Manufacturing method of unvulcanized cylindrical rubber member, and splicing system of unvulcanized rubber member

Abstract

To provide a manufacturing method of a cylindrical rubber member and a splicing system of an unvulcanized rubber member capable of surely splicing both circumferential ends of the unvulcanized rubber member molded into a cylindrical shape in a drum body to manufacture a cylindrical rubber member, to more quickly transfer it to a forming drum in the following step.SOLUTION: A splicing step is performed in which a drum body 3 and each press-bonding roller 5 are moved toward a forming drum 12 in a drum axial direction X at a drum moving speed Vd and a roller moving speed Vr, respectively, and each press-bonding roller 5 is pressed against and rolled on a position corresponding to both circumferential ends S1 and S2 of unvulcanized rubber members M1 to M3 cylindrically formed at a drum body 3 to press-bond the full length of the both circumferential ends S1 and S2. A relative moving speed Vx obtained by subtracting the roller moving speed Vr from the drum moving speed Vd is set to within an allowable range AR of a splicing speed Vs at which the both circumferential ends S1 and S2 can be press-bonded without excess or deficiency. The drum moving speed Vd is set to a speed higher than an upper limit speed within the allowable range AR.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an unvulcanized cylindrical rubber member and a splicing system for an unvulcanized rubber member. More specifically, the circumferential end portions of an unvulcanized rubber member wound around a drum body and formed into a cylindrical shape can be reliably crimped and spliced, and the cylindrical rubber member manufactured through this splicing process can be transferred to the forming drum of the next process more quickly. The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an unvulcanized cylindrical rubber member and a splicing system for an unvulcanized rubber member.

Background Art

[0002] Tires are manufactured by vulcanizing green tires. In the molding process of a green tire, for example, a cylindrical band member including an inner liner and a carcass is manufactured on a band drum. Then, after the cylindrical band member is transferred to the forming drum of the next process by a transfer machine, a belt material, tread rubber, etc. are laminated to form a green tire. In the band drum, if the circumferential both ends of an unvulcanized rubber member such as a carcass that constitutes the cylindrical band member are not sufficiently crimped, it will cause a decrease in the performance of the manufactured tire and manufacturing defects.

[0003] Various splicing methods have been proposed that can reliably crimp the circumferential both ends of an unvulcanized rubber member (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the splicing method proposed in Patent Document 1, an inner liner and a carcass are sequentially wound around the outer peripheral surface of a band drum. Next, with the inner liner adsorbed to the outer peripheral surface of the band drum through suction holes formed on the outer peripheral surface of the band drum, the band drum is relatively moved in the drum axis direction with respect to a stitcher. Since the inner liner is adsorbed to the outer peripheral surface of the band drum, it is difficult to be displaced. As a result, the circumferential both ends of the carcass can be more strongly pressed by a crimping roller, so that reliable crimping is possible.

[0004] However, if the relative moving speed of the drum for the band with respect to the stitcher is too fast, the crimping time will be shortened and sufficient crimping cannot be achieved. Therefore, there is a limit to increasing the relative moving speed, and a corresponding amount of time is required for the splicing process. Along with this, it becomes disadvantageous to quickly transfer the cylindrical band member to the forming drum in the next process. Therefore, there is room for improvement in reliably crimping both circumferential end portions of the unvulcanized rubber member to manufacture the cylindrical band member and quickly transferring this cylindrical band member to the forming drum in the next process.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing an unvulcanized cylindrical rubber member and a splicing system for an unvulcanized rubber member that can reliably crimp and splice the circumferential end portions of an unvulcanized rubber member wound around a drum body and formed into a cylindrical shape, and can transfer the cylindrical rubber member manufactured through this splicing process to the forming drum in the next process more quickly.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, a method for manufacturing an unvulcanized cylindrical rubber member of the present invention comprises winding an unvulcanized rubber member around a drum body to form a cylindrical shape, and relatively moving the drum body and a crimping roller in the drum axis direction of the drum body, and rolling while pressing the crimping roller at positions corresponding to both circumferential ends of the cylindrical unvulcanized rubber member, thereby performing a splicing step of crimping both circumferential ends over the entire length in the drum axis direction to manufacture an unvulcanized cylindrical rubber member, and transferring this cylindrical rubber member to a forming drum in a next step arranged at a position separated from the drum body in the drum axis direction. In the method for manufacturing an unvulcanized cylindrical rubber member, the drum body around which the unvulcanized rubber member is wound is moved at a predetermined drum moving speed in the drum axis direction toward the forming drum, and the crimping roller is moved at a roller moving speed lower than the drum moving speed in the drum axis direction toward the forming drum, and the splicing step is performed by rolling while pressing the crimping roller against both circumferential ends, and a relative moving speed calculated by subtracting the roller moving speed from the drum moving speed is set within an allowable range of a splicing speed that is known in advance and can crimp both circumferential ends without excess or deficiency, and the drum moving speed is set higher than the upper limit speed of the allowable range.

