Tire

Abstract

The knitted body of the present invention is constructed by knitting a filament body containing at least one metal fiber, the cross section of which orthogonal to the length direction is a convex polygonal shape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to knitted fabrics and tires. Background Technology

[0002] Tires constructed using helical springs are known in the past. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a tire in which multiple helical springs are combined with other helical springs and fixed to an annular rim, thereby forming a ring shape as a whole.

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a tire comprising a skeleton and a tread component. The skeleton of Patent Document 2 includes a rim component, multiple main springs, and multiple connecting springs.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2010 / 138150

[0007] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-192930 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0009] In the tire disclosed in Patent Document 1, the wheel is composed of springs such as coil springs. Because there are many gaps between these springs, the tire may not drive properly depending on the driving environment. For example, when driving on sand or similar surfaces with the tire disclosed in Patent Document 1, sand may sometimes enter the gaps between the coil springs, causing the tire to become buried in the ground. Furthermore, if sand enters the wheel's rotation center side from the gaps between the coil springs, and a drive mechanism is present on the wheel's rotation center side, it can cause malfunctions in that drive mechanism. Therefore, in the tire disclosed in Patent Document 1, the desired driving force and other driving performance may sometimes decrease.

[0010] In contrast, the tire disclosed in Patent Document 2 has a tread member disposed on the outer periphery of the skeleton portion, which is constructed using a spring. Therefore, by using the tire disclosed in Patent Document 2, the aforementioned decline in driving performance can be suppressed.

[0011] However, from the perspective of improving traction performance, the tire disclosed in Patent Document 2 has room for further improvement.

[0012] The purpose of this invention is to provide a knitted material and tire that can easily achieve tread components that improve traction performance.

[0013] Solution for solving the problem

[0014] The knitted body, as the first technical solution of the present invention, is constructed by weaving a filament containing at least one metal fiber, wherein the cross-section of the metal fiber orthogonal to the length direction is convex polygonal.

[0015] The effects of the invention

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide knitted fabrics and tires that can easily achieve tread components that improve traction performance. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a tire according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the tire's skeleton.

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the wheel rim components.

[0020] Figure 4 It indicates composition Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an example of the main spring of the grounding deformation section.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the locking configuration of the main spring against the rim component.

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Sectional view I-I.

[0023] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Sectional view II-II.

[0024] Figure 8 It indicates composition Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an example of a connecting spring in a grounding deformation section.

[0025] Figure 9A This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of how a connecting spring is connected to a main spring.

[0026] Figure 9B This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of how a connecting spring is connected to a main spring.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the limiting part.

[0028] Figure 11 This diagram shows the state in which tread components are installed in a part of the skeleton.

[0029] Figure 12 This diagram shows the state in which tread components are installed in a part of the skeleton.

[0030] Figure 13A This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the tread components mounted on the frame.

[0031] Figure 13B This is a diagram showing the cross-sectional shape of the metal fibers of a knitted body according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 14 (a) ~ Figure 14 (c) is a diagram showing knitted fabrics with different cross-sectional shapes of metal fibers. Furthermore, Figure 14 (a) ~ Figure 14 (c) all indicate that by Figure 13B The diagram shows a conceptual representation of the contact surface of a tread component made of knitted material in contact with a road surface with fine irregularities.

[0033] Figure 15 It means Figure 13A A diagram showing an example of the knitting structure of the tread component.

[0034] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing a modified example of a tread component.

[0035] Figure 17A This is a diagram showing a modified example of a tread component.

[0036] Figure 17B It means Figure 17A The diagram shows the structure of the knitted fabric and the winding method of the core material.

[0037] Figure 18A This is a diagram showing a modified example of a tread component.

[0038] Figure 18B It means Figure 18A The diagram shows the structure of the knitted fabric and the winding method of the core material.

[0039] Figure 19A This is a diagram showing a modified example of a tread component.

[0040] Figure 19B This is an explanation Figure 19A The diagram illustrates the construction of the tread component.

[0041] Figure 20A This is a diagram showing a modified example of a tread component.

[0042] Figure 20B This is an explanation Figure 20A The diagram illustrates the construction of the tread component.

[0043] Figure 21 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a manufacturing method for metal fibers with a rectangular cross-sectional shape.

[0044] Figure 22 This is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the main spring and the connecting spring.

[0045] Figure 23 This is a diagram showing an example of a rim component with three rim sections.

[0046] Figure 24 (a) ~ Figure 24 (c) are figures showing examples of the arrangement directions of tread components in two different tread sections.

[0047] Figure 25 This diagram shows an example of a tire with four rim sections and three different tread sections. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Hereinafter, embodiments of the knitted fabric and tire of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Common structures are labeled with the same reference numerals in all figures. In this specification, the tire width direction refers to the direction parallel to the tire's axis of rotation. The tire radial direction refers to the radial direction orthogonal to the tire's axis of rotation and centered on the axis of rotation. The tire circumferential direction refers to the direction in which the tire rotates about its axis of rotation.

[0049] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a tire 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The tire 1 of this embodiment includes a skeleton portion 2 that defines the structure of the tire 1 and a tread member 300 mounted on the skeleton portion 2.

[0050] <Skeleton Part 2>

[0051] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the skeleton part 2 of tire 1. Figure 2 As shown, the tire 1 in this embodiment has a skeleton 2 including a wheel part 10 as a rim member and a ground deformation part 20 that can deform upon contact with the ground.

[0052] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the wheel section 10 of the tire 1's frame section 2. The wheel section 10 has multiple rim sections. Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the wheel portion 10 of this embodiment has two rim portions. More specifically, the wheel portion 10 of this embodiment includes a first rim portion 101 and a second rim portion 102. Furthermore, the wheel portion 10 of this embodiment also includes a plurality of connecting portions 103 that connect the first rim portion 101 and the second rim portion 102. The number of rim portions included in the wheel portion 10 is not particularly limited. For example, the wheel portion 10 may also have three or more rim portions. Wheel portions with three rim portions and wheel portions with four rim portions will be described later (see reference). Figures 23-25 ).

[0053] The first rim portion 101 and the second rim portion 102 are made of metal or resin. Both the first rim portion 101 and the second rim portion 102 are formed in annular shape. The first rim portion 101 and the second rim portion 102 are positioned at different locations along the tire width direction A, with their central axes aligned. In this embodiment, the first rim portion 101 and the second rim portion 102 are configured to have the same size and shape. However, as long as they function as tire 1, the first rim portion 101 and the second rim portion 102 can be configured to have different sizes or shapes. The outer diameters of the first rim portion 101 and the second rim portion 102 can be appropriately determined according to the required size of the tire 1.

[0054] The connecting part 103 connects the first wheel rim 101 and the second wheel rim 102. The connecting part 103 may be made of metal or resin. Figure 3 As shown, the wheel portion 10 of this embodiment has six connecting portions 103, but the number of connecting portions 103 provided in the wheel portion 10 is not limited to this. Multiple connecting portions 103 are respectively installed on one side of the annular first rim portion 101 and one side of the annular second rim portion 102. Thus, the connecting portions 103 integrate the first rim portion 101 and the second rim portion 102. Hereinafter, in this specification, the side of the wheel portion 10 on which the connecting portions 103 are installed relative to the first rim portion 101 and the second rim portion 102 will be referred to as the "inner side in the tire width direction A", and the side on which the connecting portions 103 are not installed will be referred to as the "outer side in the tire width direction A".

[0055] In this embodiment, the first rim portion 101 and the second rim portion 102 have fitting bearing portions 105 on their inner surfaces in the tire width direction A, which are capable of fitting the main body spring 201 of the ground deformation portion 20 (see reference). Figure 6 Details regarding the fitting support and the fitting form will be provided later. Furthermore, in this specification, "fitting" refers to mating, and "locking" refers to a broad definition of fixation, including the fitting form.

