Patent Application
20220332145
The present disclosure relates to a run-flat tire.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No. 2012-116212 discloses a sidewall-reinforced-type run-flat tire as an example of a run-flat tire that can travel a fixed distance even in a state in which the internal pressure of the tire has decreased. Specifically, side reinforcing rubbers are provided at the tire side portions of the run-flat tire.
However, it is known that, because the tire side portions of a run-flat tire are reinforced by side reinforcing rubbers, it is easy for the rolling resistance to increase as compared with a tire that does not have a run-flat structure. Thus, for example, it has also been thought to structure the side reinforcing rubbers by using a rubber of a low viscosity. However, in such a run-flat tire, there is the possibility that the run-flat durability, which is the durability at the time of traveling in a state in which the internal pressure of the tire has decreased, will deteriorate.
In view of the above-described circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a run-flat tire that has decreased rolling resistance and that can ensure the run-flat durability.
A run-flat tire relating to the present disclosure comprises: a pair of bead cores provided at regions that fit-together with rims forming outer edge portions of a wheel, and formed in annular shapes along a tire peripheral direction; a carcass that is formed so as to span between the pair of bead cores and has a carcass central portion extending along a tire width direction at a tire radial direction outer side, a pair of carcass side portions respectively extending from both tire width direction end portions of the carcass central portion toward tire width direction inner sides of the pair of bead cores, and a pair of folded-over portions formed so as to be continuous with the pair of carcass side portions and respectively folded over around the pair of bead cores from tire width direction inner sides toward outer sides; a belt provided along a tire radial direction outer side surface of the carcass central portion; a tread portion provided at a tire radial direction outer side of the belt; side reinforcing rubbers provided along tire width direction inner side surfaces of the carcass side portions, and formed in shapes that taper respectively toward a tire radial direction inner side and a tire radial direction outer side in a cross-section along a tire axial direction; a first inner liner provided along a tire radial direction inner side surface of the carcass central portion and tire width direction inner side surfaces of the side reinforcing rubbers, both end portions of the first inner liner running along a contour in a cross-section along a tire rotational axis direction and being respectively formed further toward a tire radial direction outer side than tire radial direction inner side end portions of the side reinforcing rubbers; and a second inner liner extending along a surface, which is at a side opposite from the carcass central portion, of the first inner liner, both end portions of the second inner liner being respectively formed further toward a tire radial direction inner side than the both end portions of the first inner liner, along a contour in a cross-section along the tire rotational axis direction.
In accordance with this run-flat tire, the first inner liner and the second inner liner are provided as an inner liner. Further, the both end portions of the first inner liner running along the contour in the cross-section along the tire rotational axis direction, are respectively formed further toward the tire radial direction outer side than the tire radial direction inner side end portions of the side reinforcing rubbers. Therefore, the rolling resistance can be decreased as compared with, for example, a tire in which the first inner liner extends respectively to side of the tire radial direction inner side end portions of the side reinforcing rubbers.
Moreover, in accordance with this run-flat tire, the second inner liner is provided that extends along the surface, which is at the side opposite from the carcass central portion, of the first inner liner, both end portions of the second inner liner are respectively formed further toward the tire radial direction inner side than the both end portions of the first inner liner, along the contour in the cross-section along the tire rotational axis direction. Therefore, the rigidity needed for reducing the rolling resistance is ensured, and the transmission of gasses from the tire width direction inner side to the outer sides can be suppressed or prevented. Due thereto, it is possible to reduce the rolling resistance and to ensure the run-flat durability, which is the suppression or prevention of excessive collapsing-in of the bead portions and the tire side portions at the time of run-flat traveling.
As described above, the run-flat tire relating to the present disclosure has the excellent effects of being able to decrease the rolling resistance and ensure the run-flat durability.
A run-flat tire 10 relating to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is described hereinafter by using
Here, arrow TW in the drawings indicates the tire width direction of the run-flat tire 10, and arrow TR indicates the tire radial direction of the run-flat tire 10.