[0008] The splicing system for the unvulcanized rubber member of the present invention includes a drum body around which the unvulcanized rubber member is wound and formed into a cylindrical shape, a pressure roller, and a control unit that controls the movement of the drum body and the pressure roller. By the control unit, the drum body and the pressure roller are relatively moved in the drum axis direction of the drum body, and the pressure roller is rolled while being pressed against positions corresponding to both circumferential ends of the cylindrical unvulcanized rubber member, and a splicing process is performed to press both circumferential ends over the entire length in the drum axis direction. Thus, an unvulcanized cylindrical rubber member is manufactured, and this cylindrical rubber member is transferred to a forming drum in the next process that is arranged at a position separated from the drum body in the drum axis direction. In the splicing system for the unvulcanized rubber member, the drum body around which the unvulcanized rubber member is wound is moved at a predetermined drum moving speed in the drum axis direction toward the forming drum, and the pressure roller is moved at a roller moving speed lower than the drum moving speed in the drum axis direction toward the forming drum. The pressure roller rolls while pressing both circumferential ends, and the splicing process is performed. The relative moving speed calculated by subtracting the roller moving speed from the drum moving speed is set within an allowable range of the splicing speed that is known in advance and can press both circumferential ends without excess or deficiency, and the drum moving speed is set higher than the upper limit speed of the allowable range.

Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, by setting the relative moving speed calculated by subtracting the roller moving speed from the drum moving speed within an allowable range of the splicing speed that is known in advance and can press both circumferential ends without excess or deficiency, both circumferential ends of the unvulcanized rubber member wound around the drum body and formed into a cylindrical shape can be surely pressed and spliced by the pressure roller. And at the drum moving speed set higher than the upper limit speed of the allowable range, the unvulcanized rubber member is formed into the cylindrical rubber member while moving closer to the forming drum. Therefore, it is advantageous for quickly transferring the cylindrical rubber member to the forming drum.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing an unvulcanized cylindrical rubber member and a splicing system for an unvulcanized rubber member of the present invention will be described based on the embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0012] A method for manufacturing an unvulcanized cylindrical rubber member of the present invention is implemented using an embodiment of a splicing system 1 (hereinafter referred to as system 1) for an unvulcanized rubber member illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0013] In this system 1, a band member M is manufactured as an unvulcanized cylindrical rubber member. The band member M has an inner liner M1, a carcass material M2, and a side portion M3, which are unvulcanized rubber members.

[0014] This system 1 includes a drum unit 2 having a drum body 3, a stitcher 4, a transfer machine 9, and a control unit 11. In FIG. 2, the illustration of the control unit 11 is omitted. The drum unit 2, the stitcher 4, and the transfer machine 9 are each independently movable along a rail 10 extending in one direction X by a moving mechanism such as a servo motor. The X, Y, and Z arrows in the figure indicate the width direction, the depth direction, and the height direction of the system 1, respectively, and are directions perpendicular to each other. The extending direction (drum axis direction) of the drum axis 3a of the drum body 3 is the same as the extending direction X of the rail 10.

