Functional component assembly, tire including the same, and method for assembling the functional component assembly

Abstract

To provide a functional component assembly which can surely fix a functional component relative to a support body by a determination part when storing the functional component in the support body and makes it possible to prevent damage on the support body or the functional component, and a tire provided with the same, and an assembling method of the functional component assembly.SOLUTION: A functional component assembly 1 consists of a functional component 20 which has a function for detecting a state of a tire, and a support body 10 which stores the functional component 20 and is attached to a tire inner surface. The functional component assembly has a state that at least a part of a bottom face of the functional component 20 is fixed relative to the support body 10 by an adhesive agent X being filled between the support body 10 and the functional component 20. The support body 10 comprises: an opening part 14 which inserts the functional component 20; and a determination part 15 which is provided in a portion different from the opening part 14 and determines filling degree of the adhesive agent X.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a functional component assembly, a tire including the same, and an assembling method for the functional component assembly, and more particularly to a functional component assembly that, when the functional component is accommodated in the support, can reliably fix the functional component to the support by a determining unit and can prevent damage to the support or the functional component, and a tire including the same and an assembling method for the functional component assembly. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, sensor units (functional components) including sensors that acquire internal tire information such as internal pressure and temperature have been installed in the tire cavity. In order to attach such functional components to the tire's inner surface, a support that functions as a base for the functional components is adhered to the tire's inner surface, and the functional components are housed inside the support (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). However, if the functional components are not adequately held by the support, they may fall off or be damaged due to impacts during driving, etc.

[0003] In response to this problem, functional components can be attached to the support using adhesive or other adhesives to prevent the functional components from falling off. However, even if a predetermined amount of adhesive is applied, it is very difficult to visually confirm whether the adhesive has actually spread sufficiently throughout the support. Furthermore, when inserting a functional component into the support, air often enters the support along with the functional component. If air pockets form within the support, sufficient adhesive surface area may not be secured between the support and the functional component. Furthermore, if an excessive amount of adhesive is applied to attach a functional component to the support, local variations in the adhesive thickness or excessive hardening of a portion of the support due to the curing of the excess adhesive may result in excessive stress being applied to the support or the functional component, potentially causing damage to either the support or the functional component. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-160512 A [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2008 / 143326 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a functional component assembly that can reliably fix a functional component to a support body using a determination unit when the functional component is accommodated in the support body, and that can prevent damage to the support body or the functional component, and a method for assembling a tire and functional component assembly that includes the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the functional component assembly of the present invention is a functional component assembly comprising a functional component having a function of detecting the condition of a tire, and a support body that houses the functional component and is attached to the inner surface of the tire, wherein an adhesive is filled between the support body and the functional component, thereby fixing at least a portion of the bottom surface of the functional component to the support body, and the support body is characterized in having an opening for inserting the functional component, and a judgment unit provided in a position different from the opening, for judging the degree of filling of the adhesive. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The present invention provides a functional component assembly comprising a functional component having a function of detecting the condition of a tire and a support body that houses the functional component and is attached to the tire inner surface, wherein an adhesive is filled between the support body and the functional component, thereby fixing at least a portion of the bottom surface of the functional component to the support body, and the support body has an opening for inserting the functional component and a determination unit provided at a location different from the opening for determining the degree of filling of the adhesive. When the functional component is to be housed in the support body, the adhesive is applied to the support body and then the functional component is inserted through the opening of the support body. After the insertion, the degree of filling of the adhesive can be determined by checking the determination unit. For example, if the adhesive can be visually confirmed from the determination unit, it is determined that the adhesive has sufficiently spread (filled) within the support body. Conversely, if the adhesive cannot be visually confirmed from the determination unit, it is determined that the adhesive has not sufficiently spread (filled) within the support body, and the housed functional component operation must be repeated. Furthermore, when a functional component is mounted on a support, air may enter the support. However, any air remaining between the support and the functional component is discharged from the determination unit, ensuring a sufficient adhesive surface area between the support and the functional component. In this way, the determination unit can reliably fix the functional component to the support. Furthermore, even if the support is filled with excessive adhesive, the excess adhesive is discharged from the determination unit, preventing the functional component from being attached with excessive adhesive, thereby preventing damage to the support or the functional component.

[0008] In the functional component assembly of the present invention, it is preferable that the maximum length R and minimum length r of the determination portion, measured so as to pass through the center of gravity of the determination portion, are each in the range of 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm. This ensures sufficient visibility of the adhesive through the determination portion, allowing the determination work to be carried out efficiently and reliably. It also prevents excessive load from being applied to the determination portion, making it easier to expel air remaining between the support and the functional component through the determination portion.

[0009] It is preferable that the determination units are provided at multiple locations on the support, and that the number n of the determination units and the maximum angle a [rad] formed between the center of the functional component and each of the determination units satisfy the relationship 2π / n≦a≦14π / 5n. This allows the determination units to be arranged at appropriate intervals on the circumference of the functional component, ensuring reliable determination by the determination units.