What is called tire width direction here means the direction parallel to the rotational axis of the run-flat tire 10, and is also called the tire axial direction. Further, tire radial direction means the direction orthogonal to the rotational axis of the run-flat tire 10.
Further, reference notation CL indicates the equatorial plane of the run-flat tire 10 (the tire equatorial plane). Moreover, in the present embodiment, the rotational axis side of the run-flat tire 10 along the tire radial direction is called the “tire radial direction inner side”, and the side opposite from the rotational axis of the run-flat tire 10 along the tire radial direction is called the “tire radial direction outer side”.
On the other hand, the equatorial plane CL side of the run-flat tire 10 along the tire width direction is called the “tire width direction inner side”, and the side opposite from the equatorial plane CL of the run-flat tire 10 along the tire width direction is called the “tire width direction outer side”.
Further, in the following description, rims 14 that form the outer edge portions of a wheel 12 (refer to
Only one side of the cross-sectional view along the tire rotational axis of the run-flat tire 10 that is in state of being mounted to the rims 14 and not being filled with internal pressure (having the same air pressure as the outside air), is shown in
The bead portions 16 are provided as a left-right pair with an interval therebetween in the tire width direction. A pair of bead cores 18 that are formed in annular shapes along the tire peripheral direction are embedded in the pair of bead portions 16, respectively. The pair of bead cores 18 are respectively structured by metal cords (e.g., steel cords), organic fiber cords, resin-coated organic fiber cords, or bead cores of a hard resin or the like (none of which are illustrated). The carcass 20, which is formed so as to span between the pair of bead cores 18, is disposed between the pair of bead cores 18.
Note that, here, description is given of a tire at which projection-shaped rim guards (rim protectors), which are for suppressing excessive deformation (collapsing toward the tire width direction outer sides) of the bead portions 16, are not provided at the outer side surfaces of the bead portions 16. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and rim guards may be provided at the outer side surfaces of the bead portions.
(Carcass)
The carcass 20 is structured by one carcass ply 22. The carcass ply 22 is structured by plural, unillustrated cords (e.g., organic fiber cords or metal cords or the like) being covered by a covering rubber. The carcass 14 is formed in a substantially toroidal shape that is convex toward the tire radial direction outer side, between the pair of bead cores 18. Of the portion, which is formed in a substantially toroidal shape, of the carcass 14, the portion that extends along the tire width direction at the tire radial direction outer side is a carcass central portion 20A. Further, the portions, which respectively extend from the both tire width direction end portions of the carcass central portion 20A toward the tire width direction inner sides of the pair of bead cores 18, are a pair of carcass side portions 20B. At the both end portions at the bead core 18 sides of the carcass side portions 20B, the carcass 14 is folded-over around the bead cores 18 from the tire width direction inner sides toward the outer sides such that a pair of folded-over portions 20C are formed. End portions 20CE of the folded-over portions 20C are sandwiched between the belt 24 and the carcass central portion 20A in vicinities of tire width direction outer ends 24E of the belt 24. The carcass 20 that is formed in this way structures the framework of the tire.
Note that the run-flat tire 10 relating to the present embodiment is a tire having a radial structure, and the cords (not illustrated) of the carcass ply 22 extend along the tire radial direction (the radial direction) at the carcass side portion 20B sides. Further, at the carcass central portion 20A side (the tire outer peripheral portion side), the cords of the carcass ply 22 extend in a direction intersecting the tire equatorial plane CL.
A bead filler 36, which extends from the bead core 18 side toward the tire radial direction outer side, is provided at the bead portion 16 so as to be embedded in a space formed by the carcass side portion 20B and the folded-over portion 20C of the carcass 20. The bead filler 36 is formed such that the thickness thereof decreases toward an end portion 36A that is at the tire radial direction outer side. The bead fillers 36 are formed of a rubber that is harder than side rubbers 40 that are disposed at the tire width direction outer sides of the folded-over portions 20C. Note that the shape and the material of the bead fillers 36 are not limited to those of the present embodiment.
Note that, here, the carcass 20 is described as being structured by the single carcass ply 22. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the carcass may be structured by plural carcass plies.
