JP2018203093A - Non air type wheel - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a non air type wheel whose replacement timing can be properly determined by recognizing a fact that, the non air type wheel approaches the end of a service life.SOLUTION: A non air type wheel 1 comprises: a ring-shaped outer peripheral rubber part 2; a wheel part 5 provided inside of a radial direction of the outer peripheral rubber part 2; and a load support structure 4 positioned between the outer peripheral rubber part 2 and the wheel part 5. The load support structure 4 has a spoke part 3, the spoke part 3 comprises plural main spokes 10 and at least one spoke 11 for detecting service life. The spoke 11 for detecting service life is configured to be broken at a travel distance or travel time shorter than those in which the main spokes 10 are broken.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1B

Description

  The present invention relates to a non-pneumatic wheel.

  Conventionally, non-pneumatic wheels, which are also referred to as non-pneumatic tires, airless tires, and the like are known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  Patent Document 1 describes a non-pneumatic deformable structure having an outer annular band having a predetermined stiffness and a spoke element group having an outer end and an inner end. The outer end is coupled to an outer band, each spoke element extends inwardly, and the inner end is coupled to a rear hub, which is non-pneumatic to the vehicle axle or other device that rotates about one axis. It has a structure for attaching a deformable structure.

Japanese Patent No. 4873277

  In the conventionally known non-pneumatic wheels, it is assumed that all spokes have a structure that is difficult to break in order to improve the durability of the non-pneumatic wheels. Therefore, it is difficult to recognize that the life (service life) of non-pneumatic wheels is approaching, and when spokes that are part of the structure necessary for load support are damaged, It was necessary to replace it as a product that had expired.

  Then, an object of this invention is to provide the non-pneumatic wheel which can judge a replacement time appropriately by recognizing that the lifetime is approaching.

  A non-pneumatic wheel according to the present invention includes a ring-shaped outer peripheral rubber portion, a load support structure having a spoke portion, and a wheel portion. The spoke portion includes a plurality of main spokes and at least one life detection spoke, and the life detection spoke is configured to break in a shorter travel distance or travel time than the main spoke. The

  According to the non-pneumatic wheel according to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately determine the replacement time by recognizing that the service life is approaching.

FIG. 1A is a schematic side view of a non-pneumatic wheel according to a first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the inside of a vehicle body. FIG. 1B is a schematic side view showing a state where the non-pneumatic wheel shown in FIG. 1A is in contact with the road surface. FIG. 2A is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of the main spoke. FIG. 2B is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of the life detection spoke. FIG. 3 is a stress diagram of the life detection spoke and the main spoke. FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of the non-pneumatic wheel according to the second embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the inside of the vehicle body. FIG. 5A is a schematic side view of a non-pneumatic wheel showing the arrangement of life detection spokes in the second embodiment. FIG. 5B is a schematic side view of a non-pneumatic wheel showing the arrangement of the life detection spokes in a modification of the second embodiment. FIG. 6A is a schematic partially enlarged side view of the non-pneumatic wheel according to the third embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the inside of the vehicle body. 6B is an enlarged view of the life detection spoke shown in FIG. 6A. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a non-pneumatic wheel according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front of the vehicle body.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the non-pneumatic wheel 1 </ b> A according to the present embodiment mainly includes a ring-shaped outer peripheral rubber portion 2, a load support structure 4 having a spoke portion 3, and a wheel portion 5. Composed.

  The outer peripheral rubber portion 2 is a portion corresponding to a “rim” of a wheel having a general structure, and is an outer peripheral portion that contacts the road surface 6 (see FIG. 1B) in the non-pneumatic wheel 1A. The outer peripheral rubber portion 2 has, for example, a multilayer structure including a coat rubber that is an inner peripheral layer, a fiber reinforced layer that is an intermediate layer, and a tread portion that is an outer peripheral layer.

  The wheel portion 5 is a portion corresponding to a “hub” of a wheel having a general structure, and is an inner peripheral portion mounted on a vehicle axle (wheel rotation shaft) in the non-pneumatic wheel 1A. The wheel portion 5 is made of, for example, a metal material (aluminum, iron, etc.).

  The load support structure 4 is a portion corresponding to a “spoke” of a wheel having a general structure, and is a portion mainly supporting and handling a load in the non-pneumatic wheel 1A. The load support structure 4 is made of, for example, a polymer material (synthetic resin, synthetic rubber, or the like).

