A maintenance-free hollow tire with a Y-shaped support structure
By designing a maintenance-free hollow tire with a Y-shaped support structure, the problem of easily damaged tires on shared bicycles and electric bicycles has been solved, achieving a balance between lightweight, comfort, and load-bearing capacity, and providing high durability and high-speed stability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SICHUAN YUANXING RUBBER CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-30
AI Technical Summary
The tires of existing shared bicycles and shared electric bicycles are prone to damage during use, resulting in high maintenance costs. Furthermore, it is difficult to balance lightweight design and performance in existing tires, especially since the hollow tire structure design affects load-bearing capacity and comfort.
A maintenance-free hollow tire with a Y-shaped support structure was designed, including an outer contour, an inner hole, and a Y-shaped support structure. The reasonable layout of the air inlet and vent ensures that the tire force is evenly transmitted to the rim, avoiding damage.
The tires are lightweight, comfortable, have high load capacity and high-speed stability, and excellent durability, meeting the needs of shared bicycles and electric bicycles.
Smart Images
Figure CN224426994U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of tire manufacturing, and in particular to a maintenance-free hollow tire with a Y-shaped support structure. Background Technology
[0002] Tires are elastic rubber products that are mounted on various vehicles or machinery and come into contact with the ground for rolling. They bear weight, cushion road impacts, make contact with the road surface, and provide driving and braking forces. Tires are subjected to various deformations, loads, forces, and high and low temperatures during driving, therefore they must have high load-bearing capacity, traction capacity, and cushioning capacity.
[0003] In recent years, with the development of short-distance travel vehicles such as electric bicycles and scooters, especially the emergence of shared bicycles and shared electric bicycles, tire damage during use can seriously affect the user experience and increase maintenance costs. To solve the tire use and maintenance problem, most shared bicycles and shared electric bicycles use solid tires, hollow tires, or other non-pneumatic tires, or use foam tires instead of inner tubes, achieving continuous use and maintenance-free operation. To save energy, shared bicycles and shared electric bicycles require lightweight design for their components; therefore, tires must be as lightweight as possible while ensuring performance requirements are met.
[0004] Solid tires are not accepted by the market because of their poor comfort and heavy weight, although they are durable. Inner tubes made of foam are relatively soft, so they deform a lot and generate a lot of heat during use. The heat in the center of the inner tube is not easy to dissipate. Due to the heat accumulation effect, the temperature limit of the material is exceeded, the molecular chain breaks, and the tire is damaged.
[0005] The different internal structures of hollow tires, including the thickness, shape, and hardness of materials in various parts, have a significant impact on tire performance. For example, thinner tires improve comfort but reduce load-bearing capacity, while higher hardness increases load-bearing capacity but reduces comfort and makes them more prone to cracking. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation from various aspects is needed to invent a product that meets user needs. Utility Model Content
[0006] The purpose of this invention is to design a maintenance-free hollow tire with a Y-shaped support structure to solve the above problems.
[0007] This utility model achieves the above objectives through the following technical solutions:
[0008] This utility model provides a maintenance-free hollow tire with a Y-shaped support structure, including an outer contour, an inner hole, a Y-shaped support structure, an air inlet, and a vent. The support structure is located between the inner holes, the air inlet is located at the top of the hollow tire and communicates with the inner holes, and the vent is located inside the support structure between the inner holes.
[0009] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the hollow tire contains three inner holes, namely one inner hole one and two inner holes two. There is a certain wall thickness between the outer contour and the inner holes to provide support. The support structure formed between the three inner holes inside the hollow tire is Y-shaped, which allows the force on the tire to be better transmitted to the rim and avoids tire damage.
[0010] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the air inlet is provided in only one location on the circumference; the vent is provided in only two locations on the circumference, and they are arranged symmetrically.
[0011] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, 'a' represents the total width of the hollow tire, 'b' represents the total cross-sectional height of the hollow tire, and 'c' represents the width of the position where it mates with the outer tire and rim. The specific values of 'a', 'b', and 'c' are set according to the tire and rim specifications, customer requirements for tire size, etc. In this utility model, the total width 'a' of the hollow tire is 30-70mm, the total cross-sectional height 'b' of the hollow tire is 25-75mm, and the width 'c' of the position where it mates with the outer tire and rim is 15-40mm.
