Method, tire manufacturing line, and computer program product for manufacturing a continuous strip

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for producing a continuous strip in a tire making line, the tire making line comprising at least one conveying unit for conveying the continuous strip along a conveying path through the tire making line, the method comprising: a) operating the tire manufacturing line in a tire manufacturing mode; b) controlling, in the tire building mode, the at least one transport unit to transport the continuous strip along the transport path in a transport direction; c) switching at least a portion of the tire building line, including the at least one transport unit, from the tire building mode to an interruption mode; d) controlling said at least one transport unit in said interrupted mode to repeatedly move said continuous strip back and forth along said transport path in said conveying direction and in a rearward direction opposite to said conveying direction; 1. A method for producing a continuous strip in a tire manufacturing line comprising: The invention further relates to a tire manufacturing line and a computer program product.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a continuous strip, in particular a continuous strip used in the manufacture of green tires or unvulcanized tires, a tire manufacturing line, and a computer program product.

[0002] In a known tire manufacturing line, apexes are manufactured by extruding an elastomeric material or a continuous strip of rubber material. When the continuous strip exits the extruder, it is contracted on a shrink conveyor and subsequently guided onto a cooling drum via a plurality of guide rollers. The continuous strip is finally cut to length at a cutting station to form individual apexes, which are further conveyed downstream and combined with beads to form bead apexes. Usually, a festooner is provided as an adjustment device between the continuous supply from the extruder and the discontinuous cutting at the cutting station.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] A drawback of known tire manufacturing lines is that the material of the continuous strip just out of the extruder is still relatively warm and soft when passing over the shrink conveyor and around the cooling drum, so it is easily deformed. When the tire manufacturing line is operating normally, the continuous strip is continuously moved and sufficient tension is maintained to prevent slack, so usually the deformation does not pose a problem. However, if the tire manufacturing process is interrupted for some reason, the tire manufacturing line stops and the relatively warm and soft continuous strip may remain stationary on the shrink conveyor, guide rollers, and cooling drum. After a while, a part of the continuous strip may become fixed and conform to the shape of the rollers that supported it. The longer the interruption lasts, the more the continuous strip cools and the more difficult it becomes to smooth out the deformation resulting from the fixation. This can potentially cause further quality problems downstream.

[0004] Furthermore, there is a possibility that the continuous strip adheres to the roller, making it difficult to resume the tire manufacturing line, or that the continuous strip is drawn between the rollers instead of being further conveyed on the roller, which may cause a failure.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a continuous strip, a tire manufacturing line, and a computer program product, which can reduce or prevent continuous deformation and / or sticking of the continuous strip during the downtime of the tire manufacturing line.

[0006] According to a first aspect, the present invention is a method for manufacturing a continuous strip in a tire manufacturing line, wherein the tire manufacturing line includes at least one conveying unit for conveying the continuous strip along a conveying path passing through the tire manufacturing line, and the method includes: a) operating the tire manufacturing line in a tire manufacturing mode; b) in the tire manufacturing mode, controlling the at least one conveying unit to convey the continuous strip in a conveying direction along the conveying path; c) switching at least a part of the tire manufacturing line including the at least one conveying unit from the tire manufacturing mode to an interruption mode; d) in the interruption mode, controlling the at least one conveying unit to repeatedly move the continuous strip back and forth along the conveying path in the conveying direction and a backward direction opposite to the conveying direction. A method for manufacturing a continuous strip in a tire manufacturing line, comprising the above steps.

[0007] The reciprocating movement that controls the continuous strip in the interruption mode effectively prevents the continuous strip from remaining stationary at a single or fixed position for a long time in a still warm and flexible state during downtime or when the tire manufacturing line is stopped. In particular, the continuous strip, by means of repeated reciprocating movements, has different parts of the continuous strip supported by different parts or regions of at least one conveying unit over time. The reciprocating movement can prevent the continuous strip from settling at a stationary position on the conveying unit and / or locally conforming to the shape of the part of at least one conveying unit that supports it. Furthermore, the reciprocating movement can smooth out and / or reduce deformations, lowering the likelihood that such deformations will cause quality problems further downstream.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, in step c), at least one conveying unit is controlled to stop moving the continuous strip along the conveying path. By stopping the conveyance of the continuous strip at the end of the tire manufacturing mode, the interruption mode can be started in a controlled manner independently of the conveyance of the continuous strip in the tire manufacturing mode.

