a thermoplastic elastomer or vulcanized rubber. Furthermore, in this case, multiple support members 5 may be molded together while connected to each other in the extrusion direction, and then cut in a direction perpendicular to the extrusion direction to separate the support members 5 individually. However, the manufacturing method of the support member 5 is not limited to extrusion molding. The support member 5 may be manufactured by various methods, such as injection molding, modeling using a 3D printer, salt coagulation of latex rubber, or cutting from a resin block.

[0038] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the resonance sound absorber 1 includes a resonance box 10 and a neck portion 20. The resonance sound absorber 1 will be described in detail below. Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the resonance sound absorber of Figure 2, viewed from the open side. Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the resonance sound absorber of Figure 2, viewed from the flat portion side. Figure 7 is a schematic front view of the resonance sound absorber of Figure 2, viewed from the open side. Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the resonance sound absorber of Figure 2, taken along the axis. Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the resonance sound absorber of Figure 2, taken in a direction perpendicular to the axis. Figure 9 is also a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in Figure 8.

[0039] As shown in each figure, the direction along the axis L1 (axis L1 direction) is defined as the first direction D1, the direction perpendicular to the first direction D1 is defined as the second direction D2, and the direction perpendicular to the first direction D1 and the second direction D2 is defined as the third direction D3. The first direction D1 is the axis L1 direction. The second direction D2 is also an orthogonal direction perpendicular to the axis L1 direction. The third direction D3 is also the height direction of the resonance box 10. When the resonance sound absorber 1 is attached to the mounting surface Ta of the tire T by the support body 5, the third direction D3 is also the direction along the perpendicular line K1 to the mounting surface Ta.

[0040] As shown in Figs. 5 to 9, a hollow portion R is formed inside the resonance box 10 of the resonance sound absorber 1 (see Fig. 8). The resonance box 10 has an opening 10b that connects the hollow portion R with the external space (see Fig. 8). The resonance box 10 has a main body portion 11, a first side wall portion 12, a second side wall portion 13, and a fixed cylinder portion 16 (see Fig. 8).

[0041] The main body 11 has a cylindrical shape extending in a first direction D1 along the axis L1. The first side wall 12 has a plate shape. The first side wall 12 seals a cylindrical opening 11a (see FIG. 8) at one end of the main body 11 in the first direction D1. An opening 10b is provided in the first side wall 12. The second side wall 13 has a plate shape. The second side wall 13 seals a cylindrical opening 11b (see FIG. 8) at the other end of the main body 11 in the first direction D1. The second side wall 13 faces the opening 10b provided in the first side wall 12. In this way, the resonance box 10 has a shape in which the portions other than the opening 10b are closed.

[0042] The cylindrical main body 11 has a flat portion 14 and a top wall portion 15. The flat portion 14 is generally plate-shaped. The flat portion 14 is formed in a generally rectangular plate shape that is long in the first direction D1 and short in the second direction D2. The flat portion 14 faces the mounting surface Ta of the tire T. The resonance sound absorber 1 is attached to the device mounting portion 50 of the support body 5 so that the flat portion 14 of the resonance box 10 faces the mounting surface Ta when the sound absorbing unit 100 is attached to the mounting surface Ta of the tire T. Specifically, the resonance sound absorber 1 is attached to the device mounting portion 50 so that the flat portion 14 of the resonance box 10 faces the first base portion 51a and the second base portion 51b.

[0043] The top wall portion 15 forms a hollow portion R between itself and the flat portion 14. The top wall portion 15 covers the hollow portion R from the side opposite the flat portion 14. Both ends of the top wall portion 15 in the second direction D2 (ends 15a and 15b) are connected to both ends of the flat portion 14 in the second direction D2 (ends 14a and 14b) respectively (see FIG. 9). The top wall portion 15 is curved in an arc shape when viewed along the first direction D1.

[0044] More specifically, as shown in Fig. 9, when viewed along the axis L1 (first direction D1), the top wall portion 15 has a shape that follows a cylindrical surface M whose axis is a central axis L2 that follows the axis L1. The cylindrical surface M whose axis is the central axis L2 is a cylindrical surface that surrounds the central axis L2 and is centered on the central axis L2. However, the top wall portion 15 is not limited to a shape that follows the cylindrical surface M completely. The top wall portion 15 may have any shape that is close to a shape that follows the cylindrical surface M.

[0045] 7 and 8, opening 10b provided in first side wall portion 12 is provided at a position closer to flat portion 14 than the position of center axis L2 of cylindrical surface M along which top wall portion 15 extends, when viewed along axis L1 (first direction D1). In other words, opening 10b is provided near the edge of first side wall portion 12 on the side connected to flat portion 14. Opening 10b is provided at a position closer to the edge of first side wall portion 12 connected to flat portion 14 than the edge connected to top wall portion 15.

[0046] The thickness of the flat portion 14 is thicker than the thickness of an upper wall portion 15c of the top wall portion 15 that faces the flat portion 14. The upper wall portion 15c is a portion of the top wall portion 15 that faces the flat portion 14 across the central axis L2. The upper wall portion 15c and the flat portion 14 face each other in the third direction D3. For example, the thickness of the flat portion 14 may be 1.1 times or more the thickness of the upper wall portion 15c of the top wall portion 15. For example, the thickness of the top wall portion 15 may be approximately 0.4 mm or less. Furthermore, the thickness of the second side wall portion 13 is thicker than the thickness of the upper wall portion 15c of the top wall portion 15. For example, the thickness of the second side wall portion 13 may be 1.1 times or more the thickness of the upper wall portion 15c of the top wall portion 15.

