Patent Description:
In order to manage data regarding manufacturing management, customer information, running history, etc., of tires, incorporation of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags into tires has been proposed. Various studies have been conducted for the technology to incorporate an RFID tag into a tire (for example, <CIT>).

Also, a heavy duty tire in which a recess is provided in a zone of each tire side surface between a maximum width position of the tire and an end of a turned-up portion of a carcass ply in order to reduce the mass of the tire, has been known (for example, <CIT>).

From the viewpoint of preventing damage, an RFID tag is provided in a portion of a tire where the degree of bending is small. In the case of a heavy duty tire, each bead portion has high stiffness. In the heavy duty tire, the bead portion is effective as a location for placing the RFID tag.

A tire includes a carcass extending on and between a pair of beads. The carcass includes a carcass ply. The carcass ply is turned up around the beads. In the case of a heavy duty tire, each turned-up portion of the carcass ply is placed such that an end thereof overlaps an apex of the bead.

The carcass ply includes a large number of carcass cords aligned with each other. In a heavy duty tire, steel cords are used as the carcass cords. If the RFID tag is placed near metal components such as steel cords, there is a concern that radio waves may be disturbed.

In the heavy duty tire, if the RFID tag is set in the bead portion, from the viewpoint of reducing the risk of damage and ensuring a distance from metal components, it is considered to place the RFID tag in a zone between the end of the turned-up portion and the end of the apex.

Meanwhile, in the above-described heavy duty tire having a shape in which a recess is provided, the recess is provided in a zone of each tire side surface between the maximum width position of the tire and the end of the turned-up portion. The zone on which the recess is provided has a degree of bending different from that of a general tire side surface. Therefore, even if an RFID tag is placed in the above-described zone between the end of the turned-up portion and the end of the apex, the risk of damage to the RFID tag cannot be sufficiently reduced in some cases. Further vehicle tires are known from the documents <CIT> Al and <CIT> Al, in which RFID tags are arranged in contact with the bead apex.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances. An object of the present invention is to provide a heavy duty tire that can achieve formation of a good communication environment and reduction of the risk of damage to an RFID tag while achieving mass reduction.

A heavy duty tire according to the present invention includes: a pair of beads; a carcass extending on and between the pair of beads; a pair of sidewalls each located axially outward of the carcass; a pair of chafers each located radially inward of the sidewall and configured to come into contact with a rim; and a tag member including an RFID tag. Each of the beads includes a core, an inner apex located radially outward of the core, and an outer apex located radially outward of the inner apex. The carcass includes a carcass ply. The carcass ply includes a ply body extending between the pair of beads and a pair of turned-up portions each connected to the ply body and turned up around the bead. A recess is provided in a zone of a side surface of the tire between a maximum width position and an end of the turned-up portion. The tag member is in contact with the sidewall and the outer apex on a radially outer side of the end of the turned-up portion. At least a part of the tag member is located radially outward of a midpoint of a length from an inner end to an outer end of the recess.

According to the present invention, a heavy duty tire that can achieve formation of a good communication environment and reduction of the risk of damage while achieving mass reduction is obtained.

The tire of the present invention is fitted on a rim. The interior of the tire is filled with air to adjust the internal pressure of the tire. The tire fitted on the rim is also referred to as tire-rim assembly. The tire-rim assembly includes the rim and the tire fitted on the rim.

In the present invention, a state where a tire is fitted on a standardized rim, the internal pressure of the tire is adjusted to a standardized internal pressure, and no load is applied to the tire is referred to as standardized state.

In the present invention, unless otherwise specified, the dimensions and angles of each component of the tire are measured in the standardized state.

The dimensions and angles of each component in a meridian cross-section of the tire, which cannot be measured in a state where the tire is fitted on the standardized rim, are measured in a cut plane of the tire obtained by cutting the tire along a plane including a rotation axis. In this measurement, the tire is set such that the distance between right and left beads is equal to the distance between the beads in the tire that is fitted on the standardized rim. The configuration of the tire that cannot be confirmed in a state where the tire is fitted on the standardized rim is confirmed in the above-described cut plane.

The standardized rim means a rim specified in a standard on which the tire is based. The "standard rim" in the JATMA standard, the "Design Rim" in the TRA standard, and the "Measuring Rim" in the ETRTO standard are standardized rims.

The standardized internal pressure means an internal pressure specified in the standard on which the tire is based. The "highest air pressure" in the JATMA standard, the "maximum value" recited in the "TIRE LOAD LIMITS AT VARIOUS COLD INFLATION PRESSURES" in the TRA standard, and the "INFLATION PRESSURE" in the ETRTO standard are standardized internal pressures.

A standardized load means a load specified in the standard on which the tire is based. The "maximum load capacity" in the JATMA standard, the "maximum value" recited in the "TIRE LOAD LIMITS AT VARIOUS COLD INFLATION PRESSURES" in the TRA standard, and the "LOAD CAPACITY" in the ETRTO standard are standardized loads.

In the present invention, a tread portion of the tire is a portion of the tire that comes into contact with a road surface. A bead portion is a portion of the tire that is fitted to a rim. A sidewall portion is a portion of the tire that extends between the tread portion and the bead portion. The tire includes a tread portion, a pair of bead portions, and a pair of sidewall portions as portions thereof.

In the present invention, a complex elastic modulus of a component formed from a crosslinked rubber, of the components included in the tire, is measured according to the standards of JIS K6394. The measurement conditions are as follows.

In this measurement, a test piece (a length of <NUM> × a width of <NUM> × a thickness of <NUM>) is sampled from the tire. The length direction of the test piece is caused to coincide with the circumferential direction of the tire. When a test piece cannot be sampled from the tire, a test piece is sampled from a sheet-shaped crosslinked rubber (hereinafter, also referred to as rubber sheet) obtained by pressurizing and heating a rubber composition, which is used for forming the component to be measured, at a temperature of <NUM> for <NUM> minutes.

