tire

Abstract

To provide a tire configured so that a range of expression of a decorative part on an outer surface of the tire can be broadened.SOLUTION: In a tire 10, a decorative part 14 is provided on a base surface 16 of a tire side part 12 (a tire outer surface). A plurality of first pattern regions 20 configured to include a plurality of first protrusions protruding from the base surface 16 are arranged in a tire circumferential direction, in the decorative part 14. Areas of the plurality of first pattern regions 20 arranged in the tire circumferential direction gradually decrease toward one side or both sides in the tire circumferential direction, and the first pattern regions 20 comprise asterisk protrusions 34 and 36 comprising a plurality of extending parts 34E and 36E.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART A decoration in which minute projections and depressions are formed on the smooth surface of the side of a tire has been provided (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-099094 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a tire that can broaden the range of expression of decorative portions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A tire according to a first aspect has a decorative portion provided on a base surface on the outer surface of the tire, and the decorative portion has a plurality of first pattern areas arranged in the circumferential direction of the tire, each of which includes a plurality of first protrusions protruding from the base surface, and the plurality of first pattern areas arranged in the circumferential direction of the tire have an area that gradually decreases toward one or both circumferential sides of the tire.

[0006] In this tire, a decorative portion is arranged on the outer surface of the tire, and the decorative portion has a plurality of first pattern areas arranged in the circumferential direction of the tire, each of which includes a plurality of first protrusions protruding from the base surface, and the area of ​​the plurality of first pattern areas arranged in the circumferential direction of the tire gradually decreases toward one or both circumferential sides of the tire. Therefore, the decorative portion of this tire can have a wider range of expression than a decorative portion that is not configured in this way.

[0007] In a second aspect, in the tire according to the first aspect, the first pattern area is provided with a plurality of first protrusions having a height of 0.05 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less from the base surface and arranged at intervals of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less.

[0008] By providing the first pattern region with a plurality of first protrusions having a height of 0.05 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less from the base surface and arranged at intervals of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, the first pattern region can be made uneven compared to a smooth surface and have a lower brightness than a smooth surface, thereby improving the visibility of the first pattern region and making it stand out.

[0009] In a third aspect, in a tire according to the first or second aspect, the decorative portion has a plurality of second pattern areas adjacent to the first pattern areas, the second pattern areas being brighter than the first pattern areas, and the second pattern areas arranged in the circumferential direction of the tire have gradually increasing areas in the direction in which the area of ​​the first pattern areas gradually decreases.

[0010] The decorative portion of this tire has multiple second pattern areas that are brighter than the first pattern areas and are arranged adjacent to the first pattern areas, and the multiple second pattern areas arranged in the circumferential direction of the tire gradually increase in area in the direction in which the area of ​​the first pattern areas gradually decreases. Therefore, the decorative portion of this tire can have a wider range of expression than a decorative portion that is not configured in this way.

[0011] In a fourth aspect, in the tire according to the third aspect, the second pattern region has a height of 0.05 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less from the base surface and is configured to include a plurality of second protrusions arranged at intervals of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less.

[0012] By providing the second pattern region with a plurality of second protrusions having a height of 0.05 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less from the base surface and arranged at intervals of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, the second pattern region can be made uneven compared to a smooth surface and have a lower brightness than a smooth surface, thereby improving the visibility of the second pattern region and making it stand out.

[0013] In a fifth aspect, in a tire according to the third or fourth aspect, the decorative portion has a plurality of third pattern areas that are brighter than the second pattern areas and are arranged adjacent to the second pattern areas.

[0014] The decorative part of this tire has multiple third pattern areas, each brighter than the second pattern area, arranged adjacent to the second pattern area, thereby allowing for a wider range of expression compared to decorative parts not configured in this way.

[0015] In a sixth aspect, in the tire according to the fifth aspect, the third pattern region has a height of 0.05 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less from the base surface and is configured to include a plurality of third protrusions arranged at intervals of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less.

[0016] In this tire, the third pattern region has a plurality of third protrusions that have a height of 0.05 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less from the base surface and are arranged at intervals of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less. This makes the third pattern region uneven compared to a smooth surface and reduces its brightness compared to a smooth surface, thereby improving the visibility of the third pattern region and making it stand out.

[0017] In a seventh aspect, in the tire according to the fifth or sixth aspect, the areas of the multiple third pattern regions arranged in the tire circumferential direction gradually increase in the direction in which the area of ​​the second pattern region gradually decreases.