  The load support structure 4 includes an outer peripheral ring portion 7 that constitutes an outer peripheral portion of the load support structure 4, an inner peripheral ring portion 8 that constitutes an inner peripheral portion of the load support structure 4, an outer peripheral ring portion 7, and an inner circumference The spoke portion 3 is configured to connect the ring portion 8. The outer peripheral ring portion 7 is attached to the outer peripheral rubber portion 2 such that the outer peripheral surface is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral rubber portion 2. On the other hand, the inner peripheral ring portion 8 is attached to the wheel portion 5 such that the inner peripheral surface is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the wheel portion 5. In addition, the outer periphery ring part 7 and the inner periphery ring part 8 are not necessarily an essential structure in the load support structure 4, and can be omitted.

  The spoke unit 3 includes a plurality of main spokes 10 (see FIG. 2A) and a plurality of life detection spokes 11A (see FIG. 2B).

  The main spoke 10 is a main spoke that supports and handles a load. The plurality of main spokes 10 are arranged at equal intervals (intervals in the wheel rotation angle direction) P1 with respect to the circumferential direction of the outer rubber portion 2 so that variations in the load received by the main spokes 10 are minimized. . The main spoke 10 is formed in a flat plate shape, for example (see FIG. 2A). The main spoke 10 is not limited to a flat plate shape, and may be formed in other shapes such as a cell shape (for example, a honeycomb shape or a mesh shape).

  The life detection spoke 11A is a spoke having a function of detecting that the life of the non-pneumatic wheel 1A is approaching before the main spoke 10 necessary for load support is damaged and the vehicle travel is affected. . The plurality of life detection spokes 11A are arranged at equal intervals P2A with respect to the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral rubber portion 2 so that variations in the load received by the life detection spokes 11A are minimized. The life detection spoke 11A is formed, for example, in a flat plate shape (see FIG. 2B). The life detection spokes 11A are not limited to a flat plate shape, and may be formed in other shapes such as a cell shape (for example, a honeycomb shape or a mesh shape).

  The main spoke 10 and the life detection spoke 11A are formed of the same material, and the life detection spoke 11A is formed integrally with the outer ring portion 7 and the inner ring portion 8. That is, the entire load support structure 4 (the outer ring portion 7, the inner ring portion 8, the main spoke 10, and the life detection spoke 11A) is integrally formed.

  Although not shown, at least one of the outer surface and the inside of the life detection spoke 11 </ b> A is configured by a color different from the outer surface and the inside of the main spoke 10. This is to make it easier to recognize the difference between the main spoke 10 and the life detection spoke 11A.

  The life detection spoke 11A is set such that the load it bears is smaller than the load that the main spoke 10 bears. That is, the life detection spoke 11A is configured to be damaged at a shorter travel distance or travel time than the main spoke 10.

  Specifically, at least one of the maximum stress, the stress gradient, and the maximum strain when the wheel load L (see FIG. 1B) is applied is configured to be greater in the life detection spoke 11A than in the main spoke 10 ( (See FIG. 3). By doing so, the life detection spoke 11 </ b> A has a durability lower than that of the main spoke 10, and is configured to be damaged at a shorter travel distance or travel time than the main spoke 10.

  In the present embodiment, the structure (shape) of the spokes is made different from each other in order to make the main spoke 10 and the life detection spoke 11A easy to break (durability). Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the life detection spoke 11 </ b> A is formed with a thickness (plate thickness) thinner than the thickness of the main spoke 10. Therefore, the life detection spoke 11 </ b> A is formed so that the cross-sectional area is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the main spoke 10. Further, the life detection spoke 11A has a narrowed portion (fragile portion) 12 having a structure with a width slightly narrower than that of the main spoke 10 (see FIG. 2B).

  FIG. 3 shows the relationship between the stress when the wheel load L is applied at the center in the length direction (Y = 0) in FIGS. 2A and 2B and the distance X from the center in the width direction (X = 0). It is a stress figure.

