tire

Abstract

To provide a tire in which a position of a communication device can be easily grasped.SOLUTION: A tire 1 includes: a communication device 10 embedded within a tire side part 1d; a decorative part 14 formed on a tire outer surface 1ds of the tire side part and having a base surface 30; and one or a plurality of pattern areas K provided in the decorative part. In each pattern area, there are formed a plurality of protrusions Q which protrude at protrusion heights of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less from the base surface of the decorative part and are arranged at intervals of 0.1 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less. In a projection surface of the tire side part in a tire width direction, the communication device as a whole is located within the decorative part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there are tires in which a communication device (such as an RF tag) is embedded inside the tire (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-046057 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional tire as described above, there is a problem in that it is difficult to determine the position of the communication device when viewing the tire from the outside.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a tire in which the position of a communication device can be easily determined. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The tire of the present invention is a communication device embedded inside the tire side portion; a decorative portion formed on an outer surface of the tire in the tire side portion and having a base surface; one or more pattern areas provided on the decorative portion; A tire comprising: In each of the pattern regions, a plurality of protrusions are formed, each protruding from the base surface of the decorative portion to a protrusion height of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less and spaced apart from each other by a distance of 0.1 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less; In a projection plane of the tire side portion in the tire width direction, the entire communication device is located inside the decorative portion. According to the tire of the present invention, the position of the communication device can be easily determined.

[0007] In the tire of the present invention, the one or more pattern areas include a first pattern area; The first pattern region may have a plurality of first protrusions formed therein, each protruding from the base surface of the decorative part to a protrusion height of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, and spaced apart at intervals of more than 1.0 mm and 3.0 mm or less. In this case, the range of expression of the decorative part can be expanded.

[0008] In the tire of the present invention, The tire includes a plurality of the pattern regions in the decorative portion, the plurality of pattern areas include a first pattern area and a second pattern area; In the first pattern region, a plurality of first protrusions are formed, the first protrusions protruding from the base surface of the decorative part to a protrusion height of a predetermined value of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less and spaced apart by a predetermined value of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, In the second pattern region, a plurality of second protrusions are formed, the second protrusions protruding from the base surface of the decorative part to a protrusion height of a predetermined value of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less and spaced apart by a predetermined value of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, The intervals between the first protrusions and the intervals between the second protrusions are the same, and the first protrusions The protruding height of the first projection may be different from the protruding height of the second projection. In this case, the range of expression of the decorative part can be expanded.

[0009] In the tire of the present invention, the one or more pattern areas include a first pattern area; In the first pattern region, a plurality of first protrusions are formed, each protruding from the base surface of the decorative part to a protrusion height of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less and spaced apart from each other by a distance of more than 0.1 mm and 1.0 mm or less; At least in the first pattern region, the plurality of first protrusions may be inclined in one direction with respect to a normal line perpendicular to the base surface. In this case, contrast can be obtained when the decorative portion is viewed obliquely.

[0010] In the tire of the present invention, the one or more pattern areas include a first pattern area; In the first pattern region, a plurality of first protrusions are formed, each protruding from the base surface of the decorative part to a protrusion height of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less and spaced apart from each other by a distance of more than 0.1 mm and 1.0 mm or less; The first pattern region may be provided with a gradually decreasing region in which the height of the plurality of first projections arranged adjacent to each other gradually decreases. In this case, the range of expression of the decorative part can be expanded.

[0011] In the tire of the present invention, the one or more pattern areas include a first pattern area; a plurality of first protrusions are formed adjacent to each other in the first pattern region; Each of the first protrusions extends along the base surface; each of the first projections includes a base portion that forms a side of the base surface and a tip portion that forms a side of the protruding tip, an overlapping portion is formed in the first pattern region, in which at least a portion of the first projections adjacent to each other overlaps with each other when viewed in a length direction of the first projections; The first protrusions in the first pattern region may protrude from the base surface to a protrusion height of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, and the pitch between the adjacent first protrusions may be 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less. In this case, the range of expression of the decorative part can be expanded.

[0012] In the tire of the present invention, Each of the first protrusions may be an asterisk protrusion.

[0013] In the tire of the present invention, Preferably, the communication device comprises an RF tag. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, a tire can be provided that makes it easier to determine the position of a communication device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view showing a part of a tire side portion of a tire according to a first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the outer side in the tire width direction. [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view in the tire width direction showing a part of the tire of FIG. 1, taken along line AA of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary communication device that may be used in a tire according to any embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the communication device of FIG. 3 in an exploded state. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view in the tire width direction showing a part of a tire according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a side view of a tire according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an enlarged side view showing a decorative portion of a tire according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view showing a protrusion formed in a medium brightness region of a decorative part of a tire according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing protrusions formed in a medium brightness region of a decorative part of a tire according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10(A) and 10(B) are cross-sectional views showing protrusions formed in the medium brightness area and the low brightness area of ​​the decorative part of a tire according to a third embodiment of the present invention, respectively. [Figure 11]FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view showing a protrusion formed in a low-lightness region of a decorative part of a tire according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing protrusions formed in a medium brightness region of a decorative part of a tire according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a side view of a tire according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an enlarged side view showing a decorative portion of a tire according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view showing a protrusion formed in a first low-lightness region of a decorative part of a tire according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a protrusion formed in a first low-lightness region of a decorative part of a tire according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view showing a protrusion formed in a second low-lightness region of a decorative part of a tire according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a protrusion formed in a second low-lightness region of a decorative part of a tire according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view showing a protrusion formed in a third low-lightness region of a decorative part of a tire according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a protrusion formed in a third low-lightness region of a decorative part of a tire according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] 21(A), 21(B), and 21(C) are cross-sectional views showing protrusions formed on decorative parts of tires according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] Figure 22(A) is a perspective view of a tire side portion of a tire according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention viewed diagonally from above the rotation axis, and Figure 22(B) is a cross-sectional view of the tire according to the fifth embodiment along the rotation axis. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a first low-lightness region of a decorative portion of a tire according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24]FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view showing a protrusion formed in a first low-lightness region of a decorative portion of a tire according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an extension portion extending in the tire radial direction of a first asterisk projection formed in a first low-lightness region of a decorative portion of a tire according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an extension portion extending in the tire circumferential direction of a first asterisk projection formed in a first low-lightness region of a decorative portion of a tire according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] Figure 27(A) is a side view of a tire according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, Figure 27(B) is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the bottom-raising protrusion and the brightness of a gradation area provided in a low-brightness area of ​​a decorative part, and Figure 27(C) is a perspective view of the bottom-raising protrusion. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a low-lightness region of a decorative part of a tire according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view showing a protrusion formed in a low-lightness region of a decorative part of a tire according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30] Figure 30(A) is a cross-sectional view showing a first asterisk protrusion formed in a low-brightness area of ​​a decorative part of a tire according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 30(B) is a cross-sectional view showing a second asterisk protrusion formed in the low-brightness area. [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is a side view of a tire according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is an enlarged side view showing a decorative portion of a tire according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 33] FIG. 13 is an enlarged plan view showing a protrusion formed on a decorative portion of a tire according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 34] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a part of a protrusion formed on a decorative portion of a tire according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 35] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view showing an overlapping state of adjacent protrusions formed in a pattern region according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 36]FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an overlapping state of adjacent protrusions formed in a pattern region according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The tire according to the present invention can be suitably used for any type of pneumatic tire, for example, a pneumatic tire for a passenger car, a pneumatic tire for a truck or a bus, etc.

[0017] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of a tire according to the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the drawings. The same symbols are used for common members and parts in each drawing. In some drawings, the tire width direction is indicated by the symbol "TW," the tire radial direction is indicated by the symbol "RD," and the tire circumferential direction is indicated by the symbol "CD." In this specification, the side closer to the tire cavity is referred to as the "inner side of the tire," and the side farther from the tire cavity is referred to as the "outer side of the tire."

[0018] 1 and 2 are drawings for explaining a tire 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a side view showing a part of a tire side portion of the tire according to the first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the outer side in the tire width direction. Fig. 2 is a tire widthwise cross-sectional view showing a part of the tire in Fig. 1 (specifically, a part on one side of the tire equatorial plane CL) in a cross section taken along line AA in Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a tire widthwise cross-sectional view showing a part of a tire according to a second embodiment of the present invention (specifically, a part on one side of the tire equatorial plane CL). The tire 1 of the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is configured as a pneumatic tire for passenger cars. The tire 1 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 5 is configured as a pneumatic tire for trucks and buses. For convenience of explanation, these embodiments will be described below together. It should be noted that the tire 1 according to any embodiment of the present invention may be configured as any type of tire.

[0019] The tire 1 includes a tire main body 1M and a communication device 10. The tire main body 1M corresponds to the portion of the tire 1 other than the communication device 10.

[0020] Unless otherwise specified, the positional relationship and dimensions of each element are measured in a standard state where the tire 1 is mounted on an applicable rim, inflated to a specified internal pressure, and no load is applied. Furthermore, when the tire 1 is mounted on an applicable rim, inflated to a specified internal pressure, and under maximum load, the width in the tire width direction of the contact patch that comes into contact with the road surface is referred to as the tire contact width, and the ends of the contact patch in the tire width direction are referred to as contact edges.

[0021] In this specification, the term "applicable rim" refers to the standard rim (called "Measuring Rim" in the ETRTO Standards Manual and "Design Rim" in the TRA Year Book) for the applicable size, which is an industrial standard valid in the region where the pneumatic tire is produced and used, and which is described or will be described in the future, such as the JATMA Year Book of the Japan Automobile Tire Manufacturers Association (JATMA) in Japan, the European Tyre and Rim Technical Organization (ETRTO) Standards Manual in Europe, and the Tire and Rim Association, Inc. (TRA) Year Book in the United States. However, for sizes not described in these industrial standards, the term refers to a rim with a width corresponding to the bead width of the pneumatic tire. "Applicable rim" includes not only current sizes but also sizes that will be described in the aforementioned industrial standards in the future. An example of a "size to be described in the future" is the size described as "FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS" in the 2013 edition of the ETRTO Standards.

[0022] In this specification, "specified internal pressure" refers to the air pressure (maximum air pressure) corresponding to the maximum load capacity of a single wheel for the applicable size and ply rating as set forth in the aforementioned industrial standards, such as the JATMA Yearbook, or, in the case of a size not set forth in the aforementioned industrial standards, refers to the air pressure (maximum air pressure) corresponding to the maximum load capacity specified for each vehicle on which the tire is to be mounted. Furthermore, in this specification, "maximum load" refers to the load corresponding to the maximum load capacity of the tire for the applicable size as set forth in the aforementioned industrial standards, or, in the case of a size not set forth in the aforementioned industrial standards, the load corresponding to the maximum load capacity specified for each vehicle on which the tire is to be mounted.

[0023] First, the tire body 1M will be described. As shown in Figures 2, 5, etc., in each embodiment described in this specification, a tire main body 1M includes a tread portion 1a, a pair of sidewall portions 1b extending radially inward from both ends of the tread portion 1a in the tire width direction, and a pair of bead portions 1c provided at the ends of each sidewall portion 1b on the inner side in the tire radial direction. The tread portion 1a is a portion of the tire main body 1M in the tire width direction between a pair of ground-contact edges. The bead portions 1c are configured to contact the rim on the inner side in the tire radial direction and the outer side in the tire width direction when the tire 1 is mounted on a rim. The tire main body 1M has a pair of tire side portions 1d extending radially inward from both ends of the tread portion 1a in the tire width direction. The tire side portions 1d are composed of sidewall portions 1b and bead portions 1c. In this specification, the outer surface of the tire side portion 1d is referred to as the "tire outer surface 1ds of the tire side portion 1d." The tire body 1M also includes a pair of bead cores 4a, a pair of bead fillers 4b, a carcass 5, a belt 6, a tread rubber 7, a side rubber 8, and an inner liner 9.

[0024] Each bead core 4a is embedded in a corresponding bead portion 1c. The bead core 4a includes a plurality of bead wires coated with rubber. The bead wires are preferably made of metal (e.g., steel). The bead wires may be made of, for example, monofilament or stranded wire. The bead wires may also be made of organic fiber or carbon fiber.

[0025] Each bead filler 4b is located radially outward of the corresponding bead core 4a. The bead fillers 4b extend in a tapered shape toward the radially outward direction of the tire. The bead fillers 4b are made of, for example, rubber. Bead fillers are sometimes called "stiffeners." As shown in Fig. 5, when the tire body 1M (and therefore the tire 1) is configured as a pneumatic tire for trucks and buses, the bead filler 4b may be configured with a plurality of (two in the example of Fig. 5) bead filler portions 4b1, 4b2. These plurality of bead filler portions 4b1, 4b2 may have different hardnesses, for example. These plurality of bead filler portions 4b1, 4b2 are arranged (stacked) along the tire radial direction, for example.

[0026] The carcass 5 is disposed between the pair of bead cores 4a and extends in a toroidal shape. The carcass 5 is composed of one or more carcass plies 5a. Each carcass ply 5a includes one or more carcass cords and a covering rubber that covers the carcass cords. The carcass cords may be formed of monofilaments or twisted wires. The carcass cord may be made of organic fibers such as polyester, nylon, rayon, aramid, etc., or may be made of metal (e.g., steel). When the tire 1 is configured as a pneumatic tire for trucks and buses, the carcass cord is preferably made of metal (e.g., steel). When the tire 1 is configured as a pneumatic tire for passenger cars, the carcass cord is preferably made of organic fibers such as polyester, nylon, rayon, aramid, etc. The carcass ply 5a includes a ply main body portion 5M located between a pair of bead cores 4a. The carcass ply 5a may further include ply turn-up portions 5T that are turned up from both ends of the ply main body portion 5M around the bead cores 4a from the inner side in the tire width direction to the outer side in the tire width direction. However, the carcass ply 5a does not necessarily have to include the ply turn-up portions 5T. The carcass 5 preferably has a radial structure, but may also have a bias structure.

[0027] The belt 6 is disposed radially outward of the crown portion of the carcass 5. The belt 6 includes one or more belt layers 6a. Each belt layer 6a includes one or more belt cords and a coating rubber that covers the belt cords. The belt cords may be formed of a monofilament or a twisted wire. The belt cords may be made of metal (e.g., steel) or organic fibers such as polyester, nylon, rayon, or aramid.

[0028] The tread rubber 7 is located in the tread portion 1a on the radially outer side of the belt 6. The tread rubber 7 forms a tread surface, which is the radially outer surface of the tread portion 1a. A tread pattern is formed on the tread surface.

[0029] The side rubber 8 is located on the outer side of the carcass 5 in the tire width direction in the sidewall portion 1b. The side rubber 8 forms the outer surface of the sidewall portion 1b in the tire width direction. The side rubber 8 is formed integrally with the tread rubber 7.

[0030] The inner liner 9 is disposed on the tire inner side of the carcass 5, and may be laminated on the tire inner side of the carcass 5, for example. The inner liner 9 is made of, for example, a butyl-based rubber having low air permeability. Butyl-based rubbers include, for example, butyl rubber and its derivative, halogenated butyl rubber. The inner liner 9 is not limited to butyl-based rubber, and may be made of other rubber compositions, resins, or elastomers.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 5, when the tire body 1M (and therefore the tire 1) is configured as a pneumatic tire for trucks and buses, the tire body 1M may include a reinforcing member 3 around the bead core 4a. The reinforcing member 3 may be disposed on the opposite side of the carcass 5 from the bead core 4a, as in the example of FIG. 5. The reinforcing member 3 includes one or more reinforcing plies 3a (three in the example of FIG. 5). Each reinforcing ply 3a includes a reinforcing cord. The reinforcing cord may be made of a metal (e.g., steel) or an organic fiber such as polyester, nylon, rayon, or aramid.

[0032] In each embodiment described herein, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 2 and 5 , a tire main body 1M includes a decorative portion 14 formed on the tire outer surface 1ds of a tire side portion 1d and having a base surface 30, and one or more pattern areas K provided in the decorative portion 14. A plurality of protrusions Q are formed in each pattern area K. These plurality of protrusions Q protrude from the base surface 30 of the decorative portion 14 to a protrusion height of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less. The spacing between these plurality of protrusions Q is 0.1 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less. The base surface 30 forms the bottom surface of the decorative portion 14. The tire main body 1M may include only one decorative portion 14, or may include multiple decorative portions 14. In this way, the decorative portion 14 has minute irregularities formed by these multiple protrusions Q, which makes it easy to absorb light. As a result, the amount of light reflected outward by the decorative portion 14 is less than the amount of light reflected outward by portions of the tire outer surface 1ds of the tire side portion 1d other than the decorative portion 14. Therefore, the brightness of the decorative portion 14 is lower than the brightness of portions of the tire outer surface 1ds of the tire side portion 1d other than the decorative portion 14.

