Method and tire building machine for applying a tire component to a tire building drum

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a tire building machine for applying a tire component to a tire building drum, wherein the tire building machine comprises a tire building drum, a tire component servicer, and an applicator unit, wherein the method comprises the steps of: - moving the applicator unit into a leading end pick-up position for picking-up the leading end with a leading end retainer; - moving the applicator unit to a leading end release position at the tire building drum for releasing the leading end from the leading end retainer at said tire building drum; - moving the applicator unit into a trailing end pick-up position for picking-up the trailing end with a trailing end retainer; and - moving the applicator unit to a trailing end release position at the tire building drum for releasing the trailing end from the trailing end retainer at said tire building drum.

Description

[0001] Method and tire building machine for applying a tire component to a tire building drum

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] The invention relates to a method and a tire building machine for applying a tire component to a tire building drum.

[0004] JP 2528266 B2 discloses a work head is advanced in a direction of travel along a reciprocating frame to transfer a soft strip, such as a side wall , from a support section of a cutting device to a forming drum during a tire manufacturing process . The working head comprises a first pressing device in the form of a pressing finger for retaining the strip near a leading end thereof , a second pressing device in the form of a roller to press the strip onto the forming drum, and a third pressing device in the form of a suction tool to retain the strip near a trailing end thereof . The third pressing device is located downstream of the first pressing device in the direction of travel and the second pressing device is located between the first pressing device and the third pressing device .

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] A disadvantage of the work head as disclosed in JP 2528266 B2 is that the first pressing device does not pick up the strip at the most distal part , the leading tip, of the leading end . Instead, the first pressing device picks up the strip at a short distance upstream of the leading tip, considered in the direction of travel , such that the leading tip proj ects freely from the first pressing device and can be pressed onto the forming drum by the second pressing device . During the trans fer of the strip from the support section of the cutting device to the forming drum, the leading tip is temporarily unsupported and / or uncontrolled . The position of the leading tip may shift and / or the shape of the leading tip may deform during the trans fer . This is particularly relevant when applying relatively thin strips ( for example having a thickness of less than one millimeter) , which may easily ripple, fold and / or flutter during the transfer . Consequently, the position of the leading tip is unknown and / or potentially inaccurate when applying the strip to the forming drum, which may have a negative influence on the subsequent steps of the tire manufacturing process , such as splicing and / or the application of any subsequent layers , and the tire quality as a whole .

[0007] It is an obj ect of the present invention to provide a method and a tire building machine for applying a tire component to a tire building drum, wherein accuracy of the positioning of the strip on the tire building drum can be improved .

[0008] According to a first aspect , the invention provides a method for applying a tire component to a tire building drum using a tire building machine, wherein the tire building machine comprises a tire building drum, a tire component servicer for supplying the tire component in a supply plane, and an applicator for trans ferring the tire component from the supply plane to the tire building drum and for applying a tire component to the tire building drum, wherein the applicator comprises a guide and an applicator unit that is movable along the guide in an application direction, wherein the tire component has a leading end and a trailing end considered in said application direction, wherein the applicator unit comprises a leading end retainer for retaining the leading end of the tire component , a trailing end retainer for retaining the trailing end of the tire component, a stitcher for stitching the tire component to the tire building drum, and an applicator body for supporting the leading end retainer in a leading end retaining position, the trailing end retainer in a trailing end retaining position downstream of the leading end retaining position in the application direction, and the stitcher in a stitcher position in the application direction between the leading end retaining position and the trailing end retaining position, wherein the method comprises the steps of : moving the applicator unit into a leading end pick-up position above the tire component servicer for picking-up the leading end with the leading end retainer ; moving the applicator unit from the leading end pick-up position to a leading end release position at the tire building drum for releasing the leading end from the leading end retainer at said tire building drum; moving the applicator unit into a trailing end pick-up position above the tire component servicer for picking-up the trailing end with the trailing end retainer ; and moving the applicator unit from the trailing end pick-up position to a trailing end release position at the tire building drum for releasing the trailing end from the trailing end retainer at said tire building drum .

[0009] Conveniently, the applicator unit combines the functionality of retaining both the leading end as well as the trailing end of the same tire component . Hence , no separate applicator units are required for retaining the leading end and retaining the trailing end . Moreover, by having the leading end retainer positioned relative to the applicator body in the leading end retaining position that is closest to the tire building drum in the application direction, in front of or downstream of the stitcher, the leading tip at the very end of the leading end of the strip of elastomeric material can be picked-up, reliably held, transferred and / or applied to the tire building drum. The leading tip is therefore less likely to shi ft or deform as a result of forces exerted onto the tire component . Hence, the accuracy of the positioning of the tire component on the tire building drum during pick-up, trans fer, application and / or stitching can be improved .

[0010] In one embodiment the method further comprises the step of : stitching the leading end in a first stitching position with the use of the stitcher prior to , during or at least after releasing the leading end from the leading end retainer . Hence, the tire component can be pressed onto the tire building drum prior to, during or at least shortly after said release, thereby minimizing the time during which the tire component is uncontrolled . In particular, the stitching may already be performed during the release of the leading end so that the tire component is never let go and / or always supported by at least the leading end retainer or the tire building drum .

[0011] Preferably, the stitcher is in the first stitching position prior to the release of the leading end from the leading end retainer in the leading end release position .

[0012] In one embodiment , that can also be applied independently of the configuration of the applicator unit , in particular applied solely to the leading end retainer independently of the trailing end retainer and the stitcher, the tire building drum has a vertical midplane that bisects the tire building drum in two equal parts , wherein the leading end release position is located downstream of the vertical midplane in the application direction . At this leading end release position, the circumferential surface of the tire building drum has a downward curvature that provides sufficient space for the leading end retainer to be lowered so close to the tire building drum, without colliding, such that the tire component at the first stitching position upstream of said leading end release position is tangent to and / or in abutting contact with the tire building drum . Moreover, the leading end release position downward of the vertical midplane has the additional technical advantage that the tire component is applied in immediate contact with the circumferential surface of the tire building drum over an arc from the vertical midplane to the leading end release position . The tire component is therefore less likely to shift relative to the tire building drum as a result of the increased contact surface and the resulting friction .

[0013] Preferably, the tire building drum has a circumferential surface that is rotatable about a drum axis concentric to said circumferential surface , wherein the leading end release position is angularly displaced about the drum axis from the vertical midplane over an angle of at least one degree , preferably at least three degrees and most preferably at least five degrees .

[0014] In a further embodiment the method further comprises the step of : stitching the trailing end in a second stitching position with the use of the stitcher prior to , during or at least after releasing the trailing end from the trailing end retainer . Hence, the tire component can be pressed onto the tire building drum during or shortly after said release , thereby minimi zing the time during which the tire component is uncontrolled . In particular, the stitching is already performed during the release of the trailing end so that the tire component is never let go and / or always supported by at least the trailing end retainer or the tire building drum.

