Transfer ring segment, transfer ring and method for transferring a tire component

Abstract

The invention relates to a transfer ring segment, a transfer ring (1) and a method for transferring a tire component, wherein the transfer ring segment comprises a plurality of first pins (41) and a segment body (30) that is provided with a plurality of first sliding channels (31) in which the plurality of pins are slidably received, wherein each first sliding channel of the plurality of sliding channels has a channel head through which a respective first pin of the plurality of first pins protrudes out of the segment body (30) and a channel base opposite to the channel head, wherein the respective first pin fluidically seals the respective sliding channel of the plurality of first sliding channels between the channel head and the channel base, wherein the segment body (30) is further provided with a first manifold (35) that interconnects the plurality of first sliding channels (31) at the respective channel bases of the plurality of first sliding channels in fluid communication.

Description

[0001] Transfer ring segment, transfer ring and method for transferring a tire component

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] The invention relates to a transfer ring segment, a transfer ring comprising said transfer ring segment and a method for transferring one or more tire components using said transfer ring .

[0004] WO 2022 / 130235 Al discloses an apparatus for gripping annular components of tires for vehicle wheels . The apparatus has gripping elements circumferentially distributed around a central axis and movable relative to a support structure to radially approach the annular component . Each gripping element is provided with a plurality of feeler pins which are individually elastically pushed outward by an elastic element, specifically a return spring . The feeler pins are brought into contact with the annular component and are pushed inwards against the force of the elastic elements , thereby copying the shape of the outer surface . The apparatus is further provided with a grid of brake inserts of elastomeric material with a high friction coefficient , fixed to one or more actuation plates which are configured to be moved by a thrust actuator, thereby pushing and compressing the brake inserts against the feeler pins in a direction transverse to the sliding direction of said feeler pins . The feeler pins are then locked by friction with respect to the gripping elements in order to prevent further radially inward movement of said feeler pins upon removal of the support drum from within the annular component . SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] A disadvantage of the known apparatus is that it requires an individual return spring and an individual brake insert for each feeler pin, and one or more actuation plates and thrust actuators for each gripping element to push said brake inserts against the respective feeler pins , all j ust to prevent that the return springs push the feeler pins further radially inwards as soon as the support drum is removed from within the annular component . Considering that the known apparatus has six gripping elements , the number of return springs , brake inserts , actuation plates and thrust actuators is considerable . All of these components require maintenance and are subj ect to failure . As a result, the known apparatus is complex and high-maintenance .

[0006] It is an obj ect of the present invention to provide a transfer ring segment, a transfer ring comprising said transfer ring segment and a method for trans ferring one or more tire components using said transfer ring, wherein the complexity of the transfer ring segment and / or the trans fer ring as a whole can be reduced, and / or the maintenance requirements thereof can be reduced .

[0007] According to a first aspect , the invention provides a transfer ring segment for transferring a tire component, wherein the transfer ring segment comprises a plurality of first pins and a segment body that is provided with a plurality of first sliding channels in which the plurality of first pins are slidably received, wherein each first sliding channel of the plurality of first sliding channels has a channel head through which a respective first pin of the plurality of first pins protrudes out of the segment body and a channel base opposite to the channel head, wherein the respective first pin fluidically seals the respective first sliding channel of the plurality of first sliding channels between the channel head and the channel base, wherein the segment body is further provided with a first mani fold that interconnects the plurality of first sliding channels at the respective channel bases of the plurality of first sliding channels in fluid communication .

[0008] When the first manifold is filled with the fluid, each first pin can be fluidically connected to every other first pin of the plurality of first pins via the first manifold . In particular, any first pin that is pushed inwards into its respective first sliding channel as a result of contact with the tire component causes a displacement of fluid in an amount that is distributed over the first sliding channels of the first pins that still have freedom of movement with respect to the tire component . As a result , the plurality of first pins will automatically conform to, adapt to or copy the shape, contour and / or cross sectional profile of the tire component . Once an equilibrium has been reached, the transfer ring segment can be moved away from the tire component while the plurality of first pins can be held in place automatically and / or solely by fluid pressure . The shape, contour and / or cross sectional profile of the tire component can thus be maintained and / or memori zed by the first pins . Advantageously, no separate locking elements , brakes , actuators or the like are required to lock the first pins against further movement . The complexity and / or maintenance of the transfer ring segment can thus be significantly reduced .