[0012] As a preferred embodiment of this invention, H1 is the distance from the top of the hollow tire to the top of the first inner hole, H1=5-10%a; H2 is the thickness from the inner wall of the first inner hole to the outer contour of the hollow tire, H2=13-18%a; H3 is the distance from the bottom of the first inner hole to the bottom of the hollow tire, H3=60-70%b; H4 is the thickness from the second inner hole to the outer contour of the hollow tire, H4=10-15%a; and H5 is the thickness of the supporting structure between the two second inner holes, H5=20-30%a. H7 is the thickness of the support structure between inner hole one and inner hole two, H7 = 20-30%a; Re is the radius of the arc connecting arc one and arc two in inner hole two, Re ≥ 10mm; Rd is the radius of the arc at the bottom of inner hole two, Rd ≥ 10mm; Rf is the radius of the arc at the top of inner hole two, Rf ≥ 3mm; α is the angle between arc one in inner hole two and the centerline of the hollow tire section, α = 5-10°; β is the angle between arc two in inner hole two and the centerline of the hollow tire section, β = 30-35°.
[0013] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: through the design of the Y-shaped support structure inside the hollow tire, the hollow tire has the advantages of being lightweight, comfortable, having a high load capacity, high-speed stability, and good durability. Attached Figure Description
[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the hollow tire structure of this utility model.
[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the hollow tire structure corresponding to each parameter of this utility model.
[0016] Figure 3-8 This is a schematic diagram of the hollow tire structure corresponding to the parameter changes in Examples 1-6.
[0017] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the hollow tire structure corresponding to the parameters of Example 7.
[0018] In the diagram: 1-outer contour, 2-inner hole one, 3-inner hole two, 31-circular arc one, 32-circular arc two, 4-support structure, 5-air inlet, 6-ventilation hole. Detailed Implementation
[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.
[0020] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0021] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.
[0022] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "left", "right", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship that the utility model product is usually placed in during use, or the orientation or positional relationship that is commonly understood by those skilled in the art. They are only used to facilitate the description of this utility model and to simplify the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0023] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0024] In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, terms such as "set" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.
[0025] The specific embodiments of this utility model will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0026] Examples 1-7
[0027] This utility model embodiment provides a maintenance-free hollow tire with a Y-shaped support structure, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes an outer contour 1, an inner hole, a support structure 4, an air inlet 5, and a vent 6. The support structure 4 is located between the inner holes, the air inlet 5 is located on the top of the hollow tire and communicates with the inner holes, and the vent 6 is located inside the support structure 4 between the inner holes.
[0028] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the hollow tire contains three inner holes, namely one inner hole 2 and two inner holes 3. There is a certain wall thickness between the outer contour and the inner holes to provide support. The support structure formed between the three inner holes inside the hollow tire is Y-shaped, which allows the force on the tire to be better transmitted to the rim and avoids tire damage.
[0029] As a preferred embodiment, the air inlet 5 is provided in only one location on the circumference; the vent 6 is provided in only two locations on the circumference, and they are arranged symmetrically.
[0030] In this preferred embodiment, 'a' represents the total width of the hollow tire, 'b' represents the total cross-sectional height of the hollow tire, and 'c' represents the width of the position where it mates with the outer tire and rim. The specific values of 'a', 'b', and 'c' are set according to the tire and rim specifications, customer requirements for tire size, etc. In this utility model, the total width 'a' of the hollow tire is 30-70mm, the total cross-sectional height 'b' of the hollow tire is 25-75mm, and the width 'c' of the position where it mates with the outer tire and rim is 15-40mm.
[0031] In Examples 1-7, the total width of the hollow tire a = 47 mm, the total cross-sectional height of the hollow tire b = 43 mm, and the width of the mating position between the tire and the rim c = 30 mm.
