Transfer ring segment, transfer ring, and tire component transfer method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a transfer ring segment, a transfer ring, and a method for transferring tire components, wherein the transfer ring segment comprises a segment body having a plurality of first pins and a plurality of first sliding grooves in which the plurality of pins are slidably received, each of the plurality of first sliding grooves having a groove head from which the respective first pin of the plurality of first pins protrudes from the segment body and a groove bottom opposite the groove head, each of the plurality of first pins fluid-tightly sealing each of the plurality of first sliding grooves between the groove head and the groove bottom, and the segment body further comprising a first manifold interconnecting the plurality of first sliding grooves in a fluid-communicating state at each of the plurality of first sliding grooves at the groove bottom.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The invention relates to a transfer ring segment, a transfer ring including said transfer ring segment, and a method of using said ring to transfer one or more tire components.

[0002] WO 2022 / 130235 A1 discloses an apparatus for gripping an annular component of a wheel tire. The apparatus has gripping elements arranged circumferentially around a central axis and movable relative to a support structure to radially approach the annular component. Each gripping element is provided with a plurality of feeler pins that are individually resiliently pushed outward by a resilient element, specifically a return spring. The feeler pins contact the annular component and are pushed inward against the force of the resilient elements, thereby copying the shape of the outer surface. The apparatus also includes a grid of brake inserts made of a high-friction elastomeric material, fixed to one or more actuation plates configured to be moved by a thrust actuator, thereby compressing the brake inserts against the feeler pins transversely to the sliding direction of the feeler pins. The feeler pins are then frictionally locked against the gripping elements to prevent further radial inward movement of the feeler pins when the support drum is removed from within the annular component. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A disadvantage of the known device is that each feeler pin requires a separate return spring and a separate brake insert, and each gripping element requires one or more actuating plates and thrust actuators to press the brake insert against each feeler pin. All of this is to prevent the return spring from pressing the feeler pin further radially inward as soon as the support drum is removed from within the annular component. Because the known device has six gripping elements, the number of return springs, brake inserts, actuating plates, and thrust actuators is considerable. All of these parts require maintenance and are subject to failure. As a result, the known device is complex and maintenance-intensive.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide a transfer ring segment, a transfer ring including said transfer ring segment, and a method of using said transfer ring to transport one or more tire components, which can reduce the complexity of and / or the maintenance requirements of the transfer ring segment and / or the overall transfer ring.

[0005] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a transfer ring segment for transferring tire components, the transfer ring segment comprising: a plurality of first pins; and a segment body provided with a plurality of first sliding grooves in which the plurality of first pins are slidably received, each of the plurality of first sliding grooves having a groove head from which the respective first pin of the plurality of first pins protrudes from the segment body and a groove bottom opposite the groove head, each of the plurality of first pins fluid-tightly sealing each of the plurality of first sliding grooves between the groove head and the groove bottom, and the segment body further comprising a first manifold fluidically interconnecting the plurality of first sliding grooves at each of the plurality of first sliding grooves.

[0006] When the first manifold is filled with fluid, each first pin can be fluidly connected to all other first pins of the plurality of first pins via the first manifold. In particular, a first pin that is pressed into its respective first sliding groove as a result of contact with a tire component causes a volume of fluid to be distributed across the first sliding groove of the first pin that still has freedom of movement relative to the tire component. As a result, the plurality of first pins automatically conform, adapt, or copy the shape, contour, and / or cross-sectional shape of the tire component. Once equilibrium is reached, the transfer ring segment can be moved away from the tire component, and the plurality of first pins are held in place automatically and / or by fluid pressure alone. Thus, the shape, contour, and / or cross-sectional shape of the tire component can be maintained and / or memorized by the first pins. Advantageously, no separate locking elements, brakes, actuators, etc. are required to lock the first pins against further movement. This significantly reduces the complexity and / or maintenance of the transfer ring segments.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the first manifold defines a single chamber in simultaneous fluid communication with all of the first sliding grooves, such that all of the first sliding grooves are interconnected by a single chamber and each first pin is responsive to the displacement of the other first pins.