[0033] Next, the communication device 10 will be described. The communication device 10 may have any configuration as long as it is capable of wireless communication with a predetermined external device (for example, a reader or a reader / writer) outside the tire 1, and the configuration of the communication device 10 is not particularly limited. The communication device 10 preferably includes an RF tag. The RF tag is also called an “RFID tag.” The RF tag is preferably configured as a passive type, but may also be configured as an active type. The communication device 10 may have an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration of the tire 1, an internal pressure sensor that detects the internal pressure of the tire 1, or the like, instead of or in addition to the RF tag.

[0034] 3 and 4 show an example of a communication device 10. In this example, the communication device 10 has an RF tag. In this example, the communication device 10 includes an RF tag 10e and a covering portion 10f. The RF tag 10e includes an IC chip 10c and an antenna portion 10b. The RF tag 10e is configured as a passive type.

[0035] The IC chip 10c is operated by, for example, a dielectric electromotive force generated by radio waves received by the antenna unit 10b. The IC chip 10c has, for example, a control unit and a storage unit. The memory unit may store any information. For example, the memory unit may store identification information of the tire 1. The identification information of the tire 1 is unique identification information of the tire 1 that can identify each tire, such as the tire's manufacturer, manufacturing plant, and manufacturing date. The memory unit may also store tire history information such as the tire's mileage, the number of sudden braking events, the number of sudden starts, and the number of sharp turns. For example, sensors that detect the tire's internal temperature, tire pressure, tire acceleration, etc. may be provided in the tire cavity, and the memory unit may store the detection information detected by these sensors. In this case, the RF tag 10e can acquire the detection information of the sensors by wirelessly communicating with the sensors via the antenna unit 10b. The control unit is configured to be able to read information from the storage unit.

[0036] The antenna unit 10b has a pair of antennas 10b1 and 10b2. The pair of antennas 10b1 and 10b2 are respectively connected to ends of the IC chip 10c that are located on opposite sides of each other. The antenna unit 10b is configured to be able to transmit and receive signals to and from the predetermined external device outside the tire 1. In the example of FIGS. 3 and 4, the antennas 10b1 and 10b2 extend linearly, but the antennas 10b1 and 10b2 may extend in any shape, such as a wave shape.

[0037] The covering portion 10f covers the entire RF tag 10e and is made of, for example, rubber or resin. In this example, the covering unit 10f has a pair of sheet-like covering members 10f1 and 10f2. The pair of covering members 10f1 and 10f2 are stacked on top of each other with the RF tag 10e sandwiched between them. It is preferable that the pair of covering members 10f1 and 10f2 are fixed to each other by adhesive or the like. However, the covering portion 10f may be made of a single member. In this example, the covering portion 10f has a rectangular shape in a plan view, but the covering portion 10f may have any shape in a plan view. The communication device 10 does not have to have the covering portion 10f, that is, it may be composed of only the RF tag 10e.

[0038] The communication device 10 configured in this manner is configured to be able to receive information transmitted from the specified external device via radio waves or magnetic fields using the antenna unit 10b. Electric power is generated in the antenna unit 10b of the communication device 10 by rectification (in the case of radio waves) or resonance (in the case of magnetic fields), and the memory unit and control unit of the IC chip 10c perform predetermined operations. For example, the control unit reads information from the memory unit and transmits it via radio waves or magnetic fields from the antenna unit 10b to the specified external device. The specified external device receives the radio waves or magnetic fields from the communication device 10. The specified external device can obtain the information stored in the memory unit of the IC chip 10c of the communication device 10 by extracting the received information.

[0039] However, the communication device 10 may have any configuration different from this example.

[0040] The communication device 10 may have a longitudinal direction LD, a lateral direction SD, and a thickness direction TD, which are perpendicular to each other. 3 and 4, when the communication device 10 has an RF tag 10e, the longitudinal direction LD of the communication device 10 is parallel to the extension direction of the antenna unit 10b. When the antennas 10b1 and 10b2 of the antenna unit 10b are corrugated, the extension direction of the antenna unit 10b corresponds to the extension direction of the center line of the amplitude of the corrugation formed by the antennas 10b1 and 10b2. When the communication device 10 has a coating 10f, the thickness direction TD of the communication device 10 corresponds to the thickness direction of the coating 10f. When the communication device 10 does not have a coating 10f, the thickness direction TD of the communication device 10 corresponds to the thickness direction of the IC chip 10c.

[0041] The length of the RF tag 10e in the longitudinal direction LD is preferably, for example, 20 mm or more, or 50 mm or more, and is preferably, for example, 100 mm or less, or 70 mm or less. The length of the RF tag 10e in the short side direction SD is preferably, for example, 10 mm or less, or 8 mm or less. The length of the RF tag 10e in the thickness direction TD is preferably, for example, 5 mm or less, or 2 mm or less. When the communication device 10 has a covering portion 10f, the length of the communication device 10 in the longitudinal direction LD is preferably, for example, 30 mm or more, or 60 mm or more. The length of the RF tag 10e in the longitudinal direction LD is preferably, for example, 110 mm or less, or 80 mm or less. When the communication device 10 has the covering portion 10f, the length of the communication device 10 in the short direction SD is preferably, for example, 20 mm or less, or 15 mm or less. When the communication device 10 has the covering portion 10f, the length of the communication device 10 in the thickness direction TD is preferably, for example, 6 mm or less, or 3 mm or less. The thickness of each of the covering members 10f1 and 10f2 of the covering portion 10f is preferably, for example, 0.5 mm or more, and the thickness of each of the covering members 10f1 and 10f2 of the covering portion 10f is preferably, for example, 1 mm or less.

[0042] In each embodiment described in this specification, the entire communication device 10 is embedded inside the tire side portion 1d of the tire main body 1M, as shown in Figures 1 to 2 and 5. The communication device 10 is embedded in a portion of the tire side portion 1d of the tire main body 1M that is outer than the carcass 5 in the tire width direction. In a projection plane of the tire side portion 1d in the tire width direction (FIG. 1), the entire communication device 10 is located inside the decorative portion 14. Here, the "projection plane of the tire side portion 1d in the tire width direction" refers to the projection plane when the tire side portion 1d is projected in the tire width direction, as shown in FIG. The communication device 10 is oriented so that the thickness direction TD of the communication device 10 is substantially along the tire width direction (FIGS. 2 and 5).

[0043] When manufacturing the tire 1, the raw tire constituting the tire main body 1M and the communication device 10 are housed inside a tire molding die and vulcanized. The decorative portion 14 may be formed by cutting the raw tire obtained after vulcanization molding using a tire molding mold, or may be formed by vulcanization molding using a tire molding mold.

[0044] Here, the effects of each embodiment described in this specification will be described. First, as described above, in each embodiment described herein, the communication device 10 is embedded inside the tire side portion 1d as shown in FIGS. 1 to 2 and 5 . Generally, metal weakens radio waves between the communication device 10 and the predetermined external device (e.g., a reader or reader / writer), potentially reducing the communication performance between the communication device 10 and the predetermined external device, and ultimately reducing the communication distance between the communication device 10 and the predetermined external device. Meanwhile, in the tire main body 1M, metal (e.g., steel) may be used for the carcass 5, belt 6, bead cores 4a, reinforcing members 3, and the like. Generally, the tire side portion 1d tends to contain less metal than the tread portion 1a. Therefore, by disposing the communication device 10 in the tire side portion 1d, communication performance can be improved compared to disposing the communication device 10 in the tread portion 1a, and the communication distance between the communication device 10 and the predetermined external device can be increased. As described above, in each embodiment described herein, as shown in FIG. 1 , the entire communication device 10 is located inside the decorative portion 14 on the projection surface of the tire side portion 1d in the tire width direction. Therefore, the decorative portion 14, which is easily visible from the outside, has a display function that indicates the position of the communication device 10, making it easier to grasp the position of the communication device 10. Therefore, an operator attempting to read the communication device 10 using the specified external device (e.g., a reader or reader / writer) can read the communication device 10 simply by holding the specified external device near the decorative portion 14, thereby facilitating the reading operation. Furthermore, the decorative portion 14 can decorate the tire 1, thereby improving the appearance of the tire 1. In other words, the decorative portion 14 can have both the function of decorating the tire 1 and the function of indicating the position of the communication device 10. Furthermore, since the entire communication device 10 is located inside the decorative portion 14 on the projection surface of the tire side portion 1d in the tire width direction, the fine irregularities formed in the decorative portion 14 make it less likely for distortion to concentrate near the decorative portion 14 when the tire 1 rolls, etc., thereby reducing the load on the communication device 10 and improving the durability of the communication device 10 and ultimately the tire 1. Furthermore, because the entire communication device 10 is located inside the decorative portion 14 on a projection surface of the tire side portion 1d in the tire width direction, the fine irregularities formed on the decorative portion 14 make the outline of the communication device 10 located on the inner side of the decorative portion 14 in the tire width direction less noticeable (particularly, for example, if the communication device 10 has an RF tag 10e, the outline of the RF tag 10e), thereby improving the appearance of the tire 1. Note that if the irregularities formed on the decorative portion 14 are not particularly fine (specifically, if the protrusion height of the protrusions Q exceeds 1.0 mm and / or the spacing between the protrusions Q exceeds 3.0 mm), the outline of the communication device 10 becomes more noticeable, which may detract from the appearance of the tire 1.

[0045] In each embodiment described herein, the direction (orientation) of the communication device 10 is arbitrary, but from the viewpoint of durability of the communication device 10, it is preferable that the communication device 10 is oriented so that the longitudinal direction LD of the communication device 10 is approximately along the tire circumferential direction, as in the example of Fig. 1. However, the communication device 10 may also be oriented so that the lateral direction LD of the communication device 10 is approximately along the tire circumferential direction.

[0046] In each embodiment described herein, it is preferable that the communication device 10 be disposed in the sidewall portion 1b, as in the embodiments of Figures 2 and 5. Generally, the sidewall portion 1b tends to have a smaller amount of metal than the bead portion 1c. Therefore, by disposing the communication device 10 in the sidewall portion 1b, it is possible to improve communication performance and increase the communication distance between the communication device 10 and the specified external device, compared to when the communication device 10 is disposed in the bead portion 1c.

[0047] In each embodiment described in this specification, when the tire 1 is configured as a pneumatic tire for a passenger car (Figure 2), it is preferable that the tire radial outer end 10u of the communication device 10 (more preferably, the entire communication device 10) is located radially outward of the tire radial outer end of the bead core 4a, and more preferably located radially outward of the tire radial center of the bead filler 4b, for example, it is preferable that it is located radially outward of the tire radial outer end 4bu of the bead filler 4b.

[0048] In each embodiment described herein, when the tire 1 is configured as a pneumatic tire for a passenger vehicle (FIG. 2), and when the communication device 10 is disposed in the sidewall portion 1b as described above, it is preferable that the tire radial outer end 10u of the communication device 10 is located radially inward of the tire radial outer end 5e of the ply folded-up portion 5T of the carcass 5, as in the example of FIG. 2. This improves communication performance, enables the communication distance between the communication device 10 and the predetermined external device to be increased, and allows the communication device 10 to be disposed in a portion of the tire main body 1M that is subject to relatively little strain when the tire 1 rolls, etc., thereby improving the durability of the communication device 10 and therefore the tire 1. The distance in the tire radial direction between the tire radial outer end 10u of the communication device 10 and the tire radial outer end 5e of the ply turned-up portion 5T of the carcass 5 is preferably 3 to 30 mm, more preferably 5 to 15 mm.

[0049] In each embodiment described herein, when the tire 1 is configured as a pneumatic tire for passenger cars (FIG. 2), it is preferable that the tire radially outer end 5e of the ply turnup portion 5T of the carcass 5 is located radially outward of the tire radially outer end 4bu of the bead filler 4b, as in the example of FIG. 2. However, the tire radially outer end 5e of the ply turnup portion 5T of the carcass 5 may be located at the same radial position as the tire radially outer end of the bead filler 4b or further inward in the tire radial direction.

[0050] In each embodiment described herein, when the tire 1 is configured as a pneumatic tire for passenger cars ( FIG. 2 ), the tire radially outer end 5e of the ply turnup portion 5T of the carcass 5 may be located radially outward of the tire maximum width position of the tire main body 1M, may be located at the same radial position as the tire maximum width position of the tire main body 1M, or may be located radially inward of the tire maximum width position of the tire main body 1M. Here, the "tire maximum width position of the tire main body 1M" refers to the radial position in the tire where the dimension of the tire main body 1M in the tire width direction is greatest.

[0051] In each embodiment described in this specification, when the tire 1 is configured as a pneumatic tire for a passenger car (Figure 2), as in the example of Figure 2, it is preferable that the communication device 10 be in contact with the outer surface of the carcass 5 in the tire width direction, and it is more preferable that it be in contact with the outer surface of the ply fold portion 5T of the carcass 5 in the tire width direction.

[0052] In each embodiment described herein, when the tire 1 is configured as a pneumatic tire for trucks and buses (FIG. 5), it is preferable that the tire radial center 10m of the communication device 10 (more preferably, the entire communication device 10) is located radially outward of the tire radial outer end of the bead core 4a. This improves communication performance and enables the communication distance between the communication device 10 and the specified external device to be increased.

[0053] In each embodiment described herein, when the tire 1 is configured as a pneumatic tire for trucks and buses ( FIG. 5 ), it is preferable that the tire radial center 10m of the communication device 10 (more preferably, the entire communication device 10) is located radially outward of the tire radial outer end 5e of the ply folded-up portion 5T of the carcass 5. This improves communication performance and enables the communication distance between the communication device 10 and the predetermined external device to be increased. In addition, the communication device 10 can be disposed in a portion of the tire main body 1M that is subject to relatively little strain when the tire 1 rolls, etc., thereby improving the durability of the communication device 10 and, ultimately, the tire 1. Here, "the tire radially outer end 5e of the ply turn-up portion 5T of the carcass 5" refers to the tire radially outermost end of the ply turn-up portion 5T of each carcass ply 5a of the carcass 5 in the tire radial direction.

[0054] In each embodiment described herein, when the tire 1 is configured as a pneumatic tire for trucks and buses ( FIG. 5 ), it is preferable that the tire radial center 10m of the communication device 10 (more preferably, the entire communication device 10) is located radially outward of the tire radial outer end 3u of the reinforcing member 3. This improves communication performance, enables the communication distance between the communication device 10 and the predetermined external device to be increased, and allows the communication device 10 to be disposed in a portion of the tire main body 1M that is subject to relatively little strain when the tire 1 rolls, etc., thereby improving the durability of the communication device 10 and, ultimately, the tire 1. Here, "the tire radially outer end 3u of the reinforcing member 3" refers to the tire radially outermost end of each reinforcing ply 3a of the reinforcing member 3 in the tire radial direction.

[0055] In each embodiment described herein, when the tire 1 is configured as a pneumatic tire for trucks and buses (FIG. 5), it is preferable that the tire radial center 10m of the communication device 10 (more preferably, the entire communication device 10) is located radially inward of the tire radial outer end 4bu of the bead filler 4b. This improves communication performance and enables the communication distance between the communication device 10 and the predetermined external device to be increased. In addition, the communication device 10 can be disposed in a portion of the tire main body 1M that is relatively less distorted when the tire 1 rolls, etc., thereby improving the durability of the communication device 10 and, ultimately, the tire 1. The distance in the tire radial direction between the tire radial center 10m of the communication device 10 and the tire radial outer end 4bu of the bead filler 4b is preferably 1 to 30 mm, and more preferably 5 to 15 mm.

[0056] In each embodiment described in this specification, when the tire 1 is configured as a pneumatic tire for trucks and buses (FIG. 5), it is preferable that the tire radial outer end 5e of the ply turn-up portion 5T of the carcass 5 is located radially inward of the tire radial outer end 4bu of the bead filler 4b, but the tire radial outer end 5e of the ply turn-up portion 5T of the carcass 5 may be located at the same tire radial position as the tire radial outer end 4bu of the bead filler 4b or further radially outward of that.

[0057] In each embodiment described in this specification, when the tire 1 is configured as a pneumatic tire for trucks and buses (FIG. 5), it is preferable that the tire radial outer end 3u of the reinforcing member 3 is located radially inward of the tire radial outer end 4bu of the bead filler 4b, but the tire radial outer end 3u of the reinforcing member 3 may be located at the same tire radial position as the tire radial outer end 4bu of the bead filler 4b or further radially outward of that.

