Vulcanizing equipment and methods for vulcanizing and molding tires

Abstract

An apparatus for vulcanizing and molding tires includes a vulcanizing mold (100), a tire loader (21), and a label transfer member (31). The tire loader (21) is configured to load a green tire (2) to be molded and vulcanized in the vulcanizing mold (100). The label transfer member (31) includes a support portion (35) and a clamping portion integral with the support portion (35), the support portion (35) being configured to hold a label (26) to be placed in the vulcanizing mold (100). The tire loader (21) is also configured to engage the clamping portion and move the label transfer member (31) between a spaced-apart position spaced from the vulcanizing mold (100) and an engaged position engaging with the vulcanizing mold (100). In the engaged position, the label transfer member (31) is configured to release the label (26) in the vulcanizing mold (100) before the vulcanizing mold (100) receives the green tire (2) to be molded and vulcanized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to vulcanization equipment and methods for vulcanizing and molding tires. The invention is situated within the context of methods and equipment for producing wheel tires. Particularly, the invention relates to applying labels to the tire sidewalls during molding and vulcanization operations. Background Technology

[0002] Tires for wheels typically include a carcass structure comprising at least one carcass ply having end flaps that engage with corresponding anchoring ring structures. At a radially external position relative to the carcass structure, an associated belt structure comprising one or more belt layers arranged radially superimposed relative to each other and relative to the carcass ply, having cross-oriented and / or substantially parallel-to-the-circumferential-extension fabric or metal reinforcing cords. At a radially external position relative to the belt structure, a tread band, like other semi-finished components of the tire, is applied, also made of an elastomeric material. The assembly of at least the belt structure and the tread band forms the crown structure of the tire. Corresponding sidewalls made of elastomeric material are also applied to the lateral surface of the carcass structure, each extending from one of the lateral edges of the tread band to the corresponding anchoring ring structure and then to the bead. In tubeless tires, the carcass ply is internally covered with a layer of elastomeric material, preferably butyl-based, commonly referred to as the "liner," which has optimal airtightness and extends from one bead to the other.

[0003] The tire production cycle provides a molding process in which various structural components of the tire itself are manufactured and / or assembled on one or more drums. The molded green tire is then transferred to a molding and vulcanization production line, where the molding and vulcanization processes are actuated, which are suitable for defining the tire's structure according to the desired geometry and tread design.

[0004] Unless otherwise specified, "tire" is intended to refer to raw tires or molded and vulcanized tires.

[0005] The expressions “low,” “below,” “lower,” or “on the lower portion,” as well as “high,” “above,” “upper,” or “on the upper portion,” are used to indicate the relative position of the reference element to the ground during normal use.

[0006] Existing technology

[0007] Wheels and tires, including one or more decorative labels applied to the sidewalls of the tire itself before vulcanization, are known in the art.

[0008] Documents US2007 / 256771, US2004 / 103974, US2016 / 032151, EP2522496 and EP0249918 describe solutions that provide applying a vulcanizable polymer material layer, including colored or white pigments, to the sidewall of a raw tire, followed by co-vulcanization of the raw tire and the polymer material layer.

[0009] Document US5474645 describes a process for applying a decorative label to the sidewall of a tire during a vulcanization operation. A multi-layered tape is unwound from a spool and applied into a cavity of a disc to form a label within the cavity. An annular transfer device is positioned above the label in the cavity and engages it with the label by means of suction. The annular transfer device lifts the label from the cavity, conveys the label to a vulcanization mold, and releases the label into a suitable groove in the vulcanization mold. The raw tire is then positioned in the vulcanization mold for molding and vulcanization processes. Through vulcanization, the label is bonded to the sidewall of the tire. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The applicant has observed that, according to, for example, documents US2007 / 256771, US2004 / 103974, US2016 / 032151, EP2522496 and EP0249918, applying labels directly to raw tires prior to vulcanization raises critical issues regarding the positioning and repeatability of the labels, resulting in unsatisfactory aesthetic and quality outcomes.

[0011] The applicant also observed that, within the scope of the vulcanization and molding process, for example in document US5474645, applying labels to the sidewall of the tire complicates the vulcanization and molding process itself and prolongs the vulcanization and molding process time.

[0012] In particular, the applicant has observed that positioning annular transfer devices in a mold to release previously formed tags, as in US5474645, for industrial applications, requires additional operations to be performed, for example, by a skilled operator with the assistance of mechanical devices designed and available to perform such operations in an automatic or semi-automatic manner.

[0013] The applicant has indeed observed that, due to safety concerns and the conditions of the molding and vulcanization processes, this operation cannot be performed directly by the operator manually, as the mold opening time may be excessively prolonged and the mold will risk being cooled beyond the necessary level, requiring more time to restore it to the correct temperature and / or determining suboptimal vulcanization of the tire, or negatively impacting the entire tire production cycle.

[0014] The applicant also observed that the potential use of a dedicated mechanical device for placing labels in the vulcanization mold would lead to increased costs, as well as greater complexity and size, for obtaining molding and vulcanization equipment. Furthermore, the layout of the equipment might have to be redesigned to allow for the placement of this dedicated device and / or its proximity to the vulcanization mold.

[0015] The applicant has recognized the need to allow labels to be arranged in vulcanization molds so that the labels can be applied to the sidewalls of tires within the scope of the vulcanization and molding process without increasing the complexity, cost, and volume of the molding and vulcanization equipment.

[0016] The applicant was particularly aware of the need to allow the label to be co-vulcanized with the tire within the vulcanization mold, without having to design and acquire a device specifically for managing the label itself and integrating such a device with the vulcanization and molding equipment, and more specifically, without having to redesign the components of the vulcanization equipment to allow such integration.

