Method of arranging a shaped product onto a support, such as a cylindrical support
By applying markings to the ends of molded products using laser beam ablation or modification, combined with image acquisition, the problems of insufficient measurement accuracy and repeatability in existing technologies are solved, achieving high-precision positioning and measurement of molded products.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-05
AI Technical Summary
In the prior art, mechanically applied markings on rubber strips have insufficient measurement accuracy and repeatability, and ink markings may cause tire appearance problems, making it impossible to achieve high-precision and high-repeatability longitudinal and lateral measurements.
A laser beam is used to ablate or modify the ends of the molded product, forming a mark that disappears during the curing process. The color or structure is changed by the interaction between the laser beam and the material. This is applied to both ends of the molded product and measured using image acquisition equipment.
It provides higher measurement accuracy and repeatability, ensuring that the markings leave no visible traces after curing, and enables precise measurement of molded products in both longitudinal and transverse directions.
Smart Images
Figure CN122143393A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the application of marking on molded products made from elastomer blends, with the aim of using the marked molded products to manufacture semi-finished products (e.g., tire blanks). Background Technology
[0002] When manufacturing tire blanks, different molded products made from different elastomer blends are used. To produce high-quality, uniform tires, the molded products must be positioned as precisely as possible relative to each other and relative to different axes or reference planes. Furthermore, it may be necessary to ensure that the ends of the molded products contact each other as precisely as possible.
[0003] Document EP3390031 describes a method for winding a rubber strip onto a rotating body, wherein the strip is cut to a predetermined length, a front edge mark and a rear edge mark are applied to it, it is driven toward the rotating body, the front edge is placed on the rotating body, and the rotating body is rotated to wind the strip onto the rotating body.
[0004] In the method described in document EP3390031, front edge marks and rear edge marks are used to control the displacement of the strip and the rotation of the rotating body to compensate for changes in the strip length and obtain a good quality joint at its ends.
[0005] In document EP3390031, front and rear edge markings are mechanically applied by marking rollers. These marking rollers cause localized deformation of the rubber strip and leave visible indentations on the surface of the strip.
[0006] First, these mechanically applied markings do not provide high measurement accuracy. In fact, because the markings must be deep enough to be visible, they are also wider, making them less precise.
[0007] Furthermore, because the rubber strips are made of a generally elastic material, these mechanically applied markings cannot provide high repeatability, as the markings may fade locally and lead to measurement errors and false alarms.
[0008] Finally, the markings disclosed in document EP3390031 only allow measurements to be taken in the longitudinal direction of the rubber strip.
[0009] Document JP4537624 discloses a method for inspecting the quality of the joint between the two ends of a rubber strip arranged on a manufacturing drum and forming the future tread of a tire. In this inspection method, marks are applied upstream and downstream of the cut in the rubber strip during cutting.
[0010] Document JP4537624 describes the use of a punching device to mechanically apply the markings or the use of ink to manufacture these markings.
[0011] As mentioned above, mechanically applied markings cannot provide high measurement accuracy or repeatability.
[0012] Then, markings made with ink may result in random marks on the tire after curing, and these marks are not compatible with the tire's desired appearance for sales reasons.
[0013] Finally, the markings disclosed in document JP4537624 only allow measurements to be taken in the longitudinal direction of the rubber strip. Summary of the Invention
[0014] The present invention aims to overcome the shortcomings of existing methods and processes.
[0015] For this purpose, the present invention relates to a method for arranging a molded product onto a support, the molded product being made of an elastomer compound and cut to a predetermined length before being arranged onto the support, wherein two ends of the molded product are in contact with each other when the molded product is arranged onto the support, the arrangement method including the step of applying markings to the two ends of the molded product before the molded product is arranged onto the support, and the arrangement method including the step of acquiring at least one image of the joint between the two ends of the molded product and the markings applied to the two ends after the molded product has been arranged onto the support.
[0016] According to the present invention, the arrangement method provides that the marking applied to the end of the molded product is applied by ablation or modification of the material using a laser beam, wherein the interaction between the laser beam and the upper surface of the molded product causes a change in color or structure, forming an engraving or removing material from the upper surface of the molded product.
[0017] By using a laser beam to ablate or modify the material, the applied markings offer better measurement accuracy and repeatability than mechanically applied markings. Furthermore, markings created by ablation or modification of the material have the advantage of not leaving visible marks on the product (e.g., tires made using a molded product marked according to the invention). In fact, since the elastomeric compound of the molded product is intended for vulcanization in a curing mold, these markings applied by ablation or modification of the material using a laser beam disappear during curing, particularly due to the pressure present in the curing mold.