  In the case of the present embodiment, the life detection spoke 11A has a smaller cross-sectional area than the main spoke 10, and as can be seen from FIG. 3, the average level of stress is significantly different between the life detection spoke 11A and the main spoke 10. Absent. On the other hand, in the case of the present embodiment, the throttle part 12 is provided only in the life detection spoke 11A. As can be seen from FIG. 3, the life detection spoke 11A has a larger maximum stress than the main spoke 10. . As a result, it can be said that the life detecting spoke 11 </ b> A has a property of breaking earlier than the main spoke 10.

  In the illustrated example of the present embodiment, the total number of main spokes 10 is 12 and the total number of life detection spokes 11A is 6. However, this is only an example until the main spoke 10 and the life detection detection. The total number of spokes 11A can be increased or decreased as appropriate.

  Below, the effect by this embodiment is demonstrated.

  (1) A non-pneumatic wheel 1A according to the present embodiment includes a ring-shaped outer peripheral rubber portion 2, a wheel portion 5 located on the radially inner side of the outer peripheral rubber portion 2, and the outer peripheral rubber portion 2 and the wheel portion 5. And a load support structure 4 positioned therebetween. The load support structure 4 includes a spoke portion 3, and the spoke portion 3 includes a plurality of main spokes 10 and at least one life detection spoke 11 </ b> A. The life detection spoke 11 </ b> A is configured to be broken at a shorter travel distance or travel time than the main spoke 10.

  By disposing the life detection spoke 11A, it is possible to detect that the life of the non-pneumatic wheel 1A is approaching before the main spoke 10 required for load support is damaged and the vehicle travel is affected. An effect (predictability) can be obtained. That is, the life detection spoke 11A has a characteristic that it breaks faster than the main spoke 10 when the travel distance or travel time increases, or when deterioration with time progresses. The life of the non-pneumatic wheel 1A is approaching before the vehicle spoke is affected by the damage of the main spoke 10 necessary for supporting the load due to the damage of the life detection spoke 11A which does not affect the vehicle running so much. It is possible to recognize that.

  Therefore, according to the non-pneumatic wheel 1A according to the present embodiment, it is possible to appropriately determine the replacement time by recognizing that the service life is approaching.

  (2) At least one of the maximum stress, the stress gradient, and the maximum strain when the wheel load L is applied is configured to be greater in the life detection spoke 11A than in the main spoke 10. By doing so, the life detection spoke 11A is configured to be broken at a shorter travel distance or travel time than the main spoke 10.

  By configuring the main spoke 10 and the life detection spoke 11A in this way, the function of the load support by the main spoke 10 is not affected, while the life detection spoke 11A has more than the main spoke 10. It is possible to impart the property of breaking quickly.

  (3) The load support structure 4 includes an outer peripheral ring portion 7 that constitutes an outer peripheral portion of the load support structure 4 and an inner peripheral ring portion 8 that constitutes an inner peripheral portion of the load support structure 4. The life detection spoke 11A is integrally formed (integrated molding) with the outer ring part 7 and the inner ring part 8.

  By configuring the life detection spoke 11A in this way, a new effect (pre-detection) can be imparted to the non-pneumatic wheel 1A, while an increase in the number of components can be suppressed. For this reason, it is comparatively cheap and can give a new effect (pre-detectability) to the non-pneumatic wheel 1A.

  (4) The life detection spoke 11 </ b> A is composed of a color different from that of the main spoke 10.

  By utilizing the difference in color, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the damage to the life detection spoke 11A is easily noticed visually. For this reason, it is possible to improve the above-described effect (predictability) relatively inexpensively without requiring addition of a new function.

  (5) The spoke portion 3 includes a plurality of life detection spokes 11A, and the plurality of life detection spokes 11A have the same durability against breakage, and the circumference of the outer peripheral rubber portion 2 Arranged at equal intervals P2A with respect to the direction.

  By configuring the life detection spoke 11A in this way, variations in the load received by the life detection spoke 11A can be minimized, and the influence of the ground load fluctuation caused by the life detection spoke 11A can be minimized. It is possible to reduce it as much as possible.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, the non-pneumatic wheel 1B according to the second embodiment will be described. About 2nd embodiment, the structure different from 1st embodiment is demonstrated. Since the other configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and description of the configuration is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of life detection spokes include a first-stage life detection spoke 11 </ b> B <b> 1 having a characteristic of breaking in the first stage and a second-stage life having a characteristic of breaking in the second stage. It comprises a spoke for detection 11B2. That is, the plurality of life detection spokes 11B1 and 11B2 are configured so that the durability against breakage varies stepwise.

