JP5033070B2 - Non-pneumatic tire manufacturing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a manufacturing method for manufacturing a non-pneumatic tire including a support structure that supports a load from a vehicle as a tire structure member.

  The pneumatic tire has a load supporting function, a shock absorbing ability from the ground contact surface, and a transmission ability (acceleration, stop, change of direction) such as power. For this reason, many vehicles, particularly bicycles, motorcycles, automobiles, It is used in trucks.

  In particular, these capabilities greatly contributed to the development of automobiles and other motor vehicles. Furthermore, the impact absorbing ability of pneumatic tires is useful for medical equipment and electronic equipment transport carts and other applications.

  Conventional non-pneumatic tires include, for example, solid tires, spring tires, cushion tires, and the like, but do not have the superior performance of pneumatic tires. For example, solid tires and cushion tires support the load by compressing the contact portion, but this type of tire is heavy and stiff, and does not have the ability to absorb shock like a pneumatic tire. Further, in the non-pneumatic tire, it is possible to improve the cushioning property by increasing the elasticity, but there is a problem that the load supporting ability or the durability as the pneumatic tire has is deteriorated.

  Therefore, in Patent Document 1 below, for the purpose of developing a non-pneumatic tire having the same operating characteristics as a pneumatic tire, a reinforced annular band that supports a load applied to the tire, and the reinforced annular band, Non-pneumatic tires have been proposed that have a plurality of web spokes that transmit load forces by tension with a wheel or hub.

  The non-pneumatic tire of Patent Document 1 is intended to support a longitudinal load by the tension applied to the web spoke, and the web spoke is required to have a high tensile modulus. On the other hand, if the compression modulus of the web spoke is high, when the position of the web spoke touches down during running, noise due to the hitting sound at the web spoke portion is likely to occur, so a low compression modulus is required for the web spoke. The In order to meet such demands for high tensile modulus and low compression modulus, a method of reinforcing web spokes with fibers can be considered.

Special Table 2005-500932 Publication

  However, Patent Document 1 does not describe a method for manufacturing a non-pneumatic tire in which web spokes are reinforced with fiber, and simply disposes fibers in a mold (mold) and injects a raw material liquid of an elastic material to produce fibers. If the reinforced web spokes are integrally formed, the fibers may be biased and no longer serve as a reinforcement. In addition, when the raw material liquid of an elastic material having a high viscosity is injection-molded, the deviation of the fibers becomes large.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a non-pneumatic tire manufacturing method capable of manufacturing a non-pneumatic tire in which spoke portions of a support structure are effectively reinforced with fibers.

The above object can be achieved by the present invention as described below.
That is, the non-pneumatic tire manufacturing method of the present invention includes an inner annular portion, an outer annular portion concentrically provided outside the inner annular portion, and a plurality of connecting the inner annular portion and the outer annular portion. And a non-pneumatic tire manufacturing method comprising a support structure for supporting a load from a vehicle, wherein the connection portion molding portion in the mold is along the direction of the connection portion in a front view. The step of arranging the reinforcing fiber in a state where the tensile force is applied and the raw material liquid of the elastic material is injected into the mold, and the inner annular portion, the outer annular portion, and the reinforcing fiber are integrally strengthened. And a step of molding the connected portion.

  A non-pneumatic tire according to the present invention includes a support structure for supporting a load from a vehicle, and this support structure is provided concentrically on an inner annular portion and outside the inner annular portion. The outer annular portion and a plurality of connecting portions that connect the inner annular portion and the outer annular portion. In the non-pneumatic tire manufacturing method of the present invention, after the reinforcing fibers are arranged in the mold, the raw material liquid of the elastic material is injected into the mold to mold the support structure. Since the portion is arranged in a state in which a tensile force is applied along the direction of the connecting portion in front view, the connecting portion reinforced integrally with the reinforcing fiber has a high strength against the tensile force due to the function of the reinforcing fiber. On the other hand, since the reinforcing fiber does not work against the compressive force, the tensile modulus is low. Therefore, according to the non-pneumatic tire manufacturing method of the present invention, it is possible to manufacture a non-pneumatic tire in which the connecting portion (spoke portion) of the support structure is effectively reinforced with fibers.

