tire

Abstract

To provide a tire that can provide protection performance and traction performance in a compatible manner and can prevent an increase in weight.SOLUTION: A first side block of a tire includes a first recess opened to a first circumferential direction of a tire circumferential direction and a second recess opened to a second circumferential direction that is an opposite direction to the first circumferential direction of the tire circumferential direction. The first side block includes a first region, a second region, and a step formed between the first region and the second region by a difference between projection height of the first region and the second region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, for example, tires have been provided with side blocks that protrude from the sidewall reference plane in the tire axial direction (for example, Patent Document 1), which can improve the protection performance of the sidewall (for example, the performance of suppressing cuts when struck by stones, rocks, etc.).

[0003] In the tire disclosed in Patent Document 1, the first side block has a first recess that opens in a first circumferential direction of the tire and a second recess that opens in a second circumferential direction of the tire. This allows traction to be generated in either the first recess or the second recess depending on the direction of tire rotation, improving traction performance (for example, the ability to generate traction when the face or edge components of the side block come into contact with sand, rocks, mud, snow, etc.) regardless of the direction of tire rotation.

[0004] However, while increasing the protruding height of the side blocks can improve protection and traction performance, it also increases the weight of the tire, which can result in, for example, a decrease in fuel economy when the tire is mounted on a vehicle and the vehicle is running. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-217920 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a tire that can suppress an increase in weight while achieving both protection performance and traction performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The tire includes a first side block protruding from a sidewall reference plane in a tire axial direction, the first side block including a first recess that opens toward a first circumferential direction in the tire circumferential direction, and a second recess that opens toward a second circumferential direction in the tire circumferential direction that is the opposite direction to the first circumferential direction, the first recess including a first outer recessed edge that is inclined with respect to the tire radial direction, and a first inner recessed edge that is disposed more inward in the tire radial direction than the first outer recessed edge and is inclined with respect to the tire radial direction, the first outer recessed edge extending toward the first circumferential direction as it goes outward in the tire radial direction, and the first inner recessed edge extending toward the inside in the tire radial direction the second recess comprises a second outer recessed edge inclined with respect to the tire radial direction and a second inner recessed edge positioned more inward in the tire radial direction than the second outer recessed edge and inclined with respect to the tire radial direction, the second outer recessed edge extends in the second circumferential direction as it goes outward in the tire radial direction, and the second inner recessed edge extends in the second circumferential direction as it goes inward in the tire radial direction, and the first side block comprises a first region, a second region, and a step between the first region and the second region formed by a difference in protrusion height between the first region and the second region. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a tire according to an embodiment taken along a tire meridian plane; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main part of the tire according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a side view of a main part of a tire according to the embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a side view of a main part of the sidewall according to the embodiment; [Figure 5]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sidewall according to the embodiment, viewed from left to right. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sidewall according to the embodiment, viewed from right to left. [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view of the main part taken along line VII-VII in Figure 4 [Figure 8] Cross-sectional view of the main part taken along line VIII-VIII in Figure 4 [Figure 9] 7 and 8. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the first side block of FIG. 7 and the second side block of FIG. 8 superimposed on each other. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, one embodiment of a tire will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. Note that in each figure, the dimensional ratios in the drawing do not necessarily match the actual dimensional ratios, and the dimensional ratios between the drawings do not necessarily match either.

[0010] In each drawing, the first direction D1 is the tire axial direction D1 that is parallel to the tire rotation axis, the second direction D2 is the tire radial direction D2 that is the diameter direction of the tire 1, and the third direction D3 is the tire circumferential direction D3 that is the direction around the tire rotation axis. The tire equatorial plane S1 is a plane that is perpendicular to the tire rotation axis and is located at the center of the tire axial direction D1, and the tire meridian planes S2 and S3 are planes that include the tire rotation axis and are perpendicular to the tire equatorial plane S1.

[0011] The inner side in the tire axial direction D1 refers to the side closer to the tire equatorial plane S1, and the outer side in the tire axial direction D1 refers to the side farther from the tire equatorial plane S1. The inner side in the tire radial direction D2 refers to the side closer to the tire rotational axis, and the outer side in the tire radial direction D2 refers to the side farther from the tire rotational axis.

[0012] Within the tire circumferential direction D3, a first direction D31 is referred to as the first circumferential direction D31, and within the tire circumferential direction D3, a second direction D32 that is opposite to the first direction D31 is referred to as the second circumferential direction D32. Note that, although not particularly limited, as in the present embodiment, for example, the tire 1 may be a tire 1 whose rotational direction is not specified. In other words, the rotational direction when the tire 1 is mounted on a vehicle may be either the first circumferential direction D31 or the second circumferential direction D32.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the tire 1 may include, for example, a pair of bead portions 21 each having a bead 21a therein, sidewalls 22 extending outward in the tire radial direction D2 from each bead portion 21, and a tread 23 connected to the outer ends of each of the pair of sidewalls 22, 22 in the tire radial direction D2 and having a tread surface 23a in contact with the ground at the outer end in the tire radial direction D2.

