Supply system for supplying tire material to forming drum and tire manufacturing method

Abstract

The invention provides a tire material supply system and a tire manufacturing method, which can further reduce time loss caused by supplement of tire materials while enabling a forming device to be compact. A plurality of supply units (7A, 7B) in which a tire material (M3) is stored in a wound state are arranged in parallel, and a slide conveyor (7d) that slides in the parallel direction of the supply units (7A, 7B) is used to supply the tire material (M3) that has been unwound from one supply unit (7A) and cut to length to a supply conveyor (7d) and a belt drum (3) provided at a predetermined position. A tire material (M3) is supplied from one supply unit (7A) to the other supply unit (7B) when the tire material (M3) of one supply unit (7A) is empty, and the empty one supply unit (7A) is replaced with a new supply unit (7A) in which the tire material (M3) is stored while the tire material (M3) is supplied from the other supply unit (7B).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a supply system for supplying tire material to a forming drum and a method for manufacturing a tire. More specifically, it relates to a supply system for supplying tire material to a forming drum and a method for manufacturing a tire, which improves the efficiency of the tire forming process by further reducing time loss due to tire material replenishment while making the tire forming apparatus more compact. Background Technology

[0002] Tires are manufactured by vulcanizing green tires. Green tires are formed by layering multiple types of tire materials. For example, a green tire is formed by integrating the inner liner, carcass material, belt material, tread rubber, and a pair of bead components onto a forming drum.

[0003] Various feeding devices for supplying multiple types of tire materials to a tire forming machine have been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). The feeding device proposed in Patent Document 1 comprises a material holding section storing each type of tire material in a wound state and a movable conveyor, and multiple such sections are provided in a manner that allows them to slide along a track. Furthermore, by sliding the desired section, it is arranged in a straight line with a fixed-position conveyor and a tire forming machine positioned at a predetermined location. Then, tire material is released from the material holding section of that section and supplied to the fixed-position conveyor and the tire forming machine via the movable conveyor.

[0004] In this feeding device, the group with the tire material emptied slides to a waiting position, and a new material holder with tire material wound on it can be replaced while tire material is being supplied from other groups. Therefore, tire material can be supplied to the tire forming machine in a manner that avoids long-term time losses due to tire material replenishment. However, a large space is required for the sliding movement of multiple groups, making it difficult to compact the forming device. Furthermore, since the assembly of the material holder and the movable conveyor is not lightweight, it is difficult to move it quickly. Therefore, this is disadvantageous for further reducing time losses due to tire material replenishment.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2000-25124 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide a tire material supply system for supplying tire material to a forming drum and a tire manufacturing method that can improve the efficiency of the tire forming process by further reducing time loss due to tire material replenishment while making the tire forming apparatus more compact.

[0010] Methods for solving problems

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a tire material supply system for supplying tire material to a forming drum, comprising a supply unit for storing a strip of tire material, a forming drum, and a supply conveyor disposed between the supply unit and the forming drum. The tire material, after being released from the supply unit and cut to length, is placed flat on the supply conveyor and supplied to the forming drum, and formed into a cylindrical shape by winding it around the forming drum. The system is characterized in that a plurality of the supply units are arranged side-by-side in a storage position, and a sliding conveyor is provided between each supply unit and the supply conveyor, sliding along the parallel direction of each supply unit. For the forming drum and the supply conveyor located at a predetermined position, the tire material, which is released from one of the supply units and cut to length, is transferred to the supply conveyor via the sliding conveyor and sequentially supplied to the forming drum. When the tire material stored in one of the supply units becomes empty, the tire material, which is released from the other supply unit and cut to length, is transferred to the supply conveyor via the sliding conveyor and sequentially supplied to the forming drum. During the period when the material is supplied to the forming drum from the other supply unit, the empty supply unit can be replaced with a new supply unit containing the tire material.

[0012] The tire manufacturing method of the present invention is characterized in that a green tire using the tire material is formed by a forming apparatus having the above-described supply system for supplying tire material to a forming drum, and the green tire is vulcanized.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] According to the present invention, a supply system for supplying tire material to a forming drum comprises a plurality of supply units arranged side-by-side in a storage position, with a sliding conveyor between each supply unit and the supply conveyor. Therefore, to supply tire material from the other supply units to the forming drum, the sliding conveyor can be moved slidably instead of the individual supply units, thus requiring no excessive space. This is advantageous for making the tire forming apparatus more compact.

[0015] When the tire material stored in one of the supply units becomes empty, it is supplied from the other supply unit via the sliding conveyor. During the supply of tire material from the other supply unit, the empty supply unit is replaced with a new supply unit containing the tire material. The sliding conveyor allows for rapid sliding movement, enabling continuous supply of tire material from either supply unit to the forming drum. This is advantageous for further reducing time loss due to tire material replenishment and improving operational efficiency in the tire forming process. Furthermore, since there is no need to load and store additional tire material on the supply conveyor to reduce time loss due to tire material replenishment, the length of the supply conveyor can be minimized. Consequently, this is more advantageous for making the tire forming apparatus more compact.

[0016] According to the tire manufacturing method of the present invention, the use of a forming apparatus having the above-described supply system for supplying tire material to a forming drum is advantageous for manufacturing tires in a space-saving and highly productive manner. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is an explanatory diagram of a tire manufacturing system, illustrated from a top view, showing an embodiment of a supply system for supplying tire material to a forming drum.

[0018] Figure 2 Therefore, we should take examples seriously. Figure 1 Explanatory diagram of each drum of the forming device.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a side view illustration of the supply path from the inner liner supply unit to the band drum.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a side view illustration of the supply path from the tire body material supply unit to the drum.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a side view illustration of the supply path from the supply unit on the tire side to the drum.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a side view illustration of the supply path from the belt material supply unit to the belt drum.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a side view illustration of the supply path from the supply unit on the tread to the belt drum.