[0009] In a preferred embodiment the first mani fold defines a single chamber that is in fluid communication simultaneously with all first sliding channels . Hence, all first sliding channels can be interconnected by a single chamber so that each first pin is responsive to the displacement of the other first pins .

[0010] In an alternative embodiment the segment body is further provided with a plurality of second sliding channels in which a plurality of second pins are slidably received, wherein the segment body comprises a second mani fold that interconnects the plurality of second sliding channels in fluid communication . The first pins and the second pins may be controlled different to each other, for example to adj ust for an uneven or non-circular circumference of the tire component .

[0011] In a further embodiment the first mani fold comprises a plurality of conduits interconnecting the plurality of first sliding channels in fluid communication . The plurality of conduits may form interconnect the first sliding channels in the same way as a single chamber, yet with less volume .

[0012] In a preferred embodiment each first sliding channel of the plurality of first sliding channels has a cross sectional area, wherein the transfer ring segment, at each first sliding channel of the plurality of first sliding channels , is provided with a restriction element restricting fluid communication between the first mani fold and the respective first sliding channel to a restricted area that is smaller than the cross sectional area of the respective first sliding channel . By restricting the fluid communication between first mani fold and the first sliding channels , a fluid with a certain viscosity will have dif ficulty passing through the restricted area . Consequently, a larger force is required to overcome the resistance and get the first pin moving . The ratio between the cross sectional area and the restricted area can thus be chosen such that the first pins can be moved when pressing the respective transfer segment with a certain force against the tire component, while the first pins remain in position when such force is absent .

[0013] More preferably, the restricted area is less than sixty percent of the cross sectional area of the respective first sliding channel , and preferably less than forty percent of the cross sectional area of the respective first sliding channel . The smaller the restricted area, the higher the force that is required to get the respective first pin moving .

[0014] In another embodiment the transfer ring segment comprises the fluid in the first mani fold . In this embodiment, the first mani fold is not only suitable for receiving the fluid; it actually holds the fluid . In other words , the fluid, in this embodiment, is part of the trans fer ring segment . Preferably, the first manifold is completely filled with the fluid . The responsiveness of the first pins to displacements in the fluid can therefore be more direct and / or reliable .

[0015] In another embodiment the hydraulic fluid has a viscosity of at least one-hundredth of a newton-second per square meter at twenty-five degrees Celsius . At such a viscosity, the hydraulic fluid can effectively be restricted from passing between the first sliding channel and the hydraulic chamber under a certain force threshold .

[0016] In another embodiment the fluid is a hydraulic liquid or a pneumatic gas . Both types of fluid can be displaced by the movement of one first pin, thereby causing the displacement of another first pin .

[0017] In another embodiment the fluid is a hydraulic liquid or a pneumatic gas , in particular an oil , a coolant , water or air .

[0018] In another embodiment the transfer ring segment comprises a viscosity controller for controlling the viscosity of the fluid in the first mani fold . The viscosity controller may be a heater or a cooler . Heating or cooling the fluid may change its properties , such as its state or viscosity, thereby controlling its resistance to displacement between the first mani fold and the first sliding channels . Alternatively, the viscosity controller may control the viscosity in another way, for example by magnetically attracting ferromagnetic powder in oil .

[0019] In another embodiment the first mani fold, the plurality of first sliding channels and the plurality of first pins form a closed hydraulic or pneumatic system. Hence , any displacement of the fluid as a result of a movement of one of the first pins can be converted directly into a corresponding movement of one or more of the other first pins .

[0020] In another embodiment the plurality of first sliding channels extend mutually parallel . The first pins can thus be slid into and out of the respective first sliding channels in the same direction . In another embodiment the plurality of first sliding channels are distributed over the segment body in a plurality of rows and columns . The plurality of first pins can thus be pressed against the tire component to conform to its shape in at least two directions , parallel to the rows and columns , respectively . In particular, the plurality of first pins can copy the curvature of the tire component in one direction and the cross sectional profile of the tire component in the other direction .

[0021] In another embodiment one or more first sliding channels of the plurality of first sliding channels and / or one or more first pins of the plurality of first pins are extended in length relative to the other of the first sliding channels and / or the first pins . The extended first pins may be moved outside of the segment body over a larger distance and can therefore still be made to contact the tire component , even i f said tire component has a relatively small radius .

[0022] According to a second aspect , the invention provides a trans fer ring for trans ferring a tire component, wherein the transfer ring comprises a frame extending about a central axis , a plurality of transfer ring segments corresponding to the transfer ring segment according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, distributed along the frame in a circumferential direction about said central axis and a drive mechanism to move the plurality of transfer ring segments towards the central axis .

