TIRE

Abstract

Provided is a tire comprising a pair of bead cores 5, a carcass 6, and a plurality of belt layers, wherein the plurality of belt layers comprise a first belt layer 7 with cords extending along the tire circumferential direction CD, and a second belt layer 8 with cords extending at an angle to the tire circumferential direction CD, which is arranged on the outer side in the tire radial direction than the circumferential belt layer, a communication device having a linear antenna is embedded at a tire radial position, that is inner side in the tire radial direction than a tire maximum width position and outer side in the tire radial direction than an outer edge position of the bead core 5 in the tire radial direction, and the linear antenna of the communication device is arranged along the tire circumferential direction.

Claims

1. A tire comprising a pair of bead cores embedded in a pair of bead portions, a carcass toroidally straddling the pair of bead cores, and a plurality of belt layers disposed on the outer side of the crown portion of the carcass in the tire radial direction, wherein the plurality of belt layers comprise at least one first belt layer with cords extending along the tire circumferential direction, and at least one second belt layer with cords extending at an angle to the tire circumferential direction, which is arranged on the outer side in the tire radial direction than the circumferential belt layer, a communication device, having an IC chip and at least one linear antenna connected to the IC chip, is embedded at a tire radial position, that is inner side in the tire radial direction than a tire maximum width position and outer side in the tire radial direction than an outer edge position of the bead core in the tire radial direction, and the linear antenna of the communication device is arranged along the tire circumferential direction.

2. The tire according to claim 1, wherein the second belt layer has two or more layers.

3. The tire according to claim 1, wherein at least one layer of the second belt layers has cords extending at an inclined angle of 45? to 70? to the tire circumferential direction.

4. The tire according to claim 1, comprising no belt layer on the inner side of the first belt layer in the tire radial direction.

5. The tire according to claim 1, comprising a third belt layer with cords extending at an inclined angle of 45? to 70? to the tire circumferential direction on the inner side of the first belt layer in the tire radial direction.

6. The tire according to claim 1, wherein the communication device is an RF tag.

7. The tire according to claim 2, wherein at least one layer of the second belt layers has cords extending at an inclined angle of 45? to 70? to the tire circumferential direction.

8. The tire according to claim 2, comprising no belt layer on the inner side of the first belt layer in the tire radial direction.

9. The tire according to claim 3, comprising no belt layer on the inner side of the first belt layer in the tire radial direction.

10. The tire according to claim 2, comprising a third belt layer with cords extending at an inclined angle of 45? to 70? to the tire circumferential direction on the inner side of the first belt layer in the tire radial direction.

11. The tire according to claim 3, comprising a third belt layer with cords extending at an inclined angle of 45? to 70? to the tire circumferential direction on the inner side of the first belt layer in the tire radial direction.

12. The tire according to claim 2, wherein the communication device is an RF tag.

13. The tire according to claim 3, wherein the communication device is an RF tag.

14. The tire according to claim 4, wherein the communication device is an RF tag.

15. The tire according to claim 5, wherein the communication device is an RF tag.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] In the accompanying drawings:

[0015] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view (half view) in the tire width direction of the tire according to the first embodiment of this disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a belt structure of the tire according to the first embodiment of this disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 3 is a diagram of an RF tag as a communication device to be disposed on the tire according to the first embodiment of this disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view in the tire circumferential direction of the tire according to the first embodiment of this disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 5A is a diagram for explaining a neutral axis of deformation of the belt layer of a conventional tire during load rolling;

[0020] FIG. 5B is a diagram for explaining a neutral axis of deformation of the belt layer of the tire, during load rolling, according to the first embodiment of this disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 6A is a diagram for explaining the deformation of a conventional tire under load rolling;

[0022] FIG. 6B is a diagram for explaining the deformation of the tire, during load rolling, according to the first embodiment of this disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates another example of a belt structure; and

[0024] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates yet another example of a belt structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The tire according to the present disclosure can be used for any type of tire, but can suitably be used for a truck or bus tire.

