pneumatic tires
The tire design with a communication device and flat antenna aligned along the tire's outer surface addresses posture-dependent communication issues, enhancing performance and durability by reducing stress and improving electromagnetic coupling.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP Β· JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BRIDGESTONE CORP
- Filing Date
- 2022-09-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-22
Smart Images
Figure 0007893692000001 
Figure 0007893692000002 
Figure 0007893692000003
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to pneumatic tires.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, pneumatic tires equipped with a communication device such as an RF (Radio Frequency) tag having a memory or the like for reading and writing data such as tire manufacturing management, shipping management, and usage history management are known (for example, Patent Document 1). As such a communication device, a configuration having a flat antenna having a portion in which a predetermined shape is repeatedly arranged has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 2).
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Patent Document 2
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] When applying a communication device including a flat antenna (hereinafter referred to as "flat antenna") described in Patent Document 2 to a pneumatic tire, the communication performance of the flat antenna may vary depending on the arrangement posture of the communication device.
[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a pneumatic tire capable of improving the communication performance of a communication device including a flat antenna.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] The pneumatic tire according to the first aspect of the present invention is (1) a tire body, and The system comprises a communication device embedded in the tire body or attached to the inner surface of the tire body, The aforementioned communication device is equipped with a flat antenna, The communication device is a pneumatic tire in which the direction within the antenna plane, perpendicular to the thickness direction of the flattened antenna, is positioned along the outer surface of the tire body.
[0007] One embodiment of the present invention is a pneumatic tire, (2) The aforementioned communication device is A substrate containing an IC chip, The system comprises the flattened antenna and the outer casing that holds the substrate on a holding surface, The communication device is the pneumatic tire described in (1) above, wherein the holding surface of the outer casing faces the outer surface of the tire body.
[0008] One embodiment of the present invention is a pneumatic tire, (3) The aforementioned communication device is A substrate containing an IC chip, The system comprises the flattened antenna and the outer casing that holds the substrate on a holding surface, The communication device is the pneumatic tire described in (1) above, wherein the surface of the outer casing opposite to the retaining surface faces the outer surface of the tire body.
[0009] One embodiment of the present invention is a pneumatic tire, (4) The flattened antenna is a flattened linear antenna that extends in a meander shape, a wavy shape, or a zigzag shape along the direction in the antenna plane, and is a pneumatic tire according to any one of (1) to (3) above.
[0010] One embodiment of the present invention is a pneumatic tire, (5) The communication device is embedded in the sidewall portion of the tire body on one side in the tire radial direction with respect to the folded end of the carcass. The air-filled tire according to (4) above, wherein the tip of the flat linear antenna is not arranged at a position that is the other end of the flat linear antenna in the tire radial direction.
[0011] An air-filled tire as one embodiment of the present invention is (6) The air-filled tire according to (5) above, wherein the tip of the flat linear antenna terminates so as to face the one side in the tire radial direction of the flat linear antenna.
Advantages of the Invention
[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an air-filled tire capable of improving the communication performance of a communication device provided with a flat antenna.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0013] [Figure 1] It is a cross-sectional view in the tire width direction of an air-filled tire as one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a plan view of the communication device. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of the communication device. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view of the communication device with the lid of the exterior body removed. [Figure 5] It is an exploded perspective view of the communication device. [Figure 6] It is a plan view of the flat antenna. [Figure 7] It is a partial cross-sectional view of the communication device. [Figure 8] It is a view showing an enlarged view of the vicinity of the communication device in the side view of the air-filled tire shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 9] It is a view showing a modified example in which the orientation of the communication device shown in FIG. 1 is changed. [Figure 10] It is a view showing a modified example of the arrangement position of the communication device shown in FIG. 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the pneumatic tire according to the present invention will be illustrated and described with reference to the drawings. In each figure, identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0015] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view in the tire width direction of a pneumatic tire 50 as one embodiment of the pneumatic tire according to the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the pneumatic tire 50 comprises a tire body 60 and a communication device 10. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the pneumatic tire 50 will be simply referred to as "tire 50".
[0016] Figure 1 shows only one half of the tire 50 in the tire width direction C, with the tire equatorial plane CL as the boundary. The other half has a similar configuration, except for the presence or absence of the communication device 10. However, the tire 50 may have an asymmetrical portion with respect to the tire equatorial plane CL as the boundary.
[0017] The tire 50 shown in Figure 1 is a truck / bus tire, but other heavy-duty tires or passenger car tires may also be used.
[0018] [Tire body 60] The internal structure of the tire body 60 is not particularly limited, but the following configuration can be exemplified. The tire body 60 comprises a pair of bead portions 51, a pair of sidewall portions 52 connected to the bead portions 51, and a tread portion 53 connected to the pair of sidewall portions 52. A bead core 51a is embedded in the bead portion 51, and a stiffener 51b is positioned on the outside of the bead core 51a in the tire radial direction E. In this embodiment, multiple stiffeners 51b1 and 51b2 with different hardnesses (two in this embodiment) are provided as stiffeners 51b. The stiffener 51b1 located on the inside in the tire radial direction E is harder than the stiffener 51b2 located on the outside in the tire radial direction E.
[0019] Furthermore, the tire body 60 includes a carcass 54 consisting of one or more carcass plies that toroidally straddle the pair of bead portions 51. The carcass 54 is wrapped around the bead core 51a and folded back from the inside to the outside in the tire width direction C, and extends to the folded end 54a. The carcass plies may be made of radially arranged carcass cords covered with rubber. In this example, the carcass cords are made of steel cords. The number of carcass plies is not particularly limited. The diameter of the carcass cords is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 0.8 to 1.2 mm.
[0020] A belt 55 consisting of one or more (four in the illustrated example) belt plies 55a to 55d is arranged on the outer side of the crown portion of the carcass 54 in the tire radial direction E. Tread rubber 53a is arranged on the outer side of the belt 55 in the tire radial direction E. In this example, the belt cords of the belt 55 are steel cords. The belt cords can be inclined at an angle of inclination of, for example, 30 to 60Β° with respect to the tire circumferential direction F. The number of belt layers and the belt width are not particularly limited. Also, as shown in Figure 1, cushion rubber 53b may be arranged near the end of the belt 55.
[0021] In addition to the bead core 51a and stiffener 51b described above, the bead portion 51 is provided with a rubber chafer 51c, a nylon chafer 51d, a wire chafer 51e, and a hat rubber 51f. Furthermore, a side rubber 52a is positioned on the outer side of the carcass 54 in the tire width direction C, extending from the bead portion 51 to the sidewall portion 52.
