Tire

Abstract

To provide a tire capable of protecting an electronic component.SOLUTION: A tire 1 includes: a pair of beads 11 having a bead core 21 and a bead filler 22 extending to the outside in a tire radial direction of the bead core 21; a flipper 50 wrapping at least a part of the beads 11; a carcass ply 23 which has a ply body 24 extending to the other bead 11 from the one bead 11 and a ply folded-back part 25 at the beads 11, and wraps the flipper 50; and an RFID tag 40 as an electronic component embedded in the tire so as to contact the flipper 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tire in which electronic components are embedded.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, tires in which electronic components such as RFID tags are embedded are known. Such tires can perform tire manufacturing management, usage history management, etc. by communication between the RFID tag embedded in the tire and a reader as an external device. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a tire in which an RF tag is embedded near a stiffener.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] According to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible to perform tire manufacturing management, shipping management, usage history management, etc. However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the RF tag is disposed between the stiffener and the side rubber, and there is no fiber layer such as a carcass ply between the RF tag and the tire outer wall. Therefore, when the tire is greatly distorted or when an impact is applied to the tire, the RF tag may not be protected and may be damaged.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a tire capable of protecting electronic components.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The tire of the present invention includes a pair of beads each having a bead core and a bead filler extending radially outward of the tire diameter of the bead core, a flipper that wraps at least a part of the bead, a ply body extending from one bead to the other bead, and a ply turn-up portion turned back by the bead, and includes a carcass ply that wraps the flipper and an electronic component embedded in the tire so as to be in contact with the flipper.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a tire capable of protecting an electronic component.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8A

Figure 8B

Figure 8C

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a half-sectional view of the tire 1 according to this embodiment in the tire width direction. Since the basic structure of the tire 1 is symmetric in the cross-section in the tire width direction, a cross-sectional view of the right half is shown here. In the figure, the reference symbol S1 is the tire equatorial plane. The tire equatorial plane S1 is a plane orthogonal to the tire rotation axis (tire meridian) and located at the center in the tire width direction.

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

[0011] Note that the cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the tire width direction (tire meridian cross-sectional view) of the tire in the unloaded state where the tire is mounted on a specified rim and filled with a specified internal pressure. The specified rim refers to the standard rim defined by JATMA corresponding to the tire size. Also, the specified internal pressure is, for example, 180 kPa when the tire is for a passenger car.

[0012] Note that the above description also applies to FIGS. 2, 5 to 7.

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

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

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

[0016] The bead core 21 is an annular member formed by winding a plurality of metal bead wires coated with rubber, and is a member that serves to fix the air-filled tire 1 to a wheel rim (not shown).

[0017] The bead filler 22 is a rubber member having a tapered tip shape that extends radially outward in the tire diameter direction from the bead core 21. The bead filler 22 has an outer end 22A in the tire diameter direction and an inner end 22B in the tire diameter direction. The inner end 22B in the tire diameter direction of the bead filler 22 is in contact with the outer end 21A in the tire diameter direction of the bead core 21. The bead filler 22 is a member provided to increase the rigidity of the bead peripheral portion and ensure high maneuverability and stability. The bead filler 22 is made of, for example, rubber having a higher hardness than the surrounding rubber members. The modulus of the rubber constituting the bead filler is higher than at least the modulus of the rubber constituting the inner liner 29 and the modulus of the rubber constituting the sidewall rubber 30 described later.

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

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

[0020] The carcass ply 23 is composed of a plurality of ply cords extending in the tire width direction. Further, the plurality of ply cords are arranged side by side in the tire circumferential direction. This ply cord is composed of an insulating organic fiber cord such as polyester or polyamide, etc., and is covered with topping rubber. In the present embodiment, the ply cords constituting the carcass ply 23 are arranged radially (radial direction) from the center of the tire 1. That is, the tire 1 of the present embodiment is a so-called radial tire in which the ply cords are arranged so as to extend radially.

[0021] Note that the carcass ply 23 of the present embodiment is a single-layer carcass ply 23 having a single-layer ply body 24. However, the carcass ply 23 may be a multi-layer carcass ply 23 having a plurality of layers of ply bodies 24.

[0022] The bead 11 further includes a chafer 31 and a rim strip rubber 32 disposed outside the chafer 31 in the tire width direction.

[0023] The chafer 31 is provided to cover the carcass ply 23 provided around the bead core 21. More specifically, the chafer 31 is provided to cover the inner side in the tire width direction, the inner side in the tire diameter direction, and the outer side in the tire width direction of the carcass ply 23 around the bead core 21. The chafer 31 has a first end 31A disposed on the inner side in the tire width direction of the ply body 24 and a second end 31B disposed on the outer side in the tire width direction of the ply turn-up portion 25 of the carcass ply 23. The chafer 31 is made of, for example, rubber kneaded with fibers or rubber having a high modulus, and is relatively strong among the components constituting the tire 1. For example, it is stronger than the inner liner 29 and the sidewall rubber 30 described later.

[0024] The rim strip rubber 32 is disposed on the outer side in the tire width direction of the chafer 31 and the ply turn-up portion 25 of the carcass ply 23, and is a rubber member whose outer side in the tire width direction contacts the rim (not shown) of the wheel when the tire 1 is mounted on the wheel. The rim strip rubber 32 has an outer end 32A in the tire diameter direction and an inner end 32B in the tire diameter direction. The outer side in the tire diameter direction of the rim strip rubber 32 is connected to the sidewall rubber 30.

