Pneumatic tires

Abstract

To provide a pneumatic tire that can suppress foreign matters from adhering to and remaining in a side block.SOLUTION: The pneumatic tire comprises side walls 22 extending in a tire radial direction. The side wall 22 comprises a first side block 6 protruding outward in a tire axial direction. The first side block 6 comprises: a first region 11 arranged on an innermost side in the tire radial direction of the first side block 6; a second region 12 consecutively arranged on an outer side in the tire radial direction of the first region 11; and a third region 13 consecutively arranged on an outer side in the tire radial direction of the second region 12. The second region 12 protrudes more than the first region 11 and the third region 13 protrudes more than the second region 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, for example, pneumatic tires have sidewalls extending in the tire radial direction, and the sidewalls have side blocks protruding outward in the tire axial direction (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). The side blocks can improve traction performance (for example, the ability to generate traction when the surface or edge components of the side blocks come into contact with snow, mud, sand, rocks, etc.).

[0003] Incidentally, for example, when a vehicle travels on a snowy road or a rough road (for example, a muddy, sandy, or rocky area), foreign matter such as snow or soil (sand, mud, etc.) may adhere to the side block. If foreign matter remains on the side block, for example, the vehicle may not be able to fully exert traction performance when traveling on a snowy road or a rough road. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-121876 A [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-3948 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a pneumatic tire that can suppress foreign matter from adhering to and remaining on side blocks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The pneumatic tire has a sidewall extending in a tire radial direction, the sidewall having a first side block protruding outward in the tire axial direction, the first side block having a first region positioned on the innermost side in the tire radial direction of the first side block, a second region connected to the outer side of the first region in the tire radial direction, and a third region connected to the outer side of the second region in the tire radial direction, the second region protruding further than the first region and the third region protruding further than the second region. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main portion of a tire meridian plane of a pneumatic tire according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main portion of a pneumatic tire according to the embodiment; [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a side view of a main portion of a pneumatic tire according to the embodiment; [Figure 4] Enlarged view of the main part of Figure 2 [Diagram 5] Enlarged view of the main part of Figure 3 [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a front view of a first side block according to the embodiment; [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view of the main part taken along line VII-VII in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, one embodiment of a pneumatic tire will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. Note that in each figure, the dimensional ratios in the drawing do not necessarily match the actual dimensional ratios, and the dimensional ratios between the drawings do not necessarily match either.

[0009] The dimensional values, positional relationships, and size relationships described below were measured in a normal unloaded state with a pneumatic tire (hereinafter simply referred to as "tire") 1 mounted on a normal rim and inflated to normal internal pressure. A normal rim is a rim that is determined for each tire 1 by a standard system that includes the standard on which the tire 1 is based, and is, for example, a standard rim for JATMA and a "Measuring Rim" for TRA and ETRTO.

[0010] In addition, the normal internal pressure is the air pressure set for each tire 1 by each standard in the standard system including the standard on which tire 1 is based, and in the case of JATMA, it is the maximum air pressure, in the case of TRA, it is the maximum value listed in the table "TIRE LOAD LIMITS AT VARIOUS COLD INFLATION PRESSURES", and in the case of ETRTO, it is "INFLATION PRESSURE".

[0011] In each drawing, the first direction D1 is the tire axial direction D1 parallel to the tire rotation axis, the second direction D2 is the tire radial direction D2 which is the diameter direction of the tire 1, and the third direction D3 is the tire circumferential direction D3 which is the direction around the tire rotation axis. The tire equatorial plane S1 is a plane perpendicular to the tire rotation axis and located at the center of the tire axial direction D1, and the tire meridian planes S2 to S5 are planes which include the tire rotation axis and are perpendicular to the tire equatorial plane S1.

[0012] In the tire axial direction D1, the inner side refers to the side closer to the tire equatorial plane S1, and the outer side refers to the side farther from the tire equatorial plane S1. In the tire radial direction D2, the inner side refers to the side closer to the tire rotation axis, and the outer side refers to the side farther from the tire rotation axis. In the tire circumferential direction D3, the first side D31 is also referred to as the first circumferential side D31, and the second side D32 is also referred to as the second circumferential side D32.

[0013] 1, the tire 1 may include, for example, a pair of bead portions 21, sidewalls 22 extending outward in the tire radial direction D2 from each bead portion 21, and a tread 23 connected to the outer ends of each of the pair of sidewalls 22, 22 in the tire radial direction D2 and having a tread surface 23a in contact with the ground on the outer side in the tire radial direction D2. The tire 1 may be mounted on a rim (not shown), for example.