[0015] A forming drum 12 is arranged at a position separated from the drum body 3 in the drum axis direction X. The forming drum 12 is arranged on an extension of the rail 10. A stitcher 4 and a transfer machine 9 are arranged between the drum body 3 and the forming drum 12. The dashed-dotted line C1 in the figure indicates an axis passing through the center of the cross-section of the drum body 3 (drum axis 3a). In this embodiment, the axis C1 coincides with the axis of the forming drum 12.

[0016] The drum unit 2 has a motor for rotationally driving the drum body 3, and the drum body 3 rotates about the drum axis 3a by this motor. As will be described later, the unvulcanized rubber members M1, M2, and M3 are wound around the drum body 3 and formed into a cylindrical shape.

[0017] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the stitcher 4 has a crimping roller 5, a support frame 6, and a pressing mechanism 7. The support frame 6 having a C shape in side view is arranged so as to surround the outer periphery of the drum body 3 and is arranged at the upper end of a column portion guided by the rail 10. The C and R arrows in the figure indicate the circumferential direction and the radial direction of the drum body 3, respectively.

[0018] The support frame 6 is provided with a crimping roller 5 and a pressing mechanism 7. More specifically, the crimping roller 5 is rotatably installed at the tip of the pressing mechanism 7 attached to the support frame 6. The crimping roller 5 moves in the radial direction R of the drum body 3 by the operation of the pressing mechanism 7 and approaches and separates from the circumferential surface of the drum body 3. As the pressing mechanism 7, a fluid cylinder having a rod that advances and retracts in the radial direction R, a servo motor that advances and retracts the rod in the radial direction R, and a unit of the rod can be used.

[0019] In this embodiment, the crimping roller 5 and the pressing mechanism 7 are arranged at four locations spaced apart in the circumferential direction C of the support frame 6. The position in the circumferential direction C where the crimping roller 5 is arranged and the number of such positions are determined according to the number of the unvulcanized rubber members M1, M2, and M3 wound around the drum body 3 and the like. Each pressing mechanism 7 (crimping roller 5) is attached to the support frame 6 so as to be movable in the circumferential direction C. Therefore, each crimping roller 5 can be fixedly arranged at a desired position in the circumferential direction C.

[0020] The crimping roller 5 is formed of resin, metal, or the like, and various known types that are rotatably supported can be used. When the support frame 6 moves in the drum axis direction X, each crimping roller 5 also moves in the drum axis direction X.

[0021] The transfer machine 9 moves in the drum axis direction X between the drum body 3 and the forming drum 12. The transfer machine 9 holds the band member M manufactured using the drum body 3 and transfers it to the forming drum 12. Various known types can be used for the transfer machine 9.

[0022] The control unit 11 controls the movements of the drum unit 2, the stitcher 4, and the transfer machine 9. Various known computers can be used as the control unit 11.

[0023] Next, an example of the procedure for manufacturing the band member M using this system 1 will be described.

[0024] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the side member M3, the inner liner M1, and the carcass material M2 are sequentially supplied to the drum body 3 as unvulcanized rubber members constituting the band member M. For example, each of the members M1, M2, and M3 is supplied by a conveyor or the like. The conveyors for supplying the respective members M1, M2, and M3 are arranged at intervals in the drum axis direction X, for example. Therefore, the drum body 3 is moved in the drum axis direction X and arranged in front of the conveyors for supplying the respective members M1, M2, and M3. The respective members M1, M2, and M3 are supplied to the drum body 3 arranged at each position.

