Mold replacement apparatus and replacement method

Abstract

A mold replacement apparatus and replacement method. The mold replacement apparatus comprises a carrying trolley (100), a translation and ascending and descending device (200), a mold storage platform (300), and a mold transfer device (400). The carrying trolley (100) is configured to reciprocate between a mold storage position and a mold operating position. The translation and ascending and descending device (200) is provided on the carrying trolley (100), and is used for moving a mold in at least one of a first direction and a second direction. The mold storage platform (300) is fixedly connected to the carrying trolley (100) and arranged below the translation and ascending and descending device (200), and is used for bearing a mold. The mold transfer device (400) is arranged below the mold storage platform (300), and is used for jacking a mold on the mold storage platform (300) in the second direction and transferring the mold in the first direction.

Description

Mold replacement equipment and replacement method

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on November 27, 2023, with application number 202311594270.5, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the technical field of tire manufacturing, and for example, to a mold replacement device and a replacement method. Background Art

[0003] Tire vulcanization is one of the most critical steps in the tire manufacturing process. Due to the wide variety of tire types and specifications produced by tire manufacturers, the molds used for vulcanization are also diverse, necessitating frequent mold replacements to produce different tires. In the industry, manual replacement of tire molds is still the primary method. Manual mold replacement presents challenges such as long mold change times, high labor intensity, and safety risks to operators due to the large mold tonnage. These issues make it difficult to meet tire manufacturers' demands for highly automated production processes.

[0004] The automatic mold changing equipment in related technologies mainly includes the following types:

[0005] Related technologies offer a telescopic arm structure for an automatic mold changer in a vulcanizer. This structure utilizes an electric cylinder, ball screw, and other structures to propel a three-stage arm to remove the old mold and deliver the new one. This solution has two main issues: First, the telescopic arm is long, and the front end of the third-stage arm lacks support, resulting in significant interference. This prevents the precise ball screw from achieving the desired smooth extension and retraction. Second, the two rows of telescopic arms take up a lot of space, making them impractical for use in the smaller spaces of a vulcanizer, resulting in limited versatility.

[0006] Related technologies also provide a mold installation tool for vulcanizers. This tool uses a linear guide rail mounted on a trolley, and the mold is placed on a positioning plate. Once the trolley is positioned in front of the vulcanizer, the positioning plate moves to the designated position via the linear guide rail to replace the mold. The main problem with this solution is that the guide rail is too long, and there's not enough space for it in actual factories, making it less practical.

[0007] Related art also provides a mold transport device, which is composed of guide rails, a mold frame trolley, a winch, and other components. The mold frame trolley is responsible for entering and exiting the vulcanization chamber, and the winch is responsible for lifting and lowering the mold. The trolley reaches the vulcanizer station and extends its legs. The mold frame enters the designated station in the vulcanization chamber via the guide rails. The winch lowers the hook, grabs the old mold, and transports it back to the trolley. The new mold is then transported and replaced using the same method, completing the entire replacement and transport operation. The main problem with this solution is that the mold frame trolley is relatively wide, at least larger than the diameter of the mold. In actual vulcanizers, the frame trolley cannot enter the vulcanization chamber, and mold replacement is impossible.

[0008] In summary, a common problem in the related technologies is that the entire mold changing process requires excessive manual intervention in the mold loading and unloading, making it impossible to fully automate the mold changing process. Therefore, it is urgent to provide a new mold changing device to solve the above technical problems in the related technologies.

[0009] Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present application provides a mold replacement device that can automatically replace old molds with new molds, thereby improving mold replacement efficiency. The device occupies a small space and can meet different mold replacement needs.

[0011] The mold replacement equipment includes a carrying trolley, a translation and lifting device, a mold storage table and a mold transferring device. The carrying trolley is configured to reciprocate between the mold storage position and the mold working position; the translation and lifting device is arranged on the carrying trolley, and the translation and lifting device is configured to move the new mold or the old mold along at least one of the first direction and the second direction; the mold storage table is fixedly connected to the carrying trolley and is located below the translation and lifting device, and the mold storage table is configured to carry the new mold or the old mold; the mold transferring device is arranged below the mold storage table, and the mold transferring device is configured to lift the new mold or the old mold on the mold storage table along the second direction and transfer it along the first direction.