In the present invention, the complex elastic modulus is represented as a complex elastic modulus at <NUM>.

A heavy duty tire according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a pair of beads; a carcass extending on and between the pair of beads; a pair of sidewalls each located axially outward of the carcass; a pair of chafers each located radially inward of the sidewall and configured to come into contact with a rim; and a tag member including an RFID tag, wherein each of the beads includes a core, an inner apex located radially outward of the core, and an outer apex located radially outward of the inner apex, the carcass includes a carcass ply, the carcass ply includes a ply body extending between the pair of beads and a pair of turned-up portions each connected to the ply body and turned up around the bead, a recess is provided in a zone of a side surface of the tire between a maximum width position and an end of the turned-up portion, the tag member is in contact with the sidewall and the outer apex on a radially outer side of the end of the turned-up portion, and at least a part of the tag member is located radially outward of a midpoint of a length from an inner end to an outer end of the recess.

The tire of Configuration <NUM> has a shape in which the recess is provided in the zone of the side surface of the tire between the maximum width position and the end of the turned-up portion. Accordingly, the tire weight is reduced as compared to a tire not having the recess.

In the tire of Configuration <NUM>, the tag member is in contact with the sidewall and the outer apex. Therefore, the outer apex is located between the carcass ply and the RFID tag. Since the RFID tag is placed so as to be spaced apart from the carcass ply, even if the carcass ply includes steel cords as carcass cords, radio waves are less likely to be disturbed. In the tire, a good communication environment is formed between the RFID tag and a communication device (not shown). Writing of data to the RFID tag and reading of data recorded in the RFID tag are accurately performed.

In the tire of Configuration <NUM>, at least a part of the tag member is placed so as to be located radially outward of the midpoint of the length from the inner end to the outer end of the recess. Accordingly, the tag member is placed at a position, between the sidewall and the outer apex, at which the influence of bending due to the recess is small. In the tire, the risk of damage to the RFID tag is reduced.

The tire of Configuration <NUM> can achieve formation of a good communication environment and reduction of the risk of damage to the RFID tag while achieving mass reduction.

Preferably, in the tire described in [Configuration <NUM>] above, the RFID tag is located radially outward of the midpoint.

By forming the tire as in Configuration <NUM>, the influence of bending due to the recess on the RFID tag is effectively suppressed. In the tire, the risk of damage is effectively reduced.

Preferably, in the tire described in [Configuration <NUM>] or [Configuration <NUM>] above, the midpoint is located between a radially outer side of an outer end of the chafer and a radially inner side of an outer end of the outer apex.

A radially inner region from the outer end of the chafer is a region where strain of the sidewall during inflation is large. The midpoint is a position where strain due to the recess is likely to occur. Therefore, when the midpoint is located radially outward of the outer end of the chafer, occurrence of large strain at the midpoint is reduced. In the tire having a shape in which a recess is provided, the rubber gauge of the sidewall near the midpoint becomes thinner. When the midpoint is located radially inward of the outer end of the outer apex, the sidewall near the midpoint can receive a reinforcement effect by the outer apex. Therefore, when the sidewall near the midpoint is subjected to external impact, occurrence of cracking or break of the carcass cords is reduced.

In the tire of Configuration <NUM>, occurrence of large strain in the tag member and occurrence of damage to the tag member due to external impact are effectively suppressed.

Preferably, in the tire described in any one of [Configuration <NUM>] to [Configuration <NUM>] above, a shortest distance from a surface of the sidewall to the tag member is not less than <NUM>.

In the tire of Configuration <NUM>, the tag member is sufficiently protected by the sidewall, so that occurrence of damage to the tag member is effectively suppressed.

Preferably, in the tire described in any one of [Configuration <NUM>] to [Configuration <NUM>] above, an outer end of the tag member is located radially outward of the outer end of the chafer.

The outer end of the chafer is located axially outward of the bead. The chafer extends radially outward from the rim side. The outer end of the chafer is a location where waving called creases is likely to occur in the manufacture of the tire. The tire of Configuration <NUM> allows the tag member to be placed at a position where interference with the outer end of the chafer is less likely to occur. In the tire, occurrence of creases is suppressed.

Preferably, in the tire described in [Configuration <NUM>] above, the tag member is provided on a side of a first sidewall out of the pair of sidewalls. By forming the tire as described above, the number of tag members incorporated into the tire is reduced, so that occurrence of damage to the tag member is effectively suppressed.

Preferably, in the tire described in any one of [Configuration <NUM>] to [Configuration <NUM>] above, the tag member is a plate-shaped member in which the RFID tag is covered with a crosslinked rubber, and the tag member has a thickness of not less than <NUM> and not greater than <NUM>.

By forming the tire as described above, the risk of damage to the RFID tag is reduced, and a good communication environment is formed.

<FIG> shows a part of a heavy duty tire <NUM> (hereinafter, also referred to simply as "tire <NUM>"), according to one embodiment of the present invention, having a shape in which a recess <NUM> is provided. The tire <NUM> is mounted to a vehicle such as a truck and a bus.

In <FIG>, the tire <NUM> is fitted on a rim R (standardized rim).

<FIG> shows a part of a cross-section (hereinafter, meridian cross-section) of the tire <NUM> along a plane including the rotation axis of the tire <NUM>. In <FIG>, the right-left direction is the axial direction of the tire <NUM>, and the up-down direction is the radial direction of the tire <NUM>. The direction perpendicular to the surface of the drawing sheet of <FIG> is the circumferential direction of the tire <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a part of the cross-section shown in <FIG>. <FIG> shows a bead portion of the tire <NUM>.