[0010] It is preferable that the support and / or functional component have an outlet path formed therein for discharging air remaining between the support and the functional component, which makes it easier for the air remaining between the support and the functional component to be discharged through the outlet path, ensuring a sufficient adhesive area between the support and the functional component and contributing to the strong fixation of the functional component.

[0011] The modulus of the rubber or resin constituting the support at 100% elongation at room temperature is preferably in the range of 0.5 MPa or more and less than 40.0 MPa. This allows the support to follow the deformation of the tire and prevent damage to the support. Furthermore, since the support is easily deformed, it is possible to mitigate impacts on functional parts and prevent damage to the functional parts. The modulus of the rubber or resin constituting the support at 100% elongation is measured in accordance with JIS K6251.

[0012] The adhesive has a storage modulus of 5.0 × 10 at -40°C. 8 Pa~1.0×10 10 Pa range, and the storage modulus at 150°C is 1.0×10 6 Pa ~ 5.0 × 10 7 It is preferable that the storage modulus is in the range of 10 Pa. This allows the functional part to be firmly bonded to the support. The storage modulus is measured in accordance with JIS K7244 using a viscoelasticity spectrometer in a tensile deformation mode under the conditions of a specified temperature, a frequency of 10 Hz, and an initial strain of 0.1%.

[0013] The functional component assembly of the present invention is used by being attached to the inner surface of a tire. In a tire having the functional component assembly of the present invention attached to the inner surface of the tire (hereinafter referred to as the "tire of the present invention"), due to the above-mentioned features of the functional component assembly of the present invention, when the functional component is accommodated in the support, the determining unit can reliably fix the functional component to the support, and damage to the support or the functional component can be prevented. Note that the tire of the present invention is preferably a pneumatic tire, but may also be a non-pneumatic tire. In the case of a pneumatic tire, the interior can be filled with air, an inert gas such as nitrogen, or other gases.

[0014] The method for assembling a functional component assembly of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the "assembly method of the present invention") is a method for assembling a functional component assembly of the present invention, in which adhesive is applied to the support before the functional component is accommodated in the support, the functional component is inserted through an opening, and then the degree of adhesive filling is judged by a judgment unit, and the adhesive is visually confirmed from the judgment unit to complete the assembly of the functional component assembly. In this way, the assembly method of the present invention can reliably fix the functional component to the support by the judgment unit when accommodating the functional component in the support, and can prevent damage to the support or the functional component. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B illustrate an embodiment of a functional component assembly according to the present invention, where 1A is a perspective view showing the entire functional component assembly, and 1B is a cross-sectional view of the functional component assembly when cut at a cross section including a determination section. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B illustrate another embodiment of a functional component assembly according to the present invention, where 1A is a perspective view showing the entire functional component assembly, and 1B is a cross-sectional view of the functional component assembly when cut at a cross section including a determination section. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B illustrate another embodiment of a functional component assembly according to the present invention, where 1A is a perspective view showing the entire functional component assembly, and 1B is a cross-sectional view of the functional component assembly when cut at a cross section including a determination section. [Figure 4]1A and 1B illustrate another embodiment of a functional component assembly according to the present invention, where 1A is a perspective view showing the entire functional component assembly, and 1B is a cross-sectional view of the functional component assembly when cut at a cross section including a determination section. [Figure 5] 10(A) to 10(D) are cross-sectional views illustrating other embodiments of the determination unit. [Figure 6] 10(A) to 10(C) are explanatory diagrams of a method for measuring the dimensions of the test part. [Figure 7] This figure illustrates another embodiment of a functional component assembly according to the present invention, with the upper figure being a cross-sectional view taken horizontally to include the determination portion, and the lower figure being a cross-sectional view taken vertically to include the determination portion. [Figure 8] 1A and 1B each illustrate another embodiment of a functional component assembly according to the present invention, and in each of 1A and 1B, the upper figure is a plan view of the support body and the functional component, and the lower figure is a perspective view of the support body and the functional component. [Figure 9] 1(A) to 1(D) are explanatory views of a method for assembling a functional component assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 is a meridian cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of a pneumatic tire in which a functional component assembly according to the present invention is attached to the inner surface of the tire. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a functional component assembly of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The functional component assembly 1 shown in Figures 1(A) and 1(B) includes a functional component 20 having a function of detecting the condition of a tire, and a support body 10 that houses the functional component 20 and is attached to the inner surface of the tire. An adhesive X is filled between the support body 10 and the functional component 20.

[0017] As shown in Figures 1(A) and (B), the support body 10 comprises a flat base 11 fixed to the inner surface of the tire, a cylindrical side wall 12 protruding from the base 11, a storage section 13 formed by the base 11 and the side wall 12 and into which the functional part 20 is inserted, an opening 14 connected to the storage section 13 and for inserting the functional part 20, and at least one determination section 15 provided in a position different from the opening 14.

