Method for manufacturing a tire with a sponge

Abstract

The present application provides a manufacturing method of a sponge tire, which can contribute to stable manufacturing of a high-quality sponge tire. The manufacturing method includes the following steps: installing a sponge storage box (72) having a winding core (102) to a winding device (152); disposing an end portion of a sponge material (M) to the winding core (102); and rotating the winding core (102) to wind the sponge material (M) into a spiral shape and store the sponge material (M) in the sponge storage box (72). In the step of storing the sponge material (M) in the sponge storage box (72), the sponge material (M) is passed between the winding core (102) and a pressing member (184) by rotating the winding core (102), the sponge material (M) passed between the pressing member (184) and the winding core (102) is compressed by approaching the pressing member (184) to the winding core (102), and the sponge material (M) in the compressed state is wound on the winding core (102).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for manufacturing a tire with a sponge insert. More specifically, this invention relates to the manufacture of a tire with a sponge insert in which a strip of noise-reducing sponge is adhered to its inner circumferential surface. Background Technology

[0002] It is known that there are tires with a strip of sponge attached to their inner circumference. In these tires, road noise, which is mainly caused by air resonance vibration (cavity resonance), is reduced.

[0003] Currently, sponge is applied to the inner circumference of tires manually by operators. To achieve efficient, precise, and uniform application of sponge to the inner circumference of tires, an application device is being developed (e.g., Patent Document 1 below).

[0004] In the adhesive device disclosed in Patent Document 1, a coiled body (hereinafter also referred to as a spiral sponge) formed by winding sponge material including strip-shaped sponge into a spiral shape is directly disposed on a sponge retaining frame. The sponge retaining frame is disposed inside the tire, and the sponge is adhered to the inner circumferential surface of the tire while the sponge material is pulled out from the spiral sponge.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4746421

[0006] The shape of the sponge is determined according to the tire specifications. The adhesive device is required to be able to attach sponges of various shapes to the tire.

[0007] As the length and thickness of the sponge to be pasted increase, the volume of the spiral sponge obtained by winding the sponge increases. Depending on the size, it is sometimes impossible to place the spiral sponge within the aforementioned sponge retaining frame.

[0008] The foam retainer is positioned inside the tire, passing through the bead seat hole. There are limits to how large the foam retainer can be.

[0009] Sponges are elastomers. In order to keep sponge materials as spiral sponges, some methods are needed to constrain the spiral sponge.

[0010] When manufacturing tires with sponge inserts of various specifications, workers are required to perform manual operations. There are still challenges to be solved in achieving efficient, precise, and uniform application of sponge inserts to the inner circumference of the tire. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The present invention was made in view of the following circumstances, and its object is to provide a method for manufacturing sponge tires that can contribute to the stable manufacture of high-quality sponge tires.

[0012] One aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a sponge-lined tire, comprising the following steps: (1) installing a sponge storage box having a core onto a winding device; (2) placing an end of a sponge material containing the sponge onto the core; (3) rotating the core to wind the sponge material into a spiral shape and storing the sponge material in the sponge storage box; (4) installing the sponge storage box containing the sponge material onto a pasting device; and (5) pasting the sponge onto the inner circumferential surface of the tire while pulling the sponge material out of the sponge storage box. In the step of storing the sponge material in the sponge storage box, by rotating the core, the sponge material passes between the core and a pressing member positioned opposite the core. By bringing the pressing member close to the core, the sponge material passing between the pressing member and the core is compressed, and the compressed sponge material is wound around the core.

[0013] Preferably, in the manufacturing method of the sponge tire, a sponge storage box containing the sponge material is directly disposed inside the tire.

[0014] Preferably, in the method for manufacturing the sponge tire, the sponge storage box comprises: a shaft located inside the core, supporting the core for rotation; a restraining member located outside the core, constraining the sponge material wound around the core; and a fixing frame that fixes the restraining member to the shaft. The core is mounted on the winding device, and the shaft is mounted on the bonding device.

[0015] According to the present invention, a method for manufacturing sponge-lined tires that contributes to the stable production of high-quality sponge-lined tires can be obtained. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a sponge tire.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing an example of sponge material before it is pasted.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a front view showing an example of a sponge adhesive device.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a side view of the sponge adhesive device.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a side view of the pasted component.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a side view of the sponge storage box.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of a sponge storage box.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a side view showing an example of a sponge winding device.

[0024] Figure 9 This is the front view of the sponge winding device.

[0025] Figure 10 This is the front view of the sponge winding device.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a side view of the sponge winding device.

[0027] Figure 12 This is a side view illustrating the method of winding sponge material.

[0028] Figure 13 This is a side view illustrating the method of winding sponge material.

[0029] Figure 14 This is a side view illustrating the method of winding sponge material.

[0030] Figure 15 This is a side view illustrating the method of winding sponge material.

[0031] Figure 16 This is a side view of a sponge storage box for storing sponge materials.

[0032] Figure 17 This is the front view of the sponge bonding device.

[0033] Figure 18 This is the front view of the sponge bonding device.

[0034] Label Explanation

[0035] 2: Sponge pasting device; 8: Pasting component; 66: Sponge retaining frame; 72: Sponge storage box; 102: Core; 104: Shaft; 106: Restricting component; 108: Fixing frame; 110: Outer cylinder; 112: Inner cylinder; 114: Support plate; 116: Interruption (seam); 118: Mounting hole of core 102; 120: Shaft body of shaft 104; 122: Bearing part of shaft 104; 152: Sponge winding device; 154: Mounting component; 156: Compression component; 158: Mounting part; 160 162: Rotating machine; 172: Constraint part; 176: Mounting pin; 184: Rotating shaft of rotating machine 160; 186: Pressing part; 187: Support mechanism; 188: Roller of pressing part 184; 194: Cylinder of support mechanism 186; 202: Fixed shaft of sponge retaining frame 66; ST: Tire with sponge; T: Tire; NT: Inner surface of tread (inner circumferential surface of tire T); S: Sponge; Sm: Main body of sponge S; Sa: Adhesive surface of sponge S; M: Sponge material; P: Release paper; Y: Release agent removal area. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Hereinafter, with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention will be described in detail based on preferred embodiments.

