Process and apparatus for transferring an annular component in building tyres

Abstract

A process for transferring an annular component (C) used in building tyres comprises arranging a preparation drum (2) extended around a rotation axis (X), winding a semi-finished product according to a substantially annular or cylindrical shape around said preparation drum (2) so as to manufacture an annular component (C) of a tyre, removing the preparation drum (2) from the annular component (C) by axially moving said preparation drum (2) and supporting the annular component (C) by a support device (3) concurrently with said removal.

Description

[0001] PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSFERRING AN ANNULAR COMPONENT IN BUILDING TYRES

[0002] The present invention relates to a process for transferring an annular component used in the building of tyres. The present invention also relates to a station or apparatus for transferring an annular component in building tyres.

[0003] In the example described herein, the invention is used for manufacturing a belt structure for motor vehicle tyres. However, the invention may also be conveniently used for manufacturing annular tyre components different from the belt structure and usable not only on tyres for motorcycles, but also for motor vehicles, trucks, etc.

[0004] In general, a tyre for vehicle wheels comprises a carcass structure comprising at least one carcass ply having respectively opposite terminal flaps engaged with respective annular anchoring structures, integrated in the areas usually identified by the name of "beads", having an inner diameter substantially corresponding to a so-called "fitting diameter" of the tyre on a respective mounting rim.

[0005] The carcass structure is associated with a crown structure comprising at least a belt structure and a tread band. The belt structure may comprise one or more belt layers, arranged in radial superposition with respect to each other and with respect to the carcass ply, having textile and / or metallic and / or hybrid reinforcement cords with crossed orientation and / or substantially parallel to the circumferential development direction of the tyre (at 0 degrees). The tread band is applied in a position radially outer to the belt structure, also made of elastomeric material like other semi-finished products making up the tyre.

[0006] Respective sidewalls of elastomeric material may further be applied in an axially outer position on the lateral surfaces of the carcass structure, each extending from one of the lateral edges of the tread band up at the respective annular anchoring structure to the beads. In "tubeless" tyres, an airtight coating layer, usually called "liner", covers the inner surfaces of the tyre. The terms "radial" and "axial" and the expressions "radially inner / outer" and "axially inner / outer" are used referring to the radial direction and the axial direction of the tyre, i.e. to a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the tyre and a direction parallel to the rotation axis thereof, respectively. A radial plane of the tyre contains the rotation axis thereof.

[0007] The terms "circumferential" and "circumferentially" are instead used to refer to the annular development of the tyre, identifying with this expression the development assumed by the tyre along the rolling direction in operative conditions.

[0008] "Rotation axis" of a green tyre means the axis corresponding to the rotation axis of the moulded and vulcanised tyre when mounted in operative conditions on a respective mounting rim.

[0009] The term "component" of the tyre means any portion of the tyre capable of performing its own function or part of it.

[0010] The term "annular component" of the tyre means a tyre component comprising one or more layers radially overlapped with respect to an axis of rotation of the tyre. Preferably, an annular component of the tyre may be a set comprising two or more belt layers and in particular it may be a belt structure or, more generally, an annular component may be a set comprising one or more layers intended to be part of the green tyre, each selectable for example from: liner, underliner, carcass ply(ies), carcass structure, belt layer(s), belt underlayer, tread band underlayer, sidewalls, sidewall inserts, tread band, etc.

[0011] The term "elastomeric material" is used to designate a composition comprising at least one elastomeric polymer and at least one reinforcement filler. Preferably, such composition further comprises additives such as, for example, a cross-linking agent and / or a plasticiser. Due to the presence of the crosslinking agent, such material may be cross-linked by heating, so as to form the final manufactured article.

[0012] The term "semi-finished product" means a prefabricated product, i.e. a product manufactured before the production of the tyre and generally outside the building plant. The product is preferably prefabricated at full width, i.e. with its own pre-sized width so as to be equal to the width of the layer of the component that the semi-finished product is adapted to form. The semi-finished product may be made of elastomeric material only, i.e. comprise only an elastomeric matrix, or it may be reinforced with at least one reinforcement cord made of textile and / or metallic and / or hybrid material.

[0013] Tyre for two-wheeled vehicles, in particular motorcycles, means a tyre whose curvature ratio is approximately between about 0.15 and about 0.45.

[0014] Curvature ratio in relation to a tyre (or a portion thereof or a drum) means the ratio of the distance of the radially outer point of the tread band (or of the outer surface or of the drum) from the line passing by the laterally opposite ends of the tread band itself (or of the outer surface itself or of the drum), measured on a radial plane of the tyre (or of said portion thereof or of the drum) or on a plane containing the rotation axis thereof (of the same or of the drum), to the distance measured along the chord of the tyre (or of a portion thereof or of the drum) between said ends.

[0015] The term "preparation drum" refers to a drum rotating around an axis of rotation on which at least partly elastomeric components are wound and optionally built and / or shaped during the manufacturing of the tyre; examples of preparation drums may be, but are not limited to, the building drum or the auxiliary drum used in the building of the carcass or crown structures of the tyre.

[0016] In the present text, the expression "equal velocities" is intended to define that such quantities do not differ, except for negligible differences or in any case within tolerances consistent with the application. Preferably, in the present text, "equal velocities" are defined as those velocities having the same direction and sense which differ in modulus by less than 1% and in any case by less than 0.01 m / s.

[0017] Between two elements, a relative velocity of "substantially zero" in a given direction means a velocity with a modulus of less than 0.01 m / s.

[0018] In document WO 2021 / 124241, on behalf of the same Applicant, a process for manufacturing belt structures is described according to which a first and a second belt layer are deposited on a cylindrical drum. The belt layers are then removed from the cylindrical drum and engaged on a further toroidal shaping drum by means of an annular gripping member provided with circumferentially adjacent and radially movable angular sectors. A so-called zero degree belt layer is then manufactured around the toroidally shaped belt layers, obtained by winding one or more cords according to axially placed circumferential turns, so as to obtain the desired shape of the set of belt layers.

[0019] Document US 4,288,265 describes a process for building tyres, wherein the manufacturing of a belt structure involves a first and a second semi-finished product in the form of a strip being wound in succession around an auxiliary drum of the type having a plurality of axial teeth circumferentially distributed to define a substantially cylindrical surface. The auxiliary drum houses an expandable part composed of a plurality of sectors each having a convex radially outer surface. The sectors are radially movable between the teeth of the drum between a rest position, in which they are radially arranged with their entire convex surface within the cylindrical surface defined by the drum itself, and a working position, in which they protrude radially between the teeth of the drum so as to impose a toroidal shape according to a convex axial profile on the annular layers previously formed thereon. An annular transfer ring provided with radially movable sectors is suitable for transferring the belt structure formed on the auxiliary drum to a primary drum, for the purpose of mating with a carcass structure.

[0020] In tyre manufacturing, the annular components that are transferred prior to shaping are decoupled from their respective building or auxiliary drum by cooperation between the drum itself and a radially outer transfer device. The building or auxiliary drum is in fact radially contracted following the intervention of the transfer device in order to allow the product to be removed and moved to the next station. In this regard, the Applicant observed that the radial contraction of the drums leads to an immediate separation of the entire radially inner surface of the annular component from the outer surface of the drum, a situation which, when dealing with elastomeric materials, may lead to the onset of radial stresses such as to compromise the quality of the product.

[0021] In fact, if significant adhesions were to be created between the product and the drum during the winding or building step, the surface separation imposed by the radial contraction of the drum may generate intense stress on the inner surface of the annular component, with possible consequences on its design features.