[0018] The base 11 has a circular planar shape and is the longest (has the largest diameter) of all the components constituting the support 10. The sidewall 12 extends in a direction perpendicular to the base 11 and has a cylindrical shape as a whole. Therefore, the storage section 13 formed by the base 11 and the sidewall 12 has a cylindrical shape. Here, in FIGS. 1(A) and 1(B), both the base 11 and the sidewall 12 have a circular planar shape, but this is not limited thereto and they may be formed in other planar shapes. Furthermore, the planar shapes of the base 11 and the sidewall 12 may be formed in different planar shapes. The opening 14 communicates with the storage section 13.

[0019] The determination section 15 has the function of determining the degree to which the adhesive X has filled the gap between the support 10 and the functional component 20. The determination section 15 is a hole or notch formed to penetrate the side wall 12 in its thickness direction. In other words, the determination section 15 is a hole or notch formed in a location different from the opening 14 so as to communicate with the accommodation section 13. The shape of the determination section 15 can be any shape. For example, when the determination section 15 is formed as a hole, examples of shapes include a circle, a polygon, and an ellipse. However, considering that it is preferable that a force is applied uniformly around the circumference of the determination section 15, a circle is particularly preferable. Furthermore, when the determination section 15 is formed as a notch, examples of shapes include a polygon, a semicircle, a semiellipse, and shapes combining these.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 1(B), the functional component 20 includes a housing 21 and an electronic component 22. The housing 21 has a hollow structure and houses the electronic component 22 therein. The electronic component 22 is configured to appropriately include a sensor 23 for acquiring tire information, a transmitter, a receiver, a control circuit, a battery, and the like. Examples of tire information acquired by the sensor 23 include the internal temperature and pressure of the pneumatic tire, the amount of tread wear, road surface conditions, tire deformation, contact length, contact width, load, vibration, wheel rotation speed, and acceleration. For example, a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor are used to measure the internal temperature and internal pressure. To detect the amount of tread wear, a piezoelectric sensor (piezoelectric element) that directly or indirectly contacts the inner surface of the tire can be used as the sensor 23. The piezoelectric sensor (piezoelectric element) detects an output voltage corresponding to tire deformation, vibration, and impact during driving, and the amount of tread wear is detected based on the output voltage. The piezoelectric sensor (piezoelectric element) can detect output voltages corresponding to tire deformation, vibration, and impact during running even when in indirect contact with the tire inner surface via the housing 21 or support 10. Alternatively, an acceleration sensor or magnetic sensor can be used. The functional part 20 is configured to transmit tire information acquired by the sensor 23 to the outside of the tire. It is preferable that this tire information be transmitted periodically and automatically.

[0021] 1(B) is an example, and is not limited thereto. The external shape of the functional component 20 (housing 21) is not particularly limited, and examples include a cylindrical shape and a rectangular parallelepiped shape. These cylindrical and rectangular shapes do not necessarily have to be exact cylindrical or rectangular parallelepiped shapes, and for example, corners may be chamfered.

[0022] An adhesive X is filled between the support 10 and the functional component 20, so that the support 10 and the functional component 20 are fixed to each other. At least a portion of the bottom surface of the functional component 20 needs to be adhered to the support 10 with the adhesive X, but it is preferable that the entire bottom surface of the functional component 20 as well as some or all of the side surfaces be adhered. The adhesive X used preferably contains a pigment. The inclusion of a pigment in this way colors the adhesive X, making it easier for the judgment unit 15 to visually recognize the adhesive X and facilitating judgment when the functional component 20 is placed in the support 10, which is very preferable. Examples of adhesive X include polyurethane-based, polyacrylic-based, epoxy resin-based, cyanoacrylate-based, and rubber-based adhesives that are liquid at room temperature and harden through a chemical reaction to develop adhesive strength; or adhesives among these that are solid at room temperature and are melted when exposed to heat or other stimuli, and then solidify upon cooling to develop adhesive strength; or adhesives in the form of emulsions or latexes in which substances having these chemical structures are dispersed as fine particles in water, and that solidify upon application and develop adhesive strength when the water dries.