[0022] The outer surface of the tire body 60 in this embodiment is composed of a rubber chafer 51c of the bead portion 51, side rubber 52a of the bead portion 51 and sidewall portion 52, and tread rubber 53a of the tread portion 53.
[0023] Furthermore, the inner surface of the tire body 60 in this embodiment faces the tire cavity 60a and is composed of an inner liner 56 that extends over the bead portion 51, the sidewall portion 52, and the tread portion 53.
[0024] [Communication device 10] Figure 2 is a plan view of the communication device 10. The communication device 10 in this embodiment is an RF tag. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the communication device 10. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the communication device 10 with the cover 32 of the outer casing 3 removed. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the communication device 10. Figure 6 is a plan view of the flat antenna 2. Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the communication device 10. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of section II in Figure 3.
[0025] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the communication device 10 comprises a substrate 1, a flat antenna 2, and an outer casing 3. For the sake of explanation, the longitudinal direction (left-right direction in Figure 2) of the retaining surface 31a of the outer casing 3 (see Figure 4) is referred to as the X direction. One direction of the X direction (right direction in Figure 2) is referred to as the +X direction. The other direction of the X direction (left direction in Figure 2) is referred to as the -X direction. The short direction of the retaining surface 31a of the outer casing 3 (see Figure 4) is referred to as the Y direction. The Y direction is perpendicular to the X direction in the plane along the retaining surface 31a. One direction of the Y direction (up direction in Figure 2) is referred to as the +Y direction. The other direction of the Y direction (down direction in Figure 2) is referred to as the -Y direction. The direction perpendicular to the retaining surface 31a of the outer casing 3 is referred to as the Z direction. The Z direction is perpendicular to the X and Y directions. Viewing from the Z direction is called a plan view (see Figure 2). The Z axis is the central axis along the Z direction.
[0026] As shown in Figure 4, the substrate 1 comprises an IC chip 11, an antenna 12, and a base material 13.
[0027] The base material 13 is formed in a plate shape. The shape of the base material 13 in plan view is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that at least a part of the outer edge 13a is curved. Examples of curved shapes include elliptical arcs, circular arcs, and higher-order curves (e.g., quadratic curves). Examples of higher-order curves include parabolic and hyperbolic shapes. The outer shape of the base material 13 in plan view may be, for example, elliptical, circular, or oblong (racetrack shape). A non-circular outer shape of the base material 13 in plan view is preferable. In this embodiment, the base material 13 is elliptical. The base material 13 is positioned with its major axis oriented in the X direction. As the base material 13, glass epoxy resin substrates, ceramics, plastic films, etc., can be used.
[0028] The IC chip 11 allows for contactless writing and reading of information via the antenna 12 and the flat antenna 2. The IC chip 11 is mounted on the substrate 13.
[0029] The antenna 12 is, for example, a conductive layer formed on one surface of the substrate 13. The conductive layer is composed of, for example, a conductive foil, a plating layer, a conductive ink layer, etc. The conductive foil is a metal foil composed of, for example, copper, silver, gold, platinum, aluminum, etc. The conductive foil is formed into a predetermined shape by etching or the like. The plating layer is composed of, for example, a metal such as copper, silver, gold, platinum, or aluminum. The conductive ink layer is formed by printing or the like using conductive ink. The conductive ink contains conductive particles made of metal, carbon material, etc.
[0030] The antenna 12 is formed in a loop shape. The antenna 12 has a curved shape that follows, for example, the outer edge 13a of the base material 13. The antenna 12 is formed in an elliptical loop shape. The antenna 12 is electrically connected to the IC chip 11.
[0031] The flat antenna 2 is an antenna for the booster. The flat antenna 2 is, for example, a linear body. The flat antenna 2 is made of a metal such as steel, stainless steel, copper, or a copper alloy. The flat antenna 2 can be made of, for example, brass-plated steel wire. The flat antenna 2 is separate from the substrate 1. The flat antenna 2 is not limited to a flat linear antenna made of a linear body as in this embodiment, and only needs to extend in the in-plane direction B (in this embodiment, the in-plane direction of the XY plane) perpendicular to the thickness direction A (in this embodiment, the Z direction). The flat antenna 2 may be, for example, a flat plate antenna made of a plate-like body.
[0032] The flattened antenna 2 comprises an electromagnetic field coupling section 21 and a pair of extension sections 22. The electromagnetic field coupling section 21 has a curved shape. A "curved shape" is a shape that bends smoothly without any sharp bends. Examples of curved shapes include elliptical arcs, circular arcs, and higher-order curves (e.g., quadratic curves). Examples of "higher-order curves" include parabolic and hyperbolic shapes. The electromagnetic field coupling section 21 is semi-elliptical. More specifically, the electromagnetic field coupling section 21 is semi-elliptical, extending from one vertex of an ellipse (the vertex intersecting the major axis) to the other vertex (the vertex intersecting the major axis).
[0033] The electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 has a shape that surrounds at least a part of the substrate 1 in a plan view. The electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 surrounds the range (half-circumference on the +Y direction side) from one vertex (the vertex intersecting the major axis) to the other vertex (the vertex intersecting the major axis) of the elliptical substrate 1.
[0034] The electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 has a curved shape (for example, an elliptical arc) that follows the outer edge 12a of the antenna 12 in a plan view. The distance between the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 and the outer edge 12a is approximately constant. The electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 is located outside the outer edge 13a of the substrate 1, and close to the outer edge 13a, in a plan view. The electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 has a shape that follows the outer edge 13a in a plan view. The distance between the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 and the outer edge 13a is approximately constant.
[0035] The electromagnetic field coupling unit 21 couples with the antenna 12 in a non-contact manner. Electromagnetic field coupling refers to either electric field coupling or magnetic field coupling. The cross-sectional shape of the electromagnetic field coupling unit 21 perpendicular to its length is, for example, circular (see Figure 7).
[0036] The pair of extensions 22 extend from one end 21a of the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21, respectively. As shown in Figure 6, the first extension 22A, one of the pair of extensions 22, extends in the -X direction from the -X end 21a of the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21, meandering along the -X direction. The second extension 22B, the other of the pair of extensions 22, extends in the +X direction from the +X end 21a of the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21, meandering along the +X direction.
[0037] The plan view shape of the extension portion 22 is, for example, a meandering shape, a wavy shape, a zigzag shape, etc. The extension portion 22 has a meandering shape.