[0012] In one embodiment, the mold transfer device includes a first-level transfer guide rail extending along the first direction, the first-level transfer guide rail is fixed to the transport trolley, and the first-level transfer guide rail is slidably connected to a lifting platform, and the lifting platform is configured to lift and transfer the new mold or the old mold along the second direction.

[0013] In one embodiment, the mold transfer device further includes: a first driving mechanism fixedly connected to the first transfer guide rail; a second transfer guide rail slidably connected to the first transfer guide rail and extending along the first direction; a second driving mechanism fixedly connected to the second transfer guide rail; and a lifting platform;

[0014] The secondary transfer guide rail is connected to the output end of the first driving mechanism, and the output end of the second driving mechanism is connected to the lifting platform so that the lifting platform is slidably connected to the secondary transfer guide rail along the first direction.

[0015] In one embodiment, one end of the secondary transfer guide rail away from the transport trolley is fixedly connected to a support roller.

[0016] In one embodiment, the above-mentioned translation and lifting device includes a translation primary guide rail extending along the above-mentioned first direction, a third driving mechanism and a lifting mechanism arranged on the above-mentioned translation primary guide rail, the output end of the above-mentioned third driving mechanism is connected to the lifting mechanism, the above-mentioned lifting mechanism is slidably connected to the above-mentioned translation primary guide rail, and the above-mentioned lifting mechanism is configured to lift the above-mentioned new mold or the above-mentioned old mold.

[0017] In one embodiment, the translation lifting device also includes a fourth driving mechanism arranged on the above-mentioned translation primary guide rail, and a translation secondary guide rail slidingly connected to the above-mentioned translation primary guide rail and extending along the above-mentioned first direction. The output end of the above-mentioned fourth driving mechanism is connected to the above-mentioned translation secondary guide rail, and the above-mentioned lifting mechanism is slidingly connected to the above-mentioned translation secondary guide rail.

[0018] In one embodiment, the translation lifting device also includes a fifth driving mechanism arranged on the above-mentioned translation primary guide rail, and a translation third-level guide rail connected to the output end of the fifth driving mechanism, the translation third-level guide rail extends along the first direction and is slidingly connected to the translation primary guide rail and the translation second-level guide rail, the above-mentioned lifting mechanism is slidingly connected to the above-mentioned translation third-level guide rail, and a positioning cylinder is provided at the end of the above-mentioned translation second-level guide rail away from the above-mentioned transport trolley, and the output end of the above-mentioned positioning cylinder can be inserted into the positioning hole of the external device.

[0019] In one embodiment, the above-mentioned lifting mechanism includes a mobile platform, a fixed bracket, a flexible connecting member, and a sixth driving mechanism and a fixed pulley arranged on the mobile platform. The above-mentioned mobile platform is slidably connected to the above-mentioned translation primary guide rail; the above-mentioned fixed bracket is connected to the output end of the above-mentioned sixth driving mechanism, and the above-mentioned fixed bracket is slidably connected to the above-mentioned translation primary guide rail and can reciprocate along the above-mentioned first direction; the first end of the above-mentioned flexible connecting member is fixedly connected to the above-mentioned fixed bracket, and the second end of the above-mentioned flexible connecting member is hung with a mold clamp configured to fix the above-mentioned new mold or the above-mentioned old mold after passing around the above-mentioned fixed pulley.

[0020] In one embodiment, the mold replacement equipment further includes: a lifting seat fixedly connected to the above-mentioned carrying trolley, a lifting drive mechanism fixedly connected to the above-mentioned lifting seat, and a gantry assembly connected to the output end of the above-mentioned lifting drive mechanism, wherein the lifting drive mechanism is configured to enable the above-mentioned gantry assembly to slide on the above-mentioned lifting seat along the above-mentioned second direction, and the above-mentioned gantry assembly is fixedly connected to the above-mentioned translation lifting device.