[0023] In the functional component assembly described above, adhesive X is filled between the support 10 and the functional component 20, thereby fixing at least a portion of the bottom surface of the functional component 20 to the support 10. The support 10 has an opening 14 for inserting the functional component 20 and a determination unit 15 provided at a location different from the opening 14 for determining the degree of filling of the adhesive X. When the functional component 20 is accommodated in the support 10, the adhesive X is applied to the support 10 and then the functional component 20 is inserted through the opening 14 of the support 10. After the insertion, the degree of filling of the adhesive X can be determined by checking the determination unit 15. For example, if the adhesive X can be visually confirmed through the determination unit 15, it is determined that the adhesive X has sufficiently spread (filled) within the support 10. Conversely, if the adhesive X cannot be visually confirmed through the determination unit 15, it is determined that the adhesive X has not sufficiently spread (filled) within the support 10, and the operation of accommodating the functional component 20 must be repeated. Furthermore, when the functional component 20 is placed in the support 10, air may enter the support 10 along with the adhesive. However, any air remaining between the support 10 and the functional component 20 is discharged from the determination unit 15, ensuring a sufficient adhesive area between the support 10 and the functional component 20. In this way, the determination unit 15 can reliably fix the functional component 20 to the support 10. Furthermore, even if the support 10 is filled with an excessive amount of adhesive X, the excess adhesive X is discharged from the determination unit 15, preventing the functional component 20 from being attached with the excessive amount of adhesive X remaining, thereby preventing damage to the support 10 or the functional component 20.

[0024] In the functional component assembly, the support 10 can be made of rubber or resin. The rubber or resin making up the support 10 preferably has a modulus (M100) at 100% elongation at room temperature in the range of 0.5 MPa or more and less than 40.0 MPa, and more preferably in the range of 2.0 MPa or more and less than 20.0 MPa. By appropriately setting the M100 of the rubber or resin making up the support 10 in this way, the support 10 can follow the deformation of the tire and prevent damage to the support 10. Furthermore, because the support 10 is easily deformed, it is possible to absorb impacts on the functional component 20 and prevent damage to the functional component 20.

[0025] Here, if the M100 of the rubber or resin constituting the support body 10 is less than 0.5 MPa, the support body 10 will be excessively soft and will not be able to hold the functional component 20 when the tire rolls, which may result in damage to the support body 10. On the other hand, if the M100 of the rubber or resin constituting the support body 10 is 40.0 MPa or more, it will not be able to follow the deformation of the tire, which may result in damage to the support body 10.

[0026] The adhesive X used to bond the support 10 and the functional part 20 has a storage modulus of 5.0×10 at −40° C. 8 Pa~1.0×10 10 Pa range, and the storage modulus at 150°C is 1.0×10 6 Pa ~ 5.0 × 10 7 It is preferable that the storage modulus is in the range of 10 Pa. By appropriately setting the storage modulus at each temperature in this manner, the functional part 20 can be firmly bonded to the support 10.

[0027] Here, if the storage modulus at each temperature falls below the lower limit of the above range, the adhesive X becomes excessively soft, and therefore the support 10 and the functional component 20 cannot be sufficiently fixed together. Conversely, if the storage modulus at each temperature exceeds the upper limit of the above range, the adhesive X may crack, causing the functional component 20 to fall off.

[0028] Figures 2(A), (B), 3(A), (B), and 4(A), (B) all illustrate other embodiments of the functional component assembly according to the present invention. In Figures 2(A), (B) to 4(A), (B), the same components as those in Figures 1(A) and (B) are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions of those components will be omitted.

[0029] 2(A) and 2(B), the determination section 15 is a circular hole formed at the lower part in the height direction of the side wall 12. When the determination section 15 is provided at a low position on the side wall 12 in this way, when the functional component 20 is accommodated in the support 10, the adhesive X is discharged from the determination section 15 at an early stage of insertion of the functional component 20. Therefore, the hole for measuring air pressure, which is generally formed on the upper surface of the functional component 20, is not blocked. Furthermore, the possibility that an operator will accidentally come into contact with the adhesive X when inserting the functional component 20 is reduced, thereby improving workability.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the determination section 15 is a notch formed at the upper end of the side wall 12 in the height direction. This notch has a shape that combines a semicircle and a rectangle. Furthermore, since the determination section 15 is formed at the upper end of the side wall 12 in the height direction, it is in communication with the opening 14 and is not closed like a hole. When the determination section 15 is provided at a high position on the side wall 12 in this way, the adhesive X is filled up to a high position on the support 10, thereby ensuring a large bonding area between the support 10 and the functional component 20. This improves the durability of the functional component assembly 1.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the side wall 12 is composed of a main body 12a extending perpendicular to the base 11 and an extension 12b bending from the upper end of the main body 12a and extending toward the center of the support 10. The extension 12b holds the functional component 20, restricting its vertical movement and preventing it from falling off the support 10. In this support 10, the determination portion 15 is a circular hole formed in the extension 12b so as not to communicate with the opening 14. When the determination portion 15 is provided on the extension 12b in this manner, the adhesive X is filled up to a high position on the support 10, thereby ensuring a large adhesive surface area between the support 10 and the functional component 20. This improves the durability of the functional component assembly 1. When the extension portion 12b is provided, the opening 14 becomes narrower than the functional component 20 (housing 21). However, by constructing the support body 10 from a flexible material such as rubber, the opening 14 narrowed by the extension portion 12b can be deformed to widen it, and the functional component 20 can be accommodated in the accommodation portion 13.