[0014] The bead portion 21 may include, for example, a bead core 21a formed in an annular shape and a bead filler 21b arranged on the outer side of the bead core 21a in the tire radial direction D2. For example, the bead core 21a may be formed by stacking rubber-coated bead wires (for example, metal wires), and the bead filler 21b may be formed by tapering hard rubber toward the outer side in the tire radial direction D2.

[0015] The tire 1 may also include, for example, a carcass 24 that is bridged between the pair of bead cores 21a, 21a, and an inner liner 25 that is disposed inside the carcass 24 and faces the internal space of the tire 1 that is filled with air. The carcass 24 and the inner liner 25 may be disposed along the inner circumference of the tire, for example, across the bead portion 21, the sidewall 22, and the tread 23.

[0016] The bead portion 21 may include, for example, a rim strip rubber 21c arranged on the outside of the carcass 24 in the tire axial direction D1 to form an outer surface that contacts the rim. Also, the sidewall 22 may include, for example, a sidewall rubber 22a arranged on the outside of the carcass 24 in the tire axial direction D1 to form an outer surface.

[0017] The tread 23 may include, for example, a tread rubber 23b constituting the tread surface 23a, and a belt 23c disposed between the tread rubber 23b and the carcass 24. The belt 23c may include a plurality of (four in FIG. 1) belt plies 23d. For example, the belt ply 23d may include a plurality of belt cords (e.g., organic fiber or metal) arranged in parallel, and a topping rubber covering the belt cords.

[0018] The carcass 24 may be composed of at least one (two in FIG. 1) carcass ply 24a. For example, the carcass ply 24a may be folded back around the bead core 21a so as to wrap around the bead core 21a. Also, the carcass ply 24a may include, for example, a plurality of ply cords (e.g., organic fibers or metals) arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the tire circumferential direction D3, and a topping rubber covering the ply cords.

[0019] The inner liner 25 may be configured to have an excellent function of preventing gas permeation in order to maintain air pressure. Note that, in the sidewall 22, as in this embodiment, the inner liner 25 may be configured to be in close contact with the inner periphery of the carcass 24, with no other member interposed between the inner liner 25 and the carcass 24.

[0020] Also, for example, with respect to the distance between the carcass ply 24a disposed on the innermost side and the tire inner circumferential surface (the inner circumferential surface of the inner liner 25), the distance of the sidewall 22 may be 90% to 180% of the distance of the tread 23. Also, for example, the distance of the sidewall 22 may be 120% to 160% of the distance of the tread 23.

[0021] The sidewall 22 has a position 22b on its outer surface that is the same as the tire maximum width position (specifically, the position where the distance W1 between the outer sides of the carcass 24 in the tire axial direction D1 is the maximum) in the tire radial direction D2. Hereinafter, this position 22b will be referred to as the tire maximum width position 22b.

[0022] Further, the sidewall 22 has a position 22c on its outer surface that is the same in the tire radial direction D2 as the outer end 21d of the bead filler 21b. Hereinafter, the position 22c is referred to as a bead end position 22c.

[0023] 1 and 2, the tread rubber 23b may include a plurality of main grooves 23e extending continuously in the tire circumferential direction D3 over the entire area of ​​the tread surface 23a in the tire circumferential direction D3. The tread rubber 23b may include a plurality of width grooves 23f extending from a main groove (also called a "shoulder main groove") 23e disposed on the outermost side in the tire axial direction D1 to an outer end in the tire axial direction D1, and a plurality of tread blocks 2 partitioned by the shoulder main groove 23e and the plurality of width grooves 23f.

[0024] 2, the sidewall rubber 22a may include an annular projection 3 protruding outward in the tire axial direction D1 and a buttress block 4 protruding outward in the tire axial direction D1, as in this embodiment. In addition, the sidewall rubber 22a preferably includes a side block 5 protruding outward in the tire axial direction D1, as in this embodiment.

[0025] The annular protrusion 3 may extend continuously in the tire circumferential direction D3 over the entire area of ​​the sidewall rubber 22a in the tire circumferential direction D3. For example, the dimension of the annular protrusion 3 in the tire radial direction D2 may be constant (including not only the same but also approximately the same with a difference of ±10%; the same applies below) over the tire circumferential direction D3. Also, for example, the protruding height of the annular protrusion 3 may be constant over the tire circumferential direction D3.

[0026] The buttress blocks 4 and the side blocks 5 may each be arranged in multiples along the tire circumferential direction D3. The buttress blocks 4 may be arranged, for example, on the outer side of the annular protrusion 3 in the tire radial direction D2, and the side blocks 5 may be arranged, for example, on the inner side of the annular protrusion 3 in the tire radial direction D2.

