Applicator for applying tire component to tire building drum

Abstract

The utility model relates to an applicator which is used for applying a tire component to a tire building drum, the applicator comprises a guide piece and an applicator unit, the applicator unit can move along the guide piece in the applying direction, the tire component is provided with a front end and a rear end when viewed from the applying direction, and the front end and the rear end of the applicator unit are connected with each other. The applicator unit comprises: a front end retainer for retaining the front end of the tire component; a rear end retainer for retaining a rear end of the tire component; a stitching device for stitching the tire component to the tire building drum; and an applicator body for supporting the front-end retainer in a front-end retaining position, the rear-end retainer being located in a rear-end retaining position downstream of the front-end retaining position in the application direction, and the stapler being located in a stapler position between the front-end retaining position and the rear-end retaining position in the application direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to an applicator for applying tire components to a tire forming drum. Background Technology

[0002] JP 2528266 B2 discloses a working head that advances along a reciprocating frame from a support section of a cutting device in the travel direction to transfer a soft strip, such as a tire sidewall, to a forming drum during the tire manufacturing process. The working head includes: a first pressing device in the form of pressing fingers for retaining the strip near its front end; a second pressing device in the form of a roller for pressing the strip onto the forming drum; and a third pressing device in the form of an adsorption tool for retaining the strip near its rear end. The third pressing device is located downstream of the first pressing device in the travel direction, and the second pressing device is located between the first and third pressing devices.

[0003] The advantage of the working head disclosed in JP 2528266 B2 is that the first pressing device does not pick up the strip at the furthest part of the front end, at the front tip. Instead, from the direction of travel, the first pressing device is positioned a short distance upstream of the front tip, allowing the front tip to protrude freely from the first pressing device and be pressed onto the forming drum by the second pressing device. During the transfer of the strip from the support section of the cutting device to the forming drum, the front tip is temporarily unsupported and / or uncontrolled. The position of the front tip can be offset, and / or the front tip can deform during the transfer. This is particularly important because when relatively thin strips (e.g., less than one millimeter thick) are applied, these strips can easily wrinkle, fold, and / or vibrate during the transfer. Therefore, when the strip is applied to the forming drum, the position of the front tip is unknown and / or may be inaccurate, which can negatively impact subsequent steps in tire manufacturing processes, such as the splicing and / or application of any subsequent layers, and the overall quality of the tire. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an applicator for applying tire components to a tire forming drum, wherein the positioning accuracy of the strip on the tire forming drum can be improved.

[0005] This invention provides an applicator for applying a tire component to a tire forming drum. The applicator includes a guide and an applicator unit, which is movable along the guide in an application direction. The tire component has a front end and a rear end as viewed from the application direction. The applicator unit includes: a front end retainer for retaining the front end of the tire component; a rear end retainer for retaining the rear end of the tire component; a stitcher for stitching the tire component to the tire forming drum; and an applicator body for supporting the front end retainer in a front end retainer position, the rear end retainer in a rear end retainer position, and the stitcher in a stitcher position in the application direction between the front end retainer position and the rear end retainer position, wherein the front end retainer position is downstream of the stitcher position in the application direction.

[0006] Conveniently, this applicator unit combines the retention functions for both the front and rear ends of the same tire component. Therefore, separate applicator units for retaining the front and rear ends are unnecessary. Furthermore, by positioning the front retainer relative to the applicator body in a position closest to the tire forming drum in the applicator direction, before or downstream of the stitcher, the front end of the elastomeric material strip at its end pole can be picked up, reliably held, transferred, and / or applied to the tire forming drum. Therefore, the front end is less likely to shift or deform due to the force applied to the tire component. Thus, the accuracy of positioning the tire component on the tire forming drum can be improved during pick-up, transfer, application, and / or stitching.

[0007] In one embodiment, the front retainer includes a front clamp for retaining the front end of the tire component by clamping. The front end can be retained for a relatively long period after a previous application cycle has been completed. When the tire component is relatively thin, holding the front end using a device other than the front clamp, such as when using a vacuum cup (vacuum suction cup), can cause displacement of the front end's position. Furthermore, particularly when the front end is held for a prolonged period, for example, while a previous cycle still needs to be completed, preparing the front end for the next cycle, the vacuum generated by the vacuum cup can deform the front end and / or cause wrinkles. During pick-up, transfer, application, and / or stitching, the front clamp can reliably hold the front end in place to further improve positioning accuracy.