[0047] The flat portion 14 is provided with a first bead (bead) 14c and a second bead (bead) 14d extending along the first direction D1 (axis L1). The first bead 14c and the second bead 14d extend parallel to each other along the first direction D1. The first bead 14c and the second bead 14d provided on the flat portion 14 protrude toward the hollow portion R (inside the resonance box 10). As shown in FIG. 9 , for example, the first bead 14c protrudes toward the hollow portion R so that a cross section cut along a direction perpendicular to the axis L1 has a substantially arc shape. Similar to the first bead 14c, the second bead 14d also protrudes toward the hollow portion R so that the cross section has a substantially arc shape. However, the shapes of the first bead 14c and the second bead 14d are not limited to a substantially arc shape and may have other shapes. The first bead 14c and the second bead 14d may have any shape as long as they protrude toward the hollow portion R.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 8 , the fixed cylinder portion 16 is provided on the outer surface of the first side wall portion 12. The outer surface of the first side wall portion 12 is the surface of the resonance box 10 that faces outward. In other words, the outer surface of the first side wall portion 12 is also part of the outer surface 10a of the resonance box 10. The fixed cylinder portion 16 has a tubular shape. In this embodiment, the fixed cylinder portion 16 has a cylindrical shape, as an example. The fixed cylinder portion 16 communicates with an opening 10b provided in the first side wall portion 12. As a result, the hollow portion R within the resonance box 10 and the external space communicate with each other via the opening 10b provided in the first side wall portion 12 and the fixed cylinder portion 16.

[0049] The neck portion 20 is disposed within the resonance box 10. In this embodiment, the entire tube main body portion 21 of the neck portion 20 is disposed within the resonance box 10. However, the base end 20a of the neck portion 20 may extend outward from the resonance box 10 (here, the fixed tube portion 16). The neck portion 20 has a hollow portion 20c formed therein. The base end 20a and the tip end 20b of the neck portion 20 are open ends that expose the hollow portion 20c.

[0050] The neck portion 20 has a tube main body portion 21 and a folded portion 22. The tube main body portion 21 has a tubular shape that forms a hollow portion 20c inside. In this embodiment, the tube main body portion 21 has a cylindrical shape, as an example. The folded portion 22 has a cylindrical shape. The folded portion 22 is arranged at the base end 20a of the neck portion 20 so as to surround the tube main body portion 21. In this embodiment, the folded portion 22 has a cylindrical shape, as an example. A predetermined gap is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the tube main body portion 21 and the inner peripheral surface of the folded portion 22. The tube main body portion 21 and the folded portion 22 are connected to each other at the base end 20a of the neck portion 20. The fixed tube portion 16 of the resonance box 10 can be inserted into the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the tube main body portion 21 and the inner peripheral surface of the folded portion 22.

[0051] The neck portion 20 is inserted into the fixed cylinder portion 16 and the opening 10b of the resonance box 10 and is fixed to the resonance box 10, and extends into the hollow portion R of the resonance box 10. In other words, the tip 20b of the neck portion 20 is located within the hollow portion R. The neck portion 20 is inserted so as to extend in a direction along the axis L1. As a result, the hollow portion R of the resonance box 10 and the external space communicate with each other via the hollow portion 20c of the neck portion 20.

[0052] The neck portion 20 is inserted into the fixed cylinder portion 16 of the resonance box 10 and the opening 10b so that the fixed cylinder portion 16 of the resonance box 10 fits into the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder main body portion 21 and the inner peripheral surface of the folded portion 22. In other words, the cylinder main body portion 21 of the neck portion 20 is inserted into the fixed cylinder portion 16 of the resonance box 10 and the opening 10b. The neck portion 20 is fixed to the fixed cylinder portion 16 of the resonance box 10. The neck portion 20 and the fixed cylinder portion 16 of the resonance box 10 are fixed to each other by, for example, engaging a recess with a protrusion, engaging a thread with a screw groove, or by adhesive bonding. There are no particular limitations on the method for fixing the neck portion 20 to the fixed cylinder portion 16 of the resonance box 10.

[0053] As described above, opening 10b provided in first side wall 12 is located close to flat portion 14. Therefore, tube main body 21 of neck 20 inserted into opening 10b of first side wall 12 is located on or near the surface of flat portion 14. When viewed along third direction D3, tube main body 21 of neck 20 inserted into resonance box 10 is located between first bead 14c and second bead 14d (see FIG. 9).

[0054] As described above, the resonance box 10 and the neck portion 20 are separate components in the resonance sound absorber 1. The neck portion 20 is inserted into the fixed cylindrical portion 16 and the opening 10b of the resonance box 10, and is fixed to the fixed cylindrical portion 16 of the resonance box 10. This integrates the resonance box 10 and the neck portion 20.

[0055] For example, the resonance box 10 is required to be more rigid than the neck portion 20 so that the hollow portion R is not crushed by centrifugal force when the tire T rotates. Furthermore, the resonance sound absorber 1 is required to be lightweight overall. As such, the resonance sound absorber 1 is required to be able to respond to various conditions. In this embodiment, the resonance box 10 and the neck portion 20 of the resonance sound absorber 1 are separate components. Therefore, different materials can be used for the resonance box 10 and the neck portion 20 so that the respective requirements are met. Furthermore, different manufacturing methods can be used for the resonance box 10 and the neck portion 20 so that the respective requirements are met.

