JP2009241886A - Non-pneumatic tire - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a non-pneumatic tire excellent in durability by using an elastic means as a part of a link mechanism. <P>SOLUTION: In the tire 1, a plurality of link mechanisms 4 are arranged at an outer side of a rim 2 with an interval in a circumferential direction, and segments 6 provided on an upper part of the link mechanism 4 retain a tread member 3, respectively. The link mechanism 4 has links L1, L2 in a width direction W of the rim 2, and is constituted by: a link member 4a for connecting the links L1, L2 to the rim 2, respectively; a link member 4b connected to the segment 6; and a joint part C2 for pivotably connecting the link members 4a, 4b. In the width direction W, a torsion bar for giving reaction force relative to movement in the width direction W is arranged on the joint part C2, and a detachable base seat member is provided between a connection part C2 connected to the bar and the joint part C2. Between them, the deformable and restorable elastic means 5 is retained, and a guide member 25 for retaining the elastic means 5 is provided on the base seat member. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a non-pneumatic tire excellent in durability that does not require pressurized air filling by attaching a grounding member to a link mechanism.

  A pneumatic tire is generally used as a tire for an automobile or the like. However, a pneumatic tire has a problem that its filling air pressure decreases or disappears due to puncture or the like.

For this reason, for example, a solid tire having a solid structure has been proposed as a non-pneumatic tire that does not use air pressure (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP-A-6-293203

  However, such conventional solid tires are large in both weight and hardness, and cannot ensure sufficient riding comfort and maneuverability compared to pneumatic tires. Moreover, since rolling resistance also becomes large, it exists in the condition which is not used except for a special use.

  Therefore, the inventor of the present application provides a novel non-pneumatic tire having a plurality of link mechanisms arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction on the outside of the rim-like member, and having segments provided in the link mechanism. It came to develop.

  According to such a configuration, the contact area can be ensured and the contact pressure distribution can be made uniform, so that it is possible to ensure a sufficient riding comfort and maneuverability as compared with a pneumatic tire. .

  On the other hand, in order to achieve better riding comfort, such a non-pneumatic tire is provided with deformation and restoring force of elastic means represented by a spring in a part of the link mechanism in order to further uniform the contact pressure distribution. Utilizing this, when the tire rolls on the road surface, a restoring force against deformation generated in the tire is given to ensure the rigidity as the tire. In this specification, “rigidity” refers to the strength of elasticity against displacement deformation.

  However, if such elastic means is buckled, the rigidity of the tire may not be obtained efficiently, and there is room for improvement in terms of efficiently increasing the rigidity of the tire.

  The object of the present invention is to use elastic means as a part of the link mechanism, thereby making it unnecessary to fill the tire with pressurized air or other gas and sufficiently eliminate the possibility of a decrease or disappearance of the tire internal pressure. At the same time, in providing a non-pneumatic tire excellent in durability that can endure a long run, the object is to efficiently exhibit the performance of the elastic means used for the realization thereof.

  A non-pneumatic tire according to the present invention is a non-pneumatic tire having a plurality of link mechanisms arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction on the outer side of a rim-like member and having a segment provided on the upper part of the link mechanism. In the tire, the link mechanism includes two links arranged at intervals in the width direction of the rim-shaped member, and a first link member that is swingably connected to the rim-shaped member, and a segment A second link member that is pivotably coupled to the first link member and a node that pivotally couples the first link member and the second link member, and each of the nodes is provided with a pedestal, At least one of the parts is provided with a guide member for the elastic means.

  In the present invention, “circumference”, “width” and “radius” refer to “circumference”, “width” and “radius” of a tire (a rim-shaped member or an endless grounding member which will be described later) Is also synonymous).

  Here, “to connect the first link member to the rim-like member in a swingable manner” means, for example, that the first link member has one end connected to the rim-like member and rotates around the one end. This means that it only needs to be able to swing in the width direction. Further, the first link member and the rim-like member may be directly connected or indirectly connected via another member.

  In this case, at least when the swing in the width direction is allowed, the first link member is rotatably supported with respect to the rim-like member. However, when the swing in the circumferential direction is allowed, It is preferable to employ a universal joint.

  In the present invention, the second link member is swingably connected to the segment. In this case, for example, one end of the second link member is rotated around at least one end as a base point and swings in the width direction. What is necessary is just to connect integrally by the possible segment. Moreover, you may connect with a 2nd link member and a segment directly, or indirectly through another member.

  In this case as well, when at least swinging in the width direction is allowed, the segment is pivotally supported with respect to the second link member, but when allowing swinging in the circumferential direction, etc. It is preferable to employ a universal joint.

  In the present invention, “to connect the first link member and the second link member so as to be swingable at the node” means, for example, one end where the second link member is connected to the other end of the first link member. This means that it is only necessary to rotate around the one end and swing in the width direction.

  For this reason, the first link member and the second link member need only be pivotally supported at least so that a hinge connecting portion that can be rotatably connected using a pin or the like can be employed. May be adopted.

  Examples of the elastic means according to the present invention include a material that exhibits a material elastic force typified by a rubber elastic body, a material that exhibits a mechanical elastic force typified by a coil spring, or a rubber elasticity Examples include those obtained by reinforcing the body with fibers, or those that exhibit material and mechanical elasticity in a composite manner, such as an air spring.

  Further, as the guide member according to the present invention, for example, when the elastic means is a coil spring, a shaft-like member that holds the coil spring through the inside thereof, and the elastic means is a solid member. For example, when the shaft cannot be penetrated, a cylindrical member surrounding the elastic means can be used.

  The guide member according to the present invention may be provided on each of the two pedestals, for example, and the elastic member may be held by each of the guide members by disposing the tips of the two guide members facing each other. You may provide only in any one of two base parts.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is preferable that at least one of the pedestal portions can be advanced and retracted with respect to the node portion.