[0024] Figure 8This is a side view illustration of the supply path from the supply unit of the belt reinforcement to the belt drum.

[0025] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram showing, from a top view, the state in which the inner liner, tire body material, and tire sidewall are supplied to the drum.

[0026] Figure 10 Therefore, the example is shown from above. Figure 9 An illustrative diagram showing the state of the inner liner, tire body material, and tire sidewall after the tire has been cut to size and moved forward.

[0027] Figure 11 Therefore, the example is shown from above. Figure 10 An illustration of a supply conveyor carrying a liner rotating 90° and moving the sized-cut tire sidewall to the supply conveyor.

[0028] Figure 12 Therefore, the example is shown from above. Figure 11 A diagram illustrating the state of the inner lining and body material moving toward the drum after being cut to length.

[0029] Figure 13 Therefore, the example is shown from above. Figure 12 An illustrative diagram showing the state of the inner lining and body material wound around the drum after being cut to size.

[0030] Figure 14 Therefore, the example is shown from above. Figure 13 An illustration of the state in which the drum moves along the width direction and wraps around the sizing-cut tire sidewall to form the inner circumferential component.

[0031] Figure 15 Therefore, a top view illustrates the external embedding of a pair of bead components. Figure 14 An explanatory diagram showing the state of the formed inner peripheral side component.

[0032] Figure 16 This is an explanatory diagram showing, from a top view, the state of the belt material and tire tread being supplied to the belt drum after being cut to length.

[0033] Figure 17 Therefore, the example is shown from above. Figure 16 A diagram illustrating the state of the belt material after being cut to length and the tire face moving toward the belt drum.

[0034] Figure 18 Therefore, the example is shown from above. Figure 17 An illustrative diagram showing the state of the belt material after being cut to length and wound around a belt drum.

[0035] Figure 19 This is an example of making Figure 18A diagram illustrating the state of the belt material wound on one side of the belt drum, with the belt drum rotated 180° clockwise and the belt reinforcement wrapped around it.

[0036] Figure 20 Therefore, the example is shown from above. Figure 19 An illustration of the state in which the tread section, after being cut to size, is wound around one belt drum to form the outer peripheral component, and the belt material is wound around the other belt drum.

[0037] Figure 21 Therefore, the example is shown from above. Figure 20 The diagram illustrates the state of the belt drum after it has rotated 180° counterclockwise.

[0038] Figure 22 This is an illustration of a top view showing the shape drum in which the inner circumferential side members and a pair of bead members are fitted together.

[0039] Figure 23 Therefore, the example is shown from above. Figure 22 An illustration of the state of a forming drum that rotates 180° clockwise and wraps the belt reinforcement around the other side of the belt drum.

[0040] Figure 24 Therefore, the top view illustrates the outer peripheral component that will be transferred from the belt drum and embedded in... Figure 23 A diagram illustrating the state in which one forming drum is fitted with the inner peripheral side component and a pair of bead components on the other forming drum.

[0041] Figure 25 Therefore, the example is shown from above. Figure 24 An illustration of the state of the forming drum rotating counterclockwise 180° and the belt material being wound around one side.

[0042] Figure 26 Therefore, the example shown from above illustrates the process of giving birth from... Figure 25 An illustration of the state where one of the forming drums is removed and the belt drum is rotated 180° counterclockwise.

[0043] Figure 27 It is to Figure 26 An explanatory diagram showing a partial enlargement and longitudinal section of the vulcanizing apparatus for the vulcanization of the green tire. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The following describes the supply system for supplying tire material to a forming drum and the tire manufacturing method of the present invention, based on the illustrated embodiments.

[0045] Figure 1The tire manufacturing system illustrated herein includes a forming apparatus 1 and a vulcanizing apparatus 15. The forming apparatus 1 is equipped with an embodiment of the supply system (hereinafter referred to as the supply system) for supplying tire material to the forming drum according to the present invention. Multiple types of unvulcanized tire components M are stacked using the forming apparatus 1 to form a green tire G. The formed green tire G is vulcanized using the vulcanizing apparatus 15 to manufacture a tire T. A vulcanizing mold 16 corresponding to the tire specifications is mounted on the vulcanizing apparatus 15. Various known vulcanizing apparatuses 15 can be used.

[0046] As a tire component M, the green tire G at least includes: an inner peripheral component MA having an inner liner M1, a carcass material M2, and a sidewall portion M3; an outer peripheral component MB having a belt material M4 and a tread portion M5; and a pair of bead components MC. In this embodiment, the outer peripheral component MB also has a belt reinforcement M6. The belt reinforcement M6 can be used arbitrarily, and other types of materials can be used as needed for the tire component M. Furthermore, the inner liner M1, carcass material M2, sidewall portion M3, belt material M4, tread portion M5, and belt reinforcement M6 will be referred to below as tire materials M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, and M6, respectively. Tire materials M1 to M5 are strip-shaped, and tire material M6 is linear (a thin strip).

[0047] like Figures 1-8 As illustrated, the forming device 1 includes three types of drums (forming drum bodies): forming drum 2 (2a, 2b), belt drum 3, and belt bundle drum 4 (4a, 4b); supply units 5 (5A, 5B), 6 (6A, 6B), 7 (7A, 7B), 8 (8A, 8B), 9 (9A, 9B), and 10 (10A, 10B) for each tire material M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, and M6; and a bead supply unit 11 (11A, 11B) for a pair of bead components MC. The X, Y, and Z arrows in the figure represent the width, depth, and height directions of the forming device 1, respectively, and are orthogonal to each other.