The above object can be achieved by the present invention as described below.
That is, the non-pneumatic tire manufacturing method of the present invention includes an inner annular portion, an intermediate annular portion provided concentrically outside the inner annular portion, and an outer portion provided concentrically outside the intermediate annular portion. An annular portion, a plurality of inner connecting portions that connect the inner annular portion and the intermediate annular portion, and a plurality of outer connecting portions that connect the outer annular portion and the intermediate annular portion. A method of manufacturing a non-pneumatic tire including a support structure for supporting a load, wherein the inner connecting portion molding portion and the outer connecting portion molding portion in a mold are directed to the inner connecting portion and the outer connecting portion in a front view. A step of arranging reinforcing fibers in a state where a tensile force is applied along with, and injecting a raw material liquid of an elastic material into the mold, the inner annular portion, the intermediate annular portion, the outer annular portion, Reinforced with the reinforcing fiber Said inner connecting portion that is, characterized by comprising the step of molding and the reinforcing fibers and the outer coupling portion that is reinforced together.

  A non-pneumatic tire according to the present invention includes a support structure for supporting a load from a vehicle, and this support structure is provided concentrically on an inner annular portion and outside the inner annular portion. An intermediate annular portion, an outer annular portion concentrically provided outside the intermediate annular portion, a plurality of inner connecting portions connecting the inner annular portion and the intermediate annular portion, the outer annular portion and the intermediate It is comprised from the some outer connection part which connects an annular part. In the method for producing a non-pneumatic tire according to the present invention, after the reinforcing fibers are arranged in the mold, the raw material liquid of the elastic material is injected into the mold to mold the support structure. Since the molded part and the outer connecting part are arranged in a state where a tensile force is applied along the direction of the inner connecting part and the outer connecting part in a front view, the inner connecting part reinforced with the reinforcing fiber and The outer connecting part reinforced with the reinforcing fiber has a high tensile modulus due to the action of the reinforcing fiber against the tensile force, while the reinforcing fiber does not work against the compressive force. Become. Therefore, according to the non-pneumatic tire manufacturing method of the present invention, it is possible to manufacture a non-pneumatic tire in which the inner connecting portion and the outer connecting portion (spoke portion) of the support structure are effectively reinforced with fibers.

  In the non-pneumatic tire manufacturing method according to the present invention, one end of the reinforcing fiber is locked to a locking portion provided in the mold inside the inner annular portion, and the other end is pulled, thereby It is preferable to apply a tensile force to the fiber.

  One end of the reinforcing fiber is locked to the locking portion provided in the mold inside the inner annular portion, and the other end is pulled, so that a tensile force can be reliably applied to the reinforcing fiber, and the support structure A non-pneumatic tire in which the connecting portion is effectively reinforced with fibers can be manufactured.

  In the non-pneumatic tire manufacturing method according to the present invention, it is preferable that the reinforcing fiber is applied to a pulley provided outside the outer annular portion, and a tensile force is applied to the reinforcing fiber by a weight attached to the other end portion.

  According to this configuration, the reinforcing fiber is applied to the pulley, and the tensile force is applied to the reinforcing fiber by the weight attached to the other end. Therefore, the tensile force is easily and surely applied to the reinforcing fiber one by one. Thus, a non-pneumatic tire in which the connecting portion of the support structure is effectively reinforced with fibers can be manufactured. In addition, since the tensile force is applied by the weight, it is easy to make the tensile force applied to each reinforcing fiber the same or change by attaching the weight to each of the plurality of reinforcing fibers.

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

<Structure of non-pneumatic tire>
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of a non-pneumatic tire manufactured by the manufacturing method of the present invention, (a) is a front view showing the whole, and (b) is a front view showing the main part. Here, O indicates the axial center, and H1 indicates the tire cross-sectional height.

  The non-pneumatic tire according to the manufacturing method of the present invention includes a support structure that supports a load from a vehicle. The non-pneumatic tire may be provided with such a support structure, and a member corresponding to a tread, a reinforcing layer, an axle, and a rim are provided on the outer side (outer peripheral side) and the inner side (inner peripheral side) of the support structure. May be provided.

  In the non-pneumatic tire according to the manufacturing method of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, the support structure SS has an inner annular portion 1, an intermediate annular portion 2 provided concentrically on the outer side, and a concentric shape on the outer side. A plurality of inner connecting portions 4 (corresponding to connecting portions) for connecting the inner annular portion 1 and the intermediate annular portion 2, and the outer annular portion 3 and the intermediate annular portion 2. A plurality of outer connecting portions 5 (also corresponding to connecting portions) are provided.

  The inner annular portion 1 is preferably a cylindrical shape having a constant thickness from the viewpoint of improving uniformity. Moreover, it is preferable to provide the inner peripheral surface of the inner annular portion 1 with irregularities or the like for maintaining fitting properties for mounting with an axle or a rim.

