Tire

Abstract

A tire according to the present disclosure comprises at least one annular body, the annular body comprising: a rim member provided with a plurality of rim parts disposed so as to face each other in the tire width direction; a plurality of plate-shaped tread members that are attached in an arch shape between two outer rim parts positioned on the outermost side on both sides in the tire width direction among the plurality of rim parts at different positions in the tire circumferential direction; and a plurality of plate-shaped support members that are positioned on the inner side, in the tire radial direction, of each of the plurality of plate-shaped tread members at different positions in the tire circumferential direction, are attached in an arch shape between two rim parts among the plurality of rim parts, and can elastically support the plate-shaped tread members from the inner side in the tire radial direction.

Description

tire

[0001] The present disclosure relates to tires.

[0002] Tires configured using coil springs have been known for some time. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a tire including a frame and a tread member. The frame of Patent Document 1 includes a rim member, a plurality of main springs, and a plurality of connecting springs. Patent Document 1 also discloses, as an example, a tread member configured to include a metal nonwoven fabric, at least a portion of which is embedded in a groove formed by the main spring and the connecting spring.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-192930

[0004] The tire disclosed in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a tread member that is arranged on the outer periphery of a framework constructed using springs, which prevents foreign matter such as sand from entering the inside of the tire, and as a result, driving performance is less likely to deteriorate.

[0005] However, the tire disclosed in Patent Document 1 still has room for improvement in terms of reducing the weight of the tread member.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a tire having a tread element that can achieve weight reduction.

[0007] A tire according to a first aspect of the present disclosure is a tire comprising: (1) at least one annular body, wherein the annular body comprises: a rim element having a plurality of rim portions arranged opposite each other in the tire width direction; a plurality of plate-like tread elements attached in an arch shape at different positions in the tire circumferential direction between two outer rim portions located outermost on both sides in the tire width direction among the plurality of rim portions; and a plurality of plate-like support members attached in an arch shape at different positions in the tire circumferential direction to respective inner sides of the plurality of plate-like tread elements in the tire radial direction, and each of the plate-like support members being attached in an arch shape between two rim portions among the plurality of rim portions and capable of elastically supporting the plate-like tread element from the inner side in the tire radial direction.

[0008] A tire according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is (2) the tire according to (1) above, in which the plate-like tread element includes a plurality of protrusions on an outer surface on an outer side in the tire radial direction.

[0009] A tire according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is the tire described in (1) or (2) above, wherein (3) the annular body includes a plurality of plate-like reinforcing members attached in an arch shape between the two outer rim portions to which the plurality of plate-like tread members are attached at different positions in the tire circumferential direction, and each of the plurality of plate-like reinforcing members is located between the plate-like support member and the plate-like tread member in the tire radial direction.

[0010] A tire according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is the tire described in any one of (1) to (3) above, wherein (4) the annular body includes a plurality of core members attached in an arch shape between the two rim portions to which the plurality of plate-like support members are attached at different positions in the tire circumferential direction, and each of the plurality of core members is arranged inside the plate-like support member in the tire radial direction.

[0011] A tire according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is the tire described in any one of (1) to (4) above, in which the plate-shaped support member is fixed at two or more positions to each of the two rim portions to which the plate-shaped support member is attached.

[0012] A tire according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is the tire described in any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the plate-like tread elements are fixed at two or more positions to each of the two outer rim portions to which the plate-like tread elements are attached.

[0013] A tire according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is the tire described in any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein (7) at least one of the two outer rim portions to which the plate-like tread members are attached is a common outer rim portion common to at least one of the two rim portions to which the plate-like support members are attached, and the annular body comprises: a clamping member having a clamping portion that clamps and holds between the common outer rim portion and an end of the plate-like tread member and an end of the plate-like support member located between the end of the plate-like tread member and the common outer rim portion; and a buffer member interposed between the clamping portion of the clamping member and the end of the plate-like tread member.

[0014] A tire according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is the tire described in any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein the two outer rim portions to which the plate-like tread elements are attached are two common outer rim portions that are common to the two rim portions to which the plate-like support members are attached.

[0015] A tire according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is (9) a tire according to any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein the rim member of the annular body comprises one or more intermediate rim portions between the two outer rim portions, and the plurality of plate-like support members are attached in an arch shape at different positions around the tire between at least one pair of adjacent two rim portions among the two outer rim portions and the one or more intermediate rim portions.

[0016] A tire as one embodiment of the present disclosure is the tire described in (9) above, wherein the plurality of plate-like support members include: a first support member group consisting of a plurality of plate-like support members attached in an arch shape at different positions in the tire circumferential direction between one outer rim portion of the two outer rim portions and an intermediate rim portion of the one or more intermediate rim portions adjacent to the one outer rim portion; and a second support member group consisting of a plurality of plate-like support members attached in an arch shape at different positions in the tire circumferential direction between the other outer rim portion of the two outer rim portions and an intermediate rim portion of the one or more intermediate rim portions adjacent to the other outer rim portion.

[0017] A tire according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is (11) the tire according to any one of (1) to (10) above, in which a plurality of the annular bodies are arranged in parallel in the tire width direction.

[0018] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a tire having a tread member that can achieve weight reduction.

[0019] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the appearance of a tire according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating details of the tire illustrated in Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view in the tire width direction of the tire illustrated in Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the tire illustrated in Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view in the tire width direction of a tire according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view in the tire width direction of a tire according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a tire according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components are assigned the same reference numerals. In this specification, the tire width direction refers to a direction parallel to the tire's rotation axis. The tire radial direction refers to a radial direction perpendicular to the tire's rotation axis and centered on the tire's rotation axis. The tire circumferential direction refers to a direction around the tire's rotation axis.

[0021] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a tire 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 shows the tire 1 in an unloaded state in which no external force is applied. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing details of the tire 1 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a tire widthwise cross-sectional view of the tire 1 shown in FIG. 1. The "tire widthwise cross-sectional view" of the tire 1 refers to a cross-sectional view of the tire 1 taken along a plane that includes the rotation axis of the tire 1 and is parallel to the tire width direction A. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the tire 1 includes at least one annular body 1a. More specifically, the tire 1 of this embodiment includes only one annular body 1a. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the annular body 1a of this embodiment includes a rim member 2, a plate-shaped support member 3, a plate-shaped tread member 4, and a core member 5.

[0022] The rim member 2 comprises multiple rim portions 100 arranged opposite each other in the tire width direction A. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the rim member 2 of this embodiment comprises two rim portions 100. For ease of explanation, the two rim portions 100 located on the outermost sides in the tire width direction A will be referred to as the "outer rim portions 101." As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the rim member 2 of this embodiment only comprises two outer rim portions 101. In other words, the rim member 2 of this embodiment does not include another rim portion 100 between the two outer rim portions 101. For ease of explanation, the two outer rim portions 101 will be referred to as the "first outer rim portion 101a" and the "second outer rim portion 101b" to distinguish them from each other. Furthermore, when there is no need to distinguish between the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b, they will simply be referred to as the "outer rim portion 101."

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the rim member 2 of this embodiment includes two flat annular plate members 103 each having a central opening, and multiple connecting members 105 connecting the annular plate members 103. The two annular plate members 103 are arranged facing each other at a predetermined distance. The connecting members 105 connect the two annular plate members 103 while they are arranged facing each other at a predetermined distance. In this embodiment, one of the annular plate members 103 constitutes a first outer rim portion 101a. In addition, in this embodiment, the other annular plate member 103 constitutes a second outer rim portion 101b. The rim member 2 is configured to be mountable to, for example, a wheel member that can be mounted on a vehicle. However, the configuration of the rim member 2 is not limited to the configuration of this embodiment. The rim member 2 may be configured to include multiple rim portions 100 arranged facing each other in the tire width direction A, and is not limited to the configuration including two annular plate members 103 and multiple connecting members 105 of this embodiment. Additionally, the rim member 2 itself may include, for example, a wheel portion that can be directly mounted on a vehicle.

[0024] There is no particular limitation on the number of rim portions 100 that the rim member 2 includes. For example, the rim member 2 may include three or more rim portions 100. Details of the configuration in which the rim member 2 includes three or more rim portions 100 will be described later (see FIG. 6 ).

[0025] The outer rim portion 101 is made of metal, such as stainless steel, or resin. That is, the two annular plate members 103 in this embodiment are made of metal or resin. The outer rim portion 101 is formed in a circular ring shape. The first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b are arranged at a distance in the tire width direction A so that their central axes are coaxial. In this embodiment, the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b have the same size and shape. However, as long as they can function as the tire 1, the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b may be configured with different sizes or shapes. The outer diameters of the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b may be determined appropriately depending on the required size of the tire 1.