[0015] In a further embodiment the method further comprises the step of : generating a speed di fference between the applicator unit and the tire building drum during or after release of the leading end from the leading end retainer . The speed di fference may be used to generate a relative movement between the applicator unit and the circumferential surface of the tire building drum in the application direction that may ef fectively stretch, compress and / or smear out the tire component during the application thereof to the tire building drum.

[0016] Preferably, the applicator unit is moved to have a first vector component in the application direction greater than a second vector component of the rotation of the tire building drum in said application direction during or after release of the leading end from the leading end retainer . In this manner, the applicator unit can move at least partially ahead of the tire building drum in the application direction, for example to ensure that the leading end is released downstream of the first stitching position .

[0017] In a further embodiment the tire building drum is rotatable about a drum axis , wherein the method further comprises the step of : tilting the applicator about a tilt axis parallel to said drum axis to lower the tire component onto the tire building drum from a raised position spaced apart from the tire building drum into an application position at the tire building drum. Typically, a tire component is fed to a tire building drum progressively by applying the leading end first and then the rest of the tire component . However, to prevent that the leading end is released from the leading end retainer in an uncontrolled manner, it is desirable to stitch a part of the tire component upstream of said leading end to the tire building drum first, before releasing said leading end . However, this requires that the leading end of the tire component is advanced beyond the position where the stitching will take place . By allowing the applicator to tilt about the tilt axis , the leading end can be advanced together with the applicator unit in the raised position into the leading end release position beyond the first stitching position, without contacting said tire building drum. Once the leading end is properly positioned relative to the tire building drum, the applicator can be lowered towards the tire building drum to stitch the tire component in the first stitching position, prior to releasing the leading end . In this way, the tire component is never let go . Moreover, the tilting allows the applicator to adj ust for dif ferent diameters or sizes of the tire building drum .

[0018] According to a second aspect , the invention provides a tire building machine comprising a tire building drum, a tire component servicer for supplying the tire component in a supply plane , and an applicator for transferring the tire component from the supply plane to the tire building drum and for applying a tire component to a tire building drum, wherein the applicator comprises a guide and an applicator unit that is movable along the guide in an application direction, wherein the tire component has a leading end and a trailing end considered in said application direction, wherein the applicator unit comprises a leading end retainer for retaining the leading end of the tire component , a trailing end retainer for retaining the trailing end of the tire component, a stitcher for stitching the tire component to the tire building drum, and an applicator body for supporting the leading end retainer in a leading end retaining position, the trailing end retainer in a trailing end retaining position downstream of the leading end retaining position in the application direction, and the stitcher in a stitcher position in the application direction between the leading end retaining position and the trailing end retaining position, wherein the applicator comprises an applicator drive for moving the applicator unit along the guide in the application direction, wherein the tire building machine comprises a control unit that is operationally connected to the applicator drive for controlling the movement of the applicator unit along the guide in the application direction, wherein the control unit is configured for : moving the applicator unit into a leading end pick-up position above the tire component servicer for picking-up the leading end with the leading end retainer ; moving the applicator unit from the leading end pick-up position to a leading end release position at the tire building drum for releasing the leading end from the leading end retainer at said tire building drum; moving the applicator unit into a trailing end pick-up position above the tire component servicer for picking-up the trailing end with the trailing end retainer ; and moving the applicator unit from the trailing end pick-up position to a trailing end release position at the tire building drum for releasing the trailing end from the trailing end retainer at said tire building drum .

[0019] Conveniently, the applicator unit combines the functionality of retaining both the leading end as well as the trailing end of the same tire component . Hence , no separate applicator units are required for retaining the leading end and retaining the trailing end . Moreover, by having the leading end retainer positioned relative to the applicator body in the leading end retaining position that is closest to the tire building drum in the application direction, in front of or downstream of the stitcher, the leading tip at the very end of the leading end of the strip of elastomeric material can be picked-up, reliably held, transferred and / or applied to the tire building drum. The leading tip is therefore less likely to shi ft or deform as a result of forces exerted onto the tire component . Hence, the accuracy of the positioning of the tire component on the tire building drum during pick-up, trans fer, application and / or stitching can be improved .

[0020] In one embodiment the leading end retainer comprises a leading end clamp for retaining the leading end of the tire component through clamping . The leading end may be retained for a relatively long period of time as a previous application cycle is being completed . When the tire component is relatively thin, holding the leading end with other means than a leading end clamp, for example when using a vacuum cup, may cause the position of the leading end to shift . Moreover, the vacuum generated by the vacuum cups may deform the leading end and / or cause wrinkles , in particular when the leading end is retained for a prolonged period of time, for example when holding the leading end ready for a next cycle when a previous cycle still has to be completed . The leading end clamp can reliably fixate the position of the leading end to further improve the accuracy of the positioning during pick-up, transfer, application and / or stitching .

[0021] In a further embodiment the trailing end retainer comprises a trailing end suction cup for retaining the trailing end of the tire component through suction . The trailing end is retained for a relatively short period of time and is therefore less likely to be negatively affected by the disadvantages of retaining through vacuum, as mentioned above . However, alternatively, the trailing end retaining may comprises a trailing end clamp similar to the leading end clamp .

[0022] In a further embodiment the stitcher comprises a stitching roller for stitching the tire component to the tire building drum through rolling . The stitching roller can press the tire component onto the tire building drum while rolling along the circumferential surface of the tire building drum.

[0023] Preferably, the stitching roller is a multi-disc stitching roller . The multi-disc stitching roller may ef fectively correct for difference in cross section of the same or di fferent tire components along their respective lengths , in particular when subj ected to varying stress and / or speed di fferences .

[0024] In a further embodiment the leading end retainer and the trailing end retainer are configured for engaging the leading end and the trailing end, respectively, in a supply plane that extends parallel to the application direction . Hence, the tire component can be supplied in said supply plane in line with the application direction .

[0025] Preferably, the leading end retainer, the trailing end retainer and the stitcher are aligned in an applicator plane perpendicular to the supply plane and parallel to the application direction . Hence , the leading end retainer, the trailing end retainer and the stitcher do not need to be moved parallel to the supply plane into and / or out of the applicator plane . Instead, the leading end retainer, the trailing end retainer and the stitcher are all ready to be operated from their respective positions in the applicator plane .

[0026] More preferably, the applicator plane is vertical or substantially vertical . Consequently, the supply plane has at least a horizontal component .

[0027] In a further embodiment the leading end retainer is configured for engaging the leading end in a retaining direction transverse or perpendicular to the supply plane . In other words , the leading end can be retained from opposite sides of the supply plane , thereby potentially avoiding damage or deformation to the longitudinal edges of the tire component during the pick-up, transfer and / or apply .

[0028] Preferably, the leading end retainer comprises a first claw member and a second claw member which are positionable on opposite sides of the supply plane, wherein at least one claw member of the first claw member and the second claw member is movable towards the other claw member of the first claw member and the second claw member in the retaining direction . The claw members can ef fectively and / or reliably retain the leading end from opposites sides of the supply plane .

