Pneumatic tire building apparatus including a condition-assisted system for flanges for rotating the beads of the tire

Abstract

The invention relates to a drum (10) type device (1) for molding a tire (2) by axially approaching and relatively rotating a first flange (11) of a first bead (3) of the tire and a second flange (12) of a second bead (4) of the tire, said device applying a rule (L40) comprising a conditional assistance mode, according to which the rotation assistance of the flanges (11, 12) is triggered when and only when the angular deviation (dA) observed between the flanges leaves a pre-established allowed range (DdA).

Description

A tire forming apparatus including a condition-assisted system for rotating the flange of the tire bead that carries the tire. Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the general field of manufacturing tires intended for mounting to vehicle wheels, and more specifically, to the manufacture of pneumatic tires. Background Technology

[0002] As is well known, a pneumatic tire is manufactured using a method comprising the following steps: a manufacturing step known as “flattening” manufacturing, in which a first annular sub-assembly of the tire (referred to as a carcass block) is manufactured by continuously winding several components around a cylindrical drum, including at least one carcass ply provided with reinforcing filaments extending axially from one tire bead to another tire bead; then a forming step, in which the carcass block is radially expanded (e.g., by inflating) while the tire beads are axially brought closer together to form an annular shape; and then a finishing step, in which the elements constituting the tire crown (including the tread) are placed on the resulting carcass block.

[0003] In some cases, the molding process must be accompanied by the tire bead rotating relative to each other around the central axis of the drum because the ply reinforcement yarns in the portion of the carcass block corresponding to the tire sidewall are radialized, that is, as the carcass block expands radially, their azimuth direction around the central axis of the drum is gradually changed to approach and then reach the radial direction, wherein the reinforcement yarns are carried by a radial plane containing the central axis of the drum.

[0004] Specifically, this can be achieved if the carcass ply is initially arranged on the drum such that the parallel reinforcing filaments it contains are not precisely parallel to the axis of rotation of the drum, and are therefore arranged at an angle relative to the generatrix of the cylinder; or, as described in the applicant's patent FR-1 413 102, in the manufacture of a so-called "polarized crown" tire, before the forming step, a reinforcing ply is arranged on the carcass ply in the so-called "crown" portion of the carcass ply intended to be located below the crown of the tire; the reinforcing ply contains mutually parallel reinforcing filaments oriented at an angle different from the angle of the reinforcing filaments of the carcass ply relative to the circumferential direction of the drum, so that during radial expansion, the reinforcing filaments of the reinforcing ply interact with the reinforcing filaments of the crown portion of the carcass ply, causing the angled, therefore intersecting reinforcing filaments to change in the crown region, while the reinforcing filaments of the lateral portion of the carcass ply located on the sides become radialized.

[0005] During the molding process, it is sometimes difficult to properly match the rotation of the tire bead with the appropriate rotation of the drum flange to ensure the correct radialization of the sidewall reinforcement.

[0006] In fact, if the flange is allowed to rotate freely so that the reinforcement spontaneously radializes during radial expansion due to the simple action of the tire’s natural torsion, the final configuration of the reinforcing wires in the sidewall will be inaccurate and difficult to reproduce. This is because it is difficult to precisely control the azimuth direction of the reinforcing wires at the end of the operation. This is because the torque required to align the reinforcing wires along the radial plane decreases during radial expansion, and this torque is particularly small when the reinforcing wires are close to the radial direction.

[0007] Conversely, if an electric actuator is used to control the rotation of the flange axially, thereby forcing the flange to adopt a precise angular position according to its axial separation distance, it is certainly possible to obtain a precise, reproducible, and stable radial orientation of the reinforcing threads on the sidewall in the final annular configuration; however, this often hinders the free positioning of the tire components (here, the carcass blocks), especially at the start of radial expansion operations, with the risk of irreversible deformation or damage to these components due to torsional shear, particularly near the bead. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, the present invention aims to address the aforementioned deficiencies and proposes a new apparatus and a new method that can perform molding operations in a tire-friendly, reliable, precise and reproducible manner, the molding operations involving the change of the azimuth direction of the reinforcing filaments on the tire sidewall, and more specifically, the radialization of the reinforcing filaments, particularly in the context of the manufacture of the aforementioned so-called "polarized crown" tires.

[0009] The object of the present invention is achieved by an apparatus for forming a tire, the apparatus comprising a first flange, a second flange, a translation mechanism, a rotation mechanism, and a control system, wherein the first flange is intended to receive a first bead of the tire; the second flange is intended to receive a second bead of the tire; the translation mechanism is capable of translating the first flange and / or the second flange along a common central axis to change the so-called "center distance" of the axial separation between the first and second flanges, so that the flanges can be axially brought closer together, thereby bringing the beads closer together to accompany the radial expansion of the tire; the rotation mechanism is capable of rotating the first flange and / or the second flange about the central axis, thereby changing the relative azimuth angle position of the first flange relative to the second flange, referred to as the "angle difference"; characterized in that the apparatus includes a control system configured to apply control rules, the control rules including a functional mode referred to as a "conditional assist mode", wherein i) in the... Within a first predetermined center distance range of a “first application area,” the control rules associate each center distance value of the first application area with a range of permissible angular differences called a “permissible area,” which has a predetermined amplitude defined by a lower boundary and an upper boundary separate from the lower boundary; and wherein, ii) when the flanges are axially close to each other and the center distance thus passes through the first application area, if the angular difference is within the permissible area, the rotation mechanism remains passive, such that the first and second flanges rotate freely relative to each other under the natural reaction of the radial expansion of the tires on the tires and the mutual axial closeness of the flanges; if the angular difference reaches one of the boundaries of the permissible area or leaves the permissible area, the rotation mechanism selectively triggers rotation assistance to actively manage the relative rotation of the flanges, thereby forcing the angular difference to remain within the permissible area or return to the permissible area.

[0010] Advantageously, the present invention combines the advantages of free and controlled rotation by providing a hybrid solution that promotes free rotation as the default operating mode as much as possible, but can be activated at any time when necessary to transition from free rotation to controlled rotation. The solution enables the assistance (i.e., applying a force to one and / or the other flange using an actuator separate from the tire to facilitate the active rotational drive of the flange) when a situation is detected indicating that the tire does not have the inherent ability to independently ensure satisfactory spontaneous orientation of the flange and therefore the reinforcing filaments of the tire carcass ply, under given conditions indicating radial expansion at the flange proximity and at the relevant moment.

[0011] In fact, the conditional assist mode according to the invention can trigger the rotational assist of the flange if and only when the value leaves or is about to leave the permissible area (i.e., if and only when it is found that the angular positioning of the flange caused by the natural spontaneous reaction of the associated tire in the radial expansion movement of the tire and the axial approach of the bead does not conform to the positioning expected to ensure the physical integrity of the tire and / or the proper orientation of the reinforcing yarn).

[0012] Specifically, when it is detected that the tire itself does not generate sufficient circumferential force at the bead to drive the proper relative rotation of the flange without assistance, the present invention can trigger rotational assistance of the flange, causing the relative rotation of the flange to be "delayed," i.e., insufficient in magnitude considering the flange's proximity to the horizontal. This may indicate situations such as: the tire being too fragile or too plastic, thus unable to apply a sufficiently high rotational torque to the flange without the risk of its own deformation and damage, or insufficient radial alignment torque due to unfavorable geometric or dimensional configurations, which typically occurs at the end of molding, at the end of the mutual axial proximity of the flanges, when the reinforcing filaments of the carcass ply are aligned with the radial plane and no longer actually produce a lever effect.

[0013] Advantageously, the conditionality of the assistance makes the control system adaptive, because the control system does not blindly apply electric assistance (which would systematically and strictly reproduce from one tire to the next), but instead, the triggering of assistance is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions according to predetermined criteria (here, criteria for belonging to or not belonging to the permissible zone). Therefore, the possible implementation of assistance is adjusted according to the specific circumstances, based on the behavior of the relevant tires and the individual response (especially the actual angle difference), since these parameters are effectively established during molding.

[0014] Therefore, although for the continuous molding of multiple tires of the same model in the same production series, the control system applies the same standardized control rules established for the tire model, the effective progress of molding (especially whether or not to trigger the auxiliary) and, where applicable, the effective point for triggering the auxiliary - that is, the control system will detect the center distance value that requires assistance (i.e., leaving the allowable area) and thus trigger the auxiliary - can be changed from one tire in the series to another tire in the same series according to each tire's specific response to the molding process, thus being "personalized", and thus individually optimized for each tire from one case to another.

[0015] Specifically, for the same actual measured center distance value (i.e., the same advance point in the forming process), the first tire has a first compliant angle difference located within the allowable area defined for that center distance value, so the control system allows the flange to rotate freely, and sometimes the axial approach of the flange can continue without triggering the auxiliary. The second tire of the same model and series has a second non-compliant angle difference located at the boundary or outside of the allowable area, so the control system triggers the auxiliary to force the flange into the appropriate direction, while in some cases, the axial approach of the flange continues.