[0008] In another embodiment, the segment body further includes a plurality of second sliding grooves in which the plurality of second pins are slidably received, and the segment body includes a second manifold interconnecting the plurality of second sliding grooves in fluid communication. The first and second pins may be controlled differently from one another, for example, to adjust for uneven or non-circular circumferences of tire components.

[0009] In a further embodiment, the first manifold includes a plurality of conduits interconnecting the plurality of first slide grooves in fluid communication, and the plurality of conduits can interconnect the first slide grooves in a smaller volume, similar to a single chamber.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of first slide grooves has a cross-sectional area, and the transfer ring segment of each of the plurality of first slide grooves is provided with a restrictive element that restricts fluid communication between the first manifold and each of the first slide grooves to a restricted area smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the first slide grooves. By restricting fluid communication between the first manifold and each of the first slide grooves, it becomes difficult for fluids with a particular viscosity to pass through the restricted area. As a result, a greater force is required to overcome the resistance and move the first pin. Therefore, the ratio of the cross-sectional area to the restricted area can be selected so that the first pin moves when each transfer segment is pressed against the tire component with a particular force, while the first pin remains in place in the absence of such force.

[0011] More preferably, the restriction area is less than 60% of the cross-sectional area of ​​each first sliding groove, and preferably less than 40% of the cross-sectional area of ​​each first sliding groove. The smaller the restriction area, the greater the force required to move each first pin.

[0012] In another embodiment, the transfer ring segment contains the fluid within the first manifold. In this embodiment, the first manifold is not only suitable for receiving the fluid, but actually holds the fluid. In other words, in this embodiment, the fluid is part of the transfer ring segment.

[0013] Preferably, the first manifold is completely filled with fluid, which makes the response of the first pin to fluid displacement more direct and / or more reliable.

[0014] In another embodiment, the hydraulic fluid has a viscosity of at least 1 / 100 of a Newton-second per square meter at 25 degrees Celsius, which can effectively restrict hydraulic fluid from passing between the first slide groove and the hydraulic chamber below a certain force threshold.

[0015] In another embodiment, the fluid is hydraulic fluid or compressed gas. Both types of fluid can be displaced by the movement of one first pin, which in turn causes the movement of another first pin.

[0016] In another embodiment, the fluid is a hydraulic liquid or a compressed gas, in particular oil, coolant, water or air.

[0017] In another embodiment, the transfer ring segment includes a viscosity control device for controlling the viscosity of the fluid in the first manifold. The viscosity control device is a heater or cooler. Heating or cooling the fluid changes its state, viscosity, or other properties, thereby controlling the resistance to displacement between the first manifold and the first sliding groove. Alternatively, the viscosity control device controls viscosity in another manner, such as by magnetically attracting ferromagnetic powder in the oil.

[0018] In another embodiment, the first manifold, the plurality of first sliding grooves, and the plurality of first pins form a closed hydraulic or pneumatic system, such that fluid displacement resulting from movement of one of the first pins can be directly translated into corresponding movement of one or more other first pins.

[0019] In another embodiment, the plurality of first sliding grooves extend parallel to one another, so that the first pins can slide in and out of the respective first sliding grooves in the same direction.

[0020] In another embodiment, the plurality of first sliding grooves are distributed in a plurality of rows and columns on the segment body. Thus, the plurality of first pins are pressed against the tire component to conform to the shape of the tire component in at least two directions parallel to the rows and columns, respectively. In particular, the plurality of first pins can copy the curvature of the tire component in one direction and the cross-sectional shape of the tire component in the other direction.

[0021] In another embodiment, one or more of the plurality of first sliding grooves and / or one or more of the plurality of first pins are extended in length relative to the other first sliding grooves and / or first pins, such that the extended first pins can travel a long distance outside the segment body and thus can contact the tire component even when the tire component has a relatively small radius.

[0022] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a transfer ring for transporting tire components, the transfer ring comprising a frame extending around a central axis, a plurality of transfer ring segments corresponding to the transfer ring segments according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, and a drive mechanism for moving the plurality of transfer ring segments towards the central axis.