[0018] The decorative part of this tire has multiple third pattern areas arranged around the tire, the areas of which gradually increase in the direction in which the area of ​​the second pattern area gradually decreases, thereby allowing for a wider range of expression compared to decorative parts that are not configured in this way.

[0019] In an eighth aspect, in the tire according to any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, the first pattern region and the third pattern region are spaced apart from each other.

[0020] In the decorative portion of this tire, the first pattern region and the third pattern region are spaced apart from each other, which allows for a wider range of expression compared to decorative portions not configured in this way.

[0021] In a ninth aspect, in the tire according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, a mark having a lighter color than the first pattern area is arranged in the first pattern area having the largest area.

[0022] In this tire, the first pattern area has a lower brightness and is the largest, and a marking that is brighter than the first pattern area is placed in the first pattern area, thereby expanding the range of expression of the decorative part and improving the visibility of the marking. In this invention, a "mark" refers to any character, figure, symbol, three-dimensional shape, color, or combination of these that can be recognized by human perception.

[0023] In a tenth aspect, in the tire according to the fourth aspect, the second pattern region includes, as the second projection, an asterisk projection having a plurality of extension portions.

[0024] In an eleventh aspect, in the tire according to the sixth aspect, the third pattern region includes, as the third projection, an asterisk projection having a plurality of extension portions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] As described above, the tire of the present invention has the excellent effect of being able to widen the range of expression of the decorative portion on the outer surface of the tire. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view showing a decorative portion formed in a tire side portion of a tire according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view showing a part of the decorative portion. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view showing another part of the decorative part. [Figure 4] 10(A), 10(B), and 10(C) are enlarged plan views showing a part of the pattern area. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an asterisk protrusion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] A tire 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. In the drawings, arrow C indicates the tire circumferential direction, arrow CW indicates the clockwise direction, arrow CCW indicates the counterclockwise direction, and arrow R indicates the tire radial direction.

[0028] 1, a decorative portion 14 extending in the tire circumferential direction (the direction of arrow C) is provided on a tire side portion 12, which is an example of the outer surface of a tire 10. The decorative portion 14 is arc-shaped when viewed from the axial direction of the tire 10, and is arranged at an arbitrary position in the tire circumferential direction.

[0029] The tire side portion 12 other than the decorative portion 14 is a smooth surface like a normal tire. The smooth surface portion of the tire side portion 12 is referred to as a base surface 16 as appropriate.

[0030] The decorative portion 14 is configured to include a first pattern region 20, a second pattern region 22, and a third pattern region 24, each having different lightness (L*). In this embodiment, the lightness increases in the order of the first pattern region 20, the second pattern region 22, the third pattern region 24, and the base surface 16. In other words, the first pattern region 20 appears darkest, and the base surface 16 appears brightest.

[0031] (First pattern area 20) As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, the first pattern region 20 is provided in multiple locations along the tire circumferential direction (arrow C direction) in the tire circumferential central portion of the decorative part 14, and the area decreases in the clockwise direction (arrow CW direction) and counterclockwise direction (arrow CCW direction).

[0032] From the tire circumferential center of the decorative portion 14 toward the counterclockwise direction (arrow CCW direction side), the first pattern region 20 is formed in an approximately rectangular shape in a plan view, and its width in the tire circumferential direction decreases in the counterclockwise direction.

[0033] On the other hand, from the tire circumferential center of the decorative portion 14 to the clockwise side, the first pattern region 20 is formed in a circular shape in a plan view, and the area decreases in the clockwise direction. As the diameter of the first pattern region 20 increases, adjacent first pattern regions 20 come into contact with each other, and the gaps between them disappear.

[0034] (Second pattern area 22) As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the second pattern regions 22 are provided on the clockwise and counterclockwise sides of the decorative portion 14. On the counterclockwise side of the first pattern region 20, the second pattern region 22 is formed in an approximately rectangular shape when viewed in a plane, and its area decreases in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions, with the second pattern region 22 and the first pattern region 20 arranged alternately.

[0035] On the other hand, on the clockwise side of the first pattern region 20, the second pattern region 22 is formed in a circular shape in a plan view, and its area decreases in the clockwise direction. Note that as the diameter of the second pattern region 22 increases, adjacent second pattern regions 22 come into contact with each other, and the gaps between them disappear. Also, on the clockwise side of the first pattern region 20, a portion of the second pattern region 22 and a portion of the first pattern region 20 are adjacent to each other, and in the region where the first pattern region 20 and the second pattern region 22 are in contact, the proportion of the second pattern region 22 per unit area decreases in the counterclockwise direction.