[0021] The present application also provides a mold replacement method, which uses the mold replacement device described in any of the above solutions, including the steps of:

[0022] The above-mentioned transport trolley moves to the above-mentioned mold storage position, and the above-mentioned mold transferring device moves and lifts the above-mentioned new mold in the above-mentioned mold storage position, and then places the above-mentioned new mold on the above-mentioned mold storage table; the above-mentioned transport trolley moves to the above-mentioned mold working position, and the above-mentioned mold transferring device lifts the above-mentioned new mold on the above-mentioned mold storage table and moves it to a preset position; the above-mentioned translation and lifting device moves and lifts horizontally, removes the above-mentioned old mold from the above-mentioned mold working position, and places it on the above-mentioned mold storage table; the above-mentioned translation and lifting device removes the above-mentioned new mold from the above-mentioned mold transferring device and installs it on the above-mentioned mold working position; the above-mentioned transport trolley moves to the mold storage position, and the above-mentioned mold transferring device lifts and moves the above-mentioned old mold on the above-mentioned mold storage table, and places the above-mentioned old mold in the above-mentioned mold storage position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] FIG1 is an axonometric view of a mold replacement device provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0024] FIG2 is an axonometric view of a mold transfer device provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0025] FIG3 is an axonometric view of a translation lifting device provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0026] FIG4 is an axonometric view of a lifting mechanism provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0027] FIG5 is an axonometric view of a mold fixture provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0028] FIG6 is a flow chart of a mold replacement method provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0029] In the picture:

[0030] 11. New mold; 12. Old mold; 100. Carrying trolley;

[0031] 200, translation lifting device; 201, positioning cylinder; 210, translation primary guide rail; 220, third drive mechanism; 230, fourth drive mechanism; 240, translation secondary guide rail; 250, fifth drive mechanism; 260, translation tertiary guide rail; 270, lifting mechanism; 271, mobile platform; 2711, avoidance hole; 272, sixth drive mechanism; 273, fixed pulley; 274, fixed bracket; 275, flexible connector; 276, mold fixture; 2761, positioning column;

[0032] 300, mold storage table;

[0033] 400, mold transfer device; 410, transfer primary guide rail; 420, lifting platform; 430, first drive mechanism; 440, transfer secondary guide rail; 441, support roller; 450, second drive mechanism;

[0034] 510. Lifting seat; 520. Lifting drive mechanism; 530. Mast assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "connected," "connected," and "fixed" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integration; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and can refer to internal communication between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0036] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Moreover, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may include the first feature being directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may include the first feature being directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0037] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," and other orientations or positional relationships are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are intended solely for ease of description and simplified operation. They do not indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used solely for descriptive purposes and have no special meanings.

[0038] The first direction described in this embodiment is the X direction shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 , ie, the horizontal direction, and the second direction is the Y direction shown in FIG. 1 , ie, the vertical direction. The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0039] Please refer to Figure 1. In this embodiment, the mold replacement equipment includes a carrying trolley 100, a translation and lifting device 200, a mold storage table 300 and a mold transfer device 400. The above-mentioned carrying trolley 100 is configured to reciprocate between the mold storage position and the mold working position; the above-mentioned translation and lifting device 200 is arranged on the above-mentioned carrying trolley 100, and the above-mentioned translation and lifting device 200 is configured to move the new mold 11 or the old mold 12 along at least one of the first direction and the second direction; the above-mentioned mold storage table 300 is fixedly connected to the above-mentioned carrying trolley 100 and is located below the above-mentioned translation and lifting device 200. The above-mentioned mold storage table 300 is configured to carry the above-mentioned new mold 11 or the above-mentioned old mold 12; the above-mentioned mold transfer device 400 is arranged below the above-mentioned mold storage table 300, and the above-mentioned mold transfer device 400 is configured to lift the above-mentioned new mold 11 or the above-mentioned old mold 12 on the above-mentioned mold storage table 300 along the above-mentioned second direction and transfer it along the above-mentioned first direction.

[0040] In one embodiment, when the mold changing equipment is used, the transporting trolley 100 first moves to the mold storage position, and the mold transferring device 400 takes the new mold 11 and moves the new mold 11 along the first direction and the second direction, and places it on the mold storage table 300, and then the transporting trolley 100 moves to the mold working position (in this embodiment, the mold working position is a tire vulcanizer), at this time, the mold transferring device 400 lifts the new mold 11 and transfers it along the first direction, the translation lifting device 200 removes the old mold 12 from the mold working position and transports it to the mold storage table 300 along the first direction and the second direction, and the translation lifting device 200 finally transports the new mold 11 on the mold transferring device 400 to the mold working position to complete the mold replacement, and finally the transporting trolley 100 transports the old mold 12 to the mold storage position for storage. The mold replacement equipment, through the setting of the mold storage table 300 and the mold transfer equipment, can realize the disassembly of the old mold 12 and the replacement of the new mold 11 at the same time, without the need for human intervention and operation, and automatically replaces the old mold 12 and the new mold 11, thereby improving the mold replacement efficiency; and the mold replacement equipment has a simple and reliable structure, and the equipment occupies a small space, which can meet the mold replacement needs of different usage spaces.