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

[0024] In one embodiment, the transfer ring further includes fluid redistribution conduits between the transfer ring segments to allow fluid transfer between the first manifolds of each transfer ring segment. The fluid transfer may cause pins in one or more transfer ring segments to be extended further or shorter relative to other pins in other transfer ring segments, for example, to compensate for misalignment between the transfer ring and the tire component.

[0025] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of transferring tire components using a transfer ring according to the second aspect of the present invention, the method comprising the steps of: - feeding tire components radially in a transfer ring; - moving a plurality of transfer ring segments toward the central axis and into contact with a curved portion of the tire component while the tire component is supported by the drum in a radial direction from within the tire component; - aligning a plurality of first pins with the curved portion of the tire component in response to the plurality of transfer ring segments contacting the curved portion.

[0026] This method relates to the practical implementation of the transfer ring of the second aspect of the present invention and therefore has similar technical advantages, which will not be repeated below.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: - aligning a plurality of first pins with the profile in response to the plurality of transfer ring segments contacting the profile of the tire component.

[0028] In a further embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: - displacing the first pins of each of the plurality of transfer ring segments relative to one another as a result of the respective transfer ring segments contacting the curved portion.

[0029] In another embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: - fluidly fixing a first pin of each transfer ring segment of the plurality of transfer ring segments in a predetermined position among the plurality of first pins in the absence of an external force acting on the plurality of first pins.

[0030] In another embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: removing the drum from within the tire assembly; - The step where the tire component is held only by the transfer ring. Because the tire component is not supported by the drum, it could be crushed or deformed if excessive force is applied. However, because the initial pins are copied to the shape of the tire component, they remain in place with a tight geometric fit around the tire component without applying excessive force to the tire component itself.

[0031] Preferably, the plurality of transfer ring segments are pressed against the tire component with a first pressing force when the tire component is supported on the drum, and the first pressing force is reduced to a second pressing force less than the first pressing force or to zero when the drum is removed from within the tire component. By reducing the second pressing force relative to the first pressing force or by reducing the first pressing force to zero, movement of the first pin as a result of the pressing force can be prevented.

[0032] In another embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: - transferring one or more further tire components using a transfer ring; automatically adjusting a first pin of each transfer ring segment of the plurality of transfer ring segments to conform to changes in the contour between the tire part and the one or more further tire parts upon contact of the respective transfer ring segment with the one or more further tire parts, in particular a first pin that has already been moved into position during a previous cycle of the method for copying the shape of a tire part may be minimally adjusted upon contacting a slightly different shape of yet another tire part with sufficient pressing force to overcome resistance to movement of the respective first pin.

[0033] In another embodiment, the tire component is a tread or a belt-tread package, where the tread has a nonlinear cross-sectional shape with grooves and ridges. The first pin of the transfer ring segment according to the present invention is particularly suited to automatically conform, adapt, or copy such a cross-sectional shape.

[0034] The various aspects and features described and illustrated in this specification may, to the extent possible, be applied individually. These individual aspects, particularly those aspects and features described in the accompanying dependent claims, may be the subject of divisional patent applications. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] The invention will now be explained on the basis of exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying schematic drawings.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a front view of a tire component according to a first embodiment of the present invention, a drum for supporting the tire component, and a transfer ring including a plurality of transfer ring segments for transferring the tire component.

[0037] FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of one of the transfer ring segments of the transfer ring of FIG.

[0038] 3A-3C show cross sections of the transfer ring segment along line III-III in FIG. 2 during the step of pressing against tire components with different curvatures.

[0039] 4A-4E show cross sections of the transfer ring segment along line IV-IV in FIG. 2 during the step of pressing against the profile of the tire component.

[0040] 3B shows a cross section of a transfer ring segment in one of the sliding grooves shown in FIG. 3A.

