Transfer wheel, retaining member and transfer device for transferring a tyre component to a tyre building drum

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of transfer wheels for transferring tire components to tire building drum, wherein, transfer wheel can rotate around rotation axis, wherein, transfer wheel includes the support surface extending in the circumferential direction around rotation axis, wherein, transfer wheel further includes one or more holding members for holding the rear end of tire component to support surface, wherein, one or more holding members each includes first holding element for holding tire component and second holding element for holding tire component different from first holding element, and wherein, second holding element is arranged in the central region defined by first holding element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a transfer wheel for transferring tire components to a tire forming drum. It also relates to a retaining device within the transfer wheel for transferring tire components to the tire forming drum. Furthermore, it relates to a transfer device including a transfer wheel for transferring tire components to the tire forming drum. Background Technology

[0002] CN216300233U relates to a bead wrap transfer wheel in a pre-transfer device for transferring bead wrapping to a forming drum, wherein the bead wrap transfer drum includes a bead wrap transfer surface extending circumferentially around a central axis with a first radius relative to the central axis, wherein the bead wrap transfer wheel further includes a compression section extending radially beyond the bead wrap transfer surface transverse to the central axis, wherein the compression section defines a compression surface extending circumferentially around the central axis with a second radius greater than the first radius, wherein the compression surface has a trapezoidal profile in the circumferential direction for supporting the bead wrapping.

[0003] The extrusion section may include a magnetic strip for holding the bead wrap to the transfer drum. Alternatively, the extrusion section may be provided with one or more suction or vacuum orifices for holding the bead wrap. Utility Model Content

[0004] In practice, before transferring the bead wrap to the forming drum, an elastomer strip or adhesive strip is applied to the sides of the bead wrap. The adhesive strip must be applied to the forming drum with a small overlap to create an overlapping joint. In contrast, the bead wrap must be applied to the forming drum without overlap. More specifically, the front and rear ends of the bead wrap are butt-jointed on the tire forming drum or arranged on the forming drum with a small mutual spacing. Therefore, the adhesive strip needs to be stretched during application to the forming drum.

[0005] Although known transfer rollers can adequately transfer the bead wrapping to the pre-transfer device on the forming drum, a drawback of known transfer drums is that the retention of the rear end of the bead wrapping and / or the rear end of the adhesive strip may be insufficient. In particular, when tension is applied to the elastomer strip, the rear end of the adhesive strip may shift and / or deform circumferentially on the transfer roller.

[0006] Therefore, the overlap of the rear and front ends of the rubber strips and / or bead wrapping on the tire forming drum may be inaccurate. Consequently, the splicing quality may be insufficient and / or inadequate. This can result in substandard tires.

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a transfer wheel, retaining member, and transfer device that can more accurately transfer tire components to the tire forming drum.

[0008] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a transfer wheel for transferring a tire component to a tire forming drum, wherein the transfer wheel is rotatable about a rotation axis, wherein the transfer wheel includes a support surface extending circumferentially about the rotation axis, wherein the transfer wheel further includes one or more rear end retaining members for holding the rear end of the tire component to the support surface, wherein each of the one or more rear end retaining members includes a first retaining element for holding the tire component and a second retaining element different from the first retaining element for holding the tire component, and wherein the second retaining element is arranged in the central region of the first retaining element.

[0009] Preferably, the first retaining element includes one or more suction orifices opening at the support surface, and the second retaining element includes a piercing element, such as a nail, arranged to protrude from the support surface.

[0010] Alternatively, the first retaining element includes one or more puncturing elements, and the second retaining element includes a suction orifice opening at the support surface.

[0011] One or more piercing elements or nails of the retaining member can be at least partially driven into the tire component. More specifically, the piercing element or nail can penetrate and / or puncture the tire component, particularly its rear end, to retain the tire component. By penetrating and / or puncturing the tire component, the nail can reliably retain the rear end of the tire component in the circumferential direction of the transfer wheel. Therefore, the position of the rear end in the circumferential direction of the transfer wheel can be controlled more accurately and / or precisely. Consequently, the tire component can be transferred to the forming drum more accurately and / or precisely.

[0012] Additionally, the suction port can pull the tire component onto or above the nail or puncture element. Therefore, the tire component can be held more reliably to the nail or puncture element. This prevents the tire component from being accidentally and / or unintentionally released from the nail or puncture element.

[0013] In one embodiment, the second retaining element is at least partially surrounded by the first retaining element. In other words, the central region is at least partially surrounded by the first retaining element. The suction orifice may be, for example, annular, substantially annular, or generally annular. Alternatively, a nail or piercing element may be arranged within the suction orifice. Thus, the suction orifice can pull the tire component in the area directly surrounding the nail. Consequently, the suction orifice can more effectively and / or precisely hold the tire component to the support surface at the location of the nail.