[0017] The applicant also recognized the need for precise positioning and alignment of labels in the vulcanization mold with a sufficiently fast positioning time before positioning the raw tires to be molded and vulcanized, in a way that is efficient and safe for the operator, so as to repeatably determine the high quality of tires with labels vulcanized together with the tires themselves.

[0018] The applicant has recognized that the above problem needs to be addressed by employing a portion of the apparatus already associated with the vulcanizing mold to arrange (one or more) labels in the vulcanizing mold, or more precisely, by employing a different loading operation using a device suitable for loading raw tires into the mold.

[0019] More precisely, the applicant ultimately discovered that the purposes and other objectives indicated above could be achieved by means of a label transfer member on which (one or more) labels are arranged and held, which is moved by means of a tire loader, the same device used to load raw tires into vulcanizing molds. In this way, the tire loader allows the label transfer member to be temporarily positioned in an open vulcanizing mold so that (one or more) labels can be released from the vulcanizing mold before the raw tires to be molded and vulcanized are positioned.

[0020] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for vulcanizing and molding tires.

[0021] Preferably, the vulcanizing mold is arranged in an open configuration.

[0022] Preferably, at least one label is arranged on a support surface defined in the vulcanization mold.

[0023] Preferably, by means of a tire loader, the raw tire to be molded and vulcanized is loaded into the vulcanization mold such that one of the sidewalls of the raw tire rests on the support surface and abuts against the at least one label.

[0024] Preferably, the vulcanizing mold is closed.

[0025] Preferably, the raw tire and the at least one label are co-vulcanized within a vulcanization mold.

[0026] Preferably, arranging the at least one label on the support surface includes moving the label transfer member by means of the tire loader.

[0027] Preferably, the label transfer member includes a support portion and a clamping portion integral with the support portion, the support portion being configured to hold at least one label and the clamping portion being configured to be fastened by a tire loader.

[0028] Preferably, arranging at least one label includes arranging the at least one label on the support portion of the label transfer member.

[0029] Preferably, the position of the at least one label on the support portion corresponds to the position of the at least one label on the support surface.

[0030] Preferably, arranging at least one label includes holding the at least one label in place on the support portion.

[0031] Preferably, arranging at least one label includes moving the label transfer member toward the support surface while the at least one label is held on the support portion.

[0032] Preferably, arranging at least one label includes attaching a label transfer member to a support surface.

[0033] Preferably, arranging at least one label includes releasing the at least one label from the support portion in order to transfer the label to the support surface.

[0034] Preferably, arranging at least one label includes moving a label transfer member away from the support surface, leaving the at least one label on the support surface.

[0035] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for vulcanizing and molding tires.

[0036] Preferably, a vulcanizing mold is provided, which is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

[0037] Preferably, a pressurizing and heating device is provided, which is operatively associated with the vulcanizing mold for vulcanizing and molding the raw tire.

[0038] Preferably, a tire loader is provided, which is configured to load raw tires to be molded and vulcanized in a vulcanization mold.

[0039] Preferably, at least one label transfer component is provided.

[0040] Preferably, the label transfer member includes a support portion configured to hold at least one label to be placed in the vulcanization mold.

[0041] Preferably, the label transfer member includes a clamping portion integrated with the support portion.

[0042] Preferably, the label transfer member is movable between a spaced position separated from the vulcanizing mold and an engagement position engaged with the vulcanizing mold.

[0043] Preferably, in the engagement position, the label transfer member is configured to release the at least one label from the vulcanizing mold in the opening configuration before the vulcanizing mold receives the raw tire to be molded and vulcanized.

[0044] Preferably, the tire loader is also configured to engage the clamping portion of the label transfer member and move the label transfer member at least between the spaced position and the engaged position.

[0045] The applicant believes that the present invention allows for the efficient and precise positioning of labels in vulcanization molds without requiring modification and / or significant addition to existing molding and vulcanization equipment.

[0046] The applicant has indeed demonstrated that using the tire loader as well as the moving tag transfer component allows for equipment optimization and cost limitation, as no additional devices are required to manage the tag transfer component.

[0047] The applicant also confirmed that the use of the tire loader allows the label transfer component to be precisely and quickly aligned relative to the vulcanization mold, as it performs the alignment of the raw tire to be vulcanized, and also allows for improved quality of tires with co-vulcanization labels.

[0048] The applicant also believes that the present invention allows for the accurate and rapid co-curing of labels with tires.

[0049] In particular, the applicant has demonstrated that the present invention allows for high-speed application of labels in a vulcanizing mold, while maintaining accuracy, prior to insertion of the raw tire.

[0050] The applicant also confirmed that the invention allows for limiting the time it takes to load the label into the vulcanizing mold, so that the mold is not cooled beyond the necessary level.

[0051] The applicant has demonstrated that the present invention allows for the repeatability of the operation of applying labels in vulcanizing molds.

[0052] The applicant has demonstrated that the present invention allows for maintaining total vulcanization time compatible with the cycle time of modern production facilities.

[0053] The applicant has demonstrated that the present invention also allows for a high level of safety for operators working near vulcanizing molds.

[0054] The applicant has demonstrated that the tire loader allows for the management of label transfer components without the operator moving them close to the vulcanizing mold.

[0055] In at least one of the foregoing aspects, the present invention may have one or more of the preferred features described below.

[0056] Preferably, the tire loader is automatic.

[0057] Preferably, the tire loader is a robotic arm, more preferably a multi-axis robotic arm, and even more preferably a humanoid robotic arm.

[0058] Preferably, the tire loader is positioned near the vulcanizing mold.

[0059] Preferably, the tire loader is configured to pick up, hold, and release raw tires and / or molded and vulcanized tires.