[0008] In another embodiment, the rear-end retainer includes a rear-end suction cup for retaining the rear end of the tire component by suction. The rear end is retained for a relatively short period of time, and therefore, it is unlikely to be negatively affected by the disadvantages of vacuum retention as described above. Alternatively, however, the rear-end retainer may include a rear-end clamp similar to the front-end clamp.

[0009] In another embodiment, the stitcher includes a stitching roller for stitching tire components to a tire forming drum by rolling. As the stitching roller rolls along the circumferential surface of the tire forming drum, it can press the tire components onto the drum.

[0010] Preferably, the stitching roller is a multi-disc stitching roller. In particular, when subjected to different stresses and / or speed differences, the multi-disc stitching roller can effectively correct for differences in the cross-sections of the same or different tire components along their respective lengths.

[0011] In another embodiment, the front retainer and the rear retainer are configured to engage the front and rear ends respectively in a supply plane that extends parallel to the application direction. Therefore, the tire component can be supplied linearly in the application direction within the supply plane.

[0012] Preferably, the front retainer, rear retainer, and suture are aligned in an applicator plane that is perpendicular to the supply plane and parallel to the application direction. Therefore, it is not necessary to move the front retainer, rear retainer, and suture parallel to the supply plane into and / or away from the applicator plane. Instead, the front retainer, rear retainer, and suture are all prepared to operate from their respective positions within the applicator plane.

[0013] More preferably, the applicator plane is vertical or substantially vertical. Therefore, the supply plane has at least a horizontal portion.

[0014] In another embodiment, the front retainer is configured to engage the front end in a retaining direction that is transverse to or perpendicular to the supply plane. In other words, the front end can be retained from opposite sides of the supply plane during pickup, transfer, and / or application, thereby potentially preventing damage or deformation of the longitudinal edges of the tire component.

[0015] Preferably, the front end retainer includes a first claw-shaped member and a second claw-shaped member, which are positioned on opposite sides of the supply plane, wherein at least one of the first and second claw-shaped members is movable in the retention direction toward the other claw-shaped member. The claw-shaped members can effectively and / or reliably retain the front end from opposite sides of the supply plane.

[0016] More preferably, the front-end retainer further includes a clamping actuator for driving movement of at least one claw-shaped member in the retaining direction. By providing the clamping actuator, the retention and / or release of the front end can be automated.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, the applicator unit includes: a cam connected to either the first claw member or the second claw member; and a cam profile fixed in both the retention and application directions for applying variable motion to the cam in the retention direction based on the position of the cam on the cam profile in the application direction. By using a cam that interacts with the cam profile, the position of any claw member can be controlled more precisely and / or gradually based on the position of the applicator unit relative to the cam profile. Furthermore, the front retainer itself does not require any active drive components and can therefore be less complex or more compact.

[0018] In another embodiment, the rear end retainer is configured to engage the rear end in a retention direction that is transverse to or perpendicular to the supply plane. In other words, the rear end can be retained from the opposite side of the supply plane, thereby potentially preventing damage or deformation of the longitudinal edges of the tire component during pickup, transfer, and / or application.

[0019] Preferably, the rear-end retainer includes an adsorption cup capable of moving in the retention direction toward and away from the supply plane. The adsorption cup can effectively retain the rear end during the relatively short period of time it is transferred from the supply plane to the tire forming drum.

[0020] More preferably, the rear retainer includes a linear actuator, particularly a pneumatic cylinder, for moving the adsorption cup in the retention direction. Without interfering with the operation of the front retainer and / or the aforementioned clamping actuator, the linear actuator can move together with the adsorption cup and act directly on the adsorption cup.

[0021] In another embodiment, the applicator further includes one or more sensors for detecting the front and / or rear end, position, inner or outer edge, thickness, width, length, cross-sectional area, outline, or other features of the tire component. Detecting the front and / or rear end allows for at least partial automation of the retention of the front and / or rear end. Furthermore, the position of the front and / or rear end at the retention moment can be precisely detected, and used to more accurately determine the velocity and / or gearing relationship between the applicator and the tire forming drum when the front and / or rear end are applied to the tire forming drum.