  The thickness of the inner annular portion 1 is preferably 2 to 7%, and 3 to 6% of the tire cross-section height H1 from the viewpoint of reducing weight and improving durability while sufficiently transmitting force to the inner connecting portion 4. More preferred.

  An inner diameter of the inner annular portion 1 is appropriately determined in accordance with a rim on which a non-pneumatic tire is mounted, a size of an axle, and the like. However, in the present embodiment, the inner annular portion 1 is provided with an inner diameter of the conventional inner annular portion 1. It can be made much smaller. However, when an alternative to a general pneumatic tire is assumed, 250 to 500 mm is preferable, and 330 to 440 mm is more preferable.

  The axial width of the inner annular portion 1 is appropriately determined according to the application, the length of the axle, and the like, but when an alternative to a general pneumatic tire is assumed, it is preferably 100 to 300 mm, more preferably 130 to 250 mm. preferable.

  The tensile modulus of the inner annular portion 1 is preferably 5 to 180000 MPa, more preferably 7 to 50000 MPa, from the viewpoint of reducing weight, improving durability, and wearing properties while sufficiently transmitting force to the inner connecting portion 4. The tensile modulus in the present invention is a value calculated from a tensile stress at 10% elongation by conducting a tensile test according to JIS K7312.

  As the material of the inner annular portion 1, an elastic material such as a thermoplastic elastomer, a crosslinked rubber, or other resin, a fiber reinforced material obtained by reinforcing these with a reinforcing material such as a fiber, a metal, or the like can be used. However, from the viewpoint of enabling integral molding when the support structure SS is manufactured, the material of the inner annular portion 1 is an elastic material such as a thermoplastic elastomer, a crosslinked rubber, or other resin, or a fiber or the like thereof. A fiber reinforced material reinforced with is preferred.

  Examples of the thermoplastic elastomer include polyester elastomer, polyolefin elastomer, polyamide elastomer, polystyrene elastomer, polyvinyl chloride elastomer, polyurethane elastomer and the like. Rubber materials constituting the crosslinked rubber material include natural rubber, styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), butadiene rubber (BR), isoprene rubber (IIR), nitrile rubber (NBR), hydrogenated nitrile rubber (hydrogenated NBR). And synthetic rubbers such as chloroprene rubber (CR), ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM), fluorine rubber, silicon rubber, acrylic rubber, and urethane rubber. These rubber materials may be used in combination of two or more as required.

Examples of other resins include thermoplastic resins and thermosetting resins. Examples of the thermoplastic resin include polyethylene resin, polystyrene resin, and polyvinyl chloride resin, and examples of the thermosetting resin include epoxy resin, phenol resin, polyurethane resin, silicon resin, polyimide resin, and melamine resin. In addition, a foam material may be used, and the above-mentioned thermoplastic elastomer, crosslinked rubber, and other resins foamed can also be used.

  Examples of the reinforcing material include reinforcing fibers such as long fibers, short fibers, woven fabrics, and non-woven fabrics, and granular fillers. It is preferable to use reinforcing fibers such as long fibers, short fibers, woven fabrics, and non-woven fabrics. Or, a woven fabric (including a suede-like woven fabric and a mesh-like woven fabric) using long fibers is more preferable. Examples of the reinforcing fibers include rayon cords, polyamide cords such as nylon-6,6, polyester cords such as polyethylene terephthalate, aramid cords, glass fiber cords, carbon fibers, steel cords, and the like. Examples of the particulate filler include ceramics such as carbon black, silica, and alumina, and other inorganic fillers.

The shape of the intermediate annular portion 2 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and may be a polygonal cylindrical shape.

  The thickness of the intermediate annular portion 2 is preferably 3 to 10% of the tire cross-section height H1 from the viewpoint of reducing the weight and improving the durability while sufficiently reinforcing the inner connecting portion 4 and the outer connecting portion 5. -9% is more preferable.

  The inner annular portion 2 has an inner diameter that exceeds the inner diameter of the inner annular portion 1 and less than the inner diameter of the outer annular portion 3. However, as the inner diameter of the intermediate annular portion 2, the inner diameter of the inner annular portion 1 is subtracted from the inner diameter of the outer annular portion 3 from the viewpoint of improving the reinforcing effect of the inner connecting portion 4 and the outer connecting portion 5 as described above. A value of 20 to 80% of the value is preferably the inner diameter added to the inner diameter of the inner annular portion 1, and a value of 30 to 60% is more preferably the inner diameter added to the inner diameter of the inner annular portion 1. .