[0056] For example, the material forming the resonance box 10 may be a material that has a higher elastic modulus than the material forming the neck portion 20. This makes it possible to suppress deformation of the resonance box 10. The material forming the resonance box 10 may be a material that has a higher rigidity than the material forming the neck portion 20. This makes it possible to suppress deformation of the resonance box 10. The material forming the resonance box 10 may be a material that has a higher specific gravity than the material forming the neck portion 20. This makes it possible to reduce the weight of the neck portion 20.

[0057] For example, the materials of the resonance box 10 and the neck portion 20 may be thermoplastics such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polyacetal (POM), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), etc.; thermoplastic elastomers such as olefin-based (TPO), dynamically crosslinked (TPV), styrene-based (TPS), polyurethane-based (TPU), and polyester-based (TPEE); or vulcanized rubbers such as natural rubber (NR), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), butadiene rubber (BR), and chloroprene rubber (CR).

[0058] The resonance box 10 can be manufactured by blow molding, for example. In this case, the manufacturing method for the resonance box 10 of the resonance sound absorber 1 includes the steps of placing the material (parison) of the resonance box 10 in a mold in which a cavity corresponding to the outer shape of the resonance box 10 is formed, injecting gas into the material to form the resonance box 10 by blow molding, and removing the molded resonance box 10 from the mold. Note that the air outlet that injects gas into the material in the step of forming the resonance box 10 by blow molding serves as the opening 10b of the resonance box 10. By molding the resonance box 10 by blow molding, the resonance box 10 having the hollow portion R can be easily manufactured.

[0059] As described above, the resonance box 10 is formed by blow molding so as to satisfy various conditions, such as the condition for the position of the opening 10b provided in the first side wall 12, and the condition for the difference in thickness between the flat portion 14 and the second side wall 13 and the upper wall 15c of the top wall 15. Specifically, the resonance box 10 having the above-described configuration is obtained by adjusting, for example, the temperature and temperature distribution of the mold, the temperature and temperature distribution of the material of the resonance box 10, the position where air is supplied into the material placed in the mold (the position that becomes the opening 10b), the pressure of the gas supplied into the material placed in the mold, the temperature difference between the mold and the material, the dimensional difference between the mold and the material, the material of the resonance box 10, and the like.

[0060] The neck portion 20 may be manufactured by, for example, injection molding, extrusion molding, modeling using a 3D printer, salt coagulation, or the like. However, the manufacturing method for the neck portion 20 is not particularly limited. In this way, since the resonance box 10 and the neck portion 20 are separate components, they can be manufactured by different manufacturing methods.

[0061] Next, we will explain the manufacturing method of the resonance sound absorber 1. The manufacturing method of the resonance sound absorber 1 includes the steps of manufacturing the resonance box 10 having the opening 10b and the hollow portion R formed therein, manufacturing the hollow neck portion 20, and inserting the neck portion 20 into the opening 10b of the resonance box 10 and fixing the neck portion 20 to the resonance box 10. In this way, the resonance box 10 and the neck portion 20, which are separate components, are assembled to obtain the resonance sound absorber 1.

[0062] Here, the natural frequency of the sound absorbing unit 100 will be described. For example, the lower the rigidity of the support body 5, the more the resonance sound absorber 1 supported by the support body 5 vibrates, and the lower the overall natural frequency of the resonance sound absorber 1 and the support body 5. In this embodiment, the support body 5 is configured so that the overall natural frequency of the resonance sound absorber 1 and the support body 5 is 300 Hz or higher when the resonance sound absorber 1 is attached to the device mounting portion 50 of the support body 5 and the first base portion 51a and the second base portion 51b are fixed. Here, the shape and material of each part of the support body 5, the support rigidity of the support body 5 relative to the resonance sound absorber 1, and other factors are set so that the overall natural frequency is 300 Hz or higher. The natural frequency here refers to the natural frequency at room temperature (e.g., around 25°C). For example, the natural frequency here may be the natural frequency at the temperature inside the lumen S of the tire T before the vehicle starts running and before the temperature of the tire T increases due to vehicle running.

[0063] As described above, in the support body 5 of the sound absorbing unit 100, the device mounting portion 50 to which the resonant sound absorber 1 is attached is supported by the first leg portion 52a and the second leg portion 52b in a state spaced apart from the mounting surface Ta of the tire T. As a result, when the tread Tb of the tire T is deformed, the support body 5 can absorb (suppress) the stress input from the mounting surface Ta of the tire T to the first base portion 51a and the second base portion 51b in the first leg portion 52a and the second leg portion 52b.

[0064] Here, the thicker the thickness A of the first leg portion 52a and the second leg portion 52b, the smaller the deflection of the first leg portion 52a and the second leg portion 52b, and the more easily the stress input from the first base portion 51a and the second base portion 51b is transmitted to the device mounting portion 50. Furthermore, the narrower the distance B between the device mounting portion 50 and the mounting surface Ta of the tire T, that is, the shorter the first leg portion 52a and the second leg portion 52b rising from the first base portion 51a and the second base portion 51b, respectively, the more easily the stress input from the first base portion 51a and the second base portion 51b is transmitted to the device mounting portion 50. For this reason, in this support body 5, the distance B between the device mounting portion 50 supported by the first leg portion 52a and the second leg portion 52b and the mounting surface Ta of the tire T is at least twice the thickness A of the first leg portion 52a (second leg portion 52b).

[0065] In this case, the support body 5 can support the resonance sound absorber 1 at a distance from the mounting surface Ta of the tire T, while appropriately absorbing the stress input from the first base portion 51a and the second base portion 51b to the first leg portion 52a and the second leg portion 52b, respectively. In this way, even when the tread Tb of the tire T is deformed, the support body 5 can support the resonance sound absorber 1 at the mounting surface Ta of the inner cavity S of the tire T, while suppressing the application of stress to the resonance sound absorber 1.

