Method for handling a continuous strip, tyre manufacturing production line and computer program product

Abstract

The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a continuous strip in a tire manufacturing production line, wherein the tire manufacturing production line comprises at least one conveying unit, wherein the method comprises the steps of: a) operating the tire manufacturing production line in a tire manufacturing mode; b) controlling the at least one conveying unit to convey the continuous strip along a conveying path in a conveying direction in the tire manufacturing mode; c) switching the tire manufacturing production line from the tire manufacturing mode to an interrupted mode; and d) controlling the at least one conveying unit to repeatedly move the continuous strip back and forth along the conveying path in the conveying direction and in a retracted direction opposite to the conveying direction in the interrupted mode. The invention further relates to a tire manufacturing production line and to a computer program product.

Description

Methods for manipulating continuous strips, tire manufacturing production lines, and computer program products. Background Technology

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manipulating continuous strips, particularly continuous strips used in the manufacture of green or uncured tires, a tire manufacturing production line, and a computer program product.

[0002] In known tire manufacturing lines, triangular rubber strips are produced by extruding a continuous strip of elastomer or rubber material. After leaving the extruder, the continuous strip is allowed to shrink on a shrink conveyor, and then guided by multiple guide rollers to a cooling drum. The continuous strip is finally cut into lengths at a cutting station to form individual triangular rubber strips, which are then transported further downstream to be assembled with the tire bead to form a bead-triangular rubber strip assembly. Typically, a festooner is placed between the continuous supply from the extruder and the discontinuous cutting at the cutting station as a buffer. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A known drawback of tire manufacturing lines is that the material in the continuous strip, immediately after leaving the extruder, is still relatively warm and soft as it passes through the shrink conveyor and around the cooling drum, making it susceptible to deformation. When the tire manufacturing line is operating normally, deformation is usually not a problem because the continuous strip moves continuously and maintains sufficient tension to prevent slack. However, when the tire manufacturing process is interrupted for any reason, the tire manufacturing line may stop, leaving the relatively warm and soft continuous strip at rest on the shrink conveyor, guide rollers, and cooling drum. Over time, the various parts of the continuous strip may settle and conform to the shape of the rollers supporting them. The longer the interruption lasts, the more the continuous strip cools, and any deformation caused by settling becomes increasingly difficult to smooth out. This can potentially cause quality problems further downstream.

[0004] In addition, the continuous strip may stick to the rollers, making it difficult to restart the tire manufacturing line and potentially causing malfunctions, as the continuous strip may be pulled between the rollers instead of being further fed onto the rollers.

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a method for manipulating continuous strips, a tire manufacturing production line, and a computer program product, wherein persistent deformation and / or adhesion of the continuous strips can be reduced or prevented during tire manufacturing production line downtime.

[0006] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for manipulating a continuous strip in a tire manufacturing production line, wherein the tire manufacturing production line includes at least one conveying unit for conveying the continuous strip along a conveying path through the tire manufacturing production line, wherein the method includes the following steps:

[0007] a) Operating a tire manufacturing production line using a tire manufacturing model;

[0008] b) Control at least one conveying unit to convey a continuous strip along the conveying path in the conveying direction during tire manufacturing mode;

[0009] c) Switching at least a portion of a tire manufacturing production line, including at least one conveyor unit, from tire manufacturing mode to interruption mode; and

[0010] d) In interrupt mode, control at least one conveying unit to repeatedly move the continuous strip back and forth along the conveying path in the conveying direction and the retraction direction opposite to the conveying direction.

[0011] In interrupted mode, the controlled back-and-forth movement of the continuous belt effectively ensures that during tire manufacturing line shutdowns or any form of stoppage, while the continuous belt is still warm and flexible, it does not remain stationary in a single or fixed position for extended periods. Specifically, the repeated back-and-forth movement of the continuous belt ensures that, over time, different portions of the continuous belt are supported on different parts or areas of at least one conveying unit. This back-and-forth movement prevents the continuous belt from settling into a static position on the conveying unit and / or locally conforming to the shape of the portion of the at least one conveying unit supporting it. Furthermore, the back-and-forth movement can smooth and / or reduce any deformation, lowering the likelihood of such deformation causing quality problems further downstream.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, in step c), at least one conveying unit is controlled to stop the continuous strip from moving along the conveying path. By stopping the conveying of the continuous strip at the end of the tire manufacturing mode, an interruption mode can be initiated in a controlled manner, independent of the conveying of the continuous strip in the tire manufacturing mode.

