Airless tire

Abstract

The invention provides an airless tire, and relates to the technical field of tires. The airless tire provided by the invention comprises an inner ring, an outer ring arranged outside the inner ring and a plurality of spoke units for connecting the inner ring and the outer ring, the same spoke unit comprises two abutting parts which are symmetrically arranged relative to the radial direction, and the two abutting parts can be far away from each other along with the reduction of the gap between the outer ring and the inner ring; in the adjacent spoke units, the two abutting parts belonging to the different spoke units can get close to each other along with the reduction of the gap between the outer ring and the inner ring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to the technical field of tires, and in particular to an airless tire. Background Art

[0002] Airless tires are designed to replace pneumatic inner tubes. They utilize a honeycomb support structure or spokes connecting the wheel hub and tread. This structure absorbs road impact through material deformation, providing a cushioning effect. Airless tires can reduce or eliminate the risk of blowouts. Currently, airless tires struggle to balance longevity and flexibility. Pneumatic tires rely on nonlinear gas compression to achieve progressive support, initially becoming softer and then harder. The solid material of airless tires lacks this inherent property, creating a dilemma: "softness equals fragility." The relationship between compression and pressure in airless tires is linear, primarily determined by the material's stress-deformation relationship. Pursuing greater flexibility (for example, by increasing compression) can easily exceed the material's elastic limit, leading to permanent deformation or fracture, and shortening lifespan. Conversely, increasing rigidity can extend longevity but sacrifices contact patch and shock absorption. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One or more embodiments of the present specification provide an airless tire, comprising: an inner ring, an outer ring arranged outside the inner ring, and a plurality of spoke units connecting the inner ring and the outer ring; the same spoke unit includes two abutment portions located on both sides of a radial direction, and is configured as follows: the two abutment portions can move away from each other as the gap between the outer ring and the inner ring decreases; in adjacent spoke units, the two abutment portions belonging to different spoke units can move closer to each other as the gap between the outer ring and the inner ring decreases.

[0004] In some embodiments, the two abutting portions are symmetrically arranged relative to the one radial direction.

[0005] In some embodiments, the two abutting portions of the same spoke unit are configured as follows: the two abutting portions can move away from each other as the gap between the outer ring and the inner ring decreases; in adjacent spoke units, the two abutting portions belonging to different spoke units can abut against each other as the gap between the outer ring and the inner ring decreases.

[0006] In some embodiments, the same spoke unit further includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, wherein the first connecting portion connects the inner ring and the abutting portion, and the second connecting portion connects the outer ring and the abutting portion.

[0007] In some embodiments, in the same spoke unit, each abutting portion is independently configured with at least one first connecting portion and at least one second connecting portion; or, in the same spoke unit, two abutting portions are commonly configured with at least one first connecting portion and at least one second connecting portion.

[0008] In some embodiments, each of the abutment portions includes a first abutment portion and a second abutment portion connected to each other, the projections of the first abutment portion and the second abutment portion on the radial plane are both linear structures, and there is an angle between the first abutment portion and the second abutment portion; the first abutment portion is connected to the inner ring through the first connecting portion, and the second abutment portion is connected to the outer ring through the second connecting portion.

[0009] In some embodiments, projections of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion on a radial plane are both linear structures.

[0010] In some embodiments, an angle is formed between the first abutting portion and the first connecting portion; and / or an angle is formed between the second abutting portion and the second connecting portion.

[0011] In some embodiments, each of the abutting portions includes an arc-shaped abutting portion, and the convex arc surfaces of the two arc-shaped abutting portions in the same spoke unit are arranged opposite to each other; the arc-shaped abutting portion is connected to the inner ring through the first connecting portion, and the arc-shaped abutting portion is connected to the outer ring through the second connecting portion.

[0012] In some embodiments, the projections of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion on the radial plane are both arc-shaped structures; the orientation of the convex arc surface of the first connecting portion is opposite to the orientation of the convex arc surface of the arc-shaped abutting portion, and the orientation of the convex arc surface of the second connecting portion is opposite to the orientation of the convex arc surface of the arc-shaped abutting portion.

[0013] In some embodiments, the spoke unit includes an annular structure, and two abutment portions are provided on both sides of the annular structure; the annular structure is connected to the inner ring through one or more first connecting portions, and the annular structure is connected to the outer ring through one or more second connecting portions.

[0014] In some embodiments, the surface of the abutment portion has an abutment portion protrusion.

[0015] In some embodiments, the pressure-deformation curve of the airless tire includes a linear first region and a nonlinear second region in sequence; in the first region, as the pressure applied to the airless tire increases, the deformation of the airless tire increases; in the second region, as the pressure applied to the airless tire increases, the deformation of the airless tire approaches a constant value.

[0016] In some embodiments, a portion of the outer ring is configured to be in a first position, a second position, and a third position relative to the inner ring. When the portion of the outer ring is in the first position, a gap exists between two abutting portions belonging to different spoke units in adjacent spoke units. When the portion of the outer ring is in the second position, two abutting portions belonging to different spoke units in adjacent spoke units abut against each other. When the portion of the outer ring is in the third position, two abutting portions belonging to different spoke units in adjacent spoke units abut against each other, deform, and form an expanded contact surface based on the deformation.

[0017] In some embodiments, the plurality of spoke units have a constant radial cross-sectional shape along the axial direction.