[0038] As shown in Figure 5, the extension 22 comprises a plurality of straight sections 23 and a plurality of folded sections 24. The straight sections 23 are straight lines along the Y direction. The plurality of straight sections 23 are spaced apart in the X direction. The folded sections 24 connect the ends of adjacent straight sections 23. The folded sections 24 have a curved shape (for example, an arc shape).
[0039] Of the multiple straight sections 23, the straight section 23 closest to the electromagnetic field coupling section 21 is called the "first straight section 23A". Of the multiple straight sections 23, the straight section 23 second closest to the electromagnetic field coupling section 21 is called the "second straight section 23B". Of the multiple straight sections 23, the straight section 23 third closest to the electromagnetic field coupling section 21 is called the "third straight section 23C". The folded section 24 connecting the first straight section 23A and the second straight section 23B is called the "first folded section 24A". The folded section 24 connecting the second straight section 23B and the third straight section 23C is called the "second folded section 24B".
[0040] The first straight section 23A extends in the -Y direction from the end 21a of the electromagnetic field coupling section 21. The first folded section 24A curves and extends from the -Y end of the first straight section 23A to reach the -Y end of the second straight section 23B. Of the extended section 22, the first straight section 23A and a portion of the first folded section 24A are inside the outer casing 3, but the rest of the extended section 22 extends outside the outer casing 3 (see Figure 4).
[0041] The outer casing 3 holds the substrate 1 and the flat antenna 2 on the holding surface 31a.
[0042] More specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the exterior body 3 of this embodiment comprises a plate-shaped main body 31 and a plate-shaped lid 32. One side of the main body 31 in the thickness direction is the retaining surface 31a. In the communication device 10 of this embodiment, the substrate 1 and the flat antenna 2 are held on the retaining surface 31a of the main body 31, and the lid 32 is attached so as to cover the retaining surface 31a of the main body 31. As a result, the entire substrate 1 and a part of the flat antenna 2 are housed between the retaining surface 31a of the main body 31 and the lid 32.
[0043] The outer casing 3 is plate-shaped overall. The main body 31 and the lid 32 are formed of, for example, resin. Examples of resins include polyamide resins such as nylon 6,6; polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET); polyolefin resins such as polyethylene; polyfluoroethylene resins such as polyvinyl fluoride; vinyl polymers such as polyvinyl chloride; and acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate.
[0044] As shown in Figure 5, the main body portion 31 is rectangular in plan view. One side of the main body portion 31, the retaining surface 31a, has a substrate retaining recess 37 (substrate retaining portion), an antenna retaining groove 34, and a pair of side recesses 35. The substrate retaining recess 37 is formed by the substrate retaining protrusions 33. The substrate retaining recess 37 is a recess surrounded by the substrate retaining protrusions 33.
[0045] The substrate holding projection 33 is an annular rib-shaped projection. The substrate holding projection 33 has a curved shape (for example, an elliptical shape) that follows the outer edge 13a of the substrate 1. The substrate holding projection 33 protrudes from the holding surface 31a in the +Z direction. The shape of the cross section of the substrate holding projection 33 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is, for example, rectangular. In a plan view, the substrate holding projection 33 has a curved shape (for example, an elliptical shape) that follows the outer edge 12a of the antenna 12.
[0046] The substrate holding recess 37 holds the substrate 1. The substrate holding recess 37 is shaped to follow the outer edge 13a of the substrate 1 (for example, elliptical). The internal dimensions (inner diameter) of the substrate holding recess 37 are approximately the same as, or slightly larger than, the external dimensions (outer diameter) of the substrate 1. In plan view, the substrate holding recess 37 is similar in shape to the substrate 1.
[0047] If the substrate 1 and the substrate holding recess 37 are non-circular (for example, elliptical), it is possible to restrict the tilting of the substrate 1 around the Z-axis and maintain the correct orientation of the substrate 1. Therefore, the electromagnetic field coupling between the antenna 12 and the electromagnetic field coupling part 21 can be maintained.
[0048] The antenna retaining groove 34 accommodates the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 of the flat antenna 2 (see Figures 4 and 7). The antenna retaining groove 34 is formed on the outside of the substrate retaining projection 33, and close to the substrate retaining projection 33. In a plan view, the antenna retaining groove 34 has a shape that follows the substrate retaining projection 33. In a plan view, the antenna retaining groove 34 has a curved shape (for example, an elliptical arc) that follows the outer edge 12a of the antenna 12. In a plan view, the antenna retaining groove 34 has a curved shape (for example, an elliptical arc) that follows the outer edge 13a of the substrate 1. In a plan view, the antenna retaining groove 34 has a semi-elliptical shape. More specifically, the antenna retaining groove 34 has a semi-elliptical shape extending from one vertex of the ellipse (the vertex intersecting the major axis) to the other vertex (the vertex intersecting the major axis).
[0049] The antenna retaining groove 34 is shaped to surround at least a portion of the substrate 1 in a plan view. The antenna retaining groove 34 surrounds the area (half-circumference on the +Y direction side) from one vertex (the vertex intersecting the major axis) to the other vertex (the vertex intersecting the major axis) of the elliptical substrate 1.
[0050] As shown in Figure 7, the cross-section of the antenna retaining groove 34 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is, for example, rectangular. The width (internal dimension) W1 of the antenna retaining groove 34 is greater than the outer diameter (external dimension) D1 of the electromagnetic field coupling part 21. The difference between the width W1 and the outer diameter D1 can be, for example, 0.01 mm to 1 mm (preferably 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm). Because the width W1 of the antenna retaining groove 34 is greater than the outer diameter D1 of the electromagnetic field coupling part 21, the electromagnetic field coupling part 21 is housed in the antenna retaining groove 34 in a state where it can be displaced in the radial direction (for example, the Y direction). The "radial direction" is the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electromagnetic field coupling part 21. The electromagnetic field coupling part 21 is also displaceable in the longitudinal direction relative to the antenna retaining groove 34.
[0051] The depth of the antenna retaining groove 34 is determined such that the height (internal dimension) H1 from the bottom surface 34a of the antenna retaining groove 34 to the lid portion 32 (top surface 38a) is greater than the outer diameter D1 of the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21. The difference between the height H1 and the outer diameter D1 can be, for example, 0.01 mm to 1 mm (preferably 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm). Because the height H1 of the antenna retaining groove 34 is greater than the outer diameter D1 of the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21, the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 is housed in the antenna retaining groove 34 in a state that allows it to be displaced in the radial direction (for example, the Z direction).