[0026] The connecting members 105 are made of metal, such as stainless steel, or resin. The rim member 2 of this embodiment includes multiple connecting members 105 arranged at different positions in the tire circumferential direction B. The number of connecting members 105 is not particularly limited. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the side of the second outer rim portion 101b across the first outer rim portion 101a and the side of the first outer rim portion 101a across the second outer rim portion 101b may be referred to as the "inner side in the tire width direction A." Furthermore, the side of the first outer rim portion 101a opposite the second outer rim portion 101b and the side of the second outer rim portion 101b opposite the first outer rim portion 101a may be referred to as the "outer side in the tire width direction A."

[0027] The plate-shaped support member 3 is attached in an arched shape between two of the multiple rim portions 100 of the rim member 2. Specifically, the plate-shaped support member 3 of this embodiment is attached in an arched shape between the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b. More specifically, the plate-shaped support member 3 of this embodiment is curved in the thickness direction so that the outer side in the tire radial direction C is convex, and is bridged between the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b. In this state, both ends of the plate-shaped support member 3 are attached to the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b. This allows the plate-shaped support member 3 to bend and elastically deform in the tire radial direction C.

[0028] The plate-like support member 3 is located on the inside in the tire radial direction C of a plate-like tread member 4 (described later). The plate-like support member 3 is configured to be able to elastically support the plate-like tread member 4 (described later) from the inside in the tire radial direction C. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3 , an outer surface 11, which is the outer surface in the tire radial direction C of the plate-like support member 3 of this embodiment, abuts against an inner surface 22, which is the inner surface in the tire radial direction C of the plate-like tread member 4 (described later). The plate-like support member 3 receives a ground contact load via the plate-like tread member 4 when the plate-like tread member 4 comes into contact with the road surface and is pressed inward in the tire radial direction C. By receiving this ground contact load, the plate-like support member 3 can elastically deform inward in the tire radial direction C. When the plate-like support member 3 elastically deforms inward in the tire radial direction C due to the ground contact load, the plate-like tread member 4 also deforms inward in the tire radial direction C following the deformation of the plate-like support member 3. In this way, the plate-like support member 3 elastically deforms inward in the tire radial direction C together with the plate-like tread member 4 in response to the ground contact load, thereby being able to elastically support the plate-like tread member 4 from the inside in the tire radial direction C. In this way, the plate-like support member 3 can support the ground contact load via the plate-like tread member 4.

[0029] The annular body 1a includes a plurality of plate-shaped support members 3. The plate-shaped support members 3 are arranged at different positions in the tire circumferential direction B. More specifically, the plate-shaped support members 3 are arranged in the tire circumferential direction B so that two adjacent plate-shaped support members 3 in the tire circumferential direction B do not overlap in the tire circumferential direction B, i.e., so as not to overlap in the tire radial direction C. The distance between two adjacent plate-shaped support members 3 in the tire circumferential direction B is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the plate-shaped support members 3 be arranged with a gap of 5 mm or less, for example, 1 mm, between them. This arrangement can prevent foreign matter, such as sand on land that constitutes the ground, which serves as the traveling surface, from entering between two adjacent plate-shaped support members 3 in the tire circumferential direction B and toward the inside in the tire radial direction C.

[0030] The multiple plate-like support members 3 are arranged over the entire area in the tire circumferential direction B. The length L1 of each plate-like support member 3 in the tire circumferential direction B is preferably a length such that the central angle around the rotation axis of the tire 1 is 2 to 10 degrees, and more preferably a length such that the central angle is 2 to 5 degrees. This makes it easier to ensure the desired rigidity and deformation performance of each plate-like support member 3 in the tire radial direction C.

[0031] As described above, the plate-shaped support member 3 extends in an arch shape between the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b so that its outer side in the tire radial direction C is convex. The length of the plate-shaped support member 3 in the extension direction D of this embodiment is longer than the length L1 of the plate-shaped support member 3 in the tire circumferential direction B described above. In other words, the plate-shaped support member 3 in this embodiment is a curved, strip-shaped member that spans between the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b. The thickness of the plate-shaped support member 3 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.1 to 0.5 mm, such as 0.3 mm. This thickness makes it easier to ensure the desired rigidity and deformation performance of the plate-shaped support member 3 in the tire radial direction C.

[0032] The plate-shaped support member 3 in this embodiment is a plate-shaped member made of a single plate material, but it may also be a plate-shaped member made by stacking multiple plate materials in the tire radial direction C, for example.

[0033] The plate-shaped support member 3 includes one end 3a attached to the first outer rim portion 101a, the other end 3b attached to the second outer rim portion 101b, and a deformed portion 3c curved between the one end 3a and the other end 3b so as to convex outward in the tire radial direction C. In this embodiment, the one end 3a, the other end 3b, and the deformed portion 3c are formed by parts of a plate-shaped member that are integrally connected in the extension direction D. The plate-shaped support member 3 extends in an arch shape from the one end 3a to the other end 3b. The one end 3a is positioned to cover an outer surface 111, which is the outer surface of the first outer rim portion 101a in the tire width direction A, and is fixed to the first outer rim portion 101a by a fastening member such as a bolt 50. The other end 3b is positioned to cover an outer surface 121, which is the outer surface of the second outer rim portion 101b in the tire width direction A, and is fixed to the second outer rim portion 101b by a fastening member such as a bolt 50. The details of the structure for fixing the plate-like support member 3 to the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b will be described later (see Figure 3). The deformed portion 3c abuts against an inner surface 22 of a plate-like tread member 4, which will be described later.

[0034] The plate-shaped support member 3 may be configured, for example, as a flat plate-shaped member that has been elastically bent and deformed before being attached to the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b. Alternatively, the plate-shaped support member 3 may be configured, for example, as a plate-shaped member that has been previously memorized into a predetermined curved shape before being attached to the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b. Furthermore, the plate-shaped support member 3 may be configured to be pre-formed into a predetermined curved shape without being shaped into a curved shape from a flat plate. The predetermined curved shape may be, for example, an arc-shaped curved shape having a constant curvature, or a curved shape formed by combining arcs with multiple curvatures.

[0035] The plate-shaped support member 3 is made of a metal such as stainless steel, or a resin. The material of the plate-shaped support member 3 may be determined appropriately depending on the rigidity, deformation performance, durability, etc. required for the plate-shaped support member 3.

[0036] The plate-like tread element 4 is attached in an arch shape between two outer rim portions 101 located on the outermost sides of the multiple rim portions 100 of the rim element 2 in the tire width direction A. Specifically, the plate-like tread element 4 of this embodiment is attached in an arch shape between the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b.

[0037] Furthermore, the plate-like tread element 4 of this embodiment is attached in an arch shape between the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b so as to cover the outer side of the plate-like support element 3 in the tire radial direction C. More specifically, the plate-like tread element 4 of this embodiment covers the outer surface 11 of the plate-like support element 3 and is bridged between the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b in a state where it is curved in the thickness direction so that the outer side in the tire radial direction C is convex. In this state, both ends of the plate-like tread element 4 are attached to the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b. As described above, the inner surface 22 of the plate-like tread element 4 abuts against the outer surface 11 of the plate-like support element 3 (see FIG. 3 ). 3 , the inner surface 22 of the plate-like tread element 4 in this embodiment abuts against the outer surface 11 of the plate-like support element 3 over the entire area in the tire width direction A between the first outer rim portion 101 a and the second outer rim portion 101 b. The outer surface 21, which is the outer surface of the plate-like tread element 4 in the tire radial direction C, is exposed to the outside of the annular body 1 a and is the contact surface that comes into contact with the road surface. When the plate-like tread element 4 comes into contact with the road surface and is pressed inward in the tire radial direction C, the plate-like tread element 4 can deform inward in the tire radial direction C to follow the plate-like support element 3, as described above.

[0038] As described above, the annular body 1a of the tire 1 includes both the plate-like support member 3 that supports the ground load received from the road surface and the plate-like tread member 4 that forms the contact surface that contacts the road surface. In other words, the load-bearing function of supporting the ground load can be primarily assigned to the plate-like support member 3, and the traction function on the road surface can be primarily assigned to the plate-like tread member 4. In other words, the annular body 1a of the tire 1 separates the load-bearing function and the traction function, allowing the plate-like support member 3 and the plate-like tread member 4 to be primarily assigned to each, respectively. Therefore, compared to a configuration that achieves both the desired load-bearing performance and traction performance with a single member, it is easier to achieve the desired load-bearing performance and traction performance with a simple configuration using multiple plate-like members. Therefore, the tread member can be the plate-like tread member 4, thereby reducing the weight of the tread member.