[0037] [With sponge tires]

[0038] Figure 1 An example of a sponge-lined tire ST obtained by a method for manufacturing a sponge-lined tire according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 A portion of the meridional cross-section with a sponge tire ST is shown. Figure 1 In the middle, the sponge tire ST is assembled onto the rim R. Figure 1 In the diagram, the dashed line CL represents the equatorial plane.

[0039] The ST with sponge tire has a tire T and a sponge S.

[0040] A tire (T) comprises elements such as the tread, sidewall, bead, carcass, belts, and inner liner. The tire (T) contacts the road surface within the tread. The inner liner forms the inner circumferential surface of the tire (T). These elements are common to the tire (T) and their descriptions are omitted.

[0041] Sponge S is adhered to the inner circumferential surface of tire T. In this tire ST with sponge, sponge S is located radially on the inner side of the tread. Sponge S lies on the equatorial plane. The portion of the tread located on the outer side of the inner circumferential surface of tire T is also referred to as the inner tread surface NT. In this tire ST with sponge, sponge S is adhered to the inner tread surface NT.

[0042] The sponge S is strip-shaped. In a tire ST with a sponge, the sponge S extends circumferentially. The main body Sm of the sponge S absorbs and mitigates the resonant sound energy (vibration energy) generated in the tire cavity through its vibration damping and sound absorption properties, thus suppressing cavity resonance. This reduces road noise.

[0043] As the main body Sm of sponge S, examples of sponge-like porous structures include, for instance, a network structure formed by intertwining and integrally connecting a sponge with continuous air bubbles (made by foaming rubber or synthetic resin) with animal fibers, plant fibers, or synthetic fibers. The aforementioned "porous structures" include not only structures with continuous air bubbles but also structures with independent air bubbles.

[0044] In this sponge tire ST, the main body Sm of the sponge S is preferably made of synthetic resin sponges such as ether-based polyurethane sponge, ester-based polyurethane sponge, and polyethylene sponge; or rubber sponges such as chloroprene rubber sponge (CR sponge), ethylene propylene rubber sponge (EDPM sponge), and nitrile rubber sponge (NBR sponge).

[0045] In the ST tire with sponge, the deformation and recovery are repeated in the same way as in the tire without sponge S. Because sponge S is adhered to the inner surface NT of the tread, it is prevented from peeling off from the inner surface NT of the tread.

[0046] Although not detailed, the process involves, for example, pressurizing and heating a green tire (an uncured tire T, also known as a green tire) within a cavity consisting of a mold and an air chamber to obtain the tire T. To remove the tire T from the cavity, a release agent such as silicone oil is used. The release agent adheres to the inner circumferential surface of the vulcanized tire T. The release agent affects the adhesion between the sponge S and the inner surface NT of the tread.

[0047] When attaching sponge S to the inner circumferential surface of tire T, it is preferable to create a release agent removal area by methods such as polishing, grinding, or laser irradiation, and then attach sponge S to this release agent removal area. This ensures that sponge S is reliably bonded to the inner circumferential surface of tire T.

[0048] exist Figure 1 In the sponge-supported tire ST, the inner surface NT of the tread is pre-polished in the circumferential direction to form a release agent removal area Y in which the release agent is removed, and the sponge S is pasted in this release agent removal area Y.

[0049] In this sponge tire ST, from the viewpoint of reliably bonding the sponge S to the inner circumferential surface of the tire T, it is preferable to designate one side of the sponge S as an adhesive surface Sa provided with adhesive A. In this case, double-sided adhesive tape is preferably used as adhesive A. The main body Sm of the sponge S is bonded to the inner circumferential surface of the tire T via adhesive A. The sponge S has a main body Sm and adhesive A disposed on one side of the main body Sm. One side of the sponge S is the adhesive surface Sa composed of adhesive A.

[0050] [Sponge Material]

[0051] Figure 2 The state of the sponge S before it is adhered to the tire T is shown. From the viewpoint of protecting the adhesive surface Sa that forms one side of the sponge S, the adhesive surface Sa is covered by the release paper P.

[0052] In this disclosure, the sponge S whose adhesive surface Sa is covered by the release paper P is a sponge material M. The sponge material M includes a strip-shaped sponge S and a release paper P covering one side of the adhesive surface Sa that forms the sponge S. In other words, the sponge material M is composed of a sponge S whose adhesive surface Sa is the surface to be adhered to the tire T and on which the release paper P is disposed.

[0053] The length of the sponge material M is set with consideration for the bonding length of each piece of tire T. When bonding sponge S to the inner circumference of tire T, prepare sponge material M whose length is adjusted to the required bonding length.

[0054] [Manufacturing method for ST-type sponge tires]

[0055] The manufacturing method of a tire ST with a sponge will be described using the case of attaching a sponge S to a tire T on which a release agent removal area Y is formed as an example.

[0056] In this manufacturing method, a spiral sponge (hereinafter also referred to as spiral sponge SP) is prepared, which is formed by winding sponge material M into a spiral shape. While pulling sponge material M out from spiral sponge SP, sponge S is attached to the inner circumferential surface of tire T.

[0057] [Sponge Adhesive Device]

[0058] use Figure 3 and Figure 4 The outline of the sponge bonding device 2 for attaching sponge S to the inner surface NT of the tire tread while simultaneously pulling out sponge material M from the spiral sponge SP is described. The manufacturing apparatus used in this manufacturing method includes the sponge bonding device 2 (hereinafter referred to as bonding device 2).

[0059] Figure 3 This is the front view of the pasting device 2. Figure 3The left and right directions of the paper are equivalent to the axial direction of the tire T. Figure 4 This is a side view of the adhesive device 2. (and...) Figure 4 The direction perpendicular to the paper surface corresponds to the axial direction of the tire T.

[0060] The adhesive applicator 2 includes a retaining rotation member 4, a position adjusting member 6, and an adhesive member 8. The retaining rotation member 4 holds the tire T in an upright position so that it can rotate. The position adjusting member 6 supports the adhesive member 8 and adjusts the position of the adhesive member 8. The adhesive member 8 adheres a sponge S to the inner surface NT of the tread of the tire T, which is held in place by the retaining rotation member 4 and is rotating.

