Marked tires

Abstract

To provide a tire that has a mark such as at least a bar code and / or a two-dimensional code produced by thermal transfer and has sufficient durability and high mark extinction resistance even when its mark is used in various severe conditions.SOLUTION: A tire 10 includes an ink-printed part in which at least a bar code and / or a two-dimensional code 20 is formed by thermal transfer on an ink receiving layer of an intermediate image receiving film, where the ink receiving layer is composed of rubber elastomer and is disposed on a heat-resistant transparent thermoplastic resin film. The ink-printed part is in contact with a bottom surface of a tire recessed part formed by a mold during vulcanization molding of a green tire. The heat-resistant transparent thermoplastic resin film 30, which has a printing surface, and ink of the printed part integrally formed in the recessed part while being adhered with the vulcanized tire rubber.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tire with a barcode and / or a two-dimensional code having advanced information that will be increasingly demanded for tire management in the future.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is an engraving method using a mold for marking characters or the like on a tire. However, this method is not suitable for forming marks having advanced information such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes. As a marking method for the two-dimensional code or the like, there is laser engraving marking. This method is excellent in that it can form a mark with excellent durability. However, the laser device is expensive and has a drawback of lacking sharpness when read by a code reader. On the other hand, as a simple mark forming method, there is marking using a thermal transfer type printed label. However, this method has poor adhesion to vulcanized rubber with poor adhesion, so it has no durability and requires an overcoat or the like for protecting the mark surface, and thus has poor practicality. As a means for solving this problem of the thermal transfer type printed label, Patent Document 1 describes a label base material having a rubber-based adhesive layer containing a vulcanization accelerator and no vulcanizing agent via a primer layer on the other surface of a heat-resistant resin film containing a white filler with one surface being matte-treated, and having thermal transfer ink information on the matte-treated surface of the label base material, and the thermal transfer ink information having at least a two-layer structure of a lower layer made of a heat-resistant resin-based ink and a surface layer made of polymethyl methacrylate and being exposed on the label surface. However, the invention described in Patent Document 1 was not satisfactory in terms of the durability of the marks for tires used under various severe conditions.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a tire having at least a barcode and / or a two-dimensional code mark, manufactured by the above-described heat transfer method, in which the mark has sufficient durability and high resistance to erasing, even when used under various harsh conditions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The means for achieving the objectives of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0006] The first invention relates to an intermediate image receiving film in which an ink receiving layer made of a rubber-based elastomer is directly or indirectly adhered to a heat-resistant transparent thermoplastic resin film, and an ink printing section on which at least a barcode and / or a two-dimensional code is formed by a thermal head printer output means is in contact with the bottom surface of the tire recess formed by the mold during the vulcanization molding of the green tire, and the printing Department The tire is characterized in that the heat-resistant transparent thermoplastic resin film and the ink of the printed portion are integrally bonded to the tire rubber after vulcanization and are located within the recess, thereby providing a barcode and / or 2D code.

[0007] The second invention is a tire with a barcode and / or two-dimensional code as described in the first invention, characterized in that the heat-resistant transparent thermoplastic resin film has a melting point of 200°C or higher. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The effect of the present invention is that, by utilizing the fact that when manufacturing molded tires using green tires, irregularities are normally formed on the outer surface of the tire by a mold, a mark consisting of at least a barcode and / or a two-dimensional code is provided on the bottom surface of the tire recess, and the mark is provided inside the tire recess with a strong protective film. As a result, the durability of the mark formed by the heat transfer method is improved in a simple way while maintaining the clarity of the mark image compared to the mark image formed by laser engraving. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the state of marks such as 2D codes after vulcanization molding, where the heat-resistant transparent thermoplastic resin film with the mark formed on it is integrally bonded to the tire rubber. [Figure 2] This is a view from above of a mark, such as a 2D code, formed on the bottom surface of a tire recess. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] <<Intermediate receiving film>> The intermediate image receiving film of the present invention, used in the manufacture of tires with barcodes and / or 2D codes, has a configuration having an ink receiving layer provided directly or indirectly bonded to a heat-resistant transparent thermoplastic resin film. Therefore, the heat-resistant transparent thermoplastic resin film and the ink receiving layer are essential components, and the integrated intermediate image receiving film for mark formation has a configuration in which an anchor layer is provided between the heat-resistant transparent thermoplastic resin film and the ink receiving layer as needed.