[0032] FIGS. 5A to 5D illustrate other embodiments of the determination section. As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5D, the determination section 15 may have a tapered shape. Specifically, the determination section 15 is formed so that its diameter increases from the inside (left side of the figure) of the support 10 toward the outside (right side of the figure). In a cross-sectional view of such a determination section 15, the determination section 15 is inclined relative to the horizontal direction, which is conveniently referred to as a slope 15t. FIG. 5A illustrates a case in which the slope 15t is formed only on the upper side. FIG. 5B illustrates a case in which the slope 15t is formed equally on both the upper and lower sides. FIG. 5C illustrates a case in which the slope 15t is formed on both the upper and lower sides, with the upper and lower slopes 15t having different angles relative to the horizontal direction (more specifically, the upper slope 15t has a larger angle relative to the horizontal direction than the lower slope 15t). FIG. 5D illustrates a case in which the slope 15t is formed only on the lower side. When the determination section 15 has a tapered shape, the slope 15t may be formed symmetrically on the upper and lower sides, or may be formed asymmetrically. Furthermore, in the determination section 15, the slope angle b of the imaginary center line L, which is a straight line connecting the center of one opening end and the center of the other opening end, with respect to the horizontal direction is preferably in the range of 1° to 75°. It is particularly preferable to form the slope 15t at least on the upper side, as shown in Figures 5(A) to 5(C), and more preferably to form the slope 15t on both the upper and lower sides, and for the imaginary center line L to be inclined upward, as shown in Figure 5(C).

[0033] The tapered shape of the determination section 15 can increase the fluidity of the adhesive X and promote efficient air discharge. It can also improve the ease of demolding from a mold when manufacturing the support 10.

[0034] In the functional component assembly, the dimensions of the determination section 15 are preferably set as follows. That is, the maximum length R and minimum length r of the determination section 15 are preferably each in the range of 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm. The maximum length R and minimum length r are the lengths of each part of the determination section 15 measured so as to pass through the center of gravity g of the determination section 15 (see FIGS. 6(A) to 6(C)). FIG. 6(A) shows a case where the determination section 15 is a circular hole, and the maximum length R and minimum length r are both equivalent to the diameter of the circle and are the same. FIG. 6(B) shows a case where the determination section 15 is a rectangular hole, where the maximum length R corresponds to the length of the diagonal and the minimum length r corresponds to the length of the short side. FIG. 6(C) shows a case where the determination section 15 is a notch formed at the upper end of the side wall 12 in the height direction (see FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B)). In this case, when measuring the maximum length R and the minimum length r, a closed figure (hatched area in Figure 6(C)) formed by an imaginary line M (dashed line in Figure 6(C)) connecting two points at the upper end of the side wall 12 including the determination section 15 and the outline of the determination section 15 is treated.

[0035] By appropriately setting the maximum length R and minimum length r of the determination section 15 in this way, it is possible to ensure sufficient visibility of the adhesive X by the determination section 15, thereby making it possible to perform the determination work efficiently and reliably. In addition, it is possible to prevent excessive load from being applied to the determination section 15, and to make it easier to discharge air remaining between the support 10 and the functional component 20 from the determination section 15.

[0036] Here, if the maximum length R or minimum length r of the determination section 15 is smaller than the lower limit of the above range, the visibility of the determination section 15 deteriorates, making it difficult for the determination section 15 to perform the determination work, and furthermore, there is a risk that air remaining between the support 10 and the functional component 20 will not be expelled from the determination section 15. On the other hand, if the maximum length R or minimum length r of the determination section 15 is larger than the upper limit of the above range, the load on the determination section 15 increases, and there is a risk that the support 10 will be damaged.

[0037] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a functional component assembly according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the determination units 15 are provided at multiple locations (four locations in FIG. 7) around the periphery of the side wall 12. These determination units 15 are all provided at the same height on the side wall 12. In such a support 10, a line connecting the center c of the functional component 20 and the center of gravity g of each determination unit 15 is designated as line N, and the angles formed by adjacent lines N (four angles in FIG. 7) are measured. In this case, the number n of determination units 15 and the maximum angle a [rad], which is the largest of the measured angles, preferably satisfy the relationship 2π / n≦a≦14π / 5n, and more preferably satisfy the relationship 2π / n≦a≦7π / 3n. This means that, for example, when there are four determination units 15 around the periphery of the side wall 12 as shown in FIG. 7, the maximum angle a is preferably in the range of 90° to 126°, and more preferably in the range of 90° to 105°.

[0038] By setting the maximum angle a to satisfy the above relational expression in this way, the determination sections 15 are arranged at appropriate intervals on the circumference of the functional component 20, thereby ensuring reliable determination by the determination sections 15. Furthermore, when the determination sections 15 are provided at multiple locations on the support 10, the number n of the determination sections 15 is preferably 8 or less, more preferably 2 to 7, and most preferably 3 to 4. Here, if the number n of the determination sections 15 is 9 or more, the durability of the support 10 decreases, which is not preferred.