[0027] In this embodiment, the inner ends of the buttress blocks 4 in the tire radial direction D2 are connected to the annular protrusion 3, but may be separated from the annular protrusion 3, for example. In addition, the outer ends of the side blocks 5 in the tire radial direction D2 are connected to the annular protrusion 3, but may be separated from the annular protrusion 3, for example.

[0028] The annular projection 3, buttress blocks 4, and side blocks 5 are preferably disposed, for example, outboard of the bead end position 22c (see FIG. 1) in the tire radial direction D2. Furthermore, the annular projection 3, buttress blocks 4, and side blocks 5 are further preferably disposed, for example, as in this embodiment, outboard of the tire maximum width position 22b (see FIG. 1) in the tire radial direction D2.

[0029] As a result, the annular projection 3, buttress blocks 4 and side blocks 5 can make contact with the ground when the tire 1 sinks due to the weight of the vehicle on snowy roads, muddy ground, sandy ground, etc. and is buried in snow, mud, sand, etc., or when on rocky ground, the annular projection 3, buttress blocks 4 and side blocks 5 can make contact with the ground on uneven rocks. In other words, the annular projection 3, buttress blocks 4 and side blocks 5 make contact with the ground on rough roads such as snowy roads, muddy ground, sandy ground, rocky ground, etc.

[0030] For example, when the annular projection 3, buttress blocks 4, and side blocks 5 shear snow, mud, sand, etc., traction is generated by the resistance of the shear. Also, for example, when the annular projection 3, buttress blocks 4, and side blocks 5 come into contact with rocks, traction is generated by the friction of the contact. In this way, the annular projection 3, buttress blocks 4, and side blocks 5 can improve traction performance when the vehicle travels on snowy or rough roads.

[0031] In addition, the annular projection 3, buttress blocks 4, and side blocks 5 are preferably disposed on the inside of the tread surface 23a in the tire radial direction D2, as in the present embodiment, for example. As a result, the annular projection 3, buttress blocks 4, and side blocks 5 do not come into contact with the ground during normal running on flat roads.

[0032] Here, the positional relationship in the tire circumferential direction D3 of the tread blocks 2, buttress blocks 4, and side blocks 5 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Note that the positional relationship in the tire circumferential direction D3 of the tread blocks 2, buttress blocks 4, and side blocks 5 is not limited to the following configuration.

[0033] For example, a first tread block 2a and a second tread block 2b are arranged in order toward the first circumferential side D31, and a first buttress block 4a, a second buttress block 4b, a third buttress block 4c, and a fourth buttress block 4d are arranged in order toward the first circumferential side D31. The first and second buttress blocks 4a, 4b and the third and fourth buttress blocks 4c, 4d may be partitioned by partitioning grooves 2c of the tread blocks 2, respectively.

[0034] For example, the first buttress block 4a and the first tread block 2a may intersect with a common first tire meridian plane S2, and the second buttress block 4b and the first tread block 2a may intersect with a common second tire meridian plane S3. Also, for example, the third buttress block 4c and the second tread block 2b may intersect with a common third tire meridian plane S4, and the fourth buttress block 4d and the second tread block 2b may intersect with a common fourth tire meridian plane S5.

[0035] In contrast, it is preferable that the side block 5 intersects with the second tire meridian plane S3 and the third tire meridian plane S4, respectively. Specifically, it is preferable that the side block 5 is disposed so as to intersect with the tire meridian planes S3 and S4 common to the first and second tread blocks 2a and 2b adjacent to each other in the tire circumferential direction D3.

[0036] This allows the position of the edge of the side block 5 (for example, an edge extending in the tire radial direction D2) to be shifted in the tire circumferential direction D3 from the position of the edge of the tread block 2 (for example, an edge of the width groove 23f extending in the tire radial direction D2). Therefore, for example, traction can be effectively generated over the entire area in the tire circumferential direction D3.

[0037] Next, the configuration of the side block 5 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Note that the configuration of the side block 5 is not limited to the following configuration.

[0038] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the side block 5 includes, for example, a first side block 6, a second side block 7 adjacent to the first side block 6 with a gap on a first circumferential side D31 of the first side block 6, and a third side block 8 adjacent to the first side block 6 with a gap on a second circumferential side D32 of the first side block 6.

[0039] That is, the third side block 8, the first side block 6, and the second side block 7 are arranged consecutively in this order toward the first circumferential side D31. As a result, the second side block 7 and the third side block 8 sandwich the first side block 6 in the tire circumferential direction D3.

[0040] For example, the inner ends of the second and third side blocks 7, 8 in the tire radial direction D2 are preferably disposed more inward in the tire radial direction D2 than the inner end of the first side block 6 in the tire radial direction D2. This makes it possible to effectively generate traction by the region in the tire radial direction D2 where the first side block 6 is not present, i.e., the inner region in the tire radial direction D2 of the second and third side blocks 7, 8.