[0061] The rotating member 4 has a support mechanism 10, a positioning mechanism 12, and a pressing mechanism 14. The support mechanism 10 supports the tire T. The support mechanism 10 has a pair of support rollers 16 spaced apart and supporting the tire T. The positioning mechanism 12 has a pair of side supports 18 disposed opposite to the sides of the tire T held by the support mechanism 10. The pair of side supports 18 clamp the tire T from both sides. The pressing mechanism 14 presses the tire T held by the support mechanism 10 from above.

[0062] In the adhesive device 2, a support mechanism 10, a positioning mechanism 12, and a pressing mechanism 14 are installed on a skeleton-shaped frame 22. The skeleton-shaped frame 22 is constructed by joining the left and right side frames 20, which are rectangular in shape and composed of vertical and horizontal frame pieces, together with a horizontal connecting frame piece.

[0063] In this adhesive device 2, a tire T is inserted between the left and right side supports 18 and then removed from between the left and right side supports 18.

[0064] In the support mechanism 10, a pair of support rollers 16 are each pivotally supported by the side frame 20 and are rotatable. One support roller 16 is connected to the drive motor 24 via a known drive linkage mechanism using a sprocket or annular belt, etc. The tire T rotates by the drive motor 24.

[0065] In the positioning mechanism 12, each of the pair of side supports 18 has a rectangular support main portion 26. The support main portion 26 is supported by a pair of upper and lower guides 28 extending axially along the tire T between the left and right side frames 20, allowing it to move axially. The left and right support main portions 26 are configured to approach or separate via a left and right opening and closing mechanism (not shown). This ensures that the position of the tire T mounted on the support mechanism 10 is aligned with the position of the tire T when the sponge S is attached.

[0066] To keep the tire T rotatable, a plurality of retaining rollers 30 are pivotally supported on the side support 18. Each retaining roller 30 is mounted on the opposite side of the main support 26 in such a way that it abuts against the tire T at its maximum width position.

[0067] The pressing mechanism 14 has a cylinder 32 supported by a mounting fitting at the upper end of the frame 22. The cylinder 32 has a downwardly extending rod 34, at the end of which a pressing roller 36 is mounted via a roller holder pivot. By extending the cylinder 32, the tire T is pressed from above toward the support roller 16. This bonding device 2 is capable of reliably rotating the tire T at a specified rotational speed without positional misalignment or uneven speed.

[0068] The position adjustment member 6 can move the height adjustment platform 38 up and down according to the size of the tire T that holds the rotating member 4, and can adjust the position of the adhesive member 8 to a height position that allows the adhesive member 8 to be inserted into the tire cavity through the bead seat hole H and removed from the tire cavity through the bead seat hole H.

[0069] The position adjustment component 6 has a support component 40 and a height adjustment component 42.

[0070] Support member 40 supports adhesive member 8. Support member 40 has a lateral movement mechanism 44 and a vertical movement mechanism 46.

[0071] The lateral movement mechanism 44 inserts the adhesive piece 8 into the tire cavity through the bead seat hole H of the tire T by moving the adhesive piece 8 axially along the tire T, and removes the adhesive piece 8 from the tire cavity through the bead seat hole H of the tire T. The vertical movement mechanism 46 moves the adhesive piece 8 inserted into the tire cavity radially along the tire T.

[0072] The height adjustment member 42 supports the support member 40 and adjusts the height position of the adhesive member 8 supported by the support member 40 to match the size of the tire T by moving the support member 40 up and down. The height adjustment member 42 has the aforementioned height adjustment platform 38 and a longitudinal guide portion 48.

[0073] A longitudinal guide portion 48 is disposed on a support platform 50 erected from the base plate of the frame 22 and extends vertically. The height adjustment platform 38 is guided by the longitudinal guide portion 48 and is capable of moving vertically. Although not shown, the height adjustment member 42 has a vertical linear drive portion that allows the height adjustment platform 38 to move freely vertically. In this adhesive device 2, the vertical linear drive portion has a ball screw mechanism. The vertical linear drive portion has: a vertical screw shaft, both ends of which are pivotally supported on the support platform 50; and a nut portion, which is mounted on the height adjustment platform 38 and screwed onto the screw shaft. A lifting motor mounted on the support platform 50 is connected to one end of the screw shaft.

[0074] In the support member 40, the lateral movement mechanism 44 has a lateral guide 52, a lateral moving stage 54, and a lateral linear drive 56. The lateral guide 52 is disposed on the height adjustment platform 38. The lateral moving stage 54 is guided by the lateral guide 52 and is able to move along the axial direction of the tire T. The lateral linear drive 56 moves the lateral moving stage 54 between a rearward standby position Qr and a forward advancing position Qf. In this adhesive device 2, the lateral linear drive 56 is a rodless cylinder, and the piston portion that moves between one end and the other end is connected to the lateral moving stage 54 via an actuator.

[0075] In the standby position Qr, the adhesive piece 8 is positioned on the outside of the tire's inner cavity. In the standby state, the tire T is inserted into the retaining rotating member 4, the tire T is removed from the retaining rotating member 4, and the spiral sponge SP is positioned onto the adhesive piece 8. In the forward position Qf, the center line of the sponge S's width is aligned with the equatorial plane of the tire T, and the spiral sponge SP is positioned inside the tire's inner cavity.

[0076] The vertical movement mechanism 46 has a longitudinal guide 58, a lifting body 60, and a vertical linear drive 62. The longitudinal guide 58 is disposed on a support platform 64 erected from the transverse moving platform 54 and extends vertically. The lifting body 60 is guided by the longitudinal guide 58 and is able to move vertically. The lifting body 60 extends along the axial direction of the tire T. An adhesive member 8 is held at the front end of the lifting body 60. The vertical linear drive 62 moves the lifting body 60 vertically. In this adhesive device 2, the vertical linear drive 62 is a cylinder. The vertical linear drive 62 moves the adhesive member 8 held at the front end of the lifting body 60 between an insertion height position for insertion into the tire cavity and an adhesive height position for the sponge S.

[0077] Figure 5 Showing attachment 8. In Figure 5 The image shows a scenario where sponge S is adhered to the inner circumferential surface of tire T. (Compared to...) Figure 5 The direction perpendicular to the paper surface corresponds to the axial direction of the tire T.

