Cutting device and method for cutting strips and production line for applying chafer to bead

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cutting device for cutting a strip of continuous length, in particular for cutting apexes for tire building, wherein the cutting device comprises: a conveyor for conveying the strip in a support plane in a conveying direction; and a cutting tool for cutting through the strip along a cutting line transverse to the conveying direction, wherein the cutting device further comprises a positioning device for pushing the strip in a positioning direction until a longitudinal reference line at or near the cutting line.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a cutting device and method for cutting strips, in particular for cutting chafer or chafer core for tire building. The present invention also relates to a production line for applying a chafer to a bead. Background Art

[0002] WO 2014 / 092558 A1 discloses a tire building machine for applying a chafer to a bead to form a bead chafer assembly for a green tire, comprising a bead retainer for holding a bead, wherein the tire building machine comprises a first gripper and a second gripper for engaging a chafer and moving the chafer in a conveying direction towards the bead, wherein the first gripper is movable between a first start position and a first end position, and the second gripper is movable between a second start position and a second end position, wherein the tire building machine is provided with a wedge, wherein the grippers are biased to a closed state in which the grippers are arranged to engage the chafer, and wherein the wedge is arranged to resist the bias of the grippers when the grippers are in one of the start positions or the end positions.

[0003] The tire building machine further comprises a cutting device having a cutting knife disposed above a conveying plane and an anvil disposed directly below the conveying plane. The anvil comprises a cutting surface and two clamping surfaces. The cutting knife of the cutting device is movable to the cutting surface of the anvil to cut a certain length of chafer into a chafer strip having a front end and a rear end. The tire building machine is provided with two clamping blocks which are arranged to move towards the clamping surfaces. The clamping blocks can be lifted upwards to move out of the path of the grippers. Between the cutting surface and the clamping surfaces, the anvil is provided with a recess for receiving the grippers. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A disadvantage of known cutting devices is that when conveyed at high speed, the chafer strip tends to bend and / or warp. Therefore, the lateral position and / or orientation of the chafer strip may vary at the position of the cutting knife. Therefore, when the chafer strip has been cut, the width and / or lateral position of the front end and the rear end of the length-fixed cut chafer strip may deviate. The front end and the rear end are linearly conveyed by corresponding grippers and then spliced on a building drum. As Figure 14 shown, the deviation of the lateral positions of the front end LE and the rear end TE may result in a poor splice with a so-called "dog ear" 95. Moreover, due to the shift of the lateral position, air entrapment or air pockets may be formed between the chafer strip and the bead at the base of the chafer strip. The poor splice may adversely affect the quality of the formed tire.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a cutting device for cutting strips, in particular for cutting apex strips for tire building, wherein the strips can be cut and / or spliced more accurately.

[0006] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a cutting device for cutting a strip of continuous length, in particular for cutting an apex strip for tire building, wherein the cutting device comprises: a conveyor for conveying the strip in a support plane in a conveying direction; and a cutting tool for cutting through the strip along a cutting line transverse to the conveying direction, wherein the cutting device further comprises a positioning device for pushing the strip towards a longitudinal reference line at the cutting line in a positioning direction transverse to or perpendicular to the conveying direction.

[0007] The positioning device can position the side edge of the strip at or near the reference line at the cutting line. Thus, the lateral position of the strip at the cutting line is substantially the same for each cut. Thus, the lateral alignment of the resulting front end and rear end is also substantially the same for each cut. Thus, the front end and the rear end can be gripped more accurately and / or reliably. Thus, the front end and the rear end can be positioned and / or spliced more accurately on a subsequent drum. Thus, the front end and the rear end can be spliced more reliably. Thereby, head misalignment and / or air entrapment can be reduced or ultimately prevented.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present invention, the positioning device comprises one or more positioning elements that are movable relative to the conveyor in the positioning direction to push a first side edge of the strip towards the longitudinal reference line. The one or more positioning elements can conveniently displace the strip relative to the conveyor by pushing the side edge of the strip.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, the positioning device is arranged to push one of the one or more positioning elements against the strip at the cutting line. Thus, the first side edge of the strip can be positioned more accurately relative to the reference line at the cutting line. Thus, the position of the cut of the cutting tool at the first side edge of the strip can be determined more accurately. Moreover, the positions of the rear end and the front end relative to the respective grippers can be determined more accurately.