[0058] In each embodiment described in this specification, when the tire 1 is configured as a pneumatic tire for trucks and buses (Figure 5), the tire radial outer end 5e of the ply fold-up portion 5T of the carcass 5 may be located radially inward of the tire maximum width position of the tire main body 1M, as in the example of Figure 5, or may be located radially inward of the tire maximum width position of the tire main body 1M, or may be located radially outward of the tire maximum width position of the tire main body 1M. Here, the "maximum tire width position of the tire main body 1M" refers to the tire radial direction position where the dimension of the tire main body 1M in the tire width direction is maximum.

[0059] In each embodiment described in this specification, when the tire 1 is configured as a pneumatic tire for trucks and buses (Figure 5), the tire radial outer end 3u of the reinforcing member 3 may be located radially inward of the tire maximum width position of the tire main body 1M, as in the example of Figure 5, or may be located at the same tire radial position as the tire maximum width position of the tire main body 1M, or may be located radially outward of the tire maximum width position of the tire main body 1M.

[0060] In each embodiment described in this specification, when the tire 1 is configured as a pneumatic tire for trucks and buses (Figure 5), it is preferable that the communication device 10 is in contact with the outer surface of the bead filler 4b in the tire width direction, as in the example of Figure 5.

[0061] Various modifications of the decorative portion 14 and the pattern area K will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 6 to 12 are drawings for explaining a tire 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 13 to 21 are drawings for explaining a tire 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 22 to 26 are drawings for explaining a tire 1 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 27 to 30 are drawings for explaining a tire 1 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 31 to 36 are drawings for explaining a tire 1 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The embodiments of FIGS. 6 to 36 differ in the configuration of the decorative portion 14 and the pattern region K. However, in the embodiments of FIGS. 6 to 36, as in the embodiments described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, the tire main body 1M includes a decorative portion 14 formed on the tire outer surface 1ds of the tire side portion 1d and having a base surface 30, and one or more pattern regions K provided in the decorative portion 14. A plurality of protrusions Q are formed in each pattern region K. The plurality of protrusions Q protrude from the base surface 30 of the decorative portion 14 to a protrusion height of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less. The distance between these multiple protrusions Q is not less than 0.1 mm and not more than 3.0 mm. The base surface 30 forms the bottom surface of the decorative portion 14. The tire main body 1M may include only one decorative portion 14, or may include multiple decorative portions 14. For convenience, the communication device 10 is not shown in Figures 6 to 36. However, in each of the embodiments in Figures 6 to 36, the tire 1 is also provided with the communication device 10, and the entire communication device 10 is embedded inside the tire side portion 1d of the tire main body 1M, and the entire communication device 10 is located inside the decorative portion 14 on a projection plane of the tire side portion 1d in the tire width direction.

[0062] Hereinafter, a tire 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the tire 1 of the third embodiment, one or more pattern areas K provided on the decorative portion 14 include a first pattern area K, and in the first pattern area K, a plurality of first protrusions Q are formed that protrude from the base surface 30 of the decorative portion 14 to a protrusion height of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, and are spaced apart at intervals of more than 1.0 mm and 3.0 mm or less.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 6 , a decorative portion 14 is formed on a tire side portion 1d of the tire 1. When viewed from the axial direction of the tire 1, the decorative portion 14 is arc-shaped and is arranged at two symmetrical positions on either side of the tire center axis CE. Furthermore, in an area of ​​the tire side portion 1d other than the decorative portion 14, a base surface 30 is formed on the decorative portion 14 that is recessed relative to other areas 20 where no protrusions or the like are formed. This base surface 30 forms the bottom surface of the decorative portion 14 and is curved and convex outward in the width direction of the tire 1 when viewed from the tire circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the base surface 30 is recessed by 0.4 mm relative to the other areas 20.

[0064] Furthermore, the decorative portion 14 is formed with low-lightness regions 18(K) that are lower in lightness than the other regions 20 and appear black, and medium-lightness regions 16(K) that are lower in lightness than the other regions 20 and higher in lightness than the low-lightness regions 18 and appear gray. In other words, the decorative portion 14 is formed by the low-lightness regions 18 and the medium-lightness regions 16. The medium-lightness regions 16 are an example of a first pattern region (pattern region) K, and the low-lightness regions 18 are an example of a second pattern region (pattern region) K.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 7, the low-brightness region 18 formed in the decorative portion 14 extends in the tire circumferential direction, and the medium-brightness regions 16 are arranged on both ends of the low-brightness region 18 in the tire circumferential direction.

[0066] In addition, the low lightness region 18 and the medium lightness region 16 are formed by providing unevenness in the portions of a tire molding die used to mold the tire 1 that correspond to the low lightness region 18 and the medium lightness region 16. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of visibility when the tire 1 is mounted on a vehicle, it is preferable that the low lightness region 18 and the medium lightness region 16 be positioned radially outward of the maximum tire width position (the portion of the tire that is the maximum linear distance between the tire side portions).

[0067] (Low brightness area 18) As shown in Fig. 12, the low-lightness region 18 has a plurality of asterisk-shaped protrusions (hereinafter referred to as "asterisk protrusions") Q protruding from the base surface 30. Specifically, the low-lightness region 18 has a plurality of first asterisk protrusions 34(Q) and a plurality of second asterisk protrusions 36(Q). The first asterisk protrusions 34 and the second asterisk protrusions 36 are arranged alternately in the tire circumferential direction and the tire radial direction. The first asterisk protrusions 34 and the second asterisk protrusions 36 are examples of second protrusions (protrusions) Q.

[0068] [First asterisk protrusion 34] 11 , when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the base surface 30 (e.g., the direction of the rotational axis of the tire 1), the first asterisk protrusion 34 is composed of first extending portions 35A-1 and 35A-2, second extending portions 35B-1 and 35B-2, and third extending portions 35C-1 and 35C-2, each extending in a different direction from a center O1 serving as a base point. Hereinafter, these six extending portions will be collectively referred to as "extending portion 34E." One extending portion 34E and the other extending portions 34E (excluding those extending in opposite directions from the center O1) form a linear shape bent at the center O1.

[0069] The first extending portion 35A-1 and the first extending portion 35A-2 extend in opposite directions from the center O1, and form a linear, continuous shape. The first extending portion 35A-1 extends radially outward from the center O1, and the first extending portion 35A-2 extends radially inward from the center O1. The first extending portion 35A-1 and the first extending portion 35A-2 have the same length. Hereinafter, the first extending portion 35A-1 and the first extending portion 35A-2 will be collectively referred to as the "first extending portion 35A."

[0070] The second extending portion 35B-1 and the second extending portion 35B-2 extend in opposite directions from the center O1, and form a linear, continuous shape. The second extending portion 35B-1 and the second extending portion 35B-2 are inclined with respect to the tire circumferential direction so that their ends on one side in the tire circumferential direction (the left side in the drawing) are positioned radially outward compared to their ends on the other side (the right side in the drawing).

[0071] The second extending portion 35B-1 extends from the center O1 to one side in the tire circumferential direction, and the second extending portion 35B-2 extends from the center O1 to the other side in the tire circumferential direction. The second extending portion 35B-1 is longer than the second extending portion 35B-2. Furthermore, a tip end portion of the second extending portion 35B-2 is curved inward in the tire radial direction. Hereinafter, the second extending portion 35B-1 and the second extending portion 35B-2 will be collectively referred to as the "second extending portion 35B."

[0072] The third extension portion 35C-1 and the third extension portion 35C-2 extend in opposite directions from the center O1 and form a linear, continuous shape. The third extension portion 35C-1 and the third extension portion 35C-2 are inclined with respect to the tire circumferential direction so that their ends on one side in the tire circumferential direction (the left side in the drawing) are positioned radially inward compared to their ends on the other side (the right side in the drawing).

[0073] The third extension portion 35C-1 extends from the center O1 to the other side in the tire circumferential direction, and the third extension portion 35C-2 extends from the center O1 to one side in the tire circumferential direction. The third extension portion 35C-1 is shorter than the third extension portion 35C-2. Hereinafter, the third extension portion 35C-1 and The third extending portion 35C-1 and the third extending portion 35C-2 are collectively referred to as the "third extending portion 35C."

[0074] The six extending portions 34E form an angle of 60° with the adjacent extending portions 34E. In other words, the first asterisk protrusion 34 has six extending portions 34E extending radially from the center O1.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 10A, the cross section of the extending portion 34E of the first asterisk protrusion 34 perpendicular to the extending direction is a substantially isosceles triangle having a flat top surface 34C. That is, the first asterisk protrusion 34 has the top surface 34C and a pair of side surfaces 34D. In this embodiment, the width (W1 in the figure) of the top surface 34C is 0.02 mm, and the apex angle (D1 in the figure) of the first asterisk protrusion 34 is 26 degrees. The height (H1 in the figure) of the first asterisk protrusion 34 is a predetermined value between 0.1 mm and 1.0 mm. If the protrusion height (protrusion height) is less than 0.1 mm, it may be difficult to form the protrusion and may not be able to attenuate incident light and reduce the brightness to a level that makes the protrusion appear black (details will be described later). Furthermore, by making the height of the protrusion 1.0 mm or less, the difference in rigidity between the protrusion and the area surrounding the protrusion is reduced, thereby suppressing localized stress concentration.

[0076] In this embodiment, the height of the protrusions and the dimensions of the spacing (pitch) between the protrusions, which will be described later, can be measured using, for example, a one-shot 3D shape measuring instrument, VR-3000 series, manufactured by Keyence Corporation.

[0077] [Second asterisk protrusion 36] 11, the second asterisk protrusion 36 has the same shape as the first asterisk protrusion 34. Specifically, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the base surface 30, the second asterisk protrusion 36 has a shape obtained by rotating the first asterisk protrusion 34 clockwise by 90 degrees around the center O1 and then rotating it another 90 degrees around the center O1 and then inverting the first asterisk protrusion 34 upside down.

[0078] In the second asterisk projection 36, portions corresponding to the first extending portions 35A-1 and 35A-2, the second extending portions 35B-1 and 35B-2, the third extending portions 35C-1 and 35C-2, and the center O1 of the first asterisk projection 34 are referred to as first extending portions 37A-1 and 37A-2, the second extending portions 37B-1 and 37B-2, the third extending portions 37C-1 and 37C-2, and the center O2. Hereinafter, the six extending portions described above will be collectively referred to as "extending portion 36E."

[0079] In addition, the portion of the second asterisk protrusion 36 corresponding to the top surface 34C of the first asterisk protrusion 34 is referred to as the top surface 36C. Furthermore, the portion of the second asterisk protrusion 36 corresponding to the side surface 34D of the first asterisk protrusion 34 is referred to as the side surface 36D (see FIG. 10(A)).

[0080] 〔others〕 As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the first asterisk protrusions 34 and the second asterisk protrusions 36 are arranged alternately in the tire circumferential direction and the tire radial direction, filling the entire low-lightness region 18 (see FIG. 7).

[0081] The respective tips of the first extending portions 35A-1 and 35A-2 of the first asterisk projection 34 are inserted between the second extending portion 37B-2 and the third extending portion 37C-1 of the second asterisk projection 36 adjacent in the tire radial direction, and between the second extending portion 37B-1 and the third extending portion 37C-2, respectively. Also, the respective tips of the first extending portions 37A-1 and 37A-2 of the second asterisk projection 36 are inserted between the second extending portion 35B-1 and the third extending portion 37C-2 ​​of the first asterisk projection 34 adjacent in the tire circumferential direction. It is inserted between the three extending portions 35C-2 and between the second extending portion 35B-2 and the third extending portion 35C-1.

[0082] Furthermore, the tip of the third extension portion 35C-1 of the first asterisk projection 34 is connected to the tip of the second extension portion 37B-1 of the second asterisk projection 36, which is arranged on one side in the tire radial direction relative to the first asterisk projection 34. This forms a connecting portion 34A. Furthermore, the tip of the second extension portion 35B-1 of the first asterisk projection 34 is connected to the tip of the third extension portion 37C-1 of the second asterisk projection 36, which is arranged on one side in the tire circumferential direction relative to the first asterisk projection 34. This forms a connecting portion 34B.

[0083] In this configuration, the first asterisk projection 34 and the second asterisk projection 36 are connected in a stepped manner from the inner side toward the outer side in the tire radial direction via connecting portions 34A, 34B.

[0084] Furthermore, the distance between the centers O1 and O2 of the first asterisk protrusion 34 and the second asterisk protrusion 36 that are adjacent in the tire radial direction and the tire circumferential direction (hereinafter referred to as "distance P1") is a predetermined value of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less. If the distance P1 is less than 0.1 mm, it becomes difficult to form the protrusions. Furthermore, if the distance P1 is greater than 1.0 mm, it may not be possible to attenuate the incident light and reduce the brightness to a level that makes the color appear black (details will be described later).

[0085] Here, the low lightness region 18 that appears black as described in this embodiment is a region where the lightness L* value measured using a handheld spectrocolorimeter (NF333) manufactured by Nippon Denshoku Industries Co., Ltd. is, for example, less than 10.

[0086] (Medium brightness area 16) 9, the medium-lightness region 16 has a plurality of asterisk-shaped protrusions (asterisk protrusions) Q protruding from the base surface 30, specifically a plurality of first asterisk protrusions 44(Q) and a plurality of second asterisk protrusions 46(Q). The first asterisk protrusions 44 and the second asterisk protrusions 46 are arranged alternately in the tire circumferential direction and the tire radial direction. The first asterisk protrusions 44 and the second asterisk protrusions 46 are examples of the first protrusions (protrusions) Q.

[0087] [First asterisk protrusion 44] The first asterisk protrusion 44 will be described mainly with respect to the differences from the first asterisk protrusion 34 in the low-lightness region 18 (see FIG. 11).

[0088] 8, the first asterisk protrusion 44 has a shape similar to that of the first asterisk protrusion 34 (see FIG. 11) in the low-lightness region 18 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the base surface 30. Portions of the first asterisk protrusion 44 corresponding to the first extending portions 35A-1 and 35A-2, the second extending portions 35B-1 and 35B-2, the third extending portions 35C-1 and 35C-2, and the center O1 of the first asterisk protrusion 34 are referred to as first extending portions 45A-1 and 45A-2, second extending portions 45B-1 and 45B-2, third extending portions 45C-1 and 45C-2, and the center O3. Hereinafter, the six extending portions will be collectively referred to as "extending portion 44E." The length of each of the extending portions 44E in the extending direction is equal to the length of each of the extending portions 34E of the first asterisk projections 34, which is longer in the extending direction at the same rate.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 10(B), the cross section of the extending portion 44E of the first asterisk protrusion 44 perpendicular to the extending direction has a generally isosceles triangular shape with a flat top surface 44C. That is, the first asterisk protrusion 44 has the top surface 44C and a pair of side surfaces 44D. In this embodiment, the width (W2 in the figure) of the top surface 44C is 0.02 mm, and the apex angle (D2 in the figure) of the first asterisk protrusion 44 is 26 degrees. The height (H2 in the figure) of the first asterisk protrusion 44 is a predetermined value between 0.1 mm and 1.0 mm. If the protrusion height is less than 0.1 mm, it may be difficult to form the protrusion and may not be able to attenuate incident light and reduce the brightness to a level that makes the protrusion appear gray (details will be described later). Furthermore, by making the height of the protrusion 1.0 mm or less, the difference in rigidity between the protrusion and the area surrounding the protrusion is reduced, thereby suppressing localized stress concentration.

[0090] [Second asterisk protrusion 46] 8, the second asterisk protrusion 46 has the same shape as the first asterisk protrusion 44. Specifically, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the base surface 30, the second asterisk protrusion 46 has a shape obtained by rotating the first asterisk protrusion 44 90 degrees clockwise around the center O3 and then rotating it another 90 degrees around the center O3 and then inverting the first asterisk protrusion 44 upside down.

[0091] In the second asterisk protrusion 46, portions corresponding to the first extending portions 45A-1 and 45A-2, the second extending portions 45B-1 and 45B-2, the third extending portions 45C-1 and 45C-2, and the center O3 of the first asterisk protrusion 44 are referred to as first extending portions 47A-1 and 47A-2, the second extending portions 47B-1 and 47B-2, the third extending portions 47C-1 and 47C-2, and the center O4. Hereinafter, the six extending portions described above will be collectively referred to as "extending portion 46E."

[0092] Furthermore, the portion of the second asterisk protrusion 46 that corresponds to the top surface 44C of the first asterisk protrusion 44 is referred to as the top surface 46C. Furthermore, the portion of the second asterisk protrusion 46 that corresponds to the side surface 44D of the first asterisk protrusion 44 is referred to as the side surface 46D (see FIG. 10(B)).

