tire

Abstract

To provide a tire which can inhibit occurrence of troubles of an electronic component unit disposed in the tire.SOLUTION: A tire includes: a pair of beads 11 each having a bead core 21 and a bead filler 22 extending to the outer side in a tire radial direction of the bead core 21; a carcass ply extending from one bead 11 to the other bead 11; an inner liner 29 disposed at the tire inner cavity side of the carcass ply; and an electronic component unit 50 adhered to a tire inner cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29. The electronic component unit 50 is disposed at a tire radial position which is 5.0 mm or more away from a tire radial outer end 21A of the bead core 21 toward the outer side in the tire radial direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tire. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, tires with embedded electronic components such as RFID tags are known. Such tires can perform manufacturing management, usage history management, and the like of the tire by communicating between the RFID tag embedded in the tire and a reader as an external device. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a tire in which a transponder for obtaining information for identifying the tire is disposed on the inner peripheral surface side of the tire in the bead portion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-137510 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the transponder can be embedded without deviating from a predetermined position. Here, in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, the transponder as an electronic component unit is embedded near the bead core. The bead core is an annular member formed by winding a metal bead wire multiple times. Therefore, in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that a malfunction of the electronic component unit, such as a decrease in communication performance, may occur due to the adverse effect of the metal bead core.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a tire that can suppress the occurrence of malfunctions in an electronic component unit disposed in the tire. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The tire of the present invention comprises a pair of beads having a bead core and a bead filler extending radially outward from the bead core, a carcass ply extending from one bead to the other bead, an inner liner arranged on the tire cavity side of the carcass ply, and an electronic component unit affixed to the tire cavity surface of the inner liner, the electronic component unit being arranged at a tire radial position 5.0 mm or more away radially outward from the tire radial outer end of the bead core. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of malfunctions in electronic component units arranged in tires. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a half cross section in the tire width direction of a tire according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the tire of FIG. 1. [Figure 3A] 2A and 2B are diagrams for explaining an electronic component unit according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view showing the cross section IIIB-IIIB of FIG. 3A. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view showing the cross section IIIC-IIIC of FIG. 3A. [Figure 4A] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an electronic component unit attached to an inner liner. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view showing the IVB-IVB section of FIG. 4A. [Diagram 5] 11 is a diagram showing the relationship between the distance between a bead core and an RFID tag and the communication distance. FIG. [Figure 6] 4A to 4C are diagrams for explaining the movement of the tire cavity surface of the inner liner when the tire is deformed. [Figure 7] 2 is a flowchart for explaining a method for manufacturing a tire according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 6 is a view showing a half cross section in the tire width direction of a tire according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the tire of FIG. 8. [Figure 10A] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an electronic component unit attached to an inner liner in a tire according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10B] 10B is a cross-sectional view showing the XB-XB cross section of FIG. 10A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] First Embodiment Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a half cross section in the tire width direction of a tire 1 according to this embodiment. The basic structure of the tire 1 is symmetrical in a cross section in the tire width direction, so a cross section of the right half is shown here. In the figure, the symbol S1 indicates the tire equatorial plane. The tire equatorial plane S1 is a plane that is perpendicular to the tire rotation axis (tire meridian) and is located at the center in the tire width direction.

[0010] Here, the tire width direction is a direction parallel to the tire rotation axis, and is the left-right direction on the paper in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, this is illustrated as tire width direction X. The inner side in the tire width direction is a direction approaching the tire equatorial plane S1, and is the left side on the paper in FIG. 1. The outer side in the tire width direction is a direction away from the tire equatorial plane S1, and is the right side on the paper in FIG. 1. The tire radial direction is a direction perpendicular to the tire rotation axis, and is the up-down direction on the paper in FIG. 1. In FIG. 1, this is illustrated as tire radial direction Y. The outer side in the tire radial direction is a direction away from the tire rotation axis, and is the upper side on the paper in FIG. 1. The inner side in the tire radial direction is a direction approaching the tire rotation axis, and is the lower side on the paper in FIG. 1.

[0011] The cross-sectional view in Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view in the tire width direction (cross-sectional view at the tire meridian) in an unloaded state in which the tire is mounted on a specified rim and inflated to a specified internal pressure. The specified rim refers to a standard rim determined by JATMA for the tire size. The specified internal pressure is, for example, 180 kPa when the tire is for a passenger car.

[0012] The above also applies to Figures 2, 8, and 9.

[0013] The tire 1 is, for example, a tire for passenger cars, and includes a pair of beads 11 provided on both sides in the tire width direction, sidewalls 12 extending radially outward from each of the beads 11, and an annular tread 13 extending circumferentially of the tire and continuing to the radially outward of each of the sidewalls 12 to form a tread surface (contact surface with the road surface) 13C.

[0014] FIG. 2 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of the inner region in the tire radial direction of the bead 11 and the sidewall 12 in the tire 1 of the present embodiment shown in FIG.

[0015] The bead 11 includes a bead core 21 and a bead filler 22 extending outward from the bead core 21 in the tire radial direction.

[0016] The bead core 21 is an annular component formed by winding a rubber-coated metal bead wire multiple times, and serves to secure the tire 1 filled with air to the rim 100 of the wheel.

[0017] The bead filler 22 is a rubber member having a tapered tip that extends outward in the tire radial direction from the bead core 21. The bead filler 22 has an outer end 22A in the tire radial direction and an inner end 22B in the tire radial direction. The inner end 22B in the tire radial direction of the bead filler 22 is in contact with the outer end 21A in the tire radial direction of the bead core 21. The bead filler 22 is a member provided to increase the rigidity of the bead periphery and ensure high maneuverability and stability. The bead filler 22 is made of, for example, rubber having a higher hardness than the surrounding rubber members. The modulus of the rubber constituting the bead filler 22 is at least higher than the modulus of the rubber constituting the inner liner 29 and the rubber constituting the sidewall rubber 30 described below. Here, the modulus refers to the 100% elongation modulus (M100) measured in an atmosphere of 23° C. in accordance with “3.7 Stress at a given elongation, S” of JIS K6251:2010.

[0018] A carcass ply 23 is embedded in the tire 1, spanning between a pair of beads 11. The carcass ply 23 constitutes a ply that forms the framework of the tire 1, and is embedded in the tire 1 between the pair of beads 11, passing through a pair of sidewalls 12 and the tread 13.

[0019] The carcass ply 23 extends from one bead 11 to the other bead 11 and includes a ply body 24 extending between the tread 13 and the bead 11, and a ply turn-up portion 25 turned up around the bead core 21. In this embodiment, the ply turn-up portion 25 is overlapped with the ply body 24 in the region of the sidewall 12. The ply turn-up portion 25 has an end portion 25A. In this embodiment, the end portion 25A of the ply turn-up portion 25 is located in the region of the sidewall 12.

[0020] The carcass ply 23 is made of a plurality of ply cords extending in the tire width direction. The plurality of ply cords are arranged in the tire circumferential direction. The ply cords are made of insulating organic fiber cords such as polyester or polyamide, and are covered with a topping rubber.

[0021] The carcass ply 23 in this embodiment is a carcass ply 23 having a single layer structure including a single ply body 24. However, the carcass ply 23 may be a carcass ply 23 having a multiple layer structure including a multiple ply body 24.

[0022] The bead 11 further comprises a rim strip rubber 32 .

