Non-pneumatic tires

Abstract

To provide a non-pneumatic tire that is lightweight while possessing sufficient rigidity against lateral forces. [Solution] The non-pneumatic tire 2 comprises a plurality of annular bodies 21, each annular body 21 including a plurality of inner annular bodies 21i and an outer annular body 21o positioned outside all of the plurality of inner annular bodies 21i in the tire radial direction, each of the plurality of inner annular bodies 21i and the outer annular body 21o comprises a plurality of plate-shaped tread members 4, each of which comprises a plurality of plate-shaped tread members 4 in at least one annular body 21 including a plurality of outer plate-shaped tread members 41 extending at a first angle with respect to the tire width direction in a plan view of the tire, and a plurality of inner plate-shaped tread members 42 located inside the plurality of outer plate-shaped tread members 41 in the tire radial direction and extending at a second angle different from the first angle with respect to the tire width direction in a plan view of the tire.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a non-pneumatic tire.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, tires configured using coil springs have been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a tire including a skeleton portion and a tread member. The skeleton portion of Patent Document 1 includes a rim member, a plurality of main body springs, and a plurality of connecting springs. Further, Patent Document 1 discloses, as an example, a tread member configured to include a metal non-woven fabric that is mounted so that at least a part thereof is embedded in a groove formed by the main body springs and the connecting springs.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the tire disclosed in Patent Document 1, since it includes a tread member disposed on the outer periphery of a skeleton portion configured using springs, it is possible to suppress foreign matter such as sand from entering the inner side of the tire. As a result, the running performance is less likely to deteriorate.

[0005] However, in the tire disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is still room for improvement from the perspective of weight reduction of the tread member and thus the tire. Further, in a non-pneumatic tire, since there is no support by air pressure, sufficient rigidity particularly against lateral force (an external force applied in the tire width direction) is required.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a non-pneumatic tire that is lightweight and has sufficient rigidity against lateral forces. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The means to achieve the above objectives are as follows:

[0008] (1) A non-pneumatic tire as a first aspect of the present invention is It has multiple ring-shaped bodies, The plurality of annular bodies include a plurality of inner annular bodies arranged side by side in the tire width direction, and an outer annular body positioned outside all of the plurality of inner annular bodies in the tire radial direction. Each of the aforementioned plurality of inner annular bodies and the aforementioned outer annular body comprises a rim member having two rim portions arranged opposite to each other in the tire width direction, and a plurality of plate-shaped tread members mounted in an arch shape between the two rim portions at different positions in the tire circumferential direction, In the plurality of inner annular bodies and at least one of the outer annular bodies, the plurality of plate-shaped tread members include, in a plan view of the tire, a plurality of outer plate-shaped tread members extending at a first angle with respect to the tire width direction, and a plurality of inner plate-shaped tread members located inside the plurality of outer plate-shaped tread members in the tire radial direction, and extending at a second angle different from the first angle with respect to the tire width direction in a plan view of the tire. According to the first aspect of the present invention, a non-pneumatic tire can be made lighter while also having sufficient rigidity against lateral forces.

[0009] (2) In the non-pneumatic tire described in (1) above (hereinafter also simply referred to as "tire"), The plurality of inner annular bodies may include two end-side inner annular bodies located on the outermost edges in the tire width direction, and at least one central-side inner annular body located closer to the center in the tire width direction than the end-side inner annular bodies. In this case, greater rigidity against lateral forces can be ensured.

[0010] (3) In the tire of (1) or (2) above, Preferably, the outer annular body includes a plurality of the outer plate-shaped tread members and a plurality of the inner plate-shaped tread members. In this case, rigidity against lateral forces can be ensured more effectively.

[0011] (4) In any of the tires described in (1) to (3) above, Preferably, all of the aforementioned multiple inner annular bodies include a plurality of the aforementioned outer plate-shaped tread members and a plurality of the aforementioned inner plate-shaped tread members. In this case, rigidity against lateral forces can be ensured more effectively.

[0012] (5) In any of the tires described in (1) to (4) above, Preferably, in a plan view of the tire, the outer plate-shaped tread member and the inner plate-shaped tread member extend in opposite directions relative to the tire width direction. In this case, the rigidity against lateral forces can be further increased.

[0013] (6) In any of the tires described in (1) to (5) above, Preferably, one of the plurality of outer plate-shaped tread members and one of the plurality of inner plate-shaped tread members are attached to each of the two rim portions at the same position in the tire circumferential direction. In this case, the outer circumference of the annular body can be covered with minimal gaps by multiple outer plate-shaped tread members and multiple inner plate-shaped tread members.

[0014] (7) In any of the tires described in (1) to (6) above, It is preferable that the outer plate-shaped tread member and the inner plate-shaped tread member have a tire circumferential width at both ends in the extending direction in the tire width direction that is smaller than the tire circumferential width at the center in the extending direction in the tire width direction. In this case, interference between adjacent outer plate-like tread members in the tire circumferential direction and between adjacent inner plate-like tread members in the tire circumferential direction can be suppressed in the vicinity of the attachment portions to the respective two rim portions.

[0015] (8) In the tire according to any one of (1) to (7) above, Preferably, the tire radial direction distance from the tire central axis of the outer surface of the outer annular body is larger on the tire width direction center side than on both ends in the tire width direction. In this case, the ground pressure near the center in the tire width direction increases, so the traction performance is improved. [Advantages of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a non-pneumatic tire that can achieve weight reduction and has sufficient rigidity against lateral force. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] It is a partially cutaway perspective view for explaining the tire according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a partially cutaway perspective view for explaining the relationship between the outer annular body and the inner annular body in the tire of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a drawing for explaining the relationship between the outer plate-like tread members and the inner plate-like tread members of the plurality of annular bodies in the tire of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a schematic cross-sectional view in the tire width direction of the tire of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a partially cutaway view for showing an example of the state of connection of the tire according to the second embodiment of the present invention to the shaft member of the vehicle. [Figure 6] It is a drawing for explaining the relationship between the outer plate-like tread members and the inner plate-like tread members of the plurality of annular bodies in the tire of the second embodiment. [Figure 7]This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tire according to the second embodiment, in the tire width direction. [Figure 8] This is a schematic cross-sectional view in the tire width direction of a tire according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the non-air-filled tire according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each figure, common components, parts, and structures are denoted by the same reference numeral. In this specification, "tire width direction" refers to the direction parallel to the tire's central axis O, which is the axis of rotation of the tire; "tire radial direction" refers to the direction perpendicular to the tire's central axis O; and "tire circumferential direction" refers to the direction in which the tire rotates around the tire's central axis O. In some drawings, the tire width direction is indicated by the symbol "WD," the tire radial direction by the symbol "RD," and the tire circumferential direction by the symbol "CD." In this specification, the side of the tire closer to the center in the tire width direction is referred to as the "inside in the tire width direction," and the side of the tire further from the center in the tire width direction is referred to as the "outside in the tire width direction." Furthermore, in this specification, the side of the tire closer to the tire central axis O in the tire radial direction is referred to as the "inside in the tire radial direction," and the side of the tire further from the tire central axis O in the tire radial direction is referred to as the "outside in the tire radial direction." In addition, in this specification, "tire plan view" means viewing the tire from the outside along the tire radial direction. Furthermore, in this specification, "extending in the tire width direction" means extending (extending) with a tire width direction component at an acute angle of less than 45° with respect to the tire width direction. In other words, "extending in the tire width direction" means that it may extend in a direction along the tire width direction (i.e., at an angle of 0° with respect to the tire width direction, without inclination with respect to the tire width direction), or it may extend at an inclination angle of more than 0° but less than 45° with respect to the tire width direction. (First Embodiment)