[0010] In an alternative embodiment, the positioning device is arranged to push one of the one or more positioning elements against the strip downstream or upstream of the cutting line in the conveying direction. In other words, the positioning element does not intersect the cutting line. Thus, the strip can be cut without the need to remove the positioning element. Thus, the cutting process can be more efficient.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the positioning device comprises two or more positioning elements, wherein the positioning device is arranged to push a first positioning element of the one or more positioning elements against the strip downstream of the cutting line in the conveying direction, and wherein the positioning device is arranged to push a second positioning element of the one or more positioning elements against the strip upstream of the cutting line in the conveying direction. The two positioning elements may align a first side edge of the strip relative to a reference line on both sides of the cutting line. Thus, the first side edge can be aligned more accurately at the cutting line. Additionally, the positioning elements do not intersect the cutting line. Thus, the strip can be cut without the need to remove the positioning elements. Therefore, the cutting process can be more efficient.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the positioning device further comprises a drive member for pushing the first positioning element and the second positioning element into contact with the strip in a positioning direction, wherein the first positioning element and the second positioning element are arranged to move relative to the drive member in a first displacement direction and a second displacement direction opposite to the first displacement direction. Thereby, the position of the positioning elements can be adjusted according to the angular offset of the side edge of the strip relative to a reference with respect to a (virtual) point between the two positioning elements.

[0013] Preferably, the movement of the first positioning element in the first displacement direction has a specific relationship with the movement of the second positioning element in the second displacement direction, such as a fixed relationship or a 1:1 relationship or a relationship proportional to the distance of the positioning element to the cutting line or the midline between the positioning elements.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first positioning element and the second positioning element are pivotable about a common pivot axis extending transversely or perpendicular to the support plane. Preferably, the first positioning element and the second positioning element are arranged at a fixed mutual angle about the pivot axis. Thus, even when the strip locally extends at a small inclination angle relative to the reference line, the first side edge of the strip can be positioned more accurately relative to the intersection point of the cutting line and the reference line.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the positioning device comprises a bracket that is rotatable about a pivot axis and supports the first positioning element and the second positioning element. The bracket can hold the positioning elements in a relative position with respect to the strip, the reference line, and / or the cutting line.

[0016] Preferably, the first positioning element and the second positioning element are in a fixed position relative to the bracket. The bracket can fix the relative positions of the positioning elements relative to each other such that they can rotate as a whole about the pivot axis. In other words, the positioning elements can maintain the same relative positions relative to each other while pivoting.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, the carriage includes: one or more first carriage members that extend above or below a support plane up to a pivot axis; and one or more second carriage members that extend in the support plane to carry a first positioning element and a second positioning element, wherein the pivot axis is located at the intersection between the cutting line and the reference line. Thus, the one or more first carriage members that extend above or below the support plane can remain out of contact with the tool, the anvil, or other parts of the cutting device, while they can be connected to or reach the pivot axis that can be positioned closer, as close as possible, or at the intersection, without interfering with the operation of the tool.

[0018] In another embodiment, the pivot axis is a virtual pivot axis. For example, a mechanism that does not have a physical connection or physical hinge at the pivot axis position can be selected. Thus, the pivot position can be selected to be as close as possible to or at the reference line, without interfering with the operation of the tool.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment, the first positioning element and the second positioning element are symmetrically arranged with respect to a median line that intersects the pivot axis and extends radially with respect to the pivot axis.

[0020] In a further embodiment, the pivot axis intersects the cutting line.

[0021] In a further embodiment, one or more of the positioning elements are rollers, each of which can rotate about a roller axis that is transverse or perpendicular to the support plane. The rollers can abut against the first side edge of the strip in any orientation. When the position and / or orientation of the carriage relative to the strip changes about the aforementioned pivot axis and the relative position of the rollers along the side edge of the strip changes slightly, the rollers can rotate slightly. Thus, any force generated on the strip due to the change in the position and / or orientation of the carriage can be reduced.

[0022] In a further embodiment, the positioning device includes a positioning driver for pushing one or more positioning elements in a positioning direction. Preferably, one or more of the positioning elements are attached to a driving member, and by actuating the driver, the driving member can move relative to the base in the positioning direction.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the positioning driver is a linear driver. Thus, the driver can linearly push one or more positioning elements in the positioning direction. The linear driver can be, for example, a pneumatic driver.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the positioning drive has a fixed stroke. Preferably, the stroke is physically limited. In other words, the displacement of one or more positioning elements (or in the case of pivotable elements, the displacement of the pivot axis) is always the same. Thus, the positioning device can push the strip towards or ultimately all the way to the reference line without the need for a feedback system. Thus, the positioning device can remain simple.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the cutting device includes an anvil for cooperating with the cutting tool, wherein the anvil is located below the support plane. Preferably, the anvil includes one or more recesses for receiving the one or more positioning elements at least when the one or more positioning elements are displaced in the positioning direction towards the longitudinal reference line. Thus, the one or more positioning elements can extend below the support surface. Thus, the positioning elements can push the strip over its entire height without causing sliding friction at the support plane between the positioning elements and the anvil.