[0023] The rim strip rubber 32 is provided so as to cover the carcass ply 23 provided around the bead core 21. More specifically, the rim strip rubber 32 is provided so as to cover the tire width direction inner side, tire radial direction inner side, and tire width direction outer side of the carcass ply 23 around the bead core 21. The rim strip rubber 32 has a first end 32A arranged on the tire width direction outer side of the ply folded-up portion 25, and a second end 32C arranged on the tire width direction inner side of the ply body 24. Here, the first end 32A constitutes the tire radial direction outer end 32A of the rim strip rubber 32. A part of the rim strip rubber 32 constitutes the outer wall surface of the tire 1. In addition, the rim strip rubber 32 is a rubber member whose tire width direction outer side and tire radial direction inner side come into contact with the wheel rim 100 when the tire 1 is mounted on the wheel. The modulus of the rubber constituting the rim strip rubber 32 is higher than at least the modulus of the rubber constituting the inner liner 29 and the rubber constituting the sidewall rubber 30, which will be described later.

[0024] The sidewall 12 includes a sidewall rubber 30 disposed on the outer side of the carcass ply 23 in the width direction.

[0025] The sidewall rubber 30 is a rubber member that constitutes the outer wall surface of the tire 1. The sidewall rubber 30 has an outer end 30A in the tire radial direction and an inner end 30B in the tire radial direction. This sidewall rubber 30 is the part that bends the most when the tire 1 performs a cushioning function, and flexible rubber having fatigue resistance is usually used for this sidewall rubber.

[0026] The tread 13 includes a steel belt 26 arranged radially outward of the carcass ply 23, a cap ply 27 arranged radially outward of the steel belt 26, and a tread rubber 28 arranged radially outward of the cap ply 27.

[0027] The steel belt 26 is composed of a plurality of steel cords covered with rubber. By providing the steel belt 26, the rigidity of the tire 1 is ensured, and the contact state between the tread 13 and the road surface is improved. The steel belt 26 of this embodiment is composed of a two-layer structure of an inner steel belt 261 and an outer steel belt 262. However, the steel belt 26 may have a one-layer structure or a structure of three or more layers. Note that instead of the steel belt 26 using steel cords, a belt using tire cords using aramid fibers may be used. Note that in the two-layer steel belt 26 of this embodiment, the inner steel belt 261 is wider than the outer steel belt 262. Therefore, the outer end of the inner steel belt 261 in the tire width direction constitutes the outer end 26A of the steel belt 26 in the tire width direction.

[0028] The cap ply 27 is a member disposed on the tire radial outer side of the steel belt 26, and functions as a belt reinforcing layer. The cap ply 27 is composed of an insulating organic fiber layer such as polyamide fiber, and is covered with a topping rubber. By providing the cap ply 27, it is possible to improve durability and reduce road noise during driving. The cap ply 27 of this embodiment is composed of a two-layer structure consisting of an outer cap ply 271 and an inner cap ply 272. The inner cap ply 272 exists only in the outer region in the tire width direction, and the center part in the tire width direction is cut out. However, the inner cap ply 272 may be a cap ply having a structure similar to that of the outer cap ply 271 without a cutout part. In addition, the cap ply 27 may have a one-layer structure or a structure of three or more layers. In this embodiment, the outer end 27A of the cap ply 27 in the tire width direction extends outward in the tire width direction from the outer end 26A of the steel belt 26 in the tire width direction.

[0029] The tread rubber 28 is a member that constitutes the tread surface (the surface in contact with the road surface) 13C. The tread rubber 28 has an outer end 28A in the tire width direction. The tread surface 13C of the tread rubber 28 is provided with a tread pattern (not shown) that is composed of a plurality of grooves.

[0030] An inner liner 29 serving as a rubber layer constituting the inner wall surface of the tire 1 is provided on the tire cavity side of the carcass ply 23 in the beads 11, sidewalls 12, and tread 13. The inner liner 29 is made of air-permeable resistant rubber and prevents air in the tire cavity from leaking to the outside.

[0031] 1, the sidewall rubber 30 of the sidewall 12 extends toward the tread 13. On the other hand, the tread rubber 28 of the tread 13 extends toward the sidewall 12. As a result, the tread rubber 28 and the sidewall rubber 30 are laminated on the tire outer surface side of a partial region of the carcass ply 23. More specifically, in a region where the sidewall rubber 30 and the tread rubber 28 both exist, i.e., in a transition region between the sidewall 12 and the tread 13, the tread rubber 28 and the sidewall rubber 30 are laminated in order on the tire outer surface side of the carcass ply 23.

[0032] 1 and 2, a rim strip rubber 32 and a sidewall rubber 30 arranged on the tire radial direction outer side of the rim strip rubber 32 are arranged on the bead 11 and the sidewall 12 of the carcass ply 23 in the tire width direction. The outer surface of the rim strip rubber 32 in the tire width direction and the outer surface of the sidewall rubber 30 in the tire width direction form the outer surface of the tire 1.

[0033] In this embodiment, the tire radial direction outer end 32A of the rim strip rubber 32 is disposed radially outward of the tire radial direction outer end 22A of the bead filler 22. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent local deformation from occurring near the rim mounting portion.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, in the vicinity of the transition region between the bead 11 and the sidewall 12, the rim strip rubber 32 and the sidewall rubber 30 are laminated in order on the tire outer surface side of the carcass ply 23. In addition, in the vicinity of this transition region, a rim protector 33 is provided that has an apex 33A protruding outward in the tire width direction and extends continuously in an annular shape in the tire circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the apex 33A of the rim protector 33 is provided at the boundary between the rim strip rubber 32 and the sidewall rubber 30. In other words, the position of the apex 33A of the rim protector 33 coincides with the position of the tire radial direction inner end 30B of the sidewall rubber 30. The rim protector 33 has a function of protecting the rim from external damage.

[0035] The tire 1 of the present embodiment has an electronic component unit 50. The electronic component unit 50 is attached to the tire cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29. The electronic component unit 50 of the present embodiment is, for example, an RFID tag unit.

[0036] 3A to 3C are diagrams for explaining the electronic component unit 50. Fig. 3A is a diagram of the electronic component unit 50 as viewed from one side. Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional view showing the IIIB-IIIB cross section of Fig. 3A. Fig. 3C is a cross-sectional view showing the IIIC-IIIC cross section of Fig. 3A.

[0037] Electronic component unit 50 includes electronic component 40 and flexible film 45 covering at least a portion of electronic component 40. In Fig. 3A, electronic component 40 is shown by hidden lines because it is covered by first flexible film 451 (described later) that constitutes flexible film 45.

[0038] The electronic component 40 includes a flexible substrate 41, an IC chip 42, and an antenna 43. The electronic component 40 of the present embodiment is, for example, an RFID tag.

[0039] The flexible substrate 41 is a film-like substrate having flexibility, and is made of, for example, polyimide resin.

[0040] The IC chip 42 of this embodiment is an RFID chip. The IC chip 42 is mounted on a flexible substrate 41. The IC chip 42 includes a communication circuit and a storage unit. Identification information such as a serial number and a part number is stored in the storage unit of the IC chip 42.