[0039] Furthermore, by using the plate-like tread member 4 as the tread member, it is possible to easily form irregularities and the like on the outer surface 21 of the plate-like tread member 4 to improve traction performance. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the plate-like tread member 4 of this embodiment has a plurality of protrusions 21a on the outer surface 21. The protrusions 21a of this embodiment are protrusions having a substantially truncated cone shape, but the shape of the protrusions 21a is not particularly limited. The protrusions 21a may have another shape, such as a substantially conical shape or a hemispherical shape.

[0040] The annular body 1a also includes a plurality of plate-like tread elements 4. The plate-like tread elements 4 are arranged at different positions in the tire circumferential direction B. More specifically, the plate-like tread elements 4 are arranged in the tire circumferential direction B so that two adjacent plate-like tread elements 4 in the tire circumferential direction B do not overlap in the tire circumferential direction B, i.e., so as not to overlap in the tire radial direction C. The distance between two adjacent plate-like tread elements 4 in the tire circumferential direction B is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that they be arranged with a gap of 5 mm or less, such as 1 mm, between them. This arrangement can prevent foreign matter, such as sand on land that constitutes the ground, which is the traveling surface, from entering between two adjacent plate-like tread elements 4 in the tire circumferential direction B and toward the inside in the tire radial direction C.

[0041] The plurality of plate-like tread elements 4 are disposed over the entire area in the tire circumferential direction B. The length L3 of each plate-like tread element 4 in the tire circumferential direction B is preferably a length such that the central angle around the rotation axis of the tire 1 is 2 to 10 degrees, and more preferably a length such that the central angle is 2 to 5 degrees. This makes it easier to ensure the deformation-following performance of the plate-like tread elements 4 when the plate-like support member 3 receives a ground contact load and elastically deforms in the tire radial direction C.

[0042] In particular, it is preferable that each plate-like tread element 4 is not arranged so as to straddle the outer surfaces 11 of two adjacent plate-like support elements 3 in the tire circumferential direction B. In other words, it is preferable that each plate-like tread element 4 is arranged so as to overlap only one plate-like support element 3 in the tire radial direction C. This can further improve the deformation tracking performance of each plate-like tread element 4 when each plate-like support element 3 is deformed in the tire radial direction C due to a ground contact load. From this perspective, the length L3 of each plate-like tread element 4 in the tire circumferential direction B of the plate-like support element 3 in this embodiment is set to be equal to or less than the length L1 of each plate-like support element 3 in the tire circumferential direction B described above. More specifically, the length L3 of each plate-like tread element 4 in the tire circumferential direction B of the plate-like support element 3 in this embodiment is substantially equal to the length L1 of each plate-like support element 3 in the tire circumferential direction B at any position in the extending direction D and the extending direction E. Furthermore, each plate-like tread element 4 in this embodiment covers the outer surface 11 of each plate-like support element 3 between both end edges of the plate-like support element 3 in the tire circumferential direction B. In other words, each plate-shaped tread member 4 in this embodiment covers the outer surface 11 of each plate-shaped support member 3 over the entire area between both end edges of each plate-shaped support member 3 in the tire circumferential direction B, so as not to exceed both end edges of each plate-shaped support member 3 in the tire circumferential direction B.

[0043] In other words, if one arch unit is defined as one plate-like support member 3 and one plate-like tread member 4 arranged to overlap in the tire radial direction C, the annular body 1a includes a plurality of arch units arranged at different positions in the tire circumferential direction B. These multiple arch units are arranged over the entire area in the tire circumferential direction B.

[0044] As described above, the plate-like tread element 4 extends in an arch shape between the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b so that its outer side in the tire radial direction C is convex. The length of the plate-like tread element 4 in the extending direction E is longer than the length L3 of the plate-like tread element 4 in the tire circumferential direction B described above. In other words, the plate-like tread element 4 in this embodiment is a curved strip-like element spanning between the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b. The thickness of the plate-like tread element 4 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, equal to or less than the thickness of the plate-like support member 3. The thickness of the plate-like tread element 4 is preferably less than 0.5 mm, such as 0.2 mm. This thickness makes it easier to ensure the deformation-following performance of the plate-like tread element 4 when the plate-like support member 3 elastically deforms in the tire radial direction C due to a ground contact load.

[0045] The plate-like tread member 4 is a plate-like member made of a single plate material.

[0046] The plate-like tread element 4 comprises one end 4a attached to the first outer rim portion 101a, the other end 4b attached to the second outer rim portion 101b, and a ground contact portion 4c that is curved between the one end 4a and the other end 4b so as to convex outward in the tire radial direction C. In this embodiment, the one end 4a, the other end 4b, and the ground contact portion 4c are formed by parts of a plate-like element that are connected together in the extension direction E. The plate-like tread element 4 extends in an arch shape from the one end 4a to the other end 4b. The one end 4a is arranged to cover the outer surface 111 of the first outer rim portion 101a, and is fixed to the first outer rim portion 101a together with the one end 3a of the plate-like support member 3 by a fastening member such as a bolt 50. The other end 4b is arranged so as to cover the outer surface 121 of the second outer rim portion 101b, and is fixed to the second outer rim portion 101b together with the other end 3b of the plate-like support member 3 by a fastening member such as a bolt 50. Details of the fixing configuration of the plate-like tread member 4 to the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b will be described later (see Figure 3). The ground contact portion 4c abuts against the outer surface 11 of the plate-like support member 3, i.e., the outer surface of the deformed portion 3c of the plate-like support member 3, over the entire area in the tire width direction A between the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b.

[0047] The plate-like tread element 4 may be configured, for example, as a flat plate-like element that is elastically bent and deformed before being attached to the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b. Alternatively, the plate-like tread element 4 may be configured, for example, as a plate-like element that is pre-memorized into a predetermined curved shape before being attached to the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b. The predetermined curved shape may be, for example, a circular arc-like curved shape having a constant curvature, or a curved shape formed by combining arcs with multiple curvatures.

[0048] As described above, in the plate-like tread member 4 of this embodiment, the one end 4a, the other end 4b, and the ground-contacting portion 4c are configured from respective portions of a plate-like member that are integrally connected in the extending direction E, but this configuration is not limited thereto. The plate-like tread member 4 may be configured, for example, by separate plate members that are connected in the extending direction E by rivets or the like. In other words, the one end 4a, the other end 4b, and the ground-contacting portion 4c of the plate-like tread member 4 may be configured from separate plate members that are connected in the extending direction E. However, from the viewpoint of durability, it is preferable that the one end 4a, the other end 4b, and the ground-contacting portion 4c are configured from respective portions of an integral plate-like member as in this embodiment.

[0049] The plate-like tread member 4 is made of a metal such as stainless steel, or a resin. The material of the plate-like tread member 4 may be determined appropriately depending on the rigidity, deformation performance, durability, etc. required for the plate-like tread member 4.

[0050] The core member 5 is disposed on the inside of the plate-shaped support member 3 in the tire radial direction C. In this embodiment, the core member 5 is attached in an arch shape between the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b as the two rim portions 100 to which the plate-shaped support members 3 are attached.

[0051] The core member 5 of this embodiment is formed from a plate-like material, similar to the above-mentioned plate-like support member 3 and plate-like tread member 4. The plate-like core member 5 of this embodiment is curved in the thickness direction so that the outer side in the tire radial direction C is convex, and is bridged between the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b. In this state, both ends of the core member 5 are attached to the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b.

[0052] The core member 5 is disposed between the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b, spaced apart and on the inward side in the tire radial direction C from the plate-shaped support member 3. More specifically, an outer surface 41, which is the outer surface of the core member 5 in the tire radial direction C, is disposed between the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b, spaced apart and on the inward side in the tire radial direction C from an inner surface 12, which is the inner surface of the plate-shaped support member 3 in the tire radial direction C. The core member 5 comes into contact with and supports the plate-shaped support member 3 when the plate-shaped support member 3 is significantly deformed inward in the tire radial direction C. By providing such a core member 5, even when the plate-shaped support member 3 is significantly deformed inward in the tire radial direction C by a predetermined amount or more, the core member 5 supports the plate-shaped support member 3, thereby suppressing plastic deformation of the plate-shaped support member 3.