[0014] Although not particularly limited, the tire 1 may be, for example, a pneumatic tire 1 that is filled with air, as in the present embodiment. The tire 1 may be mounted on a rim (not shown), for example.

[0015] If the tire 1 is a pneumatic tire 1, the dimensional values, positional relationships, and size relationships described below are measured when the tire 1 is mounted on a standard rim, inflated to the standard internal pressure, and in a standard state with no load. A standard rim is a rim that is determined for each tire 1 by the standard that includes the standard on which the tire 1 is based, and is, for example, a standard rim for JATMA, and a "Measuring Rim" for TRA and ETRTO.

[0016] In addition, the normal internal pressure is the air pressure set for each tire 1 by each standard in the standard system including the standard on which tire 1 is based, and in the case of JATMA, it is the maximum air pressure, in the case of TRA, it is the maximum value listed in the table "TIRE LOAD LIMITS AT VARIOUS COLD INFLATION PRESSURES", and in the case of ETRTO, it is "INFLATION PRESSURE".

[0017] The tire 1 may include, for example, a carcass 24 that spans between the pair of beads 21a, 21a, and an inner liner 25 that is disposed inside the carcass 24 and faces the internal space of the tire 1 that is filled with air. The carcass 24 and the inner liner 25 may be disposed along the inner circumference of the tire, for example, across the bead portions 21, the sidewalls 22, and the tread 23.

[0018] The tread 23 may include, for example, a tread rubber 23b that forms the tread surface 23a, and a belt 23c that is disposed between the tread rubber 23b and the carcass 24. The belt 23c may include, for example, a plurality of (four in FIG. 1) belt plies 23d. For example, the belt ply 23d may include a plurality of belt cords (e.g., organic fiber or metal) arranged in parallel, and a topping rubber that covers the belt cords.

[0019] The carcass 24 may be configured with, for example, at least one carcass ply 24a (two in FIG. 1). The carcass ply 24a may be folded back around the bead 21a so as to wrap around the bead 21a. The carcass ply 24a may also include, for example, a plurality of ply cords (e.g., organic fibers or metal) arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the tire circumferential direction D3, and a topping rubber covering the ply cords.

[0020] The inner liner 25 may have a structure that, for example, has an excellent function of preventing gas permeation in order to maintain air pressure. Note that, in the sidewall 22, as in this embodiment, the inner liner 25 may be connected to the inner peripheral side of the carcass 24, and no other member may be interposed between the inner liner 25 and the carcass 24.

[0021] The sidewall 22 may include, for example, a sidewall rubber 22a disposed on the outer side of the carcass 24 in the tire axial direction D1 to form the outer surface. The sidewall 22 includes a position 22b on the outer surface that is the same position in the tire radial direction D2 as the position where the tire is at its widest (specifically, the position where the distance W1 between the outer sides of the carcass 24 in the tire axial direction D1 is the longest). Hereinafter, this position 22b will be referred to as the tire widest position 22b.

[0022] 1 and 2, the tread rubber 23b may have, for example, a plurality of main grooves 23e extending continuously in the tire circumferential direction D3 over the entire area of ​​the tread surface 23a in the tire circumferential direction D3. Of the plurality of main grooves 23e, the main groove 23e arranged on the outermost side in the tire axial direction D1 is referred to as a shoulder main groove 23e.

[0023] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the tread rubber 23b may have, for example, a plurality of secondary grooves 23f extending from the shoulder main groove 23e to the outer end of the tire axial direction D1, and a plurality of tread blocks 2, 3 defined by the shoulder main groove 23e and the plurality of secondary grooves 23f.

[0024] For example, the multiple tread blocks 2, 3 may include a first tread block 2 and a second tread block 3 that is spaced apart in the first circumferential direction D31 from the first tread block 2. Although not particularly limited, for example, as in the present embodiment, the first tread block 2 and the second tread block 3 may be arranged alternately in the tire circumferential direction D3.

[0025] The tread blocks 2, 3 may have outer edges 2a, 3a at the outer ends of the tread surface 23a in the tire axial direction D1. Although not particularly limited, for example, as in the present embodiment, the outer edge 2a of the first tread block 2 may be positioned further outward in the tire axial direction D1 than the outer edge 3a of the second tread block 3.

[0026] Next, the configuration of the sidewalls 22 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. The configuration of the sidewalls 22 is not limited to the following configuration. The configuration of the first sidewalls 22 described below may be the same as the configuration of the second sidewalls 22, for example, or may be different from the configuration of the second sidewalls 22, for example.

[0027] The sidewall rubber 22a of the sidewall 22 may, for example, as in this embodiment, include a rubber main body 4, an annular protrusion 5 protruding from the rubber main body 4 in the tire axial direction D1, and a plurality of side blocks 6, 7 protruding from the rubber main body 4 in the tire axial direction D1.

[0028] The side blocks 6, 7 may be provided, for example, on only one sidewall 22, or may be provided on both sidewalls 22, 22. That is, at least one sidewall 22 may be provided with the side blocks 6, 7.