[0041] The antenna 43 is a printed antenna made of a conductive material printed in a predetermined pattern on the flexible substrate 41. The predetermined pattern may be, for example, linear, wavy, or spiral. The antenna 43 is set to an antenna length optimized according to the frequency band to be used, etc. The antenna 43 is electrically connected to the IC chip 42. The material constituting the antenna 43 may be, for example, a conductive material such as copper. By using such a printed antenna as the antenna 43, the thickness of the electronic component 40 and the electronic component unit 50 can be reduced.

[0042] It should be noted that antenna 43 is not limited to a printed antenna, and may be various types of antennas such as a coil-shaped spring antenna, a plate-shaped antenna, a rod-shaped antenna, etc. In this case, electronic component 40 does not need to have flexible substrate 41;

[0043] As described above, the electronic component 40 of the present embodiment includes at least the IC chip 42 and the antenna 43. This allows the electronic component 40 to perform wireless communication with a reader (not shown) as an external device. The electronic component 40 of the present embodiment may be a passive transponder.

[0044] The flexible film 45 of this embodiment has a first flexible film 451 and a second flexible film 452. The first flexible film 451 covers one surface (front surface) of the electronic component 40. The second flexible film 452 covers the other surface (back surface) of the electronic component 40. That is, the electronic component 40 is sandwiched between the first flexible film 451 and the second flexible film 452 constituting the flexible film 45. Note that the one surface (front surface) of the electronic component 40 is the front surface of the flexible substrate 41, which is the mounting surface on which the IC chip is mounted. The antenna 43 is also printed on the front surface of the flexible substrate 41. On the other hand, the other surface (back surface) of the electronic component 40 is the back surface of the flexible substrate 41, which is the non-mounting surface of the IC chip 42.

[0045] As shown in this embodiment, it is preferable that electronic component 40 is completely covered by flexible film 45 composed of first flexible film 451 and second flexible film 452. However, it is sufficient that at least a portion of electronic component 40 is covered by flexible film 45. For example, flexible film 45 may be composed of only first flexible film 451, and only one side (front surface) of electronic component 40, i.e., the mounting surface of flexible substrate 41, may be covered by first flexible film 451. This also protects electronic component 40.

[0046] First flexible film 451 and second flexible film 452 constituting flexible film 45 are resin films. First flexible film 451 and second flexible film 452 are preferably polyimide films, for example. Polyimide films are suitable as members for protecting electronic components 40 because they have excellent heat resistance and appropriate flexibility and springiness.

[0047] The thickness t1 of the first flexible film 451 and the thickness t2 of the second flexible film 452 are preferably 50 μm or more and 750 μm or less. The thickness t3 of the entire flexible film 45, that is, the thickness t3 of the portion where the first flexible film 451 and the second flexible film 452 are overlapped, is preferably 100 μm or more and 1500 μm or less. This allows the electronic components 40 to be appropriately protected while providing appropriate flexibility that follows the change in the shape of the tire cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29. Note that when the flexible film 45 is formed of one flexible film, for example, only the first flexible film 451, the thickness of the flexible film 45 may be 50 μm or more and 750 μm or less. The thickness of the entire flexible film 45 may be 50 μm or more and 1500 μm or less.

[0048] Figures 4A and 4B are diagrams showing electronic component unit 50 attached to tire cavity surface 29C of inner liner 29. Figure 4A is a diagram showing electronic component unit 50 attached to tire cavity surface 29C of inner liner 29 as viewed from the tire cavity toward the tire outer surface side. Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view showing cross section IVB-IVB of Figure 4A.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 4B, the electronic component unit 50 is attached to the tire cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29 via a vulcanization adhesive 60.

[0050] The vulcanization adhesive 60 may be a rubber component mixed with a vulcanization accelerator and an acid acceptor. For example, the vulcanization adhesive 60 may be a mixture of a polymeric material, an organic material, and a filler dispersed in an organic solvent such as xylene. The polymeric material and the organic material may be a halogen-based polymer, etc. The filler may be carbon black, silica, etc.

[0051] The thickness of the vulcanization adhesive 60 that bonds the inner liner 29 and the electronic component unit 50 is preferably 30 μm or less. If the thickness of the vulcanization adhesive 60 exceeds 30 μm, the flexibility of the vulcanization adhesive 60 after vulcanization decreases, and it becomes difficult to follow the change in the shape of the tire cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29. By setting the thickness of the vulcanization adhesive 60 to 30 μm or less, the appropriate flexibility of the vulcanization adhesive 60 is ensured, and it becomes easier to follow the change in the shape of the tire cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of a defect such as the electronic component unit 50 peeling off from the inner liner 29 even if the tire 1 is deformed during use of the tire. The thickness of the vulcanization adhesive 60 is more preferably 10 μm or more and 30 μm or less. By setting the thickness to 10 μm or more, the adhesive force is increased, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a situation in which the end of the electronic component unit 50 is partially peeled off.

[0052] The thickness of the vulcanizing adhesive 60 is preferably thinner than the thickness of the flexible film 45. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of problems such as the electronic component unit 50 peeling off from the inner liner 29 due to the low flexibility of the vulcanizing adhesive 60 itself.

[0053] Here, it is preferable that the hardness of the vulcanization adhesive 60 after vulcanization is equal to or greater than the hardness of the inner liner 29 and equal to or less than the hardness of the flexible film 45. This makes the hardness gradient gentler, and provides a shock absorbing effect. Therefore, even if the tire 1 is repeatedly deformed, the stress applied to the electronic component 40 is suppressed, and the durability of the electronic component 40 can be increased.

[0054] In this manner, by sandwiching electronic component 40 between two flexible films 451, 452, electronic component unit 50 can be formed which is thin and easy to attach later.

[0055] The electronic component unit 50 is arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the electronic component unit 50, i.e., the longitudinal direction of the antenna 43, faces the direction corresponding to the circumferential direction of the tire 1. In other words, the antenna 43 is provided on the tire 1 so that the longitudinal direction of the antenna 43 is the circumferential direction of the tire 1 or a direction tangential to the circumferential direction of the tire 1, i.e., a direction perpendicular to the paper surface in the cross-sectional views of Figures 1 and 2. By arranging the electronic component unit 50 so that it faces in this way, stress is less likely to be applied to the electronic component 40 even if the tire 1 deforms during use.

[0056] At least a part of the electronic component unit 50 is disposed at a tire radial direction position 5.0 mm or more outwardly from the tire radial direction outer end 21A of the bead core 21. Explaining with reference to Figs. 1 and 2, the electronic component unit 50 of this embodiment is disposed on the tire inner cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29 outside a tire radial direction position P1 that is a predetermined distance L1 outwardly from the tire radial direction outer end 21A of the bead core 21. Here, the predetermined distance L1 is 5.0 mm. Note that it is preferable that all parts of the electronic component 40 are disposed at a tire radial direction position 5.0 mm or more outwardly from the tire radial direction outer end 21A of the bead core 21.

[0057] 5 shows the results of investigating the relationship between the communication distance and the distance between the tire radial outer end 21A of the bead core 21 and an RFID tag serving as an electronic component 40. The communication distance on the vertical axis is an index of the communication distance, with the longest communication distance being 100. This value is preferably 40 or more, and more preferably 60 or more.