[0029] More preferably, the leading end retainer further comprises a clamping drive for driving the movement of the at least one claw member in the retaining direction . By providing the clamping drive , the retaining and / or release of the leading end can be automated . Additionally or alternatively, the applicator unit comprises a cam that is connected to any one of the first claw member and the second claw member, and a cam profile that is fixed in the retaining direction and the application direction for imparting a variable motion onto the cam in the retaining direction depending on the position of the cam on the cam profile in the application direction . By using a cam interacting with a cam profile , the position of any of the claw members can be controlled more accurately and / or more gradually based on the position of the applicator unit relative to the cam profile . Moreover, the leading end retainer itself does not require any active drive components and can therefore be less complex or more compact .

[0030] In another embodiment the trailing end retainer is configured for engaging the trailing end in a retaining direction transverse or perpendicular to the supply plane . In other words , the trailing end can be retained from opposite sides of the supply plane , thereby potentially avoiding damage or deformation to the longitudinal edges of the tire component during the pick-up, transfer and / or apply .

[0031] Preferably, the trailing end retainer comprises a suction cup that is movable towards and away from the supply plane in the retaining direction . The suction cup can effectively retain the trailing end during the relatively short period of time of its transfer from the supply plane to the tire building drum .

[0032] More preferably, the trailing end retainer comprises a linear actuator, in particular a pneumatic cylinder, for moving the suction cup in the retaining direction . The linear actuator can move together with and act directly on the suction cup without interfering with the operation of the leading end retainer and / or the aforementioned clamping drive .

[0033] In another embodiment the applicator further comprises one or more sensors for detecting the leading end and / or the trailing end, positions , inner or outer edges , thickness , width, length, cross sectional area, contour or other characteristics of the tire component . By detecting the leading end and / or the trailing end, at least a part of the retaining of the leading end and / or the trailing end can be automated . Moreover, the position of the leading end and / or the trailing end at the moment of retaining can be accurately detected and used to more accurately determine the speed relationship and / or gearing between the applicator and the tire building drum when applying the leading end and / or the trailing end on the tire building drum .

[0034] In an embodiment that can also be applied independently of the configuration of applicator unit , in particular applied solely to the leading end retainer independently of the trailing end retainer and the stitcher, the tire building drum has a vertical midplane that bisects the tire building drum in two equal parts , wherein the leading end release position is located downstream of the vertical midplane in the application direction . In other words , the leading end can be moved into and released from the leading end release position located beyond said vertical midplane . At this leading end release position, the circumferential surface of the tire building drum has a downward curvature that provides sufficient space for the leading end retainer to be lowered so close to the tire building drum, without colliding, such that the tire component at the first stitching position upstream of said leading end release position is tangent to and / or in abutting contact with the tire building drum. Moreover, the leading end release position downward of the vertical midplane has the additional technical advantage that the tire component is applied in immediate contact with the circumferential surface of the tire building drum over an arc from the vertical midplane to the leading end release position . The tire component is therefore less likely to shift relative to the tire building drum as a result of the increased contact surface and the resulting friction .

[0035] Most preferably, the tire building drum has a circumferential surface that is rotatable about a rotation axis concentric to said circumferential surface, wherein the leading end release position is angularly displaced about the rotation axis from the vertical midplane over an angle of at least one degree , preferably at least three degrees and most preferably at least five degrees .

[0036] Additionally or alternatively, the control unit is further configured for : controlling the movement of the applicator unit such that the stitcher is in a first stitching position to stitch said leading end prior to , during or after the release of the leading end from the leading end retainer . Hence , the tire component can be pressed onto the tire building drum prior to, during or at least shortly after said release, thereby minimi zing the time during which the tire component is uncontrolled . In particular, the stitching is already performed during the release of the leading end so that the tire component is never let go and / or always supported by at least the leading end retainer or the tire building drum.

[0037] Preferably, the first stitching position is upstream of the leading end release position in the application direction . Hence, the tire component can already be pressed onto the tire building drum in the first stitching position upstream of said leading end release position while the leading end is still being retained by the leading end retainer, thereby already fixating at least a part of the tire component relative to the tire building drum and thus further improving the control and / or accuracy of the positioning of the tire component on the tire building drum.

[0038] In a further embodiment the control unit is further configured for : controlling the movement of the applicator unit such that the stitcher is in a second stitching position prior to , during or after the release of the trailing end from the trailing end retainer to stitch said trailing end . Hence, the tire component can be pressed onto the tire building drum during or shortly after said release , thereby minimi zing the time during which the tire component is uncontrolled . In particular, the stitching is already performed during the release of the trailing end so that the tire component is never let go and / or always supported by at least the trailing end retainer or the tire building drum.

[0039] Preferably, the second stitching position is downstream of the trailing end release position in the application direction . Hence , the trailing end can be stitched shortly after its release from the trailing end retainer when the tire building drum is rotated further with at least a vector component in the application direction .

[0040] In a further embodiment the tire building machine further comprises a drum drive for rotating the tire building drum, wherein the control unit is operationally connected to the drum drive, wherein the control unit is configured for : controlling the rotation of the tire building drum and the movement of the applicator unit such that there is a speed di fference between the applicator unit and the tire building drum during or after release of the leading end from the leading end retainer . The speed di fference may be used to generate a relative movement between the applicator unit and the circumferential surface of the tire building drum in the application direction that may ef fectively stretch, compress and / or smear out the tire component during the application thereof to the tire building drum.

[0041] Preferably, the control unit is configured to control the applicator unit to have a first vector component in the application direction greater than a second vector component of the rotation of the tire building drum in said application direction during or after release of the leading end from the leading end retainer . In this manner, the applicator unit can move at least partially ahead of the tire building drum in the application direction, for example to ensure that the leading end is released downstream of the first stitching position .

[0042] In a further embodiment the tire building drum is rotatable about a drum axis , wherein the applicator is tiltable about a tilt axis parallel to said drum axis for lowering the tire component onto the tire building drum from a raised position spaced apart from the tire building drum into an application position at the tire building drum . Typically, a tire component is fed to a tire building drum progressively by applying the leading end first and then the rest of the tire component . However, to prevent that the leading end is released from the leading end retainer in an uncontrolled manner, it is desirable to stitch a part of the tire component upstream of said leading end to the tire building drum first, before releasing said leading end . However, this requires that the leading end of the tire component is advanced beyond the position where the stitching will take place . By allowing the applicator to tilt about the tilt axis , the leading end can be advanced together with the applicator unit in the raised position into the leading end release position beyond the first stitching position, without contacting said tire building drum. Once the leading end is properly positioned relative to the tire building drum, the applicator can be lowered towards the tire building drum to stitch the tire component in the first stitching position, prior to releasing the leading end . In this way, the tire component is never let go . Moreover, the tilting allows the applicator to adj ust for dif ferent diameters or sizes of the tire building drum .