[0014] In another embodiment, each of the one or more rear-end retaining components includes a valve that is switchable between an open and a closed state, wherein in the open state, the corresponding one or more suction orifices are open, and in the closed state, the one or more suction orifices are closed. Preferably, the valve is automatically switchable. Thus, one or more suction orifices can be selectively opened and / or closed by switching the corresponding valve. Therefore, accidental opening of the corresponding valve (e.g., a valve not covered by the tire component) can be prevented. Thus, pressure loss or air leakage through the valve can be prevented.

[0015] In another embodiment, the valve is an actuated check valve that switches from a closed state to an open state when the tire component is received on the support surface through direct contact with the tire component. Therefore, the valve can be switched between open and closed states simply by the presence or absence of the tire component.

[0016] In another embodiment, one or more puncture elements are connected to a valve, wherein the valve can be switched by direct contact between the tire component and at least one of the corresponding one or more puncture elements. More specifically, the valve can be switched to an open position by pressing down at least one of the one or more puncture elements relative to a support surface. Thus, when one or more puncture elements initially do not puncture the tire component and / or are only partially pressed into the tire component, the puncture resistance can cause at least one of the one or more puncture elements to be pressed down by the tire component, thereby automatically activating one or more suction orifices. Thus, one or more suction orifices can further pull the tire component toward the support surface to further drive one or more puncture elements into the tire component. When one or more puncture elements are further driven into the tire component, the activation of one or more suction orifices can be canceled again and / or the suction can be reduced as one or more puncture elements return toward their original unpressed position. However, at this point, one or more puncture elements are sufficiently driven into the tire component such that the tire component can be reliably held by only one or more puncture elements.

[0017] In another embodiment, one or more piercing elements of the corresponding one or more rear-end retaining members extend radially in a direction perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the transfer wheel. In other words, one or more piercing elements extend in a direction perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the support surface. Therefore, one or more piercing elements can effectively retain the tire component in the circumferential direction. Additionally, the orientation of one or more piercing elements can improve the radial release of the tire component when transferring it to the tire forming drum. Alternatively, one or more piercing elements may extend, for example, in a direction angled relative to the direction perpendicular to the support surface.

[0018] In another embodiment, the transfer wheel further includes one or more body retaining members distributed circumferentially above the support surface to hold the tire component to the support surface. The body retaining members can effectively hold the portion or main body of the tire component between the front and rear ends to the support surface of the transfer wheel and / or its surroundings.

[0019] In one embodiment, the tire component includes a ferromagnetic material, wherein one or more body retaining members include one or more magnets for retaining the tire component by magnetic attraction. The one or more magnets may, for example, comprise a magnetic plate. Such a magnetic plate may be applied around the circumferential surface of the transfer wheel to form at least a portion of a support surface. The one or more magnets can effectively retain the tire component by attracting the ferromagnetic material.

[0020] In another embodiment, which can be used independently of the retaining member according to this invention, the support surface is a first support surface, and the transfer wheel further includes a second support surface, wherein the second support surface is arranged adjacent to the first support surface in a lateral direction parallel to the axis of rotation, and wherein the second support surface is recessed relative to the first support surface in a radial direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation. In other words, the first support surface forms a step relative to the second support surface. Optionally, both the first and second support surfaces extend circumferentially by a distance greater than or equal to the length of the tire component. Preferably, the first support surface is arranged at least at a radial position of the rear retaining member and / or at a radial position of the front retaining member. Optionally, the first support surface may be arranged only at a radial position of the rear retaining member and / or at a radial position of the front retaining member. The first and second support surfaces may each support a corresponding tire component. More particularly, the first support surface may support a second tire component relative to a first tire component supported on the second support surface. For example, the second support surface may support the bead wrap, and the first support surface may support the rubber strip relative to the bead wrap at a first side of the bead wrap. Therefore, sagging and / or deformation of the second tire component (e.g., rubber strip) can be reduced or ultimately prevented. Preferably, the radial height difference between the first and second support surfaces corresponds to or substantially corresponds to the thickness of the first tire component (e.g., bead wrap or steel bead wrap). Optionally, the first and / or second support surfaces can be radially adjustable relative to each other to accommodate the height difference between the first and second support surfaces.

[0021] In one embodiment, one or more body retaining members are arranged at the second support surface. Therefore, the one or more body retaining members can hold the first tire component to the second support surface. A second and / or third tire component can be adhered to the first tire component. Thus, the transfer wheel can retain the tire components by adhesion.