[0016] Therefore, the present invention can optimize molding quality while ensuring full compliance with tire integrity (and thus tire quality). Attached Figure Description

[0017] Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a more detailed reading of the following description and with the aid of the accompanying drawings, which are provided by way of non-limitation only, wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 illustrates the control rules according to the present invention, which associate the center distance value on the horizontal axis with the value or range of the allowable angle difference on the vertical axis.

[0019] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the tire forming apparatus according to the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 illustrates a mechanical guide using a groove, which implements control rules by guiding fingers fixed to a flange.

[0021] Figure 4 shows a variant of the forming apparatus in Figure 2 in the form of an exploded perspective, wherein each of the first flange and the second flange is guided by a grooved mechanical guide according to Figure 3.

[0022] Figure 5 shows the forming apparatus in Figure 4 in the form of a detailed schematic diagram of a partial cross-section along the vertical diameter plane. This schematic diagram schematically shows the solid portion of the first flange that is hidden in other views to better understand the apparatus.

[0023] Figure 6 shows, in the form of an exploded perspective, the molding apparatus of Figures 4 and 5 in an initial configuration in a cylindrical form corresponding to the center distance value of the tire being "flat" before the molding operation.

[0024] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the mechanical guide that engages with two fingers associated with the flange in the initial configuration of Figures 5 and 6 and in the first blocking configuration that prevents the flange from rotating.

[0025] Figure 8 is a detailed perspective view of the apparatus in Figures 6 and 7, wherein the first flange is removed to show the fingers that mate with the mechanical guide.

[0026] Figure 9 shows a top view of the first forming stage, in which the fingers associated with the flange are axially moved away from the blocking position and into the application area of ​​the condition-assisted mode.

[0027] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the mechanical guide and finger in the configuration of Figure 9.

[0028] Figure 11 shows, in perspective view, the molding apparatus of Figures 2, 4, 5 and 6 in an intermediate configuration during the molding operation, wherein the flanges are axially close to each other such that the center distance value is within the application area of ​​the condition-assisted mode, and the flanges pivot while maintaining the angular difference in the area permitted by the control rules.

[0029] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the mechanical guide and finger in the intermediate configuration of Figure 11, wherein the finger floats between two opposite side edges of the groove that forms the boundary of the allowable area.

[0030] Figure 13 is a detailed perspective view of the device in Figures 11 and 12, wherein the first flange is removed to show the fingers that mate with the mechanical guide.

[0031] Figure 14 shows, in exploded perspective, the final configuration of the devices in Figures 4, 5, 6 and 11 at the end of the molding operation, where the flange-related fingers have reached the stop of the groove for the mechanical guide and engage in the axial extension of the groove, which prevents the flange from rotating at the desired angular position.

[0032] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the mechanical guides and fingers in the final configuration of Figure 14.

[0033] Figure 16 is a side view in a cross section of a vertical diameter plane containing the central axis of rotation of the flange, in a radially deployed configuration of the pivot arm supported by the flange, as shown in Figures 4, 5, 6, 11, and 14. Rollers are provided at the free end of the arm to fold the edges of the carcass ply onto the tire bead core and press the edges of the carcass ply against the portion of the carcass ply forming the sidewall.

[0034] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of the mechanical guide and fingers in the unfolded configuration of Figure 16, wherein the fingers move axially apart to cause the arm to pivot.

[0035] Figure 18 shows the device in Figure 16 in an unfolded configuration as an exploded perspective view of the mechanical guide associated with the first flange. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The present invention relates to an apparatus 1 for forming a tire 2, as shown in FIG2.

[0037] The tire 2 is intended to be mounted to the wheels of a vehicle and is preferably a pneumatic tire.

[0038] In a manner known per se, the tire 2 includes a first bead 3 and a second bead 4 designed to clamp the tire 2 onto a mounting support such as a rim. In this case, the invention specifically illustrates how to manufacture tires with mounting diameters on rims between 13 inches and 24 inches (more specifically, between 16 inches and 22 inches).

[0039] Each bead 3, 4 is provided with a bead core, for example, formed by a braided metal wire or several reinforcing wires wound together, such that the bead core forms a non-extendable annular hoop.

[0040] In a known manner, a carcass ply with mutually parallel reinforcing threads extends from one bead 3 to another bead 4, such that the reinforcing threads connect one bead core to another bead core, thereby forming part of the reinforcement of the tire 2.

[0041] The shape of tire 2 exhibits rotational symmetry about an axis called the "central axis" Z2, which substantially corresponds to the axis of rotation of the wheel on which the tire will be mounted. This central axis Z2 defines three directions commonly used by those skilled in the art: axial, radial, and circumferential.

[0042] "Axial direction" refers to the direction that is collinear with the central axis Z2 of tire 2 (i.e., parallel in a vector sense), and therefore parallel to the axis of rotation of the tire.

[0043] "Radial direction" refers to the direction extending along the radius of the tire, that is, any direction that intersects with and is perpendicular to the central axis Z2.

[0044] "Circumferential direction" refers to the direction perpendicular to the axial direction and the tire radius, and therefore corresponds to the tangent of the circle centered on the tire's axis of rotation in a plane perpendicular to the central axis Z2.

[0045] The forming operation includes radially expanding the tire 2 (here, more specifically, a tire sub-assembly referred to as a "carcass block") by, for example, by injecting gas into the interior of the tire 2 (here, more specifically, the interior of the carcass block) at a pressure higher than ambient atmospheric pressure, and by bringing the bead 3, 4 axially closer to each other, so that the tire 2 (here, more specifically, the carcass block) changes from an initial configuration to a final configuration in which the tire (here, the carcass block) has the form of a perfect cylinder, as shown by the dashed lines in Figures 2, 5, and 6, and in which the carcass ply reinforcing filaments located on the tire sidewall are non-radialized, and in which the tire 2 (here, the carcass block) has the form of an annular shape, as shown in Figure 16, in which the carcass ply reinforcing filaments located on the tire sidewall are radialized.

[0046] In a known manner, once the tire 2 (more precisely, the carcass block) is formed, a crown block can be attached to the tire 2, which includes at least a tread and, in some cases, one or more reinforcing elements, such as reinforcing layers and / or hoops formed by helical winding of circumferential reinforcing rings. The resulting complete tire (also known as a green tire) is then placed in a curing mold to vulcanize the rubber base components of the tire 2.

[0047] For the sake of brevity and ease of description, in the following text, depending on the context or when it is not necessary to distinguish these elements, the term "tire" 2 may refer to a carcass block intended for molding operations, a molded carcass block produced by molding operations, or a complete tire obtained after assembling a crown block onto a molded carcass block.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment, tire 2 is the polarized crown tire originally described, manufactured using a molding operation to alter the orientation of the carcass ply reinforcement yarns in the crown region of the carcass block by applying a polarizing structure to portions of the carcass block intended to form the crown region before and during the molding operation. This structure can be integrated into a molding apparatus or formed by superimposing reinforcement plies onto the carcass plies and is intended to be permanently integrated into the tire. The polarizing structure also includes mutually parallel reinforcement yarns positioned relative to the tire's circumferential direction at an angle different from that of the carcass ply reinforcement yarns to reorient the ply reinforcement yarns in the crown region during radial expansion of the carcass block. The crown block then fixes the reinforcement yarns along the resulting direction.

[0049] In a known manner, the device 1 includes a frame 9 that supports a drum 10, which is rotatably mounted relative to the frame 9 along a central axis Z10 (here, corresponding to its longitudinal axis). In fact, the central axis Z10 of the drum coincides with the central axis Z2 of the tire 2 manufactured and / or formed on the drum 10; therefore, for ease of description, both axes can be considered together under the same reference numeral Z10.

[0050] Drum 10 (and thus more broadly, device 1) includes a first flange 11 and a second flange 12, the first flange 11 being intended to receive a first bead 3 of tire 2 and the second flange 12 being intended to receive a second bead 4 of tire 2.

[0051] Preferably, as shown in FIG5, each of the flanges 11, 12 has an annular guide groove forming a base to accommodate elements constituting the first bead 3 and the second bead 4, respectively, here, in particular, first, the carcass ply, and second, at a reproducible position above the carcass ply, the bead core or a composite comprising a bead core associated with a rubber liner.

[0052] The device 1 also includes a translation mechanism 13, which enables the first flange 11 and / or the second flange 12 to translate along a common central axis Z10 (here, corresponding to the central axis Z10 of the drum 10) to change the “center distance” dZ of the axial separation of the first flange 11 and the second flange 12 (more precisely, the axial separation of the first bead 3 and the second bead 4 of the tire 2), so that the flanges 11 and 12 can axially approach each other, and thus the beads 3 and 4 of the tire 2 approach each other to accompany the radial expansion of the tire 2.

[0053] Preferably, the translation mechanism 13 (more broadly, drum 10, and thus device 1) includes a handle 14 that forms a central axis Z10 and guides the translation and rotation of the first flange 11 and the second flange 12. The handle 14 itself is supported by a frame 9 and is rotatably mounted relative to the frame 9 about the central axis Z10.

