Device for placing a venting valve in a tyre mould lining

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for placing a venting valve (28) in a lining sector (3) of a tyre mould, the device comprising: - a duct (5) configured to receive the valve (28), the valve (28) comprising a valve body and a flap movably mounted with respect to the valve body; - a tube (7) configured to push the valve (28) in the duct (5) towards the sector (3), the tube (7) having an internal diameter smaller than a diameter of the flap of the valve; - a pump (9) configured to add air inside the tube (7); and - a sensor (12) configured to measure a pressure inside the tube.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Device for installing a vent valve in a tire mold lining

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention relates to a device for installing vent valves in a tire mold lining, and in particular to an automatic installation device.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] Before molding a tire, it is necessary to install vent valves in the linings included in the mold. Vent valves allow air to be expelled from the mold when the tire material is inserted into the mold. When installing vent valves by hand, the operator must perform meticulous, time-consuming and ergonomically difficult work, particularly because of the posture he must adopt and the repetitive nature of the task.

[0007] There is a need to develop a vent valve installation process that reduces the drudgery of manual tasks.

[0008] STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An aim of the present disclosure is to provide a method of installing a vent valve that reduces the arduousness of manual tasks compared to the prior art.

[0010] The aim is achieved by means of a device for installing vent valves in a trim sector of a tire mold, the device comprising:

[0011] - a conduit configured to accommodate the valve, the valve comprising a valve body and a flap mounted to move relative to the valve body,

[0012] - a tube configured to push the valve into the conduit toward the sector, the tube having an internal diameter less than a diameter of the valve flap,

[0013] - a pump configured to add air inside the tube, and - a sensor configured to measure a pressure inside the tube.

[0014] Such a device is advantageously and optionally supplemented by the following different characteristics taken alone or in combination:

[0015] - a detector configured to measure a force applied by the tube to the valve; and the device comprises a detector or other detector configured to measure a position of the tube;

[0016] The disclosure further relates to a first assembly for installing a vent valve in a trim sector of a tire mold, the first assembly comprising

[0017] - a device for installing the valve as just presented,

[0018] - a base configured to receive the sector, the base being configured to reference the position and orientation of the sector relative to the device, and

[0019] - a conveyor configured to move the device relative to the base according to geometric data of the trim sector.

[0020] The disclosure also relates to a second assembly for installing two vent valves in a lining sector of a tire mold, the two valves comprising a first valve having a first diameter and a second valve having a second diameter different from the first diameter, the second assembly comprising:

[0021] - a first device for installing the first valve as just presented,

[0022] - a second device for installing the second valve as just presented, and

[0023] - a switching device configured to activate the first device or the second device depending on a geometric data of the trim sector.

[0024] Such a second assembly is advantageously and optionally completed by a base configured to receive the sector, the base being configured to reference the position and orientation of the sector relative to the first device and the second device, the switching device comprising a conveyor configured to move the first device and the second device relative to the base. The disclosure finally relates to a method for installing vent valves in a lining sector of a tire mold, the method comprising the following steps:

[0025] - installation of the valve in the sector by controlled movement of a tube resting against the valve towards the sector,

[0026] - generation of overpressure inside the tube,

[0027] - moving the tube away from the sector by a distance less than or equal to the travel of a valve flap, and

[0028] - measurement of pressure inside the tube.

[0029] DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0030] Other characteristics and advantages will emerge from the following description, which is purely illustrative and non-limiting, and must be read in conjunction with the appended drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a device for installing a vent valve; Figures 2 to 6 are schematic sections of parts of a device for installing a vent valve; Figure 7 is a schematic representation of an assembly for installing two vent valves; and Figure 8 is a schematic representation of a method for installing a vent valve.

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] A tire mold has a central axis that corresponds to the axis of the tire to be produced. The mold includes mold sectors distributed angularly around the axis. Each sector corresponds to an angular sector of the mold, typically 25 degrees in angle. The mold sectors correspond to the outer parts of the mold. During the molding process, the mold sectors are assembled and mechanically mounted against each other to form the mold. Inside each mold sector, the mold sector includes one or more lining sectors. It is the lining sector that is in contact with the tire material, for example a rubber-based compound, during molding. It is the lining sector that defines the tread pattern of the tire.A trim sector comprises a rear face which is intended to be in contact with the mold sector and a front face which is intended to be in contact with the tire material during molding.

