Method and apparatus for arranging cords between a tire manufacturing creel and an extruder

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and a cord trimming device for trimming cords between a tire building creel and an extruder, the method comprising the steps of: providing a cord loading station between the tire building creel and the extruder for preparing the cord for insertion into the extruder; collecting sets of cords with a plurality of cord collectors at a tire building creel; and transporting the plurality of cord collectors with sets of cords collected therein from a tire building creel to a cord loading station; Includes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for arranging cords between a tire manufacturing creel and an extruder.

Background Art

[0002] WO 2018 / 182410 discloses a creel that holds a plurality of creel bobbins each accommodating one cord. The creel bobbins supply the cords to a set of collector rollers that deflect the cords toward a central cord collector via guide tubes at the upper and lower parts of the creel. The cord collector collects all the cords coming out of the individual creel bobbins and distributes the collected cords in a direction parallel to each other within the cord plane toward an extruder head where the cords are embedded in an elastomeric material to form a cord-reinforced tire component.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] As the tire width becomes increasingly wider in tire design, the cord-reinforced tire component also becomes increasingly wider, and the amount of reinforcing cords to be embedded also increases.

[0004] The drawbacks of the collector rollers, cord collectors, and extruder heads disclosed in WO 2018 / 182410 are that each features a channel, groove, or hole for receiving individual cords, and as a result, each cord has to be manually picked up from the creel and individually guided along a dedicated path for each cord while taking care not to misplace or cross any of the cords.

[0005] As the number of cords coming out of the creel increases, the time required for manual preparation for cord embedding significantly increases, causing delays in the tire manufacturing process downstream of the extruder.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for arranging a cord between a tire manufacturing creel and an extruder, which can reduce the amount of manual work required for preparing the cord for embedding.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for arranging a cord between a tire manufacturing creel and an extruder, the method comprising: · providing a cord insertion station for preparing to insert the cord into the extruder between the tire manufacturing creel and the extruder; · collecting a set of the cords in a plurality of cord collectors in the tire manufacturing creel; and · transferring the plurality of cord collectors together with the sets of cords collected therein from the tire manufacturing creel to the cord insertion station. The method includes the above steps.

[0008] The cords can be collected in a distributed manner using the cord collectors and transferred to the cord insertion station in sets. This can significantly reduce the labor required compared to the collection and transfer of individual cords from a tire manufacturing creel to an extruder according to the prior art.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the method further includes: · housing the plurality of cord collectors in a collector frame. When the cord collectors are housed in the collector frame, the cords can conveniently remain as sets within the cord collectors. As a result, the cords can be prepared in a much more organized manner compared to the individual preparation of cords according to the prior art, by being distributed parallel to each other within a common cord plane towards the cord insertion station and / or the extruder.

[0010] More preferably, the method includes: · Preparing to insert the codes in the code insertion station into the extruder while inserting the codes parallel to each other in a common code plane, and · Stacking at least two of the plurality of code collectors in a stacking direction perpendicular to the code plane within the collector frame, and / or · Placing at least two of the plurality of code collectors side by side in a lateral direction parallel to the code plane within the collector frame, is further included. By stacking and / or placing the code collectors in the collector frame, a relatively large number of code collectors can be accommodated in a single collector plane, and all the codes collected there can be supplied from the collector plane to the code insertion station.

[0011] In another embodiment, each of the plurality of code collectors includes a collector body and a plurality of collection channels extending in a collection direction through the collector body, and the method includes · Passing each code of each set of codes through a different collection channel of the plurality of collection channels in the collection direction for each of the plurality of code collectors, is further included. By passing each code through a different collection channel, each code is already prepared to be further distributed parallel to each other toward the code insertion station and / or the extruder.

[0012] Preferably, the method includes · Providing a first code clamp for maintaining the set of codes in the collection direction through the plurality of collection channels of a first code collector among the plurality of code collectors, is further included. In other words, the first code clamp can prevent the codes collected by the first code collector from escaping from the respective collection channels in the direction opposite to the collection direction.

[0013] More preferably, the method · a step of sandwiching the cord set by the first cord clamp at a clamp position facing the downstream side in the collection direction of the first cord collector, is further included. Therefore, the first cord clamp can effectively sandwich the free length of the cord protruding from the collection channel on the clamp position side, and by sandwiching the free length, it is possible to prevent the cord from coming out of the collection channel in the opposite direction. In particular, once the first cord clamp is fixed to the cord set at the clamp position, the first cord clamp is designed to have a larger cross-section than the collection channel so that it cannot pass through the collection channel in the opposite direction of the collection direction.

[0014] Most preferably, the first cord collector is freely movable along the cord of the cord set with respect to the first cord clamp upstream of the clamp position with respect to the collection direction. Thereby, the first cord collector can be separated from the first cord clamp and expose one of the operable cord sets therebetween, for example, for the purpose of guiding the cord through the extruder insertion portion.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the first cord clamp is provided separately from the first cord collector, and the method · a step of manipulating the length of the cord of the cord set between the first cord collector and the first cord clamp by changing the relative position between the first cord collector and the first cord clamp, is further included. By providing the first cord clamp separately from the first cord collector, the first cord clamp can have a considerable degree of operational freedom. For example, by holding the first cord clamp with one hand and the first cord collector with the other hand, the length of the cord set therebetween can be freely manipulated with respect to the parts of the tire manufacturing creel, cord insertion station and / or extruder.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the method · a step of transferring the first code clamp and the first code collector together from the tire manufacturing creel towards the code insertion station, is further included. Thereby, the first code clamp and the first code collector can be transferred in one operation, thereby saving time.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the method · a step of releasing the set of codes from the first code clamp at the code insertion station, is further included. In this way, each code of the set of codes can be guided separately through the code insertion station. The codes may be released one by one. For example, the first code clamp may be released for a short time so that one code can be manually removed, and the remaining codes are clamped again. By releasing the codes one by one, it is possible to prevent the free ends of the codes from getting entangled. Preferably, the length of the code between the first code clamp and the first code collector is sufficient to prevent the code released from the first code clamp from immediately coming out of the first code collector.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the method · a step of further providing a code clamp to each code collector of the plurality of code collectors, is further included. Thereby, each set of codes can be clamped by each code collector.