[0078] The adhesive component 8 includes a sponge retaining frame 66, a guide mechanism 68, and an adhesive mechanism 70. A sponge storage box 72 (described later) is mounted on the sponge retaining frame 66. The sponge storage box 72 stores sponge material M. The guide mechanism 68 pulls the sponge material M from the sponge storage box 72, guiding the sponge S to the inner surface NT of the tire tread. The adhesive mechanism 70 adhesively attaches the sponge S to the inner surface NT of the tire tread.

[0079] The foam retaining frame 66 is mounted to the front end of the lifting body 60 via the mounting plate 74. The foam retaining frame 66 is container-shaped, with an annular surrounding frame 76 around the base plate 78 to hold the foam storage box 72. A portion of the annular surrounding frame 76 has an interruption 80, and a guide portion 82 for guiding the foam material M is provided in the interruption 80. The foam material M stored in the foam storage box 72 passes through the guide portion 82. Although not described in detail, the width of the guide portion 82 is set in such a way that the foam material M can pass through the guide portion 82 smoothly.

[0080] The guiding mechanism 68 includes a peeling roller 84, a winding roller 86, and a guide roller 88. The peeling roller 84 and the guide roller 88 are disposed on the lower end side of the guiding section 82. The winding roller 86 is disposed near the guiding section 82. The peeling roller 84, the winding roller 86, and the guide roller 88 are supported by the mounting plate 74 and are rotatable.

[0081] The peeling roller 84 peels the release paper P from the sponge material M that has passed through the guide section 82. As a result, the adhesive surface Sa is exposed, and only the sponge S remains.

[0082] The winding roller 86 is adjacent to the peeling roller 84 and winds the release paper P peeled from the sponge material M by the peeling roller 84. The winding roller 86 is connected to the drive pulley 90 via a drive belt. A motor (not shown) drives the drive pulley 90 to rotate, thereby rotating the winding roller 86.

[0083] The guide roller 88 guides the sponge S towards the inner surface NT of the tire tread with the adhesive surface Sa as the outer side. A flange 92 is provided on the outer periphery of the guide roller 88 to prevent the sponge S from shifting position.

[0084] The adhesive applicator 70 includes an adhesive roller 94. The adhesive roller 94 presses and adheres the sponge S, guided by the guide roller 88, to the inner surface NT of the tire tread. The adhesive roller 94 is pivotally supported at the lower end of the rod 98, which is fixed to the cylinder 96 of the mounting plate 74, via a roller retainer 100, allowing it to rotate freely. The outer peripheral surface of the adhesive roller 94 is made of easily elastically deformable sponge. The adhesive roller 94 presses the sponge S onto the inner surface NT of the tire tread through surface contact.

[0085] [Sponge Storage Box]

[0086] As described above, a sponge storage box 72 according to one embodiment of the present invention is installed on the sponge holding frame 66 of the adhesive device 2. Use Figure 6 and Figure 7 This description pertains to the sponge storage box 72. (Compared to...) Figure 6 The direction perpendicular to the paper corresponds to the axial direction of the tire T. In Figure 6 In the middle, the front side of the paper is the front side of the sponge storage box 72. Figure 7 The left-right direction of the paper corresponds to the axial direction of the tire T. In Figure 7In the middle, the left side of the paper shows the front side of the sponge storage box 72.

[0087] The sponge storage box 72 stores sponge material M. The sponge storage box 72 is used in the winding device described later and the adhesive device 2 mentioned above. The sponge storage box 72 is also a component of the winding device and the adhesive device 2.

[0088] The sponge storage box 72 has a core 102, a shaft 104, a limiting component 106, and a fixing frame 108.

[0089] The core 102 is cylindrical. Sponge material M is wound around the outer periphery of the core 102. The sponge material M is wound into a spiral shape, forming a spiral sponge SP. The sponge material M, as the spiral sponge SP, is stored in the sponge storage box 72.

[0090] The core 102 has an outer cylinder 110, an inner cylinder 112 located inside the outer cylinder 110, and a support plate 114 supporting the outer cylinder 110 and the inner cylinder 112. The outer cylinder 110 forms the outer peripheral surface of the core 102. The inner cylinder 112 forms the inner peripheral surface of the core 102. The support plate 114 is annular disc-shaped. The outer cylinder 110 is fixed to the outer edge of the support plate 114. The outer cylinder 110 extends from the outer edge of the support plate 114 toward the front side. The inner cylinder 112 is fixed to the inner edge of the support plate 114. The inner cylinder 112 extends from the inner edge of the support plate 114 toward the front side.

[0091] In this sponge storage box 72, the outer cylinder 110 has an interruption 116 formed on a portion thereof. This interruption is a seam.

[0092] A sponge material M is wound around the outer periphery of the core 102, but the end of the sponge material M is clamped in the slot 116. Since the sponge material M is stably held by the core 102, the winding of the sponge material M proceeds smoothly. From this point of view, it is preferable that the slot 116 for clamping the end of the sponge material M is provided in the outer cylinder 110.

[0093] The support plate 114 is provided with two mounting holes 118 that pass through the support plate 114. These mounting holes 118 are used for mounting the winding device described later.

[0094] The shaft portion 104 is located inside the core 102. The shaft portion 104 supports the core 102 so that it can rotate. The shaft portion 104 is fitted into the inner cylinder 112 of the core 102.

[0095] The shaft portion 104 has a shaft body 120 and a bearing portion 122. The bearing portion 122 is located between the shaft body 120 and the core 102. The sponge storage box 72 is configured such that the core 102 rotates around the shaft body 120. The bearing portion 122 of the sponge storage box 72 has two bearings 124.

[0096] In this sponge storage box 72, the shaft body 120 of the shaft portion 104 has a main body portion 126 and a cover portion 128. A step is engraved on the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 126, and two bearings 124 are mounted on this step. A spacer 130 is disposed between the two bearings 124, and the two bearings 124 are arranged at a certain interval. The cover portion 128 is fixed to the main body portion 126 by bolts 132, and the two bearings 124 are fixed to the shaft body portion 120.

[0097] The inner cylinder 112 of the aforementioned core 102 has an inner cylinder body 134 and a pressure plate 136. The inner cylinder body 134 has an inwardly protruding protrusion 138 at its front end. When the core 102 is mounted on the shaft portion 104, the protrusion 138 is supported by a bearing 124 on the front side. A pressure plate 136 is mounted at the back end of the inner cylinder body 134, and the bearing 124 on the back side is supported by the pressure plate 136. Thus, the core 102 is fixed to the shaft portion 104.

