JP5225743B2 - Non-pneumatic tire - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a non-pneumatic tire provided with a support structure that supports a load from a vehicle as a tire structural member, and preferably a non-pneumatic tire that can be used as a substitute for a pneumatic tire. It relates to tires.

  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.

  Moreover, in the following Patent Document 2, the outer ring and the inner ring are connected with spokes (specifically, a cylindrical shape or the like) that form a pair that bends in the opposite direction, and between the spokes. A non-pneumatic tire provided with a connecting member made of an elastic material that suppresses bending is disclosed. Further, it is disclosed that a fiber reinforced thermoplastic resin or the like is used as a spoke or a connecting material.

Special Table 2005-500932 Publication JP 2007-112243 A

  However, the non-pneumatic tire of Patent Document 1 is intended to support a longitudinal load by the tension applied to the web spokes, but in the case of a radially extending spoke shape, during running, due to the impact sound of the spoke part, Noise is likely to occur. Further, when the compression rigidity of the spoke is reduced in order to reduce the hitting sound, the support function for the lateral force tends to be impaired, and the steering stability tends to be lowered.

  Further, in the non-pneumatic tire of Patent Document 2, even when the spokes and the connecting material are reinforced with fibers, the spokes do not have sufficient rigidity against the tension, and the longitudinal load cannot be supported by the tension. For this reason, it is necessary to support the longitudinal load with a reaction force against the compression of the spoke, and the compression rigidity of the spoke becomes high. As a result, noise tends to occur due to the hitting sound of the spoke portion during running.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a non-pneumatic tire capable of reducing the hitting sound of the spoke portion during traveling and improving the steering stability.

The above object can be achieved by the present invention as described below.
That is, the non-pneumatic tire of the present invention is a non-pneumatic tire including a support structure that supports a load from a vehicle, and the support structure is concentrically formed on an inner annular portion and an outer side of the inner annular portion. An outer annular portion provided, and a plurality of coupling portions that couple the inner annular portion and the outer annular portion, the coupling portion being substantially made of a fibrous material and arranged in a substantially radial direction. a first connection part, seen including a second connecting portion formed of an elastic material having a shape continuously in the tire width direction has a bend part longitudinal cross sectional shape, the inner peripheral side of the inner annular portion, the inner peripheral side Protruding strips having a longitudinal section shape having an expanded portion are provided .

  According to the non-pneumatic tire of the present invention, since it has the first connecting portion which is substantially made of a fibrous material and is arranged in the substantially radial direction, it can support a longitudinal load by tension and hardly generates a reaction force against the compressive force. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the hitting sound of the spoke part during traveling. In addition, since the longitudinal cross-sectional shape has the second connecting portion made of an elastic material having a bent portion, the reaction force against the compressive force becomes smaller than that without the bent portion, and the impact sound of the spoke portion during traveling can be reduced. It can be reduced more. Furthermore, since the second connecting portion has a shape that continues in the tire width direction, it is possible to develop a support function for lateral force that is insufficient only with the first connecting portion.

The non-pneumatic tire of the present invention is a non-pneumatic tire provided with a support structure that supports a load from a vehicle, and the support structure is concentrically formed outside the inner annular portion and the inner annular portion. An intermediate annular part provided on the outer annular part, the outer annular part provided concentrically on the outer side of the intermediate annular part, a plurality of inner connecting parts for connecting the inner annular part and the intermediate annular part, and the outer A plurality of outer connecting portions that connect the annular portion and the intermediate annular portion, at least the outer connecting portion being substantially made of a fibrous material and arranged in a substantially radial direction; and a longitudinal section look including a second connecting portion formed of an elastic material having a shape shape continuous in the tire width direction has a curved portion, the inner peripheral side of the inner annular portion, longitudinal section having a portion that has spread on the inner peripheral side It is characterized by the provision of shaped ridges .