[0011] (Thermoplastic resin film) The thermoplastic resin film used in the present invention has an ink receiving layer according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the intermediate image receiving film, in addition to its role in holding the ink receiving layer, it is preferable that the film be made of a resin with a melting point of 200°C or higher, since the vulcanization treatment of green tires is usually carried out under heating conditions of 160-180°C for 10-60 minutes. Furthermore, after the mark is provided on the bottom surface of the recess on the outer surface of the tire, it is necessary to have a protective function while maintaining the visibility of the code, so the film must be transparent enough not to affect the visibility of the mark.

[0012] Examples include films made from one or more of the following: polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, triacetylcellulose, polyphenylene ether, polyphenylene sulfide, polyarylate, polymethylpentene, polyamide, polyamide-imide, and polycarbonate. Of these, polybutylene terephthalate film and polyethylene terephthalate film are preferred from a cost standpoint, and unstretched polybutylene terephthalate film, which has high conformability to uneven surfaces, is more preferred. Furthermore, the film may be subjected to plasma treatment, corona treatment, or glow treatment.

[0013] The thickness of the film used in the present invention is preferably 10 μm to 120 μm, and more preferably 15 μm to 100 μm, from the viewpoint of workability and film strength.

[0014] Furthermore, a conventionally known hard coat layer or the like may be provided on the side of the thermoplastic resin film opposite to the side having the ink receiving layer.

[0015] (Ink-receiving layer) The intermediate image receiving film of the present invention has an ink receiving layer provided directly or indirectly via another layer on the thermoplastic resin film. After an ink mark of a reverse image is formed on the ink receiving layer by a thermal head printer output means, the mark formed ink receiving layer together with the intermediate image receiving film for mark formation is formed and adhered in a recess formed on the outer surface of a tire vulcanized molded product. Even during the subsequent use of the tire vulcanized molded product, the intermediate image receiving film with the mark formed thereon is used without being peeled off. Therefore, the ink receiving layer is required to have adhesiveness with the thermoplastic resin film, adhesiveness with the ink mark formed by the output means, and adhesiveness with the vulcanized rubber surface generated in the vulcanization process.

[0016] When the adhesiveness with the film when the ink receiving layer is directly provided on the thermoplastic resin film is insufficient, a conventionally known anchor layer described in Patent Document 1 or the like is provided on the film, and an ink receiving layer is provided thereon to indirectly improve the adhesiveness between the ink receiving layer and the film. Even during the subsequent use of the tire vulcanized molded product, the intermediate image receiving film with the mark formed thereon can be prevented from being peeled off. Further, in order to increase the adhesion between the ink receiving layer and the thermoplastic resin film, as described above, the thermoplastic resin film may be subjected to plasma treatment, corona treatment, or glow treatment.

[0017] From the viewpoints of the thermal adhesiveness with the ink mark and the thermal adhesiveness with the rubber laminate during the vulcanization molding of the green tire, it is preferable to use a rubber-based elastomer for the ink receiving layer. Particularly, olefin-based or styrene-based elastomers are preferable. Examples thereof include acid-modified polyolefin-based elastomer resins, hydrogenated styrene-based elastomer resins, syndiotactic polybutadiene elastomer resins, and the like. Specifically, for example, as the acid-modified polyolefin-based elastomer resin, Surfylen P-1000 (trade name) manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Unistole P902, P802, Admer OF551, Admer NF550 (all trade names) manufactured by Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., Hardlen (trade name) series manufactured by Toyo Tack Co., Ltd.; as the hydrogenated styrene-based elastomer resin, Toughtech (trade name) series composed of a block copolymer of styrene and butadiene manufactured by Asahi Kasei Corporation; as the syndiotactic polybutadiene elastomer resin, RB (trade name) series manufactured by JSR Corporation, and the like can be mentioned. Further, commercially available vulcanization accelerators and the like may be added to the ink receiving layer. Furthermore, from the viewpoints of wax addition, blocking, and tack prevention, it is also possible to add various fillers.

[0018] <<Thermal Transfer Printing Medium>> For the hot-melt ink layer of the thermal transfer printing medium, known ones can be used, but resin types are preferable. Particularly, for the hot-melt ink layer on the side that contacts the green tire in the green tire vulcanization process of the mark image transferred to the ink receiving layer surface of the intermediate image receiving film, from the viewpoint of the thermal adhesiveness with the rubber laminate during the vulcanization molding of the green tire as described above, it is preferable that the rubber-based elastomer is contained.

