Deflection member for non-pneumatic tire spoke component

Abstract

A non-pneumatic tire includes an inner support ring positioned inside and coaxial with an outer support ring with a support structure connecting the rings to each other. The support structure includes a plurality of spokes secured to the inner support ring and the outer support ring. A flexural member having a rounded peripheral surface is used to attach the ends of the spokes to the outer support ring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a flex member for a spoke component of a non-pneumatic tire, and in particular, to a flex member for attaching an end of a spoke component to a support ring of a non-pneumatic tire, the flex member having a radiused peripheral edge. Background Art

[0002] The non-pneumatic tire construction enables the tire to operate in a non-inflated condition and does not require inflation. The non-pneumatic tire may include a support structure, such as a spoke or web, that provides a compression area and attaches an inner support ring to an outer support ring. The inner support ring is positioned near the wheel hub, and the outer support ring may incorporate an attached circumferential tread.

[0003] The ends of the spokes of a non-pneumatic tire are attached to inner and outer support rings. During operation of the tire, the spokes compress and stretch, and the ends of the spokes deflect relative to each other, which can create stresses in the spokes. As the tire rolls on the ground surface, the spoke ends attached to the outer support ring near the tread portion of the tire receive forces from the tread portion, and cause the spoke ends to flex and generate stresses at the attachment points.

[0004] The present invention is directed to reducing the stress applied at the attachment point at the spoke end, and in some cases redirecting the stress away from the bonding area between the surfaces to improve the durability of the attachment point. Summary of the invention

[0005] In a first aspect, a non-pneumatic tire is disclosed, comprising: an outer support ring; an inner support ring positioned inside the outer support ring; a support structure positioned between the outer support ring and the inner support ring, such that the support structure comprises a spoke, and the spoke has a first end fastened to the inner support ring and a second end fastened to a flexure member, the flexure member having an inner surface, an outer surface and a peripheral surface, the entire peripheral surface being filleted, or at least two or more surfaces being filleted.

[0006] In one example of aspect 1, an inner surface of the flex member is fastened to the second end of the spoke, and an outer surface of the flex member is fastened to the outer support ring for fastening the second end of the spoke to the outer support ring.

[0007] In another example of aspect 1, the rounded peripheral surface is positioned between the inner surface and the outer surface of the flexure member and intersects and contacts the inner surface and the outer surface of the flexure member.

[0008] In another example of aspect 1, the flex member is positioned between the second end of the spoke and the outer support ring, and the second end of the spoke does not contact the outer support ring.

[0009] In another example of aspect 1, the rounded peripheral surface has a concave shape.

[0010] In another example of aspect 1, the concave shape of the rounded peripheral surface is continuous without a flat linear planar portion, and the rounded peripheral surface extends from an intersection with the inner surface to an intersection with the outer surface. In another example, the concave shape of the rounded peripheral surface may include a flat linear portion, for example, at or near a central waist portion of the rounded peripheral surface.

[0011] In another example of aspect 1, the concave shape of the rounded peripheral surface has a circular radius, an elliptical arc, or a combination thereof.

[0012] In another example of aspect 1, the rounded peripheral surface includes substantially all (and in one example, the entirety of the outer surface) of the outer surface of the flexure member positioned between the inner surface and the outer surface of the flexure member, and the rounded peripheral surface of the flexure member includes two or more faces having the rounded surface. The two or more faces are positioned to face in opposite directions from each other. In another example, the two or more faces each face in a direction different from or not aligned with another face.

[0013] In another example of aspect 1, the rounded peripheral surface of the flexure member is composed of four or more faces having rounded surfaces. In another example, each of the four or more faces faces a direction different from or not aligned with another face.

[0014] In another example of aspect 1, two or more faces, three or more faces, or four or more faces of the rounded peripheral surface of the flexure member intersect with each other or with another peripheral surface surface to form one or more corners along the rounded peripheral surface, and the one or more corners of the rounded peripheral surface are rounded corner faces. One or more rounded corner faces may face in a direction different from or not aligned with any other peripheral surface surface.

[0015] In a second aspect, a flexure member for a non-pneumatic tire is disclosed, the flexure member comprising: an inner surface, which may have a linear plane, a curved plane, or other shape, such as a plane that matches a spoke end surface; an outer surface, which may have a linear plane, a curved plane, or other shape, such as a plane that matches an outer support ring surface; and a side peripheral surface, the side peripheral surface being arranged between the inner surface and the outer surface, the side surface extending around the entire periphery of the flexure member, the peripheral side surface having two or more rounded surfaces. The two or more rounded surfaces do not face the same direction as each other.

[0016] In one example of aspect 2, a plane (e.g., linear, curved) of the inner surface has a perimeter defined by a plurality of peripheral edges forming two or more, three or more, or four or more connection points or corners where the peripheral edges intersect one another, and two or more, three or more, or four or more connection points or corners along the linear plane of the inner surface contact a portion of the rounded concave surface of the side peripheral surface of the flex member.

