Tire forming production line

Abstract

The utility model relates to a tire forming production line, which comprises tire manufacturing equipment for manufacturing a curtain rope reinforced tire part and a first supply station for supplying curtain ropes to the tire manufacturing equipment, and further comprises a first deflection device for enabling a first group of curtain ropes to deflect around a deflection axis, according to the invention, the tire building line comprises one or more further supply stations, similar to the first supply station, and one or more further deflection devices, similar to the first deflection device, each further deflection device is configured for receiving a further set of curtain cords from a respective further supply station of the one or more further supply stations and for deflecting the further set of curtain cords.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a tire molding production line for manufacturing tire components reinforced with cords. The tire components reinforced with cords are, for example, carcass cords or buffer cords for green tires or unvulcanized tires. Background Art

[0002] Figure 1 A known tire building line is shown, comprising a tire manufacturing device and two creels for alternately supplying cords to the tire manufacturing device in a cord feed direction. The creels are movable in a lateral direction perpendicular to the cord feed direction between an active position in line with the tire manufacturing device and a standby position on one side of the creels in the active position, see also Figure 1 The dashed rectangle in the figure represents the standby position for the currently active creel. Utility Model Content

[0003] In response to the increasing market demand for tire components with a large number of embedded cords, the number of creel cores held by each creel has also increased. A disadvantage of the known tire building line is that the creels significantly increase the total floor space of the known tire building line. In particular, in a one-line configuration of the known creels, the increase in the size of the creels significantly increases the total length of the known tire building line. In other words, the known tire building line occupies a large amount of floor space.

[0004] The utility model aims to provide a tire molding production line for manufacturing tire components reinforced with cords, wherein the tire molding production line can be designed to be more compact.

[0005] According to a first aspect, the utility model provides a tire building line, comprising a tire manufacturing device for manufacturing a cord-reinforced tire component and a first supply station for supplying cords to the tire manufacturing device, wherein the tire building line further comprises a first deflection device for deflecting a first group of cords, wherein the tire manufacturing device comprises one or more additional supply stations similar to the first supply station and one or more additional deflection devices similar to the first deflection device, wherein each additional deflection device is configured to receive an additional group of cords from a corresponding additional supply station in the one or more additional supply stations and deflect the additional group of cords. One or more other supply stations may be positioned relative to the tire manufacturing device in a similar orientation as the first supply station, thereby enabling a completely new range of layouts for the tire building line. Please note that these new layouts may be the subject of one or more divisional applications without being limited by the deflection device.

[0006] Preferably, the first supply station comprises a frame for holding a creel core, wherein the frame of the first supply station extends in a first creel plane, wherein the one or more further supply stations comprise a second supply station, the second supply station comprising a frame for holding a creel core, wherein the frame of the second supply station extends in a second creel plane parallel or substantially parallel to the first creel plane. In other words, although the first supply station and the second supply station may be arranged at a creel angle to the deflection direction, they may still be arranged parallel to each other.

[0007] Preferably, the first creel plane and the second creel plane are spaced apart at a spacing distance in a lateral direction perpendicular to the first creel plane, the spacing distance being less than one hundred centimeters, preferably less than eighty centimeters, and most preferably less than sixty centimeters. In the conventional layout of the known tire building production line according to the prior art, space is required around each supply station to access the corresponding supply station for maintenance or refilling (re-feeding). However, as the tire building production line according to the utility model can be characterized by a completely new range of layouts, in some of these layouts, the spacing between the supply stations can be smaller or even non-existent. The above range may not be sufficient for a human operator to enter the space between the supply stations. Reducing the spacing between the supply stations can result in a more compact tire building production line.

[0008] In another embodiment, which can also be applied individually to a group of supply stations, at least one of the first supply station and the second supply station can be moved relative to the other of the first supply station and the second supply station in an exchange direction parallel to the first creel plane. Therefore, instead of moving the supply stations laterally as in the tire building line known in the prior art, the supply stations of the utility model can be moved in an exchange direction parallel to the first creel plane, thereby allowing one of the supply stations to be retracted relative to the other supply stations to facilitate access, maintenance and / or refilling of the retracted supply station. In this retractable structure, no or little lateral spacing is required between the supply stations.

[0009] In another embodiment, which may also be applied individually to a group of supply stations, one or more additional supply stations include a third supply station, the third supply station including a frame for holding a creel core, wherein the frame of the third supply station extends in a third creel plane parallel or substantially parallel to the first supply station plane and the second creel plane, wherein the second supply station is located between the first supply station and the third supply station in a lateral direction and is movable relative to the first supply station and the third supply station in an exchange direction parallel to the first creel plane between a supply position and an exchange position in which the second supply station is flush with the first supply station and the third supply station in the exchange direction, and in which the second supply station is at least partially retracted relative to the first supply station and the third supply station in the exchange direction. In a similar manner to the previously discussed embodiment, this embodiment allows the second supply station to be retracted from between the first supply station and the third supply station in the exchange direction, thereby eliminating the need for a lateral spacing between the respective supply stations.