(Belt)
The belt 24 is disposed along the tire radial direction outer side surface of the carcass central portion 20A, at the tire radial direction outer side of the carcass 20. The belt 24 is structured by one or plural belt plies 24A, 24B. Here, as an example, the belt 24 is structured to include the first belt ply 24A that is at the tire radial direction inner side, and the second belt ply 24B that is disposed at the tire radial direction outer side of the first belt ply 24A and whose width is narrower than that of the first belt ply 24A.
The belt plies 24A, 24B are structured by plural cords (e.g., steel cords), which are not illustrated and are lined-up parallel to one another, being covered by a covering rubber. The cords that structure the belt plies 24A, 24B are disposed at inclines with respect to the tire peripheral direction (e.g., are inclined at angles of inclination of 15° to 30° with respect to the tire peripheral direction). Here, the cords of the first belt ply 24A and the cords of the second belt ply 24B are disposed so as to be inclined in directions opposite to one another, with respect to the tire equatorial plane CL. Namely, the belt 24 is a so-called crossed belt.
The belt reinforcing layer 26 is disposed at the tire radial direction outer side of the belt 24. For example, the belt reinforcing layer 26 is structured to include unillustrated cords that are wound along the tire peripheral direction so as to cover the entire belt 24.
A tread rubber 38 that structures the tread portion 28 is disposed at the tire radial direction outer side of the belt 24 and the belt reinforcing layer 26. The tread portion 28 is the region that contacts the road surface during traveling. Peripheral direction grooves 28A that extend along the tire peripheral direction are formed in the surface of the tread portion 28. Further, unillustrated width direction grooves that extend in the tire width direction are formed in the tread portion 28. Note that the shapes of and the numbers of the peripheral direction grooves 28A and the width direction grooves are set appropriately in accordance with the performances required of the run-flat tire 10, such as drainability, handling stability, and the like.
Note that, here, the belt 24 is described as a so-called crossed belt that is structured by the two belt plies. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the belt may be structured by a so-called spiral belt or by a belt of another structure such as a structure in which cords are embedded in a resin layer, or the like.
(Tire Side Portions)
The tire side portions 30 are provided between the bead portions 16 and the tire width direction end portions of the tread portion 28, at the tire width direction outer sides of the run-flat tire 10. Specifically, the side rubbers 40, which structure the tire side portions 30 and extend along the tire radial direction, are disposed so as to connect the bead portions 16 and the tire width direction end portions of the tread portion 28 at the tire width direction outer sides of the carcass 20.
(Side Reinforcing Rubbers)
The side reinforcing rubbers 34, which are for reinforcing the tire side portions 30 with respect to load applied to the run-flat tire 10 at the time of run-flat traveling, are disposed at the tire width direction inner sides of the tire side portions 30. Specifically, the side reinforcing rubbers 34 that are formed from a single rubber material are disposed at the tire width direction inner sides of the carcass side portions 20B of the carcass 20. By providing the side reinforcing rubbers 34, the vehicle can be made to travel a predetermined distance in a state of supporting the weight of the vehicle and the vehicle occupants in a case in which the internal pressure of the run-flat tire 10 decreases due to a puncture or the like.
The side reinforcing rubber 34 extends in the tire radial direction along the inner surface of the carcass side portion 20B. Further, the side reinforcing rubber 34 is formed in a shape in which thickness TH thereof decreases (tapers) toward the bead core 18 side and the tread portion 28 side. Specifically, for example, the cross-sectional shape along the tire axial direction is formed in a substantial crescent shape. Here, the thickness TH is the length when the interval (the length) between the tire width direction inner side and tire width direction outer side surfaces of the side reinforcing rubber 34 is measured along a line perpendicular to the tire width direction inner side surface, in the state in which the run-flat tire 10 is mounted to the rims 14 and the internal pressure is zero.