[0041] Moreover, for example, the dimension in the tire radial direction D2 of the second and third side blocks 7, 8 can be made larger than the dimension in the tire radial direction D2 of the first side block 6. This makes it possible to lengthen the edge lengths of the second and third side blocks 7, 8, so that, for example, the second and third side blocks 7, 8 can effectively generate traction.

[0042] The second and third side blocks 7, 8 may also have grooves 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, for example, which can increase the edge length of the second and third side blocks 7, 8, allowing the second and third side blocks 7, 8 to generate traction more effectively.

[0043] Also, the second and third side blocks 7, 8 may have, for example, the first grooves 7a, 8a and the second grooves 7b, 8b wider than the first grooves 7a, 8a, as in the present embodiment. Although not particularly limited, for example, the width of the first grooves 7a, 8a may be constant over the entire length, and the width of the second grooves 7b, 8b may be wider toward the inside in the tire radial direction D2.

[0044] For example, the first grooves 7a, 8a may include outer groove portions 7c, 8c extending along the tire radial direction D2 and inner groove portions 7d, 8d extending toward the first circumferential side D31 as they move inward in the tire radial direction D2. Also, for example, the second grooves 7b, 8b may include outer groove portions 7e, 8e extending along the tire radial direction D2 and inner groove portions 7f, 8f extending toward the second circumferential side D32 as they move inward in the tire radial direction D2.

[0045] As a result, the grooves 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b extend in a curved manner, which makes it possible to lengthen the edge length of each of the grooves 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b. Moreover, the inner groove portions 7d, 8d of the first grooves 7a, 8a and the inner groove portions 7f, 8f of the second grooves 7b, 8b are inclined in opposite directions with respect to the tire circumferential direction D3, which makes it possible to effectively generate traction by the grooves 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b regardless of the rotation direction of the tire 1.

[0046] The second side block 7 may include, for example, a flat top surface 7g, a circumferential side surface 7h connected to the second circumferential side D32 of the top surface 7g, and an edge 7i formed at the boundary between the top surface 7g and the circumferential side surface 7h and extending in the tire radial direction D2. The circumferential side surface 7h may be connected to the outer surface of the sidewall 22 and the top surface 7g while intersecting each other.

[0047] The third side block 8 may include, for example, a flat top surface 8g, a circumferential side surface 8h connected to the first circumferential side D31 of the top surface 8g, and an edge 8i formed at the boundary between the top surface 8g and the circumferential side surface 8h and extending in the tire radial direction D2. The circumferential side surface 8h may be connected to the outer surface of the sidewall 22 and the top surface 8g while intersecting each other.

[0048] In this embodiment, it is preferable that the edge 7i of the second side block 7 has an inclined portion 7j that slopes toward the second circumferential side D32 as it moves inward in the tire radial direction D2, and the edge 8i of the third side block 8 has an inclined portion 8j that slopes toward the first circumferential side D31 as it moves inward in the tire radial direction D2.

[0049] This allows the edges 7i, 8i of the second and third side blocks 7, 8 to be longer, so that the edges 7i, 8i of the second and third side blocks 7, 8 can effectively generate traction. Moreover, the inclined portions 7j, 8j of the second and third side blocks 7, 8 approach each other as they move toward the inside in the tire radial direction D2. Therefore, for example, the inclined portions 7j, 8j cooperate with each other to generate traction for climbing over rocks, snow, mud, and the like.

[0050] In this way, for example, the dimensions of the second and third side blocks 7, 8 in the tire radial direction D2 are increased, and the second and third side blocks 7, 8 are provided with the inclined portions 7j, 8j, thereby improving the traction performance. However, with this configuration, foreign objects such as rocks, snow, and mud tend to adhere between the second and third side blocks 7, 8.

[0051] Therefore, the configuration of the first side block 6 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7. Note that the configuration of the first side block 6 is not limited to the following configuration.

[0052] 5 and 6, the first side block 6 may include, for example, a first region 11, a second region 12, a third region 13, and a fourth region 14 that are successively arranged in this order from the innermost region to the outermost region in the tire radial direction D2. The first to third regions 11, 12, and 13 may be arranged to extend along the tire circumferential direction D3.

[0053] It is preferable that each region 11, 12, 13, 14 has, for example, a flat top surface 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a, a radially inner side surface 11b, 12b, 13b, 14b connected to the inside of the top surface 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a in the tire radial direction D2, and a radially inner end edge 11c, 12c, 13c, 14c formed at the boundary between the top surface 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a and the radially inner side surface 11b, 12b, 13b, 14b and extending in the tire circumferential direction D3.

