Device for splicing front end of tyre component to rear end of same or another tyre component

Abstract

The utility model relates to equipment for splicing the front end of a tire component to the rear end of the same or another tire component. The apparatus comprises: a splicer unit with a splicer head movable along a splicer track for splicing a front end to a rear end; a tire building drum comprising a working surface for supporting a tire component and comprising a drive device for generating a corrective motion of the working surface wherein the corrective motion comprises at least a first vector component in a corrective direction perpendicular to the splicer track; a separator body for separating the leading end and the trailing end from the working surface; and a separator drive device for moving the separator body in a direction parallel to the splicer track, where the separator drive device is configured to move the separator body in a direction comprising a second vector component in a correction direction perpendicular to the splicer track.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a device for splicing the front end of a tire component to the rear end of the same or another tire component. Background Art

[0002] WO 2017007303 A1 discloses an apparatus and method for splicing together the front and rear ends of tire components wound around a tire building drum. The front and rear ends are joined together by butt splicing to form a continuous ring of tire components. The splicing process is performed on tire components including uncured rubber, so that they adhere to each other quickly and firmly when in contact. In order to prevent the rear end from prematurely adhering to the front end or to other tire components on the tire building drum, the front and rear ends are arranged on a separator, which separates the front and rear ends from the outer surface of the tire building drum to form a separation space.

[0003] The device comprises a splicer unit with a splicer foot and a splicer head to support the front and rear ends from the separation space from below, and the splicer head is used to splice the front and rear ends on the splicer foot from outside the separation space along the splicing line. The splicer head comprises a splicing roller and a splicer drive device, and the splicer drive device is used to drive the splicing roller to splice the front and rear ends while pulling the splicer unit along the splicer line. In addition, the device also comprises: a separator drive device for retracting the separator along the splicer line; and a control unit to simultaneously control the separator drive device and the splicer drive device so that during splicing to form the splicing line, both the separator and the splicer unit are driven along the splicing line, wherein the separator is retracted before the splicer unit. Utility Model Content

[0004] While known devices or methods provide suitable results, in some cases it has been found that the consistency of a splice or joint may vary along the length of the splice or joint.

[0005] The object of the utility model is to provide a device for splicing the front end of a tire component to the rear end of the same or another tire component, which provides increased freedom of movement of other nearby facilities and / or reduces the chance of accidental collision with possible nearby facilities.

[0006] The utility model provides a device for splicing a front end of a tire component to a rear end of the same or another tire component, wherein the device comprises:

[0007] A splicer unit, the splicer unit having a splicer head movable along a splicer track for splicing the front end to the rear end;

[0008] a tire building drum comprising a circumferential working surface for supporting the tire component, wherein the working surface is spaced apart from and arranged facing the splicer head, and wherein the tire building drum comprises a device for rotating the working surface about a first rotation axis;

[0009] a separator body for separating the front end and the rear end from the working surface, wherein the separator body is arranged between the splicer head and the working surface or at least substantially between the splicer head and the working surface when considered in a direction extending perpendicularly outward from the working surface, wherein the separator body comprises a support surface at a side of the separator body facing away from the working surface for supporting the front end and the rear end at a distance from the working surface; and

[0010] a separator driving device, the separator driving device being used to move the separator body in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the splicer track,

[0011] Wherein, the device also includes a first catcher unit, which is fixedly attached to the tire building drum, wherein the first catcher unit includes a guide element spaced apart from the tire building drum and arranged facing the working surface or at least partially positioned radially above the working surface, wherein the guide element is configured to guide the separator body in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the splicer track, wherein the device also includes a second catcher unit fixedly attached to the tire building drum, wherein the first catcher unit and the second catcher unit are arranged at opposite sides of the tire building drum in a direction parallel to the splicer track, wherein the second catcher unit includes a second holding element, which is at least partially positioned radially above the working surface at least in an advanced position, wherein the second holding element is configured to releasably hold the separator body, wherein the second catcher unit is configured to move the second holding element between the advanced position and a retracted position, in which the second holding element is located radially below the working surface.

[0012] Thus, the combination of the first and second catchers provides suitable support for the separator body, at least for arranging the front and rear ends of (one or more) tire components on the supporting surface of the separator body. When not in use, the second retaining element in the retreated position can be stored below the working surface, or below or radially inside. This provides greater freedom of movement for other nearby facilities, such as facilities for arranging one or more tire components on the working surface and / or arranging the front and rear ends on the separator body. In addition, or similarly, this reduces the chance of accidental collision between the second retaining element and any other facilities that may be present nearby. In addition, the arrangement of the second retaining element in the retreated position allows the annular tire part to be moved to the position of the second retaining element to remove the annular tire part from the tire building drum.

[0013] In one embodiment, in the retracted position, the second holding element is at least partially arranged at a side of the working surface facing the first rotation axis.

[0014] In one embodiment, in the retracted position, the second retaining element is located radially inwardly of the working surface.

[0015] In one embodiment, the second retaining element further comprises a second opening, the second opening being configured to receive the separator body in and / or through the opening. Preferably, the second opening is configured and / or aligned such that the separator body can enter the second opening when the separator body is moved by the separator drive. This provides a particularly stable way of retaining the separator body to the second retaining element.