  According to the non-pneumatic tire of the present invention, at least the outer connecting portion has the first connecting portion that is substantially made of a fibrous material and is arranged in the substantially radial direction. Therefore, the impact sound of the spoke portion during running can be reduced. In addition, since at least the outer connecting portion has the second connecting portion made of an elastic material whose longitudinal cross-sectional shape has a bent portion, the reaction force against the compressive force becomes smaller than that without the bent portion, and when traveling The sound of hitting the spokes at can be further reduced. Furthermore, since the second connecting portion has a shape that continues in the tire width direction, it is possible to develop a support function for lateral force that is insufficient only with the first connecting portion. In addition, by providing an intermediate | middle annular part, the rigidity of a support structure can be improved, reducing a striking sound as mentioned above by the outer side connection part.

  In the above, it is preferable that the said 2nd connection part adjacent to the circumferential direction is formed in the substantially cylindrical shape. When the second connecting portion is substantially cylindrical, the bent portion is in a wide range, so stress concentration is less likely to occur and durability during repeated deformation is improved. Moreover, since the 2nd connection part is substantially cylindrical shape, the support function with respect to a lateral force becomes larger compared with what has a refractive part.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the said 1st connection part is provided in the several position of a tire width direction while passing through the approximate center of the 2nd connection part currently formed in the said cylindrical shape. By forming the first connecting portion at this position, damage due to interference (contact) between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion can be avoided, and durability can be further improved. In addition, by providing at a plurality of positions in the tire width direction, the deformation amount of the outer annular portion when tension is generated in the first connecting portion is made more uniform in the tire width direction, so that the durability can be further improved. .

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

(First invention)
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a non-pneumatic tire of the present invention (first invention), and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing an example of a non-pneumatic tire of the present invention (first invention). a) shows a state where the tension is working, and (b) shows a state where the compressive force is working.

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

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the support structure SS according to the present invention includes an inner annular portion 1, an outer annular portion 3 provided concentrically outside the inner annular portion 1, and an inner annular portion 1 and an outer side. A plurality of connecting portions 10 that connect the annular portion 3 are provided.

  The inner annular portion 1 of the support structure SS is preferably a cylindrical shape having a constant thickness from the viewpoint of improving uniformity. Further, the inner circumferential surface of the inner annular portion 1 may be provided with irregularities or the like for improving the fitting property to the rim, the axle or the like. Furthermore, on the inner peripheral side of the inner annular portion 1, when tension is generated in the connecting portion 10, the inner peripheral surface of the inner annular portion 1 has been expanded on the inner peripheral side in order to prevent the inner peripheral surface from separating from the rim. You may provide the protruding item | line of the longitudinal cross-sectional shape which has a part.

  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.

  The inner diameter of the inner annular portion 1 is appropriately determined in accordance with the dimensions of the rim on which the non-pneumatic tire is mounted. However, in the present invention, since the intermediate annular portion 2 is provided, the inner annular portion 1 has a significantly larger inner diameter than before. It can be made 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 making it difficult for the inner peripheral surface of the inner annular portion to be separated from the rim. 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, thermoplastic elastomer, crosslinked rubber, other resins, fiber reinforcing materials obtained by reinforcing these with reinforcing materials such as fibers, metals, and the like can be used. However, from the viewpoint of enabling integral molding when manufacturing the support structure SS, the material of the inner annular portion 1 may be thermoplastic elastomer, crosslinked rubber, other resin, or fiber reinforced with fibers or the like. Reinforcing materials are 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. A foamed material may be used, and the above-mentioned thermoplastic elastomer, crosslinked rubber, or other resin foamed can 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 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 the inner annular portion 1 can be used, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, a crosslinked rubber, other resins, or a fiber reinforcing material obtained by reinforcing these with a reinforcing material such as a fiber, a metal, or the like. 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.

  When the tensile modulus of the outer annular portion 3 is increased without providing the reinforcing layer 6, a fiber reinforced material in which 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.