[0058] The bead core 21 is located. From Fig. 5, it can be seen that a preferable communication distance can be obtained by arranging the electronic component 40 5.0 mm or more away from the outer end 21A of the bead core 21 in the tire radial direction. It can also be seen from Fig. 5 that a more preferable communication distance can be obtained by arranging the electronic component 40 10 mm or more away from the outer end 21A of the bead core 21 in the tire radial direction.

[0059] As described above, the electronic component unit 50 is preferably disposed in the tire radial direction at a position 5.0 mm or more away from the tire radially outer end 21A of the bead core 21 on the tire cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in communication performance due to an adverse effect of the metal bead core.

[0060] Furthermore, the electronic component unit 50 is preferably disposed radially outward of a tire radial position P1 that is 5.0 mm outward from the tire radial outer end 21A of the bead core 21 in the tire radial direction, and radially inward of a position P2 of the tire cavity surface of the inner liner 29 that constitutes the bead maximum thickness portion T. For example, at least a part of the electronic component unit 50 is disposed radially inward of the tire radial position P2 of the tire cavity surface of the inner liner 29 that constitutes the bead maximum thickness portion T. That is, at least a part of the electronic component unit 50 is disposed within the region of the range L2 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. More preferably, all parts of the electronic component 40 are disposed within the region of the range L2. Here, the bead maximum thickness portion T is a portion where the distance (thickness) from the tire cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29 to the tire outer surface is the longest when a normal line is drawn from the tire cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29 in the tire width direction cross section shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. In this embodiment, a thickness portion passing through a top portion 33A of the rim protector 33 (an inner end 30B of the sidewall rubber 30 in the tire radial direction) is a maximum thickness portion T of the bead.

[0061] Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining the movement of the tire cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29 when the tire 1 is deformed. The diagram on the left side of Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view in the tire width direction in an unloaded state in which the tire 1 is mounted on a specified rim and inflated to a specified internal pressure, similar to Fig. 1. The thick line 29C1 in this diagram is a line indicating the tire cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29 in the aforementioned unloaded state.

[0062] The diagram in the middle of Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining the change in the shape of the tire cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29 when the tire 1 is deformed. The line showing the tire cavity surface 29C in the unloaded state described above is also shown in this diagram by a thick line 29C1. And, the line showing the tire cavity surface 29C when the tire 1 spreads in the tire width direction and becomes flattened due to a strong force applied to the tread 13 from the road surface, etc. is shown by a two-dot chain line 29C2. Furthermore, the line showing the tire cavity surface 29C when the tire 1 is in a shape that expands in the tire radial direction due to the reaction after the strong force applied to the tread 13 from the road surface is released from the force, is shown by a two-dot chain line 29C3.

[0063] As shown in this figure, in a region R1 of the sidewall 12 near the tire maximum width portion, the curvature of the tire cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29 changes significantly as the tire 1 deforms. Therefore, when the electronic component unit 50 is attached to this region R1, forces that compress and pull the electronic component unit 50 are likely to occur as the tire 1 deforms. In other words, forces that peel the electronic component unit 50 from the inner liner 29 are likely to occur.

[0064] On the other hand, the region R2 in FIG. 6, which corresponds to the range L2 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, is a region in which the electronic component unit is disposed in this embodiment. In this region R2, even if the tire 1 is deformed, the curvature of the tire cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29 is relatively unlikely to change. That is, as shown in the right diagram of FIG. 6, the tire cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29 mainly moves in a collapsing manner. Therefore, when the electronic component unit 50 is attached to this region R2, even if the tire 1 is deformed, a force that compresses or pulls the electronic component unit 50 is unlikely to be generated. That is, a force that peels off the electronic component unit 50 from the tire cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29 is unlikely to be generated.

[0065] Furthermore, as described above, the electronic component unit 50 is disposed with the longitudinal direction of the antenna 43 facing the direction corresponding to the circumferential direction of the tire 1. Therefore, a force that would peel the electronic component unit 50 off from the tire cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29 is unlikely to be generated.

[0066] In this embodiment, the electronic component unit 50 is disposed radially inward of the tire radial position of the tire radial outer end 32A of the rim strip rubber 32. By disposing at least a part of the electronic component unit 50 radially inward of the tire radial position of the tire radial outer end 32A of the rim strip rubber 32, the electronic component unit 50 is disposed on the tire width direction inner side or in the vicinity of the rim strip rubber 32 made of high modulus rubber, so that the deformation of the inner liner 29 around the electronic component unit 50 is reduced. Therefore, a force that peels off the electronic component unit 50 from the tire cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29 is unlikely to occur. It is preferable that all parts of the electronic component 40 are disposed radially inward of the tire radial position of the tire radial outer end 32A of the rim strip rubber 32.

[0067] In this embodiment, the electronic component unit 50 is disposed radially inward of the tire radial position of the tire radial outer end 22A of the bead filler 22. By disposing at least a part of the electronic component unit 50 radially inward of the tire radial position of the tire radial outer end 22A of the bead filler 22, the electronic component unit 50 is disposed on the tire width direction inner side of the bead filler 22 made of high modulus rubber or in the vicinity thereof, so that the deformation of the inner liner 29 around the electronic component unit 50 is reduced. Therefore, a force that peels off the electronic component unit 50 from the tire cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29 is unlikely to occur. It is preferable that all parts of the electronic component 40 are disposed radially inward of the tire radial position of the tire radial outer end 22A of the bead filler 22.

[0068] Next, a manufacturing method of the tire 1 of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 7 is a flow chart for explaining the manufacturing method of the tire 1 of this embodiment. The manufacturing method of the tire 1 of this embodiment includes a tire constituent member preparation step S11 for preparing tire constituent members, a molding step S12 for assembling the tire constituent members to mold a green tire, a painting step S13 for painting the molded green tire, a vulcanization step S14 for vulcanizing the painted green tire after molding, and an inspection step S15 for inspecting the vulcanized tire.

[0069] Furthermore, in order to have the electronic component unit 50 attached to the raw tire molded in the molding process S12, the manufacturing method for tire 1 of this embodiment further includes an electronic component unit preparation process S21 of preparing the electronic component unit 50, an adhesive application process S22 of applying a vulcanizing adhesive to the electronic component unit 50, a drying process S23 of drying the adhesive-applied electronic component unit 50 and preparing a dried electronic component unit 50 that has been dried for a predetermined period of time or more, and an electronic component unit attachment process S24 of attaching the dried electronic component unit 50 to a rubber member as a tire constituent member.

[0070] First, the flow of the tire constituent member preparation step S11 to the inspection step S15 will be described.

[0071] In the tire component preparation step S11, tire component parts including rubber members that constitute the tire 1 are prepared. At this time, rubber members such as the bead filler 22, the tread rubber 28, the inner liner 29, the sidewall rubber 30, and the rim strip rubber 32 are in the state of raw rubber before vulcanization.

[0072] In the building process S12, tire constituent members including the rubber members that constitute the tire 1 are assembled to build a green tire.

[0073] In the painting step S13, a release agent is applied to the inner surface of the green tire molded in the molding step S12. This prevents the bladder and the tire from sticking together in the subsequent vulcanization step S14.

[0074] In the vulcanization step S14, the raw tire that has been molded in the molding step S12 and then painted in the painting step S13 is vulcanized in a vulcanizer. The raw tire is vulcanized by applying heat and pressure in the vulcanizer. During vulcanization, a bladder, which is a bag-shaped pressing member, is placed in the internal space (cavity) of the raw tire. The bladder expands in the internal space of the raw tire by supplying a high-temperature, high-pressure pressurized medium therein.

