WO2024105920A1 - Tire, unvulcanized tire, and tire manufacturing method - Google Patents

Abstract

A tire T01 comprising an RF tag 10 and a tire body T0M, wherein: the RF tag has a communication structure unit 51; the communication structure unit comprises an antenna 2; in an individual state when not assembled with the tire body, the antenna of the communication structure unit has a tendency such that, in a plan view of the communication structure unit, an antenna extended axis EA of the antenna forms a curved shape having a center of curvature C on a first side S1 with respect to the antenna extended axis; and in an assembled state when assembled with the tire body, in a plan view of the communication structure unit, the antenna extended axis in the communication structure unit forms a curved shape having a center of curvature on the first side with respect to the antenna extended axis, and is oriented so that the first side with respect to the antenna extended axis is the outside in the tire radial direction.

Description

Tire, unvulcanized tire, and tire manufacturing method

The present invention relates to a tire, an unvulcanized tire, and a tire manufacturing method.
This application claims priority to Patent Application No. 2022-184463, filed in Japan on November 17, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

　Traditionally, tires equipped with RF tags have been available (Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-46057

However, there was room for improvement in the durability of RF tags in conventional tires.

The present invention aims to provide a tire, an unvulcanized tire, and a tire manufacturing method that can improve the durability of RF tags.

[1] An RF tag;
The tire body,
A tire comprising:
The RF tag has a communication structure,
The communication structure includes an antenna;
the communication structure unit has a tendency that, in a state where the communication structure unit is not mounted on the tire main body, the antenna has a curved shape in which an antenna extension axis of the antenna has a center of curvature on a first side with respect to the antenna extension axis in a plan view of the communication structure unit,
When the communication structure is assembled to the tire body, in a planar view of the communication structure, the antenna extension axis forms a curved shape having a center of curvature on the first side relative to the antenna extension axis, and the first side relative to the antenna extension axis is oriented so as to be radially outward in the tire.

[5] an RF tag;
The tire body,
An unvulcanized tire comprising:
The RF tag has a communication structure,
The communication structure includes an antenna;
the communication structure unit has a tendency that, in a state where the communication structure unit is not mounted on the tire main body, the antenna has a curved shape in which an antenna extension axis of the antenna has a center of curvature on a first side with respect to the antenna extension axis in a plan view of the communication structure unit,
An unvulcanized tire in which, when the communication structure is assembled to the tire body, in a planar view of the communication structure, the antenna extension axis forms a curved shape having a center of curvature on the first side relative to the antenna extension axis, and the first side relative to the antenna extension axis is oriented so as to be radially outward in the tire radial direction.

[6] A tire manufacturing method for manufacturing the above tire, comprising the steps of:
An unvulcanized tire manufacturing step of manufacturing an unvulcanized tire;
A vulcanization molding step of vulcanizing and molding the unvulcanized tire;
Including,
a tire manufacturing method in which, in an assembled state in which the communication structure portion is assembled to the tire body of the tire obtained after the vulcanization molding step, in a planar view of the communication structure portion, the antenna extension axis forms a curved shape having a center of curvature on the first side relative to the antenna extension axis, and the first side relative to the antenna extension axis is oriented to be radially outward in the tire direction.

The present invention provides a tire, an unvulcanized tire, and a tire manufacturing method that can improve the durability of RF tags.

FIG. 1 is a side view that shows a schematic side view of an unvulcanized tire and a tire according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from one side in the tire width direction. FIG. 3 is a tire widthwise cross-sectional view that shows the unvulcanized tire and a tire half portion of the tire of FIG. 2 in a tire widthwise cross section. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an RF tag according to one embodiment of the present invention, which can be provided on an unvulcanized tire and a tire according to any embodiment of the present invention, in a state where the tag is not assembled to the tire body. 3 is a plan view of the communication structure unit of the RF tag according to the example of FIG. 2 in a standalone state without being mounted on a tire body. 3 is a perspective view of a communication structure portion of the RF tag according to the example of FIG. 2. 1 is an oblique view of a communication structure of an RF tag with the lid of the exterior body removed. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the communication structure of the RF tag according to the example of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a plan view of a second antenna in a standalone state without being mounted on a tire body. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the communication structure of the RF tag according to the example of FIG. 2.

The tire, unvulcanized tire, and tire manufacturing method according to the present invention can be suitably used for any type of pneumatic tire, for example, pneumatic tires for heavy loads (e.g., pneumatic tires for trucks and buses, off-the-road (construction vehicle) pneumatic tires, etc.) and pneumatic tires for passenger cars.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of a tire, an unvulcanized tire, and a tire manufacturing method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The same components and parts are designated by the same reference numerals in each drawing.

1 and 2 are diagrams for explaining an unvulcanized tire T01' and a tire T01 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The tire (vulcanized tire) T01 is obtained after vulcanizing and molding the unvulcanized tire T01' using a mold for vulcanization molding. The unvulcanized tire T01' and the tire T01 may differ slightly in shape, but may be basically similar to each other in terms of the various configurations described in this specification unless otherwise specified. For convenience, FIG. 2 shows the unvulcanized tire T01' and the tire T01 in the same drawing. In the following description, for convenience, the configurations of the tire T01 and the unvulcanized tire T01' will be described in parallel. In addition, for convenience, the unvulcanized tire T01' may be referred to simply as "tire T01'" in the following description.

Fig. 1 is a side view showing a tire T01', T01 according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from one side in the tire width direction. Fig. 2 is a tire width direction cross-sectional view showing a half portion of the tire T01', T01 in Fig. 1 (specifically, a portion on one side relative to the tire equatorial plane CL).
The tires T01', T01 of the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 are configured as heavy-duty pneumatic tires (e.g., pneumatic tires for trucks and buses, off-the-road (construction vehicle) pneumatic tires, etc.). However, the tires T01', T01 of any embodiment of the present invention may be configured as any type of tire.

Tires T01' and T01 are equipped with a tire body T0M and an RF tag 10. The tire body T0M corresponds to the portion of tires T01' and T01 other than the RF tag 10.

First, the tire main body TOM will be described mainly with reference to FIG.
2, the tire main body T0M includes a tread portion T01t, a pair of sidewall portions T01w extending radially inward from both ends of the tread portion T01t in the tire width direction, and a pair of bead portions T01b provided at the radially inner ends of each sidewall portion T01w. The bead portions T01b are configured to contact the rim on the radially inner side and the tire widthwise outer side when the tire T01 is mounted on a rim.
The tire main body T0M also includes a pair of bead cores T02, a pair of bead fillers T03, a carcass T05, a belt T06, a tread rubber T07, a side rubber T08, and an inner liner T09.

Each bead core T02 is embedded in the corresponding bead portion T01b. The bead core T02 has a plurality of bead wires that are covered with rubber. The bead wires are preferably made of metal (e.g., steel), but may also be made of organic fibers such as polyester, nylon, rayon, and aramid. The bead wires may be made of, for example, monofilament or twisted wire.

Each bead filler T03 is located on the outer side in the tire radial direction with respect to the corresponding bead core T02. The bead filler T03 extends in a tapered shape toward the outer side in the tire radial direction. The bead filler T03 is made of rubber.
Generally, the bead filler is sometimes called a "stiffener."
As shown in FIG. 2, the bead filler T03 may be composed of a plurality of bead filler portions T031 and T032 (two in the example of FIG. 2). The rubber compositions constituting the plurality of bead filler portions T031 and T032 are different from each other. However, the rubber compositions constituting the respective bead filler portions T031 and T032 are substantially the same throughout the entire bead filler portions T031 and T032. The plurality of bead filler portions T031 and T032 may have different hardnesses, for example. The plurality of bead filler portions T031 and T032 are arranged (stacked) along the tire radial direction, for example. For example, the bead filler portion T032 located at the outermost position in the tire radial direction among the plurality of bead filler portions T031 and T032 may be softer than the other bead filler portions T031.
Alternatively, the bead filler T03 may be composed of only one bead filler portion, in other words, the composition of the rubber constituting the bead filler T03 may be substantially the same throughout the bead filler T03.