[0033] The different lining sectors are, like the different mold sectors, distributed angularly around the axis. The assembly of the different lining sectors makes up the mold lining. There are different types of lining, including winter tire lining and summer tire lining. In particular, there are:

[0034] - a first type of trim sector formed from a single trim element, the trim sector then being a single piece, and

[0035] - a second type of trim sector formed from several trim sub-elements.

[0036] Each lining sector is pierced with holes. Each hole has a cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section. Each hole passes right through the sector in a direction of extension that is radial or almost radial. Advantageously, the direction of extension of the hole is orthogonal to a local curvature of the inner relief of the lining. The inner relief of the lining is the part of the lining that provides the relief of the tire tread.

[0037] Each orifice is characterized by a diameter, a position in the trim sector and an orientation relative to the trim sector.

[0038] The orifice is intended to accommodate a vent valve. A vent valve has a diameter measured in a transverse plane of the valve. A vent valve has a length or height that is typically 10 mm. The length or height of the valve is measured in a longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction is orthogonal to the transverse plane.

[0039] A vent valve is composed of a valve body, a flapper, and a return part. The flapper is mounted so as to move in translation in the longitudinal direction relative to the valve body. The flapper comprises a disc located at one end of the valve. The valve body comprises a ring located opposite the disc. The ring has an internal diameter that is less than a diameter of the flapper disc. The valve has two configurations. In a first open configuration, the flapper disc is separated from the ring of the valve body so that air can flow through the valve and the ring in the longitudinal direction. In a second closed configuration, the flapper disc is in contact with the ring of the valve body so that air cannot flow through the valve and the ring in the longitudinal direction.The return part is mounted between the valve and the valve body so as to exert an internal stress on the valve in the longitudinal direction in a valve opening direction. The return part may in particular be a spring. When the valve moves from the closed configuration to the open configuration, the valve moves relative to the valve body in the opening direction. This movement occurs over a distance referred to as the valve travel. The valve travel is typically 100 microns. In the absence of external stress on the valve, the internal stress on the valve, i.e. the stress exerted by the return part between the valve body and the valve, is sufficient for the valve to be in the open configuration.If an external stress is exerted on the valve, so as to push the flap in the longitudinal direction towards the valve body in a closing direction opposite to the opening direction, when the valve body is held fixed and the external stress is greater than the internal stress, then the valve goes into the closed configuration.

[0040] In a trim sector, the orifices do not necessarily all have the same size, because the sector may be intended to receive valves of different sizes. There is then a set of valve sizes that differ from each other. For example, the trim sector may receive a first type of vent valves that have a diameter of 2.5 mm and a second type of vent valves that have a diameter of 3 mm.

[0041] When the vent valve is inserted into the orifice, the longitudinal direction of the valve corresponds to the extension direction of the orifice.

[0042] In relation to Figure 1, a device 1 for installing a vent valve 28 in a lining sector 3 of a tire mold comprises a plate 4. The plate 4 makes it possible to define a reference wall which can be a vertical wall. The reference wall is defined by two orthogonal directions Z and Y. The device 1 comprises a motor 13 which comprises a motor body fixed to the plate 4. The motor body is stationary relative to the plate 4. The motor also comprises a toothed wheel 14. The motor 13 is configured to rotate the toothed wheel 14 relative to the plate 4 about an axis parallel to the Z direction. The device 1 comprises a belt 15 and a shaft 16. The shaft 16 extends parallel to the Z direction. The shaft 16 is connected to the plate 4 according to a pivot connection in the Z direction: the shaft 16 can have a rotational movement relative to the plate 4 about a thrust axis P parallel to the Z direction.

[0043] The belt 15 is connected to the toothed wheel 14 and the shaft 16 so that a rotation of the toothed wheel 14 is transmitted to the shaft 16. The motor 13 is thus configured to rotate the shaft 16 relative to the plate 4 about the Z direction.

[0044] The device 1 comprises a pusher 18 which is connected to the plate 4 by a sliding connection in the Z direction. In other words, the pusher 18 is mounted to move in translation in the Z direction relative to the plate 4. The pusher 18 is connected to the shaft 16 by a screw-nut connection. A rotational movement of the shaft 16 around the thrust axis P causes the translational movement of the pusher 18 relative to the plate 4 in the Z direction.