In <FIG>, an alternate long and short dash line CL extending in the radial direction represents the equator plane of the tire <NUM>. In <FIG> and <FIG>, a solid line BBL extending in the axial direction is a bead base line. The BBL is a line that defines the rim diameter (see JATMA or the like) of the rim R.

The tire <NUM> includes a tread <NUM>, a pair of sidewalls <NUM>, a pair of chafers <NUM>, a pair of beads <NUM>, a carcass <NUM>, a belt <NUM>, a pair of cushion layers <NUM>, a strip layer <NUM>, a pair of steel reinforcing layers <NUM>, an interlayer strip <NUM>, an inner liner <NUM>, a tag member <NUM>, and the recess <NUM>.

The tread <NUM> is located radially outward of the carcass <NUM>. The tread <NUM> comes into contact with a road surface at a tread surface <NUM> thereof. Grooves <NUM> are formed on the tread <NUM>.

The tread <NUM> includes a base portion <NUM> and a cap portion <NUM> located radially outward of the base portion <NUM>. The base portion <NUM> is formed from a crosslinked rubber that has low heat generation properties. The cap portion <NUM> is formed from a crosslinked rubber for which wear resistance and grip performance are taken into consideration. The cap portion <NUM> includes the tread surface <NUM>.

In <FIG>, a position indicated by reference character PC corresponds to an equator. The equator PC is the point of intersection of the tread surface <NUM> and the equator plane CL. In the case where the groove <NUM> is located on the equator plane CL as in the tire <NUM>, the equator PC is specified on the basis of a virtual tread surface obtained on the assumption that the groove <NUM> is not present thereon.

The distance in the radial direction, from the BBL to the equator PC, obtained in the tire <NUM> in the standardized state is the cross-sectional height (see JATMA or the like) of the tire <NUM>.

Each sidewall <NUM> is connected to an end of the tread <NUM>. The sidewall <NUM> is located radially inward of the tread <NUM>. The sidewall <NUM> is located axially outward of the carcass <NUM>. A position indicated by reference character PS is an inner end of the sidewall <NUM>. A surface <NUM> of the sidewall <NUM> forms a side surface of the tire <NUM>. The sidewall <NUM> is formed from a crosslinked rubber for which cut resistance is taken into consideration. The complex elastic modulus of the sidewall <NUM> is not less than <NUM> MPa and not greater than <NUM> MPa.

A position indicated by reference character PW is an axially outer end (hereinafter, maximum width position PW) of the tire <NUM>. In the case where decorations such as patterns and letters are present on the outer surface of the tire <NUM>, the maximum width position PW is specified on the basis of a virtual outer surface obtained on the assumption that the decorations are not present thereon. The tire <NUM> has a maximum width at the maximum width position PW. The sidewall <NUM> has the recess <NUM> on the surface <NUM> on the radially inner side of the maximum width position PW.

The distance in the axial direction, from a first maximum width position PW to a second maximum width position PW (not shown), obtained in the tire <NUM> in the standardized state is the cross-sectional width (see JATMA or the like) of the tire <NUM>.

In <FIG>, a length indicated by reference character H is the distance in the radial direction from the BBL to the maximum width position PW. The distance H in the radial direction is also referred to as radial height of the maximum width position PW.

In the tire <NUM> in the standardized state, the ratio of the radial height H of the maximum width position PW to the cross-sectional height is not less than <NUM> and not greater than <NUM>.

Each chafer <NUM> is located radially inward of the sidewall <NUM>. The chafer <NUM> comes into contact with the rim R. The chafer <NUM> has a fitting portion 8a which comes into contact with the rim R. The fitting portion 8a enhances the adhesion between the tire <NUM> and the rim R. Accordingly, the movement of the bead <NUM> during running is effectively reduced, and the durability of the bead <NUM> is improved. A position indicated by reference character PB is an outer end of the chafer <NUM>.

The chafer <NUM> is formed from a crosslinked rubber for which wear resistance is taken into consideration. The complex elastic modulus of the chafer <NUM> is not less than <NUM> MPa and not greater than <NUM> MPa. The chafer <NUM> is harder than the sidewall <NUM>.

Each bead <NUM> is located axially inward of the chafer <NUM>. The bead <NUM> is located radially inward of the sidewall <NUM>. The bead <NUM> includes a core <NUM> and an apex <NUM> located radially outward of the core <NUM>.

The core <NUM> extends in the circumferential direction. The core <NUM> includes a wound wire made of steel. The core <NUM> has a substantially hexagonal cross-sectional shape.

The apex <NUM> is located radially outward of the core <NUM>. The apex <NUM> extends radially outward from the core <NUM>. The apex <NUM> is tapered outward. An outer end PA of the apex <NUM> is located radially inward of the maximum width position PW. The outer end PA of the apex <NUM> is located radially outward of the outer end PB of the chafer <NUM>.

The apex <NUM> includes an inner apex <NUM> and an outer apex <NUM>. The inner apex <NUM> is located radially outward of the core <NUM>. The outer apex <NUM> is located radially outward of the inner apex <NUM>.

The inner apex <NUM> is tapered outward. The inner apex <NUM> is formed from a hard crosslinked rubber. The complex elastic modulus of the inner apex <NUM> is not less than <NUM> MPa and not greater than <NUM> MPa.

The outer apex <NUM> is thick around an outer end PU of the inner apex <NUM>. The outer apex <NUM> is tapered inward and tapered outward from the thick portion thereof.

An inner end PG1 of the outer apex <NUM> is located near the core <NUM>.

In <FIG>, a length indicated by reference character L1 is the distance in the radial direction from the BBL to the outer end PG2 of the outer apex <NUM>. The distance L1 in the radial direction is also referred to as radial height of the outer end PG2 of the outer apex <NUM>. The outer end PG2 of the outer apex <NUM> is also the outer end PA of the apex <NUM>. The distance L1 in the radial direction is also referred to as radial height of the bead <NUM>. The outer end PG2 of the outer apex <NUM> is located axially outward of the carcass <NUM>.

