Non-pneumatic tire and small mobile vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides a non-pneumatic tire and a small mobile vehicle equipped with the non-pneumatic tire, wherein the non-pneumatic tire has high diurnal visibility while ensuring sufficient durability and the like. A non-pneumatic tire includes: an inner cylinder attached to an axle; an outer cylinder surrounding the inner cylinder from the outside in the radial direction, the outer circumferential surface of the outer cylinder being provided with a tread member; and a plurality of connecting members that connect the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder and the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder, and a visual recognition region is formed on the surface of at least one of the inner cylinder, the outer cylinder, and the connecting members that intersects the axial direction of the outer cylinder. The visual recognition region has an optical characteristic in which the reflectance of light in a first wavelength region having a wavelength of 500 nm to 510 nm is 40% to 80%, and the reflectance ratio, which is the ratio of the minimum reflectance in a second wavelength region having a wavelength of 420 nm to 650 nm to the maximum reflectance in the second wavelength region, is 0.4 or less.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to non-pneumatic tires and small moving vehicles. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, quiet-running vehicles such as electric vehicles and small moving vehicles, which have a different structure from conventional ones, have become popular. In addition, in association with these changes in running vehicles, the adoption of non-pneumatic tires for wheels has increased. From the viewpoints of appearance and visual recognition, wheels are sometimes painted.

[0003] A non-pneumatic tire is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The non-pneumatic tire includes an inner tube that surrounds the outer peripheral surface of a metal rim from the outer side in the radial direction, an outer tube that surrounds the inner tube from the outer side in the radial direction, and a plurality of elastically deformable connecting members that connect the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube and the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube. The inner tube is formed of a synthetic resin material, and a pair of clamping flange portions are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rim. The rim includes a first divided body and a second divided body.

[0004] An automotive wheel is disclosed in Patent Document 2. At least a part of the exterior surface of the automotive wheel is coated with a phosphorescent paint. In this automotive wheel, safety is improved because the visual recognition from the side of the vehicle at night is improved.

[0005] A paint for tire coating, a tire coating method, and a coated tire are disclosed in Patent Document 3. At least a part of the exterior surface of the automotive wheel is coated with a phosphorescent paint. The following is shown: Since the coated tire is colored according to preference, the needs of customers for automobiles and the like can be satisfied; Even among customers who purchase automobiles and the like of the same body color, differentiation can be achieved by installing coated tires colored in different colors; Visual recognition is improved. Patent Document 3 describes the following: Since a tire (pneumatic tire) usually rotates at high speed and is strained and deformed by a lateral force when turning, a high durability is required for the coating film formed on the tire. And the following problem is pointed out: Even when a tire is coated with a conventional paint, the coating film peels off when the tire rotates at high speed or is subjected to a lateral force, and it becomes unsightly instead.

[0006] An external gas introduction structure of a micro compact vehicle, which is one of small moving vehicles, is disclosed in Patent Document 4. Patent Document 4 shows the following: Most micro compact vehicles do not have a part such as a hood of a conventional vehicle.

[0007] A vehicle front portion structure is disclosed in Patent Document 5. Patent Document 5 discloses the following: Especially in a vehicle model such as a light vehicle, it is sometimes impossible to secure the space of the engine room.

[0008] Patent Document 6 discloses a lighting dimming device for vehicles. In this lighting dimming device for vehicles, based on the determination result of the headlamp lighting / off determination unit, in the dimming amount indication unit, based on the photopic relative visibility or scotopic relative visibility with respect to light having the emission wavelengths of a plurality of lighting light sources, a dimming amount for making the brightnesses of the plurality of lighting light sources equal is calculated, a lighting / off signal for performing the calculated dimming is generated, and the generated lighting / off signal is sent to a drive circuit to perform dimming of the lighting light sources. Patent Document 6 explains that: it is known that the visibility of humans varies depending on the wavelength of light and the surrounding brightness, and in order to eliminate the differences in the display modes caused by the display color, it is necessary to correct the brightnesses of display bodies that emit light in different colors according to the emission wavelength and the surrounding brightness.