[0018] Advantageously, but not necessarily, the present invention can also be configured as follows: - The markings applied to both ends of the molded product consist of at least one pattern, the pattern including at least one line extending in the longitudinal direction of the molded product and at least one line extending in the transverse direction of the molded product. - The marking applied to one end of the molded product consists of multiple patterns, each pattern including at least one line extending in the longitudinal direction of the molded product and at least one line extending in the transverse direction of the molded product, the different patterns being aligned with each other in the transverse direction of the molded product. - When the rear end of the first molded product is cut and separated from the front end of the second molded product, a mark is applied to the rear end. An alarm will be triggered if the marks applied to the front and rear ends of the molded product arranged on the support are not located at the desired distance from each other in the longitudinal direction of the molded product or are not aligned in the transverse direction of the molded product. - The support is cylindrical and takes the form, for example, a drum used in tire manufacturing or a tire blank under manufacturing. - The molded product is another component (such as a ply, like a reinforcing ply) of the tread of a future tire or tire blank.
[0019] The present invention also relates to an apparatus for arranging a molded product onto a support, the arranging apparatus including a feed station for supplying a continuous profile, wherein the molded product to be arranged is cut in the continuous profile, the arranging apparatus including a cutting station for cutting a predetermined length from the continuous profile to form the molded product to be arranged onto the support, the arranging apparatus including a first conveying device and a second conveying device, the first conveying device for receiving the continuous profile from the feed station and conveying the continuous profile to the cutting station, the second conveying device for conveying the molded product from the cutting station to the support for arranging the molded product, and the arranging apparatus including a laser beam marking device located near or above the cutting station.
[0020] In this arrangement, a laser beam marking device is mounted, for example, above the cutting blade of the cutting station. Attached Figure Description
[0021] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description. This description, given by way of non-limiting embodiments, refers to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of an apparatus for arranging molded products according to the present invention. - Figure 2 This is a schematic top view of the joint between the two ends of the molded product. - Figure 3 A schematic side view of a well-quality joint between the two ends of a molded product. - Figure 4 This is a schematic side view of the joint between the two ends of a molded product, resulting in poor quality due to the product being too short. - Figure 5 This is a schematic side view of the joint between the two ends of a molded product, which is of poor quality due to the product being too long. Detailed Implementation
[0022] This invention relates to a method for arranging a molded product made of an elastomeric compound onto a support. The molded product is, for example, made of an elastomeric compound intended for subsequent vulcanization. For example, such an elastomeric compound is an unvulcanized compound comprising at least one elastomer (natural or synthetic rubber), one or more reinforcing fillers (carbon black, silica), and one or more additives (e.g., additives intended to initiate and control the vulcanization reaction).
[0023] Figure 1 An apparatus 10 for arranging a molded product P onto a support 12 (e.g., a tire blank) is shown. This arrangement apparatus 10 is used, for example, to implement an arrangement method according to the invention. This arrangement apparatus 10 includes a feed station 14 that supplies a continuous profile PC from which the molded product P to be arranged is cut. The feed station 14 can be an extruder or another machine that continuously produces the continuous profile PC to be cut, or an automated device that unwinds the continuous profile PC from a suitable storage device. At the outlet of the feed station 14, the arrangement apparatus includes a cutting station 16 for cutting a predetermined length from the continuous profile PC, which will constitute the molded product P to be arranged onto the support 12. The arrangement apparatus 10 includes, for example, a first conveying device 18 for receiving the continuous profile PC from the feed station and conveying the continuous profile PC to the cutting station. The cutting station 16 includes, for example, a blade 20 that is driven to translate in a cutting plane P16 passing through the continuous profile PC by an actuator 22. For example, the arrangement device 10 includes an anvil 24 for supporting the continuous profile PC during the cutting process. The anvil 24 includes a central recess designed to receive the blade 20 at the end of the translational movement. The arrangement device 10 includes, for example, a second conveying device 26 for conveying the shaped product P from the cutting station 16 onto the support 12 where the shaped product P is to be arranged.
[0024] In this invention, the support member 12 is preferably cylindrical. For example, as shown in the figure... Figure 1 As shown, the molded product P constitutes the tread of the future tire, and the support 12 is the tire blank being manufactured. Alternatively, the molded product P can be another component of the tire blank (e.g., a ply, such as a reinforcing ply), and the support 12 can be a drum used for manufacturing the tire. When the molded product P is positioned, the support 12 is driven to rotate R, for example, by an electric motor (not shown).
[0025] When the molded product P is placed on the support member 12, asFigure 2 As shown, the two ends E1 and E2 of the molded product P are in contact with each other. In particular, in the case of manufacturing tire blanks and manufacturing tires, it is sought that the joint J between the two ends E1 and E2 of the molded product P has the best quality.