[0010] Alternatively, at least one of the first and second supply stations is movable relative to the other of the first and second supply stations in an exchange direction transversely or perpendicularly to the first creel plane. Because of the deflection device between the supply stations and the tire manufacturing device, a plurality of supply stations can be placed side by side (side to side) in a direction transversely or perpendicularly to the tire manufacturing device. Furthermore, the supply stations can be placed closer together with no or only a small lateral spacing, for example directly or almost directly adjacent to each other in the exchange direction, provided that the supply stations can be moved relative to each other in the exchange direction to create access space for maintenance, maintenance and / or refilling.

[0011] In another embodiment, the first supply station comprises a frame for holding a creel core, wherein the frame of the first supply station extends in a first creel plane, wherein the one or more further supply stations comprise a fourth supply station comprising a frame for holding a creel core, wherein the frame of the fourth supply station extends in parallel or substantially parallel to the fourth creel plane. Thus, not all supply stations have to extend in the same orientation. A layout is envisaged in which supply stations or groups of supply stations can extend in different orientations, thereby allowing cords from different supply stations to be alternately connected to the tire manufacturing equipment while other supply stations are being maintained or refilled.

[0012] In another embodiment, the one or more additional supply stations include a first group of supply stations and a second group of supply stations located on opposite sides of the center plane. Thus, cords from one group of supply stations can be conveniently connected to the tire manufacturing equipment from one side of the center plane while the other group of supply stations are being maintained and / or refilled.

[0013] Preferably, the tire manufacturing apparatus comprises a cord organizer for receiving the groups of cords from the first deflection device and one or more further deflection devices, wherein the cord organizer is configured to organize the groups of cords in a mutually parallel orientation in a cord feed direction, wherein the center plane is parallel or substantially parallel to the cord feed direction at the cord organizer. By aligning the center plane with the cord feed direction, the cords can be fed toward the tire manufacturing apparatus from the supply station of the first group or the supply station of the second group in the same or substantially the same manner.

[0014] In another embodiment, the tire building line also includes an automatic exchange tool for automatically exchanging supply stations. By automatically removing supply stations from grouped supply stations at the tire building line, the supply stations can be prepared, maintained and / or refilled in a remote location. Therefore, the space required at the tire building line itself is smaller, allowing the tire building line to be designed in a more compact manner. This may be particularly useful when the supply stations are relatively small, such as when multiple relatively small or short supply stations are placed side by side at the above-mentioned supply station angle to the deflection direction. These smaller supply stations are easier to handle and move around, for example using an automatic guided vehicle (AGV) or an autonomous motion robot (AMR).

[0015] The various aspects and features described and shown in this specification can be applied separately wherever possible. These separate aspects can become the subject of divisional patent applications. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The present invention will be described based on exemplary embodiments shown in the attached schematic diagrams, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 A top view of a known tire building line for manufacturing cord-reinforced tire components according to the prior art is shown;

[0018] Figure 2 A top view of a tire building line for manufacturing a tire component reinforced with cords according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0019] Figure 3 A top view of an alternative tire building line for manufacturing cord-reinforced tire components according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0020] Figure 4 A top view showing another alternative tire building line for manufacturing cord-reinforced tire components according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 A top view showing another alternative tire building line for manufacturing cord-reinforced tire components according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0022] Figure 6 Shown in accordance with Figure 2 - an isometric view of a first deflection device in any one of the tire building lines of 5;

[0023] Figure 7 Shown in Figure 6 A front view of an alternative input curtain cord collector in a first deflection device;

[0024] Fig. 8A , 8B and 8C shows a top view of a first deflection device during a method step for manufacturing a cord-reinforced tire component; and

[0025] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 An isometric view and a top view, respectively, of a further alternative tire building line according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention are shown. Specific embodiments

[0026] Figure 2 A tire building line or tire building line 1 according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The tire building line 1 comprises a tire manufacturing device 4 for manufacturing a cord-reinforced tire component (not shown) and a plurality of creels 21-25 for supplying wires or cords K to the tire manufacturing device 4. In this example, the cords K are metal cords, in particular steel cords. The cord-reinforced tire component may be, for example, a body cord or a brake cord. Such a cord-reinforced tire component is used together with other tire components to form a green tire or an unvulcanized tire.

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the tire manufacturing apparatus 4 includes a cord organizer 41 for organizing the cords K received from the plurality of creels 21-25 and for guiding the cords K in an organized manner in the cord feed direction F further into the tire manufacturing apparatus 4. The tire manufacturing apparatus 4 also includes an extruder 42 for receiving the cords K from the cord organizer 41 in the cord feed direction F and for embedding the cords K in an extrudate of an elastomeric material, which is rubber in this example, to form a cord-reinforced tire component.