[0019] Figures 1 to 4 are drawings illustrating a non-pneumatic tire 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view illustrating the tire 1 of the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view illustrating the relationship between the outer annular body 11o and the inner annular body 11i in the tire 1 of the first embodiment, which will be described later. Figure 3 is a drawing illustrating the relationship between the outer plate-shaped tread members 41 and the inner plate-shaped tread members 42 of the plurality of annular bodies 11, which will be described later, in the tire 1 of the first embodiment. Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tire 1 of the first embodiment in the tire width direction. "Schematic cross-sectional view in the tire width direction" refers to a schematic cross-sectional view taken from a plane including the tire central axis O. Note that Figure 4, as well as Figures 7 and 8 described later, show the tire in an unloaded state where no external force is applied.

[0020] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the tire 1 of this embodiment comprises a plurality (three in this embodiment) of annular bodies 11. In this embodiment, the plurality of annular bodies 11 of the tire 1 include a plurality (two in this embodiment) of inner annular bodies 11i arranged side by side in the tire width direction, and an outer annular body 11o arranged outside all of the plurality of inner annular bodies 11i in the tire radial direction. More specifically, in this embodiment, the tire 1 includes three annular bodies 111 to 113, and these three annular bodies 111 to 113 include two inner annular bodies 11i (annular bodies 111, 112) arranged side by side in the tire width direction, and an outer annular body 11o (annular body 113) arranged outside all of the two inner annular bodies 11i (annular bodies 111, 112) in the tire radial direction. In this example, there is only one outer annular body 11o. However, as shown in another embodiment described later, the number of inner annular bodies 11i is not limited to two, but may be three, four, or five or more. If weight reduction is a priority, fewer inner annular bodies 11i are preferable.

[0021] As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the plurality of inner annular bodies 11i and the outer annular body 11o each comprise a rim member 7 and a plurality of plate-shaped tread members 4.

[0022] The rim member 7 comprises two rim portions 71 and 72 that are arranged opposite each other in the tire width direction. More specifically, as shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the rim member 7 has two sets of rim portions 71 and 72 (a total of four rim portions). However, the number of rim portions provided by the rim member 7 may be six or more, for example, as in the second or third embodiment described later. In the example in Figure 4, the rim member 7 provided by the three annular bodies 111 to 113 is common. Also, the rim portion 71 on one side (left side of the drawing) to which the inner annular body 111 is attached is common to the rim portion 71 on the one side to which the outer annular body 113 is attached. Furthermore, the rim portion 72 on the other side (right side of the drawing) to which the other inner annular body 112 is attached is common to the rim portion 72 on the other side to which the outer annular body 113 is attached. The rim member 7 in this example consists of four disc-shaped plate members with an opening in the center, as shown in Figure 6, which will be referenced in the second embodiment described later. A rim portion 71 or 72 is formed on each of these plate members. In this example, these four plate members are connected by a connecting member 6 such that their spacing in the tire width direction is substantially fixed, thereby forming three annular bodies 111 to 113. The three annular bodies 111 to 113 connected by the connecting member 6 can be mounted on a vehicle because the rim member 7 is configured to be mountable on a wheel member that can be mounted on, for example, the axle member 8 of the vehicle (see Figure 5). Note that the connecting member 6 is schematically depicted in Figure 4. However, the configuration of the rim member 7 and the connecting member 6 is not limited to those described above. For example, the rim member 7 itself may include a wheel portion that can be directly mounted on a vehicle.

[0023] The rim portions 71 and 72 are made of metal such as stainless steel, or resin. The rim portions 71 and 72 are formed in an annular shape. All of the rim portions 71 and 72 are spaced apart in the tire width direction so that their central axes are on the same axis. In this embodiment, all of the rim portions 71 and 72 have the same size and shape. However, at least two of the rim portions 71 and 72 may be made of different sizes or shapes, as long as they can perform their function as a tire 1. The outer diameters of the rim portions 71 and 72 may be appropriately determined according to the required size of the tire 1.

[0024] The connecting member 6 is made of metal such as stainless steel, or resin. The connecting member 6 may consist of, for example, a bolt and a nut. In this embodiment, the rim portions 71 and 72 of the rim member 7 are connected by a plurality of connecting members 6 arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction of the tire. The number of connecting members 6 is not particularly limited. For example, a plurality of connecting members 6 may be provided in the radial direction of the tire at the same position in the circumferential direction of the tire for one rim portion 71 or 72. Also, for example, a cushioning member with a Young's modulus smaller than the bolt head and the annular body 11 may be provided between the bolt head, which is an example of a connecting member 6, and the attachment portion of the annular body 11 to the rim portions 71 and 72.