In the tire <NUM>, from the viewpoint of well balancing the stiffness of the bead portion and bending of the tire <NUM>, the ratio (L1/H) of the radial height L1 of the bead <NUM> to the radial height H of the maximum width position PW is adjusted in the range of not less than <NUM> and not greater than <NUM>.

The outer apex <NUM> is formed from a crosslinked rubber. The outer apex <NUM> is more flexible than the inner apex <NUM>. The complex elastic modulus of the outer apex <NUM> is not less than <NUM> MPa and not greater than <NUM> MPa.

The apex <NUM> of the tire <NUM> further includes an edge strip <NUM>.

The edge strip <NUM> is located axially outward of the outer apex <NUM> and forms a part of the outer surface of the apex <NUM>. The edge strip <NUM> is located between the outer end PB of the chafer <NUM> and the inner end PG1 of the outer apex <NUM>.

The edge strip <NUM> is formed from a crosslinked rubber. The edge strip <NUM> is more flexible than the chafer <NUM> and is harder than the outer apex <NUM>. The complex elastic modulus of the edge strip <NUM> is not less than <NUM> MPa and not greater than <NUM> MPa.

The carcass <NUM> is located inward of the tread <NUM>, the pair of sidewalls <NUM>, and the pair of chafers <NUM>. The carcass <NUM> extends on and between the pair of beads <NUM>. The carcass <NUM> of the tire <NUM> has a radial structure.

The carcass <NUM> includes at least one carcass ply <NUM>. The carcass <NUM> of the tire <NUM> is composed of one carcass ply <NUM>. The carcass ply <NUM> is turned up around the beads <NUM>.

The carcass ply <NUM> has a ply body <NUM> and a pair of turned-up portions <NUM>. The ply body <NUM> extends between the pair of beads <NUM>, that is, between a first bead <NUM> and a second bead <NUM>. Each turned-up portion <NUM> is connected to the ply body <NUM> and turned up around the bead <NUM>. The turned-up portion <NUM> of the tire <NUM> is turned up around the bead <NUM> from the inner side toward the outer side in the axial direction. An end PF of the turned-up portion <NUM> is located radially inward of the outer end PB of the chafer <NUM>. The bead <NUM> is interposed between the ply body <NUM> and the turned-up portion <NUM>. The end PF of the turned-up portion <NUM> is located radially outward of an inner end PS of the sidewall <NUM>.

The carcass ply <NUM> includes a large number of carcass cords aligned with each other, which are not shown. These carcass cords are covered with a topping rubber. Each carcass cord intersects the equator plane CL. Steel cords are used as the carcass cords of the tire <NUM>.

In <FIG>, a length indicated by reference character N is the distance in the radial direction from the BBL to the end PF of the turned-up portion <NUM>. The distance N in the radial direction is also referred to as radial height of the end PF of the turned-up portion <NUM>.

In the tire <NUM>, the ratio (N/H) of the radial height N of the end PF of the turned-up portion <NUM> to the radial height H of the maximum width position PW is not less than <NUM> and not greater than <NUM>.

The belt <NUM> includes four belt plies <NUM>. The four belt plies <NUM> are a first belt ply 54A, a second belt ply 54B, a third belt ply 54C, and a fourth belt ply 54D. These belt plies <NUM> are aligned in the radial direction.

In the tire <NUM>, the second belt ply 54B has a largest width, and the fourth belt ply 54D has a smallest width.

Each belt ply <NUM> includes a large number of belt cords aligned with each other, which are not shown. Each belt cord is tilted relative to the equator plane CL. Steel cords are used as the belt cords of the tire <NUM>.

Each cushion layer <NUM> is located between the belt <NUM> and the carcass <NUM> at the end of the belt <NUM>. The cushion layer <NUM> is formed from a flexible crosslinked rubber.

The strip layer <NUM> is located between the carcass <NUM> and the belt <NUM> on the radially inner side of the tread <NUM>. In the axial direction, the strip layer <NUM> is located between a first cushion layer <NUM> and a second cushion layer <NUM>. The strip layer <NUM> is formed from a crosslinked rubber.

Each steel reinforcing layer <NUM> is located in the bead portion. The steel reinforcing layer <NUM> is located between the chafer <NUM> and the carcass <NUM>. The steel reinforcing layer <NUM> is located between the chafer <NUM> and the turned-up portion <NUM>. The steel reinforcing layer <NUM> is turned up around the bead <NUM>. The steel reinforcing layer <NUM> includes a large number of filler cords aligned with each other, which are not shown. The material of the filler cords is steel.

A first end 20f of the steel reinforcing layer <NUM> is located between the chafer <NUM> and the turned-up portion <NUM> in the axial direction. The first end 20f is located radially inward of the end PF of the turned-up portion <NUM>. A second end <NUM> of the steel reinforcing layer <NUM> is located between the inner liner <NUM> and the ply body <NUM> in the axial direction. It is sufficient that the position in the radial direction of the second end <NUM> substantially coincides with that of the first end 20f, and the second end <NUM> may be located radially outward of the first end 20f or may be located radially inward of the first end 20f.

Each interlayer strip <NUM> is located between the chafer <NUM> and the apex <NUM> of the bead <NUM> in the axial direction. The interlayer strip <NUM> covers the end PF of the turned-up portion <NUM> and the first end 20f of the steel reinforcing layer <NUM>.

The interlayer strip <NUM> is in contact with the apex <NUM> on the radially outer side of the end PF of the turned-up portion <NUM>. In other words, the contact surface between the interlayer strip <NUM> and the apex <NUM> forms a part of the outer surface of the apex <NUM>.

