JP4025720B2 - Elastic wheel - Google Patents

Elastic wheel Download PDF

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Publication number
JP4025720B2
JP4025720B2 JP2003501697A JP2003501697A JP4025720B2 JP 4025720 B2 JP4025720 B2 JP 4025720B2 JP 2003501697 A JP2003501697 A JP 2003501697A JP 2003501697 A JP2003501697 A JP 2003501697A JP 4025720 B2 JP4025720 B2 JP 4025720B2
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elastic
wheel
rim
peripheral surface
inner peripheral
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JPWO2002098681A1 (en
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勝巳 田代
博文 菊池
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Bridgestone Corp
Topy Industries Ltd
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Bridgestone Corp
Topy Industries Ltd
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
    • B60B3/00—Disc wheels, i.e. wheels with load-supporting disc body
    • B60B3/002—Disc wheels, i.e. wheels with load-supporting disc body characterised by the shape of the disc
    • B60B3/005—Disc wheels, i.e. wheels with load-supporting disc body characterised by the shape of the disc in the section adjacent to rim
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
    • B60B3/00—Disc wheels, i.e. wheels with load-supporting disc body
    • B60B3/04—Disc wheels, i.e. wheels with load-supporting disc body with a single disc body not integral with rim, i.e. disc body and rim being manufactured independently and then permanently attached to each other in a second step, e.g. by welding
    • B60B3/041—Disc wheels, i.e. wheels with load-supporting disc body with a single disc body not integral with rim, i.e. disc body and rim being manufactured independently and then permanently attached to each other in a second step, e.g. by welding characterised by the attachment of rim to wheel disc
    • B60B3/044—Disc wheels, i.e. wheels with load-supporting disc body with a single disc body not integral with rim, i.e. disc body and rim being manufactured independently and then permanently attached to each other in a second step, e.g. by welding characterised by the attachment of rim to wheel disc characterised by cross-sectional details of the attachment, e.g. the profile
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
    • B60B3/00—Disc wheels, i.e. wheels with load-supporting disc body
    • B60B3/04—Disc wheels, i.e. wheels with load-supporting disc body with a single disc body not integral with rim, i.e. disc body and rim being manufactured independently and then permanently attached to each other in a second step, e.g. by welding
    • B60B3/041—Disc wheels, i.e. wheels with load-supporting disc body with a single disc body not integral with rim, i.e. disc body and rim being manufactured independently and then permanently attached to each other in a second step, e.g. by welding characterised by the attachment of rim to wheel disc
    • B60B3/045—Disc wheels, i.e. wheels with load-supporting disc body with a single disc body not integral with rim, i.e. disc body and rim being manufactured independently and then permanently attached to each other in a second step, e.g. by welding characterised by the attachment of rim to wheel disc characterised by the attachment portions
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
    • B60B9/00—Wheels of high resiliency, e.g. with conical interacting pressure-surfaces
    • B60B9/02—Wheels of high resiliency, e.g. with conical interacting pressure-surfaces using springs resiliently mounted bicycle rims
    • B60B9/10—Wheels of high resiliency, e.g. with conical interacting pressure-surfaces using springs resiliently mounted bicycle rims of rubber or the like
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
    • B60B9/00—Wheels of high resiliency, e.g. with conical interacting pressure-surfaces
    • B60B9/02—Wheels of high resiliency, e.g. with conical interacting pressure-surfaces using springs resiliently mounted bicycle rims
    • B60B9/10—Wheels of high resiliency, e.g. with conical interacting pressure-surfaces using springs resiliently mounted bicycle rims of rubber or the like