[0029] The multiple side blocks 6, 7 may include, for example, a first side block 6 and a second side block 7 that are adjacent to each other in the tire circumferential direction D3. Although not particularly limited, for example, as in the present embodiment, the first side blocks 6 and the second side blocks 7 may be arranged alternately in the tire circumferential direction D3.

[0030] The annular protrusion 5 may extend in the tire circumferential direction D3 between the first side block 6 and the second side block 7, as in this embodiment. For example, the dimension of the annular protrusion 5 in the tire radial direction D2 may be constant (including not only the same but also approximately the same with a difference of ±10%; the same applies hereinafter) along the tire circumferential direction D3. Also, for example, the protruding height of the annular protrusion 5 may be constant along the tire circumferential direction D3.

[0031] At least some of the side blocks 6, 7 may be disposed outward in the tire radial direction D2 from the tire maximum width position 22b, as in the present embodiment. Also, the annular protrusion 5 may be disposed outward in the tire radial direction D2 from the tire maximum width position 22b, as in the present embodiment.

[0032] As a result, the annular protrusion 5 and the side blocks 6, 7 can come into contact with snow, mud, sand, etc. when the tire 1 sinks due to the weight of the vehicle on snowy roads, muddy ground, sandy ground, etc., and can also come into contact with uneven rocks on rocky ground. In other words, the annular protrusion 5 and the side blocks 6, 7 come into contact with each other on rough roads such as snowy roads, muddy ground, sandy ground, rocky ground, etc.

[0033] For example, when the annular protrusion 5 and the side blocks 6, 7 shear snow, mud, sand, etc., traction is generated by the resistance of the shear. Also, for example, when the annular protrusion 5 and the side blocks 6, 7 come into contact with rocks, traction is generated by the friction of the contact. In this way, the annular protrusion 5 and the side blocks 6, 7 can improve traction performance when the vehicle travels on snowy or rough roads.

[0034] Furthermore, the annular protrusion 5 and the side blocks 6, 7 may be disposed, for example, inward of the tread surface 23a in the tire radial direction D2 as in the present embodiment, so that the annular protrusion 5 and the side blocks 6, 7 do not come into contact with the road during normal driving on flat roads.

[0035] For example, as in this embodiment, the first side block 6 and the first tread block 2 may each intersect with a common first tire meridian plane S2. Also, as in this embodiment, for example, the second side block 7 and the second tread block 3 may each intersect with a common second tire meridian plane S3. Note that, as in this embodiment, for example, the first side block 6 may also intersect with the second tire meridian plane S3.

[0036] Next, the configuration of the side blocks 6, 7 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 9. Note that the configuration of the side blocks 6, 7 is not limited to the following configuration.

[0037] 4 to 6, the first side block 6 may include, for example, a first recess 8 that opens in a first circumferential direction D31 and a second recess 9 that opens in a second circumferential direction D32. This allows traction to be generated in the recesses 8 and 9 depending on the rotation direction of the tire 1.

[0038] For example, when the tire 1 rotates in the first circumferential direction D31, sand, rocks, mud, snow, etc. (hereinafter referred to as sand, stones, etc.) come into contact with the first recesses 8, generating traction in the first recesses 8, and when the tire 1 rotates in the second circumferential direction D32, sand, stones, etc. come into contact with the second recesses 9, generating traction in the second recesses 9. Therefore, traction performance can be improved regardless of the rotation direction of the tire 1.

[0039] Each recess 8, 9 may have, for example, an outer recessed edge 8a, 9a inclined with respect to the tire radial direction D2, and an inner recessed edge 8b, 9b disposed more inward in the tire radial direction D2 than the outer recessed edge 8a, 9a. This makes it easier for sand, stones, etc. to come into contact with the recess 8, 9, thereby further improving traction performance. Note that "inclined" means that the intersection angle is 10° or more.

[0040] The first outer recessed edge 8a extends, for example, in the first circumferential direction D31 as it moves outward in the tire radial direction D2, and the first inner recessed edge 8b extends, for example, in the first circumferential direction D31 as it moves inward in the tire radial direction D2. That is, the direction in which the first outer recessed edge 8a is inclined with respect to the tire radial direction D2 is opposite to the direction in which the first inner recessed edge 8b is inclined with respect to the tire radial direction D2. The outer end of the first outer recessed edge 8a may be, for example, the outer end 8c of the first recess 8 in the tire radial direction D2, and the inner end of the first inner recessed edge 8b may be, for example, the inner end 8d of the first recess 8 in the tire radial direction D2.

[0041] The second outer recessed edge 9a extends, for example, in the second circumferential direction D32 as it moves outward in the tire radial direction D2, and the second inner recessed edge 9b extends, for example, in the second circumferential direction D32 as it moves inward in the tire radial direction D2. That is, the direction in which the second outer recessed edge 9a inclines with respect to the tire radial direction D2 is opposite to the direction in which the second inner recessed edge 9b inclines with respect to the tire radial direction D2. The outer end of the second outer recessed edge 9a may be, for example, the outer end 9c of the second recess 9 in the tire radial direction D2, and the inner end of the second inner recessed edge 9b may be, for example, the inner end 9d of the second recess 9 in the tire radial direction D2.