[0056] like Figure 3As shown, the wheel portion 10, which is the rim component of this embodiment, also includes a support member 104, which supports and engages with the bearing portion 105 (see reference 105). Figure 6 The ground deformation portion 20 is in the fitted state. The support member 104 of this embodiment is installed on the first rim portion 101 and the second rim portion 102. The support member 104 can be fixed to the inner side of the first rim portion 101 and the second rim portion 102 in the tire width direction A using bolts, for example.

[0057] In this embodiment, the ground deformation portion 20 is configured to elastically deform along the radial direction B of the tire. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the grounding deformation part 20 of this embodiment includes a main spring 201 and a connecting spring 211. The main spring 201 and the connecting spring 211 are made of metal.

[0058] Figure 4 It indicates composition Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an example of the main spring 201 of the ground deformation section 20 shown. The main spring 201 connects multiple rim portions. In this embodiment, the main spring 201 connects the first rim portion 101 and the second rim portion 102. Figure 23 This diagram shows the frame portion 2, which has three rim portions 501 to 503. (See diagram for example.) Figure 23 As shown, when the wheel part 10, which is the rim member of the frame part 2, has three rim parts 501 to 503, it is preferable that the main body spring 201 connects all groups of two adjacent rim parts among the three rim parts 501 to 503 in the same manner as connecting the first rim part 101 and the second rim part 102 described above. Figure 25 This diagram shows the skeleton part 2, which has four rim sections. While detailed structure is not shown, it is... Figure 25 In the example shown, it is also related to Figure 23 The same main spring 201 connects all groups of two adjacent rim portions among the four rim portions. However, in the frame portion 2 having three or more rim portions, it can also be configured to connect at least one group of any two rim portions.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, the main spring 201 includes an elastic deformation section 202 and a locking section 203. In this embodiment, the elastic deformation section 202 is composed of a helical spring. Here, a helical spring refers to a spring that elastically deforms according to a load and is wound in a coil (helical) shape around a predetermined axis. For the elastic deformation section 202, an elastic deformation section 202 with appropriate material and elasticity can be used according to the desired size and weight of the tire 1, the required nature of the ground contact deformation section 20, etc.

[0060] The locking portions 203 are provided at both ends of the elastically deformable portion 202. The locking portions 203 lock the main spring 201 to the wheel portion 10, which is a rim component. The locking portions 203 have a different shape from the elastically deformable portion 202. That is, in this embodiment, the locking portions 203 have a different shape than the coil shape.

[0061] In this embodiment, the locking part 203 is composed of a component integral with the elastically deformable part 202. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the locking part 203 of this embodiment is composed of an extension part, which is a portion formed by the material constituting the elastic deformation part 202 extending from both ends of the elastic deformation part 202.

[0062] like Figure 4 As shown, the locking part 203 of this embodiment includes a straight part 203a, which is connected to both ends of the elastically deformable part 202 and extends in a straight line. Furthermore, as... Figure 4 As shown, the locking portion 203 of this embodiment includes a bent portion 203b, which is continuous with the front end side of the straight portion 203a opposite to the base end side connected to the elastically deformable portion 202, and is bent relative to the straight portion 203a. In this embodiment, in the side view of the main body spring 201 (refer to...), Figure 4 The curved portion 203b is bent orthogonally to the straight portion 203a. In other words, in this embodiment, the curved portion 203b is bent orthogonally to the straight portion 203a in a plane containing the axis of the main body spring 201.

[0063] Here, refer to Figures 5-7 This section describes in detail the configuration of the main spring 201 locked to the wheel portion 10 in this embodiment. One locking portion 203 of the locking portions 203 located at both ends of the main spring 201 is engaged with the first rim portion 101, and the other locking portion 203 is engaged with the second rim portion 102, thereby locking the main spring 201 to the wheel portion 10, which is a rim member. Here, an example is described where one locking portion 203 is engaged with the first rim portion 101, but the other locking portion 203 is engaged with the second rim portion 102 in the same manner.

[0064] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration in which the main spring 201 is locked to the wheel section 10. It is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the main spring 201 is locked to the wheel section 10 from the inside of the tire width direction A of the first rim section 101. Figure 5 The illustration only shows a portion of the locking part 203 of the main spring 201, but in reality, the locking part 203 of the main spring 201 covers the entire circumference of the first rim portion 101. Figure 5 It is fixed as shown.

[0065] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The first rim portion 101 is a cross-sectional view (I-I). Specifically, it is a cross-sectional view of the portion including the fitting support portion 105 of the first rim portion 101. Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the main spring 201 is locked to the wheel portion 10 with the locking portion 203 engaged with the engagement receiving portion 105 provided on the inner side of the first rim portion 101 in the tire width direction A. In this embodiment, the engagement receiving portion 105 is configured as a hole into which the bent portion 203b of the locking portion 203 can be inserted. More specifically, the engagement receiving portion 105 in this embodiment is configured as a bottomed hole. The length (depth) of the hole in the extending direction of the engagement receiving portion 105 is preferably longer than the length of the bent portion 203b. As a result, the bent portion 203b can be inserted entirely into the engagement receiving portion 105, and the engagement state is easily stabilized. However, the engagement receiving portion 105 may also be configured as a through hole without a bottom.

[0066] The cross-sectional shape of the hole in the fitting bearing portion 105 is not limited as long as it allows the bending portion 203b to enter; for example, it can be oblong, elliptical, rectangular, polygonal, etc. In order to more reliably lock the elastic deformation portion 202, the shape and size of the cross-section of the hole are preferably approximately the same as the shape and size of the cross-section of the bending portion 203b.

[0067] like Figure 6 As shown, the main spring 201 is configured such that, with the bent portion 203b inserted into the fitting bearing portion 105, the elastic deformation portion 202 is located, except at least partially, on the outer side of the tire radial direction B of the annular first rim portion 101. Figure 6 and Figure 7 (The upper side). In this state, on the inner side of the tire width direction A of the first rim portion 101 ( Figure 6 and Figure 7 (On the left side), the support member 104 is installed on the first rim portion 101. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the support member 104 is installed in a position that presses against the bent portion 203b inserted into the hole of the fitting receiving portion 105, i.e., a position that prevents the bent portion 203b from disengaging from the hole of the fitting receiving portion 105. Preferably, the support member 104 is installed in a position that blocks the hole of the fitting receiving portion 105 when the main body spring 201 is not inserted. Furthermore, as... Figure 6As shown, the support member 104 clamps the straight portion 203a of the locking portion 203 between itself and the inner surface of the first rim portion 101 in the tire width direction A. In other words, the support member 104 is fixed relative to the first rim portion 101 in such a way that the straight portion 203a of the locking portion 203 is clamped between itself and the inner surface of the first rim portion 101 in the tire width direction A. Thus, the main body spring 201 of this embodiment is locked to the wheel portion 10 in such a way that, with the bent portion 203b of the locking portion 203 engaged with the engagement receiving portion 105, the straight portion 203a and the bent portion 203b of the locking portion 203 are clamped between the inner surface of the first rim portion 101 in the tire width direction A and the support member 104.

[0068] In this embodiment, the support member 104 is mounted to the first rim portion 101, for example, using bolts 106. Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Sectional view II-II. More specifically, Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the portion including the bolts 106 that secure the support member 104 relative to the first rim portion 101. (See image.) Figure 7 As shown, the support member 104 is fixed to the first rim portion 101 using bolts 106. This can be achieved as follows: Figure 5 As shown, the support member 104 is fixed to the first rim portion 101 at a position between the two main springs 201. That is, in the first rim portion 101, a screw hole 107 for fixing the bolt 106 is formed on the tire circumference C of the annular first rim portion 101 between two adjacent fitting bearing portions 105. Thus, the support member 104 can be fixed to the first rim portion 101 without interfering with the locking position of the main springs 201.

[0069] It is possible Figures 5-7 As shown, the bolt 106 is configured such that its threaded end protrudes further into the tire width direction A than the inner side of the support member 104. Alternatively, the threaded end of the bolt 106 protruding further into the tire width direction A than the inner side of the support member 104 may be used to fix the fixing portion of the tread member 300, which will be described later.