[0009] More preferably, step d) is delayed with a time lag from step c). Most preferably, the time lag is at least 10 seconds, preferably at least 30 seconds, and most preferably at least 1 minute. In some cases, the tire manufacturing mode may be interrupted for a short period of time. The time lag can prevent the start of the interruption mode when the stop time of the tire manufacturing mode is shorter than the time lag.

[0010] In other embodiments, in step d), after each repetition of the forward and backward movement, the continuous strip returns to the same or substantially the same position along the conveying path. Thus, the net movement of the continuous strip in the conveying direction can be kept close to zero or at zero.

[0011] Alternatively, in step d), after each repetition of the forward and backward movement, the continuous strip returns to a different position along the transport path. This ensures that different sections of the continuous strip are supported on at least one transport unit over time.

[0012] In other embodiments, in step d), the continuous strip is reciprocated over a first distance in the transport direction and a second distance in the reverse direction.

[0013] Preferably, in step d), the second distance is equal to the first distance for each repetition of the reciprocation of the continuous strip. As a result, after each repetition, the aforementioned amount of movement is approximately zero or close to zero.

[0014] In a further embodiment, in step d), the first distance remains constant for all repetitions of the forward and backward movement of the continuous strip. Thus, the forward and backward movement can be a constant and / or periodic movement, and in particular, has a constant amplitude for each repetition.

[0015] Alternatively, in step d), the first distance is variable during the repetitions of the forward and backward movement of the continuous strip. Preferably, in step d), the first distance changes stepwise during the repetitions of the forward and backward movement of the continuous strip. For example, when the continuous strip is cooled and cured over time, the first distance can be changed according to the change in the properties of the continuous strip over time.

[0016] In a further embodiment, the first distance and / or the second distance is at least 3 centimeters, preferably at least 5 centimeters, and most preferably at least 8 centimeters. Such a minimum distance may already be sufficient to reduce and / or prevent local deformation of the continuous strip.

[0017] In other embodiments, the back-and-forth movement of the continuous strip in step d) is a periodic motion. Thus, the back-and-forth movement has a certain interval that ensures that the continuous strip is kept in a regular and / or continuous motion state. Alternatively, the back-and-forth movement of the continuous strip in step d) is a non-periodic motion, i.e., a motion with variable intervals. This is useful when the required motion decreases over time as the continuous strip cools and / or hardens.

[0018] In other embodiments, the continuous strip in the tire manufacturing mode is moved in the conveying direction at the production speed, and the continuous strip in the interruption mode is reciprocated in step d) at an interruption speed of less than 80%, preferably less than 60% of the production speed. At such a low interruption speed, the operator can safely enter the tire manufacturing line even though the continuous strip is moving back and forth.

[0019] In other embodiments, the back-and-forth movement of the continuous strip in step d) is automatically and / or pre-programmed and controlled. Thus, the back-and-forth movement does not require human intervention or monitoring. Furthermore, the interruption mode can be automatically started without human intervention or a human trigger in response to the tire manufacturing line stopping.

[0020] In other embodiments, the tire manufacturing line is switched from the tire manufacturing mode to the interruption mode in response to an interruption signal. Preferably, the interruption signal is triggered by either an error automatically detected in the tire manufacturing line or a user input at the human-machine interface. Thus, when the tire manufacturing line is stopped as a result of an error or user input, the interruption mode can be automatically started without human intervention or a human trigger.

[0021] In other embodiments, at least one conveying unit comprises a first conveying unit and a second conveying unit located downstream of the first conveying unit along the conveying path. The two conveying units can be controlled together and / or can cooperate to move the continuous strip back and forth in the interruption mode. In particular, the length of the continuous strip extending along the conveying path between the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit can be moved back and forth in a controlled manner by controlling both conveying units in the interruption mode.

[0022] Preferably, in step d), the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit are controlled synchronously or substantially synchronously to move the continuous strip back and forth. Thus, when one conveying unit is pushing the length of the continuous strip between the conveying units, the other conveying unit can pull the length, and vice versa.

[0023] Alternatively, in step d), the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit are alternately controlled to move the continuous strip in the reverse direction and the conveying direction, respectively. Thus, when one conveying unit is being pulled, the other conveying unit can rotate freely and / or passively follow the continuous strip.

