Ply joint inspection method and ply joint inspection device

Abstract

To provide a ply joint inspection method and a ply joint inspection device that are capable of inspecting a junction of a ply even when a cylindrical ply is molded so as to be overlapped on a radially outer side of another cylindrical member.SOLUTION: A ply joint inspection method according to the present disclosure includes: a rubber member winding step of winding a belt-like rubber member around an outer peripheral surface of a molding drum; a separator arrangement step of arranging a separator on a part of the belt-like rubber member in a drum circumferential direction on an outer side in a drum radial direction; a ply winding step of winding a ply so as to cover an outer side in the drum radial direction of the belt-like rubber member and the separator; a joining step of butting respective end faces of both circumferential ends of the ply against each other while holding the ends on the separator in the drum circumferential direction; and an inspection step of irradiating light from an inner side in the drum radial direction onto the junction formed in the joining step by an illumination part provided on the separator, and detecting a defect in the junction by light that passes through the junction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5F

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a ply joint inspection method and a ply joint inspection apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a tire molding method including a step of winding a ply around the outer peripheral surface of a molding drum and butting and joining the end faces of the plies has been known. Patent Document 1 discloses this type of tire molding method.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] After butting and joining the end faces of the plies, in order to ensure the quality of the joined joint, it is conceivable to inspect the joint of the ply. As an inspection method, for example, a method of irradiating light from the outside of the cylindrically molded ply by a light irradiation device and inspecting the cylindrically molded ply from the inside by an inspection device is conceivable.

[0005] However, when the cylindrical ply is molded so as to be overlapped on the outer side in the radial direction of other cylindrical members such as an inner liner and side rubber, even if light is irradiated on the joint of the ply, the light is blocked by the other cylindrical members, making it difficult to inspect the joint of the ply.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a ply joint inspection method and a ply joint inspection apparatus capable of inspecting the joint of a ply even when the cylindrical ply is molded so as to be overlapped on the outer side in the radial direction of other cylindrical members.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] As a first aspect of the present disclosure, a ply joining inspection method is (1) a rubber member winding step of winding a strip-shaped rubber member around the outer peripheral surface of a forming drum; a separator arranging step of arranging a separator on a part in the circumferential direction of the drum on the outer side in the drum radial direction of the strip-shaped rubber member; a ply winding step of winding a ply so as to cover the outer side in the drum radial direction of the strip-shaped rubber member and the separator; a joining step of joining by butting the end faces of both ends in the circumferential direction of the drum against each other while holding both ends of the ply on the separator; an inspection step of irradiating light from the inner side in the drum radial direction to a joint portion joined by the joining step with an illumination portion provided on the separator, and detecting a defect of the joint portion by the transmitted light passing through the joint portion. The ply joining inspection method includes these steps. With this configuration, even when a cylindrical ply is formed so as to be overlapped on the outer side in the drum radial direction of the strip-shaped rubber member, inspection of the joint portion of the ply can be realized.

[0008] As one embodiment of the present disclosure, a ply joining inspection method is (2) In the inspection step, the defect of the joint portion is detected by imaging the joint portion irradiated with the light from the inner side in the drum radial direction from the outer side in the drum radial direction. The ply joining inspection method according to (1) above is this method. With this configuration, inspection of the joint portion of the ply can be easily realized.

[0009] As one embodiment of the present disclosure, a ply joining inspection method is (3) In the inspection step, the separator is pulled out in the drum axial direction with respect to the forming drum, and the imaging position of the joint portion is varied along with the variation of the position irradiated with the light due to the pulling out of the separator. The ply joining inspection method according to (2) above is this method. With this configuration, it is possible to simultaneously perform the inspection of the ply joints and the recovery of the separator.

[0010] The ply joint inspection method as one embodiment of the present disclosure is (4) In the inspection step, while sucking both end portions of the ply and restricting the movement of the both end portions in the drum axis direction, the separator is pulled out in the drum axis direction with respect to the molding drum, which is the ply joint inspection method described in (3) above. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the position of the ply with respect to the belt-like rubber member when pulling out the separator.

[0011] The ply joint inspection method as one embodiment of the present disclosure is (5) In the separator arrangement step, while sucking the separator and restricting the movement of the separator in the drum diameter direction, the separator is moved in the drum axis direction with respect to the molding drum, which is the ply joint inspection method according to any one of (1) to (4) above. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the belt-like rubber member from being damaged by the separator when the separator moves.

[0012] The ply joint inspection method as one embodiment of the present disclosure is (6) In the ply winding step, while sucking and holding one end portion of the both end portions of the ply on the separator, after winding the ply along the outer peripheral surface of the molding drum, the other end portion is sucked and held on the separator, which is the ply joint inspection method according to any one of (1) to (5) above. With this configuration, the ply winding step can be efficiently executed.

[0013] The ply joint inspection method as one embodiment of the present disclosure is (7) In the joining step, the two end portions of the ply are adsorbed, and while restricting the movement of the two end portions in the drum axis direction, the end faces of the two end portions are joined along the drum axis direction, according to any one of (1) to (6) above, the ply joining inspection method, is. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the positions of both end portions in the circumferential direction of the drum of the ply in the joining step and the decrease in the joining accuracy of the ply.

[0014] A ply joining inspection method as one embodiment of the present disclosure is (8) Before the separator arranging step, a drum deforming step of retreating a part in the drum circumferential direction of the drum outer peripheral surface of the forming drum inward in the drum radial direction to form a space in which the separator can be arranged is included, according to any one of (1) to (7) above, the ply joining inspection method, is. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the separator arranged in the separator arranging step from protruding outward in the drum radial direction.

[0015] A ply joining inspection apparatus as a second aspect of the present disclosure is (9) A forming drum capable of winding a strip-shaped rubber member around the outer peripheral surface of the drum, A separator disposed between the strip-shaped rubber member and the ply in a state where the ply is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the drum so as to cover the outside in the drum radial direction of the strip-shaped rubber member wound around the outer peripheral surface of the forming drum, An inspection apparatus capable of detecting a defect in a joint portion where the end faces of both end portions in the circumferential direction of the drum of the ply are butted and joined, and is provided with, The separator includes an illumination unit capable of irradiating light to the joint portion from the inner side in the drum radial direction, The inspection apparatus is a ply joining inspection apparatus capable of detecting a defect in the joint portion by transmitted light that passes through the joint portion among the light from the illumination unit. With this configuration, even when molding a cylindrical ply so as to overlap it on the outer side in the drum radial direction of the belt rubber member, inspection of the joint portion of the ply can be realized.