  The second-stage life detection spoke 11B2 is set such that the load it bears is smaller than the load that the main spoke 10 bears. That is, the second-stage life detection spoke 11 </ b> B <b> 2 is configured to be broken at a shorter travel distance or travel time than the main spoke 10.

  On the other hand, the life detection spoke 11B1 in the first stage is set such that the load it bears is even smaller than the load that the life detection spoke 11B2 in the second stage bears. That is, the first-stage life detection spoke 11B1 is configured to be broken at a shorter travel distance or travel time than the second-stage life detection spoke 11B2.

  The life detection spokes 11B1 and 11B2 are formed separately from the outer ring portion 7 and the inner ring portion 8 (separately formed). The life detection spokes 11 </ b> B <b> 1 and 11 </ b> B <b> 2 have one end connected (joined) to the outer peripheral rubber part 2 and the other end connected to the wheel part 5 (joined). The connection method of the life detection spokes 11B1 and 11B2 can be appropriately selected in consideration of the material of the life detection spokes 11B1 and 11B2, the outer ring portion 7 and the inner ring portion 8, and the like.

  Further, the life detection spokes 11B1 and 11B2 are arranged on the inner side of the vehicle body with respect to the center portion in the width direction of the outer peripheral rubber portion 2. Specifically, one end of each of the life detection spokes 11 </ b> B <b> 1 and 11 </ b> B <b> 2 is connected to a side part inside the vehicle body of the outer peripheral rubber part 2, and the other end part is connected to a side part inside the vehicle body of the wheel part 5. By disposing the life detection spokes 11B1 and 11B2 on the inner side of the vehicle body with low visibility from the outer side of the vehicle body, it is possible not to impair the design of the non-pneumatic wheel 1B.

  As a method for changing the easiness of breakage of the spokes for life detection 11B1 and 11B2 in stages, the method shown in the first embodiment for making the spoke structures different from each other can be used. Considering that the life detection spokes 11B1 and 11B2 are formed separately from the outer ring portion 7 and the inner ring portion 8, for example, a method using a material having different allowable stress, a structure and a material of the spoke are both used. It is also possible to use different methods.

  In the second embodiment (see FIG. 5A), the plurality of life detection spokes 11B1 and 11B2 are arranged in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral rubber portion 2 so that variations in the load received by the life detection spokes 11B1 and 11B2 are minimized. Are arranged at non-uniform intervals P2B1 and P2B2. In the second embodiment, the plurality of life detection spokes 11B1 and 11B2 are alternately arranged in the order of two in the first stage and one in the second stage with respect to the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral rubber portion 2. Is arranged. The distance P2B1 between the first-stage life detection spoke 11B1 and the second-stage life detection spoke 11B2 is larger than the distance P2B2 between the adjacent first-stage life detection spokes 11B1 and 11B1 (P2B1>). P2B2). In FIG. 5A, in order to make the drawing easy to understand and understand, the constituent elements of the load supporting structure 4 other than the life detection spokes 11B1 and 11B2 (the main spoke 10, the outer ring portion 7 and the inner ring). The part 8) is not shown.

  On the other hand, in the modification of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5B, the plurality of life detection spokes 11B1 and 11B2 are arranged at equal intervals P2B3 in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral rubber portion 2. In the modified example of the second embodiment, six life detection spokes 11B1 and 11B2 are continuously arranged in the first stage with respect to the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral rubber portion 2, and the second stage. Six are continuously arranged. Also in FIG. 5B, in order to make the drawing easy to understand and understand, the constituent elements of the load supporting structure 4 other than the life detection spokes 11B1 and 11B2 (the main spoke 10, the outer ring portion 7 and the inner ring) The part 8) is not shown.

  The arrangement of the life detection spokes 11B1 and 11B2 at the unequal intervals P2B1 and P2B2 shown in FIG. 5A takes into consideration that the load level of the first stage and the second stage is different. Is. In the arrangement in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, the influence of the ground load fluctuation caused by the life detection spokes 11B1 and 11B2 can be reduced to a minimum as compared with the modification of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5B. It is.