[0022] In another embodiment, one or more retaining members are arranged at the first support surface. Therefore, the retaining members can hold the rear end of the second tire component (i.e., the elastomeric strip or rubber strip). Thus, the rear end of the second tire component can be reliably held by one or more retaining members. Therefore, the tension of the second tire component can be controlled more precisely and / or accurately. Additionally, when the rear end of a sub-assembly of the tire component is transferred to the tire forming drum, the position of the rear end of the second tire component can be adjusted relative to the portion of the first tire component that has already been applied to the tire forming drum.

[0023] In another embodiment, the transfer wheel further includes a third support surface adjacent to the second support surface and laterally opposite the first support surface. The third support surface can support a third tire component, such as a second rubber strip, relative to the first tire component. Preferably, the first and third support surfaces are laterally movable relative to each other. Therefore, the distance between the first and third support surfaces can be adjusted to the width of the first tire component.

[0024] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a retaining member as described in the first aspect of the present invention for use in a transfer wheel according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0025] The advantages of retaining the component have already been discussed with regard to the transfer wheel in the first aspect, and will not be repeated for the sake of brevity.

[0026] According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a transfer device including a transfer wheel according to a first aspect of the present invention, wherein the transfer device further includes a supply conveyor for supplying tire components in a conveying direction and a first driver for driving relative displacement between the supply conveyor and the transfer wheel in a first engagement direction perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the transfer wheel.

[0027] The transfer device includes a transfer wheel according to the first aspect of the present invention, and therefore has the same advantages as described above.

[0028] In its preferred embodiment, the transfer device includes a tire forming drum, and wherein the transfer device further includes a second driver for driving relative displacement between the transfer wheel and the tire forming drum in a second engagement direction perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0029] According to a fourth aspect not claimed, the present invention provides a method for transferring a tire component to a tire forming drum using a transfer wheel according to a first aspect of the present invention or a transfer device according to a third aspect of the present invention, wherein the method includes the following steps:

[0030] a) Apply tire components around at least a portion of the support surface of the transfer wheel;

[0031] b) Apply the front end of the tire component to the tire forming drum; and

[0032] c) The tire component is transferred from the transfer wheel to the tire forming drum by rotating the transfer wheel about the axis of rotation in a first direction of rotation and simultaneously rotating the tire forming drum about the drum axis in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation.

[0033] This method uses a transfer wheel according to the first aspect of the present invention, and therefore has the same advantages as described above.

[0034] In one embodiment, step a) includes retaining the rear end of the tire component using at least one of one or more retaining members (i.e., a rear end retaining member). The rear end retaining member can reliably retain the rear end of the tire component.

[0035] In one embodiment, step c) includes stretching the rear end of the tire component before transferring it to the tire forming drum. The tire component can be stretched, for example, by applying a speed difference between the tire forming drum and the transfer wheel (i.e., between the circumferential speeds of the tire forming drum and the transfer wheel, respectively). A rear end retaining member can reliably hold the tire component circumferentially while it is being stretched. Therefore, the length of the tire component and / or the position of its rear end on the tire forming drum can be controlled more accurately and / or precisely. For example, the overlap between the rear and front ends of the tire component on the tire forming drum can be controlled more precisely. This can improve the quality of the resulting splice.

[0036] Whenever possible, the various aspects and features described and illustrated in the specification can be applied individually. These individual aspects can be the subject matter of a constituent patent application. Attached Figure Description

[0037] The present invention will be explained based on exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic drawings, in which:

[0038] Figure 1 An isometric view of a transfer wheel for transferring tire components according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0039] Figure 2A It shows according to Figure 1 Sectional view of line II-II in the middle;

[0040] Figure 2B It shows Figure 2A A cross-sectional view showing the tire component held to the transfer wheel;

[0041] Figures 3A to 3DA transfer device according to the present invention is shown for transferring a tire component from a supply conveyor to a tire forming drum during exemplary method steps according to the present invention.

[0042] Figure 4 According to Figure 2B The cross-sectional view shows an alternative transfer wheel according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 5 It shows the result based on line VV. Figure 4 A top view of the transfer wheel;

[0044] Figure 6 According to Figure 2B The cross-sectional view shows an alternative transfer wheel according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0045] Figure 7 It shows the line VII-VII Figure 6 A top view of the transfer wheel. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Figures 3A to 3D A transfer device 1 is shown for transferring a tire component or a sub-assembly 9 of tire components 91, 92 to a tire forming drum 12. The transfer device 1 includes a supply conveyor 11 for supplying the sub-assembly 9 and a transfer drum or transfer wheel 2 for transferring the sub-assembly 9 from the conveyor 11 to the tire forming drum 12. Optionally, the tire forming drum 12 may be part of the transfer device 1.

[0047] Conveyor 11 is arranged to support subassembly 9 and to convey or transfer subassembly 9 toward transfer wheel 2 along the conveying direction T. Conveyor 11 may be, for example, a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor. Conveyor 11 is arranged to direct subassembly 9 toward or into... Figure 3A The transfer location is shown.

