tire

Abstract

To provide a tire which enables a position of an electronic tag to be indicated clearly.SOLUTION: A tire 100 includes: a tread part 3 including protruding parts 30; a side wall part 2; an electronic tag 7 disposed at the inner side relative to an outer surface; and a display part 8 which indicates a position of the electronic tag 7. The display part 8 is disposed at the protruding part 30 and arranged at the same position as the electronic tag 7 in a circumferential direction C.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a pneumatic tire equipped with a transponder. The transponder can provide various tire-related information and data about the tire in use. In this tire, the transponder has transmission / reception and storage functions and is located, for example, in the sidewall. An identification mark indicating the location of the transponder is provided on the tire outer surface of the sidewall where the transponder is located or on the tire outer surface of the sidewall opposite the sidewall where the transponder is located. The identification mark indicating the location of the transponder is distinguishable from other parts based on color or shape. When the color of the identification mark differs from the color of the tire outer surface, this includes cases where any of the color, brightness, or hue is different. When the identification mark has a three-dimensional shape, it may be a concave shape recessed from the tire outer surface, a convex shape protruding from the tire outer surface, or a shape that combines a concave shape and a convex shape. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-056443 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, as described in Patent Document 1, an electronic chip (so-called electronic tag or RFID tag, hereinafter simply referred to as an electronic tag) functioning as a transponder may be provided inside or on the inner surface of a tire. Communication with the electronic chip may then be made possible to provide information about the tire to an external terminal. This makes it possible to ascertain the tire's model, distribution and sales information, usage history, and driving information of the vehicle on which the tire is mounted, obtain information necessary for tire recycling (e.g., information about the tire's constituent materials) from the tire, and facilitate traceability management for proper tire disposal and recycling. If the location of the electronic tag is displayed on the outer surface of the tire, this is convenient because the display allows the user to determine the position to hold a sensor over when obtaining information using a terminal device that obtains information from the electronic tag. This is also convenient because the location of the electronic tag can be known when separating the electronic tag from the tire during sorting when disposing of or recycling tires.

[0005] However, when a mark indicating the location of an electronic tag is provided on the side of a tire, such as the sidewall, it may be difficult to visually identify the sidewall. For example, when tires are stored flat or side by side, the sidewall of a tire is hidden by adjacent tires. Of course, it is possible to visually identify the sidewall by moving the tire from its storage location. However, in an environment where a large number of tires are stored or when the tire is large, moving the tire in this manner imposes a significant burden on workers. Therefore, it is desirable to clearly indicate the location of the electronic tag provided on the tire.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a tire that can clearly indicate the position of an electronic tag. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the tire according to the present invention comprises: a tread portion including a tread surface; A sidewall portion, an electronic tag placed inside the outer surface; a display unit that indicates the position of the electronic tag; The display unit disposed on the tread surface, It is arranged at the same position in the circumferential direction as the electronic tag.

[0008] With the above configuration, the position of the electronic tag attached to the tire can be clearly indicated. That is, with the tread surface of the tire tread portion exposed, a worker (hereinafter simply referred to as the worker) attempting to communicate with the electronic tag of the tire can easily grasp the position of the electronic tag in the circumferential direction of the tire by using the display unit located in the same position as the electronic tag as a landmark.

[0009] In the tire according to the present invention, The display unit The tread surface is formed of a material of a different color from the other parts, The groove may be formed radially inward from the outer surface.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the markings can be easily distinguished by different colors. In this case, since the markings are formed from the outer surface of the tire to the radially inner side, deterioration of the distinguishability of the markings can be prevented even when the tire has been used to a certain extent and the tread has worn down.

[0011] In the tire according to the present invention, The display unit may indicate the position of the electronic tag in the width direction of the tire.

[0012] According to the above configuration, the worker can easily know on which side in the width direction of the tire the electronic tag is placed.

[0013] In the tire according to the present invention, The indicia may extend from the sidewall portion to the tread surface.

[0014] According to the above configuration, if the tread surface or sidewall of the tire tread portion is exposed, the worker can easily ascertain the position of the electronic tag in the circumferential direction of the tire.