[0041] In this embodiment, the transport trolley 100 is fixedly connected to a lifting base 510, which is fixedly connected to a lifting drive mechanism 520. The output end of the lifting drive mechanism 520 is connected to a gantry assembly 530, which allows the gantry assembly 530 to slide on the lifting base 510 along the second direction. The gantry assembly 530 is fixedly connected to the translational lifting device 200. This configuration of the mold changing device allows the translational lifting device 200 to be raised or lowered, making it suitable for molds or factories at different heights, thereby expanding the range of applications of the mold changing device.

[0042] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, in this embodiment, the mold transfer device 400 includes a primary transfer guide rail 410 extending along the first direction. The primary transfer guide rail 410 is fixedly connected to the transport vehicle 100. The primary transfer guide rail 410 is slidably connected to a lifting platform 420. The lifting platform 420 is configured to lift and transfer the new mold 11 or the old mold 12 along the second direction. The provision of the primary transfer guide rail 410 can position and guide the movement of the lifting platform 420, ensuring smooth movement of the lifting platform 420, thereby ensuring a more stable and reliable lifting and transportation of the new mold 11 or the old mold 12 by the lifting platform 420.

[0043] In one embodiment, the primary transfer guide rail 410 is fixedly connected to a first drive mechanism 430 and slidably connected to a secondary transfer guide rail 440 extending along the first direction. The secondary transfer guide rail 440 is connected to the output end of the first drive mechanism 430. The secondary transfer guide rail 440 is fixedly provided with a second drive mechanism 450. The output end of the second drive mechanism 450 is connected to the lifting platform 420 so that the lifting platform 420 is slidably connected to the secondary transfer guide rail 440 along the first direction. In this embodiment, the use of two-stage guide rails to achieve movement of the lifting platform 420 along the first direction not only increases the range of motion of the lifting platform 420, but also reduces the size of the mold transfer device 400, ensuring that the mold changing equipment can be used in factories with smaller spaces, thereby improving the convenience of use of the mold changing equipment.

[0044] In one embodiment, a support roller 441 is fixedly connected to one end of the secondary transfer guide rail 440 away from the transport trolley 100. The support roller 441 supports the movement of the secondary transfer guide rail 440, ensuring that it remains level. The support roller 441 also reduces the pressure exerted by the secondary transfer guide rail 440 on the primary transfer guide rail 410, thereby reducing deformation. This eliminates the need to over-strengthen the secondary transfer guide rail 440 and the primary transfer guide rail 410, thereby reducing production costs. The support roller 441 also reduces friction between the secondary transfer guide rail 440 and the primary transfer guide rail 410, thereby ensuring smooth mold transportation and extending the service life of the mold transfer device 400.

[0045] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the translation and lifting device 200 includes a translation primary guide rail 210 extending along the first direction. The translation primary guide rail 210 is provided with a third drive mechanism 220. The output end of the third drive mechanism 220 is connected to a lifting mechanism 270. The lifting mechanism 270 is slidably connected to the translation primary guide rail 210. The lifting mechanism 270 is configured to lift and lower the new mold 11 or the old mold 12. The provision of the translation primary guide rail 210 can position and guide the movement of the lifting mechanism 270, ensuring that the lifting mechanism 270 can move smoothly along the first direction when lifting the mold, thereby improving the stability of the lifting mechanism 270.

[0046] In one embodiment, the primary translation guide rail 210 is further provided with a fourth drive mechanism 230 and is slidably connected to a secondary translation guide rail 240 extending along the first direction. The output end of the fourth drive mechanism 230 is connected to the secondary translation guide rail 240. The lifting mechanism 270 is slidably connected to the primary translation guide rail 210 and the secondary translation guide rail 240. In this embodiment, two-stage guide rails are used to achieve movement of the lifting mechanism 270 along the first direction. The lifting mechanism 270 can slide on the primary translation guide rail 210 and the secondary translation guide rail 240, which not only increases the range of motion of the lifting mechanism 270 but also reduces the volume and footprint of the translation lifting device 200, ensuring that the mold changing equipment can be used in factories with smaller spaces and improving its ease of use.