[0043] According to a third aspect, the invention provides a method for applying a tire component to a tire building drum, wherein the method comprises the steps of : moving a leading end retainer into a leading end pick-up position above a tire component servicer for picking-up a leading end of the tire component with the leading end retainer ; moving the leading end retainer from the leading end pick-up position to a leading end release position at the tire building drum; releasing the leading end from the leading end retainer in the leading end release position at said tire building drum, wherein the tire building drum has a vertical midplane that bisects the tire building drum in two equal parts , wherein the leading end release position is located downstream of the vertical midplane in the application direction .

[0044] In other words , the leading end can be moved into and released from the leading end release position located beyond said vertical midplane . At this leading end release position, the circumferential surface of the tire building drum has a downward curvature that provides sufficient space for the leading end retainer to be lowered so close to the tire building drum, without colliding, such that the tire component at the first stitching position upstream of said leading end release position is tangent to and / or in abutting contact with the tire building drum . Moreover, the leading end release position downward of the vertical midplane has the additional technical advantage that the tire component is applied in immediate contact with the circumferential surface of the tire building drum over an arc from the vertical midplane to the leading end release position . The tire component is therefore less likely to shift relative to the tire building drum as a result of the increased contact surface and the resulting friction .

[0045] Preferably, the tire building drum has a circumferential surface that is rotatable about a drum axis concentric to said circumferential surface , wherein the leading end release position is angularly displaced about the drum axis from the vertical midplane over an angle of at least one degree , preferably at least three degrees and most preferably at least five degrees .

[0046] The various aspects and features described and shown in the specification can be applied, individually, wherever possible . These individual aspects , in particular the aspects and features described in the attached dependent claims , can be made subj ect of divisional patent applications .

[0047] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] The invention will be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the attached schematic drawings , in which : figures 1- 9 show a side view of a tire building machine according to a first embodiment of the invention during di fferent steps of a method for applying a tire component to a tire building drum; figure 10 shows a side view of an applicator of the tire building machine of figure 1 in more detail ; and figures 11A- 11D show side views of an alternative tire building machine according to a second embodiment of the invention during the steps of an alternative method for applying a tire component to a tire building drum .

[0049] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0050] Figures 1 to 9 show a tire building machine 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention for building or manufacturing a green or unvulcani zed tire .

[0051] As shown in figure 1 , the tire building machine 1 comprises a tire building drum 2 , a tire component supply device or servicer 3 for supplying a continuous strip 9 to the tire building drum 2 and an applicator 4 for transferring and / or applying the cut-to-length tire components 90 , 90 ' from the tire component servicer 3 to or onto the tire building drum 2 in an application direction A.

[0052] For the purpose of this invention, any mentioning of applying, pressing or stitching 'on' , 'onto' or 'around' the tire building drum 2 is to be interpreted as applying, pressing or stitching directly or indirectly 'on' , 'onto ' or 'around' the tire building drum 2 , i . e . directly onto the tire building drum 2 or indirectly on top of previously applied layers of the same or another tire component on said tire building drum 2 .

[0053] In this example, the continuous strip 9 is a cord reinforced strip of elastomeric material or rubber, in particular a reinforcement strip for reinforcing the longitudinal edge of a breaker . Alternatively, the tire component 9 may be cap strip, a gum strip or a side wall , or any other strip used in tire building or tire manufacturing, with or without cord reinforcements . The continuous strip 9 is cut-to-length to form a tire component 90 having a leading end LE, as shown in figure 1 , and a trailing end TE , as shown in figure 8 , considered in the application direction A. Note that the cutting in figure 8 also creates a new leading end LE ' for a subsequent tire component 90 ' .

[0054] As further shown in figure 1 , the tire building drum 2 comprises a cylindrical surface or a circumferential surface 20 that is concentric to and / or rotatable in a rotation direction R about a drum axis X . The tire building machine 1 comprises a drum drive 21 for rotating the tire building drum 2 , or at least the circumferential surface 20 thereof , about the drum axis X . The tire building drum 2 further defines a vertical midplane M that bisects the tire building drum 2 in two equal parts .

[0055] The tire component servicer 3 comprises a base 30 and a servicer body 31 that is tiltable relative to the base 30 about a tilt axis T . In this example, the tilt axis T is parallel or substantially parallel to the drum axis X . The tire component servicer 3 further comprises a tilt drive 32 for driving the tilt of the servicer body 31 relative to the base 30 . In this example, the tilt drive 32 is a linear actuator, for example a pneumatic piston, that is hingably connected to both the base 30 and the servicer body 31 .

[0056] The tire component servicer 3 further comprises a support member 33 for supporting the continuous strip 9 in a supply plane P . In this example, the supply plane P extends parallel to the application direction A, the drum axis X and / or the tilt axis T . The support member 33 may be a support table, a roller conveyor or a belt conveyor . The support member 33 is connected to and / or held by the servicer body 31 and is configured to tilt together with said servicer body 31 about the tilt axis T .

[0057] The tire component servicer 3 further comprises a platform 34 that is retractable relative to the support member 33 from a support position, as shown in figure 1 , towards and / or into a retracted position, as shown in figure 2 . In the support position, the platform 34 is flush, substantially flush and / or coplanar with the support member 33 in the supply plane P . In the retracted position, the platform 34 is recessed relative to the support member 33 and spaced apart from said supply plane P in a retraction direction D perpendicular to said supply plane P . In other words , the platform 34 is moved from the support position, in which the platform 34 is located at a first distance from or at the supply plane P, to the retracted position in which the platform 34 is at a second distance greater than the first distance from and / or below the supply plane P .

[0058] In this example, the tire component servicer 3 is further provided with a retraction drive 35 for driving the retraction and / or return of the platform 34 between the retracted position and the support position . The retraction drive 35 may be a linear actuator, for example a pneumatic cylinder .

[0059] The tire component servicer 3 further comprises a cutting device 35 for cutting the continuous strip 9 to length . The cutting device 36 is provided with a knife or a cutter 37 , in this example a disc cutter . Alternatively, the cutter 37 may be an ultrasonic kni fe or a guillotine cutter . The aforementioned platform 34 acts as a counter member, in particular a cutting bar, for cooperating with the cutter 37 in the support position, as shown in figure 7 . The platform 34 moves away from the supply plane P towards the retracted position when the cutting has been completed, as shown in figure 2 , to expose the freshly cut leading end LE as a freely protruding leading end .

[0060] As shown in figure 1 , the applicator 4 comprises a guide 41 and an applicator unit 5 that is movable along the guide 41 in the application direction A. In this example , the guide 41 is formed as a beam or a rail . The applicator 4 comprises an applicator drive 43 , for example a timing belt , that is configured or arranged for moving the applicator unit 5 along the guide 41 in said application direction A. The applicator 4 as a whole is connected to and / or carried by the servicer body 31 and - as such - is configured to tilt together with the servicer body 31 about the tilt axis T . In this way, the applicator 4 can be tilted from a raised position, as shown in figure 3 , spaced apart from the tire building drum 2 into an application position, as shown in figure 4 , at the tire building drum 2 .

