Vent valve mounting device in a tire mold lining

Abstract

A device (1) for positioning a vent valve (28) in a packing sector (3) of a tire mold, the device comprising: - a conduit (5) configured to accommodate the valve (28), the valve (28) comprising a valve body and a poppet mounted movable relative to the valve body, - a tube (7) configured to push the valve (28) through the conduit (5) towards the sector (3), the tube (7) having an internal diameter smaller than the diameter of the poppet of the valve, - a pump (9) configured to add air into the tube (7), and - a sensor (12) configured to measure a pressure inside the tube. Figure for the abstract: [Fig. 1]

Description

Title of the invention: Device for installing a vent valve in a tire mold lining. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a device for installing vent valves in a tire mold lining, and in particular an automatic installation device. PRIOR TECHNOLOGY

[0002] Before molding a tire, it is necessary to install vent valves in the mold linings. These vent valves allow air to escape from the mold when the tire material is inserted. When vent valve installation is done manually, the operator must perform meticulous, time-consuming, and ergonomically challenging work, particularly due to the required posture and the repetitive nature of the task.

[0003] There is a need to develop a method for installing a vent valve that reduces the arduousness of manual tasks. Description of the invention

[0004] One aim of the present exposition is to propose a method for installing a vent valve which reduces the arduousness of manual tasks compared to the prior art.

[0005] The objective is achieved by means of a device for installing vent valves in a lining sector of a tire mold, the device comprising:

[0006] - a conduit configured to accommodate the valve, the valve comprising a body of valve and a flapper mounted to move relative to the valve body,

[0007] - a tube configured to push the valve in the conduit towards the sector, the tube having an internal diameter smaller than the diameter of the valve flap,

[0008] - a pump configured to add air inside the tube, and

[0009] - a sensor configured to measure pressure inside the tube.

[0010] Such a device is advantageously and optionally complemented by the following various features, taken alone or in combination: - a detector configured to measure the force applied by the tube to the valve; and - the device includes a detector or other detector configured to measure a position of the tube;

[0011] The exposition further relates to a first assembly for installing a vent valve in a lining sector of a tire mold, the first assembly comprising

[0012] - a valve mounting device such as has just been described,

[0013] - a base configured to receive the sector, the base being configured to reference the position and orientation of the sector in relation to the system, and

[0014] - a conveyor configured to move the device relative to the base in function of a geometric datum of the trimming sector.

[0015] The exposition also relates to a second assembly for installing two vent valves in a lining sector of a tire mold, the two valves comprising a first valve having a first diameter and a second valve having a second diameter different from the first diameter, the second assembly comprising:

[0016] - a first device for installing the first valve as just described,

[0017] - a second device for installing the second valve such as we have just described to present, and

[0018] - a switching device configured to activate the first device or the second device based on a geometric data of the trimming sector.

[0019] Such a second assembly is advantageously and optionally complemented by a base configured to receive the sector, the base being configured to reference the position and orientation of the sector relative to the first device and the second device, the switching device comprising a conveyor configured to move the first device and the second device relative to the base.

[0020] The presentation finally relates to a method for installing vent valves in a lining sector of a tire mold, the method comprising the following steps:

[0021] - positioning of the valve in the sector by controlled movement of a supporting tube against the valve towards the sector,

[0022] - generation of overpressure inside the tube,

[0023] - moving the tube away from the sector over a distance less than or equal to one stroke of a valve flap, and

[0024] - measurement of pressure inside the tube. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0025] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description, which is purely illustrative and not limiting, and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings on which:

[0026] [Fig.1] is a schematic representation of a vent valve mounting device;

[0027] [Fig.2]

[0028] [Fig.3]

[0029] [Fig.4]

[0030] [Fig.5]

[0031] [Fig.6]

[0032] Figures 2 to 6 are schematic cross-sections of parts of a vent valve mounting device;

[0033] [Fig. 7] is a schematic representation of a two-ventilation valve assembly; and

[0034] [Fig.8] is a schematic representation of a method for installing a vent valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] A tire mold has a central axis that corresponds to the axis of the tire to be produced. The mold comprises mold sectors arranged angularly around the axis. Each sector corresponds to an angular sector of the mold, typically with a 25-degree angle. The mold sectors correspond to the outer parts of the mold. During the molding process, the mold sectors are assembled and mechanically mounted against each other to form the mold.