[0052] As shown in Figure 5, the side recesses 35 are formed on one and the other side of the retaining surface 31a. The side recesses 35 are formed in the region including the side edge 31b of the main body 31 in the X direction. The inner peripheral edge 35a of the side recess 35 has a first straight portion 35b along the Y direction, a curved portion 35c, and a second straight portion 35d along the X direction.
[0053] The first straight section 35b is the portion that extends in the -Y direction, starting from the end of the inner peripheral edge of the antenna holding groove 34. The curved section 35c is the portion that extends from the tip of the first straight section 35b, with the angle of inclination with respect to the X direction decreasing. The second straight section 35d is the portion that extends from the tip of the curved section 35c along the X direction toward the side edge 31b.
[0054] As shown in Figure 4, the side recess 35, in a plan view, encompasses the first straight section 23A and a portion of the first folded section 24A of the flattened antenna 2. The first straight section 23A is close to the first straight section 35b (see Figure 5). The first folded section 24A is close to the curved section 35c (see Figure 5). The side recess 35 accommodates at least a portion of a predetermined length range of the flattened antenna 2 (the first straight section 23A and a portion of the first folded section 24A).
[0055] As shown in Figure 3, since the side recess 35 has sufficient distance in the Y direction, a slit-shaped side end opening 36 extending in the Y direction (along the retaining surface 31a) is formed on the side edge 31b. The flat antenna 2 extends outside the outer casing 3 through the side end opening 36. As shown in Figure 5, two locking recesses 39 are formed on the +Y direction edge 31c of the main body 31, at different positions in the X direction. Two locking recesses 39 are also formed on the -Y direction edge 31d of the main body 31, at different positions in the X direction.
[0056] As shown in Figure 3, the lid portion 32 is rectangular in plan view. The lid portion 32 is the same shape as the main body portion 31 and is installed facing the retaining surface 31a of the main body portion 31. In plan view, the lid portion 32 is installed so as to overlap the retaining surface 31a of the main body portion 31.
[0057] As shown in Figure 7, the opposing surface 32a of the lid portion 32 is the surface that faces the holding surface 31a of the main body portion 31. A positioning groove 38 is formed on the opposing surface 32a. The positioning groove 38 is an annular groove. The shape of the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the positioning groove 38 is, for example, rectangular.
[0058] The positioning groove 38 has a curved shape (for example, an elliptical shape) corresponding to the substrate holding protrusion 33 and the antenna holding groove 34. In a plan view, the positioning groove 38 has a width that encompasses both the substrate holding protrusion 33 and the antenna holding groove 34 together. A portion of the top surface 38a of the positioning groove 38 faces the bottom surface 34a of the antenna holding groove 34.
[0059] As shown in Figure 3, two locking protrusions 40 are formed on the +Y edge 32c of the lid portion 32, positioned at different locations in the X direction. Two locking protrusions 40 are also formed on the -Y edge 32d of the lid portion 32, positioned at different locations in the X direction.
[0060] The locking projection 40 has a locking claw (not shown) at its tip. The locking projection 40 is inserted into the locking recess 39 of the main body 31. The locking claw of the locking projection 40 locks into the main body 31. As a result, the lid 32 is detachably connected to the main body 31.
[0061] The outer casing 3 is not fixed to the flat antenna 2. In other words, the outer casing 3 is not fixed to the flat antenna 2.
[0062] The communication device 10 can be installed in a molded product made of, for example, rubber, resin, or the like. For example, the communication device 10 can be embedded in the molded product. The molded product is, for example, an elastic material and is elastically deformable. If deformation such as stretching or bending occurs in the molded product, an external force may act on the flat antenna 2. For example, a tensile force may act on the extension portion 22 in the direction away from the outer casing 3 along the X direction. A force may also act on the extension portion 22 in the direction approaching the outer casing 3 along the X direction. When installing the communication device 10 on the tire body 60 as in this embodiment, the communication device 10 can be provided so as to be enclosed in a fixing member (lamination rubber) made of a rubber sheet. This not only reliably prevents damage to the communication device 10, but if the communication device 10 is enclosed in the fixing member before being assembled into the tire 50, the communication device 10 can be easily and safely assembled into the tire 50 without the risk of damage.
[0063] [Effects of RF tags] In the communication device 10, the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 of the flat antenna 2 is housed in the antenna holding groove 34 in a state where it can be displaced in the radial direction (a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21) (see Figure 7). Because the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 is displaceable, the stress on the flat antenna 2 can be relieved when an external force is applied to the flat antenna 2. Therefore, damage to the flat antenna 2 can be made less likely. In contrast, if the flat antenna is fixed to the outer casing, when an external force is applied to the flat antenna, stress concentrates at the base end (root portion) of the flat antenna extending from the outer casing, and damage may be more likely to occur at this point.
[0064] The electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 of the flat antenna 2 has a shape that follows the outer edge 12a of the antenna 12 on the substrate 1, so that the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 can be sufficiently electromagnetically coupled to the antenna 12. Since the antenna holding groove 34 is formed along the outer edge 12a of the antenna 12, the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 of the flat antenna 2 can be positioned along the antenna 12. Therefore, the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 can be sufficiently electromagnetically coupled to the antenna 12.
[0065] The electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 of the flat antenna 2 has a curved shape (for example, a semi-elliptical shape), so even when an external force acts on the flat antenna 2, stress concentration is less likely to occur compared to the case where it is rectangular. Therefore, damage to the flat antenna 2 can be made less likely. In contrast, if the electromagnetic field coupling portion is rectangular, when an external force acts on the flat antenna, stress concentrates at the corners (bent parts), and damage is more likely to occur at these points.
[0066] Since the antenna holding groove 34 is formed along the outer edge 13a of the substrate 1, the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 of the flat antenna 2 can be positioned along the antenna 12. Therefore, the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 can be sufficiently electromagnetically coupled to the antenna 12.
[0067] The outer casing 3 comprises a main body 31 and a lid 32 that overlaps the holding surface 31a. The substrate holding recess 37 and antenna holding groove 34 are formed in the holding surface 31a. Therefore, the lid 32 prevents the substrate 1 and the flat antenna 2 from falling out of the main body 31. Thus, the substrate 1 and the flat antenna 2 can be stably held in the outer casing 3.
[0068] In the communication device 10, a slit-shaped side end opening 36 extending in the Y direction (along the holding surface 31a) is formed on the side edge 31b of the outer casing 3. Therefore, the flat antenna 2 can shift position in the Y direction relative to the outer casing 3. Consequently, when an external force acts on the flat antenna 2, the stress is more easily relieved by displacement. Thus, damage to the flat antenna 2 can be made less likely.
