Apparatus for post-processing vulcanized tires and tire heating press

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for after-treating vulcanized tires having an improved frame structure, which is made possible in particular by the use of pneumatic drives and mechanical interlocking of the stations. Furthermore, a lower weight and a smaller size of the after-treating device are possible thanks to the invention. The present invention further relates to a tire heating press having at least one such after-treating device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for after-treating vulcanized tires.

[0002] The invention further relates to a tire heating press having at least one device for post-treating vulcanized tires. [Background technology]

[0003] Devices for post-treating vulcanized tires, so-called post-cure inflators, are already known, which apply pressure from the inside to tires that have been at least partially vulcanized by means of a heated press, and heat-treat them in a more or less controlled manner, so that the tires can be fully vulcanized by supplying heat and cooled by removing heat.

[0004] Such post-treatment devices, available both as stand-alone machines and in the form of units with tire heating presses, make it possible in particular to cool vulcanized tires that are still hot and, due to their temperature, are still easily plastically deformable by applied external forces, so that very high precision can be achieved with regard to tire dimensions and tire concentricity.

[0005] Aftertreatment devices with multiple stations are particularly advantageous in that several tires can be aftertreatmented simultaneously. For example, it is known to arrange two stations one above the other (one after the other) in a module. Aftertreatment devices with four stations in combination with a double tire heating press have proven particularly advantageous, with two stations in each case arranged one above the other in a module. Such aftertreatment devices are disclosed, for example, in US Pat. No. 5,699,494.

[0006] Such aftertreatment devices frequently have a high degree of automation, with all stations of the aftertreatment device being independently controllable.

[0007] For the post-processing of at least partially vulcanized tires, post-processing devices according to the prior art have two rim plates at each station. The tire can be clamped between these rim plates in the area of ​​the tire's core, thereby sealing the tire's interior. After sealing, pressure can be applied to the tire's interior by introducing a support gas, and the tire is fixed at the desired size relative to its width (approximately from core to core) by a closing force that can be transmitted to at least one rim plate by at least one hydraulic cylinder (interlocking).

[0008] The pressures that can be generated inside one or more tires by such aftertreatment devices range up to approximately 4 bar for applications in the manufacture of car tires; for thick bias tires (e.g., scooters, agricultural machinery, construction machinery, etc.), approximately 6 bar to 7 bar is conventional.

[0009] The maximum closing force of such aftertreatment devices is approximately 170 kN.

[0010] Each individual station has a perimeter frame that must have a stable and therefore material- and cost-intensive design, especially due to the hydraulic interlocks and the high pressures during aftertreatment. Subframes located below the stations that can dissipate the resulting forces onto the floor are also required and are complex.

[0011] To ensure the necessary stability, the frame of the aftertreatment device has at least two support columns for each module (each module having at least one station, possibly multiple stations per module arranged one above the other), with the support columns being located on opposite sides of the module in the case of two support columns. The support columns are connected together above and below each station by cross members.

[0012] The frames so formed are very stable and strong, but have a high weight and a large height.

[0013] The weight of the known aftertreatment device having four stations in two modules is approximately 3500 kg, and the height of the aftertreatment device with the subframe is approximately 4.6 m. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0014] [Patent Document 1] DE102015016882A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0015] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an after-treatment device for at least partially vulcanized tires which has an improved structure in terms of the frame compared to the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] This object is achieved by an after-treatment device for at least partially vulcanized tires according to patent claim 1.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide an after-treatment device for at least partially vulcanized tires having a reduced size.

[0018] This object is achieved according to the invention by the patent claims 3 This is achieved by the after-treatment device for at least partially vulcanized tires described in Item 1.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to create a tire heating press that solves the above-mentioned problems.

[0020] This purpose is 8 This is achieved by the tire heating press described in

[0021] The features of the aftertreatment device disclosed below are part of the invention both individually and in all possible combinations.

[0022] The aftertreatment device according to the invention comprises at least one station for the aftertreatment of at least partially vulcanized tires.

[0023] The aftertreatment device according to the present invention further comprises air pressure supply means for introducing support gas into the tire to be treated and expelling support gas from the tire to be treated, whereby pressure can be supplied to the tire to be treated from the inside.

[0024] The frame of the post-processing device according to the invention has exactly one vertically oriented support column to which the upper and lower cross members of each station are fixed.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the aftertreatment device has two stations for the aftertreatment of at least partially vulcanized tires.

[0026] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the aftertreatment device has four stations for aftertreatment of at least partially vulcanized tires, two stations each arranged one above the other.

[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus has at least two stations, and the at least two stations of the post-processing device are located on opposite sides (facing sides) of the support column in a plan view.

[0028] In another embodiment of the invention, at least two stations are arranged at an angle of less than 180° relative to each other in plan view, thereby reducing the width of the post-processing device compared to stations arranged opposite each other.

[0029] In one embodiment of the invention, at least two stations are arranged at approximately right angles (90°) to each other in plan view.