[0048] The device includes two forming drums 2 (2a, 2b), one belt drum 3, and two belt bundle drums 4 (4a, 4b). The forming drums 2 (2a, 2b) are arranged in the X direction between the belt drum 3 and the belt bundle drum 4. In this embodiment, the two forming drums 2a and 2b are positioned at a position that rotates 180° around a rotation axis 2p when viewed from above. The two forming drums 2a and 2b are alternately fixed in the same position by rotating 180° clockwise and counterclockwise around the rotation axis 2p.

[0049] The drum axis C1 of the belt drum 3 extends in the X direction and can move along the guide rail 3r extending in the X direction. Additionally, two belt drums 4a and 4b are positioned at a position that rotates 180° around the rotation axis 4p when viewed from above. The two belt drums 4a and 4b are alternately fixed in the same position by rotating 180° clockwise and counterclockwise around the rotation axis 4p.

[0050] When the forming drums 2a and 2b are rotated around the rotation axis 2p and fixedly positioned on the side of the belt drum 3 and the belt bundle drum 4, the drum axes C1 and C2 extend along the X direction (becoming parallel to the X direction). The drum axes C1 of the forming drum 2 and the belt drum 3, which are rotated and fixedly positioned on the side of the belt drum 3, are parallel to the X direction and coincide in the Y and Z directions. That is, the drum axes C1 of adjacent forming drums 2 and belt drums 3 coincide in the X, Y, and Z directions.

[0051] When each belt drum 4a and 4b is rotated and fixedly positioned on the side of the forming drum 2, opposite to the forming drum 2, the drum axes C2 and C3 extend along the X direction (becoming parallel to the X direction). The drum axes C2 of the belt drum 4 rotated and fixedly positioned on the side of the forming drum 2 and the forming drum 2 rotated and fixedly positioned on the side of the belt drum 4 are parallel to the X direction and coincide in the Y and Z directions. That is, the drum axes C2 of adjacent belt drums 4 and forming drums 2 coincide in the X, Y, and Z directions.

[0052] Each supply unit 5-10 is located at storage positions P1-P6 for each tire material M1-M6. The bead supply unit 11 is located at storage position P7 for the bead component MC. At each storage position P1-P6, multiple corresponding supply units are arranged side-by-side. Specifically, supply units 5A and 5B are arranged side-by-side at storage position P1, supply units 6A and 6B are arranged side-by-side at storage position P2, supply units 7A and 7B are arranged side-by-side at storage position P3, supply units 8A and 8B are arranged side-by-side at storage position P4, supply units 9A and 9B are arranged side-by-side at storage position P5, and supply units 10A and 10B are arranged side-by-side at storage position P6.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in one green tire G, one sheet of tire material M1 and M5 cut to length, two sheets of tire material M2 and M4 cut to length, and two sheets of tire material M3 cut to length are used. Therefore, at storage position P2, there are two supply units 6A and 6B arranged longitudinally (in a row along the Y direction). At storage position P4, there are also two supply units 8A and 8B arranged longitudinally (in a row along the Y direction). In order to form one green tire G, two sheets of tire material M2 are supplied sequentially from either the two longitudinally arranged supply units 6A or 6B, and two sheets of tire material M4 are supplied sequentially from either the two longitudinally arranged supply units 8A or 8B. In addition, two sheets of tire material M3 are stored in each supply unit 7A and 7B, and two sheets of tire material M3 are supplied sequentially from either supply unit 7A or 7B.

[0054] Each supply unit 5-10 has a winding core, and each tire material M1-M6 is stored in a wound state with its winding core as the center. Each tire material M1-M5 is wound together with a release liner with its winding core as the center. Tire material M6 is wound without a release liner with its winding core as the center. In this embodiment, each tire material M1-M6 is wound and stored in a long-dimensional state, but for tire materials M1-M5, multiple materials cut to a predetermined length can also be stored in a wound state with their winding cores as the center.

[0055] The bead supply unit 11 has an annular rack that rotates horizontally around a rotation axis 11p, on which multiple bead components MC are mounted. The rack is divided into two circumferentially regions, units 11A and 11B. A predetermined number of pairs of bead components MC are mounted in each bead supply unit 11A and 11B. As the rack rotates circumferentially, each bead supply unit 11A and 11B sequentially moves to a supply position and a waiting position. A pair of bead components MC is sequentially supplied from the bead supply unit 11 that has moved to the supply position.

[0056] Tire materials M1, M2, and M3 are supplied to belt drum 3 from each supply unit 5, 6, and 7 via each supply path. Tire materials M4, M5, and M6 are supplied to belt drum 4 from each supply unit 8, 9, and 10 via each supply path.

[0057] Cutters 5c, 6c, and 7c, sliding conveyors 5d, 6d, and 7d, and supply conveyors 5e, 6e, and 7e are arranged between each supply unit 5, 6, and 7 and the belt drum 3. For example... Figure 4As illustrated, each supply unit 6, arranged longitudinally at storage position P2, has a cutter 6c, and a supply guide is provided in two vertical sections between each cutter 6c and a sliding conveyor 6d. Specifically, material M2 discharged from the supply unit 6 located in the Y direction near the drum 3 is supplied to the sliding conveyor 6d via the lower supply guide. Tire material M2 discharged from the supply unit 6 located in the Y direction away from the drum 3 is supplied to the sliding conveyor 6d via the upper supply guide.