[0036] (Third pattern area 24) As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the third pattern region 24 is provided at the clockwise end and counterclockwise end of the decorative portion 14. On the counterclockwise side of the second pattern region 22, the third pattern region 24 is formed in an approximately rectangular shape in a plan view, and its area decreases in the clockwise direction, with the third pattern region 24 and the second pattern region 24 arranged alternately.

[0037] On the other hand, on the clockwise side of the second pattern region 22, the third pattern region 24 is arranged adjacent to the second pattern region 22 on the second pattern region 22 side, and the proportion of the third pattern region 24 per unit area decreases in the counterclockwise direction.

[0038] The first pattern region 20 has a lower brightness than the base surface 16 and appears black compared to the base surface 16. The second pattern region 22 has a higher brightness than the first pattern region 20. Furthermore, the third pattern region 24 has a higher brightness than the second pattern region 22. That is, the brightness decreases in the order of base surface 16, third pattern region 24, second pattern region 22, and first pattern region 20, with the base surface 16 appearing the brightest and the first pattern region 20 appearing the blackest.

[0039] In addition, by providing minute irregularities in the portions corresponding to the first pattern region 20, the second pattern region 22, and the third pattern region 24 in the mold (metal mold) for forming the tire 10, the first pattern region 20, the second pattern region 22, and the third pattern region 24 can be formed on the surface of the tire side portion 12.

[0040] Tiny protrusions protruding from the base surface 16 are formed in the first pattern region 20, the second pattern region 22, and the third pattern region 24, making the surfaces of the first pattern region 20, the second pattern region 22, and the third pattern region 24 uneven.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 4, in the first pattern region 20, the second pattern region 22, and the third pattern region 24, a first asterisk protrusion 34 and a second asterisk protrusion 36, which are examples of protrusions, are formed similarly to each other. The shapes of the first asterisk protrusion 34 and the second asterisk protrusion 36 are similar in their respective regions. The distance P between the adjacent first asterisk protrusion 34 and second asterisk protrusion 36 varies according to the similarity ratio.

[0042] As described above, the shapes of the first asterisk protrusion 34 and the second asterisk protrusion 36 are similar in each region. Therefore, the shapes of the first asterisk protrusion 34 and the second asterisk protrusion 36 will be described below using the first pattern region 20 as an example.

[0043] (Protrusions in the first pattern area) 4(A), the first pattern region 20 has a plurality of first asterisk protrusions 34 and a plurality of second asterisk protrusions 36 protruding from the base surface 16. The first asterisk protrusions 34 and the second asterisk protrusions 36 are arranged alternately in the tire circumferential direction and the tire radial direction.

[0044] (First asterisk protrusion 34) As shown in FIG. 4(A), the first asterisk protrusion 34 has a plurality of extension portions 34E, six in this embodiment, extending in different directions from a center O1 (see FIG. 4(C)) serving as a base point when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the base surface 16 (the direction of the rotational axis of the tire 10).

[0045] The six extending portions 34E form an angle of 60° with the adjacent extending portions 34E. In other words, the first asterisk protrusion 34 has six extending portions 34E extending radially from the center O1.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 5, the cross section of the extending portion 34E of the first asterisk protrusion 34 perpendicular to the extending direction is a substantially isosceles triangle having a flat top surface 34C. That is, the first asterisk protrusion 34 has the top surface 34C and a pair of side surfaces 34D. In this embodiment, the width of the top surface 34C (W1 in the figure) is 0.02 mm, and the apex angle of the first asterisk protrusion 34 (D in the figure) is 26 degrees. The height of the first asterisk protrusion 34 (H in the figure) is a predetermined value between 0.05 mm and 1.0 mm. If the protrusion height (protrusion height) is less than 0.05 mm, it may be difficult to form the protrusion and may not be able to attenuate incident light and reduce the brightness to a level that appears black. Furthermore, by making the height of the protrusion 1.0 mm or less, the difference in rigidity between the protrusion and the area surrounding the protrusion is reduced, thereby suppressing localized stress concentration.

