Tires with temporary identification labels

Abstract

A tire (2) comprising a toroidal carcass (8) having a central cavity (6) and consisting of at least one body ply (9), the body ply (9) being partially folded on itself and therefore having two turn-up portions laterally, each of the turn-up portions having an edge of the body ply (9) abutting an intermediate portion of the body ply (9); two annular beads (10) each surrounded by a body ply (9) and having a bead core and a bead filler (12); and an identification label (19) fixed in a removably manner by adhesive, positioned in the region of the annular bead (10), and carrying a temporary RFID device (20) that can be read from a distance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tire provided with a temporary identification label (i.e., an identification label that is used only during the handling of the tire and is removed when the tire is mounted on the corresponding rim).

Background Art

[0002] Generally speaking, when a tire needs to be handled at the end of the production line (typically, to load the tire into a cargo container) or in a warehouse, an operator uses a forklift with a pair of forks for lifting (at least) the stack of tires from the bottom (typically, when the stack of tires is placed on a pallet), or a forklift with a clamp for clamping the stack of tires laterally.

[0003] In recent years, so-called "smart" tires have been developed, which are equipped with RFID devices (RFID stands for "Radio Frequency Identification" and is typically a transponder), enabling communication of information items such as tire identification, characteristics, and history from a distance.

[0004] As a result, in addition to having to move the tire with a forklift, the operator also has to access this information, and thus, for example, use an appropriate reader to read the RFID device associated with the tire in order to confirm that it is operating on the correct tire and / or to store possible changes to the tire's position in an electronic register.

[0005] Forklift operators typically carry a manual reader (i.e., a lightweight reader that can be easily transported) and, after the tires are loaded onto the forklift, the operator dismounts the forklift, approaches the tires using the reader, and reads the corresponding RFID device to identify the tires in a specific way. However, this mode of operation is inefficient and leads to a great waste of time because the operator must dismount the forklift (and thus turn off the forklift and set it up in a safe parking configuration), and furthermore, the manual reader must be positioned near each individual tire to read the corresponding RFID device (i.e., a known manual reader cannot read the RFID devices of all tires in a stack of tires simultaneously, but the reader must be positioned near each individual tire in the stack).

[0006] In this regard, it should be noted that the maximum reading distance of an RFID device integrated into a single tire is often around 1-2 meters, and the stack of tires, in the case of TBRs (truck and bus radial tires), is usually over 3 meters high (and therefore exceeds the maximum reading distance). Furthermore, when several tires are close together (stacked together), shielding and / or reflection phenomena can occur due to the metal parts of the tires, further reducing the maximum reading distance of the RFID device integrated into the tire.

[0007] To ensure readability of tire RFID devices, manufacturers propose applying identification labels supporting additional temporary RFID devices to the outer surface of the tire (i.e., on the tire tread) in a removable manner (as they are obviously intended to be removed when the tire is first mounted on the corresponding rim), which can be read from a significantly greater distance compared to RFID devices integrated into the tire structure, as they are not obscured by the tire (as they are located on the outside). However, this solution does not completely solve the problem, as when using a forklift equipped with clamps that clamp the tire stack laterally, the clamps (obviously made of metal) may cover and thus completely obscure the additional RFID devices attached to the tread, or in the worst case, the clamps may even destroy the additional RFID devices attached to the tread. Therefore, at least two identification labels (each supporting an additional temporary RFID device) should be attached to the tread and positioned at approximately 90° to each other (so that at least one identification label is always free when the tire stack is clamped laterally by the clamps). However, this solution doubles the cost because it requires attaching two different identification labels to each tire. Furthermore, according to this solution, each identification label must face the reader's antenna (i.e., the identification label must be in a "LOS - Line of Sight" relationship with the reader's antenna), and therefore the reader's antenna must move all around the stack of tires to read the temporary RFID devices on all the tires in the stack. In fact, when the identification label is on the opposite side of the tire from the reader's antenna, all the metal and "lossy material" of the tire will obstruct the identification label (or, in any case, jeopardize the performance of the identification label), and therefore make it difficult, if not impossible, for the corresponding temporary RFID device to be read.

[0008] International Patent Application Publication No. 2022219025(A1) discloses a tire equipped with an identification label, which is fixed in a removable manner by adhesive, positioned in the area of ​​annular bead, and supports a temporary RFID device that can be read from a distance.