[0058] Between each supply unit 8, 9 and the belt drum 4, cutters 8c, 9c, sliding conveyors 8d, 9d, and supply conveyors 8e, 9e are arranged. For example... Figure 6 As illustrated, each supply unit 8, arranged longitudinally at storage position P4, includes a cutter 8c, a sliding conveyor 8d, and a supply conveyor 8e, which are respectively arranged in two sections, one above the other. That is, material M4 discharged from the supply unit 8 located near the belt drum 4 in the Y direction is supplied to the sliding conveyor 8d and supply conveyor 8e located on the lower side via a supply guide. Tire material M4 discharged from the supply unit 6 located away from the belt drum 4 in the Y direction is supplied to the sliding conveyor 8d and supply conveyor 8e located on the upper side via a supply guide. In this embodiment, the upper cutter 8c slides together with the upper sliding conveyor 8d, and the lower cutter 8c slides together with the lower sliding conveyor 8d.

[0059] Between the supply unit 10 and the belt drum 4, a cutter 10c, a storage buffer (festoon) section 10d, and a head 10e are arranged. Figure 8 As illustrated, the tire material M6 discharged from each supply unit 10A, 10B is supplied to each head 10e, 10e via its own independent supply path. Each head 10e, 10e is arranged longitudinally along the Y direction below the belt drum 4.

[0060] Cutters 5c, 6c, 7c, 8c, and 9c cut each tire material M1, M2, M3, M4, and M5 to a predetermined length. Sliding conveyors 5d, 6d, 7d, 8d, and 9d, and supply conveyors 5e, 6e, 7e, 8e, and 9e are belt conveyors that transport each tire material M1, M2, M3, M4, and M5 in a horizontal position.

[0061] Sliding conveyors 5d, 6d, 7d, 8d, and 9d are configured one for each of the parallel supply units 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. For example, at the storage position P1 for material M1, one sliding conveyor 5d is configured that slides along the width direction of the parallel supply units 5 (5A, 5B). The sliding conveyor 5d moves in the width direction between each supply unit 5A and 5B in front of the supply direction of material M1. The other storage positions P2, P3, P4, and P5 are configured similarly.

[0062] The cutter 10c cuts the rear end of the tire material M6 when joining the tire materials M6 together. The storage buffer section 10d retains a predetermined amount (necessary length) of tire material M6. The head 10e guides the tire material M6 after passing through the storage buffer section 10d toward the drum surface of the belt drum 4. The tire material M6 is supplied to the belt drum 4 in a long-dimensional state and is cut to a predetermined length on the belt drum 4 by the head 10e.

[0063] A belt transfer machine 12 is disposed between the belt drum 3 and the forming drum 2. A belt transfer machine 13 is disposed between the belt drum 4 and the forming drum 2. A bead transfer machine 14 is disposed between the bead supply unit 11 and the forming drum 2.

[0064] At belt drum 3, cylindrical inner circumferential side members MA are formed using supplied tire materials M1-M3. At belt drum 4, cylindrical outer circumferential side members MB are formed using supplied tire materials M4-M6. Belt transfer machine 12 transfers the inner circumferential side members MA from belt drum 3 to forming drum 2. Belt transfer machine 13 transfers the outer circumferential side members MB from belt drum 4 to forming drum 2. Bead transfer machine 14 transfers a pair of bead members MC from one of the bead supply units 11A and 11B and embeds them into the cylindrical inner circumferential side members MA. At forming drum 2, a cylindrical green tire G is formed using the inner circumferential side members MA (M1-M3), the outer circumferential side members MB (M4-M6), and a pair of bead members MC.

[0065] A typical embodiment of the supply system of the present invention is a supply system that supplies tire material M3 to a belt drum (forming drum) 3, and a supply system that supplies tire materials M4 and M5 to a belt belt drum (forming drum) 4. Specifically, an embodiment of the supply system comprises multiple supply units 7 (7A, 7B) arranged side-by-side at storage position P3, a belt drum 3, a supply conveyor 7e disposed between the supply units 7 (7A, 7B) and the belt drum 3, and a sliding conveyor 7d that slides between each supply unit 7A, 7B and the supply conveyor 7e in the parallel direction of each supply unit 7A, 7B. Another embodiment of the supply system comprises multiple supply units 8 (8A, 8B) arranged side-by-side at storage position P4, a belt belt drum 4, a supply conveyor 8e disposed between the supply units 8 (8A, 8B) and the belt belt drum 4, and a sliding conveyor 8d that slides between each supply unit 8A, 8B and the supply conveyor 8e in the parallel direction of each supply unit 8A, 8B. Furthermore, the multiple supply units 9 (9A, 9B) arranged side by side at the storage location P5, the belt drum 4, the supply conveyor 9e arranged between the supply units 9 (9A, 9B) and the belt drum 4, and the sliding conveyor 9d that slides between each supply unit 9A, 9B and the supply conveyor 9e along the parallel direction of each supply unit 9A, 9B constitute an implementation of the supply system.

[0066] Furthermore, for the belt drum 3 and the supply conveyor 7e located at a predetermined position, tire material M3, after being released from the supply unit 7 (7A, 7B) at the storage position P3 and cut to length, is transferred to the supply conveyor 7e via the sliding conveyor 7d and sequentially supplied to the belt drum 3. In this embodiment, when supplying tire material M3, the belt drum 3 and the supply conveyor 7e located at the predetermined position are arranged in a perpendicular arrangement with one of the supply units 7A (arranged longitudinally along the Y direction). Additionally, for the belt bundle drum 4 and the supply conveyor 8e located at a predetermined position, tire material M4, after being released from the supply unit 8 (8A, 8B) at the storage position P4 and cut to length, is transferred to the supply conveyor 8e via the sliding conveyor 8d and sequentially supplied to the belt bundle drum 4. In this embodiment, when supplying tire material M4, the belt bundle drum 4 and the supply conveyor 8e located at the predetermined position are arranged in a perpendicular arrangement with one of the supply units 8A (arranged longitudinally along the Y direction). Similarly, for the belt drum 4 and the supply conveyor 9e located at a predetermined position, tire material M5, which is released from the supply unit 9 (9A, 9B) at the storage position P5 and cut to length, is transferred to the supply conveyor 9e via the sliding conveyor 9d and sequentially supplied to the belt drum 4. In this embodiment, when supplying the tire material M5, the belt drum 4 and the supply conveyor 8e located at a predetermined position are arranged in parallel with one of the supply units 9A (arranged longitudinally along the Y direction).