[0047] In this embodiment, the height of the protrusions and the dimensions of the spacing (pitch) between the protrusions, which will be described later, can be measured using, for example, a one-shot 3D shape measuring instrument, VR-3000 series, manufactured by Keyence Corporation.

[0048] (Second asterisk protrusion 36) As shown in Fig. 4(A), the second asterisk protrusion 36 has the same shape as the first asterisk protrusion 34. Specifically, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the base surface 16, the second asterisk protrusion 36 has a shape obtained by rotating the first asterisk protrusion 34 clockwise by 90 degrees around the center O1 and then rotating it another 90 degrees around the center O1 and then inverting the first asterisk protrusion 34. That is, the second asterisk protrusion 36 has six extension portions 36E extending in different directions from the center O2 (see Fig. 4(C)) serving as a base point, and each extension portion 36E has a top surface 36C and a side surface 36D.

[0049] The first asterisk projections 34 and the second asterisk projections 36 are arranged alternately in the tire circumferential direction and the tire radial direction, filling each entire region.

[0050] Furthermore, the distance between the centers O1 and O2 of the first asterisk protrusion 34 and the second asterisk protrusion 36 that are adjacent in the tire radial direction and the tire circumferential direction (hereinafter referred to as "distance P") is a predetermined value of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less. If the distance P is less than 0.1 mm, it becomes difficult to form the protrusions. Furthermore, if the distance P is greater than 1.0 mm, it may not be possible to attenuate the incident light and reduce the brightness to a level that makes the color appear black.

[0051] (Protrusions in the second pattern area) Next, the second pattern region 22 will be described. 4(B), in the second pattern region 22, as an example of second protrusions, first asterisk protrusions 34 and second asterisk protrusions 36 similar in shape to those in the first pattern region 20 are formed, but the density of the formed protrusions is lower than the density of the protrusions formed in the first pattern region 20. As a result, the second pattern region 22 appears relatively brighter than the first pattern region 20.

[0052] (Protrusions in the third pattern region 24) Next, the third pattern region 24 will be described. 4(C), the third pattern region 24 has, as an example of third protrusions, first asterisk protrusions 34 and second asterisk protrusions 36 similar in shape to those in the first pattern region 20, but the density of the protrusions formed is lower than the density of the protrusions formed in the second pattern region 22. This makes the third pattern region 24 appear brighter than the second pattern region 22.

[0053] 1, in the decorative portion 14 of this embodiment, a logo mark 26 having a higher brightness than the first pattern region 20 is formed as an example of a mark in the first pattern region 20, which has the largest area and is located at the center of the decorative portion 14 in the tire circumferential direction. The logo mark 26 of this embodiment is formed on a smooth base surface 16.

[0054] (Action, effect) Next, the effects of the tire 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0055] In other areas of the tire side portion 12 where no protrusions are formed, that is, in the base surface 16 , the incident light is reflected outward by the smooth outer surface that constitutes the base surface 16 . In contrast, in the first pattern region 20, the second pattern region 22, and the third pattern region 24, light incident on the first asterisk protrusion 34 and the second asterisk protrusion 36 hits the side surfaces 34D and 36D shown in FIG. 5. The incident light is then attenuated and reflected outward while repeatedly reflecting between the opposing side surfaces 34D and 36D. Therefore, the first pattern region 20, the second pattern region 22, and the third pattern region 24 appear black compared to the base surface 16.

[0056] Furthermore, since the apex angles of each protrusion are similar, the area occupied per unit area by the base surface 16 of the second pattern region 22 is larger than the area occupied per unit area by the base surface 16 of the first pattern region 20, and the area occupied per unit area by the base surface 16 of the third pattern region 24 is larger than the area occupied per unit area by the base surface 16 of the second pattern region 22.

[0057] As a result, the amount of light reflected outward in the second pattern region 22 is greater than the amount of light reflected outward in the first pattern region 20, and the amount of light reflected outward in the third pattern region 24 is greater than the amount of light reflected outward in the second pattern region 22. In other words, the brightness of the second pattern region 22 is higher than that of the first pattern region 20, and the brightness of the third pattern region 24 is higher than that of the second pattern region 22.

[0058] In other words, in the decorative portion 14 of this embodiment, the lightness decreases in the order of the third pattern region 24, the second pattern region 22, and the first pattern region 20, with the third pattern region 24 appearing the darkest due to its lowest lightness. The logo mark 26, which is made up of the smooth base surface 16 and has the highest lightness, is located in the first pattern region 20, which appears the darkest due to its lowest lightness, so the range of expression of the decorative portion 14 can be greatly expanded and the visibility of the logo mark 26 can be improved.