[0019] In other embodiments, the method · at the code insertion station, a step of holding one or more extruder insertion parts in an insertion part holder with respect to the code plane, and · at the insertion part holder, a step of extending the set of codes from the plurality of code collectors through one or more of the extruder insertion parts in the collection direction, Further include this. Thereby, the code can be prepared for one or more extruder insertion parts while remaining in the state collected by each code collector.

[0020] Preferably, the method · A step of transferring the one or more extruder insertion parts in which the set of codes is extended from the code fitting station to the extruder; · A step of transferring the plurality of code collectors and the set of codes therein from the code fitting station to the extruder; Further include this. Thereby, the code collector can stay in a fixed position in order to ensure proper supply of the code to the extruder even during preparation and / or extrusion.

[0021] In another embodiment, the plurality of code collectors are manually transferred from the tire manufacturing creel to the code fitting station. Since each code collector can collect and hold a set of codes, manual transfer of the code collector can significantly reduce the labor required compared to the individual transfer of codes according to the prior art.

[0022] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a code sorting device for sorting codes between a tire manufacturing creel and an extruder, and the code sorting device is for preparing to insert the code into the extruder. And a code fitting station that can be disposed between the tire manufacturing creel and the extruder, and the code sorting device further includes a set of codes in the tire manufacturing creel, and the set of codes collected by the plurality of code collectors. And a plurality of code collectors separable from the code fitting station for transferring the code from the tire manufacturing creel to the code fitting station.

[0023] The code sorting device can be used to execute the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention, and thus has the same technical advantages although not repeated below.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the code arranging device includes a collector frame for receiving the plurality of code collectors at the code insertion station.

[0025] More preferably, the collector frame is configured to stack at least two of the plurality of code collectors in a stacking direction perpendicular to the code plane and / or juxtapose at least two of the plurality of code collectors in a lateral direction parallel to the code plane.

[0026] In a further embodiment, the collector frame is separable from the code insertion station for transferring the collector frame to the collector part of the extruder together with the plurality of code collectors received therein. Thus, the collector frame can be placed at the code insertion station during code preparation and then transferred to the extruder to ensure proper supply of the code to the extruder during the extrusion process.

[0027] Preferably, the collector frame is provided with a handle. By this handle, the collector frame can be manually separated from the code insertion station and manually transferred to the extruder.

[0028] In a further embodiment, each of the plurality of code collectors includes a collector body and a plurality of collection channels extending in the collection direction through the collector body for passing each code of each set of codes in a collection direction to different collection channels among the plurality of collection channels.

[0029] Preferably, the plurality of collection channels extend parallel to each other. Thus, the codes can be prepared to be inserted into the extruder parallel to each other in the code plane.

[0030] Additionally or alternatively, each collection channel of the plurality of collection channels comprises a funnel portion that tapers in the collection direction on a side surface of the collector body upstream of the collection direction. The funnel portion can guide the cords to their respective collection channels even when the cords approach the collection channels in an inaccurate or misaligned manner.

[0031] In another embodiment, for each collector body, the plurality of collection channels comprises at least 10 collection channels, preferably at least 20 collection channels. Thereby, a large number of cords can be collected by each cord collector, and the cord collectors together can supply an even larger number of cords to the cord insertion station.

[0032] In other embodiments, the plurality of collection channels are distributed across the collector body in a channel array having at least two rows and two columns. Thus, the cords can be spaced apart within the plane of the channel array so as to be supplied to the cord insertion station and / or the extruder in a manner parallel to each other. In particular, the channel array extends perpendicular to the collection direction.

[0033] In other embodiments, the code arrangement device further comprises a first code clamp for maintaining the set of codes in a state of passing through the plurality of collection channels of the first code collector among the plurality of code collectors in the collection direction. In particular, the first code clamp can effectively prevent the codes from escaping from the plurality of collection channels in a direction opposite to the collection direction. The first code clamp may be integrated with the first code collector. In this case, the first code clamp adds a clamping function to the first code collector. Alternatively, the first code clamp can be provided separately from the first code collector. It should be noted that the first code clamp can be applied independently of the code arrangement device, that is, the first code clamp can be the subject of a divisional application as a separate tool for use in a tire manufacturing creel or the aforementioned code arrangement device.

[0034] Additionally or alternatively, the first code clamp comprises a handle. By means of this handle, the first code can be manually moved between the tire manufacturing creel and the code fitting station.

[0035] In a further embodiment, the code arrangement device comprises a further code clamp for each further code collector of the plurality of code collectors.

[0036] In other embodiments, the plurality of code collectors are identical. Therefore, each code collector can be used at any position of a tire manufacturing creel, a code fitting station and / or an extruder.

[0037] In other embodiments, although it can be applied independently of the plurality of code collectors, the code insertion station further includes one or more code magnets for temporarily holding the code on the code plane. The one or more code magnets are movable between an active position at a first distance from the code plane and a non-active position at a second distance greater than the first distance from the code plane. In the active position, the one or more code magnets can temporarily hold the code and prevent the code from shifting relative to the code insertion station, especially when the code has already been released from the above-described code clamp during code preparation. In the non-active position, the one or more magnets are sufficiently spaced from the code so as not to interfere with the preparation, operation, and / or supply of the code on the code plane.

[0038] In other embodiments, the code insertion station further includes a clamp holder for temporarily holding the first code clamp or the set of codes associated with the first code clamp. The first code clamp can be temporarily "staged" while other operations are being performed at the code insertion station. In the case of a plurality of code clamps, some code clamps can be staged to release the code for preparation at the code insertion station, and other code clamps can be held in a position near the code plane. In this way, the code insertion platform can keep the code in a state of being released from the code clamps or the associated sets that are not actively used in the process of sorting the code.

[0039] In other embodiments, the code insertion station includes an insertion part holder for holding one or more extruder insertion parts with respect to the code plane, and a collector holder for holding a collector frame for accommodating the plurality of code collectors with respect to the insertion part holder. Thereby, by holding the code collector relative to the insertion part holder, the code collected by the code collector can be extended toward the extruder insertion part held by the insertion part holder.

