Bead-triangle strip sewing device, bead-triangle strip station and method for sewing apex strip to tire bead

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bead-triangle rubber strip sewing device (2, 102), a bead-triangle rubber strip workstation (1, 101) and a method for sewing a apex rubber strip (91) to a tire bead (90), wherein the bead-triangle rubber strip sewing device (2, 102) comprises: a first group of first sewing components (3) distributed in a circumferential direction (C) around a central axis (S) and used for sewing the apex rubber strip (91) to the tire bead (90); and a second group of second sewing components (4) used for sewing the apex rubber strip (91) to the tire bead (90) in a manner different from that of the first group of first sewing components (3), wherein the second group of second sewing components (4) and the first group of first sewing components (3) are distributed in an alternating pattern in the circumferential direction (C).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a bead-apex strip sewing device, a bead-apex strip station and a method for sewing an apex strip to a tire bead. Background Art

[0002] EP 1755874 B1 discloses a pressing station having a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart pressing members mounted to move radially to press the annular base portion of the apex to the bead core ring. The pressing members may be provided at the free end of each pressing member with roller means resiliently mounted by spring means.

[0003] The same document also discloses an alternative pressing device in the form of a rotatable pressing mechanism having an arm rotatable in the circumferential direction and a pressing wheel at the end of the arm which, when rotating, presses the conical portion of the apex against the bead. Summary of the invention

[0004] One disadvantage of known pressing stations is that it is difficult to sew the apex to the bead so that the resulting bead-apex is both smooth and properly connected. When the pressing member is pressed hard, the apex is firmly sewn to the bead, but the resulting bead-apex is not smooth or uniform. When the pressing member is pressed lightly, the resulting bead-apex is smooth and uniform, but the apex is improperly sewn to the bead.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a bead-apex stitching device, a bead-apex station and a method for stitching an apex to a tire bead, wherein the quality of the stitching can be improved in terms of smoothness or uniformity as well as strength.

[0006] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a bead-to-apex rubber strip sewing device for sewing a apex rubber strip to a tire bead, wherein the bead-to-apex rubber strip sewing device comprises: a first group of first sewing members distributed in a circumferential direction around a central axis, for sewing the apex rubber strip to the tire bead; and a second group of second sewing members, for sewing the apex rubber strip to the tire bead in a manner different from that of the first group of first sewing members, wherein the second group of second sewing members are distributed in an alternating pattern with the first group of first sewing members in the circumferential direction.

[0007] Using two sets of stitching members to stitch the apex strip to the bead in different ways allows each set of stitching members to be optimized for its specific purpose. In particular, one set of stitching members can be designed to stitch the apex strip to the bead with pressure evenly distributed over a larger area of ​​the apex strip to obtain a smooth and / or uniform bead-apex strip, while the other set of stitching members can be specifically designed to apply relatively high, localized or concentrated pressure on the apex strip where it is most needed, i.e., at the base of the apex strip that should be firmly adhered to the bead. Therefore, after using two sets of stitching members, the resulting bead-apex strip can have an apex strip that is firmly adhered to the bead, while the bead-apex strip is still relatively smooth and / or uniform. The alternating pattern allows both sets of stitching members to be distributed in the circumferential direction without interfering with the operation of the other set of stitching members.

[0008] Preferably, the first stitching member is different in shape or function from the second stitching member.The shape of the stitching member may determine the way in which the pressure exerted on the apex by the corresponding roller is distributed on the apex.

[0009] More preferably, each first stitching member of the first set includes a roller body defining a blunt pressing surface. The blunt pressing surface is more likely to distribute the pressure applied by the first stitching member on the apex over a larger surface area, thereby producing a smoother or uniform bead-apex after stitching.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, each second stitching member of the second group includes a roller body defining a sharp pressing surface that is more likely to generate a relatively high, localized or concentrated pressure on the apex bead, thereby resulting in a firm adhesion of the apex bead to the bead.

[0011] In another embodiment, each first stitching member of the first group can rotate about a first roller axis, and each second stitching member of the second group can rotate about a second roller axis, wherein the first roller axis and the second roller axis are in different orientations relative to the central axis. The orientation of the stitching members can determine the main direction of the pressure applied by the corresponding stitching members to the apex.

[0012] Preferably, the first roller axis of each first stitching member extends within a first orientation range of 70 to 110 degrees from the central axis. Thus, the first stitching member can roll in a circumferential direction along a plane that is radial or substantially radial relative to the central axis and apply pressure to the apex in a direction parallel to the central axis. Thus, the first stitching member can smooth out irregularities in the apex to provide a smoother and / or more uniform bead-apex.

[0013] Additionally or alternatively, the second roller axis of each second stitching member extends within a second orientation range of 0 to 60 degrees from the central axis. Therefore, the second stitching member can roll in a circumferential direction along a cylindrical plane around the central axis and apply pressure to the apex strip in a direction mainly directed radially inward, i.e., toward the central axis. Therefore, the second stitching member can firmly press the base of the apex strip onto the bead.