  In moving the pedestal part forward and backward with respect to the node part, for example, the pedestal part is screwed to the guide member, or the pedestal part provided with the holding part is provided separately on the guide member, and this guide member One end of the guide member is threadably engaged with the holding portion, or one end of the guide member is threadably engaged with the pedestal portion and the holding portion.

  According to the present invention, the elastic means can be exchanged by holding the elastic means in a detachable manner on the pedestal portion. In order to make the elastic means replaceable, for example, the joint portion between the first link member and the second link member has an insertion portion inserted into the joint portion, and can swing around the insertion portion as a base point. It is possible to employ a configuration in which a pedestal portion is provided, elastic means is held between the pedestal portions, and at least one of them is swung.

  In the present invention, in order to replace the elastic means, for example, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the pedestal is detachable from the node and at least one of the pedestal is detachable.

  As a specific example, a pedestal portion having an insertion portion to be inserted into the node portion is provided in the node portion, and a protrusion formed in a recess (including a through hole) of the node portion in the insertion portion of the pedestal portion, or A circumferential groove that is detachably fitted to the convex member that is elastically supported by the concave portion of the node portion is formed.

  Further, according to the present invention, a holding part that is attached to the base part and the node part and holds the base part may be provided separately, and the base part may be detachable from the holding part. As a configuration for attaching and detaching the pedestal portion with respect to the holding portion, for example, a configuration in which the pedestal portion is screwed to the holding portion, a pedestal portion is fitted in a recess formed in the holding portion, and the pedestal portion is The convex part formed in the recessed part of the holding | maintenance part, or the circumferential groove which fits detachably with the convex member elastically supported by the recessed part of a holding | maintenance part is formed.

In addition, according to the present invention, it is sufficient to provide a pedestal portion at each of the node portions of at least two links, and at least one of the pedestal portions may include a guide member that holds elastic means.
As the link mechanism according to the present invention, in the width direction of the rim-shaped member, a torsion spring member that applies a reaction force to the movement of the rim-shaped member in the width direction is arranged at each node.
In the case where a pedestal is provided between the connecting portion and the node connected to the return spring member, an elastic means that can be detachably held between the pedestal portions is detachable. Of course, it is included in the technical scope of the invention.

  Therefore, in the case of a link mechanism to which a torsion spring member is added, the same as the above-mentioned node side with respect to the connection portion side of the pedestal portion provided between the connection portion connected to the return spring member and the node portion. If the configuration is adopted, the elastic means can be exchanged.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of link mechanisms are arranged on the outer side of the rim-like member at intervals along the circumferential direction, and the segments provided in the upper part of the link mechanism are respectively endless grounding members. By holding the pressure, there is no need to fill with pressurized air or other gas, and therefore the risk of a decrease or disappearance of the tire internal pressure can be sufficiently eliminated.

  In addition, by arranging a plurality of segments around the rim-like member, the entire tire is integrated as one unit while allowing the link mechanisms arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction to function independently of each other. In order to function, a larger contact area is ensured to improve the pressure contact force (grip force), and the contact pressure distribution in that case can be made more uniform.

  In addition, many of the conventionally proposed tires adjust the rigidity according to the air pressure, the material or the shape of the tire itself, etc., and therefore the vertical rigidity, the longitudinal rigidity and the lateral rigidity, which are important characteristics for the tire, Optimum for vertical, front-rear, and lateral directions, because it is difficult to adjust as desired according to the vehicle type, usage environment, or driver's requirements, under independent relationships. The rigidity characteristics were not satisfactory.

  On the other hand, in the present invention, each of the link mechanisms has two links arranged at an interval in the width direction of the rim-shaped member, and the links are connected to the rim-shaped member so as to be swingable. A first link member, a second link member that is swingably connected to the segment, and a node that swingably connects the first link member and the second link member. Each has a pedestal part, and elastic means that can be deformed and restored are held between them, so by adjusting and replacing the elastic means as appropriate according to the vehicle type and application, etc. Rigidity and lateral rigidity can be easily set as desired under a mutually independent relationship.

  That is, according to such a configuration, by using an elastic means as a part of the link mechanism, each of the vertical rigidity, front-rear rigidity, and lateral rigidity of the size required for the tire can be easily provided independently of each other. Thus, a non-pneumatic tire excellent in ride comfort and maneuverability can be provided.

  In addition, according to the present invention, since the guide member for the elastic means is provided on at least one of the pedestal portions, the elastic means can be assembled without buckling. That is, when an external force is inputted from the link node to the elastic means through the pedestal, the elastic means is efficiently deformed without buckling, and at the same time, the urging force (restoration) from the elastic means is generated against the deformation. (Force) also urges the pedestal portion in a direction opposite to the external force input to the elastic means, so that the urging force from the elastic means is also efficiently transmitted into the link mechanism.

  For this reason, according to the present invention, the elastic means is unlikely to buckle, and the strength of elasticity against displacement deformation of the link mechanism, that is, the rigidity of the tire is efficiently increased.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, in providing the non-pneumatic tire as described above that uses elastic means as a part of the link mechanism, the performance of the elastic means used for realizing the non-pneumatic tire can be efficiently exhibited. Therefore, the contact pressure distribution can be made more uniform, which is effective in further improving the riding comfort.

  Further, the inventor of the present application has already found that the bending rigidity in the circumferential direction of the tread is smaller in the gap portion between the segments (the portion where the segment does not exist) than in the portion where the segment exists. Yes.

  Therefore, in the present invention, when the joint portions of the first link member and the second link member are connected by elastic means, respectively, as in the above-described novel link mechanism, the elastic means is, for example, the above-described node. When the portion is arranged on the inner side in the width direction than the connecting portion between the first link member and the rim-like member and the connecting portion between the second link member and the segment, the elastic means is not compressed or expanded. When the node is arranged in a more compressed state than (steady state) and the outer side in the width direction than the connecting part between the first link member and the rim-like member and the connecting part between the second link member and the segment. In this case, it is preferable that the elastic means is assembled in a state of being stretched more than the steady state.