[0017] In another example of aspect 2, a plane of the outer surface (e.g., linear, curved) has a perimeter defined by a plurality of peripheral edges forming two or more, three or more, or four or more connection points or corners where the peripheral edges intersect one another, and two or more, three or more, or four or more connection points or corners along the linear plane of the outer surface contact a portion of the rounded concave surface of the side peripheral surface of the flex member.

[0018] In another example of aspect 2, the two or more rounded concave surfaces have a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a parabolic shape, or a combination thereof.

[0019] In another example of aspect 2, the two or more radiused surfaces are concave surfaces.

[0020] In another example of aspect 2, the two or more chamfered surfaces each include a first end or bottom end and a second end or top end, the first end intersecting the peripheral edge of the inner surface of the flexure member and the second end intersecting the peripheral edge of the outer surface of the flexure member.

[0021] In another example of aspect 2, the side peripheral surface includes four face surfaces that define the entire or substantially the entire periphery of the flexure member between the inner surface and the outer surface, except for, for example, rounded or concave corner surfaces of the periphery, each of the four face surfaces having a concave shape and intersecting along the side peripheral surface to form four corners, and the four corners of the side peripheral surface are each a rounded or concave corner side peripheral surface.

[0022] In another example of aspect 2, the four face surfaces are rounded. The four corners may have concave or convex rounded surfaces, for example, the same or similar shape as one or more of the four face surfaces of the side perimeter of the flexure member.

[0023] In another example of aspect 2, the inner surface of the flex member is fastened to a spoke of the non-pneumatic tire. The inner surface can be positioned to face or point radially inwardly toward a center portion of the non-pneumatic tire.

[0024] In another example of aspect 2, an outer surface of the flex member is secured to an outer support ring of the non-pneumatic tire. The outer surface can be positioned to face or point radially outward away from a central portion of the non-pneumatic tire or toward the outer support ring.

[0025] In a third aspect, a flex member for a non-pneumatic tire is disclosed, the flex member including an inner surface having a plane, an outer surface having a plane, and a side peripheral surface, the side peripheral surface being disposed between the inner surface and the outer surface, the side surface extending around the entire periphery of the flex member, the peripheral side surface having two or more, three or more, or four or more rounded surfaces that curve inwardly from a peripheral edge of the inner surface, the outer surface, or both of the inner and outer surfaces of the flex member. The two or more, three or more, or four or more rounded surfaces do not face the same direction as each other.

[0026] In an example of aspect 3, two, three, or four or more of the radiused surfaces of the flexure member form a concave section around a portion of the side perimeter, and the radiused surface has a filler material in the concave section. The filler material is a different material than the material forming the flexure member. In an example, the filler material has a lower stiffness than the stiffness of the material forming the flexure member.

[0027] In another example of Aspect 3, the filler material in the recessed portion around a portion of the side perimeter does not extend beyond the peripheral edge of the inner surface, the peripheral edge of the outer surface, or the peripheral edges of both the inner and outer surfaces of the flexure member.

[0028] In another example of aspect 3, the filler material occupies the entire or substantially the entire concave section around the peripheral side surface of the flexure member.

[0029] In another example of aspect 3, the filler material forms a linear or flat surface on the peripheral side surface of the flexure member. The linear or flat surface formed by the filler material in the concave section extends from the peripheral edge of the inner surface to the peripheral edge of the outer surface of the flexure member.

[0030] In another example of Aspect 3, the filler material in the recessed section extends outwardly or beyond a peripheral edge of the inner surface, the outer surface, or both surfaces of the flexure member.

[0031] In another example of aspect 3, the filler material forms a layer on a side peripheral surface of the flexure member.

[0032] In a fourth aspect, a flex member for a non-pneumatic tire is disclosed, the flex member including a mold parting line, a witness mark, a mold vent mark, a flashing, or one of other surface defects produced during a molding process for manufacturing the flex member, such that one or more of the mold parting line, mark, mold vent mark, flashing, or other surface defects are spaced away from any corner side peripheral face area or rounded corner side peripheral face area.

[0033] In the example of aspect 4, the corner side peripheral surfaces or rounded corner side peripheral surfaces of the flexure member formed by the intersection of the side peripheral surfaces or surfaces do not have one or more of mold parting lines, reference marks, mold venting marks, flash, or other surface defects generated during the molding process.

[0034] In another example of aspect 4, any mold parting line, reference mark, mold vent mark, flash and / or surface defect mark present on the outer surface of the flexure member is spaced apart from the corner side perimeter surface or the rounded corner side perimeter surface by at least 5 millimeters (mm), at least 8 mm, at least 10 mm, or at least 1.5 mm.

[0035] In another example of aspect 4, any mold parting line, reference mark, mold vent mark, flash and / or surface defect mark present on the outer surface of the flexible member (for example) is located between the two corner side peripheral surfaces or substantially centered between the two corner side peripheral surfaces on the peripheral surface or rounded surface of the flexible member.

[0036] The above-mentioned aspects (or examples of those aspects) may be provided alone or in combination with any one or more examples of that aspect or another aspect discussed above; for example, the first aspect may be provided alone or in combination with any one or more examples of the first aspect, the second aspect, the third aspect or other aspects discussed above.