[0054] As is known and as shown in FIG. 2, the translation mechanism 13 may include a translation drive motor M13, preferably an electric motor, which acts on flanges 11, 12 to move flanges 11, 12 by sliding flanges 11, 12 along handle 14, for example (as shown in FIG. 5) by means of rods 16, 17 translated by motor M13, preferably by means of a screw and nut motion conversion system 18 housed in frame 9. Engagement between flanges 11, 12 and rods 16, 17 may be achieved by one or more fingers 62, 63, 64, 65, which will be described in more detail below.

[0055] The center distance value dZ can be measured or evaluated by any suitable means, for example, by means of a sensor that is associated with flanges 11, 12 or translation mechanism 13 (especially drive motor M13 that drives the translation mechanism 13) and measures the axial position of each of the flanges 11, 12 or makes it possible to derive the axial position of flanges 11, 12 from the angular position of the axis of motor M13.

[0056] Furthermore, drum 10 may include a center hoop 15 slidably located on flanges 11 and 12, spanning one end of each of flanges 11 and 12, thus forming a bridge that ensures the visible surface of drum 10 is continuous between the two flanges 11 and 12. Therefore, hoop 15 specifically forms a support for the components used in the “flat” laying of the carcass blocks during the assembly of tire 2 on drum 10, and is capable of accommodating changes in the center distance dZ during the axial movement of flanges 11 and 12.

[0057] As can be seen particularly clearly in Figures 5, 16 and 18, drum 10 preferably includes an arm 20 which is mounted in a star shape to each of flanges 11, 12 and hinged to each of flanges 11, 12 by a pivot 21, so that the arm 20 can be alternately radially extended (Figures 16 and 18) and retracted (Figures 2, 4, 5, 6, 11) by pivoting relative to the central axis Z10.

[0058] The free end of the arm 20 carries a roller 22 such that when the arm 20 is radially extended and the flanges 11, 12 are axially close, the roller 22 performs a folding operation, which includes bending the edge of the carcass ply on the bead core and pressing the edge against the corresponding portion of the carcass ply to be formed on the sidewall of the tire 2, the edge of the carcass ply forming the axial end of the carcass ply and preferably carrying one or more components intended to be integrated into the sidewall of the tire 2.

[0059] After the crown block is laid on the formed carcass block, the arms 20 with rollers 22 can also be used to fold and roll the radially outer portion of the tire sidewall onto the crown block to ensure a good bond between the crown block and the carcass block before the raw tire is sent for curing.

[0060] Any suitable deployment mechanism 23 can be used to control the pivoting of the arm 20. For example, as shown in Figures 5 and 16, for this purpose, rings 24 and 25 can be provided on the relevant flanges 11 and 12, which are guided by translation on the flanges 11 and 12. The relative axial movement of the rings relative to the flanges 11 and 12 by a suitable linkage causes the pivoting of the arm 20.

[0061] Furthermore, the device 1 preferably includes an inflation system (not shown) designed to inject fluid (preferably air) into the annular space located between flanges 11 and 12 (whose radial outer limit is formed by the tire 2 to be formed) at a pressure greater than ambient atmospheric pressure. Therefore, inflation facilitates the radial expansion of the tire 2 and advantageously maintains the tire 2 in an annular configuration, particularly during the laying of the tread blocks.

[0062] The device 1 also includes a rotating mechanism 30, which causes the first flange 11 and / or the second flange 12 to rotate about the central axis Z10, thereby changing the relative azimuth position of the first flange 11 relative to the second flange 12, referred to as the "angle difference" dA.

[0063] In fact, if the angular position A11 of the first flange 11 and the angular position A12 of the second flange 12 are measured relative to the same origin and in a common reference frame (e.g., the reference frame associated with frame 9), then the angular difference dA represents the algebraic value of the difference between the angular position A11 of the first flange and the angular position A12 of the second flange 12 (taking into account the sign of each of these values): dA = A11 - A12.

[0064] The angle difference dA can be evaluated or measured by any appropriate means, for example, by measuring the corresponding angular positions A11, A12 of the first flange 11 and the second flange 12 by means of an angle sensor of the encoder or rotary transformer type.

[0065] By convention, when the angular positions A11 and A12 of the flange correspond to counterclockwise rotation (triangular direction), they can have a positive sign; when the angular positions A11 and A12 of the flange correspond to clockwise rotation, they can have a negative sign.

[0066] By convention, it can be assumed that in the initial configuration where the tires are "flat", the two flanges 11 and 12 are aligned at their common angular origin, such that the initial angular difference is zero: dA_init = 0 degrees.

[0067] In practice, in the final configuration, tire 2 is annular and the reinforcing yarns of the carcass ply are radialized. The final angle difference dA_final depends on the structure and size of tire 2, particularly the ratio between the radial height of the sidewall and the width of the tire crown. Preferably, the final angle difference dA_final can be between 0 and 30 degrees, and more commonly, between 1 and 20 degrees, especially between 5 and 15 degrees.

[0068] According to the present invention, the device 1 includes a control system 40 configured to apply control rule L40, as shown in FIG1. ​​Control rule L40 includes a functional mode called a “conditional assistance mode”, wherein i) within a first predetermined center distance range called a “first application area” DI, control rule L40 associates each center distance value dZ of the first application area DI with a range of permissible angular differences called a “permissible area” DdA, the “permissible area” DdA ​​having a predetermined amplitude H_DdA, the predetermined amplitude H_DdA being defined by a lower boundary DdA_min and an upper boundary DdA_max separated from the lower boundary DdA_min; and wherein ii) when the flanges 11 and 12 are axially approached each other (from the initial configuration to the final configuration), When the center distance dZ thus passes through the first application area DI (and thus gradually travels from one side to the other), if the angle difference dA is within the allowable area DdA, the rotation mechanism 30 remains passive, allowing the first flange 11 and the second flange 12 to rotate freely relative to each other under the natural reaction of the radial expansion of the tire 2 on the tire 2 and the mutual axial approach of the flanges 11 and 12. If the angle difference dA reaches one of the boundaries DdA_min and DdA_max of the allowable area DdA or leaves the allowable area DdA, the rotation mechanism 30 selectively triggers rotation assistance to actively manage the relative rotation of the flanges 11 and 12, thereby forcing the angle difference dA to remain within the allowable area DdA or return to the allowable area DdA.

[0069] Advantageously, therefore control rule L40 stipulates that for the same center distance value dZ, device 1 can selectively adopt two states, namely, free rotation state or assisted rotation state, depending on whether the actual angle difference dA is within or outside the allowable region DdA.

[0070] Advantageously, the control rule L40 according to the invention can keep flanges 11 and 12 floating, i.e., in a state of free relative rotation;

[0071] -As long as the actual angle difference dA does not leave the allowable range DdA, it is not necessary to actively correct the angle difference dA by triggering the electric assist.

[0072] - Alternatively, the assist can be deactivated when the actual angular difference dA returns strictly to within the allowed region DdA after being temporarily outside (or on) the allowed region DdA, and the previously triggered assist is no longer needed.

[0073] At the relevant center distance value dZ, the allowable range H_DdA defines the tolerance of natural self-regulation allowed by the system formed by the flanges 11 and 12 connected by tire 2.

[0074] As mentioned above, the same control rule L40 is therefore relatively versatile because, for each associated tire 2, it can be individually adjusted for the duration and intensity of the assistance it provides to the rotation of flanges 11, 12, since the triggering and / or duration of the assistance is limited by the inherent response of the associated tire 2 to the molding operation.

[0075] The auxiliary triggering or corresponding deactivation can be achieved by any appropriate means, such as mechanical ramp system (see below), controlled clutch engagement, selective application of one or more auxiliary rotating motors M30, etc.

[0076] In this context, it should be noted that the rotating mechanism 30 may include its own drive motor M30 or obtain power from the drive motor M13 of the translation mechanism 13 through a suitable motion conversion system.

[0077] In all cases, the rotational movement of flanges 11 and 12 (especially the rotational assistance of flanges 11 and 12) can be synchronized with the axial translational movement of flanges 11 and 12 (more specifically, the mutual axial approach movement of flanges 11 and 12).

[0078] The schematic diagram in Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary control rule L40.

[0079] In this schematic diagram, the dashed line represents an exemplary theoretical evolution curve 41, which corresponds to the evolution of the angle difference dA according to the center distance dZ (which is considered optimal for a given model of tire 2 during the molding operation).

[0080] It should be noted that the theoretical evolution curve 41 is not linear and has a smooth transition, starting essentially tangent to the initial value of the angle difference dA_init, then passing through the inflection point (here, essentially in the middle of the first application area DI), and then ending tangent to the final value of the angle difference dA_final, making the theoretical evolution curve 41 essentially S-shaped.

[0081] Preferably, the theoretical evolution curve 41 is at least C 1 The tire 2 is class-specific, meaning it is differentiable and its derivative is continuous at least within the interval formed by the first application region DI, and preferably continuous within the total center distance interval D_tot, which extends from the initial center distance dZ_init corresponding to the initial configuration to the final center distance dZ_final corresponding to the final configuration. Therefore, molding following this theoretical evolution will proceed gradually without impact or excessive pressure, thus ensuring the integrity of tire 2.