[0009] Prior art documents

[0010] Patent documents

[0011] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2022 / 114069

[0012] Patent Document 2: Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 2-7694

[0013] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2012-106704

[0014] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2019-043188

[0015] Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2013-14293

[0016] Patent Document 6: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2012-66605 Summary of the Invention

[0017] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0018] For a traveling vehicle such as an electric vehicle (especially a small mobility vehicle) that has less noise and a different structure from conventional ones, different countermeasures from those sought for conventional traveling vehicles are required. An electric vehicle has less noise than a traveling vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine as an engine and is very comfortable for the occupants. However, for pedestrians on the road and occupants of bicycles, there is a problem that it is difficult to recognize the approach of the vehicle based on the noise. Therefore, in a traveling vehicle such as an electric vehicle exemplified by a small mobility vehicle that has less noise and a different structure from conventional ones, compared with conventional traveling vehicles, a design that further improves visual recognition and safety during the day, at dawn and dusk, and at night is required.

[0019] As the adoption rate of non-pneumatic tires increases with the popularity of small mobile vehicles, their structure and raw materials are different from those of conventional rubber tires. Therefore, in order to improve the visual recognition of non-pneumatic tires, a design different from that of conventional tires and wheels is required. For example, non-pneumatic tires are often formed of synthetic resin rather than rubber. In addition, the deformation pattern of non-pneumatic tires is different from that of conventional rubber tires, and the driving speed of the vehicle (small mobile vehicle) equipped with such tires is relatively slow.

[0020] Thus, there is a need for a non-pneumatic tire that ensures sufficient durability and has high visual recognition both day and night.

[0021] The present disclosure has been made in view of this actual situation, and an object thereof is to provide a non-pneumatic tire and a small mobile vehicle equipped with the non-pneumatic tire that ensure sufficient durability and have high visual recognition both day and night.

[0022] Solution to the problem

[0023] The non-pneumatic tire for achieving the above object includes:

[0024] An inner tube, which is mounted on an axle;

[0025] An outer tube, which surrounds the inner tube from the outer side in the radial direction, and a tread member is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube; and

[0026] A plurality of connecting members, which connect the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube and the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube,

[0027] A visual recognition area is formed on at least one surface of the inner tube, the outer tube, and the connecting member that intersects the axial direction of the outer tube, and the visual recognition area has the following optical characteristics: the reflectance of light in a first wavelength range of 500 nm or more and 510 nm or less is 40% or more and 80% or less, and the ratio of the minimum reflectance to the maximum reflectance in a second wavelength range of 420 nm or more and 650 nm or less, that is, the reflectance ratio, is 0.4 or less.

[0028] The small mobile vehicle for achieving the above object includes:

[0029] A vehicle body, the overall length of which is 3.4 m or less; and

[0030] Wheels, which support the vehicle body and enable the vehicle body to travel,

[0031] The wheels have non-pneumatic tires,

[0032] The non-pneumatic tire has:

[0033] An inner tube, which is mounted on an axle;

[0034] An outer tube that surrounds the inner tube from the outer side in the radial direction, and a tread member is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube; and

[0035] A plurality of connecting members that connect the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube and the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube,

[0036] A visual recognition area is formed on at least one of the inner tube, the outer tube, and the connecting member on the side surface of the vehicle body. The visual recognition area has the following optical characteristics: the reflectance of light in a first wavelength range of 500 nm or more and 510 nm or less is 40% or more and 80% or less, and the ratio of the minimum reflectance to the maximum reflectance in a second wavelength range of 420 nm or more and 650 nm or less, that is, the reflectance ratio, is 0.4 or less.

[0037] Effects of the Invention

[0038] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a non-pneumatic tire with high visual recognition both day and night while ensuring sufficient durability, and a small moving vehicle equipped with the non-pneumatic tire. Description of the Drawings

[0039] Figure 1 is a side view of the non-pneumatic tire of the present embodiment.

[0040] Figure 2 is a side view of the small moving vehicle of the present embodiment.

[0041] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a III-III cross-sectional view taken along the line of

[0042] Figure 4 is a graph showing the reflectance distribution of each wavelength of each test piece of Example 1.

[0043] Figure 5 is a graph showing the reflectance distribution of each wavelength of each test piece of Example 2.

[0044] Figure 6 is a graph showing the reflectance distribution of each wavelength of each test piece of Example 3.