[0036] Within each mold sector, the mold sector comprises one or more lining sectors. It is the lining sector that is in contact with the tire material, for example, a rubber-based compound, during the molding process. It is the lining sector that defines the tread pattern of the tire. A lining sector comprises a rear face intended to be in contact with the mold sector and a front face intended to be in contact with the tire material during the molding process.

[0037] The different lining sectors, like the different mold sectors, are distributed angularly around the axis. The assembly of the different lining sectors constitutes the mold lining. There are different types of linings, including winter tire linings and summer tire linings. In particular, there are: - a first type of trim sector formed from a single trim element, the trim sector then being a single piece, and - a second type of trim sector made up of several trim sub-elements.

[0038] Each section of the trim is perforated with holes. Each hole has a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section. Each hole passes completely through the section in a radial or nearly radial direction of extension. Advantageously, the direction of extension of the hole is orthogonal to a local curvature of the surface. The inner tread pattern. The inner tread pattern is the part of the tread pattern that provides the relief of the tire's tread.

[0039] Each orifice is characterized by a diameter, a position in the packing sector and an orientation relative to the packing sector.

[0040] The orifice is intended to accommodate a vent valve. A vent valve has a diameter measured in a transverse plane of the valve. A vent valve typically has a length or height of 10 mm. The length or height of the valve is measured in a longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the transverse plane.

[0041] A vent valve consists of a valve body, a poppet, and a return piece. The poppet is mounted to move in translation along the longitudinal direction relative to the valve body. The poppet includes a disc located at one end of the valve. The valve body includes a ring located opposite the disc. The ring has an internal diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the poppet disc. The valve has two configurations. In a first open configuration, the poppet disc is separated from the ring of the valve body so that air can flow through the valve and the ring in the longitudinal direction. In a second closed configuration, the poppet disc is in contact with the ring of the valve body so that air cannot flow through the valve and the ring in the longitudinal direction.The return spring is mounted between the valve leaf and the valve body so as to exert an internal force on the leaf along the longitudinal direction in the direction of valve opening. The return spring can be, for example, a spring. When the valve moves from the closed to the open position, the leaf moves relative to the valve body in the opening direction. This movement occurs over a distance known as the leaf spring stroke. The leaf spring stroke is typically 100 microns. In the absence of external forces acting on the valve, the internal force within the valve—that is, the force exerted by the return spring between the valve body and the leaf—is sufficient to keep the valve in the open position.If an external force is exerted on the valve, such as to push the valve leaflet towards the valve body in the longitudinal direction in a closing direction opposite to the opening direction, when the valve body is held fixed and the external force is greater than the internal force, then the valve switches to the closed configuration.

[0042] In a packing sector, the orifices are not necessarily all the same size, because the sector may be designed to receive valves of different sizes. There is then a set of valve sizes that differ from one another. For example, the packing sector may receive one type of valve vents which have a diameter of 2.5 mm and a second type of vent valves which have a diameter of 3 mm.

[0043] When the vent valve is inserted into the orifice, the longitudinal direction of the valve corresponds to the extension direction of the orifice.

[0044] In relation to [Fig.1], a device 1 for placing a vent valve 28 in a packing sector 3 of a tire mold includes a plate 4. The plate 4 allows a reference wall to be defined, which can be a vertical wall. The reference wall is defined by two orthogonal directions, Z and Y. Device 1 includes a motor 13, which has a motor body fixed to plate 4. The motor body is stationary relative to plate 4. The motor also includes a gear 14. The motor 13 is configured to rotate the gear 14 relative to plate 4 about an axis parallel to the Z direction. Device 1 includes a belt 15 and a shaft 16. The shaft 16 extends parallel to the Z direction. The shaft 16 is connected to plate 4 by a pivot joint along the Z direction: the shaft 16 can rotate relative to plate 4 about a thrust axis P parallel to the Z direction.

[0045] The belt 15 is linked to the toothed wheel 14 and to the shaft 16 so that a rotation of the toothed wheel 14 is transmitted to the shaft 16. The motor 13 is thus configured to rotate the shaft 16 relative to the plate 4 around the Z direction.

[0046] The device 1 comprises a pusher 18 which is connected to the plate 4 by a sliding joint along the Z direction. In other words, the pusher 18 is mounted to move in translation along the Z direction relative to the plate 4. The pusher 18 is connected to the shaft 16 by a screw-nut joint. A rotational movement of the shaft 16 around the thrust axis P causes the pusher 18 to move in translation relative to the plate 4 along the Z direction.