[0070] The support member 104 can be configured as a single annular member or as a plurality of members that are integrally annular but divided into multiple members. In the latter case, the plurality of support members 104 may be arranged such that two adjacent support members 104 in the tire circumferential direction C contact or overlap each other at their ends in the tire circumferential direction C. Alternatively, two adjacent support members 104 in the tire circumferential direction C may be arranged such that they are separated by an appropriate interval in the tire circumferential direction C. When the support member 104 is configured as a plurality of members, each member may, for example, be fan-shaped.

[0071] Multiple main springs 201 are arranged at predetermined intervals throughout the entire area of ​​the tire circumferential direction C. Each of the multiple main springs 201 has one locking portion 203 that is locked to the wheel portion 10 using the locking configuration of the fitting receiving portion 105 of the first rim portion 101. Furthermore, another locking portion 203 of the main spring 201 is also locked to the wheel portion 10 in the same manner using the locking configuration of the fitting receiving portion 105 of the second rim portion 102. In this embodiment, one locking portion 203 and the other locking portion 203 of one main spring 201 may fit relative to the first rim portion 101 and the second rim portion 102 into the fitting receiving portion 105 of the first rim portion 101 and the second rim portion 102, which is located on a straight line approximately parallel to the tire width direction A. In other words, in this embodiment, the two locking portions 203 of one main spring 201 may be fixed at the same position in the tire circumferential direction C relative to the first rim portion 101 and the second rim portion 102. However, it is also possible that the two locking portions 203 of one main spring 201 are fixed at different positions in the tire circumferential direction C relative to the first rim portion 101 and the second rim portion 102.

[0072] The number of main springs 201 fitted into the first rim portion 101 and the second rim portion 102, and their spacing in the tire circumferential direction C, can be appropriately determined based on the size and weight of the tire 1, the nature of the required ground contact deformation portion 20, etc. The number of bolts 106 used to mount the support member 104 to the first rim portion 101 and the second rim portion 102, and their spacing in the tire circumferential direction C, can also be appropriately determined. For example, the bolts 106 may not necessarily be installed one between each of two adjacent fitting bearing portions 105 in the tire circumferential direction C, as in this embodiment.

[0073] In the skeleton portion 2 of the tire 1 in this embodiment, a ground deformation portion 20 is formed by connecting a plurality of main body springs 201, which are locked to the wheel portion 10, with a connecting spring 211. That is, in this embodiment, the connecting spring 211 functions as a connecting member that connects adjacent main body springs 201. Figure 8 It indicates composition Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an example of the connecting spring 211 of the grounding deformation section 20. In this embodiment, as... Figure 8 As shown, the connecting spring 211 includes an elastically deformable portion 212 and a limiting portion 213. The connecting spring 211 is disposed between two main body springs 201 that are locked to the wheel portion 10 and are adjacent to each other in the tire circumferential direction C. Moreover, the connecting spring 211 is connected to the main body springs 201 by combining with the two main body springs 201 described above.

[0074] In this embodiment, the elastic deformation section 212 is composed of a coil spring. The elastic deformation section 212 can be made of an appropriate material and has suitable elasticity depending on the desired size and weight of the tire 1, the required properties of the ground deformation section 20, etc. The diameter of the coil spring constituting the elastic deformation section 212 is preferably close to the diameter of the coil spring constituting the elastic deformation section 202 of the main spring 201. Here, the diameter of the coil spring is the diameter of its circumscribed circle when viewed axially, and the same applies below. The closer the diameter of the coil spring constituting the elastic deformation section 212 is to the diameter of the coil spring constituting the main spring 201, the easier it is to apply force evenly when the coil spring constituting the elastic deformation section 202 and the coil spring constituting the elastic deformation section 212 are connected as described later to form the ground deformation section 20. For example, the diameters of both the coil spring constituting the elastic deformation section 202 and the coil spring constituting the elastic deformation section 212 can be set to 15mm to 25mm, for example, 20mm.

[0075] In this embodiment, the limiting part 213 is provided at one end of the elastically deformable part 212. The other end of the elastically deformable part 212, where the limiting part 213 is not provided, does not constitute any other mechanism; therefore, the elastically deformable part 212 is shaped such that it is interrupted at the other end. The limiting part 213 limits the displacement of the connecting spring 211, which is connected to the main spring 201, relative to the main spring 201. The limiting part 213 only needs to limit the displacement of the connecting spring 211 relative to the main spring 201 in at least one direction. By using the limiting part 213 to limit the displacement of the connecting spring 211 relative to the main spring 201, as described later... Figure 9A and Figure 9B As explained, when the connecting spring 211 is connected to the main spring 201, the connection position of the connecting spring 211 is positioned and fixed. That is, the connection state of the connecting spring 211 relative to the main spring 201 is positioned and fixed. The limiting part 213 has a different shape than the elastically deformable part 212. That is, in this embodiment, the limiting part 213 has a different shape than the coil shape.

[0076] In this embodiment, the limiting part 213 is composed of a component integral with the elastically deformable part 212. For example... Figure 8As shown, the limiting portion 213 in this embodiment is an extension portion formed by a portion of the material constituting the elastically deformable portion 212 extending from one end of the elastically deformable portion 212. Figure 8 In the example shown, the limiting part 213 has a wheel-shaped portion formed by bending the metal wire that forms the elastically deformable part 212 into a wheel shape. This wheel shape is formed such that the direction intersecting the central axis direction D, which is parallel to the central axis O of the elastically deformable part 212, is the central axis direction E. The wheel-shaped portion of the limiting part 213 can be of any size capable of limiting the displacement of the connecting spring 211. For example, the wheel-shaped portion of the limiting part 213 can be configured with a diameter that is 0.5 to 1.0 times the diameter of the elastically deformable part 212.

[0077] Here, the function of the limiting part 213 will be explained in conjunction with the connection method in which the connecting spring 211 is connected to the main body spring 201. Figure 9A and Figure 9B This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the connection method of connecting spring 211 to main spring 201.

[0078] like Figure 9A As shown, the connecting spring 211 is connected to the two adjacent main springs 201 by hooking its elastic deformation portion 212 onto the elastic deformation portion 202 of the main spring 201, which is locked in the wheel section 10. Specifically, the connecting spring 211 is connected to the main spring 201 in a manner that limits the relative displacement between the two adjacent main springs 201 in the tire circumferential direction C. At this time, the connecting spring 211 is gradually connected to the two adjacent main springs 201 by inserting its other end, which is not provided with the limiting portion 213, into the main spring 201 while rotating and advancing.

[0079] When the elastic deformation part 212 of the connecting spring 211 is combined with the main spring 201, the final result is as follows: Figure 9B The image shows the state where the limiting part 213 is in contact with the main spring 201. Due to its shape, the limiting part 213 cannot be combined with the main spring 201. Therefore, the connecting spring 211 will not move further towards the insertion direction than the position where the limiting part 213 contacts the main spring 201. In particular, after the wheel-shaped portion of the limiting part 213 contacts the main spring 201, the connecting spring 211 will not move forward (towards the insertion direction) even if it is to rotate while moving forward. Thus, the limiting part 213 restricts the displacement of the connecting spring 211 relative to the main spring 201 in at least one direction. In this way, the connecting spring 211 is positioned and fixed in the connected state to the main spring 201 by the limiting part 213. Furthermore, the connecting spring 211 connected to the main spring 201 is not easily detached from the main spring 201.

[0080] Furthermore, preferably, at least one of the two ends of the connecting spring 211 is not fixed to the wheel portion 10. In this embodiment, neither end of the connecting spring 211 is fixed to the wheel portion 10. That is, in this embodiment, both ends of the connecting spring 211 are not fixed. However, it is also possible that only one end of the connecting spring 211 is fixed to the wheel portion 10. In this case, the other end of the connecting spring 211, opposite to the end where the limiting part 213 is provided, is fixed to the rim member.