  In the illustrated example (FIGS. 4 and 5A) of the second embodiment, the detection stage level is two stages, the total number of the first stage life detection spokes 11B1 is eight, and the second stage life detection is used. The total number of spokes 11B2 is four. However, this is just an example, and the total number of detection stage levels and life detection spokes 11B1 and 11B2 can be increased or decreased as appropriate.

  Below, the effect by 2nd embodiment is demonstrated.

  (1) The load support structure 4 includes an outer peripheral ring portion 7 that constitutes an outer peripheral portion of the load support structure 4 and an inner peripheral ring portion 8 that constitutes an inner peripheral portion of the load support structure 4. The life detection spokes 11B1 and 11B2 are formed separately from the outer ring part 7 and the inner ring part 8 (separately formed).

  The life detection spokes 11B1 and 11B2 are separate structures from the outer ring portion 7 and the inner ring portion 8, so that even for existing non-pneumatic wheels that do not have a life detection spoke, The life detection spokes 11B1 and 11B2 can be provided later.

  (2) At least one end of each of the life detection spokes 11B1 and 11B2 is connected to the outer peripheral rubber portion 2 or the wheel portion 5.

  Considering the case where there is not enough space for the arrangement of the life detection spokes 11B1 and 11B2 in the load support structure 4, the life detection spokes 11B1 and 11B2 have at least one end part of the outer peripheral rubber part 2 or the wheel. Connected to the unit 5. For this reason, the life detection spokes 11B1 and 11B2 can be installed later on an existing non-pneumatic wheel that does not have a life detection spoke regardless of space constraints.

  (3) The spoke portion 3 includes a plurality of life detection spokes 11B1 and 11B2, and the plurality of life detection spokes 11B1 and 11B2 are gradually different in durability against damage.

  By providing each of the life detection spokes 11B1 and 11B2 with a characteristic that breaks in the first stage or a characteristic that breaks in the second stage, a stepwise detection effect on the plurality of life detection spokes 11B1 and 11B2 ( It becomes possible to give (detectability). In this way, it is possible to grasp that the service life of the non-pneumatic wheel 1B is gradually approaching by providing a stepwise detection effect (pre-detectability) to the plurality of service life detection spokes 11B1 and 11B2. . For example, if the first-stage life detection spoke 11B1 is damaged, "Caution", and if the second-stage life detection spoke 11B2 is damaged, "Recommend immediate replacement of wheels" is detected. Can be grasped in stages. In addition, if the first one of the life detection spokes 11B1 and 11B2 is damaged, “CAUTION” is detected, and if the life detection spokes 11B1 and 11B2 of a predetermined number or more are damaged, “Wheel replacement is recommended immediately” is detected. You may make it grasp | ascertain an effect (in advance detection property) in steps.

  (4) The plurality of life detection spokes 11B1 and 11B2 are arranged at unequal intervals P2B1 and P2B2 with respect to the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral rubber portion 2.

  When the life detection spokes 11B1 and 11B2 having different easiness of breakage are arranged at equal intervals (see FIG. 5B), if several of the first-stage life detection spokes 11B1 are damaged first, the non-pneumatic wheel 1B The overall balance of load distribution support can be deteriorated. On the other hand, in the arrangement in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, it is possible to reduce the influence of the ground load fluctuation caused by the life detection spokes 11B1 and 11B2 to the minimum.

[Third embodiment]
Next, the non-pneumatic wheel 1C according to the third embodiment will be described. About 3rd embodiment, the structure different from 2nd embodiment is demonstrated. Since the other configuration is the same as that of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and description of the configuration is omitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the non-pneumatic wheel 1C includes a traveling sound changing mechanism 30 that changes the traveling sound of the vehicle before and after the life detection spoke 11C is damaged. The life detection spoke 11C may have a “characteristic that breaks in the first stage” or may have a “characteristic that breaks in the second stage”. Alternatively, the life detection spoke 11C may not have a stepwise difference in durability against damage.

  In the third embodiment, the life detection spoke 11C has one end portion (end portion on the outer peripheral ring portion 7 side) 31 connected (joined) to the outer peripheral rubber portion 2 so as not to rotate, and the other end portion (inner peripheral ring). The end portion 32 on the portion 8 side is pivotally connected (joined) to the wheel portion 5. An insertion hole 33 through which a bolt, a pin, or the like is inserted when connecting to the wheel portion 5 is formed in the end portion 32 on the inner peripheral ring portion 8 side in the life detection spoke 11C. Further, the life detection spoke 11C has a narrowed portion (fragile portion) 34 that becomes a base point of breakage of the life detection spoke 11C.