[0016] The ply joint inspection apparatus as one embodiment of the present disclosure is (10) The inspection apparatus can detect a defect in the joint portion by imaging the joint portion irradiated with the light from the inner side in the drum radial direction from the outer side in the drum radial direction. The ply joint inspection apparatus according to (9) above. With this configuration, inspection of the joint portion of the ply can be easily realized.

[0017] The ply joint inspection apparatus as one embodiment of the present disclosure is (11) The inspection apparatus is the ply joint inspection apparatus according to (10) above, wherein the imaging position of the joint portion is variable in the drum axial direction. With this configuration, inspection of the joint portion of the ply and recovery of the separator can be executed simultaneously.

[0018] The ply joint inspection apparatus as one embodiment of the present disclosure is (12) The ply joint inspection apparatus according to any one of (9) to (11) above, comprising a suction device capable of sucking both end portions of the ply and restricting movement of the both end portions in the drum axial direction. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress displacement of the position of the ply with respect to the belt rubber member in the bonding step and the inspection step.

[0019] The ply joint inspection apparatus as one embodiment of the present disclosure is (13) The suction device is the ply joint inspection apparatus according to (12) above, which is capable of sucking the separator and moving in the drum axial direction with respect to the molding drum while restricting movement of the separator in the drum radial direction. With this configuration, when moving the separator in the separator placement step, it is possible to prevent the belt-like rubber member from being damaged by the separator.

[0020] A ply bonding inspection apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is (14) The separator has suction ports capable of sucking both end portions of the ply, and is the ply bonding inspection apparatus according to any one of (9) to (13) above. With this configuration, both end portions of the ply in the drum circumferential direction can be reliably held by the separator.

[0021] A ply bonding inspection apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is (15) The molding drum can form a space in which the separator can be arranged by retreating a part of the drum circumferential direction of the drum outer peripheral surface inward in the drum radial direction, and is the ply bonding inspection apparatus according to any one of (9) to (14) above. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the separator arranged in the separator placement step from protruding outward in the drum radial direction.

[0022] A ply bonding inspection apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is (16) The ply bonding inspection apparatus according to any one of (9) to (15) above, comprising a bonding device capable of butting and bonding the end faces of both end portions in a state where both end portions of the ply are held on the separator. With this configuration, the bonding step can be executed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] According to the present disclosure, there can be provided a ply bonding inspection method and a ply bonding inspection apparatus capable of inspecting a bonding portion of a ply even when molding a cylindrical ply so as to overlap on the outside in the radial direction of another cylindrical member.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 4C

Figure 4D

Figure 4E

Figure 4F

Figure 4G

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 5C

Figure 5D

Figure 5E

Figure 5F

Figure 5G

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of a ply bonding inspection method and a ply bonding inspection apparatus according to the present disclosure will be exemplified and described with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals are given to the same configurations in each figure.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a ply bonding inspection apparatus 1 as an embodiment of a ply bonding inspection apparatus according to the present disclosure. The ply bonding inspection apparatus 1 is used for molding a cylindrical member for a pneumatic tire in which a belt-like rubber member X and a ply Y overlap in the radial direction. Examples of the belt-like rubber member X include an inner liner, side rubber, etc. as tire materials. Examples of the ply Y include a carcass ply as a tire material formed by covering a reinforcing cord with rubber.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the ply bonding inspection apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes an apparatus main body portion 10 and a molding drum 80. The apparatus main body portion 10 includes a separator 20, an inspection apparatus 40, a bonding apparatus 30, a suction apparatus 50, a separator drive portion 60, a bonding inspection drive portion 61, and a control portion 70.

[0028] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the direction parallel to the central axis O of the molding drum 80 will be described as the "drum axial direction A". Also, the direction around the central axis O of the molding drum 80 will be described as the "drum circumferential direction B". Further, the radial direction of the circle around the central axis O of the molding drum 80 will be described as the "drum radial direction C". Also, the outer surface of the molding drum 80 in the drum radial direction C will be described as the "drum outer peripheral surface 88".

[0029] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, in the ply bonding inspection apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the apparatus main body portion 10 and the molding drum 80 are arranged side by side in the drum axial direction A. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, in the drum axial direction A, the side where the molding drum 80 is located (the right side in FIG. 1) may be described as the "rear side A1", and the other side where the apparatus main body portion 10 is located (the left side in FIG. 1) may be described as the "front side A2".

[0030] FIG. 2 is a view showing a part of a cross section orthogonal to the drum axis direction A of the molding drum 80. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a ply bonding inspection method performed using the ply bonding inspection apparatus 1. FIGS. 4A to 4G are schematic views showing an outline of each step in the ply bonding inspection method shown in FIG. 3 performed using the ply bonding inspection apparatus 1. FIGS. 5A to 5G are views showing a part of a cross section orthogonal to the drum axis direction A of the molding drum 80 shown in FIGS. 4A to 4G.

[0031] <molding drum 80> As shown in FIGS. 4A and 5A, the molding drum 80 can wind the belt-like rubber member X on the drum outer peripheral surface 88. As shown in FIG. 5A, an inner liner X1 and a side rubber X2 as the belt-like rubber member X are wound on the drum outer peripheral surface 88 of the molding drum 80 shown in the present embodiment. In other words, the molding drum 80 of the present embodiment is a tire molding drum capable of molding a green tire before vulcanization by sequentially laminating tire materials from the inside to the outside in the drum radial direction C on the drum outer peripheral surface 88. The drum outer peripheral surface 88 of the molding drum 80 of the present embodiment is circular or substantially circular when viewed from the drum axis direction A.