    • B60B9/12—Wheels of high resiliency, e.g. with conical interacting pressure-surfaces using springs resiliently mounted bicycle rims of rubber or the like in the form of sleeves or rings concentric with the wheel axis

Description

技術分野
本発明は、車両の車輪に用いられる弾性ホイールに関し、詳しくは、乗り心地性能、防振性能および防音性能に優れる弾性ホイールであって、さらに、大入力時の大変形の防止を、効果的にかつ長期にわたり確実に図ることができる弾性ホイール、走行時において弾性ホイールの故障を検知する機能を備えた弾性ホイール、および、操縦安定性に優れた弾性ホイールに関する。
背景技術
弾性ホイールは、一般に車軸ハブに固着されるディスクとタイヤを支承するリムとを備えており、かかるディスクとリムとの間に防振体を設け、防振性能や乗り心地性能を高めた弾性ホイールはこれまで種々提案されている。例えば、実開昭５９−１８８７０１号公報には、防振体としてバネを用いて乗り心地の向上を図ったタイヤ用ホイールが提案されている。
また、防振体としてゴムを使用し、これをリムとディスクとの間に配置したものも知られており、例えば、実開昭５７−７３２０３号公報に、リムがゴム様弾性体を介してディスクに連結される構成の弾性ホイールが提案されている。さらに、特開平５−３３８４０１号公報には、リムと弾性ホイールとの間に隙間を形成し、そこに防振ゴムを介装させた弾性ホイールが開示されている。さらにまた、ＷＯ９８／３３６６６号公報には、リムと同一プロファイルを有する内側リムとリムとの間にゴムの環状ストリップを配置したホイール・バリア組立体が開示されている。
しかしながら、防振体としてゴムを使用し、これをリムとディスクとの間に一様に配置した従来の弾性ホイールにおいては、リムの内周面とディスクの外周面との間に夫々に加硫接着されたゴム弾性体が配設されているため、このゴム弾性体によりリムからディスクに伝わる軸方向、径方向および回転方向の各振動を的確に抑制することができるものの、大荷重時のゴム弾性体の変位を抑制することはできないという問題があった。すなわち、ゴムの断面が一様であり、小入力時から大入力時までのそれぞれにおいて適切な振動防止特性を得ることが困難であった。この点について、防振体としてばねを用いても同様の問題があった。
また、上記防振性能等に加えて、特に大入力時の大変形の防止について、長期にわたり持続的に良好な効果を発揮できる弾性ホイールについては未だ十分な検討がなされておらず、より耐久性に優れた高性能の弾性ホイールの実現が望まれていた。
さらに、リムとディスクとの間にゴム弾性体を配置して防振効果を得る弾性ホイールの場合には、実車に装着して走行した際の繰り返し負荷によるゴム弾性体の疲労破壊が問題となる。即ち、リムとディスクとの間に配置したゴム弾性体が走行中に疲労破壊を起こして破断した場合、このゴム弾性体による弾性ホイールとしての所期の効果は当然失われるが、この場合でも、車両の走行自体は可能であるために、この弾性ホイールの故障の検知は必ずしも容易ではないという問題点があった。これまで、かかる弾性ホイールの機能不全による故障を検知するための手段についてはほとんど検討がなされておらず、故障を速やかに検知して、早期の交換を可能にし、常に所期の性能を発揮し得る十全な状態で使用することのできる弾性ホイールの実現が望まれていた。
さらにまた、従来の弾性ホイールにおいては操縦安定性について何等配慮がなされておらず、かかる性能において必ずしも十分とはいえなかった。
そこで、本発明の第一の目的は、小入力時から大入力時に至るまで、耐久性および安全性を損なうことなく、乗り心地性能、防振性能および防音性能の向上を図ることができ、かつ、長期使用時における耐久性にも優れた弾性ホイールを提供することにある。
また、本発明の第二の目的は、小入力時から大入力時に至るまで、耐久性および安全性を損なうことなく、乗り心地性能、防振性能および防音性能の向上を図るとともに、故障の検知を容易とすることで、かかる性能を常に良好な状態で得ることを可能にした従来にない弾性ホイールを提供することにある。
さらに、本発明の第三の目的は、小入力時から大入力時に至るまで、耐久性および安全性を損なうことなく、乗り心地性能、防振性能および防音性能の向上を図り、操縦安定性をも向上した弾性ホイールを提供することにある。
発明の開示
本発明者らは、上記課題を解決すべく鋭意検討した結果、弾性部材による振動抑制および大変形防止効果を最大限に活用するとともに、かかる弾性部材の摩耗を抑制することにより高寿命化を図ることで、前記第一の目的を達成し得ることを見出し、本発明を完成するに至った。
即ち、本発明の弾性ホイールは、車軸ハブに固着されるディスクと、タイヤを支承するリムとを備え、前記リムの内周面に環状に固設された一対のガイドと、前記ディスクの外周面にホイール半径方向外方に環状に突出する突出部とを有し、該突出部に、少なくともホイール軸方向両側に延在して、前記リムの内周面との間に間隙をもって、弾性部材が環状に固着され、かつ、軸方向両側に延在する該弾性部材の両端部が夫々前記一対のガイドのホイール軸方向に対向する両側面に固着された弾性ホイールであって、前記弾性部材が、前記一対のガイド間のホイール軸方向の全幅にわたって一体的に介装され、前記リムの内周面と、前記弾性部材との間に、摩耗低減材が環状に存在することを特徴とするものである。
これにより、リムとディスクとの間に介装された弾性部材の剪断変形で振動を吸収し、特に小入力に対して乗り心地性能、防振性能および防音性能の向上を図ることができるとともに、ディスク外周面上のホイール半径方向外方に設置された弾性部材がストッパの役割を果たし、大入力に対する大変形をも効果的に抑制することができる。また、リム内周面上に配置された摩耗低減材により、大変形時にリム内周面と接触することにより生ずる上記ストッパ部分の弾性部材の摩耗を効果的に抑制して、所期の作用効果を長期にわたり良好に得ることが可能な耐久性に優れた弾性ホイールとすることができる。さらに、防音性能については、１００Ｈｚ以上の高周波領域の防音に極めて効果的である。
本発明においては、前記摩耗低減材が、前記リムの内周面上に、前記弾性部材との間に間隙をもって配設されていることが好ましい。また、前記摩耗低減材が、少なくとも前記リムの内周面と、前記弾性部材の、前記突出部に対向する領域との間に存在することが好ましい。これにより、摩耗低減材の配置箇所を適宜最適化することができ、所望の摩耗低減効果をより適切に得ることができる。
また、前記摩耗低減材がステンレス板であることが好ましい。さらに、前記リムの内周面上に、前記摩耗低減材としてのフッ素樹脂コーティングが施されていることが好ましく、より好適には、かかるフッ素樹脂がポリテトラフルオロエチレンである。これにより、摩耗低減材の摩耗低減性能の最適化を図ることができ、耐久性の向上効果を最も良好に得ることができる。
また、本発明者らは、上記課題を解決すべく鋭意検討した結果、以下の構成とすることにより前記第二の目的を達成し得ることを見出し、本発明を完成するに至った。
即ち、本発明の弾性ホイールは、車軸ハブに固着されるディスクと、タイヤを支承するリムとを備え、前記リムの内周面に環状に固設された一対のガイドと、前記ディスクの外周面にホイール半径方向外方に環状に突出する突出部とを有し、該突出部に、少なくともホイール軸方向両側に延在して、前記リムの内周面との間に間隙をもって、弾性部材が環状に固着され、かつ、軸方向両側に延在する該弾性部材の両端部が、夫々前記一対のガイドのホイール軸方向に対向する両側面に固着された弾性ホイールであって、前記弾性部材が、前記一対のガイド間のホイール軸方向の全幅にわたって一体的に介装され、かつ、前記突出部が、ホイール半径方向に凹凸を有することを特徴とするものである。
これにより、リムとディスクとの間に介装された弾性部材の剪断変形で振動を吸収し、特に小入力に対して乗り心地性能、防振性能および防音性能の向上を図ることができるとともに、ディスク外周面上のホイール半径方向外方に設置された弾性部材がストッパの役割を果たし、大入力に対する大変形をも効果的に抑制することができる。また、弾性部材の破断時には、ディスクの外周面に形成された凸部がリムの内周面に衝突することにより走行感に衝撃を反映し、すなわち振動を発生して、これにより故障の速やかな検知が可能となる。さらに、防音性能については、１００Ｈｚ以上の高周波領域の防音に極めて効果的である。
本発明においては、前記凹凸が、周方向に沿って適宜等間隔ピッチで設けられていることが好ましく、また、周方向に沿って適宜不等間隔ピッチで設けられていることも好ましい。これにより、凹凸の配置を最適化することができ、適用する車輪サイズ等の諸条件に合わせて上記効果を最も良好に得ることが可能となる。
さらに、本発明者らは、弾性ホイールにおける弾性部材の設置構造と抉り方向の剛性に対する寄与との関連につき鋭意検討した結果、以下の構成とすることにより前記第三の目的を達成し得ることを見出し、本発明を完成するに至った。