[0023] The transfer ring comprises a plurality of transfer ring segments corresponding to the trans fer ring segment of the first aspect of the invention and thus has the same technical advantages , which will not be repeated hereafter .

[0024] In an embodiment the transfer ring is further provided with fluid redistribution conduits between the transfer ring segments to allow for transfer of fluid between the first mani folds of the respective trans fer ring segments . The transfer of fluid may allow for the pins in one or more transfer ring segments to be extended further or less far compared to other pins of other transfer ring segments , for example to compensate for misalignment between the trans fer ring and the tire component .

[0025] According to a third aspect , the invention provides a method for trans ferring a tire component using the transfer ring according to the second aspect of the invention, wherein the method comprises the steps of : providing a tire component radially inside the transfer ring; moving the plurality of trans fer ring segments towards the central axis into contact with a curvature of the tire component while said tire component is still supported by a drum radially from within said tire component ; conforming the plurality of first pins to the curvature of the tire component in response to the contact of the plurality of transfer ring segments with said curvature .

[0026] The method relates to the practical implementation of the transfer ring of the second aspect of the invention and thus has the same technical advantages , which will not be repeated hereafter .

[0027] In a preferred embodiment the method further comprises the step of : conforming the plurality of first pins to a cross-sectional profile of the tire component in response to the contact of the plurality of transfer ring segments with said cross sectional profile .

[0028] In a further embodiment the method further comprises the step of : displacing the first pins of the plurality of first pins of a respective transfer ring segment of the plurality of transfer ring segments relative to each other as a result of the contact of the respective trans fer ring segment with said curvature .

[0029] In another embodiment the method further comprises the step of : fluidically holding the first pins of the plurality of first pins of a respective transfer ring segment of the plurality of transfer ring segments in place in the absence of an external force acting on the plurality of first pins . By holding the first pins in place , the first pins can be used in their preset position to engage the same tire component or similar tire components .

[0030] In another embodiment the method further comprises the steps of : removing the drum from within the tire component ; and retaining the tire component solely with the transfer ring . As the tire component is now unsupported by the drum, it may collapse or deform when too much force is applied . However, as the first pins have copied to the shape of the tire component, they can remain in place to securely and geometrically fit around the tire component without applying to much force onto the tire component itself .

[0031] Preferably, the plurality of trans fer ring segments are pressed against the tire component with a first pressing force when said tire component is still supported on the drum, wherein the first pressing force is reduced to a second pressing force smaller than the first pressing force or reduced to zero when the drum is removed from within the tire component . By reducing the second pressing force relative to the first pressing force , or by reducing the first pressing force to zero, it can be prevented that the first pins are moved as a result of the pressing force .

[0032] In another embodiment the method further comprises the steps of : transferring one or more further tire components using the transfer ring; and automatically adj usting the first pins of the plurality of first pins of a respective transfer ring segment of the plurality of transfer ring segments to a change in contour between the tire component and the one or more further tire components upon contact of the respective transfer ring segment with said one or more further tire components . In particular, the first pins that have already been moved into position during a previous cycle of the method to copy the shape of the tire component may adj usted minimally when contacting a slightly dif ferent shape of a further tire component with a pressing force suf ficient to overcome the resistance to movement of the respective first pins .

[0033] In another embodiment the tire component is a tread or a belt-and-tread package . A tread has a non-linear cross sectional profiles with grooves and ridges . The first pins of the transfer ring segments according to the present invention are particularly suitable for automatically conforming to, adapting to or copying such a cross sectional profile .

[0034] The various aspects and features described and shown in the specification can be applied, individually, wherever possible . These individual aspects , in particular the aspects and features described in the attached dependent claims , can be made subj ect of divisional patent applications .

[0035] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The invention will be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the attached schematic drawings , in which : figure 1 shows a front view of a tire component, a drum for supporting said tire component and a trans fer ring according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention with a plurality of transfer ring segments for transferring the tire component ; figure 2 shows an isometric view of one of the transfer ring segments of the trans fer ring of figure 1 ; figures 3A-3C show cross sections of the transfer ring segment according to the line I I I- I I I in figure 2 during the steps of pressing against tire components with different curvatures ; figures 4A-4E show cross sections of the transfer ring segment according to the line IV-IV m figure 2 during the steps of pressing against a cross sectional profile of the tire component ; figure 5 shows a cross section of the transfer ring segment at one of its sliding channels according to figure 3A; figure 6 shows a cross section of an alternative transfer ring segment according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention figure 7 shows a bottom view of a further alternative trans fer ring segment according to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention; figure 8 shows a cross section of a further alternative transfer ring segment according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention; and figure 9 shows i front view of an alternative transfer ring according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the invention .