[0026] In a further embodiment, the cutting device further includes clamping elements for clamping the strip upstream and downstream of the cutting line in the conveying direction. The clamping elements can clamp the strip after the sides of the strip have been positioned at or near the reference line. Thus, the strip can be cut while being clamped. Clamping prevents displacement of the strip due to the force exerted by the cutting device on the strip. Since the strip can be positioned at or near the reference line before clamping, the clamping elements can clamp the strip more accurately. Thus, after cutting the strip, the resulting front and rear ends can be determined more accurately and / or reliably.

[0027] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a production line for applying a chafer strip to a bead, wherein the production line includes a cutting device according to the present invention and a drum for holding the bead, and wherein the production line further includes a gripper for gripping the front and rear ends of the length-cut chafer strip at the cutting device and for placing the front and rear ends at the drum.

[0028] The production line includes a cutting device according to the present invention, and thus, the same advantages as described above apply. Moreover, the gripper can grip the front and rear ends more accurately. Thus, the chafer strip can be placed on the drum more accurately. Thereby, "misalignment" at the splice between the front and rear ends and / or air pockets between the chafer and the bead can be reduced or ultimately prevented. Thus, the chafer strip can be spliced more reliably.

[0029] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method for cutting a strip, wherein the method includes the following steps:

[0030] a) Conveying the strip in the conveying direction in a support plane;

[0031] b) Cut the strip along a cutting line transverse or perpendicular to the conveying direction; and

[0032] c) Before step b), push the first side of the strip in a positioning direction transverse or perpendicular to the conveying direction until the longitudinal reference line.

[0033] By aligning the sides of the strip before cutting, the cutting position at the side can be determined more accurately. Therefore, the strip can be cut more precisely. Moreover, the resulting front end and rear end of the strip cut to a fixed length can be determined more accurately. Therefore, the front end and rear end can be grasped more accurately. Therefore, the front end and rear end can be positioned more accurately for splicing. Therefore, better splicing can be obtained.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, the strip is clamped during step b). Therefore, displacement of the strip due to cutting can be prevented.

[0035] In a further embodiment of the present invention, step c) includes pushing the first side of the strip at two different points, wherein the first of the different points is downstream of the cutting line in the conveying direction, and wherein the second of the different points is upstream of the cutting line in the conveying direction.

[0036] In a further embodiment, the method includes using a cutting device according to the present invention. Therefore, the advantages of the cutting device as described above are incorporated into the method.

[0037] Whenever possible, the various aspects and features described and illustrated in the specification can be applied individually. These individual aspects, particularly those described in the appended dependent claims, can be made subject to divisional patent applications. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The present invention will be elucidated based on exemplary embodiments shown in schematic drawings, in which:

[0039] Figure 1 A side view of a production line for a strip is shown, which production line includes a cutting device according to the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 and Figure 3 A top view of a cutting device according to Figure 1 is shown, which cutting device includes a positioning device for positioning the strip;

[0041] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A detailed top view of a positioning device according to Figure 3 is shown;

[0042] Figure 6 A view according toFigure 4 Cross-sectional view along line VI-VI in

[0043] Figures 7 to 13 shows an alternative positioning device; and

[0044] Figure 14 shows the problem underlying the present invention. Detailed description

[0045] Figure 1 shows a production line 100 for producing strips 9, in particular for a chafer or chafer core for tire building. The strip 9 is preferably made of an elastomeric or rubber material. The production line 100 includes a cutting device 1 according to the present invention for cutting a continuous length of strip 9 into a defined length. The production line 100 further includes a drum 8 which is rotatable about a drum axis A for winding the strip 9 cut to a defined length around a bead core (not shown). Preferably, the production line 100 further includes a gripper (not shown) for picking up the front end LE and the rear end TE of the strip 9 cut to a defined length and placing the front end LE and the rear end TE at the drum 8. The gripper itself is known, for example, as disclosed in WO 2014 / 092558 A1.