[0025] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the supplied respective members M1, M2, and M3 are wound around the drum body 3 rotating about the drum axis 3a and formed into a cylindrical shape, and the cylindrical bodies are stacked. In each of the members M1, M2, and M3 formed into a cylindrical shape, the circumferential one end portion S1 and the circumferential other end portion S2 face each other in the circumferential direction C. The opposing circumferential end portions S1 and S2 (both circumferential end portions S1 and S2) become the splice target portions. In the splicing process, the respective splice target portions S1 and S2 are pressure-bonded and spliced using the stitcher 4.

[0026] In this embodiment, three types of members M1, M2, and M3 are used as the constituent materials of the band member M. The inner liner M1 is one layer (one sheet), the carcass material M2 is two layers (two sheets), and the side members M3 are arranged in two sheets spaced apart in the drum axis direction X. Therefore, a total of five unvulcanized rubber members are formed in a cylindrical shape on the drum body 3. Accordingly, there are five splice target portions S1 and S2 on the drum body 3.

[0027] In consideration of improving the uniformity of the manufactured tire T, the circumferential positions of both ends S1 and S2 in the circumferential direction of each of the members M1, M2, and M3 wound around the drum body 3 are not all the same and are made different at two or more locations. For example, the circumferential positions of both ends S1 and S2 in the circumferential direction are made different between members M1, M2, and M3 of different types. Also, the circumferential positions of both ends S1 and S2 in the circumferential direction are made different between those laminated with the same type of member M2.

[0028] In this embodiment, the circumferential positions of both ends S1 and S2 in the circumferential direction of different types of members M1, M2, and M3 are different from each other. Further, the circumferential positions of both ends S1 and S2 in the circumferential direction of each of the carcass materials M2 laminated in two sheets are different from each other. On the other hand, the circumferential positions of both ends S1 and S2 in the circumferential direction of each of the two side members M3 are the same as each other.

[0029] Therefore, in this embodiment, there are splice target portions S1 and S2 at four locations on the drum body 3 where the circumferential positions are different. Therefore, the crimping rollers 5 are arranged at four locations spaced apart in the circumferential direction C on the support frame 6 corresponding to the circumferential positions of the respective splice target portions S1 and S2. When there are splice target portions S1 and S2 at three locations on the drum body 3 where the circumferential positions are different, the crimping rollers 5 are arranged at three locations spaced apart in the circumferential direction C corresponding to this. That is, the circumferential arrangement of the crimping rollers 5 is set corresponding to the circumferential positions of the splice target portions S1 and S2 existing on the drum body 3.

[0030] In the splicing process, as illustrated in FIG. 7, each crimping roller 5 arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction C is moved in the radial direction R to press the circumferential positions corresponding to the respective splicing target portions S1 and S2. In each of the members M1, M2, and M3, the circumferential end portions S1 and S2 are pressed by the corresponding crimping roller 5 so as to straddle the circumferential direction C.

[0031] In addition, based on pre-tests, past performance, etc., an appropriate pressing force that can sufficiently crimp the splicing target portions S1 and S2 without excessively deforming them by the crimping roller 5 pressing the splicing target portions S1 and S2 in the radial direction R is grasped in advance. The moving amount of each crimping roller 5 in the radial direction R is set so as to apply this appropriate pressing force. Then, each crimping roller 5 is moved in the radial direction R so as to apply this appropriate pressing force to the splicing target portions S1 and S2. Since this appropriate pressing force varies somewhat depending on the specifications of the members M1, M2, and M3 wound around the drum body 3 (i.e., tire specifications), it is advisable to set an appropriate pressing force (moving amount in the radial direction R) by the crimping roller 5 for each tire specification.

[0032] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the starting point of the pressing by each crimping roller 5 is one end in the drum axis direction X of the cylindrical body composed of the members M1, M2, and M3 (the end on the forming drum 12 side). In this way, the cylindrical body composed of the members M1, M2, and M3 is pressed by each crimping roller 5.

[0033] With each crimping roller 5 in this state, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the drum unit 2 (drum body 3) is moved in the drum axis direction X toward the forming drum 12 at a predetermined drum moving speed Vd. And the stitcher 4 (crimping roller 5) is moved in the drum axis direction X toward the forming drum 12 at a roller moving speed Vr.

