Mold changing apparatus and changing method

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of tire manufacturing, and discloses a mold replacement device and a replacement method. The mold replacement device comprises a carrying trolley, a translation lifting device, a mold storage table and a mold moving device. The carrying trolley is configured to reciprocate between a mold storage position and a mold working position. The translation lifting device is arranged on the carrying trolley and is used for moving the mold. The mold storage table is fixedly connected to the carrying trolley and is located below the translation lifting device. The mold storage table is used for carrying the mold. The mold moving device is arranged below the mold storage table and is used for jacking up the mold on the mold storage table in a second direction and moving the mold in a first direction. The mold replacement device can realize old mold dismounting and new mold replacement, automatically replace the old mold and the new mold, improve the mold replacement efficiency, has a simple and reliable structure, occupies a small space, and can meet the mold replacement requirements of different spaces.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of tire manufacturing technology, and in particular to a mold changing device and method. Background Technology

[0002] Tire vulcanization is one of the most crucial steps in tire manufacturing. Because tire manufacturers produce a wide variety of tire types and specifications, the vulcanization molds used are also diverse, requiring frequent mold changes during production. Currently, mold changes are still primarily done manually. Manual mold changes are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and pose safety hazards to operators due to the large weight of the molds. These issues hinder tire manufacturers from meeting their demands for highly automated production processes.

[0003] The existing automatic mold changing equipment mainly includes the following types:

[0004] Patent application CN202023347688.0, entitled "A Telescopic Arm Structure for an Automatic Mold Changing Cart on a Vulcanizing Machine," describes a structure that utilizes electric cylinders, ball screws, and other components to drive a three-stage arm to retrieve the old mold and deliver the new mold. This design has two main problems: firstly, the telescopic arm is quite long, and the front end of the third-stage arm lacks support, resulting in significant deflection. This means that even using a precision ball screw cannot achieve the desired smooth extension and retraction; secondly, the two rows of telescopic arms occupy a large amount of space, making them unsuitable for use in vulcanizing machines with limited space, thus limiting their versatility.

[0005] Patent application CN201721743784.2, entitled "A Mold Installation Fixture for a Vulcanizing Machine," describes a design where a linear guide rail is mounted on a fixture trolley, and the mold is placed on a positioning plate. Once the fixture trolley reaches its designated position in front of the vulcanizing machine, the positioning plate moves along the linear guide rail to the appropriate location to replace the mold. The main problem with this design is the excessive length of the guide rail, which limits its practical applicability due to insufficient travel space in actual factories.

[0006] Patent application CN202122485807.7, entitled "A Mold Transport Device," utilizes components such as guide rails, a mold frame trolley, and a winch to construct the mold transport device. The mold frame trolley is responsible for entering and exiting the vulcanizing chamber, while the winch is responsible for lifting and lowering the mold. The trolley extends its outriggers when it reaches the vulcanizing machine's workstation, and the mold frame enters the designated workstation in the vulcanizing chamber via the guide rails. The winch lowers its hook, picks up the old mold, and transports it back to the trolley. The same method is then used to transport and replace the old mold, completing the entire replacement and transport process. The main problem with this solution is that the width of the mold frame trolley is relatively large, at least greater than the diameter of the mold. In actual vulcanizing machines, the frame trolley cannot enter the vulcanizing chamber, making mold replacement impossible.

[0007] In summary, existing technologies share a common problem: the entire mold-changing process requires excessive manual intervention in mold loading and unloading, making it impossible to fully automate the mold-changing operation. Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a new type of mold-changing equipment to solve the aforementioned technical problems in existing technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a mold changing device that can automatically change old molds and new molds, improve mold changing efficiency, and the device occupies a small space, thus meeting different mold changing needs.

[0009] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0010] The mold changing equipment includes a transport trolley, a translation and lifting device, a mold storage platform, and a mold transfer device. The transport trolley is configured to reciprocate between a mold storage position and a mold working position. The translation and lifting device is disposed on the transport trolley and is used to move a new mold or an old mold along a first direction and / or a second direction. The mold storage platform is fixed to the transport trolley and located below the translation and lifting device, and is used to carry the new mold or the old mold. The mold transfer device is disposed below the mold storage platform and is used to lift the new mold or the old mold on the mold storage platform along the second direction and transfer it along the first direction.