[0081] In this embodiment, all the main springs 201 that are engaged with the wheel section 10 are connected to each of the two adjacent main springs 201 by connecting springs 211. In this embodiment, the frame section 2 is configured such that all the main springs 201 of the ground deformation section 20 of the frame section 2 are connected to the two connecting springs 211, and all the connecting springs 211 of the ground deformation section 20 of the frame section 2 are connected to the two main springs 201. By connecting the connecting springs 211 between the two adjacent main springs 201 in this way, even when a load is applied to the frame section 2, the distance between the main springs 201 will not increase excessively, making it easy to maintain the function of the tire 1.

[0082] Furthermore, the connecting spring 211, which combines the two main springs 201, can be inserted either from the first rim portion 101 side toward the second rim portion 102 side or from the second rim portion 102 side toward the first rim portion 101 side in the tire width direction A. Preferably, half of the connecting springs 211 provided in the frame portion 2 are inserted from the first rim portion 101 side toward the second rim portion 102 side in the tire width direction A, and the other half are inserted from the second rim portion 102 side toward the first rim portion 101 side in the tire width direction A. This ensures that the limiting portions 213 of the connecting springs 211 are evenly distributed on both sides of the frame portion 2 in the tire width direction A, facilitating the balance of the frame portion 2. Furthermore, it prevents the limiting portions 213 from being concentrated only on one side of the frame portion 2 in the tire width direction A. Particularly preferred is that two adjacent connecting springs 211 in the tire circumferential direction C are inserted from different directions. This makes it easier to achieve balance in the frame portion 2.

[0083] Furthermore, the frame portion 2 may also include a connecting member that connects the wheel-shaped portions of the limiting portions 213 of the plurality of connecting springs 211 to each other. The connecting member may, for example, be made of metal wire. The plurality of connecting springs 211 may be configured such that half of the connecting springs 211 are inserted from the first rim portion 101 side toward the second rim portion 102 side, and the other half are inserted from the second rim portion 102 side toward the first rim portion 101 side. In this case, the limiting portions 213 of the connecting springs 211 inserted from the first rim portion 101 side toward the second rim portion 102 side are located on the first rim portion 101 side in the tire width direction A, and the limiting portions 213 of the connecting springs 211 inserted from the second rim portion 102 side toward the first rim portion 101 side are located on the second rim portion 102 side in the tire width direction A. In this case, the skeleton part 2 may have two metal wires: a metal wire that connects the wheel-shaped portions of the plurality of limiting parts 213 located on the side of the first rim part 101 in the tire width direction A, and a metal wire that connects the wheel-shaped portions of the plurality of limiting parts 213 located on the side of the second rim part 102 in the tire width direction A.

[0084] The wire connecting the wheel-shaped portions of the plurality of limiting portions 213 located on the first rim 101 side is arranged, for example, along the tire circumferential direction C, passing through the central opening of the entire wheel shape of the plurality of limiting portions 213 located on the first rim 101 side. Similarly, the wire connecting the wheel-shaped portions of the plurality of limiting portions 213 located on the second rim 102 side is arranged, for example, along the tire circumferential direction C, passing through the central opening of the entire wheel shape of the plurality of limiting portions 213 located on the second rim 102 side. By providing such a wire, the limiting portions 213 of the plurality of connecting springs 211 can be connected to each other. Therefore, the displacement of the relative positional relationship between the limiting portions 213 is limited by the wire. As a result, the connecting springs 211 connected to the main spring 201 are less likely to detach from the main spring 201.

[0085] However, the connecting member that connects the wheel-shaped portions of the limiting parts 213 of the multiple connecting springs 211 does not necessarily have to be constructed through the central opening of the wheel-shaped portions 213 as described above; any configuration can be used to connect the limiting parts 213 to each other. In this case, for example, the connecting member can connect the wheel-shaped portions of the multiple limiting parts 213 by fixing them respectively to the wheel-shaped portions of the multiple limiting parts 213 to be connected. The displacement of the relative positional relationship between the connecting springs 211 connected by the wire is limited by at least providing a metal wire that connects the limiting parts 213 of the multiple connecting springs 211.

[0086] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the wheel-shaped portion described as the limiting part 213 has a central axis direction E intersecting the central axis direction D which is parallel to the central axis O of the elastic deformation part 212, but the shape of the limiting part 213 is not limited to this. The limiting part 213 can be any structure capable of limiting the displacement of the connecting spring 211 relative to the main spring 201 in at least one direction.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the limiting part 213 is composed of a component integral with the elastically deformable part 212, but the limiting part 213 may also not be composed of a component integral with the elastically deformable part 212. For example, it may also be as follows: Figure 10 As shown in the schematic diagram, the displacement of the connecting spring 211 relative to the main spring 201 is limited by a limiting part 213, which is composed of an independent component separate from the connecting spring 211. Figure 10 In the example shown, the limiting part 213 is configured as an independent component independent of the connecting spring 211, which limits the displacement of the contact portion between the main body spring 201 and the connecting spring 211 that are combined with each other.

[0088] The length of the connecting spring 211 can be appropriately determined based on the desired size and weight of the tire 1, the required nature of the ground contact deformation portion 20, etc. Preferably, the connecting spring 211 is configured such that the length of the elastic deformation portion 212 is shorter than the length of the elastic deformation portion 202 of the main spring 201. Preferably, the connecting spring 211 has the elastic deformation portion 212 extending over the entire length of the tire width direction A. Thus, the area of ​​the elastic deformation portion 202 of the main spring 201 that at least contacts the ground in the tire width direction A is connected to the elastic deformation portion 212 of the connecting spring 211.

[0089] <Tread Component 300>

[0090] like Figure 1 As shown, the tire 1 includes a tread member 300 disposed on the outer periphery of the skeleton portion 2 described above.

[0091] Figure 11 and Figure 12 This diagram shows a portion of the frame section 2 with the tread component 300 partially installed. More specifically, Figure 11 This is a diagram of the skeleton part 2, on which the tread component 300 is partially installed, as viewed from the outside of the radial direction B of the tire. Figure 12 The figure is an enlarged view of a portion of the skeleton part 2 on which the tread component 300 is partially installed.

[0092] like Figure 1 , Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, the tread member 300 is at least mounted on the ground contact area of ​​the ground contact deformation portion 20, which includes the main body spring 201 and the connecting spring 211, of the carcass portion 2. More specifically, the tread member 300 is mounted on the carcass portion 2 in a manner that covers at least a portion of the outer side of the ground contact deformation portion 20 in the tire radial direction B. More preferably, as in this embodiment, the tread member 300 is mounted on the carcass portion 2 in a manner that covers the outer side of the ground contact deformation portion 20 in the tire radial direction B of the carcass portion 2 throughout the entire area of ​​the ground contact deformation portion 20 in the tire width direction A. Furthermore, it is preferable, as in this embodiment, that the tread member 300 is mounted on the carcass portion 2 in a manner that covers the outer side of the ground contact deformation portion 20 in the tire radial direction B of the carcass portion 2 throughout the entire area of ​​the tire circumferential direction C. Particularly preferred is that, as in this embodiment, the tread member 300 is installed to cover the entire area of ​​the main spring 201 and the connecting spring 211 located between the first rim portion 101 and the second rim portion 102 in the tire circumferential direction A and the entire area of ​​the outer side of the tire radial direction B, such that the main spring 201 and the connecting spring 211 are not exposed to the outside.

[0093] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the outer surface of the tire radial direction B of the frame portion 2 is composed of a main body spring 201 and a connecting spring 211 that are combined with each other. A groove 230 is formed on the outer surface of the tire radial direction B of the frame portion 2 using the combined main body spring 201 and connecting spring 211.