[0013] More preferably, step d) is delayed by a certain time delay from step c). Most preferably, this time delay is at least ten seconds, more preferably at least thirty seconds, and most preferably at least one minute. In some cases, the tire manufacturing mode may only be briefly interrupted. This time delay prevents the interruption mode from being activated when the downtime of the tire manufacturing mode is less than this time delay.

[0014] In another embodiment, after each repetition of the back-and-forth motion in step d), the continuous strip returns to the same or substantially the same position along the conveying path. Therefore, the net movement of the continuous strip in the conveying direction can remain close to zero or zero.

[0015] Alternatively, after each repetition of the back-and-forth motion in step d), the continuous strip returns to a different position along the conveyor path. This ensures that, over time, different sections of the continuous strip are supported on at least one conveyor unit.

[0016] In another embodiment, in step d), the continuous strip moves back and forth a first distance in the conveying direction and a second distance in the retraction direction.

[0017] Preferably, for each repetition of the back-and-forth motion of the continuous strip in step d), the second distance is equal to the first distance. This results in the net motion after each repetition being zero or close to zero.

[0018] In another embodiment, the first distance remains constant for all repetitions of the back-and-forth motion of the continuous strip in step d). Therefore, the back-and-forth motion can be constant and / or periodic, particularly a motion with a constant amplitude for each repetition.

[0019] Alternatively, the first distance is variable between each repetition of the back-and-forth movement of the continuous strip in step d). Preferably, the first distance changes incrementally between each repetition of the back-and-forth movement of the continuous strip in step d). The first distance can vary according to the characteristics of the continuous strip changing over time, for example, when the continuous strip cools and hardens over time.

[0020] In another embodiment, the first distance and / or the second distance is at least three centimeters, preferably at least five centimeters, and most preferably at least eight centimeters. Such a minimum distance may be sufficient to reduce and / or prevent localized deformation of the continuous strip.

[0021] In another embodiment, the back-and-forth motion of the continuous strip in step d) is a periodic motion. Therefore, the back-and-forth motion has a constant interval, ensuring that the continuous strip maintains regular and / or continuous motion. Alternatively, the back-and-forth motion of the continuous strip in step d) is a non-periodic motion, i.e., with variable intervals. This can be useful when the continuous strip requires less motion over time due to its cooling and / or hardening.

[0022] In another embodiment, in tire manufacturing mode, the continuous strip moves in the conveying direction at a production speed, wherein, in interrupted mode, in step d), the continuous strip moves back and forth at an interrupted speed less than 80 percent of the production speed, preferably less than 60 percent. At such a low interrupted speed, operators can still safely enter the tire manufacturing production line despite the back-and-forth movement of the continuous strip.

[0023] In another embodiment, the back-and-forth movement of the continuous strip in step d) is automatically controlled and / or pre-programmed. Therefore, the back-and-forth movement requires no human intervention or supervision. Furthermore, in response to a shutdown of the tire manufacturing production line, an interruption mode can be automatically initiated without any human intervention or triggering.

[0024] In another embodiment, the tire manufacturing production line switches from tire manufacturing mode to interrupt mode in response to an interruption signal. Preferably, the interruption signal is triggered by either an automatically detected error in the tire manufacturing production line or user input at the human-machine interface. Therefore, when the tire manufacturing production line stops due to an error or user input, the interruption mode can be automatically activated without any manual intervention or triggering.

[0025] In another embodiment, at least one conveying unit includes a first conveying unit and a second conveying unit located downstream of the first conveying unit along the conveying path. These two conveying units can be controlled together and / or cooperate in an interrupted mode to cause the continuous strip to move back and forth. Specifically, by controlling the two conveying units in an interrupted mode, a certain length of the continuous strip extending along the conveying path between the first and second conveying units can be moved back and forth in a controlled manner.

[0026] Preferably, in step d), the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit are controlled synchronously or substantially synchronously to cause the continuous strip to move back and forth. Thus, when one conveying unit pushes a length segment of the continuous strip between the conveying units, the other conveying unit can pull said length segment, and vice versa.

[0027] Alternatively, in step d), the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit are alternately controlled to move the continuous strip in the retraction direction and the conveying direction, respectively. Thus, while one of the conveying units is pulling, the other can rotate freely and / or passively follow the continuous strip.

[0028] In another embodiment, the tire manufacturing production line further includes a tensioning device for tensioning a continuous strip between the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit, wherein the method further includes the following steps:

[0029] e) Before or during step d), control the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit to generate excess length in the continuous strip at the tensioning device.