[0037] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the following detailed description, and in part will be apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or from practice of the embodiments as described herein, including the following detailed description, claims, and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The present disclosure is better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0039] Figure 1 A side view of one embodiment of a non-pneumatic tire is shown.

[0040] Figure 2 Shown along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of line 3-3.

[0041] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 Side detail of section A with some features removed for clarity.

[0042] Figure 4 is a detail view of a single spoke and flexure member of a non-pneumatic tire.

[0043] Figure 5 A perspective view of a flexure member attaching a spoke end to a support member of a non-pneumatic tire is shown.

[0044] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Rear view of the flexure member.

[0045] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A side view of a flexure member.

[0046] Figure 8 A side view of an example of a flexure member having filler material occupying a concave section of a side perimeter of the flexure member is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The terms described herein are used only to describe the embodiments and should not be construed to limit the invention as a whole.

[0048] Herein, when a range such as 5-25 (or 5 to 25) is given, this means preferably at least or more than 5, and individually and independently, preferably not more than or less than 25. In the examples, such ranges independently define 5 or more, and individually and independently define 25 or less.

[0049] The following includes definitions of selected terms used herein. These definitions include various examples or forms of components that fall within the scope of the term and can be used for implementation. The examples are not intended to be limiting. Both singular and plural forms of the terms may be within the definitions.

[0050] "Axial" and "axially" refer to directions parallel to the tire's axis of rotation.

[0051] “Circumferential” and “circumferentially” refer to directions perpendicular to the axial direction extending along the circumference of the surface of the tread.

[0052] "Radial" and "radially" refer to directions perpendicular to the tire's axis of rotation.

[0053] Figures 1 to 3An embodiment of a non-pneumatic tire 10 is illustrated. The non-pneumatic tire 10 is an exemplary illustration and is not intended to be limiting. The non-pneumatic tire 10 and other embodiments of the non-pneumatic tires in the accompanying drawings can be used in wheels of vehicles or other related items such as automobiles, trucks, heavy vehicles, trailers, all-terrain vehicles, off-road vehicles, buses, aircraft, tractors, motorcycles, bicycles, and any other type of passenger vehicle.

[0054] The non-pneumatic tire 10 includes an inner support ring 20. The inner support ring 20 may engage or directly contact a vehicle wheel hub (not shown) to secure the tire 10 to a vehicle or related item. The inner support ring 20 has a radially inwardly facing inner surface 23 and a radially outwardly facing outer surface 24, and may be made of a polymeric material, an elastomeric material, a metal, a composite material composed of a polymer or resin reinforced with glass or carbon fibers, or any other suitable material, or combination of materials.

[0055] The non-pneumatic tire 10 may include an annular outer support ring 30 positioned radially outward of the inner support ring 20 and a component positioned between the two rings 20, 30. The outer support ring 30 has a diameter (measured along the inner surface 33) greater than the diameter of the inner support ring 20 (measured along the inner surface 23), and as shown, the outer support ring may be aligned and coaxial with the inner support ring 20. Figure 2 As shown, the outer support ring 30 has a radially inwardly facing inner surface 33 and a radially outwardly facing outer surface 34, and can be made of a polymeric material, an elastomeric material, a metal, a composite material composed of a polymer or resin reinforced with glass or carbon fibers, or any other suitable material, or a combination of materials. A circumferential tread 70 is attached to the outer surface 34 of the outer support ring 30. The circumferential tread 70 can be attached to the outer support ring 30 adhesively, mechanically, or by any other suitable arrangement. As shown, the radially inwardly facing inner surface of the circumferential tread 70 can be in direct contact with the outer surface 34 of the outer support ring 30.

[0056] like Figure 2 As shown, the circumferential tread 70 includes a tread band 72 and a tread layer 74. The tread band 72 may be directly adhered to or in contact with the outer surface 34. The tread band 72 and the tread layer 74 may be made of the same material or different materials. The tread layer 74 may be made of rubber and may include tread elements (not shown), such as grooves, ribs, blocks, lugs, sipes, posts, or any other desired tread elements. The tread band 72 may include a filament assembly.

[0057] Also like Figure 2As shown, the tread band 72 can be a single layer. In an alternative embodiment, the tread band 72 can be a multi-layer band. This multi-layer tread band can include one or more layers of substantially inextensible or extensible materials. The layer can be formed by a material sheet, a material rope, a material wire or any other desired arrangement. In the illustrated embodiment, the tread band 72 is shown as a single layer. In an alternative embodiment, the tread band can be a multi-layer band. This multi-layer tread band can include one or more layers of substantially inextensible materials. The layer can be formed by a material sheet, a material rope, a material wire or any other desired arrangement. In other alternative embodiments, the multi-layer tread band can include an extensible material layer, such as an elastomer. According to an exemplary embodiment, the tread band may include a pair of inextensible layers separated by an extensible material layer. In another alternative embodiment, the tread band may include a band known as a shear band, a shear element or a thin annular high-strength belt element.