[0011] Optionally, the mold transfer device includes a transfer primary guide rail extending along the first direction, the transfer primary guide rail being fixedly connected to the transport trolley, and a lifting platform being slidably connected to the transfer primary guide rail. The lifting platform is used to lift and transfer the new mold or the old mold along the second direction.

[0012] Optionally, the first-level transfer guide rail is fixedly connected to a first drive mechanism and slidably connected to a second-level transfer guide rail extending along the first direction. The second-level transfer guide rail is connected to the output end of the first drive mechanism. The second-level transfer guide rail is fixedly connected to a second drive mechanism. The output end of the second drive mechanism is connected to the lifting platform so that the lifting platform is slidably connected to the second-level transfer guide rail along the first direction.

[0013] Optionally, a support roller is fixedly connected to the end of the transfer secondary guide rail away from the transport trolley.

[0014] Optionally, the aforementioned translational lifting device includes a primary translational guide rail extending along the first direction. The primary translational guide rail is provided with a third drive mechanism. The output end of the third drive mechanism is connected to a lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism is slidably connected to the primary translational guide rail. The lifting mechanism is used for lifting the new mold or the old mold.

[0015] Optionally, the aforementioned primary translational guide rail is further provided with a fourth driving mechanism and is slidably connected to a secondary translational guide rail extending along the aforementioned first direction. The output end of the aforementioned fourth driving mechanism is connected to the aforementioned secondary translational guide rail, and the aforementioned lifting mechanism is slidably connected to the aforementioned secondary translational guide rail.

[0016] Optionally, the aforementioned primary translation guide rail is further provided with a fifth drive mechanism, the aforementioned secondary translation guide rail is slidably connected to a tertiary translation guide rail extending along the aforementioned first direction, the output end of the aforementioned fifth drive mechanism is connected to the aforementioned tertiary translation guide rail, the aforementioned lifting mechanism is slidably connected to the aforementioned tertiary translation guide rail, and a positioning cylinder is provided at the end of the aforementioned secondary translation guide rail away from the aforementioned transport trolley, the output end of the aforementioned positioning cylinder can be inserted into the positioning hole of an external device.

[0017] Optionally, the lifting mechanism includes a mobile platform, a fixed bracket, and a flexible connector. The mobile platform is slidably connected to the first-stage translational guide rail and is equipped with a sixth drive mechanism and a fixed pulley. The fixed bracket is connected to the output end of the sixth drive mechanism and is slidably connected to the first-stage translational guide rail, and can reciprocate along the first direction. One end of the flexible connector is fixed to the fixed bracket, and the other end passes around the fixed pulley and is equipped with a mold clamp for fixing the new mold or the old mold.

[0018] Optionally, the aforementioned transport trolley is fixedly connected to a lifting seat, the aforementioned lifting seat is fixedly connected to a lifting drive mechanism, the output end of the aforementioned lifting drive mechanism is connected to a gantry assembly so that the aforementioned gantry assembly slides on the aforementioned lifting seat along the aforementioned second direction, and the aforementioned gantry assembly is fixedly connected to the aforementioned translational lifting device.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a mold changing method, which uses a mold changing device as described in any of the above embodiments, and includes the steps of:

[0020] S1. The transport trolley moves to the mold storage position, the mold transfer device moves and lifts the new mold in the mold storage position, and then places the new mold on the mold storage platform; S2. The transport trolley moves to the mold working position, the mold transfer device lifts the new mold on the mold storage platform and moves it; S3. The translation and lifting device translates and lifts the old mold in the mold working position and places it on the mold storage platform; S4. The translation and lifting device removes the new mold from the mold transfer device and installs it in the mold working position; The transport trolley moves to the mold storage position, the mold transfer device lifts and moves the old mold on the mold storage platform, and places the old mold in the mold storage position.