[0082] The theoretical evolution curve 41 is contained within the allowed region DdA (here, the shaded region), or in some places runs along one of its boundaries (here, the upper boundary DdA_max of the allowed region DdA).

[0083] The boundary values ​​DdA_max and DdA_min also follow the preference that they should be at least C. 1 The curve of the class has an upper boundary DdA_max above the theoretical evolution curve 41 and a lower boundary DdA_min below the theoretical evolution curve 41. For each associated center distance value dZ, the separation of the boundaries from each other represents the height of the allowable region H_DdA for the associated center distance value dZ.

[0084] The boundary values ​​DdA_max, DdA_min, and the theoretical evolution curve 41 (more broadly, control rule 40) are preferably monotonic functions, according to which the angle difference dA continuously increases as the center distance dZ decreases.

[0085] The arrow shown on the theoretical evolution curve 41 indicates the direction of travel of the theoretical evolution curve 41, and therefore more broadly, the direction of travel of the control rule L40 during the molding operation.

[0086] The second curve 42, represented by the solid line, is an example of the actual behavior of the first tire 2 during the molding operation without assistance, because the tire 2 reacts in a way that the actual angle difference dA is naturally and permanently kept within the allowable region DdA, so that the control rule L40 will never trigger assistance in the first application region DI.

[0087] However, the third curve 43, represented by the hybrid line, illustrates an example of molding in which the tire 2 cannot naturally maintain the actual angular difference dA within the allowable region DdA. For instance, due to a "hard spot" associated with excessive friction in the rotating mechanism 30 of the flanges 11, 12, the actual angular difference dA "touches" the boundary (here, the lower boundary DdA_max) at point M1 in the schematic diagram, thereby triggering an assist. In this case, the assist causes molding to continue along the lower boundary DdA_max to maintain an acceptable angular difference dA while continuing to approach axially (thus reducing the center distance dZ). In the same example, it should be noted that once the "hard spot" is crossed, the rotating mechanism 30 regains its fluidity, causing the rotation of the flanges 11, 12 to catch up, and the angular difference dA returns to within the allowable region DdA (here, point M2). This results in the interruption of the assist and continuation of molding utilizing the free rotational motion of the flanges 11, 12.

[0088] The second shaded area at the bottom of the schematic diagram in Figure 1 shows the evolution of the magnitude H_DdA of the allowed region, and therefore the evolution of the allowed value of the angle difference dA relative to the theoretical evolution curve 41 (shown here on the horizontal axis).

[0089] Preferably, the allowable range H_DdA provides relative angular displacement for flanges 11 and 12 and thus provides a possible angular difference dA, which can reach at least 2 degrees, or even at least 5 degrees, and is preferably less than 30 degrees, or even less than 15 degrees.

[0090] In other words, there is at least one center distance value dZ in the first application area DI. For this center distance value dZ, control rule L40 allows the angular displacement of flange 11 relative to another flange 12 to be at least equal to 2 degrees, preferably at least equal to 5 degrees. For the entire first application area DI, the allowed angular displacement does not exceed 30 degrees, preferably not more than 15 degrees.

[0091] Therefore, the angular displacement allowed by flanges 11 and 12 is first large enough so that the control system 40 prioritizes the free rotation of flanges 11 and 12, provided that such free rotation will not damage tire 2, and the angular displacement allowed by flanges 11 and 12 is small enough to ensure that the control system 40 triggers assistance before a torsional event that could damage tire 2 occurs.

[0092] It should also be noted that, preferably, the amplitude H_DdA of the allowed region varies according to the center distance dZ.

[0093] Therefore, the control rule L40 can define a non-constant amplitude H_DdA based on the center distance dZ, thus advantageously allowing the tolerance of the control system 40 to gradually adapt to the degree of tire 2 forming and / or the nonlinear behavior of tire 2.

[0094] For example, at the start of molding, the control system 40 can be relatively strict, with a relatively small amplitude H_DdA to enhance its responsiveness. Thus, although flanges 11 and 12 are initially preferably in a free-rotating state, if the angle difference dA increases too rapidly under the influence of a high torque caused by the inertia of the flanges at the start of rotation (more broadly, by the resisting torque opposite to the free rotation of the flanges), assistance can be triggered almost immediately, potentially damaging or even destroying tire 2. Then, the amplitude H_DdA can be increased, so that once the rotational movement of flanges 11 and 12 begins and axial approach is simultaneously underway, the control system 40 becomes more tolerant and thus less rapid in providing electric assistance. Therefore, the control system can be particularly tolerant of variations in the angle difference dA related to the viscoelastic behavior of tire 2 under torsion and / or frictional fluctuations that impede the free rotation of flanges 11 and 12. At the end of the molding process, the amplitude H_DdA can be reduced again, so the control system 40 becomes more stringent again to achieve the correct radialization of the reinforcing filaments on the tire sidewall by triggering an assist when the angle difference dA deviates slightly from the desired target value dA_final.

[0095] Preferably, the permissible region DdA defined by control rule L40 has an amplitude H_DdA such that: firstly, when the center distance dZ decreases within the first portion DI_1 of the first application region DI, the amplitude H_DdA increases, the first portion DI_1 being positioned toward and preferably including the initial center distance dZ_init corresponding to the substantially cylindrical initial configuration of the tire 2; then, within the second portion DI_2 of the first application region DI, the amplitude H_DdA decreases, the second portion DI_2 being positioned toward or even including the final center distance dZ_final corresponding to the final annular configuration of the tire 2, such that the angle difference dA converges toward the target final angle difference dA_final corresponding to the desired angle difference in the final configuration.

[0096] Therefore, the region representing the allowable amplitude H_DdA has a bulge in the central portion of the first application region DI, and imparts the adaptive properties of the control system 40 as described above. Advantageously, the convergence of the boundaries DdA_min and DdA_max toward the same target value of the final angle difference dA_final (and thus the corresponding reduction of amplitude H_DdA in the second part DI_2 of the first application region) means that the closer the center distance dZ and tire 2 are to the final configuration, the less tolerant the control system 40 is to the free angular displacement of flange 11 relative to the other flange 12, and therefore the more likely the control system 40 is to trigger rotational assistance to precisely control the direction of the sidewall reinforcing yarns.

[0097] Preferably, during the total axial travel of the flanges 11, 12 necessary to transition the tire 2 from an initial configuration that is substantially cylindrical to a final configuration that corresponds to the desired annular form, the first application area DI covers at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, or even at least 90% of the total center distance interval D_tot described by the center distance dZ.

[0098] Therefore, it is advantageous that during most or even almost all of the axial travel of flanges 11 and 12 (and thus, the nature of the forming operation), the control system 40 can give priority to free rotation and apply the conditional aid principle to truly impose constraint control on flanges 11 and 12 only at the end and beginning of the axial travel (sometimes, if necessary).

[0099] Furthermore, according to preferred features that can constitute a completely independent invention, control rule L40 includes at least one rotation-stopping function, and preferably includes two rotation-stopping functions selected from the following:

[0100] i) A first rotation-stopping function F_lock_1, which is capable of preventing relative rotation of flanges 11 and 12 in the initial configuration corresponding to the initial center distance value dZ_init or within the range D_lock_init of the center distance value before the first application area DI, wherein tire 2 has a cylindrical form before the forming operation, and

[0101] ii) A second rotation-stopping function F_lock_2, which is capable of preventing relative rotation of flanges 11 and 12 in the final configuration corresponding to the final center distance value dZ_final or within the range of center distance values ​​D_lock_final after the first application area DI, wherein tire 2 has the desired annular shape after the molding operation is completed.

[0102] When the first rotational prevention function F_lock_1 is activated, it advantageously prevents the flanges 11 and 12 from rotating relative to each other and relative to the handle 14 during the flattening assembly step of the tire, thereby ensuring that the drum 10 behaves as a stable single component when the components of the carcass block, including at least the carcass ply and the bead core, are laid on the drum 10. The first rotational prevention function F_lock_1 is then deactivated at the start of the forming operation to allow relative rotation of the flanges 11 and 12.

[0103] The second rotation-prevention function F_lock_2 can advantageously prevent relative rotation of flanges 11 and 12 at the end of the molding operation, thereby ensuring stable support of tire bead 3 and 4 of tire 2 during the process of attaching and securing the tread block to the molded tire 2 (here, the carcass block) or when performing a rolling operation via arm 20.

[0104] Therefore, the blocking functions F_lock_1 and F_lock_2, which can be activated on both sides of the first application area D1 (before the start of the axial stroke required for molding and at the end of the axial stroke required for molding, respectively), can be implemented by any suitable means for preventing the rotation of flanges 11 and 12 relative to handle 14 (including, for example, mechanical friction brakes, mechanical locks, management clutch systems, control of motor braking of rotating electric motors, or specific arrangements of guide ramps, etc.).