[0016] In one embodiment, the second catcher unit further comprises a guide rail and a piston for allowing the second catcher unit to move the second holding element.

[0017] In one embodiment, the second holding element is movable in a linear motion, which is arranged in the radial direction of the tire building drum for moving the second holding element between the advanced position and the retracted position.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first catcher unit is spaced apart from the second catcher unit in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the first rotation axis, and wherein the working surface is arranged between the first catcher unit and the second catcher unit. Preferably, the first catcher unit is spaced apart from the second catcher unit along a splicer track. This ensures that the separator body is arranged on the working surface in a direction substantially parallel to the splicer track due to two different contact points along the splicer track.

[0019] Each of the various aspects and features described and shown in this specification can be applied separately where possible. These individual aspects can become the subject of a divisional patent application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The present invention will be described in detail based on the exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 -4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a first example of a device in a longitudinal direction, illustrating an exemplary splicing process;

[0022] Figure 5 Shown along Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of the plane V-V;

[0023] Figure 6 Shows Figure 4 A schematic top view of the apparatus shown in , particularly illustrating exemplary undulating geometries of the rear and front ends of the tire components;

[0024] Fig. 7A -7D shows the approximate Figure 4 Schematic cross-sectional view of plane V-V of , illustrating an exemplary corrective motion to reposition the front and rear ends relative to the splicer track in response to a detected deviation in center between the front and rear ends;

[0025] Fig. 8A A schematic diagram showing a device with a first example of a coupling assembly of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 8B and 8C Shows Fig. 8A A schematic cross-sectional view of a device showing Fig. 8A The operation process of the connection components;

[0027] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram showing a second example of a coupling assembly for use with the device of the present invention;

[0028] Fig.10 A schematic diagram showing a third example of a coupling assembly for use with an apparatus according to the present invention; and

[0029] Fig.11A and 11B Schematic diagrams showing examples of a first trap unit and a second trap unit, respectively. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Figure 1-4 shows a cross-sectional view of a first example of an apparatus 1 according to the present invention, wherein the apparatus 1 comprises a tire building drum 2 for receiving one or more tire components 3. The tire building drum 2 comprises a central shaft 5, which defines a rotation axis R, and the tire building drum 2 can be rotated around the rotation axis R by a drum drive device or a carrier drive device, hereinafter referred to as a "drive device" 9, which is well known in the art. The tire building drum 2 also includes a circumferential surface 6, which extends substantially circumferentially around the rotation axis R and is substantially concentric with the central shaft 5 in this example. The circumferential surface 6 is further shown to extend substantially parallel to the rotation axis R. The circumferential surface 6 is arranged for receiving one or more tire components, such as an inner liner 7 and a carcass cord 3. In this example, the inner liner 7 has been provided with sidewalls 8, 8' to form a so-called pre-assembly. As Figure 3 As best seen in FIG. 6 , the inner liner 7 is typically applied directly onto the circumferential surface 6, and the carcass ply 3 is applied around the inner liner 7. Preferably, the tire component further comprises a steel ladle cloth located on top of the pre-assembly, and the carcass ply 3 is applied on top of the steel ladle cloth. The carcass ply 3 is shown as being located radially outside the inner liner 7 relative to the axis of rotation R. One or more tire components are wound around the circumferential surface 6 and have a front end LE and a rear end TE. Optionally, one or more additional components or layers (not shown) may be applied around or below the carcass ply 3.

[0031] Figure 1 -4 also shows that the device 1 also includes a splicer unit 4, which in turn includes a splicer head 15, which can move along a splicer track ST and is used to join or splice the front end LE of one tire component to the rear end TE of the same tire component along a docking path or a splicing path SP. In this example, the splicer track ST extends substantially parallel to the rotation axis R. In addition, the splicer track ST extends substantially parallel to the circumferential surface 6. The splicer head 15 includes a splicing roller and a splicer drive device, which is used to drive the splicing roller to splice the front end and the rear end while pulling the splicer unit along the splicing path SP. Preferably, the splicer head 15 includes a splicer foot 16, which is provided with a lifting system and can follow the surface below the splicer foot 16.

[0032] The device 1 also includes a separator drive 13, which is Figure 1 The separator drive 13 includes and is connected to the separator body 10, and is used to separate the front end LE of one tire component and the rear end TE of the same or another tire component from the working surface W to form a tire assembly as shown. Figure 5. The separator drive device 13 includes a separator drive unit for moving or driving the separator body substantially parallel to the splicer track ST. The working surface W is arranged directly below or radially inside the front end LE and the rear end TE relative to the first rotation axis R of the tire building drum 2. In this example, both the front end LE and the rear end TE belong to the same tire component, such as the carcass cord 3. Since the carcass cord 3 is arranged around the inner liner 7, the preassembly and / or the steel ladle cloth on the top of the preassembly, the working surface W is formed by the outer surface of the inner liner 7, the preassembly and / or the steel ladle cloth on the top of the preassembly. Alternatively or additionally, the separator body 10 can be used to separate the front end LE and the rear end TE of another component or layer (not shown) from the carcass cord 3, in which case the outer surface of the carcass cord 3 is the working surface W. In other alternative embodiments, for example, in the case where the tire component is directly applied to the tire building drum 2, the working surface W can even be the circumferential surface 6 of the tire building drum 2. However, the following description is based on an exemplary case where the front end LE and the rear end TE of the carcass ply 3 are separated from the working surface W formed by the inner liner 7 .