In the present invention, a plurality of connecting portions 10 that connect the inner annular portion 1 and the outer annular portion 3 are substantially made of a fibrous material and arranged in a substantially radial direction, and a longitudinal sectional shape is And second connecting portions 15 and 16 made of an elastic material having a bent portion and continuing in the tire width direction.

  As shown in FIG. 2 (a), when a longitudinal load P1 is generated on the axle, a downward force acts on the inner annular portion 1 in the upper portion of the tire (on the side opposite to the tire ground contact surface), and the connection is established. Part 10 is tensioned. At this time, tension acts on the first connecting portion 11 arranged in the substantially radial direction, and the first connecting portion 11 made of a fibrous material substantially supports the tension, thereby suppressing deformation of the entire connecting portion 10. be able to.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), the reaction force from the ground contact surface is received, and an upward force P2 acts on the inner annular portion 1 at the lower portion of the tire (tire contact surface side), and the connection A compressive force is generated in the portion 10 (the drawing is upside down in the drawing). At this time, the first connecting portion 11 substantially made of a fibrous material is easily deformed and does not generate a reaction force, but generates a reaction force due to the deformation of the second connection portions 15 and 16. However, the reaction force due to the deformation of the second connecting portions 15 and 16 can suppress the reaction force against the compressive force of the entire connecting portion 10 because the longitudinal cross-sectional shape has a bent portion.

  In order to express such a function, it is preferable that the 1st connection part 11 consists of a fibrous material which is easy to bend and deform | transform, and has high tensile modulus and tensile strength. Specific examples include rayon cords, polyamide cords such as nylon-6,6, polyester cords such as polyethylene terephthalate, aramid cords, glass fiber cords, carbon fibers, and steel cords. Of these, an aramid cord and a glass fiber cord are preferable.

  The 1st connection part 11 should just consist of a fibrous material substantially, and that it consists of a fibrous material refers to the case where the weight ratio of a fibrous material is 50 weight% or more. Therefore, the 1st connection part 11 may be formed only with the fibrous material, and may be coat | covered with resin or rubber | gum.

  The tensile modulus of the fibrous material constituting the first connecting portion 11 is preferably 1500 to 18000 MPa, more preferably 3000 to 50000 MPa, from the viewpoint of sufficiently supporting the tension. Moreover, although the diameter of the fibrous material provided in one place is based also on the number of the places which form the 1st connection part 11, 0.5-2.5 mm is preferable from a viewpoint which fully supports the said tension | tensile_strength. 0 to 2.0 mm is more preferable.

  The length of the first connecting portion 11 is substantially determined by the outer diameter of the inner annular portion 1 and the inner diameter of the outer annular portion 3, but when an alternative to a general pneumatic tire is assumed, a straight line is formed between the annular portions. It is preferable to connect with the shortest distance. Corresponding to this length, the length of the second connecting portions 15 and 16 (the length when deployed on a plane) is determined, and the length of the second connecting portions 15 and 16 is the length of the first connecting portion 11. A length of 1.2 times to 2.4 times the length is preferable, and a length of 1.4 times to 2.0 times is more preferable.

  The extending direction in the front view of the first connecting portion 11 is preferably within ± 25 ° in the radial direction, more preferably within ± 15 ° in the radial direction, more preferably within ± 15 ° in the radial direction from the viewpoint of sufficiently supporting the tension. Within the range of 0 ° is more preferable, and the radial direction is most preferable. In addition, the extending direction in the side view of the first connecting portion 11 is preferably within ± 25 ° in the radial direction, more preferably within ± 15 ° in the radial direction, and more preferably within ± 15 ° in the radial direction from the viewpoint of sufficiently supporting the tension. Within ± 5 ° is more preferable, and the radial direction is most preferable.

  The number in the tire width direction when providing the first connecting portion 11 is preferably set so that the pitch is 2 to 20 mm from the viewpoint of preventing uneven deformation while sufficiently supporting the tension. Is more preferably set to 5 to 15 mm.