[0067] Next, an example of the steps in a tire manufacturing method using this manufacturing system will be described. In this manufacturing method, a raw tire G is sequentially and continuously formed using a forming apparatus 1 equipped with an embodiment of the supply system of the present invention. In the forming apparatus 1 of this manufacturing system, a typical embodiment of the supply system of the present invention is provided to supply three types of tire materials M3, M4, and M5. In the forming apparatus 1, the supply system of the present invention is sufficient to supply at least one type of tire material.

[0068] Multiple green tires G are formed simultaneously in forming apparatus 1. Sometimes the simultaneously formed green tires G all have the same specifications, but sometimes they are switched to different specifications midway through the process. While continuously forming multiple green tires G without changing the tire specifications, at each storage position P1 to P6, the necessary amount of tire material M1 to M6 of the same specification is stored in each of the parallel supply units 5 to 10. At storage position P7, the necessary amount of bead components MC of the same specification is stored in each bead supply unit 11A and 11B.

[0069] In the case of forming a green tire G by changing the tire specifications midway through production, at each storage location P1 to P6, according to each of the supply units 5A to 10A on one side and 5B to 10B on the other side, a necessary amount of tire material M1 to M6 corresponding to the tire specifications of the green tire G to be formed is stored. At storage location P7, according to each of the bead supply units 11A and 11B, a necessary amount of bead component MC corresponding to the tire specifications of the green tire G to be formed is stored.

[0070] In this manufacturing method, the cylindrical inner peripheral component MA and the cylindrical outer peripheral component MB are formed simultaneously. For example... Figures 9-14 The inner peripheral component MA is formed as illustrated. Figures 16-21 The outer peripheral component MB is formed as illustrated. Furthermore, as... Figures 22-26 The calf G is formed using the inner peripheral side member MA, a pair of bead members MC, and the outer peripheral side member MC as illustrated.

[0071] like Figures 9-14 As illustrated, the tire materials M1 to M3 of the inner peripheral side component MA are supplied to the belt drum 3 from the storage positions P1 to P3 via the corresponding sliding conveyors 5d to 7d through the respective supply conveyors 5e to 7e, in a pre-cut state. At the belt drum 3, the inner peripheral side component MA is formed using the pre-cut tire materials M1 to M3.

[0072] Specifically, tire materials M1, M2, M3, discharged from supply units 5A, 6A, 6A, and 7A are cut to predetermined lengths by cutters 5c, 6c, 6c, and 7c, and then placed on sliding conveyors 5d, 6d, 6d, and 7d positioned in front of each supply unit 5A, 6A, 6A, and 7A, and conveyed to supply conveyors 5e, 6e, 6e, and 7e. Supply conveyor 5e, when viewed from above, can rotate 90°. When receiving tire material M1 from sliding conveyor 5d, as... Figure 9 , Figure 10 As illustrated, it is arranged longitudinally in the X direction with the sliding conveyor 5d. The supply conveyor 5e receives the tire material M1 from the sliding conveyor 5d as shown. Figure 11 As illustrated, it rotates 90° to become longitudinally aligned with the sliding conveyor 6d and the supply conveyor 6e in the Y direction.

[0073] like Figure 12 As illustrated, tire material M1 discharged from one supply unit 5A, and material M2 supplied from each of the longitudinally arranged supply units 6A, are arranged in a straight line relative to the drum 3. Figure 13 As illustrated, while the belt drum 3 rotates in one direction around the drum axis C1, the tire materials M1, M2, and M2, cut to length in a straight line, are sequentially wound around the belt drum 3 to form a cylindrical stack. In this embodiment, the supply conveyors 5e and 6e function as supply conveyors that supply the tire materials M1 and M2 to the belt drum 3.

[0074] Additionally, while tire materials M1, M2, and M3 are wound around the belt drum 3 to form a cylindrical stack, a pair of tire materials M3, released from one of the supply units 7A and cut to length, are conveyed to the supply conveyor 7e. Next, the belt drum 3, positioned in front of the supply conveyor 7e, is... Figure 14 As illustrated, it moves along the X direction and is positioned in front of the supply conveyor 7e. Then, while rotating the belt drum 3 around its axis C1, a pair of tire materials M3, cut to length and placed on the conveyor 7e, are wound around the belt drum 3 and stacked in a cylindrical shape. This forms a cylindrical inner circumferential member MA, obtained by sequentially stacking tire materials M1, M2, and M3. In this way, the inner circumferential member MA is formed sequentially and continuously.

[0075] Next, as Figure 15 As illustrated, a pair of bead components MC are supplied from one of the bead supply units 11A, and are externally fitted onto the inner circumferential member MA using a bead transfer machine 14. Each bead component MC is externally fitted at intervals along the width direction (X direction) of the inner circumferential member MA.

[0076] like Figures 16-21 As illustrated, the tire materials M4 and M5 of the outer peripheral component MB are supplied to the belt drum 4 from the storage positions P4 and P5 via the corresponding sliding conveyors 8e and 9e, respectively, in a pre-cut state. Material M6 is supplied in an elongated state via the storage buffer section 10c to the head 10e, which is adjacent to the belt drum 4 below. At the belt drum 4, the outer peripheral component MB is formed using the pre-cut tire materials M4 and M5 and the tire material M6 exiting from the head 10e.