[0066] There is no particular upper limit to how many times the distance B between the device mounting portion 50 and the mounting surface Ta of the tire T is relative to the thickness A of the first leg portion 52a. However, the rigidity of the support body 5 tends to decrease as the distance B between the device mounting portion 50 and the mounting surface Ta of the tire T increases relative to the thickness A of the first leg portion 52a. This increases the deformation of the support body 5 due to centrifugal force when the tire T rotates, and it is thought that the resonance sound absorber 1 is more likely to vibrate significantly in the radial direction of the tire T due to changes in centrifugal force. Furthermore, as described above, the rigidity of the support body 5 tends to increase as the distance B between the device mounting portion 50 and the mounting surface Ta of the tire T decreases relative to the thickness A of the first leg portion 52a. This makes it easier for stress input due to deformation of the tread Tb of the tire T to be transmitted to the resonance sound absorber 1. Therefore, in order to more appropriately support the resonant sound absorber 1 by the support body 5, as an example, the distance B between the device mounting portion 50 and the mounting surface Ta of the tire T may preferably be 2 times or more and 20 times or less, and more preferably 4 times or more and 10 times or less, relative to the thickness A of the first leg portion 52a (second leg portion 52b).

[0067] Furthermore, the support body 5 of the sound absorbing unit 100 has a ring-shaped device mounting portion 50. This allows the support body 5 to hold the resonant sound absorber 1 by surrounding the resonant sound absorber 1 with the device mounting portion 50.

[0068] In the support body 5, the device mounting portion 50 has a holding portion 50X where the inner surface 50a of the device mounting portion 50 abuts against the outer surface 10a of the resonance box 10 of the resonance sound absorber 1, and a separation portion 50Y where the inner surface 50a of the device mounting portion 50 is spaced apart from the outer surface 10a of the resonance box 10. The first leg portion 52a and the second leg portion 52b are connected to the outer surface 50b of the device mounting portion 50 at the separation portion 50Y. In this case, stresses input from the first base portion 51a and the second base portion 51b to the first leg portion 52a and the second leg portion 52b, respectively, due to deformation of the tread Tb of the tire T are input to the separation portion 50Y of the device mounting portion 50. The inner surface 50a of the separation portion 50Y of the device mounting portion 50 does not abut against the outer surface 10a of the resonance box 10 of the resonance sound absorber 1. Therefore, even if stress is input from the first leg 52a and the second leg 52b to the separated portion 50Y of the device mounting part 50, the stress is not directly input to the resonant sound absorber 1 held by the device mounting part 50. This allows the support body 5 to hold the resonant sound absorber 1 by the device mounting part 50 while further suppressing the transmission of stress to the resonant sound absorber 1.

[0069] The device mounting portion 50 of the support body 5 is elastically deformable. This allows the support body 5 to easily attach and detach the resonance sound absorber 1 while holding the resonance sound absorber 1 by the elastic force of the device mounting portion 50.

[0070] The device mounting portion 50 of the support body 5 has an annular shape. The device mounting portion 50 is supported by the first leg portion 52a and the second leg portion 52b so as to surround a reference line K2 that is perpendicular to a perpendicular line K1 to the mounting surface Ta of the tire T. The resonance sound absorber 1 attached to the mounting surface Ta of the tire T by the support body 5 is biased by centrifugal force in a direction toward the mounting surface Ta of the tire T, and is also biased in a direction away from the mounting surface Ta due to deformation of the tread Tb of the tire T. The device mounting portion 50 of the support body 5 is disposed so as to surround the reference line K2 that is perpendicular to the perpendicular line K1 to the mounting surface Ta of the tire T. In other words, the annular device mounting portion 50 is disposed so as to rise from the mounting surface Ta of the tire T. This allows the device mounting portion 50 to receive the resonance sound absorber 1 even when the resonance sound absorber 1 is biased by centrifugal force in a direction toward the mounting surface Ta. Furthermore, the device mounting portion 50 can receive the resonance sound absorber 1 even when the resonance sound absorber 1 is urged in a direction away from the mounting surface Ta due to deformation of the tread Tb of the tire T. In this way, the annular device mounting portion 50 allows the support body 5 to more appropriately hold the resonance sound absorber 1.

[0071] The support body 5 is configured so that the natural frequency of the entire resonant sound absorber 1 and the support body 5 is 300 Hz or higher. Here, vibrations caused by deformation of the tread Tb at the portion where the support body 5 is attached as the tire T rotates are input to the support body 5. Furthermore, air pressure fluctuations occur within the cavity S of the tire T as the shape of the tire T changes due to the rotation of the tire T. Therefore, as described above, the support body 5 is configured so that the natural frequency of the entire resonant sound absorber 1 and the support body 5 is 300 Hz or higher. This makes it possible to suppress the support body 5 from resonating with vibrations caused by deformation of the tread Tb at the portion where the support body 5 is attached. Furthermore, the support body can suppress resonating with air pressure fluctuations within the cavity S.

[0072] The support body 5 has a first base portion 51a and a second base portion 51b that are fixed to the mounting surface Ta of the tire T. The first base portion 51a protrudes from the end of the first leg portion 52a toward the opposite side to the second base portion 51b. The second base portion 51b protrudes from the end of the second leg portion 52b toward the opposite side to the first base portion 51a. In this case, the support body 5 can easily press the first base portion 51a and the second base portion 51b against the mounting surface Ta of the tire T without being obstructed by the device mounting portion 50.