[0058] The support structure 100 is positioned radially inwardly of the circumferential tread 70 and the outer support ring 30. Figure 1 As shown, the support structure 100 includes, for example, one or more spokes 200, and connects the inner support ring 20 to the outer support ring 30. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the support structure 100 extends from the outer surface 24 of the inner support ring 20 to the inner surface 33 of the outer support ring 30 and is composed of a plurality of individual spokes 200. The plurality of spokes 200 may be arranged in one or two axially spaced spoke groups, and as shown, the two axially spaced spoke groups may include a first spoke group 202 and a second spoke group 204 axially spaced from the first spoke group 202. In alternative arrangements, the support structure may include more than two axially spaced spoke groups, such as three, four or more groups.

[0059] Figure 2 The first spoke set 202 and the second spoke set 204 are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction, which spacing may be at any suitable distance and ensure that the spokes from each set or sets do not contact each other. Each spoke 200 of the first spoke set 202 is substantially convex relative to the clockwise circumferential direction of the non-pneumatic tire 10, and each spoke of the second spoke set 204 is substantially concave relative to the clockwise circumferential direction of the non-pneumatic tire 10.

[0060] The spokes 200 may be made of metal such as steel or aluminum, polymers such as polyester or nylon, composites such as glass fiber or carbon fiber reinforced polymers, or any other suitable material or material combination. The spokes 200 may be provided with reinforcements (not shown), such as metal wires, metal or fiber cords, chopped fibers, reinforcing fillers, and combinations thereof. Figure 4The illustrated spoke 200 extends radially between a first end 206 and a second end 208 and has a generally rectangular cross-section including a first surface 210 and a second surface 212 facing opposite the first surface 210. The spoke thickness t refers to the distance between the first surface 210 and the second surface 212. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the spoke 200 has a constant thickness between the first end 206 and the second end 208. In alternative embodiments, the thickness of the spoke can vary between the first end and the second end. For example, the spoke can have relatively thicker portions at the first end and the second end, and relatively thinner portions between the ends. In other alternative embodiments, the spoke can have any desired cross-sectional shape (e.g., circular, diamond, hexagonal, etc.) or can have a combination of different cross-sectional shapes.

[0061] The flexure member 216 is disposed at the second end 208 of the spoke 200 for fastening the spoke 200 to a surface (eg, the inner surface 33) of the outer support ring 30. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the flex member 216 is positioned between the second end 208 of the spoke 200 and the outer support ring 30, such as fixed or fastened therebetween. The second end 208 of the spoke 200 is shown as having a first surface 208a and a second surface 208b. According to the orientation of the spoke 200, the first surface 208a faces radially outward toward the outer support ring 30 and provides a surface for the flex member 216 to contact the spoke 200 and attach the second end 208 of the spoke to the outer support ring 30.

[0062] As arranged relative to the radial direction of the non-pneumatic tire 10, the flex member 216 includes an inner surface 216a and an outer surface 216b. The inner surface 216a of the flex member 216 is fastened to the first surface 208a of the second end 208, the inner surface facing radially inward toward the inner support ring 20 and the spokes 200 and forming a planar surface that is contoured (e.g., linear, curved) to match the first surface 208a. The outer surface 216b of the flex member 216 is fastened to the inner surface 33 of the outer support ring 30, the outer surface facing radially outward toward the outer support ring 30 and forming a planar surface that is contoured (e.g., linear, curved) to match the inner surface 33. The inner surface 216a and the outer surface 216b can be fastened to another surface by any suitable means (e.g., by mechanical fasteners, welding, or adhesives). When an adhesive is used, the inner and outer surfaces 216a, 216b of the flexure members and / or the spokes and outer support ring may be cleaned to remove debris, mold release materials, or other surface compounds that may weaken the bond between the surfaces. The adhesive may be applied to the exposed surfaces that will be fastened to each other. For example, the adhesive may be applied to the inner or outer surface of the flexure members, the second ends of the spokes, the outer support ring, or any combination thereof. The adhesive may be any suitable adhesive for fastening surfaces to each other, such as an epoxy hot melt adhesive, etc. Example epoxy adhesives may include, but are not limited to Adhesive and / or Primer. In another example, a primer material may be applied to the exposed surface to enhance bonding of the surfaces.

[0063] Inner surface 216a and outer surface 216b have the peripheral edge of the outer profile or the whole periphery of limiting surface 216a, 216b.In one or more embodiments, inner surface 21 6a and outer surface 21 6b each have four peripheral edges, and these four peripheral edges include two circumferential peripheral edges and two axial peripheral edges.The peripheral edges of inner surface 21 6a and outer surface 21 6b form a corner or a connection point, and this corner or connection point contacts with the top or bottom edge of the rounded or chamfered side peripheral surface.In order to contact or be fastened to the first surface 208a of the second end 208, one or more peripheral edges of inner surface 21 6a can be aligned or flush with the peripheral edge of the first surface 208a of the second end 208.For example, the circumferential peripheral edge of inner surface 216a can be aligned with the circumferential edge of the first surface 208a.In another example, the axial peripheral edge of inner surface 216a can be aligned with the axial end edge of the second end 208 of the spoke. In alternative embodiments, one or more peripheral edges of the inner surface 216a may be positioned inboard of the peripheral edge of the first surface 208a of the second end 208 such that one or more portions of the first surface 208a are exposed and not covered by the inner or outer surfaces of the flex member 216. In one or more embodiments, the flex member 216 may be provided as a rectangular cuboid and arranged such that one end of the flex member 216 is aligned with the second end 208 of the spoke 200, is disposed behind the second end of the spoke, or may be arranged such that one end of the flex member extends beyond the second end of the spoke.

