Tire

The tire design with varying protrusions addresses the issue of visible unevenness by improving contrast and blackness, thus enhancing appearance performance.

JP7707769B2Active Publication Date: 2025-07-15SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES LTD
View PDF 9 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
JP2021141569
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2020-09-14
Filing Date
2021-08-31
Publication Date
2025-07-15
Estimated Expiration
2041-08-31

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing tires struggle with making unevenness such as bulges and bears on the outer surface less noticeable to improve appearance performance.

Method used

A tire design featuring decorative portions with 2 to 10 minute protrusions per 1 mm², including first and second protrusions with varying taper angles and heights, which enhance light absorption and reflection to create contrast and reduce visibility of imperfections.

Benefits of technology

The tire design improves appearance performance by enhancing the blackness degree and contrast, making bulges and dents less noticeable.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 0007707769000003
    Figure 0007707769000003
  • Figure 0007707769000004
    Figure 0007707769000004
  • Figure 0007707769000005
    Figure 0007707769000005
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide a tire having appearance performance that is improved by making irregularities such as bulges, dents or bare formed at an outside surface of a tire less noticeable.SOLUTION: A tire includes a decorative part 10. The decorative part 10 is provided in at least part of visibly recognizable outside surface. The decorative part 10 includes minute projections 11 that are arranged in a density of 2-10 pieces / 1 mm2. The minute projections 11 extend tire outward in a tapered manner. The minute projections 11 include: a first projection 12 and a second projection 13 having a taper angle that is larger than the first projection 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tire.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 below describes a tire in which minute protrusions are arranged on a decorative portion. A concave portion is provided at the top of the minute protrusion. Such a concave portion reduces the reflection of irradiated light and makes the decorative portion appear darker. As a result, the contrast with the non-decorative portion adjacent to the decorative portion is enhanced, and the visibility is improved.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, it has been desired to improve the appearance performance by making unevenness such as bulges and bears formed on the outer surface of a tire less noticeable.

[0005] The present disclosure has been devised in view of the above actual situation, and an object thereof is to provide a tire with improved appearance performance.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present disclosure is a tire having a decorative portion on at least a part of a visible outer surface of the tire, wherein the decorative portion has 2 to 10 minute protrusions per 1 mm 2 The minute protrusions extend in a tapered shape outward from the tire, and the minute protrusions include a first protrusion and a second protrusion having a larger taper angle than the first protrusion.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] By adopting the above configuration, the tire of the present disclosure improves the appearance performance.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the tire 1 of the present disclosure. In FIG. 1, as a preferred aspect, a pneumatic tire 1 for a passenger car is shown. However, the present disclosure may be adopted for, for example, pneumatic tires 1 for motorcycles or heavy loads, or tires 1 of other categories.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the tire 1 of the present embodiment has a visible outer surface 1a. The visible outer surface 1a is a surface that can be visually observed from the outside when the tire 1 is assembled to a rim (not shown). The outer surface 1a includes, for example, the outer surface 2a of the tread portion 2, the outer surface 3a of the sidewall portion 3, and the outer surface 4a of the bead portion 4. The outer surface 1a of the present embodiment is formed in black with carbon black.

[0011] In the present embodiment, the tire 1 has a decoration portion 10 on a part of the outer surface 1a. The decoration portion 10 of the present embodiment is provided on the outer surface 3a of the sidewall portion 3. Note that the decoration portion 10 is not limited to being provided on the outer surface 3a of the sidewall portion 3, and may be provided on, for example, the outer surface 2a of the tread portion 2 or the outer surface 4a of the bead portion 4.

[0012] In the present embodiment, the decoration portion 10 is formed in an arc shape centered on the tire rotation axis (not shown). The decoration portion 10 includes an outer edge 10e in the tire radial direction extending in the tire circumferential direction and an inner edge 10i in the tire radial direction. A plurality of the decoration portions 10 may be provided in the tire circumferential direction. Note that the decoration portion 10 is not limited to such a mode.

[0013] In the present embodiment, the decoration portion 10 has 2 to 10 minute protrusions 11 per 1 mm 2 arranged thereon. The minute protrusions 11, for example, extend in a tapered shape outward of the tire. Since such minute protrusions 11 effectively capture incident light to the decoration portion and have a high light absorption effect, the blackness degree of the decoration portion is enhanced. The number of the minute protrusions 11 is the number obtained by dividing the number of the minute protrusions 11 completely included in a region of a square having one side of 5 mm within the development of the outer surface 1a when the outer surface 1a is developed into a plane by 25.