[0059] [Other embodiments] The above describes one embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be implemented in various modified forms within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0060] For example, in the first embodiment, the first asterisk protrusion 34 and the second asterisk protrusion 36 are connected to each other, but they may not be connected to each other.

[0061] The apex angle (for example, D in FIG. 5) of the protrusions such as the first asterisk protrusion 34 and the second asterisk protrusion 36 is set to 26 degrees, but may be other angles. As the apex angle D increases, the proportion of light reflected by the side surfaces 34D and 36D that returns in the direction of incidence increases, resulting in a relatively higher brightness.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the first asterisk protrusion 34 and the second asterisk protrusion 36 each having a plurality of radially extending extensions 34E are given as an example of a protrusion. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The planar shape of the protrusion is not limited to a radial or linear shape, and may also have a so-called grained pattern. Examples of grained patterns include leather patterns, matte patterns, wood grain patterns, fabric patterns, and geometric patterns. Furthermore, the protrusion may have a tapered shape, such as a ribbed shape or a conical shape.

[0063] Furthermore, the first pattern region 20, the second pattern region 22, and the third pattern region 24 are not limited to the shapes shown in the above embodiment, and may have different shapes, and the shape of each region is arbitrary.

[0064] The decorative portion 14 in the above embodiment has three pattern areas with different brightness levels, but may have four or more pattern areas with different brightness levels.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the logo mark 26 is formed on the smooth base surface 16, but the logo mark 26 does not have to be formed on the smooth base surface 16 as long as it is brighter than the first pattern area 20. Also, in the above embodiment, the logo mark 26 is given as an example of a mark, but the mark provided in the first pattern area 20 may be something other than the logo mark 26. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 10... tire, 12... tire side portion (outer surface of tire), 14... decorative portion, 16... base surface (smooth surface), S... gap (smooth surface), 20... first pattern area, 22... second pattern area, 24... third pattern area, 26... logo mark (mark), 34... first asterisk protrusion (first protrusion, second protrusion, third protrusion), 34E... extension portion, 36... second asterisk protrusion (first protrusion, second protrusion, third protrusion), 36E... extension portion

Claims

1. A decorative portion is provided on the base surface of the outer surface of the tire, the decorative portion includes a plurality of first protrusions protruding from the base surface, the first pattern regions being formed in a circular shape in a plan view, and the first pattern regions being lower in lightness than the base surface, and the first pattern regions being arranged in a tire circumferential direction, The plurality of first pattern regions arranged in the tire circumferential direction have areas that gradually decrease toward one side or both sides in the tire circumferential direction, The first pattern region includes, as the first projection, an asterisk projection having a plurality of extension portions. tire.

2. The first pattern region is provided with a plurality of the first protrusions, each having a height of 0.05 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less from the base surface and arranged at intervals of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less.

2. The tire of claim 1.

3. the decorative portion includes a plurality of second pattern areas, each of which has a brightness higher than that of the first pattern area, and which are arranged adjacent to the first pattern area; The second pattern regions arranged in the tire circumferential direction have areas that gradually increase in a direction in which the area of ​​the first pattern region gradually decreases. The tire according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. the second pattern region has a height of 0.05 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less from the base surface and includes a plurality of second protrusions arranged at intervals of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less.

4. The tire of claim 3.

5. In the decorative portion, a plurality of third pattern regions having a brightness higher than that of the second pattern regions are arranged adjacent to the second pattern regions. The tire according to claim 3 or claim 4.

6. the third pattern region has a height of 0.05 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less from the base surface and includes a plurality of third protrusions arranged at intervals of 0.1 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less; 6. The tire of claim 5.

7. The areas of the plurality of third pattern regions arranged in the tire circumferential direction gradually increase in a direction in which the area of ​​the second pattern region gradually decreases. The tire according to claim 5 or claim 6.

8. The first pattern region and the third pattern region are spaced apart from each other. The tire according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

9. In the first pattern region having the largest area, a mark having a higher brightness than that of the first pattern region is arranged. The tire according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. the second pattern region includes, as the second projection, an asterisk projection having a plurality of extension portions; 5. The tire of claim 4.

11. the third pattern region includes, as the third projection, an asterisk projection having a plurality of extension portions; 7. The tire of claim 6.

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