[0077] Specifically, tire materials M4, M5 released from supply units 8A, 8A, 9A are cut to predetermined lengths by cutters 8c, 8c, 9c, and then placed on sliding conveyors 8d, 8d, 9d positioned in front of supply units 8A, 8A, 9A, and transported to supply conveyors 8e, 8e, 9e. Figure 6 The example shows two upper and lower supply conveyors 8e and 8e respectively carrying a tire material M4 cut to length.

[0078] like Figure 18 As illustrated, tire materials M4, M4 supplied from the longitudinally arranged supply units 8A, 8A are sequentially wound around a belt drum 4a to form a cylindrical stack. For example, while the belt drum 4a is rotated in one direction around the drum axis C2, the length-cut tire materials M4 placed on the upper supply conveyor 8e are wound around the belt drum 4a to form a cylindrical shape. Next, while the belt drum 4a is rotated in another direction around the drum axis C2, the length-cut tire materials M4 placed on the lower supply conveyor 8e are wound around the belt drum 4a to form a cylindrical shape.

[0079] Next, as Figure 19 As illustrated, the belt drum 4 is rotated 180° clockwise around the rotation axis 4p. This moves one belt drum 4a to the front of the supply conveyor 9e, and the other belt drum 4b to the front of the supply conveyors 8e. While one belt drum 4a is rotated in one direction around the drum axis C3, the tire material M6 supplied from the supply unit 10A is spirally wound around the belt drum 4a using one head 10e. This results in a belt reinforcement layer formed of the tire material M6 being stacked over a predetermined width direction (X direction) on the outer periphery of the cylindrical tire material M4.

[0080] Next, as Figure 20As illustrated, while one belt drum 4a is rotated in one direction around its drum axis C3, the length-cut material M5 placed on the supply conveyor 9e is wound around the belt drum 4a and stacked in a cylindrical shape. Thus, a cylindrical outer peripheral component MB, formed by sequentially stacking tire materials M4, M4, M6, and M5, is formed on one belt drum 4a. For the other belt drum 4b, while the belt drum 4b is rotated around its drum axis C2, the length-cut tire materials M4, M4 placed on each of the supply conveyors 8e, 8e are sequentially wound around the belt drum 4b and stacked in a cylindrical shape.

[0081] Next, as Figure 21 As illustrated, the belt drum 4 is rotated 180° counterclockwise around the rotation axis 4p. As a result, the belt drum 4a that forms the outer peripheral component MB is moved to the side of the forming drum 2.

[0082] like Figure 22 As illustrated, the formed inner circumferential side member MA is transferred from the belt drum 3 to one forming drum 2a using a belt conveyor 12. This results in the inner circumferential side member MA and a pair of bead members MC being embedded outside the forming drum 2a. Furthermore, at the forming drum 2a, the two ends of the inner circumferential side member MA in the width direction are folded around the bead members MC using a known method. While rotating the forming drum 2a around the drum axis C1, the two ends of the folded inner circumferential side member MA in the width direction are pressed towards the drum axis C1 using a known method.

[0083] Next, as Figure 23 As illustrated, the forming drum 2 is rotated 180° clockwise around the rotation axis 2p. This causes one forming drum 2a and one belt drum 4a to be placed side by side along the X direction.

[0084] Next, as Figure 24 As illustrated, the outer peripheral component MB is transferred from one belt drum 4a to one forming drum 2a using a belt transfer machine 13, and inserted into the inner peripheral component MA. At the forming drum 2a, the outer peripheral surface of the inner peripheral component MA abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral component MB. While rotating the forming drum 2a around the drum axis C2, the outer peripheral component MB is pressed towards the drum axis C2, integrating the inner peripheral component MA, the outer peripheral component MB, and a pair of bead components MC to form the tire G. Furthermore, for the other belt drum 4b, tire materials M6 and M5 are wound to form the outer peripheral component MB using the same steps as described above. Additionally, for the other forming drum 2b, the inner peripheral component MA and a pair of bead components MC are externally inserted using the same steps as described above.

[0085] Next, as Figure 25As illustrated, the forming drum 2 is rotated 180° counterclockwise around the rotation axis 2p. Then, as... Figure 26 As illustrated, the green tire G is removed from one of the forming drums 2a and conveyed to the vulcanizing unit 15.

[0086] like Figure 27 As illustrated, the green tire G is placed in a vulcanizing mold 16 assembled in the vulcanizing apparatus 15. Then, the green tire G is vulcanized between the closed vulcanizing mold 16 and the inflated vulcanizing airbag 17, thus completing the tire T. The vulcanization of the green tire G can be performed using various known methods. In this embodiment, an inflatable tire T is manufactured, but the present invention can also be applied in the manufacture of various types of tires T.

[0087] In the above-mentioned forming process of green tire G, when a predetermined number of green tires G are formed, the tire materials M1 to M6 stored in the supply units 5A to 10A at the storage positions P1 to P6 of each tire material M1 to M6 become empty.