[0018] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the outer ring has a tread pattern, and the tread pattern includes: a plurality of raised structure combinations arranged in an annular array, each of the raised structure combinations extending along the axial direction of the outer surface of the outer ring, and each of the raised structure combinations includes one or more raised structures.

[0019] In some embodiments, the positions of the plurality of spoke units match the positions of the protruding structure combinations; and each of the spoke units is correspondingly arranged with one protruding structure combination.

[0020] In some embodiments, each of the protrusion structure combinations includes one or more first protrusion structures, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the first protrusion structure on the side close to the outer ring is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first protrusion structure on the side away from the outer ring; the first protrusion structure is respectively formed with support portions on both sides of the outer ring in the circumferential direction.

[0021] In some embodiments, each of the protrusion structure combinations includes a first protrusion structure and a second protrusion structure, the height of the first protrusion structure is greater than the height of the second protrusion structure; the first protrusion structure and the second protrusion structure are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the outer surface of the outer ring.

[0022] In some embodiments, the two first protrusion structures in the adjacent protrusion structure combination are located on different sides of the outer surface of the outer ring in the axial direction; the two second protrusion structures in the adjacent protrusion structure combination are located on different sides of the outer surface of the outer ring in the axial direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] This specification will be further described in the form of exemplary embodiments, which will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same numbers in the drawings represent the same structures or steps.

[0024] Figure 1 、 Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an airless tire according to some embodiments of the present specification.

[0025] Figure 3 It is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of an airless tire according to some embodiments of this specification.

[0026] Figure 4 It is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of an airless tire shown in other embodiments of this specification.

[0027] Figure 5 It is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of an airless tire shown in some embodiments of this specification.

[0028] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the pressure state of an airless tire according to some embodiments of this specification.

[0029] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A partial enlarged view of .

[0030] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of pressure-deformation curves of airless tires shown in some related embodiments.

[0031] Figure 9 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a pressure-deformation curve of an airless tire according to some embodiments of the present specification.

[0032] Markings in the figure: 1 inner ring; 2 outer ring; 3 spoke unit; 31 abutment portion; 311 first abutment portion; 312 second abutment portion; 313 arc-shaped abutment portion; 32 first connection portion; 33 second connection portion; 34 annular structure; 4 raised structure combination; 41 first raised structure; 411 supporting portion; 42 second raised structure; 5 hub connection structure; A1 first area; A2 second area; B1 first raised structure combination; B11 first raised structure; B12 second raised structure; B2 second raised structure combination; B21 first raised structure; B22 second raised structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this specification, the embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the following descriptions are some examples or embodiments of this specification, and those skilled in the art can apply the technical solutions or methods disclosed in this specification to other scenarios based on these technical contents without inventive effort.

[0034] It should be understood that the terms "system," "device," "equipment," "portion," and / or "component," "unit," and / or "module" used in this specification are a method for distinguishing different components, elements, parts, portions, or assemblies at different levels. However, if other terms can achieve the same purpose, the terms may be replaced by other expressions.

[0035] Unless otherwise specified, technical terms used in this specification to describe components, elements, and the like do not necessarily refer to the singular but may include the plural. Generally speaking, terms such as "include" and "comprising" only indicate the inclusion of the steps, elements, or components specifically identified, and these steps, elements, and components do not constitute an exclusive list. For example, the method or device being described may also include other steps or components.

[0036] In the description of this specification, it should be understood that the descriptions involving directions, such as up, down, front, back, left, and right, and the directions or positional relationships indicated are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on this application. In the description of this specification, unless otherwise expressly defined, terms such as setting, installing, and connecting should be understood in a broad sense, and technicians in the relevant technical field can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this specification in combination with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0037] Airless tires (also known as airless tires or non-pneumatic tires) are designed to replace pneumatic inner tubes. Airless tires can use a honeycomb support structure or a spoke structure (such as the fiberglass ribs or flexible spokes of the Michelin Uptis) to connect the wheel hub and tread. This structure absorbs road impact through material deformation, providing a cushioning effect. Airless tires can reduce or eliminate the risk of tire blowouts. In some relevant embodiments, airless tires can maintain over 80% of their performance after being penetrated by a nail. In some relevant embodiments, the braking distance of an airless tire in the event of a tire blowout is 12% shorter than that of a pneumatic tire.

[0038] Currently, airless tires have difficulty balancing lifespan and softness. Pneumatic tires rely on nonlinear compression of gas to achieve progressive support from "soft first to hard later", but the solid material of airless tires is unlikely to naturally possess this property, resulting in a dilemma of "softness equals fragility". In some related embodiments, see Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8 The following diagram shows pressure-deformation curves for airless tires in some relevant embodiments. The relationship between compression and pressure in airless tires is linear, primarily dependent on the material's stress-deformation relationship. Pursuing greater softness (e.g., increasing compression) can easily exceed the material's elastic limit, leading to permanent deformation or fracture, and shortening its lifespan. Conversely, increasing hardness can extend tire lifespan but sacrifices contact patch and shock absorption capabilities.

[0039] Based on this, one or more embodiments of the present specification provide an airless tire that can maintain a large amount of compression under normal working conditions, so that the tire has a larger contact area with the ground, and enhances support under high pressure conditions, forming a nonlinear response to pressure, and is not prone to complete collapse that may cause damage to the tire or wheel hub.

