In particular, tire forming methods and tire forming systems for strip winding.

Abstract

This invention relates to a tire forming method, particularly for strip winding, comprising the steps of: providing a selection between a production mode for forming tire components and a test mode for obtaining test measurements, wherein the selection is provided before performing the test mode; wherein, before forming the tire components, at least one or more forming parameters are set based on test measurements performed on a test strip during the test mode. The invention also relates to a tire forming system.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of patent application filed on June 7, 2019, with application number 201980038562.6 (international application number PCT / NL2019 / 050346) and entitled "particularly a tire forming method and tire forming system for strip winding". Background Technology

[0002] This invention relates to tire forming methods and tire forming systems, particularly for strip winding.

[0003] JP 2004-299184A discloses that, conventionally, after tire molding is completed, the contour, i.e., the shape, of the molded tire is measured. However, judging the molding quality is time-consuming, thus prolonging the molding process. Furthermore, conventional contour measurements cannot reveal the molding quality during the winding process. Consequently, if quality problems are discovered after tire molding is completed, materials and processing time are wasted.

[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, JP 2004-299184 A discloses a profile measuring instrument with a displacement sensor arranged near the extrusion nozzle to immediately measure the cumulative profile as the strip is wound and the profile is formed by pressing one layer onto another. By simultaneously measuring the rotational position of the drum and the traverse position of the nozzle, the computing unit can accurately calculate the cumulative profile from the start of molding to its completion in real time. Therefore, any quality issues can be detected during molding without having to wait until after molding is complete.

[0005] WO 2017 / 198465 A1 discloses a tire manufacturing system for controlling the profile of a product having one or more elastomeric layers produced by continuously extruding strips. The strips are deposited spirally around a forming surface such that adjacent strip edges do not overlap. The perimeter of each layer is measured during deposition and compared to a predicted threshold. The process may include terminating the deposition cycle before the next layer is deposited, upon indicating a discrepancy when the detected value is compared to a target perimeter value. Process parameters are then adjusted and repeated during successive deposition cycles to ensure that the perimeter of any product profile achieves the predicted value. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The drawback of the known measuring instruments according to JP 2004-299184 A and WO 2017 / 198465 A1 is that they only provide real-time quality control for the cumulative profile formed during production. If quality problems occur at or near the end of tire molding, material and operation time are wasted again, and the approach is no better than conventional profile measurement. While such a terminated production cycle may be suitable as a test run, it is clear that the initial intention of the production cycle is to obtain the final product. Therefore, the parameters and values ​​used correspond to the profile formed. Operators can try and fail based on the terminated production cycle by slightly adjusting different parameters, but must wait for the tire molding to reach the same stage where the quality problems previously occurred to determine whether the quality has indeed improved. Furthermore, when switching to a new batch of raw materials or a different type of tire part, new quality problems may appear in different areas of the tire mold, and the trial and error process must be repeated.

[0007] Therefore, the schemes disclosed in JP 2004-299184 A and WO 2017 / 198465 A1 fail to provide adequate feedback to allow operators to predict the behavior of the strips during subsequent tire molding and to take steps from the outset to prevent quality problems.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a tire forming method, particularly for strip winding, wherein the quality of tire forming is improved.

[0009] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a tire forming method, the method comprising the following steps:

[0010] - A choice is provided between a production mode for molding tire components and a test mode for obtaining test measurement values, wherein the choice is provided before the test mode is performed;

[0011] The test mode includes the following steps:

[0012] - Provides a cylindrical measuring surface that extends concentrically around the central axis;

[0013] - A continuous test strip is wound into multiple non-overlapping loops around the central axis on the cylindrical measuring surface; and

[0014] - Obtain test measurements from at least one of the plurality of non-overlapping loops of the test strip;

[0015] The production mode includes the following steps:

[0016] - Tire components are formed from production strips on a production surface using one or more forming parameters;

[0017] The method further includes the following steps: first, executing the test mode, and then executing the production mode, wherein, after completing the test mode and before molding the tire component, at least one of the one or more molding parameters is set based on the test measurement values ​​of the test strip.

[0018] Multiple loops can be applied to the cylindrical measuring surface in a non-overlapping manner. Therefore, measurements obtained from multiple non-overlapping loops of the test strip can provide the operator with precise feedback on the measured values ​​and / or characteristics of the test strip derived from the measurements in the individual loops. The advantage of choosing to initiate a test mode rather than a production mode is that the test mode is not limited to the parameters and / or values ​​used in the production mode. Instead, a wider range of various forming parameters and / or one or more forming parameter values ​​can be tested on a single loop of the same test strip to provide a large number of measurements. This large amount of feedback can be used to more accurately predict the behavior of the production strip during the production mode. These measurements can also be used to predict the performance of the production strip during different production processes, i.e., when switching to different types of tire components. In particular, based on a single test mode, the operator can determine, calculate, verify, calibrate, and / or adjust the forming parameters used to form one or more types of tire components. Based on these measurements, the operator can ultimately program or set the forming parameters to improve the quality of tire forming.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the selection is provided to the operator via a user interface. Therefore, the operator can manually select either a test mode or a production mode before executing one of the modes.