[0019] The coloring material used for the thermal transfer printing medium is not particularly limited, but in order to make the mark distinct, it is preferable to use a pigment ink having a large contrast with the color of the tire surface member. For example, white, silver, gray, yellow, cream, etc. are suitable, and particularly, it is preferable to use a white pigment ink containing titanium oxide.

[0020] <<A tire manufacturing method having at least a barcode and / or a 2D code>> During the manufacturing of molded tires using green tires, the tire name and other markings are typically formed with a step of about 4-5 mm by mold stamping. The present invention utilizes this mold stamping to form frame-shaped recesses of various shapes, and within these recesses, the intermediate image receiving film is provided together with the intermediate image receiving film, in which the ink-printed portion, on which at least a barcode and / or a 2D code is formed as an inverted image on the ink-receiving layer surface of the intermediate image receiving film, is in contact with the bottom surface of the recess, resulting in a tire with at least a barcode and / or a 2D code.

[0021] The frame-shaped recess is provided at an appropriate location, such as the sidewall or bead portion of a molded tire. An intermediate image receiving film of a predetermined size, on which at least a barcode and / or a two-dimensional code is formed in reverse, is positioned and temporarily attached to the green tire so as to fit within the recess frame area formed by the mold. The heat-resistant transparent thermoplastic resin film with at least a barcode and / or a two-dimensional code is then integrally formed within the recess by a mold molding method, such as by heating at 160 to 180°C for 10 to 60 minutes and applying pressure vulcanization. The depth of the recess is preferably 1 to 8 mm, and more preferably 3 to 6 mm. Furthermore, if necessary, the non-printed portion of the heat-resistant transparent thermoplastic resin film with the ink-receiving layer, where the printed portion is not printed, may be bonded to the side surface in the depth direction of the recess.

[0022] As described above, the heat-resistant transparent thermoplastic resin film with an ink-receiving layer for the printed and non-printed sections of a predetermined size adheres to the molded tire product through the pressure vulcanization process of the green tire, and remains firmly attached even under the harsh operating conditions of the tire. Therefore, the barcode and / or 2D code, into which individual tire information is entered, makes it possible to sort tires by vehicle type, manufacturer, etc., during subsequent production and distribution processes, enabling the entire industry, including other manufacturers and dealers, to manage each tire from production to distribution.

[0023] The durability of the mark portion of the barcode and / or two-dimensional code-equipped tire according to the present invention is excellent, but if even higher durability is desired, a photocurable resin that adheres well to the heat-resistant transparent thermoplastic resin film and vulcanized rubber may be embedded in the recess after vulcanization.

[0024] (Examples) The present invention will be described below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0025] (Preparation of intermediate receiving film) (Thermoplastic resin film) Hereafter, polybutylene terephthalate will be referred to as PBT and polyethylene terephthalate as PET. <Resin film 1> PBT, Melting point: 222℃, Tensile elongation: MD 410%, TD 440%, Tensile strength: MD 76MPa, TD 68MPa, Base film thickness: 25μm <Resin film 2> Biaxially oriented PET, melting point: 260°C, tensile elongation: MD 188%, TD 165%, tensile strength: MD 229MPa, TD 236MPa, base film thickness: 25μm

[0026] (Preparation of coating solution for the ink receiving layer) <Ink-receiving layer coating liquid 1> Acid-modified polyolefin resin (Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation Surflen P-1000): 10 parts by weight, Toluene: 70 parts by weight, MEK: 20 parts by weight <Ink-receiving layer coating liquid 2> Acid-modified polyolefin resin (Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation Surflen P-1000): 9 parts by weight, polyester resin (Unitika Ltd. Elitel UE3380): 1 part by weight, toluene: 70 parts by weight, MEK: 20 parts by weight <Ink-receiving layer coating liquid 3> Syndiotactic polybutadiene resin; 6 parts by weight, acid-modified polyolefin resin (Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation; Surflen P-1000); 4 parts by weight, toluene; 70 parts by weight, MEK; 20 parts by weight <Ink-receiving layer coating liquid 4> Polyester resin (Unitika Ltd. Elitel UE3380) 10 parts by weight, Toluene; 70 parts by weight, MEK; 20 parts by weight