[0054] For example, as in this embodiment, it is preferable that the second region 12 protrudes more than the first region 11, the third region 13 protrudes more than the second region 12, and the fourth region 14 protrudes more than the third region 13. As a result, the first side block 6 has a stepped portion formed by the first to fourth regions 11, 12, 13, and 14, for example.

[0055] Specifically, a step is formed between the fourth region 14 and the third region 13 such that the fourth region 14 is higher, a step is formed between the third region 13 and the second region 12 such that the third region 13 is higher, and a step is formed between the second region 12 and the first region 11 such that the second region 12 is higher.

[0056] When the tire 1 rotates and the vicinity of the first side block 6 comes into contact with the ground, the radially inner edges 11c, 12c, 13c, and 14c of the first to fourth regions 11, 12, 13, and 14 are deformed. As a result, the radially inner edges 11c, 12c, 13c, and 14c apply vibrations or the like to foreign matter adhering between the second and third side blocks 7 and 8, i.e., foreign matter adhering to the first side block 6. Therefore, the foreign matter adhering to the first side block 6 can be removed.

[0057] Specifically, in the first side block 6, the second region 12 may protrude from the first region 11 in the normal direction of the top surface 11a of the first region 11, the third region 13 may protrude from the second region 12 in the normal direction of the top surface 12a of the second region 12, and the fourth region 14 may protrude from the third region 13 in the normal direction of the top surface 13a of the third region 13.

[0058] In addition, the radially inner side surface 11b of the first region 11 may be connected to and intersect with the outer surface of the sidewall 22 and the top surface 11a of the first region 11. In addition, the radially inner side surface 12b of the second region 12 may be connected to and intersect with the top surface 11a of the first region 11 and the top surface 12a of the second region 12.

[0059] Furthermore, the radially inner side surface 13b of the third region 13 may be connected to and intersect with the top surface 12a of the second region 12 and the top surface 13a of the third region 13. Furthermore, the radially inner side surface 14b of the fourth region 14 may be connected to and intersect with the top surface 13a of the third region 13 and the top surface 14a of the fourth region 14.

[0060] The first side block 6 may include, for example, circumferential side surfaces 6a, 6a connected in the tire circumferential direction D3 to the top surfaces 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a of the regions 11, 12, 13, 14, and circumferential edges 6b, 6b formed at the boundaries between the top surfaces 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a and the circumferential side surfaces 6a, 6a and extending in the tire radial direction D2. The circumferential side surface 6a may be connected to the outer surface of the sidewall 22 and the top surfaces 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a of the regions 11, 12, 13, 14, respectively, intersecting each other.

[0061] The first side block 6 may also include, for example, an outer region 6c disposed on the outer side in the tire radial direction D2, and an inner region 6d disposed on the inner side in the tire radial direction D2. The outer region 6c and the inner region 6d may be regions partitioned from the first side block 6 so that they have the same dimension in the tire radial direction D2. For example, the dimension of the inner region 6d in the tire circumferential direction D3 may become smaller toward the inside in the tire radial direction D2. This can reduce the rigidity of the inner region 6d.

[0062] On the other hand, it is preferable that the first to third regions 11, 12, and 13 are entirely disposed in the inner region 6d. As a result, the first to third regions 11, 12, and 13 are entirely disposed in the inner region 6d having low rigidity, so that the deformation of the radially inner edges 11c, 12c, 13c, and 14c of the first to fourth regions 11, 12, 13, and 14 can be increased. As a result, foreign matter attached to the first side block 6 can be effectively removed.

[0063] The fourth region 14 may be disposed across the inner region 6d and the outer region 6c, as in this embodiment. Although not particularly limited, the dimension of the outer region 6c in the tire circumferential direction D3 may be constant. The first side block 6 may have a recess 6e extending in the tire circumferential direction D3 on the top surface 14a of the fourth region 14.

[0064] 7, it is preferable that a distance W2 in the tire radial direction D2 between the radially inner edges 11c, 12c of the first and second regions 11, 12 is smaller than a maximum protruding height W5 of the first side block 6. Similarly, it is preferable that distances W3, W4 in the tire radial direction D2 between the radially inner edges 12c, 13c, 14c of the second to fourth regions 12, 13, 14 are each smaller than the maximum protruding height W5 of the first side block 6.

[0065] This makes it possible to reduce the distances W2, W3, W3 between the radially inner edges 11c, 12c, 13c, 14c of the first to fourth regions 11, 12, 13, 14. Therefore, the radially inner edges 11c, 12c, 13c, 14c of the first to fourth regions 11, 12, 13, 14 work together to effectively remove foreign matter adhering to the first side block 6.