[0073] (First modified example of the support) Next, a second modified example of the support body will be described. FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of a sound absorbing unit including a support body according to the first modified example, viewed from the opening side. As shown in FIG. 10, the sound absorbing unit 100A includes a resonant sound absorber 1 and a support body 5A. The support body 5A further includes a base connecting portion 51c in addition to the support body 5 of the above embodiment. The base connecting portion 51c connects the first base portion 51a and the second base portion 51b. In other words, the first base portion 51a, the second base portion 51b, and the base connecting portion 51c form a single plate. The first base portion 51a, the second base portion 51b, and the base connecting portion 51c are attached to the mounting surface Ta of the tire T in the same manner as the first base portion 51a and the like of the embodiment.

[0074] Even in this case, the support body 5A can support the resonance sound absorber 1 at the mounting surface Ta of the inner cavity S of the tire T while suppressing the application of stress to the resonance sound absorber 1 even when the tread Tb of the tire T is deformed.

[0075] (Second modified example of the support) Next, a second modified example of the support body will be described. FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of a sound absorbing unit including a support body according to the second modified example, viewed from the opening side. As shown in FIG. 11, the sound absorbing unit 100B includes a resonant sound absorber 1 and a support body 5B. The support body 5B extends along an axis L1, which is the direction in which the resonant sound absorber 1 extends. The support body 5B includes a device mounting part 60, a first base part 61a, a second base part 61b, a first leg part 62a, and a second leg part 62b. The resonant sound absorber 1 is attached to the device mounting part 60. The device mounting part 60 has a cylindrical shape extending along the axis L1. The device mounting part 60 surrounds and holds the resonant sound absorber 1. In this modified example, the resonant sound absorber 1 is entirely housed within the device mounting part 60. However, the device mounting part 60 is not limited to housing the entire resonant sound absorber 1. A part of the resonance sound absorber 1 may protrude from the device mounting part 60. The device mounting part 60 is elastically deformable. The device mounting part 60 can detachably hold the resonance sound absorber 1 by its elastic force.

[0076] The first base portion 61a and the second base portion 61b are plate-shaped and extend along the axis L1. The first base portion 61a and the second base portion 61b are attached to the mounting surface Ta of the tire T in a manner similar to that of the first base portion 51a in the embodiment. The first leg portion 62a connects the first base portion 61a to the device mounting portion 60. The first leg portion 62a rises from an end of the first base portion 61a. The tip of the first leg portion 62a in the rising direction is connected to the outer surface 60b of the device mounting portion 60. The second leg portion 62b connects the second base portion 61b to the device mounting portion 60. The second leg portion 62b rises from an end of the second base portion 61b. The tip of the second leg portion 62b in the rising direction is connected to the outer surface 60b of the device mounting portion 60.

[0077] The first leg portion 62a and the second leg portion 62b support the device mounting portion 60 so that the device mounting portion 60 is spaced apart from the mounting surface Ta of the tire T when the first base portion 61a and the second base portion 61b are attached to the mounting surface Ta of the tire T. In other words, the first leg portion 62a and the second leg portion 62b support the device mounting portion 60 so as to lift it up from the mounting surface Ta of the tire T. In this modified example, the distance B between the device mounting portion 60 supported by the first leg portion 62a and the second leg portion 62b and the mounting surface Ta of the tire T is at least twice the thickness A of the first leg portion 62a (second leg portion 62b).

[0078] The first base portion 61a protrudes from the end of the first leg portion 62a toward the opposite side to the second base portion 61b. The second base portion 61b protrudes from the end of the second leg portion 62b toward the opposite side to the first base portion 61a.

[0079] In the support body 5B of this modified example, the distance B between the device mounting portion 60 and the mounting surface Ta is at least twice the thickness A of the first leg portion 62a (second leg portion 62b). In this case, the support body 5B can support the resonance sound absorber 1 at a distance from the mounting surface Ta of the tire T, while appropriately absorbing stress input from the first base portion 61a and the second base portion 61b to the first leg portion 62a and the second leg portion 62b, respectively, at the first leg portion 62a and the second leg portion 62b. In this way, even when the tread Tb of the tire T is deformed, the support body 5B can support the resonance sound absorber 1 at the mounting surface Ta of the lumen S of the tire T, while suppressing application of stress to the resonance sound absorber 1.

[0080] (Third modified example of the support) Next, a third modified example of the support body will be described. FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of a sound absorbing unit including a support body according to the third modified example, viewed from the opening side. As shown in FIG. 12, the sound absorbing unit 100C includes a resonant sound absorber 1 and a support body 5C. The support body 5C includes a device mounting part 70, a base part 71, a first leg part 72a, a second leg part 72b, and a support wall part 73. The resonant sound absorber 1 is attached to the device mounting part 70. In this modified example, the device mounting part 70 is annular. The device mounting part 70 surrounds and holds the resonant sound absorber 1. The device mounting part 70 is elastically deformable. The device mounting part 70 can detachably hold the resonant sound absorber 1 by its elastic force.

[0081] The base portion 71 has a plate shape. The base portion 71 is attached to the mounting surface Ta of the tire T in the same manner as the first base portion 51a in the embodiment. The first leg portion 72a connects the base portion 71 to the device mounting portion 70. The first leg portion 72a rises from one end of the base portion 71. The tip of the first leg portion 72a in the rising direction is connected to the outer surface 70b of the device mounting portion 70. The second leg portion 72b connects the base portion 71 to the device mounting portion 70. The second leg portion 72b rises from the other end of the base portion 71. The tip of the second leg portion 72b in the rising direction is connected to the outer surface 70b of the device mounting portion 70.