[0034] The roller moving speed Vr is set to be lower than the drum moving speed Vd (Vr < Vd). By subtracting the roller moving speed Vr from the drum moving speed Vd, the relative moving speed Vx between the drum body 3 and the pressure roller 5 is calculated (Vx = Vd - Vr). That is, the drum body 3 moves in the drum axis direction X toward the forming drum 12 at the relative moving speed Vx with respect to the stitcher 4 (pressure roller 5). In other words, the stitcher 4 (pressure roller 5) moves in the drum axis direction X in the direction opposite to the forming drum 12 at the relative moving speed Vx with respect to the drum body 3.

[0035] Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 10, each pressure roller 5 rolls while moving in the drum axis direction X at the relative moving speed Vx from one end to the other end (the end opposite to the forming drum 12) in the drum axis direction X of the cylindrical body composed of the members M1, M2, and M3 while pressing the cylindrical body composed of the members M1, M2, and M3. Then, each pressure roller 5 is moved and rolled until it reaches the other end in the drum axis direction X of the cylindrical body composed of the members M1, M2, and M3. As a result, each splicing target portion S1, S2 is crimped by the corresponding pressure roller 5 over the entire length in the drum axis direction X. Thereby, the splicing process is completed, and the band member M composed of the members M1, M2, and M3 is manufactured.

[0036] In this splicing process, the relative movement speed Vx is set within the allowable range AR (the range from the lower limit value VSmin of the splicing speed VS to the upper limit value VSmax of the splicing speed VS) of the splicing speed VS at which the splicing target parts S1 and S2 can be crimped without excess or deficiency. This allowable range AR is pre-known as the range of the movement speed of the crimping roller 5 in the drum axis direction X when the respective splicing target parts S1 and S2, which are rolled while pressing the crimping roller 5 moved in the drum axis direction X, can be sufficiently crimped without peeling from each other. This allowable range AR is grasped based on pre-tests, past records, etc. For example, as a pre-test, while applying a predetermined pressing force to each of the splicing target parts S1 and S2 with the crimping roller 5, the splicing process is performed with the movement speed in the drum axis direction X varied at a plurality of levels, and the allowable range AR is grasped by checking the occurrence or non-occurrence of peeling between the splicing target parts S1 and S2.

[0037] Furthermore, the drum movement speed Vd is set higher than the upper limit speed VSmax of the allowable range AR (Vd > VSmax). That is, the drum movement speed Vd and the roller movement speed Vr are set to satisfy the following three conditions. Condition 1: Drum movement speed Vd > Roller movement speed Vr Condition 2: Lower limit speed VSmin ≤ Relative movement speed Vx ≤ Upper limit speed VSmax Condition 3: Drum movement speed Vd > Upper limit speed VSmax

[0038] After the above splicing process is completed, the drum unit 2 (drum body 3) and the stitcher 4 are moved in the drum axis direction X toward the forming drum 12, and the band member M is placed on the transfer machine 9 as illustrated in FIG. 11. In this embodiment, while the drum body 3 and the stitcher 4 are moving in the drum axis direction X toward the forming drum 12 and the splicing process is being performed, the drum body 3 starts to be inserted into the transfer machine 9. Therefore, when the splicing process is completed, the drum body 3 is generally arranged inside the transfer machine 9. That is, the band member M is in a state of being immediately placed inside the transfer machine 9 when it is manufactured. Note that FIGS. 11 to 13 illustrate the inside of the transfer machine 9 in a longitudinal section.

[0039] Next, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the transfer device 9 adsorbs and holds the outer peripheral surface of the band member M. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the transfer device 9 holding the band member M is moved in the drum axis direction X toward the forming drum 12. In this embodiment, the transfer device 9 moving in the drum axis direction X extrapolates the band member M onto the forming drum 12. A pair of bead members are externally fitted to the band member M extrapolated onto the forming drum 12, for example, using the transfer device 9.