[0066] For example, as in this embodiment, the maximum protruding height W5 of the first side block 6 may be the maximum protruding height of the fourth region 14. Preferably, the maximum protruding height of the fourth region 14 is higher than the maximum protruding height of the third region 13, which is higher than the maximum protruding height of the second region 12, which is higher than the maximum protruding height of the first region 11.

[0067] The protruding height of the first side block 6 and each of the regions 11 to 14 may be the height protruding in the normal direction of the profile surface S6 of the sidewall 22. The profile surface S6 of the sidewall 22 may be composed of a plurality of arcs with different radii of curvature in the cross section of the tire meridian planes S2 to S5, for example.

[0068] In the range in the tire radial direction D2 where the first side block 6 is located, the profile surface S6 of the sidewall 22 may be formed by one circular arc in the cross section of the tire meridian plane S2-S5. The circular arc may be continuous with the circular arc of the profile surface S6 of the portion adjacent to the inside of the first side block 6 in the tire radial direction D2. In Fig. 7, the dashed line indicates the boundary between the first side block 6 and the annular protrusion 3.

[0069] From the above, as in this embodiment, it is preferable that the pneumatic tire 1 has a sidewall 22 extending in the tire radial direction D2, the sidewall 22 has a first side block 6 protruding outward in the tire axial direction D1, the first side block 6 has a first region 11 arranged on the innermost side of the first side block 6 in the tire radial direction D2, a second region 12 connected to the outer side of the first region 11 in the tire radial direction D2, and a third region 13 connected to the outer side of the second region 12 in the tire radial direction D2, and the second region 12 protrudes more than the first region 11 and the third region 13 protrudes more than the second region 12.

[0070] According to this configuration, the first region 11, the second region 12, and the third region 13 are arranged in this order from the innermost to the outer side in the tire radial direction D2, and protrude higher in the order of the third region 13, the second region 12, and the first region 11. As a result, radially inner edges 11c, 12c, and 13c are formed at the inner ends of the first to third regions 11, 12, and 13 in the tire radial direction D2, respectively.

[0071] When the pneumatic tire 1 rotates and the vicinity of the first side block 6 touches the ground, the radially inner edges 11c, 12c, 13c of the first to third regions 11, 12, 13 are deformed, and the radially inner edges 11c, 12c, 13c work together to remove foreign matter adhering to the first side block 6. This makes it possible to prevent foreign matter from adhering to and remaining on the side blocks 6, 7, 8.

[0072] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, in the pneumatic tire 1, the sidewall 22 further includes a second side block 7 adjacent to a first side D31 of the first side block 6 in the tire circumferential direction D3, and a third side block 8 adjacent to a second side D32 of the first side block 6 in the tire circumferential direction D3, and the inner end of the second side block 7 in the tire radial direction D2 is positioned more inward in the tire radial direction D2 than the inner end of the first side block 6 in the tire radial direction D2, and the inner end of the third side block 8 in the tire radial direction D2 is positioned more inward in the tire radial direction D2 than the inner end of the first side block 6 in the tire radial direction D2, which is a preferred configuration.

[0073] According to this configuration, the inner ends of the second and third side blocks 7, 8 in the tire radial direction D2 are disposed further inward in the tire radial direction D2 than the inner ends of the first side blocks 6 in the tire radial direction D2. This makes it possible to effectively generate traction by the inner regions of the second and third side blocks 7, 8 in the tire radial direction D2.

[0074] On the other hand, in order to cope with the fact that foreign matter easily adheres between the second and third side blocks 7, 8, the first side block 6 is disposed between the second and third side blocks 7, 8. In this way, when a foreign matter adheres between the second and third side blocks 7, 8, the first side block 6 can remove the foreign matter.

[0075] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, in the pneumatic tire 1, it is preferable that the second side block 7 has a first edge 7i arranged on the second side D32 of the tire circumferential direction D3, and the first edge 7i has a first inclined portion 7j that approaches the second side D32 of the tire circumferential direction D3 as it moves inward in the tire radial direction D2, and the third side block 8 has a second edge 8i arranged on the first side D31 of the tire circumferential direction D3, and the second edge 8i has a second inclined portion 8j that approaches the first side D31 of the tire circumferential direction D3 as it moves inward in the tire radial direction D2.

[0076] With this configuration, the first inclined portion 7j and the second inclined portion 8j approach each other as they move toward the inside in the tire radial direction D2. As a result, for example, the first inclined portion 7j and the second inclined portion 8j work together to generate traction for climbing over rocks, snow, mud, and the like.