[0039] 8A and 8B illustrate another embodiment of a functional component assembly according to the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the support 10 and the functional component 20 each have a plurality of outlet paths 31 and 32. These outlet paths 31 and 32 are grooves for discharging air remaining between the support 10 and the functional component 20, and are recessed from the surface of the support 10 or the functional component 20. The outlet paths 31 and 32 can be formed as straight or curved lines, but straight lines are preferred for achieving the desired air discharge effect. Preferably, the outlet paths 31 and 32 extend from the center of the adhesive surface between the support 10 and the functional component 20 (i.e., the center of the bottom surface of each). Preferably, multiple outlet paths 31 and 32 are provided and arranged radially. Preferably, the outlet paths 31 and 32 extend to the edge of the surface formed on the support 10 or the functional component 20. In the present invention, any of these suitable forms of the lead-out path may be employed alone, or a combination of a plurality of forms may be employed.

[0040] In FIG. 8(A), two curved lead-out paths 31a are formed on the upper surface of the base 11 within the housing portion 13, and four curved lead-out paths 31b are formed on the inner wall surface of the side wall 12 so as to connect the determination portion 15 and the outer ends of the lead-out paths 31a. In addition, two curved lead-out paths 32 are formed on the bottom surface of the functional component 20. On the other hand, in FIG. 8(B), eight straight lead-out paths 31a are formed on the upper surface of the base 11 within the housing portion 13, and eight straight lead-out paths 31b are formed on the inner wall surface of the side wall 12 so as to connect the determination portion 15 and the outer ends of the lead-out paths 31a. In addition, eight straight lead-out paths 32 are formed on the bottom surface of the functional component 20.

[0041] The cross-sectional shape of the outlet paths 31, 32 is not particularly limited, and may be formed, for example, as a polygon or semicircle. However, in consideration of the function as a flow path for the adhesive X and air, it is preferable that the groove width of the outlet paths 31, 32 does not increase in the depth direction. Furthermore, the maximum cross-sectional area S of the outlet paths 31, 32 is 0.2 mm 2 ~1.5mm 2By appropriately setting the maximum cross-sectional area S of the outlet paths 31, 32 in this manner, a sufficient flow path for discharging air can be secured, which contributes to the strong fixation of the functional component 20. Here, when the maximum cross-sectional area S of the outlet paths 31, 32 is 0.2 mm 2 If the maximum cross-sectional area S of the outlet paths 31 and 32 is smaller than 1.5 mm, the discharge effect of the outlet paths 31 and 32 cannot be obtained sufficiently. 2 If it is larger than this, air may remain in the outlet paths 31 and 32, or the adhesive may not spread sufficiently, which may cause poor adhesion.

[0042] By providing the outlet paths 31, 32 in this manner, air remaining between the support 10 and the functional component 20 can be easily discharged through the outlet paths 31, 32, thereby ensuring a sufficient adhesive area between the support 10 and the functional component 20 and contributing to a strong fixation of the functional component 20. In firmly fixing the functional component 20, it is most effective to form the outlet paths 31, 32 in both the support 10 and the functional component 20, and the next most effective is to form the outlet path 32 only in the functional component 20. Furthermore, when the outlet paths 31, 32 are in communication with the determination unit 15, it is possible to discharge air mixed in the adhesive X, so that a sufficient adhesive area can be more effectively secured between the support 10 and the functional component 20, and the functional component 20 can be fixed more firmly.

[0043] 8(A) and 8(B) show an example in which the lead-out paths 31, 32 are formed in the support 10 and the functional component 20, respectively, but this is not limited to this and it is also possible to provide lead-out paths in only one of the support 10 and the functional component 20. Also, while Figures 8(A) and 8(B) show an example in which the lead-out paths 31, 32 having the same shape are formed in the bottom surfaces of the support 10 and the functional component 20, this is not limited to this and they may be formed in different shapes.

[0044] Next, an assembly method of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIGS. 9(A) to 9(D), when assembling a functional component assembly 1 consisting of a support 10 and a functional component 20, an empty support 10 is first prepared (see FIG. 9(A)). Before accommodating the functional component 20 in the support 10, adhesive X is applied to the upper surface of the base 11 in the accommodation section 13 (see FIG. 9(B)). The functional component 20 is then inserted through the opening 14 (see FIG. 9(C)), and the degree of filling of the adhesive X is judged by the judgment section 15. At this time, as shown in FIG. 9(D), if the adhesive X can be visually confirmed from the judgment section 15, it is judged that the adhesive X has sufficiently spread (filled) within the support 10. Conversely, if the adhesive X cannot be visually confirmed from the judgment section 15, it is judged that the adhesive X has not sufficiently spread (filled) within the support 10.

