Dual tire component applicator for the simultaneous application of tire components to tire-building

Abstract

The utility model relates to a double-tire component applicator for simultaneously applying two tire components to a tire building drum, which comprises a first applicator unit and a second applicator unit, each applicator unit comprises an applicator member for applying a respective tire component to the tire building drum at a respective application position, an input member for receiving the respective tire component in an input direction at a respective supply position, and an output member for outputting the tire component to the respective applicator member in an output direction, wherein the applicator members are movable towards and away from each other in an offset direction, and wherein the output members are movable towards and away from each other relative to the respective input members at least with vector components in the offset direction. The utility model further relates to a tire forming station.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a dual tire component applicator and a tire forming station for simultaneously applying two tire components to a tire forming drum. Background Technology

[0002] WO 2023-027587 A1 discloses a strip applicator for applying strip to a strip winding drum. The strip applicator includes: an applicator member for applying strip to the strip winding drum at an application position; and a supply section for receiving strip in an input direction at the supply position and for supplying strip to the applicator member in an output direction. The applicator member is movable in an offset direction transverse to the output direction to offset the application position relative to the supply position. The supply section includes: an input member at the supply position for receiving strip along an input path in the input direction; and an output member for outputting strip to the applicator member along an output path in the output direction. The supply section includes a supply retainer for retaining the input member and the output member relative to a torsion axis aligned with the input path. The supply retainer, input member, and output member are tiltable as a whole about the torsion axis to tilt a transition section of the strip while torsioning the strip along the input and output paths. The output member is movable relative to the input member from a starting position toward an offset position, wherein it has at least a vector component in the offset direction.

[0003] By creating an offset between the input and output components, the supply infrastructure upstream of the input component can be held in place, while the remainder of the supply segment can follow the movement of the applicator component in the offset direction. The twist in the strip extends over a relatively long length and can be relatively gradual. Utility Model Content

[0004] The principles disclosed in WO 2023-027587 A1 can alternatively be used, for example, to offset the relative positions of two parallel-supplied tire components in response to changes in the size of the tire to be formed. Examples of parallel-supplied tire components are sidewalls, gusset strips, rubber strips, tread strips, run-flat reinforcement strips, buffer layer edge reinforcement strips, etc.

[0005] However, the strip applicator disclosed in WO 2023-027587 A1 is configured to apply a single strip to a strip winding drum. WO 2023-027587 A1 does not disclose a second strip applicator for supplying a second strip parallel to the first strip. Although such dual application would be within the scope of WO 2023-027587 A1, the offset adjustment between the two strip applicators is not explicitly disclosed.

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a dual tire component applicator and a tire forming station for simultaneously applying two tire components to a tire forming drum, wherein the lateral offset or spacing between the two tire components can be adjusted.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a dual tire component applicator for simultaneously applying two tire components to a tire forming drum, wherein the dual tire component applicator comprises: a first applicator unit for applying a first tire component of the two tire components to the tire forming drum; and a second applicator unit for applying a second tire component of the two tire components to the tire forming drum, wherein the first applicator unit comprises: a first applicator member for applying the first tire component to the tire forming drum at a first application position; a first input member for receiving the first tire component at a first supply position in an input direction; and a first output member for outputting the first tire component to the first applicator member in an output direction, wherein the second applicator unit comprises: a first applicator component ... and a second applicator unit for applying the first tire component to the tire forming drum at a first supply position in an input direction; and a second applicator unit for applying the first tire component to the tire forming drum at a first application position in an output direction. The component includes: a second applicator member for applying a second tire component to a tire forming drum at a second application position, the second application position being offset from a first application position in an offset direction transverse to the output direction; a second input member for receiving the second tire component in an input direction at a second supply position, the second supply position being offset from the first supply position in an offset direction; and a second output member for outputting the second tire component to the second applicator member in an output direction, wherein the first applicator member and the second applicator member are movable toward and away from each other in the offset direction to adjust the application offset relative to the supply offset, wherein the first output member and the second output member are respectively movable toward and away from each other relative to the first input member and the second input member by at least a vector component in the offset direction.