[0009] International Patent Publication No. 2022049054(A1) discloses a method for managing a warehouse containing tires arranged in a vertical stack, which includes transponders, and which uses an autonomous guidance robot for automatic recognition of the tires.

[0010] International Patent Publication No. 2020126757(A1) discloses a method for reading and / or writing data to / from an RFID tag of a tire being transported on a conveyor belt. [Overview of the project]

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a tire equipped with a temporary identification label that is not affected by the aforementioned drawbacks and is also easy and economical to manufacture.

[0012] According to the present invention, a tire is provided having a temporary identification label as described in the appended claims.

[0013] The present invention also provides a logistics system for handling tire warehouses and a method for handling tire warehouses, as described in the appended claims.

[0014] The attached claims describe preferred embodiments of the present invention and form an integral part of this specification. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating non-limiting embodiments thereof. [Figure 1]This is a schematic diagram of a warehouse for tires, each with a temporary identification label, which must be loaded onto containers or trucks for delivery to customers. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a stack of tires standing inside a warehouse. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tires available in the warehouse, with parts removed for clarity. [Figure 4] Figure 1 shows two schematic, front, and side views of a temporary identification label suitable for securing to tires in a warehouse. [Figure 5] Figure 1 shows two schematic, front, and side views of a temporary identification label suitable for securing to tires in a warehouse. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of the warehouse in Figure 1, highlighting the tire stacks which are oriented horizontally rather than vertically, as shown in Figure 1; and [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a warehouse with various modifications of forklifts. [Figure 8] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a warehouse with various modifications of forklifts.

[0016] Preferred Embodiment of the Invention In Figure 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a warehouse for tires 2 that must be loaded onto containers or trucks for delivery to customers.

[0017] Inside warehouse 1, there are several support elements 3, each designed to support a stack of vertically oriented tires 2 at a given distance from the ground (i.e., from the floor of warehouse 1). In other words, the support elements 3 are shelves or racks that support the stacks of tires 2, keeping them elevated off the ground. The stacks of tires 2 may be oriented vertically (for example, as shown in Figure 1) or horizontally (for example, as shown in Figures 6, 7, or 8). It should be noted that in a vertically oriented stack of tires 2, the tires 2 are placed on top of each other, thus increasing the height of the stack, while in a horizontally oriented stack of tires 2, the tires 2 are placed next to each other, thus increasing the length of the stack. Clearly, both vertically oriented and horizontally oriented stacks of tires 2 may exist within the same warehouse 1.

[0018] A series of forklifts 4 operate within the warehouse 1, namely, the forklifts 4 move stacks of tires 2, in particular, position stacks of tires 2 coming from the production line onto support elements 3, and remove stacks of tires 2 from support elements 3 in order to insert them into containers or trucks.

[0019] Each forklift 4 is a wheeled operating means powered by an electric motor, diesel engine, or gas engine, and includes a holding device 5 positioned at the front and designed to lift stacks of tires 2. In the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, the holding device 5 consists of a pair of forks (only one of which is visible in the accompanying drawings) that lift stacks of tires 2 from the bottom, and according to another embodiment not shown herein, the holding device 5 consists of clamps that clamp stacks of tires 2 laterally.

[0020] According to Figures 2 and 3, each tire 2 has an annular shape with a central cavity 6.

[0021] According to FIG. 3, each tire 2 includes a toroidal carcass 8 made of a body ply 9, and the body ply 9 is partially folded onto itself, and thus has two "turnbacks" (i.e., two overlapping layers) on the side surface. At each turnback of the body ply 9, the edge (i.e., the final end) of the body ply 9 abuts against the middle part of the body ply 9.

[0022] On both sides of the carcass 8, there are two annular beads 10, each of which is surrounded by the body ply 9 (i.e., surrounded by the turnback of the body ply 9), and has a bead core 11 reinforced by several metal wire loops and a bead filler 12. In other words, the bead core 11 is made of steel wire embedded in rubber, ensuring a complete connection between the tire 2 and the rim. Therefore, the bead core 11 is basically made of a metal material and mainly covers a relatively thin rubber layer around the metal.

[0023] The carcass 8 supports an annular tread 13, and between the carcass 8 and the tread 13, there is a tread belt 14 with two tread plies 15. Each tread ply 15 contains several metal cords (not shown) embedded in a rubber belt, arranged side by side at a given pitch, and forming an inclination angle determined with respect to the equatorial plane of the tire 2.