[0042] Note that, for example, as in this embodiment, the inner end of the first outer recessed edge 8a in the tire radial direction D2 may be positioned outward in the tire radial direction D2 than the outer end of the second outer recessed edge 9a in the tire radial direction D2. In other words, the entire first outer recessed edge 8a may be positioned outward in the tire radial direction D2 than the entire second outer recessed edge 9a.

[0043] Also, for example, as in this embodiment, the inner end of the first inner recessed edge 8b in the tire radial direction D2 may be positioned outward in the tire radial direction D2 than the outer end of the second inner recessed edge 9b in the tire radial direction D2. That is, the entire first inner recessed edge 8b may be positioned outward in the tire radial direction D2 than the entire second inner recessed edge 9b.

[0044] As a result, in this embodiment, the center in the tire radial direction D2 of the first recess 8 (the midpoint of the line connecting the outer end 8c and the inner end 8d) is located further outward in the tire radial direction D2 than the center in the tire radial direction D2 of the second recess 9 (the midpoint of the line connecting the outer end 9c and the inner end 9d). Therefore, when the tire 1 is running, the first recess 8 is located closer to the ground.

[0045] Therefore, the first recess 8 may have, for example, an intermediate recessed edge 8e disposed between the first outer recessed edge 8a and the first inner recessed edge 8b, as in this embodiment. The intermediate recessed edge 8e may be connected to the first outer recessed edge 8a and the first inner recessed edge 8b, respectively, and may extend parallel to the tire radial direction D2 (including intersection angles of not only 0° but also less than 10°; the same applies below).

[0046] This allows the dimension of the first recesses 8 in the tire radial direction D2 to be increased. Therefore, sand, stones, etc. can easily come into contact with the first recesses 8 that are positioned close to the ground, thereby efficiently improving traction performance.

[0047] For example, as in this embodiment, the intermediate recessed edge 8e may be indirectly connected to the first outer recessed edge 8a via the annular protrusion 5, and the intermediate recessed edge 8e may be connected (directly connected) to the first inner recessed edge 8b. Note that the intermediate recessed edge 8e may be connected (directly connected) to the first outer recessed edge 8a, for example. Also, the intermediate recessed edge 8e may be indirectly connected to the first inner recessed edge 8b, for example.

[0048] Note that, since the dimensions of the first recesses 8 are large, the second side blocks 7 may be disposed, for example, away from the first recesses 8 in the first circumferential direction D31. For example, as in the present embodiment, the inner ends of the second side blocks 7 in the tire radial direction D2 may be disposed outward in the tire radial direction D2 from the inner ends of the first inner recessed edges 8b in the tire radial direction D2 (i.e., the inner ends 8d of the first recesses 8).

[0049] As a result, the second side blocks 7 are disposed close to the first recesses 8, thereby preventing a decrease in protection performance due to the first recesses 8. Note that, for example, as in the present embodiment, the outer ends of the second side blocks 7 in the tire radial direction D2 may be disposed more inward in the tire radial direction D2 than the outer ends of the first outer recessed edges 8a in the tire radial direction D2 (i.e., the outer ends 8c of the first recesses 8).

[0050] Furthermore, the first side block 6 may have a circumferential edge 6a extending from the inner end 8d of the first recess 8 in the first circumferential direction D31, as in the present embodiment. The circumferential edge 6a may extend parallel to the tire circumferential direction D3, for example. The circumferential edge 6a may be located more inward in the tire radial direction D2 than the second side block 7. Note that, for example, as in the present embodiment, the circumferential edge 6a and the second side block 7 may each intersect with a common second tire meridian plane S3 (see FIG. 3).

[0051] Also, for example, as in the present embodiment, the center in the tire radial direction D2 of the second recess 9 may be disposed closer to the tire maximum width position 22b than the center in the tire radial direction D2 of the first recess 8. This makes it easier for a colliding object (e.g., a rock, a curb, etc.) to collide with the periphery of the tire maximum width position 22b, i.e., the periphery of the second recess 9, when the tire 1 is running.

[0052] Therefore, for example, as in this embodiment, the second outer recessed edge 9a may be connected to the second inner recessed edge 9b. This prevents the dimension of the second recess 9 in the tire radial direction D2 from becoming too large. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently prevent a decrease in protection performance.

[0053] Although not particularly limited, it is preferable that the distance W3 (see FIG. 4) between the inner end of the first side block 6 in the tire radial direction D2 and the tire maximum width position 22b be within 10% of the height dimension W2 (see FIG. 1) of the tire 1. The height dimension W2 of the tire 1 is the distance between the outer end and the inner end of the tire 1 in the tire radial direction D2.