[0020] In another embodiment, the production strip is wound using a first molding parameter whose value is set according to the production sequence based on the position of the production strip within the formed tire component during the winding of the production strip, wherein the test strip is wound using a first molding parameter whose value is set according to a test sequence independent of the production sequence during the winding of the test strip. In other words, the test sequence is not limited to numerical values, molding parameters, molding procedures, and / or the order of the molding procedures. Therefore, test strips with a wide range of molding parameters and / or molding parameter values ​​can be produced, since the test strips are not intended for production.

[0021] In another embodiment, the production strip is wound using a first molding parameter whose entire production value falls within the production value range, wherein the test strip is wound using a first molding parameter whose at least one test value falls outside the production value range. Therefore, compared to the production mode, a relatively large number of measurements can be obtained not only for values ​​within the normal range used during the production mode but also for values ​​exceeding that normal range. This allows the use of these measurements to set molding parameters for a production program different from the currently selected production program. Therefore, it is not necessary to re-execute the test mode every time a new tire component is switched to.

[0022] In another embodiment, a first winding of the plurality of non-overlapping windings of the test strip is at least partially wound using a first forming parameter set to a first value, and a second winding of the plurality of non-overlapping windings of the test strip is at least partially wound using a first forming parameter set to a second value different from the first value. The method includes the steps of interpolating or extrapolating test measurements of the test strip for values ​​within a range between the first and second values ​​or outside a range defined by the first and second values. By interpolating or extrapolating test measurements, test measurements can be predicted over a larger range without actually obtaining the measurement for each value within that range.

[0023] Preferably, the test strips obtained during the test mode are not used to form the tire component or a portion thereof in the production mode. Similarly, since the test strips are not used in the production mode, the forming parameters and / or their values ​​can be significantly varied independently of the production mode.

[0024] In another embodiment, a first forming parameter set to a first value is used to at least partially wind a first loop of the plurality of non-overlapping loops of the test strip; a second loop of the plurality of non-overlapping loops of the test strip is used to at least partially wind a first forming parameter set to a second value different from the first value; a third forming parameter set to a third value different from the first forming parameter is used to at least partially wind the first loop, the second loop, or both; and a third loop of the plurality of non-overlapping loops of the test strip is used to at least partially wind a second forming parameter set to a fourth value different from the third value. By comparing the measured values ​​of the first loop, the second loop, or both with the measured value of the third loop, the effect of the change from the third value to the fourth value can be evaluated and used to predict the performance of the formed strip when setting the second forming parameter.

[0025] Alternatively, the molding parameters remain constant for all turns of the plurality of non-overlapping turns of the test strip, wherein at least one of the one or more molding parameters is adjusted in production mode to compensate for changes in test measurements over time. As time passes, the performance of the test strip may begin to differ, for example, because the test strip begins to cure. The test measurements can provide the operator with feedback on the impact of these changes over time on the test strip, enabling the operator to adjust one or more molding parameters accordingly to compensate.

[0026] In another embodiment, the plurality of non-overlapping turns of the test strip include initial turns of the test strip on the cylindrical measuring surface during the initial phase of helical winding of the test strip, wherein the test measurement includes a measurement of the starting point of the initial turn on the cylindrical measuring surface. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of non-overlapping turns of the test strip include final turns of the test strip on the cylindrical measuring surface during the final phase of helical winding of the test strip, wherein the test measurement includes a measurement of the ending point of the final turn on the cylindrical measuring surface. At the start of winding, the performance of the test strip may vary, for example, due to extruder startup or due to applying the leading edge of the test strip to the measuring surface. At the end of the final winding, the performance of the test strip may vary, for example, due to the test strip being cut or torn. The test measurement can provide feedback to the operator regarding the performance of the test strip during the initial turn or at the end of the final turn, which can be used to adjust one or more molding parameters for appropriate compensation.

[0027] In another embodiment, the plurality of non-overlapping loops are wound in a single layer around the cylindrical measuring surface, wherein the test mode is terminated after the single layer is completed. Each loop is visible and can be measured from the outside by winding the test strip in a single layer.

[0028] In another embodiment, the cylindrical measuring surface is the production surface, wherein the method includes the step of removing the test strip from the measuring surface in the production mode before molding the tire component. Since the production surface and the measuring surface are identical, the performance of the test strip on the measuring surface corresponds to the performance of the production strip on the production surface. Therefore, the test measurements of the test strip can be used as reliable feedback to predict the performance of the production strip on the production surface.

[0029] Alternatively, the production surface is a cylindrical production surface, wherein the method includes the steps of: assembling a measuring tool around the cylindrical production surface before spirally winding the test strip, and removing the measuring tool from the production surface after spiral winding of the test strip is completed and before molding the tire component, wherein the cylindrical measuring surface is formed by the measuring tool and extends concentrically around the central axis when the measuring tool is mounted around the cylindrical production surface. The cylindrical production surface may not be optimized for obtaining measurements. For example, the contrast may be too low for optical measurements, the production surface may not be smooth enough, or it may not be perfectly circular. In some applications, the production surface includes slits or gaps that allow material from the test strip to enter. To obtain more reliable and / or more consistent test measurements, the measuring surface may be positioned on a measuring tool extending around the production surface. Preferably, the outer diameter of the measuring surface on the measuring tool is as close as possible to the outer diameter of the production surface, thereby minimizing and / or negligiblely influencing the effect of diameter increase at the measuring tool.