  By making the life detection spoke 11C have such a structure, damage to the life detection spoke 11C occurs with the throttling portion 34 as a base point, and eventually the life detection spoke 11C is broken. Then, along with the rolling of the non-pneumatic wheel 1C, the life detection spoke 11 is touched with the end portion 32 on the inner peripheral ring portion 8 side as a support point, and a rattling noise (abnormal noise) is generated. . For this reason, even when the damage to the life detection spoke 11C is not noticed visually, the change in the vehicle running sound (occurrence of abnormal noise) makes it easy to notice the damage to the life detection spoke 11C without relying on the visual observation. Is possible.

  The life detection spoke 11 </ b> C (the end portion 32 on the inner ring portion 8 side) having such a structure constitutes the traveling sound changing mechanism 30 described above. The configuration of the traveling sound change mechanism 30 is not limited to that of the third embodiment, and various configurations can be adopted.

  Below, the effect by 3rd embodiment is demonstrated.

  (1) The non-pneumatic wheel 1C includes a traveling sound changing mechanism 30 that changes the vehicle traveling sound before and after the life detection spoke 11C is damaged.

  Since the non-pneumatic wheel 1C includes the traveling sound changing mechanism 30, a change in the traveling sound of the vehicle (occurrence of abnormal noise) makes it easy to notice damage to the life detection spoke 11C without relying on visual observation. Is possible.

[Fourth embodiment]
Next, a non-pneumatic wheel 1D according to the fourth embodiment will be described. Regarding the fourth embodiment, a configuration different from the second embodiment will be described. Since the other configuration is the same as that of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and description of the configuration is omitted.

  In FIG. 7, the code | symbol 40 shows a wheel house, the code | symbol 41 shows a vehicle axle, and the code | symbol 42 shows a knuckle. In FIG. 7, an arrow IN indicates the inside of the vehicle body.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the non-pneumatic wheel 1D includes a breakage detection mechanism 43 that detects breakage of the life detection spoke 11D, and a notification mechanism 44 that notifies a vehicle occupant of the detection result of the breakage detection mechanism 43. . The life detection spoke 11D may have a “characteristic that breaks in the first stage” or may have a “characteristic that breaks in the second stage”. Alternatively, the life detection spokes 11D may not have different durability against damage in stages.

  In the fourth embodiment, one end of the life detection spoke 11D is connected (joined) to the outer ring portion 7 and the other end is connected (joined) to the wheel portion 5. The life detection spoke 11D is arranged between the outer ring part 7 and the wheel part 5 with a slight compressive load applied, and part of the inner side of the vehicle body is released by the release of the compressive load with breakage. It is configured to protrude slightly to IN (see the two-dot chain line portion 45 in FIG. 7).

  Further, the life detection spoke 11 </ b> D is disposed closer to the vehicle body inner side IN than the center portion in the width direction of the outer peripheral rubber portion 2. Specifically, one end of the life detection spoke 11D is connected (joined) to the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring portion 7 on the inner side of the vehicle body IN, and the other end is connected to the inner peripheral surface of the wheel portion 5 on the inner side of the vehicle body IN. Connected (joined).

  A proximity sensor 46 is attached to the knuckle 42 that supports the vehicle axle 41 so as to face the spoke 11D for life detection. When the life detection spoke 11D is broken for some reason, the output signal of the proximity sensor 46 changes, so that it is possible to determine the presence or absence of breakage based on this change. Whether the life detection spoke 11D is damaged or not can be determined by the controller 47 based on, for example, the output signal of the proximity sensor 46 or the running state of the vehicle (the rotational speed of the non-pneumatic wheel 1D, the presence or absence of turning, etc.). it can. When it is determined that the life detection spoke 11D has been damaged, for example, the controller 47 turns on a warning lamp 48 to notify the vehicle occupant such as a driver of the damage.

  In the fourth embodiment, the proximity sensor 46 and the controller 47 constitute the aforementioned damage detection mechanism 43, and the controller 47 and the warning lamp 48 constitute the aforementioned notification mechanism 44. Note that the configurations of the breakage detection mechanism 43 and the notification mechanism 44 are not limited to those of the fourth embodiment, and various configurations can be employed.