[0098] A fixing hole 140 extending from the back end face toward the front face is provided in the main body portion 126 of the shaft body 120. As will be described later, the fixing hole 140 is used for mounting the aforementioned adhesive device 2.

[0099] The limiting member 106 is located on the outside of the core 102. As described above, the sponge material M is wound around the core 102. The limiting member 106 is located on the outside of the sponge material M wound around the core 102.

[0100] The sponge material M is an elastomer. The sponge material M wound on the core 102 needs to return to its original state before winding. However, if the sponge material M wants to return to its original state, it will come into contact with the restraining member 106. Thus, the return of the sponge material M is prevented.

[0101] The limiting component 106 constrains the sponge material M wound on the core 102. The sponge material M is held in a state of being wound on the core 102, that is, held as a spiral sponge SP. The sponge storage box 72 can control the size of the spiral sponge SP. The size of the spiral sponge SP is appropriately maintained in the sponge storage box 72.

[0102] The limiting member 106 of the sponge storage box 72 is a curved plate. As long as the sponge material M wound on the core 102 can be restrained, the limiting member 106 can also be made of a rod-shaped member extending along the width direction of the sponge material M.

[0103] The fixing frame 108 fixes the limiting member 106 to the shaft portion 104. The limiting member 106 and the shaft portion 104 are integrated.

[0104] The fixing frame 108 only needs to be able to fix the limiting member 106 to the shaft portion 104, and its structure is not particularly limited. The fixing frame 108 of the sponge storage box 72 is made of an L-shaped plate.

[0105] In this sponge storage box 72, a fixing frame 108 is mounted to a shaft 104 at its corner 108c. The fixing frame 108 and the cover 128 of the shaft 104 are fixed to the main body 126 together by bolts 132. The two ends 108e of the fixing frame 108 are respectively mounted to the ends of the limiting member 106.

[0106] In this sponge storage box 72, a handle 142 is installed on the fixed frame 108 for easy carrying.

[0107] [Sponge winding device]

[0108] As described above, in the manufacturing method of the sponge tire ST, the sponge material M is wound into a spiral shape to prepare the spiral sponge SP before the sponge S is adhered to the inner circumferential surface of the tire T. For this preparation, a sponge winding device 152 (hereinafter referred to as the winding device) is used to wind the sponge material M into a spiral shape. The aforementioned sponge storage box 72 is also used in this winding device 152.

[0109] Therefore, using Figures 8-15 A summary of a sponge winding device 152 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition to the aforementioned adhesive device 2, the manufacturing apparatus used in the method for manufacturing a sponge tire ST also includes the winding device 152.

[0110] Figure 8 This is a side view of the winding device 152. Figure 9 This is a front view of the winding device 152. (And...) Figure 8 The direction perpendicular to the paper corresponds to the axial direction of the tire T. In Figure 8 In the middle, the front side of the paper is the front side of the winding device 152. Figure 9 The left-right direction of the paper corresponds to the axial direction of the tire T. In Figure 9 In the middle, the left side of the paper is the front side of the winding device 152.

[0111] The winding device 152 has a mounting member 154 and a compression member 156. A sponge storage box 72 is mounted on the mounting member 154. The compression member 156 compresses the sponge material M stored in the sponge storage box 72. This winding device 152 is a device that compresses the sponge material M while winding it.

[0112] Mounting component 154 has a mounting portion 158, a rotating mechanism 160, and a restraining portion 162. The mounting portion 158 is supported by the rotating mechanism 160. The rotating mechanism 160 and the restraining portion 162 are supported by a support platform 168, which is mounted on the front end of a support rod 166 extending upward from the floor 164. The floor 164, the support rod 166, and the support platform 168 constitute the frame 170 of the winding device 152.

[0113] Mounting section 158 is located on the front side of winding device 152. Mounting section 158 has a pair of mounting pins 172. The pair of mounting pins 172 are supported by retaining plate 174. Each mounting pin 172 extends from retaining plate 174 toward the front side.

[0114] In this winding device 152, the mounting pin 172 of the mounting portion 158 is configured to pass through the mounting hole 118 provided in the support plate 114 of the core 102. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the mounting pin 172 of the mounting member 154 passes through the mounting hole 118 of the core 102. Thus, the core 102 of the sponge storage box 72 is mounted to the mounting portion 158 of the mounting member 154. The sponge storage box 72 can be attached to and detached from the mounting member 154.

[0115] The rotating machine 160 has a rotating shaft 176. The aforementioned mounting part 158 ​​is mounted on the front end of the rotating shaft 176. When the rotating machine 160 is driven, the mounting part 158 ​​rotates. The rotating machine 160 causes the mounting part 158 ​​to rotate.

[0116] Rotary machine 160 is a pneumatic motor. Rotary machine 160 could also be an electric motor, for example.

[0117] The restraint part 162 has two stops 178 and a contact plate 180.

[0118] Two stops 178 are mounted on a retaining member 182 extending upward from the support platform 168. The two stops 178 extend from the retaining member 182 toward the front. The two stops 178 are spaced apart in the vertical direction. A contact plate 180 is also mounted on the retaining member 182 in the same manner as the stops 178 and extends from the retaining member 182 toward the front. The contact plate 180 is positioned between the two stops 178 in the vertical direction.

[0119] As described above, in the sponge storage box 72, the shaft portion 104 supports the core 102 so that it can rotate, and the limiting member 106 and the fixing frame 108 are integrated with the shaft portion 104. In the winding device 152, the limiting member 106 is in a state where it can rotate relative to the core 102.

[0120] In the winding device 152, such as Figure 11As shown, two stops 178 and a contact plate 180 are arranged to surround the limiting member 106 of the sponge storage box 72. The upper stop 178 is configured to contact the end of the fixing frame 108 (hereinafter referred to as the first end 108ea) mounted on the upper end of the limiting member 106. The upper stop 178 prevents the limiting member 106 from rotating counterclockwise. The lower stop 178 is configured to contact the end of the fixing frame 108 (hereinafter referred to as the second end 108eb) mounted on the lower end of the limiting member 106. The lower stop 178 prevents the limiting member 106 from rotating clockwise. The contact plate 180 contacts the limiting member 106 from the outside between the upper and lower stops 178.