[0021] Beneficial effects:

[0022] In this invention, when the mold changing equipment is in use, the transport trolley first moves to the mold storage position. The mold transfer device picks up the new mold and moves it along a first direction and a second direction, placing it on the mold storage platform. Then, the transport trolley moves to the mold working position. At this point, the mold transfer device lifts the new mold and transfers it along the first direction. The translation and lifting device removes the old mold from the mold working position and transports it along the first and second directions to the mold storage platform. Finally, the translation and lifting device transports the new mold from the mold transfer device to the mold working position, completing the mold changing. Finally, the transport trolley transports the old mold back to the mold storage position for storage. This mold changing equipment, through the mold storage platform and mold transfer device, enables the simultaneous disassembly of the old mold and replacement of the new mold, without manual intervention or operation. It automates the replacement of old and new molds, improving mold changing efficiency. Furthermore, the mold changing equipment has a simple and reliable structure, occupies little space, and can meet the mold changing needs of different usage spaces. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is an isometric drawing of the mold changing device provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is an isometric view of the mold transfer device provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is an isometric view of the translation and lifting device provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is an isometric view of the lifting mechanism provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 This is an isometric view of the mold fixture provided in a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] In the picture:

[0029] 11. New mold; 12. Old mold; 100. Transport trolley;

[0030] 200. Translation and lifting device; 201. Positioning cylinder; 210. Primary translation guide rail; 220. Third drive mechanism; 230. Fourth drive mechanism; 240. Secondary translation guide rail; 250. Fifth drive mechanism; 260. Tertiary translation guide rail; 270. Lifting mechanism; 271. Moving platform; 2711. Clearance hole; 272. Sixth drive mechanism; 273. Fixed pulley; 274. Fixed bracket; 275. Flexible connector; 276. Mold fixture; 2761. Positioning column;

[0031] 300. Mold storage table;

[0032] 400. Mold transfer device; 410. Primary transfer guide rail; 420. Lifting platform; 430. First drive mechanism; 440. Secondary transfer guide rail; 441. Support rollers; 450. Second drive mechanism;

[0033] 510. Lifting seat; 520. Lifting drive mechanism; 530. Gantry assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0035] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0036] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0037] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0038] The first direction described in this embodiment is: Figures 1 to 3 The X direction shown is the horizontal direction, and the second direction is... Figure 1 The Y direction shown is the vertical direction, and the first and second directions are perpendicular to each other.

[0039] Please refer to Figure 1 In this embodiment, the mold changing equipment includes a transport trolley 100, a translation and lifting device 200, a mold storage platform 300, and a mold transfer device 400. The transport trolley 100 is configured to reciprocate between a mold storage position and a mold working position. The translation and lifting device 200 is disposed on the transport trolley 100 and is used to move a new mold 11 or an old mold 12 along a first direction and / or a second direction. The mold storage platform 300 is fixed to the transport trolley 100 and located below the translation and lifting device 200. The mold storage platform 300 is used to carry the new mold 11 or the old mold 12. The mold transfer device 400 is disposed below the mold storage platform 300 and is used to lift the new mold 11 or the old mold 12 on the mold storage platform 300 along the second direction and transfer it along the first direction.

[0040] Specifically, when the mold replacement equipment is in use, the transport trolley 100 first moves to the mold storage position. The mold transfer device 400 takes the new mold 11 and moves it along the first and second directions, placing it on the mold storage platform 300. Then, the transport trolley 100 moves to the mold working position (in this embodiment, the mold working position is a tire vulcanizing machine). At this time, the mold transfer device 400 lifts the new mold 11 and transfers it along the first direction. The translation and lifting device 200 removes the old mold 12 from the mold working position and transports it along the first and second directions to the mold storage platform 300. Finally, the translation and lifting device 200 transports the new mold 11 from the mold transfer device 400 to the mold working position, completing the mold replacement. Finally, the transport trolley 100 transports the old mold 12 to the mold storage position for storage. This mold changing equipment, through the setting of mold storage platform 300 and mold transfer equipment, can realize the replacement of old mold 12 with new mold 11 at the same time, without manual intervention or operation, and automatically perform the replacement operation of old mold 12 and new mold 11, thus improving mold changing efficiency; moreover, the mold changing equipment has a simple and reliable structure, occupies little space, and can meet the mold changing needs of different usage spaces.