[0026] Figure 3 A good-quality joint J is shown in the longitudinal direction LO of the molded product P between the two ends E1 and E2 of the molded product P, wherein the rear edge AR of the second end E2 of the molded product P is completely pressed against the front edge AV of the first end E1 of the molded product P. Figure 3 In the example shown, the rear edge AR and front edge AV of the molded product P are cut at an angle to improve the subsequent bonding of these ends. The bonding of these two ends is performed, for example, by pressing with a suitable tool (e.g., a roller), and can be done manually or automatically.
[0027] Figure 4 The diagram shows a poor-quality joint J between the two ends E1 and E2 of the molded product P along the longitudinal direction LO. Because the molded product P is not long enough, the rear edge AR of the second end E2 of the molded product P only partially overlaps with the front edge AV of the first end E1 of the molded product P. This partial overlap results in insufficient material, which will adversely affect the uniformity of future products (e.g., tires) made using the molded product P.
[0028] Figure 5 This illustration shows another type of poor-quality joint J between the two ends E1 and E2 of the molded product P in the longitudinal direction LO. In this alternative case, because the molded product P is too long, the rear edge AR of the second end E2 of the molded product P overlaps with the front edge AV of the first end E1 of the molded product P and extends beyond the front edge AV on the first end E1 of the molded product P. This excessive overlap results in excess material, which will adversely affect the uniformity of future products (e.g., tires) manufactured using the molded product P.
[0029] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a poor-quality joint J between the two ends E1 and E2 of the molded product P in the lateral direction TA. In this case, the first end E1 of the molded product P is not aligned with the second end E2. This lateral misalignment is detrimental to the quality of future products manufactured using the molded product P (e.g., tires).
[0030] The purpose of the arrangement method according to the present invention is to detect and mark the poor quality joint J between the two ends E1 and E2 of the molded product P arranged on the support member 12.
[0031] Therefore, the arrangement method includes the steps of applying a mark MA to two ends E1 and E2 of the molded product P, and acquiring an image of the joint J between the two ends E1 and E2 of the molded product P and at least one image of the mark MA applied to these two ends. The marking step is performed before the molded product P is arranged onto the support 12, and the acquisition step is performed after the molded product P has been arranged onto the support 12. The mark MA is applied to the upper surface of the molded product P.
[0032] According to the present invention, the arrangement method provides that the markings MA applied to the ends E1, E2 of the molded product P are applied by ablation or modification of the material using a laser beam F (particularly by melting and / or burning). More specifically, the interaction between the laser beam F and the upper surface of the molded product P causes a change in color or structure, forming an engraving or removing material from the upper surface of the molded product P.
[0033] To implement this marking, the arrangement device 10 includes, for example, a laser beam F marking device DM located near or above the cutting station 16. Therefore, marking and cutting of both ends of the continuously molded product P can be performed simultaneously. Alternatively, marking of both ends of the continuously molded product P can be performed just before cutting these two ends. Figure 1 As shown, the laser beam F marking device DM is mounted, for example, above the blade 20 of the cutting station. Advantageously, the laser beam F marking device DM includes an emission source of the laser beam F and a tool (e.g., a cone) for orienting and focusing the laser beam F within the marking volume, which extends below the marking device DM. For example, the emission source of the laser beam F is hybrid, combining fiber optic and pulsed technologies.
[0034] For the step of acquiring at least one image of the joint J between the two ends of the molded product P and the mark MA applied to these two ends, the arrangement device 10 includes at least one acquisition device 30, such as a camera or a 2D and / or 3D profilometer. Optionally, in addition to the acquisition device 30, the arrangement device 10 may also include an illumination device 32. Since the acquisition step is performed after the molded product P has been arranged onto the support 12, the acquisition device 30 and the illumination device 32 (if present) are mounted above the support 12.
[0035] like Figure 2As shown, the markings MA applied to the two ends E1 and E2 of the molded product consist of at least one pattern M, which includes at least one line T1 extending in the longitudinal direction LO of the molded product P and at least one line T2 extending in the transverse direction TA of the molded product P. For example, the pattern M may be in the form of a cross or an L. Extending in both directions, the pattern M can be used to measure any partial overlap or excessive overlap of the two ends E1 and E2 of the molded product P at the joint J in the longitudinal direction LO, and to measure any lateral offset of the two ends E1 and E2 of the molded product P at the joint J in the transverse direction.