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 4 , the separator body 10 extends in a direction substantially parallel to the splicer track ST. In this exemplary embodiment, the separator body 10 is formed by a rigid strip or belt. Figure 5 As best seen in the figure, the separator body 10 extends above a working surface W, which extends in a tangential direction on both sides of the splicer track ST. The separator body 10 is provided with a support surface 11 facing away from the working surface W and a second surface 12 facing towards the working surface W. In this example, the separator body 10 has a generally triangular cross-section, and the support surface 11 is constituted by two sides of the triangular cross-section. Each side of the first support surface 11 is arranged to receive and / or support one of the front end LE and the rear end TE, respectively.

[0034] The front end LE and the rear end TE of the carcass cord 3 are supported by the separator body 10 at a distance or spacing from the working surface W along a radial line RL extending radially outward from the first rotation axis through the separator body 10. In particular, the separator body 10 is arranged at a separation distance D above the working surface W and in a direction N normal to the working surface W, wherein the front end LE and the rear end TE are spaced from the working surface W by the separation distance D. The separation of the front end LE and the rear end TE by the separator body 10 at the separation distance D creates or forms a separation space A between the working surface W and both the front end LE and the rear end TE. Therefore, the front end LE and the rear end TE, including the area of ​​the carcass cord 3 adjacent to the front end LE and the rear end TE, are separated from the working surface W. The carcass cord 3 generally includes uncured rubber, which adheres strongly to itself and other tire components when in contact. By separating the front end LE and the rear end TE from the working surface W before splicing, the positions of the front end LE and the rear end TE can be controlled by, for example, the splicer unit 4 or the separator body 10, and the separated front end LE and the separated rear end TE will not adhere to each other prematurely and will not adhere to the working surface W. The front end LE and the rear end TE are usually or ideally located on the separator body 10 while being slightly spaced apart and arranged on opposite sides of the splicer track ST. Therefore, the front end LE and the rear end TE leave a gap on the separator body 10 before splicing.

[0035] Special References Figure 1 -4, the separator driving device 13 is configured to move the separator body 10 along the separator movement direction J substantially parallel to the splicer track ST. Through the separator driving device 13, the separator body 10 can be moved from Figure 1 Move to the reverse position shown in Figure 2 The separator position or the forward position shown in FIG. By means of the separator drive device 13, the separator body 10 can also be moved or retracted from the separator position in the opposite direction of the separation direction J. Figure 1 Preferably, the separator driving device 13 drives or translates the separator body 10 linearly.

[0036] Figure 1 4 also shows that the separator drive device 13 further includes a separator coupling 60 for releasably retaining the separator body 10 in the separator drive device 13. The separator body 10 and the separator coupling 60 are Figure 1 is shown in the connected state. Figure 2 In the disengaged state, the separator body 10 can rotate together with the working surface W of the tire building drum 2 around the rotation axis R, while the separator drive device 13 can remain stationary.

[0037] The device 1 further comprises a first catcher unit 18 with a first holding element or guiding element 19 and a second catcher unit 17 with a second holding element 20. The first catcher unit 17 and the second catcher unit 18 are arranged and substantially fixedly attached at axially opposite ends of the tire building drum 2 and are configured to hold and / or guide the separator body 10. The second catcher unit 17 further comprises a piston configured to move the second holding element 20 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first rotation axis R and parallel to a direction N normal to the working surface W. The second catcher unit 17 is configured to move the second holding element 20 between an advanced position and a retracted position. In the retracted position, as Figure 1 As shown in , the second retaining element 20 is located radially below the working surface W. In the advanced position, as Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 8 , the second retaining element 20 is at least partially located radially above the working surface W.

[0038] In the context of the present invention, the phrases "radially above the working surface W" and "radially below the working surface W" are to be interpreted as "at a position at a radial distance greater than the radius of the working surface W" and "at a position at a radial distance less than the radius of the working surface W". Therefore, these positions are not necessarily limited to positions aligned with the working surface W in the radial direction. In fact, the retaining element may be positioned side by side with the working surface W in the axial direction while still being relatively above or below the working surface W in the radial direction.