[0027] (Preparation of thermal transfer printing medium) <Thermal transfer printing medium 1> A pigment ink 1 was prepared consisting of 14 parts by weight of titanium dioxide, 0.5 parts by weight of pigment dispersant, 2 parts by weight of polybutadiene elastomer, 2 parts by weight of styrene / butadiene elastomer, 2 parts by weight of Fischer-Tropsch wax, 60 parts by weight of toluene, and 20 parts by weight of MEK. This pigment ink 1 was then applied to the side of a 4.5 μm biaxially oriented polyester film with a backing layer, opposite to the backing layer, with a dry weight of 7.0 g / m². 2 A thermal transfer printing medium 1 was prepared by coating it in such a manner. <Thermal transfer printing medium 2> A transfer layer ink 1 was prepared consisting of 4 parts by weight of polybutadiene elastomer, 4 parts by weight of styrene / butadiene elastomer, 4 parts by weight of Fischer-Tropsch wax, 66 parts by weight of toluene, and 22 parts by weight of MEK. This ink was then applied to the side of a 4.5 μm biaxially oriented polyester film with a backing layer, opposite to the backing layer, with a dry weight of 1.5 g / m². 2 The surface was coated to achieve this. On top of that, the same pigment ink 1 used in the thermal transfer printing medium 1 was applied at a dry weight of 7.0 g / m². 2 A thermal transfer printing medium 2 was prepared by coating it to achieve the desired result.

[0028] (Preparation of an intermediate image receiving film with an ink receiving layer) On the resin film, the coating liquid for the ink receiving layer is applied in a dry weight of 3.0 g / m². 2 The film was coated to achieve the desired result, and an intermediate image receiving film was fabricated.

[0029] (Mark formation on an intermediate image receiving film equipped with an ink receiving layer) An intermediate image receiving film was prepared by forming an inverted image of an ink mark having a barcode and / or a two-dimensional code on the ink receiving layer surface of the intermediate image receiving film using the thermal transfer printing medium and a thermal head printer output means. <Printing method> Thermal transfer printer: Zebra 110Xi4 (300dpi) Printing speed: 2.4inch / sec Printing energy: 15

[0030] (Tires with barcodes and / or 2D codes) The marked surface of an intermediate image receiving film on which an inverse image of the ink mark having the barcode and / or two-dimensional code is formed is temporarily attached to the sidewall of a green tire made of natural rubber; 50 parts by weight, butadiene rubber; 50 parts by weight, carbon black; 50 parts by weight, aroma oil; 10 parts by weight, paraffin wax; 2 parts by weight, antioxidant; 2 parts by weight, stearic acid; 2 parts by weight, zinc oxide; 2 parts by weight, sulfur; and vulcanization accelerator; 2 parts by weight. The ink marked portion of the intermediate image receiving film is then brought into contact with the inner surface of a mold so that it fits within the convex surface of the mold, which is formed to create a recess with a depth of 4 mm on the tire surface, and pressure is applied. The tire is then vulcanized at 175°C for 30 minutes to produce a tire with a marked portion on the bottom surface of the tire recess.

[0031] (Adhesion between the intermediate image receiving film and the vulcanized rubber surface) Table 1 shows the results of measuring the peeling force when the intermediate image receiving film and the vulcanized rubber surface of a vulcanized tire were cut to a width of 10 mm and the intermediate image receiving film was peeled off at a speed of 50 mm / min in a 180° direction. ◎: 30N / 10mm or more ○: 20N / 10mm or more, less than 30N / 10mm ×: Less than 20N / 10mm

[0032] (Barcode readability) Table 1 shows the results of evaluating the barcode reading performance of barcodes formed on tires using a barcode verification machine (STRATIX, Xaminer Elite). ○: Readable ×: Unreadable

[0033] [Table 1] [Explanation of Symbols]

[0034] 10: Tires 20: Marks such as 2D codes 30: Heat-resistant transparent thermoplastic resin film with ink-receiving layer --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Claims

1. A tire with a barcode and / or two-dimensional code, characterized in that an ink-receiving layer made of a rubber-based elastomer is directly or indirectly adhered to an intermediate image receiving film, and an ink-printed portion on the ink-receiving layer of the intermediate image receiving film, on which at least a barcode and / or two-dimensional code is formed by a thermal head printer output means, is in contact with the bottom surface of a recess in the tire formed by a mold during the vulcanization molding of the green tire, and the heat-resistant transparent thermoplastic resin film having the printable portion and the ink of the printable portion are integrally adhered to the tire rubber after vulcanization within the recess.

2. The tire with a barcode and / or two-dimensional code according to claim 1, characterized in that the heat-resistant transparent thermoplastic resin film has a melting point of 200°C or higher.

Images