[0030] In another alternative embodiment, the production surface is a cylindrical production surface, wherein the cylindrical measuring surface and the cylindrical production surface are offset relative to each other in an axial direction parallel to the central axis. By providing a measuring surface on one side of the production surface in the axial direction, the forming of the tire component is independent of the removal of the measuring tool according to the previous embodiment or the removal of the test strip from the production surface in a more recent embodiment and / or is not delayed by the removal of the measuring tool according to the previous embodiment or the removal of the test strip from the production surface in a more recent embodiment.

[0031] In each of the foregoing embodiments having a cylindrical production surface, the tire component can be formed by spirally winding the production strip onto the production surface into multiple loops. When both the test strip and the production strip are wound, the test measurements from the test strip can provide useful feedback to predict the performance of the production strip in similar loops.

[0032] Preferably, the pitch of the plurality of turns of the production strip in an axial direction parallel to the central axis is smaller than the width of the production strip in the same axial direction. Therefore, unlike the test strip, the turns of the production strip are arranged in an overlapping manner to form a tire component from the turns of the production strip.

[0033] In another embodiment, the test strip is spirally wound, wherein one or more of the plurality of turns of the test strip have a pitch in an axial direction parallel to the central axis that is greater than the width of the test strip in the same axial direction among the one or more turns.

[0034] More preferably, the pitch of the plurality of non-overlapping turns of the test strip in the axial direction is at least one and a half times or twice the maximum pitch of the helical winding of the production strip. Therefore, the turns of the test strip can be sufficiently spaced to allow test measurements to be obtained for each individual turn.

[0035] In another embodiment, the pitch of the plurality of non-overlapping turns of the test strip is constant. Therefore, the turns can be equidistant and / or positioned at known locations or at known intervals.

[0036] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a tire forming system comprising: a strip supply member for supplying a continuous test strip; a cylindrical measuring surface for receiving the test strip from the strip supply member; a rotary actuator for rotating the cylindrical measuring surface about a central axis concentric with the cylindrical measuring surface; and a pitch actuator for providing a relative displacement between the cylindrical measuring surface and the supply member in an axial direction parallel to the central axis; wherein the tire forming system further comprises: a control unit capable of switching between a test mode and a production mode, wherein in the test mode, the rotary actuator and the pitch actuator are controlled to cause the test... A strip is wound around the central axis into multiple non-overlapping loops on the cylindrical measuring surface. In the production mode, a tire component is formed on the production surface by the production strip using one or more forming parameters. The tire forming system further includes a sensor for obtaining test measurement values ​​from the multiple non-overlapping loops of the test strip on the cylindrical measuring surface. The control unit is arranged to provide a selection between the test mode and the production mode before executing the test mode, and to set at least one of the one or more forming parameters based on the test measurement values ​​of the test strip after completing the test mode and before performing the tire forming.

[0037] The control unit of the tire forming system is arranged to provide the same selection as that in the aforementioned method according to the first aspect of the invention, and therefore has the same technical advantages.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the tire forming system includes a user interface operatively connected to the control unit, wherein the control unit is arranged to control the user interface to provide the selection to the operator.

[0039] In another preferred embodiment, the tire forming system includes a memory operatively connected to the control unit, wherein the memory is loaded with a production sequence and a test sequence, wherein the production strip is wound using a first forming parameter set according to the production sequence based on the position of the production strip within the formed tire component during the winding of the production strip, and wherein the test strip is wound using a first forming parameter set according to the test sequence, independent of the production sequence, during the winding of the test strip.

[0040] In another embodiment, the control unit controls the rotary driver and the pitch driver in the test mode such that the test strip is helically wound around the central axis on the cylindrical measuring surface into a plurality of turns with pitch in the axial direction, wherein the supply member includes a die with a die opening for forming the test strip, wherein the die width of the die opening defines the width of the test strip, and wherein the control unit is arranged to control the rotary driver and the pitch driver such that the pitch of one or more of the plurality of turns of the test strip in the axial direction is greater than the die width.

[0041] Preferably, the pitch of the plurality of non-overlapping turns of the test strip in the longitudinal direction is at least one and a half times or twice the width of the die. Preferably, the tire forming system includes a drum with a drum shaft and a plurality of segments movable in a radial direction perpendicular to the drum shaft, wherein the plurality of segments form the production surface. In one embodiment, the cylindrical measuring surface is the production surface. Since the production surface and the measuring surface are identical, the performance of the test strip on the measuring surface corresponds to the performance of the production strip on the production surface. In an alternative embodiment, the production surface is a cylindrical production surface, wherein the tire forming system further includes a measuring tool arranged to be mounted around the cylindrical production surface, wherein the cylindrical measuring surface is formed by the measuring tool, and when the measuring tool is mounted around the cylindrical production surface, the cylindrical measuring surface extends concentrically around the cylindrical production surface.