[0022] Furthermore, the Applicant has also pointed out that the purely radial movement of the drums may be penalising not only with reference to their contraction during the transfer step, but also with reference to those solutions that provide for the radial expansion of annular components built on the same drum subject to mechanical expansion in sectors; even in this case, any adhesions arising during the building step may prove critical in the subsequent radial expansion step, or shaping, introducing mechanical stress in the material that may generate defects. The Applicant therefore perceived the importance of adopting a different approach to the handling and transfer of the annular components, reducing the stresses thereon and providing new solutions to be adopted in the different manufacturing processes. Subsequently, the Applicant realised that by separating the transfer of the annular components from the radial movement of the drums, it would be possible to optimise the handling thereof, reducing defects and increasing the reliability and repeatability of industrial processes. The Applicant finally found that the decoupling between the support function and the contact function between the drum and the annular component allows for the introduction of an additional degree of freedom useful for giving the system new movements without generating unwanted features on the finished product.

[0023] More specifically, according to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a process for transferring an annular component used in the building of tyres.

[0024] Preferably, a preparation drum extended around a rotation axis is provided.

[0025] Preferably, provision is made for winding a semi-finished product according to a substantially annular or cylindrical shape around said preparation drum so as to manufacture an annular component of a tyre.

[0026] Preferably, provision is made for removing the preparation drum from the annular component by axially moving said preparation drum.

[0027] Preferably, provision is made for supporting the annular component by a support device concurrently with said removal.

[0028] Preferably, the preparation drum is provided with at least one support member designed to support at least a part of said annular component.

[0029] Preferably, the preparation drum is provided with at least one contact element operatively interposed between the support member and said at least one part of the annular component.

[0030] Preferably, removing the preparation drum comprises progressively moving the preparation drum support member along an axial direction. Preferably, removing the preparation drum comprises separating the contact element from the annular component, progressively and in a coordinated manner with the movement of the respective support member.

[0031] The Applicant believes that, in the present invention, the execution of a separation that does not cause a difference in velocity between the contact element and the annular component, at the contact points therebetween, substantially eliminates the sliding between the annular component and the contact element themselves, avoiding the onset of stresses which may damage and / or deform the product.

[0032] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus for transferring annular components in the building of tyres.

[0033] Preferably, the apparatus comprises at least one preparation drum extended around a rotation axis between a first circumferential edge and a second circumferential edge and progressively switchable between a first operative condition, or deposition condition, and a second operative condition, or transfer condition.

[0034] Preferably, the apparatus comprises at least one feeder configured for applying at least one stratiform semi-finished product around a deposition surface at least partly defined by the preparation drum so as to manufacture an annular component of a tyre.

[0035] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a support device configured for supporting the annular component when the preparation drum is situated in the transfer condition.

[0036] Preferably, the preparation drum is provided with at least one support member, at least one contact element and at least one extraction assembly.

[0037] Preferably, the support member is set to at least partly support the annular component and is progressively movable between a first axial position and a second axial position, corresponding respectively to the first and to the second condition of the preparation drum.

[0038] Preferably, the contact element is operatively interposed between the support member and the annular component.

[0039] Preferably, the extraction assembly is associated with said contact element and is configured for separating the contact element from the annular component, progressively and in a coordinated manner with a movement of the respective support member between the first and the second axial position.

[0040] In at least one of the aforementioned aspects, the invention comprises one or more of the following preferred features which are described below.

[0041] Preferably, the contact element defines, at least in the first operative condition of the preparation drum, a plurality of contact zones with said annular component.

[0042] Preferably, said contact zones are distributed, along the axial direction, starting from a terminal contact zone.

[0043] Preferably, separating the contact element provides for executing, concurrently with the movement of the support member along said axial direction, a separation action transverse to the axial direction at the terminal contact zone between the contact element and the annular component.

[0044] Preferably, separating the contact element provides for separating a portion of the contact element from the annular component having a length corresponding to a displacement of the support member in the same axial direction.

[0045] Preferably, separating the contact element provides for maintaining a relative axial velocity between the annular component and the contact element, at the contact zones, that is substantially zero.

[0046] This makes extraction fluid and less stressful for the radially inner surface of the annular component.

[0047] Preferably, the contact element is a spacer belt physically interposed between the support member and the annular component.

[0048] Preferably, progressively moving the support member comprises axially translating said support member.

[0049] Preferably, the spacer belt is slidably associated with the support member.

[0050] The presence of a flexible spacer belt slidably associated to the support member introduces additional degrees of freedom capable of decoupling the purely translational movement of the support member from that of the annular component during extraction.

[0051] Preferably, separating the contact element comprises bending the contact element transverse to the axial direction at the terminal contact zone.

[0052] Preferably, separating the contact element comprises bending a first axial end zone of said contact element.

[0053] Preferably, during said removal of the preparation drum, the spacer belt comprises an exposed portion matched to the annular component and extended parallel to said annular component from said first axial end zone up to a second axial end zone.

[0054] Preferably, separating the contact element comprises bending said first axial end zone of the exposed portion, progressively moving said first axial end zone towards the second axial end zone.

[0055] Preferably, separating the contact element comprises bending said first axial end zone of the exposed portion, progressively reducing an axial length of the exposed portion.

[0056] Preferably, said exposed portion of the spacer belt has a radially outer face, in contact with said annular component, and a radially inner face, resting on said support member.

[0057] Preferably, progressively moving the support member provides for sliding said support member axially on the radially inner face of the exposed portion.

[0058] Preferably, the spacer belt is axially extended between a first, axially constrained terminal edge and a second terminal edge.

[0059] Preferably, separating the contact element provides for moving the second terminal edge of the spacer belt along a respective movement direction in order to generate said bending action. Preferably, bending said first axial end zone of the exposed portion provides for turning up the spacer belt at the first axial end zone itself, such that, in each operative position, said spacer belt comprises a radially outer portion, extended between the first terminal edge and a turned-up section, and a radially inner portion, extended between the second terminal edge and the turned-up section.

[0060] Preferably, moving the second terminal edge of the spacer belt along a respective movement direction comprises translating the second terminal edge away from said turned-up section. The Applicant emphasizes that the axial movement of the support member between the first and second axial positions, together with the bending of the spacer belt by means of the turning up and axially outer movement of the second terminal edge, promotes the creation of space in the drum zone radially internal to the first axial end zone of the exposed portion.

[0061] Preferably, said turned-up section corresponds to said first axial end of the exposed portion.

[0062] Preferably, progressively moving the support member comprises generating a first linear movement of said support member along said axial direction.

[0063] Preferably, separating the contact element from the annular component comprises generating a second linear movement of said second terminal edge of the spacer belt.

[0064] Preferably, the first and second linear movements are axially concordant.

[0065] Preferably, in each operative position of the support member between the first and second axial positions, the extent of the first linear movement is half the extent of the second linear movement.

[0066] Preferably, at least partially supporting the annular component by a support device comprises radially expanding, in proximity to said first axial end zone, a profiler drum coaxial with the preparation drum in order to shape the annular component according to a curved axial profile in accordance with an expansion surface of the profiler drum in a radially outer position.

[0067] Preferably, said preparation drum comprises two half-drums that are mutually aligned with each other along the rotation axis, each extended between an axially outer circumferential edge and an axially inner circumferential edge.

[0068] Preferably, said half-drums are each provided with said at least one support member designed to partially support the annular component.

[0069] Preferably, said half-drums are each provided with said at least one contact element operatively interposed between the support member and the annular component, with the first axial end zone of each contact element at least partly defining the axially inner circumferential edge of the respective half-drum.

[0070] Preferably, winding the semi-finished product provides for winding the semi-finished product according to a shaping that is substantially cylindrical astride said two half-drums.

[0071] Preferably, said two half-drums are arranged in a mirror-like manner with respect to a mid-plane of the annular component.

[0072] Preferably, removing the preparation drum comprises mutually moving apart said half-drums along said axial direction, removing them from axially opposite circumferential edges of the annular component, in order to generate or enlarge an annular opening between the mutually moved-apart half-drums.