[0040] Figure 1 、 Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an airless tire according to some embodiments of the present specification. Figures 1 to 2 As shown, in one or more embodiments of the present specification, an airless tire may include: an inner ring 1, an outer ring 2 disposed outside the inner ring 1, and a plurality of spoke units 3 connecting the inner ring 1 and the outer ring 2. In some embodiments, the plurality of spoke units 3 may include two or more spoke units 3. In some embodiments, the inner ring 1 may provide a hub for connection to the wheel axle. In some embodiments, the outer ring 2 may provide a tread for ground contact. In some embodiments, the spoke units 3 provide support for the outer ring 2. In some embodiments, adjacent spoke units 3 may support each other after deformation, thereby providing a force to inhibit further deformation. In some embodiments, the force to inhibit further deformation provided by adjacent spoke units 3 after deformation is symmetrical, for example, providing a force generally in the radial direction of the airless tire to prevent the airless tire from rotating (either forward or reverse).

[0041] In some embodiments, the same spoke unit 3 includes two abutment portions 31 located on both sides of a radial direction. In some embodiments, the two abutment portions 31 can be arranged symmetrically, approximately symmetrically, or asymmetrically with respect to the radial direction. In some embodiments, the same spoke unit 3 includes two abutment portions 31 arranged symmetrically with respect to the radial direction. For example, the two abutment portions 31 can be arranged mirror-symmetrically with respect to a straight line on which a certain diameter of the airless tire lies, for example, with respect to Figure 1The two abutments 31 are arranged mirror-symmetrically about a line D, which represents the diameter of the airless tire. In some embodiments, the two abutments 31 are configured so that they can move away from each other as the gap between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 1 decreases. In some embodiments, when the outer ring 2 is compressed by an external force, such as by contact with the ground, the gap between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 1 decreases. Based on this decrease in gap, the two abutments 31 in the same spoke unit 3 move away from each other. In some embodiments, the two abutments 31 in adjacent spoke units 3, respectively belonging to different spoke units 3, can move closer to each other as the gap between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 1 decreases.

[0042] In other embodiments, the two abutting portions 31 may be arranged approximately symmetrically with respect to a straight line on which a certain diameter lies. For example, both abutting portions 31 are arc-shaped, but the curvatures of the two abutting portions 31 are different, and so on.

[0043] In some other embodiments, the two abutting portions 31 may be arranged asymmetrically with respect to a straight line on which a certain diameter lies. For example, one of the two abutting portions 31 may be arc-shaped, and the other may be broken line-shaped, and so on.

[0044] In some further embodiments, two abutment portions 31 belonging to different spoke units 3 (e.g., two adjacent spoke units 3) can gradually approach and abut each other as the gap between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 1 decreases. In this embodiment, the two abutment portions 31 can abut against each other, preventing further displacement and providing a force to inhibit further deformation. Furthermore, because the two abutment portions 31 are restrained (i.e., further displacement of the two abutment portions 31 is prevented), the gap between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 1 is also prevented from decreasing, thereby providing a stronger supporting force.

[0045] Exemplarily, the spoke unit 3 may include a first spoke unit and a second spoke unit, and the first spoke unit and the second spoke unit are arranged adjacent to each other. In some embodiments, the first spoke unit may include a first spoke and a second spoke, wherein the first spoke provides a first abutting portion and the second spoke provides a second abutting portion. In some embodiments, the second spoke unit may include a third spoke and a fourth spoke, wherein the third spoke provides a third abutting portion and the fourth spoke provides a fourth abutting portion. The second abutting portion and the third abutting portion are arranged adjacent to each other. In some embodiments, when the gap between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 1 decreases, the second spoke and the third spoke may deform, so that the second abutting portion and the third abutting portion abut against each other to prevent further displacement of the second abutting portion and the third abutting portion, thereby preventing further deformation of the second spoke and the third spoke, thereby providing strong support to the outer ring 2 through the second spoke and the third spoke. In some embodiments, when the gap between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 1 decreases, the first spoke and the fourth spoke may also be deformed, so that the first abutment portion abuts against the abutment portion in the adjacent spoke unit 3, and / or the fourth abutment portion abuts against the abutment portion in the adjacent spoke unit 3.

[0046] In other further embodiments, two abutment portions 31 belonging to different spoke units 3 (e.g., two adjacent spoke units 3) can gradually approach each other and abut against an abutment structure as the gap between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 1 decreases. In some embodiments, the abutment structure can connect the inner ring 1 and the outer ring 2 and be located between two adjacent spoke units 3. In some embodiments, the abutment structure can be strip-shaped, plate-shaped, or block-shaped. In some embodiments, two abutment portions 31 belonging to different spoke units 3 can abut against the abutment structure to prevent further displacement of the two abutment portions 31. Furthermore, because the two abutment portions 31 are limited (i.e., further displacement of the two abutment portions 31 is prevented), the gap between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 1 is also prevented from decreasing, thereby providing stronger support force.