[0047] The pusher 18 includes a tube 7 extending along the thrust axis P. The tube 7 has an upper end 7A and a lower end 7B aligned along the thrust axis P. The lower end 7B is intended to contact the valves to set them. The upper end 7A is located between the shaft 16 and the lower end 7B. The end 7A is fluidically connected to a pump 9 by a fitting 10. The pump 9 is configured to add air inside the tube 7. A pressure sensor 12 is configured to measure the pressure inside the tube 7.

[0048] With the tube 7 fixed within the pusher 18, the motor 13 is configured to move the tube 7 along the thrust axis P, via a rotational movement of the toothed wheel 14, a movement of the belt 15, a rotational movement of the shaft 16 and a translational movement of the pusher 18.

[0049] The tube is hollow and has an external diameter and an internal diameter. The diameter internal is less than a diameter of a valve, and in particular the diameter of the disc of the valve 28B of a valve 28.

[0050] The device 1 includes a first detector 20 configured to measure a force applied by the tube 7 when it pushes a valve. This can be equivalent to measuring the force applied by the motor on the tube 7. The detector can, for example, be a dynamometer comprising a strain gauge or a piezoelectric sensor. For example, when the first detector 20 includes a strain gauge, this can be placed between the pusher 18 and the tube 7. When the rod 7 bears against a part, for example a valve, and resists the force applied by the pusher 18, the strain gauge experiences a force that can be measured, this force corresponding to the force applied by the tube 7 on the part.

[0051] The device 1 includes a second detector 22 configured to measure a position of the tube 7. This may include an angular position sensor placed inside the motor 13. The second sensor 22 may be calibrated prior to the valve installation operations, so as to determine a correspondence between a measured angular position and a position of the tube 7.

[0052] In relation to [Fig. 1], a device 1 for placing a vent valve 28 in a packing sector 3 of a tire mold includes a setting head 2. The setting head 2 is the part of the device 1 that is located opposite the packing sector 3 when a valve 28 is being placed. The setting head 2 is fixed to the plate 4 and is stationary relative to the plate 4.

[0053] The device 1 comprises a reservoir 30 of valves 28, and a feed channel 32 that connects the reservoir 30 to the setting head 2. The reservoir 30 is advantageously a vibratory bowl configured to give a particular orientation to the valves 28 that are transmitted to the setting head 2 via the feed channel 32. This particular orientation corresponds, in particular, to an orientation where the disc of the valve is the end of the valve 28 that leaves the reservoir 30 last. The feed channel 32 is adjusted to the diameter of the valve 28 to allow the movement of the valve 28 while maintaining the particular orientation of the reservoir 30 to the setting head 2.

[0054] The setting head 2 includes a conduit 5 which is configured to accommodate the valve 28. The conduit 5 extends around the thrust axis P. The upper end 7B is located between the conduit 5 and the shaft 16. The external diameter of the tube 7 is smaller than the internal diameter of the conduit 5 so that the tube 7 can move inside the conduit 5 in a translational motion about the thrust axis P.

[0055] The insertion head 2 includes a barrel 34 configured for loading a valve into the conduit 5. The barrel 34 is a disk centered on an axis orthogonal to the reference wall. This axis is parallel to an X direction orthogonal to each of the Y and Z directions. The center of the disk passes through the thrust axis P. The barrel 34 is located according The thrust axis is between the conduit 5 and the upper end 7A of the tube 7. The barrel is a disc with a groove 36 that passes completely through the disc along a diameter of the disc. The groove 36 has a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section. The diameter of the groove 36 is sufficient to allow a valve to pass through the groove and for the tube 7 to pass through the groove 36.

[0056] The setting head 2 is configured to leave the barrel free of material along the thrust axis P in the portion of the setting head 2 located between the barrel 34 and the pusher 18. In other words, the setting head 2 defines an opening 29 located between the barrel 34 and the pusher 18, so that the barrel is opposite the lower end 7B of the tube 7. The opening 29 extends around the thrust axis P. The opening 29 is wide enough to allow the tube 7 to pass through it.