[0046] As Figure 6 shown, the cross-section of the strip 9 in the form of a chafer or chafer core is triangular or substantially triangular. The chafer extends between a short side or first side 91 and a tip or second side 92. The chafer also includes two opposite long sides 93 between the first side 91 and the second side 92. Preferably, the chafer is conveyed on one long side 93 to prevent the tip at the second side 92 from sagging or deforming.

[0047] As Figures 1 to 3 shown, the cutting device 1 includes a conveyor 5 for supporting the strip 9 in a support plane P. The conveyor 5 is also arranged to convey the strip 9 in the support plane P in a conveying direction T. Preferably, the conveyor 5 is a roller conveyor including a plurality of conveyor rollers 51.

[0048] The cutting device 1 further includes a tool 3 for cutting through the strip 9 along a cutting line C that is transverse or perpendicular to the conveying direction T. The term "transverse" should be understood as "across", but not necessarily perpendicular, i.e., at an inclined angle with respect to the vertical direction, for example within ten or twenty degrees. The cutting line C corresponds to the intersection line between a cutting plane (not shown) and the support plane P. In this particular embodiment, the tool 3 includes a cutting blade 31 that extends at an angle with respect to the support plane P when viewed in the conveying direction T. In this particular embodiment, the tool 3 is a guillotine-type tool, i.e., the cutting blade 31 is movable in a cutting direction K that is transverse or perpendicular to the support plane P. Alternatively, the cutting blade 31 can be arranged to cut through the strip transversely along or substantially along the cutting line C in the cutting direction.

[0049] As Figures 1 to 3 shown, the cutting device 1 further includes an anvil 4 for cooperating with the tool 3. The anvil 4 is located below the support plane P. In other words, the anvil 4 is opposite the tool 3 with respect to the support plane P. The anvil includes a cutting surface 41 that extends in the support plane P at the position of the cutting line C for receiving the blade 31 of the tool 3.

[0050] As Figure 1 shown, the cutting device 1 includes two clamping elements 44 for clamping and holding the strip 9 on opposite sides of the cutting line C. Preferably, the strip 9 is at the cutting line C when the tool 3 cuts through the strip 9. The clamping elements 44 are arranged to hold the strip 9 with respect to the anvil 4. In particular, the clamping elements 44 are arranged to press the strip 9 against the anvil 4 in a squeezing direction that is transverse or perpendicular to the support plane P, or to cooperate with the anvil 4 or other suitable support members associated with the conveyor 5 and / or the clamping elements 44 to clamp the strip 9 in the support plane P.

[0051] In this particular embodiment, the cutting device 1 includes a clamping element 44 that is downstream of the cutting line C in the conveying direction T for clamping the rear end TE of the strip 9 cut to a fixed length downstream of the cutting line C. The cutting device further includes a clamping element 44 that is upstream of the cutting line C in the conveying direction T for clamping the front end LE of the strip 9 of continuous length.

[0052] As Figures 1 to 3Further shown, the anvil 4 includes two recesses 40. The recesses 40 open towards the support plane P. The first of the two recesses 40 is arranged downstream of the cutting line C in the conveying direction T. The recess 40 is arranged to receive a rear end gripper (not shown) for gripping the rear end TE of the strip 9 for lengthwise cutting. The second of the two recesses 40 is arranged upstream of the cutting line C in the conveying direction T. The recess 40 is arranged to receive a front end gripper 61 and / or a rear end gripper 62 for gripping the front end LE and / or the rear end TE of the continuous strip 9.

[0053] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Also shown are a front end gripper 61 and a rear end gripper 62 for joining the front end LE and the rear end TE of the strip 9 of the same or subsequent length to the drum 8 to be applied to the bead.

[0054] Generally, the front end gripper 61 is arranged to grip the front end LE of the continuous strip 9 and place the front end LE on the circumference of the drum 8. Preferably, the front end LE is then held on the drum 8 by another front end gripper or a winding gripper (not shown). Subsequently, the continuous strip 9 is cut to length, thereby forming the rear end TE of the corresponding strip 9. The rear end gripper 62 is arranged to convey the rear end TE of the strip 9 cut to length towards the drum 8 while winding the strip 9 around the circumference of the drum 8.