[0032] As attached Figure 2-8As shown, in Example 1, H1 is thinned (H1=2mm); in Example 2, H4 is thinned (H4=3.5mm); in Example 3, H5 and H7 are thinned (H5=8mm, H7=8mm); in Example 4, Re, Rd, and ∠α are decreased (Re=0, Rd=0, ∠α=0); in Example 5, ∠β is increased (∠β=75°); in Example 6, H3 is decreased (H3=23.65mm); and Example 7 is a technical solution of this utility model (H1=4mm, H2=7mm, H3=29.5mm, H4=5.2mm, H5=10mm, H7=12mm, Re=15mm, Rd=10mm, Rf=4mm, ∠α=7°, ∠β=33°). During testing and verification, both the outer tire and rim were assembled. Except for the change in the hollow tire structure dimensions, the rim and outer tire remained in the same state during testing and verification. Thinning, reducing, and increasing are relative to the size range of this utility model and are not within the size range of this utility model.
[0033] Hollow tire preparation
[0034] The hollow tires in Examples 1-7 were all prepared using the maintenance-free hollow tire with a Y-shaped support structure according to this invention. The preparation method of the maintenance-free hollow tire with a Y-shaped support structure according to this invention includes the following steps:
[0035] Step S1, Plasticization: Plasticizing the rubber granules into a fluid rubber compound.
[0036] Step S2, Extrusion Molding: A long, semi-finished tube is obtained by extruding using an extruder with both an inner and outer die.
[0037] Step S3, Cutting and punching: Cut the long strip semi-finished tire tube obtained in step S2 to the set length, and process grooves on the Y-shaped support structure at both ends of the cut surface to form a vent hole 6 after the joint.
[0038] Step S4, bonding: Apply special adhesive to the cut surfaces and join the two cut surfaces together to form a ring-shaped semi-finished product with an inner hole.
[0039] Step S5, vulcanization: Place the annular semi-finished product into the mold cavity to obtain a hollow tire.
[0040] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the mold in step S5 has a pin hole. The air intake pin pierces the wall of the hollow tire through the pin hole on the mold and inserts into any inner hole in the tire tube. Because the rubber material has sealing properties, the inserted pin will not cause air leakage. The pin is a hollow metal tube, which can be used to introduce internal pressure for vulcanization to form a hollow tire. After vulcanization is completed, the pin is removed, leaving an air intake hole 5 on the hollow tire.
[0041] Performance testing
[0042] The challenge of this invention lies in ensuring performance while minimizing tire weight. Therefore, determining the dimensions, shape, and relative positions of each component is crucial, and ultimately, relevant tests are required. Considering the complex operating environment of shared bicycles, the test conditions, based on ISO 4210-7 Bicycles – Safety requirements for bicycles – Part 7 and the client's stringent requirements, stipulate that the tire must not be damaged after more than 1 million impacts with obstacles.
[0043] The tire load is set according to the tire specifications, for example, the radial load of the wheelset (bicycle: front / rear wheel * 64kg; electric bicycle: front wheel * 75kg, rear wheel * 100kg), and the test roller diameter is 760±10mm. The obstacle block width is 50mm±2.5mm; the thickness is 10mm±0.25mm, with a 45-degree chamfer at half the thickness. The distance between the center lines of adjacent obstacle blocks on the circumference of the roller is approximately 400mm, not exceeding 420mm. The roller rotates at a linear speed of 25km / h (±10%), impacting the obstacle block and holding it for a certain period of time to achieve 1 million impacts between the tire and the obstacle block. After the test, the inner and outer tires must not be damaged. At the same time, markings are made on the tire and rim, and the relative displacement after the test should not exceed 50mm.
[0044] The test results are shown in Table 1 below.