[0045] The pusher 18 comprises a tube 7 which extends along the thrust axis P. The tube 7 has an upper end 7A and a lower end 7B which are aligned along the thrust axis P. The lower end 7B is intended to come into contact with the valves to install them. The upper end 7A is located between the shaft 16 and the lower end 7B. The end 7A is fluidically connected to a pump 9 by a connector 10. The pump 9 is configured to add air inside the tube 7. A pressure sensor 12 is configured to measure the pressure inside the tube 7.

[0046] The tube 7 being fixed within the pusher 18, the motor 13 is configured to move the tube 7 along the thrust axis P, via a rotational movement of the toothed wheel 14, a movement of the belt 15, a rotational movement of the shaft 16 and a translational movement of the pusher 18.

[0047] The tube is hollow and has an outer diameter and an inner diameter. The inner diameter is less than a diameter of a valve, and in particular the diameter of the disc of the valve 28B of a valve 28.

[0048] The device 1 comprises a first detector 20 configured to measure a force applied by the tube 7 when it pushes a valve. This may amount to measuring the force applied by the motor to the tube 7. The detector may for example be a dynamometer comprising a strain gauge or a piezoelectric sensor. For example, when the first detector 20 comprises a strain gauge, the latter may be placed between the pusher 18 and the tube 7. When the rod 7 is resting on a part, for example a valve, and it then resists the force applied by the pusher 18, the strain gauge undergoes a force which can be measured, this force corresponding to the force applied by the tube 7 to the part.

[0049] The device 1 comprises a second detector 22 configured to measure a position of the tube 7. This may in particular be an angular position sensor placed inside the engine 13. The second sensor 22 may be calibrated prior to the valve installation operations, so as to determine a correspondence between a measured angular position and a position of the tube 7.

[0050] In relation to Figure 1, a device 1 for installing a vent valve 28 in a lining sector 3 of a tire mold comprises a installing head 2. The installing head 2 is the part of the device 1 which is located opposite the lining sector 3 when installing a valve 28. The installing head 2 is fixed to the plate 4 and is stationary relative to the plate 4.

[0051] The device 1 comprises a reservoir 30 of valves 28, and a supply channel 32 which connects the reservoir 30 to the laying head 2. The reservoir 30 is advantageously a vibrating bowl configured to give a particular orientation to the valves 28 which are transmitted to the laying head 2 via the supply channel 32. This particular orientation corresponds in particular to an orientation where the disc of the valve is the end of the valve 28 which leaves the reservoir 30 last. The supply channel 32 is adjusted to the diameter of the valve 28 to allow the movement of the valve 28 while maintaining the particular orientation of the reservoir 30 to the laying head 2.

[0052] The laying head 2 comprises a conduit 5 which is configured to accommodate the valve 28. The conduit 5 extends around the thrust axis P. The upper end 7B is located between the conduit 5 and the shaft 16. The external diameter of the tube 7 is less than the internal diameter of the conduit 5 so that the tube 7 can move inside the conduit 5 in a translational movement along the thrust axis P.

[0053] The laying head 2 comprises a barrel 34 configured to load a valve into the conduit 5. The barrel 34 is a disc centered on an axis orthogonal to the reference wall. This axis is parallel to a direction X orthogonal to each of the directions Y and Z. The center of the disc passes through the thrust axis P. The barrel 34 is located along the thrust axis between the conduit 5 and the upper end 7A of the tube 7. The barrel is a disc which has a groove 36 which passes through the disc from one side to the other along a diameter of the disc. The groove 36 has a cylindrical shape with a circular section. The diameter of the groove 36 is sufficient for a valve to pass through the groove and for the tube 7 to pass through the groove 36.

[0054] The laying head 2 is configured to leave the barrel free of material along the thrust axis P in the part of the laying head 2 which is located between the barrel 34 and the pusher 18. In other words, the laying head 2 defines an opening 29 located between the barrel 34 and the pusher 18, so that the barrel is opposite the lower end 7B of the tube 7. The opening 29 extends around the thrust axis P. The opening 29 is wide enough to be crossed by the tube 7.

[0055] The laying head 2 is configured to leave the barrel free of material along the thrust axis P in the part of the laying head 2 which is located between the barrel 34 and the conduit 5. In other words, the conduit 5 opens onto the barrel 34.