The interlayer strip <NUM> is in contact with the chafer <NUM> on the radially outer side of the first end 20f of the steel reinforcing layer <NUM>. In other words, the contact surface between the interlayer strip <NUM> and the chafer <NUM> forms a part of the inner surface of the chafer <NUM>.

The interlayer strip <NUM> is formed from a crosslinked rubber. The interlayer strip <NUM> is harder than the sidewall <NUM> and is more flexible than the chafer <NUM>. The complex elastic modulus of the interlayer strip <NUM> is not less than <NUM> MPa and not greater than <NUM> MPa.

The inner liner <NUM> is located inward of the carcass <NUM>. The inner liner <NUM> is joined to the inner surface of the carcass <NUM> via an insulation (not shown) formed from a crosslinked rubber. The inner liner <NUM> forms an inner surface of the tire <NUM>. The inner liner <NUM> is formed from a crosslinked rubber that has an excellent air blocking property.

As described above, the tire <NUM> is a tire having a shape in which the recess <NUM> is provided. More specifically, in the tire <NUM>, the recess <NUM> is provided on the surface <NUM> of the sidewall <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the recess <NUM> has a shape that projects inward. The recess <NUM> extends uninterruptedly in the circumferential direction.

In <FIG>, reference character CS indicates an outer end of the recess <NUM>. Reference character CU indicates an inner end of the recess <NUM>. In the tire <NUM>, the outer end CS of the recess <NUM> is located between the outer end PA of the apex <NUM> and the maximum width position PW in the radial direction. The inner end CU of the recess <NUM> is located between the end PF of the turned-up portion <NUM> and the outer end PB of the chafer <NUM> in the radial direction. In the tire <NUM>, the recess <NUM> is provided in a zone of the surface <NUM> between the maximum width position PW and the end PF of the turned-up portion <NUM>. The recess <NUM> contributes to reducing the mass of the tire <NUM>.

In <FIG>, reference character CC indicates the midpoint of the length from the inner end CU to the outer end CS of the recess <NUM>. In the tire <NUM>, the midpoint CC is located between the radially outer side of the outer end PB of the chafer <NUM> and the radially inner side of the outer end PA of the apex <NUM>. The midpoint CC is a position where strain is likely to occur. A radially inner region from the outer end PB of the chafer <NUM> is a region where strain of the sidewall <NUM> during inflation is large. In the tire <NUM>, since the midpoint CC is located radially outward of the outer end PB of the chafer <NUM>, occurrence of large strain is suppressed. In addition, in the tire <NUM>, since the midpoint CC is located radially inward of the outer end PA of the apex <NUM>, a reinforcement effect by the apex <NUM> is obtained.

The tag member <NUM> is located axially outward of the bead <NUM>. In the tire <NUM>, the tag member <NUM> is provided only on the side of a first sidewall <NUM>. The tag member <NUM> may be provided on each of the side of the first sidewall <NUM> and the side of a second sidewall <NUM>. From the viewpoint of reducing occurrence of damage to the tag member <NUM>, the tag member <NUM> is preferably provided on the side of the first sidewall <NUM> out of the pair of sidewalls <NUM>.

<FIG> is a plan view of the tag member <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along a line IV-IV in <FIG>.

The tag member <NUM> has a plate shape. The tag member <NUM> is long in a length direction thereof and short in a width direction thereof. As shown in <FIG>, in the tire <NUM>, the tag member <NUM> is placed such that a first end <NUM> in the width direction thereof is located on the radially outer side in the tire <NUM> and a second end 26u in the width direction thereof is located on the radially inner side in the tire <NUM>.

The tag member <NUM> includes an RFID tag <NUM>. In <FIG>, for convenience of description, the RFID tag <NUM> is shown by a solid line, but the entirety thereof is covered with a protector <NUM>. The tag member <NUM> includes the RFID tag <NUM> and the protector <NUM>. The RFID tag <NUM> is located at the center of the tag member <NUM>. The protector <NUM> is formed from a crosslinked rubber. The protector <NUM> has stiffness substantially equal to the stiffness of the outer apex <NUM>. In the tire <NUM>, formation of a good communication environment is considered, and a crosslinked rubber having high electrical resistance is used for the protector <NUM>. The protector <NUM> is formed from a rubber that has high insulation properties.

Although not described in detail, the RFID tag <NUM> is a small and lightweight electronic component that includes: a semiconductor chip <NUM> obtained by making a transmitter/receiver circuit, a control circuit, a memory, etc., into a chip; and an antenna <NUM>. Upon receiving interrogation radio waves, the RFID tag <NUM> uses the radio waves as electrical energy and transmits various data in the memory as response radio waves. The RFID tag <NUM> is a type of passive radio frequency identification transponder.

In the tire <NUM>, the tag member <NUM> is a plate-shaped member in which the RFID tag <NUM> is covered with a crosslinked rubber. From the viewpoint of reducing the risk of damage to the RFID tag <NUM> and forming a good communication environment, the thickness of the tag member <NUM> in the tire <NUM> is preferably not less than <NUM> and not greater than <NUM>. The thickness of the tag member <NUM> in the tire <NUM> is represented as the maximum thickness of the tag member <NUM> at the semiconductor chip <NUM> of the RFID tag <NUM>.

A length TL of the tag member <NUM> before embedding in the tire <NUM> is not less than <NUM> and not greater than <NUM>. A width TW thereof is not less than <NUM> and not greater than <NUM>.

The position of the RFID tag <NUM> in the tire <NUM> is represented as the position of a radially inner end of the RFID tag <NUM> (specifically, the semiconductor chip <NUM>) in the meridian cross-section of the tire <NUM>. In <FIG>, a position indicated by reference character TU is the radially inner end of the RFID tag <NUM> as the position of the RFID tag <NUM> in the tire <NUM>.