[0039] like Figure 4 As shown in , the splicer unit 4 can be moved to a supporting position in which the splicer unit 4 supports and / or engages the front end LE and the rear end TE from within the separation space A created by the separator body 10. Figure 5As shown in detail in FIG. 1 , the splicer unit 4 further comprises a splicer foot 16, which is arranged to be inserted below or radially inside the carcass cord 3 at or near the splicer track ST. In the supporting position, along the splicer track ST, the splicing foot 16 is opposite to the separator body 10 at substantially the same radial height as the separator body 10 and / or aligned with the separator body 10. The splicer foot 16 supports the front end LE and the rear end TE at the splicing path SP from within the separation space A. Thus, the splicer foot 16 is arranged to support the front end LE and the rear end TE below or radially inside the carcass cord 3. In this example, the splicer foot 16 comprises a set of lower splicer wheels 52, 52', preferably in the form of a bevel gear or a truncated bevel gear, for not only supporting the front end LE and the rear end TE, but also pushing the front end LE and the rear end TE together toward the splicer track ST. Alternatively, the splicer foot 16 may be formed by a rigid platform that only supports the front end LE and the rear end TE. The height of the splicer foot 16 in the normal direction N is equal to or, in this example, is less than the separation distance D. Therefore, the splicer foot 16 can be easily inserted into the separation space A between the working surface W and the splicer track ST without contacting and / or damaging the working surface W. The splicer head 15 is configured to splice the front end LE and the rear end TE, which are supported on the splicing foot 16 at the splicer track ST. In particular, the splicer head 15 presses the front end LE against the rear end TE from above the carcass ply 3 or from the radially outside of the carcass ply 3 at the splicer track ST. In this example, the splicer head 15 includes a set of upper splicer wheels 54, 54', preferably in the form of a bevel gear or a truncated bevel gear. The splicer head 15 includes a splicer drive device for driving at least the upper splicer wheels 54, 54' to splice the front end LE and the rear end TE together and simultaneously pull the splicer head 15 along the splicer track ST. The splicer unit 4 further comprises a coupling member for coupling the splicer foot 16 to the splicer head 15. The coupling member is provided with a narrow portion or neck which is adapted to pass through the gap between the front end LE and the rear end TE to connect the splicer foot 16 radially inside or below the splicing path SP to the splicer head 15 radially outside or above the splicer track ST. Preferably, the splicer unit 4 is provided with an adjustment device for adjusting the distance between the splicer foot 16 and the splicer head 15 in the adjustment direction, in particular the distance between the lower splicer wheels 52, 52' and the upper splicer wheels 54, 54'.

[0040] Best as Figure 1 As can be seen in FIG. 4 , the device 1 further comprises a detector 14, such as a sensor or a camera, for determining the position or series of positions of the front end LE and the rear end TE relative to the splicer track ST when arranged on the first support surface 11 of the separator body 10. In particular, the detector 14 is configured to determine the path followed by the front end LE and the rear end TE relative to the edge of the splicer track ST. Figure 1 In the example of , the detector 14 is arranged on the side of the splicer unit 4 facing away from the splicer head 15, in particular, on the side facing away from the separator drive 13. In addition, the detector 14 is located at the side of the splicer unit 4 facing the second catcher unit 17. Based on the position or a series of positions of the front end TE and the rear end TE, if there is a deviation, the deviation or a series of deviations between the center between the front end LE and the rear end LE and the splicer track ST can be determined.

[0041] To correct or reduce the deviation or series of deviations, the center between the front end TE and the rear end TE may be moved or repositioned relative to the splicer track ST.

[0042] One of the methods for repositioning or correcting the center between the front end LE and the rear end TE is to drive the tire building drum 2 to rotate around the rotation axis R by the driving device 9 and perform a correction movement on the working surface W in the correction direction E, such as Figure 5 This correction movement can be performed not only before splicing the front end LE to the rear end TE, but also during the splicing. Here, the correction direction E includes at least a first vector component perpendicular to the splicer track ST, or preferably, the correction direction E is substantially concentric or tangential to the circumferential outer surface 6 of the tire building drum 2. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 4 , in order to allow the separator body 10 to move at least partially along, conform to or follow the movement of the working surface W in the correction direction E, the separator drive device 13 is provided with a coupling assembly 50. In particular, the coupling assembly 50 is configured to enable the separator body 10 to move back and forth in the separator correction direction G, which is substantially parallel to the correction direction E perpendicular to the splicer track ST. The coupling assembly 50 is arranged between the separator body 10 and the separator coupling member 60 and is coupled thereto. Figure 1 The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4 illustrates an example in which the separator body 10, the separator coupling 60, the coupling assembly 50 and the separator drive unit are directly coupled and arranged in series. For example, the separator body 10 may be provided with a substantially cylindrical pin at one end facing the coupling assembly 50, and the separator coupling 60 may be a circular bellows holder with a central hole for accommodating the cylindrical pin, wherein the cylindrical pin may be grasped by the circular bellows holder by pressurizing and / or inflating the bellows of the circular bellows holder.

[0043] It is noted that these components can also have different relative arrangements, for example, the separator coupling 60 can be arranged between the coupling assembly 50 and the separator drive unit. Or alternatively, the coupling assembly 50 can be arranged between the separator drive unit and a substantially static frame (not shown) for carrying the separator drive device 13. Due to one or more corrective movements of the working surface during the splicing process, the splicing portion or joint between the front end LE and the rear end TE will extend along the splicing path SP. Usually, the splicer track ST is substantially straight, while the splicing path SP may be curved as a result of the corrective movements.