[0069] For example, in the communication device 10, the outer edge 13a of the substrate 1 and the outer edge 12a of the antenna 12 are curved around their entire circumference, but the substrate and antenna may have only a portion of their outer edges curved. The casing 3 comprises a main body 31 and a lid 32, but the configuration of the casing is not particularly limited. For example, the casing may not have a lid. The casing is not limited to a plate shape, but may have other shapes (such as a block shape).
[0070] As described above, the communication device 10 has a flat antenna 2. As shown in Figure 1, the communication device 10 is positioned such that the in-plane direction B of the antenna (in this embodiment, the in-plane direction of the XY plane) which is perpendicular to the thickness direction A (Z direction in this embodiment) of the flat antenna 2 is aligned with the outer surface of the tire body 60. In other words, the communication device 10 is positioned such that the flat antenna 2 faces the outer surface of the tire body 60 in the thickness direction A.
[0071] More specifically, the communication device 10 of this embodiment is embedded in the sidewall portion 52. Furthermore, the communication device 10 of this embodiment is positioned such that the in-plane direction B of the flat antenna 2 is aligned with the outer surface of the sidewall portion 52 of the tire body 60. In other words, the communication device 10 of this embodiment is positioned such that the flat antenna 2 faces the outer surface of the sidewall portion 52 of the tire body 60 in the thickness direction A.
[0072] In particular, the communication device 10 of this embodiment is positioned such that the in-plane direction B of the flat antenna 2 is aligned with the tire diameter direction E. In other words, the communication device 10 of this embodiment is positioned such that the thickness direction A of the flat antenna 2 is aligned with the tire width direction C.
[0073] Figure 8 is a magnified side view of the tire 50 shown in Figure 1, viewed from the outside in the tire width direction C, showing the vicinity of the communication device 10. In Figure 8, the position of the communication device 10 is indicated by a dashed line. As shown in Figure 8, the communication device 10 is arranged such that the flat antenna 2 extends in the tire circumferential direction F. In other words, the communication device 10 in this embodiment is arranged so that the X direction is aligned with the tire circumferential direction F.
[0074] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the communication device 10 of this embodiment is positioned such that the retaining surface 31a of the outer casing 3 faces the outer surface of the tire body 60 (facing to the left in Figure 1). More specifically, the communication device 10 of this embodiment is positioned such that the retaining surface 31a of the outer casing 3 faces the outer surface of the tire body 60 in the thickness direction A. This arrangement makes it easier to improve the communication performance of the communication device 10 with the reader from the outer surface side of the tire body 60 (left side in Figure 1). In particular, in the communication device 10 of this embodiment, an antenna retaining groove 34 (see Figure 7, etc.) for housing the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 of the flat antenna 2 is formed on the retaining surface 31a of the main body portion 31 of the outer casing 3. Therefore, the communication performance of the flat antenna 2 is better on the opening side of the antenna retaining groove 34 than on the bottom surface 34a side of the antenna retaining groove 34. In other words, in the communication device 10 of this embodiment, the flat antenna 2 can improve communication performance when communicating with the reader from the side of the holding surface 31a of the main body 31, rather than when communicating with the reader from the back surface 31e, which is the side opposite to the holding surface 31a of the main body 31. Therefore, from the viewpoint of communication performance with the reader from outside the tire 50, it is preferable that the communication device 10 is arranged such that the holding surface 31a of the outer casing 3 faces the outer surface of the tire body 60 (facing to the left in Figure 1).
[0075] Figure 9 shows a modified example of the communication device 10 shown in Figure 1 with a changed orientation. As shown in Figure 9, from the viewpoint of durability of the flat antenna 2, the communication device 10 may be positioned such that the back surface 31e, which is the surface opposite to the retaining surface 31a of the outer casing 3, faces the outer surface of the tire body 60 (facing to the left in Figure 9). As an example, the communication device 10 may be positioned such that the back surface 31e, which is the surface opposite to the retaining surface 31a of the outer casing 3, faces the outer surface of the tire body 60 in the thickness direction A. In particular, in the communication device 10 of this embodiment, an antenna retaining groove 34 (see Figure 7, etc.) for housing the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 of the flat antenna 2 is formed on the retaining surface 31a of the main body portion 31 of the outer casing 3. Therefore, the durability of the flat antenna 2 from the outside of the tire 50 is better on the bottom surface 34a side of the antenna retaining groove 34 than on the opening side of the antenna retaining groove 34. In other words, in the communication device 10 of this embodiment, the flat antenna 2 has higher durability from the back surface 31e, which is the side opposite to the holding surface 31a of the main body 31, than from the holding surface 31a side of the main body 31. Therefore, from the viewpoint of the durability of the flat antenna 2 from the outside of the tire 50, it is preferable that the communication device 10 is arranged such that the back surface 31e of the outer casing 3 faces the outer surface of the tire body 60 (facing to the left in Figure 9).
[0076] As shown in Figures 1 and 8, the communication device 10 of this embodiment is embedded in the sidewall portion 52 of the tire body 60 on one side in the tire radial direction E (in this embodiment, the outside in the tire radial direction E, and the upper side in Figure 8) relative to the folded end 54a of the carcass 54. The tip portion 2a of the flat wire antenna, which serves as the flat antenna 2, is not positioned at the other end of the flat wire antenna in the tire radial direction E (in this embodiment, the inside in the tire radial direction E, and the lower side in Figure 8). This allows the tip portion 2a of the flat wire antenna, which serves as the flat antenna 2, and the folded end 54a of the carcass 54 to be separated. This prevents the tip portion 2a of the flat wire antenna, which serves as the flat antenna 2, and the folded end 54a of the carcass 54 from being too close together, where strain tends to concentrate due to rigidity steps, etc., and improves the durability of the tire 50.
[0077] In particular, as shown in Figure 8, it is preferable that the tip portion 2a of the flat wire antenna, which is the flat antenna 2, is terminated so as to face one side of the flat wire antenna in the tire radial direction E (in this embodiment, the outside of the tire radial direction E, and the upper side in Figure 8). By doing so, the tip portion 2a of the flat wire antenna, which is the flat antenna 2, and the folded end 54a of the carcass 54 are not positioned to face each other in the tire radial direction E. As a result, compared to a configuration in which the tip portion 2a of the flat wire antenna, which is the flat antenna 2, and the folded end 54a of the carcass 54 are positioned to face each other in the tire radial direction E, strain concentration between the tip portion 2a of the flat wire antenna, which is the flat antenna 2, and the folded end 54a of the carcass 54 can be suppressed. Therefore, the durability of the tire 50 can be further improved.