[0121] Two stops 178 and a contact plate 180 (i.e., a restraint portion 162) constrain the limiting member 106. In other words, the restraint portion 162 restricts the movement of the sponge storage box 72 mounted on the mounting portion 158. This prevents the limiting member 106 from rotating relative to the core 102.

[0122] The compression member 156 is located on the front side of the support rod 166 and is supported by the support rod 166. The compression member 156 has a pressing member 184 and a support mechanism 186.

[0123] The pressing member 184 is located on the lower side of the sponge storage box 72. The pressing member 184 is arranged opposite to the core 102 of the sponge storage box 72. The pressing member 184 has a roller 188 and a support frame 190 that supports the roller 188 so that it can rotate. In this winding device 152, the number of rollers 188 provided on the pressing member 184 is 3. It is sufficient to provide at least one roller 188 on the pressing member 184, and there is no particular limitation on the number of rollers 188 provided on the pressing member 184.

[0124] The support mechanism 186 has a cylinder 194 mounted to the support rod 166 via a connecting member 192. The rod 196 of the cylinder 194 is fitted with a support frame 190 for the aforementioned pressing member 184.

[0125] In this winding device 152, the pressing member 184 approaches the core 102 by the extension action of the cylinder 194. Although described later, this causes the roller 188 of the pressing member 184 to be pushed against the sponge material M. In this winding device 152, the pressing member 184 disengages from the core 102 by the retraction action of the cylinder 194. Figure 10 As shown, the pressing member 184 reciprocates between the standby position Pw and the abutment position Pc. The support mechanism 186 supports the pressing member 184 so that its position relative to the core 102 is adjustable.

[0126] In this winding device 152, the cylinder body 194 is a pneumatic cylinder. The cylinder body 194 could also be a hydraulic cylinder, for example.

[0127] Next, a method for winding sponge material M according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the operation of the winding device 152. This winding method is part of a method for manufacturing a sponge tire ST.

[0128] The winding method includes: (1) a step of installing the sponge storage box 72 onto the winding device 152 (hereinafter referred to as the installation step); (2) a step of setting the end of the sponge material M onto the core 102 (hereinafter referred to as the setting step); and (3) a step of rotating the core 102 to wind the sponge material M onto the core 102 (hereinafter referred to as the winding step). Furthermore, this installation step is also referred to as the first installation step in the manufacturing method of the sponge tire ST.

[0129] During the installation process, such as Figure 11 As shown, the sponge storage box 72 is mounted on the winding device 152. The core 102 is mounted on the mounting part 158, and the limiting member 106 is constrained by the restraining part 162. Thus, the sponge storage box 72 is fixed to the mounting member 154.

[0130] Since the sponge storage box 72 can be attached to and detached from the mounting part 154, the sponge storage box 72 can also be easily removed from the mounting part 154.

[0131] In the setting process, the sponge material M is fed into the winding device 152. For example... Figure 12 As shown, the sponge material M passes over the guide roller 198. The sponge material M further passes between two guide rollers 200. Thus, the end of the sponge material M is positioned near the core 102. In this introduction, the sponge material M is introduced into the winding device 152 with the sponge S on top (in other words, with the release paper P on the bottom). After introduction, the end of the sponge material M is clamped into the slot 116 of the core 102. The end of the sponge material M is positioned on the core 102, and the sponge material M is held on the core 102.

[0132] The size of the slit 116 is set to allow the sponge S of the sponge material M to pass through by gently flattening it. In the adhesive device 2, the end of the sponge material M is pulled out from the slit 116. The size of the slit 116 is appropriately determined with consideration of the ease of inserting and removing the end of the sponge S.

[0133] When the end of the sponge material M is placed on the core 102, the winding process begins.

[0134] During the winding process, the core 102 is rotated, as follows: Figure 13As shown, sponge material M is disposed between the core 102 and the pressing member 184. The mounting part 158 ​​is rotated by driving the rotating machine 160. Since the core 102 is mounted on the mounting part 158, the core 102 rotates by driving the rotating machine 160. As a result, the sponge material M passes between the core 102 and the pressing member 184.

[0135] In this winding process, when the drive rotary machine 160 begins winding the sponge material M, the support mechanism 186 is activated. The support mechanism 186 brings the pressing member 184, located in the standby position Pw, close to the core 102. The pressing member 184 reaches the contact position Pc, as... Figure 14 As shown, the sponge material M located between the pressing member 184 and the core 102 is pressed towards the core 102. This compresses the sponge material M. In this winding device 152, the support mechanism 186 brings the pressing member 184 close to the core 102, thereby compressing the sponge material M passing between the pressing member 184 and the core 102. Therefore, as... Figure 15 As shown, the sponge material M, which is in a compressed state, is wound around the core 102.

[0136] The winding process is completed by winding the entire sponge material M around the core 102. The completion of the winding process means that the sponge material M has been stored in the sponge storage box 72. The winding process is also the process of rotating the core 102 to wind the sponge material M into a spiral shape and storing the sponge material M in the sponge storage box 72 (hereinafter referred to as the storage process).

[0137] Figure 16 A sponge storage box 72 containing spiral sponge SP is shown, obtained by the winding device 152. In this winding device 152, the sponge material M is compressed while being wound multiple times onto the core 102.

[0138] The inner sponge material M is constrained by the outer sponge material M, thus maintaining its compressed state. Since the outermost sponge material M is constrained by the limiting member 106, the sponge S recovers at least in the portion contacting the limiting member 106. Therefore, the thickness of the sponge material M constituting the spiral sponge SP stored in the sponge storage box 72 is different. In the spiral sponge SP stored in the sponge storage box 72 by the winding device 152, the portion of the sponge material M in contact with the limiting member 106 is thicker than the inner sponge material M of the spiral sponge SP.

[0139] When the sponge material M has been stored in the sponge storage box 72, i.e., the winding process is complete, the sponge storage box 72 is removed from the winding device 152. Then, the sponge S is adhered to the inner surface NT of the tire tread using the sponge storage box 72 containing the sponge material M.