[0015] In the tire according to the present invention, The display unit The electronic tag is disposed at a different position in the circumferential direction from the electronic tag. The position of the electronic tag in the circumferential direction may be indicated.

[0016] According to the above configuration, the worker can easily ascertain on which side in the circumferential direction of the tire the electronic tag is placed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a tire according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a tire according to a first embodiment, the cross-section being intersecting the circumferential direction and including a display portion. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a tire according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a tire according to a second embodiment, the cross-sectional view being intersecting the circumferential direction and including a display portion. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a tire according to a third embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the surface of a tread portion of a tire according to a first modified example. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a tire according to a second modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the surface of a tread portion of a tire according to a third modification. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the surface of a tread portion of a tire when another marking portion is formed. [Figure 10]10A and 10B are perspective views of tires with different tag placements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] A tire according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0019] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 shows a tire 100 according to this embodiment. The tire 100 is equipped with an electronic tag 7 (hereinafter referred to as tag 7) placed inside the outer surface of the tire 100, and a display unit 8 that indicates the position of the tag 7. An example of the tag 7 is a so-called RFID tag, which is an electronic circuit device or electronic chip that includes an antenna circuit, a memory circuit, and a control circuit for communication. The tire 100 will be described in detail below.

[0020] The tire 100 includes a bead portion 1 disposed on the side of the tire 100 and fixing the tire 100 to a rim, a sidewall portion 2 which is the side of the tire 100, and a tread portion 3 which comes into contact with the road surface.

[0021] The tire 100 is formed in a roughly circular ring shape centered on the axis G. That is, the tread portion 3, the sidewall portion 2, and the bead portion 1 are all roughly circular ring shapes with the axis G as their common center.

[0022] In the following description, the width direction W, circumferential direction C, and radial direction R (see FIG. 2) of the tire 100 have the same meaning as the width direction, circumferential direction, and radial direction of the tread portion 3. In the radial direction R, the outside of the annulus is referred to as the radially outer side, and the inside of the annulus is referred to as the radially inner side.

[0023] 2 shows a cross section of the tire 100 intersecting the circumferential direction C, i.e., a cross section of the tire 100 seen along the circumferential direction C, including the display portion 8. As shown in FIG. 2, the tire 100 has, as its internal structure, a carcass 5 which is a cord layer that forms the skeleton of the tire 100, bead cores 4 which form the internal skeleton of the bead portion 1 and support the carcass 5, and a belt 6 which is a reinforcing band stretched along the circumferential direction C between the surface of the tread portion 3 and the carcass 5.

[0024] The bead portion 1, the sidewall portion 2, and the tread portion 3 each contain synthetic rubber. The synthetic rubber of the bead portion 1 and the sidewall portion 2 is referred to as side rubber. The synthetic rubber of the tread portion 3 is referred to as tread rubber. The bead core 4, the carcass 5, and the belt 6 are embedded in the side rubber and the tread rubber. In the tire 100, the radially outer ends of the sidewall portions 2 are integrally connected to both ends of the tread portion 3 in the width direction W. The bead portions 1 are integrally connected to the radially inner ends of the sidewall portions 2. In other words, the cross section of the tire 100 intersecting the circumferential direction C is C-shaped. In this embodiment, the outer surface of the tire 100 refers to the outer surface of the arc of the C-shape of the tire 100. Furthermore, the inner surface of the tire 100 refers to the inner surface of the arc of the C-shape of the tire 100.

[0025] As described above, the tire 100 in this embodiment further includes the tag 7 and the display unit 8. There are.

[0026] A tread pattern is formed in the tread portion 3, and includes a plurality of protruding portions 30 (an example of a tread surface) whose outer peripheral surface contacts the road surface, and a plurality of recessed portions 31 recessed radially inward relative to the protruding portions 30. The recessed portions 31 are, for example, circumferential grooves. The outer peripheral surface refers to the radially outer surface of the tread portion 3 in the tire 100.

[0027] 1 and 2 illustrate an example in which the tag 7 is disposed inside the tire 100 on the side of one sidewall portion 2 closer to the bead portion 1, and on the outer side of the carcass 5 (see FIG. 2) in the width direction W of the tire 100. In other words, the tag 7 is located on the side of the tire 100. The outer side in the width direction W is the same side as the sidewall portion 2 when viewed from the tread portion 3.