[0057] The laying head 2 is configured to leave the barrel free of material along the thrust axis P in the part of the laying head 2 which is located between the barrel 34 and the conduit 5. In other words, the conduit 5 opens onto the barrel 34.

[0058] The feed channel 32 has an end 33 located inside the laying head 2.

[0059] The end 33 is not located on the thrust axis P. In projection onto this thrust axis P, the position of the end 33 is located between the center of the barrel disk 34 and the upper end 7A of the tube 7.

[0060] The feed channel 32 includes a lower section 35 which includes the end 33. The lower section extends partly inside the laying head 2. The lower section extends along a loading direction parallel to the reference wall. The loading direction passes through the center of the drum disk 34. The loading direction is oblique to the Z direction, that is, the loading direction is neither parallel nor orthogonal to the Z direction. The loading angle between the loading direction and the Z direction is between 40° and 50°, for example, 45°.

[0061] The barrel is configurable according to two configurations which correspond to two different angular positions of the disk around its axis.

[0062] In a first loading configuration, an upper end of the groove 36 is placed opposite the end 33 of the feed channel 32. The lower section of the feed channel is aligned with the groove 36 of the barrel 34. Thus, a valve routed from the reservoir 30 to the laying head can be inserted into the groove 36 of the barrel.

[0063] The lower end of the groove 36, which is diametrically opposite the upper end of the groove 36, is in contact with the material of the setting head, so that the valve cannot come out of the barrel.

[0064] In the first loading configuration, the tube 7 is always located between the barrel 34 and pusher 18.

[0065] In a second thrust configuration, the upper end of the groove 36 is positioned opposite the opening 29 of the setting head 2. The groove 36 of the barrel 34 is aligned with the thrust axis P. In this second configuration, the tube 7 can be inserted inside the setting head 2 and the groove 36. In this second configuration, the lower end of the groove 36 is positioned opposite the conduit 5, so that the tube 7 can be inserted inside the conduit 5.

[0066] To go from the first configuration to the second configuration, the barrel is rotated in a first direction to rotate through an angle equal to the loading angle.

[0067] To switch from the second configuration to the first configuration, the barrel is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first, rotating through an angle equal to the loading angle. It should be noted that the tube 7 may need to be previously removed from the groove 36, so that the tube 7 is positioned between the barrel 34 and the pusher 18, before this rotation is performed.

[0068] The laying device 1 may also include a control unit 39. The control unit 39 is configured to control the motor, the vibratory bowl and the drum 34.

[0069] The installation device as previously presented allows in particular to implement a method P for installing a vent valve in a lining sector of a tire mold.

[0070] Such a process P comprises the following steps.

[0071] In a first step SI, a vent valve 28 is conveyed into the drum 34. The vent valve 28 is initially placed in the reservoir 30 and is conveyed via the feed channel 28 to the placement head 2. Advantageously, the reservoir is a vibratory bowl feeder, and the vent valve is conveyed in a particular orientation in which the vent valve progresses toward the placement head with the flap disc at the rear of the valve. The drum 34 is then moved into the first loading configuration. This step is illustrated in [Fig. 2], in which the valve 28 is being conveyed to the drum 34, the drum 34 being in the loading configuration, and in [Fig. 3], in which the valve 28 is in the groove 36 of the drum 34.It should be noted that if the plate 4 is oriented vertically and the reservoir is above the positioning head 2, then gravity contributes to the proper transmission of the valve 28 to the barrel 34, and when the valve 28 is in the groove 36 of the barrel 34, the valve 28 can rest against the material of the positioning head 2 which blinds the groove 36 in its lower part.

[0072] During a second step S2, the barrel is commanded to move into the second thrust configuration. The barrel rotates around the axis of the disk parallel to the X direction of the loading angle. The groove 36 of the barrel 34 is then aligned with the thrust axis P. Figure 4 illustrates the barrel in the second thrust configuration.