[0025] Multiple plate-shaped tread members 4 are mounted in an arch shape between the two rim portions 71 and 72 described above at different positions in the circumferential direction of the tire. More specifically, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, in this embodiment, each of the multiple (three in this embodiment) annular bodies 111 to 113, that is, multiple (two in this embodiment) inner annular bodies 11i and outer annular body 11o (one in this embodiment), is equipped with multiple plate-shaped tread members 4 (outer plate-shaped tread member 41 and inner plate-shaped tread member 42, described later) that are attached in an arch shape between the two rim portions 71 and 72 at different positions in the circumferential direction of the tire. In Figures 1 and 2, the configuration of only the plate-shaped tread members 4 (41, 42) of the annular body 11 (111 to 113) of the tire 1, excluding the rim members 7 and thus the rim portions 71 and 72, is schematically depicted as a partially cutaway perspective view showing only a portion of the circumferential direction of the tire. In Figure 2, for ease of understanding, only the two plate-shaped tread members 4 are shown for the outer annular body 11o (113). Figure 3 schematically depicts the relationship between the individual plate-shaped tread members 4 in each of the annular bodies 11 (111-113) in this embodiment, as seen from a plan view of the tire.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 4, in each annular body 11 (111-113), the plate-shaped tread members 4 (41, 42) are attached in an arch shape between the two rim portions 71 and 72 of the rim member 7. The plate-shaped tread members 4 exhibit an arch shape between the rim portions 71 and 72, both in a cross-sectional view including the extending direction in a plan view of the tire (see Figure 3) of each plate-shaped tread member 4, and in a cross-sectional view in the tire width direction when multiple plate-shaped tread members 4 are arranged side by side in the tire circumferential direction (see Figure 4). More specifically, the plate-shaped tread member 4 in this embodiment is curved in the thickness direction such that the outer side in the tire radial direction is convex, and is stretched between the rim portions 71 and 72. In this state, both ends of the plate-shaped tread member 4 are attached to the rim portions 71 and 72. As a result, the plate-shaped tread member 4 is configured to bend and elastically deform in the tire radial direction.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, each annular body 11 (111 to 113) is provided with a plurality of plate-shaped tread members 4 (41, 42). The plurality of plate-shaped tread members 4 are arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction of the tire. That is, the "plural" in "provided with a plurality of plate-shaped tread members 4" means multiple along the circumferential direction of the tire. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as will be described later, at least one annular body 11 is provided with a plurality of plate-shaped tread members 4, and "including a plurality of outer plate-shaped tread members 41 and a plurality of inner plate-shaped tread members 42" means that the outer plate-shaped tread members 41 are also arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction of the tire and there are multiple along the circumferential direction of the tire, and the inner plate-shaped tread members 42 are also arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction of the tire and there are multiple along the circumferential direction of the tire. More specifically, when there are multiple plate-shaped tread members 4, and the multiple plate-shaped tread members 4 include multiple outer plate-shaped tread members 41 and multiple inner plate-shaped tread members 42 (described later), each of the multiple outer plate-shaped tread members 41 and the multiple inner plate-shaped tread members 42 is arranged in the tire circumferential direction such that two adjacent plate-shaped tread members 4 (41, 42) in the tire circumferential direction do not overlap as much as possible in the tire circumferential direction, that is, they do not overlap as much as possible in the tire radial direction. The distance between two adjacent plate-shaped tread members 4 (41, 42) in the tire circumferential direction at least at the center position in the tire width direction of each annular body 11 (111~113) is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that they be arranged with a gap of 5 mm or less, such as 1 mm. By doing so, it is possible to suppress foreign matter such as sand from land that constitutes the ground as the road surface from entering the inside in the tire radial direction from between two adjacent plate-shaped tread members 4 (41, 42) in the tire circumferential direction. Furthermore, it is preferable that, at any position in the tire width direction of each annular body 11 (111-113), the distance between two adjacent plate-shaped tread members 4 (41, 42) in the tire circumferential direction is greater than 0 mm, that is, two adjacent plate-shaped tread members 4 (41, 42) do not overlap in the tire circumferential direction. By doing so, failures of the plate-shaped tread members 4 (41, 42) can be suppressed.

[0028] Furthermore, multiple plate-shaped tread members 4 (41, 42) are arranged throughout the entire circumferential direction of the tire. The width of each plate-shaped tread member 4 (41, 42) in the circumferential direction of the tire is preferably such that the central angle around the rotation axis of the tire 1 is 2 to 10°, and more preferably such that it is 2 to 5°. This makes it easier to ensure the desired rigidity and deformation performance of each plate-shaped tread member 4 (41, 42) in the radial direction of the tire.

[0029] Furthermore, as described above, the plate-shaped tread members 4 (41, 42) extend in an arch shape between the rim portion 71 and the rim portion 72 such that the outer side in the tire radial direction is convex. The length of the plate-shaped tread members 4 (41, 42) in the extending direction in this embodiment is longer than the width of the plate-shaped tread members 4 (41, 42) in the tire circumferential direction as described above. In other words, the plate-shaped tread members 4 (41, 42) in this embodiment are curved strip-shaped members that span between the rim portion 71 and the rim portion 72.

[0030] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the thickness (plate thickness) t1 of the outer plate-shaped tread member 41 and the inner plate-shaped tread member 42 in the outer annular body 11o (113) and the thickness t2 of the outer plate-shaped tread member 41 and the inner plate-shaped tread member 42 in the inner annular body 11i (111, 112) are the same. However, the thickness t1 and the thickness t2 may be different. Also, in this embodiment, the thicknesses of the outer plate-shaped tread member 41 and the inner plate-shaped tread member 42 in each annular body 11 (111 to 113) are the same. However, at least two of the above thicknesses may be different. For example, from the viewpoint of increasing rigidity in the tire radial direction and tire width direction, the thickness t1 may be made larger than the thickness t2. However, from the viewpoint of ease of design and ease of material procurement, it is preferable to keep all of the above thicknesses the same.

[0031] The thicknesses t1 and t2 of the plate-shaped tread members 4 (41, 42) are not particularly limited, but are preferably 0.1 to 0.5 mm, for example, 0.3 mm. By using such thicknesses (plate thicknesses), it becomes easier to ensure the desired rigidity and deformation performance of the plate-shaped tread members 4 (41, 42) in the tire radial direction and / or tire width direction.

[0032] Each of the multiple plate-shaped tread members 4 (41, 42) in this embodiment is a plate-shaped member made from a single plate material, but for example, it may be a plate-shaped member made by stacking multiple plate materials in the radial direction of the tire. Furthermore, the multiple plate-shaped tread members 4 (41, 42) of this embodiment are a single, integrated member that is connected in an arch shape between one end attached to one rim portion 71 and the other end attached to the other rim portion 72.

[0033] The plate-shaped tread members 4 (41, 42) may be configured such that a flat plate-shaped member is elastically bent and deformed before being attached to the rim portions 71, 72. Alternatively, the plate-shaped tread members 4 (41, 42) may be configured such that a plate-shaped member is pre-shaped into a predetermined curved shape before being attached to the rim portions 71, 72. Furthermore, the plate-shaped tread members 4 (41, 42) may be configured such that they are pre-formed into a predetermined curved shape without being shaped from a flat plate to a curved shape. The predetermined curved shape may be, for example, an arc-shaped curved shape with a constant curvature, or a curved shape formed by combining multiple arcs with different curvatures.

[0034] The plate-shaped tread members 4 (41, 42) are made of metal such as stainless steel, or resin. The material of the plate-shaped tread members 4 (41, 42) may be appropriately determined according to the required rigidity, deformation performance, durability, etc.

[0035] Next, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, the plurality of plate-shaped tread members 4 in at least one (all in this embodiment) of the plurality of inner annular bodies 11i (111, 112) and outer annular bodies 11o (113) of the annular body 11 include a plurality of outer plate-shaped tread members 41 and a plurality of inner plate-shaped tread members 42 located inside the plurality of outer plate-shaped tread members 41 in the tire radial direction.