[0045] Figure 7 is a graph showing the reflectance distribution of each wavelength of each test piece of Example 4. Detailed Embodiments

[0046] The non-pneumatic tire of the embodiment of the present disclosure and the small moving vehicle equipped with the non-pneumatic tire will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] In Figure 1FIG. 0 shows a non-pneumatic tire 100 (hereinafter referred to as tire 100) of the present embodiment. In Figure 2 FIG. 1 shows a side view of a small moving vehicle 200 equipped with the tire 100.

[0048] First, the outline of the tire 100 (refer to Figure 1 ) and the small moving vehicle 200 (refer to Figure 2 ) will be described. The tire 100 is used, for example, by being mounted on an automobile, a bicycle, a two-wheeler, a hand-powered electric wheelchair, etc. Hereinafter, the case where the tire 100 is mounted on an automobile, particularly the small moving vehicle 200, will be exemplified for description.

[0049] As Figure 1 shown, the tire 100 includes an inner cylinder 6 mounted on an axle, an outer cylinder 4 that surrounds the inner cylinder 6 from the outer side in the radial direction and has a tread member 5 mounted on the outer peripheral surface, and a plurality of connecting members 3 that connect the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 6 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 4.

[0050] In the tire 100, a visual recognition region is formed on at least one surface of at least one of the inner cylinder 6, the outer cylinder 4, and the connecting member 3 that intersects the axial direction of the outer cylinder 4. The visual recognition region has such optical characteristics that the reflectance of light in a first wavelength range of 500 nm or more and 510 nm or less is 40% or more and 80% or less, and the ratio of the minimum reflectance to the maximum reflectance in a second wavelength range of 420 nm or more and 650 nm or less, that is, the reflectance ratio, is 0.4 or less.

[0051] In the tire 100, high visual recognition can be achieved both day and night while ensuring sufficient durability.

[0052] As Figure 2 shown, the small moving vehicle 200 is a small vehicle equipped with the tire 100. The small moving vehicle 200 includes: a vehicle body 9 having an overall length of 3.4 m or less; and the tire 100, which is a wheel that supports the vehicle body 9 and enables the vehicle body 9 to travel. In the small moving vehicle 200, Figure 1 at least one surface of at least one of the inner cylinder 6, the outer cylinder 4, and the connecting member 3 of the tire 100 shown in Figure 2 intersecting the axial direction (the direction along the axis G) of the outer cylinder 4 faces Figure 2 the side surface of the vehicle body 9 shown in Figure 2 . In addition, the side surface of the vehicle body 9 refers to the left side or the right side when facing the front in the traveling direction of the small moving vehicle 200 (the direction F in Figure 2 ). In addition, the direction B in Figure 2 represents the rear. In addition, the overall length of the vehicle body 9 refers to the length of the vehicle body 9 in the direction along the traveling direction of the small moving vehicle 200.

[0053] In the small mobile vehicle 200, the tire 100 can achieve high visual recognition both day and night while ensuring sufficient durability.

[0054] Hereinafter, the tire 100 and the small mobile vehicle 200 will be described in detail.

[0055] As Figure 1 shown, the tire 100 includes a wheel portion 2 mounted on the axle of a vehicle such as the small mobile vehicle 200 (refer to Figure 2 ), a tire portion 7 disposed on the outer periphery of the wheel portion 2 and having an inner cylinder 6, an outer cylinder 4 and a connecting member 3, and a tread member 5 disposed on the outer periphery of the tire portion 7. The wheel portion 2, the tire portion 7 and the tread member 5 are formed in an annular shape in a side view. The central axes of the wheel portion 2, the tire portion 7 and the tread member 5 are common and located on the same axis.

[0056] Hereinafter, with respect to the tire 100, the common central axis of these wheel portion 2, tire portion 7 and tread member 5 is referred to as the axis G, and the direction along the axis G is referred to as the width direction (the same as the axial direction, Figure 3 direction W in Figure 1 ). In addition, when viewed from the axial direction, the direction of rotation around the axis G is referred to as the circumferential direction ( Figure 1 direction C in

[0057] ), and the direction intersecting with the axis G is referred to as the radial direction (

[0058] direction R in Figure 2 ). In addition, there is a case where the front surface of the tire 100 when viewed in the width direction is simply referred to as the side surface of the tire 100.