[0056] The feed channel 32 has an end 33 placed inside the laying head 2.

[0057] The end 33 is not located on the thrust axis P. In projection on this thrust axis P, the position of the end 33 is located between the center of the barrel disc 34 and the upper end 7A of the tube 7.

[0058] The feed channel 32 comprises a lower section 35 which comprises the end 33. The lower section extends partly inside the laying head 2. The lower section extends in a loading direction parallel to the reference wall. The loading direction passes through the center of the barrel disc 34. The loading direction is oblique to the Z direction, that is to say that the loading direction is neither parallel nor orthogonal to the Z direction. The loading angle between the loading direction and the Z direction is between 40° and 50°, for example equal to 45°.

[0059] The barrel is configurable in two configurations which correspond to two different angular positions of the disc around its axis.

[0060] In a first loading configuration, an upper end of the groove 36 is placed opposite the end 33 of the feed channel 32. The lower section of the feed channel is aligned with the groove 36 of the barrel 34. Thus, a valve routed from the reservoir 30 to the laying head can be inserted into the groove 36 of the barrel.

[0061] The lower end of the groove 36, which is diametrically opposite the upper end of the groove 36, is opposite the material of the setting head, so that the valve cannot come out of the barrel. In the first loading configuration, the tube 7 is always located between the barrel 34 and the pusher 18.

[0062] In a second pushing configuration, the upper end of the groove 36 is placed opposite the opening 29 of the laying head 2. The groove 36 of the barrel 34 is aligned with the pushing axis P. In this second configuration, the tube 7 can be inserted inside the laying head 2 and the groove 36. In this second configuration, the lower end of the groove 36 is opposite the conduit 5, so that the tube 7 can be inserted inside the conduit 5.

[0063] To move from the first configuration to the second configuration, the barrel is rotated in a first direction to turn through an angle equal to the loading angle.

[0064] To move from the second configuration to the first configuration, the barrel is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction to rotate through an angle equal to the loading angle. It should be noted that possibly the tube 7 must first be removed from the groove 36, so that the tube 7 is located between the barrel 34 and the pusher 18, before performing this rotation.

[0065] The laying device 1 may also comprise a control unit 39. The control unit 39 is configured to control the motor, the vibrating bowl and the barrel 34.

[0066] The installation device as previously presented makes it possible in particular to implement a method P for installing a vent valve in a lining sector of a tire mold.

[0067] Such a method P comprises the following steps.

[0068] During a first step S1, a vent valve 28 is transmitted into the barrel 34. The vent valve 28 is initially placed in the reservoir 30 and is transmitted through the feed channel 28 to the laying head 2. Advantageously, the reservoir is a vibrating bowl and the vent valve is transmitted in a particular orientation in which the vent valve progresses towards the laying head with the disc of the valve at the rear of the valve. The barrel 34 is controlled to move into the first loading configuration. This step is illustrated in FIG. 2 in which the valve 28 is being conveyed towards the barrel 34, the barrel 34 being in the loading configuration and in FIG. 3 in which the valve 28 is in the groove 36 of the barrel 34.It should be noted that if the plate 4 is oriented vertically and the reservoir is above the laying head 2, then gravity contributes to the correct transmission of the valve 28 to the barrel 34, and when the valve 28 is in the groove 36 of the barrel 34, the valve 28 can rest against the material of the laying head 2 which blinds the groove 36 in its lower part.

[0069] During a second step S2, the barrel is commanded to move into the second thrust configuration. The barrel rotates around the axis of the disc parallel to the direction X of the loading angle. The groove 36 of the barrel 34 is then aligned with the thrust axis P. Figure 4 illustrates the barrel in the second thrust configuration.