[0028] The display portion 8 is formed in a part of the protrusion 30 in the tread portion 3.

[0029] 1 , the display unit 8 is disposed at the same position as the tag 7 in the circumferential direction C of the tire 100. This allows the display unit 8 to indicate the position of the tag 7 in the circumferential direction C of the tire 100. Here, the phrase "disposed at the same position in the circumferential direction C" for the display unit 8 and the tag 7 means that at least a portion of the display unit 8 and the tag 7 are disposed at the same position in the circumferential direction C, and is not limited to a configuration in which the entire display unit 8 and the tag 7 are disposed at the same position in the circumferential direction C.

[0030] If the tag 7 is located on the side of the tire 100, for example, when the tires 100 are stacked flat, the outer surface of the tire 100 at the portion where the tag 7 is located may be hidden by another adjacent tire. However, if the display unit 8 is provided in the protruding portion 30 and the protruding portion 30 of the tread portion 3 is exposed and visible, the worker can easily grasp the position of the tag 7 in the circumferential direction C of the tire 100 by using the display unit 8, which is located in the same position as the tag 7 in the circumferential direction C of the tire 100, as a landmark. Note that forming the display unit 8 in the protruding portion 30 makes it easier to visually confirm the position of the tag 7 than forming the display unit 8 in the recessed portion 31.

[0031] The display portion 8 may be formed of a material (different-color material) of a different color from the other portions of the tread portion 3. This allows the display of the display portion 8 to be easily distinguished by the difference in color. Note that a different color means that there is a difference that can be visually recognized in terms of color, tone, brightness, pattern, gloss, etc., in other words, that the display portion 8 is visually distinguishable. The different-color material also includes a luminescent or phosphorescent material. In this embodiment, a case where a different-color portion 81 (sometimes referred to as a first display portion) is formed as the display portion 8 is exemplified. The different-color material may be rubber to which a pigment of a different color from the other portions has been added, or rubber to which carbon has been removed.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 2, the different color portion 81 serving as the display portion 8 may be formed from the outer surface to the inside in the radial direction R. For example, the display portion 8 may be formed in the protrusion 30 in a state in which a different color material is embedded in the protrusion 30. This makes it possible to avoid a decrease in the distinguishability of the display portion 8 even when the tire 100 has been used to a certain extent and the protrusion 30 has worn away.

[0033] In this embodiment, the display unit 8 is arranged on the side of the tread portion 3 that is closer to the tag 7 in the width direction W. As a result, the display unit 8 indicates the position of the tag 7 in the width direction W of the tire 100. In other words, it can be shown that the tag 7 is arranged on the side where the display unit 8 is closer. As a result, the worker can easily see the position of the tag 7 in the width direction W of the tire 100. It is easy to see which side of W the tag 7 is placed on.

[0034] Second Embodiment The tire 100 according to the second embodiment is the same as the tire 100 according to the first embodiment except for the arrangement of the display unit 8.

[0035] In the tire 100 of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, a display portion 8 is formed on each of the multiple protrusions 30 of the tread portion 3. The display portions 8 are arranged side by side along the width direction W at the same positions as the tags 7 in the circumferential direction C of the tire 100. This allows the display portions 8 to more clearly indicate the positions of the tags 7 in the circumferential direction C of the tire 100.

[0036] (Third embodiment) The tire 100 according to the third embodiment is different from the tire 100 according to the above-described embodiment in the arrangement and form of the display unit 8, but is otherwise the same.

[0037] In the tire 100 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 , a display portion 8 is formed in each of the multiple protrusions 30 of the tread portion 3, and further display portions 8 are formed in a range from the sidewall portions 2 to the bead portions 1. The display portions 8 are arranged side by side on the outer surface of the tire 100 in the width direction W at the same positions as the tags 7 in the circumferential direction C of the tire 100. That is, the display portions 8 extend as a whole from the bead portions 1 and sidewall portions 2 of the tire 100 to the protrusions 30 of the tread portion 3, although they are interrupted by recesses 31. This allows the display portions 8 to more clearly indicate the positions of the tags 7 in the circumferential direction C of the tire 100. Note that the display portions 8 may also be formed in the recesses 31, so that the display portions 8 extend from the bead portions 1 and sidewall portions 2 of the tire 100 to the protrusions 30 of the tread portion 3.