[0077] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, in the pneumatic tire 1, the first side block 6 has an outer region 6c arranged on the outside of the tire radial direction D2 and an inner region 6d arranged on the inside of the tire radial direction D2, the dimension of the inner region 6d in the tire circumferential direction D3 becomes smaller toward the inside of the tire radial direction D2, and the entire first region 11 and the second region 12 are preferably arranged in the inner region 6d.

[0078] According to this configuration, the dimension of the inner region 6d in the tire circumferential direction D3 becomes smaller toward the inside in the tire radial direction D2, so that the rigidity of the inner region 6d can be reduced. Furthermore, since the first region 11 and the second region 12 are entirely disposed in the inner region 6d, the radially inner edges 11c, 12c, and 13c of the first to third regions 11, 12, and 13 are easily deformed when the vicinity of the first side block 6 comes into contact with the ground. As a result, foreign matter attached to the first side block 6 can be effectively removed.

[0079] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, in the pneumatic tire 1, the first region 11 has, at its inner end in the tire radial direction D2, a first radial inner edge 11c extending in the tire circumferential direction D3, the second region 12 has, at its inner end in the tire radial direction D2, a second radial inner edge 12c extending in the tire circumferential direction D3, and the third region 13 has, at its inner end in the tire radial direction D2, a third radial inner edge 13c extending in the tire circumferential direction D3, wherein a distance W2 in the tire radial direction D2 between the first radial inner edge 11c and the second radial inner edge 12c is smaller than a maximum protruding height W5 of the first side block 6, and a distance W3 in the tire radial direction D2 between the second radial inner edge 12c and the third radial inner edge 13c is smaller than the maximum protruding height W5 of the first side block 6.

[0080] This configuration can reduce the distances W2, W3 in the tire radial direction D2 between the radially inner edges 11c, 12c, 13c of the first to third regions 11, 12, 13. As a result, when the vicinity of the first side block 6 comes into contact with the ground, the radially inner edges 11c, 12c, 13c of the first to third regions 11, 12, 13 work together to effectively remove foreign matter adhering to the first side block 6.

[0081] The pneumatic tire 1 is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and is not limited to the above-described action and effect. Of course, various modifications can be made to the pneumatic tire 1 without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, it is of course possible to arbitrarily select one or more of the configurations, methods, etc. of the various modified examples described below and adopt them in the configurations, methods, etc. of the above-described embodiment.

[0082] (1) In the pneumatic tire 1 according to the above embodiment, the first side block 6 is configured to include first to fourth regions 11, 12, 13, and 14. However, the pneumatic tire 1 is not limited to this configuration. That is, the number of regions protruding higher in the first side block 6 from the innermost to the outermost in the tire radial direction D2 is not particularly limited as long as it is three or more.

[0083] For example, the first side block 6 may be configured to include only the first to third regions 11, 12, and 13. Alternatively, for example, the first region 11, the second region 12, the third region 13, the fourth region 14, and the fifth region may be connected in this order from the innermost to the outer side in the tire radial direction D2, and the fifth region, the fourth region 14, the third region 13, the second region 12, and the first region 11 may protrude higher in this order.

[0084] (2) In the pneumatic tire 1 according to the above embodiment, the inner ends of the second and third side blocks 7, 8 in the tire radial direction D2 are positioned further inward in the tire radial direction D2 than the inner end of the first side block 6 in the tire radial direction D2. However, the pneumatic tire 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, at least one of the inner ends of the second and third side blocks 7, 8 in the tire radial direction D2 may be positioned further outward in the tire radial direction D2 than the inner end of the first side block 6 in the tire radial direction D2.

[0085] (3) In the pneumatic tire 1 according to the above embodiment, the dimension of the inner region 6d in the tire circumferential direction D3 decreases toward the inside in the tire radial direction D2, and the first region 11 and the second region 12 are entirely disposed in the inner region 6d. However, the pneumatic tire 1 is not limited to this configuration.

[0086] The dimension of the inner region 6d in the tire circumferential direction D3 may be constant, or may be smaller toward the inside in the tire radial direction D2. Alternatively, the first region 11 may be entirely disposed in the inner region 6d, and at least a part of the second region 12 may be disposed in the outer region 6c.

[0087] (4) In the pneumatic tire 1 according to the above embodiment, the dimensions W2, W3, and W4 in the tire radial direction D2 between the radially inner edges 11c, 12c, 13c, and 14c of the first to fourth regions 11, 12, 13, and 14 are smaller than the maximum protruding height W5 of the first side block 6. However, the pneumatic tire 1 is not limited to such a configuration. For example, at least one of the dimensions W2, W3, and W4 in the tire radial direction D2 between the radially inner edges 11c, 12c, 13c, and 14c of the first to fourth regions 11, 12, 13, and 14 may be larger than the maximum protruding height W5 of the first side block 6.