  In this case, the force by which each link mechanism presses each segment to the endless grounding member is larger than when the elastic means is assembled in a steady state, and the diameter of the grounding member is when the elastic means is assembled in a steady state. Compared to expanded. In the present specification, the term “endless” refers to a shape in which both ends thereof are connected to form a closed space, such as an annular shape or a cylindrical shape.

  That is, when the endless grounding member is fixed to the segment and the elastic means is assembled in a compressed state or in an expanded state, the movement of each segment arranged around the rim-like member in the front-rear (circumferential) direction Is more strongly regulated by the endless grounding member.

  By adopting such a configuration, tension is also applied to the gap portion of the segment, so that the bending rigidity in the circumferential direction of the tread including the portion where the segment does not exist increases, so that the contact pressure distribution becomes more uniform. Therefore, it is further effective in improving the riding comfort such as suppression of road noise.

  For this reason, in the present invention, if at least one of the pedestal portions can be moved back and forth with respect to the node portion, the assembled state of the elastic means can be easily adjusted without separating the link mechanism or removing the elastic means. Therefore, tire performance such as contact pressure distribution, road noise, and riding comfort can be easily adjusted after the tire is assembled.

  By the way, if a guide member for the elastic means is provided on at least one of the pedestal portions as in the present invention, the elastic means is prevented from falling off when the elastic means is replaced. It is effective for improvement.

  For this reason, for the purpose of exchanging the elastic means, if the pedestal according to the present invention holds the elastic means in a detachable manner, the elastic means can be easily assembled or removed without breaking the entire link mechanism. be able to.

  For example, if the pedestal is swingable with respect to the joint, the elastic means can be easily assembled or removed by simply moving the pedestal without breaking the entire link mechanism.

  In addition, if the pedestal is configured to be detachable from the node, the elastic means can be easily assembled or removed by simply detaching the pedestal without releasing the entire link mechanism.

  Furthermore, if the pedestal part is separately provided with a holding part that is attached to the node part and holds the pedestal part and is detachable from the holding part, the pedestal part can be held without breaking the entire link mechanism. The elastic means can be easily assembled or removed simply by attaching and detaching only the pedestal while leaving the part in the link.

  That is, if the pedestal according to the present invention holds the elastic means in a detachable manner, the elastic means can be easily replaced, and the tire performance due to the tire rigidity can be replaced with some parts. It can be made adjustable.

  In addition, also in the case of the link mechanism to which the torsion spring member is added, the above-described effects are similarly obtained. In addition, when the torsion spring member is added, at least the lateral rigidity can be more reliably generated, and each can be controlled independently, compared to the case where only the elastic means is used.

  Hereinafter, a non-pneumatic tire according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1A is a perspective view schematically showing a basic configuration of a mechanical tire (hereinafter referred to as “tire”) 1 which is an embodiment of the present invention. 2 (a) and 2 (b) are a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1 (a) and a perspective view showing a segment 6 described later from the lower surface side.

  Reference numeral 2 denotes a cylindrical rim-like member (hereinafter referred to as “rim”) connected to an axle (rotary shaft) (not shown) as shown in FIG. The rim 2 is made of a metal material such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

Reference numeral 3 denotes an endless tread member that is disposed outside the rim 2 with a gap as shown in FIG. The tread member 3 is made of an elastic material such as rubber, and a reinforcing layer _RL is provided on the back surface thereof as shown in FIG. The reinforcing layer _RL can also be disposed inside the tread member 3.

  Although the tread member 3 according to the present embodiment has a planar shape including only a crown portion, a shoulder portion and a side portion may be provided and wound inside the rim 2 in the same manner as a tire in the original sense.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, reference numeral 4 denotes a plurality of pieces arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction S (of the tire 1 or rim 2) between the rim 2 and the tread member 3. Link mechanism. Each of the link mechanisms 4 has two links L1 and L2 that are spaced apart from each other along the width direction W (of the tire 1 or rim 2) as shown in FIG. The segment 6 is held to be relatively movable.

  As shown in the figure, the link L1 has one end connected to the outer wall 2a of the rim 2 via a connecting portion C1 that is a universal joint, and can swing around the connecting portion C1 of the one end. A first link member 4a and a second link member 4b having one end connected to the other end of the first link member 4a via a node C2 and swingable from the node C2 as a base point; It is comprised with metal materials, such as aluminum and aluminum alloy.

  Similarly, the link L2 is also connected to the rim 2 via a connecting portion C1 and a first link member 4a and a second link member that is swingably connected to the first link member 4a via a node C2. And a link member 4b, and is made of a metal material such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

  The connecting portion C1 connects the rim 2 and the first link member 4a so as to allow at least the first link member 4a to swing in the circumferential direction S and the width direction W, and is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. It is made of a metal material.

  The node C2 is, for example, a first link member 4a and a second link member 4b that are rotatably connected using a pin, and the rotation direction thereof is the first link member 4a and the second link member. 4b is a direction of swinging in the width direction W. The node C2 is also made of a metal material such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and a universal joint may be adopted instead of pivotally supporting it with a pin or the like.

  Reference numeral 5 denotes elastic means for connecting the node C2 of the link L1 and the node C2 of the link L2. The elastic means 5 has a required rigidity (for example, vehicle type, usage environment, or the like) with respect to the relative displacement in the circumferential direction S, the width direction W, and the radial direction R when the rim 2 and the tread member 3 are viewed as one body. Rigidity) determined by the driver's request.

  The elastic means 5 is, for example, one that exhibits a material elastic force typified by a rubber elastic body, one that exhibits a mechanical elastic force typified by a coil spring, or a rubber elastic body made of fiber. Examples thereof include a reinforced one or a material that exhibits a composite of material and mechanical elasticity such as an air spring.