[0064] The flex member 216 has a first width extending in the axial direction of the tire, a second width extending in the circumferential direction of the tire, and a height extending in the radial direction of the tire. The axial width and circumferential width of the flex member will vary along its height, and the height of the flex member may vary along its axial width or circumferential width.

[0065] like Figure 4 The height (h) of the flexure member 216 extending in the radial direction and measured between the inner surface 216a and the outer surface 216b is shown to form the side peripheral surface 220. In some embodiments, the height (h) of the flexure member 216 can be constant, and in other embodiments, the height also varies according to the spoke surface geometry relative to the inner surface of the outer support ring. In one example, the flexure member height can be constant in the axial direction and vary along the circumferential direction (e.g., increase from one circumferential end to the opposite circumferential end). In another example, the flexure member height can be lowest at the circumferential end of the spoke and increase (e.g., at a constant degree) as it moves away from the end of the spoke and radially inward, so that the maximum height is reached at the opposite circumferential end of the flexure member.

[0066] The circumferential width and axial width of the flexure member 216 vary in both the circumferential and axial directions along the height (h) because the side peripheral surface 220 (i.e., the side surface between the inner surface 216a and the outer surface 216b) is rounded (e.g., around the entire peripheral surface) or has two or more, three or more, four or more, or five or more rounded surfaces. The side peripheral surface and its faces can have any concave shape or combination of concave shapes, such as elliptical, partially circular, or irregular shapes. Preferably, the shape of the rounded or rounded surface has a constant curvature or a smooth tangent transition from the peripheral edge of 216a to the peripheral edge of 216b, which forms the endpoint of the peripheral surface. The intersection of the peripheral faces and peripheral edges of 216a, 216b forms a stress growth section and can cause fatigue cracking of the flexure member 216 near its adhesion to the spoke. The rounded side perimeter surfaces 220 on multiple or all of the perimeter face surfaces serve to distribute stresses along the intersection points to the central region of the flex member 216 and reduce fatigue cracking.

[0067] The rounded surface of the side peripheral surface 220 may have an inset distance. The inset distance is measured by determining the distance between the central waist portion of the peripheral surface (i.e., the lowest width point) and an imaginary plane extending from the peripheral edge of 216a to the peripheral edge of 216b at the endpoint of the peripheral surface. The inset distance may be in the range of 0.2 to 2.5 times, 0.5 to 2.25 times, or 1 to 2 times the height of the imaginary plane extending from the peripheral edge of 216a to the peripheral edge of 216b at the endpoint of the peripheral surface.

[0068] The side perimeter surface 220 may not contact the structural components of the non-pneumatic tire 10, such that the surface 220 is directly exposed to the surrounding environment (e.g., air). The side perimeter surface 220 may have any suitable shape and one or more sides, such as two to eight or more sides, the one or more sides forming a face surface having face planes facing or pointing in non-same directions, such as curved, rounded, or concave shaped face planes. Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the flex member 216 is shown to have a side peripheral surface having a concave shape extending between a contact portion with the outer support ring 30 and a contact portion with the spoke end 208.

[0069] The rounded or chamfered surface of the side peripheral surface forms a central waist portion between the inner surface 216a and the outer surface 216b, so that the central waist portion has a minimum circumferential width, a minimum axial width, or a minimum circumferential width and an axial width. The circumferential width and the axial width increase in both directions along the height (h) from the central waist portion, so that the maximum circumferential width and the axial width radially inward and outward from the central waist portion appear at the inner surface 216a and the outer surface 216b of the flexure member 216.

[0070] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the central waist portion 216c is at the midpoint of the side peripheral surface 220, and the circumferential width and axial width of the flexure member 216 continuously increase without a flat linear plane portion radially inward of the inner surface 33 of the outer support ring 30 and radially outward of the first surface 208a of the second end 208 of the spoke 200. Although not shown, in an alternative design, the waist portion 216c may be near or adjacent to the center point of the side peripheral surface 220. The two circumferential peripheral surfaces of the flexure member 216 are rounded and have a chamfered surface extending from the circumferential peripheral edge of the inner surface 216a to the circumferential peripheral edge of the outer surface 216b. The two axial peripheral surfaces of the flexure member 216 are rounded and have a chamfered surface extending from the axial peripheral edge of the inner surface 216a to the axial peripheral edge of the outer surface 216b.