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 4B and 5B, the molding drum 80 of the present embodiment can retract a part of the drum circumferential direction B of the outer peripheral surface 88 of the drum inward in the drum radial direction C. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5A to 5G, the molding drum 80 of the present embodiment includes a plurality of segments 81 whose outer surfaces in the drum radial direction C form the outer peripheral surface 88 of the drum. In other words, the outer peripheral surfaces of the plurality of segments 81 as a whole form one outer peripheral surface 88 of the drum. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5A to 5G, the plurality of segments 81 include partial expansion / contraction segments 81a that can form a retracted surface 88a on a part of the drum circumferential direction B of the drum outer peripheral surface 88 by retracting inward in the drum radial direction C with respect to the adjacent segments 81 in the drum circumferential direction B. Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5A to 5G, the molding drum 80 of the present embodiment includes a drum deformation drive unit 85 that can retract the partial expansion / contraction segment 81a inward in the drum radial direction C. That is, the molding drum 80 of the present embodiment can retract a part of the drum circumferential direction B of the drum outer peripheral surface 88 inward in the drum radial direction C by driving the drum deformation drive unit 85 to retract the partial expansion / contraction segment 81a inward in the drum radial direction C. As shown in FIGS. 4G and 5G, after retracting a part of the drum circumferential direction B of the drum outer peripheral surface 88 of the molding drum 80 of the present embodiment inward in the drum radial direction C, a part of the drum circumferential direction B of this drum outer peripheral surface 88 can be advanced outward in the drum radial direction C. More specifically, with a part of the drum circumferential direction B of the drum outer peripheral surface 88 retracted, by driving the drum deformation drive unit 85 to advance the partial expansion / contraction segment 81a outward in the drum radial direction C, a part of the drum circumferential direction B of the drum outer peripheral surface 88 can be advanced outward in the drum radial direction C.

[0033] Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5A to 5G, suction ports 82 are formed on the outer surface of the partial expansion / contraction segment 81a of the present embodiment in the drum radial direction C. A plurality of suction ports 82 are arranged on the outer surface of the partial expansion / contraction segment 81a in the drum radial direction C at intervals in the drum axial direction A. The suction ports 82 can suck the belt-like rubber member X wound on the outer peripheral surface 88 of the forming drum 80 toward the inside in the drum radial direction C by driving an external device such as a suction pump connected to the forming drum 80. Thereby, the belt-like rubber member X wound on the outer peripheral surface 88 of the forming drum 80 can be adsorbed on the outer surface of the partial expansion / contraction segment 81a in the drum radial direction C.

[0034] <Separator 20> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4A to 4G, the separator 20 extends in the drum axial direction A. The separator 20 is disposed between the belt-like rubber member X and the ply Y in a state where the ply Y is wound along the outer peripheral surface 88 of the forming drum 80 so as to cover the outside in the drum radial direction C of the belt-like rubber member X wound on the outer peripheral surface 88 of the forming drum 80 (see FIGS. 4D to 4F, FIGS. 5D to 5F). Further, as shown in FIG. 5C, the separator 20 is disposed at a part in the drum circumferential direction B on the outside in the drum radial direction C of the belt-like rubber member X wound on the outer peripheral surface 88 of the forming drum 80 by a separator arrangement step S3 described later. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the position in the drum circumferential direction B where the separator 20 is disposed in the separator arrangement step S3 described later may be referred to as a "ply holding position".

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 5D and 5E, the separator 20 can hold both end portions y1 and y2 in the drum circumferential direction B of the ply Y wound on the outer peripheral surface 88 of the forming drum 80 in a state where the separator 20 is disposed at the ply holding position. More specifically, the separator 20 of the present embodiment has a ply holding surface 25 facing the outside in the drum radial direction C in a state where the separator 20 is disposed at the ply holding position, and both end portions y1 and y2 in the drum circumferential direction B of the ply Y are held by being supported from the inside in the drum radial direction C by the ply holding surface 25.

[0036] Also, as shown in FIGS. 5C to 5F, the separator 20 of the present embodiment has a mechanism capable of sucking both end portions y1 and y2 in the drum circumferential direction B of the ply Y wound around the drum outer circumferential surface 88 of the forming drum 80 inward in the drum radial direction C in a state where it is disposed at the ply holding position. More specifically, the separator 20 of the present embodiment has a connection port connectable to an external device such as a suction pump or a vacuum pipe of the forming drum 80 connectable to an external device such as a suction pump, and a suction port 23 communicating with the connection port. A plurality of suction ports 23 are formed on the ply holding surface 25 at intervals in the drum axial direction A. The suction port 23 can suck both end portions y1 and y2 in the drum circumferential direction B of the ply Y located on the ply holding surface 25 inward in the drum radial direction C by driving an external device such as a suction pump. Thereby, both end portions y1 and y2 in the drum circumferential direction B of the ply Y can be reliably held on the ply holding surface 25 of the separator 20.

[0037] Note that the separator 20 only needs to have a mechanism capable of sucking both end portions y1 and y2 in the drum circumferential direction B of the ply Y inward in the drum radial direction C, and is not limited to a configuration having the suction port 23. Specifically, the separator 20 may be configured to be capable of sucking both end portions y1 and y2 in the drum circumferential direction B of the ply Y by magnetic force, for example.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 4C and 5C, in the separator placement step S3 described below, the separator 20 is placed in a space formed by retracting a part of the drum outer peripheral surface 88 of the molding drum 80 in the drum deformation step S2 described below. In other words, the ply holding position is inside the drum outer peripheral surface 88 (see FIG. 5A) of the molding drum 80 before the retracted surface 88a is formed on the drum outer peripheral surface 88 in the drum radial direction C, and is a position where the retracted surface 88a is located in the drum circumferential direction B. As shown in FIG. 5C, in the present embodiment, the separator 20 is arranged in such a ply holding position, and the outer surface in the drum radial direction C (the ply holding surface 25 in the present embodiment) is arranged so as to substantially coincide with the position of the drum outer peripheral surface 88 (see FIG. 5A) of the molding drum 80 before the retracted surface 88a is formed. More specifically, the separator 20 of the present embodiment has a curved surface that protrudes outward in the drum radial direction C such that the outer surface in the drum radial direction C (the ply holding surface 25 in the present embodiment) substantially coincides with the position of the drum outer peripheral surface 88 (see FIG. 5A) of the molding drum 80 before the retracted surface 88a is formed when arranged in the ply holding position. Thereby, in the ply winding step S4 described below, when the ply Y is wound so as to cover the separator 20 along the drum outer peripheral surface 88 of the molding drum 80, the shape of the ply Y when viewed from the drum axial direction A can be made closer to a perfect circle.

[0039] As shown in FIGS. 5C to 5F, the separator 20 includes an illumination unit 21 capable of irradiating light outward in the drum radial direction C in a state where it is arranged at the ply holding position. By providing such an illumination unit 21, the joint portion Ya of the ply Y joined in the joining step S5 described below can be irradiated with light from the inside in the drum radial direction C. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4A to 4G, the separator 20 of the present embodiment is configured such that the illumination unit 21 is located at the end on the back side A1 in the drum axial direction A. The illumination unit 21 of the present embodiment is configured by, for example, a light emitting diode provided on the ply holding surface 25, but the configuration of the illumination unit 21 is not limited to this as long as it can irradiate the joint portion Ya of the ply Y with light from the inside in the drum radial direction C.