  In particular, in this embodiment, the elastic means 5 is previously compressed from the natural length state (steady state), and this is assembled as a part of the link mechanism 4. Thereby, the link mechanism 4 is extended | stretched to the radial direction R compared with the case where the elastic means 5 is assembled | attached in a steady state.

  Reference numeral 6 denotes a segment that integrally couples the other ends of the second link member 4b so as to be swingable via a universal joint C3, as shown in FIG. 2 (a).

  As shown in FIG. 2 (b), the segment 6 extends in the width direction W, and has two flat plate members 6a having flat tread surfaces (joining surfaces with the tread member 3) 6f and the plate. And four bracket portions 6b that are integrally provided at intervals along the extending direction of the member 6a, and are made of a metal material such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. Reference numeral B denotes a bearing that rotatably holds a shaft 4c described later.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), the segment 6 of this embodiment is formed by joining two plate members 6a along the circumferential direction S with four bracket portions 6b with an interval ΔX1. In this case, since the concentration of the contact pressure generated in the vicinity of the center in the circumferential direction S is relaxed by arranging the two plate members 6a at an interval ΔX1 along the circumferential direction S, there is no interval. A more uniform contact pressure distribution can be realized as compared with the conventional one.

  The plate member 6a can be of various shapes, but the plate member 6a of this embodiment is an angle steel. In this case, since the bending of the plate member 6a in the radial direction R along the width direction W, particularly the rigidity with respect to the outer side of the radial direction R (see the arrow M in FIG. 2B) is secured, more uniform. Ground pressure distribution can be realized.

  In each segment 6, the back surface of the tread member 3 is joined to each of the outer surfaces (tread surfaces) 6f of the two plate members 6a. In order to fix the tread member 3 to the segment 6, various methods such as adhesion can be adopted. However, in this embodiment, the tread member 3 is pressure-bonded to the segment 6 using the fixture 7. As the fixture 7, for example, a hexagon wrench hole bolt 71 and a nut 72 using a hexagon wrench (hexagon wrench) are used.

  The connecting portion C3 is a universal joint similar to the connecting portion C1, and at least the segment 6 rotates relative to the second link member 4b and swings in the circumferential direction S and swings in the width direction W. The second link member 4b and the bracket portion 6b are connected so as to allow the above. Note that the connecting portion C3 of the present embodiment, when realizing such an operation, rotatably holds the shaft 4c by the four bracket portions 6b and connects the second link member 4b to the shaft 4c so as to be swingable. Thus, the movement in the circumferential direction S and the width direction W is ensured, but it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the second link member 4b is directly connected to each of the two bracket portions 6b located on the side wall side. .

  That is, the link mechanism 4 includes links L1 and L2 connected to the rim 2 and elastic means 5 and segments 6 for associating the links L1 and L2, each of which is integrally restricted by the tread member 3.

  In fixing the tread member 3 to the segment 6, the size of the plate member 6a or the arrangement of the link mechanism 4 is determined so that the adjacent segments 6 form a small gap along the circumferential direction S. .

  As a result, each of the link mechanisms 4 holds the tread member 3 along the circumferential direction S with a small gap by each segment 6. It should be noted that the allowance interval can be appropriately set according to the vehicle type, usage environment, driver's request, and the like.

  For example, the tire 1 is displaced from the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 3A so that the rim 2 and the tread member 3 approach each other along the radial direction R, as shown by the phantom line, immediately below the load. Then, the links L1 and L2 are bent so as to approach each other with the node C2 as a base point, and the elastic means 5 is compressed and deformed in the width direction W.

  However, the compressive deformation of the elastic means 5 simultaneously applies a reaction force that separates the links L1 and L2 to the node C2. That is, each of the link mechanisms 4 can generate required vertical rigidity (rigidity in the radial direction R) when the rim 2 and the tread member 3 approach in the radial direction R due to the presence of the elastic means 5.

  In addition, when the rim 2 and the tread member 3 are relatively displaced along the circumferential direction S from the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 3B, the entire link mechanism 4 is extended. Directly, the total length of the links L1 and L2 is increased, thereby causing the elastic means 5 to undergo tensile deformation.

  However, the tensile deformation of the elastic means 5 simultaneously causes a reaction force that causes the links L1 and L2 to approach the circumferential direction S to act on the node C2. That is, each of the link mechanisms 4 causes the required longitudinal rigidity (rigidity in the circumferential direction S) when the rim 2 and the tread member 3 are relatively displaced in the circumferential direction S due to the presence of the elastic means 5. Can do.

  In addition, when the rim 2 and the tread member 3 are relatively displaced in the width direction W from the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 3 (c), the entire link mechanism 4 is oscillated and displaced. Directly, the links L1 and L2 are oscillated and displaced with the connecting portion C1 and the node portion C2 as the base points, thereby causing the elastic means 5 to undergo tensile deformation.

  However, the tensile deformation of the elastic means 5 simultaneously causes a reaction force that causes the links L1 and L2 to approach in the width direction W to act on the node C2. That is, each of the link mechanisms 4 can generate required lateral rigidity (stiffness in the width direction W) when the rim 2 and the tread member 3 are relatively displaced in the width direction due to the presence of the elastic means 5.

  In the above description, the case where displacements in the circumferential direction S, the width direction W, and the radial direction R are independently generated between the rim 2 and the tread member 3 has been described. Of course, even if two or more of these relative displacements occur at the same time, the tire can provide the required rigidity as a composite at the same time.

  That is, according to the tire 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a plurality of link mechanisms 4 are arranged on the outer side of the rim 2 along the circumferential direction S at intervals, and provided on the upper part of the link mechanism 4. Since each segment 6 holds the endless tread member 3, it is not necessary to fill with pressurized air or other gas, and therefore the risk of a decrease or disappearance of the internal pressure of the tire 1 can be sufficiently removed.

  Further, since the plurality of segments 6 are arranged around the rim 2, the tires 1 as a whole are allowed to function independently from each other while the link mechanisms 4 arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction S are functioning independently. Since it functions as a single unit, a larger contact area is ensured, so that the press contact force (grip force) is improved, and the contact pressure distribution in that case can be made more uniform.