In the tire <NUM>, the tag member <NUM> is located axially outward of the outer apex <NUM> on the radially outer side of the end PF of the turned-up portion <NUM>. The tag member <NUM> is in contact with the sidewall <NUM> and the outer apex <NUM>. In other words, the tag member <NUM> is present at the boundary between the sidewall <NUM> and the outer apex <NUM>. In the tire <NUM>, the outer apex <NUM> is harder than the sidewall <NUM>. The boundary between the tag member <NUM> and the outer apex <NUM> forms a part of the outer surface of the outer apex <NUM>. In other words, the boundary between the tag member <NUM> and the outer apex <NUM> forms a part of the outer surface of the apex <NUM>. The tag member <NUM> is located on the side of the sidewall <NUM> which is more flexible than the outer apex <NUM>. The tag member <NUM> forms a part of the boundary between the outer apex <NUM> and the sidewall <NUM>.

The second end 26u of the tag member <NUM> is located at substantially the same position in the radial direction as the midpoint CC of the recess <NUM>. Therefore, in the tire <NUM>, the entire tag member <NUM> is configured to be placed radially outward of the midpoint CC. In the present invention, the entire tag member <NUM> is preferably located radially outward of the midpoint CC, but is not limited thereto. In the present invention, at least a part of the tag member <NUM> only has to be located radially outward of the midpoint CC. That is, the midpoint CC may be located between the first end <NUM> and the second end 26u of the tag member <NUM> in the radial direction. Accordingly, in the tire <NUM>, the tag member <NUM> is placed in the bead portion where the degree of bending is small. From the viewpoint of effective strain reduction of the tag member <NUM>, the second end 26u of the tag member <NUM> is preferably located between the outer end PG2 of the outer apex <NUM> and the midpoint CC in the radial direction. Accordingly, the entire tag member <NUM> is configured to be placed radially outward of the midpoint CC.

In the tire <NUM>, the RFID tag <NUM> is located radially outward of the midpoint CC in the radial direction. More specifically, a radially inner end TU of the RFID tag <NUM> is located between the outer end PG2 of the outer apex <NUM> and the midpoint CC in the radial direction. In the tire <NUM>, the degree of bending is small between the outer end PG2 and the midpoint CC. In the tire <NUM>, the risk of damage to the RFID tag <NUM> is effectively reduced.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram showing the results of analysis of strain by a finite element method (FEM) for the heavy duty tire <NUM> (tire size = <NUM>/80R22. <NUM>) having a shape in which the recess <NUM> is provided. In this analysis, the size of a rim on which the tire was fitted was <NUM>×<NUM>. The internal pressure of the tire was set to <NUM> kPa. A load applied to the tire was set to <NUM> kN.

In the results of analysis of strain by the FEM shown in <FIG>, the magnitude of strain is represented by colors as shown in the lower right corner of <FIG>. The darker the color, the larger the strain, and the lighter the color, the smaller the strain. In <FIG>, reference character RV is a position where a change in the degree of strain occurs at the boundary between the apex <NUM> and the sidewall <NUM>.

From <FIG>, it can be seen that as for the strain from the outer end PG2 of the outer apex <NUM> to the position RV, the strain at the boundary between the outer apex <NUM> and the sidewall <NUM> is smaller than the strain from the outer end PB of the chafer <NUM> to the position RV. It can be seen that the midpoint CC is located outward of the position RV in the radial direction. It can be seen that the strain at the boundary between the outer apex <NUM> and the sidewall <NUM> is continuously small on the outer side with respect to the midpoint CC in the radial direction.

Therefore, from the results of analysis by the FEM, the following is suggested in the tire <NUM>:.

In the tire <NUM>, the outer apex <NUM> is located between the carcass ply <NUM> and the RFID tag <NUM>. The RFID tag <NUM> is placed so as to be spaced apart from the carcass ply <NUM> including the carcass cords which are metal components. Radio waves are less likely to be disturbed, so that a good communication environment is formed between the RFID tag <NUM> and a communication device (not shown). Writing of data to the RFID tag <NUM> and reading of data recorded in the RFID tag <NUM> are accurately performed.

The tire <NUM> can achieve formation of a good communication environment and reduction of the risk of damage to the RFID tag <NUM> while achieving mass reduction.

Meanwhile, the outer end PB of the chafer <NUM> is located axially outward of the bead <NUM>. The chafer <NUM> is a component extending radially outward from the rim R side. The outer end PB of the chafer <NUM> is a location where waving called creases is likely to occur in the manufacture of the tire <NUM>. Since the tag member <NUM> is placed near the outer end PB of the chafer <NUM>, there is a concern that creases may occur depending on the degree of interference between the outer end PB of the chafer <NUM> and the tag member <NUM>.

In the tire <NUM>, the second end 26u of the tag member <NUM> is located radially outward of the outer end PB of the chafer <NUM>. Accordingly, the entirety of the tag member <NUM> is placed radially outward of the outer end PB of the chafer <NUM>. Interference between the tag member <NUM> and the outer end PB of the chafer <NUM> is effectively suppressed. In the tire <NUM>, occurrence of creases is effectively suppressed. From this viewpoint, in the tire <NUM>, the second end 26u of the tag member <NUM> is preferably located radially outward of the outer end PB of the chafer <NUM>.

In the tire <NUM>, the first end <NUM> of the tag member <NUM> is located radially inward of the outer end PG2 of the outer apex <NUM>. Accordingly, the influence of the tag member <NUM> on bending of the sidewall portion is effectively suppressed. With the tire <NUM>, good durability and ride comfort are maintained. From this viewpoint, the first end <NUM> of the tag member <NUM> is preferably located radially inward of the outer end PG2 of the outer apex <NUM>.

