Molding apparatus and molding method for ring-shaped member

Abstract

A molding device and a molding method of a ring-shaped member. Labor-saving of a work of molding a long strip-shaped member such as a sponge material into a ring shape is achieved. The molding device has: a plurality of holders arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction around a prescribed axis center, which hold the long strip-shaped member; a rotation mechanism which moves the plurality of holders in the circumferential direction; and a control device which controls the actions of the holders and the rotation mechanism to perform actions of (a) to (c) as follows. (a) A terminal end portion of the long strip-shaped member is held by one of the plurality of holders; (b) the holders are moved in the circumferential direction to sequentially position the long strip-shaped member on the other plurality of holders; and (c) the long strip-shaped member positioned on the other holders is held by the holder.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a molding device and a molding method of a ring-shaped member to be attached to an inner peripheral surface of a tire. BACKGROUND

[0002] In order to absorb and moderate the resonance sound energy (vibration energy) generated in the inner cavity of a tire, suppress the cavity resonance, and reduce the road noise, a sponge material made of a porous material is sometimes attached to the inner peripheral surface of the tire. A manufacturing device for manufacturing a tire by attaching a sponge material (sound absorbing material) to the inner peripheral surface of the tire is disclosed in Patent Document 1 described below.

[0003] The manufacturing device has a plurality of inner fitting shafts arranged at equal intervals on a circumference having the same diameter as the inner peripheral surface of the tire, and forms the sponge material in a long strip shape into a ring shape by winding the sponge material outside the inner fitting shafts. The manufacturing device moves each inner fitting shaft to the inner side in the radial direction to contract the outer diameter of the ring-shaped sponge material (hereinafter also referred to as "ring-shaped member"), inserts the ring-shaped member into the inside of the tire, and then moves each inner fitting shaft to the outer side in the radial direction to locally attach the ring-shaped member to the inner peripheral surface of the tire. Further, the manufacturing device moves (rotates) the plurality of inner fitting shafts along the inner peripheral surface of the tire to attach the entire ring-shaped member to the inner peripheral surface of the tire.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-254338 SUMMARY

[0005] In Patent Document 1, how to wind the sponge material in a long strip shape outside the plurality of inner fitting shafts is not disclosed, and in the case where this work is performed by hand, the burden on the worker becomes large.

[0006] An object of the present application is to achieve labor saving of the work of forming a ring shape of a sponge material or the like in a long strip shape.

[0007] (1) The present application is a molding device of a ring-shaped member that forms a long strip-shaped member into a ring shape, wherein the molding device of the ring-shaped member has:

[0008] a plurality of holders arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction centered on a prescribed axis, which hold the long strip-shaped member;

[0009] a rotation mechanism that moves the plurality of holders in the circumferential direction; and

[0010] a control device,

[0011] the control device controls the actions of the holders and the rotation mechanism to perform the actions of (a) to (c) described below.

[0012] (a) holding one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the long strip-shaped member with a holder;

[0013] (b) moving the holder in the circumferential direction to position the long strip-shaped member on other holders in turn; and

[0014] (c) holding the long strip-shaped member positioned on the other holders with the holder.

[0015] According to the above structure, the long strip-shaped member can be automatically formed into a ring shape by the plurality of holders, and the burden on the operator can be reduced.

[0016] (2) Preferably, in the operation of (b), the holder is temporarily stopped each time the long strip-shaped member is positioned on the holder.

[0017] According to this structure, the long strip-shaped member can be held by the holder in a stable state.

[0018] (3) Preferably, the forming device further has a pressing mechanism that presses the long strip-shaped member positioned on the holder against the holder.

[0019] With this structure, the long strip-shaped member does not float from the holder, and the long strip-shaped member can be reliably held by the holder.

[0020] (4) Preferably, a protrusion is formed on one of the end portions in the longitudinal direction of the long strip-shaped member, and a recess that fits with the protrusion is formed on the other end portion.

[0021] With this structure, the joining strength of the one end portion and the other end portion of the long strip-shaped member can be improved, and the ring-shaped member can be reliably formed.

[0022] (5) The present application is a method for forming a ring-shaped member by forming a long strip-shaped member into a ring shape, comprising the following operations:

[0023] (a) holding one end portion in the longitudinal direction of the long strip-shaped member with a holder;

[0024] (b) rotating a plurality of the holders in the circumferential direction to position the long strip-shaped member on the plurality of holders in turn; and

[0025] (c) holding the long strip-shaped member positioned on each of the holders with the holder.

[0026] According to the above-described attaching method, the long strip-shaped member can be automatically formed into a ring shape by the plurality of holders, and the burden on the worker can be reduced.

[0027] (6) Preferably, in the operation (b), the holder is temporarily stopped each time the long strip-shaped member is positioned on the holder.

[0028] By such a method, the long strip-shaped member can be held by the holder in a stable state.

[0029] According to the present application, the work of forming the long strip-shaped member into a ring shape can be facilitated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing one example of a tire.

[0031] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of an attaching system of a ring-shaped member in one embodiment of the present application.

[0032] Figure 3 is a side view showing a first supply device and an attaching device in the attaching system.

[0033] Figure 4 (a) of FIG. 4 is a plan view of the attaching device, Figure 4 (b) of FIG. 4 is a side view of the attaching device.

[0034] Figure 5 (a) of FIG. 6 is a plan view of the attaching device, Figure 5 (b) of FIG. 6 is a side view of the attaching device.

[0035] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the holder.

[0036] Figure 7 is a schematic front view of the holder.

[0037] Figure 8 is an explanatory view showing the order of forming the ring-shaped member.

[0038] Figure 9 is an explanatory view showing the joint portion of the ring-shaped member.

[0039] Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the second supply device as viewed from the front side.