The carcass T05 straddles a pair of bead cores T02 and extends in a toroidal shape. The carcass T05 is composed of one or more carcass plies T05p (one in the example of FIG. 2). Each carcass ply T05p includes one or more carcass cords T05c and a coating rubber T05r that coats the carcass cords T05c. The carcass cords T05c can be formed of a monofilament or a twisted wire.
The carcass cord T05c is preferably made of a metal (for example, steel), but may be made of an organic fiber such as polyester, nylon, rayon, or aramid.
The carcass T05 is preferably of radial construction, but may also be of bias construction.

The belt T06 is disposed radially outward of the crown portion of the carcass T05. The belt T06 includes one or more belt plies T06p (four layers in the example of FIG. 2). Each belt ply T06p includes one or more belt cords and a coating rubber that covers the belt cords. The belt cords can be formed of monofilament or twisted wire. The belt cords may be made of metal (e.g., steel) or organic fibers such as polyester, nylon, rayon, and aramid.

The tread rubber T07 is located on the radially outer side of the belt T06 in the tread portion T01t. The tread rubber T07 constitutes the tread surface, which is the radially outer surface of the tread portion T01t. A tread pattern is formed on the tread surface.

The side rubber T08 is located in the sidewall portion T01w. The side rubber T08 constitutes the outer surface of the sidewall portion T01w on the outer side in the tire width direction. The side rubber T08 is located further outboard in the tire width direction than the carcass T05. The side rubber T08 is located further outboard in the tire width direction than the bead filler T03. The side rubber T08 is formed integrally with the tread rubber T07.

The inner liner T09 is disposed on the tire inner side of the carcass T05, and may be laminated, for example, on the tire inner side of the carcass T05. The inner liner T09 is made of, for example, a butyl-based rubber having low air permeability. Butyl-based rubber includes, for example, butyl rubber and its derivative, halogenated butyl rubber. The inner liner T09 is not limited to butyl-based rubber, and may be made of other rubber compositions, resins, or elastomers.

As shown in FIG. 2, the tire main body T0M may include a cushion rubber T10 between the carcass T05 and the tread rubber T07 in the tire radial direction. The cushion rubber T10 may be located near the tire width direction end of the belt T06, as in the example of FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, the tire body T0M may have a rubber chafer T11 at the portion of each bead portion T01b that is configured to contact the rim.

As shown in Fig. 2, the tire main body T0M may include one or more (one in the example of Fig. 2) wire chafers T14 around each bead core T02. The wire chafer T14 may be disposed on the opposite side of the carcass T05 from the bead core T02, as in the example of Fig. 2. The wire chafer T14 is made of metal (e.g., steel).
As shown in Fig. 2, the tire main body T0M may include one or more (two in the example of Fig. 2) nylon chafers T13 around each bead core T02. The nylon chafers T13 may be disposed on the opposite side of the carcass T05 from the bead cores T02, as in the example of Fig. 2. The nylon chafers T13 are made of nylon.
In the example of FIG. 2, each nylon chafer T13 is disposed on the opposite side of the wire chafer T14 from the bead core T02.

As shown in FIG. 2, the tire main body T0M may include a hat rubber T12 between the bead filler T03 and the side rubber T08 in the tire width direction in each tire half portion.
In the example of FIG. 2, the hat rubber T12 is disposed between the bead filler T03 and each nylon chafer T13 in the tire width direction.

Next, the RF tag 10 will be described with reference mainly to Figs. 3 to 9. Figs. 3 to 9 are drawings for explaining an example of an RF tag 10 that can be provided in the unvulcanized tire T01' and tire T01 according to any embodiment of the present invention, including the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2.

The RF tag 10 is configured to be capable of wireless communication with a predetermined external device (for example, a reader or a reader/writer) located outside the tire T01.
The RF tag 10 is a contactless data transmitter/receiver and is also called an "RFID tag."

Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of an RF tag 10 that can be provided in the unvulcanized tire T01' and the tire T01 according to any embodiment of the present invention including the embodiment of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. In Fig. 3, the RF tag 10 is in a standalone state not mounted on the tire main body T0M (i.e., the RF tag 10 is removed from the tire main body T0M and viewed alone with no external force acting on the RF tag 10).
As shown in FIG. 3 , the RF tag 10 in this example includes a communication structure section 51 and a tag covering rubber section 50 that covers the communication structure section 51 .

The tag covering rubber part 50 covers the entire communication structure part 51. The tag covering rubber part 50 is made of rubber.
In the unvulcanized tire T01', the tag-covered rubber portion 50 is preferably made of unvulcanized rubber (raw rubber).
In the tire (vulcanized tire) T01, the tag-covering rubber portion 50 is preferably made of vulcanized rubber.
In this example, the tag covering rubber part 50 has a pair of sheet-shaped tag covering rubber members 50a, 50b. The pair of tag covering rubber members 50a, 50b are overlapped with each other with the communication structure part 51 sandwiched between them.
However, the tag covering rubber portion 50 may be configured as a single member.
In this example, the tag covering rubber part 50 has a rectangular shape in a plan view, but the tag covering rubber part 50 may have any shape in a plan view.
The RF tag 10 does not necessarily have to have the tag covering rubber portion 50 .

4 to 9 show only the parts of the RF tag 10 other than the tag-coating rubber portion 50, and thus only the communication structure portion 51 of the RF tag 10. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the communication structure portion 51 of the RF tag 10 according to this example. In FIG. 4, the communication structure portion 51 is in a standalone state, not assembled to the tire main body T0M (i.e., the communication structure portion 51 is removed from the tire main body T0M and viewed alone with no external force acting on the communication structure portion 51). FIG. 5 is an oblique view of the communication structure portion 51 of the RF tag 10. FIG. 6 is an oblique view of the communication structure portion 51 of the RF tag 10 with the lid portion of the outer casing removed. FIG. 7 is an exploded oblique view of the communication structure portion 51 of the RF tag 10. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the second antenna 2. In FIG. 8, the second antenna 2 is in a standalone state, not attached to the tire main body T0M (i.e., the second antenna 2 is removed from the tire main body T0M, and viewed alone with no external force acting on the second antenna 2). FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the communication structure 51 of the RF tag 10. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I in FIG. 5.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the communication structure 51 of the RF tag 10 includes a substrate 1 , a second antenna (antenna) 2 , and an exterior body 3 .
The longitudinal direction (left-right direction in FIG. 4) of the main surface 31a of the exterior body 3 (see FIG. 6) is referred to as the X direction. One of the X directions (right direction in FIG. 4) is referred to as the +X direction. The other of the X directions (left direction in FIG. 4) is referred to as the -X direction. The short-side direction of the main surface 31a of the exterior body 3 (see FIG. 6) is referred to as the Y direction. The Y direction is perpendicular to the X direction in a plane along the main surface 31a. One of the Y directions (upward direction in FIG. 4) is referred to as the +Y direction. The other of the Y directions (downward direction in FIG. 4) is referred to as the -Y direction. The direction perpendicular to the main surface 31a of the exterior body 3 is referred to as the Z direction. The Z direction is perpendicular to the X direction and the Y direction. Viewing from the Z direction is referred to as planar view. The Z axis is the central axis along the Z direction.

As shown in FIG. 6, the substrate 1 includes an IC chip 11, a first antenna (antenna) 12, and a base material 13. The substrate 1 is provided with the IC chip 11 and the first antenna 12.