[0042] Preferably, the cylindrical measuring surface is closer to a circle than the cylindrical production surface, and preferably approximates or forms an ideal circle. In another alternative embodiment, the production surface is a cylindrical production surface, wherein the cylindrical measuring surface and the cylindrical production surface are offset relative to each other in the axial direction. In another embodiment, the control unit is arranged to control the rotary drive and the pitch drive in the production mode such that the production strip is helically wound into a plurality of turns on the production surface with a pitch in the axial direction, wherein the pitch of the plurality of turns of the production strip in the axial direction is smaller than the mold width. Where possible, the various aspects and features described and shown in this specification may be applied individually. These individual aspects, particularly those described in the appended dependent claims, may be the subject of divisional patent applications. Attached Figure Description

[0043] The invention will be illustrated based on exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic drawings, in which:

[0044] Figure 1 A top view of a tire forming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown during a test mode;

[0045] Figure 2 This shows the situation during production mode. Figure 1 A top view of a tire forming system;

[0046] Figure 3 It shows that according to Figure 1 Side view of a tire forming system;

[0047] Figure 4 It shows that according to Figure 3 Details of the tire forming system in the IV ring;

[0048] Figure 5 A top view of an alternative tire forming system according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0049] Figure 6 It shows that according to Figure 5 Axonometric drawing of an alternative tire forming system;

[0050] Figure 7 It shows that according to Figure 5 Side view of an alternative tire forming system;

[0051] Figure 8 It shows that according to Figure 7 Details of the alternative tire forming system to the VIII ring;

[0052] Figure 9A top view of an alternative tire forming system according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0053] Figure 10 It shows that according to Figure 1 Details of the test strip formed on the measuring surface of the tire forming system by circle X; and

[0054] Figure 11 It shows the representation of the pair. Figure 10 A graph showing the measured values ​​of the test strips. Detailed Implementation

[0055] Figure 1 -4 illustrates a tire forming system 1, in particular for strip winding, according to an exemplary first embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, the tire forming system 1 includes a strip supply member 2 arranged to supply continuous test strips T in test mode TM. In this exemplary embodiment, the strip supply member 2 includes an extruder 21 and a gear pump 22. The strip supply member 2 also includes a die 23 with a die opening 24 for forming the test strip T. The die width D of the die opening 24 defines the width E of the test strip T. The tire forming system 1 also includes a cylindrical measuring surface 30 for receiving the test strip T from the strip supply member 2 in test mode TM.

[0057] like Figure 2 As shown, the strip supply member 2 is arranged to supply a continuous production strip P in production mode PM. The tire forming system 1 includes a drum 4, particularly a strip winding drum, with a cylindrical production surface 40 for receiving the continuous production strip P from the strip supply member 2 in production mode PM. The drum 4 is arranged to be mounted on a drum shaft 41, which extends axially in the direction A along a central axis S. The drum 4 includes a plurality of segments 42 that are movable in a radial direction perpendicular to the drum shaft 41 and / or the central axis S to change the diameter of the drum 4. At each diameter of the drum 4, the segments 42 form an approximately cylindrical circumferential surface. This circumferential surface forms the production surface 40. These segments 42 may not form a perfectly cylindrical or circular production surface 40 at each diameter of the drum 4. In particular, the production surface 40 may be slightly irregular and / or polygonal. Furthermore, small slits or gaps may exist between the segments 42, allowing material for the production strip P to enter between the segments 42, such as... Figure 4 It is shown schematically in the diagram.

[0058] In this exemplary embodiment, the cylindrical production surface 40 also forms a cylindrical measuring surface 30. Therefore, in different modes of the tire forming system 1, the test strip T and the production strip P are received on the same cylindrical surfaces 30, 40.

[0059] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the tire forming system 1 is provided with a rotary actuator 5 for rotating the drum 4, and thus the cylindrical production surface 40 and the cylindrical measuring surface 30, about a central axis S concentric with the cylindrical measuring surface 4. The tire forming system 1 is also provided with a pitch actuator 6 for providing relative displacement between the drum 4 and the supply member 2 in an axial direction A parallel to the central axis S. The pitch actuator 6 can be arranged to move the strip supply member 2, the drum 4, or both.

[0060] The tire forming system 1 also includes a control unit 7, which is arranged to operate the tire forming system 1 in test mode TM and production mode PM. The tire forming system 1 also includes a user interface (UI) operatively connected to the control unit 7. The control unit 7 controls the user interface UI to provide the operator with a choice between test mode TM and production mode PM before executing one of them. The tire forming system 1 also includes a memory 70 operatively connected to the control unit 7. The memory 70 is loaded with a test program or test sequence, i.e., a series of instructions for executing test mode TM in a predetermined order, and a production program or production sequence, i.e., a series of instructions for executing production mode in a predetermined order. The test sequence may be independent of the production sequence. In other words, the order, content, and / or type of instructions in the test sequence may be different from or completely different from those used in the production sequence.

[0061] Control unit 7 is operatively and / or electronically connected to rotary driver 5 and pitch driver 6. Specifically, control unit 7 is arranged to control rotary driver 5 and pitch driver 6 in test mode TM, such that... Figure 1 As shown, the test strip T is spirally wound around the central axis S into multiple turns W1. More specifically, the control unit 7 is arranged to control the rotary driver 5 and the pitch driver 6 in test mode TM, such that one or more turns W1 of the test strip T are wound with a pitch K1 in the axial direction A, which is greater than the die width D and / or the strip width E. Preferably, the pitch K1 of one or more turns W1 of the test strip T is at least one and a half times or twice the die width D and / or the strip width E. The pitch K1 is the height of a single rotation, swirl, or turn W1 of the test strip S measured in or parallel to the axial direction A. Figure 10 The three loops in W1 are shown in more detail below.

[0062] By making the pitch K1 greater than the die width D and / or the strip width E, each of the one or more turns W1 is spaced apart from the directly adjacent turns W1 in the axial direction A. In other words, the one or more turns W1 of the test strip T are laid out in a non-overlapping manner.