[0088] As described above, at each storage position P1 to P5, a sliding conveyor 5d to 9d is provided that slides along the width direction relative to the parallel supply units 5 to 9. Therefore, when the tire materials M1 to M5 stored in one of the supply units 5A to 9A become empty, the tire materials M1 to M5 can be supplied from the other supply unit 5B to 9B by sliding the sliding conveyor 5d to 9d along the width direction of the parallel supply units 5 to 9. That is, the sliding conveyor 5d to 9d slides to the front of the other supply unit 5B to 9B and places the length-cut tire materials M1 to M5 onto the sliding conveyor 5d to 9d. Then, the sliding conveyor 5d to 9d slides to a position longitudinally aligned with the supply conveyors 5e to 9e, transferring and supplying the length-cut tire materials M1 to M5 to the supply conveyors 5e to 9e. Furthermore, during the process of supplying the sized cut tire materials M1 to M5 from the other supply unit 5B to 9B to the supply conveyor 5e to 9e, the supply unit 5A to 9A of the other party that has emptied the tire materials M1 to M5 is replaced by a new supply unit 5A to 5B that stores the tire materials M1 to M5.

[0089] If the sliding conveyors 5d to 9d are used, they can move rapidly, allowing tire materials M1 to M5 to be continuously supplied to the corresponding drums 3 and 4 from either supply units 5A to 9A or supply units 5B to 9B at each storage position P1 to P5. Therefore, this is advantageous for further reducing time loss due to replenishing tire materials M1 to M5 and improving operational efficiency in the tire forming process.

[0090] At each storage location P1 to P5, the tire materials M1 to M5, which have been released from other parallel supply units and cut to length, are supplied to the corresponding drums 3 and 4. Instead of moving the individual supply units 5 to 9, the sliding conveyors 5d to 9d can be moved, thus requiring no excessive space. Therefore, this is advantageous for making the forming device 1 more compact.

[0091] Furthermore, at storage location P6, the supply unit 10, which is arranged in parallel, can be switched to supply tire material M6. Therefore, when the tire material M6 stored in one supply unit 10A becomes empty, the tire material M6 can be supplied from the other supply unit 10B. Moreover, while supplying tire material M6 from the other supply unit 10B, the supply unit 10A that is empty of tire material M6 is replaced with a new supply unit 10A that stores the tire material M6. Therefore, the formation process of the green tire G can be prevented from stopping due to the replenishment of each tire material M6.

[0092] Furthermore, when a pair of bead components MC in one bead supply unit 11A becomes empty, a pair of bead components MC can be supplied from the other bead supply unit 11B. Moreover, while a pair of bead components MC is being supplied from the other bead supply unit 11B, the bead supply unit 11A that has emptied its bead components MC can rotate from the supply position to the waiting position, allowing for the replenishment of a new pair of bead components MC to the bead supply unit 11A. Therefore, the molding process can be prevented from stopping due to the replenishment of a pair of bead components MC.

[0093] Consequently, there is no need to load and store additional quantities of tire materials M1 to M5 on each supply conveyor 5e to 9e to reduce time loss due to the replenishment of each tire material M1 to M5. Consequently, the length of each supply conveyor 5e to 9e can be set to a minimum.

[0094] The method for manufacturing a tire according to the present invention, which uses a forming apparatus 1 equipped with the supply system of the present invention described above to form a green tire G using tire materials M3 to M5 and vulcanize the green tire G, is advantageous for manufacturing tires T in a space-saving and highly productive manner.

[0095] It is advantageous to make the forming apparatus 1 more compact by shortening each of the supply conveyors 5e-9e and each of the sliding conveyors 5d-9d. Each of the supply conveyors 5e-9e and each of the sliding conveyors 5d-9d can be longer than the length of one sheet of tire materials M1-M5 carried on the conveyor. Therefore, the length of each supply conveyor 5e-9e and the length of each sliding conveyor 5d-9d can be set to, for example, 100% to 150% of the length of one sheet of tire materials M1-M5 carried on the conveyor, more preferably 105% to 130%, and even more preferably 105% to 120% or less.

[0096] Furthermore, the drum axis C1 of the belt drum 3 and the forming drum 2 during the transfer of the inner peripheral component MA is set on the same axis, and the drum axis C2 of the belt bundle drum 4 and the forming drum 2 during the transfer of the outer peripheral component MB is set on the same axis. Therefore, the belt conveyor 12 and the belt bundle conveyor 13 can move only along the common drum axis C1 and C2 of each drum 2, 3, and 4, which is more advantageous for the compactness of the forming apparatus 1. As a result, it is advantageous to manufacture tires T with good productivity while simultaneously making the forming apparatus 1 compact.

[0097] Tire materials M1 to M5 shrink over time due to sizing, resulting in uneven shrinkage. However, at each storage location P1 to P5, each tire material M1 to M5 is pre-stored in a long-length state. Then, each tire material M1 to M5 is released from supply units 5 to 9 and sizing. The sizing-cut materials M1 to M5 are then fed to corresponding drums 3 and 4 via corresponding sliding conveyors 5d to 9d and supply conveyors 5e to 9e. By sizing the tire materials M1 to M5 just before the green tire G is formed, compared to pre-sizing and storing them, it is advantageous to minimize the shrinkage and uneven shrinkage of these tire materials M1 to M5 over time. As a result, the quality of the manufactured tire T is improved.

[0098] At each storage location P1-P5, any one of the supply units 5A-9A is designated as the main supply unit. The corresponding sliding conveyors 5d-9d are moved and fixedly positioned in front of the main supply unit 5A-9A. This allows a supply path to the corresponding drums 3 and 4 to be formed via the main supply units 5A-9A, the fixedly positioned sliding conveyors 5d-9d, and the corresponding supply conveyors 5e-9e. In the supply paths of the various tire materials M1-M5 formed in this way, the sliding conveyors 5d-9d do not need to slide, thus enabling faster forming of the green tire G, which is beneficial for improving forming efficiency. Furthermore, it also helps reduce the energy required for forming the green tire G.

[0099] However, when supplying tire materials M1 to M5 from the other supply units 5B to 9B, each time tire materials M1 to M5 are supplied from each supply unit 5B to 9B to the corresponding supply conveyor 5e to 9e, the sliding conveyor 5d to 9d needs to slide. This is detrimental to improving the forming efficiency of the green tire G and also hinders the reduction of the energy required for forming the green tire G.