[0075] In the inspection step S15, the tire vulcanized in the vulcanization step S14 is inspected. Examples of the inspection items include uniformity, dynamic balance, and appearance inspection.

[0076] Next, the steps of mounting the electronic component unit 50 to the raw tire, that is, the electronic component unit preparation step S21 to the electronic component unit mounting step S24, will be described.

[0077] In the electronic component unit preparation step S21, an electronic component unit 50 is prepared. In this embodiment, the electronic component unit 50 having an electronic component 40 and a flexible film 45 covering at least a portion of the electronic component 40 is prepared.

[0078] In the adhesive application step S22, the vulcanizing adhesive 60 before curing is applied to the electronic component unit 50. For example, the vulcanizing adhesive 60 is applied to the second flexible film 452 (see FIG. 4B) covering the rear surface of the electronic component 40 (the rear surface of the flexible substrate 41). The vulcanizing adhesive 60 is applied by brushing, dipping, or the like. For example, the number of dipping operations can be determined to control the thickness of the applied film. The vulcanizing adhesive 60 is preferably applied so that the thickness after vulcanization is 10 μm or more and 30 μm or less.

[0079] In the drying step S23, the electronic component unit 50 coated with the vulcanizing adhesive 60 before curing is dried. As a result, the vulcanizing adhesive 60 coated on the electronic component unit 50 is dried in the applied thin film state. In this drying step S23, a dried electronic component unit 50 that has been dried for a predetermined time or more is prepared. This predetermined time is, for example, one hour when the thickness of the vulcanizing adhesive 60 is 30 μm or less. That is, in this embodiment, the electronic component unit 50 that has been dried for one hour or more in the drying step S23 becomes the dried electronic component unit 50.

[0080] In the electronic component unit attachment process S24, the dried electronic component unit 50 is attached to the rubber member before vulcanization. This electronic component unit attachment process S24 is performed during or before or after the molding process S12. For example, the electronic component unit 50 may be attached to the rubber member before it is assembled, or may be attached to the rubber member during the assembly process of the rubber member before it becomes a green tire. The electronic component unit 50 may also be attached to the rubber member after it has been assembled to become a green tire. This results in the electronic component unit 50 being attached to the green tire assembled in the molding process S12.

[0081] In the vulcanization step S14 after the above-mentioned painting step S13, the raw tire including the rubber member to which the dried electronic component unit 50 is attached is vulcanized. As a result, the electronic component unit 50 and the rubber member are bonded to each other.

[0082] The vulcanizing adhesive 60 dried in the drying step S23 is easily temporarily bonded to the rubber member before vulcanization. This improves the workability of attaching the electronic component unit 50. The dried vulcanizing adhesive 60 is integrated with the rubber member in the subsequent vulcanizing step S14. That is, in the vulcanizing step S14, the rubber member and the vulcanizing adhesive 60 are vulcanized together and bonded by applying heat and pressure. This improves the bonding strength between the electronic component unit 50 and the rubber member.

[0083] In the drying step S23, the electronic component unit 50 to which the vulcanizing adhesive 60 has been applied may be dried in a room temperature environment. However, it is preferable that the electronic component unit 50 to which the vulcanizing adhesive 60 has been applied is dried in an atmosphere of 60° C. to 80° C. In addition, drying in an atmosphere exceeding 90° C. is not preferable because the vulcanization accelerator contained in the vulcanizing adhesive 60 starts to react.

[0084] In the drying step S23, it is preferable to dry the plurality of electronic component units 50. Then, in the electronic component unit attachment step S24, it is preferable to pick up a dried electronic component unit 50 that has been dried for a predetermined time or more from among the plurality of electronic component units 50 and attach it to the rubber member. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in production takt time even when the drying step S23 is provided.

[0085] In the electronic component unit mounting step S24, it is preferable that the dried electronic component units 50 are picked up separately from the electronic component units 50 that have not yet been dried for the predetermined time.

[0086] For example, in the drying step S23, the electronic component units 50 coated with the vulcanizing adhesive 60 are placed in a predetermined area. The predetermined area may be a workbench or a thermostatic chamber for temperature control. Then, a mark indicating the time of insertion of the electronic component units 50 into the drying step S23 may be attached near the electronic component units 50, thereby distinguishing between the dried electronic component units 50 and the electronic component units 50 for which the drying time has not yet passed the predetermined time.

[0087] In this embodiment, in the electronic component unit attachment step S24, the dried electronic component unit 50 is attached to the tire inner cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29 before vulcanization.

[0088] As shown in this embodiment, when the vulcanization step S14 is performed after the electronic component unit mounting step S24 and the painting step S13, no release agent is present between the inner surface 29C of the inner liner 29 and the electronic component unit 50, and the release agent is present between the bladder and the electronic component unit 50. This prevents the occurrence of vulcanization defects such as the bladder and the electronic component unit 50 sticking to each other. Furthermore, it prevents the occurrence of adhesion defects such as the electronic component unit 50 peeling off from the inner liner 29.

[0089] In this embodiment, an RFID tag unit is provided in the tire 1 as the electronic component unit 50, but the electronic component unit 50 provided in the tire is not limited to an RFID tag unit. For example, the electronic component unit may have various electronic components such as a sensor that performs wireless communication. It is not preferable that the electronic component unit 50 peels off from the tire 1. In addition, if a conductive member is located nearby, the performance of the electronic component 40 may change, making it difficult to maintain the characteristics of the electronic component 40. In addition, the electronic component 40 may be damaged by excessive stress. Therefore, the effect of the present invention can be obtained even when various electronic components 40 are provided in the tire. For example, the electronic component 40 may be a piezoelectric element or a strain sensor.

[0090] The configuration and manufacturing method of this embodiment can be applied to various types of tires. For example, it can be applied to a tire having a flipper as a reinforcing fiber layer provided so as to encase the bead core 21. The flipper is a member that increases the rigidity of the bead 11, and by providing the flipper, the pressure bonding between the bead 11 and the rim is improved. The flipper is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the bead core 21 and the carcass ply 23 provided around the bead core 21. The flipper is arranged so as to cover at least a part of the inner side of the bead filler 22 in the tire width direction and at least a part of the outer side of the bead filler 22 in the tire width direction. The flipper is composed of an organic fiber cord layer including insulating organic fibers such as polyester and polyamide.

[0091] The tire 1 of the present embodiment provides the following advantages.

[0092] (1) The tire 1 according to the present embodiment includes an inner liner 29, an electronic component unit 50 attached to a tire cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29, and a vulcanization adhesive 60 that bonds the inner liner 29 and the electronic component unit 50. The electronic component unit 50 has an electronic component 40 and a flexible film 45 that covers at least a part of the electronic component 40, and the vulcanization adhesive 60 has a thickness of 30 μm or less. By setting the thickness of the vulcanization adhesive 60 to 30 μm or less in this way, the appropriate flexibility of the vulcanization adhesive 60 is ensured, and the vulcanization adhesive 60 is easily adapted to changes in the shape of the tire cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of defects such as the electronic component unit 50 peeling off from the inner liner 29 even if the tire 1 is deformed during use.