[0008] By moving the applicator components toward and away from each other in the offset direction, the lateral offset or spacing between the two tire components can be adjusted, for example, in response to changes in tire size. Furthermore, by offsetting the output component relative to the corresponding input component, the supply infrastructure upstream of the input component can be held in place, while the output component follows the movement of the corresponding applicator component in the offset direction.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first applicator member is movable to at least partially overlap with the second applicator member in an offset direction. Therefore, the applicator members can move closer to each other without colliding, thereby allowing the application of tire components parallel to the tire forming drum, where the spacing between the tire components is smaller.

[0010] Preferably, the first applicator member and the second applicator member are not aligned in the offset direction. Because of this misalignment, the applicator members are less likely to collide when moved to overlap each other in the offset direction.

[0011] In another embodiment, the first and second output members are arranged such that, as they move toward and away from each other, they remain aligned or substantially aligned with the first and second applicator members, respectively, in the output direction. In other words, the output members and their respective applicator members can move synchronously in the offset direction. Therefore, the portions of the two tire components extending between the output members and their respective applicator members can remain aligned with or parallel to the output direction. In other words, the output direction can remain the same during the movement of the output members and applicator members in the offset direction.

[0012] In another embodiment, the first applicator unit defines a first supply path for a first tire component, wherein the first supply path includes a first transition section between a first input member and a first output member, the first transition section extending in a first transition direction that is transverse to or perpendicular to the offset direction and the output direction. Therefore, a first tire component traveling along the first transition section can be transferred from the corresponding input member toward the corresponding output member in the first transition direction, having at least one component in the offset direction.

[0013] Preferably, the second applicator unit defines a second supply path for the second tire component, wherein the second supply path includes a second transition section between the second input member and the second output member, the second transition section extending in a second transition direction that is transverse to or perpendicular to the offset direction and the output direction. Therefore, the second tire component traveling along the second transition section can be transferred from the corresponding input member toward the corresponding output member in the second transition direction, having at least one component in the offset direction.

[0014] More preferably, the first transition segment and the second transition segment can be inclined toward and away from each other about a first torsion axis parallel or substantially parallel to the input direction, respectively. The inclination of the transition segment about its respective torsion axis primarily subjects the tire component to torsion about the torsion axis (i.e., about the longitudinal axis of the tire component). More specifically, it can prevent stretching or compression of the tire component on its longitudinal side.

[0015] Most preferably, the first and second transition sections can be tilted symmetrically or asymmetrically toward and away from each other. Therefore, the spacing between the two tire components can also be adjusted symmetrically or asymmetrically, for example, relative to the center or intermediate plane of the dual tire component applicator or relative to the center or intermediate plane of the tire forming drum. Symmetrical movement can be used when the tire components are to be applied symmetrically relative to the center or intermediate plane. Asymmetrical movement can be used when the tire components are to be applied asymmetrically or when the tire components are applied on several partially overlapping loops, in which case each applicator unit can control the winding process independently of the other applicator unit.

[0016] In another embodiment, the first applicator unit includes a first retainer for holding the first input member and the first output member in a fixed position relative to each other, wherein the first retainer is tiltable about a first torsion axis to tilt the first transition section about the first torsion axis. Alternatively, the second applicator unit includes a second retainer for holding the second input member and the second output member in a fixed position relative to each other, wherein the second retainer is tiltable about a second torsion axis to tilt the second transition section about the second torsion axis. The retainers can ensure a constant relative positioning between the pair of input and output members supported by the respective retainers, such that the tire components are not subjected to any torsion or tension in the respective transition sections. Instead, torsion can be limited to the length of the tire component along or parallel to the torsion axis.

[0017] In another embodiment, the input and output directions are parallel or substantially parallel. The tire component can therefore exit the dual-tire component applicator in the same or substantially the same direction as its entry into the dual-tire component applicator.