[0105] It should be noted that, graphically, given the above characteristics, the boundaries DdA_max and DdA_min preferably follow an S-shaped curve, similar to the theoretical evolution curve 41: the curve has a tangent at its starting point dZ_init that is tangent to the initial center distance value dA_init, the tangent being horizontal and preferably a common tangent of the two boundaries, followed by a gradual evolution with an inflection point, and then convergence toward the tangent to the final center distance value dA_final, which is again horizontal and preferably a common tangent of the two boundaries, as shown in Figure 1.

[0106] According to the first possible implementation, the control rule L40 is in electronic form, preferably in the form of a set of numerical data (e.g., mathematical formulas, mappings, graphs or tables), and is available to the computer 50 of the control system 40 that manages one or more motors M13, M30 that drive the translation mechanism 13 and the rotation mechanism 30, as shown in FIG2.

[0107] Advantageously, this solution particularly allows for simple programming or reprogramming of the control rules L40 to adapt the device 1 to each new model of the tire 2 to be shaped, without changing the mechanical components of the drum 10.

[0108] This solution also allows the control rule L40 to evolve according to various parameters applicable to the molding operation (in particular, according to the inflation pressure selected to cause radial expansion of the tire 2).

[0109] According to this first possible implementation, in order to perform the forming of tire 2, computer 50 manages translation drive motor M13 to force flanges 11, 12 axially closer, assessing the corresponding center distance dZ (e.g., by measuring or assessing the axial position of each of flanges 11, 12 using sensors integrated in translation mechanism 13), while simultaneously assessing the angular difference dA at each moment (e.g., by measuring the respective angular positions A11, A12 of flanges 11, 12 using appropriate sensors). Therefore, computer 50 can compare the actual operating point (dZ, dA) (i.e., the point where the coordinates (on the graph in Figure 1) are the actual center distance dZ on the horizontal axis and the actual angular difference dA on the vertical axis) with the allowable area DdA defined by control rule L40 at each considered moment, thereby determining:

[0110] - If the actual working point (dZ, dA) is within the allowable area DdA, then continue axial approach by keeping flanges 11 and 12 in free relative rotation.

[0111] - Alternatively, if the actual working point (dZ, dA) reaches or exceeds the boundaries of the allowable area DdA_min, DdA_max, an auxiliary mechanism for controlling the relative rotation of flanges 11 and 12 is triggered to compensate for the insufficient natural rotation of the flanges, thereby keeping the working point within or returning to the allowable area DdA.

[0112] The activation of the electronic virtual control rule L40 with the assistance of computer 50 may depend on the nature of the rotating mechanism 30.

[0113] Preferably, the rotating mechanism 30 may be provided with one or more specific drive motors M30 separate from the translation drive motor M13. In this case, when the computer 50 decides to trigger assistance, the rotary drive motor M30 can be selectively activated to provide torque for the rotation of the auxiliary flanges 11, 12 and / or control the angular positions A11, A12 of the flanges. Thus, the control system 40 applying electronic control rule L40 can act as an "electric cam" that adjusts the intensity of assistance and the amount of rotational displacement of the flanges 11, 12 according to the center distance value dZ and, where appropriate, the rate of evolution of the center distance dZ (and thus, according to the management of the rotary drive motor M13, according to the synchronization ratio (between the translation drive motor M13 and the rotary drive motor M30) that can be defined and adjusted by the control rule L40 for any center distance value dZ).

[0114] Preferably, this rotating mechanism 30 may include a clutch managed by a computer 50 and is capable of selectively employing an engaged or disengaged configuration. In the engaged configuration, the clutch provides a connection between the rotary drive motor M30 and the associated flanges to assist in the relative rotation of flanges 11, 12. In the disengaged configuration, the clutch disengages flanges 11, 12 from the drive motor M30, and more specifically, disconnects flanges 11, 12 from the kinematic chain comprising the drive motor M30 and its associated reduction gears, thereby releasing the relative rotation of flanges 11, 12, and more specifically, preventing the motor M30 and its reduction gears from applying a resisting torque that could impede the free rotation of the associated flanges 11, 12.

[0115] In all cases, the computer 50 (and more broadly, the control system 40 applying electronic control rule L40) can advantageously apply a threshold system to avoid oscillations that may result from the rapid alternation between auxiliary triggering and subsequent auxiliary stopping, since the operating point (dZ, dA) is close to the boundary of the allowable region DdA, and thus close to the limit requiring assistance.

[0116] Therefore, for example, if an assist is triggered when a working point located within the allowed region DdA reaches the boundaries DdA_min and DdA_max (point M1 in Figure 1) of the allowed region, the assist can be maintained until the working point strictly returns to a position within the allowed region DdA, at a predetermined threshold (angle) distance from the boundaries DdA_min and DdA_max that triggered the assist, and / or at a predetermined threshold (angle) distance from the boundaries DdA_min and DdA_max that are closest to the working point (dZ, dA) at the relevant time.

[0117] In one possibility, the assistance can be maintained until the actual operating point (dZ, dA) reaches the theoretical evolution curve 41. That is, the computer 50 uses the theoretical evolution curve 41 as a setpoint for enabling the assistance and manages the rotation of flanges 11 and 12 according to this setpoint. According to the schematic diagram in Figure 1 and referring to the forming operation shown by the third curve 43, the active assistance will be maintained from the point M1 where the assistance is triggered at the lower boundary DdA_min of the allowable area until the intersection point M2′ of the third curve 43 and the theoretical evolution curve 41. From the intersection point M2′, the assistance will be deactivated again.

[0118] Once the aid enables flanges 11, 12 to correct their angular positions to return to an acceptable angular difference dA (e.g., the angular difference dA for the actual center distance dZ provided by the theoretical evolution curve 41), then computer 50 (more broadly, control system 40) can deactivate the aid to restore the relative rotational degrees of freedom of flanges 11, 12.

[0119] According to a second possible embodiment that could constitute a completely independent invention, the control rule L40 is not electronic and therefore not virtual, but is implemented by a mechanical guide 60 corresponding to a guide groove 61. Fingers 62, 63, 64, and 65, fixed to one of the flanges 11 and 12, engage in the guide groove 61, as shown in Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18.

[0120] As shown in Figures 3, 7, 10, 12, 15, and 17, the guide groove 61 has side edges that form guide profiles 66, 67, 68, and 69 for the associated fingers 62, 63, 64, and 65. These guide profiles 66, 67, 68, and 69 allow axial movement of the fingers 62, 63, 64, and 65 during variations in the center distance dZ, while simultaneously forming the boundary of the allowable region DdA around the central axis Z10 at an azimuth angle, such that: firstly, at each axial position of the fingers 62, 63, 64, and 65 (and therefore, at each axial position of the flanges 11 and 12)... First, the fingers 62, 63, 64, 65 (and thus the corresponding flanges 11, 12) are provided with an angular displacement RA corresponding to the magnitude H_DdA of the allowable area of ​​the associated axial position. Second, when the fingers 62, 63, 64, 65 reach an azimuth position corresponding to one of the boundaries DdA_min, DdA_max of the allowable area, the fingers 62, 63, 64, 65 are held within the allowable area DdA by forming a circumferential stop for azimuth rotation of the fingers 62, 63, 64, 65 (and thus the corresponding flanges 11, 12).

[0121] More specifically, the guide slot 61 may include:

[0122] - A first guide profile 66, which corresponds to the angular position of flanges 11, 12 in the initial configuration with non-radialized reinforcing filaments, preferably takes the form of a first straight horizontal portion parallel to the central axis Z10;

[0123] - A second guide profile 67, which corresponds to the angular position of flanges 11, 12 in the final configuration with radially reinforced filaments, preferably takes the form of a second straight horizontal portion parallel to the central axis Z10 and offset azimuthally relative to the first guide profile 66;

[0124] - The third guide profile 68 forms a radial ramp that ensures the transition between the first non-radialized horizontal portion and the second radialized horizontal portion, and during the axial approach of the flanges 11, 12 required for tire 2 forming, it is able to force the circumferential movement of the fingers 62, 63, 64, 65 by converting the axial thrust applied by the axial drive motor M13 to the fingers 62, 63, 64, 65 into rotational torque, thereby causing the flanges 11, 12 to rotate;

[0125] - and a fourth guide profile 69, which, in the forming direction (i.e., in the direction where the center distance dZ decreases), limits the possible range of azimuth rotation of the fingers 62, 63, 64, 65 to prevent the flanges 11, 12 from running excessively free-rotating (which would cause the angular difference dA to exceed the allowable region DdA, here referring to crossing the upper boundary DdA_max). Advantageously, in the opposite direction (i.e., in the return direction), when the flanges 11, 12 move axially apart to return the drum 10 to its initial configuration, thereby enabling the manufacture of a new tire 2, the fourth guide profile 69 forms a re-initialization ramp that provides a transition between the second horizontal portion and the first horizontal portion. For this purpose, by converting the axial thrust applied by the axial drive motor M13 that causes the flanges to move apart from each other, the fingers 62, 63, 64, 65 (and therefore the flanges 11, 12) are forced to rotate in the direction opposite to the allowable radialization direction, thereby returning the fingers and flanges to their initial angular positions.