[0024] In other embodiments, the tire manufacturing line further comprises a tensioning device for applying tension to the continuous strip between the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit, and the method further comprises the following steps: e) Controlling the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit before or during step d) to generate a slack length in the continuous strip in the tensioning device.

[0025] In other words, the tire manufacturing line further comprises a tension applying device movable between a low-tension state and a high-tension state in order to variably apply tension to the continuous strip, and this method further comprises the following steps: e) controlling the tension applying device to move from the high-tension state towards the low-tension state and / or to the low-tension state.

[0026] In particular, when the continuous strip is a cordless strip and is stationary, if the continuous strip is maintained in a tensioned state, it may start to uncontrollably elongate. By generating an excessive length in the continuous strip or by controlling the tension applying device to move towards the low-tension state, the tension generated in the continuous strip by the tension applying device can be reduced, and excessive elongation of the continuous strip in the tension applying device can be reduced or prevented.

[0027] In other embodiments, at least one of the conveying units consists of a conveying roller. The cylindrical shape of the conveyor roller may cause deformation to the continuous strip. Further, since the conveyor rollers are usually arranged at intervals, the continuous strip is allowed to sag between the conveyor rollers. The method according to the present invention can reduce or prevent such deformation and / or sag.

[0028] In other embodiments, the tire manufacturing line comprises an extruder for extruding the continuous strip, and at least one conveying unit comprises a shrink conveyor for receiving the continuous strip from the extruder. Such a shrink conveyor usually includes conveyor rollers. Therefore, the method according to the present invention can have technical advantages similar to those of the embodiments described above.

[0029] In other embodiments, at least one conveying unit comprises a cooling drum. Such a cooling drum typically comprises a plurality of guide rollers for guiding the continuous strip in a plurality of windings around the cooling drum. Thus, the method according to the invention can have technical advantages similar to those of the embodiments described above.

[0030] In other embodiments, at least one of said conveying units consists of a festooner. Such a festooner usually includes conveying rollers. Thus, the method according to the invention can have technical advantages similar to those of the embodiments described above.

[0031] In other embodiments, the tire manufacturing line comprises at least one downstream station downstream of at least one of said conveying units, and at least one of said downstream stations, in particular a festooner, is controlled to hold the continuous strip stationary in the conveying direction along the conveying path in said interruption mode. At the downstream station, the continuous strip may be cooled to such an extent that it is no longer easily deformable even when held stationary. Thus, the continuous strip can be held stationary at at least one of said downstream stations without suffering therefrom.

[0032] In other embodiments, the continuous strip is in particular a cordless strip for manufacturing apex. A cordless strip is prone to deformation when left stationary in the freshly extruded state. Thus, the advantageous effect of the method according to the invention is greater for such a cordless strip.

[0033] Alternatively, the continuous strip is a cord reinforcing strip, particularly for manufacturing breaker or body ply. The cord reinforcing strip is difficult to deform in a stationary state, but the freshly extruded elastomeric material with the cord embedded therein can still deform, and the position of the cord in the elastomeric material may shift when stationary for a long time. Therefore, the method according to the present invention may also bring advantageous effects when applied to a cord reinforcing strip.

[0034] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a tire manufacturing line for manufacturing a continuous strip, the tire manufacturing line comprising at least one conveying unit for conveying the continuous strip along a conveying path passing through the tire manufacturing line, and a control unit operably connected to the at least one conveying unit, the control unit being configured to execute the steps of a method according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0035] According to a third aspect, the present invention provides a computer program product including a non-transitory computer-readable medium that, when executed by a processor, holds instructions to cause a tire manufacturing line according to the second aspect of the present invention to execute the steps of a method according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0036] 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

[0037] The present invention will be described based on exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying schematic drawings.

[0038]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

[0039] FIG. 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and shows a tire manufacturing line 100 for manufacturing a continuous strip 9 from which tire components are cut for manufacturing and / or assembling a green tire or an unvulcanized tire.

[0040] The tire manufacturing line 100 is composed of an extruder 5 that extrudes the continuous strip 9 and one or more conveying units 1, 2 that convey the continuous strip 9 in the conveying direction A along a conveying path G towards one or more downstream stations 4. In this example, the one or more downstream stations 4 are composed of a festooner 41 and a cutter 42. The cutter 42 is configured to cut the continuous strip 9 to the appropriate length. The cut lengths of the continuous strip 9 can then be used in a tire assembly process (not shown) downstream of the cutter 42. The festooner 41 is used as a buffer between the continuous output of the extruder 5 and the discontinuous or intermittent cutting operation at the cutter 42.