[0036] In each annular body 11 (111-113), the inner plate-shaped tread member 42 is located inside the outer plate-shaped tread member 41 in the tire radial direction. Furthermore, the inner plate-shaped tread member 42 is configured to elastically support the outer plate-shaped tread member 41 from the inside in the tire radial direction. More specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the outer surface of the inner plate-shaped tread member 42 in this embodiment, which is the outer surface in the tire radial direction, abuts against the inner surface of the multiple outer plate-shaped tread members 41 in the tire radial direction. Conversely, the inner surface of the outer plate-shaped tread member 41 in this embodiment, which is the inner surface in the tire radial direction, abuts against the outer surface of the multiple inner plate-shaped tread members 42 in the tire radial direction. In this embodiment, the inner surfaces of the multiple outer plate-shaped tread members 41 and the outer surfaces of the multiple inner plate-shaped tread members 42 abut each other over the entire tire width direction between the rim portions 71 and 72. The inner plate-shaped tread member 42 receives a ground load, at least via the outer plate-shaped tread member 41, when, for example, the tire 1 makes contact with the road surface and the outer plate-shaped tread member 41 is pressed inward in the tire radial direction. The inner plate-shaped tread member 42 is elastically deformable inward in the tire radial direction by receiving this ground load. When the inner plate-shaped tread member 42 elastically deforms inward in the tire radial direction due to the ground load, the outer plate-shaped tread member 41 also deforms inward in the tire radial direction, following the deformation of the inner plate-shaped tread member 42. In this way, the outer plate-shaped tread member 41 is deformable inward in the tire radial direction, following the deformation of the inner plate-shaped tread member 42. Furthermore, the inner plate-shaped tread member 42 can support the ground load via the outer plate-shaped tread member 41.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, a portion of the outer surfaces of the two inner annular bodies 11i (111, 112), more specifically the outer surface on one end of the outer plate-shaped tread member 41 in the extending direction of one inner annular body 11i (111), and the outer surface on the other end of the outer plate-shaped tread member 41 in the extending direction of the other inner annular body 11i (112), and a portion of the inner surface of the outer annular body 11o (113), more specifically the inner surfaces on both ends of the inner plate-shaped tread member 42 in the extending direction of the outer annular body 11o (113), are in contact with each other. This allows the two inner annular bodies 11i (111, 112) to appropriately bear the force (load) in the tire radial direction and tire width direction that is applied to the outer annular body 11o (113) from the outside.

[0038] As described above, the annular body 11 of the tire 1 (inner annular body 11i and outer annular body 11o) is formed as a tread member from a plurality of plate-shaped tread members 4, that is, from relatively thin plate material, so the tread member can be made lighter, and consequently the tire 1 can be made lighter. In particular, when the outer annular body 11o of the annular body 11 includes a plurality of outer plate-shaped tread members 41 and a plurality of inner plate-shaped tread members 42, as described above, the annular body 11 (outer annular body 11o) has both an inner plate-shaped tread member 42 that supports the ground contact load received from the road surface and an outer plate-shaped tread member 41 that constitutes the contact surface that contacts the road surface. In other words, the load-bearing function that supports the ground contact load is mainly borne by the inner plate-shaped tread member 42, and the traction function on the road surface is mainly borne by the outer plate-shaped tread member 41. In other words, in the annular body 11 of the tire 1, for example, the load-bearing function and the traction function can be separated and primarily borne by the inner plate-shaped tread member 42 and the outer plate-shaped tread member 41, respectively. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the desired load-bearing performance and traction performance are achieved with a single member, it becomes easier to achieve the desired load-bearing performance and traction performance with a simple configuration using multiple plate-shaped members. As a result, the tread member can be a plate-shaped tread member 4, and the tread member and, consequently, the tire 1 can be made lighter.

[0039] Furthermore, by using a plate-shaped tread member 4, it is possible to easily form irregularities, such as bumps and grooves, on the outer surface 51 of the outer plate-shaped tread member 41 of the outer annular body 11o, in order to improve traction performance. As shown in Figure 4, the outer plate-shaped tread member 41 of the outer annular body 11o in this embodiment has a plurality of protrusions 51a on its outer surface 51. The protrusions 51a in this embodiment are substantially cylindrical or substantially frustoconical, but the shape of the protrusions 51a is not particularly limited. The protrusions 51a may be other shapes, such as substantially conical or hemispherical. Note that in drawings other than Figures 4, 7, and 8, the depiction of the plurality of protrusions 51a is omitted for simplification.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the outer plate-shaped tread member 41 extends at a first angle α (hereinafter also simply referred to as "extension angle α") with respect to the tire width direction in a plan view of the tire. In addition, the multiple inner plate-shaped tread members 42 extend in the tire width direction at a second angle β (hereinafter also simply referred to as "extension angle β") which is different from the first angle α with respect to the tire width direction in a plan view of the tire. In this specification, the "angle of extension (extension angles α, β)" of each plate-shaped tread member 4 (41, 42) with respect to the tire width direction refers to the acute angle, including both positive and negative values. That is, for example, if α = +9° and β = -9°, then extension angles α and β are considered to be different from each other. Furthermore, the extension direction that serves as the reference for the angle of extension of each plate-shaped tread member 4 (41, 42) is the extension direction of the centerline of the width of each plate-shaped tread member 4 (41, 42) in the tire circumferential direction in a plan view of the tire. Note that in Figure 3, for simplification, only the outer plate-shaped tread member 41 and the inner plate-shaped tread member 42, which are included in the annular body 113 (outer annular body 11o), are labeled with the symbols "α" and "β".

[0041] As described above, by having the extension angles α of the multiple outer plate-shaped tread members 41 and the extension angles β of the multiple inner plate-shaped tread members 42 in any of the annular bodies 11 be different from each other, the rigidity of the tire 1 in the tire width direction can be increased, and consequently, the tire 1 can be made to have sufficient rigidity against lateral forces (external forces applied in the tire width direction). In other words, for example, if the extension angle of the outer plate-shaped tread member 41 with respect to the tire width direction and the extension angle of the inner plate-shaped tread member 42 with respect to the tire width direction are the same (for example, 0°), and especially if each outer plate-shaped tread member 41 is not positioned to straddle the outer surfaces of two adjacent inner plate-shaped tread members 42 in the tire circumferential direction (i.e., each outer plate-shaped tread member 41 is positioned to overlap with only one inner plate-shaped tread member 42 in the tire radial direction), then each outer plate-shaped tread member 41 and / or inner plate-shaped tread member 42 is prone to deformation or displacement in the tire width direction (or in the direction that makes the same angle with respect to the tire width direction). In contrast, as in this embodiment, by having different extension angles α of the outer plate-shaped tread member 41 and β of the inner plate-shaped tread member 42, the multiple outer plate-shaped tread members 41 and the multiple inner plate-shaped tread members 42 support each other against lateral forces, making it difficult for individual outer plate-shaped tread members 41 and / or inner plate-shaped tread members 42 to deform and displace in the tire width direction (or in the direction that makes the same angle as described above with respect to the tire width direction). Therefore, by making the extension angles α and β different from each other, the rigidity of the annular body 11 having the outer plate-shaped tread members 41 and inner plate-shaped tread members 42, and consequently the tire 1, against lateral forces can be increased, and for the same reason, the rigidity of the tire 1 in the tire diameter direction can also be increased.