[0018] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a tire forming station, including a dual tire component applicator and a tire forming drum according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0019] The tire forming station includes a dual tire component applicator according to the first aspect of this utility model, and therefore has the same technical advantages, which will not be repeated hereafter.

[0020] Preferably, the tire forming drum is rotatable about its axis, wherein the offset direction is parallel to or substantially parallel to the drum axis. Therefore, the applicator member can move across the drum in an offset direction parallel to the drum axis.

[0021] Wherever possible, the various aspects and features described and illustrated in the specification can be applied individually. These individual aspects can serve as the subject matter of a divisional utility model application. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The present invention will be explained based on exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An isometric view of a tire forming station according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown, which has a dual tire component supplier, shown in two positions for adjusting the lateral offset between two tire components.

[0024] Figure 3 and Figure 4 They respectively showed according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 A top view of the tire forming station;

[0025] Figure 5 An isometric view of an alternative tire forming station according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0026] Figure 6 and Figure 7 They respectively showed according to Figure 5 The cross-sections of alternative tire forming stations for lines VI-VI and VII-VII; and

[0027] Figure 8 An isometric view of an alternative tire forming station according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Figures 1 to 4 A tire forming station 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown, which is used to simultaneously apply two tire components S1, S2 to a tire forming drum 9. The tire components S1, S2 are supplied in parallel. Examples of tire components S1, S2 supplied in parallel are sidewalls, triangular rubber strips, rubber strips, tread strips, run-flat reinforcing strips, and buffer layer edge reinforcing strips, etc.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the tire forming station 100 includes a dual tire component supplier or applicator 1 and the aforementioned tire forming drum 9. The tire forming drum 9 can be a carcass drum, a belt-tread drum, a forming drum, an auxiliary drum, or a transfer drum. The tire forming drum 9 has a circumferential surface for receiving tire components S1 and S2. The circumferential surface is rotatable about the drum axis M.

[0030] The dual tire component applicator 1 includes a first applicator unit 21 for applying a first tire component S1 of two tire components S1, S2 to a tire forming drum 9, and a second applicator unit 22 for applying a second tire component S2 of the two tire components S1, S2 to the tire forming drum 9. The first applicator unit 21 defines a first supply path P1 for the first tire component S1. Similarly, the second applicator unit 22 defines a second supply path P2 for the second tire component S2. In this example, tire components S1, S2 are supplied to applicator units 21, 22 from a let-off device (not shown), in which tire components S1, S2 are stored on and unwound from a feed roll. Alternatively, tire components S1, S2 may be supplied directly to applicator units 21, 22 from their respective extruders.

[0031] The first applicator unit 21 includes a first applicator member 31 for applying a first tire component S1 to the tire forming drum 9 at a first application position B1. Similarly, the second applicator unit 22 includes a second applicator member 32 for applying a second tire component S2 to the tire forming drum 9 at a second application position B2. The applicator members 31 and 32 can apply the tire components S1 and S2 to the tire forming drum 9 directly (i.e., by compression) or indirectly (i.e., by supplying the respective tire components 91 and 92 toward the tire forming drum 9). Additional application elements and / or stitching members (not shown) may be provided downstream of the applicator members 31 and 32 to press the tire components S1 and S2 onto the tire forming drum 9. Furthermore, note that "applying tire components S1 and S2 to the tire forming drum 9" includes applying the tire components S1 and S2 to the tire layer previously applied to the tire forming drum 9.

[0032] The second application position B2 is separated from the first application position B1 by a first application offset X2 in an offset direction X parallel to the drum axis M. The first applicator member 31 and the second applicator member 32 can move toward and away from each other in the offset direction X to increase the spacing between the applicator members 31 and 32 from... Figure 1 and Figure 3 The first applied offset X2 is adjusted as shown. Figure 2 and Figure 4 The second applied offset X3 is shown.

[0033] return Figure 1The first applicator unit 21 further includes a first input member 41 for receiving the first tire component S1 in the input direction D1 at the first supply position A1 and a first output member 51 for outputting the strip S to the first applicator member 31 in the output direction D2. In this example, the first applicator unit 21 includes a first retainer 71, specifically in the form of a bracket, arm, or frame, for supporting or holding the first input member 41 and the first output member 51 relative to each other in a fixed position.