[0073] In a third step S3, the tube 7 pushes the valve 28 towards the sector 3 and inserts the valve 28 into an orifice 4 of the sector 3. In the second configuration, the lower end of the groove 36 is opposite the conduit 5, so that the valve 28 is no longer in contact with the material of the setting head 2. If the plate 4 is oriented vertically, then the valve 28 passes into the conduit 5 and may end up close to the packing sector 3 or even in contact with the sector. The valve 28 is oriented so that the disc of the valve 28B is the end of the valve 28 furthest from the packing sector 3. It is assumed here that the thrust axis P is aligned with the extension direction of the orifice 4. It is also assumed that the conduit 5 is in an ideal position relative to the packing sector 3 to allow the correct insertion of the valve 28 into the orifice 4.Since the barrel is in the second thrust configuration, the tube 7 is moved towards sector 3 so that the tube 7 is inserted inside the setting head 2, inside the groove 36 and then inside the conduit 5. The tube 7 is moved in one direction of thrust. This situation is illustrated in [Fig. 4]. The tube 7 is moved further in the pushing direction until it contacts the valve 28, specifically until the lower end 7B of the tube 7 contacts the disc of the valve 28B. The tube 7 is then moved further in the pushing direction so that the valve 28 is moved towards sector 3 and inserted into orifice 4. Orifice 4 and valve 28 are adjusted in size so that, during this insertion, the body 28A of the valve is constrained inside orifice 4. The insertion ceases when the valve is flush with the surface of the support 3.In other words, the free surface of the support and the surface of the valve form a continuous surface. To achieve this insertion, the tube 7 exerts a stress on the valve, along the thrust axis P and in the thrust direction, which is greater than the internal stress of the valve 28. As the valve body 28A is constrained inside the orifice 4 and retained by the orifice 4, the valve moves from the open to the closed configuration. This situation is illustrated in [Fig. 5]. The ideal position of the packing sector 3 to allow proper insertion of the valve 28 into the orifice 4 is: - sufficiently close to the trim sector 3 to guide the valve 28 towards the orifice 4 throughout the insertion, and - sufficiently far from the trim sector 3 so as not to damage the surface of the sector or the conduit.

[0074] During an optional fourth step S4, the first strain detector 20 measures the force applied by the tube 7 on the valve 28. In particular, the first Strain detector 20 measures the maximum stress exerted by tube 7 on valve 28 during the third stage S3.

[0075] This measurement allows for obtaining a stress measurement at the valve insertion. This stress can be compared to a reference stress. If the measurement is significantly lower than the reference stress, then the orifice may be, in particular, too large relative to the valve. If the measurement is significantly higher than or higher than the reference stress, then the orifice may be, in particular, too small relative to the valve. The measurement can be considered significantly lower or higher than the reference stress when the difference between the measurement and the reference stress exceeds a threshold value. Otherwise, the measurement is substantially close to the reference stress, and the valve insertion is considered to have proceeded as expected.

[0076] During an optional fifth step S5, the second tube position sensor 22 measures the position of the tube 7. In particular, the second sensor 22 measures the maximum position reached by the tube 7 in its translational movement along the thrust direction during the third step S3. In other words, the second sensor 22 measures the extreme position reached by the tube 7 in its movement along the thrust direction corresponding to the insertion of the valve 28 into the orifice 4.

[0077] This measurement allows for a determination of the length over which the valve is inserted into the packing area. The insertion is thus more precise and controlled. In particular, this measurement can be compared to a reference length, and, as with the stress measured during the fourth step S4, it can be determined whether the valve insertion proceeded as expected.

[0078] In a sixth step S6, an overpressure is generated inside the tube 7. The pump 9 adds air into the tube. This step takes place while the tube 7 is pressed against the valve 28. No air can escape from inside the tube 7 because at the end 7B of the tube 7, the tube 7 is blocked by the disc of the valve 28B of the valve 28. The internal diameter of the tube 7 is smaller than the diameter of the disc of the valve 28B of the valve 28. An overpressure is created inside the tube 7. This overpressure can be measured by the pressure sensor 12.

[0079] During a seventh step S7, the tube 7 is moved in the opposite direction to the thrust direction. This moves the tube away from the packing sector 3. The tube 7 is moved a distance 38 less than or equal to the stroke of the valve 28B. As a result of this movement, the tube exerts less force against the valve 28B. If the insertion has been successful and the valve is functioning correctly, the valve 28B should normally move away from the valve body 28A and remain in contact with the end 7B of the tube 7. The displacement of the tube may be greater than or equal to 50%, 75%, or 90% of the valve stroke. [Fig.6] illustrates the situation where the tube has been moved at the bottom of step S7.

[0080] During an eighth step S8, the pressure inside the tube 7 is measured. This pressure can be measured by the pressure sensor 12. If the valve 28B is in contact with the end 7B of the tube 7, no air can escape from inside the tube 7 and the overpressure generated in step S6 still exists. 7.

