Self-aligning fitting device, tire manufacturing device, and self-aligning fitting method

Abstract

To provide a centering fitting apparatus that improves accuracy of fitting between a to-be-attached article and an attaching part in a simple structure.SOLUTION: A centering fitting apparatus 10 comprises: an attaching part 12 to which a to-be-attached article 80 is fitted to be attached; a first vibration generation unit 70A provided in a direction that intersects an attaching direction of the to-be-attached article 80 with respect to the attaching part 12 in the attaching part 12 to apply a first vibration W1 to the attaching part 12; and a second vibration generation unit 70B provided in a direction different from the position of the first vibration generation unit 70A in a view from the attaching direction in the attaching part 12 to apply a second vibration W2 to the attaching part 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a centering fitting device, a tire manufacturing device, and a centering fitting method.

Background Art

[0002] For example, in Patent Document 1, each carriage 3 traveling on a track is connected to a molding drum 2 conveyed to a plurality of work stations outside the track via the carriage 3, and the molding drum 2 is rotationally driven around a drive shaft center by a gear drive mechanism. A drive device for a tire molding drum provided at each work station is disclosed. This drive device for a tire molding drum is provided with an automatic centering mechanism capable of correcting the parallelism of a driven-side or drive-side drive connection portion on either the carriage 3 or a connection portion of the drive device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the configuration described in Patent Document 1 above, even if the meshing accuracy decreases, the parallelism of the drive connection portion is automatically corrected. However, with this configuration, it is not possible to suppress a decrease in the meshing accuracy itself.

[0005] The present invention has been made paying attention to the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a centering fitting device, a tire manufacturing device, and a centering fitting method that improve the fitting accuracy between a mounted object and a mounting portion with a simple structure.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The centering fitting device of the first aspect includes a mounting portion onto which an object to be mounted is fitted and attached, and in the mounting portion, a first vibration generating portion provided in a direction intersecting with the mounting direction of the object to be mounted with respect to the mounting portion, and that applies a first vibration to the mounting portion; and a second vibration generating portion provided in a direction different from the position of the first vibration generating portion when viewed from the mounting direction in the mounting portion, and that applies a second vibration to the mounting portion.

[0007] In the centering fitting device according to the first aspect, by vibrating the mounting portion, the fitting accuracy between the object to be mounted and the mounting portion can be improved.

[0008] The centering fitting device of the second aspect is the centering fitting device according to the first aspect, wherein the mounting portion has a connecting portion having a fitting portion into which the object to be mounted is fitted, and a main body that supports the connecting portion; the first vibration generating portion is disposed above the main body, presses the main body from above to apply the first vibration, and the second vibration generating portion is disposed on a side of the main body, and presses the main body from the side to apply the second vibration.

[0009] In the centering fitting device according to the second aspect, since the vibration generating portions are arranged on the main body of the mounting portion, the degree of freedom in arranging the first vibration generating portion and the second vibration generating portion can be improved.

[0010] The centering fitting device of the third aspect is the centering fitting device according to the first aspect, wherein the mounting portion has a connecting portion having a fitting portion into which the object to be mounted is fitted, and a main body that supports the connecting portion; the first vibration generating portion is disposed above the connecting portion, presses the connecting portion from above to apply the first vibration, and the second vibration generating portion is disposed on a side of the connecting portion, and presses the connecting portion from the side to apply the second vibration.

[0011] In the centering fitting device according to the third aspect, since the vibration generating portions are arranged on the connecting portion of the mounting portion, the degree of freedom in arranging the vibration generating portions can be improved.

[0012] The centering fitting device according to the fourth aspect is the centering fitting device according to the second or third aspect, wherein the first vibration generating unit includes a circular first rotating plate and first rotating means for rotating the first rotating plate eccentrically from the center of the first rotating plate and bringing the first rotating plate into contact with and pressing the mounting portion, and the second vibration generating unit includes a circular second rotating plate and second rotating means for rotating the second rotating plate eccentrically from the center of the second rotating plate and bringing the second rotating plate into contact with and pressing the mounting portion.

[0013] In the centering fitting device according to the fourth aspect, the first vibration and the second vibration can be generated with a simple configuration.

[0014] The centering fitting device according to the fifth aspect is the centering fitting device according to the fourth aspect, wherein the cycle of pressing the mounting portion by the first vibration generating unit and the cycle of pressing the mounting portion by the second vibration generating unit have the same period and different phases from each other.

[0015] In the centering fitting device according to the fifth aspect, by making the phases different, the locus of the displacement due to the vibration of the mounting portion becomes elliptical or circular, so that the fitting accuracy can be improved.

[0016] The centering fitting device according to the sixth aspect is the centering fitting device according to the fourth or fifth aspect, wherein the distance between the center of the first rotating plate and the rotation center of the first rotating plate is 0.1 mm or more and 0.2 mm or less, the first rotating means rotates the first rotating plate at 10 Hz or more and 100 Hz or less, the distance between the center of the second rotating plate and the rotation center of the second rotating plate is 0.1 mm or more and 0.2 mm or less, and the second rotating means rotates the second rotating plate at 10 Hz or more and 100 Hz or less.

[0017] In the centering fitting device according to the sixth aspect, by vibrating the mounting portion within the above range of vibration amplitude and rotational speed, the fitting accuracy between the object to be mounted and the centering fitting device can be improved as compared with the case of a vibration amplitude or rotational speed outside the above range.

[0018] The tire manufacturing apparatus according to the seventh aspect is the centering fitting apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein a core used in tire manufacturing is fitted to the mounting portion as the object to be mounted.

[0019] In the tire manufacturing apparatus according to the seventh aspect, by vibrating the core used in the core manufacturing method, a tire manufacturing apparatus capable of improving the fitting accuracy between the core and the apparatus can be obtained.