  Below, the effect by 4th embodiment is demonstrated.

  (1) The non-pneumatic wheel 1D includes a breakage detection mechanism 43 that detects breakage of the life detection spoke 11D, and a notification mechanism 44 that notifies a vehicle occupant of the detection result of the breakage detection mechanism 43.

  By providing the non-pneumatic wheel 1D with the breakage detection mechanism 43 and the notification mechanism 44, it is possible to detect the breakage of the life detection spoke 11D more accurately and reliably without relying on the judgment by visual observation or the like of the vehicle occupant. It is possible.

  (2) The life detection spoke 11 </ b> D is disposed closer to the vehicle body inner side IN than the center portion in the width direction of the outer peripheral rubber portion 2.

  Since the life detection spoke 11D is a structure that can prioritize the function, it is not always excellent in design. Further, if the presence or absence of damage to the life detection spoke 11D is sensed using a sensor such as the proximity sensor 46, it is not necessary to visually confirm the presence or absence of damage from the outside of the vehicle body. For this reason, it is possible not to impair the design property of the non-pneumatic wheel 1D by disposing the life detection spoke 11D on the vehicle body inner side IN that is less visible from the vehicle body outer side.

  By the way, although the non-pneumatic wheel of the present invention has been described by taking the above-described embodiment as an example, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and various other embodiments can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention. .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Non-pneumatic wheel 2 Outer rubber part 3 Spoke part 4 Load support structure 5 Wheel part 7 Outer ring part 8 Inner ring part 10 Main spoke 11 Spoke for life detection 30 Running sound change mechanism 43 Damage detection mechanism 44 Notification mechanism

Claims (12)

A ring-shaped outer peripheral rubber part;
A wheel part located radially inside the outer peripheral rubber part;
A load support structure positioned between the outer peripheral rubber part and the wheel part,
The load support structure has a spoke portion;
The spoke portion includes a plurality of main spokes and at least one life detection spoke,
The non-pneumatic wheel, wherein the life detection spoke is configured to be broken at a shorter travel distance or travel time than the main spoke.   By configuring at least one of the maximum stress, the stress gradient and the maximum strain when a wheel load is applied to be larger in the life detection spoke than in the main spoke, the life detection spoke is the main spoke. The non-pneumatic wheel according to claim 1, wherein the non-pneumatic wheel is configured to be broken at a shorter travel distance or travel time than the spoke. The load support structure includes an outer peripheral ring portion that constitutes an outer peripheral portion of the load support structure, and an inner peripheral ring portion that constitutes an inner peripheral portion of the load support structure,
The non-pneumatic wheel according to claim 1, wherein the life detection spoke is formed integrally with the outer peripheral ring portion and the inner peripheral ring portion. The load support structure includes an outer peripheral ring portion that constitutes an outer peripheral portion of the load support structure, and an inner peripheral ring portion that constitutes an inner peripheral portion of the load support structure,
The non-pneumatic wheel according to claim 1, wherein the life detection spoke is formed as a separate body from the outer ring part and the inner ring part.   The non-pneumatic wheel according to claim 4, wherein at least one end of the life detection spoke is connected to the outer peripheral rubber portion or the wheel portion.   The non-pneumatic wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a traveling sound changing mechanism that changes a traveling sound of the vehicle before and after the life detection spoke is damaged.   The non-pneumatic wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the life detection spoke is configured in a color different from that of the main spoke.   The breakage detection mechanism for detecting breakage of the spoke for life detection, and a notification mechanism for notifying a vehicle occupant of the detection result by the breakage detection mechanism, according to any one of claims 1 to 7, Non-pneumatic wheel as described.   The non-pneumatic wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the life detection spoke is disposed on the inner side of the vehicle body with respect to a center portion in the width direction of the outer peripheral rubber portion. The spoke part has a plurality of spokes for life detection,
The non-pneumatic wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a plurality of the life detection spokes have different durability against damage in stages.   The non-pneumatic wheel according to claim 10, wherein a plurality of the life detection spokes are arranged at unequal intervals with respect to a circumferential direction of the outer peripheral rubber portion. The spoke part has a plurality of spokes for life detection,
The plurality of spokes for life detection have the same durability against breakage, and are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral rubber portion. The non-pneumatic wheel as described in any one.

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