[0028] like Figure 2 As also shown in the figure, the plurality of creels 21-25 include a first creel 21, a second creel 22, a third creel 23, a fourth creel 24 and a fifth creel 25. The fifth creel 25 represents any other creel, including a sixth creel to which no reference numeral is assigned. It is understood that within the scope of the concept of the present invention, any number of creels can be combined in different layouts of the tire building production line. In this example, the plurality of creels 21-25 are divided into creels 21-23 of a first group N1 and creels 24, 25 of a second group N2.

[0029] The plurality of creels 21-25 will now be discussed in more detail with reference only to the first creel 21. The first creel 21 is representative of any of the other creels 22-25.

[0030] The first creel 21 comprises a frame 31 for holding a plurality of creel reels or creel cores 32. Each creel core 32 holds or carries a length of cord K which is wound a plurality of times around said creel core 32. The frame 31 of the first creel 21 extends in or defines a first creel plane C1. Corresponding creel planes C2-C5 are defined for the other creels 22 to 25.

[0031] In this example, the frame 31 of the first creel 21 supports or carries the creel core 32 on both sides of the first creel plane C1. Alternatively, the creel can hold the creel core at one side of the corresponding creel plane. In yet another further alternative embodiment, multiple creel cores can be concentrically or coaxially supported on the same side of the corresponding creel plane.

[0032] By using a guide such as a guide tube (not shown), the cords K from the plurality of creel cores 32 are fed through the first creel 21 and leave the first creel 21 as the cords K of the first group G1 from the front end thereof. The cords K of the first group G1 are transferred from the first creel 21 toward the tire manufacturing apparatus 4 in a manner to be discussed in detail below.

[0033] Similarly, the cords K of the second group G2 leave the second creel 22, and the cords K of the third group G3 leave the third creel 23. The cords K of the first group G1, the cords K of the second group G2, and the cords K of the third group G3 are assembled and organized by the cord organizer 41 at the tire manufacturing equipment 4. The cords in the creels 24, 25 of the second group N2, if any, have not yet been prepared, fed and / or guided to the tire manufacturing equipment 4.

[0034] like Figure 2As shown in FIG. 1 , the tire building line 1 further includes a plurality of deflection devices 51-55, which are used between the creels 21-25 and the tire manufacturing equipment 4 to deflect the cords K of the groups G1-G3 from the creels 21-25 toward the tire manufacturing equipment 4. Specifically, the plurality of deflection devices 51-55 include: a first deflection device 51 between the first creel 21 and the tire manufacturing equipment 4, a second deflection device 52 between the second creel 22 and the tire manufacturing equipment 4, a third deflection device 53 between the third creel 23 and the tire manufacturing equipment 4, a fourth deflection device 54 between the fourth creel 24 and the tire manufacturing equipment 4, and a fifth deflection device 55 between the fifth creel 25 and the tire manufacturing equipment 4. The fifth deflection device 55 represents one of more deflection devices, such as a sixth deflection device to which no reference numeral is assigned.

[0035] The working principle of the plurality of deflection devices 51-55 will now be described in further detail with reference only to the first deflection device 51. However, it will be appreciated that the same working principle also applies to each of the other deflection devices 52-55.

[0036] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 5 , the first deflection device 51 comprises a deflection member 61 for receiving the curtain cords K of the first group G1 in the receiving direction A and for deflecting the curtain cords K of the first group G1 from the receiving direction A to the deflection direction B around the deflection axis X. The curtain cords K are deflected between the receiving direction A and the deflection direction B by a deflection angle H1, which is at least 20 degrees, preferably at least 40 degrees, and most preferably at least 80 degrees. In this example, the deflection angle H1 is approximately ninety degrees.

[0037] In this example, the deflection axis X extends vertically or substantially vertically.

[0038] The deflection member 61 has a cylindrical and / or circumferential surface 62. The circumferential surface 62 is concentric to the deflection axis X. The circumferential surface 62 guides the cords K of the first group G1 of cords K along an arc or a circular cross section.

[0039] In such Figure 6 In the embodiment shown in , the deflection member 61 is a deflection roller rotatable about the deflection axis X. The deflection member 61 may optionally include one or more circumferential grooves (not shown) for receiving the cords K of the first group of cords G1. More specifically, the deflection roller may include a plurality of individually and / or independently rotatable disk-shaped segments, each disk-shaped segment with a circumferential groove for receiving a respective cord K of the first group of cords G1.

[0040] like Figure 6 As best seen in FIG. 5 , the first deflection device 51 further comprises a retaining member 63 for retaining the deflection member 61. Figure 8B and 8C As shown in FIG. 1 , the deflection member 61 can move relative to the holder 63 in a tensioning direction T perpendicular to the deflection axis X. In this example, the holder 63 is formed as a platform or a plate-like member. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 5 , the first deflection device 51 comprises a tensioning drive 64 for driving the deflection member 61 to move in a tensioning direction T relative to the holder 63 .