[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross section of an alternative transfer ring segment according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom view of yet another alternative transfer ring segment according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross section of yet another alternative transfer ring segment according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] 9 shows a front view of an alternative transfer ring according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 1 shows a transfer ring 1 for transferring tire components 9 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] The transfer ring 1 is used to transfer tire components 9 between a drum 8 (e.g., a building drum or a belt and tread drum) and another station, which may be another drum (e.g., a building drum or a green tire removal unit).

[0047] The transfer ring 1 comprises a frame 2 extending around a central axis S, and a plurality of transfer ring segments 3 distributed around the central axis S along the frame 2 in a circumferential direction C. The transfer ring 1 further comprises a drive mechanism 6 for moving the plurality of transfer ring segments 3 towards the central axis S.

[0048] In this example, the frame 2 is annular or ring-shaped, but the frame 2 may have a different shape as long as the transfer ring 1 can be moved to a transfer position such that the frame 2 extends around the drum 8.

[0049] Furthermore, in this example, the drive mechanism 6 comprises a plurality of actuators, such as linear actuators or servo motors, for individually moving the transfer ring segments 3 towards the central axis S. Alternatively, a common drive mechanism can be provided for synchronously moving all of the transfer ring segments 3 towards the central axis S, for example using planetary gears.

[0050] The transfer ring segment 3 is movable in a radial direction R perpendicular to the central axis S with at least a vector component.

[0051] 2 shows in more detail one transfer ring segment 3 of the plurality of transfer ring segments 3, which is representative of each of the plurality of transfer ring segments 3.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 2, the transfer ring segment 3 comprises a segment body 30 having a plurality of first sliding grooves 31, in particular bores or cylinders. The first sliding grooves 31 are formed in or within the segment body 30. In this example, the first sliding grooves 31 are parallel to one another. The plurality of first sliding grooves 31 are distributed on the segment body 30 into a plurality of rows X and columns Y. In this example, the rows X and columns Y are perpendicular to one another. In particular, the plurality of first sliding grooves 31 are arranged in a matrix-like pattern or a rectangular grid. In this example, the rows X are parallel or substantially parallel to the central axis S, and the columns Y extend tangent to the circumferential direction C. Alternatively, the rows X and columns Y may be arranged at an oblique angle to one another.

[0053] Each first sliding groove 31 has an outer end or groove head 33 that is open toward or communicates with the outside of the segment body 30. As further shown in the cross section of FIG. 3A, each first sliding groove 31 further has an inner end or groove bottom 34 opposite the groove head 33.

[0054] As best shown in Figure 3A, the segment body 30 is further provided with a first manifold 35 for containing a fluid H, which may be a liquid or gas, such as a coolant, oil, water, air, etc. In this example, the fluid H has a viscosity of at least 1 / 100th of a Newton second per square meter (N·s / m2) or Pascal second (Pa·s) at 25 degrees Celsius.

[0055] The first manifold 35 is in fluid, hydraulic, or pneumatic communication with the plurality of first slide grooves 31 at the groove bottoms 34 of each of the plurality of first slide grooves 31. In other words, the first slide grooves 31 are open at their respective groove bottoms 34, allowing the fluid H to pass between the first slide grooves 31 and the first manifold 35. It can be seen that the first manifold 35 is simultaneously connected to all of the first slide grooves 31, and therefore all of the first slide grooves 31 are hydraulically, pneumatically, or fluidically interconnected via the first manifold 35.

[0056] 3A, the transfer ring segment 3 is further provided with a plurality of first pistons, fingers, or pins 4 that are slidably received and / or are received in a plurality of first sliding grooves 31. In particular, the number of first pins 41 is equal to the number of first sliding grooves 31, and each first pin 4 can be received in one first sliding groove 31 of the plurality of first sliding grooves 31.

[0057] The first sliding grooves 31 and the first pins 41 can cooperate like a piston and a cylinder. In particular, each first pin 4 includes a piston rod 43 protruding from the first sliding groove 31, and each first pin 4 is received in the first sliding groove 31 via the groove head 33. In this example, all of the first pins 41 protrude from the segment body 30 on the same side of the segment body 30. The piston rods 43 have distal or free ends that protrude from the segment body 30 via the groove head 33 to contact the tire component 9 when each transfer ring segment 3 moves toward the central axis S. In this example, the distal ends of the piston rods 43 are slightly rounded, chamfered, or domed.