  The axial width of the intermediate annular portion 2 is appropriately determined according to the application and the like, but is preferably 100 to 300 mm, more preferably 130 to 250 mm, assuming an alternative to a general pneumatic tire.

  The tensile modulus of the intermediate annular portion 2 is preferably 8000 to 18000 MPa, more preferably 10,000 to 50000 MPa from the viewpoint of sufficiently reinforcing the inner connecting portion 4 and the outer connecting portion 5 to improve durability and load capacity. preferable.

  As the material of the intermediate annular portion 2, the same material as that of the inner annular portion 1 can be used, and an elastic material such as a thermoplastic elastomer, a crosslinked rubber and other resins, or a fiber reinforcing material obtained by reinforcing these with a reinforcing material such as a fiber. Metal, etc. can be used. However, when manufacturing the support structure SS, it is preferable to use the same material or base material as the material of the inner annular portion 1 from the viewpoint of enabling integral molding.

  Since the tensile modulus of the intermediate annular portion 2 is preferably higher than that of the inner annular portion 1, a fiber reinforced material obtained by reinforcing an elastic material such as a thermoplastic elastomer, a crosslinked rubber, or other resin with a fiber or the like is preferable. That is, as shown in FIG.1 (b), it is preferable that the intermediate | middle annular part 2 is reinforced with the reinforcement fiber. The reinforcing fiber can be provided as a single layer or a plurality of layers.

  Examples of the reinforcing fibers include long fibers, short fibers, woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics, and the like, but long fibers or woven fabrics using long fibers (including suede-like woven fabrics) are more preferable. As the reinforcing fiber at that time, for example, rayon cord, polyamide cord such as nylon-6, 6, polyester cord such as polyethylene terephthalate, aramid cord, glass fiber cord, carbon fiber, steel cord and the like are preferable.

The shape of the outer annular portion 3 is preferably a cylindrical shape with a constant thickness from the viewpoint of improving uniformity. The thickness of the outer annular portion 3 is preferably 2 to 7% of the tire cross-section height H1, and preferably 2 to 5% from the viewpoint of reducing the weight and improving the durability while sufficiently transmitting the force from the outer connecting portion 5. Is more preferable.

  The inner diameter of the outer annular portion 3 is appropriately determined according to its use and the like, but since the intermediate annular portion 2 is provided in the present invention, the inner diameter of the outer annular portion 3 can be made larger than before. However, when an alternative to a general pneumatic tire is assumed, 420 to 750 mm is preferable, and 480 to 680 mm is more preferable.

  The axial width of the outer annular portion 3 is appropriately determined according to the application and the like, but is preferably 100 to 300 mm, and more preferably 130 to 250 mm when an alternative to a general pneumatic tire is assumed.

  The tensile modulus of the outer annular portion 3 can be set to the same level as that of the inner annular portion 1 when the reinforcing layer 6 is provided on the outer periphery of the outer annular portion 3 as shown in FIG. In the case where such a reinforcing layer 6 is not provided, 5 to 180000 MPa is preferable, and 7 to 50000 MPa is more preferable from the viewpoint of reducing the weight and improving the durability while sufficiently transmitting the force from the outer connecting portion 5. .

  As the material of the outer annular portion 3, the same material as that of the inner annular portion 1 can be used, and an elastic material such as a thermoplastic elastomer, a crosslinked rubber and other resins, or a fiber reinforcing material obtained by reinforcing these with a reinforcing material such as a fiber. Metal, etc. can be used. However, when manufacturing the support structure SS, it is preferable to use the same material or base material as the material of the inner annular portion 1 from the viewpoint of enabling integral molding.

  In the case where the tensile modulus of the outer annular portion 3 is increased without providing the reinforcing layer 6, a fiber reinforcing material in which an elastic material such as a thermoplastic elastomer, a crosslinked rubber, or other resin is reinforced with fibers or the like is preferable. That is, when the reinforcing layer 6 is not provided, the outer annular portion 3 is preferably reinforced with reinforcing fibers.

The inner connecting portion 4 connects the inner annular portion 1 and the intermediate annular portion 2, and a plurality of inner connecting portions 4 are provided, for example, with an appropriate interval between them. It is preferable to provide the inner side connection part 4 with a fixed space | interval from a viewpoint of improving uniformity. As for the number of inner connection parts 4 provided over the entire circumference (when a plurality of inner connection parts 4 are provided in the axial direction, it is counted as one), while supporting the load from the vehicle sufficiently, weight reduction, improvement of power transmission, durability From the viewpoint of improving the quality, 10 to 80 are preferable, and 40 to 60 are more preferable.