The substrate 13 is formed in a plate shape. The shape of the substrate 13 in plan view is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that at least a part of the outer circumferential edge 13a is curved. The curved shape is, for example, an elliptical arc shape, a circular arc shape, a high-order curve shape (for example, a quadratic curve shape), etc. The high-order curve shape is, for example, a parabola shape, a hyperbola shape, etc. The outer shape of the substrate 13 in plan view may be, for example, an elliptical shape, a circular shape, an oval shape (a racetrack shape), etc. It is preferable that the outer shape of the substrate 13 in plan view is non-circular.
In this example, the substrate 13 has an elliptical shape, and is oriented such that the major axis of the substrate 13 faces the X-direction. The substrate 13 may be made of a glass epoxy resin substrate, ceramics, a plastic film, or the like.

The IC chip 11 allows for contactless writing and reading of information via the first antenna 12 and the second antenna 2. The IC chip 11 is mounted on a substrate 13.

The first antenna 12 is, for example, a conductive layer formed on one surface of the substrate 13. The conductive layer is, for example, composed of a conductive foil, a plating layer, a conductive ink layer, etc. The conductive foil is, for example, a metal foil composed of copper, silver, gold, platinum, aluminum, etc. The conductive foil is formed into a predetermined shape by etching or the like. The plating layer is, for example, composed of a metal such as copper, silver, gold, platinum, aluminum, etc. The conductive ink layer is formed by printing or the like using a conductive ink. The conductive ink contains conductive particles formed of a metal, carbon material, etc.

The first antenna 12 is formed in a loop shape. The first antenna 12 has, for example, a curved shape that follows the outer peripheral edge 13a of the substrate 13. In this example, the first antenna 12 is formed in an elliptical loop shape. The first antenna 12 is electrically connected to the IC chip 11.

The second antenna 2 is an antenna for a booster. The second antenna 2 is, for example, a linear body. The second antenna 2 is formed of a metal such as steel, stainless steel, copper, or a copper alloy. The second antenna 2 can be formed of, for example, a brass-plated steel wire. The second antenna 2 is separate from the substrate 1.
In addition, although the second antenna 2 in this example is a linear body, the shape of the second antenna is not particularly limited. The second antenna may be, for example, a plate-like body.

The second antenna 2 includes an electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 and a pair of extension portions 22 .
The electromagnetic field coupling unit 21 has a curved shape. A "curved shape" is a shape that does not have a sharp bend and is smoothly curved. Examples of the curved shape include an elliptical arc shape, a circular arc shape, and a high-order curve shape (e.g., a quadratic curve shape). Examples of the "high-order curve shape" include a parabola shape and a hyperbola shape. In this example, the electromagnetic field coupling unit 21 is in a semi-elliptical shape. More specifically, the electromagnetic field coupling unit 21 is in a semi-elliptical shape that extends from one vertex of the ellipse (the vertex intersecting with the long axis) to the other vertex (the vertex intersecting with the long axis).

The electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 is shaped to surround at least a portion of the substrate 1 in a plan view. In this example, the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 surrounds the area (half the circumference in the +Y direction) from one vertex (the vertex intersecting with the long axis) of the elliptical substrate 1 to the other vertex (the vertex intersecting with the long axis).

The electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 has a curved shape (e.g., an elliptical arc shape) that follows the outer peripheral edge 12a of the first antenna 12 in a plan view. The distance between the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 and the outer peripheral edge 12a is approximately constant. The electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 is located outside the outer peripheral edge 13a of the substrate 1 and close to the outer peripheral edge 13a in a plan view. The electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 has a shape that follows the outer peripheral edge 13a in a plan view. The distance between the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 and the outer peripheral edge 13a is approximately constant.

The electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 is electromagnetically coupled to the first antenna 12 in a non-contact manner. The electromagnetic field coupling is, for example, either electric field coupling or magnetic field coupling. The shape of a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 is, for example, circular (see FIG. 9).

The pair of extensions 22 extend from one and the other end 21 a of the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 , respectively.
8, a first extending portion 22A, which is one of the pair of extending portions 22, extends in the -X direction while meandering from an end portion 21a in the -X direction of the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21. A second extending portion 22B, which is the other of the pair of extending portions 22, extends in the +X direction while meandering from an end portion 21a in the +X direction of the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21.

The planar shape of the extension portion 22 may be, for example, a meandering shape, a wavy shape, a zigzag shape, or the like. In this example, the extension portion 22 has a meandering shape. However, the planar shape of the extension portion 22 may be any shape, for example, a curved line shape. Alternatively, the extension portion 22 may be spiral.

As shown in FIG. 7, in this example, the extension portion 22 includes a plurality of straight portions 23 and a plurality of folded portions 24. The straight portions 23 are linearly shaped along the Y direction. The straight portions 23 are arranged at intervals in the X direction. The folded portions 24 connect the ends of adjacent straight portions 23. The folded portions 24 have a curved shape (e.g., an arc shape).

Of the multiple straight line portions 23, the straight line portion 23 closest to the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 is referred to as the "first straight line portion 23A." Of the multiple straight line portions 23, the straight line portion 23 second closest to the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 is referred to as the "second straight line portion 23B." Of the multiple straight line portions 23, the straight line portion 23 third closest to the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 is referred to as the "third straight line portion 23C."
The folded portion 24 connecting the first straight portion 23A and the second straight portion 23B is referred to as a "first folded portion 24A." The folded portion 24 connecting the second straight portion 23B and the third straight portion 23C is referred to as a "second folded portion 24B."

The first straight portion 23A extends in the -Y direction from the end 21a of the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21. The first folded portion 24A extends in a curved manner from the -Y direction end of the first straight portion 23A and reaches the -Y direction end of the second straight portion 23B.
Of the extension portion 22, the first straight portion 23A and a part of the first folded portion 24A are inside the exterior body 3, but the remaining portion of the extension portion 22 extends outside the exterior body 3 (see FIG. 6).

The exterior body 3 houses a part of the second antenna 2 inside. As shown in FIG. 5, the exterior body 3 includes a plate-shaped main body 31 and a plate-shaped lid 32. The exterior body 3 is generally plate-shaped. The main body 31 and the lid 32 are formed of, for example, resin. Examples of resins include polyamide resins such as nylon 6,6; polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET); polyolefin resins such as polyethylene; polyethylene fluoride-based resins such as polyvinyl fluoride; vinyl polymers such as polyvinyl chloride; and acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate.

As shown in FIG. 7, the main body 31 has a rectangular shape in a plan view. A board holding recess 37 (board holding portion), an antenna holding groove 34, and a pair of side recesses 35 are formed on the main surface 31a, which is one surface of the main body 31. The board holding recess 37 is formed by the board holding protrusions 33. The board holding recess 37 is a recess surrounded by the board holding protrusions 33.

The board holding protrusion 33 is a ring-shaped rib-shaped protrusion. The board holding protrusion 33 has a curved shape (e.g., an elliptical shape) that fits along the outer peripheral edge 13a of the board 1. The board holding protrusion 33 protrudes from the main surface 31a in the +Z direction. The shape of a cross section perpendicular to the length direction of the board holding protrusion 33 is, for example, rectangular. In a plan view, the board holding protrusion 33 has a curved shape (e.g., an elliptical shape) that fits along the outer peripheral edge 12a of the first antenna 12.

The substrate holding recess 37 holds the substrate 1. The substrate holding recess 37 has a shape (e.g., an elliptical shape) that follows the outer peripheral edge 13a of the substrate 1. The inner dimension (inner diameter) of the substrate holding recess 37 is approximately the same as the outer dimension (outer diameter) of the substrate 1 or is slightly larger than the outer dimension (outer diameter) of the substrate 1. The substrate holding recess 37 has a similar shape to the substrate 1 in a plan view.