[0140] In the sponge storage box 72, as described above, the limiting member 106 restrains the sponge material M wound on the core 102. Therefore, even when the sponge storage box 72 is removed from the winding device 152, the sponge material M is maintained in the state of being wound on the core 102, that is, it is maintained as a spiral sponge SP.

[0141] Next, a method for attaching the sponge S to the inner circumferential surface (specifically, the inner tread surface NT) of the tire T using the sponge storage box 72 will be described. In this method, the aforementioned attachment device 2 is used. This method forms part of the manufacturing process for a tire ST with sponge.

[0142] The bonding method includes: (1) a process of installing a sponge storage box 72 containing sponge material M onto the bonding device 2 (hereinafter referred to as the installation process); and (2) a process of bonding sponge S to the inner surface NT of the tire tread while pulling out sponge material M from the spiral sponge SP stored in the sponge storage box 72 (hereinafter referred to as the bonding process). In addition, this installation process is also referred to as the second installation process in the manufacturing method of the sponge tire ST.

[0143] During the installation process, a sponge storage box 72 containing sponge material M is installed on the adhesive device 2. In this installation, the sponge storage box 72 is installed on the sponge holding frame 66 of the adhesive device 2.

[0144] Figure 17 A portion of the adhesive device 2 is shown. Figure 17 The foam retaining frame 66 of the adhesive piece 8 is shown in the image. Figure 17 The left-right direction of the paper corresponds to the axial direction of the tire T. In this... Figure 17 In the middle, the left side of the paper is the front side of the pasting device 2.

[0145] The adhesive component 8 of the adhesive device 2 is provided with a fixing shaft 202 extending from the base plate 78 of the sponge retaining frame 66 toward the front side. The fixing shaft 202 of the adhesive device 2 is composed of a plate-shaped flange portion 202f located on the side of the base plate 78 and a main body 202m extending from the flange portion 202f toward the front side. In the adhesive device 2, the flange portion 202f is clamped between the base plate 78 and the mounting plate 74, and the main body 202m passes through the through hole 78p provided in the base plate 78, thereby fixing the fixing shaft 202 to the adhesive component 8.

[0146] As described above, a fixing hole 140 is provided in the main body 126 of the shaft body 120 that constitutes the shaft portion 104 of the sponge storage box 72. In this adhesive device 2, as... Figure 18 As shown, the sponge storage box 72 is installed on the sponge retaining frame 66 by inserting the fixing shaft 202 into the fixing hole 140.

[0147] In this adhesive device 2, the cross-section of the main body 202m of the fixing shaft 202 and the cross-section of the fixing hole 140 are rectangular. Therefore, the shaft portion 104 does not rotate relative to the fixing shaft 202, and the sponge storage box 72 is held in the sponge holding frame 66. In this adhesive device 2, as long as the shaft portion 104 is configured not to rotate relative to the fixing shaft 202, the cross-sectional shapes of the main body 202m of the fixing shaft 202 and the fixing hole 140 are not particularly limited.

[0148] As described above, in the sponge storage box 72, the limiting member 106 and the fixing frame 108 are integrated with the shaft portion 104. Therefore, in this adhesive device 2, the limiting member 106 does not rotate relative to the fixing shaft 202.

[0149] In the adhesive device 2, such as Figure 5 As shown, a portion of the annular perimeter frame 76 of the foam retaining frame 66 has an inwardly protruding protrusion 204. This protrusion 204 serves as a marker when the foam storage box 72 is placed on the foam retaining frame 66. In this adhesive device 2, the protrusion 204 is positioned near the first end 108ea of ​​the fixing frame 108. By aligning the position of the first end 108ea of ​​the fixing frame 108 with the protrusion 204, the fixing shaft 202 of the foam retaining frame 66 is inserted into the fixing hole 140 of the foam storage box 72, thereby installing the foam storage box 72 onto the foam retaining frame 66 in a manner that the limiting member 106 of the foam storage box 72 does not interfere with the interruption portion 80 of the foam retaining frame 66.

[0150] In this adhesive method, the adhesive process begins when the sponge storage box 72 is installed onto the adhesive device 2.

[0151] In this pasting process, firstly, the transverse moving stage 54 is positioned in the standby position Qr (refer to...). Figure 3 The adhesive element 8 is disposed on the outside of the side support 18. In this standby state, the tire T is inserted into the retaining rotating element 4, and the tire T is disposed on the adhesive device 2.

[0152] When tire T is placed on adhesive device 2, adjust the position of adhesive piece 8 relative to tire T. After adjustment, insert adhesive piece 8 into the tire cavity and begin adhesiveting sponge S onto the inner surface NT of the tire tread.

[0153] In this pasting process, such as Figure 5As shown, the release paper P of the sponge material M pulled from the sponge storage box 72 is peeled off from the sponge S by the release roller 84 and wound onto the winding roller 86. The sponge S, with its adhesive surface Sa as the outer side, is guided to the inner surface NT of the tire tread by the guide roller 88. The sponge S is then adhered to the inner surface NT of the tire tread by the adhesive roller 94.

[0154] The sponge S is adhered to the inner surface NT of the tire tread while the tire T is rotating. Since the shaft 104 is fixed to the fixed shaft 202, the core 102 rotates relative to the shaft 104, so the sponge material M is smoothly pulled out from the sponge storage box 72 in conjunction with the rotation of the tire T.

[0155] In this bonding process, while pulling out the sponge material M from the sponge storage box 72, the sponge S is bonded to the inner surface NT of the tire tread. By bonding the entire sponge S stored in the sponge storage box 72 to the inner surface NT of the tire tread, the desired result is obtained. Figure 1 The image shows a sponge-loaded tire ST.

[0156] In the sponge storage box 72, the limiting member 106 constrains the sponge material M wound around the core 102, so that the spiral sponge SP maintains its shape.

[0157] Furthermore, the core 102 of the sponge storage box 72 is mounted on the winding device 152, and the shaft portion 104 of the sponge storage box 72 is mounted on the adhesive device 2. In this sponge storage box 72, the spiral sponge SP prepared in the winding device 152 can be directly supplied to the adhesive device 2. In other words, the sponge storage box 72 containing the sponge material M is directly disposed inside the tire T.