[0053] The annular body 1a of this embodiment includes a plurality of core members 5. The plurality of core members 5 are arranged at different positions in the tire circumferential direction B. More specifically, the plurality of core members 5 are arranged in the tire circumferential direction B so that two adjacent core members 5 in the tire circumferential direction B do not overlap in the tire circumferential direction B, i.e., so as not to overlap in the tire radial direction C. The separation distance between two adjacent core members 5 in the tire circumferential direction B is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that they are arranged with a gap of 5 mm or less, for example, 1 mm, between them. This arrangement can prevent foreign matter, such as sand on land that constitutes the ground as the traveling surface, from entering between two adjacent core members 5 in the tire circumferential direction B and toward the inside in the tire radial direction C.

[0054] Furthermore, the multiple core members 5 are arranged throughout the tire circumferential direction B. In particular, it is preferable that each core member 5 is not arranged so as to straddle two adjacent plate-shaped support members 3 in the tire circumferential direction B. That is, it is preferable that each core member 5 is arranged so as to overlap only one plate-shaped support member 3 in the tire radial direction C. In this manner, when each plate-shaped support member 3 receives a ground contact load and undergoes significant inward deformation in the tire radial direction C, each core member 5 can support only the one plate-shaped support member 3 that overlaps it in the tire radial direction C. Therefore, each core member 5 does not receive load from multiple plate-shaped support members 3, making it easier to design the strength of each core member 5. From this perspective, the length L5 of each core member 5 in the tire circumferential direction B in this embodiment is set to be equal to or shorter than the length L1 of each plate-shaped support member 3 in the tire circumferential direction B described above. More specifically, the length L5 of each core member 5 in the tire circumferential direction B of the present embodiment is substantially equal to the length L1 of each plate-shaped support member 3 in the tire circumferential direction B at any position in the extension direction D. Furthermore, each core member 5 in the present embodiment is located between both end edges of each plate-shaped support member 3 in the tire circumferential direction B. In other words, each core member 5 in the present embodiment is located inside each plate-shaped support member 3 in the tire radial direction C over the entire area between both end edges of each plate-shaped support member 3 in the tire circumferential direction B so as not to exceed both end edges of each plate-shaped support member 3 in the tire circumferential direction B.

[0055] As described above, the plate-shaped core member 5 of this embodiment extends in an arch shape between the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b so that its outer side in the tire radial direction C is convex. The length of the plate-shaped core member 5 in the extension direction F is longer than the length L5 of the plate-shaped core member 5 in the tire circumferential direction B described above. In other words, the plate-shaped core member 5 of this embodiment is a curved strip-shaped member that spans between the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b. The thickness of the plate-shaped core member 5 is not particularly limited. The thickness of the plate-shaped core member 5 may be thicker than or equal to the thickness of the plate-shaped support member 3. The thickness of the plate-shaped core member 5 may be set to a level that prevents plastic deformation when pressed against the significantly deformed plate-shaped support member 3, and may be, for example, 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0056] The plate-shaped core member 5 in this embodiment is a plate-shaped member made of a single plate material, but it may also be a plate-shaped member made by stacking multiple plate materials in the tire radial direction C, for example.

[0057] The core member 5 comprises one end 5a attached to the first outer rim portion 101a, the other end 5b attached to the second outer rim portion 101b, and a main body portion 5c curved between the one end 5a and the other end 5b so as to be convex outward in the tire radial direction C. In this embodiment, the one end 5a, the other end 5b, and the main body portion 5c are formed by parts of a plate-like member that are connected together in the extension direction F. The plate-like core member 5 in this embodiment extends in an arch shape from the one end 5a to the other end 5b. The one end 5a is arranged to cover the outer surface 111 of the first outer rim portion 101a, and is fixed to the first outer rim portion 101a together with one end 3a of the plate-like support member 3 and one end 4a of the plate-like tread member 4 by fastening members such as bolts 50. The other end 5b is arranged to cover the outer surface 121 of the second outer rim portion 101b, and is fixed to the second outer rim portion 101b together with the other end 3b of the plate-like support member 3 and the other end 4b of the plate-like tread member 4 by fastening members such as bolts 50. The fixing structure of the core member 5 to the first outer rim portion 101a and second outer rim portion 101b will be described in detail below (see Figure 3). The main body portion 5c is arranged inward in the tire radial direction C from the deformed portion 3c of the plate-like support member 3 in an unloaded state where no external force is applied to the annular body 1a.

[0058] The plate-shaped core member 5 may be configured, for example, as a flat plate-shaped member that is elastically bent and attached to the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b. Alternatively, the plate-shaped core member 5 may be configured, for example, as a plate-shaped member that has been shape-memorized into a predetermined curved shape and attached to the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b. The predetermined curved shape may be, for example, a circular arc-shaped curved shape having a constant curvature, or a curved shape formed by combining circular arcs with multiple curvatures.

[0059] The core member 5 is made of a metal such as stainless steel, or a resin. The material of the core member 5 may be determined appropriately depending on the rigidity, deformability, durability, and the like required for the core member 5.

[0060] Next, with reference to Figure 3, the details of the attachment configuration of the plate-like support member 3, plate-like tread member 4, and core member 5 to the rim portion 100 of the rim member 2 will be described. Here, the attachment configuration of one end 3a of the plate-like support member 3, one end 4a of the plate-like tread member 4, and one end 5a of the core member 5 to the first outer rim portion 101a will be described. The attachment configuration of the other end 3b of the plate-like support member 3, the other end 4b of the plate-like tread member 4, and the other end 5b of the core member 5 to the second outer rim portion 101b is similar to the attachment configuration of one end 3a of the plate-like support member 3, one end 4a of the plate-like tread member 4, and one end 5a of the core member 5 to the first outer rim portion 101a, so a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0061] As shown in Figure 3, one end 3a of the plate-like support member 3, one end 4a of the plate-like tread member 4, and one end 5a of the core member 5 are attached to the first outer rim portion 101a in a state in which they are stacked in the tire width direction A on the outer surface 111 of the first outer rim portion 101a. A through hole is formed in each of the one end 3a of the plate-like support member 3, one end 4a of the plate-like tread member 4, and one end 5a of the core member 5. The first outer rim portion 101a also has a through hole with a female thread formed on its inner surface. The through hole in the one end 3a of the plate-like support member 3, the through hole in the one end 4a of the plate-like tread member 4, the through hole in the one end 5a of the core member 5, and the through hole in the first outer rim portion 101a form a communicating hole that is continuous in the tire width direction A, and the shank of the bolt 50 is inserted into this communicating hole. Then, the male threaded portion of the shank of the bolt 50 is screwed into the female threaded portion of the through hole in the first outer rim portion 101 a. In this manner, one end 3 a of the plate-shaped support member 3, one end 4 a of the plate-shaped tread member 4, and one end 5 a of the core member 5 are sandwiched in the tire width direction A by the head of the bolt 50 and the first outer rim portion 101 a, and are attached to the first outer rim portion 101 a.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 3 , in this embodiment, the plate-like support member 3, the plate-like tread member 4, and the core member 5 are fixed to the first outer rim portion 101a at two or more positions. Specifically, in this embodiment, one end 3a of the plate-like support member 3, one end 4a of the plate-like tread member 4, and one end 5a of the core member 5 are attached to the first outer rim portion 101a by two sets of bolts 50 arranged at different positions in the tire radial direction C. This suppresses relative rotation of the plate-like support member 3, the plate-like tread member 4, and the core member 5 in the tire circumferential direction B with respect to the first outer rim portion 101a around the shanks of the bolts 50 as central axes. This prevents one plate-like support member 3 from coming into contact with another plate-like support member 3 adjacent to it in the tire circumferential direction B and pressing it in the tire circumferential direction B. As a result, damage to the plate-like support members 3 due to a collision between two plate-like support members 3 adjacent to each other in the tire circumferential direction B can be suppressed. The same applies to the plate-like tread members 4 and the core member 5. In other words, it is possible to suppress damage to the plate-like tread members 4 caused by a collision between two adjacent plate-like tread members 4 in the tire circumferential direction B. It is also possible to suppress damage to the core member 5 caused by a collision between two adjacent core members 5 in the tire circumferential direction B.