[0055] The front end gripper 61 and the rear end gripper 62 generally move in a linear motion from the tool 3 towards the drum 8 in the conveying direction T. However, when it is observed that the strip 9 is bent or warped such that the rear end TE projected as TE' next to the front end LE is displaced relative to the front end LE, the front end gripper 61, the rear end gripper 62 and / or any other gripper for gripping the front end LE or the rear end TE of the strip 9 can be additionally constructed or controlled to move laterally L perpendicular to the conveying direction T while respectively holding, clamping or gripping the front end LE and the rear end TE, as Figure 14 shown, to correct the lateral positions of the front end LE and the rear end TE. Figure 2 As

[0056] shown, the cutting device 1 further includes a positioning device 2 for pushing the strip 9 towards the longitudinal reference line R at the cutting line L in a positioning direction F transverse or perpendicular to the conveying direction T. In particular, the positioning device 2 is arranged to push the first side 91 of the strip 9 towards the reference line R. The reference line R extends parallel or substantially parallel to the conveying direction T. Figures 2 to 5 shown, the cutting device 1 further includes a positioning device 2 for pushing the strip 9 towards the longitudinal reference line R at the cutting line L in a positioning direction F transverse or perpendicular to the conveying direction T. In particular, the positioning device 2 is arranged to push the first side 91 of the strip 9 towards the reference line R. The reference line R extends parallel or substantially parallel to the conveying direction T.

[0057] The positioning device 2 includes a first positioning element 21 and a second positioning element 22. The first positioning element and the second positioning element are movable relative to the conveyor 5 in a positioning direction F so as to push a first side edge 91 towards a reference line R. The first positioning element 21 is arranged downstream of the cutting line C in the conveying direction T. The second positioning element 22 is arranged upstream of the cutting line C in the conveying direction T.

[0058] The positioning device 2 includes a base 20 and a drive member 24 movable relative to the base 20. The positioning device 2 further includes a bracket 25 for connecting the first positioning element 21 and the second positioning element 22 to the drive member 24. Preferably, the positioning elements 21, 22 are rollers that can each rotate relative to the bracket 25 about a roller axis D transverse or perpendicular to the support plane P.

[0059] The positioning device 2 further includes a positioning drive 23 for driving the drive member 24 back and forth in the positioning direction F relative to the base 20. Preferably, the positioning drive 23 is a linear drive, such as a pneumatic drive. The base 20 is fixed in place relative to the conveyor 5.

[0060] Preferably, the positioning drive 23 has a fixed stroke. In other words, the positioning drive 23 can drive the drive member 24 to displace a fixed interval towards the reference line.

[0061] The first positioning element 21 and the second positioning element 22 are pivotable about a common pivot axis B extending transverse or perpendicular to the support plane P. Preferably, the pivot axis B extends transverse or perpendicular to the cutting line C and / or intersects the cutting line C. In particular, the bracket 25 is rotatable about the pivot axis B. Thus, the first positioning element 21 and the second positioning element 22 can accommodate an angular displacement of the strip 9 relative to the reference line R.

[0062] The first positioning element 21 and the second positioning element 22 are arranged at a fixed mutual angle about the pivot axis B. Preferably, the first positioning element 21 and the second positioning element 22 are symmetrically arranged relative to a median line M that intersects the pivot axis B and extends radially relative to the pivot axis B. In other words, the first positioning element 21 and the second positioning element 22 are arranged on a circular arc about the pivot axis B.

[0063] The drive member 24 is arranged to push the first positioning element 21 and the second positioning element 22 into contact with the strip 9 in the positioning direction F. Due to the pivot bracket 25, the first positioning element 21 and the second positioning element 22 are arranged to move together with the bracket 25 about the pivot axis B, so that the first positioning element 21 and the second positioning element 22 move in opposite displacement directions V relative to the drive member 24 that pushes the bracket 25 in the positioning direction F. In particular, in this example, the first positioning element 21 is pushed backward in a first displacement direction V that is parallel to but opposite to the positioning direction F, while the second positioning element 22 is displaced in another displacement direction W in the same direction as the positioning direction F.

[0064] In particular, the bracket 25 can be used as a seesaw. In this example, the relationship between the movement of the first positioning element 21 in the first displacement direction V and the movement of the second positioning element 22 in the opposite second displacement direction W is a fixed relationship, in particular a reverse 1:1 relationship.

[0065] Alternatively, when the positioning elements 21, 22 are not symmetrically positioned with respect to the center line M, the relationship between the movements of the positioning elements 21, 22 in the respective displacement directions V, W can be chosen to be directly proportional to the relationship between the distances of the respective positioning elements 21, 22 to the cutting line C and / or the center line M.

[0066] Now use Figures 1 to 5 to describe a method for cutting the strip 9.

[0067] As Figure 1 shown, the first strip 9 has been cut to a fixed length and has been partially wound around the drum 8.