[0030] According to the present invention, a further reduction in the width of the aftertreatment device can be achieved by arranging the stations at angles relative to one another ranging from slightly less than 90° to slightly less than 180° in plan view, the minimum angle depending on the diameter of the individual stations and on the loading and unloading equipment used.

[0031] In one embodiment of the invention, each station of the aftertreatment device has two edge plates between which a tire for aftertreatment can be fixed, and at least one of the edge plates is displaceable (movable) so that its distance from each other edge plate can be changed in order to fix the tire.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, exactly one edge plate per station is displaceable, while each other edge plate is fixedly and immovably arranged on the associated cross-member.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device has at least one pneumatic drive per station, by means of which the displaceable edge plates of the post-processing device can be pneumatically driven. For the interlocking (coupling) of the individual processing stations, the post-processing device according to the invention each has associated mechanical interlocking means.

[0034] By coupling the pneumatic drives for the edge plates to the mechanical interlocking means, the invention makes it possible to dispense with the use of hydraulic cylinders, so that a force flow through a frame surrounding each station from the outside is no longer necessary.

[0035] In one embodiment of the invention, the mechanical interlocking means is in the form of a hammer head fastening device or in the form of a mushroom head fastening device.

[0036] In one embodiment of the invention, the aftertreatment device has a push-off device at each station, which pushes the tire at the station in question off the rim after the tire has been aftertreatment, thus reducing the adhesion of the tire to the rim and aiding in the removal of the tire from the aftertreatment device.

[0037] In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus includes at least two stations, the stations in pairs implementing a consistent and common mode of operation.

[0038] By linking pairs of stations together for the purpose of a consistent and common operating mode, the post-processing device can be optimally adapted for use with a double tire heating press, so that tires removed from the vulcanization chamber of the heating press in one production cycle can be post-processed simultaneously.

[0039] The implementation of a consistent and common operating mode is effected by the joint use of the control means of the pneumatic system by each associated station, so that all associated stations are operated identically.

[0040] In particular, in one embodiment of the invention, the air pressure lines for introducing support gas into the tire at each station and removing air from the tire at each station are connected together so that admission of support gas to all associated stations is simultaneous by a centrally controlled valve.

[0041] In one embodiment of the invention, the pneumatic drives of the movable edge plates of the associated stations are connected together, so that approximately synchronized movement of the edge plates of the associated stations occurs.

[0042] In one embodiment of the invention, the pneumatic lines of the pressing devices of related stations are connected together so that they can be operated simultaneously by a centrally controlled valve.

[0043] In one embodiment of the invention having four stations, the stations are associated (assigned) to each other in pairs for purposes of a consistent and common mode of operation, with two upper stations and two lower stations associated with each other, respectively.

[0044] In one embodiment of the invention, the pneumatic means of all stations of the aftertreatment device are configured to be actuated in the same way for all stations.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the aftertreatment device has width adjustment means for each aftertreatment station, which allows the distance between the edge plates of the aftertreatment station in the closed state to be adjusted, so that tires of different widths can be treated using one aftertreatment device.

[0046] Particularly preferably, the width adjustment means has mechanically adjustable stops, whereby each movable edge plate can be moved up to a first mechanical stop for the open state of the post-processing station and up to a second mechanical stop for the closed state of the post-processing station.

[0047] Advantageously, an initiator or switch is provided in the region of the mechanical stop for monitoring the end position, with which the drive of the movable edge plate can be correspondingly activated.

[0048] The use of fixed, mechanically adjustable stops for the width adjustment means makes it possible to dispense with moving measurement systems which require expensive measuring technology.

[0049] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a pressing means for each post-treatment station, by means of which the post-treated tyre is pushed away from the upper (movable) rim plate, which would otherwise be moved upwards together with the rim plate if the post-treated tyre was stuck to the movable rim plate and would be damaged thereby or by falling.

[0050] The after-treatment device for an at least partially vulcanized tire according to the present invention further has the following advantages: -Fixed mounting of components is possible The aftertreatment device can be loaded and emptied by the unloader of the associated heating press However, this may alternatively be performed by a separate loading and unloading device associated with the aftertreatment device. -Its structure does not take up much space at the installation site - Small, modular, easily manageable unit construction allows for small and simple machine manufacturing

[0051] The tire heating press according to the present invention comprises at least one after-treatment device according to the present invention.

[0052] Preferably, the aftertreatment device is arranged so that the unloading device of the tire heating press can be used as a loading and unloading device for the aftertreatment device.

[0053] In the drawings described below, details of exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown diagrammatically. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0054] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a post-processing device according to the present invention having four stations; [Figure 2a] 1 shows a station of a post-processing device according to the present invention in an open state; [Figure 2b] 1 shows a station of a post-processing device according to the present invention in a closed state; [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of an air pressure system of an embodiment of an aftertreatment device according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0055] 1 is a perspective view of a post-processing device (1) according to the present invention having four stations (2). The post-processing device (1) has a frame consisting of a single central support (3a) and cross members (3b) attached to the support (3a) in the area of ​​the stations (2). Each station (2) is arranged in the area of ​​two cross members (3b) each connected to the support (3a) at a distance above and below. Each station (2) arranged above and below shares one cross member (3b), so the post-processing device (1) has a total of six cross members (3b).