  The end of the first connecting part 11 is located in the inner annular part 1 and the outer annular part 3, but the end part is embedded in the inner annular part 1 or the outer annular part 3, or the inner annular part 1 or The outer annular portion 3 may be passed through, or as shown in FIG. 3, a folded portion 11 a may be provided so that the fiber material constituting the adjacent first connecting portion 11 is continuous. In this invention, it is preferable that the 1st connection part 11 has the folding | returning part 11a from a viewpoint which makes the 1st connection part 11 support sufficient tension | tensile_strength.

  FIG. 3 shows a nest 21 used to mold the tire of this embodiment with a mold. The nest 21 can be divided into two (21a, 21b), and a plurality of grooves 21c for arranging the fiber material to be the first connecting portion 11 are provided on the dividing surface. As shown in FIG. 3, a single fiber material is placed in the groove 21c so that the folded portion 11a protrudes, and the insert 21 in which both are integrated is placed in a mold to mold a resin or the like. It is possible to form the first connecting portion 11 in which 11a is embedded in a resin or the like.

  Moreover, the 2nd connection parts 15 and 16 should just be a shape which a longitudinal cross-sectional shape has a curved part and continues in a tire width direction. For example, the longitudinal cross-sectional shape is L-shaped, zigzag-shaped, arc-shaped, or wave-shaped. In this embodiment, the 2nd connection parts 15 and 16 are the things adjacent in the circumferential direction, and the example currently formed in the substantially cylindrical shape is shown.

  The second connecting portions 15 and 16 are made of an elastic material, and the same material as the inner annular portion 1 can be used. Fiber reinforcement in which a thermoplastic elastomer, a crosslinked rubber, other resin, or these are reinforced with a reinforcing material such as a fiber is used. Materials 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 end portions of the second connecting portions 15 and 16 are preferably connected to the inner annular portion 1 or the outer annular portion 3 at a small angle from the viewpoint of reducing the reaction force against the compressive force. With respect to the tangential direction of the inner annular portion 1 or the outer annular portion 3, the forming angle of the end portions of the second connecting portions 15 and 16 is preferably 30 ° or less, and more preferably 20 ° or less.

  The thickness of the second connecting portions 15 and 16 is preferably 4 to 12%, more preferably 6 to 10%, of the tire cross-section height H1 from the viewpoint of improving durability and improving lateral rigidity. Moreover, the thickness of the 2nd connection parts 15 and 16 does not need to be constant, and it is also possible to make thickness thin partially.

  In the case where a single second connecting portion 15, 16 is provided in the tire width direction, the width of the second connecting portion 15, 16 is appropriately determined according to the use, etc., but assuming an alternative to a general pneumatic tire, 100-300 mm is preferable and 130-250 mm is more preferable.

  The bending elastic moduli of the second connecting portions 15 and 16 are appropriately set so as to improve the lateral rigidity while reducing the reaction force against the compressive force.

  A plurality of connecting portions 10 are provided in the circumferential direction, for example, with appropriate intervals. It is preferable to provide the connection part 10 with a fixed space | interval from a viewpoint of improving a uniformity. The number of connecting portions 10 provided over the entire circumference (when multiple are provided in the axial direction, count as one) is sufficient to support the load from the vehicle, while reducing weight, improving power transmission, and improving durability. From the viewpoint of improvement, the number of the first connecting portions 11 or the second connecting portions 15 and 16 is preferably 10 to 80, and more preferably 40 to 60. In that case, the number of the 1st connection part 11 and the 2nd connection parts 15 and 16 may be the same, or may differ.