[0059] The central portions in the width direction of the wheel portion 2, the tire portion 7 and the tread member 5 coincide with each other. When viewed in a sectional view along both the width direction and the radial direction, the whole of the wheel portion 2, the tire portion 7 and the tread member 5 has a line-symmetric shape with respect to a straight line passing through the central portion in the width direction (tire equator portion).

[0060] The raw materials forming the tire portion 7, that is, the inner cylinder 6, the connecting member 3 and the outer cylinder 4, can be synthetic resin, for example, thermoplastic resin. The elastic modulus of the material forming the tire portion 7 is, for example, 170 MPa or more and 1500 MPa or less. The tire portion 7 can be integrally formed by injection molding or the like.

[0061] The tire part 7 and the wheel part 2 can be integrally formed or separately formed individually.

[0062] The inner tube 6 is a connecting part for mounting the tire part 7 on the wheel part 2 and is a base part for supporting the tire part 7 on the wheel part 2. The inner tube 6 is mounted on the axle by means of the wheel part 2. The central axes of the inner tube 6 and the outer tube 4 are arranged coaxially with the axis G. The inner tube 6, the connecting member 3, and the outer tube 4 are arranged in a state where the central parts in their respective width directions coincide with each other.

[0063] The outer tube 4 is formed in an annular shape and is a member for mounting the tread member 5 on its outer peripheral surface. The outer tube 4 is formed to be elastically deformable at least toward the radially inner side. The outer tube 4 is arranged so as to surround the inner tube 6 from the radially outer side. The outer tube 4 is supported on the inner tube 6 by the connecting member 3 described later.

[0064] The connecting member 3 is arranged between the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube 6 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube 4 and is a member for connecting the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube 6 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube 4. The connecting member 3 is a plate-like member that extends radially from the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube 6 to the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube 4. The connecting member 3 is a curved plate as a whole, with the front and back surfaces facing the circumferential direction or the radial direction and the side surfaces facing the axial direction. The extending direction of the connecting member 3 is slightly inclined toward the circumferential direction. A plurality of connecting members 3 are arranged between the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube 6 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube 4, and adjacent connecting members 3 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0065] The connecting member 3 is formed of a material that can be elastically deformed and connects the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube 6 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube 4 in a manner that allows relative elastic displacement.

[0066] As an example, the connecting member 3 includes an outer base part 31 that supports the outer tube 4, an inner base part 32 that is supported on the inner tube 6, and an intermediate part 33 that connects the outer base part 31 and the inner base part 32.

[0067] The outer base part 31 extends from the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube 4 toward the radially inner side and one side in the circumferential direction. The front and back surfaces of the outer base part 31 face the circumferential direction. That is, the outer base part 31 extends obliquely from the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube 4 toward the radially inner side and one side in the circumferential direction.

[0068] The intermediate part 33 extends from the radially inner end of the outer base part 31 toward the radially inner side and one side in the circumferential direction. That is, the intermediate part 33 extends obliquely from the radially inner end of the outer base part 31 toward the radially inner side and one side in the circumferential direction. The connecting part between the outer base part 31 and the intermediate part 33 is bent so as to protrude toward the other side in the circumferential direction. That is, the intermediate part 33 extends more obliquely toward one side in the circumferential direction than the outer base part 31.

[0069] The inner base portion 32 extends from the radially inner end of the intermediate portion 33 toward the radially inner side and one circumferential side, and is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylinder 6. That is, the inner base portion 32 extends obliquely from the radially inner end of the intermediate portion 33 toward the radially inner side and one circumferential side. The connecting portion between the intermediate portion 33 and the inner base portion 32 is curved so as to protrude toward one circumferential side.

[0070] The tread member 5 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the width direction with the axis G as the center. The tread member 5 is fixed (mounted) by being embedded on the outer side of the outer cylinder 4. As Figure 3 shown, the tread member 5 can cover not only the outer peripheral surface in the outer cylinder 4 but also the radially outer end portions in the side surfaces thereof in the width direction. The elastic modulus of the material forming the tread member 5 can be smaller than the elastic modulus of the material forming the tire portion 7. The tread member 5 is formed of, for example, vulcanized rubber obtained by vulcanizing natural rubber or a rubber composition, or a thermoplastic material.