[0037] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] Figure 1 shows a trans fer ring 1 for transferring a tire component 9 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention .

[0039] The transfer ring 1 is used for transferring the tire component 9 between a drum 8 , for example a building drum or a belt-and-tread drum, and another station . The other station may be another drum, for example a shaping drum, or a green tire removal unit .

[0040] The transfer ring 1 comprises a frame 2 extending about a central axis S and a plurality of transfer ring segments 3 distributed along the frame 2 in a circumferential direction C about said central axis S . The transfer ring 1 further comprises a drive mechanism 6 to move the plurality of trans fer ring segments 3 towards the central axis S .

[0041] In this example , the frame 2 has an annular shape or a ring shape . Alternatively, the frame 2 may have a dif ferent shape , provided that the transfer ring 1 can be moved into a trans fer position in which said frame 2 extends around the drum 8 .

[0042] Moreover, in this example, the drive mechanism 6 comprises a plurality of actuators , for example linear actuators or servo motors , for individually driving the movement of the transfer ring segments 3 towards the central axis S . Alternatively, a common drive mechanism may be provided, for example using planetary gears , to drive the movement of all transfer ring segments 3 towards the central axis S synchronously .

[0043] The transfer ring segments 3 are movable with at least a vector component in a radial direction R perpendicular to the central axis S .

[0044] Figure 2 shows one trans fer ring segment 3 of the plurality of trans fer ring segments 3 in more detail . This transfer ring segment 3 is representative of each transfer ring segment 3 of the plurality of trans fer ring segments 3 .

[0045] As shown in figure 2 , the trans fer ring segment 3 comprises a segment body 30 with a plurality of first sliding channels 31 , in particular bores or cylinders . The first sliding channels 31 are formed in or within the segment body 30 . In this example , the first sliding channels 31 are mutually parallel . The plurality of first sliding channels 31 are distributed over the segment body 30 in a plurality of rows X and columns Y . In this example , the rows X and columns Y are perpendicular to each other . In particular, the plurality of first sliding channels 31 are arranged in a matrix-like pattern or in a rectangular grid . In this example, the rows X are parallel or substantially parallel to the central axis S , while the columns Y extend tangent to the circumferential direction C . Alternatively, the rows X and columns Y may be arranged at an oblique angle to each other .

[0046] Each first sliding channel 31 has an outer end or a channel head 33 that is open towards or communicating with the outside of said segment body 30 . As further shown in the cross section of figure 3A, each first sliding channel 31 further has an inner end or a channel base 34 , opposite to the channel head 33 .

[0047] As best seen in figure 3A, the segment body 30 is further provided with a first manifold 35 for containing a fluid H, for example a liquid or a gas , such as coolant, oil , water or air . In this example, the fluid H has a viscosity of at least one-hundredth of a newton-second per square meter (N - s / m2) or pascal-second ( Pa - s ) at twenty-five degrees Celsius .

[0048] The first mani fold 35 is in fluid, hydraulic or pneumatic communication with the plurality of first sliding channels 31 at the respective channel bases 34 of the plurality of first sliding channels 31 . In other words , the first sliding channels 31 are open at their respective channel bases 34 to allow for passage of the fluid H between the first sliding channels 31 and the first manifold 35. As the first manifold 35 is simultaneously connected to all first sliding channels 31 , it will be appreciated that the first sliding channels 31 are all hydraulically, pneumatically or fluidically interconnected via the first manifold 35.

[0049] As best seen in figure 3A, the transfer ring segment 3 is further provided with a plurality of first pistons , fingers or pins 4 which are slidably inserted and / or received in the plurality of first sliding channels 31 . In particular, the number of first pins 41 is equal to the number of first sliding channels 31 , such that each first pin 4 can be received in one first sliding channel 31 of the plurality of first sliding channels 31 .

[0050] The first sliding channels 31 and the first pins 41 are able to cooperate like a piston and a cylinder . In particular, each first pin 4 comprises a piston rod 43 that protrudes out of the first sliding channel 31 in which the respective first pin 4 is received through the channel head 33 . In this example, all first pins 41 protrude out of the segment body 30 at the same side of said segment body 30 . The piston rod 43 has a distal end or a free end that protrudes out of the segment body 30 through the channel head 33 for contacting the tire component 9 when the respective transfer ring segment 3 is moved towards the central axis S . In this example, the distal end of the piston rod 43 is slightly rounded, chamfered or dome shaped .