[0014] In another embodiment, the first group includes at least three first suture members. Each first suture member can sew a corresponding circumferential segment of the apex to the bead. With more first suture members, the circumferential segment can be smaller, thereby allowing the entire circumference of the apex to be sutured to the bead under limited relative rotation between the first suture members and the apex.

[0015] In another embodiment, the second group includes at least three second suture members. Each second suture member can sew a corresponding circumferential segment of the apex to the bead. With more second suture members, the circumferential segment can be smaller, thereby allowing the entire circumference of the apex to be sutured to the bead under limited relative rotation between the second suture members and the apex.

[0016] In another embodiment, each first stitching member is evenly distributed in the circumferential direction. The first stitching members can therefore be spaced equidistantly, i.e. spaced at equal angular distances. Similarly, a limited relative rotation equal to a single angular interval between the first stitching member and the apex strip is sufficient to stitch the entire periphery of the apex strip.

[0017] In another embodiment, each second stitching member is evenly distributed in the circumferential direction. The second stitching members can therefore be spaced equidistantly, i.e. spaced at equal angular distances. Similarly, a limited relative rotation equal to a single angular interval between the second stitching member and the apex strip is sufficient to stitch the entire periphery of the apex strip.

[0018] In another embodiment, the first group can rotate as a whole about the central axis. Therefore, the first suturing members of the first group can rotate as a whole or in unison. The relative positions between the first suturing members within the first group can remain unchanged. More specifically, the first suturing members can all be driven by a single driver. Preferably, the first group and the second group can rotate together. Therefore, the first group and the second group can rotate as a whole or in unison. The relative positions between the first suturing members and the second suturing members can remain unchanged. More specifically, the first suturing members and the second suturing members can all be driven by a single driver.

[0019] In another embodiment, the bead-apex suturing device includes: a suturing driver for driving the rotation of the first group around the central axis; and a control unit operably connected to the suturing driver, wherein the control unit is configured to control the suturing driver to rotate the first group in a first rotation direction within a first rotation range, and then rotate the first group in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction within a second rotation range. By rotating the first group back and forth, the first group can return to its initial position and immediately be ready for a subsequent suturing operation. Therefore, the cycle time of the bead-apex suturing device can be greatly reduced.

[0020] In another embodiment, the first rotation range and / or the second rotation range is less than one turn. In this way, entanglement of control lines such as cables and pneumatic tubes can be prevented. A smaller rotation range can also further reduce the cycle time.

[0021] In another embodiment thereof, the first stitching members of the first group are spaced apart at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction, wherein the first rotation range is greater than one time of the angular intervals. Therefore, the circumferential section of the apex strip stitched by one of the corresponding first stitching members overlaps the circumferential section of the apex strip stitched by another first stitching member, to ensure that the entire circumference of the apex strip is stitched.

[0022] Preferably, the first rotation range in the first rotation direction includes a starting sub-range, an intermediate sub-range and an ending sub-range, wherein the control unit is further configured to control one or more parameters of a set including angular velocity and pressure, wherein the control unit is configured to keep the one or more parameters constant or substantially constant in the intermediate sub-range, and to increase and decrease the one or more parameters in the starting sub-range and the ending sub-range, respectively. The starting range and the ending range can be effectively used to start or stop stitching, and ensure that the parameters in at least the intermediate sub-range are constant. Therefore, a smooth and / or uniform bead-apex strip can be obtained.

[0023] In another embodiment, the first stitching member of the first group and the second stitching member of the second group are movable in a radial direction perpendicular to the central axis. Thus, the radial position of the stitching members can be adjusted to take into account different diameters of the bead, apex, or bead-apex, or to affect the position of the apex pressed by a higher pressure.

[0024] In another embodiment, the bead-apex suturing device further comprises one or more actuators for pressing one or more suturing members of a set including a first suturing member and a second suturing member onto the apex with a controlled pressure. For example, the pressure may be controlled according to the sub-ranges specified above. Furthermore, the pressure level may be adjusted, for example, based on a compound and / or formulation.

[0025] Alternatively, the bead-apex suturing device further comprises one or more biasing members for biasing the one or more suturing members of the set including the first suturing member and the second suturing member to be pressed onto the apex. One or more biasing members, i.e., springs, can be used to passively bias the suturing members in a manner that is less complex than the aforementioned actively controlled actuator.

[0026] In another embodiment, each first stitching member of the first group can be rotated about a first roller axis and can be positioned in an inclined orientation at an inclined angle about an inclined axis perpendicular to the first roller axis, wherein the first roller axis does not intersect the central axis. In the inclined orientation, the rolling direction of the first stitching member can be slightly misaligned with respect to the circumferential direction, thereby causing the first stitching member to apply a lateral force to the apex strip, thereby effectively smoothing the irregularities in the apex strip. The first stitching members can be actively tilted to the inclined orientation, or they can be installed in the inclined orientation. The tilt angle is preferably kept constant. Alternatively, it can be actively controlled and / or changed during stitching.