[0063] In this embodiment, one end 3a of the plate-like support member 3, one end 4a of the plate-like tread member 4, and one end 5a of the core member 5 are attached to the first outer rim portion 101a at two different locations in the tire radial direction C, but this configuration is not limited to this. One end 3a of the plate-like support member 3, one end 4a of the plate-like tread member 4, and one end 5a of the core member 5 may be attached to the first outer rim portion 101a at two different locations in the tire circumferential direction B, for example. Also, one end 3a of the plate-like support member 3, one end 4a of the plate-like tread member 4, and one end 5a of the core member 5 may be attached to the first outer rim portion 101a at two different locations in both the tire circumferential direction B and the tire radial direction C, for example. Furthermore, one end 3a of the plate-shaped support member 3, one end 4a of the plate-shaped tread member 4, and one end 5a of the core member 5 may be fixed to the first outer rim portion 101a at three or more positions.

[0064] Furthermore, the annular body 1a of the tire 1 of this embodiment includes a clamping member 60 having a clamping portion 60a that sandwiches and holds one end 4a as an end of the plate-like tread member 4 and one end 3a as an end of the plate-like support member 3 between the clamping member 60 and the first outer rim portion 101a. The clamping member 60 of this embodiment is the bolt 50 described above, and the clamping portion 60a of this embodiment is the head of the bolt 50. In this embodiment, the head of the bolt 50 sandwiches and holds one end 3a of the plate-like support member 3 and one end 4a of the plate-like tread member 4 between the first outer rim portion 101a. More specifically, the head of the bolt 50 of this embodiment sandwiches and holds one end 5a of the core member 5 between the first outer rim portion 101a and the one end 3a of the plate-like support member 3 and one end 4a of the plate-like tread member 4. 3, one end 3a of the plate-like support member 3 is located between one end 4a of the plate-like tread member 4 and the first outer rim portion 101a. More specifically, in the annular body 1a of this embodiment, one end 4a of the plate-like tread member 4, one end 3a of the plate-like support member 3, one end 5a of the core member 5, and the first outer rim portion 101a are stacked in this order from the outside to the inside in the tire width direction A.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 3 , the annular body 1a of the tire 1 of this embodiment further includes a buffer member 61 interposed between the head of the bolt 50 serving as the clamping portion 60a and one end 4a of the plate-like tread member 4. The buffer member 61 is configured to be compressively deformable while being sandwiched between the head of the bolt 50 serving as the clamping portion 60a and one end 4a of the plate-like tread member 4. That is, in this embodiment, the one end 3a of the plate-like support member 3, the one end 4a of the plate-like tread member 4, and the one end 5a of the core member 5 are fixed to the first outer rim portion 101a by being sandwiched between the head of the bolt 50 serving as the clamping portion 60a and the first outer rim portion 101a when the buffer member 61 is compressively deformed in the tire width direction A. By providing such a buffer member 61, it is possible to prevent the clamping portion 60a from directly contacting the one end 4a of the plate-like tread member 4. Therefore, stress is concentrated at the boundary between the position where the clamping portion 60a directly contacts one end 4a of the plate-like tread member 4 and the position where it does not directly contact, thereby preventing damage to the one end 4a of the plate-like tread member 4.

[0066] The buffer member 61 may have a Young's modulus smaller than those of the clamping portion 60a and one end 4a of the plate-shaped tread member 4. In this embodiment, an aluminum plate having a through hole formed therein is used as an example of the buffer member 61. As shown in Fig. 3, the shank of the bolt 50 serving as the clamping member 60 in this embodiment is inserted through the through hole of the buffer member 61 in addition to the through hole of one end 3a of the plate-shaped support member 3, the through hole of one end 4a of the plate-shaped tread member 4, and the through hole of one end 5a of the core member 5.

[0067] Furthermore, it is preferable that the buffer member 61 covers one end 4a of the plate-like tread member 4 over a wider area than the clamping portion 60a. In other words, in this embodiment, it is preferable that the area of ​​contact between the aluminum plate material serving as the buffer member 61 and one end 4a of the plate-like tread member 4 is larger than the area of ​​the underside of the head of the bolt 50. In this way, the compressive force applied to one end 4a of the plate-like tread member 4 by the clamping portion 60a can be widely dispersed by the presence of the buffer member 61. Therefore, it is possible to further prevent stress from concentrating locally at the above-mentioned boundary portion of one end 4a of the plate-like tread member 4 and damaging one end 4a of the plate-like tread member 4.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 2 , multiple buffer members 61 are arranged in the tire circumferential direction B so as to cover each of the plate-like tread members 4 arranged in the tire circumferential direction B, but this configuration is not limited to this. For example, the buffer member 61 may be arranged so as to cover two or more plate-like tread members 4 arranged in the tire circumferential direction B across the tire circumferential direction B. Therefore, the buffer member 61 may be formed, for example, of a flat, annular plate member defining an opening in the center, and arranged so as to cover all of the plate-like tread members 4 arranged throughout the tire circumferential direction B. However, as in this embodiment, it is preferable that the buffer members 61 are provided separately for each plate-like tread member 4. This allows the buffer members 61 to be reliably attached regardless of tolerances, such as the attachment positions of the plate-like support member 3 and the plate-like tread members 4.

[0069] In this embodiment, one end 3 a of the plate-like support member 3, one end 4 a of the plate-like tread member 4, and one end 5 a of the core member 5 are attached to the first outer rim portion 101 a in a state where they are stacked on the outer surface 111 of the first outer rim portion 101 a, but this configuration is not limited to this. For example, part or all of the one end 3 a of the plate-like support member 3, one end 4 a of the plate-like tread member 4, and one end 5 a of the core member 5 may be attached to the first outer rim portion 101 a in a state where they are stacked on the inner surface 112, which is the inner surface of the first outer rim portion 101 a in the tire width direction A. However, from the perspective of efficiency of the attachment work, it is preferable that the one end 3 a of the plate-like support member 3, one end 4 a of the plate-like tread member 4, and one end 5 a of the core member 5 are attached to the first outer rim portion 101 a in a state where they are stacked on the outer surface 111 of the first outer rim portion 101 a.

[0070] As described above, in the annular body 1a of this embodiment, both the plate-like support members 3 and the plate-like tread members 4 are attached to the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b. In other words, the two rim portions 100 to which the plate-like support members 3 are attached and the two rim portions 100 to which the plate-like tread members 4 are attached are common to the two outer rim portions 101. In other words, the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b are each a common outer rim portion to which both the plate-like support members 3 and the plate-like tread members 4 are attached. In this way, the outer rim portion 101 to which the plate-like tread members 4 are attached may be a common outer rim portion to which the plate-like support members 3 are also attached.

[0071] In the annular body 1a of this embodiment, all of the plate-shaped support members 3 arranged at different positions in the tire circumferential direction B and all of the plate-shaped tread members 4 arranged at different positions in the tire circumferential direction B are attached to the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b.

[0072] Next, a modification of the tire 1 described above will be described with reference to FIG.

[0073] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a tire 201 as a modified example of the tire 1 described above. Specifically, Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the tire 201 in the tire width direction. As shown in Fig. 4, the tire 201 differs from the tire 1 described above (see Fig. 3 etc.) in the presence or absence of a plate-like reinforcing member 6, but the other configurations are the same. Here, the above differences will be mainly described, and a description of the configurations common to the tire 1 will be omitted.

[0074] As shown in Figure 4, the tire 201 includes an annular body 201a. The annular body 201a includes a rim member 2, a plate-like support member 3, a plate-like tread member 4, a core member 5, and a plate-like reinforcing member 6. The configurations of the rim member 2, the plate-like support member 3, the plate-like tread member 4, and the core member 5 are the same as those in the tire 1 described above (see Figure 3, etc.), and therefore description thereof will be omitted here.

[0075] The plate-shaped reinforcing member 6 is attached in an arch shape between the two outer rim portions 101. Specifically, the plate-shaped reinforcing member 6 is attached in an arch shape between the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b.

[0076] The plate-like reinforcing member 6 is located between the plate-like support members 3 and the plate-like tread members 4 in the tire radial direction C. More specifically, the plate-like reinforcing member 6 shown in Figure 4 is curved in the thickness direction so that the outer side in the tire radial direction C is convex, and is bridged between the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b so as to fit along the plate-like support members 3 and the plate-like tread members 4. In this state, both ends of the plate-like reinforcing member 6 are attached to the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b.