[0014] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the decorative portion. Figure 3(a) is a cross-sectional view of the first protrusion, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the second protrusion. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the micro protrusions 11 include a first protrusion 12 and a second protrusion 13 having a larger taper angle than the first protrusion 12. The first protrusion 12 absorbs incident light and reflects it inwardly of the tire, so it has a high blackness degree. Since the second protrusion 13 can reflect incident light outwardly of the tire, it causes non-uniformity in the blackness degree with the first protrusion 12. Therefore, in the tire 1 of the present embodiment, in the decorative portion 10, contrast between light and dark occurs, so it has excellent appearance performance. Further, the contrast between light and dark enhances the appearance performance even more in order to make, for example, bulges or dents on the sidewall portion 3 less noticeable even when they occur.

[0015] If the taper angle α1 of the first protrusion 12 is small, rubber chipping or the like is likely to occur, and the appearance performance may deteriorate. If the taper angle α1 of the first protrusion 12 is large, there is a possibility that incident light is likely to be reflected outwardly of the tire. For this reason, the taper angle α1 is preferably 10 degrees or more, more preferably 20 degrees or more, even more preferably 30 degrees or more, preferably 100 degrees or less, more preferably 90 degrees or less, and even more preferably 80 degrees or less.

[0016] If the taper angle α2 of the second protrusion 13 is small, the contrast (difference between light and dark) with the first protrusion 12 may become small. If the taper angle α2 of the second protrusion 13 is large, there is a possibility that incident light is excessively reflected outwardly of the tire and the blackness degree of the decorative portion 10 becomes small. For this reason, the taper angle α2 is preferably 30 degrees or more, more preferably 40 degrees or more, even more preferably 50 degrees or more, preferably 120 degrees or less, more preferably 110 degrees or less, and even more preferably 100 degrees or less.

[0017] The difference (α2 - α1) between the taper angle α1 of the first protrusion 12 and the taper angle α2 of the second protrusion 13 is preferably 10 to 90 degrees. Thereby, the blackness degree is enhanced and the contrast becomes clear. In order to effectively exhibit such an effect, the difference (α2 - α1) is more preferably 30 degrees or more and more preferably 60 degrees or less.

[0018] The protrusion height h1 of the first protrusion 12 is preferably greater than the protrusion height h2 of the second protrusion 13. Thereby, the incident light reflected outward of the tire by the second protrusion 13 hits the first protrusion 12 and is absorbed, so that the blackness degree is further enhanced. If the protrusion height h1 of the first protrusion 12 is excessively greater than the protrusion height h2 of the second protrusion 13, the first protrusion 12 may be too prominent and, conversely, the appearance performance may deteriorate. For this reason, the protrusion height h1 of the first protrusion 12 is preferably 1.4 times or more, more preferably 2.0 times or more, still more preferably 2.5 times or more, preferably 5.0 times or less, more preferably 4.5 times or less, and still more preferably 4.0 times or less of the protrusion height h2 of the second protrusion 13. In order to effectively exhibit such an effect, the protrusion height h1 of the first protrusion 12 is preferably 0.1 mm or more, more preferably 0.2 mm or more, still more preferably 0.3 mm or more, preferably 0.8 mm or less, more preferably 0.7 mm or less, and still more preferably 0.6 mm or less.

[0019] In the present embodiment, the micro protrusion 11 includes a protrusion base 14 that extends in a tapered shape outward of the tire, and a protrusion top 15 that is continuous with the protrusion base 14 and extends more gently inclined outward of the tire than the protrusion base 14. In the present embodiment, the protrusion base 14 includes an inclined surface 14a formed linearly in the longitudinal section of the micro protrusion 11. The protrusion base 14 may include, for example, a surface formed in an arc shape convex outward of the tire, or a surface formed in an arc shape concave inward of the tire (not shown). In this specification, the taper angle α1 of the first protrusion 12 and the taper angle α2 of the second protrusion 13 are the average angles at the protrusion base 14. The protrusion top 15 is a portion where the taper angle is formed to exceed 120 degrees.

[0020] The protrusion bases 14 of both the first protrusion 12 and the second protrusion 13 are formed in a frustum of a cone shape. Such a protrusion base 14 reflects and absorbs incident light in multiple directions outward of the tire. The frustum of a cone shape includes not only a frustum of a cone with a circular bottom surface but also a frustum of an elliptical cone. Note that each protrusion base 14 is not limited to such a mode, and may be, for example, a frustum of a pyramid.