[0126] In fact, the first guide contour 66 and the third guide contour 68 correspond to the lower boundary DdA_min of the allowed region DdA, while the second guide contour 67 and the fourth guide contour 69 correspond to the upper boundary DdA_max.

[0127] As can be specifically seen in Figure 3, the third guide profile 68 forming the ramp preferably follows a spiral path relative to the central axis Z10, and its spiral angle B68 can be between 1 degree and 45 degrees, preferably between 2 degrees and 30 degrees, for example, between 5 degrees and 20 degrees.

[0128] Similarly, the fourth guide profile 69 forming the ramp preferably follows a spiral path relative to the central axis Z10, with a spiral angle B69 that can be between 1 degree and 45 degrees, preferably between 2 degrees and 30 degrees, for example, between 5 degrees and 20 degrees.

[0129] The helix angle B69 of the fourth helix profile 69 may be equal to or, in some cases, strictly greater than the helix angle B68 of the third helix profile 68.

[0130] Furthermore, the fourth guide profile 69 is preferably axially offset relative to the third guide profile 68 to produce the effect of a gradual change in the magnitude H_Dda of the allowable region, thereby creating a protrusion in the allowable region DdA as described above.

[0131] The shapes of the third guide contour 68 and / or the fourth guide contour 69 can be formed to create a proportional linear relationship between the axial position and the angular position, or a nonlinear relationship reflecting the bending boundaries DdA_min and DdA_max of the allowable region DdA (e.g., S-shaped bending boundaries as described above).

[0132] Preferably, the device 1 (more specifically, drum 10) has two mechanical guides 60 for flanges 11 and 12, respectively. Preferably, the guides may have a substantially symmetrical arrangement, such that the guide groove of the first guide 60 is configured to rotate the first flange 11 in one direction, while the guide groove of the second guide 60 is configured to rotate the second flange 12 in the opposite direction.

[0133] Of course, since the rotational stroke and the resulting angular difference dA are distributed across the two guides 60, the dimensions of each guide 60 and the individual magnitude of the permissible angular displacement RA of each guide of the associated flanges 11, 12 are adjusted accordingly so that the total angular displacement RA of the two guides 60 corresponds to the total permissible area DdA defined by control rule L40.

[0134] Therefore, it is possible to provide a single guide 60 without departing from the scope of the invention so that the control rule L40 is applied only to one of the first flange 11 and the second flange 12.

[0135] Preferably, the guide 60 is in the form of a detachable plate carried by the handle 14, so that the guide 60 can be easily changed according to the model of the tire 2 to be formed. Therefore, the device 1 may include a set of interchangeable plates forming the same number of mechanical guides 60 suitable for a certain number of different tires 2.

[0136] Preferably, as shown in Figures 3, 7, 10, 12, 15, and 17, the guide groove 61 has a series of portions 61_1, 61_2, and 61_3 axially in the direction corresponding to the axial approach of the flanges 11 and 12, including:

[0137] - The first part 61_1 forms a blocking part, wherein, at a first angular position called the "initial angular position", the fingers 62, 63, 64, 65 (and thus the corresponding flanges 11, 12) are prevented from rotating, the first angular position corresponding to the initial configuration of the tire 2 having a generally cylindrical form, as shown in FIG7;

[0138] -Then comes the second part 61_2, which forms the release part, in which the fingers 62, 63, 64, 65 (and therefore the flanges 11, 12) rotate freely within the angular displacement RA provided by the amplitude H_DdA corresponding to the allowable area, as shown in Figure 12.

[0139] Then there is the third part 61_3, which forms another blocking part, in which the fingers 62, 63, 64, 65 (and therefore flanges 11, 12) are prevented from rotating in a second corner position, which is different from the first corner position and is called the "final corner position". The second corner position corresponds to the final configuration of the tire 2 having the desired annular shape, as shown in Figures 15 and 17.

[0140] Advantageously, the first part 61_1 can therefore implement the first blocking function F_lock_1 described above, so that the device 1 (more specifically, the drum 10 and the flanges 11, 12) is kept in an initial configuration characterized by the center distance being equal to the initial center distance dZ_init and the angle difference being equal to the initial angle difference dA_init, and allowing the flat assembly of the tire 2 (Figures 6 and 7).

[0141] Similarly, the third part 61_3 implements the second blocking function F_lock_2 (Figures 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18) that enables flanges 11 and 12 to be precisely held in the final configuration with radialized reinforcing wires.

[0142] For example, the second part 61_2 provides angular displacement RA to the relevant flanges 11, 12, which can preferably reach at least 2 degrees, at least 3 degrees, or even at least 5 degrees, and is preferably less than 30 degrees, or less than 15 degrees, or less than 10 degrees.

[0143] In fact, if two guides 60 are used, respectively associated with flanges 11 and 12, the angular displacement RA provided by each guide 60 at each associated center distance value dZ can substantially or precisely represent half of the amplitude H_DdA of the allowable area defined for the associated center distance value dZ.

[0144] According to possible variant implementations, two fingers 62, 63, 64, 65 may be associated with each flange 11, 12, and the two fingers are preferably confined in the same guide groove 61, as shown in Figures 4, 5, 7, 10, 12, 15 and 17.

[0145] The two fingers 62 and 63 of the same flange 11 are preferably rotatably fixed to the flange 11, so that the two fingers 62 and 63 can both help to apply control rule L40, but under certain conditions they can be axially spaced apart to force and control the pivoting deployment of arm 20, as shown in Figures 16, 17 and 18.

[0146] For this purpose, the third portion 61_3 of the guide groove 61 can advantageously form a linear slide rail parallel to the central axis Z10, which extends the guide groove 61 to allow the continued translation of the second finger 63 relative to the first finger 62, while preventing the rotation of the flange according to the final angle difference dA_final.

[0147] Since the second finger 63 is preferably held on the ring 24, while the first finger 62 is held on the first flange 11 (and thus on the body of which the ring 24 can slide relative to), the axial translational movement of the second finger 63 relative to the first finger 62 in the guide groove 61 causes an equal axial translational movement of the ring 24 on the first flange 11, and thus causes the arm 2 to pivot outward, as shown in Figures 16, 17 and 18.

[0148] It should also be noted that different advantages can be obtained depending on whether the control rule L40 is electronic or mechanical.

[0149] Therefore, the use of mechanical guide 60 simplifies device 1 and drum 10, especially because it eliminates the need for a dedicated motor M30 for managing the rotation of flanges 11 and 12. The use of mechanical guide 60 also provides a particularly robust and precise solution, especially for ensuring rotational restraint of flanges 11 and 12 before molding, during the flattening assembly of the carcass blocks, and then after molding, particularly during the laying of the crown blocks and / or the rolling of the tire sidewalls.

[0150] However, when changing the size (more broadly, model) of the tire 2 to be manufactured, it is necessary to change the mechanical guide 60.

[0151] Furthermore, when using the mechanical guide 60 with the guide groove 61 as described above, the return of flange 11 to its initial axial position is also accompanied by the return of flange 11 to its initial angular position. Therefore, the rotational movements of flanges 11 and 12 always occur within the same, relatively restricted angular region and are repeated throughout the manufacturing cycle, which may promote localized wear of flanges 11, 12, handle 14, or the bearings supporting these components.

[0152] However, using electronic control rule L40, different tire models can be easily adapted by reprogramming or changing the parameters of control rule L40, or by downloading control rule L40 from a library containing multiple predefined control rule L40s.

[0153] Using electronic control rule L40, it is also possible to use the angular positions of the flanges 11 and 12 reached in the final angular configuration of the previous cycle as the angular origin at the start of a new cycle, without needing to return to the initial angular positions used in the previous cycle. Therefore, each new manufacturing cycle can be performed in the angular regions of flanges 11, 12, and handle 14, offset relative to the angular region covered in the previous cycle. Thus, by using angular increments from the origin of the angular setpoint in consecutive cycles, stress and wear can be distributed substantially uniformly across the entire periphery of flanges 11, 12, handle 14, and their respective bearings, thereby contributing to an extended service life of these mechanical components.

[0154] Of course, the present invention also relates to a method for shaping a tire 2, and more specifically, a tire 2 having a polarized crown.

[0155] The method includes a proximity step in which a first flange 11 of a first bead 3 carrying the tire 2 and a second flange 12 of a second bead 4 carrying the tire are axially brought closer to each other to change the axial separation distance of the flanges, referred to as the “center distance” dZ, so that the tire 2 transitions from an initial configuration that is substantially cylindrical to a final annular configuration.

[0156] The axial approach reflected by the gradual and continuous decrease of the center distance dZ is generated by motor M13, which drives the translation mechanism 13 of flanges 11 and 12.

[0157] According to the present invention, in the axial approach step, the relative azimuth position of the first flange 11 relative to the second flange 12, referred to as the "angle difference" dA, is measured, and the rotation of the first flange 11 and / or the second flange 12 about the common central axis Z10 of the flanges 11 and 12 is controlled by implementing control rule L40.