[0063] exist Figure 1 In the test strip T, the pitch K1 of all turns W1 is greater than the die width D and / or the strip width E. Preferably, the pitch K1 of all turns W1 in one or more turns W1 is constant.

[0064] The control unit 7 is also arranged to control the rotary driver 5 and the pitch driver 6 such that the windings W1 of the test strip T are laid in a single layer. Therefore, none of the layers of the windings W1 of the test strip T overlap with the single-layer windings W1.

[0065] like Figure 1 As shown, the tire forming system 1 also includes a sensor 8 for, for example Figure 11 The diagram illustrates obtaining a test measurement value M from at least one of one or more loops W1 of a test strip T on a cylindrical measuring surface 30. Preferably, the sensor 8 is arranged to simultaneously obtain measurement values ​​from multiple loops W1 of the test strip T. In particular, the sensor 8 may be part of an optical or laser triangulation system having a field of view extending along the width of the multiple loops W1 on the measuring surface 30. The sensor 8 is arranged to obtain the test measurement value M, including positional data on the loops W1, such as height or width, as shown. Figure 11 As shown in the image.

[0066] The control unit 7 is operatively and / or electronically connected to the sensor 8 to receive and / or process test measurement values ​​M from the sensor 8. The control unit 7 may, for example, calculate the volume or cross-sectional area of ​​the loop W from the measured height and width.

[0067] Control unit 7 is configured to switch tire forming system 1 from test mode TM to production mode PM. For example... Figure 2 As shown, in production mode PM, control unit 7 is arranged to control rotary driver 5 and pitch driver 6, causing production strip P to be spirally wound around central axis S into multiple loops W2 to form or construct tire components (not shown) by strip winding. More specifically, control unit 7 is arranged in production mode PM to control rotary driver 5 and pitch driver 6, causing one or more loops W2 of production strip P to be wound in the axial direction A with a pitch K2 smaller than the die width D and / or strip width E. Therefore, the loops W2 of production strip P are wound in an overlapping manner, i.e., there is no gap between directly adjacent loops W2. Furthermore, the loops W2 of production strip P are laminated into multiple layers to construct tire components with a thickness greater than that of a single loop W2.

[0068] A tire component is constructed on production surface 40 using one or more molding parameters. Molding parameters may include parameters from the group consisting of: speed, speed ratio, flow rate, temperature, pressure, or environmental conditions such as humidity or ambient temperature. In this particular example, where the production strip P is extruded via extruder 21, one of the molding parameters may be extrusion speed, extrusion flow rate, extrusion temperature, or extrusion pressure. Furthermore, in this particular example where the production strip P is metered by gear pump 22, one of the molding parameters may be gear pump speed, gear pump flow rate, or gear pump pressure. Additionally or alternatively, when the production strip P is supplied toward production surface 40 at a supply speed and production surface 40 moves at a receiving speed, one of the molding parameters may be the supply speed, the receiving speed, or the ratio of the supply speed to the receiving speed.

[0069] One or more molding parameters can be calculated by the control unit 7 or input by the operator through a user interface (not shown). The control unit 7 can also propose one or more molding parameters, which can then be reviewed, modified, and / or approved by the operator. The control unit 7 is operatively and / or electronically connected to one or more of the strip supply component 2, extruder 21, gear pump 22, rotary drive 5, and pitch drive 6 to control one or more of the components of the tire forming system 1 based on one or more molding parameters.

[0070] The following will refer to Figure 1 -4, 10, 11 describe in more detail the tire forming method for forming tire components (not shown).

[0071] The method initially includes the following steps: providing a choice between Test Mode TM and Production Mode PM, as illustrated schematically in the user interface (UI). The choice is provided before executing Test Mode TM. After completing Test Mode TM, Production Mode PM is launched.

[0072] Figure 1 The test mode TM of the tire forming system 1 is shown. At the start of test mode TM, the cylindrical measuring surface 30 is empty. Any residual strips P, T from the previous cycle have been removed. The tire forming system 1 is now ready to begin test mode TM.

[0073] exist Figure 1In this process, a continuous test strip T of a certain length is supplied by the strip supply component 2 using one or more forming parameters, which are also used to ultimately supply the production strip P. The controller 7 simultaneously controls the rotary driver 5 and the pitch driver 6 to helically wind the continuous test strip T around the central axis S into multiple turns W1 on the cylindrical measuring surface 30. In the axial direction A, the pitch K1 of one or more turns W1 is greater than the die width D and / or the strip width E. During and / or after the winding of the test strip T, the sensor 8 obtains a test measurement value M from at least one of the one or more turns W1 of the test strip T, such as... Figure 11 As shown in the diagram. The test measurement M can provide useful feedback on how the forming parameters used to wind the test strip T affect the winding W1 characteristics of the test strip T.

[0074] In preferred applications, the test strip T is wound using a first molding parameter whose test value is outside the production value range. More preferably, the test value is used within a range much larger than the production value range. Therefore, a relatively large number of measurement values ​​M can be generated for various production scenarios.

[0075] In some applications, it may be useful to use a first forming parameter set to a first value to wind a first coil W1 of one or more coils W1, and to use a second forming parameter set to a second value different from the first value to wind a second coil W1 of one or more coils W1. Therefore, the test measurement M will provide feedback on how the change in the first forming parameter value affects the measured characteristics of the test strip T.