[0071] As Figure 1 shown, the visual recognition region is formed on the surface at the side surface of the tire 100 of at least one of the inner cylinder 6, the outer cylinder 4, and the connecting member 3. The visual recognition region is a region having the following optical characteristics: the reflectance of light in the first wavelength range of 500 nm or more and 510 nm or less is 40% or more and 80% or less, and the reflectance ratio, which is the ratio of the minimum reflectance to the maximum reflectance in the second wavelength range of 420 nm or more and 650 nm or less, is 0.4 or less.

[0072] It is known that the sensitivity of the human eye based on the wavelength of light has a sense of color and a sense of brightness, and the way of feeling is different according to the wavelength. For example, the human eye feels the brightest for yellow-green light with a wavelength of 555 nm.

[0073] In the case of humans, there are two types of photoreceptor cells, cones and rods, in the retina of the eye. The cones and rods work differently according to the intensity of light. In a bright environment, mainly the cones function, and in a dark environment, mainly the rods function. The rods do not participate in color vision but have a higher sensitivity. In the dark, the cone cells hardly work, but the rod cells work. The cones are sensitive to color (wavelength) but insensitive to the amount of light (brightness). Therefore, in a bright environment where the cones function predominantly, the sense of color is well felt. In a dark environment, since the rods function predominantly, although the sense of color fades, the brightness can be well felt.

[0074] The cones are divided into three types, namely S cones, M cones, and L cones, etc. The S cones sense centered around blue (maximum absorption wavelength 419 nm), the M cones sense centered around green (maximum absorption wavelength 531 nm), and the L cones sense centered around red (maximum absorption wavelength 558 nm). According to the balance of light sensed by these three types of cones, the color perceived by humans changes (the so-called three primary colors of light).

[0075] In addition, as described above, in an environment where the visual object is bright, the cones function predominantly. This state is called photopic vision. In photopic vision, the wavelength of the light that appears brightest is 555 nm (yellow-green light) as described above.

[0076] In an environment where the visual object is dark, as described above, the rods function predominantly. This state is called scotopic vision. In scotopic vision, the wavelength of the light that appears brightest shifts to the shorter wavelength side compared to photopic vision. The wavelength that appears brightest in photopic vision is 507 nm (light blue light).

[0077] As the visual object transitions from a bright environment to a dark environment, the wavelength of the light that appears brightest transitions from 555 nm to 507 nm. This phenomenon is called the Purkinje phenomenon.

[0078] The above-mentioned first wavelength range (wavelength from 500 nm to 510 nm) is set as the region near 507 nm, which is the wavelength that appears brightest in photopic vision. If the reflectance of the visual recognition region in the first wavelength range is above a predetermined value (40% or more in this embodiment), the visual recognition in a dark environment is improved. If the reflectance of the visual recognition region in the first wavelength range is greater than the predetermined value (80% or more in this embodiment), the desired color may not be exhibited in a bright environment. In the tire 100, since the reflectance of the light in the first wavelength range in the visual recognition region is 40% or more and 80% or less, the visual recognition of the tire 100 (visual recognition region) in a dark environment is relatively high. In addition, the desired color can be exhibited in the tire 100 in a bright environment.

[0079] The above-mentioned second wavelength range (above 420 nm and 650 nm) is set to be within the range including the three maximum center wavelengths perceived by the cones. If the three types of cones respectively perceive light that is too strong (i.e., light with an intensity close to or greater than the detection sensitivity), then the visual object will appear white in the human eye. For example, in the daytime or outdoors under strong light, the visual object sometimes appears white. However, in the tire 100, since the ratio of the minimum reflectance to the maximum reflectance in the second wavelength range in the visual recognition area, that is, the reflectance ratio, is 0.4 or less, the light of the three maximum center wavelengths perceived by the cones from the tire 100 (visual recognition area) is moderately strong and weak, and the situation where the tire 100 (visual recognition area) appears white can be avoided. Thus, in a bright environment, the hue of the tire 100 (visual recognition area) can be visually recognized well by people, and the visual recognition of the tire 100 (visual recognition area) can be ensured.