[0158] According to a possible implementation of the method, the control rule L40 is programmed electronically (preferably in the form of numerical data) to enable electronic management of one or more motors M13, M30 that drive the first flange 11 and / or the second flange 12.

[0159] In an absolute sense, the mechanical energy required for the auxiliary rotation can be indirectly obtained by taking energy from the drive motor M13, which is used to drive the translation mechanism 13 that ensures the axial proximity of the flanges 11, 12. However, preferably, the mechanical energy required for the auxiliary rotation is obtained directly by activating one or more motors M30 specifically for the rotation of the flanges 11, 12.

[0160] According to another possible implementation of the method, the control rule L40 is achieved by a mechanical guide 60 provided with a guide groove 61, which cooperates with a finger 62, 63, 64, 65 fixed to one of the flanges 11, 12.

[0161] In all cases, regardless of the form (electronic or mechanical) of the control rule L40, the control rule L40 includes a conditional assistance mode, wherein, within a first predetermined center distance range referred to as the “first application area” DI, the control rule L40 associates each center distance value dZ of the first application area DI with a range of permissible angular differences referred to as the “permissible area” DdA, the “permissible area” DdA ​​having a predetermined amplitude H_DdA defined by a lower boundary DdA_min and an upper boundary DdA_max; then, wherein, if the measured angular difference dA is... Within the permissible region DdA, the first flange 11 and the second flange 12 can rotate freely relative to each other under the natural reaction of the radial expansion of the tire 2 on the tire and the mutual axial approach of the flanges 11 and 12. If the angular difference dA reaches one of the boundaries DdA_min and DdA_max of the permissible region DdA or leaves the permissible region DdA, rotation assistance is selectively triggered to actively manage the relative rotation of the flanges 11 and 12, thereby forcing the measured angular difference dA to remain within the permissible region DdA or return to the permissible region DdA.

[0162] Therefore, the auxiliary is activated only when the observed angular difference dA deviates sufficiently from the expected value (in particular from the optimal theoretical evolution curve 41) to leave the pre-established allowable region DdA.

[0163] Preferably, initially, the device 1 and the tire 2 are in an initial configuration that allows the drum 10 to receive the tire carcass block of the tire 2 in a cylindrical configuration referred to as a "flat configuration". This initial configuration corresponds to the initial operating points (dZ_init, dA_init). In this initial configuration, the first flange 11 and the second flange 12 are axially spaced apart by an initial center distance dZ_init and are prevented from rotating relative to each other, thus having an initial angular difference dA_init that is generally preferably zero (Figures 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8).

[0164] Under electronic control rule L40, the first blocking function F_lock_1 is activated.

[0165] In the case of mechanical control rule L40, at least one finger (here referring to the first finger 62 of flange 11 or the first finger 64 of flange 12) engages in the locking portion 61_1 of the guide groove 61 of the guide 60 associated with the relevant flange (Figures 6, 7, and 8).

[0166] The first stage of control rule L40 preferably allows the rotation of unlocked flanges 11 and 12, thereby allowing one flange to rotate freely relative to the other.

[0167] If electronic control rule L40 is used, the unlocking phase can be achieved by disabling the first blocking function F_lock_1, which sends a release signal, for example, to unlock the stop or release the brake that prevents rotation of one or the other of flanges 11, 12 (here, preferably the rotation of flanges 11, 12 relative to drum 14).

[0168] If mechanical control rule L40 is used, the unlocking phase can be achieved by triggering the axial translation of the relevant flanges 11, 12 until the first finger 62 or 64 is removed from the blocking portion 61_1 of the guide groove 61 (Figures 9 and 10).

[0169] The axial approach of the flanges (and thus the reduction of the center distance dZ) continues until the first application area DI, which allows flanges 11 and 12 to have a certain degree of angular displacement freedom, is reached under control rule L40.

[0170] Under electronic control rule L40, the center distance dZ and angle difference dA are monitored by any suitable sensor, and the actual operating point (dZ, dA) thus measured is compared by computer 50 with the applicable permissible area DdA defined by control rule L40. If the operating point (dZ, dA) is clearly within the permissible area DdA, free rotation of flanges 11, 12 is permitted; otherwise, an auxiliary mechanism is triggered to return the operating point (dZ, dA) to the permissible area DdA (e.g., by activating the rotary auxiliary motor M30, as described above).

[0171] Under mechanical control rule L40, as long as the fingers (here, two) 62, 63 of the relevant flanges 11, 12 do not contact one of the contours (i.e., as long as flanges 11, 12 spontaneously conform to the permissible area), the rotation of flanges 11, 12 remains free between the side edges of the guide contours 66, 67, 68, 69 forming the guide groove 61 (Figs. 12, 13) (more specifically, the second portion 61_2 of the guide groove 61). If one of the fingers 62, 63 of the flange contacts one of the guide contours 66, 67, 68, 69, it means that the boundary of the permissible area DdA has been reached, and thus the rotation of the flange (more specifically, its angular deviation per axial travel unit) is restricted by the path of the guide contours 66, 67, 68, 69 forming the circumferential stops for the fingers 62, 63.

[0172] For example, if the second finger 63 contacts the third guide profile 68, the second finger 63 (and thus the flange 11 and the first finger 62) will be angled as it advances axially, thereby moving away from the first guide profile 66 corresponding to the flat, non-radialized configuration, until it reaches the stop for the second guide profile 67 corresponding to the radialized annular configuration.

[0173] Regardless of whether electronic or mechanical control rule L40 is used, the axial approach of flanges 11 and 12 will continue through the entire length of the first application area DI, triggering the auxiliary where applicable (when necessary and only when the auxiliary is necessary).

[0174] In this way, the final configuration is achieved, characterized by the final operating point (dZ_final, dA_final), wherein the tire 2 has a desired annular shape with appropriately radialized sidewall reinforcing filaments.

[0175] Preferably, if the control rule L40 is electronic, then the angle difference dA of flanges 11 and 12 is fixed by activating the second blocking function F_lock_2, or, in the case of using the mechanical guide 60, the angle difference dA of flanges 11 and 12 is automatically fixed because the second fingers 63 and 65 of flanges 11 and 12 engage in the third part 61_3, wherein the third part 61_3 (same as the first part 61_1) has the necessary and just right width (except for sliding) to prevent the relevant fingers 63 from rotating in both directions (clockwise and counterclockwise) and to allow only translation of the fingers (Figures 14 and 15).

[0176] Then the tread block can be laid on the carcass block, and then the arm 20 supporting the roller 22 can be unfolded to roll the sidewall (Figures 16, 17, and 18).

[0177] The control system 40 (more specifically, the computer 50) may use any suitable deployment mechanism 23 (e.g., an annular impact device on flanges 11, 12) to push rings 24, 25 to slide along said flanges 11, 12, or to move rings 24, 25 by continuing axial movement of second fingers 63, 65 associated with flanges 11, 12 extending in the third portion 61_3 of guide groove 61 (FIG. 17).

[0178] Once the tire 2 is completed, arm 2 can be retracted and flanges 11 and 12 can be returned to their initial configuration.

[0179] In the case of mechanical guide 60, the path for return is substantially the same as the path for the forming process, but in the opposite direction, and each flange 11, 12 is designed to return to the same axial and angular positions as the flanges 11, 12 occupied before forming.

[0180] Under electronic control rule L40, it is only necessary to apply the axial return of flanges 11 and 12 to return to the initial center distance dZ_init, but it is not necessary to return to the initial angular position of each flange, because the measured angular difference dA can be arbitrarily reinitialized. Therefore, the angular position occupied by flanges 11 and 12 at the end of the previous forming cycle can be regarded as the new angular origin of the next forming cycle.

[0181] Of course, the present invention is by no means limited to the above-described variant embodiments, and those skilled in the art can specifically separate or freely combine the above features, or replace them with equivalent forms.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for shaping a tire (2), comprising: A first flange (11) and a first bead (3) of a tire (2); a second flange (12) and a second bead (4) of the tire (2); a translation mechanism (13) capable of translating the first flange (11) and / or the second flange (12) along a common central axis (Z10) to change the so-called "center distance" (dZ) of the axial separation of the first flange (11) and the second flange (12), so that the flanges (11, 12) can be axially brought closer to each other, thereby bringing the beads (3, 4) closer to each other to accompany the radial expansion of the tire (2); a rotation mechanism (30) capable of rotating ... first flange (11, 12) to be axially brought closer to each other, thereby bringing the beads (3, 4) closer to each other. 1) and / or the second flange (12) rotate about the central axis (Z10), thereby enabling the change of the relative azimuth position (dA) of the first flange (11) relative to the second flange (12), referred to as "angle difference" (dA); characterized in that the device (1) includes a control system (40) configured to apply a control rule (L40), the control rule (L40) including a functional mode referred to as "conditional assistance mode", wherein i) within a first predetermined center distance range referred to as "first application area" (DI), the control rule (L40) adjusts each center distance of the first application area (DI) The deviation (dZ) is associated with a range of permissible angular differences called the "allowable zone" (DdA), which has a predetermined amplitude (H_DdA) defined by a lower boundary (DdA_min) and an upper boundary (DdA_max) separated from the lower boundary (DdA_min); and wherein, ii) when the flanges (11, 12) are axially close to each other and the center distance (dZ) thus passes through the first application area (DI), if the angular difference (dA) is within the allowable zone (DdA), the rotating mechanism (30) remains passive, such that the first flange (11) and the second flange (12) rotate freely relative to each other under the natural reaction of the radial expansion of the tire (2) on the tire (2) and the mutual axial approach of the flanges (11, 12). If the angle difference (dA) reaches one of the boundaries (DdA_min, DdA_max) of the allowable area (DdA) or leaves the allowable area (DdA), the rotation mechanism (30) selectively triggers rotation assistance to actively manage the relative rotation of the flanges (11, 12), thereby forcing the angle difference (dA) to remain within the allowable area (DdA) or return to the allowable area (DdA).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The allowable range (H_DdA) varies depending on the center distance (dZ).