[0026] The following is an illustrative explanation of the embodiment(s) of the tire in accordance with the present disclosure, with reference to the drawings. In each figure, common components are marked with the same reference numerals.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view (half view) in the tire width direction of a tire 1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a belt structure of the tire 1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0028] In this document, unless otherwise noted, the positional relationship and dimensions of each element shall be measured under the reference condition, with the tire 1 mounted on the applicable rim, filled with the prescribed internal pressure, and unloaded.

[0029] As used herein, the term applicable rim refers to the standard rim in the applicable size (Measuring Rim in ETRTO's STANDARDS MANUAL and Design Rim in TRA's YEAR BOOK) as described or as may be described in the future in the industrial standard, which is valid for the region in which the tire is produced and used, such as JATMA YEAR BOOK of JATMA (Japan Automobile Tyre Manufacturers Association) in Japan, STANDARDS MANUAL of ETRTO (The European Tyre and Rim Technical Organization) in Europe, and YEAR BOOK of TRA (The Tire and Rim Association, Inc.) in the United States. The applicable rim includes current sizes as well as future sizes to be listed in the aforementioned industrial standards. An example of the size as described in the future could be the sizes listed as FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS in the ETRTO's STANDARDS MANUAL 2013 edition. For sizes not listed in these industrial standards, the term applicable rim refers to a rim with a width corresponding to the bead width of the tire.

[0030] In addition, the prescribed internal pressure refers to the air pressure (maximum air pressure) corresponding to the maximum load capacity of a single wheel in the applicable size and ply rating, as described in the aforementioned JATMA YEAR BOOK and other industrial standards. In the case that the size is not listed in the aforementioned industrial standards, the prescribed internal pressure refers to the air pressure (maximum air pressure) corresponding to the maximum load capacity specified for each vehicle in which the tire is mounted.

[0031] Note, that the air as used herein can be replaced by inert gas such as nitrogen gas or other inert gas.

[0032] In this document, the term tire maximum width position means the position in the tire radial direction where the distance in the tire width direction between the carcasses at a pair of sidewall portions is the greatest.

[0033] Also, in this document, the term tire circumferential direction is also referred to as the term tire circumferential direction CD and the term tire width direction is also referred to as the term tire width direction WD. In this document, the term tire radial direction is also referred to as the term tire radial direction RD. In each figure, the tire circumferential direction (CD) is indicated by the CD arrow, the tire width direction (WD) is indicated by the WD arrow, and the tire radial direction (RD) is indicated by the RD arrow, respectively.

[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the tire 1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure comprises a pair of bead portions 2, a pair of sidewall portions 3, and a tread portion 4 spanning between the two sidewall portions.

[0035] The tire 1 comprises a pair of bead cores 5, embedded in the pair of bead portions 2, and a carcass 6 toroidally straddling the pair of bead cores 5.

[0036] The carcass 6 toroidally straddles between the pair of bead cores 5 and forms the frame of the tire.

[0037] Preferably, the carcass 6 has a carcass body portion disposed between the bead cores 5 and carcass turn-up portions that are folded around the bead cores 5 from the inside to the outside in the tire width direction. However, the carcass 6 does not have to have carcass turn-up portions.

[0038] The carcass 6 includes one or more carcass plies (one in this embodiment). Each carcass ply has carcass cords and coating rubber that covers the carcass cords, respectively.

[0039] The carcass cords may be made of metal, such as steel, or organic fibers, such as polyester, nylon, rayon, or aramid.

[0040] The configuration of the bead portion 2 in the tire 1 according to this embodiment is not limited. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the tire 1 may comprise a bead filler 51 on the outer side of the pair of bead cores 5 in the tire radial direction, and a stiffener 52 on the outer side of the bead filler 51 in the tire radial direction. Also, the tire 1 according to this embodiment may also comprise a rubber chafer 21, which is disposed in the bead portion 2 so that it is at least partially in contact with the applicable rim when mounted on the applicable rim.

[0041] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the tire 1 according to this embodiment comprises a plurality of belt layers (two layers in this embodiment) disposed on the outer side of the crown portion of the carcass 6 in the tire radial direction RD.

[0042] The plurality of belt layers comprise at least one first belt layer 7 (one layer in this embodiment) with cords extending along the tire circumferential direction CD, and at least one second belt layer 8 (one layer in this embodiment) with cords extending at an angle to the tire circumferential direction CD, which is arranged on the outer side in the tire radial direction RD than the circumferential belt layer.