[0021] The top 15A of the first protrusion 12 is planar. Such a top 15A of the protrusion reflects incident light outward of the tire. Therefore, since the non-uniformity of the blackness degree is further increased, the appearance performance is improved. The top 15A of the first protrusion 12 is a circular planar shape. As a whole, the top 15A of the protrusion may be formed of a plane. Alternatively, the top 15A of the protrusion may include a plane and a curved surface at the periphery surrounding the plane for smoothly connecting the plane to the protrusion base 14.

[0022] The top 15B of the second protrusion 13 is hemispherical and convex outward of the tire. Such a top 15B of the protrusion can scatter incident light and irradiate the first protrusion 12. Since the incident light irradiating the first protrusion 12 is absorbed by the first protrusion 12, the blackness degree of the decorative part 10 is increased. For this reason, the appearance performance is further improved. In this specification, the hemispherical shape includes not only the mode bisected by a plane passing through the center of the sphere, but also the mode bisected by a plane passing through a point other than the center of the sphere.

[0023] It is desirable that the maximum diameter d1 of the top 15A of the first protrusion 12 is the same as the maximum diameter d2 of the top 15B of the second protrusion 13. Thereby, the difference between the amount of light reflected by the top 15A of the first protrusion 12 and the amount of light reflected by the top 15B of the second protrusion 13 is small, and the contrast between light and dark is maintained high.

[0024] It is desirable that both the maximum diameter d1 of the top 15A of the first protrusion 12 and the maximum diameter d2 of the top 15B of the second protrusion 13 are 0.05 mm or more, more desirably 0.1 mm or more, desirably 0.4 mm or less, and more desirably 0.3 mm or less. Since the maximum diameter d1 and the maximum diameter d2 are 0.05 mm or more, the non-uniformity of the blackness degree due to the reflected light of each top 15 of the protrusion can be increased. Since the maximum diameter d1 and the maximum diameter d2 are 0.4 mm or less, the blackness degree can be ensured.

[0025] The maximum diameter D1 of the first protrusion 12 is preferably smaller than the maximum diameter D2 of the second protrusion 13. As a result, the area of the protrusion base 14 of the second protrusion 13 becomes relatively large, increasing the non-uniformity of the blackness degree. Each maximum diameter D1, D2 is formed at the position of each protrusion 12, 13 closest to the inside of the tire.

[0026] If the maximum diameter D1 of the first protrusion 12 is excessively smaller than the maximum diameter D2 of the second protrusion 13, the blackness degree may decrease. Therefore, the ratio (D2 / D1) of the maximum diameter D1 of the first protrusion 12 to the maximum diameter D2 of the second protrusion 13 is preferably 1.1 times or more, more preferably 1.2 times or more, preferably 2.0 times or less, and more preferably 1.7 times or less.

[0027] FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view of the decorative part 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the decorative part 10 of the present embodiment includes a first protrusion group 12R in which the first protrusions 12 are continuously arranged. Such a first protrusion group 12R enhances the blackness degree because the light reflected by the first protrusion 12 is irradiated and absorbed by the adjacent first protrusion 12.

[0028] Further, in the present embodiment, the decorative part 10 includes a second protrusion group 13R in which the second protrusions 13 are continuously arranged. Such a second protrusion group 13R increases the non-uniformity of the blackness degree between adjacent second protrusions 13.

[0029] Furthermore, for example, in the decorative part 10, the first protrusion group 12R and the second protrusion group 13R are arranged alternately. As a result, the above-described effects are enhanced, so that the contrast between light and dark is emphasized, and the effect of making the bulge dent or the like less noticeable is further exerted. In the present embodiment, the first protrusion group 12R and the second protrusion group 13R are arranged alternately in the tire circumferential direction.

[0030] The angle θ1 of the first protrusion group 12R with respect to the tire radial direction in the array direction is desirably 30 degrees or more, more desirably 35 degrees or more, still more desirably 40 degrees or more, desirably 60 degrees or less, more desirably 55 degrees or less, and still more desirably 50 degrees or less. Since the angle θ1 of the first protrusion group 12R is 30 degrees or more and 60 degrees or less, the visibility of the decorative portion 10 is enhanced, and the appearance performance can be improved. From the same viewpoint, the angle θ2 of the second protrusion group 13R with respect to the tire radial direction in the array direction is desirably 30 degrees or more, more desirably 35 degrees or more, still more desirably 40 degrees or more, desirably 60 degrees or less, more desirably 55 degrees or less, and still more desirably 50 degrees or less. The angle θ1 of the first protrusion group 12R and the angle θ2 of the second protrusion group 13R are desirably the same. The angle θ1 of the first protrusion group 12R and the angle θ2 of the second protrusion group 13R are angles at the intermediate position 10c in the tire radial direction between the outer edge 10e and the inner edge 10i of the decorative portion 10.