[0060] Preferably, the tire loader is movable at least between a first position spaced apart from the vulcanizing mold and a second position close to the vulcanizing mold, the first position for picking up the raw tire to be molded and vulcanized, and the second position for loading the raw tire to be vulcanized into the vulcanizing mold.

[0061] Preferably, the clamping portion is configured to be gripped by the tire loader.

[0062] Preferably, the clamping portion has an annular shape.

[0063] Preferably, the inner diameter of the clamping portion is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the bead of the green tire to be vulcanized and molded.

[0064] Preferably, the tag transfer member includes a first ring that supports or defines the support portion and a second ring that defines the clamping portion.

[0065] The applicant has demonstrated that the geometry of the clamping portion allows the tire loader to grip the tag transfer member without significant modifications to the loader.

[0066] Preferably, the second ring is coaxial with the first ring, and more preferably, it is axially spaced from the first ring.

[0067] Preferably, the label transfer member includes a connecting element extending between the first ring and the second ring, more preferably a connecting rod.

[0068] Preferably, the support portion is defined by the surface of the first ring facing the opposite side relative to the second ring.

[0069] Preferably, the support portion is annular.

[0070] Preferably, the support portion is configured to hold the at least one label in a predetermined position corresponding to the position of the at least one label on the support surface of the vulcanizing mold.

[0071] Preferably, the support portion is configured to hold a plurality of labels in a predetermined position, which corresponds to the position of the labels on the support surface of the vulcanizing mold.

[0072] Preferably, the support portion includes multiple label positioning areas, each label positioning area being used for a corresponding label.

[0073] Preferably, the support surface includes multiple label positioning areas, each of which is designed to receive a corresponding label.

[0074] Preferably, the at least one label has a ring shape.

[0075] Preferably, the labels among the plurality of labels are arranged according to a circular path on the support portion.

[0076] The applicant has demonstrated that the support section allows for the management of multiple labels, holding them in predetermined positions, and then applying all of the labels quickly and accurately to the vulcanizing mold with only a single movement of the label transfer component.

[0077] Preferably, the support portion has a profile that matches the contour shape of the support surface of the vulcanizing mold.

[0078] Preferably, the label transfer member includes means for acting on the support portion to hold the label in place.

[0079] Preferably, the support portion includes a plurality of holes, and the label transfer member includes or is connected to at least one vacuum suction device, which is connected to or can be connected to the holes.

[0080] Preferably, the tire loader includes a plurality of blades that can move between a radially contracted position and a radially expanded position.

[0081] Preferably, in the radially expanded position, the blade is configured to engage with the clamping portion of the tire's bead or label transfer member in order to retain the tire or the label transfer member.

[0082] Preferably, the tire loader includes a clamping member that includes the blade.

[0083] Preferably, the tire loader includes a motor operatively coupled to the clamping member for moving the clamping member at least vertically and horizontally.

[0084] Preferably, the tire loader includes a vertical guide, wherein the clamping member is translatable along the vertical guide and rotatable about an axis parallel to the vertical guide.

[0085] Preferably, at least one preparation support is provided, having a preparation surface configured to receive the at least one label at a position corresponding to the position of the at least one label on the support portion.

[0086] Preferably, the tire loader is configured to bring the tag transfer member close to the preparation support, the support portion facing the preparation surface, and pick up the at least one tag from the preparation surface.

[0087] Preferably, the preparation surface has multiple label positioning areas, each of which is designed to receive a corresponding label.

[0088] Preferably, the label positioning area is defined by a corresponding recess.

[0089] Preferably, the prepared surface has a profile that matches the profile shape of the support portion of the label transfer member.

[0090] Preferably, the label positioning area corresponds to the position of the label on the support portion.

[0091] Preferably, multiple preparation supports are provided.

[0092] Preferably, different preparation supports are provided depending on the type of tire to be molded and vulcanized and / or the arrangement and type of the label to be co-vulcanized.

[0093] Preferably, the at least one preparation support is a tray.

[0094] Preferably, a conveyor is provided, which is configured to move the at least one preparation support between a first position spaced apart from the vulcanizing mold and a second position close to the vulcanizing mold, the first position allowing the at least one label to be placed on the preparation support, and the second position allowing a label transfer member brought by a tire loader to pick up the at least one label from the preparation support.

[0095] The applicant has demonstrated that the preparation of the support allows for the preparation of one or more labels (already in the correct configuration corresponding to the configuration on the tire sidewall) outside the operating area of ​​the vulcanizing mold in order to minimize interference with the molding and vulcanizing steps.

[0096] Preferably, before loading the raw tire into the vulcanizing mold, the tire loader engages the clamping portion of the label transfer member, moves the label transfer member toward the support surface, attaches the label transfer member to the support surface to release the at least one label, and then moves the label transfer member away from the support surface.

[0097] Preferably, the tire loader releases the tag transfer member after the tag transfer member has been moved away from the support surface.

[0098] Preferably, in order to load the raw tire into the vulcanizing mold, the tire loader fastens the raw tire arranged near the vulcanizing mold, picks up the raw tire, and puts the raw tire into the vulcanizing mold.

[0099] Preferably, at the end of vulcanization, the vulcanization mold is opened and the vulcanized and molded tire with the at least one label is extracted from the vulcanization mold.

[0100] Preferably, securing the green tire with the aid of a tire loader includes: moving the tire loader close to the tire bead.

[0101] Preferably, the blades of the plurality of blades of the tire loader are arranged to expand radially until the blades engage with the bead of the raw tire, thereby holding the tire on the tire loader.

[0102] Preferably, the clamping portion of the tire loader is fastened by means of the tire loader, which includes moving the tire loader closer to the clamping portion of the label transfer member.

[0103] Preferably, the tag transfer member is held on the tire loader by means of a tire loader to fasten the clamping portion, which includes a blade of a plurality of blades of radially expanding tire loader, until the blade engages with the clamping portion.