[0022] The various aspects and features described and illustrated in this specification may be applied individually in any possible circumstances. These individual aspects may become the subject of a divisional patent application. Attached Figure Description

[0023] This utility model will be described based on exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying schematic diagrams, wherein:

[0024] Figures 1 to 9A side view of a tire forming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown during different steps of a method for applying tire components to a tire forming drum.

[0025] Figure 10 Showing more details Figure 1 A side view of the applicator of a tire forming machine; and

[0026] Figures 11A to 11D A side view of an alternative tire forming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown during a step of an alternative method for applying tire components to a tire forming drum. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Figures 1 to 9 A first exemplary tire forming machine 1 according to the present invention is shown, which is used for forming or manufacturing green tires or uncured tires.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, the tire forming machine 1 includes: a tire forming drum 2; a tire component supply device or feeding device 3 for supplying a continuous strip 9 to the tire forming drum 2; and an applicator 4 for transferring and / or applying tire components 90, 90' cut to a certain length from the tire component supply device 3 to the tire forming drum 2 or onto the tire forming drum 2 in the application direction A.

[0029] For the purposes of this invention, any reference to applying, pressing, or sewing "on", "onto", or "around" the tire forming drum 2 shall be interpreted as applying, pressing, or sewing directly or indirectly "on", "onto", or "around" the tire forming drum 2, that is, directly applying, pressing, or sewing on the tire forming drum 2, or indirectly applying, pressing, or sewing on top of a previously applied layer of the same or another tire component on the tire forming drum 2.

[0030] In this example, the continuous strip 9 is a cord-reinforced elastomeric material or rubber strip, particularly a reinforcing strip for reinforcing the longitudinal edges of the buffer layer. Alternatively, the tire component 9 can be a cap strip, adhesive strip, or sidewall, or any other strip used in tire molding or tire manufacturing, with or without cord reinforcement. Viewed from the application direction A, the continuous strip 9 is cut to a certain length to form a tire component 90, which has a front end LE, such as... Figure 1 As shown, and has a backend TE, such as Figure 8 As shown. It should be noted that, in Figure 8In the process, the cutting also created a new front end LE', which is used for the subsequent tire part 90'.

[0031] like Figure 1 As further shown, the tire forming drum 2 includes a cylindrical or circumferential surface 20 concentric with the drum axis X and / or rotatable about the drum axis X in the rotational direction R. The tire forming machine 1 includes a drum driver 21 for rotating the tire forming drum 2 or at least its circumferential surface 20 about the drum axis X. The tire forming drum 2 also defines a vertical intermediate plane M that divides the tire forming drum 2 into two equal parts.

[0032] The tire component feeding device 3 includes a base 30 and a feeding device body 31, which is tiltable relative to the base 30 about a tilting axis T. In this example, the tilting axis T is parallel to or substantially parallel to the drum axis X. The tire component feeding device 3 also includes a tilt actuator 32 for driving the tilting of the feeding device body 31 relative to the base 30. In this example, the tilt actuator 32 is a linear actuator, such as a pneumatic piston, which is hingedly connected to both the base 30 and the feeding device body 31.

[0033] The tire component feeding device 3 also includes a support member 33 for supporting the continuous strip 9 in the supply plane P. In this example, the supply plane P extends parallel to the application direction A, the drum axis X, and / or the tilt axis T. The support member 33 can be a support platform, a roller conveyor, or a belt conveyor. The support member 33 is connected to and / or held by the supply device body 31, and is configured to tilt together with the supply device body 31 about the tilt axis T.

[0034] The tire component feeding device 3 also includes a platform 34, which can be positioned relative to the support member 33 from, for example Figure 1 The support position shown is oriented as follows Figure 2 The platform 34 retracts from the indicated retracted position and / or retracts back into that retracted position. In the supported position, the platform 34 is flush, substantially flush, and / or coplanar with the support member 33 in the supply plane P. In the retracted position, the platform 34 is recessed relative to the support member 33 and spaced apart from the supply plane P in a retraction direction D, which is perpendicular to the supply plane P. In other words, the platform 34 moves from the supported position to the retracted position, in which the platform 34 is located at a first distance from or at the supply plane P, and in the retracted position, the platform 34 is located at a second distance from and / or below the supply plane P, the second distance being greater than the first distance.

[0035] In this example, the tire component delivery device (servicer) 3 is also provided with a retraction actuator 35, which is used to drive the platform 34 to retract and / or return between the retracted position and the supported position. The retraction actuator 35 can be a linear actuator, such as a pneumatic cylinder.