[0068] Subsequently, as Figure 2 shown, the continuous strip 9 is conveyed past the cutting line C in the conveying direction T.

[0069] When a predetermined length of the strip 9 has been conveyed past the cutting line C, the first positioning element 21 and the second positioning element 22 are driven by the positioning drive 23 in the positioning direction F.

[0070] As Figure 3 and Figure 5 shown, the first positioning element 21 has contacted the first side 91 of the strip 9, causing the bracket 25 to pivot about the pivot axis B. The second positioning element 22 has been further pushed in the positioning direction F into contact with the first side 91. Subsequently, the first positioning element 21 and the second positioning element 22 push the strip 9 towards the reference line R.

[0071] As Figure 1As shown, the strip 9 is now gripped using gripper elements 44 that cooperate with the anvil 4 or that have their own lower support members. Subsequently, the strip 9 is cut to length using the cutting tool 3. A rear end gripper (not shown) can now grip the resulting rear end TE of the strip 9 cut to length and convey the rear end towards the drum 8 while winding the strip 9 around the circumference of the drum 8. Subsequently or simultaneously, a front end gripper (not shown) can now grip the front end LE of the continuous strip 9 and convey the front end LE towards the drum 8 in the conveying direction T.

[0072] Figure 7 An alternative positioning device 102 is shown. The alternative positioning device 102 differs from the aforementioned positioning device 2 in that the positioning elements 121, 122 are not pivotable. In other words, the carriage 125 has been fixedly attached to the drive member 124. The positioning elements 121, 122 are positioned on both sides of the cutting line C. Thus, clockwise and counterclockwise angular deviations of the first side edge 91 of the strip 9 relative to the reference line R can be corrected. Since the positioning elements 121, 122 are fixed relative to the cutting line C, interference between the positioning elements and the cutting tool 3 can be prevented.

[0073] Figure 8 A further alternative positioning device 202 is shown. The positioning device 202 differs from the aforementioned positioning device 102 in that the positioning device 202 only includes a single positioning element 221 downstream of the cutting line C in the conveying direction T.

[0074] Figure 9 A further alternative positioning device 302 is shown. The positioning device 302 differs from the aforementioned positioning device 202 in that the positioning element 321 is arranged at the cutting line C. The positioning device 302 is arranged to push the strip 9 in the positioning direction F along the cutting line C. Thus, the first side edge 91 of the lateral strip 9 can be precisely positioned at the reference point E, which marks the intersection between the cutting line C and the reference line R. Thus, for each cut, the resulting front end LE and rear end TE can also be precisely positioned at the same lateral position. Thus, the resulting splicing can be further improved. The trade-off of this embodiment is that the positioning element 321 may interfere with the cutting of the cutting tool 3. Therefore, the positioning element 321 should be moved away from the reference line R before starting the cutting. This may slow down the production process.

[0075] Figures 10 to 13An alternative embodiment of the positioning devices 402, 502, 602, 702 is shown, which are provided with brackets, parts, linkages or mechanisms that move the above-mentioned pivot axis B closer to the reference line R and / or the intersection point E between the reference line R and the cutting line C. The pivot axis B can intersect the support plane P, for example, at a position occupied by the tool 3, the anvil 4 and / or the conveyor 5. In particular, the pivot axis B can be defined by a physical hinge point to which the bracket or mechanism is connected at a position or level that does not interfere with the operation of the tool 3, the anvil 4 and / or the conveyor 5. Alternatively, the pivot axis B can be virtual, for example, by providing a mechanism or actuator that can move the positioning element around the virtual pivot axis B without physically connecting to the pivot axis B.

[0076] In particular, Figure 10 Another alternative positioning device 402 is shown, which differs from the positioning device 2 as shown in Figure 4 in that the two positioning elements 421, 422 are supported by two elastically compressible members 426, 427 (such as telescopic arms). In this case, the elastically compressible members 426, 427 are biased to a certain extent in the positioning direction F by springs 428, 429. The two elastically compressible members 426, 427 are pushed in the positioning direction F by a bracket 425 driven by a driving member 424, but the two positioning elements 421, 422 can be independently pressed against the strip 9 or pushed back by the strip 9 due to or against the biasing of the springs 428, 429 in the corresponding displacement directions V, W, thereby obtaining a virtual pivoting of the positioning elements 421, 422 about the virtual pivot axis B, which can be positioned as close as possible to the reference line R and / or the intersection point E between the reference line R and the cutting line C.