[0078] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, it is preferable that the tip portion 2a of the flattened linear antenna, which is the flattened antenna 2, is positioned at the end of the flattened linear antenna on one side in the tire radial direction E (in this embodiment, the outer side in the tire radial direction E, and the upper side in Figure 8). By doing so, the position of the tip portion of the flattened linear antenna, which is the flattened antenna 2, and the folded end 54a of the carcass 54 can be further separated. As a result, the durability of the tire 50 can be further improved.
[0079] As described above, in the tire 50 of this embodiment, the communication device 10 is embedded in the sidewall portion 52 of the tire body 60, but the configuration is not limited to this. The communication device 10 may be embedded in other locations on the tire body 60. Furthermore, the communication device 10 may be attached to the inner surface of the tire body 60 facing the tire cavity 60a. Hereinafter, the possible locations for positioning the communication device 10 in a cross-sectional view of the tire 50 in the tire width direction will be illustrated with reference to Figure 10. In Figure 10, in addition to the positions of the communication device 10 shown in Figures 1, 8, and 9 (shown as white rectangles in Figure 10), examples of possible locations for positioning the communication device 10 are shown as black rectangles.
[0080] As described above, the communication device 10 in this embodiment is an RF tag. Hereinafter, the communication device 10 will simply be referred to as an RF tag. As described above, the RF tag comprises an IC chip 11 and an antenna (in this embodiment, an antenna 12 on the substrate 1 and a flat antenna 2). The RF tag may be positioned, for example, sandwiched between multiple identical or different components that constitute the tire body 60. This makes it easier to attach the RF tag during tire production and improves the productivity of the tire 50 equipped with the RF tag. In this example, the RF tag is positioned within the sidewall portion 52, sandwiched between the stiffener 51b2 and the side rubber 52a, which is another component adjacent to the stiffener 51b2, but it may be in other positions. The RF tag may also be embedded in any of the components that constitute the tire body 60. This reduces the load on the RF tag compared to when it is positioned sandwiched between multiple components that constitute the tire body 60. This improves the durability of the RF tag. In this example, the RF tag may be embedded in rubber members such as the tread rubber 53a and the side rubber 52a. Preferably, the RF tag is not placed at a location that is the boundary between members with different rigidity in the peripheral length direction, which is the direction along the outer surface of the tire in a cross-sectional view in the tire width direction. In this way, the RF tag is not placed at a location where strain is likely to concentrate due to the difference in rigidity. Therefore, the load applied to the RF tag can be reduced. This improves the durability of the RF tag. In this example, preferably, the RF tag is not placed at a location that is the boundary between the folded end 54a of the carcass 54 and a member adjacent to the folded end 54a of the carcass 54 in a cross-sectional view in the tire width direction. The number of RF tags is not particularly limited. The tire may have only one RF tag or two or more RF tags. Here, an RF tag is described as an example of a communication device, but a different communication device may be used.
[0081] The RF tag may be placed, for example, on the tread portion 53 of the tire body 60. In this way, the RF tag will not be damaged by a side cut of the tire 50. The RF tag may also be placed, for example, on the inner surface of the tread portion 53 of the tire body 60 (see reference numeral "P3" in Figure 10). The RF tag may be placed, for example, in the center of the tread in the tire width direction C (see reference numerals "P1" to "P6" in Figure 10). The center of the tread is a position in the tread portion 53 where deflection is less likely to concentrate. In this way, the load on the RF tag can be reduced. This improves the durability of the RF tag. In addition, differences in communication with the RF tag from both outer sides of the tire 50 in the tire width direction C can be suppressed. In this example, the RF tag may be placed, for example, within a range of 1 / 2 of the tread width centered on the tire equatorial plane CL in the tire width direction C. The RF tag may also be placed, for example, at the end of the tread in the tire width direction C (see reference numerals "P7" and "P8" in Figure 10). If the location of the reader that communicates with the RF tag is predetermined, the RF tag may be placed, for example, at one end of the tread that is close to this reader. In this example, the RF tag may be placed, for example, within a range of 1 / 4 of the tread width in the tire width direction C, with the tread end as the outer end.
[0082] The RF tag may be positioned, for example, on the tire cavity 60a side of the carcass 54, which includes one or more carcass plies that span between the bead portions. This makes the RF tag less susceptible to damage from impacts applied from outside the tire 50, such as side cuts or nail punctures. As an example, the RF tag may be positioned in close contact with the surface of the carcass 54 on the tire cavity 60a side (see reference numeral "P5" in Figure 10). As another example, if there is another component on the tire cavity 60a side of the carcass 54, the RF tag may be positioned, for example, between the carcass 54 and the other component located on the tire cavity 60a side of the carcass 54 (see reference numeral "P5" in Figure 10). An example of another component located on the tire cavity 60a side of the carcass 54 is the inner liner 56 that forms the inner surface of the tire. As another example, the RF tag may be attached to the inner surface facing the tire cavity 60a (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "tire inner surface") (see the symbols "P3", "P12", and "P18" in Figure 10). By configuring the RF tag to be attached to the inner surface of the tire, it is easier to attach the RF tag to the tire body 60 and to inspect and replace the RF tag. In other words, the ease of attachment and maintenance of the RF tag can be improved. Also, by attaching the RF tag to the inner surface of the tire, it is possible to prevent the RF tag from becoming the core of a tire failure compared to a configuration in which the RF tag is embedded inside the tire body. Furthermore, if the carcass 54 has multiple carcass plies and there are positions where multiple carcass plies are overlapping, the RF tag may be placed between the overlapping carcass plies.