[0030] In other words, the tire manufacturing production line also includes a tensioning device that can move between low-tension and high-tension states to variably tension the continuous strip, wherein the method further includes the following steps:

[0031] e) Control the tensioning device to move from a high tension state to a low tension state and / or move into a low tension state.

[0032] When a continuous strip is at rest, and when it is under tension, especially when it is a non-cord strip, the continuous strip may begin to stretch uncontrollably. The tension generated in the continuous strip by the tensioning device can be reduced by creating excess length in the continuous strip or by controlling the tensioning device to move towards a lower tension state, thereby reducing or preventing excessive stretching of the continuous strip at the tensioning device.

[0033] In another embodiment, at least one conveying unit includes a conveyor roller. The cylindrical shape of the conveyor roller can cause deformation of the continuous strip. Furthermore, the conveyor rollers are typically spaced apart, allowing the continuous strip to sag between the rollers. The method according to the invention can reduce or prevent such deformation and / or sag.

[0034] In another embodiment, the tire manufacturing production line includes an extruder for extruding a continuous strip, wherein at least one conveying unit includes a shrink conveyor for receiving the continuous strip from the extruder. Such a shrink conveyor typically includes conveyor rollers. Therefore, the method according to the invention may have the same technical advantages as the previously discussed embodiments.

[0035] In another embodiment, at least one conveying unit includes a cooling drum. Such a cooling drum is typically equipped with multiple guide rollers that guide a continuous strip around the cooling drum in multiple windings. Therefore, the method according to the invention may have the same technical advantages as the previously discussed embodiments.

[0036] In another embodiment, at least one conveying unit includes a tensioner. Such a tensioner typically includes conveying rollers. Therefore, the method according to the invention may have the same technical advantages as the previously discussed embodiments.

[0037] In another embodiment, the tire manufacturing production line includes at least one downstream station located downstream of at least one conveying unit, wherein, in interrupted mode, at least one downstream station, particularly a tensioner, is controlled to keep the continuous strip stationary along the conveying path in the conveying direction. At the downstream station, the continuous strip may have been cooled to a degree that it is no longer easily deformable when stationary. Therefore, the continuous strip can remain stationary at at least one downstream station without experiencing its negative effects.

[0038] In another embodiment, the continuous strip is a cordless strip, particularly a strip used for manufacturing triangular rubber strips. Cordless strips are more prone to deformation when freshly extruded and held at rest. Therefore, the method according to the invention will have a greater beneficial effect on such cordless strips.

[0039] Alternatively, continuous strips are cord-reinforced strips, particularly used for manufacturing buffer layers or carcass layers. Although cord-reinforced strips are unlikely to deform when stationary, the newly extruded elastomer material in which the cords are embedded may still deform over extended periods of time, and the cords may shift in position within the elastomer material. Therefore, the method according to the invention may also have beneficial effects when applied to cord-reinforced strips.

[0040] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a tire manufacturing production line for manipulating a continuous strip, wherein the tire manufacturing production line includes at least one conveying unit and a control unit, the at least one conveying unit being used to convey the continuous strip along a conveying path through the tire manufacturing production line, the control unit being operatively connected to the at least one conveying unit, wherein the control unit is configured to perform the steps of the method described in any embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0041] According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause a tire manufacturing production line according to a second aspect of the present invention to perform the steps of the method described in any embodiment of a first aspect of the present invention.

[0042] The various aspects and features described and illustrated in this specification may be applied individually in any possible circumstances. These individual aspects, particularly those described in the appended dependent claims, may be the subject of a divisional patent application. Attached Figure Description

[0043] The present invention will be described based on exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying schematic diagrams, in which:

[0044] Figure 1 shows a side view of a tire manufacturing production line operating in a tire manufacturing mode according to the present invention;

[0045] Figure 2 shows a side view of the tire manufacturing production line of Figure 1 during the transition from tire manufacturing mode to interruption mode;

[0046] Figure 3 shows a side view of the tire manufacturing production line of Figure 1 operating in interruption mode;

[0047] Figure 4 shows a graph of different drive curves used to control the tire manufacturing production line of Figure 3 in interrupt mode;

[0048] Figure 5 shows a flowchart of the steps of a method for manufacturing continuous strips in the tire manufacturing production line of Figure 1. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Figure 1 illustrates a tire manufacturing production line 100 according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, for manufacturing a continuous strip 9 from which tire components are cut to construct and / or assemble green or uncured tires.