[0051] Each first pin 4 further comprises a piston seal 44 for fluidically sealing the first sliding channel 31 in which the respective first pin 4 is received . The piston seal 44 seals the first sliding channel 31 at a position between the channel head 33 and the channel base 34 . In this example , the piston seal 44 is wider than the piston rod 43 to stop the respective first pin 4 from moving through the channel head 33 out of the segment body 30 .

[0052] Note that the channel head 33 is slightly wider than the piston rod 43 to allow for air to escape from the first sliding channel 31 through the channel head 33 ahead of the piston seal 44 .

[0053] As best seen in figure 5, each first sliding channel 31 has a cross sectional area Al . In this example, the first sliding channel 31 has a sliding channel contour Pl that is straight cylindrical or circular, having a sliding channel diameter DI . The trans fer ring segment 3 is further provided, at each first sliding channel 31 , with a restriction element 37 for restricting fluid communication between the first manifold 35 and the respective first sliding channel 31 to a restricted area A2 . The restricted area A2 is smaller than the cross sectional area Al of the respective first sliding channel 31 . In this example , the restricted area A2 is less than forty percent of the cross sectional area Al .

[0054] As shown in figure 3A, the restriction element 37 is an internal rim that is integral with the segment body 30 . Alternatively, the internal rim may be mounted to the segment body 30 as a separate element, extending from the segment body 30 into the respective first sliding channel 31 . As best seen in figure 5, the internal rim offsets the sliding channel contour Pl of the cross sectional area Al of the respective first sliding channel 31 inwards to a restricted contour P2 . The first pins 41 are movable in their respective first sliding channels 31 over a stroke Z . In this example, the stroke Z is defined by the freedom of movement of the first pins 41 between the restriction elements 37 and the channel head 33 of the respective first sliding channels 31 .

[0055] As shown in figure 3A, the trans fer ring segment 3 optionally comprises a viscosity controller 5 , such as a heater or a cooler, for controlling the viscosity of the fluid H in the first mani fold 35.

[0056] The combination of the first mani fold 35, the plurality of first sliding channels 31 and the plurality of first pins 41 form a closed hydraulic or pneumatic system. In particular, when all of the first pins 41 are at an intermediate position along their respective strokes Z , as shown in figure 4A, said closed hydraulic or pneumatic system is completely filled with the fluid H . The first pins 41 may subsequently be moved away from their intermediate positions in response to contact with the tire component 9. Any first pin 4 that is pushed inwards into its respective first sliding channel 31 as a result of contact with the tire component 9 causes a displacement of fluid H in an amount that is distributed over the first sliding channels 31 of the first pins 41 that still have freedom of movement with respect to the tire component 9.

[0057] In the example as discussed above , the first manifold 35 is formed by a single chamber that is common to and / or fluidically connected to all first sliding channels 31 .

[0058] Figure 6 shows an alternative transfer ring segment 103 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention that di ffers from the previously discussed trans fer ring segment 3 only in that its segment body 130 is provided with a first manifold 135 and a second manifold 136 which are individually or independently in fluid communication with a first group of first sliding channels 131 and a second group of second sliding channels 132 , respectively, for individually or independently controlling the movement of a first group of first pins 141 and a second group of second pins 142 , respectively .

[0059] Figure 7 shows a further alternative trans fer ring segment 203 according to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention that di ffers from the previously discussed trans fer ring segments 3 , 103 only in that its segment body 230 is provided with a first mani fold 235 that is formed by a plurality of conduits 238 interconnecting the first sliding channels 31 . Note that , in this particular embodiment, the restriction elements 237 do not necessarily have to be positioned at or in the first sliding channels 31 . Instead, they may also be located in the conduits 238 leading up to said first sliding channels 31 .

[0060] Figure 8 shows a further alternative trans fer ring segment 303 according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention that di ffers from the previously discussed trans fer ring segments 3 , 103 , 203 only in that its segment body 330 is provided with first sliding channels 331 , some of which are formed as extended first sliding channels 331 ' for accommodating extended first pins 341 ' which may be longer or significantly longer than the 'normal ' first pins 341 . The extended first sliding channels 331 ' and the extended first pins 341 ' are preferably located in a position at which the curvature of the tire component 9 curves away from the transfer ring segment 303 the most . In these positions , the extended first pins 341 ' may be moved outside of the segment body 330 over a larger distance and can therefore still be made to contact the tire component 9 , even i f said tire component 9 has a relatively small radius .