[0044] The following will refer specifically to Figure 1 -4 describes an exemplary method for splicing a front-end LE to a back-end LE using the first exemplary device 1. Figure 1 A situation is shown in which the tire building drum 2 has previously received the inner liner 7 and is ready to receive the carcass cord 3 on the tire building drum 2, and then splice the front end LE of the carcass cord 3 to the rear end TE. The separator body 10 is shown coupled to the separator coupling 60 and has been positioned adjacent to the tire building drum 2 in the axial direction in a substantially fully retracted position by the separator drive 13. Figure 1 In the example of , the separator body 10 does not cover the circumferential surface 6 of the tire building drum 2. The splicer unit 4 is shown in an idle position, arranged approximately above the first catcher unit 18 near the first end of the tire building drum 2. The second catcher unit 17 is shown in a retracted state.

[0045] Figure 2 A situation is shown in which the separator body 10 has been brought into a substantially fully advanced position, ready to receive a Figure 3 The front end LE and the rear end TE of the carcass cord 3 shown in FIG. Figure 2 , the separator drive 13 has moved the separator body 10 in a direction J substantially parallel to the splicer track ST. The separator body 10 is shown passing through the opening 95 of the guide element 19 (see Fig. 9 , 10 and 11A) and the opening 111 of the second trap unit 17 (see Fig. 11B ). In addition, when the separator body 10 has been disengaged or disconnected from the separator drive 13 and / or the coupling assembly 50 via the separator coupling 60, the separator body 10 remains attached to the tire building drum 2 via the guide element 19 and the second catcher unit 17 to allow the separator body 10 to rotate along the first rotation axis R with the tire building drum 2. Thus, the separator body 10 can be rotated substantially unrestricted about the rotation axis R relative to the separator drive 13. The second catcher unit is shown in an extended position, substantially radially above the working surface relative to the rotation axis R. Figure 2The first exemplary apparatus 1 is shown in a state ready to receive a leading end LE of a tire component, in particular a carcass ply 3 .

[0046] In order to load the tire components to be spliced ​​around the tire building drum 2, the front end LE of the carcass cord 3 is first arranged on the support surface 11 of the separator body 10. Thereafter, the body portion of the carcass cord 3 is arranged on the working surface W by rotating the tire building drum 2 and thus the working surface W around the rotation axis R. Subsequently, the rear end TE is arranged on the support surface 11 of the separator body 10, wherein the front end LE is spaced apart from or offset from the rear end TE, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As schematically shown in . Figure 3 The situation after the main body portion of the carcass cord 3 is placed on the working surface W of the tire building drum 2 is shown. Figure 3 It is also shown that after the tire components to be spliced, in particular the carcass ply 3 , are placed, the separator body 10 is again coupled to the coupling assembly 50 and / or the separator drive 13 via the separator coupling 60 .

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown in , after placing the front end LE and the rear end TE on the support surface 11 of the separator body 10 , the geometry and / or positioning of the front end LE and the rear end TE may deviate from the optimal situation.

[0048] Figure 6 It shows that Figure 3 A first exemplary device 1 is shown in a schematic top view along a viewing direction VI. Figure 6 A case is illustrated in which the front end LE and the rear end TE fluctuate relative to the splicer track ST, or in other words, in which the distance between the splicer track ST and the center between the front end LE and the rear end TE varies along the length of the splicer track ST. In addition, the gap between the front end LE and the rear end TE may not be constant along the length of the splicer track ST. It is to be noted that for illustration purposes, as Figure 6 The undulations shown in are greatly exaggerated. If the positions of the front end LE and the rear end TE remain unchanged, the process of splicing the front end LE to the rear end TE by the splicer unit 4 along the straight splicer track ST will result in a spliced ​​portion or joint along the splicing path SP with varying quality or consistency along the length of the joint. In particular, as the splicer head 15 travels along the splicer track ST, the local spacing and / or position of the splicer head 15 relative to the portions of the front end LE and / or rear end TE being spliced ​​may change. Figure 6 It is also shown that if during the splicing process the working surface W is moved back and forth in the alignment direction E and the coupling assembly 50 provides movability of the separator body 10 back and forth in the separator alignment direction G, the resulting splice or joint extends along a curved splicing path.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , a first exemplary apparatus 1 has been provided with sensors 14 to measure the deviation of the front end LE and the rear end TE relative to the splicer track ST. The apparatus 1 is configured to detect the position or a series of positions of the front end LE and the rear end TE relative to the splicer track ST. Preferably, the apparatus 1 is configured to detect the position or a series of positions of the front end LE and the rear end TE relative to the splicer track ST. Figure 1 Its idle position is shown in parallel with Figure 3 The front end LE and the rear end TE are detected by moving in the direction of the rotation axis R shown in FIG. 1 , and then the Figure 4 The process of splicing the front-end LE to the back-end TE is shown in FIG.