[0050] Tire manufacturing production line 100 includes an extruder 5 for extruding a continuous strip 9 and one or more conveying units 1, 2 for conveying the continuous strip 9 along a conveying path G in a conveying direction A to one or more downstream stations 4. In this example, the one or more downstream stations 4 include a tensioner 41 and a cutter 42. The cutter 42 is configured to cut the continuous strip 9 into segments of a certain length. Each cut segment of the continuous strip 9 can then be used for any tire assembly process (not shown) downstream of the cutter 42. The tensioner 41 serves as a buffer between the continuous output of the extruder 5 and the discontinuous or intermittent cutting operation at the cutter 42.

[0051] In this example, continuous strip 9 is used to form a filler strip or triangular rubber strip. The triangular rubber strip is formed into a ring structure and is joined to the bead at the bead-triangular rubber strip drum in a manner known per se to form a bead-triangular rubber strip assembly. The triangular rubber strip comprises a body of elastomeric or rubber material having a triangular or tapered cross-section. Typically, the triangular rubber strip does not include any embedded reinforcing cords.

[0052] However, the present invention can be appropriately modified to be applied to other continuous strips used in tire manufacturing, such as rubber strips or cord reinforcement strips, for example, buffer layers, carcass layers, overlay strips or run-flat reinforcement strips.

[0053] In this example, as shown in Figure 1, one or more conveying units 1 and 2 are a first conveying unit 1 and a second conveying unit 2 located downstream of the first conveying unit 1 in the conveying direction A.

[0054] It should be understood that the scope of the present invention also includes tire manufacturing production lines having a single conveyor unit, or tire manufacturing production lines having more than two conveyor units. One or more conveyor units may be selected from the group including, but not limited to, roller conveyors, belt conveyors, cooling drums, and tensioners.

[0055] More specifically, the first conveying unit 1 includes a shrink conveyor 10 having a plurality of conveying rollers 11 configured to allow the continuous strip 9 to shrink immediately after being extruded by the extruder 5. Each conveying roller 11 has a roller diameter, and at least one conveying roller 11 has a minimum roller diameter E compared to the other conveying rollers 11. The tire manufacturing production line 100 is provided with a first driver 61 for driving at least one conveying roller 11 to rotate in a first driving direction R1 and a second driving direction R2 opposite to the first driving direction R1.

[0056] The second conveying unit 2 includes a cooling drum 20 for cooling the continuous strip 9. The tire manufacturing production line 100 is provided with a second driver 62 for driving the cooling drum 20 to rotate in both driving directions R1 and R2.

[0057] In this illustrative embodiment, the second conveying unit 2 further includes one or more guide rollers 21 for guiding the continuous strip 9 around the cooling drum 20 in one or more turns.

[0058] As shown in Figure 1, the continuous strip 9 preferably has one or more slack portions, or passes through one or more rings or free rings 31, 32, 33. In this example, the first ring 31 is located between the extruder 5 and the first conveying unit 1, the second ring 32 is located between the first conveying unit 1 and the second conveying unit 2, and the third ring 33 is located between the second conveying unit 2 and one or more downstream stations 4. Optionally, one or more buffer members (not shown) may be provided at the rings 31, 32, 33 to actively control the length of the continuous strip 9 in the rings 31, 32, 33. The buffer member may be, for example, a tension adjusting roller.

[0059] Optionally, the second conveying unit 2 may be provided with a tensioning device 22 for controlling the tension of the continuous strip 9 in the area between the first conveying unit 1 and the second conveying unit 2, particularly at the aforementioned second ring 32. In this example, the tensioning device 22 includes a tensioning roller 23 and a tensioning arm 24 for supporting the tensioning roller 23 relative to the hinge point. The tensioning roller 23 is allowed to be passively rested on the continuous strip 9 in the second ring 32, not far upstream of the cooling drum 20, and the tensioning arm 24 passively adjusts its orientation between the high-tension state shown in FIG. 1 and the low-tension state shown in FIG. 2, depending on the resting position of the tensioning roller 23 on the continuous strip 9. The reaction force of the continuous strip 9 supporting the weight of the tensioning roller 23 depends on the orientation of the tensioning arm 24 relative to the hinge point, and this reaction force can be decomposed into multiple components, including a tension component in the direction of the continuous strip 9, which automatically varies according to the orientation of the tensioning arm 24 about the hinge point.

[0060] It should be understood that different tensioning devices, such as conventional tension regulating rollers or the like, can be used to generate or control the tension in the continuous strip 9.

[0061] In this example, the tire manufacturing production line 100 is also provided with a third drive 63 for driving the tensioner 41 in both driving directions R1 and R2.