[0040] In this way, the band member M is transferred by the transfer device 9 to the next-process forming drum 12 disposed at a position spaced apart from the drum body 3 in the drum axis direction X. In the forming drum 12, a separate process of forming the green tire G is performed using the band member M, a pair of bead members, a belt material, tread rubber, and the like. The forming drum 12 is not limited to various generally known forming drums, and for example, a so-called rigid core having an outer surface substantially the same as the inner surface of the tire T to be manufactured may be used. The formed green tire G is vulcanized using a vulcanizing device to complete the tire T.

[0041] In the splicing process, the crimping roller 5 that presses the respective splicing target portions S1 and S2 moves in the drum axis direction X at a relative moving speed Vx within an allowable range AR in which the splicing target portions S1 and S2 can be crimped without excess or deficiency. Therefore, the respective splicing target portions S1 and S2 are surely crimped and spliced by the corresponding crimping roller 5. As the drum moving speed Vd increases, the roller moving speed Vr also increases, so that the relative moving speed Vx can be set within the allowable range AR.

[0042] Then, the members M1, M2, and M3 wound around the drum body 3 are formed into the band member M while moving proximally to the forming drum 12 at a drum moving speed Vd set higher than the upper limit speed VSmax of the allowable range AR. Here, when the drum body 3 and the stitcher 4 (crimping roller 5) are simply relatively moved in the drum axis direction X to surely crimp the splice target portions S1 and S2, the drum body 3 can only move toward the forming drum 12 at the upper limit speed VSmax at the fastest speed. However, in this embodiment, since the drum moving speed Vd and the roller moving speed Vr are set so as to satisfy the above-described conditions 1 to 3, the drum body 3 is moved in the drum axis direction X at a speed higher than the upper limit speed VSmax. Therefore, it is advantageous for quickly transferring the manufactured band member M in which the respective splice target portions S1 and S2 are surely crimped to the forming drum 12.

[0043] The band member M is manufactured using the drum body 3, and the band member M can be transferred to the forming drum 12 more quickly, so the productivity of the green tire G is improved. That is, the time required for the entire forming process of the green tire G is shortened. As a result, it also contributes to the improvement of the productivity of the tire T.

[0044] In the splicing process, the pressing forces in the radial direction R of the respective crimping rollers 5 arranged with different circumferential positions can all be set to be the same, or can be set independently of each other. For example, the pressing force by the crimping roller 5 arranged at each circumferential position is set according to the thickness direction position (radial direction position in FIG. 7) of the splice target portions S1 and S2 of the cylindrical body composed of the members M1, M2, and M3.

[0045] Alternatively, for members where it is previously known that it is difficult to crimp the splicing target parts S1 and S2 together, the pressing force applied by the crimping roller 5 to the splicing target parts S1 and S2 is set stronger. For example, compared to the inner liner M1 and carcass material M2, the side member M3 is difficult to crimp the splicing target parts S1 and S2 together, and when there is a high possibility of separation between the two, the pressing force of the side member M3 against the splicing target parts S1 and S2 is set correspondingly higher than that of the inner liner M1 and carcass material M2. By setting the pressing force of each crimping roller 5 in this way, it becomes increasingly advantageous for crimping each splicing target part S1 and S2 without excess or deficiency.

[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 14, the two crimping rollers 5, 5 can also be arranged in a vertical row in the drum axis direction X at the same circumferential position. That is, two crimping rollers 5, 5 are arranged in the drum axis direction X at different circumferential positions where the crimping roller 5 is arranged as illustrated in FIG. 7. In FIG. 14, a slide guide 8a extending in the drum axis direction X is attached to the tip of the pressing mechanism 7, and two crimping rollers 5, 5 are arranged in the drum axis direction X on this slide guide 8a. Therefore, the two crimping rollers 5, 5 move together in the radial direction R along with the slide guide 8a that moves in the radial direction R by the pressing mechanism 7. Except for the configuration related to the crimping roller 5, it is the same as the previous embodiment. Therefore, in the splicing process, each splicing target part S1, S2 is crimped by the two vertically arranged crimping rollers 5, 5.