[0058] Each first pin 4 further includes a piston seal 44 for fluidly sealing the first slide groove 31 in which each first pin 4 is housed. The piston seal 44 seals the first slide groove 31 at a position between the groove head 33 and the groove bottom 34. In this example, the piston seal 44 is wider than the piston rod 43 and prevents each first pin 4 from moving out of the segment body 30 through the groove head 33.

[0059] Note that the groove head 33 is slightly wider than the piston rod 43 to allow air to escape from the first sliding groove 31 through the groove head 33 in front of the piston seal 44 .

[0060] As best shown in FIG. 5, each first slide groove 31 has a cross-sectional area A1. In this example, the first slide groove 31 has a linear cylindrical or circular slide groove profile P1 and a slide groove diameter D1. The transfer ring segment 3 further includes a restricting element 37 in each first slide groove 31 for restricting fluid communication between the first manifold 35 and each first slide groove 31 to a restricted area A2. The restricted area A2 is smaller than the cross-sectional area A1 of each first slide groove 31. In this example, the restricted area A2 is less than 40 percent of the cross-sectional area A1.

[0061] As shown in Figure 3A, the limiting element 37 is an internal rim that is integral with the segment body 30. Alternatively, the internal rim may be attached to the segment body 30 as a separate element that extends from the segment body 30 into each first slide groove 31. As best shown in Figure 5, the internal rim inwardly offsets the slide groove contour P1 of the cross-sectional area A1 of each first slide groove 31 to a limiting contour P2.

[0062] The first pin 41 is movable within the respective first sliding groove 31 over a stroke Z. In this example, the stroke Z is defined by the degree of freedom of movement of the first pin 41 between the limiting element 37 and the groove head 33 of the respective first sliding groove 31.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 3A, the transfer ring segment 3 optionally includes a viscosity control device 5, such as a heater or cooler, for controlling the viscosity of the fluid H in the first manifold 35.

[0064] The combination of the first manifold 35, the plurality of first sliding grooves 31, and the plurality of first pins 41 form a closed hydraulic or pneumatic system. In particular, as shown in FIG. 4A , when all of the first pins 41 are in an intermediate position along their respective strokes Z, the closed hydraulic or pneumatic system is completely filled with fluid H. The first pins 41 may then be moved from their intermediate positions in response to contact with the tire component 9. As a result of contact with the tire component 9, the first pins 4 pressed into their respective first sliding grooves 31 cause the displacement of an amount of fluid H that is distributed across the first sliding grooves 31 of the first pins 41 that are still free to move relative to the tire component 9.

[0065] In the above example, the first manifold 35 is formed by a single chamber that is common to all the first sliding grooves 31 and / or fluidically connected to all the first sliding grooves 31.

[0066] FIG. 6 shows an alternative transfer ring segment 103 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which differs from the previously described transfer ring segment 3 only in that the segment body 130 is provided with a first manifold 135 and a second manifold 136, which are individually or independently fluidly connected to the first group of first sliding grooves 131 and the second group of second sliding grooves 132, respectively, and which individually or independently control the movement of the first pin group 141 and the second pin group 142.

[0067] 7 shows yet another alternative transfer ring segment 203 according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention, which differs from the previously described transfer ring segment 3, 103 only in that the segment body 230 is provided with a first manifold 235 formed by a plurality of conduits 238 interconnecting the first sliding grooves 31. It should be noted that in this particular embodiment, the restrictive element 237 does not necessarily have to be located at or within the first sliding grooves 31. Instead, the restrictive element could be located within the conduit 238 leading to said first sliding grooves 31.