[0045] Scheme Number Changes relative to this utility model Test Results Result determination Option 1 H1 thinning The inner and outer tires were undamaged, but the displacement was 63mm. Failed the test Option 2 H4 thinning The inner tube cracked after 830,000 cycles of the obstacle block. Failed the test Option 3 H5 and H7 thinning The inner tube cracked after 680,000 cycles of the obstacle block. Failed the test Option 4 Re, Rd, and ∠α decrease Inner tube cracked after 550,000 cycles of obstacle block operation. Failed the test Option 5 ∠β increases The inner tube cracked after 760,000 cycles of the obstacle block. Failed the test Option 6 H3 decreases The inner tube cracked after 800,000 cycles of the obstacle block. Failed the test Option 7 The structure and dimensions of this utility model The inner and outer tires remained undamaged after 1 million cycles of using the obstacle block system. Pass the test
[0046] Table 1 Summary of test results for Examples 1-7
[0047] As can be seen from Table 1, when the dimensions of each part are below the set range of this utility model, the tire's performance deteriorates, failing the performance test and thus failing to meet performance requirements. Conversely, if the dimensions are above the set range, the tire becomes heavier, the hollow tire tends to become solid, and the comfort of use decreases, which does not conform to the original intention of this utility model. Furthermore, thinning H1 causes relative displacement between the tire and the rim because the sidewall is too thin and lacks strength, resulting in an insufficient fit between the tire and the rim. Therefore, thinning H2 similarly leads to a thin sidewall with insufficient strength, resulting in an insufficient fit between the tire and the rim, thus causing relative displacement between the tire and the rim.
[0048] Decreasing Re and Rd reduces the curvature of the transition zone in the support structure. While this reduces weight, it leads to stress concentration, resulting in poor tire performance during testing and failure to meet performance requirements. Therefore, the same problem occurs when Rf decreases.
[0049] A decrease in H3 will reduce the strength of the hollow tire's support structure, thus causing it to fail performance tests.
[0050] Although the present invention has been described herein with reference to illustrative embodiments, the above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention, and the implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can design many other modifications and implementations, which will fall within the scope and spirit of the principles disclosed in this application.
Claims
1. A maintenance-free hollow tire with a Y-shaped support structure, characterized in that: It includes an outer contour (1), an inner hole, a support structure (4), an air inlet (5), and a vent (6). The support structure (4) is located between the inner holes. The air inlet (5) is located on the top of the hollow tire and communicates with the inner holes. The vent (6) is located inside the support structure (4) between the inner holes.
2. The maintenance-free hollow tire with a Y-shaped support structure according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are three inner holes, namely one inner hole one (2) and two inner holes two (3), and the support structure (4) formed between the three inner holes is Y-shaped.
3. A maintenance-free hollow tire with a Y-shaped support structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The air inlet (5) is provided in only one place on the circumference; the vent (6) is provided in only two places on the circumference.
4. The maintenance-free hollow tire with a Y-shaped support structure according to claim 3, characterized in that: The ventilation holes (6) are arranged symmetrically around the circumference.
5. The maintenance-free hollow tire with a Y-shaped support structure according to claim 4, characterized in that: The total width (a) of a hollow tire is 30-70mm, the total cross-sectional height (b) of a hollow tire is 25-75mm, and the width (c) of the mating position between the tire and the rim is 15-40mm.
6. The maintenance-free hollow tire with a Y-shaped support structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The distance from the top of the hollow tire to the top of the inner hole (2) is H1 = 5-10%a, the thickness from the inner wall of the inner hole (2) to the outer contour of the hollow tire is H2 = 13-18%a, the distance from the bottom of the inner hole (2) to the bottom of the hollow tire is H3 = 60-70%b, the thickness from the inner hole (3) to the outer contour of the hollow tire is H4 = 10-15%a, the thickness of the support structure (4) between the two inner holes (3) is H5 = 20-30%a, and the thickness of the support structure (4) between the inner holes (2) and the inner holes (3) is H5 = 20-30%a. The thickness H7 = 20-30%a, the radius Re of the arc connecting the arc 1 and arc 2 (32) in the inner hole 2 (3) is ≥10mm, the radius Rd of the arc at the bottom of the inner hole 2 (3) is ≥10mm, the radius Rf of the arc at the top of the inner hole 2 (3) is ≥3mm, the angle α between arc 1 (31) in the inner hole 2 (3) and the center line of the hollow tire section is 5-10°, and the angle β between arc 2 (32) in the inner hole 2 (3) and the center line of the hollow tire section is 30-35°.
7. The maintenance-free hollow tire with a Y-shaped support structure according to claim 6, characterized in that: The values are: a=47mm, b=43mm, c=30mm, H1=4mm, H2=7mm, H3=29.5mm, H4=5.2mm, H5=10mm, H7=12mm, Re=15mm, Rd=10mm, Rf=4mm, ∠α=7°, and ∠β=33°.