[0034] Similarly, the second applicator unit 22 also includes a second input member 42 for receiving the first tire component S1 in the input direction D1 at the second supply position A2 and a second output member 52 for outputting the strip S to the second applicator member 32 in the output direction D2. The second supply position A2 is spaced from the first supply position A1 by a supply offset X1 in the offset direction X. In this example, the second applicator unit 22 includes a second retainer 72, specifically in the form of a bracket, arm, or frame, for supporting or holding the second input member 42 and the second output member 52 in a fixed position relative to each other.

[0035] Preferably, the input direction D1 and the output direction D2 are parallel or substantially parallel. Furthermore, the input direction D1 and / or the output direction D2 are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the offset direction X.

[0036] Note that, as Figure 1 and Figure 3 The first applied offset X2 and as shown Figure 2 and Figure 4 The adjustment of the interval between the applicator members 51, 52 between the second applied offset X3 shown occurs relative to the supply offset X1 which remains constant or fixed.

[0037] like Figure 2 As best viewed, the first output member 51 and the second output member 52 can move relative to the first input member 41 and the second input member 42, respectively, toward and away from each other, at least with vector components V1 and V2 in the offset direction X. Thus, the output members 51 and 52 can at least partially follow the movement of the applicator members 31 and 32 toward and away from each other. Specifically, the first output member 51 and the second output member 52 are arranged to remain aligned or substantially aligned with the first applicator member 31 and the second applicator member 32, respectively, in the output direction D2 as the first output member 51 and the second output member 52 move toward and away from each other.

[0038] like Figure 1As shown, the first supply path P1 between the first input member 41 and the first output member 51 includes a first transition segment G1, which extends along a first transition direction D3 that is transverse to or perpendicular to the offset direction X and the output direction D2. Similarly, the second supply path P2 between the second input member 42 and the second output member 52 includes a second transition segment G2 that extends along a second transition direction D4 that is transverse to or perpendicular to the offset direction X and the output direction D2.

[0039] For example, through comparison Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first retainer 71 and the second retainer 72 are respectively tiltable toward and away from each other about the first torsion axis T1 and the second torsion axis T2. Specifically, the applicator units 21 and 22 are each provided with tilting hinges 76 and 77 to facilitate the tilting of the respective retainers 71 and 72 about the torsion axes T1 and T2. Therefore, the input members 41 and 42 and the output members 51 and 52 held by the retainers 71 and 72, as well as the transition sections G1 and G2 defined therebetween, tilt together with the retainers 71 and 72.

[0040] In this example, the torsion axes T1 and T2 are parallel to or substantially parallel to the input direction D1. More specifically, each of the input members 41 and 42 includes a roller with a circumferential surface, and the respective torsion axes T1 and T2 are tangent to the circumferential surface of the roller of the respective input member 41 and 42. More specifically, the input members 41 and 42 are arranged to receive tire components S1 and S2 along the respective input path in the input direction D1, wherein the torsion axes T1 and T2 coincide with or substantially coincide with the respective input path.

[0041] Therefore, the interval between the two tire components S1 and S2 can be adjusted symmetrically or asymmetrically, for example, symmetrically or asymmetrically with respect to the center or intermediate plane Z of the dual tire component applicator 1 or the tire forming drum 9.

[0042] In this example, the torsion angle of retainers 71, 72 and / or transition segments G1, G2 about the corresponding torsion axes T1, T2 is kept to a minimum, preferably less than 20 degrees, and more preferably less than 15 degrees.