[0073] Preferably, mutually moving apart said half-drums along the axial direction comprises axially sliding the support member of one half-drum away from the support member of the other halfdrum.

[0074] Preferably, mutually moving apart said half-drums along the axial direction comprises bending the first axial end zones of the exposed portions of the spacer belts of the two half-drums away from each other.

[0075] In this way, each exposed portion, i.e. each section of contact element coupled with the annular component "C", is progressively reduced by widening the annular opening between the two half-drums in the total absence of relative axial movements or sliding between the annular component and the contact element.

[0076] Preferably, said profiler drum expands in said axial mid-line plane of the annular component.

[0077] Preferably, during said removal, said annular opening expands axially and the profiler drum progressively occupies the annular opening while remaining adjacent to the first axial end zones of the exposed portions of the spacer belts of the two half-drums.

[0078] Preferably, the extraction assembly is configured for executing, concurrently with the movement of the support member between the first and the second axial position, a separation action transverse to the axial direction at the terminal contact zone between the contact element and the annular component.

[0079] Preferably, said extraction assembly is configured for separating a portion of the contact element from the annular component having a length corresponding to a displacement of the support member between the first and the second axial position.

[0080] Preferably, said extraction assembly is configured for maintaining a relative axial velocity between the annular component and the contact element, at the contact zones, that is substantially zero.

[0081] Preferably, said extraction assembly is associated with the support member and configured for axially translating said support member along an axial extraction direction.

[0082] Preferably, said extraction assembly is associated with the spacer belt and configured for locally exerting a bending action transverse to the axial direction at the terminal contact zone. Preferably, said extraction assembly is associated with the spacer belt and configured for exerting, locally, a bending action transverse to the axial direction on a first axial end zone of said contact element.

[0083] Preferably, in each operative condition of the preparation drum, the spacer belt comprises an exposed portion extending along said axial direction between said first axial end zone and a second axial end zone. Preferably, said exposed portion is provided with a radially outer face and a radially inner face.

[0084] Preferably, said extraction assembly is connected to said spacer belt and said support member.

[0085] Preferably, said extraction assembly is configured for translating the support member between the first and the second axial position and, concurrently, exerting said bending action at the first axial end zone of the spacer belt.

[0086] Preferably, the spacer belt is axially extended between a first, axially constrained terminal edge and a second terminal edge.

[0087] Preferably, the spacer belt extends axially between the first terminal edge and the second terminal edge passing through a turned-up section, so that in each operative position said spacer belt comprises a radially outer portion, extending between the first terminal edge and the turned-up section, and a radially inner portion, extending between the second terminal edge and the turned-up section.

[0088] Preferably, said turned-up section corresponds to said first axial end zone of the exposed portion.

[0089] Preferably, said extraction assembly is connected to said support member and to said second terminal edge of the spacer belt. Preferably, said extraction assembly is configured for imparting a first linear movement to said at least one support member along said axial direction and, concurrently, a second linear movement to said second terminal edge of the spacer belt.

[0090] Preferably, said extraction assembly is configured for imparting to the second terminal edge of the spacer belt a second linear movement of twice the extent of the first linear movement of the support member.

[0091] Preferably, the preparation drum comprises at least a first fixing flange for the first terminal edge of the spacer belt.

[0092] Preferably, said support member is mounted overhanging with respect to said first flange and has a first axial end at the first axial end zone of the spacer belt.

[0093] Preferably, the preparation drum comprises at least one second fixing flange for the second terminal edge of the spacer belt fixed to a trolley axially movable between a position axially proximal to the first axial end zone of the spacer belt and a position axially distal from the first axial end zone of the spacer belt.

[0094] Preferably, said extraction assembly is connected to the support member and to the second flange to move them, concurrently, between the first and the second axial position and between the axially proximal position and the axially distal position.

[0095] Preferably, the extraction assembly is configured for moving the preparation drum between:

[0096] - the deposition condition, wherein the support member is in the first axial position and the second flange is situated in axially proximal position,

[0097] - the transfer condition, wherein the support member is in the second axial position and the second flange is situated in axially distal position. Preferably, a distance travelled by the second flange between the axially proximal position and the axially distal position is twice that of a corresponding distance travelled by the support member between the first and second axial positions.

[0098] Preferably, the preparation drum comprises a plurality of support members circumferentially spaced and distributed around the rotation axis and a plurality of contact elements each associated with a respective support member.

[0099] Preferably, said plurality of contact elements comprises a plurality of spacer belts, each slidably associated with a respective support member.

[0100] Preferably, each support member extends between the first axial end and a second axial end, wherein the first flange is axially interposed between said first axial end and second axial end.

[0101] Preferably, each support member comprises an axial bar slidably associated with the respective first flange thereof.

[0102] Preferably, each spacer belt extends along the respective axial bar and has the turned-up portion at the first axial end.

[0103] Preferably, said two half-drums are arranged in a mirror-like manner with respect to a mid-plane of the annular component.

[0104] Preferably, said half-drums are mutually movable between a first axial position, corresponding to the first operative condition and wherein the respective axially inner circumferential edges are approached, and a second axial position, corresponding to the second operative condition and wherein the respective axially inner circumferential edges are moved apart, defining or enlarging an annular opening axially interposed between the half-drums.

[0105] Preferably, the support device comprises a profiler drum situated coaxial with the half-drums and axially interposed therebetween. Preferably, the profiler drum has an expansion surface that is radially external and axially convex.

[0106] Preferably, the profiler drum is switchable between a first operating condition, in which the expansion surface has a maximum diameter smaller or equal to a diameter of the deposition surface, and a second operating condition in which the expansion surface radially projects through the annular opening defined between said half-drums.

[0107] Further features and advantages will become more apparent from the detailed description of a preferred but non-exclusive embodiment of an apparatus and a process for transferring an annular component used in building tyres according to the present invention. Such a description is given hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, provided only for illustrative and, therefore, non-limiting purposes, wherein:

[0108] - Figures 1, 2a, 2b and 2c, schematically show an apparatus for transferring an annular component in the embodiment of the process for transferring an annular component according to the present invention, according to a first embodiment;

[0109] - Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the preparation drum of an apparatus for transferring an annular component, according to a preferred embodiment;

[0110] - Figures 4a, 4b, 5a and 5b, schematically show an apparatus for transferring an annular component in the embodiment of the process for transferring an annular component according to the present invention, according to a second embodiment. With reference to the accompanying figures, reference numeral 1 indicates an apparatus for transferring an annular component used in the building of tyres according to the present invention.

[0111] The present invention is aimed at the movement of annular components within the manufacturing processes of tyres, preferably but not exclusively motorcycle tyres.

[0112] In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus and a process useful for transferring an annular component "C" or annular artefact, or part thereof, from a preparation drum 2 to a support device 3.

[0113] In this regard, it should be noted that hereinafter, some embodiments of the apparatus for transferring an annular component "C" will be described, first in a general manner and then in a more specific manner, without this constituting a limitation on the application of the apparatus and the process in other steps of the tyre manufacturing process.

[0114] The apparatus 1 preferably comprises at least one feeder (not illustrated) configured for applying at least one stratiform semifinished product around a deposition surface at least partly defined by the preparation drum 2, in order to define said annular component "C".

[0115] The feeder may be, for example, a carcass ply dispenser, or a device for feeding articles useful for making up the crown structure.

[0116] More generally, the feeder may be any device adapted to dispense and position a semi-finished product in the form of a ribbon or layer on the preparation drum 2 which, by virtue of its rotary movement, winds it around its deposition surface 2a to manufacture an annular component "C" of the tyre. The preparation drum 2 is an element extending around a rotation axis "X" and exhibiting axial extension between a first circumferential edge 12a and a second circumferential edge 12b. Such preparation drum 2 is therefore rotatable, by means of rotary actuators known per se, around the rotation axis "X" and has a radially outer surface defining the deposition surface 2a of the semi-finished products defining the annular component "C". The preparation drum 2 may be progressively switched between a first operative condition, of deposition, and a second operative condition, of transfer.