[0043] Here, the term cords extending along the tire circumferential direction (CD) shall include cases where the cords are parallel to the tire circumferential direction CD or where the cords are slightly inclined to the circumferential direction of the tire (inclined to the tire circumferential direction CD at an angle of 5? or less) due to the result of forming the belt layer by spirally winding a strip of cords coated with rubber, etc.

[0044] In addition, the term cords extending at an angle to the tire circumferential direction (CD) shall means cords that are inclined at a greater angle to the tire circumferential direction CD than the cords extending along the tire circumferential direction CD described above, and the angle is not particularly limited.

[0045] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the first belt layer 7 is slightly larger than the second belt layer 8 in the tire width direction, but the lengths of the first belt layer 7 and the second belt layer 8 in the tire width direction are not limited.

[0046] The first belt layer 7 and the second belt layers 8 have cords and coating rubber covering the cords. The cord material is not limited and may be made of organic fibers such as polyester, nylon, rayon, or aramid, or of metals such as steel. Also, the coating rubber can be any known rubber material, such as rubber materials normally used for the belt coating rubber.

[0047] In the tire 1 according to this embodiment, a communication device 9, having an IC chip 10 and at least one linear antenna 9a connected to the IC chip 10, is embedded at a tire radial position, that is inner side in the tire radial direction than the tire maximum width position SWH and outer side in the tire radial direction than the outer edge position of the bead core 5 in the tire radial direction.

[0048] The configuration of the communication device 9 is not limited to any particular configuration, as long as the communication device 9 is capable of wireless communication with a predetermined device outside the tire 1. The communication device 9 can be, for example, an RF tag. The RF tag is also referred to as an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag. The communication device 9 has an IC chip 10, which constitutes the control section and a storage section, and one or more linear antennas 9a, which are connected to the IC chip 10. For example, the communication device 9 may have an overall longitudinal shape with two linear antennas extending in opposite directions from the IC chip 10. Here, the term linear is not limited to straight lines, but includes shapes extending wavy or spirally.

[0049] The IC chip 10 may also be operated by induced electromotive force generated by electromagnetic waves received by the one or more antennas. In other words, the communication device 9 may be a passive communication device. Alternatively, the communication device 9 may be further provided with a battery, so that to be able to communicate by generating electromagnetic waves using its own power. In other words, the communication device 9 may be an active communication device.

[0050] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an RF tag as a communication device 9 to be disposed on the tire 1 in this embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the RF tag as a communication device 9 to be disposed on the tire 1 in this embodiment comprises: a first antenna 9a1 and a second antenna 9a2 which constitute the antenna 9a; an IC chip 10 which constitutes the control section 9b and the storage section 9c, which is operated by induced electromotive force generated by radio waves received by these first antenna 9a1 and second antenna 9a2; the plate-like support member 9d to which the IC chip 10 is attached; and a conductive member 9e electrically connecting the IC chip 10 and each of the first antenna 9a1 and the second antenna 9a2.

[0051] The communication device 9 may be covered by coated rubber.

[0052] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view in the tire circumferential direction of the tire 1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure.

[0053] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 4, in the tire 1 according to this embodiment, a communication device 9 is embedded at a tire radial position, that is inner side in the tire radial direction than the tire maximum width position SWH and outer side in the tire radial direction than the outer edge position BCE of the bead core 5 in the tire radial direction. In addition, in the tire 1 according to this embodiment, the linear antenna 9a of the communication device 9 (in this embodiment, the first antenna 9a1 and the second antenna 9a2) is arranged along the tire circumferential direction CD.

[0054] Here, the term arranged along the tire circumferential direction (CD) shall include cases where the longitudinal direction of the antenna extending in a straight, wavy, or spiral shape is parallel to the tire circumferential direction CD or slightly inclined with respect to the tire circumferential direction CD (inclination angle to the tire circumferential direction CD is 5? or less).

[0055] The effects of the configuration of the tire 1 according to this embodiment are explained below with reference to FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B.