[0047] Each of the crimping rollers 5, 5 illustrated in FIG. 14 is movable in the drum axis direction X by respective slide mechanisms 8 installed on the slide guide 8a. As the slide mechanism 8, a fluid cylinder having a rod that advances and retreats in the drum axis direction X, a servo motor that advances and retreats the rod in the drum axis direction X, and a unit of the rod, etc. can be used. The movement of the slide mechanism 8 is controlled by the control unit 11.

[0048] The two vertically arranged crimping rollers 5, 5 can be moved independently of each other in the drum axis direction X as illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16. Since the two vertically arranged crimping rollers 5, 5 move in the drum axis direction X with respect to the support frame 6, they move in the drum axis direction X at a speed different from the moving speed of the support frame 6 (roller moving speed Vr described above). Therefore, the relative moving speed Vx between the drum body 3 and the two vertically arranged crimping rollers 5, 5 is different from the relative moving speed Vx (=Vd - Vr) described above, and is calculated in consideration of the moving speed of each crimping roller 5, 5 in the drum axis direction X.

[0049] In FIG. 15, the mutually vertical crimping rollers 5, 5 move in opposite directions in the drum axis direction X. The mutually vertical crimping rollers 5, 5 are moved away from each other, and one half region of the entire length of the splice target portions S1, S2 from the center is crimped by one crimping roller 5, and the other half region is crimped by the other crimping roller 5. Alternatively, the mutually vertical crimping rollers 5, 5 are moved closer to each other, and one half region from one end to the center of the entire length of the splice target portions S1, S2 is crimped by one crimping roller 5, and the other half region from the other end to the center is crimped by the other crimping roller 5.

[0050] In FIG. 16, the mutually vertical crimping rollers 5, 5 move in the same direction in the drum axis direction X. Each crimping roller 5, 5 is moved from one end to the other end of the entire length of the splice target portions S1, S2, and the entire length is crimped by each crimping roller 5, 5. In this case, the moving speeds of the respective crimping rollers 5, 5 can be made the same or different. For example, the moving speed of the other crimping roller 5 (the left crimping roller 5 in FIG. 16) is set to be higher than the moving speed of one crimping roller 5 (the right crimping roller 5 in FIG. 16) that crimps the splice target portions S1, S2 first. This is because the other crimping roller 5 rolls on the portion where the preceding crimping roller 5 has already rolled, and thus can roll smoothly even if the moving speed is made higher.

[0051] As illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, when moving the vertically arranged crimping rollers 5, 5 independently of each other in the drum axis direction X, the moving speeds and the moving directions in the drum axis direction X of the respective crimping rollers 5, 5 are set according to the specifications of the members M1, M2, M3 (i.e., tire specifications) wound around the drum body 3. That is, for each tire specification, the moving speeds and the moving directions in the drum axis direction X of the respective vertically arranged crimping rollers 5, 5 are set so that the splice target portions S1, S2 can be crimped more appropriately.

[0052] In addition, the two vertically arranged crimping rollers 5, 5 can also be fixed to a predetermined position of the slide guide 8a. In this case, the two crimping rollers 5, 5 move at the same speed integrally with the support frame 6 and in the same direction in the drum axis direction X. In this case, basically, each crimping roller 5, 5 is moved from one end to the other end of the entire length of the splice target portions S1, S2, and the entire length is crimped by each crimping roller 5, 5.