[0082] The first leg portion 72a and the second leg portion 72b support the device mounting portion 70 so that the device mounting portion 70 is spaced away from the mounting surface Ta of the tire T when the base portion 71 is attached to the mounting surface Ta of the tire T. In other words, the first leg portion 72a and the second leg portion 72b support the device mounting portion 70 so as to lift it up from the mounting surface Ta of the tire T. In this modified example, the distance B between the device mounting portion 70 supported by the first leg portion 72a and the second leg portion 72b and the mounting surface Ta of the tire T is at least twice the thickness A of the first leg portion 72a (second leg portion 72b).

[0083] Similar to the device mounting unit 50 in the embodiment, the device mounting unit 70 is supported by a first leg 72a and a second leg 72b so as to rise from the mounting surface Ta. The base 71 is disposed so as to face the portion of the device mounting unit 70 on the mounting surface Ta side. The support wall 73 connects the base 71 and the device mounting unit 70. The support wall 73 rises from the base 71 between the first leg 72a and the second leg 72b. The tip of the support wall 73 in the rising direction is connected to the outer surface 70b of the device mounting unit 70 between the first leg 72a and the second leg 72b. The support wall 73 supports the portion of the device mounting unit 50 facing the base 71 (mounting surface Ta) relative to the base 71. In other words, the device mounting unit 70 is supported by the first leg 72a, the second leg 72b, and the support wall 73. In this modification, the distance B between the device attachment portion 70 supported by the first leg portion 72a and the like and the attachment surface Ta of the tire T is twice the thickness C of the support wall portion 73 or more.

[0084] In this modified example, two supports 5C are provided, for example. However, the number of supports 5C supporting the resonance sound absorber 1 is not limited to two. The two supports 5C are attached to portions near both ends of the resonance sound absorber 1, respectively. The two supports 5C support the portions near both ends of the resonance sound absorber 1 with respect to the mounting surface Ta of the tire T.

[0085] In the support body 5C of this modified example, the distance B between the device mounting portion 70 and the mounting surface Ta is at least twice the thickness A of the first leg portion 72a (second leg portion 72b). Similarly, in the support body 5C, the distance B between the device mounting portion 70 and the mounting surface Ta is at least twice the thickness C of the support wall portion 73. In this case, the support body 5C can support the resonance sound absorber 1 at a distance from the mounting surface Ta of the tire T while appropriately absorbing stress input from the base portion 71 to the first leg portion 72a, the second leg portion 72b, and the support wall portion 73 in the first leg portion 72a, the second leg portion 72b, and the support wall portion 73. In this way, even when the tread Tb of the tire T is deformed, the support body 5C can support the resonance sound absorber 1 at the mounting surface Ta of the tire cavity S of the tire T while suppressing application of stress to the resonance sound absorber 1.

[0086] (Fourth modified example of the support) Next, a fourth modified example of the support body will be described. Fig. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a sound absorbing unit including a support body according to the fourth modified example, viewed from the opening side. Fig. 14 is a schematic perspective view of a sound absorbing unit including a support body according to the fourth modified example, viewed from the base side. As shown in Figs. 13 and 14, the sound absorbing unit 100D includes a resonant sound absorber 1 and a support body 5D. The support body 5D includes a first support portion 501, a second support portion 502, and a support connecting portion 503. The first support portion 501 and the second support portion 502 are each attached to the resonant sound absorber 1. The support connecting portion 503 connects the first support portion 501 and the second support portion 502.

[0087] The first support part 501 includes a device mounting part 510, a first base part 511a, a second base part 511b, a first leg part 512a, and a second leg part 512b. The configurations of the device mounting part 510, the first base part 511a, the second base part 511b, the first leg part 512a, and the second leg part 512b correspond to the configurations of the device mounting part 50, the first base part 51a, the second base part 51b, the first leg part 52a, and the second leg part 52b of the support body 5 in the above embodiment, respectively. For this reason, detailed description of the device mounting part 510 and other components of the first support part 501 will be omitted. The device mounting part 510 of the first support part 501 holds the vicinity of the end part of the resonant sound absorber 1 on the side where the neck part 20 is provided.

[0088] The second support part 502 includes a device mounting part 520, a first base part 521a, a second base part 521b, a first leg part 522a, and a second leg part 522b. The configurations of the device mounting part 520, the first base part 521a, the second base part 521b, the first leg part 522a, and the second leg part 522b correspond to the configurations of the device mounting part 50, the first base part 51a, the second base part 51b, the first leg part 52a, and the second leg part 52b of the support body 5 in the above embodiment, respectively. Therefore, detailed description of the device mounting part 520 and other parts of the second support part 502 will be omitted. The device mounting part 520 of the second support part 502 holds the vicinity of the end part of the resonant sound absorber 1 opposite to the side where the neck part 20 is provided.

[0089] The support connecting portion 503 is disposed between the first support portion 501 and the second support portion 502. The support connecting portion 503 includes a support connecting portion 530, a first connecting base portion 531a, a second connecting base portion 531b, a first leg portion 532a, and a second leg portion 532b. The support connecting portion 530 is plate-shaped and extends along the axis L1. The support connecting portion 530 faces the flat portion 14 of the resonant sound absorber 1 supported by the support body 5D, and supports the flat portion 14. The support connecting portion 530 connects the device mounting portion 510 of the first support portion 501 and the device mounting portion 520 of the second support portion 502.