[0081] If the pressure sensor measures an overpressure, then it is decided that the insertion took place correctly and that the valve is functioning correctly.

[0082] If on the contrary the pressure sensor does not measure overpressure, but normal pressure, then the valve disc is no longer in contact with the end 7B of the tube 7 and the valve installation has been carried out in a faulty manner or the valve itself has a defect.

[0083] It should be noted that the positioning of the conduit 5 is sufficiently far from the packing sector 3 to measure a normal pressure when the valve disc is no longer in contact with the end 7B of the tube 7.

[0084] The device as presented allows testing the proper functioning of the valve once it has been inserted.

[0085] Furthermore, the device as described also allows, through the use of a tube, for the reduction of manual tasks and their arduousness. This is particularly true if the tube is automatically controlled to move in a controlled manner.

[0086] The P process can be implemented for any type of tire lining, and in particular for winter tire linings and summer tire linings. Figure 8 schematically illustrates the P process.

[0087] More generally, the device as just described can be included in a first assembly for mounting a vent valve in a tire mold lining sector. With reference to [Fig. 2], such a first assembly further comprises a base 24 configured to receive the sector 3.

[0088] The trim sector 3 is then fixed to the base 24. The base 24 can then serve as a spatial reference for the trim sector. The fixing of the trim sector 3 to the base 24 can be precise to the micron. The base 24 is configured to reference the position and orientation of the sector relative to the device. For example, the base 24 has one or more markers that allow the base 24 to be spatially referenced in the coordinate system of the first assembly and thus relative to the device 1.

[0089] In relation to [Fig.7], the first laying assembly further includes a conveyor 26 configured to move the device 1 relative to the base 24 according to a geometric data of the filling sector.

[0090] The geometric data of the packing sector may in particular correspond to a position and orientation of an orifice 4 to be filled by a valve in the sector 3 of trim.

[0091] The conveyor 26 allows the thrust axis P of the device 1 to be aligned with the axis of any orifice of the base 24. The insertion of the valve into an orifice 4 can then be carried out in a more precise and controlled manner.

[0092] The conveyor 26 can include different mechanisms 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D, 26E which enable three translations and two rotations to move the device 1 relative to the base 24.

[0093] The plate 4 of the device 1 is fixed to a base 40. This base 40 is fixed to the ground so as to be stationary relative to the ground. The ground is horizontal and defined by the two horizontal directions H1 and H2. The vertical direction is referenced V.

[0094] The plate 4 is fixed to a base 40 via three mechanisms 26A, 26B and 26C.

[0095] The first mechanism 26A allows a horizontal translation of the device 1 by ratio to base 40 along the horizontal direction HL

[0096] The second mechanism 26B allows a vertical translation of the device 1 relative to the base 40 along the direction V.

[0097] The third mechanism 26C allows rotation of the device 1 relative to the base 40 around the horizontal direction HL

[0098] Plate 4 is fixed so as to define a vertical reference surface. More precisely, plate 4 is vertical, that is to say, oriented along a vertical plane. The motor and the other parts of the device that are fixed to plate 4 are fixed to a vertical wall of plate 4.

[0099] The X direction presented previously corresponds to the HL direction. The Y and Z directions do not, in the general case, correspond to the H2 and V directions. However, for a particular angle of the third mechanism, the Z direction corresponds to the V direction, and the H2 direction corresponds to the Y direction.

[0100] The base 24 is also fixed to the base 40, this time via the two mechanisms 26C and 26D.

[0101] The fourth mechanism 26D allows a horizontal translation of the base 24 relative to the base 40 along the direction H2.

[0102] The fifth mechanism 26E allows rotation of the base 24 relative to the base 40 in the direction H2.

[0103] Thanks to the three translation mechanisms 26A, 26B and 26D, the device 1 can be placed opposite any orifice of a sector 3 arranged on the base 24.

[0104] Thanks to the two rotation mechanisms 26C and 26E, the thrust axis P of the device 1 can be made parallel to the axis of any orifice of a sector 3 arranged on the base 24.

[0105] Thanks to the five mechanisms 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D and 26E, the thrust axis P of the device 1 can be aligned with the axis of any orifice of a sector 3 arranged on the base 24. The insertion of the valve into an orifice 4 can be carried out in a more precise and controlled manner.