Explanation of Signs

[0053] 1 Splicing system 2 Drum unit 3 Drum body 3a Drum shaft 4 Stitcher 5 Crimping roller 6 Support frame 7 Pressing mechanism 8 Slide mechanism 8a Slide guide 9 Transfer machine 10 Rail 11 Control unit 12 Forming drum M Band member (uncured cylindrical rubber member) M1 Inner liner (uncured rubber member) M2 Carcass material (uncured rubber member) M3 Side member (uncured rubber member) S1 One end in the circumferential direction S2 The other end in the circumferential direction

Claims

**Claim 1** In a method for manufacturing an unvulcanized cylindrical rubber member, an unvulcanized rubber member is wound around a drum body and formed into a cylindrical shape, and the drum body and a crimping roller are relatively moved in the drum axis direction of the drum body, and while pressing the crimping roller at positions corresponding to both circumferential ends of the cylindrical unvulcanized rubber member, the crimping roller is rolled to perform a splicing process of crimping both circumferential ends over the entire length in the drum axis direction to manufacture an unvulcanized cylindrical rubber member, and this cylindrical rubber member is transferred to a forming drum in the next process which is arranged at a position separated from the drum body in the drum axis direction. In this method, the drum body around which the unvulcanized rubber member is wound is moved in the drum axis direction toward the forming drum at a predetermined drum moving speed, and the crimping roller is moved in the drum axis direction toward the forming drum at a roller moving speed lower than the drum moving speed, and the splicing process is performed by rolling the crimping roller while pressing it against both circumferential ends. The relative moving speed calculated by subtracting the roller moving speed from the drum moving speed is set within an allowable range of a splicing speed that is known in advance to be able to crimp both circumferential ends without excess or deficiency, and the drum moving speed is set higher than the upper limit speed of the allowable range. A method for manufacturing an unvulcanized cylindrical rubber member. **Claim 2** The method for manufacturing an unvulcanized cylindrical rubber member according to claim 1, wherein the two crimping rollers are arranged in a vertical row in the drum axis direction at the same drum circumferential position. **Claim 3** The method for manufacturing an unvulcanized cylindrical rubber member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of the crimping rollers arranged in a vertical row is moved independently in the drum axis direction. **Claim 4** A plurality of the unvulcanized rubber members are wound around the drum body, and each of the unvulcanized rubber members is formed into a cylindrical shape. The drum circumferential positions of both circumferential ends of each of the unvulcanized rubber members are made different at two or more positions, and the splicing process is performed by rolling the crimping roller while pressing it at positions corresponding to both circumferential ends. The method for manufacturing an unvulcanized cylindrical rubber member according to claim 1 or 2. **Claim 5** The method for manufacturing an unvulcanized cylindrical rubber member according to claim 4, wherein the pressing forces in the drum radius direction of the crimping rollers arranged with different circumferential positions are set independently of each other. **Claim 6** A drum body around which an unvulcanized rubber member is wound and formed into a cylindrical shape, a crimping roller, and a control unit for controlling the movement of the drum body and the crimping roller. In a splicing system for an unvulcanized rubber member, the control unit relatively moves the drum body and the crimping roller in the drum axis direction of the drum body, and rolls while pressing the crimping roller against positions corresponding to both circumferential ends of the cylindrical unvulcanized rubber member to perform a splicing process of crimping both circumferential ends over the entire length in the drum axis direction. Thus, an unvulcanized cylindrical rubber member is manufactured, and this cylindrical rubber member is transferred to a forming drum in the next process, which is arranged at a position separated from the drum body in the drum axis direction. In the splicing system for an unvulcanized rubber member, the drum body around which the unvulcanized rubber member is wound is moved at a predetermined drum moving speed in the drum axis direction toward the forming drum, and the crimping roller is moved at a roller moving speed lower than the drum moving speed in the drum axis direction toward the forming drum. The crimping roller rolls while pressing both circumferential ends, and the splicing process is performed. The relative moving speed calculated by subtracting the roller moving speed from the drum moving speed is set within an allowable range of a splicing speed that can crimp both circumferential ends without excess or deficiency, and the drum moving speed is set higher than the upper limit speed of the allowable range.

Images