[0050] The first exemplary device 1 is configured for or provided with a control unit configured for or adapted to reduce at least local deviations between the front end LE and the rear end TE and the splicer track ST based on data provided to the device 1 or the control unit by a sensor 14. In particular, the device 1 or the control unit is configured to move the working surface W in the correction direction E by rotating the tire building drum 2 around the rotation axis R by the drive device 9. Preferably, the device 1 or the control unit is configured to correct the determined deviation before and / or during the splicing of the front end LE to the rear end TE by the splicer unit 4. When the separator body 10 passes through the guide element 19 of the first catcher unit 18 which is substantially rigidly connected to the drum 2, the guide element 19 pushes the separator body 10 to move together with the working surface in the correction direction E, thereby supporting the front end LE and the rear end TE in the correction movement during the splicing process. In order to enable the separator body 10 to move together with the working surface in the correction direction E, the connecting assembly 50 may be provided with an actuator for actively driving the separator body 10 to follow the correction movement of the working surface, or may be provided with one or more connecting members that can provide the separator with movement in the separator correction direction G, as will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 8-10.

[0051] Fig. 7A -7C shows a first example device 1 along the Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of plane V-V of , showing an exemplary situation that may occur during the splicing process and the subsequent corrective movement. Fig. 7A A situation is illustrated in which the front end LE and the rear end TE are located at a substantially optimal position relative to the splicer track ST on the bearing surface 11 of the separator body 10. In particular, the center between the front end LE and the rear end TE is located at the splicer track ST. Therefore, splicing the front end TE to the rear end TE in this situation is likely to result in a substantially optimal splice or joint result. It is noted that the portion of the figure showing the lower splicer wheels 52, 52' and the upper splicer wheels 54, 54' and the separator body 10 has been significantly enlarged in order to more clearly illustrate this particular situation.

[0052] Figure 7B A case is shown in which the center between the front end LE and the rear end TE deviates from the splicer track ST. Therefore, when the front end LE and the rear end TE are to be spliced ​​in this case, an undesirable splicing portion or joint portion is obtained. In order to avoid or reduce the deviation between the center and the splicer track ST, the position of the front end LE and the rear end TE can be detected using a detector 14 before the splicing process starts.

[0053] Figure 7C The result of the corrective movement of the drum 2 and the separator body 10 in response to the deviation observed by the detector 14 is shown. In order to adjust the observed deviation between the current position of the front end LE and the rear end TE and a better position, the working surface W is moved in the corrective direction E by the rotation of the tire building drum 2. In addition, Figure 7C As shown, in response to the corrective movement of the working surface W along the corrective direction E, the separator body 10 is moved along the separator corrective direction G (at Figure 7C As a result of the corrective movement, the center between the front end LE and the rear end TE is repositioned at a better position relative to the splicer wheel, wherein the distance between the center between the front end LE and the rear end TE and the splicer wheel track ST is reduced or eliminated.

[0054] During typical operation, the drive device 9 moves the working surface W by rotating the tire building drum 2 along the rotation axis R to correct the deviation found by less than ±10 degrees, more preferably less than ±5 degrees, and most preferably less than ±3 degrees. In addition, Fig. 7A A radial line RL extending from the first rotation axis R through the circumferential outer surface 6 of the tire building drum 2 and through the separator body 10 is shown, and Figure 7C The radial line RL is shown having been rotated about the axis of rotation R to provide the correction.

[0055] Alternatively, in order to reduce the determined deviation between the center between the front end LE and the rear end TE and the splicer track ST, the splicer unit 4 can be further configured to generate a correction movement of the splicer head 15 in the correction direction E' for positioning the splicer track ST relative to the front end LE and the rear end TE, and wherein the correction direction E' is substantially perpendicular to the splicer track ST, such as Fig.7D Due to the corrective movement E' the splicer wheel is positioned at a better position relative to the center between the front end LE and the rear end TE, wherein the distance between the center between the front end LE and the rear end TE and the splicer track ST is reduced or eliminated.

[0056] Reference again Figure 4During the splicing process, the separator body 10 retreats in a direction J' substantially parallel to the splicer track ST, while the splicer unit 4 advances in substantially the same direction. It is noted that the apparatus 1 may also be provided with one or more stitching rollers for stitching the newly applied and spliced ​​carcass cord 3 to the pre-assembly previously present on the tire building drum 2.

[0057] It should be pointed out that in Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 5 , the splicer unit 4 can also move in the radial direction of the tire building drum 2 between:

[0058] like Figure 1 -3, at a further distance from the outer surface 6 of the tire building drum 2, for moving the splicer unit 4 from one side of the drum 2 to the other side without interfering with other parts of the tire building drum 2 and / or tire components arranged on the drum 2; and

[0059] like Figure 4 and 5 The close position close to the outer surface 6 of the tire building drum 2 is shown in FIG. 1 to perform the splicing of the front end LE and the rear end TE.

[0060] As described above, the coupling assembly 50 may include an actuator coupled between the separator coupling 60 and the separator drive unit 13 for actively driving the separator body 10 in the correction direction so as to follow the correction movement of the working surface. However, preferably, the separator body 10 is driven by the first catcher unit 18 along with the correction movement of the drum 2, wherein the coupling assembly 50 includes one or more coupling members that can provide the separator movement in the separator correction direction G, as will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 8-10.