[0027] In another embodiment, when one of the sets including the first and second sets is sewing the apex strip to the bead, the other set of the sets including the first and second sets may be retracted to a standby position in the retraction direction. Thus, the operation of one set can be prevented from interfering with the operation of the other set. However, it is noted that these operations may partially overlap, i.e., one set may be in place before the other set is retracted in the retraction direction. The latter may save cycle time, and / or it may be beneficial to have the two sets of devices contact the apex strip at least once during the cycle.

[0028] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a bead-apex station, comprising a bead-apex stitching device according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, and a bead retainer for concentrically retaining the bead to the bead-apex stitching device. Preferably, the bead retainer is rotatable in a circumferential direction around a central axis. In this case, the first stitching member and the second stitching member can remain stationary. Alternatively, the bead retainer and the group of stitching members can both rotate in a coordinated manner. In any case, relative rotation occurs between the bead retainer and the group of stitching members.

[0029] More preferably, the bead station comprises: a bead holder driver for driving the rotation of the bead holder; and a control unit operably connected to the bead holder driver, wherein the control unit is configured to control the bead holder driver to rotate the bead holder in a first rotational direction in a first rotational range, and then rotate the bead holder in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction in a second rotational range. This has the same technical advantages as the aforementioned embodiment, in which the grouped stitching members are rotating.

[0030] More preferably, the first group of first stitching members are spaced apart at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction, wherein the first rotation range is greater than one time of the angular interval. This has the same technical advantages as the previous embodiment, in which the group of stitching members is rotating.

[0031] More preferably, the first rotation range in the first rotation direction includes a starting sub-range, an intermediate sub-range and an ending sub-range, wherein the control unit is further configured to control the angular velocity of the bead retainer, wherein the control unit is configured to keep the angular velocity constant or substantially constant in the intermediate sub-range, and to increase and decrease the angular velocity in the starting sub-range and the ending sub-range, respectively. This has the same technical advantages as the aforementioned embodiment, in which the group of sewing members is rotating.

[0032] According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a method for sewing an apex strip to a tire bead using the tire bead-apex strip sewing device according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0033] a) firstly sew the apex strip to the bead using a first set of first sew members; and

[0034] b) The apex strip is then sewn to the bead using a second set of second sewing members.

[0035] Preferably, step a) involves rotating the first group in a first rotational direction about the central axis in a first rotational range, wherein step b) involves rotating the first group in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction in a second rotational range.

[0036] The method according to the third aspect of the present invention relates to a practical implementation of the apex strip suturing device according to the first aspect of the present invention and has technical advantages, which will not be described in detail below.

[0037] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method for sewing an apex strip to a tire bead using the tire bead-apex strip sewing station according to any one of the embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0038] a) firstly sewing the apex strip to the bead using a first set of first sewing members while rotating the bead holder in a first rotational direction within a first rotational range of less than one turn; and

[0039] b) subsequently sewing the apex strip to the bead using a second set of second sewing members while rotating the bead holder in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction within a second rotational range of less than one turn.

[0040] The method according to the fourth aspect of the present invention relates to the actual implementation of the bead-apex station according to the second aspect of the present invention and has technical advantages, which will not be described in detail below.

[0041] According to a fifth non-claimed aspect, the present invention provides a bead-to-apex rubber strip sewing device for sewing a apex rubber strip to a tire bead, wherein the bead-to-apex rubber strip sewing device includes: at least one first sewing member, which is used to sew the apex rubber strip to the tire bead; and at least one second sewing member, which is used to sew the apex rubber strip to the tire bead in a manner different from the first sewing member, wherein the at least one first sewing member and the at least one second sewing member are rotatable together in a circumferential direction around a central axis, wherein the bead-to-apex rubber strip sewing device includes: a sewing drive, which is used to drive the at least one first sewing member and the at least one second sewing member to rotate around the central axis; and a control unit operably connected to the sewing drive, wherein the control unit is configured to control the sewing drive to rotate the at least one first sewing member and the at least one second sewing member in a first rotational direction, and then rotate the at least one first sewing member and the at least one second sewing member in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction.

[0042] By rotating the first group back and forth, entanglement of control lines such as electrical cables and pneumatic tubes can be prevented.

[0043] Obviously, any embodiment of the aforementioned aspects of the present invention may be combined with the bead-apex stitching device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention.