[0047] Exemplarily, the spoke unit 3 may include a first spoke unit and a second spoke unit, the first spoke unit and the second spoke unit being adjacent to each other. In some embodiments, the first spoke unit may include a first spoke and a second spoke, wherein the first spoke provides a first abutment portion, and the second spoke provides a second abutment portion. In some embodiments, the second spoke unit may include a third spoke and a fourth spoke, wherein the third spoke provides a third abutment portion, and the fourth spoke provides a fourth abutment portion. The second and third abutment portions are adjacent to each other, with an abutment structure provided between the second and third abutment portions. In some embodiments, when the gap between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 1 decreases, the second and third spokes may deform, causing the second abutment portion to abut the abutment structure, and / or the third abutment portion to abut the abutment structure, thereby preventing further displacement of the second and third abutment portions and further deformation of the second and third spokes. This provides strong support to the outer ring 2 through the second and third spokes, i.e., a force that inhibits further deformation. In some embodiments, when the gap between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 1 decreases, the first spoke and the fourth spoke may also be deformed, so that the first abutting portion abuts against the adjacent abutting structure, and / or the fourth abutting portion abuts against the adjacent abutting structure.

[0048] In some embodiments, see Figure 3 As shown, the same spoke unit 3 also includes a first connecting portion 32 and a second connecting portion 33. The first connecting portion 32 connects the inner ring 1 and the abutment portion 31, and the second connecting portion 33 connects the outer ring 2 and the abutment portion 31. In some embodiments, the first connecting portion 32, the abutment portion 31, and the second connecting portion 33 are integrally connected. In some embodiments, the same spoke unit 3 includes two spokes, which can be arranged in mirror symmetry with respect to a line containing a diameter of the airless tire. In some embodiments, each spoke includes a first connecting portion 32, an abutment portion 31, and a second connecting portion 33.

[0049] In some embodiments, in the same spoke unit 3, each abutting portion 31 is independently configured with a first connecting portion 32 and a second connecting portion 33. In other embodiments, in the same spoke unit 3, each abutting portion 31 is independently configured with multiple first connecting portions 32 and / or multiple second connecting portions 33. In still other embodiments, in the same spoke unit 3, two abutting portions 31 are commonly configured with at least one first connecting portion 32 and at least one second connecting portion 33.

[0050] In some embodiments, since the two abutment portions 31 in the spoke unit 3 are arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner, the components of force along the circumferential direction of the airless tire (or along the tangential direction of the airless tire) cancel each other out, so that the above-mentioned force that suppresses continued deformation can be provided along the radial direction of the airless tire, avoiding the tendency of the airless tire to rotate (forward rotation or reverse rotation).

[0051] In some embodiments, the structures of the multiple spoke units 3 in the same airless tire may be the same. In other embodiments, the structures of the multiple spoke units 3 in the same airless tire may be different.

[0052] In one or more embodiments of this specification, see Figure 3 As shown, each abutment portion 31 includes a first abutment portion 311 and a second abutment portion 312 that are connected to each other. In some embodiments, the projections of the first abutment portion 311 and the second abutment portion 312 onto a radial plane are both linear structures. An angle is formed between the first abutment portion 311 and the second abutment portion 312. In some embodiments, the angle is obtuse. In some embodiments, the first abutment portion 311 is connected to the inner ring 1 via the first connection portion 32, and the second abutment portion 312 is connected to the outer ring 2 via the second connection portion 33.

[0053] Figure 3 The dotted lines in show the approximate connection position between the first connection portion 32 and the first abutting portion 311 , the approximate connection position between the first abutting portion 311 and the second abutting portion 312 , and the approximate connection position between the second abutting portion 312 and the second connection portion 33 .

[0054] When the outer ring 2 is compressed and the gap between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 1 decreases, the angle between the first abutting portion 311 and the second abutting portion 312 decreases, and the connection between the first abutting portion 311 and the second abutting portion 312 shifts. In some embodiments, the connection between the first abutting portion 311 and the second abutting portion 312 in one spoke unit 3 and the connection between the first abutting portion 311 and the second abutting portion 312 in another spoke unit 3 move closer to each other as the gap between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 1 decreases, until they abut.

[0055] In some embodiments, the first abutting portion 311 of one spoke unit 3 may abut against the first abutting portion 311 of another spoke unit 3, or may abut against the second abutting portion 312 of another spoke unit 3. In some embodiments, the second abutting portion 312 of one spoke unit 3 may abut against the first abutting portion 311 of another spoke unit 3, or may abut against the second abutting portion 312 of another spoke unit 3.

[0056] In some embodiments, when the two abutting portions 31 abut against each other, the first abutting portion 311 and the second abutting portion 312 of the two abutting portions 31 may be further deformed or fitted to increase the abutting area, thereby providing greater supporting force.

[0057] Figure 3 FIG. 1 shows a projection of a portion of an airless tire according to one or more embodiments of the present specification on a radial plane. Figure 3 As shown, the projections of the first and second connecting portions 32, 33 onto a radial plane are both linear. In some embodiments, the first and second connecting portions 32, 33 have a constant shape in the axial direction (e.g., have identical cross-sections in the axial direction). In other words, the first and second connecting portions 32, 33 do not exhibit any twisting or bending in the axial direction, thereby achieving stable performance in the tire's axial direction.

[0058] In some embodiments, the same spoke unit 3 includes two spokes arranged in mirror-symmetrical fashion, each spoke providing an abutment portion 31. Each abutment portion 31 includes a first abutment portion 311 and a second abutment portion 312, with an included angle between the first abutment portion 311 and the second abutment portion 312. In some embodiments, each spoke unit 3 includes, from the inner ring 1 to the outer ring 2, a first connecting portion 32, a first abutment portion 311, a second abutment portion 312, and a second connecting portion 33 in sequence.