[0100] Therefore, at each storage location P1~P5, when the same specifications of tire materials M1~M5 are stored in the parallel supply units 5~9, if the tire materials M1~M5 stored in the main supply units 5A~9A become empty, after the operation of replacing the empty main supply units 5A~9A with new main supply units 5A~9A storing the tire materials M1~M5 is completed, the corresponding sliding conveyors 5d~9d are immediately moved and fixedly positioned in front of the new main supply units 5A~9A. Furthermore, through the new main supply units 5A~9A, the fixedly positioned sliding conveyors 5d~9d, and the corresponding supply conveyors 5e~9e, a supply path is formed for the corresponding drums 3 and 4, and tire materials M1~M5 can also be supplied from the new main supply units 5A~9A.

[0101] By suppressing the frequency of sliding movement of the sliding conveyors 5d to 9d to form the supply path for tire materials M1 to M5, compared to continuously supplying each tire material M1 to M5 from the other supply units 5B to 9B, it is more advantageous for improving the forming efficiency of the green tire G and more helpful in reducing the energy required for forming the green tire G. When the main supply units 5A to 9A are used as the supply path for tire materials M1 to M5 for a long time compared to the other supply units 5B to 9B, for example, the storage amount of tire materials M1 to M5 at supply units 5A to 9A is greater than the storage amount at the other supply units 5B to 9B.

[0102] The supply system of the present invention is not limited to the forming apparatus 1 exemplified above, but can be applied to various known forming apparatuses 1. In addition, the forming drum that supplies tire material by the supply system of the present invention is not limited to the drums 2, 3, and 4 described above, but may be, for example, a so-called rigid core having an outer surface that is substantially the same as the inner surface of the tire T to be manufactured.

[0103] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0104] 1. Forming device

[0105] 2 (2a, 2b) Molding Drum

[0106] 2p gyro

[0107] 3 with drum

[0108] 3R guide rail

[0109] 4 (4a, 4b) Drum with strap

[0110] 4p gyro

[0111] 5 (5A, 5B) Lining Supply Unit

[0112] 5C Cutter

[0113] 5D sliding conveyor

[0114] 5e supply conveyor

[0115] 6 (6A, 6B) Carcass Material Supply Unit

[0116] 6C Cutter

[0117] 6D sliding conveyor

[0118] 6e supply conveyor

[0119] 7 (7A, 7B) Supply unit for the tire sidewall

[0120] 7c Cutter

[0121] 7D sliding conveyor

[0122] 7e supply conveyor

[0123] 8 (8A, 8B) Supply unit for belt material

[0124] 8C Cutter

[0125] 8d sliding conveyor

[0126] 8e supply conveyor

[0127] 9 (9A, 9B) Tire tread supply unit

[0128] 9C Cutter

[0129] 9d sliding conveyor

[0130] 9e supply conveyor

[0131] 10 (10A, 10B) Supply unit for belt reinforcement

[0132] 10c cutter

[0133] 10d Storage Buffer Section

[0134] 10e head

[0135] 11 (11A, 11B) Bead supply unit

[0136] 11P Rotary Shaft

[0137] 12-belt transfer machine

[0138] 13 Belt Conveyor

[0139] 14. Tire Bead Transfer Machine

[0140] 15. Vulcanizing unit

[0141] 16. Vulcanizing molds

[0142] 17. Airbags for vulcanization

[0143] M tire components

[0144] MA inner peripheral component

[0145] MB peripheral components

[0146] MC bead components

[0147] M1 Lining

[0148] M2 carcass material

[0149] M3 sidewall

[0150] M4 belt material

[0151] M5 tire face

[0152] M6 belt reinforcement

[0153] G birth

[0154] T Tire that has completed vulcanization (finished tire)

Claims

1. A supply system for supplying tire material to a forming drum, the supply system comprising a supply unit storing a strip of tire material, a forming drum, and a supply conveyor disposed between the supply unit and the forming drum, and configured such that the tire material, after being discharged from the supply unit and cut to length, is placed in a flat position on the supply conveyor and supplied to the forming drum, and is formed into a cylindrical shape by winding around the forming drum, wherein... The supply system is configured as follows: The storage location has multiple supply units arranged side by side. Between each of the supply units and the supply conveyor, there is a sliding conveyor that slides along the parallel direction of each of the supply units. For the forming drum and the supply conveyor positioned at a predetermined location, the tire material, which has been discharged from one of the supply units and cut to length, is transferred to the supply conveyor via the sliding conveyor and sequentially supplied to the forming drum. When the tire material stored in one of the supply units becomes empty, the tire material released from the other supply unit and cut to length is transferred to the supply conveyor via the sliding conveyor and sequentially supplied to the forming drum. During the supply of the material from the other supply unit to the forming drum, the empty supply unit of one party can be replaced with a new supply unit containing the tire material.

2. The supply system for supplying tire material to a forming drum according to claim 1, wherein, The forming drum and the supply conveyor, which are located at the predetermined position, are arranged in parallel with one of the supply units.

3. The supply system for supplying tire material to the forming drum according to claim 2, wherein, The supply system is configured such that, when the tire material stored in one of the supply units becomes empty, after the operation of replacing the empty supply unit with a new supply unit containing the tire material is completed, the tire material is immediately supplied from the new supply unit to the forming drum.

4. A method for manufacturing a tire, wherein, A forming apparatus having a supply system for supplying tire material to a forming drum as described in any one of claims 1 to 3 is used to form a green tire using the tire material and to vulcanize the green tire.

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