[0048] The transfer wheel 2 is rotatable about a rotation axis A. The rotation axis A is arranged to extend perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the conveying direction T. Preferably, the transfer wheel 2 and the conveyor 11 are movable toward and away from each other along a first engagement direction Y. The first engagement direction Y extends perpendicular to the rotation axis A of the transfer wheel 2. In the embodiment shown, the transfer wheel 2 is movable toward and away from the conveyor 11 along the first engagement direction Y. Alternatively, the conveyor 11 is movable toward and away from the transfer wheel 2 along the engagement direction Y. The conveyor 11 may, for example, translate along the first engagement direction Y or pivot about a pivot axis (not shown) extending parallel to the rotation axis A of the transfer wheel 2. Preferably, the transfer device 1 includes a first driver (not shown) for driving the relative displacement between the transfer wheel 2 and the conveyor 11.

[0049] The tire forming drum 12 is rotatable about its axis D. The drum axis D and the axis of rotation A are arranged parallel or substantially parallel to transfer the sub-assembly 9 from the transfer wheel 2 to the tire forming drum 12. Preferably, the tire forming drum 12 and the transfer wheel 2 are movable toward and away from each other along a second engagement direction X. The second engagement direction X extends perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation A of the transfer wheel 2. In this particular embodiment, the second engagement direction X extends transversely to the first engagement direction Y. More specifically, the second engagement direction X extends along or parallel to the conveying direction T. Preferably, the transfer device 1 includes a second driver (not shown) for driving relative displacement between the transfer wheel 2 and the tire forming drum 12. The second driver may, for example, be arranged to drive displacement of the transfer wheel 2 in the second engagement direction X.

[0050] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B As best shown, subassembly 9 includes a first tire component 91 and a second tire component 92. The first tire component 91 is a cord-reinforced tire component. More specifically, the first tire component 91 is a bead wrap strip or a steel bead wrap. The first tire component 91 includes an elastomeric material 90 in which ferromagnetic cords 97 are embedded. The second tire component 92 includes a strip of elastomeric material. Preferably, the second tire component 92 is an elastomeric strip or a rubber strip. In this embodiment, as shown, the second tire component 92 is positioned at its first side 93 on the first tire component 91. Preferably, subassembly 9 also includes a third tire component (not shown), namely a second elastomeric strip or rubber strip, which will be positioned at a second side of the first tire component 91 opposite the first side 93 along the lateral direction L.

[0051] like Figures 3A to 3D As shown, sub-component 9 includes a front end LE and a rear end TE. Optionally, the front end LE and the rear end TE are beveled edges, that is, the edges of the front end LE and the rear end TE extend at an inclined angle relative to the longitudinal direction of sub-component 9.

[0052] In such Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the transfer wheel 2 includes an annular or generally annular body 20 extending about a rotation axis A in the circumferential direction C. In the embodiment shown, the body 20 does not form a complete circle around the rotation axis A. Alternatively, the body 20 may be completely annular or cylindrical, i.e., the body 20 may be continuous in the circumferential direction C.

[0053] The main body 20 includes a first support surface 21 for supporting the second tire component 92. The main body 20 also includes a second support surface 22 for supporting the first tire component 91. The second support surface 22 is adjacent to the first support surface 21 in a lateral direction L parallel to the axis of rotation A. The first support surface 21 and the second support surface 22 extend in a circumferential direction C. The first support surface 21 and the second support surface 22 extend outward in a radial direction B perpendicular to the axis of rotation A.

[0054] Optionally, such as Figure 1 As best shown, the first support surface 21 and the second support surface 22 protrude radially B from the body 20 of the transfer wheel 2. Preferably, the shape of the second support surface 22 corresponds to or substantially corresponds to the shape of the first tire component 91. More specifically, the shape of the edge of the second support surface 22 in the circumferential direction C corresponds to or substantially corresponds to the shape of the trailing edge TE of the first tire component 91. Therefore, the edge extends at an angle relative to the lateral direction L. In other words, the edge extends along a helical path. Preferably, the edge of the first support surface 21 in the circumferential direction C extends along the same helical path.

[0055] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B As best shown, the second support surface 22 is recessed relative to the first support surface 21. More specifically, the second support surface 22 is recessed relative to the first support surface 21 in the radial direction B. In other words, the first support surface 21 forms a step relative to the second support surface 22 in the radial direction B. The stepped first support surface 21 can support the second tire component 92 relative to the first tire component 91.