  The positions at which the first connecting portion 11 and the second connecting portions 15 and 16 are provided may be independent of each other, but the first connecting portion 11 and the second connecting portions 15 and 16 have a positional relationship that does not interfere with each other. Is preferred. In this embodiment, the example in which the 1st connection part 11 is provided in the position which passes the approximate center of the 2nd connection parts 15 and 16 formed in the cylindrical shape is shown. In order to achieve a positional relationship in which the first connecting portion 11 and the second connecting portions 15 and 16 do not interfere with each other, a method of providing the first connecting portion 11 in the middle between the second connecting portions 15 and 16 formed in a cylindrical shape. Is also effective.

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.

  The non-pneumatic tire of the present invention can be manufactured by manufacturing the support structure SS by molding, injection molding, or the like, and then forming the reinforcing layer 6, the tread layer 7 or the like as necessary. When reinforcing fibers are used as the reinforcing structure of the support structure SS, the fiber reinforcing structure can be formed by arranging the reinforcing fibers in the mold in advance.

  The non-pneumatic tire according to the present invention is excellent in durability and hardly changes in rigidity due to the positional relationship between the spoke position and the center position of the contact surface. Therefore, the conventional pneumatic tire can be replaced, and the solid tire and spring It can be used as an alternative to non-pneumatic tires such as tires and cushion tires. Specific uses other than general pneumatic tires include wheelchair tires, construction vehicle tires, and the like.

(Second invention)
FIG. 4 is a front view showing an example of the non-pneumatic tire of the present invention (second invention), (a) is a diagram showing the whole, and (b) is a diagram showing the main part.

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

  As shown in FIG. 4, the support structure SS in the present invention includes an inner annular portion 1, an intermediate annular portion 2 provided concentrically on the outer side thereof, and an outer annular portion 3 provided concentrically on the outer side thereof. And a plurality of inner connecting portions 4 that connect the inner annular portion 1 and the intermediate annular portion 2, and a plurality of outer connecting portions 5 that connect the outer annular portion 3 and the intermediate annular portion 2.

  In the present invention, at least the outer connecting portion 5 is substantially made of a fibrous material and arranged in a substantially radial direction, and the longitudinal cross-sectional shape has a bent portion and is continuous in the tire width direction. The second connecting parts 15 and 16 made of an elastic material are included. The first connecting part 11 and the second connecting parts 15 and 16 may be provided as at least the outer connecting part 5, and the inner connecting part 4 also includes the first connecting part 11 and the second connecting part 15, 16 may be provided. In the present embodiment, an example in which the first connecting portion 11 and the second connecting portions 15 and 16 are provided only in the outer connecting portion 5 is shown.

  The 1st connection part 11 and the 2nd connection parts 15 and 16 in this invention can be comprised similarly to the 1st invention. In this embodiment, the 2nd connection parts 15 and 16 show the example by which the longitudinal cross-sectional shape bent in a reverse direction is an L-shaped shape, respectively. Hereinafter, parts different from the first invention will be described.

  In the present invention, since the first connecting portion 11 and the second connecting portions 15 and 16 are provided outside the intermediate annular portion 2, the length of the first connecting portion 11 and the length of the second connecting portions 15 and 16. Is smaller than that of the first invention.

Therefore, when the length of the 1st connection part 11 assumes the alternative of a general pneumatic tire, it is preferable to connect between each cyclic | annular part by the linear shortest distance. Corresponding to this length, the length of the second connecting portions 15 and 16 (the length when deployed on a plane) is determined, and the length of the second connecting portions 15 and 16 is the length of the first connecting portion 11. A length of 1.2 times to 2.4 times the length is preferable, and a length of 1.4 times to 2.0 times is more preferable.

  The thickness of the second connecting portions 15 and 16 is preferably 4 to 12%, more preferably 6 to 10%, of the tire cross-section height H1 from the viewpoint of improving durability and improving lateral rigidity. The size of other portions can be set smaller than that of the first invention.