[0093] 〔others〕 As shown in FIG. 8, the first asterisk protrusions 44 and the second asterisk protrusions 46 are arranged alternately in the tire circumferential direction and the tire radial direction, filling the entire medium lightness region 16 (see FIG. 7).

[0094] The respective tips of the first extending portions 45A-1, 45A-2 of the first asterisk projection 44 are inserted between the second extending portion 47B-2 and the third extending portion 47C-1 and between the second extending portion 47B-1 and the third extending portion 47C-2 of the second asterisk projections 46 that are adjacent in the tire radial direction. The respective tips of the first extending portions 47A-1, 47A-2 of the second asterisk projection 46 are inserted between the second extending portion 45B-1 and the third extending portion 45C-2 and between the second extending portion 45B-2 and the third extending portion 45C-1 of the first asterisk projections 44 that are adjacent in the tire circumferential direction.

[0095] In addition, the tip of the third extension portion 45C-1 of the first asterisk projection 44 is connected to the tip of the second extension portion 47B-1 of the second asterisk projection 46 that is disposed on one side in the tire radial direction relative to the first asterisk projection 44. This forms a connecting portion 44A. Furthermore, the tip of the second extension portion 45B-1 of the first asterisk projection 44 is connected to the tip of the third extension portion 47C-1 of the second asterisk projection 46 that is disposed on one side in the tire circumferential direction relative to the first asterisk projection 44. This forms a connecting portion 44B. In this configuration, the first asterisk projection 44 and the second asterisk projection 46 are connected in a stepped manner via connecting portions 44A and 44B from the inner side toward the outer side in the tire radial direction.

[0096] Furthermore, the distance between the centers O3 and O4 of the first asterisk protrusion 44 and the second asterisk protrusion 46 that are adjacent in the tire radial direction and the tire circumferential direction (hereinafter referred to as "distance P2") is a predetermined value greater than 1.0 mm and less than or equal to 3.0 mm. If the distance P2 is less than 1.0 mm, the incident light may be excessively attenuated, resulting in a decrease in brightness to the point where the light appears black (details will be described later). Furthermore, if the distance P2 is greater than 3.0 mm, the incident light may not be attenuated sufficiently to decrease the brightness to the point where the light appears gray (details will be described later).

[0097] Here, the medium lightness region 16 appearing gray in this embodiment is a region where the lightness L* value measured using a handheld spectrophotometer (NF333) manufactured by Nippon Denshoku Industries Co., Ltd. is, for example, 10 or more and 20 or less. In addition, for the region 20 other than the decorative portion 14 in the tire side portion 1d (region where no protrusions are formed), the lightness L* value measured using a handheld spectrophotometer (NF333) manufactured by Nippon Denshoku Industries Co., Ltd. is, for example, a region where the lightness L* value is greater than 20. In other words, the medium lightness region 16 appearing gray is a region on the outer surface of the tire 1 that has a relatively medium lightness.

[0098] (Action, effect) Next, the effects of the decorative portion 14 and the pattern region K of the tire 1 according to the third embodiment will be described. In the low-lightness region 18 of the decorative portion 14 of the tire side portion 1d, light incident on the first asterisk protrusion 34 and the second asterisk protrusion 36 formed in the low-lightness region 18 hits the side surfaces 34D and 36D shown in Fig. 10(A). The incident light is attenuated as it is repeatedly reflected between the opposing side surfaces 34D and 36D, and is then reflected outward.

[0099] In the medium-brightness region 16 of the decorative portion 14 of the tire side portion 1d, light incident on the first asterisk protrusion 44 and the second asterisk protrusion 46 formed in the medium-brightness region 16 hits the side surfaces 44D and 46D shown in Fig. 10(B). The incident light is attenuated as it is repeatedly reflected between the opposing side surfaces 44D and 46D, and is then reflected outward. Furthermore, in the other region 20 of the tire side portion 1d where no protrusion is formed, light incident on the other region 20 is reflected outward by the outer surface that constitutes the other region 20.

[0100] Here, the spacing P1 between the first asterisk protrusions 34 and the second asterisk protrusions 36 formed in the low-lightness region 18 is a predetermined value of not less than 0.1 mm and not more than 1.0 mm. In contrast, the spacing P1 between the first asterisk protrusions 44 and the second asterisk protrusions 46 formed in the medium-lightness region 16 is a predetermined value of not less than 1.0 mm and not more than 3.0 mm. In other words, the density of the protrusions formed in the medium-lightness region 16 is lower than the density of the protrusions formed in the low-lightness region 18.

[0101] Furthermore, since the apex angles of the respective protrusions are similar, the proportion of the base surface 30 of the medium-lightness region 16 to the unit area is greater than the proportion of the base surface 30 of the low-lightness region 18 to the unit area.

[0102] As a result, the amount of light reflected outward in the medium-lightness region 16 is greater than the amount of light reflected outward in the low-lightness region 18. Furthermore, the amount of light reflected outward in the medium-lightness region 16 is less than the amount of light reflected outward in the other regions 20 where no protrusions are formed. In other words, the lightness L* of the low-lightness region 18, the medium-lightness region 16, and the other regions 20 increases in this order.

[0103] Therefore, the low-brightness area 18 appears relatively black compared to the other areas, and the other areas 20 appear dark. , appear relatively white compared to the other areas, and the medium-brightness area 16 appears relatively gray compared to the other areas.

[0104] In this way, by setting the distance P2 between the first asterisk protrusion 44 and the second asterisk protrusion 46 to be greater than 1.0 mm and equal to or less than 3.0 mm, the brightness of the medium brightness region 16 is lower than that of the other regions 20 and higher than that of the low brightness region 18, forming a gray-looking medium brightness region 16. This makes it possible to broaden the range of expression (increase the number of techniques) of the decorative portion 14 having a region where protrusions are formed on the tire 1.

[0105] Furthermore, the extending portions 44E of the first asterisk protrusions 44 extend in different directions, and the extending portions 46E of the second asterisk protrusions 46 extend in different directions. This prevents the mid-lightness region 16 from appearing differently when viewed from different viewing angles. The same effect is achieved for the low-lightness region 18.

[0106] Furthermore, the first asterisk protrusion 44 formed in the medium-brightness region 16 is composed of six extending portions 44E that extend in different directions and are connected at a center O3, and the second asterisk protrusion 46 is composed of six extending portions 46E that extend in different directions and are connected at a center O4. Therefore, the first asterisk protrusion 44 and the second asterisk protrusion 46 are less likely to tip over, improving the durability of the first asterisk protrusion 44 and the second asterisk protrusion 46. The same effect is achieved for the first asterisk protrusion 34 and the second asterisk protrusion 36.

[0107] In addition, a low-lightness region 18 is formed adjacent to the medium-lightness region 16. As a result, the low-lightness region 18, which appears relatively black compared to the other regions 20, the medium-lightness region 16, which appears relatively gray compared to the other regions 20, and the other regions 20, which appear relatively white compared to the low-lightness region 18, are arranged side by side. This makes it possible to express a gradual change in lightness L* (a gradation effect).

[0108] Furthermore, the first asterisk protrusion 44 and the second asterisk protrusion 46 are connected in a stepped manner via connecting portions 44A and 44B, which allows the first asterisk protrusion 44 and the second asterisk protrusion 46 to support each other via the connecting portions 44A and 44B, preventing the first asterisk protrusion 44 and the second asterisk protrusion 46 from collapsing, thereby improving durability.

[0109] A tire 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. In the tire 1 of the fourth embodiment, the tire 1 has a plurality of pattern areas K in the decorative portion 14, and the plurality of pattern areas K include a first pattern area K and a second pattern area K, and in the first pattern area K, a plurality of first protrusions Q are formed that protrude from the base surface 30 of the decorative portion 14 to a protrusion height of a predetermined value of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less and are spaced apart at a predetermined value of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, and in the second pattern area K, a plurality of second protrusions Q are formed that protrude from the base surface 30 of the decorative portion 14 to a protrusion height of a predetermined value of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less and are spaced apart at a predetermined value of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, and the spacing between each of the first protrusions Q and each of the second protrusions Q is similar, and the protrusion height of the first protrusions Q and the protrusion height of the second protrusions Q are different.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 13 , a decorative portion 14 is formed on a tire side portion 1d of a tire 1. When viewed from the axial direction of the tire 1, the decorative portion 14 is arc-shaped and is arranged at two symmetrical positions on either side of the tire center axis CE. Furthermore, in an area of ​​the tire side portion 1d other than the decorative portion 14, a base surface 30 is formed on the decorative portion 14 that is recessed relative to other areas 122 where no protrusions or the like are formed. This base surface 30 forms the bottom surface of the decorative portion 14 and is curved and convex outward in the width direction of the tire 1 when viewed from the tire circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the base surface 30 is recessed by 0.4 mm relative to the other areas 122.

[0111] Furthermore, the decorative portion 14 is formed with a first low-lightness region 116(K), a second low-lightness region 118(K), and a third low-lightness region 120(K), which have lower lightness than the other regions 122 and appear black. In other words, the decorative portion 14 is formed with the first low-lightness region 116, the second low-lightness region 118, and the third low-lightness region 120. The first low-lightness region 116 is an example of a first pattern region (pattern region) K, the second low-lightness region 118 is an example of a second pattern region (pattern region) K, and the third low-lightness region 120 is an example of a third pattern region (pattern region) K.

[0112] 14 , the first low-lightness region 116 extends in the tire circumferential direction, and the second low-lightness regions 118 are disposed on both ends of the first low-lightness region 116 in the tire circumferential direction. Furthermore, the third low-lightness regions 120 are disposed on opposite sides of the first low-lightness region 116, with the second low-lightness region 118 in between. In this way, the first low-lightness region 116 and the second low-lightness region 118 are disposed closely to each other, and the second low-lightness region 118 and the third low-lightness region 120 are disposed closely to each other.

[0113] In addition, the first low-lightness region 116, the second low-lightness region 118, and the third low-lightness region 120 are formed by providing unevenness in portions of a tire molding die for molding the tire 1 that correspond to the first low-lightness region 116, the second low-lightness region 118, and the third low-lightness region 120. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of visibility when the tire 1 is mounted on a vehicle, it is preferable that the first low-lightness region 116, the second low-lightness region 118, and the third low-lightness region 120 be positioned radially outward of the maximum tire width position (for example, the maximum portion of the linear distance between tire side portions).

[0114] (1st low brightness area 116) 16 , the first low-lightness region 116 has a plurality of asterisk-shaped protrusions (hereinafter referred to as asterisk protrusions) Q protruding from the base surface 30, specifically a plurality of first asterisk protrusions 134(Q) and a plurality of second asterisk protrusions 136(Q). The first asterisk protrusions 134 and the second asterisk protrusions 136 are arranged alternately in the tire circumferential direction and the tire radial direction. The first asterisk protrusions 134 and the second asterisk protrusions 136 are examples of the first protrusions (protrusions) Q.

[0115] [First asterisk protrusion 134] 15, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the base surface 30 (the direction of the rotational axis of the tire 1), the first asterisk protrusion 134 is composed of first extending portions 135A-1 and 135A-2, second extending portions 135B-1 and 135B-2, and third extending portions 135C-1 and 135C-2, which extend in different directions from a center 1O1 serving as a base point. Hereinafter, these six extending portions will be collectively referred to as "extending portion 134E." One extending portion 134E and the other extending portions 134E (excluding those extending in opposite directions from the center 1O1) form a linear shape bent at the center 1O1.

[0116] The first extending portion 135A-1 and the first extending portion 135A-2 extend in opposite directions from the center 1O1, and form a linear, continuous shape. The first extending portion 135A-1 extends outward in the tire radial direction from the center 1O1, and the first extending portion 135A-2 extends inward in the tire radial direction from the center 1O1. The first extending portion 135A-1 and the first extending portion 135A-2 have the same length. Hereinafter, the first extending portion 135A-1 and the first extending portion 135A-2 will be collectively referred to as the "first extending portion 135A."

[0117] The second extending portion 135B-1 and the second extending portion 135B-2 extend in opposite directions from the center 1O1, and form a linear, continuous shape. The second extending portion 135B-1 and the second extending portion 135B-2 are inclined with respect to the tire circumferential direction so that the end portion on one side in the tire circumferential direction (the left side in the drawing) is positioned radially outward compared to the end portion on the other side (the right side in the drawing).

[0118] The second extending portion 135B-1 extends from the center 1O1 to one side in the tire circumferential direction, and the second extending portion 135B-2 extends from the center 1O1 to the other side in the tire circumferential direction. The second extending portion 135B-1 is longer than the second extending portion 135B-2. Furthermore, a tip end portion of the second extending portion 135B-2 is curved inward in the tire radial direction. Hereinafter, the second extending portion 135B-1 and the second extending portion 135B-2 will be collectively referred to as the "second extending portion 135B."

[0119] The third extending portion 135C-1 and the third extending portion 135C-2 extend in opposite directions from the center 1O1 and form a linear, continuous shape. The third extending portion 135C-1 and the third extending portion 135C-2 are inclined with respect to the tire circumferential direction so that the end portion on one side in the tire circumferential direction (the left side in the drawing) is positioned radially inward compared to the end portion on the other side (the right side in the drawing).

[0120] The third extending portion 135C-1 extends from the center 1O1 to the other side in the tire circumferential direction, and the third extending portion 135C-2 extends from the center 1O1 to one side in the tire circumferential direction. The third extending portion 135C-1 is shorter than the third extending portion 135C-2. Hereinafter, the third extending portion 135C-1 and the third extending portion 135C-2 will be collectively referred to as the "third extending portion 135C."

[0121] The six extending portions 134E form an angle of 60° with the adjacent extending portions 134E. In other words, the first asterisk protrusion 134 has six extending portions 134E extending radially from the center 101.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 21A, the cross section of the extending portion 134E of the first asterisk protrusion 134 in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction is a substantially isosceles triangle having a flat top surface 134C. That is, the first asterisk protrusion 134 has the top surface 134C and a pair of side surfaces 134D. In this embodiment, the width (1W1 in the figure) of the top surface 134C is 0.02 mm, and the apex angle (1D1 in the figure) of the first asterisk protrusion 134 is 26 degrees. The height (1H1 in the figure) of the first asterisk protrusion 134 is a predetermined value between 0.1 mm and 1.0 mm, and is set to 0.35 mm in this embodiment, for example. If the height of the protrusion is less than 0.1 mm, it will be difficult to form the protrusion, and there is a risk that the brightness will not be reduced enough to attenuate the incident light and appear black (details will be given later). Furthermore, by making the height of the protrusion 1.0 mm or less, the difference in rigidity between the protrusion and the area around the protrusion is reduced, suppressing localized stress concentration.

[0123] In this embodiment, the height of the protrusions and the dimensions of the spacing (pitch) between the protrusions, which will be described later, can be measured using, for example, a one-shot 3D shape measuring instrument, VR-3000 series, manufactured by Keyence Corporation.

[0124] [Second asterisk protrusion 136] 15, the second asterisk protrusion 136 has the same shape as the first asterisk protrusion 134. Specifically, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the base surface 30, the second asterisk protrusion 136 has a shape obtained by rotating the first asterisk protrusion 134 clockwise by 90 degrees around the center 1O1 and then rotating it another 90 degrees around the center 1O1 and then inverting the first asterisk protrusion 134 upside down.

[0125] In the second asterisk protrusion 136, portions corresponding to the first extending portions 135A-1 and 135A-2, the second extending portions 135B-1 and 135B-2, the third extending portions 135C-1 and 135C-2, and the center 1O1 of the first asterisk protrusion 134 are referred to as first extending portions 137A-1 and 137A-2, the second extending portions 137B-1 and 137B-2, the third extending portions 137C-1 and 137C-2, and the center 1O2. Hereinafter, the six extending portions described above will be collectively referred to as "extending portion 136E."

[0126] As a result, the height of the second asterisk protrusion 136 is set to a predetermined value between 0.1 mm and 1.0 mm, and in this embodiment, it is set to 0.35 mm as an example. In other words, the height of the first asterisk protrusion 134 and the height of the second asterisk protrusion 136 are set to the same value, 0.35 mm.

[0127] Furthermore, the portion of second asterisk protrusion 136 that corresponds to top surface 134C of first asterisk protrusion 134 is referred to as top surface 136C. Furthermore, the portion of second asterisk protrusion 136 that corresponds to side surface 134D of first asterisk protrusion 134 is referred to as side surface 136D (see FIG. 21(A)).

[0128] 〔others〕 As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the first asterisk protrusions 134 and the second asterisk protrusions 136 are arranged alternately in the tire circumferential direction and the tire radial direction, filling the entire first low-lightness region 116 (see Figure 14).