[0041] In this embodiment, the transport trolley 100 is fixedly connected to a lifting seat 510, and the lifting seat 510 is fixedly connected to a lifting drive mechanism 520. The output end of the lifting drive mechanism 520 is connected to a gantry assembly 530 so that the gantry assembly 530 slides on the lifting seat 510 along the second direction. The gantry assembly 530 is fixedly connected to the translational lifting device 200. This mold changing equipment can raise or lower the translational lifting device 200, making it suitable for molds or factories of different heights and increasing its application range.

[0042] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the mold transfer device 400 includes a primary transfer guide rail 410 extending along the first direction. The primary transfer guide rail 410 is fixedly connected to the transport trolley 100, and a lifting platform 420 is slidably connected to the primary transfer guide rail 410. The lifting platform 420 is used to lift and transfer the new mold 11 or the old mold 12 along the second direction. The primary transfer guide rail 410 can position and guide the movement of the lifting platform 420, ensuring the smooth movement of the lifting platform 420. Therefore, when the lifting platform 420 lifts and transports the new mold 11 or the old mold 12, it can be more stable and reliable.

[0043] Optionally, the aforementioned primary transfer guide rail 410 is fixedly connected to a first drive mechanism 430 and slidably connected to a secondary transfer guide rail 440 extending along the first direction. The secondary transfer guide rail 440 is connected to the output end of the first drive mechanism 430, and a second drive mechanism 450 is fixedly connected to the secondary transfer guide rail 440. The output end of the second drive mechanism 450 is connected to the lifting platform 420 so that the lifting platform 420 is slidably connected to the secondary transfer guide rail 440 along the first direction. In this embodiment, two-stage guide rails are used to realize the movement of the lifting platform 420 along the first direction, which not only increases the movement range of the lifting platform 420 but also reduces the volume of the mold transfer device 400, ensuring that the mold changing equipment can be used in factories with limited space and improving its ease of use.

[0044] Furthermore, a support roller 441 is fixedly connected to the end of the secondary transfer guide rail 440 away from the transport trolley 100. The support roller 441 supports the movement of the secondary transfer guide rail 440, ensuring that it remains horizontal, and reduces the pressure exerted by the secondary transfer guide rail 440 on the primary transfer guide rail 410, reducing deformation. This eliminates the need to manufacture the secondary transfer guide rail 440 and the primary transfer guide rail 410 with excessive strength, thus reducing production costs. It also reduces the friction between the secondary transfer guide rail 440 and the primary transfer guide rail 410, ensuring smooth mold transport while extending the service life of the mold transfer device 400.

[0045] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the aforementioned translational lifting device 200 includes a primary translational guide rail 210 extending along the first direction. The primary translational guide rail 210 is equipped with a third drive mechanism 220. The output end of the third drive mechanism 220 is connected to a lifting mechanism 270, which is slidably connected to the primary translational guide rail 210. The lifting mechanism 270 is used for lifting and lowering the new mold 11 or the old mold 12. The primary translational guide rail 210 positions and guides the movement of the lifting mechanism 270, ensuring that the lifting mechanism 270 can move smoothly along the first direction when lifting the mold, thus improving its operational stability.