If the substrate 1 and the substrate holding recess 37 are non-circular (e.g., elliptical), they can prevent the substrate 1 from tilting around the Z axis and maintain the correct posture of the substrate 1. This makes it possible to maintain the electromagnetic coupling between the first antenna 12 and the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21.

The antenna holding groove 34 accommodates the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 of the second antenna 2 (see FIGS. 6 and 9).
The antenna holding groove 34 is formed outside the substrate holding convex portion 33 and close to the substrate holding convex portion 33. The antenna holding groove 34 has a shape that follows the substrate holding convex portion 33 in a plan view. The antenna holding groove 34 has a curved shape (e.g., an elliptical arc shape) that follows the outer peripheral edge 12a of the first antenna 12 in a plan view. The antenna holding groove 34 has a curved shape (e.g., an elliptical arc shape) that follows the outer peripheral edge 13a of the substrate 1 in a plan view.
The antenna holding groove 34 has a semi-elliptical shape in a plan view. More specifically, the antenna holding groove 34 has a semi-elliptical shape extending from one vertex (the vertex intersecting with the long axis) of the ellipse to the other vertex (the vertex intersecting with the long axis).

The antenna holding groove 34 is shaped to surround at least a portion of the substrate 1 in a plan view. In this example, the antenna holding groove 34 surrounds the area (half the circumference in the +Y direction) from one vertex (the vertex intersecting with the long axis) of the elliptical substrate 1 to the other vertex (the vertex intersecting with the long axis).

9, the cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the antenna holding groove 34 is, for example, rectangular. The width (inner dimension) W1 of the antenna holding groove 34 is larger than the outer diameter (outer dimension) D1 of the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21. The difference between the width W1 and the outer diameter D1 can be, for example, 0.01 mm to 1 mm (preferably 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm).
Since the width W1 of the antenna holding groove 34 is larger than the outer diameter D1 of the electromagnetic field coupling part 21, the electromagnetic field coupling part 21 is accommodated in the antenna holding groove 34 in a state in which it can be displaced in a radial direction (e.g., the Y direction). The "radial direction" is a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the electromagnetic field coupling part 21. The electromagnetic field coupling part 21 can also be displaced in the length direction relative to the antenna holding groove 34.

The depth of the antenna holding groove 34 is determined so that the height (inner dimension) H1 from the bottom surface 34a of the antenna holding groove 34 to the cover portion 32 (top surface 38a) is greater than the outer diameter D1 of the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21. The difference between the height H1 and the outer diameter D1 can be, for example, 0.01 mm to 1 mm (preferably 0.05 mm to 0.2 mm).
Since the height H1 of the antenna holding groove 34 is greater than the outer diameter D1 of the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21, the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 is accommodated in the antenna holding groove 34 in a state in which it can be displaced in the radial direction (for example, the Z direction).

The side recesses 35 are defined inside the exterior body 3. As shown in FIG. 7, the side recesses 35 are formed on one and the other side of the main surface 31a. The side recesses 35 are formed in an area including the side edge 31b in the X direction of the main body 31. The inner peripheral edge 35a of the side recess 35 has a first straight portion 35b along the Y direction, a curved portion 35c, and a second straight portion 35d along the X direction.

The first straight portion 35b is a portion that extends in the -Y direction starting from the end of the inner peripheral edge of the antenna holding groove 34. The curved portion 35c is a portion that extends from the tip of the first straight portion 35b while the inclination angle with respect to the X direction becomes smaller. The second straight portion 35d is a portion that extends from the tip of the curved portion 35c along the X direction toward the side edge 31b.

As shown in FIG. 6, the side recess 35 includes the first straight portion 23A and a portion of the first folded portion 24A of the second antenna 2 in a plan view. The first straight portion 23A is adjacent to the first straight portion 35b (see FIG. 7). The first folded portion 24A is adjacent to the curved portion 35c (see FIG. 7). The side recess 35 accommodates at least a portion of a predetermined length range of the second antenna 2 (the first straight portion 23A and a portion of the first folded portion 24A).

5, since the side recess 35 has a sufficient distance in the Y direction, a slit-shaped side end opening 36 extending in the Y direction (direction along the main surface 31a) is formed in the side edge 31b. The side end opening 36 communicates with the side recess 35. The second antenna 2 extends to the outside of the exterior body 3 through the side recess 35 and the side end opening 36.
7, two locking recesses 39 are formed at different positions in the X direction on the +Y edge 31c of the main body 31. Two locking recesses 39 are also formed at different positions in the X direction on the -Y edge 31d of the main body 31.

As shown in FIG. 5, the lid portion 32 has a rectangular shape in a plan view. The lid portion 32 has the same shape as the main body portion 31 and is placed opposite the main surface 31a of the main body portion 31. The lid portion 32 is placed so as to overlap the main surface 31a of the main body portion 31 in a plan view.

As shown in FIG. 9, the opposing surface 32a of the lid portion 32 is a surface that faces the main surface 31a of the main body portion 31. A positioning groove 38 is formed in the opposing surface 32a. The positioning groove 38 is an annular groove. The shape of a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the positioning groove 38 is, for example, rectangular.

The positioning groove 38 has a curved shape (e.g., an elliptical shape) that corresponds to the board holding protrusion 33 and the antenna holding groove 34. In a plan view, the positioning groove 38 has a width that collectively encompasses the board holding protrusion 33 and the antenna holding groove 34. A portion of the top surface 38a of the positioning groove 38 faces the bottom surface 34a of the antenna holding groove 34.

As shown in FIG. 5, two locking protrusions 40 are formed at different positions in the X direction on the +Y edge 32c of the lid 32. Two locking protrusions 40 are also formed at different positions in the X direction on the -Y edge 32d of the lid 32.

The locking protrusion 40 has a locking claw portion (not shown) formed at its tip. The locking protrusion 40 is inserted into the locking recess 39 of the main body 31. The locking claw portion of the locking protrusion 40 locks into the main body 31. This allows the lid 32 to be detachably connected to the main body 31.

The exterior body 3 is not fixed to the second antenna 2. In other words, the exterior body 3 is not fixed to the second antenna 2.

The RF tag 10 may be embedded inside the tire main body T0M of the tires T01', T01, as in the embodiment of Figure 2, or may be attached to the inner surface or outer surface of the tire main body T0M of the tires T01', T01.
When deformation such as stretching and bending occurs in the tire main body T0M of the tires T01', T01, an external force may act on the second antenna 2. For example, a tensile force may act on the extension portion 22 in a direction away from the exterior body 3 along the X direction. A force may also act on the extension portion 22 in a direction approaching the exterior body 3 along the X direction.

In the RF tag 10, the electromagnetic field coupling part 21 of the second antenna 2 is accommodated in the antenna holding groove 34 in a state in which it can be displaced in the radial direction (a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the electromagnetic field coupling part 21) (see FIG. 9). Since the electromagnetic field coupling part 21 is displaceable, when an external force acts on the second antenna 2, the stress on the second antenna 2 can be alleviated. Therefore, it is possible to make the second antenna 2 less likely to be damaged.
In contrast, when the second antenna is fixed to the outer casing, when an external force acts on the second antenna, stress is concentrated at the base end (root portion) of the second antenna extending from the outer casing, making this location more susceptible to damage.

Since the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 of the second antenna 2 has a shape that fits along the outer circumferential edge 12 a of the first antenna 12 , the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 can be sufficiently electromagnetically coupled to the first antenna 12 .
Since the antenna holding groove 34 is formed along the outer peripheral edge 12a of the first antenna 12, the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 of the second antenna 2 can be disposed along the first antenna 12. Therefore, the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 can be sufficiently electromagnetically coupled to the first antenna 12.