[0041] In this example, the continuous strip 9 is used to form a filler strip or an apex. The apex is formed into a ring shape, combined with a bead on a bead-apex drum, and a bead-apex assembly is formed in a manner known per se. The apex consists of a body of an elastomeric or rubber material having a triangular or tapered cross-section. Usually, no reinforcing cord is embedded at the apex.

[0042] However, the present invention can be equally applied to other continuous strips used in tire manufacturing, such as gum strips and cord reinforcing strips such as breaker ply, body ply, cap strip, and run-flat reinforcing strip.

[0043] In this example, as shown in FIG. 1, one or more conveying units 1, 2 are the first conveying unit 1 and the second conveying unit 2 on the downstream side in the conveying direction A of the first conveying unit 1.

[0044] It will be understood that the scope of the present invention includes a tire manufacturing line having a single conveying unit or a tire manufacturing line having two or more conveying units. One or more of the above-mentioned conveying units can be selected from the group consisting of a roller conveyor, a belt conveyor, a cooling drum, and a festooner, but is not limited thereto.

[0045] More specifically, the first conveying unit 1 consists of a shrink conveyor 10 having a plurality of conveyor rollers 11 configured to be able to shrink the continuous strip 9 just extruded by an extruder 5. Each conveyor roller 11 has a roller diameter, and at least one conveyor roller 11 has a minimum roller diameter E as compared with the other conveyor rollers 11. The tire manufacturing line 100 includes a first driving device 61 for rotationally driving at least one conveyor roller 11 in a first driving direction R1 and a second driving direction R2 opposite to the first driving direction R1.

[0046] The second conveying unit 2 includes a cooling drum 20 for cooling the continuous strip 9. The tire manufacturing line 100 is provided with a second driving device 62 for rotationally driving the cooling drum 20 in both driving directions R1, R2.

[0047] In this exemplary embodiment, the second conveying unit 2 further includes one or more guide rollers 21 for guiding the continuous strip 9 around the cooling drum 20 by one or more windings.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 1, the continuous strip 9 preferably has one or more slack portions or passes through one or more loops or free loops 31, 32, 33. In this example, a first loop 31 is provided between the extruder 5 and the first conveying unit 1, a second loop 32 is provided between the first conveying unit 1 and the second conveying unit 2, and a third loop 33 is provided between the second conveying unit 2 and one or more downstream stations 4. Optionally, one or more buffer members (not shown) may be provided in the loops 31, 32, 33 to actively control the length of the continuous strip 9 in the loops 31, 32, 33. The buffer member may be, for example, a dancer roller.

[0049] Optionally, the second conveying unit 2 can be provided with a tension applying device 22 for controlling the tension of the continuous strip 9 in the region between the first conveying unit 1 and the second conveying unit 2, particularly in the aforementioned second loop 32. In this embodiment, the tension applying device 22 is composed of a tension roller 23 and a tension arm 24 for relatively moving the tension roller 23 around a hinge point. The tension roller 23 is passively stationary on the continuous strip 9 within the second loop 32 immediately upstream of the cooling drum 20, and the tension arm 24 passively adapts its orientation according to the stationary position of the tension roller 23 on the continuous strip 9 between a high-tension state as shown in FIG. 1 and a low-tension state as shown in FIG. 2. Depending on the orientation of the tension arm 24 with respect to the hinge point, the reaction force of the continuous strip 9 supporting the weight of the tension roller 23 can be decomposed into components including the tension component in the direction of the continuous strip 9 that automatically changes according to the orientation of the tension arm 24 with respect to the hinge point.

[0050] It will be understood that different tension applying devices, such as a conventional dancer roller, can be used to generate or control the tension in the continuous strip 9.

[0051] In this example, the tire manufacturing line 100 further comprises a third drive device 63 for driving the festooner 41 in both drive directions R1, R2.