[0025] A flipper 50 is disposed on the bead 11. The flipper 50 is a reinforcing fiber layer provided so as to cover the bead core 21. The flipper 50 increases the rigidity of the entire bead. Thereby, the crimping property between the bead 11 and the rim is enhanced, and the occurrence of the bead 11 coming off the rim can be suppressed. The flipper 50 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the bead core 21 and the carcass ply 23 provided around the bead core 21. More specifically, the flipper 50 includes a first portion 51 that covers the inner side in the tire width direction of the bead core 21, a second portion 52 that covers the inner side in the tire radial direction, and a third portion 53 that covers the outer side in the tire width direction. The flipper 50 wraps at least a part of the bead 11. In the present embodiment, the flipper 50 wraps at least a part of the bead core 21 that constitutes the bead 11 by the first portion 51, the second portion 52, and the third portion 53. In the present embodiment, the flipper 50 wraps the bead core 21 and the bead filler 22 that constitute the bead 11.

[0026] The first portion 51 extends radially outward of the tire from the bead core 21. In the present embodiment, the radially outer end 51A of the first portion 51 is disposed radially outward of the radially outer end 22A of the bead filler 22. The first portion 51 is disposed so as to cover the inner side in the tire width direction of the bead filler 22 in addition to the inner side in the tire width direction of the bead core 21.

[0027] The first portion 51 has a portion sandwiched between the inner side in the tire width direction of the bead core 21 and the ply body 24, and a portion sandwiched between the inner side in the tire width direction of the bead filler 22 and the ply body 24. In the present embodiment, the first portion 51 further has a portion sandwiched between the ply body 24 and the third portion 53 of the flipper 50, and a portion sandwiched between the ply body 24 and the ply folded-back portion 25.

[0028] In addition, in the present embodiment, the radially outer end 51A of the first portion 51 is disposed at a radial position of the sidewall 12 corresponding to the portion where the tire inner cavity is the widest in the tire width direction. In this way, it is preferable that the radially outer end 51A of the first portion 51 is disposed at a radial position corresponding to the portion where the tire inner cavity is the widest in the tire width direction or radially inward of that position. Further, the radially outer end 51A of the first portion 51 may be disposed at a radial position equivalent to the radially outer end 22A of the bead filler 22 or radially inward of that position. The flipper 50 only needs to wrap at least a part of the bead 11. The radial position of the radially outer end 51A of the first portion 51 is adjusted according to the rigidity required for the tire 1.

[0029] The second portion 52 is disposed sandwiched between the radially inner side of the bead core 21 and the carcass ply 23.

[0030] The third portion 53 extends radially outward of the bead core 21. In the present embodiment, the radially outer end 53A of the third portion 53 is disposed radially outward of the radially outer end 22A of the bead filler 22. The third portion 53 is disposed so as to cover the radially outer side of the bead filler 22 in addition to the radially outer side of the bead core 21 in the tire width direction.

[0031] The third portion 53 has a portion sandwiched between the radially outer side of the bead core 21 in the tire width direction and the ply turn-up portion 25, and a portion sandwiched between the radially outer side of the bead filler 22 in the tire width direction and the ply turn-up portion 25. In the present embodiment, the third portion 53 further has a portion sandwiched between the ply turn-up portion 25 and the first portion 51 of the flipper 50.

[0032] In this embodiment, the outer end 53A in the tire radial direction of the third portion 53 is disposed radially inward of the tire radial position corresponding to the portion where the tire inner cavity portion extends most in the tire width direction in the sidewall 12. The outer end 53A in the tire radial direction of the third portion 53 is preferably disposed at the tire radial position corresponding to the portion where the tire inner cavity portion extends most in the tire width direction or radially inward thereof. Further, the outer end 53A in the tire radial direction of the third portion 53 may be disposed at the same tire radial position as the outer end 22A in the tire radial direction of the bead filler 22 or radially inward thereof. The flipper 50 only needs to wrap at least a part of the bead 11. The tire radial position of the outer end 53A in the tire radial direction of the third portion 53 is adjusted according to the rigidity required for the tire 1.

[0033] In this embodiment, the outer end 51A in the tire radial direction of the first portion 51 is located radially outward of the outer end 53A in the tire radial direction of the third portion 53. Therefore, the outer end 51A in the tire radial direction of the first portion 51 constitutes the outer end in the tire radial direction of the flipper 50. Note that the outer end 53A in the tire radial direction of the third portion 53 may be located radially outward of the outer end 51A in the tire radial direction of the first portion 51. In this case, the outer end 53A in the tire radial direction of the third portion 53 constitutes the outer end in the tire radial direction of the flipper 50.