[0076] In other applications, the first loop W1, the second loop W1, or both are wound at least partially using a second forming parameter set to a third value. Thus, it may be advantageous to use a third loop W1 of one or more loops W1 to be wound using a second forming parameter set to a fourth value different from the third value. Similarly, the test measurement M will provide feedback on how changes in the first forming parameter value affect the measured characteristics of the test strip T.

[0077] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that more forming parameters and values ​​for said forming parameters can be tested, limited only by the number of turns W1 of the test strip T that can be mounted on the cylindrical measuring surface 30. Optionally, different values ​​of the forming parameters can be tested within a single turn W1. For example, a single turn W1 can be partially wound with a first forming parameter of a first value and partially wound with a second forming parameter of a second value.

[0078] The control unit 7 is arranged to store molding parameters and values ​​for each loop or part of a loop, and associates the stored molding parameters and values ​​with test measurement values ​​M obtained by the sensor 8. For this purpose, the tire molding system 1 may be equipped with one or more position sensors (not shown), such as encoders and / or displacement sensors, to accurately detect the position of the corresponding components of the tire molding system 1 and send signals representing said positions to the control unit 7.

[0079] Alternatively, the molding parameters can be kept constant for all the multiple turns W1 of the test strip T. This can provide useful feedback on how the properties of the test strip T change over time, for example, due to material curing.

[0080] Preferably, the initial turn W1 of the test strip T is wound onto the cylindrical measuring surface 30 using a non-overlapping pitch K1, so that the test measurement value M can be obtained during the initiation phase of the spiral winding of the test strip T. Similarly, preferably, the final turn W1 of the test strip T is wound onto the cylindrical measuring surface 30 using a non-overlapping pitch K1, so that the test measurement value T can be included at the end of the final turn W1 on the cylindrical measuring surface 30 during the end phase of the spiral winding.

[0081] The test measurement value M is sent to the control unit 7 for processing. The control unit 7 can convert the raw data from the test measurement value M into a graphical representation, such as... Figure 11 The graph shown is similar, thus providing useful feedback to the operator. Alternatively, the raw data from the test measurement value M can be provided directly to the operator. In another possible embodiment, the control unit 7 can perform calculations on the data from the test measurement value M, such as deriving the cross-sectional area or volume of the test strip T from the measured height and width. The control unit 7 can also be arranged to interpolate the test measurement value M of the test strip T for a value of a first molding parameter within a range between a first value and a second value; or extrapolate the test measurement value M of the test strip T for a value of a first molding parameter outside the range defined by the first and second values.

[0082] Figure 2 The production mode PM of the tire forming system 1 is shown. Due to the wide variety of forming parameters and / or values ​​used in the test mode TM, the test strip T may or may not be used in the production mode PM. Therefore, in the production mode PM, the test strip T from the test mode TM has been removed from the cylindrical measuring surface 30, which in this example also forms the production surface 40. Subsequently, a tire component (not shown) is formed using one or more forming parameters.

[0083] From such Figure 1 The test mode TM shown is switched to as follows: Figure 2 Prior to the production mode PM shown, the control unit 7 and / or operator sets one or more molding parameters. In the method according to the invention, at least one of one or more tire molding parameters is set, adjusted, configured, calibrated, verified, and / or validated based on the test measurement value M of the test strip T. In particular, the control unit 7 and / or operator can determine to adjust or compensate for the measured difference between the expected result and the measured result in the test strip T based on the test measurement value M of the test strip T. Furthermore, one of the molding parameters can be adjusted to compensate for changes in the test measurement value M over time, for example, due to curing. The test measurement value M can also be used to predict the effects of die expansion, i.e., the tendency of the test strip T to expand in the cross-section downstream of the die opening 24. In more advanced applications, the test measurement value M can even signal excessive wear of the extruder 21, gear pump 22, and / or die 23 by comparing the expected characteristics of the test strip T, such as volume or cross-section, with the actual measured characteristics of the test strip T.

[0084] Therefore, based on the measured characteristics of the test strip T, the test measurement M can be effectively used to predict the performance of the production strip P. The feedback provided by the test measurement M of the test strip T in test mode TM can be used to set or adjust one or more molding parameters accordingly, thereby preventing quality problems during tire component molding and / or improving tire component quality during production mode PM. Operators can use these measurements to manually set one or more molding parameters. Alternatively, these measurements can be used as a dataset for machine learning and / or artificial intelligence programs to automatically adjust and / or control molding parameters and / or production mode PM.

[0085] Test mode TM can be repeated before each molding cycle of production mode PM, or (to save time) only when switching to a new batch or new component raw material. The measurements from test mode TM can be used to set molding parameters for the repeated production of a single type of tire part; or, if the amount of measurement is sufficient to predict a relatively large range of molding parameters, it can be used to set molding parameters for different types of tire parts without having to rerun test mode TM between switching to new tire parts.

[0086] Figure 5 -8 illustrates an alternative tire forming system 101 according to an exemplary second embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] The alternative tire forming system 101 differs from the previously discussed tire forming system 1 in that it includes a measuring tool 103 that is separate from or separable from the drum 4. The measuring tool 103 is arranged to assemble around the cylindrical production surface 40 of the drum 4. When the measuring tool 103 is assembled around the cylindrical production surface 40, the measuring tool 103 extends concentrically around the cylindrical production surface 40. The measuring tool 103 forms a cylindrical measuring surface 130 outside the cylindrical production surface 40 or with a diameter larger than the cylindrical production surface 40. Preferably, the outer diameter of the measuring tool 103 is only slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical production surface 40. The cylindrical measuring surface 130 is more rounded than the cylindrical production surface 40. In particular, unlike the lowered production surface 40, the cylindrical measuring surface 130 can be formed into a perfect circle. Therefore, the negative effects of gaps or slits between the segments 42 of the drum 4 can be prevented, and the consistency, accuracy, and / or reliability of the test measurement values ​​M obtained from the perfectly round cylindrical measuring surface 130 can be improved. The cylindrical measuring surface 130 can also be optimized for measurement, for example, by providing greater contrast.