[0094] As described above, in this embodiment, the main spring 201 is positioned at the same location on the tire circumferential C at both ends of the wheel portion 10. That is, in a tire side view of the tire 1 viewed along the axis of rotation, the plurality of main springs 201 constituting the ground contact deformation portion 20 of this embodiment have a radially extending radial configuration from the axis of rotation of the tire 1. Therefore, in the tire side view, the connecting spring 211 woven together with the main springs 201 also has a radially extending radial configuration from the axis of rotation of the tire 1. With the main springs 201 and connecting spring 211 configured to have radially extending radial configurations in the tire side view, as... Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the groove 230 is formed in a direction that intersects the tire width direction A and the tire circumferential direction C. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the direction in which the groove 230 extends will be referred to as the "extension direction F" (see reference). Figure 11 Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pitch of the helical spring in the elastic deformation portion 202 of the main spring 201 is approximately equal to the pitch of the helical spring in the elastic deformation portion 212 of the connecting spring 211.

[0095] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, in this embodiment, the tread component 300 is mounted in the groove 230 formed by the main spring 201 and the connecting spring 211. Figure 13A This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a section of the tread member 300 installed in the groove 230, orthogonal to the extending direction F of the groove 230. For example... Figure 13A As shown, the tread member 300 is installed such that it is at least partially embedded in the groove 230. By installing the tread member 300 in such a way that it is at least partially embedded in the groove 230, the tread member 300 is less likely to detach from the groove 230. In this embodiment, only a portion of the tread member 300, that is, only the portion of the tread member 300 that forms the inner side of the tire radial direction B (in... Figure 13A The lower part of the tire is embedded in the groove 230 and installed in this manner. The part of the tread member 300 that becomes the outer part of the tire's radial direction B (in) Figure 13A The upper part (the middle part) is exposed from the groove 230. In this case, vibrations during driving can be suppressed. However, the tread member 300 can also be installed by embedding it entirely into the groove 230. In this case, the tread member 300 is less likely to detach from the groove 230. In this embodiment, as... Figure 1 As shown, the tread member 300 is embedded in all the grooves 230 formed in the carcass portion 2. In this embodiment, the tread member 300 is arranged in contact with the tread members 300 adjacent to each other in the tire circumferential direction C. However, the tread member 300 may not be embedded in all the grooves 230. For example, the tread member 300 may only be embedded in a portion of the grooves 230 formed in the carcass portion 2.

[0096] In this embodiment, it is preferable that the tread member 300 is detachably mounted to the carcass portion 2. By detachably mounting the tread member 300 to the carcass portion 2, the tread member 300 can be removed from the carcass portion 2 for replacement when it wears out.

[0097] like Figure 13A As shown, the tread component 300 includes a knitted body 302. More specifically, Figure 13AThe tread member 300 of this embodiment shown is composed of a knitted body 302. A knitted body refers to a fabric formed by hooking filaments and continuously extending loops in a planar shape. In other words, a knitted body is formed by weaving filaments. Furthermore, the filament constituting the knitted body can be a single filament or multiple filaments. Moreover, it is composed of one or more fibers constituting a single filament. That is, the concept of "filament" in this specification is not limited to monofilaments composed of only one fiber, but also includes multifilaments composed of multiple fibers. Compared to woven fabrics formed by weaving warp and weft yarns, the filament 700 extends more evenly in the longitudinal, transverse, and diagonal directions in the in-plane direction, thus exhibiting more uniform strength in all directions. Therefore, by making the tread member 300 composed of a knitted body 302, damage when traversing uneven surfaces can be suppressed compared to cases where the tread member is composed of woven or non-woven fabrics. In addition, in this embodiment, for ease of explanation, the filament 700 constituting the knitted body 302 will be described as a multifilament composed of multiple metal fibers 302a, but the structure of the filament 700 is not limited to this structure.

[0098] Figure 13B This is a diagram showing the shape of a cross-section (hereinafter referred to as "cross-sectional shape") of the metal fiber 302a, which constitutes the multifilament 700 of the knitted body 302, orthogonal to the length direction. For example... Figure 13B As shown, the knitted body 302 includes metal fibers 302a with a rectangular cross-sectional shape. More specifically, the fibers constituting the knitted body 302 of this embodiment are only metal fibers 302a having the aforementioned cross-sectional shape. That is, the knitted body 302 of this embodiment is composed of only one or more multifilaments, and each multifilament is composed of only multiple metal fibers 302a having the aforementioned cross-sectional shape. Furthermore, as will be explained in detail later, the tread member 300 of this embodiment is composed of a sheet-like knitted body 302 rolled into a rod shape. In addition, the term "rectangle" as used above refers to a quadrilateral (square or rectangle) with all right angles.

[0099] The cross-sectional shape of the metal fiber 302a in this embodiment is rectangular, but the cross-sectional shape of the metal fiber 302a is not limited to a rectangular shape. The cross-sectional shape of the metal fiber 302a can be any convex polygon, such as a triangle, a parallelogram (including rhombuses), or a regular pentagon. A "convex polygon" refers to a simple polygon that does not intersect itself, and a line segment connecting any two points inside or on the boundary of the polygon will not appear outside the polygon. For example... Figure 13B As shown, if such metal fibers 302a are used to construct the contact surface 300b of the tread component 300 (in... Figure 13B If the middle is the upper side surface, then small bumps and depressions can be formed on the contact surface 300b of the tread component 300. Figure 14 of (a) Figure 14 of (b) Figure 14 (c) represents Figure 13B This is a conceptual diagram showing the contact surface 300b of the tread member 300 in contact with a road surface having small irregularities. Figure 14 of (a) Figure 14 (b) Figure 14 In (c), as an example of a driving surface with fine bumps and depressions, a driving surface Y consisting entirely of angular particles X is shown. Examples of driving surfaces Y consisting entirely of angular particles X include the lunar surface covered with angular topsoil with an average particle size of about 70 μm, and the seabed covered with sand and gravel. Figure 14 of (a) Figure 14 of (b) Figure 14 (c) differs only in the size of the cross-sectional shape of the metal fiber 302a that constitutes the contact surface 300b of the tread member 300. For example... Figure 14 of (a) Figure 14 (b) Figure 14 As shown in (c), the small irregularities formed on the contact surface 300b of the tread member 300 easily engage with the small irregularities of the road surface Y. Therefore, by setting the contact surface 300b of the tread member 300 to a structure with small irregularities formed by metal fibers 302a, higher traction performance can be achieved when driving on the road surface Y with small irregularities.

[0100] Furthermore, assuming a road surface Y entirely composed of angular particles X with an average particle size α, the lengths (hereinafter referred to as "lengths of each side of the cross-section") β of the metal fiber 302a with a square cross-section preferably satisfy the following (Formula 1). Additionally, Figure 14 (a) represents the state “β=√2α”. Figure 14 (b) represents the state “β=√2α / 2”. Figure 14 (c) indicates the state of "β = √2α / 4". By setting the length β of each side of the cross-section of the metal fiber 302a to √2α / 4 or more, it is easy to achieve a metal fiber 302a with strength that is not easily damaged or broken when driving on the road surface Y. Furthermore, by setting the length β of each side of the cross-section of the metal fiber 302a to √2α or less, it is easy to achieve an uneven surface 300b that easily engages with the unevenness of the road surface Y.

[0101] √2α / 4 ≤ β ≤ √2α …………(Equation 1)

[0102] In addition, as an example, when using the nonwoven fabric 302 of this embodiment as the tread component 300 of the lunar rover, since the average particle size of the topsoil is about 70 μm, based on the above (Formula 1), the length β of each side of the cross section of the metal fiber 302a is preferably 24.7 μm ≤ β ≤ 98.9 μm.