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, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, a crosslinked rubber, other resins, or a fiber reinforcing material obtained by reinforcing these with a reinforcing material such as a fiber, a metal, or the like. 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 order to increase the tensile modulus of the intermediate annular portion 2, a fiber reinforced material in which a thermoplastic elastomer, a crosslinked rubber, or other resin is reinforced with fibers or the like is preferable. That is, as shown in FIG. 3B, the intermediate annular portion 2 is preferably reinforced by the reinforcing fibers 2a. The reinforcing fiber 2a 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 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. In the present invention, the breakpoint is increased to make it difficult for fluctuations in rigidity, and from the viewpoint of improving durability, the extending direction of the inner connecting portion 4 is preferably within ± 25 ° in the radial direction in the front sectional view. The radial direction is preferably within ± 15 °, 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.

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

  As the material of the inner connecting portion 4, the same material as that of the inner annular portion 1 can be used, such as a thermoplastic elastomer, a crosslinked rubber, other resins, or a fiber reinforcing material obtained by reinforcing these with a reinforcing material such as a fiber, a metal, or the like. 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.

  When the tensile modulus of the inner connecting portion 4 is increased, a fiber reinforced material in which a thermoplastic elastomer, a crosslinked rubber, or other resin is reinforced with fibers or the like is preferable.

In the present invention, it is possible to provide the first connecting part 11 and the second connecting parts 15 and 16 similar to the outer connecting part 5 in place of the inner connecting part 4 as described above.

[Other Embodiments]
(1) In this invention, as shown to Fig.5 (a)-(d), on the inner peripheral side of the inner side annular part 1, the protruding item | line 30 of the longitudinal cross-sectional shape which has the part expanded on the inner peripheral side is provided. It is preferable to provide it. By providing such a ridge 30, even when tension from the outer peripheral side is generated on the inner peripheral surface of the inner annular portion 1, the expanded portion of the ridge 30 is locked to the rim, and the inner annular portion 1. The inner peripheral surface of the rim is less likely to be separated from the rim, and a sufficient load supporting function is obtained.

  The ridges 30 preferably have the same vertical cross-sectional shape and extend in parallel to the axial direction, but can also extend in an oblique direction with respect to the axial direction. Moreover, the protruding item | line 30 may be extended by the longitudinal cross-sectional shape which differs partially.

  The length of the ridges 30 in the axial direction may coincide with the width of the inner annular portion 1, but from the viewpoint of making the inner peripheral surface of the inner annular portion 1 difficult to separate from the rim, the width of the inner annular portion 1. The length is preferably 80 to 100%. It is also possible to divide the ridges 30 in the axial direction.

  The ridges 30 are preferably provided over the entire circumference, but the number in the circumferential direction when providing the ridges 30 is preferably 20 or more from the viewpoint of making the inner peripheral surface of the inner annular portion 1 difficult to separate from the rim, 40-80 are preferable.

  The ridge 30 may be provided regardless of the position of the connecting portion, or may be provided in the middle of the portion where the inner peripheral side end of the connecting portion or the like is located, but the inner peripheral side end of the connecting portion or the inner connecting portion 4 is positioned. It is preferable to provide the protrusion 30 in the vicinity of the inner peripheral side of the inner annular portion 1 of the portion to be performed.

  When the ridges 30 are provided in the vicinity of the inner circumferential side of the inner annular portion 1 of the portion where the inner circumferential side end of the coupling portion or the inner coupling portion 4 is located, the number of the ridges 30 provided is the coupling portion or the inner coupling. The same number as the number of the inner peripheral side ends of the part 4 or a half thereof is preferable. In particular, from the viewpoint of making it difficult to separate the inner peripheral surface of the inner annular portion 1 from the rim R, the number of the protrusions 30 is more equal to the number of inner peripheral side ends of the connecting portion or the inner connecting portion 4. preferable. Further, when adjacent ones of the connecting portions are inclined in a V shape, the ridges 30 may be provided so as to straddle the two connecting portions or the inner connecting portions.