  Examples of the shape of each inner connecting portion 4 include a plate-like body and a columnar body, and these inner connecting portions 4 extend in a radial direction or a direction inclined from the radial direction in a front view cross section. From the viewpoint of making the non-pneumatic tire difficult to change in rigidity and improving durability, the extending direction of the inner connecting portion 4 is preferably within ± 25 ° in the radial direction and within ± 15 ° in the radial direction in the front view cross section. Is more preferable, and the radial direction is most preferable.

  The thickness of the inner connecting portion 4 is preferably 4 to 12% of the tire cross-sectional height H1 from the viewpoint of reducing the weight, improving the durability, and improving the lateral rigidity while sufficiently transmitting the force from the inner annular portion 1. 6 to 10% is more preferable.

  In the case where a single inner connecting portion 4 is provided in the axial direction, the axial width of the inner connecting portion 4 is appropriately determined according to the application and the like, but when an alternative to a general pneumatic tire is assumed, 100 to 300 mm is Preferably, 130 to 250 mm is more preferable.

  As the material of the inner connecting portion 4, the same material as that of the inner annular portion 1 can be used, and an elastic material such as a thermoplastic elastomer, a crosslinked rubber and other resins, or a fiber reinforcing material obtained by reinforcing these with a reinforcing material such as a fiber. Metal, etc. can be used. However, when manufacturing the support structure SS, it is preferable to use the same material or base material as the material of the inner annular portion 1 from the viewpoint of enabling integral molding.

  The tensile modulus of the inner connecting portion 4 is such that the inner connecting portion 4 is made of only an elastic material from the viewpoint of reducing weight, improving durability, and improving lateral rigidity while sufficiently transmitting the force from the inner annular portion 1. 5 to 50 MPa is preferable, and 7 to 20 MPa is more preferable.

  In order to increase the tensile modulus of the inner connecting portion 4, the material of the inner connecting portion 4 is preferably a fiber reinforced material in which an elastic material such as a thermoplastic elastomer, a crosslinked rubber, or other resin is reinforced with fibers or the like. That is, as shown in FIG. 1B, the inner connecting portion 4 is preferably reinforced by the reinforcing fibers 8. In addition, when the inner connection part 4 is comprised with a fiber reinforcement material, 1200-280,000 MPa is preferable and, as for the tensile modulus of the inner connection part 4, 10000-50000 MPa is more preferable.

The outer connecting portion 5 connects the outer annular portion 3 and the intermediate annular portion 2, and a plurality of outer connecting portions 5 are provided, for example, with an appropriate interval between them. The outer connecting portions 5 are preferably provided at a certain interval from the viewpoint of improving uniformity. From the viewpoint of improving the reinforcing effect of the intermediate annular portion 2, the outer connecting portion 5 and the inner connecting portion 4 are provided at the same position on the entire circumference.

  As for the number of outer connecting parts 5 provided over the entire circumference (when a plurality of outer connecting parts 5 are provided in the axial direction, they are counted as one), while supporting the load from the vehicle sufficiently, weight reduction, improvement of power transmission, durability From the viewpoint of improving the quality, 10 to 80 are preferable, and 40 to 60 are more preferable.

  Examples of the shape of each outer connecting portion 5 include a plate-like body and a columnar body, and these outer connecting portions 5 extend in a radial direction or a direction inclined from the radial direction in a front view cross section. From the viewpoint of making the non-pneumatic tire less susceptible to fluctuations in rigidity and improving durability, the extending direction of the outer connecting portion 5 is preferably within ± 25 ° in the radial direction and within ± 15 ° in the radial direction in the front view cross section. Is more preferable, and the radial direction is most preferable.

  The thickness of the outer connecting portion 5 is preferably 4 to 12% of the tire cross-sectional height H1 from the viewpoint of reducing the weight, improving the durability, and improving the lateral rigidity while sufficiently transmitting the force from the inner annular portion 1. 6 to 10% is more preferable.

  In the case where a single outer connecting portion 5 is provided in the axial direction, the axial width of the outer connecting portion 5 is appropriately determined according to the application and the like, but assuming an alternative to a general pneumatic tire, 100 to 300 mm is Preferably, 130 to 250 mm is more preferable.

  As the material of the outer connecting portion 5, the same material as that of the inner annular portion 1 can be used, and an elastic material such as a thermoplastic elastomer, a crosslinked rubber and other resins, or a fiber reinforcing material obtained by reinforcing these with a reinforcing material such as a fiber. Metal, etc. can be used. However, when manufacturing the support structure SS, it is preferable to use the same material or base material as the material of the inner annular portion 1 from the viewpoint of enabling integral molding.