[0071] The central waist portion 216c represents the smallest diameter or width (axial or circumferential) of the flexure member 216. The central waist portion 216c may have an average diameter, axial width, or circumferential width in the range of 5mm to 130mm, 6mm to 110mm, 7mm to 100mm, 8mm to 80mm, 9 to 70mm, or 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, or 14mm, or 20mm, 25mm, 30mm, 35mm, 40mm, 45mm, 50mm, or 60mm. In other examples, the central waist portion 216c may have an average diameter, axial width, or circumferential width of less than 25mm, less than 20mm, or less than 15mm and greater than 6mm, greater than 7mm, or greater than 8mm. In other examples, the central waist portion 216c may have an average diameter, axial width, or circumferential width greater than 50 mm, greater than 80 mm, or greater than 100 mm and less than 130 mm, less than 125 mm, or less than 120 mm. The axial width or circumferential width of the central waist portion 216c may be compared to the maximum axial width or circumferential width at the inner surface 216a and the outer surface 216b of the flexure member 216. In one or more embodiments, the axial width or circumferential width at the inner surface 216a or the outer surface 216b may be in a ratio range of 0.5 to 8.5, 0.75 to 6.5, 1 to 5, 1.25 to 4, or 1.5 to 2.5 compared to the axial width or circumferential width at the central waist portion 216c.

[0072] The circumferential peripheral surface and the axial peripheral surface of the flexure member 216 constitute four peripheral surfaces that may have rounded surfaces. In certain embodiments, the circumferential peripheral surface and the axial peripheral surface or the four peripheral surfaces of the flexure member 216 form the entire side peripheral surface 220 of the member. Figure 5 As shown, the rounded circumferential peripheral surface intersects with the rounded axial peripheral surface. The intersection of the circumferential peripheral surface and the axial peripheral surface may form one or more corners (e.g., 2, 4) along the rounded peripheral surface. The corner may have a fillet curvature that is the same shape as the intersecting circumferential peripheral surface and the axial peripheral surface. By forming a corner side peripheral surface or face, the corner edge formed by the intersecting circumferential peripheral surface and the axial peripheral surface may be softened. Figure 5 A corner side peripheral surface 228 is shown, which transforms the circumferential peripheral surface and the axial peripheral surface into a smoother peripheral surface than a sharp corner edge. The side peripheral surface 220 of the flexure member 216 can have one or more corner side peripheral surfaces 228, such as one, two, three, or four corner side peripheral surfaces. When including one or more corner side peripheral surfaces 228, the side peripheral surface 220 of the flexure member 216 can have five or more rounded peripheral surfaces, such as six, seven, or eight rounded peripheral surfaces.

[0073] In another example, Figure 6 A rounded circumferential peripheral surface is shown positioned between two rounded corner side peripheral surfaces 228, which are also each adjacent to the rounded axial peripheral surface of the flex member 216. The rounded corner side peripheral surfaces 228 extend in a continuously rounded surface between the peripheral edges of the inner surface 216a and the outer surface 216b of the flex member 216. The rounded corner side peripheral surfaces 228 help reduce the stress applied at the attachment point at the spoke end 208a, and in some cases, redirect the stress away from the bonding area between the spoke end 208 and the inner surface 33 of the outer support ring 30 to improve the durability of the attachment point of the flex member 216.

[0074] Figure 7 A rounded axial peripheral surface is shown positioned between two rounded corner side peripheral surfaces 228, which are also each adjacent to the rounded circumferential peripheral surface of the flexure member 216. The rounded corner side peripheral surfaces 228, like the circumferential side peripheral surfaces and the axial side peripheral surfaces, extend as a continuously rounded surface between the peripheral edges of the inner surface 216a and the outer surface 216b of the flexure member 216, which are fastened to the first surface 208a of the second end 208 of the spoke 200 and the inner surface 33 of the outer support ring 30, respectively.

[0075] The flexure member 216 shown in the drawings can be made of a polymeric material (e.g., polyurethane, resin, rubber), metal, or any other suitable material or combination of materials. Preferably, the flexure member 216 is prepared using a material suitable for introduction (e.g., pouring) into a mold, which is used to form the desired shape including the entire rounded side periphery of the flexure member 216. The material is flowable for injection or pouring into the mold, such as a liquid polyurethane composition. The material is cured or hardened in the mold, such as under heating conditions, and then removed for use and fastened to the spokes 200 and the outer support ring 30. The flexure member 216 can be cleaned to remove any mold release material present on the surface, and grinding or sanding can be used to remove barbs, reference marks, mold parting lines, mold venting marks, or other irregularities caused by the molding process.