Since the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 of the second antenna 2 has a curved shape (e.g., a semi-elliptical shape), stress concentration is less likely to occur compared to a rectangular shape even when an external force acts on the second antenna 2. This makes it possible to make the second antenna 2 less likely to be damaged.
In contrast, if the electromagnetic field coupling portion is rectangular, when an external force acts on the second antenna, stress is concentrated at the corners (bends), and breakage may easily occur at these locations.

The antenna holding groove 34 is formed along the outer peripheral edge 13a of the substrate 1, so that the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 of the second antenna 2 can be positioned along the first antenna 12. This allows the electromagnetic field coupling portion 21 to be sufficiently electromagnetically coupled to the first antenna 12.

The exterior body 3 comprises a main body portion 31 and a lid portion 32 that is overlaid on the main surface 31a. The board holding recess 37 and the antenna holding groove 34 are formed on the main surface 31a. Therefore, the lid portion 32 can prevent the board 1 and the second antenna 2 from falling off the main body portion 31. Therefore, the board 1 and the second antenna 2 can be stably held in the exterior body 3.

In the RF tag 10, a slit-shaped side end opening 36 extending in the Y direction (direction along the main surface 31a) is formed on the side edge 31b of the exterior body 3. Therefore, the second antenna 2 is displaceable within the side end opening 36, and can change its position in the Y direction relative to the exterior body 3. Therefore, when an external force acts on the second antenna 2, the stress is easily alleviated by the displacement. This makes it possible to make the second antenna 2 less likely to be damaged.

As shown in FIG. 4, when the communication structure 51 is in a standalone state not assembled to the tire main body T0M, the second antenna 2 has a tendency (warp) such that, in a planar view of the communication structure 51 (planar view when the communication structure 51 is viewed in the -Z direction from the +Z side), the antenna extension axis EA of the second antenna 2 forms a curved shape having a center of curvature C on the first side S1 relative to the antenna extension axis EA (i.e., the antenna extension axis EA is curved convexly toward the second side S2 relative to the antenna extension axis EA). 8, the second antenna 2 has a tendency (warp) in a plan view of the second antenna 2 (plan view of the second antenna 2 seen from the +Z side in the -Z direction) such that the antenna extension axis EA of the second antenna 2 forms a curved shape having a center of curvature C on the first side S1 with respect to the antenna extension axis EA (i.e., the antenna extension axis EA is curved convexly toward the second side S2 with respect to the antenna extension axis EA) when it is not attached to the tire main body T0M. Such a tendency of the second antenna 2 can arise, for example, because the second antenna 2 was originally wound on a reel.
Here, the antenna extension axis EA is an axis along the extension direction of the extension portion 22 of the second antenna 2 when the extension portion 22 of the second antenna 2 is viewed as a whole (FIGS. 4 and 8). For example, when the extension portion 22 of the second antenna 2 has a meandering, wavy, or zigzag shape as in this example, the antenna extension axis EA roughly corresponds to the amplitude center line of the meandering, wavy, or zigzag shape of the second antenna 2. Also, for example, when the second antenna 2 has a curved linear shape, the antenna extension axis EA corresponds to the central axis of the second antenna 2. Also, for example, when the second antenna 2 has a spiral shape, the antenna extension axis EA corresponds to the central axis of the spiral shape of the second antenna 2.
As shown in FIG. 1, in the assembled state of the communication structure 51 assembled to the tire main body T0M, in a plan view of the communication structure 51 (plan view when the communication structure 51 is seen from the +Z side to the -Z direction), the antenna extension axis EA has a curved shape having a center of curvature C on the first side S1 relative to the antenna extension axis EA (i.e., the antenna extension axis EA is curved convexly to the second side S2 relative to the antenna extension axis EA), and the first side S1 relative to the antenna extension axis EA is oriented so as to be on the outer side in the tire radial direction. That is, the second antenna 2 of the communication structure 51 is assembled to the tire main body T0M in a state in which it is curved in the same direction as the direction of the curve due to its own habit described above (FIGS. 4 and 8). In addition, the second antenna 2 of the communication structure 51 is oriented so that the side of the center of curvature C of its own curve is on the outer side in the tire radial direction. In other words, the second antenna 2 is oriented so that the antenna extension axis EA is curved convexly to the inner side in the tire radial direction.

In general, the tire T01 has a shape in which the diameter increases toward the tire radial outside (the tread portion T01t side), and thus the deformation amount during tire rolling tends to increase toward the tire radial outside. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, as described above, the second antenna 2 of the communication structure 51 is assembled to the tire main body T0M in a state in which the second antenna 2 is curved in the same direction as the curvature direction due to its own tendency, and in a state in which the curvature center C side of the curvature is on the tire radial outside (a state in which the antenna extension axis EA is curved convexly toward the tire radial inside) As a result, during tire rolling, the second antenna 2 deforms to approach a straight line, and its own distortion is alleviated, so that the durability of the second antenna 2 can be improved.
If the second antenna 2 is attached to the tire main body T0M with the center of curvature C of its curvature facing radially inward in the tire direction (with the antenna extension axis EA curved convexly outward in the tire direction), there is a risk that the second antenna 2 will be easily subjected to load at the base portion of the extension portion 22 (the end portion on the outer body 3 side) due to its own deformation when the tire rolls.

In addition, in each of the independent state in which the communication structure unit 51 is not assembled to the tire main body T0M and the assembled state in which the communication structure unit 51 is assembled to the tire main body T0M, the curved shape of the antenna extension axis EA may be composed of only one circular arc, or may be composed of a series of multiple circular arcs having mutually different curvatures and/or centers of curvature C. In the latter case, in the above-mentioned plan view, the centers of curvature C of each of the multiple circular arcs are located on the first side S1 with respect to the antenna extension axis EA.
Furthermore, the curved shape of the antenna extension axis EA when the communication structure unit 51 is in a standalone state where it is not assembled to the tire main body T0M and the curved shape of the antenna extension axis EA when the communication structure unit 51 is assembled to the tire main body T0M may be the same or different.

As shown in Figures 1, 3, 4, and 8, in both a standalone state in which the communication structure unit 51 is not attached to the tire main body T0M and an assembled state in which the communication structure unit 51 is attached to the tire main body T0M, at least a portion of the second antenna 2 (at least the extension portion 22, preferably the entirety) extends along the antenna extension axis EA in a virtual plane (XY plane), and is therefore preferably planar. In this case, when the tire rolls, the second antenna 2 deforms to approach a straight line, further improving the effect of alleviating its own distortion, and thus further improving the durability of the RF tag.

1, 3, 4, and 8, it is preferable that at least a portion (at least the extension portion 22) of the second antenna 2 extends in a meandering, wavy, or zigzag shape along the antenna extension axis EA. In this case, the extension portion 22 of the second antenna 2 extends along the antenna extension axis EA in a virtual plane (XY plane), and is thus planar.
In this case, compared to, for example, the case where the extension portion 22 of the second antenna 2 is spiral-shaped, when the tire rolls, the second antenna 2 deforms so as to approach a straight line, thereby further reducing its own distortion, and thus the durability of the RF tag can be further improved.

The configuration of the RF tag 10 described above is merely an example, and the RF tag 10 can be modified in various ways.
For example, in the RF tag 10, the outer periphery 13a of the substrate 1 and the outer periphery 12a of the first antenna 12 are curved over the entire circumference, but the substrate and the first antenna may have a curved outer periphery in part. The exterior body 3 includes a main body portion 31 and a lid portion 32, but the configuration of the exterior body is not particularly limited. For example, the exterior body does not need to include a lid portion. The exterior body is not limited to a plate shape, and may have another shape (such as a block shape).