[0062] As further shown in Figure 1, the tire manufacturing production line 100 includes a timer 7 and a control unit 8. The control unit 8 is functionally, electronically, and / or operatively connected to the drives 61, 62, 63 and the timer 7. The control unit 8 includes a computer-readable medium, such as memory, and a processor (generally indicated by block 80). The computer-readable medium is configured to store instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the tire manufacturing production line 100 to perform steps of a method for manufacturing continuous strips 9, which will be described in more detail below. In other words, the steps of the method are pre-configured, pre-programmed, and / or can be executed automatically.

[0063] Figures 1–3 illustrate the tire manufacturing production line 100 during the steps of a method for manufacturing continuous strips 9 in the tire manufacturing production line 100. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the logic behind the steps of the method.

[0064] Figure 1 illustrates the operation of the tire manufacturing production line 100 in tire manufacturing mode (step S1 in Figure 5). The control unit 8 controls the drives 61, 62, and 63 to drive the first conveying unit 1, the second conveying unit 2, and the tensioner 41 in the first drive direction R1. This corresponds to or causes the continuous strip 9 to be conveyed from the extruder 5 in the conveying direction A to one or more downstream stations 4. In other words, when the tire manufacturing production line 100 is operating normally, i.e., without malfunctions or interruptions, the continuous strip 9 moves only in the forward or downstream direction.

[0065] Figure 2 illustrates the switching of the tire manufacturing production line 100 from tire manufacturing mode (step S1 in Figure 5) to interrupt mode (step S2 in Figure 5) in response to an interruption signal H, which is schematically represented by an exclamation mark in Figure 2. The interruption signal H can be triggered by a fault or error automatically detected in the tire manufacturing production line 100, or alternatively by user input at a human-machine interface (not shown). Upon receiving the interruption signal H, the control unit 8 controls the drives 61, 62, and 63 to slow down and / or stop the continuous strip 9 along the conveying path G in the conveying direction A as quickly as possible, thereby preventing damage to the continuous strip 9 and / or the tire manufacturing production line 100.

[0066] Optionally, the control unit 8 is configured to control the drivers 61, 62, and 63 to minimize the tension in the continuous strip 9 shortly before or after stopping the conveying of the continuous strip 9. For example, the control unit 8 may control the first driver 61 and the second driver 62 to rotate in the first drive direction R1 and the second drive direction R2, respectively, so that additional or excess length of the continuous strip 9 is fed into the second ring 32. In other words, slack is introduced into the continuous strip 9 at the tensioning device 22. As a result, the tensioning arm 24 of the tensioning device 22 will descend to a lower position or its lowest position, corresponding to a low-tension state, thereby reducing the tension generated in the continuous strip 9 by the weight of the tensioning roller 22.

[0067] Figure 3 illustrates the operation of the tire manufacturing production line 100 in interrupt mode (step S5 in Figure 5). In interrupt mode, the control unit 8 is configured to automatically control at least one conveying unit 1, 2, causing the continuous strip 9 to move back and forth or oscillate along the conveying path G in the conveying direction A and the retraction direction B opposite to the conveying direction A, hereinafter referred to as "back and forth motion" M, or alternatively as "oscillating motion". The continuous strip 9 moves a first distance D1 in the conveying direction A and a second distance D2 opposite to the first distance D1 in the retraction direction B.

[0068] Note that the "backward motion" M does not necessarily begin with a "backward" motion. The interrupted mode can also begin with a "forward" motion. However, it is preferred to start with a "backward" motion, as this will reduce the tension in the continuous strip 9, rather than increase it.

[0069] In this example, both the first conveying unit 1 and the second conveying unit 2 are controlled synchronously or substantially synchronously to cause the continuous strip 9 to move back and forth M. In other words, both the first conveying unit 1 and the second conveying unit 2 are driven simultaneously in the first driving direction R1 to convey the continuous strip 9 in the conveying direction A, and both the first conveying unit 1 and the second conveying unit 2 are driven simultaneously in the second driving direction R2 to convey the continuous strip 9 in the retraction direction B. In practice, when one of the conveying units 1 and 2 pushes a segment of the continuous strip 9 between the two conveying units, the other of the two conveying units 1 and 2 pulls a segment of the continuous strip 9, and vice versa.

[0070] Alternatively, the first conveying unit 1 and the second conveying unit 2 are alternately controlled to move or be pulled M on the continuous strip 9 in the retraction direction B and the conveying direction A, respectively. In practice, when one of the conveying units 1 and 2 is being pulled, the other is freely rotating and / or passively following the continuous strip 9.