[0031] In this embodiment, the total number of the first protrusions 12 is formed to be larger than the total number of the second protrusions 13. Thereby, the effect of improving the blackness degree by the first protrusions 12 is greatly exerted. If the total number of the first protrusions 12 is formed excessively larger than the total number of the second protrusions 13, the non-uniformity of the blackness degree may decrease. For this reason, the total number of the first protrusions 12 is desirably 1.2 times or more, more desirably 1.4 times or more, still more desirably 1.6 times or more, desirably 2.5 times or less, more desirably 2.2 times or less, and still more desirably 2.0 times or less of the second protrusions 13.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the ratio (p1 / D1) of the arrangement pitch p1 of the first protrusions 12 to the maximum diameter D1 (shown in FIG. 3) of the first protrusions 12 is desirably 1.05 or more, more desirably 1.15 or more, desirably 1.40 or less, and more desirably 1.30 or less.

[0033] The ratio (p2 / D2) of the arrangement pitch p2 of the second protrusion 13 to the maximum diameter D2 of the second protrusion 13 is preferably larger than the ratio (p1 / D1) of the first protrusion 12. Since the effect of enhancing the blackness and the effect of exhibiting non-uniformity of the blackness are enhanced in a well-balanced manner, bulges and dents can be made less conspicuous. From such a viewpoint, the ratio (p2 / D2) of the second protrusion 13 is preferably 1.35 or more, more preferably 1.45 or more, preferably 1.65 or less, and more preferably 1.55 or less.

[0034] The arrangement pitch P between the first protrusion group 12R and the second protrusion group 13R adjacent thereto is preferably 1.6 times or more, more preferably 1.7 times or more, preferably 2.0 times or less, and more preferably 1.9 times or less of the maximum diameter D1 of the first protrusion 12. Since the arrangement pitch P is 1.6 times or more of the maximum diameter D1 of the first protrusion, the non-uniformity of light and shade due to the protrusion tops 15A and 15B of the respective protrusions 12 and 13 is clearly visible, so the contrast is emphasized. Since the arrangement pitch P is 2.0 times or less of the maximum diameter D1 of the first protrusion, the light reflected by the second protrusion 13 is effectively absorbed by the first protrusion 12.

[0035] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a decorative part according to another embodiment. The same components as those of the present embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals and the detailed description thereof may be omitted. As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, the decorative part 10 is formed such that a plurality of second protrusions 13 surround a plurality of first protrusions 12. For example, the decorative part 10 is formed such that six second protrusions 13 surround three first protrusions 12.

[0036] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a decorative part according to still another embodiment. The same components as those of the present embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals and the detailed description thereof may be omitted. As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, the decorative part 10 is formed such that a plurality of first protrusions 12 surround one second protrusion 13. For example, the decorative part 10 is formed such that twelve first protrusions 12 surround one second protrusion 13.

[0037] Hereinafter, still another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In each of the figures listed below, the same components as those of the above-described embodiment may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted. The above-described matters can be applied to the components for which the description is omitted.

[0038] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the decorative portion 10 of another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, the first protrusion 12 is substantially the same as the above-described one. On the other hand, the second protrusion 13 has a configuration different from that of the above-described one.

[0039] FIG. 8 shows a plan view of the second protrusion 13 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 when viewed from above. FIG. 9 shows an end view taken along line A-A of FIG. 8. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the second protrusion 13 of this embodiment includes a protrusion base 14 that tapers outwardly of the tire. Further, the protrusion base 14 includes an inclined surface 14a that defines a taper angle and at least one raised portion 20 that rises from the inclined surface 14a. The second protrusion 13 including such a raised portion 20 can scatter incident light more complexly and can also be expected to absorb the scattered light. Therefore, the blackness degree of the second protrusion 13 can be enhanced, and the contrast between light and dark with the first protrusion 12 can be further increased. For easy understanding of the configuration, dots are provided on the raised portion 20 in FIG. 8.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 8, the second protrusion 13 of this embodiment includes a plurality of raised portions 20. The number of raised portions 20 included in one second protrusion 13 is, for example, 2 to 6, desirably 2 to 4. In a more desirable aspect, the bottom edge 22 of the second protrusion 13 is configured in a circular shape in a top view, and the plurality of raised portions 20 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the bottom edge 22. Thereby, the blackness degree of the second protrusion 13 is further improved.