Next, the relationship between the tire body T0M of tires T01' and T01 and the RF tag 10 will be explained.

2, the RF tag 10 is entirely embedded inside the sidewall portion T01w of the tires T01', T01. Specifically, the RF tag 10 is disposed between the side rubber T08 and the bead filler T03 in the tire width direction. The RF tag 10 is in contact with the outer surface of the bead filler T03 in the tire width direction.
However, in any embodiment described in this specification, the RF tag 10 may be embedded inside any portion of the tire main body T0M of the tires T01', T01.
Alternatively, in any embodiment described in this specification, the RF tag 10 may be attached to the inner surface or outer surface of the tire main body T0M of the tires T01', T01.

In any embodiment described in this specification, a tire manufacturing method for manufacturing a tire (vulcanized tire) T01 includes an unvulcanized tire manufacturing step of manufacturing an unvulcanized tire T01', and a vulcanization molding step of vulcanizing and molding the unvulcanized tire T01' using a vulcanization molding mold.
including.
The RF tag 10 may be embedded inside the tire main body T0M of the unvulcanized tire T01' in the unvulcanized tire manufacturing step, or may be attached to the inner or outer surface of the tire main body T0M of the unvulcanized tire T01'. In this case, the RF tag 10 is embedded inside the tire main body T0M or attached to the inner or outer surface of the tire main body T0M in the tire T01 obtained from this unvulcanized tire T01'.
Alternatively, the RF tag 10 may be attached onto the inner surface or outer surface of the tire main body T0M of the tire T01 obtained after the vulcanization molding step. As a result, the tire T01 has the RF tag 10. In this case, an unvulcanized tire T01′ before the tire T01 is vulcanized and molded does not need to have the RF tag 10.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the RF tag 10 is oriented such that the Z direction of the RF tag 10 is approximately along the tire width direction and the X direction of the RF tag 10 is approximately along the tire circumferential direction (Fig. 2). The +Z direction faces toward the outside of the tire.
However, in any embodiment described herein, the RF tag 10 may be oriented in any direction relative to the tire main body T0M of the tires T01', T01.

The RF tag 10 may be disposed, for example, by being sandwiched between a plurality of the same or different members constituting the tire T01. In this manner, the RF tag 10 can be easily attached during the production of the tire T01, and the productivity of the tire T01 equipped with the RF tag 10 can be improved. As in the example of Fig. 2, the RF tag 10 may be disposed, for example, by being sandwiched between the bead filler T03 and another member adjacent to the bead filler T03.
The RF tag 10 may be embedded in any of the components constituting the tire T01. In this way, the load applied to the RF tag 10 can be reduced compared to when the RF tag 10 is sandwiched between multiple components constituting the tire T01. This improves the durability of the RF tag 10. In this example, the RF tag 10 may be embedded in a rubber member such as the tread rubber T07 or the side rubber T08.
It is preferable that the RF tag 10 is not disposed at a position that is a boundary between members having different rigidity in the periphery length direction, which is a direction along the tire outer surface in a cross-sectional view in the tire width direction. In this way, the RF tag 10 is not disposed at a position where distortion is likely to concentrate due to a rigidity step. Therefore, the load applied to the RF tag 10 can be reduced. This makes it possible to improve the durability of the RF tag 10. In this example, it is preferable that the RF tag 10 is not disposed at a position that is a boundary between an end of the carcass T05 and a member adjacent to the end of the carcass T05 (e.g., a side rubber T08, etc.) in a cross-sectional view in the tire width direction.
The number of RF tags 10 is not particularly limited. The tire T01 may include only one RF tag 10, or may include two or more RF tags 10. Here, the RF tag 10 is illustrated as an example of a communication device, but a communication device different from the RF tag 10 may also be used.

The RF tag 10 may be disposed, for example, in a tread portion T01t of the tire T01. In this manner, the RF tag 10 is not damaged by a side cut of the tire T01.
The RF tag 10 may be disposed, for example, in the tread center in the tire width direction. The tread center is a position where deflection is unlikely to concentrate in the tread portion T01t. In this manner, the load applied to the RF tag 10 can be reduced. This can improve the durability of the RF tag 10. In addition, it is possible to suppress differences in communication with the RF tag 10 from both outer sides of the tire T01 in the tire width direction. In this example, the RF tag 10 may be disposed, for example, in the tire width direction within a range of 1/2 the tread width centered on the tire equatorial plane CL.
The RF tag 10 may be disposed, for example, at a tread end in the tire width direction. If the position of a reader that communicates with the RF tag 10 is determined in advance, the RF tag 10 may be disposed, for example, at one tread end closer to the reader. In this example, the RF tag 10 may be disposed, for example, within a range of 1/4 of the tread width in the tire width direction, with the tread end as the outer end.

The RF tag 10 may be disposed, for example, on the tire cavity side of the carcass T05 including one or more carcass plies T05p that span between the bead portions T01b. In this way, the RF tag 10 is less likely to be damaged by impacts applied from the outside of the tire T01, or damage such as side cuts and nail penetration. As an example, the RF tag 10 may be disposed in close contact with the surface of the carcass T05 on the tire cavity side (see point P32 in FIG. 2). As another example, when there is another member on the tire cavity side of the carcass T05, the RF tag 10 may be disposed, for example, between the carcass T05 and another member located on the tire cavity side of the carcass T05. As an example of another member located on the tire cavity side of the carcass T05, for example, an inner liner T09 that forms the tire inner surface can be given. As another example, the RF tag 10 may be attached to the tire inner surface facing the tire cavity (see points P31, P33, and P34 in FIG. 2). By configuring the RF tag 10 to be attached to the inner surface of the tire, it is easy to attach the RF tag 10 to the tire T01 and to inspect and replace the RF tag 10. In other words, it is possible to improve the ease of attachment and maintenance of the RF tag 10. Furthermore, by attaching the RF tag 10 to the inner surface of the tire, it is possible to prevent the RF tag 10 from becoming the core of a tire failure, compared to a configuration in which the RF tag 10 is buried inside the tire T01.
Furthermore, when the carcass T05 has a plurality of carcass plies T05p and there is a position where the plurality of carcass plies T05p are overlapped, the RF tag 10 may be disposed between the overlapped carcass plies T05p.

For example, the RF tag 10 may be disposed on the tire radial direction outer side of the belt T06 including one or more belt plies T06p in the tread portion T01t of the tire T01. As an example, the RF tag 10 may be disposed on the tire radial direction outer side of the belt T06 and in close contact with the belt T06 (see point P43 in FIG. 2). As another example, in the case where a belt reinforcing layer is provided, the RF tag 10 may be disposed on the tire radial direction outer side of the belt reinforcing layer and in close contact with the belt reinforcing layer. As another example, the RF tag 10 may be embedded in the tread rubber T07 on the tire radial direction outer side of the belt T06 (see point P41 in FIG. 2). By disposing the RF tag 10 on the tire radial direction outer side of the belt T06 in the tread portion T01t of the tire T01, communication with the RF tag 10 from the outside of the tire T01 in the tire radial direction is less likely to be hindered by the belt T06. Therefore, communication with the RF tag 10 from the outside of the tire T01 in the tire radial direction can be improved.
Also, the RF tag 10 may be arranged, for example, in the tread portion T01t of the tire T01, on the inner side in the tire radial direction of the belt T06. In this way, the outer side of the RF tag 10 in the tire radial direction is covered by the belt T06, so that the RF tag 10 is less likely to be damaged by impact from the tread surface, nail penetration, etc. As an example of this, the RF tag 10 may be arranged in the tread portion T01t of the tire T01, between the belt T06 and the carcass T05 located on the inner side in the tire radial direction of the belt T06 (see point P44 in FIG. 2).
In addition, when the belt T06 includes a plurality of belt plies T06p, the RF tag 10 may be disposed between any two belt plies T06p in the tread portion T01t of the tire T01 (see point P42 in FIG. 2). In this manner, the outer side of the RF tag 10 in the tire radial direction is covered with one or more belt plies T06p, so that the RF tag 10 is less likely to be damaged by impact from the tread surface, nail penetration, or the like.