[0104] Preferably, arranging the at least one label on the support portion includes arranging a preparation support having a preparation surface.

[0105] Preferably, arranging the at least one label on the support portion includes positioning the at least one label on a preparation surface, wherein the position of the at least one label on the preparation surface corresponds to the position of the at least one label on the support portion.

[0106] Preferably, arranging the at least one label on the support portion includes positioning the at least one label on the preparation surface manually or automatically.

[0107] Preferably, arranging the at least one label on the support portion includes attaching a label transfer member supported by the tire loader to the preparation surface.

[0108] Preferably, placing the at least one label on the support portion includes picking up the at least one label from the preparation surface on the support portion and holding it in place.

[0109] Preferably, positioning the at least one label on the preparation surface includes positioning a plurality of labels on the preparation surface.

[0110] Preferably, picking up the at least one label from the preparation surface includes: picking up all of the multiple labels from the preparation surface simultaneously.

[0111] Preferably, arranging at least one label on the support portion includes arranging multiple labels on the support portion.

[0112] Preferably, arranging at least one label on the support surface includes arranging all of the multiple labels simultaneously on the support surface.

[0113] Preferably, holding the at least one label in place on the support portion includes generating a vacuum suction on the support portion.

[0114] Preferably, releasing the at least one tag from the support portion includes disabling vacuum suction.

[0115] Preferably, when the preparation support is positioned separately from the operating area of ​​the vulcanizing mold, the at least one label is positioned on the preparation surface.

[0116] Preferably, the preparation support is brought close to the vulcanizing mold before the label transfer member supported by the tire loader is attached to the preparation surface.

[0117] Preferably, after the at least one label is picked up by the preparation surface, the preparation support is moved away from the operating area of ​​the vulcanizing mold.

[0118] Preferably, in the open configuration, the vulcanizing mold is configured to receive a raw tire to be molded and vulcanized; wherein in the closed configuration, the vulcanizing mold defines a vulcanization and molding cavity whose shape corresponds to the external shape that the tire will be given once it has been vulcanized and molded.

[0119] Preferably, a pressurizing and heating device is provided, which is operatively associated with the vulcanizing mold, more preferably with the vulcanizing and molding cavity, and is configured to apply heat and pressure to the green tire contained in the vulcanizing and molding cavity in order to vulcanize and mold the green tire.

[0120] Preferably, the vulcanizing mold includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall, and a circumferential portion configured to be sealingly connected to the first and second sidewalls when the vulcanizing mold is closed, so as to define the vulcanizing and molding cavity.

[0121] Preferably, at least one of the sidespane between the first sidewall panel and the second sidewall panel includes a support surface configured to receive the at least one label intended to be applied to the sidewall of the tire during vulcanization.

[0122] Preferably, the at least one label is arranged on a support surface defined in at least one of the first and second sidewall panels.

[0123] Preferably, the at least one label is positioned on the support surface.

[0124] Preferably, the vulcanizing mold includes a label holding device that functions on a supporting surface.

[0125] Preferably, holding the at least one label in place on the support surface includes activating a label holding device.

[0126] Preferably, the at least one label comprises or is made of a crosslinkable elastomeric material.

[0127] Preferably, the at least one label has decorative elements.

[0128] Preferably, the decorative elements have a color different from that of the tire sidewall; more preferably, they are able to create a color contrast with the sidewall.

[0129] Further features and advantages will become clearer from the detailed description of preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the apparatus and method for vulcanizing and molding tires according to the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0130] This description will be illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided as non-limiting examples only, in which:

[0131] - Figure 1 A vulcanizing mold belonging to an apparatus for vulcanizing and molding tires according to the present invention is shown in diametrical cross-sectional view;

[0132] - Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional view of a label transfer member used in an apparatus and method for vulcanizing and molding tires according to the present invention;

[0133] - Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Side elevation view of the label transfer component;

[0134] - Figure 4 yes Figure 2 and Figure 3 Different 3D views of a part of the label transfer component;

[0135] - Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional view of the preparation support used in the apparatus and method for vulcanizing and molding tires according to the present invention;

[0136] - Figure 6 This indicates that it is connected to Figure 1 Part of the vulcanization mold process Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 Part of the tag transfer component;

[0137] - Figures 7 to 12 The diagram illustrates the operating steps of the device according to the present invention;

[0138] - Figure 13 This is a radial half-section diagram of a tire used for wheels. Detailed Implementation

[0139] exist Figure 1 The image shows a portion of a vulcanizing mold 100 belonging to an apparatus 1 used for vulcanizing and molding tires 2.

[0140] Tire 2 Figure 13 The diagram shows, and essentially includes, a carcass structure 3, having one or two carcass ply layers 4a / 4a, 4b. An impermeable layer of elastomeric material, or so-called lining 5, is applied inside one or more carcass ply layers 4a / 4a, 4b.

[0141] Two anchoring ring structures 6 engage with the corresponding end flaps of one or more carcass plies 4a / 4a, 4b. Each anchoring ring structure 6 includes a so-called bead core 6a, which carries an elastomeric filler 6b at a radially outer position. The anchoring ring structures 6 are integrated near an area commonly identified as a “bead” 7, where engagement between the tire 2 and the corresponding mounting rim typically occurs. A belt structure 8, including, for example, belt plies 8a, 8b, is applied circumferentially around the carcass of one or more carcass plies 4a / 4a, 4b, and a tread belt 9 is circumferentially superimposed on the belt structure 8. The belt structure 8 may be associated with “belt underinsertions” 10, each arranged between one or more carcass plies 4a / 4a, 4b and one of the axially opposite end edges of the belt structure 8. Two sidewalls 11, each extending from the corresponding bead 7 to the corresponding lateral edge of the tread belt 9, are applied at laterally opposite positions on one or more carcass plies 4a / 4a, 4b. The portion of each sidewall 11 near the lateral edge of the tread band 9 is referred to as the shoulder of the tire 2. The tire 2 has an axisymmetric plane "M" that is equidistant from the corresponding bead 7 and perpendicular to its axis of rotation "XX".