[0061] As shown in more detail in figure 10 , the applicator unit 5 is provided with a leading end retainer 6 for retaining the leading end LE of the tire component 9, a trailing end retainer 7 for retaining the trailing end TE of the tire component 9 , a stitcher 8 for stitching the tire component 9 to the tire building drum 2 , and an applicator body 50 for supporting the leading end retainer 6, the trailing end retainer 7 and the stitcher 8 relative to each other . In particular, the applicator body 50 holds or positions the leading end retainer 6 in a leading end retaining position considered in the application direction A. The applicator body 50 further holds or positions the trailing end retainer 7 in a trailing end retaining position downstream of the leading end retaining position considered in the application direction A. Finally, the applicator body 50 holds or positions the stitcher 8 in a stitcher position between the leading end retaining position and the trailing end retaining position, considered in the application direction A.

[0062] Note that the leading end retaining position, the trailing end retaining position and the stitcher position do not necessarily have to be directly adj acent to each other . In particular, the applicator unit 5 may have one or more additional members in one or more intermediate positions between the leading end retaining position, the trailing end retaining position and the stitcher position . The scope of the invention is solely limited to positions of the leading end retainer 6, the trailing end retainer 7 and the stitcher 8 relative to each other in the application direction A.

[0063] As further shown in figure 10 , the leading end retainer 6 , the trailing end retainer 7 and the stitcher 8 are aligned in an applicator plane Z perpendicular to the supply plane P and parallel to the application direction A. In this example, the applicator plane Z is vertical or substantially vertical .

[0064] In this example, the leading end retainer 6 , the trailing end retainer 7 and the stitcher 8 are fixed in the leading end retaining position, the trailing end retaining position and the stitcher position, respectively, relative to the applicator body 50 in the application direction A. Alternatively, the respective positions may be adj ustable in the application direction A, while maintaining the relative positions upstream / downstream of each other . As further shown in figure 10 , the leading end retainer 6 comprises a leading end clamp 60 for retaining the leading end LE of the tire component 9 in or at the supply plane P through clamping . In particular, the leading end clamp 60 comprises an upper claw member or a first claw member 61 and a lower claw member or a second claw member 62 which are positionable on opposite sides of the supply plane P . In this example, the first claw member 61 is located below the supply plane P and is movable towards the second claw member 62 in a retaining direction B transverse or perpendicular to said supply plane P . Alternatively, the second claw member 62 may be movable towards the first claw member 61 or both claw members 61 , 62 may be movable towards each other .

[0065] The leading end retainer 6 further comprises a leading end retainer drive 63 for moving the leading end clamp 60 as a whole towards and away from the supply plane P relative to the applicator body 50 in the retaining direction B . In this example, the leading end retainer drive 63 is a linear actuator, for example a pneumatic cylinder . The leading end retainer 6 further comprises a clamping drive 64 for driving the movement of at least one of the claw members 61 , 62 .

[0066] Alternatively or additionally, as shown in figure 10 , the applicator unit 5 may be provided with a cam 65 that is connected to the applicator body 50 , the leading end retainer 6 or any one of the claw members 61 , 62 . The applicator 4 is provided with one or more cam profiles 66 which are fixed in the retaining direction B and the application direction A for imparting a variable motion onto the cam 65 in the retaining direction B depending on the position of the cam 65 relative to the cam profiles 66 in the application direction A. The cam profiles 66 are located in positions along the guide 41 where the leading end clamp 6 needs to interact with the tire component 90 , in this case at a leading end pick-up position at or near the platform 34 . In this example, the cam profile 66 at the leading end pick-up position is configured for gradually li fting up the applicator body 50 as a whole towards the supply plane P to lift the second claw member 62 into a position for supporting the leading end LE of the tire component 90 , as the applicator unit 5 is moved in a direction opposite to the application direction A. Alternatively, the cam 65 may be connected to only the leading end retainer 6 or only one of the claw members 61 , 62 , to move any of these components in a similar manner . Optionally, a similar cam profile (not shown) may be provided at or near a leading end release position above or at the tire building drum 2 .

[0067] The second claw member 62 is positionable in the space created, vacated and / or previously occupied by the platform 34 when said platform 34 is retracted into the retracted position, as shown in figure 2 . In particular, the second claw member 62 is dimensioned to fit between or is positionable between the platform 34 and the supply plane P when the platform 34 is in the retracted position .

[0068] As shown in figure 10 , the trailing end retainer 7 comprises at least one trailing end suction cup 70 for retaining the trailing end TE of the tire component 9 in or at the supply plane P through suction . In this example , the trailing end retainer 7 comprises a suction plate 71 with a plurality of trailing end suction cups 70 . Alternatively, the trailing end retainer 7 may be trailing end clamp similar to the leading end clamp 6 . The trailing end retainer 7 further comprises a trailing end drive 72 for moving the at least one trailing end suction cup 70 in the retaining direction B relative to the applicator body 50 towards and / or away from the supply plane P, to contact the tire component 9 in a sealing or airtight manner .

[0069] Finally, as shown in figure 10 , the stitcher 8 comprises a stitching roller 80 for stitching the tire component 9 to the tire building drum 2 through rolling . In this example, the stitching roller 80 is a multi-disc stitching roller . Moreover, in this example, the stitcher 8 is provided with a single stitching roller 80 . Alternatively, the stitcher 8 may be provided with multiple stitching rollers 80 and / or the stitching roller 80 may be the head pulley or the tail pulley of a stitching belt . The stitcher 8 further comprises a stitching drive 81 for moving the stitching roller 80 relative to the applicator body 50 towards and away from the supply plane P in the retaining direction B . In this example , the stitching drive 81 is a linear actuator, for example a pneumatic cylinder .

[0070] As shown in figure 1 , the tire building machine 1 further comprises one or more sensors 11 , 12 for detecting positions , inner or outer edges , thickness , width, length, cross sectional area, contour or other characteristics of the tire component 9. In this example, the one or more sensors 11 , 12 comprises a first sensor 11 for detecting the position of the leading end LE and / or the trailing end TE in the application direction A on the support member 33 and / or the platform 34 , i . e . directly after cutting . The one or more sensors 11 , 12 may optionally comprise a second sensor 12 at the tire building drum 2 to detect the application position of the leading end LE and / or the trailing end TE on the tire building drum 2 .

[0071] The tire building machine 1 further comprises a control unit 10 that is electronically, functionally and / or operationally connected to one or more of the sensors 11 , 12 , the drum drive 21 , the tilt drive 32 , the retraction drive 35, the applicator drive 43 , the leading end retainer drive 63 , the clamping drive 64 , the trailing end retainer drive 72 and the stitching drive 81 for controlling, automating and / or at least partially automating the various operations of the tire building machine 1 , as will be described in further detail below when discussing the method according to the present invention . In particular, the control unit 10 has a processor and a memory that is loaded with computer-readable instructions that , when executed by the processor, cause the tire building machine 1 to execute the steps of the method that will be described hereafter .