[0044] Where possible, the various aspects and features described and shown in this specification may be applied separately. These individual aspects, in particular the aspects and features described in the accompanying dependent claims, may become the subject of divisional patent applications. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] The present invention will be explained based on the exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0046] Figure 1 It shows a front view of a bead-apex strip station with a bead-apex strip sewing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 2 and Figure 3 They are shown according to Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the tire bead-triangular rubber strip sewing device along line II-II and line III-III;

[0048] Figure 4 and Figure 5 shows the control according to Figure 1 The control scheme of the bead-apex rubber strip joint device;

[0049] Figure 6 The front view of the tire bead-apex strip station is shown, and Figure 1 Compared with the bead-apex rubber strip in the embodiment of the present invention, the bead-apex rubber strip station is adjusted to accommodate the bead-apex rubber strip with a smaller diameter;

[0050] Figure 7 Shown according to Figure 1 A side cross-sectional view of the bead-apex station; and

[0051] Figure 8 A front view of a replacement bead-apex strip station with a replacement bead-apex strip sewing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Figure 1 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 A bead-apex station 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown. The bead-apex station 1 may be a separate station or part of a multi-station tire building machine, such as a turntable (not shown) known per se.

[0053] The bead-apex station 1 includes one or more bead retainers 10 for retaining a bead core or bead 90 in an annular or ring-shaped configuration about a central axis S. An elastomeric filler or apex is or has been concentrically applied around the bead 90. The bead-apex station 1 is configured to press or sew an apex 91 onto the bead 90 to form a so-called bead-apex 9. The bead-apex 9 can be used in a subsequent stage of tire forming to form a green tire or an unvulcanized tire. In this exemplary embodiment, the bead-apex station 1 includes a bead retainer frame 11 for carrying one or more bead retainers 10; and a bead retainer driver 12 for driving one or more bead retainers 10 and / or the bead retainer frame 11 to rotate about the central axis S.

[0054] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As best shown in FIG. 1 , the apex 91 has a body of triangular cross-section defining a base 92 and an end 93. The apex 91 is applied around the bead 90 with the base 92.

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown, the bead-apex station 1 also includes a bead-apex sewing device 2 for sewing the apex 91 to the bead 90. The bead-apex sewing device 2 includes a first group of first sewing members 3, in particular first rollers 3, which are distributed in the circumferential direction C around the central axis S. The first sewing members 3 can alternatively be formed by another suitable sewing device, such as a brush, a pad, a finger, a spoon, etc. Each first roller 3 can rotate around the corresponding first roller axis R1. In this exemplary embodiment, the first group consists of three first rollers 3, although embodiments with two first rollers 3 or more than three first rollers 3 are also considered to be within the scope of the present invention. Preferably, the first rollers 3 are evenly distributed, i.e., equiangularly and / or spaced apart at fixed angular intervals X. In this particular example, the first rollers 3 are spaced apart at an angular interval X of 120 degrees.

[0056] The bead-apex station 2 also comprises a second set of second stitching members 4, in particular second rollers 4. The first stitching members 3 may alternatively be formed by another suitable stitching device, such as a brush, a pad, a finger, a spoon, etc. In this example, the second stitching members 4 alternate with the first rollers 3 of the first set in the circumferential direction C. In other words, considered in the circumferential direction C, the bead-apex station 2 has a first set of stitching members 3 and a second set of stitching members 4 distributed in the circumferential direction C in an alternating pattern, i.e., a repeated set of one of the first stitching members 3 and one of the second stitching members 4 is continuously included. Each second roller 4 can rotate around the corresponding second roller axis R2. It should be understood that the considerations regarding the number and distribution of the first rollers 3 apply to the second rollers 4 with necessary changes.

[0057] The first roller 3 and the second roller 4 are designed, constructed and / or arranged to press or sew the apex strip 91 to the bead 90 in different ways. In other words, the first roller 3 has a different purpose or function from the second roller 4.

[0058] In this exemplary embodiment, the first roller 3 and the second roller 4 have different shapes. Figure 2 As best shown, each first roller 3 comprises a roller body 30 defining a blunt circumferential surface or pressing surface 31. Preferably, the blunt pressing surface 31 transitions to a dome-shaped and / or conical distal end 32. Figure 3As shown, each second roller 4 comprises a roller body 40 defining a sharp circumferential surface or pressing surface 41. In particular, the pressing surface 41 has a steep or sharp transition to a surface defining a distal end 42 of the corresponding second roller 4. In other words, the roller body 30 of the first roller 3 has a pressing surface 31 facing the apex strip 91, which has a rounded or "soft" profile, while the roller body 40 of the second roller 4 has a pressing surface 41 facing the apex strip 91, which has a relatively sharp, definite pressing edge.

[0059] It is also conceivable that the first roller 3 and the second roller 4 may have the same shape with two sides for different purposes. For example, the rollers 3, 4 may be given the same shape with a blunt side and a sharp side, so that simply reversing the orientation of the rollers 3, 4 relative to the apex 91 will change the way the rollers 3, 4 press the apex 91. In this case, the side of the rollers 3, 4 facing the apex 91 is considered the "selected side", and the explanation of the "shape" of the rollers 3, 4 applies only to the "selected side".