[0129] The respective tips of the first extending portions 135A-1 and 135A-2 of the first asterisk projection 134 are inserted between the second extending portion 137B-2 and the third extending portion 137C-1 and between the second extending portion 137B-1 and the third extending portion 137C-2 ​​of the second asterisk projection 136 that are adjacent in the tire radial direction. The respective tips of the first extending portions 137A-1 and 137A-2 of the second asterisk projection 136 are inserted between the second extending portion 135B-1 and the third extending portion 135C-2 and between the second extending portion 135B-2 and the third extending portion 135C-1 of the first asterisk projections 134 that are adjacent in the tire circumferential direction.

[0130] Furthermore, the tip of the third extension portion 135C-1 of the first asterisk projection 134 is connected to the tip of the second extension portion 137B-1 of the second asterisk projection 136 that is disposed on one side in the tire radial direction relative to the first asterisk projection 134. This forms a connecting portion 134A. Also, the tip of the second extension portion 135B-1 of the first asterisk projection 134 is connected to the tip of the third extension portion 137C-1 of the second asterisk projection 136 that is disposed on one side in the tire circumferential direction relative to the first asterisk projection 134. This forms a connecting portion 134B.

[0131] In this configuration, the first asterisk projection 134 and the second asterisk projection 136 are connected in a stepped manner from the inner side toward the outer side in the tire radial direction via connecting portions 134A and 134B.

[0132] In addition, the distance between the centers 1O1 and 1O2 of the first asterisk protrusion 134 and the second asterisk protrusion 136 that are adjacent in the tire radial direction and tire circumferential direction (hereinafter referred to as "distance 1P1") is a predetermined value of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less. If the distance 1P1 is less than 0.1 mm, it becomes difficult to form the protrusions. Furthermore, if the distance 1P1 is greater than 1.0 mm, it may not be possible to attenuate the incident light and reduce the brightness to a level that makes the color appear black (details will be described later).

[0133] Here, the first low-lightness region 116 that appears black in this embodiment is a region where the lightness L* value measured using a handheld spectrocolorimeter (NF333) manufactured by Nippon Denshoku Industries Co., Ltd. is less than 10, for example. In this embodiment, the lightness L* value of the first low-lightness region 116 was measured to be 4 using this measuring instrument.

[0134] (Second low brightness area 118) 17 and 18, the second low-lightness region 118 has a plurality of asterisk-shaped protrusions (asterisk protrusions) Q protruding from the base surface 30, specifically a plurality of first asterisk protrusions 144(Q) and a plurality of second asterisk protrusions 146(Q). The first asterisk protrusions 144 and the second asterisk protrusions 146 are arranged alternately in the tire circumferential direction and the tire radial direction. The first asterisk protrusions 144 and the second asterisk protrusions 146 are examples of second protrusions (protrusions) Q.

[0135] [First asterisk protrusion 144] The first asterisk protrusion 144 will be described mainly with respect to the differences from the first asterisk protrusion 134 of the first low-lightness region 116 (see FIG. 15). 17, the first asterisk protrusion 144 has a shape similar to that of the first asterisk protrusion 134 (see FIG. 15) in the first low-lightness region 116 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the base surface 30. Portions of the first asterisk protrusion 144 corresponding to the first extending portions 135A-1 and 135A-2, the second extending portions 135B-1 and 135B-2, the third extending portions 135C-1 and 135C-2, and the center 1O1 of the first asterisk protrusion 134 are referred to as the first extending portions 145A-1 and 145A-2, the second extending portions 145B-1 and 145B-2, the third extending portions 145C-1 and 145C-2, and the center 1O3. Hereinafter, the six extending portions will be collectively referred to as the "extending portion 144E."

[0136] As shown in FIG. 21B, the cross section of the extending portion 144E of the first asterisk protrusion 144 in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction is a substantially isosceles triangle having a flat top surface 144C. That is, the first asterisk protrusion 144 has the top surface 144C and a pair of side surfaces 1441D. In this embodiment, the width (1W2 in the figure) of the top surface 144C is 0.02 mm, and the apex angle (1D2 in the figure) of the first asterisk protrusion 144 is 26 degrees. Furthermore, the height (1H2 in the figure) of the first asterisk protrusion 144 is a predetermined value between 0.1 mm and 1.0 mm. In this embodiment, for example, it is 0.28 mm. That is, the height (protruding height) of the first asterisk protrusion 144 is lower than the height of the first asterisk protrusion 134 in the first low-lightness region 116.

[0137] [Second asterisk protrusion 146] 17, the second asterisk protrusion 146 has the same shape as the first asterisk protrusion 144. Specifically, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the base surface 30, the second asterisk protrusion 146 has a shape obtained by rotating the first asterisk protrusion 144 clockwise by 90 degrees around the center 103 and then further rotating it by 90 degrees around the center 103 and then inverting the first asterisk protrusion 144 upside down.

[0138] In the second asterisk protrusion 146, portions corresponding to the first extending portions 145A-1 and 145A-2, the second extending portions 145B-1 and 145B-2, the third extending portions 145C-1 and 145C-2, and the center 1O3 of the first asterisk protrusion 144 are referred to as first extending portions 147A-1 and 147A-2, the second extending portions 147B-1 and 147B-2, the third extending portions 147C-1 and 147C-2, and the center 1O4. Hereinafter, the six extending portions described above will be collectively referred to as "extending portion 146E."

[0139] Furthermore, the portion of the second asterisk protrusion 146 that corresponds to the top surface 144C of the first asterisk protrusion 144 is referred to as a top surface 146C. Furthermore, the portion of the second asterisk protrusion 146 that corresponds to the side surface 144D of the first asterisk protrusion 144 is referred to as a side surface 146D (see FIG. 21(B)).

[0140] The height of the second asterisk protrusion 146 is a predetermined value between 0.1 mm and 1.0 mm, and is set to 0.28 mm in this embodiment. In other words, the height of the first asterisk protrusion 144 and the height of the second asterisk protrusion 146 are the same value, 0.28 mm.

[0141] 〔others〕 18, the first asterisk protrusions 144 and the second asterisk protrusions 146 are arranged alternately in the tire circumferential direction and the tire radial direction, filling the entire second low-lightness region 118 (see FIG. 14). The first asterisk protrusions 144 and the second asterisk protrusions 146 are connected to each other, similar to the first asterisk protrusions 134 and the second asterisk protrusions 136 in the first low-lightness region 116.

[0142] 17 , the distance between the centers 1O3 and 1O4 (hereinafter referred to as “distance 1P2”) of the first asterisk protrusion 144 and the second asterisk protrusion 146 that are adjacent in the tire radial direction and the tire circumferential direction is a predetermined value that is greater than 1.0 mm and not greater than 3.0 mm. In this embodiment, the distance 1P2 between the centers 1O3 and 1O4 is the same value as the distance 1P1 between the centers 1O1 and 1O2 in the first low-lightness region 116.

[0143] In this embodiment, the lightness L* value of the first low lightness region 116 was measured to be 6 using the measuring instrument described above.

[0144] (Third low brightness area 120) 19 and 20 , the third low-lightness region 120 has a plurality of asterisk-shaped protrusions (asterisk protrusions) Q protruding from the base surface 30, specifically a plurality of first asterisk protrusions 154(Q) and a plurality of second asterisk protrusions 156(Q). The first asterisk protrusions 154 and the second asterisk protrusions 156 are arranged alternately in the tire circumferential direction and the tire radial direction. The first asterisk protrusions 154 and the second asterisk protrusions 156 are an example of third protrusions (protrusions) Q.

[0145] [First asterisk protrusion 154] The first asterisk protrusion 154 will be described mainly with respect to the differences from the first asterisk protrusion 134 of the first low-lightness region 116 (see FIG. 15).

[0146] 19, the first asterisk protrusion 154 has a shape similar to that of the first asterisk protrusion 134 (see FIG. 15) in the first low-lightness region 116 when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the base surface 30. Portions of the first asterisk protrusion 154 corresponding to the first extending portions 135A-1 and 135A-2, the second extending portions 135B-1 and 135B-2, the third extending portions 135C-1 and 135C-2, and the center 101 of the first asterisk protrusion 134 are referred to as the first extending portions 155A-1 and 155A-2, the second extending portions 155B-1 and 155B-2, the third extending portions 155C-1 and 155C-2, and the center 105. Hereinafter, the six extending portions will be collectively referred to as the "extending portion 154E."

[0147] As shown in FIG. 21C , the cross section of the extending portion 154E of the first asterisk protrusion 154 in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction is a substantially isosceles triangle having a flat top surface 154C. That is, the first asterisk protrusion 154 has a top surface 154C and a pair of side surfaces 154D. In this embodiment, the width (1W3 in the figure) of the top surface 154C is 0.02 mm, and the apex angle (1D3 in the figure) of the first asterisk protrusion 154 is 26 degrees. Furthermore, the height (1H3 in the figure) of the first asterisk protrusion 154 is a predetermined value between 0.1 mm and 1.0 mm. In this embodiment, for example, it is 0.2 mm. That is, the height of the first asterisk protrusion 154 is lower than the height of the first asterisk protrusion 144 in the second low-lightness region 118.

[0148] [Second asterisk protrusion 156] 19, the second asterisk protrusion 156 has the same shape as the first asterisk protrusion 154. Specifically, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the base surface 30, the second asterisk protrusion 156 has a shape obtained by rotating the first asterisk protrusion 154 clockwise by 90 degrees around the center 105 and then further rotating the first asterisk protrusion 154 by 90 degrees around the center 105 and then inverting it upside down.

[0149] In the second asterisk protrusion 156, portions corresponding to the first extending portions 155A-1 and 155A-2, the second extending portions 155B-1 and 155B-2, the third extending portions 155C-1 and 155C-2, and the center 1O5 of the first asterisk protrusion 154 are referred to as first extending portions 157A-1 and 157A-2, the second extending portions 157B-1 and 157B-2, the third extending portions 157C-1 and 157C-2, and the center 1O6. Hereinafter, the six extending portions described above will be collectively referred to as "extending portion 156E."

[0150] Furthermore, the portion of the second asterisk protrusion 156 that corresponds to the top surface 154C of the first asterisk protrusion 154 is referred to as the top surface 156C. Furthermore, the portion of the second asterisk protrusion 156 that corresponds to the side surface 154D of the first asterisk protrusion 154 is referred to as the side surface 156D (see FIG. 21(C)).

[0151] The height of the second asterisk protrusion 156 is a predetermined value between 0.1 mm and 1.0 mm, and is set to 0.2 mm in this embodiment. In other words, the height of the first asterisk protrusion 154 and the height of the second asterisk protrusion 156 are the same value, 0.2 mm.

[0152] 〔others〕 20, the first asterisk protrusions 154 and the second asterisk protrusions 156 are arranged alternately in the tire circumferential direction and the tire radial direction, filling the entire third low-lightness region 120 (see FIG. 14). The first asterisk protrusions 154 and the second asterisk protrusions 156 are connected to each other, similar to the first asterisk protrusions 134 and the second asterisk protrusions 136 in the first low-lightness region 116.

[0153] 19 , the distance between the centers 1O5 and 1O6 of a first asterisk projection 154 and a second asterisk projection 156 adjacent to each other in the tire radial direction and the tire circumferential direction (hereinafter referred to as “distance 1P3”) is a predetermined value greater than 1.0 mm and not greater than 3.0 mm. In this embodiment, the distance 1P3 between the centers 1O5 and 1O6 is the same as the distance 1P1 between the centers 1O1 and 1O2 in the first low-lightness region 116. In other words, the distance 1P1 between the first asterisk projection 134 and the second asterisk projection 136 in the first low-lightness region 116, the distance 1P2 between the first asterisk projection 144 and the second asterisk projection 146 in the second low-lightness region 118, and the distance 1P3 between the first asterisk projection 154 and the second asterisk projection 156 in the third low-lightness region 120 are all the same.

[0154] In this embodiment, the lightness L* value of the third low-lightness region 120 was measured to be 9 using the above-mentioned measuring instrument. The lightness L* value of the other region 122 where no protrusions were formed was measured to be 24 using the above-mentioned measuring instrument.

[0155] (Action, effect) Next, the effects of the decorative portion 14 and the pattern region K of the tire 1 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. In the first low-lightness region 116 of the decorative portion 14 of the tire side portion 1d, light incident on the first asterisk protrusion 134 and the second asterisk protrusion 136 formed in the first low-lightness region 116 strikes the side surfaces 134D and 136D shown in FIG. 21(A). The incident light is attenuated while repeatedly reflected between the opposing side surfaces 134D and 136D and is then reflected outward.

[0156] In the second low lightness regions 118 disposed on both ends of the first low lightness region 116 in the tire circumferential direction, light incident on the first asterisk protrusion 144 and the second asterisk protrusion 146 formed in the second low lightness region 118 strikes the side surfaces 144D and 146D. The incident light is attenuated as it is repeatedly reflected between the opposing side surfaces 144D and 146D and is then reflected outward.

[0157] Furthermore, in the third low lightness regions 120 disposed on both ends of the second low lightness region 118 in the tire circumferential direction, light incident on the first asterisk protrusion 154 and the second asterisk protrusion 156 formed in the third low lightness region 120 strikes the side surfaces 154D and 156D. The incident light is then attenuated as it is repeatedly reflected between the opposing side surfaces 154D and 156D and is then reflected outward. Furthermore, in the other region 122 of the tire side portion 1d where no protrusion is formed, light incident on the other region 122 is reflected outward by the outer surface that constitutes the other region 122.

[0158] Here, the distance 1P1 between the first asterisk protrusion 134 and the second asterisk protrusion 136 in the first low-lightness region 116, the distance 1P2 between the first asterisk protrusion 144 and the second asterisk protrusion 146 in the second low-lightness region 118, and the distance 1P3 between the first asterisk protrusion 154 and the second asterisk protrusion 156 in the third low-lightness region 120 are all set to the same value. In other words, the density of the protrusions formed in the first low-lightness region 116, the density of the protrusions formed in the second low-lightness region 118, and the density of the protrusions formed in the third low-lightness region 120 are all set to the same value.

[0159] Furthermore, the height of the first asterisk protrusion 134 and the height of the second asterisk protrusion 136 in the first low-lightness region 116 are the same, 0.135 mm. The height of the first asterisk protrusion 144 and the height of the second asterisk protrusion 146 in the second low-lightness region 118 are the same, 0.28 mm. The height of the first asterisk protrusion 154 and the height of the second asterisk protrusion 156 in the third low-lightness region 120 are the same, 0.2 mm. In other words, the heights of the protrusions in the first low-lightness region 116, the second low-lightness region 118, and the third low-lightness region 120 decrease in order.

[0160] Furthermore, since the apex angles of the respective protrusions are similar, the proportion of the base surface 30 of the first low-lightness region 116 per unit area, the proportion of the base surface 30 of the second low-lightness region 118 per unit area, and the proportion of the base surface 30 of the third low-lightness region 120 per unit area increase in this order.

[0161] As a result, the amount of light reflected outward from first low-intensity region 116 is less than the amount of light reflected outward from second low-intensity region 118. Furthermore, the amount of light reflected outward from second low-intensity region 118 is less than the amount of light reflected outward from third low-intensity region 120.

[0162] For this reason, the lightness L* of the third low-lightness region 120 decreases in this order: the third low-lightness region 120, the second low-lightness region 118, and the first low-lightness region 116. In other words, the first low-lightness region 116 appears relatively black compared to the second low-lightness region 118, and the second low-lightness region 118 appears relatively black compared to the third low-lightness region 120.

[0163] In this way, by changing the height of the protrusions, the range of possibilities for expressing the decorative part 14 having an area where the protrusions are formed can be expanded (the number of techniques can be increased) compared to when the decorative part 14 with the protrusions has the same lightness L* throughout.

[0164] Furthermore, for the third low-brightness region 120, the second low-brightness region 118, and the first low-brightness region 116, which are arranged in the circumferential direction of the device (an example of one direction), by decreasing the brightness in this order, a gradual change in brightness (gradation effect) can be expressed.

[0165] Furthermore, the extending portions 134E of the first asterisk protrusion 134 extend in different directions, and the extending portions 136E of the second asterisk protrusion 136 extend in different directions. This suppresses the concentration of reflected light, and prevents the first low-lightness region 116 from appearing differently even when viewed from different viewing angles. Furthermore, the first asterisk protrusion 134 and the second asterisk protrusion 136 are less likely to fall over, improving the durability of the first asterisk protrusion 134 and the second asterisk protrusion 136. The same effect is achieved in the second low-lightness region 118 and the third low-lightness region 120.