[0056] Each station 2 has a movable edge plate 4a and a fixed edge plate 4b, the movable edge plate 4a being movable towards or away from the fixed edge plate 4b by a pneumatic drive 5. Thus, when the post-processing station 2 is open, the movable edge plate 4a is always the upper edge plate 4a, since the post-processed tire can remain on the lower edge plate 4b. In the illustrated embodiment, the axis of movement is oriented vertically and approximately parallel to the support posts 3a.

[0057] Each station (2) is equipped with a mechanical interlock (6) in the form of a hammerhead locking device. To this end, the movable edge plate (4a) has a pin protruding from it in the center toward the fixed edge plate (4b) of station (2), the head area of ​​the pin being in the form of a hammerhead. The fixed edge plate (4b) has a central through-hole through which the pin of the movable edge plate (4a) passes when the movable edge plate is moved toward the fixed edge plate (4b) by the pneumatic drive (5). A latch element is arranged under the fixed edge plate (4b) of station (2), which surrounds the hammerhead of the pin to form a positive connection when station (2) is in the locked state. For this purpose, the latch element is movable by the lock drive (7).

[0058] At its bottom, the support (3a) has a mounting plate (8) by means of which the post-processing device (1) can be fixed directly to the floor of the production site.

[0059] 2a and 2b show the station (2) of an embodiment of the post-processing device (1) according to the invention in the open state (FIG. 2a) and in the closed state (FIG. 2b). In particular, the latch element of the mechanical interlock (6) arranged on the rear side of the fixed edge plate (4b) is visible, which latch element is movable back and forth along an axis by means of a lock drive (7).

[0060] 3 shows a schematic diagram of at least a portion of an air pressure system of an embodiment of an aftertreatment device (1) according to the present invention. The aftertreatment device (1) has four stations (2), each of which has a tire (20) to be aftertreated.

[0061] The aftertreatment device (1) has a supply means for support gas for each station (2), by means of which pressure can be applied from the inside to the tires (20) located at each station (2). The supply means of the stations are pneumatically connected together, so that the two upper stations (2) can be supplied with support gas by a common upper supply valve (11a) and the two lower stations (2) can be supplied with support gas by a common lower supply valve (11b).

[0062] The aftertreatment device (1) further comprises a pressing means (9) for each station (2) by means of which the aftertreated tire (20) is pushed away from the movable edge plate (4a). The pressing means (9) are pneumatically connected together, so that the pressing means (9) of the upper station (2) are controllable by a common upper pressing valve (12a) and the pressing means (9) of the lower station (2) are controllable by a common lower pressing valve (12b).

[0063] Thus, a consistent and common operating mode of the upper and lower stations (2) of the aftertreatment device (1) is realized.

[0064] The aftertreatment device (1) further comprises a main valve (13) for the pneumatic system, which comprises at least a supply to the pressing means (9) and a supply to the supply means for the support gas, by means of which the pneumatic supply can be centrally controlled or predominantly switched.

[0065] In the region of the supply means, the aftertreatment device (1) has a pressure control valve (14) by means of which the pressure of the support gas supplied to the stations (2) can be controlled. The upper and lower stations (2) each have a common pressure measuring means (15) by means of which the pressure that can be introduced into the tire can be controlled by the aftertreatment device (1). [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1 Aftertreatment device 2 Station 3a post 4a Edge plate 5 Pneumatic drive unit 6 Mechanical Locking Devices 20 tires

Claims

1. An after-treatment device (1) for an at least partially vulcanized tire (20), comprising: The aftertreatment device (1) has at least two stations (2) for aftertreatment of tires (20), and at least one support gas supply means capable of applying pressure from the inside to the tires (20) located at the stations (2) of the aftertreatment device (1), In a post-treatment device (1) having exactly one support (3a), Each of the stations (2) has a pneumatic drive (5) for driving at least one movable edge plate (4a), and the interlocking of the stations (2) is realized by a mechanical locking device (6), 1. A post-treatment device (1), characterized in that a consistent and common operating mode of at least two stations (2) is realized by corresponding pneumatic connections of said stations (2).

2. 2. The aftertreatment device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the mechanical locking device (6) is in the form of a hammerhead locking device.

3. 3. The post-processing device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the support (3a) can be installed directly on the floor of the production site without using a sub-frame.

4. The post-treatment device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the stations (2) connected to the support (3a) at approximately the same height are arranged on the support (3a) at angles of less than 180° relative to each other.

5. 5. The post-treatment device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least two stations (2) are arranged one above the other on the support (3a).

6. It has four stations (2), 6. The post-processing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that two stations (2) are arranged one above the other, respectively.

7. 7. The post-processing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the stations (2) are associated in pairs for a consistent and common operating mode.

8. A tire heating press comprising at least one after-treatment device (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 7.

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