[0060] The first roller 3 is maintained in an orientation in which the corresponding first roller axis R1 is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the central axis S, i.e., within a first orientation range H1 of 70 to 110 degrees to the central axis S. The second roller 4 is maintained in a different orientation in which the corresponding second roller axis R2 is parallel or nearly parallel to the central axis S. Alternatively, the second roller axis R2 may be positioned at a more oblique or inclined angle to the central axis S. In any case, the second roller axis R2 extends within a second orientation range H2 of 0 to 60 degrees to the central axis S. The orientation difference between the roller axes R1, R2 helps the first roller 3 and the second roller 4 to perform different suturing purposes.

[0061] In particular, the first roller 3 can roll in the circumferential direction C along a radial or substantially radial plane relative to the center axis S, and apply pressure to the apex 91 in a direction parallel to the center axis S. Therefore, the first roller can smooth out irregularities in the apex 91 to provide a smoother and / or more uniform bead-apex 9. In contrast, the second roller 4 can roll in the circumferential direction C along a cylindrical plane around the center axis S, and apply pressure to the apex 91 in a direction mainly directed radially inward, i.e., toward the center axis S. Therefore, the second roller 4 can firmly press the base 92 of the apex 91 onto the bead 90.

[0062] like Figure 6As shown, each first roller 3 of the first group can be moved, driven, actuated and / or positioned by a corresponding first actuator 5 in a radial direction R perpendicular to the central axis S with at least one vector component. Alternatively, each first roller 3 can be driven in a direction parallel to the central axis S. Similarly, each second roller 4 of the second group can be moved, driven, actuated and / or positioned by a corresponding second actuator 6 in a radial direction R with at least one vector component. The second actuator 6 can be positioned to be at an inclined angle with the central axis S, so that the corresponding second roller 4 moves at the inclined angle, that is, moves within a range of 10 to 80 degrees with the central axis S. Preferably, the first rollers 3 of the first group are all moved to the same extent by a single actuator at the same time, that is, they move synchronously. Similarly, the second rollers 4 of the second group are all moved to the same extent at the same time. The diameter adjustment of the first group and the second group can be controlled independently, that is, the first roller 3 can be controlled to move to a slightly different diameter from the second roller 4, so as to be pressed onto the apex strip 91 with a slightly different radius. Thus, the radial position of the rollers 3, 4 can be adjusted to match the various diameters D1, D2 of the bead 90, the apex 91 or the bead-apex 9. The actuators 4, 5 can be linear drives, such as pneumatic cylinders or linear servomotors. However, many conceivable alternative drive systems are proposed, which will still be included within the scope of the present invention. For example, one or both groups of rollers 3, 4 can alternatively be driven in the radial direction R by a single actuator, i.e. a screw drive known per se.

[0063] The same actuators 5, 6 can also be used to actively control the pressure applied by the rollers 3, 4 to the apex 91. The pressure can be controlled individually for each roller 3, 4 or all rollers 3, 4 of a group can be controlled synchronously. Individual control can allow the profile of the apex 91 to be accurately followed by the individual rollers 3, 4. Alternatively, the rollers 3, 4 can be passively biased, spring-loaded or spring-biased, i.e., by providing the bead-apex stitching device 2 with one or more biasing members (not shown), such as springs.

[0064] like Figure 1 As shown, the bead-apex station 1 is configured to generate relative rotation between the first roller 3 of the first group and the bead-apex 9 around the central axis S in the circumferential direction C. This can be achieved in various ways. In this exemplary embodiment, the first group of rollers 3 as a whole can rotate around the central axis S, while the bead holder 10 remains stationary. The bead-apex stitching device 2 can include: a stitching base or stitching frame 21, which is used to support or hold the first roller 3 in a fixed relationship with each other; and a stitching drive 22, which is engaged with the stitching frame 21 to rotate the stitching frame 21 in the circumferential direction C.

[0065] Alternatively, one or more bead holders 10 may rotate relative to the first set of rollers 3, or one or more bead holders 10 and the first set of rollers 3 may both rotate simultaneously in opposite directions. The bead-apex station 1 may be provided with a bead holder base or bead holder frame 11 to support or hold one or more bead holders 10 and a bead holder driver 12 to rotate the bead holder frame 11 in the circumferential direction C.

[0066] Preferably, the second group rotates with the first group. In other words, the first group and the second group rotate in unison. Therefore, during rotation about the central axis S, the relative positions of the first roller 3 and the second roller 4 in the circumferential direction C can remain unchanged.

[0067] The bead-apex station 1 may optionally include a third or more sets of stitching members (not shown) to perform other functions. The third set of stitching members may be positioned, for example, to press or stitch the transition area between the bead 90 and the apex 91, i.e., the area at the base 92 of the apex 91 and the immediate adjacent area of ​​the bead 90.

[0068] The bead-apex strip station 1 or the bead-apex strip sewing device 2 is also provided with a control unit 8, which is electronically or operably connected to the bead retainer driver 12, the sewing driver 22, one or more first actuators 5 and / or one or more second actuators 6 to control various operations of the bead-apex strip station 1 and / or the bead-apex strip sewing device 2.