[0047] In one embodiment, the above-mentioned first-level translation guide rail 210 is also provided with a fifth driving mechanism 250, and the output end of the above-mentioned fifth driving mechanism 250 is connected to the third-level translation guide rail 260. The above-mentioned third-level translation guide rail 260 extends along the above-mentioned first direction and is slidably connected to the above-mentioned first-level translation guide rail 210 and the above-mentioned second-level translation guide rail 240. The above-mentioned lifting mechanism 270 is slidably connected to the above-mentioned third-level translation guide rail 260. The end of the above-mentioned second-level translation guide rail 240 away from the above-mentioned transport trolley 100 is provided with a positioning cylinder 201, and the output end of the above-mentioned positioning cylinder 201 can be inserted into the positioning hole of an external device (in this embodiment, the external device is a tire vulcanizer or a shelf for mold storage). Using a secondary guide rail to realize the movement of the lifting mechanism 270 along the first direction can expand the movement range of the lifting mechanism 270 and reduce the occupied space. However, since there is a step with a height difference between the first-level translation guide rail 210 and the second-level translation guide rail 240, the third-level translation guide rail 260 can reduce the vibration of the lifting mechanism 270 when passing through the step, ensuring that the lifting mechanism 270 can maintain smooth movement; the positioning cylinder 201 can play a positioning role for the mold replacement equipment, ensuring that when the lifting mechanism 270 moves to the farthest end of the second-level translation guide rail 240, it can be accurately aligned with the new mold 11 or the old mold 12 below, thereby performing lifting, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0048] In one embodiment, rollers are provided between the first-level translation guide rail 210 and the above-mentioned second-level translation guide rail 240, between the third-level translation guide rail 260 and the first-level translation guide rail 210, and between the first-level translation guide rail 210 and the second-level translation guide rail 240 to convert the sliding friction between the guide rails into rolling friction, thereby reducing the friction force, which will not be repeated here.

[0049] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the above-mentioned lifting mechanism 270 includes a mobile platform 271, a fixed bracket 274 and a flexible connector 275. The above-mentioned mobile platform 271 is slidably connected to the above-mentioned translation primary guide rail 210, and the above-mentioned mobile platform 271 is provided with a sixth driving mechanism 272 and a fixed pulley 273; the above-mentioned fixed bracket 274 is connected to the output end of the above-mentioned sixth driving mechanism 272, and the above-mentioned fixed bracket 274 is slidably connected to the above-mentioned translation primary guide rail 210 and can reciprocate along the above-mentioned first direction; the first end of the above-mentioned flexible connector 275 is fixedly connected to the above-mentioned fixed bracket 274, and the second end of the flexible connector 275 passes around the above-mentioned fixed pulley 273 and is hung with a mold clamp 276 configured to fix the above-mentioned new mold 11 or the above-mentioned old mold 12. The mobile platform 271 changes position on the first-level translation guide rail 210 and further slides on the third-level translation guide rail 260, thereby changing its position. The output end of the sixth drive mechanism 272 is connected to a fixed bracket 274. The sixth drive mechanism 272 drives the fixed bracket 274 to perform reciprocating linear motion along the first direction, thereby approaching or moving away from the mobile platform 271. A flexible connector 275 is fixed to the fixed bracket 274. The second end of the flexible connector 275 passes around the fixed pulley 273 on the mobile platform 271 and is then suspended from the mold fixture 276 below. Therefore, when the fixed bracket 274 is driven away from the mobile platform 271, the flexible connector 275 can drive the mold fixture 276 to move upward. When the fixed bracket 274 is driven closer to the mobile platform 271, the flexible connector 275 can drive the mold fixture 276 to move downward, thereby achieving the lifting of the mold fixture 276. The lifting device moves laterally through the driven end of the flexible connector 275, thereby occupying less longitudinal space and reducing the space occupied by the lifting structure. It is more suitable for lifting needs in narrow spaces, and the lifting structure is more stable during lifting movement, which can improve the work efficiency of the lifting operation.

[0050] The flexible connector 275 in this embodiment is specifically a chain. Compared with a steel wire rope, the chain does not need a pressed joint at the end of the connection, so the connection with the mold fixture 276 can be made shorter, further reducing the longitudinal space occupied by the lifting device.