[0056] FIG. 5A is a diagram for explaining a neutral axis of deformation of the belt layer of a conventional tire during load rolling. FIG. 5B is a diagram for explaining a neutral axis of deformation of the belt layer of the tire 1, during load rolling, according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. FIG. 6A is a diagram for explaining the deformation of a conventional tire under load rolling. FIG. 6B is a diagram for explaining the deformation of the tire 1, during load rolling, according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. In FIGS. 6A and 6B, the dotted lines in the figures represent the outline of the tire before deformation, and the solid lines represent the outline of the tire during load rolling.

[0057] FIG. 5A illustrates a conventional tire comprising two belt layers that do not have the configuration of belt layer according to the present disclosure. Here, the term do not have the configuration of belt layer according to the present disclosure means, for example, having only two inclined belt layers with cords extending at an angle to the tire circumferential direction CD, etc.

[0058] In the tire comprising two belt layers that do not have the configuration of belt layer according to the present disclosure, the neutral axis of deformation NA is located between the belt layer on the outer side in the tire radial direction and the belt layer on the inner side in the tire radial direction, and a compression force is generated in the belt layer on the outer side in the tire radial direction and a tensile force is generated in the belt layer on the outer side in the tire radial direction. As a result, the tread rubber is stretched and contracted, causing deformation such that the contour of the tire is collapsed, as illustrated by the solid line in FIG. 6a, and resulting in greater distortion when the tire is stepping onto the road surface and when the tire is kicking off from the road surface. If the communication device is embedded in the tire, the durability of the communication device may be compromised by the above distortion. On the other hand, in the tire 1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure, illustrated in FIG. 5B, the first belt layer 7 with cords extending along the tire circumferential direction CD exhibits high stiffness and serves as the neutral axis. Then, only the force of compression on the second belt layer 8 having cords extending at an angle to the tire circumferential direction CD, which is disposed on the outer side in the tire radial direction, affects the deformation, so that the tire is lifted up while maintaining its annular shape, as illustrated by the solid line in FIG. 6B. In this case, the tire distortion in tire circumferential direction is controlled when the tire is stepping onto the road surface and when the tire is kicking off from the road surface. In such a tire 1 with reduced deformation in the tire circumferential direction, burying the linear antenna 9a along the circumferential direction of the tire 1 mitigates the effect on the elongated antenna 9a, and sufficient durability of the communication device 9 can be ensured.

[0059] The following is a description of each component of the tire 1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure, including suitable configurations and variations.

[0060] In the tire 1 according to this embodiment, the number of second belt layer 8 is not limited to as long as it is one or more, but it is preferably two or more.

[0061] In another example of a belt structure illustrated in FIG. 7, a second belt layer 8A and a second belt layer 8B are disposed on the outer side of the first belt layer 7 in the tire radial direction.

[0062] According to the above configuration, the force of compression generated in the second belt layer 8, with cords extending at an angle to the tire circumferential direction CD, is greater than in the case that the second belt layer is comprised of one layer. In addition, since the first belt layer 7, which serves as the neutral axis, is located more inward in the tire radial direction due to the increased number of the second belt layer 8, it exhibits rigidity on the inner side in the tire radial direction and the distortion in the tire circumferential direction is further controlled, thus sufficient durability of the communication device 9 can be ensured more effectively.

[0063] In the tire 1 according to this embodiment, the inclination angle ?1 of the cords of the second belt layer 8 with respect to the tire circumferential direction CD is not particularly limited, but at least one layer of the second belt layers 8 preferably has cords extending at an inclined angle of 45? to 70? to the tire circumferential direction CD.

[0064] When the tire 1 is running straightly, the smaller the inclination angle of the cords of the belt layer with respect to the tire circumferential direction, the easier it tends to bear the tension in the tire circumferential direction applied to the tread portion. However, according to the above inclination angle, the second belt layer 8 bears relatively less of the tension in the tire circumferential direction. In this way, the tension load on the inner side in the tire radial direction is higher than in the second belt layer 8, and the first belt layer 7, which is the neutral axis on the inner side in the tire radial direction, makes it easier to control the tire deformation. This further controls the distortion in the tire circumferential direction, thus sufficient durability of the communication device 9 can be more effectively ensured.