  The tensile modulus of the outer connecting portion 5 is such that the outer connecting portion 5 is made of only an elastic material from the viewpoint of reducing weight, improving durability, and improving lateral rigidity while sufficiently transmitting the force from the inner annular portion 1. 5 to 50 MPa is preferable, and 7 to 20 MPa is more preferable.

  In order to increase the tensile modulus of the outer connecting portion 5, the material of the outer connecting portion 5 is preferably a fiber reinforced material in which an elastic material such as thermoplastic elastomer, crosslinked rubber, or other resin is reinforced with fibers or the like. That is, as shown in FIG. 1B, the outer connecting portion 5 is preferably reinforced by the reinforcing fibers 8. In addition, when the outer connection part 5 is comprised with a fiber reinforcement material, 1200-280,000 MPa is preferable and the tensile modulus of the outer connection part 5 is more preferable 10000-50000 MPa. The reinforcing fiber 8 continuously extends from the inner annular portion 1 to the outer annular portion 3 and reinforces the inner connecting portion 4 and the outer connecting portion 5.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, an example is shown in which a reinforcing layer 6 that reinforces bending deformation of the outer annular portion 3 is provided outside the outer annular portion 3 of the support structure SS. The reinforcing layer 6 can be the same as the belt layer of a conventional pneumatic tire.

  The reinforcing layer 6 is composed of one or a plurality of layers. For example, a steel cord, an aramid cord, a rayon cord, etc. rubberized layers arranged in parallel at an inclination angle of about 20 ° with respect to the tire circumferential direction are used as a steel cord. Etc. can be formed so as to cross in the opposite direction. Further, a layer made of various cords arranged in parallel in the tire circumferential direction may be provided on the upper layer of both layers.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, an example in which a tread layer 7 is provided on the outer side of the reinforcing layer 6 is shown, but in the present invention, on the outermost layer on the outer side of the outer annular portion 3 in this way, A tread layer 7 is preferably provided. As the tread layer 7, it is possible to provide the same tread layer as that of a conventional pneumatic tire. Moreover, it is possible to provide the same pattern as a conventional pneumatic tire as a tread pattern.

  For example, the raw material of the tread rubber forming the tread layer 7 includes natural rubber, styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), butadiene rubber (BR), isoprene rubber (IR), butyl rubber (IIR) and the like. These rubbers are reinforced with fillers such as carbon black and silica, and a vulcanizing agent, a vulcanization accelerator, a plasticizer, an antiaging agent, and the like are appropriately blended.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the tread layer 7 is provided on the outer side of the outer annular portion 3 via the reinforcing layer 6 has been described. However, in the present invention, it is also possible to provide a tread layer directly on the outer annular portion 3. Depending on the application, the tread layer can be omitted.

  The non-pneumatic tire manufactured by the manufacturing method of the present invention is excellent in durability, and is less likely to cause rigidity fluctuation depending on the positional relationship between the spoke position and the center position of the ground contact surface, so that a conventional pneumatic tire can be substituted. In addition, it can be used as a substitute for non-pneumatic tires such as solid tires, spring tires, and cushion tires. Specific uses other than general pneumatic tires include wheelchair tires, construction vehicle tires, and the like.

<Method for producing non-pneumatic tire>
A method for producing a non-pneumatic tire according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 shows a configuration of a manufacturing apparatus used for manufacturing the support structure SS. (A) is the top view which looked at the apparatus from upper direction, (b) is AA sectional drawing of (a).