[0054] Furthermore, the first side block 6 may include a reinforcing region 10 connected to the second recess 9, as in the present embodiment. This allows the reinforcing region 10 to reinforce the second recess 9, thereby improving the protection performance around the second recess 9. Furthermore, the rigidity of the recessed edges 9a, 9b of the second recess 9 can be increased, so that, for example, the traction generated at the recessed edges 9a, 9b of the second recess 9 can be increased.

[0055] The reinforced region 10 may include, for example, a third recess 11 that opens toward the second circumferential direction D32, as in the present embodiment. The third recess 11 may include, for example, a third outer recessed edge 11a that is inclined with respect to the tire radial direction D2, and a third inner recessed edge 11b that is positioned more inward in the tire radial direction D2 than the third outer recessed edge 11a and is inclined with respect to the tire radial direction D2.

[0056] This allows sand, stones, etc. to come into contact with the third recesses 11 more easily, thereby further improving traction performance. Note that the third outer recessed edge 11a extends, for example, in the second circumferential direction D32 as it moves outward in the tire radial direction D2, and the third inner recessed edge 11b extends, for example, in the second circumferential direction D32 as it moves inward in the tire radial direction D2.

[0057] The outer end of the third outer recessed edge 11a may be, for example, the outer end 11c in the tire radial direction D2 of the third recess 11, and the inner end of the third inner recessed edge 11b may be, for example, the inner end 11d in the tire radial direction D2 of the third recess 11. Note that the dimension of the second recess 9 in the tire radial direction D2 (the distance in the tire radial direction D2 between the outer end 9c and the inner end 9d) may be larger than the dimension of the third recess 11 in the tire radial direction D2 (the distance in the tire radial direction D2 between the outer end 11c and the inner end 11d) as in the present embodiment, for example.

[0058] Although not particularly limited, the angles θ1, θ2, θ3 between the outer recessed edges 8a, 9a, 11a and the inner recessed edges 8b, 9b, 11b may be, for example, 30° or more when viewed in the tire axial direction D1. Furthermore, for example, the angles θ1, θ2, θ3 between the outer recessed edges 8a, 9a, 11a and the inner recessed edges 8b, 9b, 11b are preferably, for example, 60° or more.

[0059] This makes it possible to prevent, for example, sand, stones, etc. from clogging the recesses 8, 9, and 11. In addition, for example, since the dimensions of the recesses 8, 9, and 11 in the tire radial direction D2 are increased, sand, stones, etc. are more likely to come into contact with the recesses 8, 9, and 11, thereby improving traction performance.

[0060] Although not particularly limited, the angles θ1, θ2, θ3 between the outer recessed edges 8a, 9a, 11a and the inner recessed edges 8b, 9b, 11b may be, for example, 150° or more when viewed in the tire axial direction D1. It is preferable that the angles θ1, θ2, θ3 between the outer recessed edges 8a, 9a, 11a and the inner recessed edges 8b, 9b, 11b be, for example, 120° or less. This prevents the dimensions of the recesses 8, 9, 11 in the tire radial direction D2 from becoming too large, thereby preventing a decrease in protection performance.

[0061] By increasing the protruding height of the side blocks 6, 7, protection performance and traction performance can be improved, but the weight of the tire 1 increases. Therefore, as shown in Figures 4 to 7, the first side block 6 may include, for example, a first region 12, a second region 13, and a first step 6b formed between the first region 12 and the second region 13.

[0062] For example, the first region 12 may have a first top surface 12a that is an outer surface in the tire axial direction D1, the second region 13 may have a second top surface 13a that is an outer surface in the tire axial direction D1, and the first step 6b may be formed by the first top surface 12a, the second top surface 13a, and a first connecting surface 14 that connects the first top surface 12a and the second top surface 13a. The first step 6b may be formed by, for example, a difference in protrusion height between the first region 12 and the second region 13.

[0063] Specifically, first connecting surface 14 may include first linking portion 14a connected to first top surface 12a and second linking portion 14b connected to second top surface 13a, and the protruding height of first linking portion 14a may be greater than the protruding height of second linking portion 14b. This results in not only first region 12 with a high protruding height, but also second region 13 with a low protruding height.

[0064] Therefore, it is possible to achieve both protection performance and traction performance while suppressing an increase in the weight of the tire 1. As a result, when the tire 1 is mounted on a vehicle and the vehicle is running, it is possible to suppress, for example, a decrease in fuel economy.

[0065] In addition, for example, it is possible to suppress uneven weight balance in the tire circumferential direction D3 of the tire 1 caused by the first side blocks 6. This makes it possible to suppress deterioration in uniformity when the tire 1 is mounted on a vehicle, for example.

[0066] Furthermore, for example, as in this embodiment, the first region 12 may be disposed more inward in the tire radial direction D2 than the second region 13. As a result, the protruding height of the first connecting portion 14a is greater than the protruding height of the second connecting portion 14b, so that the first connecting surface 14 faces outward in the tire radial direction D2, i.e., toward the ground. Therefore, traction in the tire radial direction D2 is generated at the first connecting surface 14.