[0042] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 to 4, all of the multiple (two in this example) inner annular bodies 11i (111, 112) and outer annular bodies 11o (113), that is, all of the multiple plate-shaped tread members 4 in all of these annular bodies 11, include multiple outer plate-shaped tread members 41 and multiple inner plate-shaped tread members 42 having the aforementioned different extension angle relationships α and β. In other words, all the annular bodies 11 (111 to 113) of the tire 1 each include multiple outer plate-shaped tread members 41 and multiple inner plate-shaped tread members 42, each having different extension directions in a plan view of the tire. However, at least one of the annular bodies 11 (111-113) of the tire 1 may not include a plurality of outer plate-shaped tread members 41 and a plurality of inner plate-shaped tread members 42 arranged in two layers in the tire radial direction, but rather include only a plurality of plate-shaped tread members 4 in a single layer. In this case, the extension angle of the single layer of plate-shaped tread members 4 with respect to the tire width direction can be, for example, 0°. Alternatively, at least one of the annular bodies 11 (111-113) of the tire 1 may include a plurality of outer plate-shaped tread members 41 and a plurality of inner plate-shaped tread members 42, but the extension angles of the plurality of outer plate-shaped tread members 41 and the plurality of inner plate-shaped tread members 42 with respect to the tire width direction in a plan view of the tire may be the same. In this case, the extension angles of the outer plate-shaped tread members 41 and the inner plate-shaped tread members 42 with respect to the tire width direction can be, for example, 0°. However, from the viewpoint of increasing rigidity in the tire radial direction and / or tire width direction, it is preferable that at least two of the annular bodies 11 (111 to 113) include a plurality of outer plate-shaped tread members 41 and a plurality of inner plate-shaped tread members 42 having the aforementioned different extension angle relationships α and β. Also, from a similar viewpoint, it is preferable that at least the outer annular body 11o (113) includes a plurality of outer plate-shaped tread members 41 and a plurality of inner plate-shaped tread members 42 having the aforementioned different extension angle relationships α and β. Furthermore, from a similar viewpoint, it is most preferable that, as in this embodiment, the plurality of plate-shaped tread members 4 in all annular bodies 11 (111 to 113) include a plurality of outer plate-shaped tread members 41 and a plurality of inner plate-shaped tread members 42 having the aforementioned different extension angle relationships α and β.

[0043] In this embodiment, the extension angle α of the outer plate-shaped tread member 41 in each annular body 11 (111-113) is the same among the annular bodies 11 (111-113). Also in this embodiment, the extension angle β of the inner plate-shaped tread member 42 in each annular body 11 (111-113) is the same among the annular bodies 11 (111-113). However, the extension angles α and β may differ among at least two annular bodies 11. However, from the viewpoint of ease of design and uniformity of various characteristics of the tire 1, it is preferable that the extension angles α and β are the same among at least two inner annular bodies 11i (111, 112) on both sides in the tire width direction, and, as in this embodiment, it is preferable that they are the same among all annular bodies 11 (111-113). Note that in Figure 3, the values ​​of the extension angles α and β are not depicted with particular precision, in order to facilitate understanding only of the arrangement relationship between the outer plate-shaped tread member 41 and the inner plate-shaped tread member 42 in each annular body 11 (111-113).

[0044] The absolute values ​​of the extension angle α of the outer plate-shaped tread member 41 and the absolute values ​​of the extension angle β of the inner plate-shaped tread member 42 are not particularly limited as long as the outer plate-shaped tread member 41 and the inner plate-shaped tread member 42 extend in the tire width direction, respectively. However, they are preferably 5 to 15°, and more preferably 7 to 12°, such as 9° (i.e., α=+9°, β=-9°, or α=-9°, β=+9°). By setting such angles, it becomes easier to ensure the desired rigidity of the plate-shaped tread members 4 (41, 42) in the tire circumferential direction and tire width direction. Note that either the extension angle α or the extension angle β may be 0°. However, from the viewpoint of increasing the rigidity of the tire 1 along the tire width direction, it is preferable that both the extension angle α and the extension angle β are not 0°. Furthermore, if the extension angle of each plate-shaped tread member 4 with respect to the tire width direction is not 0°, in the cross-sectional view in the tire width direction, each plate-shaped tread member 4 will not be depicted as a single unit in its extension direction, and there is a high possibility that one or more dividing lines will appear in the middle of the extension direction. However, in Figures 4, 7, and 8, these dividing lines are omitted from the depiction to avoid complexity.

[0045] As described above, it is preferable that the outer annular body 11o includes a plurality of outer plate-shaped tread members 41 and a plurality of inner plate-shaped tread members 42 having the above-described relationship between the specific extension angles α and β. With this configuration, the rigidity of the outer annular body 11o, which is in direct contact with the road surface and subjected to direct external forces, is increased, thus more effectively ensuring the rigidity of the tire 1 against lateral forces.

[0046] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, it is preferable that all of the multiple inner annular bodies 11i include a plurality of outer plate-shaped tread members 41 and a plurality of inner plate-shaped tread members 42 having the above-described specific extension angle α and β relationship. With this configuration, when an external force is applied to the tire 1, the external force can be sufficiently supported from the inside of the outer annular body 11o by all the inner annular bodies 11i, thereby more effectively ensuring the rigidity of the tire 1 against lateral forces.