[0068] 8 shows yet another transfer ring segment 303 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which the segment body 330 is provided with first sliding grooves 331, some of which are formed as elongated first pins 341′ for receiving the elongated first pins 341′, which may be longer or significantly longer than “normal” first pins 341. The elongated first sliding grooves 331′ and the elongated first pins 341′ are preferably positioned at positions where the curved portions of the tire components 9 are furthest from the transfer ring segment 303. In these positions, the elongated first pins 341′ can move a long distance outside the segment body 330 and thus can contact the tire components 9 even when the tire components 9 have a relatively small radius.

[0069] FIG. 9 shows an alternative transfer ring 401 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, differing only in that fluid redistribution conduits 402 are provided between the transfer ring 1 and the transfer ring segments 3 to redistribute fluid between the manifolds of each transfer ring segment 3. This is useful when the alternative transfer ring 401 and the drum 8 on which the tire components 9 are supported are not perfectly aligned or centered with one another. In such a scenario, the pins 4 of one transfer ring segment 3 can be further extended and the pins 4 of the other transfer ring segment 3 can be pushed further inward. Fluid from the transfer ring segment 3 with the pushed-in pins 4 can then be transferred to the transfer ring segment 3 with the pins 4 that are not pushed inward as much or that are further extended. Once all of the pins 4 of the transfer ring segments 3 are in a position where they contact or abut the misaligned tire components 9, the fluid redistribution conduits 402 are disconnected and / or fluid flow through the fluid redistribution conduits 402 is interrupted, for example, by closing multiple valves 403 in the fluid redistribution conduits 402, and the transfer ring segments 3 can then be operated individually in the manner described above.

[0070] A method for transporting tire components 9 using the above-described transport ring 1 will now be briefly described with reference to FIGS.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 1 , tire components 9 are mounted on a drum 8. A transfer ring 1 is disposed around the drum 8, or the drum 8 is disposed within the transfer ring 1, with the transfer ring 1 extending around the tire components 9. In other words, the tire components 9 are mounted radially inward of the transfer ring 1. As best seen in FIG. 2 , the tire components 9 have a circumferential profile and / or curvature 91 in a circumferential direction C and a cross-sectional shape 92 in a direction parallel to the central axis S. The cross-sectional shape 92 is non-linear. Notably, the cross-sectional shape 92 may feature grooves and / or ridges. More specifically, the cross-sectional shape 92 may be formed by a tread or tread layer that will ultimately form the tread surface of a green or unvulcanized tire.

[0072] In the situation of Figure 1, the transfer ring segment 3 has been moved in the radial direction R towards the central axis S until the first pin 41 of the transfer ring segment 3 contacts the curved portion 91 of the tire component 9. At this point, the tire component 9 is still supported on the drum 8.

[0073] As shown in more detail in Figure 3A, the row Y of first pins 41 is aligned with a curvature 91 of the tire component 9, thereby copying the curvature 91. In particular, the transfer ring segment 3 is pressed against the tire component 9 with a first pressing force F1 that exceeds the resistance to movement of the first pins 4. Optionally, as shown in Figure 3A, a viscosity control device 5 can be used to reduce or adjust the viscosity of the fluid H, thereby temporarily reducing the resistance to movement of the first pins 41 and reducing the required first pressing force F1.

[0074] As shown in Figure 3A, when the radius of the curvature 91 is relatively small, not all of the first pins 41 contact the tire component 9. Note that in yet another alternative transfer ring segment 303 described above, shown in Figure 8, some of the first pins 341 are elongated first pins 341', which at least partially solves this problem. Figure 3B shows the same transfer ring segment 3 as in Figure 3A contacting an alternative tire component 9' with a different curvature 91' that has a significantly larger radius. The latter is contacted by all of the first pins 41 of the transfer ring segment 3.

[0075] 3C shows, in comparison with FIG. 3A, a situation in which the drum 8 has been removed from within the tire component 9 in a direction parallel to the central axis S. The pressing force is reduced to a second pressing force F2, which is smaller than the first pressing force F1 of FIG. 3A, to prevent the transfer ring segment 3 from deforming the tire component 9. Furthermore, the second pressing force F2 may be selected so as not to exceed the resistance to movement of the first pin 41. Thus, the first pin 41 may be held in place by hydraulic pressure, air pressure, or fluid. The second pressing force F2 may be zero.