[0059] In some embodiments, the two first connection portions 32 of the two spoke units 3 can be connected to the same position of the inner ring 1, and the two second connection portions 33 of the two spoke units 3 can be connected to the same position of the outer ring 2. In this embodiment, the two spoke units can form a diamond structure.

[0060] In other embodiments, the two first connection portions 32 of the two spoke units 3 can be connected to different positions of the inner ring 1, and the two second connection portions 33 of the two spoke units 3 can be connected to different positions of the outer ring 2. In this embodiment, the two spoke units can form a hexagonal structure.

[0061] In some embodiments, an angle is formed between the first abutting portion 311 and the first connecting portion 32. In some embodiments, an angle is formed between the second abutting portion 312 and the second connecting portion 33.

[0062] Figure 4 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of an airless tire according to some other embodiments of this specification. Figure 4As shown, each abutment portion 31 includes an arcuate abutment portion 313, and the convex arc surfaces of the two arcuate abutment portions 313 in the same spoke unit 3 are arranged opposite to each other. In some embodiments, the arcuate abutment portion 313 is connected to the inner ring 1 through the first connecting portion 32, and the arcuate abutment portion 313 is connected to the outer ring 2 through the second connecting portion 33.

[0063] Figure 4 The dotted lines in FIG. 3 show the approximate connection position between the first connection portion 32 and the arcuate abutting portion 313 and the approximate connection position between the arcuate abutting portion 313 and the second connection portion 33 .

[0064] When the outer ring 2 is compressed and the gap between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 1 decreases, the arcuate abutment portion 313 deforms, and the convex surface of the arcuate abutment portion 313 further bulges outward. In some embodiments, the convex surface of the arcuate abutment portion 313 in one spoke unit 3 and the convex surface of the arcuate abutment portion 313 in another spoke unit 3 approach each other as the gap between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 1 decreases, until they abut.

[0065] In some embodiments, when the two arc-shaped abutting portions 313 abut against each other, the two arc-shaped abutting portions 313 may further deform or fit together to increase the abutting area, thereby providing greater supporting force.

[0066] Figure 4 FIG. 2 shows a projection of a portion of an airless tire according to one or more embodiments of the present specification on a radial plane. Figure 4 As shown, the projections of the first and second connecting portions 32, 33 onto a radial plane both exhibit an arcuate structure. In some embodiments, the first and second connecting portions 32, 33 have a constant shape in the axial direction (e.g., have identical cross-sections in the axial direction). In other words, the first and second connecting portions 32, 33 do not exhibit any twisting or bending in the axial direction, thereby achieving stable axial performance of the tire. In some embodiments, the arcuate structure of the first and second connecting portions 32, 33 allows them to deform more easily, making the airless tire more flexible under normal operating conditions and allowing the tread provided by the outer ring 2 to have a larger contact area with the ground.

[0067] In some embodiments, the convex surface of the first connection portion 32 is oriented opposite to the convex surface of the arcuate abutting portion 313, and the convex surface of the second connection portion 33 is oriented opposite to the convex surface of the arcuate abutting portion 313. When the first connection portion 32 and the second connection portion 33 are deformed, the position of the first connection portion 32 or the second connection portion 33 near the arcuate abutting portion 313 can have a tendency to move toward the side where the convex surface is convex, thereby assisting the deformation of the arcuate abutting portion 313 and enabling the arcuate abutting portion 313 to respond more quickly, thereby more quickly entering the stage of providing support force under high pressure conditions.

[0068] In one or more embodiments of this specification, see Figure 5 As shown, the spoke unit 3 includes an annular structure 34, with two abutment portions 31 on either side. In some embodiments, the annular structure 34 can be circular, elliptical, rectangular, diamond-shaped, hexagonal, octagonal, or other shapes. In some embodiments, the annular structure 34 can be mirror-symmetrical about a line that defines a diameter of the airless tire. In some embodiments, the annular structure 34 is connected to the inner ring 1 via one or more first connection portions 32, and to the outer ring 2 via one or more second connection portions 33.

[0069] Figure 5 The dotted lines in FIG. 3 show the approximate connection position between the first connection portion 32 and the annular structure 34 , and the approximate connection position between the annular structure 34 and the second connection portion 33 .

[0070] When the outer ring 2 is compressed and the gap between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 1 decreases, the annular structure 34 deforms, compressing its dimension in the radial direction of the tire and causing the annular structure 34 to bulge in a direction intersecting the radial direction (e.g., perpendicular to the radial direction). This causes the two abutting portions 31 to move away from each other as the gap between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 1 decreases. In some embodiments, one side of the annular structure 34 in one spoke unit 3 and one side of the annular structure 34 in another spoke unit 3 move closer to each other as the gap between the outer ring 2 and the inner ring 1 decreases, until they abut.

[0071] In some embodiments, when the side surfaces of the two annular structures 34 abut against each other, the side surfaces of the two annular structures 34 may be further deformed or fitted to increase the abutting area, thereby providing greater supporting force.

[0072] In one or more of the above embodiments, for example Figures 3 to 5In the illustrated embodiment, the spoke unit 3 has a constant radial cross-sectional shape along the axial direction of the tire. In other words, the spoke unit 3 is a strip-like structure having uniform size and shape along the axial direction of the tire. In some embodiments, each spoke unit 3 has a constant radial cross-sectional shape along the axial direction. For example, both spokes in each spoke unit 3 have a constant radial cross-sectional shape along the axial direction, or the annular structure in each spoke unit 3 has a constant radial cross-sectional shape along the axial direction.