[0036] The tire component feeding device 3 also includes a cutting device 35 for cutting the continuous strip 9 into lengths. The cutting device 36 is equipped with a blade or cutter 37, which in this example is a disc cutter. Alternatively, the cutter 37 could be an ultrasonic scalpel or a gate-type cutter. The aforementioned platform 34 serves as a mating component, particularly the cutting strip, for engaging with the cutter 37 in a supported position, such as... Figure 7 As shown. When the cutting is complete, platform 34 moves toward the retracted position away from the supply plane P, as... Figure 2 As shown, the newly cut front end LE is used as the free-protruding front end.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the applicator 4 includes a guide 41 and an applicator unit 5, which is movable along the guide 41 in the application direction A. In this example, the guide 41 is formed as a beam or track. The applicator 4 includes an applicator driver 43, such as a timing belt, configured or arranged to move the applicator unit 5 along the guide 41 in the application direction A. The applicator 4 is integrally connected to and / or carried by the supply device body 31, and thus the applicator 4 is configured to tilt together with the supply device body 31 about an inclined axis T. In this way, the applicator 4 is positioned from, for example, a guide 41, a timing belt ... Figure 3 The raised position, spaced apart from the tire forming drum 2, is tilted to the following position: Figure 4 The application position is shown at the tire forming drum 2.

[0038] like Figure 10As shown in more detail, the applicator unit 5 is provided with: a front retainer 6 for retaining the front end LE of the tire component 9; a rear retainer 7 for retaining the rear end TE of the tire component 9; a stitcher 8 for stitching the tire component 9 to the tire forming drum 2; and an applicator body 50 for supporting the front retainer 6, the rear retainer 7, and the stitcher 8 relative to each other. Specifically, viewed from the application direction A, the applicator body 50 holds or positions the front retainer 6 in a front retainer position. The applicator body 50 also holds or positions the rear retainer 7 in a rear retainer position. Finally, the applicator body 50 holds or positions the stitcher 8 in a stitcher position, which, viewed from the application direction A, is between the front retainer position and the rear retainer position. The front retainer position is downstream of the stitcher position in the application direction A.

[0039] It should be noted that the front retainer position, the rear retainer position, and the suture position do not necessarily need to be directly adjacent to each other. In particular, the applicator unit 5 may have one or more additional members in one or more intermediate positions between the front retainer position, the rear retainer position, and the suture position. The scope of this invention is limited to the positions of the front retainer 6, the rear retainer 7, and the suture 8 relative to each other in the application direction A.

[0040] like Figure 10 As further shown, the front retainer 6, the rear retainer 7, and the suture 8 are aligned in the applicator plane Z, which is perpendicular to the supply plane P and parallel to the application direction A. In this example, the applicator plane Z is vertical or substantially vertical.

[0041] In this example, the front retainer 6, the rear retainer 7, and the suture 8 are fixed relative to the applicator body 50 in the application direction A at the front retainer position, the rear retainer position, and the suture position, respectively. Alternatively, the corresponding positions can be adjusted in the application direction A while maintaining their upstream / downstream relative positions to each other.

[0042] like Figure 10As further shown, the front retainer 6 includes a front clamping member 60 for retaining the front end LE of the tire component 9 by clamping in or at the supply plane P. Specifically, the front clamping member 60 includes an upper claw-like member or a first claw-like member 61 and a lower claw-like member or a second claw-like member 62, which can be positioned on opposite sides of the supply plane P. In this example, the first claw-like member 61 is located below the supply plane P and can move toward the second claw-like member 62 in a retention direction B, which is transverse to or perpendicular to the supply plane P. Alternatively, the second claw-like member 62 can be movable toward the first claw-like member 61, or both claw-like members 61 and 62 can be movable toward each other.

[0043] The front retainer 6 also includes a front retainer driver 63 for moving the front clamp 60 as a whole relative to the applicator body 50 toward or away from the supply plane P in the retaining direction B. In this example, the front retainer driver 63 is a linear actuator, such as a pneumatic cylinder. The front retainer 6 also includes a clamping driver 64 for driving the movement of at least one of the claw members 61, 62.