[0080] Therefore, the visual recognition of the tire 100 is relatively high regardless of day or night.

[0081] The visual recognition area can be formed locally on the surface of a part of the inner tube 6, the connecting member 3, and the outer tube 4, that is, the tire part 7, or can be formed on the entire surface. The visual recognition area is at least formed on the side surface of the tire part 7. In the small moving vehicle 200 (refer to Figure 2 ), the tire 100 is mounted on the vehicle body 9 in such a way that the visual recognition area is exposed on the side surface side of the vehicle body 9. In order to improve the visual recognition of the tire 100, it is better to set the entire side surface of the tire part 7 (the surface exposed on the side surface side of the vehicle body 9) as the visual recognition area.

[0082] For example, the visual recognition area can also be formed on the surface of at least one of the inner tube 6, the connecting member 3, and the outer tube 4. In addition, the visual recognition area can also be formed locally on each of the inner tube 6, the connecting member 3, and the outer tube 4.

[0083] The optical characteristics of the visual recognition area can also be achieved by painting the tire part 7. That is, the visual recognition area of the tire part 7 can also be formed by a coating film. In the tire 100, although elastic deformation occurs toward the radially inner side, due to the structural feature of being non-pneumatic, compared with a pneumatic rubber tire, even when a lateral force acts during turning, it is not easy to generate deformation caused by the lateral force. Therefore, the peeling of the coating film forming the visual recognition area is not promoted due to the deformation of the tire, and the durability is improved in terms of maintaining visual recognition.

[0084] In the visual recognition area, it is more preferable that the reflectance of light in the first wavelength range is 50% or more and 80% or less. If the reflectance of light in the first wavelength range is 50% or more, the visual recognition of the tire 100 in a dark environment is further improved.

[0085] As described above, the raw materials for forming the inner cylinder 6, the connecting member 3, and the outer cylinder 4, that is, the tire part 7, can be synthetic resin. When the inner cylinder 6, the connecting member 3, and the outer cylinder 4 are formed of synthetic resin, the synthetic resin can be colored or toned using a pigment or the like, and their surfaces can be used as visual recognition areas having the above optical characteristics. If the synthetic resin is colored or toned using a pigment or the like, for example, even if the surface of the tire part 7 is ground or the like, since the ground base also has the same optical characteristics as the original surface, the optical characteristics as a visual recognition area can be maintained. That is, the durability is improved in terms of maintaining visual recognition.

[0086] As Figure 2 shown, in the small moving vehicle 200, a relatively small body 9 is usually adopted. The body 9 of the small moving vehicle 200, for example, has a smaller hood part and a design in which the tire 100 is relatively conspicuous. Therefore, in the small moving vehicle 200, compared with conventional traveling vehicles, the effect of improving visual recognition achieved by the tire 100 becomes higher.

[0087] In the small moving vehicle 200, it is preferable to install the tire 100 in such a manner that the visual recognition area of the tire 100 is exposed when viewed from the side. Thereby, in the small moving vehicle 200, the effect of improving visual recognition achieved by the tire 100 can be enjoyed to a greater extent. Thereby, when the small moving vehicle 200 is viewed from the side, the visual recognition area is moderately conspicuous, and the overall visual recognition of the small moving vehicle 200 is improved. Thereby, the safety of the small moving vehicle 200 is improved.

[0088] In the small moving vehicle 200, since a relatively small body 9 is usually adopted, the situation of traveling at a high speed like a conventional traveling vehicle is less. For example, in the small moving vehicle 200, the situation of turning while traveling at a high speed is less. Therefore, compared with conventional traveling vehicles, the influence of lateral force on the tire 100 is small. Thereby, when the tire 100 is installed in the small moving vehicle 200, the durability of the tire 100 is relatively increased both from the viewpoint of visual recognition and from the viewpoint of structure.

[0089] Examples

[0090] Hereinafter, examples will be described.

[0091] (Example 1)

[0092] Prepare plate-shaped test pieces of synthetic resin (polyester-based elastomer resin) for the inner tube, outer tube, and connecting members of the non-pneumatic tire applicable to this embodiment, and additionally apply a blue-based coating (multiple colors with different colors) obtained by modulation and color matching on them to fabricate test pieces 1-1 to 1-5 formed with a visual recognition area.