[0034] The flipper 50 of this embodiment is composed of an organic fiber cord layer containing insulating organic fibers such as polyester and polyamide. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the organic fiber cord layer constituting the flipper 50, and is a virtual diagram when the flipper 50 disposed in the tire 1 is viewed from the outer side in the tire width direction toward the inner side in the tire width direction. The flipper 50 includes a plurality of cords 50A formed by twisting a plurality of organic fibers, and a rubber 50B as a topping rubber that coats and integrates the plurality of cords 50A. In FIG. 3, the plurality of cords 50A constituting the third portion 53 of the flipper 50 are shown by solid lines.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of cords 50A constituting the flipper extend obliquely with respect to the radial direction R and are arranged at intervals in the tire circumferential direction C in an inclined state. The angle θ formed between the radial direction R of the tire 1 and the extending direction of the cords 50A of the flipper 50 is preferably 20° or more and 50° or less. In the present embodiment, the ply cords constituting the carcass ply 23 are arranged radially (radial direction) from the center of the tire 1. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the angle θ formed between the extending direction of the ply cords of the carcass ply 23 and the extending direction of the cords 50A of the flipper 50 is 20° or more and 50° or less.

[0036] Note that the flipper 50 is wound around the bead core 21. Therefore, the plurality of cords 50A constituting the first portion 51 of the flipper 50 are inclined in a direction opposite to the plurality of cords 50A constituting the third portion 53 with respect to the radial direction R, as indicated by the broken line. Also in the first portion 51, the angle θ formed between the radial direction R of the tire 1 and the extending direction of the cords 50A of the flipper 50 is preferably 20° or more and 50° or less.

[0037] The sidewall 12 includes a sidewall rubber 30 disposed on the outer side in the width direction of the carcass ply 23.

[0038] The sidewall rubber 30 is a rubber member that constitutes the outer wall surface of the tire 1. The sidewall rubber 30 has a tire radially outer end 30A and a tire radially inner end 30B. This sidewall rubber 30 is the portion that bends the most when the tire 1 exerts a cushioning action, and usually, a flexible rubber having fatigue resistance is adopted.

[0039] The tread 13 includes a steel belt 26 as a belt disposed on the outer side in the tire radial direction of the carcass ply 23, a cap ply 27 disposed on the outer side in the tire radial direction of the steel belt 26, and a tread rubber 28 disposed on the outer side in the tire radial direction of the cap ply 27.

[0040] The steel belt 26 is composed of a plurality of steel cords coated with rubber. By providing the steel belt 26, the rigidity of the tire 1 is ensured, and the grounding state between the tread 13 and the road surface is improved. In the present embodiment, a two-layer steel belt (the inner steel belt 261 and the outer steel belt 262) is provided, but the number of laminated steel belts 26 is not limited to this. Instead of the steel belt 26 using steel cords, a belt using a tire cord or the like using aramid fibers may be used. In the two-layer steel belt 26 of the present embodiment, the inner steel belt 261 is wider than the outer steel belt 262. Therefore, the outer end in the tire width direction of the inner steel belt 261 constitutes the outer end 26A in the tire width direction of the steel belt 26.

[0041] The cap ply 27 is a member disposed on the outer side in the tire radial direction of the steel belt 26 and has a function as a belt reinforcing layer. The cap ply 27 is composed of an insulating organic fiber layer such as polyamide fiber and is coated with topping rubber. By providing the cap ply 27, it is possible to improve durability and reduce road noise during running. In the present embodiment, the outer end 27A in the tire width direction of the cap ply 27 extends outward in the tire width direction from the outer end 26A in the tire width direction of the steel belt 26.

[0042] The tread rubber 28 is a member that constitutes the tread surface (the ground contact surface with the road surface) 13C. The tread rubber 28 has an outer end 28A in the tire width direction. A tread pattern (not shown) composed of a plurality of grooves is provided on the tread surface 13C of the tread rubber 28.

[0043] In the bead 11, the sidewall 12, and the tread 13, an inner liner 29 as a rubber layer constituting the inner wall surface of the tire 1 is provided on the inner side in the tire cavity of the carcass ply 23. The inner liner 29 is composed of an air-permeation-resistant rubber and prevents the air in the tire cavity from leaking to the outside.

[0044] Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the sidewall rubber 30 of the sidewall 12 extends toward the tread 13. On the other hand, the tread rubber 28 of the tread 13 extends toward the sidewall 12. As a result, on the tire outer surface side of a partial region of the carcass ply 23, the tread rubber 28 and the sidewall rubber 30 are in a laminated state. More specifically, in the region where the sidewall rubber 30 and the tread rubber 28 coexist, that is, in the transition region between the sidewall 12 and the tread 13, the tread rubber 28 and the sidewall rubber 30 are laminated in order on the tire outer surface side of the carcass ply 23.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, on the outer side in the tire width direction of the carcass ply 23 in the bead 11 and the sidewall 12, a rim strip rubber 32 and a sidewall rubber 30 disposed on the outer side in the tire radial direction of the rim strip rubber 32 are arranged. And in the present embodiment, the outer end 32A in the tire radial direction of the rim strip rubber 32 is disposed on the outer side in the tire radial direction than the outer end 22A in the tire radial direction of the bead filler 22. Thereby, it is possible to more effectively suppress the occurrence of local deformation in the vicinity of the rim mounting portion.

[0046] Also, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the vicinity of the transition region between the bead 11 and the sidewall 12, the rim strip rubber 32 and the sidewall rubber 30 are laminated in order on the tire outer surface side of the carcass ply 23. Further, in the vicinity of this transition region, a rim protector 33 having a top 33A protruding outward in the tire width direction and continuously extending annularly in the tire circumferential direction is provided. In the present embodiment, the top 33A of the rim protector 33 is provided at the boundary portion between the rim strip rubber 32 and the sidewall rubber 30. That is, the position of the top 33A of the rim protector 33 coincides with the position of the inner end 30B in the tire radial direction of the sidewall rubber 30. The rim protector 33 has a function of protecting the rim from damage.

