DEVICE FOR THE AFTERTREATMENT OF VULCANIZED TIRES

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for the post-treatment of vulcanized tires.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a tire heating press comprising at least one device for the post-treatment of vulcanized tires.

[0003] Devices for the post-treatment of vulcanized tires, also called Post Cure Inflator (PCI), are already known, which apply pressure to the tires that have been at least partially vulcanized using tire heating presses and treat them thermally in a more or less controlled manner, whereby the tires can be fully vulcanized by adding heat or cooled by removing heat.

[0004] With the aid of such post-treatment devices, which are available both as stand-alone machines and as a unit with a tire heating press, it is made possible in particular to cool a still hot vulcanized tire, which is still easily plastically deformable by external forces due to its temperature, in such a way that very high accuracies regarding the dimensions of the tire and the concentricity of the tire can be achieved.

[0005] Post-treatment devices with multiple stations are particularly advantageous, as they allow for the simultaneous treatment of several tires. For example, the arrangement of two stations one above the other in a module is known. Post-treatment devices with four stations, where two stations are arranged one above the other in a module, have proven especially advantageous in combination with double tire heating presses. Such a post-treatment device is disclosed, for example, in DE 10 2015 016 882 A1.

[0006] Such post-treatment devices often have a high degree of automation, with all stations of the post-treatment device being independently controllable.

[0007] For the post-treatment of at least partially vulcanized tires, a post-treatment device according to the prior art has two rim plates at each station. The tire can be clamped between these rim plates in the area of ​​the pips in such a way that the interior of the tire is sealed. After sealing, the interior of the tire can be pressurized by introducing a support gas, whereby the tire is fixed in the target size with respect to the width of the tire (approximately the distance from pip to pip) by a closing force (holding) that can be transmitted to at least one rim plate by means of at least one hydraulic cylinder.

[0008] The pressure that can be generated inside one or more tires using such a post-treatment device is in the range of up to about 4 bar for applications in the manufacture of passenger car tires, while for thick-walled bias tires (e.g. motor scooters, agricultural machinery, construction machinery, etc.) about 6 to 7 bar is common.

[0009] The maximum closing force of such a post-treatment device is approximately 170 kN.

[0010] Each station has a surrounding frame, which, due to the hydraulic locking mechanism and the high pressures during post-treatment, must be robust and therefore material-intensive and costly. The substructure located beneath the stations, which transfers the forces into the ground, is also necessary and complex.

[0011] To ensure the necessary stability, the frame of the post-treatment device has at least two support columns per module (each module comprising at least one station, possibly with several stations arranged one above the other per module). In the case of two support columns, these columns are located on opposite sides of the module. The support columns are connected to each other above and below each station by means of a crossbeam.

[0012] The resulting frame is very stable and solid, but it is heavy and very tall.

[0013] The weight of a known post-treatment device with four stations in two modules is approximately 3500 kg, and the height of the post-treatment device with base frame is on the order of approximately 4.6 m.

[0014] A device for the post-treatment of vulcanized tires is already known from CN 110733193 A, in which a post-treatment station for the tires has a support gas supply device. Furthermore, a tire positioned in the device can be pressurized from the inside.

[0015] Another device for the post-treatment of vulcanized tires is described in CN 106273588 A. Further components of devices for the post-treatment of vulcanized tires are disclosed in US 2016 / 009038 A1.

[0016] One object of the invention is to provide a post-treatment device for at least partially vulcanized tires which has an improved design with regard to the frame compared to the prior art.

[0017] This problem is solved by a post-treatment device for at least partially vulcanized tires according to claim 1.

[0018] Another object of the invention is to provide a post-treatment device for at least partially vulcanized tires with a reduced size.

[0019] This problem is solved according to the invention by a post-treatment device for at least partially vulcanized tires according to dependent claim 3.

[0020] Another objective of the invention is to create a tire heating press that solves the aforementioned problems.

[0021] This task is solved by a tire heating press according to dependent claim 8.

[0022] Furthermore, a post-treatment device according to the invention has a pneumatic supply device for introducing and releasing support gas into and out of a tire to be treated, so that a tire to be treated can be pressurized from the inside.

[0023] The frame of a post-treatment device according to the invention has exactly one vertically oriented support column to which the upper and lower crossbeams of each station are attached.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the post-treatment device has two stations for post-treating a tire that is at least partially vulcanized.

[0025] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the post-treatment device has four stations for post-treating an at least partially vulcanized tire, with two stations arranged one above the other.

[0026] In one embodiment of the invention, this has at least two stations, wherein at least two of the stations of the post-treatment device are arranged on opposite sides of the support column in a top view.

[0027] In another embodiment of the invention, at least two of the stations are arranged in a top view at an angle of less than 180° to each other, so that the width of the post-treatment device is reduced compared to stations arranged opposite each other.

[0028] In one embodiment of the invention, at least two of the stations are arranged in a top view at approximately a right angle (90°) to each other.