[0044] Alternative or additional land, such as Figure 10 As shown, the applicator unit 5 may be provided with a cam 65 connected to any one of the applicator body 50, the front retainer 6, or the claw members 61 and 62. The applicator 4 is provided with one or more cam profiles 66 fixed in the retaining direction B and the applying direction A, for applying variable motion in the retaining direction B to the cam 65 according to its position relative to the cam profile 66 in the applying direction A. The cam profile 66 is located in positions along the guide 41 where the front retainer 6 needs to interact with the tire component 90; in this case, the cam profile 66 is at or near the front pick-up position on or near the platform 34. In this example, the cam profile 66 at the front pick-up position is configured to progressively lift the applicator body 50 as a whole toward the supply plane P, so as the applicator unit 5 moves in a direction opposite to the applying direction A, lifting the second claw member 62 to a position for supporting the front end LE of the tire component 90. Alternatively, cam 65 may be connected only to the front retainer 6, or only to one of the claw members 61, 62, thereby moving either of these components in a similar manner. Alternatively, a similar cam profile (not shown) may be provided above the tire forming drum 2 or at or near the front release position of the tire forming drum 2.

[0045] When the platform 34 retracts to the position shown... Figure 2When in the retracted position, the second claw member 62 can be positioned in the space created by the platform 34, vacated, and / or previously occupied. In particular, when the platform 34 is in the retracted position, the dimensions of the second claw member 62 are determined to fit between the platform 34 and the supply plane P, or it can be positioned between the platform 34 and the supply plane P.

[0046] like Figure 10 As shown, the rear retainer 7 includes at least one rear suction cup 70 for retaining the rear end TE of the tire component 9 in or at the supply plane P by suction. In this example, the rear retainer 7 includes an suction plate 71 having a plurality of rear suction cups 70. Alternatively, the rear retainer 7 may be a rear clamp similar to the front clamp 6. The rear retainer 7 also includes a rear actuator 72 for moving at least one rear suction cup 70 toward and / or away from the supply plane P relative to the applicator body 50 in the retention direction B, thereby contacting the tire component 9 in a sealed or airtight manner.

[0047] Ultimately, as Figure 10 As shown, the stitcher 8 includes a stitching roller 80 for stitching the tire component 9 to the tire forming drum 2 by rolling. In this example, the stitching roller 80 is a multi-disc stitching roller. Alternatively, in this example, the stitcher 8 is provided with a single stitching roller 80. Or, the stitcher 8 may be provided with multiple stitching rollers 80, and / or the stitching roller 80 may be a head pulley or a tail pulley for stitching the tape. The stitcher 8 also includes a stitching actuator 81 for moving the stitching roller 80 toward and away from the supply plane P relative to the applicator body 50 in the retention direction B. In this example, the stitching actuator 81 is a linear actuator, such as a pneumatic cylinder.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, the tire forming machine 1 also includes one or more sensors 11, 12 for detecting the position, inner or outer edge, thickness, width, length, cross-sectional area, outline, or other features of the tire component 9. In this example, the one or more sensors 11, 12 include a first sensor 11 for directly detecting the position of the front end LE and / or the rear end TE on the support member 33 and / or platform 34 in the application direction A after cutting. Optionally, the one or more sensors 11, 12 may include a second sensor 12 at the tire forming drum 2 to detect the application position of the front end LE and / or the rear end TE on the tire forming drum 2.

[0049] The tire forming machine 1 also includes a control unit 10, which is electronically, functionally, and / or operatively connected to one or more of the following: sensor 11, sensor 12, drum driver 21, tilt driver 32, retraction driver 35, applicator driver 43, front retainer driver 63, clamping driver 64, rear retainer driver 72, and stitching driver 81, for controlling, automating, and / or at least partially automating various operations of the tire forming machine 1, as will be described in further detail below when discussing the method according to the present invention. In particular, the control unit 10 has a processor and a memory loaded with computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the tire forming machine 1 to perform the steps of the method described below.

[0050] Now refer to Figures 1 to 9 A method for applying a tire component 9 to a tire forming drum 2 using the aforementioned tire forming machine 1 is described.

[0051] Figure 1 The following scenario illustrates a situation where the leading edge LE of the continuous strip 9 cut during a prior cycle of the method is placed on platform 34. Platform 34 is in a supported position, flush with support member 33. Applicator unit 5 has been moved along guide 41 to a leading edge pickup position above tire component supply device 3, specifically above, at, or near platform 34, for pickup of the leading edge LE.