[0117] In the first operative condition, the preparation drum 2 receives the semi-finished product from the feeder and, by rotating, it contributes to the manufacturing of the annular component "C".

[0118] In the second operative condition, preferably achievable only when the annular component "C" is already completed, the annular component "C" is transferred in whole or in part onto the support device 3, with the preparation drum 2 positioned in such a way as to reduce or eliminate contact with the annular component "C".

[0119] The apparatus 1 is therefore configured for transferring the annular component "C" lying on the deposition surface 2a from the preparation drum 2 to the support device 3, the latter configured for supporting the annular component "C" when the preparation drum 2 is in the transfer condition, as well as in the transition between the first and second operative positions.

[0120] In this regard, the support device 3 may be a member of various nature or shape.

[0121] In some embodiments, schematically illustrated in Figures 1, 2a, 2b and 2c, the support device 3 may be defined by a transfer ring of the type commonly used in tyre manufacturing processes. The transfer ring is an annular member configured for retaining, preferably by suction, a radially outer surface of the annular component "C".

[0122] Alternatively, as in Figures 4 and 5, the support device 3 may be defined by a radially expandable member, such as a profiler drum 19 configured for expanding radially for supporting and / or shaping the radially inner surface of the annular component "C". Preferably, the preparation drum 2 comprises at least one support member 4, at least one contact element 5 and an extraction assembly 7 associated with said contact element 5 (and, at least indirectly, also with the support member 4).

[0123] The support member 4 is set to at least partly support the annular component "C" and progressively movable between a first axial position and a second axial position, corresponding respectively to the first and to the second condition of the preparation drum 2.

[0124] Preferably, the contact element 5 is operatively interposed between the support member 4 and the annular component "C". Such contact element 5 defines, at least in the first operative condition of the preparation drum 2, a plurality of contact zones 6 with the annular component "C", preferably with the radially inner surface of the annular component "C".

[0125] The "contact zones" may be surface areas of different types (point-like or non-point-like) depending on the contact element used.

[0126] In other words, the support member 4 defines an element configured for supporting the weight of the annular component "C" or part of it, while the contact element 5 performs a decoupling function which releases the movement of the support member 4 from that of the annular component "C".

[0127] To this end, the extraction assembly 7 is configured for separating the contact element 5 from the annular component "C", progressively and in a coordinated manner with a movement of the respective support member 4 between the first and the second axial position.

[0128] In other words, the extraction assembly 7 is configured for moving the contact element 5 and the support member 4 so as to give them different types of movements in order to separate the contact element 5 from the annular component "C", in particular from the radially inner surface of the annular component "C".

[0129] According to an aspect of the invention, the extraction assembly 7 is configured for separating the contact element 5 from the annular component "C", maintaining an axial velocity of the contact element 5, at least at said contact zones 6, equal to a corresponding axial velocity of the annular component "C".

[0130] In other words, the extraction assembly 7 is connected to the contact element 5 and to the support member 4 and configured for maintaining the difference between the axial velocities of the annular component "C" and of the contact element 5 at said contact zones 6 substantially zero.

[0131] Preferably, the extraction assembly 7 is associated with the support member 4 and configured for axially translating said support member 4, preferably along an axial direction "B", between the first and the second axial position.

[0132] Therefore, the extraction assembly 7 is configured for extracting the support member 4 and the contact element 5 without generating sliding (i.e. sliding contact) between the contact element 5 and the annular component "C".

[0133] Preferably, therefore, by keeping the annular component "C" in an axially fixed position, and therefore without axial velocity, the extraction assembly 7 is configured for also maintaining the axial velocity of the contact element 5 substantially zero at the contact zones 6, thereby avoiding the onset of sliding that could damage the annular component "C".

[0134] Clearly, "zero" difference and "no sliding" are meant to include all those cases in which the difference between the axial velocities is such as to generate even minimal sliding, of an extent lower than an application tolerance (micro-sliding).

[0135] Preferably, the extraction assembly 7 is configured for executing, concurrently with the movement of the support member 4 from the first to the second axial position, a separation action transverse to the axial direction "B" (preferably at least partly radial) at a terminal contact zone 6a between the contact element 5 and the annular component "C".

[0136] The "terminal contact zone" is preferably defined as the contact zone, of the plurality of contact zones 6, such that the remaining contact zones 6 between the contact element 5 and the annular component "C" are all arranged, starting from the terminal contact zone, along the movement direction of the support member 4 and towards the second axial position.

[0137] Preferably, the contact element 5 is a spacer belt 8 physically interposed between the support member 4 and the annular component "C".

[0138] Preferably, therefore, the spacer belt 8 defines a continuous contact surface with the annular component "C", in particular with a radially inner surface thereof.

[0139] Such spacer belt 8 is preferably defined by a section of flexible belt made of plastic material, preferably a material having a low friction coefficient.

[0140] The spacer belt 8 has a thickness such that a radially outer surfaces thereof, at least at the contact zones 6, protrudes from the support member 4 in such a way as to be the only part of the preparation drum 2 in direct contact with the annular component "C".

[0141] Preferably, the spacer belt 8 is slidably associated with the support member 4.

[0142] By virtue of such measure, the sliding contact is moved from the contact zones 6 between the contact element 5 and the annular component "C" to the contact zone between the support member 4 and the contact element 5, avoiding damage to the annular component "C".

[0143] Preferably, in each operative condition of the preparation drum 2, the spacer belt 8 comprises an exposed portion 9 extending along an axial direction "B" between said first axial end zone 9a and a second axial end zone 9b.

[0144] Such exposed portion 9 has a radially outer face 9c and a radially inner face 9d.

[0145] It should be noted that the term "exposed" is used to indicate that, in a non-use condition, the portion 9 is accessible from a radially outer position, for example to proceed with the deposition of the semi-finished product in the manufacturing of the annular component "C".

[0146] Preferably, the support element 4 is held in a push position on the radially inner face of the spacer belt 8 by a spring (not shown).

[0147] The contact zones 6, preferably the continuous contact surface with the annular component "C", are therefore defined by and on the exposed portion 9.

[0148] Preferably, the extraction assembly 7 is associated with the spacer belt 8 and configured for exerting, locally, a bending action transverse to the axial direction "B" on the first axial end zone 9a of the exposed portion 9 of the spacer belt 8.

[0149] In fact, the extraction assembly 7 is configured for translating the support member 4 along an axial extraction direction, partially extracting the support member 4 from the annular component "C".

[0150] The translation of the support member 4 along the axial extraction direction in fact causes the support member 4 to come out of the annular component "C".

[0151] At the same time as said translation, taking advantage of the space freed up by the movement of the support member 4, the extraction assembly 7 is configured for acting on the spacer belt 8, in particular on the first axial end zone 9a, with a bending action (or optionally shear) transverse to the axial direction, so as to separate the first axial end zone 9a from the exposed portion 9 orthogonally to the annular component "C", avoiding any sliding between the spacer belt 8 and the annular component "C".

[0152] From a structural point of view, the extraction assembly 7 is preferably connected to the spacer belt 8 and to the support member 4 and is configured for:

[0153] - translating the support member 4 between the first and second position and, at the same time, - exerting said bending action at the first axial end zone 9a of the exposed portion 9 of the spacer belt 8.

[0154] Preferably, as illustrated in the accompanying figures, the spacer belt 8 is axially extended between a first, axially constrained terminal edge 8a and a second terminal edge 8b.

[0155] The first terminal edge 8a is axially constrained since, at least during the movement between the first and second condition of the preparation drum 2, it does not undergo any axial movement.

[0156] Conversely, the second terminal edge 8b is movable and its movement causes the bending action of the first axial end zone 9a.