[0041] like Figure 6 , the first deflection device 51 is also provided with a first or input curtain rope collector 71 for guiding the curtain ropes K of the first group G1 in the receiving direction A towards the deflection member 61, and a second or output curtain rope collector 72 for guiding the curtain ropes K of the first group G1 away from the deflection member 61 in the deflection direction B. Specifically, the input curtain rope collector 71 collects the curtain ropes K from the first creel 21 and organizes or registers them in a first or input collecting plane P1 parallel to the deflection axis X and the receiving direction A. Similarly, the output curtain rope collector 72 collects the curtain ropes K from the deflection member 61 and organizes or registers them in a second or output collecting plane P2 parallel to the deflection axis X and the deflection direction B. The input collecting plane P1 and the output collecting plane P2 extend at a deflection angle H1 relative to each other.

[0042] The input cord collector 71 and the output cord collector 72 are removably mounted to the holder 63, so that the cords K can be prepared remotely, in particular at the corresponding creel 21. In other words, the cord collectors 71, 72, optionally together with the cord organizer 41, can be moved to the vicinity of the corresponding creel 21-25 to collect the cords K at the corresponding creel 21-25. Preferably, the cord collectors 71, 72 and the cord organizer 41 are assembled as blocks, all of which are aligned in the direction of cord insertion, so that each cord K can be conveniently inserted through the cord collectors 71, 72 and the cord organizer 41 in a single action. The cord K can then be clamped, fixed and / or attached relative to the cord collectors 71, 72 and transferred in an organized manner together with the cord collectors 71, 72 towards the first deflection device 51.

[0043] The movement of the deflection member 61 in the tensioning direction T discussed previously can occur between an active position and a retracted position, such as Figure 6 In the active position shown in FIG. 1 , the deflection member 61 is tangential to the input collection plane P1 and the output collection plane P2. Fig. 8A and Figure 8B In the retracted position shown in , the deflection member 61 is spaced apart from the input collecting plane P1 and the output collecting plane P.

[0044] like Figure 6 , the input curtain cord collector 71 and the output curtain cord collector 72 are adapted, arranged or configured to guide the curtain cords K of the first group G1 of curtain cords K to and from the deflection member 61, respectively. The input curtain cord collector 71 defines a plurality of first guide positions or input guide positions 77 distributed above the input curtain cord collector 71. In this example, the input guide positions 77 are arranged in a single row. The input guide positions 77 are separated or spaced apart from each other by or with at least one vector component in a separation direction S parallel to the deflection axis X for threading each curtain cord K of the first group G1 of curtain cords K through the input curtain cord collector 71 at a different input guide position 77 of the plurality of input guide positions 77. In particular, each of the plurality of input guide positions 77 is at a unique horizontal position along the separation direction S relative to the other input guide positions 77 of the plurality of input guide positions 77. In other words, all input guide positions 77 are distributed above the input curtain cord collector 71 such that all input guide positions 77 are at their own, specific horizontal position or height in the separation direction s.

[0045] Similarly, the output curtain cord collector 72 defines a plurality of output guide positions 78. The output guide positions 78 are also spaced apart from one another by at least one vector component in the separation direction S for threading each curtain cord K of the first group G1 of curtain cords K through the output curtain cord collector 72 at a different output guide position 78 in the plurality of output guide positions 78. Likewise, each output guide position 78 in the plurality of output guide positions 78 is at a unique horizontal position along the separation direction S relative to the other output guide positions 78 in the plurality of output guide positions 78.

[0046] Therefore, the curtain cords K can be reliably separated from each other at the respective curtain cord collectors 71 , 72 to prevent them from being entangled, twisted, or crossed when passing through the deflecting member 6 .

[0047] In this example, the input curtain rope collector 71 includes a first collector body or input collector body 73 and a plurality of input collecting channels 75 extending through the input collector body 73 in the receiving direction A. The input collecting channels 75 extend at respective input guide positions 77 and / or define respective input guide positions 77. Figure 2 During the tire manufacturing apparatus 4 in the first group G1, each cord K of the cords K is threaded in the receiving direction A, usually manually, through a different first collecting channel 75 of a plurality of first collecting channels or input collecting channels 75. The input collecting channel 75 extends through the input collector body 73 in the receiving direction A and / or parallel to the input collecting plane P1.

[0048] Similarly, the output curtain cord collector 72 includes a second collector body or output collector body 74 and a plurality of second collecting channels or output collecting channels 76 extending through the output collector body 74 in the deflection direction B for threading each curtain cord K of the first group G1 through a different second collecting channel 76 of the plurality of output collecting channels 76 in the deflection direction B. The output collecting channels 76 extend at respective output guide positions 78 and / or define respective input guide positions 77. The output collecting channels 76 extend through the output collector body 74 in the deflection direction B and / or parallel to the output collecting plane P2.

[0049] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , a plurality of input collecting channels 75 are spaced apart by a first separation distance D1 in a separation direction S parallel to the input collecting plane P1 and perpendicular to the receiving direction A. A plurality of output collecting channels 76 are spaced apart by a second separation distance D2 in the separation direction S that is equal to or substantially equal to the first separation distance D1. In this example, the separation distances D1 and D2 of each pair of spaced collecting channels 75 and 76 are equal. Therefore, the collecting channels 75 and 76 are evenly distributed on the corresponding curtain rope collectors 71 and 72 in the separation direction S.