An inner side end portion 34A side, which is the end portion at the tire radial direction inner side of the side reinforcing rubber 34, overlaps the bead filler 36 with the carcass 20 sandwiched therebetween. Specifically, the inner side end portion 34A side of the side reinforcing rubber 34 is disposed so as to overlap the bead filler 36 along the tire radial direction. On the other hand, an outer side end portion 34B side, which is the end portion at the tire radial direction outer side of the side reinforcing rubber 34, overlaps the belt 24 with the carcass 20 sandwiched therebetween. Specifically, the outer side end portion 34B side of the side reinforcing rubber 34 is disposed so as to overlap the belt 24 along the tire width direction.
Note that, here, the side reinforcing rubber 34 is described as being structured by a single rubber material, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the side reinforcing rubber may be structured with another material, such as a thermoplastic resin or the like, being the main component thereof.
Moreover, here, the side reinforcing rubber 34 is described as being structured by a single type of a rubber member, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the side reinforcing rubber may be structured by plural rubber members of different hardnesses.
Further, although the side reinforcing rubber 34 is described as being structured by a single type of a rubber member, the present disclosure is not limited to this. Provided that a rubber member is the main component thereof, the side reinforcing rubber may be structured to include, in addition thereto, materials such as, for example, fillers, short fibers, resin or the like.
Moreover, the side reinforcing rubber 34 is described as being structured by a single type of rubber member, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The side reinforcing rubber may be structured so as to include a rubber member of a JIS hardness of 70 to 85 measured at 20° C. by using a durometer hardness tester, in order to improve the durability at the time of run-flat traveling. Further, the side reinforcing rubber may be structured to include a rubber member having the physical property that the loss factor thereof (a factor expressing the magnitude of the viscosity of the rubber) tan δ, which is measured under the conditions of a frequency of 20 Hz, an initial strain of 10%, a dynamic strain of ±2%, and a temperature of 60° C. by using a viscoelasticity spectrometer (e.g., the spectrometer manufactured by Toyo Seiki Seisakusho), is 0.10 or less.
(Inner Liner)
As shown in
The second inner liner 48 extends respectively to the both inner side end portion 34A sides of the side reinforcing rubbers 34. Second end portions 48A at the both sides of the second inner liner 48 (only one side is illustrated in
The both first end portions 46A of the first inner liner 46 are tapered shapes whose thicknesses gradually decrease toward the tire radial direction inner side respectively. Specifically, as seen in the cross-section along the tire axial direction, a slope is formed from the side reinforcing rubber 34 side of the first inner liner 46 toward the tire radial direction inner side and the side opposite from the side reinforcing rubber 34. Further, the both second end portions 48A of the second inner liner 48 are tapered shapes whose thicknesses gradually decrease toward the tire radial direction inner side respectively. Specifically, as seen in the cross-section along the tire axial direction, a slope is formed from the side reinforcing rubber 34 side of the second inner liner 48 toward the tire radial direction inner side and the side opposite from the side reinforcing rubber 34.
A rubber, through which it is more difficult for gasses to be transmitted and whose hysteresis loss (loss history) is greater than the other rubbers that structure the run-flat tire 10 (e.g., the tread rubber 38, the side rubbers 40 and the like), is used as the rubber that structures the first inner liner 46 and the second inner liner 48. Specifically, the first inner liner 46 and the second inner liner 48 are structured by, for example, a rubber whose main component is butyl rubber. What is called hysteresis loss here is known to be proportional to the loss factor tan δ that expresses the magnitude of the viscosity of the rubber.
Note that, here, the first inner liner 46 and the second inner liner 48 are described as being formed with butyl rubber being the main component thereof, but the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the first inner liner and the second inner liner may have another rubber member, a resin or a resin film as the main components thereof.
(Operation, Effects) Operation and effects of the run-flat tire 10 relating to the present embodiment are described next.
In accordance with the run-flat tire 10 relating to the present embodiment, the first inner liner 46 and the second inner liner 48, which is formed to be thinner than the first inner liner 46, are disposed at the inner liner portion 44. Further, both of the first end portions 46A of the first inner liner 46 are respectively formed further toward the tire radial direction outer side than the inner side end portions 34A of the side reinforcing rubbers 34. Therefore, the rolling resistance can be reduced as compared with a tire in which the first inner liner 46 is extended to the inner side end portion 34A sides of the side reinforcing rubbers 34. Further, by reducing the rolling resistance, the fuel efficiency can be improved.