[0071] In yet another alternative embodiment, the first conveying unit 1 and the second conveying unit 2 can be controlled independently, meaning that the back-and-forth movement of the continuous strip 9 at one of the conveying units 1 and 2 is not limited by the back-and-forth movement at the other of the conveying units 1 and 2. Any length variation can be absorbed by the free loop between the conveying units 1 and 2.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the control unit 8 controls the drivers 61 and 62 of the conveying units 1 and 2 to cause the continuous strip 9 to move in a reciprocating motion M. Alternatively, the control unit 8 can cause another mechanical device, such as a pendulum, at one or both of the conveying units 1 and 2 to interact with the continuous strip 9 and generate the reciprocating motion M.

[0073] Preferably, after each repetition of the back-and-forth motion M, the continuous strip 9 returns to the same or substantially the same position along the conveying path G. In other words, the net motion of the continuous strip 9 is zero or substantially zero. In any case, the net motion is much smaller or significantly smaller than the motion of the continuous strip 9 in the tire manufacturing mode.

[0074] Alternatively, after each repetition, the continuous strip 9 can return to a different position along the conveying path G. In other words, the continuous strip 9 can be gradually moved in the conveying direction A or the retraction direction B to ensure that, over time, different sections of the continuous strip 9 are supported on the corresponding conveying units 1 and 2.

[0075] Figure 4 shows the first drive curve P, the second drive curve P', and the third drive curve P' used to control the position of the continuous strip 9 ("X axis") over time ("T" axis).

[0076] The rising slopes of the drive curves P, P', P” represent the movement of the continuous strip 9 in the conveying direction A, while the falling slopes of the drive curves P, P', P” represent the movement of the continuous strip 9 in the retraction direction B. Note that for each repetition of the back-and-forth movement M of the continuous strip 9, the second distance D2 is equal to the first distance D1, resulting in zero net movement.

[0077] The first distance D1 or the second distance D2 is at least three centimeters, preferably at least five centimeters, and most preferably at least eight centimeters. In this example, the distances D1 and D2 are at least equal to the minimum roller diameter E of the rollers 11 and 21 on which the continuous strip 9 is supported at the first conveying unit 1 and / or the second conveying unit 2.

[0078] In this example, the back-and-forth motion M of the continuous strip 9 in step d) is sinusoidal. Alternatively, the back-and-forth motion M may have a truncated sinusoidal shape (i.e., a brief delay between the movement of the continuous strip 9 in the conveying direction A and the retraction direction B) or a non-sinusoidal shape, such as a trapezoidal curve or a higher-order curve, such as a fourth-order curve.

[0079] The first driving curve P represents a constant back-and-forth motion M. In other words, for all repetitions of the back-and-forth motion M, the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 are constant. The second driving curve P' represents a back-and-forth motion with decreasing amplitude over time. In other words, between each repetition of the back-and-forth motion M, the distances D1 and D2 of the continuous strip 9 motion decrease. The third driving curve P” represents a back-and-forth motion with increasing amplitude over time. In other words, between each repetition of the back-and-forth motion M, the distances D1 and D2 of the continuous strip 9 motion increase.

[0080] Note that for all driving curves P, P', P'", the back-and-forth motion M is periodic, meaning that the motion repeats at regular or constant intervals I. However, it should be understood that the duration of each repetition can vary in a non-periodic manner, for example, the interval I may increase or decrease incrementally.

[0081] In this example, as shown in Figure 5, a time delay W is introduced between the tire manufacturing mode (step S1) and the interruption mode (step S5) based on the input from timer 7 (step S3). Timer 7 is activated at the switching moment (step S2) or shortly thereafter, for example, when the continuous strip 9 has stopped in the conveying direction A. Preferably, the time delay W is at least ten seconds, more preferably at least thirty seconds, and most preferably at least one minute. In step S4, before the time delay W expires, it is checked whether the tire manufacturing production line 100 has switched back to the tire manufacturing mode. If yes (see arrow "Y"), the interruption mode is canceled (step S5), and the flowchart returns to the tire manufacturing mode (step S1). If no (see arrow "N"), the aforementioned interruption mode is activated (step S5).

[0082] In step S6, when a switchback signal has been received from the human-machine interface, or in response to the automatic detection that a fault or error triggering the interrupt signal H has been resolved, the tire manufacturing production line 100 switches back from the interrupt mode to the tire manufacturing mode (see arrow "Y"). As long as no switchback signal is received, the interrupt mode continues (step S5), as shown by arrow "N".