[0040] The end portion on the back side A1 in the drum axis direction A of the separator 20 of the present embodiment is configured to be adsorbable by magnetic force. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4A to 4G, the separator 20 of the present embodiment has an adsorbed portion 22 formed of a magnetic material such as steel at the position of the end portion on the back side A1 in the drum axis direction A. Thereby, the end portion on the back side A1 in the drum axis direction A of the separator 20 can be adsorbed by an adsorption device 50 described later.

[0041] The material for forming the separator 20 is not particularly limited. For example, it is preferably formed of a metal such as aluminum or stainless steel, or a hard material such as resin. Further, in order to reduce the sliding resistance with the ply Y generated when the separator 20 is pulled out in the inspection process S6 described later, it is preferable to perform polishing, coating, etc. on the surface of the separator 20 to make the surface property difficult to adhere to the ply Y.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4A to 4G, a separator guide 90 is provided on the molding drum 80 of the present embodiment. The separator guide 90 is used to guide the separator 20 that moves in the drum axis direction A in a separator placement step S3 described later to a separator holding position. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4A to 4G, the separator guide 90 of the present embodiment includes a first guide portion 90a disposed at the end on the front side A2 in the drum axis direction A of the molding drum 80, and a second guide portion 90b disposed at the end on the back side A1 in the drum axis direction A of the molding drum 80. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4A to 4G, the first guide portion 90a has a guide gap penetrating in the drum axis direction A. The separator 20 can be inserted into the guide gap. The guide gap allows movement of the separator 20 in the drum axis direction A while restricting movement of the separator 20 inserted into the guide gap in the drum diameter direction C and the drum circumferential direction B. Also, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4A to 4G, the second guide portion 90b has a guide recess that is recessed toward the back side A1 in the drum axis direction A. As shown in FIGS. 4D and 4E, the guide recess can accommodate the end portion on the back side A1 in the drum axis direction A of the separator 20 disposed at the ply holding position. The guide recess restricts movement of the separator 20 in the drum diameter direction C and the drum circumferential direction B and restricts movement of the separator 20 toward the back side A1 in the drum axis direction A in a state where the end portion on the back side A1 in the drum axis direction A of the separator 20 is accommodated. By providing such a separator guide 90, the separator 20 can be efficiently placed at the ply holding position in the separator placement step S3 described later. Note that the configuration of the separator guide 90 is not limited to the above as long as it can guide the separator 20 to the ply holding position.

[0043] Also, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4A to 4G, a separator lock 91 is provided on the molding drum 80 of the present embodiment. The separator lock 91 is movable between a locked position (see FIGS. 4D and 4E) and an unlocked position (see FIGS. 4A to 4C, 4F, and 4G). When in the locked position, the position of the separator 20 is fixed to the pry holding position, while when in the unlocked position, the separator 20 is released from the fixed state. More specifically, when the separator lock 91 of the present embodiment is in the locked position, the separator 20 disposed in the pry holding position is biased toward the back side A1 in the drum axis direction A and pressed against the inner surface of the guide recess of the second guide portion 90b of the separator guide 90. Thereby, the position of the separator 20 is fixed to the pry holding position. On the other hand, when in the unlocked position, the separator lock 91 of the present embodiment does not bias the separator 20 toward the back side A1 in the drum axis direction A and releases the separator 20 from the fixed state. By providing such a separator lock 91, the fixing of the separator 20 to the pry holding position and the release from the fixing can be selectively executed. Note that the configuration of the separator lock 91 is not limited to the above as long as it can selectively execute the fixing of the separator 20 to the pry holding position and the release from the fixing.

[0044] In the pry bonding inspection apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the separator 20 is connected to the vacuum pipe of the molding drum 80 by being fixed to the pry holding position by the separator lock 91. In this state, by driving an external device such as a suction pump connected to this vacuum pipe, both end portions y1 and y2 of the pry Y located on the pry holding surface 25 can be sucked through the suction port 23 of the separator 20.

[0045] <Bonding device 30> The joining device 30 can join the end faces of both ends y1 and y2 of the ply Y in the drum circumferential direction B to each other while both ends y1 and y2 are held on the separator 20. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5E, the joining device 30 of the present embodiment includes a zipper portion 31 having a pair of joint rollers 32. The joining device 30 of the present embodiment abuts a pair of joint rollers 32 against both ends y1 and y2 of the ply Y in the drum circumferential direction B, respectively, and moves the zipper portion 31 along the drum axis direction A while rotating each joint roller 32, thereby pulling both ends y1 and y2 of the ply Y in the drum circumferential direction B closer to each other, and butting and joining the end faces of both ends y1 and y2 to each other (see FIGS. 4E and 5E). As described above, the joining device 30 of the present embodiment is configured to include the zipper portion 31 having a pair of joint rollers 32, but the configuration of the joining device 30 is not limited to the above as long as the end faces of both ends y1 and y2 of the ply Y in the drum circumferential direction B can be butted and joined to each other.

[0046] <Inspection device 40> The inspection device 40 can detect defects in the joint portion Ya of the ply Y in which the end faces of both ends y1 and y2 of the ply Y in the drum circumferential direction B are butted and joined. Specifically, the inspection device 40 can detect defects in the joint portion Ya of the ply Y by the transmitted light that passes through the joint portion Ya of the ply Y among the light from the illumination unit 21. Further, as shown in FIGS. 4F and 5F, the inspection device 40 of the present embodiment can image the joint portion Ya of the ply Y irradiated with light from the inside in the drum radial direction C from the outside in the drum radial direction C. Further, as shown in FIG. 4F, the inspection device 40 of the present embodiment can vary the imaging position of the joint portion Ya of the ply Y in the drum axis direction A. The inspection device 40 of the present embodiment is configured, for example, by a digital camera capable of taking images, which is attached to a joining inspection drive unit 61 described later. However, the configuration of the inspection device 40 is not limited to the above as long as the joint portion Ya of the ply Y irradiated with light from the inside in the drum radial direction C can be imaged from the outside in the drum radial direction C.