[0083] The RF tag may be positioned, for example, on the tread portion 53 of the tire body 60, outside the belt 55 which includes one or more belt plies 55a to 55d, in the radial direction E of the tire (see reference numerals "P1" and "P2" in Figure 10). As an example, the RF tag may be positioned outside the belt 55 in the radial direction E of the tire, and in close contact with the belt 55 (see reference numeral "P2" in Figure 10). As another example, if a reinforcing belt layer is provided, the RF tag may be positioned outside the reinforcing belt layer in the radial direction E of the tire, and in close contact with the reinforcing belt layer. As yet another example, the RF tag may be embedded in the tread rubber 53a outside the belt 55 in the radial direction E of the tire (see reference numeral "P1" in Figure 10). By positioning the RF tag on the tread portion 53 of the tire body 60, outside the belt 55 in the radial direction E of the tire, communication with the RF tag from the outside of the tire 50 in the radial direction E of the tire is less likely to be hindered by the belt 55. Therefore, it is possible to improve communication with the RF tag from the outside of the tire 50 in the tire radial direction E. Furthermore, the RF tag may be positioned, for example, on the tread portion 53 of the tire body 60, inside the belt 55 in the tire radial direction E (see reference numerals "P3", "P5", and "P6" in Figure 10). In this way, the outer side of the RF tag in the tire radial direction E is covered by the belt 55, making the RF tag less susceptible to damage from impacts from the tread surface or nail punctures. As an example, the RF tag may be positioned on the tread portion 53 of the tire body 60, between the belt 55 and the carcass 54 located inside the belt 55 in the tire radial direction E (see reference numeral "P6" in Figure 10). Furthermore, if the belt 55 comprises multiple belt plies 55a to 55d, the RF tag may be positioned between any two belt plies 55a to 55d on the tread portion 53 of the tire body 60 (see the symbol "P4" in Figure 10). In this way, the outer side of the RF tag in the tire radial direction E is covered by one or more belt plies 55a to 55d, making the RF tag less susceptible to damage from impacts from the tread surface or nail punctures.
[0084] The RF tag may be positioned, for example, sandwiched between the cushion rubber 53b and the tread rubber 53a (see reference numeral "P7" in Figure 10), or between the cushion rubber 53b and the side rubber 52a (see reference numeral "P10" in Figure 10). In this way, the impact on the RF tag can be mitigated by the cushion rubber 53b. Therefore, the durability of the RF tag can be improved. Furthermore, the RF tag may be embedded, for example, within the cushion rubber 53b. In addition, the cushion rubber 53b may be composed of multiple adjacent rubber members of the same or different types (see reference numeral "P8" in Figure 10). In such a case, the RF tag may be positioned sandwiched between the multiple rubber members that make up the cushion rubber 53b.
[0085] The RF tag may be placed, for example, at the bead portion 51 or sidewall portion 52 of the tire body 60. The RF tag may be placed, for example, at one sidewall portion 52 or one side bead portion 51 that is close to a reader that can communicate with the RF tag. This improves the communication between the RF tag and the reader. As an example, the RF tag may be placed between the carcass 54 and the side rubber 52a, or between the tread rubber 53a and the side rubber 52a. The RF tag may be positioned, for example, between the position of the tire's maximum width and the position of the tread surface in the tire's radial direction E (see the labels "P9", "P10", and "P11" in Figure 10). This configuration improves communication with the RF tag from the outside of the tire 50 in the tire's radial direction E compared to a configuration where the RF tag is positioned inside the tire's maximum width in the tire's radial direction E. The RF tag may be positioned, for example, inward in the radial direction E of the tire from the position of the tire's maximum width (see symbols "P12" to "P23" in Figure 10). In this way, the RF tag is positioned near the highly rigid bead portion 51. Therefore, the load on the RF tag can be reduced. This improves the durability of the RF tag. As an example, the RF tag may be positioned adjacent to the bead core 51a in the radial direction E or the tire width direction C (see symbol "P22" in Figure 10). Strain is less likely to concentrate near the bead core 51a. Therefore, the load on the RF tag can be reduced. This improves the durability of the RF tag. In particular, it is preferable that the RF tag be positioned inside the tire radial direction E from the position of the tire's maximum width, and outside the tire radial direction E from the bead core 51a of the bead portion 51 (see reference numerals "P12" to "P20" in Figure 10). By doing so, the durability of the RF tag can be improved, and communication between the RF tag and the reader is less likely to be hindered by the bead core 51a, thereby improving the communication performance of the RF tag. Furthermore, if the side rubber 52a is composed of multiple identical or different rubber members adjacent to each other in the tire radial direction E, the RF tag may be positioned sandwiched between the multiple rubber members that make up the side rubber 52a.
[0086] The RF tag may be positioned sandwiched between the stiffener 51b and a member adjacent to the stiffener 51b (see the white rectangles and symbols "P14", "P17", and "P22" in Figure 10). In this way, the RF tag can be positioned in a location where strain is less likely to concentrate due to the placement of the stiffener 51b. Therefore, the load applied to the RF tag can be reduced. This improves the durability of the RF tag. The RF tag may be positioned, for example, sandwiched between the stiffener 51b and the side rubber 52a (see the white rectangle in Figure 10). Furthermore, the RF tag may be positioned sandwiched between, for example, the stiffener 51b and the carcass 54 (see the symbol "P17" in Figure 10). The portion of the carcass 54 that sandwiches the RF tag together with the stiffener 51b may be located outside the tire width direction C relative to the stiffener 51b, or inside the tire width direction C. When the portion of the carcass 54 that sandwiches the RF tag together with the stiffener 51b is located outside the tire width direction C relative to the stiffener 51b, the load applied to the RF tag due to impacts or damage from the outside of the tire 50 in the tire width direction C can be further reduced. This can further improve the durability of the RF tag. The stiffener 51b may include a portion that is positioned adjacent to the rubber chafer 51c. In this case, the RF tag may be positioned sandwiched between the stiffener 51b and the rubber chafer 51c. The stiffener 51b may have a portion adjacent to the hat rubber 51f on the outside in the tire width direction C. In this case, the RF tag may be positioned sandwiched between the stiffener 51b and the hat rubber 51f (see reference numeral "P14" in Figure 10). The stiffener 51b may be composed of multiple rubber members of different hardness. In this case, the RF tag may be sandwiched between the multiple rubber members constituting the stiffener 51b (referred to as "51b1" and "51b2" in Figure 1) (see reference numeral "P19" in Figure 10). The RF tag may be positioned sandwiched between the hat rubber 51f and a member adjacent to the hat rubber 51f (see reference numerals "P14" and "P15" in Figure 10). The RF tag may also be positioned sandwiched between, for example, the hat rubber 51f and a carcass ply. In this way, the impact on the RF tag can be mitigated by the hat rubber 51f. Therefore, the durability of the RF tag can be improved.
[0087] The RF tag may be positioned, for example, sandwiched between the rubber chafer 51c and the side rubber 52a (see the symbol "P16" in Figure 10). In this way, the RF tag can be positioned in a location where strain is less likely to concentrate due to the placement of the rubber chafer 51c. Therefore, the load applied to the RF tag can be reduced. This improves the durability of the RF tag. The RF tag may be positioned, for example, sandwiched between the rubber chafer 51c and the carcass 54. This reduces the load on the RF tag due to impacts and damage from the rim, thereby improving the durability of the RF tag.