[0040] Figure 11 is an explanatory view as viewed from the upper side showing the order of placing the tire on the second supply device.

[0041] Figure 12 is an explanatory view as viewed from the upper side showing the order of attaching the ring-shaped member to the tire.

[0042] Figure 13 is a diagram viewed from the upper side showing the order of attaching the annular member to the tire.

[0043] Figure 14 is a diagram viewed from the side showing the order of attaching the annular member to the tire.

[0044] Figure 15 is a diagram viewed from the side showing the order of attaching the annular member to the tire.

[0045] Figure 16 is a sectional view showing a modification example of the tire.

[0046] Figure 17 is a schematic front view showing a modification example of the retainer.

[0047] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0048] 10: annular member; 11: long strip-shaped member; 11a: end portion; 11c: recessed portion; 11d: protruded portion; 23: attaching device (molding device); 24: control device; 31: retainer; 33: rotation mechanism; 34: pressing mechanism; C1: axis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present application will be explained in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0050]

Structure of Tire

[0051] Figure 1 is a sectional view showing an example of the tire.

[0052] In Figure 1 , the tire 1 has a tread 2, a pair of side walls 3, a pair of beads 4, a carcass 5, a belt 6, an inner liner 7, and the like. The tread 2 is composed of crosslinked rubber, and its outer surface contacts with a road surface. The pair of side walls 3 is composed of crosslinked rubber, and extends toward the tire radial direction inner side from both ends of the tread 2 in the axial direction. The bead 4 is located more radially inward than the side wall 3, and has a core 4a and a triangular rubber 4b.

[0053] The carcass 5 is located inside the tread 2 and the side wall 3, and is erected between the bead 4 on one side and the bead 4 on the other side. The belt 6 is located between the tread 2 and the carcass 5. The inner liner 7 is located inside the carcass 5. The inner liner 7 is composed of crosslinked rubber having excellent air shielding property, and constitutes an inner surface of the tire 1. In addition, in the present specification, "inner peripheral surface la of the tire 1" means an inner peripheral surface of the inner liner 7 on the radial direction inner side of the tread 2. "Inner diameter of the tire 1" means an inner diameter of the portion of the bead 4 (bead inner diameter).

[0054] A ring-shaped member 10 is attached to the inner peripheral surface la of the tire 1. The ring-shaped member 10 is formed in a ring shape by joining both end portions of a long strip-shaped sponge material. The sponge material is formed of a porous material having continuous bubbles or independent bubbles formed by foaming rubber or synthetic resin. The sponge material has a vibration-proof property or a sound-absorbing property, and suppresses a cavity resonance, reduces road noise by absorbing and moderating resonance sound energy (vibration energy) generated in the interior of the tire 1. Hereinafter, the long strip-shaped sponge material formed in a ring shape is also referred to as a "long strip-shaped member".

[0055] [Structure of the attachment system]

[0056] Figure 2 Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view of an attachment system 20 of a long strip-shaped member 11 in one embodiment of the present application.

[0057] The attachment system 20 of the present embodiment has an attachment device 23, a first supply device 21, a second supply device 22, and a control device 24. The attachment device 23 has a function of molding the long strip-shaped member 11 into a ring shape (a molding function of the ring-shaped member 10) and a function of attaching the ring-shaped member 10 formed in a ring shape to the inner peripheral surface la of the tire 1 (an attachment function). Therefore, in the following description, the attachment device 23 is sometimes referred to as a "molding device 23". The first supply device 21 supplies the long strip-shaped member 11 to the attachment device 23. The second supply device 22 supplies the tire 1 to the attachment device 23.

[0058] The control device 24 controls the operations of the attachment device 23, the first supply device 21, and the second supply device 22. The control device 24 has, for example, an arithmetic unit such as a CPU, a storage unit such as a RAM and a ROM, and functions as prescribed by the program installed in the storage unit by the arithmetic unit. The control device 24 is inputted with signals of various sensors or signals of switches, and controls the operations of motors or actuators provided in the attachment device 23, the first supply device 21, the second supply device 22, and the like, in accordance with the input signals and the like.

[0059] The attachment device 23 and the second supply device 22 are arranged adjacent to each other in a first direction X which is horizontal. The attachment device 23 is arranged in such a manner that the axis (center) of the ring-shaped member 10 molded by the attachment device 23 is along the first direction X. The second supply device 22 is arranged in such a manner that the axis of the tire 1 supported by the second supply device 22 is along the first direction X. The axis of the ring-shaped member 10 molded by the attachment device 23 coincides with the axis of the tire 1 supported by the second supply device 22. Hereinafter, these axes are indicated by a symbol Cl.

[0060] The adhesive device 23 and the first supply device 21 are arranged adjacent to each other along a horizontal second direction Y. The second direction Y is orthogonal to the first direction X. The first supply device 21 supports the elongated strip 11 with its length direction along the second direction Y, and supplies the elongated strip 11 toward the adhesive device 23 along the second direction Y.

[0061] [First Supply Unit 21]

[0062] Figure 3 This is a side view showing the first supply device 21 and the adhesive device 23 in the adhesive system 20.

[0063] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first supply device 21 is composed of a roller conveyor arranged horizontally along the second direction Y. The roller 21a of the first supply device 21 is a free roller, which, by pulling the elongated strip 11 through the retaining member 31 of the adhesive device 23 (described later), supplies the elongated strip 11 on the first supply device 21 to the adhesive device 23. The first supply device 21 is positioned at a height corresponding to the uppermost retaining member 31 (described later). The roller 21a of the first supply device 21 can also be composed of a drive roller, or a combination of a free roller and a drive roller. In this case, the first supply device 21 itself can move the elongated strip 11 toward the adhesive device 23. The first supply device 21 can also be composed of a belt conveyor. The first supply device 21 can also be composed of a reel wound with the elongated strip 11.