[0103] Furthermore, assuming a road surface Y composed entirely of angular particles X with an average particle size α, the fiber conversion diameter γ of the metal fiber 302a with a convex polygonal cross-section preferably satisfies the following (Formula 2). Additionally, the fiber conversion diameter γ refers to the diameter of the circle when the cross-sectional area of ​​the metal fiber 302a with a convex polygonal cross-section is converted into the area of ​​a circle. Figure 14 (a) indicates that the fiber conversion diameter γ of metal fiber 302a is close to "2α". Figure 14 (b) indicates that the fiber conversion diameter γ of metal fiber 302a is close to "α". Figure 14 (c) indicates that the fiber equivalent diameter γ of the metal fiber 302a is close to "α / 2". By setting the fiber equivalent diameter γ of the metal fiber 302a to α / 2 or more, it is easy to achieve a metal fiber 302a with strength that is not easily damaged or broken when driving on the road surface Y. Furthermore, by setting the fiber equivalent diameter γ of the metal fiber 302a to 2α or less, it is easy to achieve an uneven surface 300b that easily engages with the unevenness of the road surface Y.

[0104] α / 2 ≤ γ ≤ 2α………… (Formula 2)

[0105] In addition, as an example, when the nonwoven fabric 302 of this embodiment is used as the tread component 300 of the lunar rover, since the average particle size of the topsoil is about 70 μm, the fiber conversion diameter γ of the metal fiber 302a is preferably 35 μm ≤ γ ≤ 140 μm based on the above (Formula 2).

[0106] By constructing the contact surface 300b of the tread component 300 from multiple metal fibers 302a with convex polygonal cross-sections, traction performance can be improved when driving on surfaces with minor irregularities.

[0107] As described above, the tread member 300 of this embodiment is composed of a knitted body 302 comprising metal fibers 302a with a rectangular cross-sectional shape. Therefore, by using a portion comprising metal fibers 302a with a rectangular cross-sectional shape to form the contact surface 300b of the tread member 300, the aforementioned traction performance can be obtained. More specifically, as described above, the fibers constituting the knitted body 302 of this embodiment are only metal fibers 302a with a rectangular cross-sectional shape. Therefore, it is sufficient to use any portion of the knitted body 302 to form the contact surface 300b of the tread member 300.

[0108] Furthermore, the fibers constituting the knitted fabric 302 may also include fibers whose cross-sectional shape is not convex polygonal. Therefore, the knitted fabric 302 can also be constructed by weaving multifilaments 700, which are composed of multiple metal fibers 302a with a convex polygonal cross-sectional shape, and monofilaments or multifilaments 700, which are composed of fibers whose cross-sectional shape is not convex polygonal. However, it is preferable that 50% or more of the total fiber length constituting the knitted fabric 302 is the length of the metal fibers 302a with a convex polygonal cross-sectional shape; more preferably, 67% or more of the total fiber length constituting the knitted fabric 302 is the length of the metal fibers 302a with a convex polygonal cross-sectional shape; even more preferably, 75% or more of the total fiber length constituting the knitted fabric 302 is the length of the metal fibers 302a with a convex polygonal cross-sectional shape; and most preferably, as in this embodiment, 100% of the total fiber length constituting the knitted fabric 302 is the length of the metal fibers 302a with a convex polygonal cross-sectional shape. That is, most preferably, the knitted body 302 is composed only of metal fibers 302a with a convex polygonal cross-sectional shape. With this configuration, it is easy to achieve smooth operation on driving surfaces Y (refer to...) with the aforementioned unevenness. Figure 14 (a) ~ Figure 14 (c) tread component 300 that provides higher traction performance.

[0109] The metal fiber 302a is preferably made of austenitic stainless steel or aluminum alloy. Furthermore, the fibers constituting the knitted body 302 are preferably made of metal, regardless of their cross-sectional shape, and particularly preferably of austenitic stainless steel or aluminum alloy. By making all the fibers constituting the knitted body 302 of austenitic stainless steel or aluminum alloy, a structure that is not easily damaged even in extremely low-temperature environments can be achieved. In other words, using such a knitted body 302 enables the tread component 300 to achieve durability in extremely low-temperature environments. In particular, if the fibers constituting the knitted body 302 are made of aluminum alloy, not only is the aforementioned durability easily ensured, but lightweighting is also easily achieved.

[0110] like Figure 13AAs shown, the tread component 300 of this embodiment is composed of a sheet-like knitted body 302. (As indicated...) Figure 13A As shown, the sheet-like knitted body 302 is designed as a rolled-up rod shape, at least partially embedded in the main body spring 201 (see reference). Figure 9A (etc.) and connecting spring 211 (refer to) Figure 9A The groove 230 (refer to) is divided into sections. Figure 11 , Figure 12 By adopting such a structure, the rod-shaped tread component 300 can be easily realized from the sheet-like knitted body 302.

[0111] Furthermore, preferably, such as Figure 13A As shown, the sheet-like knitted body 302 is rolled up in multiple layers stacked radially. This arrangement ensures that even if the outermost radial layer wears or becomes damaged during driving, other layers with the same structure will appear radially inner, thus reducing the likelihood of performance degradation of the tread component 300. Therefore, performance degradation of the tread component 300 caused by wear, damage, etc., can be suppressed, extending the drivable range.

[0112] As described above, the knitted body 302 is an integral structure formed by weaving filaments 700 together. Therefore, it ensures high strength and durability, making it resistant to damage even in environments with large temperature variations or high levels of cosmic ray radiation, such as the lunar surface. Considering its use in such harsh environments, it is preferable that the filaments 700 constituting the knitted body 302 are not bonded together by adhesives or welding.

[0113] Figure 15 It means Figure 13A The diagram shows an example of the knitting structure of the filament 700 of the knitted body 302. (See diagram for reference.) Figure 15 As shown, the knitted body 302 of this embodiment is expanded into a sheet by connecting loops of the filaments 700. Therefore, the filaments 700 constituting the knitted body 302 and the metal fibers 302a constituting the filaments 700 extend in a better balanced manner along the longitudinal, transverse, and oblique directions in the in-plane direction of the sheet. Therefore, when the sheet-like knitted body 302 is rolled up to form a rod-shaped tread member 300, its winding direction (rolling direction) is not affected by the extension direction of the filaments 700 and the metal fibers 302a constituting the filaments 700, and can be any winding direction. In addition, the knitting method of the knitted body 302 of this embodiment is plain knitting (straight knitting), but its knitting method is not particularly limited.

[0114] As described above, the knitted body 302 of this embodiment is constructed by weaving a multifilament 700 consisting only of multiple metal fibers 302a with rectangular cross-sectional shapes. However, the structure of the knitted body 302 is not limited to this structure. The knitted body 302 can be constructed by weaving a filament 700 containing at least one metal fiber 302a with a convex polygonal cross-sectional shape. If the knitted body 302 is configured in this way, it is possible to achieve smooth operation on driving surfaces Y (see above) with the aforementioned unevenness. Figure 14 (a) ~ Figure 14 The tread component 300 exhibits high traction performance on (c) of the tire. However, from the viewpoint of achieving durability that is not easily damaged even in harsh environments such as those with large temperature variations or high levels of cosmic ray radiation, such as the lunar surface, the filament 700 constituting the knitted body 302 is preferably a multifilament. Furthermore, the multifilament constituting the knitted body 302 can be a structure in which multiple fibers are bundled together without twisting (untwisted yarn structure), but from the aforementioned viewpoint of durability, a structure in which multiple fibers are twisted (twisted yarn structure) is more preferred. Furthermore, as described above, in the case of a driving surface Y with uneven surfaces (refer to...), Figure 14 (a) ~ Figure 14 From the viewpoint of achieving higher traction performance in (c), it is preferable that, as in this embodiment, the knitted body 302 is constructed by weaving only multifilaments composed of metal fibers 302a with a cross-sectional shape of convex polygonal shape (rectangular shape in this embodiment).

[0115] like Figure 13A As shown, the cross-sectional shape of the rod-shaped knitted body 302 constituting the tread member 300 of this embodiment, orthogonal to the length direction, is oval, but is not limited to this shape. The cross-sectional shape of the rod-shaped knitted body 302 orthogonal to the length direction may also be, for example, circular or gourd-shaped (see reference). Figure 20A , Figure 20B )wait.