[0052] As further shown in FIG. 1, the tire manufacturing line 100 consists of a timer 7 and a control unit 8. The control unit 8 is functionally, electronically, and / or operationally connected to the drive devices 61, 62, 63 and the timer 7. The control unit 8 is composed of a computer-readable medium, such as a memory, and a processor (generally denoted by box 80). The computer-readable medium is configured to hold instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the tire manufacturing line 100 to perform steps of a method for manufacturing a continuous strip 9, which will be described in more detail below. In other words, the steps of the method can be pre-configured, pre-programmed, and / or automatically executed.

[0053] FIGS. 1 to 3 show the tire manufacturing line 100 during steps of a method for manufacturing a continuous strip 9 in the tire manufacturing line 100. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the logic behind the steps of the method.

[0054] FIG. 1 shows a situation where the tire manufacturing line 100 is operating or functioning in a tire manufacturing mode (step S1 in FIG. 5). The control unit 8 controls the drive devices 61, 62, 63 to drive the first transport unit 1, the second transport unit 2, and the festooner 41 in the first drive direction R1, corresponding to or resulting in the conveyance of the continuous strip 9 in the conveyance direction A from the extruder 5 towards one or more downstream stations 4. In other words, when the tire manufacturing line 100 is operating normally, i.e., without faults or interruptions, the continuous strip 9 is moved only in the forward or downstream direction.

[0055] Figure 2 shows a situation (step S2 in FIG. 5) where the tire manufacturing line 100 is switched from the tire manufacturing mode (step S1 in FIG. 5) to the interruption mode (step S5 in FIG. 5) in response to an interruption signal H schematically represented by an exclamation mark in FIG. 2. The interruption signal H may be triggered by a defect or error automatically detected in the tire manufacturing line 100, or alternatively, may be triggered by a user input in a human-machine interface (not shown). Upon receiving the interruption signal H, the control unit 8 controls the drive devices 61, 62, 63 to quickly decelerate and / or stop the conveyance of the continuous strip 9 in the conveyance direction A along the conveyance path G, thereby preventing damage to the continuous strip 9 and / or the tire manufacturing line 100.

[0056] Optionally, the control unit 8 is configured to control the drive devices 61, 62, 63 to reduce the tension of the continuous strip 9 as much as possible before or immediately after stopping the conveyance of the continuous strip 9. The control unit 8 can control, for example, the first drive device 61 and the second drive device 62 to rotate in the first drive direction R1 and the second drive direction R2, respectively, such that the additional or surplus length of the continuous strip 9 is supplied to the second loop 32. In other words, slack is introduced into the continuous strip 9 in the tension applying device 22. As a result, the tension arm 24 of the tension applying device 22 is lowered to a low position corresponding to the low tension state or its lowest position, thereby reducing the tension generated in the continuous strip 9 by the weight of the tension roller 22.

[0057] Figure 3 shows the situation where the tire manufacturing line 100 is operating in the interruption mode (step S5 in Figure 5). In the interruption mode, the control unit 8 is configured to automatically control at least one of the conveying units 1 and 2 to repeatedly reciprocate or oscillate the continuous strip 9 along the conveying path G in the conveying direction A and the backward direction B opposite to the conveying direction A, which is hereinafter referred to as "forward and backward movement" M, or "oscillating movement". The continuous strip 9 is moved a first distance D1 in the conveying direction A and a second distance D2 opposite to the first distance D1 in the backward direction B.

[0058] Note that the "forward and backward movement" M does not necessarily start from "backward". The interruption mode can also start with a "forward" movement. However, it is preferable to start from a "backward" movement in order to decrease rather than increase the tension of the continuous strip 9.

[0059] In this embodiment, both the first conveying unit 1 and the second conveying unit 2 are controlled synchronously or substantially synchronously to move the continuous strip 9 forward and backward M. In other words, both the first conveying unit 1 and the second conveying unit 2 are driven in the first driving direction R1 at the same time to convey the continuous strip 9 in the conveying direction A, and both are driven in the second driving direction R2 at the same time to convey the continuous strip 9 in the backward direction B. Substantially, when one of the conveying units 1 and 2 is pushing the length of the continuous strip 9 between the conveying units 1 and 2, the other conveying unit 1 and 2 is pulling, and vice versa.

[0060] Alternatively, the first conveying unit 1 and the second conveying unit 2 are alternately controlled to move or pull M the continuous strip 9 in the backward direction B and the conveying direction A, respectively. In fact, when one of the conveying units 1 and 2 is pulling, the other rotates freely and / or follows the continuous strip 9 passively.