[0043] like Figure 1As shown, the dual-tire component applicator 1 may optionally include one or more auxiliary guide members 61-64 for deflecting, steering, and / or guiding tire components S1, S2 along the respective supply paths P1, P2. Specifically, in this example, each tire component S1, S2 is initially supplied to the dual-tire component applicator 1 in the form of a loop around the respective auxiliary guide member 61, 62 before being supplied to the input members 41, 42 along the supply direction D1. By maximizing the length of the loop, the length of the tire component S1, S2 subjected to torsion around the respective torsion axes T1, T2 can be maximized, thereby minimizing the amount of torsion per unit length of the tire component S1, S2. Moreover, additional auxiliary guide members 63, 64 are introduced in the supply paths P1, P2 between the output members 51, 52 and the applicator members 31, 32. Here, the same consideration of maximizing the length of the tire component S1, S2 between the output members 51, 52 and the applicator members 31, 32 to minimize the amount of torsion per unit length of the tire component S1, S2 applies.

[0044] In the embodiment shown in the figure, the applicator components 31, 32, the input components 41, 42, the output components 51, 52, and one or more auxiliary guide components 61-64 are formed as rollers or provided with roller bodies. Alternatively, one or more of the above-mentioned components 31, 32, 41, 42, 51, 52, 61-64 may be alternatively formed as or provided with brush rollers, conveyors, clamping belts, convex rollers, etc.

[0045] In this example, the first applicator unit 21 is provided with a third retainer 73 for holding the first applicator member 31 and the associated auxiliary guide member 63 in a fixed relationship relative to each other. Similarly, the second applicator unit 22 is provided with a fourth retainer 74 for holding the second applicator member 32 and the associated auxiliary member 64 in a fixed relationship relative to each other. The tire forming station 100 also includes an offset guide 75 for guiding the lateral movement of the third retainer 73 and the fourth retainer 74 in the offset direction X. In this example, the offset guide 75 is a track or a set of tracks for slidably engaging the third retainer 73 and the fourth retainer 74. Note that although both the third retainer 73 and the fourth retainer 74 are supported by the same offset guide 75, the offset guide can alternatively be formed by two separate offset guides, i.e., one offset guide for each retainer 73, 74.

[0046] Figures 5 to 7An alternative tire forming station 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown, which differs from the previously discussed tire forming station 100 in that its dual tire component applicator 201 is characterized in that the applicator member 231, output member 251 and / or one or more auxiliary guide members 261, 263 of the first applicator unit 221 are intentionally offset or misaligned in the offset direction X relative to the applicator member 232, output member 252 and / or one or more auxiliary guide members 262, 264 of the second applicator unit 222, respectively, to avoid collision between applicator units 221, 222 when the second application offset X3 is minimized or reduced.

[0047] Specifically, the intentional offset or misalignment allows the corresponding components 231, 232, 251, 252, 261-264 to be at least partially adjacent to or beside each other, or to pass by or overlap each other in the offset direction X. More specifically, as Figure 6 As shown, the applicator components 231 and 232 at least partially overlap in the offset direction X. Furthermore, as... Figure 7 As shown, the first transition segment G1 between the first output component 251 and / or the first input component 241 and the first output component 251 can be at least partially nested between the second input component 242 and the second output component 252, that is, within the area of ​​the second transition segment G2.

[0048] Therefore, the second applied offset X3 can be reduced to an amount equal to or only slightly greater than the width of a single tire component S1, S2. In other words, the second applied offset X3 can be small enough that tire components S1, S2 can be applied side by side with a minimum interval Y (i.e., less than 20 percent of the width of a single tire component S1, S2 and more preferably less than 10 percent of the width of a single tire component S1, S2).

[0049] In this example, intentional misalignment is created by selecting or adjusting a different height of the first output member 251 relative to the first input member 241 compared to the height of the second output member 252 relative to the second input member 242. Therefore, the first output member 251 can move at least partially below the second output member 252.

[0050] Additionally, the first applicator member 231 is displaced relative to the second applicator member 232 in the output direction D2. Therefore, the first applicator member 231 can move at least partially alongside the second applicator member 232.

[0051] In addition, note that in Figure 5 middle, Figure 1The single offset guide 75 is replaced by two separate offset guides 275, 276, one for each retainer 273, 274. The offset guides 275, 276 are parallel but spaced apart in the output direction D2 according to the displacement between the applicator members 231, 232.