  The height of the ridges 30 is preferably 2 mm or more from the viewpoint of securing a shape that sufficiently locks the ridges 30 in the groove portions of the rim. Further, from the viewpoint of weight reduction of the rim, 8 mm or less is preferable.

  The ridges 30 may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the inner annular portion 1 by adhesion or the like, but are preferably formed integrally with the inner annular portion 1. When the ridges 30 are formed by adhesion or the like, it is preferable to use a material having a higher elastic modulus than the inner annular portion 1. Even in the case of integral molding, a reinforcing material such as metal may be embedded in the ridge 30 in order to increase the strength of the ridge 30. In that case, the reinforcing material can be embedded in the ridge 30 by, for example, insert molding.

  The ridges 30 in the present invention may be any as long as they have a longitudinal cross-sectional shape having a portion that expands on the inner peripheral side. For example, as shown in FIGS. The reinforcing structure can take various forms.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5A, the longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the portion 31 expanded on the inner peripheral side is a rectangle, and the expanded portion 31 is connected to the inner annular portion 1 at a narrower portion. According to this structure, the locking effect with respect to the tension from the outer peripheral side is greater than that of the ridge having a trapezoidal longitudinal section.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5B, the longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the portion 31 expanded on the inner peripheral side is an ellipse or a circle, and the expanded portion 31 is an annular portion 33 having a narrower reverse arc shape. It is connected to part 1. According to this structure, since the reverse arc-shaped portion 33 has a round shape, durability near the base of the ridge 30 can be enhanced.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5C, the ridge 30 having a trapezoidal longitudinal cross-sectional shape is provided. However, in order to increase the strength of the ridge 30, a reinforcing material 34 such as a metal is embedded in the ridge 30. doing. The reinforcing material 34 may be a structure having a cross section of an H shape or the like, and includes a protruding line side reinforcing part 34a, an annular part side reinforcing part 34b, and a connecting part 34c that connects both. The width W3 of the ridge-side reinforcing portion 34a is larger than the circumferential width W1 of the narrowest portion (base portion) of the ridge 30 from the viewpoint of making the inner peripheral surface of the inner annular portion 1 more difficult to separate from the rim R. It is preferable.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5 (d), in order to increase the strength of the ridges 30, the ridges 30 are formed by embedding a part of the structure 35 having a cross section of an H shape or the like in the inner annular portion 1. . In this case, the structure 35 is formed of metal or the like, and the material of the ridges 30 and the material of the inner annular portion 1 are different. The structure 35 includes a ridge-side expanded portion 35a, an annular portion-side expanded portion 35b, and a connecting portion 35c that connects the two. Since the ridge-side expanded portion 35a corresponds to the portion 31 expanded on the inner peripheral side of the ridge 30, any shape as described above may be used.

  (2) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the second connecting portions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction are formed in a substantially cylindrical shape or a substantially rectangular tube shape (individually, an L shape) is shown in FIG. ) To (c), the shape of the second connecting portion and the positional relationship with the first connecting portion can take various forms.

  For example, as shown to Fig.6 (a), you may form the 2nd connection part 15 in a zigzag shape or a wave shape. In this case, it is preferable that the first connecting portion 11 is provided between the second connecting portions 15 so as not to interfere with the second connecting portion 15.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG.6 (b), the shape where the 2nd connection part adjacent to the circumferential direction is formed in the substantially octagonal cylinder shape may be sufficient. Moreover, the shape currently formed in the substantially hexagonal cylinder shape may be sufficient.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG.6 (c), the 2nd connection part adjacent to the circumferential direction may be joined to each other in the middle. In the illustrated example, the second connecting portions formed in a substantially cylindrical shape are joined to each other in the middle in the circumferential direction.

  (3) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the plate-like inner coupling portion is disposed in parallel to the axial direction has been shown. However, as illustrated in FIGS. The shape and direction of formation can take various forms.