[0061] In yet another alternative embodiment, the first conveying unit 1 and the second conveying unit 2 can be controlled independently, that is, the forward and backward movement of the continuous strip 9 in one of the conveying units 1, 2 is not restricted by the forward and backward movement in the other conveying unit 1, 2. The length variation can be absorbed by the free loop between the conveying units 1, 2.

[0062] In the foregoing embodiment, the control unit 8 controls the driving devices 61, 62 of the conveying units 1, 2 to move the continuous strip 9 by the forward and backward movement M. Alternatively, the control unit 8 may operate another mechanical device, such as a pendulum, in one or both of the conveying units 1, 2 to interact with the continuous strip 9 and generate the forward and backward movement M.

[0063] Preferably, after each repetition of the reciprocating movement M, the continuous strip 9 returns to the same position or substantially the same position along the conveying path G. In other words, the net movement of the continuous strip 9 is zero or substantially zero. In any case, the net movement amount is substantially or considerably smaller than the movement amount of the continuous strip 9 in the tire manufacturing mode.

[0064] Alternatively, the continuous strip 9 may be returned to different positions along the conveying path G after each repetition. In other words, the continuous strip 9 may be gradually moved in the conveying direction A or the backward direction B so that different sections of the continuous strip 9 are supported by each of the conveying units 1, 2 over time.

[0065] The graph of FIG. 4 shows a first driving profile P, a second driving profile P', and a third driving profile P'' for controlling the position (on the "X" axis) of the continuous strip 9 over time (on the "T" axis).

[0066] The upward slopes of the drive profiles P, P', P'' represent the movement of the continuous strip 9 in the conveying direction A, while the downward slopes of the drive profiles P, P', P'' represent the movement of the continuous strip 9 in the retraction direction B. It should be noted that the second distance D2 is equal to the first distance D1 for each repetition of the forward and backward movement M of the continuous strip 9, resulting in the aforementioned net zero movement.

[0067] The first distance D1 or the second distance D2 is at least 3 centimeters, preferably at least 5 centimeters, and most preferably at least 8 centimeters. In this example, the distances D1, D2 are at least equal to the minimum roller diameter E of the rollers 11, 21 on which the continuous strip 9 is supported in the first conveying unit 1 and / or the second conveying unit 2.

[0068] In this example, the forward and backward movement M of the continuous strip 9 in step d) is sinusoidal. Alternatively, the reciprocating movement M may have a non-sinusoidal shape such as a truncated sine wave shape (i.e., having a short delay between the movement of the continuous strip 9 in the conveying direction A and the retraction direction B), or a trapezoidal profile or a higher-order curve such as a quartic curve.

[0069] The first drive profile P represents a constant forward and backward movement M. In other words, for all repetitions of the forward and backward movement M, the first distance D1 and the second distance D2 are constant. The second drive profile P' represents a forward and backward movement with an amplitude decreasing over time. In other words, the distances D1, D2 by which the continuous strip 9 is moved are decreased during the repetition of the reciprocating movement M. The third drive profile P'' represents a reciprocating movement with an amplitude increasing over time. In other words, the distances D1, D2 by which the continuous strip 9 is moved are increased during the repetition of the reciprocating movement M.

[0070] In all drive profiles P, P', P'', the reciprocating motion M is a periodic motion, meaning that the motion is repeated at regular or constant intervals I. However, it will be understood that the period of repetition can also be varied in an aperiodic manner. For example, the increase or decrease of the interval I can be done stepwise.

[0071] In this example, as shown in FIG. 5, based on the input from timer 7, a time delay W is introduced (step S3) between the tire manufacturing mode (step S1) and the interruption mode (step S5). Timer 7 is activated at the moment of switching (step S2) or immediately thereafter, for example when the continuous strip 9 stops in the conveying direction A. Preferably, the time delay W is at least 10 seconds, more preferably at least 30 seconds, and most preferably at least 1 minute. In step S4, it is checked whether the tire manufacturing line 100 has returned to the tire manufacturing mode before the time delay W has elapsed. If yes (see arrow "Y"), the interruption mode (step S5) is cancelled and the flowchart returns to the tire manufacturing mode (step S1). If no (see arrow "N"), the aforementioned interruption mode (step S5) is started.