[0050] In this particular example, each first collecting channel 75 of the plurality of input collecting channels 75 is at the same height or flush with a second collecting channel 76 of the plurality of output collecting channels 76 in the separation direction S. Thus, the curtain cords K can be threaded through the respective curtain cord collectors 71 and 72 while maintaining a mutually parallel orientation, i.e., without twisting, crossing and / or entanglement.

[0051] like Figure 7 , the alternative input cord collector 171 may be provided with a plurality of input collecting channels 175 and / or a plurality of input guide positions 177 arranged in a plurality of rows and / or columns to form an array, matrix or grid of input collecting channels 175 so that more cords K of the first group G1 of cords K can be threaded through the alternative input cord collector 171. Note that only the first row or first column of input collecting channels 175 extends in the input collecting plane P1. Other input collecting channels 175 may extend parallel to the input collecting channels 175 in the input collecting plane P1, or they may be slightly angled relative to the input collecting plane P1. The input collecting channels 175 are distributed over the alternative input cord collector 171 so that likewise all input collecting channels 175 and / or all input guide positions 177 are separated and / or spaced apart from each other in the separation direction S, and / or each first collecting channel 175 and / or each input guide position 177 extends at its own unique horizontal position along the separation direction S.

[0052] Obviously, if Figure 7The first alternative curtain cord collector 171 shown in FIG. 1 can also be used to replace Figure 6 The output curtain rope collector 72 in.

[0053] like Figure 6 As also shown in FIG. 1 , the first cord organizer 41 receives the output direction Y of the plurality of creels converging toward the first deflection device 51 from Figure 2 The curtain rope K of the first creel 21. Using the input curtain rope collector 71, the curtain rope K can be neatly organized in the input collection plane P1, regardless of the output direction Y of multiple creels.

[0054] Please note that due to the input cord collector 71, the first deflection device 51 can be positioned relatively close to its corresponding creel 21, even if this results in a relatively large range of creel output directions Y converging towards the first deflection device 51. The distance between the first deflection device 51 and the first creel 21 is Figure 2 , the creel output distance V between the front end of the first creel 21 and the input cord collector of the first deflection device 51 is shown. Preferably, the creel output distance V is less than one hundred and fifty centimeters, and more preferably less than one hundred centimeters.

[0055] Similarly, once the curtain cords K leave the first deflection device 51 at the output curtain cord collector 72, the curtain cords K transition from the output collection plane P2 toward and / or into the organizer plane P3, which in this example extends perpendicularly to the output collection plane P2. Note that the twisting of the curtain cords K of the first group G1 in the area between the output curtain cord collector 72 and the curtain cord organizer 41 does not affect the organization and / or orientation of the curtain cords K in the first deflection device 51 between the input curtain cord collector 71 and the output curtain cord collector 72.

[0056] exist Figure 8B In the figure, it can be seen that the cords K of the first group G1 enter and leave the first deflection device 51 at an inclined angle to the input collection plane P1 and the output collection plane P2, respectively. For the purpose of clarity of the figure, this inclination angle is exaggerated. However, it is understood that this inclination angle can be relatively small, for example only a few degrees, or even non-existent.

[0057] With the cords K guided around the deflection member 51 in a mutually parallel orientation, the cords K of the first group G1 can theoretically be deflected around any deflection angle H1, which is up to three hundred and sixty degrees, without the risk of twisting, crossing or winding of the cords K. Therefore, the first deflection device 51 and the other deflection devices 52-55 enable a completely new range of layouts to be realized for the tire building production line 1 according to the utility model, including but not limited to Figure 2 -The layout shown in 5.

[0058] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment, a plurality of creels 21-25 are divided into a first group N1 of creels 21-23 and a second group of creels 23, 24 which can be alternately or alternately connected to the tire manufacturing device 4. The creels 21-25 of the groups N1, N2 are located, positioned and / or arranged on opposite sides of a center plane M. The center plane M is aligned, in line and / or parallel to a cord feed direction F of the tire manufacturing device 4.

[0059] The creel planes C1 - C5 of the creels 21 - 55 extend with respect to the cord feed direction F and / or the center plane M at an inclined creel offset angle H2 .

[0060] The creel planes C1, C2, C3 of the creels 21-23 of the first group N1 are parallel to each other. Similarly, the creel planes C4, C5 of the creels 24, 25 of the second group N2 are parallel to each other. However, the creel planes C1, C2, C3 of the creels 21-23 of the first group N1 extend transversely or perpendicularly to the creel planes C4, C5 of the creels 24, 25 of the second group N2.

[0061] Figure 3 An alternative tire building line 101 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown which differs from the previously discussed tire building line 1 in that the creels 21 - 25 extend at a creel offset angle H2 of ninety degrees to the creel feed direction F and / or the center plane M.