[0040] In other embodiments, although it can be applied independently of the plurality of code collectors, the code arranging device includes a code abnormality detector for detecting an abnormality of the code between the tire manufacturing creel and the extruder. If an abnormality of the code such as a broken filament is not detected early, it may wind up or peel off with respect to the extruder insertion part, causing serious damage to the extruder insertion part. The code abnormality detector can detect such an abnormality of the code early and stop the extrusion process before the abnormality of the code causes serious damage to the extruder insertion part.

[0041] More preferably, the code abnormality detector includes a code abnormality catcher having the plurality of catch channels for passing each code of the code set through different catch channels among the plurality of catch channels, and one or more catch sensors for detecting a displacement of the code abnormality catcher in the code direction as a result of an abnormal code fitting into one of the plurality of catch channels. A code with a broken filament cannot pass through the catch channel, and then starts to peel off or wind up with respect to the code abnormality catcher. As a result, as the code is further supplied in the code direction, a force in the code direction may act on the code abnormality catcher. The code abnormality detector may be particularly useful for detecting the displacement of the code abnormality catcher as a result of the force.

[0042] More preferably, the code insertion station further includes a catcher holder for holding the code abnormality catcher in which the plurality of catch channels extend in the code plane in series with the code direction. Since the code abnormality catcher extends in the code plane, the code can be easily inserted into each catch channel during the preparation of the code in the code plane.

[0043] Most preferably, the code insertion station includes an insertion part holder for holding one or more extruder insertion parts with respect to the code plane, and the code abnormality catcher can be separated from the catcher holder in a state where the code is inserted into the catch channel in order to transfer the code abnormality catcher to the extruder together with the one or more extruder insertion parts. When the code abnormality catcher is arranged in the extruder, the extrusion process can be started with the code abnormality catcher located upstream of the extruder insertion part.

[0044] In another embodiment, although it can be applied independently of the plurality of code collectors, the code arranging device includes a guide roll having a roll shaft extending in the axial direction and a plurality of circumferential grooves extending around the roll shaft for receiving the code, and the code arranging device further includes the retainer that can be positioned at a retainer position where the retainer extends across the plurality of circumferential grooves in the axial direction. The retainer can prevent the code once guided through each circumferential groove from popping out of each circumferential groove. In other words, the retainer ensures that the code stays at a predetermined position in each circumferential groove.

[0045] Preferably, the code arranging device includes a guide frame for holding the guide roller and one or more retainer magnets for magnetically holding the retainer at the retainer position. Thereby, the retainer can be manually arranged at the retainer position or manually removed from the retainer position without using tools.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, the guide roll has a radial plane that coincides with the roll axis, and the retainer has, at the retainer position, a retainer edge extending in the radial plane and a retainer surface extending only on one surface of the radial plane. The retainer position can be selected such that the one surface of the radial plane and / or the retainer surface is located downstream of the radial plane with respect to the supply direction in which the cord is supplied through the circumferential groove. By doing so, the retainer edge can effectively hold the cord in each circumferential groove in the radial direction orthogonal to the roll axis, while the retainer surface is open with respect to the circumferential groove on the one surface of the radial plane, thereby preventing the cord from being clogged or pinched in the supply direction between the guide roll and the retainer surface. In other words, the retainer surface is not in a position converging towards the guide roll.

[0047] Preferably, the retainer surface extends perpendicular to the radial plane. Thereby, the retainer surface can contact the guide roll in the radial plane.

[0048] In other embodiments, although it can be applied independently of the plurality of cord collectors, the cord insertion station is movable. Thereby, the cord insertion station can be moved to a position between the tire manufacturing creel and the extruder when the cord is being prepared to be inserted into the extruder, and then, when the preparation is complete, it can be moved from that position. The cord insertion station can be placed, for example, on a wheel, more specifically a caster wheel.

[0049] Preferably, the code insertion station includes a connecting member for connecting and / or aligning the code insertion station to the tire manufacturing creel. In this way, the position of the code insertion station can be interlocked with the position of the tire manufacturing creel. In particular, when the tire manufacturing creel is moved, the code insertion station can be moved together with the tire manufacturing creel, for example, in a lateral direction perpendicular to the collection direction and / or the code direction.

[0050] The various aspects and features described and shown herein can be applied individually as much as possible. These individual aspects, particularly the aspects and features described in the appended dependent claims, can be the subject of a divisional patent application.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0051] The present invention will be described based on exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying schematic diagrams.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

Figure 19

Figure 20

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] FIG. 1 shows a tire part manufacturing line according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention for manufacturing a tire part reinforced with a wire or cord such as a breaker ply. The tire component is used to manufacture a green tire or an unvulcanized tire.

[0053] The tire part manufacturing line includes a tire manufacturing creel 1 for supplying a wire or cord 9, an extruder 2 for embedding the cord 9 into an extrudate, particularly a layer of an elastomeric material or rubber, and a cord arranging device 3 provided between the tire manufacturing creel 1 and the extruder 2 for arranging the cord 9.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the tire manufacturing creel 1 includes a first creel part 11 and a second creel part 12, each holding a set of creel bobbins B. Each creel bobbin B houses one cord 9. The creel parts 11, 12 are movable along a creel guide 10 so as to be alternately aligned with the extruder 2 in the creel position by a method described in detail later in this specification. Only the first creel part 11 is shown in the side view of FIG. 1.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 1, the extruder 2 includes an extruder tool or an extruder insertion part, in this example, an extruder head 20 for receiving a mold 21 and a cord guide 22. The mold 21 has a mold opening (not shown) that defines the cross-sectional shape of the extruded material when the extruded material exits the extruder 2. The cord guide 22 includes a plurality of cord channels for feeding the cord 9 into the mold 21 in which the cord 9 is embedded in the extruded material in a direction parallel to each other in a common cord plane P.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 8, the cord arranging device 3 includes a cord fitting station 4 that can be arranged or is arranged between the tire manufacturing creel 1 and the extruder 2. In this example, the cord fitting station 4 can be freely arranged, moved or carried with respect to the tire manufacturing creel 1 and the extruder 2. In particular, the cord fitting station 4 is arranged on or provided with wheels 47, more specifically caster wheels, for rolling the cord fitting station 4 on the factory floor. The cord fitting station 4 further includes a connecting member 48 for connecting the cord fitting station 4 to one of the creel parts 11, 12 of the tire manufacturing creel 1. When connected, the cord fitting station 4 is configured to move with or be pulled by the creel part 11, 12 to which it is connected. In this example, the connecting member 48 has an aligning element 49 for aligning with complementary pulling elements 19 of the respective creel parts 11, 12. In this example, the aligning element 49 is an aligning slot, and the pulling element 19 is a pulling plate for inserting into the aligning slot.