[0069] In this exemplary embodiment, the control unit 8 is programmed, loaded with instructions, adapted, arranged or configured to control the stitching drive 22 to rotate the first group in a first rotation direction M, and then rotate the first group in a second rotation direction N opposite to the first rotation direction M. In this example, the first group is preferably rotated in a first rotation range A of less than one turn, i.e., less than 360 degrees, and in a second rotation range B of less than one turn, i.e., less than 360 degrees. However, the first group may also rotate one or more turns in the opposite direction. Preferably, the second group rotates together or in unison with the first group. As previously described, the control unit 8 may alternatively be configured to rotate the bead holder 10 relative to the first group by controlling the bead holder drive 12.

[0070] During the rotation in the first rotation direction M, the first rollers 3 of the first group are controlled to press or sew the apex strip 91 to the bead 90. During this sew phase, the second rollers 4 of the second group can be retracted in the retraction direction L, such as Figure 7As shown, the first rollers 3 of the first group are not disturbed. During or shortly before the reverse rotation in the second rotation direction N, the second rollers 4 of the second group come into contact with the apex strip 91, and the first rollers 3 of the first group can be retracted in the retraction direction L to allow the subsequent stitching stage. Therefore, the stitching process can be divided into two different stages.

[0071] The retraction direction L of the first roller 3 and the second roller 4 is shown to be parallel or substantially parallel to the center axis S. Alternatively, the retraction direction L may be in the working direction of the respective actuator 5, 6, i.e. at an oblique angle to the center axis S or at right angles to the center axis S. Thus, the actuator 5, 6 may be used to retract the respective roller 3, 4. This may eliminate the need for a separate retraction drive.

[0072] By rotating the rollers 3, 4 in the groups back and forth in opposite directions of rotation M, N, the first group can be returned to its initial position and immediately ready for the subsequent stitching operation. Thus, the cycle time of the bead-apex stitching device 2 can be significantly reduced. In addition, entanglement of control lines such as electrical cables and pneumatic tubes can be prevented.

[0073] However, if the combined stroke of the first and second groups is small enough, ie if each group has a sufficient number of rollers to reduce the angular spacing X, it is also possible to perform both stitching phases in the same rotational direction, ie following each other without reversing the rotational direction.

[0074] Figure 4 and 5 The control schemes in which the first group rotates in the first rotation direction M and the second group rotates in the second rotation direction N are shown respectively. The horizontal axis represents the angular position of the first group and the second group along the first rotation range A and the second rotation range B, respectively. The vertical axis represents one or more parameters of the first group and the second group, namely the angular velocity V of the corresponding group in the axial direction C, or the pressure P applied to the apex strip 91 by the corresponding group. In this exemplary embodiment, the rotation range A, B is greater than one times the angular interval X between each first roller 3. Preferably, the rotation range A, B is less than twice the angular interval X. Alternatively, the rotation range A, B can be greater than twice the angular interval X to ensure that each area of ​​the apex strip 91 is pressed by at least two rollers of the corresponding group. The exceeded range can be used to start and slow down the group. In particular, the ranges A, B each include a plurality of sub-ranges, more specifically, the starting sub-range A1, B1, the middle sub-range A2, B2 and the ending sub-range A3, B3. The control unit 8 is configured to keep one or more parameters P, V constant or substantially constant in the intermediate subrange A2 and to increase and decrease one or more parameters P, V in the starting subrange A1 and the ending subrange A3 , respectively.

[0075] As previously mentioned, the same control scheme may be used to control the rotation of the bead holder 10 instead of or in addition to the rotation of the roller sets 3, 4.

[0076] Figure 7 An alternative bead-apex station 101 is shown with an alternative bead-apex stitching device 102, which differs from the aforementioned bead-apex stitching device 2 in that each first roller 3 of the first group can be positioned at an inclined angle K about an inclined axis T perpendicular to the first roller axis R1 and / or parallel to the central axis S or can be inclined towards the inclined angle K to an inclined orientation in which the first roller axis R1 does not intersect the central axis S. In the inclined orientation, the rolling direction of the first roller 3 can be slightly misaligned with respect to the circumferential direction C, resulting in the first roller 3 applying a lateral force such as a friction force to the apex 91, which can effectively smooth out irregularities in the apex 91. The first rollers 3 can be actively tilted to the inclined orientation, or they can be mounted in the inclined orientation. The tilt angle K is preferably kept constant. Alternatively, it can be actively controlled and / or changed during stitching.

[0077] The following will refer to Figure 1 -8 briefly describes a method for sewing the apex strip 91 to the tire bead 90 using the aforementioned tire bead-apex strip station 1, 101 and / or the aforementioned tire bead-apex strip sewing device 2, 102.

[0078] like Figure 1 As shown, the method comprises the following steps:

[0079] a) first sew the apex strip 91 to the bead 90 using the first roller 3 of the first set; and

[0080] b) The apex strip 91 is then sewn to the bead 90 using a second set of second rollers 4 .