[0036] To improve the quality of measurements using marker MA, the marker MA applied to the ends E1 and E2 of the molded product consists of multiple patterns M, each pattern M including at least one line T1 extending in the longitudinal direction LO of the molded product and at least one line T2 extending in the transverse direction TA of the molded product. Preferably, as Figure 2 As shown, these different patterns M are aligned with each other in the transverse direction TA of the molded product.
[0037] As shown above, due to the position of the marking device DM relative to the cutting station 16, the marking and cutting of both ends of the continuously molded product P can be performed simultaneously. According to the arrangement method of the present invention, it is preferably configured such that when the rear end E2 of the first molded product P is cut and separated from the front end E1 of the second molded product P, a mark MA is applied to the rear end E2.
[0038] Advantageously, the arrangement method according to the invention is configured such that an alarm is generated if a poor-quality joint J is detected. For example, an alarm is generated when the markings MA applied to the front end E1 and rear end E2 of the molded product P arranged on the support 12 are not located at a desired distance from each other in the longitudinal direction LO of the molded product or are misaligned in the transverse direction TA of the molded product P. Of course, very small deviations from reference values can be tolerated in both the longitudinal direction LO and the transverse direction TA. Depending on the deviation from the reference value, the alarm may be recorded using only a visual or audible signal linked to the manufactured product, or it may be used to terminate the operation of the arrangement device to allow the operator to resolve the problem by readjusting the molded product P or by disposing of it.
Claims
1. A method for arranging a molded product (P) onto a support (12), the molded product being made of an elastomer compound and cut to a predetermined length before being arranged onto the support, wherein two ends (E1, E2) of the molded product are in contact with each other when the molded product is arranged onto the support, the arrangement method comprising the step of applying marks (MA) to the two ends of the molded product, the marking step being performed before the molded product is arranged onto the support, the arrangement method comprising the step of acquiring an image of at least one of the joint (J) between the two ends of the molded product and the marks (MA) applied to the two ends, the acquisition step being performed after the molded product has been arranged onto the support, the arrangement method being characterized in that the marks (MA) applied to the ends of the molded product are applied by ablation or modification of the material using a laser beam (F), wherein the interaction of the laser beam (F) with the upper surface of the molded product (P) causes a change in color or structure, forming an engraving or removing material from the upper surface of the molded product (P).
2. The method for arranging a molded product (P) onto a support (12) according to claim 1, wherein, The markings (MA) applied to both ends of the molded product consist of at least one pattern (M), which includes at least one line (T1) extending in the longitudinal direction (LO) of the molded product and at least one line (T2) extending in the transverse direction (TA) of the molded product.
3. The method for arranging a molded product (P) onto a support (12) according to claim 2, wherein, A mark (MA) applied to one end of a molded product consists of a plurality of patterns (M), each pattern (M) including at least one line (T1) extending in the longitudinal direction (LO) of the molded product and at least one line (T2) extending in the transverse direction (TA) of the molded product, the different patterns (M) being aligned with each other in the transverse direction (TA) of the molded product.
4. The method for arranging a molded product (P) onto a support (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, When the rear end (E2) of the first molded product is cut and separated from the front end (E1) of the second molded product, a mark (MA) is applied to the rear end.
5. The method for arranging a molded product (P) onto a support (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, An alarm is generated when the marks (MA) applied to the front end (E1) and rear end (E2) of the molded product (P) arranged on the support (12) are not located at a desired distance from each other in the longitudinal direction (LO) of the molded product or are not aligned in the transverse direction (TA) of the molded product (P).
6. The method for arranging a molded product (P) onto a support (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The support (12) is cylindrical and takes the form, for example, a drum used for manufacturing tires or a tire blank being manufactured.
7. The method for arranging a molded product (P) onto a support (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The molded product (P) is another component of the tread of the future tire or tire blank, such as a ply or a reinforcing ply.
8. An apparatus (10) for arranging a molded product (P) onto a support (12), the arranging apparatus including a feed station (14) for supplying a continuous profile (PC) in which the molded product (P) to be arranged is cut, the arranging apparatus including a cutting station (16) for cutting from the continuous profile (PC) a predetermined length to form the molded product (P) to be arranged onto the support (12), the arranging apparatus including a first conveying device (18) and a second conveying device (26), the first conveying device (18) for receiving the continuous profile (PC) from the feed station and conveying the continuous profile (PC) to the cutting station, the second conveying device (26) for conveying the molded product (P) from the cutting station (16) to the support (12) of the molded product (P) to be arranged, the arranging apparatus being characterized in that the arranging apparatus includes a laser beam (F) marking device (DM) located near or above the cutting station (16).
9. The apparatus (10) for arranging a molded product (P) onto a support (12) according to claim 8, wherein, The laser beam (F) marking device (DM) is mounted above the blade (20) of the cutting station (16).