  In addition, many of the tires that have been proposed in the past have not had optimum rigidity characteristics for each of the vertical direction, the front-rear direction, and the horizontal direction, whereas the tire 1 shown in FIGS. Each of the link mechanisms 4 includes two links L1 and L2 that are spaced apart from each other in the width direction W of the rim 2, and the links L1 and L2 are swingably connected to the rim 2. The node 4a includes a second link member 4b that is swingably connected to the segment 6, and a node C2 that swingably connects the first link member 4a and the second link member 4b. Since the elastic means 5 that can be deformed and restored is held between the C2s, the elastic means 5 is appropriately adjusted and exchanged according to the vehicle type, application, etc. Rigidity can be easily set as desired under an independent relationship. Can be determined.

  That is, according to the tire 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, each of the vertical rigidity, the front-rear rigidity, and the lateral rigidity having the required sizes can be easily provided independently of each other for ride comfort and maneuverability. An excellent non-pneumatic tire can be provided.

  Further, according to the present invention, as a modification of the tire 1, it is preferable that the link mechanism 4 is provided with torsion bars 8 and 9 as torsion springs as illustrated in FIGS. FIG. 1B schematically shows the link mechanism 4 with the tread member 3 and the segment 6 removed from the tire.

  The elastic means 5 according to the present embodiment is a spring, and is disposed between the node C2 of the link L1 and the node C2 of the link L2 by a base member 20 fixed to the link member 4a or 4b.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the torsion bar 8 extends along the width direction W, and both ends 8a and 8b thereof cannot be rotated with respect to the outer wall 2a of the rim 2 (see FIG. 1). Although it can be fixed, preferably, the central portion of the torsion bars 8a and 8b (that is, the middle of the torsion bar 8) cannot be rotated with respect to the rim 2 in order to secure a large twisted portion of the torsion bars 8a and 8b. Fixed against. Further, in the vicinity of the inside of the end portions 8a and 8b of the torsion bar 8, the link L1 and the link L2 are connected so as to be swingable along the width direction W via the connecting portion C1. Thereby, the torsion bar 8 moves in the circumferential direction S around the connecting portion C1 in the link L2 and the torsion spring against the twist in the circumferential direction S around the connecting portion C1 in the link L1. It functions as a torsion spring against torsion.

  On the other hand, the torsion bar 9 also extends along the width direction W as shown in FIG. The torsion bar 9 can be fixed to the rim 2 so that the central portion thereof (that is, the middle of the torsion bar 9) cannot rotate, but preferably the torsion bar 9 as in this embodiment. Both ends 9a and 9b are fixed to the outer wall 2a of the rim 2 so as not to rotate. Further, as shown in FIG. 4B and the like, one end portion 10a of the moment arm 10 is integrally fixed near the inside of the end portions 9a and 9b of the torsion bar 9.

  A connecting rod 11 is connected to the other end portion 10b of the moment arm 10 via a connecting portion C4. The connecting part C4 allows at least the one end part 11a of the connecting rod 11 to rotate (swing along the width direction W) around the axis of the moment arm 10 and center the other end part 10b of the moment arm 10 Is allowed to swing in the circumferential direction S.

  In the present embodiment, the other end portion 10b of the moment arm 10 is configured in a pin shape, the other end portion 10b is rotatably held inside the sleeve member 12, and the sleeve member 12 is held at one end portion 11a of the connecting rod 11. The connecting portion C4 is configured to be rotatably held around the axis along the width direction W inside the through-hole formed in the above.

  The other end 11b of the connecting rod 11 is connected to the node C2 of the link L1 (L2) via the base member 20.

  Specifically, the pedestal member 20 has a pedestal portion 21 that holds one end of the elastic means 5 and a pedestal holding portion 22 that holds the pedestal portion 21, and the pedestal holding portion 22 includes a node C 2. A hinge pin portion (insertion portion) 23 that is rotatably inserted into a formed recess (including a through hole) (not shown), and a hinge pin portion (insertion) that is inserted into a connecting portion C5 provided at one end portion 11b of the connecting rod 11 Part) 24 is provided integrally.

  More specifically, a through hole is formed in one end portion 11b of the connecting rod 11 in the same manner as the one end portion 11a of the connecting rod 11, and the sleeve 13 can be rotated around the axis along the width direction W inside the through hole. And the hinge pin portion 24 of the pedestal portion 20 is rotatably held inside the sleeve 13 to constitute the connecting portion C5.

  As a result, the torsion bar 9 is integrally connected to the node C2 of the links L1 and L2 via the moment arm 10 via the connecting rod 11 and the base member 20, so that the links L1 and L2 are displaced in the width direction W. It functions as a torsion spring against.

  The cross bar 14 corresponds to the above-described shaft 4c and extends in the width direction W as shown in FIG. 4 and the like, and the segment 6 (for example, the bracket portion 6b) rotates at both ends 14a and 14b. Held possible. In addition, a connecting portion C3 of the link L1 and the link L2 is connected to the cross bar 14 so as to be swingable along the width direction W.

4 to 7, for example, when the tread member 3 approaches the rim 2 along the radial direction R, the elastic means 5 as shown in FIGS. 4A and 5A. Is compressed from l ₁ to l ₂ , thereby generating a restoring force accompanying the compression deformation.

  That is, according to this configuration, as in the previous embodiment, when the tread member 3 approaches or separates from the rim 2 along the radial direction R, the required vertical rigidity is imparted by the compression or extension of the elastic means 5. be able to.

  Further, according to this configuration, for example, when the link mechanism 4 is tilted along the circumferential direction S with respect to the rim 2 as shown in FIG. 6 (b), the torsion bar 8 is twisted around its axis. As a result, a restoring force accompanying the torsional deformation is generated.