[0158] In the winding device 152 and winding method using the sponge storage box 72, the compressed sponge material M is wound onto the core 102. Therefore, regardless of whether the sponge material M is thick or long, it can be stored in the sponge storage box 72, allowing the spiral sponge SP to maintain its shape. Whether a thick sponge material M or a long sponge material M is stored in the sponge storage box 72, the size of the sponge storage box 72 mounted on the sponge holding frame 66 of the adhesive device 2 remains unchanged.

[0159] The same effect can be achieved even with sponges S that have cross-sections that are not limited to rectangular shapes, but also have cross-sections that are trapezoidal, triangular, semi-circular, or bridge-shaped.

[0160] In the manufacturing method of the sponge-lined tire using the sponge storage box 72 and the winding device 152, various specifications of sponge-lined tires ST can be manufactured. Since most of the work from the winding of the sponge material M to the bonding of the sponge S is carried out by the winding device 152 and the bonding device 2, this manufacturing method can efficiently, accurately and uniformly bond the sponge S to the inner circumferential surface of the tire T.

[0161] The sponge storage box 72, the sponge winding device 152, the winding method, and the manufacturing method of the sponge tire can contribute to the stable manufacturing of high-quality sponge tire ST.

[0162] When using the sponge storage box 72 to wind the sponge material M, the sponge S is used as the core 102 side, and the sponge material M is wound around the core 102. Since the release paper P presses against the sponge S from the outside, the recovery of the sponge S is further suppressed. In this manufacturing method, the sponge material M is wound while being sufficiently compressed. The sponge storage box 72 has a high capacity for storing sponge material M.

[0163] In the manufacturing method of the sponge-loaded tire ST using the sponge storage box 72 and the winding device 152, it is possible to manufacture sponge-loaded tire STs of various specifications.

[0164] From this perspective, in this manufacturing method, it is preferable to wrap the sponge material M around the core 102 with the sponge S as the core 102 side.

[0165] As described above, in the winding device 152, the support mechanism 186 has a cylinder 194, and a pressing member 184 is mounted on the rod 196 of the cylinder 194.

[0166] Spiral sponge SP is formed by winding sponge material M on core 102, but the thickness of spiral sponge SP increases as the number of times sponge material M is wound increases.

[0167] Therefore, the force acting on the spiral sponge SP located between the core 102 and the pressing member 184 increases. When excessive force is applied to the sponge material M, damage such as cracks may occur in the sponge S.

[0168] However, in this winding device 152, the thickness of the spiral sponge SP increases, and the pressure inside the cylinder 194 is reduced when it reaches a certain value. In this winding device 152, the pressure inside the cylinder 194 is maintained in a manner that does not exceed a certain pressure. Because the cylinder 194 contracts due to the pressure reduction, the pressing member 184 disengages from the core 102. In this winding device 152, the position of the pressing member 184 relative to the core 102 changes according to the thickness of the sponge material M located between the pressing member 184 and the core 102.

[0169] In this winding device 152, the force acting on the sponge material M is appropriately maintained in a way that does not exert excessive force on the sponge material M located between the pressing member 184 and the core 102. This winding device 152 can wind the sponge material M without causing damage such as cracks in the sponge S.

[0170] As described above, in this winding apparatus 152, the support mechanism 186 has a cylinder 194. The pressure inside the cylinder 194 is appropriately adjusted taking into account the material, shape, etc. of the sponge S. In this winding apparatus 152, there is no particular limitation on the pressure inside the cylinder 194 as long as the sponge material M can be wound without damaging the sponge S. The pressure inside the cylinder 194 is, for example, set in a range of 0.1 MPa or more and 10 MPa or less.

[0171] As described above, in the winding device 152, the core 102 is rotated by the rotating machine 160, thereby winding the sponge material M. At this time, the pressing member 184 is pushed against the sponge material M. In the winding device 152, the sponge material M is stretched while being wound onto the core 102. As a result, the sponge material M becomes thinner, thus allowing it to be tightly wound onto the core 102. This improves the storage capacity of the sponge material M in the sponge storage box 72. The storage capacity of the sponge material M is further increased when the torque of the rotating machine 160 is increased.

[0172] The torque of the rotating machine 160 affects the tension generated in the sponge material M. When the tension generated in the sponge material M is too high, damage such as cracks may occur in the sponge S.

[0173] In the winding device 152, in order to avoid damage to the sponge S, the torque of the rotating machine 160 is appropriately adjusted based on the strength of the sponge S.

[0174] The winding device 152 effectively improves the storage capacity of the sponge storage box 72 for sponge material M. The winding device 152 can store sponge material M of various shapes and sizes in the sponge storage box 72. In other words, it is not necessary to prepare the sponge storage box 72 to match the shape and size of the sponge material M to be stored.

[0175] In the manufacturing method of sponge-lined tires using the sponge storage box 72 and the winding device 152, various specifications of sponge-lined tires ST can be manufactured.

[0176] As explained above, according to the present invention, a method for manufacturing sponge tires that contributes to the stable production of high-quality sponge tires can be obtained.

[0177] Industrial availability

[0178] The manufacturing method for sponge-lined tires described above is applicable to the manufacture of various types of sponge-lined tires.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a sponge-lined tire, wherein a strip of sponge is adhered to the inner circumferential surface of the tire, wherein, The manufacturing method of this sponge-loaded tire includes the following steps: Install a sponge storage box with a core onto the winding device; The end of the sponge material containing the sponge is disposed on the core; The core is rotated to wind the sponge material into a vortex shape and store the sponge material in the sponge storage box. Install the sponge storage box containing the sponge material onto the adhesive device; and While pulling the sponge material out of the sponge storage box, the sponge is then attached to the inner circumference of the tire. In the process of storing the sponge material in the sponge storage box, By rotating the core, the sponge material passes between the core and a pressing member positioned opposite the core. By bringing the pressing member close to the core, the sponge material passing between the pressing member and the core is compressed. The compressed sponge material is wound around the core.

2. The method for manufacturing a sponge-loaded tire according to claim 1, wherein, A sponge storage box containing the sponge material is directly disposed inside the tire.

3. The method for manufacturing a sponge-loaded tire according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The sponge storage box has the following features: A shaft portion, located inside the winding core, supports the winding core so that it can rotate; A restraining component, located on the outside of the core, constrains the sponge material wound around the core; and A fixed frame secures the limiting component to the shaft portion. The core is mounted on the winding device, and the shaft is mounted on the bonding device.

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