[0106] It is possible to make the conveyor 26 using other mechanisms than the mechanisms 26A to 26E presented here, in particular by distributing the same degrees of freedom differently between the device 1 and the base 24.

[0107] The control unit 39 of the device 1 can be configured to control the conveyor 26. Thus, from a geometric data of the trim sector, for example the position and orientation of an orifice 4 of the trim sector 3, the control unit 39 controls the conveyor 26 so as to move and orient the laying head 2 and the sector 3 and align the thrust axis P and the extension direction of the orifice 4.

[0108] The first assembly, as previously described, allows, in particular, the implementation of a method Q for installing a vent valve in a lining sector of a tire mold. The method Q can, in particular, add steps to the method P already described. Figure 8 schematically illustrates the method Q.

[0109] Such a process Q comprises the following steps.

[0110] During a step E3, the control unit 30 processes a geometric datum of the packing sector. This datum may, in particular, be the position and orientation of an orifice 4 of the sector 3. The processing may, for example, correspond to the calculation of the relative displacements of the device 1 and the packing sector in order to align the thrust axis P and the extension direction of the orifice 4.

[0111] During a step E4, the conveyor 26 moves the device 1 and the packing sector 3 relatively in order to align the thrust axis P and the extension direction of the orifice 4. This movement also includes positioning the conduit 5 sufficiently close to the packing sector 3 to allow proper insertion of the valve 28 into the orifice 4. The control unit 30 can command the conveyor 26 to carry out this movement.

[0112] The Q process can be implemented for any type of lining, and in particular winter tire lining and summer tire lining.

[0113] The device 1 described above can be included in a second assembly for mounting two vent valves in a tire mold lining area, the two valves comprising a first valve having a first diameter and a second valve having a second diameter different from the first diameter. In particular, the first valve may have a diameter of 2.5 mm and the second valve may have a diameter of 3 mm.

[0114] In relation to [Fig.7], such a second set comprises: - a first device IA for installing the first valve, and - a second device IB for installing the second valve.

[0115] The second assembly also includes a configured switching device to activate the first device or the second device depending on a geometric data of the trim sector.

[0116] The geometric data may, in particular, be the diameter of the orifice to be filled in the packing sector. Based on this diameter, it can be determined which valve, the first or the second, should be installed. From this, it is deduced which device must be activated.

[0117] The switching device is, for example, a device configured to: - bring the setting head close to one of the setting devices in the trim sector, and - move the setting head away from the other setting device in the trimming sector.

[0118] In particular, the switching device may include the conveyor 26 as previously described in relation to the first assembly. It is possible, in particular, to mount the two setting devices on the same plate 4, which is fixed to the base 40 via the third rotation mechanism 26C about the horizontal axis HL. The horizontal axis H1 then coincides with the X-axis of each setting device. The setting devices can be mounted on the plate 4 in orthogonal symmetry with respect to the rotation axis of the third mechanism 26C. In other words, the first setting device is the image of the second setting device after a 180° rotation about the rotation axis of the third mechanism 26C.

[0119] In this case, the third mechanism 26C can act as a switching device: by rotating the third mechanism 26C, one can - bring the setting head close to one of the setting devices in the trim sector, and - move the setting head away from the other setting device from the packing sector.

[0120] In particular, after the insertion of a first valve by one of the devices, that device is positioned opposite the packing sector. If a second valve is then to be inserted, the plate 4 can be rotated 180° about the axis of rotation of the third mechanism 26C. The first device takes the place of the second device and is positioned away from the packing sector. The second device takes the place of the first device and is positioned opposite the packing sector.

[0121] It should be noted that a single control unit 39 for both devices is sufficient to control both devices IA and IB. This control unit 39 can also be configured to control the conveyor 26 and the switching device, which includes, for example, the third mechanism 26C. Thus, based on a geometric data point of the packing sector, for example the diameter of an orifice 4 of the packing sector 3, the control unit 39 commands the activation of the valve setting device whose diameter corresponds to the diameter of the orifice.

[0122] The second assembly allows the insertion into a single trim sector of valves of two different sizes.

[0123] The second assembly may advantageously include the features of the first assembly, namely a base 24 configured to receive the sector 3 and a conveyor 26 configured to move the device 1 relative to the base 24 according to a geometric data of the trim sector.