[0157] Preferably, in fact, the spacer belt 8 extends axially between the first terminal edge 8a and the second terminal edge 8b passing through a turned-up section 8c.

[0158] It should be noted that the turned-up section corresponds to the first axial end zone 9a of the exposed portion 9.

[0159] In greater detail, in each operative position, i.e. in each operative condition of the preparation drum 2, therefore, the spacer belt 8 comprises a radially outer portion 10a, extending between the first terminal edge 8a and the turned-up section 8c, and a radially inner portion 10b, extending between the second terminal edge 8b and the turned-up section 8c.

[0160] The radially outer portion 10a and the radially inner portion 10b are therefore at least partly overlapped (radially).

[0161] More precisely, preferably the radially outer portion 10a and the radially inner portion 10b are wound around the support member 4.

[0162] Preferably, the support member 4 is defined by an axial bar 11. More preferably, the support member 4, therefore the axial bar 11, extends between a first axial end 11a and a second axial end lib with a radially outer face 11c and a radially inner face lid. The first axial end 11a of the bar 11 is located at the first axial end 9a of the exposed portion 9.

[0163] Therefore, the spacer belt 8 extends along the respective axial bar 11 and has the turned-up portion 8c at the first axial end 11a thereof.

[0164] The turned-up section 8c of the spacer belt 8 is therefore wound around the first axial end 11a of the bar 11.

[0165] The spacer belt 8 is preferably slidably associated with the axial bar 11 such that the radially outer portion 10a is slidably associated with the radially outer face 11c of the axial bar 11, while the radially inner portion 10b is slidably associated with the radially inner face lid of the axial bar 11.

[0166] In this way, the axial movement of the axial bar 11 causes a sliding of the bar itself with respect to the spacer belt 8, in particular to its exposed portion 9, which instead has bending as its only movement, i.e. the progressive separation of the first axial end 9a (or of the turned-up section 8c) of the exposed portion 9 from the annular component "C", in pursuit of the translation of the axial bar 11.

[0167] In this regard, in fact, the extraction assembly 7 is preferably:

[0168] - connected to the support member 4, more preferably to the bar 11;

[0169] - connected to the second terminal edge 8b of the spacer belt 8;

[0170] - configured for imparting a first linear movement to the support member 4 along said axial direction "B" - configured for imparting a second linear movement to the second terminal edge 8b of the spacer belt 8.

[0171] The second linear movement is preferably coordinated with and proportional to the first linear movement.

[0172] More preferably, both the first and second linear movements have the same axial orientation (i.e. they are both axially oriented, extracting from the same circumferential edge 12a, 12b of the preparation drum 2).

[0173] Preferably, the extraction assembly 7 is configured for imparting to the second terminal edge 8b of the spacer belt 8 a second linear movement of twice the extent of the first linear movement of the support member 4.

[0174] This is mainly due to the turned-up arrangement of the spacer belt 8, which causes the spacer belt 8 to wind the support member 4 (i.e. the axial bar 11) with two sections of spacer belt 8, thus requiring a displacement of the second terminal edge 8b of twice the extent with respect to the support member 4 to optimise the separation of the spacer belt 8 from the annular component "C".

[0175] To this end, preferably, the preparation drum 2 comprises at least a first fixing flange 13 for the first terminal edge 8a of the spacer belt 8.

[0176] Preferably, the axial bar 11 is mounted overhanging with respect to the first flange 13, with the first axial end 11a at the first axial end zone 9a of the exposed portion 9 of the spacer belt 8.

[0177] It should be noted that, preferably, the first flange 13 is axially interposed between said first and second axial ends of the axial bar 11.

[0178] As it slides, therefore, the axial bar 11 moves between the first axial position, in which the second axial end lib is brought closer to the first flange 13, and the second axial position, in which the second axial end lib is moved away from the first flange 13.

[0179] The preparation drum 2 further comprises at least a second flange 14 for fixing the second terminal edge 8b of the spacer belt 8.

[0180] The second flange 14 is preferably fixed to a trolley 15 axially movable between a position axially proximal to the first axial end zone 9a of the spacer belt 8 and a position axially distal from the first axial end zone 9a of the spacer belt 8.

[0181] In other words, the trolley 15 is movable between a position axially proximal to the first axial end 11a of the axial bar 11 and a position axially distal from the first axial end 11a of the axial bar 11.

[0182] The extraction assembly 7 is therefore connected to the support member 4 (i.e. to the axial bar 11) and to the trolley 15 for concurrently moving:

[0183] - the support member 4 between the first and second axial position,

[0184] - the trolley 15 between the axially proximal position and the axially distal position with respect to said first axial end 11a.

[0185] Preferably, therefore, the extraction assembly 7 is configured for moving the preparation drum 2 between: the deposition condition (Figures 1 and 4a), wherein the support member 4 is in the first axial position and the trolley 15 is in axially proximal position, the transfer condition (Figures 2c and 5b), wherein the support member 4 is in the second axial position and the trolley 15 is in axially distal position.

[0186] In this regard, it should be noted that the movement of the trolley 15 corresponds to the second linear movement described above.

[0187] Therefore, preferably, the distance travelled by the trolley 15 (therefore by the second flange 14) between the axially proximal position and the axially distal position is twice that of a corresponding distance travelled by the support member 4 (therefore by the axial bar 11) between the first and second axial positions.

[0188] Preferably, the extraction assembly 7 comprises a linear motion device consisting of an electric linear screw axis.

[0189] It should be noted that preferably, the preparation drum 2 comprises a plurality of support members 4 circumferentially spaced and distributed around the rotation axis "X" and a corresponding plurality of contact elements 5 each associated with a respective support member 4.

[0190] In other words, preferably the preparation drum 2 is a so-called "finger" drum provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced (in particular equally spaced) axial bars 11 and each associated with a respective spacer belt 8.

[0191] The set of support members 4 and the respective contact elements 5 thereof defines the deposition surface 2a of the preparation drum 2.

[0192] Preferably, the support members 4 are radially movable, in a synchronised manner with each other, in order to vary the diameter of the preparation drum and the deposition surface 2a, adapting them to different types and sizes of tyres. The preparation drum 2 therefore has three degrees of freedom managed by three motors which allow the axial extraction movement (extraction assembly 7), the rotary movement for the winding of the semi-finished product and the radial movement of the support members 4 to allow the diameter set-up.

[0193] The extraction assembly 7 is preferably configured for moving all the support members 4 and all the contact elements 5 in synchrony.

[0194] For example, in the preferred embodiment, the extraction assembly 7 is configured for moving the second flange 14, so as to give all the trolleys 15 and the corresponding support members 4 the respective (second and first) linear movements thereof.

[0195] Alternatively, however, the preparation drum 2 may comprise a single cylindrical support member and one or more contact elements 5 associated therewith, without deviating from the concept underlying the present invention.

[0196] Furthermore, with reference to what is schematically illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, a particular embodiment will be described below in which the preparation drum 2 comprises two half-drums 16, 17 which are mutually aligned along the rotation axis "X", each extended between an axially outer circumferential edge 16a, 17b and an axially inner circumferential edge 16b, 17a.

[0197] It should be noted that the axially outer circumferential edges 16a, 17b of the half-drums 16, 17 correspond to the first circumferential edge 12a and the second circumferential edge of the preparation drum 2.

[0198] Such embodiment is preferably used in the building and shaping of the annular component "C", which in the preferred example is defined by at least part of a belt structure of a vehicle wheel tyre.

[0199] Preferably, each half-drum 16, 17 comprises at least one support member 4, designed to partially support the annular component "C" and at least one contact element 5 operatively interposed between the support member 4 and the annular component "C". The support members 4 and the contact element 5 are oriented so that the first axial end 11a of each bar 11 defines at least in part the axially inner circumferential edge 16b, 17a of the respective half-drum 16, 17.