[0024] Inside the body ply 9, there is an inner liner 16 which is air-impermeable, constitutes an inner coating, and has the function of holding air inside the tire 2 to maintain the inflation pressure of the tire 2 over time.

[0025] The body ply 9 supports a pair of sidewalls 17 arranged on the outside of the body ply 9 between the tread 13 and the bead 10.

[0026] Finally, the body ply 9 supports a pair of wear rubber strips 18, and these wear rubber strips are arranged outside the radially inner side of the sidewall 17 and in the region of the bead 10.

[0027] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, each tire 2 also includes (at least) an identification label 19, which is preferably attached to the circumferential surface of the tire in a removable manner by adhesive or glue and supports a temporary RFID device 20 that can be read from a distance (shown in Figure 4).

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, each temporary RFID device 20 can store a so-called "Unique Item Identifier - UII" for use in the tire industry in accordance with the ISO 20910 standard, and can be coded with "SGTIN-96" coding ("96-bit Serialized Global Traded Commodity Number") in accordance with the "GS1EPCTagData" standard.

[0029] It should be noted that in each tire 2, the temporary RFID device 20 is used only within the warehouse 1, and if necessary, only while transporting the tire 2 to the end user, but is normally removed from the tire 2 before mounting the tire 2 to the rim (and thus discarded). The temporary RFID device 20 is used when the tire 2 is in the stack (as described below) because it is (very) easy to read compared to the permanent RFID embedded inside the tire (shown by reference numeral 7 in Figures 2 and 3). The temporary RFID device 20 always contains information that enables the identification of the tire 2 (e.g., its serial number), and in particular, the temporary RFID device 20 contains a so-called "unique item identifier - UII".

[0030] In each tire 2, the identification label 19 (supporting the temporary RFID device 20) is positioned in the area of ​​the annular bead 10, and in particular, it overlaps radially with the bead core 11.

[0031] Preferably, the identification label 19 overlaps the bead core 11 radially and extends radially beyond the bead core 11 at least in a radially inward direction.

[0032] Figure 3 shows two different (and completely equivalent) locations for the identification label 19 within the tire 2. The identification label 19 can be mounted on the axially outward side of the tire's circumferential surface, such as on the wear rubber strip 18 or on the sidewall 17, or it can be mounted on the axially inward side of the tire's circumferential surface, such as on the inner liner 16 or on the axially inward portion of the wear rubber strip 18 radially inward of the end of the inner liner 16. Although Figure 3 shows two identification labels 19 in two different locations, obviously, there is actually only one identification label 19.

[0033] Preferably, the identification label 19 is attached to the tire (2) on the circumferential surface located axially outward of the bead core 11.

[0034] Preferably, the identification label 19 is attached to the tire (2) on the circumferential surface located axially inward of the bead core 11.

[0035] As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, each identification label 19 has an outer portion 21 (i.e., positioned radially further outward) that is attached (bonded or glued) to the tire 2 in the region of the annular bead 10, and a radially inner portion 22 that is connected to an outer portion 1 that protrudes freely in the region of the annular bead 10 without being attached to the tire 2.

[0036] Each identification label 19 has a radially outer portion 21 having a radially outer end 211 and a radially inner end 212, and the radially inner portion 22 is connected to the radially inner end 212 of the outer portion 21.

[0037] Preferably, the radial distance between the radially outer end 211 and the radially inner end 212 of the outer portion 21 of the identification label 19 is in the range of 85 to 15 mm, preferably in the range of 55 to 35 mm, more preferably in the range of 50 to 25 mm, and even more preferably about 45 mm.

[0038] The radially inner portion 22 of the identification label 19 protrudes like a flag from the radially innermost annular edge of the annular bead 10 region of the tire 2 toward the center of the central cavity 6.

[0039] Each identification label 19 has an outer portion 21 of the identification label 19 that is attached to the circumferential surface of the tire 2 (particularly by being bonded with adhesive).

[0040] Preferably, the outer portion 21 is attached to the tire 2 in the radially outer region of the bead core 11.

[0041] Preferably, the outer portion 21 is attached to the tire 2 in a region that radially overlaps with the wear rubber strip 18.