[0072] A method for applying the tire component 9 to the tire building drum 2 with the use of the aforementioned tire building machine 1 will now be elucidated with reference to figures 1-9.

[0073] Figure 1 shows the situation in which the leading end LE of the continuous strip 9 , cut during a previous cycle of the method, lies on the platform 34 . The platform 34 is in the support position, flush with the support member 33 . The applicator unit 5 has been moved along the guide 41 into a leading-end pick-up position above the tire component servicer 3 , in particular above, at or near the platform 34 for picking-up the leading end LE .

[0074] Figure 2 shows the situation in which the platform 34 has been retracted into the retracted position to expose the leading end LE to the leading end retainer 6. The leading end retainer drive 63 has been controlled to move the leading end clamp 60 down towards the supply plane P . The applicator unit 5 has subsequently been moved in a direction opposite to the application direction A into a position in which the claw members 61 , 62 of the leading end clamp 60 are on opposite sides of the leading end LE in the retaining direction B .

[0075] Figure 3 shows the situation in which the tilt drive 32 has been controlled to tilt the servicer body 31 relative to the base 30 about the tilt axis T, thereby tilting the applicator 4 supported on said servicer body 31 into the raised position . The applicator drive 43 has been controlled to move the applicator unit 5 along the guide 41 in the application direction A from the leading end pick-up position to a leading end release position at or above the tire building drum 2 . During this movement , the leading end clamp 60 still retains the leading end LE and therefore feeds a length of the continuous strip 9 , including said leading end LE, towards the tire building drum 2 .

[0076] In this example , the leading end release position is located downstream of the vertical midplane M of the tire building drum 2 in the application direction A. More in particular, the leading end release position is angularly displaced or of fset from the vertical midplane M over an angle H of at least one degree , preferably at least three degrees and most preferably at least five degrees .

[0077] Figure 4 shows the situation in which the tilt drive 32 has been controlled to return the servicer body 31 to its original orientation, thereby lowering the applicator 4 towards and / or onto the tire building drum 2 in the leading end release position . Alternatively, the applicator 4 or servicer body 31 as a whole may be linearly displaceable as a whole in a direction transverse or perpendicular to the supply plane P to achieve the same ef fect .

[0078] Prior to, during or shortly after the lowering, the stitcher drive 81 is controlled to move the stitching roller 80 towards the tire building drum 2 . Note that the leading end clamp 60 may still retain the leading end LE while the stitcher 8 is already in a first stitching position to stitch the continuous strip 9 to the tire building drum 2 upstream or directly upstream of the leading end LE . Note that the first stitching position is upstream of the leading end release position, considered in the application direction A.

[0079] In this speci fic example , the leading end release position and the first stitching position are angularly displaced relative to each other about the previously mentioned angle H .

[0080] Alternatively, the leading end LE may be advanced towards the tire building drum 2 along a path tangential to the circumferential surface 20 of the tire building drum 2 , where the leading end LE is released and the stitching roller 80 is brought into the first stitching position only after the release of the leading end LE from the leading end retainer 6.

[0081] Figure 5 shows the situation in which the first claw member 61 has been move away from the second claw member 62 , thereby effectively releasing the leading end LE from the leading end clamp 60 . Meanwhile, the stitching roller 80 , remains in contact with the continuous strip 9 on the tire building drum 2 as the tire building drum 2 is rotated in the rotation direction R to wind at least a part of one or more windings of the continuous strip 9 onto the circumferential surface 20 .

[0082] In particular, the drum drive 21 and the applicator drive 43 are controlled such that there is a speed dif ference between the circumferential speed of the circumferential surface 20 of the tire building drum 2 in the rotation direction R and the movement of the applicator unit 5 in the application direction A during or after release of the leading end LE from the leading end clamp 60 . In particular the movement of the applicator unit 5 is controlled to have a first vector component VI in the application direction A greater than a second vector component V2 of the rotation of the tire building drum 2 in said application direction A during or after release of the leading end LE from the leading end clamp 60 .

[0083] Between figures 5 and 6, a length of the continuous strip 9 is wound onto and / or around the circumferential surface 20 of the tire building drum 2 . During at least a part of said winding, the applicator unit 5 is held in position such that the stitching roller 90 can stitch the continuous strip 9 to the tire building drum 2 .

[0084] Figure 6 shows the situation in which the leading end retainer drive 63 has been controlled to retract the leading end clamp 60 . At the same time or shortly thereafter, the stitcher drive 81 is controlled to retract the stitching roller 80 . Subsequently, the applicator unit 5 is returned in a direction opposite to the application direction A to a trailing end pick-up position above, at or near the platform 34 .

[0085] Figure 7 shows the situation in which cutting device 35 has been controlled to cut the continuous strip 9 to length, thereby creating a trailing end TE and / or forming the tire component 9 that is already partially applied to the tire building drum 2 . Simultaneously, a new leading end LE' has been created for a subsequent tire component 9 to be applied during a subsequent cycle of the method . Prior to, during or after the cutting, the trailing end retainer drive 72 has been controlled to move the at least one suction cup 70 into engagement with the continuous strip 9 in the trailing end pick-up position . The trailing end TE is now retained .

[0086] Figure 8 shows the situation in which the trailing end retainer drive 72 has been controlled to retract the at least one suction cup 70 slightly to lift the trailing end TE from the platform 34 . Meanwhile, the applicator drive 43 is controlled to move the applicator unit 5 in the application direction A towards the tire building drum 2 with the trailing end TE retained in the trailing end retainer 7 , into a position above , at or near a trailing end release position . In particular, the trailing end TE may be moved along a path that is tangential to the tire building drum 2 and / or any windings of the tire component 9 already applied thereon . Hence, upon arrival in the trailing end release position, the trailing end TE will be automatically pressed against the tire component 9.

[0087] Simultaneously, the tire building drum 2 has been rotated in the rotation direction R to take on the remaining length of the tire component 90 that was not yet applied in figure 7 .

[0088] Figure 9 shows the situation in which the trailing end TE is released from the trailing end retainer 7 . Prior to, during or after the release of the trailing end TE from the trailing end retainer 7 , the stitching drive 81 is again controlled to move the stitching roller 80 towards and into contact with the tire component 9 at a second stitching position on the tire building drum 2 , to stitch any remaining length of the tire component 9, including the trailing end TE, to the tire building drum 2 and / or to any previously applied windings of the tire component 9, as the tire building drum 2 is rotated further in the rotation direction R . Note that the second stitching position is downstream of the trailing end release position, considered in the application direction A.

[0089] After the stitching in figure 9 , stitching drive 81 may be controlled to retract the stitching roller 80 again . Now, the applicator unit 5 can be returned to its position above, at or near the tire component servicer 9 for picking-up the new leading end LE ' of the subsequent tire component 90 ' for a subsequent cycle of the method .