[0093] (2) The hardness of the vulcanization adhesive 60 of the tire 1 according to the present embodiment is equal to or greater than the hardness of the inner liner 29 and equal to or less than the hardness of the flexible film 45. This makes the hardness gradient gentler, providing a shock absorbing effect. Therefore, even if the tire 1 is repeatedly deformed, the stress applied to the electronic component 40 is suppressed, and the durability of the electronic component 40 can be increased.

[0094] Moreover, the tire 1 of the present embodiment provides the following effects.

[0095] (1) The tire 1 according to the present embodiment includes a pair of beads 11 each having a bead core 21 and a bead filler 22 extending outward in the tire radial direction from the bead core 21, a carcass ply 23 extending from one bead 11 to the other bead 11, an inner liner 29 disposed on the tire cavity side of the carcass ply 23, and an electronic component unit 50 attached to a tire cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29, and the electronic component unit 50 is disposed at a tire radial position 5.0 mm or more outward in the tire radial direction from the tire radial outer end 21A of the bead core 21. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of a malfunction of the electronic component unit 50, such as a decrease in the communication performance of the electronic component 40 due to the adverse effect of the metal bead core. In addition, the electronic component unit 50 is attached to the tire cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29, and therefore is easy to manufacture.

[0096] (2) In the tire 1 according to the present embodiment, when a normal line is drawn from the tire cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29 in a cross section in the tire width direction, if a portion where the distance from the tire cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29 to the tire outer surface is the longest is defined as a bead maximum thickness portion T, the electronic component unit 50 is disposed on the tire radially inward side of a position P2 of the tire cavity surface of the inner liner 29 that constitutes the bead maximum thickness portion T. When the electronic component unit 50 is attached to such an area, even if the tire 1 is deformed, a force that compresses or pulls the electronic component unit 50 is unlikely to be generated. In other words, a force that peels off the electronic component unit 50 from the tire cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29 is unlikely to be generated.

[0097] (3) The electronic component unit 50 according to this embodiment is disposed radially inward in the tire radial direction from the tire radial position of the tire radial outer end 22A of the bead filler 22. As a result, the electronic component unit 50 is disposed on the tire width direction inner side or in the vicinity of the bead filler 22 made of high modulus rubber, so that deformation of the inner liner 29 around the electronic component unit 50 is reduced. Therefore, a force that would peel the electronic component unit 50 from the tire cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29 is unlikely to be generated.

[0098] (4) The bead 11 according to this embodiment further has a rim strip rubber 32 arranged on the outer side of the bead filler 22 in the tire width direction, and the electronic component unit 50 is arranged on the inner side in the tire radial direction of the tire radial position of the outer end 32A in the tire radial direction of the rim strip rubber 32. As a result, the electronic component unit 50 is arranged on the inner side in the tire width direction of the rim strip rubber 32 made of high modulus rubber or in its vicinity, so that deformation of the inner liner 29 around the electronic component unit 50 is reduced. Therefore, a force that would peel off the electronic component unit 50 from the tire cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29 is unlikely to be generated.

[0099] (5) The electronic component unit 50 of the tire 1 according to this embodiment has the electronic component 40 and the flexible film 45 that covers at least a portion of the electronic component. This allows the thickness of the electronic component unit 50 to be reduced. In addition, the electronic component unit is easy to handle.

[0100] Moreover, the tire 1 according to the present embodiment has the following configuration.

[0101] (1) Electronic component 40 of tire 1 according to this embodiment has an IC chip 42 and an antenna 43, and antenna 43 is a printed antenna made of a conductive material printed in a predetermined pattern on flexible substrate 41. This allows electronic component 40 and electronic component unit 50 to be made thin.

[0102] (2) Antenna 43 of electronic component 40 of tire 1 according to the present embodiment has a longitudinal direction, and electronic component unit 50 is oriented such that the longitudinal direction of antenna 43 faces a direction corresponding to the circumferential direction of tire 1. As a result, even if tire 1 deforms during use, electronic component 40 is less likely to be subjected to stress.

[0103] Moreover, the manufacturing method of the tire 1 according to the present embodiment provides the following effects.

[0104] (1) The manufacturing method of the tire 1 according to the present embodiment is a manufacturing method of the tire 1 including a rubber member constituting the tire 1 and an electronic component unit 50 attached to the rubber member, and includes an adhesive application step of applying a vulcanization adhesive 60 to the electronic component unit 50, a drying step of drying the electronic component unit 50 to which the vulcanization adhesive 60 has been applied and preparing a dried electronic component unit 50 that has been dried for a predetermined time or more, an electronic component unit attachment step of attaching the dried electronic component unit 50 to the rubber member before vulcanization, and a vulcanization step of vulcanizing the raw tire including the rubber member to which the dried electronic component unit 50 has been attached. This improves the work of attaching the electronic component unit 50. The dried vulcanization adhesive 60 is easily temporarily bonded to the rubber member. Therefore, the workability of the work of attaching the electronic component unit 50 can be improved. Moreover, the dried vulcanization adhesive 60 is integrated with the rubber member in the subsequent vulcanization step. Therefore, the bonding strength between the electronic component unit 50 and the rubber member can be increased.

[0105] (2) In the manufacturing method of the tire 1 according to the present embodiment, in the drying step, the multiple electronic component units 50 to which the vulcanizing adhesive 60 has been applied are dried, and in the electronic component unit attachment step, the dried electronic component units 50 that have been dried for a predetermined period of time or more are picked up from the multiple electronic component units 50 to which the vulcanizing adhesive 60 has been applied, and attached to the rubber member. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in production takt time even when a drying step is provided.

[0106] (3) In the manufacturing method of the tire 1 according to the present embodiment, in the electronic component unit attachment step, the dried electronic component units 50 are picked up separately from the electronic component units 50 that have not yet dried for the predetermined time. This makes it possible to prevent a decrease in production takt time even when a drying step is provided.

[0107] (4) In the manufacturing method of the tire 1 according to the present embodiment, in the adhesive application step, the vulcanization adhesive 60 is applied so that the thickness after the vulcanization step is 10 μm or more and 30 μm or less, and the predetermined time in the drying step is 1 hour or more. This allows the vulcanization adhesive to dry so that the electronic component unit 50 can be easily attached in the subsequent electronic component unit attachment step.

[0108] (5) In the manufacturing method of tire 1 according to the present embodiment, the rubber member is the inner liner 29, and in the electronic component unit attachment step, the dried electronic component unit 50 is attached to the tire cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29 before vulcanization. This allows the electronic component unit 50 to be appropriately attached to the tire cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29.

[0109] (6) In the manufacturing method of tire 1 according to the present embodiment, the antenna 43 has a longitudinal direction, and in the electronic component unit attachment step, the electronic component unit 50 is attached to the rubber member such that the longitudinal direction of the antenna 43 faces a direction corresponding to the circumferential direction of the tire 1. This makes it difficult for stress to be applied to the electronic component 40 even if the tire 1 deforms during use.

[0110] <Second embodiment> Next, a tire 1 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The tire 1 of this embodiment includes a steel side ply 37 as a metal reinforcing layer.

[0111] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a half cross section in the tire width direction of the tire 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 9 is an enlarged cross section of the periphery of the inner region in the tire radial direction of the bead 11 and the sidewall 12 in the tire 1 of this embodiment shown in Fig. 8.