[0064]

Adhesive Device 23

[0065] Figure 4 and Figure 5 (a) is a top view of the adhesive device 23. Figure 4 and Figure 5 (b) is a side view of the adhesive device 23.

[0066] like Figures 3-5 As shown, the adhesive applicator 23 includes a plurality of retaining members 31, a moving mechanism 32, a rotating mechanism 33, and a pressing mechanism 34. The plurality of retaining members 31 are arranged at equal intervals around an axis C1 along a first direction X. The adhesive applicator 23 of this embodiment has eight retaining members 31.

[0067] (Retaining component 31)

[0068] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of retainer 31. Figure 7 This is a general front view of retainer 31.

[0069] Each retainer 31 has a retaining member 36, rollers 37a, 37b and a support frame 38.

[0070] The holding member 36 holds one surface (lower surface) of the long strip-shaped member 11 or the inner peripheral surface of the ring-shaped member 10. The holding member 36 of the present embodiment has a housing 36a and a plurality of needles 36b freely retractably provided in the housing 36a. The housing 36a is formed in a box shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, and is supported by a support frame 38. An actuator (omitted from the drawing) such as a cylinder for retracting the needles 36b is built in the housing 36a.

[0071] Each needle 36b protrudes from an upper surface (holding surface) 36al of the housing 36a, and can be retracted below the upper surface 36al. The plurality of needles 36b are arranged in two rows in the first direction X. The plurality of needles 36b in each row are arranged in a posture inclined in the same direction with respect to the holding surface 36al of the housing 36a. The needles 36b of one row and the needles 36b of the other row are inclined in opposite directions to each other, cross each other as protruding in the housing 36a, and are apart from each other as protruding from the housing 36a. The holding member 36 holds the long strip-shaped member 11 by being inserted into the needles 36b obliquely with respect to the long strip-shaped member 11. Since the holding member 36 holds the long strip-shaped member 11 by being inserted into the needles 36b, it can hold even a sponge material for which a holding member of a vacuum type cannot be used. In addition, as the holding member 36, a publicly known device such as a needle gripper (SNG-M) of Schmults (Japanese) can be applied.

[0072] The rollers 37a, 37b have a first roller 37a and a second roller 37b. The first roller 37a is arranged adjacent to both sides of the housing 36a in the first direction X. Two of the first rollers 37a are provided on each side of the holding member 36 in the first direction X. The first roller 37a is rotatably provided in the support frame 38 about an axis in the first direction X.

[0073] The second roller 37b is arranged on both sides of the housing 36a in a direction orthogonal to the first direction X. The second roller 37b is rotatably provided in the support frame 38 about an axis in the first direction X. The second roller 37b is formed longer than the first roller 37a in the first direction X. Specifically, the second roller 37b has a length spanning the holding member 36 and the first roller 37a in the first direction X. As described above, the holding member 36 is surrounded by the first roller 37a and the second roller 37b.

[0074] As described later, the first roller 37a and the second roller 37b roll on the inner peripheral surface of the ring-shaped member 10 adhered to the inner peripheral surface la of the tire 1. The first roller 37a and the second roller 37b protrude from the holding surface 36al of the holding member 36. Therefore, the first roller 37a and the second roller 37b can be rolled on the inner peripheral surface of the ring-shaped member 10 in a state where the holding surface 36al is not in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the ring-shaped member 10.

[0075] (Moving mechanism 32)

[0076] As shown in Figures 3-5 Fig. 1, the moving mechanism 32 has a pair of link mechanisms 40 and a support frame 41 that supports the pair of link mechanisms 40. The pair of link mechanisms 40 is arranged on both sides of the holder 31 in the first direction X. Each link mechanism 40 has a cylinder 42 and a link member 43. The cylinder 42 is constituted by an electric cylinder, a fluid pressure cylinder, or the like. The cylinder 42 is arranged in the first direction X and is extended and contracted in the same direction X. The main body portion of the cylinder 42 is fixed to the support frame 41. The rod portion of the cylinder 42 is movable in the first direction X. The tip 42a of the rod portion is guided by a guide 41a provided to the support frame 41.

[0077] The link member 43 has a first link member 43a, one end of which is rotatably connected to the tip 42a of the cylinder 42. The other end of the first link member 43a is rotatably connected to one end of a second link member 43b. The other end of the second link member 43b is fixed to the holder 31.

[0078] In the first direction X, the link mechanism 40 arranged on one side of the holder 31 and the link mechanism 40 arranged on the other side are symmetrically arranged with the center line O of the holder 31 in the first direction X as a reference. The cylinders 42 of the pair of link mechanisms 40 are synchronously extended and contracted with each other. When both of the cylinders 42 are extended, as shown in Figure 4 , each holder 31 is moved to the radially outer side. When both of the cylinders 42 are contracted, as shown in Figure 5 , each holder 31 is moved to the radially inner side. At this time, the holder 31 is moved in the radial direction without changing the position in the first direction X.

[0079] Hereinafter, the position of the holder 31 shown in Figure 4 will also be referred to as a "molding position" or a "sticking position", and the position of the holder 31 shown in Figure 5 will also be referred to as a "first retreat position". In addition, as will be described later, the moving mechanism 32 of the present embodiment is capable of positioning the holder 31 at a "second retreat position" between the molding position and the first retreat position.

[0080] Alternatively, the cylinder 42 in the linkage mechanism 40 can also have its main body disposed within the support frame 41, with the rod portion protruding axially outward from the main body. However, in this case, space is required within the support frame 41 to accommodate the main body of the cylinder 42, and the outer diameter of the support frame 41 becomes correspondingly larger. Therefore, as described later, insertion of the annular member 10 into the tire 1 becomes difficult, and it may not be suitable for small-diameter tires 1. Therefore, as in this embodiment, the structure in which the main body of the cylinder 42 is disposed axially outward from the support frame 41, with the rod portion protruding axially inward from the main body (towards the retainer 31), is preferred in terms of miniaturizing the support frame 41.