[0047] Also, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first end portion 31A of the chafer 31 is arranged to be sandwiched between the ply body 24 of the carcass ply 23 and the inner liner 29. The second end portion 31B of the chafer 31 is arranged to be sandwiched between the ply turn-back portion 25 of the carcass ply 23 and the rim strip rubber 32.

[0048] In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the ply turn-back portion 25 extends to the tread 13. And the end portion 25A of the ply turn-back portion 25 is arranged on the inner side in the tire width direction than the outer end 26A in the tire width direction of the steel belt 26. That is, in the outer region in the tire width direction of the tread 13, the ply turn-back portion 25 and the steel belt 26 are laminated in order on the outer surface side of the ply body 24 in the tire. In this way, the ply turn-back portion 25 and the steel belt 26 have an overlapping portion in the member lamination direction from the tire inner cavity side toward the tire outer surface side. Thereby, the rigidity of the entire tire can be increased. However, the ply turn-back portion 25 and the steel belt 26 may not have an overlapping portion in the member lamination direction from the tire inner cavity side toward the tire outer surface side.

[0049] Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the flipper 50 and the steel belt 26 do not have an overlapping portion in the member lamination direction from the tire inner cavity side toward the tire outer surface side. Specifically, the flipper 50 does not extend to the tread 13. In the present embodiment, the outer end 51A in the tire radial direction of the flipper 50 is located on the sidewall 12. That is, although the flipper 50 extends to the sidewall 12, it does not extend to the tread 13. On the other hand, the outer end 26A in the tire width direction of the steel belt 26 of the tread 13 is located on the tread 13 and does not extend to the sidewall 12. In this way, since the steel belt 26 and the flipper 50 do not overlap, even when a large load is applied to the tire due to a puncture or the like and a large force is applied to the steel belt 26, it is possible to suppress the force from being directly transmitted to the flipper 50.

[0050] In the tire 1 of the present embodiment, an RFID tag 40 as an electronic component is embedded. The RFID tag 40 is a passive transponder including an RFID chip and an antenna for communicating with an external device, and performs wireless communication with a reader (not shown) as the external device. As the antenna, various antennas such as a coil-shaped spring antenna, a plate-shaped antenna, and a rod-shaped antenna are used. For example, an antenna formed by printing a predetermined pattern on a flexible substrate may be used. The antenna is set to an optimized antenna length according to the frequency band used and the like. Identification information such as a manufacturing number and a part number is stored in a storage unit in the RFID chip.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the RFID tag 40 is arranged so as to be in contact with the flipper 50. With this configuration, the movement of the RFID tag 40 is restricted by the flipper 50 as a reinforcing fiber layer, so that the RFID tag 40 is less likely to be affected by the distortion of the tire during running. Therefore, the durability of the RFID tag 40 can be improved without using additional parts. Further, according to the present embodiment, the impact protection performance is also improved. That is, even if the tire receives an impact from the outside, since the carcass ply 23 as a fiber layer exists between the outer wall surface of the tire 1 and the RFID tag 40, the load applied to the RFID tag 40 can be reduced.

[0052] In the present embodiment, specifically, the RFID tag 40 is arranged between the bead filler 22 and the flipper 50. In this way, since the RFID tag 40 is provided between the high-modulus bead filler 22 and the flipper 50 which is a reinforcing fiber layer, there is little deformation around the RFID tag 40 and stress is less likely to concentrate. Therefore, the RFID tag 40 is less likely to be damaged. And since the ply turn-up portion 25 as a fiber layer and the third portion 53 of the flipper 50 as a reinforcing fiber layer exist between the outer wall surface of the tire 1 and the RFID tag 40, the load applied to the RFID tag 40 can be made smaller.

[0053] In this embodiment, more specifically, the RFID tag 40 is disposed between the inner side in the tire width direction of the bead filler 22 and the first portion 51 of the flipper 50. That is, between the outer wall surface of the tire 1 and the RFID tag 40, there are the ply turn-up portion 25 as a fiber layer, the third portion 53 of the flipper 50 as a reinforcing fiber layer, and the bead filler 22. In this way, since the RFID tag 40 is disposed on the inner side in the tire width direction of the bead filler 22 and the distance from the outer wall surface of the tire 1 to the RFID tag 40 becomes longer, the load applied to the RFID tag 40 can be further reduced.

[0054] In this embodiment, the RFID tag 40 is disposed on the inner side in the tire radial direction rather than the second end 31B of the chafer 31. Thereby, even when an external force is applied, the load applied to the RFID tag 40 can be made smaller. In this implementation, the RFID tag 40 is disposed on the outer side in the tire radial direction rather than the first end 31A of the chafer 31.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the RFID tag 40 is preferably disposed at a position closer to the outer end 22A in the tire radial direction than the inner end 22B in the tire radial direction of the bead filler 22. More preferably, at least a part of the RFID tag 40 is disposed on the outer side in the tire radial direction rather than the position 10 mm inward in the tire radial direction from the outer end 22A in the tire radial direction of the bead core. Even more preferably, all parts including the antenna of the RFID tag 40 are disposed on the outer side in the tire radial direction rather than the position 10 mm inward in the tire radial direction from the outer end 22A in the tire radial direction of the bead core. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the RFID tag 40 of this embodiment is preferably disposed in the region range L1 of 10 mm inward in the tire radial direction from the outer end 22A in the tire radial direction of the bead filler 22. That is, at least a part of the RFID tag 40 is preferably disposed within the position 10 mm inward in the tire radial direction from the outer end 22A in the tire radial direction of the bead filler 22.