[0072] In step S6, the tire manufacturing line 100 switches back from the interruption mode to the tire manufacturing mode (see arrow "Y") when it receives a switchback signal from the human-machine interface, or in response to the automatic detection that a fault or error that triggered the interruption signal H has been resolved. The interruption mode (step S5) continues unless a switchback signal is received.

[0073] In the example shown in FIG. 3, the downstream station 4 immediately downstream of the third loop 33 is controlled to hold the continuous strip 9 stationary in the conveying direction A along the conveying path G in the interruption mode. However, if necessary, at least one of the downstream stations 4, for example the festooner 41, can be controlled in the same manner as the above-described conveying units 1, 2 as if it were a conveying unit, so that the continuous strip 9 can be moved back and forth in the interruption mode, and it will be understood that the same technical effect can be achieved.

[0074] In particular, the festooner 41 can be used to absorb and pay out the changing length of the continuous strip 9 on the upstream side of the festooner 41 in order to minimize or eliminate the formation of loops in the strip 9 and / or to eliminate the need for a loop immediately upstream of the festooner 41.

[0075] In yet another embodiment, the festooner 41 is regarded as one of the one or more conveying units 1, 2. In this case, the change in the length of the strip 9 is absorbed by a loop downstream of the festooner 41, for example a dancer roller (not shown) between the festooner 41 and the cutter 42. This also has the advantage that the continuous strip 9 can be repeatedly reciprocated through the entire festooner 41, thereby reducing the risk of the continuous strip 9 adhering to any part of the festooner 41.

[0076] 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 fall within the scope of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0077] 1 First conveying unit 10 Shrink conveyor 11 Conveyor roller 2 Second conveying unit 20 Cooling drum 21 Guide roller 22 Tension applying device 23 Tension roller 24 Tension arm 31 Loop 32 Loop 33 Loop 4 Downstream station 41 Festooner 42 Cutter 5 Extruder 61 First drive device 62 Second drive device 63 Third drive device 7 Timer 8 Control unit 80 Computer-readable medium and processor 9 Continuous strip 90 Apex 100 Tire manufacturing line A Conveying direction B Retracting direction D1 First distance D2 Second distance E Minimum roller diameter G Conveying path H Interrupt signal I Interval M Forward and backward movement P Driving profile P’ Alternative driving profile P” Yet another driving profile R1 First driving direction R2 Second driving direction S1 Step "Operate the tire manufacturing line in tire manufacturing mode" S2 Step "Switch the tire manufacturing line from tire manufacturing mode to interruption mode" S3 Step "Timer input" S4 Step "Before the delay time elapses, should the tire manufacturing line be switched back?" S5 Step "Interruption mode: Repeat the reciprocating movement of the continuous strip" S6 Step "Is a switchback signal received?" T Time W time delay X position

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a continuous strip (9) in a tire manufacturing line (100), wherein the tire manufacturing line (100) comprises at least one conveying unit (1, 2) for conveying the continuous strip (9) along a conveying path (G) passing through the tire manufacturing line (100), and the method comprises: a) operating the tire manufacturing line (100) in a tire manufacturing mode (S1); b) in the tire manufacturing mode (S1), controlling the at least one conveying unit (1, 2) to convey the continuous strip (9) in a conveying direction (A) along the conveying path (G); c) switching at least a part of the tire manufacturing line (100) including the at least one conveying unit (1, 2) from the tire manufacturing mode (S1) to an interruption mode (S5) (step S2); d) in the interruption mode (S5), controlling the at least one conveying unit (1, 2) to repeatedly move the continuous strip (9) back and forth along the conveying path (G) in the conveying direction (A) and a backward direction (B) opposite to the conveying direction (A) (M). A method for manufacturing a continuous strip (9) in a tire manufacturing line (100).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein in step c), the at least one conveying unit (1, 2) is controlled to stop the movement of the continuous strip (9) along the conveying path (G).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein step d) is delayed (S3) from step c) by a time delay (W).

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the time delay (W) is at least 10 seconds.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein after each repetition of the back-and-forth movement (M) in step d), the continuous strip (9) returns to the same position along the conveying path (G).

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein after each repetition of the back-and-forth movement (M) in step d), the continuous strip (9) returns to a different position along the conveying path (G).

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein in step d), the continuous strip (9) is moved back and forth over a first distance (D1) in the conveying direction (A) and a second distance (D2) in the backward direction (B).