[0112] The tire 1 of this embodiment includes a steel side ply 37 as a metal reinforcing layer between the ply turn-up portion 25 and the bead filler 22. The chafer 31 is provided separately as a separate member from the rim strip rubber 32. The layering order of the tread rubber 28 and the sidewall rubber 30 in the transition region between the sidewall 12 and the tread 13 is different. In this embodiment, the sidewall rubber 30 and the tread rubber 28 are layered in order on the tire outer surface side of the carcass ply 23.

[0113] The chafer 31 is provided so as to cover the carcass ply 23 provided around the bead core 21. More specifically, the chafer 31 is provided so as to cover the inner side in the tire width direction, the inner side in the tire radial direction, and the outer side in the tire width direction of the carcass ply 23 around the bead core 21. The chafer 31 has a first end 31A arranged on the outer side in the tire width direction of the ply turn-up portion 25 of the carcass ply 23, and a second end 31C arranged on the inner side in the tire width direction of the ply body 24 of the carcass ply 23. The first end 31A of the chafer 31 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the ply turn-up portion 25 of the carcass ply 23 and the rim strip rubber 32. The second end 31C of the chafer 31 is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the ply body 24 of the carcass ply 23 and the inner liner 29. The chafer 31 is made of, for example, rubber kneaded with fibers or rubber with a high modulus, and has a relatively high strength among the components that make up the tire 1. For example, it has a higher strength than an inner liner 29 and a sidewall rubber 30 described below.

[0114] The rim strip rubber 32 in this embodiment is disposed on the outer side in the tire width direction of the chafer 31 and the ply turn-up portion 25 of the carcass ply 23, and when the tire 1 is mounted on a wheel, the outer side in the tire width direction comes into contact with the rim 100 of the wheel. The rim strip rubber 32 has an outer end 32A in the tire radial direction and an inner end 32B in the tire radial direction. The outer side in the tire radial direction of this rim strip rubber 32 is connected to the sidewall rubber 30. Thus, in this embodiment, the chafer 31 is provided separately as a separate member from the rim strip rubber 32.

[0115] The steel side ply 37 as a metal reinforcing layer is disposed between the ply turn-up portion 25 of the carcass ply 23 and the outer side of the bead filler 22 in the tire width direction. The steel side ply 37 has a function of reinforcing the bead 11. The steel side ply 37 has an outer end 37A in the tire radial direction and an inner end 37B in the tire radial direction. In this embodiment, the outer end 37A in the tire radial direction of the steel side ply 37 is located on the outer side of the tire radial direction of the outer end 22A of the bead filler 22 and on the inner side of the end 25A of the ply turn-up portion 25 in the tire radial direction. The steel side ply 37 has a portion sandwiched between the outer side of the bead core 21 in the tire width direction and the ply turn-up portion 25, and a portion sandwiched between the outer side of the bead filler 22 in the tire width direction and the ply turn-up portion 25. In this embodiment, the steel side ply 37 further has a portion sandwiched between the ply body 24 and the ply turn-up portion 25.

[0116] The steel side ply 37 of the present embodiment is composed of a metal fiber cord layer containing metal fibers. More specifically, the steel side ply 37 includes a plurality of metal cords formed by twisting together a plurality of metal fibers, and a topping rubber that covers and integrates the plurality of metal cords.

[0117] In this embodiment, at least a part of the electronic component unit 50 is disposed at a tire radial direction position 5.0 mm or more outward from the tire radial direction outer end 21A of the bead core 21. Explaining with reference to Figs. 8 and 9, the electronic component unit 50 of this embodiment is disposed on the tire inner cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29 outside a tire radial direction position P1 that is a predetermined distance L1 outward from the tire radial direction outer end 21A of the bead core 21. Here, the predetermined distance L1 is 5.0 mm. Note that it is preferable that all parts of the electronic component 40 are disposed at a tire radial direction position 5.0 mm or more outward from the tire radial direction outer end 21A of the bead core 21.

[0118] In this embodiment, the electronic component unit 50 is disposed on the tire radial direction inner side of the tire radial direction position P3 of the tire radial direction outer end 37A of the steel side ply 37 on the tire cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29. For example, at least a part of the electronic component unit 50 is disposed on the tire radial direction inner side of the tire radial direction position P3 of the tire radial direction outer end 37A of the steel side ply 37. That is, at least a part of the electronic component unit 50 is disposed within the region of the range L3 shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. More preferably, all parts of the electronic component 40 are disposed within the region of the range L3. As a result, the electronic component unit 50 is disposed on the tire width direction inner side of the steel side ply 37 or in the vicinity thereof, so that the deformation of the inner liner 29 around the electronic component unit 50 is reduced. Therefore, a force that peels off the electronic component unit 50 from the tire cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29 is unlikely to be generated.

[0119] In this embodiment, the electronic component unit 50 is also disposed radially inward of the tire radial position of the tire radial outer end 22A of the bead filler 22. By disposing at least a part of the electronic component unit 50 radially inward of the tire radial position of the tire radial outer end 22A of the bead filler 22, the electronic component unit 50 is disposed on the tire width direction inner side or in the vicinity of the bead filler 22 made of high modulus rubber, so that the deformation of the inner liner 29 around the electronic component unit 50 is reduced. Therefore, a force that peels off the electronic component unit 50 from the tire cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29 is unlikely to occur. It is preferable that all parts of the electronic component 40 are disposed radially inward of the tire radial position of the tire radial outer end 22A of the bead filler 22.

[0120] In this embodiment, the electronic component unit 50 is also disposed radially inward of the tire radial position of the tire radial outer end 32A of the rim strip rubber 32. By disposing at least a part of the electronic component unit 50 radially inward of the tire radial position of the tire radial outer end 32A of the rim strip rubber 32, the electronic component unit 50 is disposed on the tire width direction inner side or in the vicinity of the rim strip rubber 32 made of high modulus rubber, so that the deformation of the inner liner 29 around the electronic component unit 50 is reduced. Therefore, a force that peels off the electronic component unit 50 from the tire cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29 is unlikely to occur. It is preferable that all parts of the electronic component 40 are disposed radially inward of the tire radial position of the tire radial outer end 32A of the rim strip rubber 32.

[0121] The tire 1 according to the present embodiment provides the following advantages.

[0122] (1) In the tire 1 of this embodiment, a steel side ply 37 is provided as a metal reinforcing layer between the ply turn-up portion 25 and the bead filler 22, and the electronic component unit 50 is disposed radially inward in the tire direction from a tire radial position P3 of a tire radial outer end 37A of the steel side ply 37. As a result, the electronic component unit 50 is disposed on the tire width direction inner side of the steel side ply 37 or in its vicinity, so that deformation of the inner liner 29 around the electronic component unit 50 is reduced. Therefore, a force that would peel off the electronic component unit 50 from the tire cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29 is unlikely to be generated.

[0123] <Third embodiment> Next, a tire 1 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The electronic component unit 50 of this embodiment has a bent shape formed in a state of being in close contact with the inner liner 29.

[0124] Fig. 10A is a diagram showing an electronic component unit 50 attached to an inner liner 29 in a tire according to this embodiment. Fig. 10B is a cross-sectional view showing the XB-XB cross section of Fig. 10A.