[0057] As shown in more detail in FIG. 11, the cord insertion station 4 is arranged, adapted or configured to prepare for inserting the cord 9 into the extruder 2. More specifically, the cord insertion station 4 is configured to prepare for inserting the cord 9 parallel to each other into the extruder 2 in the cord direction X and / or in the cord plane P. For this purpose, the cord insertion station 4 has a cord insertion platform 40 that supports the cord 9 at an ergonomic height for a human operator to manipulate the cord 9, preferably adjustable in height.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 2, the cord arrangement device 3 further comprises a plurality of cord collectors 61, 62 for collecting cord sets G1, G2, ..., Gn of the cord 9 in the tire manufacturing creel 1. The cord sets G1, G2, ..., Gn of the cord 9 collected by the cord collectors 61, 62 can then be transferred from the tire manufacturing creel 1 towards the cord insertion station 4, as shown in FIG. 3, and / or towards the extruder 2 from the cord insertion station 4, as shown in FIG. 7. In this way, the cord sets G1, G2, ..., Gn of the cord 9 can be collected in a decentralized manner as compared to the prior art collection and routing of the cords one by one to a single centralized cord collector.

[0059] The cord collectors 61, 62 can be individually and / or independently attached to and separable from the tire manufacturing creel 1, the cord insertion station 4 and / or the extruder 2. In particular, the cord collectors 61, 62 are designed to be manually portable and / or transferable from the perspective of weight, size and / or ergonomics.

[0060] FIG. 9 shows the first cord collector 61 of the plurality of cord collectors 61, 62 in more detail. The first cord collector 61 is representative of a further cord collector 62 of the plurality of cord collectors 61, 62. In practice, the cord collectors 61, 62 may be identical.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 9, the first code collector 61 includes a collector body 60 and a plurality of collection channels 63 that extend in the collection direction C through the collector body 60 to pass each code 9 of the first set G1 of the codes 9 to different collection channels 63 among the plurality of collection channels 63. In this embodiment, the first code collector 61 has 28 collection channels 63 distributed across or across the collector body 60 in a channel array of two rows M and 14 columns N. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other numbers of collection channels 63, rows M or columns N are also within the scope of the present invention.

[0062] Each of the plurality of collection channels 63 is configured such that a funnel portion 64 is formed on the side surface of the collector body 60 on the upstream side with respect to the collection direction C. Since the funnel portion 64 is formed to taper in the collection direction C, it is easy to insert the code 9 even when the insertion of the code 9 is inaccurate or the position of the code 9 is shifted during insertion.

[0063] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the code insertion station 4 is provided with a collector holder 41 for holding or accommodating the code collectors 61, 62. In this embodiment, the code arranging device 3 includes a collector frame 5 for receiving the code collectors 61, 62 by the collector holder 41 of the code insertion station 4. The collector frame 5 is attachable to and detachable from the collector holder 41 of the code insertion station 4.

[0064] As best seen in FIG. 11, the collector frame 5 includes a housing body 50 having a receiving slot 51 for receiving the code collectors 61, 62. The housing body 50 and / or the receiving slot 51 are dimensioned, shaped and / or configured to stack four of the plurality of code collectors 61, 62 in a stacking direction Z perpendicular to the code plane P, and to juxtapose four of the plurality of code collectors 61, 62 in a lateral direction Y parallel to the code plane P. Thereby, the code collectors 61, 62 can be accommodated in a collector matrix or a collector array, in this example, a 4×4 collector array of code collectors 61, 62 extending within a single collector plane K, and all the codes 9 collected therein can be supplied or distributed from the collector plane K into the code insertion station 4.

[0065] The collector frame 5 further includes a cover 52 for closing the receiving slot 51 and holding the code collectors 61, 62 within the receiving slot 51. The cover 52 and / or the housing body 50 may optionally include a handle 53 for manually transferring the collector frame 5 holding the code collectors 61, 62 from the code insertion station 4 to the extruder 2.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 9, the code arranging device 3 may optionally include a first code clamp 71 for holding a set G1 of codes 9 passed through a plurality of collection channels 63 of the first code collector 61 in a collection direction C. In other words, the first code clamp 71 prevents the codes 9 from exiting the collection channels 63 in a direction opposite to the collection direction C.

[0067] In this example, the first code clamp 71 is provided separately from the first code collector 61. In other words, the first code clamp 71 and the first code collector 61 are not connected to each other or directly connected. Thereby, the first code clamp 71 and the first code collector 61 can move and / or be positioned relatively freely with respect to each other. In particular, the first code clamp 71 and the first code collector 61 can be arranged at intervals in the collection direction C so that the length L of the code 9 therebetween can be manipulated by moving one or both of the first code clamp 71 and the first code collector 61. Alternatively, the first code clamp 71 may be connected to or integrated with the first code collector 61. For example, the first code clamp 71 may be regarded as a code collector having an integrated clamping function. In such an alternative, a separate first code collector 61 is not required.