[0045] If the adhesive X can be visually confirmed from the determination unit 15 through this determination process, the assembly of the functional component assembly 1 is completed. On the other hand, if the adhesive X cannot be visually confirmed from the determination unit 15, the process of accommodating the functional component 20 is repeated again. Specifically, the functional component 20 is removed from the support 10, more adhesive X is applied to the support 10, and the functional component 20 is then inserted into the support 10. After this reinsertion, the adhesive X is visually confirmed from the determination unit 15. If the adhesive X can be visually confirmed from the determination unit 15, the assembly process is completed. If the adhesive X cannot be visually confirmed from the determination unit 15, the process of accommodating the functional component 20 described above is repeated until the adhesive X can be visually confirmed from the determination unit 15. Alternatively, instead of removing and reinserting the functional component 20, if the adhesive X cannot be visually confirmed from the determination unit 15, the functional component 20 may be pushed further into the support 10 until the adhesive X can be visually confirmed from the determination unit 15, thereby spreading the adhesive X between the two components. In this way, when the functional component 20 is accommodated in the support 10, the determination unit 15 can reliably fix the functional component 20 to the support 10, and damage to the support 10 or the functional component 20 can be prevented.

[0046] Fig. 10 shows a pneumatic tire having a functional component assembly fixed to the inner surface of the tire. As shown in Fig. 10, the pneumatic tire T has a tread portion t extending in the tire circumferential direction and forming an annular shape, a pair of sidewall portions s disposed on both sides of the tread portion t, and a pair of bead portions b disposed radially inward of the sidewall portions s.

[0047] A carcass layer 4 is mounted between the pair of bead portions b. This carcass layer 4 includes a plurality of reinforcing cords extending in the tire radial direction, and is folded back from the inside to the outside of the tire around a bead core 5 arranged in each bead portion b. A bead filler 6 made of a rubber composition and having a triangular cross section is arranged on the outer periphery of the bead core 5. An inner liner layer 9 is arranged in the region between the pair of bead portions b on the tire inner surface Ts. This inner liner layer 9 forms the tire inner surface Ts.

[0048] On the other hand, multiple belt layers 7 are embedded on the outer peripheral side of the carcass layer 4 in the tread portion t. These belt layers 7 include multiple reinforcing cords that are inclined with respect to the tire circumferential direction, and are arranged so that the reinforcing cords cross each other between the layers. In the belt layers 7, the inclination angle of the reinforcing cords with respect to the tire circumferential direction is set to a range of 10° to 40°, for example. Steel cords are preferably used as the reinforcing cords of the belt layers 7. At least one belt cover layer 8 is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the belt layer 7, with the aim of improving high-speed durability, and the reinforcing cords are arranged at an angle of, for example, 5° or less with respect to the tire circumferential direction. As the reinforcing cords of the belt cover layer 8, organic fiber cords such as nylon and aramid are preferably used.

[0049] The above-described tire internal structure is a typical example of a pneumatic tire, but is not limited to this.

[0050] In the above-mentioned pneumatic tire, the functional component assembly 1 can be attached to any part of the tire inner surface Ts, but it is desirable to attach it to the tire inner surface Ts corresponding to the tread portion t among the tread portion t, sidewall portion s, and bead portion b, because it is less likely to deform during running and is less likely to come off due to the application of centrifugal force.

[0051] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the functional component assembly is attached to a pneumatic tire has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this and can also be applied to a non-pneumatic tire. [Example]

[0052] The functional component assembly is comprised of a functional component having the function of detecting the condition of a tire and a support body that houses the functional component and is attached to the inner surface of the tire, and at least a portion of the bottom surface of the functional component is fixed to the support body by filling an adhesive between the support body and the functional component. Functional component assemblies of the conventional example and Examples 1 to 9 were produced with the presence or absence of a determination unit, the characteristics of the determination unit (maximum length R, minimum length r, number, maximum angle a), and the presence or absence of an outlet path set as shown in Table 1.

[0053] These functional part assemblies were evaluated for adhesive filling properties and breakage resistance using the following test methods, and the results are shown in Table 1.

[0054] Adhesive Filling: Ten functional component assemblies for each of the conventional example and Examples 1 to 9 were disassembled, and the adhesive surfaces between the support and the functional component were checked to measure the effective adhesive area. This effective adhesive area refers to the adhesive area between the support and the functional component, excluding the area of ​​air pockets due to air remaining between the support and the functional component. The evaluation results were expressed as an index, with the measured value for the conventional example being 100. The larger the index value, the larger the effective adhesive area, and the better the state of filling of the adhesive into the support.

[0055] Breakage resistance: Each functional component assembly was mounted on a 275 / 40R21 tire with a 21x9.5J rim, and a running test was conducted using a drum testing machine under conditions of a load of 88% of the maximum load and an air pressure of 350kPa. Specifically, communication between the functional components was checked while increasing the speed by 10km / h every 10 minutes from an initial speed of 260km / h, and the vehicle was run until communication was no longer possible, at which point the running speed was measured. The evaluation results were expressed as an index, with the conventional example being set at 100. A higher index value indicates better resistance to breakage.