[0061] Fig. 8A A second example of an apparatus according to the present invention is shown, wherein the second exemplary apparatus 80 is at least partially similar to Figure 1 1 , wherein like reference numerals denote similar features. A second exemplary apparatus 80 shows an alternative coupling assembly 81 engaged with an alternative separator coupling 88. The separator coupling 88 is coupled to a separator drive 13 (not shown), wherein the separator coupling 88 is configured to be driven to rotate around a coupling axis I. The coupling axis I is shown to be substantially parallel to the rotation axis R of the tire building drum 2 and offset in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis R. The separator coupling 88 includes a protrusion 82 or pin extending vertically outward relative to the coupling axis I and / or the longitudinal axis of the separator coupling 88.

[0062] Fig. 8AA coupling assembly 81 is also shown coupled to the separator body 10. The separator body 10 is shown passing through the second retaining element 20 and the guide element 19 and being retained to the tire building drum 2. The second coupling assembly 81 includes an elongated opening 89. The protrusion 82 is shown engaging with the second coupling assembly 81 by passing through the elongated opening 89. The elongated opening 89 has a width in a direction substantially axial to the rotation axis R and / or the coupling axis I, wherein the width is preferably substantially equal to, preferably slightly greater than, the thickness of the protrusion 82, so as to allow the protrusion 82 to easily move in and out of the elongated opening 89. The elongated opening 89 also extends in a direction substantially tangential or concentric with the circumferential surface 6 to allow the second coupling assembly 81 to move relative to the first protrusion 82, so that the separator body 10 and the coupling assembly 81 can move relative to the protrusion 82 to allow the separator body 10 to conform to or follow the movement of the working surface W along the correction direction E achieved by the drive device 9. The separator coupling 88 and / or coupling assembly 81 are also configured to disengage the separator coupling 88 from the coupling assembly 81 when the separator coupling 88 is fully rotated about the coupling axis I. Preferably, the rotation is significantly greater than the amount of movement normally applied by the corrective movement of the tire building drum 2 and the separator body 10.

[0063] Figure 8B and 8C Shows Fig. 8A Two different embodiments of an exemplary coupling assembly 81 and a separator coupling 88 are shown.

[0064] exist Figure 8B In the first embodiment schematically shown in FIG, the separator coupling 88 is actively driven for rotating the protrusion 82 about the coupling axis I so as to move the protrusion 82 into and out of the elongated opening 89 of the coupling assembly 81. Preferably, the separator coupling 88 and / or the separator drive 13 include an actuator for driving the separator coupling 88 to rotate about the coupling axis I.

[0065] exist Figure 8C In a second embodiment schematically shown in , the separator coupling 88 is configured to automatically release when the drum 2 rotates beyond the amount of rotation that would normally occur during a corrective movement in the first direction E. In particular, the coupling assembly 81 and / or the separator coupling 88 does not have a drive device configured to rotate the separator coupling 88 about the coupling axis I. The separator coupling 88 is rotatably coupled to the separator drive 13, and when the rotation of the drum 2 exceeds a predetermined amount that is greater than the maximum rotation amount used for the corrective movement, the protrusion 82 is pushed aside by the end of the coupling assembly 81 and pushed out of the elongated opening 89.

[0066] Fig. 9 A second example of a coupling assembly 91 for use with the apparatus of the present invention is shown. Fig. 9The separator body 10 is shown passing through the opening 95 of the guide element 19. The first catcher unit 18 and the guide element 19 are attached to the tire building drum 2 (eg Figure 1 ). Fig. 9 An exemplary movement of the separator body 10 and the first catcher unit 18 along the separator correction direction G is also shown.

[0067] In this example, the separator correction direction G is a direction substantially concentric with the working surface W of the tire building drum. The figure also shows that the coupling assembly 91 includes a first coupling member 92 rotatably connected to the separator body 10. The first coupling member 92 is configured to rotate around a first coupling member rotation axis B, wherein the first coupling member rotation axis B is parallel to the rotation axis R of the tire building drum (not shown), and wherein the first coupling member rotation axis B is offset from the rotation axis R of the tire building drum. According to this second example, the coupling assembly 91 also includes a second coupling member 93 coupled to the first coupling member 92 to allow the separator body 10 to move relative to the second coupling member 93 along a translation direction F substantially perpendicular to the first coupling member rotation axis B. In this example, the second coupling member 93 includes a set of linear guides 96, 96' to provide linear movement in the translation direction F. The translation direction F is substantially parallel to the tangential direction of the outer surface of the tire building drum at or near the first catcher unit 18, and / or substantially perpendicular to the radial line RL of the tire building drum across the first catcher unit 18 and / or the separator body 10, and / or perpendicular to the normal vector of the circumferential outer surface 6 of the tire building drum 2 at the separator body 10. The coupling assembly 91 also includes a third coupling member 94 coupled to the second coupling member 93 to allow the second coupling member 93 to rotate relative to the third coupling member 94 about a third coupling member rotation axis C. The third coupling member rotation axis C is substantially parallel to the first coupling member rotation axis B and is offset relative to the first coupling member rotation axis B at least in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis R of the tire building drum. In addition, the second coupling member 93 is arranged between the first coupling member 92 and the third coupling member 94. The third coupling member 94 is typically coupled to the separator drive 13. It is noted that the separator coupling 60 can be arranged, for example, between the first coupling member 92 and the separator body 10 or between the third coupling member 94 and the separator drive 13. Fig. 9 An alternative shape of the separator body 10 is also illustrated, which has a substantially rectangular shape. In this example, the first coupling member 91 , the second coupling member 92 and the third coupling member 93 are directly connected in series.