[0062] Figure 4 A further alternative tire building line 201 according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 3 The alternative tire building line 101 in the embodiment of the present invention is different in that its creels 221-225 are placed closer together. In particular, the first creel plane C1 and the second creel plane C2 are spaced apart by a spacing distance W in a lateral direction L perpendicular to the first creel plane C1, and the spacing distance W is less than one hundred centimeters, preferably less than eighty centimeters, and most preferably less than sixty centimeters. The same spacing distance W can also be applied to any other pairs of adjacent creels 221-225.

[0063] Each creel 221-225 can be moved relative to its directly adjacent creel 221-225 in an exchange direction E parallel to its creel plane C1-C5. For example, the second creel 222 can be moved relative to the first creel 221 and the third creel 223 in the exchange direction E. Figure 4As shown in the figure, the second creel 222 is movable in the exchange direction E between a supply position and an exchange position, in which the second creel 222 is flush with the first creel 221 and the third creel 223, and in the exchange position, the second creel 222 is at least partially retracted relative to the first creel 221 and the third creel 223 in the exchange direction E. In this way, at least a part of the second creel 222 is accessible for maintenance and / or refilling (recharging). Alternatively, the second creel 222 can be replaced and / or interchanged as a whole with a replacement creel (not shown).

[0064] Note that compared to the creels 21-25 in the previously discussed embodiments, Figure 4 The creels 221-225 in the group N1, N2 are significantly shorter in a direction parallel to their corresponding creel planes C1-C5. In particular, the creels 221-225 can only hold thirty creel cores or less, preferably twenty creel cores or less. Alternatively, the creels 221-225 can have a length parallel to their corresponding creel planes C1-C5, which is less than four meters, preferably less than three meters. The creels 221-225 therefore have a smaller capacity. However, this can be compensated by providing more creels in each group N1, N2, for example at least three, at least five or at least eight. Each creel 221-225 can be retracted in a manner as described above to exchange, maintain and / or refill the corresponding creel 221-225.

[0065] In particular, Figure 4 The arrangement in allows the automatic extraction or exchange of one or more creels 221-225 by using an automatic exchange tool 208, such as a robot or an automatic vehicle, in particular an automatic guided vehicle (AGV) or an autonomous motion robot (AMR). The creels 221-225 can thus be removed from their respective groups N1, N2 for maintenance, refilling and / or preparation elsewhere away from the mobile creels 221-225.

[0066] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment, only one automatic exchange tool 208 is taken as an example. However, it can be understood that each creel 221-225 can have its own automatic exchange tool 208. Alternatively, one or more automatic exchange tools 208 can be docked to the corresponding creel 221-225 and / or released from the corresponding creel 221-225 and pick up any other creel 221-225.

[0067] Preferably, the creels 221-225 are exchanged together with the respective deflection devices 51-55 so that the cords K can already be threaded through the cord collectors 71, 72 of the respective deflection devices 51-55 while the respective creels 221-225 are still removed from their respective groups N1, N2. Thus, the creels 221-225 are fully prepared for connection to the tire manufacturing apparatus 4.

[0068] Figure 5 Another tire building line 301 according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 4 The alternative tire building line 201 in FIG. 1 differs in that the creels 321 - 325 are movable in an alternative exchange direction E' parallel to the lateral direction L to create space for contacting the individual creels 321 - 325. Figure 5 In the embodiment, all creels 323 to the right of the second creel 322 are moved away from said second creel 322 in the alternative exchange direction E′ to create a lane at the second creel 322 .

[0069] Fig. 9 and Fig.10 A further alternative tire building line 401 is shown, which differs from the previously discussed tire building lines 1, 101, 201, 301 in that the creels are replaced by raw material reels (trays) 421, 422, 423. Each raw material reel 421, 422, 423 holds a group of cords, which can be unwound from the respective raw material reel 421, 422, 423 towards the respective deflection device 451, 452, 453. During a preparation phase, independently and / or at a separate (individual) location, the group of cords can be wound on the raw material reels 421, 422, 423 long before the time when the group of cords needs to be embedded in the tire component during extrusion. In particular, a plurality of raw material reels can be stored, for example in a warehouse, until they are needed in the further alternative tire building line 401.

[0070] Depending on the orientation of the raw material reels 421, 422, 423, the first or input cord collector may not be required and / or optional. In particular, each raw material reel 421, 422, 423 has a raw material reel axis R1, R2, R3. For each raw material reel 421, 422, 423 whose raw material reel axis R1, R2, R3 is oriented parallel or substantially parallel to the input collection plane P1, in this example vertically or substantially vertically, the cords can be fed directly from the respective raw material reel 421, 422, 423 to the deflection member 61. It is understood that the first or input cord collector may still be used, for example in the case where the raw material reel axis R1, R2, R3 has a different orientation transverse or perpendicular to the input collection plane P1, or even in the case where the raw material reel axis R1, R2, R3 is oriented as described above, thereby providing the same technical advantages as previously described with respect to the earlier embodiments.