[0083] In the example shown in Figure 3, in interrupted mode, the downstream station 4, located not far downstream of the third ring 33, is controlled to keep the continuous strip 9 stationary along the conveying path G in the conveying direction A. However, it should be understood that, if necessary, at least one of the downstream stations 4, such as the hanger 41, can be controlled in the same manner as the aforementioned conveying units 1 and 2, as if it were a conveying unit, to move the continuous strip 9 back and forth in interrupted mode, achieving the same technical effect.

[0084] Specifically, the tensioner 41 can be used to absorb and release a variable length segment of the continuous strip 9 on the upstream side of the tensioner 41 to minimize or eliminate the formation of loops in the strip 9 and / or eliminate the need for loops not far upstream of the tensioner 41.

[0085] In yet another alternative embodiment, the tensioner 41 is considered as one of one or more conveying units 1, 2, in which the variable length of the strip 9 is absorbed in a loop downstream of the tensioner 41, for example in a tension adjusting roller (not shown) between the tensioner 41 and the cutter 42. This has the additional advantage that the continuous strip 9 can move back and forth repeatedly throughout the tensioner 41, thereby reducing the risk of the continuous strip 9 sticking to any part of the tensioner 41.

[0086] It should be understood that the above description is intended to illustrate the operation of preferred embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Many variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing discussion, and these variations are also covered within the scope of the invention.

[0087] List of reference numerals

[0088] 1 First Conveying Unit

[0089] 10 Shrink Conveyor

[0090] 11 Conveyor Rollers

[0091] 2 Second Conveying Unit

[0092] 20 Cooling drum

[0093] 21 guide rollers

[0094] 22 Tensioning devices

[0095] 23 tension rollers

[0096] 24 Tight Arms

[0097] 31 rings

[0098] 32 rings

[0099] 33 rings

[0100] 4 Downstream workstations

[0101] 41 Hanging device

[0102] 42 Cutter

[0103] 5. Extruder

[0104] 61 First Driver

[0105] 62 Second Driver

[0106] 63 Third Driver

[0107] 7. Timer

[0108] 8 Control Unit

[0109] 80 Computer-readable media and processors

[0110] 9 Continuous strips

[0111] 90 triangular rubber strip

[0112] 100 tire manufacturing production lines

[0113] A Conveying direction

[0114] B. Retraction direction

[0115] D1 First Distance

[0116] D2 Second Distance

[0117] E Minimum roller diameter

[0118] G Conveying Path

[0119] H Interrupt signal

[0120] I interval

[0121] M back and forth movement

[0122] P-driving curve

[0123] P' Substitution Drive Curve

[0124] P” alternative driving curve

[0125] R1 First driving direction

[0126] R2 Second Drive Direction

[0127] Step S1: "Operating the tire manufacturing production line in a tire manufacturing mode"

[0128] Step S2: "Switch the tire manufacturing production line from tire manufacturing mode to interruption mode."

[0129] Step S3 "Timer Input"

[0130] Step S4: "Should the tire manufacturing production line be switched back before the time delay expires?"

[0131] Step S5 "Interruption Mode: Causes the continuous strip to move back and forth repeatedly"

[0132] S6 Step "Received switchback signal?"

[0133] T time

[0134] W Time delay

[0135] X position

Claims

1. A method for manipulating a continuous strip (9) in a tire manufacturing production line (100), wherein, The tire manufacturing production line (100) includes at least one conveying unit (1, 2) for conveying the continuous strip (9) along the conveying path (G) through the tire manufacturing production line (100), wherein the method includes the following steps: step a) operating the tire manufacturing production line (100) in a tire manufacturing mode (S1); step b) controlling the at least one conveying unit (1, 2) to convey the continuous strip (9) along the conveying path (G) in the conveying direction (A) in the tire manufacturing mode (S1); step c) switching at least a portion of the tire manufacturing production line (100) including the at least one conveying unit (1, 2) from the tire manufacturing mode (S1) (S2) to an interruption mode (S5); and step d) controlling the at least one conveying unit (1, 2) to repeatedly move the continuous strip (9) back and forth (M) along the conveying path (G) in the conveying direction (A) and in a retraction direction (B) opposite to the conveying direction (A) in the interruption mode (S5).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step c), the at least one conveying unit (1, 2) is controlled to stop the continuous strip (9) from moving along the conveying path (G).

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The time delay (W) is a delay (S3) from step c) in step d).