[0070] During a third step S3, the tube 7 pushes the valve 28 towards the sector 3 and inserts the valve 28 into an orifice 4 of the sector 3. In the second configuration, the lower end of the groove 36 is opposite the conduit 5, so that the valve 28 is no longer in contact with the material of the laying head 2. If the plate 4 is oriented vertically, then the valve 28 passes into the conduit 5 and may find itself close to the lining sector 3 or even in contact with the sector. The valve 28 is oriented so that the disc of the flap 28B is the end of the valve 28 furthest from the lining sector 3. It is assumed here that the thrust axis P is aligned with the direction of extension of the orifice 4. It is also assumed that the conduit 5 is at an ideal position of the lining sector 3 to allow the correct insertion of the valve 28 into the orifice 4.Since the barrel is in the second pushing configuration, the tube 7 is moved towards sector 3 so that the tube 7 is inserted inside the laying head 2, inside the groove 36 and then inside the conduit 5. The tube 7 is moved in a pushing direction. This situation is illustrated in Figure 4. The tube 7 is moved further in the thrust direction until the tube 7 contacts the valve 28 and more precisely until the lower end 7B of the tube 7 contacts the disc of the flap 28B of the valve 28. The tube 7 is moved further in the thrust direction so that the valve 28 is moved towards the sector 3 and inserted into the orifice 4. The orifice 4 and the valve 28 are adjusted in size so that during this insertion, the body 28A of the valve is forced inside the orifice 4. The insertion stops when the valve is flush with the surface of the support 3.In other words, the free surface of the support and the surface of the valve form a continuous surface. To obtain this insertion, the tube 7 exerts a stress on the valve, along the thrust axis P and in the thrust direction, which is greater than the internal stress of the valve 28. As the body 28 A of the valve is constrained inside the orifice 4 and is retained by the orifice 4, the valve passes from the open configuration to the closed configuration. This situation is illustrated in Figure 5. The ideal position of the packing sector 3 to allow the correct insertion of the valve 28 into the orifice 4 is: sufficiently close to the packing sector 3 to guide the valve 28 towards the orifice 4 throughout the insertion, and sufficiently far from the packing sector 3 not to damage the surface of the sector or the conduit.

[0071] During an optional fourth step S4, the first stress detector 20 measures the force applied by the tube 7 to the valve 28. In particular, the first stress detector 20 measures the maximum stress exerted by the tube 7 on the valve 28 during the third step S3.

[0072] This measurement provides a measured stress at valve insertion. It can be compared to a reference stress. If the measurement is significantly lower than the reference stress, then the orifice may be too large compared to the valve. If the measurement is significantly higher than the reference stress, then the orifice may be too small compared to the valve. The measurement can be decided to be significantly lower or higher than the reference stress when the difference between the measurement and the reference stress exceeds a threshold value. Otherwise, the measurement is significantly close to the reference stress and it is decided that the valve insertion was carried out as expected.

[0073] During a fifth optional step S5, the second tube position detector 22 measures the position of the tube 7. In particular, the second detector 22 measures the maximum position reached by the tube 7 in its translational movement in the thrust direction during the third step S3. In other words, the second detector 22 measures the extreme position reached by the tube 7 in its movement in the thrust direction corresponding to the insertion of the valve 28 into the orifice 4.

[0074] This measurement provides a measure of the length over which the valve is inserted into the packing sector. The insertion is carried out in a more precise and controlled manner. In particular, this measurement can be compared to a reference length and, as with the stress measured during the fourth step S4, a decision can be made as to whether the insertion of the valve has taken place as expected or not. During a sixth step S6, an overpressure is generated inside the tube 7. The pump 9 adds air inside the tube. This step takes place while the tube 7 presses against the valve 28. No air can escape from inside the tube 7 because at the end 7B of the tube 7, the tube 7 is blocked by the disc of the valve 28B of the valve 28. The internal diameter of the tube 7 is less than the diameter of the disc of the valve 28B of the valve 28. An overpressure is created inside the tube 7. This overpressure can be measured by the pressure sensor 12.

[0075] During a seventh step S7, the tube 7 is moved in a direction opposite to the thrust direction. The tube is thus moved away from the lining sector 3. The tube 7 is moved by a distance 38 less than or equal to the travel of the valve member 28B of the valve 28. Due to this movement, the tube exerts less stress against the valve member 28B. If the insertion has been carried out correctly and the valve is operating correctly, the valve member 28B should normally move away from the body 28A of the valve and remain in contact with the end 7B of the tube 7. The movement of the tube may be greater than or equal to 50% of the travel of the valve member, 75% of the travel of the valve member or 90% of the travel of the valve member. Figure 6 illustrates the situation where the tube has been moved at the end of step S7.

[0076] During an eighth step S8, the pressure inside the tube 7 is measured. This pressure can be measured by the pressure sensor 12. If the valve 28B is in contact with the end 7B of the tube 7, no air can escape from inside the tube 7 and the overpressure generated in step S6 still exists. 7.