[0056] [Table 1]

[0057] As can be seen from Table 1, the functional component assemblies of Examples 1 to 9 had improved adhesive filling properties and breakage resistance compared to the conventional example. In the functional component assemblies of Examples 1 to 9, the adhesive filling condition could be confirmed by the judgment unit, which allowed the functional components to be securely fixed to the support body and prevented damage to the support body and functional components.

[0058] The present disclosure encompasses the following inventions. Invention [1] is a functional component assembly comprising a functional component having a function of detecting the condition of a tire, and a support body that houses the functional component and is attached to the inner surface of the tire, wherein an adhesive is filled between the support body and the functional component, thereby fixing at least a portion of the bottom surface of the functional component to the support body, and the support body is provided with an opening for inserting the functional component, and a judgment unit that is provided in a position different from the opening and that judges the degree of filling of the adhesive. Invention [2] is a functional component assembly according to invention [1], characterized in that the maximum length R and minimum length r of the determination part, measured so as to pass through the center of gravity of the determination part, are each in the range of 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm. Invention [3] is a functional component assembly according to invention [1] or [2], characterized in that the judgment sections are provided at multiple locations on the support body, and the number n of the judgment sections and the maximum angle a [rad] between the center of the functional component and each of the judgment sections satisfy the relationship 2π / n≦a≦14π / 5n. Invention [4] is a functional component assembly according to any one of Inventions [1] to [3], characterized in that the support body and / or the functional component have an outlet path formed therein for discharging air remaining between the support body and the functional component. Invention [5] is a functional component assembly according to any one of Inventions [1] to [4], characterized in that the modulus of the rubber or resin constituting the support at 100% elongation at room temperature is in the range of 0.5 MPa or more and less than 40.0 MPa. Invention [6] is a method for manufacturing a adhesive having a storage modulus of 5.0 × 10 at -40 °C. 8 Pa~1.0×10 10 Pa range, and the storage modulus at 150°C is 1.0×10 6 Pa ~ 5.0 × 10 7 The functional part assembly according to any one of the inventions [1] to [5], characterized in that the thermal expansion coefficient is in the range of Pa. The invention [7] is a tire characterized in that the functional component assembly according to any one of the inventions [1] to [6] is attached to the inner surface of the tire. Invention [8] is an assembly method for assembling a functional component assembly according to any one of inventions [1] to [6], characterized in that the adhesive is applied to the support before the functional component is accommodated in the support, the functional component is inserted through the opening, and then the determination unit determines the degree of filling of the adhesive, and the adhesive is visually confirmed from the determination unit to complete the assembly of the functional component assembly. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1 Functional component assembly 10 Support 11 Base 12 Side wall 13 Storage section 14 Openings 15 Judgment section 20 Functional parts T Pneumatic tire Ts tire inner surface t Tread s Sidewall b Bead part X Adhesive

Claims

1. A functional component assembly comprising a functional component having a function of detecting a tire condition and a support body that houses the functional component and is attached to an inner surface of the tire, an adhesive is filled between the support body and the functional component, so that at least a part of a bottom surface of the functional component is fixed to the support body; A functional component assembly characterized in that the support body has an opening for inserting the functional component and a judgment portion provided at a position different from the opening for judging the degree of filling of the adhesive.

2. 2. The functional component assembly according to claim 1, wherein the maximum length R and minimum length r of the determination portion measured so as to pass through the center of gravity of the determination portion are each in the range of 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm.

3. 2. The functional component assembly according to claim 1, wherein the determination portions are provided at a plurality of locations on the support body, and the number n of the determination portions and the maximum angle a [rad] formed between the center of the functional component and each of the determination portions satisfy the relationship 2π / n≦a≦14π / 5n.

4. 2. The functional component assembly according to claim 1, wherein the support body and / or the functional component has an outlet path formed therein for discharging air remaining between the support body and the functional component.

5. 2. The functional component assembly according to claim 1, wherein the modulus of the rubber or resin constituting the support at 100% elongation at room temperature is in the range of 0.5 MPa or more and less than 40.0 MPa.

6. The adhesive has a storage modulus of −40° C. of 5.0×10 8 Pa ~ 1.0 x 10 10 Pa range, and the storage modulus at 150°C is 1.0 × 10 6 Pa ~ 5.0 x 10 7 2. The functional component assembly according to claim 1, wherein the functional component assembly has a temperature within a range of 1000 to 15000 Pa.

7. A tire comprising the functional component assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6 attached to the inner surface of the tire.

8. An assembly method for assembling the functional component assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising the steps of: a method for assembling a functional component assembly, characterized in that the adhesive is applied to the support before the functional component is accommodated in the support, the functional component is inserted through the opening, and then the judgment unit judges the degree of filling of the adhesive, and the adhesive is visually confirmed from the judgment unit to complete the assembly of the functional component assembly.

Images