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, During the total axial travel of the flanges (11, 12) necessary to transition the tire (2) from an initial configuration that is substantially cylindrical to a final configuration that corresponds to the desired annular form, the first application area (DI) covers at least 50% of the total center distance interval (D_tot) described by the center distance (dZ).

4. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, During the total axial travel of the flanges (11, 12) necessary to transition the tire (2) from an initial configuration that is substantially cylindrical to a final configuration that corresponds to the desired annular form, the first application area (DI) covers at least 75% of the total center distance interval (D_tot) described by the center distance (dZ).

5. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, During the total axial travel of the flanges (11, 12) necessary to transition the tire (2) from an initial configuration that is substantially cylindrical to a final configuration that corresponds to the desired annular form, the first application area (DI) covers at least 90% of the total center distance interval (D_tot) described by the center distance (dZ).

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The permissible region (DdA) defined by the control rule (L40) has the following magnitude (H_DdA): First, the magnitude (H_DdA) increases as the center distance (dZ) decreases within the first part (DI_1) of the first application region (DI), which is positioned toward and includes the initial center distance (dZ_init) corresponding to the substantially cylindrical initial configuration of the tire (2); then, the magnitude (H_DdA) decreases within the second part (DI_2) of the first application region (DI), which is positioned toward or even includes the final center distance (dZ_final) corresponding to the final annular configuration of the tire (2), such that the angle difference (dA) converges toward the target final angle difference (dA_final) corresponding to the desired angle difference in the final configuration.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control rule (L40) includes at least one rotation-stopping function selected from the following: i) a first rotation-stopping function (F_lock_1) capable of preventing relative rotation of the flanges (11, 12) in an initial configuration corresponding to the initial center distance value (dZ_init) or within a range of center distance values ​​(D_lock_init) before the first application area (DI), wherein the tire (2) has a cylindrical form before the molding operation; and ii) a second rotation-stopping function (F_lock_2) capable of preventing relative rotation of the flanges (11, 12) in a final configuration corresponding to the final center distance value (dZ_final) or within a range of center distance values ​​(D_lock_final) after the first application area (DI), wherein the tire (2) has a desired annular form after the molding operation is completed.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control rule (L40) includes two rotation-stopping functions selected from the following: i) a first rotation-stopping function (F_lock_1) that can prevent relative rotation of the flanges (11, 12) in the initial configuration corresponding to the initial center distance value (dZ_init) or within the range of center distance values ​​(D_lock_init) before the first application area (DI), wherein the tire (2) has a cylindrical form before the molding operation; and ii) a second rotation-stopping function (F_lock_2) that can prevent relative rotation of the flanges (11, 12) in the final configuration corresponding to the final center distance value (dZ_final) or within the range of center distance values ​​(D_lock_final) after the first application area (DI), wherein the tire (2) has a desired annular form after the molding operation is completed.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control rules (L40) are in electronic form and are available to a computer (50) of a control system (40) that manages one or more motors (M13, M30) that drive the translation mechanism (13) and the rotation mechanism (30).

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that, Control rules (L40) take the form of sets of numerical data, including mathematical formulas, mappings, graphs, or tables.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control rule (L40) is implemented as a mechanical guide (60), which includes a guide groove (61) into which fingers (62, 63, 64, 65) fixed to one of the flanges (11, 12) engage. The side edges of the guide groove (61) form guide profiles (66, 67, 68, 69) for the fingers (62, 63, 64, 65). The guide profiles (66, 67, 68, 69) allow axial movement of the fingers (62, 63, 64, 65) during changes in the center distance (dZ), while forming the boundaries (DdA_min, DdA_max) of an allowable region (DdA) around the central axis (Z10) at azimuth angles, such that: First, in the Each axial position of the fingers (62, 63, 64, 65) and therefore the flanges (11, 12) provides an angular displacement (RA) corresponding to the magnitude (H_DdA) of the allowable area of ​​the associated axial position to the fingers (62, 63, 64, 65) and therefore the corresponding flanges (11, 12); secondly, when the fingers (62, 63, 64, 65) reach an azimuth position corresponding to one of the boundaries (DdA_min, DdA_max) of the allowable area, the fingers (62, 63, 64, 65) are held within the allowable area (DdA) by forming a circumferential stop for azimuth rotation of the fingers (62, 63, 64, 65) and therefore the corresponding flanges (11, 12).

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, The guide groove (61) has a series of multiple portions (61_1, 61_2, 61_3) axially in the direction corresponding to the axial approach of the flanges (11, 12), including: a first portion (61_1) which forms a blocking portion, wherein, at a first angular position called the "initial angular position", the fingers (62, 63, 64, 65) and thus the corresponding flanges (11, 12) are prevented from rotating, the first angular position corresponding to the initial configuration of the tire (2) having a substantially cylindrical form; then a second portion (61_2) which forms a release In the first part, within the angular displacement (RA) provided by the amplitude (H_DdA) corresponding to the permissible area, the fingers (62, 63, 64, 65) and therefore the flanges (11, 12) are free to rotate; then there is the third part (61_3), which forms another blocking part, in which the fingers (62, 63, 64, 65) and therefore the flanges (11, 12) are prevented from rotating in a second angular position, which is different from the first angular position and is called the "final angular position", corresponding to the final configuration of the tire (2) having the desired annular form.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The allowable range (H_DdA) provides a relative angular displacement to the flanges (11, 12) and thus provides an angle difference (dA) of at least 2 degrees.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The allowable range (H_DdA) provides a relative angular displacement to the flanges (11, 12) and thus provides an angle difference (dA) of at least 5 degrees.

15. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The allowable range (H_DdA) provides a relative angular displacement to the flanges (11, 12) and thus provides an angle difference (dA) less than 30 degrees.

16. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The allowable range (H_DdA) provides a relative angular displacement to the flanges (11, 12) and thus provides an angle difference (dA) less than 15 degrees.

17. A method for forming a tire (2), comprising a proximity step in which a first flange (11) of a first bead (3) carrying the tire (2) and a second flange (12) of a second bead (4) carrying the tire (2) are axially brought closer to each other to change a distance of axial separation of the flanges, referred to as "center distance" (dZ), such that the tire (2) transitions from an initial configuration that is substantially cylindrical to a final annular configuration, the method being characterized in that, in the axial proximity step, a relative azimuth position of the first flange (11) relative to the second flange (12), referred to as "angle difference" (dA), is measured, and the rotation of the first flange (11) and / or the second flange (12) about a common central axis (Z10) of the flanges is controlled by implementing a control rule (L40), the control rule (L40) including a conditional auxiliary mode, wherein, Within a first predetermined center distance range referred to as the "first application area" (DI), control rule (L40) associates each center distance value (dZ) of the first application area (DI) with a range of permissible angular differences referred to as the "allowable area" (DdA), which has a predetermined amplitude (H_DdA) defined by a lower boundary (DdA_min) and an upper boundary (DdA_max); then, wherein if the measured angular difference (dA) is within the allowable area (DdA), the first flange and the second... Flanges (11, 12) are able to rotate freely relative to each other under the natural reaction of the radial expansion of the tire (2) on the tire and the mutual axial approach of the flanges (11, 12). If the angular difference (dA) reaches one of the boundaries (DdA_min, DdA_max) of the allowable area or leaves the allowable area (DdA), rotation assistance is selectively triggered to actively manage the relative rotation of the flanges (11, 12), thereby forcing the measured angular difference (dA) to remain within or return to the allowable area (DdA).

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The control rules (L40) are programmed electronically to enable electronic management of one or more motors (M30) that drive the first and / or second flanges (11, 12) in rotation.

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The control rules (L40) are programmed in the form of numerical data to enable electronic management of one or more motors (M30) that drive the first and / or second flanges (11, 12) in rotation.

20. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that, The control rule (L40) is achieved by a mechanical guide (60) provided with a guide groove (61), which engages with a finger (62, 63, 64, 65) fixed to one of the flanges (11, 12).

Images