[0142] As in Figure 1 and Figures 6 to 12 As can be seen, the equipment 1 used for vulcanizing and molding tires 2 includes a vulcanizing mold 100, which in turn includes a lower part 12 and an upper part 13 that can be interconnected.

[0143] Each of the lower portion 12 and the upper portion 13 includes a corresponding first sidewall panel 14' and a second sidewall panel 14.

[0144] The first sidewall plate 14' and the second sidewall plate 14" are axially opposite each other. Each of the first sidewall plate 14' and the second sidewall plate 14" includes a working surface 15 arranged to operate on the bead 7 and sidewall 11 of the green tire 2. The lower portion 12 and the upper portion 13 are axially movable between a first position, in which they are spaced apart from each other, and in the second position, they are connected to each other.

[0145] The vulcanizing mold 100 includes a circumferential portion defined by a plurality of circumferential segments 16, all of which are arranged around the central axis "YY" of the device 1. The circumferential segments 16 are movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, they are circumferentially spaced apart from each other and farther away from the central axis "YY". In the second position, they are circumferentially moved closer to each other and closer to the central axis "YY".

[0146] exist Figure 1In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the circumferential segment 16 is supported by the upper portion 13. Specifically, the circumferential segment 16 is mounted on a guide belonging to the upper portion 13 and is configured for movement between a first position and a second position. (Illustrated) Figures 7 to 12 In the middle, for the sake of simplicity, the circumferential section is represented as being arranged near the lower part 12.

[0147] The circumferential sections 16 that are close to each other define a circumferential surface 17, which is arranged to operate against the tread strip of the green tire 2 to be vulcanized.

[0148] When the circumferential section 16 is in the second position and the lower portion 12 and the upper portion 13 are close to each other in the second position, the working surface 15 and the circumferential surface 17 define a vulcanization and molding cavity that is configured to receive the raw tire 2 and has a shape corresponding to the external shape that the tire 2 will be given once it is molded and vulcanized.

[0149] The vulcanizing mold 100 can then move between the open and closed configurations. A device, known per se and not shown, is configured to move the aforementioned component of the mold 1 between the positions indicated above.

[0150] A flexible and elastic membrane 18 is mounted on device 1; this membrane is, for example, made of a compound having a butyl rubber base material. Figure 1 As illustrated, the membrane 18 has a pair of radially inner circumferential edges 19, which are provided with anchoring attachments that are anchored to a portion of the device 1 and internally define an expandable chamber 20. As is of a known type, a generator and / or tank of hot and pressurized fluid (not shown) is operatively connected to the expandable chamber 20 to inflate the membrane 18. A vacuum pump (not shown, as is of a known type) is operatively connected to or capable of being connected to the expandable chamber 20 to lower the pressure inside the expandable chamber than the pressure outside the expandable chamber, and to cause the membrane 18 to collapse / contract. The device 1 also includes means operatively associated with the vulcanizing and molding chamber, configured to also apply heat to the tire 2 contained within the vulcanizing and molding chamber via hot fluid.

[0151] Therefore, the device 1 includes a pressurizing and heating device operatively associated with the vulcanizing and molding cavity and configured to apply heat and pressure to the tire 2 contained in the vulcanizing and molding cavity in order to vulcanize and mold the tire 2 itself.

[0152] The device 1 includes a tire loader 21, which is in... Figures 7 to 11The figures are shown schematically only, as they could be of known types. A tire loader 21 is positioned adjacent to a vulcanizing mold 100 and includes a vertical guide 22 on which a clamping member 23 is mounted. The clamping member 23 is translatable along the vertical guide 22 and is rotatable about an axis “ZZ” parallel to the vertical guide 22 by one or more motors and mechanisms (not shown). The clamping member 23 extends laterally and projectingly from the vertical guide 22 and includes an annular frame 24 having a main axis “KK” and a plurality of blades 25 mounted at the radially inner portion of the annular frame 24. The blades 25 extend downwardly projectingly. The number of blades 25 is, for example, between 3 and 20, even though only two are shown in the figures.

[0153] The clamping member 23 includes an actuator and mechanism (not shown) connected to the blade 25 and configured to move the blade 25 between a radially contracted position and a radially expanded position. In the radially contracted position, the blades 25 are closer (relative to the radially expanded position) to the main axis "KK" and closer to each other in the circumferential direction. Figure 7 In the radially expanded position, blades 25 are farther from the main axis "KK" (relative to the radially contracted position) and farther apart from each other in the circumferential direction. Figure 8 and Figure 10 ).

[0154] When they are found in the radially expanded position, the blades 25 are configured to engage the radially inner portion of the bead 7 of the tire 2, thereby holding the tire 2 on the clamping portion 23 of the tire loader 21. Specifically, the clamping member 23 moves from above close to the green tire 2, which abuts against the sidewall and is positioned in a suitable area adjacent to the vulcanizing mold 100, with the main axis "KK" coinciding with the axis of rotation of the tire 2, and the blades 25 in a radially contracted configuration. The clamping member 23 is lowered to bring the blades 25 to a radially inner position relative to the upper bead 7 of the tire 2. At this point, the blades 25 enter the radially expanded position, engaging the bead 7 and thus gripping the tire 2, which can then be moved along with the clamping member 23 via the tire loader 21. Figure 10 The tire loader 21 is therefore configured to pick up, hold, and release the tire 2, which will be described in detail below.