[0068] As best seen in FIG. 10, in this embodiment, the first code clamp 71 includes a set of clamp plates 73, 74, 75, at least one of which is movable relative to the other clamp plates and is adapted to sandwich the code 9 between the clamp plates 73 to 75, and each is provided with a clamp opening 76. The first code clamp 71 is arranged at the clamp position W on the side downstream of the collection direction C of the first code collector 61. Preferably, the number of the clamp openings 76 is the same as that of the collection channels 63 in the collection direction C and is aligned with the collection channels 63 in the collection direction C in order to allow the code 9 to easily pass through both the collection channel 63 in the collection direction C and the clamp openings 76.

[0069] In this specific embodiment, a set of clamp plates 73 to 75 includes a first clamp plate 73, a second clamp plate 74, and a third clamp plate 75. The second clamp plate 74 is inserted or clamped between the first clamp plate 73 and the third clamp plate 75, and is relatively movable in a direction transverse or perpendicular to the collection direction C with respect to the first clamp plate 73 and the third clamp plate 75. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the first cord clamp 71 includes a clamp lever 77 that eccentrically supports the second clamp plate 74 with respect to the lever shaft 78. When the clamp lever 77 is moved, the second clamp plate 74 is moved relative to the other clamp plates 73, 75, and the clamp opening 76 of the second clamp plate 74 is displaced from the clamp openings 76 of the other clamp plates 73, 75, whereby the cord 9 is clamped and / or tightened.

[0070] Those skilled in the art will understand that various other clamping methods are contemplated, including but not limited to, clamp jaws, magnets, etc.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 9, in this embodiment, the first cord clamp 71 is provided with a handle 79 so that the first cord clamp 71 can be manually moved from the tire manufacturing creel 1 toward the cord fitting station 4.

[0072] As schematically shown in FIG. 2, the cord arranging device 3 includes an additional cord clamp 72 for each additional cord collector 62 among the plurality of cord collectors 61, 62. The additional cord clamp 72 is the same as the first cord clamp 71 described above.

[0073] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the cord insertion station 4 further includes a catcher holder 42 for holding the cord abnormality detector 8 during the preparation of the cord 9 to be inserted into the extruder 2. The cord abnormality detector 8 is arranged at an abnormality detection position E upstream of the cord guide 22 of the extruder 2, as shown in FIG. 14, and detects an abnormality F of the cord 9 between the tire manufacturing creel 1 and the extruder 2.

[0074] As can be best seen in FIG. 11, the cord abnormality detector 8 includes a cord abnormality catcher 80 having a plurality of catch channels 83 for passing each of the cords 9 of the cord sets G1, G2,..., Gn through different ones of the plurality of catch channels 83. In this embodiment, the cord abnormality catcher 80 has a structure similar to that of the cord guide 22 in the sense that it includes a catch body 81 that at least partially defines the catch channels 83 and a cover 82 for closing or completing the catch channels 83. Thereby, the cord 9 can pass through the catch channels 83 in the same or substantially the same way as it finally passes through the cord channel of the cord guide 22. Thereby, cord abnormalities that would cause problems in the cord guide 22 can be immediately caught by the cord abnormality catcher 80, thereby preventing damage to the cord guide 22.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 14, the cord abnormality detector 8 further includes one or more catch sensors 84, 85 in the catcher part 25 for detecting a displacement of the cord abnormality catcher 80 in the cord direction X resulting from the clogging of an abnormality F of the cord 9 in one of the catch channels 83. The cord abnormality catcher 80 can be held at a predetermined position of the catcher part 25 by a suitable catch retainer 86 such as a magnet or a spring. As a result of the abnormal cord 9 clogging one of the catch channels 83, when the force exerted on the cord abnormality catcher 80 in the cord direction X exceeds the holding force of the catch retainer 86, the cord abnormality catcher 80 can start to displace in the cord direction X.

[0076] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the code insertion station 4 further includes an insertion part holder 43 for holding the mold 21 and the code guide 22 relative to the code plane P at a position downstream of the collector holder 41 and the catcher holder 42 in the code direction X.

[0077] As best seen in FIG. 11, the code insertion station 4 further includes a clamp holder 44 for temporarily holding or parking one or more of the code clamps 71, 72 or the sets G1, G2,..., Gn of the code 9 associated with the code clamps 71, 72. In this way, the code insertion platform 40 can be kept free from the code clamps 71, 72 or the associated sets G1, G2,..., Gn that are not actively used in the process of sorting the code 9.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 12, the code insertion station 4 further includes a first code magnet 45 and a second code magnet 46 for temporarily holding the code 9 in the code plane P. The code magnets 45, 46 are movable between an active position extending in the code plane P, parallel to the code plane P, or at a first distance D1 from the code plane P, as shown by the solid line, and a non-active position at a second distance D2 greater than the first distance D1 from the code plane P, as shown by the dashed line.

[0079] In this embodiment, as best seen in FIG. 8, the cord arranging device 3 further includes a plurality of guide rolls 31 for guiding the cord 9 from the tire manufacturing creel 1 towards the cord insertion station 4, and a guide frame 30 for holding the plurality of guide rolls 31. As shown in FIG. 15, each guide roll 31 has a roll axis S extending in the axial direction A. Each guide roll 31 further includes a plurality of disks 32 arranged side by side in the axial direction A so as to be individually rotatable about the roll axis S. Each disk 32 defines a circumferential groove 33 extending about the roll axis S for receiving one cord 9 around at least a part of the circumference of the guide roll 31.

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the cord arranging device 3 further includes a retainer 34 that can be positioned at the retainer position T with respect to each one guide roll 31. The retainer 34 has a retainer body 35 that extends across the plurality of circumferential grooves 33 of each guide roll 31 in the axial direction A at the retainer position T. In this embodiment, the retainer body 35 is shaped like a beam or a rod.

[0081] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the arranging device 3 includes retainer magnets 38, 39 for holding the retainer 34 at the retainer position T with respect to each guide roll 31. In this particular embodiment, the retainer magnets 38, 39 are provided on the guide frame 30 that holds each guide roll 31. More specifically, the guide frame 30 includes one retainer magnet 38, 39 on each side of the guide roll 31 in the axial direction A. The retainer body 35 includes a ferromagnetic material that can be magnetically attracted towards the retainer magnets 38, 39. Other means for removably fastening, fixing, clamping or holding the retainer 34 at the retainer position T with respect to each guide roll 31 may be provided, and these include, but are not limited to, clamps, screws, bolts, etc., which will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0082] As shown in Fig. 16, the guide roll 31 has a radial plane R that coincides with the roll axis S. The retainer 34 has a retainer edge 36 that extends parallel to the axial direction A in the radial plane R at the retainer position T. The retainer body 35 further defines a retainer surface 37 that extends only on one surface of the radial plane R. In particular, the retainer surface 37 extends perpendicular to the radial plane R.