[0020] In the centering fitting method according to the eighth aspect, when fitting and attaching an object to be attached to a mounting portion, vibration is applied to the mounting portion by a first vibration generating portion provided in a direction intersecting the mounting direction of the object to be attached with respect to the mounting portion, and vibration is applied to the mounting portion by a second vibration generating portion provided in a direction different from the position of the first vibration generating portion when viewed from the mounting direction.

[0021] In the centering fitting method according to the eighth aspect, by vibrating the fitting portion, a centering fitting method capable of improving the fitting accuracy between the object to be attached and the fitting portion can be obtained.

Advantages of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a centering fitting apparatus, a tire manufacturing apparatus, and a centering fitting method that improve the fitting accuracy between an object to be attached and a mounting portion with a simple structure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or equivalent components and parts are given the same reference numerals. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation and may be different from the actual ratios.

[0025] In addition, the arrow UP shown in each figure is in the vertical direction and indicates the upward direction of the centering fitting device. The arrow LH is in the horizontal direction and indicates the left direction in the width direction of the centering fitting device. The arrow RH is in the horizontal direction and indicates the right direction in the width direction of the centering fitting device. The arrow FR is in the horizontal direction and indicates the front direction of the centering fitting device. The arrow RR is in the horizontal direction and indicates the rear direction of the centering fitting device.

[0026] In the following description, the "vertical direction" may be used to mean "both the upward and downward directions" or "either the upward or downward direction". The "left - right direction" may be used to mean "both the right and left directions" or "either the right or left direction". Note that "sideways" may be used to mean "both the right and left directions" or "either the right or left direction". Note that the "left - right direction" can also be referred to as the lateral direction or the horizontal direction. The "front - rear direction" may be used to mean "both the front and rear directions" or "either the front or rear direction". Note that the "front - rear direction" can also be referred to as the lateral direction or the horizontal direction. Also, the vertical direction, the left - right direction, and the front - rear direction are directions that intersect each other (specifically, orthogonal directions).

[0027] (Device Overview) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a tire manufacturing device 10 which is an example of the centering fitting device according to the present invention. The tire manufacturing device 10 according to the present invention includes a mounting portion 12 having a main body 16 and a connecting portion 14 to which a member to be mounted is fitted and attached, a first vibration generating portion 70A provided above the main body 16, and a second vibration generating portion 70B provided on the side of the main body 16.

[0028] In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the tire manufacturing device 10 according to the present invention is used in tire manufacturing together with a core 80 used in tire manufacturing as an example of a member to be mounted and a robot arm 90 for transporting the core 80.

[0029] Note that, as an example, the tire manufacturing device 10 according to the present invention is a core driving device that rotates the core 80 during tire manufacturing to wind tire parts around the outer circumference of the core 80.

[0030] (Mounting portion 12) FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the mounting portion 12 of the tire manufacturing apparatus 10 according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the mounting portion 12 according to the present invention includes a connecting portion 14 having a positioning pin 40 which is an example of a fitting portion into which the core 80 is fitted, and a main body 16 that supports the connecting portion 14. This mounting portion 12 includes a main body 16 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 60, a main shaft 18 rotatably supported by the housing 60 in a cantilever manner, a first block 62A, and a second block 62B.

[0031] The main shaft 18 is connected to a drive device (not shown) provided inside the housing 60, and rotates by receiving the rotational force output from the drive device.

[0032] The first block 62A and the second block 62B are respectively provided above and on the side of the housing 60, and are in contact with a first vibration generating portion 70A and a second vibration generating portion 70B described later.

[0033] (Connecting portion 14) As shown in FIG. 2, the connecting portion 14 is circular in a front view, is connected to the main shaft 18 cantilevered from the main body 16, and has a positioning pin 40 and a plug 44.

[0034] As an example, four plugs 44 are arranged on the concentric circles at an angular interval of 90° when the connecting portion 14 is viewed from the front.

[0035] As an example, when the connecting portion 14 is viewed from the front, the positioning pin 40 protrudes at positions separated from one plug 44 by 1 / 3 of the angular interval between adjacent plugs 44 on the concentric circles with the plug 44, and at positions on the opposite side in the circumferential direction in the front view with respect to the said position.

[0036] That is, two positioning pins 40 are arranged on the connecting portion 14 at an angular interval of 180°.

[0037] The positioning pin 40, as an example, when viewed from the side of the connecting portion 14, has a cylindrical portion 40C protruding from the connecting portion 14 and a tapered portion 40T that becomes thinner further forward from the front of the cylindrical portion 40C.

[0038] Also, the length by which the positioning pin 40 protrudes from the connecting portion 14 when viewed from the side is longer than the length by which the plug 44 protrudes from the connecting portion 14.

[0039] Note that the positioning pin 40 may be integrally formed with the connecting portion 14, or may be arranged by inserting a pin separate from the connecting portion 14.

[0040] (Core 80) FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the core 80 according to the present invention. FIG. 3A is a front view of the core 80, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the core 80 taken along line 3A-3A of FIG. 3A.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the core 80 has a central portion 84 that is disk-shaped with a hole in the center when viewed from the front, and an outer peripheral portion 82 that is annular and located radially outside the central portion 84.

[0042] The central portion 84 has sockets 86 arranged on concentric circles, and positioning holes 88 are formed on the same concentric circles as the sockets 86.

[0043] Note that the concentric circles on which the sockets 86 are arranged and the positioning holes 88 are formed in the central portion 84 have the same diameter as the concentric circles on which the positioning pins 40 are provided when the connecting portion 14 is viewed from the front.