[0073] In one or more of the above embodiments, the surface of the abutting portion 31 may extend outward to form an abutting portion protrusion. In some embodiments, when two abutting portions 31 abut against each other, the two abutting portions 31 may abut against each other specifically through their respective abutting portion protrusions.

[0074] In one or more of the above embodiments, for example Figures 3 to 5 In the embodiment shown, different types of spoke units 3 can be used in combination as needed. Figure 3 The spoke unit shown in FIG can be used with Figure 4 The spoke units shown in FIG. 1 are provided on the same airless tire or can be combined with Figure 5 The spoke units shown in FIG are provided on the same airless tire. In some embodiments, Figure 4 The spoke unit shown in FIG can be used with Figure 5 The spoke units shown in FIG are provided on the same airless tire. In some embodiments, Figures 3 to 5 The three spoke units shown in FIG can be arranged on the same airless tire. In some further embodiments, the same airless tire can also include other embodiments.

[0075] In one or more embodiments of this specification, see Figure 9 As shown, Figure 9 The horizontal axis is the pressure of the airless tire, Figure 9 The ordinate in is the deformation of the airless tire. In some embodiments, the pressure-deformation curve of the airless tire includes a linear first region A1 and a nonlinear second region A2. In some embodiments, in the first region A1, as the pressure applied to the airless tire increases, the deformation of the airless tire increases. In some embodiments, in the first region A1, the pressure-deformation of the airless tire is linear. In some embodiments, in the second region A2, as the pressure applied to the airless tire increases, the deformation of the airless tire approaches a constant value. In some embodiments, in the second region A2, the pressure-deformation of the airless tire is an asymptote close to the constant value.

[0076] In some embodiments, a portion of the outer ring 2 is configured to be able to assume a first position, a second position, and a third position relative to the inner ring 1 .

[0077] In some embodiments, when a portion of the outer ring 2 is in the first position, a gap exists between two abutting portions 31 of adjacent spoke units 3 that belong to different spoke units 3. In some embodiments, the first position may be within a first range, and within the first range, the pressure-deformation relationship of the airless tire is the same as Figure 9 Corresponding to the first area A1 in .

[0078] In some embodiments, when a portion of the outer ring 2 is in the second position, two abutting portions 31 belonging to different spoke units 3 in adjacent spoke units 3 abut against each other. In some embodiments, at the second position, the pressure-deformation relationship of the airless tire is Figure 9 The first area A1 and the second area A2 correspond to each other.

[0079] In some embodiments, when a portion of the outer ring 2 is in the third position, two abutting portions 31 belonging to different spoke units 3 in adjacent spoke units 3 abut against each other, deform, and form an expanded contact surface based on the deformation (for example, Figure 6 、 Figure 7 In some embodiments, the third position may be within a third range, and within the third range, the pressure-deformation relationship of the airless tire is Figure 9 Corresponding to the second area A2 in .

[0080] In one or more embodiments of the present specification, the airless tire can flexibly control its elastic deformation through structural design while maintaining the same material (for example, controlling the number of spoke units 3, the spacing between two adjacent spoke units 3, the axial thickness of the first and second spoke units in the spoke units 3, and the circumferential width of the first and second spoke units in the spoke units 3). In one or more embodiments of the present specification, the relationship between tire deformation and load can be designed to have a significant nonlinear relationship as needed. Even with a small diameter, the airless tire can maintain a large contact patch over a wide load range, thereby improving grip. In one or more embodiments of the present specification, the above-described design of the airless tire can expand the range of material choices, allowing the tire to achieve properties such as high elasticity, wear resistance, and tear resistance.

[0081] In one or more embodiments of this specification, see Figure 1 、 Figure 2As shown, the outer surface of the outer ring 2 has a tread pattern. In some embodiments, the tread pattern may include: a plurality of raised structure combinations 4 arranged in an annular array, each raised structure combination 4 extending in the axial direction of the outer surface of the outer ring 2. In some embodiments, each raised structure combination 4 includes one or more raised structures. In some embodiments, the multiple raised structures may have the same or different heights. In some embodiments, the raised structures may be perpendicular to the tangential direction of the outer ring 2. In other embodiments, the raised structures may form an angle with the tangential direction of the outer ring 2. In some embodiments, the height of a raised structure refers to the maximum distance from the end of the raised structure to the surface of the outer ring 2. In some embodiments, the raised structures are used to increase the contact surface between the airless tire and the ground, and to increase the friction between the airless tire and the ground, thereby preventing the airless tire from slipping relative to the ground.

[0082] In some embodiments, the positions of multiple spoke units 3 match those of the raised structure assemblies 4. In some embodiments, each spoke unit 3 is correspondingly positioned with a raised structure assembly 4. In some embodiments, each spoke unit 3 directly faces a raised structure assembly 4. In some embodiments, due to the corresponding arrangement of the spoke units 3 and the raised structure assembly 4, the raised structure assembly 4 can directly transmit pressure and deformation to the spoke units 3 when in contact with the ground, causing deformation of the spoke units 3, thereby achieving a faster response. This can reduce unpredictable unstable tread deformation and ensure that the pressure-deformation relationship of the airless tire conforms to the designed curve.