[0071] In view of the above, the previously described creels 21-25, 221-225, 321-325 and the presently described raw material reels 421, 422, 423 all have the function of supplying groups G1-G3 of curtain cords K to the corresponding deflection devices 51-55, 451, 452, 453, and may therefore be renamed "supply stations" throughout the application and claims.

[0072] Now refer to Fig. 8A , 8B 8C briefly discuss a method for manufacturing a cord-reinforced tire component using any of the previously discussed tire building lines 1, 101, 201, 301 and 401.

[0073] Fig. 8A The deflection member 61 is shown moved into the retracted position in the tensioning direction T. The curtain cords K of the first group G1 can now be received from the first creel 21 at the first deflection device 51 .

[0074] The curtain cords K of the first group G1 may be threaded through an input curtain cord collector 71 at the holder 63 of the first deflection device 51, or if the input curtain cord collector 71 is removable from the holder 63, the curtain cords may be threaded through the input curtain cord collector 71 away from the holder 63. Similarly, the curtain cords K of the first group G1 may be threaded through an output curtain cord collector 72 at the holder 63 of the first deflection device 51, or if the output curtain cord collector 72 is removable from the holder 63, the curtain cords may be threaded through the output curtain cord collector 72 away from the holder 63. The curtain cords K may also have been guided toward and / or through the curtain cord organizer 41 at or away from the first curtain cord deflection device 51.

[0075] When all the curtain cords K are correctly positioned in the curtain cord collectors 71, 72 and the curtain cord organizer 41, the curtain cords K are loosely guided along the deflection member 61 of the first deflection device 51. The deflection member 61 of the first deflection device 51 then moves backward in the tensioning direction T, toward Figure 8C The first deflection member 61 of the first deflection device 51 is moved to and / or into an active position of the first group G1 and / or into contact with the curtain cord K. The curtain cords K of the first group G1 are now deflected around the deflection member 61 of the first deflection device 51. The tensioning force applied to the curtain cords K by the deflection member 61 can automatically untangle the entangled or crossed curtain cords K. Optionally, the deflection member 61 can be repeatedly moved back and forth in the tensioning direction T when the first attempt to untangle is unsuccessful.

[0076] Can be Figure 2 The same process is repeated at each additional deflection device 52-55 of the plurality of deflection devices 51-55 in the corresponding tire building lines 1, 101, 201 in -5.

[0077] for Fig. 9 and Fig.10 Each raw material reel 421, 422, 423 and each deflection device 451, 452, 453 of the additional alternative tire building production line 401 can be performed in a similar manner and the same process can be repeated. Optionally, when such an input cord collector is not included in the additional alternative tire building production line 401, the cord K is skipped from being threaded through the input cord collector.

[0078] Then you can start Figure 2 The extruder 42 of the tire manufacturing equipment 4 in the embodiment of the present invention is used to start embedding the cords K in the extrudate to form a cord-reinforced tire component.

[0079] As mentioned above, the creels 21-25, 221-225 can be arranged as groups N1, N2 of creels 21-25, 221-225. Similarly, Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The raw material reels 421, 422, 423 in the inactive groups N1, N2 can be arranged in a similar manner to the creels 21-25, 221-225. The cords K are then connected to the tire manufacturing apparatus 4 alternately from the creels 21-23, 221-223 or raw material reels 421-423 of the first group N1 and from the creels 24, 25, 224, 225 or raw material reels 421-423 of the second group N2. During this time, the creels 21-25, 221-225 or raw material reels 421-423 in the inactive groups N1, N2 can be maintained, maintained, refilled, or in Figure 4 or Figure 5The tire building lines 202 and 302 can be completely interchangeable.

[0080] It should be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. According to the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and these variations will still be included in the scope of the present invention.