即ち、本発明の弾性ホイールは、車軸ハブに固着されるディスクと、タイヤを支承するリムとを備え、前記リムの内周面に環状に固設された一対のガイドと、前記ディスクの外周面にホイール半径方向外方に環状に突出する突出部とを有し、該突出部に、少なくともホイール軸方向左右両側に延在して、前記リムの内周面との間に間隙をもって弾性部材が環状に固着され、かつ、軸方向左右両側に延在する該弾性部材の両端部が夫々前記一対のガイドのホイール軸方向に対向する両側面に固着された弾性ホイールであって、前記弾性部材の剛性が軸方向左右両側に延在する弾性部材間で異なっていることを特徴とするものである。この場合、前記弾性部材がゴム弾性体からなることが好ましい。
これにより、弾性部材の剛性を軸方向左右両側に延在する弾性部材間で非対称としたことにより、剪断変形で振動を吸収し、特に小入力に対して乗り心地性能、防振性能および防音性能の向上に寄与する弾性部材と、抉り剛性を向上させて操縦安定性の改良に寄与する弾性部材とにモーメント成分を分担させ、乗り心地性能、防振性能および防音性能とともに、操縦安定性の向上をも可能にした。即ち、モーメント成分を分担させ抉り方向の剛性を高めたことにより、乗り心地性能、防振性能および防音性能の向上に加え、直進性能およびレーンチェンジ時における応答性の向上をも実現した。なお、防音性能については、１００Ｈｚ以上の高周波領域の防音に極めて効果的である。
本発明においては、ホイール半径方向の厚みが、軸方向左右両側に延在する弾性部材間で異なっているものとすることができ、これにより、良好に上述の作用効果を得ることができる。また、特に好適には、ホイール半径方向の厚みの差が１０〜５０％の範囲内であり、これにより、乗り心地性能、防振性能および防音性能と操縦安定性との最適化を図ることができる。
また、本発明においては、前記ゴム弾性体自体の剛性が、軸方向左右両側に延在する弾性部材間で異なっているものとしてもよく、これによっても、良好に上述の作用効果を得ることができる。
さらに、本発明においては、前記弾性部材が、前記一対のガイド間のホイール軸方向の全幅にわたって一体的に介装されていることが好ましい。これにより、前記作用効果に加えて、大入力時の大変形を良好に防止することができる。
発明を実施するための最良の形態
以下、本発明の実施の形態について説明する。
第１図に示す本発明の一実施の形態に係る弾性ホイールは、車軸ハブ（図示せず）に固着されるディスク１と、タイヤを支承するリム２とを備えており、リム２の内周面とディスク１の外周面との間に弾性部材としてのゴム弾性体３が環状に介装されている。
第１図に示す好適例においては、ディスク１の外周面が、ホイール半径方向外方に環状に突出する突出部４を一体的に形成している。この突出部４には、ホイール軸方向両側に延在する弾性部材３、例えば、ゴム弾性体が、リム２の内周面との間に適宜間隙をもって、例えば、加硫接着等により、環状に固着されている。
一方、リム２の内周面には一対のガイド５ａ、５ｂが環状に個設されており、上記ゴム弾性体３の軸方向両端部がこの一対のガイド５ａ、５ｂのホイール軸方向に対向する両側面に夫々加硫接着等により固着されることにより、ゴム弾性体３を介してリム２とディスク１とが連結されている。尚、ガイド５ａ、５ｂはリム２の内周面に溶接、ネジ止め等の手段により固着しても、あるいはリムと一体成形により設けてもよい。
ゴム弾性体３は、少なくともホイール軸方向両側に延在すれば、その剪断歪みにより弾性ホイールとしての防振機能を発揮し得るが、本発明においては、さらに大入力時の大変形の防止効果をも得るために、図示するように、ゴム弾性体３をリム２の内周面とディスク１の突出部４との間にも介在させる。即ち、ゴム弾性体３を、一対のガイド５ａ、５ｂ間のホイール軸方向の全幅にわたって一体的に介装させることにより、小入力時の小変形の抑制、防止効果が得られることに加え、ゴム弾性体３の突出部４のホイール半径方向外方面に連続的に存在する部分に、大入力時において突出部４とリム２の内周面との衝突を回避するためのストッパとしての機能を発揮させることができる。
また、図示するように、リム２の内周面上には、ゴム弾性体３との間に間隙をもって、摩耗低減材６が環状に存在している。これにより、車両の加減速時や旋回時等の大入力によって、従来であるとリム２の内周面とゴム弾性体３のストッパ機能を果たす部分とが直接接触してしまうような場合でも、ストッパ部分はリム２の内周面よりも摩擦の小さい摩耗低減材６に接触することになり、結果としてゴム弾性体３の摩耗を最低限に抑制することが可能となる。即ち、摩耗低減材６の効果により、ゴム弾性体３の摩耗によるストッパー機能の低下を防止し、耐久性を向上して、長期にわたりかかる機能を良好に発揮させることができる。
かかる摩耗低減材６は、図示するようにリム２の内周面上に設ける場合には限られず、リム２の内周面とゴム弾性体３との間に存在させればよく、これによりゴム弾性体３の摩耗を適切に抑制することができる。また、摩耗低減材６を存在させる領域にも特に制限はなく、例えば、略円筒状に、図示するようにリム２の内周面と、ゴム弾性体３のホイール軸方向の全幅にわたる領域との間に存在させてもよく、また、リム２の内周面と、ゴム弾性体３の、突出部４に対向する領域との間のみに存在させてもよい（図示せず）。
摩耗低減材６の材質としては、ゴム弾性体３の摩耗を良好に抑制することができるものであれば特に制限はないが、好適には、表面荒さの値が小さく、軽量である等の観点から、ステンレス板を用いる。この場合には、例えば、接着剤等を用いてリム内周面にステンレス板を直接貼付してもよく、また、摩耗低減材６をリム２の内周面との間に適宜の遊びを有する形状に形成して、接着剤等の固定手段を用いずに、摩耗低減材６をリム２の内周に遊嵌させてもよい。また、摩耗低減材６として、リム２の内周面上にフッ素樹脂コーティング、特にはフッ素樹脂としてのポリテトラフルオロエチレンによるコーティングを施すことも好適である。
次に、第２図に示す本発明の他の実施の形態に係る弾性ホイールは、車軸ハブ（図示せず）に固着されるディスク１０１と、タイヤを支承するリム１０２とを備えており、リム１０２の内周面とディスク１０１の外周面との間に弾性部材としてのゴム弾性体１０３が環状に介装されている。
第２図に示す好適例においては、ディスク１０１の外周面が、ホイール半径方向外方に環状に突出する突出部１０４を一体的に形成している。この突出部１０４には、ホイール軸方向両側に延在する弾性部材１０３、例えば、ゴム弾性体が、リム１０２の内周面との間に適宜間隙をもって、例えば、加硫接着等により、環状に固着されている。
一方、リム１０２の内周面には一対のガイド１０５ａ、１０５ｂが環状に固設されており、上記ゴム弾性体１０３の軸方向両端部がこの一対のガイド１０５ａ、１０５ｂのホイール軸方向に対向する両側面に夫々加硫接着等により固着されることにより、ゴム弾性体１０３を介してリム１０２とディスク１０１とが連結されている。尚、ガイド１０５ａ、１０５ｂはリム１０２の内周面に溶接、ネジ止め等の手段により固着してもよく、あるいはリムと一体成形により設けてもよい。
ゴム弾性体１０３は、少なくともホイール軸方向両側に延在すれば、その剪断歪みにより弾性ホイールとしての防振機能を発揮し得るが、本発明においては、さらに大入力時の大変形の防止効果をも得るために、図示するように、ゴム弾性体１０３をリム１０２の内周面とディスク１０１の突出部１０４との間にも介在させている。即ち、ゴム弾性体１０３を、一対のガイド１０５ａ、１０５ｂ間のホイール軸方向の全幅にわたって一体的に介装させることにより、小入力時の小変形の抑制、防止効果が得られることに加え、ゴム弾性体１０３の突出部１０４のホイール半径方向外方面に連続的に存在する部分に、大入力時において突出部１０４とリム１０２の内周面との衝突を回避するためのストッパとしての機能を発揮させることができる。
また、本発明の弾性ホイールにおいては、第３図に、第２図中のＡ−Ａ線に沿って周方向に切断した断面図にて示すように、突出部１０４が、周方向に沿ってホイール半径方向に凹凸を有している。これにより、第４図（ａ）に示すように、リム１０２とディスク１０１との間に配置された弾性部材１０３が破断を起こして弾性ホイールが故障した場合でも、（ｂ）に示すように、かかる突出部１０４の凸部１０６が車輪の転動時にリム内周面に衝突して走行感に衝撃を反映し、すなわち一定の振動が発生するため、乗員が故障の発生を速やかに検知することが可能となる。尚、第４図に示すように、この場合においても、凸部１０６の外周面に介装されたゴム弾性体１０３がストッパとしての役割を果たすため、凸部１０６とリム１０２の内周面との直接の衝突を回避することができ、弾性ホイール故障の検知手段としての走行時の衝撃を緩和して、故障時の乗り心地感を最低限維持することが可能となる。
かかる凹凸の設け方としては、ゴム弾性体１０３が破断した状態において、タイヤ転動時に乗員が検知できる程度の衝撃（凹凸感）を生ずるものであれば特に制限はなく、凸部と凹部との段差およびこれらの間隔については、適用するタイヤの種類、サイズ等に応じて適宜決定することができる。例えば、第３図に示すように、周方向に沿って適宜等間隔ピッチで凸部１０６および凹部１０７を設けてもよく、また、不等間隔ピッチ（図示せず）であってもよい。最低一つの凸部１０６があれば本発明の効果を得ることができ、逆に一部分にのみ凹部１０７を設けた形状とすることもできるが、上記の弾性ホイール故障の検知機能を確実に発揮できることが重要である。