[0077] As shown in Figure 4, the plate-like reinforcing member 6 is arranged with its outer surface 31, which is its outer surface in the tire radial direction C, in contact with the inner surface 22 of the plate-like tread member 4. More specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the outer surface 31 of the plate-like reinforcing member 6 is in contact with the inner surface 22 of the plate-like tread member 4 over the entire area in the tire width direction A between the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b.

[0078] 4, the plate-shaped reinforcing member 6 is arranged with its inner surface 32, which is its inner surface in the tire radial direction C, in contact with the outer surface 11 of the plate-shaped support member 3. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the inner surface 32 of the plate-shaped reinforcing member 6 is in contact with the outer surface 11 of the plate-shaped support member 3 over the entire area in the tire width direction A between the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b. However, the plate-shaped reinforcing member 6 may be in contact with the plate-shaped support member 3 only in a partial area in the tire width direction A between the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b (see FIG. 6).

[0079] When the plate-like tread member 4 comes into contact with the road surface and is pressed inward in the tire radial direction C, the plate-like reinforcing member 6 can deform inward in the tire radial direction C together with the plate-like support member 3 and the plate-like tread member 4. By providing such a plate-like reinforcing member 6, the plate-like reinforcing member 6 bears part of the load-bearing performance, so the plate-like tread member 4 can be configured to be more specialized for traction performance. For example, the plate-like tread member 4 can be configured thin so that it can more easily follow the deformation of the plate-like support member 3 and the plate-like reinforcing member 6 in the tire radial direction C.

[0080] The annular body 201a also includes a plurality of plate-shaped reinforcing members 6. The plate-shaped reinforcing members 6 are arranged at different positions in the tire circumferential direction B. More specifically, the plate-shaped reinforcing members 6 are arranged in the tire circumferential direction B so that two adjacent plate-shaped reinforcing members 6 in the tire circumferential direction B do not overlap in the tire circumferential direction B, i.e., so as not to overlap in the tire radial direction C. The distance between two adjacent plate-shaped reinforcing members 6 in the tire circumferential direction B is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the plate-shaped reinforcing members 6 be arranged with a gap of 5 mm or less, for example, 1 mm, between them. This arrangement can prevent foreign matter, such as sand on land that constitutes the ground, which is the traveling surface, from entering between two adjacent plate-shaped reinforcing members 6 in the tire circumferential direction B and toward the inside in the tire radial direction C.

[0081] Furthermore, the multiple plate-shaped reinforcing members 6 are arranged throughout the entire area in the tire circumferential direction B. The length of each plate-shaped reinforcing member 6 in the tire circumferential direction B is preferably a length such that the central angle around the rotation axis of the tire 201 is 2 to 10 degrees, and more preferably a length such that the central angle is 2 to 5 degrees. This makes it easier to ensure the deformation-following performance of the plate-shaped reinforcing members 6 when the plate-shaped support member 3 receives a ground contact load and elastically deforms in the tire radial direction C.

[0082] In particular, it is preferable that each plate-like reinforcing member 6 is not arranged so as to straddle the inner surfaces 22 of two plate-like tread members 4 adjacent in the tire circumferential direction B. In other words, it is preferable that each plate-like reinforcing member 6 is arranged so as to overlap only one plate-like tread member 4 in the tire radial direction C. Furthermore, it is preferable that each plate-like reinforcing member 6 is not arranged so as to straddle the outer surfaces 11 of two plate-like support members 3 adjacent in the tire circumferential direction B. In other words, it is preferable that each plate-like reinforcing member 6 is arranged so as to overlap only one plate-like support member 3 in the tire radial direction C. In other words, it is preferable that each plate-like reinforcing member 6 is arranged so as to overlap only one plate-like support member 3 and one plate-like tread member 4 in the tire radial direction C. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the deformation of the plate-like support members 3 and the plate-like tread members 4 in the tire radial direction C from being hindered by the presence of the plate-like reinforcing members 6 located between these plate-like support members 3 and plate-like tread members 4. As a result, the ability of the plate-like tread member 4 to deform in response to the plate-like support member 3 can be maintained.

[0083] As described above, the plate-like reinforcing member 6 extends in an arch shape between the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b so that its outer side in the tire radial direction C is convex. Like the plate-like tread member 4, the plate-like reinforcing member 6 is a curved, strip-like member that spans between the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b. The extending direction of the plate-like reinforcing member 6 shown in FIG. 4 is the same as the extending direction D of the plate-like support member 3 and the extending direction E of the plate-like tread member 4. The thickness of the plate-like reinforcing member 6 is not particularly limited, but is preferably thinner than the plate-like support member 3. Furthermore, the thickness of the plate-like reinforcing member 6 is preferably thicker than the plate-like tread member 4. By achieving such a thickness relationship, it becomes easier to maintain the ability to deform following the plate-like support member 3 while providing a certain degree of load-bearing performance.

[0084] The plate-shaped reinforcing member 6 is a plate-shaped member made of a single plate material, but may also be a plate-shaped member made by stacking multiple plate materials in the tire radial direction C, for example.

[0085] The plate-shaped reinforcing member 6 comprises one end 6a attached to the first outer rim portion 101a, the other end 6b attached to the second outer rim portion 101b, and a deformed portion 6c that is curved between the one end 6a and the other end 6b so as to be convex outward in the tire radial direction C. The one end 6a, the other end 6b and the deformed portion 6c are made up of parts of a plate-shaped member that are connected together in the extension direction of the plate-shaped reinforcing member 6. The one end 6a of the plate-shaped reinforcing member 6 is arranged to cover the outer surface 111 of the first outer rim portion 101a, and is fixed to the first outer rim portion 101a together with one end 3a of the plate-shaped support member 3, one end 4a of the plate-shaped tread member 4 and one end 5a of the core member 5 by fastening members such as bolts 50. The other end 6b of the plate-like reinforcing member 6 is arranged so as to cover the outer surface 121 of the second outer rim portion 101b, and is fixed to the second outer rim portion 101b together with the other end 3b of the plate-like support member 3, the other end 4b of the plate-like tread member 4, and the other end 5b of the core member 5 by fastening members such as bolts 50. The deformed portion 6c abuts against the inner surface 22 of the plate-like tread member 4, i.e., the inner surface of the ground-contact portion 4c of the plate-like tread member 4, over the entire area in the tire width direction A between the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b.

[0086] The details of the fixing configuration of the plate-shaped support member 3, plate-shaped tread member 4, core member 5 and plate-shaped reinforcing member 6 to the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b are the same as those of the tire 1 described above, except that the plate-shaped reinforcing member 6 is interposed between the plate-shaped support member 3 and the plate-shaped tread member 4, so will not be explained here.

[0087] The plate-like reinforcing member 6 may be configured, for example, as a flat plate-like member that is elastically bent and attached to the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b. Alternatively, the plate-like reinforcing member 6 may be configured, for example, as a plate-like member that is pre-memorized into a predetermined curved shape and attached to the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b. The predetermined curved shape may be, for example, an arc-shaped curved shape having a constant curvature, or a curved shape formed by combining arcs with multiple curvatures.

[0088] As described above, in the plate-shaped reinforcing member 6 shown in FIG. 4 , the one end 6 a, the other end 6 b, and the deforming portion 6 c are formed by parts of plate-shaped members that are integrally connected in the extension direction of the plate-shaped reinforcing member 6, but this configuration is not limited thereto. The plate-shaped reinforcing member 6 may be formed, for example, by separate plate-shaped members that are connected in the extension direction by rivets or the like. In other words, the one end 6 a, the other end 6 b, and the deforming portion 6 c of the plate-shaped reinforcing member 6 may be formed by separate plate-shaped members that are connected in the extension direction. However, from the viewpoint of durability, it is preferable that the one end 6 a, the other end 6 b, and the deforming portion 6 c are formed by parts of a single plate-shaped member as shown in FIG. 4 .

[0089] The plate-shaped reinforcing member 6 is made of a metal such as stainless steel, or a resin. The material of the plate-shaped reinforcing member 6 may be determined appropriately depending on the rigidity, deformation performance, durability, etc. required of the plate-shaped reinforcing member 6.

[0090] Next, a tire 301 as another embodiment of a tire according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 5 . Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the tire 301 in the tire width direction. The tire 301 of this embodiment differs from the tire 201 (see Fig. 4 ) described above in that the number of annular bodies 201a is different, but the other configurations are the same. Here, the above differences will be mainly described, and a description of the configurations common to the tire 1 will be omitted.

[0091] As shown in Fig. 5, the tire 301 includes a plurality of (two in this embodiment) annular bodies 201a. The annular bodies 201a have the same configuration as that shown in Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 5, the plurality of annular bodies 201a are arranged in parallel in the tire width direction A.