[0041] The raised portion 20 desirably extends long, for example, along the generatrix 17 of the inclined surface 14a (shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 8 for easy understanding). That is, the length L1 of the raised portion 20 in the generatrix direction is greater than the length L2 of the raised portion 20 in the circumferential direction. Specifically, the length L1 is 1.5 to 3.5 times the length L2. In a more desirable embodiment, the second protrusion 13 includes a protrusion base 14 including an inclined surface 14a extending in a tapered shape and a hemispherical protrusion top 15 convex outward of the tire, and the raised portion 20 extends from the boundary 16 (shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 8 for easy understanding) between the protrusion base 14 and the protrusion top 15 to the bottom edge 22 of the second protrusion 13. Thereby, the contrast between light and shade of the first protrusion 12 and the second protrusion 13 becomes even greater, and the appearance performance is further improved.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 9, in the longitudinal section of the second protrusion 13 passing through the raised portion 20, the outer surface 20s of the raised portion 20 desirably curves in an arc shape convex outward of the tire, for example. The radius of curvature r1 of the outer surface 20s of the raised portion 20 is desirably 80% to 120% of the height h3 from the bottom edge 22 of the second protrusion 13 to the boundary 16 between the protrusion base 14 and the protrusion top 15, for example. Thereby, while suppressing molding defects of the raised portion 20 during vulcanization molding, the above-described effects can be exhibited.

[0043] From the same viewpoint, the maximum height h4 from the inclined surface 14a to the outer surface of the raised portion 20 in the longitudinal section is desirably 20% to 30% of the protrusion height h2 of the second protrusion 13.

[0044] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the decorative portion 10 of still another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the micro protrusions 11 of this embodiment include an annular bottom edge 22, a bottom area which is the area in a top view of the region surrounded by the bottom edge 22, a vertex 24 at the position farthest from the bottom edge 22, and a protrusion height from the bottom edge 22 to the vertex 24. Further, the micro protrusions 11 include the first protrusion 12 and the second protrusion 13.

[0045] Fig. 11(a) shows a cross-sectional view of the first protrusion 12 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 10. Fig. 11(b) shows a cross-sectional view of the second protrusion 13 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 10. As shown in Figs. 11(a) and (b), in this embodiment, the bottom area of the second protrusion 13 is larger than the bottom area of the first protrusion 12. Also, the protrusion height h2 of the second protrusion 13 is smaller than the protrusion height h1 of the first protrusion 12. The decorative part 10 including such first protrusion 12 and second protrusion 13 has excellent appearance performance because a contrast of light and shade occurs.

[0046] From the viewpoint of increasing the contrast while suppressing molding defects during vulcanization, the protrusion height h1 of the first protrusion 12 is desirably 1.4 times or more, more desirably 2.0 times or more, even more desirably 2.5 times or more, desirably 5.0 times or less, more desirably 4.5 times or less, and even more desirably 4.0 times or less of the protrusion height h2 of the second protrusion 13. Also, the bottom area of the second protrusion 13 is desirably 1.1 times or more, more desirably 1.3 times or more, desirably 2.5 times or less, and more desirably 2.2 times or less of the bottom area of the first protrusion 12.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first protrusion 12 is substantially the same as described above. On the other hand, the second protrusion 13 has a configuration different from that described above.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 10, the second protrusion 13 of this embodiment includes a protrusion base 14 that extends outward from the tire from the bottom edge 22 and has a dome-shaped outer surface, and a protrusion top 15 that further protrudes from the protrusion base 14. Such a second protrusion 13 can further enhance the contrast of light and shade with the first protrusion 12 and can further improve the appearance performance. Note that the dome-shaped outer surface means a surface that is convex and curved on the outer side of the tire.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 11(b), the height h3 of the base portion 14 of the second protrusion 13 is desirably, for example, 65% to 85% of the height h2 of the second protrusion 13. Further, the outer surface of the base portion 14 of the second protrusion 13 in this embodiment is curved in an arc shape convex toward the outer side of the tire in a longitudinal section passing through the apex of the second protrusion 13. Further, the radius of curvature r2 of the outer surface of the base portion 14 in the longitudinal section is, for example, 100% to 150% of the height h3 of the base portion 14 and desirably 1.0 mm or less. Such a second protrusion 13 can enhance the blackness while suppressing molding defects during vulcanization.