[0166] Furthermore, the first asterisk protrusions 134, 144, 154 and the second asterisk protrusions 136, 146, 156 are connected via connecting portions 134A, 144A, 154A and connecting portions 134B, 144B, 154B. This allows the first asterisk protrusions 134, 144, 154 and the second asterisk protrusions 136, 146, 156 to support each other via the respective connecting portions, preventing the first asterisk protrusions 134, 144, 154 and the second asterisk protrusions 136, 146, 156 from collapsing, thereby improving durability.

[0167] Hereinafter, a tire 1 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the tire 1 of the fifth embodiment, one or more pattern areas K provided in the decorative portion 14 include a first pattern area K, in which a plurality of first protrusions Q are formed that protrude from the base surface 30 of the decorative portion 14 to a protrusion height of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less and are spaced apart at intervals of more than 0.1 mm and 1.0 mm or less, and in at least the first pattern area K, the plurality of first protrusions Q are inclined in one direction with respect to a normal line perpendicular to the base surface 30.

[0168] As shown in Figure 22(A), a circular decorative portion 14 is formed on the tire side portion 1d of the tire 1, spanning the tire maximum width position Wmax in the tire radial direction when viewed from the axial direction of the tire 1 and continuing in the tire circumferential direction.

[0169] Furthermore, in the region of the tire side portion 1d other than the decorative portion 14, a smooth base surface 30 is formed in the decorative portion 14, which is recessed by a certain dimension relative to other regions 220 where protrusions, etc., described below, are not formed. In this embodiment, the base surface 30 is recessed by 0.45 mm relative to other regions 220 of the tire side portion 1d. Note that the base surface 30 in this embodiment has the same surface roughness as the other regions 220.

[0170] (First low-lightness region 218A and second low-lightness region 218B) Furthermore, first low-lightness regions 218A and second low-lightness regions 218B, which have a lower lightness than the other regions 220 and appear black, are alternately formed in the tire circumferential direction and the tire radial direction in the decorative portion 14. The first low-lightness regions 218A and the second low-lightness regions 218B are an example of pattern regions. Note that the first low-lightness regions 218A and the second low-lightness regions 218B in this embodiment are rectangular in plan view.

[0171] In addition, in a tire molding die for molding tire 1, first low-lightness region 218A and second low-lightness region 218B are formed by providing unevenness in the portions corresponding to first low-lightness region 218A and second low-lightness region 218B.

[0172] The first low-lightness area 218A will be described below as a representative example. 23 and 24, the first low-lightness region 218A has a plurality of first asterisk protrusions 234 and a plurality of second asterisk protrusions 236 protruding from the base surface 30. The first asterisk protrusions 234 and the second asterisk protrusions 236 are arranged alternately in the tire circumferential direction and the tire radial direction. The first asterisk protrusions 234 and the second asterisk protrusions 236 are an example of protrusions.

[0173] [First asterisk protrusion 234] 24, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the base surface 30 (the direction of the rotational axis of the tire 1), the first asterisk protrusion 234 is composed of first extending portions 235A-1 and 235A-2, second extending portions 235B-1 and 235B-2, and third extending portions 235C-1 and 235C-2, which extend in different directions from a center 2O1 serving as a base point. Hereinafter, these six extending portions will be collectively referred to as "extending portion 234E." One extending portion 234E and the other extending portions 234E (excluding those extending in opposite directions from the center 2O1) form a linear shape bent at the center 2O1.

[0174] The first extending portion 235A-1 and the first extending portion 235A-2 extend in opposite directions from the center 2O1, and form a linear, continuous shape. The first extending portion 235A-1 extends outward in the tire radial direction from the center 2O1, and the first extending portion 235A-2 extends inward in the tire radial direction from the center 2O1. The first extending portion 235A-1 and the first extending portion 235A-2 have the same length. Hereinafter, the first extending portion 235A-1 and the first extending portion 235A-2 will be collectively referred to as the "first extending portion 235A."

[0175] The second extending portion 235B-1 and the second extending portion 235B-2 extend in opposite directions from the center 2O1, and form a linear, continuous shape. The second extending portion 235B-1 and the second extending portion 235B-2 are inclined with respect to the tire circumferential direction so that their ends on one side in the tire circumferential direction (the left side in the drawing) are positioned radially outward compared to their ends on the other side (the right side in the drawing).

[0176] The second extending portion 235B-1 extends from the center 2O1 to one side in the tire circumferential direction, and the second extending portion 235B-2 extends from the center 2O1 to the other side in the tire circumferential direction. The second extending portion 235B-1 is longer than the second extending portion 235B-2. Furthermore, a tip end portion of the second extending portion 235B-2 is curved inward in the tire radial direction. Hereinafter, the second extending portion 235B-1 and the second extending portion 235B-2 will be collectively referred to as the "second extending portion 235B."

[0177] The third extending portion 235C-1 and the third extending portion 235C-2 extend in opposite directions from the center 2O1, and form a linear, continuous shape. The third extending portion 235C-1 and the third extending portion 235C-2 are inclined with respect to the tire circumferential direction so that their ends on one side in the tire circumferential direction (the left side in the drawing) are positioned radially inward compared to their ends on the other side (the right side in the drawing).

[0178] The third extending portion 235C-1 extends from the center 2O1 to the other side in the tire circumferential direction, and the third extending portion 235C-2 extends from the center 2O1 to one side in the tire circumferential direction. The third extending portion 235C-1 is shorter than the third extending portion 235C-2. Hereinafter, the third extending portion 235C-1 and the third extending portion 235C-2 will be collectively referred to as the "third extending portion 235C."

[0179] The six extending portions 234E form an angle of 60° with the adjacent extending portions 234E. In other words, the first asterisk protrusion 234 has six extending portions 234E extending radially from the center 2O1.

[0180] 25 shows a tire circumferential cross section of a first extending portion 235A-1 extending along one side of the tire radial direction among the extending portions 234E of the first asterisk projection 234 as a representative example. As shown in FIG. 25, the cross section of the first extending portion 235A-1 in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction is triangular with a flat top surface 234C. That is, the first asterisk projection 234 has a top surface 234C and a pair of side surfaces 234D. In this embodiment, the width (2W1 in the figure) of the top surface 234C of the extending portion 234E is 0.02 mm, and the apex angle (2D1 in the figure) of the extending portion 234E is 26 degrees.

[0181] Furthermore, the height (2H1 in the figure) of the first asterisk protrusion 234 measured from the base surface 30 is set to a predetermined value of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less. If the protrusion height (protrusion height) is less than 0.1 mm, it may be difficult to form the protrusion, and there is a risk that the brightness may not be reduced enough to attenuate the incident light and appear black (details will be described later). Furthermore, by setting the protrusion height to 1.0 mm or less, the difference in rigidity between the protrusion portion and the portion surrounding the protrusion is reduced, thereby suppressing local stress concentration.

[0182] In this embodiment, the height of the protrusions and the dimensions of the spacing (pitch) between the protrusions, which will be described later, can be measured using, for example, a one-shot 3D shape measuring instrument, VR-3000 series, manufactured by Keyence Corporation.

[0183] [Second asterisk protrusion 236] 24, the second asterisk protrusion 236 has the same shape as the first asterisk protrusion 234. Specifically, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the base surface 30, the second asterisk protrusion 236 has a shape obtained by rotating the first asterisk protrusion 234 clockwise by 90 degrees around the center 2O1 and then further rotating it by 90 degrees around the center 2O1 and then inverting the first asterisk protrusion 234 upside down.

[0184] In the second asterisk protrusion 236, portions corresponding to the first extending portions 235A-1 and 235A-2, the second extending portions 235B-1 and 235B-2, the third extending portions 235C-1 and 235C-2, and the center 2O1 of the first asterisk protrusion 234 are referred to as first extending portions 237A-1 and 237A-2, the second extending portions 237B-1 and 237B-2, the third extending portions 237C-1 and 237C-2, and the center 2O2. Hereinafter, the six extending portions described above will be collectively referred to as "extending portion 236E."

[0185] The height 2H1 and apex angle 2D1 of the second asterisk protrusion 236 are defined in the same manner as those of the first asterisk protrusion 234.

[0186] Here, in the decorative portion 14 of this embodiment, the extension portion 234E of the first asterisk projection 234 and the extension portion 236E of the second asterisk projection 236 are inclined entirely outward in the tire radial direction.

[0187] Fig. 26 shows a tire radial cross section of a first extending portion 237A-1 extending along the tire circumferential direction as a representative of the extending portion 236E of the second asterisk projection 236. As shown in Fig. 26, the first extending portion 237A-1 is inclined outward in the tire radial direction (in the direction of arrow 2B) (the inclination angle of a center line 2C1 in the width direction (thickness direction) of the first extending portion 237A-1 with respect to the base surface 30 is θ degrees).

[0188] In addition, the extension portion 236E that extends along the tire circumferential direction like the first extension portion 237A-1 is inclined toward the side surface 236D on the tire radial outer side of the extension portion 236E as shown in Figure 26, but the extension portion 234E that extends along the tire radial direction like the first extension portion 235A-1 is not inclined toward either side surface 234D as shown in Figure 25.

[0189] Although not shown in the figure, the extension portion 234E extending in a direction inclined relative to the tire circumferential direction is inclined toward the side surface 234D on the outer side in the tire radial direction, and similarly, the extension portion 236E extending in a direction inclined relative to the tire circumferential direction is inclined toward the side surface 236D on the outer side in the tire radial direction.

[0190] Incidentally, since the entire first asterisk protrusion 234 is inclined radially outward in the tire direction, the inclination angle θ of the extension portion 234E is largest (e.g., 30°) when the extension portion 234E extends along the tire circumferential direction, and the inclination angle θ gradually decreases as the extension direction of the extension portion 234E approaches the tire circumferential direction, and when the extension direction of the extension portion 234E becomes the tire circumferential direction, the inclination angle θ becomes zero (see Figure 25).

[0191] 〔others〕 As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the first asterisk protrusions 234 and the second asterisk protrusions 236 are arranged alternately in the tire circumferential direction and the tire radial direction, filling the entire first low lightness region 218A.

[0192] The respective tips of the first extending portions 235A-1 and 235A-2 of the first asterisk projection 234 are inserted between the second extending portion 237B-2 and the third extending portion 237C-1 and between the second extending portion 237B-1 and the third extending portion 237C-2 ​​of the second asterisk projection 236 that are adjacent in the tire radial direction. The respective tips of the first extending portions 237A-1 and 237A-2 of the second asterisk projection 236 are inserted between the second extending portion 235B-1 and the third extending portion 235C-2 and between the second extending portion 235B-2 and the third extending portion 235C-1 of the first asterisk projections 234 that are adjacent in the tire circumferential direction.

[0193] Furthermore, the tip of the third extension portion 235C-1 of the first asterisk projection 234 is connected to the tip of the second extension portion 237B-1 of the second asterisk projection 236 that is arranged on one side in the tire radial direction relative to the first asterisk projection 234. This forms a connecting portion 234A. Furthermore, the tip of the second extension portion 235B-1 of the first asterisk projection 234 is connected to the tip of the third extension portion 237C-1 of the second asterisk projection 236 that is arranged on one side in the tire circumferential direction relative to the first asterisk projection 234. This forms a connecting portion 234B.

[0194] In this configuration, the first asterisk projection 234 and the second asterisk projection 236 are connected in a stepped manner from the inner side toward the outer side in the tire radial direction via connecting portions 234A and 234B.

[0195] In addition, the distance between the centers 2O1 and 2O2 of the first asterisk protrusion 234 and the second asterisk protrusion 236 adjacent in the tire radial direction and the tire circumferential direction (hereinafter referred to as "distance 2P1") is a predetermined value of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less. If the distance 2P1 is less than 0.1 mm, it becomes difficult to form the protrusions. Furthermore, if the distance 2P1 is greater than 1.0 mm, the incident light is attenuated, and it may not be possible to reduce the brightness to a level that makes the area appear black compared to the other areas 220 of the tire side portion 1d other than the decorative portion 14 (details will be described later).

[0196] 25 and 26, the height 2H1 of the first asterisk protrusion 234 and the height 2H1 of the second asterisk protrusion 236 are each preferably smaller than the depth dimension 2D (the dimension from the surface of the other region 220 of the tire side portion 1d to the base surface 30) of the decorative portion 14. In other words, it is preferable that the first asterisk protrusion 234 and the second asterisk protrusion 236 do not protrude beyond the surface of the other region 220 of the tire side portion 1d.

[0197] Here, the first low lightness area 218A that appears black as described in this embodiment is an area where the lightness L value measured using a handheld spectrocolorimeter from Nippon Denshoku Industries Co., Ltd. is less than 10, for example; however, it is sufficient that the area appears blacker than the other areas 220 other than the decorative part 14, and the lightness L value does not have to be less than 10.

[0198] On the other hand, in the tire side portion 1d, the other regions 220 (regions where the first asterisk protrusions 234 and the second asterisk protrusions 236 are not formed) other than the decorative portion 14 have a lightness L value measured using a handheld spectrocolorimeter from Nippon Denshoku Industries Co., Ltd. that is greater than 220, for example, but the lightness L may be less than or equal to 220. In other words, the first low lightness region 218 that appears black is a region on the outer surface of the tire 1 that is relatively lower in lightness than its surroundings.

[0199] Note that second low-lightness region 218B is obtained by tilting first asterisk protrusion 234 and second asterisk protrusion 236 in first low-lightness region 218A radially inward in the tire. In other words, second low-lightness region 218B is obtained by rotating first low-lightness region 218A by 180 degrees in a plan view, and therefore will not be illustrated or described in detail.

[0200] (Action, effect) Next, the effects of the decorative portion 14 and the pattern region K of the tire 1 according to the fifth embodiment will be described. In the other region 220 of the tire side portion 1 d where the first asterisk protrusion 234 and the second asterisk protrusion 236 are not formed, the incident light is reflected outward by the outer surface that constitutes the other region 220 .

[0201] On the other hand, in the first low-lightness region 218A and the first low-lightness region 218B provided in the decorative portion 14 of the tire side portion 1d, light incident on the first asterisk protrusion 234 and the second asterisk protrusion 236 hits the side surface 234D and the side surface 236D. The incident light is attenuated as it is repeatedly reflected between the opposing side surfaces 234D and 236D, and then reflected outward.

[0202] Therefore, the amount of light reflected outward in the first low-brightness region 218A and the second low-brightness region 218B is less than the amount of light reflected outward in the other regions 220 where the first asterisk protrusion 234 and the second asterisk protrusion 236 are not formed, and the low-brightness region 218 appears relatively black compared to the other regions 220.

[0203] Furthermore, for first low-lightness region 218A, for example, as shown in FIG. 26, when compared when viewed from the inclined direction of extension portion 236E, in other words, the extension line direction of center line 2C1 of extension portion 236E (line of sight 2E1; symbol 2E is the eye), when viewed from the opposite direction to the inclined direction of extension portion 236E (line of sight 2E2; symbol 2E is the eye), and when first low-lightness region 218A is viewed in a planar view (line of sight 2E3; symbol 2E is the eye), the amount of light reflected in a direction inclined opposite to the inclined direction of extension portion 236E and the amount of light reflected in the vertical direction of first low-lightness region 218A are greater than the amount of light reflected in the inclined direction of extension portion 236E. This is because in the extension 236E shown in FIG. 26, the angle of the right side surface 236D in the drawing with respect to the lines of sight 2E2 and 2E3 is large, so that the amount of light reflected by the right side surface 236D in the drawing in the direction of the eye 2E increases.

[0204] In the decorative portion 14 of this embodiment, the first asterisk protrusion 234 and the second asterisk protrusion 236 of the first low-lightness region 218A are inclined radially outward in the tire direction, and the first asterisk protrusion 234 and the second asterisk protrusion 236 of the second low-lightness region 218B are positioned radially inward in the tire direction. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 22 (2B), when the decorative portion 14 spanning the tire maximum width position Wmax located above the rotation axis of the tire 1 is viewed diagonally downward from above, the direction of the line of sight 2E1 is close to or coincides with the inclined direction of the first asterisk protrusion 234 and the second asterisk protrusion 236 of the first low-lightness region 218A, and the first low-lightness region 218A appears darker than the other regions 220 and the second low-lightness region 218B, and a large contrast can be obtained between the first low-lightness region 218A and the other regions 220.

[0205] In other words, when a person stands and looks down at the tire 1 mounted on a vehicle, for example, the first low-brightness area 218A appears blackest in the decorative part 14 above the tire rotation axis on the tire side portion 1d, as shown in Figure 22(A), providing a large contrast.