[0051] In one embodiment, the flexible connector 275 is bolted to the mold fixture 276. The flexible connector 275 may be directly provided with an externally threaded portion or threaded hole that mates with the mold fixture 276, or the flexible connector 275 may be secured to the mold fixture 276 via bolts and nuts, without further limitation. Bolted connections facilitate easy installation and removal, facilitating replacement of the mold fixture 276 and improving installation and maintenance efficiency. This will not be discussed further here.

[0052] In one embodiment, the side walls at both ends of the mobile platform 271 are respectively provided with a plurality of first rollers spaced apart, and the plurality of first rollers are of the same height. The provision of the plurality of first rollers can further ensure low-friction, smooth, and reliable movement of the mobile platform 271 on the slide rail, and can also play a guiding role, ensuring the smooth operation of the mobile platform 271 and the sixth drive mechanism 272 on the mobile platform 271. At the same time, the side walls at both ends of the fixed bracket 274 are also respectively provided with second rollers of the same height as the first rollers. The second rollers on the fixed bracket 274 can ensure that the fixed bracket 274 performs smooth reciprocating linear motion on the slide rail, thereby improving the stability of the movement, which will not be described in detail here.

[0053] In this embodiment, the first roller and the second roller are selected as composite rollers, which not only have a long service life and a low purchase cost, but also can play a shock-absorbing role, further ensuring the smooth operation of the lifting device.

[0054] In one embodiment, the movable platform 271 is provided with an escape hole 2711, and a positioning post 2761 is protruding from the top wall of the mold fixture 276. The positioning post 2761 can be inserted into the escape hole 2711. The provision of the escape hole 2711 and the positioning post 2761 ensures that after the mold fixture 276 moves upward, the positioning post 2761 is inserted into the escape hole 2711, so that the mold fixture 276 can be restrained by the movable platform 271, preventing the mold fixture 276 and the new mold 11 or the old mold 12 fixed by the mold fixture 276 from shaking when the movable platform 271 moves in the first direction, thereby improving the working reliability of the translation and lifting device 200.

[0055] In one embodiment, there are four fixed pulleys 273 and four flexible connectors 275, the center lines of the four fixed pulleys 273 are rectangular, and the heights of the two fixed pulleys 273 close to the fixed bracket 274 are lower than the heights of the other two fixed pulleys 273, and the connection points between the two flexible connectors 275 passing around the fixed pulleys 273 close to the fixed bracket 274 and the fixed bracket 274 are lower than the connection points between the other two flexible connectors 275 and the fixed bracket 274. The fixed pulley 273 structure and the flexible connector 275 structure are arranged in this way, so that the flexible connector 275 is arranged in an avoidance manner, avoiding scratches and collisions between multiple flexible connectors 275, and ensuring that the mold fixture 276 below is lifted and lowered smoothly; and it can also make the connecting line of the connection between the multiple flexible connectors 275 and the mold fixture 276 rectangular. When the fixed bracket 274 moves, the rising height of the joint of the flexible connector 275 is consistent, ensuring that the mold fixture 276 is lifted and lowered smoothly.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first drive mechanism 430, the second drive mechanism 450, the third drive mechanism 220, the fourth drive mechanism 230, the fifth drive mechanism 250, and the sixth drive mechanism 272 are telescopic cylinders. The provision of telescopic cylinders allows for smoother movement of the various components. Furthermore, since the telescopic cylinders are positioned horizontally, they not only reduce longitudinal space usage but also avoid deflection caused by uneven force on the cylinders, thereby extending their service life.

[0057] At the same time, the above-mentioned first-level transfer guide rail 410, second-level transfer guide rail 440, first-level translation guide rail 210, second-level translation guide rail 240 and third-level translation guide rail 260 are respectively provided with 2, and the two sides of multiple components are slidingly connected with the above-mentioned corresponding guide rails, thereby guiding the movement of multiple components, so that the components can operate smoothly and reliably, thereby improving the working stability of the mold replacement equipment; and the setting of multiple guide rails can further improve the movement stability and working stability of the components and the driving mechanism connected to the components, and can play a guiding role, ensure the positioning accuracy during lifting and transfer movement, and improve the disassembly and replacement efficiency of the new mold 11 and the old mold 12, which will not be repeated here.