[0056] In the embodiment shown, the body 20 includes a single first support surface 21 for supporting a single second tire component 92 at a first side surface of the first tire component 91. Additionally, the body 20 may include a third support surface (not shown) for supporting a third tire component at a second side surface of the first tire component 91 opposite the first side surface in a lateral direction L. The third support surface is laterally adjacent to the second support surface 22 in a lateral direction L. The third support surface is arranged opposite to the first surface 21 in the lateral direction L. Preferably, the third support surface and the first support surface are arranged at the same radius relative to the axis of rotation A. Similar to the first support surface 21, the third support surface may form a step in the radial direction B relative to the second support surface. The stepped third support surface can support the third tire component relative to the first tire component 91. Optionally, the first support surface 21 and / or the third support surface may be laterally movable. In particular, the first support surface 21 and / or the third support surface may be laterally movable in a lateral direction L such that the mutual distance in the lateral direction L adapts to the width of the first tire component 91.

[0057] like Figure 2A and Figure 2BAs further shown, the transfer wheel 2 includes a body holding member 5 for holding the first tire component 91 to the second support surface 22. Preferably, the body holding member 5 includes one or more magnets for attracting the ferromagnetic cords 97 of the first tire component 91. Alternatively, the body holding member 5 may include, for example, a plurality of suction orifices. In this particular embodiment, the body holding member 5 includes a magnetic plate extending in the circumferential direction C.

[0058] like Figure 1 As further shown, the transfer wheel 2 includes one or more front-end retaining members 8 for retaining the front end LE of the sub-assembly 9. More specifically, the front-end retaining member 8 is arranged to retain the front end LE of the first tire component 91. The front-end retaining member 8 may, for example, include a vacuum port or a suction port.

[0059] The transfer wheel 2 also includes one or more rear end retaining members 6 for retaining the rear end TE of the sub-assembly 9. More specifically, the rear end retaining member 6 is arranged to retain the rear end TE of the second tire component 92.

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown, the rear-end retaining member 6 is arranged along the edge of the first support surface 21 in the circumferential direction C. In other words, the rear-end retaining member 6 is arranged along a helical path. Preferably, the angle of the helical path relative to the circumferential direction C corresponds to the angle of the trailing edge TE of the second tire component 92 relative to the longitudinal direction of the second tire component 92. Therefore, the second tire component 92 can be placed on the first support surface 21 such that the trailing edge TE of the second tire component 92 overlaps with two or more rear-end retaining members 6.

[0061] like Figure 2A and Figure 2B As best shown, each of the rear-end retaining members 6 includes a first retaining element 61 for retaining the rear end TE of the sub-assembly 9. In the embodiment shown, the first retaining element 61 includes a vacuum orifice or suction orifice 61. The suction orifice 61 opens toward a first support surface 21. In other words, the suction orifice 61 opens into or toward the first support surface 21. The suction orifice 61 is arranged to connect to a partial vacuum source or low-pressure source (not shown) to retain the second tire component 92 by suction.

[0062] The rear retaining member 6 also includes a valve 63 at each suction opening 61. In this example, the closing valve 6 is located at, near, adjacent to, or flush with the first support surface 21. More specifically, the valve is located within the body 20 of the transfer wheel 2. Each valve 63 can be located as follows: Figure 2B The enabled or enabled status shown is similar to... Figure 2AThe operation, movement, and / or switching between the disabled and closed states shown are as follows: in the enabled or open state, the corresponding suction orifice 61 is open; in the disabled or closed state, the corresponding suction orifice 61 is closed. In the open state, the suction orifice 61 can be in fluid communication with a portion of the vacuum source. In the closed state, the suction orifice 61 can be disconnected from a portion of the vacuum source. Valves 63 can be switched independently and / or individually relative to each other. In other words, one or more valves 63 can be switched to the closed state while other valves remain open.

[0063] In such Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the illustrated embodiment, each valve 63 includes a base 60 movable toward and away from the opening of the suction port 61 at the first support surface 21. The base 60 is arranged as follows: Figure 2A The closing position shown and as Figure 2B The base 60 moves between the indicated open positions. Preferably, the base is movable in a direction perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the first support surface 21. Preferably, this direction corresponds to or substantially corresponds to the radial direction B of the transfer wheel 2. In the closed position, the base 60 covers, blocks, or substantially blocks the opening of the suction orifice 61 at or near the first support surface 21. In the open position, the base 60 is displaced in a direction away from the first support surface so as not to block the opening of the suction orifice 61. The valve 63 includes a biasing element 64 for pushing the base 60 toward and / or into the closed position. The closed position of the base 60 corresponds to the closed state of the valve 63. Therefore, the open position of the base 60 corresponds to the open state of the valve 63.

[0064] In this example, valve 63 is an actuated check valve that can be switched from a closed state to an open state when the subassembly 9, particularly the second tire component 92, is received on the first support surface 21 through direct contact with the second tire component 92. In other words, the actuated check valve is operated solely by the weight of the second tire component 92 applied thereon. Alternatively, the switching of valve 63 can be performed mechanically and automatically, for example, by using an actuator, servo mechanism, solenoid, etc. Alternative types of shut-off valves with the same effect can be used, such as linear slide valves, gate valves, diaphragm valves, etc.

