A thermal butt joint device and method for a thermoplastic elastomer inner tube

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of tire production and manufacturing, and in particular to a thermal contact joint device and a joint method for a thermoplastic elastomer inner tube, the device comprising a first inner tube clamp, a second inner tube clamp and a heating module; the first inner tube clamp and the second inner tube clamp both comprise a first clamping block and a second clamping block, the first clamping block and the second clamping block are both provided with inner tube grooves, and the two inner tube grooves are connected to match the shape of the inner tube; the heating module is located between the first inner tube clamp and the second inner tube clamp, and the heating module is used to heat and melt the inner tubes on the first inner tube clamp and the second inner tube clamp. The advantages of this patent are easy operation, increased connection area at both ends of the inner tube, increased connection strength at both ends of the inner tube, and increased service life, aesthetics and integrity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of tire production and manufacturing, in particular to a thermal contact joint device and a joint method for a thermoplastic elastomer inner tire. Background Art

[0002] A tire primarily consists of an outer tube, an inner tube, and a cushioning strip, with the inner tube being a crucial component. Existing inner tubes include a plastic carcass and a plastic valve, such as the plastic valve and inflatable plastic inner tube described in Application No. 2019212494566. The valve comprises a nozzle body and a rubber cushion. The nozzle body is made of hard plastic, with a vent in the middle, containing a valve core. A plum blossom-shaped mating portion is provided at the lower end of the nozzle body. The rubber cushion is made of soft plastic and is positioned at the lower end of the nozzle body. The outer ring of the rubber cushion diffuses from the outer ring of the nozzle body toward the bottom, while the inner ring has a stepped mating portion that matches the mating portion. The rubber cushion and nozzle body are integrally connected by injection.

[0003] During the processing of inner tubes, joint processing is required. The joint processing process forms a closed cavity annular body by bonding the two ends of a section of thermoplastic elastomer tube together. Existing joint molds, such as the inner tube joint mold disclosed in the Chinese utility model patent with publication number CN207273899U (announcement date is 2018.04.27), are arranged on an inner tube joint machine and are used to connect the inner tube semi-finished product with an annular inner tube barrel. The inner tube joint mold includes an upper mold and a lower mold that can match the preset inner tube barrel. The lower mold is detachably mounted on the fixed plate, and the upper mold is detachably mounted on the presser foot. The upper mold and the lower mold are arranged relative to each other; the lower mold includes a lower mold body, and the lower mold body is provided with a positioning portion on the side facing the upper mold that can cooperate with the upper mold to position the inner tube barrel. The upper and lower molds of the inner tube joint mold of the present invention are available in multiple sizes and are easy to assemble and disassemble. Each size of the upper and lower molds can be matched with an inner tube barrel of predetermined specifications, thereby improving the quality and precision of the inner tube barrel joint connection. The present invention further provides an inner tube joint machine that can be used for inner tube barrels of different specifications and has high inner tube barrel joint connection quality and precision.

[0004] The existing joint mold has the problem that the joint processing cannot be carried out well due to the small bonding area, which is prone to misalignment or uneven docking, resulting in poor bonding strength at both ends of the inner tube, affecting the quality and service life of the inner tube. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the problem of low bonding strength of the existing inner tubes mentioned above, and to provide a thermal contact joint device for the inner tube of a thermoplastic elastomer, which is convenient for aligning and bonding the two ends of the inner tube by using a first inner tube clamp and a second inner tube clamp, and increases the bonding contact area by turning up the two ends of the inner tube, and facilitates the bonding operation through a heating module, thereby improving the bonding efficiency, bonding quality and aesthetics.

[0006] For the purpose of the present invention, the following technical solutions are adopted:

[0007] A thermal joint device for a thermoplastic elastomer inner tube comprises a first inner tube clamp, a second inner tube clamp, and a heating module; the first inner tube clamp and the second inner tube clamp each comprise a first clamping block and a second clamping block, both of which are provided with an inner tube groove, and the two inner tube grooves are connected and match the shape of the inner tube; the heating module is located between the first inner tube clamp and the second inner tube clamp, and the heating module is used to heat and melt the inner tubes on the first inner tube clamp and the second inner tube clamp. The first inner tube clamp and the second inner tube clamp facilitate better positioning and fixing of the two ends of the inner tube, and the heating module facilitates heating of the two ends of the inner tube, thereby better bonding the two ends of the inner tube together and improving the overall bonding efficiency and quality.

[0008] As preferably, two inner tube grooves are connected to form a ring that matches the inner tube. The inner tube groove is convenient to better cooperate with the inner tube and improve the stability of the inner tube during the joint process.

[0009] Preferably, the heating module is a heating plate, which is easy to operate and convenient for melting the inner tube ends.