[0155] The vulcanizing mold 100 is configured to receive one or more labels 26, which are intended to be applied to the sidewall 11 of the tire 2 during vulcanization. The labels 26 arranged on the tire 2... Figure 13The figure is shown in cross-section. There may be only one label 26, and it may have, for example, a continuous circumferential extension, coaxial with the axis of rotation "XX" of the tire 2. There may also be multiple labels 26 arranged in different areas of the sidewall 11 of the tire 2.

[0156] The label 26 comprises or is made of an elastomeric material that is crosslinkable, such that during vulcanization, which is performed in the vulcanization mold 100, the label 26 is stably attached to the sidewall 11 of the tire 2. The surface of the label 26, intended to remain visible on the tire 2, has, for example, decorative elements and / or is colored, preferably having a color different from the sidewall 11 of the tire 2, and more preferably, capable of forming a color contrast with said sidewall 11.

[0157] For this purpose, the lower sidewall or the second sidewall 14” of the vulcanizing mold 100 has a support surface 27, which is shaped to receive and preferably hold one or more labels 26.

[0158] In a variant of the embodiment not shown, the support surface 27 is formed in the first sidewall 14' or in the first sidewall 14' and the second sidewall 14".

[0159] The support surface 27 extends along the entire circumferential extension of the second sidewall 14”, for example, as a ring. The support surface 27 may also include multiple label positioning areas, each designed to receive and preferably temporarily hold a corresponding label 26. Figure 6 In this context, the supporting surface 27 is shown as belonging to a recess formed in the second sidewall panel 14”, but this representation is merely exemplary.

[0160] To temporarily hold the label 26 on the second sidewall 14", the vulcanizing mold 100 includes a label holding device (not shown) that functions on the support surface 27. For example, the label holding device includes a vacuum suction device connected to a hole formed in the support surface 27.

[0161] Device 1 includes at least one preparation support 28 (also referred to as a dummy sidewall panel) comprising a tray defining a profile substantially identical to that of the second sidewall panel 14”, i.e., the preparation support 28 is provided with a preparation surface 29 configured to receive a label 26 at a position corresponding to a position presented on the second sidewall panel 14”. Specifically, in Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the preparation surface 29 has a plurality of label positioning areas 30, each label positioning area being defined by a corresponding recess that extends in an arc and is designed to receive a corresponding label 26.

[0162] Preferably, the device 1 includes a plurality of preparation supports 28 to allow for the pre-preparation of labels 26 to be applied to the raw tire 2 to be vulcanized and molded while the tire 2 has been vulcanized in the vulcanization mold 100. The device 1 may also include different preparation supports 28, each for a type of tire and / or for applying different labels 26 and / or according to different arrangements on the sidewall 11.

[0163] The device 1 includes at least one tag transfer component 31. Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The label transfer member 31 is configured to pick up labels 26 from the preparation support 28 and transfer the labels 26 to the support surface 27 of the second sidewall panel 14”, with the labels 26 transferred according to their precise arrangement on the preparation surface 29. The label transfer member 31 includes a first ring 32 and a second ring 33 integrally formed with each other and connected to each other by means of a connecting rod 34. The second ring 33 is coaxial with and axially spaced from the first ring 32. The connecting rod 34 is parallel to the main axes of the first ring 32 and the second ring 33 and functions to connect and space the first ring 32 and the second ring 33. In the illustrated embodiment, the first ring 32 is slightly larger than the second ring 33.

[0164] The first ring 32 includes a support portion 35 defined by an annular surface facing the opposite side to the second ring 33. Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the middle, this support portion points downwards at 35 degrees. According to Figure 4 The support portion 35 of the illustrated embodiment includes a plurality of label positioning areas 36, each for a corresponding label 26. In each of the label positioning areas 36, an opening 37 is provided, which is connected, for example by means of a tube or another channel type not shown, to a vacuum suction device, which may also be connected to an opening formed in the support surface 27 of the second sidewall 14”. The opening 37, together with the channel and the vacuum suction device, constitutes a holding device that functions on the support portion 35.

[0165] The shape and position of the label positioning area 36 of the support portion 35 correspond to the label positioning area 30 of the preparation surface 29 and are also set relative to the label positioning area of ​​the support surface 27 of the second sidewall plate 14". The outline shape of the support portion 35 matches the outline of the support surface 27 and the preparation surface 29 of the vulcanizing mold 100. The support portion 35 has a generally convex outline, similar to the outline of a portion of the sidewall 11 of the tire 2.

[0166] By enabling and disabling the suction operating on the support portion 35, the support portion 35 is configured to hold a tag 26 picked up from the preparation surface 29 in a predetermined position and to release the tag 26 onto the support surface 27 of the second sidewall panel 14".

[0167] The second ring 33 defines a clamping portion configured to be engaged by the clamping member 23 of the tire loader 21. For this purpose, the inner diameter of the second ring 33 is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the bead 7 of the tire 2. In this way, the blades 25 of the clamping member 23 engage the radially inner edge of the second ring 33 in their radially expanded position to retain the label transfer member 31. Therefore, the tire loader 21 constitutes an automatic moving device, also configured to engage the clamping portion of the label transfer member 31 and move the label transfer member 31.

[0168] During use, and according to the method of the invention, when the vulcanization and molding of the tire 2 have already been carried out in the vulcanization mold 100, the operator or automatic system prepares the preparation support 28. Figure 5 According to a predetermined scheme / layout for the type of tire being produced, labels 26 are arranged on the label positioning area 30 of the preparation surface 29. This preparation is carried out in a preparation area separated from the operation area of ​​the vulcanizing mold 100.