[0046] Furthermore, the aforementioned primary translational guide rail 210 is also equipped with a fourth drive mechanism 230 and slidably connected to a secondary translational guide rail 240 extending along the first direction. The output end of the fourth drive mechanism 230 is connected to the secondary translational guide rail 240, and the lifting mechanism 270 is slidably connected to the primary translational guide rail 210 and the secondary translational guide rail 240. In this embodiment, two-stage guide rails are used to realize the movement of the lifting mechanism 270 along the first direction. The lifting mechanism 270 can slide on the primary translational guide rail 210 and the secondary translational guide rail 240, which not only increases the range of motion of the lifting mechanism 270, but also reduces the volume and floor space of the translational lifting device 200, ensuring that the mold changing equipment can be used in factories with limited space and improving its ease of use.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the first-level translation guide rail 210 is further provided with a fifth drive mechanism 250. The output end of the fifth drive mechanism 250 is connected to a third-level translation guide rail 260. The third-level translation guide rail 260 extends along the first direction and is slidably connected to the first-level translation guide rail 210 and the second-level translation guide rail 240. The lifting mechanism 270 is slidably connected to the third-level translation guide rail 260. A positioning cylinder 201 is provided at the end of the second-level translation guide rail 240 away from the transport trolley 100. The output end of the positioning cylinder 201 can be inserted into the positioning hole of an external device (in this embodiment, the external device is a tire vulcanizing machine or a shelf for storing molds). Using a two-stage guide rail to move the lifting mechanism 270 along the first direction can expand the range of motion of the lifting mechanism 270 and reduce the space occupied. However, since there is a step with a height difference between the first-stage guide rail 210 and the second-stage guide rail 240, the third-stage guide rail 260 can reduce the vibration of the lifting mechanism 270 when passing through the step, ensuring that the lifting mechanism 270 can maintain smooth movement. The positioning cylinder 201 can play a positioning role for the mold changing equipment, ensuring that when the lifting mechanism 270 moves to the farthest end of the second-stage guide rail 240, it can be accurately aligned with the new mold 11 or the old mold 12 below, thereby performing hoisting and improving work efficiency.

[0048] Furthermore, rollers are provided between the primary translation guide rail 210 and the aforementioned secondary translation guide rail 240, between the tertiary translation guide rail 260 and the primary translation guide rail 210, and between the primary translation guide rail 210 and the secondary translation guide rail 240, to convert the sliding friction between the guide rails into rolling friction, thereby reducing the friction force. This will not be elaborated further here.

[0049] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the lifting mechanism 270 includes a mobile platform 271, a fixed bracket 274, and a flexible connector 275. The mobile platform 271 is slidably connected to the first-stage translational guide rail 210. The mobile platform 271 is provided with a sixth drive mechanism 272 and a fixed pulley 273. The fixed bracket 274 is connected to the output end of the sixth drive mechanism 272 and is slidably connected to the first-stage translational guide rail 210 and can reciprocate along the first direction. One end of the flexible connector 275 is fixed to the fixed bracket 274, and the other end passes around the fixed pulley 273 and is equipped with a mold clamp 276 for fixing the new mold 11 or the old mold 12. The mobile platform 271 changes position on the first-level translational guide rail 210 and further slides on the third-level translational guide rail 260, thereby changing its position. The output end of the sixth drive mechanism 272 is connected to a fixed bracket 274. Driven by the sixth drive mechanism 272, the fixed bracket 274 can reciprocate linearly along the first direction, thereby moving closer to or away from the mobile platform 271. A flexible connector 275 is fixedly connected to the fixed bracket 274. The other end of the flexible connector 275 passes around the fixed pulley 273 on the mobile platform 271 and suspends the lower mold clamp 276. Thus, when the fixed bracket 274 is driven away from the mobile platform 271, the flexible connector 275 can drive the mold clamp 276 to move upward. When the fixed bracket 274 is driven closer to the mobile platform 271, the flexible connector 275 can drive the mold clamp 276 to move downward, thereby realizing the hoisting of the mold clamp 276. This lifting device occupies less longitudinal space by causing the driven end of the flexible connector 275 to move laterally, thus reducing the space occupied by the lifting structure. It is more suitable for lifting needs in confined spaces, and its lifting movement is more stable, which can improve the efficiency of lifting operations.

[0050] In this embodiment, the flexible connector 275 is specifically a chain. Compared with the wire rope, the chain does not require a pressing joint at the end of the connection, so the connection between the chain and the mold clamp 276 can be made shorter, further reducing the longitudinal space occupied by the lifting device.