[0047] <Adsorption device 50> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4A to 4G, the suction device 50 of the present embodiment includes a suction hand 51 and a suction drive unit 52. The suction hand 51 is configured to be able to generate electromagnetic force and can adsorb a magnetic body. Although details will be described later, in the primary bonding inspection method of the present embodiment, the suction hand 51 can adsorb a carcass ply as a primary Y that includes a reinforcing cord made of a magnetic body such as steel inside, and an adsorbed portion 22 of the separator 20 formed of a magnetic body such as steel. The suction drive unit 52 is connected to the suction hand 51 and moves the suction hand 51 in the drum axis direction A and the drum diameter direction C. However, the configuration of the suction device 50 is not limited to the above. For example, the suction hand 51 may have a suction port communicated with an external device such as a suction pump, and may be configured to be able to adsorb the primary Y and the separator 20 by suction through the suction port.

[0048] <Separator drive unit 60, bonding inspection drive unit 61, control unit 70> The separator drive unit 60 is detachably connected to the separator 20. Further, the separator drive unit 60 can move the separator 20 in the drum axis direction A. The bonding inspection drive unit 61 is connected to the inspection device 40 and the bonding device 30, and can move the inspection device 40 and the bonding device 30 in the drum axis direction A, and can move the inspection device 40 and the bonding device 30 separately in the drum diameter direction C. The control unit 70 controls the moving direction, moving speed, and moving amount of the bonding device 30, the inspection device 40, the suction device 50, and the separator 20 by controlling the suction drive unit 52, the bonding inspection drive unit 61, and the separator drive unit 60. The control unit 70 includes a processor such as a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (central processing unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or a dedicated processor specialized for specific processing. The control unit 70 may further include a storage unit such as a ROM (read-only memory) and a RAM (random access memory).

[0049] Hereinafter, a ply bonding inspection method performed using the above-described ply bonding inspection apparatus 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the ply bonding inspection method performed using the ply bonding inspection apparatus 1 includes a rubber member winding step S1, a drum deformation step S2, a separator arrangement step S3, a ply winding step S4, a bonding step S5, an inspection step S6, and an integration step S7. Hereinafter, each of the steps S1 to S7 will be described in detail.

[0050] <Rubber member winding step S1> As shown in FIGS. 4A and 5A, in the rubber member winding step S1, a strip-shaped rubber member X is wound around the drum outer peripheral surface 88 of the molding drum 80. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 5A, in the rubber member winding step S1 of the present embodiment, an inner liner X1 and a side rubber X2 as the strip-shaped rubber member X are wound around the drum outer peripheral surface 88 of the molding drum 80 in this order and molded into a cylindrical shape.

[0051] <Drum deformation step S2> As shown in FIGS. 4B and 5B, in the drum deformation step S2, after the rubber member winding step S1, a part of the drum outer peripheral surface 88 of the molding drum 80 in the drum circumferential direction B is retracted inward in the drum radial direction C to form a space in which the separator 20 can be arranged. More specifically, in the drum deformation step S2 of the present embodiment, the drum deformation driving unit 85 is driven to retract the partial expansion / contraction segment 81a inward in the drum radial direction C, so that a part of the drum outer peripheral surface 88 in the drum circumferential direction B is retracted in the drum radial direction C, and a retracted surface 88a is formed on a part of the drum outer peripheral surface 88 in the drum circumferential direction B. By forming the retracted surface 88a, a space is formed between the position of the drum outer peripheral surface 88 (see FIG. 5A, etc.) before the retracted surface 88a is formed and the retracted surface 88a. In this space, the separator 20 can be arranged in the separator arrangement step S3 described later.

[0052] Also, as shown in FIGS. 4B and 5B, in the drum deformation step S2 of the present embodiment, when a part of the drum circumferential direction B of the drum outer peripheral surface 88 of the molding drum 80 is retracted in the drum radial direction C, a strip rubber member X is adsorbed in advance to a part of the drum circumferential direction B of the drum outer peripheral surface 88 of the molding drum 80. More specifically, an external device such as a suction pump connected to the molding drum 80 is driven, and the strip rubber member X is sucked by a suction port 82 provided on the outer surface in the drum radial direction C of the partial expansion and contraction segment 81a that forms the retracted surface 88a (see FIG. 5B). Thereby, the strip rubber member X is adsorbed to the outer surface in the drum radial direction C of the partial expansion and contraction segment 81a. By retracting the partial expansion and contraction segment 81a inward in the drum radial direction C in this state, a part of the strip rubber member X in the drum circumferential direction B can be retracted inward in the drum radial direction C together with the partial expansion and contraction segment 81a. Thereby, when a part of the drum circumferential direction B of the drum outer peripheral surface 88 of the molding drum 80 is retracted inward in the drum radial direction C, the strip rubber member X stays at the ply holding position, and it can be prevented that the arrangement of the separator 20 is hindered in the separator arrangement step S3 described later.

[0053] <Separator arrangement step S3> As shown in FIGS. 4C and 5C, in the separator arrangement step S3, after the drum deformation step S2, the separator 20 is arranged on a part of the drum circumferential direction B outside the drum radial direction C of the strip rubber member X. Thereby, at the position where the separator 20 is arranged, the strip rubber member X and the ply Y wound around the outside of the strip rubber member X in the drum radial direction C can be separated in the drum radial direction C.

[0054] Also, in the separator placement step S3 of the present embodiment, the separator 20 is placed in the space formed in the drum deformation step S2. That is, the ply holding position where the separator 20 is placed is the position where the retreat surface 88a is formed in the drum deformation step S2 in the drum circumferential direction B. By placing the separator 20 in such a position, it becomes difficult for the separator 20 to protrude outward in the drum radial direction C with respect to the position of the outer peripheral surface 88 of the drum (see FIG. 5A, etc.) before the retreat surface 88a is formed. As a result, when the ply Y is wound around the separator 20 along the outer peripheral surface 88 of the molding drum 80 in the ply winding step S4 described later, the shape of the ply Y as viewed from the drum axial direction A is easily approximated to a perfect circle, and the quality of the pneumatic tire as a finished product can be improved. Conversely, if the drum deformation step S2 is not executed before the separator placement step S3 and the separator 20 is placed without forming the retreat surface 88a on the outer peripheral surface 88 of the molding drum 80, the separator 20 will be placed so as to protrude outward in the drum radial direction C on the circular or substantially circular outer peripheral surface 88 of the drum as viewed from the drum axial direction A. In this state, when the ply Y is wound around the separator 20 along the outer peripheral surface 88 of the molding drum 80, the shape of the ply Y as viewed from the drum axial direction A will be such that a part in the drum circumferential direction B protrudes outward in the drum radial direction C, and the roundness of the ply Y will decrease. Therefore, as described above, it is preferable that the separator 20 is placed in the space at the position of the retreat surface 88a formed in the drum deformation step S2.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 4C, in the separator placement step S3 of the present embodiment, the separator drive unit 60 is driven to move the separator 20 deeper in the drum axial direction A1 with respect to the molding drum 80 and place it at the ply holding position. At this time, the separator 20 is guided to the ply holding position by the first guide portion 90a and the second guide portion 90b of the separator guide 90. Further, the separator 20 that has reached the ply holding position is removed from the separator drive unit 60 and fixed to the ply holding position by the separator lock 91 (see FIG. 4D).