[0065] like Figure 2A and Figure 2BAs further shown, each of the retaining members 6 includes a second retaining element 62. In the embodiment shown, the second retaining element 62 includes a piercing element, particularly a needle, pin, or nail 62. The nail 62 is arranged to protrude from the first support surface 21. Preferably, the nail 62 extends radially B or substantially radially B. In other words, the nail 62 extends in a direction perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the support surface 21. Alternatively, the nail 62 may extend at an angle to the normal of the support surface 21. Preferably, the nail 62 extends in a radial plane spanned by radial B and lateral L.

[0066] The nail 62 is arranged to be driven into the subassembly 9. Specifically, the nail 62 is arranged to pierce or at least partially penetrate the second tire component 92. The nail 62 is arranged to retain the second tire component 92 in the circumferential direction C. Optionally, the nail 62 may be provided with a toothed or serrated structure for retaining the second tire component 92.

[0067] In the embodiment shown, each nail 62 is arranged on the base 60 of the corresponding valve 63. Therefore, the nail 62 can move relative to the first support surface 21 together with the base 60 of the valve 63. Preferably, the nail 62 protrudes from the first support surface 21 in both the open and closed positions of the base 60.

[0068] Each nail 62 is arranged, positioned, or located in the central region of the corresponding retaining member 6. The central region is defined by a suction orifice 61. Figure 2A and Figure 2B In one embodiment, the nail 62 is arranged inside the suction port 61.

[0069] Figure 4 and Figure 5 An alternative transfer wheel 102, including an alternative rear-end retaining member 106, is shown according to another embodiment of the present invention. The alternative rear-end retaining member 106 differs from the previously discussed rear-end retaining member 6 in that a central region is at least partially surrounded and / or enclosed by suction orifices 161. The suction orifices 161 may open into or at the first support surface 121 through multiple openings. In other words, the suction orifices 161 may include multiple openings at the first support surface 121. Additionally or alternatively, the multiple suction orifices 161 may be arranged around the central region to at least partially surround and / or enclose the central region. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As further shown, the retaining member 106 also includes a nail hole 165 for receiving the nail 162 and allowing the nail 162 to protrude from the first support surface 121.

[0070] Figure 6 and Figure 7An alternative transfer wheel 202, including an alternative rear-end retaining member 206, is shown according to another embodiment of the present invention. The alternative rear-end retaining member 206 differs from the previously discussed rear-end retaining members 6, 106 in that the first retaining element 261 includes one or more piercing elements 261. Therefore, the second retaining element 262 includes a suction orifice 262. The suction orifice 262 is located in a central region defined by the one or more piercing elements 261. The one or more piercing elements 261 and the suction orifice 262 function in a manner similar to that of the retaining members 6, 106 described above.

[0071] Specifically, the suction orifice 262 opens toward the first support surface 221 and is arranged to connect to a partial vacuum or low-pressure source to retain the second tire component 92 by suction. The retaining member 206 includes an alternative valve 263 for opening and closing the suction orifice 262. Figure 5 As best illustrated, valve 263 differs from valves 63 and 163 discussed previously in that its base 260 is further provided with a rod 266 for opening and / or closing additional orifices to connect or disconnect the suction orifice 262 from a partial vacuum or low-pressure source. The rod 266 extends from the base 260 in a direction away from the first support surface 221. Optionally, the rod 266 is also provided with a sealing ring 267.

[0072] The rod 266 and / or sealing ring 267 are not limited to this embodiment, but can be equivalently applied to the retaining members 6, 106 of the embodiment described above.

[0073] One or more piercing elements 261 are each arranged to be driven into subassembly 9. The piercing elements 261 are arranged to protrude radially B from the first support surface 221. Preferably, the piercing elements 261 are arranged on the base 260 of the valve 263 so that they can move relative to the first support surface 221 together with the base 260 in a manner similar to that of the aforementioned nails 62, 162. The first support surface 221 is provided with one or more piercing orifices 265, each configured to receive a corresponding piercing element 261. The piercing orifices 265 are also configured to allow radial movement B and protrusion from the support surface 221.

[0074] Alternatively, the first support surface 221 may include a single puncture orifice 265 for receiving the base 260 of the valve 263. Thus, one or more suction orifices 262 may extend through the base 260 of the valve 263 to retain the second tire component 92. Furthermore, in this configuration, the retaining member 206 may include a single annular, generally annular, or ring-shaped puncture element 261.

[0075] Use now Figures 2A to 2B and Figures 3A to 3DA method for transferring tire component 9 to tire forming drum 12 is further described.