[0044] Also, as shown in FIG. 3A, four sockets 86 are arranged on concentric circles with an angular interval of 90° when the core 80 is viewed from the front. That is, the sockets 86 of the core 80 and the plug 44 of the connecting portion 14 are each connectable.

[0045] Note that, as shown in FIG. 3B, the socket 86 is provided on both the front side and the back side of the core 80. That is, the plug 44 connected to the socket 86 can be connected from both the front side and the back side of the core 80.

[0046] Further, as an example, the positioning holes 88 are through holes formed at positions concentric with the socket 86 and dividing the angular interval between adjacent sockets 86 into, for example, three equal parts when viewing the central portion 84 of the core 80 from the front.

[0047] That is, the positioning holes 88 are formed at eight positions excluding the locations where the sockets 86 are arranged, with an angular interval of 30° in the central portion 84.

[0048] Note that the diameter of the positioning hole 88 is slightly larger than the diameter of the positioning pin 40. As an example, the difference between the diameter of the positioning hole 88 and the diameter of the positioning pin 40 is set to be 0.1 mm or more and 0.2 mm or less.

[0049] Thus, as shown in FIG. 6 to be described later, the positioning pins 40 provided on the connecting portion 14 can be respectively fitted into two positioning holes 88 that are symmetric with respect to the radial direction of the central portion 84 among the positioning holes 88 formed in the central portion 84 of the core 80, and the plug 44 of the connecting portion 14 and the socket 86 of the central portion 84 of the core 80 are connectable.

[0050] Therefore, the core 80 according to the present embodiment is attached to the attachment portion 12 by approaching from the front direction, which is the attachment direction of the connecting portion 14, and connecting the plug 44 and the socket 86 while fitting the positioning pin 40 and the positioning hole 88.

[0051] Note that the core 80 according to the present invention is made of a plurality of parts divided in the radial direction and the circumferential direction, and is used for tire manufacturing by winding tire manufacturing parts around the outer peripheral portion 82 in a state of being attached to the attachment portion 12.

[0052] More specifically, after the core 80 is attached to the connecting portion 14 of the tire manufacturing apparatus 10, an unvulcanized inner liner, steel cords, etc. are wound around the outer periphery of the core 80 to form a carcass, and further, well-known tire constituent members such as a belt, side tread, and top tread are attached to produce a green tire.

[0053] Thereafter, the green tire together with the core 80 is loaded into a mold and vulcanized to produce a product tire. Note that after vulcanization, the core 80 is disassembled and taken out from the inside of the product tire.

[0054] (Robot arm 90) As shown in FIG. 1, as an example, the robot arm 90 has four plugs 44 provided concentrically at the tip of the arm in the same manner as the connecting portion 14, and has a holding portion 92 that holds the core 80 by connecting the plug 44 to the socket 86 of the core 80.

[0055] Note that the robot arm 90 may be any object as long as it can transport the core 80 while holding the core 80 in the holding portion 92, and an industrial robot is appropriately used.

[0056] Subsequently, the first vibration generating portion 70A and the second vibration generating portion 70B according to the present invention will be described with appropriate reference to FIGS. 2 and 4.

[0057] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the first vibration generating portion 70A and the second vibration generating portion 70B included in the tire manufacturing apparatus 10 of the present invention. FIG. 4A is a front view of the tire manufacturing apparatus 10, and FIG. 4B is a side view of the tire manufacturing apparatus 10.

[0058] (First vibration generating portion 70A) As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the first vibration generating unit 70A is provided at the mounting portion 12 in a direction intersecting the mounting direction of the core 80 with respect to the mounting portion 12, and is a portion that applies a first vibration to the mounting portion 12. This first vibration generating unit 70A has a first rotating plate 72A and a first servo motor 74A which is an example of a first rotating means, and is provided above the housing 60 of the main body 16, pressing the main body 16 from above to apply a first vibration.

[0059] The first servo motor 74A is rotated while the rotation angle is measured by an encoder (not shown) and the rotation speed is controlled by a control unit (not shown). That is, the first servo motor 74A is rotationally controlled by feedback control to the control unit.

[0060] The first rotating plate 72A is a member that forms a circle when the mounting portion 12 is viewed from the front, and is fixed to the first shaft 76A eccentrically in the radial direction from the center of the first rotating plate 72A.

[0061] The first shaft 76A is connected to the output shaft of the first servo motor 74A with the first rotating plate 72A fixed. That is, the first rotating plate 72A rotates in an eccentric state in the radial direction in accordance with the rotation of the first servo motor 74A via the first shaft 76A.

[0062] Note that the first shaft 76A may be formed of any shape and material, but in the case of generating the first vibration W1 described later, it is preferably formed so as not to be easily elastically deformed.

[0063] Note that, as an example, the first rotating plate 72A is fixed to the first shaft 76A in a state having a distance of 0.1 mm or more and 0.2 mm or less from the center of the first rotating plate 72A. In other words, the distance between the center of the first rotating plate 72A and the rotation center of the first rotating plate 72A is 0.1 mm or more and 0.2 mm or less.

[0064] Further, the first rotating plate 72A is fixed in a state of being in contact with the first block 62A provided above the housing 60. More specifically, the center of the first rotating plate 72A is in contact with the first block 62A even in a state where it is farthest from the first block 62A (the state shown by the solid line in FIG. 4).

[0065] In this way, the first vibration generating unit 70A has a circular first rotating plate 72A and a first servo motor 74A. The first servo motor 74A rotates the first rotating plate 72A eccentrically from the center of the first rotating plate 72A, and brings the first rotating plate 72A into contact with and presses against the first block 62A of the main body 16.