In the tire <NUM>, the outer end PU of the inner apex <NUM> is located between the end PF of the turned-up portion <NUM> and the RFID tag <NUM> in the radial direction. Accordingly, the hard inner apex <NUM> effectively increases the stiffness of the bead portion. Strain applied to the RFID tag <NUM> is effectively reduced. The tire <NUM> can effectively reduce the risk of damage to the RFID tag <NUM>. From the viewpoint of being able to further effectively reduce the risk of damage to the RFID tag <NUM>, more preferably, the outer end PU of the inner apex <NUM> is located between the end PF of the turned-up portion <NUM> and the RFID tag <NUM> in the radial direction, and further, the outer end PU of the inner apex <NUM> is located between the end PF of the turned-up portion <NUM> and the outer end PB of the chafer <NUM> in the radial direction.

In the tire <NUM>, the outer end PB of the chafer <NUM> is located radially outward of the inner end PS of the sidewall <NUM>, and the sidewall <NUM> covers the outer end PB of the chafer <NUM>. Since the outer end PB of the chafer <NUM> is covered with the sidewall <NUM>, strain applied to the outer end PB is effectively alleviated. In the tire <NUM>, the chafer <NUM> is harder than the sidewall <NUM>. Therefore, by covering the outer end PB of the chafer <NUM> with the sidewall <NUM>, strain applied to the outer end PB is more effectively alleviated. In the tire <NUM>, occurrence of damage starting from the outer end PB of the chafer <NUM> is effectively suppressed.

In <FIG>, a double-headed arrow DU indicates the distance in the radial direction from the end PF of the turned-up portion <NUM> to the inner end CU of the recess <NUM>. A double-headed arrow DS indicates the distance in the radial direction from the maximum width position PW to the outer end CS of the recess <NUM>. The distance DU is preferably not less than <NUM> and preferably not greater than <NUM>. The distance DS is preferably not less than <NUM> and preferably not greater than <NUM>. When the distance DU is not less than <NUM>, the bead durability is maintained. When the distance DS is not less than <NUM>, good cut resistance is maintained. When the distance DU and the distance DS are not greater than <NUM>, a recess <NUM> having a sufficient size can be ensured, so that the mass of the tire <NUM> is effectively reduced.

In the tire <NUM>, a radially inner portion of the side surface <NUM> from the maximum width position PW includes the above-described recess <NUM>, an outer portion 7a extending radially outward from the outer end CS of the recess <NUM>, and an inner portion 7b extending radially inward from the inner end CU of the recess <NUM>.

In <FIG>, a dotted line VL represents a virtual side surface obtained on the assumption that there is no recess <NUM> on the side surface <NUM>. The virtual side surface VL is located between the outer portion 7a and the inner portion 7b. The outer end CS of the recess <NUM> is the boundary between the outer portion 7a and the virtual side surface VL. The inner end CU of the recess <NUM> is the boundary between the inner portion 7b and the virtual side surface VL.

In the tire <NUM>, the recess <NUM> includes a bottom portion 90c, an outer boundary portion <NUM>, and an inner boundary portion 90u.

The outer boundary portion <NUM> extends between the bottom portion 90c and the above-described outer portion 7a. The profile of the outer boundary portion <NUM> is tangent to the profile of the outer portion 7a at the outer end CS. The outer end CS is also the boundary between the outer boundary portion <NUM> and the outer portion 7a.

The inner boundary portion 90u extends between the bottom portion 90c and the above-described inner portion 7b. The profile of the inner boundary portion 90u is tangent to the profile of the inner portion 7b at the inner end CU. The inner end CU is also the boundary between the inner boundary portion 90u and the inner portion 7b.

In <FIG>, reference character CSb indicates an outer end of the bottom portion 90c. Reference character CUb indicates an inner end of the bottom portion 90c. In the tire <NUM>, the outer boundary portion <NUM> is located radially outward of the bottom portion 90c. The profile of the bottom portion 90c is tangent to the profile of the outer boundary portion <NUM> at the outer end CSb. The outer end CSb is the boundary between the bottom portion 90c and the outer boundary portion <NUM>. The inner boundary portion 90u is located radially inward of the bottom portion 90c. The profile of the bottom portion 90c is tangent to the profile of the inner boundary portion 90u at the inner end CUb. The inner end CUb is the boundary between the bottom portion 90c and the inner boundary portion 90u. The recess <NUM> of the tire <NUM> has the profile of the bottom portion 90c, the profile of the outer boundary portion <NUM>, and the profile of the inner boundary portion 90u.

In the cross-section of the tire <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the profile of the outer boundary portion <NUM> and the profile of the inner boundary portion 90u are represented by outwardly convex arcs. In <FIG>, an arrow Rs indicates the radius of the arc representing the profile of the outer boundary portion <NUM>. An arrow Ru indicates the radius of the arc representing the profile of the inner boundary portion 90u.

In the tire <NUM>, the radius Rs and the radius Ru are preferably not less than <NUM>. Accordingly, concentration of strain on the outer boundary portion <NUM> and the inner boundary portion 90u is suppressed. The upper limits of the radius Rs and the radius Ru are determined as appropriate in consideration of the configuration of the recess <NUM>.

In the tire <NUM>, the profile of the bottom portion 90c is represented by an inwardly convex arc. Therefore, a force applied to the bottom portion 90c is effectively distributed over the entire bottom portion 90c. In the tire <NUM>, occurrence of damage such as cracking due to concentration of strain on a particular part of the bottom portion 90c is prevented.

In <FIG>, an arrow Rb indicates the radius of the arc representing the profile of the bottom portion 90c. In the tire <NUM>, the radius Rb is determined as appropriate in consideration of the above-described distance DU in the radial direction from the end PF of the turned-up portion <NUM> to the inner end CU of the recess <NUM>, the above-described distance DS in the radial direction from the maximum width position PW to the outer end CS of the recess <NUM>, the radius Rs of the arc representing the profile of the outer boundary portion <NUM>, and the radius Ru of the arc representing the profile of the inner boundary portion 90u. From the viewpoint of preventing damage due to concentration of stress on the bottom portion 90c, the radius Rb is preferably not less than <NUM>.