[0056] Also, as shown in FIG. 4C, in the separator placement step S3 of the present embodiment, the end portion on the back side A1 in the drum axis direction A of the separator 20 is adsorbed by the adsorption device 50, and while restricting the movement of the end portion on the back side A1 in the drum axis direction A of the separator 20 in the drum diameter direction C, the separator 20 is moved toward the back side A1 in the drum axis direction A with respect to the molding drum 80. More specifically, first, the adsorption drive unit 52 of the adsorption device 50 is driven to bring the adsorption hand 51 into contact with the adsorbed portion 22 provided at the end portion on the back side A1 in the drum axis direction A of the separator 20. Then, with the adsorption hand 51 in contact with the adsorbed portion 22 of the separator 20, an electromagnetic force is generated in the adsorption hand 51 to adsorb the adsorbed portion 22 of the separator 20 made of a magnetic material such as steel. Thereby, the movement of the end portion on the back side A1 in the drum axis direction A of the separator 20 in the drum diameter direction C can be restricted. While maintaining this restricted state, the separator drive unit 60 and the adsorption drive unit 52 are driven to move the separator 20 together with the adsorption hand 51 toward the back side A1 in the drum axis direction A. As a result, when the separator 20 moves toward the back side A1 in the drum axis direction A, the end portion on the back side A1 in the drum axis direction A of the separator 20 bends inward in the drum diameter direction C, and it is possible to suppress the belt-shaped rubber member X located inside the separator 20 in the drum diameter direction C from being damaged by the separator 20. Note that FIG. 4C shows a state during the movement of the separator 20 together with the adsorption hand 51 toward the back side A1 in the drum axis direction A.

[0057] <Primary winding step S4> As shown in FIGS. 4D and 5D, in the primary winding step S4, after the separator arrangement step S3, the primary Y is wound so as to cover the outside in the drum radial direction C of the belt-like rubber member X and the separator 20. At this time, winding is performed so that both end portions y1 and y2 in the drum circumferential direction B of the primary Y are held on the separator 20 (see FIG. 5D). As a result, most of the primary Y in the drum circumferential direction B is wound around the outer surface in the drum radial direction C of the belt-like rubber member X, but both end portions y1 and y2 in the drum circumferential direction B of the primary Y are separated from the belt-like rubber member X to the outside in the drum radial direction C. As shown in FIG. 5D, in the primary winding step S4 of the present embodiment, both end portions y1 and y2 in the drum circumferential direction B of the primary Y are sucked by the suction ports 23 provided on the primary holding surface 25 of the separator 20 and adsorbed on the primary holding surface 25 of the separator 20. Thereby, both end portions y1 and y2 in the drum circumferential direction B of the primary Y can be reliably held on the separator 20. In the primary winding step S4 of the present embodiment, the primary Y is a carcass ply formed by covering a reinforcing cord made of a magnetic material such as steel with rubber.

[0058] The primary winding step S4 of the present embodiment is performed according to the following procedure. First, one end portion y1 of both end portions y1 and y2 in the drum circumferential direction B of the primary Y is adsorbed and held on the primary holding surface 25 of the separator 20. Then, while holding this one end portion y1 on the primary holding surface 25 of the separator 20, the primary Y is wound along the outer peripheral surface 88 of the molding drum 80. When the primary Y is wound around the outer peripheral surface 88 of the drum for about one turn, the other end portion y2 in the drum circumferential direction B of the primary Y is adsorbed and held on the primary holding surface 25 of the separator 20. By adopting such a procedure, the primary winding step S4 can be efficiently executed.

[0059] <Bonding Step S5> As shown in FIG. 5E, in the joining step S5, after the ply winding step S4, while holding both end portions y1 and y2 in the drum circumferential direction B of the ply Y wound along the drum outer circumferential surface 88 of the molding drum 80 on the separator 20, the joining device 30 is used to abut and join the end faces of both end portions y1 and y2 in the drum circumferential direction B of the ply Y, respectively. Thereby, the end faces of both end portions y1 and y2 in the drum circumferential direction B of the ply Y can be abutted and joined to each other while keeping both end portions y1 and y2 in the drum circumferential direction B of the ply Y and the belt-like rubber member X separated from each other in the drum radial direction C. Conversely, for example, when joining the ply Y in a state where all the inner surfaces in the drum radial direction C of the ply Y are adhered to the belt-like rubber member X, there may be a case where an operation of peeling both end portions y1 and y2 in the drum circumferential direction B of the ply Y from the belt-like rubber member X once occurs, and the efficiency may decrease. Also, in this case, the positions of both end portions y1 and y2 in the drum circumferential direction B of the ply Y are not stable, and the joining accuracy may decrease. That is, as in the joining step S5 of the present embodiment, while holding both end portions y1 and y2 in the drum circumferential direction B of the ply Y wound on the drum outer circumferential surface 88 of the molding drum 80 on the separator 20, by abutting and joining the end faces of both end portions y1 and y2 in the drum circumferential direction B of the ply Y, respectively, for example, compared with the case of joining the ply Y in a state where all the inner surfaces in the drum radial direction C of the ply Y are adhered to the belt-like rubber member X, the efficiency and joining accuracy of the joining operation can be improved.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 4E, in the joining step S5 of the present embodiment, while moving the joining device 30 toward the back side A1 in the drum axis direction A with respect to the molding drum 80, both end portions y1 and y2 in the drum circumferential direction B of the ply Y are gradually joined along the drum axis direction A, thereby forming a joining portion Ya extending in the drum axis direction A. At this time, as shown in FIG. 4E, in the joining step S5 of the present embodiment, both end portions y1 and y2 in the drum circumferential direction B of the ply Y are adsorbed by the adsorption device 50, and while restricting the movement of both end portions y1 and y2 in the drum axis direction A, the end faces of both end portions y1 and y2 are gradually joined toward the back side A1 in the drum axis direction A. Thereby, when joining toward the back side A1 in the drum axis direction A by the joining device 30, both end portions y1 and y2 in the drum circumferential direction B of the ply Y are pulled in the advancing direction of the joining device 30 (the back side A1 in the drum axis direction A in the present embodiment), and the positions of both end portions y1 and y2 in the drum circumferential direction B of the ply Y are shifted, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in joining accuracy. Note that FIG. 4E shows a state in the middle of gradually joining both end portions y1 and y2 in the drum circumferential direction B of the ply Y toward the back side A1 in the drum axis direction A while moving the joining device 30 toward the back side A1 in the drum axis direction A with respect to the molding drum 80.