[0066] The first rotating plate 72A may be made of any material, but it is preferably formed of a material harder than the first block 62A. In other words, it is desirable that the first rotating plate 72A has a hardness such that even when it slides against the first block 62A, it does not wear out earlier than the first block 62A.

[0067] Also, as an example, the position of the first rotating plate 72A in the left - right direction at the center of rotation and the position of the center of the connecting portion 14 in the left - right direction are provided on the same straight line when viewed from the front.

[0068] (Second vibration generating unit 70B) As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the second vibration generating unit 70B is provided in the mounting portion 12 in a direction different from the position of the first vibration generating unit 70A when viewed from the mounting direction, and is a portion that gives a second vibration to the mounting portion 12. This second vibration generating unit 70B has a second rotating plate 72B and a second servo motor 74B which is an example of second rotating means. It is provided on the side of the housing 60 of the main body 16 and presses the main body 16 from the side to give the second vibration.

[0069] Also, the configuration of the second vibration generating unit 70B is the same as that of the first vibration generating unit 70A. That is, the second vibration generating unit 70B is the configuration of the first vibration generating unit 70A provided laterally with respect to the housing 60 of the main body 16.

[0070] Also, as an example, the vertical position at the center of rotation of the second rotating plate 72B and the vertical position at the center of the connecting portion 14 are provided on the same straight line in a front view.

[0071] Also, similar to the first vibration generating portion 70A, the distance between the center of the second rotating plate 72B and the center of rotation of the second rotating plate 72B is set to be 0.1 mm or more and 0.2 mm or less.

[0072] And, similar to the first vibration generating portion 70A, the second vibration generating portion 70B has a circular second rotating plate 72B and a second servo motor 74B. The second servo motor 74B rotates the second rotating plate 72B eccentrically from the center of the second rotating plate 72B, and causes the second rotating plate 72B to abut against and press the second block 62B of the main body 16.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 4A, the second rotating plate 72B is eccentrically connected to the second shaft 76B in the same direction as the first rotating plate 72A in a front view.

[0074] Also, the first servo motor 74A and the second servo motor 74B are synchronized in rotation by a control portion (not shown) as an example.

[0075] Note that it is desirable that the first vibration generating portion 70A and the second vibration generating portion 70B are provided at the same distance from the connecting portion 14 in a front view, respectively. In other words, it is desirable that the connecting portion 14 is provided at a position where the length from the upper surface of the housing 60 and the length from the side surface are equal.

[0076] Next, the state in which the first vibration generating portion 70A and the second vibration generating portion 70B of the present application apply vibrations to the connecting portion 14 will be described.

[0077] (First vibration W1) As shown in FIG. 4A, when the first rotating plate 72A is rotated by driving the first servo motor 74A, as the center of the first rotating plate 72A approaches the first block 62A, the first rotating plate 72A digs into the first block 62A.

[0078] Note that it is desirable for the first servo motor 74A to rotate the first rotating plate 72A at a cycle of 10 Hz or more and 100 Hz or less.

[0079] In this state, the first block 62A receives a pressing force from above to below due to the engagement of the first rotating plate 72A.

[0080] This pressing force is transmitted to the connecting portion 14 of the fitting portion via the housing 60 of the main body 16, so that the connecting portion 14 elastically deforms from above to below.

[0081] Then, when the first rotating plate 72A further rotates and the center of the first rotating plate 72A is closest to the first block 62A (the state shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 4A), the pressing force received by the first block 62A from the first rotating plate 72A becomes maximum, and the connecting portion 14 is displaced to the lowest position.

[0082] More specifically, the first amount of engagement d1 in which the first rotating plate 72A engages with the first block 62A is the distance from the center of the first rotating plate 72A to the position where the first shaft 76A is fixed. That is, in the present embodiment, the first amount of engagement d1 is an amount of 0.1 mm or more and 0.2 mm or less.

[0083] Thereafter, as the first rotating plate 72A further rotates and the center of the first rotating plate 72A moves away from the first block 62A, the pressing force received by the first block 62A decreases, and the elastic deformation of the connecting portion 14 is eliminated, so that the connecting portion 14 is gradually displaced upward.

[0084] And in the state where the center of the first rotating plate 72A is farthest from the first block 62A, the pressing force applied by the first rotating plate 72A to the first block 62A becomes minimum, so that the deformation of the connecting portion 14 becomes minimum.

[0085] In this way, as the first rotating plate 72A makes one full rotation, the connecting portion 14 elastically deforms in the vertical direction. That is, the first vibration W1 in the present invention is the vibration that elastically deforms the connecting portion 14 in the vertical direction by the first vibration generating portion 70A.

[0086] Here, in a state where the rotation speed of the first servo motor 74A, that is, the cycle in which the first rotating plate 72A presses the first block 62A does not change, the deformation of the connecting portion 14 in the vertical direction becomes periodic.

[0087] That is, by setting the rotation speed to a predetermined value with the first rotating plate 72A being eccentric, the connecting portion 14 can be vibrated in the vertical direction such that the deformation amount of the connecting portion 14 draws a sine curve with respect to time.

[0088] In this embodiment, the deformation amount of the connecting portion 14 in the vertical direction due to the first vibration W1, that is, the amplitude at which the connecting portion 14 vibrates in the vertical direction, is an amount of 0.1 mm or more and 0.2 mm or less, which is the first indentation amount d1.

[0089] (Second vibration W2) Also in the second vibration generating portion 70B, similar to the first vibration generating portion 70A, the second rotating plate 72B is rotated by driving the second servo motor 74B, and as the center of the second rotating plate 72B approaches the second block 62B, the second rotating plate 72B indents into the second block 62B.

[0090] That is, it is desirable for the second servo motor 74B to rotate the second rotating plate 72B at a cycle of 10 Hz or more and 100 Hz or less.