[0083] In some embodiments, each protrusion structure assembly 4 includes one or more first protrusion structures 41. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first protrusion structure 41 on the side closest to the outer ring 2 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first protrusion structure 41 on the side away from the outer ring 2. In some embodiments, the first protrusion structure 41 is formed with support portions 411 on both sides of the circumferential direction of the outer ring 2. In some embodiments, the support portions 411 can provide a good base strength for the protrusion structure assembly 4, making it less likely for the protrusion structure assembly 4 to deform tangentially relative to the outer ring 2, such as being less likely to bend tangentially. Therefore, when the protrusion structure assembly 4 is compressed, it can provide a force generally in the radial direction to the outer ring 2, thereby transmitting this force to the spoke units 3.

[0084] In some embodiments, each protrusion structure assembly 4 includes a first protrusion structure 41 and a second protrusion structure 42, and the height of the first protrusion structure 41 is greater than the height of the second protrusion structure 42. In some embodiments, the first protrusion structure 41 and the second protrusion structure 42 are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the outer surface of the outer ring 2.

[0085] For example, see Figure 2As shown, each protrusion structure combination 4 includes two first protrusion structures 41 and two second protrusion structures 42. In some embodiments, in the same protrusion structure combination 4, the two first protrusion structures 41 are located on one side in the axial direction of the outer ring (for example, Figure 2 The two second protrusion structures 42 are located on the other side of the outer ring in the axial direction (eg Figure 2 on the right side of the image).

[0086] In some embodiments, two first protruding structures 41 in adjacent protruding structure combinations 4 are located on different sides of the outer surface of the outer ring 2 in the axial direction. In some embodiments, two second protruding structures 42 in adjacent protruding structure combinations 4 are located on different sides of the outer surface of the outer ring 2 in the axial direction.

[0087] For example, see Figure 2 As shown, each protrusion structure combination 4 includes two first protrusion structures 41 and two second protrusion structures 42. For example, the outer ring 2 has adjacent first protrusion structure combination B1 and second protrusion structure combination B2. The first protrusion structure B11 in the first protrusion structure combination B1 is located at Figure 2 On the left side of the figure, the second convex structure B12 in the first convex structure combination B1 is located Figure 2 The first convex structure B21 in the second convex structure combination B2 is located at Figure 2 On the right side of the figure, the second raised structure B22 in the second raised structure combination B2 is located Figure 2 on the left side of the .

[0088] In some embodiments, the arrangement of two first protruding structures 41 in adjacent protruding structure combinations 4 on different sides allows for a larger spacing between the two taller first protruding structures 41, preventing foreign matter from becoming trapped between the two taller first protruding structures 41. In some embodiments, as viewed in the circumferential direction of the outer ring 2, a second protruding structure 42 is provided between two circumferentially adjacent first protruding structures 41. This structure not only widens the distance between the two first protruding structures 41 but also provides reinforcement through the shorter second protruding structure 42, preventing undesirable excessive deformation between the two adjacent first protruding structures 41 due to the larger spacing.

[0089] In one or more embodiments of this specification, see Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown, the inner wall of the inner ring 1 is further provided with one or more hub connection structures 5, which are used to connect the airless tire to the hub or axle of the equipment. In some embodiments, the hub connection structure 5 can be C-shaped. In some embodiments, a connection space is formed between the hub connection structure 5 and the inner wall of the inner ring 1.

[0090] In one or more embodiments of the present specification, a motion mechanism is further provided, comprising a body and a front wheel assembly and a rear wheel assembly disposed on the body, wherein the front wheel assembly may include two front wheels and the rear wheel assembly may include two rear wheels. In some embodiments, the front wheels and / or the rear wheels may utilize the aforementioned airless tires.

[0091] The beneficial effects that may be brought about by the embodiments of this specification include but are not limited to: (1) the arrangement of the spoke units and the abutment portions enables adjacent spoke units to support each other through the abutment portions when subjected to large loads or impacts, thereby providing a force to inhibit further deformation; (2) the connection between the abutment portion and the inner ring and the outer ring is achieved through the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion, while allowing the second connecting portion to transfer the pressure received by the outer ring to the abutment portion so that the abutment portion responds to the load or impact; (3) the configuration of a broken line abutment portion, an arc abutment portion and an abutment portion that is a portion of a circle is provided; (4) the pressure-deformation curve of the airless tire is set to have a linear first zone domain and the nonlinear second region, so that the airless tire can provide effective support under high pressure conditions, prevent it from further deformation, and prevent damage to the tire or wheel hub caused by complete collapse of the airless tire; (5) After the abutting parts of adjacent spoke units abut, they can still deform and have a larger contact area to provide greater support force; (6) The raised structure combination includes a higher first raised structure and a lower second raised structure, so that there is a larger spacing between adjacent higher first raised structures to avoid debris being stuck; (7) A lower second raised structure is arranged between two adjacent first raised structures to avoid the adverse effects of excessive spacing on the tire, such as reduced strength. It should be noted that different embodiments may produce different beneficial effects. In different embodiments, the beneficial effects that may be produced may be any one or a combination of the above, or any other possible beneficial effects.

[0092] While the basic concepts have been described above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the detailed disclosure is merely illustrative and does not limit this specification. Although not explicitly stated herein, various modifications, improvements, and revisions to this specification may be made by those skilled in the art. Such modifications, improvements, and revisions are taught in this specification and remain within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of this specification.