[0042] Preferably, the outer portion 21 is attached to the tire 2 in a region that radially overlaps with the sidewall 17.

[0043] Preferably, the outer portion 21 is attached to the tire 2 in a region that radially overlaps with the sidewall 17 and the abrasive rubber strip 18.

[0044] Preferably, the outer portion 21 is attached to the tire 2 in the region of the tire's circumferential surface having the minimum curvature.

[0045] In each identification label 19, the inner portion 22 of the identification label 19 is completely free and hangs in the air; that is, all surfaces of the inner portion 22 are in the air and do not come into contact with any part of the tire 2.

[0046] Each identification label 19 is attached (bonded) to the circumferential surface of the tire 2 by glue or adhesive, so that the identification label 19 can be removed relatively easily later, for example, by using a non-drying re-adhesive glue or adhesive 23, so that the identification label 19 can be removed relatively easily from the outer surface of the corresponding tire 2.

[0047] The terms “radial,” “radially,” or “axial,” “axially,” as used herein, and their derivatives, should have the common meanings understood in the tire industry, and as shown in the reference in Figure 3, radial is along the Z-axis, axial is along the Y-axis, and circumferential is along the X-axis.

[0048] The terms “outside” or “inside,” when combined with radial and axial directions, can be clearly identified by the following example with reference to Figure 3. The tread 13 is positioned radially outward of the bead core 11, and in the sidewall region, the inner liner 16 is positioned axially inward of the sidewall 17.

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment shown in Figure 4, the identification label 19 includes a radially outer portion 21 having a radially outer end 211 and a radially inner end 212, and a radially inner portion 22 connected to the radially inner end 212 of the outer portion 22.

[0050] The identification label 19 includes a temporary RFID device 20. The temporary RFID device 20 is positioned exclusively in the radially inward portion 22 of the identification label 19, such that the RFID device 20 is not present at all in the radially outward portion 21.

[0051] The temporary RFID device 20 is equipped with an antenna, which is located only in the inner portion 22 and does not extend to the outer portion 21.

[0052] In the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 4, the antenna comprises a first antenna element 24 and a second antenna element 25.

[0053] The first antenna element 24 and the second antenna element 25 do not extend to the outer portion 21, but are positioned only in the inner portion 22.

[0054] The temporary RFID device 20 includes a microchip 26.

[0055] The microchip 26 is electrically connected to the antenna.

[0056] The microchip 26 is electrically connected to the first antenna element 24.

[0057] The first antenna element 24 is electromagnetically connected to the second antenna element 25.

[0058] The outer portion 21 of the identification label 19 has a connecting surface 23 that is suitable for being attached to the circumferential surface of the tire 2 (in particular, being bonded with glue or fixed with adhesive).

[0059] Furthermore, the microchip 26 (i.e., the miniaturized electronic circuit) is equipped with non-volatile memory (typically EEPROM or FRAM memory, the latter of which is more expensive but more technologically advanced).

[0060] The microchip 26 may be equipped with an automatic tuning mechanism, which can automatically adjust its internal impedance to optimize and improve readability performance, thus enabling greater tolerances in the manufacturing and positioning of the identification label 19.

[0061] Each identification label 19 contains a temporary RFID device 20 and comprises a support 27 which is typically made of a thin sheet of plastic such as Mylar, PET, or PVC, or other similar material.

[0062] According to a preferred embodiment shown in Figure 2, a leader device 28, each comprising an electronic control unit 29 and an antenna 30, is positioned in a fixed location within the warehouse 1. Each antenna 30 functions to radiate / receive RF signals having frequencies in the "UHF" band, preferably within a frequency range of 860 to 960 MHz, more preferably within a sub-frequency range of 865 to 868 MHz, and / or within a sub-frequency range of 902 to 928 MHz. Furthermore, any requirements for each antenna 30 are conveniently able to include gains greater than 0 dB and circular polarization.