[0052] The associated auxiliary guide members 263 between the first output member 251 and the first applicator member 231 are both lowered and displaced together with the first output member 251 and the first applicator member 231, respectively, so that they can move at least partially next to the corresponding auxiliary guide member 264 of the second applicator unit 222.

[0053] Alternatively, the relative positioning of the corresponding components 231, 232, 251, 252, 261-264 of the applicator units 221, 222 can be adjusted in various ways to achieve the same intentional misalignment and allow at least partial overlap between the applicator units 221, 222. For example, the first applicator unit may be shifted entirely relative to the second applicator unit in the input direction D1, output direction D2, or height direction H by an amount sufficient to allow partial overlap between the two applicator units in the offset direction X. The first applicator unit may even be completely shifted upstream of the second applicator unit relative to the output direction D2 to prevent any collision between the applicator units.

[0054] It should be understood that various mechanisms, retainers 71, 72, guides and / or actuators (not shown) may be used to position, displace and / or tilt the various parts of the dual-tire component applicator 1, examples of which are disclosed for a single strip applicator in WO 2023-027587A1, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0055] and, Figure 8 An alternative tire forming station 300 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown, which differs from the previously discussed tire forming stations 100 and 200 in that its dual tire component applicator 301 is characterized by a first alignment member 381 for holding an auxiliary guide member 63 located between the first output member 51 and the first applicator member 31 aligned or substantially aligned with the first output member 51 in the output direction D2. The dual tire component applicator 301 is similarly characterized by a second alignment member 382 for holding an auxiliary guide member 64 located between the second output member 52 and the second applicator member 32 aligned or substantially aligned with the second output member 52 in the output direction D2.

[0056] Specifically, both alignment members 381 and 382 physically and / or mechanically impart any movement of the respective output members 51 and 52 in the offset direction X to the respective auxiliary guide members 63 and 64. In this example, each alignment member 381 and 382 is formed by an arm-shaped or bracket-shaped alignment body that is hingedly connected to, near, or along the output direction D2 that is straight with the respective output member 51 and 52. The respective auxiliary guide members 63 and 64 are connected to and / or held by the alignment body of the respective alignment members 381 and 382 in an orientation corresponding to the orientation of the respective alignment members 381 and 382.

[0057] The dual-tire component applicator 301 also includes a first alignment guide 383 and a second alignment guide 384, which restrict the movement of the first alignment member 381 and the second alignment member 382 to movement along the offset direction X and the height direction H, respectively. In this specific example, the alignment guides 383 and 384 are formed by multiple sets of XY guides. The combination of the hinged connection of the alignment members 381 and 382 to the corresponding retainers 371 and 372 and the limited degrees of freedom of movement specified by the corresponding alignment guides 383 and 384 allows the alignment members 381 and 382 to remain in the same or substantially the same orientation, in this example a horizontal orientation, while following the vector components of the tilt of the corresponding retainers 371 and 372 in the offset direction X and the height direction H.

[0058] Since the aforementioned auxiliary guide members 63 and 64 are hingedly connected to the corresponding alignment members 381 and 382 of the corresponding holders 371 and 372 that also hold the corresponding output members 51 and 52, the third holder 373 and the fourth holder 374 only need to hold the corresponding applicator members 31 and 32.

[0059] Now refer to Figures 1 to 4 A method for simultaneously applying two tire components S1 and S2 to a tire forming drum 9 using the aforementioned dual tire component applicator 1 is briefly described.

[0060] Figure 1 and Figure 3 The diagram shows the tire components S1 and S2 being received in the corresponding applicator units 21 and 22 at the supply positions A1 and A2 of the corresponding input members 41 and 42 along the input direction D1.

[0061] Tire components S1 and S2 are then supplied along the output direction D2 to the corresponding applicator components 31 and 32, and applied to the tire forming drum 9 at the corresponding application positions A1 and A2.