  The non-pneumatic tire of the present invention can be manufactured by forming the support layer SS by molding, injection molding, or the like, and then forming the reinforcing layer 6, the tread layer 7 or the like as necessary. As shown by a broken line in FIG. 2A, in the mold 10, in order to mold the inner annular portion 1, the intermediate annular portion 2, the outer annular portion 3, the inner connecting portion 4 and the outer connecting portion 5, respectively, An annular part molding part 11, an intermediate annular part molding part 12, an outer annular part molding part 13, an inner coupling part molding part 14, and an outer coupling part molding part 15 are provided. In addition, an injection port 10 c for injecting a raw material liquid of an elastic material into the inner annular portion molding portion 11 is provided between the adjacent inner connection portion molding portions 14 on the inner peripheral portion 10 a of the mold 10. Yes. By injecting the raw material liquid of the elastic material from the injection port 10c at a high pressure, the inner annular portion molding portion 11, the intermediate annular portion molding portion 12, the outer annular portion molding portion 13, the inner coupling portion molding portion 14, and the outer coupling portion molding. The portion 15 can be filled with a raw material liquid of an elastic material. Both the inner connection part molding part 14 and the outer connection part molding part 15 correspond to a connection part molding part. In addition, although not shown in figure, the injection port 10c is provided with two or more by the circumferential direction.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the inner peripheral portion 10a of the mold 10 is provided with a through hole 10d extending from the shaft core O toward the inner connecting portion molding portion 14 so that the reinforcing fiber 8 can pass therethrough. Further, the outer peripheral portion 10b of the mold 10 is also provided with a through hole 10e extending radially outward from the outer connecting portion molding portion 15, and the reinforcing fiber 8 can be penetrated. That is, one reinforcing fiber 8 can pass through the through hole 10d, the inner connecting portion molding portion 14, the outer connecting portion molding portion 15, and the through hole 10e. The through holes 10d and 10e are arranged in parallel in the direction of the axis O, corresponding to the number of reinforcing fibers 8 to be used.

  As shown in FIG. 2 (b), the one end 8a of the reinforcing fiber 8 passes through the through hole 10d and is passed through the loop provided at the tip so as to be locked to the inner peripheral portion 10a of the mold 10. The The pin 16 may be locked for each reinforcing fiber 8 or a plurality of reinforcing fibers 8 may be locked simultaneously. In the present embodiment, the through hole 10d corresponds to a locking portion, and the one end 8a of the reinforcing fiber 8 is locked by the pin 16, but as a method of locking the one end 8a of the reinforcing fiber 8, However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an appropriate method can be used.

  A plurality of pulleys 17 are provided outside the outer peripheral portion 10 b of the mold 10. The pulley 17 is rotatably provided by support means (not shown). As shown in FIG. 2B, the plurality of pulleys 17 are provided so as to be shifted in the radial direction and the axis O direction. By applying the reinforcing fiber 8 to the pulley 17 and attaching the weight 18 to the other end 8 b of the reinforcing fiber 8, a tensile force can be applied to the reinforcing fiber 8 by the weight of the weight 18.

  In this manner, the raw material liquid of the elastic material is injected into the mold 10 from the injection port 10c at a high pressure in a state where a radial tensile force is applied to the reinforcing fiber 8. Thereby, the support structure SS, that is, the inner annular portion 1, the intermediate annular portion 2, the outer annular portion 3, the inner coupling portion 4, and the outer coupling portion 5 can be integrally molded. The excess reinforcing fibers 8 inside the inner annular portion 1 and outside the outer annular portion 3 are cut. Thereafter, if necessary, the non-pneumatic tire can be manufactured by forming the reinforcing layer 6, the tread layer 7, and the like.

  When the support structure SS is molded, the reinforcing fibers 8 are integrated with the inner connecting portion 4 and the outer connecting portion 5 in a state where a tensile force is applied in the radial direction, so that the inner connecting portion 4 and the outer connecting portion 5 are tensioned. A high tensile modulus is obtained with respect to the force by the action of the reinforcing fiber 8, while a low compression modulus is obtained with respect to the compressive force because the reinforcing fiber 8 does not work. Moreover, since the raw material liquid of the elastic material is injected in a state where the reinforcing fiber 8 is given a tensile force in the radial direction, the reinforcing fiber 8 is biased by the raw material liquid of the high-pressure elastic material, so that the reinforcing fiber 8 does not play a reinforcing role. Does not occur. Therefore, according to the method for manufacturing a non-pneumatic tire of the present invention, it is possible to manufacture a non-pneumatic tire in which the inner connecting portion 4 and the outer connecting portion 5 (spoke portion) of the support structure SS are effectively reinforced with fibers. it can.

[Other Embodiments]
(1) In the above-described embodiment, in order to connect the inner annular portion 1 and the outer annular portion 3, the intermediate annular portion 2 is provided between the inner annular portion 1 and the outer annular portion 3, and the inner coupling is used as the coupling portion. A portion 4 and an outer connecting portion 5 are provided. However, the intermediate annular portion 2 may not be provided, and the inner annular portion 1 and the outer annular portion 3 may be connected by a single connecting portion. It is also possible to provide a plurality of intermediate annular portions 2.

  (2) In the above-described embodiment, the inner connecting portion 4 and the outer connecting portion 5 extend substantially in the radial direction in the front sectional view, but may extend in a direction greatly inclined from the radial direction. That is, you may shape | mold so that the connection part (inner connection part 4 or the outer connection part 5) adjacent to the circumferential direction may incline in the opposite direction mutually with respect to a radial direction, and may comprise V shape. In this way, when the adjacent connecting portions are molded into a V shape, it becomes effective against the force in the tire longitudinal direction.