[0076] The mold tooling used to form the flexure member 216 must be removed after the member is cured to expose the finished part. For example, the mold tooling is disassembled into multiple parts along the parting line or seam to release the formed flexure member. The mold tooling can be made of multiple pieces so that the connection points or mating points and / or injection points of these pieces can emboss the mold parting line or other markings (reference marks) on the finished flexure member. Usually there may also be flash at the mold parting line. The presence of mold parting lines or other markings in high stress areas on the flexure member can affect the durability and performance of the part. In the example, the mold parting line can produce a small reference mark or defect in the surface, which can act as a stress riser. As described above, the corner side peripheral surface 228 helps to reduce the stress applied at the attachment point at the spoke end, and in some cases, redirects the stress away from the bonding area between the spoke end and the inner face of the outer support ring, which improves the durability of the attachment point of the flexure member. The molding tooling used to form the flex member preferably includes fewer molded parts to reduce the amount of mold parting lines and other markings on the finished flex member, and / or selectively positions or locates the mold parting lines and other markings away from areas of potential increased operating stress. By locating the mold parting lines and other markings away from certain stress and strain areas of the flex member, and so that the parting lines and other markings do not coincide with areas of potential high stress or high strain, these areas will not be negatively impacted by any additional surface defects that may cause increased stress or strain. In a similar manner, mold vent locations may provide a potential source of surface defects and should be located away from and avoided at areas of potential stress and strain in the flex member.

[0077] In one or more embodiments, the flexure member has no mold parting line at or near any corner side peripheral surface or rounded corner side peripheral surface. In an example, any mold parting line on the flexure member is at least 5 millimeters (mm), at least 8 mm, at least 10 mm, or at least 15 mm away from any corner side peripheral surface or rounded corner side peripheral surface of the flexure member. In another example, any mold parting line is located between two corner side peripheral surfaces or substantially centered between two corner side peripheral surfaces, for example, on the peripheral surface or rounded surface. By centering one or more mold parting lines between two corner side peripheral surfaces, any potential surface defects imposed by the molding tooling are optimally spaced away from high stress and strain areas of the flexure member.

[0078] In another embodiment, the flexure member has no reference mark, flash, or mold vent mark at or near any corner side peripheral surface or rounded corner side peripheral surface. The reference mark, flash, or mold vent mark is spaced away from any corner side peripheral surface or rounded corner side peripheral surface of the flexure member, such as at least 5 millimeters (mm), at least 8 mm, at least 10 mm, or at least 15 mm away from any corner side peripheral surface or rounded corner side peripheral surface of the flexure member. In other embodiments, the reference mark, flash, or mold vent mark is located between two corner side peripheral surfaces or substantially centered between two corner side peripheral surfaces, such as on the peripheral surface or rounded surface.

[0079] In one or more embodiments, the mold for forming the flex member 216 may include a component of a non-pneumatic tire as the inner wall of the mold. For example, the mold may include an opening that exposes the flex member molding material in the mold, and the component of the non-pneumatic tire may be positioned to cover the opening, or pre-assembled to close the opening before the flex member molding material is introduced into the mold cavity. The flex member molding material directly contacts the surface of the component or a portion thereof of the non-pneumatic tire and is bonded to the component surface during curing. When the cured flex member is removed from the mold, the flex member is fastened to the surface of the component of the non-pneumatic tire. In other embodiments, the mold for forming the flex member 216 may include two components of the non-pneumatic tire as the inner wall of the mold. For example, the mold may include two openings that expose the flex member molding material in the rest of the mold cavity to two components of the non-pneumatic tire, and the two components are positioned to cover these openings, or pre-assembled to close these openings before the flex member molding material is introduced into the mold cavity.

[0080] The non-pneumatic tire component can be any suitable part, such as a spoke or an outer support ring. Using the non-pneumatic tire component as a mold surface can reduce downstream processing steps for attaching the surface of the flex member to the component. Debris or residue from the non-pneumatic tire component can be removed before aligning the non-pneumatic tire component with the molding structure used to form the molding surface to ensure that the flex member molding material properly bonds or adheres to the surface of the non-pneumatic tire component (e.g., the end surface of the spoke and / or the inner surface of the outer support ring). In one example, the spoke end surface is used as a mold surface that forms the inner surface 216a so that the spoke end 208 adheres to the flex member 216. To improve adhesion, an adhesion promoter (e.g., an epoxy resin adhesive or The spoke end surface used as a mold surface is primed with a product) and then, during assembly of a non-pneumatic tire, the spoke with the flexure member 216 attached can be fastened to the outer support ring 30. In another example, the inner surface 33 of the outer support ring 30 is used as a mold surface for bonding the flexure member molding material to the outer support ring.

[0081] In one or more embodiments, the flex member 216 may include a protective material around its peripheral surface. Figure 8 As shown, the flexure member 216 has an inner surface 216a and an outer surface 216b and a side peripheral surface 220, which has a circumferentially rounded surface that bends inward from the peripheral edge of the surface 216a, 216b. The rounded peripheral surface surface 220 forms a concave section around the side periphery. The concave section can be filled with a filler material 300. The filler material 300 can be any suitable material, such as a material different from the material used to make the flexure member 216. The filler material 300 is preferably a flexure soft material that does not significantly interrupt any movement or flexure motion of the flexure member 216. The filler material 300 can be added to the concave section formed by the rounded peripheral surface surface 220 after the flexure member 216 has been fastened to the spoke 200 and the outer support ring 30.