[0068] Fig.10 Shown with Fig. 9 The second example of the coupling assembly 91 is substantially similar to the third example of the coupling assembly 101 . Fig.10 The connection assembly 101 is relative to Fig. 9 The difference of the connection assembly 91 is that Fig.10 The third coupling member 105 of the third exemplary coupling assembly 101 is configured to allow translational movement rather than Fig. 9 In particular, the third coupling member 105 is configured to allow the second coupling member 93 to move relative to the third coupling member 105 in a third direction K substantially perpendicular to the first coupling member rotation axis B and the translation direction F. The third coupling member 93 includes a set of linear guides 106, 106' to provide linear movement in the third direction K. It is noted that, alternatively, the second coupling member 93 and the third coupling member 105 may be configured as a single unit to provide movement along a plane perpendicular to the first coupling member rotation axis B.

[0069] Fig.11A and Fig. 11B A more detailed view of an example of a guide element 19 of a first catch unit 18 and a second catch unit 17 is shown.

[0070] like Fig.11A As shown in the example of the guide element 19 of the first catcher unit 18, it includes a first opening 95, which is configured to allow the separator body 10 to pass through the first opening 95. In addition, the guide element 19 is also provided with a plurality of rollers 117, 118 to guide the separator body 10 along a separator direction J parallel to the splicer track SP, preferably in a substantially linear (straight) motion.

[0071] like Fig.11A As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the first catcher unit 18 includes a magnetic member 119, which is arranged at a side of the first catcher unit 18 facing the guide element 19. The magnetic member 119 is configured to cooperate with another magnetic member on the separator body to releasably hold the separator body 10 in a predetermined position relative to the first catcher unit 18.

[0072] like Fig. 11B As shown in , the second catcher unit 17 comprises a second retaining element 20 with a second opening 111 configured to allow the separator body 10 to pass through the second opening 111. The second catcher unit 17 is shown to also include a guide rail 112 and a piston 113 for allowing the second catcher unit 17 to move the second retaining element 20, preferably for moving the retaining element in a linear motion, which is arranged in the radial direction of the tire building drum when used in the tire building drum, for moving the second retaining element 20 between an advanced position and a retracted position. In the retracted position, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 4 , the second retaining element 20 is located radially below the working surface W. Fig. 11BThe second retaining element 20 is shown in an advanced position, wherein the second retaining element 20 is at least partially located radially above the working surface W, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 Schematically indicated.

[0073] 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.

Claims

1. A device for splicing the front end of a tire component to the rear end of the same or another tire component, wherein: The device comprises: A splicer unit, the splicer unit having a splicer head movable along a splicer track for splicing the front end to the rear end; a tire building drum comprising a circumferential working surface for supporting the tire component, wherein the working surface is spaced apart from and arranged facing the splicer head, and wherein the tire building drum comprises a device for rotating the working surface about a first rotation axis; a separator body for separating the front end and the rear end from the working surface, wherein the separator body is arranged between the splicer head and the working surface when considered in a direction extending vertically outward from the working surface, wherein the separator body includes a support surface located at a side of the separator body facing away from the working surface for supporting the front end and the rear end at a distance from the working surface; and A separator driving device, the separator driving device is used to move the separator body in a direction parallel to the splicer track, wherein the apparatus further comprises a first catcher unit, the first catcher unit being fixedly attached to the tire building drum, wherein the first catcher unit comprises a guide element spaced apart from the tire building drum and arranged facing the working surface, wherein the guide element is configured to guide the separator body in a direction parallel to the splicer track, wherein the apparatus further comprises a second catcher unit fixedly attached to the tire building drum, wherein the first catcher unit and the second catcher unit are arranged at opposite sides of the tire building drum in a direction parallel to the splicer track, wherein the second catcher unit comprises a second retaining element, the second retaining element being at least partially radially above the working surface at least in the advanced position, wherein the second retaining element is configured to releasably retain the separator body, The second catcher unit is configured to move the second holding element between the advanced position and a retracted position, in which the second holding element is located radially below the working surface.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that In the retracted position, the second holding element is at least partially arranged at a side of the working surface facing toward the first axis of rotation.

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that In the retracted position, the second retaining element is located radially inwardly of the working surface.

4. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The second catcher unit further includes a guide rail and a piston for allowing the second catcher unit to move the second holding element.

5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The second holding element is movable in a linear motion, which is arranged in a radial direction of the tire building drum for moving the second holding element between the advanced position and the retracted position.

6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The second retaining element also includes a second opening configured to receive a separator body therethrough.

7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that The first catcher unit is spaced apart from the second catcher unit in a direction parallel to the first rotation axis, and wherein, The working surface is arranged between the first trap unit and the second trap unit.

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that The first catcher unit is spaced apart from the second catcher unit along the splicer track.

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