[0081] (Rotating mechanism 33)

[0082] like Figures 3-5 As shown, the rotating mechanism 33 causes the retaining member 31 and the moving mechanism 32 to rotate about the axis C1. The rotating mechanism 33 has a housing 33a that rotatably supports the moving mechanism 32. A drive unit such as a motor or power transmission mechanism for rotating the support frame 41 is provided inside the housing 33a.

[0083] (Pressing mechanism 34)

[0084] like Figure 3 As shown, the pressing mechanism 34 is positioned above the uppermost retaining member 31. The pressing mechanism 34 includes a pressing member 34a and an actuator 34b. The pressing member 34a is, for example, a roller that rotates about an axis along a first direction X. The actuator 34b is a cylinder that extends and retracts in the vertical direction. The cylinder can be a fluid pressure cylinder or an electric cylinder, etc. The pressing member 34a is located at the lower end of the actuator 34b and moves vertically by the extension and retraction of the actuator 34b. When moving downwards, the pressing member 34a presses down on the elongated strip member 11 positioned on the uppermost retaining member 31 from above.

[0085] [Molding sequence of ring-shaped component 10]

[0086] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram showing the sequence of forming the annular component 10.

[0087] The following describes the sequence of forming the annular component 10 using the first supply device 21 and the adhesive device 23. The operation of the adhesive device 23 described below is based on the control of the control device 24.

[0088] To form the annular component 10, firstly, as... Figure 8As shown in (a), the operator pulls the strip-shaped component 11 on the first supply device 21 toward the adhesive device 23, positioning the end portion 11a of the strip-shaped component 11 onto the uppermost retainer 31 located in the forming position. Then, the pressing member 34a of the pressing mechanism 34 presses the end portion 11a of the strip-shaped component 11 onto the retainer 31, causing the needle 36b of the retainer 36 (see reference) to... Figure 7 The protrusion pierces into the long strip-shaped component 11. As a result, the end portion 11a of the long strip-shaped component 11 is held by the uppermost retainer 31.

[0089] Next, as Figure 8 As shown in (b), the rotating mechanism 33 of the adhesive device 23 rotates multiple retaining members 31 in the direction of arrow a, and the uppermost retaining member 31 sequentially holds the strip-shaped component 11. Furthermore, the rotating mechanism 33 temporarily stops whenever each retaining member 31 is in its uppermost position. When the rotating mechanism 33 is stopped, the retaining member 31 causes the needle 36b of the retaining member 36 to protrude, inserting the needle 36b into the strip-shaped component 11. Therefore, the retaining member 31 can hold the strip-shaped component 11 in a stable state.

[0090] The pressing mechanism 34 can raise and lower the pressing member 34a, except when the end portion 11a of the strip-shaped member 11 is held by the retainer 31. This is because, by winding the strip-shaped member 11 around the outer periphery of the plurality of retainers 31, the strip-shaped member 11 is naturally pressed against the uppermost retainer 31. However, the pressing member 34a can also be lowered to press the strip-shaped member 11 whenever each retainer 31 is in the uppermost position.

[0091] like Figure 8 As shown in (c), when the retainer 31, which was initially in the uppermost position, is once again in the uppermost position, the end portion 11b of the strip-shaped member 11 is disposed on the retainer 31. The end portions 11a and 11b of the strip-shaped member 11 are joined by the operator using an adhesive, thereby forming the strip-shaped member 11 into a ring-shaped member 10.

[0092] After the annular component 10 is formed, the moving mechanism 32 moves the plurality of retaining members 31 to a first retracted position radially inward (see reference). Figure 5 As a result, the annular component 10 contracts, and its outer diameter shrinks to be smaller than the inner diameter of the tire 1, thus forming a shape that can be inserted into the tire 1.

[0093] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram showing the joint portion of the annular component 10.

[0094] The end portion 11a and the terminal portion 11b of the elongated strip member 11 can be formed as Figure 9 The shape shown. InFigure 9 In the example shown in (a), a plurality of recesses 11c are formed on one of the end portions 11a and 11b of the elongated strip member 11, and a plurality of protrusions 11d are formed on the other. The plurality of recesses 11c are of the same shape as each other, and the plurality of protrusions 11d are of the same shape as each other. The recesses 11c and protrusions 11d formed on the end portions 11a and 11b of the elongated strip member 11 fit together with each other.

[0095] By engaging the recesses 11c and convexities 11d, axial (first direction X) positional displacement of the ends 11a and 11b of the elongated strip member 11 can be suppressed. Furthermore, the axial sides of each recess 11c and the axial sides of each convexity 11d are inclined relative to the circumferential direction. When engaging the recesses 11c and convexities 11d, by bringing their axial sides into contact, circumferential separation of the ends 11a and 11b of the elongated strip member 11 can be suppressed. The recesses 11c and convexities 11d are generally curved and do not have angular portions. Therefore, stress concentration is difficult to occur, and damage to the recesses 11c and convexities 11d can be suppressed. In addition, by forming a recess 11c and a protrusion 11d at the end portion 11a and the terminal portion 11b of the long strip member 11, the bonding area of ​​the end portion 11a and the terminal portion 11b can be increased, and the end portion 11a and the terminal portion 11b can be bonded more firmly.