[0169] After different unloading components (not shown) have been provided to extract the vulcanized and molded tire 2 from the vulcanizing mold, the label transfer component 31 is arranged near the vulcanizing mold. For example, Figure 7 The illustration shows a label transfer member 31 arranged on a support member 38, which is positioned next to the tire loader 21 and opposite to the vulcanizing mold. The clamping member 23 of the tire loader 21, positioned above the label transfer member 31, is lowered so that the blade 25 enters a radially inward position relative to the second ring 33. At this point, the blade 25 enters a radially expanded position, engaging with the second ring 33, thereby gripping the label transfer member 31. Therefore, the label transfer member 31 can be moved by the tire loader 21 together with the clamping member 23.

[0170] Tag transfer component 31 is lifted ( Figure 8 (Shown in dashed lines) and the preparation support 28 is brought to the vicinity of the vulcanizing mold 100, for example by means of a conveyor or movable platform not shown. The conveyor is configured, for example, to move the preparation support 28 between a first position spaced apart from the vulcanizing mold 100 and a second position close to the vulcanizing mold 100, the first position allowing the placement of the label 26, and the second position allowing the label transfer member 31 brought by the tire loader 21 to pick up the label 26 from the preparation support 28. Figure 8The illustration shows a preparation support 28 arranged on a support 38 (e.g., which may be part of a conveyor), the support 38 being arranged next to the tire loader 21 and on the opposite side relative to the vulcanizing mold 100.

[0171] Grab component 23 lowers tag transfer component 31 ( Figure 8 (Shown in solid lines) until the support portion 35 is brought near the preparation surface 29 carrying the labels 26. By activating the vacuum suction device, the label transfer member 31 picks up all the labels 26 together from the preparation surface 29 and holds them on their support portions 35, maintaining them in a configuration corresponding to their arrangement on the preparation support 28. The preparation support 28 is then moved away from the operating area of ​​the vulcanizing mold 100.

[0172] When the vulcanizing mold 100 is in the open configuration, the tire loader 21 lifts and rotates the clamping member 23 and supports it between the upper portion 13 and the lower portion 12, and the support portion 35 of the label transfer member 31 faces the second sidewall 14. Figure 9 (Represented by dashed lines). Clamping component 23 lowers label transfer component 31 ( Figure 9 The solid lines in the middle represent and Figure 6 ), until the support portion 35 is brought to the vicinity of the support surface 27 of the second sidewall panel 14”.

[0173] By activating the vacuum suction on the support surface 27 and deactivating the vacuum suction on the support portion 35, all the labels 26 are transferred together to the support surface 27 of the second side panel 14”, which holds the labels 26 and keeps them in a configuration corresponding to the configuration in which they are arranged on the support portion 35 (i.e., in the same configuration as the preparation support 28).

[0174] The tire loader 21 lifts and rotates the clamping member 23, and releases the label transfer member 31, for example, on the support 38, and then removes the label transfer member 31 from the support 38.

[0175] Then, either automatically or by an operator, the raw tire 2 to be vulcanized and molded is placed near the vulcanizing mold 100, for example, on the support 38. Thus, the tire loader 21 is provided for picking up the raw tire 2 from the support 38 and loading it into the vulcanizing mold 100, such that one of the sidewalls 11 of the raw tire 2 rests on the support surface 27 and abuts against the label 26. Figure 10 and Figure 11 ).

[0176] Close the vulcanizing mold 100 ( Figure 12The raw tire 2 is vulcanized and molded together with the label 26 (in a manner known per se, which will not be described in detail here), and the label 26 is stably adhered to the sidewall 11 of the tire 2 by vulcanization and molding.

[0177] At the end of vulcanization and molding, the vulcanization mold 100 is reopened, and the aforementioned unloader component is used to remove the vulcanized and molded tire 2 from the vulcanization mold 100.

[0178] Then, the cycle can begin again by placing a new set of labels on the support surface 27 of the second sidewall panel 14".

Claims

1. A method for vulcanizing and molding tires, comprising: The vulcanizing mold (100) is arranged in an open configuration; At least one label (26) is arranged on the support surface (27) defined in the vulcanizing mold (100); A raw tire (2) to be molded and vulcanized is loaded into the vulcanizing mold (100) by means of a tire loader (21) such that one of the sidewalls (11) of the raw tire (2) rests on the support surface (27) and abuts against the at least one label (26), wherein, in order to load the raw tire (2) into the vulcanizing mold (100), the tire loader (21) fastens the raw tire (2) arranged near the vulcanizing mold (100), picks up the raw tire and puts the raw tire into the vulcanizing mold (100); Close the vulcanizing mold (100); The green tire (2) and the at least one label (26) are co-vulcanized within the vulcanizing mold (100); Arranging the at least one tag (26) on the support surface (27) includes moving the tag transfer member (31) by means of the tire loader (21); The tag transfer member (31) includes a support portion (35) configured to hold at least one tag (26). The tag transfer member (31) includes a clamping portion integral with the support portion (35), the clamping portion being configured to be fastened by the tire loader (21).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Arranging at least one label (26) includes: The at least one label (26) is arranged on the support portion (35) of the label transfer member (31), wherein the position of the at least one label (26) on the support portion (35) corresponds to the position of the at least one label (26) on the support surface (27); Hold the at least one label (26) in place on the support portion (35); While the at least one label (26) is held on the support portion (35), the label transfer member (31) is moved toward the support surface (27); The label transfer member (31) is attached to the support surface (27); Release the at least one label (26) from the support portion (35) to transfer the at least one label (26) onto the support surface (27); The label transfer member (31) is moved away from the support surface (27), while leaving the at least one label (26) on the support surface (27).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Before loading the raw tire (2) into the vulcanizing mold (100), the tire loader (21) engages the clamping portion of the label transfer member (31), moves the label transfer member (31) toward the support surface (27), attaches the label transfer member (31) to the support surface (27) to release the at least one label (26), and then moves the label transfer member (31) away from the support surface (27).