[0206] The first asterisk protrusion 234 and the second asterisk protrusion 236 are connected in a stepped manner via connecting portions 234A and 234B. This allows the first asterisk protrusion 234 and the second asterisk protrusion 236 to support each other via connecting portions 234A and 234B, preventing the first asterisk protrusion 234 and the second asterisk protrusion 236 from collapsing, thereby improving durability.

[0207] A tire 1 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. In the tire 1 of the sixth embodiment, one or more pattern areas K provided in the decorative portion 14 include a first pattern area K, in which a plurality of first protrusions Q are formed that protrude from the base surface 30 of the decorative portion 14 to a protrusion height of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less and are spaced apart at intervals of more than 0.1 mm and 1.0 mm or less, and the first pattern area K is provided with a gradually decreasing area in which the height of the plurality of first protrusions Q arranged adjacent to each other gradually decreases.

[0208] 27(A), a decorative portion 14 is formed on a tire side portion 1d of the tire 1. The decorative portion 14 of this embodiment is arc-shaped when viewed from the axial direction of the tire 1, but may also be annular and continuous in the circumferential direction.

[0209] Furthermore, in the region of the tire side portion 1d other than the decorative portion 14, a smooth base surface 30 (see FIG. 30) that is recessed by a certain dimension relative to the other region 20 where protrusions, etc., described below, are not formed, is formed on the decorative portion 14. In this embodiment, the base surface 30 is recessed by 0.45 mm relative to the other region 20 of the tire side portion 1d (see FIG. 30). Note that the base surface 30 in this embodiment has the same surface roughness as the other region 20.

[0210] Furthermore, low-brightness areas 18(K) that have a lower brightness than the other areas 20 and appear black are formed overall in the decorative portion 14. The low-brightness areas 18 are an example of pattern areas K.

[0211] In addition, low-lightness region 18 is formed by providing unevenness in the portion corresponding to low-lightness region 18 in a tire molding die for molding tire 1. It is preferable that low-lightness region 18 be located in tire side portion 1d from the viewpoint of visibility when tire 1 is mounted on a vehicle.

[0212] (Low brightness area 18) 28 and 29, the low-lightness region 18 has a plurality of asterisk-shaped protrusions (asterisk protrusions) Q protruding from the base surface 30, specifically a plurality of first asterisk protrusions 34(Q) and a plurality of second asterisk protrusions 36(Q). The first asterisk protrusions 34 and the second asterisk protrusions 36 are arranged alternately in the tire circumferential direction and the tire radial direction. The first asterisk protrusions 34 and the second asterisk protrusions 36 are examples of the protrusions Q.

[0213] [First asterisk protrusion 34] 29, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the base surface 30 (the direction of the rotational axis of the tire 1), the first asterisk protrusion 34 is composed of first extending portions 35A-1 and 35A-2, second extending portions 35B-1 and 35B-2, and third extending portions 35C-1 and 35C-2, each extending in a different direction from a center O1 serving as a base point. Hereinafter, these six extending portions will be collectively referred to as "extending portion 34E." One extending portion 34E and the other extending portions 34E (excluding those extending in opposite directions from the center O1) form a linear shape bent at the center O1.

[0214] The first extending portion 35A-1 and the first extending portion 35A-2 extend in opposite directions from the center O1, and form a linear, continuous shape. The first extending portion 35A-1 extends radially outward from the center O1, and the first extending portion 35A-2 extends radially inward from the center O1. The first extending portion 35A-1 and the first extending portion 35A-2 have the same length. Hereinafter, the first extending portion 35A-1 and the first extending portion 35A-2 will be collectively referred to as the "first extending portion 35A."

[0215] The second extending portion 35B-1 and the second extending portion 35B-2 extend in opposite directions from the center O1, and form a linear, continuous shape. The second extending portion 35B-1 and the second extending portion 35B-2 are inclined with respect to the tire circumferential direction so that their ends on one side in the tire circumferential direction (the left side in the drawing) are positioned radially outward compared to their ends on the other side (the right side in the drawing).

[0216] The second extending portion 35B-1 extends from the center O1 to one side in the tire circumferential direction, and the second extending portion 35B-2 extends from the center O1 to the other side in the tire circumferential direction. The second extending portion 35B-1 is longer than the second extending portion 35B-2. Furthermore, a tip end portion of the second extending portion 35B-2 is curved inward in the tire radial direction. Hereinafter, the second extending portion 35B-1 and the second extending portion 35B-2 will be collectively referred to as the "second extending portion 35B."

[0217] The third extension portion 35C-1 and the third extension portion 35C-2 extend in opposite directions from the center O1 and form a linear, continuous shape. The third extension portion 35C-1 and the third extension portion 35C-2 are inclined with respect to the tire circumferential direction so that their ends on one side in the tire circumferential direction (the left side in the drawing) are positioned radially inward compared to their ends on the other side (the right side in the drawing).

[0218] The third extending portion 35C-1 extends from the center O1 to the other side in the tire circumferential direction, and the third extending portion 35C-2 extends from the center O1 to one side in the tire circumferential direction. The third extending portion 35C-1 is shorter than the third extending portion 35C-2. Hereinafter, the third extending portion 35C-1 and the third extending portion 35C-2 will be collectively referred to as the "third extending portion 35C."

[0219] The six extending portions 34E form an angle of 60° with the adjacent extending portions 34E. In other words, the first asterisk protrusion 34 has six extending portions 34E extending radially from the center O1. It is in the shape it was made to be.

[0220] As shown in FIG. 30(A), the cross section of the extending portion 34E of the first asterisk protrusion 34 perpendicular to the extending direction is a substantially isosceles triangle having a flat top surface 34C. That is, the first asterisk protrusion 34 has the top surface 34C and a pair of side surfaces 34D. In this embodiment, the width (W1 in the figure) of the top surface 34C is 0.02 mm, and the apex angle (D1 in the figure) of the first asterisk protrusion 34 is 26 degrees. In addition, the height (H1 in the figure) of the first asterisk protrusion 34 measured from the base surface 30 is a predetermined value between 0.1 mm and 1.0 mm. If the protrusion height (protrusion height) is less than 0.1 mm, it may be difficult to form the protrusion and may not be able to attenuate incident light and reduce the brightness to a level that appears black (details will be described later). Furthermore, by making the height of the protrusion 1.0 mm or less, the difference in rigidity between the protrusion and the area surrounding the protrusion is reduced, thereby suppressing localized stress concentration.

[0221] In this embodiment, the height of the protrusions and the dimensions of the spacing (pitch) between the protrusions, which will be described later, can be measured using, for example, a one-shot 3D shape measuring instrument, VR-3000 series, manufactured by Keyence Corporation.

[0222] [Second asterisk protrusion 36] 29, the second asterisk protrusion 36 has the same shape as the first asterisk protrusion 34. Specifically, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the base surface 30, the second asterisk protrusion 36 has a shape obtained by rotating the first asterisk protrusion 34 clockwise by 90 degrees around the center O1 and then rotating it another 90 degrees around the center O1 and then inverting the first asterisk protrusion 34 upside down.

[0223] In the second asterisk projection 36, portions corresponding to the first extending portions 35A-1 and 35A-2, the second extending portions 35B-1 and 35B-2, the third extending portions 35C-1 and 35C-2, and the center O1 of the first asterisk projection 34 are referred to as first extending portions 37A-1 and 37A-2, the second extending portions 37B-1 and 37B-2, the third extending portions 37C-1 and 37C-2, and the center O2. Hereinafter, the six extending portions described above will be collectively referred to as "extending portion 36E."

[0224] 30(B), the portion of the second asterisk protrusion 36 corresponding to the top surface 34C of the first asterisk protrusion 34 is referred to as the top surface 36C. Furthermore, the portion of the second asterisk protrusion 36 corresponding to the side surface 34D of the first asterisk protrusion 34 is referred to as the side surface 36D. The height H1 and apex angle D1 of the second asterisk protrusion 36 are defined in the same manner as those of the first asterisk protrusion 34.

[0225] 〔others〕 As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the first asterisk protrusions 34 and the second asterisk protrusions 36 are arranged alternately in the tire circumferential direction and the tire radial direction, filling the entire low-lightness region 18.

[0226] The respective tips of the first extending portions 35A-1, 35A-2 of the first asterisk projection 34 are inserted between the second extending portion 37B-2 and the third extending portion 37C-1 and between the second extending portion 37B-1 and the third extending portion 37C-2 ​​of the second asterisk projections 36 that are adjacent in the tire radial direction. The respective tips of the first extending portions 37A-1, 37A-2 of the second asterisk projection 36 are inserted between the second extending portion 35B-1 and the third extending portion 35C-2 and between the second extending portion 35B-2 and the third extending portion 35C-1 of the first asterisk projections 34 that are adjacent in the tire circumferential direction.

[0227] Furthermore, the tip of the third extension portion 35C-1 of the first asterisk projection 34 is connected to the tip of the second extension portion 37B-1 of the second asterisk projection 36, which is arranged on one side in the tire radial direction relative to the first asterisk projection 34. This forms a connecting portion 34A. Furthermore, the tip of the second extension portion 35B-1 of the first asterisk projection 34 is connected to the tip of the third extension portion 37C-1 of the second asterisk projection 36, which is arranged on one side in the tire circumferential direction relative to the first asterisk projection 34. This forms a connecting portion 34B.

[0228] In this configuration, the first asterisk projection 34 and the second asterisk projection 36 are connected in a stepped manner via connecting portions 34A, 34B from the inner side toward the outer side in the tire radial direction.

[0229] In addition, the distance between the centers O1 and O2 of the first asterisk protrusion 34 and the second asterisk protrusion 36 adjacent in the tire radial direction and the tire circumferential direction (hereinafter referred to as "distance P1") is a predetermined value of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less. If the distance P1 is less than 0.1 mm, it becomes difficult to form the protrusions. Furthermore, if the distance P1 is greater than 1.0 mm, the incident light is attenuated, and it may not be possible to reduce the brightness to a level that makes the area appear black compared to the other areas 20 of the tire side portion 1d other than the decorative portion 14 (details will be described later).

[0230] 30, it is preferable that the height H1 of the first asterisk protrusion 34 and the height H1 of the second asterisk protrusion 36 are each smaller than the depth dimension D (the dimension from the surface of the other region 20 of the tire side portion 1d to the base surface 30) of the decorative portion 14. In other words, it is preferable that the first asterisk protrusion 34 and the second asterisk protrusion 36 do not protrude beyond the surface of the other region 20 of the tire side portion 1d.

[0231] [Gradation area 48] In the decorative portion 14 of this embodiment, the brightness of the low-brightness regions 18 is not uniformly low overall (i.e., the brightness value is not constant), but rather a brightness gradation that gradually appears brighter from black is applied to some parts to widen the range of expression for the decorative portion. Hereinafter, the areas of the low-brightness regions 18 that have a gradation are referred to as gradation regions 48. As shown in FIG. 27 , the decorative portion 14 of this embodiment has four band-shaped gradation regions 48 that extend at an angle relative to the tire circumferential direction.

[0232] As shown in FIG. 27(B), in the low-lightness region 18 of this embodiment, a rib-shaped bottom-raising protrusion 50 is provided on the base surface 30 to provide a gradation region 48. The bottom-raising protrusion 50 is an example of a bottom-raising portion. The cross-sectional shape of the bottom-raising protrusion 50 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction gradually decreases in height from the highest ridge 50A in the center toward both sides in the width direction. In other words, the bottom-raising protrusion 50 gradually increases in height from both widthwise ends (foots) 50C toward the ridge 50A. In this bottom-raising protrusion 50, one side of the ridge 50A (half of the widthwise portion) is an example of a gradually increasing region. The slopes 50B located on both sides of the ridge 50A have a center of curvature on the outer side of the tire and are formed into a substantially arc-shaped surface that is convex toward the base surface 30. In other words, the inclination angle of the slope 50B with respect to the base surface 30 gradually increases from the widthwise ends (foots) 50C toward the ridge 50A.

[0233] In addition, in the cross-sectional view perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bottom-raised protrusion 50 on the left side shown in Figure 27(B) and the enlarged plan view on the right side showing the brightness of the gradation area 48 of the low-brightness area 18, the first asterisk protrusion 34 and the second asterisk protrusion 36 are omitted, and only the change in brightness is shown in the plan view on the right side.

[0234] The height 3H3 of the bottom-raising protrusions 50 is preferably smaller than the depth dimension D of the decorative portion 14 (see FIG. 30(A)) and smaller than the height H1 of the first asterisk protrusions 34 and the height H1 of the second asterisk protrusions 36 (see FIG. 30). In this embodiment, the height 3H3 of the bottom-raising protrusions 50 is constant in the longitudinal direction of the bottom-raising protrusions 50. The width 3W of the bottom-raising protrusions 50 is not particularly specified, but as shown in FIG. 28, it is sufficient that multiple first asterisk protrusions 34 and second asterisk protrusions 36 are arranged in the width direction (the direction in which the height changes) within a half region 48A (half the width 3W of the bottom-raising protrusions 50) that is half the width of the gradation region 48. The half region 48A is an example of a gradually decreasing region.

[0235] Here, in the base surface 30 of the gradation region 48 of this embodiment, the region where the slope 50B is provided from the ridge 50A to the widthwise end (foot) 50C, in other words, half region 48A of the gradation region 48 in the width direction, corresponds to a gradually decreasing region as an example of the present invention. By providing the slope 50B on the base surface 30, the height (apparent height) Hf of the plurality of first asterisk protrusions 34 and second asterisk protrusions 36 measured from the surface of the bottom-raising protrusion 50 (surface of the slope 50B) gradually decreases from the ridge 50A to the widthwise end (foot) 50C along the slope 50B.

[0236] Here, the low lightness area 18 that appears black as described in this embodiment is an area where the lightness L value measured using a handheld spectrocolorimeter from Nippon Denshoku Industries Co., Ltd. is less than 10, for example; however, it is sufficient that the area appears blacker than the other areas 20 other than the decorative part 14, and the lightness L value does not have to be less than 10.

[0237] On the other hand, in the tire side portion 1d, the other regions 20 (regions where the first asterisk protrusions 34 and the second asterisk protrusions 36 are not formed) other than the decorative portion 14 have a lightness L value of, for example, greater than 20 as measured using a handheld spectrocolorimeter from Nippon Denshoku Industries Co., Ltd., but the lightness L may be less than or equal to 20. In other words, the low lightness region 18 that appears black is a region on the outer surface of the tire 1 that is relatively lower in lightness than its surroundings.

[0238] (Action, effect) Next, the effects of the decorative portion 14 and the pattern region K of the tire 1 according to the sixth embodiment will be described. In the other region 20 of the tire side portion 1 d where the first asterisk protrusion 34 and the second asterisk protrusion 36 are not formed, the incident light is reflected outward by the outer surface constituting the other region 20 .

[0239] On the other hand, in the low-lightness region 18 provided in the decorative portion 14 of the tire side portion 1d, light incident on the first asterisk protrusion 34 and the second asterisk protrusion 36 formed in the low-lightness region 18 hits the side surface 34D shown in Figure 30(A). The incident light is then attenuated as it is repeatedly reflected between the opposing side surfaces 34D, and is then reflected outward.

[0240] Therefore, the amount of light reflected outward in the low-brightness region 18 is less than the amount of light reflected outward in the other regions 20 where the first asterisk protrusion 34 and the second asterisk protrusion 36 are not formed, and the low-brightness region 18 appears relatively black compared to the other regions 20.

[0241] 27 and 30, the low-lightness region 18 is provided with a gradation region 48 that varies the height Hf of the multiple first asterisk protrusions 34 and second asterisk protrusions 36, as measured from the surface of the bottom-raised protrusions 50. In the gradation region 48, in the portions where the first asterisk protrusions 34 and second asterisk protrusions 36 have a relatively high height Hf, the amount of light reflected outward is small and the region appears relatively black, while in the portions where the first asterisk protrusions 34 and second asterisk protrusions 36 have a relatively low height Hf, the amount of light reflected outward is relatively large and the region appears relatively bright.

[0242] In the gradation region 48, the height of the bottom-raised protrusion 50 gradually changes, so the bottom-raised protrusion 50 appears to gradually become brighter from its lower part to its higher part. That is, a smooth gradation in brightness is applied in the gradation region 48, so the range of possibilities for expressing the decorative portion 14 can be broadened (methods can be increased) compared to when the brightness is constant. Note that in the low-brightness region 18, the vicinity of the ridge 50A of the bottom-raised protrusion 50 becomes relatively bright and noticeable.