尚、突出部１０４の凹凸に対するゴム弾性体１０３の固着の仕方としては、第２図および第３図に示す例のように、ゴム弾性体１０３の最小径部の径と突出部１０４の凹部の外径とを一致させて、即ち、ゴム弾性体１０３の内周面に突出部１０４の凸部１０６に対応する凹みを設け、この凹みに凸部１０６を嵌合するような状態で設けてもよく、また、図示はしないが、ゴム弾性体１０３の最小径部の径を突出部１０４の凹部の外径よりも小さくして、即ち、ゴム弾性体１０３を突出部１０４の凹凸が形成された部分よりもさらにホイール半径方向内方にまで延在させてもよい。
また、第５図に示す本発明の他の好適例の弾性ホイールは、車軸ハブ（図示せず）に固着されるディスク２０１と、タイヤを支承するリム２０２とを備えており、リム２０２の内周面とディスク２０１の外周面との間に弾性部材としてのゴム弾性体２０３が環状に介装されている。
第５図に示す好適例においては、ディスク２０１の外周面が、ホイール半径方向外方に環状に突出する突出部２０４を一体的に形成している。この突出部２０４には、ホイール軸方向両側に延在する弾性部材２０３、例えば、ゴム弾性体が、リム２０２の内周面との間に適宜間隙をもって、例えば、加硫接着等により、環状に固着されている。
一方、リム２０２の内周面には一対のガイド２０５ａ、２０５ｂが環状に個設されており、上記ゴム弾性体２０３の軸方向両端部がこの一対のガイド２０５ａ、２０５ｂのホイール軸方向に対向する両側面に夫々加硫接着等により固着されることにより、ゴム弾性体２０３を介してリム２０２とディスク２０１とが連結されている。尚、ガイド２０５ａ、２０５ｂはリム２０２の内周面に溶接、ネジ止め等の手段により固着しても、あるいはリムと一体成形により設けてもよい。
ゴム弾性体２０３は、少なくともホイール軸方向両側に延在すれば、その剪断歪みにより弾性ホイールとしての機能を発揮し得るが、図示するように、ゴム弾性体２０３を一対のガイド２０５ａ、２０５ｂ間のホイール軸方向の全幅にわたって一体的に介装させ、即ち、リム２０２の内周面とディスク２０１の突出部２０４との間にもゴム弾性体２０３を介在させることにより、大入力に対応させることが可能となる。即ちこの場合、ゴム弾性体２０３の、突出部２０４のホイール半径方向外方面に連続的に存在する部分が、大入力時において突出部２０４とリム２０２の内周面との衝突を回避するためのストッパとしての機能を発揮する。
また、本実施形態においては、図示するように、ゴム弾性体２０３が、ホイール軸方向左右両側において厚みが異なるよう形成されている。即ち、図示するように、ゴム弾性体２０３のホイール半径方向の厚みを、ホイール軸方向外側に延在する部分２０３ｂよりも内側に延在する部分２０３ａにおいて小さくしたことにより、ゴム弾性体２０３の厚みの大きい部分２０３ｂがリム２０２とディスク２０１との間の抉り変形を抑制する機能を有し、一方、厚みの小さい部分２０３ａが剪断変形により主として振動を吸収、抑制する防振機能を有する。
この場合、軸方向両側におけるホイール半径方向の厚みの差の割合は、適用するタイヤの種類や、用いる弾性部材の諸特性等により適宜選択することができるが、特には、厚みの小さい部分２０３ａの厚みが、厚みの大きい部分２０３ｂの厚みよりも１０〜５０％小さくなっていることが好ましい。この差が１０％未満であると十分な抉り剛性向上効果が得られず、一方、５０％を超えると、厚みの小さい部分２０３ａにかかる負担が過大すぎて、弾性ホイールの故障につながりやすくなる。
さらに、第６図に、本発明の弾性ホイールのさらに他の好適例を示す。図示する例においては、リム２０２とディスク２０１との間に介装されたゴム弾性体２０３が、軸方向内側に延在する部分２０３ａと外側に延在する部分２０３ｂとで異なった剛性の材質により形成されている。この場合は、ゴム弾性体２０３自体の剛性として、軸方向内側に延在する部分２０３ａを、外側に延在する部分２０３ｂよりも低くすることにより、前記好適例と同様の抉り剛性向上効果を得ることができる。尚、リム２０２の内周面とディスク２０１の突出部２０４との間に介在させたゴム弾性体２０３については、大入力に対するストッパとしての機能を果たすことができればよく、いずれの剛性のゴム弾性体２０３を介在させてもよい。また、異なる材質のゴム弾性体２０３を接合する方法についても、加硫接着等の適宜接着手段を用いればよく、特に制限はない。
本発明において、弾性部材２０３は、図示するゴム弾性体を用いた場合には限定されず、例えば、ばね材を用いることも可能である。この場合には、例えば、複数のばね材を周方向に適宜間隔で突出部２０４から軸方向両側に延在させて、弾性部材２０３とすることができ、ばね材の個数や材質等の変更により、上述の抉り剛性向上効果を得ることができる。従って、弾性部材２０３の種類、形状および配置箇所等については、用途に応じて適宜選定すればよく、特に制限されるものではない。
ディスク１、１０１、２０１は、スポークやメッシュ等の支持体と組合わせたスポークホイールやメッシュホイール等であってもよい。また、ディスクの材質は、スチール、アルミニウム、マグネシウム、チタン、合成樹脂等、いずれの材質でもよいが、軽量化に主眼を置くときはアルミニウム、チタンまたは合成樹脂が好ましい。
また、突出部４、１０４、２０４は、図示する例には限られず、夫々ディスク１、１０１、２０１の外周面にベースリムを設け、その半径方向外方に、少なくともホイール軸方向両側に延在する弾性部材を固着することのできる環状部材を固着することにより設けてもよい。尚、本発明の弾性ホイールにおいては、リム２、１０２、２０２自体の構造については特に制限されず、例えば、リム組を容易にするために、図示するように、ドロップ部を設けておいてもよい。
本発明において使用し得るゴム弾性体は、防振ゴムとして既知のものを用いることができ、天然ゴムや合成ゴム、例えば、ブタジエンゴム、スチレンブタジエン共重合体ゴム、ブチルゴム等のジエン系ゴムに適宜配合剤、例えば、硫黄、加硫促進剤、老化防止剤、カーボンブラック等を適宜配合することにより調製することができる。かかるゴム弾性体のＪＩＳ−Ａ硬度（Ｈｄ）は、振動吸収特性と耐久性の観点から、好ましくは３０〜８０°であり、弾性率は１×１０３〜１×１０５Ｎ／ｃｍ２である。
産業上の利用可能性
以上説明してきたように、本発明の弾性ホイールによれば、小入力時から大入力時に至るまで、耐久性および安全性を損なうことなく、乗り心地性能、防振性能および防音性能の向上を図ることができるとともに、長期使用時においても所期の性能を維持することのできる優れた耐久性を実現することができ、走行時における弾性ホイールの故障を容易かつ速やかに探知することができ、また、優れた操縦安定性をも得ることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
第１図は、本発明の一実施の形態に係る弾性ホイールの拡大部分断面図である。
第２図は、本発明の他の実施の形態に係る弾性ホイールの拡大部分断面図である。
第３図は、第２図に示すＡ−Ａ線に沿って周方向に切断した断面図である。
第４図は、第２図に示す弾性ホイールのゴム弾性体の破断時の状態を示す説明図である。
第５図は、本発明のさらに他の実施の形態に係る弾性ホイールの拡大部分断面図である。
第６図は、本発明のさらに他の実施の形態に係る弾性ホイールの拡大部分断面図である。Technical field
The present invention relates to an elastic wheel used for a vehicle wheel. More specifically, the present invention relates to an elastic wheel excellent in ride comfort performance, vibration isolation performance and soundproof performance, and further effectively prevents large deformation at the time of large input. In addition, the present invention relates to an elastic wheel that can be reliably achieved over a long period of time, an elastic wheel having a function of detecting a failure of the elastic wheel during traveling, and an elastic wheel excellent in steering stability.
Background art
An elastic wheel generally includes a disk that is fixed to an axle hub and a rim that supports a tire. An elastic wheel is provided with a vibration isolator between the disk and the rim to improve vibration proof performance and riding comfort. Various proposals have been made so far. For example, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 59-188701 proposes a tire wheel that uses a spring as a vibration isolator to improve riding comfort.