  That is, according to the same configuration, when the link mechanism 4 is tilted with respect to the rim 2 along the circumferential direction S, the required longitudinal rigidity is obtained by the restoring force accompanying the torsional deformation of the torsion bar 8 as in the other embodiments. Can be granted.

  Furthermore, according to this configuration, the lateral stiffness when the tread member 3 is displaced left and right along the width direction W with respect to the rim 2 is further effective.

  For example, when the link mechanism 4 is displaced along the width direction W in the direction shown by the arrow in FIG. 7A with respect to the rim 2, the link C1 of the link L1 and the link C1 of the link L1 are associated with this. In the meantime, there is a height change along the radial direction R as indicated by the symbol θ in FIG.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 7 (a), the torsion bar 9 is twisted through the elastic means 5, the moment arm 10 and the connecting rod 11, and a restoring force accompanying the torsional deformation is generated.

  That is, according to the configuration, the lateral rigidity can be further increased by the restoring force accompanying the torsional deformation of the torsion bar 9.

  Accordingly, when the joint C2 is connected by the elastic means 5 and the torsion bars 8 and 9 are added as in the same configuration, the longitudinal rigidity and the lateral rigidity are more reliably generated as compared with the case of the elastic means 5 alone. And each can be controlled independently.

  In addition, the pedestal 21 according to the present embodiment is formed with a shaft-shaped guide member (hereinafter referred to as “guide shaft”) 25 that passes through the elastic means 5 and holds the elastic means 5 on the holding surface 21f. ing

  According to such a configuration, since both the base members 20 are provided with the guide shafts 25 for the elastic means 5, they can be assembled so as to suppress the buckling of the elastic means 5. That is, when an external force is input from the node C2 of the links L1 and L2 to the elastic means 5 through the pedestal member 20, the elastic means 5 is efficiently deformed in a state in which buckling hardly occurs, and at the same time resists this deformation. The urging force (restoring force) generated from the elastic means 5 also urges the pedestal member 20 in a direction opposite to the external force input to the elastic means 5, so that the urging force from the elastic means 5 is also generated in the link mechanism 4. It will be transmitted efficiently.

  For this reason, if the link mechanism 4 which concerns on this form is employ | adopted, the elastic means 5 will be hard to buckle and the strength of the elasticity with respect to the shift deformation of the link mechanism 4, ie, the rigidity of the tire 1, will increase efficiently.

  Therefore, according to the tire 1 employing the link mechanism 4 according to the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIGS. Used for the realization of non-pneumatic tires with excellent durability that can withstand long-time running while eliminating the need for gas filling, eliminating the risk of tire pressure drop, disappearance, etc. Since the performance of the elastic means 5 can be exhibited efficiently, the contact pressure distribution can be made more uniform, which is effective for further improving the riding comfort.

  Note that, as in this embodiment, in arranging the tip of the guide shaft 25 provided on each of the two pedestal members 20 facing each other, the length of the guide shaft 25 from the pedestal portion 21 can be appropriately adjusted, If it is extended until the tips of each other come into contact, it is more effective for preventing the elastic means 5 from buckling.

  Further, since the pedestal member 20 according to the present invention is configured to be swingable with respect to the node C2 and the connecting rod 11 by the hinge pin portions 23 and 24, the pedestal portion 20 is swung along the width direction W. As a result, the elastic means 5 can be easily assembled or removed without breaking the entire link mechanism 4. In the case of this embodiment, the total length of the guide shaft 25 is set so as not to prevent the attachment and detachment of the elastic means 5 accompanying the swing of the base member 20.

  That is, according to the tire 1 employing the link mechanism 4 of the form shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the elastic means 5 can be assembled or removed simply by moving the pedestal member 20. It can be easy.

  By the way, if the base member 20 is provided with the guide shaft 25 for the elastic means 5 as in this embodiment, the elastic means 5 is prevented from being unexpectedly dropped when the elastic means 5 is replaced. This is effective for improving workability during replacement.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a third embodiment of the link mechanism 4 according to the present invention from the upper side (ground plane) side. In addition, the same part as another form has the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits the description.

  In this embodiment, the pedestal 21 and the pedestal holding part 22 in the pedestal member 20 on the link L1 side are provided separately, and the pedestal 21 is formed integrally with the guide shaft 25, and the pedestal is provided inside the pedestal holding part 22. While forming a female screw that penetrates the member 20, a screw is formed at one end portion 25a of the guide shaft 25, and one end portion 25a of the guide shaft 25 is screwed to the pedestal holding portion 22 on the link L1 side. Accordingly, if the guide shaft 25 is rotated, the guide shaft 25 can advance and retreat with the base portion 21 and the base holding portion 22 on the link L1 side as a base point.

  On the other hand, the base member 20 on the link L2 side is formed with a through hole that slidably holds the other end 25b of the guide shaft 25. Thus, if the guide shaft 25 is rotated, the pedestal 21 on the link L1 side follows the link L2 side as shown in FIGS. 9 (a) and 9 (b). It advances and retreats with respect to the base member 20.

  That is, if the guide shaft 25 spanned between the base holding part 22 on the link L1 side and the base member 20 on the link L2 side is rotated in one direction, the two base parts 21 can be brought close to each other. In addition, the two pedestal portions 21 can be separated from each other even if the guide shaft 25 is rotated in the reverse direction.

  Thus, by simply rotating the guide shaft 25, the elastic means 5 can be freely adjusted to a compressed state or an expanded state according to the direction of rotation, and tire performance such as contact pressure distribution, road noise, and riding comfort can be adjusted. Can be adjusted after assembling the tire.

  According to such a configuration, since the guide shaft 25 spanned between the two pedestals 21 is provided, the elastic means 5 can be assembled without buckling. That is, also in this embodiment, when an external force is input from the node C2 of the links L1 and L2 to the elastic means 5 through the pedestal 21, the elastic means 5 is efficiently deformed without buckling and at the same time resists this deformation. Since the urging force (restoring force) generated from the elastic means 5 also urges the pedestal portion in the direction opposite to the external force input to the elastic means, the urging force from the elastic means 5 is also efficient in the link mechanism 4. Will be transmitted to.