[0091] In this state, the second block 62B receives a pressing force from the right to the left due to the indentation of the second rotating plate 72B.

[0092] This pressing force is transmitted to the connecting portion 14 of the fitting portion through the housing 60 of the main body 16, so that the connecting portion 14 elastically deforms from the right to the left.

[0093] That is, the second vibration W2 in the present invention is a vibration that elastically deforms the connecting portion 14 in the left - right direction by the second vibration generating portion 70B, similar to the first vibration generating portion 70A.

[0094] Therefore, by setting the rotational speed to a predetermined value with the second rotating plate 72B being eccentric, the connecting portion 14 can be vibrated in the horizontal direction such that the amount of deformation of the connecting portion 14 draws a sine curve with respect to time.

[0095] In this embodiment, the amount of horizontal deformation of the connecting portion 14 due to the second vibration W1, that is, the amplitude at which the connecting portion 14 vibrates in the horizontal direction, is an amount of 0.1 mm or more and 0.2 mm or less, which is the second indentation amount d2.

[0096] (Vibration of the connecting portion 14 and the positioning pin 40) Next, the vibration of the connecting portion 14 and the positioning pin 40 will be described with appropriate reference to FIG. 5.

[0097] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the state in which the positioning pin 40 (fitting portion) vibrates due to the rotation of the first rotating plate 72A of the first vibration generating portion 70A and the second rotating plate 72B of the second vibration generating portion 70B included in the tire manufacturing apparatus 10 of the present invention. FIG. 5A is a diagram with a rotation angle of 0°, FIG. 5B is a diagram with a rotation angle of 90°, FIG. 5C is a diagram with a rotation angle of 180°, and FIG. 5D is a diagram with a rotation angle of 270°.

[0098] In each of FIGS. 5A to 5D, the positions of the connecting portion 14 and the positioning pin 40 are indicated by solid lines, and the position at the center of vibration is indicated by a two - dot chain line.

[0099] Also, in FIG. 5, the illustration of the plug 44 is omitted.

[0100] First, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the rotation angles of the first rotating plate 72A and the second rotating plate 72B are 0°, the first rotating plate 72A is in contact with the first block 62A. Also, the second rotating plate 72B is recessed into the second block 62B by an amount equal to half of d2.

[0101] In this state, the connecting portion 14 and the positioning pin 40 are located above the center of vibration by an amount equal to half of d1.

[0102] Next, as shown in FIG. 5B, when the rotation angles of the first rotating plate 72A and the second rotating plate 72B are 90°, the first rotating plate 72A is recessed into the first block 62A by an amount equal to half of d1. Also, the second rotating plate 72B is in contact with the second block 62B.

[0103] In this state, the connecting portion 14 and the positioning pin 40 are located to the right of the center of vibration by an amount equal to half of d2.

[0104] Next, as shown in FIG. 5C, when the rotation angles of the first rotating plate 72A and the second rotating plate 72B are 180°, the first rotating plate 72A is recessed into the first block 62A by an amount equal to d1. Also, the second rotating plate 72B is recessed into the second block 62B by an amount equal to half of d2.

[0105] In this state, the connecting portion 14 and the positioning pin 40 are located below the center of vibration by an amount equal to half of d1.

[0106] Next, as shown in FIG. 5D, when the rotation angles of the first rotating plate 72A and the second rotating plate 72B are 270°, the first rotating plate 72A is recessed into the first block 62A by an amount equal to half of d1. Also, the second rotating plate 72B is recessed into the second block 62B by an amount equal to d2.

[0107] In this state, the connecting portion 14 and the positioning pin 40 are located to the left of the center of vibration by an amount equal to half of d2.

[0108] In this way, as the first rotating plate 72A and the second rotating plate 72B rotate, the connecting portion 14 and the positioning pin 40 are displaced in the vertical and horizontal directions as shown in each of FIGS. 5A to 5D.

[0109] Then, by the continuous rotation of the first rotating plate 72A and the second rotating plate 72B by the first servo motor 74A and the second servo motor 74B, the first vibration and the second vibration are continuously transmitted to the connecting portion 14 and the positioning pin 40.

[0110] Therefore, the connecting portion 14 and the positioning pin 40 vibrate in the vertical direction with an amplitude of d1 due to the first vibration, and vibrate in the horizontal direction with an amplitude of d2 due to the second vibration.

[0111] Here, the directions in which the first rotating plate 72A and the second rotating plate 72B are eccentric in the present invention are the same direction when viewed from the front. That is, the cycle of the pressing of the main body 16 by the first vibration generating portion 70A and the cycle of the pressing of the main body 16 by the second vibration generating portion 70B are the same in period and different in phase by 90°.

[0112] Therefore, when the first vibration W1 and the second vibration W2 are transmitted to the connecting portion 14, the connecting portion 14 vibrates along a circular locus when viewed from the front.

[0113] (Fitting method) Next, a method for fitting the core 80 and the connecting portion 14 and a method for attaching the core 80 to the connecting portion 14 according to the present invention will be described with appropriate reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0114] First, FIGS. 6 and 7 are diagrams for explaining a method for fitting the core 80 and the connecting portion 14 and a method for attaching the core 80 to the connecting portion 14 according to the present invention.

[0115] Further, FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view showing the core 80 approaching the tire manufacturing apparatus 10, FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view showing the positioning pin 40 and the positioning hole 88 being fitted together, and FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view showing the plug 44 and the socket 86 being connected and the core 80 being attached to the tire manufacturing apparatus 10.

[0116] Note that in FIG. 6, the illustration of the robot arm 90 is omitted. That is, in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the core 80 is held and conveyed by the robot arm 90 from the front FR side (left side of the drawing).