Further, it is also known that rubber is used as a vibration isolator and this is disposed between a rim and a disk. For example, in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 57-73203, a rim is interposed via a rubber-like elastic body. An elastic wheel configured to be coupled to a disk has been proposed. Furthermore, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-338401 discloses an elastic wheel in which a gap is formed between a rim and an elastic wheel, and an anti-vibration rubber is interposed there. Furthermore, WO 98/33666 discloses a wheel barrier assembly in which an annular strip of rubber is disposed between an rim and an inner rim having the same profile as the rim.
However, in a conventional elastic wheel that uses rubber as a vibration isolator and is uniformly disposed between the rim and the disk, vulcanization is performed between the inner peripheral surface of the rim and the outer peripheral surface of the disk. Since a bonded rubber elastic body is provided, the rubber elastic body can accurately suppress vibrations in the axial direction, radial direction and rotational direction transmitted from the rim to the disk. There was a problem that the displacement of the elastic body could not be suppressed. That is, the rubber has a uniform cross section, and it has been difficult to obtain an appropriate vibration preventing characteristic from the time of small input to the time of large input. About this point, even if it used the spring as a vibration isolator, there existed the same problem.
In addition to the above-mentioned anti-vibration performance, etc., especially for the prevention of large deformation at the time of large input, an elastic wheel that can exert a good effect continuously over a long period of time has not been sufficiently studied yet, and it is more durable. Realization of a high-performance elastic wheel excellent in the above has been desired.
Furthermore, in the case of an elastic wheel that obtains an anti-vibration effect by disposing a rubber elastic body between the rim and the disk, fatigue failure of the rubber elastic body due to repeated loads when running while mounted on an actual vehicle becomes a problem. . That is, when the rubber elastic body disposed between the rim and the disk breaks due to fatigue failure during traveling, the desired effect as an elastic wheel by this rubber elastic body is naturally lost, but even in this case, Since the vehicle itself can travel, there is a problem that it is not always easy to detect the failure of the elastic wheel. Until now, there has been little research on means for detecting malfunctions due to malfunctions of such elastic wheels, so that faults can be detected quickly, allowing early replacement, and always exhibiting the expected performance. It has been desired to realize an elastic wheel that can be used in a perfect state.
Furthermore, in the conventional elastic wheel, no consideration is given to the handling stability, and this performance is not necessarily sufficient.
Therefore, the first object of the present invention is to improve riding comfort performance, vibration proof performance and sound proof performance without sacrificing durability and safety from small input to large input, and An object of the present invention is to provide an elastic wheel that is excellent in durability during long-term use.
In addition, the second object of the present invention is to improve riding comfort performance, vibration proof performance and sound proof performance from the time of a small input to a time of a large input without impairing durability and safety, and to detect a failure. It is an object of the present invention to provide an unprecedented elastic wheel that makes it possible to always obtain such performance in a good state.
Furthermore, the third object of the present invention is to improve riding comfort performance, vibration proof performance and sound proof performance without sacrificing durability and safety from small input to large input, and improve steering stability. Another object is to provide an improved elastic wheel.
Disclosure of the invention
As a result of intensive studies to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present inventors have made the best use of the vibration suppression and large deformation prevention effects of the elastic member, and at the same time, prolonging the life by suppressing the wear of the elastic member. Thus, the inventors have found that the first object can be achieved and have completed the present invention.
That is, the elastic wheel of the present invention includes a disk fixed to an axle hub and a rim for supporting a tire, a pair of guides fixed in an annular shape on the inner peripheral surface of the rim, and an outer peripheral surface of the disk. A protruding portion that protrudes annularly outward in the radial direction of the wheel, and the elastic member extends to at least both sides in the wheel axial direction with a gap between the protruding portion and the inner peripheral surface of the rim. An elastic wheel fixed in an annular shape and having both end portions of the elastic member extending on both sides in the axial direction fixed to both side surfaces facing the wheel axial direction of the pair of guides, the elastic member, The wear reduction material is annularly interposed between the inner peripheral surface of the rim and the elastic member, and is integrally provided over the entire width in the wheel axial direction between the pair of guides. is there.
As a result, vibration can be absorbed by the shear deformation of the elastic member interposed between the rim and the disk, and in particular, it is possible to improve riding comfort performance, vibration proof performance and sound proof performance for small inputs, An elastic member installed on the outer peripheral surface of the disk in the radial direction of the wheel serves as a stopper and can effectively suppress a large deformation with respect to a large input. In addition, the wear reducing material disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the rim effectively suppresses the wear of the elastic member of the stopper portion caused by contact with the inner peripheral surface of the rim at the time of large deformation. Can be obtained over a long period of time, and an elastic wheel excellent in durability can be obtained. Furthermore, the soundproofing performance is extremely effective for soundproofing in a high frequency region of 100 Hz or higher.
In the present invention, it is preferable that the wear reducing material is disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the rim with a gap between the elastic member and the elastic member. In addition, it is preferable that the wear reducing material is present at least between the inner peripheral surface of the rim and a region of the elastic member facing the protruding portion. Thereby, the arrangement | positioning location of an abrasion reduction material can be optimized suitably, and the desired abrasion reduction effect can be acquired more appropriately.
The wear reducing material is preferably a stainless steel plate. Furthermore, it is preferable that a fluororesin coating as the wear reducing material is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the rim, and more preferably, the fluororesin is polytetrafluoroethylene. As a result, the wear reduction performance of the wear reducing material can be optimized, and the durability improvement effect can be best obtained.
In addition, as a result of intensive studies to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present inventors have found that the second object can be achieved by the following configuration, and have completed the present invention.
That is, the elastic wheel of the present invention includes a disk fixed to an axle hub and a rim for supporting a tire, a pair of guides fixed in an annular shape on the inner peripheral surface of the rim, and an outer peripheral surface of the disk. A protruding portion that protrudes annularly outward in the radial direction of the wheel, and the elastic member extends to at least both sides in the wheel axial direction with a gap between the protruding portion and the inner peripheral surface of the rim. Both ends of the elastic member fixed in an annular shape and extending on both sides in the axial direction are elastic wheels fixed on both side surfaces facing the wheel axial direction of the pair of guides, respectively, The pair of guides are integrally provided over the entire width in the wheel axis direction, and the protrusion has irregularities in the wheel radial direction.
As a result, vibration can be absorbed by the shear deformation of the elastic member interposed between the rim and the disk, and in particular, it is possible to improve riding comfort performance, vibration proof performance and sound proof performance for small inputs, An elastic member installed on the outer peripheral surface of the disk in the radial direction of the wheel serves as a stopper and can effectively suppress a large deformation with respect to a large input. Further, when the elastic member breaks, the convex portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the disk collides with the inner peripheral surface of the rim, thereby reflecting an impact on the running feeling, that is, generating a vibration, thereby prompting a failure. Detection is possible. Furthermore, the soundproofing performance is extremely effective for soundproofing in a high frequency region of 100 Hz or higher.
In the present invention, it is preferable that the unevenness is appropriately provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction, and it is also preferable that the unevenness is appropriately provided at irregular intervals along the circumferential direction. Thereby, arrangement | positioning of an unevenness | corrugation can be optimized and it becomes possible to acquire the said effect best according to various conditions, such as a wheel size to apply.
Furthermore, as a result of earnestly examining the relationship between the installation structure of the elastic member in the elastic wheel and the contribution to the rigidity in the turning direction, the inventors have found that the third object can be achieved by the following configuration. The headline and the present invention were completed.
That is, the elastic wheel of the present invention includes a disk fixed to an axle hub and a rim for supporting a tire, a pair of guides fixed in an annular shape on the inner peripheral surface of the rim, and an outer peripheral surface of the disk. And a protruding portion that protrudes annularly outward in the radial direction of the wheel, and the elastic member extends to at least both the left and right sides in the wheel axial direction with a gap between the protruding portion and the inner peripheral surface of the rim. An elastic wheel fixed in an annular shape and having both end portions of the elastic member extending on both left and right sides in the axial direction fixed to both side surfaces facing the wheel axial direction of the pair of guides, The rigidity is different between the elastic members extending on both the left and right sides in the axial direction. In this case, the elastic member is preferably made of a rubber elastic body.