[0067] Moreover, the first connecting surface 14 may extend parallel to the tire circumferential direction D3, as in this embodiment, for example. This allows traction in the tire radial direction D2 to be effectively generated at the first connecting surface 14. Therefore, for example, traction performance can be improved.

[0068] The first recess 8 may be formed across the first region 12 and the second region 13, for example, as in this embodiment. The second recess 9 may be disposed in the first region 12, for example, as in this embodiment. The first side block 6 may have a second step 6c formed between the first region 12 and the reinforcing region 10, for example.

[0069] For example, the reinforced region 10 may have a third top surface 10a that is the outer surface in the tire axial direction D1, and the second step 6c may be formed by the first top surface 12a, the third top surface 10a, and a second connecting surface 15 that connects the first top surface 12a and the third top surface 10a. The second step 6c may be formed by, for example, a difference in protrusion height between the first region 12 and the reinforced region 10.

[0070] Specifically, second connection surface 15 may include third linking portion 15a connected to first top surface 12a and fourth linking portion 15b connected to third top surface 10a, and the protruding height of third linking portion 15a may be greater than the protruding height of fourth linking portion 15b. As a result, second connection surface 15 defines second recess 9, and third linking portion 15a defines recessed edges 9a, 9b of second recess 9.

[0071] 7 to 9, the annular protrusion 5 protrudes from the sidewall reference surface S4 in the tire axial direction D1, and the side blocks 6, 7 protrude from the sidewall reference surface S4 in the tire axial direction D1. Note that Fig. 9 shows the first side block 6 in Fig. 7 by a solid line and the second side block 7 in Fig. 8 by a dashed line, superimposed on each other.

[0072] The protruding height of the side blocks 6, 7, the regions 10, 12, 13, and the portions 14a, 14b, 15a, 15b can be defined as the height protruding from the sidewall reference plane S4 in the normal direction to the sidewall reference plane S4. The sidewall reference plane S4 is also referred to as the profile plane of the sidewall 22.

[0073] The sidewall reference surface S4 may be, for example, as in this embodiment, configured by the outer end surface of the rubber main body 4 in the tire axial direction D1. The sidewall reference surface S4 may also be configured by, for example, a straight line and a plurality of circular arcs with different radii of curvature in the cross section of the tire meridian planes S2, S3.

[0074] For example, as in the present embodiment, in the range in the tire radial direction D2 where the side blocks 6, 7 are located, the sidewall reference surface S4 may be composed of one straight line and one circular arc, in that order from the outer side in the tire radial direction D2, in the cross section of the tire meridian planes S2, S3. The circular arc may be continuous with the circular arc of the sidewall reference surface S4 of the portion adjacent to the inner side of the side block 6, 7 in the tire radial direction D2.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 8, the sidewall rubber 22a may have, for example, a side recess 22c recessed from the sidewall reference plane S4 in the tire axial direction D1 on the outer side of the second side block 7 in the tire radial direction D2.

[0076] 8 and 9, the second side block 7 may have a high region 7a that protrudes higher than the first side block 6 when viewed in the tire circumferential direction D3, as in the present embodiment. The high region 7a may be located further outward in the tire radial direction D2 than the annular protrusion 5, as in the present embodiment.

[0077] 9, the outer ends of the first side blocks 6 in the tire radial direction D2 may be located, for example, outside the outer ends of the second side blocks 7 in the tire radial direction D2. Also, the inner ends of the first side blocks 6 in the tire radial direction D2 may be located, for example, inside the inner ends of the second side blocks 7 in the tire radial direction D2.

[0078] As described above, as in the present embodiment, the tire 1 includes a first side block 6 protruding from the sidewall reference plane S4 in the tire axial direction D1, and the first side block 6 includes a first recess 8 that opens toward a first circumferential direction D31 in the tire circumferential direction D3, and a second recess 9 that opens toward a second circumferential direction D32 that is the opposite direction of the tire circumferential direction D3 to the first circumferential direction D31 in the tire circumferential direction D3, and the first recess 8 includes a first outer recessed edge 8a that is inclined with respect to the tire radial direction D2, and a first inner recessed edge 8b that is disposed more inward in the tire radial direction D2 than the first outer recessed edge 8a and is inclined with respect to the tire radial direction D2, and the first outer recessed edge 8a extends toward the first circumferential direction D31 as it goes outward in the tire radial direction D2, and the first inner recessed edge 8b extends inward in the tire radial direction D2 the second recess (9) includes a second outer recessed edge (9a) inclined with respect to the tire radial direction (D2) and a second inner recessed edge (9b) disposed more inward in the tire radial direction (D2) than the second outer recessed edge (9a) and inclined with respect to the tire radial direction (D2), the second outer recessed edge (9a) extends in the second circumferential direction (D32) as it goes outward in the tire radial direction (D2), and the second inner recessed edge (9b) extends in the second circumferential direction (D32) as it goes inward in the tire radial direction (D2), and the first side block (6) includes a first region (12), a second region (13), and a step (6b) between the first region (12) and the second region (13) formed by a difference in protrusion height between the first region (12) and the second region (13).