[0081] During the step, according to Figure 4 In the control scheme in the first group, the first group rotates around the central axis S in the first rotation direction M. During step b), the first group Figure 5 The control scheme in the embodiment rotates in the second rotation direction N. The second group rotates together with the first group. Figure 4 During the control scheme in , the first group is active, which causes the first roller 3 to be pressed onto the apex strip 91. Figure 5 During the control scheme in , the second group is active, which causes the second roller 4 to be pressed onto the apex strip 91. Figure 7 As shown, the inactive group can be retracted in the retraction direction L.

[0082] It should be noted that the stages of stitching may overlap partially, i.e. after one group may be in place, the other group is retracted in the retraction direction. The latter may save cycle time, and / or may be beneficial to have both groups of devices contact the apex strip 91 at least once during the cycle.

[0083] The bead-apex station 1 , 101 may comprise further drive means (not shown) for simultaneously retracting the set of rollers 3 , 4 in a direction parallel to the central axis S to allow removal of the bead 90 and / or the apex 91 .

[0084] As previously mentioned, the bead holder 10 may be rotated instead of, or in addition to, the first set. In this case, the method comprises the following steps:

[0085] a) firstly sewing the apex strip 91 to the bead 90 using the first set of first rollers 3 while rotating the bead holder 10 in the first rotational direction M; and

[0086] b) The apex strip 91 is then sewn to the bead 90 using a second set of second rollers 4 while the bead holder 10 is rotated in the second rotational direction N.

[0087] It should also be noted that the control unit 8 can control various operating parameters of the bead-apex station 1, 101 and / or the bead-apex stitching device 2, 102 based on the recipe, i.e. the material, compound or mixture used to generate the bead 90 and / or the bead 91, and / or based on the tire design, i.e. the structure, shape and / or size of the various tire components and their relative positions in the green tire to be formed.

[0088] It should be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Based on the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and these variations will still be included within the scope of the invention.

[0089] Reference numerals list

[0090] 1. Bead-triangular rubber strip station

[0091] 10 Bead retainer

[0092] 11 Bead retainer frame

[0093] 12 Bead retainer driver

[0094] 2 Bead-triangular rubber strip sewing device

[0095] 21. Stitching Frame

[0096] 22 Suture Driver

[0097] 3. First suturing member

[0098] 30 Roller

[0099] 31 Press the surface

[0100] 32 Remote

[0101] 4 Second suture member

[0102] 40 Roller

[0103] 41 Press the surface

[0104] 42 Remote

[0105] 5. First Actuator

[0106] 6 Second actuator

[0107] 8 Control unit

[0108] 9 Bead-Triangular rubber strip

[0109] 90 bead

[0110] 91 triangle rubber strip

[0111] 92 base

[0112] 93 end

[0113] 101 Replacement tire bead-triangular rubber strip station

[0114] 102 Replacement tire bead-triangular rubber strip sewing device

[0115] AFirst rotation range

[0116] A1 Starting subrange

[0117] A2 Middle subrange

[0118] A3 End Subrange

[0119] B Second rotation range

[0120] B1 Starting sub-range

[0121] B2 middle subrange

[0122] B3 End subrange

[0123] C Circumferential direction

[0124] D1 First diameter

[0125] D2 Second diameter

[0126] E Extension direction

[0127] H1 First directional range

[0128] H2 Second directional range

[0129] KTilt Angle

[0130] L Retraction direction

[0131] MFirst direction of rotation

[0132] N Second direction of rotation

[0133] P pressure

[0134] R radial direction

[0135] R1 first roller axis

[0136] R2 Second roller axis

[0137] S Center axis

[0138] T Tilt axis

[0139] V Angular velocity

[0140] X Angle Interval

Claims

1. A bead-to-bead suturing device for suturing a bead apex to a bead, wherein: The tire bead-to-apex rubber strip suturing device includes: a first group of first suturing members, which are distributed in the circumferential direction around the center axis and are used to sew the apex rubber strip to the tire bead; and a second group of second suturing members, which are used to sew the apex rubber strip to the tire bead in a manner different from that of the first group of first suturing members, wherein the second group of second suturing members and the first group of first suturing members are distributed in an alternating pattern in the circumferential direction.

2. The bead-triangular rubber strip sewing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first suturing member is different from the second suturing member in shape or function.

3. The bead-triangular rubber strip sewing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each first stitching member of the first set includes a roller body defining a blunt-rounded pressing surface.

4. The bead-triangular rubber strip sewing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each second stitching member of the second set includes a roller body defining a sharp pressing surface.

5. The bead-triangular rubber strip sewing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each first stitching member of the first set is rotatable about a first roller axis and each second stitching member of the second set is rotatable about a second roller axis, wherein the first roller axis and the second roller axis are in different orientations relative to the central axis.

6. The bead-triangular rubber strip sewing device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first roller axis for each first stitching member extends within a first orientation range of 70 to 110 degrees from the central axis.