[0052] Figure 2 The following configuration is shown, in which platform 34 has retracted to the retracted position to expose the front end LE to the front end retainer 6. The front end retainer driver 63 has been controlled to move the front end clamp 60 downward toward the supply plane P.

[0053] Subsequently, the applicator unit 5 has moved to a position in the opposite direction to the application direction A, in which the claw-shaped members 61 and 62 of the front end clamp 60 are on the opposite side of the front end LE in the retention direction B.

[0054] Figure 3 The following configuration is illustrated, in which the tilting actuator 32 is controlled to tilt the feeder body 31 relative to the base 30 about the tilting axis T, thereby tilting the applicator 4 supported on the feeder body 31 to a raised position. The applicator actuator 43 is controlled to move the applicator unit 5 along the guide 41 from the front-end pick-up position to the front-end release position at or above the tire forming drum 2 in the application direction A. During this movement, the front-end clamp 60 retains the front end LE and thus feeds the length of the continuous strip 9, including the front end LE, toward the tire forming drum 2.

[0055] In this example, the front release position is located downstream of the vertical intermediate plane M of the tire forming drum 2 in the application direction A. More specifically, the front release position is shifted or offset from the vertical intermediate plane M by an angle H of at least one degree, preferably at least three degrees, and most preferably at least five degrees.

[0056] Figure 4 The following scenario illustrates a situation where the tilting actuator 32 is controlled to return the feeder body 31 to its original orientation, thereby causing the applicator 4 to descend toward and / or onto the tire forming drum 2 to the front release position. Alternatively, the applicator 4 or the feeder body 31 as a whole can be linearly displaced as a whole in a direction transverse to or perpendicular to the supply direction P to achieve the same effect.

[0057] Before, during, or shortly after lowering, the stitcher driver 81 is controlled to move the stitcher roller 80 toward the tire forming drum 2. It should be noted that the front end clamp 60 may still retain the front end LE while the stitcher 8 is already in the first stitching position to stitch the continuous strip 9 to the tire forming drum 2 located upstream of or directly upstream of the front end LE. It should be noted that, viewed from the application direction A, the first stitching position is upstream of the front end release position.

[0058] In this specific example, the front release position and the first stitching position are angularly shifted relative to each other about the previously described angle H.

[0059] Alternatively, the front end LE can advance toward the tire forming drum 2 along a path tangential to the circumferential surface 20 of the tire forming drum 2, in which the stitching roller 80 is brought into the first stitching position and the front end LE is released only after the front end LE is released from the front end retainer 6.

[0060] Figure 5 The following situation is illustrated, in which the first claw member 61 has moved away from the second claw member 62, thereby effectively releasing the front end LE from the front end clamp 60. Simultaneously, as the tire forming drum 2 rotates in the rotational direction R, the stitching roller 80 maintains contact with the continuous strip 9 on the tire forming drum 2 to wind at least a portion of one or more turns of the continuous strip 9 onto the circumferential surface 20.

[0061] Specifically, the drum driver 21 and the applicator driver 43 are controlled such that, during or after the release of the front end LE from the front end clamp 60, there is a velocity difference between the circumferential velocity of the circumferential surface 20 of the tire forming drum 2 in the rotational direction R and the velocity of the movement of the applicator unit 5 in the application direction A. Specifically, the movement of the applicator unit 5 is controlled such that, during or after the release of the front end LE from the front end clamp 60, the first vector component V1 in the application direction A is greater than the second vector component V2 of the rotation of the tire forming drum 2 in the application direction A.

[0062] exist Figure 5 and Figure 6 Between these points, a continuous strip 9 is wound onto the circumferential surface 20 of the tire forming drum 2, and / or wound around the circumferential surface 20 of the tire forming drum 2. During at least a portion of the winding, the applicator 5 remains in place such that the stitching roller 90 can stitch the continuous strip 9 onto the tire forming drum 2.

[0063] Figure 6 The following scenario illustrates a situation where the front retainer driver 63 has been controlled to retract the front clamp 60. Simultaneously or shortly thereafter, the stitcher driver 81 is controlled to retract the stitching roller 80. Subsequently, the applicator unit 5 returns in the opposite direction to the application direction A to the rear pickup position above, at, or near the platform 34.