When the internal pressure of the tire decreases for any reason, the tire side portions 30 that form the tire width direction outer sides deform. Specifically, tensile force is applied in the tire radial direction to the portions, which are further toward the tire width direction outer sides than the neutral axes (not illustrated), of the tire side portions 30. Therefore, at a tire that does not have a run-flat structure, the tire extendingly deforms (extends) along the tire radial direction. Further, compressive force is applied in the tire radial direction to the portions, which are further toward the tire width direction inner side than the neutral axes, of the tire side portions 30. Therefore, in a tire that does not have a run-flat structure, the tire compressively deforms in the tire radial direction.
In accordance with the run-flat tire 10 relating to the present embodiment, the first inner liner 46 and the second inner liner 48, which extends to the both inner side end portion 34A sides of the side reinforcing rubbers 34, are provided at the tire width direction inner side surfaces of the side reinforcing rubbers 34. Therefore, the rigidity needed for reducing the rolling resistance is ensured, and the transmission of gasses from the tire width direction inner side to the outer sides can be suppressed or prevented. Due thereto, it is possible to reduce the rolling resistance and to ensure the run-flat durability, which is the suppression or prevention of excessive collapsing-in of the bead portions 16 and the tire side portions 30 at the time of run-flat traveling.
Moreover, in accordance with the run-flat tire 10 relating to the present embodiment, the first end portions 46A of the first inner liner 46 are formed in tapered shapes, and the second end portions 48A of the second inner liner 48 are formed in tapered shapes. Therefore, in a case in which the run-flat tire 10 deforms, the forces by which the first end portions 46A and the second end portions 48A of the first inner liner 46 and the second inner liner 48 push the side reinforcing rubbers can be made to be small, as compared with a case in which the end portions, which run along the contour in the cross-section along the tire rotational axis direction, are not formed in tapered shapes. Due thereto, increasing of the forces that are applied to the side reinforcing rubbers 34 at the time of run-flat traveling can be suppressed or prevented, and the durability of the run-flat tire 10 can be improved.
As described above, the run-flat tire 10 relating to the present embodiment has decreased rolling resistance and can ensure the run-flat durability.
Moreover, in accordance with the run-flat tire 10 of the present embodiment, the vertical spring constant (an index expressing a state in which the elasticity in the vertical direction of the vehicle to which the tire is mounted is small) at the time of usual traveling of the run-flat tire 10 can be reduced. Therefore, the riding comfort can be improved, and the run-flat durability at the time of run-flat traveling can be ensured.
Next, a first modified example of a run-flat tire 50 relating to the present disclosure is described by using
In accordance with the run-flat tire 50 relating to the present modified example, as shown in
In accordance with the run-flat tire 50 relating to the present modified example, the both end portions of the first inner liner 46 running along the contour in the cross-section along the tire rotational axis direction being respectively positioned between the first imaginary lines VL1 and the second imaginary lines VL2. Therefore, owing to the second inner liner 48, the rigidity that is needed in order to reduce the rolling resistance is ensured, and the transmission of gasses from the tire width direction inner side toward the outer sides is suppressed or prevented, and the first inner liner 46 can be formed to be small. Due thereto, the rolling resistance is reduced, and the run-flat durability can be ensured.
Next, a second modified example of a run-flat tire 60 relating to the present disclosure is described by using
In accordance with the run-flat tire 60 relating to the present modified example, an inner liner portion 62 is formed integrally as shown in
Both first end portions 62A1 of the outer side portion 62A running along the contour in the cross-section along the tire rotational axis direction being formed in substantial arc shapes that are concave toward the outer sides in the direction along the contour in the cross-section along the tire rotational axis direction, of the inner liner portion 62 as seen in the cross-section along the tire axial direction. Further, as shown in
In accordance with the run-flat tire 60 relating to the present modified example, at the inner liner portion 62, the outer side portion 62A and the inner side portion 62B are formed integrally. Therefore, increases in the number of work processes and the manufacturing cost for providing the inner liner portion 62 are suppressed, and the rolling resistance is reduced, and the run-flat durability can be ensured.