The RF tag 10 may be disposed, for example, sandwiched between the cushion rubber T10 and the tread rubber T07 or between the cushion rubber T10 and the side rubber T08 (see points P51 and P53 in FIG. 2). In this manner, the impact on the RF tag 10 can be mitigated by the cushion rubber T10. Therefore, the durability of the RF tag 10 can be improved.
The RF tag 10 may also be embedded in the cushion rubber T10. Furthermore, the cushion rubber T10 may be composed of a plurality of adjacent rubber members of the same or different types. In such a case, the RF tag 10 may be sandwiched between the plurality of rubber members that compose the cushion rubber T10 (see point P52 in FIG. 2).
This configuration is particularly suitable when the tire T01 is a heavy-duty pneumatic tire (for example, a pneumatic tire for trucks and buses, an off-the-road pneumatic tire (for construction vehicles), etc.).

The RF tag 10 may be disposed, for example, at the position of the sidewall portion T01w or the bead portion T01b of the tire T01. The RF tag 10 may be disposed, for example, at the sidewall portion T01w or the bead portion T01b on one side that is closer to a reader capable of communicating with the RF tag 10. In this manner, it is possible to improve the communication between the RF tag 10 and the reader. As an example, the RF tag 10 may be disposed between the carcass T05 and the side rubber T08 or between the tread rubber T07 and the side rubber T08 (see points P61 and P63 in FIG. 2).
For example, the RF tag 10 may be disposed between the position of the maximum tire width and the position of the tread surface in the tire radial direction. In this manner, it is possible to improve communication with the RF tag 10 from the outside of the tire T01 in the tire radial direction, compared to a configuration in which the RF tag 10 is disposed on the inner side in the tire radial direction from the position of the maximum tire width.
The RF tag 10 may be arranged, for example, radially inward of the position where the tire is at its widest point. In this way, the RF tag 10 is arranged near the bead portion T01b, which has high rigidity. Therefore, the load applied to the RF tag 10 can be reduced. This allows the durability of the RF tag 10 to be improved. As an example, the RF tag 10 may be arranged at a position adjacent to the bead core T02 in the tire radial direction or tire width direction (see point P62 in Figure 2). Distortion is less likely to concentrate near the bead core T02. Therefore, the load applied to the RF tag 10 can be reduced. This allows the durability of the RF tag 10 to be improved.
In particular, it is preferable to place the RF tag 10 in a position radially inward of the maximum tire width position and radially outward of the bead core T02 of the bead portion T01b. This can improve the durability of the RF tag 10, and can improve the communication performance of the RF tag 10 by preventing communication between the RF tag 10 and a reader from being hindered by the bead core T02.
In addition, when the side rubber T08 is composed of multiple rubber members of the same or different types adjacent to each other in the tire radial direction, the RF tag 10 may be positioned by being sandwiched between the multiple rubber members that make up the side rubber T08.

The RF tag 10 may be disposed by being sandwiched between the bead filler T03 and a member adjacent to the bead filler T03. In this manner, the RF tag 10 can be disposed in a position where distortion is less likely to be concentrated due to the placement of the bead filler T03. Therefore, the load applied to the RF tag 10 can be reduced. This allows the durability of the RF tag 10 to be improved.
The RF tag 10 may be disposed, for example, sandwiched between the bead filler T03 and the carcass T05. The portion of the carcass T05 that sandwiches the RF tag 10 together with the bead filler T03 may be located on the outer side of the bead filler T03 in the tire width direction, or may be located on the inner side of the tire width direction. When the portion of the carcass T05 that sandwiches the RF tag 10 together with the bead filler T03 is located on the outer side of the bead filler T03 in the tire width direction, the load applied to the RF tag 10 due to impact or damage from the outside of the tire T01 in the tire width direction can be further reduced. This can further improve the durability of the RF tag 10.
The bead filler T03 may also have a portion disposed adjacent to the side rubber T08. In this case, the RF tag 10 may be disposed by being sandwiched between the bead filler T03 and the side rubber T08.
Furthermore, the bead filler T03 may have a portion disposed adjacent to the rubber chafer T11. In such a case, the RF tag 10 may be disposed by being sandwiched between the bead filler T03 and the rubber chafer T11.
This configuration is particularly suitable when the tire T01 is a pneumatic tire for passenger cars.

The RF tag 10 may be disposed sandwiched between the stiffener T03 and a member adjacent to the stiffener T03. In this way, the RF tag 10 can be disposed in a position where distortion is less likely to concentrate due to the placement of the stiffener T03. This reduces the load applied to the RF tag 10. This improves the durability of the RF tag 10. The RF tag 10 may be disposed sandwiched between the stiffener T03 and a side rubber T08, for example (see point P74 in FIG. 2).
Also, the RF tag 10 may be arranged, for example, sandwiched between the stiffener T03 and the carcass T05 (see point P72 in FIG. 2). The portion of the carcass T05 that sandwiches the RF tag 10 together with the stiffener T03 may be located on the outer side of the stiffener T03 in the tire width direction, or may be located on the inner side of the tire width direction. When the portion of the carcass T05 that sandwiches the RF tag 10 together with the stiffener T03 is located on the outer side of the stiffener T03 in the tire width direction, the load applied to the RF tag 10 due to impact or damage from the outside of the tire T01 in the tire width direction can be further reduced. This can further improve the durability of the RF tag 10.
The stiffener T03 may have a portion disposed adjacent to the rubber chafer T11. In this case, the RF tag 10 may be disposed by being sandwiched between the stiffener T03 and the rubber chafer T11.
The stiffener T03 may have a portion adjacent to the hat rubber T12 on the outer side in the tire width direction. In this case, the RF tag 10 may be disposed by being sandwiched between the stiffener T03 and the hat rubber T12 (see point P71 in FIG. 2).
The stiffener T03 may be made of multiple rubber members having different hardnesses. In this case, the RF tag 10 may be sandwiched between the multiple rubber members that make up the stiffener T03 (see point P73 in FIG. 2).
The RF tag 10 may be disposed by being sandwiched between the hat rubber T12 and a member adjacent to the hat rubber T12. For example, the RF tag 10 may be disposed by being sandwiched between the hat rubber T12 and the carcass ply T05p. In this manner, the impact on the RF tag 10 can be mitigated by the hat rubber T12. Therefore, the durability of the RF tag 10 can be improved.
This configuration is particularly suitable when the tire T01 is a heavy-duty pneumatic tire (for example, a pneumatic tire for trucks and buses, an off-the-road pneumatic tire (for construction vehicles), etc.).

The RF tag 10 may be arranged, for example, sandwiched between the rubber chafer T11 and the side rubber T08 (see point P8 in FIG. 2). In this way, the RF tag 10 can be arranged in a position where distortion is less likely to be concentrated due to the placement of the rubber chafer T11. Therefore, the load applied to the RF tag 10 can be reduced. This can improve the durability of the RF tag 10.
The RF tag 10 may be disposed, for example, sandwiched between the rubber chafer T11 and the carcass T05. In this manner, the load applied to the RF tag 10 due to impact or damage from the rim can be reduced. Therefore, the durability of the RF tag 10 can be improved.