[0064] Figure 7 The following scenario illustrates a situation where the cutting device 35 is controlled to cut a continuous strip 9 to a certain length, thereby creating a rear end TE and / or forming a tire component 9, which has been partially applied to the tire forming drum 2. Simultaneously, during subsequent cycles of the method, a new front end LE' is created for the tire component 9 to be applied subsequently. Before, during, or after cutting, the rear end retainer driver 72 is controlled to move at least one suction cup 70 to engage the continuous strip 9 in the rear end pick-up position. The rear end TE is now retained.

[0065] Figure 8 The following scenario illustrates a situation where the rear retainer driver 72 is controlled to slightly retract at least one suction cup 70 to lift the rear end TE from the platform 34. Simultaneously, the applicator driver 43 is controlled to move the applicator unit 5 in the application direction A toward the tire forming drum 2 using the rear end TE retained in the rear retainer 7, to a position above, at, or near the rear end release position. Specifically, the rear end TE can move along any circumferential path tangential to the tire forming drum 2 and / or the tire component 9 already applied thereto. Therefore, upon reaching the rear end release position, the rear end TE will automatically press against the tire component 9.

[0066] At the same time, the tire forming drum 2 has already rotated in the rotation direction R to bear the load. Figure 7 The remaining length of the tire component 9 that has not yet been applied.

[0067] Figure 9 The following scenario illustrates a situation where the rear end TE is released from the rear end retainer 7. Before, during, or after releasing the rear end TE from the rear end retainer 7, the stitching driver 81 is again controlled to move the stitching roller 80 toward and contact the tire component 9 at a second stitching position on the tire forming drum 2, so as the tire forming drum 2 rotates further in the rotational direction R, any remaining length of the tire component 9, including the rear end TE, is stitched to the tire forming drum 2, and / or to any previously applied loops on the tire component 9. It should be noted that, viewed from the application direction A, the second stitching position is downstream of the rear end release position.

[0068] exist Figure 9 After the stitching is completed, the stitching driver 81 can be controlled to retract the stitching roller 80 again. Now, the applicator unit 5 can return to its position above, or near, the tire component feeder 3 to pick up the new front end LE' of the subsequent tire component 90' for subsequent cycles of the method.

[0069] Figures 11A to 11D An alternative tire forming machine 101 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown during steps of an alternative method for applying tire component 90 to tire forming drum 2. Specifically, these steps involve releasing and stitching the rear end TE to the tire forming drum 2 in a second stitching position. The alternative tire forming machine 101 differs from the previously discussed tire forming machine 1 only in that it further includes a cam profile 182 for controlling the movement of the stitcher 9 in a stitching direction S perpendicular to the supply plane P. The cam profile 182 is fixed in both the application direction A and the stitching direction S. In this example, the cam profile 182 has a flat or substantially flat upper surface. At least a portion of the cam profile 182 moving along the applicator unit 5 in the application direction A blocks the movement of the stitcher 8 in the stitching direction S.

[0070] The cam profile 182 terminates or ends at the cam end 183 between the rear release position and the second stitching position, allowing the stitcher 8 to move toward the tire forming drum 2 in the stitching direction S.

[0071] Especially when the stitching actuator 81 is a pneumatic cylinder, it may be difficult to consistently control the stitching actuator 81. Figure 11A or Figure 11B In the case that the suture 8 reaches Figure 11C and Figure 11D Before the second stitching position, the cam profile 182 allows the stitching driver 81 to preload the stitcher 8 against the cam profile 182 in the stitching direction S. In this way, when the cam profile 182 ends at the cam end 183, for each cycle of the method, the stitcher 8 can move consistently toward the tire forming drum 2 in the stitching direction S to the same position, move simultaneously and / or move in the same manner, regardless of any delay or lag in the actuation of the stitching driver 81.

[0072] It is understood that the foregoing description is intended to illustrate the operation of preferred embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Many variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing discussion, and these variations are also covered by the scope of the present invention.

[0073] For example, in Figures 11A to 11D The cam profile 182 can be applied independently of the alternative tire forming machine 101, and is only combined with the stitcher 8 and the stitching driver 81.