As a result, the rigidity of the elastic member is made asymmetric between the elastic members extending on both the left and right sides in the axial direction, so that vibration is absorbed by shear deformation, and ride comfort performance, vibration proof performance and sound proof performance, especially for small inputs. The moment component is shared between the elastic member that contributes to the improvement of the vehicle and the elastic member that improves the steering rigidity and contributes to the improvement of the steering stability, improving the driving stability as well as the riding comfort performance, anti-vibration performance and soundproof performance. Made possible. In other words, by sharing the moment component and increasing the rigidity in the rolling direction, in addition to improving ride comfort performance, vibration proof performance, and sound proof performance, it has also improved straight running performance and responsiveness during lane changes. The soundproofing performance is extremely effective for soundproofing in a high frequency region of 100 Hz or higher.
In the present invention, the thickness in the wheel radial direction can be different between the elastic members extending on both the left and right sides in the axial direction, whereby the above-described effects can be obtained satisfactorily. Further, particularly preferably, the difference in thickness in the radial direction of the wheel is within a range of 10 to 50%, so that it is possible to optimize ride comfort performance, vibration proof performance, sound proof performance and steering stability. it can.
Further, in the present invention, the rigidity of the rubber elastic body itself may be different between elastic members extending on both the left and right sides in the axial direction, and the above-described effects can be obtained satisfactorily. it can.
Furthermore, in this invention, it is preferable that the said elastic member is integrally interposed over the full width of the wheel axial direction between said pair of guides. Thereby, in addition to the said effect, the large deformation at the time of a large input can be prevented favorably.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.
An elastic wheel according to an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 includes a disk 1 fixed to an axle hub (not shown) and a rim 2 for supporting a tire. A rubber elastic body 3 as an elastic member is interposed in an annular shape between the surface and the outer peripheral surface of the disk 1.
In the preferred example shown in FIG. 1, the outer peripheral surface of the disk 1 is integrally formed with a protruding portion 4 that protrudes annularly outward in the wheel radial direction. An elastic member 3, for example, a rubber elastic body that extends on both sides in the wheel axial direction is formed in the protrusion 4 with an appropriate gap between the inner peripheral surface of the rim 2, for example, by vulcanization bonding or the like. It is fixed.
On the other hand, a pair of guides 5a and 5b are annularly provided on the inner peripheral surface of the rim 2, and both ends in the axial direction of the rubber elastic body 3 are opposed to the wheel axial direction of the pair of guides 5a and 5b. The rim 2 and the disk 1 are connected via the rubber elastic body 3 by being fixed to both side surfaces by vulcanization adhesion or the like. The guides 5a and 5b may be fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the rim 2 by means such as welding or screwing, or may be provided integrally with the rim.
If the rubber elastic body 3 extends at least on both sides in the wheel axial direction, it can exhibit a vibration isolating function as an elastic wheel due to its shear strain. However, in the present invention, the effect of preventing large deformation at the time of large input is further achieved. Therefore, as shown in the drawing, the rubber elastic body 3 is also interposed between the inner peripheral surface of the rim 2 and the protruding portion 4 of the disk 1. That is, the rubber elastic body 3 is integrally provided over the entire width in the wheel axis direction between the pair of guides 5a and 5b, so that the effect of suppressing and preventing small deformation at the time of small input can be obtained. A function as a stopper for avoiding a collision between the projecting portion 4 and the inner peripheral surface of the rim 2 at the time of a large input in a portion continuously present on the outer surface in the wheel radial direction of the projecting portion 4 of the elastic body 3 Can be made.
Further, as shown in the figure, on the inner peripheral surface of the rim 2, the wear reducing material 6 exists in an annular shape with a gap between the rubber elastic body 3. Thereby, even in the case where the inner peripheral surface of the rim 2 and the portion serving as the stopper function of the rubber elastic body 3 are in direct contact with each other due to a large input during acceleration / deceleration or turning of the vehicle, The stopper portion comes into contact with the wear reducing material 6 having a smaller friction than the inner peripheral surface of the rim 2, and as a result, the wear of the rubber elastic body 3 can be minimized. That is, the effect of the wear reducing material 6 can prevent the stopper function from being deteriorated due to wear of the rubber elastic body 3, improve the durability, and allow the function to be exhibited well over a long period of time.
The wear reducing material 6 is not limited to being provided on the inner peripheral surface of the rim 2 as shown in the figure, and may be present between the inner peripheral surface of the rim 2 and the rubber elastic body 3. Wear of the elastic body 3 can be appropriately suppressed. Further, the region where the wear reducing material 6 exists is not particularly limited. For example, a substantially cylindrical shape includes an inner peripheral surface of the rim 2 and a region extending over the entire width of the rubber elastic body 3 in the wheel axis direction as illustrated. Alternatively, it may be present between the inner peripheral surface of the rim 2 and the region of the rubber elastic body 3 facing the protruding portion 4 (not shown).
The material of the wear reducing material 6 is not particularly limited as long as it can satisfactorily suppress wear of the rubber elastic body 3, but preferably has a small surface roughness value and is lightweight. And use a stainless steel plate. In this case, for example, a stainless steel plate may be directly affixed to the inner peripheral surface of the rim using an adhesive or the like, and there is appropriate play between the wear reducing material 6 and the inner peripheral surface of the rim 2. The wear reducing material 6 may be loosely fitted to the inner periphery of the rim 2 without using a fixing means such as an adhesive. Further, as the wear reducing material 6, it is also preferable to apply a fluororesin coating on the inner peripheral surface of the rim 2, particularly a coating with polytetrafluoroethylene as the fluororesin.
Next, an elastic wheel according to another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2 includes a disk 101 fixed to an axle hub (not shown) and a rim 102 for supporting a tire. A rubber elastic body 103 as an elastic member is interposed between the inner peripheral surface of 102 and the outer peripheral surface of the disk 101 in an annular shape.
In the preferred example shown in FIG. 2, the outer peripheral surface of the disk 101 is integrally formed with a protruding portion 104 that protrudes annularly outward in the wheel radial direction. An elastic member 103 extending on both sides in the wheel axial direction, for example, a rubber elastic body, is provided on the protrusion 104 in an annular shape with an appropriate gap between the inner peripheral surface of the rim 102, for example, by vulcanization bonding or the like. It is fixed.
On the other hand, a pair of guides 105a and 105b are annularly fixed on the inner peripheral surface of the rim 102, and both ends in the axial direction of the rubber elastic body 103 are opposed to the wheel axial direction of the pair of guides 105a and 105b. The rim 102 and the disk 101 are connected via the rubber elastic body 103 by being fixed to both side surfaces by vulcanization adhesion or the like. The guides 105a and 105b may be fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the rim 102 by means such as welding or screwing, or may be provided by integral molding with the rim.
If the rubber elastic body 103 extends at least on both sides in the wheel axial direction, it can exhibit a vibration isolating function as an elastic wheel due to its shear strain. However, in the present invention, the effect of preventing large deformation at the time of large input is further achieved. Therefore, as shown in the figure, the rubber elastic body 103 is also interposed between the inner peripheral surface of the rim 102 and the protruding portion 104 of the disk 101. In other words, by integrally interposing the rubber elastic body 103 over the entire width in the wheel axis direction between the pair of guides 105a and 105b, an effect of suppressing and preventing small deformation at the time of small input can be obtained. A function as a stopper for avoiding a collision between the protruding portion 104 and the inner peripheral surface of the rim 102 at the time of a large input in a portion continuously existing on the outer surface in the wheel radial direction of the protruding portion 104 of the elastic body 103. Can be made.