[0058] As shown in FIG6 , this embodiment further provides a mold replacement method, which uses the mold replacement device described in any of the above solutions, including the following steps:

[0059] In S1, the transport trolley 100 moves to the mold storage position, the mold transfer device 400 moves and lifts the new mold 11 in the mold storage position, and then moves again to place the new mold 11 on the mold storage table 300;

[0060] In S2, the transport trolley 100 moves to the mold working position, and the mold transfer device 400 lifts the new mold 11 on the mold storage table 300 and moves again;

[0061] In S3, the translation and lifting device 200 is translated and lifted to remove the old mold 12 from the mold working position and place it on the mold storage table 300;

[0062] In S4, the translation and lifting device 200 removes the new mold 11 from the mold transfer device 400 and installs it on the mold working position;

[0063] In S5 , the transporting trolley 100 moves to the mold storage position, and the mold transfer device 400 lifts and moves the old mold 12 on the mold storage table 300 , and places the old mold 12 on the mold storage position.

[0064] This mold replacement method uses the above-mentioned mold replacement equipment to replace the mold. Through the setting of the mold storage table 300 and the mold transfer equipment, the old mold 12 can be disassembled and replaced with the new mold 11 at the same time. No manual intervention and operation are required. The old mold 12 and the new mold 11 are automatically replaced, thereby improving the mold replacement efficiency. In addition, the mold replacement equipment has a simple and reliable structure, occupies a small space, and can meet the mold replacement needs of different usage spaces.

[0065] The following describes in detail the working method and working process of the mold replacement device in this embodiment:

[0066] In the first step, the transport trolley 100 first moves to the mold storage position;

[0067] In the second step, the secondary transfer guide rail 440 extends from the primary transfer guide rail 410, and the lifting platform 420 moves on the secondary transfer guide rail 440 to the bottom of the new mold 11. After the lifting platform 420 lifts the new mold 11, it moves along the secondary transfer guide rail 440 to the top of the mold storage table 300. The lifting platform 420 descends, and the new mold 11 is temporarily stored on the mold storage table 300. Then, the secondary transfer guide rail 440 returns to its original position.

[0068] In the third step, the transport trolley 100 moves to the mold working position (in this embodiment, the mold working position is a tire vulcanizer), and the first-level guide rail 210, the second-level guide rail 240, and the third-level guide rail 260 are moved so that the positioning cylinder 201 is aligned with the positioning hole of the mold working position. At this time, the mold transfer device 400 lifts the new mold 11 and transfers it to the preset position along the first direction;

[0069] In the fourth step, the lifting mechanism 270 moves to the farthest end and lowers the mold clamp 276. After the mold clamp 276 grabs the old mold 12, the mold clamp 276 rises again so that the positioning column 2761 is inserted into the avoidance hole 2711. Then, the lifting mechanism 270 transports the mold 12 along the first direction and the second direction to the mold storage table 300.

[0070] In the fifth step, the translation and lifting device 200 performs the reverse operation of the fourth step to transport the new mold 11 on the mold transfer device 400 to the mold working position, completing the mold replacement;

[0071] In the sixth step, the transporting trolley 100 moves to the mold storage position again, and transports the old mold 12 to the mold storage position according to the reverse operation of the second step to store the old mold 12.

Claims

1. Mould changing equipment, including: A transport trolley (100), wherein the transport trolley (100) is configured to reciprocate between a mold storage position and a mold working position; A translation lifting device (200), the translation lifting device (200) being arranged on the carrying vehicle (100), the translation lifting device (200) being arranged to move the new mold (11) or the old mold (12) along at least one of a first direction and a second direction; A mold storage platform (300), the mold storage platform (300) is fixedly connected to the transport trolley (100) and is located below the translation and lifting device (200), and the mold storage platform (300) is configured to carry the new mold (11) or the old mold (12); and A mold transfer device (400), wherein the mold transfer device (400) is arranged below the mold storage platform (300), and the mold transfer device (400) is configured to lift the new mold (11) or the old mold (12) on the mold storage platform (300) along the second direction and transfer it along the first direction.

2. The mold replacement device according to claim 1, wherein: The mold transfer device (400) includes a first-level transfer guide rail (410) extending along the first direction, the first-level transfer guide rail (410) is fixed to the transport trolley (100), and the first-level transfer guide rail (410) is slidably connected to a lifting platform (420), and the lifting platform (420) is configured to lift and transfer the new mold (11) or the old mold (12) along the second direction.