[0076] like Figure 3A As shown, sub-assembly 9 has been supplied to conveyor 11 in the conveying direction T. Sub-assembly 9 includes a first tire component 91 (i.e., bead wrapping or steel bead wrapping), a second tire component 92, and a third tire component (not shown) (i.e., the first and second elastomeric strips or rubber strips, respectively).

[0077] The first tire component 91 has been disposed on top of the second tire component 92 and the third tire component. Preferably, the first tire component 91 has been adhered to the second tire component 92 and the third tire component.

[0078] The transfer wheel 2 has been positioned above the sub-assembly 9 in the second engagement direction Y. More specifically, the transfer wheel 2 has been rotated and / or positioned such that the front end retaining member 8 extends above the front end LE of the sub-assembly 9. The front end LE of the sub-assembly 9 is held by the front end retaining member 8.

[0079] like Figure 2A As shown, tire components 91 and 92 have not yet been applied to the first support surface 21 and the second support surface 22 at the radial position of the rear retaining member 6. Therefore, valve 63 is not pressed down and is pushed into the closed position by the corresponding biasing member 64.

[0080] like Figure 3B As shown, the transfer wheel 2 has been rotated about the axis of rotation A in a first rotational direction R1 to apply the sub-assembly 9 around the first support surface 21 and the second support surface 22. The first tire component 91 is held by one or more body retaining members 5. The second tire component 92 is held to the first tire component 91 by adhesion.

[0081] like Figure 2B As best shown, the rear end TE of the second tire component 92 is held by the rear end retaining member 6. Specifically, the first support surface 21 has been rotated and / or positioned above the second tire component 92. Therefore, the valve 63 of the rear end retaining member 6, which is now covered by the second tire component 92, has been depressed. Thus, the valve 63 is in its open position. Therefore, the suction port 61 is activated, and the second tire component 92 is held to the first support surface by suction. The nail 62 has been partially driven into the second tire component 92.

[0082] like Figure 3C As shown, the transfer wheel 2 and the conveyor 11 have moved relative to each other in the first engagement direction Y to separate the sub-assembly 9 from the conveyor 11. The transfer wheel 2 then moves further toward and contacts the tire forming drum 12.

[0083] The front end LE of sub-assembly 9 has been placed on tire forming drum 12. Subsequently, transfer wheel 2 has rotated about rotation axis A in a first rotation direction R1, while tire forming drum 12 rotates about drum axis D in a second rotation direction R2 opposite to the first rotation direction R1. Preferably, tire forming drum 12 and transfer wheel rotate at the same or approximately the same circumferential speed.

[0084] Typically, one or more tire layers (not shown) have been applied around the tire forming drum 12 before the sub-assembly 9 is transferred to it. In other words, the sub-assembly 9 is transferred to and / or applied around the one or more tire layers.

[0085] like Figure 3D As shown, another portion of sub-assembly 9 has been applied around tire forming drum 12. The rear end TE of sub-assembly 9 is held by transfer wheel 2. More specifically, the rear end of the first tire component 9 is held by one or more body retaining members 5. Therefore, the rear end of the second tire component 92 is held by one or more rear end retaining members 6.

[0086] The method now includes adjusting the rotational speed of the tire forming drum 12 and / or the rotational speed of the transfer wheel 2 such that the circumferential speed of the outer support surface of the tire forming drum 12 is greater than the circumferential speed of the first support surface 21. Therefore, the second tire component 92 can be stretched before and / or during the application of the rear end TE to the front end. Specifically, the second tire component 92 can be stretched relative to the first tire component 91. Therefore, the overlap between the rear end TE and the front end LE of the second tire component 92 can be increased.

[0087] In this method, sub-assembly 9 has already been pre-assembled and supplied on conveyor 11. Therefore, tire components 91 and 92 have been transferred to transfer wheel 2 as sub-assemblies 9. Alternatively, the method may include subsequently supplying the first tire component 91 and the second and third tire components 92. More specifically, the method may first include supplying the first tire component 91 to transfer wheel 2, and then subsequently supplying the second and third tire components 92 to transfer wheel 2.

[0088] It should be understood that the above description is intended 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 be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above discussion.