7. The bead-to-triangular rubber strip sewing device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second roller axis for each second stitching member extends within a second orientation range of 0 to 60 degrees from the central axis.

8. The bead-to-triangular rubber strip sewing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first set includes at least three first suturing members.

9. The bead-triangular rubber strip sewing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second group includes at least three second suturing members.

10. The bead-triangular rubber strip sewing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first suturing members are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction.

11. The bead-triangular rubber strip sewing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second suturing members are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction.

12. The bead-to-triangular rubber strip sewing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first group is rotatable as a whole about the central axis.

13. The bead-triangular rubber strip sewing device according to claim 12, characterized in that: The first group and the second group are rotatable together.

14. The bead-triangular rubber strip sewing device according to claim 12, characterized in that: The bead-to-apex rubber sewing device includes: a sewing drive, which is used to drive the first group to rotate around the central axis; and a control unit, which is operably connected to the sewing drive, wherein the control unit is configured to control the sewing drive to rotate the first group in a first rotational direction within a first rotational range, and then rotate the first group in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction within a second rotational range.

15. The bead-to-triangular rubber strip sewing device according to claim 14, characterized in that: The first rotation range or the second rotation range is smaller than one circle.

16. The bead-to-triangular rubber strip sewing device according to claim 14, characterized in that: The first suturing members of the first group are spaced apart at equal angular intervals in a circumferential direction, wherein the first rotation range is greater than one time of the angular intervals.

17. The bead-triangular rubber strip sewing device according to claim 16, characterized in that: The first rotation range in the first rotation direction includes a starting sub-range, an intermediate sub-range and an ending sub-range, wherein the control unit is further configured to control one or more parameters of a group including angular velocity and pressure, wherein the control unit is configured to keep the one or more parameters constant in the intermediate sub-range, and is configured to increase and decrease the one or more parameters in the starting sub-range and the ending sub-range, respectively.

18. The bead-to-triangular rubber strip sewing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first suturing member of the first group and the second suturing member of the second group are movable in a radial direction perpendicular to the central axis.

19. The bead-to-triangular rubber strip sewing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bead-apex stitching device further includes one or more actuators for pressing the one or more stitching members of the set including the first stitching member and the second stitching member onto the apex with a controlled pressure.

20. The bead-to-apex rubber strip sewing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bead-apex stitching device further includes one or more biasing members for biasing the one or more stitching members of the set including the first stitching member and the second stitching member to be pressed onto the apex.

21. The bead-to-apex rubber strip sewing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each first stitching member of the first set is rotatable about a first roller axis and positionable into an inclined orientation at an inclined angle about an inclined axis perpendicular to the first roller axis, wherein the first roller axis does not intersect the central axis.

22. The bead-to-apex rubber strip sewing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: When one of the groups including the first group and the second group sews the apex bead to the bead, the other of the groups including the first group and the second group can be retracted to a standby position in a retracting direction.

23. A bead-apex station comprising the bead-apex stitching device according to claim 1 and a bead retainer for holding the bead concentrically to the bead-apex stitching device.

24. The bead-apex station according to claim 23, characterized in that: The bead holder is rotatable in the circumferential direction about the center axis.

25. The bead-apex station according to claim 24, characterized in that: The bead-apex rubber station includes: a bead holder driver, which is used to drive the rotation of the bead holder; and a control unit, which is operably connected to the bead holder driver, wherein the control unit is configured to control the bead holder driver to rotate the bead holder in a first rotational direction within a first rotational range, and then rotate the bead holder in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction within a second rotational range.

26. The bead-apex station according to claim 25, characterized in that: The first suturing members of the first group are spaced apart at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction, wherein the first rotation range is greater than one time of the angular intervals.

27. The bead-apex station according to claim 26, characterized in that: The first rotation range in the first rotation direction includes a starting sub-range, an intermediate sub-range and an ending sub-range, wherein the control unit is further configured to control the angular velocity of the tire bead retainer, wherein the control unit is configured to keep the angular velocity constant in the intermediate sub-range, and is configured to increase and decrease the angular velocity in the starting sub-range and the ending sub-range, respectively.

28. A method for sewing an apex strip to a tire bead using the tire bead-apex strip sewing device according to claim 1, wherein: The method comprises the following steps: a) firstly sewing the apex to the tire bead using the first sewing member of the first group; and b) subsequently sewing the apex to the bead using the second sewing member of the second set.

29. The method according to claim 28, characterized in that Step a) involves rotating the first group in a first rotational direction about the central axis in a first rotational range, and step b) involves rotating the first group in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction in a second rotational range.

30. A method of sewing an apex to a bead using the bead-apex station of claim 23, wherein: The method comprises the following steps: a) firstly sewing the apex to the bead using the first sewing member of the first group, while rotating the bead holder in a first rotational direction within a first rotational range of less than one turn; and b) subsequently sewing the apex to the bead using the second sewing member of the second set while rotating the bead retainer in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction over a second rotational range of less than one turn.

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