[0062] After supplying tire components S1 and S2, and when the dual tire component supplier 1 is switched to a different tire size, the applicator members 31 and 32 move toward or away from each other in the offset direction X to change the spacing between the applicator members 31 and 32 from such a position as indicated by the tire components S1 and S2. Figure 1 and Figure 3 The first applied offset X2 is adjusted as shown. Figure 2 and Figure 4 The second applied offset X3 is shown. In this example, the second applied offset X3 is smaller than the first applied offset X2.

[0063] During the adjustment of the interval between the applicator members 31 and 32, the output members 51 and 52 move toward or away from each other relative to the corresponding input members 41 and 42, having at least vector components V1 and V2 in the offset direction X. Specifically, the transition segments G1 and G2 are inclined. Thus, the output members 51 and 52 at least partially follow the movement of the applicator members 31 and 32. Specifically, the output members 51 and 52 remain aligned or substantially aligned with the corresponding applicator members 31 and 32 in the output direction D2.

[0064] During the tilting of transition sections G1 and G2, tire components S1 and S2 are subjected to torsion about torsion axes T1 and T2, i.e., torsion about the longitudinal axes of tire components S1 and S2. By maximizing the length of the torsion-affected tire components S1 and S2, the amount of torsion can be minimized. More specifically, stretching or compression of tire components S1 and S2 on their longitudinal sides can be prevented.

[0065] As output components 51 and 52 move relative to their respective input components 41 and 42, the input components 41 and 42 remain in the correct position. Thus, the supply offset X1 remains constant or fixed. Therefore, the application offsets X2 and X3 can be effectively adjusted relative to the supply offset X1 without changing the supply offset X1. Consequently, the supply infrastructure upstream of the input components 41 and 42 can remain in the correct position, and the output components 51 and 52 can follow the movement of the applicator components 31 and 32 in the offset direction X.

[0066] It should be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of preferred embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Many variations that still fall within the scope of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the above discussion.

[0067] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0068] 1. Dual tire component applicator;

[0069] 21 First Applicator Unit;

[0070] 22 Second Applicator Unit;

[0071] 31 First applicator component;

[0072] 32. Second applicator component;

[0073] 41. First input component;

[0074] 42. Second input component;

[0075] 51 First output component;

[0076] 52 Second output component;

[0077] 61-64 Auxiliary guiding components;

[0078] 71 First Holder;

[0079] 72 Second Holder;

[0080] 73 Third Holder;

[0081] 74 Fourth Holder;

[0082] 75-degree offset guide;

[0083] 76 First tilting hinge;

[0084] 77. Second inclined hinge;

[0085] 9. Tire forming drum;

[0086] 100 tire forming stations;

[0087] 200 optional tire forming stations;

[0088] 201 Alternate dual-tire component applicator;

[0089] 221 First Applicator Unit;

[0090] 222 Second Applicator Unit;

[0091] 231 First applicator component;

[0092] 232 Second applicator component;

[0093] 241 First input component;

[0094] 242 Second input component;

[0095] 251 First output component;

[0096] 252 Second output component;

[0097] 261-264 Auxiliary guiding components;

[0098] 271 First Holder;

[0099] 272 Second Holder;

[0100] 273 Third Holder;

[0101] 274 Fourth Holder;

[0102] 275 First offset guide;

[0103] 276 Second offset guide;

[0104] 300 additional tire forming stations available;

[0105] 301. Alternatively, a dual-tire component applicator can be selected.

[0106] 371 First Holder;

[0107] 372 Second Holder;

[0108] 373 Third Holder;

[0109] 374 Fourth Holder;

[0110] 381 First alignment member;

[0111] 382 Second alignment member;

[0112] 383 First alignment guide;

[0113] 384 Second Alignment Guide;

[0114] A1 is the first supply location;

[0115] A2 is the second supply location;

[0116] A3 is the third supply location;

[0117] A4 is the fourth supply location;

[0118] B1 First application position;

[0119] B2 second application position;

[0120] B3 Third Application Position;

[0121] B4 Fourth Application Position;

[0122] D1 inputs the direction;

[0123] D2 output direction;

[0124] D3 First Transition Direction;