[0092] As shown in Figure 5, two annular bodies 201a adjacent in the tire width direction A are joined by fastening the rim members 2 together using fastening members 106 such as bolts and nuts. More specifically, two annular bodies 201a adjacent in the tire width direction A are joined by fastening the outer rim portions 101 adjacent in the tire width direction A together using fastening members 106 such as bolts and nuts. In other words, in this embodiment, the second outer rim portion 101b of one annular body 201a and the first outer rim portion 101a of the other annular body 201a are joined.

[0093] In this way, the tire 301 may be configured to include a plurality of annular bodies 201a arranged in parallel in the tire width direction A. The tire 301 of this embodiment includes two annular bodies 201a arranged in parallel in the tire width direction A, but the number of annular bodies 201a is not limited to two. The tire 301 may include, for example, three or more annular bodies 201a. The number of annular bodies 201a arranged in parallel may be determined appropriately depending on the load-bearing performance required of the tire 301, etc. In other words, by forming the annular bodies 201a into a single tire constituent unit that can be joined together by arranging the annular bodies 201a in parallel in the tire width direction A, the load-bearing performance required of the tire 301 can be easily achieved by increasing or decreasing the number of annular bodies 201a.

[0094] In the tire 301 of this embodiment, a plurality of annular bodies 201a including the plate-like reinforcing members 6 shown in Fig. 4 are arranged in the tire width direction A, but the tire is not limited to this configuration. For example, the tire 301 may have a configuration in which a plurality of annular bodies 1a not including the plate-like reinforcing members 6 shown in Figs. 1 to 3 are arranged.

[0095] Next, a tire 401 as another embodiment of the tire according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view in the tire width direction of the tire 401. The tire 401 of this embodiment differs from the above-described tire 1 (see Figs. 1 to 3), tire 201 (see Fig. 4), and tire 301 (see Fig. 5) in the configuration of the annular body 401a.

[0096] As shown in Fig. 6 , the tire 401 includes at least one annular body 401 a. More specifically, the tire 401 of this embodiment includes only one annular body 401 a. As shown in Fig. 6 , the annular body 401 a of this embodiment includes a rim member 402, a plate-shaped support member 3, a plate-shaped tread member 4, a core member 5, and a plate-shaped reinforcing member 6.

[0097] The rim component 402 comprises multiple rim portions 100 arranged opposite each other in the tire width direction A. As shown in FIG. 6 , the rim component 402 of this embodiment comprises four rim portions 100. More specifically, the rim component 402 of this embodiment comprises two outer rim portions 101 located on the outermost sides in the tire width direction A, and one or more (two in this embodiment) intermediate rim portions 102 located between these two outer rim portions 101. For ease of explanation, the two outer rim portions 101 will be referred to as the "first outer rim portion 101a" and the "second outer rim portion 101b" below to distinguish them from each other. Furthermore, to distinguish between the two intermediate rim portions 102, one intermediate rim portion 102 located relatively closer to the first outer rim portion 101a will be referred to as the "first intermediate rim portion 102a." Furthermore, the other intermediate rim portion 102, which is positioned relatively closer to the second outer rim portion 101b, will be referred to as the "second intermediate rim portion 102b." When there is no particular distinction between the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b, they will simply be referred to as the "outer rim portion 101." When there is no particular distinction between the first intermediate rim portion 102a and the second intermediate rim portion 102b, they will simply be referred to as the "intermediate rim portion 102."

[0098] As shown in FIG. 6 , the rim member 402 of this embodiment includes four flat annular plate members 103 each having a central opening, and a connecting member 105 that connects any two adjacent annular plate members 103 of the four annular plate members 103. The four annular plate members 103 are arranged facing each other at a distance in the tire width direction A. The connecting member 105 connects two adjacent annular plate members 103 when the two adjacent annular plate members 103 are arranged facing each other at a distance. In this embodiment, the two annular plate members 103 located on the outermost sides in the tire width direction A constitute the outer rim portion 101. In addition, in this embodiment, the two annular plate members 103 located between the two outermost annular plate members 103 in the tire width direction A constitute the intermediate rim portion 102. The rim member 402 may be configured to be mountable to a wheel member that can be mounted on a vehicle, for example.

[0099] The outer rim portion 101 and the intermediate rim portion 102 are made of metal, such as stainless steel, or resin. In other words, the four annular plate members 103 of this embodiment are made of metal or resin. The outer rim portion 101 and the intermediate rim portion 102 are each formed in a circular ring shape. The first outer rim portion 101a, the second outer rim portion 101b, the first intermediate rim portion 102a, and the second intermediate rim portion 102b are arranged at intervals in the tire width direction A so that their central axes are coaxial. In this embodiment, the first outer rim portion 101a, the second outer rim portion 101b, the first intermediate rim portion 102a, and the second intermediate rim portion 102b have the same size and shape. However, as long as they can function as the tire 401, the first outer rim portion 101a, the second outer rim portion 101b, the first intermediate rim portion 102a, and the second intermediate rim portion 102b may be configured with different sizes or shapes. The outer diameters of the first outer rim portion 101a, the second outer rim portion 101b, the first intermediate rim portion 102a and the second intermediate rim portion 102b may be determined appropriately depending on the size of the tire 401 required.

[0100] The connecting members 105 are made of metal such as stainless steel, or resin. The rim member 402 of this embodiment includes a plurality of connecting members 105 arranged at different positions in the tire circumferential direction B. The number of connecting members 105 is not particularly limited.

[0101] Note that the configurations of each plate-like support member 3, each plate-like tread member 4, each core member 5, and each plate-like reinforcing member 6 in this embodiment are similar to the configurations described in the other embodiment and modified example described above, and therefore will not be described here. In the other embodiment and modified example described above, each plate-like support member 3, each plate-like tread member 4, each core member 5, and each plate-like reinforcing member 6 are attached to two outer rim portions 101. In contrast, each plate-like support member 3 and each core member 5 in this embodiment are attached in an arch shape between at least one pair of two adjacent rim portions 100 among the two outer rim portions 101 and one or more intermediate rim portions 102. Specifically, each plate-like support member 3 and each core member 5 in this embodiment are attached to two adjacent outer rim portions 101 and intermediate rim portions 102. Note that each plate-like tread member 4 and each plate-like reinforcing member 6 in this embodiment are attached to the two outer rim portions 101, as in the other embodiment and modified example described above.

[0102] The annular body 401a of this embodiment includes a plurality of plate-shaped support members 3. The plurality of plate-shaped support members 3 of this embodiment include a first support member group 500a and a second support member group 500b.

[0103] The first support member group 500a is made up of a plurality of plate-like support members 3 attached in an arch shape at different positions in the tire circumferential direction B between one outer rim portion 101 and one of the one or more intermediate rim portions 102 that is adjacent to the one outer rim portion 101. Specifically, the first support member group 500a of this embodiment is made up of a plurality of plate-like support members 3 attached in an arch shape at different positions in the tire circumferential direction B between the first outer rim portion 101a and the first intermediate rim portion 102a.

[0104] The second support member group 500b is made up of a plurality of plate-like support members 3 attached in an arch shape at different positions in the tire circumferential direction B between the other outer rim portion 101 and one or more intermediate rim portions 102 that is adjacent to the other outer rim portion 101. Specifically, the second support member group 500b of this embodiment is made up of a plurality of plate-like support members 3 attached in an arch shape at different positions in the tire circumferential direction B between the second outer rim portion 101b and the second intermediate rim portion 102b.

[0105] As shown in Figure 6, each plate-like support member 3 of the first support member group 500a is curved in the thickness direction so that the outer side in the tire radial direction C is convex, and is bridged between the first outer rim portion 101a and the first intermediate rim portion 102a. In this state, both ends of each plate-like support member 3 of the first support member group 500a are attached to the first outer rim portion 101a and the first intermediate rim portion 102a. As a result, each plate-like support member 3 of the first support member group 500a is configured to bend and elastically deform in the tire radial direction C.

[0106] 6, each plate-like support member 3 of the second support member group 500b is curved in the thickness direction so that the outer side in the tire radial direction C is convex, and is bridged between the second outer rim portion 101b and the second intermediate rim portion 102b. In this state, both ends of each plate-like support member 3 of the second support member group 500b are attached to the second outer rim portion 101b and the second intermediate rim portion 102b. As a result, each plate-like support member 3 of the second support member group 500b is configured to be flexible and elastically deformable in the tire radial direction C.