[0038] In the present embodiment, the indicator 8 formed in the range from the sidewall portion 2 to the bead portion 1 is a printed portion 82 (sometimes referred to as a second indicator) in which a material of a color different from the surrounding area is printed or attached to the outer surface of the tire 100. That is, the indicator 8 may have a different color portion 81 as a first indicator portion and a printed portion 82 as a second indicator portion.

[0039] With a display unit 8 like that of this embodiment, if the protrusion 30 of the tread portion 3 of the tire 100 or the sidewall portion 2 or bead portion 1 is exposed, the worker can easily grasp the position of the tag 7 in the circumferential direction C and width direction W of the tire 100.

[0040] (Description of Modifications) A modification of the above embodiment will be described below.

[0041] (Variation 1) Fig. 6 illustrates an example in which the tread pattern of the tread portion 3 is a zigzag pattern formed along the circumferential direction C. Fig. 6 is a plan view of the outer surface of the tread portion 3. In this case, the convex portions 30 are formed with peaks 30a that are convex toward one side in the width direction W and valleys 30b that are concave toward one side in the width direction W.

[0042] In FIG. 6, the shape of the tread pattern is utilized to indicate the position of the tag 7 by the display unit 8. More specifically, the display unit 8 is formed on a convex portion 30 of the tread pattern formed at the same position as the tag 7 in the circumferential direction C of the tire 100, with the apex 30a facing in the direction indicating the tag 7. As a result, the display unit 8 is formed in an arrow-like shape. The display portion 8 can be formed in a shape that indicates the position of the tag 7. This allows the worker to easily know on which side in the width direction W of the tire 100 the tag 7 is located. In addition, when the tread pattern of the tread portion 3 is not zigzag, the display portion 8 can be formed on a protrusion on the side surface of the circumferential groove that is the recess 31, that is, a protrusion in the protrusion 30 that protrudes from the side surface of the protrusion 30 toward the groove and that indicates the tag 7.

[0043] (Variation 2) FIG. 7 illustrates an example in which the display unit 8 has a position display unit 87 formed at a position where a perpendicular line drawn from the tag 7 toward the outer surface of the tire 100 closest to the tag 7 intersects with the outer surface. The position display unit 87 may be, for example, a display in the form of a recess or the like, or a display of a different color that is printed or attached to the outer surface. When a worker communicates with the tag 7 using a terminal device, it is sufficient for the display unit 8 to indicate the approximate position of the tag 7. However, for example, when a sorting process (sorting the tag 7, i.e., removing the tag 7 from the tire 100) is to be performed when disposing of the tire 100, it is preferable for the position display unit 87 to accurately indicate the position of the tag 7.

[0044] FIG. 7 also illustrates a case where the display unit 8 includes a direction display unit 89 that indicates the position of the tag 7 in the circumferential direction C of the tire 100, at a position different from the tag 7 in the circumferential direction C of the tire 100. FIG. 7 also illustrates a case where direction display units 89, 89 are arranged at the front and rear of the tire 100 in the circumferential direction C at the same position as the tag 7 in the circumferential direction C of the tire 100. The direction display unit 89 is formed, for example, as an indication like a triangular arrow, and indicates the position of the tag 7 in the circumferential direction C of the tire 100. This allows the worker to know the position of the tag 7 in the circumferential direction C of the tire 100 even if the tread portion 3 at the same position as the tag 7 in the circumferential direction C of the tire 100 is not exposed. The direction display unit 89 may also be formed on the protrusion 30.

[0045] (Variation 3) Fig. 8 illustrates an example in which the tread pattern of the tread portion 3 is zigzag. Fig. 8 is a plan view of the outer surface of the tread portion 3. In this case, the convex portion 30 includes a first inclined portion 30A that is inclined with respect to the width direction W or the circumferential direction C, and a second inclined portion 30B that is inclined in the opposite direction to the first inclined portion 30A.