[0090] The first connecting base portion 531a and the second connecting base portion 531b are plate-shaped and extend along the axis L1. The first connecting base portion 531a and the second connecting base portion 531b are attached to the mounting surface Ta of the tire T in the same manner as the first base portion 51a in the embodiment. The first connecting base portion 531a connects the first base portion 511a of the first support portion 501 to the first base portion 521a of the second support portion 502. The second connecting base portion 531b connects the second base portion 511b of the first support portion 501 to the second base portion 521b of the second support portion 502.

[0091] The first leg 532a connects the first connecting base 531a and the support connecting part 530. The first leg 532a stands upright from the first connecting base 531a. The tip of the first leg 532a in the rising direction is connected to the support connecting part 530. The second leg 532b connects the second connecting base 531b and the support connecting part 530. The second leg 532b stands upright from the second connecting base 531b. The tip of the second leg 532b in the rising direction is connected to the support connecting part 530.

[0092] Additionally, beads 533 are provided on the support connecting portion 503. Specifically, the beads 533 are provided on the first leg portion 532a, the support connecting portion 530, and the second leg portion 532b so as to connect the first connecting base portion 531a and the second connecting base portion 531b. The beads 533 are provided so as to cross the first leg portion 532a, the support connecting portion 530, and the second leg portion 532b. In this modified example, the beads 533 are provided on the first leg portion 532a, etc. so as to protrude toward the mounting surface Ta of the tire T (the side opposite to the resonant sound absorber 1). As an example, the beads 533 protrude toward the mounting surface Ta of the tire T so that a cross section cut along the axis L1 direction has a substantially arc shape.

[0093] 13, in support 5D of this modification, distance B between device mounting portion 510 and mounting surface Ta is at least twice the thickness A of first leg portion 512a (second leg portion 512b) of first support portion 501. Similarly, distance B between device mounting portion 520 and mounting surface Ta is at least twice the thickness A of first leg portion 522a (second leg portion 522b) of second support portion 502. Furthermore, in support connecting portion 503, distance B between support connecting portion 530 and mounting surface Ta may be at least twice the thickness A of first leg portion 532a (second leg portion 532b) of support connecting portion 503.

[0094] In this case, the first support portion 501 of the support body 5D can support the resonance sound absorber 1 at a distance from the mounting surface Ta of the tire T, while appropriately absorbing the stress input from the first base portion 511a and the second base portion 511b to the first leg portion 512a and the second leg portion 512b, respectively. Similarly, the first leg portion 522a and the second leg portion 522b of the second support portion 502 and the first leg portion 532a and the second leg portion 532b of the support connecting portion 503 can support the resonance sound absorber 1 while appropriately absorbing the stress. In this way, even when the tread Tb of the tire T is deformed, the support body 5D can support the resonance sound absorber 1 at the mounting surface Ta of the lumen S of the tire T, while suppressing the application of stress to the resonance sound absorber 1.

[0095] (Fifth modified example of the support) Next, a fifth modified example of the support body will be described. FIG. 15 is a schematic front view of a sound absorbing unit including a support body according to the fifth modified example, viewed from the opening side. As shown in FIG. 15, the sound absorbing unit 100E includes a resonant sound absorber 1 and a support body 5E. The support body 5E includes a device mounting portion 50E, a first base portion 51a, a second base portion 51b, a first leg portion 52a, and a second leg portion 52b. The device mounting portion 50E is, for example, plate-shaped. The resonant sound absorber 1 is attached to the device mounting portion 50E. Unlike the device mounting portion 50 of the above embodiment, the device mounting portion 50E of this modified example does not surround the resonant sound absorber 1. The flat portion 14 of the resonant sound absorber 1 is attached to the device mounting portion 50E using, for example, double-sided tape or adhesive with adhesive surfaces on both sides. However, the attachment structure between the device mounting portion 50E and the resonant sound absorber 1 is not particularly limited. For example, the device attachment portion 50E and the resonant sound absorber 1 may be connected to each other by engaging claws (engagement portions) or the like.

[0096] The first leg portion 52a connects the first base portion 51a and the device mounting portion 50E. The second leg portion 52b connects the second base portion 51b and the device mounting portion 50E. In the support body 5E of this modified example, the distance B between the device mounting portion 50E and the mounting surface Ta of the tire T is at least twice the thickness A of the first leg portion 52a (second leg portion 52b).

[0097] In this case, the support body 5E can support the resonance sound absorber 1 at a distance from the mounting surface Ta of the tire T, while appropriately absorbing the stress input from the first base portion 51a and the second base portion 51b to the first leg portion 52a and the second leg portion 52b, respectively. In this way, even when the tread Tb of the tire T is deformed, the support body 5E can support the resonance sound absorber 1 at the mounting surface Ta of the inner cavity S of the tire T, while suppressing the application of stress to the resonance sound absorber 1.

[0098] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the above-described supports 5, 5A to 5E can support functional devices other than the resonant sound absorber 1 on the mounting surface Ta of the tire T. In other words, the above-described supports may be used in a functional device unit including a functional device and a support that supports the functional device. The functional device supported by the support may be, for example, various components for sensing the tire T. The functional device may be, for example, a power generation device, a sensor device, a secondary battery, a capacitor, an antenna device, a transmitter, a processor, a memory, a circuit, etc. In this way, the support can support various functional devices installed within the mounting surface Ta of the lumen S of the tire T. The type of functional device is not particularly limited.

[0099] 3 and the like, the first leg 52a may extend linearly or curved from the device mounting portion 50 toward the first base portion 51a. Similarly, the second leg 52b may extend linearly or curved from the device mounting portion 50 toward the second base portion 51b. Similarly, the legs of the support body described as modified examples may extend linearly or curved from the device mounting portion toward the base portion.