[0047] Preferably, the outer plate-shaped tread member 41 and the inner plate-shaped tread member 42 extend in opposite directions relative to the tire width direction in a plan view of the tire. Here, "extending in opposite directions relative to the tire width direction" means that the extension angle α of the outer plate-shaped tread member 41 relative to the tire width direction and the extension angle β of the inner plate-shaped tread member 42 relative to the tire width direction have opposite signs. To explain in more detail using Figure 3, in Figure 3, the left side of the drawing is one side in the tire width direction, and the right side of the drawing is the other side in the tire width direction. Also, the upper side of the drawing is one side in the tire circumferential direction, and the lower side of the drawing is the other side in the tire circumferential direction. When "the directions of extension with respect to the tire width direction are opposite to each other," for example, the outer plate-shaped tread member 41 of the outer annular body 11o(113) extends in a way that it is inclined with respect to the tire width direction so that it moves from one side in the tire width direction to the other side in the tire circumferential direction, while the inner plate-shaped tread member 42 of the outer annular body 11o(113) extends in a way that it is inclined with respect to the tire width direction so that it moves from one side in the tire width direction to the other side in the tire circumferential direction. According to the above configuration, the rigidity of tire 1 against lateral forces can be further increased. In addition, the characteristics of tire 1 can be made more uniform and non-directional.

[0048] Furthermore, it is preferable that one of the multiple outer plate-shaped tread members 41 and one of the multiple inner plate-shaped tread members 42 are attached to each of the two rim portions 71 and 72 at the same position in the tire circumferential direction. That is, in an annular body 11 having multiple outer plate-shaped tread members 41 and multiple inner plate-shaped tread members 42, it is preferable that the end of one inner plate-shaped tread member 42 is attached to the tire circumferential position of the rim portion 71 (or rim portion 72) to which the end of one outer plate-shaped tread member 41 is attached. With this configuration, the outer circumference of the annular body 11 can be covered with minimal gaps by multiple outer plate-shaped tread members 41 and multiple inner plate-shaped tread members 42. For example, if the end of one outer plate-shaped tread member 41 is attached to one circumferential position of the tire on one rim portion 71, and one inner plate-shaped tread member 42 is attached to another circumferential position adjacent to it on the tire, and the same applies to the other rim portion 72, then, as mentioned above, the extension angle α of the outer tread member 41 and the extension angle β of the inner tread member 42 are different, so a gap penetrating in the tire diameter direction is likely to form at least in the central part of the outer circumference of the annular body 11 in the tire width direction.

[0049] It is preferable that the outer plate-shaped tread member 41 and the inner plate-shaped tread member 42 have a tire circumferential width We (see Figures 1 and 3) at both ends in the extending direction in the tire width direction, which is smaller than the tire circumferential width Wc (see Figures 1 and 3) at the center in the extending direction in the tire width direction. This configuration makes it possible to suppress interference between adjacent outer plate-shaped tread members 41 and adjacent inner plate-shaped tread members 42 in the circumferential direction of the tire, near the mounting portions to the two rim portions 71 and 72. More specifically, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, this configuration makes it possible to suppress overlapping between adjacent outer plate-shaped tread members 41 in the circumferential direction of the tire, near the mounting portion to the rim portion 71 (or rim portion 72) or in portions closer to the center. The same applies to the inner plate-shaped tread members 42. In particular, if the extension angle α of the outer plate-shaped tread member 41 (or the extension angle β of the inner plate-shaped tread member 42) is not 0°, and the width We is equal to the width Wo, then there is a risk that the outer plate-shaped tread members 41 (or the inner plate-shaped tread members 42) that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the tire may interfere with each other in the circumferential direction at the mounting portion to the rim portion 71 (or the rim portion 72) or at a portion closer to the center, and may have to overlap. Here, the statement that "the width We in the tire circumferential direction at both ends in the extending direction in the tire width direction is smaller than the width Wc in the tire circumferential direction at the center in the extending direction in the tire width direction" for the outer plate-shaped tread member 41 and the inner plate-shaped tread member 42 means that, as you move from the center in the extending direction in the tread width direction of each plate-shaped tread member 4 (41, 42) toward both ends in the extending direction which are the attachment points to the rim portions 71, 72, the width in the tire circumferential direction decreases at least at one point, and the relationship between the magnitude of the width in the tire circumferential direction between the center and both ends in the extending direction does not reverse. In this embodiment, at least the outer plate-shaped tread member 41 and the inner plate-shaped tread member 42 have their tire circumferential width We (see Figures 1 and 3) minimized only at the edges in the extending direction. (Second Embodiment)

[0050] Next, with reference to Figures 5 to 7, a tire 2 as a tire according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 5 is a partially cutaway view showing an example of how the tire 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is connected to the axle member 8 of a vehicle. Figure 6 is a drawing for explaining the relationship between the outer plate-shaped tread members 41 and the inner plate-shaped tread members 42 of the multiple annular bodies 21 in the tire of the second embodiment. Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the tire 2 of the second embodiment in the tire width direction. The tire 2 of this embodiment differs from the tire 1 of the first embodiment (see Figures 1 to 4) described above mainly in the number of inner annular bodies 21i. In the following, we will mainly explain this difference, and explanations of configurations and effects that are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0051] As shown in Figure 7, the tire 2 of this embodiment comprises four annular bodies 21. In this embodiment, the four annular bodies 21 of the tire 2 include three inner annular bodies 21i arranged side by side in the tire width direction, and an outer annular body 21o positioned outside all three inner annular bodies 21i in the tire radial direction. More specifically, in this embodiment, the tire 2 includes four annular bodies 211 to 214, which include three inner annular bodies 21i (annular bodies 211 to 213) arranged side by side in the tire width direction, and an outer annular body 21o (annular body 214) positioned outside all three inner annular bodies 21i (annular bodies 211 to 213) in the tire radial direction. In this embodiment as well, there is only one outer annular body 21o.

[0052] More specifically, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the inner annular body 21i (annular bodies 211-213) includes two end-side inner annular bodies 21ie (annular bodies 211, 213) located on both outermost sides in the tire width direction, and at least one (one in this embodiment) central-side inner annular body 21ic (annular body 212) located closer to the center in the tire width direction than the end-side inner annular bodies 21ie (annular bodies 211, 213). The tire 1 of the first embodiment described above has only two inner annular bodies 11i (in Figure 4, they are also labeled "11ie" for convenience) located on both outer sides in the tire width direction as the inner annular body 11. As in this embodiment, by providing a central-side inner annular body 21ic (annular body 212) in addition to the two end-side inner annular bodies 21ie (annular bodies 211, 213) as the inner annular body 21i, the rigidity of the tire 2 against lateral forces can be more sufficiently ensured. Furthermore, this configuration makes it easier to ensure sufficient rigidity in both the tire width direction and the tire diameter direction, even with tires that have a large maximum width.