[0088] Figure 9 An alternative tire forming system 201 according to an exemplary third embodiment of the present invention is shown. This alternative tire forming system 201 differs from the previously discussed tire forming systems 1, 101 only in that it provides an alternative cylindrical measuring surface 230, which is offset in the axial direction A relative to the cylindrical production surface 40. Specifically, the cylindrical measuring surface 230 may be provided on a separate portion of the drum 4, or on an extension or additional measuring drum forming the production surface 40 alongside the drum 4.

[0089] It should be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of preferred embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Many variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing discussion, and these variations are still covered by the scope of the invention.

[0090] Although not explicitly shown, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that test measurements obtained from the loops W of the test strip T can also be used to predict the performance of a non-cylindrical production surface, such as a production strip P on a planar production surface or a conveyor belt.

[0091] List of reference numerals

[0092] 1 Tire forming system

[0093] 2 strip supply components

[0094] 21 Extruder

[0095] 22 Gear Pump

[0096] 23 Molds

[0097] 24 Mold opening

[0098] 30 Cylindrical measuring surface

[0099] 4 drums

[0100] 40 Cylindrical production surface

[0101] 41 Drum Shaft

[0102] 42 sections

[0103] 5 Rotary Driver

[0104] 6 Pitch Driver

[0105] 7 Control Unit

[0106] 70 Memory

[0107] 8 sensors

[0108] 101 Alternative Tire Molding Systems

[0109] 103 Measuring tools

[0110] 130 Cylindrical measuring surface

[0111] 201 Other alternative tire forming systems

[0112] 230 Cylindrical measuring surface

[0113] Axial direction

[0114] D Mold Width

[0115] E Strip width

[0116] M measurement value

[0117] P continuous production strip

[0118] PM production mode

[0119] K1 test strip pitch

[0120] K2 production strip pitch

[0121] S-center axis

[0122] T continuous test strips

[0123] TM Test Mode

[0124] UI (User Interface)

[0125] W1 test strip loop

[0126] W2 produces the winding of strips.

Claims

1. A tire forming method, the method comprising the following steps: - A choice is provided between a production mode for molding tire components and a test mode for obtaining test measurement values, wherein the choice is provided before the test mode is performed; The test mode includes the following steps: - Provides a cylindrical measuring surface that extends concentrically around the central axis; - A continuous test strip is wound into multiple non-overlapping loops around the central axis on the cylindrical measuring surface; and - Obtain test measurements from at least one of the plurality of non-overlapping loops of the test strip; The production mode includes the following steps: - Tire components are formed from production strips on a production surface using one or more forming parameters; The method further includes the following steps: first, executing the test mode, and then executing the production mode, wherein, after completing the test mode and before molding the tire component, at least one of the one or more molding parameters is set based on the test measurement values ​​of the test strip.

2. The tire forming method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The selection is provided to the operator through a user interface.

3. The tire forming method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The production strip is wound using a first molding parameter whose value is set according to the production sequence based on the position of the production strip within the formed tire component during the winding of the production strip, wherein the test strip is wound using a first molding parameter whose value is set according to a test sequence independent of the production sequence during the winding of the test strip.

4. The tire forming method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The production strip is wound using a first molding parameter whose entire production value is within the production value range, wherein the test strip is wound using a first molding parameter whose at least one test value is outside the production value range.

5. The tire forming method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method includes the steps of: at least partially winding a first loop of the plurality of non-overlapping loops of the test strip using a first forming parameter set to a first value; at least partially winding a second loop of the plurality of non-overlapping loops of the test strip using a second forming parameter set to a second value different from the first value; and the method further includes the steps of: interpolating or extrapolating test measurements of the test strip for values ​​that are within a range between the first value and the second value or outside a range defined by the first value and the second value.

6. The tire forming method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The test strips obtained during the test mode are not used to form the tire component or a portion thereof in the production mode.

7. The tire forming method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first loop of the plurality of non-overlapping loops of the test strip is at least partially wound using a first forming parameter set to a first value; the second loop of the plurality of non-overlapping loops of the test strip is at least partially wound using a first forming parameter set to a second value different from the first value; the first loop, the second loop, or both are at least partially wound using a second forming parameter set to a third value different from the first forming parameter; and the third loop of the plurality of non-overlapping loops of the test strip is at least partially wound using a second forming parameter set to a fourth value different from the third value.

8. The tire forming method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The molding parameters remain constant for all turns of the multiple turns of the test strip, wherein at least one of the one or more molding parameters is adjusted in production mode to compensate for changes in test measurements over time.

9. The tire forming method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of non-overlapping loops of the test strip include an initial loop of the test strip on the cylindrical measuring surface during the initial phase of the spiral winding of the test strip or a final loop of the test strip on the cylindrical measuring surface during the final phase of the spiral winding of the test strip, wherein the test measurements include measurements at the start point of the initial loop on the cylindrical measuring surface or the end point of the final loop on the cylindrical measuring surface, respectively.