  (3) In the above-described embodiment, the one end portion 8a of the reinforcing fiber 8 is locked to the mold 10, but the one end portion 8a of the reinforcing fiber 8 is a net-like reinforcing fiber for reinforcing the inner annular portion 1. The other end portion 8b may be pulled so as to be locked to.

  (4) Further, as a method for applying a tensile force to the reinforcing fiber 8, a method as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3A, a loop 8c is provided at one end of the reinforcing fiber 8 wound around the bobbin 20, and the loop 8c is hung on the rear end of the needle 21 (an enlarged view in a circle surrounded by a broken line). FIG. 3 (a) shows the lower part). Next, as shown in FIG. 3B, while feeding the reinforcing fiber 8 from the bobbin 20, the needle 21 is inserted into the through hole 10 d of the inner peripheral part 10 a and the through hole 10 e of the outer peripheral part 10 b from a position close to the bobbin 20. Pass alternately. At this time, the inner peripheral portion 10a and the outer peripheral portion 10b of the mold 10 are provided with a plurality of rollers 22 for guiding the reinforcing fibers 8, and the reinforcing fibers 8 can smoothly pass through the through holes 10d and 10e. . Finally, as shown in FIG. 3 (c), the loop 8 c of the reinforcing fiber 8 is removed from the rear end of the needle 21 and hooked on the hook 23 provided on the outer peripheral portion 10 b of the mold 10, and the bobbin 20 is attached to the reinforcing fiber 8. Rotate in the direction in which a tensile force is applied (clockwise direction in the figure). According to this method, the manufacturing apparatus can save space as compared with a method in which a weight 18 is applied to the other end 8b of each reinforcing fiber 8 to apply a tensile force.

The front view which shows an example of the non-pneumatic tire manufactured with the manufacturing method of this invention Explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of the manufacturing method of the non-pneumatic tire of this invention Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the other example of the manufacturing method of the non-pneumatic tire of this invention

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Inner annular part 2 Intermediate annular part 3 Outer annular part 4 Inner coupling part 5 Outer coupling part 8 Reinforcing fiber 8a One end part 8b Other end part 10 Mold 11 Inner annular part molding part 12 Intermediate annular part molding part 13 Outer annular part molding part 14 Inner connection part molding part 15 Outer connection part molding part 16 Pin 17 Pulley 18 Weight

Claims (4)

An inner annular portion, an outer annular portion concentrically provided on the outer side of the inner annular portion, and a plurality of connecting portions that connect the inner annular portion and the outer annular portion. A non-pneumatic tire manufacturing method comprising a support structure for supporting,
A step of arranging reinforcing fibers in a state in which a tensile force is applied along the direction of the connecting portion in a front view to the connecting portion molding portion in the mold; and
Injecting a raw material solution of an elastic material into the mold, and molding the inner annular portion, the outer annular portion, and the connecting portion reinforced integrally with the reinforcing fiber. A manufacturing method of a non-pneumatic tire characterized by the above. An inner annular part, an intermediate annular part provided concentrically outside the inner annular part, an outer annular part provided concentrically outside the intermediate annular part, the inner annular part and the intermediate annular part Non-pneumatic comprising a support structure for supporting a load from a vehicle, and a plurality of inner connecting portions that connect the outer annular portion and a plurality of outer connecting portions that connect the intermediate annular portion. A tire manufacturing method comprising:
Arranging the reinforcing fibers in a state in which a tensile force is applied along the direction of the inner connecting portion and the outer connecting portion in a front view to the inner connecting portion molding portion and the outer connecting portion molding portion in the mold; and
Injecting a raw material liquid of an elastic material into the mold, the inner annular portion, the intermediate annular portion, the outer annular portion, the inner connecting portion reinforced together with the reinforcing fiber, and the reinforcement A method for producing a non-pneumatic tire, comprising the step of molding the outer connecting portion reinforced together with fibers.   One end portion of the reinforcing fiber is locked to a locking portion provided in the mold inside the inner annular portion, and a tensile force is applied to the reinforcing fiber by pulling the other end portion. The manufacturing method of the non-pneumatic tire according to claim 1 or 2.   The non-pneumatic tire manufacturing method according to claim 3, wherein the reinforcing fiber is applied to a pulley provided outside the outer annular portion, and a tensile force is applied to the reinforcing fiber by a weight attached to the other end portion. Method.

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