  For this reason, also by this form, compared with the case where the elastic means 5 will buckle, the strength of the elasticity with respect to the shift deformation of the link mechanism 4, ie, the rigidity of the tire 1, increases efficiently.

  Accordingly, even with the tire 1 employing the link mechanism 4 according to the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, by using the elastic means 5 as a part of the link mechanism 4, pressurized air or other gas is applied to the tire. Is used for the realization of non-pneumatic tires with excellent durability that can withstand long-time running while eliminating the risk of tire pressure drop, disappearance, etc. Since the performance of the elastic means 5 can be efficiently exhibited, the contact pressure distribution can be made more uniform, which is effective for further improving the riding comfort.

  The effects described above can also be realized by providing guide shafts 25 on each of the two base members 20 and arranging the tips of these guide shafts 25 facing each other, as described in FIGS. If an effect equivalent to that of the present embodiment is realized, it is preferable to abut the tip of the guide shaft 25 to eliminate the clearance between them as described above.

  By the way, also in this embodiment, the node C2 is arranged on the inner side in the width direction W than the connecting parts C1 and C3, and the elastic means 5 is assembled in a compressed state from the steady state.

  In this case, the force by which each link mechanism 4 presses each segment 6 against the tread member 3 is larger than when the elastic means 5 is assembled in a steady state, and the diameter of the tread member 3 is assembled in the steady state. It is expanded compared to the case.

  That is, when the endless tread member 3 is fixed to the segment 6 and the elastic means 5 is assembled in a compressed state or in an expanded state, the segment 6 arranged around the rim 2 in the circumferential direction S is arranged. The movement is more firmly regulated by the endless tread member 3.

  If such a configuration is adopted, tension is also applied to the gap portion of the segment 6, so that the bending rigidity in the circumferential direction S of the tread including the portion where the segment 6 does not exist increases, so that the contact pressure distribution is more uniform. Therefore, it is more effective for improving riding comfort such as road noise can be suppressed.

  For this reason, as in this embodiment, if at least one of the pedestal portion 21 can be advanced and retracted with respect to the node portion C2, the assembled state of the elastic means 5 can be changed without separating the link mechanism 4 or removing the elastic means 5. Since it can be easily adjusted, tire performance such as contact pressure distribution, road noise, and riding comfort can be easily adjusted after the tire is assembled.

  Further, according to the present invention, the pedestal portion 21 and the guide shaft 25 can be independently advanced and retracted by screwing the pedestal portion 21 with respect to the guide shaft 25 so as to be able to advance and retract. In this case, the assembled state of the elastic means 5 can be further finely adjusted.

  Further, when the pedestal portion 21 is advanced and retracted, for example, a through hole through which the guide shaft 25 is passed may be formed in the pedestal portion 21, and the pedestal portion 21 may be screwed to the guide shaft 25.

  Also, in this embodiment, the guide member 25 that passes through the elastic means 5 and holds the elastic means 5 is provided in the pedestal member 20 so that the elastic means 5 is prevented from falling off when the elastic means 5 is assembled or removed. Therefore, it is effective for improving workability when the elastic means 5 is replaced.

  For this reason, this embodiment adopts a configuration in which the hinge pin portions 23 and 24 provided on the base member 20 are detachably fitted to the joint portion C5 of the joint portion C2 and the connecting rod 11 when the elastic means 5 is attached and detached. is doing.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, one hinge pin portion 23 provided on the pedestal member 20 has a convex portion formed in the concave portion of the node portion C2, or a convex member elastically supported by the concave portion of the node portion C2. A circumferential groove 23g that is detachably fitted is formed, and the pedestal member 20 is detachably fitted to the node portion C2, while the other hinge pin portion 24 provided on the pedestal member 20 is also configured with the connecting portion C5. A circumferential groove 24g is formed that is detachably fitted to a convex portion formed on the inner side of the sleeve 13, or a convex member that is elastically supported by the concave portion of the node C2, and the base member 20 is attached to and detached from the connecting portion C5. Fit as possible.

  Thereby, the base member 20 can be attached to and detached from the link L1 (L2) and the connecting rod 11. As in this embodiment, if the pedestal part 21 has hinge pin parts 23 and 24 inserted into the node part C2 and the connection part C5 and can be attached to and detached from the node part C2 and the connection part C5, the entire base member 20 is attached and detached. Only by doing so, the elastic means 5 can be easily assembled or removed without breaking the entire link mechanism 4.

  In the present embodiment, both of the two pedestal members 20 are detachable. However, according to the present invention, it is sufficient that at least one of them is detachable.

  Further, according to the present invention, when replacing the elastic means 5, the pedestal portion 21 and the pedestal holding portion 22 may be provided separately, and the pedestal portion 21 may be detachable from the pedestal holding portion 22. For example, the pedestal 21 can be attached to and detached from the pedestal holding part 22 by, for example, a structure in which the pedestal 21 is screwed to the pedestal holding part 22 or a pedestal 21 fitted in a recess formed in the pedestal holding part 22. In addition, the pedestal portion 21 is formed with a convex portion formed in the concave portion of the pedestal holding portion 22 or a circumferential groove detachably fitted to a convex member elastically supported by the concave portion of the pedestal holding portion 22 Is mentioned.

  In this way, if the pedestal portion 21 is provided separately from the pedestal holding portion 22 and can be attached to and detached from the pedestal holding portion 22, the pedestal holding portion 22 is linked to the link L1 without breaking the entire link mechanism 4. , The elastic means 5 can be easily assembled or removed simply by attaching / detaching only the pedestal 21 while remaining in L2.

  That is, even with the tire 1 employing the link mechanism 4 of this embodiment, the elastic means 5 can be assembled or removed simply by attaching or detaching the pedestal member 20 or the pedestal portion 21, so that the elastic means 5 can be easily replaced. In addition, the tire performance resulting from the tire rigidity can be adjusted by replacing some components.