[0200] Preferably, the two half-drums 16, 17 are arranged in a mirrorlike manner with respect to a mid-plane of the annular component "C".

[0201] Preferably, each half-drum 16, 17 comprises a plurality of support members 4 circumferentially spaced and distributed around the rotation axis "X" and a corresponding plurality of contact elements 5 each associated with a respective support member 4.

[0202] The two half-drums 16, 17 are therefore "finger" half-drums as described above, where each axial bar 11 of a half-drum 16, 17 is axially aligned and oriented in a mirror-like manner to a corresponding axial bar 11 of the other half-drum 16, 17.

[0203] Such half-drums 16, 17 are mutually movable between a first axial position, corresponding to the first operative condition and wherein the respective axially inner circumferential edges 16b, 17a are approached, and a second axial position, corresponding to the second operative condition of the preparation drum 2 and wherein the respective axially inner circumferential edges 16b, 17a are moved apart, defining or enlarging an annular opening 18 axially interposed between the half-drums 16, 17.

[0204] In this regard, preferably the two half-drums 16, 17 are each associated with a respective extraction assembly 7, or with the same extraction assembly 7, of the type preferably described above.

[0205] The movement of the two half-drums 16, 17 therefore corresponds to the extraction movement imparted to the support member or members 4 and to the contact element or elements 5 of the same via the extraction assembly or assemblies 7.

[0206] With reference to the embodiment of Figures 4a, 4b, 5a and 5b described thus far, preferably the support device 3 comprises a profiler drum 19 positioned coaxially with the half-drums 16, 17 and axially interposed therebetween.

[0207] The profiler drum 19 has a convex and radially outer and axial expansion surface 19a. In other words, the expansion surface 19a preferably has a curved axial profile corresponding to the axial profile of the annular component "C" once shaped, usually having a toroidal structure.

[0208] More specifically, the expansion surface 19a has a curvilinear axial profile defining a convexity facing a radially outer direction, with an axial symmetry plane thereof axially centred between the axially inner edges of the half-drums 16, 17, at an axial middle line zone "M". Belonging to two different drums, the expansion surface 19a and the deposition surface 2a are structurally distinct from each other.

[0209] The profiler drum 19 is in turn switchable between a first operative condition, wherein the expansion surface 19a has a maximum diameter smaller than or equal to a diameter of the deposition surface of the preparation drum 2, and a second operative condition wherein the expansion surface 19a radially projects through the annular opening 18 defined between said half-drums 16, 17.

[0210] A control unit is configured for imparting coordinated movements to the extraction assembly 7 and to the profiler drum 19 along the axial direction "B" (for the half-drums 16, 17) and radial direction (for the profiler drum 19) in order to expand the profiler drum 19 progressively and proportionally to the axial widening of the annular opening 18.

[0211] When the two half-drums 16, 17 are moved away from each other with the preparation drum 2 in the open condition, the profiler drum 19 may be inserted through the annular opening 18 within the preparation drum 2 and mounted coaxial thereto, and again through the annular opening 18, it may be extracted from the preparation drum 2 and moved away therefrom. Preferably, when mounted within the preparation drum 2, the profiler drum 19 is supported with respect to the half-drums 16, 17 for example by means of a mandrel / tailstock coupling, not shown.

[0212] The profiler drum 19 further comprises movement members (not shown) configured to implement the transition between the two aforementioned operative conditions. According to a possible embodiment, the movement members comprise a screw-nut system operationally interposed between the sectors of the profiler body and a central shaft.

[0213] Preferably, the profiler drum 19, and in particular the expansion surface 19a, at least in the second operating condition has a curvature ratio between about 0.15 and about 0.45, typically suitable for the manufacturing of tyres for motorcycles or other two-wheeled vehicles. However, if necessary, curvature ratios of different values may be used, for example lower than those indicated above, for example suitable for the production of car or truck tyres.

[0214] In use, the apparatus 1 as described above allows the embodiment of a process for transferring annular components in the building of tyres according to the present invention.

[0215] It should be noted that in the description of the process, the same reference numerals used thus far in the description of the apparatus will be used for the same technical features.

[0216] In any case, it is noted that all the features of the apparatus, even if not explicitly identified or used in the following description of the process, are to be considered applicable to it. The process provides for preparing the preparation drum 2 described above and extending around the rotation axis "X".

[0217] The semi-finished product (ribbon-shaped or stratiform, as described above) is then wound in a substantially annular or cylindrical shape around said preparation drum 2, in particular around a deposition surface 2a of the preparation drum 2.

[0218] In this way, the annular component "C" of the tyre is manufactured.

[0219] As already indicated, the annular component "C" may be of various natures, either a carcass layer or multilayer component or a belt layer or multilayer component, or even a further component of another nature which however has a cylindrical shape.

[0220] At this point, the process provides for removing the preparation drum 2 from the annular component "C" by axially moving said preparation drum 2. At the same time, the annular component "C" is supported by means of the support device 3.

[0221] Such support step may be carried out by holding the annular component "C" from a radially outer position, for example by holding the radially outer surface of the annular component "C" using aspirators. A process of this type is shown schematically in Figures 1, 2a, 2b and 2c.

[0222] In other embodiments, exemplified schematically in Figures 4a, 4b, 5a and 5b, the support step may be carried out by means of the profiler drum 19 or another radially expandable device, which therefore supports the annular component "C" by means of a radial thrust at the radially inner surface thereof.

[0223] Preferably, removing the preparation drum 2 provides for progressively moving the support member 4 along the axial direction "B" and, at the same time, separating the contact element 5 from the annular component "C".

[0224] Preferably, such separation step is carried out progressively and in a coordinated manner with the movement of the respective support member 4, maintaining an axial velocity of the contact element 5, at said contact zones 6, equal to a corresponding axial velocity of the annular component "C".

[0225] In other words, the extraction step is carried out by maintaining the difference between the axial velocities of the annular component "C" and the contact element 5 at said contact zones 6 zero.

[0226] Therefore, the process provides for extracting the support member 4 and the contact element 5 without sliding (i.e. sliding contact) between the contact element 5 and the annular component "C". It is therefore provided to generate a sliding or sliding movement between the support element 4 and the contact element 5, by performing only a separation movement transverse to the axial direction between the contact element 5 and the annular component "C".

[0227] Such transverse separation action is preferably carried out at the terminal contact zone 6a between the contact element 5 and the annular component "C". It should be noted that starting from the terminal contact zone 6a, the remaining contact zones 6 between the contact element 5 and the annular component "C" are all preferably arranged towards the second axial end lib of the axial bar 11.

[0228] Preferably, separating the contact element 5 provides for bending a first axial end region 9a of said contact element 5 transversely to the axial direction "B".

[0229] Preferably, in this regard, the contact element 5 is defined by the spacer belt 8, preferably provided with an exposed portion 9 coupled to the annular component "C" and extending parallel to said annular component "C" from the first axial end zone 9a to the second axial end zone 9b.

[0230] The separation action of the contact element 5 therefore provides for bending the first axial end zone 9a of the exposed portion 9 of the spacer belt 8 away from the annular component "C", preferably along a separation direction provided with at least one radial component.

[0231] More precisely, the bending of the first axial end zone 9a of the exposed portion 9 is carried out progressively, thereby moving the same first axial end zone 9a of the exposed portion 9 towards the second axial end zone 9b. In other words, the bending of the first axial end zone 9a of the exposed portion 9 causes a progressive reduction in the axial length of the exposed portion 9 itself.

[0232] This is because the bending action causes the terminal contact line 6a between the spacer belt 8 and the annular component "C" to progressively move towards the second axial end zone 9b of the exposed portion, reducing the axial length of the latter. Preferably, this occurs by virtue of a progressive axial movement of the support member 4 (i.e. of the axial bar 11), which is made to slide axially on the radially inner face 9d of the exposed portion 9.