[0077] Similarly, Figure 11 Another alternative positioning device 502 is shown, which has a bracket 525 that is pushed towards the strip 9 by a driving member 524 and is formed by a plurality of rods or linkages 526, 527. Therefore, a linkage mechanism can be formed to have a virtual pivot axis B between the corresponding positioning elements 521, 522, which is in a similar position as described in the previous embodiments.

[0078] Figure 12 Another alternative positioning device 602 having two cylinders 626, 627 is shown, which can be individually controlled to move independently, similar to Figure 10 the elastically compressible members 426, 427 in

[0079] Figure 13Finally, another alternative positioning device 702 is shown, which differs from the aforementioned positioning device 2 in that it is provided with a bracket having: one or more first bracket members 725, 726 that extend above or below the support plane P up to a physical hinge point at the pivot axis B; and two or more second bracket members 727, 728 that hold or support corresponding positioning elements 721, 722 at or in the support plane P relative to the pivot axis B.

[0080] It should be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. From the above discussion, many variations still encompassed by the scope of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0081] List of reference numerals:

[0082] 100 Production line;

[0083] 1 Cutting device;

[0084] 2 Positioning device;

[0085] 20 Base;

[0086] 21 Positioning element;

[0087] 22 Positioning element;

[0088] 23 Positioning driver;

[0089] 24 Driving member;

[0090] 25 Bracket;

[0091] 3 Tool;

[0092] 4 Anvil;

[0093] 40 Recess;

[0094] 41 Cutting surface;

[0095] 44 Clamping element;

[0096] 5 Conveyor;

[0097] 51 Conveyor roller;

[0098] 61 Front-end gripper;

[0099] 62 Rear-end gripper;

[0100] 8 Drum;

[0101] 9 Strip;

[0102] 91 First side;

[0103] 92 The second side;

[0104] 95 The misaligned head;

[0105] 102 The alternative positioning device;

[0106] 121 The positioning element;

[0107] 122 The positioning element;

[0108] 124 The driving member;

[0109] The bracket;

[0110] 202 The alternative positioning device; [[ID=……]]

[0111] 221 The positioning element;

[0112] 302 The alternative positioning device;

[0113] 321 The positioning element;

[0114] 402 The alternative positioning device;

[0115] 421 The positioning element;

[0116] 422 The positioning element;

[0117] 424 The driving member;

[0118] 425 The bracket;

[0119] 426 The elastically compressible member;

[0120] 427 The elastically compressible member;

[0121] 428 The spring;

[0122] 429 The spring;

[0123] 502 The alternative positioning device;

[0124] 521 The positioning element;

[0125] 522 The positioning element;

[0126] 524 The driving member;

[0127] 525 The bracket;

[0128] 526 The connecting rod;

[0129] 527 The connecting rod;

[0130] 602 The alternative positioning device;

[0131] 621 Positioning element;

[0132] 622 Positioning element;

[0133] 624 Driving member;

[0134] 626 Cylinder;

[0135] 627 Cylinder;

[0136] 702 Alternative positioning device;

[0137] 721 Positioning element;

[0138] 722 Positioning element;

[0139] 725, 726 First support member;

[0140] 727, 728 Second support member;

[0141] LE Front end;

[0142] TE Rear end;

[0143] TE’ Rear end projection;

[0144] A Drum axis;

[0145] B Pivot axis;

[0146] C Cutting line;

[0147] D Roller axis;

[0148] E Reference point;

[0149] F Positioning direction; <e

[0150] K Cutting direction;

[0151] L Lateral direction;

[0152] M Median line;

[0153] P Support plane;

[0154] R Reference line;

[0155] T Conveying direction;

[0156] V First displacement direction;

[0157] W Second displacement direction.

Claims

1. A cutting device for cutting a continuous length of chafer strip for tire building, wherein, The cutting device includes: a conveyor for conveying the bead strip in a conveying direction in a support plane; and a cutter for cutting through the bead strip along a cutting line transverse to the conveying direction, wherein the cutting device further includes a positioning device for pushing the bead strip towards a longitudinal reference line at the cutting line in a positioning direction transverse to or perpendicular to the conveying direction.

2. The cutting device according to claim 1, wherein, The positioning device includes one or more positioning elements that are movable relative to the conveyor in the positioning direction so as to push a first side edge of the bead strip towards the longitudinal reference line.

3. The cutting device according to claim 2, wherein, The positioning device is arranged to push one of the one or more positioning elements against the bead strip at the cutting line.

4. The cutting device according to claim 2, wherein, The positioning device is arranged to push one of the one or more positioning elements against the bead strip downstream of the cutting line in the conveying direction.