[0056] FIG. 4 shows the result of examining the relationship between the communication distance and the separation distance between the radially outer end 21A of the bead core 21 and the RFID tag 40. Note that the communication distance on the vertical axis is the exponentialized communication distance with the longest communication distance set to 100. This value may be 40 or more, preferably 60 or more, and more preferably 80 or more.

[0057] Since the bead core 21 is formed in a ring shape by laminating and winding a metal bead wire, it is a metal member that is particularly likely to have an adverse effect on communication. From FIG. 4, it can be seen that the RFID tag 40 is preferably arranged at a position as far as possible from the bead core 21. As shown in this embodiment, by arranging the RFID tag 40 in the region range L1 of 10 mm from the radially outer end 22A of the bead filler 22, the adverse effect on communication can be suppressed. Thereby, it becomes possible to ensure suitable communication performance between the RFID tag 40 and an external reader.

[0058] Here, the RFID tag 40 of this embodiment is attached to a tire component before the vulcanization process in the tire manufacturing process. Specifically, the RFID tag 40 is attached to the bead filler 22 or the flipper 50. At this time, the topping rubber 50B of the bead filler 22 and the flipper 50 is in the state of raw rubber before vulcanization. Therefore, by utilizing the adhesiveness of the raw rubber, the RFID tag 40 is attached to the bead filler 22 or the flipper 50. Note that the RFID tag 40 may be attached using an adhesive or the like. Then, the RFID tag 40 is sandwiched between the bead filler 22 and the flipper 50. After sandwiching, the green tire in which each tire component including the RFID tag 40 is assembled is vulcanized in the vulcanization process to manufacture a tire.

[0059] Accordingly, in the present embodiment, during tire manufacturing, the RFID tag 40 can be attached to the flipper 50 or the bead filler 22, which is a reinforcing fiber layer covered with raw rubber having rigidity and adhesiveness. Therefore, in the tire manufacturing process, the assembly operation of the RFID tag 40 becomes easier.

[0060] Note that the RFID tag 40 embedded in the tire often has a longitudinal direction when an antenna is included, as shown as the RFID tag 40 in FIG. 8A described later. Such an RFID tag 40 is preferably embedded in the tire 1 such that its longitudinal direction is in the tangential direction with respect to the circumferential direction of the tire, that is, the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 1 to 2. By embedding in this way, even when the tire is deformed, stress is less likely to be applied to the RFID tag 40.

[0061] In the present embodiment, the RFID tag 40 is embedded in the tire as an electronic component, but the electronic component embedded in the tire is not limited to the RFID tag. For example, it may be various electronic components such as a sensor that performs wireless communication. Also, when an electronic component comes into electrical contact with a conductive member, a change in the performance of the electronic component may occur, and it may become difficult to maintain the characteristics of the electronic component. Further, the electronic component may be damaged by excessive stress. Therefore, even when various electronic components are embedded in the tire, the effects of the present invention can be obtained. For example, the electronic component may be a piezoelectric element or a strain sensor.

[0062] FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a half cross-section in the tire width direction of the tire 1 in the first modification of the present embodiment.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 5, the RFID tag 40 of this modification is disposed between the outer side in the tire width direction of the bead filler 22 and the third portion 53 of the flipper 50.

[0064] Also in this modification example, the RFID tag 40 is arranged so as to be in contact with the flipper 50. Therefore, since the movement of the RFID tag 40 is restricted by the flipper 50 as the reinforcing fiber layer, it is less likely to be affected by the distortion of the tire during running or the like.

[0065] Moreover, also in this modification example, since the RFID tag 40 is arranged between the high-modulus bead filler 22 and the flipper 50 which is the reinforcing fiber layer, there is little deformation around the RFID tag 40 and stress is less likely to concentrate. Therefore, the RFID tag 40 is less likely to be damaged.

[0066] And in this modification example, since there are the ply turn-up portion 25 as the fiber layer and the third portion 53 of the flipper 50 as the reinforcing fiber layer between the outer wall surface of the tire 1 and the RFID tag 40, the load applied to the RFID tag 40 can be reduced.

[0067] And in this modification example, since the RFID tag 40 is arranged at a position relatively close to the outer surface of the tire, the communication property between the outside and the RFID tag 40 is improved.

[0068] FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a half cross-section in the tire width direction of the tire 1 in the second modification example of the present embodiment.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 6, the RFID tag 40 of this modification example is arranged between the carcass ply 23 and the flipper 50. More specifically, the RFID tag 40 is arranged between the ply body 24 of the carcass ply 23 and the first portion 51 of the flipper 50.

[0070] Also in this modification example, the RFID tag 40 is arranged so as to be in contact with the flipper 50. Therefore, since the movement of the RFID tag 40 is restricted by the flipper 50 as the reinforcing fiber layer, it is less likely to be affected by the distortion of the tire during running or the like.