[0117] Further, FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view showing the core 80 approaching the tire manufacturing apparatus 10, FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view showing the positioning pin 40 and the positioning hole 88 being fitted together, and FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view showing the plug 44 and the socket 86 being connected and the core 80 being attached to the tire manufacturing apparatus 10.

[0118] First, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 7A, first, the robot arm 90 moves the back side of the core 80 to the connecting portion 14 while the socket 86 on the front side of the core 80 is connected to the plug 44 of the holding portion 92 and the core 80 is held by the holding portion 92.

[0119] In this state, the first vibration generating portion 70A and the second vibration generating portion 70B are stopped.

[0120] Then, the robot arm 90 brings the core 80 closer to the connecting portion 14 until the positioning hole 88 of the core 80 is inserted into the tapered portion 40T of the positioning pin 40.

[0121] Then, with the tapered portion 40T of the positioning pin 40 inserted into the positioning hole 88 of the core 80, a control portion (not shown) transmits a signal for driving the first servo motor 74A and the second servo motor 74B to generate a first vibration W1 and a second vibration W2 from the first vibration generating portion 70A and the second vibration generating portion 70B.

[0122] In a state where the first vibration W1 and the second vibration W2 occur, the positioning pin 40 provided on the connecting portion 14 starts to vibrate along a circular locus in the mounting direction, that is, when viewed from the front.

[0123] Next, as shown in FIGS. 6B and 7B, the robot arm 90 moves the core 80 further toward the connecting portion 14 to insert the positioning pin 40 of the connecting portion 14 into the positioning hole 88 of the core 80.

[0124] That is, the positioning pin 40 is inserted into the positioning hole 88 while vibrating along a circular locus relative to the positioning hole 88.

[0125] In this state, since the tapered portion 40T and the cylindrical portion 40C of the positioning pin 40 come into contact with the inside of the positioning hole 88 while vibrating, the core 80 moves in the vibration direction of the positioning pin 40 along with the vibration of the positioning pin 40.

[0126] Here, since the positioning hole 88 and the positioning pin 40 vibrate along a relatively circular locus, the centers of the positioning hole 88 and the positioning pin 40 are likely to coincide.

[0127] As a result, while vibrating the positioning pin 40 along a circular locus and further moving the core 80 toward the connecting portion 14, the positioning pin 40 and the positioning hole 88 are more likely to be fitted together.

[0128] Next, as shown in FIGS. 6C and 7C, the socket 86 on the back side of the core 80 and the plug 44 of the connecting portion 14 are connected, and the control unit stops the first vibration W1 and the second vibration W2 by stopping the first servo motor 74A and the second servo motor 74B.

[0129] Also, by disconnecting the connection between the socket 86 on the front side of the core 80 and the plug 44 of the holding portion 92 of the robot arm 90, the attachment of the core 80 to the connecting portion 14 of the tire manufacturing apparatus 10 is completed.

[0130] Note that after the core 80 is attached to the tire manufacturing apparatus 10, the robot arm 90 moves away from the core 80 and is used for transporting other cores 80.

[0131] Also, the core 80 attached to the tire manufacturing apparatus 10 is used in subsequent tire manufacturing processes.

[0132] Thus, in this embodiment, when the core 80 is fitted and attached to the connecting portion 14, vibration is applied to the connecting portion 14 by the first vibration generating portion 70A provided in a direction intersecting the attachment direction of the core 80 with respect to the connecting portion 14, and vibration is also applied to the connecting portion 14 by the second vibration generating portion 70B provided in a direction different from the position of the first vibration generating portion 70A as viewed from the attachment direction.

[0133] (Effect) In the tire manufacturing apparatus 10 according to the present invention, the first vibration generating portion 70A and the second vibration generating portion 70B are provided above and laterally with respect to the fitting portion, and the first vibration W1 and the second vibration W2 are applied to the fitting portion.

[0134] Thereby, in the tire manufacturing apparatus 10 according to the present invention, by vibrating the attachment portion 12, the fitting accuracy between the core 80 and the connecting portion 14 can be improved.

[0135] Also, in the tire manufacturing apparatus 10 according to the present invention, the first vibration generating portion 70A and the second vibration generating portion 70B are provided above and laterally of the main body 16.

[0136] Thereby, since the first vibration generating portion 70A and the second vibration generating portion 70B are arranged on the main body 16, the degree of freedom in arranging the first vibration generating portion 70A and the second vibration generating portion 70B can be increased.

[0137] Further, the first vibration generating unit 70A according to the present invention is a first servo motor 74A that rotates eccentrically from the center of the first rotating plate 72A and abuts against and presses the first block 62A. The second vibration generating unit 70B according to the present invention is a second servo motor 74B that rotates eccentrically from the center of the second rotating plate 72B and abuts against and presses the second block 62B.

[0138] Therefore, in the tire manufacturing apparatus 10 according to the present invention, it is possible to generate the first vibration W1 and the second vibration W2 with a simple configuration.

[0139] Further, the pressing cycle of the first vibration generating unit 70A and the pressing cycle of the second vibration generating unit 70B are the same in period and different in phase from each other.

[0140] Therefore, by making the phases of the first vibration W1 and the second vibration W2 different, the locus of the displacement due to the vibration of the mounting portion 12 becomes circular. Therefore, compared with the case where the positioning pin 40 vibrates along a circular locus, the fitting accuracy between the positioning pin 40 and the positioning hole 88 can be improved.

[0141] Also, the distance between the center of the first rotating plate 72A and the rotation center of the first rotating plate 72A is set to be 0.1 mm or more and 0.2 mm or less, the first servo motor 74A rotates the first rotating plate 72A at 10 Hz or more and 100 Hz or less, the distance between the center of the second rotating plate 72B and the rotation center of the second rotating plate 72B is set to be 0.1 mm or more and 0.2 mm or less, and the second servo motor 74B rotates the second rotating plate 72B at 10 Hz or more and 100 Hz or less.