[0077] If the pressure sensor measures an overpressure, then it is decided that the insertion was successful and that the valve is working correctly.

[0078] If, on the other hand, the pressure sensor does not measure overpressure, but normal pressure, then the valve disc is no longer in contact with the end 7B of the tube 7 and the valve installation has been carried out incorrectly or the valve itself has a fault.

[0079] It should be noted that the positioning of the conduit 5 is sufficiently far from the lining sector 3 to measure a normal pressure when the valve disc is no longer in contact with the end 7B of the tube 7.

[0080] The device as presented allows the proper functioning of the valve to be tested once it has been inserted. Furthermore, the device as presented also allows, by using a tube, to limit manual tasks and their arduousness. This is particularly the case if the tube is automatically controlled to move in a controlled manner.

[0081] The P method can be implemented for any type of lining, including winter tire lining and summer tire lining. Figure 8 schematically illustrates the P method.

[0082] More generally, the device as just presented can be included in a first assembly for installing a vent valve in a tire mold lining sector. In relation to FIG. 2, such a first assembly further comprises a base 24 configured to receive the sector 3.

[0083] The trim sector 3 is then fixed to the base 24. The base 24 can then serve as a spatial reference for the trim sector. The fixing of the trim sector 3 on the base 24 can be precise to the nearest micron. The base 24 is configured to reference the position and orientation of the sector relative to the device. For example, the base 24 has one or more markers which make it possible to spatially reference the base 24 in the reference frame of the first installation assembly and thus relative to the device 1.

[0084] In relation to Figure 7, the first laying assembly further comprises a conveyor 26 configured to move the device 1 relative to the base 24 as a function of geometric data of the lining sector.

[0085] The geometric data of the trim sector may in particular correspond to a position and an orientation of an orifice 4 to be filled with a valve in the trim sector 3.

[0086] The conveyor 26 makes it possible to align the thrust axis P of the device 1 with the axis of any orifice of the base 24. The insertion of the valve into an orifice 4 can then be carried out in a more precise and controlled manner.

[0087] The conveyor 26 may comprise different mechanisms 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D, 26E which make it possible to provide three translations and two rotations to move the device 1 relative to the base 24.

[0088] The plate 4 of the device 1 is fixed to a base 40. This base 40 is fixed to the ground so as to be immobile relative to the ground. The ground is horizontal and defined by the two horizontal directions H1 and H2. The vertical direction is referenced V.

[0089] The plate 4 is fixed to a base 40 via three mechanisms 26A, 26B and 26C. The first mechanism 26A allows a horizontal translation of the device 1 relative to the base 40 in the horizontal direction H1.

[0090] The second mechanism 26B allows a vertical translation of the device 1 relative to the base 40 in the direction V.

[0091] The third mechanism 26C allows a rotation of the device 1 relative to the base 40 around the horizontal direction HL

[0092] The plate 4 is fixed so as to define a vertical reference surface. More precisely, the plate 4 is vertical, that is, oriented along a vertical plane. The motor and the other parts of the device which are fixed to the plate 4 are fixed to a vertical wall of the plate 4.

[0093] The X direction presented previously corresponds to the HL direction. The Y and Z directions do not correspond in the general case to the H2 and V directions. However, for a particular angle of the third mechanism, the Z direction corresponds to the V direction, the H2 direction corresponds to the Y direction.

[0094] The base 24 is also fixed to the base 40, this time via the two mechanisms 26C and 26D.

[0095] The fourth mechanism 26D allows a horizontal translation of the base 24 relative to the base 40 in the direction H2.

[0096] The fifth mechanism 26E allows rotation of the base 24 relative to the base 40 in the direction H2.

[0097] Thanks to the three translation mechanisms 26A, 26B and 26D, the device 1 can be placed opposite any orifice of a sector 3 arranged on the base 24.

[0098] Thanks to the two rotation mechanisms 26C and 26E, the thrust axis P of the device 1 can be made parallel to the axis of any orifice of a sector 3 arranged on the base 24.

[0099] Thanks to the five mechanisms 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D and 26E, the thrust axis P of the device 1 can be aligned with the axis of any orifice of a sector 3 arranged on the base 24. The insertion of the valve into an orifice 4 can be carried out in a more precise and controlled manner.