Moreover, in the elastic wheel of this invention, as shown in the cross-sectional view cut | disconnected in the circumferential direction along the AA line in FIG. 3 in FIG. 3, the protrusion part 104 follows along the circumferential direction. It has irregularities in the wheel radial direction. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4A, even when the elastic member 103 disposed between the rim 102 and the disk 101 breaks and the elastic wheel fails, as shown in FIG. The convex portion 106 of the protruding portion 104 collides with the inner peripheral surface of the rim when the wheel rolls to reflect the impact on the running feeling, that is, a constant vibration is generated, so that the occupant can quickly detect the occurrence of the failure. Is possible. As shown in FIG. 4, in this case as well, the rubber elastic body 103 interposed on the outer peripheral surface of the convex portion 106 serves as a stopper, so that the convex portion 106 and the inner peripheral surface of the rim 102 It is possible to avoid a direct collision, and to reduce the impact at the time of traveling as the elastic wheel failure detection means, so that it is possible to maintain a feeling of riding comfort at the time of failure.
There is no particular limitation on how to provide the unevenness as long as it causes an impact (feeling of unevenness) to the extent that the occupant can detect when the tire is rolling in a state where the rubber elastic body 103 is broken. The level difference and the distance between them can be appropriately determined according to the type and size of the tire to be applied. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the convex portions 106 and the concave portions 107 may be provided at an equal interval pitch along the circumferential direction, or may be an irregular pitch (not shown). If there is at least one convex portion 106, the effect of the present invention can be obtained, and conversely, the concave portion 107 can be formed only in a part, but the above-mentioned elastic wheel failure detection function can be surely exhibited. is important.
Note that the rubber elastic body 103 is fixed to the projections and depressions of the protrusion 104 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 with the diameter of the minimum diameter portion of the rubber elastic body 103 and the recess of the protrusion 104. Even if the outer diameter is matched, that is, a recess corresponding to the protrusion 106 of the protrusion 104 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the rubber elastic body 103, and the protrusion 106 is fitted in this recess. Well, although not shown, the diameter of the minimum diameter portion of the rubber elastic body 103 is made smaller than the outer diameter of the concave portion of the protruding portion 104, that is, the rubber elastic body 103 is formed with unevenness of the protruding portion 104. It may extend further inward in the wheel radial direction than the portion.
The elastic wheel of another preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 5 includes a disk 201 fixed to an axle hub (not shown) and a rim 202 for supporting a tire. A rubber elastic body 203 as an elastic member is interposed between the peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the disk 201 in an annular shape.
In the preferred example shown in FIG. 5, the outer peripheral surface of the disk 201 is integrally formed with a protruding portion 204 that protrudes annularly outward in the wheel radial direction. An elastic member 203, for example, a rubber elastic body that extends on both sides in the wheel axial direction is formed in the protrusion 204 in an annular shape with an appropriate gap between the inner peripheral surface of the rim 202, for example, by vulcanization bonding or the like. It is fixed.
On the other hand, a pair of guides 205a and 205b are annularly provided on the inner peripheral surface of the rim 202, and both axial ends of the rubber elastic body 203 are opposed to the wheel axial direction of the pair of guides 205a and 205b. The rim 202 and the disc 201 are connected via the rubber elastic body 203 by being fixed to both side surfaces by vulcanization adhesion or the like. The guides 205a and 205b may be fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the rim 202 by means such as welding or screwing, or may be provided integrally with the rim.
As long as the rubber elastic body 203 extends at least on both sides in the wheel axial direction, the elastic elastic body 203 can exhibit a function as an elastic wheel due to the shear strain. However, as shown in the figure, the rubber elastic body 203 is placed between a pair of guides 205a and 205b. The rubber elastic body 203 is interposed between the inner peripheral surface of the rim 202 and the protruding portion 204 of the disk 201 so as to be able to cope with a large input. It becomes possible. That is, in this case, the portion of the rubber elastic body 203 that is continuously present on the outer surface in the radial direction of the wheel of the protruding portion 204 is for avoiding a collision between the protruding portion 204 and the inner peripheral surface of the rim 202 during a large input. It functions as a stopper.
Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in the drawing, the rubber elastic body 203 is formed so as to have different thicknesses on the left and right sides in the wheel axial direction. That is, as shown in the drawing, the thickness of the rubber elastic body 203 is reduced by reducing the thickness of the rubber elastic body 203 in the radial direction of the wheel in the portion 203a extending inwardly of the portion 203b extending outward in the wheel axial direction. The large portion 203b has a function of suppressing the bending deformation between the rim 202 and the disk 201, while the small thickness portion 203a has a vibration isolating function that mainly absorbs and suppresses vibration by shear deformation.
In this case, the ratio of the difference in thickness in the wheel radial direction on both sides in the axial direction can be appropriately selected depending on the type of tire to be applied, various characteristics of the elastic member used, and the like. It is preferable that the thickness is 10 to 50% smaller than the thickness of the thick portion 203b. If this difference is less than 10%, a sufficient rolling rigidity improvement effect cannot be obtained. On the other hand, if it exceeds 50%, the burden on the portion 203a having a small thickness is excessively large, and the elastic wheel is likely to fail.
FIG. 6 shows still another preferred example of the elastic wheel of the present invention. In the illustrated example, the rubber elastic body 203 interposed between the rim 202 and the disk 201 is made of a material having different rigidity between the portion 203a extending inward in the axial direction and the portion 203b extending outward. Is formed. In this case, as the rigidity of the rubber elastic body 203 itself, the portion 203a extending inward in the axial direction is made lower than the portion 203b extending outward, thereby obtaining the same rigidity improvement effect as in the preferred example. be able to. Note that the rubber elastic body 203 interposed between the inner peripheral surface of the rim 202 and the protruding portion 204 of the disk 201 is not limited as long as it can function as a stopper against a large input. 203 may be interposed. Also, the method of joining the rubber elastic bodies 203 made of different materials may be any suitable bonding means such as vulcanization bonding, and is not particularly limited.
In the present invention, the elastic member 203 is not limited to the case where the illustrated rubber elastic body is used, and for example, a spring material can also be used. In this case, for example, a plurality of spring materials can be extended from the protruding portion 204 to both sides in the axial direction at appropriate intervals in the circumferential direction to form the elastic member 203. By changing the number or material of the spring materials, for example, The above-described rolling rigidity improvement effect can be obtained. Accordingly, the type, shape, location, and the like of the elastic member 203 may be appropriately selected according to the application, and are not particularly limited.
The disks 1, 101, 201 may be spoke wheels, mesh wheels, or the like combined with a support such as spokes or meshes. The material of the disk may be any material such as steel, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, and synthetic resin. However, aluminum, titanium, or synthetic resin is preferable when focusing on weight reduction.
Further, the protrusions 4, 104, 204 are not limited to the example shown in the figure, and a base rim is provided on the outer peripheral surface of each of the disks 1, 101, 201, and extends radially outward at least on both sides in the wheel axial direction. You may provide by adhering the annular member which can adhere an elastic member. In the elastic wheel of the present invention, the structure of the rim 2, 102, 202 itself is not particularly limited. For example, in order to facilitate the rim assembly, a drop portion may be provided as shown in the figure. Good.
As the rubber elastic body that can be used in the present invention, those known as anti-vibration rubber can be used, and natural rubber and synthetic rubber, for example, diene rubber such as butadiene rubber, styrene butadiene copolymer rubber, butyl rubber, etc. It can be prepared by appropriately blending a compounding agent such as sulfur, a vulcanization accelerator, an anti-aging agent, and carbon black. The rubber elastic body has a JIS-A hardness (Hd) of preferably 30 to 80 ° from the viewpoint of vibration absorption characteristics and durability, and an elastic modulus of 1 × 10. 3 ~ 1x10 5 N / cm 2 It is.