[0050] The top portion 15 of the second protrusion 13 desirably has, for example, a dome-shaped outer surface that further protrudes from the base portion 14. Thereby, the outer surface 15a of the top portion 15 of the second protrusion 13 is curved in an arc shape convex toward the outer side of the tire in the longitudinal section. Further, the radius of curvature r3 of the outer surface 15a of the top portion 15 of the second protrusion 13 is smaller than the radius of curvature r2 of the base portion 14. Specifically, the radius of curvature r3 is 30% to 60% of the radius of curvature r2. Further, the height h5 of the top portion 15 is, for example, 20% to 30% of the height h2 of the second protrusion 13. Thereby, the blackness of the second protrusion 13 is further improved.

[0051] The configuration of the second protrusion 13 is not limited to the above-described aspect. The second protrusion 13 may be, for example, one in which the top portion 15 arranged on the dome-shaped base portion 14 is formed substantially flat (not shown).

[0052] FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the second protrusion 13 according to still another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the second protrusion 13 may be entirely configured in a dome shape. Thereby, while suppressing molding defects during vulcanization, the above-described effects can be expected.

[0053] The decorative part 10 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 10 respectively includes a first protrusion group 12R in which the first protrusions 12 are arranged, and a second protrusion group 13R in which the second protrusions 13 are continuously arranged. Further, the first protrusion group 12R and the second protrusion group 13R are alternately arranged in the tire circumferential direction, for example.

[0054] The first protrusions 12 and the second protrusions 13 shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 10 can be arranged in various manners. For example, they may be arranged in the manner shown in FIGS. 5 to 6. That is, in the decorative part 10 including the first protrusions 12 and the second protrusions 13 shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 10, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of second protrusions 13 may be formed so as to surround a plurality of first protrusions 12. Further, in the decorative part 10 including the first protrusions 12 and the second protrusions 13 shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 10, as shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of first protrusions 12 may be formed so as to surround one second protrusion 13. With such a decorative part 10, further improvement in appearance performance can be expected.

[0055] As described above, the particularly preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the illustrated embodiments and can be implemented in various forms.

Example

[0056] In order to confirm the effects of the present disclosure, a pneumatic tire having a decorative part as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 was prototyped on the outer surface of the sidewall part. Then, the appearance performance of each prototype tire was tested. The specifications other than those described in Table 1 are substantially the same for both the comparative example and the example. Maximum diameter D1 of the first protrusion: 0.4 mm Protrusion height h1 of the first protrusion: 0.4 mm Arrangement pitch p1 of the first protrusion: 0.5 mm Arrangement pitch p2 of the second protrusion: 0.7 mm Arrangement pitch P between the first protrusion group and the second protrusion group: 0.9 mm Angles θ1 and θ2 in the arrangement direction: 45 degrees

[0057] <Appearance performance> The inspector visually inspected the prototype tire from the side 1 m away and evaluated the appearance performance based on the visibility of bulges and the like due to the contrast of the decorative part by sensory evaluation. The results are shown on a scale with Example 1 being 10. The larger the numerical value, the less conspicuous the bulges and the like are, and the better the appearance performance. The test results are shown in Table 1.

[0058]

Table 1

[0059] It is understood that the tires of the examples are superior in appearance performance compared to the tires of the comparative examples.

[0060] A pneumatic tire having a decorative part on the outer surface of the sidewall part shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 10 was prototyped, and the above-described appearance performance was tested. The test results are shown in Table 2.

[0061]

Table 2

[0062] As shown in Table 2, it was confirmed that the embodiments shown in FIGS. 7 and 10 are also excellent in appearance performance, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2.

[0063] [Appendix] This disclosure includes the following aspects.