[0076] 4A shows the row X of first pins 41 in an intermediate position along their respective strokes Z before contact with the tire component 9. Alternatively, the first pins 41 may still be in a previously set position corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of a previous tire component (not shown) as a result of a previous cycle of the method.

[0077] In FIG. 4B, the transfer ring segment 3 is moved towards the central axis S until at least some of the first pins 41 contact the tire component 9 .

[0078] 4C, similar to the situation shown in FIG. 3A, the transfer ring segment 3 is pressed harder against the tire component 9 until the first pressing force F1 exceeds the resistance to movement of the first pin 41. As a result, the first pin 41 is made to conform or fit the cross-sectional shape 92 of the tire component 9.

[0079] In FIG. 4D, the drum 8 is removed from within the tire component 9 in a direction parallel to the central axis S, similar to the situation shown in FIG. 3C. The tire component 9 is gripped, held, or retained only by the transfer ring 1, i.e., there is no support from the radially inner side of the tire component 9. The pressing force is reduced to a second pressing force F2 to prevent the transfer ring segments 3 from deforming the tire component 9. The first pin 41 is held in place hydraulically, pneumatically, or fluidically to provide a tight geometric fit around the tire component 9 without exerting significant force on the tire component 9 itself.

[0080] In Figure 4E, with no external force acting on the plurality of first pins 41, the transfer ring segment 3 is lifted off the tire component 9 while the first pins 41 are hydraulically, pneumatically, or fluidically held in place. The transfer ring segment 3 can be moved to contact the same tire component 9 again, or can be moved to contact another similar tire component, for example, during the next cycle of the method. The first pins 41 may be automatically repositioned depending on slight differences between the tire component 9 of Figures 4A-4D and another tire component.

[0081] It should be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Many variations within the scope of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above description. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1 Transfer Ring 2 frames 3 Transfer Ring Segments 30 segment body 31 First sliding groove 33 Groove head 34 Groove bottom 35 First Manifold 37 Limiting Factors 41 First Pin 43 Piston rod 44 Piston seal 5. Heater 6 Drive mechanism 8 Drums 9. Tire parts 91 Curved section 92 Cross-sectional shape 9' Replacement Tire Parts 91' Alternate Bend 103 Alternate Transport Ring Segment 130 Segment body 131 First sliding groove 132 Second sliding groove 135 First Manifold 136 Second Manifold 141 First Pin 142 Second Pin 203 Further Alternative Transfer Ring Segments 230 Segment body 235 First Manifold 237 Limiting Factors 238 Conduit 303 Alternate Transport Ring Segment 330 Segment body 331 First sliding groove 331' Extended first sliding groove 341 First Pin 341' Extended First Pin 401 Alternate Transfer Ring 402 Fluid Redistribution Conduit 403 Valve A1 cross-sectional area A2 Restricted area C circumferential direction D1 sliding groove diameter D2 Limiting diameter F1 First pressing force F2 Second pressing force H Fluid P1 Slide groove contour P2 Limiting Contour R Radial direction S center axis X row Y column Z stroke

Claims

1. 1. A transfer ring segment for transporting tire components, comprising: a segment body provided with a plurality of first pins; and a plurality of first slide grooves in which the plurality of first pins are slidably received, each first slide groove of the plurality of first slide grooves having a groove head portion at which the respective first pin of the plurality of first pins protrudes from the segment body and a groove bottom portion opposite the groove head portion, each of the first pins fluid-tightly sealing each of the plurality of first slide grooves between the groove head portion and the groove bottom portion, and the segment body further provided with a first manifold interconnecting the plurality of first slide grooves in fluid communication at each of the groove bottom portions of the plurality of first slide grooves.

2. The transfer ring segment of claim 1 , wherein the first manifold defines a single chamber in fluid communication with all of the first sliding grooves simultaneously.

3. 2. The transfer ring segment of claim 1, wherein the segment body further comprises a plurality of second sliding grooves into which a plurality of second pins are slidably received, and the segment body comprises a second manifold fluidly interconnecting the plurality of second sliding grooves.