[0051] Optionally, the flexible connector 275 is bolted to the mold clamp 276. Specifically, the flexible connector 275 may have an external thread or threaded hole that mates with the mold clamp 276, or the connector of the flexible connector 275 may be fixed to the mold clamp 276 with bolts and nuts; no specific limitations are made here. Bolted connections are easy to disassemble and install, facilitating the replacement of the mold clamp 276, thereby improving hoisting efficiency and maintenance efficiency of the mold clamp 276; further details will not be elaborated here.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the two end sidewalls of the aforementioned mobile platform 271 are respectively provided with a plurality of spaced-apart first rollers, all of which are at the same height. The arrangement of multiple first rollers further ensures low-friction, smooth, and reliable movement of the mobile platform 271 on the slide rail, and also serves as a guide, ensuring the smooth operation of the mobile platform 271 and the sixth drive mechanism 272 on it. Simultaneously, the two end sidewalls of the aforementioned fixed bracket 274 are also respectively provided with second rollers at the same height as the first rollers. The second rollers on the fixed bracket 274 ensure that the fixed bracket 274 performs smooth reciprocating linear motion on the slide rail, improving its motion stability; further details are omitted here.

[0053] In this embodiment, both the first and second rollers are composite rollers, which not only have a longer service life and lower purchase cost, but also play a role in shock absorption, further ensuring the stable operation of the lifting device.

[0054] Furthermore, the aforementioned mobile platform 271 is provided with a clearance hole 2711, and the top wall of the aforementioned mold clamp 276 is provided with a positioning post 2761, which can be inserted into the clearance hole 2711. The provision of the clearance hole 2711 and the positioning post 2761 ensures that after the mold clamp 276 moves upward, the positioning post 2761 is inserted into the clearance hole 2711, so that the mold clamp 276 can be limited by the mobile platform 271, preventing the mold clamp 276 and the new mold 11 or old mold 12 fixed thereto from shaking when the mobile platform 271 moves along the first direction, thereby improving the working reliability of the translation and lifting device 200.

[0055] Specifically, four fixed pulleys 273 are provided, and the line connecting the four fixed pulleys 273 forms a rectangle. The height of the two fixed pulleys 273 closest to the fixed bracket 274 is lower than the height of the other two fixed pulleys 273. The connection points of the two flexible connectors 275 that bypass the fixed bracket 274 and are connected to the fixed bracket 274 are lower than the connection points of the other two flexible connectors 275 and the fixed bracket 274. This arrangement of the fixed pulleys 273 and flexible connectors 275 ensures that the flexible connectors 275 are arranged in a way that avoids friction and collision between them, thus ensuring the smooth lifting and lowering of the mold clamp 276 below. Furthermore, it ensures that the line connecting the connection points of each flexible connector 275 to the mold clamp 276 forms a rectangle, so that when the fixed bracket 274 moves, the rising height of the joints of the flexible connectors 275 is consistent, guaranteeing the smooth lifting and lowering of the mold clamp 276.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first drive mechanism 430, the second drive mechanism 450, the third drive mechanism 220, the fourth drive mechanism 230, the fifth drive mechanism 250, and the sixth drive mechanism 272 are all telescopic hydraulic cylinders. The use of telescopic hydraulic cylinders allows for smoother movement of the components. Moreover, because the telescopic hydraulic cylinders are placed laterally, they not only reduce the occupation of longitudinal space but also avoid the skew problem caused by uneven force distribution on the cylinders, thus extending the service life of the cylinders.

[0057] Meanwhile, each of the aforementioned transfer primary guide rail 410, transfer secondary guide rail 440, translation primary guide rail 210, translation secondary guide rail 240, and translation tertiary guide rail 260 is provided with two rails. The two sides of each component are slidably connected to the aforementioned guide rails, thereby guiding the movement of each component and enabling the components to operate smoothly and reliably, thus improving the working stability of the mold changing equipment. Furthermore, the setting of multiple guide rails can further improve the movement stability and working stability of the components and the drive mechanism connected to them, and can also play a guiding role, ensuring the positioning accuracy during hoisting and transfer movements, and improving the work efficiency of disassembling and replacing the new mold 11 and the old mold 12. Further details are omitted here.