[0107] In each of the first support member group 500a and the second support member group 500b, each plate-like support member 3 is configured to be able to elastically support the plate-like tread member 4 from the inside in the tire radial direction C via the plate-like reinforcing member 6. Therefore, each plate-like support member 3 can support a ground contact load via the plate-like tread member 4 and the plate-like reinforcing member 6.

[0108] As described above, the plate-like support member 3 is not limited to a configuration in which both ends thereof are attached to the two outer rim portions 101. Furthermore, although one end of each plate-like support member 3 in this embodiment is attached to the first outer rim portion 101a or the second outer rim portion 101b, each plate-like support member 3 may be configured such that both ends are not attached to the two outer rim portions 101. In other words, the first outer rim portion 101a and the second outer rim portion 101b in this embodiment are used as a common outer rim portion to which both the plate-like support member 3 and the plate-like tread member 4 are attached, but this configuration is not limited. However, from the perspective of reducing the weight of the annular body 401a, etc., it is preferable that the two outer rim portions 101 to which the plate-like tread members 4 are attached be used as a common outer rim portion.

[0109] Furthermore, as in this embodiment, a plurality of plate-like support members 3 covered by each plate-like tread member 4 may be arranged at different positions in the tire width direction A. In this embodiment, two plate-like support members 3 covered by each plate-like tread member 4 are arranged at different positions in the tire width direction A, but three or more plate-like support members 3 may be arranged.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 6, the core members 5 can also be arranged in the same manner as the plate-like support members 3 described above.

[0111] Furthermore, although the annular body 401a of this embodiment includes the plate-like reinforcing member 6 arranged along the inner surface 22 of the plate-like tread member 4, the configuration is not limited to this. The annular body 401a may be configured without the plate-like reinforcing member 6. Furthermore, the annular body 401a may be configured without the core member 5.

[0112] Furthermore, in the rim member 402 of the annular body 401a of this embodiment, the first intermediate rim portion 102a and the second intermediate rim portion 102b are arranged close to each other, but this configuration is not limited thereto. In other words, the distance between the first intermediate rim portion 102a and the second intermediate rim portion 102b may be approximately equal to the distance between the first outer rim portion 101a and the first intermediate rim portion 102a, and the distance between the second outer rim portion 101b and the second intermediate rim portion 102b. In such a case, a plate-shaped support member 3 may be attached between the first intermediate rim portion 102a and the second intermediate rim portion 102b.

[0113] Furthermore, although the rim member 402 of this embodiment includes two intermediate rim portions 102, there may be three or more intermediate rim portions 102. The plate-shaped support members 3 may be attached between any two adjacent rim portions 100.

[0114] The tire 401 of this embodiment includes only one annular body 401a, but may include a plurality of annular bodies 401a arranged in parallel in the tire width direction A.

[0115] The tire according to the present disclosure is not limited to the specific configurations shown in the above-described embodiment and modified examples, and various modifications, changes, and combinations are possible without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0116] [Contribution to the United Nations-led Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)] The SDGs have been proposed to realize a sustainable society. It is believed that an embodiment of the present disclosure can be a technology that contributes to "No. 7: Affordable and Clean Energy" and "No. 13: Take Urgent Action Against Climate Change."

[0117] The present disclosure relates to tires.

[0118] 1, 201, 301, 401: tire, 1a, 201a, 401a: annular body, 2, 402: rim member, 3: plate-shaped support member, 3a: one end of plate-shaped support member, 3b: other end of plate-shaped support member, 3c: deformed portion of plate-shaped support member, 4: plate-shaped tread member, 4a: one end of plate-shaped tread member, 4b: other end of plate-shaped tread member, 4c: ground-contact portion of plate-shaped tread member, 5: core member, 5a: one end of core member, 5b: other end of core member, 5c: main body of core member, 6: plate-shaped reinforcing member, 6a: one end of plate-shaped reinforcing member, 6b: other end of plate-shaped reinforcing member, 6c: deformed portion of plate-shaped reinforcing member, 11: outer surface of plate-shaped support member, 12: inner surface of plate-shaped support member, 21: Outer surface of plate-like tread member, 21a: Protrusion, 22: Inner surface of plate-like tread member, 31: Outer surface of plate-like reinforcing member, 32: Inner surface of plate-like reinforcing member, 41: Outer surface of core member, 50: Bolt (an example of a clamping member), 60: Clamping member, 60a: Clamping portion, 61: Cushioning member, 100: Rim portion, 101: Outer rim portion, 101a: First outer rim portion (an example of a common outer rim portion), 101b: Second outer rim portion (an example of a common outer rim portion), 102: Intermediate rim portion, 102a: First intermediate rim portion, 102b: Second intermediate rim portion, 103: Annular plate member, 105: Connecting member, 106: Fastening member, 111: Outer surface of first outer rim portion, 112: Inner surface of first outer rim portion, 121: Outer surface of second outer rim portion, 500a: First support member group, 500b: Second support member group, A: Tire width direction, B: Tire circumferential direction, C: Tire radial direction, D: Extension direction of plate-shaped support member, E: Extension direction of plate-shaped tread member, F: Extension direction of core member, L1: Length of plate-shaped support member in the tire circumferential direction, L3: Length of plate-shaped tread member in the tire circumferential direction, L5: Length of core member in the tire circumferential direction

Claims

1. A tire comprising at least one annular body, the annular body comprising: a rim member having a plurality of rim portions arranged opposite each other in the tire width direction; a plurality of plate-like tread members attached in an arch shape at different positions in the tire circumferential direction between two outer rim portions that are located outermost on both sides in the tire width direction among the plurality of rim portions; and a plurality of plate-like support members located inward in the tire radial direction of each of the plurality of plate-like tread members at different positions in the tire circumferential direction, attached in an arch shape between two of the plurality of rim portions, and capable of elastically supporting the plate-like tread member from the inner side in the tire radial direction.

2. The tire according to claim 1, wherein the plate-like tread member has a plurality of protrusions on an outer surface on the outer side in the tire radial direction.

3. A tire as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the annular body comprises a plurality of plate-like reinforcing members attached in an arch shape at different positions in the tire circumferential direction between the two outer rim portions to which the plurality of plate-like tread members are attached, and each of the plurality of plate-like reinforcing members is located between the plate-like support member and the plate-like tread member in the tire radial direction.

4. A tire as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the annular body comprises a plurality of core members attached in an arch shape at different positions in the tire circumferential direction between the two rim portions to which the plurality of plate-like support members are attached, and each of the plurality of core members is positioned inside the plate-like support members in the tire radial direction.

5. A tire as set forth in claim 1 or 2, wherein the plate-shaped support member is fixed at two or more positions to each of the two rim portions to which the plate-shaped support member is attached.

6. A tire as set forth in claim 1 or 2, wherein the plate-like tread member is fixed at two or more positions to each of the two outer rim portions to which the plate-like tread member is attached.

7. A tire as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the two outer rim parts to which the plate-like tread member is attached is a common outer rim part common to at least one of the two rim parts to which the plate-like support member is attached, and the annular body comprises: a clamping member having a clamping portion that clamps and holds, between the common outer rim part, an end of the plate-like tread member and an end of the plate-like support member located between the end of the plate-like tread member and the common outer rim part; and a buffer member interposed between the clamping portion of the clamping member and the end of the plate-like tread member.

8. A tire as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the two outer rim portions to which the plate-like tread members are attached are two common outer rim portions that are common to the two rim portions to which the plate-like support members are attached.

9. A tire as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the rim member of the annular body comprises one or more intermediate rim portions between the two outer rim portions, and the plurality of plate-like support members are attached in an arch shape at different positions in the circumferential direction of the tire between at least one pair of adjacent two rim portions among the two outer rim portions and the one or more intermediate rim portions.

10. The tire as claimed in claim 9, wherein the plurality of plate-like support members include: a first support member group consisting of a plurality of plate-like support members attached in an arch shape at different positions in the circumferential direction of the tire between one outer rim portion of the two outer rim portions and an intermediate rim portion of the one or more intermediate rim portions adjacent to the one outer rim portion; and a second support member group consisting of a plurality of plate-like support members attached in an arch shape at different positions in the circumferential direction of the tire between the other outer rim portion of the two outer rim portions and an intermediate rim portion of the one or more intermediate rim portions adjacent to the other outer rim portion.

11. The tire according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a plurality of the annular bodies are arranged in parallel in the tire width direction.

Images