[0064] [This disclosure 1] A tire, having a decorative part on at least a part of the visible outer surface of the tire, wherein the decorative part has 2 to 10 minute protrusions per 1 mm 2 arranged, wherein the minute protrusions extend in a tapered shape outward from the tire, wherein the minute protrusions include a first protrusion and a second protrusion having a larger taper angle than the first protrusion, Tire. [Disclosure 2] The tire according to Disclosure 1, wherein the height of the first protrusion is greater than the height of the second protrusion. [Disclosure 3] The tire according to Disclosure 1 or 2, wherein the difference between the taper angle of the first protrusion and the taper angle of the second protrusion is 10 to 90 degrees. [Disclosure 4] The tire according to any one of Disclosures 1 to 3, wherein the decorative portion includes a first protrusion group in which the first protrusions are continuously arranged. [Disclosure 5] The tire according to Disclosure 4, wherein the angle of the first protrusion group in the tire radial direction of the arrangement direction is 30 to 60 degrees. [Disclosure 6] The tire according to any one of Disclosures 1 to 5, wherein the decorative portion includes a second protrusion group in which the second protrusions are continuously arranged. [Disclosure 7] The tire according to any one of Disclosures 1 to 6, wherein the top of the first protrusion is planar. [Disclosure 8] The tire according to any one of Disclosures 1 to 7, wherein the top of the second protrusion is hemispherical and convex outward of the tire. [Disclosure 9] The tire according to any one of Disclosures 1 to 8, wherein the total number of the first protrusions is 1.2 to 2.5 times the total number of the second protrusions. [Disclosure 10] The micro protrusion includes a protrusion base that tapers outward of the tire, The tire according to any one of Disclosures 1 to 9, wherein the protrusion base of the second protrusion includes an inclined surface that defines the taper angle and at least one raised portion that rises from the inclined surface. [Disclosure 11] The tire according to Disclosure 10, wherein the second protrusion includes a plurality of the raised portions. [Disclosure 12] The tire according to Disclosure 10 or 11, wherein the raised portion extends long along the generatrix of the inclined surface. [Disclosure 13] A tire, The tire has a decorative portion on at least a portion of a visible outer surface thereof, The decorative portion is 1 mm 2 Each has 2 to 10 small projections. The small protrusion includes an annular bottom edge, a bottom area which is an area of a region surrounded by the bottom edge in a top view, a vertex located at a position farthest from the bottom edge, and a protrusion height from the bottom edge to the vertex, the microprojections include first projections and second projections; The bottom area of the second protrusion is larger than the bottom area of the first protrusion, The projection height of the second projection is smaller than the projection height of the first projection. tire. [Disclosure 14] The first projection extends outward from the tire in a tapered shape, The tire of disclosure 13, wherein the second projection includes a projection base portion extending from the bottom edge toward the outside of the tire and having a dome-shaped outer surface, and a projection apex portion further protruding from the projection base portion. [Disclosure 15] The first projection extends outward from the tire in a tapered shape, The tire according to Disclosure 13, wherein the secondary projection is configured in an overall dome shape. [Disclosure 16] The tire according to any one of disclosures 13 to 15, wherein the decorative portion includes a first projection group in which the first projections are continuously arranged, and a second projection group in which the second projections are continuously arranged. [Disclosure 17] The tire according to present disclosure 16, wherein the first projection groups and the second projection groups are arranged alternately in the tire circumferential direction. [Disclosure 18] The tire according to any one of disclosures 13 to 15, wherein the decorative portion is formed such that a plurality of the first projections surround one of the second projections. [Disclosure 19] The bottom area of the second protrusion is 1.1 to 2.5 times the bottom area of the first protrusion. The tire according to any one of 13 to 18 of the present disclosure. [The present disclosure 20] The protrusion height of the first protrusion is 1.4 to 5.0 times or less the protrusion height of the second protrusion. The tire according to any one of 13 to 19 of the present disclosure.

Explanation of symbols

[0065] 1 Tire 1a Outer surface 10 Decorative part 11 Micro protrusion 12 First protrusion 13 Second protrusion

Claims

1. A tire, having a decorative portion on at least a part of the visible outer surface of the tire, The decorative part is 1 mm 2 and has 2 to 10 minute protrusions per wherein the micro-projections extend in a tapered shape outward of the tire, the micro-projections include a first projection and a second projection having a larger taper angle than the first projection, and the difference between the taper angle of the first projection and the taper angle of the second projection is 10 to 90 degrees. A tire.

2. A tire, having a decorative portion on at least a part of the visible outer surface of the tire, wherein 2 to 10 micro-projections are arranged per 1 mm2 in the decorative portion, the micro-projections extend in a tapered shape outward of the tire, the micro-projections include a first projection and a second projection having a larger taper angle than the first projection, the decorative portion includes a first projection group in which the first projections are continuously arranged, and the angle of the first projection group in the tire radial direction of the arrangement direction is 30 to 60 degrees. A tire.

3. A tire, having a decorative portion on at least a part of the visible outer surface of the tire, wherein 2 to 10 micro-projections are arranged per 1 mm2 in the decorative portion, the micro-projections extend in a tapered shape outward of the tire, the micro-projections include a first projection and a second projection having a larger taper angle than the first projection, and the total number of the first projections is 1.2 to 2.5 times the total number of the second projections. A tire.