[0065] More preferably, the inclination angle ?1 is 50? to 65? from the viewpoint of ensuring sufficient durability of the communication device 9.

[0066] When there are two or more second belt layers 8 in the tire 1 according to this embodiment, the inclination angle of the cords of each second belt layer 8 may be the same or different from each other.

[0067] In another example of the belt structure illustrated in FIG. 7, the inclination angles ?2 and ?3 of the second belt layer 8A and the second belt layer 8B are the same with respect to the tire circumferential direction CD, but are inclined in different directions relative to the tire equatorial plane CL, and extend in directions that intersect with each other.

[0068] Also, in the case where the inclination angles ?2 and ?3 are different from each other, one of the inclination angles ?2 and ?3 is preferably between 45? and 70?.

[0069] In the tire 1 according to this embodiment, the position of the communication device 9 is not limited to any particular position in the tire radial direction, as long as it is embedded in a tire radial position, that is inner side in the tire radial direction than the tire maximum width position SWH and outer side in the tire radial direction than the outer edge position BCE of the bead core 5 in the tire radial direction. However, the communication device 9 is preferably embedded in a tire radial position, that is inner side in the tire radial direction than the outer edge of the stiffener 52 in the tire radial direction and outer side in the tire radial direction than the outer edge of the rubber chafers 21 in the tire radial direction.

[0070] The above configuration more effectively ensures sufficient durability of the communication device 9 as well as sufficient communication of the communication device 9.

[0071] In addition, in the tire 1 according to this embodiment, belt layers may not be provided on the inner side of the first belt layer 7 in the tire radial direction.

[0072] According to the above configuration, since the first belt layer 7, which serves as the neutral axis, functions reliably as the neutral axis on the inner side in the tire radial direction, this makes it easier to control tire deformation. In this way, sufficient durability of the communication device 9 can be more effectively ensured.

[0073] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates yet another example of the belt structure of the tire 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0074] In the tire 1 of this embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 8, a third belt layer 12 with cords extending at an inclined angle ?4 of 45? to 70? to the tire circumferential direction CD may be provided on the inner side of the first belt layer in the tire radial direction.

[0075] When the tire 1 comprises the third belt layer 12, the number of the first belt layer 7 and the second belt layer 8 is not limited as long as there is more than one layer, and the inclined angle ?5 of the cords of the second belt layer 8 is not limited.

[0076] In addition, in FIG. 8, the third belt layer 12 is slightly smaller in length in the tire width direction than the first belt layer 7 and has the same length in the tire width direction as the second belt layer 8. However, the length of the first belt layer 7, the second belt layer 8, and the third belt layer 12 in the tire width direction is not particularly limited.

[0077] According to the above configuration, when the tire 11 rides up on a projection, curb, etc., dents occur in the tread rubber in areas where the tire comes in contact with protrusions, curbs, etc., and a tensile force to the tire width direction WD is generated on the outer side portion of the tread rubber in the tire radial direction. The third belt layer 12, which is disposed on the inner side of the first belt layer in the tire radial direction, can bear the tension in the tire width direction WD, thus the distortion of the entire tire is controlled, and the durability of the communication device 9 embedded in the tire 1 can be maintained.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0078] The tires of this disclosure can be used for any type of tire, but can suitably be used for a truck or bus tire.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0079] 1 Tire [0080] 2 Bead portion [0081] 3 Sidewall portion [0082] 4 Tread portion [0083] Bead core [0084] 6 Carcass [0085] 7 First belt layer [0086] 8 Second belt layer [0087] 9 Communication device [0088] 9a Antenna [0089] 9a1 First antenna [0090] 9a2 Second antenna [0091] 9b Control section [0092] 9c Storage section [0093] 9d Support member [0094] 9e Conductive member [0095] IC chip [0096] 12 Third belt layer [0097] 21 Rubber chafer [0098] 51 Bead filler [0099] 52 Stiffener [0100] BCE Outer edge position of bead core in the tire radial direction [0101] WD Tire width direction [0102] CD Tire circumferential direction [0103] RD Tire radial direction [0104] SWH Tire maximum width position