[0233] It should also be noted that, preferably, the bending of the first axial end zone 9a provides for turning up the spacer belt 8 at the first axial end zone 9a itself.

[0234] Thus, in each operative position said spacer belt 8 comprises a radially outer portion 10a, extending between the first terminal edge 8a and the turned-up section 8c, and a radially inner portion 10b, extending between the second terminal edge 8b and the turned-up section 8c, with the turned-up section 8c corresponding, as discussed above, to the first axial end 9a of the exposed portion 9.

[0235] In order to keep the movement of the support member 4 (i.e. of the axial bar 11) and of the spacer belt 8 coordinated, it is preferably contemplated to move the second terminal edge 8b of the spacer belt 8 along a respective movement direction to generate said bending action.

[0236] More precisely, moving the second terminal edge 8b of the spacer belt 8 along a respective movement direction comprises translating the second terminal edge 8b away from said turned- up section 8c.

[0237] Preferably, in this regard, the movement of the support member 4 provides for generating a first linear movement along the axial direction "B".

[0238] At the same time, separating the contact element 5 from the annular component "C" provides for generating a second linear movement of the second terminal edge 8b of the spacer belt 8. Preferably, the first and second linear movements are both axial, parallel to each other and axially concordant.

[0239] In the preferred embodiment, in each axial position of the support member 4, the length of the first linear movement is equal to half the length of the corresponding second linear movement.

[0240] This is mainly due to the turned-up arrangement of the spacer belt 8, which causes the spacer belt 8 to wind the support member 4 (i.e. the axial bar 11) with two sections of spacer belt 8, thus requiring a displacement of the second terminal edge 8b of twice the extent with respect to the support member 4 to separate the spacer belt 8 from the annular component "C" without sliding therebetween.

[0241] With reference to what is illustrated in Figures 4a, 4b, 5a and 5b, a particular embodiment of the process according to the present invention will be described below.

[0242] Such embodiment preferably involves the adoption of an apparatus with a structure with two half-drums 16, 17 and the profiler drum 19 described above.

[0243] It is therefore contemplated to wind the semi-finished product according to a substantially cylindrical shape astride said two half-drums 16, 17 in order to manufacture the annular component "C".

[0244] Preferably, the two half-drums 16, 17 are arranged in a mirrorlike manner with respect to a mid-plane of the annular component "C".

[0245] In such embodiment, the removal of the preparation drum 2 provides for removing the two half-drums 16, 17 from axially opposite sides of the annular component "C".

[0246] Preferably, this is done by moving the half-drums 16, 17 apart from each other along the axial direction "B" (i.e. along the rotation axis "X"), sliding them off the axially opposite circumferential edges of the annular component "C" so as to generate or widen the annular opening 18 between the halfdrums 16, 17 that are mutually separated.

[0247] In particular, the method preferably provides for sliding the support member 4 of one half-drum 16, 17 axially away from the support member 4 of the other half-drum 16, 17 and, at the same time, bending the first axial end zones 9a of the spacer belts 8 of the two half-drums 16, 17 away from each other.

[0248] During the extraction, therefore, the terminal contact zones 6a of two contact elements 5 belonging to two different and aligned half-drums 16, 17 tend to move away axially until they reach, preferably, a total absence of contact with the annular component "C".

[0249] In this regard, in fact, the support action on the annular component "C" is carried out by radially expanding, in proximity to the first axial end zone 9a, the profiler drum 19, to shape the annular component "C" according to an arched axial profile according to an expansion surface 19a presented in a radially outer position by the profiler drum 19. The radial expansion and axial bulk of the profiler drum 19 therefore grow proportionally to the axial expansion of the annular opening 18, facilitating the progressive deposition of the annular component "C" on the profiler drum 19, as schematically shown in Figures 4a, 4b, 5a and 5b.

[0250] In fact, preferably, during said removal, the annular opening 18 expands axially and the profiler drum 19 progressively occupies the annular opening 18 while remaining adjacent to the first axial end zones 9a of the exposed portions 9 of the spacer belts 8 of the two half-drums 16, 17.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Process for transferring an annular component (C) used in building tyres, comprising:- arranging a preparation drum (2) extended around a rotation axis (X);- winding a semi-finished product according to a substantially annular or cylindrical shape around said preparation drum (2), so as to manufacture an annular component (C) of a tyre;- removing the preparation drum (2) from the annular component (C) by axially moving said preparation drum (2);- supporting the annular component (C) by a support device (3) concurrently with said removal; wherein the preparation drum (2) is provided with: at least one support member (4) designed to support at least one part of said annular component (C); at least one contact element (5) operatively interposed between the support member (4) and said at least one part of the annular component (C); and wherein removing the preparation drum (2) comprises:- progressively moving the support member (4) of the preparation drum (2) along an axial direction (B);- separating the contact element (5) from the annular component (C), progressively and in a coordinated manner with the movement of the respective support member (4).

2. Process according to claim 1, wherein separating the contact element (5) from the annular component (C) provides for separating a portion of the contact element (5) from the annularcomponent (C) having a length corresponding to a displacement of the support member (4) in the same axial direction (B).

3. Process according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the contact element (5) comprises a plurality of contact zones (6) contacting said annular component (C) and wherein separating the contact element (5) from the annular component (C) provides for maintaining a relative axial velocity between the annular component (C) and the contact element (5), at the contact zones (6), that is substantially zero.

4. Process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein separating the contact element (5) provides for executing, concurrently with the movement of the support member (4) along said axial direction (B), a separation action transverse to the axial direction (B) at a terminal contact zone (6a) between the contact element (5) and the annular component (C).

5. Process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact element (5) is a spacer belt (8) physically interposed between the support member (4) and the annular component (C).

6. Process according to claim 5, wherein the spacer belt (8) is slidably associated with the support member (4).

7. Process according to claim 5 or 6, when dependent on claim 4, wherein separating the contact element (5) comprises bending the contact element (5) transverse to the axial direction at theterminal contact zone (6a).

8. Process according to any one of the claims from 5 or 7, wherein separating the contact element (5) comprises bending a first axial end zone (9a) of said contact element (5).

9. Process according to claim 8, wherein, during said removal of the preparation drum (2), the spacer belt (8) comprises an exposed portion (9) matched to the annular component (C) and extended parallel to said annular component (C) from said first axial end zone (9a) up to a second axial end zone (9b), and wherein separating the contact element (5) comprises bending said first axial end zone (9a) of the exposed portion (9), progressively moving said first axial end zone (9a) towards the second axial end zone (9b).

10. Process according to claim 9, wherein separating the contact element (5) comprises bending said first axial end zone (9a) of the exposed portion (9), progressively reducing an axial length of the exposed portion (9).

11. Process according to any one of the claims from 5 to 10, wherein the spacer belt (8) is extended axially between a first terminal edge (8a), axially constrained, and a second terminal edge (8b).

12. Process according to claim 11, wherein separating the contact element (5) provides for moving the second terminal edge (8b) of the spacer belt (8) along a respective movementdirection in order to generate said bending action.

13. Process according to claim 11 or 12, wherein bending said first axial end zone (9a) of the exposed portion (9) provides for turning up the spacer belt (8) at the first axial end zone (9a) itself, such that, in each operative position, said spacer belt (8) comprises a radially outer portion (10a), extended between the first terminal edge (8a) and a turned-up section (8c), and a radially inner portion (10b), extended between the second terminal edge (8b) and the turned-up section (8c), with said turned-up section (8c) corresponding to said first end zone (9a) of the exposed portion (9).

14. Process according to any one of the claims from 11 to 13, wherein:- progressively moving the support member (4) comprises generating a first linear movement of said support member (4) along said axial direction (B);- separating the contact element (5) from the annular component (C) comprises generating a second linear movement of said second terminal edge (8b) of the spacer belt (8).