[0096] exist Figure 9 In the example shown in (b), a recess 11c is formed on one end portion 11a and the terminal portion 11b of the elongated strip member 11, and a protrusion 11d is formed on the other. The axial sides of the recess 11c and the axial sides of the protrusion 11d are inclined relative to the circumferential direction. When the recess 11c and the protrusion 11d are engaged, by bringing their axial sides into contact with each other, axial positional displacement of the end portion 11a and the terminal portion 11b and circumferential separation are suppressed. The structure of the recess 11c and the protrusion 11d in this example is more... Figure 9 The structure shown in (a) is simple, but the bonding area is slightly small. Furthermore, the shapes of the recess 11c and the convex portion 11d are formed by a combination of straight lines, resulting in abrupt changes in shape, which makes them prone to damage caused by stress concentration. Therefore, in these aspects, Figure 9 The example shown in (a) is more advantageous.

[0097] exist Figure 9In the example shown in (c), a recess 11c is formed on one of the end portion 11a and the terminal portion 11b of the elongated strip member 11, and a protrusion 11d is formed on the other. The axially oriented side surfaces of the recess 11c and the axially oriented side surfaces of the protrusion 11d are arranged circumferentially. When the recess 11c and the protrusion 11d are engaged, axial positional displacement is suppressed by bringing their axially oriented side surfaces into contact with each other. However, it is not possible to suppress the end portion 11a and the terminal portion 11b from separating in the circumferential direction. In addition, in this example, the recess 11c and the protrusion 11d and... Figure 9 As shown in (b), the concave and convex portions have similar simple structures, but the bonding area is slightly smaller and the shape changes drastically, making them prone to damage caused by stress concentration. Therefore, in these aspects, Figure 9 The example shown in (a) is more advantageous.

[0098] [Second Supply Unit 22]

[0099] Figure 10 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the second supply device 22 viewed from the front side.

[0100] like Figure 2 and Figure 10 As shown, the second supply device 22 includes a base component 51, a movable frame 52, and a holding mechanism 53. A first guide rail 51a extending in a first direction X is provided on the base component 51. The movable frame 52 moves along the first guide rail 51a of the base component 51. The movable frame 52 is driven by a drive unit (not shown). A second guide rail 52a extending in the first direction X is provided on the movable frame 52.

[0101] The holding mechanism 53 includes a pair of movable stages 54, a connecting member 55 connecting the pair of movable stages 54, and a drive unit 56. The pair of movable stages 54 move along a second guide rail 52a. The connecting member 55 has a threaded shaft 55a extending along a first direction X. The threaded shaft 55a is driven by the drive unit 56 (see reference 56), which is composed of a motor or belt transmission mechanism, etc. Figure 2 Driven to rotate. Threaded teeth that are opposite to each other are formed on both sides of the threaded shaft 55a, and each threaded tooth is screwed into a pair of moving tables 54.

[0102] When the threaded shaft 55a rotates in one direction, a pair of moving stages 54 move toward each other; when the threaded shaft 55a rotates in another direction, a pair of moving stages 54 move away from each other.

[0103] The gripping mechanism 53 has a gripping frame 57 provided on each of the pair of moving stages 54. An opening 57a is formed in the center portion of the gripping frame 57. On the gripping frame 57, a plurality of gripping members 58 are arranged at intervals around an axis C1 in the first direction X. Each gripping member 58 is provided to the gripping frame 57 so as to be movable in the radial direction with the axis C1 as the center. Each gripping member 58 is moved in the radial direction by a driving portion 59 such as a fluid pressure cylinder, and approaches or departs from each other. Each gripping member 58 has a claw portion 58a that protrudes in the first direction X, and grips the tire 1 by the claw portion 58a.

[0104] On the movable frame 52 of the second supply device 22, a placement stage 60 for placing the tire 1 is provided. The pair of moving stages 54 of the gripping mechanism 53 approaches or departs with respect to the tire 1 placed on the placement stage 60. The gripping members 58 of the gripping mechanism 53 are inserted into the inside of the tire 1 placed on the placement stage 60, and grip the tire 1.

[0105]

Sequence of attaching the annular member 10

[0106] (Basic sequence)

[0107] Next, a basic sequence of the operation of attaching the annular member 10 to the tire 1 will be described in detail. In the following description, the operations of the second supply device 22 and the attaching device 23 are controlled by the control device 24.

[0108] Figure 11 is a view from the upper side showing the sequence of placing the tire 1 on the second supply device 22. Figure 12 and Figure 13 are views from the upper side showing the sequence of attaching the annular member 10 to the tire 1.

[0109] First, before attaching the annular member 10 to the tire 1, the tire 1 is placed on the second supply device 22. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2 , the attaching system 20 has a preparation stage 25 in the vicinity of the second supply device 22, on which the tire 1 having the adhesive applied to the inner peripheral surface la is prepared, and the operator carries the tire 1 from the preparation stage 25 to the placement stage 60 of the second supply device 22 at a position A3 between the preparation stage 25 and the second supply device 22, and places the tire 1 on the placement stage 60 (see (a) of Figure 11 ).

[0110] Next, as shown in (b) of Figure 11 , the pair of moving stages 54 of the second supply device 22 is moved in the direction of approaching each other, and the plurality of gripping members 58 are inserted into the inside of the tire 1. Then, each gripping member 58 is moved to the radial outside, and grips the tire 1.

[0111] Then, as Figure 12 As shown in (a), the movable frame 52 of the second supply device 22 moves toward the adhesive device 23. At this time, the moving mechanism 32 and the retaining member 31 of the adhesive device 23 are inserted into the opening 57a formed in the holding frame 57 of the holding mechanism 53 (see reference). Figure 10 The annular member 10, which is held in the retainer 31, is inserted into the interior of the tire 1.

[0112] Then, as Figure 12 As shown in (b), the retainer 31 is moved to the radially outer pasting position by the moving mechanism 32, and the annular member 10 is pasted to the inner circumferential surface 1a of the tire 1.