[0079] With this configuration, the step 6b is formed by the difference in protruding height between the first region 12 and the second region 13, so there are regions with low protruding heights as well as regions with high protruding heights, which makes it possible to prevent the tire from becoming heavy while achieving both protection and traction performance.

[0080] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, in the tire 1, the first region 12 is preferably positioned more inward in the tire radial direction D2 than the second region 13, the first region 12 has a first top surface 12a which is the outer surface in the tire axial direction D1, the second region 13 has a second top surface 13a which is the outer surface in the tire axial direction D1, the step 6b has a connecting surface 14 which connects the first top surface 12a and the second top surface 13a, the connecting surface 14 has a first connecting portion 14a connected to the first top surface 12a and a second connecting portion 14b connected to the second top surface 13a, and the protruding height of the first connecting portion 14a is greater than the protruding height of the second connecting portion 14b.

[0081] With this configuration, the first region 12 is disposed more inward in the tire radial direction D2 than the second region 13, and the protruding height of the first connecting portion 14a of the connecting surface 14 is greater than the protruding height of the second connecting portion 14b of the connecting surface 14. This allows traction in the tire radial direction D2 to be generated at the connecting surface 14, thereby improving traction performance.

[0082] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, in the tire 1, the center of the first recess 8 in the tire radial direction D2 is positioned outward in the tire radial direction D2 than the center of the second recess 9 in the tire radial direction D2, the first recess 8 further includes an intermediate recessed edge 8e positioned between the first outer recessed edge 8a and the first inner recessed edge 8b, and the intermediate recessed edge 8e extends parallel to the tire radial direction D2 and is connected to the first outer recessed edge 8a and the first inner recessed edge 8b, respectively.

[0083] With this configuration, the first recess 8 is positioned close to the ground when the tire 1 is running, and the first recess 8 has an intermediate recessed edge 8e extending in the tire radial direction D2 between the first outer recessed edge 8a and the first inner recessed edge 8b. This allows the dimension of the first recess 8 close to the ground in the tire radial direction D2 to be increased, making it easier for sand, stones, etc. to come into contact with the first recess 8. This allows for efficient improvement of traction performance.

[0084] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, it is preferable that the tire 1 further includes a second side block 7 protruding from the sidewall reference plane S4 in the tire axial direction D1, the second side block 7 is positioned away from the first recess 8 in the first circumferential direction D31, the inner end of the second side block 7 in the tire radial direction D2 is positioned outward in the tire radial direction D2 than the inner end of the first inner recessed edge 8b in the tire radial direction D2, and the second side block 7 intersects with the tire meridian plane S3 common to the first side block 6.

[0085] With this configuration, the dimension of the first recess 8 in the tire radial direction D2 is large, but the second side blocks 7 are disposed close to the first recess 8. This makes it possible to prevent a decrease in protection performance due to the first recess 8.

[0086] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, in the tire 1, it is preferable that the center of the second recess 9 in the tire radial direction D2 is positioned closer to the tire maximum width position 22b than the center of the first recess 8 in the tire radial direction D2, and the second outer recessed edge 9a is connected to the second inner recessed edge 9b.

[0087] With this configuration, the second outer recessed edge 9a is connected to the second inner recessed edge 9b, which addresses the tendency of collisions with objects (such as rocks or curbs) around the tire maximum width position 22b when the tire 1 is running. This prevents the dimension of the second recess 9 near the tire maximum width position 22b in the tire radial direction D2 from becoming too large, thereby preventing a decrease in protection performance.

[0088] The tire 1 is not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, and is not limited to the above-described effects. Furthermore, it goes without saying that various modifications can be made to the tire 1 without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, it goes without saying that one or more of the configurations, methods, etc. according to the various modified examples described below may be arbitrarily selected and adopted in the configurations, methods, etc. according to the above-described embodiment.

[0089] (1) In the tire 1 according to the above embodiment, the first region 12 is configured to be disposed more inward in the tire radial direction D2 than the second region 13. However, the tire 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the first region 12 may be configured to be disposed more outward in the tire radial direction D2 than the second region 13. Furthermore, for example, the first region 12 may be configured to be disposed closer to the first circumferential direction D31 (or the second circumferential direction D32) than the second region 13.

[0090] (2) Furthermore, in the tire 1 according to the above embodiment, the first recess 8 is configured to include an intermediate recessed edge 8e disposed between the first outer recessed edge 8a and the first inner recessed edge 8b. However, the tire 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the first recess 8 may be configured such that the first outer recessed edge 8a is connected to the first inner recessed edge 8b.

[0091] (3) Furthermore, in the tire 1 according to the above embodiment, the second recess 9 has a configuration in which the second outer recessed edge 9a is connected to the second inner recessed edge 9b. However, the tire 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the second recess 9 may have a configuration in which an intermediate recessed edge is disposed between the second outer recessed edge 9a and the second inner recessed edge 9b. The intermediate recessed edge may extend parallel to the tire radial direction D2 and be connected to both the second outer recessed edge 9a and the second inner recessed edge 9b.