Next, a second embodiment of a run-flat tire 70 relating to the present disclosure is described by using
In accordance with the run-flat tire 70 relating to the present modified example, a first inner liner 74 is disposed along the tire radial direction inner side surface of the carcass central portion 20A and the tire width direction inner side surfaces of the side reinforcing rubbers 34. The first inner liner 74 extends to the both inner side end portions 34A of the side reinforcing rubbers 34. First end portions 74A, which are the both end portions that run along the contour in the cross-section along the tire rotational axis direction, are formed respectively at the both inner side end portion 34A sides of the side reinforcing rubbers 34. Further, a second inner liner 76 that is formed to be thicker than the first inner liner 74 extends along the surface, which is at the side opposite from the carcass central portion 20A, of the first inner liner 74. Second end portions 76A, which are the both end portions that run along the contour in the cross-section along the tire rotational axis direction, of the second inner liner 76 are respectively formed further toward the tire radial direction outer side than the first end portions 74A of the first inner liner 74. Here, the thickness of the first inner liner 74 may be formed to be approximately 30 to 65% of the thickness of the second inner liner 76.
In accordance with this run-flat tire 70, the second end portions 76A of the second inner liner 76 are respectively formed further toward the tire radial direction outer side than the first end portions 74A of the first inner liner 74. Therefore, the rolling resistance can be decreased, as compared with a tire in which the second inner liner 76 extends respectively to the both inner side end portion 34A sides of the side reinforcing rubbers 34. Moreover, in accordance with the run-flat tire 70, the first inner liner 74 is provided along the tire width direction inner side surfaces of the side reinforcing rubbers 34, to the both inner side end portion 34A sides of the side reinforcing rubbers 34. Therefore, the rigidity needed for reducing the rolling resistance is ensured, and the transmission of gasses from the tire width direction inner side to the outer sides can be suppressed or prevented. Due thereto, it is possible to ensure the run-flat durability, which is a reduction in the rolling resistance and is the suppression or prevention of excessive collapsing-in of the bead portions 16 and the tire side portions 30 at the time of run-flat traveling.
Next, a second embodiment of a run-flat tire 80 relating to the present disclosure is described by using
In accordance with the run-flat tire 80 relating to the present modified example, as shown in
In accordance with the run-flat tire 80 relating to the present modified example, the both second end portions 76A of the second inner liner 76 are respectively positioned between the first imaginary lines VL1 and the second imaginary lines VL2. Therefore, owing to the first inner liner 74, the rigidity that is needed in order to reduce the rolling resistance is ensured, and the transmission of gasses from the tire width direction inner side toward the outer sides is suppressed or prevented, and the second inner liner 76 can be formed to be small. Due thereto, the rolling resistance is reduced, and the run-flat durability can be ensured.
Although embodiments of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above, and can of course be implemented by being modified in various ways other than the above, within a scope that does not depart from the gist thereof.
Note that, although the run-flat tires 10, 50, 60, 70, 80 for passenger vehicles have been described here as examples of application of the present disclosure, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can also be applied to run-flat tires that are used in vehicles other than passenger vehicles.
Note that, although it has been described here that the first inner liner 74 and the second inner liner 48 respectively extend to the both inner side end portion 34A sides of the side reinforcing rubbers 34, the present disclosure is not limited to this. The first end portions of the first inner liner and the second end portions of the second inner liner may respectively be formed in vicinities of the end portions of the belt 24, e.g., between the pair of first imaginary lines VL1 and the pair of second imaginary lines VL2 as seen in the cross-section along the tire rotational axis.
The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-207476 filed on Nov. 15, 2019 is, in its entirety, incorporated by reference into the present specification. All publications, patent applications, and technical standards mentioned in the present specification are incorporated by reference into the present specification to the same extent as if such individual publication, patent application, or technical standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-207476 | Nov 2019 | JP | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/JP2020/042607 | 11/16/2020 | WO |