[0082] The filler material 300 forms a barrier between the side peripheral surface 220 and the external environment surrounding the non-pneumatic tire and protects the flexure member 216 from debris and environmental exposure. For example, the filler material 300 can reduce or eliminate debris that might otherwise contact and damage the side peripheral surface 220 during operation of the non-pneumatic tire. Foreign objects (e.g., gravel) can strike the side peripheral surface of the flexure member 216 and significantly damage the rounded surface used to distribute stress during operation. Cuts, cavities, or similar damage can form weak points along the side peripheral surface 220 of the flexure member 216. The filler material can further reduce the direct exposure of the side peripheral surface 220 to toxic gases, sunlight, and destructive ozone or other pollutants during operation. These protections can make the life of the flexure member 216 longer and more durable.

[0083] Figure 8 The filler material 300 is shown extending across the concave section formed by the rounded peripheral face surface 220 and extending onto the first surface 208a of the second end 208 of the spoke 200 and the inner surface 33 of the outer support ring 30. In an alternative arrangement, the filler material 300 may cover or coat the side peripheral surface 220, for example as a layer providing an outer protective surface. In another example, the filler material 300 may completely fill the concave section formed by the rounded peripheral face surface 220, but not extend onto the first surface 208a, the inner surface 33, or both surfaces or not significantly contact the first surface, the inner surface, or both surfaces. In this case, the filler material 300 may form a linear or flat surface on the side peripheral surface 220 of the flexure member 216.

[0084] Although various aspects and embodiments of compositions and methods have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the claims.

Claims

1. A non-pneumatic tire, comprising: Outer support ring; an inner support ring, the inner support ring being positioned inside the outer support ring; a support structure positioned between the outer support ring and the inner support ring, the support structure comprising a spoke, the spoke comprising: a first end secured to the inner support ring; A second end is secured to a flexure member, the flexure member including an inner surface, an outer surface, and a rounded peripheral surface.

2. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the flex member is secured to the second end of the spoke, and the outer surface of the flex member is secured to the outer support ring for securing the second end of the spoke to the outer support ring.

3. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 1, wherein the rounded peripheral surface is positioned between the inner surface and the outer surface of the flex member.

4. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 1, wherein the flex member is positioned between the second end of the spoke and the outer support ring, and the second end of the spoke does not contact the outer support ring.

5. The non-pneumatic tire according to claim 1, wherein the rounded peripheral surface has a concave shape. 6 . The non-pneumatic tire according to claim 5 , wherein the concave shape of the rounded peripheral surface is continuous from an intersection with the inner surface to an intersection with the outer surface without a flat linear plane portion.

7. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 5, wherein the concave shape of the rounded peripheral surface includes a flat linear portion near a central waist portion.

8. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 6, wherein the concave shape has a circular radius or an elliptical arc.

9. The non-pneumatic tire of claim 1, wherein the rounded peripheral surface comprises substantially all of the outer surface of the flex member between the inner surface and the outer surface of the flex member, and the rounded peripheral surface of the flex member comprises two or more faces having rounded surfaces.

10. The non-pneumatic tire according to claim 9, wherein the rounded peripheral surface of the flex member is composed of four or more faces having rounded surfaces.

11. The non-pneumatic tire according to claim 9, wherein the two or more faces of the rounded peripheral surface of the flex member intersect each other to form a corner along the rounded peripheral surface, the corner of the rounded peripheral surface being a rounded corner face.

12. A flexure member for a non-pneumatic tire, the flexure member comprising: having a planar inner surface; having a planar outer surface; and A side peripheral surface is disposed between the inner surface and the outer surface, the side surface extending around the entire perimeter of the flexure member, the peripheral side surface including two or more radiused surfaces.

13. The flexure member of claim 12, wherein the plane of the inner surface includes a plurality of peripheral edges, the plurality of peripheral edges forming three or more connection points where the peripheral edges intersect each other, and the three or more connection points along the plane of the inner surface contact a portion of the rounded concave surface of the side peripheral surface of the flexure member.

14. The flexure member of claim 12, wherein the plane of the outer surface includes a plurality of peripheral edges, the plurality of peripheral edges forming three or more connection points where the peripheral edges intersect each other, and the three or more connection points along the plane of the outer surface contact a portion of the rounded concave surface of the side peripheral surface of the flexure member.

15. The flexure member of claim 12, wherein the two or more rounded concave surfaces have a circular shape, an elliptical shape, a parabolic shape, or a combination thereof.

16. The flexure member of claim 12, wherein the two or more radiused surfaces are concave surfaces.

17. The flexure member of claim 12, wherein the two or more radiused surfaces each include a first end and a second end, the first end intersecting a peripheral edge of the inner surface of the flexure member and the second end intersecting a peripheral edge of the outer surface of the flexure member.

18. The flexure member according to claim 12, wherein the side peripheral surface includes four face surfaces, the four face surfaces defining the periphery of the flexure member between the inner surface and the outer surface, each of the four face surfaces having a concave shape and intersecting along the side peripheral surface to form four corners, the four corners of the side peripheral surface being each a rounded corner side peripheral surface.

19. The flexure member of claim 18, wherein each of the four face surfaces is rounded.

20. The flex member of claim 12, wherein the inner surface of the flex member is secured to a spoke of the non-pneumatic tire and the outer surface of the flex member is secured to an outer support ring of the non-pneumatic tire.

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