[0063] According to Figure 1, some antennas 30 are positioned horizontally at a given height (higher than the maximum height of the stack of tires 2) to read temporary RFID devices 20 on the vertically stacked tires 2. According to Figure 6 or 8, some antennas 30 are positioned vertically at locations deemed suitable for reading temporary RFID devices 20 on the horizontally stacked tires 2, for example, one or two antennas 30 may be positioned on the side of a door / gate through which a support element 3 supporting at least one horizontally stacked stack of tires 2 is passed. Generally speaking, horizontal antennas 30 can read temporary RFID devices 20 on the vertically stacked tires 2 (as shown in Figure 8), or vertical antennas 30 can read temporary RFID devices 20 on the horizontally stacked tires 2. In fact, in order to effectively read the temporary RFID devices 20 on the stacked tires 2, the antenna 30 must face the central cavity 6 of the stacked tires 2 so as to "see" all the corresponding temporary RFID devices 20 located within the central cavity 6. Consequently, in order to "see" all the temporary RFID devices 20 on the tires 2 in a vertical stack of tires 2, the antenna 30 must be oriented horizontally and positioned above or below the stack. However, in order to "see" all the temporary RFID devices 20 on the tires 2 in a horizontal stack of tires 2, the antenna 30 must be oriented vertically and positioned on the side of the stack.

[0064] In other words, each stack of tire 2 to be identified is positioned near the antenna 30 of the leader device 28, particularly below or next to the antenna 30, so that the antenna 30 faces and aligns with the central cavity 6 of the tire 2 that make up the stack.

[0065] According to a preferred embodiment, one single antenna 30 is sufficient to read all temporary RFID devices 20 on the stack of tires 2, i.e., the single antenna 30 is located at one single end (top, bottom, or side) of the stack. Alternatively, for greater certainty (reliability), two antennas 30 can be used to read all temporary RFID devices 20 on the stack of tires 2, i.e., the two antennas 30 are located opposite each other at two ends (top, bottom, or side) of the stack.

[0066] However, it must be noted that, theoretically, the antenna 30 can read the temporary RFID devices 20 on the stack's tires 2, which are positioned both vertically and horizontally, regardless of their orientation.

[0067] During use, the stack of tires 2 to be identified is positioned within the reading field of the reader device 28's antenna 30 (i.e., below or beside the antenna 30) so that the reader device 28 can read the temporary RFID devices 20 of all tires 2, and in particular, the stack of tires 2 (generally carried by the holding device 5 of the forklift 4) can be temporarily stopped within the area of ​​the reader device 28's antenna 30 or slowly moved forward within the area of ​​the reader device 28's antenna 30. If, in addition to reading the temporary RFID devices 20 of all tires 2, the reader device 28 also reads one or more permanent RFID devices 7, the reading of the permanent RFID devices 7 is simply redundant to the reading of the temporary RFID devices 20 and can be ignored as a “duplication” without causing any kind of problem. In particular, according to the "RFIDEPCGen2GS1" protocol, when two RFID devices 7 and 20 that have the same name and therefore do not have a unique EPC are read, one single RFID device 7 or 20 present in the reading field is signaled following the query of the reader device 28.

[0068] From the above, it is clear that warehouse 1 is equipped with a logistics system that enables the handling of tires 2 in a highly automated manner thanks to the autonomous reading (i.e., without manual intervention by an operator) of temporary RFID devices 20 coupled to tires 2. In particular, the reader device 28 is connected to a control server 31 (Schematically shown in Figure 1) of warehouse 1, which is also connected to a tablet computer 32 (or similar portable device) used by the operators of forklift 4. Through the tablet computer 32, the operators of forklift 4 receive operational instructions from the control server 31 and communicate to the control server 31 the execution of tasks assigned to them to update the status of warehouse 1, i.e., the status of tires 2 stored and retrieved and currently present in warehouse 1, in real time. In other words, the control server 31 runs management software that handles communication between the reader device 28 and human operators (some of the operators who drive forklift 4).

[0069] According to possible (but non-restrictive) embodiments, in order for the operator of the forklift 4 to be able to quickly and confidently confirm that the reader device 28 has read all temporary RFID devices 20 of the tires 2 that make up the stack carried by the holding device 5 (a stack of TBR truck tires 2 generally consists of 5 to 8 TBR tires 2 that are on top of or next to each other, depending on the size of the tires 2), the operator must each time input (type in) the number of tires 2 loaded on the holding device 5 using the tablet computer 32 (software installed on the tablet computer 32 provides a predetermined limited selection of the number of tires 2 loaded on the holding device 5). (which may already be suggested to the operator) The software installed on the tablet computer 32 checks whether the number of temporary RFID devices 20 read by the reader device 28 corresponds to (i.e., is the same as) the number of tires 2 loaded on the holding device 5 of the forklift 4 (provided by the operator). If the numbers are the same, the software provides an affirmative signal (e.g., by green light) and the reading operation performed by the temporary RFID devices 20 is terminated. On the other hand, if the numbers are not the same, the software provides a negative signal (e.g., by red light and an audible warning) and the reading operation performed by the temporary RFID devices 20 must be repeated.