[0124] The second assembly as previously presented allows in particular the implementation of a method for installing a vent valve in a lining sector of a tire mold.

[0125] Such a process includes the following steps.

[0126] During a step El, the control unit 30 processes a geometric data of the trim sector. This data may include the diameter of an orifice 4 in sector 3. The processing may include identifying one of the two devices that corresponds to a valve size adapted to the diameter of orifice 4.

[0127] During a step E2, the control unit 30 activates the device identified in the previous step.

[0128] When the second set includes the characteristics of the first set, the two steps E1 and E2 can be implemented before the implementation of steps E3 and E4 so as to complete the process Q previously mentioned.

[0129] It should be noted that a third arrangement of a number n of vent valves in a tire mold lining sector can also be defined more generally, with n greater than or equal to 3 (for example n=3 or n=4), each valve having a diameter different from the diameters of the other valves.

[0130] The third set comprises n installation devices, each installation device being adapted to install one and only one of the n valves, each valve being able to be installed by one and only one of the n devices.

[0131] The third assembly also includes a switching device configured to activate one of the devices based on a geometric data of the trim sector.

[0132] The geometric data can, in particular, be the diameter of the orifice to be filled in the packing sector. Based on this diameter, it can be determined which of the n valves must be installed. From this, it can be deduced which of the n devices must be activated.

[0133] The switching device may include a conveyor of the type of conveyor 26 as previously described in relation to the first assembly. In particular, it is possible to mount the n positioning devices on the same plate 4, which is fixed to the base 40 via the third rotation mechanism 26C around the axis ho The horizontal axis H1 is then coincident with the X axis of each placement device. The placement devices can be mounted on the plate 4 regularly around the axis of rotation of the third mechanism 26C so that a first placement device is the image of a second adjacent placement device by a rotation of (360 / n)° with respect to the axis of rotation of the third mechanism 26C.

[0134] In this case, the third mechanism 26C acts as a switching device: by rotating the third mechanism 26C, one can - bring the setting head close to one of the setting devices in the trim sector, and - move the setting head away from other setting devices in the trim area.

Claims

Demands

1. Device for installing (1) a vent valve (28) in a packing sector (3) of a tire mold, the device comprising: - a conduit (5) configured to accommodate the valve (28), the valve (28) comprising a valve body (28A) and a poppet (28B) mounted movable relative to the valve body (28A), - a tube (7) configured to push the valve (28) in the conduit (5) towards the sector (3), the tube (7) having an internal diameter less than a diameter of the poppet (28B) of the valve (28), - a pump (9) configured to add air inside the tube (7), and - a sensor (12) configured to measure a pressure inside the tube (7).

2. Device according to claim 1 comprising a detector (20) configured to measure a force applied by the tube (7) on the valve (28).

3. Device according to any one of claims 1 or 2 wherein the device comprises a detector (20) configured to measure a force applied by the tube (7) on the valve (28) or another detector (22) configured to measure a position of the tube (7).

4. Assembly for placing a vent valve (28) in a lining sector (3) of a tire mold, the assembly comprising - a device for placing the valve according to any one of claims 1 to 3, - a base (24) configured to receive the sector (3), the base (24) being configured to reference the position and orientation of the sector (3) relative to the device (1), and - a conveyor (26) configured to move the device (1) relative to the base (24) according to a geometric data of the lining sector (3).

5. Assembly for installing two vent valves in a lining sector of a tire mold, the two valves comprising a first valve having a first diameter and a second valve having a second diameter different from the first diameter, the assembly comprising: - a first device for installing the first valve according to any one of claims 1 to 3, - a second device for installing the second valve according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and - a switching device configured to activate the first device or the second device according to a geometric data of the trim sector.

6. Assembly according to claim 5 comprising a base (24) configured to receive the sector (3), the base (24) being configured to reference the position and orientation of the sector (3) relative to the first device and the second device, the switching device comprising a conveyor (26) configured to move the first device and the second device relative to the base.

7. Method of placing a vent valve (28) in a packing sector (3) of a tire mold, the method comprising the following steps: - placing the valve (28) in the sector (3) by controlled displacement of a tube (7) supported against the valve (28) towards the sector (3), - generating an overpressure inside the tube (7), - moving the tube (7) away from the sector (3) over a distance less than or equal to a stroke of a flap (28B) of the valve (28), and - measuring a pressure inside the tube (7).

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