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, The clamping portion has a ring shape; The clamping portion is secured by means of the tire loader (21) including: Move the tire loader (21) closer to the clamping portion of the label transfer member (31); The blades of the plurality of blades (25) of the tire loader (21) are radially expanded until the blades (25) are engaged with the clamping portion, thereby holding the tag transfer member (31) on the tire loader (21).

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Arranging the at least one label (26) on the support portion (35) includes: Arrange a preparation support (28) with a preparation surface (29); Position the at least one label (26) on the preparation surface (29), wherein the position of the at least one label (26) on the preparation surface (29) corresponds to the position of the at least one label (26) on the support portion (35); The label transfer member (31) supported by the tire loader (21) is attached to the preparation surface (29); Pick up the at least one label (26) from the preparation surface (29) and hold the at least one label (26) in place on the support portion (35).

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein, Positioning the at least one label (26) on the preparation surface (29) includes: positioning a plurality of labels (26) on the preparation surface (29); wherein picking up the at least one label (26) from the preparation surface (29) includes: picking up all of the plurality of labels (26) from the preparation surface (29) simultaneously.

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The positioning of at least one label (26) on the preparation surface (29) is performed when the preparation support (28) is positioned apart from the operating area of ​​the vulcanizing mold (100); wherein the preparation support (28) is brought close to the vulcanizing mold (100) before the label transfer member (31) is attached to the preparation surface (29).

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, After the at least one label (26) has been picked up from the preparation surface (29), the preparation support (28) is moved away from the operating area of ​​the vulcanizing mold (100).

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Arranging the at least one label (26) on the support portion (35) includes arranging a plurality of labels (26) on the support portion (35); and wherein arranging the at least one label (26) on the support surface (27) includes arranging all of the plurality of labels (26) on the support surface (27) simultaneously.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Holding the at least one tag (26) in place on the support portion (35) includes: generating a vacuum suction on the support portion (35); wherein releasing the at least one tag (26) from the support portion (35) includes: deactivating the vacuum suction.

11. An apparatus for vulcanizing and molding tires, comprising: A vulcanizing mold (100) is movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration; A pressurizing and heating device, operatively associated with the vulcanizing mold (100), for vulcanizing and molding the raw tire (2); A tire loader (21) is configured to load a green tire (2) to be molded and vulcanized in the vulcanizing mold (100), wherein, in order to load the green tire (2) into the vulcanizing mold (100), the tire loader (21) is configured to fasten the green tire (2) arranged near the vulcanizing mold (100), pick up the green tire and put the green tire into the vulcanizing mold (100); At least one label transfer member (31) includes: a support portion (35) configured to hold at least one label (26) to be arranged in the vulcanizing mold (100); The label transfer member (31) is movable between a spaced position spaced apart from the vulcanizing mold (100) and an engagement position engaged with the vulcanizing mold (100); wherein, in the engagement position, the label transfer member (31) is configured to release at least one label (26) into the vulcanizing mold (100) in the open configuration before the vulcanizing mold (100) receives the green tire (2) to be molded and vulcanized; The at least one label transfer member (31) includes a clamping portion integral with the support portion (35); and the tire loader (21) is also configured to fasten the clamping portion of the label transfer member (31), and the label transfer member (31) is movable at least between the spaced position and the engagement position.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein, The tire loader (21) includes a robotic arm.

13. The device according to claim 11, wherein, The clamping portion has a ring shape.

14. The device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein, The tag transfer member (31) includes a first ring (32) supporting the support portion (35) and a second ring (33) coaxial with the first ring (32) and axially spaced from the first ring (32), wherein the second ring (33) defines the clamping portion.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein, The inner diameter of the clamping portion is substantially equal to the inner diameter of the tire bead (7) of the tire (2).

16. The device according to claim 11, wherein, The tire loader (21) includes a plurality of blades (25) movable between a radially contracted position and a radially expanded position, wherein, in the radially expanded position, the blades (25) are configured to engage with the bead (7) of the tire (2) or the clamping portion of the tag transfer member (31) to retain the tire (2) or the tag transfer member (31).

17. The device according to claim 11, wherein, The support portion (35) is configured to hold the at least one label (26) in a predetermined position corresponding to the position of the at least one label (26) on the support surface (27) of the vulcanizing mold (100).

18. The device according to claim 17, wherein, The support portion (35) is configured to hold a plurality of labels (26) in predetermined positions corresponding to the positions of the labels (26) on the support surface (27) of the vulcanizing mold (100).

19. The device of claim 11, comprising at least one preparation support (28) having a preparation surface (29) configured to receive the at least one label (26) at a position corresponding to the position of the at least one label (26) on the support portion (28); wherein the tire loader (21) is configured to bring the label transfer member (31) to the preparation support (28), wherein the support portion (35) faces the preparation surface (29) and picks up the at least one label (26) from the preparation surface (29).

20. The device according to claim 19, wherein, The preparation surface (29) has multiple tag positioning areas (30), each tag positioning area being designed to receive a corresponding tag (26).

21. The apparatus of claim 19 or 20, comprising a conveyor configured to move the at least one preparation support (28) between a first position spaced apart from the vulcanizing mold (100) and a second position adjacent to the vulcanizing mold (100), the first position allowing the at least one label (26) to be placed on the preparation support (28), and the second position allowing a label transfer member (31) brought by the tire loader (21) to pick up the at least one label (26) from the preparation support (28).

22. The device according to claim 11, wherein, The support portion (35) includes a plurality of holes (37), and the label transfer member (31) includes at least one vacuum suction device or is connected to the at least one vacuum suction device, the at least one vacuum suction device being connected to or capable of being connected to the holes (37).

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