[0083] As shown in Figs. 17 and 18, in this embodiment, the first creel part 11 and the second creel part 12 are each provided with a first creel drive device 13 and a second creel drive device 14 for moving the respective creel parts 11, 12 individually and / or independently along the creel guide 10. The independently movable creel parts 11, 12 have the technical advantage over the corresponding fixed-to-each-other modes that they can be moved separately immediately or directly for maintenance, loading, unloading, and / or reconfiguration without the need to mechanically release a mechanical interconnection when there is no mechanical interconnection.

[0084] The tire manufacturing creel 1 further includes a spacer 15, in particular a spacer bar, attached to the second creel part 12 and protruding towards the first creel part 11, physically separating the second creel part 12 from the first creel part 11 by a minimum distance H1. This can avoid dangerous situations for the operator working between the creel parts 11, 12 and damage to the creel parts 11, 12. The tire manufacturing creel 1 is also provided with a distance sensor 16, such as a laser, for measuring the distance between the creel parts 11, 12. In this embodiment, the distance sensor 16 is also provided on the second creel part 12. The creel drive devices 13, 14 and the distance sensor 16 are operatively, electronically and / or functionally connected to a control unit 18, which is configured to keep the distance between the creel parts 11, 12 detected by the distance sensor 16 below a maximum distance H2.

[0085] The control unit 18 may further be configured, programmed or arranged to control the creel drives 13, 14 such that the creel units 11, 12 remain at a constant or substantially constant distance between a minimum distance H1 and a maximum distance H2.

[0086] In this embodiment, the first creel unit 11 comprises a docking 17 for physically receiving the distal end of the spacer 15 when the creel units 11, 12 are at the minimum distance H1.

[0087] Figures 19 and 20 show a set of a first shaft 101 and a second shaft 102 for attaching a pair of creel bobbins B to the creel units 11, 12 of the tire manufacturing creel 1 of FIG. 1.

[0088] Each shaft 101, 102 comprises a shaft base 103 and a shaft body 104 supported by and / or extending from the shaft base 103. In this embodiment, the shaft body 104 of the second shaft 102 is axially long or offset in order to carry and receive each creel bobbin B in a position alongside the creel bobbin B carried by the first shaft 101. Alternatively, the shaft bodies of all the shafts 101, 102 may have the same length or be identical in order to support all the creel bobbins B similarly.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 19, each of the shafts 101 and 102 further includes a shock absorber 105 for absorbing an axial impact or shock caused by the creel bobbin B being placed on or sliding axially on the shafts 101 and 102 in the axial direction. As best seen in FIG. 20, the shock absorber 105 includes an absorber body 150 for contacting when the creel bobbin B is placed on the respective shafts 101 and 102, and a spring 151 disposed between the absorber body 150 and the shaft base 103 for at least partially absorbing the axial impact, shock or kinetic energy of the creel bobbin B. The absorber body 150 is slidable within a limited range axially along each of the shafts 101 and 102. Preferably, the absorber body 150 is fixed in the rotational direction with respect to each of the shafts 101 and 102, but axial movement is allowed to absorb shock. In other words, the absorber body 150 is configured to rotate with each of the shafts 101 and 102.

[0090] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, the shock absorber 105 further includes one or more lock pins 161, 162, two lock pins 161, 162 in this embodiment, which are provided within, on, or on the absorber body 150, and are configured to engage and / or fit into corresponding lock openings 171, 172 of the creel bobbin B to fix the creel bobbin B to the shock absorber 105 in the rotational direction and indirectly fix it to the respective shafts 101 and 102 via the absorber body 150. When the lock pins 161, 162 and the respective lock openings are misaligned during the initial placement of the creel bobbin B on the respective shafts 101, 102, the lock pins 161, 162 and the respective lock openings 171, 172 are aligned, and the lock pins 161, 162 may be pushed into or retracted from the absorber body 150 until the lock pins 161, 162 are automatically fitted into the respective lock openings 171, 172.

[0091] Preferably, the lock pins 161 and 162 are magnetically fitted into the creel bobbin B and have magnetism or are provided with magnets to hold the creel bobbin B to the absorber body 150. Therefore, while the shafts 101 and 102 can be arranged horizontally or substantially horizontally, the magnetic attraction force between the lock pins 161 and 162 and the creel bobbin B prevents the creel bobbin B from slipping off the respective shafts 101 and 102.

[0092] Next, a method of arranging the cord 9 between the tire manufacturing creel 1 and the extruder 2 using the above-described cord arranging device 3 will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14.

[0093] FIG. 1 shows the state when the previous cycle of this method has ended. The mold 21 and the cord guide 22 are in the extruder head 20, the cord abnormality detector 8 is in the catcher portion 25, the collector frame 5 is in the collector portion 24 together with the cord collectors 61 and 62 received therein, the cord clamps 71 and 72 are accommodated in positions near the cord fitting station 4, and the tire manufacturing creel 1 is ready to supply a new cord from the creel bobbin B or is ready to accommodate a new creel bobbin B having a new cord.

[0094] Figure 2 shows the state after the mold 21 and the cord guide 22 are removed from the extruder head 20 and placed on the insertion part holder 43 of the cord insertion station 4. The cord abnormality detector 8 is removed from the catcher part 25 and returned to the catcher holder 42 of the cord insertion station 4. The collector frame 5 is removed from the collector part 24 and returned to the collector holder 41 of the cord insertion station 4. The cord collectors 61, 62 are removed from the collector frame 5 and arranged on the output side of the tire manufacturing creel 1 to receive or collect the cords 9 of the sets G1, G2, ..., Gn. In this embodiment, as described above and as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the cord clamps 71, 72 are moved to their respective clamp positions W downstream of the cord collectors 61, 62 to sandwich the cords 9 collected by the respective cord collectors 61, 62.