[0125] The electronic component unit 50 of this embodiment has a bent shape formed in a state of being in close contact with the inner liner 29. In Fig. 10B, this bent shape has a protrusion 50D that protrudes toward the tire outer surface side. That is, the protrusion 50D is formed so as to be embedded in the inner liner 29. This improves the adhesion between the inner liner 29 and the electronic component unit 50, making it possible to suppress peeling of the electronic component unit 50.

[0126] The step dimension t5 of the bent shape is preferably larger than the thickness of the vulcanizing adhesive 60. This further improves the adhesion between the inner liner 29 and the electronic component unit 50. The step dimension t5 of the bent shape may be larger than the thickness of the flexible film 45 constituting the electronic component unit 50. This further improves the adhesion between the inner liner 29 and the electronic component unit 50.

[0127] Next, a description will be given of a process for forming a curved shape in the electronic component unit 50. This curved shape is formed in a vulcanization process S14.

[0128] In this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, in the electronic component unit attachment step S24, the dried electronic component unit 50 is attached to the rubber member before vulcanization. As a result, the electronic component unit 50 is attached to the raw tire before the vulcanization step S14.

[0129] In the vulcanization step S14, the raw tire to which the electronic component unit 50 is attached is vulcanized by a vulcanizing device.

[0130] During this vulcanization, a bladder, which is a bag-shaped pressing member, is placed in the internal space (cavity) of the raw tire. The bladder expands in the internal space of the raw tire by supplying a high-temperature, high-pressure pressurizing medium therein. As a result, the tire cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29 is pressed toward the outer mold (toward the tire outer surface) while being heated.

[0131] Here, a protrusion of a predetermined height is provided on the outer surface of the bladder. As a result, the protrusion of the bladder presses the electronic component unit 50 attached to the inner cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29. As a result, after vulcanization, a protrusion 50D is formed in the electronic component unit 50 as a bent shape. Also, a groove 29D is formed in the inner cavity surface 29C of the inner liner 29. The height of the protrusion provided on the bladder is set so that the step dimension of the bent shape of the electronic component unit 50 is a desired dimension.

[0132] The bent shape may be a protrusion protruding toward the tire cavity side. This also improves the adhesion between the inner liner 29 and the electronic component unit 50, and prevents the electronic component unit 50 from peeling off. In this case, a groove is provided on the outer surface of the bladder. This allows the electronic component unit 50 to have a protrusion protruding toward the tire cavity side as a bent shape formed in a state where the electronic component unit 50 is in close contact with the inner liner 29. The bent shape formed on the electronic component unit 50 is not limited to a protrusion, and may be a so-called stepped bend (Z-bend) shape or the like.

[0133] In this manner, it is possible to form the electronic component unit 50 in a bent shape.

[0134] The tire 1 according to the present embodiment provides the following advantages.

[0135] (1) The electronic component unit 50 of the present embodiment has a bent shape formed in a state of being in close contact with the inner liner 29. This improves the adhesion between the inner liner 29 and the electronic component unit 50, making it possible to prevent the electronic component unit 50 from peeling off.

[0136] (2) The bent shape of the electronic component unit 50 in this embodiment is a protrusion that protrudes toward the tire cavity side or the tire outer surface side, which improves the adhesion between the inner liner 29 and the electronic component unit 50 and suppresses peeling of the electronic component unit 50.

[0137] (3) The step dimension of the bent shape of the electronic component unit 50 of this embodiment is greater than the thickness of the vulcanizing adhesive 60. This makes it possible to further improve the adhesion between the inner liner 29 and the electronic component unit 50.

[0138] (4) In the method for manufacturing tire 1 according to the present embodiment, in the vulcanization process, a curved shape is formed in at least a part of electronic component unit 50. This makes it possible to form a curved shape in at least a part of electronic component unit 50 without adding an additional process.

[0139] The tire of the present invention can be used as various tires for passenger cars, light trucks, trucks, buses, etc., but is particularly suitable as a tire for passenger cars. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and even if modifications and improvements are made within the scope of the present invention, they will still be included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0140] 1 Tire 11 Bead 12 Sidewall 13 Tread 21 Bead core 21A Tire radial outer end 22 Bead filler 22A Tire radial outer end 23 Carcass ply 24 ply body 25 Ply turn-up part 26 Steel Belt 27 Cap Ply 28 Tread rubber 29 Inner Liner 29C Tire inner cavity surface 30 Sidewall rubber 32 Rim strip rubber 32A First end (Tire radial outer end) 37 Steel side ply (metal reinforcing layer) 37A Tire radial outer end 40 Electronic Components (RFID Tags) 41 Flexible PCB 42 IC chip (RFID chip) 43 Antenna 45 Flexible Film 451 First flexible film 452 Second flexible film 50 Electronic component unit (RFID tag unit) 50D protrusion 60 Vulcanizing Adhesive T Maximum bead thickness

Claims

1. A pair of beads each having a bead core and a bead filler extending outward in a radial direction of the tire from the bead core; a carcass ply extending from one bead to the other bead; An inner liner disposed on the tire cavity side of the carcass ply; An electronic component unit attached to a tire cavity surface of the inner liner, the electronic component unit is disposed at a tire radial direction position spaced 5.0 mm or more away from an outer end of the bead core in the tire radial direction outward in the tire radial direction, The electronic component unit has a stepped curved shape in which a protrusion is formed that protrudes toward the outer surface of the tire while in close contact with the inner liner.

2. In a cross-sectional view in the tire width direction, when a normal line is drawn from the tire cavity surface of the inner liner, a portion where the distance from the tire cavity surface of the inner liner to the tire outer surface is the longest is defined as a bead maximum thickness portion, The tire according to claim 1 , wherein the electronic component unit is disposed radially inward of a position of an inner surface of the tire cavity of the inner liner that constitutes the bead maximum thickness portion.

3. The tire according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electronic component unit is disposed radially inward of a radially outer end of the bead filler.

4. The bead further includes a rim strip rubber arranged on an outer side of the bead filler in the tire width direction, The tire according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electronic component unit is disposed radially inward in the tire radial direction relative to a radially outer end of the rim strip rubber in the tire radial direction.

5. The carcass ply includes a ply body extending from one bead to the other bead, and a ply turn-up portion turned up around the bead core, A metal reinforcing layer is provided between the ply turnup portion and the bead filler, The tire according to claim 1 , wherein the electronic component unit is disposed radially inward of a radial position of an outer end of the metal reinforcing layer in the tire radial direction.

6. The tire according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the electronic component unit has an electronic component and a flexible film covering at least a portion of the electronic component.

7. 7. The tire according to claim 6, wherein the electronic component has an IC chip and an antenna, and the antenna is a printed antenna made of a conductive material printed in a predetermined pattern on a flexible substrate.

8. The antenna has a longitudinal direction. The tire according to claim 7 , wherein the electronic component unit is disposed with a longitudinal direction of the antenna facing a direction corresponding to a circumferential direction of the tire.

9. a vulcanizing adhesive for bonding the inner liner and the electronic component unit; The tire according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the vulcanization adhesive has a thickness of 30 µm or less.

10. 10. The tire of claim 9, wherein the hardness of the vulcanizing adhesive is equal to or greater than the hardness of the innerliner and equal to or less than the hardness of the flexible film.

11. a vulcanizing adhesive for bonding the inner liner and the electronic component unit; The tire according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a step dimension of the curved shape is greater than a thickness of the vulcanization adhesive.

Images