4. A tire, having a decorative portion on at least a part of the visible outer surface of the tire, wherein 2 to 10 micro-projections are arranged per 1 mm2 in the decorative portion, the micro-projections extend in a tapered shape outward of the tire, the micro-projections include a first projection and a second projection having a larger taper angle than the first projection, the micro-projections include a projection base portion that extends in a tapered shape outward of the tire, and the projection base portion of the second projection includes an inclined surface that defines the taper angle and at least one raised portion that protrudes from the inclined surface. A tire.

5. The tire according to claim 4, wherein the second projection includes a plurality of the raised portions.

6. The tire according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the raised portion extends long along the generatrix of the inclined surface.

7. The tire according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the projection height of the first projection is larger than the projection height of the second projection. **Claim 8**: The tire according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the decorative part includes a second protrusion group in which the second protrusions are arranged continuously. **Claim 9**: The tire according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the top of the first protrusion is flat. **Claim 10**: The tire according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the top of the second protrusion is hemispherical and convex outward of the tire. **Claim 11**: A tire, having a decorative part on at least a part of the visible outer surface of the tire, wherein 2 to 10 micro-protrusions are arranged per 1 mm2 in the decorative part, the micro-protrusion includes an annular bottom edge, a bottom area which is the area in a top view of the region surrounded by the bottom edge, a vertex at the position farthest from the bottom edge, and a protrusion height from the bottom edge to the vertex, the micro-protrusion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the bottom area of the second protrusion is larger than the bottom area of the first protrusion, the protrusion height of the second protrusion is smaller than the protrusion height of the first protrusion, the decorative part includes a first protrusion group in which the first protrusions are arranged continuously and a second protrusion group in which the second protrusions are arranged continuously, the first protrusion group and the second protrusion group are arranged alternately in the tire circumferential direction, a tire. **Claim 12**: A tire, having a decorative part on at least a part of the visible outer surface of the tire, wherein 2 to 10 micro-protrusions are arranged per 1 mm2 in the decorative part, the micro-protrusion includes an annular bottom edge, a bottom area which is the area in a top view of the region surrounded by the bottom edge, a vertex at the position farthest from the bottom edge, and a protrusion height from the bottom edge to the vertex, the micro-protrusion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the bottom area of the second protrusion is larger than the bottom area of the first protrusion, the protrusion height of the second protrusion is smaller than the protrusion height of the first protrusion, the decorative part is formed such that a plurality of the first protrusions surround one of the second protrusions, a tire. **Claim 13**: A tire, having a decorative part on at least a part of the visible outer surface of the tire, wherein 2 to 10 micro-protrusions are arranged per 1 mm2 in the decorative part, the micro-protrusion includes an annular bottom edge, a bottom area which is the area in a top view of the region surrounded by the bottom edge, a vertex at the position farthest from the bottom edge, and a protrusion height from the bottom edge to the vertex, The microprotrusions include a first protrusion and a second protrusion, wherein the bottom area of the second protrusion is larger than the bottom area of the first protrusion, wherein the protrusion height of the second protrusion is smaller than the protrusion height of the first protrusion, wherein the bottom area of the second protrusion is 1.1 to 2.5 times the bottom area of the first protrusion, a tire.

14. A tire, having a decorative part on at least a part of the visible outer surface of the tire, wherein 2 to 10 microprotrusions are arranged per 1 mm 2 in the decorative part, the microprotrusions including an annular bottom edge, a bottom area which is the area in a top view of the region surrounded by the bottom edge, a vertex at the position farthest from the bottom edge, and a protrusion height from the bottom edge to the vertex, the microprotrusions including a first protrusion and a second protrusion, wherein the bottom area of the second protrusion is larger than the bottom area of the first protrusion, wherein the protrusion height of the second protrusion is smaller than the protrusion height of the first protrusion, wherein the protrusion height of the first protrusion is 1.4 to 5.0 times or less the protrusion height of the second protrusion, a tire.

15. The first protrusion extends outward of the tire in a tapered shape, the second protrusion includes a protrusion base that extends outward of the tire from the bottom edge and has a domed outer surface, and a protrusion top that further protrudes from the protrusion base, the tire according to any one of claims 11 to 14.

16. The first protrusion extends outward of the tire in a tapered shape, the second protrusion is entirely configured in a domed shape, the tire according to any one of claims 11 to 14.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Pneumatic tire with annular decorative body consisting of semispherical projections

    JP1999321243A

  • Pneumatic tire

    JP2016155504A

  • Tires with high-contrast markings

    JP2016521661A

  • Pneumatic tire

    JP2017081305A

  • Pneumatic tire

    JP2018154303A