[0053] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the three inner annular bodies 21i and the outer annular body 21o each comprise a rim member 7 and a plurality of plate-shaped tread members 4. The rim portions 71 and 72 of the rim member 7 are connected to each other by a connecting member 6, so that the entire tire 2 can be mounted on a vehicle (for example, as shown in Figure 5, on the axle member 8 of the vehicle which becomes the central axis O of the tire 2) (see Figures 5 to 7). The configuration, material, and examples of how the tire 2 is mounted on a vehicle are substantially the same as in the first embodiment described above, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0054] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the multiple plate-shaped tread members 4 in at least one (all in this embodiment) of the multiple (three in this embodiment) inner annular bodies 21i (211-213) and outer annular bodies 21o (214) of the annular body 21 include, in a plan view of the tire, multiple outer plate-shaped tread members 41 that extend at a first angle α (see Figure 3) with respect to the tire width direction, and multiple inner plate-shaped tread members 42 that are located inside the multiple outer plate-shaped tread members 41 in the tire radial direction and extend at a second angle β (see Figure 3) different from the first angle α with respect to the tire width direction in a plan view of the tire. In Figure 6, only one of each of the multiple outer plate-shaped tread members 41 and multiple inner plate-shaped tread members 42 (a total of eight) provided in each annular body 211-214 is depicted to show an example of their extension relationship.

[0055] In this embodiment, the configuration (including shape, dimensions, extension angle, relationship between them, etc.), material, etc., of each inner annular body (21i (211~213)), outer annular body (21o (214)), and the plate-shaped tread members 4 (outer plate-shaped tread member 41, inner plate-shaped tread member 42) provided therein, as well as the projection 51a, are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment described above, so a detailed explanation will be omitted. Below, the differences from the first embodiment will be explained as appropriate.

[0056] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, a portion of the outer surfaces of the three inner annular bodies 21i (211-213), more specifically, the outer surface on one end of the inner annular body 21ie (211) in the direction of extension of the outer plate-shaped tread member 41, the outer surface near the center of the inner annular body 21ic (212) in the direction of extension of the outer plate-shaped tread member 41, and the outer surface on the other end of the inner annular body 21ie (213) in the direction of extension of the outer plate-shaped tread member 41, and a portion of the inner surface of the outer annular body 21o (214), more specifically, the inner surfaces on both ends of the inner plate-shaped tread member 42 in the direction of extension of the outer annular body 21o (214) and the inner surface near the center of the direction of extension, are in contact with each other. This allows the three inner annular bodies 21i (211-213) to appropriately bear the force (load) applied to the outer annular body 21o (214) from the outside in the tire radial and tire width directions.

[0057] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, it is preferable that the radial distance of the outer surface 51 of the outer annular body 21o from the tire central axis O is greater on the center side in the tire width direction than on the ends in the tire width direction. More specifically, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the radial distance Hc of the outer surface 51 of the outer annular body 21o (i.e., the outer surface of the outer plate-shaped tread member 41 on the outer annular body 21o) 51 from the tire central axis O at the center side in the tire width direction of the outer annular body 21o (annular body 214) is greater than the radial distance He of the outer surface 51 from the tire central axis O at both ends in the tire width direction of the outer annular body 21o (annular body 214). Here, "the radial distance from the tire central axis O is greater on the center side in the tire width direction than on the ends in the tire width direction" means that the radial distance at least at the center position in the tire width direction is the maximum. In the first embodiment described above, as shown in Figure 4, the above distance Hc is substantially the same as the above distance He. However, even in the first embodiment described above, the distance Hc may be greater than the distance He. According to the above configuration, the area near the center of tire 2 in the tire width direction protrudes outward in the tire radial direction, increasing the contact pressure near the center, thereby improving the traction performance of tire 2.

[0058] To ensure that the radial distance from the tire's central axis O to the outer surface 51 of the outer annular body 21o is greater towards the center of the tire width direction than towards both ends of the tire width direction, for example, the mounting position of the central inner annular body 21ic to the rim portions 71 and 72 is set further outward in the tire radial direction than the mounting position of the end-side inner annular bodies 21ie to the rim portions 71 and 72, or the length of the central inner annular body 21ic in the extending direction is set longer than the length of the end-side inner annular bodies 21ie in the extending direction, etc., but this is not particularly limited. Also, for example, in an unloaded state where no external force is applied to the tire 2, the amount by which the radial distance from the tire's central axis O at the center of the outer surface 51 of the outer annular body 21o in the tire width direction is greater than the radial distance at both ends of the contact area in the tire width direction is not particularly limited, but it is preferably 5 to 10 mm, such as 10 mm.

[0059] In this embodiment, the thicknesses t1 of the outer plate-shaped tread member 41 and the inner plate-shaped tread member 42 in the outer annular body 21o, the thicknesses t2 of the outer plate-shaped tread member 41 and the inner plate-shaped tread member 42 in the inner annular bodies 21ie at both ends, and the thicknesses t3 of the outer plate-shaped tread member 41 and the inner plate-shaped tread member 42 in the central inner annular body 21c are all the same. However, at least one of the thicknesses t1, t2, and t3 may be different from each other. Also, in this embodiment, the thicknesses t1, t2, and t3 are all the same. However, at least one of the thicknesses t1, t2, and t3 may be different from at least one of the other. For example, from the viewpoint of increasing rigidity in the tire radial and tire width directions, the thickness t1 may be made larger than the thickness t2, and the thickness t2 may be made larger than the thickness t3. However, from the viewpoint of ease of design and ease of material procurement, it is preferable to keep the thicknesses the same among all of the above thicknesses.

[0060] In this embodiment, the extension angle α of the outer plate-shaped tread member 41 in each annular body 21 (211-214) is the same among the annular bodies 21 (211-214). Also in this embodiment, the extension angle β of the inner plate-shaped tread member 42 in each annular body 21 (211-214) is the same among the annular bodies 21 (211-214). However, the extension angles α and β may differ among at least two annular bodies 21. However, from the viewpoint of ease of design and uniformity of various characteristics of the tire 2, it is preferable that the extension angles α and β are the same among at least two inner annular bodies 21ie (211, 213) on both sides in the tire width direction, and, as in this embodiment, it is preferable that they are the same among all annular bodies 21 (211-214). (Third embodiment)

[0061] Next, with reference to Figure 8, a tire 3 as a tire according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view in the tire width direction of a tire 3 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The tire 3 of this embodiment differs from the tire 2 of the second embodiment described above (see Figures 5 to 7) mainly in the number of inner annular bodies 31i. In the following, we will mainly explain this difference, and we will omit explanations of configurations and effects that are substantially the same as those of the second embodiment as appropriate.

[0062] As shown in Figure 8, the tire 3 of this embodiment comprises five annular bodies 31. In this embodiment, the five annular bodies 311 of the tire 3 include four inner annular bodies 31i arranged side by side in the tire width direction, and an outer annular body 31o positioned outside all four inner annular bodies 31i in the tire radial direction. More specifically, in this embodiment, the tire 3 includes five annular bodies 311 to 315, which include four inner annular bodies 31i (annular bodies 311 to 314) arranged side by side in the tire width direction, and an outer annular body 31o (annular body 315) positioned outside all four inner annular bodies 31i (annular bodies 311 to 314) in the tire radial direction. In this embodiment as well, there is only one outer annular body 31o.