4. The transfer ring segment of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first manifold comprises a plurality of conduits interconnecting in fluid communication the plurality of first sliding grooves.

5. 5. The transfer ring segment of claim 1, wherein each first slide groove of the plurality of first slide grooves has a cross-sectional area, and a plurality of restricting elements are provided to restrict fluid communication between the first manifold and each first slide groove to a restricted area smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the first slide grooves.

6. 6. The transfer ring segment of claim 5, wherein the restriction area is less than 60% of the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the first sliding grooves, more preferably less than 40% of the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the first sliding grooves.

7. The transfer ring segment of claim 1 comprising a fluid in the first manifold.

8. The transfer ring segment of claim 7 , wherein the first manifold is completely filled with the fluid.

9. 9. The transfer ring segment of claim 7 or 8, wherein the fluid has a viscosity of at least 1 / 100th of a Newton second per square meter at 25°C.

10. 10. A transfer ring segment according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the fluid is a hydraulic fluid or a compressed gas, in particular oil, a coolant, water or air.

11. 11. A transfer ring segment according to any preceding claim, comprising a viscosity control device for controlling the viscosity of fluid in the first manifold.

12. The transfer ring segment of claim 1 , wherein the first manifold, the plurality of first sliding grooves, and the plurality of first pins form a closed hydraulic or pneumatic system.

13. The transfer ring segment of claim 1 , wherein the first sliding grooves extend parallel to one another.

14. The transfer ring segment of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of first sliding grooves are distributed in a plurality of rows and columns on the segment body.

15. 15. A transfer ring segment according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein one or more of the plurality of first sliding grooves and / or one or more of the plurality of first pins are extended in length relative to other of the first sliding grooves and / or first pins.

16. 16. A transfer ring for transporting tire components, comprising: a frame extending around a central axis; a plurality of transfer ring segments distributed along the frame in a circumferential direction around the central axis and corresponding to the transfer ring segments according to any one of claims 1 to 15; and a drive mechanism for moving the plurality of transfer ring segments towards the central axis.

17. 17. The transfer ring of claim 16, further comprising fluid redistribution conduits between the transfer ring segments to enable transfer of fluid between the first manifolds of each of the transfer ring segments.

18. 18. A method for transferring tire components using a transfer ring according to claim 16 or 17, comprising the steps of: feeding tire components radially within the transfer ring; moving the plurality of transfer ring segments toward the central axis and into contact with a curved portion of the tire component while the tire component is supported by a drum radially from within the tire component; aligning the plurality of first pins with the curved portion of the tire component in response to the plurality of transfer ring segments contacting the curved portion; A method comprising:

19. 20. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of conforming the first plurality of pins to the profile of the tire component in response to the plurality of transfer ring segments contacting the profile of the tire component.

20. 20. The method of claim 18 or 19, further comprising displacing the first pins of each of the plurality of transfer ring segments relative to one another as a result of the respective transfer ring segments contacting the curved portion.

21. 21. The method of claim 18, further comprising fluidly fixing the first pin of each transfer ring segment of the plurality of transfer ring segments in a predetermined position in the absence of an external force acting on the plurality of first pins.

22. removing the drum from within the tire component; holding the tire component only with the transfer ring; 22. The method of any one of claims 18 to 21, further comprising:

23. 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the plurality of transfer ring segments are pressed against the tire component with a first pressing force while the tire component remains supported on the drum, and the first pressing force is reduced to a second pressing force less than the first pressing force or to zero when the drum is removed from within the tire component.

24. transferring one or more additional tire components using the transfer ring; automatically adjusting the first pin of each transfer ring segment of the plurality of transfer ring segments to conform to a change in contour between the tire component and the one or more further tire components upon contact of each transfer ring segment with the one or more further tire components; 24. The method of any one of claims 18 to 23, further comprising:

25. 25. The method of any one of claims 18 to 24, wherein the tire component is a tread or a belt and tread package.

Images