[0071] And in this modified example, since the RFID tag 40 is provided between the carcass ply 23 as a fiber layer and the flipper 50 as a reinforcing fiber layer, there is little deformation around the RFID tag 40 and stress is less likely to concentrate. Therefore, the RFID tag 40 is less likely to be damaged. Also, during vulcanization or use, it is possible to prevent the RFID tag 40 from directly pressing against surrounding rubber members such as the inner liner 29 and the bead filler 22. Therefore, the surrounding rubber members are less likely to be damaged.

[0072] And in this modified example, between the outer wall surface of the tire 1 and the RFID tag 40, there are the ply turn-up portion 25 as a fiber layer, the third portion 53 and the first portion 51 of the flipper 50 as a reinforcing fiber layer, and the bead filler 22. In this way, since the RFID tag 40 is disposed inside the bead filler 22 in the tire width direction and the distance from the outer wall surface of the tire 1 to the RFID tag 40 becomes longer, the load applied to the RFID tag 40 can be further reduced.

[0073] FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a half cross-section in the tire width direction of the tire 1 in the third modified example of the present embodiment.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 7, the RFID tag 40 of this modified example is disposed between the carcass ply 23 and the flipper 50. More specifically, the RFID tag 40 is disposed between the ply turn-up portion 25 of the carcass ply 23 and the third portion 53 of the flipper 50.

[0075] Also in this modified example, the RFID tag 40 is disposed so as to be in contact with the flipper 50. Therefore, since the movement of the RFID tag 40 is restricted by the flipper 50 as a reinforcing fiber layer, it is less likely to be affected by the distortion of the tire during running.

[0076] Also, in this modified example, since the RFID tag 40 is provided between the carcass ply 23 as a fiber layer and the flipper 50 as a reinforcing fiber layer, there is little deformation around the RFID tag 40 and stress is less likely to concentrate. Therefore, the RFID tag 40 is less likely to be damaged. Further, during vulcanization or use, the RFID tag 40 can be prevented from directly pressing against surrounding rubber members such as the inner liner 29 and the bead filler 22. Therefore, the surrounding rubber members are less likely to be damaged.

[0077] And, in this modified example, since there is a ply turn-up portion 25 as a fiber layer between the outer wall surface of the tire 1 and the RFID tag 40, the load applied to the RFID tag 40 can be reduced.

[0078] And, in this modified example, since the RFID tag 40 is disposed at a position relatively close to the outer surface of the tire, the communication performance between the outside and the RFID tag 40 is improved.

[0079] Note that the RFID tag 40 may be disposed radially outside the radially outer end 22A of the bead filler 22. For example, the flipper 50 includes an inner portion (first portion 51) that covers the radially inner side in the tire width direction of the bead core 21 and the bead filler 22, and an outer portion (third portion 53) that covers the radially outer side in the tire width direction of the bead core 21 and the bead filler 22, and the RFID tag 40 may be disposed between the inner portion (first portion 51) and the outer portion (third portion 53) of the flipper 50 radially outside the radially outer end 22A of the bead filler 22. In this case, the inner portion (first portion 51) and the outer portion (third portion 53) of the flipper 50 extend radially outside the radially outer end 22A of the bead filler 22.

[0080] Even in such a configuration, the RFID tag 40 is disposed so as to be in contact with the flipper 50. Therefore, since the movement of the RFID tag 40 is restricted by the flipper 50 as a reinforcing fiber layer, the RFID tag 40 is less likely to be affected by the distortion of the tire during running or the like.

[0081] And even in such a configuration, since the RFID tag 40 is provided between the inner part (first part 51) and the outer part (third part 53) of the flipper 50 which is the reinforcing fiber layer, there is little deformation around the RFID tag 40 and stress is less likely to concentrate. Therefore, the RFID tag 40 is less likely to be damaged. Also, during vulcanization or use, it is possible to prevent the RFID tag 40 from directly pressing against the surrounding rubber members such as the inner liner 29 and the bead filler 22. Therefore, the surrounding rubber members are less likely to be damaged.

[0082] Furthermore, with such a configuration, during manufacturing, by means of simple operations such as arranging the RFID tag 40 on the flipper 50 and winding the flipper 50 on which the RFID tag 40 is arranged around the bead core 21 and the bead filler 22, the RFID tag 40 can be embedded in the tire so as to be in contact with the flipper 50.

[0083] According to the tire 1 of the present embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

[0084] (1) The tire 1 according to the present embodiment includes a pair of beads 11 having a bead core 21 and a bead filler 22 extending radially outward of the bead core 21 in the tire radial direction, a flipper 50 wrapping at least a part of the bead core 21, a ply body 24 extending from one bead 11 to the other bead 11, a ply turn-up portion 25 turned back at the bead 11, a carcass ply 23 wrapping the flipper 50, and an RFID tag 40 as an electronic component embedded in the tire so as to be in contact with the flipper 50. Thus, since the RFID tag 40 is arranged in a state of being in contact with the flipper 50 which is the reinforcing fiber layer, the RFID tag 40 can be protected.