[0058] This embodiment also provides a mold replacement method, which uses the mold replacement equipment as described in any of the above solutions, and includes the following steps:

[0059] S1. The transport trolley 100 moves to the mold storage position, and the mold transfer device 400 moves and lifts the new mold 11 in the mold storage position, then places the new mold 11 on the mold storage platform 300; S2. The transport trolley 100 moves to the mold working position, and the mold transfer device 400 lifts the new mold 11 on the mold storage platform 300 and moves it; S3. The translation and lifting device 200 translates and lifts to remove the old mold 12 from the mold working position and places it on the mold storage platform 300; S4. The translation and lifting device 200 removes the new mold 11 from the mold transfer device 400 and installs it on the mold working position; The transport trolley 100 moves to the mold storage position, and the mold transfer device 400 lifts and moves the old mold 12 on the mold storage platform 300, placing the old mold 12 in the mold storage position.

[0060] The mold replacement method uses the aforementioned mold replacement equipment to replace the mold. With the mold storage platform 300 and the mold transfer equipment, the old mold 12 can be disassembled and the new mold 11 can be replaced at the same time. No manual intervention or operation is required. The replacement of the old mold 12 and the new mold 11 is automated, which improves the mold replacement efficiency. In addition, the mold replacement equipment has a simple and reliable structure, occupies little space, and can meet the mold replacement needs of different usage spaces.

[0061] The working method and process of the mold changing equipment in this embodiment are described in detail below:

[0062] The first step is for the transport trolley 100 to move to the mold storage position;

[0063] In the second step, the transfer secondary guide rail 440 extends from the transfer primary guide rail 410, and the lifting platform 420 moves on the transfer secondary guide rail 440 to below the new mold 11. After the lifting platform 420 lifts the new mold 11, it moves to above the mold storage platform 300. After the lifting platform 420 descends, the new mold 11 is temporarily stored on the mold storage platform, and then the transfer secondary guide rail 440 returns to its original position.

[0064] The third step is to move the transport trolley 100 to the mold working position (in this embodiment, the mold working position is a tire vulcanizing machine), and move the first-level guide rail 210, the second-level guide rail 240, and the third-level guide rail 260 to make the positioning cylinder 201 align with the positioning hole of the mold working position. At this time, the mold transfer device 400 lifts the new mold 11 and transfers it to the preset position along the first direction.

[0065] In the fourth step, the lifting mechanism 270 moves to the farthest end, the lifting mechanism 270 lowers the mold clamp 276, the mold clamp 276 grabs the old mold 12, the mold clamp 276 rises again so that the positioning post 2761 is inserted into the clearance hole 2711, and then the lifting mechanism 270 transports the mold to the mold storage platform 300 along the first direction and the second direction.

[0066] Fifth step: The translation and lifting device 200 operates in the reverse order of step four to transport the new mold 11 on the mold transfer device 400 to the mold working position, thus completing the mold replacement.

[0067] The sixth step is to move the transport trolley 100 to the mold storage position and transport the old mold 12 to the mold storage position in the reverse order of the second step for storage.

[0068] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A mold changing device, characterized in that, include: A transport trolley (100) is configured to reciprocate between a mold storage position and a mold working position; A translational lifting device (200) is provided on the transport trolley (100) and is used to move the new mold (11) or the old mold (12) along a first direction and a second direction. A mold storage platform (300) is fixed to the transport trolley (100) and located below the translation and lifting device (200). The mold storage platform (300) is used to carry the new mold (11) or the old mold (12). A mold transfer device (400) is disposed below the mold storage platform (300). The mold transfer device (400) is used to lift the new mold (11) or the old mold (12) on the mold storage platform (300) along the second direction and transfer it along the first direction. The first direction is horizontal, the second direction is vertical, and the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

2. The mold changing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mold transfer device (400) includes a transfer primary guide rail (410) extending along the first direction. The transfer primary guide rail (410) is fixed to the transport trolley (100). The transfer primary guide rail (410) is slidably connected to a lifting platform (420). The lifting platform (420) is used to lift and transfer the new mold (11) or the old mold (12) along the second direction.