[0142] Thereby, by vibrating the core 80 used in the core manufacturing method within the above range of the vibration amplitude and the rotation speed, it is possible to improve the fitting accuracy between the core 80 and the apparatus as compared with the case where the vibration amplitude or the rotation speed is outside the above range.

[0143] Also, when fitting and attaching the core 80 to the connecting portion 14, a first vibration generating portion 70A and a second vibration generating portion 70B are provided above and laterally with respect to the fitting portion, and a first vibration W1 and a second vibration W2 are applied to the fitting portion.

[0144] As a result, by vibrating the connecting portion 14, an alignment fitting method for improving the fitting accuracy between the core 80 and the connecting portion 14 can be obtained.

[0145] (First Modification Example) FIG. 8 is a diagram of a first modification example of the tire manufacturing apparatus 10 according to the present invention.

[0146] In the tire manufacturing apparatus 10 according to the first modification example, the first vibration generating portion 70A is disposed above the connecting portion 14 and presses the connecting portion 14 from above to apply the first vibration, and the second vibration generating portion 70B is disposed laterally of the connecting portion 14 and presses the connecting portion 14 from the side to apply the second vibration. The first modification example is different from the configuration according to the embodiment of the present invention in that the first rotating plate 72A of the first vibration generating portion 70A and the second rotating plate 72B of the second vibration generating portion 70B are arranged to contact the connecting portion 14 of the fitting portion.

[0147] In the tire manufacturing apparatus 10 according to the first modification example, the vibrations by the first vibration generating portion 70A and the second vibration generating portion 70B can be directly transmitted to the connecting portion 14 without passing through the housing 60 of the main body 16.

[0148] Therefore, in the first modification example, compared with the tire manufacturing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, since the vibration generating portion is arranged at the fitting portion of the mounting portion 12, the degree of freedom in arranging the vibration generating portion can be increased.

[0149] Note that the effects obtained in the embodiment of the present invention can also be obtained in the tire manufacturing apparatus 10 according to the first modification example.

[0150] (Second Modification Example) FIG. 9 is a diagram of a second modification example of the tire manufacturing apparatus 10 according to the present invention.

[0151] The tire manufacturing apparatus 10 according to the second modification is different from the configuration according to the embodiment of the present invention in that, instead of the first block 62A and the second block 62B, it includes a first roller 64A rotatably supported on the first side wall 66A and a second roller 64B rotatably supported on the second side wall 66B.

[0152] In the tire manufacturing apparatus 10 according to the second modification, the pressing force due to the rotation of the first rotating plate 72A is transmitted from the first roller 64A, through the first side wall 66A, to the fitting portion. That is, similar to the tire manufacturing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment, the first vibration generating portion 70A can apply the first vibration W1 to the fitting portion.

[0153] Also, the pressing force due to the rotation of the second rotating plate 72B can, similar to the first rotating plate 72A and the first roller 64A, apply the second vibration W2 to the fitting portion from the second roller 64B, through the second side wall 66B.

[0154] In the tire manufacturing apparatus 10 according to the second modification, since the first rotating plate 72A and the second rotating plate 72B abut against the first roller 64A and the second roller 64B, the frequency of component replacement due to wear of the first block 62A and the second block 62B can be reduced as compared with the tire manufacturing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0155] Also, in the tire manufacturing apparatus 10 according to the second modification, since the first rotating plate 72A and the second rotating plate 72B abut against the first roller 64A and the second roller 64B, the sliding resistance when the first rotating plate 72A and the second rotating plate 72B rotate is reduced.

[0156] Therefore, in the tire manufacturing apparatus 10 according to the second modification, the energy required to generate the first vibration W1 and the second vibration W2 can be reduced as compared with the tire manufacturing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0157] Note that the effects obtained in the embodiment of the present invention can also be obtained in the tire manufacturing apparatus 10 according to the first modification.

[0158] (Other Modification Examples) In the above description, the fitting portion is assumed to be rotationally driven by a driving device provided inside the housing 60 of the main body 16, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even in a device in which the fitting portion does not rotate, the centering fitting device according to the present invention can be applied to improve the fitting accuracy.

[0159] Also, in the above description, the first vibration generating portion 70A and the second vibration generating portion 70B are provided above and laterally of the main body 16, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, by providing the first vibration generating portion 70A below the main body 16, vibration in the vertical direction may be generated.

[0160] That is, it is sufficient that the first vibration generating portion 70A and the second vibration generating portion 70B respectively give a first vibration W1, which is a vibration having a vertical component, and a second vibration W2, which is a vibration having a horizontal component, to the fitting portion.

[0161] Also, in the above description, the first rotating plates 72A and the second rotating plates 72B included in the first vibration generating portion 70A and the second vibration generating portion 70B are circular plates, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, it is sufficient that the first blocks 62A and the second blocks 62B can be pressed by rotation.

[0162] For example, instead of circular plates such as the first rotating plate 72A and the second rotating plate 72B, plates having an elliptical shape when viewed from the front may be used.

[0163] Also, in the above description, the pressing cycle by the first vibration W1 and the pressing cycle by the second vibration W2 are the same period, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the pressing cycles may not be synchronized.

[0164] Also, in the above description, the first vibration W1 and the second vibration W2 are assumed to have a 90° phase difference, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the phase difference of the vibrations may be other than 90°.