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the second distance (D2) is equal to the first distance (D1) for each repetition of the forward and backward movement (M) of the continuous strip (9) in step d).

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein the first distance (D1) remains constant over all repetitions of the forward and backward movement (M) of the continuous strip (9) in step d).

10. The method according to claim 7, wherein the first distance (D1) is variable between repetitions of the forward and backward movement (M) of the continuous strip (9) in step d).

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the first distance (D1) changes incrementally between repetitions of the forward and backward movement (M) of the continuous strip (9) in step d).

12. The method according to claim 7, wherein the first distance (D1) or the second distance (D2) is at least 5 centimeters.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the forward and backward movement (M) of the continuous strip (9) in step d) is a periodic movement.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the forward and backward movement (M) of the continuous strip (9) in step d) is an aperiodic movement.

15. The method according to claim 1, wherein the continuous strip (9) is moved in the conveying direction (A) at a production speed in the tire manufacturing mode, and the continuous strip (9) is moved back and forth in step d) at an interruption speed of less than 80% of the production speed in the interruption mode.

16. The method according to claim 1, wherein the forward and backward movement (M) of the continuous strip (9) in step d) is automatically controlled.

17. The method according to claim 1, wherein the forward and backward movement (M) of the continuous strip (9) in step d) is pre-programmed.

18. The method according to claim 1, wherein the tire manufacturing line (100) is switched from the tire manufacturing mode (S1) to the interruption mode (S5) in response to an interruption signal (H) (S2).

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the interruption signal (H) is triggered by one of an error automatically detected in the tire manufacturing line (100) or a user input at a human-machine interface.

20. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one conveying unit (1, 2) comprises a first conveying unit (1) and a second conveying unit (2) located downstream of the first conveying unit (1) along the conveying path (G).

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the first conveying unit (1) and the second conveying unit (2) are synchronously controlled to move (M) the continuous strip (9) back and forth in step d).

22. The method according to claim 20, wherein the first conveying unit (1) and the second conveying unit (2) are alternately controlled to move (M) the continuous strip (9) in the backward direction (B) and the conveying direction (A) respectively in step d).

23. The tire manufacturing line (100) further comprises a tension applying device (22) for applying tension to the continuous strip (9) between the first conveying unit (1) and the second conveying unit (2), and the method comprises e) a step of controlling the first conveying unit (1) and the second conveying unit (2) before or during step d) to generate a slack length in the continuous strip (9) in the tension applying device (22). The method according to claim 20, further comprising the above.

24. The tire manufacturing line (100) further comprises a tension applying device (22) movable between a low tension state and a high tension state for variably applying tension to the continuous strip (9), and the method comprises e) a step of controlling the tension applying device (22) to move from the high tension state towards or to the low tension state. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the above.

25. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one conveying unit (1, 2) comprises a conveyor roller (11).

26. The tire manufacturing line (100) comprises an extruder (5) for extruding the continuous strip (9), and the at least one conveying unit (1) comprises a shrink conveyor (10) for receiving the continuous strip (9) from the extruder (5). The method according to claim 1.

27. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one conveying unit (1, 2) comprises a cooling drum (20).

28. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one conveying unit (1, 2) comprises a festooner (41).

29. The tire manufacturing line (100) comprises at least one downstream station (4) downstream of the at least one conveying unit (1, 2), and the at least one downstream station (4) is controlled to hold the continuous strip (9) stationary in the conveying direction (A) along the conveying path (G) in the interruption mode (S5). The method according to claim 1.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein the at least one downstream station (4) comprises a festooner (41).

31. The method according to claim 1, wherein the continuous strip (9) is a cordless strip.

32. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the continuous strip is a cord-reinforced strip.

33. A tire manufacturing line (100) for manufacturing a continuous strip (9), the tire manufacturing line (100) comprising: At least one conveying unit (1, 2) for conveying the continuous strip (9) along a conveying path (G) passing through the tire manufacturing line (100); A control unit (8) operably connected to the at least one conveying unit (1, 2); The control unit (8) is configured to execute the steps (S1 to S6) of the method according to claim 1. A tire manufacturing line (100) for manufacturing a continuous strip (9).

34. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium that, when executed by a processor (80), holds instructions for causing the tire manufacturing line (100) according to claim 33 to execute the steps (S1 to S6) of the method according to claim 1.

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