[0063] More specifically, in this embodiment as well, as shown in Figure 8, the plurality (four in this embodiment) of inner annular bodies 31i (annular bodies 311-314) includes two end-side inner annular bodies 31ie (annular bodies 311, 314) located on both outermost sides in the tire width direction, and at least one (two in this embodiment) central-side inner annular bodies 31ic (annular bodies 312, 313) located closer to the center in the tire width direction than the end-side inner annular bodies 31ie (annular bodies 311, 314). As in this embodiment, by providing two central inner annular bodies 31ic (annular bodies 312, 313) in addition to two end-side inner annular bodies 31ie (annular bodies 311, 314) as the inner annular body 31i, the rigidity of the tire 3 against lateral forces can be more sufficiently ensured, similar to the case of the second embodiment described above. Furthermore, with this configuration, it is easier to ensure sufficient rigidity in the tire width direction and tire diameter direction, especially for tires with a large maximum width.

[0064] The configuration, materials, and examples of how the tire 3 is mounted on the vehicle in this embodiment are substantially the same as those in the first and second embodiments described above, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0065] In this embodiment as well, similar to the first and second embodiments, as shown in Figure 8, the plurality of plate-shaped tread members 4 in at least one (all in this embodiment) of the plurality of (four in this embodiment) inner annular bodies 31i (311-314) and outer annular bodies 31o (315) of the annular body 31 include a plurality of outer plate-shaped tread members 41 that extend at a first angle α (see Figure 3) with respect to the tire width direction in a plan view of the tire, and a plurality of inner plate-shaped tread members 42 that are located inside the plurality of outer plate-shaped tread members 41 in the tire radial direction and extend at a second angle β (see Figure 3) different from the first angle α with respect to the tire width direction in a plan view of the tire.

[0066] In this embodiment, the configuration (including shape, dimensions, extension angle, relationship between them, etc.), material, etc., of each inner annular body (31i (311~314)), outer annular body (31o (315)), and the plate-shaped tread members 4 (outer plate-shaped tread member 41, inner plate-shaped tread member 42) provided therewith, as well as the projection 51a, are substantially the same as those of the first and second embodiments described above, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0067] In this embodiment as well, as in the second embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, it is preferable that the radial distance of the outer surface 51 of the outer annular body 21o from the tire central axis O is greater on the center side in the tire width direction than on the ends in the tire width direction. The relationship of this radial distance is substantially the same as in the second embodiment, so its explanation is omitted. The same applies to the relationship of the thicknesses t1, t2, and t3 of the plate-shaped tread member 4, as well as the extension angles α and β and their relationship.

[0068] The above describes exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0069] For example, in the first to third embodiments described above, tires 1 to 3 are configured substantially symmetrically on both sides in the tire width direction with respect to the center in the tire width direction when no external force is applied to the tire in an unloaded state, but they do not have to be configured symmetrically. [Industrial applicability]

[0070] This invention relates to a non-pneumatic tire. Contributing to the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

[0071] The SDGs have been proposed to realize a sustainable society. One embodiment of the present invention is considered to be a technology that can contribute to "No. 7: Affordable and Clean Energy" and "No. 13: Climate Action," among others. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0072] 1, 2, 3: Non-pneumatic tire (tire), 11, 111~113, 21, 211~214, 31, 311~315: Ring body, 11i, 21i, 31i: Inner ring body, 11o, 21o, 31o: Outer ring body, 11ie, 21ie, 31ie: End-side inner ring body, 21ic, 31ic: Center-side inner ring body, 4: Plate-shaped tread member, 41: Outer plate-shaped tread member, 42: Inner plate-shaped tread member, 51: Outer surface of the outer plate-shaped tread member in the outer ring body (outer surface of the outer ring body), 51a: Projection, 6: Connecting member, 7: Rim member, 71, 72: Rim portion, 8: Axle member, CD: Tire circumferential direction, t1~t3: Thickness of the plate-shaped tread member, Hc, He: Radial distance from the tire center axis to the outer surface of the outer plate-shaped tread member (outer surface of the outer annular body) in the outer annular body, O: Tire center axis, RD: Tire radial direction, Wc, We: Width of the plate-shaped tread member in the tire circumferential direction, WD: Tire width direction, α: First angle, β: Second angle

Claims

1. It has multiple ring-shaped bodies, The plurality of annular bodies include a plurality of inner annular bodies arranged side by side in the tire width direction, and an outer annular body positioned outside all of the plurality of inner annular bodies in the tire radial direction. Each of the aforementioned plurality of inner annular bodies and the aforementioned outer annular body comprises a rim member having two rim portions arranged opposite to each other in the tire width direction, and a plurality of plate-shaped tread members mounted in an arch shape between the two rim portions at different positions in the tire circumferential direction, A non-pneumatic tire in which, in at least one of the plurality of inner annular bodies and the plurality of outer annular bodies, the plurality of plate-shaped tread members include, in a plan view of the tire, a plurality of outer plate-shaped tread members extending at a first angle with respect to the tire width direction, and a plurality of inner plate-shaped tread members located inside the plurality of outer plate-shaped tread members in the tire radial direction, and in a plan view of the tire, extending at a second angle different from the first angle with respect to the tire width direction.

2. The non-pneumatic tire according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of inner annular bodies include two end-side inner annular bodies located on the outermost edges in the tire width direction, and at least one central-side inner annular body located closer to the center in the tire width direction than the end-side inner annular bodies.

3. The non-pneumatic tire according to claim 1, wherein the outer annular body includes a plurality of the outer plate-shaped tread members and a plurality of the inner plate-shaped tread members.

4. The non-pneumatic tire according to claim 1, wherein all of the plurality of inner annular bodies include a plurality of the outer plate-shaped tread members and a plurality of the inner plate-shaped tread members.

5. The non-pneumatic tire according to claim 1, wherein the outer plate-shaped tread member and the inner plate-shaped tread member have opposite directions of extension with respect to the tire width direction in a plan view of the tire.

6. The non-pneumatic tire according to claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of outer plate-shaped tread members and one of the plurality of inner plate-shaped tread members are attached to each of the two rim portions at the same position in the tire circumferential direction.

7. The non-pneumatic tire according to claim 1, wherein the outer plate-shaped tread member and the inner plate-shaped tread member have a tire circumferential width at both ends in the extending direction in the tire width direction that is smaller than the tire circumferential width at the center in the extending direction in the tire width direction.

8. The non-pneumatic tire according to claim 1, wherein the radial distance of the outer surface of the outer annular body from the tire's central axis is greater towards the center in the tire's width direction than towards both ends in the tire's width direction.

Images