The RF tag 10 may be sandwiched between the nylon chafer T13 and another member adjacent to the nylon chafer T13 on the outer or inner side in the tire width direction. In this way, the position of the RF tag 10 is less likely to change when the tire deforms. Therefore, the load applied to the RF tag 10 when the tire deforms can be reduced. This improves the durability of the RF tag 10.
The nylon chafer T13 may have a portion adjacent to the rubber chafer T11, for example, on the outer side in the tire width direction. In this case, the RF tag 10 may be disposed sandwiched between the nylon chafer T13 and the rubber chafer T11 (see point P101 in FIG. 2). The nylon chafer T13 may have a portion adjacent to the side rubber T08, for example, on the outer side in the tire width direction. In this case, the RF tag 10 may be disposed sandwiched between the nylon chafer T13 and the side rubber T08 (see point P91 in FIG. 2).
The nylon chafer T13 may have a portion adjacent to the stiffener T03, for example, on the inner side in the tire width direction. In this case, the RF tag 10 may be disposed by being sandwiched between the nylon chafer T13 and the stiffener T03. The nylon chafer T13 may also have a portion adjacent to the hat rubber T12, for example, on the inner side in the tire width direction. In this case, the RF tag 10 may be disposed by being sandwiched between the nylon chafer T13 and the hat rubber T12 (see point P92 in FIG. 2). Furthermore, the nylon chafer T13 may have a portion adjacent to the carcass T05, for example, on the inner side in the tire width direction. In this case, the RF tag 10 may be disposed by being sandwiched between the nylon chafer T13 and the carcass T05. Furthermore, the nylon chafer T13 may have a portion adjacent to the wire chafer T14, for example, on the inner side in the tire width direction. In this case, the RF tag 10 may be disposed by being sandwiched between the nylon chafer T13 and the wire chafer T14.
In this way, the RF tag 10 may be sandwiched between the nylon chafer T13 and another member adjacent to the outer or inner side in the tire width direction of the nylon chafer T13. In particular, by covering the outer side of the RF tag 10 in the tire width direction with the nylon chafer T13, the load applied to the RF tag 10 due to impact or damage from the outside of the tire in the tire width direction can be further reduced. Therefore, the durability of the RF tag 10 can be further improved.
This configuration is particularly suitable when the tire T01 is a heavy-duty pneumatic tire (for example, a pneumatic tire for trucks and buses, an off-the-road pneumatic tire (for construction vehicles), etc.).

The RF tag 10 may be sandwiched between the wire chafer T14 and another adjacent member on the inside or outside of the wire chafer T14 in the tire width direction (see point P102 in Figure 2). This makes it difficult for the position of the RF tag 10 to fluctuate when the tire deforms. This reduces the load applied to the RF tag 10 when the tire deforms. This improves the durability of the RF tag 10. The other adjacent member on the inside or outside of the wire chafer T14 in the tire width direction may be, for example, a rubber member such as a rubber chafer T11. The other adjacent member on the inside or outside of the wire chafer T14 in the tire width direction may be, for example, a carcass T05.

A belt reinforcing layer may be further provided on the radially outer side of the belt T06. For example, the belt reinforcing layer may be formed by winding a belt reinforcing layer cord made of polyethylene terephthalate continuously in a spiral shape in the tire circumferential direction. Here, the belt reinforcing layer cord may be adhesive-treated under a tension of 6.9×10 ⁻² N/tex or more, and may have an elastic modulus of 2.5 mN/dtex·% or more when a load of 29.4 N is measured at 160° C. Furthermore, the belt reinforcing layer may be disposed so as to cover the entire belt T06 or to cover only both ends of the belt T06. Furthermore, the winding density per unit width of the belt reinforcing layer may differ depending on the position in the width direction. In this way, road noise and flat spots can be reduced without reducing high-speed durability.
This configuration is particularly suitable when the tire T01 is a pneumatic tire for passenger cars.

The tire, unvulcanized tire, tire manufacturing method, and RF tag of the present invention can be suitably used for any type of pneumatic tire, for example, pneumatic tires for heavy loads (e.g., pneumatic tires for trucks and buses, off-the-road (construction vehicle) pneumatic tires, etc.) and pneumatic tires for passenger cars.

T01: Tire (vulcanized tire),
T01': unvulcanized tire,
T0M: tire body,
T01t: tread portion, T01w: sidewall portion, T01b: bead portion,
T02: bead core,
T03: Bead filler (stiffener), T031, T032: Bead filler part,
T05: carcass, T05p: carcass ply, T05c: carcass cord, T05r: covering rubber,
T06: Belt, T06p: Belt ply,
T07: tread rubber,
T08: Side rubber,
T09: Inner liner,
T10: Cushion rubber,
T11: Rubber chafer,
T12: Hat rubber,
T13: Nylon chafer,
T14: Wire chafer,
CL: tire equatorial plane,
1: substrate, 2: second antenna (antenna), 3: exterior body, 10: RF tag, 11: IC chip, 12: first antenna (antenna), 12a: outer periphery, 21: electromagnetic field coupling portion, 21a: end portion, 22: extension portion, 34: antenna holding groove, 35: side recess, 36: side end opening, 37: substrate holding recess (substrate holding portion),
50: tag covering rubber part, 50a, 50b: tag covering rubber member,
51: communication structure part,
EA: antenna extension axis; S1: first side with respect to the antenna extension axis in a plan view of the communication structure; S2: second side with respect to the antenna extension axis in a plan view of the communication structure; C: center of curvature;
O: tire center axis

Claims (6)

1. An RF tag;
   The tire body,
   A tire comprising:
   The RF tag has a communication structure,
   The communication structure includes an antenna;
   the communication structure unit has a tendency that, in a state where the communication structure unit is not mounted on the tire main body, the antenna has a curved shape in which an antenna extension axis of the antenna has a center of curvature on a first side with respect to the antenna extension axis in a plan view of the communication structure unit,
   When the communication structure is assembled to the tire body, in a planar view of the communication structure, the antenna extension axis forms a curved shape having a center of curvature on the first side relative to the antenna extension axis, and the first side relative to the antenna extension axis is oriented so as to be radially outward in the tire.
2. The tire of claim 1, wherein the antenna extends along the antenna extension axis in an imaginary plane, thereby forming a planar shape.
3. The tire according to claim 2, wherein the antenna extends, at least in part, in a meandering, wavy, or zigzag pattern along the antenna extension axis.
4. The tire according to claim 1, wherein the RF tag further has a tag-covering rubber portion that covers the communication structure portion.
5. An RF tag;
   The tire body,
   An unvulcanized tire comprising:
   The RF tag has a communication structure,
   The communication structure includes an antenna;
   the communication structure unit has a tendency that, in a state where the communication structure unit is not mounted on the tire main body, the antenna has a curved shape in which an antenna extension axis of the antenna has a center of curvature on a first side with respect to the antenna extension axis in a plan view of the communication structure unit,
   An unvulcanized tire in which, when the communication structure is assembled to the tire body, in a planar view of the communication structure, the antenna extension axis forms a curved shape having a center of curvature on the first side relative to the antenna extension axis, and the first side relative to the antenna extension axis is oriented so as to be radially outward in the tire radial direction.
6. A tire manufacturing method for manufacturing the tire according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising the steps of:
   An unvulcanized tire manufacturing step of manufacturing an unvulcanized tire;
   A vulcanization molding step of vulcanizing and molding the unvulcanized tire;
   Including,
   a tire manufacturing method in which, in an assembled state in which the communication structure portion is assembled to the tire body of the tire obtained after the vulcanization molding step, in a planar view of the communication structure portion, the antenna extension axis forms a curved shape having a center of curvature on the first side relative to the antenna extension axis, and the first side relative to the antenna extension axis is oriented to be radially outward in the tire direction.

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