[0070] It should be noted that the same leader device 28 may be equipped with several antennas 30 positioned in different locations (in any case, close to each other) and activated at different moments by an electronic control unit. In this way, the operator of the forklift 4 transporting (at least) a stack of tires 2 does not need to follow the predetermined set path precisely, as the multiple antennas 30 allow the operator to cover a relatively large area around the predetermined set path, and may even deviate from the predetermined set path (somewhat accidentally).

[0071] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1, 2, and 6, the antenna 30 of the leader device 28 is positioned in a fixed location within the warehouse 1, i.e., the antenna 30 of the leader device 28 is attached to a fixed structure in the warehouse 1. In the modified embodiments shown in Figures 7 and 8, at least one leader device 28 is mounted on a forklift 4, and in particular, the forklift 4 is equipped with a support device 33 (for example, mounted on the roof of the forklift 4) that supports the antenna 30 so that it is positioned near (typically, but not necessarily, above) a stack of tires 2 (or a stack of multiple tires 2) supported by a holding device 5 of the forklift 4. The support device 33 may also have a telescopic arm for moving the antenna 30 near (typically, but not necessarily, above) a stack of tires 2 (or a stack of multiple tires 2) supported by a holding device 5 of the forklift 4 only when necessary. The antenna 30 (or antenna 30) of the leader device 28 mounted on the forklift 4 may also be attached to the frame of the holding device 5.

[0072] The embodiments described herein can be combined with each other without exceeding the scope of protection of the present invention for this reason.

[0073] The aforementioned tire 2 has many advantages.

[0074] Firstly, the aforementioned tires 2 can be efficiently (quickly) and effectively (reliably) identified by a reader device 28 equipped with a single antenna 30 positioned in a fixed location (and thus by a simple, economical, and easy-to-use reader device 28). This result is achieved thanks to the specific positioning of the identification label 19, which ensures that the identification label 19 can always be reliably read, even when the tires 2 are stacked. In fact, the central cavity 6 of the tire 2 (where the identification label 19 is located) is always free from electromagnetic shielding, even when the stacked tires 2 are handled (due to the Faraday cage generated by the metal elements of the tire 2).

[0075] Furthermore, the specific form of the identification label 19 and the resulting positioning of the temporary RFID device 20 can maximize the usable reading distance of the temporary RFID device 20. This is because positioning the radially inward portion 22 in "air" allows the temporary RFID device to be moved away from the metal mass of the tire 2 (i.e., the bead core 11), which acts as a disruptive element.

[0076] Several experiments have shown that a reader device 28 equipped with a single antenna 30 oriented horizontally or vertically can read temporary RFID devices 20 on all tires 2 of a stack from the tire 2 furthest from the antenna 30 to a distance of 6 to 8 meters.

[0077] Furthermore, by positioning the identification label 19 on the inside of the tire 2 (i.e., the area of ​​the central cavity 6 of the tire 2 that starts from the bead 10 and protrudes inward), the identification label 19 is extremely protected and therefore substantially unaffected by damage or unintended peeling, and in fact, the area of ​​the bead 10 is never touched during handling.

[0078] Finally, since the temporary RFID device 20 can have relatively small antenna elements 24 and 25, the identification label 19 is inexpensive (and therefore represents a negligible portion of the total manufacturing cost of the tire).

[0079] Furthermore, it should be noted that, regardless of the orientation of the tire 2 and the way the stack is held, even a single identification label 19 is always read from above, so it is always sufficient to attach one single identification label 19 to each tire 2. In any case, it should be noted that combining one single tire 2 with two or more identification labels 19 is not prohibited (even though it is practically useless).