5. The cutting device according to claim 2, wherein, The positioning device is arranged to push one of the one or more positioning elements against the bead strip upstream of the cutting line in the conveying direction.

6. The cutting device according to claim 2, wherein, The positioning device includes two or more positioning elements, wherein the positioning device is arranged to push a first positioning element among the one or more positioning elements against the bead strip downstream of the cutting line in the conveying direction, and wherein the positioning device is arranged to push a second positioning element among the one or more positioning elements against the bead strip upstream of the cutting line in the conveying direction.

7. The cutting device according to claim 6, wherein, The positioning device further includes a drive member for pushing the first positioning element and the second positioning element into contact with the bead strip in the positioning direction, wherein the first positioning element and the second positioning element are arranged to move relative to the drive member in a first displacement direction and a second displacement direction opposite to the first displacement direction.

8. The cutting device according to claim 7, wherein, The movement of the first positioning element in the first displacement direction has a fixed relationship with the movement of the second positioning element in the second displacement direction or is proportional to the distance of the positioning element to the cutting line or the midline between the positioning elements.

9. The cutting device according to claim 8, wherein, The movement of the first positioning element in the first displacement direction has a 1:1 relationship with the movement of the second positioning element in the second displacement direction.

10. The cutting device according to claim 6, wherein, The first positioning element and the second positioning element can pivot about a common pivot axis extending perpendicular to the support plane.

11. The cutting device according to claim 10, wherein, The first positioning element and the second positioning element are arranged at a fixed mutual angle about the pivot axis.

12. The cutting device according to claim 10, wherein, The positioning device includes a bracket that can rotate about the pivot axis and supports the first positioning element and the second positioning element.

13. The cutting device according to claim 12, wherein, The first positioning element and the second positioning element are in a fixed position relative to the bracket.

14. The cutting device according to claim 12, wherein, The bracket includes: one or more first bracket members that extend above or below the support plane until the pivot axis; and one or more second bracket members that extend in the support plane to carry the first positioning element and the second positioning element, wherein the pivot axis is located at the intersection between the cutting line and the longitudinal reference line.

15. The cutting device according to claim 10, wherein, The pivot axis is a virtual pivot axis.

16. The cutting device according to claim 10, wherein, The first positioning element and the second positioning element are symmetrically arranged with respect to a median line that intersects the pivot axis and extends radially with respect to the pivot axis.

17. The cutting device according to claim 10, wherein, The pivot axis intersects the cutting line.

18. The cutting device according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more positioning elements are rollers, and each roller is rotatable about a roller axis perpendicular to the support plane.

19. The cutting device according to claim 1, wherein, The positioning device includes a positioning driver for pushing the one or more positioning elements in the positioning direction.

20. The cutting device according to claim 19, wherein, The positioning driver is a linear driver.

21. The cutting device according to claim 19, wherein, The positioning driver has a fixed stroke.

22. The cutting device according to claim 19, wherein, The positioning driver is a pneumatic driver.

23. The cutting device according to claim 1, wherein, The cutting device includes an anvil for cooperating with the cutting tool, wherein the anvil is located below the support plane.

24. The cutting device according to claim 23, wherein, The anvil includes one or more recesses for accommodating the one or more positioning elements at least when the one or more positioning elements are displaced in the positioning direction towards the longitudinal reference line.

25. The cutting device according to claim 23, wherein, The cutting device further includes clamping elements for clamping the apex strip upstream and downstream of the cutting line in the conveying direction.

26. A production line for applying a chafer strip to a bead, wherein, The production line includes the cutting device according to claim 1 and a drum for holding the bead, wherein the production line further includes a gripper for gripping the front end and the rear end of the length-cut apex strip at the cutting device and for placing the front end and the rear end at the drum.

27. A method for cutting a triangular strip, wherein, The method includes the following steps: a) conveying the apex strip in the conveying direction in a support plane; b) cutting the apex strip along a cutting line transverse or perpendicular to the conveying direction; and c) before step b), pushing a first side of the apex strip in a positioning direction transverse or perpendicular to the conveying direction until a longitudinal reference line.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein, The apex strip is clamped during step b).

29. The method according to claim 27, wherein, Step c) includes pushing the first side of the apex strip at two different points, wherein a first of the different points is located downstream of the cutting line in the conveying direction, and wherein a second of the different points is located upstream of the cutting line in the conveying direction.

30. The method according to claim 27, using the cutting device according to claim 1.

Images