[0029] According to the invention, the reduction of the width of the post-treatment device can also be achieved by arranging the stations in an angular range to each other of slightly less than 90° to slightly less than 180° in a top view, wherein the minimum angle depends on the diameter of the individual stations and on the loading and unloading device used.

[0030] In one embodiment of the invention, each station of the post-treatment device has two rim plates between which a tire can be fixed for post-treatment. To fix the tire, at least one of the rim plates is movable, so that the distance to the other rim plate can be changed.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, exactly one rim plate is movable at each station, and the other rim plate is fixed and immovable on the associated traverse.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each station has at least one pneumatic drive with which the movable rim plates of the post-treatment device can be pneumatically driven. For locking the individual treatment stations, the post-treatment device according to the invention has an associated mechanical locking device for each station.

[0033] By combining a pneumatic drive for the rim plates with a mechanical holding device, the use of hydraulic cylinders can be dispensed with according to the invention. This eliminates the need for a force flow through a frame that runs around the outside of each station.

[0034] In one embodiment of the invention, the mechanical locking device is designed as a hammerhead locking mechanism or as a mushroom head locking mechanism.

[0035] In one embodiment of the invention, the post-treatment device has a bead breaker at each station, with which the tire of the respective station can be bead broken off from the respective rim after the tire has been post-treated. This reduces the risk of the tires sticking to the rims and facilitates tire removal from the post-treatment device.

[0036] According to the invention, the post-treatment station has at least two stations, wherein the stations implement a consistently common driving mode at least in pairs.

[0037] Assigning the stations in pairs to a consistently common operating mode enables optimal adaptation of the post-treatment device to use with a double tire heating press, so that the tires removed from the vulcanization chambers of the heating press in one production cycle can be post-treated simultaneously.

[0038] The implementation of the consistently common driving method is achieved through the shared use of the pneumatic control devices by the respective assigned stations, so that all assigned stations are controlled identically.

[0039] In particular, in one embodiment of the invention, the pneumatic lines for introducing support gas into the tires in the respective stations and for venting the tires in the respective stations are connected to each other, so that the supply of support gas to all associated stations takes place simultaneously via a centrally controlled valve.

[0040] In one embodiment of the invention, the pneumatic drives of the movable rim plates of the associated stations are connected to each other, so that an approximately synchronous movement of the rim plates of the associated stations takes place.

[0041] In one embodiment of the invention, the pneumatic lines of the pressure-relieving devices of the associated stations are connected to each other, so that they can be actuated simultaneously via a centrally controlled valve.

[0042] In an embodiment of the invention with four stations, these are assigned to each other in pairs for consistently common driving, wherein the two upper stations and the two lower stations are assigned to each other.

[0043] In one embodiment of the invention, the pneumatic devices of all stations of the post-treatment device are designed in such a way that they are actuated in the same way for all stations.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the post-treatment device has a width adjustment device for each post-treatment station, with which the distance between the rim plates can be adjusted when the post-treatment station is closed. This allows tires of different widths to be treated with one post-treatment device.

[0045] Particularly preferably, the width adjustment device has fixed mechanically adjustable stops, so that a movement of the respective movable rim plate to a first mechanical stop for the open state of the post-treatment station and a second mechanical stop for the closed state of the post-treatment station is possible.

[0046] Advantageously, initiators or switches are installed in the area of ​​the mechanical stops for monitoring the end positions, so that the drive of the movable rim plate can be controlled accordingly.

[0047] The use of fixed, mechanically adjustable stops for the width adjustment device makes it possible to do without a displacement measuring system, which requires expensive measuring technology.

[0048] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, each post-treatment station has a bead breaker device with which a post-treated tire can be bead broken off from the upper (movable) rim plate. Otherwise, if a post-treated tire sticks to the movable rim plate, it could be moved upwards with it and damaged in the process or by falling.

[0049] A post-treatment device according to the invention for at least partially vulcanized tires also offers the following advantages: Stationary installation of the components is possible. The post-treatment device can be loaded and unloaded directly using the unloader of an associated heat press. Alternatively, this can also be done with a separate loading and unloading device assigned to the post-treatment device. The design is space-saving at the installation site. The construction from small, modular, and easily machined units enables production in small and simple machines.

[0050] A tire heating press according to the invention has at least one post-treatment device according to the invention.

[0051] Preferably, the post-treatment device is arranged in such a way that the unloader of the tire heating press can be used as a loader and unloader of the post-treatment device.

[0052] The figures described below schematically illustrate details of exemplary embodiments of the invention. They show: Figure 1: A perspective view of a post-treatment device according to the invention with four stations, Figure 2a: A station of a post-treatment device according to the invention in an open state, Figure 2b: A station of a post-treatment device according to the invention in a closed state and Figure 3: A schematic representation of the pneumatic system of an embodiment of a post-treatment device according to the invention.