10. The tire forming method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of non-overlapping loops are wound around the cylindrical measuring surface in a single layer, wherein the test mode is terminated after the single layer is completed.

11. The tire forming method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cylindrical measuring surface is the production surface, wherein the method includes the following steps: in the production mode, before forming the tire component, removing the test strip from the measuring surface.

12. The tire forming method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The production surface is a cylindrical production surface, wherein the method includes the following steps: assembling a measuring tool around the cylindrical production surface before spirally winding the test strip, and removing the measuring tool from the production surface after spirally winding the test strip and before molding the tire component, wherein the cylindrical measuring surface is formed by the measuring tool and extends concentrically around the central axis when the measuring tool is mounted around the cylindrical production surface.

13. The tire forming method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The production surface is a cylindrical production surface, wherein the cylindrical measuring surface and the cylindrical production surface are offset relative to each other in an axial direction parallel to the central axis.

14. The tire forming method according to any one of claims 11-13, characterized in that, The tire component is formed by spirally winding the production strip into multiple loops on the production surface.

15. The tire forming method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The pitch of the multiple turns of the production strip in the axial direction parallel to the central axis is less than the width of the production strip in the same axial direction.

16. The tire forming method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The test strip is spirally wound, wherein one or more of the plurality of turns of the test strip have a pitch in an axial direction parallel to the central axis that is greater than the width of the test strip in the same axial direction in the one or more turns.

17. The tire forming method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The pitch of the multiple non-overlapping turns of the test strip in the axial direction is at least one and a half times the maximum pitch of the helical turns of the production strip.

18. A tire forming system, comprising: Strip supply component for supplying continuous test strips; A cylindrical measuring surface for receiving the test strip from the strip supply member; A rotary actuator for rotating the cylindrical measuring surface about a central axis concentric with the cylindrical measuring surface; The tire forming system further includes a pitch driver for providing relative displacement between the cylindrical measuring surface and the strip supply member in an axial direction parallel to the central axis; wherein the tire forming system further includes a control unit capable of switching between a test mode and a production mode, wherein in the test mode, the rotary driver and the pitch driver are controlled such that the test strip is wound around the central axis into a plurality of non-overlapping loops on the cylindrical measuring surface, and in the production mode, a tire component is formed on a production surface by a production strip using one or more forming parameters; wherein the tire forming system further includes a sensor for obtaining test measurement values ​​from the plurality of non-overlapping loops of the test strip on the cylindrical measuring surface; wherein the control unit is arranged to provide a selection between the test mode and the production mode before performing the test mode, and to set at least one of the one or more forming parameters based on the test measurement values ​​of the test strip before performing the tire forming and after completing the test mode.

19. The tire forming system according to claim 18, characterized in that, The tire forming system includes a user interface operatively connected to the control unit, wherein the control unit is arranged to control the user interface to provide the selection to the operator.

20. The tire forming system according to claim 18, characterized in that, The tire forming system includes a memory operatively connected to the control unit, wherein the memory is loaded with a production sequence and a test sequence, wherein the production strip is wound using a first forming parameter set according to the production sequence based on the position of the production strip within the formed tire component during the winding of the production strip, and wherein the test strip is wound using a first forming parameter set according to the test sequence, independent of the production sequence, during the winding of the test strip.

21. The tire forming system according to claim 18, characterized in that, In the test mode, the control unit controls the rotary driver and the pitch driver such that the test strip is spirally wound around the central axis on the cylindrical measuring surface into a plurality of turns with pitch in the axial direction, wherein the strip supply member includes a mold with a mold opening for forming the test strip, wherein the mold width of the mold opening defines the width of the test strip, and wherein the control unit is arranged to control the rotary driver and the pitch driver such that the pitch of one or more of the plurality of turns of the test strip in the axial direction is greater than the mold width.

22. The tire forming system according to claim 21, characterized in that, The pitch of the plurality of non-overlapping turns of the test strip in the axial direction is at least one and a half times the width of the die.

23. The tire forming system according to claim 18, characterized in that, The tire forming system includes a drum with a drum shaft and multiple sections that are movable in a radial direction perpendicular to the drum shaft, wherein the multiple sections form the production surface.

24. The tire forming system according to claim 18, characterized in that, The cylindrical measuring surface is the production surface.

25. The tire forming system according to claim 18, characterized in that, The production surface is a cylindrical production surface, wherein the tire forming system further includes a measuring tool arranged to be mounted around the cylindrical production surface, wherein the cylindrical measuring surface is formed by the measuring tool, and when the measuring tool is mounted around the cylindrical production surface, the cylindrical measuring surface extends concentrically around the cylindrical production surface.

26. The tire forming system according to claim 25, characterized in that, The cylindrical measuring surface is closer to a circle than the cylindrical production surface.

27. The tire forming system according to claim 18, characterized in that, The production surface is a cylindrical production surface, wherein the cylindrical measuring surface and the cylindrical production surface are offset relative to each other in the axial direction.

28. The tire forming system according to claim 18, characterized in that, The control unit is arranged to control the rotary driver and the pitch driver in the production mode, such that the production strip is helically wound into multiple loops on the production surface with a pitch in the axial direction, wherein the pitch of the multiple loops of the production strip in the axial direction is less than the mold width.

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