[0061] Figure 9 shows an alternative transfer ring 401 according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the invention, that only differs from the previously discussed transfer ring 1 in that fluid redistribution conduits 402 are provided between the transfer ring segments 3 to redistribute fluid between the mani folds of the respective transfer ring segments 3 . This can be useful when the alternative transfer ring 401 and the drum 8 with the tire component 9 supported thereon are not perfectly aligned and / or centered relative to each other . In such a scenario, the pins 4 of one trans fer ring segment 3 may be extended further while the pins 4 of other transfer ring segments 3 are pressed inwards more . Fluid from the transfer ring segment 3 with the pins 4 that are pressed inwards may then be transferred to the trans fer ring segment 3 that has pins 4 that are less pressed inwards or extended further . Once all pins 4 of the transfer ring segments 3 have assumed a position in which they contact or abut the misaligned tire component 9, the fluid redistribution conduits 402 may be disconnected and / or the fluid flow through said fluid redistribution conduits 402 may be interrupted, for example by closing a plurality of valves 403 in said fluid redistribution conduits 402 , after which the transfer ring segment 3 can be operated individually in the manner as previously described .

[0062] A method for trans ferring the tire component 9 using the previously discussed transfer ring 1 will now be briefly elucidated with reference to figures 1-5 .

[0063] As shown in figure 1 , the tire component 9 is provided on the drum 8 . The transfer ring 1 is positioned around the drum 8 or the drum 8 is positioned within the transfer ring 1 such that the transfer ring 1 extends around the tire component 9 . In other words , the tire component 9 is provided radially inside the transfer ring 1 . As best seen in figure 2 , the tire component 9 has a circumferential contour and / or a curvature 91 in the circumferential direction C and a cross sectional profile 92 in a direction parallel to the central axis S . The cross sectional profile 92 is non-linear . In particular, the cross sectional profile 92 may feature grooves and / or ridges . More in particular, the cross sectional profile 92 may be formed by a tread or a tread layer that ultimately forms the tread surface of the green or unvulcanized tire .

[0064] In the situation of figure 1 , the transfer ring segments 3 have been moved in the radial direction R towards the central axis S until the first pins 41 of the transfer ring segments 3 are in contact with a curvature 91 of the tire component 9 . At this moment, the tire component 9 is still supported on the drum 8 .

[0065] As shown in more detail in figure 3A, the columns Y of first pins 41 are now made to conform or adapt their positions to the curvature 91 of the tire component 9, thereby copying said curvature 91 . In particular, the transfer ring segments 3 are pressed against the tire component 9 with a first pressing force Fl that exceeds the resistance to movement of the first pins 4 . Optionally, the viscosity controller 5, as shown in figure 3A, may be used to reduce or adj ust the viscosity of the fluid H, thereby temporarily reducing the resistance to movement of said first pins 41 and therefore the required first pressing force Fl .

[0066] As shown in figure 3A, when the radius of the curvature 91 is relatively small , not all first pins 41 are made to contact the tire component 9 . Note that in the previously discussed, further alternative trans fer ring segment 303 according to figure 8 , some of the first pins 341 are extended first pins 341 ' that may at least partially solve this problem . Figure 3B shows the same trans fer ring segment 3 as in figure 3A, contacting an alternative tire component 9' with a different curvature 91 ' having a significantly greater radius , the latter being contacted by all of the first pins 41 of the transfer ring segment 3 .

[0067] Figure 3C shows the situation in which, compared to figure 3A, the drum 8 is removed from within the tire component 9 in a direction parallel to the central axis S . The pressing force is reduced to a second pressing force F2 smaller than the first pressing force Fl in figure 3A to prevent that the transfer ring segment 3 deforms the tire component 9 . Moreover, said second pressing force F2 may be chosen such that it does not exceed the resistance to movement of the first pins 41 . Hence, the first pins 41 can be hydraulically, pneumatically or fluidically held in place . The second pressing force F2 may also be zero .

[0068] Figure 4A shows how the rows X of first pins 41 , prior to contact with the tire component 9, are in intermediate positions along their respective strokes Z . Alternatively, the first pins 41 may still be in a previously set position corresponding to a cross sectional profile of a previous tire component (not shown) as a result of a previous cycle of the method .

