Noise reducing device, manufacturing method for the noise reducing device, and pneumatic tire having the noise reducing device

Abstract

Provided are: a noise reduction device with an improved adhesion of objects formed of a porous material and with a reduced processing time; a method of manufacturing the noise reduction device; and a pneumatic tire including the noise reduction device. The noise reduction device of the present invention includes: objects formed of a porous material; a band member for attaching the objects to the inner surface of a tire at two positions spaced at substantially equal intervals in the tire circumferential direction; and locking members formed of a thermoplastic resin. The band member is formed of a thermoplastic resin. Each object is disposed at a predetermined position in the tire circumferential direction, between the band member and the corresponding locking members. The locking members are bonded to the band member through the objects by thermal fusion.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of manufacturing a noise reduction device including: a pair of objects each formed of a porous material; and a band member for attaching the objects to the inner surface of a tire at two positions spaced at substantially equal intervals in the tire circumferential direction, the method comprising:
 forming the band member of a thermoplastic resin;   disposing each object at a predetermined position in the tire circumferential direction, between the band member and locking members formed of a thermoplastic resin; and   bonding the locking members to the band member through each object by thermal fusion;   wherein a constituent material of the band member and a constituent material of the locking members are the same thermoplastic resin.   
     
     
         2 . The method of manufacturing a noise reduction device according to  claim 1 , wherein an ultrasonic welder is used for bonding each locking member to the band member by thermal fusion. 
     
     
         3 . The method of manufacturing a noise reduction device according to  claim 2 , wherein as an oscillating horn for the ultrasonic welder, employed is one having chamfered end portions of the tip in the width direction thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The method of manufacturing a noise reduction device according to  claim 3 , wherein the constituent material of the band member and the constituent material of the locking members are polypropylene. 
     
     
         5 . The method of manufacturing a noise reduction device according to  claim 3 , wherein the porous material of the objects is polyurethane foam. 
     
     
         6 . The method of manufacturing a noise reduction device according to  claim 2 , wherein the constituent material of the band member and the constituent material of the locking members are polypropylene. 
     
     
         7 . The method of manufacturing a noise reduction device according to  claim 2 , wherein the porous material of the objects is polyurethane foam. 
     
     
         8 . The method of manufacturing a noise reduction device according to  claim 1 , wherein the constituent material of the band member and the constituent material of the locking members are polypropylene. 
     
     
         9 . The method of manufacturing a noise reduction device according to  claim 1 , wherein the porous material of the objects is polyurethane foam.