[0093] Measure the reflectance and the distribution of the reflectance at each wavelength for these test pieces 1-1 to 1-5 using a spectrocolorimeter. The reflectances are shown in Table 1. In addition, a graph showing the distribution of the reflectance at each wavelength is shown in Figure 4 . In Figure 4 the shown graph, the vertical axis is the reflectance and the horizontal axis is the wavelength.

[0094] [Table 1]

[0095]

[0096] In Figure 4 the graph, the range where the reflectance of the light in the first wavelength range is 40% or more and 80% or less is represented as the area S1 surrounded by the solid-line quadrilateral. In addition, the range of the second wavelength range is represented by an arrow as the range S2.

[0097] Based on Figure 4 the graph, the test pieces with the average value of the reflectance of the light in the first wavelength range being 40% or more and 80% are judged as qualified, and the other test pieces are judged as unqualified. In Table 1, whether these test pieces are qualified is shown as "qualified" or "unqualified" in the row of "whether the reflectance is qualified".

[0098] In addition, based on Figure 4 the graph, find the maximum reflectance and the minimum reflectance in the second wavelength range, and show them in Table 1 respectively. In addition, the ratio of the minimum reflectance to the maximum reflectance (minimum reflectance / maximum reflectance) is shown in Table 1 as the "reflectance ratio".

[0099] Moreover, the test pieces with the reflectance ratio being 0.4 or less are judged as qualified, and the other test pieces are judged as unqualified. In Table 1, whether these test pieces are qualified is shown as "qualified" or "unqualified" in the row of "whether the reflectance ratio is qualified".

[0100] In Table 1, the test pieces that are qualified in both "whether the reflectance is qualified" and "whether the reflectance ratio is qualified" are set as qualified in the comprehensive determination, and the other test pieces are set as unqualified. In Table 1, whether these test pieces are qualified is shown as "qualified" or "unqualified" in the row of "comprehensive determination". In addition, the test pieces judged as qualified in the row of "comprehensive determination" are equivalent to the test pieces having the visual recognition area of this embodiment.

[0101] Further, the test pieces are observed by the subject in a bright place (illuminance: 2000 lux) and a dark place (illuminance: 150 lux). When the number of people who are judged to be conspicuous or easily visible both in the bright place and the dark place exceeds half, it is regarded as qualified, and other cases are regarded as unqualified. In addition, the test pieces are placed on a black cloth and visually confirmed by the subject. In Table 1, whether these test pieces are qualified is indicated as "qualified" or "unqualified" in the rows of "visibility in bright place" and "visibility in dark place". In addition, there are three or more subjects.

[0102] In Table 1, the test pieces that are qualified in both "visibility in bright place" and "visibility in dark place" are regarded as qualified in the comprehensive judgment, and other test pieces are regarded as unqualified. In Table 1, whether these test pieces are qualified is indicated as "qualified" or "unqualified" in the row of "comprehensive judgment of visibility". The result of the "comprehensive judgment of visibility" is consistent with the result of the "comprehensive judgment" based on the reflectance judgment in the first wavelength range and the second wavelength range. That is, it is concluded that the test pieces having the visual recognition area with the optical characteristics of the present embodiment are easily visible both in the bright place and the dark place.

[0103] (Example 2)

[0104] Different from Example 1, green-based paints are applied to produce test pieces 2-1 to 2-5 formed with visual recognition areas, and the evaluation is carried out in the same manner as in Example 1. The evaluation results are shown in Table 2 and Figure 5 (Chart showing the distribution of reflectance).

[0105] [Table 2]

[0106]

[0107] (Example 3)

[0108] Different from Example 1, yellow-based paints are applied to produce test pieces 3-1 to 3-4 formed with visual recognition areas, and the evaluation is carried out in the same manner as in Example 1. The evaluation results are shown in Table 3 and Figure 6 (Chart showing the distribution of reflectance).