[0069] In figure 4B, the transfer ring segment 3 is moved towards the central axis S until at least some of the first pins 41 contact the tire component 9.

[0070] In figure 4C, the trans fer ring segment 3 is pressed harder against the tire component 9 until the first pressing force Fl exceeds the resistance of the first pins 41 to movement, similar to the situation as shown in figure 3A. As a result, the first pins 41 are made to adapt or conform to the cross sectional profile 92 of the tire component 9 .

[0071] In figure 4D, the drum 8 is removed from within the tire component 9 in a direction parallel to the central axis S , similar to the situation as shown in figure 3C . The tire component 9 is then solely gripped, held or retained with the transfer ring 1 , i . e . without support from radially inside the tire component 9 . The pressing force is reduced to the second pressing force F2 to prevent that the transfer ring segment 3 deforms the tire component 9. The first pins 41 are hydraulically, pneumatically or fluidically held in place to securely and geometrically fit around the tire component 9 without applying to much force onto the tire component 9 itself .

[0072] In figure 4E, the transfer ring segment 3 is lifted from the tire component 9 while the first pins 41 are still held hydraulically, pneumatically or fluidically in place in the absence of an external force acting on the plurality of first pins 41 . The trans fer ring segment 3 can be moved into contact with the same tire component 9 again, or into contact with a similar, further tire component, for example during a next cycle of the method . The first pins 41 may be automatically adj usted in position in response to minor dif ferences between the tire component 9 in figures 4A-4D and the further tire component .

[0073] It is to be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention . From the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to one skilled in the art that would yet be encompassed by the scope of the present invention .

[0074] LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0075] 1 transfer ring

[0076] 2 frame

[0077] 3 transfer ring segment

[0078] 30 segment body

[0079] 31 first sliding channel

[0080] 33 channel head

[0081] 34 channel base

[0082] 35 first manifold

[0083] 37 restriction element

[0084] 41 first pin

[0085] 43 piston rod

[0086] 44 piston seal

[0087] 5 heater

[0088] 6 drive mechanism

[0089] 8 drum

[0090] 9 tire component

[0091] 91 curvature

[0092] 92 cross sectional profile

[0093] 9' alternative tire component

[0094] 91 ' alternative curvature

[0095] 103 alternative transfer ring segment

[0096] 130 segment body

[0097] 131 first sliding channel

[0098] 132 second sliding channel

[0099] 135 first manifold 136 second mani fold

[0100] 141 first pin

[0101] 142 second pin

[0102] 203 further alternative transfer ring segment

[0103] 230 segment body

[0104] 235 first manifold

[0105] 237 restriction element

[0106] 238 conduit

[0107] 303 alternative transfer ring segment

[0108] 330 segment body

[0109] 331 first sliding channel

[0110] 331 ' extended first sliding channel

[0111] 341 first pin

[0112] 341 ' extended first pin

[0113] 401 alternative transfer ring

[0114] 402 fluid redistribution conduit

[0115] 403 valve

[0116] Al cross sectional area

[0117] A2 restricted area

[0118] C circumferential direction

[0119] DI sliding channel diameter

[0120] D2 restriction diameter

[0121] Fl first pressing force

[0122] F2 second pressing force

[0123] H fluid

[0124] Pl sliding channel contour

[0125] P2 restricted contour

[0126] R radial direction

[0127] S central axis

[0128] X row

[0129] Y column

[0130] Z stroke

Claims

C L A I M S1 . Transfer ring segment for trans ferring a tire component, wherein the transfer ring segment comprises a plurality of first pins and a segment body that is provided with a plurality of first sliding channels in which the plurality of first pins are slidably received, wherein each first sliding channel of the plurality of first sliding channels has a channel head through which a respective first pin of the plurality of first pins protrudes out of the segment body and a channel base opposite to the channel head, wherein the respective first pin fluidically seals the respective first sliding channel of the plurality of first sliding channels between the channel head and the channel base, wherein the segment body is further provided with a first mani fold that interconnects the plurality of first sliding channels at the respective channel bases of the plurality of first sliding channels in fluid communication .2 . Transfer ring segment according to claim 1 , wherein the first mani fold defines a single chamber that is in fluid communication simultaneously with all first sliding channels .3 . Transfer ring segment according to claim 1 , wherein the segment body is further provided with a plurality of second sliding channels in which a plurality of second pins are slidably received, wherein the segment body comprises a second manifold that interconnects the plurality of second sliding channels in fluid communication .4 . Transfer ring segment according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the first mani fold comprises a plurality of conduits interconnecting the plurality of first sliding channels in fluid communication .