[0125] D4 Second Transition Direction;

[0126] G1 First Transition Section;

[0127] G2 second transition section;

[0128] H-axis (height direction);

[0129] H1 is the first hinge axis;

[0130] H2 second hinge axis;

[0131] M-drum axis;

[0132] P1 is the first supply path;

[0133] P2 Second Supply Path;

[0134] S1 First tire component;

[0135] S2 second tire component;

[0136] T1 First torsional axis;

[0137] T2 second torsional axis;

[0138] V1 First Vector Component;

[0139] V2 second vector component;

[0140] X offset direction;

[0141] X1 supply offset;

[0142] X2 first applies offset;

[0143] X3 second applied offset;

[0144] Y-interval;

[0145] Z-center plane.

Claims

1. A dual tire component applicator for simultaneously applying two tire components to a tire forming drum, characterized in that, The dual-tire component applicator includes: a first applicator unit for applying a first tire component of the two tire components to the tire forming drum; and a second applicator unit for applying a second tire component of the two tire components to the tire forming drum. The first applicator unit includes: a first applicator member for applying the first tire component to the tire forming drum at a first application position; a first input member for receiving the first tire component at a first supply position in an input direction; and a first output member for outputting the first tire component to the first applicator member in an output direction. The second applicator unit includes: a second applicator member for applying the second tire component to the tire forming drum at a second application position. The first and second applicator members are applied to the tire forming drum, the second application position being offset from the first application position in an offset direction transverse to the output direction; a second input member for receiving the second tire component in the input direction at a second supply position, the second supply position being offset from the first supply position in the offset direction; and a second output member for outputting the second tire component to the second applicator member in the output direction, wherein the first applicator member and the second applicator member are movable toward and away from each other in the offset direction to adjust the application offset relative to the supply offset, wherein the first output member and the second output member are respectively movable toward and away from each other relative to the first input member and the second input member at least by a vector component in the offset direction.

2. The dual-tire component applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first applicator component can be moved to at least partially overlap with the second applicator component in the offset direction.

3. The dual-tire component applicator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first applicator component is not aligned with the second applicator component in the offset direction.

4. The dual-tire component applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first output member and the second output member are arranged to remain aligned with the first applicator member and the second applicator member respectively in the output direction as the first output member and the second output member move toward and away from each other.

5. The dual-tire component applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first applicator unit defines a first supply path for the first tire component, wherein the first supply path includes a first transition section between the first input component and the first output component, the first transition section extending in a first transition direction that is transverse to or perpendicular to the offset direction and the output direction.

6. The dual-tire component applicator according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second applicator unit defines a second supply path for the second tire component, wherein the second supply path includes a second transition section between the second input member and the second output member, the second transition section extending in a second transition direction that is transverse to or perpendicular to the offset direction and the output direction.

7. The dual-tire component applicator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first transition segment and the second transition segment can be tilted toward each other and away from each other, respectively, around a first torsion axis and a second torsion axis parallel to the input direction.

8. The dual-tire component applicator according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first transition segment and the second transition segment can tilt symmetrically toward each other and away from each other.

9. The dual-tire component applicator according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first transition segment and the second transition segment can tilt asymmetrically toward each other and away from each other.

10. The dual-tire component applicator according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first applicator unit includes a first retainer for holding the first input member and the first output member in a fixed position relative to each other, wherein the first retainer is tiltable about the first torsion axis to tilt the first transition segment about the first torsion axis.

11. The dual-tire component applicator according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second applicator unit includes a second retainer for holding the second input member and the second output member in a fixed position relative to each other, wherein the second retainer is tiltable about the second torsion axis to tilt the second transition segment about the second torsion axis.

12. The dual-tire component applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The input direction and the output direction are parallel.

13. A tire forming station, characterized in that, The tire forming station includes a dual tire component applicator and a tire forming drum as described in claim 1.

14. The tire forming station according to claim 13, characterized in that, The tire forming drum is rotatable about the drum axis, wherein the offset direction is parallel to the drum axis.

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