[0095] Figure 3 shows the state after the cord collectors 61, 62 and the cord clamps 71, 72 are transferred from the tire manufacturing creel 1 toward the cord insertion station 4 while guiding the cords 9 collected therealong the respective guide rolls 31. The cord collectors 61, 62 are accommodated in the collector frame 5 by the collector holder 41, and one or more cord clamps 71, 72 are temporarily placed in the clamp holder 44.

[0096] Figures 4 and 12 show the state in which the cords 9 are released from the cord clamps 71, 72 and extended through the cord abnormality catcher 80, the cord guide 22, and the mold 21, schematically shown for a limited number of sets G1, G2, ..., Gn in FIG. 8.

[0097] Figure 5 shows the state in which a hook 26 is attached to the tip of the cord 9 protruding in the cord direction X from the mold 21. The hook 26 is connected to a winch 28 via a tension member 27, particularly a tension strip, for pulling the hook 26 and the cord 9 attached thereto along the cord direction X toward the extruder 2 and into and / or through the extruder 2.

[0098] Figure 6 shows a state where the hook 26 and the cord 9 attached thereto are drawn through the extruder 2. In this embodiment, the cord 9 extends in the cord direction X through the collector frame 5 including the cord collectors 61, 62, the cord abnormality detector 8, the cord guide 22, and the mold 21. It should be noted that these components remain at the predetermined positions of the respective holders 41 to 43 of the cord fitting station 4. Alternatively, the collector frame 5 including the cord collectors 61, 62, the cord abnormality detector 8, the cord guide 22, and the mold 21 may be conveyed to the extruder 2 together with the cord 9.

[0099] Figures 7 and 14 show a state where the cord guide 22 and the mold 21 are transferred from the insertion part holder 43 to the extruder head 20. The cord abnormality detector 8 is transferred from the catcher holder 42 to the catcher part 25 in a state where the cord abnormality catcher 80 is arranged at the abnormality detection position E upstream of the extruder head 20 in the cord direction X. The collector frame 5 housing the cord collectors 61, 62 is transferred to the collector part 24. Thus, the extruder 2 is ready to extrude the extrusion material while embedding the cord 9 in the extrusion material.

[0100] It should be understood that the above description is included to explain the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. From the above discussion, many variations that would be included in the scope of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0101] 1 Tire manufacturing creel 10 Creel guide 11 First creel part 12 Second creel part 13 First creel drive device 14 Second creel drive device 15 Spacer 16 Distance sensor 17 Docking 18 Control Unit 19 Traction Element 2 Extruder 20 Extruder Head 21 Mold 22 Code Guide 23 Insertion Part 24 Collector Part 25 Catcher Part 26 Hook 27 Tension Member 28 Winch 3 Code Arrangement Device 30 Guide Frame 31 Guide Roll 32 Disk 33 Circumferential Groove 34 Retainer 35 Retainer Body 36 Retainer Edge 37 Retainer Surface 38 First Retainer Magnet 39 Second Retainer Magnet 4 Code Insertion Station 40 Code Insertion Platform 41 Collector Holder 42 Catcher Holder 43 Insertion Part Holder 44 Clamp Holder 45 First Code Magnet 46 Second Code Magnet 47 Wheel 48 Connecting Member 49 Alignment Element 5 Collector Frame 50 Housing Body 51 Housing Slot 52 Cover 53 Handle 60 Collector Body 61 First Code Collector 62 Further Code Collector 63 Collection Channel 64 Funnel Part 71 First Code Clamp 72 Additional Code Clamp 73 First Clamp Plate 74 Second Clamp Plate 75 Third Clamp Plate 76 Clamp Opening 77 Clamp Lever 78 Lever Shaft 79 Handle 8 Code Abnormality Detector 80 Code Abnormality Catcher 81 Catcher Body 82 Catcher Cover 83 Catcher Channel 84 First Catch Sensor 85 Second Catch Sensor 86 Catch Retainer 9 Code 101 First Bobbin Shaft 102 Second Bobbin Shaft 103 Shaft Base 104 Shaft Body 105 Shock Absorber 150 Absorber Body 151 Spring 161 First Lock Pin 162 Second Lock Pin 171 First Lock Opening 172 Second Lock Opening A Axis Direction B Creel Bobbin C Collection Direction D1 First Distance D2 Second Distance E Abnormality Detection Position F Code Abnormality G1 First Code Set G2 Second Code Set Gn nth Code Set H1 Minimum Distance H2 Maximum Distance K Collector Plane L Length M Row N Column P Code Plane R Radial direction plane S Roll axis T Retainer position V Supply direction W Clamp position X Cord direction Y Lateral direction Z Laminating direction

Claims

1. A method for sorting cords between a tire manufacturing creel and an extruder, comprising: - supplying a cord insertion station for preparing to insert the cords into the extruder between the tire manufacturing creel and the extruder; - collecting sets of the cords in a plurality of cord collectors in the tire manufacturing creel; and - transferring the plurality of cord collectors, together with the sets of the cords collected therein, from the tire manufacturing creel to the cord insertion station. A method as described above.

2. - further comprising housing the plurality of cord collectors in a collector frame. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the above step.

3. - preparing to insert the cords in the cord insertion station into the extruder in parallel to each other in a common cord plane; and - stacking at least two of the plurality of cord collectors in a stacking direction perpendicular to the cord plane within the collector frame. The method according to claim 2, further comprising the above steps.

4. - preparing to insert the cords in the cord insertion station into the extruder in parallel to each other in a common cord plane; and - juxtaposing at least two of the plurality of cord collectors in a lateral direction parallel to the cord plane within the collector frame. The method according to claim 2, further comprising the above steps.

5. Each of the plurality of cord collectors includes a collector body and a plurality of collection channels extending in a collection direction through the collector body. The method further comprises: - passing each cord of each set of cords through a different one of the plurality of collection channels in the collection direction for each of the plurality of cord collectors. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the above step.