5. Transfer ring segment according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein each first sliding channel of the plurality of first sliding channels has a cross sectionalarea, wherein the trans fer ring segment is provided with a plurality of restriction elements restricting fluid communication between the first manifold and each respective first sliding channel to a restricted area that is smaller than the cross sectional area of the respective first sliding channel .

6. Transfer ring segment according to claim 5 , wherein the restricted area is less than sixty percent of the cross sectional area of the respective first sliding channel , and preferably less than forty percent of the cross sectional area of the respective first sliding channel .7 . Transfer ring segment according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the trans fer ring segment comprises a fluid in the first mani fold .8 . Transfer ring segment according to claim 7 , wherein the first mani fold is completely filled with the fluid .

9. Transfer ring segment according to claim 7 or 8 , wherein the fluid has a viscosity of at least one-hundredth of a newton-second per square meter at twenty- five degrees Celsius .10 . Transfer ring segment according to any one of claims 7-9 , wherein the fluid is a hydraulic liquid or a pneumatic gas , in particular an oil , a coolant, water or air .11 . Transfer ring segment according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the trans fer ring segment comprises a viscosity controller for controlling the viscosity of the fluid in the first mani fold .12 . Transfer ring segment according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the first mani fold, the plurality of first sliding channels and the plurality of first pins form a closed hydraulic or pneumatic system .13 . Transfer ring segment according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the plurality of first sliding channels extend mutually parallel .14 . Transfer ring segment according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the plurality of first slidingchannels are distributed over the segment body in a plurality of rows and columns .

15. Transfer ring segment according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein one or more first sliding channels of the plurality of first sliding channels and / or one or more first pins of the plurality of first pins are extended in length relative to the other of the first sliding channels and / or the first pins .

16. Transfer ring for transferring a tire component, wherein the trans fer ring comprises a frame extending about a central axis , a plurality of transfer ring segments , corresponding to the trans fer ring segment according to any one of the preceding claims , distributed along the frame in a circumferential direction about said central axis and a drive mechanism to move the plurality of transfer ring segments towards the central axis .17 . Transfer ring according to claim 16 , wherein the trans fer ring is further provided with fluid redistribution conduits between the transfer ring segments to allow for trans fer of fluid between the first manifolds of the respective transfer ring segments .18 . Method for trans ferring a tire component using the transfer ring according to claim 16 or 17 , wherein the method comprises the steps of : providing a tire component radially inside the transfer ring; moving the plurality of trans fer ring segments towards the central axis into contact with a curvature of the tire component while said tire component is still supported by a drum radially from within said tire component ; and conforming the plurality of first pins to the curvature of the tire component in response to the contact of the plurality of transfer ring segments with said curvature .

19. Method according to claim 18 , wherein the method further comprises the step of : conforming the plurality of first pins to across-sectional profile of the tire component in response to the contact of the plurality of transfer ring segments with said cross sectional profile .20 . Method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the method further comprises the step of : displacing the first pins of the plurality of first pins of a respective transfer ring segment of the plurality of transfer ring segments relative to each other as a result of the contact of the respective trans fer ring segment with said curvature .21 . Method according to any one of claims 18-20 , wherein the method further comprises the step of : fluidically holding the first pins of the plurality of first pins of a respective transfer ring segment of the plurality of transfer ring segments in place in the absence of an external force acting on the plurality of first pins .22 . Method according to any one of claims 18-21 , wherein the method further comprises the steps of : removing the drum from within the tire component ; and retaining the tire component solely with the transfer ring .23 . Method according to claim 22 , wherein the plurality of trans fer ring segments are pressed against the tire component with a first pressing force when said tire component is still supported on the drum, wherein the first pressing force is reduced to a second pressing force smaller than the first pressing force or reduced to zero when the drum is removed from within the tire component .24 . Method according to any one of claims 18-23 , wherein the method further comprises the steps of : transferring one or more further tire components using the transfer ring; and automatically adj usting the first pins of the plurality of first pins of a respective transfer ring segment of the plurality of transfer ring segments to a change incontour between the tire component and the one or more further tire components upon contact of the respective transfer ring segment with said one or more further tire components .

25. Method according to any one of claims 18-24 , wherein the tire component is a tread or a belt-and-tread package .-o- o-o-o-o- o-o-o-RM / HZ

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