[0085] (2) The tire 1 according to this embodiment includes an annular tread 13 extending in the circumferential direction of the tire, a pair of beads 11 each having a bead core 21 and a bead filler 22 extending radially outward of the tire diameter of the bead core 21, a ply body 24 extending from one bead core 21 to the other bead core 21, and a ply turn-up portion 25 turned back around the bead core 21, a carcass ply 23 having these components, a flipper 50 disposed between the bead core 21 and the carcass ply 23, and an RFID tag 40 as an electronic component embedded in the tire so as to contact the flipper 50. The tread 13 has a steel belt 26 as a belt disposed radially outside of the tire diameter of the carcass ply 23. The flipper 50 and the steel belt 26 do not have an overlapping portion in the member stacking direction from the tire inner cavity side toward the tire outer surface side. Thus, since the RFID tag 40 is disposed in contact with the flipper 50 which is a reinforcing fiber layer having no overlapping portion with the steel belt 26, the RFID tag 40 can be protected even when the tire 1 is greatly distorted or when an impact is applied to the tire 1.

[0086] (3) The RFID tag 40 of the tire 1 according to this embodiment is disposed between the bead filler 22 and the flipper 50. Thus, by disposing the RFID tag 40 between the high-modulus bead filler 22 and the flipper 50, the deformation around the RFID tag 40 is reduced and stress is less likely to concentrate. Therefore, the RFID tag 40 is less likely to be damaged.

[0087] (4) The RFID tag 40 of the tire 1 according to this embodiment is disposed between the inner side in the tire width direction of the bead filler 22 and the flipper 50. Thus, by disposing the RFID tag 40 at a position far from the outer surface of the tire 1, the load applied to the RFID tag 40 can be made smaller.

[0088] (5) The RFID tag 40 of the tire 1 according to this embodiment is disposed between the outer side in the tire width direction of the bead filler 22 and the flipper 50. Thus, since the RFID tag 40 is disposed at a position close to the outer surface of the tire 1, the communication performance between the outside and the RFID tag 40 is improved.

[0089] (6) The RFID tag 40 of the tire 1 according to this embodiment is disposed between the carcass ply 23 and the flipper 50. Thus, since the RFID tag 40 is disposed between the carcass ply 23 and the flipper 50, it is possible to prevent the RFID tag 40 from directly pressing the rubber structure of the tire during vulcanization or use.

[0090] (7) The RFID tag 40 of the tire 1 according to this embodiment is disposed between the ply body 24 and the flipper 50. Thus, since the RFID tag 40 is disposed at a position far from the outer surface of the tire 1, the load applied to the RFID tag 40 can be made smaller.

[0091] (8) The RFID tag 40 of the tire 1 according to this embodiment is disposed between the ply turn-up portion 25 and the flipper 50. Thus, since the RFID tag 40 is disposed at a position close to the outer surface of the tire 1, the communication performance between the outside and the RFID tag 40 is improved.

[0092] (9) The flipper 50 of the tire 1 according to this embodiment includes an inner portion (first portion 51) that covers the inner side in the tire width direction of the bead core 21 and the bead filler 22, and an outer portion (third portion 53) that covers the outer side in the tire width direction of the bead core 21 and the bead filler 22. The RFID tag 40 is disposed between the inner portion (first portion 51) of the flipper 50 and the outer portion (third portion 53) of the flipper 50 on the outer side in the tire radial direction with respect to the outer radial end 22A of the bead filler 22 in the tire radial direction. Thus, since the RFID tag 40 is disposed between the inner portion and the outer portion of the flipper 50, it is possible to prevent the RFID tag 40 from directly pressing the rubber structure of the tire during vulcanization or use.

[0093] (10) The RFID tag 40 of the tire 1 according to this embodiment is arranged such that at least a part of it is within a position 10 mm radially inward from the radially outer end 22A of the bead filler 22 in the tire radial direction. Thereby, suitable communication performance between the outside and the RFID tag 40 can be ensured.

[0094] (11) The flipper 50 of the tire 1 according to this embodiment includes an organic fiber cord layer. Thereby, the bead 11 can be effectively reinforced.

[0095] <Second Embodiment> Next, the tire 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A to 8C. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted. In this embodiment, the RFID tag 40 is covered with a protective member 43 made of a rubber sheet.

[0096] FIG. 8A is a view showing the RFID tag 40 covered with the protective member 43 made of a rubber sheet. In FIG. 8A, the RFID tag 40 is covered and hidden by a rubber sheet 431 described later. FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line b-b of FIG. 8A, and FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line c-c of FIG. 8A. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C, the RFID tag 40 is covered with the protective member 43.

[0097] The RFID tag 40 includes an RFID chip 41 and an antenna 42 for communicating with an external device. As the antenna 42, various antennas such as a coiled spring antenna, a plate-shaped antenna, and a rod-shaped antenna are used. For example, an antenna formed by printing a predetermined pattern on a flexible substrate may be used. Considering communication performance and flexibility, a coiled spring antenna is most preferable.

[0098] The protective member 43 is composed of two rubber sheets 431 and 432 that sandwich and protect the RFID tag 40.

[0099] The protective member 43 is made of, for example, rubber with a predetermined modulus. Here, the modulus refers to the 100% elongation modulus (M100) at 23°C in an atmosphere measured in accordance with "3.7 Stress at a given elongation, S" of JIS K6251:2010.

[0100] As the rubber used for the protective member 43, rubber with a modulus higher than at least that of the sidewall rubber 30 is used.

[0101] For example, as the rubber used for the protective member 43, it is more preferable to use rubber with a modulus 1.1 to 2 times that of the sidewall rubber 30 as a reference.