[0113] When the annular component 10 is attached to the inner circumferential surface 1a of the tire 1, as Figure 13 As shown in (a), the retaining member 31 is moved back to the first retracted position by the moving mechanism 32, as... Figure 13 As shown in (b), the movable frame 52 moves away from the adhesive device 23.

[0114] Then, the gripping mechanism 53 releases the grip on the tire 1 with the annular component 10 attached, and the operator moves the tire 1 from the platform 60 to the next process.

[0115] (Specific order)

[0116] Next, more specific explanation Figure 12 (a)~ Figure 13 The order shown in (a).

[0117] Figure 14 and Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram viewed from the side, showing the order in which the ring-shaped component 10 is attached to the tire 1.

[0118] like Figure 14 As shown in (a), after the adhesive device 23 forms the annular component 10, the plurality of retaining members 31 move to the "first retraction position", thereby shrinking the annular component 10 to a size smaller than the inner diameter of the tire 1, so that the annular component 10 can be inserted into the interior of the tire 1.

[0119] like Figure 14 As shown in (b), the adhesive device 23 adhesively attaches the annular member 10 to the inner circumferential surface 1a of the tire 1 by moving the plurality of retaining members 31 to the radially outer "adhesive position". At this time, only the portion of the annular member 10 held by the retaining member 36 is adhesively attached to the inner circumferential surface 1a of the tire 1, while the other portion is either floating off the inner circumferential surface 1a of the tire 1 or slightly adhered.

[0120] Next, the adhesive device 23 releases the retaining member 31 from holding the annular member 10, as... Figure 14(c) shown in FIG. 8, the holding members 31 are moved to the second retreat position. The second retreat position is radially outward of the first retreat position when the annular member 10 is inserted into the inside of the tire 1, and is a position to which the annular member 10 adhered to the inner peripheral surface la of the tire 1 is separated to the radially inward side. Therefore, compared to the case where the holding members 31 are moved to the first retreat position, the holding members 31 can be moved by a shorter stroke, and the cycle time of the adhering work can be shortened.

[0121] Then, as shown in (a) of FIG. 6, the adhering device 23 rotates the holding members 31 in the arrow b direction by the rotation mechanism 33, and positions the holding members 31 radially inward of the portion of the annular member 10 that is not adhered to the inner peripheral surface la of the tire 1. In the present embodiment, since there are eight holding members 31, the interval in the circumferential direction of the holding members 31 is an angular interval of 22.5° centered on the axis C1. Therefore, the adhering device 23 rotates each of the holding members 31 by 22.5° about the axis C1. Figure 15

[0122] Then, as shown in (b) of FIG. 6, the adhering device 23 moves the holding members 31 radially outward by the moving mechanism 32, and adheres the annular member 10 to the inner peripheral surface la of the tire 1 by pressing the annular member 10 from the radially inward side by each of the holding members 31. Figure 15

[0123] Next, as shown in (c) of FIG. 6, the adhering device 23 rotates each of the holding members 31 in the arrow b direction about the axis C1 by the rotation mechanism 33. By this, the first roller 37a and the second roller 37b of the holding member 31 travel on the inner peripheral surface of the annular member 10, and press the annular member 10 against the inner peripheral surface la of the tire 1. By the above actions, the adhering of the annular member 10 to the inner peripheral surface la of the tire 1 is completed. Figure 15

[0124]

Variation of the Tire 1

[0125] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a variation of the tire 1.

[0126] The tire 1 of the present variation has the sealing material 61 applied to the inner peripheral surface la. By providing the sealing material 61 on the inner peripheral surface la of the tire 1, a hole that is produced when a nail or the like is stuck in from the tread 2 side is plugged, and breakage is prevented. The sealing material 61 uses a material that is conventionally known, such as one that contains a rubber component, a liquid polymer, and a cross-linking agent, and has adhesiveness.

[0127] The annular member 10 is provided radially inward of the sealing material 61. This annular member 10 is adhered directly to the sealing material 61 by the adhesiveness of the sealing material 61. Therefore, the sealing material 61 functions as an adhesive for adhering the annular member 10 to the inner peripheral surface la of the tire 1. ​​​

[0128] [Deformed Example of Holder 31]

[0129] Figure 17 is a schematic front view showing a deformed example of the holder 31.

[0130] In Figure 17 In the deformed example shown in (a) of FIG. 37, the first roller 37a is positioned to project more from the holding surface 36al of the holding member 36 than the second roller 37b. Specifically, in the example shown in (a) of FIG. 37, the position of the axis of the first roller 37a is on the holding surface 36al side relative to the position of the axis of the second roller 37b. In the example shown in (b) of FIG. 37, the axis of the first roller 37a and the axis of the second roller 37b are on a straight line, but the second roller 37b is formed to have a smaller diameter than the first roller 37a. Figure 17 Figure 17

[0131] As described above, by causing the first roller 37a to project more from the holding surface 36al than the second roller 37b, the first roller 37a and the second roller 37b can be caused to more easily follow the inner peripheral surface la of the annular member 10 and the tire 1, which are curved in a circular arc shape.

[0132] [Effects of Embodiments]

[0133] (1) The application device 23 of the above-described embodiments has a plurality of holders 31 that are arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction centered on a prescribed axis C1, hold the inner peripheral surface of the annular member 10, a moving mechanism 32 that moves the plurality of holders 31 in a radial direction centered on the axis C1, a rotating mechanism 33 that moves the plurality of holders 31 in the circumferential direction, and a control device 24. Also, the control device 24 controls the actions of the holders 31, the moving mechanism 32, and the rotating mechanism 33 to perform the actions of (a) to (f) below.