[0090] Figures 11A-11D show an alternative tire building machine 101 according to a second embodiment of the invention, during the steps of an alternative method for applying the tire component 90 to the tire building drum 2 . In particular, the steps relate to the release and stitching of the trailing end TE to the tire building drum 2 in the second stitching position . The alternative tire building machine 101 di ffers from the previously discussed tire building machine 1 only in that the alternative tire building machine 101 further comprises a cam profile 182 for controlling movement of the stitcher 8 in a stitching direction S perpendicular to the supply plane P . The cam profile 182 is fixed in the application direction A and the stitching direction S . In this example, the cam profile 182 has a flat or substantially flat upper surface . The cam profile 182 blocks movement of the stitcher 8 in the stitching direction S along at least a part of the movement of the applicator unit 5 in the application direction A. The cam profile 182 terminates or ends with a cam end 183 between the trailing end release position and the second stitching position to allow the stitcher 8 to move towards the tire building drum 2 in the stitching direction S .

[0091] The stitching drive 81 may be difficult to control consistently, in particular when the stitching drive 81 is a pneumatic cylinder . The cam profile 182 allows for the stitching drive 81 to already preload the stitcher 8 against the cam profile 182 in the stitching direction S in the situation of figure 11A or 11B, prior to the stitcher 8 arriving in the second stitching position in figures 11C and 11D . In this manner, when the cam profile 182 ends at the cam end 183 , the stitcher 8 can be moved in the stitching direction S towards the tire building drum 2 consistently in the same position, at the same time and / or in the same manner with every cycle of the method, regardless of any delay or lag in the actuation of the stitching drive 81 .

[0092] It is to be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention . From the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to one skilled in the art that would yet be encompassed by the scope of the present invention .

[0093] For example , the cam profile 182 in figures 11A- 11D may be applied independently of the alternative tire building machine 101 , in combination with the stitcher 8 and stitching drive 81 only .

[0094] LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0095] 1 tire building machine

[0096] 10 control unit

[0097] 11 first sensor

[0098] 12 second sensor

[0099] 2 tire building drum

[0100] 20 circumferential surface

[0101] 21 drum drive

[0102] 3 tire component servicer

[0103] 30 base

[0104] 31 servicer body

[0105] 32 tilt drive

[0106] 33 support member

[0107] 34 platform 35 retraction drive

[0108] 36 cutting device

[0109] 37 cutter

[0110] 4 applicator

[0111] 41 guide

[0112] 43 applicator drive

[0113] 5 applicator unit

[0114] 50 applicator body

[0115] 6 leading end retainer

[0116] 60 leading end clamp

[0117] 61 first claw member

[0118] 62 second claw member

[0119] 63 leading end retainer drive

[0120] 64 clamping drive

[0121] 65 cam

[0122] 66 cam profile

[0123] 7 trailing end retainer

[0124] 70 suction cup

[0125] 71 suction plate

[0126] 72 trailing end retainer drive

[0127] 8 stitcher

[0128] 80 stitching roller

[0129] 81 stitching drive

[0130] 9 continuous strip

[0131] 90 tire component

[0132] 90 ' tire component

[0133] 101 alternative tire building machine

[0134] 182 cam profile

[0135] 183 cam end

[0136] A application direction

[0137] B retaining direction

[0138] D retraction direction

[0139] H angle

[0140] LE leading end

[0141] LE ' leading end

[0142] M vertical midplane P supply plane

[0143] R rotation direction

[0144] S stitching direction

[0145] T tilt axis TE trailing end

[0146] VI first vector component

[0147] V2 second vector component

[0148] X drum axis

[0149] Z applicator plane

Claims

C L A I M S1 . Method for applying a tire component to a tire building drum using a tire building machine , wherein the tire building machine comprises a tire building drum, a tire component servicer for supplying the tire component in a supply plane, and an applicator for trans ferring the tire component from the supply plane to the tire building drum and for applying a tire component to the tire building drum, wherein the applicator comprises a guide and an applicator unit that is movable along the guide in an application direction, wherein the tire component has a leading end and a trailing end considered in said application direction, wherein the applicator unit comprises a leading end retainer for retaining the leading end of the tire component , a trailing end retainer for retaining the trailing end of the tire component, a stitcher for stitching the tire component to the tire building drum, and an applicator body for supporting the leading end retainer in a leading end retaining position, the trailing end retainer in a trailing end retaining position downstream of the leading end retaining position in the application direction, and the stitcher in a stitcher position in the application direction between the leading end retaining position and the trailing end retaining position, wherein the method comprises the steps of : moving the applicator unit into a leading end pick-up position above the tire component servicer for picking-up the leading end with the leading end retainer ; moving the applicator unit from the leading end pick-up position to a leading end release position at the tire building drum for releasing the leading end from the leading end retainer at said tire building drum;- moving the applicator unit into a trailing end pick-up position above the tire component servicer forpicking-up the trailing end with the trailing end retainer ; and moving the applicator unit from the trailing end pick-up position to a trailing end release position at the tire building drum for releasing the trailing end from the trailing end retainer at said tire building drum .2 . Method according to claim 1 , wherein the method further comprises the step of : stitching the leading end in a first stitching position with the use of the stitcher prior to , during or at least after releasing the leading end from the leading end retainer .3 . Method according to claim 2 , wherein the stitcher is in the first stitching position prior to the release of the leading end from the leading end retainer in the leading end release position .4 . Method according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the tire building drum has a vertical midplane that bisects the tire building drum in two equal parts , wherein the leading end release position is located downstream of the vertical midplane in the application direction .

5. Method according to claim 4 , wherein the tire building drum has a circumferential surface that is rotatable about a drum axis concentric to said circumferential surface , wherein the leading end release position is angularly displaced about the drum axis from the vertical midplane over an angle of at least one degree, preferably at least three degrees and most preferably at least five degrees .

6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the method further comprises the step of : stitching the trailing end in a second stitching position with the use of the stitcher prior to , during or at least after releasing the trailing end from the trailing end retainer .7 . Method according to any one of the precedingclaims , wherein the method further comprises the step of : generating a speed di fference between the applicator unit and the tire building drum during or after release of the leading end from the leading end retainer .8 . Method according to claim 7 , wherein the applicator unit is moved to have a first vector component in the application direction greater than a second vector component of the rotation of the tire building drum in said application direction during or after release of the leading end from the leading end retainer .