[0010] Preferably, the heating plate is longitudinally positioned between the two first inner tube clamps and the second inner tube clamp. By the heating plate, it is convenient to heat the two ends of the inner tube simultaneously.

[0011] Preferably, the left and right sides of the heating plate are in contact with the inner ends of the first inner tube clamp and the second inner tube clamp, respectively, thereby increasing the contact area between the heating plate and the two ends of the inner tube, thereby improving the heating effect.

[0012] A method for thermally butting a thermoplastic elastomer inner tube, comprising the following steps: clamping both ends of the inner tube by a first inner tube clamp and a second inner tube clamp, leaving a distance between the two ends, heating a heating module at the same time, and wrapping the excess parts of the inner tubes at both ends onto the first inner tube clamp and the second inner tube clamp by a wrapping module, removing the wrapping module, placing the heating module between the first inner tube clamp and the second inner tube clamp, bringing the wrapped treads on the first inner tube clamp and the second inner tube clamp into contact with the heating module for heating, and after heating for a certain period of time, moving the inner tubes on the first inner tube clamp and the second inner tube clamp to both sides, and quickly withdrawing the heating module, and then bringing the inner tubes on the first inner tube clamp and the second inner tube clamp into contact with the two heated treads, applying a certain pressure to bond the two treads, bonding for a period of time, cutting off the excess wrapped parts by a cutting module, and taking out the inner tube after the joint is completed.

[0013] A thermoplastic elastomer inner tube comprises a plastic carcass and a plastic valve, the plastic valve comprising a nozzle body and a rubber pad, the rubber pad being bonded to the plastic carcass by hot melt, and characterized in that both ends of the plastic carcass comprise a clamping support portion, a turn-up bonding portion and a turn-up cutting portion; the clamping support portion, the turn-up bonding portion and the turn-up cutting portion are connected as one, the turn-up bonding portion is located between the clamping support portion and the turn-up cutting portion, and the inner tube is formed into a closed annular body by bonding the turn-up bonding portions at both ends to each other.

[0014] Preferably, the nozzle body is made of hard plastic, a vent hole is provided in the middle of the nozzle body, a valve core is provided in the vent hole, and a plum blossom-shaped fitting portion is provided at the lower end of the nozzle body.

[0015] Preferably, the mating portion includes a mating groove and a mating step, and the mating step is outwardly protruding; the mating groove is connected to the top of the mating step; the length of the mating groove is not limited to each step in the mating step.

[0016] Preferably, the rubber pad is made of soft plastic and is arranged at the lower end of the nozzle body. The outer ring of the rubber pad spreads from the outer ring of the nozzle body to the bottom, and the inner ring is provided with a stepped matching part that matches the matching part. The rubber pad and the nozzle body are connected into one by injection.

[0017] A thermal contact joint device for a thermoplastic elastomer inner tube adopts the above technical solution. The device facilitates better limiting and fixing of the two ends of the inner tube through the first inner tube clamp and the second inner tube clamp, and facilitates better cooperation with the inner tube through the inner tube groove, thereby improving the stability of the inner tube during the joint process; and facilitates better melting of the two ends of the inner tube through the heating plate, thereby improving the bonding strength of the two ends of the inner tube, improving the bonding quality and service life.

[0018] To sum up, the advantages of this patent are easy operation, increased connection area at both ends of the inner tube, increased connection strength at both ends of the inner tube, and improved service life, aesthetics and integrity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the thermal contact joint device of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of the first inner tube clamp of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of the inner tube of the present invention when heated.

[0022] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of the inner tube during bonding of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 It is a structural schematic diagram of the valve nozzle of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 It is a plan view of the valve of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following is a detailed description of the specific embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] like Figures 1 to 4 A device for thermally colliding a thermoplastic elastomer inner tube is shown. The device includes a first inner tube fixture 1, a second inner tube fixture 2, and a heating module 3. The first inner tube fixture 1 and the second inner tube fixture 2 each include a first clamping block 101 and a second clamping block 102. The first clamping block 101 and the second clamping block 102 are both provided with an inner tube groove 103. The inner tube groove 103 cooperates with the inner tube, and the two inner tube grooves 103 are connected to form a ring that matches the inner tube. The inner tube groove 103 facilitates better cooperation with the inner tube and improves the stability of the inner tube during the joint process. The heating module 3 is located between the first inner tube fixture 1 and the second inner tube fixture 2. The heating module 3 is a heating plate. The heating plate is easy to operate and conveniently heats to melt the two ends of the inner tube. The heating module 3 is longitudinally located between the two first inner tube clamps 1 and the second inner tube clamp 2, and the heating plate is used to heat both ends of the inner tube at the same time. The left and right sides of the heating module 3 are respectively in contact with the inner end portions of the first inner tube clamp 1 and the second inner tube clamp 2, thereby increasing the contact area between the heating plate and the two ends of the inner tube, thereby improving the heating effect and improving the overall bonding efficiency.