Claims

1. An airless tire, characterized in that: include: An inner ring, an outer ring disposed outside the inner ring, and a plurality of spoke units connecting the inner ring and the outer ring; The same spoke unit includes two abutment portions located on both sides of a radial direction and is configured as follows: The two abutting portions can move away from each other as the gap between the outer ring and the inner ring decreases; In adjacent spoke units, two contact portions belonging to different spoke units can approach each other as the gap between the outer ring and the inner ring decreases.

2. The airless tire according to claim 1, characterized in that The two abutting portions are symmetrically arranged with respect to the one radial direction.

3. The airless tire according to claim 1, characterized in that The same spoke unit further includes a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, wherein the first connecting portion connects the inner ring and the abutting portion, and the second connecting portion connects the outer ring and the abutting portion.

4. The airless tire according to claim 3, characterized in that In the same spoke unit, each abutting portion is independently configured with at least one first connecting portion and at least one second connecting portion; Alternatively, in the same spoke unit, the two abutting portions are commonly configured with at least one first connecting portion and at least one second connecting portion.

5. The airless tire according to claim 4, characterized in that Each of the abutting portions includes a first abutting portion and a second abutting portion connected to each other, the projections of the first abutting portion and the second abutting portion on a radial plane are both linear structures, and an angle is formed between the first abutting portion and the second abutting portion; The first abutting portion is connected to the inner ring through the first connecting portion, and the second abutting portion is connected to the outer ring through the second connecting portion.

6. The airless tire according to claim 5, characterized in that The projections of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion on a radial plane are both linear structures.

7. The airless tire according to claim 6, characterized in that There is an included angle between the first abutting portion and the first connecting portion; And / or, an angle is formed between the second abutting portion and the second connecting portion.

8. The airless tire according to claim 3, characterized in that Each of the abutting portions comprises an arc-shaped abutting portion, and the convex arc surfaces of the two arc-shaped abutting portions in the same spoke unit are arranged opposite to each other; The arc-shaped abutting portion is connected to the inner ring through the first connecting portion, and the arc-shaped abutting portion is connected to the outer ring through the second connecting portion.

9. The airless tire according to claim 8, characterized in that The projections of the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion on the radial plane are both arc-shaped structures; The convex arc surface of the first connecting portion is oriented in the opposite direction to the convex arc surface of the arc-shaped abutting portion, and the convex arc surface of the second connecting portion is oriented in the opposite direction to the convex arc surface of the arc-shaped abutting portion.

10. The airless tire according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The spoke unit comprises an annular structure, and two abutment portions are respectively provided on both sides of the annular structure; The annular structure is connected to the inner ring via one or more first connecting portions, and the annular structure is connected to the outer ring via one or more second connecting portions.

11. The airless tire according to claim 1, characterized in that The surface of the abutting portion has an abutting portion protrusion.

12. The airless tire according to claim 1, characterized in that The pressure-deformation curve of the airless tire sequentially includes a linear first region and a nonlinear second region; In the first region, as the pressure applied to the airless tire increases, the deformation amount of the airless tire increases; In the second region, as the pressure applied to the airless tire increases, the deformation amount of the airless tire approaches a constant value.

13. The airless tire according to claim 1, characterized in that A portion of the outer ring is configured to be able to assume a first position, a second position, and a third position relative to the inner ring; When a portion of the outer ring is in the first position, in adjacent spoke units, a gap exists between two abutting portions belonging to different spoke units; When a portion of the outer ring is in the second position, in adjacent spoke units, two abutting portions belonging to different spoke units abut against each other; When a portion of the outer ring is in the third position, in the adjacent spoke units, two abutting portions belonging to different spoke units abut against each other and deform to form an enlarged contact surface based on the deformation.

14. The airless tire according to claim 1, characterized in that The plurality of spoke units have a constant radial cross-sectional shape along the axial direction.

15. The airless tire according to claim 1, characterized in that The outer surface of the outer ring has a tread pattern, which includes: a plurality of raised structure combinations arranged in an annular array, each of the raised structure combinations extending along the axial direction of the outer surface of the outer ring, and each of the raised structure combinations including one or more raised structures.

16. The airless tire according to claim 15, characterized in that The positions of the plurality of spoke units match the positions of the convex structure combination; Each of the spoke units is correspondingly arranged with one of the protruding structure combinations.

17. The airless tire according to claim 15, characterized in that Each of the protrusion structure combinations includes one or more first protrusion structures, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the first protrusion structure on a side close to the outer ring is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first protrusion structure on a side away from the outer ring; The first protrusion structure is formed with support portions on both sides of the outer ring in the circumferential direction.

18. The airless tire according to claim 15, characterized in that Each of the protrusion structure combinations includes a first protrusion structure and a second protrusion structure, wherein the height of the first protrusion structure is greater than the height of the second protrusion structure; The first protruding structure and the second protruding structure are arranged sequentially along the axial direction of the outer surface of the outer ring.

19. The airless tire according to claim 18, characterized in that Two first protrusion structures in adjacent protrusion structure combinations are located on different sides of the outer surface of the outer ring in the axial direction; Two second protrusion structures in adjacent protrusion structure combinations are located on different sides of the outer surface of the outer ring in the axial direction.

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