[0046] In the example shown in FIG. 8 , a direction indicating portion 89 made of a different color material or the like is formed on the first inclined portion 30A or the second inclined portion 30B at a position different from the tag 7 in the circumferential direction C of the tire 100, and the position of the tag 7 in the circumferential direction C of the tire 100 is indicated by the orientation of the first inclined portion 30A or the second inclined portion 30B. Specifically, the direction indicating portion 89 is formed on the first inclined portion 30A or the second inclined portion 30B that faces (has a side) the tag 7 in the convex portion 30, thereby indicating the position of the tag 7. In other words, the position of the tag 7 can be indicated by the shape of the tread pattern. Note that, when the tread pattern of the tread portion 3 is not zigzag, the irregularly shaped portion 38 may be formed on a convex portion on a side surface of a circumferential groove, i.e., a convex portion that protrudes from the side surface of the convex portion 30 toward the groove and faces the tag 7.

[0047] In this way, the position of the electronic tag attached to the tire can be clearly indicated.

[0048] [Another embodiment] (1) In the above embodiment, a case where the different color portion 81 is formed as the display portion 8 is described as an example. However, the display portion 8 is not limited to being formed as the different color portion 81. FIG. 9 illustrates a case where the tread pattern of the tread portion 3 is zigzag. Note that FIG. 9 9 is a diagram showing the outer surface of the tread portion 3 developed on a plane. The example of FIG. 9 illustrates a case where a chamfered irregularly shaped portion 38 is formed in a portion that will become, for example, the peak 30a in the zigzag shape of the tread pattern. By arranging the irregularly shaped portion 38 in the same position as the tag 7 in the circumferential direction C, the irregularly shaped portion 38 can also be used as the display portion 8. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 9, the chamfered surface of the irregularly shaped portion 38 is formed so as to face the tag 7 in the width direction W (opposite the tag 7). This makes it possible for the irregularly shaped portion 38 to also indicate the position of the tag 7 in the width direction W. Note that when the tread pattern of the tread portion 3 is not zigzag, the irregularly shaped portion 38 may be formed in a convex portion on the side surface of a circumferential groove, i.e., in a convex portion that protrudes from the side surface of the convex portion 30 toward the groove.

[0049] (2) In the above embodiment, the tag 7 is disposed on the side of the tire 100. However, the tag 7 may be disposed on the radially inner side of the tire 100 in the tread portion 3, as shown in FIG. 10. For example, the tag 7 may be disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the tire 100 in the tread portion 3. FIG. 10 illustrates a case in which a different color portion 81 is formed at a position of a convex portion 30 in the tread portion 3 where a perpendicular line drawn from the tag 7 toward the outer surface of the tire 100 closest to the outer surface intersects with the outer surface.

[0050] (3) In the above embodiment, the tag 7 is disposed inside the tire 100, but the tag 7 may also be disposed on the inner surface of the tire 100 by being attached thereto.

[0051] The configurations disclosed in the above embodiments (including other embodiments, the same applies below) can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no contradiction arises. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are examples, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to these, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope that does not deviate from the purpose of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0052] The present invention is applicable to tires. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1: Bead part 100: Tire 2: Sidewall 3: Tread area 30: Convex part (tread surface) 30A: First inclined part 30B:Second slope part 30a: top 30b: Tanibe 31: Recess 38: Unusual part 4: Bead core 5: Carcass 6: Belt 7: Tags (electronic tags) 8: Display section 81: Unusual Section 82: Printing section 87:Position display section 89: Direction display section C: Circumferential direction R: Radial direction W: Width direction

Claims

1. a tread portion including a tread surface; A sidewall portion, an electronic tag placed inside the outer surface; a display unit that indicates the position of the electronic tag; The display unit disposed on the tread surface, It is arranged at the same position as the electronic tag in the circumferential direction, The tread surface is formed of a material of a different color from the other parts, A tire formed from the outer surface of the tread to the inside.

2. The tire according to claim 1 , wherein the display indicates a position of the electronic tag in the width direction of the tire.

3. The tire according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the marking portion extends from the sidewall portion to the tread surface.

4. The display unit The electronic tag is disposed at a different position in the circumferential direction from the electronic tag. The tire according to claim 1 , wherein the position of the electronic tag in the circumferential direction is indicated.

Images