[0089] Figure label:

[0090] 1. Transfer device;

[0091] 2 transfer wheels;

[0092] 20 main bodies;

[0093] 21. First support surface;

[0094] 22 Second support surface;

[0095] 5. Main body retaining components;

[0096] 6. Rear-end retaining components;

[0097] 60 bases;

[0098] 61 suction port;

[0099] 62 nails;

[0100] 63 valves;

[0101] 64 bias components;

[0102] 8. Front-end retaining components;

[0103] 9 sub-components;

[0104] 91 First tire component;

[0105] 92 Second tire component;

[0106] 93 First side view;

[0107] 97 reinforced cord;

[0108] 11. Supply conveyor;

[0109] 12-shaped drum;

[0110] 102 alternative transfer wheel;

[0111] 120 main body;

[0112] 121 First support surface;

[0113] 106. Alternative rear-end retaining components;

[0114] 160 base;

[0115] 161 suction port;

[0116] 162 nails;

[0117] Valve 163;

[0118] 165 nail hole opening;

[0119] 202. Another alternative transfer wheel;

[0120] 220 main body;

[0121] 221 First support surface;

[0122] 206 Alternate rear-end retaining member;

[0123] 260 base;

[0124] 261 suction port;

[0125] 262 piercing element;

[0126] 263 valve;

[0127] 265 nail hole opening;

[0128] 266 strokes;

[0129] 267 sealing ring;

[0130] A. Rotation axis;

[0131] B radial;

[0132] C-circumference;

[0133] D-drum axis;

[0134] L-shaped lateral;

[0135] LE front end;

[0136] TE backend;

[0137] R1 is the first rotation direction;

[0138] R2 Second Rotation Direction;

[0139] T conveying direction;

[0140] X second engagement direction;

[0141] Y is the first bonding direction.

Claims

1. A transfer wheel for transferring tire components to a tire forming drum, characterized in that, The transfer wheel is rotatable about a rotation axis, wherein the transfer wheel includes a support surface extending circumferentially about the rotation axis, wherein the transfer wheel also includes one or more retaining members for holding the rear end of the tire component to the support surface, wherein each of the one or more retaining members includes a first retaining element for holding the tire component and a second retaining element different from the first retaining element for holding the tire component, and wherein the second retaining element is arranged in a central region defined by the first retaining element.

2. The transfer wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first retaining element includes one or more suction orifices opening at the support surface, and wherein the second retaining element includes a piercing element arranged to protrude from the support surface.

3. The transfer wheel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The piercing element is a nail.

4. The transfer wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first retaining element includes one or more piercing elements, and the second retaining element includes a suction port that opens at the support surface.

5. The transfer wheel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second retaining element is at least partially surrounded by the first retaining element.

6. The transfer wheel according to claim 3, characterized in that, The nail is positioned inside the suction port.

7. The transfer wheel according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the one or more retaining members includes a valve that is switchable between an open state and a closed state, wherein in the open state, a corresponding one or more suction orifices are open, and in the closed state, the one or more suction orifices are closed.

8. The transfer wheel according to claim 7, characterized in that, The valve can switch automatically.

9. The transfer wheel according to claim 8, characterized in that, The valve is a push-open check valve that can switch from the closed state to the open state when the tire component is received on the support surface through direct contact with the tire component.

10. The transfer wheel according to claim 6, characterized in that, One or more puncture elements are connected to the valve, wherein the valve can be switched by direct contact between the tire component and at least one of the one or more puncture elements.

11. The transfer wheel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The one or more piercing elements of the corresponding one or more retaining members extend radially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the transfer wheel.

12. The transfer wheel according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transfer wheel also includes one or more body retaining members distributed circumferentially on the support surface to retain the tire component to the support surface.

13. The transfer wheel according to claim 12, characterized in that, The tire component includes a ferromagnetic material, wherein the one or more body retaining members include one or more magnets for retaining the tire component by magnetic attraction.

14. The transfer wheel according to claim 12, characterized in that, The support surface is a first support surface, and the transfer wheel further includes a second support surface, wherein the second support surface is arranged adjacent to the first support surface in a lateral direction parallel to the rotation axis, and wherein the second support surface is recessed relative to the first support surface in a radial direction perpendicular to the rotation axis.

15. The transfer wheel according to claim 14, characterized in that, The one or more main body retaining members are arranged at the second support surface.

16. The transfer wheel according to claim 14, characterized in that, The one or more retaining members are arranged at the first support surface.

17. The transfer wheel according to claim 14, characterized in that, The transfer wheel also includes a third support surface, which is adjacent to the second support surface and opposite to the first support surface in the lateral direction.

18. The transfer wheel according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first support surface and the third support surface are movable relative to each other in the lateral direction.

19. A retaining member used in a transfer wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The retaining member includes a first retaining element for retaining the tire component and a second retaining element different from the first retaining element for retaining the tire component, wherein the second retaining element is arranged in a central region defined by the first retaining element.

20. A transfer device, the transfer device comprising a transfer wheel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transfer device further includes a supply conveyor for supplying the tire component in a conveying direction and a first driver for driving relative displacement between the supply conveyor and the transfer wheel in a first engagement direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the transfer wheel.

21. The transfer device according to claim 20, characterized in that, The transfer device includes a tire forming drum, and further includes a second driver for driving relative displacement between the transfer wheel and the tire forming drum in a second engagement direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

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