[0102] Further, the protective member 43 may be made of a rubber mixed with short fiber fillers. As the short fiber fillers, insulating short fibers such as organic short fibers such as aramid short fibers and cellulose short fibers, ceramic short fibers such as alumina short fibers, and inorganic short fibers such as glass short fibers can be used. By mixing such short fiber fillers into the rubber, the strength of the rubber can be increased. Also, as the protective member 43, a rubber sheet in a vulcanized state may be used. Since the rubber sheet in a vulcanized state does not plastically deform like raw rubber, the RFID tag 40 can be appropriately protected.

[0103] Also, as the protective member 43, an organic fiber layer made of polyester fibers, polyamide fibers, etc. may be provided. It is also possible to embed the organic fiber layer between two rubber sheets 431 and 432.

[0104] As described above, if the protective member 43 is composed of two rubber sheets 431 and 432, the RFID tag 40 including the protective member 43 can be formed thinly, which is suitable for embedding in the tire 1. Further, when assembling the RFID tag 40 to the constituent members of the tire 1 before vulcanization, the RFID tag 40 covered by the rubber sheets 431 and 432 can be mounted very simply. For example, at a desired position of each rubber member before vulcanization, the RFID tag 40 covered by the rubber sheets 431 and 432 can be appropriately attached by utilizing the adhesiveness of the raw rubber. Further, by using the rubber sheets 431 and 432 as raw rubber before vulcanization, the adhesiveness of the rubber sheets 431 and 432 themselves can also be used for easier attachment.

[0105] However, the protective member 43 is not limited to the mode composed of two rubber sheets 431 and 432, and various modes can be adopted. For example, if the rubber sheet constituting the protective member covers at least a part of the RFID tag 40, effects such as improvement in workability and stress relaxation in the manufacturing process can be obtained. Further, for example, a configuration in which one rubber sheet is wound around the entire circumference of the RFID tag 40, or a configuration in which a protective member in the form of a potting agent with high viscosity is attached over the entire circumference of the RFID tag 40 may be adopted. Even with such a configuration, the RFID tag 40 can be appropriately protected.

[0106] In addition, for example, in the second and third modified examples shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, when adopting a configuration in which the RFID tag 40 is protected by the protective member 43, the RFID tag 40 is sandwiched between the carcass ply 23 and the flipper 50 in a state of being covered by the protective member 43. In this case, even in a situation where the RFID tag 40 receives stress due to the relative movement of the carcass ply 23 and the flipper 50, the RFID tag 40 is protected by the presence of the protective member 43. Therefore, the durability of the RFID tag 40 is further improved.

[0107] Note that the RFID tag 40 covered by the protection member 43 is embedded in the tire 1 such that its longitudinal direction is tangential to the circumferential direction of the tire 1, that is, perpendicular to the plane of the paper in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 1 to 2 and 5 to 7. In the manufacturing process, one side of either the rubber sheets 431 or 432 is attached to the component of the tire 1 before vulcanization.

[0108] With such an arrangement, even when the tire 1 is deformed, stress is less likely to be applied to the RFID tag 40. Also, in the manufacturing process, the operation of attaching the RFID tag 40 covered by the protection member 43 becomes simple.

[0109] According to the tire 1 according to the present embodiment, in addition to the above (1) to (11), the following effects are obtained.

[0110] (12) In the present embodiment, the RFID tag 40 is covered by the rubber sheets 431 and 432. Thereby, workability in the manufacturing process is improved. Also, effects such as relaxation of stress applied to the RFID tag 40 are obtained.

[0111] Note that the tire of the present invention can be adopted as various tires such as passenger cars, light trucks, trucks, buses, etc., but is particularly suitable as a tire for passenger cars. Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and modifications, improvements, etc. within the range that can achieve the object of the present invention are also included in the scope of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0112] 1 Tire 11 Bead 12 Sidewall 13 Tread 21 Bead Core 22 Bead Filler 22A Outer End in Tire Radial Direction 23 Carcass Ply 24 Ply Body 25 Ply Turn-Up Portion 26 Steel belt (belt) 27 Cap ply 28 Tread rubber 29 Inner liner 30 Sidewall rubber 31 Chafer 32 Rim strip rubber 40 RFID tag (electronic component) 50 Flipper 51 First part (inner part) 52 Second part 53 Third part (outer part)

Claims

1. A pair of beads each having a bead core and a bead filler extending outward in the tire radial direction from the bead core, A flipper that wraps at least a part of the bead, the flipper being a reinforcing fiber layer including an organic fiber cord layer, A carcass ply having a ply body extending from one bead to the other bead and a ply turn-up portion turned back by the bead, the carcass ply wrapping the flipper, the carcass ply being a fiber layer, A chafer provided to cover the carcass ply provided around the bead core, An electronic component embedded in the tire so as to be in contact with the flipper, The flipper includes an inner portion covering the inner side in the tire width direction of the bead core and the bead filler, and an outer portion covering the outer side in the tire width direction of the bead core and the bead filler, The electronic component is disposed between the bead filler and the outer portion of the flipper, and is disposed at a position close to the outer surface of the tire, A tire in which a ply turn-up portion as a fiber layer and an outer portion of the flipper as a reinforcing fiber layer including an organic fiber cord layer exist between the tire wall surface and the electronic component.

2. The tire according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the electronic component is disposed within a position 10 mm or less radially inward from the outer radial end of the bead filler.

3. The tire according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flipper includes an organic fiber cord layer.

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