[0100] 3 and the like, the first leg 52a and the second leg 52b are not limited to being connected to the outer surface 50b of the separated region 50Y of the device mounting part 50. The first leg 52a and the second leg 52b may be connected to any location on the outer surface 50b of the device mounting part 50. Similarly, the legs of the support body described as a modified example are not limited to being connected to the illustrated positions on the device mounting part.

[0101] 3 and the like, the distance between the first leg portion 52a and the second leg portion 52b may increase from the device attachment portion 50 toward the first base portion 51a and the second base portion 51b. Similarly, the distance between the legs of the support body described as a modified example may also increase toward the base portion.

[0102] The gist of the present disclosure is as follows. [1] A support attached to a mounting surface of a tire cavity and supporting a functional device relative to the mounting surface, a device mounting portion to which the functional device is attached; a base portion attached to the mounting surface; a leg portion that connects the device attachment portion and the base portion and that stands up from the base portion, the leg portion supports the device mounting portion so that the device mounting portion is spaced apart from the mounting surface when the base portion is attached to the mounting surface; A support body, wherein the distance between the device mounting portion supported by the leg portion and the mounting surface is at least twice the thickness of the leg portion. [2] A support attached to a mounting surface of a tire cavity and supporting a functional device relative to the mounting surface, a device mounting portion that surrounds and holds the functional device; a base portion attached to the mounting surface; a leg portion that connects the device attachment portion and the base portion and that stands up from the base portion, The leg portion supports the device mounting portion so that the device mounting portion is spaced apart from the mounting surface when the base portion is attached to the mounting surface. [3] The device mounting portion is a holding portion where an inner surface of the device mounting portion abuts against an outer surface of the functional device; a separation portion where the inner surface of the device attachment portion is separated from the outer surface of the functional device, The support body according to [2] above, wherein the leg portion is connected to the outer surface of the device mounting portion at the separated portion. [4] The support according to [2] or [3] above, wherein the device mounting portion is elastically deformable and detachably holds the functional device. [5] A support according to any one of [2] to [4] above, wherein the device mounting portion is annular and is supported by the legs so as to surround a reference line that is perpendicular to the normal to the mounting surface. [6] A support according to any one of [1] to [5] above, configured so that when the functional device is attached to the device mounting portion and the base portion is fixed, the natural frequency of the entire functional device and the support is 300 Hz or more. [7] The base portion includes a first base portion and a second base portion; the leg portion includes a first leg portion that connects the device mounting portion and the first base portion and stands up from the first base portion, and a second leg portion that connects the device mounting portion and the second base portion and stands up from the second base portion, the first base portion extends from an end of the first leg portion toward an opposite side to the second base portion, The support according to any one of the above [1] to [6], wherein the second base portion protrudes from the end of the second leg portion toward the opposite side to the first base portion. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1... resonant sound absorber (functional device), 10a... outer surface of resonant sound absorber (functional device), 5, 5A to 5E... support body, 50, 50E, 60, 70, 510, 520... device mounting portion, 50a... inner surface of device mounting portion, 50b, 60b, 70b... outer surface of device mounting portion, 50X... holding portion, 50Y... separation portion, 51a, 61a, 511a, 521a... first base portion (base base portion), 51b, 61b, 511b, 521b...second base portion (base portion), 52a, 62a, 72a, 512a, 522a...first leg portion (leg portion), 52b, 62b, 72b, 512b, 522b...second leg portion (leg portion), 71...base portion, A...thickness of leg portion, B...distance between device mounting portion and mounting surface, K1...perpendicular line, K2...reference line, S...inner cavity, T...tire, Ta...mounting surface.

Claims

1. A support attached to a mounting surface of a tire cavity and supporting a functional device relative to the mounting surface, a device mounting portion to which the functional device is attached; a base portion attached to the mounting surface; a leg portion that connects the device attachment portion and the base portion and that stands up from the base portion, the leg portion supports the device mounting portion so that the device mounting portion is spaced apart from the mounting surface when the base portion is attached to the mounting surface; A support body, wherein the distance between the device mounting portion supported by the leg portion and the mounting surface is at least twice the thickness of the leg portion.

2. A support attached to a mounting surface of a tire cavity and supporting a functional device relative to the mounting surface, a device mounting portion that surrounds and holds the functional device; a base portion attached to the mounting surface; a leg portion that connects the device attachment portion and the base portion and that stands up from the base portion, The leg portion supports the device mounting portion so that the device mounting portion is spaced apart from the mounting surface when the base portion is attached to the mounting surface.

3. The device mounting portion includes: a holding portion where an inner surface of the device mounting portion abuts against an outer surface of the functional device; a separation portion where the inner surface of the device attachment portion is separated from the outer surface of the functional device, The support body according to claim 2 , wherein the leg portion is connected to an outer surface of the device mounting portion at the spaced apart portion.

4. The support according to claim 2 , wherein the device attachment portion is elastically deformable and detachably holds the functional device.

5. The support according to claim 2 , wherein the device mounting portion has an annular shape and is supported by the legs so as to surround a reference line that is perpendicular to a line perpendicular to the mounting surface.

6. The support body according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support body is configured so that when the functional device is attached to the device mounting portion and the base portion is fixed, the natural frequency of the entire functional device and the support body is 300 Hz or more.

7. the base portion includes a first base portion and a second base portion; the leg portion includes a first leg portion that connects the device mounting portion and the first base portion and stands up from the first base portion, and a second leg portion that connects the device mounting portion and the second base portion and stands up from the second base portion, the first base portion extends from an end of the first leg portion toward a side opposite to the second base portion, The support according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second base portion projects from the end of the second leg portion toward a side opposite to the first base portion.

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