[0088] (5) In the pneumatic tire 1 according to the above embodiment, the side blocks 5, 6, 7, and 8 are arranged inward in the tire radial direction D2 from the annular protrusion 3. However, the pneumatic tire 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the side blocks 5, 6, 7, and 8 may be arranged outward in the tire radial direction D2 from the annular protrusion 3. In addition, for example, the sidewall 22 may not include at least one of the annular protrusion 3 and the buttress block 4. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] Reference Signs List 1...pneumatic tire, 2, 2a, 2b...tread block, 2c...partition groove, 3...annular projection, 4, 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d...buttress block, 5...side block, 6...first side block, 6a...circumferential side surface, 6b...circumferential edge, 6c...outer region, 6d...inner region, 6e...recess, 7...second side block, 7a...first groove, 7b...second groove, 7c...outer groove portion, 7d...inner groove portion, 7e...outer groove portion , 7f...inner groove, 7g...top, 7h...peripheral side, 7i...edge, 7j...slope, 8...third side block, 8a...first groove, 8b...second groove, 8c...outer groove, 8d...inner groove, 8e...outer groove, 8f...inner Groove, 8g...Top surface, 8h...Peripheral side, 8i...Edge, 8j...Slope, 11...First region, 11a...Top surface, 11b...Radial inner surface, 11c...Radial inner edge, 12...Second region, 12a...Top surface, 12b...Radial inner surface , 12c...diameter inner edge, 13...third region, 13a...top surface, 13b...diameter inner side surface, 13c...diameter inner edge, 14...fourth region, 14a...top surface, 14b...diameter inner side surface, 14c...diameter inner edge, 21...bead portion, 21a...bead core, 21b...bead filler, 21c...rim strip rubber, 21d...outer end, 22...sidewall, 22a...sidewall rubber, 22b...tire maximum width position, 22c...bead tread end position, 23... tread, 23a... tread surface, 23b... tread rubber, 23c... belt, 23d... belt ply, 23e... main groove, 23f... width groove, 24... carcass, 24a... carcass ply, 25... inner liner, D1... tire axial direction, D2... tire radial direction, D3... tire circumferential direction, D31... first circumferential side, D32... second circumferential side, S1... tire equatorial surface, S2, S3, S4, S5: tire meridian plane, S6: profile plane

Claims

1. A tire having a sidewall extending in a radial direction, The sidewall includes a first side block protruding outward in the tire axial direction, The first side block includes a first region disposed on the innermost side of the first side block in the tire radial direction, a second region connected to the outer side of the first region in the tire radial direction, and a third region connected to the outer side of the second region in the tire radial direction, The second region protrudes further than the first region, The third region protrudes from the second region. The sidewall further includes a second side block adjacent to a first side in the tire circumferential direction of the first side block, and a third side block adjacent to a second side in the tire circumferential direction of the first side block, An inner end of the second side block in the tire radial direction is disposed on the inner side in the tire radial direction than an inner end of the first side block in the tire radial direction, a radially inner end of the third side block is disposed radially inward of a radially inner end of the first side block.

2. the second side block includes a first edge disposed on the second side in the tire circumferential direction, the first edge includes a first inclined portion that approaches the second side in the tire circumferential direction toward the inner side in the tire radial direction, the third side block includes a second edge disposed on the first side in the tire circumferential direction, The pneumatic tire according to claim 1 , wherein the second edge includes a second inclined portion that approaches the first side in the tire circumferential direction as it moves inward in the tire radial direction.

3. A tire having a sidewall extending in a radial direction, The sidewall includes a first side block protruding outward in the tire axial direction, The first side block includes a first region disposed on the innermost side of the first side block in the tire radial direction, a second region connected to the outer side of the first region in the tire radial direction, and a third region connected to the outer side of the second region in the tire radial direction, The second region protrudes further than the first region, The third region protrudes from the second region. The first side block includes an outer region disposed on an outer side in the tire radial direction and an inner region disposed on an inner side in the tire radial direction, A dimension of the inner region in a tire circumferential direction becomes smaller toward the inside in the tire radial direction, The first region and the second region are entirely disposed in the inner region.

4. The first region includes a first radially inner edge extending in the tire circumferential direction at an inner end in the tire radial direction, The second region includes a second radially inner edge extending in the tire circumferential direction at an inner end in the tire radial direction, The third region includes a third radially inner edge extending in the tire circumferential direction at an inner end in the tire radial direction, a distance in the tire radial direction between the first radially inner edge and the second radially inner edge is smaller than a maximum protruding height of the first side block, The pneumatic tire according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a distance in the tire radial direction between the second radially inner edge and the third radially inner edge is smaller than a maximum protruding height of the first side block.

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