3. The mold changing equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The primary transfer guide rail (410) is fixedly connected to a first drive mechanism (430) and slidably connected to a secondary transfer guide rail (440) extending along the first direction. The secondary transfer guide rail (440) is connected to the output end of the first drive mechanism (430). The secondary transfer guide rail (440) is fixedly connected to a second drive mechanism (450). The output end of the second drive mechanism (450) is connected to the lifting platform (420) so that the lifting platform (420) is slidably connected to the secondary transfer guide rail (440) along the first direction.

4. The mold changing equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, The transfer secondary guide rail (440) is fixed with a support roller (441) at the end away from the transport trolley (100).

5. The mold changing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The translation and lifting device (200) includes a translation primary guide rail (210) extending along the first direction. The translation primary guide rail (210) is provided with a third drive mechanism (220). The output end of the third drive mechanism (220) is connected to a lifting mechanism (270). The lifting mechanism (270) is slidably connected to the translation primary guide rail (210). The lifting mechanism (270) is used to lift the new mold (11) or the old mold (12) for lifting.

6. The mold changing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The primary translation guide rail (210) is also provided with a fourth drive mechanism (230) and is slidably connected to a secondary translation guide rail (240) extending along the first direction. The output end of the fourth drive mechanism (230) is connected to the secondary translation guide rail (240). The lifting mechanism (270) is slidably connected to the primary translation guide rail (210) and the secondary translation guide rail (240).

7. The mold changing equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that, The translation primary guide rail (210) is also provided with a fifth drive mechanism (250). The output end of the fifth drive mechanism (250) is connected to the translation tertiary guide rail (260). The translation tertiary guide rail (260) extends along the first direction and is slidably connected to the translation primary guide rail (210) and the translation secondary guide rail (240). The lifting mechanism (270) is slidably connected to the translation tertiary guide rail (260). A positioning cylinder (201) is provided at the end of the translation secondary guide rail (240) away from the transport trolley (100). The output end of the positioning cylinder (201) can be inserted into the positioning hole of the external equipment.

8. The mold changing device according to any one of claims 5-7, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism (270) includes: The mobile platform (271) is slidably connected to the translation first-level guide rail (210), and the mobile platform (271) is provided with a sixth drive mechanism (272) and a fixed pulley (273). A fixed bracket (274) is connected to the output end of the sixth drive mechanism (272), and the fixed bracket (274) is slidably connected to the translation first-level guide rail (210) and can reciprocate along the first direction; A flexible connector (275) is fixed at one end to the fixed bracket (274), and at the other end, after passing over the fixed pulley (273), a mold clamp (276) for fixing the new mold (11) or the old mold (12) is suspended.

9. The mold changing device according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The transport trolley (100) is fixedly connected to a lifting seat (510), the lifting seat (510) is fixedly connected to a lifting drive mechanism (520), the output end of the lifting drive mechanism (520) is connected to a gantry assembly (530) so that the gantry assembly (530) slides on the lifting seat (510) in the second direction, and the gantry assembly (530) is fixedly connected to the translation lifting device (200).

10. A mold replacement method, characterized in that, Using the mold changing equipment as described in any one of claims 1-9 includes the following steps: S1. The transport trolley (100) moves to the mold storage position, the mold transfer device (400) moves and lifts the new mold (11) in the mold storage position, and then moves again to place the new mold (11) on the mold storage platform (300). S2, the transport trolley (100) moves to the mold working position, the mold transfer device (400) lifts the new mold (11) on the mold storage platform (300) and moves it; S3. After the translation and lifting device (200) translates and lifts, it removes the old mold (12) from the mold working position and places it on the mold storage platform (300). S4. The translation and lifting device (200) removes the new mold (11) from the mold transfer device (400) and installs it at the mold working position; S5. The transport trolley (100) moves to the mold storage position, and the mold transfer device (400) lifts and moves the old mold (12) of the mold storage platform (300) to place the old mold (12) in the mold storage position.

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