15. Process according to claim 14, wherein an extension of the first linear movement is equal to half the extension of the second linear movement.

16. Process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:- said preparation drum (2) comprises two half-drums (16, 17) that are mutually aligned with each other along the rotation axis (X), each extended between an axially outer circumferential edge (16a, 17b) and an axially inner circumferential edge (16b, 17a),- said half-drums (16, 17) are each provided with said at least one support member (4) and said at least one contact element (5), with the first axial end zone (9a) of each contact element (5) at least partly defining the axially inner circumferential edge (16b, 17a) of the respective half-drum (16, 17).

17. Process according to claim 16, wherein- winding the semi-finished product provides for winding the semi-finished product according to a shaping that is substantially cylindrical astride said two half-drums (15);- removing the preparation drum (2) comprises mutually moving apart said half-drums (16, 17) along said axial direction (B), removing them from axially opposite circumferential edges of the annular component (C), in order to generate or enlarge an annular opening (18) between the mutually moved-apart halfdrums (16, 17).

18. Process according to claim 16 or 17, wherein at least partially supporting the annular component (C) by a support device (3) comprises radially expanding, in proximity to said first axial end zone (9a), a profiler drum (19) coaxial with the preparation drum (2) in order to shape the annular component (C) according to a curved axial profile in accordance with an expansion surface (19a) of the profiler drum (19) in a radially outer position.

19. Apparatus for transferring annular components in building tyres, comprising:- at least one preparation drum (2) extended around a rotation axis (X) between a first circumferential edge (12a) and a second circumferential edge (12b) and progressively switchable between a first operative condition, or deposition condition, and a second operative condition, or transfer condition;- at least one feeder configured for applying at least one stratiform semi-finished product around a deposition surface (2a) at least partly defined by the preparation drum (2) so as to manufacture an annular component (C) of a tyre;- a support device (3) configured for supporting the annular component (C) when the preparation drum (2) is in the transfer condition; wherein said preparation drum (2) is provided with: at least one support member (4) set to at least partly support the annular component (C) and progressively movable between a first axial position and a second axial position, corresponding respectively to the first and to the second condition of the preparation drum (2); at least one contact element (5) operatively interposed between the support member (4) and the annular component (C); an extraction assembly (7) associated with said contact element (5) and configured for separating the contact element (5) from the annular component (C), progressively and in a coordinated manner with a movement of the respective support member (4) between the first and the second axial position.

20. Apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the extraction assembly (7) is configured for executing, concurrently with the movement of the support member (4) between the first and the second axial position, a separation action transverse to the axial direction (B) at a terminal contact zone (6a) between the contact element (5) and the annular component (C).

21. Apparatus according to claim 19 or 20, wherein said extraction assembly (7) is configured for separating a portion of the contact element (5) from the annular component (C) having a length corresponding to a displacement of the support member (4) between the first and the second axial position.

22. Apparatus according to any one of the claims from 19 to 21, wherein said contact element (5) defines, at least in the first operative condition of the preparation drum (2), a plurality of contact zones (6) contacting said annular component (C) and wherein said extraction assembly (7) is configured for maintaining a relative axial velocity between the annular component (C) and the contact element (5), at the contact zones (6), that is substantially zero.

23. Apparatus according to any one of the claims from 19 to 22, wherein the contact element (5) is a spacer belt (8) physically interposed between support member (4) and annular component (C) and slidably associated with the support member (4).

24. Apparatus according to claim 23, when dependent on claim20, wherein said extraction assembly (7) is associated with the spacer belt (8) and configured for locally exerting a bending action transverse to the axial direction (B) at the terminal contact zone (6a).

25. Apparatus according to claim 23 or 24, wherein, in each operative condition of the preparation drum (2), the spacer belt (8) comprises an exposed portion (9) extended along said axial direction (A) between said first axial end zone (9a) and a second axial end zone (9b); said exposed portion (9) being provided with a radially outer face (9c) and with a radially inner face (9d).

26. Apparatus according to claim 25, wherein said extraction assembly (7) is:- connected to said spacer belt (8) and to said support member (4),- configured for translating the support member (4) between the first and the second axial position and, concurrently, exerting said bending action at the first axial end zone (9a) of the spacer belt (8). J . Apparatus according to any one of the claims from 23 to 26, wherein the spacer belt (8) is axially extended between a first terminal edge (8a) and a second terminal edge (8b) passing through a turned-up section (8c), such that in each operative position said spacer belt (8) comprises a radially outer portion (10a), extended between the first terminal edge (8a) and the turned-up section (8c), and a radially inner portion (10b), extended between the second terminal edge (8b) and theturned-up section (8c), with said turned-up section (8c) corresponding to said first axial end zone (9a) of the exposed portion (9).

28. Apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said extraction assembly (7) is:- connected to said support member (4) and to said second terminal edge (8b) of the spacer belt (8);- configured for imparting a first linear movement to said at least one support member (4) along said axial direction (B) and, concurrently, a second linear movement to said second terminal edge (8b) of the spacer belt (8), wherein said second linear movement has double size with respect to the first linear movement of the support member (4).

29. Apparatus according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the preparation drum (2) comprises at least one first fixing flange (13) for the first terminal edge (8a) of the spacer belt (8) and wherein said support member (4) is mounted overhanging with respect to said first flange (13) and has a first axial end (11a) at the first axial end zone (9a) of the spacer belt (8).

30. Apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the preparation drum (2) comprises at least one second fixing flange (14) for the second terminal edge (8b) of the spacer belt (8) fixed to a trolley (15) axially movable between a position axially proximal to the first axial end zone (9a) of the spacer belt (8) and a position axially distal from the first axial end zone (9a) of the spacer belt31. Apparatus according to claim 30, wherein the extraction assembly (7) is configured for moving the preparation drum (2) between: the deposition condition, wherein the support member (4) is in the first axial position and the second flange (14) is situated in axially proximal position, the transfer condition, wherein the support member (4) is in the second axial position and the second flange (14) is situated in axially distal position.

32. Apparatus according to any one of the claims from 19 to 31, wherein the preparation drum (2) comprises:- a plurality of support members (4) that are circumferentially spaced and distributed around the rotation axis (X);- a plurality of contact elements (5), each associated with a respective support member (4).

33. Apparatus according to any one of the claims from 19 to 32, wherein said preparation drum (2) comprises two half-drums (16, 17) that are mutually aligned along the rotation axis (X), each extended between an axially outer circumferential edge (16a, 17b) and an axially inner circumferential edge (16b, 17a), and wherein said half-drums (16, 17) are each provided with: said at least one support member (4) set to partly support the annular component (C); said at least one contact element (5) operatively interposed between the support member (4) and theannular component (C), with the first axial end zone (9a) of each contact element (5) at least partly defining the axially inner circumferential edge (16b, 17a) of the respective half-drum (16, 17).

34. Apparatus according to claim 33, wherein said half-drums (16, 17) are mutually movable between a first axial position, corresponding to the first operative condition and wherein the respective axially inner circumferential edges (16b, 17a) are approached, and a second axial position, corresponding to the second operative condition and wherein the respective axially inner circumferential edges (16b, 17a) are moved apart, defining or enlarging an annular opening (18) axially interposed between the half-drums (16, 17).

35. Apparatus according to claim 33 or 34, wherein the support device (3) comprises a profiler drum (19) situated coaxial with the half-drums (16, 17) and axially interposed therebetween, wherein the profiler drum (19) has a radially outer and axially convex expansion surface (19a), wherein the profiler drum (19) is switchable between a first operative condition, wherein the expansion surface (19a) has a maximum diameter smaller than or equal to a diameter of the deposition surface (2a), and a second operative condition wherein the expansion surface (19a) radially projects through the annular opening (18) defined between said half-drums (16, 17).

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