[0081] Reference numerals list

[0082] 1 Tire molding production line

[0083] 21 First Creel

[0084] 22 Second Creel

[0085] 23 Third Creel

[0086] 24 Fourth Creel

[0087] 25 Additional creels

[0088] 31 Creel frame

[0089] 32 creel core

[0090] 4 Tire manufacturing equipment

[0091] 41 Curtain Cord Organizer

[0092] 42 Extruder

[0093] 51 First deflection device

[0094] 52 Second deflection device

[0095] 53 Third deflection device

[0096] 54 Fourth deflection device

[0097] 55 Additional deflection devices

[0098] 61 Deflection member

[0099] 62 Circumferential surface

[0100] 63 Retaining parts

[0101] 64 Tensioning drive

[0102] 71 Input cord collector

[0103] 72 Output cord collector

[0104] 73 Input collector body

[0105] 74 Output collector body

[0106] 75 Input Collection Channel

[0107] 76 output collection channels

[0108] 77 Input boot position

[0109] 78 Output guide position

[0110] 101 Replacement tire molding production line

[0111] 171 Alternative input cord collector

[0112] 173 Input cord collector body

[0113] 175 Input Collection Channel

[0114] 177 Input boot position

[0115] 201 Alternative tire forming lines

[0116] 221 First Creel

[0117] 222 Second Creel

[0118] 223 Third Creel

[0119] 224 Fourth Creel

[0120] 225 Additional creels

[0121] 208 Automatic exchange tool

[0122] 301 Alternative tire molding production line

[0123] 321 First Creel

[0124] 322 Second Creel

[0125] 323 Third Creel

[0126] 324 Fourth Creel

[0127] 325 Additional creels

[0128] 401 Alternative tire forming production line

[0129] 421 First Raw Material Scroll

[0130] 422 Second Raw Material Scroll

[0131] 423 Third Raw Material Scroll

[0132] 451 First Deflection Device

[0133] 452 Second deflection device

[0134] 453 Third Deflection Device

[0135] A Receiving direction

[0136] B Deflection direction

[0137] C1 First creel plane

[0138] C2 Second creel plane

[0139] C3 Third creel plane

[0140] C4 Fourth creel plane

[0141] C5 Additional creel plane

[0142] D1 First separation distance

[0143] D2 Second separation distance

[0144] E Swap direction

[0145] E' Alternative swap direction

[0146] F Curtain rope feeding direction

[0147] G1 The first group of curtain ropes

[0148] G2 The second group of curtain ropes

[0149] G3 The third group of curtain ropes

[0150] H1 Deflection Angle

[0151] H2 Creel offset angle

[0152] K Curtain Rope

[0153] L Lateral direction

[0154] M Center plane

[0155] N1 Creel of the first group

[0156] N2 Creel of the second group

[0157] P1 Input Collection Plane

[0158] P2 Output Collection Plane

[0159] P3 Organizer Plane

[0160] R1 First raw material reel axis

[0161] R2 Second raw material reel axis

[0162] R3 Third Raw Material Scroll Axis

[0163] S Separation direction

[0164] T tension direction

[0165] V Creel output distance

[0166] W Separation distance

[0167] X deflection axis

[0168] Y Creel output direction

[0169] Z1-Zn Input guide position

Claims

1. A tire building production line, comprising a tire manufacturing device for manufacturing a tire component reinforced with cords and a first supply station for supplying cords to the tire manufacturing device, wherein: The tire building line also includes a first deflection device for deflecting the first group of curtain cords, wherein the tire building line includes one or more additional supply stations similar to the first supply station and one or more additional deflection devices similar to the first deflection device, wherein each of the additional deflection devices is configured to receive an additional group of curtain cords from a corresponding additional supply station of the one or more additional supply stations and to deflect the additional group of curtain cords.

2. The tire building production line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first supply station comprises a frame for holding a creel core, wherein the frame of the first supply station extends in a first creel plane, wherein the one or more further supply stations comprise a second supply station comprising a frame for holding a creel core, wherein the frame of the second supply station extends in a second creel plane parallel to the first creel plane.

3. The tire building production line according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first creel plane and the second creel plane are spaced apart by a spacing distance of less than one hundred centimeters in a lateral direction perpendicular to the first creel plane.

4. The tire building production line according to claim 2, characterized in that: At least one of the first supply station and the second supply station is movable relative to the other of the first supply station and the second supply station in an exchange direction parallel to the first creel plane.

5. The tire building production line according to claim 2, characterized in that: The one or more further supply stations comprise a third supply station comprising a frame for holding a creel core, wherein the frame of the third supply station extends in a third creel plane parallel to the first creel plane and the second creel plane, wherein the second supply station is located between the first supply station and the third supply station in a lateral direction and is movable relative to the first supply station and the third supply station in an exchange direction parallel to the first creel plane between a supply position and an exchange position in which the second supply station is flush with the first supply station and the third supply station in the exchange direction and in which the second supply station is at least partially retracted relative to the first supply station and the third supply station in the exchange direction.

6. The tire building production line according to claim 2, characterized in that: At least one of the first supply station and the second supply station is movable relative to the other of the first supply station and the second supply station in an exchange direction transversely or perpendicular to the plane of the first supply station.

7. The tire building production line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first supply station comprises a frame for holding a creel core, wherein the frame of the first supply station extends in a first creel plane, wherein the one or more further supply stations comprises a fourth supply station comprising a frame for holding a creel core, wherein the frame of the fourth supply station extends in a fourth creel plane transversely or perpendicular to the first creel plane.

8. The tire building production line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The one or more further supply stations include a first group of supply stations and a second group of supply stations located on opposite sides of the central plane.

9. The tire building production line according to claim 8, characterized in that: The tire manufacturing equipment includes a cord organizer for receiving the first group of cords from the first deflection device, wherein the cord organizer is configured to organize the cords in an organizer plane that is transverse or perpendicular to the deflection axis, wherein the cord organizer is arranged to receive groups of cords from the first deflection device and the one or more additional deflection devices, wherein the cord organizer is configured to organize the groups of cords in a parallel orientation to each other in a cord feed direction, wherein the center plane is parallel to the cord feed direction at the cord organizer.

10. The tire building production line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tire building line further comprises an automatic exchange tool for automatically exchanging the supply stations.

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