[0074] List of reference numerals

[0075] 1 Tire forming machine

[0076] 10 Control Unit

[0077] 11 First Sensor

[0078] 12 Second Sensor

[0079] 2 Tire forming drum

[0080] 20 circumferential surfaces

[0081] 21 Drum Driver

[0082] 3. Tire component feeding device

[0083] 30 base

[0084] 31. Main body of the feeding device

[0085] 32 Tilting Driver

[0086] 33 Supporting components

[0087] 34 Platform

[0088] 35 Retractable driver

[0089] 36 Cutting device

[0090] 37 Cutter

[0091] 4. Applicator

[0092] 41. Guide

[0093] 43 Applicator Driver

[0094] 5 Applicator Unit

[0095] 50 Applicator body

[0096] 6. Front-end retainer

[0097] 60 Front clamping component

[0098] 61 First claw-shaped component

[0099] 62 Second claw-shaped component

[0100] 63 Front-end Reservoir Driver

[0101] 64 Clamping Driver

[0102] 65 Cam

[0103] 66 Cam profile

[0104] 7. Backend Retainer

[0105] 70 Adsorption Cup

[0106] 71 Adsorption Plate

[0107] 72 Back-end Retainer Driver

[0108] 8. Sewing machine

[0109] 80 sewing rollers

[0110] 81 Stitching Driver

[0111] 9 Continuous strips

[0112] 90 Tire components

[0113] 90' tire components

[0114] 101 Alternative Tire Forming Machine

[0115] 182 Cam Profile

[0116] 183 Cam end

[0117] A. Application direction

[0118] B. Retain direction

[0119] D Retraction direction

[0120] H angle

[0121] LE front end

[0122] LE's front end

[0123] M Vertical mid-plane

[0124] P supply plane

[0125] R Rotation direction

[0126] S suture direction

[0127] T-axis

[0128] TE backend

[0129] V1 First Vector Component

[0130] V2 Second Vector Component

[0131] X Drum axis

[0132] Z Applicator Plane

Claims

1. An applicator for applying tire components to a tire forming drum, wherein, The applicator includes a guide and an applicator unit movable along the guide in the application direction, wherein the tire component has a front end and a rear end as viewed from the application direction, and wherein the applicator unit includes: a front end retainer for retaining the front end of the tire component; a rear end retainer for retaining the rear end of the tire component; a stitcher for stitching the tire component to the tire forming drum; and an applicator body for supporting the front end retainer in a front end retainer position, the rear end retainer in a rear end retainer position, and the stitcher located in a stitcher position in the application direction between the front end retainer position and the rear end retainer position, wherein the front end retainer position is downstream of the stitcher position in the application direction.

2. The applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front retainer includes a front clamp for retaining the front end of the tire component by clamping.

3. The applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rear retainer includes a rear adsorption cup for retaining the rear end of the tire component by adsorption.

4. The applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stitcher includes a stitching roller for stitching the tire component to the tire forming drum by rolling.

5. The applicator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sewing roller is a multi-disc sewing roller.

6. The applicator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front retainer and the rear retainer are configured to engage the front end and the rear end respectively in a supply plane that extends parallel to the application direction.

7. The applicator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The front retainer, the rear retainer, and the suture are aligned in an applicator plane that is perpendicular to the supply plane and parallel to the application direction.

8. The applicator according to claim 7, characterized in that, The plane of the applicator is vertical.

9. The applicator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The front retainer is configured to engage the front end in a retaining direction that is transverse to or perpendicular to the supply plane.

10. The applicator according to claim 9, characterized in that, The front retainer includes a first claw-shaped member and a second claw-shaped member, which are positioned on opposite sides of the supply plane. At least one of the first claw-shaped member and the second claw-shaped member is movable in the retaining direction toward the other claw-shaped member.

11. The applicator according to claim 10, characterized in that, The front retainer also includes a clamping driver for driving the at least one claw-shaped member to move in the retaining direction.

12. The applicator according to claim 10, characterized in that, The applicator unit includes: a cam connected to either the first claw member or the second claw member; and a cam profile fixed in the retention direction and the application direction, for applying variable motion to the cam in the retention direction according to the position of the cam on the cam profile in the application direction.

13. The applicator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The rear retainer is configured to engage the rear end in a retaining direction that is transverse to or perpendicular to the supply plane.

14. The applicator according to claim 13, characterized in that, The rear retainer includes an adsorption cup that is movable toward and away from the supply plane in the retention direction.

15. The applicator according to claim 14, characterized in that, The rear retainer includes a linear actuator for moving the adsorption cup in the retention direction.

Images