3. The mold replacement device according to claim 2, wherein: The mold transfer device (400) further includes: A first driving mechanism (430) fixedly connected to the transfer primary guide rail (410); a secondary transfer guide rail (440) slidably connected to the primary transfer guide rail (410) and extending along the first direction; a second driving mechanism (450) fixedly connected to the transfer secondary guide rail (440); and Lifting platform (420); The secondary transfer guide rail (440) is connected to the output end of the first drive mechanism (430), and the output end of the second drive mechanism (450) is connected to the lifting platform (420) so that the lifting platform (420) is slidably connected to the secondary transfer guide rail (440) along the first direction.

4. The mold replacement device according to claim 3, wherein: One end of the secondary transfer guide rail (440) away from the transport trolley (100) is fixedly connected to a supporting roller (441).

5. The mold replacement device according to claim 1, wherein: The translation lifting device (200) comprises: A translation primary guide rail (210) extending along the first direction, a third driving mechanism (220) and a lifting mechanism (270) are arranged on the translation primary guide rail (210), the output end of the third driving mechanism (220) is connected to the lifting mechanism (270), the lifting mechanism (270) is slidably connected to the translation primary guide rail (210), and the lifting mechanism (270) is configured to lift the new mold (11) or the old mold (12).

6. The mold replacement device according to claim 5, wherein: The translation lifting device (200) also includes a fourth driving mechanism (230) arranged on the translation primary guide rail (210) and a translation secondary guide rail (240) which is slidably connected to the translation primary guide rail (210) and extends along the first direction, the output end of the fourth driving mechanism (230) is connected to the translation secondary guide rail (240), and the lifting mechanism (270) is slidably connected to the translation primary guide rail (210) and the translation secondary guide rail (240).

7. The mold replacement device according to claim 6, wherein: The translation lifting device (200) also includes a fifth driving mechanism (250) arranged on the translation primary guide rail (210), and a translation tertiary guide rail (260) connected to the output end of the fifth driving mechanism (250), the translation tertiary guide rail (260) extends along the first direction and is slidably connected to the translation primary guide rail (210) and the translation secondary guide rail (240), the lifting mechanism (270) is slidably connected to the translation tertiary guide rail (260), and a positioning cylinder (201) is provided at one end of the translation secondary guide rail (240) away from the transport trolley (100), and the output end of the positioning cylinder (201) can be inserted into a positioning hole of an external device.

8. The mold replacement device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein: The lifting mechanism (270) comprises: A mobile platform (271), the mobile platform (271) being slidably connected to the translation primary guide rail (210); A sixth driving mechanism (272) and a fixed pulley (273) disposed on the mobile platform (271); a fixed bracket (274), the fixed bracket (274) being connected to the output end of the sixth driving mechanism (272), and the fixed bracket (274) being slidably connected to the translation primary guide rail (210) and capable of reciprocating along the first direction; and A flexible connector (275), wherein a first end of the flexible connector (275) is fixedly connected to the fixed bracket (274), and a second end of the flexible connector (275) passes around the fixed pulley (273) and is hung with a mold fixture (276) configured to fix the new mold (11) or the old mold (12).

9. The mold replacement device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: A lifting seat (510) fixedly connected to the transport trolley (100); A lifting drive mechanism (520) fixedly connected to the lifting seat (510); and a gantry assembly (530) connected to the output end of the lifting drive mechanism (520), wherein the lifting drive mechanism (520) is configured to enable the gantry assembly (530) to slide along the second direction on the lifting On the lowering seat (510), the door frame assembly (530) is fixedly connected to the translation lifting device (200).

10. A mold replacement method, using the mold replacement device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising: The transport trolley (100) moves to the mold storage position, the mold transfer device (400) moves and lifts the new mold (11) at the mold storage position and then moves again to place the new mold (11) on the mold storage table (300); The transport trolley (100) moves to the mold working position, and the mold transfer device (400) lifts the new mold (11) on the mold storage table (300) and then moves it to a preset position; After the translation and lifting device (200) is translated and lifted, the old mold (12) is removed from the mold working position and placed on the mold storage table (300); The translation and lifting device (200) removes the new mold (11) from the mold transfer device (400) and installs it on the mold working position; and The transport trolley (100) moves to the mold storage position, and the mold transfer device (400) lifts and moves the old mold (12) on the mold storage platform (300) to place the old mold (12) in the mold storage position.

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