[0116] Figure 16 This is a diagram showing a modified example of the tread component 300. Figure 16 The tread component 300 shown is also related to Figure 13A , Figure 13B The example shown also includes knitted fabric 302. However, Figure 16 The tread component 300 shown is... Figure 13A , Figure 13B Compared to the example shown, this differs in that it includes a rod-shaped core 301 for winding the knitted body 302, in addition to the knitted body 302. The core 301 can, for example, be made of a coil spring with a finer diameter and a closer pitch.

[0117] Figure 17A This is a diagram showing a modified example of the tread component 300. Figure 17A The tread component 300 shown is... Figure 16 The structure shown also includes a knitted body 302 made solely of filaments 700 woven from metal fibers 302a with a rectangular cross-section, and a core material 301 wound around the knitted body 302. However, Figure 17A The knitted body 302 shown is similar in that it is configured as a loop shape to... Figure 16 The structures shown are different. Additionally, Figure 17A The loop-shaped knitted body 302 shown is a flexible, seamless tubular body. Figure 17A The annular cross-section of the knitted body 302 is shown.

[0118] Figure 17B It means to Figure 17A The diagram illustrates an example of a winding method in which a loop-shaped knitted body 302 is wound around a core material 301. Figure 17B As shown, the loop-shaped knitted body 302 is wound around the core material 301 with the core material 301 penetrating through it. This arrangement makes it less likely for the core material 301 to detach from the loop-shaped knitted body 302. Therefore, the loop-shaped knitted body 302 is wound around the core material 301 in a state where it is flattened and overlapped into two layers, except for the initial portion of the core material 301. Alternatively, the core material 301 may not penetrate through the knitted body 302. However, as mentioned above, from the viewpoint of suppressing detachment, it is preferable for the core material 301 to penetrate through the knitted body 302.

[0119] exist Figure 17A , Figure 17B In the tread component 300 shown, the annular knitted body 302 does not use the annular axis (the direction connecting the open ends on both sides) as the winding direction of the core material 301 (which is the same as the rolling direction of the knitted body 302). Figure 17A , Figure 17B The loop-shaped knitted body 302 shown uses the loop axis as the winding center axis direction, and the direction orthogonal to the loop axis as the winding direction of the core material 301. That is, Figure 17A , Figure 17B The loop-shaped knitted body 302 shown is wound around the central axis of winding, with the direction along the loop axis as the central axis. By configuring it in this way, the open ends of the knitted body 302 can be positioned at both ends along the length of the core material 301, thus preventing the open ends of the knitted body 302 from being exposed outside the tire radial direction B of the tread member 300. In other words, using... Figure 17A , Figure 17BThe loop-shaped knitted body 302 shown makes it easy to achieve a tread component 300 in which the metal fibers 302a constituting the filament 700 do not easily fall off. In addition, it is easy to achieve a tread component 300 with durability that is not easily damaged even in harsh temperature environments such as extremely low temperatures and high temperatures, or in environments with high levels of cosmic ray radiation such as the lunar surface.

[0120] Furthermore, the open ends on both sides of the loop-shaped knitted body 302 can be, for example, designed to be pressed into the wheel portion 10, which serves as the rim member of the skeleton portion 2 (see reference). Figure 3 The tire should be shaped such that it is inside the width direction A of the tire (e.g., not exposed to the outside).

[0121] Figure 18A This is a diagram showing a modified example of the tread component 300. Figure 18A The tread component 300 shown is... Figure 16 The structure shown also includes a knitted body 302 made solely of filaments 700 woven from metal fibers 302a with a rectangular cross-section, and a core material 301 wound around the knitted body 302. However, Figure 18A The knitted body 302 shown is similar in that it is configured as a loop shape to... Figure 16 The structures shown are different. Figure 18A The loop-shaped knitted body 302 shown also corresponds to Figure 17A , Figure 17B The structure shown is also a flexible, seamless cylindrical body. However, Figure 18A The knitted body 302 shown is Figure 17A , Figure 17B The structure shown is different from the winding method used to wind the core material 301.

[0122] Figure 18B It means to Figure 18A The diagram illustrates an example of a winding method in which a loop-shaped knitted body 302 is wound around a core material 301. Figure 18B As shown, the loop-shaped knitted body 302 is spirally wound around the core material 301. Furthermore, the surrounding portions of the knitted body 302 wound around the core material 301 are preferably in partial contact or overlap with each other in the longitudinal direction of the core material 301. With this arrangement, gaps are less likely to form in the tread member 300, thus preventing foreign objects from entering the tire 1.

[0123] exist Figure 18A , Figure 18B In the tread component 300 shown, the loop-shaped knitted body 302 uses the loop axis (the direction connecting the open ends on both sides) as the winding direction of the core material 301. More specifically, Figure 18A , Figure 18BThe loop-shaped knitted body 302 shown uses the direction orthogonal to the loop axis as the winding center axis direction, and the loop axis as the winding direction wound around the core material 301. That is, Figure 18A , Figure 18B The loop-shaped knitted body 302 shown is wound in a spiral shape around the central axis of winding, with the direction orthogonal to the loop axis as the central axis. With this structure, the open ends of the knitted body 302 can be positioned at both ends along the length of the core material 301. Therefore, the open ends of the knitted body 302 are less likely to be exposed on the outside of the tire radial direction B of the tread member 300. This suppresses the shedding of the metal fibers 302a constituting the filament 700. Furthermore, it is easy to achieve a tread member 300 with durability that is not easily damaged even in harsh temperature environments such as extremely low temperatures, high temperatures, or environments with high levels of cosmic ray radiation such as the lunar surface.

[0124] Figure 19A , Figure 19B This is a diagram showing a modified example of the tread component 300. Figure 19A , Figure 19B The tread member 300 shown includes a knitted body 302, a rod-shaped core material 301, and a reinforcing member 303 located radially outside the core material 301 between the core material 301 and the knitted body 302. The reinforcing member 303 can be cylindrical, surrounding the radially outer side of the core material 301. The reinforcing member 303 can be, for example, a coil spring with a close pitch. The core material 301 is disposed inside the cylindrical reinforcing member 303. By providing the reinforcing member 303, the penetration of the core material 301 into the knitted body 302 can be suppressed compared to the case without the reinforcing member 303. Furthermore, by protecting the core material 301 with the reinforcing member 303, the durability of the tread member 300 is improved. In addition, the reinforcing member 303 accumulates and retains heat conducted from the wheel section 10 and the like, as well as heat emitted by the tread member 300, and can suppress excessive cooling of the tread member 300 in extremely low temperature environments.

[0125] in addition, Figure 19A , Figure 19B The tread component 300 shown can also be as follows Figure 16 The diagram shows a structure formed by rolling up a sheet of knitted fabric 302. Furthermore, Figure 19A , Figure 19B The tread component 300 shown can also be as follows Figure 17A , Figure 17B The diagram shows a structure formed by rolling up a loop-shaped knitted body 302. Furthermore, Figure 19A , Figure 19B The tread component 300 shown can also be as follows Figure 18A , Figure 18B The diagram shows a structure formed by winding a loop-shaped knitted body 302 into a spiral shape.

[0126] Figure 20A , Figure 20B This is a diagram showing a modified example of the tread component 300. Figure 20A , Figure 20B The tread component 300 shown is... Figure 19A , Figure 19B The only difference between the structures shown is the cross-sectional shape of the knitted body 302 embedded in the groove 230. For example... Figure 20A , Figure 20B As shown, the knitted body 302 of the tread member 300 can also be gourd-shaped in cross-section. In this case, the tread member 300 has a fixed area a1 embedded in the groove 230 and a grounding area a2. The grounding area a2 is provided on the outer side of the tire radial direction B relative to the fixed area a1. The fixed area a1 in the tread member 300 is provided with a core material 301 and a reinforcing member 303. Figure 20A , Figure 20B As shown, in a cross-sectional view orthogonal to the length direction of the rod-shaped tread member 300, the width of the contact patch a2 is greater than the width of the fixed patch a1. Furthermore, the tire radial length B of the contact patch a2 is longer than the tire radial length B of the fixed patch a1.