[0134] (a) holding the inner peripheral surface of the annular member 10 with the holders 31;

[0135] (b) moving the holders 31 that hold the annular member 10 toward the outside in the radial direction toward a prescribed application position, and applying a portion of the annular member 10 to the inner peripheral surface la of the tire 1;

[0136] (c) releasing the holding of the annular member 10 by the holders 31;

[0137] (d) moving the holders 31 to a retreat position that is on the inside in the radial direction relative to the application position, and causing the holders 31 to move away from the annular member 10;

[0138] (e) moving the holders 31 in the circumferential direction; and

[0139] ​​(f) moving the holding member 31 to a sticking position to stick another portion of the annular member 10 to the inner peripheral surface la of the tire 1.

[0140] Therefore, the sticking device 23 sticks another portion of the annular member 10 to the inner peripheral surface la of the tire 1 after the annular member 10 is stuck to the inner peripheral surface la of the tire 1 by the plurality of holding members 31 and the holding members 31 are temporarily moved away from the annular member 10, and shifts the circumferential position of the holding members 31 to stick the annular member 10 to the inner peripheral surface la of the tire 1 again. Thus, the annular member 10 can be stuck to the inner peripheral surface la of the tire 1 uniformly without wrinkles on the annular member 10.

[0141] (2) The control device 24 of the above-described embodiment controls the operation of the rotation mechanism 33 after the operation of (f) so that the holding members 31 are moved in the circumferential direction while the annular member 10 is pressed against the inner peripheral surface la of the tire 1 by the holding members 31. Thus, the annular member 10 can be stuck in a manner that the annular member 10 does not float from the inner peripheral surface la of the tire 1 over the entire circumference.

[0142] (3) The holding member 31 has a holding member 36 that holds the annular member 10 and first and second rollers 37a and 37b that can roll on the inner peripheral surface of the annular member 10. Thus, when the holding members 31 are moved in the circumferential direction while the annular member 10 is pressed against the inner peripheral surface la of the tire 1 by the holding members 31, the first and second rollers 37a and 37b roll on the inner peripheral surface of the annular member 10, and the moving resistance of the holding members 31 can be reduced. In addition, the holding member 31 can have only one of the first and second rollers 37a and 37b.

[0143] (4) The retreat position of the holding member 31 includes a first retreat position that retracts the annular member 10 held by the holding member 31 to be smaller than the inner diameter of the tire 1, and a second retreat position that is located radially between the first retreat position and the sticking position and moves the holding member 31 away from the annular member 10 stuck to the inner peripheral surface la of the tire 1. Thus, the period from the operation (b) of sticking a portion of the annular member 10 to the inner peripheral surface la of the tire 1 to the operation (f) of moving the holding members 31 in the circumferential direction to stick another portion of the annular member 10 to the inner peripheral surface la of the tire 1 can be shortened.

[0144] (5) The moving mechanism 32 has a pair of link mechanisms 40 that have a cylinder 42 disposed on the axis C1 and that are axially extended and contracted along the axis C1, and a link member 43 that is connected at one end to the cylinder 42 and at the other end to the holding member 31, and the pair of link mechanisms 40 are disposed on both sides in the axial direction of the holding member 31. Thus, the holding member 31 can be moved in the radial direction without changing the axial position by the extension and contraction of the cylinder 42, and the holding member 31 can be smoothly moved toward the inner peripheral surface la of the tire 1 when the holding member 31 is moved from the first retreat position to the application position.

[0145] (6) The application system 20 of the embodiment has the application device 23 that forms the long strip-shaped member 11 into the ring-shaped member 10 and applies the ring-shaped member 10 to the inner peripheral surface la of the tire 1, the first supply device 21 that supplies the long strip-shaped member 11 to the application device 23, and the second supply device 22 that supplies the tire 1 to the application device 23. Thus, the operation from the formation of the ring-shaped member 10 to the application of the ring-shaped member 10 to the tire 1 can be performed continuously.

[0146] (7) The application device 23 and the second supply device 22 are disposed adjacent to each other in a first direction X along the axial direction of the ring-shaped member 10 formed by the application device 23, and the application device 23 and the first supply device 21 are disposed adjacent to each other in a second direction Y orthogonal to the first direction X. In Figure 2 , the operator can perform the formation operation and the application operation of the ring-shaped member 10 while moving between a position Al in the vicinity of the first supply device 21, a position A2 in the vicinity of the application device 23, and a position A3 in the vicinity of the second supply device 22, and the movement of the operator between the first supply device 21 and the application device 23 and between the application device 23 and the second supply device 22 can be performed smoothly.

[0147] (8) The application method of the above embodiment includes the operations of (a) to (f).

[0148] (a) The inner peripheral surface of the ring-shaped member 10 is held by a plurality of holding members 31 disposed at intervals in the circumferential direction centered on a prescribed axis C1;

[0149] (b) The holding member 31 that holds the ring-shaped member 10 is moved toward a prescribed application position in the radial direction centered on the axis C1, and a portion of the ring-shaped member 10 is applied to the inner peripheral surface of the tire 1;

[0150] (c) The holding of the ring-shaped member 10 by the holding member 31 is released;

[0151] (d) The holding member 31 is moved to a retreat position that is inside the application position in the radial direction, and the holding member 31 is separated from the ring-shaped member 10.

[0152] (e) moving the holders 31 in the circumferential direction; and

[0153] (f) moving the holders 31 to a sticking position to stick another portion of the annular member 10 to the inner peripheral surface la of the tire 1.

[0154] Therefore, it is possible to stick the entire annular member 10 to the inner peripheral surface la of the tire 1 without floating from the inner peripheral surface la of the tire 1.

[0155] (9) The sticking method of the above embodiment further includes, after the operation (f), an operation of moving the holders 31 in the circumferential direction while pressing the annular member 10 against the inner peripheral surface la of the tire 1 with the holders 31. Therefore, it is possible to stick the entire annular member 10 to the inner peripheral surface la of the tire 1 without floating from the inner peripheral surface la of the tire 1.