[0061] <Inspection step S6> In the joining portion Ya joined in the joining step S5, there may be a case where a hole penetrating in the drum diameter direction C is formed. Such a hole may deteriorate the quality of the joining portion Ya from the viewpoint of joining strength and the like. Therefore, in order to ensure the quality of the joining portion Ya, after the joining step S5, an inspection step S6 for detecting a hole having a size equal to or larger than a predetermined size as a defect is executed.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 4F and 5F, in the inspection step S6, the joint portion Ya joined in the joining step S5 is irradiated with light from the inside in the drum diameter direction C by the lighting unit 21 provided in the separator 20, and the defect of the joint portion Ya of the ply Y is detected by the transmitted light passing through the joint portion Ya of the ply Y. More specifically, when the joint portion Ya of the ply Y is irradiated with light from the inside in the drum diameter direction C, the light passes through the holes penetrating in the drum diameter direction C formed in the joint portion Ya and leaks out as transmitted light to the outside in the drum diameter direction C. By analyzing the transmitted light leaked to the outside in the drum diameter direction C, the defect of the joint portion Ya is detected.

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 4F and 5F, in the inspection step S6 of the present embodiment, the joint portion Ya of the ply Y irradiated with light from the inside in the drum diameter direction C is imaged from the outside in the drum diameter direction C by the inspection device 40, and the defect is detected based on the captured image. In this way, by imaging the joint portion Ya, the inspection of the joint portion Ya of the ply Y can be easily realized. However, the defect may be detected, for example, visually without imaging by the inspection device 40.

[0064] Also, as shown in FIG. 4F, in the inspection step S6 of the present embodiment, the separator 20 is pulled out to the front side A2 in the drum axis direction A with respect to the molding drum 80, and the imaging position of the joint portion Ya is varied along with the variation in the position where the light is irradiated due to pulling out the separator 20. More specifically, immediately after the joining step S5, the separator 20 is disposed at the ply holding position. At this time, the illumination unit 21 is at a position substantially coinciding with the end portion on the back side A1 in the drum axis direction A of the ply Y. In this state, first, the separator lock 91 is varied from the locked position to the unlocked position to release the locked state of the separator 20, and the separator 20 is attached to the separator drive unit 60. Then, the joining inspection drive unit 61 is driven to move the inspection device 40 to a position where the end portion on the back side A1 in the drum axis direction A of the ply Y can be imaged. In this state, the irradiation of light from the illumination unit 21 of the separator 20 to the joint portion Ya and the imaging of the joint portion Ya by the inspection device 40 are started. Then, while irradiating light to the joint portion Ya of the ply Y, the separator drive unit 60 is driven to move the separator 20 to the front side A2 in the drum axis direction A. At this time, since the illumination unit 21 also moves along with the movement of the separator 20, the position where the joint portion Ya of the ply Y is irradiated with light varies. Along with this, the joining inspection drive unit 61 is driven to move the inspection device 40 in accordance with the variation in the position where the light is irradiated, and the imaging position by the inspection device 40 is varied. Thereby, the inspection of the joint portion Ya of the ply Y can be executed over the entire area in the drum axis direction A. Further, in the process of executing the inspection step S6 in this manner, the separator 20 can be removed from between the belt-like rubber member X and the ply Y and recovered. That is, according to the inspection step S6 of the present embodiment, the inspection of the joint portion Ya of the ply Y and the recovery of the separator 20 can be executed simultaneously. Note that FIG. 4F shows a state in the middle of pulling out the separator 20 to the front side A2 in the drum axis direction A with respect to the molding drum 80 and varying the imaging position of the joint portion Ya along with the variation in the position where the light is irradiated due to pulling out the separator 20.

[0065] Also, as shown in FIG. 4F, in the inspection step S6 of the present embodiment, both end portions y1 and y2 in the drum circumferential direction B of the ply Y are adsorbed by the adsorption device 50, and while restricting the movement of both end portions y1 and y2 in the drum axial direction A, the separator 20 is pulled out to the front side A2 in the drum axial direction A with respect to the forming drum 80. More specifically, first, the adsorption drive unit 52 is driven to bring the adsorption hand 51 into contact with both end portions y1 and y2 in the drum circumferential direction B of the ply Y. Then, with the adsorption hand 51 in contact with both end portions y1 and y2 in the drum circumferential direction B of the ply Y, an electromagnetic force is generated in the adsorption hand 51 to adsorb the ply Y. Thereby, the movement of both end portions y1 and y2 in the drum axial direction A of the ply Y wound along the drum outer peripheral surface 88 of the forming drum 80 in the drum circumferential direction B can be restricted. In this state, the separator 20 is pulled out to the front side A2 in the drum axial direction A with respect to the forming drum 80. As a result, when the separator 20 is pulled out, the separator 20 and the ply Y slide, and the ply Y is pulled in the pulling direction of the separator 20 (the front side A2 in the drum axial direction A in the present embodiment), and it is possible to suppress the displacement of the position of the ply Y with respect to the belt-like rubber member X.

[0066] <Integrating step S7> As shown in FIGS. 4G and 5G, in the integrating step S7, the drum deformation drive unit 85 of the forming drum 80 is driven to advance the partial expansion / contraction segment 81a to the outside in the drum diameter direction C, and the belt-like rubber member X is pressed against and attached to the surface inside the drum diameter direction C of the ply Y. Thereby, the belt-like rubber member X and the ply Y can be integrated.