[0100] It is possible to produce the conveyor 26 using mechanisms other than the mechanisms 26A to 26E presented here, in particular by distributing the same degrees of freedom differently between the device 1 and the base 24. The control unit 39 of the device 1 can be configured to control the conveyor 26. Thus, from geometric data of the lining sector, for example the position and orientation of an orifice 4 of the lining sector 3, the control unit 39 controls the conveyor 26 so as to move and orient the laying head 2 and the sector 3 and align the thrust axis P and the direction of extension of the orifice 4.

[0101] The first set as previously presented makes it possible in particular to implement a Q method for installing a vent valve in a lining sector of a tire mold. The Q method can in particular add steps to the P method already presented. Figure 8 schematically illustrates the Q method.

[0102] Such a method Q comprises the following steps.

[0103] During a step E3, the control unit 30 processes geometric data of the lining sector. This data may in particular be the position and orientation of an orifice 4 of the sector 3. The processing may correspond, for example, to the calculation of the relative movements of the device 1 and the lining sector in order to be able to align the thrust axis P and the direction of extension of the orifice 4.

[0104] During a step E4, the conveyor 26 relatively moves the device 1 and the lining sector 3 to be able to align the thrust axis P and the direction of extension of the orifice 4. This movement also includes the positioning of the conduit 5 sufficiently close to the lining sector 3 to allow the correct insertion of the valve 28 into the orifice 4. The control unit 30 can control the conveyor 26 so that this movement is carried out.

[0105] The Q process can be implemented for any type of lining, including winter tire lining and summer tire lining.

[0106] The device 1 presented previously can be included in a second assembly for installing two vent valves in a tire mold lining sector, the two valves comprising a first valve having a first diameter and a second valve having a second diameter different from the first diameter. In particular, the first valve can have a diameter of 2.5 mm and the second valve can have a diameter of 3 mm.

[0107] In relation to figure 7, such a second assembly comprises: a first device 1A for installing the first valve, and a second device 1B for installing the second valve.

[0108] The second assembly also includes a switching device configured to activate the first device or the second device based on a geometric data of the trim sector.

[0109] The geometric data can be, for example, the diameter of the orifice to be filled in the packing area. Based on this diameter, it can be determined which valve between the first valve and the second valve should be installed. From this, it is deduced which device should be activated.

[0110] The switching device is for example a device configured to: approach the laying head of one of the laying devices of the lining sector, and move the laying head away from the other laying device of the lining sector.

[0111] In particular, the switching device may comprise the conveyor 26 as previously presented in relation to the first assembly. It is possible in particular to mount the two laying devices on the same plate 4 which is fixed to the base 40 via the third mechanism 26C for rotation around the horizontal axis HL. The horizontal axis H1 then coincides with the axis X of each laying device. The laying devices may be mounted on the plate 4 in orthogonal symmetry relative to the axis of rotation of the third mechanism 26C. In other words, the first laying device is the image of the second laying device by a rotation of 180° relative to the axis of rotation of the third mechanism 26C.

[0112] In this case, the third mechanism 26C can act as a switching device: by rotating the third mechanism 26C, the laying head can be brought closer to one of the laying devices of the lining sector, and the laying head can be moved away from the other laying device of the lining sector.

[0113] In particular, after the insertion of a first valve carried out by one of the devices, it is this device which is opposite the lining sector. If then a second valve must be inserted, then it is possible to rotate the plate 4 by 180° relative to the axis of rotation of the third mechanism 26C. The first device takes the place of the second device and is located away from the lining sector. The second device takes the place of the first device and is located opposite the lining sector. It should be noted that a single control unit 39 for both devices is sufficient to control the two devices 1A and 1B. This control unit 39 can further be configured to control the conveyor 26 and the switching device, which comprises for example the third mechanism 26C.Thus, from a geometric datum of the trim sector, for example the diameter of an orifice 4 of the trim sector 3, the control unit 39 commands the activation of the device for installing the valve whose diameter corresponds to the diameter of the orifice.

[0114] The second set allows valves of two different sizes to be inserted into a single trim sector.

[0115] The second assembly can advantageously comprise the characteristics of the first assembly, namely a base 24 configured to receive the sector 3 and a conveyor 26 configured to move the device 1 relative to the base 24 as a function of geometric data of the lining sector.