[0092] (4) In addition, in the tire 1 according to the above embodiment, the inner ends of the second side blocks 7 in the tire radial direction D2 are positioned further outward in the tire radial direction D2 than the inner ends of the first inner recessed edges 8b in the tire radial direction D2. However, the tire 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the inner ends of the second side blocks 7 in the tire radial direction D2 may be positioned further inward in the tire radial direction D2 than the inner ends of the first inner recessed edges 8b in the tire radial direction D2.

[0093] (5) In the tire 1 according to the above embodiment, the second side blocks 7 intersect with the tire meridian plane S3 shared with the first side blocks 6. However, the tire 1 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the second side blocks 7 may not intersect with the tire meridian plane S3 shared with the first side blocks 6. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1... tire, 2... first tread block, 2a... outer edge, 3... second tread block, 3a... outer edge, 4... rubber body, 5... annular protrusion, 6... first side block, 6a... peripheral edge, 6b... first step, 6c... second step, 7... second side block, 7a... high region, 8... first recess, 8a... first outer recessed edge, 8b... first inner recessed edge, 8c... outer edge, 8d... Inner end, 8e... intermediate concave edge, 9... second recess, 9a... second outer concave edge, 9b... second inner concave edge, 9c... outer end, 9d... inner end, 10... reinforcement region, 10a... third top surface, 11... third recess, 11a...Third outer concave edge, 11b...Third inner concave edge, 11c...Outer end, 11d...Inner end, 12...First region, 12a...First top surface, 13...Second region, 13a...Second top surface, 14...First contact connecting surface, 14a...first connecting portion, 14b...second connecting portion, 15...second connecting surface, 15a...third connecting portion, 15b...fourth connecting portion, 21...bead portion, 21a...bead, 22...sidewall, 22a...sidewall rubber, 22b...maximum tire width position, 22c...side recess, 23...tread, 23a...tread surface, 23b...tread rubber, 23c...belt, 23d...belt ply, 23e...main groove, 23f...minor groove, 24...carcass, 24a...carcass ply, 25...inner liner, D1...tire axial direction, D2...tire radial direction, D3...tire circumferential direction, D31...first circumferential direction, D32...second circumferential direction, S1...tire equatorial plane, S2, S3...tire meridian plane, S4...sidewall reference plane

Claims

1. a first side block protruding from a sidewall reference plane in the tire axial direction; the first side block includes a first recess that opens toward a first circumferential direction in the tire circumferential direction, and a second recess that opens toward a second circumferential direction that is an opposite direction to the first circumferential direction in the tire circumferential direction, the first recess includes a first outer recessed edge inclined with respect to the tire radial direction, and a first inner recessed edge disposed more inward in the tire radial direction than the first outer recessed edge and inclined with respect to the tire radial direction, the first outer concave edge extends in the first circumferential direction as it moves outward in the tire radial direction, the first inner recessed edge extends in the first circumferential direction as it moves inward in the tire radial direction, the second recess includes a second outer recessed edge inclined with respect to the tire radial direction, and a second inner recessed edge disposed more inward in the tire radial direction than the second outer recessed edge and inclined with respect to the tire radial direction, the second outer concave edge extends in the second circumferential direction as it moves outward in the tire radial direction, the second inner recessed edge extends in the second circumferential direction as it moves inward in the tire radial direction, the first side block includes a first region, a second region, and a step formed between the first region and the second region by a difference in protrusion height between the first region and the second region, the first region is disposed more inward in the tire radial direction than the second region, the first region includes a first top surface that is an outer surface in the tire axial direction, the second region includes a second top surface that is an outer surface in the tire axial direction, the step includes a connection surface that connects the first top surface and the second top surface, the connecting surface includes a first connecting portion connected to the first top surface and a second connecting portion connected to the second top surface, A protruding height of the first connecting portion is greater than a protruding height of the second connecting portion, The tire, wherein the first recess is disposed across the first region and the second region, and the second recess is disposed in the first region and spaced apart from the second region.

2. a center of the first recess in the tire radial direction is disposed outward in the tire radial direction than a center of the second recess in the tire radial direction, the first recess further comprises an intermediate concave edge disposed between the first outer concave edge and the first inner concave edge; The tire according to claim 1 , wherein the intermediate recessed edge extends parallel to the tire radial direction and is connected to the first outer recessed edge and the first inner recessed edge.

3. Further, a second side block protruding from the sidewall reference plane in the tire axial direction is provided, the second side block is disposed spaced apart from the first recess in the first circumferential direction, an inner end of the second side block in the tire radial direction is disposed outward in the tire radial direction from an inner end of the first inner recessed edge in the tire radial direction, The tire of claim 2 , wherein the second side blocks and the first side blocks each intersect a common tire meridian plane.

4. a center of the second recess in the tire radial direction is disposed closer to a tire maximum width position than a center of the first recess in the tire radial direction, The tire according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second outer concave edge is connected to the second inner concave edge.

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