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The time delay (W) is at least ten seconds.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After each repetition of the back-and-forth motion (M) in step d), the continuous strip (9) returns to the same position along the transport path (G).

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After each repetition of the back-and-forth motion (M) in step d), the continuous strip (9) returns to a different position along the transport path (G).

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step d), the continuous strip (9) moves back and forth across a first distance (D1) in the conveying direction (A) and across a second distance (D2) in the retraction direction (B).

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, For each repetition of the back-and-forth motion (M) of the continuous strip (9) in step d), the second distance (D2) is equal to the first distance (D1).

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, For all repetitions of the back-and-forth motion (M) of the continuous strip (9) in step d), the first distance (D1) remains constant.

10. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, Between each repetition of the back-and-forth motion (M) of the continuous strip (9) in step d), the first distance (D1) is variable.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, Between each repetition of the back-and-forth motion (M) of the continuous strip (9) in step d), the first distance (D1) changes incrementally.

12. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first distance (D1) or the second distance (D2) is at least five centimeters.

13. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The back-and-forth motion (M) of the continuous strip (9) in step d) is a periodic motion.

14. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The back-and-forth motion (M) of the continuous strip (9) in step d) is a non-periodic motion.

15. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the tire manufacturing mode, the continuous strip (9) moves in the conveying direction (A) at a production speed, wherein in the interrupt mode, the continuous strip (9) moves back and forth at an interrupt speed in step d), the interrupt speed being less than 80 percent of the production speed.

16. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The back-and-forth motion (M) of the continuous strip (9) in step d) is automatically controlled.

17. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The back-and-forth motion (M) of the continuous strip (9) in step d) is pre-programmed.

18. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tire manufacturing production line (100) switches from the tire manufacturing mode (S1) to the interruption mode (S5) in response to an interruption signal (H).

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The interrupt signal (H) is triggered by either an error automatically detected in the tire manufacturing production line (100) or user input at the human-machine interface.

20. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one conveying unit (1, 2) includes a first conveying unit (1) and a second conveying unit (2) located downstream of the first conveying unit (1) along the conveying path (G).

21. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, In step d), the first conveying unit (1) and the second conveying unit (2) are synchronously controlled to make the continuous strip (9) move back and forth (M).

22. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, In step d), the first conveying unit (1) and the second conveying unit (2) are alternately controlled to make the continuous strip (9) move (M) in the retraction direction (B) and the conveying direction (A), respectively.

23. The method according to claim 20, characterized in that, The tire manufacturing production line (100) further includes a tensioning device (22) for tensioning the continuous strip (9) between the first conveying unit (1) and the second conveying unit (2), wherein the method further includes the following steps: step e) controlling the first conveying unit (1) and the second conveying unit (2) before or during step d) to generate excess length in the continuous strip (9) at the tensioning device (22).

24. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tire manufacturing production line (100) also includes a tensioning device (22) that can move between a low tension state and a high tension state to variably tension the continuous strip (9), wherein the method further includes the following steps: step e) controlling the tensioning device (22) to move from the high tension state to the low tension state or to move into the low tension state.

25. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one conveying unit (1, 2) includes a conveying roller (11).

26. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tire manufacturing production line (100) includes an extruder (5) for extruding the continuous strip (9), wherein the at least one conveying unit (1) includes a shrink conveyor (10) for receiving the continuous strip (9) from the extruder (5).

27. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one conveying unit (1, 2) includes a cooling drum (20).

28. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one conveying unit (1, 2) includes a hanger (41).

29. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tire manufacturing production line (100) includes at least one downstream station (4) located downstream of the at least one conveying unit (1, 2), wherein, in the interruption mode (S5), the at least one downstream station (4) is controlled to keep the continuous strip (9) stationed along the conveying path (G) in the conveying direction (A).

30. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that, The at least one downstream station (4) includes a hanger (41).

31. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The continuous strip (9) is a curtain-free strip.

32. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The continuous strip is a cord reinforcement strip.

33. A tire manufacturing production line (100) for manipulating a continuous strip (9), wherein, The tire manufacturing production line (100) includes at least one conveying unit (1, 2) and a control unit (8), the at least one conveying unit (1, 2) being used to convey the continuous strip (9) through the tire manufacturing production line (100) along a conveying path (G), the control unit (8) being operatively connected to the at least one conveying unit (1, 2), wherein the control unit (8) is configured to perform the steps of the method according to claim 1.

34. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by a processor (80), cause a tire manufacturing production line (100) according to claim 33 to perform the steps of the method according to claim 1.

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