[0165] In the above description, the first rotating plate 72A and the second rotating plate 72B have the same shape. However, this is not the only case. By making the shapes of the first rotating plate 72A and the second rotating plate 72B different, the amplitudes of the first vibration W1 and the second vibration W2 may also be made different.

[0166] When such a modified example is adopted, the locus of the vibration of the fitting portion becomes an ellipse, a straight line, a random locus, etc. other than a circle. In addition to the above description, according to the shapes of the object to be attached and the fitting portion, it is possible to appropriately set the first vibration generating portion 70A and the second vibration generating portion 70B having such a locus.

[0167] In the above description, the number of the positioning pins 40 arranged in the connecting portion 14 is two, but it is not limited to this. Only one positioning pin may be arranged, or three or more positioning pins may be arranged.

[0168] In the above description, the positioning pins 40 are arranged at an angular interval of 180°. However, other angular intervals may be used.

[0169] That is, the arrangement position and number of the positioning pins 40 only need to be the position and number that can be fitted to the positioning holes 88 provided in the central portion 84 of the core 80. In addition to the above description, according to the shapes of the object to be attached and the fitting portion, it is possible to appropriately set them.

[0170] In the above description, an example of the object to be attached is the core 80 used in tire manufacturing. However, it is not limited to this, and various applications are possible.

[0171] As described above, the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is obvious that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure belongs can conceive of various modification examples or application examples within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. It is also naturally understood that these also belong to the technical scope of the present disclosure.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0172] 10 Tire manufacturing apparatus, 12 Mounting portion, 14 Connecting portion, 16 Main body, 18 Spindle, 40 Positioning pin, 40C Cylindrical portion, 40T Taper portion, 44 Plug, 60 Housing, 62A First block, 62B Second block, 64A First roller, 64B Second roller, 66A First side wall, 66B Second side wall, 70A First vibration generating portion, 70B Second vibration generating portion, 72A First rotating plate, 72B Second rotating plate, 74A First servo motor, 74B Second servo motor, 76A First shaft, 76B Second shaft, 80 Core, 82 Outer peripheral portion, 84 Central portion, 86 Socket, 88 Positioning hole, 90 Robot arm, 92 Holding portion, W1 First vibration, W2 Second vibration

Claims

1. a mounting portion to which an object to be mounted is fitted and mounted; in the mounting portion, a first vibration generating portion provided in a direction intersecting the mounting direction of the object to be mounted with respect to the mounting portion, and applying a first vibration to the mounting portion; in the mounting portion, a second vibration generating portion provided in a direction different from the position of the first vibration generating portion when viewed from the mounting direction, and applying a second vibration to the mounting portion; comprising the mounting portion has a connecting portion having a fitting portion into which the object to be mounted is fitted, and a main body that supports the connecting portion; the first vibration generating portion is disposed above the main body, pressing the main body from above to apply the first vibration; the second vibration generating portion is disposed laterally of the main body, pressing the main body from the side to apply the second vibration, a self-aligning fitting device.

2. A mounting portion to which an object to be mounted is fitted and mounted; in the mounting portion, a first vibration generating portion provided in a direction intersecting the mounting direction of the object to be mounted with respect to the mounting portion, and applying a first vibration to the mounting portion; in the mounting portion, a second vibration generating portion provided in a direction different from the position of the first vibration generating portion when viewed from the mounting direction, and applying a second vibration to the mounting portion; comprising the mounting portion has a connecting portion having a fitting portion into which the object to be mounted is fitted, and a main body that supports the connecting portion; the first vibration generating portion is disposed above the connecting portion, pressing the connecting portion from above to apply the first vibration; the second vibration generating portion is disposed laterally of the connecting portion, pressing the connecting portion from the side to apply the second vibration, a self-aligning fitting device.

3. A mounting portion to which an object to be mounted is fitted and mounted; in the mounting portion, a first vibration generating portion provided in a direction intersecting the mounting direction of the object to be mounted with respect to the mounting portion, and applying a first vibration to the mounting portion; in the mounting portion, a second vibration generating portion provided in a direction different from the position of the first vibration generating portion when viewed from the mounting direction, and applying a second vibration to the mounting portion; comprising the first vibration generating portion has a circular first rotating plate, and first rotating means for rotating the first rotating plate eccentrically from the center of the first rotating plate and bringing the first rotating plate into contact with and pressing the mounting portion; The second vibration generating part has a circular second rotating plate and second rotating means for rotating the second rotating plate eccentrically from the center of the second rotating plate and bringing the second rotating plate into contact with and pressing against the mounting part. This is a centering fitting device.

4. The cycle of pressing the mounting part by the first vibration generating part and the cycle of pressing the mounting part by the second vibration generating part have the same period and different phases from each other. The centering fitting device according to claim 3.

5. The distance between the center of the first rotating plate and the rotation center of the first rotating plate is set to be 0.1 mm or more and 0.2 mm or less, and the first rotating means rotates the first rotating plate at 10 Hz or more and 100 Hz or less. The distance between the center of the second rotating plate and the rotation center of the second rotating plate is set to be 0.1 mm or more and 0.2 mm or less, and the second rotating means rotates the second rotating plate at 10 Hz or more and 100 Hz or less. The centering fitting device according to claim 3 or claim 4.

6. A mounting part on which an object to be mounted is fitted and mounted. In the mounting part, a first vibration generating part is provided in a direction intersecting the mounting direction of the object to be mounted with respect to the mounting part, and the first vibration generating part applies a first vibration to the mounting part. In the mounting part, a second vibration generating part is provided in a direction different from the position of the first vibration generating part when viewed from the mounting direction, and the second vibration generating part applies a second vibration to the mounting part. A centering fitting device comprising: The mounting part is a tire manufacturing device in which a core used in tire manufacturing is fitted as the object to be mounted.

Images