[0156] (10) The sticking method of the above embodiment further includes, before the operation (b), a process of applying a sealing material 61 for bonding the annular member 10 to the inner peripheral surface la of the tire 1. Therefore, it is possible to stick the annular member 10 to the inner peripheral surface la of the tire 1 using the sealing material 61 for preventing the tire 1 from being broken as an adhesive.

[0157] (11) The tire 1 of the above embodiment (modification) has the sealing material 61 provided on the inner peripheral surface la and the annular member 10 provided on the radially inner side of the sealing material 61. Therefore, it is possible to stick the annular member 10 to the inner peripheral surface la of the tire 1 using the sealing material 61 for preventing the tire 1 from being broken as an adhesive.

[0158] (12) The molding device (sticking device) 23 of the annular member 10 of the above embodiment has: a plurality of holders 31 arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction centered on the prescribed axis C1 to hold the long strip-shaped member 11; a rotation mechanism 33 that moves the plurality of holders 31 in the circumferential direction; and a control device 24 that controls the operations of the holders 31 and the rotation mechanism 33. The control device 24 controls the operations of the holders 31 and the rotation mechanism 33 to perform the operations (a) to (c) as follows.

[0159] (a) holding one end portion 11a in the longitudinal direction of the long strip-shaped member 11 with one holder 31;

[0160] (b) moving the holders 31 in the circumferential direction to sequentially position the long strip-shaped member 11 on the other plurality of holders 31;

[0161] (c) holding the long strip-shaped member 11 positioned on the other holders 31 with the holder 31.

[0162] Therefore, the long strip-shaped member 11 can be automatically formed into a ring shape by the plurality of holders 31, and the burden on the worker can be reduced.

[0163] (13) In the above embodiment, in the operation of (b), the holder 31 is temporarily stopped each time the long strip-shaped member 11 is positioned on the holder 31. Therefore, the ring-shaped member 10 can be held by the holder 31 in a stable state.

[0164] (14) The forming device (adhering device) 23 of the above embodiment further has a pressing mechanism 34 that presses the long strip-shaped member 11 positioned on the holder 31 against the holder 31. Therefore, the long strip-shaped member 11 does not float from the holder 31, and the long strip-shaped member 11 can be reliably held by the holder 31.

[0165] (15) As shown in Figure 9 , the long strip-shaped member 11 of the above embodiment is formed with a protrusion 11d at one of the end portions in the length direction and a recess 11c that fits with the protrusion 11d at the other end portion. Therefore, the joint strength of the one end portion and the other end portion of the long strip-shaped member 11 can be improved, and the ring-shaped member 10 can be reliably formed.

[0166] (16) The forming method of the ring-shaped member 10 of the above embodiment includes the following operations:

[0167] (a) holding one end portion 11a of the long strip-shaped member 11 in the length direction with the one holder 31 disposed at the uppermost position among the plurality of holders 31 disposed at intervals in the circumferential direction with the prescribed axis C1 as the center;

[0168] (b) moving the plurality of holders 31 in the circumferential direction to sequentially position the long strip-shaped member 11 on the plurality of holders 31;

[0169] (c) holding the long strip-shaped member 11 positioned on each of the holders 31 with the holder 31.

[0170] Therefore, the long strip-shaped member 11 can be automatically formed into a ring shape by the plurality of holders 31, and the burden on the worker can be reduced.

[0171] (17) In the attaching method of the above embodiment, in the operation (b), the holding member 31 is temporarily stopped each time the long strip-shaped member 11 is positioned on the holding member 31. Thus, the long strip-shaped member 11 can be held by the holding member 31 in a stable state.

[0172] The above describes embodiments of the present application in detail, but the present application is not limited to the above specific embodiments and can be implemented in various ways.

[0173] The present application is not limited to the sponge material for vibration-proofing or sound-absorbing, but can be applied to all annular members 10 that exert a prescribed function by being attached to the inner peripheral surface la of the tire 1.

Claims

1. A forming apparatus for a ring-shaped component, which forms a long strip-shaped component into a ring shape, wherein, The molding device for the ring member has: a plurality of holders arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction centered on a prescribed axis, which hold the long strip-shaped member; a rotating mechanism that moves the plurality of holders in the circumferential direction; and a control device, the control device controls the operation of the holders and the rotating mechanism to perform the operations of (a) to (c) as follows: (a) holds one end portion in the length direction of the long strip-shaped member with one holder; (b) rotates the plurality of holders in the circumferential direction while holding the one end portion in the length direction of the long strip-shaped member with the one holder, and sequentially positions the long strip-shaped member on each of the holders other than the one holder, wherein the holders are temporarily stopped from rotating each time the long strip-shaped member is positioned on each of the holders; and (c) holds the long strip-shaped member positioned on the other holders with the holder.

2. The molding device for the ring member according to claim 1, wherein the molding device further has a pressing mechanism that presses the long strip-shaped member positioned on the holder against the holder.

3. The molding device for the ring member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a convex portion is formed on one of the one end portion and the other end portion in the length direction of the long strip-shaped member, and a concave portion that fits with the convex portion is formed on the other.

4. A method of molding a ring member from a long strip member, wherein The molding method for the ring member includes the operations of: (a) holding one end portion in the length direction of the long strip-shaped member with one holder of a plurality of holders arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction centered on a prescribed axis; (b) rotating the plurality of holders in the circumferential direction while holding the one end portion in the length direction of the long strip-shaped member with the one holder, and sequentially positioning the long strip-shaped member on each of the holders other than the one holder, wherein the holders are temporarily stopped from rotating each time the long strip-shaped member is positioned on each of the holders; and (c) holding the long strip-shaped member positioned on each of the holders with the holder.

Images