[0067] As described above, according to the ply bonding inspection method according to the present disclosure, even when forming a cylindrical ply Y so as to overlap on the outside in the radial direction (the drum diameter direction C in the present embodiment) of other cylindrical members (the inner liner X1 and the side rubber X2 as the belt-like rubber member X in the present embodiment), light is irradiated from the inside in the drum diameter direction C to the bonding portion Ya of the ply Y by the lighting unit 21 provided on the separator 20 disposed between the other cylindrical member and the ply Y, and by detecting a defect in the bonding portion Ya of the ply Y through which the light passes, the inspection of the bonding portion Ya of the ply Y can be realized.

[0068] The primary joint inspection method and apparatus according to the present disclosure are not limited to the specific configurations and processes shown in the above-described embodiments, and various modifications, changes, and combinations are possible without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0069] [Contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)] SDGs have been proposed towards the realization of a sustainable society. One embodiment of the present invention can be a technology that contributes to "No. 12 - Responsibility to Produce, Responsibility to Use" and "No. 13 - Specific Measures against Climate Change". [Industrial Applicability]

[0070] The present disclosure relates to a primary joint inspection method and apparatus. [Description of Reference Numerals]

[0071] 1: Primary joint inspection apparatus, 10: Apparatus main body portion, 20: Separator, 21: Lighting portion, 22: Adsorbing portion, 23: Suction portion, 25: Primary holding surface, 30: Joining apparatus, 31: Zipper portion, 32: Joint roller, 40: Inspection apparatus, 50: Adsorbing apparatus, 51: Adsorbing hand, 52: Adsorbing drive portion, 60: Separator drive portion, 61: Joint inspection drive portion, 70: Control portion, 80: Molding drum, 81: Segment, 81a: Partially scaled segment, 82: Suction port, 85: Drum deformation drive portion, 88: Drum outer peripheral surface, 88a: Retreating surface, 90: Separator guide, 90a: First guide portion, 90b: Second guide portion, 91: Separator lock, A: Drum axial direction, A1: Rear side, A2: Front side, B: Drum circumferential direction, C: Drum radial direction, O: Central axis, S1: Rubber member winding process, S2: Drum deformation process, S3: Separator arrangement process, S4: Primary winding process, S5: Joining process, S6: Inspection process, S7: Integration process, X: Belt-shaped rubber member, X1: Inner liner, X2: Side rubber, Y: Primary, Ya: Joint portion of primary, y1, y2: End portions of primary in the drum circumferential direction

Claims

1. A rubber member winding step of winding a strip-shaped rubber member around the outer peripheral surface of a forming drum; A separator arranging step of arranging a separator on a part in the drum circumferential direction on the outer side in the drum radial direction of the strip-shaped rubber member; A ply winding step of winding a ply so as to cover the outer side in the drum radial direction of the strip-shaped rubber member and the separator; A joining step of butting and joining end faces of both ends in the drum circumferential direction of the ply while holding both ends in the drum circumferential direction of the ply on the separator; An inspection step of irradiating light from the inner side in the drum radial direction to a joint portion joined by the joining step with an illuminating portion provided on the separator, and detecting a defect of the joint portion by transmitted light passing through the joint portion, the ply joining inspection method including the above steps.

2. In the inspection step, the defect of the joint portion is detected by imaging the joint portion where the light is irradiated from the inner side in the drum radial direction from the outer side in the drum radial direction, the ply joining inspection method according to Claim 1.

3. In the inspection step, the separator is pulled out in the drum axial direction with respect to the forming drum, and the imaging position of the joint portion is varied along with the variation of the position where the light is irradiated by pulling out the separator, the ply joining inspection method according to Claim 2.

4. In the inspection step, both ends of the ply are adsorbed, and the separator is pulled out in the drum axial direction with respect to the forming drum while restricting the movement of both ends in the drum axial direction, the ply joining inspection method according to Claim 3.

5. In the separator arranging step, the separator is adsorbed, and the separator is moved in the drum axial direction with respect to the forming drum while restricting the movement of the separator in the drum radial direction, the ply joining inspection method according to Claim 1 or 2.

6. In the primary winding step, while adsorbing and holding one end of the two ends of the primary on the separator, after winding the primary along the outer peripheral surface of the drum of the forming drum, the other end is adsorbed and held on the separator. The primary bonding inspection method according to claim 1 or 2.

7. In the bonding step, while adsorbing both ends of the primary and restricting the movement of both ends in the drum axis direction, the end faces of both ends are bonded along the drum axis direction. The primary bonding inspection method according to claim 1 or 2.

8. Before the separator placement step, a drum deformation step is included in which a part of the outer peripheral surface of the drum of the forming drum in the drum circumferential direction is retracted inward in the drum radial direction to form a space where the separator can be placed. The primary bonding inspection method according to claim 1 or 2.

9. A forming drum on which a strip-shaped rubber member can be wound around the outer peripheral surface of the drum, A separator disposed between the strip-shaped rubber member and the primary in a state where the primary is wound along the outer peripheral surface of the drum so as to cover the outside in the drum radial direction of the strip-shaped rubber member wound on the outer peripheral surface of the drum of the forming drum, An inspection device capable of detecting defects in a joint portion where the end faces of both ends of the primary in the drum circumferential direction are butted and joined, The separator includes an illumination unit capable of irradiating light to the joint portion from the inner side in the drum radial direction, The inspection device is a primary bonding inspection device capable of detecting defects in the joint portion by transmitted light passing through the joint portion among the light from the illumination unit.

10. The inspection device is capable of detecting defects in the joint portion by imaging the joint portion irradiated with the light from the inner side in the drum radial direction from the outer side in the drum radial direction. The primary bonding inspection device according to claim 9.

11. The inspection device according to claim 10, wherein the imaging position of the joint portion is variable in the drum axis direction.

12. The ply bonding inspection device according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising an adsorption device configured to adsorb both end portions of the ply and restrict movement of the both end portions in the drum axis direction.

13. The ply bonding inspection device according to claim 12, wherein the adsorption device is configured to adsorb the separator and move in the drum axis direction with respect to the molding drum while restricting movement of the separator in the drum diameter direction.

14. The ply bonding inspection device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the separator has a mechanism capable of sucking both end portions of the ply.

15. The ply bonding inspection device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the molding drum is capable of forming a space for disposing the separator by retreating a part of the drum circumferential direction on the drum outer peripheral surface inward in the drum diameter direction.

16. The ply bonding inspection device according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising a bonding device configured to butt and bond end faces of the both end portions in a state where the both end portions of the ply are held on the separator.

Images