In <FIG>, a double-headed arrow H indicates the distance in the radial direction from the BBL to the maximum width position PW. A double-headed arrow HB indicates the distance in the radial direction from the inner end CU to the outer end CS of the recess <NUM>. In the tire <NUM>, the ratio of the distance HB in the radial direction to the distance H in the radial direction is preferably not less than <NUM> and preferably not greater than <NUM>. When this ratio is set to be not less than <NUM>, the size of the recess <NUM> is sufficiently ensured, so that the mass of the tire <NUM> can be effectively reduced. From this viewpoint, this ratio is more preferably not less than <NUM>. When this ratio is set to be not greater than <NUM>, the size of the recess <NUM> is appropriately maintained. In the tire <NUM>, the influence of the recess <NUM> on stiffness is effectively suppressed. From this viewpoint, this ratio is more preferably not greater than <NUM>.

In <FIG>, a double-headed arrow CD indicates the shortest distance from the surface <NUM> of the sidewall <NUM> to the tag member <NUM>. In the tire <NUM>, the distance from the midpoint CC to the tag member <NUM> is the shortest distance CD. The shortest distance CD is preferably not less than <NUM> and preferably not greater than <NUM>. When the shortest distance CD is not less than <NUM>, the strength of the sidewall <NUM> can be ensured. In addition, external impact to the RFID tag <NUM> is reduced by the sidewall <NUM>. In the tire <NUM>, the risk of damage to the RFID tag <NUM> is effectively reduced. When the shortest distance CD is not greater than <NUM>, a recess <NUM> having a sufficient size can be ensured, so that the mass of the tire <NUM> can be effectively reduced.

In <FIG>, a length indicated by reference character R1 is the distance in the radial direction from the BBL to the outer end PB of the chafer <NUM>. The distance R1 in the radial direction is also referred to as radial height of the outer end PB of the chafer <NUM>.

In <FIG>, a length indicated by reference character K2 is the distance in the radial direction from the BBL to the inner end PS of the sidewall <NUM>. The distance K2 in the radial direction is also referred to as radial height of the inner end PS of the sidewall <NUM>.

In the tire <NUM>, the ratio (R1/K2) of the radial height R1 of the outer end PB of the chafer <NUM> to the radial height K2 of the inner end PS of the sidewall <NUM> is not less than <NUM> and not greater than <NUM>.

When the ratio (R1/K2) is set to be not less than <NUM>, a region where the sidewall <NUM> and the chafer <NUM> are joined together can be sufficiently ensured. In the tire <NUM>, occurrence of creases is effectively suppressed. From this viewpoint, the ratio (R1/K2) is more preferably not less than <NUM>.

When the ratio (R1/K2) is set to be not greater than <NUM>, a space for placing the tag member <NUM> is ensured. The tire <NUM> allows the tag member <NUM> to be placed at a position at which interference with the outer end PB of the chafer <NUM> is less likely to occur. In the tire <NUM>, occurrence of creases is suppressed. From this viewpoint, the ratio (R1/K2) is more preferably not greater than <NUM>.

In the tire <NUM>, the ratio (L1/R1) of the radial height L1 of the outer end PG2 of the outer apex <NUM> to the radial height R1 of the outer end PB of the chafer <NUM> is preferably not less than <NUM> and not greater than <NUM>.

When the ratio (L1/R1) is set to be not less than <NUM>, a space for placing the tag member <NUM> is ensured. The tire <NUM> allows the tag member <NUM> to be placed at a position at which interference with the outer end PB of the chafer <NUM> is less likely to occur. In the tire <NUM>, occurrence of creases is suppressed. From this viewpoint, the ratio (L1/R1) is more preferably not less than <NUM>.

When the ratio (L1/R1) is set to be not greater than <NUM>, the influence of the outer apex <NUM> on bending of the tire <NUM> is suppressed. With the tire <NUM>, good ride comfort is maintained. From this viewpoint, the ratio (L1/R1) is more preferably not greater than <NUM>.

As is obvious from the above description, according to the present invention, the heavy duty tire <NUM> that can achieve formation of a good communication environment and reduction of the risk of damage to the RFID tag <NUM> while achieving mass reduction, is obtained.

Claim 1:
A heavy duty tire (<NUM>) comprising:
a pair of beads (<NUM>);
a carcass (<NUM>) extending on and between the pair of beads (<NUM>);
a pair of sidewalls (<NUM>) each located axially outward of the carcass (<NUM>);
a pair of chafers (<NUM>) each located radially inward of the sidewall (<NUM>) and configured to come into contact with a rim (R); wherein
each of the beads (<NUM>) includes a core (<NUM>), an inner apex (<NUM>) located radially outward of the core (<NUM>), and an outer apex (<NUM>) located radially outward of the inner apex (<NUM>),
the carcass (<NUM>) includes a carcass ply (<NUM>),
the carcass ply (<NUM>) includes a ply body (<NUM>) extending between the pair of beads (<NUM>) and a pair of turned-up portions (<NUM>) each connected to the ply body (<NUM>) and turned up around the bead (<NUM>),
a recess (<NUM>) is provided in a zone of a side surface of the tire (<NUM>) between a maximum width position (PW) and an end (PF) of the turned-up portion (<NUM>),
the heavy duty tire (<NUM>) being characterized by a tag member (<NUM>) including an RFID tag (<NUM>), wherein the tag member (<NUM>) is in contact with the sidewall (<NUM>) and the outer apex (<NUM>) on a radially outer side of the end (PF) of the turned-up portion (<NUM>), and
at least a part of the tag member (<NUM>) is located radially outward of a midpoint (CC) of a length from an inner end (CU) to an outer end (CS) of the recess (<NUM>).