  10 (a) to 10 (c) are perspective views showing the state in which the pedestal member 20 according to the form of FIGS. 8 and 9 is removed together with the elastic means 5, and the pedestal member 20 according to the form of FIGS. It is the perspective view which shows the removed state with the elastic means 5, and is a perspective view which is the further another form of the base member 20, Comprising: The state which removed the base member 20 is shown with the elastic means 5. In addition, the same part as another form has the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits the description.

  The form of Fig.10 (a) is the base member 20 employ | adopted as the form of FIG.8,9 as above-mentioned. Moreover, the form of FIG.10 (b) is one form of the base member 20 employ | adopted as the form of FIGS. 4-7, and this form can also be attached or detached with the base member 20 similarly to the form of FIG.

  The form of FIG. 10C is a modification of the form of FIG. 10B, and is a form in which a guide shaft 25 is spanned between two pedestal members 20. In this case, the guide shaft 25 may be fixed between the pedestal members 20 or may be screwed so as to advance and retreat along the width direction W.

  Although the above description is to describe the preferred embodiment of the present invention, various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.

  For example, according to the present invention, the configuration of the guide member and the configuration for advancing and retracting the pedestal portion can be adopted in the embodiments described in FIGS. In the first to third embodiments, the hinge pin portion 23 is configured to be detachable from the node portion C2.

  In addition to the guide shaft 25 described above, the guide member according to the present invention includes a cylindrical member surrounding the elastic means 5.

  Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, when the node C2 is disposed inside the connecting portions C1 and C3 in the width direction W, the elastic means 5 is assembled in a compressed state from the steady state. When the part C2 is disposed outside the connecting parts C1 and C3 in the width direction W, the elastic means 5 is assembled in a state of being extended from the steady state.

  Further, although the segment 6 is described as being divided into a plurality of plate members 6a, the same effect can be obtained even when the segment 6 is a single plate member 6a by adopting the same configuration.

  Furthermore, each form mentioned above and various structures contained in it can be combined suitably according to a vehicle type, use environment, or a driver | operator's request | requirement.

  The present invention can be applied as a wheel of a vehicle such as a passenger car, a truck, a work vehicle such as a crane or a power shovel, or a carriage on which luggage or the like is loaded.

(a), (b) is a perspective view schematically showing the basic configuration of the mechanical tire according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and a link mechanism in a state in which the tread member and the segment are removed from the modified example of the tire. FIG. (a), (b) is AA sectional drawing of Fig.1 (a), and the perspective view which shows a segment from the lower surface side, respectively. (a) to (c) are skeleton diagrams for explaining the vertical rigidity generated in the tire of the same form when a load is applied directly from an unloaded state, and the longitudinal rigidity generated in the tire of the same form is described. It is a skeleton figure explaining the right-and-left rigidity which generate | occur | produces in the tire skeleton figure and the tire of the same form. (a), (b) is the front view and side view which show typically the other form of the link mechanism employ | adopted as the tire which concerns on this invention as a no-load state. (a), (b) is the front view and side view which show typically a state when a load is applied directly under the link mechanism of the same form, respectively. (a), (b) is the front view and side view which show typically a state when the link mechanism of the same form inclines. (a), (b) is the front view and side view which respectively show a state when the link mechanism of the same form moves to the horizontal direction. It is a perspective view which shows the 2nd form of the link mechanism which concerns on this invention from the upper part (grounding surface) side. (a), (b) is a perspective view showing a state where the base member according to the embodiment of FIG. 8 is removed together with the elastic means, and a perspective view showing a state where the mounting of the elastic means is changed by adjusting the base member. It is. The perspective view which shows the state which removed the base member which concerns on the form of FIG.8, 9 with an elastic means, The perspective view which shows the state which removed the base member which concerns on the form of FIGS. It is a form of this, Comprising: It is a perspective view which shows the state which removed the base member with an elastic means.

Explanation of symbols

1 Mechanical tire (non-pneumatic tire)
2 Rim (rim-shaped member)
3 Tread member (endless member)
4 Link mechanism
4a First link member
4b Second link member
4c Shaft 6 segment
6a Plate material
6b Bracket (bearing base)
8 Torsion bar
8a, 8b Torsion bar end 9 Torsion bar
10 Moment arm
10a One end of moment arm
10b The other end of the moment arm
11 Connecting rod
11a One end of connecting rod
11b The other end of the connecting rod
13 sleeve
14 Crossbar
14a One end of the crossbar
14b The other end of the crossbar
20 Base member
21 pedestal
22 Base holder
23 Joint side hinge pin part (insertion part)
24 Connecting rod side hinge pin part (insertion part)
25 Guide shaft (guide member)
C1 connecting part
C2 section
C3 connecting part
C4 connecting part
C5 connecting part
L1, L2 link

Claims (4)

In a non-pneumatic tire having a plurality of link mechanisms arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction on the outer side of the rim-like member, and having a segment provided on the upper part of the link mechanism,
The link mechanism has two links arranged at intervals in the width direction of the rim-shaped member,
A first link member that is swingably connected to the rim-like member, a second link member that is swingably connected to the segment, and a first link member and a second link member that are swingable. And a joint part connected to
Each of the nodes is provided with a pedestal, and holds elastic means that can be deformed and restored between the pedestals.
A non-pneumatic tire characterized in that a guide member for elastic means is provided on at least one of the pedestal portions.   2. The non-pneumatic tire according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the pedestal portions is capable of advancing and retreating with respect to the node portion.   The non-pneumatic tire according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pedestal portion holds the elastic means in a detachable manner. The link mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the link mechanism includes a torsion spring member that applies a reaction force to the movement of the rim-shaped member in the width direction at each of the two node portions in the width direction of the rim-shaped member. A non-pneumatic tire characterized by being arranged.

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