[0127] in addition, Figure 20A , Figure 20B The tread component 300 shown can also be as follows Figure 16 The diagram shows a structure formed by rolling up a sheet of knitted fabric 302. Furthermore, Figure 20A , Figure 20B The tread component 300 shown can also be as follows Figure 17A , Figure 17B The diagram shows a structure formed by rolling up a loop-shaped knitted body 302. Furthermore, Figure 20A , Figure 20B The tread component 300 shown can also be as follows Figure 18A , Figure 18B The diagram shows a structure formed by winding a loop-shaped knitted body 302 into a spiral shape.

[0128] In this embodiment, the method of fixing the rod-shaped tread member 300 to the skeleton portion 2 is not particularly limited. The tread member 300 may also include, for example, a fixing part for fixing to the skeleton portion 2. The fixing part may, for example, be made from the core material 301 described above (see reference...). Figure 16 The part extends from both ends of the (etc.). The fixing part can be fixed to the bolt 106 mentioned above (see...). Figure 7 The protruding threaded end of the tread component 300 is designed to prevent it from detaching from the skeleton component 2.

[0129] Next, refer to Figure 21This describes the manufacturing method of the metal fiber 302a with a rectangular cross-sectional shape. For example... Figure 21 As shown, by winding up a metal film 400, a roll 401 of the metal film 400 is formed. The end face of this roll 401 is then cut using a cutting tool 600, thereby obtaining a metal fiber 302a with a rectangular cross-sectional shape. However, Figure 21 The manufacturing method shown is an example; there are no particular limitations on the manufacturing method of metal fibers with a convex polygonal cross-section.

[0130] Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on the method of weaving the filaments 700 that constitute the knitted body 302. The knitted body 302 can be formed, for example, using various knitting machines corresponding to the knitting method.

[0131] As described above, a knitted body 302, constructed from a filament 700 comprising at least one metal fiber 302a with a rectangular cross-sectional shape, as shown in this embodiment, can achieve a tread component 300 with improved traction performance. As mentioned above, the cross-sectional shape of the metal fiber 302a is not limited to a rectangular shape; even other convex polygonal shapes can achieve a tread component 300 with improved traction performance. Furthermore, the knitted body 302 may be used for purposes other than the tread component 300 of the tire 1.

[0132] The knitted fabric and tire of the present invention are not limited to the specific structures shown in the above embodiments, and can be modified, altered, and combined in various ways without departing from the scope of the claims. For example, in the above embodiments, the elastic deformation portion 202 of the main spring 201 and the elastic deformation portion 212 of the connecting spring 211 are respectively constituted by helical springs, but the invention is not limited to this structure. The elastic deformation portion 202 of the main spring 201 and / or the elastic deformation portion 212 of the connecting spring 211 may also be configured to include, for example, helical springs instead of helical springs. Figure 22 The two-dimensional (i.e., extending approximately along the same plane) wavy metal wire portion is shown. Figure 22 The example shown illustrates a case where the elastic deformation portion 202 and the elastic deformation portion 212 are formed in a two-dimensional wave shape. The wave-shaped metal wire portion can be, for example, a shape formed by connecting semicircles or a sinusoidal wave shape. In this case, the main spring 201 and the connecting spring 211 can be connected by combining the wave-shaped metal wire portion of the main spring 201 and the wave-shaped metal wire portion of the connecting spring 211. In other words, the main spring 201 and the connecting spring 211 can also be combined without forming a groove 230 (see reference). Figure 11The structure (etc.) is not limited to the structure of the tread member 300 being held within the groove 230. However, from the viewpoint of maintaining the stability of the tread member 300, it is preferable to have the main spring 201 and the connecting spring 211, which divide the groove 230 when they are combined together, as shown in the above embodiment.

[0133] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a tire 1 having a plurality of tread members 300 arranged without gaps in the tire circumferential direction C between two rim portions has been described, but the structure is not limited to this. It is also possible to use... Figures 23-25 The image shows a wheel section 10 with three or more rim sections. Alternatively, it can also be as follows... Figure 24 , Figure 25 The diagram shows multiple (in) tires at different positions A along the tire width direction. Figure 24 There are two in the middle, in Figure 25 The middle part is the structure of the three parts of the fetal face.

[0134] Figure 24 (a) ~ Figure 24 (c) represents a tire 1 with two tread sections 4a and 4b at different positions in the tire width direction A. Figure 24 (a) ~ Figure 24 The tire 1 shown in (c) differs in the different orientations of the tread components 300 in the tread sections 4a and 4b. For example... Figure 24 (a) ~ Figure 24 As shown in (c), the arrangement direction of the rod-shaped tread members 300 is not particularly limited. Furthermore, even if there is only one tread portion as in the embodiment described above, the arrangement direction of the tread members 300 is not particularly limited. It can also be as follows... Figure 24 of (a) Figure 24 As shown in (b), in the tread view viewed from the radial side B of the tire, the tread member 300 extends along a direction inclined relative to the tire width direction A and the tire circumferential direction C. Alternatively, it can also be as follows: Figure 24 As shown in (c), in the tread view viewed from the radial outer side B of the tire, the tread member 300 extends along the tire width direction A. Additionally, in Figure 25 In the three tread sections 4a to 4c shown, the arrangement direction of the tread components 300 is not particularly limited.

[0135] Industrial availability

[0136] This invention relates to knitted fabrics and tires.

[0137] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0138] 1. Tire; 2. Carcass; 4a, 4b, 4c, Tread; 10. Wheel (Rim Component); 20. Ground Contact Deformation Part; 101. First Rim; 102. Second Rim; 103. Connecting Part; 104. Support Component; 105. Fitting Bearing Part; 106. Bolt; 107. Screw Hole; 201. Main Spring; 202. Elastic Deformation Part; 203. Locking Part; 203a. Straight Part; 203b. Bending Part; 212. Elastic Deformation Part; 213. Restricting Part; 230. Groove; 300. Tread Component; 300b. Ground Contact Surface; 301. Core Material; 302, knitted fabric; 302a, metal fiber; 303, reinforcing member; 400, metal film; 401, roll; 501, 502, 503, rim portion; 600, cutting tool; 700, filament; A, tire width direction; a1, fixed area; a2, ground contact area; B, tire radial direction; C, tire circumferential direction; D, direction of the central axis of the elastic deformation part of the connecting spring; E, direction of the central axis of the wheel shape of the limiting part of the connecting spring; F, extension direction of the groove; O, central axis of the elastic deformation part of the connecting spring; X, particle; Y, road surface.

Claims

1. A tire, wherein, The tire includes: The frame includes a rim component, a plurality of main springs secured to the rim component, and a plurality of connecting springs combined with the main springs; and Tread components, which are disposed at least on the outer periphery of the skeleton portion. The tread component comprises a knitted body formed by weaving a filament containing at least one metal fiber, the metal fiber having a convex polygonal cross-section orthogonal to its length direction. The knitted body is arranged on the outer periphery of the skeleton portion in a rolled-up rod shape and is at least partially embedded in the grooves divided by the main spring and the connecting spring. The knitted body forms the ground surface of the tread component.

2. The tire according to claim 1, wherein, The cross-section of the metal fiber orthogonal to the length direction is rectangular.

3. The tire according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The metal fibers are made of austenitic stainless steel or aluminum alloy.

4. The tire according to claim 1, wherein, The knitted fabric is formed in a loop shape.

5. The tire according to claim 1, wherein, The filament is a multifilament composed of multiple metal fibers.

6. The tire according to claim 5, wherein, The knitted fabric is constructed by knitting only the multifilaments.

7. The tire according to claim 1, wherein, The knitted fabric is rolled up in a radially stacked, multi-layered manner.

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