  For example, as shown to Fig.7 (a), the arrangement | positioning direction of the inner side connection part 4 may incline from the direction of the axis O. As shown in FIG. In this case, it is preferable that the ridge is inclined from the direction of the axis O so as to extend along the inner peripheral side end of the connecting portion.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, the inner connecting portion 4 may have a shape in which a flat plate is bent. In this case, it is preferable to extend the protruding line so as to pass through the vicinity of the center of the inner peripheral side end of the connecting part having a bent shape.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG.7 (c), the shape which the flat plate has the rib 4a may be sufficient as the inner side connection part 4. As shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 7D, a plurality of inner coupling portions 4 can be formed in the direction of the axis O. In this case, it is preferable to extend the ridges along the inner peripheral side ends of the divided connecting portions.

  (4) In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the tread layer is provided on the outer side of the outer annular portion via the reinforcing layer is shown. However, in the present invention, it is also possible to directly provide the tread layer on the outer annular portion. Depending on the application, the tread layer can be omitted.

  (5) In the above-described embodiment, an example in which only one intermediate annular portion is provided has been described. However, in the present invention, it is also possible to provide a plurality of intermediate annular portions.

The perspective view which shows an example of the non-pneumatic tire of this invention (1st invention) It is principal part sectional drawing which shows an example of the non-pneumatic tire of this invention (1st invention), (a) is the state which the tension | tensile_strength works, (b) is the state which has applied the compressive force Exploded perspective view of a nesting used when the non-pneumatic tire of the present invention (first invention) is molded with a mold Front view showing an example of a non-pneumatic tire of the present invention (second invention) The longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the other example of the non-pneumatic tire of this invention The principal part front view which shows the other example of the non-pneumatic tire of this invention The top view which shows the other example of the non-pneumatic tire of this invention

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Inner ring part 2 Middle ring part 2a Reinforcing fiber 3 Outer ring part 4 Inner connection part 5 Outer connection part 6 Reinforcement layer 7 Tread layer 10 Connection part 11 First connection part 15 Second connection part 16 Second connection part SS Support structure body

Claims (4)

A non-pneumatic tire comprising a support structure for supporting a load from a vehicle,
The support structure includes an inner annular portion, an outer annular portion provided concentrically 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,
The connecting portion is substantially made of a fibrous material and is arranged in a substantially radial direction, and the second connecting portion is made of an elastic material whose longitudinal cross-sectional shape has a bent portion and continues in the tire width direction. Including
On the inner peripheral side of the inner annular portion, there are provided ridges having a vertical cross-sectional shape extending in parallel with the axial direction in the same vertical cross-sectional shape, and having a portion expanded on the inner peripheral side ,
The said protruding item | line is a non-pneumatic tire provided in the inner peripheral side of the said inner side annular part of the part in which the inner peripheral side end of the said connection part is located . A non-pneumatic tire comprising a support structure for supporting a load from a vehicle,
The support structure includes the inner annular portion, an intermediate annular portion provided concentrically outside the inner annular portion, the outer annular portion provided concentrically outside the intermediate 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;
At least the outer connecting portion is made of a first connecting portion substantially made of a fibrous material and arranged in a substantially radial direction, and a first connecting portion made of an elastic material having a curved cross-sectional shape and a continuous shape in the tire width direction. 2 connecting parts,
On the inner peripheral side of the inner annular portion, there are provided ridges having a vertical cross-sectional shape extending in parallel with the axial direction in the same vertical cross-sectional shape, and having a portion expanded on the inner peripheral side ,
The said protruding item | line is a non-pneumatic tire provided in the inner peripheral side of the said inner side annular part of the part in which the inner peripheral side end of the said inner side connection part is located .   The non-pneumatic tire according to claim 1, wherein the second connecting portions adjacent in the circumferential direction are formed in a substantially cylindrical shape.   4. The non-pneumatic tire according to claim 3, wherein the first connecting portion passes through substantially the center of the second connecting portion formed in the cylindrical shape and is provided at a plurality of positions in the tire width direction.

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