[0116] The second assembly as presented previously makes it possible in particular to implement a method of installing a vent valve in a lining sector of a tire mold.

[0117] Such a method includes the following steps.

[0118] During a step E1, the control unit 30 processes geometric data from the trim sector. This data may in particular be the diameter of an orifice 4 of the sector 3. The processing may in particular be the identification of one of the two devices which corresponds to a valve size adapted to the diameter of the orifice 4.

[0119] During a step E2, the control unit 30 activates the device identified in the previous step.

[0120] When the second set includes the characteristics of the first set, the two steps E1 and E2 can be implemented before the implementation of steps E3 and E4 so as to complete the method Q previously mentioned.

[0121] It should be noted that a third set of fitting a number n of vent valves in a tire mold lining sector can also be defined more generally, with n greater than or equal to 3 (for example n=3 or n=4), each valve having a diameter different from the diameters of the other valves. The third set comprises n fitting devices, each fitting device being suitable for fitting one and only one of the n valves, each valve being able to be fitted by one and only one of the n devices.

[0122] The third assembly also includes a switching device configured to activate one of the devices based on a geometric data of the trim sector.

[0123] The geometric data can be, for example, the diameter of the orifice to be filled in the packing sector. Based on this diameter, it can be established which of the n valves should be installed. From this, it can be deduced which of the n devices should be activated.

[0124] The switching device may comprise a conveyor of the type of conveyor 26 as previously presented in relation to the first assembly. It is possible in particular to mount the n laying devices on the same plate 4 which is fixed to the base 40 via the third mechanism 26C for rotation around the horizontal axis H1 which is then coincident with the axis X of each laying device. The laying devices may be mounted on the plate 4 regularly around the axis of rotation of the third mechanism 26C so that a first laying device is the image of a second adjacent laying device by a rotation of (360 / n)° relative to the axis of rotation of the third mechanism 26C.

[0125] In this case, the third mechanism 26C acts as a switching device: by rotating the third mechanism 26C, the laying head can be brought closer to one of the laying devices in the lining sector, and the laying head moved away from the other laying devices in the lining sector.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Device (1) for installing a vent valve (28) in a lining sector (3) of a tire mold, the device comprising: - a conduit (5) configured to accommodate the valve (28), the valve (28) comprising a valve body (28A) and a flap (28B) mounted to move relative to the valve body (28A), - a tube (7) configured to push the valve (28) into the conduit (5) towards the sector (3), the tube (7) having an internal diameter less than a diameter of the flap (28B) of the valve (28), - a pump (9) configured to add air inside the tube (7), and - a sensor (12) configured to measure a pressure inside the tube (7).

2. Device according to claim 1 comprising a detector (20) configured to measure a force applied by the tube (7) on the valve (28).

3. Device according to any one of claims 1 or 2 wherein the device comprises a detector (20) configured to measure a force applied by the tube (7) on the valve (28) or another detector (22) configured to measure a position of the tube (7).

4. Assembly for installing a vent valve (28) in a trim sector (3) of a tire mold, the assembly comprising - a device (1) for installing the valve according to any one of claims 1 to 3, - a base (24) configured to receive the sector (3), the base (24) being configured to reference the position and orientation of the sector (3) relative to the device (1), and - a conveyor (26) configured to move the device (1) relative to the base (24) as a function of geometric data of the trim sector (3).

5. Assembly for installing two vent valves in a lining sector of a tire mold, the two valves comprising a first valve having a first diameter and a second valve having a second diameter different from the first diameter, the assembly comprising: - a first device for installing the first valve according to any one of claims 1 to 3, - a second device for installing the second valve according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and - a switching device configured to activate the first device or the second device depending on a geometric data of the trim sector.

6. An assembly according to claim 5 comprising a base (24) configured to receive the sector (3), the base (24) being configured to reference the position and orientation of the sector (3) relative to the first device and the second device, the switching device comprising a conveyor (26) configured to move the first device and the second device relative to the base.

7. Method for installing a vent valve (28) in a trim sector (3) of a tire mold, the method comprising the following steps: - installation of the valve (28) in the sector (3) by controlled movement of a tube (7) resting against the valve (28) towards the sector (3), - generation of overpressure inside the tube (7), - moving the tube (7) away from the sector (3) over a distance less than or equal to a stroke of a flap (28B) of the valve (28), and - measurement of pressure inside the tube (7).

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