[0080] While the present invention finds advantageous applications in handling so-called TBR "truck and bus radial" tires 2, in any case, the present invention can be applied to any type of tire 2 (larger or smaller than so-called TBR tires 2). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0081] 1 warehouse 2 tires 3 support elements 4 forklifts 5 holding device 6 central cavities 7 permanent RFID device 8 carcasses 9 main unit ply 10 beads 11-bead core 12 Bead Filler 13 tread 14 Treadbelt 15 Tread Ply 16 Inner Liners 17 side wall 18 Wearable Rubber Strips 19 Identification Labels 20 temporary RFID devices 21 inner part 22 outer part 23 connection surfaces 24 First antenna element 25 Second antenna element 26 microchips 27 support 28 Reader device 29 Electronic control units 30 Antennas 31 Control Server 32 Tablet Computers 33 support device

Claims

1. Tire (2), A toroidal carcass (8) having a central cavity (6), Two annular beads (10), each having at least one bead core (11), and The system includes an identification label (19) that supports a temporary RFID device (20) which is detachably attached to the circumferential surface of the tire and can be read from a distance, The identification label (19) is placed in the region of the annular bead (10), and The identification label (19) has a radially outer portion (21) attached to the tire (2) and having a radially outer end (211) and a radially inner end (212), and a radially inner portion (22) that protrudes from the tire (2) in a free manner without being attached to the tire (2) and is connected to the radially inner end (212) of the radially outer portion (21), The tire (2) is characterized in that the temporary RFID device (20) is exclusively located only in the radially inner portion (22) of the identification label (19), and as a result, the temporary RFID device (20) is not present at all in the radially outer portion (21).

2. The tire (2) according to claim 1, wherein the radially inner portion (22) protrudes like a flag from the radially innermost annular edge of the annular bead (10) region of the tire (2) toward the center of the central cavity (6).

3. The tire (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the radial distance between the radially outer end (211) and the radially inner end (212) of the radially outer portion (21) of the identification label (19) is in the range of 85 to 15 mm.

4. The tire (2) according to claim 1, wherein the radially outer portion (21) of the identification label (19) has a connecting surface (23) that is attached to the tire (2) in the region of the bead core (11).

5. The tire (2) according to claim 4, wherein the radially inner portion (22) of the identification label (19) has no connecting surface (23), is not adhered to the region of the annular bead (10), is completely free, hangs in the air, that is, all surfaces of the radially inner portion (22) are in the air.

6. The temporary RFID device (20) is equipped with an antenna, the antenna being positioned only on the radially inward portion (22) and not extending to the radially outward portion (21), the tire (2) according to claim 1.

7. The antenna comprises a first antenna element (24) and a second antenna element (25), and The first antenna element (24) is electromagnetically connected to the second antenna element (25). The tire (2) according to claim 6.

8. The tire (2) according to claim 1, wherein the identification label (19) is positioned on the circumferential surface located axially outward of the bead core (11).

9. The tire (2) according to claim 1, wherein the identification label (19) is positioned on the circumferential surface located axially inward of the bead core (11).

10. A warehouse (1) for tires (2), each comprising a plurality of tires (2) as described in claim 1, and therefore provided with identification labels (19), wherein the tires (2) are arranged in a stacked state.

11. The warehouse (1) according to claim 10, A reader device (28) is provided, which is designed to read the aforementioned temporary RFID device (20) from a distance and is equipped with at least one antenna (30), and A warehouse (1) comprising: a handling device configured to position a stack of identified tires (2) near, particularly below, or next to, the antenna (30) of the leader device (28), wherein the antenna (30) faces and aligns with the central cavity (6) of the tires (2) constituting the stack.

12. The warehouse (1) according to claim 11, wherein the reader device (28) comprises a plurality of antennas (30), the plurality of antennas (30) are operated alternately to increase the area covered by the reading.

13. A method for handling a warehouse (1) for tires (2) as described in claim 1, The steps include attaching the aforementioned identification label (19) to each tire (2), and A method comprising the step of stacking the tires (2) in a stacked state.

14. A handling method according to claim 13, The steps include installing a reader device (28) which is designed to read the temporary RFID device (20) from a distance and is equipped with at least one antenna (30), and A handling method further comprising the step of arranging a stack of tires (2) to be identified near the antenna (30) of the leader device (28), particularly below or next to the antenna (30), such that the antenna (30) faces and aligns with the central cavity (6) of the tires (2) constituting the stack.

15. The handling method according to claim 14, wherein the reader device (28) comprises a plurality of antennas (30), the plurality of antennas (30) are operated alternately to increase the area covered by the reading.

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