[0027] A method for thermally butting a thermoplastic elastomer inner tube, comprising the following steps: clamping the two ends of the inner tube by a first inner tube clamp 1 and a second inner tube clamp 2, leaving a distance between the two ends, heating the heating module 3 at the same time, and wrapping the excess parts of the inner tubes at the two ends onto the first inner tube clamp 1 and the second inner tube clamp 2 by a wrapping module, removing the wrapping module, placing the heating module 3 between the first inner tube clamp 1 and the second inner tube clamp 2, bringing the wrapped treads on the first inner tube clamp 1 and the second inner tube clamp 2 into contact with the heating module for heating, and after heating for a certain period of time, moving the inner tubes on the first inner tube clamp 1 and the second inner tube clamp 2 to both sides, and quickly withdrawing the heating module 3, and then bringing the inner tubes on the first inner tube clamp 1 and the second inner tube clamp 2 into contact with the two heated treads, applying a certain pressure to bond the two treads, bonding for a period of time, cutting off the excess wrapped parts by the cutting module, and taking out the inner tube after the joint is completed.

[0028] The turn-up module is used to turn up the excess portion of the inner tube in the end of the first inner tube fixture 1 onto the outer wall of the first inner tube fixture 1, and to turn up the excess portion of the inner tube in the end of the second inner tube fixture 2 onto the outer wall of the second inner tube fixture 2. The turn-up module includes a small airbag, which is used to turn up the inner tube at the end of the inner tube groove 103 in the first inner tube fixture 1 and the second inner tube fixture 2. The airbag facilitates better control of the inner tube turn-up effect and also facilitates the turn-up operation. The cutting module is used to cut off the turned-up portion after bonding. The cutting module includes two cutting knives, which are respectively located on the outside of the inner end of the first inner tube fixture 1 and the inner end of the second inner tube fixture 2. The cutting knives are used to cut off the excess turned-up portion to improve the integrity and aesthetics of the inner tube.

[0029] A thermoplastic elastomer inner tube comprises a plastic carcass and a plastic valve. The plastic valve comprises a nozzle body 5 and a rubber pad 6. The rubber pad 6 is bonded to the plastic carcass by hot melt. Both ends of the plastic carcass comprise a clamping support portion 41, a turn-up adhesive portion 42, and a turn-up cutting portion 43. The clamping support portion 41, the turn-up adhesive portion 42, and the turn-up cutting portion 43 are integrally connected. The turn-up adhesive portion 42 is located between the clamping support portion 41 and the turn-up cutting portion 43. The turn-up adhesive portions 42 at both ends are bonded to each other to securely bond the two ends of the inner tube. The clamping support parts 41 at both ends are respectively located in the inner tube grooves 103 of the first inner tube clamp 1 and the second inner tube clamp 2, and the turned-up bonding parts 42 at both ends are in contact with the inner end faces of the first inner tube clamp 1 and the second inner tube clamp 2. During bonding, the turned-up bonding parts 42 at both ends are melted and squeezed and bonded together. The turned-up cutting parts 43 at both ends facilitate better fixing of the turned-up bonding parts 42 to prevent movement or loosening during bonding, and the turned-up cutting parts 43 are cut off after bonding to enhance the overall aesthetics and integrity of the inner tube.

[0030] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the plastic air valve comprises a valve body 5 and a rubber pad 6. The valve body 5 is made of hard plastic, facilitating connection with the inflation connector and preventing air leakage. A vent hole 501 is located in the center of the valve body 5; a valve core 7 is housed within the vent hole 501. A plum blossom-shaped mating portion 502 is located at the lower end of the valve body 5. This design increases the contact area with the rubber pad 6 and strengthens the connection. The mating portion 502 comprises a mating groove 5021 and a mating step 5022. The mating step 5022 protrudes outward, facilitating machining of the valve body 5 and the rubber pad 6. The mating groove 5021 connects to the top of the mating step 5022, securing the rubber pad 6 to the valve body 5 and enhancing the connection. The length of the mating groove 5021 is greater than the length of each step in the mating step 5022, increasing the connection area between the top of the rubber pad and the mating groove, and strengthening the connection. The diameter of the bottom of the valve body 5 is greater than the diameter of the top of the valve body 5. Increasing the contact area between the bottom of the nozzle body 5 and the rubber pad 6, and thus the bonding area between the rubber pad 6 and the inner tube, ensures a more secure and stable adhesion of the rubber pad 6. Made of soft plastic, the rubber pad 6 is positioned at the lower end of the nozzle body 5. Its cross-section is hollow and truncated. The outer ring of the rubber pad 6 spreads from the outer ring of the nozzle body toward the bottom, ensuring a tighter bond between the rubber pad and the inner tube, preventing the rubber pad 6 from easily falling off. The inner ring is provided with a plum blossom mating portion 601 that mates with the mating portion 502. This connection between the plum blossom mating portion 601 and the mating portion 502 strengthens the connection between the two and prevents air leakage.