[0109] [Table 3]

[0110]

[0111] (Example 4)

[0112] Different from Example 1, red-based paints are applied to produce test pieces 4-1 to 4-4 formed with visual recognition areas, and the evaluation is carried out in the same manner as in Example 1. The evaluation results are shown in Table 4 and Figure 7(Chart showing the distribution of reflectance).

[0113] [Table 4]

[0114]

[0115] In the evaluation results of Examples 2 to 4, the result of "comprehensive determination of visibility" is also consistent with the result of "comprehensive determination" based on the reflectance determination in the first wavelength range and the second wavelength range. That is, it is concluded that the test piece having the visual recognition area with the optical characteristics of the present embodiment is easy to be seen both in bright and dark places regardless of the color.

[0116] As described above, a non-pneumatic tire and a small moving vehicle can be provided.

[0117] 〔Other Embodiments〕

[0118] (1) In the above embodiment, the case where the tire 100 is mounted on the small moving vehicle 200 is illustrated, but the tire 100 is not limited to being used when mounted on the small moving vehicle 200. Even when the tire 100 is mounted on other traveling vehicles for use, it has the effect of having high visual recognition both day and night.

[0119] (2) In the above embodiment, examples of evaluating the case where the visual recognition area is blue, green, yellow, and red are shown, but the visual recognition area can also be other colors.

[0120] In addition, the structures disclosed in the above embodiments (including other embodiments, the same below) can be combined and applied with the structures disclosed in other embodiments as long as there is no contradiction. Moreover, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are examples, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and can be appropriately changed within the scope not departing from the purpose of the present disclosure.

[0121] Industrial Applicability

[0122] The present disclosure can be applied to non-pneumatic tires and small moving vehicles.

[0123] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0124] 100, tire (pneumatic tire); 11, outer base; 12, base; 13, middle part; 2, wheel part; 200, small moving vehicle; 3, connecting member; 4, outer cylinder; 5, tread member; 6, inner cylinder; 7, tire part; 9, vehicle body; B, direction; C, direction; F, direction; G, axis; R, direction; W, direction; S1, area; S2, range.

Claims

1. A non-pneumatic tire, wherein, the non-pneumatic tire comprises: an inner tube mounted on an axle; an outer tube surrounding the inner tube from the outer side in the radial direction, and a tread member is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube; and a plurality of connecting members connecting the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube and the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube, a visual recognition area is formed on at least one surface of the inner tube, the outer tube and the connecting member that intersects the axial direction of the outer tube, and the visual recognition area has such optical characteristics that the reflectance of light in a first wavelength range of 500 nm or more and 510 nm or less is 40% or more and 80% or less, and the ratio of the minimum reflectance to the maximum reflectance in a second wavelength range of 420 nm or more and 650 nm or less, that is, the reflectance ratio, is 0.4 or less.

2. The non-pneumatic tire according to claim 1, wherein, the reflectance of light in the first wavelength range is 50% or more and 80% or less.

3. The non-pneumatic tire according to claim 1, wherein, at least one of the inner tube, the outer tube and the connecting member is formed of a synthetic resin.

4. The non-pneumatic tire according to claim 3, wherein, the synthetic resin is colored.

5. The non-pneumatic tire according to claim 1, wherein, at least one surface of the inner tube, the outer tube and the connecting member that intersects the axial direction of the outer tube is formed of a coating film having the optical characteristics.

6. The non-pneumatic tire according to claim 1, wherein, the surface of the connecting member has the optical characteristics.

7. A small mobile vehicle, wherein, the small mobile vehicle comprises: a vehicle body with an overall length of 3.4 m or less; and wheels supporting the vehicle body to make the vehicle body travel, the wheels have non-pneumatic tires, the non-pneumatic tires have: an inner tube mounted on an axle; an outer tube surrounding the inner tube from the outer side in the radial direction, and a tread member is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube; and a plurality of connecting members connecting the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube and the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube, a visual recognition area is formed on the side surface of the vehicle body of at least one of the inner tube, the outer tube and the connecting member, and the visual recognition area has such optical characteristics that the reflectance of light in a first wavelength range of 500 nm or more and 510 nm or less is 40% or more and 80% or less, and the ratio of the minimum reflectance to the maximum reflectance in a second wavelength range of 420 nm or more and 650 nm or less, that is, the reflectance ratio, is 0.4 or less.

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