6. - providing a first cord clamp for maintaining the set of cords in the collection direction through the plurality of collection channels of a first cord collector among the plurality of cord collectors. The method according to claim 5, further comprising the above step.

7. - clamping the set of cords with the first cord clamp at a clamp position on a side facing the downstream side in the collection direction of the first cord collector. The method according to claim 6, further comprising

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the first code collector is movable freely along the code of the set of codes with respect to the first code clamp upstream of the clamp position with respect to the collecting direction.

9. The first code clamp is provided separately from the first code collector, and the method comprises - operating the length of the code of the set of codes between the first code collector and the first code clamp by changing the relative position between the first code collector and the first code clamp The method according to claim 6, further comprising

10. - transferring the first code clamp and the first code collector together from the tire manufacturing creel towards the code insertion station The method according to claim 6, further comprising

11. - releasing the set of codes from the first code clamp at the code insertion station The method according to claim 6, further comprising

12. - providing a further code clamp to each of the plurality of code collectors The method according to claim 6, further comprising

13. - preparing to insert the codes in the code insertion station parallel to each other in a common code plane and into the extruder, - holding, in the code insertion station, one or more extruder insertion parts with respect to the code plane in an insertion part holder, and - extending, in the insertion part holder, the set of codes from the plurality of code collectors through the one or more extruder insertion parts in the collecting direction The method according to claim 1, further comprising

14. - transferring the one or more extruder insertion parts through which the set of codes extends from the code insertion station to the extruder, and - transferring the plurality of code collectors and the set of codes therein from the code insertion station to the extruder The method according to claim 13, further comprising

15. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of code collectors are manually transferred from the tire manufacturing creel to the code insertion station.

16. A cord arranging device for arranging cords between a tire manufacturing creel and an extruder, comprising a cord fitting station that can be arranged between the tire manufacturing creel and the extruder to prepare for inserting the cord into the extruder, and the cord arranging device further comprises a plurality of cord collectors separable from the cord fitting station for collecting cord sets in the tire manufacturing creel and transferring the cord sets collected by the plurality of cord collectors from the tire manufacturing creel toward the cord fitting station.

17. The cord arranging device according to claim 16, comprising a collector frame for receiving the plurality of cord collectors at the cord fitting station.

18. The cord arranging device according to claim 17, wherein the collector frame is configured to stack at least two of the plurality of cord collectors in a stacking direction perpendicular to the cord plane.

19. The cord arranging device according to claim 17, wherein the collector frame is configured to juxtapose at least two of the plurality of cord collectors in a lateral direction parallel to the cord plane.

20. The cord arranging device according to claim 17, wherein the collector frame is separable from the cord fitting station for transferring the collector frame to a collector part of the extruder together with the plurality of cord collectors accommodated therein.

21. The cord arranging device according to claim 20, wherein the collector frame is provided with a handle.

22. Each of the plurality of cord collectors of the cord arranging device according to claim 16 comprises a collector body and a plurality of collection channels extending in the collection direction through the collector body for guiding respective cords of respective cord sets into different collection channels among the plurality of collection channels in the collection direction.

23. The cord arranging device according to claim 22, wherein the plurality of collection channels extend parallel to each other.

24. For each of the plurality of collection channels, the collection channel is provided with a funnel portion that tapers toward the collection direction on a side surface of the collector main body upstream of the collection direction, according to the cord arrangement device of claim 22.

25. Regarding each collector main body, the plurality of collection channels include at least 10 collection channels, according to the cord arrangement device of claim 22.

26. The plurality of collection channels are distributed across the collector main body in a channel array having at least two rows and two columns, according to the cord arrangement device of claim 22.

27. The cord arrangement device according to claim 22 further includes a first cord clamp for maintaining the cord set in a state of passing through the plurality of collection channels of the first cord collector among the plurality of cord collectors in the collection direction.

28. The first cord clamp is provided separately from the first cord collector, according to the cord arrangement device of claim 27.

29. The first cord clamp includes a handle, according to the cord arrangement device of claim 27.

30. The cord arrangement device includes a further cord clamp for each further cord collector of the plurality of cord collectors, according to the cord arrangement device of claim 27.

31. The plurality of cord collectors are identical, according to the cord arrangement device of claim 16.

32. The cord insertion station further includes one or more cord magnets for temporarily holding the cord in a cord plane, and the one or more cord magnets are movable between an active position at a first distance from the cord plane and a non-active position at a second distance greater than the first distance from the cord plane, according to the cord arrangement device of claim 16.

33. The cord insertion station further includes a clamp holder for temporarily holding the first cord clamp or the cord set associated with the first cord clamp, according to the cord arrangement device of claim 27.

34. The code insertion station according to claim 16, comprising an insertion part holder for holding one or more extruder insertion parts with respect to the code plane, and a collector holder for holding a collector frame for accommodating the plurality of code collectors with respect to the insertion part holder.

35. The code arrangement device according to claim 16, comprising a code abnormality detector for detecting an abnormality of the code between the tire manufacturing creel and the extruder.

36. The code abnormality detector according to claim 35, comprising a code abnormality catcher having the plurality of catch channels for passing each code of the set of codes through different catch channels among the plurality of catch channels, and one or more catch sensors for detecting a displacement in the code direction of the code abnormality catcher as a result of an abnormal code being fitted into one of the plurality of catch channels.

37. The code arrangement device according to claim 36, wherein the code insertion station further comprises a catcher holder for holding the code abnormality catcher in which the plurality of catch channels extend in the code plane in series with the code direction.

38. The code insertion station according to claim 16, comprising an insertion part holder for holding one or more extruder insertion parts with respect to the code plane, and the code abnormality catcher is separable from the catcher holder in a state where the code is inserted through the catch channel in order to transfer the code abnormality catcher to the extruder together with the one or more extruder insertion parts.

39. The code arrangement device according to claim 16, wherein the code insertion station is movable.

40. The code arrangement device according to claim 39, comprising a connecting member for connecting or aligning the code insertion station to the tire manufacturing creel.

Images