[0031] The thermal contact joint device facilitates better limiting and fixing of the two ends of the inner tube through the first inner tube clamp 1 and the second inner tube clamp 2, and facilitates better cooperation with the inner tube through the inner tube groove, thereby improving the stability of the inner tube during the joint process; the two ends of the inner tube are turned up by the turn-up module to increase the contact area of ​​the two ends of the inner tube, thereby facilitating the increase of the melting area of ​​the two ends of the inner tube, and the heating plate facilitates better melting of the two ends of the inner tube, thereby improving the bonding firmness of the two ends of the inner tube, improving the bonding quality and service life, and the cutting module facilitates the cutting of the turned-up part of the inner tube to improve the overall aesthetics and integrity.

[0032] To sum up, the advantages of this patent are easy operation, increased connection area at both ends of the inner tube, increased connection strength at both ends of the inner tube, and improved service life, aesthetics and integrity.

Claims

1. A method for thermally butting a thermoplastic elastomer inner tube, characterized in that: The device adopted by the method comprises a first inner tube clamp (1), a second inner tube clamp (2) and a heating module (3); the first inner tube clamp (1) and the second inner tube clamp (2) both comprise a first clamping block (101) and a second clamping block (102); the first clamping block (101) and the second clamping block (102) are both provided with inner tube grooves (103), and the two inner tube grooves (103) are connected to match the shape of the inner tube; the heating module (3) is located between the first inner tube clamp (1) and the second inner tube clamp (2), and the heating module (3) is used to heat and melt the inner tubes on the first inner tube clamp (1) and the second inner tube clamp (2); The method comprises the following steps in sequence: clamping the two ends of the inner tube by the first inner tube clamp (1) and the second inner tube clamp (2) respectively, leaving a distance between the two ends, heating the heating module (3), wrapping the redundant parts of the inner tubes at the two ends onto the first inner tube clamp (1) and the second inner tube clamp (2) by the wrapping module, removing the wrapping module, placing the heating module (3) between the first inner tube clamp (1) and the second inner tube clamp (2), bringing the wrapped treads on the first inner tube clamp (1) and the second inner tube clamp (2) into contact with the heating module (3) for heating, moving the inner tubes on the first inner tube clamp (1) and the second inner tube clamp (2) to both sides after heating for a certain period of time, and quickly withdrawing the heating module (3), and then bringing the inner tubes on the first inner tube clamp (1) and the second inner tube clamp (2) close to the two heated treads, applying a certain pressure to bond the two treads, bonding for a period of time, cutting off the redundant wrapped parts by the cutting module, and taking out the inner tube after the joint is completed.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The two inner tube grooves (103) are connected to form a ring shape matching the inner tube.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The heating module (3) is a heating plate.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that The heating module (3) is longitudinally located between the two first inner tube clamps (1) and the second inner tube clamps (2).

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The left and right sides of the heating module (3) are in contact with the inner ends of the first inner tube clamp (1) and the second inner tube clamp (2) respectively.

6. A thermoplastic elastomer inner tube, comprising a plastic tube body and a plastic valve, wherein the plastic valve comprises a nozzle body (5) and a rubber pad (6), wherein the rubber pad (6) is bonded to the plastic tube body by hot melting; characterized in that: Both ends of the plastic tire body include a clamping support portion (41), a turned-up adhesive portion (42) and a turned-up cutting portion (43); the clamping support portion (41), the turned-up adhesive portion (42) and the turned-up cutting portion (43) are connected as a whole, the turned-up adhesive portion (42) is located between the clamping support portion (41) and the turned-up cutting portion (43), and the inner tube is formed into a closed annular body by mutually bonding the turned-up adhesive portions (42) at both ends; the nozzle body (5) is made of hard plastic material, a vent hole (501) is provided in the middle of the nozzle body (5), a valve core (7) is provided in the vent hole (501), and a plum blossom-shaped matching portion (501) is provided at the lower end of the nozzle body (5). 2); the matching portion (502) includes a matching groove (5021) and a matching step (5022), and the matching step (5022) is outwardly protruding; the matching groove (5021) is connected to the top of the matching step (5022); the matching groove (5021) is not limited to the length of each step in the matching step (5022); the rubber pad (6) is made of soft plastic material, the rubber pad (6) is arranged at the lower end of the nozzle body (5), the outer circle of the rubber pad (6) spreads from the outer circle of the nozzle body to the bottom, and the inner circle is provided with a stepped matching portion (601) matching the matching portion (502), and the rubber pad (6) and the nozzle body (5) are connected into one by injection.

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