9. Method according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the tire building drum is rotatable about a drum axis , wherein the method further comprises the step of : tilting the applicator about a tilt axis parallel to said drum axis to lower the tire component onto the tire building drum from a raised position spaced apart from the tire building drum into an application position at the tire building drum .10 . Tire building machine comprising a tire building drum, a tire component servicer for supplying the tire component in a supply plane , and an applicator for transferring the tire component from the supply plane to the tire building drum and for applying a tire component to the tire building drum, wherein the applicator comprises a guide and an applicator unit that is movable along the guide in an application direction, wherein the tire component has a leading end and a trailing end considered in said application direction, wherein the applicator unit comprises a leading end retainer for retaining the leading end of the tire component , a trailing end retainer for retaining the trailing end of the tire component, a stitcher for stitching the tire component to the tire building drum, and an applicator body for supporting the leading end retainer in a leading end retaining position, the trailing end retainer in a trailing end retaining position downstream of the leading end retaining positionin the application direction, and the stitcher in a stitcher position in the application direction between the leading end retaining position and the trailing end retaining position, wherein the applicator comprises an applicator drive for moving the applicator unit along the guide in the application direction, wherein the tire building machine comprises a control unit that is operationally connected to the applicator drive for controlling the movement of the applicator unit along the guide in the application direction, wherein the control unit is configured for : moving the applicator unit into a leading end pick-up position above the tire component servicer for picking-up the leading end with the leading end retainer ; moving the applicator unit from the leading end pick-up position to a leading end release position at the tire building drum for releasing the leading end from the leading end retainer at said tire building drum; moving the applicator unit into a trailing end pick-up position above the tire component servicer for picking-up the trailing end with the trailing end retainer ; and moving the applicator unit from the trailing end pick-up position to a trailing end release position at the tire building drum for releasing the trailing end from the trailing end retainer at said tire building drum .11 . Tire building machine according to claim 10 , wherein the leading end retainer comprises a leading end clamp for retaining the leading end of the tire component through clamping .12 . Tire building machine according to claim 10 or 11 , wherein the trailing end retainer comprises a trailing end suction cup for retaining the trailing end of the tire component through suction .13 . Tire building machine according to any one of claims 10-12 , wherein the stitcher comprises a stitching roller for stitching the tire component to the tirebuilding drum through rolling .14 . Tire building machine according to claim 13 , wherein the stitching roller is a multi-disc stitching roller .15 . Tire building machine according to any one of claims 10- 14 , wherein the leading end retainer and the trailing end retainer are configured for engaging the leading end and the trailing end, respectively, in a supply plane that extends parallel to the application direction .16 . Tire building machine according to claim 15 , wherein the leading end retainer, the trailing end retainer and the stitcher are aligned in an applicator plane perpendicular to the supply plane and parallel to the application direction .17 . Tire building machine according to claim 16 , wherein the applicator plane is vertical or substantially vertical .18 . Tire building machine according to any one of claims 15- 17 , wherein the leading end retainer is configured for engaging the leading end in a retaining direction transverse or perpendicular to the supply plane .19 . Tire building machine according to claim 18 , wherein the leading end retainer comprises a first claw member and a second claw member which are positionable on opposite sides of the supply plane , wherein at least one claw member of the first claw member and the second claw member is movable towards the other claw member of the first claw member and the second claw member in the retaining direction .20 . Tire building machine according to claim 19 , wherein the leading end retainer further comprises a clamping drive for driving the movement of the at least one claw member in the retaining direction .21 . Tire building machine according to claim 19 or 20 , wherein the applicator unit comprises a cam that is connected to any one of the first claw member and the second claw member, and a cam profile that is fixed in theretaining direction and the application direction for imparting a variable motion onto the cam in the retaining direction depending on the position of the cam on the cam profile in the application direction .22 . Tire building machine according to any one of claims 15-21 , wherein the trailing end retainer is configured for engaging the trailing end in a retaining direction transverse or perpendicular to the supply plane .23 . Tire building machine according to claim 22 , wherein the trailing end retainer comprises a suction cup that is movable towards and away from the supply plane in the retaining direction .24 . Tire building machine according to claim 23 , wherein the trailing end retainer comprises a linear actuator, in particular a pneumatic cylinder, for moving the suction cup in the retaining direction .25 . Tire building machine according to any of claims 10-24 , wherein the applicator further comprises one or more sensors for detecting the leading end and / or the trailing end, positions , inner or outer edges , thickness , width, length, cross sectional area, contour or other characteristics of the tire component .26 . Tire building machine according to any one of claims 10-25 , wherein the tire building drum has a vertical midplane that bisects the tire building drum in two equal parts , wherein the leading end release position is located downstream of the vertical midplane in the application direction .27 . Tire building machine according to claim 26 , wherein the tire building drum has a circumferential surface that is rotatable about a drum axis concentric to said circumferential surface, wherein the leading end release position is angularly displaced about the drum axis from the vertical midplane over an angle of at least one degree, preferably at least three degrees and most preferably at least five degrees .28 . Tire building machine according to any one ofclaims 10-27 , wherein the control unit is further configured for : controlling the movement of the applicator unit such that the stitcher is in a first stitching position to stitch said leading end prior to , during or after the release of the leading end from the leading end retainer .29 . Tire building machine according to claim 28 , wherein the first stitching position is upstream of the leading end release position in the application direction .30 . Tire building machine according to any one of claims 10-29, wherein the control unit is further configured for : controlling the movement of the applicator unit such that the stitcher is in a second stitching position to stitch said trailing end prior to, during or after the release of the trailing end from the trailing end retainer .31 . Tire building machine according to claim 30 , wherein the second stitching position is downstream of the trailing end release position in the application direction .32 . Tire building machine according to any one of claims 10-30 , wherein the tire building machine further comprises a drum drive for rotating the tire building drum, wherein the control unit is operationally connected to the drum drive, wherein the control unit is configured for : controlling the rotation of the tire building drum and the movement of the applicator unit such that there is a speed di fference between the applicator unit and the tire building drum during or after release of the leading end from the leading end retainer .33 . Tire building machine according to claim 32 , wherein the control unit is configured to control the applicator unit to have a first vector component in the application direction greater than a second vector component of the rotation of the tire building drum in said application direction during or after release of theleading end from the leading end retainer .34 . Tire building machine according to any one of claims 10-33 , wherein the tire building drum is rotatable about a drum axis , wherein the applicator is tiltable about a tilt axis parallel to said drum axis for lowering the tire component onto the tire building drum from a raised position spaced apart from the tire building drum into an application position at the tire building drum .35 . Method for applying a tire component to a tire building drum, wherein the method comprises the steps of : moving a leading end retainer into a leading end pick-up position above a tire component servicer for picking-up a leading end of the tire component with the leading end retainer ; moving the leading end retainer from the leading end pick-up position to a leading end release position at the tire building drum; releasing the leading end from the leading end retainer in the leading end release position at said tire building drum, wherein the tire building drum has a vertical midplane that bisects the tire building drum in two equal parts , wherein the leading end release position is located downstream of the vertical midplane in the application direction .36 . Method according to claim 35 , wherein the tire building drum has a circumferential surface that is rotatable about a drum axis concentric to said circumferential surface , wherein the leading end release position is angularly displaced about the drum axis from the vertical midplane over an angle of at least one degree, preferably at least three degrees and most preferably at least five degrees .— o— o— o— o— o— o— o— o—PS / RM

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