[0243] 29, the extending portions 34E of the first asterisk protrusion 34 extend in different directions, and the extending portions 36E of the second asterisk protrusion 36 extend in different directions. This prevents the low-lightness region 18 from appearing differently even when viewed from different angles.

[0244] Furthermore, the first asterisk protrusion 34 and the second asterisk protrusion 36 are connected in a stepped manner via connecting portions 34A and 34B, which allows the first asterisk protrusion 34 and the second asterisk protrusion 36 to support each other via the connecting portions 34A and 34B, preventing the first asterisk protrusion 34 and the second asterisk protrusion 36 from collapsing, thereby improving durability.

[0245] A tire 1 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. In the tire 1 of the seventh embodiment, one or more pattern areas K provided in the decorative portion 14 include a first pattern area K, in which a plurality of first protrusions Q are formed adjacent to each other, each first protrusion Q extending along the base surface 30, and each first protrusion Q including a base portion forming the side of the base surface 30 and a tip portion forming the side of the protruding tip, in which in the first pattern area K, overlapping portions are formed in which at least a portion of adjacent first protrusions Q overlap each other when viewed from the direction of the length of the first protrusions Q, and the first protrusions Q in the first pattern area K protrude from the base surface 30 with a protrusion height of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, and the pitch between adjacent first protrusions Q is 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less.

[0246] 31, decorative portions 14 having a base surface 30 are formed on a tire side portion 1d, which is an example of the tire outer surface of the tire 1. The decorative portions 14 are arc-shaped when viewed in the axial direction of the tire 1, and in this embodiment, are arranged at two symmetrical positions on either side of the tire center axis CE. In addition, in the region of the tire side portion 1d other than the decorative portion 14, a base surface 30 is formed on the decorative portion 14 that is recessed relative to other regions 418 where no protrusions or the like are formed. This base surface 30 forms the bottom surface of the decorative portion 14 and is a curved surface that convex outward in the width direction of the tire 1 when viewed from the tire circumferential direction. In this embodiment, the base surface 30 is recessed by 0.4 mm relative to other regions 418.

[0247] Furthermore, the decorative portion 14 is formed with a pattern region 420(K) which is a low-brightness region that appears black and has a lower brightness than the other regions 418. In other words, the decorative portion 14 is formed by the pattern region 420.

[0248] As shown in FIG. 32, the pattern region 420 formed on the decorative portion 14 extends in the tire circumferential direction, and the other regions 418 are disposed on both end sides of the pattern region 420 in the tire circumferential direction.

[0249] In addition, the low-brightness region is formed by providing unevenness in the portion corresponding to the pattern region 420 in a tire molding die for molding the tire 1. The pattern region 420 is also positioned radially outward of the tire's maximum width position (the portion of the tire with the maximum linear distance between the tire side portions). This is preferable from the viewpoint of improving the visibility of the pattern region 420 when the tire 1 is mounted on a vehicle.

[0250] <Main components> The configuration of the main part of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0251] [Pattern Area] As shown in Figures 33 and 34, the pattern area 420(K) has a protrusion 430(Q) that includes a base portion 432 that protrudes from the base surface 30 of the decorative part 14, extends along the base surface 30, and forms the side of the base surface 30, and a tip portion 434 that protrudes from the base surface 30 in a direction perpendicular to the base surface and forms the tip side. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 33, the pattern region 420 is formed with a plurality of protrusions 430 arranged adjacent to each other, and the sides of the bases 432 of adjacent protrusions 430 are formed so as to overlap each other when viewed from the length direction of the protrusions 430.

[0252] As shown in FIG. 32, the pattern region 420 is formed in the decorative portion 14 by dividing it into a plurality of regions 4P in the tire rotation direction CD. In each region 4P, a plurality of adjacent protrusions 430 are formed in parallel within the range of the region 4P. As a result, the pattern region 420 is divided by the regions 4P, and the regions 4P are arranged radially in the radial direction RD of the tire with the center axis CE of the tire as the reference.

[0253] (protrusion) As shown in FIGS. 33 to 35, the protrusion 430(Q) is configured to include a base portion 432, a tip portion 434, a first wall portion 436, and a second wall portion 438, which will be described later. Furthermore, the protrusion 430 has a shape that is wider on the side of the base portion 432 and narrower on the side of the tip portion 434 when viewed in the direction of the length of the protrusion along the base surface 30 . It also includes a first wall portion 436 and a second wall portion 438 that connect the base portion 432 and the tip portion 434 . As shown in FIG. 33, a plurality of the protrusions 430 are arranged adjacent to each other and parallel to each other along the base surface 30, in this embodiment, toward the radial direction RD of the tire.

[0254] (base) As shown in FIG. 34, the base portion 432 constitutes the base surface 30 side of the projection 430, and is formed wider than the tip portion 434 described later when viewed in the length direction of the projection 430. In addition, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the base surface 30, that is, in the tire width direction WD, the side of the base portion 432 is formed in a wavy shape.

[0255] (Tip) As shown in Figures 33 and 34, the tip portion forms the tip side where the protrusion 430 protrudes from the base surface 30, is formed in a straight line toward the radial direction RD of the tire, and connects the base portion 432 with the first wall portion 436 and the second wall portion 438 described below.

[0256] (first wall) The first wall portion 436 is formed in a planar shape and extends from one end portion 432A of the base portion 432 toward the tip portion 434. The first wall portion 436 is formed in a wave shape when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the base surface 30, that is, in the tire width direction WD. This wavy first wall portion 436 is configured to include a peak portion 436A that protrudes toward the base portion 432 with the tip portion 434 as a reference, and a valley portion 436B that is recessed from the peak portion 436A toward the base portion 432. 35 , the peaks 436A and the valleys 436B have amplitude in the direction of the line 4LB and are periodically continuous in the length direction of the protrusion 430. Here, the line 4LB is a line that is perpendicular to the line 4LA that connects the adjacent valleys 436B in the first wall portion 436.

[0257] (Second wall) The second wall portion 438 is formed in a planar shape and extends toward the other end portion 432B of the base portion 432 and the tip portion 434. The second wall portion 438 is formed in a wave shape when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the base surface 30, that is, in the tire width direction WD. This wavy second wall portion 438 is configured to include a peak portion 438A that protrudes toward the base portion 432 with the tip portion 434 as a reference, and a valley portion 438B that is recessed from the peak portion 438A toward the base portion 432. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 35, the peaks 438A and valleys 438B are periodically continuous in the length direction of the protrusion 430 with an amplitude in the direction of a line 4LB that is perpendicular to a line 4LA connecting adjacent valleys 438B in the first wall portion 438.

[0258] [Relationship between adjacent protrusions] The protrusions 430 having the above-described configuration are formed adjacent to each other in the pattern region 420, and the positional relationship between adjacent protrusions will be described below.

[0259] As shown in FIG. 35, one protrusion 430 (for example, the protrusion 430 on the left side of the drawing) and the other protrusion 430 (for example, the protrusion 430 on the right side of the drawing) are disposed adjacent to each other in parallel. In this embodiment, one protrusion 430 and the other protrusion 430 are disposed so as to be separated by a groove portion 440 .

[0260] These two adjacent protrusions 430 are arranged such that the peak portion 438A of the second wall portion 438 of one protrusion 430 and the valley portion 436B of the first wall portion 436 of the other protrusion 430 face each other. Similarly, the valley portion 438B of the second wall portion 438 of one protrusion 430 and the peak portion 436A of the first wall portion 436 of the other protrusion 430 are disposed to face each other. Specifically, the second wall portion 438 of one protrusion 430 and the first wall portion 436 of the other protrusion 430 face each other in the same phase, for example, at the same period, across the groove portion 440 in the length direction of the protrusion 430, i.e., in the radial direction RD of the tire.

[0261] The peak portion 438A of the second wall portion 438 of one protrusion 430 and the peak portion 436A of the first wall portion 436 of the other protrusion 430, which are periodically opposed to each other, are arranged so as to overlap each other when viewed in the length direction of the protrusion 430, i.e., the radial direction RD of the tire. Specifically, as shown in Figure 35, the peak portion 436A of the other protrusion 430 crosses the line 4LC connecting the periodically arranged peak portions 438A of one protrusion 430 and enters the side of the valley portion 438B of the one protrusion 430, forming an overlapping portion 442.

[0262] When viewed from the lengthwise direction of the protrusions 430, as shown in Figure 36, the peak portion 438A of one protrusion 430 and the peak portion 436A of the other protrusion 430 overlap each other, forming an overlapping portion 442 having a certain width and a certain height from the base portions 432 of the adjacent protrusions 430. Specifically, the height of the overlapping portion 442 between adjacent protrusions 430 is approximately one-half to one-third of the protrusion height 4L1 of the protrusions 430, and this height depends on the protrusion height 4L1 of the protrusions 430 and the pitch 4L2 of the adjacent protrusions 430. In other words, the constant width and constant height of this overlapping portion 442 may be set as a predetermined width and a predetermined height, and the protrusion height 4L1 of the protrusions 430 and the pitch 4L2 of adjacent protrusions 430 may be determined so that the width and height are secured.

[0263] The protrusions 430 having such a configuration and the relationship between adjacent protrusions 430 are formed repeatedly within the range of an area 4P in the tire rotation direction CD, thereby constituting one pattern area 420. A plurality of pattern regions 420 are formed on the decorative portion 14 continuously in the tire rotation direction CD.

[0264] In this embodiment, the protrusions 430 in the pattern region 420 protrude from the base surface 30 at a protrusion height 4L1 of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm, and the pitch 4L2 between adjacent protrusions 430 is 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm. Preferably, the protrusion height 4L1 of the protrusions 430 is 0.2 to 0.8 mm, and the pitch 4L2 between adjacent protrusions 430 is 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm. If the protrusion height 4L1 of the protrusion 430 is less than 0.1 mm, it will be difficult to manufacture, and if it exceeds 1.0 mm, the possibility of the protrusion 430 collapsing or breaking will increase, which is undesirable. Furthermore, if the pitch 4L2 between adjacent protrusions 430 is less than 0.1 mm, it becomes difficult to manufacture, and if it exceeds 1.0 mm, the slope of the first wall portion 436 and the second wall portion 438 becomes gentle, which causes light to be reflected and makes it impossible to maintain low brightness, which is undesirable.

[0265] In this embodiment, the dimensions such as the height of the protrusions and the pitch between adjacent protrusions can be measured using, for example, a one-shot 3D shape measuring instrument VR-3000 series manufactured by Keyence Corporation.

[0266] <Actions and effects of main parts> Next, the effects of the decorative portion 14 and the pattern region K of the tire 1 according to the seventh embodiment will be described.

[0267] First, as a comparative example, in a pattern region of a decorative part, the protrusions are formed in a straight line, with no overlap between adjacent protrusions. In this case, light incident on the decorative part passes uniformly along the length of the protrusions. As a result, the difference in brightness between the decorative part and other regions where no protrusions are formed is small, and it is not possible to expand the range of expression of the decorative part in a tire having a pattern region where protrusions are formed. In contrast, in this embodiment, in the decorative portion 14, some of the light incident on the pattern area 420 is blocked by the overlapping portion 442 shown in Figures 35 and 36 and cannot pass through in the direction of the length of the protrusion 430, i.e., the radial direction RD of the tire. That is, the brightness of the decorative portion 14 is lower than the brightness of the other areas 418 where the protrusions 430 are not formed. This allows for a wider range of expression of the decorative portion 14 in the tire 1, which has the pattern region 420 in which the protrusions 430 are formed.

[0268] Also, as shown in Figure 36, the ridge portion 436A of the first wall portion 436 of the protrusion 430 and the ridge portion 438A of the second wall portion 438 collide with light incident on the decorative portion 14 in the direction of the length of the protrusion 430, preventing some of the light from passing through. In addition, another portion of the colliding light is reflected and attenuated between the ridge portion 436A of the first wall portion 436 and the ridge portion 438A of the second wall portion 438, so in addition to the light-blocking function of the overlapping portion 442, it also has the function of further reducing the brightness of the decorative portion 14. [Industrial Applicability]

[0269] The tire according to the present invention can be suitably used for any type of pneumatic tire, for example, a pneumatic tire for a passenger car, a pneumatic tire for a truck or a bus, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0270] 1: Tires 1M: tire body, 1a: tread portion, 1b: sidewall portion, 1c: bead portion, 1d: tire side portion, 1ds: tire outer surface of tire side portion, 2ab: base surface, 3: Reinforcing member; 3a: Reinforcing ply; 3u: Tire radial direction outer end of reinforcing member; 4a: bead core; 4b: bead filler; 4b1, 4b2: bead filler portion; 4bu: tire radial direction outer end of bead filler; 5: carcass, 5a: carcass ply, 5M: ply main body portion, 5T: ply turn-up portion, 5e: tire radial direction outer end of ply turn-up portion of carcass, 6: belt, 6a: belt layer, 7: Tread rubber, 8: Side rubber, 9: Inner liner, 10: communication device, 10e: RF tag, 10b: antenna section, 10b1, 10b2: antenna, 10f: covering portion, 10f1, 10f2: covering member, 10c: IC chip, 10u: outer end of the communication device in the tire radial direction, 10m: radial center of the communication device, 14: Decorative part, 30: base surface, Q:Protrusions (first protrusion, second protrusion, third protrusion), K: pattern area (first pattern area, second pattern area, third pattern area), CL: tire equatorial plane, WD: tire width direction, RD: tire radial direction, CD: tire circumferential direction, LD: Longitudinal direction of the communication device, SD: Shortitudinal direction of the communication device, TD: Thickness direction of the communication device

Claims

1. A communication device embedded inside a tire side portion; A decorative portion formed on an outer surface of the tire in the tire side portion and having a base surface; One or more pattern areas provided on the decorative portion; A tire comprising: In each of the pattern regions, a plurality of protrusions are formed, the protrusions protruding from the base surface of the decorative portion to a protrusion height of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less and spaced apart from each other by 0.1 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less, In a projection plane of the tire side portion in a tire width direction, the entire communication device is located inside the decorative portion, The communication device includes an RF tag and a pair of sheet-like covering members that entirely cover the RF tag, The communication device has a longitudinal length of 60 mm or more, A tire in which a radially outer end of the communication device is located radially inward of a radially outer end of a ply turn-up portion of a carcass of the tire.

2. the one or more pattern areas include a first pattern area; 2. The tire according to claim 1, wherein the first pattern region has a plurality of first protrusions formed therein, the first protrusions protruding from the base surface of the decorative portion to a protruding height of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less and spaced apart from each other at intervals of more than 1.0 mm and 3.0 mm or less.

3. The tire includes a plurality of the pattern regions in the decorative portion, the plurality of pattern regions include a first pattern region and a second pattern region, In the first pattern region, a plurality of first protrusions are formed, the first protrusions protruding from the base surface of the decorative part to a protruding height of a predetermined value of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less and spaced at intervals of a predetermined value of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, In the second pattern region, a plurality of second protrusions are formed, the second protrusions protruding from the base surface of the decorative portion to a protruding height of a predetermined value of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less and spaced at intervals of a predetermined value of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, The intervals between the first projections and the intervals between the second projections are similar, and the first projections The tire according to claim 1 , wherein a protruding height of the first projection is different from a protruding height of the second projection.

4. the one or more pattern areas include a first pattern area; In the first pattern region, a plurality of first protrusions are formed, the first protrusions protruding from the base surface of the decorative portion to a protrusion height of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less and spaced apart from each other by a distance greater than 0.1 mm and less than 1.0 mm; The tire according to claim 1 , wherein, in at least the first pattern region, the plurality of first protrusions are inclined in one direction with respect to a normal line perpendicular to the base surface.

5. the one or more pattern areas include a first pattern area; In the first pattern region, a plurality of first protrusions are formed, the first protrusions protruding from the base surface of the decorative portion to a protrusion height of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less and spaced apart from each other by a distance greater than 0.1 mm and less than 1.0 mm; The tire according to claim 1 , wherein the first pattern region is provided with a gradually decreasing region in which the height of the first projections arranged adjacent to each other is gradually decreased.

6. the one or more pattern areas include a first pattern area; a plurality of first protrusions are formed adjacent to each other in the first pattern region; Each of the first projections extends along the base surface; Each of the first projections includes a base portion that forms a side of the base surface and a tip portion that forms a side of the protruding tip, an overlapping portion is formed in the first pattern region in which at least a portion of the first projections adjacent to each other overlaps with each other when viewed in a length direction of the first projections; 2. The tire according to claim 1, wherein the first projections in the first pattern region protrude from the base surface to a protrusion height of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, and a pitch between the adjacent first projections is 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less.

7. The tire according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein each of the first projections is an asterisk projection.

Images