[0088] The RF tag may be positioned sandwiched between the nylon chafer 51d and another adjacent member on the outer or inner side of the tire width direction C of the nylon chafer 51d (see reference numerals "P13", "P15", and "P21" in Figure 10). This makes it less likely for the RF tag's position to change when the tire deforms. Therefore, the load applied to the RF tag when the tire deforms can be reduced. This improves the durability of the RF tag. The nylon chafer 51d may, for example, have a portion adjacent to the rubber chafer 51c on the outer side in the tire width direction C. In this case, the RF tag may be positioned sandwiched between the nylon chafer 51d and the rubber chafer 51c (see reference numeral "P21" in Figure 10). The nylon chafer 51d may, for example, have a portion adjacent to the side rubber 52a on the outer side in the tire width direction C. In this case, the RF tag may be positioned sandwiched between the nylon chafer 51d and the side rubber 52a (see reference numeral "P13" in Figure 10). The nylon chafer 51d may, for example, have a portion adjacent to the stiffener 51b on the inside in the tire width direction C. In this case, the RF tag may be positioned sandwiched between the nylon chafer 51d and the stiffener 51b. The nylon chafer 51d may also have a portion adjacent to the hat rubber 51f on the inside in the tire width direction C. In this case, the RF tag may be positioned sandwiched between the nylon chafer 51d and the hat rubber 51f (see reference numeral "P15" in Figure 10). Furthermore, the nylon chafer 51d may also have a portion adjacent to the carcass 54 on the inside in the tire width direction C. In this case, the RF tag may be positioned sandwiched between the nylon chafer 51d and the carcass 54. Furthermore, the nylon chafer 51d may also have a portion adjacent to the wire chafer 51e on the inside in the tire width direction C. In such cases, the RF tag may be positioned sandwiched between the nylon chafer 51d and the wire chafer 51e. Thus, the RF tag may be positioned sandwiched between the nylon chafer 51d and another adjacent member on the outside or inside of the nylon chafer 51d in the tire width direction C. In particular, by covering the outside of the RF tag in the tire width direction C with the nylon chafer 51d, the load applied to the RF tag due to impacts and damage from the outside of the tire in the tire width direction C can be further reduced. Therefore, the durability of the RF tag can be further improved.
[0089] The RF tag may be positioned sandwiched between the wire chafer 51e and another member adjacent to the wire chafer 51e on the inside or outside in the tire width direction C (see reference numerals "P20" and "P23" in Figure 10). This makes it less likely for the RF tag's position to change when the tire deforms. Therefore, the load applied to the RF tag when the tire deforms can be reduced. This improves the durability of the RF tag. The other member adjacent to the wire chafer 51e on the inside or outside in the tire width direction C may be, for example, a rubber member such as a rubber chafer 51c (see reference numeral "P23" in Figure 10). Alternatively, the other member adjacent to the wire chafer 51e on the inside or outside in the tire width direction C may be, for example, a carcass 54 (see reference numeral "P20" in Figure 10).
[0090] The pneumatic tire according to the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations shown in the embodiments and modifications described above, and various modifications, changes, and combinations are possible as long as they do not depart from the scope of the claims.
[0091] [Contribution to the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)] The SDGs have been proposed to realize a sustainable society. One embodiment of the present invention is considered to be a technology that can contribute to "No. 7: Affordable and Clean Energy" and "No. 13: Climate Action," among others. [Industrial applicability]
[0092] This invention relates to a pneumatic tire. [Explanation of symbols]
[0093] 1: Circuit board 2: Flat antenna 2a: Tip of a flattened linear antenna as a flattened antenna 3: Exterior 10: Communication device 11: IC chip 12: Antenna 12a: Outer edge 13: Base material 13a: Outer edge 21: Electromagnetic field coupling part 21a: End of electromagnetic field coupling 22: Extension part 22A: 1st extension part 22B: Second extension part 23: Straight section 23A: 1st straight section 23B: 2nd straight section 23C: 3rd straight section 24: Folded section 24A: First folding section 24B: Second folding section 31: Main body 31a: Holding surface 31b: Side edge 31c: edge 31d:Edge 31e: Back 32: Lid 32a: Opposite surface 32c: edge 32d:Edge 33: Substrate holding protrusion 34: Antenna retaining groove 34a: Bottom 35: Side recess 35a: Periphery 35b: 1st straight section 35c: Curved section 35d: 2nd straight section 36: Side opening 37: Substrate holding recess 38: Positioning groove 38a: Top surface 39: Locking recess 40: Locking protrusion 50: Tires 51: Bead section 51a: Bead core 51b, 51b1, 51b2: Stiffener 51c: Rubber Chafer 51d: Nylon Chafer 51e: Wire Chafer 51f: Hat elastic 52: Sidewall section 52a: Side rubber 53: Tread section 53a: Tread rubber 53b: Cushion rubber 54: Carcass 54a: Folded end 55: Belt 55a~55d: Belt ply 56: Inner Liner 60: Tire body 60a: Tire lumen A: Thickness direction of a flat antenna B: In-plane direction of a flattened antenna C: Tire width direction CL: Tire equatorial plane D1: Outer diameter of the electromagnetic field coupling section E: Tire radial direction F: Circumferential direction of the tire H1: Height from the bottom of the antenna retaining groove to the lid. W1: Width of the antenna retaining groove P1~P23: Location of communication device
Claims
1. The tire itself, The tire body includes a communication device embedded in it, The aforementioned communication device is equipped with a flat antenna, The communication device is positioned such that the direction in which the antenna plane is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the flattened antenna is aligned with the outer surface of the tire body. The flattened antenna is a flattened linear antenna that extends in a meander shape, wave shape, or zigzag shape along the direction in which the antenna plane is located. The communication device is embedded in the sidewall portion of the tire body on one side in the radial direction relative to the folded end of the carcass. A pneumatic tire in which the tip of the flattened wire antenna is not positioned at the other end of the flattened wire antenna in the tire's radial direction.
2. The aforementioned communication device is A substrate containing an IC chip, The system comprises the flattened antenna and the outer casing that holds the substrate on a holding surface, The pneumatic tire according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is arranged such that the holding surface of the outer casing faces the outer surface of the tire body.
3. The aforementioned communication device is A substrate containing an IC chip, The system comprises the flattened antenna and the outer casing that holds the substrate on a holding surface, The pneumatic tire according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is positioned such that the side of the outer casing opposite to the retaining surface faces the outer surface of the tire body.
4. The pneumatic tire according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the tip of the flattened wire antenna is terminated so as to face one side of the flattened wire antenna in the tire radial direction.