Industrial applicability
As described above, according to the elastic wheel of the present invention, from the time of a small input to the time of a large input, the ride comfort performance, vibration proof performance and sound proof performance are improved without impairing durability and safety. It is possible to achieve excellent durability that can maintain the expected performance even during long-term use, and it is possible to easily and quickly detect a failure of the elastic wheel during traveling, Excellent steering stability can also be obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an enlarged partial sectional view of an elastic wheel according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial sectional view of an elastic wheel according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA shown in FIG. 2 in the circumferential direction.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a state when the rubber elastic body of the elastic wheel shown in FIG. 2 is broken.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial sectional view of an elastic wheel according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial sectional view of an elastic wheel according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (15)

車軸ハブに固着されるディスクと、タイヤを支承するリムとを備え、前記リムの内周面に環状に固設された一対のガイドと、前記ディスクの外周面にホイール半径方向外方に環状に突出する突出部とを有し、該突出部に、少なくともホイール軸方向両側に延在して、前記リムの内周面との間に間隙をもって、弾性部材が環状に固着され、かつ、軸方向両側に延在する該弾性部材の両端部が夫々前記一対のガイドのホイール軸方向に対向する両側面に固着された弾性ホイールであって、
前記弾性部材が、前記一対のガイド間のホイール軸方向の全幅にわたって一体的に介装され、前記リムの内周面と、前記弾性部材との間に、摩耗低減材が環状に存在することを特徴とする弾性ホイール。A disc fixed to the axle hub; and a rim for supporting the tire; a pair of guides fixed in an annular shape on the inner peripheral surface of the rim; and an annularly outwardly in the wheel radial direction on the outer peripheral surface of the disc An elastic member fixed in an annular shape with a gap between the protruding portion and at least the both sides in the wheel axial direction, with a gap between the protruding portion and the inner peripheral surface of the rim. Both ends of the elastic member extending on both sides are elastic wheels fixed to both side surfaces facing the wheel axial direction of the pair of guides, respectively.
The elastic member is integrally provided over the entire width in the wheel axial direction between the pair of guides, and the wear reducing material exists in an annular shape between the inner peripheral surface of the rim and the elastic member. Characteristic elastic wheel. 前記摩耗低減材が、前記リムの内周面上に、前記弾性部材との間に間隙をもって配設されている請求項１記載の弾性ホイール。The elastic wheel according to claim 1, wherein the wear reducing material is disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the rim with a gap between the wear reducing material and the elastic member. 前記摩耗低減材が、少なくとも前記リムの内周面と、前記弾性部材の、前記突出部に対向する領域との間に存在する請求項１記載の弾性ホイール。The elastic wheel according to claim 1, wherein the wear reducing material is present at least between an inner peripheral surface of the rim and a region of the elastic member facing the protruding portion. 前記摩耗低減材がステンレス板である請求項１記載の弾性ホイール。The elastic wheel according to claim 1, wherein the wear reducing material is a stainless steel plate. 前記リムの内周面上に、前記摩耗低減材としてのフッ素樹脂コーティングが施されている請求項１記載の弾性ホイール。The elastic wheel according to claim 1, wherein a fluororesin coating as the wear reducing material is provided on an inner peripheral surface of the rim. 前記フッ素樹脂がポリテトラフルオロエチレンである請求項５記載の弾性ホイール。The elastic wheel according to claim 5, wherein the fluororesin is polytetrafluoroethylene. 車軸ハブに固着されるディスクと、タイヤを支承するリムとを備え、前記リムの内周面に環状に固設された一対のガイドと、前記ディスクの外周面にホイール半径方向外方に環状に突出する突出部とを有し、該突出部に、少なくともホイール軸方向両側に延在して、前記リムの内周面との間に間隙をもって、弾性部材が環状に固着され、かつ、軸方向両側に延在する該弾性部材の両端部が、夫々前記一対のガイドのホイール軸方向に対向する両側面に固着された弾性ホイールであって、
前記弾性部材が、前記一対のガイド間のホイール軸方向の全幅にわたって一体的に介装され、かつ、前記突出部が、ホイール半径方向に凹凸を有することを特徴とする弾性ホイール。A disc fixed to the axle hub; and a rim for supporting the tire; a pair of guides fixed in an annular shape on the inner peripheral surface of the rim; and an annularly outwardly in the wheel radial direction on the outer peripheral surface of the disc An elastic member fixed in an annular shape with a gap between the protruding portion and at least the both sides in the wheel axial direction, with a gap between the protruding portion and the inner peripheral surface of the rim. Both ends of the elastic member extending on both sides are elastic wheels fixed to both side surfaces facing the wheel axial direction of the pair of guides, respectively.
The elastic wheel, wherein the elastic member is integrally interposed over the entire width in the wheel axial direction between the pair of guides, and the protrusion has irregularities in the wheel radial direction. 前記凹凸が、周方向に沿って適宜等間隔ピッチで設けられている請求項７記載の弾性ホイール。The elastic wheel according to claim 7, wherein the irregularities are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. 前記凹凸が、周方向に沿って適宜不等間隔ピッチで設けられている請求項７記載の弾性ホイール。The elastic wheel according to claim 7, wherein the irregularities are appropriately provided at irregular pitches along the circumferential direction. 車軸ハブに固着されるディスクと、タイヤを支承するリムとを備え、前記リムの内周面に環状に固設された一対のガイドと、前記ディスクの外周面にホイール半径方向外方に環状に突出する突出部とを有し、該突出部に、少なくともホイール軸方向左右両側に延在して、前記リムの内周面との間に間隙をもって弾性部材が環状に固着され、かつ、軸方向左右両側に延在する該弾性部材の両端部が夫々前記一対のガイドのホイール軸方向に対向する両側面に固着された弾性ホイールであって、
前記弾性部材の剛性が軸方向左右両側に延在する弾性部材間で異なっていることを特徴とする弾性ホイール。A disc fixed to the axle hub; and a rim for supporting the tire; a pair of guides fixed in an annular shape on the inner peripheral surface of the rim; and an annularly outwardly in the wheel radial direction on the outer peripheral surface of the disc An elastic member fixed in an annular shape with a gap between the protrusion and the inner peripheral surface of the rim. An elastic wheel in which both ends of the elastic member extending to the left and right sides are fixed to both side surfaces of the pair of guides facing each other in the wheel axial direction,
The elastic wheel characterized in that the rigidity of the elastic member is different between elastic members extending on the left and right sides in the axial direction. 前記弾性部材がゴム弾性体からなる請求項１０記載の弾性ホイール。The elastic wheel according to claim 10, wherein the elastic member is made of a rubber elastic body. ホイール半径方向の厚みが、軸方向左右両側に延在する弾性部材間で異なっている請求項１１記載の弾性ホイール。The elastic wheel according to claim 11, wherein the thickness in the radial direction of the wheel differs between elastic members extending on the left and right sides in the axial direction. ホイール半径方向の厚みの差が１０〜５０％の範囲内である請求項１２記載の弾性ホイール。The elastic wheel according to claim 12, wherein the difference in thickness in the wheel radial direction is within a range of 10 to 50%. 前記ゴム弾性体自体の剛性が、軸方向左右両側に延在する弾性部材間で異なっている請求項１１記載の弾性ホイール。The elastic wheel according to claim 11, wherein rigidity of the rubber elastic body itself is different between elastic members extending on both left and right sides in the axial direction. 前記弾性部材が、前記一対のガイド間のホイール軸方向の全幅にわたって一体的に介装されている請求項１０記載の弾性ホイール。The elastic wheel according to claim 10, wherein the elastic member is integrally provided over the entire width in the wheel axial direction between the pair of guides.
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