[0053] In Figur 1Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a post-treatment device (1) according to the invention, comprising four stations (2). The post-treatment device (1) has a frame consisting of a single central support column (3a) and crossbeams (3b) attached to the support column (3a) in the area of ​​the stations (2). Each station (2) is arranged in the area of ​​two crossbeams (3b), which are connected to the support column (3a) at a distance above one another. The stations (2) arranged one above the other each share a crossbeam (3b), so that the post-treatment device (1) has a total of six crossbeams (3b).

[0054] Each station (2) has a movable rim plate (4a) and a stationary rim plate (4b), wherein the movable rim plate (4a) is movable towards or away from the stationary rim plate (4b) by means of a pneumatic drive (5). The movable rim plate (4a) is always the upper rim plate (4a), so that a treated tire can remain on the lower rim plate (4b) when the treatment station (2) is opened. In the illustrated embodiment, the axis of movement is vertical and approximately parallel to the support column (3a).

[0055] The stations (2) are each equipped with a mechanical interlock (6) designed as a hammerhead locking mechanism. The movable rim plate (4a) has a pin projecting centrally from it towards the stationary rim plate (4b) of station (2), the head of which is designed as a hammerhead. The stationary rim plate (4b) has a through-opening in its center through which the pin of the movable rim plate (4a) passes when it is moved towards the stationary rim plate (4b) by means of the pneumatic drive (5). A locking element is arranged below the stationary rim plate (4b) of station (2) that engages the hammerhead of the pin in a positive-locking connection when the station (2) is locked. The locking element is movable by means of a locking drive (7).

[0056] On its underside, the support column (3a) has a mounting plate (8) with which the post-treatment device (1) can be attached directly to the floor of the production site.

[0057] The Figure 2a and 2b show a station (2) of an embodiment of a post-treatment device (1) according to the invention in an open state ( Figur 2a ) and in a closed state ( Figur 2b ). In particular, the locking element of the mechanical interlock (6) arranged on the underside of the stationary rim plate (4b) can be seen, which can be moved back and forth along an axis by means of the locking drive (7).

[0058] In Figure 3Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of at least one part of the pneumatic system of an embodiment of a post-treatment device (1) according to the invention, wherein the post-treatment device (1) has four stations (2) in each of which a tire (20) to be post-treated is arranged.

[0059] The aftertreatment device (1) has a supply device for a support gas for each station (2), with which the tire (20) located in the respective station (2) can be pressurized from the inside. The supply devices of the stations are pneumatically interconnected such that the two upper stations (2) can be supplied with support gas via a common upper supply valve (11a) and the two lower stations (2) via a common lower supply valve (11b).

[0060] The post-treatment device (1) further comprises a bead breaker (9) for each station (2), with which a post-treated tire (20) can be bead broken off the movable rim plate (4a). The bead breaker devices (9) are pneumatically interconnected such that the bead breaker devices (9) of the upper stations (2) can be controlled via a common upper bead breaker valve (12a) and the bead breaker devices (9) of the lower stations can be controlled via a common lower bead breaker valve (12b).

[0061] This ensures a consistently joint operating mode for both the upper and lower stations (2) of the post-treatment device (1).

[0062] The after-treatment device (1) further comprises a main valve (13) for the pneumatic system, consisting at least of the supply to the pressure-cutting devices (9) and the supply devices for support gas, with which the pneumatic supply can be centrally controlled or switched.

[0063] In the area of ​​the feed devices, the aftertreatment device (1) has a pressure regulating valve (14) with which the pressure of the support gas supplied to the stations (2) can be regulated. The upper and lower stations (2) each have a common pressure measuring device (15) so that the pressure that can be introduced into the respective tires (20) can be regulated by means of the aftertreatment device (1).

Claims

1. Post-treatment device (1) for at least partially vulcanized tires (20), comprising at least two stations (2) for post-treating tires (20) and at least one support gas supply device, with which a tire (20) located in the station (2) of the post-treatment device (1) can be pressurized from the inside, wherein the post-treatment device (1) has exactly one support column (3a), characterized in that the stations (2) each have a pneumatic drive (5) for driving the at least one movable rim plate (4a), wherein the interlocking of the stations (2) is achieved by a mechanical lock (6) and that a consistently common mode of operation of at least two stations (2) is achieved by a corresponding pneumatic interconnection of the stations (2).

2. Post-treatment device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the mechanical lock (6) is designed as a hammer head lock.

3. Post-treatment device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support column (3a) can be mounted directly on the floor of a production site without the use of a base frame.

4. Post-treatment device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stations (2) connected approximately at the same height as the support column (3a) are arranged at an angle of less than 180° to each other on the support column (3a).

5. Post-treatment device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two stations (2) are arranged one above the other on the support column (3a).

6. Post-treatment device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has four stations (2), with two stations (2) each arranged one above the other.

7. Post-treatment device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stations (2) are assigned in pairs to a consistently common mode of operation.

8. Tire heating press comprising at least one post-treatment device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims.